bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entre memorias oficiales e identidades colectivas : la Fiesta Provincial del Inmigrante (Berisso, Argentina, 2010-2015)
Authors: Herrera Nicolás
Published: October 2019

À partir du travail de champ réalisé lors de la Fête Provinciale de l’Immigré (Berisso, Argentine, 2010-2015), cet article analyse le rôle joué par les mémoires officielles dans la conformation des identités collectives. Dans ce rituel commémoratif, les représentants des associations ethniques locales, la mairie et l’Eglise chrétienne reproduisent un imaginaire sur la communauté locale/nacionale mettant en scène un mythe des origines : le mythe du crisol de razas (blanches et européennes). La dénomination mnémotechnique de ce mythe des origines – mettant en rapport la conformation de la communauté avec l’arrivée des immigrés européens entre le XIXe et le XXe siècles et sa fusion harmonique – permet aux acteurs de remettre dans la sphère publique une narration sur l’identité collective de berissenses/argentins. Dans ce cadre, cet article décrit le rôle du passé dans la conformation de limites sociales, dans l’instauration de figures mythiques de la mémoire locale et dans la construction de légitimité, de prestige et de reconnaisance.
Autour du centenaire d’Octobre 1917. Réflexions sur la transmission mémorielle, l’engagement politique et la fabrique du sujet communiste révolutionnaire à Lutte ouvrière
Authors: Flammand Benjamin
Published: October 2019

Le concept de mémoire historique se révèle particulièrement fécond pour la sociologie de l’engagement. Envisagé du point de vue de sa transmission et du champ d’interactions dans lequel il s’inscrit, il permet d’interroger concrètement les mécanismes d’alignement entre la mémoire historique et les vécus individuels. Dans le processus de recrutement de l’organisation trotskyste Lutte ouvrière (présenté comme une étude de cas) les mécanismes de transmission mémorielle font apparaître, avant même l’acte formel d’engagement, comment se construit le sujet communiste révolutionnaire au contact des dispositifs militants.
De la exhumación a la monumentalización : una perspectiva interdisciplinar sobre la legitimación política en España desde el año 2000
Authors: González Daniel Palacios , Carazo Miriam Saqqa
Published: October 2019

Ce texte vise à présenter l'expérience des exhumations et de la monumentalisation des charniers de la guerre civile espagnole, en les considérant comme un outil de légitimation politique, utilisé de manière récurrente depuis 2000. Les deux facettes fondamentales qui seront abordées sont l'exhumation comme outil de légitimation à travers le discours des droits de l'homme et la monumentalisation comme outil de légitimation à travers le discours de la tradition démocratique. Ainsi, ces deux rhétoriques, celle de la récupération d'une mémoire démocratique et celle des droits de l'homme, détermineront le caractère de la légitimité politique dans les deux objets d'étude choisis.
Los niños de la Transición : nuevos paradigmas autobiográficos en la literatura española de la última década
Authors: Martín Huertas Concepción
Published: October 2019

Ces dernières années, de nombreux chercheurs évoquent une « crise de la mémoire » en Occident. Pourtant, dans la littérature espagnole – en particulier au cours de la dernière décennie –, un nouveau courant semble revendiquer les mémoires personnelles et collectives. Nous faisons référence à l’essor récent d’autobiographies et de romans autobiographiques qui inondent les maisons d’édition. Dans ces textes, les mémoires relatées ne relèvent pas d’un exercice de post-mémoire. Les auteurs, généralement nés dans les années 60, s’interrogent plutôt sur leurs expériences et leurs propres souvenirs, et les inscrivent dans la mémoire collective du pays.
Le travail n’est pas une marchandise. Contenu et sens du travail au xxie siècle
Authors: Supiot Alain
Published: October 2019

Ce n’est ni en défaisant l’État social ni en s’efforçant de le restaurer comme un monument historique que l’on trouvera une issue à la crise sociale et écologique. C’est en repensant son architecture à la lumière du monde tel qu’il est et tel que nous voudrions qu’il soit. Et, aujourd’hui comme hier, la clé de voûte sera le statut accordé au travail. Face à la faillite morale, sociale, écologique et financière du néolibéralisme, l’horizon du travail au xxie siècle est celui de son émancipation du règne exclusif de la marchandise. Comme le montre le cas du travail de recherche, les statuts professionnels qui ont résisté à la dynamique du Marché total ne sont donc pas les fossiles d’un monde appelé à disparaître, mais bien plutôt les germes d’un régime de travail réellement humain, qui fasse place au sens et au contenu du travail – c’est-à-dire à l’accomplissement d’une œuvre.
Some considerations on the Newtonian gravitational constant G measurements
Authors: Ognean Teodor
Published: October 2019

Certain relationships between the Newtonian gravitational constant, the Planck constant, and the square of the fine structure constant, established by dimensional analysis, are presented. Here we show that, based on these relationships, a more exact value for the Newtonian gravitational
constant G equal to 6.67409076 × 10−11 m3 kg−1 s−2 can be calculated. In this way, these relationships could be used as a nonconventional tool for establishing a G gravitational constant value very close to the
real one. It is considered that the difference between this calculated value and the values provided by the most accurate measurements of this constant is very important, whereas such difference could reflect certain, subtle and unknown “links” existing between the natural phenomena.
This article also highlights a very interesting relationship between the Newtonian gravitational constant G, the square of the fine structure constant (α−1)2, and the Planck constant h, having the following form: 2XG = π (10Xα/2Xh)2,
where XG, 10Xα, and Xh are the normalized values (dimensionless) of these constants.
A latently quantized force of atomic unification
Authors: Sharafiddinov Rasulkhozha S.
Published: October 2019

Given the availability of a force of atomic unification, a sharp interconnection between an antineutrino and a neutron must constitute an antineutrino hydrogen atom. This is one of two atoms that are of crucial value for constructing all of the remaining ones. We discuss a theory in
which atomic orbit quantization around a nucleus is carried out with a flavor type dependence. Such an orbit quantized sequence principle leads to the splitting of the spectral lines of atoms in an external field, confirming the availability of a family structure in them. Thereby, it predicts
the existence in nature of 63 189 isotope forms of 118 types of atomic systems. We derive the united equations that relate the masses in an atom to the radii of boson, lepton, and antineutrino orbits including the speeds, energies, and revolution periods of their particles. The estimates
thus found express, for each of the five forms of uranium and the two types of hydrogen, the idea of an intraatomic force quantized by leptonic families. They unite all of connections necessary for the steadiness and completeness of an atom in a unified whole as a role of gravity in atomic
construction. Therefore, a change in both the lifetime and radius of any of the structural particles within an atom originates from the orbit type dependence.
A gênese da reforma universitária brasileira
Authors: Braggio Ana Karine
Published: October 2019

Este artigo aborda a gênese da reforma universitária no Brasil bem como sua relação com a gênese do movimento estudantil. Além da bibliografia disponível, foram consultados os periódicos da década de 1920 à de 1960. Mediante a apreciação desses materiais, objetivou-se recuperar a origem da formação do movimento estudantil e do ideário da reforma universitária que permeiam os anos finais da década de 1920. Desse modo, a principal resultante deste estudo é a apresentação inédita dos primeiros indícios das mobilizações estudantis em prol da reforma universitária. Conclui-se que a gênese da reforma universitária e do movimento estudantil foi influenciada pelo manifesto da Universidade de Córdoba e pela iniciativa do professor Bruno Lobo, da Universidade do Brasil
Percursos e desafios da história da educação luso-brasileira
Authors: Gonçalves Neto Wenceslau
Published: October 2019

São discutidas questões relacionadas a desafios, tensões, realizações e debates marcantes na História da Educação de Brasil e Portugal, principalmente a partir da segunda metade do século XX. Recuperam-se discussões sobre formas da produção histórico-educacional, lacunas investigativas, produção individual ou compartilhada, disputas por financiamento etc. Como encaminhamento, trabalha-se em três dimensões: desafios imediatos, relacionados à continuidade da área de conhecimento; desafios intermediários, voltados para a internacionalização e a difusão de resultados de pesquisa; e desafio teórico-metodológico, que precisa ser recorrentemente colocado pelo campo. Finaliza-se chamando-se a atenção para outra dimensão que não pode ser descurada pelo pesquisador: o desafio ético.
Accelerating mathematics word problem-solving performance and efficacy with think-aloud strategies
Authors: Björn Piia M. , Äikäs Aino , Hakkarainen Airi , Kyttälä Minna , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: October 2019

Background: The previous body of research literature has reported several separate cognitive processes relevant in solving mathematics wps. Therefore, it is of the essence to seek for effective intervention and instruction for students in need for support in learning.Aim: This article reports the outcome of an intervention targeted at mathematics word problem (wp) skills.Setting: This study included three data collection points: (1) Premeasurements, (2) post-measurements and (3) follow-up measurements. Pre-measurements were performed in August, post-measurements immediately after the intervention period in October and follow-up measurements in December.Methods: A programme, which included face-to-face support in mathematics wp strategies with the think-aloud protocol, was applied. The participants were 28 Finnish third-graders (14 training group students and 14 control students). Their mathematics wp skills were tested three times (pre-, post- and follow-up assessments). The groups were matched by gender, family type and the mathematics wp pre-measurement score level. The groups differed neither by literacy skills (i.e. technical reading, reading comprehension) nor by task orientation at baseline.Results: Some acceleration of mathematics wp skills among the training group students was found but the growth dramatically declined as soon as the face-to-face support stopped. The results further showed improvement in the efficacy of correct answers or attempted mathematics wp items among training group students.Conclusion: The results suggested that training consisting of face-to-face support is crucial for accelerating mathematics wp strategies among students struggling with mathematics. Repeated, cyclic periods of support are suggested for sustained effect.
Parameters of Soybean Cultivated in Succession With Intercropping System of Out-of-Season Corn With Green Manure
Authors: Genovesi Geovani , Rasera Giuliano Patrick , Moreski Humberto Misdei , Felipe Daniele Fernanda , Da Costa André Ribeiro , Andreola Ricardo , Gonçalves-Zuliani Aline Maria Orbolato , Bido Graciene De Souza , Mannigel Anny Rosi
Published: October 2019

Most Brazilian soils have low organic matter content, and the current management systems used in agriculture contribute to worsening this situation. The introduction of practices that lead to the increase of soil organic matter becomes more necessary for agrosystems to be sustainable, ensuring high yields because only then the production chain becomes profitable and enables agricultural production. The present work aimed to investigate the effect of intercropping practices among corn crop with different green manures in soybean agronomic parameters. The work consisted of five treatments using Brachiaria ruziziensis (Brachiaria); Raphanus sativus (Forage Turnip); Crotalaria spectabilis cv. Common (Crotalaria); Avena strigosa (Black Oats); and a control area (single maize) with five replications. Different aspects related to successor cultivation with soybean were evaluated taking into consideration agronomic aspects such as stem thickness, number of pods, plant height, the weight of one thousand grains and yield per hectare presented by the crop. The work demonstrated that brachiaria green manure in consortium with out-of-season corn crop promoted the highest plant height and number of pods for the soybean crop in succession.
Effect of Cattle Manure on Young Plants of Khaya senegalensis Submitted to Different Irrigation Intervals
Authors: Mendes Alessandro Almeida , Cairo Paulo Araquém Ramos , Leite Tande Caires , Botelho Vinícius Vieira , Silva Janaína Ramos de Jesus , Bonfim Raul Antônio Araújo do , Barbosa Mateus Pires
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cattle manure on young plants of Khaya senegalensis submitted to different irrigation intervals. A greenhouse experiment was carried out during 2017 cold season, based in a 5x3 factorial arrangement – cattle manure fertilizing with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% doses, and 3-day, 6-day and 12-day irrigation intervals. Water potential, relative water content (RWC), water consumption (WC), water use efficiency (WUE), chlorophyll content estimation (SPAD index), plant height, stem diameter, plant total dry mass and free amino acid and proline content were measured. Irrigation intervals had no significant effect on physiological traits and plant water relationships, except for WUE, which was higher under 12-day irrigation interval. This was assumed as an indication of non-occurrence of water stress, even under the longest irrigation interval. Cattle manure, in turn, played a significant effect on these traits, except for water potential, irrespective of irrigation intervals. Increasing cattle manure doses improved RWC (just doses up to 20%), reduced WC and increased WUE, SPAD index, and both free amino acid and proline contents. On the other hand, growth-related parameters were not affected by cattle manure, but a significant effect of irrigation intervals was observed. Both plant height and total dry mass were lower under 3-day and 6-day irrigation intervals. We suspect a possibly low evapotranspiration, given the relatively low temperatures of that season (14-16 ºC), which may have reduced the demand for irrigation in the experimental period. Thus, soil moisture under the shorter irrigation intervals may have increased until reach to a close to saturation level, limiting the amount of soil oxygen and hampers nutrient uptake.
Market Responsiveness to Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Fried Zev
Published: October 2019

Market reaction to surprises in earnings announcements has long been used to measure the quality of the information content of the announcement, and studies have explored various factors affecting the response. This study adds to this body of research by factoring in the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) exhibited by the firm and employs a relatively new measure of a company’s level of CSR, rankings published by JUST Capital. I hypothesize that financial information reported by higher ranked companies is weighed more heavily by investors than those reported by non-ranked or lower-ranked companies. Using earnings response coefficients as a measure of the perceived quality of the financial information reported by the firms, my results provide direct support of the hypothesis, indicating that the market reacts more strongly to earnings surprises for firms with high JUST rankings than for unranked firms or firms with lower rankings. This result contributes new insights into the impact of a firm’s CSR in terms of the perceived quality of a firm’s financial reporting.
The Effect of Classical Music on Anxiety and Well-Being of University Students
Authors: OSMANOĞLU Devrim ERGINSOY , YILMAZ Hüseyin
Published: October 2019

Psychological and spiritual effects of music on people have been revealed by various studies and still continue to be investigated. The sound which has existed since the first formation of the universe; and music and music therapy which are as old as the history of mankind have constituted one of the treatment methods widely investigated at hospitals and universities. In the daily lives of people, anxiety, stress, well-being and similar phenomena clearly remain in the foreground. The current study is an experimental study designed to determine the effect of listening to classical music on anxiety and well-being. The sampling of the study is comprised of senior students in an education faculty. A total of 15 students (7 females and 8 males) participated in the current study. The data were collected with the State-Trait Anxiety Scale and the Psychological Well-being Scale. In the analysis of the data, Paired Sample t-Test was used.

The findings of the current study have revealed that while listening to classical music for a 60-day period (listening to classical music ever day according to a music listening schedule) did not have any significant effect on the students’ State Anxiety scores, it led to a statistically significant effect on their Trait Anxiety and Psychological Well-being scores (t=3,451 P
Geological Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Prospect of FOB-field, Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Onshore, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: O. Balogun Frankie , A. Lucas Franklin , Ebomwonyi Osarodion
Published: October 2019

Well logs, biostratigraphic data, seismic data and semblance map which together form a multidisciplinary data approach, were utilized in the geological evaluation of hydrocarbon prospect FOB-Field, onshore Coastal Swamp Depobelt in the Niger Delta Basin. Structural interpretation of faults, correlation of wells and 3D seismic interpretation were carried out using Schlumberger’s window based petrel software integrated with various lines of evidence such as sequence boundaries and maximum flooding surfaces. The penetrated sedimentary succession was established to constrain the alternation of sand packages from proximal to distal. The studied wells were dated mid to late Miocene based on the geological position of the sequence boundary (10.35Ma) and geological ages of the Mfs (9.5MaMfs) and (10.4MaMfs) respectively corresponding to the Coastal Swamp Depobelt of the Niger Delta Basin. Integration of well logs, seismic, semblance, paleobathymetric and biostratigraphic data indicated mid to late Miocene and neritic to bathyal paleoenvironment of deposition. Integration of fault integrity, seismic, well logs and key stratigraphic markers were utilized to build a seismic facies model and a gross depositional environment model for the FOB-Field.
Decreased Level of Nitric Oxide in Preeclamptic Pregnancy: A Relationship with PON1 Arylesterase Activity
Authors: Sawant Swati Digambar , R. Mogarekar Mukund
Published: October 2019

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the status and diagnostic utility of PON1. (Paraoxonase-1) Arylesterase and nitric oxide as indicator of antioxidant status in preeclampsia.

Study Design:  Analytical case control study.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of obstretics and gynecology Department, G. M. C. Ambajogai, between July 2010 and July 2012.

Methodology: We conducted a case-control study of 57 women with preeclampsia and 57 women with uncomplicated deliveries. We measured PON1 Arylesterase activity, Nitric oxide and lipid profile.

Results: Serum levels of LDLc (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) are higher in cases than in controls and are statistically significant (p=0.023). However serum HDLc (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels are decreased significantly (p = 0.017). Serum PON1 Arylesterase showed significant decrease in cases152.68 KU/L versus controls 180.89 KU/L, p value=0.002.  Serum nitric oxide also showed significant decrease in cases 22.77 ± 4.792 umol/L versus controls 25.127 umol/L, p=0.010. PON1 Arylesterase activity is found to be positively correlated with serum HDL cholesterol (r = 0.449, p value< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done.

Conclusion: Our observed results show decrease in the antioxidant PON1 Arylesterase activity point towards their role in the pathogenesis of Preeclampsia.
Effects of Perception on Consumer Purchase Intention of Traditional Textiles in Ogun state, Nigeria
Authors: Olufemi Adetayo, Hezekiah , Olatunji Kareem, Alidu
Published: October 2019

Aims: To identify perceived product attributes influencing consumer purchase intention; determine the relationship between shopping experience and consumer purchase intention and examine the influence of product understanding on consumption of traditional textiles in Nigeria textiles industry.

Study Design:  Descriptive survey research design was used for the study.

Place and Duration of Study: Itoku and Asero Adire International market, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria between September and October, 2018.

Methodology: The population of the study comprises all the customers of traditionally made textiles in Itoku and Asero Adire International market from which 158 respondents were selected through purposive sampling technique. Only 127 questionnaires that were correctly filled were used for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression model.

Results: Findings from the study showed that textile quality, accessibility (shopping convenience), acceptability, price, packaging, texture, availability and designs with Eigen values of .615, .692, .777, .673, .614, .679, .659, and .620 respectively were the product attributes influencing consumer purchase intention. Furthermore, results showed that consumer shopping experience (R2=0.304; P=.001) and product understanding (R2=0.355; P=.000) were positively correlated with consumer purchase intention.

Conclusion: The study concluded that made-in-Nigeria traditional textile’s attributes, shopping experience and understanding of the product are major determinants of consumers purchase intentions in the textile industry in Nigeria.
Monetary Policy and the Real Economy: A Study of the Manufacturing and Services Sectors in Nigeria
Authors: Olamade Olumuyiwa
Published: October 2019

This study examined the effect of monetary policy on the real sector of the Nigerian economy. A model was specified for each of the manufacturing and services sectors to interrogate the effect of monetary policy on the real sector. Annual data were sourced from the World Development Indicators for 1981 to 2017. Preliminary tests of the time series properties suggested the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) regression as the most appropriate framework for the achievement of our objectives. Diagnostic tests of the distribution of regression errors confirmed the satisfaction of all necessary regression assumptions. The models were also found stable over the study period. Thus, the models adequately represented the problems formulated for investigation and good for valid inference. While all the four channels of monetary transmission considered were found significant for value-added expansion in manufacturing, the exchange rate channel was not a significant factor in value-added change in the services sector. Our findings suggested that domestic credit is the dominant channel for the transmission of monetary impulses to the real sector. The study concluded that monetary policy will benefit the real economy more with export expansion in both the manufacturing and services sectors.
Botswana’s Education System: A Relative Analysis with South Korean Education System
Authors: Malejane Aobakwe Bacos , Diraditsile Kabo
Published: October 2019

Any education system has its advantages and disadvantages and the Botswana education system was developed to produce critical thinkers, problem solvers and innovative students. The system was framed to provide opportunities for all learners in order to develop their capabilities. However, the system is currently faced with a myriad of challenges as there are unprecedented proportions of graduates' unemployment, poor performance from national examinations, and dropping out of school. To bring this discussion into perspective, this paper adopts a narrative approach using literature and document analysis to examine Botswana's education system in comparison with the Asian education system. The paper seeks to learn lessons from the Asian education system; in particular, South Korea as its education systems is known to be robust and efficient in producing learners who continuously make positive changes in transforming their nation. In this regard, recommendations on what could be done to rectify the situation in Botswana in light of the South Korean education system have been made.
Drosophila melanogaster: A Veritable Genetic Tool and in vivo Model for Human Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Imoleayo, Oyeniran Oluwatosin
Published: October 2019

The rise in the cases of neurodegenerative diseases, such as the familial forms of Alzheimer’s disease is worrisome and a burden to many societies in our ever-increasing world. Due to the complexity in the nature of the brain and spinal cord characterized by an extremely organized network of neuronal cells, there is a need to answer scientific inquiries in uncomplicated, though similar, systems. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit-fly) is a well-studied and easily managed genetic model organism used for discerning the molecular mechanisms of many human diseases. There are strong conservations of several basic biological, physiological and neurological features between D. melanogaster and mammals, as about 75% of all human disease-causing genes are considered to possess a functional homolog in the fruit-fly. The development of Drosophila models of several neurodegenerative disorders via developed transgenic technologies has presented spectacular similarities to human diseases. An advantage that the fruit-fly has over other model organisms, such as the mouse, is its comparatively brief lifespan, which allows complex inquiries about brain functions to be addressed more quickly. Furthermore, there have been steady increases in understanding the pathophysiological basis of many neurological disorders via genetic screenings with the aid of Drosophila models. This review presents a widespread summary of the fruit-fly models relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, and highlight important genetic modifiers that have been recognized using this model.
RETRACTED: NGF protects neuroblastoma cells against β‐amyloid‐induced apoptosis via the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Su Rui , Su Wei , Jiao Qian
Published: October 2019

As one of the main neurotrophic factors, nerve growth factor (NGF) participates in various processes related to viability, plasticity, and neuronal growth. NGF is known to protect against cell death and toxicity triggered by β‐amyloid (Aβ), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated this process in SKNSH neuroblastoma, in which NGF reduced cell death induced by Aβ25–35. Furthermore, NGF suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted antioxidant function via Aβ25–35. Additionally, we demonstrated that NGF impaired the activation of the JNK/c‐Jun signaling pathway and significantly increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO‐1 expression. Nrf2 elimination abolished the protective effect of NGF‐1 on Aβ25–35‐induced ROS generation, apoptosis, and activation of the JNK/c‐Jun pathway. The results of our study indicate that NGF protects neuroblastoma against injury triggered by Aβ25–35 via suppression of ROS–JNK/c‐Jun pathway stimulation through the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway.
Off‐axis dose distribution with stand‐in and stand‐off configurations for superficial radiotherapy treatments
Authors: Davey Keith , Moore Margaret , Cleary Sinéad , Kleefeld Christoph , Foley Mark J.
Published: October 2019

Current practice when delivering dose for superficial skin radiotherapy is to adjust the monitor units so that the prescribed dose is delivered to the central axis of the superficial unit applicator. Variations of source‐to‐surface distance due to patient’s anatomy protruding into the applicator or extending away from the applicator require adjustments to the monitor units using the inverse square law. Off‐axis dose distribution varies significantly from the central axis dose and is not currently being quantified. The dose falloff at the periphery of the field is not symmetrical in the anode–cathode axis due to the heel effect. This study was conducted to quantify the variation of dose across the surface being treated and model a simple geometric shape to estimate a patient’s surface with stand‐in and stand‐off. Isodose plots and color‐coded dose distribution maps were produced from scans of GAFChromic EBT‐3 film irradiated by a Gulmay D3300 orthovoltage x‐ray therapy system. It was clear that larger applicators show a greater dose falloff toward the periphery than smaller applicators. Larger applicators were found to have a lower percentage of points above 90% of central axis dose (SA90). Current clinical practice does not take this field variation into account. Stand‐in can result in significant dose falloff off‐axis depending on the depth and width of the protrusion, while stand‐off can result in a flatter field due to the high‐dose region near the central axis being further from the source than the peripheral regions. The central axis also received a 7% increased or decreased dose for stand‐in or stand‐off, respectively.
Use of tobacco in schizophrenia: A double‐edged sword
Authors: Fang Yu , Wang Weidi , Zhu Cuizhen , Lin Guan Ning , Cheng Ying , Zou Junhui , Cui Donghong
Published: October 2019

Objective

It has been identified that the smoking rate is higher in schizophrenic patients than general population. This study aimed to explore the association between schizophrenia and tobacco use, and provide rational recommendations for clinical care of schizophrenia.

Methods

We recruited 244 patients with schizophrenia and 225 healthy controls. Of schizophrenia patients, 54 patients were untreated with any antipsychotics over the previous 6 months or first‐episode and drug‐naïve. These patients (nonmedication subgroup) were followed up for 8 weeks. The associations between tobacco use and susceptibility to schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms were analyzed.

Results

Although there was no significant difference between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls in the entire sample, stratification analysis showed the rate of smoking was higher in male patients versus healthy controls and that male smokers exhibited higher odds ratios for schizophrenia than nonsmokers. Next, when we repeated analyses in first‐episode patients and healthy controls, significant differences were not observed, indicating tobacco use is an outcome rather than a cause of schizophrenia. Furthermore, among nonmedication subgroup, smokers presented with more severe psychotic symptoms at baseline, and better improvement after medication than nonsmokers, suggesting patients with worse symptoms tend to smoke to relieve symptoms.

Conclusion

This study supports the self‐medication hypothesis. Nonetheless, considering the serious health hazard associated with tobacco use, we should encourage patients to stop smoking. Further investigations are warranted to determine the tobacco constituents that are beneficial or harmful to schizophrenia.
Resting‐state brain entropy in right temporal lobe epilepsy and its relationship with alertness
Authors: Zhou Muhua , Jiang Wenyu , Zhong Dan , Zheng Jinou
Published: October 2019

Background

To date, no functional MRI (fMRI) studies have focused on brain entropy in right temporal lobe epilepsy (rTLE) patients. Here, we characterized brain entropy (BEN) alterations in patients with rTLE using resting‐state functional MRI(rs‐fMRI) and explored the relationship between BEN and alertness.

Method

Thirty‐one rTLE patients and 33 controls underwent MRI scanning to investigate differences in BEN and resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐FC) in regions of interest (ROIs) between patients and controls. Correlation analyses were performed to examine relationships between the BEN of each ROI and alertness reaction times (RTs) in rTLE patients.

Results

Compared with controls, the BEN of rTLE patients was significantly increased in the right middle temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, and other regions of the left hemisphere and significantly decreased in the right middle frontal gyrus and left supplementary motor area (p < .05). The rs‐FCs between the ROIs (at p < .01, with the left superior parietal lobule and right precentral gyrus defined as ROI1 and ROI2, respectively) and the whole brain showed an increasing trend in rTLE patients. In addition, the BEN of ROI2 was associated with the intrinsic alertness and phasic alertness RTs of patients with rTLE.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that BEN is altered in patients with rTLE and that decreased BEN in the right precentral gyrus is positively related to intrinsic and phasic alertness; the abnormal FC in the brain regions with altered entropy suggests a reconstruction of brain functional connectivity. These findings suggest that BEN mapping may provide a useful tool for probing brain mechanisms related to TLE.
Injectable supramolecular polymer–nanoparticle hydrogels enhance human mesenchymal stem cell delivery
Authors: Grosskopf Abigail K. , Roth Gillie A. , Smith Anton A. A. , Gale Emily C. , Hernandez Hector Lopez , Appel Eric A.
Published: October 2019

Stem cell therapies have emerged as promising treatments for injuries and diseases in regenerative medicine. Yet, delivering stem cells therapeutically can be complicated by invasive administration techniques, heterogeneity in the injection media, and/or poor cell retention at the injection site. Despite these issues, traditional administration protocols using bolus injections in a saline solution or surgical implants of cell‐laden hydrogels have highlighted the promise of cell administration as a treatment strategy. To address these limitations, we have designed an injectable polymer–nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel platform exploiting multivalent, noncovalent interactions between modified biopolymers and biodegradable nanoparticles for encapsulation and delivery of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). hMSC‐based therapies have shown promise due to their broad differentiation capacities and production of therapeutic paracrine signaling molecules. In this work, the fundamental hydrogel mechanical properties that enhance hMSC delivery processes are elucidated using basic in vitro models. Further, in vivo studies in immunocompetent mice reveal that PNP hydrogels enhance hMSC retention at the injection site and retain administered hMSCs locally for upwards of 2 weeks. Through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate a novel scalable, synthetic, and biodegradable hydrogel system that overcomes current limitations and enables effective cell delivery.
The landscape of immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma based on PD‐L1 expression and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Chen Lu , Cao Mian‐Fu , Zhang Xiang , Dang Wei‐Qi , Xiao Jing‐Fang , Liu Qing , Tan Yu‐Huan , Tan Yao‐Yao , Xu Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Sen‐Lin , Yao Xiao‐Hong , Cui You‐Hong , Zhang Xia , Bian Xiu‐Wu
Published: October 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the tumor microenvironment immune types (TMIT) based on tumor cell programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) distribution and whether distinct TMIT subtypes (TMIT I, PD‐L1high/TILhigh; TMIT II, PD‐L1low/TILlow; TMIT III, PD‐L1high/TILlow; and TMIT IV, PD‐L1low/TILhigh) differentially affect clinical outcomes of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to evaluate the expression of PD‐L1 and the spatial distribution of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) and CD8 TILs on the surgically resected specimens from 205 cases of LAC and 149 cases of SCC. PD‐1 and CD8 TILs were more frequently distributed in SCC than those in LAC, regardless of their infiltrating in the tumor islets or stroma. The density of TILs was a poor prognostic factor in LAC but a favorable one in SCC. PD‐L1 levels and its clinical prognostic significance differed in LAC vs SCC. LAC patients with TMIT III and SCC patients with TMIT I had the longest survival, respectively (P = .0197 and .0049). Moreover, TMIT stratification based on tumor cell PD‐L1 expression and stromal CD8+ TILs could be considered as an independent prognostic factor of SCC patients' survival as determined by both univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that different type of TMIT provides its specific microenvironment with diverse impact on survival of LAC and SCC patients and highlights the importance of the integrative assessment of PD‐L1 status and TILs' spatial distribution to predict patients' prognosis.
TNPO2 operates downstream of DYNC1I1 and promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis
Authors: Gong Libao , Wen Ti , Li Zhi , Wang Yizhe , Wang Jin , Che Xiaofang , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Xiujuan
Published: October 2019

The import of proteins into the nucleus plays an important role in tumor development. In addition to the classical nuclear import proteins importin‐β and importin‐α, there are many nonclassical nuclear import proteins that include TNPO2. The role of TNPO2 as a nonclassical nuclear import protein in tumors is limited. Our previous studies have shown that DYNC1I1 is a poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer and can promote the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. An expression profile chip showed that TNPO2 was its potential downstream. DYNC1I1 upregulated TNPO2 expression by upregulating SP1, following which, SP1 recruited and bound to the P300‐acetylated TNPO2 promoter region histones, and thus promoted TNPO2 expression. At the same time, TNPO2 promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis by a mechanism that might be depending on the functional expression of P21.
Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the pancreatic head: A case report
Authors: Alexander Dheeraj , Rashid Lewis , Hollis Michael , Kavuturu Srinivas
Published: October 2019

Pancreatic SRCC is a rare, aggressive tumor. Given limited evidence and the risk of side effects, physicians may elect to withhold chemotherapy in select patients, with the exception of neoadjuvant chemotherapy use to facilitate resectability.
Effect of Na‐Doping on Electron Decay Kinetics in SrTiO3 Photocatalyst
Authors: Kato Kosaku , Jiang Junzhe , Sakata Yoshihisa , Yamakata Akira
Published: October 2019

Photocatalytic water splitting by solar light is an environment‐friendly means for generating hydrogen as energy resources. For practical use, photocatalysts with higher activity are desired. Recently it was found that the photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3 is remarkably improved by Na‐doping. However, why Na‐doping enhances the activity has not been well understood. In this work, we found that Na‐doping in SrTiO3 introduces new mid‐gap states. Transient absorption measurements revealed that photoexcited electrons were trapped into these states within ∼20 ps after excitation. These trapped electrons have longer lifetime than those in undoped SrTiO3, and number of surviving electrons in microseconds increased ∼15 times. These electrons are trapped at the mid‐gap states, but still keep reactivity with reactant molecules. Furthermore, they were effectively captured by H2‐evolution cocatalyst, indicating that they can participate in steady‐state reactions. This work emphasizes the important role of electron‐trapping states introduced by doping on photocatalytic activity.
Photo‐Fenton‐peroxide process using FE (II)‐embedded composites based on activated carbon: Characterization of catalytic tests
Authors: Secula Marius S. , Vajda Andreea , Cagnon Benoît , Warmont Fabienne , Mamaliga Ioan
Published: October 2019

Cost‐efficient Fenton‐like catalysts for the removal of organic molecules in aqueous solutions were elaborated by a simple process. Porous activated carbons (ACs) were directly impregnated with a precursor solution using the wet impregnation method. Their efficiency as Fenton‐like catalysts was studied. Photo‐Fenton tests were performed to establish the performance of the prepared Fe‐impregnated activated carbons in relation to the degradation of an organic pollutant (Indigo Carmine) model in aqueous solution, under different conditions. Photo‐catalytic tests were carried out by means of a laboratory photo‐reactor (UV‐Consulting Peschl). The influence of several parameters such as solution pH value, initial concentration of the model pollutant, and hydrogen peroxide dose on the process performance was investigated. The ACs and prepared catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption‐desorption isotherms at 77 K, SEM, and thermogravimetric analyses. The total Fe content of the synthesized composites was estimated by the phenanthroline method using UV‐vis spectrophotometry. The results show an increase in the degradation rate when the heterogeneous photo‐Fenton process is conducted with an ozone generating UV lamp.
Adaptive rangeland management benefits grassland birds utilizing opposing vegetation structure in the shortgrass steppe
Authors: Davis Kristin P. , Augustine David J. , Monroe Adrian P. , Derner Justin D. , Aldridge Cameron L.
Published: October 2019

Rangelands are temporally and spatially complex socioecological systems on which the predominant land use is livestock production. In North America, rangelands also contain approximately 80% of remaining habitat for grassland birds, a guild of species that has experienced precipitous declines since the 1970s. While livestock grazing management may benefit certain grassland bird species by generating the vegetation structure and density they prefer, these outcomes are poorly understood for avian species breeding in the shortgrass steppe. We evaluated how two grazing management systems, continuous, season‐long grazing and adaptive, rest‐rotational grazing, affected grassland bird abundance from 2013 to 2017 in Colorado's shortgrass steppe. We examined grazing impacts in conjunction with ecological sites, which constitute unique soil and plant communities. When grazing management was evaluated in conjunction with spatial variation in ecological sites, we found three of our five focal bird species responded to grazing management. McCown's Longspur abundance decreased in pastures rested from grazing the previous year. The effect of grazing on Horned Lark and Grasshopper Sparrow depended on ecological site: Horned Lark density was highest in pastures that were intensively grazed and Grasshopper Sparrow density was highest in pastures that were rested the previous year in the least productive ecological site. In addition, densities of all species varied across ecological sites. Our results suggest consideration of soil and vegetation characteristics can inform how adaptive management is applied on a landscape to benefit the full suite of breeding grassland birds, including species that have seemingly contrasting habitat needs. For example, a manager could target adaptive drought mitigation practices, such as resting pastures for 1 yr to generate grassbanks, in less productive soils to benefit grassland birds that prefer taller/denser vegetation structure, or could apply intensive, short‐duration grazing on less productive soils to benefit species preferring shorter/sparser vegetation. A single year of intensive, short‐duration grazing (i.e., one component of our rotational treatment) across the landscape, however, might not create sufficient habitat for species that prefer short/sparse vegetation in our system (e.g., McCown's Longspur). Ultimately, our study indicates how cattle production on rangelands can congruently support grassland bird populations in the shortgrass steppe.
Bayesian calibration of a growth‐dependent tree mortality model to simulate the dynamics of European temperate forests
Authors: Cailleret Maxime , Bircher Nicolas , Hartig Florian , Hülsmann Lisa , Bugmann Harald
Published: October 2019

Dynamic vegetation models (DVMs) are important tools to understand and predict the functioning and dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems under changing environmental conditions. In these models, uncertainty in the description of demographic processes, in particular tree mortality, is a persistent problem. Current mortality formulations lack realism and are insufficiently constrained by empirical evidence. It has been suggested that empirically estimated mortality submodels would enhanceDVMperformance, but due to the many processes and interactions within aDVM, the claim has rarely been tested. Here, we compare the performance of three alternative growth‐dependent tree mortality submodels in theDVMForClim: (1) a mortality function with theoretical foundation (ForClim v3.3); (2) a mortality function with parameters directly estimated based on forest inventory data; and (3) the same function, but with parameters estimated using an inverse approach through Bayesian calibration (BC). Time series of inventory data from 30 ecologically distinct Swiss natural forest reserves collected over 35+ yr, including the main tree species of Central Europe, were used for the calibration and subsequent validation of the mortality functions and theDVM. The recalibration resulted in mortality parameters that differed from the direct empirical estimates, particularly for the relationship between tree size and mortality. The calibrated parameters outperformed the direct estimates, and to a lesser extent the original mortality function, for predicting decadal‐scale forest dynamics at both calibration and validation sites. The same pattern was observed regarding the plausibility of their long‐term projections under contrasting environmental conditions. Our results demonstrate that inverse calibration may be useful even when direct empirical estimates ofDVMparameters are available, as structural model deficiencies or data problems can result in discrepancies between direct and inverse estimates. Thus, we interpret the good performance of the inversely calibrated model for long‐term projections (which were not a calibration target) as evidence that the calibration did not compensate for model errors. Rather, we surmise that the discrepancy was mainly caused by a lack of representativeness of the mortality data. Our results underline the potential for learning more about elusive processes, such as tree mortality or recruitment, through data integration inDVMs.
Dependent performance of South Australian wind energy facilities with respect to resource and grid availability
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: October 2019

The Australian Energy Regulator alleges that four operators of wind energy facilities in South Australia did not “perform” properly during the September 2016 statewide blackout in breach of National Electricity Rules (NER). We comment that this claim is incorrect, as wind energy facilities cannot produce energy independent of the resource availability, and the connection to the grid. The NER, that do not have yet a single entry for “wind” or “solar” energy, same of energy “storage,” thus need to be updated to account for the way wind and solar energy is produced. Then we propose specific performance parameters of wind energy facilities. These are the mean and the SD of the capacity factor, sampled with high frequency (5 minutes) over a full year. The Hornsdale wind energy facilities, three of the targeted facilities, are performing with average capacity factors of 0.42, 0.39, and 0.38, better than the National Electricity Market grid average, which is only about 0.33. These capacity factors are still subjected to significant variability, well represented by SDs of the about the same magnitude of the mean values, 0.31, 0.31, and 0.30, respectively, as it is generally true for every other wind energy facility.