bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Fresh Ear Yield And Quality Performance In Super Sweet Corn
Authors: ÖZATA Erkan
Published: March 2020

Aim of this study is determine to fresh ear yield and quality characters of sweet corn varieties which Vega, Challenger, Sentinel, HYRIX 39, and HYRIX 53 in two location in Turkey. The research was conducted on randomised blocks design  with four replication in Bafra and Tekkekoy location. The experiment was caried out evaluate the yield and quality performance of some sweet corn genotypes as well as demonstrate unfamiliar supersweet corn concept in Turkey. In the research were obserwed some yield component and quality characters such as flowering time, plant length, first cob length, grain yield, cob diameter, cob length, number of rows in the cob, amount of grains in row, number of marketable cobs per plant, wet cob harvest time, wet cob yield, grain cob ratio, grain moisture, dry grain yield. It was found that sweet corn genotype are significantly different in terms of yield and quality characteristics. The highest wet cob yield was 24.238 t ha-1 in Hybrix 39 super sweet.  Super sweet corn has an important potential in sweet corn cultivation due to high yield of dry grains and its high maintenance rate of sugar raito in the long term after harvesting. Statistical analysis showed that the effect of genotype and the environment, as well as their interactions,  had a significant impact on the yield of sweet corn hybrids. The presented results have demonstrated the poerformance of some sweet corn in Turkey. This work is intended to inspire similar studies using other sweet corn varieties and also to encourage the wide-scale production sweet corn in Turkey.
In Silico Prediction of Cell Wall Remodeling Genes in Tomato, Banana, Melon and Grape
Authors: SAMSULRİZAL Nurul Hidayah , YUSOF Nik Yusnoraini
Published: March 2020

Ripening is a complex developmental process and involves many events such as textural and constitutional changes. The texture of fleshy fruits is one of the major criteria for consumer choice. However, the molecular determinants of ripening- associated changes in texture or “softening” are relatively poorly understood and seem to involve a large number of cell wall remodelling factors. The recent completion of the tomato genome sequence has revealed more than 50 cell wall structure-related genes that are expressed during fruit development and ripening and may impact texture changes in this fruit. The aim of the project is to compare, on a genome-wide scale, ripening-related gene expression in a range of fleshy fruits and especially those linked with cell wall remodelling. Then by identifying orthologous genes in different fruit species to make predictions about those genes likely to important for the softening process in all fleshy fruits. Comparative genomics analysis of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), banana (Musa acuminate), melon (Cucumis melo) and grape (Vitis vinifera), has been undertaken using Inparanoid, Multiparanoid and BLAST2GO software. This analysis showed that a total of 8,982 (25.86%) gene models could be identified in common between all four genomes based on comparison of amino acid sequences. Of these genes, 262 in tomato, 252 in grape, 261 in melon, and 198 in banana were identified as encoding cell wall structure-related proteins. However, comparison of the expression patterns of these genes revealed that most were expressed in tissues other than ripening fruits, and of the fruit expressed genes only a small number were common between different fruit species. This in silico analysis should provide additional clues as a target for manipulation of fruit softening in a range of fleshy fruit species. These also provide new opportunities to develop varieties of tomatoes that can survive the trip from the farm to the grocery store whilst maintaining excellent flavour and shelf-life.
Isolation of bacteria from Tuz Gölü lake that can grow on high salt concentration
Authors: TEE Jyng Sheng , KAYA Yilmaz , HUYOP Fahrul Zaman
Published: March 2020

Today, extremophile is widely studied by the scientist
due to its strong survival features that allow them to survive under extreme
environment. Halophile is one example that inhabit high salt concentration
environment. Isolation of bacteria from the area of Tuz Gölü lake, also known
as hypersaline lake in the central plateau of Turkey, led to the isolation of 4
halotolerant bacteria, which were able to grow optimally in media with 0–10% of
salt. Surprisingly, the strain A-4 isolate was successfully isolated from the
Tuz Gölü lake water on the minimal media that consists of 2,2-dichloropropionic
acid as a carbon source. This indicated that the strain A-4 was very useful in
the environmental remediation due to its capability to break down 2,2-DCP, a halocarboxylic found in herbicide.  Further analysis such as biochemical tests
and 16srRNA sequence analysis were necessary to
further identify the species of the bacteria in the next experiment.
Analysis of WRKY Transcription Factors in Barley Cultivars Infected with Fusarium culmorum
Authors: ULUHAN Ebru , KELEŞ Esra Nur , TUFAN Feyza
Published: March 2020

One of the most critical problems of cereal breeding
is Fusarium crown rot disease caused
by various Fusarium species. Fusarium culmorum is one of the
predominant pathogen in Turkey and causes serious product losses. In this
study, the early response of barley cultivars upon F. culmorum infection were analyzed by disease severity and gene
expression patterns of WRKY transcription factors. In that context, firstly,
disease severities of 9 barley cultivars (Hordeum
vulgare L. cvs. Epona, Escadre, Gazda, Oliver, Avcı 2002, Burakbey, Tarm
92, Manava, and Ramata) infected with F.
culmorum were determined with disease index percentages. After 7 days of
infection, Epona was more sensitive than the other cultivars while the lowest
disease index was seen in Gazda. Total RNA extractions were performed at 72 hai
from the root tissues of Epona and Gazda. Expression analysis of HvWRKY6, HvWRKY9, HvWRKY24, HvWRKY25, HvWRKY33, HvWRKY34, HvWRKY42, and HvWRKY46 genes were
conducted by qPCR. As a result of pathogen stress, it was observed that the
transcript levels of HvWRKY33 was
significantly upregulated in both cultivars. HvWRKY6, HvWRKY34 and HvWRKY46 genes were increased in Epona
while upregulation of HvWRKY25 and HvWRKY34 genes were detected in Gazda.
No significant decreases were detected in any cultivars. This study is
important in terms of providing an association between WRKY genes and pathogen stress response.
Alpha S1-Casein Gene Polymorphısm in Nigerian Balami Sheep Breed Indigenous to Mubi
Authors: SUDİ İsmaila Yada , SHUAİBU Mohammed , TİZHE Malachi Albert
Published: March 2020

The study was conducted on five Balami sheep breed to determine
and characterize the alpha S1 casein gene. Five blood samples were collected
from each animal intravenously using sterile needle and syringe. The blood
samples were placed in labelled tubes containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic
acid (EDTA). The blood samples were transported in on ice cold chain container
to the laboratory for analysis. Quick-DNA Miniprep TM kit used for
DNA extraction and amplified using forward and reverse primers (CSN1S1F 5’-ACCCCTCAGGTACCCTAAGAAA-3’
and CSN1S1R 5’-GTTTATCCCCCACACTGCATTC-3’). The gene was sequenced and blasted against the NCBI
database. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis was performed to ascertain
the variations. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis within
and with the reference sequence was conducted online bioinformatics tools.
Result from the analysis reveals that, the extracted DNA were found on
chromosome 6, intron 16 and exon 17. The Balami breeds of sheep showed total
number of polymorphic and monomorphic site of 68 and 600 respectively, and
percentage of polymorphism of 10.18%. The Balami breed showed one amino acid
substitution and genetic variation within breeds. Complete molecular
characterization, genotyping and determination of allele frequency of alpha S1
gene in Balami breed of sheep indigenous to Nigeria and its variations is
recommended for further research.
Salvia officinalis L. Etanol Ekstraktının Antikolinerjik ve Antioksidan Aktivitesi ve LC-MS/MS Analizi
Authors: IŞIK Mesut
Published: March 2020

Tıbbi bitkiler, yeni ilaç gelişiminde kullanılabilecek önemli fenolik ve flavonoid bileşikleri içerdiklerinden dolayı birçok biyolojik aktiviteye sahiptir. Bu yüzden bitkilerin fenolik içeriğinin biyoaktivitelere katkısının bilinmesi önem arzetmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Salvia officinalis L. etanol (SOLE) ekstresinin fenolik içeriği LC-MS/MS ile belirlendi. Bu ektrenin in vitro olarak, antikolinerjik ve antioksidan (metal indirgeme, radikal ve lipit peroksidasyon giderme) aktiviteleri materyal metotta belirtilen yöntemlerle belirlendi. The SOLE ektresi AChE enzimi üzerine (IC50: 0.136 mg / ml) inhibisyon etkisi göstermiştir. Dahası, bu bitki ektresi % 17 oranında DPPH radikal giderme aktivitesi gösterirken, % 22 oranında ABTS radikal giderme aktivitesi göstermiştir. The SOLE (10 μg/mL) ektresi lineloik asit oksidasyonunu % 24 inhibe etmiştir. Bu çıktılar oksidatif strese karşı bu bitkinin antioksidan savunma sistemlerine katkıda bulunduğunu göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, asetilkolinesteraz inhibitör etkisi ve antioksidan aktiviteleri nedeniyle önemli biyoaktiviteye sahip olan bu tıbbi bitki ateroskleroz, Alzheimer gibi birçok hastalıkların tedavisinde kullanılabilir.
High-resolution Transmission Spectra of Earth Through Geological Time
Authors: Kaltenegger Lisa , Lin Zifan , Madden Jack
Published: March 2020

The next generation of ground- and space-based telescopes will be able to observe rocky Earth-like planets in the near future, transiting their host star. We explore how the transmission spectrum of Earth changed through its geological history. These transmission spectra provide a template for how to characterize an Earth-like exoplanet—from a young prebiotic world to a modern Earth. They also allow us to explore at what point in its evolution a distant observer could identify life on our Pale Blue Dots and other worlds like it. We chose atmosphere models representative of five geological epochs of Earth’s history, corresponding to a prebiotic high CO2-world 3.9 billion years ago (Ga), an anoxic world around 3.5 Ga, and 3 epochs through the rise of oxygen from 0.2% to present atmospheric levels of 21%. Our transmission spectra show atmospheric spectral features, which would show a remote observer that Earth had a biosphere since about 2 billion years ago. The high-resolution transmission spectral database of Earth through geological time from the VIS to the IR is available online and can be used as a tool to optimize our observation strategy, train retrieval methods, and interpret upcoming observations with the James Webb Space Telescope, the Extremely Large Telescopes, and future mission concepts like Origins, HabEx, and LUOVIR.
A organização das redes de pesquisa e da produção científica do laboratório central de nanotecnologia da UFPR
Authors: Ferreira Pinto Jose Henrique , Invernizzi Noella
Published: March 2020

O desenvolvimento das Nanociências e Nanotecnologias no Brasil foi direcionado pela percepção de sua importância econômica no futuro. No Brasil, em virtude dos desafios de novas fronteiras da ciência, em 2012, foi criado o Sistema Nacional de Nanotecnologia – (SisNANO). Este trabalho analisa o impacto da política do SisNANO na Universidade Federal do Paraná, através da emergência de uma nova organização de rede e cooperação no Laboratório Central de Nanotecnologia da UFPR, unidade executora desta política, e a influência na sua produção científica. As análises foram realizadas utilizando-se abordagem com técnicas de mineração de textos com o Software R com a aplicação do modelo de tópicos. Da amostra da produção científica selecionada, parte-se da análise de palavras, tokens, n-grams com o estudo da frequência e correlação para determinar a emergência de tópicos em nanotecnologia que possam ter sido influenciados pelo LCNano em decorrência da política do SisNANO.
Du vent et de l’eau : les contraintes environnementales au temps de la voile
Authors: Chaline Olivier , Harding Richard
Published: March 2020

Naviguer au temps de la voile, c’est d’abord tâcher d’utiliser au mieux les vents et les courants en les subissant le moins possible. Dans des eaux aussi difficiles que celles anglaises de la Manche et de la mer du Nord, la tâche est ardue et requiert de grandes compétences. Souvent négligées par les historiens plus prompts à voir les routes commerciales et les opérations militaires, ces contraintes environnementales sont pourtant les données fondamentales.
Hydrographie : lever les plans et cartographier les eaux britanniques
Authors: Barritt Michael , Chaline Olivier
Published: March 2020

L’environnement maritime difficile des Îles Britanniques a stimulé l’activité hydrographique tout au long de l’ère de la voile. Une grande partie de ce travail a été menée par des praticiens civils jusqu’à l’avènement d’une spécialisation navale au xix e  siècle. Sous la direction de l’amiral Beaufort, le premier relevé coordonné et intensif des eaux britanniques a commencé. Les avancées technologiques spectaculaires qui ont marqué la fin de la grande époque de la voile ont été de puissants moteurs de développement dans le domaine des levés hydrographiques et de la cartographie.
Les interrogatives partielles dans un corpus de théâtre contemporain
Authors: Lefeuvre Florence
Published: March 2020

Cet article a pour objectif d’examiner les interrogatives issues de pièces contemporaines du CoDiF . Leur typologie est comparée à celle de corpus de dialogues à l’oral spontané ( Eslo2-repas ). Si les interrogatives issues du CoDiF permettent bien d’accéder à des schémas similaires à ceux de l’oral spontané, des différences d’emploi demeurent, dues au discours dramatique qui impose ou privilégie certaines structures. Trois fonctions discursives sont relevées dans l’emploi des interrogatives au théâtre : l’enchaînement des répliques avec le ciblage des informations manquantes (avec les interrogatives in situ s’appuyant sur une assertion précédente), le resserrement du discours (avec les interrogatives averbales), une mise en relief de l’acte d’énonciation interrogatif (avec un suremploi de est-ce que ) ou du contenu des interrogatives (utilisation de la variété des schémas interrogatifs du français).
L’interaction orale du passé : A Corpus of English Dialogues 1560–1760
Authors: Kytö Merja , Walker Terry
Published: March 2020

Cet article décrit une ressource électronique contenant des textes qui représentent le discours oral du passé de l’anglais moderne naissant. La ressource en question est A Corpus of English Dialogues 1560–1760 , un corpus de 1.2 million de mots comprenant cinq genres : les rapports de procès, dépositions de témoins, pièces de théâtre, œuvres didactiques et la prose fictionnelle. Les procès et les dépositions représentent des dialogues authentiques avec l’intervention minimale d’un scripteur et les autres genres constituent des dialogues construits par des auteurs connus ou anonymes. Nous décrivons les propriétés des genres inclus dans ce corpus et les illustrons en commentant des extraits tirés du corpus. Après avoir présenté les recherches effectuées jusqu’à présent sur la base de ce matériel, nous concluons en décrivant les différentes versions du corpus disponibles pour les utilisateurs.
Donner la parole aux interrogés : une étude de l’oral représenté dans les comptes rendus de procès médiévaux aux XIV e et XV e siècles
Authors: Dourdy Laura-Maï , Spacagno Michela
Published: March 2020

Cet article explore les spécifiques linguistiques de l’oral représenté dans le compte rendu de procès médiéval, un genre qui entretient un rapport privilégié avec l’oralité – puisqu’il s’agit de retranscriptions d’interrogatoires – mais qui a rarement attiré l’attention des linguistes diachroniciens. Dans une première partie de cette étude menée sur quatre textes, nous analysons les caractéristiques linguistiques propres à l’écriture formulaire de ce genre et les stratégies discursives mises en œuvre par le scribe/greffier pour adapter à l’écrit la langue orale conformément au code de réécriture juridique. Dans la seconde partie, nous présentons quelques marques linguistiques qui présentent différents degrés d’oralité et semblent échapper au carcan formel. Nous penchons sur des exemples concrets – de structures et de mots – qui pourraient trouver leur source dans la langue parlée.
Le verbe c’est
Authors: Berrendonner Alain , Béguelin Marie-José
Published: March 2020

Cette étude porte sur les phrases du type C’est lui le méchant  | C’est Paris la ville la plus chère du pays . Elle montre que le verbe c’est y a les propriétés morpho-syntaxiques d’un verbe impersonnel, que la construction ‹ c’est SN 1 SN 2 › est une diathèse asubjectale de la copule être et que le morphème ce y fonctionne comme un opérateur de restructuration de la valence, appliqué sur celle-ci. La construction résultante reçoit une interprétation spécificationnelle et s’emploie notamment en suppléance de la construction attributive canonique lorsque celle-ci devrait avoir le focus sur le sujet. Les phrases clivées contiennent le même verbe impersonnel c’est , mais employé dans une autre construction.
L’évolution des locutions conjonctives en français : l’opposition que / ce que
Authors: Combettes Bernard
Published: March 2020

Le but de cet article est d’analyser, d’un point de vue diachronique, l’alternance que / ce que dans la formation des locutions conjonctives. On examinera plus particulièrement le cas des locutions temporelles, en insistant sur la nécessité de prendre en compte l’origine des deux constructions : corrélations de type ‹comparatif› dans le cas des expressions en que , structures relatives dans le cas de ce que . Cette différence permet d’expliquer que les locutions en que fonctionnent comme le tour non marqué dans l’opposition, dans la mesure où elles peuvent se rencontrer dans tous les types de contextes, tandis que les formes en ce que n’apparaissent que dans des contextes non actualisants.
Pneumonia Observational Incidence and Treatment: A Multidisciplinary Process Improvement Study
Authors: Brożek Jan , McDonald Ellen , Clarke France , Gosse Carolyn , Jaeschke Roman , Cook Deborah
Published: March 2020

Background Little information is available on the types, causes, and treatment of pneumonia in intensive care unit patients in usual clinical practice.

Objective To characterize treatment of patients with presumed pneumonia in a tertiary care intensive care unit and to identify potential areas for improvement in care.

Methods In a prospective, cohort study, the sample consisted of all consecutive patients treated in an intensive care unit during a 3-month period. For patients with presumed pneumonia, data were collected on incidence of pneumonia, diagnostic investigations, microbial isolates, and antibiotics prescribed.

Results Of 194 admissions, 73 patients were treated for pneumonia: 47 had community-acquired pneumonia; 12 had hospital-acquired pneumonia; 12 had ventilator-associated pneumonia, both early (7) and late (5); and 2 had intensive care unit–acquired pneumonia. Approximately 71% of patients had microbiological tests performed. Among 54 microbial isolates, 51.9% were gram-positive bacteria, 31.5% were gram-negative bacteria, and 9.3% were Candida species. The most commonly used antimicrobials were quinolones (54 of 192 prescriptions) and cephalosporins (33); each patient received a median of 3 antibiotics.

Conclusions Most cases of pneumonia were community acquired. The most common causative organisms were gram-positive cocci. Four quality improvement strategies were rationalization of antibiotic use during rounds, nurses’ reporting of culture results, review of antibiotic appropriateness by a pharmacist, and redesign of the clinical information system.
Improving Survival After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: The Australian Experience
Authors: Peters Robyn , Boyde Mary
Published: March 2020

Background Survival rates after in-hospital cardiac arrest have not improved markedly despite improvements in technology and resuscitation training.

Objectives To investigate clinical variables that influence return of spontaneous circulation and survival to discharge after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods An Utstein-style resuscitation template was implemented in a 750-bed hospital. Data on 158 events were collected from January 2004 through November 2004. Significant variables were analyzed by using a multiple logistic regression model.

Results Of the 158 events, 128 were confirmed cardiac arrests. Return of spontaneous circulation occurred in 69 cases (54%), and the patient survived to discharge in 41 (32%). An initial shockable rhythm was present in 42 cases (33%), with a return of spontaneous circulation in 32 (76%) and survival to discharge in 24 (57%). An initial nonshockable rhythm was present in the remaining 86 cases (67%), with a return of spontaneous circulation in 37 (43%) and survival to discharge in 17 (20%). Witnessed or monitored arrests (P=.006), time to arrival of the cardiac arrest team (P=.002), afternoon shift (P=.02), and initial shockable rhythm (P=.005) were independently associated with return of spontaneous circulation. Location of patient in a critical care area (P=.002), initial shockable rhythm (P<.001), and length of resuscitation (P=.02) were independently associated with survival to hospital discharge.

Conclusions The high rate of survival to discharge after cardiac arrest is attributed to extensive education and the incorporation of semiautomatic external defibrillators into basic life support management.
Atrial Electrograms After Cardiac Surgery: Survey of Clinical Practice
Authors: Miller Jane N. , Drew Barbara J.
Published: March 2020

Background The American Heart Association 2004 practice standards for electrocardiographic monitoring in hospitals recommend that nurses record an atrial electrogram whenever tachycardia of unknown origin develops in a patient after cardiac surgery. An atrial electrogram can be recorded from atrial epicardial pacemaker wires left in place following surgery. Because surgical practices have changed in recent years (earlier extubation and mobilization, shorter stays), it is unclear whether epicardial wires are still readily available to record an atrial electrogram.

Objective To determine current practices in recording atrial electrograms.

Methods A convenience sample of nurses subscribing to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses electronic newsletter was surveyed.

Results The sample comprised 247 nurses who worked in an intensive or progressive care unit in which patients were treated after cardiac surgery. Respondents were from 41 states and 139 cities. Nearly 90% of respondents had more than 5 years’ nursing experience; 75% had more than 5 years’ experience caring for patients after cardiac surgery. Although 92.1% of respondents reported that atrial epicardial pacing wires were left in place after cardiac surgery, only 10.2% recorded atrial electrograms often, and more than 30% had never recorded one. Analysis of written comments indicated that atrial electrograms are rarely used. Among nurses who had recorded an atrial electrogram, recordings were made about equally with a standard 12-lead electrocardiography machine and a bedside cardiac monitor.

Conclusions Although atrial epicardial pacemaker wires are often available for recording atrial electrograms, few nurses use apical epicardial wires for atrial electrograms to analyze arrhythmias.
Clinical Evaluation of a Flexible Fecal Incontinence Management System
Authors: Padmanabhan Anantha , Stern Mark , Wishin Judith , Mangino Mari , Richey Karen , DeSane Mary ,   on behalf of the Flexi-Seal Clinical Trial Investigators Group
Published: March 2020

Background Management of fecal incontinence is a priority in acute and critical care to reduce risk of perineal dermatitis and transmission of nosocomial infections.

Objective To evaluate the safety of the Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System in hospitalized patients with diarrhea and incontinence.

Methods A prospective, single-arm clinical study with 42 patients from 7 hospitals in the United States was performed. The fecal management system could be used for up to 29 days. The first 11 patients (all from critical care) underwent endoscopic proctoscopy at baseline; 8 of these had endoscopy again after treatment. The remaining 31 patients (from critical or acute care) did not have endoscopy.

Results Rectal mucosa was healthy after use of the device in all patients who had baseline and follow-up endoscopy. Physicians and nurses reported that the system was easy to insert, remove, and dispose of; its use improved management of fecal incontinence; and it was practical, caregiver- and patient-friendly, time-efficient, and efficacious. Skin condition improved or was maintained in more than 92% of patients. Patients’ reports of discomfort, pain, burning, or irritation were uncommon. Adverse events were reported for 11 patients (26%). Death (considered unrelated to study treatment) occurred in 5 patients, 2 patients had generalized skin breakdown, and 1 patient had gastrointestinal bleeding after 4 days of treatment.

Conclusions The fecal management system can be used safely in hospitalized patients with diarrhea and fecal incontinence. Additional well-designed, controlled clinical trials may help to measure clinical and economic outcomes associated with the device.
Symptoms Across the Continuum of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Differences Between Women and Men
Authors: DeVon Holli A. , Ryan Catherine J. , Ochs Amy L. , Shapiro Moshe
Published: March 2020

Background The urgency and level of care provided for acute coronary syndromes partially depends on the symptoms manifested.

Objectives To detect differences between women and men in the type, severity, location, and quality of symptoms across the 3 clinical diagnostic categories of acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina, myocardial infarction without ST-segment elevation, and myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation) while controlling for age, diabetes, functional status, anxiety, and depression.

Methods A convenience sample of 112 women and 144 men admitted through the emergency department and hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes participated. Recruitment took place at 2 urban teaching hospitals in the Midwest. Data were collected during structured interviews in each patient’s hospital room. Forty-eight symptom descriptors were assessed. Demographic characteristics, health history, functional status, anxiety, and depression levels also were measured.

Results Regardless of clinical diagnostic category, women reported significantly more indigestion (β = 0.25; confidence interval [CI] = 0.01–0.49), palpitations (β = 0.31; CI = 0.06–0.56), nausea (β = 0.37; CI = 0.10–0.65), numbness in the hands (β = 0.29; CI = 0.02–0.57), and unusual fatigue (β = 0.60; CI = 0.27–0.93) than men reported. Differences between men and women in dizziness, weakness, and new-onset cough did differ by diagnosis. Reports of chest pain did not differ between men and women.

Conclusions Women with acute coronary syndromes reported a higher intensity of 5 symptoms (but not chest pain) than men reported. Whether differences between the sexes in less typical symptoms are clinically significant remains unclear.
Intensive Care Nurses’ Knowledge of Pressure Ulcers: Development of an Assessment Tool and Effect of an Educational Program
Authors: Tweed Carol , Tweed Mike
Published: March 2020

Background Critically ill patients are at high risk for pressure ulcers. Successful prevention of pressure ulcers requires that caregivers have adequate knowledge of this complication.

Objective To assess intensive care nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcers and the impact of an educational program on knowledge levels.

Methods A knowledge assessment test was developed. A cohort of registered nurses in a tertiary referral hospital in New Zealand had knowledge assessed 3 times: before an educational program, within 2 weeks after the program, and 20 weeks later. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine if attributes such as length of time since qualifying or level of intensive care unit experience were associated with test scores. The content and results of the assessment test were evaluated.

Results Completion of the educational program resulted in improved levels of knowledge. Mean scores on the assessment test were 84% at baseline and 89% following the educational program. The mean baseline score did not differ significantly from the mean 20-week follow-up score of 85%. No association was detected between demographic data and test scores. Content validity and standard setting were verified by using a variety of methods.

Conclusion Levels of knowledge to prevent and manage pressure ulcers were good initially and improved with an educational program, but soon returned to baseline.
Pneumoperitoneum Due to Gastric Perforation After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Case Report
Authors: Hahn CPT Christina D. , Choi LTC Yong U. , Lee LTC Daniel , Frizzi LTC James D.
Published: March 2020

Background Pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be due to mediastinal air tracking into the peritoneal cavity via the diaphragmatic hiatus or to gastric perforation.

Case Report A 79-year-old woman received Advanced Cardiac Life Support measures in the intensive care unit. Chest compressions and endotracheal intubation were performed; a stable cardiac rhythm and perfusion were restored. A chest radiograph after resuscitation revealed pneumoperitoneum without pneumomediastinum. The patient underwent laparotomy; a 6-cm perforation of the posterior gastric wall along the lesser curve was detected and repaired.

Conclusion Gastric perforation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be suspected when chest radiographs obtained after resuscitation show pneumo-peritoneum without pneumomediastinum. Prompt laparotomy allows detection of gastric perforations and decreases the morbidity associated with rupture of a hollow organ. The incidence of gastric perforation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be decreased with early endotracheal intubation, avoidance of esophageal intubation, and expeditious placement of an orogastric tube.
Rescuer’s Position and Energy Consumption, Spinal Kinetics, and Effectiveness of Simulated Cardiac Compression
Authors: Jones Alice Y.M. , Lee Raymond Y.W.
Published: March 2020

Background Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is often performed in compromised conditions and for long periods.

Objective To compare energy expenditure, compression effectiveness, and kinetics of the spine during simulated chest compression with the rescuer in different positions.

Methods A 3-group design with 36 nurses (26 females) and 20 male emergency medical technicians was used. Participants performed chest compressions on a mannequin while kneeling on the floor, standing, or kneeling on the bed at the edge of the mattress (bed mount). Oxygen consumption and effectiveness of chest compression were recorded. Muscle moment and power at the lumbosacral joint were determined by recording motions of the lower limbs and pelvis with an electromagnetic tracking device and measuring ground reaction forces with a force plate.

Results A total of 80% of chest compressions delivered by male rescuers (vs 40% delivered by females) were effective, irrespective of position. Male rescuers consumed less oxygen when delivering chest compressions while standing than while kneeling (P = .03), but effective compression ratio also was lower. In female rescuers, effective compressions correlated positively with oxygen consumption in the standing (r = 0.42, P = .04) and bed-mount (r = 0.53, P = .008) positions. Administering chest compressions while standing involved a larger moment magnitude and required more power than doing so while kneeling.

Conclusion Administering chest compressions while standing demands more power but consumes less oxygen than doing so while kneeling, perhaps because fewer cardiac compressions delivered while standing are effective.
Das Vadanya" To the Multilateral Force: The Societ Union's Role in the Johnson Administration's Decision to Abandon the MLF
Authors: Chang Alexander N.S.
Published: March 2020

The Multilateral Force (MLF) was a proposed nuclear sharing arrangement between the United States and a number of its NATO partners. Proposed in 1958, the MLF was debated until about 1965 or 1966 and was often distinguished by its controversial nature and failure to gain traction. This paper examines documents from the Digital National Security Archive (DNSA), Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS), Record Group 59: General Records of the Department of State, and various secondary sources to evaluate the extent to which the Soviet Union contributed to the MLF’s failure as an initiative. The Force is often treated as a narrow and highly technical policy debate by existing literature. However, examination of these documents highlighted the necessity of viewing the Force as a topic of distinct political import in American-Soviet nuclear negotiations. While technical disputes over the MLF’s constitution was an immediate cause of its demise, U.S. policymakers also faced strategic incentives not to pursue the treaty. In particular, the documents reflect growing belief within the Johnson administration that exiting the agreement could improve broader bilateral relations with the Soviet Union and ensure that the international community could continue to make progress on the creation of a nuclear non-proliferation agreement.
The Effects of Probabilistic Forecasts and Stakes on Electoral Participation in an Exterminal Setting
Authors: McKibbin Mark
Published: March 2020

This study looks at the effect of probabilistic forecasts and policy stakes on vote intention in an experimental setting. This study examined stakes and forecasts through exposing subjects to mock newspaper articles in two experiments: a fictitious mayoral election and the 2018 U.S. Senate race in Arizona. The study found that varying the policy stakes of an election had a significant impact on intention to vote, while varying the probabilistic forecasts did not have a significant effect on intention to vote. In the mayoral experiment, when the mock article said that the candidates disagreed on a major policy (high stakes treatment), subjects were significantly more likely to indicate that they would vote in that election in comparison to the article where subjects were told that the two candidates agreed on that same policy issue (low stakes treatment). In the Arizona experiment, I found that low stakes made subjects significantly less likely to say they would vote in comparison to the control treatment. Both stakes and probability had some effects on candidate favorability and candidate preference in my mayoral experiment. My results lead me to conclude that the media has the potential to influence political participation levels through the way they cover elections.
Harry Potter and the Stigma of Disability: Squibs as Outsiders to the Magical Universe
Authors: Rhodes Megan
Published: March 2020

In the young adult book series Harry Potter, there exists a class of citizens known as Squibs. By all accounts they can be considered a disabled group: they have a ‘disease’ (no magical abilities) that detracts from their overall quality of life and prevents them from operating at a normal level within society. This paper will prove that Squibs are restricted within the fictional world by the institutions of school and government. It will do so by studying Argus Filch and Arabella Figg, two of the most visible Squibs in the series. In this case, the social model of disability and Michel Foucault’s theories about government restrictions on disability will support the idea that Filch and Figg could succeed within the Harry Potter universe if the barriers put in place against the disabled Squibs were removed. In addition, the paper expresses the hope that the fans of Harry Potter will be able to rectify the discriminatory mistakes that the author, J.K. Rowling, has created against Squibs.
Policy and Practice of Disability in Rural Zones of Southern Peru and Coastal Ecuador
Authors: Scolapio Julia
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the sociopolitical realities for individuals with disabilities in rural zones of Ecuador and Peru. Chapter One defines disability within global, national, and local contexts with regards to La Ley Orgánica de Discapacidades of Ecuador and Law No. 29973 of Peru, laws enacted to protect individuals with disabilities in each respective country. Chapter Two describes two case studies based on short term ethnographic fieldwork in 2017 and 2018 among disabled populations in San Migos, Ecuador. These narratives contribute to a general understanding of how access to medical professionals and quality diagnoses are determined by geographic situation, economic ability, and familial situation. This inequitable system contributes to the lack of political support for individuals in rural zones, such as San Migos, Ecuador. Chapter Three focuses on case studies taken in 2018 from Rio Mar, Peru and discusses structural limitations, such as education, familial support, and economic abilities, that make it difficult for individuals with disabilities to claim rights and recognition by the Peruvian government. Chapter Four compares case studies in Ecuador and Peru and makes suggestions for disability practices in each respective country. The situation for people with disabilities in rural areas of ​​Rio Mar, Peru and San Migos, Ecuador is neither equitable nor efficient. We must increase research in this area to improve the system.
Expression of E-cadherin, Ki-67, and p53 in urinary bladder cancer in relation to progression, survival, and recurrence
Authors: Ziaran Stanislav , Harsanyi Stefan , Bevizova Katarina , Varchulova Novakova Zuzana , Trebaticky Branislav , Bujdak Peter , Galbavy Stefan , Danisovic Lubos
Published: March 2020

Although the incidence varies with age and gender, urothelial bladder cancer is a relatively frequently occurring malignancy with variable clinical behavior that often has high recurrence rates. In this study, we analyzed the tumor tissues of 224 patients with pTa, pT1, and pT2 urinary bladder cancer. We performed a histomorphologic analysis and immunohistochemistry for p53, Ki-67, and E-cadherin, which were selected as markers of the malignant process. For pTa and pT1, univariate analyses of cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test and Cox regression. Multivariate analysis was performed by a Cox regression analysis. Ki-67 (P<0.001) was significantly associated with CSS, but the highest association was shown for E-cadherin (P<0.001). For pT1 and pTa, the Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test revealed significantly worse PFS for patients with higher levels of Ki-67 (P<0.001) and lower levels of E-cadherin (P<0.001). Based on these obtained results, it can be clearly stated that Ki-67 and E-cadherin expression levels are associated with CSS, PFS and RFS. The clinical utility of these markers is valuable for pTa and pT1 urinary bladder cancer and should be further verified with prospective multi-center trials.
Neurohypophyseal hormones and skeletal muscle: a tale of two faces
Authors: Benoni Alexandra , Renzini Alessandra , Cavioli Giorgia , Adamo Sergio
Published: March 2020

The neurohypophyseal hormones vasopressin and oxytocin were invested, in recent years, with novel functions upon striated muscle, regulating its differentiation, trophism, and homeostasis. Recent studies highlight that these hormones not only target skeletal muscle but represent novel myokines. We discuss the possibility of exploiting the muscle hypertrophying activity of oxytocin to revert muscle atrophy, including cancer cachexia muscle wasting. Furthermore, the role of oxytocin in cardiac homeostasis and the possible role of cardiac atrophy as a concause of death in cachectic patients is discussed.
THE NATURE OF SUPERCONDUCTING FLUCTUATIONS AND NEW ASPECTS IN HIGH Tc SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: Lascialfari Alessandro , Rigamonti Attilio
Published: March 2020

After a brief introduction to thermodynamical superconducting fluctuations, some experimental results in different systems are presented. Superconducting fluctuations were predicted and revealed in nanoparticles of conventional superconductors since late 60s. However, just in the last two decades phenomena related to an anomalous diamagnetism have been discovered in high-Tc underdoped compounds, mainly by collecting the isothermal magnetization curves above the critical temperature Tc. These experimental data can be interpreted in terms of fluctuations of the phase of the order parameter and a related theoretical model can explain the results in cuprates, pnictides and Fe-based materials. Such results, here presented together with preliminary data on a Ca-based high-Tc system, allow one to extract a fundamental parameter, the upturn magnetic field above which the diamagnetic magnetization initiates to decrease on increasing the field. Its temperature dependence distinguishes among diamagnetic effects related to superconducting phase fluctuations and to analogous effects due to chemical inhomogenities.
TRASPORTO DI CALORE ATTRAVERSO UNâ€™INTERFACCIA: UN PROBLEMA CLASSICO RIVISITATO IN CHIAVE MODERNA
Authors: Colombo Luciano
Published: March 2020

I describe a set of computational experiments using molecular dynamics simulations, showing that the interface between two solid materials can be described as an autonomous thermodynamical system. By making use of the Gibbs description for such an interface, I discuss a robust nonequilibrium thermodynamics theoretical framework providing information about its corresponding thermal boundary resistance. In particular, I show that the termal resistance of a junction between two pure solid materials can be regarded as an interface property, depending solely on the interface temperature.
LA RIVOLUZIONE DELLA CRIO-MICROSCOPIA ELETTRONICA NELLO STUDIO STRUTTURALE DI PROTEINE E ACIDI NUCLEICI
Authors: Bolognesi Martino
Published: March 2020

Observing the fine details of molecular structures (e.g. in proteins and in nucleic acids) has been a central part of Structural Biology over the past 50 years. The recent advent of single particle cryo-electron microscopy brought a revolution in this field, that previously relied on X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance. It is now possible to explore the structures of large subcellular assemblies, such as the ribosome, resolving details on the scale of amino acids and nucleotides, in favorable cases reaching the 2 Ã… resolution level.
A bibliometric analysis of the international medical literature on predatory publishing
Authors: Beshyah Anas , Basher Momna , Beshyah Salem
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Predatory journals threaten the quality, honesty, and credibility of published scholarly work. This study aimed to provide a quantitative overview of the issues of predatory publishing and journals in international literature. Materials and Methods: We searched the Scopus database for “predatory journalism and publishing” in the abstract, keywords, and title between 2012 and 2018. The Scopus tools were used online for calculations, and VOSviewer was used to construct the visualization maps. Documents were analyzed for bibliographic and citation characteristics such as publication years, languages, countries or regions, journals, articles, and authors. Results: Four hundred and eleven articles were retrieved; 31.3% were “open access;” 46.0% were original research articles. Medical journals were of varying impact. Authors from the USA and affiliated institutions were the most dominant. One author has a clearly evident dedication to the subject being the first to coin the term “predatory” journals. Visualization maps showed sparse associations between most prolific authors, journals, and institutions. Conclusions: This study is the first bibliometric analysis of the threat of predatory journalism to medical research. Increasing anxiety is evident with an uncoordinated strive to fight it. The study represents a starting point to identify and quantify the gaps in the field. It should help pinpoint possible directions and potential collaborations for future action.
A rare encounter in nonsuspecting circumstances: First congenital visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in Libya
Authors: Elarabi Amal , Saad Zinab , Saadawi Walid , Aldobea Nadia , Sagher Fauzi
Published: March 2020

Congenital transmission of Leishmaniasis is very rare. It occurs through blood exchange from the mother to the child during pregnancy or delivery. We report the first confirmed congenital leishmaniasis in a 4-month-old Libyan boy with prolonged jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. This was a congenital transmission from his mother who was asymptomatic and not known to have leishmaniasis, which was confirmed after the diagnosis of the infant. Despite treatment, the infant died. The diagnostic approach is illustrated by the case report. Poor obstetric history in the mother may be related to her own undiagnosed kala azar.
Memecylon afroschismaticum sp. nov. (Melastomataceae–Olisbeoideae) endemic to the East African Rift region of Rwanda, Burundi and western Tanzania
Authors: Stone Robert Douglas
Published: March 2020

Background – A new species of Memecylon (Melastomataceae–Olisbeoideae) from Rwanda, Burundi and western Tanzania is described in connection with preparing the family treatment for the Flore d’Afrique centrale. Methods – Standard herbarium practices were applied.Key results – Memecylon afroschismaticum R.D.Stone is described and illustrated. This new species is remarkable for being endemic to forests of the East African Rift region avoided by all but a few other species of African Memecylon. A close relationship with M. flavovirens Baker (type of M. sect. Obtusifolia Engl.) is suggested by its corolla being narrowly conical-acute in bud and anther connectives with dorsal oil-gland and acute posterior extremity. However, its elliptic-ovate and distinctly acuminate leaves resemble those of M. myrianthum Gilg (of M. sect. Polyanthema Engl.) and M. verruculosum Brenan (of M. sect. Buxifolia R.D.Stone). The known location in western Tanzania is formally protected within the Mahale Mountains National Park, but the subpopulations in Rwanda and Burundi are unprotected and presumably threatened by high human population density and subsistence agriculture. The estimated area of occupancy is also quite small (12 km2). Memecylon afroschismaticum is thus provisionally assessed as Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii)] in accordance with IUCN criteria.