bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain atrophy and employment in multiple sclerosis patients: a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Jacobsen Cecilie , Zivadinov Robert , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Dalaker Turi O , Dalen Ingvild , Bergsland Niels , Farbu Elisabeth
Published: January 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis is often associated with unemployment. The contribution of grey matter atrophy to unemployment is unclear.

Objectives

To identify magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of grey matter and clinical symptoms associated with unemployment in multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods

Demographic, clinical data and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging scans were collected in 81 patients at the time of inclusion and after 5 and 10 years. Global and tissue-specific volumes were calculated at each time point. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed linear model.

Results

At baseline 31 (38%) of the patients were unemployed, at 5-year follow-up 44 (59%) and at 10-year follow-up 34 (81%) were unemployed. The unemployed patients had significantly lower subcortical deep grey matter volume ( P < 0.001), specifically thalamus, pallidus, putamen and hippocampal volumes, and cortical volume ( P = 0.011); and significantly greater T1 ( P < 0.001)/T2 ( P < 0.001) lesion volume than the employed patient group at baseline. Subcortical deep grey matter volumes, and to a lesser degree cortical volume, were significantly associated with unemployment throughout the follow-up.

Conclusion

We found significantly greater atrophy of subcortical deep grey matter and cortical volume at baseline and during follow-up in the unemployed patient group. Atrophy of subcortical deep grey matter showed a stronger association to unemployment than atrophy of cortical volume during the follow-up.
Incidence and predictors of early seizures in intracerebral haemorrhage and the effect of tranexamic acid
Authors: Law Zhe Kang , England Timothy J , Mistri Amit K , Woodhouse Lisa J , Cala Lesley , Dineen Rob , Ozturk Serefnur , Beridze Maia , Collins Ronan , Bath Philip M , Sprigg Nikola
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Seizures are common after intracerebral haemorrhage. Tranexamic acid increases the risk of seizures in non-intracerebral haemorrhage population but its effect on post-intracerebral haemorrhage seizures is unknown. We explored the risk factors and outcomes of seizures after intracerebral haemorrhage and if tranexamic acid increased the risk of seizures in the Tranexamic acid for IntraCerebral Haemorrhage-2 trial.

Patients and methods

Seizures were reported prospectively up to day 90. Cox regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of seizures within 90 days and early seizures (≤7 days). We explored the effect of early seizures on day 90 outcomes.

Results

Of 2325 patients recruited, 193 (8.3%) had seizures including 163 (84.5%) early seizures and 30 (15.5%) late seizures (>7 days). Younger age (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.98 per year increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–0.99; p = 0.008), lobar haematoma (aHR 5.84, 95%CI 3.58–9.52; p < 0.001), higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (aHR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.06; p = 0.014) and previous stroke (aHR 1.66, 95%CI 1.11–2.47; p = 0.013) were associated with early seizures. Tranexamic acid did not increase the risk of seizure within 90 days. Early seizures were associated with worse modified Rankin Scale (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.79, 95%CI 1.12–2.86, p = 0.015) and increased risk of death (aOR 3.26, 95%CI 1.98–5.39; p < 0.001) at day 90. Discussion and conclusion: Lobar haematoma was the strongest independent predictor of early seizures after intracerebral haemorrhage. Tranexamic acid did not increase the risk of post-intracerebral haemorrhage seizures in the first 90 days. Early seizures resulted in worse functional outcome and increased risk of death.
Proteomic analysis of degradation ubiquitin signaling by ubiquitin occupancy changes responding to 26S proteasome inhibition
Authors: Hristova Ventzislava , Sun Shisheng , Zhang Hui , Chan Daniel W.
Published: January 2020

Background

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification where ubiquitin is covalently attached to lysine residues on substrate proteins to signal their degradation by the 26S proteasome or initiate other non-degradation functions such as cellular trafficking. The diversity of ubiquitin modifications can be attributed to the variable number of ubiquitin molecules attached to a lysine residue (mono- vs. poly-ubiquitin chains), the type of covalent linkages within poly-ubiquitin chains and the number of lysine residues on a substrate that are occupied by ubiquitin at any given time. The integral role ubiquitination plays in cell homeostasis is reflected by the multitude of diseases associated with impaired ubiquitin modification, rendering it the focus of extensive research initiatives and proteomic discovery studies. However, determining the functional role of distinct ubiquitin modifications directly from proteomic data remains challenging and represents a bottleneck in the process of deciphering how ubiquitination at specific substrate sites impacts cell signaling.

Methods

In this study SILAC coupled with LC–MS/MS is used to identify ubiquitinated proteins in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells, with the implementation of a computational approach that measures relative ubiquitin occupancy at distinct modification sites upon 26S proteasome inhibition and uses that data to infer functional significance.

Results

In addition to identifying and quantifying relative ubiquitin occupancy at distinct post-translational modification sites to distinguish degradation from non-degradation signaling, this research led to the discovery of nine ubiquitination sites in the oncoprotein HER2 that have not been previously reported in ovarian cancer. Subsequently the computational approach applied in this study was utilized to infer the functional role of individual HER2 ubiquitin-modified residues.

Conclusions

In summary, the computational method, previously described for glycosylation analysis, was used in this study for the assessment of ubiquitin stoichiometries and applied directly to proteomic data to distinguish degradation from non-degradation ubiquitin functions.
Metabolic engineering of Zymomonas mobilis for anaerobic isobutanol production
Authors: Qiu Mengyue , Shen Wei , Yan Xiongyin , He Qiaoning , Cai Dongbo , Chen Shouwen , Wei Hui , Knoshaug Eric P. , Zhang Min , Himmel Michael E. , Yang Shihui
Published: January 2020

Background

Biofuels and value-added biochemicals derived from renewable biomass via biochemical conversion have attracted considerable attention to meet global sustainable energy and environmental goals. Isobutanol is a four-carbon alcohol with many advantages that make it attractive as a fossil-fuel alternative. Zymomonas mobilis is a highly efficient, anaerobic, ethanologenic bacterium making it a promising industrial platform for use in a biorefinery.

Results

In this study, the effect of isobutanol on Z. mobilis was investigated, and various isobutanol-producing recombinant strains were constructed. The results showed that the Z. mobilis parental strain was able to grow in the presence of isobutanol below 12 g/L while concentrations greater than 16 g/L inhibited cell growth. Integration of the heterologous gene encoding 2-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase such as kdcA from Lactococcus lactis is required for isobutanol production in Z. mobilis. Moreover, isobutanol production increased from nearly zero to 100–150 mg/L in recombinant strains containing the kdcA gene driven by the tetracycline-inducible promoter Ptet. In addition, we determined that overexpression of a heterologous als gene and two native genes (ilvC and ilvD) involved in valine metabolism in a recombinant Z. mobilis strain expressing kdcA can divert pyruvate from ethanol production to isobutanol biosynthesis. This engineering improved isobutanol production to above 1 g/L. Finally, recombinant strains containing both a synthetic operon, als-ilvC-ilvD, driven by Ptet and the kdcA gene driven by the constitutive strong promoter, Pgap, were determined to greatly enhance isobutanol production with a maximum titer about 4.0 g/L. Finally, isobutanol production was negatively affected by aeration with more isobutanol being produced in more poorly aerated flasks.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that overexpression of kdcA in combination with a synthetic heterologous operon, als-ilvC-ilvD, is crucial for diverting pyruvate from ethanol production for enhanced isobutanol biosynthesis. Moreover, this study also provides a strategy for harnessing the valine metabolic pathway for future production of other pyruvate-derived biochemicals in Z. mobilis.
Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy: a case report
Authors: Shah Suhal , Wang Richard , Vieux Ulrick
Published: January 2020

Background

Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare and serious adverse reaction to valproate. Although there is documentation of this reaction in previous reports, very little is still known about the exact mechanism of action. In addition, there are no established guidelines of the next steps needed when a patient does develop this reaction. Therefore, this case report highlights what is known as well as the areas of research still needed.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 57-year-old Caucasian woman with a medical history of bipolar I disorder, opioid use disorder, benzodiazepine use disorder, and Crohn’s disease who was admitted to our behavioral health unit for suicidal ideation. She had been experiencing multiple panic attacks for 2.5 weeks along with poor sleep, increased energy, excessive spending, and feelings of helplessness. The patient was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, manic episode without psychotic features, and benzodiazepine use disorder. She was started on valproic acid, citalopram, propranolol, and quetiapine. By day 6 of her hospitalization, the patient had altered mental status, varying levels of consciousness, confusion, and ataxic gait. Her ammonia levels were found to be elevated. All of her medications were discontinued, and lactulose was initiated. She returned to her baseline mentation within 48 hours and was discharged with lithium and quetiapine. The treatment team concluded that this patient had valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy, a rare but reversible reaction to valproate.

Conclusion

Fortunately, rapid identification of this rare condition led to a favorable outcome in our patient. This case report illustrates the course of treatment in a patient who experienced this reaction and reviews current knowledge as well as areas of needed research in regard to valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy.
Thyrotropin Receptor Transcripts in Human Adipose Tissue
Authors: Crisp Ms , Lane C , Halliwell M , Wynford-Thomas D , Ludgate M
Published: January 2020

Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is generally considered to have an autoimmune pathogenesis but the target antigen has yet to be identified. It is most frequently associated with Graves’ disease and there is some logic in assuming that the same antigen, the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), is the common link. Previous studies, mostly PCR based, aimed at investigating TSHR transcripts in the orbit, have yielded conflicting results, although there is circumstantial evidence for their presence in orbital fat. In this study, we have examined adult human adipose and muscle tissues from various locations, initially by PCR and subsequently by northern blot. We obtained the expected 610bp product in normal intestinal and orbital fat but not skeletal muscle, following two rounds of PCR amplification but only when reverse transcription used a TSHR specific primer. In northern blots, despite loading all of the RNA obtained from total normal orbital fat contents, TSHR transcripts were at the limit of detection and similarly for large samples of intestinal fat. The exception was RNA obtained from TAO orbital fat, in which TSHR transcripts of 4.6 and 1.7kb were clearly visible, as in the thyroid. We conclude that normal adult adipose tissues contain low levels of TSHR transcripts. In TAO, TSHR transcripts are elevated probably due to an increased number of cells, in particular of preadipocytes in orbital adipose tissue.
Italian Universities: Institutional Mandate and Communitarian Engagement
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Birardi Giuseppe , Massaro Alessandro , Galiano Angelo Maurizio
Published: January 2020

To make their mandate more efficient, universities have to either offer services to students either produce innovation and scientific research. From this point of view it is difficult for universities to focus their attention on economic and financial performance. Instead, it is much more relevant for the university to find models of governance that are able to bring together profitability, financial sustainability, and social and communitarian commitment. Universities generate knowledge that can be used to improve the standard of economic and social life in the territorial environment. For these reasons it is important to analyze relations between university and community of reference. We found that italian universities that perform better are associated with communities able to generate individual and social welfare. Better universities have also more active and skilled student populations. Monthly data are considered for the period 2012 and 2017 for 58 italian universities. Data are collected from BES-ISTAT, Almalaurea and Center for World University Rankings-CWUR. The complex database has been realized by using KNIME mixing different sources in an original metric environment. We use panel data approach to estimate the level of italian ranking in CWUR statistics by the usage two different sets of variables: BES-ISTAT and SIOPE. The increasing in the Global International Ranking can be realized either directly by increasing the level of services and products generates, either indirectly improving the spillovers effect of universities in respect to a certain community of reference.
Tumor detection of the thyroid and salivary glands using hyperspectral imaging and deep learning
Authors: Halicek Martin , Dormer James D. , Little James V. , Chen Amy Y. , Fei Baowei
Published: January 2020

The performance of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for tumor detection is investigated in ex-vivo specimens from the thyroid (N = 200) and salivary glands (N = 16) from 82 patients. Tissues were imaged with HSI in broadband reflectance and autofluorescence modes. For comparison, the tissues were imaged with two fluorescent dyes. Additionally, HSI was used to synthesize three-band RGB multiplex images to represent the human-eye response and Gaussian RGBs, which are referred to as HSI-synthesized RGB images. Using histological ground truths, deep learning algorithms were developed for tumor detection. For the classification of thyroid tumors, HSI-synthesized RGB images achieved the best performance with an AUC score of 0.90. In salivary glands, HSI had the best performance with 0.92 AUC score. This study demonstrates that HSI could aid surgeons and pathologists in detecting tumors of the thyroid and salivary glands.
Vascular bifurcation mapping with photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: van der Sanden Boudewijn , Hugon Olivier , Inglebert Mehdi , Jacquin Olivier , Lacot Eric
Published: January 2020

The early detection of microvascular changes in cancer diagnosis is needed in the clinic. A change in the vascular bifurcation density is a biomarker for the sprouting activity. Here, Optical-Resolution PhotoAcoustic Microscopy is used for quantitative vascular bifurcation mapping in 2D after the creation of Virtual Tubes out of Bifurcations. In stacks of OR-PAM images of the hemoglobin distribution, bifurcations become tubes and are selected by the 3D tubeness filter. These fast analyses will be compared to a classical approach and are easier to implement for functional analysis of the vascular bifurcation density in healthy and diseased tissues.
Sub-hundred nanosecond pulse generation from a black phosphorus Q-switched Er-doped fiber laser
Authors: Zhang Chunxiang , Chen Yu , Fan Taojian , Ge Yanqi , Zhao Chujun , Zhang Han , Wen Shuangchun
Published: January 2020

Black phosphorus (BP), a prosperous two-dimensional optoelectronic material, has been deeply developed for various optoelectronics applications. Here, we demonstrate a sub-hundred nanosecond passively Q-switched Er-doped all-fiber laser with BP as the saturable absorber (SA). The BP-SA is fabricated by a controllable optical deposition technique. To achieve the sub-hundred nanosecond Q-switching output, we deliberately enlarge the modulation depth of the BP-SA by suitably increasing the time and laser power of the optical deposition and shortening the laser cavity length with an integrated multifunctional component. A stable Q-switched pulse train was obtained with a pulse duration as narrow as 91 ns, and the Q-switched lasing characteristics based on the BP-SA have also been investigated and discussed. The experimental results indicate that the BP material can be employed as an effective SA for the nanosecond pulse generation.
Control of quantum dot emission by colloidal plasmonic pyramids in a liquid crystal
Authors: Mundoor Haridas , Cruz-Colón Enid M. , Park Sungoh , Liu Qingkun , Smalyukh Ivan I. , van de Lagemaat Jao
Published: January 2020

We study the plasmon-enhanced fluorescence of a single semiconducting quantum dot near the apex of a colloidal gold pyramid spatially localized by the elastic forces of the liquid crystal host. The gold pyramid particles were manipulated within the liquid crystal medium by laser tweezers, enabling the self-assembly of a semiconducting quantum dot dispersed in the medium near the apex of the gold pyramid, allowing us to probe the plasmon-exciton interactions. We demonstrate the effect of plasmon coupling on the fluorescence lifetime and the blinking properties of the quantum dot. Our results demonstrate that topological defects around colloidal particles in liquid crystal combined with laser tweezers provide a platform for plasmon exciton interaction studies and potentially could be extended to the scale of composite materials for nanophotonic applications.
Spectrally pure single photons at telecommunications wavelengths using commercial birefringent optical fiber
Authors: Lugani Jasleen , Francis-Jones Robert J. A. , Boutari Joelle , Walmsley Ian A.
Published: January 2020

We report a bright and tunable source of spectrally pure heralded single photons in the telecom O-Band, based on cross-polarized four wave mixing in a commercial birefringent optical fiber. The source can achieve a purity of 85%, heralding efficiency of 30% and a coincidence-to-accidentals ratio of 108. Furthermore, through the measurements of joint spectral intensities, we find that the fiber is homogeneous over at least 45 centimeters and thus can potentially realize 4 sources that can produce identical quantum states of light. This paves the way for a cost-effective fiber-optic approach to implement multi-photon quantum optics experiments.
Extended cavity quantum cascade laser with cavity resonator integrated grating filter
Authors: Augé S. , Gluchko S. , Fehrembach A. L. , Popov E. , Antoni T. , Pelloquin S. , Arnoult A. , Maisons G. , Monmayrant A. , Gauthier-Lafaye O.
Published: January 2020

We report on an extended cavity quantum cascade laser based on a cavity resonator integrated grating filter (CRIGF) that acts as both cavity end-reflector and spectral selector. Stable, mode-hop free, single-mode emission around 2150 cm−1 is obtained over large injection current ranges (more than 50 mA) with a typical threshold around 290 mA. A digital frequency tuning over more than 65 cm−1 is obtained by changing the periodicity of the CRIGF ending the extended cavity.
Toxicity and anthelmintic efficacy of chitosan encapsulated bromelain against gastrointestinal strongyles in Small East African goats in Kenya
Authors: Wasso Shukuru , Maina Naomi , Kagira John
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim: The development of resistance to anthelmintic drugs has prompted research into alternative methods of controlling intestinal nematodes in ruminants. This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy and toxicity of chitosan encapsulated bromelain in Small East African goats in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: Adult mortality assay was performed using live Haemonchus contortus worms treated with encapsulated bromelain solution ranging from 0.125 mg/ml to 2 mg/ml. Percentage mortality of worms was calculated after 24 h and the lethal concentration 50% (LC50) determined. For the in vivo study, 18 healthy male indigenous goats were divided into six groups of three goats each. The encapsulated bromelain was orally administered in increasing dosages (3-30 mg kg) once daily, for 14 days. The packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, and fecal egg count (FEC) were determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the study, the goats were sacrificed and gross pathology and histopathology of main organs assessed.

Results: Albendazole had the highest (p<0.05) anthelmintic effect on the worms. An LC50 of 0.05 mg/ml, 0.445 mg/ml, and 0.155 mg/ml was observed for albendazole, plain bromelain, and encapsulated bromelain, respectively. The PCV of treated and untreated goats did not show any significant difference (p>0.05), varied from 29.3% to 35.1%, and was within the normal range of the animal. Likewise, no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels of treated and the control (non-treated) goats. No adverse clinical symptoms, toxicity of the main organs, and mortality in goats were associated with the chitosan encapsulated bromelain after administration of dose up to 30 mg/kg for 14 days. Therefore, the lethal dose 50 of encapsulated bromelain may be considered to be >30 mg/kg. On day 28 post-treatment, the encapsulated bromelain showed a higher in vivo FEC reduction (68.8%) as compared to the plain bromelain (32.4%).

Conclusion: Our results show that bromelain encapsulated in chitosan may be safe and effective in reducing the burden of gastrointestinal tract strongyle nematodes in goats. However, there is a need for further studies to establish the dosage of the encapsulated bromelain to be administered in a single dose for the treatment of goats against gastrointestinal strongyles. In addition, species-specific studies on the efficacy of encapsulated bromelain on strongyles are necessary to evaluate its effectiveness against the entire Strongyloididae family.
Salmonella Enteritidis reduction in layer ceca with a Bacillus probiotic
Authors: Price Paul T. , Gaydos Thomas A. , Berghaus Roy D. , Baxter Virginia , Hofacre Charles L. , Sims Michael D.
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim: Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is a significant foodborne pathogen that can often be traced to poultry and poultry products. This study aims to evaluate the ability of three commonly used non-antimicrobial feed additives in reducing the amount of SE in the ceca of laying type pullets.

Materials and Methods: On day 0, 60 Hy-Line Brown pullets aged 9 weeks were allocated to individual cages in 15 replicate blocks of four pens. Pullets were administered a mash feed provided ad libitum without supplementation (control) or with dietary supplementation of 454 g/ton yeast cell wall (YCW), or 454 g/ton Bacillus spp. probiotic, or 1133 g/ton yeast culture (YC). On day 3 of the trial, all birds were orally administered 3×107 CFU of a nalidixic acid-resistant SE. On day 10, 7 days after inoculation, all birds were humanely euthanized, and the ceca were aseptically removed for analysis.

Results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of SE among treatments. The mean quantity of SE detected in the ceca expressed in log10 most probable number/g was 2.52 in the control, 2.49 in the YCW treatment, 1.73 in the probiotic treatment, and 1.66 in the YC treatment. The reduction between control and probiotic and control and YC was significant (p=0.021).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the ability of the novel probiotic and the YC to reduce the load of SE in layer ceca.
Avaliação da qualidade da água da lagoa de Marapendi – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Authors: Lyra Gabriela Cardoso , Marques Yabuki Lauren Nozomi , Queluz João Gabriel Thomaz , Garcia Marcelo Loureiro
Published: January 2020

Lagoas costeiras são ambientes naturais, localizados entre o continente e o oceano, proporcionam uma série de serviços ambientais e servem como corpo receptor de águas pluviais. No entanto, estas zonas têm sido submetidas a constantes processos de degradação, devido às atividades antrópicas. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo realizar o diagnóstico ambiental da Lagoa de Marapendi, localizada no município de Rio de Janeiro, utilizando-se como base os dados históricos de qualidade da água de três estações de monitoramento, no período de 2010 a 2017. As variáveis utilizadas foram a Demanda Bioquímica de Oxigênio (DBO), Oxigênio Dissolvido (OD), Fósforo Total (PT), Série Nitrogenada e Coliformes Termotolerantes. Os dados foram comparados com os padrões estabelecidos pela legislação e os resultados, para todos os parâmetros físico-químicos, não estavam em conformidade com os valores da Resolução CONAMA nº 357/2005 na maior parte do período, revelando que a Lagoa de Marapendi não apresenta um grau de qualidade adequado, provavelmente em razão de lançamentos irregulares de esgoto sem tratamento. A parte leste da Lagoa, por ter maior influência do regime de marés, apresentou os menores valores dos parâmetros de qualidade da água. O ponto localizado a montante da Lagoa apresentou a pior condição de qualidade ambiental, que pode ser justificada pela mesma razão, i.e., a baixa capacidade de renovação de águas nesta região da Lagoa.
THE FEATURES OF MYOCARDIAL HEMODYNAMIC AND VEGETATIVE HOMEOSTASIS IN ATHLETES OF DIFFERENT QUALIFICATIONS FROM ACYCLIC SPORTS
Authors: Bykov E , Balberova O , Sabiryanova E , Chipyshev A
Published: January 2020

Aim. The article deals with studying the functional status of the cardiovascular system and the features of its regulation in athletes of different qualifications from acyclic sports. Materials and methods. Male athletes of different qualifications aged 18–22 years and involved in acyclic sports participated in the study. A complex noninvasive bioimpedance study of HRV and hemodynamics was conducted with the Centaur (Microlux) system. The study of morphofunctional indicators of the myocardium was performed with echocardiography. Results. In athletes with the rank of Master of Sports adaptation to physical training is implemented through the increase in stroke volume, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, the humoral metabolic activity of heart rate regulation, and myocardial thickening. In the athletes of the 1st and 2nd ranks, there is a predominance of sympathetic activity in heart rate regulation and the chronotropic mechanism in response to physical load, which proves their less perfect adaptation. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained in the transition period of training the features of myocardial hemodynamic and vegetative homeostasis were revealed. Namely, the increase in qualifications and sports performance enhancement are determined by both morphofunctional changes in the heart, and the improvement of heart rate regulation mechanisms and cardiac contractile function.
Godność, codzienność, wsparcie osób starszych z niepełnosprawnością
Authors: SZCZUPAŁ BERNADETA
Published: January 2020

Bernadeta Szczupał, Dignity, everyday life, support for seniors with disabilities, Interdisciplinary Contexts of Special Pedagogy, No. 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 15–26. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.02

The process of ageing is an inevitable life phenomenon in both the individual and social aspects. With the growing life expectancy of humans, the way of living in the old age becomes a challenge in the context of respect for the dignity of the elderly. In this article, I present selected theoretical issues concerning the sense of dignity, everyday life and helplessness of elderly people with disabilities, which is unfortunately often associated with it. I also show the complexity of contemporary problems and expectations and the challenges faced by older people with disabilities.
Zabawa dzieci z autyzmem w oddziaływaniach terapeutycznych – instrumentalna czy autoteliczna?
Authors: CHARBICKA MAGDALENA
Published: January 2020

Magdalena Charbicka, Zabawa dzieci z autyzmem w oddziaływaniach terapeutycznych – instrumentalna czy autoteliczna? [Play in autistic children in therapeuticwards – instrumental or autotelic?]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty PedagogikiSpecjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 105-125. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.06

Play is a typical and natural activity in children, which introduces it to the real world. It plays an uncommonly important function, thanks to the which the little person learns and gains information about their environment, the properties of objects, social relations or other rules. This area is different in children with autism. In most cases, play is accompanied by significant deficits, and the burden of focus of revalidation influences remains on the development of areas that are more disturbed, such as communication, disturbances in social interactions or behaviour hindering functioning. In course of therapeutic work, we sometimes forget the seemingly trivial activity that the playing of a child may be in view of adults. Considering this, it is worthwhile to take a look at the role ascribe to play by specialists over the years, and what it looks like in autistic children.
Wpływ stresu na życie rodziców dziecka z zaburzeniami ze spektrum autyzmu
Authors: BEDNÁROVÁ LUCIA
Published: January 2020

Lucia Bednárová, The significance of stress in parents of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Interdisciplinary Contexts of Special Pedagogy, No. 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 121–132. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.07

The literature review focuses on the importance of stress in parents of a child with autism spectrum disorders, which significantly affects family life. The main cause of the burden are accompanying difficulties that are the part of disorder. This applies to specific reactions such as fits of anger, self-harm, psychomotor agitation, eating disorders, sleep disorders and other troubles which require almost 24-hour care. This review assesses several research studies that deal with the issue and which can be examples of good practice.
Ocena sztuki osób z niepełnosprawnością wzroku przez dzieci i dorosłych
Authors: SZUBIELSKA MAGDALENA , PASTERNAK KATARZYNA , WÓJTOWICZ MARZENA , SZYMAŃSKA ANNA
Published: January 2020

Magdalena Szubielska, Katarzyna Pasternak, Marzena Wójtowicz, Anna Szymańska, Ocena sztuki osób z niepełnosprawnością wzroku przez dzieci i dorosłych [Evaluation of art of people with visual impairment by children and adults]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty Pedagogiki Specjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 167-183. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.10

The aim of the study was to determine whether the age of the audience of the exhibition influences the assessment of aesthetic preferences of artistic products made up by people with visual impairment. The research was conducted to give an answer if there are differences in the preferences of different categories of artworks created by artists who are blind or low vision. The research consisted in the evaluation of raised-line drawings, photographs, sculptures and the tactile picturebook. These artistic products were presented in the art gallery. The assessments were made on a 5-point scale, where the respondents indicated how much they liked the artworks they were watching. In the study participated 118 people, including 80 children and 38 adults. It turned out that age and type of art had an interactive impact on the aesthetic assessment. Age differences in aesthetic preference werefound in reference to drawings and picture books. The visual art created by people with sight impairment was evaluated very positively.
Autostygmatyzacja osób z niepełnosprawnością wzrokową
Authors: GŁADYSZEWSKA-CYLULKO JOANNA
Published: January 2020

Joanna Gładyszewska-Cylulko, Self-stigma in the visually impaired, Interdisciplinary Contexts of Special Pedagogy, No. 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 179–193. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.11

The blind and visually impaired are one of the groups prone to stigma. Stigma imposed by social environment may lead to self-stigma, that is expressing negative opinions about oneself as a result of the carried sigma. Self-stigma usually develops in three stages: first the stigmatised person realizes that they have been stereotyped, then they accept the stereotype and finally apply it to themselves. Thus, to develop selfstigma, the person has to be aware that they are perceived by the society in a stereotypical way (a blind person is usually perceived as passive, dependent and reliant on other people’s help), accept it and acknowledge themselves that this is their real image. Not every visually impaired person is will develop self-stigma. The article presents selected factors and preventive measures that may reduce the risk of self-stigma.
Umiejętności komunikacyjne dzieci z zespołem Downa
Authors: JĘDRZEJOWSKA AGNIESZKA
Published: January 2020

Agnieszka Jędrzejowska, Umiejętności komunikacyjne dzieci z zespołem Downa [Communication skills of children with Down Syndrome]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty Pedagogiki Specjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 201-218. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.12

The purpose of this article is to present the results of research concern setting of functional cooperation with the interlocutor in children with Down syndrome in a peer group. Analysis of the results indicates the relationship between methods of therapy and development of children with Down syndrome. The methods of Alterantive and Augmentative Communication (AAC) are important in achieving success in building relationships for children with problems with verbal communication. Secondly, peer group is important to increase social skills. This research show that children with Downe syndrome need similar friends. This leads to the coclussion that group with homogeneous disability is area of development.
Opór jako fenomen interdyscyplinarny – inspiracje dla pedagogiki specjalnej
Authors: GUMIENNY BEATA
Published: January 2020

Beata Gumienny, Opór jako fenomen interdyscyplinarny – inspiracje dla pedagogiki specjalnej [Resistance as an interdisciplinary phenomenon – inspiration for special education]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty Pedagogiki Specjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 239-258. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.14

The article is concerned with the issue of resistance, with particular focus on the philosophical, sociological, psychological and educational adumbration. The interdisciplinary notion of the resistance phoneme constitutes a contribution to its introduction to the special education area, to the world of persons with disabilities. Moreover, attention was drawn to the learning environment as a place triggering the students’ resistance to the school system and authority. The undertaken considerations have been located in the critical theory, defining the stance on authoritarianism, injustice, emancipation or liberation, and especially on stigmatization, marginalization and exclusion.
Znaczenia niepełnosprawności intelektualnej w dyskursie internautów
Authors: WOYNAROWSKA AGNIESZKA
Published: January 2020

Agnieszka Woynarowska, Znaczenia niepełnosprawności intelektualnej w dyskursie internautów [The meanings of intellectual disability within the internet discourse]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty Pedagogiki Specjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 259-287. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.15

In the following article, the author presents an analysis of meanings projected onto intellectual disabilities by the internet users by referring to the cultural model of disability, the theory of social constructivism, as well as, to the post-structuralist discourse theories. In accordance with the cultural model of disability theory, the author perceives intellectual disability as generated by social practices, and as a “product” of discourse. A discourse perceived as a “system of statements” and as a practice that shapes the subjects which it speaks of. From this perspective, intellectual disability is perceived as a phenomenon created by its continuing interpretations. By applying the critical discourse analysis, the article presents an answer tok users? The presented means of comprehending and perceiving intellectual disability, its revealed meanings included in the internet discourse dthe question: how is intellectual disability defined and interpreted within the internet discourse, what meanings are projected onto intellectual disability by the networetermine the current assortment of practices regarding how society responds to otherness.
Diagnoza postępów w zakresie opanowania podstawowych umiejętności szkolnych uczennicy z umiarkowanym stopniem niepełnosprawności intelektualnej
Authors: SIKORSKI JACEK
Published: January 2020

Jacek Sikorski, Diagnoza postępów w zakresie opanowania podstawowych umiejętności szkolnych uczennicy z umiarkowanym stopniem niepełnosprawności intelektualnej [The assessment of progress in acquiring the basic school skills by the studentwith a moderate intellectual disability]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty Pedagogiki Specjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 323-338. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.18

The following article takes up the issue of assessing intellectual disability from the interdisciplinary, especially psycho-pedagogical, point of view. It pays special attention to the moderate intellectually disabled students and the difficulties which they have in acquiring such basic school skills as reading, writing and counting. However, the main aim of the research was to show all the changes (progress) in the above-mentioned basic school skills in reference to the observed student with a moderate intellectual disability, which have occurred during the 10 months’ time as a result of applying both educational and therapeutic actions and an attempt to indicate the school’s education opportunities based on the results of the researchand teacher’s opinions.
Od orzeczenia o potrzebie kształcenia specjalnego do indywidualnego programu edukacyjno-terapeutycznego
Authors: WIELEBSKI MARIUSZ
Published: January 2020

Mariusz Wielebski, Od orzeczenia o potrzebie kształcenia specjalnego do indywidualnego programu edukacyjno-terapeutycznego [From the decision on special education eligibility to an individual educational and therapeutic plan]. Interdyscyplinarne Konteksty Pedagogiki Specjalnej, nr 22, Poznań 2018. Pp. 339-354. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-391X. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2018.22.19

In my article I would like to show the complicated way from the decision about special education to individual educational and therapeutic plan. I am going to show how government statements are sometimes hard and complicated for parents, teachers and other specialists, who are looking after the children with special educational needs. I try to show everyday life in my job – teacher, specialist of pedagogical therapy. I hope my article will help and change our reality.
The Venture Capital Feedback Cycle: A Critical Review and Future Directions
Authors: Torres Juan Pablo
Published: January 2020

A framework of the venture capital (VC) process, encompassing the (1) pre-investment phase, (2) management phase, (3) exit phase, and the interrelationships between them was developed into a cycle using the exit phase in a feedback loop. The review of 166 articles from top-tier, Grade 4, journals suggests that most prominent Entrepreneurial & Management (E&M) literature assesses the VC operating environment, and the managerial expertise and skills of both VC firms and entrepreneurs independently. Finance Literature, however, centers its independent analysis on contracts, risk, returns and VC governance. A network analysis follows comparing E&M and Finance literature VC research agendas by country, author, institution, and journal. Finally, the manuscript identifies trends and future areas for VC cycle research by comparing and exploring the current state and progress of the VC cycle in Entrepreneurial literature.
Language education professionals in multilingual ECEC institutions – Sprach-bildungsprofis in mehrsprachigen Kitas
Authors: Salem Tanja , Lengyel Drorit , Graßer Barbara , Montanari Elke
Published: January 2020

The cross-disciplinary research project ‘SprabiPiKs’ (‘Sprachbildungsprofis in mehrsprachigen Kitas’) – ‘Language education professionals in multilingual ECEC institutions’ – investigates a number of components related to the quality of interactions in multilingual early childhood education and care (ECEC). The project closely examines the interplay between the quality of interactions and pedagogical orientations on multilingualism, competencies of the professionals, and the conditions in ECEC facilities as well as in their neighbourhoods. To address the complexity, the sample consists of six childcare centres and their professionals. The project’s data collection method consists of interviews and group discussions with the professionals, videography of verbal interactions, and questionnaires on the conditions in the facilities and the neighbourhood. The objective is to contribute significantly to the understanding of the complex quality pattern in ECEC institutions from both an intercultural-educational and a linguistic perspective. Moreover, the project’s findings can be informative to enhance the quality of interactions with respect to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of children.
A Broadband Circularly Polarized Cross-slotted Patch Antenna with Horizontal Meandered Strip (HMS)
Authors: Verma M. K. , Kanaujia Binod K. , Saini J. P. , Saini Padam S.
Published: January 2020

A broadband circularly polarized slotted square patch antenna with horizontal meandered strip (HMS) is presented and studied. The HMS feeding technique provides the good impedance matching and broadside symmetrical radiation patterns. A set of cross asymmetrical slots are etched on the radiating patch to realize the circular polarization. An electrically small stub is added on the edge of the antenna for further improvement in performance. Measured 10-dB impedance bandwidth (IBW) and 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of the proposed antenna are 32.31 % (3.14–4.35 GHz) and 20.91 % (3.34–4.12 GHz), respectively. The gain of the antenna is varied from 3.5 to 4.86dBi within 3-dB ARBW. Measured results matched well with the simulated results.
Legal Culture and Food Culture in Labelling Regulation: An EU/US Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bairati Lorenzo
Published: January 2020

This essay analyses several elements of food labelling regulation by comparing European and US models. In particular, food labelling is examined as an outcome of the interaction between legal culture and food culture as well as of the competition between public and private regulators. Indeed, the different functions of labelling (both as an informative and as a marketing tool) and the cultural divergences between the two models compel us to consider the cultural environment in which labelling is regulated and applied. These intricate phenomena are tackled by analysing the most heavily debated issues, such as health claims, Genetically Modified Organisms and Country of Origin Labelling. For each issue, different cultural drivers, as they relate to consumers, businesses and institutions, are compared. Concluding remarks stress divergences and convergences between the two models and propose some insights regarding the use of the notion of culture in global and comparative food law research.
Characteristics of Abundant Lumps and Interaction Solutions in the (4+1)-Dimensional Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Wang Xiu-Bin , Han Bo
Published: January 2020

In this work, the (4+1)-dimensional Fokas equation, which is an important physics model, is under investigation. Based on the obtained soliton solutions, the new rational solutions are successfully constructed. Moreover, based on its bilinear formalism, a concise method is employed to explicitly construct its rogue-wave solution and interaction solution with an ansätz function. Finally, the main characteristics of these solutions are graphically discussed. Our results can be helpful for explaining some related nonlinear phenomena.
Coordination, Communication, and Clade X: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Health Emergency Exercise After-Action Reports and How They Can Help Guide Future Efforts to Improve Information Sharing
Authors: Myers Nathan
Published: January 2020

Clade X is only the latest in a series of high profile health emergency preparedness exercises intended to better equip government officials and responders at different levels of government and in different sectors for the challenges they are likely to face during a pandemic or bioterrorism event. A key issue in regard to emergency preparedness response is information sharing. This study examines previous literature on the importance of information sharing to emergency response, particularly in regard to public health emergencies. A content and correspondence analysis of data collected from exercise after-action reports is then conducted to examine the prominence of information sharing as a theme in those reports. The relationship between information sharing and other themes is also considered. Specific passages regarding information sharing are examined to consider how the theme is discussed in the context of the report. The findings of the analyses above are then compared to a recent tabletop exercise conducted by the Nuclear Threat Initiative regarding a biological attack. The comparison of this recent exercise to previous exercises is used to highlight key policy considerations. Recommendations are provided regarding how policy makers could help to address these considerations prior to a real world emergency. While technology is consistently evolving to improve the means by which we can share information, issues of coordination, including between the public health and health care sectors, continue to remain an obstacle.
The crystal structure of (E)-5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N′-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide, C15H13ClN2O4
Authors: Xin Wang , Shuli Li , Liguo Yang , Dayong Tian , Yongsheng Niu
Published: January 2020

C15H13ClN2O4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 16.632(2) Å, b = 7.2033(9) Å, c = 12.9261(17) Å, β = 112.87°, V = 1427.0(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0409, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1260, T = 296(2) K.
The crystal structure of (2Z,2′Z)-N′,N′′′′-(pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl)dipicolinohydrazonamide, C19H17N9O2
Authors: Liguo Yang , Juntao Shi , Zhen Zhang , Fang Wang , Dayong Tian
Published: January 2020

C19H17N9O2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 20.297(7) Å, b = 10.122(3) Å, c = 9.078(3) Å, β = 95.675(4)°, V = 1856.0(10) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0467, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1205, T = 296(2) K [1–3].
Crystal structure of poly[diaqua-(μ3-3,4,5,6-tetrafluoro-phthalato-κ3O:O′:O′′)-(μ2-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene-κ2
N:N′)cobalt(II)], C14H9CoF4NO6
Authors: Han Min-Le , Li Xiao-Dong , Li Yan-Hong
Published: January 2020

C14H9CoF4NO6, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 6.1183(2) Å, b = 7.5688(2) Å, c = 32.5016(7) Å, β = 90.672(2)°, V = 1504.99(7) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0398, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1037, T = 293 K.