bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Federalism Can Promote a National Commitment to the Rule of Law
Authors: Schapiro Robert A.
Published: May 2019

Wspieranie praworządności należy do obowiązków każdego kraju. Obowiązek zapewnienia rządów prawa i praw człowieka spoczywa na rządach krajowych. Artykuł ten analizuje sposób, w jaki indywidualne stany Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki Północnej zachęcają rząd federalny do przestrzegania prawa oraz wprowadzania mechanizmów zmierzających do zabezpieczenia praw obywatelskich. Rządy stanowe przez wykorzystanie opozycji, sprzeciwu czy też współpracy z rządem federalnym doprowadziły do zbliżenia się Stanów Zjednoczonych do ideałów praworządności. Czasami działania stanów polegają na wnoszeniu spraw sądowych przeciwko rządowi federalnemu. Pozywanie rządu federalnego ma szczególne znaczenie, gdy rząd federalny działa sprzecznie z prawem lub w przypadku jego bezczynności w odniesieniu do kwestii ochrony środowiska. Spory sądowe prowadzone przez stany mogą usuwać ograniczenia polegające na tym, że osoby prywatne nie mają legitymacji do wszczynania takich spraw. Stany mogą również angażować się bezpośrednio i niezależnie od rządu federalnego w realizację własnej polityki promującej rządy prawa. W takim rozumieniu administracja stanowa może działać w opozycji do rządu federalnego, może z nim współpracować, a także podejmować działania równoległe. Wspólnym celem tych metod działania instrumentów stosowanych przez administracje stanowe jest wpływ stanów na politykę krajową. Działania podejmowane przez administracje stanowe mogą rozpocząć się w granicach stanu i dotyczyć obszaru określonego stanu, ale motywacją tych inicjatyw jest wizja odnosząca się do całego państwa. Ostatecznym celem podejmowania działań przez administracje stanowe nie jest odróżnienie się konkretnego stanu od innych, ale perspektywa wprowadzenia podobnych rozwiązań na poziomie krajowym. Federalizm nie służy wprowadzaniu lokalnych (stanowych) odstępstw od norm krajowych, ale jest środkiem umożliwiającym stanom aktywne zaangażowanie się w tworzenie polityki na poziomie krajowym. W tym znaczeniu niezależna działalność stanów może realnie wspierać obowiązek promowania praworządności w całym kraju.
Histiocytic Sarcoma
Authors: Hung Yin P. , Qian Xiaohua
Published: May 2019

Histiocytic sarcoma, a rare malignant neoplasm showing morphologic and immunophenotypic features of histiocytes, is characterized typically by extranodal presentation and a dismal clinical course, particularly in patients with disseminated disease. A history of hematolymphoid disorder can be identified in a subset of patients, suggesting transdifferentiation of a preexisting hematolymphoid neoplasm in its pathogenesis. The differential diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma includes various lymphomas, other histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms, carcinomas, melanomas, and pleomorphic sarcomas. Given its rarity and histologic overlap with diverse mimics, the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma can be extremely challenging. Recognition of morphologic clues, as well as judicious application of immunohistochemical markers to confirm its histiocytic lineage and to exclude mimics, is crucial for the diagnosis. Recent molecular studies by targeted next-generation sequencing identified recurrent alterations in the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway and chromatin regulators in the pathogenesis of histiocytic sarcoma and may suggest possible therapeutic targets.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Syndrome: An Update and Review of Extraintestinal Manifestations
Authors: Dinarvand Peyman , Davaro Elizabeth P. , Doan James V. , Ising Mary E. , Evans Neil R. , Phillips Nancy J. , Lai Jinping , Guzman Miguel A.
Published: May 2019

Context.—

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance, defined by numerous adenomatous polyps, which inevitably progress to colorectal carcinoma unless detected and managed early. Greater than 70% of patients with this syndrome also develop extraintestinal manifestations, such as multiple osteomas, dental abnormalities, and a variety of other lesions located throughout the body. These manifestations have historically been subcategorized as Gardner syndrome, Turcot syndrome, or gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach. Recent studies, however, correlate the severity of gastrointestinal disease and the prominence of extraintestinal findings to specific mutations within the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC), supporting a spectrum of disease as opposed to subcategorization. Advances in immunohistochemical and molecular techniques shed new light on the origin, classification, and progression risk of different entities associated with FAP.

Objective.—

To provide a comprehensive clinicopathologic review of neoplastic and nonneoplastic entities associated with FAP syndrome, with emphasis on recent developments in immunohistochemical and molecular profiles of extraintestinal manifestations in the thyroid, skin, soft tissue, bone, central nervous system, liver, and pancreas, and the subsequent changes in classification schemes and risk stratification.

Data Sources.—

This review will be based on peer-reviewed literature and the authors' experiences.

Conclusions.—

In this review we will provide an update on the clinicopathologic manifestations, immunohistochemical profiles, molecular features, and prognosis of entities seen in FAP, with a focus on routine recognition and appropriate workup of extraintestinal manifestations.
The revolving door to homelessness. The influence of health, alcohol consumption and stressful life events on the number of episodes of homelessness.
Authors: Roca Pablo , Panadero Sonia , Rodríguez-Moreno Sara , Martín Rosa María , Vázquez José Juan
Published: May 2019

Objectives.- To analyse the impact of different variables on repeated episodes of homelessness. Method.- The study was conducted based on data obtained from a representative sample of homeless people in Madrid (Spain) (n = 188). Results.- Suffering from a serious or chronic illness has an effect on the revolving door to homelessness, which is mediated by a highly negative subjective perception of the individual's own health, which is in turn mediated by suffering from a disability. Excessive alcohol consumption has an effect on the revolving door to homelessness, mediated by access to treatment for problems caused by alcohol consumption. Suffering from a serious or chronic illness correlates with having problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Experiencing multiple stressful life events has a direct effect on the revolving door to homelessness. Conclusions.- To prevent the revolving door to homelessness, it is necessary to remove the barriers that hinder access to normal health resources which are experienced by people suffering from social exclusion, while implementing ongoing support programmes for homeless people or those at risk of homelessness, which primarily deal with health issues.
¿Qué dicen los adolescentes sobre el acoso escolar?
Authors: Postigo Zegarra Silvia Pilar , Schoeps Konstanze , Ordonez Ana , Montoya-castilla Inmaculada
Published: May 2019

Todos los actos antisociales, incluidos la violencia y el acoso escolar, lo son dentro de la colectividad en la que se producen y son un reflejo de esa colectividad. Este estudio se centra en el discurso espontáneo de 406 adolescentes entre 15 y 21 años sobre el acoso escolar. El análisis cualitativo de los datos permite inferir cuatro principios discursivos que se articulan desde la inicial negación de la violencia (“eso no pasa”), a la negación de la responsabilidad (“si pasa, no soy yo, somos todos”), la negación de la gravedad (“si es broma, no hace daño), y la atribución a la víctima (el acoso tiene más que ver con la víctima que con el agresor). El análisis del discurso espontáneo adolescente contribuye a definir su contexto interpretativo respecto a la violencia entre iguales. Incluir este conocimiento en el modelo científico es necesario para dar lugar a programas de intervención eficaces.

All antisocial acts, including violence and bullying behavior, are such thing within the community where they occur; they are a reflection of that community. This study aims to analyze the spontaneous discourse about bullying at school of 406 adolescents aged between 15 and 21 years. Qualitative analysis of the data permitted to derive four discursive principles: denial of the existence of violence (“it doesn’t happen”), denial of one’s own responsibility (“if it happens, it isn’t me, everybody does it”), denial of seriousness (“if it is a joke, it doesn’t hurt”), and attribution to the victim (bullying behavior happens to the victim for a reason). The analysis of adolescent’s spontaneous discourse contributes to the definition of interpretive context regarding peer violence. This knowledge should be included in the scientific model in order to help developing effective intervention programs.
Internacionalización y posicionamiento de las revistas españolas de psicología
Authors: Tortosa-Pérez Macarena , Osca-Lluch Julia , López-López Wilson , Alfaro-Ferreres Elisa
Published: May 2019

Se presentan los resultados del análisis de la difusión y circulación del número de revistas españolas en diferentes bases de datos, nacionales e internacionales. Para ello se realiza un estudio de las revistas que contienen las principales bases de datos bibliográficas hasta el año 2017. El aumento de la presencia de revistas españolas de psicología en las diferentes bases de datos es un indicador que determina el crecimiento y la madurez de esta disciplina y aporta una visión interesante de la actividad científica en psicología y su situación en el contexto internacional. Se muestra que las políticas de estado y las campañas de posicionamiento de universidades, asociaciones y colegios juegan un papel clave en la internacionalización y posicionamiento.

We present the results of the analysis of the dissemination and circulation of the number of Spanish journals in different national and international databases. This is a study of the journals that contain the main bibliographic databases until the year 2017. The increase of the presence of Spanish psychology journals in the different databases is an indicator that determines the growth and maturity of this discipline and provides an interesting view of the scientific activity in psychology and its situation in the international context. It shows that state policies and positioning campaigns of universities, associations and schools play a key role in the internationalization and positioning.
Escala de Comunicación autopercibida en la relación de pareja (CARP)
Authors: Iglesias-García Maria-Teresa , Urbano-Contreras Antonio , Martínez-González Raquel-Amaya
Published: May 2019

Este estudio busca construir y validar la Escala de Comunicación autopercibida en la relación de pareja (CARP) con el fin de ofrecer un instrumento sencillo y útil. Participaron 620 personas que mantenían una relación de pareja. Para estudiar la estructura factorial de la escala se dividió aleatoriamente la muestra en dos submuestras, realizándose una validación cruzada mediante análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC). Asimismo, para comprobar que el modelo se mantenía estable al tener en cuenta la variable sexo, se repitió el análisis factorial confirmatorio con las submuestras de mujeres y de hombres y se aplicó un AFC Multigrupo para comprobar la invarianza factorial en función de esta variable. Se ha obtenido una escala de 8 ítems constituida por dos factores que explican el 46.6% de la varianza y que presenta una buena fiabilidad (α = .75), comprobándose la invarianza estricta en función del sexo. Esta escala puede ser útil en el campo de la detección, prevención e intervención en situaciones de conflicto entre la pareja.

This study aims to design and validate the Scale of Self-perceived Communication in the Couple Relationship (SCCR) in order to provide a straightforward and useful instrument. 620 persons who were in a couple relationship took part in this study. The sample was divided randomly into two subsamples to study the factor structure of the scale, carrying out a cross-validation by using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Also, and to verify that the model remained stable taking account of the variable gender, the confirmatory factor analysis was repeated with the women and men subsamples, and a multigroup CFA was carried out to check the factor invariance according to this variable An 8-items scale was obtained, made up with two factors explaining 46.6% of the variance who also reported a good reliability (α = .75), testing the strict invariance according to the gender. This scale might be useful in the field of detection, prevention and intervention of conflict situations in the couple relationship.
Global functioning among middle-aged patients with chronic schizophrenia: the role of medication, working memory and verbal comprehension
Authors: Ruiz-Iriondo Maria , Salaberria Karmele , Echeburua Enrique , Iruin Alvaro , Gabaldón Poc Olga , Fernández Marañón Idoia
Published: May 2019

The chronic phase of schizophrenia is characterized by illness progression and patients encountering difficulties to return to premorbid level of functioning. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of a sample of patients with chronic schizophrenia, as well to assess differences between patients under and over 45 years of age. In a clinical sample of 77 chronic schizophrenia patients, we assessed basic symptoms, cognitive performance, social functioning and quality of life. All participants obtained very high scores in residual symptoms, and no differences in sociodemographic or clinical characteristics between the age groups were found. Younger patients had better cognitive performance and older patients obtained better scores for social functioning and quality of life. Number of psychotropic drugs, verbal learning delayed of SCIP, errors in WCST, Similarities and Digit Symbol Coding of WAIS were the most important variables to predict global functioning of patients over 45 years old. Increasing our understanding of differences in characteristics of the chronic phase of the illness and the profile of functioning at different ages, may help us design intervention strategies to improve adaptation in young and middle-aged patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Coping strategies and self-esteem in women with breast cancer
Authors: Joaquín-Mingorance Miriam , Arbinaga Félix , Carmona-Márquez José , Bayo-Calero Juan
Published: May 2019

Coping with a breast cancer diagnosis and the use of different strategies is key to overcoming this stressful situation. Various psychological variables are related to how patients cope with the disease, one of which is self-esteem. The current study analyses the how age influences patients with breast cancer in terms of the coping strategies used to deal with the disease, exploring whether self-esteem influences the use of such strategies, along with the possible interrelation between these variables. Self-esteem is studied using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale and coping strategies were assessed using the COPE-28 scale, both in their Spanish versions. The sample consisted of 121 women (with breast cancer), aged between 30 and 77 years (M = 49.33, SD = 8.90). The results indicate that active coping is the strategy with the highest score. We found significant, age-mediated relationships between self-esteem scores and active coping strategies such as positive reframing, acceptance, or use of emotional support. Knowing how to cope with the disease will help in the development of psychological interventions that improve the quality of life in these patients throughout the oncological disease process.
Inbound Marketing para mejorar el interés para los posgrados públicos
Authors: Bueno Salvador , Caro Rodríguez Juan Sebastián , Gallego M. Dolores
Published: May 2019

This research seeks to explore the potential of applying Inbound Marketing techniques with the aim of increasing the demand for postgraduate educational programmes. This communication technique, widely used in the business world to attract customers in virtual environments, has scarcely been applied at all in the public education sector. Therefore, this work aims to provide scientific evidence to fill this gap, with a twofold objective: (1) to verify the benefits of applying this marketing technique to a different business environment and (2) to analyze whether after designing a specific route for the visitor, a conversion is achieved. Two marketing strategies are proposed: (1) improving the positioning of search engines using SEO techniques and (2) creating attractive content on sites with a sufficient volume of qualified users. Both strategies should lead to an improvement in the conversion rate in public master’s degrees and postgraduate programmes. The methodology proposed to achieve these objectives is action research, its scope of action being the official Master’s Degree in Business Management at the Pablo de Olavide University. We highlight how, after implanting the Inbound Marketing technique, more than 1000 visits were achieved, as well as a conversion rate of 2.12%. This study ends with the presentation of the conclusions and the academic and practical implications of these results.
Little Burgundy: The Interwoven Histories of Race, Residence, and Work in Twentieth-Century Montreal
Authors: High Steven
Published: May 2019

Until the 1950s, most black men in Montreal worked for the railway companies as sleeping car porters, dining car employees, and red caps. The city’s English-speaking black community took root in Little Burgundy because it was close to Windsor and Bonaventure train stations. The area between Saint-Henri and Griffintown, north of the Lachine Canal, in the city’s Southwest Borough, was once known by many names. “Little Burgundy” was invented in the 1960s by city officials to describe their urban renewal plans for the area. If employment mobility was foundational in making this community, it proved just as central in its unmaking in the 1960s and 1970s. The shift from trains to cars and trucks had a two-fold impact on Little Burgundy. First, employment levels collapsed with the decline of passenger train travel, leaving many black men unemployed. Then the state built a highway through the neighbourhood to facilitate the mobility of mainly white suburban workers and consumers making their way to the central city. Next, the neighbourhood was “renewed” on a massive scale. What followed were years of dislocation and crisis. Much of the black community was dispersed as a result. It was no coincidence. The radical restructuring of North American cities disproportionately affected racialized minorities and poor whites. What was different here was that the area’s reputation for being the birthplace of black Montreal emerged after the community had been largely dispersed by urban renewal.
De que vida trata a Biopolítica? Considerações sobre a inversão foucaultiana da máxima aristotélica
Authors: Nalli Marcos
Published: May 2019

Neste artigo pretendo refletir sobre o sentido da afirmação foucaultiana à máxima de Aristóteles de que o homem era um animal vivo capaz de existência política, enquanto no homem moderno é a sua vida que está em questão política. O que tentarei mostrar é que não se trata de uma inversão entre os termos da vida e da política, mas uma transformação radical da relação pela introdução de um elemento novo, a vida num enquadramento biológico.
Foucault e as dramaturgias de Édipo-Rei
Authors: Incerti Fabiano
Published: May 2019

O visível e o invisível, o futuro e o passado, o palácio e a montanha; olhar, tempo e espaço são para Foucault categorias fundamentais nas análises que ele desenvolve acerca da tragédia de Édipo-Rei. Compreendendo-a como uma obra estabelecida historicamente, e, por isso mesmo, uma dramaturgia, para o pensador francês, o texto sofocliano é o lugarda multiplicidade de saberes e poderes, que transitando entre os diferentes personagens, dos deuses aos escravos, revelam o trágico como um modo de saber transgressivo, proibido, temível, pois se opõe à conaturalidade e à harmonia do conhecimento, próprio da filosofia universalista de caráter racional.
Parresia e confissão: uma genealogia do sujeito moderno
Authors: Muchail Salma Tannus , Fonseca Márcio Alves da
Published: May 2019

O artigo aborda o tema das relações entre o sujeito e a verdade em Michel Foucault, a partir do estudo realizado em seus últimos trabalhos sobre duas modalidades do dizer a verdade sobre si mesmo: a parresia e a confissão. Estas duas modalidades de veridicção são tratadas, especificamente, em suas dimensões histórico-filosófica e jurídico-política, ao mesmo tempo em que se busca propiciar uma visão de conjunto sobre elas. Mostrase ainda que a temática, por um lado, está circunscrita no passado histórico, contemplando a antiguidade pagã no caso da parresia, e a espiritualidade de cristã no caso da confissão. Por outro lado, mostra-se que ela se abre para o nosso presente, na medida em que aponta para a constituição do sujeito moderno.
Sex Matters in Health and Disease: a review of biological sex differences with an emphasis on glioma
Authors: Massey Susan Christine , Whitmire Paula , Doyle Tatum E , Ippolito Joseph E , Mrugala Maciej M , Hu Leland S , Canoll Peter , Anderson Alexander R A , Wilson Melissa A , Fitzpatrick Susan M , McCarthy Margaret M , Rubin Joshua B , Swanson Kristin R
Published: May 2019

Humans are sexually dimorphic, with sex being the most persistent difference among humans over the course of our evolutionary history. Beyond the visible sex differences that can be considered true dimorphisms, there are also sex differences at the molecular and cellular scales. The role of these biological sex differences for human health, while being increasingly recognized, have long been underappreciated and underexplored. Frequently, these differences are only recognized in sex–specific diseases, such as genitourinary diseases and cancers. However, given the evidence for sex differences in the most basic aspects of human biology, including metabolism, cellular composition, and immune activity, these differences could have consequences for the etiology and pathophysiology of a majority of diseases. It is thus essential to consider the extent to which these differences may influence the various mechanisms underlying disease processes, response to treatment, and the maintenance of health in order to better improve patient outcomes. Here we review the evidence for a broad array of biological sex differences in humans and discuss how they may relate to observed sex differences in various diseases, with an emphasis on cancer, specifically glioblastoma. We further propose that mathematical approaches can be useful for exploring the extent to which sex differences affect disease outcomes and accounting for those in the development of therapeutic strategies.
Circulating transforming growth factor-β1 facilitates remyelination in
the adult central nervous system
Authors: Hamaguchi Machika , Muramatsu Rieko , Fujimura Harutoshi , Mochizuki Hideki , Kataoka Hirotoshi , Yamashita Toshihide
Published: May 2019

Oligodendrocyte maturation is necessary for functional regeneration in
the CNS; however, the mechanisms by which the systemic environment regulates
oligodendrocyte maturation is unclear. We found that Transforming growth
factor (TGF)-β1, which is present in higher levels in the systemic
environment, promotes oligodendrocyte maturation. Oligodendrocyte maturation
was enhanced by adult mouse serum treatment via TGF-β type I receptor.
Decrease in circulating TGF-β1 level prevented remyelination in the spinal
cord after toxin-induced demyelination. TGF-β1 administration promoted
remyelination and restored neurological function in a multiple sclerosis
animal model. Furthermore, TGF-β1 treatment stimulated human oligodendrocyte
maturation. These data provide the therapeutic possibility of TGF-β for
demyelinating diseases.
Gene-centric functional dissection of human genetic variation uncovers regulators of hematopoiesis
Authors: Nandakumar Satish K , McFarland Sean K , Mateyka Laura M , Lareau Caleb A , Ulirsch Jacob C , Ludwig Leif S , Agarwal Gaurav , Engreitz Jesse M , Przychodzen Bartlomiej , McConkey Marie , Cowley Glenn S , Doench John G , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P , Ebert Benjamin L , Root David E , Sankaran Vijay G
Published: May 2019

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of variants associated with human diseases and traits. However, the majority of GWAS-implicated variants are in non-coding regions of the genome and require in depth follow-up to identify target genes and decipher biological mechanisms. Here, rather than focusing on causal variants, we have undertaken a pooled loss-of-function screen in primary hematopoietic cells to interrogate 389 candidate genes contained in 75 loci associated with red blood cell traits. Using this approach, we identify 77 genes at 38 GWAS loci, with most loci harboring 1–2 candidate genes. Importantly, the hit set was strongly enriched for genes validated through orthogonal genetic approaches. Genes identified by this approach are enriched in specific and relevant biological pathways, allowing regulators of human erythropoiesis and modifiers of blood diseases to be defined. More generally, this functional screen provides a paradigm for gene-centric follow up of GWAS for a variety of human diseases and traits.
Regulatory switch at the cytoplasmic interface controls TRPV channel gating
Authors: Zubcevic Lejla , Borschel William F , Hsu Allen L , Borgnia Mario J , Lee Seok-Yong
Published: May 2019

Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid (thermoTRPV) channels are activated by ligands and heat, and are involved in various physiological processes. ThermoTRPV channels possess a large cytoplasmic ring consisting of N-terminal ankyrin repeat domains (ARD) and C-terminal domains (CTD). The cytoplasmic inter-protomer interface is unique and consists of a CTD coiled around a β-sheet which makes contacts with the neighboring ARD. Despite much existing evidence that the cytoplasmic ring is important for thermoTRPV function, the mechanism by which this unique structure is involved in thermoTRPV gating has not been clear. Here, we present cryo-EM and electrophysiological studies which demonstrate that TRPV3 gating involves large rearrangements at the cytoplasmic inter-protomer interface and that this motion triggers coupling between cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains, priming the channel for opening. Furthermore, our studies unveil the role of this interface in the distinct biophysical and physiological properties of individual thermoTRPV subtypes.
Optimizing de novo genome assembly from PCR-amplified metagenomes
Authors: Roux Simon , Trubl Gareth , Goudeau Danielle , Nath Nandita , Couradeau Estelle , Ahlgren Nathan A. , Zhan Yuanchao , Marsan David , Chen Feng , Fuhrman Jed A. , Northen Trent R. , Sullivan Matthew B. , Rich Virginia I. , Malmstrom Rex R. , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A.
Published: May 2019

Background

Metagenomics has transformed our understanding of microbial diversity across ecosystems, with recent advances enabling de novo assembly of genomes from metagenomes. These metagenome-assembled genomes are critical to provide ecological, evolutionary, and metabolic context for all the microbes and viruses yet to be cultivated. Metagenomes can now be generated from nanogram to subnanogram amounts of DNA. However, these libraries require several rounds of PCR amplification before sequencing, and recent data suggest these typically yield smaller and more fragmented assemblies than regular metagenomes.

Methods

Here we evaluate de novo assembly methods of 169 PCR-amplified metagenomes, including 25 for which an unamplified counterpart is available, to optimize specific assembly approaches for PCR-amplified libraries. We first evaluated coverage bias by mapping reads from PCR-amplified metagenomes onto reference contigs obtained from unamplified metagenomes of the same samples. Then, we compared different assembly pipelines in terms of assembly size (number of bp in contigs ≥ 10 kb) and error rates to evaluate which are the best suited for PCR-amplified metagenomes.

Results

Read mapping analyses revealed that the depth of coverage within individual genomes is significantly more uneven in PCR-amplified datasets versus unamplified metagenomes, with regions of high depth of coverage enriched in short inserts. This enrichment scales with the number of PCR cycles performed, and is presumably due to preferential amplification of short inserts. Standard assembly pipelines are confounded by this type of coverage unevenness, so we evaluated other assembly options to mitigate these issues. We found that a pipeline combining read deduplication and an assembly algorithm originally designed to recover genomes from libraries generated after whole genome amplification (single-cell SPAdes) frequently improved assembly of contigs ≥10 kb by 10 to 100-fold for low input metagenomes.

Conclusions

PCR-amplified metagenomes have enabled scientists to explore communities traditionally challenging to describe, including some with extremely low biomass or from which DNA is particularly difficult to extract. Here we show that a modified assembly pipeline can lead to an improved de novo genome assembly from PCR-amplified datasets, and enables a better genome recovery from low input metagenomes.
Intermittent reproduction, mortality patterns and lifetime breeding frequency of females in a population of the adder (Vipera berus)
Authors: Bauwens Dirk , Claus Katja
Published: May 2019

Female adders (Vipera berus) are “capital breeders” that exhibit delayed maturity and intermittent reproductive frequency. We studied the attainment of sexual maturity, the initiation of annual breeding in mature females, the energy and mortality costs associated with breeding, the length of the reproductive cycle and female lifetime reproductive frequency. We use longitudinal data obtained during an 18-year (2000–2017) mark–recapture study in a large population of adders in northern Belgium. A minority (15%) of the females gave birth to their first litter when they attained the actual age of 3 years, upon surpassing a minimum snout-vent-length of 38 cm. However, most females reproduced for the first time when they were 4 years or older. In mature females, breeding in a given year depends to a large extent on their body condition at the onset of the active season, indicating that a threshold level of energy reserves is necessary to start a reproductive cycle. During breeding years females stop growing, lose about one-third of their initial body mass and are very emaciated after parturition. The decrease in relative body mass was most notable initially in the largest and fattiest females. During the non-breeding years, females forage intensely to rebuild their fat reserves; their abilities to do so will strongly affect whether and when they engage in subsequent reproductive bouts. We used a multistate mark–recapture analytical method to simultaneously estimate the capture and survival rates of breeding and non-breeding females, a necessary procedure to obtain accurate estimates of survival probabilities. The analysis indicated much higher capture rates during the breeding years, but did not reveal a substantial effect of reproductive state on annual survival rates. Although some females were observed to breed in successive years, the reproductive cycle was most often biennial or triennial. However, most females (ca. 70%) that attained sexual maturity reproduced only once during their lifetime, while a minority of the females (ca. 5%) were observed to breed on 3–5 annual occasions. On average, females produced only ca. 1.3 litters during their reproductive lifetime. The short reproductive lifetime is a consequence not only of mortality directly related to the reproductive activities, but also of mortality associated with recovering from the weakened post-parturient body condition during the long intervals (1–2 years) between reproductive bouts.
Probable Controversy of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on the Adaptive Energy Metabolism of Hypertrophied and Insufficient Heart in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kunyima Papy K. , Lusamba Séraphin N. , Kunyima Anaclet B.
Published: May 2019

Background: It is reported that 20 to 30% of patients are not responders to this treatment (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy). The reasoning in this merely theoretical paper shows the plausible danger that can be brought by measurements apparatus, in the occurrence the CRT especially when it is sophisticated.

Objective: In Physical Cardiochemistry field our overall purpose is to bring a contribution to heart health. It is needful to draw attention for caregivers and manufacturers, especially with respect to the magnetism these apparatuses may exhibit.

Methods: The Observation and documentary research are used. It is recalled hereby successively energy metabolism in healthy cardiomyocyte, adaptive energy metabolism of a hypertrophied and insufficient heart, cardiac resynchronization therapy and energy metabolism of the cardiomyocyte with its potential effects on both glucose oxidation and fatty acids oxidation.

Results: It is shown a plausible interaction between oxygen magnetic field, paramagnetic by nature, and pacemaker and/or defibrillator electromagnetic field according to the sacral principle of “like dissolves like” with all evil consequences on patients.

Conclusion: It will be necessary to evaluate later not only the behavior of the various energetic substrates of a hypertrophied heart as a function of the variation of the magnetic field strength but also the content of the probable substances produced in the presence of a magnetic field and with a potentially harmful effect on cardiac function. Convinced technology has its setbacks, the pacemakers and/or defibrillators manufacturers are invited to a greater rigor, greater caution and sustained care in building these devices. In next publication study of a case (CRT-D), where the diabetes has been observed, will be outlined.
Determining Temperature Extreme in Warri City, Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria
Authors: Onifade Y. S. , Olaseni V. B.
Published: May 2019

Climate change and global warming which is also known as a change in Earth’s overall climate or rising temperature have taken centre stage in international concerns, several fora and treaties have been observed with a view of stemming trend, in rising temperatures. This study evaluated ten years of maximum and minimum annual temperature of Warri  in Nigeria between (2005 and 2015) to determine trends and identified extreme fluctuation in temperature. Data used for this study were sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s Zonal Office, Warri. An objective method for determining temperature extreme has been used. Least square linear regression equation has been used to estimate temperature that would be equalled or surpassed 1%, 5% and 10% of the hours at any given location during the warmest and coldest months of the year. These equations are based on an index calculated from the three readily available parameters; the mean monthly temperature, the mean daily maximum temperature for the month and the mean daily minimum temperature for the month. The warmest month in Warri was March with a mean monthly temperature of 33.9 while the coldest month was July with mean monthly of 25.8.
Experimental Design for Optimization of β-Xylosidase Production by A. fumigatus Isolated from the Atlantic Forest (Brazil)
Authors: Vieira Fabíola Giovanna Nesello , Christ Divair , Graciano Luciana , Corrêa Juliana Moço , Kadowaki Marina Kimiko , Silva José Luis da Conceição , Gandra Rinaldo Ferreira , Maller Alexandre , Moraes Poli Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de , Simão Rita De Cássia Garcia
Published: May 2019

The production of β-Xylosidase by a new strain of Aspergillus fumigatus (PC-7S-2 M), isolated from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, was analyzed at 28°C using modified Czapeck media supplemented with different agroindustrial residues at 1% (w/v). Conidia were inoculated for 7 days, and the best activity for β- Xylosidase was obtained in the presence of barley brewing residue after 4 days (15 U mL-1). To optimize the production of β-Xylosidase, this carbon source was used for a central composite rotational design (CCRD) to obtain a significance level of p < 0.10, which predicted an enzyme activity of 245.04 U mL-1. The model validation revealed β-Xylosidase activity was optimized at 229.06 U mL-1. Furthermore, the production of intracellular A. fumigatus β-Xylosidase increased by 1,500% (15 times) over that initially obtained, achieving 93.47% of the predicted model. This finding obtained during two years emphasizes the availability of A. fumigatus β-Xylosidase production with possible applications in biotechnological processes.
Sero-prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis A Virus Infection among Pregnant Women at the Samandin Medical Center, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Hortense Rouamba Poda Somda , Bienvenue Ouoba Jean , Abdoulaye Traoré Kuan , Lalidia Ouoba Bruno , Asséta Kagambéga , Pierre Roques , Nicolas Barro
Published: May 2019

Aims: This study determined prevalence and possible risk factors associated with HAV infection and compared Immunochromatography (IgG) rapid point of care test with standard ELISA test for diagnosis.

Study Design:  Cross sectional epidemiological survey.

Place and duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Samandin Medical Center (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso), from July 2017 to December 2017.

Methodology: A total of 180 pregnant women were recruited at the Samandin Medical Center. Anti-HAV IgM and IgG detection tests were performed using AccuDiag™ HAV ELISA kit (Calabasas, CA, USA) and SD BIOLINE HAV IgG/IgM Rapid Diagnostic Test (Gyeonggi-do, Korea).

Results: IgG anti-HAV antibodies (AccuDiag Elisa) were found with a prevalence of 88.9% (160/180) and Anti-HAV IgM were 1.1% (2/180). Of the 160 AccuDiag HAV IgG positive samples, 44.4% (80/180) tested positive using SD BIOLINE Diagnostics HAV IgG. Regarding risk factors, 86.9% (86/99) of the IgG positive women were illiterate; 90.7% (39/43) lived mostly in peripheral areas; 89.2% (74/83) were household workers and 88.6% (93/105) used fountain water.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated poor agreement between the assays tested, which are consistent with previous reports demonstrating significant variability between HAV ELISA and RDT HAV. Moreover, the detection of HAV specific IgM antibodies in two asymptomatic pregnant women signaled the current circulation of HAV in this area.
Synthesis, Characterization and Complexation Behaviour of Chloroquine towards Ti (II) Ion
Authors: Otuokere I. E. , Okpara L. O. , Amadi K. C. , Alisa C. O. , Okoyeagu A. , Nwadire F. C.
Published: May 2019

Aims: Chloroquine is a member of the drug class 4-aminoquinoline used for the prevention and treatment of malaria in areas where malaria is known to be sensitive to its effects.

Our aim is to synthesize the chloroquine – titanium complex and to study its coordination behavior.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, 2019.

Methodology: Ti(II) complex of chloroquine was synthesized by the reaction of chloroquine phosphate with titanium(IV) oxide. The metal complex was characterized based on UV, IR and 1H NMR Spectroscopy.

Results: The UV spectrum of the complex suggested intra ligand charge transfer (ILCT), ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT), and d-d transition. The IR spectrum of the complex showed the involvement of amine and imine group in coordination to Ti. This showed that chloroquine acted as a bidentate ligand. 1H NMR of the spectrum further showed the involvement of the amine group in coordination.

Conclusion: The ability of chloroquine to sequestrate Ti (II) ion has been assured. This drug can be used to chelate Ti ions from solution, environment, and biological system.
Helical Antennas
Authors: Adams Arlon T. , Lee Jay K.
Published: November 2024

The helical antenna operates in several different modes. At lower frequencies, thenormalmode predominates, with a beam pattern similar to that of a dipole along the helix axis. As frequency increases and helix circumference approaches one wavelength, two new modes appear. Theaxialmode radiates along the forward direction of the helix axis. It is broadband and circularly polarized. Thebackfiremode radiates along the backward direction of the helix axis, scanning forward in a conical beam as frequency increases.

The quadrifilar helices, along with other multifilar helices, show many of the characteristics of the monofilar helix with some important differences. All three modes are exhibited. The bandwidth of theaxialmode is increased roughly in proportion to the number of wires. Thebackfirequadrifilar helix is useful for mobile communications.

The radiation theory of the helix antennas is outlined. Numerous applications of the different modes are presented. Recent work on human proximity effects is noted.
Loop Antennas
Authors: Siwiak Kazimierz
Published: November 2024

Loop antennas are simple and versatile structures that appear as communication antennas in diverse applications, including pager receivers and massive multielement transmitting arrays. They are analyzed here in electrically small form as nonresonant magnetic field probes, as efficient resonated small antennas, and as large self‐resonant antennas. A rigorous generalized loop analysis in this article reveals details of the current density both along the loop circumference and around the wire circumference. Expressions are given for the loop impedance and loop near fields. The relatively low near‐field wave impedances make loops particularly suitable for body proximate receiving devices, while in the full‐wavelength‐sized structures, where very high transmitter power levels are required, they are suitable because they are not prone to high voltage corona discharge problems.
Microstrip Antennas
Authors: How Hoton
Published: November 2024

This article introduces two calculational methods capable of describing quantitatively the antenna performance. The first method, calledresonant cavity model, is less rigorous but nevertheless has the advantage of being more analytical and, hence, it can be applied with ease. The cavity model is considered inappropriate for a microstrip structure showing a thick substrate, or if the dielectric constant of the substrate is large, because under these conditions excitation of surface waves is significant. The second calculational method concerns the Green function analysis. AGreen functionis defined as the solution of a differential/integral equation under a point source excitation satisfying homogeneous boundary conditions. By using the dyadic Green's functions, the general field solution in a stratified structure excited by external current sources can then be formulated in terms of an integral equation, which is subsequently solved by applying the numerical Galerkin method. This article outlines procedures to calculate the engineering parameters of a microstrip antenna of an arbitrary geometry, and it illustrates calculational results on circular microstrip antennas, showing plots in radiation frequencies, bandwidths, far‐field patterns, input impedances, effects in feeder‐line positions, and interference between antennas. The dyadic Green's functions involving anisotropic/gyromagnetic materials are also introduced, and the transfer matrix technique is explained. A transfer matrix translates the tangential components of the electromagnetic field over one layer of a stratified structure satisfying the boundary conditions therein. Recent developments on printed circuit antennas are reviewed, including the important broadband techniques employing stacked parasitic elements to achieve high gain and low cross‐polarization level. Fractal antennas involving a patch geometry exhibiting a fractional dimension are then introduced.
Monolithic Antennas
Authors: Rydberg Anders , Öjefors Erik
Published: November 2024

The design of monolithic antennas for manufacturing using primarily silicon‐based technologies is presented in this article, with emphasis on space‐efficient, low‐gain antennas suitable for integration in active‐device processes. Different micromachining methods for improving the performance of the integrated antennas are considered.
Uniform Geometrical Theory of Diffraction
Authors: Pathak Prabhakar H.
Published: November 2024

Keller's geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) [1,2] constitutes a major breakthrough for solving problems of electromagnetic (EM) radiation and scattering at high frequencies. The GTD can also be applied to solving acoustic and elastic wave problems; however, only the EM case is discussed here.

Recently, the development of fast solvers for signifi‐cantly increasing the efficiency of numerical methods in solving large problems has met with some success. However, for truly large problems, asymptotic high‐frequency methods in general, and especially ray methods such as the GTD and its uniform version, still remain the most useful analysis tools.
Wideband Slot and Printed Antennas
Authors: Elsherbeni Atef Z. , Eldek Abdelnasser A. , Smith Charles E.
Published: November 2024

Wideband antennas are in great demand for many of today's and future applications. This chapter presents new types of printed and slot antennas that support wideband applications centered at 10 GHz. The slot antennas are fed by coplanar waveguides and the printed antennas are fed by a microstrip lines. Sixteen elements of the printed antenna provides 71% bandwidth with scanning capabilities up to 50° without grating lobes. Sample designs of reconfigurable slot and microstrip patch antennas are also presented to provide mechanism for using narrow bandwidth antennas in wideband applications.
Superconducting Electromagnets
Authors: Williams John E.C.
Published: November 2024

The design and construction of superconducting magnets has been made possible by the development of technical superconductors. There are three principal materials: the alloy niobiumtitanium (NbTi), the intermetallic compound niobiumtin (Nb3Sn), and the collective high‐temperature superconductors (HTSs) based on copper oxide layers in a perovskite structure.

Technical superconductors are a class having special properties that allow superconductor operation in high magnetic fields and with useful current densities. Superconductors are of two types; both can support the flow of electrical current without resistance only below a combination of maximum temperature, field, and current density, with critical parametersTc,Bc, andJc[1]. For type I superconductors, typical values ofTcandBcare 9 K and 0.1 T, respectively. Flux is excluded from the bulk of a type I superconductor, and current flows only in a surface layer, about 10−4 mm thick.

By contrast, type II superconductors allow flux to penetrate into the bulk of the lattice in the form of an array of flux quanta.
Transmitters for Digital Television
Authors: Weirather Robert
Published: November 2024

Digital television for over‐the air broadcasting requires high‐power transmitters. Transmitters with high peak power and excellent linearity are required. Combined transistors and vacuum tubes are used to amplify the coded orthogonal frequency‐division multiplex (COFDM) or eight‐level vestigial sideband quadrature amplitude modulation (8 VSB) to kilowatts of RF power.
Pulse‐Shaping Circuits
Authors: Myers Brent A. , Chester David B.
Published: November 2024

Pulse shaping is used in the implementation of digital communication systems to minimize ISI caused by nonideal channel characteristics and nonideal component implementations.

Pulseshaping is performed in the transmit and receive filters of a communication system. The most common class of filters used for pulseshaping are Nyquist filters [13]. This article gives an overview of the theoretical foundations of pulseshaping and describes some practical implementations of pulseshaping filters.