bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-methoxytryptophan: an arsenal against vascular injury and inflammation
Authors: Wu Kenneth K. , Kuo Cheng-Chin , Yet Shaw-Fang , Lee Chii-Ming , Liou Jun-Yang
Published: July 2020

5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) is an endothelial factor with anti-inflammatory properties. It is synthesized from L-tryptophan via two enzymatic steps: tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH-1) and hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines suppress endothelial 5-MTP production by inhibiting TPH-1 expression. 5-MTP protects endothelial barrier function and promotes endothelial repair, while it blocks vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation by inhibiting p38 MAPK activation. 5-MTP controls macrophage transmigration and activation by inhibiting p38 MAPK and NF-κB activation. 5-MTP administration attenuates arterial intimal hyperplasia, defends against systemic inflammation and prevents renal fibrosis in relevant murine models. Serum 5-MTP level is depressed in human sepsis as well as in mice with sepsis-like disorder. It is reduced in chronic kidney disease and acute myocardial infarction in humans. The reported data suggest that serum 5-MTP may be a theranostic biomarker. In summary, 5-MTP represents a new class of tryptophan metabolite which defends against inflammation and inflammation-mediated tissue damage and fibrosis. It may be a valuable lead compound for developing new drugs to treat complex human inflammatory disorders.
Airway-invasion-associated pulmonary computed tomography presentations characteristic of invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis in non-immunocompromised adults: a National Multicenter Retrospective Survey in China
Authors: Liu Zhibo , Li Yuping , Tian Xinlun , Liu Qinghua , Li Erran , Gu Xiaoying , Liu Min , Xu Jiuyang , He Zhiyi , Huang Yi , Xu Shuyun , Lai Guoxiang , Chen Yusheng , Zhang Xiangyan , Zhang Tiantuo , Xu Jinfu , Zhu Lanyan , Qu Jieming , Cao Bin
Published: July 2020

Background

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria are widely used in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), but they only apply to immunocompromised patients. We here aimed to identify clinical characteristics helpful to the diagnosis of IPA in non-immunocompromised patients.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective study. Data were collected from adult patients with IPA admitted to 15 tertiary hospitals in China from 2010 to 2016.

Results

We included 254 patients in the study, of whom 66 (26.0%) were immunocompromised, and 188 (74.0%) were not. Airway-invasion-associated computed tomography (CT) signs including patchy exudation along the airway (67.6% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.001) and thickened airway wall (42.0% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001) were more common in non-immunocompromised patients than in immunocompromised ones, and angio-invasive CT signs were more common in immunocompromised patients (55.3% vs.72.7%, P = 0.013). Typical angio-invasive CT signs were delayed in non-immunocompromised IPA patients, whereas airway-invasive signs appear earlier. Host immunocompromised condition was associated with ICU admission and/or intubation (OR 1.095; 95% CI 1.461–6.122; P = 0.003). Poor prognosis (35.5% vs. 21.1%, P = 0.005) was more common in immunocompromised patients.

Conclusion

Airway-invasion-associated CT presentations at early stages of the disease are characteristic of IPA in non-immunocompromised hosts.
C-phycocyanin inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in Caski cells
Authors: Ji Huanhuan , Liu Guoxiang , Han Jingjing , Zhu Feng , Dong Xiaolei , Li Bing
Published: July 2020

Background

In cervical cancer, most patients die of metastasis. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal and intricate process that increases the metastatic potential of cervical cancer. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is a natural marine product isolated and purified from Spirulina platensis, has been investigated that has anti-cancer function. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of C-phycocyanin on the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), so as to provide a new idea for the treatment and prognosis of cervical cancer.

Methods

A wound-healing assay, an invasion assay, immunofluorescence assay, western blot, flow cytometry and real-time reverse transcriptione polymerase chain reaction were explored in cervical cancer Caski cell lines. TGF-β/smad signaling pathway was evaluated of in Caski cell lines.

Results

Our study indicated that TGF-β1 induced EMT in cervical cancer cells. C-phycocyanin inhibited EMT in Caski cells by down-regulating N-cadherin and up-regulating E-cadherin protein expression. Furthermore, C-phycocyanin could inhibit the expression and proteins Twist, Snail and Zeb1 transcription factors related to EMT. In addition, C-phycocyanin could inhibit the migration and invasion of Caski cells induced by TGF-β1. Besides, C-phycocyanin inhibited EMT through TGF-β/smads signaling pathway. We also found C-phycocyanin induced cell cycle G0/G1 arrest by decreasing protein expression levels of Cyclin D1 and p27.

Conclusions

C-phycocyanin reversed TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer cells and down-regulated the TGF-β/samd signaling pathway induced G0/G1 arrest of tumor cell cycle.
Efficacy of Pidotimod use in treating allergic rhinitis in a pediatric population
Authors: Brindisi Giulia , Zicari Anna Maria , Schiavi Laura , Gori Alessandra , Conte Maria Pia , Marazzato Massimiliano , De Castro Giovanna , Leonardi Lucia , Duse Marzia
Published: July 2020

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and adenoidal hypertrophy (AH) are the most frequent causative disorders of nasal obstruction in children, leading to recurrent respiratory infections. Both nasal cavities are colonized by a stable microbial community susceptible to environmental changes and Staphylococcus aureus seems to play the major role. Furthermore, nasal microbiota holds a large number and variety of viruses with upper respiratory tract infections. This local microbiota deserves attention because its modification could induce a virtuous cross-talking with the immune system, with a better clearance of pathogens. Although AR and AH present a different etiopathogenesis, they have in common a minimal chronic inflammation surrounding nasal obstruction; hence it would be challenging to evaluate the effect of an immunomodulator on this minimal chronic inflammation with possible clinical and microbiological effects. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the efficacy of an immunomoldulator (Pidotimod) on nasal obstruction in children with AR and/or AH and whether its action involves a variation of nasal microbiota.

Methods

We enrolled 76 children: those with allergic rhinitis (AR) sensitized to dust mites entered the AR group, those with adenoidal hypertrophy (AH) the AH group, those with both conditions the AR/AH group and those without AR ± AH as controls (CTRL). At the first visit they performed: skin prick tests, nasal fiberoptic endoscopy, anterior rhinomanometry, nasal swabs. Children with.

AR ± AH started treatment with Pidotimod.

After 1 month they were re-evaluated performing the same procedures.

The primary outcome was the evaluation of nasal obstruction after treatment and the secondary outcome was the improvement of symptoms and the changes in nasal microflora.

Results

All patients improved their mean nasal flow (mNF) in respect to the baseline. In AR children mNF reached that one of CTRL. In AH children±AR the mNF was lower in respect to CTRL and AR group. We did not find any differences among all the groups at the two different time points in nasal microflora.

Conclusions

Pidotimod is able to give an improvement in nasal obstruction, especially in AR children but this effect seems to be not mediated by changes in nasal microbiota.
Stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial of a smoking cessation counselling training programme for midwives treating women with functional health illiteracy and low socioeconomic status (PROMISE): a study protocol
Authors: Bommelé Jeroen , Springvloet Linda , Abouri Naïma , Djoyoadhiningrat-Hol Karianne , van Laar Margriet , Blankers Matthijs
Published: July 2020

Background

In the Netherlands, midwives are required to use the ‘V-MIS’ (Minimal Intervention Strategy for Midwives) smoking cessation counselling protocol to help pregnant women quit smoking. This counselling protocol is often poorly implemented in midwifery practices. It may also be less suitable for pregnant woman with low socioeconomic status or functional health illiteracy. We created an adapted version of the V-MIS protocol that is intended to facilitate implementation in midwifery practices: PROMISE (PROtocol for growing up smokefree using a Minimal smoking cessation Intervention Strategy in the Early stages of life). For this adapted protocol, midwives use carbon monoxide meters, storyboard leaflets, and specific communication techniques for women with functional health illiteracy. They will receive a face-to-face training in using these materials and communication techniques.

Methods

The effectiveness and implementation of PROMISE will be tested in a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial. We will randomise clusters of midwifery practices and departments in hospitals. We will then train them, subsequently, at regular intervals (‘steps’). At each step, practices that will receive training cross over from the control condition to the experimental condition. We will measure how well the PROMISE protocol has been implemented by assessing the rate of pregnant women that received detailed smoking cessation counselling from their midwives (primary outcome). Our secondary target group is pregnant women with functional health illiteracy and low socioeconomic status. Among them, we will assess smoking status and health-related outcome before and after pregnancy.

Discussion

The PROMISE smoking cessation counselling protocol is intended to help midwives, OB-GYNs, and other obstetrics professionals to support pregnant women with smoking cessation.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Registry: NTR 6305/NL6158. Registered on 20 December 2016.
Role of human assets in measuring firm performance and its implication for firm valuation
Authors: Maiti Moinak , Vuković Darko
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the role of human asset in firm performance and its implication for firm valuation. To do so a modified five-factor model with human asset designed for capturing the size, value, profitability and investment in average portfolio returns that performs better than both Fama–French (1993) three- and Fama–French (2015) five-factor model. Study redefines CMA factors as CvMAv that includes human assets in it. The main problem with the modified five-factor model with human asset is the microcap with conservative investment stocks whose returns behave like that low-value unprofitable firms.
Rationales and arguments behind the adoption of self-selection of nonprescription medicines in Denmark
Authors: Jacobsen Solveig Nordahl , Møller-Jensen Simone Eggert , Sporrong Sofia Kälvemark
Published: July 2020

Background

Pharmacies in Europe have undergone considerable changes in their regulation over the last decades, also regarding nonprescription medicines (NPMs). In 2001, selected NPMs were released for sale outside pharmacies in Denmark. To ensure consumer safety, it was decided that NPMs must be stored behind the counter. In 2018, an amending act came into force, which allowed self-selection of NPMs. The purpose of this study was to examine the rationales and related arguments, including their validity and relevance, behind the policy on self-selection of NPMs in Denmark.

Methods

A qualitative study design, combining document analysis and individual interviews with key stakeholders, was used. Legislative documents were retrieved from the Parliaments’ homepage. Interviewees were recruited through purposeful sampling. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. Rationales and supporting arguments were identified, thematized and analyzed as to their validity and relevance.

Results

In total, 24 stakeholders (including political parties) were represented in the documents, whereof 7 were interviewed. Ten supported the new policy and 13 were against; 1 was on both sides. Six rationales and 9 supportive arguments were found. The advocates’ main rationale was increased accessibility and arguments related to freedom of choice and discretion. The opponents’ main rationale for not adopting the policy was consumer safety and arguments related to perception of NPMs and counseling. The validity and relevance were questionable in both advocates’ and opponents’ arguments, yet slightly better in the case of the opponents’. Although not mentioned in the documents, economic interests were probably behind some stakeholders’ position.

Conclusion

The formal rationale behind the adoption of self-selection of NPMs was increased accessibility. However, bearing in mind the rationales and their supporting arguments, economic interests and previous changes within the sector, it could be argued that an underlying rationale behind adopting the policy was to liberalize the Danish pharmacy sector even further.
Development and characterization of nuclear microsatellite markers for Eremanthus erythropappus and their transferability across related species
Authors: Rocha Lucas Fernandes , Paula Natália Ribeiro , Nazareno Alison Gonçalves , de Carvalho Dulcinéia
Published: July 2020

Background

We developed simple sequence repeats (SSR) for Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) MacLeish, an endangered tree species endemic to the Brazilian Savanna and Atlantic Forest biomes, and tested their transferability to two closely related Eremanthus species.

Results

Using a genomic library enriched with tandem repeat motifs, we identified 16 primer pairs, and characterized them in two populations. Nine primers amplified the expected size fragments and seven SSRs were polymorphic, providing a total of 38 alleles and an average of 4.22 alleles per marker. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.44 to 0.94 with an average of 0.65. The average observed heterozygosity across all loci varied from 0.61 to 1.00. The observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity within the two populations varied from 0.65 to 1.00 and from 0.31 to 1.00, respectively.

Conclusions

These newly developed SSR markers are a powerful tool for population genetic analyses and may be useful in studies on species ecology, evolution, and taxonomy.
Volunteer-led behavioural activation to reduce depression in residential care: a feasibility study
Authors: Bryant Christina , Brown Lydia , Polacsek Meg , Batchelor Frances , Capon Hannah , Dow Briony
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Symptoms of depression are highly prevalent and under-treated in residential aged care facilities. Behavioural activation is a simple, cost-effective psychosocial intervention that might be appropriate to help reduce depression and improve well-being in this setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of an 8-week, volunteer-led behavioural activation intervention designed for depressed aged care residents.

Method

This feasibility study employed a single-arm design, where outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Aged care residents with depressive symptoms were invited to participate, and healthy volunteers were trained to deliver the intervention. Intervention feasibility was assessed on six a priori-determined domains. Depression, anxiety and flourishing were included as outcomes using intention-to-treat analysis.

Result

Seventeen aged care residents with depressive symptoms and 13 volunteers were successfully recruited within the expected 6-month timeframe. Both residents and volunteers were satisfied with the intervention (7/8), and there was a high (87%) completion rate. The intervention was associated with a large and statistically significant reduction in resident depressive symptoms, d = − 1.14, with the effect increasing to d = 2.82 when comparing baseline to 3-month follow-up. Anxiety reduced from mild symptoms at baseline mean = 6.17 (5.12) to the subclinical range post-intervention, mean = 3.53 (4.29) (g = 0.61, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

This 8-week volunteer-led behavioural activation intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable to depressed aged care residents. The intervention was effective in ameliorating depression. A larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Quercus infectoria fruit hulls and galls and female genital disorders
Authors: Mahboubi Mohaddese
Published: July 2020

Quercus infectoria (Fagaceae family) is traditionally used for treatment of vaginal discharge, prolapse, laxity, and many other female genital disorders. Two important parts of plant including oak fruit hulls (Jaft-E-Baloot) and oak galls (Mazo) are recommended to use for female genital disorders, although, they have many other medicinal applications on skin, urinary and respiratory tract. Tannins as the main ingredients of this genus are the main characteristic for their medicinal properties. Therefore, the aim of this review article was chosen in order to increase the information on Jaft-E-Baloot or Mazo in management of female genital disorders. For preparing the manuscript, the information was gathered from electronics resources (PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Magiran, and Springer), books, thesis, etc. up to Feb 2020. Our results exhibited that Jaft-E-Baloot is the thin inner woody hulls of oak fruits, while Mazo is produced in reaction of plant to insect bite. Mazo is a popular compound in different traditional medicines, while Jaft-E-Baloot is known only in Iran. There is any investigation on these two parts in European countries. In Traditional medicine, the same applications are for these two parts especially for female genital disorders, while the majority of modern investigations are on the efficacy of Mazo on cancer, vaginal infections, cervicitis, utero-vaginal prolapse, and there is one clinical study for Jaft-E-Baloot on vaginal laxity. The safety doses of two parts are high and due to their good potency in management of female genital disorders especially vulvovaginitis, they can be the subject of further clinical studies.
Risk factors for the incidence of apoplexy in pituitary adenoma: a single-center study from southwestern China
Authors: Li Yao , Qian Yuan , Qiao Yisheng , Chen Xiaoxiang , Xu Jiaotian , Zhang Chao , Wang Wei , Li Junjun , Deng Xingli
Published: July 2020

Background

Although the incidence and clinical manifestations of pituitary apoplexy were reported by a few researches, the results are not consistent. This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with an incidence of apoplexy in pituitary adenomas.

Methods

The clinical information of 843 patients with pituitary adenoma from the Department of Neurological Surgery, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, was reviewed. The incidence, clinical manifestation, and potential risk factors for pituitary apoplexy were analyzed by a case-control study.

Results

In total, 121 patients (14.4%) with macroadenoma were suffered from pituitary apoplexy. Headache, vomiting, and visual impairment are the top 3 symptoms for the pituitary apoplexy.

Logistic regression results showed that the hypertension(hypertension vs non-hypertension OR = 2.765, 95%CI:1.41~5.416), tumor type (negative staining vs. positive staining, OR = 1.501, 95%CI:1.248~5.235), and tumor size (diameter > 2 cm vs. diameter ≤ 2 cm, OR = 3.952, 95%CI:2.211~7.053) are independent factors associated with pituitary apoplexy.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the risk factors for the incidence of pituitary apoplexy depend mainly on properties of the tumor itself (tumor size and pathologic type) and the blood pressure of patients.
Unilateral and segmental distribution of facial erythema: is it a real port-wine stain?
Authors: Cen Qingqing , Sun Yi , Zeng Xiaojing , Liu Yun , Liu Fatao , Chen Hui , Lin Xiaoxi , Cai Ren
Published: July 2020

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformations (CM-AVMs) caused by a RASA-1 or EPHB4 mutation are characterized as hereditary sporadic or multifocal capillary malformations (CMs), associated with potential fast-flow vascular anomalies underlying erythema lesions. Because of the similar phenotype, CM-AVMs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of isolated CMs as well as other disorders with an erythema phenotype, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Herein, we report a male patient with facial erythema. Red lesions were located in the V1 region of his left face, the V2 and V3 regions on his right side, and the nasal back. The patient was initially thought to have PWSs because of the unilateral and segmental distribution of his red facial lesions. In contrast to a previous diagnosis, we diagnosed the child with capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation type 2 (CM-AVM2) based on a family history of erythema, the results of physical examination and ultrasound raising potential fast-flow lesions, and a genetic study revealing a germline EPHB4 mutation. This study emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis for PWS and CM-AVM. A single clinical diagnosis can be limited, and molecular diagnosis is recommended to provide more information for the evaluation of the potential risk of fast-flow lesions underlying erythema lesions if necessary.
The current state of training in psychiatry of intellectual disability: perspectives of trainees and trainers
Authors: Walton Catherine , Williams Fionnuala , Bonell Simon , Barrett Mary
Published: July 2020

Aims and Method

Twelve intellectual disability psychiatry trainee representatives and 13 training programme directors were surveyed to assess the current state of training, to establish what motivated specialty trainees to choose intellectual disability psychiatry, and to explore issues that might affect retention.

Results

The combined survey response rate was 83%. All trainees had chosen intellectual disability psychiatry after experience in either their personal or working life. Overall, specialty trainees were satisfied with their training; the majority felt supported to meet training requirements. Trainee isolation was the main concern for current trainees.

Clinical implications

Recruitment for specialty training in intellectual disability psychiatry is acknowledged to be a concern for workforce planning and could affect access to and quality of psychiatric care for people with intellectual disability. The results of this survey could be used as a guide to improve efforts to attract trainees. Acknowledging and reducing trainee isolation could improve trainee morale.
Interleukin-6 May Not Affect Bone Resorption Marker CTX or Bone Formation Marker P1NP in Humans
Authors: Lehrskov Louise L , Kjeldsen Sasha , Lyngbæk Mark P , Chirstensen Regitse Højgaard , Wedell-Neergaard Anne-Sophie , Søderlund Line , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Krogh-Madsen Rikke , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J , Ellingsgaard Helga
Published: July 2020

Context

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) contributes to bone remodeling in preclinical studies. Clinical trials investigating the role of IL-6 in bone remodeling are limited.

Objective

To investigate if IL-6 regulates bone remodeling in humans.

Design

Plasma concentrations of the bone resorption marker carboxy-terminal type I collagen crosslinks (CTX) and of the bone formation marker procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) were measured during a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) in 3 placebo-controlled human studies.

Participants

Five healthy individuals participated in study 1; 52 obese individuals, in study 2; and 10 healthy individuals, in study 3.

Interventions

Study 1 was a single-blinded crossover study consisting of a 1-h infusion of saline (placebo) or the IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab followed by an exercise bout. Study 2 was a randomized, double-blinded 12-week exercise training intervention study. Participants received infusions of saline or tocilizumab. Study 3 was a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study consisting of 30 min infusion of saline or IL-6.

Main outcomes measures

Effect of IL-6 on CTX levels.

Results

CTX was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased during MMTTs in all 3 studies. Treatment with tocilizumab did not affect exercise or meal induced changes in plasma CTX or P1NP concentrations acutely (study 1) or after a 12-week treatment period (study 2). Exogenous IL-6 had no effect on CTX or P1NP plasma concentrations (study 3).

Conclusions

IL-6 may not regulate bone remodeling in humans.
Sensitivity of Botswana Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dineo rainfall simulations to cloud microphysics scheme
Authors: Molongwane Charles , Bopape Mary-Jane M. , Fridlind Ann , Motshegwa Tshiamo , Matsui Toshihisa , Phaduli Elelwani , Sehurutshi Bigani , Maisha Robert
Published: July 2020

Background: Numerical weather and climate models rely on the use of microphysics schemes to simulate clouds and produce precipitation at convective scales. It is important that we understand how different microphysics schemes perform when simulating high impact weather to inform operational forecasting.

Methods: Simulations a heavy rainfall event from 17-20 February 2017 over Botswana were made with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using four different microphysics schemes. The schemes used were the Weather Research and Forecasting Single Moment 6-class scheme (WSM6); Weather Research and Forecasting Single Moment 5-class scheme (WSM5); Stony Brook University scheme (SBU-YLIN); and Thompson scheme. WSM5 is considered as the least sophisticated of the four schemes, while Thompson is the most sophisticated. Simulations were initialized and forced by the Global Forecast System (GFS), and configured with a grid spacing of 9km over an outer domain and 3km for a nested inner domain without the convection parameterization.  The simulations were produced using the University of Botswana and the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) High Performance Computing (HPC) systems.

Results: WSM5 and WSM6 simulations are mostly similar; the presence of graupel in WSM6 did not result in large differences in the rainfall simulations. SBU-YLIN simulated the least amount of rainfall, followed by Thompson. All the schemes captured the north-south rainfall gradient observed on 17 February, but with all simulations rainfall is simulated slightly south of where it was observed. All the schemes overestimated rainfall on 18 February over the central parts of Botswana, and underestimated rainfall on 19 February over most of Botswana.

Conclusions: Simulations with different microphysics looked more similar to each other, than to observations. Future studies will test WRF configurations including a single nest over Botswana to determine the best configuration for operational forecasting by the Botswana Department of Meteorological Services.
Hurdles and opportunities for women career in startups
Authors: Gomes Neto Manoel Bastos , Silva Lucas Emmanuel Nascimento , Grangeiro Rebeca da Rocha , Esnard Catherine
Published: July 2020

This qualitative study aims to identify and discuss the obstacles and opportunities for the women who work in leadership positions in startups. Ten women who work at eight startups in Fortaleza-CE were interviewed. The results showed that flexibility on work schedule and on job description, horizontal structure, incentives to hire women, and facility to occupy leadership positions are factors favorable to women career in startups. While negotiating with banks and customers and the difficulty of being heard at work meetings can be considered barriers to the development of women's careers. So, even if startups are less gendered organizations than the traditional ones, women are not immune to discrimination in this context.
Methodological principles of teaching cadets and students the main types of concession sentences in German
Authors: Bashlueva Natalya
Published: July 2020

This article deals with directions in the methodology of teaching cadets and students in educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system of the main types of concession sentences in German. Due to the presence in the German language of various types of concession sentences that are not similar to each other, defining them in the text, and thereby translating, presents great difficulties for students. However, it seems appropriate to classify the concession sentences into four types in order to optimize the translation possibilities for cadets and students during work with the scientific literature on law enforcement topics in German. Based on the purely practical need for the methodological development of this topic, this article aims to systematize concessive sentences for certain groups determined by the purely constructive features of each type, concessive sentences, without taking into account their genesis, and to establish ways of translating each group.
Expropriations of Private Property for Economic ‘Development’ in the United States: Re-Thinking the Titling and Rule of Law Solutions to Land Grabs in the Global South
Authors: Thomson Frances
Published: July 2020

Mainstream discourses tend to treat land dispossession as a ‘developing’ country problem that arises due to weak/corrupt legal systems and inadequate property institutions. This article unsettles such discourses by examining expropriations for economic ‘development’ in the United States —a country typically deemed to have strong property institutions and a strong rule of law. Drawing on various examples, I propose that expropriation in the us is neither rigorously conditional nor particularly exceptional. While most ‘takings’ laws are supposed to restrict the State’s power, this restriction hinges on the definition of public use, purpose, necessity, or interest. And in many countries, including the us, these concepts are now defined broadly and vaguely so as to include private for-profit projects. Ultimately, the contents, interpretation, and application of the law are subject to social and political struggles; this point is habitually overlooked in the rule of law ‘solutions’ to land grabbing—. For these reasons, titling/registration programs and policies aimed at strengthening the rule of law, even if successful, are likely to transform rather than ‘solve’ dispossession in the global South.
Discursos sobre el castigo físico en la familia. Entre tradición, ciencia y derecho
Authors: Tobon Berrio Luz Estela
Published: July 2020

El artículo expone el entramado de pensamiento social donde se anidan los elementos ideológicos que actualizan la vigencia del castigo físico en el cotidiano familiar de padres y madres ordinarios desde la narrativa de sus experiencias parentales. Un modelo conceptual de tres discursos: tradición, experto jurídico, resume las presiones discursivas a las cuales se encuentran sujetos los padres y madres en un momento histórico de transición, del modelo educativo de control a los hijos permisivo de la violencia física a un contexto de educación familiar donde la introducción de los derechos de los niños cuestionan el uso del dolor como recurso de la pedagogía familiar. El modelo se construyó a partir de los datos recolectados con la aplicación de entrevistas semiestructuradas a padres y madres de la ciudad de Barranquilla, en una investigación bajo el enfoque cualitativo crítico. El análisis de la información se realizó mediante la construcción de  categorías conceptualizantes (Paillé y Mucchielli, 2012) que permiten exponer el fenómeno sociojurídico desde la perspectiva del sujeto y hacen del investigador un mediador entre la realidad vivida y la producción textual.
Collusive Investments in Technological Compatibility: Lessons from U.S. Railroads in the Late 19th Century
Authors: Gross Daniel P.
Published: July 2020

Collusion is widely condemned for its negative effects on consumer welfare and market efficiency. In this paper, I show that collusion may also in some cases facilitate the creation of unexpected new sources of value. I bring this possibility into focus through the lens of a historical episode from the 19th century, when colluding railroads in the U.S. South converted 13,000 miles of railroad track to standard gauge over the course of two days in 1886, integrating the South into the national transportation network. Route-level freight traffic data reveal that the gauge change caused a large shift in market share from steamships to railroads, but did not affect total shipments or prices on these routes. Guided by these results, I develop a model of compatibility choice in a collusive market and argue that collusion may have enabled the gauge change to take place as it did, while also tempering the effects on prices and total shipments.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
After the Storm Has Passed: Translating Crisis Experience into Useful Knowledge
Authors: Lee Gwendolyn K. , Lampel Joseph , Shapira Zur
Published: July 2020

This virtual special issue (VSI) collects together 19 papers published in Organization Science that explore how organizations learn from crises. The objective is to discuss insights that can help us understand the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, implications that existing research carries for organizations’ abilities to keep hard-earned lessons after the storm passes, and opportunities that the current phenomenon offers for future inquiry in this domain. Organizations, large and small, in scores of countries, have suspended normal operations. To survive, many organizations have adapted by shifting almost all human-to-human interactions online while facing an ethical dilemma and a tense tradeoff between public health and economic well-being. We take stock of the research on organizational learning from crises, summarize useful knowledge for managing the current crisis, and provide directions for future research.
Virtual Mathematics Kits (VMK): The Value of Spatial Orientation on It
Authors: Pradana Lingga Nico , Sa’dijah Cholis , Sulandra I Made , Sudirman Sudirman , Sholikhah Octarina Hidayatus
Published: July 2020

The purposes of the current study were to develop students' spatial orientation skills using Virtual Mathematics Kits (VMK) and to evaluate VMK as a form of digital media in terms of spatial orientation. This study involved 42 lower-class and 47 higher-class elementary school students as the intervention group and 36 lower-class and 41 higher-class students as the control group. The intervention group was administered spatial orientation activities for 10 weeks. These activities were performed using a VMK to facilitate solving spatial problems. In the end of activities, spatial orientation instruments administered to compare spatial orientation ability on each group. The findings of this study, spatial orientation activities using a VMK improved students' spatial orientation skills. More specific, VMK provides more significant effect on higher-class students. Finally, VMK allows students to explore many ideas and perspectives to solve various spatial problems. VMK can be used as a digital media that helps students to develop spatial reasoning.
Implementation of a six-around-one optical probe based on diffuse light spectroscopy for study of cerebral properties in a murine mouse model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kozhuhov Andrew , Tfilin Matanel , Turgeman Gadi , Ornoy Asher , Yanai Joseph , Abookasis David
Published: July 2020

Light reflectance spectroscopy (LRS) is a multispectral technique, sensitive to the absorption and scattering properties of biological molecules in tissues. It is used as a noninvasive tool to extract quantitative physiological information from human tissues and organs. A near-infrared LRS based on a single optical probe was used to monitor changes in optical and hemodynamic parameters in a mouse model of autism. A murine model of autism induced by developmental exposure to valproic acid (VPA) was used. Since autism could be attributed to neuroanatomical changes, we hypothesize that these changes can be detected using the LRS because spectral properties depend on both molecular composition and structural changes. The fiber-optic probe in the setup consisted of seven small optical fibers: six fibers for illumination placed in a circular manner around a central single collection fiber. Overall, measurements demonstrate changes in diffused reflectance spectra, cerebral optical tissue properties (absorption and scattering), and chromophore levels. Furthermore, we were able to identify differences between male and female groups. Finally, the effectiveness of S-Adenosylmethionine as a drug therapy was studied and found to improve the hemodynamic outcome. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the LRS is utilized to study variations in brain parameters in the VPA autism model mice through an intact scalp.
Optically accessible generic exhaust gas test bench for the investigation of fundamental SCR-relevant processes
Authors: Schmidt Anna , van der Kley Sani , Wagner Steven
Published: July 2020

In this work, a generic exhaust gas test bench is introduced on which reproducible experiments can be performed to gain a deeper understanding of processes during exhaust gas aftertreatment of internal combustion engines. We present the design and initial flow characterization as well as tomographic measurement results of gaseous water distributions. The aim of the development was to provide a generic geometry as well as highly reproducible process boundary conditions for numerical simulation of exhaust aftertreatment phenomena. The presented initial measurements are intended to demonstrate the qualification of the test bench for extensive experimental characterization ranging from measurements of the spray injection, film evaporation, and reaction kinetics to the highly complex multiphase flow conditions during selective catalytic reduction (SCR) processes, which are characterized by high mass flows and temperatures, pronounced transients, and a corrosive atmosphere.
Real-time matching strategy for rotary objects using digital image correlation
Authors: Yang Da , Su Zhilong , Zhang Shuiqiang , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: July 2020

Real-time monitoring of structural health conditions for rotary objects is of importance for safety assessments. In this work, an efficient algorithm based on digital image correlation is presented to achieve accurate rotational matching in real time. The proposed algorithm measures rotation in object motion with an integer pixel search followed by a subpixel correlation refinement. In the integer pixel search, the reference subset is rotated inversely to facilitate the correlation computation between the reference and target subsets. Then an independent and global integer pixel search for each point of interest is performed by applying the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, a modified iterative registration algorithm is introduced to refine the displacement in the subpixel level by considering both the rotation angle and displacement components. Simulation and rotation experiments demonstrate that the proposed method achieves rapid and accurate measurements and is an effective method for retrieving the rotation data of rotating structures.
Imaging Fourier spectrometer in visible domain: experimental results
Authors: Protopopov V.
Published: July 2020

Performance of a prototype of a compact imaging Fourier spectrometer for visible domain is reported. In high-frequency applications up to 100 MHz, the optical signal is recorded by a photo-multiplying tube. Selectivity of spectra modulated at 100 kHz on the background of non-modulated light and possibility of measuring 50 ns decay time of molecular transitions is experimentally demonstrated. On line-type spectra with the same exposure time and spectral resolution, the imaging Fourier spectrometer may be 10 times more sensitive than the best compact grating spectrometers. This superiority disappears on smooth spectra with short coherence length. In visible and near-infrared domains, a carefully made prototype of an imaging Fourier spectrometer with a photo-multiplying tube proves to be sensitive to as low optical flux as

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Exploiting FTIR microspectroscopy and chemometric analysis in the discrimination between Egyptian ancient bones: a case study
Authors: El-Hussein A. , Yousef I. , Kasem M. A.
Published: July 2020

Bones are mostly composed of analogous volume fractions of collagen as organic material and apatite as minerals. After burial, bones undergo several complicated depositional variations in the calcified tissues (diagenesis). Since bones are hard tissues, they can confer many crucial and vital data. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy is a powerful molecular spectroscopic tool that can trace the molecular changes with high spatial resolution. The current research is a case study that is aimed at probing the diagenetic changes across different depth sections of two bone shafts by transmission FTIR imaging and chemometric analysis. Amide I, carbonyl, carbonate, and phosphate bands as well as the indices of amide I/phosphate and

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-carbonate/phosphate ratios were used to construct chemical images of the bone shafts belonging to two ancient Egyptian dynasties, namely, Roman Greek (RG) period and late period (LP). Chemical images showed different chemical distribution in the external part of the two bone shafts. Principal component analysis efficiently discriminated between the investigated bones and between various depth regions from the same bone section.
Tunable light absorption of graphene using topological interface states
Authors: Lin Y. C. , Chou S. H. , Hsueh W. J.
Published: July 2020

A tunable light absorption of graphene using topological interface states (TISs) is presented. The monolayer graphene is embedded in the interface of asymmetric topological photonic crystals (ATPCs). A strong absorption phenomenon occurs by the excitation of TISs. It is found that the absorption spectra are intensively dependent on the chemical potential of graphene and the periodic number of the ATPCs. Furthermore, the absorption can be rapidly switched in a slight variation of chemical potential, which is modulated by the applied gate voltage on graphene. This study not only opens up a new approach for enhancing light–monolayer graphene interactions, but also provides for practical applications in high absorption optoelectronic devices. This strong absorption phenomenon is different from those in Fabry–Perot resonators, nano-cavities photonic crystal, and traditional topological photonic crystals (TPCs).
Supercontinuum generation in all-normal dispersion suspended core fiber infiltrated with water
Authors: Canh Trung Le , Hoang Van Thuy , Van Hieu Le , Pysz Dariusz , Long Van Cao , Dinh Thuan Bui , Nguyen Dung Tien , Dinh Quang Ho , Klimczak Mariusz , Kasztelanic Rafał , Pniewski Jacek , Buczynski Ryszard , Dinh Khoa Xuan
Published: July 2020

Octave spanning all-normal dispersion supercontinuum generation (SCG) was experimentally demonstrated in a solid, suspended-core fiber (SCF) infiltrated with water. Replacement of air with water in the cladding air-holes leads to a dramatic modification of the dispersion profile of the fiber, significantly flattening the characteristic over the visible and much of the near-infrared wavelength range at normal values. In such a fiber infiltrated with water, all-normal dispersion supercontinuum was generated with the spectral coverage from 435 nm to 1330 nm using femtosecond pumping with the output peak power of 150 kW and 800 nm central wavelength. The SCF without water infiltration – air in the cladding region – had a zero-dispersion wavelength at 760 nm and enabled the generation of the anomalous dispersion dynamics-based SCG in the wavelength range from 450 nm to 1250 nm. We also numerically calculated the coherence of simulated supercontinuum pulses with one-photon-per-mode noise seeds and point out that the all-normal dispersion SCG in suspended-core fiber infiltrated with water has the potential for high temporal coherence, while the fiber without water infiltration shows gradual decoherence of generated supercontinuum pulses with increasing pump power, over similar peak power range.
Generation of squeezed states of light in arbitrary complex amplitude transverse distribution
Authors: Ma Long , Guo Hui , Sun Hengxin , Liu Kui , Su Bida , Gao Jiangrui
Published: July 2020

The squeezed state is important in quantum metrology and quantum information. The most effective generation tool known is the optical parametric oscillator (OPO). Currently, only the squeezed states of lower-order spatial modes can be generated by an OPO. However, the squeezed states of higher-order spatial modes are more useful for applications such as quantum metrology, quantum imaging, and quantum information. A major challenge for future applications is efficient generation. Here we use cascaded phase-only spatial light modulators to modulate the amplitude and phase of the incident fundamental mode squeezed state. This efficiently generates a series of squeezed higher-order Hermite–Gauss modes and a squeezed arbitrary complex amplitude distributed mode. The method may yield new applications in biophotonics, quantum metrology, and quantum information processing.
Topological photonic crystal of large valley Chern numbers
Authors: Xi Xiang , Ye Kang-Ping , Wu Rui-Xin
Published: July 2020

The recent realizations of a topological valley phase in a photonic crystal, an analog of gapped valleytronic materials in an electronic system, are limited to the valley Chern number of one. In this paper, we present a type of valley phase that can have a large valley Chern number of two or three. The valley phase transitions between the different valley Chern numbers (from one to three) are realized by changing the configuration of the unit cell. We demonstrate that these topological phases can guide the wave propagation robustly along a sharply bent domain wall. We believe our results are promising for the exploration of new topological phenomena in photonic systems.
The Founder (2016)
Authors: Puga Cheyenne
Published: July 2020

Review of: The Founder (2016)

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Director John Lee Hancock

Runtime 115 minutes
La formación profesional vista a través de NO-DO (1943-1981): Propaganda e ideología en un pasado reciente
Authors: Molina Poveda María Dolores , Sanchidrián Blanco Carmen
Published: July 2020

One of the great pillars of Francoism was NO-DO (1943–1981). This was one of the national channels of information and covered all kind of topics: politics, agriculture, art and crafts, bullfighting, fashion, popular festivals, and education, among others. In this article we focus on education and, more specifically, on vocational education, in order to discern what was shown of this educational level. The videos analysed belong to the categories of news, black and white documentaries, colour documentaries and magazine images from 1943 to 1981. Each video has been described on an observation form designed to facilitate the processing of information, and the data collected has been put into context through primary and secondary written sources (legislation and the academic literature). In short, although NO-DO is an example of political propaganda manipulated for the benefit of the dictatorship, it is also, thanks to its photography and films, a source of inestimable value for historians of education.