bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic force microscopy studies of the adhesive properties of DPPC vesicles containing β-carotene.
Authors: Augustyńska Dominika , Jemioła-Rzemińska Małgorzata , Burda Kvetoslava , Strzałka Kazimierz
Published: March 2019

A role of carotenoids as modulators of physical properties of model and biological membranes has been already postulated. However, there is a lack of information on the influence of these pigments on interactions between the lipids which form such membranes. This paper applies atomic force microscopy (AFM) in to study the effects of β-carotene on the adhesion properties of DPPC multilamellar liposomes. This allowed us to gain, for the first time, a direct insight into the interactions between the components in model systems on a molecular level. We observe that the adhesive forces in DPPC multilamellar liposomes containing 1mol% of β-carotene decrease exponentially with increasing temperature, and that at about 37°C they diminish. In the case of pure liposomes the decline in adhesion is of a different nature and the adhesive forces disappear at 34°C. The adhesive forces are about 5 times higher at 31°C in the presence of β-carotene than in its absence. However, measurements using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a shift of the lamellar-to-undulled-lamellar phase transition toward lower temperatures by about 0.8 ± 0.2°C in a system containing β-carotene. The enthalpy changes (ΔH) of this transition are similar for both systems. For the main transition, gel-to-liquid crystalline, the peak is shifted by about 0.5 ± 0.1°C, and ΔH decreases by about 30% in liposomes treated with β-carotene in comparison to pure liposomes. Our results suggest increased cooperation between liposome components in a system with enriched β-carotene, which cause a change in phase transition temperatures. Moreover, these interactions are very sensitive to temperature.
Carotenoid-binding proteins; accessories to carotenoid function.
Authors: Pilbrow Jodi , Garama Daniel , Carne Alan
Published: March 2019

Understanding of the widespread biological importance of carotenoids is increasing. Accompanying this is the developing recognition that the interaction of carotenoids with other molecules, such as proteins, is also essential. Here the significance of carotenoid-protein interactions with respect to biological function is reviewed for three well characterised carotenoprotein complexes; crustacyanin, the orange carotenoid protein and glutathione-S-transferase P1. In addition a preliminary report is made on the recent partial purification of an echinenone-binding protein extracted from a New Zealand sea urchin, Evechinus chloroticus.
Student engagement in blended learning instructional design: an analytical study
Authors: K. K. Siraj , Maskari Azzah Al
Published: March 2019

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ perception of blended learning instructional design in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the Sultanate of Oman. A course in a bachelor degree was offered using blended learning instructional mode, and students’ feedback was obtained on the impact of blended learning. The study was conducted in Ibra College of Technology, one of the seven colleges under the Ministry of Manpower in the Sultanate of Oman. A course in Business Strategy and HR Management was offered during Summer 2016 using a combination of traditional and online instructional design. A structured questionnaire was administered at the end of the semester to solicit feedback from students. The results of the study highlighted a positive attitude among students towards blended learning courses. The research stressed the requirements for proper infrastructure, training and development initiatives for staff and students, shift to a more focused practical assessment methods to measure the graduate attributes. Student engagement, learner autonomy, connection of learning to real life environments and flexibility all appeared to benefit from the blended learning course.
Tonsillektomi Sonrası Boy ve Kilo Değişimi Üzerine Etkili Faktörlerin Araştırılması
Authors: AKCAN Fatih Alper , ULUCANLI Selim , CANGÜR Şengül , ÜNLÜ İlhan
Published: March 2019

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı tonsillektomi hastalarında yaş, cinsiyet, endikasyon, tonsiller grade, tonsil hacmi ve tonsil ağırlığı gibi değişkenlerin boy ve kilo gelişimi üzerine etkisinin araştırılmasıdır.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Tüm hastaların anamnez ve muayene bulguları kaydedildikten sonra, ameliyat öncesi boy ve kilolarına bakıldı. Postoperatif 6. ayda hastaların tekrar boy ve kiloları ölçülerek kaydedildi. Hastaların boy ve kilo gelişimleri persentil artışına göre hesaplandı. Hastaya bağlı değişkenlerin boy ve kilo gelişimine etkisi karşılaştırıldı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılan toplam 45 hastanın 25’i erkek olup 20’si ise kızdır. Hastalar yaşa göre 7 yaş altı ve 7 yaş üstü olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı. Cerrahi endikasyona göre hastalar uykuda solunum bozukluğu (USB), rekürren tonsillit ve USB+rekürren tonsillit olmak üzere 3 grupta değerlendirildi. Hastalar tonsil büyüklüğüne göre Grade 1-2, Grade 3 ve Grade 4 olmak üzere üç grupta değerlendirildi. Hastalar tonsil hacmine göre 7 cc altı ve üstü olacak şekilde iki gruba ayrıldı. Hastalar tonsil ağırlığına göre 7 gr altı ve üstü olacak şekilde iki gruba ayrıldı. Bakılan hastaya bağlı değişkenlerin boy ve kilo persentil değişimi üzerine anlamlı etkisinin olmadığı görüldü.Sonuç: Tonsillektomi sonrası gelişmeyi etkileyen hastaya bağlı faktörler açısından yapılan değerlendirmede istatistiksel olarak anlamlı sonuçlar çıkmamıştır. Bu konuda daha ayrıntılı bilgi edinebilmek için geniş hasta katılımının ve daha uzun takip sürelerinin olduğu çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.
The Effectiveness of Plastic Arts Education Weighted Creative Drama in The Education of Gifted / Talented Children
Authors: Keser Sezer Cihaner , Erdem Pınar
Published: March 2019

Art education is the notion of creativity which is emphasised on educating the modern human in accordance with the requirements of the age. Art education is an effective field that supports and develops creativity with all its fields. Art education provides a better expression and its contribution to other forms of expression and other disciplines cannot be denied. The main purpose of the fields of art, education and science is to serve human development and discover new things by using the concept of creativity. It is possible to say that mental skills, thoughts and intelligence may also be developed through interdisciplinary interaction while the emotions are being trained. In this study, the effectiveness of creative drama in the education of gifted/talented students for plastic arts education was investigated. Hence, drama workshops with a focus on art education were performed with plastic and modern art references. Reactions of talented students were observed during and after workshops.

Keywords: Art, education, ingenuity, intelligence, interdisciplinary
Interest and Learning Approaches as Discriminating Factors in the Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Economics
Authors: Oyetoro Oyebode Stephen , Grace Odeyemi Taiwo , Adesina Bimbola Abosede
Published: March 2019

The study utilized the ex-post facto research design to investigate how interest and learning approaches utilized in Economics discriminates the academic performance of students in the subject area. The population comprised senior secondary school two students in Ife Central Local Government of Osun State while the sample comprised 94 students in five secondary schools in the area. Three research instruments viz: Individual Interest Questionnaire (IIQ), Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) and Economics Achievement Test (EAT) were used to collect appropriate data. The Discriminant Function Analysis was utilized to analyse data collected. Findings revealed a function with coefficients in order of magnitude as revealed by structure matrix as follows: Interest in Economics (1.06), Surface Approach (0.41) and Deep Approach (-1.14). None of coefficients was significant at 0.05 significance level. The function was maximized for: 47.1% of students who scored above 50% and 57.1% of those who scored below 50%. The conclusion that was reached was that adequate cognizance should be given to the improvement of the process of teaching the subject including assessment practices.  
Key words: Discriminant Function Analysis; Interest; Learning Approaches; Performance; Senior Secondary School.
A Preemie Outcome That Is Truly Inspiring
Authors: Discenza Deborah
Published: March 2019

An expected complex outcome of a premature infant need not be assumed completely life limiting. Take Erik Zimmerman, an adult born early 40+ years ago that did end up with cerebral palsy. Yet he chose the gifts that the diagnosis provides and proves many people wrong in terms of what he can and cannot do. The result is a wonderful interview with an inspiring individual and tips for neonatal nurses that will inform them in the NICU as they carry forward wisdom to new families facing the same challenges.
The Effect of a Respiratory Algorithm on Respiratory Transition to Extrauterine Life
Authors: Bedwell Susan Michelle , Leasure Renee , Gibson Theresa
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This evidence-based practice project evaluated the efficacy of a respiratory algorithm administered by specially trained transition nurses on the reduction of preventable NICU admissions for infants experiencing mild respiratory distress during transition.

Design

A retrospective chart review compared a cohort of newborn admission rates for seven months before and seven months after initiation of a respiratory algorithm.

Sample

Records of infants were included if they were born >35 weeks' gestation, had documented mild respiratory distress after birth, required <48 hours of noninvasive respiratory support, and had a length of stay less than four days.

Results

Ninety-six infants (beforen= 34, aftern= 62) were included. Before implementation of the respiratory algorithm, infants requiring noninvasive respiratory support were admitted to the NICU. Following implementation of the algorithm, NICU admissions for mild respiratory distress significantly decreased (86 percent), despite a concurrent increase in maternal acuity.
Parents' Experiences of Support in NICU Single-Family Rooms
Authors: Liu Lisa Xiaoyang , Mozafarinia Maryam , Axelin Anna , Feeley Nancy
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to explore support for mothers and fathers in single-family rooms (SFRs) of a NICU.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was employed.

Sample

A convenience sample of 15 parents (nine mothers, six fathers) were recruited from a Level III NICU.

Method

During their infants' hospitalization, each parent recorded their thoughts and feelings regarding support whenever appropriate over a period of 48 hours using Handy Application to Promote Preterm infant happY-life (HAPPY), an android recording application.

Results

Parents felt supported when staff facilitated their learning in a collaborative manner, fostered their optimism, and provided situational assistance. Continuity and consistency of care and presence were important characteristics of supportive nursing care. Though SFRs offered privacy for parents to learn and to be with their infants, the design limited parental access to nursing and medical staff, which sometimes prevented parents from receiving adequate support and partaking in decision making concerning their infants' care.
VACTERL Association with Situs Inversus Totalis: A Unique Combination
Authors: Slagle Cara L. , Schulz Elizabeth V. , Annibale David J.
Published: March 2019

Background

VACTERL association is a sporadic, nonrandom series of congenital malformations diagnosed by the presence of three or more of the following: vertebral malformations, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal malformations, and limb malformations. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) and esophageal malformations are rarely associated. This is the first reported case in North America of VACTERL association with SIT.

Implications for Practice

Respiratory distress in the term infant requires full exploration of all possible causes because the etiology may be far more complex than routinely diagnosed respiratory distress syndrome. This particular case demonstrates physical exam findings and supportive imaging that would be observed in infants with VACTERL association and with SIT, highlighting considerations when, rarely, both occur simultaneously.
The Effect of EMDR Versus Guided Imagery on Insomnia Severity in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nia Nasrin Ghanbari , Afrasiabifar Ardashir , Behnammoghadam Mohammad , Cooper Rebecca Zahra
Published: March 2019

This study compared the effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy versus guided imagery on insomnia severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this randomized controlled trial, 75 patients with RA were selected via convenience sampling before using block randomization to assign patients into three groups comprised of (a) six sessions of EMDR, (b) six sessions of guided imagery, and (c) a control group. The Persian version of the Insomnia Severity Index was implemented at preintervention and 2 weeks' postintervention as the outcome measure. The EMDR group obtained respective pre-and postintervention mean scores of 23.5 ± 5.2 and 11±2.1, whereas the guided imagery group obtained scores of 24 ± 3 and 15.3 ± 2.3, and the control group obtained scores of 24.2 ± 3.3 and 23.6 ± 3. Pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences in insomnia severity between patients from each group, with the EMDR group experiencing a greater reduction in insomnia severity than guided imagery. EMDR and guided imagery were both effective in reducing insomnia severity in RA patients, although the degree of insomnia reduction for patients from the EMDR group was greater than that of the guided imagery group.
Synthesis and Realization (Personification and Presentification): The Psychological Process of Integration of Traumatic Memories in EMDR Psychotherapy
Authors: Piedfort-Marin Olivier
Published: March 2019

The theory of the structural dissociation of the personality proposes a precise description of the psychological phenomena involved in the integration of traumatic memories. According to this theory, memories are successfully integrated in a narrative—that is, stored in an adaptive memory network—when there has been synthesis of the different elements (affects, cognitions, images, sensorimotor reactions, behaviors) for each moment of a particular event, and when realization has occurred. Realization implies personification and presentification. Personification is the ability individuals have to feel that they have experienced (traumatic) events. Presentification is the ability to realize that the event took place in the past and is over now. In this article we present these concepts and how they relate to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy and its underlying hypothesis of adaptive information processing. The article describes how EMDR therapists can use these concepts to better understand the reprocessing of their clients and possible blocking of this reprocessing. Understanding the concepts of synthesis, personification, and presentification makes it possible for EMDR therapists to choose the specific supportive interventions and cognitive interweaves that will best support the adaptive information processing. Such psychological phenomena should attract more attention in the future in EMDR clinical research and practice.
Computerized Dynamic Assessment and Second Language Learning: Programmed Mediation to Promote Future Development
Authors: Qin Tianyu , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2019

Dynamic assessment (DA) has been implemented to diagnose language-related issues and to promote second language (L2) learners' development through intervention (Poehner, 2008). The goal is to evaluate not only what a learner can do on his or her own but also how far he or she can go with instructional intervention. Recently, scholars have conducted L2 DA research in a computerized format (C-DA) in which preprogrammed mediational prompts are integrated into the online testing procedures. This breakthrough has yielded promising findings for the scalability of this dynamically administered assessment method. However, due to the fact that it is an emerging field, the possibility of using C-DA to assist in L2 learning requires further examination. This article centers on two projects in which C-DA was used to assess university-level learners' performance in an L2 context. In the first, a listening and reading C-DA project was employed to assess reading and listening comprehension, while the second involved using C-DA to evaluate pragmatic comprehension. We specifically bring into focus how the two approaches address topics including definition of constructs, determination of tasks, design of mediation, scoring procedures, interpretation of scores/performances, and evidence of transfer. Through identifying what has been achieved and what needs to be explored further, we provide a critical analysis of L2 C-DA research and propose future directions for applying this unique technology for helping L2 learners develop language skills. We also examine the pedagogical applications of C-DA in terms of interpreting student performance and developing tailored instruction for individuals with diverse learning needs.
Esencialismo y realismo: aproximaciones para robustecer la acción colectiva democrática
Authors: Rodríguez García Hernán Ferney , Mora Gutiérrez Luisa Fernanda , Sánchez Cañón Elkin Albeiro
Published: March 2019

El artículo profundiza en el concepto de democracia a través de la puesta en común de dos concepciones filosóficas: el esencialismo y el realismo. Con esto se pretende dar cuenta de la acción colectiva ciudadana en el plano de lo político, particularmente en el contexto colombiano. Tanto el esencialismo como el realismo ofrecen algunas posturas que permiten analizar fenómenos contemporáneos en los que prevalecen: la deslegitimación de los sistemas, la justicia y los partidos políticos, la corrupción y la falta de participación en el quehacer de la ciudadanía. Estudios de este tipo tratan de verificar y cuestionar el ejercicio de la democracia en las épocas de crisis del caso colombiano, acudiendo, por ejemplo, al refugio de lo privado y el poderío económico, a la aparición de leyes que superponen el mercado por encima de la ciudadanía, a espacios políticos cerrados y fuerzas políticas destructivas o antipolíticas que privilegian los usos indiscriminados de la violencia.
La consolidación de la Escuela Veterinaria y del ejercicio profesional en la primera mitad del siglo XX
Authors: Villamil Jiménez Luis Carlos
Published: March 2019

La naciente escuela veterinaria colombiana reinició labores a comienzos del siglo XX. El sector agropecuario se debatía en un entorno político complejo de olvido y abandono, pero también de expectativa. José Velásquez Quiceno, el primer graduado de la Escuela Nacional de Veterinaria de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, asumió los retos del ejercicio privado en el área rural, superando las dificultades propias de una profesión desconocida. Trabajó como inspector de sanidad pecuaria en Cartagena; regresó como profesor a su alma mater. Por trece años dirigió el progreso de la Facultad, primero como rector de la Escuela Nacional Veterinaria y luego como decano de Facultad. Sus aportes a la consolidación de la veterinaria en el país y a la genética de la ganadería en el trópico fueron notables. Por sus méritos académicos y profesionales fue Miembro de Número de la Academia Nacional de Medicina, como decano recibió la Cruz de Boyacá otorgada a la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Nacional durante el gobierno de Alberto Lleras Camargo.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF DENGAN KEJADIAN DIARE PADA BALITA DI KELURAHAN AMPEL, KECAMATAN SEMAMPIR, KOTA SURABAYA 2017
Authors: Analinta Armina
Published: March 2019

Background: Diarrhea is an endemic disease in Indonesia and often cause death. In 2015 there were eighteen times the outbreak of diarrhea spread in eleven provinces, eighteen districts / cities, with the number one patient. 213 people and 30 deaths (CFR 2.47%). According to Surabaya City Health Office, there were 65.447 cases of diarrhea in 2015, in other words there were 23 cases of diarrhea in 1000 population. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and diarrhea  in RW XIII and RW XIV Kelurahan Ampel, Subdistrict Semampir, City of Surabaya in  2017. Methods: This was observational analytics study with cross sectional design. The population in this research were all the children under five in the area in RW XIII and RW XIV in Kelurahan Ampel. Sampling technique used was  simple random sampling involving 39 respondents. Primary data were collected by interview with questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data were analyzed statistically using Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: The result of this this study, there was relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and diarrhea (p=0.000). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and diarrhea.ABSTRAKLatar Belakang: Diare adalah penyakit endemis di Indonesia dan sering menyebabkan kematian. Pada tahun 2015 terjadi delapan belas kali kejadian luar biasa diare yang  tersebar di sebelas provinsi, delapan belas kabupaten/kota, dengan jumlah penderita satu. 213 orang dan kematian 30 orang (CFR 2,47%). Menurut Dinas Kesehatan Kota Surabaya, pada tahun 2015 terdapat 65.447 kasus diare, dengan kata lain terdapat 23 kasus diare pada 1000 penduduk. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan asi eksklusif dengan diare pada balita di RW XIII dan RW XIV Kelurahan Ampel, Kecamatan Semampir,  Kota Surabaya  2017.Metode: Jenis penelitian adalah analitik observasional dengan desain cross sectional. Populasi pada penelitian ini yaitu seluruh balita yang berada di wilayah di RW XIII dan RW XIV di Kelurahan Ampel. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan simple random sampling didapatkan 39 responden. Data Primer dikumpulkan dengan wawancara dengan kuesioner, Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analisis data menggunakan uji statistik Fisher’s Exact.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pemberian ASI eksklusif  memiliki hubungan dengan kejadian diare (p=0,000).Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara pemberian ASI Eksklusif dengan kejadian diare.
Faktor Demografi WUS yang Berhubungan dengan Status Gizi Berdasarkan LiLA di Puskesmas Pacarkeling Tahun 2017
Authors: Ainia Okta Aventi Chusniatul , Notobroto Hari Basuki
Published: March 2019

Nutritional status could be determined based on Body Mass Index, Waist circumference, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference. Weight measurement to check nutritional status, it was known that there were 82.81% of obese sufferers from 70,023 people who were examined. Nutritional status was a condition caused by a balance between food intake and nutritional needs. Good nutritional status was needed if you want to achieve optimal health status.Nutritional status was very important for women of childbearing age in preparation for pregnancy, during pregnancy, childbirth and after childbirth. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors related to nutritional status of women of childbearing age of family planning participants at Pacarkeling Health Center Surabaya in 2017.This study was non-reactive because it used secondary data as a source of analysis. The time of this study was March to April 2018. The age factor showed a p-value of 0.013, which meant significant. The number of live children factor showed a p-value of 0.022, which meant significant. The types od contraception factor showed a p-value of 0.259, which meant not significant. Factors that affect the nutritional status of women of childbearing age of family planning participants at Pacarkeling Community Health Center in 2017 were age and number of live children. For women of childbearing age, it is hoped that it can improve its nutritional status in preparing for pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum so that there will be no problems in nutritional status in the future. For Pacar Keling Health Center, it can improve the quality of health workers so they can continue to strive for counseling about nutritional status to the community, especially women of childbearing age.
Gambaran Determinan Kematian Ibu di Kota Surabaya Tahun 2015-2017
Authors: Rochmatin Hazar
Published: March 2019

Maternal mortality rate is one of indicator in assessing the welfare of the community in a region. The high level of Maternal Mortality Rate is a low level signals of public health. Data on maternal mortality in the city of Surabaya shows a decrease in the last 6 years from 144.66 in 2012 to 79.40 in 2017. Although it has shown a decline in progress, this figure still puts Surabaya as the second largest contributor to maternal deaths in East Java in 2017. The study aims to describe the determinants of maternal mortality in Surabaya based on contextual, intermediate and proxy determinants for 2015-2017. This research is descriptive by using secondary data in the form of recapitulation of Maternal Verbal Autopsy (OVM) data on maternal deaths at Surabaya City Health Office The results showed that based on education, the majority of mothers who died had secondary education of 52.29% (57 people). Based on work, the majority of mothers have jobs as housewives of 68.81% (75 people). Based on the age of the mother, the majority of deaths occurred in women aged 20-34 years with a percentage of 66.97% (73 people). According to parity, the majority of mothers who died occurred during pregnancy of the second child by 31.19% (34 people). Based on the period of death, the majority occurred in the puerperium with a percentage of 66.97% (70 people). According to the cause of single death, the majority of maternal deaths were caused by pre-eclampsia/eclampsia with a percentage of 26.61% (29 people). This study recommends the need for early recognition of mothers about antenatal care and danger during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium period and increased alertness of health workers to complications of pregnancy, especially in mothers with a history of disease.
A Coxian Approach: Mengungkap Hegemoni Agenda “Education For All” Terhadap Negara Berkembang
Authors: Kusumawardhana Indra , Bainus Arry
Published: March 2019

Artikel ini fokus kepada dinamika agenda Education for All (EFA) sebagai agenda pendidikan dunia yang telah digaungkan sejak dua dasawarsa kebelakang. Ironisnya, setelah 15 tahun EFA dilaksanakan hingga paripurna di tahun 2015 silam, realitas implementasi dari EFA sebagai komitmen dunia tidak seindah tujuan mulia yang digaungkannya. Berdasarkan problematika tersebut, pertanyaan utama yang akan diajukan dalam artikel ini adalah bagaimana EFA sebagai agenda pendidikan global membenamkan hegemoni terhadap trajektori kebijakan pendidikan negara – negara berkembang? menggunakan pendekatan Cox dalam memahami World Orders sebagai sebuah arena tempat kekuatan sosial diproduksi; artikel ini mengklaim bahwasanya hegemoni etis EFA sebagai sebuah agenda pendidikan dunia terhadap negara – negara berkembang berpijak pada proses institutionalisasi agenda pendidikan secara global menggunakan keberadaan organisasi internasional, kapasitas material agenda yang ditopang oleh negara-negara maju, dan ide universal untuk membangun konsensus global terkait trajektori pendidikan dunia.
The US National Efforts to Counter Domestic Terrorism: Progress and Controversy
Authors: Hendroy Faruq Arjuna
Published: March 2019

The article examines the increasing domestic terrorism threat within the U.S. borders and how the U.S. government responded to it. The robust maneuver of the U.S. ledcoalition in the Middle East to coercively hunt down the terrorist groups does not fully stop them from posing the threat. Ironically, the terrorist groups direct their attacks to the U.S. homeland through their small networks. It is not difcult to build networks in the U.S. homeland, since the the advance of millennium technology enables them to radicalize people from long distance. The U.S. surely concerns about the increasing number of terrorist attacks within its borders, that it recently issued a set of national counter-terrorism strategy combining both coercive and soft approach. However, the approval of discriminatory and controversial travel ban policy was believed to hamper the existing national strategy, mistarget the main causes, and create new problems.
Protein-Encoding RNA-to-RNA Information Transfer in Mammalian Cells: Principles of RNA-Dependent mRNA Amplification
Authors: Volloch Vladimir
Published: March 2019

The transfer of protein-encoding genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, a process formalized as the “Central Dogma of Molecular Biology”, has undergone a significant evolution since its inception. It was amended to account for the information flow from RNA to DNA, the reverse transcription, and for the information transfer from RNA to RNA, the RNA-dependent RNA synthesis. These processes, both potentially leading to protein production, were initially described only in viral systems, and although RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity was shown to be present, and RNA-dependent RNA synthesis found to occur, in most, if not all, mammalian cells, its function was presumed to be restricted to regulatory. However, recent results, obtained in several systems, strongly indicate the occurrence of protein-encoding RNA to RNA information transfer in mammalian cells. It can result in the rapid production of the extraordinary quantities of specific proteins as was seen in cases of terminal cellular differentiation and during cellular deposition of extracellular matrix molecules. A malfunction of this process may be involved in pathologies associated either with the deficiency of a protein normally produced by this mechanism or with the abnormal abundance of a protein or of its C-terminal fragment. It seems to be responsible for some types of familial thalassemia and may underlie the overproduction of beta amyloid in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. The potential physiological, therapeutic and bioengineering significance of this process appears to be substantial. The aim of the present article is to systematize the current knowledge and understanding of RNA-dependent amplification of mammalian mRNA. The outlined framework introduces unexpected features of the mRNA amplification such as its second Tier, a physiologically occurring intracellular PCR, iPCR, a “Two-Tier Paradox” and RNA “Dark Matter”. It also describes novel experimental bioengineering designs and may serve as a basis for new directions of investigations into the mechanisms underlying the mammalian mRNA amplification processes.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield of Maize Varieties as affected by Nitrogen rate in Mid Altitude Areas of Western Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Goshu Tolera , Wegary Gissa Dagne , Debele Dalessa Tolessa
Published: March 2019

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most widely grown important crop in mid altitude areas of intensive maize-based cropping system of western Ethiopia. Agronomic management is the most important input for getting potential yield and high net returns in hybrid maize production. A field experiment was carried out on farmers’ field to find out the effect of varieties (four maize) and nitrogen fertilizer rate (55, 110 kg N ha-1) with one control on yield components and nitrogen use efficiency of different maize varieties in 2013 and 2014 cropping season. It was laid with randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Mean grain yield, thousand seed weight, dry biomass and harvest index of maize varieties were significantly differed among farms and varieties of maize. Application of nitrogen fertilizer rates was significantly increased mean grain yield maize varieties. Interaction of maize varieties with nitrogen fertilizer rates was significantly affected all yield components of maize varieties. Application half and full recommended nitrogen fertilizer gave mean grain yield advantages of 31 and 41 % over control maize varieties planted without nitrogen application. Maize varieties producing higher mean grain yield was also giving higher mean dry biomass. Mean nitrogen up take was varied from 225 to 357 kg ha-1 among varieties of maize. Higher agronomic efficiency of all maize varieties was obtained from maize planted with application half recommended nitrogen fertilizer compared to full recommend. Agronomic efficiency was ranged from 18 to 33 produced among maize varieties. Significantly higher nitrogen up take efficiency of maize varieties was achieved from maize planted with full recommended nitrogen fertilizer application. Considerably higher nitrogen use efficiency of maize varieties was realized from all maize varieties planted with application half recommended nitrogen fertilizer. Application of half recommended nitrogen fertilizer was gave 32 % fertilizer N use efficiency advantage as compared to full recommended nitrogen fertilizer. Maize varieties BH-661>BH-660> BH-543>BH-540>BH-140 were desirable varieties for further promotion work and use by smallholder farmers in mid altitude area of western Ethiopia.
A Smart System of Malware Detection Based on Artificial Immune Network and Deep Belief Network
Authors: Vu Thanh Nguyen , Hoang Le Dung , Dinh Le Tuan
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a smart system of virus detection that can classify a file as benign or malware with high accuracy detection rate. The approach is based on the aspects of the artificial immune system and the deep learning technique. The first stage is data extraction to create the main feature set. In the second stage, the Artificial Immune Network (aiNet) is used to build a clonal generation of malware detectors and improve the accuracy of unknown virus detection rate. Then they are trained with a deep belief network model to evaluate the performance of the system. As a result, our method can achieve a high detection rate of 98.86% on average with a very low false positive rate.
Updates on the CDK4/6 Inhibitory Strategy and Combinations in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sobhani Navid , D'Angelo Alberto , Pittacolo Matteo , Roviello Giandomenico , Otto Tobias
Published: March 2019

Breast Cancer (BC) is the second most common type of cancer worldwide and displays the highest cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Targeted therapies have revolutionized the way BC has been treated in the last decades improving life expectancies of millions of women. Among the different molecular pathways that have been of interest for the development of targeted therapies are the Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDK). CDK inhibitors are a class of molecules that already exist in nature and those belonging to the INK4 protein family specifically inhibit the CDK4/6 proteins. CDK4/6 inhibitors specifically block the transition from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle by dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein. In the past four years CDK4/6 inhibitors palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib received their first FDA approval for the treatment of Hormone Receptor (HR)-positive and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer after showing significant improvements in progression-free survival in the PALOMA-1, MONALEESA-2 and the MONARCH-2 randomized clinical trials, respectively. After the encouraging results from these clinical trials, CDK4/6 inhibitors have also been investigated in the other BC subtypes. In HER2-positive BC, combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors with HER2-targeted therapies showed promise in preclinical studies and their clinical evaluation is ongoing. Moreover, in triple-negative BC, CDK4/6 inhibitors efficacy has been investigated in combination with other targeted therapies or immunotherapies. This review summarizes the molecular background and clinical efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other targeted therapies for the treatment of BC. Future directions of ongoing clinical trials and predictive biomarkers will be further debated.
Synthesis and in vitro Antibacterial Activity of Quaternization 10-Methoxycanthin-6-one Derivatives
Authors: Li Na , Dai Jiang-Kun , Liu Dan , Wang Jin-Yi , Wang Jun-Ru
Published: March 2019

Natural products are an important source of antibacterial agents. Canthin-6-one alkaloids have displayed potential antibacterial activity based on our previous work. In order to improve the activity, twenty-two new 3-N-benzylated 10-methoxy canthin-6-ones were designed and synthesized through quaternization reaction. The in vitro antibacterial activity against three bacteria was evaluated by double dilution method. Four compounds (6f, 6i, 6p and 6t) displayed 2-fold superiority (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 3.91 µg/mL) against agricultural pathogenic bacteria R. solanacearum and P. syringae than agrochemical propineb. Moreover, the structure–activity relationships (SARs) were also carefully summarized in order to guide the development of antibacterial canthin-6-one agents.
Pressure-Transient Responses of Fractures With Variable Conductivity and Asymmetric Well Location
Authors: Egya David , Geiger Sebastian , Corbett Patrick W.
Published: March 2019

Fractures often influence production in hydrocarbon reservoirs, yet the pressure transients observed in the wells might not show the conventional well-test signatures. In this case, the effect of fractures on production would be misinterpreted or even completely missed. The heterogeneous nature of fractured reservoirs makes them difficult to characterize and develop. In addition, the location of a producer within the fracture network also affects the pressure response; however, conventional well-test analysis assumes that the producer is located in symmetrical fracture networks.

In this paper we investigate the effects of variations in fracture conductivity and location of the producer in the fracture network on the pressure-transient responses. To overcome the limitations of the dual-porosity (DP) model, this study uses a discrete fracture/matrix (DFM) modeling technique and an unstructured-grid reservoir simulator to generate pressure transients in all analyzed fracture networks. Our rigorous and systematic geoengineering work flow enables us to correlate the pressure transients to the known geological features of the simulated reservoir model.

We observed that the simulated pressure transients vary significantly depending on the location of the producer in the fracture network and the properties of the fractures that the producer intercepts. Our findings enable us to interpret some unconventional features of intersecting fractures with variable conductivity. We observed that the behavior of two intersecting fractures, in which the well asymmetrically intercepts a finite-conductivity fracture, can be similar to that of a well intercepting a fracture in a connected fracture network with uniform fracture conductivity. Furthermore, a well intercepting a finite-conductivity fracture in naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) with both finite- and infinite-conductivity fractures would yield a DP response (V-shape) that might otherwise be absent if the fracture network is assumed to have uniform conductivity.
The Physiological and Biochemical Effects of Phthalic Acids and the Changes of Rhizosphere Fungi Diversity under Continuous Cropping of Lanzhou Lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor)
Authors: Hua Cui-ping , Xie Zhong-kui , Wu Zhi-jiang , Zhang Yu-bao , Guo Zhi-hong , Qiu Yang , Wang Le , Wang Ya-jun
Published: March 2019

The autotoxicity of root exudates and the change of rhizosphere soil microbes are two important factors that affect the quality and yield of Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor). Phthalic acid (PA) is a major autotoxin of the root exudates in Lanzhou lily. In this study, we treated plants with different concentrations of PA from the Lanzhou lily root exudates and then analyzed the effects of autotoxins on fresh weight, shoot height, root length, and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity in root. The diversity of soil fungi in Lanzhou lily soil was analyzed using MiSeq. The results showed that PA induced oxidative stress and oxidative damage of Lanzhou lily roots, improved the level of the membrane lipid peroxidation, reduced the content of antioxidant defense enzyme activity and the nonenzymatic antioxidant, and eventually inhibited the growth of the Lanzhou lily. We found that continuous cropping of Lanzhou lily resulted in an increase in fungal pathogens, such as Fusarium oxysporum in the soil, and reduced the size of plant-beneficial bacteria populations. The results in this study indicate that continuous cropping would damage the regular growth of Lanzhou lily.
Mineral Composition of Kentucky Bluegrass under Recycled Water Irrigation on Golf Courses
Authors: Lin Yuhung , Qian Yaling
Published: March 2019

Golf courses in the western United States increasingly are being irrigated with recycled water. Research was conducted on eight golf courses in a semiarid region, including three courses with recycled water irrigation for 10 years, three courses with recycled water irrigation for 18 to 26 years, and two courses with surface water for irrigation for 15 and 18 years. Turf quality of kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) (KBG), the most widely used turfgrass species in the United States, was evaluated on 25 roughs from the aforementioned golf courses. Concurrently, KBG shoot samples and soil samples from these sites were collected. Shoots of KBG were analyzed for mineral concentrations, including sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), boron (B), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), manganese, iron, zinc, copper, and molybdenum. Electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) of soil saturated paste were determined. Recycled water irrigation for 10 and >18 years increased clipping Na by 4.3 and 9.9 times and Cl by 1.5 and 1.3 times, respectively. Compared with surface water irrigation, B concentration in KBG shoots increased by 3.5 times and K concentration reduced by 16% on sites with recycled water irrigation for >18 years. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the relationships between mineral concentration in shoots and turf quality. There was a negative linear relationship between turf quality and Na concentration in the shoots (R2 = 0.65). Soil SAR in 0 to 20 cm depth was highly associated with KBG shoot Na, as documented by a logarithmic regression of R2 = 0.70. Stepwise regression indicated that Na accumulation in the shoots was the leading plant variable causing the decline of turf quality under recycled water irrigation. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that water treatment and management practices that can reduce soil SAR and Na concentration in KBG shoots would improve turf quality and plant health.
Corporate governance and firm performance in the Saudi banking industry
Authors: Almoneef Ahmed , Prasad Samontaray Durga
Published: March 2019

The current research aims to explore the impact of corporate governance on the Saudi banking performance for the period of 2014–2017. Though many researchers tested the relationship of corporate governance and firm performance, globally as well as in Saudi Arabia, however, during the literature review, it was found that many excluded the banking industry. This study tries to fill the gap by looking exclusively at the Saudi banking industry. Firm performance is measured through return on assets, return on equity, and Tobin’s Q as the dependent variables. The corporate governance practices are measured through the board characteristics (size, meeting, number of committees, independence, foreign board membership), and an audit committee (size, meeting, independence) as the independent variables. Firm size and firm age are the controls. Panel data analysis was implemented, using both descriptive and multivariate analysis through multiple regression to investigate the governance practices and firm performance. The empirical findings demonstrate that board size, audit committee meeting and bank size have a positive impact on ROE, whereas board independence has a negative impact on ROE. Similarly, board size and bank size have a positive relationship with ROA and board meeting has a negative relationship with ROA. Further, board (size and independence) and bank size have a positive relationship with Tobin’s Q, whereas number of board committees and bank age have a negative relationship with Tobin’s Q. Finally, audit committee (size and independence) and foreign board membership have no impact on the bank performance.
Tofacitinib: efficiency and safety in long-term use
Authors: Chichasova N. V.
Published: March 2019

The article presents the data of international and domestic controlled studies, in which the effectiveness of topacitinib in the period of 6-24 months is evaluated in respect of clinical and laboratory manifestations of RA activity, progression of destructive arthritis and functional ability of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Also the data of efficiency and safety of tofacitinib in long terms - up to 96 months - are given. According to the results of short- and long-term studies, tofacitinib is a highly effective drug for the treatment of patients with active RA who have not responded to standard therapy with UCVD and GIBP. Tofacitinib is also highly effective in monotherapy. Tolerability of the drug is comparable with other variants of RA treatment.
Therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma in diseases and injuries of the large joints
Authors: Airapetov G. A.
Published: March 2019

Numerous non-surgical and surgical procedures have been proposed to treat injuries and diseases of the large joints. Any small bone and cartilage defect can progress quite quickly and cause osteoarthritis to develop in many joints without proper treatment. Surgical procedures include tunnelization, microfracturing, mosaic autochondroplasty, etc. The joint condition can be improved by using exogenous growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the remedies that contain regeneration-stimulating factors. The article discusses the positive effects of PRP not only on chondrogenesis in the area of hyaline cartilage defects, but also on osteoarthritis. There is a need to further clarify the mechanism of action of plasma and the exact concentration of the preparation.
Analysis of diesel engine isolation system with piston slap
Authors: Yuchao Song , Jianbin Liao , Hongliang Yu
Published: March 2019

An isolation system of diesel engine with cylinder gap was modeled to deeply study the effect of piston shock on the whole vibration system. With the diesel engine rotates at rated speed, the center of engine body mass moves in plane with an obvious ellipse, and the magnitude is enlarged high to 3.5 times of the origin. All the bottom three directional springs have the corresponding response with the fundamental frequency signal, and a characteristic frequency band, as the piston slap is considered.
Three-dimensional biological tissue under high-order effect of two-temperature thermal lagging to thermal responses due to a laser irradiation
Authors: Youssef Hamdy M. , Alghamdi Najat A.
Published: March 2019

Using the lasers and heat transfer through biological skin tissue is essential for the processes of the medical treatment. Thus, two-temperature bio-heat transfer equations were introduced and used to discuss the variation of temperature in a laser-irradiated biological tissue. As a result, the Laplace and Fourier transform techniques have been applied, and the solutions of the conductive temperature have been represented in figures. The two-temperature parameter, the penetration depth parameter, the dimensions of the rectangular laser pulse, and the power density of laser irradiation parameter have significant effects on the thermal waves through the skin tissue.