bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POSTMODERNIST MARKERS OF URS WIDMER’S IDIOSTYLE
Authors: Stikhina Irina Aleksandrovna
Published: June 2018

The article reveals the content of the interdisciplinary notion “idiostyle”, which is actively debated in linguistics and literary criticism. Considering Urs Widmer’s idiostyle, the author analyzes the markers typical of postmodernist texts using the example of a single story. Similar markers are revealed in a number of other works of the writer. Attention is also accentuated on the interrelation between the verbal and content features of the work; the latter are discovered by the example of the analyzed story using the literary approach. Synthesis of interrelated linguo-poetic and literary methods is thus presented as an optimal variant in the study of the writer’s idiostyle.
Differences Between Male and Female Entrepreneurs in The Kingdom of Bahrain: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Salindo Randolf Von N.
Published: June 2018

The research was conducted to investigate the effect
of gender on the composition of start-up capital among
Bahraini entrepreneurs, particularly those belonging to the
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. This research
also wants to determine if there is any significant moderating
effect of the time commitment (part-time or fulltime);
financial management experience; business networking
frequency; and, Bahraini women entrepreneurs’ attitude
towards risk on the start-up capital requirements (debt and
equity) of these entrepreneurs. A total of 89 SME owners
participated in the study from September to November 2016.
This research proved that there is a significant relationship
between gender and financial capital in the case of Bahraini
entrepreneurs suggesting that gender has a direct impact on
the proportion of bank loans and equity in the total amount
of financial start-up capital used. A significant relationship
between risk attitude and financial capital was also
determined and proved that female entrepreneurs have a
lower propensity to take risk than their male counterparts.
There was however no significant relationship to prove that
time commitment (part-time or fulltime); financial
management experience; and, business networking frequency
have an impact on SME start-up capital structure. In light of
these conclusions from the study, the researcher
recommended that government and business agencies in
Bahrain remove the barriers to entry for women
entrepreneurs, especially in the area of access to capital,
not only from banks but also from other financial institutions.
He also recommended that the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce
Inc. (BCCI), Bahrain Management Society and other likeminded
business agencies and organizations take note of the
result of this study to come up with trainings and workshops
to empower Bahraini women entrepreneurs especially in the
area of risk management.
‘Triple P’ to Improve English Speaking Ability of Students in English Language and Literature Study Program Sawerigading University
Authors: Nazaruddin Rezkiawati , Syamsuddin Syamsuddin
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to find out whether the triple P model can

Improve the students' speaking skills. This research is a Classroom Action Research

which applied to the students of English Language and Literature Study Program of Sawerigading University the academic year of 2016/2017.

During the learning process, students are taught using ‘Triple P’ model. This model includes three activities; presentation, practice and production. In general it can be concluded that this model could motivate the students to speak confidently in the classroom and showed the improvement of students’ creativity on teaching learning process, their ability to express their own ideas, and their ability to interact or communicate with their

friends.
Virus respiratoires dans les pneumonies associées aux soins
Authors: Loubet P. , Voiriot G. , Neuville M. , Visseaux B. , Timsit J.-F.
Published: June 2018

Les pneumonies acquises à l’hôpital (PAH) sont fréquentes. À l’ère des techniques diagnostiques de biologie moléculaire (multiplex polymerase chain reaction), les rares données disponibles estiment que les virus respiratoires sont impliqués dans 22 à 32 % des épisodes. Les patients immunodéprimés constituent probablement la population la plus à risque. La présentation clinique et radiologique ne diffère pas entre pneumonies bactériennes, virales et mixtes (virus–bactérie). L’excrétion prolongée de virus respiratoires dans les voies aériennes a été rapportée chez les patients immunodéprimés. Elle pourrait promouvoir la co-infection bactérienne, associée à des durées d’hospitalisation prolongées. L’acquisition intrahospitalière a été démontrée chez tous les virus respiratoires. Elle encourage la mise en œuvre et le respect des mesures d’hygiène et de confinement, dans l’objectif de protéger soignants, visiteurs et patients. De nombreux points restent largement méconnus, relatifs aux interactions entre virus respiratoires et pathogènes non viraux, aux périodes d’incubation, ou encore aux durées d’excrétion virale. L’amélioration des techniques diagnostiques et l’accumulation de données épidémiologiques et cliniques devraient permettre de mieux appréhender le rôle des virus respiratoires dans les PAH. Cette meilleure connaissance aidera à rationaliser l’utilisation des tests de détection et facilitera l’interprétation de leurs résultats. Elle guidera aussi le clinicien dans l’utilisation future des nombreuses molécules antivirales actuellement en développement clinique chez l’homme.
Examining the Interface of Lego Mindstorms Ev3 Robot Programming
Authors: Kunduracıoğlu İsmail
Published: June 2018

Nowadays, the value of programming education is increasing and the
starting age of education has decreased to primary schools. Parallel to this,
programming tools have also been diversified. Classical programming seems
difficult for beginners and especially young children. So block programming
languages have been developed. Block programming is easier for beginners to
adapt. With the spread of programming education, block programming has been
developed, many languages and materials have been developed for programming robots
with blocks. One of the most widely used among these robots is the Lego
Mindstorms EV3 robot. In this context, the aim this study is to introduce Lego
EV3, to examine the programming interface and to provide information on how to
use it.
EXAMINING SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ SELF-EFFICACIES IN INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD USE
Authors: AKSU Fatma Nur , ÖZTÜRK Gülcan
Published: June 2018

The present study
aimed to determine secondary school teachers’ self-efficacy levels regarding
the use of interactive whiteboard and to examine whether their self-efficacy
perceptions regarding the use of interactive whiteboard differed with respect
to certain variables such as gender, field of teaching, training received on
interactive whiteboard use, frequency of using the contents in Educational
Informatics Network (EIN), frequency of interactive whiteboard use in lessons,
suggesting interactive whiteboard use in lessons to other teachers and
interactive whiteboard use time. The research sample included a total of 154
teachers from secondary schools in a district located in Western Anatolia. The
research sample was determined using the convenience sampling method. The study
was carried out with the relational survey model, one of quantitative research
methods, and as the data collection tool, “Self-Efficacy Scale for Teachers’
Interactive Whiteboard Use” developed by Yalçınkaya and Özkan (2014) was used.
The data collected in the study were analyzed using a package software for
statistics. For the analysis of the data, the teachers’ self-efficacy total and
mean scores regarding interactive whiteboard use were examined. The research
findings revealed that the teachers had high levels of self-efficacies
regarding interactive whiteboard use; that their self-efficacy scores increased
as the EIN content use increased; that their self-efficacy scores increased as
their interactive whiteboard use time increased; and that the teachers who
suggested using interactive whiteboard in lessons had higher levels of
self-efficacy when compared to those who did not. In addition, it was found
that the teachers’ self-efficacy scores did not differ significantly depending
on their gender and field of teaching. In the study, several suggestions were
put forward for future related studies.
Effects of Elevated Temperature and Potassium on Biomass and Quality of Dark Red ‘Lollo Rosso’ Lettuce
Authors: Sublett William , Barickman T. , Sams Carl
Published: June 2018

Lettuce is an economically important crop for small and medium-sized growers. When grown in adverse environmental conditions, lettuce is vulnerable to a deterioration of yield and quality. Research concerning the impact of elevated potassium (K) levels on leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, is lacking. Therefore, seeds of dark-red ‘Lollo’ lettuce were germinated under greenhouse conditions at 25/20 °C (day/night). Plants were transferred into 11-L containers and placed into growth chambers at 25 and 33 °C. Plants were grown with K treatments of 117.3 (control), 234.6 (2×), 469.2 (4×), and 4) 938.4 (8×) mg·L−1. Increasing K treatments resulted in a negative quadratic response on lettuce dry mass and generated 14% more leaf calcium at 234.6 mg·L−1. An increase in temperature from 25 to 33 °C increased leaf dry matter and biomass by 40% and 43%, respectively. Leaf water content increased by 3% as temperature increased. Plants grown at 33 °C had greater quercetin glycosides compared to plants grown at 25 °C. The results from this study suggest that temperature is a stronger regulatory factor than increasing K in the determination of lettuce yield and quality. Increasing K concentration to 234.6 mg·L−1 results in greater concentrations of leaf minerals without compromising plant yield.
Congenital Hypothyroidism 3-Year Follow-Up Project: Region 4 Midwest Genetics Collaborative Results
Authors: Wintergerst Kupper A. , Eugster Erica , Andruszewski Karen , Kleyn Mary , Vanderburg Nancy , Sockalosky Joe , Menon Ram , Linard Sharon , Kingery Suzanne , Rose Susan R. , Moore Julie , Gembel Gina , Gorman Lisa
Published: June 2018

To identify the 3-year follow-up management and education patterns of primary care clinicians and pediatric endocrinologists for children diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) through newborn screening programs, the Region 4 Midwest Genetics Collaborative, made up of seven regional states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin), performed a survey study of parents and physicians caring for children identified with CH. The clinicians and parents of 409 children with CH regionally identified in 2007 were invited to participate in a voluntary survey. Responses relating to treatment, monitoring practices, educational resources, genetic counseling, and services provided/received were collected from 214 clinicians and 77 parents. In total, 99% had undergone a confirmatory test following positive newborn screening and 55% had imaging at diagnosis, but only 50% were identified as having the etiology identified. Thyroid withdrawal challenge testing was the choice method for re-evaluating thyroid function, but the approach varied. Clinician and parent responses to education and genetic counseling also differed. Clinicians report face-to-face education as the most common method, with less than 50% providing handouts to patients. Only 14% of patients were referred to a genetics counselor. Of parents reporting on their educational experience, 86% received face-to-face education from a pediatric endocrinologist and 4% received education from a genetic counselor. Only 65%, however, were satisfied with their education. These survey data suggest a lack of a standardized approach to diagnosis, follow-up, education, and genetic counseling. This collaborative effort provides insight into developing three-year follow-up, education and genetic counseling guidelines for children diagnosed with CH.
The Nexus of FDI, R&D, and Human Capital on Chinese Sustainable Development: Evidence from a Two-Step Approach
Authors: Park Sang-Do
Published: June 2018

This study examines the effect of the foreign direct investment (FDI)–human capital and R&D–human capital interactions (FDIHC and RDHHC) on Chinese development between 1991 and 2015. Based on endogenous growth theory, the study focuses on FDI, R&D, and human capital as important factors for sustained economic growth; the interactions among factors are set as the main variables affecting economic growth (GDP). In particular, this study attempts a two-step empirical analysis. First, data mining and semantic network analysis (SNA) are performed using variables as keywords; reliability and realism are reflected as variables. Second, using the vector error correction model (VECM), the study analyzes short and long run mutual influences between variables. The results show that, in data mining and SNA with FDI and R&D as keywords, words related to human capital show high frequency, centrality, and clustering. This finding implies that FDIHC and RDHHC have robustness as variables and can be used as interaction variables. According to the VECM results, FDIHC and RDHHC have positive influences on GDP in the short and long run. The results of a variance decomposition test show that RDHHC has strong mid- to long-run impacts on GDP, FDIHC, and R&D itself.
Fast-Charge Life Cycle Test on a Lithium-Ion Battery Module
Authors: Vellucci F. , Pede G.
Published: June 2018

This study addresses the effects of fast charge on a lithium-ion battery module made by four lithium-iron-phosphate cells connected in series, submitted to a test profile which included a fast-charge step at a current rate of 3 C. This test profile simulated the real working profile requested by the batteries of an electric bus to perform a particular service of local public transportation, with the batteries recharging at the end of line. More than 3000 shallow cycles were performed. The battery module did not show a significant reduction in performance in terms of capacity and energy; however, a relevant increase in resistance was observed. Due to this change, the autonomy of the electric bus was reduced correspondingly. By fixing a minimum value for the autonomy, a life estimate of the battery module was made. Finally, on the base of this result, a cost estimate and comparison between slow and fast charge was made, under the same service conditions throughout the vehicle’s lifespan, for a real case of a minibus equipped with a battery system sized for fast charge at the end of line, and a larger battery system sized for slow charge at the end of a working day. This comparison proved that, in the case study considered, the solution using fast charge was cheaper, and fast charge can be a valid approach to solve the problem of short autonomy of electric vehicles.
Measurement of Pressure Field on Stationary Rotary Wing Model for Further Computation of Chaff Cloud Bloom
Authors: Žák J. , Rozehnal D. , Hnidka J. , Mach M. , Dvořáček F.
Published: June 2018

This article describes the current situation in the area of electronic warfare. Aircraft protection can be greatly utilised not only in military but also in civilian applications. Active radar signal jamming methods are costly and therefore, aircraft protection using Chaff jamming increases efficiency, application variability and makes aircraft protection affordable. The article describes Chaff and the initial set of measurements designed for measuring aerodynamic pressure around a stationary helicopter model. This data lays foundations for the direction of further development, which is introduced at the end of the article.
North American Xyleborini north of Mexico: a review and key to genera and species (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae)
Authors: Gomez Demian F. , Rabaglia Robert J. , Fairbanks Katherine E. O. , Hulcr Jiri
Published: June 2018

Bark and ambrosia beetles (Scolytinae) are the most successful group of invasive wood borers worldwide, and the most invasive among them are species in the tribe Xyleborini. This haplodiploid, highly inbred, fungus-farming group is represented by 30 non-native species in North America, of which at least five are serious pests. The few identification resources for Xyleborini that exist are becoming outdated due to new species arrivals and nomenclatural changes. Here we present a new comprehensive key to Xyleborini currently known from the continental United States. Compared to the previous key, the following species have been added to the North American fauna:Ambrosiodmusminor(Stebbing),Ambrosiophilusnodulosus(Eggers),AnisandrusmaicheKurentsov,Coptoboruspseudotenuis(Schedl),Cyclorhipidionfukiense(Eggers),DryocoetoidesreticulatusAtkinson,Dryoxylononoharaense(Murayama),Euwallaceainterjectus(Blandford),Xyleborinusandrewesi(Blandford),Xyleborinusartestriatus(Eichhoff),Xyleborinusoctiesdentatus(Murayama),XyleborusbispinatusEichhoff,XyleborusseriatusBlandford,XyleborusspinulosusBlandford, andXylosandrusamputatus(Blandford).
Could an increase in vigilance for spinal tuberculosis at primary health care level, enable earlier diagnosis at district level in a tuberculosis endemic country?
Authors: Galloway Karen M. , Parker Romy
Published: June 2018

Background: Expert clinicians and researchers in the field of spinal tuberculosis (STB) advocate for early identification and diagnosis as a key to reducing disability, severity of disease, expensive surgery and death, especially in tuberculosis (TB) endemic countries like South Africa. South Africa has the highest incidence per capita of tuberculosis in the world, and a conservative estimate of the incidence of STB in South Africa is 8–16:100 000. People living with STB may initially present to primary health care (PHC) centres, where the opportunity exists for early identification. Spinal pain is the most common presentation of STB, but even this symptom may not be present. Occasionally the only symptoms are neurological injury, dysphagia or referred pain. Computerised tomography-guided biopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard for STB.Aim: A narrative review was undertaken to investigate the evidence available that could assist with the early diagnosis of STB.Method: Articles were searched for and retrieved from three databases and assessed for quality and relevance to primary settings in a TB endemic country.Results: The following evidence-based, affordable and available tools could facilitate early diagnosis of STB at PHC and district hospital levels: (1) back pain screening questions, undressed spinal physical examination, HIV and antiretroviral therapy history, (2) erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, platelets, haemoglobin, white cell count (WCC), sputum for GeneXpert and accurate weight measurement, (3) physiotherapy and/or medical and/or speech therapy assessment, (4) full spinal radiograph, chest radiograph, abdominal ultrasound, urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) if CD4 < 200 and ultrasound-guided biopsy of superficial abscesses, (5) clear referral guidelines at all levels, (6) a positive response to treatment to confirm the diagnosis.Conclusion: These affordable and simple actions at PHC and district levels could facilitate earlier diagnosis of STB.
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Manifestations of Spinal Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Chuanyu , Wang Shaohua , Wang Hexiang , Zhu Yupeng , Hao Dapeng
Published: June 2018

Aim:

The purpose of the study was to analyze and summarize the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of spinal monostotic fibrous dysplasia (MFD) as well as evaluate the clinical value of CT and MRI in MFD diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

CT (n = 4) and MRI (n = 5) images of six patients with pathologically confirmed spinal MFD were examined. The assessed image features included location, shape, rib involvement, vertebral collapse, margin, attenuation, and sclerotic rim on CT, as well as signal intensity, dark signal rim, and enhancement pattern on MRI.

Results:

In total, four of six patients underwent CT scanning. The most common findings on CT scanning were expansile lesions (n = 4), sclerotic rims (n = 4), and ground-glass opacity (GGO) (n = 4). In total, five of six patients underwent MRI. The lesions were low-signal intensity (n = 2), low-to-isointense signal intensity (n = 1), and low-signal intensity with several isointense portions (n = 2) on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). The lesions were low-signal intensity (n = 1), isointense to high intensity (n = 1), and isointense signal intensity with several high portions (n = 3) on T2WI. A dark signal rim was found in most cases on T1WI and T2WI (n = 4). The lesions (n = 2) showed obvious enhancement.

Conclusions:

The CT and MRI manifestations of spinal MFD have the following characteristics: expansile lesion, GGO, sclerotic rim, and no obvious soft-tissue mass. The combined use of CT and MRI examinations is necessary for patients with suspected spinal MFD.
Welded and Cold-Drawn, High Strength (690 MPa Tensile Strength) Low Alloy Steel Hydraulic Tubing, Stress Relieved Annealed for Bending, Flaring, Cold Forming and Brazing
Authors:   Metallic Tubing Committee
Published: June 2018

This specification covers stress relieved annealed electric resistance welded and cold-drawn single-wall high strength low alloy steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic pressure lines and in other applications requiring tubing of a quality suitable for bending, flaring, cold forming, and brazing.

The grade of material produced to this specification is of micro-alloy content. Nominal reference working pressures for this tubing are listed in ISO 10763 and SAE J1065.

CAUTION: Sub-critically annealed steels are often produced using anneal temperatures below the Lower Critical Temperature (AC1) of the given steel to achieve the desired strength levels. Welding, brazing, or other processing methods that subject the tube material or assembly to temperatures near or above AC1 might initiate isothermal transformation of the tube microstructure and compromise the strength of the tube in the heat affected zone by further annealing the tube. Therefore, ISO 10763 and SAE J1065 nominal reference working pressures might not be applicable. It is recommended that the user and the fabricator validate and agree that the tube assembly design and pressure ratings are not compromised beyond system design from these processes. Performance testing as described in SAE J2551-2 will facilitate appropriate test recommendations.

Brazed and/or welded tube assembly configurations made to specific geometry and components in association with this material may require qualification testing in accordance with ISO 19879 Test Methods for Hydraulic Fluid Power Connections. Cold forming the tube end connections in place of thermal processes such as brazing and welding avoids this systemic testing by not compromising the structural integrity of the tube material.

In an effort to standardize within a global marketplace and ensure that companies can remain competitive in an international market, it is the intent to convert to metric tube sizes which will:

Lead to one global system

Guide users to preferred system

Reduce complexity

Eliminate inventory duplications
Presentación del Dossier: Arquitectura moderna en El Salvador.
Authors: Gutiérrez Poizat Sandra
Published: June 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 150, 2017: 5-8
Portfólios reflexivos e o ensino de ciências: estratégia inovadora de ensino
Authors: Gerevini Alessandra Mocellim , Gewehr Diógenes , Strohschoen Andreia Aparecida Guimarães
Published: June 2018

Este estudo busca problematizar as implicaes do uso de uma estratgia inovadora no ensino de cincias: portflios reflexivos. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratrio com abordagem qualitativa. Foi desenvolvido em uma escola pblica do estado do Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil, tendo como sujeitos de investigao dois professores da disciplina de Cincias e seis estudantes do Ensino Fundamental, stimo e oitavo anos. Os professores planejaram as atividades e tanto eles como os estudantes utilizaram portflios reflexivos individuais, estes compem os instrumentos de anlise deste estudo. A pesquisa teve incio em novembro de 2014 e trmino em outubro de 2015. Os portflios produzidos foram analisados luz da Anlise Textual Discursiva. Os achados deste estudo permitem inferir a contribuio do uso de portflios reflexivos para o aprendizado, estmulo ao pensamento crtico-reflexivo dos estudantes e desenvolvimento autonomia destes.
A atividade experimental como estrutura para o ensino de Ciências no CECINE nos anos de 1960 e 1970.
Authors: Lima Kênio Erithon Cavalcante , Teixeira Francimar Martins
Published: June 2018

Este estudo tem por objetivo caracterizar o ensino e as estratgias com experimentaes realizadas no Centro de Ensino de Cincias do Nordeste (CECINE) nas dcadas de 1960 e 1970 para as intervenes nos cursos de atualizao e de formao aos professores das Cincias Naturais nas regies Norte e Nordeste do Brasil. Realizamos pesquisa documental nos arquivos do CECINE e entrevistas a ex-professores formadores de professores que trabalharam no CECINE na poca. Constatamos que muitas das intervenes buscavam disseminar uma nova proposta de ensino, baseada nos currculos estadunidenses, tomando como referencial as atividades prticas experimentais. Desejava-se que os professores em formao se apropriassem das tcnicas e modelos experimentais orientados nos currculos para replicarem entre seus alunos, com adaptaes e ajustes, disseminando o conhecimento cientfico, no intuito de popularizar a Cincia na regio.
Concepções de professores sobre Educação Inclusiva no ensino superior privado
Authors: Rodovalho Mauricio Resende , Moreira Geraldo Eustáquio , Mané Djiby
Published: June 2018

Este artigo traz tona uma situao-problema bastante atual, a incluso de alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais no Ensino Superior, dado o significativo aumento de vagas e de acesso aos cursos superiores no Brasil desde a dcada de 1990. Levantamos opinies dos professores de uma instituio de ensino superior no interior do estado de Gois e analisamos algumas de suas concepes a respeito de incluso, necessidades educacionais especiais e formao de professores para a incluso. Trata-se de um estudo cujos resultados mostram uma realidade vivenciada por um pequeno grupo de professores que parece ser semelhante quela vivenciada pelos demais professores do ensino superior privado no Brasil.
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF INTERACTION PRODUCTS OF TRIS[TRI(BUTOXY)TITANATE]BORON AND ALIPHATIC FLUORINATED ALCOHOLS
Authors: Kuzmenko N.Ya. , Kuzmenko S.N. , Skrinnik O.V. , Bugrym V.V.
Published: June 2018

Synthesis and properties of products based on tris[[tri(butoxy)titanate]boron with complete or partial substitution of butoxy groups linked with titanium by fluorinated alkoxy group were described. Extracted products were liquid or solid substances which are high soluble in aliphatic-, aromatic- chloraromatic- and chlorinated hydrocarbons, low alcohols, and ketone. Their structure was confirmed by elemental analysis, determination of molecular mass, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Second Language Teacher Education and Future Directions
Authors: Farrell Thomas S. C.
Published: June 2018

As a relatively new and growing profession, second language teacher education (SLTE) has evolved greatly over the past few decades. Indeed, SLTE has taken on a more global perspective and the knowledge base of SLTE has greatly expanded to include such topics as teacher cognition, teacher identity, reflective practice, teacher research, narratives and teacher self‐development, teacher expertise, teacher emotions, and teacher immunity, to name but a few. For language teachers, SLTE serves as a bridge to what is known in the field with what is recommended that teachers implement in the classroom and, it does this through candidates who are educated as second language teachers. This entry outlines and discusses SLTE and some different dimensions of SLTE that includes a discussion of the theory/practice disparity that exists between SLTE programs and the lived lives of language teachers in classrooms. Future directions of SLTE are also outlined and discussed.
Teaching and Learning Formulaic Sequences and Prefabs
Authors: Hinkel Eli
Published: June 2018

A research‐based method in language teaching makes use of formulaic sequences and long chunks of text and focuses on making lexical (vocabulary) substitutions within them. Since at least the 1970s, many studies have demonstrated that learning formulaic language and prefabricated expressions can be far more efficient and effective than learning to assemble new structures from scratch. Teaching and learning formulaic sequences relies on a “whole unit” approach to conventionalized phrases and sentence stems, also called multiword units. Taking advantage of formulaic sequences and prefabs is probably one of the most efficient, expedient, and practical techniques for teaching second language comprehension and production.
Synthesis of Arylamines via Non‐Aerobic Dehydrogenation Using a Palladium/Carbon‐Ethylene System
Authors: Shimomoto Yuya , Matsubara Ryosuke , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: June 2018

The reaction of cyclohexanones with amines proceeded under an ethylene atmosphere in the presence of a catalytic amount of palladium/carbon to afford a variety of arylamines in good to high yields. The present reaction was carried out under completely non‐aerobic conditions, and which is in contrast with the previously reported aerobic system. has wide applicability affording a variety of aromatic amines, and co‐product of the reaction is only gaseous ethane. Thus, this method is environmentally friendly. This protocol was applied intramolecularly to provide a novel method for the construction of quinoline and isoquinoline compounds.

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Enzymatic Synthesis of Human Milk Fucosides α1,2‐Fucosyl para‐Lacto‐N‐Hexaose and its Isomeric Derivatives
Authors: Fang Jia‐Lin , Tsai Teng‐Wei , Liang Chin‐Yu , Li Jyun‐Yi , Yu Ching‐Ching
Published: June 2018

Enzymatic synthesis of para‐lacto‐N‐hexaose and its isomeric structures as well as those α1,2‐fucosylated variants naturally occurring in human milk oligosaccharide (HMOs) was achieved using a sequential one‐pot enzymatic system. Three glycosylation routes comprising bacterial glycosyltransferases and corresponding sugar‐nucleotide‐generating enzymes were developed to facilitate efficient production of extended type‐1 and type‐2 N‐acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) backbones and hybrid chains. Further fucosylation efficiency of two α1,2‐fucosyltransferases on both type‐1 and type‐2 chains of the hexasaccharide was investigated to achieve practical synthesis of the fucosylated glycans. The availability of structurally defined HMOs offers a practical approach for investigating future biological applications.

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Solvent Control over Supramolecular Gel Formation and Fluorescence for a Highly Crystalline π‐Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Hayashi Shotaro , Takigami Atsushi , Koizumi Toshio
Published: June 2018

In π‐conjugated polymers (πCPs), crystallinity and fluorescence typically exhibit a trade‐off relationship. Here, we have synthesized a highly crystalline and fluorescent π‐conjugated polymer with a simple alternating structure of 1,2,4,5‐tetrafluorophenylene and 3,3′‐dihexyl‐2,2′‐bithiophene units. In film, the polymer exhibited efficient red‐colored fluorescence, an improved quantum yield (Φsol=13 %→Φfilm=23 %) and a crystalline structure. Interestingly, supramolecular gel formation occurred in appropriate solvents, and the macrostructure and fluorescence properties of the gel could be directly controlled by the choice of the solvent. The polymer self‐assembled into a spherical form that exhibited red fluorescence in non‐aromatic solvent (1,2‐dichloroethane) and into a fibrous form that exhibited yellow fluorescence in aromatic solvent (mesitylene).
Tropomyosin is a minor but distinct allergen in patients with shrimp allergies in Japan
Authors: Tsedendorj Onon , Chinuki Yuko , Ueda Kiyoe , Kohno Kunie , Adachi Atsuko , Morita Eishin
Published: June 2018

Recently, purified allergens have been utilized for allergen‐specific IgE tests, which are highly useful because of their excellent specificity and sensitivity in identifying allergic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of tropomyosin‐specific IgE test in the diagnosis of shrimp allergies in Japan. We enrolled 27 patients with shrimp allergy and five patients with atopic dermatitis, who had no history of allergic reactions to shrimp but showed positive results in tropomyosin‐specific IgE test, in this study. Tropomyosin‐specific IgE was determined by IgE immunoblotting and tropomyosin‐specific IgE test. Involvement of carbohydrate moieties in IgE binding to the allergens was examined by periodate treatment. Tropomyosin‐specific IgE was detected in 13 and positive in 10 of the 27 patients with shrimp allergy, whereas shrimp‐specific IgE was detected in 21 and positive in 20 of these 27 patients. Of the 13 patients with detectable levels of tropomyosin‐specific IgE, seven were confirmed to have tropomyosin‐specific IgE by immunoblotting analysis, whereas no IgE binding was seen in the five patients with atopic dermatitis, indicating the high specificity of the tropomyosin‐specific IgE test. The level of tropomyosin‐specific IgE was well correlated with those of shrimp‐specific IgE and Der p 10‐specific IgE. Our findings indicated tropomyosin is a minor but distinct allergen in patients with shrimp allergy, especially causing symptoms of OAS.
Natural and anthropogenic drivers of cub recruitment in a large carnivore
Authors: Broekhuis Femke
Published: June 2018

Recruitment is a critical parameter governing population dynamics and influences population persistence. Understanding the drivers of recruitment is therefore important for conservation, especially for long‐lived mammals such as large carnivores, which have low reproductive rates, rendering them prone to extinction. Using cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) as a model species, I investigated the variation in cub recruitment in relation to habitat and the abundance of tourists and predators. Per litter, female cheetahs on average raised 1.71 ± 1.35 cubs to independence, but this varied depending on the presence of open habitat and the abundance of tourists, both of which had a negative effect on cub recruitment. More specifically, female cheetahs that were mostly found in open habitats on average raised 1.69 ± 0.14 cubs per litter to independence compared to 3.04 ± 0.26 cubs in denser habitat. Similarly, female cheetahs that were exposed to high tourist abundance on average raised 0.21 ± 0.72 cubs to independence compared to 2.32 ± 0.11 cubs in low tourism areas. Neither lion nor spotted hyaena abundance had an impact on the number of cubs that were recruited. Based on these findings, I recommend that the importance of a heterogeneous environment should be taken into consideration in habitat management, restoration efforts, and reintroduction programs. In addition, tourist quotas should be put in place in high visitation areas and strict wildlife viewing guidelines, such as number of vehicles, tourist behavior, time spent, and distance to a sighting, should be enforced. Cub recruitment is an important component of species persistence and incorporating these findings could aid conservation efforts for species that are increasingly under threat.
The new FreeStyle libre flash glucose monitoring system improves the glycaemic control in a cohort of people with type 1 diabetes followed in real‐life conditions over a period of one year
Authors: Paris Isabelle , Henry Corinne , Pirard Françoise , Gérard Anne‐Catherine , Colin Ides M.
Published: June 2018

Aims

Using the novel FreeStyle Libre (FSL), glucose monitoring (FGM) system becomes increasingly popular among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is associated with less and shorter hypoglycaemic events without deterioration of HbA1c. There are not yet data reporting the impact of FGM in people with T1D in real‐life conditions. We sought of evaluating the tolerance, the acceptance and the efficacy of the FGM system in routine medical practice.

Methods

This 12‐month observational study included 120 individuals with T1D evaluated every 3 months. After having been instructed about FGM utilization, participants were trained to optimize the glycaemic control.

Results

Participants stopped immediately of measuring capillary blood glucose (2.88 ± 0.12 per day) (mean ± SEM) after having received the first FSL device and the number of scans per day increased up to 8.87 ± 0.58 per day. HbA1c levels decreased from 8.51% ± 0.14% at baseline to 7.77% ± 0.09% after 3 months to slightly increase to 7.92% ± 0.09% at 12 months, in correlation with the number of scans per day. The number (but not the duration) of hypoglycaemic events slightly increased from 16.9 ± 1.44 per month at baseline to 24.0 ± 2.91 per month at 12 months, after reaching a peak of 26.4 ± 2.31 per month at 6 months. They were correlated with improved HbA1c.

Conclusion

Our study shows that using the FGM system improves HbA1c levels in people with T1D along with a moderate increase in the number of mild hypoglycaemic events. The new FGM system facilitates the therapeutic empowerment of people with T1D, but in a context of structured education.
Is the risk of tenofovir‐induced nephrotoxicity similar in treatment‐naïve compared to treatment‐experienced patients?
Authors: Low Joo Zheng , Khoo Su Pei , Nor Azmi Nuruljannah , Chong Meng Li , Sulaiman Helmi , Azwa Iskandar , Tan Ching Hooi , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Rajasuriar Reena
Published: June 2018

Background

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the recommended first‐line nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); however, its use is associated with nephrotoxicity.

Aim

To assess if the risks of renal impairment were similar in treatment‐naïve compared to treatment‐experienced patients initiating tenofovir given their different background clinical characteristics.

Method

This was a retrospective observational study conducted at the University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia and included all HIV‐infected adults who received tenofovir for at least 3 months and had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL/min at tenofovir initiation. The incidence of renal impairment was defined as a 25% decrease in eGFR from baseline or the development of chronic kidney disease. Clinical and demographic characteristics were extracted from medical records. Risk factors associated with tenofovir‐induced renal impairment were determined using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

This study included 314 patients and almost half of them (49%) were treatment‐naïve at tenofovir initiation. The majority of patients were male (89.5%) with a median (interquartile range) baseline creatinine clearance of 99.1 mL/min (85.0–114.0). Thirty (9.4%) patients developed tenofovir‐induced renal impairment and the incidence rate was higher in treatment‐experienced versus treatment‐naïve patients (7.0 vs 3.3 cases/100 person‐years, p = 0.049). Risk factors associated with tenofovir‐induced nephrotoxicity in multivariate analysis were older age (p = 0.001), anaemia (p = 0.027), concurrent hypertension (p = 0.014) and higher baseline eGFR (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Treatment experience was not an independent risk factor but was rather confounded by multiple characteristics associated with an increased risk of TDF‐induced nephrotoxicity. Monitoring all patients presenting with these risks regardless of treatment experience is crucial.
An evaluation of the intravenous to oral antimicrobial conversion program in the inpatient setting
Authors: Woo Zuying Felicia , Chung Wei Teng , Wu Jia En , Chen Hui Hiong
Published: June 2018

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) team at the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore has compiled intravenous to oral (IV‐to‐PO) antibiotics conversion guidelines and conducted training sessions with pharmacists on IV‐to‐PO conversion. The primary aim of this study was to assess compliance with IV‐to‐PO guidelines, pre‐ and post‐implementation of training, and to evaluate the acceptance rate and timeliness of pharmacist interventions for IV‐to‐PO antibiotic conversion. A chart‐review study for two cohorts of patients newly prescribed IV clindamycin or metronidazole was conducted over two 6‐week periods following training sessions detailing hospital recommendations for converting suitable patients to oral therapy. Cases were reviewed to compare IV‐to‐PO interventions by the end of 7 days and review the effectiveness of training and timeliness of any pharmacist intervention. There was no difference in proportion of patients suitable, but not converted to oral therapy by the end of 1 week (41/125 vs 30/115, p = 0.255) following the training session. There was also no significant difference in documented IV‐to‐PO antibiotic intervention rates (3/41 vs 5/30, p = 0.18) by pharmacists. Few pharmacists are actively intervening to convert patients from IV‐to‐PO antibiotics. Training was ineffective in improving intervention rates. These results show that the ASP team needs to come up with better strategies to ensure timely interventions for IV‐to‐PO antibiotic conversion.
Improving Quality Control of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Thiaucourt François , Pible Olivier , Miotello Guylaine , Nwankpa Nick , Armengaud Jean
Published: June 2018

Vaccines to protect livestock against contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) consist of inactivated, adjuvanted antigens. Quality control of these vaccines is challenging as total protein quantification provides no indication of protein identity or purity, and culture is not an option. Here, a tandem mass spectrometry approach is used to identify the mycoplasma antigen contained in reference samples and in commercial CCPP vaccines. By the same approach, the relative amounts of mycoplasma antigen and residual proteins originating from the production medium are determined. Mass spectrometry allows easy and rapid identification of the peptides present in the vaccine samples. Alongside the most probable mycoplasma species effectively present in the vaccines, a very high proportion of peptides from medium constituents are detected in the commercial vaccines tested.
Tales around the clock: Poly(A) tails in circadian gene expression
Authors: Beta Rafailia A.A. , Balatsos Nikolaos A.A.
Published: June 2018

Circadian rhythms are ubiquitous time‐keeping processes in eukaryotes with a period of ~24 hr. Light is perhaps the main environmental cue (zeitgeber) that affects several aspects of physiology and behaviour, such as sleep/wake cycles, orientation of birds and bees, and leaf movements in plants. Temperature can serve as the main zeitgeber in the absence of light cycles, even though it does not lead to rhythmicity through the same mechanism as light. Additional cues include feeding patterns, humidity, and social rhythms. At the molecular level, a master oscillator orchestrates circadian rhythms and organizes molecular clocks located in most cells. The generation of the 24 hr molecular clock is based on transcriptional regulation, as it drives intrinsic rhythmic changes based on interlocked transcription/translation feedback loops that synchronize expression of genes. Thus, processes and factors that determine rhythmic gene expression are important to understand circadian rhythms. Among these, the poly(A) tails of RNAs play key roles in their stability, translational efficiency and degradation. In this article, we summarize current knowledge and discuss perspectives on the role and significance of poly(A) tails and associating factors in the context of the circadian clock.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing
The compensatorily-gained pigs resulted from feeding a methionine-deficient diet had more fat and less lean body mass
Authors: Humphrey R. M. , Yang Z. , Hasan M. S. , Crenshaw M. A. , Burnett D. D. , Htoo J. K. , Liao S. F.
Published: June 2018

Compensatory gain describes an accelerated growth seen in animals following a period of nutrient restriction. Methionine (Met) is the second limiting amino acid in typical swine diets and is essential for muscle growth. This study was conducted to determine (1) if a Met-deficient diet can cause growth retardation in growing pigs, (2) if returning to a normal feeding can yield compensatory gain in the pigs previously fed the Met-deficient diet, and (3) if this Met-deficiency followed by the normal feeding program affects carcass characteristics. Twenty individually-penned crossbred young barrows were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments (n = 10). One Met-deficient (D1) and one Met-adequate (D2) diets were formulated based on corn and soybean meal and fed to respective pigs for 31 days. After that, all pigs were fed the same commercial grower-finisher diet until market weight (around 125 kg), then slaughtered, and carcass characteristics measured. The D1 and D2 pigs began with similar body weights (23.5 vs. 23.6 kg; P = 0.935), but after 31-days on the dietary treatments, D1 pigs were lighter than D2 pigs (51.6 vs. 55.0 kg; P = 0.102). After feeding the normal diet for 55 days, D1 and D2 pigs had similar body weights (122.7 vs. 122.6 kg; P = 0.989). In terms of carcass characteristics, however, D1 pigs had thicker back-fat (at 10th rib; 2.95 vs. 2.51 cm; P = 0.015), heavier belly weight (11.0 vs. 9.6 kg; P = 0.005), lighter ham weights (untrimmed: 20.8 vs. 21.6 kg; P = 0.043; trimmed: 19.6 vs. 20.6 kg; P = 0.016), lighter picnic shoulder weight (8.72 vs. 9.80 kg; P = 0.041), lighter total lean cut weight (51.8 vs. 53.8 kg; P = 0.055), and lower lean cut percentage (56.4 vs. 59.0%; P = 0.012). These results indicate that the Met-deficient diet produced growth-retarded pigs, which showed compensatory gain after the normal feeding. At slaughter, the pigs previously fed the Met-deficient diet had more fat and less lean tissue than their non-deficient counterparts.
The existence of triangles, tetrahedra, and higher-dimensional simplices with prescribed exradii
Authors: Hajja Mowaffaq
Published: June 2018

This Article is inspired by a problem that appeared recently in the American Mathematical Monthly, namely 11972 in [1, p. 369]. The problem asks the readers to prove that if r is the inradius of a tetrahedron, and if r1, r2, r3, r4 are its exradii, then

By taking r = r1 = r2 = r3 = r4 = 1, one sees that (1) is not true for all positive numbers r, r1, r2, r3, r4. This is not surprising, since r is dependent on r1, r2, r3, r4 by the elegant relation

which we shall prove in Theorem 2 below; see also, for example, [2, (5), §266, p. 92], [3. §41, 2°, (1), p. 76] and [4, Problem 6′(i), p. 39]. Using this relation, one can rewrite (1) as

Intuitively, the four numbers r1, r2, r3, r4 are independent, and one may thus ask whether the inequality (3) holds for all positive numbers r1, r2, r3, r4 regardless of being the exradii of some tetrahedron or not.