bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multiscale ocean data assimilation approach combining spatial and spectral localisation
Authors: Tissier Ann-Sophie , Brankart Jean-Michel , Testut Charles-Emmanuel , Ruggiero Giovanni , Cosme Emmanuel , Brasseur Pierre
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Ocean data assimilation systems encompass a wide range of scales
that are difficult to control simultaneously using partial observation
networks. All scales are not observable by all observation systems, which is
not easily taken into account in current ocean operational systems. The main
reason for this difficulty is that the error covariance matrices are usually
assumed to be local (e.g. using a localisation algorithm in ensemble data
assimilation systems), so that the large-scale patterns are removed from the
error statistics. To better exploit the observational information available for all scales in
the assimilation systems of the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring
Service, we investigate a new method to introduce scale separation in the
assimilation scheme. The method is based on a spectral transformation of the assimilation problem
and consists in carrying out the analysis with spectral localisation for the
large scales and spatial localisation for the residual scales. The target is
to improve the observational update of the large-scale components of the
signal by an explicit observational constraint applied directly on the large
scales and to restrict the use of spatial localisation to the small-scale
components of the signal. To evaluate our method, twin experiments are carried out with synthetic
altimetry observations (simulating the Jason tracks), assimilated in a
1/4∘ model configuration of the North Atlantic and the Nordic Seas. Results show that the transformation to the spectral domain and the spectral
localisation provides consistent ensemble estimates of the state of the
system (in the spectral domain or after backward transformation to the
spatial domain). Combined with spatial localisation for the residual scales,
the new scheme is able to provide a reliable ensemble update for all scales,
with improved accuracy for the large scale; and the performance of the system
can be checked explicitly and separately for all scales in the assimilation
system.
Effect of weaning system and type of milk flow on milk production of crossbred ewes improved Valachian and Tsigai with Lacaune
Authors: Mačuhová Lucia , Tančin Vladimí­r , Mačuhová Juliana , Uhrinčať Michal , Margetin Milan
Published: April 2019

Improved Valachian (IV x LC; n = 41) and Tsigai (TS x LC; n = 44) crossbred ewes with Lacaune were used to study the effects of three weaning systems on milk production. Prior to parturition, ewes were assigned to one of the following three treatments for the first 53 day of lactation: 1) ewes weaned from their lambs at 24 h postpartum and afterwards machine milked twice daily (MTD), 2) ewes, beginning 24 h postpartum, kept during the daytime with their lambs and allowed them to suckle for 12 h, nights separated from their lambs for 12 h and machine milked once daily in the morning (MIX), and 3) ewes exclusively suckled by their lambs (ES). After the treatment period, lambs were weaned from MIX and ES ewes, and all three groups were machine milked twice daily. Furthermore, ewes were evaluated according to number of live-born and weaned lambs (with one (n = 35) or with two lambs (n = 50)). The measurements of milk yield and milk flow were performed on 110 ±5 day of lactation by the equipment for graduated electronic recording of the milk level in a jar in one-second intervals. No significant differences were observed in the measured values (total milk yield, machine milk yield, latency time, milking time, machine stripping, milk flow rate, and machine milk yield in 30 and 60 s) among weaning treatments and between ewes with one or two lambs and evaluated breeds too. The highest occurrence of one peak milk flow (milk flow without milk ejection) was found out in MTD ewes (50%) compared to MIX (19%) and ES (17%). In conclusion, the different systems of weaning did not influence the milk yield and milk flow parameters in the mid-lactation.
El pensamiento crítico en la asignatura Sociología. Experiencia didáctica en Educación Secundaria
Authors: Orozco Alvarado Julio César , Rodríguez Torrez Wendy Floridalma
Published: April 2019

El presente trabajo de investigación es una innovación educativa que se llevó a cabo en el Instituto Público Rigoberto López Pérez de Managua, con el objetivo de desarrollar el pensamiento crítico a través de una intervención didáctica en la asignatura Sociología, debido a que por años se continúa implementando el método academicista, lo que provoca desmotivación en los estudiantes, sin embargo, en  la intervención didáctica se relacionó la teoría con las prácticas pedagógicas y ellos interactuaron realizando trabajos cooperativos, criticando y socializando. Este proceso de investigación se fundamentó en el paradigma socio-crítico y en la investigación acción, porque se identificó un problema educativo y se le dio respuesta a este a través de la aplicación de estrategias de aprendizaje innovadoras. El enfoque investigativo tiene elementos cualitativos y cuantitativos, predominando el enfoque cualitativo por las técnicas e instrumentos aplicados durante la intervención didáctica como es el caso de la etnografía educativa. Los hallazgos de la investigación demostraron que las estrategias de aprendizajes implementadas generaron pensamiento crítico en los estudiantes, y, por tanto, se recomienda innovar su metodología didáctica para que los estudiantes sean el agente protagonista de su propio aprendizaje y se sientan motivados hacia el aprendizaje de la asignatura Sociología.
Explicaciones a la presencia de patrones atípicos de respuesta en una prueba de evaluación de conocimientos en la FAREM-Carazo
Authors: Doval Eduardo , Conrado González Pedro Silvio , Fuentes Agustí Marta , Riba M. Dolors
Published: April 2019

Las pruebas o exámenes tipo test proporcionan de buena forma los conocimientos académicos adquiridos por los estudiantes. Aunque las pruebas estén diseñadas de forma correcta, con contenidos representativos de los conocimientos que se desean evaluar, los resultados obtenidos por estudiantes que contestan de forma atípica a las preguntas pueden ser indicadores sesgados de sus niveles de conocimientos. Esta posible invalidez de algunas puntuaciones individuales puede estudiarse identificando Patrones Atípicos de Respuesta (PAR). Sin embargo, la identificación de PAR no aporta información acerca de las causas del mismo. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar algunas de estas posibles causas. Para ello, se han analizado las respuestas de una misma prueba de 136 estudiantes de tres carreras impartidas en la Facultad Regional Multidisciplinaria de Carazo, de UNAN-Managua (FAREM-Carazo). Veinte y seis de los estudiantes contestaron de forma atípica, gracias a las entrevistas voluntarias realizadas con 16 de ellos; se pudo identificar como posibles explicaciones a la presencia de PAR a falta de estudio y las consecuentes respuestas aleatorias a preguntas consideradas difíciles o incluso, a la presencia de copia de respuesta. Todos estos motivos justifican la duda acerca de la validez de las puntuaciones obtenidas por esos estudiantes que dieron respuestas a la prueba basadas en aspectos diferentes a los de su conocimiento en la materia evaluada.
Estilo de vida y su relación con el estado nutricional de los trabajadores del Instituto Politécnico de la Salud, UNAN-Managua
Authors: Casco Palma Jenny del Carmen
Published: April 2019

Con el objetivo de evaluar los estilos de vida y su relación con el estado nutricional de los trabajadores del Instituto Politécnico de Salud POLISAL, se realizó un estudio descriptivo, correlacional y analítico. Fueron analizados los datos sobre las características sociodemográficas, estado nutricional y estilos de vida, entre ellos; hábitos alimentarios, actividad y ejercicio físico, patrones de sueño y manejo de estrés y uso de sustancias tóxicas, como alcohol y tabaco. Los análisis estadísticos efectuados fueron: descriptivos, pruebas de Correlación no Paramétrica V de Cramer. Del análisis y discusión de los resultados obtenidos, se alcanzaron las siguientes conclusiones: el 86 % presentó sobrepeso o algún grado de obesidad, situación que se agudiza en el 96 % de los docentes. Un patrón alimentario compuesto de 10 alimentos: chiltoma, aceite, cebolla, tomate, arroz, azúcar, frijoles, café, pollo y pan, con una dieta poco diversa, su principal fuente de adquisición calórica son las grasas, el 74 % no realiza ejercicio físico, el 67 % tiene buen manejo del estrés, bajo consumo de alcohol y tabaco, no existe una relación de asociación significativa entre los estilos de vida y el estado nutricional con un  p = 0.42.
Transformational Leadership and Work Engagement in the Automotive Retail Industry: A Study of South Africa
Authors: Gautam Abhinanda , -Enslin Ebin
Published: April 2019

Real leadership is needed in the automotive industry’s competitive environment to guide subordinates so that they share goals, attitudes, values, and work towards the achievement of organisational strategies. Macroenvironmental changes such as the slowdown in the South African economy, labour unrest, high unemployment levels, a weakening currency, and new vehicle price increases have had a detrimental effect on automotive retailers and can be blamed partially for dealers struggling to reach targets in recent years. This perpetually fluctuating external environment promotes corresponding internal automotive dealership changes and strategies. This might mean changes to intangible resources like dealership processes, policies, procedures, or physical resources like people, demographics, materials and products. In both cases, strong leadership is required.

The primary aim of this exploratory study was to determine whether sales managers exhibited a predominately transactional or transformational leadership style, and to understand current levels of work engagement of sales executives in motor dealerships’ new and used vehicle sales departments. A secondary aim was to examine the correlation between the prevailing leadership style (either transactional or transformational) of sales managers and the level of work engagement of sales executives.

The research method included a formal quantitative, cross-sectional survey. Data was collected using questionnaires developed by international researchers in the field of transformational and transactional leadership and work engagement. The main findings of this research will contribute to current literature and knowledge relating to work engagement and its interdependence with transformational and transactional leadership.
Análise de stakeholders na Gestão de Projetos Sociais
Authors: Santos Luana Ferreira dos , NOBRE Anna Claudia dos Santos , Silva Tamiris Cristhina Resende da , Ramos Anatalia Saraiva Martins
Published: April 2019

O termo stakeholder surgiu nas pesquisas científicas e na gestão estratégica das organizações em 1984, como um grupo de pessoas que desempenham papel vital no sucesso do negócio. Posteriormente, esse termo se consolidou e o gerenciamento desses atores foi reconhecido como relevante ao sucesso das organizações. Partindo-se da Teoria dos Stakeholders, esta pesquisa identificou lacunas de trabalhos acadêmicos acerca do gerenciamento de stakeholders em projetos sociais, reforçando a relevância de estudos em grupos como a Organização de Aprendizagens e Saberes em Iniciativas Solidárias (OASIS) que gerencia projetos sociais. Assim, esse estudo tem por objetivo analisar o gerenciamento dos stakeholders nos projetos sociais em execução no grupo OASIS no ano de 2017. Para tanto, utilizou-se metodologia qualitativa-descritiva, com estudo de caso, análise documental e entrevistas com membros do grupo. Utilizou-se análise temática e categorização no software Atlas.TI. Os resultados foram analisados em quatro categorias temáticas e indicaram 17 stakeholders diretos e oito indiretos, e que o planejamento, gerenciamento e controle dos stakeholders ocorre informalmente e sem utilização de processos ou ferramentas recomendadas pelo Guia Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) em sua 5ª edição. Esta pesquisa revela aspectos importantes acerca do gerenciamento de grupos sociais, o que pode ser um instrumento de subsídio à tomada de decisão para gestores de projetos similares.
Uma proposta de utilização de gestão de risco para o Planejamento Acadêmico de uma Universidade Pública
Authors: Ramos Vanessa Das Graças Santos , Lima José Augusto De Lira , De Andrade Rômulo César Dias , Vasconcelos Gabriela De
Published: April 2019

Diversos problemas ocasionados por falta de análise dos riscos podem impactar diretamente a execução de projetos em organizações. As universidades por sua vez podem utilizar a gestão de riscos como um conjunto de atividades coordenadas para dirigir e controlar seus projetos, tentando minimizar os impactos provocados nos ambientes acadêmicos. O presente estudo objetiva, a partir de uma metodologia qualitativa e exploratória, desenvolver uma proposta de utilização de Gestão de Risco em uma universidade pública. Para tanto, pretende investigar, identificar e analisar tais riscos a fim de criar um plano de contingência para mitigação e redução dos impactos em um semestre letivo. Foram analisadas 34 respostas entre professores, alunos e funcionários administrativos. Os ricos foram identificados e agrupados em 4 grandes áreas, em seguida foi avaliado o impacto e a probabilidade desses riscos ocorrerem na instituição pesquisada, por fim, foi proposto um plano de contenção e contingência. Desta forma, foi possível analisar que os riscos em ambientes universitários podem ocasionar diversos impactos no semestre letivo, as pesquisas aplicadas com stakeholders pode ser um mecanismo eficiente para identificação e priorização desses riscos. Identificar o impacto e a probabilidade dos riscos pode possibilitar aos gestores acadêmicos uma resposta mais rápida perante problemas identificados.
ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE RPA SYSTEM IN ELECTRONIC INVOICING
Authors: CALVA CARHUAMACA JEFERSON GUSTAVO , ALFARO PAREDES EMIGDIO ANTONIO
Published: April 2019

In research conducted by Calva and Alfaro (2019), a robotic process automation (RPA) system was implemented in Core Andina Group (a company that offers electronic invoicing services) with the objective of increasing the average percentage of registered electronic invoices which was 75.66% and reducing the average percentage of rejected electronic invoices which was 16.08%.
Kierunki polskich zastosowań ekologii krajobrazu w gospodarowaniu przestrzenią po 1982 r. = Polish application of landscape ecology in spatial management post-1982
Authors: Kistowski Mariusz
Published: April 2019

Celem opracowania jest prezentacja komercyjnych zastosowań ekologii krajobrazu w Polsce w latach 1983–2017. Skoncentrowano się na aplikacjach dla potrzeb szeroko ujętego gospodarowania przestrzenią. Bodźcem dla badań były m.in. zmiany organizacyjne w nauce polskiej. Tło dla badań stanowi dyskusja definicji i związków ekologii krajobrazu, geoekologii i geografii fizycznej kompleksowej oraz ich relacje z gospodarowaniem przestrzenią. Materiał zgromadzono w formie odpowiedzi na ankietę internetową, przeprowadzoną wśród członków Polskiej Asocjacji Ekologii Krajobrazu. Pełnych odpowiedzi udzieliło 38 spośród 65 respondentów. Analizie poddano 821 ekspertyz, które obejmowały 12 głównych grup zastosowań oraz 25 rodzajów opracowań. Ich duża różnorodność wynikała również ze specyfiki ich odbiorców, wśród których wydzielono 9 głównych grup i 39 rodzajów instytucji. Szczegółowej analizie poddano rozkład przestrzenny i czasowy kierunków zastosowań oraz podano przykłady ekspertyz należących do tych kierunków, a także reprezentatywne dla nich monografie naukowe, wykonane w badanych ośrodkach. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują, że ekologia krajobrazu stanowi jedną z bardziej praktycznych dyscyplin nauki związanych z geografią, realizując projekty aplikacyjne z zakresu ochrony środowiska czy planowania przestrzennego lub strategicznego. Mimo tych cech, jej przyszłość, w świetle zmian organizacyjnych w krajowym systemie naukowo-akademickim, nie jest jasna, a rozbicie ekologów krajobrazu pomiędzy kilka dziedzin i dyscyplin, może być zarówno atutem, jak i problemem dla jej rozwoju.
Potencjał krajobrazów rolniczych do świadczenia usługi dekompozycji materii organicznej = The potential of agricultural landscapes to supply organic-matter decomposition services
Authors: Regulska Edyta
Published: April 2019

W niniejszym artykule, zaproponowano charakterystyki zgrupowania kluczowej dla funkcjonowania środowiska glebowego grupy organizmów glebowych – dżdżownic (Lumbricidae), jako wskaźniki potencjału do świadczenia usługi dekompozycji materii organicznej zgodnie z koncepcją świadczeń ekosystemowych ES (Ecosystem Services). Obszary badań wytypowano w dwóch regionach fizycznogeograficznych. Transekty poprowadzono na obszarach rolniczych różniących się stopniem fragmentacji terenu, intensywnością zabiegów agrotechnicznych oraz historią użytkowania ziemi. Celem analizy jest odpowiedź na pytanie, czy obszary homogeniczne na obszarach rolnych różnią się potencjałem do świadczenia usługi dekompozycji w porównaniu do układów heterogenicznych jakimi są mozaiki małych pól poprzecinanych elementami o charakterze nieuprawnym (miedze, drogi polne).
A Registry Based Approach to Suicide Research: Opportunities and Limitations in the Norwegian Population Representative Registries
Authors: Stene-Larsen Kim , Hauge Lars Johan , Øien-Ødegaard Carine , Reneflot Anne
Published: April 2019

Together with the other Nordic countries, Norway stands in a unique position internationally with its large population representative registries. By means of unique personal identification numbers assigned to all Norwegian citizens, as well as to immigrants who stay for more than 6 months, it is possible to construct individual record linkages covering an increasing number of years across different national registries. The Norwegian registries include, among others, information from the primary and specialist health care services, the prescription of drugs, and causes of death. In addition, they include sociodemographic information like year of birth, gender, immigration status, educational attainment, marital status, and the use of various social benefits. Norway is one of very few countries that have a nationwide registry on primary health care use. This registry gives the opportunity to explore the role of the primary health care services prior to suicide and in the follow-up of the suicide bereaved, which has been pointed out as one of the most promising areas for future suicide prevention. Linkages of Norwegian registries opens up new approaches in analyses and the possibility to explore a range of novel research themes, such as treatment trajectories and patterns of health care use prior to suicide and among the suicide bereaved.

In this paper, we give a description of the Norwegian population representative registries applicable for suicide research. We discuss the analytic opportunities as well as the challenges and obstacles of a registry based research approach to suicide.

The main strength of registry-based research on suicide is the ability to maintain data on the total population, the possibility to study small sub-populations or low-prevalent events, virtually continuous timelines in longitudinal data, few or no non-response or other missing data, no sample attrition, and the possibility of gaining access to large amounts of various health and sociodemographic information. In addition registry-based research allows investigation of hard-to-reach populations, such as groups of individuals with severe mental disorders or immigrants that traditionally have been difficult to recruit for participation in research projects.

The opportunities presented in the article could motivate to do similar research in Canada and even inspire for cooperation between Norwegian and Canadian researchers on registry based research on suicide. In our opinion, registry-based research on suicide will play an increasingly important role in suicide research in the years to come.
Analyse jurilinguistique des concepts de « lisibilité » et d’« intelligibilité » de la loi
Authors: Gémar Jean-Claude
Published: April 2019

Le concept de lisibilité des textes est en vogue depuis le mouvement du plain language law. Ce concept est parfois confondu avec celui de l’intelligibilité d’un texte, lisibilité et intelligibilité étant des termes considérés comme synonymes. La société, suivant la loi du moindre effort et en quête de simplification, tend naturellement vers davantage de facilité dans les actes de la vie quotidienne. La lecture et l’écriture suivent cette tendance : les formes qu’elles prennent évoluent rapidement sous l’effet des nouvelles technologies. Il y a toutefois une grande différence entre la lecture ludique d’un roman ou d’un quotidien d’information générale et celle de textes juridiques tels que loi, jugement ou contrat, qui sont des textes spécialisés, techniques, requérant des lecteurs connaissances spécialisées, présupposés culturels et une intelligence fine des nuances de sens portées par le texte. La lisibilité de ces textes et leur intelligibilité posent des difficultés singulières. Les jurilinguistes se sont penchés sur ces difficultés qui relèvent à la fois de la langue et du droit. Nous avons limité cette analyse à la loi, « vitrine du droit », reflet d’une société, de sa culture juridique et de son mode d’expression particulier.
Présence et omniprésence de la notion d’atteinte initiale dans l’arrêt Montréal (Ville) c Dorval de la Cour suprême du Canada
Authors: Forget Patrick
Published: April 2019

L’arrêt Montréal (Ville) c Dorval, rendu en 2017, confirme que la protection contre les prescriptions courtes, prévue à l’article 2930 CcQ en cas de préjudice corporel, peut s’étendre, par ricochet, aux victimes qui n’ont pas subi de préjudice corporel. Dans l’opinion majoritaire qu’il signe, le juge Wagner (maintenant juge en chef) mobilise fortement une notion en émergence, soit la notion d’atteinte initiale, que la Cour avait consacrée, en 2013, dans l’arrêt Cinar Corp c Robinson. Le présent article a pour objectif d’étudier la notion d’atteinte initiale telle qu’elle se laisse dévoiler, dans son contenu comme dans ses formes, à la lecture du jugement majoritaire dans l’arrêt Dorval. Cette étude, qui profite de lumières provenant du droit, de la terminologie et de la linguistique, tend à montrer que la notion d’atteinte initiale, une notion qui, pourtant, reste à théoriser, est déjà profondément intériorisée par la communauté juridique québécoise.
Nuclear receptor NR4A is required for patterning at the ends of the planarian anterior-posterior axis
Authors: Li Dayan J , McMann Conor L , Reddien Peter W
Published: April 2019

Positional information is fundamental to animal regeneration and tissue turnover. In planarians, muscle cells express signaling molecules to promote positional identity. At the ends of the anterior-posterior (AP) axis, positional identity is determined by anterior and posterior poles, which are putative organizers. We identified a gene, nr4A, that is required for anterior- and posterior-pole localization to axis extremes. nr4A encodes a nuclear receptor expressed predominantly in planarian muscle, including strongly at AP-axis ends and the poles. nr4A RNAi causes patterning gene expression domains to retract from head and tail tips, and ectopic anterior and posterior anatomy (e.g., eyes) to iteratively appear more internally. Our study reveals a novel patterning phenotype, in which pattern-organizing cells (poles) shift from their normal locations (axis extremes), triggering abnormal tissue pattern that fails to reach equilibrium. We propose that nr4A promotes pattern at planarian AP axis ends through restriction of patterning gene expression domains.
NetPyNE, a tool for data-driven multiscale modeling of brain circuits
Authors: Dura-Bernal Salvador , Suter Benjamin A , Gleeson Padraig , Cantarelli Matteo , Quintana Adrian , Rodriguez Facundo , Kedziora David J , Chadderdon George L , Kerr Cliff C , Neymotin Samuel A , McDougal Robert A , Hines Michael , Shepherd Gordon MG , Lytton William W
Published: April 2019

Biophysical modeling of neuronal networks helps to integrate and interpret rapidly growing and disparate experimental datasets at multiple scales. The NetPyNE tool (www.netpyne.org) provides both programmatic and graphical interfaces to develop data-driven multiscale network models in NEURON. NetPyNE clearly separates model parameters from implementation code. Users provide specifications at a high level via a standardized declarative language, for example connectivity rules, to create millions of cell-to-cell connections. NetPyNE then enables users to generate the NEURON network, run efficiently parallelized simulations, optimize and explore network parameters through automated batch runs, and use built-in functions for visualization and analysis – connectivity matrices, voltage traces, spike raster plots, local field potentials, and information theoretic measures. NetPyNE also facilitates model sharing by exporting and importing standardized formats (NeuroML and SONATA). NetPyNE is already being used to teach computational neuroscience students and by modelers to investigate brain regions and phenomena.
Global donor and acceptor splicing site kinetics in human cells
Authors: Wachutka Leonhard , Caizzi Livia , Gagneur Julien , Cramer Patrick
Published: April 2019

RNA splicing is an essential part of eukaryotic gene expression. Although the mechanism of splicing has been extensively studied in vitro, in vivo kinetics for the two-step splicing reaction remain poorly understood. Here, we combine transient transcriptome sequencing (TT-seq) and mathematical modeling to quantify RNA metabolic rates at donor and acceptor splice sites across the human genome. Splicing occurs in the range of minutes and is limited by the speed of RNA polymerase elongation. Splicing kinetics strongly depends on the position and nature of nucleotides flanking splice sites, and on structural interactions between unspliced RNA and small nuclear RNAs in spliceosomal intermediates. Finally, we introduce the ‘yield’ of splicing as the efficiency of converting unspliced to spliced RNA and show that it is highest for mRNAs and independent of splicing kinetics. These results lead to quantitative models describing how splicing rates and yield are encoded in the human genome.
Re-expression of SynGAP protein in adulthood improves translatable measures of brain function and behavior
Authors: Creson Thomas K , Rojas Camilo , Hwaun Ernie , Vaissiere Thomas , Kilinc Murat , Jimenez-Gomez Andres , Holder Jimmy Lloyd , Tang Jianrong , Colgin Laura L , Miller Courtney A , Rumbaugh Gavin
Published: April 2019

It remains unclear to what extent neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) risk genes retain functions into adulthood and how they may influence disease phenotypes. SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency causes a severe NDD defined by autistic traits, cognitive impairment, and epilepsy. To determine if this gene retains therapeutically-relevant biological functions into adulthood, we performed a gene restoration technique in a mouse model for SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency. Adult restoration of SynGAP protein improved behavioral and electrophysiological measures of memory and seizure. This included the elimination of interictal events that worsened during sleep. These events may be a biomarker for generalized cortical dysfunction in SYNGAP1 disorders because they also worsened during sleep in the human patient population. We conclude that SynGAP protein retains biological functions throughout adulthood and that non-developmental functions may contribute to disease phenotypes. Thus, treatments that target debilitating aspects of severe NDDs, such as medically-refractory seizures and cognitive impairment, may be effective in adult patients.
Cosmic Pessimism in Giacomo Leopardi’s “Night Song of a Wandering Shepherd in Asia”
Authors: Ha Sha
Published: April 2019

The present paper analyses the lyrical expression of ‘cosmic pessimism’ contained in the “Night song of a wandering shepherd in Asia” of the Italian poet and philosopher Giacomo Leopardi (1798-1836), a central figure of the European literary and cultural landscape of the first half of the 19th century, who was acclaimed as ‘the greatest Italian poet after Dante’ by the British cultural critic Matthew Arnold. The ‘song’, composed in the period 1828-1829, bridges neoclassic and romantic sensibilities: it is composed of 143 verses without rhyme, subdivided into six parts, called ‘stanze’ and the scenario is that of a night in a desert landscape where a flock is sleeping, while the shepherd addresses himself to the moon, posing her unanswered questions about the meaning of life.
Salt‐Assisted Toughening of Protein Hydrogel with Controlled Degradation for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Jiang Li‐Bo , Su Di‐Han , Ding Sheng‐Long , Zhang Qi‐Chen , Li Ze‐Fang , Chen Fan‐Cheng , Ding Wang , Zhang Shu‐Tian , Dong Jian
Published: April 2019

Recently, strong polymer‐based hydrogels have been intensively investigated. However, the development of tough protein hydrogels with controlled degradation for bone regeneration has rarely been reported. Here, regenerated silk fibroin/gelatin (RSF/G) hydrogels with both strength and controlled degradation are prepared via physically and chemically double‐crosslinked networks. As a representative example, the 9%RSF/3%G hydrogel shows approximately 80% elongation and a compressive and tensile modulus of up to 0.25 and 0.21 MPa, respectively. It also shows a degradation rate that can be adjusted to approximately three months in vivo, a value between that of the rapidly degrading gelatin hydrogel and the slowly degrading RSF hydrogel. The 9%RSF/3%G hydrogel has good biocompatibility and promotes the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow–derived stem cells compared with the control and pure RSF hydrogels. At 12 weeks after implantation of the gel in a calvarial defect, micro‐computed tomography shows greater bone volume and bone mineral density in the 9%RSF/3%G group. More importantly, histology reveals more mineralization and enhancements in the quality and rate of bone regeneration with less of a tissue response in the 9%RSF/3%G group. These results indicate the promising potential of this tough protein hydrogel with controlled degradation for bone regeneration applications.
Electrospun Ionomeric Fibers with Anion Conducting Properties
Authors: Mann‐Lahav Meirav , Halabi Manar , Shter Gennady E. , Beilin Vadim , Balaish Moran , Ein‐Eli Yair , Dekel Dario R. , Grader Gideon S.
Published: April 2019

Anion conductive nanofiber mats from FAA‐3 ionomers are obtained by electrospinning. Depending on the solvent used in the precursor solution, nanofibers with either nonhollow cylindrical or flat ribbon‐like cross‐sections are prepared. The anion conductivity and water uptake of the ionomeric nanofiber mats are measured as a function of the relative humidity in the 10–90% range and compared to that of a solid membrane cast from the same ionomer. In addition, the anion conductivity of an isolated single fiber of the ionomer is measured for the first time. The anion conductivity of the electrospun single fiber is found to be higher than that of the mats, which is, in turn, one order of magnitude higher than that of the solid ionomer membrane. The higher conductivity of the mats relative to the solid membrane (in both in‐plane and through‐plane directions) is found to be related to the variation in water uptake, which stems from the morphological distinctions. These results increase the understanding of the electrospinning process of ionomers, toward the development and design of new anion conductive ionomer fibers, useful for high performance electrochemical devices.
Sub‐5 nm Dendrimer Directed Self‐Assembly with Large‐Area Uniform Alignment by Graphoepitaxy
Authors: Park Kangho , Jung Woo‐Bin , Kwon Kiok , Lavrentovich Oleg D. , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: April 2019

Directed self‐assembly (DSA) using soft materials is an important method for producing periodic nanostructures because it is a simple, cost‐effective process for fabricating high‐resolution patterns. Most of the previously reported DSA methods exploit the self‐assembly of block copolymers, which generates a wide range of nanostructures. In this study, cylinders obtained from supramolecular dendrimer films with a high resolution (<5 nm) exhibit planar ordering over a macroscopic area via guiding topographical templates with a high aspect ratio (>10) and high spatial resolution (≈20 nm) of guiding line patterns. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal that this property is related to geometrical anchoring on the meniscus region and physical surface anchoring on the sidewall. Furthermore, this DSA of dendrimer cylinders is demonstrated by the non‐regular geometry of the patterned template. The macroscopic planar alignment of the dendrimer nanostructure reveals an extremely small feature size (≈4.7 nm) on the wafer scale (>16 cm2). This study is expected to open avenues for the production of a large family of supramolecular dendrimers with different phases and feature dimensions oriented by the DSA approach.
Optical Modulation of Charge Transport in Layered Graphene System by Superionic Conductor RbAg4I5
Authors: Yin Jun , Wang Pengfei , Liu Yu , Ma Wanyun , Zhu Jia‐Lin , Zhang Wei , Sun Jia‐Lin
Published: April 2019

Herein, the photoelectric performances of n‐layer graphene and RbAg4I5 composite nanostructures are schematically studied from experimental and theoretical perspectives. Relevant layer‐dependence studies reveal the suitability of the superionic conductor RbAg4I5 to modulate electron transport in graphene. The critical factors of induced charge carriers and their screening effects significantly impact the optoelectronic properties of the composite nanostructure. Further, the presence of an optimal graphene thickness is predicted for designing an ion‐modulated graphene photodetector. This work paves the way for further development of high‐performance photodetectors based on multilayer graphene and superionic conductors.
Identification of an Integrin α6‐Targeted Peptide for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma‐Specific Nanotherapeutics
Authors: Feng Guo‐Kai , Zhang Meng‐Qing , Wang Hong‐Xia , Cai Jing , Chen Shu‐Peng , Wang Qian , Gong Jing , Leong Kam W. , Wang Jun , Zhang Xing , Zeng Mu‐Sheng
Published: April 2019

Integrin α6 emerges as an attractive cancer therapeutic target. Here, the authors present for the first‐time, that integrin α6 is overexpressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and serves as a prognostic predictor and a cancer stem cell (CSC) biomarker. An NPC‐targeted peptide CRWYDENAC (dubbed RWY) with high specificity and affinity for integrin α6 is identified, and an integrin α6‐targeted nanotherapeutic against NPC is developed by encapsulating a cisplatin prodrug Pt(IV) with RWY‐grafted polymeric nanoparticles (dubbed RWY‐NP/Pt(IV)). The delivery of cisplatin prodrug Pt(IV) by RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) results in an approximately 100‐fold increase in cytotoxicity over free cisplatin, as well as a 5‐fold increase over Scramble‐NP/Pt(IV) control. RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) suppresses NPC tumor growth with an inhibition rate of around 78%, compared with the 44% and 41% achieved by free cisplatin and Scramble‐NP/Pt(IV) treatment. Loss of body weight is observed in free cisplatin treated mice but not in RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) treated mice. Taken together, RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin treatment and reduces deleterious side effects, suggesting the potential application of the integrin α6‐targeted RWY peptide for nanotherapeutics against NPC.
A Phenomenographic Approach to Understanding the Expertise of Perioperative Nurses
Authors: Park Boo Hyo , Chang Sung Ok
Published: April 2019

Understanding the ways that perioperative nurses view the acquisition of expertise may provide foundational information for perioperative nurse educators. Our study aimed to evaluate specific types of expertise exhibited by experienced perioperative nurses and identify how nurses perceived these areas of expertise. We interviewed 20 perioperative nurses working in a university hospital in Korea. We extracted six themes regarding perioperative nursing expertise: sticking to principles, using available resources in complex situations, paying close attention to details, seeing the whole picture, prioritizing actions according to patients’ conditions, and organizing a team to maximize efficiency. These findings may help perioperative educators develop practical educational strategies for novice perioperative nurses by providing a common language regarding the areas of expertise exhibited by experienced perioperative nurses.
A Practical Guide to Performance Improvement: Data Collection and Analysis
Authors: Dawson Anthony
Published: April 2019

This article discusses performance improvement (PI) data collection processes and the various tools that can be used to analyze and display data through the duration of a PI project. It describes the importance of data, how to determine the required amount of data, how to collect and analyze data, and in what format data should be presented. Personnel involved with PI projects may need to use various data collection methods and tools to ensure an effective project with a successful outcome. This article includes examples of how PI project team members can implement various data collection and analysis tools. After reviewing this article, the reader should have a better understanding of this part of the PI process.
Multifaceted biofuel production by microalgal isolates from Pakistan
Authors: Junaid Sara , Khanna Namita , Lindblad Peter , Ahmed Mehboob
Published: April 2019

Third‐generation biofuels are currently considered to be the most resourceful medium for generating bioenergy. In the present study, microalgal strains were isolated from soil samples collected in Pakistan and characterized by 18S rRNA sequencing. The strains were identified as green algae Gloeocystis sp. MFUM‐4, Sphaerocystis sp. MFUM‐34, and Dictyochloropsis sp. MFUM‐35. They were further studied for their potential to produce popular biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, and biohydrogen. Under the test conditions, Gloeocystis sp. MFUM‐4 emerged as the most suitable candidate, amongst the three new isolates, for biofuel production with a biodiesel production potential of 33.3% (w/v). Eight different environmental conditions were also tested to identify the most suitable condition for biohydrogen and bioethanol production using the newly isolated strains. Under light but in the presence of 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU), Gloeocystis recorded the highest capacity to produce both biohydrogen and bioethanol compared with the other strains that were examined. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Contrast effects in judgmental forecasting when assessing the implications of worst and best case scenarios
Authors: Goodwin Paul , Gönül Sinan , Önkal Dilek , Kocabıyıkoğlu Ayşe , Göğüş Celile Itır
Published: April 2019

Two experiments investigated whether individuals' forecasts of the demand for products and a stock market index assuming a best or worst case scenario depend on whether they have seen a single scenario in isolation or whether they have also seen a second scenario presenting an opposing view of the future. Normatively, scenarios should be regarded as belonging to different plausible future worlds so that the judged implications of one scenario should not be affected when other scenarios are available. However, the results provided evidence of contrast effects in that the presentation of a second “opposite” scenario led to more extreme forecasts consistent with the polarity of the original scenario. In addition, people were more confident about their forecasts based on a given scenario when two opposing scenarios were available. We examine the implications of our findings for the elicitation of point forecasts and judgmental prediction intervals and the biases that are often associated with them.
Flexible and modular 3D‐printed peptide models
Authors: Kerwin Sean M.
Published: April 2019

A flexible and modular peptide modeling set was designed using freely available software tools. The set consists of space‐filling models of all 20 naturally occurring amino acid side chains and a modular kit for constructing peptides employing C‐alpha carbons and amide bond groups. Connectors that allow free rotation about phi and psi angles on the peptide, together with explicit representation of peptide backbone hydrogen bond donor and acceptors allows for the construction of a wide range of protein secondary structure motifs. The space‐filling side chain models highlight the steric, acid–base, and polarity of these groups. These models were printed using relatively affordable commercially available fused filament fabrication printers with minimal postprinting processing. Use of these models in student group activities focused on amino acids and protein secondary structural features is described. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):432–437, 2019.
Comparative pharmacokinetic study on three formulations of Astragali Radix by an LC–MS/MS method for determination of formononetin in human plasma
Authors: Rao Tai , Gong Yu‐Feng , Peng Jing‐Bo , Wang Yi‐Cheng , He Kang , Zhou Hong‐Hao , Tan Zhi‐Rong , Lv Li‐Zhi
Published: April 2019

Astragali Radix (AR) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for healing the cardiovascular, liver and immune systems. Recently, superfine pulverizing technology has been applied to developing novel formulations to improve bioavailability of the active constituents in herbs, such as ultrafine granular powder of AR. In this study, a universal and sensitive quantitative method based on LC–MS/MS was employed for determining formononetin, the main flavonoid in AR, in human plasma for comparative pharmacokinetics of three oral formulations of AR. Formononetin and IS (quercetin) were extracted by ethyl acetate from human plasma and were separated on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid. Positive‐ion electrospray‐ionization mode was applied in mass spectrometric detection. The quantitative method was validated with regards to selectivity, linearity, accuracy and precision, matrix effect, extraction recovery and stability, and was applied to comparing the pharmacokinetics of ultrafine granular powder (UGP), ultrafine powder (UP) and traditional decoction pieces (TDP) of AR after oral administration. The peak concentration and areas under the concentration–time curve of formononetin in UGP and UP were significantly higher than those of TDP. UGP and UP could significantly improve the bioavailability of AR in human compared with TDP after oral administration.
Contribution of dehydration to END in acute ischemic stroke not mediated via coagulation activation
Authors: Shi Zhu , Zheng Wei C , Yang Heng , Fu Xiao L. , Cheng Wei Y. , Yuan Wei J.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Dehydration is a risk factor for early neurological deterioration (END) after ischemic stroke, yet the underlying mechanism is unclear. Outbalanced coagulation activation may contribute to ischemia progression, concurrently with dehydration‐induced blood viscosity change. We aimed to investigate whether the contribution of dehydration to END was mediated by blood coagulation activation.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients presenting with mild or moderate stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤14) within 24 hr of onset between Jan 2016 and Dec 2017. Dehydration was defined by a serum nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) of ≥15 and blood coagulation activity was assessed with thromboelastography (TEG). The correlations between BUN/Cr and TEG parameters were assessed and their relationship in the development of END was analyzed.

Results

Of 244 patients, 64 (26.2%) developed END within 3 days after admission. Patients with END had significantly higher BUN/Cr (19.2 ± 5.7 vs. 15.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.008), shorter R and K on TEG test (R: 3.9 ± 1.0 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1, p = 0.001; K: 1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4, p = 0.005). Comparison between patients with and without dehydration revealed no significant differences in TEG parameters. Multivariate regression suggested that dehydration status (OR 3.91, 95%CI 2.17–8.67, p = 0.008) and shorter R tercile on TEG (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.23–7.90, p = 0.016) were independently associated with END; however, the odds ratio of R for END remained unchanged after adjustment for dehydration status.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that the contribution of dehydration to END after ischemic stroke was mediated by blood coagulation activation.
Syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 regulating cell fusion to form PGCCs associated with cAMP/PKA and JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Fei Fei , Li Chunyuan , Wang Xinlu , Du Jiaxing , Liu Kai , Li Bo , Yao Peiyu , Li Yuwei , Zhang Shiwu
Published: April 2019

Background

We have previously reported the formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) through endoreduplication or cell fusion after cobalt chloride (CoCl2) induction. Cell fusion plays an important role in development and disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanism concerning cell fusion in PGCCs formation and clinicopathological significances remains unclear.

Methods

We treat HCT116 and LoVo cell with CoCl2 and observed the cell fusion via fluorescent markers of different colors. Western blot and immunocytochemical staining were used to compare the expression and subcellular location of the fusion‐related proteins syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 along with PKA RIα, JNK1, and c‐Jun between PGCCs and control cells from the HCT116 and LoVo cell lines. Moreover, 173 cases of colorectal tumor tissue samples were analyzed, including 47 cases of well‐differentiated primary colorectal cancer (group I) and 5 cases of corresponding metastatic tumors (group II), 38 cases of moderately differentiated primary colorectal cancer (group III) and 14 cases of corresponding metastatic tumors (group IV), and 42 cases of poorly differentiated primary colorectal cancer (group V) and 27 cases of corresponding metastatic tumors (group VI).

Results

The expression of syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 is higher in PGCCs than in control cells and they are located in the cytoplasm. The expression of PKA RIα and JNK1 decreased, and that of c‐Jun increased in PGCCs. The syncytin 1 expression was significantly different between groups I and II (P = 0.000), groups III and IV (P = 0.000), groups V and VI (P = 0.029), groups I and III (P = 0.001), groups III and V (P = 0.000), and groups I, III, and V (P = 0.000).

Conclusions

These data indicate that the cell fusion‐related proteins syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 may be involved in PGCC formation, and that cAMP/PKA and JNK signaling is likely to promote PGCC formation via the regulation of cell fusion processes.