bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadmium induced hepatic intoxication and amelioration by grape seed extract
Authors: Adel Alkhedaide Adel , Youssef Gehan , El-Zoghby Rabab , Mahmoud Mohamed , Atwa Shimaa
Published: December 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is wide-spread toxic metal that pollutes most of the vegetables, which eaten by numerous populations all over the world. The aim of the current work is to evaluate the protective and prophylactic effects of the antioxidant materials in the grape seed extract (GSE) on the hepatic intoxication induced by cadmium chloride toxic material in male Wistar rats. Male adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Control group fed on balanced diet and given drinking water. Group two (control positive) given CdCl2 in the dose of 0.44 mg/kg body weight (BW) by stomach tube daily. Group three given grape seed extract GSE in the dose of (100 mg/kg BW) daily by stomach tube. Finally, the fourth group gave mixture of (GSE and CdCl2) by stomach tube in the recommended dose. Blood and liver tissues were collected for further biochemical and histopathological studies. CdCl2 significantly increased the serum levels of malondialdehyde, ALT and AST. Cadmium administration decreased levels of antioxidants (Catalase, GSH-R and GSH-Px). The liver of the control positive groups which given CdCl2 showed degenerative changes in the form of vacuolar and hydropic degeneration. Congestion was evident in the central vein and proliferation of the kupffer cells. These hepatic biochemical and degenerative changes were ameliorated by the co addition of GSE.
Hacia un análisis reflexivo retrospectivo en la investigación intercultural con niños romanís migrantes
Authors: Drăghici C. Carmen
Published: December 2017

Este artículo analiza una experiencia de trabajo de campo con niños romanís después de haber llevado a cabo la recogida e interpretación de datos etnográficos. Esta aproximación difiere de la reflexividad durante la investigación y presupone un análisis reflexivo retrospectivo dos años después de su realización, el cual proporciona a los investigadores la oportunidad de explorar su posición como participantes en el estudio. La discusión de los hallazgos se enriquece con datos adicionales que describen la influencia de la investigadora en el proceso de indagación y provee consejos útiles para proyectos futuros.
From the Editor in Chief
Authors: Doğanay Ahmet
Published: December 2017

Dear producers and consumers of knowledge,

I would like to share the happiness of being with you again with 8th Volume 1st Issue of Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction (PEGEGOG). I hope you could find time to have a rest after your busy schedule. Initially, I want to thank you for the increasing interest for our journal.

There has been 65 articles sent for publication to our journal. This is good news for our journal and country. On the other hand, I have to indicate that there were critical problems in terms of format within these articles as stated in the previous issue. First of all, unfortunately we had to reject some articles as in many of them there were texts very similar to ones in different articles. At first step, we scan all articles in i-Thenticate program to determine the exact quotations from other resources. After this scan, we reject the articles detected to have exact quotations at a high rate without initiating peer-review process. Apart from that, we also send back the articles not written in an academic format not to disturb our reviewers unnecessarily.

One of the problems with the articles submitted to our journal and we had to reject was about data analysis. The data is the raw information collected from related resources through research aims. These should be analyzed in parallel with these aims. It is necessary to analyze them using statistics for quantitative data and methods such as content analysis or descriptive analysis for qualitative data. Analysis provides the data being transformed into findings and make sense. Especially, in some of document analysis and some qualitative studies, it is seen that data are presented as findings. In some others, data are presented being only described. It is essential that the studies are formed in an article format obeying the rules by the journal and presented for publication afterwards.

As always, we present the six articles got through peer-review process and given DOI number to you dear producers and consumers of knowledge. I wish these studies conducted in various fields of educational sciences will be useful and contribute to theoretical knowledge within the field. Hope to meet within the next issue.

Sincerely yours,
An analysis of teacher candidates' epistemological beliefs: A qualitative study
Authors: Yıldırır Hasene Esra , Çirkinoğlu Şekercioğlu Ayşe Gül
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to determine epistemological beliefs of teacher candidates. For this aim, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 56 teacher candidates. The interviews were recorded and records related to epistemological beliefs were transcribed, and then descriptive analyses were conducted. The results of the analyses revealed three main belief dimension. Regarding the first dimension, the candidates associated between learning and effort, and they thought that the innate ability would improve via effort; as for the second dimension, the majority thought that knowledge construction process is slow and a relative concept; and regarding the third dimension, most of the teacher candidates were of three different perspectives - knowledge absolutely changes, it changes based on the field and it doesn't change. Also, most of the candidates stated that words possess more than one meaning, people attribute meanings to words on the basis of their experiences, and there is not only one true answer to scientific problems, since knowledge changes in time and scientists propose different solutions to problems.
Pengaruh asupan energi dan protein terhadap perubahan status gizi pasien anak selama dirawat di RSUP Dr. Kariadi Semarang
Authors: Bandawati Bandawati , Mexitalia Maria , Rahfiludin M. Zen
Published: December 2017

Background : Adequate energy and  protein  intake  for  children  patients is required as efforts to prevent decline in nutritional status during hospitalization. Nutritional support is a part of therapy which has an important role in the recovery.Objective : To analyze the effect of energy and protein intake on changes of nutritional status in children patients during hospitalized.Method : Observational study with cohort prospective design, from March to April 2014. Subjects were 52 children, 2-14 years old from pediatrics unit in Dr. Kariadi Central General Hospital Semarang. Sampling were choosen by consecutive sampling, hospitalized for >7 days and according inclusion criteria. Body weight and height data were measured at admission and discharge. Nutritional status determined using weight for height Z Score, according to WHO 2005 child Growth Standards. Food intake data collected by Comstock Methode and recall 24 hours. Data analyzed by chi-square and fisher test.Result : There were 48,1% subjects with insufficient energy and 53,9% with insufficient protein intakes. 48,1% subjects  were declining in nutritional status after hospitalization. There was correlation between energy (p=0,003) and protein (p= 0,003) intakes on changes of nutritional status in children patients during hospitalized.  Subjects with insufficient energy intakes were 26 times at risk (95% CI 3,31-291,09) of declining of BW/BH Z Score than sufficient subjects. Subjects with insufficient protein intake were 20 times at risk (95% CI 4,24-230,52) of declining of weight for height Z Score than sufficient subjects.Conclusion : Insufficient energy and protein intakes can decline nutritional status in children during hospitalized.
Perbedaan perubahan berat badan, aktivitas fisik, dan kontrol glukosa darah antara anggota organisasi penyandang diabetes melitus dan non anggota
Authors: Kurniawati Dewi Marfu’ah , Isnawati M.
Published: December 2017

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that can not be cured, but the blood glucose levels can be controlled with diabetes management. There is organization in Indonesia for people with diabetes mellitus called Persadia (Persatuan Diabetes Indonesia). Patients who join diabetes peer group is expected to have a better lifestyle. Objective: To determine differences in weight changes, physical activity, and blood glucose control between Persadia members and non members.Method: Cross sectional study, with 42 subjects. The subjects were type 2 DM outpatients in Pantiwilasa Citarum Hospital, choosen by consecutive sampling and devided into 2 groups, Persadia members and non members. Weight changes was the difference of current weight with weight  from 3 months ago. Physical activity was exercise habits and measured by questionnaire. Blood glucose control was glucose concentrations and measured by HbA1C examination. Statistical analysis used was Chi Square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and Fisher.Result: Persadia group members had more frequent physical activity (52.4%) than non-member groups (9.6%). Based on statistical analysis there is a difference of physical activity between Persadia group members and non members (p = 0,042). While on weight change (p = 0,537) and blood glucose control (p = 0,663) there was no difference between Persadia member and non member.Conclusion: There is a difference between Persadia members and non-members on physical activity. However, there was no difference in weight change and blood glucose control between Persadia and non-member members.
Pengaruh jamur tiram putih (pleurotus ostreatus) terhadap kadar glukosa darah, profil lipid dan kadar MDA pada tikus (rattus norvegicus) diabetes melitus
Authors: Purbowati Purbowati , Johan Andrew , RMD RA Kisdjamiatun
Published: December 2017

Background : Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by acquired deficiency in insulin production by the pancreas, or by the ineffectiveness of using the produced insulin. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) can help lower blood glucose levels, improve lipid profile and reduce levels of MDA.Objective : to analyze the effect of oyster mushroom on blood glucose levels, lipid profile and MDA levels in STZ induced rats as type 1 DM model. Methods : thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: one positive group (1) and two treated group which received 100 mg/kgBB (2) and 200 mg/kgBB (3) oyster mushroom extract, respectively. The interventions were carried out for 30 days. The examination of blood glucose levels, lipid profile and MDA levels was before and after the intervention. The differences inthe datapre-post interventions were analyzed by paired t-test, whereas the differences between the groups were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and kruskal wallis followed by post hoc analysis. Results : the treatment group experienced a decrease in blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, MDA and an increase in HDL cholesterol levels post-intervention (p < 0,001). Oyster mushroom extract with the dose of 200 mg/kg was more effective in lowering blood glucose levels, MDA levels and improving lipid profiles (p < 0,001).Conclusion : Oyster mushrooms administration lowers blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, MDA and increases HDL cholesterol levels.
Determinan kejadian stunting pada bayi usia 6 bulan di Kota Semarang
Authors: Mustikaningrum Ardian Candra , Subagio Hertanto W , Margawati Ani
Published: December 2017

Background: Stunting is an indicator of chronic nutrition problems. Districts with the highest prevalence of stunting is the District Gunungpati (16,93%), Mijen (13,75%), and Tembalang (10,11%). The prevalence of stunting are more difficult to overcome with increasing age there should be a study to determine the incidence of stunting the determinant.Objective: To identify determinants of stunting in infants aged 6 months in the city of Semarang.Methods: case-control study, composed of 91 infants stunting and 91 normal infants. The sample selection using purposive sampling. Determinants studied were low birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding Giving early, the incidence of diarrhea, ISPA, the allocation of parenting time mother, maternal height, maternal education, family economic level, and head circumference. The research instrument with a questionnaire, digital baby scales, infantometer, and metline. Data were analyzed with the value of odds ratios  and multiple logistic regression.Results:The proportion of stunting was 39.6% in male babies and 60.4% in girls. Result of bivariate are low birth weight, the incidence of diarrhea, ISPA, maternal education, and family economic level association with stunting, but result in multivariate determinant incidence of stunting is the family's economic level (OR = 5,39, 95% CI = 2,73; 10,63, p<0,001), the incidence of acute respiratory infection (OR = 2,29, 95% CI = 1,16; 4,51, p=0,016). The family's economic level, the incidence of acute respiratory infection, and the incident of diarrhea contribute to stunting by 30%..Conclusion: The main determinants of stunting in infants 6 months is the  family’seconomic level.
Hubungan tingkat kecukupan zat gizi, lean body mass, dan aktivitas fisik dengan kepadatan tulang pada mahasiswa Universitas Udayana Denpasar
Authors: Dewi Ni Putu Puspita Adhytiarini , Susanto Hardhono , Rosidi Ali
Published: December 2017

Background: Bone formation and peak bone mass determine with bone density in adulthood related with osteopenia or osteoporosis. It could be influenced by nutrition intakes, lean body mass, and physical activity.Objective: to analyze the correlation between nutritional adequacy, lean body mass, physical activity and bone mineral density in Udayana University Economic’s students, Denpasar. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was done to female students of Faculty of Economic and Business, Udayana University, Denpasar. Seventy five subjects were choosen by simple random sampling. Results: Research subjects were aged 20-25 years old. The mean t-score of bone mineral density is -0,363 ± 1,057. Research subjects were classified as low bone density (osteopenia) 26,7% and 73,3% are normal. Intakes of animal protein (p = 0,042) and lean body mass (p = 0,011) are related with bone mineral density protein (p = 0,955) but not on intakes of vitamin A (p = 0,249), vitamin C (p = 0,632), vitamin D (p = 0,864), calcium (p = 0,724), iron (p = 0,768), magnesium (p = 0,689), phosphorus (p = 0,716), and physical activity (p = 0,254). There were a positive trend on the level of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus sufficiency.Conclusions: Intakes of Animal protein, lean body mass and physical activity related with bone mineral density but not on protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus intake.
IMPLEMENTASI KONVENSI PENGHAPUSAN SEGALA BENTUK DISKRIMINAS TERHADAP PEREMPUAN (CEDAW) DAN KORELASINYA TERHADAP KETIDAKSETARAAN GENDER DI CINA
Authors: Rahminita Siti Hediati
Published: December 2017

IMPLEMENTASI KONVENSI PENGHAPUSAN SEGALA BENTUK DISKRIMINAS TERHADAP PEREMPUAN (CEDAW) DAN KORELASINYA TERHADAP KETIDAKSETARAAN GENDERDI CINA
The Caccioppoli ultrafunctions
Authors: Benci Vieri , Berselli Luigi Carlo , Grisanti Carlo Romano
Published: December 2017

Ultrafunctions are a particular class of functions defined on a hyperreal fieldℝ∗⊃ℝ{\mathbb{R}^{\ast}\supset\mathbb{R}}. They have been introduced and studied in some previous works [2, 6, 7]. In this paper we introduce a particular space of ultrafunctions which has special properties, especially in term of localization of functions together with their derivatives. An appropriate notion of integral is then introduced which allows to extend in a consistent way the integration by parts formula, the Gauss theorem and the notion of perimeter. This new space we introduce, seems suitable for applications to Partial Differential Equations and Calculus of Variations. This fact will be illustrated by a simple, but meaningful example.
Strong Comparison Principle for the Fractional p-Laplacian and Applications to Starshaped Rings
Authors: Jarohs Sven
Published: December 2017

In the following, we show the strong comparison principle for the fractional p-Laplacian, i.e. we analyze

{

(

-
Δ

)

p
s

⁢
v

+

q
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|
v
|

p
-
2

⁢
v

≥
0

in 
D

,

(

-
Δ

)

p
s

⁢
w

+

q
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|
w
|

p
-
2

⁢
w

≤
0

in 
D

,

v

≥
w

in 

ℝ
N

,

\quad\left\{\begin{aligned} \displaystyle(-\Delta)^{s}_{p}v+q(x)\lvert v\rvert% ^{p-2}v&\displaystyle\geq 0&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{in ${D}$},\\ \displaystyle(-\Delta)^{s}_{p}w+q(x)\lvert w\rvert^{p-2}w&\displaystyle\leq 0&% &\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{in ${D}$},\\ \displaystyle v&\displaystyle\geq w&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{in ${\mathbb% {R}^{N}}$},\end{aligned}\right.

where

s
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{s\in(0,1)}

,

p
>
1

{p>1}

,

D
⊂

ℝ
N

{D\subset\mathbb{R}^{N}}

is an open set, and

q
∈

L
∞

⁢

(

ℝ
N

)

{q\in L^{\infty}(\mathbb{R}^{N})}

is a nonnegative function. Under suitable conditions on s, p and some regularity assumptions on v, w, we show that either

v
≡
w

{v\equiv w}

in

ℝ
N

{\mathbb{R}^{N}}

or

v
>
w

{v>w}

in D. Moreover, we apply this result to analyze the geometry of nonnegative solutions in starshaped rings and in the half space.
Erfassen – Veröffentlichen – Forschen. Perspektiven zur Erschließung von musealen Objekten im bibliothekarischen Kontext
Authors: Dührkohp Frank
Published: December 2017

In den vergangenen Jahren sind akademische Sammlungen der Universitäten, unterstützt von Förderprogrammen von DFG und BMBF, verstärkt in den Focus der wissenschaftlichen Bibliotheken gerückt. In diesem Zusammenhang hat die VZG eine Reihe von Diensten entwickelt, die Bibliotheken, aber auch Museen als zentrale Infrastruktur zur Erschließung in Erfassungsdatenbanken, Publikation in Portalen und Vernetzung mit Forschungsinfrastrukturen zur Verfügung stehen.
OCR-D – Koordinierte Förderinitiative zur Weiterentwicklung von OCR-Verfahren
Authors: Herrmann Elisa
Published: December 2017

Das Projekt OCR-D hat zum Ziel, das Verfahren der automatischen Texterkennung für historische Texte des 16.–19. Jahrhunderts weiterzuentwickeln. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden der derzeitige Arbeitsstand, das Funktionsmodell als Ergebnis der ersten Projektphase und die Herausforderungen der einzelnen Prozessschritte beschrieben. Für diese sollen nach Abschluss der Bedarfsanalyse in der primären Phase ab 2018 durch Modulprojekte Lösungen erarbeitet werden. Der Artikel basiert auf einem Vortrag auf dem 106. Bibliothekartag in Frankfurt a. M. von Dr. Thomas Stäcker und Elisa Herrmann.
Measurement of sirolimus concentrations in human blood using an automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA): a multicenter evaluation
Authors: Stove Veronique , Ramos Pedro Alía , Wallemacq Pierre , Vogeser Michael , Schuetzenmeister Andre , Schmiedel Christian , Shipkova Maria
Published: December 2017

Background:

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of sirolimus is essential in transplant recipients. We evaluated the performance of a new electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) for measuring sirolimus concentrations in whole blood at five European laboratories.

Methods:

Study assessments included repeatability, intermediate precision and functional sensitivity (concentration at coefficient of variation [CV] of 20%) experiments. Method comparisons with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS; reference method) and two immunoassays (chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay [CMIA] and antibody-conjugated magnetic immunoassay [ACMIA]) were performed using native samples from patients with kidney transplants.

Results:

Imprecision testing CVs were ≤6.4% and ≤10.7% across the sirolimus concentration range for both repeatability and intermediate precision, respectively. The ECLIA showed excellent functional sensitivity: the CV did not reach 20%; the CV at the assay’s limit of quantitation (1.5 μg/L) was 7.0%. Agreement between the ECLIA and LC-MS/MS using native kidney samples was close, with weighted Deming regression analysis yielding a slope of 1.05, an intercept of 0.154 μg/L and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.94, while Bland-Altman analysis showed a combined mean bias of 0.41 μg/L (±2 standard deviation [SD], −1.96 to 2.68). The ECLIA also showed good correlation with the two other immunoassays: the CMIA (slope=0.91, intercept=0.112 μg/L and r=0.89) and the ACMIA (slope=0.99, intercept=0.319 μg/L and r=0.97).

Conclusions:

The ECLIA showed good precision, functional sensitivity and agreement with other methods of sirolimus measurement used in clinical practice, suggesting that the assay is suitable for TDM in transplant recipients and provides an alternative to LC-MS/MS.
A Hybrid Method for Solving Inhomogeneous Elliptic PDEs Based on Fokas Method
Authors: Grylonakis Eleftherios-Nektarios G. , Filelis-Papadopoulos Christos K. , Gravvanis George A.
Published: December 2017

In this paper we propose a hybrid method for solving inhomogeneous elliptic PDEs based on the unified transform. This approach relies on the derivation of the global relation, containing certain integral transforms of the given boundary data as well as of the unknown boundary values. Herewith, the approximate global relation for the Poisson equation is solved numerically using a collocation method on the complex λ-plane, based on Legendre expansions. The corresponding numerical results are presented using closed-form expressions and numerical approximations for different types of boundary and source data, indicating the applicability of the considered approach. Additionally, the full solution is computed in a recursive manner by splitting the domain into smaller concentric polygons, and by using a spatial-stepping scheme followed by an interpolation step. Furthermore, numerical results are also given for the solution of the Poisson and the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equations on several convex polygons. Additional results are provided for the case of nonconvex polygons as well as for the case of a problem with discontinuities across an interface. The proposed approach provides a framework for solving inhomogeneous elliptic PDEs using the unified transform.
Numerical Analysis for the Pure Neumann Control Problem Using the Gradient Discretisation Method
Authors: Droniou Jérome , Nataraj Neela , Shylaja Devika
Published: December 2017

The article discusses the gradient discretisation method (GDM) for distributed optimal control problems governed by diffusion equation with pure Neumann boundary condition. Using the GDM framework enables to develop an analysis that directly applies to a wide range of numerical schemes, from conforming and non-conforming
finite elements, to mixed finite elements, to finite volumes and mimetic finite differences methods.
Optimal order error estimates for state, adjoint and control variables for low-order schemes are derived under standard regularity assumptions. A novel projection relation between the optimal control and the adjoint variable allows the proof of a super-convergence result for post-processed control. Numerical experiments performed using a modified active set strategy algorithm for conforming, non-conforming and mimetic finite difference methods confirm the theoretical rates of convergence.
Decomposing Pythagoras
Authors: Kaplan Edward H. , Rich Candler
Published: December 2017

The Pythagorean win expectancy model developed by Bill James remains one of the most celebrated results in sports analytics. Many have extended the application of this model from its original use in baseball to other sports. Others have shown technical scoring conditions that imply the equivalence of win probability and the Pythagorean model. However, no explanation has been offered for
Solvable Leibniz algebras with NFn⊕ Fm1 $\begin{array}{} F_{m}^{1} \end{array} $ nilradical
Authors: Camacho L.M. , Omirov B.A. , Masutova K.K. , Rikhsiboev I.M.
Published: December 2017

All finite-dimensional solvable Leibniz algebras L, having N = NFn⊕

$\begin{array}{}
F_{m}^{1}
\end{array} $ as the nilradical and the dimension of L equal to n+m+3 (the maximal dimension) are described. NFn and

$\begin{array}{}
F_{m}^{1}
\end{array} $ are the null-filiform and naturally graded filiform Leibniz algebras of dimensions n and m, respectively. Moreover, we show that these algebras are rigid.
Modified Sauve-Kapandji procedure for patients with old fractures of the distal radius
Authors: Guo Zhitao , Wang Yuli , Zhang Yacong
Published: December 2017

Objective

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a modified Sauve-Kapandji procedure for patients with old fractures in the distal radius.

Methods

Fifteen patients (10 male and 5 female patients with an average age of 40 years old) were treated by the modified Sauve-Kapandji procedure from January 2014 to April 2016. All patients had undergone at least one previous operation on the involved wrist, and they were still suffering from pain and functional limitations at the time of admission. The postoperative follow-up period was 12-26 months and the average was 20 months. Functional assessment was made at the last follow-up. All patients were evaluated according a Modified Mayo Wrist Score system.

Results

Of the fifteen patients with posttraumatic arthritis, thirteen had excellent results, two had good results, and one had fair results. There were no major complications.

Conclusions

The modified Sauve-Kapandji procedure is a safe and effective surgical alternative for intractable disorders of the distal radioulnar joint and can be recommended as a salvage procedure when previous treatments fail.
The crystal structure of (E)-4-(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)benzoic acid, C16H15NO4
Authors: Kirca Başak Koşar
Published: December 2017

C16H15NO4, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 4.9960(4) Å, b = 6.9139(5) Å, c = 20.7650(15) Å, α = 83.718(6)°, β = 84.805(6)°, γ = 78.648(6)°, V = 697.25(9) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0480, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0988, T = 296 K.
Paradox in the Woods: The Twin Destiny of Elves and Men in the Forests of Beleriand
Authors: Simonson Martin
Published: December 2017

In J. R. R. Tolkien’s tales set in the fictional region of Beleriand, the paradox of a union between immortal and mortal beings, and all that this dichotomy implies, is consistently reflected in wooded settings. At the same time, we can also discern a general direction, which will eventually bring both Elves and Men out of the dark woods and into the light in a symbolical process of enlightenment. However, the woods in the tales reflect both pitfalls and promises, making it impossible to interpret this natural environment as unequivocally positive or negative, but a mixture of both. Tolkien’s stance towards trees and forests can thus be seen as realistic rather than escapist in these tales.
Cooking and Eating Your Own Stories: (Metaphorical) Cannibalism in Margaret Atwood’sThe Robber Bride
Authors: Labudova Katarina
Published: December 2017

The Robber Brideby Margaret Atwood exposes a dangerous protagonist, Zenia, who is metaphorically introduced through images of drinking blood and eating raw meat. Her victims, Tony, Charis, and Roz, are associated with nurturing and nourishing foods: they eat together to comfort each other. Sarah Sceats’s, Fiona Tolan’s, and Jean Wyatt’s studies on feminism and female bonding in the novel have influenced this article, though it also questions the established opposition between the villainess Zenia and her victims: Zenia’s dark appetites are their own tastes for blood, revenge, and power. Zenia acts as a liberating and empowering ingredient. This article discusses the link between storytelling and cooking. I suggest that Zenia’s creative story-telling forces the women to acknowledge the darker dimension of their repressed fragments and past. Thus, they become independent and creative storytellers and cooks, just like Zenia.
Improvement of the Van Leusen reaction in the presence of β-cyclodextrin: a green and efficient synthesis of oxazoles in water
Authors: Rahimzadeh Golnaz , Kianmehr Ebrahim , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: December 2017

An efficient approach for the synthesis of oxazoles through the Van Leusen reaction in the presence of β-cyclodextrin is described. In aqueous medium using β-cyclodextrin as a supramolecular catalyst, tosylmethyl isocyanide was deprotonated by triethylamine and subsequently underwent an addition/cyclization reaction with aldehydes to produce corresponding oxazoles in excellent yields. This protocol improves the Van Leusen reaction with the use of catalytic amounts of base at low temperature in green media.
Creep Behavior and Long-Term Strength Characteristics of Greenschist Under Different Confining Pressures
Authors: Wang Zhen , Shen Mingrong , Gu Linlin , Zhang Feng
Published: December 2017

Creep and long-term strength are important time-dependent behaviors of rock. To study the time-dependent behavior of hard rock under different confining pressures, conventional triaxial tests and multistage creep tests were conducted on the greenschist in the Jinping II Hydropower Station at different confining pressures. Based on the test results, the characteristics of axial, lateral, and volumetric creep were analyzed, and the creep properties under different confining pressures were also studied in detail and evaluated quantitatively by a simple model. Meanwhile, a new method is proposed by which the long-term strength can be determined using the inflection point in the isostrain-rate curve. The test results revealed that the creep was weakened and the ratio of long-term strength to instantaneous strength decreased with increasing confining pressure, during which the deformation of the rock sample transitioned from brittle to ductile. It was found that the duration of the transient creep stage decreased and the lateral strain was more sensitive to the creep stress than the axial strain when the confining pressure increased. It is also observed that the long-term strength determined by the inflection point method is consistent with those estimated by the creep rate in multistage creep tests, and the accuracy of the method proposed in this research is verified.
A New Multicoefficients Creep Model for Concrete
Authors: Zheng Wenzhong , Tang Can
Published: December 2017

The existing creep models for concrete are usually accompanied by complex calculations or a limited application scope because the factors that influence the creep behavior of concrete are numerous. A new, multicoefficients compressive creep model for concrete was proposed. This model is suitable for humidity from 3 % to 100 %, temperature from −20°C to 80°C, effective size from 20 mm to 500 mm, loading age from 1 day to 1,000 days, compressive strength from 15 MPa to 180 MPa, and stress level η ≤ 0.76. First, creep experiments were conducted on 188 concrete prisms under controlled room conditions and humidity conditions, which included different axial compressive strengths, different theoretical stress levels, different loading ages, and different load durations. Moreover, the linear creep coefficient model was obtained by regression analysis of the linear creep experimental data. Then the correction coefficients of concrete strength, loading age, temperature, humidity, and effective size of specimen on the creep behavior of concrete were obtained by fitting the 1,148 experimental data from references. Finally, the amplification coefficient formula of nonlinear creep was obtained from the relation between nonlinear convergences and linear creep experimental data, and the proposed creep model was verified by experimental data.
Validation of a Clothing Heat Transfer Model in Nonisothermal Test Conditions
Authors: McQuerry Meredith
Published: December 2017

Heat transfer through clothing systems can mean the difference between life and death for first responders, such as firefighters, who perform intense physical activity in extreme environmental conditions. Total heat loss (THL) is a fabric level test method required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to assess the thermal burden imposed by materials in the construction of turnout clothing. This methodology, however, does not account for garment fit, construction, or air layers that develop within the clothing. Instead, thermal manikins may be used to measure the THL of entire clothing systems according to ASTM test methods. Environmental test conditions between the two standard methods (fabric versus manikin) differ, creating the need for an adapted heat transfer model for manikin THL comparisons in similar environmental conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to validate the assumptions of a heat transfer model originally developed and published by Ross, Barker, and Deaton (2012) for its accuracy in predicting manikin THL in nonisothermal test conditions. Three protective clothing systems with varying levels of clothing insulation were tested for THL in both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions as well as on the sweating guarded hot plate. Predictive calculations using Ross’s heat transfer model, adapted from the original THL hot plate calculation in ASTM F1868, Standard Test Method for Thermal and Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Materials Using a Sweating Hot Plate, were correlated to the actual manikin measurements taken in isothermal conditions to determine if there is any bias present in the current model.
Design and Fabrication of Jominy End-Quench Testing Machine: Hardenability Evaluation of AISI-8620 Case-Hardening Steel
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Aqib , Mehdi Muhammad , Owais Muhammad , Nasir Muhammad , Haider Syed Muhammad Kumail
Published: December 2017

Metallurgists have long considered the hardenability evaluation because of its necessity in formulating the hardness penetration rate of alloys with reference to their cooling curves. In this work, we designed and fabricated a Jominy end-quench testing machine by following ASTM-A255, Standard Test Methods for Determining Hardenability of Steel, through computer-aided designing. Our design possesses the novelty of water recycling, cooling tower, water-level indicator, and facile interface, and it is compatible with the environment. A hardenability evaluation test of AISI-8620 case-hardening steel has been performed on the as-fabricated machine. The results confirmed that AISI-8620 achieved the maximum hardness of 43.6 HRC at its quenching end through water quenching. Metallographic studies reveal the formation of a sufficient amount of martensite and other microstructures such as retained austenite, bainite, sorbite, and pearlite.
Vaccine Against Entheropathogenic E. colii: A Systematic Review
Authors: Franzotti Vasconcellos Halyka Luzório , Dias da Silva Wilmar , Nascimento Ivan Pereira , Kipnis André
Published: December 2017

Enteric diseases are a major cause of childhood death in the developing world, ranking as the second cause of death in children. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC) are important diarrheal pathogens of children under 5 years of age. Due to high mortality, several international organizations such as the WHO and UNICEF have dedicated preventive and control programs for diarrheal diseases. Among the suggested initiatives aiming to prevent infectious diarrhea include vaccine development and improvement in sanitation and water and food supplies. Upon contact with host cells, EPEC delivers an array of virulence protein factors, which integrated actions interferes with the normal adjusting the targets molecular cell functions leading to diarrhea. The locus of entherocyte effacement (LEE)pathogenicity island contains genes encoding synthesis of the EPEC virulence factors membrane adhesin intimin, T3SS (Esc and Sep proteins), chaperones (Ces proteins), translocators (EspA, EspB, and EspD), effector proteins (EspF, EspG, EspH, Map and EspZ), the translocated intimin receptor (Tir), and the regulatory protein Ler (LEEencoded regulator).Bundle-forming pilus (BfpA) is another virulence factor that mediates the initial contact between EPEC and the host cell. BfpA is encoded by a gene localized on a 50–70 MDa plasmid and is designated as EPEC adherence factor (EAF). BfpA, intimin and translocated Tir initiate EPEC infection. This repertoire of virulence factors offers strategic epitopes as vaccine candidates. Employing the proposed technologies for modern vaccines, recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis (Smeg) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG strains were constructed to express BfpA, intimin and EspA. Recombinant clones were selected based on kanamycin resistance. Recombinant proteins are immunogenic, and the resultant antibodies recognize and block EPEC adhesion onto HEp-2 target cells. In attention to regulatory agency recommendations, kanamycin should not be used to produce rBCG expressing the E. colii EPEC virulence factors BfpA, intimin and EspA. Accordingly, an expression system with a Pasteur auxotrophic BCG mutant for leucine (BCG Pasteur ΔleuD) and a replicative vector (pUP410)should be used. Obtained recombinants will be grown in large scale, and their immunogenic effectivity and human safety submitted to WHO indicated quality controls
Copy number profiling of oncogenes in ductal carcinoma in situ of the male breast
Authors: Vermeulen Marijn A , Doebar Shusma C , van Deurzen Carolien H M , Martens John W M , van Diest Paul J , Moelans Cathy B
Published: December 2017

Characterizing male breast cancer (BC) and unraveling male breast carcinogenesis is challenging because of the rarity of this disease. We investigated copy number status of 22 BC-related genes in 18 cases of pure ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) and in 49 cases of invasive carcinoma (IC) with adjacent DCIS (DCIS-AIC) in males using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Results were compared to female BC and correlated with survival. Overall, copy number ratio and aberration frequency including all 22 genes showed no significant difference between the 3 groups. Individual unpaired analysis revealed a significantly higherMTDHcopy number ratio in IC compared to DCIS-AIC and pure DCIS (P = 0.009 andP = 0.038, respectively).ADAM9showed a significantly lower copy number aberration frequency in male BC, compared to female BC (P = 0.020). In DCIS-AIC,MTDH,CPD,CDC6andTOP2Ashowed a lower frequency of copy number increase in males compared to females (P < 0.001 for all 4 genes). In IC,CPDgain andCCNE1gain were independent predictors of poor overall survival. In conclusion, male DCIS and IC showed a similar copy number profile for 21 out of 22 interrogated BC-related genes, illustrating their clonal relation and the genetically advanced state of male DCIS.MTDHshowed a higher copy number ratio in IC compared to adjacent and pure DCIS and may therefore play a role in male breast carcinogenesis. Differences were detected between male and female DCIS for 4 genes pointing to differences in breast carcinogenesis between the sexes.
Contractile reserve as a predictor of prognosis in patients with non-ischaemic systolic heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Waddingham Peter H. , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev , Van Zalen Jet , Lloyd Guy
Published: December 2017

Objective: Patients with non-ischaemic systolic heart failure (HF) and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are a heterogenous group with varied morbidity and mortality. Prognostication in this group is challenging. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the significance of the presence of contractile reserve as assessed via stress imaging on mortality and hospitalisation.

Methods: A search for studies that non-invasively assessed contractile reserve in patients with DCM or non-ischaemic HF with reduced ejection fraction, stress imaging with follow-up data comparing outcomes. A range of imaging modalities and stressors were included. We examined primary endpoints of mortality and secondary endpoints of combined cardiovascular events including HF progression or hospitalisation. Our analysis compared endpoints in patients with contractile reserve and those without it.

Results: Nine prospective cohort studies were identified describing a total of 787 patients. These studies are methodologically but not statistically heterogenous (I
2 = 31%). Using a random effect model, the presence of contractile reserve was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality and cardiovascular events odds ratios of 0.20 (CI 0.11, 0.39) (P < 0.00001) and 0.13 (CI 0.04, 0.40) (P = 0.0004), respectively.

Conclusion: Regardless of stressor and imaging modality and despite the significant methodological heterogeneity within the current data (imaging techniques and parameters), patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and reduced EF who demonstrate contractile reserve have a lower mortality, and lower events/hospitalisations. The presence of contractile reserve therefore offers a potential positive prognostic indicator when managing these patients.
Uroguanylin: a new actor in the energy balance movie
Authors: Folgueira C , Barja-Fernandez S , Gonzalez-Saenz P , Pena-Leon V , Castelao C , Ruiz-Piñon M , Casanueva F F , Nogueiras R , Seoane L M
Published: December 2017

Uroguanylin (UGN) is a potential target in the fight against obesity. The mature protein is released after enzymatic cleavage from its natural precursor, proUGN. UGN is mostly produced in the gut, and its production is regulated by nutritional status. However, UGN is also produced in other tissues such as the kidneys. In the past, UGN has been widely studied as a natriuretic peptide owing to its involvement in several different pathologies such as heart failure, cancer and gastrointestinal diseases. However, recent studies have suggested that UGN also acts as a regulator of body weight homeostasis because it modulates both food intake and energy expenditure. This ultimately results in a decrease in body weight. This action is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Future studies should be directed at the potential effects of UGN agonists in regulating body weight in human obesity.
Cambios en el uso y cobertura de la tierra entre 1948 y 2012 en el Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe, Costa Rica
Authors: Acuña-Piedra Jéssica Francini , Quesada-Román Adolfo
Published: December 2017

El Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe (HNTS) es el humedal más grande de Costa Rica, se localiza al SE del país entre las coordenadas geográficas 8° 47” Latitud Norte y 83° 38” Longitud Oeste. Está constituido por el delta Térraba-Sierpe, el cual está cubierto de una densa vegetación de manglar que ha sido modificada durante más de seis décadas hacia usos agrícolas de la tierra. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar los cambios de coberturas y usos de la tierra que ha tenido el Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe a partir de la interpretación de fotografías aéreas y una imagen satelital, además de corroboración de campo para entender las tendencias durante 64 años de análisis asociadas a patrones climáticos, geomorfológicos y antrópicos. Se determinó que la deforestación tuvo una pérdida periódica neta entre 1948 y 2012 de más de 2 562.79 ha, con una pérdida anual neta de 40 ha por año. Este trabajo generó una línea base en el análisis de los cambios en los usos y coberturas de la tierra del humedal Térraba-Sierpe, cuantificando los impactos antrópicos causados a lo largo de más de 40 años en el manglar y zonas adyacentes, y puso en evidencia las buenas decisiones en legislación ambiental tomadas durante la década de 1990 para la protección de estos frágiles ecosistemas.
Diversidad y abundancia de los equinodermos y su relación con la cobertura bentónica del arrecife Enmedio, Sistema Arrecifal Lobos-Tuxpan, México
Authors: Morales-Quijano Itzel , De la Cruz-Francisco Vicencio , González-González Marlene , Argüelles Jiménez Jimmy
Published: December 2017

Hasta la fecha, en el Área Natural Protegida, Sistema Arrecifal Lobos-Tuxpan, aún se desconoce la ecología comunitaria de los equinodermos. Por ello, fueron contabilizadas especies de equinodermos en el arrecife Enmedio, utilizando cuadrantes de 1 m2. Los cuadrantes fueron colocados a cada 5 m sobre tres transectos de 50 m de largo en el arrecife posterior, laguna arrecifal y arrecife frontal. Con los datos obtenidos se estimaron riqueza de especies, abundancia, densidad, equitatividad, dominancia de Simpson y diversidad verdadera. Asimismo, se determinaron similitudes entre las zonas de muestreo mediante análisis de similitud y ordenación. También se realizó un análisis de correspondencia canónica utilizando como variable ambiental la cobertura bentónica. Se cuantificó un total de 5 569 equinodermos, identificándose cinco clases, 10 órdenes, 16 familias, 19 géneros y 23 especies. La densidad de equinodermos en el arrecife fue de 11.23 ind/m2; las especies más importantes en abundancia y densidad fueron: Echinometra viridis (3 389 organismos; 6.85 ind/m2) y Echinometra lucunter lucunter (1 803 organismos; 3.64 ind/m2). En la laguna arrecifal se registró mayor riqueza, abundancia y densidad de equinodermos, en comparación con las zonas profundas. Los tres ambientes arrecifales, mostraron altos valores de dominancia y bajos valores de diversidad verdadera. Las zonas de muestreo presentaron baja similitud y no manifestaron una zonación distintiva entre ambientes arrecifales. Solamente diez especies de equinodermos tuvieron afinidades con la cobertura de corales, macroalgas, algas filamentosas y escombros, estos sustratos parecen ser factores claves en la distribución y abundancia de los equinodermos en el arrecife Enmedio.
Cambios ambientales y tróficos a través de un análisis a largo plazo del sistema lagunar Chantuto-Panzacola, Chiapas, México
Authors: Gómez-Ortega Rocío , De la Lanza-Espino Guadalupe , Tovilla-Hernández Cristian , Barba-Macías Everardo , Valle-Mora J. , Castañeda-López Ofelia , Ramos-Santiago Eduardo
Published: December 2017

La eutrofización es el proceso de enriquecimiento del agua por nutrientes, que estimula un incremento en la productividad primaria y frecuentemente está relacionado con las proliferaciones de algas nocivas y con las condiciones de hipoxia/anoxia. Este fenómeno, asociado al incremento de la presión antropogénica, se ha convertido en un fenómeno de proporciones globales, por lo que se han realizado diversos esfuerzos para su detección y control. El presente estudio tuvo como objeto analizar la variación espacio-temporal del sistema estuarino Chantuto-Panzacola, tomando en cuenta registros de más de dos décadas anteriores (1990-2009), y su condición físicoquímica actual (2015-2016). Se aplicaron y desarrollaron índices tróficos y ecológicos a las condiciones tropicales, así como su variación a lo largo del período de análisis. La cuantificación y el análisis de los parámetros físicoquímicos e índices tróficos determinaron que existen cambios en su patrón anual a partir del 2008, determinada principalmente por los nitratos más nitritos. Sin embargo, en el último año se observó un mayor predominio del amonio. En todos los nutrientes, comparando poco más de 25 años, se obtuvieron concentraciones mayores en los últimos períodos, cuyas concentraciones aumentaron más del 90% su promedio anual. La aplicación de los índices tróficos corroboró un activo proceso de eutrofización a partir del año 2008, con énfasis en las lagunas de Chantuto, Cerritos y Panzacola, debido al constante aporte de nutrientes proveniente de los ríos adyacentes que contribuyen al aumento de nitrógeno y fósforo.