bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong Valence Electrons Dependent and Logical Relations of Elemental Impurities in 2D Binary Semiconductor: a Case of GeP3 Monolayer from Ab Initio Studies
Authors: Zhang Suihao , Li Rui , Fu Xiaonan , Zhao Yu , Niu Chunyao , Li Chong , Zeng Zaiping , Wang Songyou , Xia Congxin , Jia Yu
Published: September 2019

Using first-principle calculations within density functional theory, we investigate the electronic property and stability of substitutionally doped 2D GeP3 monolayer with dopants from group III to VI. The conducting properties are found to be dramatically modified by both the doping sites and the number of valence electrons of dopants. Specifically, substitution on Ge site exhibits metal-semiconductor oscillations as a function of the number of valence electrons of dopants, while such oscillations are totally reversed when substitution on P site. Moreover, we also study the case of co-doping in GeP3, showing that co-doping can produce a logical “AND” phenomenon, that is, the conducting properties of co-doped GeP3 can be deduced via a simple logical relation according to the results of single doping. Finally, we investigate the formation energy of dopants and find that the electron-hole and hole-hole co-doped systems are much more energetically favorable due to the Coulomb attraction. Our findings not only present a comprehensive understanding of 2D doping phenomenon, but also propose an intriguing route to tune the electronic properties of 2D binary semiconductors.
Improving rice blast resistance of Feng39S through molecular marker-assisted backcrossing
Authors: Yang Dabing , Tang Jianhao , Yang Di , Chen Ying , Ali Jauhar , Mou Tongmin
Published: September 2019

Background

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most widespread biotic constraints that threaten rice production. Using major resistance genes for rice blast resistance improvement is considered to be an efficient and technically feasible approach to achieve optimal grain yield.

Results

We report here the introgression of the broad-spectrum blast resistance gene Pi2 into the genetic background of an elite PTGMS line, Feng39S, for enhancing it and its derived hybrid blast resistance through marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) coupled with genomics-based background selection. Two PTGMS lines, designated as DB16206–34 and DB16206–38, stacking homozygous Pi2 were selected, and their genetic background had recurrent parent genome recovery of 99.67% detected by the SNP array RICE6K. DB16206–34 and DB16206–38 had high resistance frequency, with an average of 94.7%, when infected with 57 blast isolates over 2 years, and the resistance frequency of their derived hybrids ranged from 68.2% to 95.5% under inoculation of 22 blast isolates. The evaluation of results under natural blast epidemic field conditions showed that the selected PTGMS lines and their derived hybrids were resistant against leaf and neck blast. The characterizations of the critical temperature point of fertility-sterility alternation of the selected PTGMS lines, yield, main agronomic traits, and rice quality of the selected PTGMS lines and their hybrids were identical to those of the recurrent parent and its hybrids. DB16206–34/9311 or DB16206–38/9311 can be used as a blast-resistant version to replace the popular hybrid Fengliangyou 4. Likewise, DB16206–34/FXH No.1 or DB16206–38/FXH No.1 can also be used as a blast-resistant version to replace another popular hybrid Fengliangyou Xiang 1.

Conclusions

Our evaluation is the first successful case to apply MABC with genomics-based background selection to improve the blast resistance of PTGMS lines for two-line hybrid rice breeding.
Genetic dissection of yield-related traits and mid-parent heterosis for those traits in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Yi Qiang , Liu Yinghong , Hou Xianbin , Zhang Xiangge , Li Hui , Zhang Junjie , Liu Hanmei , Hu Yufeng , Yu Guowu , Li Yangping , Wang Yongbin , Huang Yubi
Published: September 2019

Background

Utilization of heterosis in maize could be critical in maize breeding for boosting grain yield. However, the genetic architecture of heterosis is not fully understood. To dissect the genetic basis of yield-related traits and heterosis in maize, 301 recombinant inbred lines derived from 08 to 641 × YE478 and 298 hybrids from the immortalized F2(IF2) population were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for nine yield-related traits and mid-parent heterosis.

Results

We observed 156 QTLs, 28 pairs of loci with epistatic interaction, and 10 significant QTL × environment interactions in the inbred and hybrid mapping populations. The high heterosis in F1and IF2populations for kernel weight per ear (KWPE), ear weight per ear (EWPE), and kernel number per row (KNPR) matched the high percentages of QTLs (over 50%) for those traits exhibiting overdominance, whereas a notable predominance of loci with dominance effects (more than 70%) was observed for traits that show low heterosis such as cob weight per ear (CWPE), rate of kernel production (RKP), ear length (EL), ear diameter (ED), cob diameter, and row number (RN). The environmentally stable QTLqRKP3–2was identified across two mapping populations, whileqKWPE9, affecting the trait mean and the mid-parent heterosis (MPH) level, explained over 18% of phenotypic variations. Nine QTLs,qEWPE9–1,qEWPE10–1,qCWPE6,qEL8,qED2–2,qRN10–1,qKWPE9,qKWPE10–1, andqRKP4–3, accounted for over 10% of phenotypic variation. In addition, QTL mapping identified 95 QTLs that were gathered together and integrated into 33 QTL clusters on 10 chromosomes.

Conclusions

The results revealed that (1) the inheritance of yield-related traits and MPH in the heterotic pattern improved Reid (PA) × Tem-tropic I (PB) is trait-dependent; (2) a large proportion of loci showed dominance effects, whereas overdominance also contributed to MPH for KNPR, EWPE, and KWPE; (3) marker-assisted selection for markers at genomic regions 1.09–1.11, 2.04, 3.08–3.09, and 10.04–10.05 contributed to hybrid performance per se and heterosis and were repeatedly reported in previous studies using different heterotic patterns is recommended.
MBD1 promotes the malignant behavior of gallbladder cancer cells and induces chemotherapeutic resistance to gemcitabine
Authors: Wensheng Liu , Bo Zhang , Qiangsheng Hu , Wenyan Xu , Shunrong Ji , Jin Xu , Quanxing Ni , Xianjun Yu , Xiaowu Xu
Published: September 2019

Background

Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 1 (MBD1), which couples DNA methylation to transcriptional repression, has been implicated in transcriptional regulation, heterochromatin formation, genomic stability, cell cycle progression and development. It has also been proven that MBD1 is involved in tumor development and progression. However, whether MBD1 is involved in tumorigenesis, especially in gallbladder cancer, is totally unknown.

Methods

Human GBC-SD and SGC996 cells were used to perform experiments. Invasion, wound healing and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate cell viability. A CCK-8 assay was performed to assess gallbladder cancer cell viability after gemcitabine treatment. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate changes in protein expression. Human gallbladder cancer tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical staining to detect protein expression.

Results

We found that MBD1 expression was significantly upregulated in gallbladder cancer tissues compared with that in surrounding normal tissues according to immunohistochemical analysis of 84 surgically resected gallbladder cancer specimens. These data also indicated that higher MBD1 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor survival in gallbladder cancer patients. Overexpression and deletion in vitro validated MBD1 as a potent oncogene promoting malignant behaviors in gallbladder cancer cells, including invasion, proliferation and migration, as well as epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Studies have demonstrated that epithelial–mesenchymal transition is common in gallbladder cancer, and it is well known that drug resistance and epithelial–mesenchymal transition are very closely correlated. Herein, our data show that targeting MBD1 restored gallbladder cancer cell sensitivity to gemcitabine chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results of our study revealed a novel function of MBD1 in gallbladder cancer tumor development and progression through participation in the gallbladder cancer epithelial–mesenchymal transition program, which is involved in resistance to gemcitabine chemotherapy. Thus, MBD1 may be a potential therapeutic target for gallbladder cancer.
Effect of hyperoside on cervical cancer cells and transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes
Authors: Guo Weikang , Yu Hui , Zhang Lu , Chen Xiuwei , Liu Yunduo , Wang Yaoxian , Zhang Yunyan
Published: September 2019

Background

Hyperoside (Hy) is a plant-derived quercetin 3-d-galactoside that exhibits inhibitory activities on various tumor types. The objective of the current study was to explore Hy effects on cervical cancer cell proliferation, and to perform a transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes.

Methods

Cervical cancer HeLa and C-33A cells were cultured and the effect of Hy treatment was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. After calculating the IC50 of Hy in HeLa and C-33A cells, the more sensitive to Hy treatment cell type was selected for RNA-Seq. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing gene expression between the Hy and control groups. Candidate genes were determined through DEG analysis, protein interaction network (PPI) construction, PPI module analysis, transcription factor (TF) prediction, TF-target network construction, and survival analysis. Finally, the key candidate genes were verified by RT-qPCR and western blot.

Results

Hy inhibited HeLa and C33A cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as determined by the CCK-8 assay. Treatment of C-33A cells with 2 mM Hy was selected for the subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, 754 upregulated and 509 downregulated genes were identified after RNA-Seq. After functional enrichment, 74 gene ontology biological processes and 43 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were obtained. According to the protein interaction network (PPI), PPI module analysis, TF-target network construction, and survival analysis, the key genesMYC,CNKN1A,PAX2,TFRC,ACOX2,UNC5B,APBA1,PRKACA,PEAR1,COL12A1,CACNA1G,PEAR1, andCCNA2were detected. RT-qPCR was performed on the key genes, and Western blot was used to verifyC-MYCandTFRC.C-MYCandTFRCexpressions were lower and higher than the corresponding values in the control group, respectively, in accordance with the results from the RNA-Seq analysis.

Conclusion

Hy inhibited HeLa and C-33A cell proliferation throughC-MYCgene expression reduction in C-33A cells andTFRCregulation. The results of the current study provide a theoretical basis for Hy treatment of cervical cancer.
An evaluation of risk-based monitoring in pragmatic trials in UK Clinical Trials Units
Authors: Beever Daniel , Swaby Lizzie
Published: September 2019

Background

Good Clinical Practice guidelines issued in 2016 encourage risk-based approaches to monitoring clinical trials. This study compared current risk assessment and monitoring approaches in UK Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) with the published guidance and makes recommendations for risk-based monitoring in pragmatic trials.

Methods

An online survey of UK Clinical Research Collaboration registered CTUs was administered via email invitation. Forty-nine units were invited, and 23 responded. Respondents were also invited to share copies of risk assessment templates.

Results

Most CTUs reported using remote combined with on-site monitoring. All reported undertaking a risk assessment for Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMPs) and 21 units did so for non-CTIMPs. Most CTIMP risk assessments used MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) classifications, although some also employed staff judgement. Almost all units based their monitoring on perceived risk level; this number was higher for CTIMPs (n = 22) than for non-CTIMPs (n = 19). In most cases, monitoring plans were produced. More CTUs revisited risk assessments during trials in CTIMPs (n = 21) than in non-CTIMPs (n = 18). Small numbers of units reviewed the monitoring approach always (n = 4) or sometimes (n = 9) and few used the reflection to guide future monitoring.

Conclusions

A high proportion of UK CTUs are using risk-based monitoring in the UK, as recommended by guidelines, for both CTIMPs and non-CTIMPs. This has the potential to make trials more efficient and reduce costs. However, there appears to be a lack of reflection on the value of these revised approaches. There may be a benefit in CTUs collaborating nationally to improve processes for reflection and making changes during the life course of a trial.
Thickness of orthodontic clear aligners after thermoforming and after 10 days of intraoral exposure: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Bucci Rosaria , Rongo Roberto , Levatè Carmine , Michelotti Ambrosina , Barone Sandro , Razionale Armando Viviano , D’Antò Vincenzo
Published: September 2019

Background

Clear aligners (CA) are among the most chosen orthodontic therapies for patients who require an invisible treatment. Previous studies showed that the thermoforming process and the complexity of the intraoral environment might alter the properties of these devices. The aim of the current prospective clinical study was to assess the thickness changes of the CA after 10 days of intraoral use. The secondary aim was to assess the reproducibility of the thermoforming process, in terms of aligner thickness.

Materials and methods

CA from 18 consecutive patients (13 women, 5 men, mean age 28.8 ± 9.6 years) were investigated. Before intraoral exposure (T0), the thickness of the unused CA was measured at different occlusal points on a 3D model with a dedicated software (Geomagic Qualify 2013; 3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC, USA). Two CA configurations were studied: passive maxillary aligner (P—no tooth movement; no shape for attachments) and active maxillary aligner (A—tooth movement; shape for attachments and divot). The used aligners were returned after 10 days (T1) and the thickness measurements were repeated. A Student’s t test for paired data (T1 vs. T0) was applied to compare the thicknesses of used and unused devices (significance level after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparison was set at p < 0.0014). Furthermore, to study the reproducibility of the thermoforming process, P and A aligners were thermoformed twice, and the thicknesses of the two unused thermoformed devices were compared by means of Student’s t test for paired data (significance level after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparison was set at p < 0.0014) and Dahlberg’s error.

Results

The thermoforming process showed good reproducibility for both aligner configurations, with a maximum Dahlberg’s error of 0.13 mm. After intraoral use, the thickness of P showed some statistically significant, but not clinically relevant, thickness changes as compared to the unused aligners, while A did not show any significant changes.

Conclusion

Considering the thickness changes, the thermoforming process is reliable both with active and passive aligner configurations. Also, the CA examined show good thickness stability after physiological intraoral ageing in a population of healthy adults.
DESTINY: Database for the Effects of STellar encounters on dIsks and plaNetary sYstems
Authors: Bhandare Asmita , Pfalzner Susanne
Published: September 2019

Most stars form as part of a stellar group. These young stars are mostly surrounded by a disk from which potentially a planetary system might form. Both, the disk and later on the planetary system, may be affected by the cluster environment due to close fly-bys. The here presented database can be used to determine the gravitational effect of such fly-bys on non-viscous disks and planetary systems. The database contains data for fly-by scenarios spanning mass ratios between the perturber and host star from 0.3 to 50.0, periastron distances from 30 au to 1000 au, orbital inclination from 0∘ to 180∘ and angle of periastron of 0∘, 45∘ and 90∘. Thus covering a wide parameter space relevant for fly-bys in stellar clusters. The data can either be downloaded to perform one’s own diagnostics like for e.g. determining disk size, disk mass, etc. after specific encounters, obtain parameter dependencies or the different particle properties can be visualized interactively. Currently the database is restricted to fly-bys on parabolic orbits, but it will be extended to hyperbolic orbits in the future. All of the data from this extensive parameter study is now publicly available as DESTINY.
Data-driven elastic modeling of organic-rich marl during maturation
Authors: Suwannasri Krongrath , Vanorio Tiziana , Clark Anthony C.
Published: September 2019

The elastic modeling of source-rock reservoirs during maturation must incorporate microstructural and geochemical alterations. The common challenge is calibrating the volumetric proportion between each form of organic porosity along with the changes in the bulk and shear moduli of kerogen as a function of maturity. Two forms of organic porosity have generally been observed: (1) spongy and bubble pores inside kerogen and (2) low-aspect-ratio pores or gaps at the interface between shrinking kerogen bodies and the matrix. We have constructed a rock-physics model of organic-rich marl during maturation and calibrated it using rock-physics data sets from controlled pyrolysis experiments of organic-rich marl under stress. We chose these pyrolysis data because the samples provide subsequent changes in porosity and P- and S-wave velocities as a function of maturity, while evidencing minimal grain sliding and mechanical compaction due to their stiff matrix. Our calibration results indicate that spongy and bubble pores should be used as the predominant form in the model regardless of maturity. Our results also indicate a competing effect between increasing kerogen porosity and the increasing moduli of solid kerogen. Kerogen porosity mainly develops throughout the oil windows. Whereas the moduli of solid kerogen increase by a factor of two in the early-peak oil window and remain relatively constant afterward. Consequently, the effective moduli of kerogen experience minimal changes in the early-peak oil window and rapidly decrease to half of the immature values in the late oil window. These calibration results are consistent with several petrophysical and nanoindentation studies on kerogen. Finally, we used the calibrated model to build a rock-physics template of organic-rich marl during maturation. The template was tested with pyrolyzed and naturally matured samples, which showed that our model can be used to characterize reservoir properties across different maturity windows.
Deep learning for low-frequency extrapolation from multioffset seismic data
Authors: Ovcharenko Oleg , Kazei Vladimir , Kalita Mahesh , Peter Daniel , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: September 2019

Low-frequency seismic data are crucial for convergence of full-waveform inversion (FWI) to reliable subsurface properties. However, it is challenging to acquire field data with an appropriate signal-to-noise ratio in the low-frequency part of the spectrum. We have extrapolated low-frequency data from the respective higher frequency components of the seismic wavefield by using deep learning. Through wavenumber analysis, we find that extrapolation per shot gather has broader applicability than per-trace extrapolation. We numerically simulate marine seismic surveys for random subsurface models and train a deep convolutional neural network to derive a mapping between high and low frequencies. The trained network is then tested on sections from the BP and SEAM Phase I benchmark models. Our results indicate that we are able to recover 0.25 Hz data from the 2 to 4.5 Hz frequencies. We also determine that the extrapolated data are accurate enough for FWI application.
Long-term outcomes of trials in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence depression guideline
Authors: McPherson Susan , Hengartner Michael P.
Published: September 2019

The forthcoming National Institute for Health and Care Excellence depression guideline reviews short-term outcomes for long-term depression. We present effect sizes for long-term outcomes in trials that report these data. Psychological therapies become more effective, whereas antidepressants become less effective over the long term. We review other forms of longitudinal research that support these findings.
Effect of Different Concentrations of Propofol Used as a Sole Anesthetic on Pupillary Diameter: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Sabourdin Nada , Meniolle Fleur , Chemam Sarah , Rigouzzo Agnes , Hamza Jamil , Louvet Nicolas , Constant Isabelle
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:

Pupillometry monitoring under general anesthesia is based on the assumption that pupillary diameter variations reflect the adequacy of the provided analgesia to the intensity of the nociceptive surgical stimulus. The accurate interpretation of pupillometric data requires establishing clearly what the expected baseline unstimulated pupillary diameter at each specific level of hypnosis is. Opioids decrease pupillary diameter in a dose-dependent fashion. In contrast, the effects of hypnotic drugs on pupillary diameter are not well known. Our aim was to describe the potential relationship between propofol predicted effect-site concentrations (Cets) ranging from 1 to 3 µg/mL and pupillary diameter.

METHODS:

Patients were randomized to receive propofol by target-controlled infusion at a predicted Cet of 1, 2, or 3 µg/mL (groups P1, P2, and P3, respectively). Pupillary diameter measurements were performed after 10 minutes of steady-state propofol infusion at the randomized Cet. No stimulation was performed during the study. Heart rate and bispectral index (BIS) were continuously recorded.

RESULTS:

Forty patients were included: (13, 14, and 13 in groups P1, P2, and P3, respectively). Mean pupillary diameter was 5.7 mm (1 mm) in group P1, 4.8 mm (1.3 mm) in group P2, and 3.3 mm (0.8 mm) in group P3. Propofol had a dose-dependent effect on pupillary diameter (linear regression R
2 = 0.45, P < .001). Pupillary diameter was positively correlated with the BIS (Spearman r = 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54 to −0.87] P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

From 1 to 3 µg/mL of predicted Cet, propofol has a dose-dependent effect on pupillary diameter. Within this concentrations range, there is a positive correlation between BIS and pupillary diameter. The subcortical effect of propofol on pupillary diameter is correlated to its effect on the cortex. Studies assessing pupillary diameter as a marker of the nociception–antinociception balance should be performed in patients with a standardized depth of hypnosis.
Whole Blood Point-of-Care Testing for Incomplete Reversal With Idarucizumab in Supratherapeutic Dabigatran
Authors: Takeshita Shusuke , Tanaka Kenichi A. , Sawa Teiji , Sanda Masashi , Mizobe Toshiki , Ogawa Satoru
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:

Incomplete reversal with a recommended 5-g dose of idarucizumab has been reported in patients with excessively high dabigatran concentrations. A timely detection of reversal failure after idarucizumab using whole blood (WB) coagulation testing is clinically useful. The aims of this study were to determine residual dabigatran activity after idarucizumab on thrombin generation (TG) using in vitro supratherapeutic dabigatran models and to compare 4 WB point-of-care tests (activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], prothrombin time [PT], and 2 thromboelastometry tests) with the TG results.

METHODS:

Blood samples from 12 healthy volunteers were spiked in vitro with 0–5000 ng/mL of dabigatran. Dabigatran reversal was evaluated by adding 1000 μg/mL of idarucizumab (Praxbind) to dabigatran-spiked samples, which reflect the administration of 5-g idarucizumab to a 70-kg patient. Residual dabigatran activity was assessed using the calibrated automated TG (Thrombinoscope) in platelet-poor plasma samples. The TG results were compared with WB aPTT (DRIHEMATO APTT-S) and PT (DRIHEMATO PT-S) using CG02N analyzer, thromboelastometry (ROTEM) triggered by ellagic acid (INTEM) and tissue factor (EXTEM).

RESULTS:

At a therapeutic concentration of dabigatran (200 ng/mL), the lag time was prolonged, and peak TG was decreased. The effects of dabigatran on TG were increased up to 1000 ng/mL, and TG was obliterated at higher supratherapeutic dabigatran levels (P < .001 versus control, respectively). TG was fully restored with idarucizumab when dabigatran was ≤2000 ng/mL, but residual anticoagulant activity was observed at higher dabigatran levels. Dabigatran prolonged WB aPTT and PT concentration dependently, and residual prolongations were observed when idarucizumab was added to 3000 or 5000 ng/mL of dabigatran (P < .001 versus control, respectively). In contrast, both INTEM and EXTEM clotting times were reversed toward reference ranges at all dabigatran concentrations when idarucizumab was added.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data indicate that the recommended dose of idarucizumab may not restore TG completely with excessively elevated concentrations of dabigatran. All WB measurements with aPTT, PT, and thromboelastometry predicted supratherapeutic dabigatran concentrations, whereas those tests varied in sensitivity to residual anticoagulant activity after reversal. WB aPTT corresponded well with plasma TG changes among those measurements, but the use of thromboelastometry may overestimate the effect of idarucizumab. Caution should be exercised before extrapolating in vitro point-of-care data to the clinical monitoring of dabigatran reversal.
Differential requirements for the EF-hand domains of human centrin 2 in primary ciliogenesis and nucleotide excision repair
Authors: Khouj Ebtissal M. , Prosser Suzanna L. , Tada Haruto , Chong Weng Man , Liao Jung-Chi , Sugasawa Kaoru , Morrison Ciaran G.
Published: September 2019

Centrin 2 is a small conserved calcium-binding protein that localizes to the centriolar distal lumen in human cells. It is required for efficient primary ciliogenesis and nucleotide excision repair (NER). Centrin 2 forms part of the xeroderma pigmentosum group C protein complex. To explore how centrin 2 contributes to these distinct processes, we mutated the four calcium-binding EF-hand domains of human centrin 2. Centrin 2 in which all four EF-hands had been mutated to ablate calcium binding (4DA mutant) was capable of supporting in vitro NER and was as effective as the wild-type protein in rescuing the UV sensitivity of centrin 2-null cells. However, we found that mutation of any of the EF-hand domains impaired primary ciliogenesis in human TERT-RPE1 cells to the same extent as deletion of centrin 2. Phenotypic analysis of the 4DA mutant revealed defects in centrosome localization, centriole satellite assembly, ciliary assembly and function and in interactions with POC5 and SFI1. These observations indicate that centrin 2 requires calcium-binding capacity for its primary ciliogenesis functions, but not for NER, and suggest that these functions require centrin 2 to be capable of forming complexes with partner proteins.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A Comparitive Study of Physical Behaviour and Biodegradation of Metalized and Non-Metalized Polypropylene Films
Authors: Neelam Asia , Ishteyaq Shagufta , Hany Omm-e- , Mahmood Syed Junaid
Published: September 2019

The goal of this study was to analyze the physical properties of metalized and non metalized cast PolyPropylene (CPP) plastic films with respect to its degradation and environmental pollution. The PP films of 20 microns were produced by standard cast film extrusion process i.e. metalized PP films coated by aluminium and others without any coating. The samples were manufactured at an industry which produces food grade plastics made by a cast co-extrusion process. Physical properties like Tensile strength, Oxygen transmission rate and water vapour transmission rate measured as per ASTM standard. Results show that non-metallized film has a range of WVTR 6-8g/m2/day and OTR range 2300-2500cc/m²/atm/day. However, metalized PP film shows about 50% to 80%improvement in the OTR and WVTR. It has been proven that metallization with aluminium has improved the physical properties but affect the rate of degradation.

In the current study, the extent of degradation of plastic by fungal colonization(Aspergillus and Pencilliumspp) was measured by the structure investigation using FTIR spectroscopy, results indicate fewer changes in the peak after exposed to the fungi in synthetic media. The spectrum peak in the control on non-metalized film observes at 37736 cm-1, 38913 cm-1 and 6742 cm-1, which are absent after degradation. Similarly in metalized plastic peaks at 3779.8 cm-1, 3771.1 cm-1 , 2357.2 cm-1 and 2007.2 cm-1 were disappeared after degradation. This variation in peaks indicates fungi use the plastic as the source of carbon. These samples were tested for their degradation properties with respect to the physical properties. Both samples took for 30 days of degradation. It is found that non-metalized films degraded effectively in the mean period of time.
Work - Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Case Study of Sawmill Workers in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Sumon , Khan Abid Hossain , Rahman Md. Shohanur , Biswas Baishali
Published: September 2019

Sawmill workers in Bangladesh are increasingly at risk of emerging work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Their jobs involve awkward manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. These are identified as risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. The aims of this study are to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and assessing the postural risk level among sawmills workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 254 workers from 60 sawmills at the southern part of Bangladesh. The overall 70.1% of sawmills workers were suffering musculoskeletal disorders in at least one body part for the last one year. The average Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score of four main tasks (Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, and Carrying the timber) was 9.25, which is high risk for MSDs symptoms. The main reasons behind these MSDs are lack of knowledge about workplace safety, working postures and the settings of the workplace. We have recommended to the management to apply the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) lifting and Manual Material handling techniques; arrange OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ergonomic training to the workers. Also, suggested designing the working table and workplaces in ergonomically to mitigate the musculoskeletal disorders.
ROUSSEAU E A LINGUAGEM MUSICAL: O ENSAIO SOBRE A ORIGEM DAS LÍNGUAS
Authors: Santos Rafael Lima dos , Pessôa Luciana Fontes
Published: September 2019

Resumo: O presente trabalho visa fomentar as discussões a respeito da comunicação humana, compreendida em sua riqueza de multiplicidade e diversidade que vai além do signo linguístico. Para tanto, tem por objetivo estabelecer paralelos entre as linguagens verbal e musical, analisando criticamente um pouco da natureza de ambas a partir de uma visão inovadora e original presente no Ensaio sobre a origem das línguas de Rousseau. Nessa obra, o autor se propõe repensar a compreensão evolutiva da humanidade tendo a linguagem como condutora de tal evolução – e não os tradicionais e datados marcos históricos. Rousseau defende ser a música o paradigma da perfeita expressão – expressão essa que, ao longo do tempo, foi perdida em detrimento da clareza e da objetividade comunicativas. Com as proposições teóricas elencadas no presente artigo, diferenças e similitudes entre verbal e musical são expostas para um maior entendimento das implicações de atuação da prática musical no que diz respeito às suas possibilidades e potencialidades tanto de atuação quanto de alcance.Palavras-chave: Linguagem. Música. Comunicação.Abstract: The present work aims to foment the discussions about human communication, understood in its wealth of multiplicity and diversity that goes beyond the linguistic sign. To do so, it aims to establish parallels between verbal and musical languages, analyzing critically some of the nature of both from an innovative and original vision present in the Essay on the origin of the languages of Rousseau. In this work, the author proposes to rethink the evolutionary understanding of humanity having language as the conduit of such evolution - and not the traditional and dated historical landmarks. Rousseau argues that music is the paradigm of perfect expression - an expression that, over time, has been lost to the detriment of communicative clarity and objectivity. With the theoretical propositions mentioned in this article, differences and similarities between verbal and musical are exposed to a greater understanding of the implications of the performance of musical practice with respect to its possibilities and potentialities both in performance and scope.Keywords: Language. Music. Communication.
Postnatal debriefing: women's need to talk after birth
Authors: Baxter Jackie
Published: September 2019

Background

There is a lack of evidence of the clinical benefit of postnatal debriefing, but qualitative studies show that women value talking to a midwife after birth. However, a very small proportion of women accepted a postnatal discussion meeting at the district general hospital where the author worked.

Aim

To determine why some women need to talk to a professional after giving birth.

Method

A postal survey was sent to a sample of 447 women who gave birth during one calendar month at an NHS Trust in England. This instrument also included the impact of events scale (IES), which assessed women's feelings in relation to their recent experience of giving birth. A total of 170 women (38%) returned the completed form.

Findings

Some women need to talk about their birth experience after they have left the hospital. Women with symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS), measured by a high IES, were more likely to want to talk after giving birth and more likely to rate their experience of birth negatively, compared with those with a low IES. Approximately one-third of women who responded experienced high PTS symptoms.

Conclusions

Maternity providers should consider offering a postnatal listening service to meet women's needs in relation to understanding their experience of giving birth. This will also serve to identify women with PTS symptoms and offer further support.
Home birth and human rights: Lithuania's turn
Authors: Symon Andrew
Published: September 2019

After prominent cases concerning home birth in Hungary and Croatia, another case has been brought to the European Court of Human Rights, this time concerning home birth in Lithuania
Bijective S-boxes of different sizes obtained from quasi-cyclic codes
Authors: BİKOV Dusan , BOUYUKLİEV İliya , BOUYUKLİEVA Stefka
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper is to construct S-boxes of different sizes with good cryptographic properties. An algebraic construction for bijective S-boxes is described. It uses quasi-cyclic representations of the binary simplex code. Good S-boxes of sizes 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 18 are obtained.
The influence of poverty on children’s school experiences: pupils’ perspectives
Authors: Naven Lynn , Egan James , Sosu Edward M. , Spencer Sara
Published: September 2019

This study examined the potential influence of policies and practices on the ability of children from low-income families to participate fully in the school day. Pupils from six schools participated in 71 focus groups and revealed a range of barriers affecting their school experience: transport costs and limited support; clothing costs, stigma and enforcement of school dress codes; material barriers to learning at school and home; concerns about free school meals; missing out on school trips, clubs and events.

Findings on school uniform were an important catalyst towards a recent policy change in Scotland in increasing the school clothing grant.
Fabricating the motivated client: problematising the market of social work in Sweden
Authors: Härnbro Simon
Published: September 2019

This article targets the advancement of a market orientation in Swedish social work, with a specific focus on motivational work and the construction of the motivated client. Informed by a governmentality approach, the article analyses the formation of the ideal client in a market-oriented social work setting in Sweden. The empirical focus is front-line social workers and their work. The analysis is directed at the ways in which front-line social workers conceptualise the ideal client and how such a formation is made possible. The analysis contributes to problematising motivational work as something inherently good and progressive in neoliberal times, in social work practice as well as research. The main conclusions concerning the fabrication of motivated clients as part of a broader neoliberal agenda and challenges for social work are further reflected upon.
Trade unions and self-organised groups of educational workers in Italy
Authors: Borraccino Giulia , Gentile Alessandro
Published: September 2019

The privatisation of social services has brought about many social claims regarding the increase of labour market deregulation and employment insecurity during the previous years of economic crisis. This article focuses on the experience of self-organised groups of educational workers (educatori) in Bologna (centre-north of Italy) as a significant case of precarious workers’ mobilisation in a local context and specific sector. Several self-organised groups of precarious workers like these ones have spread throughout Europe, trying to compete with trade unions for the representation of their interests in the current crisis. The main aim of this research is to describe and explain the interaction between self-organised groups and trade unions in the outsourced social sector. According to this, new horizons for labour movements and social change can be analysed by exploring the obstacles to and the opportunities of the interaction between these two subjects.
Katarzyna Karpińska-Szaj : NAUCZANIE JĘZYKÓW OBCYCH UCZNIÓW Z NIEPEŁNOSPRAWNOŚCIĄ W SZKOŁACH OGÓLNODOSTĘPNYCH
Authors: Gajos Mieczysław
Published: September 2019

Recenzja
English lessons in lower secondary schools in Poland: Reflections based on learner voices
Authors: Ellis Melanie
Published: September 2019

This paper reports on some of the data from a large-scale study Teaching and Learning Foreign Language in lower secondary school, which began in the school year 2011-12 and traces selected groups of learners through the three years of Key Stage 3 (gimnazjum), ending in school year 2013-14. The study was conceived and is managed by the Foreign Language Section of the Educational Research Institute (ERI) in Warsaw with European funding. (see Acknowledgement). In this article the focus is on data obtained from interviews conducted with learners from class one of 120 lower secondary schools, where the students were asked to describe and give opinions about learning English in their school and to imagine an ideal lesson. The learners are the reason that lessons in school take place, but their views are rarely consulted. This study attempts to redress the balance.
POGLĄDY NA NAUKĘ JĘZYKA OBCEGO U OSÓB Z WYSOKĄ I NISKĄ GOTOWOŚCIĄ KOMUNIKACYJNĄ W JĘZYKU ANGIELSKIM
Authors: Piechurska-Kuciel Ewa
Published: September 2019

Reflection is understood as an activity which enables the reproduction of past experiences, reflection and meditation about them and their evaluation. One of the most significant features shaping learner reflection may be willingness to communicate in a foreign language – one’s volitional readiness to enter a communicative event in this language. In spite of a wealth of research conducted in this area, it is still unclear why some students are willing to start communication in a foreign language, while others are adamant to avoid it. For the purpose of this paper a qualitative-quantitative study was performed, focusing on four students with very low levels of willingness to communicate in English, and four with very high levels. The research results demonstrate that high willingness is connected with feelings of safety, a tendency to achieve high proficiency and learning satisfaction. On the other hand, low willingness to communicate in English coexists with feelings of threat and unavoidable necessity to surrender to the demands of the educational system.
REFLECHIR SUR LES TICE EN CLASSE D’ANGLAIS: CAS DES ENSEIGNANTS EN FORMATION INITIALE
Authors: Kotuła Krzysztof
Published: September 2019

The goal of the present paper is to question the validity of the claim which sees reflection as an important part of the work of an efficient language teacher. A quasi-experiment was conducted by the author in order to determine whether reflection is a factor which can in some way influence the teacher’s capacity to plan a FL lesson effectively, incorporating new technologies. A reflective thinking questionnaire (RTQ, Kember et al., 2000) was administered to assess the level of reflective thinking in 47 university students. Next, their lesson projects were evaluated by two independent experts. The correlational study seems to show that reflection may indeed be a factor which influences the quality of the work of a foreign language teacher in an important way.
Urszula Paprocka-Piotrowska CONSTRUCTION DU RECIT DANS LA COMMUNICATION EN LANGUE ETRANGERE
Authors: Gajos Mieczysław
Published: September 2019

Recenzja
Methodologies for Plasmopara halstedii Research
Authors: Martínez Ana Laura , Anderson Freda , Quiroz Facundo , Garayalde Antonio , Erreguerena Ignacio , Armando Lorena , Huguet Norma , Carrera Alicia
Published: September 2019

The objective of this work was to find practical procedures to overcome methodological drawbacks encountered during studies on sunflower downy mildew. Techniques for recovering living isolates of Plasmopara halstedii from the field and for the preservation of infected leaf samples for further molecular analysis were developed. A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based test for the detection of P. halstedii in sunflower leaves and a method to remove azoxystrobin from fungicide-treated seeds are proposed. In situ-inoculations of pre-germinated seeds allowed the recovery of living isolates from the field. Three sample-preservation methods were evaluated (silica, heating and lyophilization) resulting in high yield and quality of the DNA extract. It was detected the presence of the pathogen in symptomless leaves through PCR using molecular markers based on expressed sequence tags. A treatment using sodium hypochlorite is recommended for the removal of azoxystrobin from fungicide treated seeds.
Comparison of the effect of self-care education in a disaster with two student-centered and family-centered approaches to self-care in students
Authors: Eskandari Ali , Motaghi Minoo
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this research was to compare the effect of self-care education in disasters with two student-centered and family-centered approaches to self-care in students of the Red Crescent Societies in the city of Lenjan in 2017.

Methods

One hundred and fifty individuals were selected by random sampling from 270 people. The research instrument was a questionnaire. The questionnaire was approved by the opinion of supervisors and other experts. The present research is a quasi-experimental study. The covariance analysis was used to determine the difference between the two groups in the experimental and control groups and the effect of educational intervention. All of the above steps were performed using the SPSS 23 statistical program.

Results

The results indicate that there is a significant difference between the two groups in self-care through the student-centered approach. The mean of the self-care group with a family-centered approach (21.72) was more than the mean of the control group in this variable (16.61). Moreover, the mean of the self-care group’s education with family-centered approaches (42.61) was more than the mean of self-care education h in a disaster with a student-centered approach (31.23).

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is a significant difference between self-care education with two student-centered and family-based approaches to self-care in students, and a family-centered approach has better outcomes.
Preserving Artworks Digitally: The Case of Andy Warhol’s Polaroid Photographs
Authors: Botticelli Peter
Published: September 2019

As museum objects are digitized, curators will need to examine closely the potential for digital objects to represent, and possibly distort, the authentic information contained in material objects. This work examines the complex preservation issues facing Polaroid photographs by Andy Warhol, as a case example of a distributed collection of relatively fragile, non-reproducible photographs which have recently been digitized, but with uncertain consequences for how audiences might experience the Polaroids in digital form. With the potential for digital objects to outlast the Polaroids, this work highlights the need for rich documentation to ensure that digital representations might be able to serve as a practicable preservation medium for material objects.
Simulation of dynamic mold compression and resin flow for force-controlled compression resin transfer molding
Authors: Chang Chih-Yuan
Published: September 2019

In the present study, an improved consolidation model, with mold inertia included, is proposed to completely predict how the upper mold rapidly moves from rest to maximal velocity and then decelerates to a steady value for a constant force-controlled compression resin transfer molding (CRTM). Simulation results show that all preform compaction cases cannot apply to quasi-static consolidation theory in CRTM. For cases with a massy mold, inadequate preform resistance, and low resin viscosity, the mold inertia has a short, remarkable influence on the resin counter-force and causes a slightly slow resin progression in the early compression stage. Contrarily, the compaction of the rigid preform is applicable to the quasi-static consolidation theory. Additionally, a reasonable time increment is discussed for using the quasi steady-state approximation.
Aromatase (CYP19) inhibition by biflavonoids obtained from the branches of Garcinia gardneriana (Clusiaceae)
Authors: Recalde-Gil Angelica Maria , Klein-Júnior Luiz , Salton Juliana , Bordignon Sérgio , Cechinel-Filho Valdir , Matté Cristiane , Henriques Amélia
Published: September 2019

Overexpression of aromatase in breast cancer cells may substantially influence its progression and maintenance. In this sense, the inhibition of aromatase is a key target for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Although several flavonoids had already demonstrated the capacity of inhibiting aromatase activity, the role of biflavonoids as aromatase inhibitors is poorly studied. In this work, the biflavonoids isolated from Garcinia gardneriana, morelloflavone (1), Gb-2a (2) and Gb-2a-7-O-glucose (3) were submitted to in vitro assay to evaluate the aromatase modulatory effect. As results, it was demonstrated that all biflavonoids were able to inhibit the enzyme, with IC50 values ranging from 1.35 to 7.67 μM. This demonstrates that biflavonoids are an important source of scaffolds for the development of new aromatase inhibitors, focusing on the development of new anticancer agents.