bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastroözofageal reflü hastalığında diyafram krusları arasındaki açı ile asit reflü şiddeti arasındaki ilişki: bir retrospektif kohort çalışması
Authors: ORMAN Süleyman , ASLAN Ahmet
Published: October 2018

Giriş ve Amaç : Gastroskopi ve 24 saatlik pH metre

gastroözofageal reflü hastalığının tanısında altın standarttır. Bu çalışma, 24

saatlik pH metre ile saptanan asit reflü şiddeti ile diyafram krusları arası

açının ilişkisini belirlemeyi amaçlamıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Haziran 2011 ve Haziran 2017 arasında,

gastroözofageal reflü hastalığı olan 32 hasta ile 20 normal bireyden elde

edilen veriler retrospektif olarak incelendi. Diyafram krusları arasında açı

ölçümü bilgisayarlı tomografi kesitleri üzerinden yapıldı. Bulgular: Diyafram krusları arasındaki açının genişlemesi

ile DeMeester skorunun yüksekliği arasında anlamlı olarak orantılı ilişki

bulundu (p <0.004). DeMeester skoru ≥14.7 olan hastalarda daha düşük

DeMeester skoru olanlara göre bu açının ortalama değeri anlamlı olarak daha

yüksekti (p=0.033). Kruslar arası açı normal bireylerde gastroözofageal reflü

hastalığı olanlarla karşılaştırıldığında anlamlı derecede daha düşüktü (normal

birey ile DeMeester ≥14.7 olan gastroözofageal reflü hastalıklı birey, p=0.001;

normal birey ile DeMeester <14.7 olan gastroözofageal reflü hastalıklı

birey, p=0.04). DeMeester skorunun ≥14.7 olarak kestirilmesinde, açının 65º ve

üzeri olmasının duyarlılığı %94.4, özgüllüğü %42.9, pozitif kestirim değeri

%68.0 ve negatif kestirim değeri %85.7 olarak saptandı.Sonuç: Bu çalışmanın sonuçları, diyafram krusları arası açı

ile asit reflü şiddeti arasında açık bir ilişki olduğunu göstermektedir.

Bilgisayarlı tomografi kruslar arasındaki açıyı hesaplaması ile anti-reflü

cerrahi öncesinde faydalı bir yöntem olabilir.
History and citizenship: Does the reformed Greek Cypriot primary history curriculum include myths and legends that represent the 'other'?
Authors: Constantinidou Myria A.
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the elements in ancient Greek myths that refer to the 'other' in the recently reformed Greek Cypriot history curriculum's primary phase programmes of study (MoEd, 2016). The article's opening section analyses the conceptual nature of such myths and their presence
in modern curricula. It goes on to identify in these myths the presence of any foreign, different or genderbased 'other', and whether they are included in Greek Cypriot textual or visual teaching material about myths and legends. The article also considers the extent to which this material
refers to characteristic, dominant female figures who play a leading role in classical myths and local historical narratives – figures associated with numerous Cypriot place names, traditions, historical accounts and fiction. The paper builds on Said's (1989) concept of otherness, post-colonial
theory and Foucault's discourse analysis (Given, 2002) to consider in particular how the myth of Aphrodite, the gendered woman 'other', was marginalized during Venetian, Ottoman and British colonial rule of Cyprus from 1489 to 1960. More generally, it examines the significance of teaching
ancient Greek myths as an aspect of Greek Cypriot citizenship education.
Writing the Irish past: An investigation into post-primary Irish history textbook emphases and historiography, 1921–69
Authors: Mac Gearailt Colm
Published: October 2018

This paper maintains a focus on textbooks published and used at post-primary level in the Irish Free State/Republic of Ireland between the 1920s and late 1960s, in the initial decades of the nascent Free State. Viewed by many as the closest way, after direct fieldwork, of finding out
the content of teaching, textbooks have also been seen to act as condensed versions of the society that produced them. The textbooks used rarely changed during this period, for a number of reasons, both practical and ideological. Consequently, it can be accepted that a reasonably similar account
of the Irish past was transmitted in print to post-primary students across the period. The article offers an investigation into Irish history textbook historiography, and highlights select examples of how this affected the version of the Irish past being transmitted in print in Irish post-primary
schools. It provides the first quantitative analysis and comparison of the central Irish history textbooks in operation during this period. By establishing what textbooks were in use, discussing who they were written by, and then by analysing, cross-comparing and examining their respective
emphases, this paper offers an understanding of the general narrative of Irish history as portrayed in secondary schools, from this textual perspective. It focuses predominantly on content inclusion and scope, as opposed to how this content was engaged with. Ultimately, this paper argues that
a general narrative of Irish history was maintained across each of the textbooks, which tended to focus on a traditional 'great man' approach to history, with a strong emphasis on high politics. That said, this was not oppressive or rigid, as there was no single consensus view as to what aspects
of Irish history were most important within this tradition, with different emphases being placed on various events and figures in Irish history. These differences varied according to the political, class and religious orientation of the author.
A twenty-five year transition. The forms of power and the alleged crisis of the nation-state in the contemporary age
Authors: Benocci Beatrice
Published: October 2018

Después del colapso soviético, fuimos testigos del fin de la idea de una división del mundoentre el bien y el mal, entre capitalistas y partidarios de la economía planificada, entre la derecha y la izquierda, entre procomunistas y proamericanos; y de nuevo desapareció la necesidad de tantos países emergentes de definirse como un “tercer bloque” frente al sistema bipolar. La idea económica de un primer, segundo y tercer mundo podría haberse considerado superada. El mundo se vio obligado a releerse a sí mismo y a comprender que era necesario empezar a pensar en las relaciones internacionales de una manera completamente diferente.
Las causas psicológicas del cosmopolitismo y del nacionalismo. ¿Los míos en pro o en contra de los otros?
Authors: Mesa Suárez Mariela Andrea
Published: October 2018

Cosmopolitismo y nacionalismo son visiones esenciales y complementarias del mundo. Un individuo no puede prescindir conscientemente de ninguna de ellas, si desea desenvolverse naturalmente en un mundo globalizado, pero con altos matices que exigen una identidad cultural. Estas dos posturas, cosmopolitismo y nacionalismo, se necesitan el uno a la otra para garantizar una sana psiquis individual y colectiva. El objetivo del presente artículo es mostrar que el individuo y las colectividades, bien sean naciones, Estados, Estados-nación o “naciones sin Estado”, para lograr interpretar y adaptarse al mundo actual tienen necesidades psicológicas, tanto de posturas nacionalistas como cosmopolitas y ambas coexisten en la vida cotidiana.
La estrategia institucional de China hacia América Latina. Análisis comparado entre los foros Celac-China y Celac-Unión Europea
Authors: Mosquera Mariano , Morales Ruvalcaba Daniel
Published: October 2018

En el 2008 China difundió el Libro blanco hacia América Latina con una estrategia de dos dimensiones: la promoción de la particularidad y el fomento de la omnidireccionalidad. Además, el Foro China-Celac (FCC), creado en el 2014, es la plataforma más importante de China para canalizar la cooperación hacia América Latina. Así, el presente estudio demuestra comparativamente que el FCC aplica las dos dimensiones de la estrategia china bajo tres principios institucionales: flexibilidad, no condicionalidad y multiplicidad.
Two-inductor Boost Converter Start-up And Steady-state Operation
Authors: Flores-Oropeza Luis A. , Román-Loera Alejandro , Macías-Díaz Jorge E. , Rizo-Díaz Felipe de J.
Published: October 2018

In this work, an isolated DC/DC two-inductor boost converter is proposed. The topology is able to start up and operate in steady-state at any output level within 0V to 400V. The current and voltage characteristics make this topology suitable for applications where the relationship between input current and output voltage is too long, such as applications in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In order for its operation to be possible at any output level, two auxiliary windings were added. These auxiliary windings were included to ensure that the startup current does not rise to a higher level, as opposed to other isolated boost converters where the start-up current level is high. The design of the converter and a detailed analysis are given; an experimental 200W prototype is presented to validate the converter operation and its design.
Análise E Desenvolvimento De Um Novo Conversor Ca-cc Híbrido Monofásico Para Aplicações Em Sistemas Trólebus
Authors: Brito de Lima Gustavo , De Pádua Finazzi Antônio , Carlos de Freitas Luiz , Batista Vieira Júnior João , Antônio Alves Coelho Ernane , José Farias Valdeir , Alberto Canesin Carlos , Gomes de Freitas Luiz Carlos
Published: October 2018

Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento e análise experimental de uma nova estrutura de retificador híbrido monofásico, com elevado fator de potência (FP) e reduzida taxa de distorção harmônica de corrente (TDHI) para aplicação como estágio préregulador de sistemas de tração elétrica. Trata-se de um conversor pré-regulador retificador capaz de promover a flexibilidade de alimentação, em CA ou CC, para ônibus de transporte público tipo trólebus, contribuindo com a possibilidade de expansão da rede, a baixo custo, eliminando-se custos associados às estações retificadoras convencionais. A estrutura proposta é composta por um retificador monofásico de onda completa não controlado convencional, associado em paralelo a um conversor chaveado não isolado. Destaca-se que o conversor chaveado é capaz de compor a corrente de entrada impondo uma corrente quase senoidal na rede de alimentação em CA, garantindo-se elevado FP e reduzida TDHI, tal como nos pré-reguladores convencionais, porém, o conversor chaveado processa menos de 50% da potência total de saída, garantindo robustez e confiabilidade para a estrutura. Foi desenvolvido um protótipo de 10 kW utilizando uma técnica de controle PWM capaz de limitar a contribuição do conversor chaveado e, ao mesmo tempo, impor uma corrente de entrada cujo espectro apresenta baixos níveis harmônicos, tomando, indicativamente, como referência os limites da norma internacional IEC61000-3-4. Todo o estudo teórico, a análise matemática e os resultados experimentais obtidos são apresentados neste artigo.
Automatic ObjectPascal Code Generation from Catalysis Specifications
Authors: Moraes João de Luís C. , Do Prado Antonio F.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a Component-based Framework Development Process, of the Cardiology Domain. The Framework, called FrameCardio, was developed in 4 steps: 1- Problem Domain Definition, 2-Components Specifications, 3-Components Internal Design and 4-Components Implementation. In the first step the framework requirements were identified, based on experiences in the development of a cardiology system with 320 classes. The main models specified in this step are the Use Cases, Actions and Collaborations Models. In the Component Specification step component external behaviors were defined with their responsibilities, operations and interfaces. The main models are the Types Model, that describes an object external behavior, regardless of implementation decisions, and the Component Interactions that details the behavior of each case used in the Sequence Diagrams. Right after, in the third step, the Specified Components are refined, considering the implementation technologies. Among the models of this step, the components Classes Diagram, Components and the Component Packages stand out. The modeling was supported by a CASE tool. Finally, in the Components Implementation step the components code was generated in the ObjectPascal language, using a Transformation System.

FrameCardio was structured in layers and organized in components packages, available in the CASE tool, to be reused by the applications. In the same way as in the development of FrameCardio, the Transformation System is used to generate the ObjectPascal code of the applications. A Cardiology domain Application is presented to show Framework components reuse.
A Coloured Petri Net Approach to Formalising and Analysing the Resource Reservation Protocol
Authors: Villapol María E. , Billington Jonathan
Published: October 2018

The goal of the Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) is to support the provision of the Quality of Service required for emerging Internet applications (such as video conferencing) that require a level of performance not guaranteed by the Internet. RSVP attempts to provide performance guarantees by establishing resource reservations (such as the number of buffers and bandwidth allocation) within routers and host computers of the Internet. Currently, Internet protocols are not formally specified when they are developed. Instead they are described in a narrative way in documents called Request for Comments(RFCs). This is the case for RSVP. To increase confidence in RSVP we have formalised and analysed its narrative specification using Coloured Petri Nets (CPNs). This paper demonstrates how CPNs can be used for modelling and analysing RSVP. Among the several beneficial features of CPNs are: graphical facilities for specification; support for different levels of abstraction; hierarchical structuring mechanisms; and verification and validation methods, such as querying the state space to investigate properties, and language equivalence to check the consistency of different levels of abstraction. Coloured Petri Nets are supported by a number of computer tools including Design/CPN. Design/CPN supports the construction and maintenance of CPN models and their simulation and analysis using state spaces. These facilities allow us to create a model that provides a clear, unambiguous and precise definition of RSVP, and to analyse the protocol for functional correctness. The paper concentrates on the approach and the tools used in this investigation.
Reduction Strategies for Program Extraction
Authors: Fernandez Maribel , Mackie Ian , Severi Paula , Szasz Nora
Published: October 2018

We introduce Pure Type Systems with Pairs generalising earlier work on program extraction in Typed Lambda Calculus. We model the process of program extraction in these systems by means of a reduction relation called o-reduction, and give strategies for Bo-reduction which will be useful for an implementation of a proof assistant. More precisely, we give an algorithm to compute theo-normal form of a term in Pure Type System with Pairs, and show that this defines a prejection from Pure Type Systems with Pairs to standart Pure Type Systems. This result shows that o-reduction is an operational description of aprgram extraction that is independent of the particular Typed Lambda Calculus specified as a Pure Typoe System. For B-reduction, we define weak and strong reduction strategies using Interaction Nets, generalising well-know efficient strategies for the l-calculus to the general setting of Pure Type Systems.
Evolving Neural Arrays A new mechanism for learning complex action sequences
Authors: Corbalán Leonardo , Lanzarini Laura
Published: October 2018

Incremental evolution has proved to be an extremely useful mechanism in complex actions sequence learning. Its performance is based on the decomposition of the original problem into increasingly complex stages whose learning is carried out sequentially, starting from the simplest stage and thus increasing its generality and difficulty.

The present work proposes neural array applications as a novel mechanism for complex actions sequence learning. Each array is composed by several neural nets obtained by means of an evolving process allowing them to acquire various degrees of specialization. Neural nets constituting the same array are organized so that, in each assessment, there is only one in charge of its response.

The proposed strategy is applied to problems presented by obstacle evasion and target reaching as a means to show the capability of this proposal to solve complex problems. The measurements carried out show the superiority of evolving neural arrays over traditional neuroevolving methods that handle neural network populations – SANE is being particularly used as a comparative reference due to its high performance.

Neural array capability to recover from previous defective evolving stages has been tested, evincing highly plausible final successful outcomes – even in those adverse cases.

Finally, conclusions are presented as well as some future lines of work.
Index Self-tuning with Agent-based Databases
Authors: De Carvalho Costa Rogerio Luıs , Lifschitz Sergio , Vaz Salles Marcos Antonio
Published: October 2018

The use of software agents as Database Management System components lead to database systems that may be configured and extended to support new requirements. We focus here with the self-tuning feature, which demands a somewhat intelligent behavior that agents could add to traditional DBMS modules. We propose in this paper an agent-based database architecture to deal with automatic index creation. Implementation issues are also discussed, for a built-in agents and DBMS integration architecture.
A Language for the Description of Program Instrumentation and Automatic Generation of Instrumenters
Authors: Simao Adenilso S. , Vincenzi Auri M. R. , Santana Antonio C. L. , Maldonado Jose C.
Published: October 2018

Instrumentation is a technique frequently used in software engineering for several different purposes, e.g. program and/or specification execution trace, testing criteria coverage analy- sis, and reverse engineering. Instrumenting a software product can be divided into two main tasks: (i) deriving the software product structure and (ii) inserting statements for collecting runtime/simulation information.

Most instrumentation approaches are specific to a given domain or language. Thus, it is very difficult to reuse the effort expended in developing an instrumenter, even if the target languages are quite similar. To tackle this problem, in this paper, we propose an instrumentation-oriented meta-language, named IDeL, designed to support the description of both main tasks of instru- mentation process, namely: (i) the product structure derivation and (ii) the insertion of the instrumentation statements. In order to apply IDeL to a specific language L, it should be in- stantiated with a context-free grammar of L. To promote IDeL’s practical use, we also developed a supporting tool, named idelgen, that can be thought of as an application generator, based on the transformational programming paradigm and tailored to the instrumentation process. We illustrate the main concepts of our proposal with examples describing the instrumentation required in some traditional data flow testing criteria for C language.
Role of radiotherapy in Masaoka stage II and III thymomas - single center experience
Authors: KORKMAZ KIRAKLI Esra , ERDEM Sevilay , BOZKURT Mediha Tülin , YILMAZ Hasan
Published: October 2018

Aim: Thymomas are rare neoplasms. Complete surgical
resection is the cornerstone of the treatment. The role of adjuvant
radiotherapy (RT) in Masaoka stage II disease is controversial, but in more
advanced stages and the role of radical RT in inoperable cases are clear. This
study is conducted to evaluate local control, relapse free survival and overall
survival rates in Masaoka stage II and III thymoma patients after adjuvant or
radical RT.Materials and Methods: The medical records of thymoma
patients who were treated and completed their RT course between January 2010
and August 2016 in a single center were evaluated retrospectively.Results: Twenty-two patients were available for analysis. Treatment
planning was adjuvant in 18 patients and radical in 5 patients. Median age at
diagnosis was 59 (50-62). Type of resection was R0 in all cases. The adjuvant
RT dose was 50 Gy; radical RT dose was 60-66 Gy. The most common acute toxicity
was grade 1 pneumonitis which was reported in 9 patients (39%). Grade 2 acute
pneumonitis was experienced by 3 patients (13%), grade 2 acute esophagitis was
experienced by 2 patients (9%). One patient had late grade 3 esophageal
toxicity. Follow-up time ranged from 6 to 99 months, median 18 months, local
control rate was 100%, relapse free survival (RFS) was 96%, cancer specific
survival was 96%, 2 years overall survival (OS) was 83%. 

Conclusion: Although our results seem to be in
concordance with the literature, longer follow-up is needed to be able to make
a conclusion in terms of LC, RFS and OS, since thymoma has an indolent course
with low relapse rate and long RFS.
INTERAÇÃO DE BEBÊS COM LIVRO LITERÁRIO
Authors: Ramos Flávia Brocchetto , Allgayer Pinto Marcela Lais , Guizelim Simões Girotto Cyntia Graziella
Published: October 2018

A partir de pesquisa empírica com grupo de bebês com idade entre 18 e 24 meses, realizada em cidade do interior do RS, este artigo analisa a interação dos pequenos em situação de mediação de leitura, intencionalmente planejadas com o livro Eu vi!, de Fernando Vilela. O estudo busca responder a questão: Como se efetiva a interação de bebês com livros literários selecionados pelo Programa Nacional Biblioteca na Escola - PNBE a partir de vivências planejadas intencionalmente para pesquisa? A análise dos dados construídos aponta que a mediação adequada pode favorecer a aprendizagem dos pequenos no conhecimento de si e do seu entorno.
BOYS READING: UM PROJETO SOBRE COMO MOTIVAR RAPAZES ADOLESCENTES PARA A LITERATURA
Authors: Pires Maria da Natividade Carvalho , Abrantes Maria Manuela
Published: October 2018

Este artigo aborda o problema da motivação para a leitura, especialmente no caso dos rapazes com idades compreendidas entre os 10 e os 15 anos. Algumas investigações evidenciam que os rapazes leem menos do que as raparigas porque eles não estão intrinsecamente motivados e não lhes é proporcionado o acesso ao tipo de livros que poderão gostar. Apresentamos, aqui, parte de um Projeto Europeu, Boys Reading, como um bom exemplo da possibilidade de conquistar leitores relutantes para os livros. Na verdade, se os rapazes estiverem verdadeiramente motivados e contactarem com textos que apreciem, as suas atitudes mudam e podem tornar-se leitores. São apresentados dois estudos de caso desenvolvidos em duas escolas diferentes em Portugal, com algumas evidências de que é possível transformar leitores relutantes em leitores ávidos.
O ENCONTRO INFÂNCIA E POESIA: LUDICIDADE, IMAGINAÇÃO E (CO)AUTORIA
Authors: Koscianski da Silveira Rosilene De Fátima , Santana Dias Debus Eliane , Fraga de Azevedo Fernando José
Published: October 2018

A poesia nasce com o ser humano. Ou melhor, nasce quando ele começa a falar. Ela é o nosso ancestral em termos de linguagem, é intrínseca ao ser humano. Quanto mais precocemente as crianças interagem com essa forma de linguagem, maior é o grau de familiaridade e maiores são as possibilidades de constituir uma relação fecunda e prazerosa entre ambas. O presente texto objetiva, de modo geral, refletir sobre a relação infância e poesia; e, especificamente, destacar a ludicidade, a imaginação e a (co)autoria como aspectos que se sobressaem nessa relação. É parte de uma pesquisa realizada no âmbito do doutorado em Educação da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), cujo ponto de partida é a escuta sensível na pesquisa com crianças. A empiria ocorreu entre outubro de 2013 e junho de 2014, em uma escola da rede pública estadual de Criciúma- SC, Brasil, e contou com a participação de vinte crianças, oito meninos e doze meninas, com idade entre oito e doze anos. A metodologia utilizada é denominada espaços de narrativa (LEITE, 2008), procedimento caracterizado pela realização de encontros sistematizados entre observador e sujeitos, empregando estratégias de natureza etnográfica e o uso de diferentes instrumentos para captura de dados, especialmente a gravação em vídeo. A problematização e a compreensão da temática possibilita vislumbrar ações que podem promover o encontro poesia e criança e potencializar a presença do texto poético na escola, especialmente nos anos iniciais da Educação Básica.
POESIA E INFÂNCIA: A EXPERIÊNCIA DE BRINCAR COM AS PALAVRAS
Authors: Machado Caroline , De Moura Chagas Lilane Maria
Published: October 2018

Pensar a relação da criança com a poesia, ou a brincadeira infantil com as palavras consiste o objetivo central do presente artigo. Tais reflexões são atravessadas por conceitos fundamentais de parte da obra do filósofo alemão Walter Benjamin e constituem-se no diálogo com obras poéticas de escritores brasileiros, como José Paulo Paes, Manoel de Barros, Arnaldo Antunes, Ferreira Gullar, Paulo Leminski, além de obras do escritor e ilustrador português, Afonso Cruz e do professor, poeta e escritor francês, Jean-Pierre Siméon. A partir dessas obras, procuramos provocar a reflexão sobre a relação entre poesia e infância no interior das instituições educativas, perguntando sobre o que os poetas nos ensinam e sobre como ensinar poesia às crianças. Isto implica considerar as especificidades da relação que a criança pequena estabelece com o mundo e com as coisas que nele habitam, ou seja, como as crianças aprendem e o que podemos nós aprender com elas.
Publicación de artículos científicos por asesores de tesis de una Facultad de Medicina
Authors: Alarcon-Ruiz Christoper A. , Quezada Maria A.
Published: October 2018

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de publicación de artículos científicos por los asesores de tesis de la Facultad de Medicina de una Universidad privada de Lima, Perú. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal y descriptivo. La búsqueda de artículos se realizó mediante Google Scholar, y en Medline y Scopus. Se determinaron las frecuencias y porcentajes de las variables. Resultados: De 19 asesores, el 63% había publicado alguna vez en su vida algún artículo y el 53% publicó alguna vez un artículo original. El 26% y 21% había publicado un artículo original en Scopus y Medline en los últimos 5 años, respectivamente; mientras que sólo el 5% había publicado un artículo original en los últimos 2 años en dichas bases. Solamente un asesor (5,3%) estuvo registrado en REGINA. Conclusiones: La tasa de publicación en los últimos años de los asesores de tesis de una Facultad de Medicina de una Universidad privada de Lima es baja.
Rehabilitación vestibular de la Enfermedad de Meniere en el estadio tardío. Reporte de un caso
Authors: Polo-Espinoza Yuly , Previgliano Martín J. , Jara-López Janet , Ramírez-García Lizbeth , Tapia-Egoavil Raquel
Published: October 2018

La enfermedad de Meniere (EM), se caracteriza por ataques fluctuantes de vértigos, hipoacusia y acúfenos. Una vez que se controlan los síntomas agudos, la rehabilitación vestibular es una alternativa de tratamiento efectiva. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 46 años con EM en la fase crónica que presenta persistencia de vértigo postural e inestabilidad de la marcha, quien fue intervenida con maniobras de reposición y rehabilitación vestibular con ejercicios de adaptación y sustitución, ejercicios de habituación del equilibrio vestibular y de control postural. Se obtuvo una respuesta favorable, con desaparición del vértigo posicional, disminución significativa de la inestabilidad y gran mejoría en su calidad de vida. No se puede llegar a conclusiones con un solo caso, sin embargo, es importante el abordaje integral en el tratamiento de pacientes con EM.
Cell Cycle Arrest and Cytotoxic Effects of SAHA and RG7388 Mediated through p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1 in Cancer Cells
Authors: Natarajan Umamaheswari , Venkatesan Thiagarajan , Radhakrishnan Vijayaraghavan , Samuel Shila , Rathinavelu Appu
Published: October 2018

Alterations in gene expressions are often due to epigenetic modifications that can lead to significant influence on cancer development, growth, and progression. The main epigenetic modifications observed in human are methylation and acetylation. In this regard, the HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) such as SAHA (Vorinostat), which can exert epigenetic alterations through impacting the acetylation status of histones, are in clinical trials as a new class of drugs with promising effects on the cancer growth and metastatic process. The small molecule RG7388 is a newly developed inhibitor that is specific for an oncogene-derived protein called MDM2, which is in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancers. One of the common characteristics for these two drugs is their ability to induce p21 expression through distinct mechanisms in MCF-7 and LNCaP cells. This difference was expected trigger cell cycle arrest and cell death through intra-cellular mechanisms that are not identical. Hence, the molecular mechanism whereby SAHA can induce cell cycle arrest and trigger necrosis, apoptosis or necroptosis is still evolving. Similarly, the ability of RG7388 for producing anticancer effect is undergoing thorough investigation, since it can produce p53 dependent and p53 independent effects. In this study we performed experiments to measure the cell cycle arrest effects of SAHA and RG7388 on using MCF-7 and LNCaP cells. The cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis/necroptosis effects of the treatments were assessed by using Trypan Blue Dye Exclusion (TBDE) method, MTT assay, Fluorescence assay with DEVD-amc fluorogenic substrate and Immunoblotting methods. Our results from MCF-7 and LNCaP cells confirmed that SAHA and RG7388 treatments were able to induce cell death via combination of cell cycle arrest and cytotoxic mechanisms. We are speculating that our findings could lead to the development of newer treatments for breast and prostate cancers using this type of combinations.
Improving Queuing System with Limited Resources Using TRIZ and Arena Simulation
Authors: Ahmad Siti Azfanizam , Ng Kok Weng , Airdzaman Siti Hajar , Ang Mei Choo , Suliano Salami Bahariah
Published: October 2018

A university canteen is a queueing system characterised by non-stationary time of arrival with limited resources where the arrival rate is time dependent and has different pattern of arrival for different time interval. This means at certain time of the day, the arrival rate is much higher than other time and for a university canteen, the arrival rate of customer during the lunchtime is much higher and the food (resources) is limited. Non-stationary time dependent queueing system is not easily modelled mathematically hence such queueing systems are modelled using simulation tools such as ARENA. In order to model a non-stationary time dependent queueing system with limited resources and solve queueing problems using ARENA, researchers have to depend on their knowledge and experience in identifying the appropriate and relevant parameters for the system and make modifications to these parameters of the system to solve queueing problems by means of trial and error. Hence, this research work explores the potentials of applying a systematic problem solving tool, TRIZ to help users to make better decisions in deriving solutions to improve a non-stationary time dependent queueing system with limited resources. A case study was carried out to minimize the waiting time of the customers at the cafeteria of the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), which has queueing problems for years during lunchtime. TRIZ was applied in this case study and the results showed that TRIZ can assist researchers to derive a solution model that lead to shorter waiting time without incurring additional cost and resources.
Ethanol Extract of Cnidii Rhizoma Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting JNK/NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Han Yo-Han , Kim Dae-Seung , Kee Ji-Ye , Mun Jung-Geon , Jeon Hee-Dong , Hong Seung-Heon
Published: October 2018

In this study, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced in vivo model and LPS-stimulated in vitro model were used to confirm whether ethanol extract of Cnidii Rhizoma (EtCR) could ameliorate UC. EtCR improved symptoms of UC, including body weight loss, colon length shortening, disease activity index (DAI), and colon mucosal damage. In addition, EtCR decreased inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in colon tissue. To further confirm the UC improving mechanism, RAW 264.7 cells and HT29 human epithelial cells were used. EtCR reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) and inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) via JNK and NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, EtCR increased expression of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), which is an epithelial cell protective factor, in HT29 cells. Taken together, our study suggests that EtCR has treatment effect on UC and can be a therapeutic agent.
Review: Molecular Diagnosis of Hepatitis C Viruses; Technologies and Its Clinical Applications
Authors: Athar Muhammad Ammar , Ahmad Vakil , Ullah Inaam , Malik Samiullah , Wan Shaogui
Published: October 2018

Hepatitis-C is one of the most common viral diseases caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is responsible for millions of deaths each year in the developing world. The common dissemination paths of HCV include the use of contaminated water and transfusion of infected blood. Control of this virus has become a challenge for scientists and health professionals due to its versatility and adaptability in different host environments. Along with other problems, lack of efficient diagnosis, quantification and genotyping of viral strains are the major hindrances in a management of this notorious epidemic. The knowledge of HCV genotype and an amount of virus in patient’s blood are pre-requisites to determine the duration and method of treatment. In this review, we discuss the implications of HCV molecular diagnostic methods and their clinical applications. We conclude that while, several commercial and home-brewed methods are available for this purpose, and there is a visible vacuum for cost effective, robust, sensitive assays that can detect multiple viral genotypes in a single reaction. We are of the view that the level of sensitivity offered by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique is unequivocal as compared to other techniques. Therefore, researchers may explore further possibilities using this technique in the management of HCV.
Ultraconserved Long Non-Coding RNA Uc.112 is Abnormally Expressed in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Subtypes
Authors: Chagas Pablo , Sousa Graziella , Kodama Marcio , Biagi Junior Carlos , Andres José Yunes , Brandalise Silvia , Calin George , Tone Luiz , Scrideli Carlos , Oliveira Jaqueline
Published: October 2018

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) aberrant expression have been found in several types of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but lncRNA mapped in transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) are little explored. The T-UCRs uc.112, uc.122, uc.160 and uc.262 were evaluated in pediatric ALL and uc.112 expression was higher in T-ALL compared to patients with B-ALL and in patients with hyperdiploid karyotype. These findings suggest a potential role of this uc.112 in pediatric ALL and emphasize the need for further investigation of T-UCR in pediatric ALL.
Fault Detection Probability Evaluation Approach in Combinational Circuits Using Test Set Generation Method
Authors: Arya Namita , Singh Amit Prakash
Published: October 2018

This paper introduces an approach that chooses the fault detection by calculating probabilities using probability mass function (pmf) and cumulative distribution function (CDF). This work used a method for multiple stuck-at faults by producing a new test pattern in combinational circuits. We assumed that existence of all multiple faults is only because of one single component that is faulty. A complete test set can be created by all possible single stuck-at faults in a combinational circuit using some combination of gates. The test set generation fault detection method is applied on two different 3-bit input variable and 4-bit input variable circuits. The probability of error occurrence is calculated at both 3-bit and 4-bit input variable circuits. The resulting feature is used to obtain maximum error occurrence probability to detect faults by the logic used that the complexity of the circuit is inversely proportional to the fault occurrence probability. Then again, undetectability is directly proportional to the complexity of the circuit. Therefore, finest feasible circuit should have large input variable components with less complexity to reduce the fault occurrence probability.
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri Terbimbing pada Materi Segiempat dan Segitiga Terhadap Pemahaman Konsep Matematika Di SMP ISLAM Soerjo Alam
Authors: Ristanty Enny , Dinnullah Riski Nur Istiqomah , Farida Nur
Published: October 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing pada materi segiempat dan segitiga terhadap pemahaman konsep matematika. Penelitian ini merupakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus, tiap siklus terdiri dari dua pertemuan. Setiap siklus terdapat 4 tahapan, yaitu mulai dari perencanaan, pelaksanaan, pengamatan, dan refleksi. Subjek penelitian adalah 33 peserta didik kelas VII SMP ISLAM SOERJO ALAM. Data penelitian diperoleh dari observasi, tes, wawancara, dan catatan lapangan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran matematika dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing pada materi segiempat dan segitiga dapat: (1) meningkatkan kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika peserta didik yaitu sebelum dilaksanakan tindakan nilai rata-rata peserta didik sebesar 56,3 dengan ketuntasan klasikal sebesar 12,12%, setelah dilaksanakan tindakan nilai rata-rata peserta didik meningkat menjadi 78,6 dengan ketuntasan klasikal sebesar 72,72% pada Siklus I, dan nilai rata-rata peserta didik meningkat menjadi 86,9 dengan ketuntasan klasikal sebesar 93,93% pada Siklus II dan (2) keterlaksanaan pembelajaran dilihat dari kegiatan guru sebesar 90% (kategori baik), kegiatan peserta didik sebesar 85% (kategori baik) pada Siklus I dan pada Siklus II keterlaksanaan pembelajaran dilihat dari kegiatan guru meningkat menjadi 96,25% (kategori baik), kegiatan peserta didik menjadi 93,75% (kategori baik).
ANALISIS MISKONSEPSI SISWA KELAS V-B MIN BUDURAN SIDOARJO PADA MATERI PECAHAN DITINJAU DARI KEMAMPUAN MATEMATIKA
Authors: Malikha Ziadatul , Amir Mohammad Faizal
Published: October 2018

Miskonsepsi yang terjadi pada siswa akan mengakibatkan siswa mengalami kesalahan juga untuk konsep pada tingkat berikutnya. Sehingga mengakibatkan terjadinya rantai kesalahan konsep yang tidak terputus karena konsep awal yang telat dimiliki akan dijadikan sebagai dasar belajar konsep selanjutnya. Pecahan merupakan cabang dari aritmatika yang sangat erat kaitannya dengan kehidupan sehari-hari dan merupakan materi yang berhubungan dengan materi yang lain. Namun mesikipun demikian masih banyak siswa yang mengalami miskonsepsi dalam memahami konsep pecahan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui miskonsepsi yang terjadi pada siswa berkemampuan matematika tinggi, sedang dan rendah dan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar presentasi miskonsepsi yang dialami. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah 1) Tes kemampuan matematika untuk mengetahui kemampuan matematika subjek, 2) tes diagnostik miskonsepsi untuk mengetahui miskonsepsi yang terjadi, dan 3) wawancara yang dilakukan pada subjek yang mengalami miskonsepsi terbanyak. Pengecekan keabsahan data menggunakan trianggulasi teknik, yaitu dengan membandingkan data hasil tes, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian dapat dipaparkan sebagai beriku. 1) miskonsepsi pada siswa berkemampuan matematika tinggi sebesar 20%, yaitu pada konsep makna, urutan dan kerapatan pecahan, 2) miskonsepsi pada siswa berkemampuan matematika sedang sebesar 60%, yaitu pada konsep definisi, makna, ketaksamaan pecahan, urutan dan kerapatan pecahan serta perkalian dan pembagian pecahan, dan 3) miskonsepsi pada siswa berkemampuan matematika rendah sebesar 30%, yaitu pada konsep makna, ketaksamaan, urutan atau kerapatan dan perkalian pecahan.
Formation and Investigation of Plasma Powder Coatings Made of Oxide Ceramics Modified with High-Energy Effects
Authors: Okovity V. A. , Panteleenko F. I. , Okovity V. V. , Astashinsky V. M. , Uglov V. V. , Chimanskiy V. I. , Cerenda N. N.
Published: October 2018

The paper presents results of studying structure and properties of multilayer composite coatings optimized for their composition based on zirconium dioxide materials used for deposition of plasma coatings on the models of elements for anti-meteor shielding screens. The influence of plasma jet parameters (current, distance of sputtering, consumption of plasma-forming nitrogen gas) and fractional composition of an initial powder on characteristics of two-layer composite coatings based on nickel-chromium-aluminum-yttrium and zirconium dioxide on the elements of protective screens has been analyzed in the paper. Optimization has been carried out on the basis of obtaining maximum coefficient of powder utilization. The investigations have made it possible to ascertain specific features of elemental and phase composition, surface morphology, microstructure multilayer composite coatings on the basis of a solid layer of metal oxides and a viscous transition sub-layer subjected to compression plasma flows. The investigations have been executed with the help of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectral microanalysis, and x-ray diffraction analysis. It has been shown on the basis of the obtained results that the effect of compression plasma flows on multilayer composite coatings leads to a modification of a near-surface layer with a thickness up to 15 μm that presupposes its melting and subsequent high-speed crystallization which together provide an increase in its density, decrease in porosity while maintaining the initial phase state. Liquid-phase processes in the molten phase of the near-surface layer permit to modify morphological properties of the surface which are associated with its smoothing and lowering of roughness.
Investigation of Machine Tool Developed Settings Influence on Productivity and Quality of Simultaneous Double-Sided Lens Processing
Authors: Kozeruk A. S. , Malpica Y. L. , Sukhotzkiy A. A. , Filonova M. I. , Kuznechik V. O.
Published: October 2018

The paper presents methodology for determining rational modes of abrasive processing for high-precision lenses while using a method of free lapping at finishing operations. Analytical expressions have been obtained to determine coordinates of reference points on a spherical surface which are necessary for mathematical modeling of its processing at pivotal machines. The paper contains results of a theoretical qualitative evaluation of high-precision operating lens surfaces formation in case of various combinations of setting parameters for technological equipment. In this case the most rational and unfavorable modes of processing have been identified. In particular, the last case presupposes shaping by changing rotational frequencies of an input link in an executive mechanism of the machine tool w2and the lens wл. An indicative feature is that a poor quality of processing has been obtained over the entire range of variation interval w2 at maximum value wл, and especially in the case when these frequencies are equal. It has been determined that the highest accuracy of processing is achieved with maximum amplitude of an oscillating tool motion, its diameter and frequency of part rotation and minimum rotational speed of the input link in the executive machine-tool mechanism. As such values of these setting parameters lead to an increased removal of an allowance in the marginal zone of a work-piece, then while processing a convex lens surface, its radius of curvature in each previous operation should be larger than a radius of curvature which is to be obtained in the process of subsequent operations. The inverse regularity of curvature radius values must be observed for a concave surface. The most advantageous values of the machine-tool setting parameters with various combinations have been proposed with the purpose to eliminate errors in the form of common as “knoll” and “hole” with due account of processing productivity and accuracy. The paper describes an influence of machine tool spindle wavering value on the processing accuracy of lenses having a wide range of diameters.
Feedback in Automated Clutch Control Circuit for Truck Start-Up Process
Authors: Nghia Le Van
Published: October 2018

The paper presents description of a mechatronic control system for mechanical transmission of a 20-ton truck, as well as its adaptive start-up algorithm, transient process behavior which significantly affects durability of automated power unit elements, vehicle movement smoothness and driver’s comfort when driving. A multidisciplinary model of the mechatronic control system has been developed in the software package Imagine Lab AMESim because its power unit including a diesel engine, a dry frictional two-disc clutch, a main mechanical stepped gearbox and an additional gearbox has electrical components besides mechanical and pneumatic ones. The given model allows to test complex control algorithms and analyze the behavior of intelligent systems in the early designing stages. The research has been carried out on the basis of the test complex at Department “Automobiles”, Automotive and Tractor Faculty, Belarusian National Technical University. Research results confirm an adequacy of the AMESim developed multidisciplinary model. Feedback on the increment of an angular velocity difference between driving and driven parts of the friction clutch has been introduced for precise friction clutch control. Threshold values of a feedback parameter have been determined on the basis of the developed computer model and these values will be used for programming a microprocessor unit when implementing an adaptive algorithm for a truck start-up process