bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cdc42 GEF, Gef1, through endocytosis organizes F-BAR Cdc15 along the actomyosin ring and promotes concentric furrowing
Authors: Onwubiko Udo N. , Mlynarczyk Paul J. , Wei Bin , Habiyaremye Julius , Clack Amanda , Abel Steven M. , Das Maitreyi E.
Published: February 2019

During cytokinesis, fission yeast coordinates actomyosin ring constriction with septum ingression, resulting in concentric furrow formation by a poorly defined mechanism. We report that cells lacking the Cdc42 activator Gef1, combined with an activated allele of the formin, Cdc12, display non-concentric furrowing. Non-concentrically furrowing cells display uneven distribution of the scaffold Cdc15 along the ring. This suggests that after ring assembly, uniform Cdc15 distribution along the ring enables proper furrow formation. We find that after assembly Cdc15 is recruited to the ring in an Arp2/3 complex-dependent manner and is decreased in the activated cdc12 mutant. Cdc15 at cortical endocytic patches show increased levels and extended lifetimes in gef1 and activated cdc12 mutants. We hypothesize endocytosis helps recruit Cdc15 to assembled rings; uneven Cdc15 distribution at the ring occurs when endocytic patches contain increased Cdc15 levels and patch-association rate is slow. Based on this, we developed a mathematical model that captures experimentally observed Cdc15 distributions along the ring. We propose that, at the ring, Gef1 and endocytic events promote uniform Cdc15 organization to enable proper septum ingression and concentric furrow formation.
Sequential Interdiction with Incomplete Information and Learning
Authors: Borrero Juan S. , Prokopyev Oleg A. , Sauré Denis
Published: February 2019

In “Sequential Interdiction with Incomplete Information and Learning,” J.S. Borrero, O. Prokopyev, and D. Saure study a general class of interdiction problems when the leader has incomplete information regarding the formulation solved by the follower and both interact repeatedly over time. In the setting, the leader learns by observing the follower’s reactions to the leader’s actions. The authors show that strong notions of optimality are not attainable, but a form of weak optimality is attained by the set of proposed policies. These policies are greedy and robust in the sense that the leader reacts “optimally” in each period based on the information at hand and takes a robust approach to handling missing information. The policies are shown to provide a real-time certificate of optimality and to consistently outperform a reasonable benchmark in a series of numerical experiments.
An Evaluation of Behavioral Intent in Appalachian Youth Participating in a CROPS Curriculum
Authors: Vincent Stacy K. , Mazur Joan M. , Summey Tori E. , Namkoong Kang , Byrd Alex P.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. In an effort to change unsafe tractor operating behaviors among Appalachian youth resulting from practices and habits learned through a socialization process (termed an “apprenticeship of observation”), this study implemented a four-part intervention in high school agricultural education classes that included implementation of a cost-effective rollover protective structure (CROPS) curriculum. The curriculum included farm safety information, specific NIOSH plans for CROPS construction, and procedures for CROPS installation on unprotected tractors. In this exploratory study, pre- and post-assessments were conducted using theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs to measure changes in four factors that influence changes in learner behavior: learner attitude, perceived social norms, behavioral control, and perceived behavioral intention. Students’ perceived knowledge and skills gained through the intervention were also measured because they are integral components in assessing the effectiveness of a curriculum intervention. Participants (N = 83) were high school students from seven schools in three states in the Appalachian region. Findings revealed statistically significant differences in student attitudes toward the use of life-saving CROPS and in perceived knowledge and skills gained through the curriculum implementation. The CROPS curriculum can be an effective intervention effort for addressing the social and behavioral effects of farm youths’ apprenticeships of observation by creating more positive attitudes and learning outcomes among youth at risk for tractor rollover fatalities. Recommendations are provided for expanding the applications of the curriculum intervention and the TPB constructs. Keywords: Agricultural education, Appalachia, Behavior, Rollover protection, Tractor fatality, Youth.
The Role of a New Harvest Platform in Alleviation of Apple Workers’ Occupational Injuries During Harvest
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhang Zhaohua , Wang Weijie , Liu Hu , Sun Zhiqun
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Migrant seasonal workers manually harvest apples throughout the U.S. using ladders and buckets due to the care required for prevention of bruises and other physical damage. The motions associated with hand harvest have potential to cause musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, shoulder, and back/trunk. A prototype harvest platform was developed, aimed at alleviating occupational injuries and increasing harvest productivity by replacing ladders for reaching high apples. This study evaluated the activities of three harvest methods, i.e., conventional harvest (using ladders and buckets), harvest platform (for high apples only), and combined method (conventional harvest for low and middle apples and harvest platform for high apples) using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method performed by trained researchers. Postures/activities with RULA grand scores > 5 were categorized as awkward (causing occupational injuries); otherwise, they were considered comfortable (not leading to health issues). Experimental results demonstrated that awkward activities in conventional harvest were mainly related to the use of ladders. Activities with the harvest platform were comfortable due to the elimination of ladders and buckets. The combined method significantly decreased the workers’ time spent in awkward postures (from 64% with conventional harvest to 30% with the combined method) by eliminating awkward activities and increased the overall harvest productivity by approximately 40%. Apple growers and workers are therefore suggested to use the combined method to replace conventional harvest. Keywords: Agricultural safety, Apple harvest, Ergonomic analysis, Harvest platform, Migrant seasonal workers, Occupational injuries, Postures.
Immunoglobulin-like Domain of HsFcμR as a Capture Molecule for Detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus- and Zika Virus-Specific IgM Antibodies
Authors: Rackow Anne , Ehmen Christa , von Possel Ronald , Medialdea-Carrera Raquel , Brown David , Bispo de Filippis Ana Maria , Carvalho de Sequeira Patrícia , Ribeiro Nogueira Rita Maria , Halili Barie , Jakupi Xhevat , Berisha Lindita , Ahmeti Salih , Sherifi Kurtesh , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Schmitz Herbert , Mika Angela , Emmerich Petra , Deschermeier Christina
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The cellular surface molecule HsTOSO/FAIM3/HsFcμR has been identified as an IgM-specific Fc receptor expressed on lymphocytes. Here, we show that its extracellular immunoglobulin-like domain (HsFcμR-Igl) specifically binds to IgM/antigen immune complexes (ICs) and exploit this property for the development of novel detection systems for IgM antibodies directed against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Zika virus (ZIKV).

METHODS

His-tagged HsFcμR-Igl was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography, oxidative refolding, and size-exclusion chromatography. Specific binding of HsFcμR-Igl to IgM/antigen ICs was confirmed, and 2 prototypic ELISAs for the detection of anti-CCHFV and anti-ZIKV IgM antibodies were developed. Thereby, patient sera and virus-specific recombinant antigens directly labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were coincubated on HsFcμR-Igl-coated ELISA plates. Bound ICs were quantified by measuring turnover of a chromogenic HRP substrate.

RESULTS

Assay validation was performed using paired serum samples from 15 Kosovar patients with a PCR-confirmed CCHFV infection and 28 Brazilian patients with a PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection, along with a panel of a priori CCHFV/ZIKV-IgM-negative serum samples. Both ELISAs were highly reproducible. Sensitivity and specificity were comparable with or even exceeded in-house gold standard testing and commercial kits. Furthermore, latex beads coated with HsFcμR-Igl aggregated upon coincubation with an IgM-positive serum and HRP-labeled antigen but not with either component alone, revealing a potential for use of HsFcμR-Igl as a capture molecule in aggregation-based rapid tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant HsFcμR-Igl is a versatile capture molecule for IgM/antigen ICs of human and animal origin and can be applied for the development of both plate- and bead-based serological tests.
Analytical Differences in Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assays
Authors: Leung Edward K Y , Lee Christine C , Angelos Peter , Kaplan Edwin L , Grogan Raymon H , Sarracino David A , Krastins Bryan , Lopez Mary F , Karrison Theodore , Yeo Kiang-Teck J
Published: February 2019

Background

We compared the rates of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) decline using the Siemens Immulite® Turbo PTH and Roche Elecsys® short turnaround time PTH assays in 95 consecutive surgical patients to investigate analytical and turnaround time (TAT) differences between the tests performed in the operating room (OR) vs the central clinical chemistry laboratory (CCL).

Methods

Serial blood samples from 95 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy were collected and measured using the 2 immunoassays. Specimens from the first 15 patients were measured simultaneously in the OR and CCL and used for the TAT study. In addition to 2 baseline samples, specimens were collected at 5, 10, and 15 min (for some patients, >15 min) after parathyroidectomy.

Results

In the TAT study, a significant difference was observed (OR median 20 min vs CCL median 27 min; P < 0.05). Of the 95 patient series, slower rates of parathyroid hormone decrease were observed in approximately 20% of the patients when comparing the Roche with the Immulite immunoassay.

Conclusions

There was a slightly longer TAT in the CCL compared with running the assay directly within the OR (median difference of approximately 7 min). For a majority of the patients, both methods showed equivalent rates of PTH decline; however, for approximately 20% of the patients, there was a slower rate of PTH decline using the Roche assay.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Thermal and X-Ray Structure of Aminoguanidinium and Hydrazinium Uranyl Trichloroacetates
Authors: Ahamed Hussain T.M. , Sivasankar B.N.
Published: February 2019

New aminoguanidinium and hydrazinium uranyl complexes of trichloroacetate with formulae H2(HAgun)2[UO2(Cl3COO)5](NO3 ) (1) and (N2H5)[UO2(Cl3COO)3] (2) where HAgun is aminoguanidinium cation have been prepared in aqueous media and charaterized by analytical, spectral, thermal and X-ray crystallographic studies. The electronic spectra of the complexes confirm the presence of uranyl cation in the molecules. The infrared spectra of the complexes show the N-N stretching frequency of aminoguanidinium in the range of 1100 cm-1 and for hydrazinium in the range of 970 cm-1 conforming their ionic nature. The simultaneous TG-DTA of both the complexes show two step degradation to yield U3O8 as the final residue which was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. The structural morphology of U3O8 has been studied by SEM technique. The crystal structure of compound1 reveals seven coordination around uranium with pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. Aminoguanidinium cations and nitrate anion are present outside the coordination sphere as charge compensating species. However, for hydrazine complex hexagonal bipyramidal geometry has been assigned on the basis of analytical and spectral studies.
Synthesis and Spectral Studies of Schiff Base Receptor for Fluorescence Detection of Hg(II)
Authors: Anbuselvan Chinnadurai
Published: February 2019

In this study, a fluorescent film probe with a structure centered on a Schiff base viz.
(N1′,N2′)-N1,N2-bis(2-amino-3,5-dibromobenzylidene)-1,2-diamine (DAB) was synthesized. The probe was used as a fluorescence chemosensor for transition metal ion detection in an aqueous medium. Fluorescence was measured through fluorescence spectroscopy, and the emission maximum of the proposed sensor was 552 nm. Furthermore, the proposed film sensor exhibited a high sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg2+ ions. The limit of detection (LOD) of chemosensor, which was calculated using the fluorescence titration method, found to be 2.11 μM at 552 nm. The fluorescence spectroscopic data evidenced the potential of the proposed sensor for application in the detection and determination of Hg2+ ions in deionized water without the interference from other metal ions.
Effect of Cationic/Anionic Mixed Micelles on Reaction Kinetics of Alkaline Hydrolysis of Crystal Violet
Authors: Yilma Qidist , Negussa Dunkana , Ravichandran Y. Dominic
Published: February 2019

Kinetics of alkaline hydrolysis of crystal violet, a triphenylmethane dye in the micellar environment of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) and binary mixtures of these surfactants was studied. The regression parameters, together with rate constants and binding constants were obtained by analyzing the rate surfactant profiles using cooperativity model. It was observed that the reaction was catalyzed by both surfactants. The catalytic factor increased by 10 times in SDS and 38 times in CTAB indicating that binding of crystal violet to the micellar surface is stronger in pure CTAB than SDS but the strength drastically reduced in the mixtures of the surfactants. Reduction of binding constant became more important as the mole fraction of CTAB was improved in the mixture. The kinetic data were investigated using Piszkiewicz model and Raghavan-Srinivasan model. The data obtained from the models were in good agreement with the experimental values.
Growth and Characterization of Non-Linear Optical Single Crystal Guanidinium triscadmium Sulphate Octahydrate
Authors: Rajeswari A. , Murugakoothan P.
Published: February 2019

Semi-organic single crystals of guanidinium tris cadmium sulphate octahydrate (GuCdS) with nonlinear optical properties were successfully grown by slow solvent evaporation technique. The grown crystals were characterised by powder X -ray diffraction analysis to determine the unit cell parameters. The structure of the compound belongs to triclinic crystal system and space group is found to be P1. The grown crystals were subjected to FTIR spectroscopic analysis to confirm the presence of functional groups present in the compound. UV-vis-NIR spectral study suggested that the grown crystal is transparent in the entire visible region, the lower cut off wavelength is 200 nm and the band gap value is estimated to be 6.14 eV. Nonlinear refractive index (n2), absorption coefficient (β) and third order nonlinear susceptibility (χ(3)) were calculated using Z-scan technique. The thermal stability of grown crystal was investigated by thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analyses. The dielectric behaviour of the grown crystal was analyzed as a function of frequency of the applied field. The mechanical properties of grown crystal were examined by Vickers′s micro hardness test. The laser damage threshold of the grown crystal was calculated to be 1.796 GW/cm2.
Effective Adsorbents Based on Biomaterials for Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from Water
Authors: Sriram P. Janaki , Pravalika K. Venkata , Meghana P. Karunasri , Ravindhranath K.
Published: February 2019

Biomaterials prepared from barks of Ficus benghalensis, Tamarindus indica and Acasia nilotica indica are investigated as adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue dye from waste waters using batch methods of extraction. Various physico-chemical parameters are optimized for the maximum removal of the dye. The extractions are found to be pH sensitive. Substantial adsorption is noted at high pHs. With simulated waters, 100 % removal of the dye is observed at pH 8/10 and at other optimum conditions of extraction with all the adsorbents developed. The optimum time needed for the maximum extraction of the dye is found to be in the order: Ficus benghalensis (120 min) > Tamarindus indica (90 min) > Acasia nilotica indica (30 min). The adsorption capacities of Ficus benghalensis sorbent, Tamarindus indica sorbent and Acasia nilotica indica sorbent are 50.0 mg/g, 66.7 mg/g and 100 mg/g respectively. In case of the Acasia nilotica indica sorbent, even at low pHs, substantial removal of the dye is effected. Co-anions (five fold excess) are least interfered while cations like, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cu2+ have interfered to some extent but in no case, % removal has not come down below 90 %. It is interesting to note that Fe2+ and Zn2+ have maintained the maximum extraction synergistically. The developed procedures were successfully applied to real water samples too.
Synthesis, Characterization and Microbial Evaluation of Heterocyclic Azo Dye Ligand Complexes of Some Transition Metal(II) Ions
Authors: Mahmood Al-Zinkee Jinan Mohammed , Jarad Amer J.
Published: February 2019

The snthesis and characterization of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of azo ligand 4-[(5-acetyl-2-aminophenyl)-diazenyl]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one derived from 4-aminoantipyrine and 4-aminoacetophenone are reported. The nature of the compounds have been studied followed by mole ratio and methods of continuous contrast, Beer′s law followed during a condensation rate (1 × 10-4 – 3 × 10-4 M). The analytical data showed that all the complexes are in 1:2 metal-ligand ratio. An octahedral geometry have been suggested for all the compounds and biological studies of all the complexes were evaluated against different types of antimicrobial strains.
in vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation of Some New Synthesized Pyridazine Derivatives
Authors: Nabil Sara , Al-Dossary Abeer Obaid
Published: February 2019

A series of novel pyridazine, pyrazoles, pyrimidines derivatives have been synthesized through the reaction of chloropyridazine (1) with p-phenylenediamine to give compound 2. Diazotization of compound 2 followed by coupling with active methylene compounds namely acetylacetone, ethylcyanoacetate and/or ethylacetoacetate afforded novel hydrazons derivatives (4-6). The resulting hydrazons can have been cyclized using hydrazine hydrate and guanidine gave the corresponding pyrazoles (7-9) and pyimidine (10) derivatives. Reaction of compound 2 with acrylonitrile, aromatic aldehyde, p-chloroacetophenone and phenyl isothiocyanate gave compounds 11, 12a, 12b, 13 and 17, respectively. The latter compounds have been used in synthesis of some heterocyclic compounds. The cytotoxic activity of the most active compounds was assessed in vitro against breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7), human liver cancer cell line (HEPG2), human colon cancer cell line (HCT). Compounds 4, 8 showed best activity against MCF-7 cell line, compounds 5, 13a showed best activity against HePG2 cell line and compound 10 showed best activity against HCT cell line.
Capitalism Has Failed—What Next?
Authors: Foster John Bellamy
Published: February 2019

Less than two decades into the twenty-first century, it is evident that capitalism has failed as a social system. The world is mired in economic stagnation, financialization, and the most extreme inequality in human history, accompanied by mass unemployment and underemployment, precariousness, poverty, hunger, wasted output and lives, and what at this point can only be called a planetary ecological "death spiral." Many of the symptoms of the failure of capitalism are well-known. Nevertheless, they are often attributed not to capitalism as a system, but simply to neoliberalism, viewed as a particular paradigm of capitalist development that can be replaced by another, better one. A critical-historical analysis of neoliberalism is therefore crucial both to grounding our understanding of capitalism today and uncovering the reason why all alternatives to neoliberalism and its capitalist absolutism are closed within the system itself.
Human values, teamwork design and knowledge management on the shop floor: a systematic literature review
Authors: Bastos Fábio Darella , Cordeiro José Vicente , Drohomeretski Everton
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between teamwork, knowledge management and human values, categorizing the studies focused in the interplay of these three variables, with a focus on their appliance to the industrial shop floor context. By doing so, this paper seeks to identify literature gaps to be explored in subsequent researches. The research method adopted was a systematic literature review from databases related to the teamwork, knowledge management and human values published in periodicals within the period comprehended between 2000 to 2015. Thirty-five open categories were initially identified in the interplay of the three variables, with the vast majority of them emphasizing the relationship between two of the three variables. Lately, these original categories converged to nine axial categories or different areas of research. As a main finding of the study, it was possible to identify one main gap in the literature, suggesting the development of new researches focused on investigating how team’ design and levels of autonomy impact the performance of team members’ knowledge management activities in different groups on which different values prevail.
ISO 14001 and international trade
Authors: Santos Cicera Maria Gomes dos , Aguiar Alexandre de Oliveira e
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this paper is to study potential association between international trade and ISO 14001 certification. The study is based upon a search conducted by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) performed in 2013, which includes responses from 110 countries in 11 languages. At this time, among all topics from the research, the variables studied were motivations for implementation and the benefits achieved. These data were crossed with features of international business trade to identify its real outcome. The null hypothesis to be tested is that there was no correlation or association between international trade and the studied variables. Results show that there were 16 weak correlations between motivations to implement ISO 14001 and international trade.  The survey result shows that there are weak correlations among countries international trade and motives to get certification. Because the degrees of correlation are low, there is reason to further studies, what could probably include multivariate techniques. Anyway, the study suggests that some of the expected results and benefits for the business were not achieved or were achieved at degrees lower than expected in countries where trade is higher. Regarding motivations to implement the survey confirmed that attending to customers’ and stakeholders’ interests is an important driver for companies that export.
Generation Y’s Complaint Behavior toward Online Shopping
Authors: Simanjuntak Megawati
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this research was to analyze factors that influence Generation Y’s complaint behavior in online shopping. In general, Generation Y’s consumer of this research have a good perception of consumer rights. In contrast, the result showed that Generation Y in this research had a low complaint behavior. The research found that gender, strivers lifestyle, and number of social media account were influence Generation Y’s complaint behavior in online shopping. The result showed that male student did more complaint than female student. Generation Y who had strivers lifestyle will increase complaint behavior. The more Generation Y had social media account, the more Generation Y prefer to did a complaint.
Acute-phase dynamics and prognostic value of growth differentiation factor-15 in ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Rueda Ferran , Lupón Josep , García-García Cosme , Cediel German , Aranda Nevado M. Cruz , Serra Gregori Judith , Labata Carlos , Oliveras Teresa , Ferrer Marc , de Diego Oriol , Serra Jordi , Revuelta López Elena , Bayés-Genís Antoni
Published: February 2019

Background

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is prognostic in first-generation radioimmunoassays. We examined GDF-15 temporal dynamics in STEMI and its predictive value using a first fully automated GDF-15 electrochemiluminescence assay.

Methods

In this prospective study, circulating GDF-15 concentration was measured at admission (0 h), 12 h and 24 h in 1026 consecutive STEMI patients treated between February 2011 and May 2016 with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. GDF-15 dynamics (0 h, 12 h, 24 h) and predictive value (30 days and 3 years) were examined.

Results

Median GDF-15 concentration was 1443 pg/mL at 0 h, 1731 pg/mL at 12 h and 1510 pg/mL at 24 h (p<0.001). During follow-up, 94 patients died (9.2%) and 154 (15.0%) were hospitalized. GDF-15 was a strong predictor of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–2.34 at 0 h; HR 2.99 [95% CI, 2.18–4.09] at 12 h, and HR 1.97 [95% CI, 1.47–2.63] at 24 h) in multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. GDF-15 improved discrimination and reclassification of a clinical risk model. GDF-15 was also associated with 3-year mortality (HR 1.31 [95% CI, 1.04–1.65] at 0 h, HR 1.42 [95% CI, 1.10–1.84] at 12 h, and HR 1.51 [95% CI, 1.16–1.96] at 24 h) and 3-year composite of mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization (HR 1.17 [95% CI, 1.01–1.37] at 0 h, HR 1.20 [95% CI, 1.02–1.42] at 12 h, and HR 1.27 [95% CI, 1.08–1.50] at 24 h).

Conclusions

GDF-15 peaked at 12 h and remained elevated at 24 h in STEMI. GDF-15 measurement during the first 24 h in STEMI is valuable for predicting especially short- but also long-term outcomes, and may be a useful addition to risk stratification.
Teacher Frustration and Emotion Regulation in University Language Teaching
Authors: Morris Sam , King Jim
Published: February 2019

Few jobs come without irritations, and foreign language instruction comes with its own particular set of frustrations which, when accumulated, can lead to stress and eventual burnout for teachers. One mechanism for reducing such frustrations is that of emotion regulation, the cognitive and behavioral strategies individuals employ to manage the emotions they experience or display. To date, no known studies have reported specifically on the in-class frustration experienced by language teachers, or on how teachers regulate their feelings of frustration. Herein, the authors discuss the experiences of seven EFL teachers at a university in Japan obtained through a series of semistructured interviews, classroom observations and corresponding stimulated-recall sessions. The authors discuss four salient thematic frustrations: student apathy, classroom silence, misbehavior in the context of relational strain, and working conditions. The results reveal that participants applied contextually-dependent emotion regulation behaviors, the success of which was often contingent on the participants’ levels of confidence and control over the stressors. Thus, participants showed more success in managing pervasive low-level stressors such as apathy and silence, and more support would be welcome to aid them to manage more debilitating stressors such as student misbehavior. The authors offer suggestions for teachers, trainers and institutions on reducing frustration.
The Relationship between Trait Emotional Intelligence and Experienced ESL/EFL Teachers’ Love of English, Attitudes towards Their Students and Institution, Self-Reported Classroom Practices, Enjoyment and Creativity
Authors: Dewaele Jean-Marc
Published: February 2019

This paper reports an investigation into the relationships between global trait emotional intelligence (Trait EI), as well as the four factors that constitute it (well-being, emotionality, self-control, and sociability), and quantitative data from 513 experienced ESL/EFL teachers from around the world about their love of English, their attitudes towards their students and institution, their self-reported classroom practices, their enjoyment, unpredictability and creativity. The results showed significant positive correlations. The analyses revealed that global Trait EI, well-being and sociability were significantly positively correlated with most dependent variables while emotionality and self-control were significantly correlated with a number of dependent variables. Global Trait EI and emotionality were significantly positively linked to the English proficiency of English foreign language users but not to that of the English L1 users. The pedagogical implication is that having a sufficient level of Trait EI helps teachers deal effectively with their own and their students’ emotions.
Chronotopes, entextualization and Syrian political activism on Facebook
Authors: Sinatora Francesco L.
Published: February 2019

This article discusses the intersection of language choice, identity and online political activism in the context of the 2011 Syrian uprising by bringing together the notions ofentextualizationandchronotopes. The data is drawn from a longitudinal analysis of two Syrian dissidents’ Facebook pages between 2010 and 2012 as part of a study of Syrian dissidents’ digital practices. Through an analysis of their status updates and their friends’ comments, I show how the repertoire of these two Syrian dissidents changed abruptly with the onset of the 2011 uprising. The shift in repertoire underlies the emergence of distinct chronotopic identities, through which both subjects re-positioned themselves vis-à-vis the sociopolitical context: cosmopolitan identities before and dissident identities after the uprising. The article contributes to the study of chronotopic identities by showing how processes of entextualization are chronotopically informed, particularly in a context of socio-political upheaval. Additionally, it sheds further light on the role of technology in social and political change.
Crystal structure of tetraqua-bis(4-(hydroxymethyl)benzoato-κO)nickel(II), C16H22O10Ni
Authors: Jin Lanlan , Tao Defu , Hu Rongyue , Pang Haixia
Published: February 2019

C16H22O10Ni, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.7643(12) Å, b = 15.440(2) Å, c = 13.6274(13) Å, β = 122.235(6)°, V = 1737.5(4) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0382, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1282, T = 297(2) K.
Barriers to Minimizing Respiratory Viral Testing in Bronchiolitis: Physician Perceptions on Testing Practices
Authors: Huang Maria Z. , Rhee Kyung E. , Gist Lauren , Fisher Erin S.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES:

To assess pediatric providers’ perceptions on viral testing and to determine barriers to minimizing respiratory viral testing (RVT) in bronchiolitis.

METHODS:

A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted and included 6 focus group discussions with pediatric providers. Questions were focused on identifying factors associated with obtaining RVT. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and coded for emergent themes.

RESULTS:

Clinicians report that they themselves do not typically obtain RVT in otherwise healthy patients with bronchiolitis. The most commonly cited reasons for not obtaining RVT is that it does not aid medical decision-making and that it is used as an educational opportunity for trainees. However, clinicians tend to obtain RVT when they are directed by another clinician, when they desire reassurance, when RVT is perceived as “doing something,” and when there are knowledge gaps on institutional cohorting policies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinician medical decision-making is influenced by multiple internal and external factors. Intended behaviors do not always correlate with actual actions because of these influences. Developing interventions in which some of these factors are addressed may help reduce unnecessary RVT among healthy patients with bronchiolitis and could be considered for broader application beyond this patient population.
Patient- and Nurse-Controlled Analgesia: 22-Year Experience in a Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Donado Carolina , Solodiuk Jean , Rangel Shawn J. , Nelson Caleb P. , Heeney Matthew M. , Mahan Susan T. , Ullrich Christina , Tsegaye Binyam , Berde Charles B.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Pediatric pain management has rapidly changed over the last 2 decades. In this study, we describe the changing practices and adverse events (AEs) related to patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and/or nurse-controlled analgesia (NCA) over a 22-year period.

METHODS:

After institutional review board approval, retrospective data from a single tertiary-care pediatric hospital were collected between 1994 and 2016. Subgroup analyses were done for surgical and medical case patients. We reported the number of times that PCA and/or NCA was ordered annually, the median and interquartile ranges for age, PCA and/or NCA duration and length of stay, and AE frequencies.

RESULTS:

Over 22 years, 32 338 PCAs and/or NCAs were ordered in this institution. Morphine and hydromorphone were used most commonly. Between 1994 and 2006, initial orders for PCA and/or NCA increased 2.5-fold. After 2007, initial orders for PCA and/or NCA rapidly decreased; after 2013, the decrease continued at a slower rate, with a total of 1007 orders in 2016. This decrease occurred despite increased hospital admissions and surgeries. Between 2007 and 2012, peripheral nerve blocks rapidly increased (10-fold). After 2002, 146 AEs were reported (1.0%). Of those, 50.5% were nonintercepted, and 20.6% were intercepted AEs; 5.5% and 6.2% were preventable and nonpreventable AEs, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

PCA and/or NCA usage continues to be common in pediatric patients, although usage has declined and stabilized in the setting of other emerging methods of analgesia and increases in the number of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The overall rate of AEs was extremely low. However, improvements to eliminate all errors are needed, especially with medications with a great risk of harm (such as opioids).
Perinatal HIV Transmission: Missed Opportunities and Proposed Solutions
Authors: Shihan Hadeel , Arsenault Samantha , Secord Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Much progress has been made in the elimination of perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since the 1980s, the transmission rate from pregnant women to their children has dropped from approximately 25% to less than 1% in resource-rich areas. Routine HIV testing in pregnancy, the introduction of multidrug antiretroviral therapy for pregnant women, and the recognition that HIV viral load directly correlates with viral transmission have all led to the elimination of perinatal HIV. However, there are still missed opportunities that could further minimize transmission.
Renal Replacement Therapy and Intermittent Catheterization Risk in Posterior Urethral Valves
Authors: McLeod Daryl J. , Szymanski Konrad M. , Gong Edward , Granberg Candace , Reddy Pramod , Sebastião Yuri , Fuchs Molly , Gargollo Patricio , Whittam Benjamin , VanderBrink Brian A. ,   on behalf of the Pediatric Urology Midwest Alliance (PUMA)
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Posterior urethral valves predispose children to renal replacement therapy (RRT) and bladder dysfunction. Researchers of single-institutional series were unable to refine risk stratification because of rarity of the disease. We aimed to identify clinical variables associated with the risk of RRT and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in a large multicenter cohort study.

METHODS:

Children with posterior urethral valves born between 1995 and 2005 who were treated before 90 days of life at 5 children’s hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included RRT and recommendation for CIC. Predictors and outcomes were assessed by using survival analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 274 patients were managed for a median of 6.3 years, and 42 progressed to RRT. On survival analysis, 16% progressed to RRT by 10 years of age. RRT varied by the serum nadir creatinine level in the first year of life (SNC1) (log-rank P < .001). After stratifying by the SNC1, the estimated risk of progressing to RRT by 10 years of age was 0%, 2%, 27%, and 100% for an SNC1 of <0.4, an SNC1 of 0.4 to 0.69, an SNC1 of 0.7 to 0.99, and an SNC1 of ≥1.0 mg/dL, respectively. CIC was recommended in 60 patients, which translated on survival analysis to a risk of 26% by 10 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Risk of RRT and CIC recommendation increased with age. The SNC1 strongly predicted need for RRT. These results allow for both improved family counseling and the potential for more appropriate screening and intervention strategies for those identified in higher-risk groups.
Understanding Unicameral and Aneurysmal Bone Cysts
Authors: Rosenblatt Joseph , Koder Adrienne
Published: February 2019

Bone cysts in the pediatric population are often found incidentally on radiographs or after a cyst has created cortical weakness leading to a pathologic fracture. Most bone cysts are benign, are pain free, and resolve spontaneously. The most common bone cyst is unicameral 1-chamber bone cyst, also known as simple bone cyst. General practice pediatricians may be the first to encounter these lesions, and this article aims to help elucidate their incidence, etiology, clinical findings, radiologic findings, and modern treatment approaches. The other differential diagnoses that should be considered, specifically, aneurysmal bone cyst, are also explored. This summary is not all inclusive, and it is recommended that all patients be referred to a pediatric orthopedist.
Problem gambling among Czech adolescents: An exploration of its relationship to early initiation of tobacco smoking
Authors: Špolc Martin , Mravčík Viktor , Drbohlavová Barbora , Chomynová Pavla
Published: February 2019

Background and aims

Gambling in adolescence is often related to licit and illicit substance use. Some evidence shows that teenage smokers gamble more than non-smokers. The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between problem gambling and smoking among Czech adolescents.

Methods

Data on 6,082 adolescents (50.1% boys and 49.9% girls) aged 15–19 years were collected as part of the ESPAD study in the Czech Republic in 2015. Logistic regression and linear regression models were used to test the hypothesis that the early onset of daily smoking increases the risk of problem gambling.

Results

The age of initiation of daily smoking seems to be a more reliable marker of the risk of problem gambling than smoking status or intensity of smoking. More than 20% of smokers who started smoking daily at the age of 12 years or earlier are at risk of problem gambling, which shows a significantly increased probability compared to non-smokers (OR = 2.7). Other factors that increase the chances of becoming a problem gambler include being male, of higher age, and a student of a secondary school.

Discussion and conclusions

The relationship between adolescent smoking and gambling is complex and is likely to be influenced by other underlying factors. Early daily smokers and at-risk gamblers tend in a similar way to risky behavior as a result of impulsivity. Interventions targeting early smoking and other substance-use behavior should not only aim at quitting smoking but could also include preventing smokers from developing problem gambling.
INOVAÇÕES TECNOLÓGICAS: UM ESTUDO DO PROCESSO DE PRODUÇÃO DE CARTEIRA DE IDENTIDADE DE PARANAIBA-MSde carteira de identidade de Paranaíba-MS
Authors: Silva Dieici Ferreira , Da Silva Carlos Rodrigues
Published: February 2019

A pesquisa tem como objetivo demonstrar as contribuições das inovações tecnológicas na produção de carteira de identidade. O método de pesquisa foi qualitativo-descritivo. O ambiente pesquisado foi o processo de inovação implantado na Unidade Regional de Perícias e Identificação (URPI) – um órgão público do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Foi entrevistado o responsável pelo setor pesquisado. Os resultados indicaram aspectos positivos da adoção da inovação, tanto no procedimento operacional (satisfação do trabalhador) como dos clientes; no entanto constatou que há carência de pessoal para executar os serviços prestado pelo Instituto de Identificação.
MOTIVAÇÃO NO TRABALHO DOS SERVIDORES TÉCNICOS ADMINISTRATIVOS EM EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: SILVA ANDRÉ VASCONCELOS , BARROS FERNANDA COSTA
Published: February 2019

O mundo do trabalho tem mudado muito nos últimos anos, devido à globalização, ao desenvolvimento tecnológico e a mecanização das atividades, levando as organizações a buscarem alternativas para se tornarem mais competitivas. A busca por um melhor desempenho nas organizações está intimamente ligada ao comportamento dos trabalhadores. Dentre os fatores que influenciam o comportamento dos trabalhadores, destaca-se a motivação e a satisfação no trabalho. Nesse contexto, este estudo tem o intuito de mensurar a motivação dos servidores técnicos administrativos ativos das instituições federais de ensino superior (IFES) do Estado de Goiás, tomando como referência a Teoria de Expectância de Vroom. A amostra da pesquisa foi constituída de 239 técnicos administrativos do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Instituto Federal Goiano e da Universidade Federal de Goiás. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário sobre o perfil do servidor e o Inventário de Motivação e Significado no trabalho (IMST). Os resultados revelados pela pesquisa mostraram níveis de motivação entre os técnicos das instituições, todavia notou-se uma diferença significativa entre a força motivacional dos técnicos do Instituto Federal Goiano e das demais instituições.
Does Latin America Have a Common History?
Authors: Eakin Marshall C.
Published: February 2019

N/A
Neoadjuvant Management of Early Breast Cancer: A Clinical and Investigational Position Statement
Authors: Colomer Ramon , Saura Cristina , Sánchez-Rovira Pedro , Pascual Tomás , Rubio Isabel T. , Burgués Octavio , Marcos Lourdes , Rodríguez César A. , Martín Miguel , Lluch Ana
Published: February 2019

Background

Neoadjuvant treatment is increasingly one of the preferred therapeutic options for early breast cancer and may have some unique outcomes, such as identifying predictive and prognostic factors of response or increasing the knowledge of individual tumor biology.

Design

A panel of experts from different specialties reviewed published clinical studies on the neoadjuvant management of breast cancer. Recommendations were made that emphasized the clinical multidisciplinary management and the investigational leverage in early breast cancer.

Results

Neoadjuvant therapy has equivalent efficacy to adjuvant therapy, and it has some additional benefits that include increasing breast conservation, assessing tumor response, establishing prognosis based on the pathological response, and providing a “second opportunity” for nonresponding patients. Achieving pathological complete remission because of neoadjuvant therapy has been correlated with long-term clinical benefit, particularly in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition, the neoadjuvant setting is a powerful model for the development of new drugs and the identification of prognostic markers. Finally, neoadjuvant therapy has proven to be cost-effective by reducing nondrug costs, avoiding radical surgery, and reducing hospital stays when compared with other treatment approaches.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant therapy has clinical benefits in early breast cancer and provides in vivo information of individual breast cancer biology while allowing the investigation of new treatment approaches. Access to neoadjuvant therapy should be an option available to all patients with breast cancer through multidisciplinary tumor management.
A Pilot Study of Vinorelbine Safety and Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Varying Degrees of Liver Dysfunction
Authors: Gong Jun , Cho May , Gupta Rohan , Synold Timothy W. , Frankel Paul , Ruel Christopher , Fakih Marwan , Chung Vincent , Lim Dean , Chao Joseph
Published: February 2019

Background

Vinorelbine has demonstrated anticancer activity and is primarily metabolized in the liver. This single-institution, phase I pilot study describes the safety and pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine in patients with varying degrees of hepatic impairment.

Materials and Methods

Patients with treatment-refractory solid tumors were enrolled into treatment arms based on vinorelbine dose (weekly infusions of 7.5–30 mg/m2) and liver function (normal liver function, mild, moderate, or severe liver dysfunction). Vinorelbine pharmacokinetics were evaluated to describe its relationship with liver function. Indocyanine green (ICG) clearance was assessed for correlation with pharmacokinetics.

Results

Forty-seven patients were enrolled, and a total of 108 grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occurred. Of these, grade 3–4 myelosuppression was the most common (34.3%). Thirty-three (30.6%), 22 (20.4%), and 9 (8.3%) grade 3–4 AEs were observed in the vinorelbine 20 mg/m2/severe, 15 mg/m2/moderate, and 7.5 mg/m2/severe liver dysfunction groups, respectively, with the majority being nonhematologic toxicities. ICG clearance decreased as liver function worsened. Vinorelbine pharmacokinetics were not correlated with ICG elimination or the degree of liver dysfunction.

Conclusion

For patients with severe liver dysfunction (bilirubin >3.0 mg/dL), vinorelbine doses ≥7.5 mg/m2 are poorly tolerated. The high incidence of grade 3–4 AEs with 15 mg/m2 vinorelbine in moderate liver dysfunction (bilirubin 1.5–3.0 mg/dL) raises concerns for its safety in this population. Vinorelbine pharmacokinetics are not affected by liver dysfunction; however, levels of the active metabolite 4-O-deacetylvinorelbine were not measured and may be higher in patients with liver dysfunction if its elimination is impacted by liver impairment to a greater degree than the parent drug.
Modelling the electrical resistivity of concrete with varied water and chloride contents
Authors: Xiang Nan , Wang Yu , Oleiwi Hayder M. , Chadwick Edmund , Yao Guowen , Augusthus-Nelson Levingshan , Chen Xianyi , Shabalin Igor
Published: February 2019

The electrical resistivity of concrete is an important property in the assessment of reinforcement corrosion in concrete and an essential parameter in the design and operation of cathodic protection for reinforced-concrete (RC) structures. Water and chloride contents in concrete are highly variable in RC structures in real-world hostile environments, meaning that characterisation of their coupled effects on concrete electrical resistivity is important. The currently available models are investigated in this paper. As all the current models are purely empirical, an improvement with a semi-empirical model is proposed. The improvement highlights the intrinsic linkage between concrete electrical resistivity and water content and the pore size distribution of concrete. The  proposed model was tested using two sets of experimental data and was also compared with other two empirical models.
Shaking table tests on V-shaped RC columns at the weak ground storey of a building
Authors: Hung Nguyen Van , Huy Nguyen Xuan , Thuy Pham Thi Thanh , Linh Nguyen Ngoc , Dat Pham Xuan
Published: February 2019

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations of the seismic behaviour of V-shaped reinforced-concrete (RC) columns at the weak ground storey of a building. Two half-scaled RC columns were tested to failure by a simulated ground acceleration time history using a shaking table. The test setup was designed to simulate the sliding mechanism of the column specimens, termed the double-curvature mechanism, which is expected to occur in a soft-storey building. The seismic responses of the specimens were evaluated and compared with each other in terms of general performance, hysteresis response and failure modes. Thereafter, a fibre-element model, verified by the test data, was used to conduct a parametric study on the effects of axial load ratio and longitudinal reinforcement arrangement on the seismic performance of irregularly shaped columns.