bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long non-coding RNA GASL1 inhibits proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells via modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Gao Feng , Xu Feng
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Studies have shown long non-coding RNAs to be involved in a wide array of cancer-related processes. This study analyzed the role of LncRNA GAL1 in osteosarcoma cancer proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells.

Material and methods

The qRT-PCR technique was used to determine the expression of GASL1. MTT assay was performed for analysis of cell viability. Migration of cancer cells was monitored by wound healing assay. Transwell assay was used for analysis of cancer cell invasion. Western blotting was performed for determination of protein expression levels.

Results

The results showed that GASL1 exhibits lower expression in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines than normal surroundings tissues and osteoblasts respectively. GASL1 overexpression resulted in a decline of cancer cell viability as revealed by MTT and colony formation assays. The migration and invasion of cancer cells decreased remarkably when GASL1 was overexpressed in cancer cells. GASL1 over-expression also affected the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and promoted cell apoptosis. The anticancer effects of GASL1 overexpression were found to be mediated via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. GASL1 was seen to play an inhibitory role in PI3K and Akt phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Long ncRNA GASL1 inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma cancer cells. Cell apoptosis was promoted via inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Taken together LncRNA GAL1 may prove to be a beneficial therapeutic target in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Edaravone attenuates neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus of rat traumatic brain injury model via activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway
Authors: Ding Yuexia , Zhu Wei , Kong Wei , Li Tuo , Zou Peng , Chen Hongguang
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The purpose of our study was to explore the effects of edaravone on rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and investigate the underlying mechanism.

Material and methods

All rats were separated randomly into 3 groups as follows: sham group (n = 25), TBI group (n = 25), TBI + edaravone group (n = 25). Edaravone was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a dose of 3 mg/kg at 30 min, 12 h, and 24 h after TBI. The neurological impairment and spatial cognitive function were assessed by the neurologic severity score (NSS) and Morris water maze (MWM), respectively. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to determine the expression levels of caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). Transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay as well as flow cytometry assay was used to determine the apoptosis rate of cells.

Results

Edaravone administration significantly attenuated neurological impairment induced by TBI and promoted cognitive function outcome. The expression of BDNF and TrkB was elevated with treatment of edaravone, which was increased after TBI. The expression of apoptosis related proteins such as caspase-3 and Bax-2 was decreased while that of Bcl-2 was enhanced with edaravone administration following TBI. In addition, edaravone treatment reduced TBI-induced cell apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

Our study showed that administration with edaravone was able to inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus in a rat TBI model. The neuroprotective function of edaravone may relate to modulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.
The role of NF-κB and Smac/DIABLO proteins in the treatment response and survival of acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Pluta Agnieszka , Robak Tadeusz , Cebula Barbara , Majchrzak Agata , Pluta Piotr , Brzozowski Kamil , Stępka Konrad , Szmigielska-Kapłon Anna , Grzybowska-Izydorczyk Olga , Czemerska Magdalena , Smolewski Piotr , Wierzbowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The misbalance between a family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP), regulated by the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and their natural antagonist second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases/direct IAP binding protein with low pI (Smac/DIABLO) are important to biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Material and methods

The aim of the study was to assess NF-κB and Smac/DIABLO proteins expression in blasts of 109 newly diagnosed AML patients using the multicolor flow cytometry and evaluate their influence on AML patients outcome.

Results

Expression of NF-κB and of Smac/DIABLO proteins were found in 95% and 98% of the patients, respectively. A negative correlation between Smac/DIABLO and NF-κB was observed. Age < 60 years old as well as higher Smac/DIABLO expression were associated with a higher probability of complete response achievement in the multivariate analysis. Longer overall survival (OS) in the univariate and multivariate analyses was influenced by age < 60 years old, a favorable or intermediate-risk karyotype and high Smac/DIABLO expression. Additionally, in the survival analysis of the subgroups, the patients aged < 60 years old, with high Smac/DIABLO expression, lower NF-κB expression and < 50% of bone marrow blasts who were treated with standard treatment had better OS.

Conclusions

Lower NF-κB and higher Smac/DIABLO expression may influence AML patients outcome.
How about a ghostwriter writing a deleted scene for an offscreen character?
Authors: Beumer Karina , Lemmens Peter
Published: November 2019

In een film van Woody Allen zien we een eenvoudig straatbeeld in New York. Het lijkt een tussenshot, bedoeld om van de ene scène naar de volgende te gaan en continuïteit te bewaren. De dialoog die we horen, lijkt buiten beeld plaats te vinden. Maar dan blijft de camera langer filmen dan verwacht. De breuk tussen geluid en beeld valt plots weg, wanneer duidelijk wordt dat deze dialoog gevoerd wordt door twee personages die reeds van ver kwamen aanlopen. Midden in het beeld, maar toch off-screen. Alles wat buiten beeld was, lijkt nu plots opnieuw tot de film te kunnen behoren. Een reeks tekeningen schetst deze scène opnieuw tot een storyboard. Dit decor is gebaseerd op filmbeelden van dezelfde locatie, maar dan 42 jaar later. Wat als er weer een stem opduikt die zich niet richt tot de kijker, maar tot iemand die zich ook buiten het kader bevindt? Wat zou er in de marges van het werk kunnen gebeuren, mocht het werk ook nog buiten het beeld verder gaan?
Teken onder weerstand: Over de tekenpraktijk van Matthew Barney en Michelangelo
Authors: Schraeyen Senne
Published: November 2019

Net zoals een kunstenaar als Michelangelo Buonarroti (1476 – 1564) zich profileerde als beeldhouwer, schilder, architect en poëet, laveert Matthew Barney (1967) moeiteloos tussen verschillende hedendaagse kunstvormen.

Het oeuvre van de Amerikaanse kunstenaar Matthew Barney bestaat uit performance, fotografie, tekeningen, designobjecten en film. Niet toevallig werd hij in 1989 door een kunstcriticus omgedoopt tot “De Michelangelo van de genitale kunst”. Dit had niet alleen te maken met de vele naakte atletische lichamen in zijn oeuvre. De verwantschap tussen Barney (1967) en Michelangelo (1476–1564) is groter dan men zou verwachten. Senne Schrayen trekt in dit artikel een parallel tussen de lopende performancereeks Drawing Restraint (gestart in 1987) van Barney en de presentatietekeningen van Michelangelo uit 1532 vanuit een transhistorische invalshoek en met aandacht voor het maakproces van de tekeningen.
Dominant patterns of summer ozone pollution in eastern China and associated atmospheric circulations
Authors: Yin Zhicong , Cao Bufan , Wang Huijun
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Surface ozone has been severe during summers in the
eastern parts of China, damaging human health and flora and fauna. During
2015–2018, ground-level ozone pollution increased and intensified from
south
to north. In North China and the Huanghuai region, the O3
concentrations were highest. Two dominant patterns of summer ozone pollution
were determined, i.e., a south–north covariant pattern and a south–north
differential pattern. The anomalous atmospheric circulations composited for
the first pattern manifested as a zonally enhanced East Asian deep trough and
as a western Pacific subtropical high, whose western ridge point shifted
northward. The local hot, dry air and intense solar radiation enhanced the
photochemical reactions to elevate the O3 pollution levels in North
China and the Huanghuai region; however, the removal of pollutants was
decreased. For the second pattern, the broad positive geopotential height
anomalies at high latitudes significantly weakened cold air advection from
the north, and those extending to North China resulted in locally high
temperatures near the surface. In a different manner, the western Pacific
subtropical high transported sufficient water vapor to the Yangtze River
Delta and resulted in a locally adverse environment for the formation of
surface ozone. In addition, the most dominant pattern in 2017 and 2018 was
different from that in previous years, which is investigated as a new
feature.
Influences of oceanic ozone deposition on tropospheric photochemistry
Authors: Pound Ryan J. , Sherwen Tomás , Helmig Detlev , Carpenter Lucy J. , Evans Mat J.
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The deposition of ozone to seawater is an important ozone sink. Despite constituting as much as a third of the total ozone deposition, it receives significantly less attention than the deposition to terrestrial ecosystems. Models have typically calculated the deposition rate based on a resistance-in-series model with a uniform waterside resistance. This leads to models having an essentially uniform deposition velocity of approximately 0.05 cm s−1 to seawater, which is significantly higher than the limited observational dataset. Following from Luhar et al. (2018) we include a representation of the oceanic deposition of ozone into the GEOS-Chem model of atmospheric chemistry and transport based on its reaction with sea-surface iodide. The updated scheme halves the calculated annual area-weighted mean deposition velocity to water from 0.0464 cm s−1 (25th and 75th percentiles of 0.0461 cm s−1 and 0.0471 cm s−1 respectively), to 0.0231 cm s−1 (25th and 75th percentiles of 0.0121 cm s−1 and 0.0303 cm s−1 respectively). The calculated ozone deposition velocity varies from 0.009 cm s−1 in polar waters to 0.040 cm s−1 at the tropics. This improves comparisons to observations. The variability is driven mainly by the temperature dependant rate constant for the reaction between iodide and ozone, the temperature dependence of the solubility and variations in the ocean iodide concentration. The calculated annual deposition flux of ozone to the ocean is reduced from 222 Tg yr−1 to 112 Tg yr−1, and overall deposition of ozone to all surface types reduces from 862 Tg yr−1 to 758 Tg yr−1. Tropospheric ozone burdens and global mean OH increase from 324 Tg to 328 Tg, and from 1.17 × 106 molec cm−3 to 1.18 × 106 molec cm−3, respectively. 34 % of surface grid boxes experience a 10 % or greater increase in ozone concentration. Comparisons between observations of surface ozone and the model are improved with the new parameterization notably around the Southern Ocean. Process level representation of oceanic deposition of ozone thus appears essential for representing the concentration of surface ozone over the planet.
Comparing internal variabilities in three regional single model initial-condition large ensembles (SMILE) over Europe
Authors: von Trentini Fabian , Aalbers Emma E. , Fischer Erich M. , Ludwig Ralf
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Single model large ensembles are widely used model experiments to estimate internal climate variability. The underlying assumption is that the internal variability (here: inter-annual variability) of the chosen model is a good approximation of the observed natural (inter-annual) variability. In this study, we test this assumption based on three regional climate model large ensembles (16 members of an EC-EARTH-RACMO ensemble, 21 members of a CESM-CCLM ensemble, 50 members of a CanESM-CRCM ensemble) for four European domains (British Isles, France, Mid-Europe, Alps). Simulated inter-annual variability is evaluated against E-OBS and the inter-annunal variability and its future change are compared across the ensembles. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first comparison of regional large ensembles over Europe. Analysis comprises seasonal temperature and precipitation, as well as indicators for dry periods and heat waves. Results show a large consistency of all three ensembles with E-OBS data for most indicators and regions, validating the abilities of these ensembles to represent natural variability on the annual scale. EC-EARTH-RACMO shows the highest inter-annual variability for winter temperature and precipitation, whereas CESM-CCLM shows the highest variability for summer temperature and precipitation, as well as for heatwaves and dry periods. Despite these model differences, the sign of the future changes in internal variability is largely the same in all models: for summer temperature, summer precipitation and the number of heat waves, the internal variability increases, while it decreases for winter temperature. Changes of winter precipitation and dry periods are a bit unclear, with a tendency to increase for dry periods. The overall consistency across single model large ensembles and observations strengthens the concept of large ensembles, and underlines their great potential for understanding and quantifying the role of internal climate variability.
Hydro-meteorological reconstruction and geomorphological impact assessment of the October 2018 catastrophic flash flood at Sant Llorenç, Mallorca (Spain)
Authors: Lorenzo-Lacruz Jorge , Amengual Arnau , Garcia Celso , Morán-Tejeda Enrique , Homar Víctor , Maimó-Far Aina , Hermoso Alejandro , Ramis Climent , Romero Romualdo
Published: November 2019

Abstract. An extraordinary convective rainfall event, unforeseen by most numerical weather prediction models, generated a devastating flash flood (305 m3 s−1) in the town of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar,
Mallorca, on 9 October 2018. Four people died inside this village, while
casualties were up to 13 over the entire affected area. This extreme event
has been reconstructed by implementing an integrated flash flood modelling
approach in the Ses Planes catchment up to Sant Llorenç (23.4 km2), based on three components: (i) generation of
radar-derived precipitation estimates, (ii) modelling of accurate discharge
hydrographs yielded by the catchment (using FEST and KLEM models), and (iii) hydraulic simulation of the event and mapping of affected areas (using HEC-RAS). Radar-derived rainfall estimates show very high agreement with rain gauge data (R2=0.98). Modelled flooding extent is in close agreement with the observed extension by the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, based on Sentinel-1 imagery, and both far exceed the extension for a 500-year return period flood. Hydraulic simulation revealed that water reached a depth of 3 m at some points, and modelled water depths highly correlate (R2=0.91) with in situ after-event measurements.
The 9 October flash flood eroded and transported woody and abundant sediment debris, changing channel geomorphology. Water velocity greatly increased at bridge locations crossing the river channel, especially at those closer to the Sant Llorenç town centre. This study highlights how the very low predictability of this type of extreme convective rainfall events and the very short hydrological response times typical of small Mediterranean catchments continue to challenge the implementation of early warning systems, which effectively reduce people's exposure to flash flood risk in the region.
Unprecedented atmospheric conditions (1948–2019) drive the 2019 exceptional melting season over the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Tedesco Marco , Fettweis Xavier
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Understanding the role of atmospheric circulation anomalies on the surface mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) is fundamental for improving estimates of its current and future contributions to sea level rise. Here, we show, using a combination of remote sensing observations, regional climate model outputs, reanalysis data and artificial neural networks, that unprecedented atmospheric conditions (1948–2019) occurring in the summer of 2019 over Greenland promoted new records or close-to-record values of SMB, runoff and snowfall. Specifically, runoff in 2019 ranked second within the 1948–2019 period (after 2012) and first in terms of surface mass balance negative anomaly for the hydrological year September 1, 2018–August 31, 2019. Summer of 2019 was characterized by an exceptional persistence of anticyclonic conditions that, in conjunction with low albedo associated with reduced snowfall in summer, enhanced the melt-albedo feedback by promoting the absorption of solar radiation and favored advection of warm, moist air along the western portion of the ice sheet towards the North, where the surface melt has been the highest since 1948. The analysis of the frequency of daily 500 hPa geopotential heights obtained from artificial neural networks shows that the total number of days with the most frequent atmospheric pattern that characterized the summer of 2019 was 5 standard deviations above the 1981–2010 mean, confirming the exceptional nature of the 2019 season over Greenland.
The Effect of Investment Committee on the Financial Sector Performance of Saudi Financial Market in View of Vision 2030: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Al-Matari Ebrahim Mohammed
Published: November 2019

The investment committee is primarily a decision-making entity that aims to implement investment decisions taken by the company. In the framework of the powers conferred upon it by the board, the importance of this committee is highlighted and as such, in the present study, the primary aim is to examine the effect of investment on Saudi financial sector, an examination that is the first of its kind. The investment variable was measured by investment committee characteristic including, size, independence, meeting, commitment and allowance for session attendance. The study data was gathered from the annual reports of the financial firms spanning from 2014 to 2017. Panel data was used to conduct the hypotheses testing concerning the relationship among the variables of the investment commitment and the performance of the financial firms. Based on the findings, investment committee size and investment committee independence positively and significantly related with the performance of the firms. This study has several contributions to literature, particularly concerning information about the importance of investment committee. In addition, this study is clarified our understanding concerning best practices of corporate governance structure existing in Saudi financial listed companies.
Uma solução de mineração de dados para concessão de cupons de descontos em comércio eletrônico: um estudo de caso
Authors: De Oliveira Neto Rosalvo Ferreira , Ramos Ricardo Argenton , Da Silva Cleidson Drummond
Published: November 2019

Este artigo pretende responder seguinte pergunta de pesquisa: ``como construir uma solução eficiente de mineração de dados para um sistema de cupom de desconto?''. Assim, neste artigo é proposto uma solução de mineração de dados para responder a essa pergunta. A solução é constituída por quatro componentes: 1) uso da técnica Random Forest como classificador, 2) tratamento dos valores ausentes, 3) enriquecimento da base de dados através da construção de novas variáveis e 4) uso do método de \textit{Kolmogorov Smirnov} para a escolha do ponto de corte para tomada de decisão. Um estudo experimental foi realizado para validar a eficiência da solução proposta. Os resultados mostraram a adequação do método ao problema e que a estratégia de aquisição de conhecimento proposta aumentou o poder preditivo. Por fim, os resultados mostraram que a estratégia de tratamento de valores ausentes possui influência no poder discriminatório da solução. A contribuição deste estudo é um direcionamento para construção de soluções de mineração de dados em web-shop, dando diretivas sobre qual método de mineração de dados utilizar, qual a melhor estratégia para tratamento de valores ausentes, como melhorar o poder preditivo através da aquisição de conhecimento e ainda como escolher o melhor ponto de corte.
Learning Styles of Students and Professors of a Dental School in Latin America: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ardila Carlos M. , Goméz-Restrepo Angela-María , Echeverri-Restrepo Cruzana
Published: November 2019

PURPOSE: To recognize the learning styles of applicants, dental students, and professors with several academic degrees. Besides, it was explored the association between grade point average (GPA) of the students and their learning styles.

METHODS: It was designed a cross-sectional research. The present research was attended by applicants admitted for a place in the academic period 2019-1 and by the students of the Faculty of Dentistry enrolled during the academic period 2018-2. Besides, all professors were invited to participate. The participants responded to a validated questionnaire to identify their learning style after signing the informed consent. The T-student test was executed to calculate the differences between the groups; besides, post-hoc check was run. Linear regression models were performed expressed in β and 95% confidence intervals. P values of <0.05 were contemplated as statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 34 applicants, 425 students, and 121 professors participated in the present research. Students and professors presented preference for the theorist and reflector styles; however, the applicant students had a higher preference for the theorist (p = .002), and pragmatist styles (p < .001). A significant correlation was observed between the higher GPA of the students and the theorist style (r = .2; p < .0001). The multivariate linear regression model showed that the theorist style protects against a lower mean of GPA in students (β = -.2; p = .018) after adjusting for sex, age, public high school, and semester enrolled. Besides, professors favored the theorist and reflector styles.

CONCLUSIONS: Students and professors preferred the theorist and reflector styles; however, the applicant students favored the theorist and pragmatist. Besides, the theorist style protected against a lower mean of GPA in students.
Weed vegetation of arable land in Slovakia: diversity and species composition
Authors: Májeková Jana , Zaliberová Marica , Škodová Iveta
Published: November 2019

Arable fields are among the most widespread habitats in Slovakia, but recently, there have been no studies regarding species composition and structure of weed vegetation in these fields. Therefore, we studied the structure of arable weed vegetation and detected α- and β-diversity. The dataset of 507 phytosociological relevés in different crop types contains 407 plant taxa in 46 plant families. Native plants dominated over aliens, archaeophytes dominated over neophytes, and 14 plants belonged to invasive taxa. The most common species in the dataset were Tripleurospermum perforatum, Cirsium arvense, and Viola arvensis. Weeds were mostly therophytes, b- and a-euhemerobic, competitors, and ruderals, reproducing by seeds and pollinated by insects. The β-diversity of weed vegetation decreased with elevation and temperature and was higher in the Pannonicum than the Carpaticum region. The highest β-diversity was established in fodder+fallow fields, followed by that in cereals and root-crop fields, and the smallest diversity was found in stubble. Beta-diversity increased from spring to summer and slightly decreased again in fall. Detrended correspondence analysis indicated that the major compositional turnover of weed vegetation was related to light, temperature, moisture, and elevation. Weed vegetation constitutes an important habitat in the landscape that provides refuge to many threatened plants, and this vegetation has important functions in the agro-ecosystem food chain.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of MNRI therapy in children with autism based on the ATEC test – a preliminary report
Authors: Nowak Katarzyna , Muzaj Halina , Nawrocka Halina , Sobaniec Piotr
Published: November 2019

Autism (ASD) is a multiform disorder of unexplored etiology. Therapeutic treatment is therefore symptomatic0 and due to the complexity and variety of symptoms, it must be individualized. Therapists reach for various methods and forms of work with an autistic patient. In this situation, there is also a need to evaluate the therapeutic procedure and the choice of methods that will help assess the effectiveness of therapy. One of the proposed activities is therapeutic modality MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration), while the standard ATEC test is used to assess the effectiveness of therapy. The MNRI method deals with the functioning of basic reflexes, the movement system and its impact on the developmental and learning processes. The MNRI method is aimed at restoring normal neurosensoric development and integration of reflex patterns, motor coordination systems and skills enabling movement functioning, behavioural regulation, emotional and cognitive functions. Therapy consists in activating reflex patterns to stimulate the natural resources of the brain, the body, strengthening memory and neurosensotimotive as well as motor integration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MNRI therapy in children with autism based on the ATEC test. The study involved 60 children diagnosed with autism (F84.0) according to ICD-10 criteria. The average age of patients was 10.7 years. Each participant of the project took an active part in the 11-day rehabilitation process according to the MNRI programme. The standardized ATEC test was used to assess the effectiveness of therapy. Analysis of the results of the ATEC test before and after the 11-day rehabilitation in autistic patients showed positive effects of MNRI therapy among 43.5% of the subjects. These effects included, for part I - in terms of communication, an increase was noted by 9.2%; for part II – socialization0 58.3%; part III - sensory feeling, cognitive awareness, 47.2% and in part IV - physical health, emotions, behaviour, 57.9%. MNRI therapy positively influenced the examined group of autistic patients. Particularly noticeable improvement was expressed in the reduction of self-inflicted harm (65%), reduced hypersensitivity and improvement in sound tolerance (80%), improvement of awareness of one’s own body's (60%); greater calmness, self-control (80%). The therapy is safe, painless, has no negative effects. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. null
The Development of Medical Care in Polish Paralympic Sport
Authors: Gawroński Wojciech , Sobiecka Joanna
Published: November 2019

Precursory preparticipation examination among athletes took place during the interwar period of the 20th century at university centres, which laid the foundation for present sports and medical counselling. The first study was founded in Lvov in 1924. Initially, care was provided for non-disabled athletes, despite the fact that international sport organizations for the disabled athletes were established in those years. The interest in medical care of athletes with disabilities increased at the end of the previous century, along with the development of Paralympic sport. At the beginning of the 21st century, entire chapters devoted to this subject appeared in sports medicine textbooks. In 2018, in the book titled “Adaptive Sports Medicine”, it was finally confirmed that so-called ‘pre-participation evaluation’ is important in assessing the health status of all athletes with disabilities. However, in Poland, up until the end of the 20th century, people with various disabilities practicing sports were practically not interested in sports medicine. Analysis of available documentation and domestic literature suggests that the development of medical care in Polish Paralympic sport took place in four periods, ranging from rehabilitation to the implementation of mandatory preparticipation examination in the field of sports medicine. Moreover, the Paralympic Games in Atlanta (1996) proved to be an important event in this aspect. For the first time, the Polish representation was accompanied by a specialist in sports medicine and a massage therapist. Apart from this, a breakthrough in the development of medical care was the establishment of the Polish Paralympic Committee in 1998, which undertook many initiatives in this area. However, it was only in 2012, following the Regulation of the Minister of Health from 2011, that obligatory preparticipation examination in the field of sports medicine were enforced for all Polish athletes and representatives of the Paralympic team. But unfortunately, to this day, medical care is stock and limited to the years of paralympic games.
Effect of boron microaddition
on hardenability of new-developed
HSLA-type steels
Authors: Opiela M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: The paper presents the results of investigations on the effect of 0.003% boron
microaddition on the hardenability of new-developed HSLA-type steels. In order to prevent
the binding of the boron microaddition with nitrogen in BN nitrides, Ti microaddition at
concentrations of 0.033% and 0.028% was also added into the tested steels.
Design/methodology/approach: Evaluation of hardenability of the investigated steels
was carried out on the basis of the Jominy test and the analytical method, according to
the ASTM 255-89 standard, taking into account the effect of the boron microaddition.
Additionally, developed of the CCT-diagram of investigated steel. A DIL 805A/D dilatometer
with a LVDT-type measuring head was used to carry out the dilatometric test.
Findings: Microaddition of boron, introduced into steel in a concentration of 0.003% along
with Ti microaddition shielding (in concentration of 0.033% in steel A and 0.028% in steel B),
advantageously improves hardenability. This is reflected in calculated ideal critical diameter
DIB, which is equal 163 mm for steel A and 155 mm for steel B. The form of curves of phase
transformations of supercooled austenite is typical for steels with microaddition of boron,
with similar chemical composition.
Research limitations/implications: Due to similar chemical composition of investigated
steels, the kinetics of phase transformations of austenite, supercooled under continuous
cooling, was determined for steel B containing 0.28% C, 1.4% Mn, 0.3% Si, 0.26% Cr, 0.22%
Mo and Nb, Ti, V and B microadditions at 0.027%, 0.028%, 0.019% and 0.003% respectively.
Practical implications: Tested steels have high hardenability and show the full usability
for production of forged parts with the method of thermomechanical treatment, i.e., hot-
deformed in the temperature range adjusted to the type of microadditions added to steel,
with direct quenching of forgings from finishing forging temperature. The results of the tests
may be useful for developing the parameters of heat treatment and thermomechanical
treatment of investigated steels.
Originality/value: The hardenability of new-developed HSLA-type steels was determined.
Establishing cleft services in developing countries: Complications of cleft lip and palate surgery in rural areas of Indonesia
Authors: Ruslin Muhammad , Dom Lawrence , Tajrin Andi , Hajrah Yusuf Andi Sitti , Arif Syafri Kamsul , Tanra Andi Husni , Ou Keng Liang , Forouzanfar Tymour , Thamrin Sri Astuti
Published: November 2019

Background Cleft treatment is frequently performed in Indonesia, mostly in charity missions, but without a postoperative protocol it is difficult to establish the risks and complications of cleft treatment. The present study was designed to give an overview of current cleft lip and palate treatment strategies in Indonesia and to assess the complication rates during and after surgery.

Methods This prospective study evaluated anesthetic, intraoperative surgical, and short-term postoperative complications in patients undergoing primary, secondary, or corrective surgery for cleft lip and palate deformities. The population consisted of 98 non-syndromic cleft patients. The main anesthetic complication that occurred during general anesthesia was high blood pressure, whereas the main intraoperative surgical complication was excessive bleeding and the main early postoperative complication was extremely poor wound hygiene.

Results In this study, there were no cases of perioperative or postoperative mortality. However, in 23 (23.4%) of the 98 operations performed, at least one perioperative complication related to anesthesia occurred. The intraoperative and early postoperative complications following cleft lip and/or palate were assessed. There was a significant difference in the complication rate between procedure types (χ
2=0.02; P<0.05). However, no relationship was found between perioperative complications related to anesthesia and the occurrence of postoperative complications (χ
2=1.00; P>0.05). Nonetheless, a significant difference was found between procedure types regarding perioperative complications and the occurrence of postoperative complications (χ
2=0.031; P<0.05).

Conclusions Further evaluation of these outcomes would help direct patient management toward decreasing the complication rate.
Simultaneous two-layer harvesting of scalp split-thickness skin and dermal grafts for acute burns and postburn scar deformities
Authors: Oh Suk Joon
Published: November 2019

Background The scalp, an excellent donor site for thin skin grafts, presents a limited surface but is rich in stem cells. The purpose of this study was to test a double harvesting procedure from the scalp and to evaluate the capacity of the dermal layer.

Methods Two layers corresponding to a split-thickness skin graft (SSG) and a split-thickness dermal graft (SDG) were harvested from the scalp using a Zimmer dermatome during the same procedure. Healing of the scalp donor site, reason for recipient site grafting, and the percentage of graft loss were evaluated.

Results Fourteen patients, comprising six men and eight women with a mean age of 34.2 years, were treated according to our protocol. The most common reason for a recipient site graft was a postburn scar deformity (10/14 patients). The mean area of scalp SSGs was 151.8 cm2. The mean area of scalp SDGs was 88.2 cm2. The mean healing time of scalp donors was 9.9 days. The only donor complication was a tufted scar deformity.

Conclusions Skin defects in the scalp of donors healed faster and led to less scarring than defects at other donor sites. Scalp SDGs needed 10 days for adequate epithelization. The scalp was the best donor site for SSGs and SDGs for burn reconstructive patients.
Early outcomes of cleft and palatal width following anterior palate repair (vomerine flap) in infants with wide cleft lip and palate
Authors: Mat Saad Arman Zaharil , Chai Koh Siang , Wan Sulaiman Wan Azman , Mat Johar Siti Fatimah Noor , Halim Ahmad Sukari
Published: November 2019

Background Anterior palatal repair performed during cleft lip repair using a vomerine flap may assist in recruiting additional soft tissue for subsequent completion of palatoplasty, especially in patients with a wide cleft. We present our early results in the hope of triggering a re-evaluation of this technique regarding its advantages for maxillary growth through further studies of patients with a wide cleft.

Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate was performed, including cleft and palatal measurements taken during initial surgery (lip repair together with anterior palate repair) and upon completion of palatoplasty.

Results In total, 14 patients were included in this study, of whom nine (63.3%) had unilateral cleft lip and palate and five (37.5%) had bilateral cleft. All patients had a wide cleft palate. Lip and anterior palate repair was done at a median age of 3 months, while completion of palatoplasty was done at a median age of 10.5 months. Measurements taken upon completion of palatoplasty showed significant cleft width reduction in the mid-palate and intertubercle regions; however, the palatal arch distances at nearby landmarks showed non-significant marginal changes.

Conclusions Anterior palate repair using a vomerine flap significantly reduced the remaining cleft width, while the palatal width remained. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of this technique in wide cleft patients in terms of facial growth.
A simple clinical assessment of breast animation deformity following direct-to-implant breast reconstruction
Authors: Dyrberg Diana Lydia , Gunnarsson Gudjon Leifur , Bille Camilla , Sørensen Jens Ahm , Thomsen Jørn Bo
Published: November 2019

Background A high incidence of breast animation deformity (BAD) has been reported following immediate breast reconstruction with subpectorally placed implants. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the incidence of BAD in women who underwent either subpectoral or prepectoral immediate breast reconstruction. Therefore, we developed a grading tool and tested its reproducibility in a clinical setting.

Methods Video recordings of 37 women who had undergone unilateral or bilateral immediate breast reconstruction were evaluated by two consultant plastic surgeons. The degree of BAD was assessed by our grading tool, named the Nipple, Surrounding Skin, Entire Breast (NSE) grading scale, which evaluates the degree of tissue distortion in three areas of the breast. Blinded assessments were performed twice by each observer.

Results Eighteen patients were reconstructed with subpectoral implant placement and 19 with prepectoral implant placement. Using the NSE grading scale, we found a significant difference in the degree of BAD between the groups, in favor of patients who underwent prepectoral immediate breast reconstruction (0.2 vs. 4, P=0.000). Inter- and intraobserver agreement was moderate (74%) to strong (88%).

Conclusions The incidence and severity of BAD was significantly lower in women reconstructed with a prepectorally placed implant than in those who underwent subpectoral immediate breast reconstruction. All patients reconstructed using the subpectoral technique had some degree of BAD. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were high when using the NSE grading scale, suggesting it is an easy-to-use, reproducible scale for assessing BAD in women who undergo immediate breast reconstruction.
Preparation of harvested skin using the Versajet Hydrosurgery System in full-thickness skin grafts
Authors: Choi Seo Gil , Shin Hyun Woo , Yoon Kun Chul
Published: November 2019

During a full-thickness skin graft procedure, the thickness of the harvested donor skin is adjusted based on the location of the recipient site and the judgment of the surgeon. Conventionally, the thickness of the harvested skin is roughly adjusted using surgical instruments such as scalpels and scissors. However, this method is not only time-consuming, but also requires effort to obtain both the desired thickness of the harvested skin and a smooth surface of that skin. Moreover, there is a possibility of skin perforation. Hence, the authors devised a method of adjusting harvested skin thickness using the Versajet Hydrosurgery System. The Versajet device is a handheld hydrosurgical tool that delivers a high-speed jet stream of saline solution, which enables the precise debridement of tissue. This method makes it easier and faster for the surgeon to obtain the desired thickness of harvested skin. In addition, by obtaining a smooth surface and an even thickness of harvested donor skin, this technique may lead to improved graft viability.
Dissenting Voices: When Paratexts Clash With Texts. Paratextual Intervention in Persian Translations of Texts Relating to the Iran-Iraq War
Authors: Yalsharzeh Reza , Barati Hossein , Hesabi Akbar
Published: November 2019

This study uses narrative theory and the concept of narrative framing, as elaborated by Somers and Gibson (1994) and Baker (2006), to study the paratextual mediation and discursive presence of different agents in Persian translations of political texts written by Western authors about the Iran-Iraq war. By exploring the narratives dominant in the paratexts, and more specifically in the prefaces and footnotes of Persian translations, this paper examines how these have played a crucial role in reframing the narratives of Western authors through paratextual material. To this end, the narratives in the paratexts have been analyzed using four framing techniques elaborated by Somers and Gibson (1994) and Baker (2006), which are framing by temporality/spatiality, selective appropriation, labeling and participant positioning. The analysis of paratextual material shows that, apart from their introductory and explanatory functions, paratexts can be viewed as a kind of metadiscourse on the actual translations. The paper concludes that paratexts in the Persian translations are used in political and ideological ways to guide target language readers and to express the appropriate interpretations, or deemed appropriate, by the various institutional participants involved in the translation process in Iran.
Entrevista a Jesús Bosch
Authors: Melenchón Maldonado Javier
Published: November 2019

Jesús Bosch es el director general de la empresa Plunge Interactive, dedicada principalmente a la creación de juegos para plataformas móviles. En esta entrevista nos cuenta como ha desarrollado dicha empresa, cuales han sido las dificultades en todo el proceso y cuales han sido los éxitos.
loveANDfriend.net, creando un anuncio con Premiere
Authors: Otero Verdaguer David
Published: November 2019

Realización de la práctica final para la asignatura de vídeo. En ella se nos solicitaba la creación de un anuncio publicitario con Adobe Premiere sobre un producto inexistente en el mercado. La duración del vídeo no puede ser mayor a 20/30 segundos y se valora especialmente la creatividad y originalidad.
Myofibril diameter is set by a finely tuned mechanism of protein oligomerization in Drosophila
Authors: González-Morales Nicanor , Xiao Yu Shu , Schilling Matthew Aaron , Marescal Océane , Liao Kuo An , Schöck Frieder
Published: November 2019

Myofibrils are huge cytoskeletal assemblies embedded in the cytosol of muscle cells. They consist of arrays of sarcomeres, the smallest contractile unit of muscles. Within a muscle type, myofibril diameter is highly invariant and contributes to its physiological properties, yet little is known about the underlying mechanisms setting myofibril diameter. Here we show that the PDZ and LIM domain protein Zasp, a structural component of Z-discs, mediates Z-disc and thereby myofibril growth through protein oligomerization. Oligomerization is induced by an interaction of its ZM domain with LIM domains. Oligomerization is terminated upon upregulation of shorter Zasp isoforms which lack LIM domains at later developmental stages. The balance between these two isoforms, which we call growing and blocking isoforms sets the stereotyped diameter of myofibrils. If blocking isoforms dominate, myofibrils become smaller. If growing isoforms dominate, myofibrils and Z-discs enlarge, eventually resulting in large pathological aggregates that disrupt muscle function.
A projection specific logic to sampling visual inputs in mouse superior colliculus
Authors: Reinhard Katja , Li Chen , Do Quan , Burke Emily G , Heynderickx Steven , Farrow Karl
Published: November 2019

Using sensory information to trigger different behaviors relies on circuits that pass through brain regions. The rules by which parallel inputs are routed to downstream targets are poorly understood. The superior colliculus mediates a set of innate behaviors, receiving input from >30 retinal ganglion cell types and projecting to behaviorally important targets including the pulvinar and parabigeminal nucleus. Combining transsynaptic circuit tracing with in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, we observed a projection-specific logic where each collicular output pathway sampled a distinct set of retinal inputs. Neurons projecting to the pulvinar or the parabigeminal nucleus showed strongly biased sampling from four cell types each, while six others innervated both pathways. The visual response properties of retinal ganglion cells correlated well with those of their disynaptic targets. These findings open the possibility that projection-specific sampling of retinal inputs forms a basis for the selective triggering of behaviors by the superior colliculus.
A adesão de Portugal às Comunidades Europeias e as relações comerciais com os países terceiros
Authors: Cunha Luís Pedro
Published: November 2019

Podemos encarar a política comercial portuguesa de 1948 a 1986 como tendo sido, institucionalmente, a face visível de um longo processo de internacionalização da nossa economia (neste sentido, SILVA, 1989: 87). Mesmo que tal processo de internacionalização se tenha, por fim, revelado funcionalmente como processo de transição para a entrada nas Comunidades Europeias (CEE) (MACEDO e outros, 1988: 29).
As preferências dos jovens para o ingresso no ensino superior
Authors: Lacerda Armando , Ferreira Graça
Published: November 2019

Desde 1967, data em que S. Ex.ª Rev.ª o Cardeal Cerejeira benze solenemente e coloca a primeira pedra da actual sede da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, que o crescimento em qualidade académica, em instalações que viabilizam os seus projectos e em novos Centros no território nacional se apresenta como um grande desafio. A expansão da Universidade Católica no território nacional passa pela elaboração de um plano de médio a longo prazo, estando presentemente a iniciar a sua actividade em Leiria e na Figueira da Foz. Passa, igualmente, pelo desenvolvimento dos Centros já em funcionamento, com novos cursos em Lisboa, Porto, Braga e Viseu.
Recursos humanos: custo ou investimento?
Authors: Coimbra Hugo
Published: November 2019

Os recursos humanos constituem indubitavelmente o centro fulcral das organizações. Esta ideia é deveras reforçada no caso das P.M.E.(s). Sem dúvida o bom funcionamento duma empresa depende em última instância da forma como as pessoas são capazes de responder, no sentido da prossecução dos objectivos fixados. As P.M.E.(s) constituem inequivocamente o grosso da coluna do nosso tecido empresarial e esta afirmação tem especial cabimento se focalizarmos a análise numa perspectiva regional.
Achegas para a história do ensino secundário particular (1949-1974)
Authors: Martinho António Manuel Matoso
Published: November 2019

Com o advento do Estado Novo (1926) vão processar-se extensas reformas nos diferentes sectores da educação e, entre eles, no do ensino secundário particular. A publicação, em 1931, do Estatuto do Ensino Particular veio conferir uma maior dignidade ao ensino particular, identificando-o com o ensino estatal na cooperação manifestada à família, a quem, fundamentalmente, pertence a educação. O Estado favorecia as escolas particulares que podiam ser subsidiadas para efeitos de concessão de diplomas. A criação de estabelecimentos de ensino particular era livre embora o seu ensino se encontrasse sujeito à inspecção do Estado. Os planos de estudo e os horários semanais podiam diferir dos do ensino oficial e, embora o ensino particular se regulasse pelos princípios da moral cristã que também informava o ensino oficial, este era independente de qualquer culto.
A competitividade de Portugal na educação e na ciência
Authors: Formosinho Sebastião J.
Published: November 2019

Encontramo-nos hoje numa sociedade profundamente transformada, em que a velocidade de mudança é cada vez maior. O mundo está atravessado por correntes de ideias e aspirações que se trespassam, misturam e fecundam. Três ou quatro indicadores bastam para ilustrar esta asserção: 18 milhões de desempregados na União Europeia, 1,3 milhões de casos declarados de SIDA através do mundo, 50 milhões de utilizadores da Internet, o equivalente a 2 000 milhões de dólares são negociados em títulos, diariamente, a nível mundial.