bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Modern Salt-marsh Foraminifera from the Eastern Mississippi Sound, U.s.a.
Authors: Haller Christian , Smith Christopher G. , Hallock Pamela , Hine Albert C. , Osterman Lisa E. , McCloskey Terrence
Published: August 2019

This study documented surface distributions of live and dead foraminiferal assemblages in the low-gradient tidal marshes of the barrier island and estuarine complex of the eastern Mississippi Sound (Grand Bay, Pascagoula River, Fowl River, Dauphin Island). A total of 71,833 specimens representing 38 species were identified from a gradient of different elevation zones across the study area. We identified five live assemblages and nine biofacies for the dead assemblages from estuarine, low marsh, middle marsh, high marsh, and upland transition environments. Although dissolution of calcareous tests was observed in the dead assemblages, characteristic species and abundance patterns dependent on elevation in the intertidal zone were similar between living assemblages and dead biofacies. The assemblages from the eastern Mississippi Sound estuaries were dominated by Ammonia tepida, Cribroelphidium poeyanum, C. excavatum, and Paratrochammina simplissima. The low marshes were dominated by Ammotium salsum, Ammobaculites exiguus, and Miliammina fusca. The dominant species in the middle marshes was Arenoparrella mexicana. The most abundant species in the high marshes was Entzia macrescens. The upland–marsh transition zones were dominated by Trochamminita irregularis and Pseudothurammina limnetis. Canonical correspondence analysis was applied to assess the relationship between a priori defined biofacies and measured environmental data (elevation, grain size, organic matter, and salinity) to test the hypothesis that distribution of foraminiferal assemblages is driven by elevation and hence flooding frequency. Salinity was the second most important explanatory variable of dead assemblages. Riverine freshwater from the Pascagoula River markedly influenced the live and dead assemblages in the Pascagoula River marsh, which was represented by low diversity and densities and dominance by Ammoastuta inepta. The relationship between the measured environmental variables and assemblage distributions can be used in future Mississippi Sound paleo-environmental studies.
Symbiont-bearing Foraminifera from Reefal Areas: a Case Study from Rio Grande Do Norte (rn, Brazil)
Authors: Eichler Patrícia P. B. , de Farias Cristiane L. C. , Amorin Audrey , De Moura Diogo Santos , Andrade Allany De Paula Uchoa , Martins Janiheryson Felipe De Oliveira , Vital Helenice , Gomes Moab Praxedes
Published: August 2019

We examined the abundances of two species of benthic foraminifera that host algal endosymbionts (SBF) in two sedimentary reefal areas (Pirangi and Maracajaú) of Rio Grande do Norte (RN, Brazil). The original dataset is based on 95 samples collected in winter in 2013 and 2014 by divers or grab samplers, and is compared to other known Brazilian reefs. The tests of Amphistegina gibbosa were conspicuous in sediments associated with coral and coral-rubble substrata, whereas tests of Amphisorus hemprichii were best represented in sediments associated with seagrass. Our studies also have revealed that populations of these species are depauperate near tourism sites in Pirangi, as the area is affected by trampling from tourist activities. In the Maracajaú area, these populations are healthier, except at sites severely affected by tourism. Differences in microhabitats of the two taxa are likely to be associated with the degree of anthropogenic influence on the inner shelf at Pirangi compared to the offshore Maracajaú area.
New Findings On an Orbitolinid Foraminifer Coskinolinella Bariensis (luperto-sinni & Reina, 1992) from the Albian Shallow-water Carbonate Sequence of the Bey Dağlari (s Turkey)
Authors: Tasli Kemal , Solak Cemile
Published: August 2019

The orbitolinid foraminifer Heterocoskinolina bariensis Luperto-Sinni & Reina, 1992, which was first described from the Cenomanian (lower?) of the Apulian Carbonate Platform (southern Italy), has also been found in a Cretaceous shallow-water carbonate sequence of the Bey Dağları Carbonate Platform (Western Taurides, southern Turkey). The morphological analysis, based on numerous successive acetate-peels, revealed annular chambers subdivided into wedge-like chamberlets ( = cupulae) by apparent “radial partitions” produced by the strong infolding of the chamber floor; these are characteristic of the genus Coskinolinella Delmas & Deloffre, 1961. Specimens were compared with descriptions and images of closely related taxa. The stratigraphic position of C. bariensis was determined as upper Albian, based on its occurrence 50 m below the lower–middle Cenomanian Sellialveolina gr. viallii Zone and the presence of Protochrysalidina elongata. Because of its restricted stratigraphic range, this species may have age-diagnostic value for Cretaceous biostratigraphy in restricted platform facies. Other benthic foraminifera, some poorly known, are also documented and illustrated from this same shallow-water carbonate sequence.
Rapid Change of Foraminiferal Communities and Assemblages in the Setiu Estuary, Terengganu, Malaysia: Anthropogenic Drivers
Authors: Culver Stephen J. , Twarog Michael , Mallinson David J. , Shazili Noor Azhar Mohd , Buzas Martin A.
Published: August 2019

In November 2013, an artificial inlet was opened in the barrier island that separates the waters of the Setiu estuary-lagoon system of Terengganu, Malaysia, from the South China Sea. The inlet was opened to stabilize salinity and improve tidal flushing so that fish-farming could be expanded but, as a result, another inlet that was open in 2009 closed naturally by November 2015. These geomorphic changes caused salinity in the Setiu estuary to undergo significant increase from November 2013 to November 2015.

To investigate the foraminiferal response to these salinity changes, 24 of 56 foraminiferal sampling stations occupied in 2009 were resampled in 2016. Salinity increased throughout the estuary from 2009 (mean 6.6, range 0–28.7) to 2016 (mean 33.3, range 23.3–34.8) and foraminiferal live communities and dead assemblages changed. Diversity of dead assemblages increased significantly (mean number of species/sample in 2009 = 10.9 versus 2016 = 25.8) as the result of transport of specimens of nearshore, neritic species into the estuary through the new inlet. Diversity of live populations increased slightly (2008 = 4.6 versus 2016 = 6.2). Dead assemblages and live populations dominated by agglutinated foraminifera in 2009 were co-dominated by calcareous hyaline foraminifera in 2016. Live calcareous porcelaneous foraminifera were rare in 2009 and 2016, but dead miliolids were more common and more widespread in 2016. Stations in higher energy environments immediately adjacent to the two different inlets of 2009 and 2016 were characterized by few live or dead foraminiferal tests. Changes in foraminiferal diversity, abundance, and distribution between the two sampling times of early June 2009 and late May 2016 were significant and took place within the 30-month interval between November 2013 (when the artificial inlet was opened) and May 2016 when samples were collected, but they most likely occurred over a shorter interval of time.
Facility Related factors Affecting Academic Performance of Medical Student in Human Anatomy in Bahir Dar University, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tiruneh Shibabaw Tedla , Abegaz Belta Asnak , Bekel Abebe Ayalew , Adamu Yibeltal Wubale , Kiros Mengistu Desalegn , W/Eyessus Dawit Habte
Published: August 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify college facility related factors affecting medical students’ academic performance in human anatomy course.
Result: A total of 120 study participants were included in the study. Off which 81 (67.5%) were male while 39 (32.5%) were females. Dormitory crowdedness (AOR 3.16 (95% CI: 2.01-.83, p= 0.11), large class size (AOR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.11- 4.64 p = 0.005), inadequate classroom facilities (AOR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.51-4.91, p = 0.001), low internet access (AOR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.07-3.22, p = 0.015) and inadequate anatomy teaching model (AOR = 2.63; 95%CI: 1.17 - 6.12, p =0.003) were significantly associated with low performance in human anatomy course exam. However, college library (AOR = 0.23; 95%CI: 0.1-0.48 p = 0.061) did not showed significant association with academic performance (p = 0.61). As a conclusion, dormitory crowdedness, large class size, inadequate classroom facilities, low internet access and inadequate anatomy-teaching models were independent factors, which affect performance of medical students in human anatomy course exam. However, there was no significant association between college library and performance of study participants in human anatomy course exam.
Room 4 Birth - The effect of an adaptable birthing room on labour and birth outcomes for nulliparous women at term with spontaneous labour start: study protocol for a randomised controlled superiority trial in Sweden
Authors: Berg Marie , Goldkuhl Lisa , Nilsson Christina , Wijk Helle , Gyllensten Hanna , Lindahl Göran , Moberg Kerstin Uvnäs , Begley Cecily
Published: August 2019

Background: An important prerequisite for optimal healthcare is a secure, safe and comfortable environment. There is little research on how the physical design of birthing rooms affects labour, birth, childbirth experiences, and birthing costs. This protocol outlines the design of a randomised controlled superiority trial (RCT) measuring and comparing effects and experiences of two types of birthing rooms, conducted in one labour ward in Sweden.
Methods/Design: Following ethical approval, a study design was developed and tested for feasibility in a pilot study which led to some important improvements for the conduction of the study. The main RCT started January 2019 and includes nulliparous women presenting to the labour ward in active, spontaneous labour, who understand either Swedish, Arabic, Somali or English. Those who consent are randomised on a 1:1 ratio to receive care either in a regular room (control group) or in a newly built birthing room designed with a person-centered approach and physical aspects (such as: light, silencer, media installator offering programmed nature scenes with sound, bath tub, birth support tools) that are adaptable as a woman wishes (intervention group). The primary efficacy endpoint is a composite score of four outcomes: no use of oxytocin for augmentation of labour; spontaneous vaginal births (i.e. no vaginal instrumental birth or caesarean section); normal postpartum blood loss (i.e. bleeding <1000 ml.); and a positive overall childbirth experience (7-10 on a scale 1-10). To detect a difference in the composite score of 8% between the groups we need 1274 study participants (power of 80% with significance level 0.05). Secondary outcomes include: other physical outcomes of labour and birth; women´s selfreported experiences (the birthing room, childbirth, fear of childbirth, health-related quality of life), and measurement of costs in relation to the hospital stay for mother and neonate. Additionally, an ethnographic study with participant observations will be conducted in both types of birthing rooms.
Discussion: The findings aim to guide the design of birthing rooms that contribute to optimal quality of hospital-based maternity care.
Manual therapy as a prophylactic treatment for migraine. Design of a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Amons Andreas Leonard , Castien Rene Franciscus , Wouden Johannes van der , De Hertogh Willem , Dekker Joost , Horst Henriëtte Eveline van der
Published: August 2019

Background: People with migraine often experience disability with serious consequences for social life and work productivity. The effectiveness of pharmacological prophylactic management of migraine is limited, leading to a demand for non-pharmacological treatment options. We present the design and discuss the feasibility of a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of a multimodal manual therapy (MT) treatment compared to usual care by the general practitioner (GP) for the prophylactic treatment of migraine. Methods: Eligible participants will be recruited in primary care using the International Classification of Headache Disorders III criteria for migraine of the International Headache Society. Participants will be randomized to either multimodal MT treatment or usual care provided by the GP. GPs will be asked to treat the usual care group according to the Dutch GP guideline for headache. The multimodal MT intervention will include manual pressure techniques, neck muscle-strength exercises, and mobilization of the cervical and thoracic spine. The trial will consist of a 12 weeks treatment period and follow-up measurements at 12, 26 and 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the number of migraine days per four weeks, assessed with a headache diary. Secondary outcome measures are the number of migraine attacks, medication use, disability due to headache, headache intensity, number of participants reporting a 50% migraine reduction, measurement of cervical pressure pain thresholds, presence of allodynia, endurance of cervical flexor muscles, days of absence of work and global perceived effect. Discussion: The results of the trial will show if a multimodal MT intervention is an effective non-pharmacological treatment option for people with migraine. Trial registration: 7 February 2019 Dutch Trial Register (NL7504)
Statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the 5- and 10-year follow-up assessments of the FIDELITY trial
Authors: Sihvonen Raine , Kalske Roope , Englund Martin , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Toivonen Pirjo , Taimela Simo , Järvinen Teppo
Published: August 2019

Background

The research objectives of the 5- and 10-year assessments of the Finnish Degenerative Meniscal Lesion Study (FIDELITY) are two-fold: 1) to assess the long-term efficacy of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) in adult (age 35 to 65 years) patients with a degenerative meniscus tear, and 2) to determine the respective effects of APM and degenerative meniscus tear on the development of radiographic and clinical knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods and Design

FDELITY is an ongoing multi-centre, randomized, participant and outcome assessor blinded, placebo-surgery controlled trial of 146 patients. This statistical analysis plan (SAP) article describes the overall principles for analysis of long-term outcomes (5- and 10-year follow-ups), including how participants will be included in each analysis, the primary and secondary outcomes and their respective analyses, adjustments for covariates, and the presentation of the results. In addition, we will present the planned sensitivity and subgroup analyses.
Using digital tools in the recruitment and retention in randomised controlled trials: Survey of UK Clinical Trial Units and a qualitative study
Authors: Blatch-Jones Amanda Jane , Nuttall Jacqueline , Bull Abby , Worswick Louise , Mullee Mark , Peveler Robert , Falk Stephen , Tape Neil , Hinks Jeremy , Lane Athene J , Wyatt Jeremy C , Griffiths Gareth
Published: August 2019

Background

Recruitment and retention of participants in Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) is a key determinant of success, but is challenging. Trialists and UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) are increasingly exploring the use of digital tools to identify, recruit and retain participants. The aim of this UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) study was to identify what digital tools are currently used by CTUs and understand the performance characteristics required to be judged useful.

Methods

A scoping of searches (and a survey with NIHR funding staff), a survey with all 52 UKCRC CTUs and 16 qualitative interviews were conducted with five stakeholder groups including trialists within CTUs, funders and research participants. A purposive sampling approach was used to conduct the qualitative interviews during March-June 2018. Qualitative data were analysed using a content analysis and inductive approach.

Results

Responses from 24 CTUs (46%) identified that database-screening tools were the most widely used digital tool for recruitment, with the most frequent reported success criteria being saving General Practitioner time and reaching more patients. Fewer retention tools were used, with Short Message Service (SMS) or email reminders to participants being the most reported. The qualitative interviews revealed five themes across all groups: ‘security and transparency’, ‘inclusivity and engagement’, ‘human interaction’, ‘obstacles and risks’ and ‘potential benefits’. There was a high level of stakeholder acceptance of the use of digital tools to support trials, despite the lack of evidence to support them over more traditional techniques. Certain differences and similarities between stakeholder groups demonstrated the complexity and challenges of using digital tools for recruiting and retaining research participants.

Conclusions

Our studies identified a range of digital tools in use in recruitment and retention of RCTs, despite the lack of high quality evidence to support their use. Understanding the type of digital tools in use to support recruitment and retention will help to inform funders and the wider research community about their value and relevance for future RCTs. Consideration of further focused digital tool reviews and primary research will help to reduce gaps in the evidence base.
Inducing Sterility in Carolina Laurel Cherry Using Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Ruter John M.
Published: August 2019

Carolina laurel cherry (Prunus caroliniana) is native to the U.S. southeastern coastal plain from North Carolina westward to eastern Texas. The species has been planted extensively in the southeast as an ornamental tree or hedge. Unfortunately, carolina laurel cherry naturalizes readily and is now found in a variety of habitats, both natural and disturbed. Flowering occurs in the late winter/early spring before new leaves emerge and fruit ripens in the fall/winter. Fruit is eaten by migratory birds and seed is dispersed. Seedlings readily germinate in the understory of forests and landscapes in the spring. As there are a limited number of cultivars available, selections with improved form and sterility are needed for the landscape trade. In 2008, seed was collected and treated with Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation at rates ranging from 0 to 150 Gy. The lethal dose killing 50% of the seedlings (LD50) was between 50 and 100 Gy. Three sterile plants were selected in 2012 from the M1 (first generation of mutagen-treated seedlings) population totaling 62 seedlings. M2 (second-generation seedlings from M1 parents) seed was collected Fall 2012, and 1509 seedlings were grown to flowering size in containers. In 2014–15, 120 seedlings that showed no fruit production were planted in the field in Watkinsville, GA, for further evaluation. Ratings on field-grown plants in Dec. 2017 and 2018 showed that 73% and 78% of the plants, respectively, produced no fruit, whereas the remaining plants had minimal to heavy fruit set. Because carolina laurel cherry is andromonoecious, production of male and bisexual flowers was evaluated on 17 selections in 2018. Of 500 flowers evaluated per selection, the number of male flowers per plant ranged from 22 to 415 (4.4% to 83%). The number of racemes with all-male flowers on each selection ranged from 1 to 32. There were no significant correlations between the number of male flowers or number of all-male flowered racemes per plant and production of fruit. Approximately 5% of M2 seedlings remain seedless after 6 years of growth.
Throwing Out the Bathwater but Keeping the Baby: Lessons Learned from Purple Loosestrife and Reed Canarygrass
Authors: Anderson Neil O.
Published: August 2019

Historic ignorance of species’ native range, expansion due to unintentional involvement by vectors, and their quiet evolution has caused several invasive species to become “poster children,” such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), and others. Common misconceptions on how these became problematic have involved a variety of causes, including ignorance of species’ ability to intercross and create introgressive hybrids, lack of insects for control, wind pollination, and intercontinental distribution from their native range. Current research focuses on how misappropriating the historical contexts can reverse our misconceptions of native species being noninvasive and how this affects control by land managers. Purple loosestrife and reed canarygrass will be used as example species to demonstrate challenges that native vs. exotic, intra-, and interspecific differences confer to land managers. Issues such as a lack of phenotypic differences challenge land managers’ charge to control invasive individuals yet retain the noninvasives. This is fraught with challenges when native vs. exotic status is invoked or cultural values are entwined. To avoid a monumental impasse, particularly when native and exotic types are phenotypically indistinguishable, this dilemma could be solved via modern techniques using molecular biology.
Psychological aspects of social security in Ukraine
Authors: Sotnikova Yuliia , Ahaverdiieva Khalida
Published: August 2019

Negative trends in the social sphere and the social problems that exist because of this lead to a sharpening of state national security issues. At the same time, domestic and foreign scholars do not pay sufficient attention to the psychological component of social security, which characterizes the subjective assessment of the state of the social sphere development by the population. This very aspect of social security has become a basis for the formulation of the research goal as an analysis of the state of social security of Ukraine in a regional context in accordance with the system of indicators taking into account the psychological component. The main methods of the investigation are analysis, synthesis, comparative analysis, cluster analysis method. The practical result is the definition of the main components of national security, special attention is paid to the analysis of the interpretation of the definition of “social security” by domestic scientists. The expediency of allocating the psychological component of social security has been substantiated. The list of social security indicators has defined in accordance with the methodological recommendations for calculating the level of economic security of Ukraine, namely: the ratio of nominal wages to the subsistence minimum per working age person; the ratio of the size of the labor pension to the subsistence minimum of the disabled persons; the number of HIV-infected persons with the first diagnosis, persons per 100 thousand people); the number of patients with active tuberculosis with the first diagnosis, persons per 100 thousand people; level of crime. The so-called indexes of social tension have been added to this list, which take into account the psychological aspect of the population of the state, namely: arrears of wages; the level of payment by the population of housing and communal services; the level of registered unemployment; the number of employees who were in forced full-time employment. A cluster analysis of the regions of Ukraine has carried out on the basis of the listed social security indicators, which resulted in the definition of regions with high indicators of social security, namely: Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Luhansk, Odesa and Kharkiv regions.
Analisis Pengaruh Shariah Compliance dan Assurance terhadap Kepuasan Nasabah BMT Barokatul Umah di Kabupaten Merauke
Authors: Ramadani Orin Verawati , Kadir Abd Rahman , Sanusi Abdullah
Published: August 2019

This study aims to determine the effect of Shariah Compliance and Assurance on customer satisfaction partially and simultaneously. In this study using a quantitative approach and multiple linear regression. The object of this research is the employees and customers of BMT Barokatul Ummah in Merauke Regency. While the data collection techniques are using interviews, questionnaires, and literature studies. The results of this study indicate that the Shariah Compliance and Assurance dimension has been implemented well, and has a positive and significant influence on customer satisfaction at the BMT Barokatul Ummah. This means that the Shariah Compliance and Assurance dimensions are further enhanced, customer satisfaction is getting higher.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Shariah Compliance dan Assurance terhadap kepuasan nasabah secara parsial dan simultan. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan regresi linier berganda. Objek dalam penelitian ini adalah pimpinan dan nasabah BMT Barokatul Ummah di Kabupaten Merauke. Sedangkan teknik pengumpulan data yaitu menggunakan wawancara, kuesioner, dan studi kepustakaan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dimensi Shariah Compliance dan Assurance telah dijalankan dengan baik, dan mempunyai pengaruh positif dan signifikan kepada kepuasan nasabah pada BMT Barokatul Ummah. Artinya semakin ditingkatkan dimensi Shariah Compliance dan Assurance maka kepuasan nasabah semakin tinggi.
Pentingnya Kecerdasan Emosi dan Spiritual terkait Isu Sensitivitas Etika Auditor (Studi Kasus pada Internal Auditor BNI Syariah)
Authors: Istiariani Irma
Published: August 2019

Auditing and ethical sensitivity research in the academic area has often done, but these research is seldom done on the syaria banking sector, like Syaria BNI with the respondence is internal auditor. The central issue in this research is the author want to show empirically how matter important the EQ and ESQ toward ethical sensitivity and whether an inconsistence with the previous research. The method used literature research to explore the data. The results indicated that ethical sensitivity the internal auditor in Syaria BNI had linked with emotional and spiritual intelligence. Practical implications indicate the importance of emotional and spiritual intelligence that is closely related to the ethical sensitivity auditor conducted by internal auditor Syaria BNI.Penelitian audit dan sensitivitas etika di bidang akademik sudah sering dilakukan, tetapi penelitian ini jarang dilakukan pada sektor perbankan syariah, seperti syariah BNI dengan responden adalah auditor internal. Isu sentral yang terdapat di dalam riset ini adalah penulis ingin menunjukkan secara empiris seberapa penting kualitas kecerdasan emosional dan spiritual terhadap sensitivitas etika. Metode yang digunakan di dalam penelitian ini studi literatur sebagai alat untuk memperoleh sumber data. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah tingkat sensitivitas etika internal di BNI syariah memiliki hubungan yang kuat dengan kualitas kecerdasan emosional dan spiritual. Implikasi praktis dari penelitian ini menunjukkan pentingnya kualitas kecerdasan emosional dan spiritual yang erat kaitannya dengan tingkat sensitivitas etika auditor internal BNI syariah.
Analisis Ekonomi Islam terhadap Pemenuhan Upah Layak Tenaga Kerja Industri Batik (Studi Kasus: Sentra Batik Kecamatan Plered Kabupaten Cirebon)
Authors: Hartono Nono
Published: August 2019

This research aims to identify the wage system for batik industry workers, and analyze the economic outlook of Islam on the labor wage system, and develop appropriate wage models in the batik industry. Sampling technique used purposive sampling method. Data analysis using multiple linear regression. The results showed that the factors that significantly influence the wage level of the home-based unit of the batik industry are the length of work per day, work experience and operational costs, while the home-based unit variables of the batik industry have no significant effect. To increase labor wages, a decent wage model is needed in accordance with sharia provisions.Peneliltian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi sistem pengupahan tenaga kerja industri batik, dan menganalisis pandangan ekonomi islam terhadap sistem pengupahan tenaga kerja, serta menyusun model pengupahan yang layak pada industri batik. Teknik pengabilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Analisis data menggunakan regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa faktor yang berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tingkat upah tenaga kerja unit rumahan industri batik adalah lama kerja perhari, pengalaman bekerja dan biaya operasional, sedangkan variabel unit rumahan industri batik berpengaruh tidak signifikan. Untuk meningkatkan upah tenaga kerja, diperlukan model pengupahan yang layak sesuai dengan ketentuan syariah.
Nanosized Modification Strategies for Improving the Antitumor Efficacy of MEK Inhibitors
Authors: Li Yanan , Dong Qingrong , Mei Ting , Zheng Meichen , Kumar Ramasamy Raj , Yu Bin , Wu Chunsheng , Zhang Hui , An Feifei
Published: August 2019

The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway (MAPK signaling) is hyperactivated in more
than 30% of human cancers. The abnormal activation of this pathway is mainly due to the gain-offunction
mutations in RAS or RAF genes. Furthermore, the crucial roles of mitogen-activated protein
kinase kinase (MEK) in tumorigenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis inhibition, make MEK inhibitors
(MEKi) attractive candidates for the targeted therapy of MAPK pathway-related cancer. Several
highly selective and potent non-ATP-competitive allosteric MEKi have been developed and have led
to substantial improvements in clinical outcomes. However, the drug efficacies and response rates are
limited due to complex pathway cross-talk and pessimistic drug solubility. Nanosized modifications
have made great contributions to improving drug efficacies over the past decades. In this review, the
important biological status of MEK kinase in the MAPK pathway is illuminated primarily to highlight
the irreplaceable position and clinical status of MEKi. In addition, nanomodification strategies to enhance
drug efficacy are briefly summarized, followed by the application advances of nanotechnology
in the field of MEKi-related cancer theranostics. Finally, the obstacles impeding the development of
nanosized MEKi are considered, and promising prospects are suggested. This informative report lays
the groundwork for the clinical development of MEKi and outlines a rational frontline-treatment approach
for personalized cancer treatment.
An Integrative Gene Expression Microarray Meta-analysis Identifies Host Factors and Key Signatures Involved in Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Elmessaoudi-Idrissi Mohcine , Windisch Marc P. , Kettani Anass , Altawalah Haya , Pineau Pascal , Benjelloun Soumaya , Ezzikouri Sayeh
Published: August 2019

:

>Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health concern. Viral and host factors orchestrate
the natural history of HBV infection, but the impact of host factors that influence the clinical
course of the disease remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify host factors
crucial to the HBV life cycle by conducting a meta-analysis utilizing public microarray datasets.

Methods:

An integrative meta-analysis of expression data from two microarray datasets of HBVinfected
liver tissues and healthy uninfected livers was conducted to identify gene expression signatures
and overlapping biological processes modulating infection/disease.

Results:

Using integrative meta-analysis of expression data (INMEX), we identified across two
datasets a total of 841 genes differentially expressed during HBV infection, including 473 upregulated
and 368 downregulated genes. In addition, through functional enrichment and pathway
analysis, we observed that Jak-STAT, TLR, and NF-κB are the most relevant signaling pathways
in chronic HBV infection. The network-based meta-analysis identified NEDD8, SKP2, JUN, and
HIF1A as the most highly ranked hub genes.

Conclusion:

Thus, these results may provide valuable information about novel potential host factors
modulating chronic HBV infection. Such factors may serve as potential targets for the development
of novel therapeutics such as activin receptor-like kinase inhibitors.
Formononetin Ameliorates Cognitive Disorder via PGC-1α Pathway in Neuroinflammation Conditions in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice
Authors: Fu Xinxin , Qin Tingting , Yu Jiayu , Jiao Jie , Ma Zhanqiang , Fu Qiang , Deng Xueyang , Ma Shiping
Published: August 2019

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases
in many modern societies. The core pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease includes the aggregation of
hyperphosphorylated Tau and abnormal Amyloid-β generation. In addition, previous studies have
shown that neuroinflammation is one of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Formononetin, an
isoflavone compound extracted from Trifolium pratense L., has been found to have various properties
including anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotective effects. But there are very few studies
on the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with Formononetin.

Objective:

The present study focused on the protective activities of Formononetin on a high-fat dietinduced
cognitive decline and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

Mice were fed with HFD for 10 weeks and intragastric administrated daily with metformin
(300 mg/kg) and Formononetin (20 and 40 mg/kg).

Results:

We found that Formononetin (20, 40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the learning and memory
deficits companied by weight improvement and decreased the levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol
and triglyceride in high-fat diet-induced mice. Meanwhile, we observed high-fat diet significantly
caused the Tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus of mice, whereas Formononetin reversed
this effect. Additionally, Formononetin markedly reduced the levels of inflammation cytokines IL-1β
and TNF-α in high-fat diet-induced mice. The mechanism study showed that Formononetin suppressed
the pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling and enhanced the anti-inflammatory Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling, which
might be related to the regulation of PGC-1α in the hippocampus of high-fat diet -induced mice.

Conclusion:

Taken together, our results showed that Formononetin could improve the cognitive function
by inhibiting neuroinflammation, which is attributed to the regulation of PGC-1α pathway in
HFD-induced mice.
Chiral Thiazolidine based Organocatalysts: Synthesis and Application in Asymmetric Aldol Reactions
Authors: Félix Ana Rita G. , Simões Pedro R.D. , Sousa Francisco J.P.M. , Serra M. Elisa Silva , Murtinho Dina
Published: August 2019

Several novel chiral organocatalysts derived from thiazolidines containing amide and thioureia
functionalities were synthesized in good yields. These organocatalysts were tested in the asymmetric
aldol reaction of acetone with p-nitrobenzaldehyde. Reaction parameters such as reaction time, catalyst
loading and solvent were optimized. Products with conversions up to 84% and enantiomeric ratios
(er) up to 84.5:15.5 (R:S) were obtained. The effect of several chiral and non-chiral additives on the
reactivity and selectivity of the reaction was also evaluated. The reaction was extended to other aromatic
aldehydes with the best organocatalyst and when p-bromobenzaldehyde was used, an er of
94.5:5.5 (R:S) was obtained.
The Impact of an Interprofessional Pediatric Oral Health Clerkship on Advancing Interprofessional Education Outcomes
Authors: Hartnett Erin , Haber Judith , Catapano Peter , Dougherty Nancy , Moursi Amr M. , Kashani Ramin , Osman Cindy , Chinn Courtney , Bella Abigail
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative pediatric interprofessional education clinical experience using oral‐systemic health as the clinical population example for improving the self‐reported interprofessional competencies of family nurse practitioner, dental, and medical students. The objectives of the interprofessional experience were for students to apply pediatric oral health assessment, identify the pediatric oral‐systemic connection, and practice a team‐based approach to improve oral‐systemic outcomes. In spring 2015, fall 2015, and spring 2016, a total of 162 family nurse practitioner, dental, and medical students participated in this interprofessional experience at Bellevue Pediatric Outpatient Clinics together with a pediatric dental resident. Team members collaborated in reviewing the patient chart, taking the patient's medical and dental history, performing an oral assessment, applying fluoride varnish, and providing education and anticipatory guidance. The Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS) was used as a pretest and posttest to evaluate the degree to which students perceived changes in their attitudes about interprofessional competencies following the learning experience. In the results, all students had improved mean scores from pretest to posttest after the experience, and these changes were statistically significant for all students: nurse practitioner (p<0.01), dentistry (p<0.01), and medicine (p<0.001). The mean change from pretest to posttest was statistically significant for each of the six interprofessional competency domains (p<0.01). In both pediatric dental and primary care settings, the changes from pre‐ to posttest were significant (p<0.001). The experience was similarly effective for all groups of students in increasing their attitudes about interprofessional collaboration. These findings suggest that a clinical approach can be an effective strategy for helping health professions students develop interprofessional competence.
Effectiveness of and Dental Student Satisfaction with Three Teaching Methods for Behavior Guidance Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry
Authors: Slaven Chad M. , Wells Martha H. , DeSchepper Edward J. , Dormois Larry , Vinall Craig V. , Douglas Kristen
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different types of instructional styles—traditional lecture with and without video examples and contemporary format that simulated a flipped classroom—on dental students' learning of behavior guidance techniques (BGTs) in pediatric dentistry. The study also sought to determine if students had an improved comfort level with BGTs with these instructional methods, if videos improved learning and comfort with BGTs, and if there were differences in outcomes by gender. All 96 second‐year dental students at one U.S. dental school were recruited to participate in the study in 2017. Students were randomly divided into three groups: contemporary instruction (CI), traditional instruction with video (TIV), and traditional instruction with no video (TI). CI students watched a 20‐minute mini‐lecture and were divided into discussion groups led by calibrated faculty members. TIV students received 50 minutes of traditional lecture with video examples. TI students received a traditional lecture with no video examples. All groups completed a questionnaire prior to and on completion of the course. The questionnaire assessed students' learning and perceptions of the learning experience. All students participated in the course and the assessments, for a 100% response rate. The students' post‐course scores improved for all teaching methods (TI>CI>TIV) with no significant differences among them. CI students rated comfort with BGTs and usefulness of videos higher than the other groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. Students rated their satisfaction with and usefulness of the course high for all groups (>3 on a four‐point scale). Learning style and comfort treating children were not statistically significant by gender. Overall, the students reported high satisfaction with all the teaching methods. Although the differences were not statistically significant, discussion groups were ranked highest in satisfaction and usefulness.
Retrospective Evaluation of the Status of Advanced Dental Education in Prosthodontics from 2006 to 2016
Authors: Touloumi Foteini , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Reshan Adam , Wee Alvin G. , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze information about advanced education programs in prosthodontics (AEPPs) collected in American Dental Association (ADA) surveys on advanced dental education from 2006‐07 to 2016‐17. Data recorded included number of AEPPs and information on program directors, applicants, and enrollees in AEPPs. The results showed that, from 2006 to 2016, there was an increase in the number of AEPPs and enrollment of prosthodontic residents, and the number of applicants per program more than doubled. Despite these increases, steps are needed to increase the number of underrepresented minority residents in prosthodontics. Also, a periodic survey of prosthodontic residents to identify their goals, experiences during training, and career plans could benefit the specialty by providing more insight into the future prosthodontic workforce.
Status of Oral Health Training in U.S. Primary Care Programs: A Qualitative Study to Define Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Savageau Judith A. , Sullivan Kate M. , Sawosik Gail , Sullivan Erin , Silk Hugh
Published: August 2019

With increasing recognition of the important relationship between oral and systemic health, non‐dental health professions schools and programs are now teaching their students about oral health in various ways. This study built on surveys of medical schools, primary care residency and fellowship programs, and other health professions programs conducted by the authors in 2017, which found some had made significant progress in integrating oral health into primary care training, while others lagged behind. The aim of the current study was to better understand the characteristics and climate of oral health education in non‐dental health professions schools by conducting interviews with leaders of programs who had self‐identified in the surveys as having a robust oral health curriculum. Hour‐long interviews were conducted between October 2017 and March 2018 with 31 program directors or deans of medical specialty and allied health professions programs using a semi‐structured interview guide. These interviewees were from 13 health disciplines. The coding of interview transcripts identified seven major themes: motivations to develop an oral health curriculum; rationale for curriculum topics covered; best aspects of the curriculum; evaluation and assessment strategies; relationships with dental providers and residents and dental hygienists; barriers and challenges; and advice and lessons learned. The interviewees reported a strong belief that oral health is an important health topic. Key elements that interviewees identified as helping them build robust oral health programs in their primary care curricula were the following: having an oral health champion; having some funding; building relationships with dental professionals; using local, state, and national resources; using curricular materials from existing sources; incorporating skills‐based sessions; taking an IPE approach; and making oral health part of what the program already does. These findings should be useful for primary care schools and programs that are beginning to add oral health to their curricula and those seeking to improve their existing oral health education for their students.
Introduction
Authors: Malena Anne
Published: August 2019

Introduction
Translating in Canada: An Interview with Literary Translator and Translation Scholar Dr. Luise von Flotow
Authors: Antonova Anna
Published: August 2019

Interview
Intralingual Translation as an Option for Radical Spanglish
Authors: Attig Remy
Published: August 2019

Since the 1990s literary production in Spanglish, the so-called “hybrid” language that mixes English and Spanish, has been increasing. With increasing publication has come a demand for translations of these texts. While some authors readily choose to translate their work, others are closer in line with Gloria Anzaldúa who said “Until I can take pride in my language I cannot take pride in myself... Until I am free to write bilingually and to switch codes without having always to translate, while I still have to speak English or Spanish when I would rather speak Spanglish, and as long as I have to accommodate the English speakers rather than having them accommodate me, my tongue will be illegitimate” (1999, 81). This hesitation to accommodate English speakers fails to consider that approximately 2/3 of them are non-native speakers. Consequently, the role that English can play in south-to-south translation is not negligible and “having” to translate because of the existing English hegemony in the US Latinx context is not the same as choosing to translate for any of a number of other motivating factors. Both are equally legitimate options, but this begs the question, is there a way to translate Spanglish so that English readers can access it without “accommodating” the English hegemony? This paper explores intralingual translation rather than normative interlingual translation as a tool to expand the readership of these texts while not fully assimilating them into the traditional English publication norms.
Counseling Teacher Quality Improvement: Upaya Meningkatkan Kualitas Hubungan Siswa dan Guru
Authors: Ramdhani Neila
Published: August 2019

This article encompasses two studies about the influence of Counseling Teacher Quality Improvement (CTQI) Program in improving  the competence of guidance and counseling teacher. The first study evaluated the effectiveness of CTQI in changing students and headmaster’s perceptions toward the way guidance and counseling teacher facilitates students in managing their problems. The second study aimed to examine the increase of guidance and counseling teacher’s counseling self-efficacy after participating in the three months counseling assistance program. Participants were 59 guidance and counseling teachers, 59 student groups, and 59 headmasters. Guidance and counseling teacher’s self-perception scale was given to teachers, perception toward teacher scale was given to headmasters and students. Counseling self-efficacy scale was only given to teachers. Data analysis showed that the perception of teachers, headmasters, and students increased after teachers parttook in CTQI. Improvement also occured in counseling self-efficacy after counseling assistance program. However, headmasters’ perception toward guidance and counseling teachers’ counseling self-efficacy remained unchanged.
Determination of Stability During First Impounding in Jatigede Earth Dam
Authors: Minmahddun Anafi , Fathani Teuku Faisal , Faris Fikri
Published: August 2019

The Jatigede Dam is a multi-purpose rockfill dam located in Sumedang Regency,West Java Province. The construction of the Jatigede Dam started in 2008 and it isthe second largest dam in Indonesia after the Jatiluhur Dam. As one of the vital facilities, it is highly necessary to evaluate the stability of the Jatigede Dam to avoid dam collapse. First reservoir filling is one of the factors affecting the dam stability; therefore, this research aims to evaluate the Jatigede Dam stability during impounding. The transient seepage analysis was conducted to evaluate the pore pressure change during impounding. The result of seepage analysis was used to analyze the dam stability using the limit equilibrium method with Rockscience software of Slide2. The results of the seepage analysis shows that the rise of the reservoir water level affects the upstream slope stability. The safety factor of the upstream slope changes during the impounding process. All thesafety factors for the upstream and downstream slopes during impounding still meet theminimum safety factor criteria required.