bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early T-BET Expression Ensures an Appropriate CD8+ Lineage–Specific Transcriptional Landscape after Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Prier Julia E. , Li Jasmine , Gearing Linden J. , Olshansky Moshe , Sng Xavier Y. X. , Hertzog Paul J. , Turner Stephen J.
Published: June 2019

Virus infection triggers large-scale changes in the phenotype and function of naive CD8+ T cells, resulting in the generation of effector and memory T cells that are then critical for immune clearance. The T-BOX family of transcription factors (TFs) are known to play a key role in T cell differentiation, with mice deficient for the TF T-BET (encoded by Tbx21) unable to generate optimal virus-specific effector responses. Although the importance of T-BET in directing optimal virus-specific T cell responses is accepted, the precise timing and molecular mechanism of action remains unclear. Using a mouse model of influenza A virus infection, we demonstrate that although T-BET is not required for early CD8+ T cell activation and cellular division, it is essential for early acquisition of virus-specific CD8+ T cell function and sustained differentiation and expansion. Whole transcriptome analysis at this early time point showed that Tbx21 deficiency resulted in global dysregulation in early programming events with inappropriate lineage-specific signatures apparent with alterations in the potential TF binding landscape. Assessment of histone posttranslational modifications within the Ifng locus demonstrated that Tbx21−/− CD8+ T cells were unable to activate “poised” enhancer elements compared with wild-type CD8+ T cells, correlating with diminished Ifng transcription. In all, these data support a model whereby T-BET serves to promote appropriate chromatin remodeling at specific gene loci that underpins appropriate CD8+ T cell lineage–specific commitment and differentiation.
Single versus separate implant fixation for concomitant ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: A systematic review
Authors: Mohan Kunal , Ellanti Prasad , French Helen , Hogan Niall , McCarthy Tom
Published: June 2019

Concomitant ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures are uncommon, occurring in 1-9% of femoral shaft fractures. While this injury typically occurs in young patients following high-energy trauma, little consensus has been established regarding the optimal fixation approach. A multitude of treatment strategies exist, with limited evidence as to which is more favorable. The aim of this study was to appraise current evidence, comparing management with either one single or separate devices for both fractures. A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published between 1992 and 2018 comparing the rate of postoperative nonunion, malunion, delayed union, avascular necrosis, infection or reoperation between at least one method of single device fixation and one method of separate device fixation were included. Six non-randomized cohort studies assessing 173 patients were suitable for inclusion, each comparing single device cephalomedullary nail fixation of both fractures with a combination of devices. All patients presented following high-energy trauma, at a median age of 32 years. While low complication rate and favorable outcomes were found across both groups, no significant difference could be inferred between either treatment strategy. This injury continues to occur in the traditionally described patient group, and results in acceptable postoperative outcomes. A paucity of randomized studies limits the ability to recommend a single or separate device treatment approach, and as such prospective, randomized trials with adequately powered sample sizes are required to definitively compare surgical management strategies in this rare but complex injury.
Large characteristic subgroups in which normality is a transitive relation
Authors: de Giovanni Francesco , Trombetti Marco
Published: June 2019

It is known that if a group contains an abelian subgroup of finite index, then it also has an abelian characteristic subgroup of finite index. The aim of this paper is to study the corresponding question when abelian subgroups are replaced by subgroups in which normality is a transitive relation.
High order VEM on curved domains
Authors: Bertoluzza Silvia , Pennacchio Micol , Prada Daniele
Published: June 2019

We deal with the virtual element method (VEM) for solving the Poisson equation on a domain

\Omega

with curved boundary. Given a polygonal approximation

\Omega_h

of the domain

\Omega

, the standard order

m

VEM [6], for

m

increasing, leads to a suboptimal convergence rate. We adapt the approach of [14] to VEM and we prove that an optimal convergence rate can be achieved by using a suitable correction depending on high order normal derivatives of the discrete solution at the boundary edges of

\Omega_h

, which, to retain computability, is evaluated after applying the projector

\Pi^{\nabla}

onto the space of polynomials. Numerical experiments confirm the theory.
Incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among HIV-positive children at Adama Referral Hospital and Medical College, Oromia, Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Beshir Masino Tessu , Beyene Aklil Hailu , Tlaye Kenean Getaneh , Demelew Tefera Mulugeta
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis (TB) is common in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but its effect on the survival of HIV-infected children is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the incidence and predictors of active TB among HIV-positive children at Adama Referral Hospital and Medical College, Oromia, Ethiopia.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted over 5 years using a checklist to gather data from 428 randomly selected pediatric patient charts. The checklist was adapted from the standardized antiretroviral therapy (ART) follow-up form currently used by the institution’s ART clinic. Data were analyzed by bivariate and multivariable analysis using Cox regression proportional hazards models, as appropriate. Survival was calculated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests.RESULTS: Of the 466 charts reviewed, 428 patient records were included in the analysis. A total of 67 new TB cases were observed during the follow-up period. Hence, the incidence rate in this cohort was found to be 6.03 per 100 child-years of observation. A baseline hemoglobin level <10 g/dL (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 7.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 48.15), moderate wasting (aHR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.02 to 7.99), and not receiving isoniazid preventive therapy (aHR, 8.23; 95% CI, 2.11 to 32.06) were among the independent predictors of TB occurrence.CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of TB was high, particularly in pre-ART patients receiving chronic care for HIV. Close followup of HIV-positive children is crucial to protect them against the development of TB. Initiating isoniazid preventive therapy, averting malnutrition, and managing anemia are also of significant importance.
A scanning strategy optimized for signal-to-noise ratio for the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory (GeoCarb) instrument
Authors: Nivitanont Jeffrey , Crowell Sean M. R. , Moore III Berrien
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory (GeoCarb) will make measurements of greenhouse gases over the contiguous North and South American landmasses at daily temporal resolution. The extreme flexibility of observing from geostationary orbit induces an optimization problem, as operators must choose what to observe and when. The proposed scanning strategy for the GeoCarb mission tracks the sun's path from east to west and covers the entire area of interest in five coherent regions in the order of tropical South America east, tropical South America west, temperate South America, tropical North America, and temperate North America. We express this problem in terms of a geometric set cover problem, and use an incremental optimization (IO) algorithm to create a scanning strategy that minimizes expected error as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The IO algorithm used in this studied is a modified greedy algorithm that selects, incrementally at 5 min intervals, the scanning areas with the highest predicted SNR with respect to air mass factor (AF) and solar zenith angle (SZA) while also considering operational constraints to minimize overlapping scans and observations over water. As a proof of concept, two experiments are performed applying the IO algorithm offline to create an SNR-optimized strategy and compare it to the proposed strategy. The first experiment considers all landmasses with equal importance and the second experiment illustrates a temporary campaign mode that gives major urban areas greater importance weighting. Using a simple instrument model, we found that there is a significant performance increase with respect to overall predicted error when comparing the algorithm-selected scanning strategies to the proposed scanning strategy.
Contrasting rainfall-runoff characteristics of floods in desert and Mediterranean basins
Authors: Zoccatelli Davide , Marra Francesco , Armon Moshe , Rinat Yair , Smith James A. , Morin Efrat
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Catchment-scale hydrological studies on drylands are lacking because of the
scarcity of consistent data: observations are often available at the plot
scale, but their relevance for the catchment scale remains unclear. A
database of 24 years of stream gauge discharge and homogeneous
high-resolution radar data over the eastern Mediterranean allows us to describe the properties of floods over catchments spanning from desert to
Mediterranean climates, and we note that the data set is mostly of moderate
intensity floods. Comparing two climatic regions, desert and Mediterranean,
we can better identify specific rainfall-runoff properties. Despite the large differences in rainfall forcing between the two regions, the resulting unit
peak discharges and runoff coefficients are comparable. Rain depth and
antecedent conditions are the most important properties to shape flood
response in Mediterranean areas. In deserts, instead, storm core properties
display a strong correlation with unit peak discharge and, to a lesser extent,
with runoff coefficient. In this region, an inverse correlation with mean
catchment annual precipitation suggests also a strong influence of local
surface properties. Preliminary analyses suggest that floods in catchments
with wet headwater and dry lower section are more similar to desert
catchments, with a strong influence of storm core properties on runoff
generation.
Research on Influence of Joint Clearance on Precision of 3-TPT Parallel Robot
Authors: Zhu Chunxia , Zhao Zhiyu
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The error model of the working accuracy of parallel
mechanism was established in this paper. The D-H matrix method and error
independent method were used to analyze the clearance error of mechanism
joint based on the inverse position kinematics solution. The theoretical
model describing the position error of the moving platform position error
affected by its joint clearance was developed when the moving platform was
parallel to fixed platform in the ideal state; the clearance error model of
3-TPT Parallel mechanism was established based on D-H matrix method and
error independent method while the joint clearance error source was given.
The effect of joint clearance error on the working accuracy of 3-TPT
parallel mechanism was analyzed by Monte Carlo method. The effect of posture
error due to revolution of the moving platform about coordinate axis on the
error of parallel mechanism was simulated and analyzed based on D-H matrix
method in the non-ideal state.
Gender Diversity in the Boardroom: Raising Questions About the "Comply or Explain" Model and Targets in Canada
Authors: Halabi Rima
Published: June 2019

Effective corporate governance requires diversity in perspectives. Nevertheless, gender disparity continues to be a long-standing and prevalent problem on Canadian boards of directors and in executive roles. A “business case” argument that asserts that diverse leadership achieves better financial results has been put forward in support of rectifying gender disparity; however, recent meta-analyses research denies the validity of the “business case” argument. This paper argues that conclusions regarding the invalidity of the business case should be approached with caution. In 2014, securities regulators in Canada implemented amendments to Form 58-101F1 Corporate Governance Disclosure in order to address gender diversity. Unfortunately, progress has been slow because the new diversity disclosure rules are not based on a true “comply or explain” model. This paper argues that securities regulators should require publicly traded companies to adopt a policy relating to the representation of women on their boards. Furthermore, this policy should include a target percentage, chosen by the company, for women on a company’s board of directors and in their executive officer positions.
School Nurses: An Indispensable Resource for Health Promotion in Ontario's Children and Adolescents
Authors: Mroczkowska Dagmara
Published: June 2019

School nurses play an important role in the promotion of physical, mental, and social health, as well as the prevention of disease and injury in school-aged children. Promotion of health is also a central goal of the Ontario government, and is codified in the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). Part I of this paper demonstrates that a reasonable interpretation of the HPPA supports the implementation of a robust school nurse program that can meet the health needs of children. Part II explores the shortcomings of current school health programs in Ontario and provides policy reasons that support a comprehensive school nurse program.  Part III identifies logistical barriers to the implementation of a school nurse program that need to be overcome in order to plan and provide adequate school nurse programs. A significant increase in the availability of school nurses is an optimal way to fulfill the Ontario government’s legislative objectives of protecting and promoting public health in its communities. The scope of practice of registered nurses places them in the best position to implement and ensure that the goals of the HPPA are met in Ontario’s schools.
Un documento inédito y desconocido de la cancillería de la reina Leonor Plantagenet
Authors: Cerda Costabal José Manuel , Martínez Llorente Félix
Published: June 2019

De la cancillería de Leonor Plantagenet, reina consorte de Castilla, se conocía hasta hoy un solo diploma expedido en abril de 1179 y actualmente conservado en el Archivo Capitular de Toledo. Pero se tenía noticia de una emisión diplomática en noviembre del mismo año que se encontraba originalmente en el archivo medieval del Hospital del Rey de Burgos y que estaba hasta ahora extraviada. El propietario de este pergamino ha dado la noticia de su existencia a los autores de este estudio, que ofrecen aquí un análisis histórico, paleográfico y diplomático, además de una trascripción íntegra del texto latino, hasta hoy absolutamente desconocido. Este hallazgo confirma la primicia que significó, para los reinos hispánicos de la Edad Media, la gestación de una casa y cámara de la consorte regia, así como la capacidad dispositiva suficiente y autónoma de bienes del realengo que tuvo la mujer de Alfonso VIII.
Las "Cantigas de Santa María": ¿Un objeto cultual?
Authors: Grégorio Daniel
Published: June 2019

Las Cantigas de Santa María, compuestas bajo la dirección de Alfonso X de Castilla, constituyen una recopilación de poemas que relatan distintos milagros atribuidos a la Virgen. Se trata seguramente de una producción poética profana cuyo alcance espiritual no puede confundirse con las Santas Escrituras. Con todo, el monarca quiso que estos escritos fuesen conservados en la capilla donde estuviese enterrado su cuerpo, expuestos con otros objetos y libros sagrados y que fuesen leídos en las festividades marianas. Esta disposición testamentaria plantea el problema del papel del libro en el ritual litúrgico, sobre todo cuando el escrito no es un libro canónico.
A consciência de Avis: aproximação prosopográfica dos confessores da família real portuguesa (1385-1481)
Authors: Moutinho Rodrigues André
Published: June 2019

O objectivo do presente artigo é contribuir para a reconstituição da figura do confessor real medieval português. Foi elaborada uma identificação de todos os homens, recolhendo e analisando os dados biográficos de cada um, que ocuparam este cargo junto de reis, rainhas e infantes, desde 1385 até 1481. Partindo do elenco inicial, foi feita uma análise da carreira de cada um dos confessores, depois da qual procuramos estabelecer e justificar tendências existentes entre os vários clérigos que ocuparam este lugar privilegiado ao lado da família real.
Una crítica de la economía política del Banco Central Europeo
Authors: Del Rosal Mario
Published: June 2019

Este trabajo pretende esbozar una introducción a la crítica de la economía política del Banco Central Europeo. Para ello, desarrollaremos un análisis en varias fases. Primero, revisaremos el origen, la naturaleza y las funciones tradicionales del Banco Central como institución nuclear del modo de producción capitalista. En segundo lugar, repasaremos los antecedentes, la génesis y la evolución del BCE, con el objetivo de compararlo con la figura tradicional del Banco Central descrita en el punto anterior. En tercer lugar, describiremos el marco teórico fundamental que caracteriza a esta institución, centrándonos para ello en tres de sus elementos esenciales: el control de la inflación como objetivo único, la independencia política y la prohibición expresa de financiar a los Estados o de responsabilizarse de su deuda. En cuarto lugar, compararemos las políticas monetarias ordinarias del BCE antes y después del estallido de la actual crisis, con el fin de comprobar el cambio cualitativo hacia estrategias mucho más expansivas de lo permitido por los tratados originales. Por último esbozaremos algunas conclusiones a tenor de los resultados alcanzados.
Aproximación técnico-social al entendimiento de la disrupción digital
Authors: García Perdomo Víctor
Published: June 2019

La sociedad y la tecnología se transforman mutuamente en una interacción constante que genera una serie de hibridaciones. No puede entenderse el avance de la tecnología sin comprender los profundos cambios sociales, políticos y económicos que afronta la humanidad; pero, tampoco es posible explicar a las sociedades sin los cambios producidos por la tecnología misma, una vez esta se instala y difunde dentro de las comunidades. En esta editorial se propone una aproximación técnico-social para entender esa interacción de la tecnología y la sociedad desde la investigación académica.
Estrategias discursivas en la publicidad audiovisual de productos de bajo valor nutricional dirigidos al público infantil: felices, valientes y obesos
Authors: Jimenez-Morales Monika , Montaña Mireia , Vàzquez Mercè
Published: June 2019

Los niños españoles ven una media de 9000 campañas publicitarias en televisión al año. La mayoría de ellas corresponden a alimentos de bajo valor nutricional. Dados los índices de obesidad infantil, la estrecha relación entre la publicidad dirigida a ese colectivo y el consumo de este tipo de alimentos, España aprobó en 2005 el Código de Autorregulación de la Publicidad de Alimentos Dirigida a Menores (PAOS). Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las estrategias discursivas utilizadas en las campañas de alimentos de bajo valor nutricional, poniéndolas en relación con el contenido del Código PAOS. Utiliza para ello una metodología mixta que integra técnicas cuantitativas para el análisis de audiencias y cualitativas para el estudio del discurso publicitario. La investigación concluye que, a diferencia de otro tipo de alimentos, la publicidad de productos de bajo valor nutricional centra su estrategia discursiva en palabras y campos semánticos vinculados a la felicidad, la acción y la diversión, entre otros. Las conclusiones apuntan asimismo a la necesidad de revisar el contenido del Código PAOS, de una mayor implicación por parte de la industria alimentaria española, de agencias y de anunciantes, con el objetivo de que la autorregulación de los contenidos publicitarios resulte realmente efectiva. La contribución original del artículo radica en la aportación teórica y empírica que toma como punto de partida la obesidad infantil en España y la interrelaciona con las estrategias discursivas de la publicidad de productos de bajo valor nutricional dirigida a los menores y el marco normativo existente.
Nueva época de oro para el cine mexicano: una mirada local en el horizonte mundial del mercado cinematográfico
Authors: Hinojosa Córdova Lucila
Published: June 2019

Este trabajo tiene como propósito destacar la recuperación que ha tenido el cine mexicano del tercer milenio, en el contexto de las condiciones de producción, exhibición y asistencia a las salas de cine comercial que en el periodo de 2010 a 2017 han prevalecido en el país, luego de recuperarse de una etapa de gran crisis que en la década de los noventa casi lo hizo desaparecer. El estudio forma parte de una línea de investigación que se ha venido realizando sobre la economía política del cine mexicano mediante la aplicación de una metodología mixta, en que se combinan la investigación documental, el análisis de contenido, la encuesta y la entrevista. Los resultados que aquí se muestran señalan que a partir de 2000 la industria cinematográfica mexicana empezó a recuperar sus indicadores de producción, asistencia y recaudación en taquilla; no obstante, esta recuperación no se ve en la exhibición de películas nacionales en las salas de cine comercial, que está condicionada por una legislación inequitativa para el sector que se modificó para integrarse a las demandas del capitalismo global. Los resultados también se comparan con los indicadores de otros países iberoamericanos y se complementan con datos empíricos obtenidos de estudios locales sobre los públicos que asisten a las salas de cine comercial de una importante ciudad del noreste de México. Con este estudio, se busca aportar conocimiento al campo de las industrias culturales en América Latina.
Modelo e indicadores de masculinidad igualitaria en la ficción televisiva gallega: caso de Fontealba y Serramoura de Televisión de Galicia
Authors: Pichel-Vázquez Alexandre , Gómez Puertas Lorena , Medina-Bravo Pilar
Published: June 2019

Desde los television studies, la ficción ambientada en la realidad coetánea del receptor constituye un espacio privilegiado para consolidar la normativa social, pero también para visibilizar nuevas tendencias. Con el objetivo general de contribuir al campo de los masculinity studies, este artículo analiza dos series dramáticas de éxito de la Televisión de Galicia (TVG) de 2017 como relatos de proximidad que podrían representar nuevas masculinidades alternativas al modelo tradicional. Para ello, se ha evaluado el tipo de masculinidad dominante en estas producciones televisivas a partir del análisis de la caracterización y las interacciones sociales de sus principales personajes masculinos. La metodología aplicada ha incluido una lectura en profundidad y el mapeo de relaciones paradigmáticas entre personajes, junto con el análisis de contenido multivariable que ha permitido observar correlaciones entre la edad y clase social de los personajes y los tipos de masculinidad. Los resultados sostienen una mayor afinidad a la masculinidad hegemónica conforme aumenta el poder ejercido por el personaje en el ámbito público o laboral. Se establece una correlación entre clase social y modelo de masculinidad, no así para la variable de edad. Y aunque se representan diferentes aproximaciones a modelos de masculinidad más igualitarios, los personajes que las sustentan se disocian de la esfera laboral como ámbito fundamental de construcción identitaria. Todo ello nos lleva a concluir que, a pesar de la creciente diversidad en la representación de las masculinidades en la ficción televisiva analizada, el modelo patriarcal definido desde el ámbito de lo público sigue siendo el hegemónico.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Visual Art Students’ Perceptions of the Assessment Experience in a Public Higher Education in Ghana
Authors: Eric Francis Eshun, , Lewis Fiagbor,
Published: June 2019

This study explores visual arts students’ perceptions of their assessment experience in a public university in Ghana which offers undergraduate degree programmes across the disciplines in Visual Art. A convenient sampling technique was used to pool 600 volunteered respondents out of a student’s population of 2,618 from the Faculty of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology, Kumasi. Data was collected during the second semester of 2015/2016 academic year using a face validated 20 item five-point Likert scale Students’ Assessment Experience Questionnaire with reliability estimate of .744. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way MANOVA analysis. The findings of the study pointed to the significant difference between the various visual art departments in their satisfaction with the assessment delivery and experience. The results did not show significant gap between student`s perceptions of assessment experience across the disciplines (departmental) level. There was no significant difference between students in their total satisfaction with the assessment delivery and assessment experience. However there were significant difference along receiving of feedback and assessment of artworks. Based on the findings, it is recommended that innovative assessment practices should be encouraged across the disciplines to foster creativity and deepen life-long skills among the students.
Big Data in academic libraries: literature review and future research directions
Authors: Al-Barashdi Hafidha , Al-Karousi Rahma
Published: June 2019

Recently, Big Data studies have attracted considerable attention. However, Big Data analytics in academic libraries confront two fundamental challenges: the huge volume, velocity, and variety of data and the complexity of its techniques and algorithms. The primary aim of this study is to explore which techniques and tools can be applied in academic libraries in order to analyze Big Data, and then determine its profits in academic libraries. In addition, this study attempts to answer the following research questions: how should librarians be made to involve in Big Data? What are the future research developments in Big Data? What are the gaps in Big Data studies related to academic libraries? To provide a considerably better understanding of the advantages of Big Data in academic libraries and their future research directions, a comprehensive literature review of Big Data analysis of academic libraries over the last seven years was conducted. The results yielded a total of 37 papers related to Big Data in academic libraries. These results indicated that despite the large amount of research conducted on this topic, only a few studies discussed the implication of Big Data in academic libraries, including the analyzing tools and techniques. The benefits of Big Data in academic libraries and its implications on methodology in future studies are discussed. The present study also highlights the evolving field of Big Data research in academic libraries.
Assessment of the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures for the public sector and for private entities
Authors: Parisi Nicoletta
Published: June 2019

1. Premise. 2. The essential characteristics of an effective model for preventing corruption. 3. The process of contamination between models devised for preventing corruption in different contexts. 4. The distinctive traits of the public sector model adopted under Italian Law no. 190/2012. 5. The private sector model traits pursuant to Italian Legislative Decree no. 231/2001. 6. The point of intersection between the private and public sector models: private companies controlled by public bodies. 7. The scope of the different models involved. 8. Closing remarks on the effectiveness of these models: simple laws, effective procedural models and the ethical responsibility of public sector employees and economic operators.
E-waste challenges in Cape Town: Opportunity for the green economy?
Authors: Grant Richard
Published: June 2019

E-waste research on South Africa cities is modest compared to the much larger research output on other African cities (e.g., Accra, Ghana, and Lagos, Nigeria). Synthesizing gray reports, academic literature, and findings from 25 interviews with key Cape Town stakeholders (from informal and formal firms and industry, civil society, and governmental organizations), this paper assesses the current e-waste landscape in Cape Town, bifurcated between numerous informal individuals/firms and a handful of large formal operators. E-waste activities focus on collection (with little value added), dismantling, preprocessing, and refurbishment without final processing, the latter being performed in Johannesburg and overseas. After a decade of e-waste deliberation, government, businesses, industries, consultants, and civil society organizations are coalescing around approaching e-waste as a strategic green economic opportunity, a tilt coinciding with the designation of Africa’s first designated green special economic zone at Atlantis. The green economy tilt, however, is by no means guaranteed: deficiencies in data, e-waste infrastructure, capacity building, and major differences of opinion about the role of informal operators persist.
TOWARDS A DIFFERENT WORLD – ON THE POTENTIAL OF THE INTERNET OF EVERYTHING
Authors: Płaza Mirosław , Belka Radosław , Szcześniak Zbigniew
Published: June 2019

Internet-based technologies are moving faster and faster into many spheres of our lives and at the same time are a key component of the ongoing technological revolution, which is why there are many ongoing scientific projects aimed at their development. The article presents a discussion on the development of Internet-based technologies known as the Internet of Everything (IoE). The paper presents the areas in which these technologies are most often used. A multi-layered reference model and a procedure for subsequent actions in designing innovative solutions in this area are presented.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE PROCESS OF DRAWING AN OPTICAL FIBER USING THE LANGEVIN EQUATION
Authors: Tergeussizova Aliya
Published: June 2019

In order to design stochastic pulse frequency systems for automatic control of objects with delay, this article shows how we obtained their models in the form of stochastic differential equations. The method of dynamic compensation of objects with delay is considered. A stochastic differential system in the Langevin form is obtained.
Los hábitos de uso en las redes sociales de los preadolescentes
Authors: Tejada Garitano Eneko , Castaño Garrido Carlos , Romero Andonegui Ainara
Published: June 2019

Las redes sociales son un entorno muy atractivo para los jóvenes de hoy en día. Desde edades muy tempranas acceden a esta realidad sin supervisión adulta. Aprenden por medio del ensayo y el error. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los hábitos y uso que hace el alumnado más joven en las redes sociales. Con ese objeto se ha llevado a cabo una investigación de carácter cuantitativo y diseño cuasi-experimental en la que han participado alumnos y alumnas preadolescentes de varios centros de la Comunidad Autónoma Vasca. Los resultados indican que tanto las alumnas como los alumnos preadolescentes utilizan las redes sociales, si bien algunas redes tienen más éxito que otras entre los estudiantes de diferente género. También se ha observado que los participantes muestran contradicciones entre la autopercepción del uso seguro de las redes y las conductas de riesgo que realizan en las redes. Por último, se constata que el alumnado no recibe formación ni orientación sobre el uso adecuado y seguro en las redes. Se concluye la necesidad de crear prácticas pedagógicas dirigidas a guiar al alumnado en el uso seguro y sin riesgos de las redes sociales.
Necesidad de una educación digital en un mundo digital
Authors: García Aretio Lorenzo
Published: June 2019

Jamás se produjeron tantas innovaciones disruptivas en tan corto período de tiempo como ahora en la sociedad digital. Nos movemos en un mundo líquido, flexible y voluble, que Bauman contrapone al tiempo sólido, estable, repetitivo y lleno de certezas al que estábamos acostumbrados. Por su parte, se hace necesario invertir en capital humano con el fin de que los trabajadores adquieran las nuevas competencias que va a demandar el mercado laboral. Las disrupciones, las ya producidas y las que vendrán, nos afectan a todos, a nuestro estilo de vida y también a nuestra forma de trabajar. Para estas situaciones y circunstancias complejas, ambiguas, inciertas y vulnerables, se hace preciso cambiar las formas de educar, integrando las nuevas herramientas tecnológicas en los procesos educativos, con el fin de acometer profundos cambios tanto metodológicos como organizativos en nuestro sistema educativo. Pero es que, además, nuestros niños, adolescentes y jóvenes son, también, radicalmente diferentes a los adultos. Ahí nos encontramos con conceptos como los de nativo y residente digitales, generaciones X, Y y Z referidos a esos estudiantes que pueblan el sistema. Así, resultaría incomprensible que en una sociedad digital con estudiantes de esas generaciones, no arbitrásemos modelos educativos digitales, aprendizajes digitales. Si la educación actual no se integra en la realidad digital que nos que nos circunda, otros actores ocuparán su lugar.
The quantity of CD40 signaling determines the differentiation of B cells into functionally distinct memory cell subsets
Authors: Koike Takuya , Harada Koshi , Horiuchi Shu , Kitamura Daisuke
Published: June 2019

In mice, memory B (Bmem) cells can be divided into two subpopulations: CD80hi Bmem cells, which preferentially differentiate into plasma cells; and CD80lo Bmem cells, which become germinal center (GC) B cells during a recall response. We demonstrate that these distinct responses can be B-cell-intrinsic and essentially independent of B-cell receptor (BCR) isotypes. Furthermore, we find that the development of CD80hi Bmem cells in the primary immune response requires follicular helper T cells, a relatively strong CD40 signal and a high-affinity BCR on B cells, whereas the development of CD80lo Bmem cells does not. Quantitative differences in CD40 stimulation were enough to recapitulate the distinct B cell fate decisions in an in vitro culture system. The quantity of CD40 signaling appears to be translated into NF-κB activation, followed by BATF upregulation that promotes Bmem cell differentiation from GC B cells.
A dedicated diribonuclease resolves a key bottleneck for the terminal step of RNA degradation
Authors: Kim Soo-Kyoung , Lormand Justin D , Weiss Cordelia A , Eger Karin A , Turdiev Husan , Turdiev Asan , Winkler Wade C , Sondermann Holger , Lee Vincent T
Published: June 2019

Degradation of RNA polymers, an ubiquitous process in all cells, is catalyzed by specific subsets of endo- and exoribonucleases that together recycle RNA fragments into nucleotide monophosphate. In γ-proteobacteria, 3-‘5’ exoribonucleases comprise up to eight distinct enzymes. Among them, Oligoribonuclease (Orn) is unique as its activity is required for clearing short RNA fragments, which is important for cellular fitness. However, the molecular basis of Orn’s unique cellular function remained unclear. Here, we show that Orn exhibits exquisite substrate preference for diribonucleotides. Crystal structures of substrate-bound Orn reveal an active site optimized for diribonucleotides. While other cellular RNases process oligoribonucleotides down to diribonucleotide entities, Orn is the one and only diribonuclease that completes the terminal step of RNA degradation. Together, our studies indicate RNA degradation as a step-wise process with a dedicated enzyme for the clearance of a specific intermediate pool, diribonucleotides, that affects cellular physiology and viability.
Molecular determinants in Frizzled, Reck, and Wnt7a for ligand-specific signaling in neurovascular development
Authors: Cho Chris , Wang Yanshu , Smallwood Philip M , Williams John , Nathans Jeremy
Published: June 2019

The molecular basis of Wnt-Frizzled specificity is a central question in developmental biology. Reck, a multi-domain and multi-functional glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, specifically enhances beta-catenin signaling by Wnt7a and Wnt7b in cooperation with the 7-transmembrane protein Gpr124. Among amino acids that distinguish Wnt7a and Wnt7b from other Wnts, two clusters are essential for signaling in a Reck- and Gpr124-dependent manner. Both clusters are far from the site of Frizzled binding: one resides at the amino terminus and the second resides in a protruding loop. Within Reck, the fourth of five tandem repeats of an unusual domain with six-cysteines (the CC domain) is essential for Wnt7a stimulation: substitutions P256A and W261A in CC4 eliminate this activity without changing protein abundance or surface localization. Mouse embryos carrying ReckP256A,W261A have severe defects in forebrain angiogenesis, providing the strongest evidence to date that Reck promotes CNS angiogenesis by specifically stimulating Wnt7a and Wnt7b signaling.
Skin bacterial communities of neotropical treefrogs vary with local environmental conditions at the time of sampling
Authors: Estrada Angie , Hughey Myra C. , Medina Daniel , Rebollar Eria A. , Walke Jenifer B. , Harris Reid N. , Belden Lisa K.
Published: June 2019

The amphibian skin microbiome has been the focus of recent studies aiming to better understand the role of these microbial symbionts in host defense against disease. However, host-associated microbial communities are complex and dynamic, and changes in their composition and structure can influence their function. Understanding temporal variation of bacterial communities on amphibian skin is critical for establishing baselines from which to improve the development of mitigation techniques based on probiotic therapy and provides long-term host protection in a changing environment. Here, we investigated whether microbial communities on amphibian skin change over time at a single site. To examine this, we collected skin swabs from two pond-breeding species of treefrogs,Agalychnis callidryasandDendropsophus ebraccatus,over 4 years at a single lowland tropical pond in Panamá. Relative abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to determine bacterial community diversity on the skin of both treefrog species. We found significant variation in bacterial community structure across long and short-term time scales. Skin bacterial communities differed across years on both species and between seasons and sampling days only inD. ebraccatus. Importantly, bacterial community structures across days were as variable as year level comparisons. The differences in bacterial community were driven primarily by differences in relative abundance of key OTUs and explained by rainfall at the time of sampling. These findings suggest that skin-associated microbiomes are highly variable across time, and that for tropical lowland sites, rainfall is a good predictor of variability. However, more research is necessary to elucidate the significance of temporal variation in bacterial skin communities and their maintenance for amphibian conservation efforts.
Diagnostic performance of clinical properties and conventional magnetic resonance imaging for determining the IDH1 mutation status in glioblastoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Qun , Zhang Jiashu , Li Fangye , Xu Xinghua , Xu Bainan
Published: June 2019

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant form of gliomas, is a relatively common primary brain tumor in adults. Preoperative identification of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations in GBM is of critical prognostic importance. The aim of the present study was to explore the feasibility and diagnostic performance of basic patient information combined with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for determination of the IDH1 status (mutant vs wild type) in patients with GBM.

Methods

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017, a consecutive series of 50 patients with GBM was retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into two group according to their IDH1 mutation status. Basic information and MRI features were analyzed for the establishment of a diagnostic prediction model using logistic regression. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.

Results

Patients with IDH1-mutant tumors were younger than those with IDH1-wild type tumors, and exhibited a larger tumor volume. The diagnostic predictive model established by combining age and the tumor size exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 93%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.88, which indicated high diagnostic performance.

Conclusion

Patient age and tumor volume can be used as indicators of IDH1 mutation status in patients with GBM, with high diagnostic performance for simple evaluations in clinical practice. The combined use of these two indicators can further enhance the diagnostic specificity.
Initial decomposition of floating leaf blades of waterlilies: causes, damage types and impacts
Authors: Klok Peter F. , van der Velde Gerard
Published: June 2019

The initial decomposition of large floating-leaved macrophytes, such as waterlilies, can be studied by following changes in leaf damage and area loss of leaf blades tagged in their natural environment. This approach was taken in the present study to examine the initial decomposition patterns of floating leaf blades ofNuphar lutea(L.) Sm.,Nymphaea albaL. andNymphaea candidaC. Presl at three freshwater sites differing in nutrient status, alkalinity and pH. Floating leaf blades of the three plant species were tagged and numbered within established replicate plots and the leaf length, percentages and types of damage and decay of all tagged leaves were recorded weekly during the growing season. Microbial decay, infection by phytopathogenic fungi (Colletotrichum nymphaeae) and oomycetes (Pythiumsp.), consumption by pond snails, and mechanical factors were the most important causes of leaf damage. Several types of succession comprising different causes of damage were distinguished during the season. For example, young floating leaves are affected by more or less specialized invertebrate species consuming leaf tissue, followed by non-specialized invertebrate species feeding on the damaged floating leaves. In the two investigated hardwater lakes the seasonal patterns of initial decomposition differed betweenNymphaeaandNuphar.
Isisfordia molnarisp. nov., a new basal eusuchian from the mid-Cretaceous of Lightning Ridge, Australia
Authors: Hart Lachlan J. , Bell Phil R. , Smith Elizabeth T. , Salisbury Steven W.
Published: June 2019

The Australian Mesozoic crocodyliform record is sparse in comparison to other Gondwanan localities. A single formally-named taxon is known from this interval;Isisfordia duncani(Winton Formation, Albian–Turonian, Queensland). We present a previously undescribed crocodyliform braincase from the Griman Creek Formation (Cenomanian), New South Wales, which we assign toIsisfordia molnarisp. nov. Assignment to the genus is based on the possession of a newly-defined autapomorphy ofIsisfordia: a broadly exposed prootic within the supratemporal foramen. A second autapomorphy ofI. duncani(maximum diameter of the caudal aperture of the cranioquadrate siphonium approximately one-third the mediolateral width of the foramen magnum, with the lateral wall of the caudal aperture formed exclusively by the quadrate) may also be present inI. molnari; however, definitive recognition of this feature is marred by incomplete preservation. The new taxon is differentiated fromI. duncanibased on the absence of a median ridge on the parietal, and the lack of characteristic ridges on the parietal that form the medial margin of the supratemporal foramina. Reanalysis of a second specimen (the former holotype of the nomen dubium,‘Crocodylus (Bottosaurus) selaslophensis’) allows for its referral to the genusIsisfordia. Crucial to this reappraisal is the reinterpretation of the specimen as a partial maxilla, not the dentary as previously thought. This maxillary fragment possesses specific characteristics shared only withI. duncani; namely an alveolar groove. However, several key features differentiate the maxillary fragment fromI. duncani, specifically the presence of continuous alveolar septa, the thickening of the medial alveolar rim, and the alveolar and crown base morphology. These findings constitute the first evidence ofIsisfordiaoutside of the type locality and indicate its widespread occurrence on the freshwater floodplains along the eastern margin of the epeiric Eromanga Sea during the Albian–Cenomanian.
Analysis of genetic population structure and diversity inMallotus oblongifoliususing ISSR and SRAP markers
Authors: Yan Wuping , Li Juanling , Zheng Daojun , Friedman Cynthia , Wang Huafeng
Published: June 2019

Background

Mallotus oblongifolius, an evergreen shrub endemic to Hainan Island, China, is important both medicinally and economically. Due to its special medicinal significance and the continuing rise of market demand, its populations in the wild have been subject to long-term illegal and unrestrained collection. Hence, an evaluation of genetic variability is essential for the conservation and genetic reserve development of this species.

Methods

Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity and genetic structure of 20 natural populations ofM. oblongifoliusgrowing in different eco-geographical regions of Hainan Island, China.

Results

We revealed a considerable genetic diversity (h= 0.336,I= 0.5057, SRAP markers;h= 0.3068,I= 0.4657, ISSR markers) and weak genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.2764 for SRAP, Gst = 0.2709 for ISSR) with the same gene flow (Nm = 1.3092 for SRAP, Nm = 1.346 for ISSR) among theM. oblongifoliuspopulations. The Mantel Test showed that the distribution of genetic variation among populations could not be explained by the pronounced geographical distances (r= 0.01255,p= 0.5538). All results of the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), Neighbor-joining (NJ), Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and Bayesian analyses supported a habitat-specific genetic clustering model forM. oblongifolius, indicating a local adaptive divergence for the studied populations.

Discussion

We suggested that the habitat fragmentation and specificity forM. oblongifoliuspopulations weakened the natural gene flow and promoted an adaptation to special habitats, which was the main reason for local adaptive divergence amongM. oblongifolius.
Pleistocene epilithic foraminifera from the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Waśkowska Anna , Kaminski Michael A.
Published: June 2019

Attached epilithic foraminifera constitute an important but overlooked component of the benthic foraminiferal assemblage in the Pleistocene sediment of the central Arctic Ocean. We report 12 types of epilithic foraminifera that have colonised lithic and biogenic grains found in glacial sediments, including representatives of the generaRhizammina, Hemisphaerammina, Ammopemphix, Diffusilina, Subreophax, Placopsilina, Placopsilinella, HormosinelloidesandTholosina,accompanied by mat-like and ribbon-like forms of uncertain taxonomic affinity. The attached agglutinated forms appear to be colonisers, adapted to extremely oligotrophic conditions.