bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcultural Consumption through a “Queer” Narrative: Douglas Maxwell’s Our Bad Magnet in Seoul
Authors: Chambers Claire Maria
Published: June 2015

Although Korean director Choo Min Ju translation and adaptation of Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell’s coming-of-age drama Our Bad Magnet may look like a straightforward case of East-to-West intercultural appropriation, this essay argues that Choo’s insertion of a new romantic narrative between two male characters not only “queers” the text, but offers the Western observer an alternative entrance into the discussion of appropriation that queers the idea of the intercultural itself. Rather than approaching Maxwell’s text as a source to which the director remains indebted in the creation of her own intercultural synthesis, the essay reads Choo’s Our Bad Magnet as the transcultural consumption of a resource , not only on the part of Choo, but also by the very active online theatre fan community in Seoul. Her production intervenes not only in contemporary mainstream Korean culture’s dominant attitudes toward the LGBTQ community, but also the Western theatre scholar’s assumptions about the relationship between “source” and “target” cultures in acts of intercultural transference and consumption.
Anonymous Is a Woman: The New Politics of Identification in Magical and Untitled Feminist Show
Authors: Felton-Dansky Miriam
Published: June 2015

This essay considers the reimagining of feminist performance art, bodily exposure, and female identity in two recent theatrical works, Annie Dorsen and Anne Juren’s 2010 Magical , and Young Jean Lee’s 2012 Untitled Feminist Show . In Magical , Juren reenacts a series of iconic feminist performance works, such as Carolee Schneeman’s Interior Scroll and Martha Rosler’s Semiotics of the Kitchen , while combining them with the illusionist tricks of a commercial magic show. In Untitled Feminist Show , an ensemble of six nude female performers stage a series of scenes and movement sequences that draw on feminist histories to offer visions of what Lee has called a “feminist utopia” in which identity is fluid and elective. These recent performances are read alongside their predecessors from the 1960s and ’70s and histories of feminist criticism, arguing that Magical and Untitled Feminist Show chart new forms of feminist identity in the theatre, forms built on evasion and nonidentification, anonymity and abstraction. Finally, the essay links these performances to the wider significance of gendered anonymity in the digital age, taking note of new modes of thinking that make their interventions current and pressing today.
African National Congress: from an emancipatory to a rent-seeking instrument
Authors: Ndletyana Mcebisi
Published: June 2015

Patronage is fast proving to be an intractable problem in South Africa's postapartheid politics. Reports of in-fighting both within the ruling African National Congress and in municipalities are common-place. This article probes the phenomenon of patronage politics. It does so through the use of case studies, illuminating the various ways in which patronage politics manifests itself, and examines the various understandings and rationales of the actors. The article contends that patronage politics is a mechanism for redistribution as well as accumulation. It is a reciprocal relationship that involves both power holders and ordinary people, through which each political party gets what it needs, thereby reducing the organisation to an instrument preoccupied with control and supply of material rewards without any regard for normative ends. Rules and institutions are flouted and undermined.
The enemy within: factionalism in ANC local structures — the case of Buffalo City (East London)
Authors: Mukwedeya Tatenda G
Published: June 2015

Factionalism became a defining characteristic of African National Congress (ANC) intraparty politics during the lead up to the 2007 Polokwane conference. However, despite regular reference to ANC factionalism, a systematic academic analysis of this phenomenon has been left wanting. This is in line with global trends whereby factionalism is still a relatively understudied phenomenon. Generally, studies that have sought to understand factionalism have focused on parties at a national level and viewed it as driven by party leaders. In South Africa, similarly, scholars have focused on factionalism through analysis of the politics of the tripartite alliance which has been regarded as a partial institutionalisation of factionalism. This article on the other hand takes a micro level approach and contributes to our understanding of factionalism in ANC sub-national structures. Drawing on a case study of the ANC Buffalo City region in the Eastern Cape, the article shows that in addition to local party elites, ordinary party members in poor communities also often use factional support to access resources in constrained socio-economic conditions. Material interests therefore inform factionalism but are sometimes masked by ideological interests that draw on party divisions on national scale.
Members of members: the ANC's Manzini branch in Mpumalanga
Authors: Malabela Musawenkosi
Published: June 2015

The 1959 Constitution of the African National Congress and all subsequent constitutions have affirmed the role of the branch as 'the basic unit' of the organisation. This article uses a case study of an ANC branch in Mpumalanga province to explore the functions that the branch performs in the contemporary ANC. It proceeds to critically examine claims about the ostensibly 'democratic' character of branches' role in the internal politics of the ANC.
Factions, contestations and mining's missing millions: the African National Congress in North West province since 1994
Authors: Manson Andrew
Published: June 2015

This article traces the fortunes of the ANC in the North West province (NWP) since 1994. While political developments mirror many of those at the national level, there are some particularities about this region that set it apart from the rest of South Africa. The new province was an uneasy amalgam of the Bophuthatswana bantustan and the western Transvaal. The former had experienced considerable unrest due to Lucas Mangope's resistance to incorporation into post-1994 South Africa and his flirtation with regional, conservative politics. The latter was the home of the white right, exemplified by Eugene Terreblanche's Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB). Popo Molefe the first premier, made significant strides in building racial reconciliation, and introduced some successful economic initiatives. However, very soon into his term, he was faced with opposition, and government drifted to elite, personal politics and in-fighting. This trend was continued and deepened into Molefe's second term and into the new decade. The article describes and analyses the cleavages in the ANC and suggests reasons for the emergence of these byzantine affiliations and cabals. These events are set against another aspect of the NWP - its mining industry. It examines the ANCs attempts to provide support for the industry, where it had the duty or means to intervene in the troubled platinum belt. The article concludes with the mismanagement of the 'D' account, in which the royalties and other benefits accruing to traditional authorities have supposedly been vested.
A collective review of cases with cryptorchidism managed in a teaching hospital in Sudan
Authors: Alawad Awad , Hussain Walaa Amin , Younis Faisal H.
Published: June 2015

Background: Cryptorchidism is one of the most common urogenital abnormalities in male children. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of cryptorchidism lead to complications such as infertility, malignancy and testis torsion.Objective: To determine the cause of delayed presentation, complications recorded, the surgical treatment offered in a developing country.Methods:A retrospective review of patientsâ€™ records from December 2012 to December 2014 was carried out. Sixty one patients presented to the University Charity Teaching Hospital during this period.Results: Sixty one patients were included in the study. Age ranged from 1-75 years with mean at surgery is 11 years. Twenty seven patients (44%) presented after 24 months, 3 (4.9%) less than 12 months, and 23 (37.3%) less than 1 month. Age at operation, 7 (13%) were Â£ 2years, 15 (28%) were 2-5years, 39 (59%) were > 5 years.Fifty four (88.5%) patients have undergone orchidopexy, 3(4.9%) orchidectomies, 1 (1.6%) biopsy, 1 (1.6%) exploratory laparotomy, and in 2 (3.3%) cases operation wasnâ€™t done.Conclusion:Late presentation observed in this study is alarming and action should be taken by spreading awareness in the community and ensuring adequate neonatal and children examination in order to avoid the complications.
In vitro and in vivo model systems used in prostate cancer research
Authors: Cunningham David , You Zongbing
Published: June 2015

New incidence of prostate cancer is a major public health issue in the Western world, and has been rising in other areas of the globe in recent years. In an effort to understanding the molecular pathogenesis of this disease, numerous cell models have been developed, arising mostly from patient biopsies. The introduction of the genetically engineered mouse in biomedical research has allowed the development of murine models that allow for the investigation of tumorigenic and metastatic processes. Current challenges to the field include lack of an animal model that faithfully recapitulates bone metastasis of prostate cancer.
Quality of Life of Patients with Back Pain
Authors: Misiak Bianka , Snarska Katarzyna Krystyna
Published: June 2015

Introduction. Spinal pains regard people of different age and professions, being also a difficult problem which generates limitations in the professional, social and family spheres and it results in the deterioration of the quality of life.Aim. Determination of the quality of life of patients with the degenerative disease of the spine before surgery by the assessment of the intensity of pain and mood.Material and Methods. The research covered 90 patients with the osteoarthritis of the spine diagnosed, before surgery, hospitalized in the Department of Neurosurgery at USK in Białystok. The research was carried out based on our questionnaire prepared for the need of work as well as on standardized research tools and the BMI indicator.Results. The research covered 40 (44.4%) women and 50 (55.6%) men at the average age of 48.5±12.3 years (18–78 years). The average value of the body weight index (BMI) was 26.8±4.6 kg/m2 (16.3–38 kg/m2). Back pain mostly concerned lumbar (58;64.4%) and cervical (39;43.3%) sections. The average degree of pain according to the VAS descriptive scale was 57.8±23.3%. The strongest pain was felt by those whose illness affected absence from work and who indicated decrease of the quality of life. Depressive disorders occurred in 37 (41.11%) patients and were of mild and moderately severe nature. Average severity of pain in patients without depression was 52.83±20.86%, whereas in those with depression 64.86±25.12% (p=0.015). There was no evidence of the effect of the disease and the coexistence of depression on the performance of professional duties, quality of life, presence at work or limited contact with others. However, persons with depression significantly more often assessed their current health status as poor (p=0.011).Conclusions.1. Back pain often included one or two sections of the spine and the degree of pain perceived generated deterioration in the quality of life caused by an increase in absence from work, severity of depression, limited social interaction, and difficulties in carrying out physiological functions.2. Depressive disorders more often occurred in patients with changes in the cervical and lumbar sections of the spine, in residents of large cities, married, retired and non-smokers, exposed however to stress. These people often underwent diagnostic tests, the number of hospitalizations increased and their duration was extended. (JNNN 2014; 3(3):107–115)
The NIHSS for International Neuroscience Nurses
Authors: Hinkle Janice L.
Published: June 2015

Stroke is a worldwide problem with significant morbidity and mortality. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a commonly used assessment tool. The NIHSS is used to assess patient status acutely, to assess treatment efficacy, and predict outcome in patients who speak many different languages. This article provides a review of the current state of research regarding validity and reliability of the English, Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish versions of the NIHSS used by international neuroscience nurses. (JNNN 2014;3(3):129–135)
Frictional Pressure Losses of Fluids Flowing in Circular Conduits: A Review
Authors: Kamel Ahmed H. , Shaqlaih Ali S.
Published: June 2015

Fluids are pumped through circular conduits in various operations in the petroleum industry. These fluids may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian, clean or proppant-laden, polymer-based or surfactant-based, single-phase or multiphase, drag-reducing, and others. They are pumped through straight and coiled tubing under laminar- or turbulent-flow conditions. Calculation of frictional pressure losses for these circumstances is crucial for the success of the operation.

A simple Darcy-Weisbach (Darcy 1857) equation is widely used to calculate frictional pressure losses in pipes. However, a unique term, friction factor, has to be determined. Enormous numbers of correlations are available to determine the friction factor. These correlations vary in complexity and applicability and have their own positive and negative features. In addition, several parameters included in the correlations have to be identified, and they vary from one correlation to another. The task at hand is determining the proper correlation. Estimating the friction factor is not an easy task, and it can be very confusing. Inaccurate estimation may lead to erroneous results and failure of operations.

This study provides a comprehensive review of the friction-factor correlations and presents how to select the most-suitable correlation for specific conditions. It discusses the parameters involved in friction-factor calculation and how to define them. The authors compare and question the applicability, accuracy, and limitations of each correlation to propose the most-accurate ones. An innovative, user-friendly, and step-by-step code using the most widely used and accurate correlations can then be developed to predict the friction factor. The present study is an effort to simplify the friction-factor challenge. It aims at providing the most-accurate friction-factor correlations to overcome the complexity faced when calculating frictional pressure losses. In conclusion, it summarizes the state of the art in the field of fluids and hydraulics in the oil and gas industry.
The Physiological Basis of the Genetic Progress in Yield Potential of CIMMYT Spring Wheat Cultivars from 1966 to 2009
Authors: Aisawi K. A. B. , Reynolds M. P. , Singh R. P. , Foulkes M. J.
Published: June 2015

Our objective was to investigate the physiological basis of genetic progress in grain yield in CIMMYT spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars developed from 1966 to 2009 in irrigated, high‐potential conditions. Field experiments were conducted during three growing seasons in northwest Mexico (2008–2009, 2009–2010, and 2010–2011) examining 12 historic CIMMYT semidwarf spring wheat cultivars released from 1966 to 2009. The linear rate of genetic gain in grain yield was 30 kg ha−1 yr−1 (0.59% yr−1; R2 = 0.58, P = 0.01). Grain yield progress was associated with increased aboveground dry matter (AGDM) at harvest (R2 = 0.80, P < 0.001) and heavier grain weight (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.05). There was a positive linear association between AGDM and plant height (R2 = 0.43, P < 0.05) and between grain weight and the date of complete canopy senescence (CCS) among the 12 cultivars (R2 = 0.36, P < 0.05). There was no change in grains per square meter or harvest index (HI) with year of release (YoR). Grain weight was positively associated with potential grain weight (PGW), and PGW, in turn, was positively associated with rachis length per spikelet among the cultivars. Overall spike dry matter (DM) per square meter at anthesis (GS61) +7 d did not change with YoR. There was a trend for a linear increase in AGDM of fertile shoots (expressed as g m−2) at GS61 +7 d with YoR, but this was counteracted by spike partitioning decreasing overall during the 43‐yr period from 0.25 to 0.23. There was a linear increase in preanthesis flag‐leaf stomatal conductance with YoR (P < 0.05). There was no change in grain growth response to a degraining treatment imposed at GS61 +14 d (mean grain weight response +5.5%) indicating that the degree of source limitation to grain growth appeared to be small and unchanged in the older and modern cultivars. Generally, these results indicated that the rate of genetic progress in CIMMYT spring wheat has slowed but has not plateaued in recent decades, while genetic gains were associated with increase in both potential and final grain weight.
Transcriptional Regulatory Circuits Controlling Brown Fat Development and Activation
Authors: Seale Patrick
Published: June 2015

Brown and beige adipose tissue is specialized for heat production and can be activated to reduce obesity and metabolic dysfunction in animals. Recent studies also have indicated that human brown fat activity levels correlate with leanness. This has revitalized interest in brown fat biology and has driven the discovery of many new regulators of brown fat development and function. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms that control brown and beige fat cell development.
Exercise Effects on White Adipose Tissue: Beiging and Metabolic Adaptations
Authors: Stanford Kristin I. , Middelbeek Roeland J.W. , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: June 2015

Regular physical activity and exercise training have long been known to cause adaptations to white adipose tissue (WAT), including decreases in cell size and lipid content and increases in mitochondrial proteins. In this article, we discuss recent studies that have investigated the effects of exercise training on mitochondrial function, the “beiging” of WAT, regulation of adipokines, metabolic effects of trained adipose tissue on systemic metabolism, and depot-specific responses to exercise training. The major WAT depots in the body are found in the visceral cavity (vWAT) and subcutaneously (scWAT). In rodent models, exercise training increases mitochondrial biogenesis and activity in both these adipose tissue depots. Exercise training also increases expression of the brown adipocyte marker uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in both adipose tissue depots, although these effects are much more pronounced in scWAT. Consistent with the increase in UCP1, exercise training increases the presence of brown-like adipocytes in scWAT, also known as browning or beiging. Training results in changes in the gene expression of thousands of scWAT genes and an altered adipokine profile in both scWAT and vWAT. Transplantation of trained scWAT in sedentary recipient mice results in striking improvements in skeletal muscle glucose uptake and whole-body metabolic homeostasis. Human and rodent exercise studies have indicated that exercise training can alter circulating adipokine concentration as well as adipokine expression in adipose tissue. Thus, the profound changes to WAT in response to exercise training may be part of the mechanism by which exercise improves whole-body metabolic health.
Brown and Beige Fat: Molecular Parts of a Thermogenic Machine
Authors: Cohen Paul , Spiegelman Bruce M.
Published: June 2015

The epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes has increased interest in pathways that affect energy balance in mammalian systems. Brown fat, in all of its dimensions, can increase energy expenditure through the dissipation of chemical energy in the form of heat, using mitochondrial uncoupling and perhaps other pathways. We discuss here some of the thermodynamic and cellular aspects of recent progress in brown fat research. This includes studies of developmental lineages of UCP1+ adipocytes, including the discovery of beige fat cells, a new thermogenic cell type. We also discuss the physiology and transcriptional control of brown and beige cells in rodents and the state of current knowledge about human brown fat.
Effect of Ranolazine Monotherapy on Glycemic Control in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Eckel Robert H. , Henry Robert R. , Yue Patrick , Dhalla Arvinder , Wong Pamela , Jochelson Philip , Belardinelli Luiz , Skyler Jay S.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

Ranolazine is an antianginal drug that mediates its effects by inhibition of cardiac late sodium current. Although ranolazine is not approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in post hoc analyses of pivotal angina trials, ranolazine was associated with reductions in percent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in subjects with type 2 diabetes. The study prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of ranolazine in subjects with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic control managed by lifestyle alone.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was conducted worldwide in 465 subjects, with baseline HbA1c of 7–10% (53–86 mmol/mol) and fasting serum glucose of 130–240 mg/dL, randomized to placebo versus ranolazine.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, there was a greater decline in HbA1c at week 24 from baseline (primary end point) in subjects taking ranolazine (mean difference −0.56% [−6.1 mmol/mol]; P < 0.0001). Moreover, the proportion of subjects achieving an HbA1c <7.0% was greater with ranolazine (25.6% vs. 41.2%; P = 0.0004). Ranolazine was associated with reductions in fasting (mean difference −8 mg/dL; P = 0.0266) and 2-h postprandial glucose (mean difference −19 mg/dL; P = 0.0008 vs. placebo). Subjects taking ranolazine trended toward a greater decrease from baseline in fasting insulin (P = 0.0507), a greater decrease in fasting glucagon (P = 0.0003), and a lower postprandial 3-h glucagon area under the curve (P = 0.0031 vs. placebo). Ranolazine was safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with placebo, use of ranolazine monotherapy over 24 weeks, in subjects with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control on diet and exercise alone, significantly reduced HbA1c and other measures of glycemic control.
Sotagliflozin, a Dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 Inhibitor, as Adjunct Therapy to Insulin in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Sands Arthur T. , Zambrowicz Brian P. , Rosenstock Julio , Lapuerta Pablo , Bode Bruce W. , Garg Satish K. , Buse John B. , Banks Phillip , Heptulla Rubina , Rendell Marc , Cefalu William T. , Strumph Paul
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of dual sodium–glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and SGLT2 inhibition with sotagliflozin as adjunct therapy to insulin in type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We treated 33 patients with sotagliflozin, an oral dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor, or placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial assessing safety, insulin dose, glycemic control, and other metabolic parameters over 29 days of treatment.

RESULTS

In the sotagliflozin-treated group, the percent reduction from baseline in the primary end point of bolus insulin dose was 32.1% (P = 0.007), accompanied by lower mean daily glucose measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) of 148.8 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) (P = 0.010) and a reduction of 0.55% (5.9 mmol/mol) (P = 0.002) in HbA1c compared with the placebo group that showed 6.4% reduction in bolus insulin dose, a mean daily glucose of 170.3 mg/dL (9.5 mmol/L), and a decrease of 0.06% (0.65 mmol/mol) in HbA1c. The percentage of time in target glucose range 70–180 mg/dL (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) increased from baseline with sotagliflozin compared with placebo, to 68.2% vs. 54.0% (P = 0.003), while the percentage of time in hyperglycemic range >180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) decreased from baseline, to 25.0% vs. 40.2% (P = 0.002), for sotagliflozin and placebo, respectively. Body weight decreased (1.7 kg) with sotagliflozin compared with a 0.5 kg gain (P = 0.005) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

As adjunct to insulin, dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition with sotagliflozin improved glycemic control and the CGM profile with bolus insulin dose reduction, weight loss, and no increased hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.
Predictive Low-Glucose Insulin Suspension Reduces Duration of Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Children Without Increasing Ketosis
Authors: Buckingham Bruce A. , Raghinaru Dan , Cameron Fraser , Bequette B. Wayne , Chase H. Peter , Maahs David M. , Slover Robert , Wadwa R. Paul , Wilson Darrell M. , Ly Trang , Aye Tandy , Hramiak Irene , Clarson Cheril , Stein Robert , Gallego Patricia H. , Lum John , Sibayan Judy , Kollman Craig , Beck Roy W. ,   for the In Home Closed Loop Study Group
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

Nocturnal hypoglycemia can cause seizures and is a major impediment to tight glycemic control, especially in young children with type 1 diabetes. We conducted an in-home randomized trial to assess the efficacy and safety of a continuous glucose monitor–based overnight predictive low-glucose suspend (PLGS) system.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In two age-groups of children with type 1 diabetes (11–14 and 4–10 years of age), a 42-night trial for each child was conducted wherein each night was assigned randomly to either having the PLGS system active (intervention night) or inactive (control night). The primary outcome was percent time <70 mg/dL overnight.

RESULTS

Median time at <70 mg/dL was reduced by 54% from 10.1% on control nights to 4.6% on intervention nights (P < 0.001) in 11–14-year-olds (n = 45) and by 50% from 6.2% to 3.1% (P < 0.001) in 4–10-year-olds (n = 36). Mean overnight glucose was lower on control versus intervention nights in both age-groups (144 ± 18 vs. 152 ± 19 mg/dL [P < 0.001] and 153 ± 14 vs. 160 ± 16 mg/dL [P = 0.004], respectively). Mean morning blood glucose was 159 ± 29 vs. 176 ± 28 mg/dL (P < 0.001) in the 11–14-year-olds and 154 ± 25 vs. 158 ± 22 mg/dL (P = 0.11) in the 4–10-year-olds, respectively. No differences were found between intervention and control in either age-group in morning blood ketosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In 4–14-year-olds, use of a nocturnal PLGS system can substantially reduce overnight hypoglycemia without an increase in morning ketosis, although overnight mean glucose is slightly higher.
Day and Night Closed-Loop Control Using the Integrated Medtronic Hybrid Closed-Loop System in Type 1 Diabetes at Diabetes Camp
Authors: Ly Trang T. , Roy Anirban , Grosman Benyamin , Shin John , Campbell Alex , Monirabbasi Salman , Liang Bradley , von Eyben Rie , Shanmugham Satya , Clinton Paula , Buckingham Bruce A.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a fully integrated hybrid closed-loop (HCL) system (Medtronic MiniMed Inc., Northridge, CA), in day and night closed-loop control in subjects with type 1 diabetes, both in an inpatient setting and during 6 days at diabetes camp.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Medtronic MiniMed HCL system consists of a fourth generation (4S) glucose sensor, a sensor transmitter, and an insulin pump using a modified proportional-integral-derivative (PID) insulin feedback algorithm with safety constraints. Eight subjects were studied over 48 h in an inpatient setting. This was followed by a study of 21 subjects for 6 days at diabetes camp, randomized to either the closed-loop control group using the HCL system or to the group using the Medtronic MiniMed 530G with threshold suspend (control group).

RESULTS

The overall mean sensor glucose percent time in range 70–180 mg/dL was similar between the groups (73.1% vs. 69.9%, control vs. HCL, respectively) (P = 0.580). Meter glucose values between 70 and 180 mg/dL were also similar between the groups (73.6% vs. 63.2%, control vs. HCL, respectively) (P = 0.086). The mean absolute relative difference of the 4S sensor was 10.8 ± 10.2%, when compared with plasma glucose values in the inpatient setting, and 12.6 ± 11.0% compared with capillary Bayer CONTOUR NEXT LINK glucose meter values during 6 days at camp.

CONCLUSIONS

In the first clinical study of this fully integrated system using an investigational PID algorithm, the system did not demonstrate improved glucose control compared with sensor-augmented pump therapy alone. The system demonstrated good connectivity and improved sensor performance.
Seed Germination and Morphological Behavior of Maize (NAC-6002, NAC-6004 and NAH- 2049) Seedlings under Abiotic Stress (Alachlor) Condition
Authors: N K Hemanth Kumar , Jagannath Shobha
Published: June 2015

Herbicides are the most flourishing weed control knowledge eternally developed. To appraise the possessions of herbicides on maize, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alachlor on different maize cultivars on germination and early growth parameters. The  studies were carried out in hydroponic conditions supplemented with different concentrations (1.0, 2.5 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 ppm) of alachlor. All the three cultivars of maize were found to be significantly affected with increasing herbicide concentration. Percent germination, vigour index, tolerance index, fresh and dry weight, plumule and radicle length were found to be decreased as the herbicide concentration increased, however the dry weight increased slightly at higher concentration when compared to other concentrations. The percent toxicity increased as the concentration of herbicide increased. The current study clearly implies that higher concentration of alachlor is toxic to maize, resulted in a decline in seed germination and early growth parameters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12638
An Analysis of the Design of Holding System in Rocks Containing Esfahan Metro Tunnel-Southern Segment (Sofeh-Azadi)
Authors: Rasool Dadkhah , Zahra Hossein Mirzaee
Published: June 2015

Esfahan metro with 12745 m length is being constructed in north-south direction as two parallel tunnels. This tunnel has 3737m length in southern segment and is constructed as horseshoe form with 6.5m height and 7m width.To determine the type of holding system regarding pressure entering to system various methods were used such as 1- Experimentalmethod that includes RMR geomechanic classification, Qualitative index of tunneling in Q rock and geological strength index GSI, 2- GSIA method; at the end on the basis of achieved data from sampling during excavation the most proper holding system was estimated. By considering conditions of holding system that are offered by two experimental methods, it can be inferred that the suggested system of experimental method is conservative. But sand rocks don't need holding system according to analytical methods. If wedges are created by collision of joint sets, holding system may become necessary.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12639
Numerical Analysis of Density Rate by Trihedral Roller in Embankment Dams
Authors: Nohani Ebrahim , Mirzaei Heshmatolah
Published: June 2015

Impact rollers are used in different parts of the world such as Australia and South Africa to improve soil properties. Due to the high depth impact of this roller compared with vibratory rollers, this type of roller is used in dam construction to compress and reduce the permeability of soil and create an impermeable layer, reduced water losses. Given the importance of constructing embankment dams, using this technology can be an effective to increase storage efficiency. In this study, numerical analysis of density rate was done using a trihedral impact roller. ABAQUS software in a two-dimensional mode and the plane strain were selected as the proper model due to responses closer to the experimental results. The results showed that the distribution of cavity pressure at the impact area of the roller has many changes, and these changes reduce in the soil depth, reaching to an almost constant rate.
The Effect of Nanoparticles on Geotechnical Properties of Clay
Authors: Nohani Ebrahim , Alimakan Ezatolah
Published: June 2015

Nanoparticles are one of the newest materials that can be used in soil stabilization. The effect of Na + modified montmorillonite nanoclay on clay engineering properties has been examined in this study. At first, it is used for dispersing nanoparticles into soil and preparing samples. Used nanoclay content by dry weight percentage of soil is 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%. Variations caused by increasing nanoclay content were studied. Soil compaction test was performed in order to achieve maximum specific weight and optimum moisture content. Tests were conducted using nanoclay and then without it. The obtained results show that liquid and plastic limits rise with increasing nanoclay content. In the uniaxial and CBR tests, the highest soil resistivity can be seen by adding 1.5% of nanoclay. Low percentage of nanoclay generally improves the soil properties.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12670
Retracted: Numerical Simulation of the Flow Pattern on Morning Glory Spillways
Authors: Nohani Ebrahim
Published: June 2015

Retraction Notice:This article “Numerical Simulation of the Flow Pattern on Morning Glory Spillways” has already been published in Persian (https://www.civilica.com/Paper-IHC09-IHC09_126.html) and was translated and republished in IJLS without the author's knowledge. The paper was thus retracted from IJLS on 15th October 2018.
The Effects of Probiotic Yogurt Drink on Lipid Profile, CRP and Record Changes in Aerobic Athletes
Authors: Salehzadeh Karim
Published: June 2015

Lipid profile and CRP are among the most important inflammatory markers prognosticating cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to investigate effects of probiotic yogurt drink on lipid profile, CRP and records of normal-weight aerobic athletes.  Thirty convenient athletes with similar BMIs (22± 2) were randomly put into two groups of ordinary and probiotic yogurt drinks. Their blood samples were taken before and after the experiment and the CRP and lipid profile were calculated through F and t (Satterwhite and paired) tests. Results revealed that both types of yogurt drink significantly increase HDL and decrease CRP; yet, the decreasing effects of CRP on athletes' records were significantly higher in probiotic group (-28 seconds) compared to the ordinary drink group (-2 seconds). Probiotic yogurt drink has a greater effect on decreasing serum CRP, increasing HDL and VO2MAX and improving athletes' records.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12672
The Effect of Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizer on Yield, Growth Parameters and Essential Oil of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Authors: Valiki Seyede Roghaye Hosseini , Ghanbari Sobhanallah , Golmohammadzadeh Sajedeh , Tat Ommeh Farveh
Published: June 2015

In order to investigate the influence of different level of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer fertilizers on yield, growth parameters and essential oil of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller.), an experiment based on complete randomized blocks design with six treatments and three replications at Galogah, in 2012 and 2013 season was carried out. Treatments included NPK fertilizer, vermicompost (5, 10, 15 and 20 t/ha) and control. Analysis of variance showed that plant height, number of main and lateral branches, number of umbrella per plant, number of umbelets per umbrella, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index and the amount of oil produced at different levels of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer statistically significant. Generally results indicated that using 15 t/ha vermicompostshowed more positive effect on recorded traits of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) than other treatments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12673
Influences of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Poultry Products
Authors: Yari Pouya , Goudarzi Abbas Moazami , Ahmadi Mansour , Masoumi Jalal , Azad Somayeh Kamran
Published: June 2015

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has a potential role in the prevention of cancer tumors of the skin, breast, stomach and intestine. CLA also has the ability to prevent cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, regulation of immune responses and change in body composition by reducing body fat. Fats that originated from the ruminants are the main sources of CLA. But poultry products are contain traces of these fatty acids. Fatty acids content in monogastric diets did not change after digestion and absorption, compared with ruminants. So use of synthetic CLA or its precursors, can increase the synthesis and save of this fatty acid in poultry products. After absorption, the CLA or its resources, are stored in phospholipids of call membrane, fatty tissue and eggs. Therefore attempts to enrich poultry production via CLA as an appropriate method for improving human nutrition by organic sources, will cause the useful results.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12676
The Relationship between Quality of Working Life with Organizational Commitment and Employees Productivity of Physical Education Faculties in the Islamic Azad Universities of Tehran
Authors: Ahmadian Ramin , Vafaeian Mahmoud , Farshbaf Mahlaqa
Published: June 2015

The main objective of the present study is to determine the relationship between quality of working life with organizational commitment and employees’ productivity of Physical Education Faculties in the Islamic Azad Universities of Tehran. The method of this research is a correlation and the statistical community includes all employees (permanent and contract) of Physical Education Faculties in the Islamic Azad Universities of Tehran province and equals 854 people. The sample size was calculated as 267 individuals based on Morgan Table that was selected according to stratified random sampling population. Three questionnaires of quality of working life, productivity and personal commitment were used to collect data and their reliability was obtained respectively as 87/81/89 by using Cronbach's alpha. Results show that there is a positive and significant correlation between quality of working life with organizational commitment and employees’ productivity of Physical Education Faculties in the Islamic Azad Universities of Tehran.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12677
The Effect of Assertiveness Skills Training on Reduction of Emotional Victimization of Female High School Students
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Adnan , Mirnasab Mirmahmoud , Salimy Hossein , Zangiabadi Masumeh
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of assertiveness skills(AS)training on reduction of Emotional victimization in Sanandaj high school female students in iran (Academic year of 2013-14). Thus, 50 students (25 experimental, 25 control) were selected using random clustering sampling. This study was a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest and control group. Data was collected using Iranian form of bullying victimization scale. In an assertiveness skills training program, experimental group attended at eight 90-min sessions (one session per week), but control group never attended at any session. Data was examined using ANCOVA in SPSS. The results in  both experimental and follow-up stagesshowed that there was a significant diffrences between pretest and posttest inexperimental group. The findings were suggested that an assertiveness skillstraining program decreased students’ Emotional victimization as an effective intervention.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12679
Experience With Aflibercept for the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: He Lingmin , Silva Ruwan A. , Ayoub Noel , Moshfeghi Darius M. , Leng Theodore
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Describe visual and anatomic outcomes of eyes with exudative age- related macular degeneration (AMD) after treatment with aflibercept.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Eyes treated with intravitreal injections of aflibercept for exudative AMD were retrospectively reviewed to compare visual acuity and central subfield thickness (CST) on optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS:

A total of 142 eyes receiving aflibercept were previously treated with bevacizumab or ranibizumab intravitreal injections. Baseline vision was 20/73 ± 5.18 lines when switched to aflibercept. It improved by 0.2 ± 1.91 lines (
P
=.14) after three injections but decreased by 0.45 ± 2.9 lines (
P
= .06) after 1 year of follow-up. The reduction in CST was 9.9 ± 46.5 µm (
P
= .06) after three injections and grew to 19.3 ± 50.6 µm (
P
= .002), a statistically significant amount, after 1 year.

CONCLUSION:

Switching to aflibercept resulted in no clinically significant differences in visual acuity after 1 year. There was a significant reduction in CST, but this may not be clinically significant.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:542–549.]
Los rafidiópteros de la Península Ibérica (Insecta, Neuropterida: Raphidioptera)
Authors: Monserrat Víctor J. , Papenberg David
Published: June 2015

Se revisan las especies de rafidiópteros presentes en la fauna de la Península Ibérica donde, hasta la fecha, están representados por 16 especies pertenecientes a 9 géneros de las dos familias actuales. Tras una diagnosis del orden y de su historial paleontológico, se aportan algunos datos generales sobre su morfología y biología, estadios juveniles, comportamiento y distribución, así como de la terminología utilizada, y se comenta una breve introducción sobre la historia en el conocimiento del orden, y en particular en la Península Ibérica. Se incluye una lista de las especies pertenecientes a su fauna y una clave de identificación de las familias, géneros y especies citadas en la Península Ibérica. De cada uno de estos taxa se recopilan y se anotan todas las referencias bibliográficas existentes, sean generales o relativas a las especies de la zona estudiada, tanto con la denominación actualmente aceptada, como de sus sinonimias y/o cualquier otra combinación nomenclatural bajo las cuales han sido citadas. También de cada especie se anotan los datos conocidos sobre su morfología externa, genital, variabilidad, estadios juveniles, biología, fenología y distribución altitudinal y geográfica en la península, aportando nuevo material mayoritariamente inédito (1.073 ejemplares estudiados) y los correspondientes mapas de su distribución conocida de estas especies en la zona estudiada.
Microscale ecotoxicity testing of Moselle river watershed (Lorraine Province, France) sediments
Authors: Férard Jean François , Burga Pérez Karen F. , Blaise Christian , Péry Alexandre , Sutthivaiyakit Pakawadee , Gagné François
Published: June 2015

The ecotoxic potential of seven Moselle river watershed sediments was assessed with a battery of bioassays comprised of rapid phototrophic [LuminoTox solid phase (L-SPA) and elutriate (L-ELU) assays] and bacterial [Microtox solid phase assay (M-SPA)] exposure tests, as well as with two micro-invertebrate solid phase tests conducted with Hydra attenuata (lethal and sublethal effects solid phase assay, HL-SPA and HSL-SPA) and Chironomus riparius. Measured effects of sediments and their elutriates were varied and reflected responses that were ecotoxicity test-, endpoint- and site-dependent, suggesting some degree of risk toward benthic and water column organisms, respectively, at specific sites. Correlation analysis demonstrated that L-SPA and M-SPA ecotoxicity responses were significantly linked with the Hydra HSL-SPA assay, indicating their ability to predict ecotoxicity towards an invertebrate taxonomic group representing secondary consumers. While the L-SPA and M-SPA assays hold promise as rapid screens for sediment ecotoxicity, correlation analysis with grain size (L-SPA: r=-0.795, P=0.033; M-SPA: r=-0.73, P=0.07) points out that their responses can be influenced by the presence of fines (i.e., sediment particles ≤0.063 mm in size) and that this information is essential to properly interpret ecotoxicity data generated with these assays. Finally, notable differences observed in trophic level sensitivities once again recall the importance of employing a test battery to adequately appraise the ecotoxicity of sediments.
Left Ventricular Metastasis from a Primary Pancreatobiliary Tumor
Authors: Makaryus Amgad N. , Boxt Lawrence
Published: June 2015

Metastatic disease to the heart is not uncommon. We describe a case of a man in his 60s with an unusual metastasis to the heart and detail its intracardiac location by means of cardiac computerized tomography (CCT) and transthoracic echocardiography. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pancreatobiliary tumor metastasizing exclusively to the left ventricle (LV) of the heart.
Gene Expression Signatures Based on Variability can Robustly Predict Tumor Progression and Prognosis
Authors: Dinalankara Wikum , Bravo Héctor Corrada
Published: June 2015

Gene expression signatures are commonly used to create cancer prognosis and diagnosis methods, yet only a small number of them are successfully deployed in the clinic since many fail to replicate performance on subsequent validation. A primary reason for this lack of reproducibility is the fact that these signatures attempt to model the highly variable and unstable genomic behavior of cancer. Our group recently introduced gene expression anti-profiles as a robust methodology to derive gene expression signatures based on the observation that while gene expression measurements are highly heterogeneous across tumors of a specific cancer type relative to the normal tissue, their degree of deviation from normal tissue expression in specific genes involved in tissue differentiation is a stable tumor mark that is reproducible across experiments and cancer types. Here we show that constructing gene expression signatures based on variability and the anti-profile approach yields classifiers capable of successfully distinguishing benign growths from cancerous growths based on deviation from normal expression. We then show that this same approach generates stable and reproducible signatures that predict probability of relapse and survival based on tumor gene expression. These results suggest that using the anti-profile framework for the discovery of genomic signatures is an avenue leading to the development of reproducible signatures suitable for adoption in clinical settings.
Melon Fly, Bactrocera Cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae), Infestation in Host Fruits in the Southwestern Islands of Japan before the Initiation of Island-wide Population Suppression, as Recorded in Publications of Japanese Public Institutions
Authors: Mcquate Grant T. , Teruya Tadashi
Published: June 2015

Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Indo-Malayan region. Its distribution, though, has extended to include Africa, temperate Asia, and a number of Pacific islands. It became established in Japan in 1919 in the Yaeyama Islands and spread north in the Southwestern Islands of Japan. It was subsequently eradicated from these islands by an eradication program that extended from 1972 to 1993. As part of an effort to develop a worldwide database on the status of fruits as hosts of melon fly, the infestation data gathered from host fruits collected in this eradication program, before the initiation of suppression activities, are summarized here. Bactrocera cucurbitae infestation was documented in 24 plant taxa of four plant families (Caricaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Moraceae, and Solanaceae), with the following four new hosts identified: Ficus erecta Thunb., F. pumila L. (Moraceae), Solanum erianthum D. Don (Solanaceae), and Zehneria liukiuensis Jeffrey ex Walker (Cucurbitaceae).