bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Content-Based Instruction on English Language Performance of Thai Undergraduate Students in a Non-English Program
Authors: Vanichvasin Patchara
Published: July 2019

The research purposes were to: 1) develop lesson plans for content-based instruction; 2) evaluate the students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of content-based instruction; and 3) investigate the effects of content-based instruction on English language performance of Thai undergraduate students in a non-English program. The sample group was 19 Thai undergraduate students. The research instruments were: 1) lesson plans for content-based instruction; 2) an evaluation form of lesson plans; 3) an effectiveness questionnaire on content-based instruction; and 4) English language performance tests. Data were analysed the mean, standard deviation, content analysis and a t-test. The research results were: 1) the lesson plans were developed and evaluated by experts as applicable for use at a high level and pilot-tested with 14 non-targeted Thai undergraduate students with the perceived effectiveness at a high level; 2) the 19 targeted Thai undergraduate students perceived the content-based instruction as an effective methodology and essential aid in generating opportunities to use English at a high level. They thought that it was fun and helped them practice, have a better attitude and gain more courage to express themselves in English; and 3) the post-course English language performance were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the pre-course English language performance. In conclusion, content-based instruction produced positive results and could be used as an effective methodology and essential aid in generating opportunities to use English, which resulted in increased English language performance.
Mechanical Behavior of Dam Foundation with Vertical Sand Drain, Case Study: Sombar Dam
Authors: Mahmood Mohammed Shaker , Akhtarpour Ali , Alali Ameer Abdulridha Ajmi
Published: July 2019

Installing vertical sand drains is a traditional dam foundation consolidation solution that is economical and provides good drainage efficiency. Vertical sand drains can shorten the path of water flow inside the soil and speeds up soil consolidation. This study investigated the effect of sand drains in the foundation of the Sombar Dam in Iran on its mechanical behavior. The Sombar Dam is a project to control flooding and provide agricultural water to Gholaman city in northeastern Iran. The investigation included the mechanical behavior of the dam with vertical sand drains. The studied parameters were drain diameter, depth and spacing in addition to the vertical-to-horizontal permeability ratio (ky/kx) of the foundation soil during the time of construction of the dam using a Mohr-Coulomb (MC) model in the software application GeoStudio. The results revealed that reducing the drain spacing (increasing the number of drains) and increasing the depth and diameter of the drains led to an increase of the settlement rate (up to 90%) and the stability of the dam over a shorter period of time (24 months) compared to no drain condition. With a decrease in the ratio of vertical-to-horizontal permeability (ky/kx = 0.1) for all drain parameters there was a decrease in the value of the dam settlement rate and the safety factor.
Comparison of Formulation Methods to Produce Nano-Chitosan as Inhibitor Agent for Bacterial Growth
Authors: Nugraheni Prihati Sih , Soeriyadi Alexander H. , Ustadi Ustadi , Sediawan Wahyudi Budi , Budhijanto Wiratni
Published: July 2019

Chitosan is known as an antibacterial agent. The effective surface area ratio of chitosan can be increased by modification into nanoparticles. Nano-chitosan can be prepared with several simple methods, i.e. precipitation, ionic gelation, or the polyelectrolyte complex method. This study compared these three methods in terms of the targeted product characteristics, i.e. stability of the average nanoparticle size as well as the colloidal dispersion, and the antibacterial characteristics. All three methods resulted in nanoparticle formation, but in the precipitation method significant zeta potential reduction was observed due to the presence of negative ions from the alkali that neutralized the chitosan amine group. The ionic gelation method yielded higher zeta potential and higher inhibition of bacterial growth than those yielded by the polyelectrolyte complex method. Ionic gelation and the polyelectrolyte complex method resulted in much better colloidal dispersion stability than the precipitation method, where a significant particle size increase was observed after one week of storage. This result indicates that both ionic gelation and the polyelectrolyte complex method can be used for forming nano-chitosan for the purpose of food preservation. However, for fishery products it is advisable to use the polyelectrolyte complex method because the TPP usually used in ionic gelation is not allowed to be applied to fish.
“Em ordem escrita as suas lembranças”: performances da memória em Baú de ossos
Authors: Gabriel Maria Alice Ribeiro
Published: July 2019

Recentemente, a crítica e a teoria literária têm especulado o tema da escrita. Este artigo expõe este tópico relacionando-o à temática da memória em Baú de ossos (1972), de acordo com as reflexões de Pedro Nava, Gilles Deleuze e Félix Guattari. O objetivo é discutir uma possível integração epistemológica entre o paradigma mnemônico apresentado pela escrita autobiográfica de Pedro Nava e o conceito filosófico de rizoma proposto por Deleuze e Guattari (1995).
Caligrafias da existência: Narrativas de Moçambique em Mia Couto
Authors: Da Silva Cristina Maria
Published: July 2019

Propomos pensar os encontros entre escrita e oralidade através das obras Terra Sonâmbula e Um rio chamado tempo, uma casa chamada terra do escritor Mia Couto. A terra e o rio são metáforas da recordação, falas e suportes da existência. Neles se inscrevem caligrafias da existência, nas quais os espaços da recordação, conforme define Assmann aparecem inscritos nas tramas dos personagens. Esses se desvelam como metáforas, que se dão: na escrita como vestígio da cultura, na imagem (sobretudo as fotografias, as lembranças e os sonhos), nas escritas do corpo e na memória dos lugares. Mia Couto inscreve através da sua literatura narrativas sobre Moçambique. Sua literatura se avizinha da oralidade e percorre o chão da cozinha, de onde ouve histórias contadas aos sussurros, em um mundo doce e mágico, no qual convivem vivos e mortos, caminhantes e sobreviventes. Nas letras dos sonhos inscritas nos Cadernos de Kindzu, nas cartas lidas por Mariano, encontramos as “páginas da terra”, ela tem sotaques que pedem para serem ouvidos. Os corpos se estendem aos artefatos como a casa, os álbuns de fotografias e nos cadernos e nos sonhos, neles se inscrevem as práticas de escrita das relações e por assim dizer da própria memória.
Physical Vulnerabilities from Wildfires: Flames, Floods, and Debris Flows
Authors: G. Neary Daniel , M. Leonard Jackson
Published: July 2019

Humans live in or adjacent to wildland ecosystems that burn periodically and are part of nearly all ecosystems that are in the pyrosphere. There are many hazards posed by wildfire and certain consequences of living in these ecosystems. Most are associated with wildfire, but the increased use of prescribed fire is an issue because of associated risks with human attempts to manage ecological goals. The hazards posed by wildfire involve cultural and economic loss, social disruption, infrastructure damage, human injury and mortality, damage to natural resources, and deterioration in air quality. The economic and human health and safety costs are on the rise due to increasing wildland-urban interface problems and extreme wildfire behavior brought on by climate change. In the past, urban fires have been the greatest threat to human health and safety killing over 100,000 people. World ecosystems have been modified extensively by fire. We live on a “fire planet.” With larger human populations and a changing, drying climate, the impact of fire on humans and the hazards faced by our natural and developed world will continue to increase. The increase in wildfire hazards in the twenty-first century will require higher levels of training, increased investments in wildfire personnel and infrastructure, greater wildfire awareness, and improved planning to reduce fire impacts.
Právní moc rozsudků Soudního dvora EU
Authors: Fellerová Palkovská Iva
Published: July 2019

Článek se zabývá v Česku poněkud opomíjeným tématem a sice právní moci rozsudků Soudního dvora EU. Nastiňuje, jaký plní právní moc v evropském procesním právu účel; při hledání zakotvení právní moci v pozitivním právu zjišťuje, že toto zakotvení v unijním právu chybí, závěry v článku proto vychází především z judikatury. V článku jsou dále na podkladě judikatury Soudního dvora popsány předpoklady pro nastoupení účinků spojených s právní mocí, jakož i možnosti prolomení jejího působení. Pozornost je věnována také působení právní moci v některých specifických případech, konkrétně u rozsudků vydaných v řízení o neplatnost aktu a rozhodnutí o předběžných otázkách.
Propuesta metodológica para estudiar la política educativa supranacional: alumbrando el marco axiológico de la Unión Europea
Authors: Matarranz María
Published: July 2019

In this article a proposal is made for the study of supranational education policies, this field being an emerging area of study, it has not yet defined its own research method.In the first place, a detailed description of the proposed method is offered to conduct research on supranational education policies along with its corresponding phases and the exhaustive description of each of them.Next, a practical application of the proposed method is depicted regarding educational policies in the European Union. Therefore, the steps followed for the implementation of a research focused on the educational policies will be described. Subsequently, and in the framework of the European Union, special emphasis will be laid on the axiological framework of this institution, which is analyzed in the light of the implementation of the research method proposed.Finally, the results of the research are analyzed. These results will allow us to know, delve and reflect on the interests, principles and values of the educational policies in the European Union.
Los tutores de prácticas en los centros: comparativa autonómica del Practicum del Máster de Educación Secundaria
Authors: Gabarda Méndez Vicente , Colomo Magaña Ernesto
Published: July 2019

Internship is a fundamental period in any curriculum of university education because it constitutes the point of connection between theory and practice and an opportunity for a first approach to professional socialization. In this context, to do the internship in a suitable workplace and accompanied by a competent tutor, are key factors for a positive experience and a significant learning in the students. This article presents an analysis of the requirements that are established for the tutors of the workplaces in the Master of Secondary Education’s Internship. These requirements will be juxtaposed with previous studies around the figure of the tutor in the workplaces, which determine their relevance in the student's learning opportunity, as well as the personal and professional competences desirable associated with their function. Methodologically, it presents a bibliographic review about the internship and the tutor as an agent for the training. Later, it presents a comparative analysis at the intranational level, in order to offer a vision from the regulations that regulate this aspect in the different Autonomous Communities in the Spanish state. Therefore, an analysis of educational subsystems within a country based on a common regulatory framework is proposed. The results show that, based on state regulations, and based on the decentralization of competencies in the different communities, there are diverse requirements depending on the territory and that the level of demand is variable. These differences are especially evident in aspects such as seniority in the workplace or in previous experience in the development of the role of tutor student trainees.
A derived mechanism of nervous system functions is capable to have evolved and provides a testable explanation for age-related neurodegeneration
Authors: Vadakkan Kunjumon I
Published: July 2019

By viewing memories as first-person internal sensations, it was possible to derive a potential mechanism of nervous system functions. Accordingly, a spectrum inter-postsynaptic (inter-dendritic spine) functional LINKs (IPLs) are the key structural changes responsible for encoding learning-changes in physiological time-scales of milliseconds that can be retained for different lengths of time and can be used for inducing first-person inner sensation of memory. The objective of this study was to examine a) where preconditions existed for an accident to trigger sparking of internal sensations, b) what conditions might have promoted the formation and selection of IPLs, and c) how the synaptically-connected neuronal circuitry accommodated the formation of IPLs through the simple steps of variations and selection. Sequence of events during the development of the nervous system was examined for the feasible sequence of steps that led to the formation of IPLs and optimization of the system. A stage of significant spine loss and neuronal death during the early stages of development indicate about a corresponding stage of inter-spine fusion that led to neuronal loss during evolution. When the generation of internal sensations by the IPLs started to become advantageous to the system, it started preserving the circuitry by developing an adaptation to prevent inter-spine fusion. This can be achieved only if a stage of transient inter-neuronal inter-spine fusion "turn on" certain mechanism to prevent the intermediate stage of inter-spine hemifusion from progressing to fusion. In summary, the derived IPL mechanism is capable to have evolved. An adaptation to prevent IPL hemifusion from progressing to fusion is a likely evolutionary adaptation. Since the IPL mechanism is utilized during every event of learning, any age-related factors that weaken the maintenance of this adaptation to prevent IPL fusion can lead to neurodegeneration.
Designing a bioremediator: mechanistic models guide cellular and molecular specialization
Authors: Zaccaria Marco , Dawson William , Cristiglio Viviana , Reverberi Massimo , Ratcliff Laura E. , Nakajima Takahito , Genovese Luigi , Momeni Babak
Published: July 2019

Rational, mechanistic design can substantially improve the performance of bioremediators for applications including waste treatment and food safety. We highlight how such improvement can be informed at the cellular level by theoretical observations especially in the context of phenotype plasticity, cell signaling, and community assembly. At the molecular level, we suggest enzyme design using techniques such as Small Angle Neutron Scattering and Density Functional Theory. To provide an example of how these techniques could be synergistically combined, we present the case-study of the interaction of the enzyme laccase with the food pollutant aflatoxin B1. In designing bioremediators, we encourage interdisciplinary, mechanistic research to transition from an observation-oriented approach to a principle-based one.
T1000: A reduced toxicogenomics gene set for improved decision making
Authors: Soufan Othman , Ewald Jessica , Viau Charles , Crump Doug , Hecker Markus , Basu Niladri , Xia Jianguo
Published: July 2019

There is growing interest within regulatory agencies and toxicological research communities to develop, test, and apply new approaches, such as toxicogenomics, to more efficiently evaluate chemical hazards. Given the complexity of analyzing thousands of genes simultaneously, there is a need to identify reduced gene sets.Though several gene sets have been defined for toxicological applications, few of these were purposefully derived using toxicogenomics data. Here, we developed and applied a systematic approach to identify 1000 genes (called Toxicogenomics-1000 or T1000) highly responsive to chemical exposures. First, a co-expression network of 11,210genes was built by leveraging microarray data from the Open TG-GATEs program. This network was then re-weighted based on prior knowledge of their biological (KEGG, MSigDB) and toxicological (CTD) relevance. Finally, weighted correlation network analysis was applied to identify 258 gene clusters. T1000 was defined by selecting genes from each cluster that were most associated with outcome measures. For model evaluation, we compared the performance of T1000 to that of other gene sets (L1000, S1500, Genes selected by Limma, and random set) using two external datasets. Additionally, a smaller (T384) and a larger version (T1500) of T1000 were used for dose-response modeling to test the effect of gene set size. Our findings demonstrated that the T1000 gene set is predictive of apical outcomes across a range of conditions (e.g.,in vitroand in vivo, dose-response, multiple species, tissues, and chemicals), and generally performs as well, or better than other gene sets available.
The Cole Midfoot Osteotomy: Clinical and Radiographic Retrospective Review of Five Patients (Six Feet) with Different Etiologies
Authors: Ergun Selim , Yildirim Yakup
Published: July 2019

Background:

Cole osteotomy is performed in patients having a cavus deformity with the apex of the deformity in the midfoot. Correction of the deformity at this midfoot level improves foot and ankle stability by creating a plantigrade foot. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of six feet (five patients) that underwent Cole midfoot osteotomy (2011–2015).

Methods:

The patients had different etiologies (spastic cerebral palsy, burn sequelae, spina bifida, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease). Dorsal and slightly laterally based transverse wedge osteotomy through the navicular bone medially and the cuboid bone laterally was performed. Patients were under routine clinical follow-up. We evaluated clinical and radiographic results.

Results:

Mean clinical follow-up was 15.7 months (range, 6–36 months). The mean preoperative and postoperative talo–first metatarsal angles on lateral radiographs were 29.9° and 8.7°, respectively (P < .05) and on anteroposterior radiographs were 30.3° and 8.6° (P < .05). The mean preoperative talocalcaneal angle on anteroposterior radiographs increased from 19.2° to 29.8° postoperatively (P < .05). The mean postoperative calcaneal pitch angle change was 10.8° on the lateral radiograph (P < .05). At final follow-up, all five patients were independently active, had plantigrade feet, and were able to wear conventional shoes. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaire score was 38.8 preoperatively and 79.5 postoperatively (P < .05). Only one patient did not have full bony union. Achilles tightness was seen in one patient.

Conclusions:

Cole midfoot osteotomy is a laboring procedure to correct adult pes cavus deformity with the apex in midfoot, although having some complication risks.
Angioleiomyoma (Vascular Leiomyoma) Presenting as a Pseudoaneurysm of the Tibialis Posterior Artery
Authors: Ciaramella Michael A. , Positano Rock CJay , Schneider Darren B. , Doolan John J. , Forlines Molly , Positano Rock G.
Published: July 2019

Reported here is the case of a 55-year-old woman presenting to a podiatry clinic with a chief complaint of left heel and ankle pain, who ultimately underwent operative excision of an angioleiomyoma adjacent to the tibialis posterior artery at the level of the medial malleolus. Accompanying this case are images from three modalities through which the defining characteristics of an angioleiomyoma can be appreciated. This case advocates for the inclusion of angioleiomyoma in the preoperative differential diagnosis of a mass presenting as a pseudoaneurysm in the lower extremity, particularly among women in the fourth to sixth decades of life.
Publication Rates for Oral and Poster Abstracts from the American Podiatric Medical Association: 2010–2014
Authors: Rushing Calvin J. , Merritt Gerald , Amin Tarak , Spinner Steven M.
Published: July 2019

Background:

The quality of national society conferences is often assessed indirectly by analyzing the journal publication rates for the abstracts presented. Studies have reported rates from 67.5% to 76.7% for oral abstracts and 23.2% to 55.8% for poster abstracts presented at national foot and ankle society conferences. However, no study has evaluated the abstract to journal publication rate for the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA's) annual conference.

Methods:

All presented abstracts from the 2010 to 2014 conferences were compiled. PubMed and Google Scholar searches were performed, and the number of abstracts presented, publication rate, mean time to publication, and most common journals of publication were determined. These results were then compared with those for the 2010 to 2014 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' conferences.

Results:

Of 380 abstracts presented, 142 (37.4%) achieved publication, most often in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. The oral abstract publication rate was 45.2% (14 of 31), with a mean time to publication of 24.2 months (range, 0–47 months). The poster publication rate was 36.7% (128 of 349), with a mean time to publication of 16.3 months (range, 0–56 months). Significant differences were identified between the two societies.

Conclusions:

The overall abstract to journal publication rate for the 2010 to 2014 APMA conferences was 37.4%, and, expectedly, oral abstracts achieved publication more often than posters. Moving forward, a concerted effort between competing societies seems necessary to increase research interest, institutional support, and formal mentorship for future generations of foot and ankle specialists.
Optimum multilayer coating of superconducting particle accelerator cavities and effects of thickness dependent material properties of thin films
Authors: Kubo Takayuki
Published: July 2019

We revisit the field limit of a superconductor–insulator–superconductor multilayer structure for particle accelerator cavities (B
ML), taking into account thickness (d)-dependent critical temperature, normal resistivity, and normal density of states seen in many thin films. Resultant d-dependent thermodynamic critical field and penetration depth lead to the appearance of a peak in B
ML(d) which has been missed in the previous studies. The procedure shown in this note would be useful to evaluate B
ML based on properties of one’s own films.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediatedVDRknockout plays an essential role in the growth of dermal papilla cells through enhanced relative genes
Authors: Gao Ye , Jin Miaohan , Niu Yiyuan , Yan Hailong , Zhou Guangxian , Chen Yulin
Published: July 2019

Background

Hair follicles in cashmere goats are divided into primary and secondary hair follicles (HFs). HF development, which determines the morphological structure, is regulated by a large number of vital genes; however, the key functional genes and their interaction networks are still unclear. Although the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is related to cashmere goat HF formation, its precise effects are largely unknown. In the present study, we verified the functions of key genes identified in previous studies using hair dermal papilla (DP) cells as an experimental model. Furthermore, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to modify theVDRin DP cells to dissect the molecular mechanism underlying HF formation in cashmere goats.

Results

TheVDRexpression levels in nine tissues of Shaanbei white cashmere goats differed significantly between embryonic day 60 (E60) and embryonic day 120 (E120). At E120,VDRexpression was highest in the skin. At the newborn and E120 stages, the VDR protein was highly expressed in the root sheath and hair ball region of Shaanbei cashmere goats. We cloned the complete CDS ofVDRin the Shaanbei white cashmere goat and constructed aVDR-deficient DP cell model by CRISPR/Cas9. Heterozygous and homozygous mutant DP cells were produced. The growth rate of mutant DP cells was significantly lower than that of wild-type DP cells (P < 0.05) andVDRmRNA levels in DP cells decreased significantly afterVDRknockdown (P < 0.05). Further, the expression levels ofVGF, Noggin, Lef1,and β-cateninwere significantly downregulated (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results indicated thatVDRhas a vital role in DP cells, and that its effects are mediated by Wnt and BMP4 signaling.
Effect of Seed Priming Methods on Germination of Sweet Dattock (Detarium microcarpum) and Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) in Sudan Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Ambursa S. A. , Muhammad A. , Tijjani A. , Sanda H. Y. , Hamidat M. M.
Published: July 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different methods of seed pre-treatment on germination of two indigenous tree species, Sweet dattock and Indian jujube (Detarium microcarpum and Ziziphus mauritiana). The experiment is carried out at the Tree Seedlings Nursery of Faculty of Agriculture, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aleiro. Treatments consisted of Boiled water (100ºC) for 10 minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes; three levels of diluted sulphuric acid (H2S04) soaking time for 10minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes; Seed scarification and control. The treatments were arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications per treatment. Results revealed that the seed of Sweet dattock (Detarium microcarpum) soaked in hot water at 1000 C for 30 minutes exhibited the best germination percentage (100.00±0.00) within four (96 hours) days. This is followed by hot water treatment for 10 minutes and sulphuric acid treatment for 20 minutes which gave the same germination percentage of 93.33±11.54 within 4 (96 hours) days. The seeds under control treatment gave the least germination percentage of 86.67±11.54 and took a longer period to germinate (eleven days.) Indian jujube (Ziziphus maurtiana) seeds on the other hand, gave the highest germination percentage (93.33±5.77) with scarification, followed by soaking in hot water for 30minutes (46.57±11.54), while the lowest germination percentage was recorded for seeds in the untreated control (3.33±5.77). Based on the result, pre-treatment of Sweet dattock (Detarium microcarpum) seed with hot water at 1000 C for 30 minutes and scarification of Indian jujube (Ziziphus maurtiana) seed is recommended for effective germination.
Influence of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Growth, Yield and Phytochemical Constituents of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
Authors: Obidola S. Mayowa , Iro I. Ibrahim, , Rebecca Z. Agwom,
Published: July 2019

Organic farming is gaining attention and increasing globally because of its eco-friendly, safety and its health benefits to humans. A field experiment was conducted at Federal College of Forestry Jos, to determine the influence of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer on the growth, yield and phytochemical constituents of cabbage. Randomized Complete Block Design was used as experimental design involving five treatments with T0 as control (No application of manure), T1 (N.P.K fertilizer), T2 (Poultry droppings), T3 (Cow droppings) and T4 (Goat droppings). Data was taken on plant height, number of leaves, head diameter and head weight of cabbage. Qualitative phytochemical analysis on saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthocyanins, phenols, amino acids, steroids and terpenoids were carried out and quantitative analysis was done for phytochemicals present. The result obtained showed a significant difference for the plant height, leaf count, head diameter and head weight at p≤0.05. Flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, terpenoids, tannins and phenols were present in the qualitative analysis and at different rates. Cabbage cultivation with poultry droppings (T2) was observed to stand out from the other treatments for the yield parameters and the phytochemical analysis. Result of the quantitative phytochemicals revealed that more phenolics, alkaloids and flavonoids were present in cabbage grown with organic manure than in inorganic fertilizer.
Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibody (IgG2bMAb) for Detection of Coproantigen from Experimentally Infected Rats with Strongyloides ratti
Authors: Abduhaleem Noor , Mamuda Aliyu , Mustapha Tijjani , Majid Roslaini Abd , Lung Leslie Than Thian , Unyah Ngah Zasmy
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim: Highly sensitive and specific diagnostic assay for the detection of Strongyloides is needed due to the intermittent and low concentration of eggs, larvae and adult worms that can be found in a faecal specimen. In some cases, repeated sampling of the faecal specimen is required to obtain satisfactory and reliable results. The aim of the study is to develop and evaluates monoclonal antibody-based Sandwich ELISA for the detection of coproantigen associated with Strongyloides infection using S. ratti as a model.

Place and Duration of Study:  Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia, Between September 2018 and   March 2019.

Methodology: The monoclonal antibody was raised against a soluble antigen of the infective filariform larvae (iL3) of S. ratti. The monoclonal antibody produced (IgG2bMAb) was evaluated for cross-reactivity against homologous and heterologous helminth antigens such as excretory-secretory (ES), infective larvae (iL3) and coproantigen of S. ratti, adult worms of A. caninum, A. suum, T. canis and T. cati.

Results: An IgG2bMAb was observed to react with 30 kDa proteins associated with all homologous antigen from iL3, ES and coproantigen of S. ratti and cross-reacted with one heterologous antigen from adult worm of A. caninum at the same molecular weight. There was no cross-reaction observed with other heterologous antigens from adult worms of T. canis, T. cati and A. suum. The sensitivity of IgG2bMAb for the detection of S. ratti was 85% in Sandwich ELISA. Cross- reaction was observed with hookworm antigen that caused by A. caninum in Western immunoblotting.

Conclusion: The results indicated that IgG2b have an immunodiagnostic property as IgG2bMAb and was able to detect antigens from coproantigen related to S. ratti with 85% sensitivity based on Sandwich ELISA) even though cross-reaction was observed with A. caninum. These findings will be very useful to tackle many cases of multiple worms’ infections such as both strongyloidiasis and hookworm. Therefore, we recommend that further evaluation and study in the human area where multiple infections can be common should be carried out.
Uma Proposta de Análise e Classificação dos Repositórios de Conhecimento na Atividade de Programação da Produção
Authors: Saisse Manoel Carlos Pego
Published: July 2019

A importância da função operacional para o sucesso das empresas manufatureiras tem sido amplamente reconhecida pela literatura especializada. As constantes flutuações características dos mercados modernos obrigam a função de manufatura a desenvolver uma ampla e rápida capacidade de reprogramação de suas atividades. Para garantir esta agilidade é preciso que o programador da produção tenha acesso a uma vasta gama de conhecimentos acerca do processo produtivo pelo qual ele é responsável. Estes conhecimentos encontram-se dispersos em diferentes repositórios que não se resumem aos registros oficiais das empresas manufatureiras. Neste trabalho, exporemos, primeiramente, um modelo conceitual genérico das informações necessárias à montagem de programas de produção. A seguir, apresentaremos uma classificação dos repositórios de conhecimento relativos à programação da produção utilizados em empresas manufatureiras, para, a seguir, indicar as relações entre os repositórios apresentados e as informações descritas no modelo conceitual. O modelo conceitual quanto os repositórios e as ligações entre estas duas entidades foram estruturados e identificados a partir de um projeto de pesquisa que até o momento já realizou levantamentos em mais de 60 linhas de produção de diferentes setores industriais em todo o Brasil.
Cross-cultural validation of the work functioning impairment scale (WFun) among Japanese, English, and Chinese versions using Rasch analysis
Authors: Fujino Yoshihisa , Liu Ning , Chimed-Ochir Odgerel , Okawara Makoto , Ishimaru Tomohiro , Kubo Tatsuhiko
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The work functioning impairment scale (WFun) was developed to measure the degree of work functioning impairment in Japanese workers based on the Rasch model. Given that the number of foreign workers employed in Japan and abroad has increased in recent years, a multilingual questionnaire is becoming increasingly necessary to investigate work functioning impairment in these workers. The purpose of this study was to verify the cross-cultural validity of WFun between Japanese, Chinese, and English versions.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in two stages. First, the Chinese and English versions of WFun were created. Second, an internet survey was conducted among 1000 Japanese, 400 Chinese, and 300 Americans. Estimates and standard errors of an individual’s ability and item difficulty were calculated using the Rasch model. Differential item functioning (DIF) and differential test functioning (DTF) were also examined using Rasch model analyses.

Results

The effect size of DIF for one item in the English version exceeded 0.5 logit, indicating the presence of some DIF. In contrast, the effect sizes of DIF for all other items were below 0.5 logit, indicating that the influence of DIF was negligible. Furthermore, Rasch measurements according to the raw score for each version of WFun showed strong agreement among the three versions, with an intraclass correlation of 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.97-0.99), indicating the absence of DTF.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the English, Chinese, and Japanese versions of WFun have good comparability.
Protective effect of histone methyltransferase NSD3 on ISO‐induced cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Chen Ke , Jian Dongdong , Zhao Linwei , Zang Xiaobiao , Song Weifeng , Ma Jifang , Jia Zhen , Wang Xianqing , Gao Chuanyu
Published: June 2019

Nuclear receptor‐binding SET domain 3 (NSD3) is a lysine methyltransferase that plays important roles in multiple biological activities; however; its potential roles in the cardiovascular system remain unknown. In this study, we found that NSD3 expression is reduced by isoproterenol (ISO) stimuli both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of NSD3 attenuates ISO‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, ISO treatment decreases H3K27me2/3 modifications on the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) promoter by suppressing NSD3 and inhibits the association between NSD3 and bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4), thus suppressing the BRD4‐mediated H3K27ac modifications, which ultimately promote ANF transcription and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In conclusion, NSD3 decreases ANF expression and, thereby, attenuates ISO‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
PIK3CA hotspot mutations in circulating tumor cells and paired circulating tumor DNA in breast cancer: a direct comparison study
Authors: Tzanikou Eleni , Markou Athina , Politaki Eleni , Koutsopoulos Anastasios , Psyrri Amanda , Mavroudis Dimitris , Georgoulias Vassilis , Lianidou Evi
Published: June 2019

Liquid biopsy analysis, mainly based on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), provides an extremely powerful tool for the molecular profiling of cancer patients in real time. In this study, we directly compared PIK3CA hotspot mutations (E545K, H1047R) in EpCAM‐positive CTCs and paired plasma‐ctDNA in breast cancer (BrCa). PIK3CA hotspot mutations in CTCs and ctDNA were analyzed using our previously developed highly sensitive (0.05%), specific, and validated assay in plasma‐ctDNA from 77 early and 73 metastatic BrCa patients and 40 healthy donors. We further analyzed and directly compared PIK3CA hotspot mutations in DNAs isolated from CellSearch® cartridges (CTCs) and paired plasma‐ctDNA, in 56 cases of early and 27 cases of metastatic breast cancer, and 16 corresponding primary tumors. In plasma‐ctDNA, PIK3CA hotspot mutations were identified in 30/77(39.0%) early and 35/73(47.9%) metastatic BrCa cases; none (0/40, 0%) of the healthy donors’ plasma‐ctDNA samples were positive. Our direct comparison study in DNAs isolated from CellSearch® cartridges (CTCs) and paired plasma‐ctDNA from the same blood draws has shown a lack of concordance in early BrCa (27/56, 48.2%), while the concordance in the metastatic setting was higher (18/27, 66.6%). Our results were validated by ddPCR methodology, and the concordance between our assay and ddPCR for PIK3CA E545K hotspot mutation was 30/37 (81.1%). In many cases, PIK3CA hotspot mutations were detected in samples found to be negative for CTCs in CellSearch®. Our data demonstrated for the first time that (a) PIK3CA hotspot mutations are present at high frequencies in CTCs isolated from CellSearch® cartridges and paired plasma‐ctDNA both in early and metastatic BrCa, (b) the detection and concordance of PIK3CA hotspot mutations between plasma‐ctDNA and CTCs are higher in the metastatic setting, (c) PIK3CA mutational status significantly changes after therapeutic intervention, and (d) PIK3CA mutation detection in CTCs and plasma‐ctDNA provides complementary information.
Ecofeminism
Authors: Gaard Greta
Published: June 2019

In the 1980s and 1990s, ecofeminist ethics emerged from feminist scholarship and activism in care ethics, environmental health and justice, psychology, ecodefense actions, species and racial justice, and reproductive justice. Through philosophical debates in the late 1980s and early 1990s, ecofeminist theory expanded its analysis of intersectional and mutually reinforcing systems of oppression affecting women, communities of color, indigenous and Third World communities, and the more‐than‐human world. Based on a self‐identity that is fundamentally interconnected with earthothers, ecofeminists have diverse interests and ecopolitical commitments, recognizing the intersectionality of all oppressions. Approaching ethics as narrative, ecofeminists have worked to “change the story” of human–earthother relations, exploring issues such as species justice, food justice, and economic globalization through a feminist lens. With foundational texts from the 1990s reissued after twenty years, ecofeminism has inspired allied fields of human–animal studies, posthumanism, ecocriticism, material feminisms, ecopsychology and queer ecologies. In the twenty‐first century, ecofeminism's gender‐, race‐, sexuality‐, age‐, and species‐encompassing analyses of climate change ensure its continued significance.
Feminist Ethics
Authors: Clement Grace
Published: June 2019

Feminist ethics begins as a critique of traditional approaches to ethics that reveals their biases against both women and that which is regarded as feminine. Among the critiques developed by different versions of feminist ethics are that women have been denied rights granted to men, that femininity has been denigrated relative to masculinity, and that oppression has affected women's ideals and mindsets. Feminist ethicists have gone on to make contributions to moral philosophy by rethinking the gendered dichotomies that have traditionally structured ethics – such as reason and emotion, self and other, and the public and private spheres – and by identifying and exploring moral experiences and concepts – such as care, trust, and epistemic injustice – that tend to be overlooked in male‐centered approaches to ethics. The analytical tools of feminism have proven useful at all levels of philosophical ethics (practical ethics, normative ethics, and metaethics), and relevant not only to the experiences of women, but to the experiences of any people (and animals) subordinated by and within social hierarchies.
Cost–Benefit Analysis
Authors: Hansson Sven Ove
Published: June 2019

Cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is a methodology in which monetary values are in principle assigned to all the costs and benefits of a project. These values are all summed up. A positive sum is an argument for carrying out the project, whereas a negative sum is an argument for abandoning it. The calculations performed in cost–benefit analyses have the same structure as utilitarian calculations, and CBA is often seen as a form of applied utilitarianism. The performance of a CBA gives rise to several important ethical issues. Four of the most important of these are related to universal monetization, interpersonal weighing, probabilistic weighing, and temporal discounting. In spite of the problems associated with these issues, CBA is often a useful tool for decision‐making. However, the outcome of a CBA should not dictate the decision; it should only inform the decision‐makers. Decision‐makers may have legitimate reasons to choose another alternative than that which came out most favorably in the CBA.
Thick and Thin Concepts
Authors: Kirchin Simon
Published: June 2019

Thick and thin concepts have been prominent in much of modern moral philosophy, although these concepts and the distinction drawn between them have broader application than just ethical thought and language. This entry begins by outlining what thick and thin concepts are. It then outlines the recent history of the distinction drawn between them before raising three pertinent questions and giving brief responses: Is there a distinction? How is concept use related to the guidance of action? And how should one understand the relationship between evaluative and descriptive conceptual content?
Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Vopat Mark C.
Published: June 2019

The concepts of both child abuse and child neglect are social constructs that have developed differently in different times and places. Prior to the nineteenth century, very little was written on the subject of child maltreatment. The legal and philosophical definitions of child abuse and neglect are fairly similar. In both legal and philosophical contexts, child abuse is generally defined as physical, emotional, or sexual harm done to a child. Abuse generally denotes the active harming of a child. On the other hand, child neglect is an act of omission in which a parent, guardian, or other individual responsible for a child's well‐being has failed to provide some predefined notion of adequate care. In large part, the definitions of child abuse and child neglect depend upon what types of treatment children are entitled to receive. Writers on children's rights have proposed a wide array of answers to the question of what children are owed. These answers range from defining a minimum standard of care that must be met to arguing for a fairly demanding maximizing standard.
Locke, John
Authors: Stanton Timothy
Published: June 2019

This entry gives an exposition and analysis of the thought of John Locke. Locke is celebrated today as a liberal icon and one of the makers of modern individualism. This entry dissents from that point of view. It finds that natural law was central to Locke's thinking and explores the ways in which he developed natural jurisprudential arguments about the human mind and human situation in terms that made morality, which he understood in relation to an eternal destiny with God, the proper business of mankind. Locke used natural law in other ways too, not least to underwrite the claims he wished to make about the origins, extent, and ends of the societies human beings made to facilitate the performance of their duties to God, themselves, and their neighbors. The duties to preserve themselves and each other called for the creation of civil societies, which enabled the better protection of their lives, liberties, and estates. The duty to worship God publicly necessitated the creation of ecclesiastical societies, because without them public worship, which for Locke meant worship in the presence of others, was impossible. In other words, Locke thought in terms of societies, not individuals. The entry goes on to examine the proper relationship between those societies as Locke depicted it. Lastly, it briefly draws attention to the distance between the figure its analyses disclose and the liberal icon to which obeisance continues to be paid.
Commodification
Authors: Walsh Adrian
Published: June 2019

Are there some things that should not be commodified? By “commodification,” we mean the process of transforming a good or an activity into a commodity that is available on the market. How extensive should that market be? For instance, should kidneys, water, professional soldiers, or sexual services be available on the market? Are there reasons to prevent the buying and selling of certain kinds of goods, or might we permissibly allow the commodification of everything that can be commodified? In this entry, a range of ethical and political topics concerning the social process of commodification is explored. The entry begins by considering how one might best define commodification. It then turns to a range of objections to the idea of universal commodification made by both socialist and modern liberal critics, before exploring recent defenses of expanding the range of things we can buy and sell. Particular attention is given to the ethical underpinnings of what are fundamentally political objections.
Subjective Theories of Well‐Being
Authors: Woodard Christopher
Published: June 2019

Subjective theories of well‐being seek to explain what makes something good for a subject in terms of that subject's psychological states. Two ways of distinguishing subjective and non‐subjective theories are explained. The main issue dividing subjectivists is then discussed: exactly which states explain what makes something good for someone. One aspect of this is which kind of state is relevant: desires, beliefs, cares, or something else? Another aspect is whether any sort of idealization, such as correction for factual errors, is appropriate. The entry ends by discussing some attractions of subjective theories, and some issues facing further development of them.
Assessment of longitudinal beam property and contrast uniformity for 256‐ and 320‐row area detector computed tomography scanners in the 160‐mm nonhelical volume‐acquisition mode
Authors: Hara Takanori , Niwa Shinji , Urikura Atsushi , Matsubara Kosuke , Hoshino Takashi , Nishimaru Eiji , Taniguchi Takuya
Published: June 2019

Background

Because the x‐ray property of patient longitudinal axis in area detector computed tomography (ADCT) depends on a heel effect, radiation dose and beam quality are not uniform along the long axis of the patient.

Objective

This study aimed to measure the longitudinal beam properties and contrast uniformity of ADCT scanners in the 160‐mm nonhelical volume‐acquisition (NVA) mode and provide useful datasets for the radiation dose reduction in ADCT examinations.

Materials and Methods

Two different types of ADCT scanners were used in this study. To assess the heel effect in 256‐ and 320‐row ADCT scanners, we measured dose profile, half‐value layer, and iodine contrast uniformity along longitudinal beam direction.

Results

The maximum effective energy difference within a 160‐mm x‐ray beam is approximately 4 keV. Maximum radiation dose on the anode side of the x‐ray tube showed approximately 40%–45% reduction compared with that on the isocenter position; the heel effect properties longitudinally differed throughout the x‐ray beam, and the decrease in the radiation dose in 256‐ and 320‐row ADCT scanners was observed on the patient table side and gantry side respectively. The CT numbers of iodinated solutions for 256‐row ADCT scanner were independent of the heel effect; nevertheless, the CT numbers of 320‐row ADCT scanner tended to increase on the patient table (cathode) side.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the radiation dose on the anode side of the x‐ray tube shows approximately 40%–45% reduction compared with that on the isocenter position, and the heel effect properties for 256‐ and 320‐row ADCT scanners longitudinally differ throughout the x‐ray beam. The x‐ray tube for individual ADCT scanners is mounted in an opposite direction along the long axis of the patient.