bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the performance of real-time GPS+GLONASS Precise Point Positioning (PPP) in New Zealand
Authors: Harima Ken , Choy Suelynn , Rizos Chris , Kogure Satoshi
Published: May 2017

This paper presents an investigation into the performance of real-time Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Precise Point Positioning (PPP) in New Zealand. The motivation of the research is to evaluate the feasibility of using PPP technique and a satellite based augmentation system such as the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) to deliver a real-time precise positioning solution in support of a nation-wide high accuracy GNSS positioning coverage in New Zealand. Two IGS real-time correction streams are evaluated alongside with the PPP correction messages transmitted by the QZSS satellite known as MDC1. MDC1 corrections stream is generated by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) using the Multi-GNSS Advanced Demonstration tool for Orbit and Clock Analysis (MADOCA) software and are currently transmitted in test mode by the QZSS satellite. The IGS real-time streams are the CLK9B real-time corrections stream generated by the French Centre National D’études Spatiales (CNES) using the PPP-Wizard software, and the CLK81 real-time corrections stream produced by GMV using their MagicGNSS software. GNSS data is collected from six New Zealand CORS stations operated by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) over a one-week period in 2015. GPS and GLONASS measurements are processed in a real-time PPP mode using the satellite orbit and clock corrections from the real-time streams. The results show that positioning accuracies of 6 cm in horizontal component and 15 cm in vertical component can be achieved in real-time PPP. The real-time GPS+GLONASS PPP solution required 30 minutes to converge to within 10 cm horizontal positioning accuracy.
Access to Waterfront Landscapes for Tourists Living with Disabilities
Authors: Szaszák Gabriella , Fekete Albert , Kecskés Tibor
Published: May 2017

In this paper an overview on the inclusive spatial design tools providing equal access to waterfront landscapes for tourists living with disabilities will be given. The focus is on close-to-natural areas which are popular because of their recreational potential. These areas present special natural and landscape values, and mostly are ecologically vulnerable. In these important ecological surroundings human presence and landscape values must be harmonized.

Environmental conditions, legal requirements and the economic situation can limit the opportunity for comprehensive access, but keep disability in mind while designing and maintaining these sites is a potential to provide wider access to the waterfront tourist destinations. We are about to present model solutions keeping the environment totally or mostly in its original, natural condition, but allowing recreational activities in the site at the same time.
Do Valuation Multiples Reflect a Size Effect?
Authors: Cornell Bradford , Gokhale Rajiv
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we empirically examine whether there is evidence to support the hypothesis that a size premium is impounded in valuation multiples. Overall, we find essentially no evidence to support the hypothesis. One interpretation of this finding is that there is no size effect in current U.S. data. If that is true, then size premiums should not be added to the discount rate and there is no potential inconsistency with the market multiples approach. However, if an appraiser chooses to add a size premium to the discount rate based on historical return data such as that reported by Ibbotson, it raises the possibility the DCF value indicator will be inconsistent with the value indicator based on market multiples. Given the fact that virtually all corporate appraisals include both a DCF and a market multiples analysis our work suggests that the two approaches should be blended with care in situations where a size premium is contemplated.
Acceleration of the global coastal sea level rise during the 20th century re-evaluated
Authors: Bâki Iz H.
Published: May 2017

In contrast to some of the recent investigations, this study shows that far less number of tide gauge stations experienced statistically significant accelerations in sea level rise during the 20th century. Twenty-seven tide gauge stations with century long data were analyzed for the presence of an acceleration in global sea level rise using a kinematic model inclusive of a secular trend, acceleration, and compounded periodicities with autocorrelated random effects. Eight out of twenty-seven stations revealed statistically significant but slow sea level rise acceleration (p<0.01) within the 0.01-0.02 mm/yr2 range compared to the sixteen stations with accelerations estimated using the models by the previous investigations,which did not account for the compounded periodicities and autocorrelations in sea level changes.
Metadiscourse and Topic Introductions in an Academic Lecture: A Multimodal Insight
Authors: Bernad-Mechó Edgar
Published: May 2017

This paper is part of a larger scale project where I explore the structure of academic lecture. The focus of the study here presented is to investigate the structure and organization of a university lecture through the introduction of new topics. One of the tools traditionally referred to as an organizer of discourse is metadiscourse (Crismore et al. 1993. Metadiscourse in persuasive writing: A study of texts written by American and Finnish university students. Written Communication, 10:39–71; Vande Kopple. 1985. Some exploratory discourse on metadiscourse. College Composition and Communication, 36(1):82–93). Although metadiscourse has been studied from a wide range of perspectives (Hyland. 2005. Metadiscourse: exploring interaction in writing. London, England: Continuum), these analyses have most of the time been conducted from a purely linguistic point of view and neither the speaker as a social actor nor metadiscourse as part of a multimodal interaction are taken into account. That being so, the aim of this study is to explore the role played by
Crystal structure of 3-amino-8-methoxy-1-(4-methoxy phenyl)-1H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carbonitrile, C22H18N2O3
Authors: Fouda Ahmed M. , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , El-Agrody Ahmed M. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Ghabbour Hazem A.
Published: May 2017

C22H18N2O3, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 35.4037(10) Å, b = 6.0294(2) Å, c = 20.1702(7) Å, β = 122.239(4)°, V = 3641.8(2) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0482, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1406, T = 296(2) K.
Characterization of NMB, GRP and their receptors (BRS3, NMBR and GRPR) in chickens
Authors: Mo Chunheng , Huang Long , Cui Lin , Lv Can , Lin Dongliang , Song Liang , Zhu Guoqiang , Li Juan , Wang Yajun
Published: May 2017

The two structurally and functionally related peptides, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and neuromedin B (NMB) play critical roles in many physiological/pathological processes in mammals. However, the information regarding the expression and functionality of avian NMB, GRP and their receptors is limited. Here, we characterized cNMB, cGRP and their receptors (cNMBR, cGRPR and cBRS3) in chickens. Our results showed that: (1) cNMBR and cGRPR expressed in CHO cells could be potently activated by cNMB and cGRP, respectively, as monitored by cell-based luciferase reporter assays, indicating that cNMBR and cGRPR are cNMB- and cGRP-specific receptors; strikingly, BRS3 of chickens (/spotted gars), which is orthologous to mouse bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3), could be potently activated by GRP and NMB, demonstrating that both peptides are the endogenous ligands for chicken (/spotted gar) BRS3; (2) quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) revealed thatcGRPRis widely expressed in chicken tissues with abundant expression in the ovary, pancreas, proventriculus, spinal cord and brain, whereascNMB,cNMBRandcBRS3are mainly expressed in the brain and testes; (3) interestingly, qPCR, Western blot and immunostaining revealed that cGRP is predominantly expressed in the anterior pituitary and mainly localized to LH-cells, suggesting that cGRP is likely a novel pituitary hormone in chickens. In summary, our data help to uncover the roles of GRP, NMB and their receptors in birds, and provide the first persuasive evidence from an evolutionary prospective that in vertebrates, GRP and NMB are the endogenous ligands for BRS3, an orphan receptor that has puzzled endocrinologists for more than two decades.
The association of the lipidomic profile with features of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Moran L J , Mundra P A , Teede H J , Meikle P J
Published: May 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 18% of reproductive-aged women with reproductive and metabolic complications. While lipidomics can identify associations between lipid species and metabolic diseases, no research has examined the association of lipid species with the pathophysiological features of PCOS. The aim of this study was to examine the lipidomic profile in women with and without PCOS. This study was a cross-sectional study in 156 age-matched pre-menopausal women (18–45 years, BMI >20 kg/m2; n = 92 with PCOS, n = 64 without PCOS). Outcomes included the association between the plasma lipidomic profile (325 lipid species (24 classes) using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) and PCOS, adiposity, homeostasis assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free androgen index (FAI). There were no associations of the lipidomic profile with PCOS or testosterone. HOMA was positively associated with 2 classes (dihydroceramide and triacylglycerol), SHBG was inversely associated with 2 classes (diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol), FAI was positively associated with 8 classes (ceramide, phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol) and waist circumference was associated with 8 classes (4 positively (dihydroceramide, phosphatidylglycerol, diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol) and 4 inversely (trihexosylceramide, GM3 ganglioside, alkenylphosphatidylcholine and alkylphosphatidylethanolamine)). The lipidomic profile was primarily related to central adiposity and FAI in women with or without PCOS. This supports prior findings that adiposity is a key driver of dyslipidaemia in PCOS and highlights the need for weight management through lifestyle interventions.
Insight into the Recent Genome Duplication of the Halophilic Yeast Hortaea werneckii: Combining an Improved Genome with Gene Expression and Chromatin Structure
Authors: Sinha Sunita , Flibotte Stephane , Neira Mauricio , Formby Sean , Plemenitaš Ana , Cimerman Nina Gunde , Lenassi Metka , Gostinčar Cene , Stajich Jason E , Nislow Corey
Published: May 2017

Extremophilic organisms demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of basic biological processes by highlighting how cell physiology adapts to environmental extremes. Few eukaryotic extremophiles have been well studied and only a small number are amenable to laboratory cultivation and manipulation. A detailed characterization of the genome architecture of such organisms is important to illuminate how they adapt to environmental stresses. One excellent example of a fungal extremophile is the halophile Hortaea werneckii (Pezizomycotina, Dothideomycetes, Capnodiales), a yeast-like fungus able to thrive at near-saturating concentrations of sodium chloride and which is also tolerant to both UV irradiation and desiccation. Given its unique lifestyle and its remarkably recent whole genome duplication, H. werneckii provides opportunities for testing the role of genome duplications and adaptability to extreme environments. We previously assembled the genome of H. werneckii using short-read sequencing technology and found a remarkable degree of gene duplication. Technology limitations, however, precluded high-confidence annotation of the entire genome. We therefore revisited the H. wernickii genome using long-read, single-molecule sequencing and provide an improved genome assembly which, combined with transcriptome and nucleosome analysis, provides a useful resource for fungal halophile genomics. Remarkably, the ∼50 Mb H. wernickii genome contains 15,974 genes of which 95% (7608) are duplicates formed by a recent whole genome duplication (WGD), with an average of 5% protein sequence divergence between them. We found that the WGD is extraordinarily recent, and compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the majority of the genome’s ohnologs have not diverged at the level of gene expression of chromatin structure.
Exploring the Impact of Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors on Pre-mRNA Splicing Across Eukaryotes
Authors: Lepennetier Gildas , Catania Francesco
Published: May 2017

In human, mouse, and Drosophila, the spliceosomal complex U1 snRNP (U1) protects transcripts from premature cleavage and polyadenylation at proximal intronic polyadenylation signals (PAS). These U1-mediated effects preserve transcription integrity, and are known as telescripting. The watchtower role of U1 throughout transcription is clear. What is less clear is whether cleavage and polyadenylation factors (CPFs) are simply patrolled or if they might actively antagonize U1 recruitment. In addressing this question, we found that, in the introns of human, mouse, and Drosophila, and of 14 other eukaryotes, including multi- and single-celled species, the conserved AATAAA PAS—a major target for CPFs—is selected against. This selective pressure, approximated using DNA strand asymmetry, is detected for peripheral and internal introns alike. Surprisingly, it is more pronounced within—rather than outside—the action range of telescripting, and particularly intense in the vicinity of weak 5′ splice sites. Our study uncovers a novel feature of eukaryotic genes: that the AATAAA PAS is universally counter-selected in spliceosomal introns. This pattern implies that CPFs may attempt to access introns at any time during transcription. However, natural selection operates to minimize this access. By corroborating and extending previous work, our study further indicates that CPF access to intronic PASs might perturb the recruitment of U1 to the adjacent 5′ splice sites. These results open the possibility that CPFs may impact the splicing process across eukaryotes.
RNAi-Mediated Reverse Genetic Screen IdentifiedDrosophilaChaperones Regulating Eye and Neuromuscular Junction Morphology
Authors: Raut Sandeep , Mallik Bhagaban , Parichha Arpan , Amrutha Valsakumar , Sahi Chandan , Kumar Vimlesh
Published: May 2017

Accumulation of toxic proteins in neurons has been linked with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, which in many cases are characterized by altered neuronal function and synapse loss. Molecular chaperones help protein folding and the resolubilization of unfolded proteins, thereby reducing the protein aggregation stress. While most of the chaperones are expressed in neurons, their functional relevance remains largely unknown. Here, using bioinformatics analysis, we identified 95 Drosophila chaperones and classified them into seven different classes. Ubiquitous actin5C-Gal4-mediated RNAi knockdown revealed that ∼50% of the chaperones are essential in Drosophila. Knocking down these genes in eyes revealed that ∼30% of the essential chaperones are crucial for eye development. Using neuron-specific knockdown, immunocytochemistry, and robust behavioral assays, we identified a new set of chaperones that play critical roles in the regulation of Drosophila NMJ structural organization. Together, our data present the first classification and comprehensive analysis of Drosophila chaperones. Our screen identified a new set of chaperones that regulate eye and NMJ morphogenesis. The outcome of the screen reported here provides a useful resource for further elucidating the role of individual chaperones in Drosophila eye morphogenesis and synaptic development.
Making Black Lives Matter: Conjuring and Creative Place-Making in an Age of Austerity
Authors: Lipsitz George
Published: May 2017

In Houston’s Third Ward and Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, Black artists and activists and their allies combine conjuring and creative place-making in projects that fuse economic development with deepened social cohesion. Like the Black Lives Matter movement, Project Row Houses in Houston and the Rebuild Foundation’s Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago respond to the urgent needs of aggrieved communities in an era of austerity. They engage in practices, processes, and productions that hone and refine individual and collective capacities for finding value in undervalued places and, by extension, in undervalued people. They promote deliberative talk and face-to-face decision-making about the problems that Black people face. They set in motion dynamics that teach people to find something left to love in themselves and others in a society that can often make everyone feel unlovable. They envision and enact plans for reconstituting society and social relations from the bottom up on the basis of values directly antithetical to the dominant logics of racialized capitalism.
Ramón “Chunky” Sánchez—¡PRESENTE!
Authors: Rodríguez Russell C.
Published: May 2017

On November 5, 2016, hundreds of people convened at the historical landmark of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, San Diego, to celebrate the life of one of the community’s most revered elders, Ramón “Chunky” Moroyoqui Sánchez. Nuestro querido maestro falleció el día 28 de octubre de 2016. Sánchez, endearingly known as Chunky, was synonymous with Barrio Logan, Chicano Park, Chicano/a music, and San Diego in general. In this city, an auditorium is named in his honor. His image is incorporated in murals. The Chicano comedy troupe Culture Clash developed a vignette about Chunky, and upon his passing the San Diego Chargers’ website featured him in a blog post that included a photo of him with players and cheerleaders. Chunky was also well known beyond the Imperial Valley. The music of Los Alacranes Mojados (the group he started with his brother, Ricardo Sánchez) continues to be embraced in Mexicano/a and Chicano/a communities throughout California and the Southwest. The news of Sánchez’s passing reverberated throughout California like the violent ripples of a pond into which a boulder has been dropped. Ese vato will be missed.
Fatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-create Race in the Twenty-First Century, by Dorothy Roberts
Authors: Tomlinson Barbara
Published: May 2017

None
Patología tendinosa en pacientes con placa bloqueada palmar de radio distal: incidencia y resultado clínico de su tratamiento. [Tendon pathology in patients with distal radius palmar locked plate: incidence and clinical outcome of their treatment.
Authors: Rellán Ignacio , Gallucci Gerardo Luis , Donndorff Agustín , Alfie Verónica Andrea , Boretto Jorge Guillermo , De Carli Pablo
Published: May 2017

Introducción:

El objetivo de este estudio  es reportar la incidencia de complicaciones tendinosas en pacientes con fracturas de radio distal tratados con placa bloqueada palmar  y el resultado clínico del tratamiento mediante la sola extracción del implante.

Material y métodos                                                                                                

Se realizó una evaluación retrospectiva  de 992 pacientes con fracturas  de radio distal. Se incluyeron los pacientes en quienes se extrajo la placa por irritación o ruptura tendinosa.

La evaluación final de los resultados una vez extraído el implante se realizó utilizando un  score  de DASH  y una Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) de 0 a 10 para el dolor en reposo, en actividad y para el resultado funcional

Resultados                      

Treinta y cuatro pacientes presentaron complicaciones tendinosas: 20 tendinitis de flexores (2%), 13 tendinitis de  extensores (1,3%) y una ruptura de tendón flexor. Todos fueron tratados solamente con  extracción del implante. Los pacientes con tendinitis flexora resultaron con EVA 1 de dolor en reposo, 1 dolor en actividad, funcional de 8 y DASH 13.  La evaluación final promedio de los pacientes con tendinitis extensora  fue: EVA dolor en reposo 0,  en actividad  3, funcional 9 y DASH 15.

Conclusión

Las complicaciones tendinosas en el tratamiento de las fracturas de radio distal con placas palmares tienen  baja incidencia. El tratamiento precoz mediante la sola extracción del implante  conlleva a la desaparición de los síntomas y evita la ruptura tendinosa. 
Utilidad de la artrografía intraoperatoria en el tratamiento de fracturas pediátricas
Authors: Tourn Diego Andrés , Masquijo Julio Javier
Published: May 2017

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar las indicaciones y las complicaciones de una serie consecutiva de pacientes tratados con artrografía intraoperatoria.

Métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes pediátricos con fracturas de codo o tobillo que se sometieron a artrografía intraoperatoria entre Enero de 2009 y Julio del 2014. Se evaluaron los datos demográficos, evolución clínica (criterios de Clínica Mayo y score AOFAS), evolución radiográfica y las complicaciones derivadas del uso de material de contraste intraarticular.

Resultados: Se evaluaron 25 pacientes (16 masculinos, 9 femeninos) con un promedio de edad de 7,56 años (rango 4-15 años). El seguimiento promedio fue de 30,1 meses. 15 pacientes presentaban fracturas en miembro superior (4 fracturas de Monteggia, 2 supra-intercondíleas, 3 fracturas de cóndilo externo y 6 fracturas de cúpula radial) y 10 en tobillo (4 fracturas de MacFarland, 4 fracturas de Tillaux y 2 fracturas triplanares). De acuerdo al score de la Clínica Mayo, 14 pacientes presentaron resultados excelentes y 1 bueno. El score promedio fue de 99 puntos (r, 85-100 puntos). Los 10 pacientes con fracturas de tobillo presentaron resultados excelentes de acuerdo al score de AOFAS (Promedio 98.5 puntos, r 95-100). No se presentaron infecciones o reacciones adversas relacionadas a la utilización de contraste. Dos pacientes presentaron extravasación del líquido de contraste durante el procedimiento. Ambos evolucionaron favorablemente y se observó reabsorción en el postoperatorio inmediato. Tres pacientes presentaron complicaciones no relacionadas al uso de contraste.

Conclusión: La artrografía es un procedimiento simple, de bajo costo, que agrega poco tiempo quirúrgico y permite una mejor evaluación de estructuras intraarticulares para la toma de desiciones intraoperatoria. Este procedimiento es una herramienta útil que debe ser tenida en cuenta en el tratamiento de algunas fracturas pediátricas.
Sacroileítis tuberculosa. Reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica.
Authors: Besse Micaela , Denari Ricardo , Rosado José , Sarotto Anibal
Published: May 2017

La tuberculosis es una de las principales causas infecciosas de muerte a nivel mundial a pesar de que existe tratamiento específico. La sacroileitis representa el 10% de la afectación ósea en tuberculosis y permanece siendo una entidad de difícil diagnóstico y de tratamiento controversial. A continuación presentamos el caso de una mujer de 40 años de edad  que comienza con dolor lumbar bajo, asociado a tumoración y fiebre. Luego de una demora inicial se realiza el diagnóstico por punción biopsia. Recibe tratamiento médico. El conocimiento de esta enfermedad facilitara el diagnostico temprano y su tratamiento. Se discute  la presentación clínica, métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico y revisión bibliográfica de la entidad y su tratamiento.
Blood cadmium levels increase prostate specific antigen and insulin-like growth factor-1 among cadmium exposed workers
Authors: Roestijawati Nendyah , Maurits Lintje Setyawati , Sugiyanto Sugiyanto
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is classified as a human carcinogen (group IA), one of the cancers that it can cause being prostate cancer. The development of prostate cancer on a molecular basis involves oncogenes such as insuline-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Prostate cancer can be detected in the laboratory through the examination of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The present study aimed to determine the relationship of Cd levels with levels of PSA and IGF-1 in exposed and unexposed workers.

METHODS
The study design was cross sectional. The subjects of the studycame from two groups of workers, ie. the group of Cd exposed workers who were welding shop workers and the group of unexposed workers who were office workers. The minimum samplesize was 85 people. The independent variable was blood Cd level. The dependent variables were PSA and IGF-1 levels. Blood Cd levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), while PSA and IGF-1 were measured using ELISA. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation test.

RESULTS
Mean blood Cd level in the exposed workers was 6.5 mg/L and in the unexposed workers 2.15 mg/L. There was a relationship between blood Cd and PSA levels (p<0.05) and between blood Cd levels and IGF-1 (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
There was a relationship of blood Cd with PSA and IGF-1 levels.among workers. PSA and IGF-1 could be a biochemical markers of disease control in cadmium exposed workers.
Effect of Sesbania grandiflora Linn leaf extracts on diuresis in wistar rats
Authors: K. Krishnakanth , Kumar Pojala , K. Neeraja , Cheekavolu Chakrapani
Published: May 2017

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of sesbania grandiflora linn leaf extracts on diuretic activity in wistar rats.Methods: Healthy male wistar albino rats divided into 9 groups and weighing 150-200gm.diuretic activity was expressed by Natriuretic activity, saluretic activity, carbonic anhydrase inhibition, Diuretic index or Diuretic action, saluretic index, Natriuretic index. Animalgroups are divided into: group1 treated as control, 2and 3 treated as standards, group 4, 5 and 6 treated with aqueous leaf extract of Sesbania grandiflora Linn. in different doses of 150,300,450mg/kg. Group 7,8and 9 treated with methanolic leaf extract of Sesbania grandiflora Linn. Doses of 150,300,450mg/kg.Results: No change in body weight group treated with AE-150 (p>0.05) with AE-150 (0.1%), increase in urine volume with increasing doses both with aqueous and methanolic extracts, sodium excretion with methanolic extract was high compared with the aqueous extract, significant increase in potassium excretion in both aqueous and methanolic extract treated groups.All the statistical tests were done by using SPSS version 6. The level of significance was 5% (p≤0.05).Conclusions: All the electrolytes concentration was increased in the urine, hence excluding osmotic diuretic action. Diuretic index, saluretic activity, saluretic index and natriuretic index of ME-450 were more than the value of hydrochlorothiazide hence excludes thiazide diuretic action. But these values were less than furosemide.
A prospective, open label, randomized study of efficacy of vitamin A as an add on therapy in the clinical outcome of tuberculosis patients
Authors: G. Sujatha , A. Suguna Bai , N. Preetha
Published: May 2017

Background: Tuberculosis is the most prevalent infectious disease in the world. India accounts for nearly one fifth of global incidence of tuberculosis. If untreated the disease may be fatal within five years in 50-65 percent of cases. Many decades of research have shown that severe oxidative stress plays a significant role in tuberculosis patients. Moreover, the malnutrition which is commonly present in patient with tuberculosis can add to the impaired anti oxidant capacity. The present study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of vitamin A with standard treatment on the health status of newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients.Methods: Phase III, prospective, open, two arm parallel group, outpatient, randomized, active controlled study. Centre of the study was Tuberculosis clinic, Department of Internal medicine, Stanley Medical College Chennai.Duration of the study was for active drug therapy - 2 months, for follow up period - 4 months and for total period - 6 months.Results: In our study it was evident that there was a statistically significant improvement in the Karnofsky’s score, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference in the in the vitamin A supplementation group when compared to the control group at the end of 2 months and 6 months. And also, a statistically significant decrease in C.R.P. levels and E.S.R levels were also observed.Conclusions: This study shows that vitamin A as an add on therapy with regular anti-tuberculosis treatment improves the quality of life and decreases the disease activity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients to a greater extent than with routine standard drug therapy alone.
Diagnosis and staging of lung carcinoma with CT scan and its histopathological correlation
Authors: Shah Dhara , Shastri Mona , Patel Dhagash , Diwanji Nehal , Desai Ekta , Chitara Mona , Bhatt Avani
Published: May 2017

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Hence, timely diagnosis and accurate staging of the carcinoma is critical for the treatment and prognosis. So, this study was performed to evaluate the role of CT scan in diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.Methods: This was a prospective and observational study carried out over one and half years at a tertiary care hospital. The patients found to have abnormalities on chest X-ray suggestive of carcinoma were included in the study. Pre and post contrast CT scans were performed. Individual patient biopsies were done for histopathological staging.Results: Most patients belonged to 41-50 years age group with male preponderance (81.33%). Habit of smoking was prevalent among the lung cancer patients. Almost all masses (92%) showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement on CT. Additionally, there were calcifications, cavitation, hilar enlargement, pleural invasion, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and contiguous bone involvement. Adenocarcinoma was the most common (46.66%) form of cancer followed by squamous cell carcinoma (42.66%). For histopathological diagnosis, majority of patients (73.33%) were diagnosed using CT guided biopsy. In the remaining patients, USG guided biopsy or fibreoptic bronchoscopy were performed. The most common lobe affected by bronchogenic carcinoma was right upper lobe. The most common site of metastasis was pleura (22.66%) followed by bone (17.33%). Majority of the patients (41.33%) presented with TNM stage IV.Conclusions: CT scan as a modality for detection and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma is superior to chest radiograph. CT guided FNAC has a high success rate in evaluation of lung carcinoma.
The Analysis of White House Occupant and Political Polarization in the United States
Authors: OWOYE OLUWOLE , DABROS MATTHEW
Published: May 2017

This paper examines a previously unidentified causal factor – White House Occupant (WHO) – in political polarization and then investigates its impact on legislative productivity and the aggregate economy. Objective pundits would agree that the United States has entered a new phase of “pandemic political polarization” because Congressional Republicans had racial resentment of Obama and they did everything to obstruct his policy agenda; and now, in retaliation and on policy issues, Democrats resent Trump. In view of the changing American electorate, we consider WHO’s race or gender or perceived religious affiliation or policy positions to be an important causal factor that will contribute to extreme political polarization in the foreseeable future. We model how political polarization will in turn depress economic growth. In addition to introducing a novel element to the ongoing research on the consequences of political polarization, this paper contributes to the broader literature by asserting that a WHO is one of the determinants of political polarization and Congressional productivity; and that the remarkable contraction in Congressional productivity during Obama’s presidency, which we found to be statistically and significantly different from the other three two-term presidents who served in the past four decades, supported this assertion.  
EL PRINCIPIO DE JUSTICIA EN EL AULA Y LA RESPONSABILIDAD MORAL DEL DOCENTE, FRENTE A LOS ESTILOS DE APRENDIZAJE
Authors: González-Calixto Mónica Bibiana , Patarroyo-Durán Nubia Isolina , Carreño-Bodensiek Carlos Guillermo
Published: May 2017

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación sobre los estilos de aprendizaje de los estudiantes de primer semestre de ingeniería de la Universidad El Bosque - UNIBOSQUE y de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia - UPTC, a quienes se aplicó el test de Kolb, con muestreo estratificado. Ante la diversidad de estilos de aprendizaje encontrados, se propone que los docentes sean conscientes del principio de justicia en el aula y de su responsabilidad moral para procurar un diseño y ejecución de curso, que ofrezcan condiciones equitativas y propicien ambientes adecuados para el aprendizaje de la totalidad de los estudiantes.
Gestión de la logística humanitaria en las etapas previas al desastre. Revisión sistemática de la literatura.
Authors: López-Vargas Juan Camilo , Cárdenas-Aguirre Diana Maria
Published: May 2017

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la forma en que las etapas de mitigación y preparación que hacen parte del proceso de la logística humanitaria son presentadas en la literatura relacionada con el tema. Para esto, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura con el uso de la aplicación Tree of Science de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia – Sede Manizales. La revisión permite reconocer la importancia que estas etapas tienen respecto al nivel de respuesta ante los desastres, así como los tipos de desastres y las decisiones de mitigación y preparación que más comúnmente se abordan. Asimismo, se pone en evidencia una menor participación de estos temas en la literatura especializada. Por lo que ampliar el estudio de las etapas de mitigación y preparación hacia otros tipos de desastres y en otros contextos geográficos, constituye un campo de interés para futuras investigaciones.
¿Qué escriben los niños?, una mirada desde el modelo escuela nueva
Authors: Bernal-Pinzón Mary Luz
Published: May 2017

ResumenEl artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo conocer que escriben los niños y las niñas de primaria. Implicó una mirada desde sus experiencias en un contexto rural, en principio bajo la orientación de escuela nueva, una forma de trabajo que la maestra administra desde el desarrollo de guías. El proceso se llevó a cabo con la metodología investigación acción, permitiendo no solo indagar sobre la forma como los niños y niñas entienden y construyen el lenguaje escrito, sino a reflexionar sobre la manera en que la maestra orienta su metodología de trabajo. La perspectiva teórica del método natural de Freinet sirvió de marco para identificar en los textos de los niños un material que podría ser reconocido como válido, reorientado de esta manera para comprender la escritura de los niños, con la posibilidad de tener en cuenta el mundo que les rodea; además se logró resignificar las guías como una forma de posibilitar el aprendizaje de los niños desde un enfoque de “texto libre”.
Conocimiento base para la enseñanza: un marco aplicable en la didáctica de la probabilidad
Authors: Burbano-Pantoja Víctor Miguel Ángel , Valdivieso-Miranda Margoth Adriana , Aldana-Bermúdez Eliécer
Published: May 2017

Este artículo se ubica en la línea de educación estadística en lo que se refiere al conocimiento profesional del profesor; se presentan los elementos de un marco teórico que posibilita indagar sobre los conocimientos que ha de poseer el profesor, destinados a la enseñanza de la probabilidad en el nivel de educación pre-universitario. mediante un análisis de contenido realizado sobre diversas fuentes textuales se busca establecer tales conocimientos con el fin de orientar el concepto de probabilidad dentro del currículo de matemáticas en el mencionado nivel educativo; asimismo, se describen algunos modelos de conocimientos con génesis en el paradigma de Shulman direccionados a la enseñanza de las matemáticas y de la estadísticas, los cuales en determinados contextos podrían adaptarse para orientar el aprendizaje de la probabilidad. Finalmente, se ofrece un breve programa investigativo asociado con la didáctica de la probabilidad.
Implementación de un modelo teórico a Priori de competencia matemática asociado al aprendizaje de un objeto matemático
Authors: García-Quiroga Bernardo , Coronado Arnulfo , Giraldo-Ospina Albeiro
Published: May 2017

Este artículo es producto de una investigación cuyo objetivo fue el de apoyar al docente de matemáticas con orientaciones didácticas para promover el desarrollo de las competencias matemáticas de los estudiantes. En el trabajo investigativo se utilizó la complementariedad metodológica y se asumieron orientaciones específicas de la investigación acción participación. El modelo teórico a priori de competencia matemática se formuló con los aportes de los investigadores Bishop, Sfard, D´Amore, Godino, Fandiño y Solar. Este modelo se aplicó durante el primer semestre de 2015 y se focalizó en una secuencia de tareas matemáticas, centrada en el actual proceso de paz entre las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC, y el gobierno colombiano. La implementación del modelo aludido se hizo con la colaboración de estudiantes de grado sexto de la Institución Educativa Jorge Eliécer Gaitán de Florencia, Caquetá. El modelo teórico a priori formulado trascendió el aspecto cognitivo; su aplicación contribuyó al desarrollo de procesos matemáticos, afectivos y de tendencia de acción para compartir y desarrollar el significado matemático en clase. De esta manera, se constituyó en una adecuada mediación didáctica que orienta al profesor en su propósito de desarrollar las Competencias Matemáticas de los estudiantes.
Construcción de un entorno conceptual alrededor del tema del tránsito urbano
Authors: Casadiego-Ruiz Nancy Mariela
Published: May 2017

Puesto que la transformación conceptual sobre conocimiento y ciencia del siglo XX trajo un cambio en la racionalidad científica prevalente hasta el Siglo XIX con un nuevo paradigma epistemológico que cuestiona el modelo científico positivista, se intentan conciliar puntos de vista sobre el tema de la interacción de los actores del tránsito urbano desde un enfoque que, sin agotar el espectro, va más allá de la consideración de la movilidad desde aspectos netamente tempo-espaciales. Se aborda el tema desde la filosofía, la psicología y la sociología en relación con el uso del espacio para interpretar cambios de comportamiento en relación con tendencias de crecimiento exagerado del tránsito y los conflictos que se generan en el espacio público. Lo anterior, con la intención de suscitar una reflexión enriquecedora de diferentes puntos de vista para quienes se dedican a la formación en la Ingeniería del Tránsito,  con una posible exploración interdisciplinar que contribuya a la creación de formas didácticas novedosas, destinadas a lograr cambios en la forma de ver los actores del tránsito urbano para la redefinición de normas,  la promoción, aplicación o investigación acerca de la eficacia de las acciones orientadas al control conductual en la vía urbana.
Sistema control supervisor de clientes con acceso remoto para sistemas solares fotovoltaicos autónomos
Authors: Figueroa-Cuello Alberto Nicolás , Pardo-García Aldo , Díaz-Rodríguez Jorge Luis
Published: May 2017

Los Sistemas Solares Fotovoltaicos Autónomos (SFVA), a pesar de sus ventajas, presentan algunos inconvenientes, siendo el principal de ellos la falta de un sistema controlador de energía para optimizar su funcionamiento. Este trabajo presenta el análisis y diseño de un Sistema de Control Supervisor de Acceso Remoto, SCSAR, para clientes con acceso remoto de sistemas solares fotovoltaicos autónomos de 500 W. La función del SCSAR es la de medir y administrar la energía consumida por los usuarios del SFVA. Para ello se consideran tres variables principales: el tiempo de conexión y desconexión por carga y por día, autorizados al usuario; la corriente consumida por cada dispositivo o carga autorizado por el diseñador; el nivel de carga de la batería para mantenerlo por encima del mínimo permitido para su correcta operación. El SCSAR aquí propuesto, es un sistema que garantiza que se cumplan los objetivos de diseño, monitoreando y controlando las variables críticas de los sistemas clientes. De esta forma será posible diagnosticar remotamente los SFVA, reduciendo los tiempos y costos de soporte y mantenimiento, con el fin de brindar seguridad, disponibilidad, versatilidad, economía, robustez y confiabilidad a todos los usuarios de estas fuentes de energía alternativa.
Development of two-dimensional groundwater flow simulation model using meshless method based on MLS approximation function in unconfined aquifer in transient state
Authors: Mohtashami Ali , Akbarpour Abolfazl , Mollazadeh Mahdi
Published: May 2017

In recent decades, due to reduction in precipitation, groundwater resource management has become one of the most important issues considered to prevent loss of water. Many solutions are concerned with the investigation of groundwater flow behavior. In this regard, development of meshless methods for solving the groundwater flow system equations in both complex and simple aquifers' geometry make them useful tools for such investigations. The independency of these methods to meshing and remeshing, as well as its capability in both reducing the computation requirement and presenting accurate results, make them receive more attention than other numerical methods. In this study, meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) is used to simulate groundwater flow in Birjand unconfined aquifer located in Iran in a transient state for 1 year with a monthly time step. Moving least squares and cubic spline are employed as approximation and weight functions respectively and the simulated head from MLPG is compared to the observation results and finite difference solutions. The results clearly reveal the capability and accuracy of MLPG in groundwater simulation as the acquired root mean square error is 0.757. Also, with using this method there is no need to change the geometry of aquifer in order to construct shape function.
Effects of flow hydraulics on total nitrogen loss on steep slopes under simulated rainfall conditions
Authors: Feng Qian , Jiesheng Huang , Jingjun Liu , Honghu Liu
Published: May 2017

Flow hydraulics play important roles in soil erosion and loss of soil nutrients. A better understanding of the relationship between flow hydraulics and nutrient losses will improve chemical transport modeling. The laboratory experiment was conducted to determine flow hydraulics' effects on total nitrogen (TN) loss. The impacts of rainfall intensities (0.6, 1.1, 1.61, 2.12, and 2.54 mm·min−1) and slope gradients (10°, 15°, and 20°) on TN loss were also studied. Selected soils were derived from purple sandy shales, which are the main parent materials in Wangjiaqiao watershed, southern China. Results show that negative linear relationships (R2 = 0.71) were observed between the rate of Manning roughness coefficient to average flow depth and the unit area runoff-associated TN transport rate. There was a good linear relationship between the unit area sediment-associated TN transport rate and Reynolds numbers (R2 = 0.90), flow velocity (R2 = 0.87), and stream power (R2 = 0.73), while Froude numbers, Darcy–Weisbach and Manning friction coefficients were not good hydraulic indicators of the sediment-associated TN loss of purple soil. The equation including stream power and flow velocity may have a better correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.94).
Impact of extreme climate events on water supply sustainability in Egypt: case studies in Alexandria region and Upper Egypt
Authors: Yehia Ahmed G. , Fahmy Khaled M. , Mehany Mahmoud A. S. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: May 2017

Water resources in Egypt have become stressed due to changes in climate patterns. Egypt is characterized by two seasons, a mild, wet winter and a hot, dry summer. In recent years, many areas have become vulnerable to the impact of extreme climate events. The impact of these events on water supplies has become more pronounced. This study states that there is a tangible impact of extreme climate events upon both water resources quality and water supplies. The Nile river water turbidity was investigated as an operational indicator for the water treatment plants (WTPs). The results illustrated that an unprecedented increase in average turbidity of raw water in Upper Egypt (from 4 up to 110 NTU) led to a cut in water supplies for up to 100 hours in some areas. While in Alexandria the turbidity did affect WTP operation efficiency, safe water could still be produced. Cuts in water supply would have an impact on hygiene and make people prone to use unsafe water sources. These consequences stimulate water supply bodies to develop action plans to mitigate and/or avoid such potential impacts on public health. This study suggests proposed steps to develop an appropriate plan to face such extreme events.
Flood hazards in the headwaters area: lessons learned from a survey of households in the upper Myjava basin, Slovakia
Authors: Solín Ľ. , Sládeková Madajová M. , Michaleje L.
Published: May 2017

The aims of this paper are to present knowledge about the threat of flooding in the upper basins of the Myjava River, obtained using a questionnaire, and to identify the potential lessons for flood risk management. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about households' experience with flooding, including the type of floods experienced, the locations of flooding, the exacerbating factors contributing to flood risk that they considered to be important and their proposals to minimise the occurrence of flooding. Findings obtained using the questionnaire suggest that: (i) in the upper basins, sheetwash flooding is as important as river flooding and the assessment of flood hazards should include all significant types of flood hazard; (ii) flood risk management in the upper basins should primarily focus on the systematic maintenance of small watercourses and on eliminating local factors that increase the risk of all types of flooding. The building of structures for flood defence should be seen as a last resort when other options are not effective.
Demarcação da ciência e a sociologia do direito I
Authors: Da Silva Artur Stamford
Published: May 2017

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Terras quilombolas no Brasil: das técnicas de dominação colonial ao reconhecimento democrático-constitucional
Authors: Silva Eduardo Faria , Pontes Daniele Regina , Milano Giovanna Bonilha
Published: May 2017

O presente artigo analisa os impactos do colonialismo e da colonialidade do poder sobre as terras quilombolas, que receberam reconhecimento constitucional em 1988. Essas articulações analíticas constituíram o conjunto de problemas teóricos que, combinados, permitiram elaborar a hipótese, justificadora do estudo, de que as normas decorrentes do pensamento jurídico moderno e que embasaram, no tempo e espaço, as ações coloniais de segregação, construção da propriedade privada individual e de limitação dos direitos territoriais coletivos, projetaram seus efeitos para o futuro. As dificuldades de reconhecimento, demarcação e titulação dos territórios ocupados pelos quilombolas no Brasil – apesar da determinação constitucional – são significativas para reforçar a hipótese suscitada. Compreender o jogo de espelhos pode conduzir ações que se direcionem para um espaço decolonial, que, além de retirar da invisibilidade jurídica formal os quilombolas, garanta a titulação de suas áreas.