bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reaction of human colostral and early milk antibodies with oral streptococci
Authors: Eggert F M , Gurner B W
Published: January 2020

Colostrum or early breast milk or both from each of 16 healthy women contained agglutinating antibodies for all normal streptococcal inhabitants of the human oral cavity (S. mutans, S. sanguis, S. mitis, and S. salivarius), including those which colonize the neonatal oral cavity in significant numbers. Agglutination correlated with the amount of immunoglobulin A (IgA) binding to bacterial surfaces as measured by mixed reverse passive antiglobulin hemagglutination. Surprisingly, colostral IgA agglutinated our control organism, Brucella abortus. Low levels of colostral or milk IgM and IgG antibodies also reacted with all of the test bacteria. Absorption studies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that a proportion of antibodies in colostrum and early milk is specific for each of the different oral streptococci. Fractionation on Sepharose 4B indicated that 11S secretory IgA is the predominant form of colostral and milk antibody for all of the test bacteria, including B. abortus. No evidence was found that reactions other than antigen-antibody reactions resulted in binding of colostral immunoglobulins by any of the test bacteria.
Isolation of milligram quantities of a group of histidine-rich polypeptides from human parotid saliva
Authors: MacKay B J , Pollock J J , Iacono V J , Baum B J
Published: January 2020

Freshly collected parotid saliva collected from human donors were shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to continuously secrete a group of low-molecular-weight cationic polypeptides. Up to 14 bands could be identified by Coomassie blue staining, and all bands migrated more rapidly than purified human leukemic lysozyme in cationic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These peptides could be isolated as a group relatively free of other salivary components and recovered in high yields from concentrated parotid saliva by Sephadex G-25 chromatography. In sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, the histidine-rich polypeptide bands appeared as just two bands migrating at the tracking dye and ahead of insulin chain B. Amino acid analysis of the mixture revealed an average content of at least 48% cationic residues, of which half were histidine. When stained bands were eluted from electrophoretic gels, hydrolyzed, and subjected to amino acid analyses, they were found to be enriched in histidine. There was also a correlation of the electrophoretic mobility with the content of basic amino acids. Sephadex G-25 chromatography is a convenient, simple method for preparing milligram quantities of the histidine-rich polypeptides for chemical and biochemical studies.
Fungistatic and fungicidal activity of human parotid salivary histidine-rich polypeptides on Candida albicans
Authors: Pollock J J , Denepitiya L , MacKay B J , Iacono V J
Published: January 2020

Human parotid saliva histidine-rich polypeptides exerted antifungal activity against Candida albicans at concentrations similar to the known antifungal activity of the imidazole antibiotics. Inhibition of both growth and viability could be demonstrated by optical density monitoring and plating assays. Inhibition of growth was observed to be greatest when the histidine-rich polypeptides were added to the inoculum before addition to the growth media. However, complete inhibition by these polypeptides was still noted during active growth at turbidities of C. albicans corresponding to 10(6) CFU/ml. At higher cell densities, growth was delayed but not halted under the experimental conditions investigated. Candidacidal activity was observed with both growing and nongrowing cells. With respect to the latter, reaction of cells in buffer with the histidine-rich polypeptides for a period of 30 min resulted in killing of greater than 90% of two different strains of C. albicans, whereas a third strain was found to be less susceptible. Moreover, the kinetics of loss of cell viability correlated with the loss of potassium from the cells. In addition to the histidine-rich polypeptides, hen egg white lysozyme, poly-L-lysine, and poly-L-histidine affected C. albicans. Both of the polyamino acids completely inhibited the growth of the yeast whereas lysozyme was not as potent. Where delays in growth were observed for all of these agents, including the histidine-rich polypeptides, turbidities reached those of untreated controls after a 24-h period. Enhanced effects were noted if C. albicans was preincubated with these agents in 0.025 2-(N-morpholino)-ethanesulfonic acid buffer, pH 5.2, before growth in the yeast synthetic medium.
Persistent infection with mouse hepatitis virus 3 in mouse lymphoid cell lines
Authors: Lamontagne L M , Dupuy J M
Published: January 2020

The sensitivity of mice to mouse hepatitis virus 3 (MHV3) varies according to strain, age, and immune status of the animals. In semisusceptible strains, mice surviving the acute phase of infection develop a chronic disease characterized by the occurrence of paralysis, virus persistence, and immunodeficiency. Persistent MHV3 infections established in vitro in YAC and RDM -4 mouse lymphoid cell lines were characterized by virus production, presence of cytoplasmic viral antigens, and cell lysis. The occurrence of cell "crisis" in YAC cells was manifested by a sharp increase in cell lysis and in the number of fluorescent cells and, concomitantly, by a marked decrease in virus titers. A relationship was observed among the percentage of fluorescent cells, cell lysis, and virus yield and was modulated by renewal of culture media, change in temperature, or inhibition of cellular RNA synthesis. Cell cloning and antibody treatment experiments indicated that viral transmission was performed by viral infection of newly permissive cells produced by the division of uninfected cells in the culture and not by transmission of viral information by infected dividing cells. The biological and biochemical properties of MHV3 variants derived from persistently infected YAC lymphoid cells were characterized. Thermosensitivity and thermolability of cloned viruses originating from persistently infected YAC cells, as well as parent virus suspensions, were studied. A similar heterogeneity was observed when YAC-derived cloned substrains (YAC-MHV3) were compared with parent-derived cloned viruses, indicating that no selection of temperature-sensitive mutants was induced in persistently infected YAC cells. However, the capacity of MHV3 to induce a lethal acute disease when injected into susceptible mice was lost very rapidly. The absence of pathogenicity was related to the induction of a subclinical infection which elicited defense mechanisms. These data suggest, therefore, that MHV3 replication in lymphoid cell lines leads to induction or selection of variants which maintain pathogenicity in vitro but display reduced pathogenic effects in vivo.
Extracellular stimulation by serum proteins required for maximal intracellular killing of microorganisms by mouse peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Leijh P C , van Zwet T L , van Furth R
Published: January 2020

Intracellular killing of catalase-positive Staphylococcus aureus by resident mouse peritoneal macrophages was very low in the absence of serum but maximal in the presence of fresh normal serum. A large proportion of catalase-negative Streptococcus pyogenes were killed in the absence of extracellular serum, and maximal killing was reached only when serum was present extracellularly. Further investigations revealed that stimulation of intracellular killing by extracellular serum is dependent on the interaction of immunoglobulin G and Fc receptors and of complement component C3b with C3b receptors in the macrophage membrane.
Monoclonal antibodies with an expanded repertoire of specificities and potent neutralizing activity for Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin
Authors: Belisle B W , Twiddy E M , Holmes R K
Published: January 2020

Nine selected hybridoma cell lines that produced monoclonal antibodies against the heat-labile enterotoxin encoded by a plasmid from an Escherichia coli strain of human origin (LTh) were characterized. Hybridomas that produced anti-LTh antibodies with previously unrecognized specificities or reactivities were selected for cloning. Each monoclonal antibody was tested for isotype and for binding to LTh holotoxin, the A and B subunits derived from LTh (LTh-A and LTh-B), holotoxin encoded by a plasmid from an E. coli strain of porcine origin (LTp), and cholera enterotoxin (CT). Binding was also tested in Western blots with the following antigens: pentameric LTh-B, monomeric LTh-B, LTh-A, and the A1 and A2 fragments produced from LTh-A by treatment with trypsin. These monoclonal anti-LTh antibodies and selected anti-LTh and anti-CT monoclonal antibodies described previously were tested for neutralization of LTh, LTp, and CT. Five of the nine new monoclonal antibodies gave detectable cross-reactions with LTp and CT. Four reacted with determinants of LTh that were not present on CT; one of these four did not react with LTp and was specific for a unique epitope of LTh. Three antibodies were specific for LTh-B. All three reacted with pentameric LTh-B, but only one reacted in Western blots with monomeric LTh-B. Six antibodies were specific for LTh-A. Three reacted in Western blots with LTh-A and its A1 fragment; the other three did not react in Western blots. All nine of the new monoclonal antibodies neutralized LTh but not CT; the eight that cross-reacted with LTp in binding assays also neutralized LTp. Of four neutralizing anti-CT monoclonal antibodies that bound to LTh, none had significant neutralizing activity against LTh.
Neutrophil migration in vitro and in vivo during hypothermia
Authors: Biggar W D , Bohn D J , Kent G , Barker C , Hamilton G
Published: January 2020

The effect of hypothermia on pig leukocyte migration in vitro and in vivo was studied. Neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro under agarose was significantly impaired at 29 degrees C (2.7 +/- 0.6 [mean +/- standard error]; 37 degrees C, 7.1 +/- 1.1). Leukocytes isolated from hypothermic pigs and tested at 37 degrees C migrated normally (7.8 +/- 0.6). Neutrophil and monocyte migration in vivo was markedly reduced at 29 degrees C. Reduced inflammatory responses may contribute to increased infections during hypothermia.
Molecular characterization of glycoprotein antigens on surface of Treponema pallidum: comparison with nonpathogenic Treponema phagedenis biotype Reiter
Authors: Moskophidis M , Müller F
Published: January 2020

Four glycoproteins of Treponema pallidum were identified by intrinsic [14C]glucosamine labeling. Only two glycoproteins were demonstrated in T. phagedenis biotype Reiter with the same technique. Glycoproteins of both treponemes were characterized as antigens and shown to be localized within the outer membranes of the microorganisms.
Histological and immunopathological studies of delayed hypersensitivity reaction to tuberculin in mice
Authors: Pelletier M , Forget A , Bourassa D , Skamene E
Published: January 2020

At 4 to 6 weeks after intravenous infection with 2 X 10(4) CFU of dispersed Mycobacterium bovis bacilli (BCG), C3H/HeNCrIBR and C57BL/6NCrIBR mice exhibited a strong reaction to purified protein derivatives, as evaluated by the increase in footpad swelling at both 24 and 48 h after local antigenic challenge. However, histological studies of the footpad skin demonstrated a prominent perivascular infiltration with polymorphonuclear cells at 6 and 24 h after purified protein derivative challenge, whereas mononuclear cells represented the majority of infiltrating cells only at 48 h. An immunopathological study of the footpad skin showed granular deposits of immunoglobulins and complement in vascular walls and perivascular tissues at 6 and 24 h. These results demonstrate that the footpad swelling observed 24 h after the antigenic challenge is caused by an Arthus-type reaction, whereas that caused by cell-mediated immunity appears at 48 h. Hence, delayed hypersensitivity must be evaluated at 48 and not 24 h after challenge.
Suppression of primary antibody response to sheep erythrocytes in susceptible and resistant mice infected with Giardia muris
Authors: Belosevic M , Faubert G M , MacLean J D
Published: January 2020

The kinetics of anti-sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) response were studied in susceptible (A/J) and resistant (B10.A) mice during infection with Giardia muris. Mice infected with G. muris were found to be less responsive to either intraperitoneally or intraduodenally administered SRBC. Immunodepression was of relatively short duration, occurring during the period of highest trophozoite density in the small intestine, and was present in both spleen and, in particular, mesenteric lymph node cell populations. The main difference in the kinetics of anti-SRBC responses between A/J and B10.A mice was that susceptible mice were significantly less responsive to SRBCs than were the resistant B10.A animals. The difference in the kinetics of the anti-SRBC response between A/J and B10.A mice was not due to T-suppressor cell activity. Mesenteric lymph node cell transfers but not spleen cell transfers from infected mice to syngeneic recipients caused depressed normal anti-SRBC response. Furthermore, administration of the soluble extract of the trophozoites to uninfected mice resulted in a depressed response against SRBCs. Pronounced immunodepression in gut-associated lymphoid tissues may be more relevant than systemic immunodepression to survival and reproduction of trophozoites in murine giardiasis.
Monoclonal antibodies to leukotoxin of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: DiRienzo J M , Tsai C C , Shenker B J , Taichman N S , Lally E T
Published: January 2020

Hybridoma cell lines which produce monoclonal antibodies to a leukotoxin from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were prepared. The monoclonal antibodies were selected for their ability to neutralize the cytotoxic activity of the leukotoxin and recognize the toxin on nitrocellulose blots. The antibodies belonged to either the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) or IgG2 subclass and differed in their ability to bind to the leukotoxin on nitrocellulose blots. However, only slight differences in neutralization titers were observed. Use of the monoclonal antibodies revealed that polymyxin B-extracted or osmotic shock-released leukotoxin could be separated into several high-molecular-weight polypeptides by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Immunoblot analysis with the monoclonal antibodies also demonstrated that the leukotoxin was present in eight oral strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans that had been previously classified by a biological assay as leukotoxic. The availability of these monoclonal antibodies should facilitate and expand studies concerning the role of the leukotoxin in the pathogenicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Effect of calcium ions on staphylococcal alpha-toxin-induced hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes
Authors: Harshman S , Sugg N
Published: January 2020

Calcium in millimolar concentrations protected rabbit erythrocytes from hemolysis caused by staphylococcal alpha-toxin. This effect was maximal at 30 mM CaCl2 and required the continued presence of calcium. The protection was not absolute and could be overcome by increased concentrations of alpha-toxin. Calcium did not block the binding of alpha-toxin to erythrocytes but inhibited the alpha-toxin-induced release of small ions from the cell as measured by 86Rb release. The transient removal of calcium was sufficient to abrogate its protective effect, suggesting that its action involves a reversible alteration in the state of the membrane. The three steps of the alpha-toxin-induced hemolytic sequence are: (i) binding to specific receptors, (ii) formation of transmembrane pores, and (iii) cell lysis. We concluded that calcium acted at step ii by impeding the lateral movement of alpha-toxin necessary to form the transmembrane hexamer pores.
Isolation and partial characterization of staphylococcal decomplementation antigen
Authors: Bhakdi S , Muhly M
Published: January 2020

A substance with potent decomplementation activity was isolated from staphylococcal culture supernatants by polyethylene glycol precipitation, DEAE-ion-exchange and Sephacryl chromatography, and preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified substance exhibited all the characteristics of the decomplementation antigen (DA) previously detected in unfractionated culture supernatants. It contained glucosamine and phosphorus and was provisionally identified as extracellular, water-soluble teichoic acid of Staphylococcus aureus. DA was entirely resistant towards the action of proteases, DNase, RNase, or lysostaphin and withstood boiling for 30 min. Its electrophoretic mobility in agarose gels at pH 8.7 was approximately double that of human serum albumin. The molecule eluted in a molecular-weight region of 70,000 to 120,000 on Sephacryl S-300 and sedimented as a symmetrical 3 to 4 S moiety in sucrose density gradients. It migrated near the dye front on 12.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels and remained undenatured after boiling in sodium dodecyl sulfate. DA formed a symmetrical immunoprecipitate upon crossed immunoelectrophoresis against pooled human immunoglobulin G. It was identified as the major extracellular antigen present in unfractionated S. aureus culture supernatants that is precipitable by naturally occurring human immunoglobulin G antibodies. Immune complexes forming between DA and human immunoglobulin G exhibited an extraordinary capacity to activate the classical complement pathway. Micro- or nanogram amounts of purified antigen added to antibody-containing human serum effected rapid and complete consumption of C3, C4, and C5. The biochemical and biological properties of DA single out this molecule for an important role in suppressing the opsonizing activity of host complement through induction of abortive complement consumption in the fluid phase.
A literatura infantil brasileira do século XIX: indícios preliminares de fontes imediatas de Contos da carochinha, de Figueiredo Pimentel
Authors: Duarte Cristina Rothier , Segabinazi Daniela Maria
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo, apresentamos indícios de uma fonte imediata da adaptação de Figueiredo Pimentel, em Contos da carochinha (1894). De acordo com nossos estudos, verificamos que o autor brasileiro partiu da obra francesa L’Arbre de Noël (1873) para a escrita do primeiro volume da coleção Biblioteca Infantil da Livraria Quaresma, que inaugura cronologicamente a literatura infantil brasileira. Como objetivos deste trabalho, propomos a apresentação do autor francês, bem como a exposição de elementos preliminares que apontam L’Arbre de Noël como fonte de adaptação de Contos da carochinha.
Accounting for Design Activism: On the Positionality and Politics of Designerly Intervention
Authors: Fox Sarah , Lim Catherine , Hirsch Tad , Rosner Daniela K.
Published: January 2020

We use two cases of design activism to examine designers' forms of positionality—or, the relations that enter into the formation of design interventions and the ways that a designer's situation affects the matter of those designs. We argue, by recognizing the stakes of their interventions and by mapping their contingencies, designers call into question the promise of their reforms—opening opportunities for responsive revision.
The Emergence of Chinese-Influenced Design as an International Automotive Design Language
Authors: Donnelly Brendan
Published: January 2020

This article aims to explore the emergence of Chinese automotive design as an international automotive design language. In the past, the Chinese automotive industry was criticized for copying foreign designs. However, recently, favorable government policies and a strong home market have encouraged local brands to explore their unique cultural heritage. The article further investigates how Chinese aesthetics have been adopted by major international auto brands, and finally how a new Chinese car brand is aiming to transform Chinese-influenced automotive design into a global force. Focusing on Geely Design, the globally-based design organization of the Chinese automotive manufacturing giant Zhejiang Geely Holdings group, this article reflects the view of a professional marketing manager with work experience in the Chinese automotive industry and a Fortune 500 Chinese car manufacturer.
Sets of Environmentally Responsible Behaviors Among Residents of New Jersey
Authors: Clark Daniel George , Jordan Rebecca
Published: January 2020

There are many challenges facing humanity and the degradation of resources and natural spaces. One avenue for approaching these issues is through attempting to change human behaviors. Drawing on Stern’s Value-Behavior-Norm theory, we sought out to test the idea that these Environmentally Responsible Behaviors (ERBs) fell into well-established sets. In this research, we developed questionnaire that surveyed 290 residents on Central New Jersey. The questions included demographic information, as well as items gauging the type and extent of respondents’ engagement in ERBs. We used generalized canonical correlation analysis in order to sort the types of behaviors that respondents engaged in to distinct groups. The ERBs sorted into 3 canonical correlation variables that account for 53.7% of the variation in the data. Twenty-five ERBs that loaded highly on at least one of the three canonical correlation variables. The ERBs sorted into 3 groups that did not follow the expected pattern based on Stern’s research. Instead into three other groups suggesting alternative ways of conceptualizing pro-environmental behavior in this population. We found that ERBs tended to sort into those related to energy expenditures, identity as an environmentalist, and impact-oriented ERBs. This research helps to foster a greater understanding of individuals’ engagement in Environmentally Responsible Behaviors.
Temporal Assessment on Variation of PM10 Concentration in Kota Kinabalu using Principal Component Analysis and Fourier Analysis
Authors: Rumaling Muhammad Izzuddin , Chee Fuei Pien , Dayou Jedol , Chang Jackson Hian Wui , Kong Steven Soon Kai , Sentian Justin
Published: January 2020

PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter below 10 microns) has always caught scientific attention due to its effect to human health. Predicting PM10 concentration is essential for early preventive measures, especially for cities such as Kota Kinabalu. Temporal data clustering may enhance accuracy of prediction model by group data in time range. However, the necessity of temporal data clustering has yet to be studied in Kota Kinabalu. OBJECTIVE. This research is conducted to compare significance of meteorological and pollutant factors for PM10 variation in clustered and unclustered data. METHODOLOGY. This study is focused in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The data for meteorological factors (Ws, Wd, Hum, Temp) and pollutant factors (CO2, NO2, O3, SO2, PM10) from 2003 to 2012 provided by Department of Environment are used for this research. Missing data are imputed using nearest neighbour method before it is clustered by monsoonal clustering. Unclustered and clustered datasets are analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) to check significance of factors contributing to PM10 concentration. FINDINGS. PCA results show that temporal clustering does not have noticeable effect on the variation of PM10 concentration. For all datasets, humidity and x-component wind speed have highest factor loading on PC1 and PC2 respectively. Further statistical analysis by 2-D regression shows that humidity (ρ = -0.60 ± 0.20) and temperature (ρ = 0.63 ± 0.11) have moderate to strong correlation towards PM10 concentration. This may be due to high humidity level and strong negative correlation between temperature and humidity (ρ = -0.91 ± 0.03). In contrast, both x- and y-component wind speed generally show weak correlation towards PM10, with ρ value of 0.09 ± 0.14 and 0.24 ± 0.18 respectively probably because of varying direction of particle dispersion. Fourier analysis further confirms this result by showing that human activity contributes major effect to variation of PM10 concentration.
Estimation of Biogas Loss in Non-Working Plants and Finding Association Between Biogas Plants and Dung Availability in Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Kumar Singh Neelam
Published: January 2020

Present study deals with the situation and phenomenon of biogas plants being under working and non –working conditions in Chhattisgarh state, India. The characteristic of working and non –working biogas plants is a continuous birth and death like process which is dynamic in nature. The non –working plants are rare in large domain of biogas plants established. The dynamic characteristics of working and non –working biogas plants follow some rule of path or probability distribution. Therefore, an attempt has been made in the study to estimate loss of biogas energy because of non –working biogas plants and unused dung in the given domain of Chhattisgarh state. The data of working and non –working biogas plants was collected by using appropriate sampling technique and biogas loss is estimated. Biogas loss due to non –working biogas plants was estimated to be 10491 m3/ day. Biogas loss due to unused dung was estimated as 2570835 m3 /day. Rank correlation coefficient between dung availability and established biogas plants is found to be 0.05057. It indicates that the dung availability is not associated with establishment of biogas plants but some other reason such as environmental awareness, education and technological knowhow are responsible for establishment of biogas plants.
Novel Insights into RPGR Exon ORF15: Could G-Quadruplex Folding Lead to Challenging Sequencing?
Authors: Donato Luigi , Scimone Concetta , Alibrandi Simona , D’Angelo Rosalia , Sidoti Antonina
Published: January 2020

Hereditary retinal dystrophies (HRDs) represent a wide group of chronic and hereditary disorders affecting the retina, which constitute an important source of disability. Among inherited retinal dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa (RP) represents the most genetically and clinically heterogeneous group. X-linked forms (OMIM 26800), the most severe subtypes of this disease, account for about 15% of RP cases. RPGR, one of the most X-linked RP involved genes, involved in ciliogenesis, microtubule organization and regulation of transport in primary cilia, presents a splicing variant, called exon ORF15, which represents a mutational hot spot in a huge number of patients. The most challenge peculiarity of exon ORF15 is its repetitive nature, especially of guanine (G)-rich sequences, that makes it very difficult to screen. Thus, we investigate the possible molecular causes that determine such difficulties by an in-silico approach, evaluating the possibility that, due to its nature, exon ORF15 could show a G-quadruplex structure. All the three algorithms exploited confirmed the possibility that several G-quadruplex could be folded in RPGR exon ORF15, providing new insights towards a better sequencing approach to RPGR diagnostic screening.
Shipwrecked to plain sailing
Authors: Haarer F , Subramanian A
Published: January 2020

Confessions of a capsized trainee; returning to work with mental health symptoms.
Exercise: the miracle cure for surgeons to fix the NHS and social care
Authors: McNally SA
Published: January 2020

What are the benefits of exercise, and how can we encourage its uptake?
NHS X-plained
Authors: Kerstein Ryan
Published: January 2020

Our resident gadget geek surveys the tech landscape
Tomorrow’s surgeons
Authors: Alderson Derek
Published: January 2020

Our President is encouraged by the enthusiasm of surgical trainees.
Communicating risk: words or numbers?
Authors: Wheeler Robert
Published: January 2020

Each month we take a close look at a recent legal case with implications for the surgical profession.
Frequency conversion and parametric amplification using a virtually rotating metasurface
Authors: Seyedrezaei Zohreh , Rejaei Behzad , Memarian Mohammad
Published: January 2020

We analyze the scattering of circularly polarized electromagnetic waves from a time-varying metasurface having a time-dependent surface susceptibility that locally mimics a rotating, anisotropic surface. Such virtually rotating metasurfaces (VRM) can be realized by means of electronically tunable surface elements and reach microwave-range rotation frequencies. It is shown that the scattered field contains the incident tone, as well as a single up-or down converted tone which differs by twice the rotation frequency of the surface. A simple full frequency converter is then proposed by augmenting the VRM with a metal screen separated by a proper distance. It is shown that after reflection from this system, the incident tone is fully converted to a single down- or up-converted tone, and shows amplification in the case of up conversion. The analysis of these time-rotating scenarios is carried out by switching to a rotating frame for the fields, leading to time-invariant equations, and thus using common phasor-representation. All results are also validated against an in-house 1D-FDTD code showing excellent agreement. A lumped element model using a 2D periodic metal mesh grid loaded with time-varying capacitive nodes is also presented that enables the VRM concept. This model is then further used to design a 3D realization, verified with static full-wave simulations for different values of the capacitor arrangement. Furthermore, the effect of piece-wise constant changes of surface susceptibility in a general virtually rotating metasurface is studied and it is shown to operate with acceptable results, which is of practical importance. The results of this paper can open new ways for realization of frequency conversion and amplification, in a magnetless and linear time-varying system.
Exploiting forward-scattering asymmetry in imaging and surface profile measurements through scattering media
Authors: Sriram Adhvayith , Wu Chensheng , Lee Robert , Davis Christopher C.
Published: January 2020

We propose a special imaging technique as a low-cost solution to profile hidden surfaces through scattering media. The method exploits the asymmetry property of a pair of identical laser beams in propagation through the scattering medium, where scanning the pointing of the paired laser beams allows for a collection of target samples to reconstruct the surface shape of a hidden object. In application, our new method provides alternative solutions to many real-world problems, such as medical imaging, optical communication, environmental sensing, and underwater surveillance that require dealing with a scattering environment that often obscures direct sight of a target area.
An international perspective on Spanish socialism: The role of the British Labour Party in the rise of the PSOE, 1974–77
Authors: Fernández Benedicto Carla
Published: January 2020

Between 1974 and 1977, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (Partido Socialista Obrero Español) (PSOE) went from a weak and fragmented organization to become the second most voted for party. At a time when international solidarity among socialist parties was common, and when the globalization process was becoming increasingly apparent, transnational influences and support played a crucial role in the PSOE's remarkable political growth. Nevertheless, most scholars define the Spanish transition to democracy and its internal developments, which include the PSOE's rise, as a successful self-made product. Only Pilar Ortuño, and more recently Juan Carlos Pereira, have conducted in-depth research into international influences as a key factor in this process. The objective of this article is twofold: to assess the role of the British Labour Movement in the development of the PSOE and its syndicate, the Workers' General Union (Unión General de Trabajadores) (UGT), and to determine to what extent the Labour Movement was responsible for the impressive political growth of the PSOE. In this sense, this article seeks to move beyond and expand on the studies of Ortuño and Pereira by including the role of the British Labour Government in the PSOE's political rise.
Songs from India and Zanzibar: Documenting the Gulf in migration
Authors: Hudson Dale
Published: January 2020

With a primarily South Asian population, including both middle-class families and 'bachelors', the Gulf states unsettle assumptions about the Middle East and South Asia developed from western area studies. This article examines three documentaries –From Gulf to Gulf to Gulf, Champ of the CampandSounds of the Sea– that layer visual images of the Gulf with songs from India and Zanzibar. They document the inequities and the ways in which vulnerable populations navigate them to find dignity in a world that often dismisses them as victims (e.g., exploited migrants, oppressed women) or uses them to legitimize segregation in allegedly overcrowded cities. They reconfigure documentary practice to allow subjects to speak indirectly, protecting them from possible retaliation or stigma. By documenting through nonwestern popular songs, these films contribute to a recovery of connections between South Asia, the Gulf and East Africa that were interrupted by British colonialism and US imperialism.
Tracing Kolkata's cinephilic encounters: An analysis of alternative cinema in the city
Authors: Biswas Amrita
Published: January 2020

This article attempts to delineate the cartography of alternative cinematic productions in the region of Kolkata, which, being a nodal juncture that shapes the cultural milieu of Bengal, offers the technological and cultural infrastructures and the scope for cinephilic engagement crucial to the production of non-mainstream cinemas. To explore the gradual development of independent and amateur films in Kolkata, this article emphasizes the cinephilic tradition of the city that not only triggered cinematic movements (such as the film society movement and the Super-8 movement) but also ushered in the institution of film festivals in the region. Despite the mutations due to technological shifts, both film societies (in altered forms) and film festivals occupy central positions in the contemporary city's cinephilic culture. This article analyses the cinephilic legacies of the film society and the Super-8 movements that have historically fostered the contemporary cinephilic ecology of Kolkata, spurring peripheral media products.
Characteristics Associated With Clinically Important Treatment Responses in Women Undergoing Nonsurgical Therapy for Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Richter Holly E. , Jelovsek J. E. , Iyer P. , Rogers R. G. , Meyer I. , Newman D. K. , Bradley M. S. , Harm-Ernandes I. , Dyer K. Y. , Wohlrab K. , Mazloomdoost D. , Gantz M. G. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Pelvic Floor Disorders Network and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVE:

To identify baseline clinical and demographic characteristics associated with clinically important treatment responses in a randomized trial of nonsurgical therapies for fecal incontinence (FI).

METHODS:

Women (N = 296) with FI were randomized to loperamide or placebo- and manometry-assisted biofeedback exercises or educational pamphlet in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Treatment response was defined in 3 ways from baseline to 24 weeks: minimal clinically important difference (MID) of −5 points in St. Mark's score, ≥50% reduction in FI episodes, and combined St. Mark's MID and ≥50% reduction FI episodes. Multivariable logistic regression models included baseline characteristics and treatment groups with and without controlling for drug and exercise adherence.

RESULTS:

Treatment response defined by St. Mark's MID was associated with higher symptom severity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.28) and being overweight vs normal/underweight (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.07–4.34); these predictors remained controlling for adherence. Fifty percent reduction in FI episodes was associated with the combined loperamide/biofeedback group compared with placebo/pamphlet (aOR 4.04, 95% CI 1.36–11.98), St. Mark's score in the placebo/pamphlet group (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.65), FI subtype of urge vs urge plus passive FI (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.09–5.25), and passive vs urge plus passive FI (aOR 3.26, 95% CI 1.48–7.17). Controlling for adherence, associations remained, except St. Mark's score.

DISCUSSION:

Higher severity of FI symptoms, being overweight, drug adherence, FI subtype, and combined biofeedback and medication treatment were associated with clinically important treatment responses. This information may assist in counseling patients, regarding efficacy and expectations of nonsurgical treatments of FI.
No Association Linking Short-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use to Dementia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ali , Yuan Yuhong , Iqbal Umair , Kamal Sehrish , Khan Mubeen , Khan Zubair , Lee Wade M. , Howden Colin W.
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been associated with a wide variety of potentially serious adverse effects including a possible increased risk of dementia. Studies evaluating this association have reached divergent conclusions. We aimed to evaluate this proposed association further and to assess the quality of the evidence in its support.

METHODS:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies examining a link between PPI use and dementia, up to February 2019. Studies reporting summary results as hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model for meta-analyses. Methodological quality of individual observational studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the overall quality of evidence rated as per the GRADE approach.

RESULTS:

We identified and included 11 observational studies comprising 642,949 subjects; 64% were women. Most studies were short-term ranging from 5 to 10 years. There were 158,954 PPI users and 483,995 nonusers. For studies summarizing data as adjusted HR, pooled HR for all causes of dementia was 1.10 (0.88–1.37); for Alzheimer dementia only, it was 1.06 (0.72–1.55). For studies summarizing data as adjusted OR, pooled OR for all causes of dementia was 1.03 (0.84–1.25) and for Alzheimer dementia only 0.96 (0.82–1.11). Per Newcastle-Ottawa scale assessment, 10 studies were of high quality and 1 was of moderate quality. By applying GRADE methodology, quality of evidence for both outcomes was very low.

DISCUSSION:

We found no evidence to support the proposed association between PPI use and an increased risk of dementia. PPI use among patients who have a valid indication for it, should not be curtailed because of concerns about dementia risk.
Proctocolitis From Coffee Enema
Authors: Lee Anna H. , Kabashneh Sohaip , Tsouvalas Charles P. , Rahim Usman , Khan Mir Y. , Anees Mohammad , Levine Diane
Published: January 2020

Coffee enemas are often used by naturopathic practitioners to treat a number of diseases, including cancer. However, there is no supportive evidence, and its use comes with major risks. We report a case of proctocolitis in a healthy patient after coffee enema treatment. To our knowledge, only 3 other cases of this adverse effect exist in the literature.
Cuestión de matices: el idioma de los argentinos, su ciencia y sus ancestros (sobre Borges y V.F. López)
Authors: Ennis Juan Antonio
Published: January 2020

En estas páginas se ofrece un examen inicial de las tentativas filológicas de Vicente Fidel López acerca de las raíces indoeuropeas del idioma —y la cultura— de los incas, rastreando las fuentes bibliográficas de sus postulados y el contexto material de su aparición. Al mismo tiempo, se propone una hipótesis de lectura que tiende un puente entre sus postulados y los planteados más de medio siglo después por Jorge Luis Borges en su conferencia sobre el idioma de los argentinos, que más allá de su carácter puramente tentativo, permite observar el funcionamiento persistente de algunas operaciones básicas en la postulación de vínculos constitutivos entre las lenguas, la historia y los pueblos.
Liberating Women from "Political Economy"
Authors: Bhattacharya Tithi
Published: January 2020

There is an unresolved tension at the heart of Marxist explanations for women's oppression under capitalism. Although there is general agreement that the bourgeois family, as the dominant kinship unit, has something to do with generating and reproducing that oppression, the exact role of the family varies among Marxists. In this respect, Margaret Benston's proposal to situate domestic labor within capitalist production was truly pioneering. Rather than record and describe domestic work, Benston theorized this labor and laid the basis for later feminists to apprehend the production of commodities and the reproduction of labor power within a unitary framework.
Production of Biodiesel from Nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) using Microwave with CaO Catalyst from Eggshell Waste: Optimization of Transesterification Process Parameters
Authors: Ansori Ansori , Wibowo Sasmitha Ayu , Kusuma Heri Septya , Bhuana Donny Satria , Mahfud Mahfud
Published: January 2020

Fossil fuel is the main energy resource in Indonesia with oil as the dominant fuel (44.1% of primary energy consumption) in 2017. But fossil fuel is not environmentally friendly and non-renewable. Thus, there is a need for alternative renewable fuels such as biodiesel. Biodiesel from nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) oil can provide a promising future as a renewable fuel resource. The used of CaO catalyst from eggshell waste is also profitable, and microwave radiation can help the biodiesel production process run more effectively. Optimization of parameters such as microwave power, catalyst concentration, and transesterification time was performed by using Box-Behnken design. Combinations between biodiesel production from nyamplung oil with CaO catalyst using microwave and treated with Box-Behnken design is considered a new and modern method with optimization of the parameters which affect the transesterification process. The result showed that at a microwave power of 325.24 W, a concentration of catalyst of 3.88%, and a transesterification time of 12.47 min can produce an optimal yield of biodiesel of 98.9079% with the reliability of 92.37%.
Shadow Banking in India: Nature, Trends, Concerns and Policy Interventions
Authors: Sivramkrishna Sashi , Gune Soyra , Kandalam Kasturi , Moharir Advait
Published: January 2020

While the origin of shadow banks may be traced to the 1970s, developing countries have witnessed a massive growth of shadow banks in more recent decades. India too has seen a similar growth in shadow banks; however, the recent 2018 collapse of IL&FS Group, a major shadow bank, disrupted the credit cycle, stalled investment and even affected overall GDP growth. With experts warning that shadow banks are susceptible to systemic risks and crisis, it becomes imperative to understand the shadow banking system better. In this paper, we use exploratory data analysis – both quantitative and qualitative – to draw attention to the need for definitional clarity in the concept of shadow banks and how they operate. Trends in Indian shadow banking are discussed using data drawn from secondary sources. Systemic risks in India’s shadow banking sector are identified and policy interventions are discussed. The study is imperative for highlighting the importance of shadow banking in India, its growth and the evolving policy interventions regulating this important component of the financial system.
Romania’s Research and Innovation Area: The Beginning of a SWOT Analysis
Authors: Rusu Radu-Dan
Published: January 2020

The global, “soft-power” role of research, development and innovation (R&D) has increased drastically over the last decades and the expectations regarding the societal and economic benefits of R&D as a natural effect of investment are greater than ever. Although Romania has implemented some of the most up-to-date concepts and strategies in the R&D field, the results are still modest and far below expectations, the country ranging last places among international scoreboards.

This study briefly surveys some of the most relevant indicators and statistics in the field and builds the fundamentals of a more complex SWOT analysis of the Romanian R&D area. It highlights key interconnected aspects like research national policies, public and private funding, human resources, key players in the field, R&D output and infrastructure.

Some of the strong points in the area are generated by a handful of poles of excellence – performing research entities based on highly qualified personnel and state-of-the-art infrastructure, stimulated by funding instruments under competitive conditions. The weaknesses belong to a complex of shortcomings and malfunctions related to the system’s funding and overall structure. These raise serious questions regarding the participation of the national R&D system to the sustainable development of Romania.
Segmentation Techniques for Innovation Support Services
Authors: Villarejo Esteban Pelayo , Juste Antoni Pastor , Kruszelnicki Jakub
Published: January 2020

Segmentation of clients is a strategy widely used by companies and marketing units to sell their process. However, this concept is not so well established and widespread in public agencies supporting SME innovation. What are the benefits of designing advanced segmentation strategies for development agencies? Economic development practitioners agree that it’s necessary to provide customised innovation services to companies to get a greater impact. This paper presents how nine development agencies from seven European countries carry out their segmentation strategies to provide tailored initiatives of SMEs’ innovation support. The analysis also identifies common challenges RDA face, and how introducing Big Data Analysis can help them enhance innovation support in their regions.
A webquest in teaching circulatory system using google site for grade VI pupils
Authors: Salic-Hairulla Monera A. , L. Agad Lea May , A. Pitonang Daryl Jean , B. Terrado Tyra Faye
Published: January 2020

This study aims to determine the performance of the respondents in using the developed WebQuest in the Google site. This study used the quasi-experimental design method making use of pretest-posttest design. The developed teaching instruction was implemented to 30 Grade 6 Elementary pupils and to 30 pupils for traditional lecture method from selected public schools who were enrolled during the SY 2016 - 2017. Furthermore, the result of the study showed that there was a significant improvement in the respondents’ conceptual understanding in the concept of Circulatory System. Moreover, the result also showed that there is a difference between the post test scores of control group and experimental group. This strongly concludes that the WebQuest is really an effective tool in teaching Circulatory system. Respondents also revealed that the Google site was really enjoyable, entertaining, interactive and easy to learn.