bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between asthma status and radiologically confirmed fracture in children: A data‐linkage study
Authors: Degabriele Elizabeth L , Holloway Kara L , Pasco Julie A , Hyde Natalie K , Vuillermin Peter J , Williams Lana J , Brennan‐Olsen Sharon L
Published: April 2018

Aim

World‐wide, approximately 14% of children have prevalent asthma. As most bone accrual occurs in childhood, and data suggest a detrimental role in bone from asthma and/or medications, we investigated whether asthma was associated with radiologically confirmed fractures in a large cohort of children.

Methods

Data from the Barwon Asthma Study (2005), a population‐based, cross‐sectional survey of all children attending 91 primary schools in the Barwon Statistical Division, were linked to the Geelong Osteoporosis Study Fracture Grid (2006–2007), a fracture register encompassing the Barwon Statistical Division (n = 16 438; 50.5% boys; aged 3.5–13.6 years). Asthma, ascertained from parent‐reported symptoms using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, was categorised as: (i) recent wheeze; and number of (ii) recent wheezy episodes; (iii) doctor visits for wheeze symptoms; and (iv) doctor visits for asthma check‐ups. Using logistic regression analyses, stratified by sex and adjusted for age and medication use, we determined whether asthma was associated with radiologically confirmed fractures.

Results

In total, 961 fractures were observed among 823 Barwon Asthma Study participants (5.9% of total sample; 61.1% boys). Recent wheeze and 1–3 recent wheezy episodes were associated with increased odds of fracture in boys (odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.55; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12–1.77, respectively), but not girls (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.78–1.37; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.38–1.19). Results were independent of age, and sustained after adjustment for medication.

Conclusions

Independent of age, asthma was associated with fracture for boys, but not girls. There is an imperative for strategies to promote bone health among children with asthma.
Group‐Difference Effect Sizes: Gauging the Practical Importance of Findings from Group‐Experimental Research
Authors: Cook Bryan G. , Cook Lysandra , Therrien William J.
Published: April 2018

Effect sizes are powerful tools for evaluating the practical importance of study findings that should be considered in the context of study characteristics such as participants, dependent variables, and comparison condition. In this article, we discuss how group‐difference effect sizes are used to gauge the practical importance of group experimental studies. We first define different types of group‐difference effect sizes and discuss how they can provide valuable information for research consumers. Second, we present guidelines for interpreting group‐difference effect sizes. Third, we discuss important contextual variables that should be taken into account when interpreting group‐difference effect sizes reported in the literature. Last, we provide two examples of how group‐difference effect sizes have been used in the learning disabilities research base.
Serodiagnosis of aspergillosis in falcons (Falco spp.) by an Afmp1p‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Wernery Ulrich , Tsang Chi‐Ching , Hebel Christiana , Damerau Alexandra , Kinne Jörg , Cai Jian‐Piao , Küspert Harald , Chan Ka‐Fai , Joseph Marina , Xue Shaolong , Raghavan Rekha , Tang James Y. M. , Syriac Ginu , Lau Susanna K. P. , Jose Shantymol , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: April 2018

Aspergillosis in falcons may be associated with high mortality and difficulties in clinical and laboratory diagnosis. We previously cloned an immunogenic protein, Afmp1p, in Aspergillus fumigatus and showed that anti‐Afmp1p antibodies were present in human patients with A. fumigatus infections. In this study, we hypothesise that a similar Afmp1p‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) could be applied to serodiagnose falcon aspergillosis. A specific polyclonal antibody was first generated to detect falcon serum IgY. Horseradish peroxidase‐conjugate of this antibody was then used to measure anti‐Afmp1p antibodies in sera collected from falcons experimentally infected with A. fumigatus, and the performance of the Afmp1p‐based ELISA was evaluated using sera from healthy falcons and falcons with documented A. fumigatus infections. All four experimentally infected falcons developed culture‐ and histology‐proven invasive aspergillosis. Anti‐Afmp1p antibodies were detected in their sera. For the Afmp1p‐based ELISA, the mean ± SD OD450 nm using sera from 129 healthy falcons was 0.186 ± 0.073. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed an absorbance cut‐off value of 0.407. One negative serum gave an absorbance outside the normal range, giving a specificity of 99.2%. For the 12 sera from falcons with confirmed aspergillosis, nine gave absorbance values ≥ cut‐off, giving a sensitivity of 75%. The Afmp1p‐based ELISA is useful for serodiagnosis of falcons with aspergillosis.
A molecular framework to study periderm formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wunderling Anna , Ripper Dagmar , Barra‐Jimenez Azahara , Mahn Stefan , Sajak Kathrin , Targem Mehdi Ben , Ragni Laura
Published: April 2018

During secondary growth in most eudicots and gymnosperms, the periderm replaces the epidermis as the frontier tissue protecting the vasculature from biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite its importance, the mechanisms underlying periderm establishment and formation are largely unknown.

The herbaceous Arabidopsis thaliana undergoes secondary growth, including periderm formation in the root and hypocotyl. Thus, we focused on these two organs to establish a framework to study periderm development in a model organism.

We identified a set of characteristic developmental stages describing periderm growth from the first cell division in the pericycle to the shedding of the cortex and epidermis. We highlight that two independent mechanisms are involved in the loosening of the outer tissues as the endodermis undergoes programmed cell death, whereas the epidermis and the cortex are abscised. Moreover, the phellem of Arabidopsis, as in trees, is suberized, lignified and peels off. In addition, putative regulators from oak and potato are also expressed in the Arabidopsis periderm.

Collectively, the periderm of Arabidopsis shares many characteristics/features of woody and tuberous periderms, rendering Arabidopsis thaliana an attractive model for cork biology.
A Practical Estimation Method for Center of Mass Velocity in Swimming Direction During Front Crawl Swimming
Authors: Matsuda Yuji , Sakurai Yoshihisa , Akashi Keita , Kubo Yasuyuki
Published: April 2018

Center of mass (CoM) velocity variation in swimming direction is related to swimming performance and efficiency. However, it is difficult to calculate the CoM velocity during swimming. Therefore, we aimed to establish a practical estimation method for the CoM velocity in swimming direction during front crawl swimming with underwater cameras. Ten swimmers were recorded during front crawl swimming (25 m, maximal effort) using a motion capture system with 18 underwater and 9 land cameras. Three CoM velocity estimation methods were constructed (single-hip velocity, both-hips velocity, and both-hips velocity with simulated arm velocity correction). Each model was validated against the actual CoM velocity. The difference between the single-hip velocity and the actual CoM velocity in swimming direction was significantly larger compared with that of the other 2 models. Furthermore, the accuracy of CoM velocity estimation was increased when both-hips velocity was corrected using the simulated arm velocity. The method allowed estimation of the CoM velocity with only 2 underwater cameras with a maximal difference of 0.06 m·s−1. This study established a novel and practical method for the estimation of the CoM velocity in swimming direction during front crawl swimming.
Athletes’ Self-Reports on Mind Wandering While Practicing Sports: An Exploratory Two-Study Project
Authors: Latinjak Alexander T.
Published: April 2018

This two-study project provided a brief description of athletes’ experiences with mind wandering. Study 1 aimed to quantitatively examine mind wandering in sports, in terms of frequency, effects and perceived control. Therefore, 94 athletes (Mage = 19.51, SD = 1.65) answered a specifically designed 19-item questionnaire. The results suggested that mind wandering is a common phenomenon in sports, with both beneficial and adverse effects on performance. Study 2 aimed to qualitatively explore when athletes use mind wandering. Accordingly, 115 athletes (Mage = 22.82, SD = 3.61) described one recent mind wandering situation while practicing sport. A hierarchical content analysis was performed by the first author and confirmed by an external expert. The results indicated that mind wandering occurred in a wide range of situations in sport and physical activity. Nonetheless, it was also argued that future studies should more carefully define mind wandering to avoid confusion with related terms.
Chromosome identification in Cucumis anguria revealed by cross-species single-copy gene FISH
Authors: Li Ziang , Bi Yunfei , Wang Xing , Wang Yunzhu , Yang Shuqiong , Zhang Zhentao , Chen Jinfeng , Lou Qunfeng
Published: April 2018

Cucumis anguria is a potential genetic resource for improving crops of the genus Cucumis, owing to its broad-spectrum resistance. However, few cytogenetic studies on C. anguria have been reported because of its small metaphase chromosomes and the scarcity of distinguished chromosomal landmarks. In this study, 14 single-copy genes from cucumber and rDNAs were used as probes for FISH to identify the individual chromosomes of C. anguria. The distinctive signal distribution patterns of the probes allowed us to distinguish each chromosome of C. anguria (A01–A12). Further, detailed chromosome characteristics were obtained through pachytene chromosome FISH. The lengths of pachytene chromosomes varied from 54.80 to 143.41 μm. The proportion of heterochromatin regions varied from 13.56% to 63.86%. Finally, the chromosomal homeologous relationship between C. anguria and cucumber (C1–C7) was analyzed. The results showed that A06 + A09, A03 + A12, A02 + A04, and A01 + A11 were homeologs of C1, C2, C3, and C6, respectively. Furthemore, chromosomes A08, A10, and A05 were homeologs of C4, C5, and C7, respectively. Chromosome identification and homeologous relationship analysis between C. anguria and cucumber lay the foundation for further research of genome structure evolution in species of Cucumis.
Closed-form Analytical Solutions for Free Vibration of Rectangular Functionally Graded Thin Plates in Thermal Environment
Authors: Xing Y. F. , Wang Z. K. , Xu T. F.
Published: April 2018

Based on classical small deflection plate theory, the governing equation of functionally graded (FG) plates in thermal environment is derived by using Hamilton’s principle. Closed-form analytical solutions are obtained via separation-of-variable method for free vibration of rectangular FG thin plates with simply supported, clamped and guided edges, especially for the plates with two adjacent clamped edges in thermal environment. The normal modes and frequencies are in an elegant and explicit closed form. Comprehensive numerical comparison and results in dimensionless form validate the present method and reveal a few physical phenomena.
A new result of list 2-distance coloring of planar graphs with g(G) ≥ 5
Authors: Pan Tao , Sun Lei
Published: April 2018

It was proved in [Y. Bu and C. Shang, List 2-distance coloring of planar graphs without short cycles, Discrete Math. Algorithm. Appl. 8 (2016) 1650013] that for every planar graph with girth [Formula: see text] and maximum degree [Formula: see text] is list 2-distance [Formula: see text]-colorable. In this paper, we proved that: for every planar graph with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is list 2-distance [Formula: see text]-colorable.
Study and evaluation of a plant form modeling system based on the Lindenmayer system
Authors: Maeda Taiyo , Manabe Yasuhiko , Kawata Shigeo
Published: April 2018

In order to evaluate and recognize plant growth automatically based on photos of plants in plant science and engineering, we propose a diagnostic system for plant growth in which simulated plant growth is used as a reference for real growing plants. In our diagnostic system, we employ the Lindenmayer system [Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 15, 53–68, 1974] to model healthy growing plants. In the Lindenmayer system plant growth is expressed by string expressions designed as a numerical model for the plant. This proposal system provides users the string expressions by using image processing. As users compare with two strings such as DNA sequence genetic code, users obtain developmental change of plat growth. The results show that our automatic plant diagnostic system is effective in checking actual healthy plant growth, and suggest that the diagnostic system should be useful in large-scale plant factories.
The QoS Indicators Analysis of Integrated EUHT Wireless Communication System Based on Urban Rail Transit in High‐Speed Scenario
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Jiang Hailin , Tang Tao , Zhao Hongli
Published: April 2018

Nowadays, in urban rail transit systems, train wayside communication system uses Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) as wireless technologies to achieve safety‐related information exchange between trains and wayside equipment. However, according to the high speed mobility of trains and the limitations of frequency band, WLAN is unable to meet the demands of future intracity and intercity rail transit. And although the Time Division‐Long Term Evolution (TD‐LTE) technology has high performance compared with WLAN, only 20 MHz bandwidth can be used at most. Moreover, in high‐speed scenario over 300 km/h, TD‐LTE can hardly meet the future requirement as well. The equipment based on Enhanced Ultra High Throughput (EUHT) technology can achieve a better performance in high‐speed scenario compared with WLAN and TD‐LTE. Furthermore, it allows using the frequency resource flexibly based on 5.8 GHz, such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz. In this paper, we set up an EUHT wireless communication system for urban rail transit in high‐speed scenario integrated all the traffics of it. An outdoor testing environment in Beijing‐Tianjin High‐speed Railway is set up to measure the performance of integrated EUHT wireless communication system based on urban rail transit. The communication delay, handoff latency, and throughput of this system are analyzed. Extensive testing results show that the Quality of Service (QoS) of the designed integrated EUHT wireless communication system satisfies the requirements of urban rail transit system in high‐speed scenario. Moreover, compared with testing results of TD‐LTE which we got before, the maximum handoff latency of safety‐critical traffics can be decreased from 225 ms to 150 ms. The performance of throughput‐critical traffics can achieve 2‐way 2 Mbps CCTV and 1‐way 8 Mbps PIS which are much better than 2‐way 1 Mbps CCTV and 1‐way 2 Mbps PIS in TD‐LTE.
Urine Trefoil Factors as Prognostic Biomarkers in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yamanari Toshio , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Tanaka Keiko , Morinaga Hiroshi , Kitagawa Masashi , Onishi Akifumi , Ogawa-Akiyama Ayu , Kano Yuzuki , Mise Koki , Ohmoto Yasukazu , Shikata Kenichi , Wada Jun
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides are increased in serum and urine in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, whether the levels of TFF predict the progression of CKD remains to be elucidated.Methods. We determined the TFF levels using peptide-specific ELISA in spot urine samples and performed a prospective cohort study. The association between the levels of urine TFFs and other urine biomarkers as well as the renal prognosis was analyzed in 216 CKD patients (mean age: 53.7 years, 47.7% female, 56.9% with chronic glomerulonephritis, and mean eGFR: 58.5 ml/min/1.73 m2).Results. The urine TFF1 and TFF3 levels significantly increased with the progression of CKD stages, but not the urine TFF2 levels. The TFF1 and TFF3 peptide levels predicted the progression of CKD ≥ stage 3b by ROC analysis (AUC 0.750 and 0.879, resp.); however, TFF3 alone predicted CKD progression in a multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 3.854, 95% confidence interval 1.316–11.55). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that patients with a higher TFF1 and TFF3 alone, or in combination with macroalbuminuria, had a significantly worse renal prognosis.Conclusion. The data suggested that urine TFF peptides are associated with renal progression and the outcomes in patients with CKD.
Neural Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Ameliorated Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Yang HongNa , Wang Cuilan , Chen Hui , Li Lan , Ma Shuang , Wang Hao , Fu YaRu , Qu Tingyu
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Our previous study suggested that NSC-CM (neural stem cell-conditioned medium) inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro. In addition, many studies have shown that neurotrophic factors and microparticles secreted into a conditioned medium by NSCs had neuroprotective effects. Thus, we hypothesized that NSC-CM had the capacity of protecting against cerebral I/R injury. Methods. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats receiving middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery as an animal model of cerebral I/R injury were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group and NSC-CM-treated group. 1.5 ml NSC-CM or PBS (phosphate buffer saline) was administrated slowly by tail vein at 3 h, 24 h, and 48 h after ischemia onset. Results. NSC-CM significantly ameliorated neurological defects and reduced cerebral infarct volume, accompanied by preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure. In addition, we also found that NSC-CM significantly inhibited cell apoptosis in the ischemic hemisphere via improving the expression of Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2). Conclusion. NSC-CM might be an alternative and effective therapeutic intervention for ischemic stroke.
The Roles of Autophagy in Acute Lung Injury Induced by Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhan Liying , Zhang Yuan , Su Wating , Zhang Qiongxia , Chen Rong , Zhao Bo , Li Wei , Xue Rui , Xia Zhongyuan , Lei Shaoqing
Published: April 2018

Patients with diabetes are vulnerable to myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury, which may also induce acute lung injury (ALI) due to overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation cytokine in circulation. Despite autophagy plays a significant role in diabetes and pulmonary IR injury, the role of autophagy in ALI secondary to myocardial IR in diabetes remains largely elusive. We aimed to investigate pulmonary autophagy status and its roles in oxidative stress and inflammation reaction in lung tissues from diabetic rats subjected to myocardial IR. Control or diabetic rats were either treated with or without autophagy inducer rapamycin (Rap) or autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) before myocardial IR, which was achieved by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min and followed by reperfusion for 120 min. Diabetic rats subjected to myocardial IR showed more serious ALI with higher lung injury score and WET/DRY ratio and lower PaO2 as compared with control rats, accompanied with impaired autophagy indicated by reduced LC-3II/LC-3I ratio and Beclin-1 expression, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased 15-F2t-Isoprostane formation in lung tissues, as well as increased levels of leukocyte count and proinflammatory cytokines in BAL fluid. Improving autophagy with Rap significantly attenuated all these changes, but the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA exhibited adverse or opposite effects as Rap. In conclusion, diabetic lungs are more vulnerable to myocardial IR, which are involved in impaired autophagy. Improving autophagy could attenuate ALI induced by myocardial IR in diabetic rats, possibly through inhibiting inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress.
Modulation of Corticospinal Excitability Depends on the Pattern of Mechanical Tactile Stimulation
Authors: Kojima Sho , Onishi Hideaki , Miyaguchi Shota , Kotan Shinichi , Sasaki Ryoki , Nakagawa Masaki , Kirimoto Hikari , Tamaki Hiroyuki
Published: April 2018

We investigated the effects of different patterns of mechanical tactile stimulation (MS) on corticospinal excitability by measuring the motor-evoked potential (MEP). This was a single-blind study that included nineteen healthy subjects. MS was applied for 20 min to the right index finger. MS intervention was defined as simple, lateral, rubbing, vertical, or random. Simple intervention stimulated the entire finger pad at the same time. Lateral intervention stimulated with moving between left and right on the finger pad. Rubbing intervention stimulated with moving the stimulus probe, fixed by protrusion pins. Vertical intervention stimulated with moving in the forward and backward directions on the finger pad. Random intervention stimulated to finger pad with either row protrudes. MEPs were measured in the first dorsal interosseous muscle to transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left motor cortex before, immediately after, and 5–20 min after intervention. Following simple intervention, MEP amplitudes were significantly smaller than preintervention, indicating depression of corticospinal excitability. Following lateral, rubbing, and vertical intervention, MEP amplitudes were significantly larger than preintervention, indicating facilitation of corticospinal excitability. The modulation of corticospinal excitability depends on MS patterns. These results contribute to knowledge regarding the use of MS as a neurorehabilitation tool to neurological disorder.
Public Awareness on Cord Blood Banking in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Jawdat Dunia , AlTwijri Sulaiman , AlSemari Hadeel , Saade Mayssa , Alaskar Ahmed
Published: April 2018

Background. In the last decade, cord blood (CB) has proven to be a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation to treat many hematological disorders. Since then, many CB banks have been established worldwide. Our aim was to estimate the level of public awareness of CB banking in Saudi Arabia. Study Design and Methods. A self-administered questionnaire of 22 multiple choices was conveniently distributed, consisting of demographics, awareness measure, attitude toward banking preference, and donation for research data. Results. A total of 1146 participants have completed the questionnaire. The majority were young female 19–25 years old (26%), who are college graduates (57%) with middle class socioeconomic status (82%). The subjective assessment of the overall knowledge was inadequate (66%). For the objective assessment, 12 questions were asked about CB source, collection, storage, and usage. Only half of the subjects (52%) knew that CB is a source of stem cells. More than half did not know the main use of CB. About half did not know about the method of collection nor the condition of storing. Conclusion. This study shows a high lack of knowledge about CB banking. More than half of the subjects were unaware of CB banking and its uses. However, most subjects are accepting CB storage, which anticipates great impact and efficacy on educational programs. Moreover, the data demonstrated that health professionals were not the source of knowledge. We recommend having comprehensive educational campaigns with clear information about CB banking to facilitate positive perspectives towards donation and scientific research.
Peripheral Nerve Injury-Induced Astrocyte Activation in Spinal Ventral Horn Contributes to Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Qian Changhui , Tan Dandan , Wang Xianghai , Li Lixia , Wen Jinkun , Pan Mengjie , Li Yuanyuan , Wu Wutian , Guo Jiasong
Published: April 2018

Accumulating evidences suggest that peripheral nerve injury (PNI) may initiate astrocytic responses in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the response of astrocytes in the spinal ventral horn and its potential role in nerve regeneration after PNI remain unclear. Herein, we firstly illustrated that astrocytes in the spinal ventral horn were dramatically activated in the early stage following sciatic nerve injury, and these profiles were eliminated in the chronic stage. Additionally, we found that the expression of neurotrophins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), also accompanied with astrocyte activation. In comparison with the irreversible transected subjects, astrocyte activation and the neurotrophic upregulation in the early stage were more drastic in case the transected nerve was rebridged immediately after injury. Furthermore, administering fluorocitrate to inhibit astrocyte activation resulted in decreased neurotrophin expression in the spinal ventral horn and delayed axonal regeneration in the nerve as well as motor function recovery. Overall, the present study indicates that peripheral nerve injury can initiate astrocyte activation accompanied with neurotrophin upregulation in the spinal ventral horn. The above responses mainly occur in the early stage of PNI and may contribute to nerve regeneration and motor function recovery.
Awareness of the Link between Alcohol Consumption and Cancer across the World: A Review
Authors: Scheideler Jennifer K. , Klein William M.P.
Published: April 2018

Since 1988, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the highest level of risk. Growing evidence suggests that alcohol increases the risk of several types of cancer including breast, bowel, prostate, and liver, and accounts for a significant proportion of preventable cancers. Despite ample evidence of this relationship, public awareness is less clear. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we reviewed 32 studies examining lay awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer in 16 countries. Our results show that awareness appears to be low and varies internationally; it is relatively higher in the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Australia. Methodologic differences in assessment obfuscate cross-country and cross-sample comparisons. In general, people are more likely to endorse alcohol as a risk factor when presented with a list of possible risk factors than when asked to list risk factors in an open-ended format. Attempts to increase awareness have been limited and constitute a significant public health need. We provide potential strategies to increase awareness, such as alcohol bottle labeling and fostering patient/physician discussions regarding the link. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 429–37. ©2018 AACR.
Development of an Algorithm for Stroke Prediction: A National Health Insurance Database Study in Korea
Authors: Min Seung Nam , Park Se Jin , Kim Dong Joon , Subramaniyam Murali , Lee Kyung-Sun
Published: April 2018

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and remains an important health burden both for the individuals and for the national healthcare systems. Potentially modifiable risk factors for stroke include hypertension, cardiac disease, diabetes, and dysregulation of glucose metabolism, atrial fibrillation, and lifestyle factors. Objects: We aimed to derive a model equation for developing a stroke pre-diagnosis algorithm with the potentially modifiable risk factors. Methods: We used logistic regression for model derivation, together with data from the database of the Korea National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). We reviewed the NHIS records of 500,000 enrollees. For the regression analysis, data regarding 367 stroke patients were selected. The control group consisted of 500 patients followed up for 2 consecutive years and with no history of stroke. Results: We developed a logistic regression model based on information regarding several well-known modifiable risk factors. The developed model could correctly discriminate between normal subjects and stroke patients in 65% of cases. Conclusion: The model developed in the present study can be applied in the clinical setting to estimate the probability of stroke in a year and thus improve the stroke prevention strategies in high-risk patients. The approach used to develop the stroke prevention algorithm can be applied for developing similar models for the pre-diagnosis of other diseases.
Pathogenicity of four entomopathogenic nematode strains against Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Chau N. , Do Anh T. , Hoang Phuc K. , Truong Lam X.
Published: April 2018

The virulence and reproductive capacity of four indigenous entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strains, S-PQ16 (Steinernema sp. PQ16), S-TX1 (Steinernema sangi TX1), S-DL13 (S. siamkayai DL13) and H-NT3 (Heterorhabditis indica NT3), against the last instar larvae of Asian corn borer (ACB), was evaluated. With moderately low concentrations of infective juveniles (IJ) from 10 to 100 IJ insect−1, the ACB larvae were found to be susceptible to all four EPN nematode strains after exposure for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h. The 100% mortality of ACB larvae by these indigenous EPN strains occurred after 96-120 h of exposure. The low LC50 values (between 21.7 and 27.9 IJ) indicated the high virulence of these four EPN strains to ACB larvae. The highest yield of IJ produced inside the insect cadavers for S-PQ16, S-TX1, S-DL13 and H-NT3 was 215.0 ± 6.5 × 103, 83.1 ± 4.9 × 103, 67.8 ± 7.2 × 103 and 225.2 ± 6.4 × 103 IJ, respectively, with low inoculated concentrations of between 30-50 IJ. The results, showing a high degree of virulence and high reproduction capacity, suggest that these indigenous EPN strains have great potential for biological control of the Asian corn borer.
RE-Imagi(n)ing Leviathan
Authors: Vieira Mónica Brito
Published: April 2018

Over the years great care has been lavished by scholars of Hobbes on decoding the image produced for Leviathan by Abraham Bosse with the creative input of Thomas Hobbes. This article focusses instead on the reception and remaking of this image, arguably the most iconic image in the statist imaginary. Attention turns here, in particular, to two contemporary artworks, Do Ho Suh’s Some/One (2005) and Ernesto Neto’s Leviathan Thot (2006). Both of these artworks visually recall and re-problematize Hobbes’s frontispiece: its depiction of the political body and of the complex relationships between the elements comprising it. They therefore offer us a curious perspective from which to re-engage with Hobbes’s work and the political aesthetics that has immortalized it.
New Arcuatasigma species (Bacillariophyta, Pleurosigmataceae) from Guam and Belize, and the taxonomic identities of Toxonidea challengeriensis and its variety
Authors: LOBBAN CHRISTOPHER S. , REID GERALDINE
Published: April 2018

Arcuatasigma is a diatom genus characterized by striae in transapical and longitudinal lines and a 180º twist in the frustule at one end, leading to spathulate apices that both curve to the same side. Three new species are described which differ in size and stria densities. Two, A. arenicolum sp. nov. and A. belizense sp. nov. have smooth valve surfaces and areolae opening externally by longitudinal slits, except for occasionally joined pairs with a V-shaped slit; this is typical for the genus. The other species, A. marginale sp. nov. has a distinctive pattern in the areolae, in which the orientation of the opening slit is different across the longitudinal rows and in which there is a distinct marginal row of areolae. We reconsidered the taxonomy of Toxonidea challengeriensis Castracane and its unnamed variety because of recognizing that it was described as having decussate striae. As a result, we created Toxonidisigma gen. nov., matching Arcuatasigma but having decussate striae (similar to other pairs in Pleurosigmataceae, e.g., Pleurosigma and Gyrosigma), and placed the two challengeriensis taxa in it as Toxonidisigma challengeriense comb. nov. and T. garbii sp. nov. In addition, we removed the synonymy of Gyrosigma spathulatum with Arcuatasigma [Toxonidea] challengeriensis and transferred the former to A. spathulatum comb. nov.
Taxonomic contributions to Ageniella Banks, 1912 (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from Brazil
Authors: WAICHERT CECILIA , COLOMBO WESLEY DONDONI , VON DOHLEN CAROL D. , PITTS JAMES P.
Published: April 2018

Ageniella Banks is the second most diverse genus in the tribe Ageniellini (Pompilidae: Pepsinae) with about 200 valid names. Ageniella is known to be paraphyletic; yet, no revision has been made. Lack of a taxonomic catalogue and of identification keys has further delayed taxonomic studies. Additionally, many of the currently valid names should be treated as synonyms. This present study is the first attempt to organize the species of Ageniella, focusing on the species occurring in Brazil. A total of six subgenera and 40 species of Ageniella occur in Brazil. Of these, 25 species are endemic to Brazil. The new synonyms are proposed for (valid names are first): Alasagenia Banks, 1944 =Lissagenia Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Alasagenia) erichsoni Banks, 1944 =Priophanes major Banks, 1945, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) zeteki (Banks, 1925) =Priophanes marcida Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) agitata (Smith, 1873), comb. nov. =Salius (Priocnemis) setaceicornis Fox, 1897, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) sanguinolenta (Smith, 1864) =Agenia ruficeps Smith, 1864, syn. nov.; =Ageniella alternata Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Priophanes) dolorosa (Banks, 1946), comb. nov. =Priophanes plagosa Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) fabricii (Banks, 1944) =Ameragenia notabilis Banks, 1946, syn. nov. A new combination is proposed for: Ageniella (Alasagenia) cursor (Smith, 1873), comb. nov. (from Agenia Schiødte); Ageniella (Ameragenia) clypeata (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius Fabricius), Ageniella (Ameragenia) rutila (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Priophanes) tegularis (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Priophanes) rufitarsis (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Ameragenia) citricornis (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Ameragenia) serrula (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Priophanes) cingulata (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Agenia). A new name Ageniella (Ameragenia) banksii Waichert, nom. nov. is proposed for Ameragenia festina Banks, 1946, secondary homonym of Ageniella festina Banks, 1917, and Ageniella (Priophanes) otiosa is reinstate, stat. resurr.
SOX11 augments BCR signaling to drive MCL-like tumor development
Authors: Kuo Pei-Yu , Jatiani Shashidhar S. , Rahman Adeeb H. , Edwards Donna , Jiang Zewei , Ahr Katya , Perumal Deepak , Leshchenko Violetta V. , Brody Joshua , Shaknovich Rita , Ye B. Hilda , Parekh Samir
Published: April 2018

Key Points

B-cell–specific overexpression of SOX11 promotes oncogenic proliferation of B1a B cells and drives an MCL-like phenotype. SOX11 overexpression is associated with increased signaling through the BCR pathway that can be reversed by pharmacological BTK inhibition.
SRSF3 recruits DROSHA to the basal junction of primary microRNAs
Authors: Kim Kijun , Nguyen Trung Duc , Li Shaohua , Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: April 2018

The Microprocessor complex, consisting of an RNase III DROSHA and the DGCR8 dimer, cleaves primary microRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) to initiate microRNA (miRNA) maturation. Pri-miRNAs are stem–loop RNAs, and ∼79% of them contain at least one of the three major and conserved RNA motifs, UG, UGU, and CNNC. We recently demonstrated that the basal UG and apical UGU motifs of pri-miRNAs interact with DROSHA and DGCR8, respectively. They help orient Microprocessor on pri-miRNA in a proper direction in which DROSHA and DGCR8 localize to the basal and apical pri-miRNA junctions, respectively. In addition, CNNC, located at ∼17 nucleotides (nt) from the Microprocessor cleavage site, interacts with SRSF3 (SRp20) to stimulate Microprocessor to process pri-miRNAs. The mechanism underlying this stimulation, however, is unknown. In this study, we discovered that SRSF3 recruits DROSHA to the basal junction in a CNNC-dependent manner, thereby enhancing Microprocessor activity. Furthermore, by generating various pri-miRNA substrates containing CNNC at different locations, we demonstrated that such stimulation only occurs when CNNC is located at ∼17 nt from the Microprocessor cleavage site. Our findings reveal the molecular mechanism of SRSF3 in pri-miRNA processing and support the previously proposed explanation for the highly conserved position of CNNC in SRSF3-enhanced pri-miRNA processing.
The possible implications of advances in genetic testing technologies for Genetic Counsellors working with families of children with developmental disorders
Authors: Joseph Flora M.
Published: April 2018

New genetic testing technologies such as microarrays and whole exome sequencing mean the diagnostic potential for a child with a development disorder is greatly increased over traditional testing techniques.  With this increased potential comes increased expectations from families and professionals about the answers a diagnosis will provide.  However, limitations remain and a proportion of individuals will continue to remain undiagnosed.  In addition, some individuals will receive novel or very rare diagnoses about which very little is known in terms of prognosis and effective treatments.  In this paper, I present an argument for why these families would benefit from additional Genetic Counsellor support and how Clinical Genetics services in the UK could provide this support.  I acknowledge that resources are limited, but as demands on services increase and interactions with families become shorter, I argue that these resources should be fought for, for the benefit of these families.
Olhares subjetivos para a alfabetização
Authors: Lima Francisco Renato , Carvalho Maria Angélica Freire de
Published: April 2018

A reflexão apresentada nesse estudo parte da necessidade de aproximar o processo de aprendizado da leitura e da escrita – etapa formalmente estabelecida pela escola como alfabetização – e aspectos subjetivos da linguagem, nos quais se inclui a percepção do homem como sujeito de si, em sua historicidade, por meio da aquisição da língua escrita. Nessa percepção, esse fato acarreta uma mudança identitária, pragmática e sociocultural do sujeito que, imerso em uma pluralidade de vivências e de experiências de vida – letramentos sociais – singulariza-se e dá significado ao mundo por meio de resquícios de escrita. A demonstração desse aspecto parte de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa e dialógica, evidenciando que a intervenção sobre o tema será apenas de caráter teórico-filosófico, ainda que, construída sob experiências empíricas vivenciadas pelo pesquisador, no exercício da docência e no trabalho pedagógico com o ensino da língua em sala de aula. Um olhar subjetivo para a alfabetização permite compreendê-la, portanto, como etapa básica e fundamental na formação do indivíduo, que assume uma autoria, discursivamente e socialmente, por meio da linguagem; de tal modo, perceber os meandros e as interfaces subjetivas, que permeiam essa fase de aprendizagem, é agregar valores humanos, conceituais e atitudinais para a melhoria das práticas de ensino.
ORGANIZAÇÃO CURRICULAR NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: UMA QUESTÃO DE GESTÃO ESCOLAR
Authors: Nascimento Leandra Fernandes do , Cavalcante Maria Marina Dias
Published: April 2018

O artigo tem o propósito de discorrer sobre a compreensão dos professores e coordenadores pedagógicos em relação ao processo de organização curricular da Educação Infantil. É uma pesquisa Qualitativa, fazendo uso de procedimentos metodológicos com aproximações de Estudo de Caso. A Educação Infantil é uma fase importante para o desenvolvimento da criança, e corroborando com estudos anteriores a presente pesquisa nos mostra que falta à maioria dos professores conhecimentos específicos acerca da organização curricular para a Educação Infantil, além do desconhecimento sobre documentos e leis que amparam sua profissão, contudo se faz necessário criar possibilidades de aprendizagens tanto para os profissionais da educação quanto aos alunos.
RITOS DE VELÓRIO E SEPULTAMENTO DE CRIANÇAS NA HISTÓRIA DA INFÂNCIA EM BELÉM DO PARÁ - 1910-1914
Authors: Viana Carmeci Dos Reis , Araújo Alves Laura Maria Silva
Published: April 2018

Trata-se de inserções iniciais da pesquisa que está sendo desenvolvida no Mestrado Acadêmico em Educação. Investiga os rituais de velório e sepultamento de crianças em Belém do Pará (1910 e 1914), a partir de impressos jornalísticos que retratam as práticas, crenças e superstições, que perfaziam o ritual de despedida da criança na morte. É Pesquisa documental. Questões levantadas 1) Como se constituíam os rituais de velório e sepultamento de crianças em Belém do Pará no período em tela? 2) Qual a sua relação com a veneração da alma, o saber local e a miscigenação das culturas para a constituição da infância e dos conceitos de infância na região? Resultados preliminares apontam que a demografia da mortalidade infantil, os rituais de preparo do corpo, o velório e o sepultamento dos infantes estão ligados a questões de ordem social econômica e religiosa.   Palavras chave: História da infância no Pará. Ritos de mortalidade. Infância na Amazônia.
Gestos (im)prováveis: ocupações e(m) afecções...
Authors: Andrade Elenise Cristina Pires de , Almeida Edivan Carneiro , Brandão Elenilda Alves
Published: April 2018

Viralizar a vida junto aos movimentos maquínicos que se estendem e distendem dois processos de pesquisa realizados em escolas públicas baianas entre os anos de 2014 e 2016: o projeto “Cidades (des)enquadradas em imagens: experimentações (atra)versando o conceito de signo” que, aqui, apresentará algumas divagações nas relações entre as produções de imagens com alunos do ensino médio de uma escola pública em Ichu-BA e a dissertação de mestrado “Você tem fome de quê?: movimentos (e)m currículos de uma escola do ensino médio em Ipiaú, Bahia” (2017). Esse texto, portanto, tem a vontade de explorar ideias e ressonâncias e movimentos das filosofias da diferença que nos acompanharão e invadirão esta escrita na vontade de revirar a questão: quais gestos ocupariam as ruas-cidades em um devir intensivo, a provocar fendas no movimento maquínico da enunciação nos muros-escolas, nas fotografias, nas palavras, disparando forças criativas?
A construção da imagem do diabo na literatura infantil: uma leitura do conto "O bom diabo", de Monteiro Lobato
Authors: Ferreira Yvonélio Nery
Published: April 2018

Na obra Contos da Tia Nastácia, publicada em 1937, uma antologia de historietas populares narradas pela personagem título a pedido de Pedrinho e da boneca Emília, podemos observar o entrecruzamento dos discursos religioso e folclórico, científico e popular. Nesse livro, a criada negra desfia os contos populares aos moradores do sítio, os quais, com postura crítica e interpelativa, tornam cada vez mais tensa a relação discursiva das histórias populares ouvidas. Ao resgatar folclores e crenças, Lobato procura desmitificá-los. Assim, no conto “O bom diabo”, o amansar da maldade e a relativização da bondade se compenetram a partir da simetria entre São Miguel e o Diabo, levando-nos a pensar em que medida esses sentimentos constituem o ser humano e a sociedade ocidental. Buscaremos, portanto, mostrar como se constituem os discursos religioso e folclórico na história infantil “O bom diabo”, de Monteiro Lobato. Para isso, refletiremos sobre a formação da literatura infantil e sobre a construção do imaginário da figura do diabo na cultura ocidental.
A look at alcohol and the heart
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: April 2018

In this monthly feature, Sarah Jane Palmer delves into topical news, the latest research and what the experts are saying on subjects related to cardiology and cardiac nursing practice.
ECG of the month
Authors: Richley Dave
Published: April 2018

Dave Richley presents an ECG for you to analyse
Image Compression by Wavelet Packets
Authors: omran alkaam nora
Published: April 2018

This research implements Image processing to reduce the size of image without losing the important information This paper aims to determine the best wavelet to compress the still image at a particular decomposition level using wavelet packet transforms.
Mobile Agent based Workflow Management System (MAWFMS) for Information Flow and Business Processes
Authors: Singh Chowhan Rahul
Published: April 2018

Mobile agents are a very novice field with wider scope of research in the stream of a integrated coherent networks, parallel programming, automated learning, remote execution and artificial intelligence. A mobile agent is a representative that is often treated as moving object developed using any object oriented programming language. Using a WFMS is an emerging current trend in modeling, research methodologies and implementing the information/data flow and various related business processes within an organization. Work is often credited as a task, information, a document, data, announcements or a job that passes through different nodes within an organization. The integration of WFMS involves the automation of various processes such as tasks, documents, processed data, and information or rules to accomplish a task. This automation within the technology can be achieved by integration of agent based technology that makes use of Mobile Agent Paradigm. This paper briefs about various features, benefits and role mobile agents in Workflow management system. This also highlights how the implementation of MAWFMS can smoothen and simplifies the workflow managements in multifarious event based environments.