bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycoalkaloids in commercial potato varieties traded in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Musita Consolata Nolega , Okoth Michael Wandayi , Abong' George Ooko , Omayio Duke Gekonge
Published: May 2020

Background: Glycoalkaloids are naturally occurring toxins in potatoes which, at high levels, pose food safety concerns to consumers. Their concentrations in potatoes are dependent on postharvest handling, variety and stress factors tubers are exposed to. Limited information, however, exists on levels of glycoalkaloids in commercially traded potato tubers in Kenya. The current study sought to determine the glycoalkaloid levels in potatoes traded in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Methods: Three potato varieties, Shangi, Dutch Robjin and Royal sold in open-air markets and supermarkets were randomly sampled and their glycoalkaloid levels determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results: The levels varied significantly (p<0.05). The Shangi variety had the highest glycoalkaloids with a mean of 410.35 mg kg-1 dry weight with samples from supermarkets having the highest levels (550.8 mg kg-1). The same variety from open air markets averaged 382.26 mg kg-1 dry weight compared to the Dutch Robjin (129.2 mg kg-1 dry weight) and Royal variety (98.2 mg kg-1 dry weight) which had the least levels of glycoalkaloids.

Conclusions: The levels in sampled tubers did not exceed the recommended levels of 1000 mg/kg on dry weight basis and, therefore, consumption of these potatoes would not raise safety concerns. There is, however, a need to ensure that marketing of tubers is carried out under conditions that minimize occurrence of glycoalkaloids, especially for the Shangi variety, which is the most common in the markets but had relatively high levels of these toxins. There is also a need to educate marketers on the need for proper storage and handling of potatoes during marketing to avoid risk of accumulation of glycoalkaloids.
The Genesis of Voluntary Disclosure: An Analysis of Firms’ First Earnings Guidance
Authors: Allee Kristian D. , Christensen Theodore E. , Graden Bryan S. , Merkley Kenneth J.
Published: May 2020

We investigate a firm’s decision to initiate earnings guidance during its first year as a public company following its initial public offering (IPO), which we label “early guidance.” Using a sample of firms with IPOs between 2001 and 2010, we find that almost 60% provide early guidance and that only one-third of the firms that do not provide guidance during the first year subsequently decide to guide. Consistent with the importance of liquidity incentives following the IPO, we find that firms are significantly more likely to provide early guidance when their IPOs are backed by venture capital or private equity investors. Our results indicate that firms with higher-quality IPO information are more likely to provide early earnings guidance. We also find that early guidance has significant implications for future disclosure choices. Firms that guide soon after the IPO are significantly more likely to guide again and to provide regular future guidance (i.e., they establish a regular guidance policy). Finally, we find evidence suggesting that the credibility of initial guidance is lower than that of subsequent guidance, and subsequent guidance credibility relates to both the length of firms’ guidance history and the accuracy of their initial guidance disclosures.

This paper was accepted by Shiva Rajgopal, accounting.
Decomposing Dynamic Risks into Risk Components
Authors: Schilling Katja , Bauer Daniel , Christiansen Marcus C. , Kling Alexander
Published: May 2020

The decomposition of dynamic risks a company faces into components associated with various sources of risk, such as financial risks, aggregate economic risks, or industry-specific risk drivers, is of significant relevance in view of risk management and product design, particularly in (life) insurance. Nevertheless, although several decomposition approaches have been proposed, no systematic analysis is available. This paper closes this gap in literature by introducing properties for meaningful risk decompositions and demonstrating that proposed approaches violate at least one of these properties. As an alternative, we propose a novel martingale representation theorem (MRT) decomposition that relies on martingale representation and show that it satisfies all of the properties. We discuss its calculation and present detailed examples illustrating its applicability.

This paper was accepted by Baris Ata, stochastic models and simulation.
Optimal Online Learning for Nonlinear Belief Models Using Discrete Priors
Authors: Han Weidong , Powell Warren B.
Published: May 2020

Online Learning with Multiperiod Lookaheads
Increased body mass index percentile is associated with decreased epiphyseal tubercle size in asymptomatic children and adolescents with healthy hips
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Shayan , Kiapour Ata M. , Maranho Daniel A. , Emami Seyed Alireza , Miller Patricia , Kim Young-Jo , Novais Eduardo N.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) percentile impacts the morphology of the capital femoral epiphysis in children and adolescents without hip disorders.

Methods

We assessed 68 subjects with healthy hips who underwent a pelvic CT for evaluation of appendicitis. There were 32 male patients (47%) and the mean age was 11.6 years (sd 2.3). The BMI (k/m2) was calculated for sex- and age-related percentiles according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. CT images were segmented, and the epiphysis and metaphysis were reformatted using 3D software. We measured the epiphyseal tubercle (height, width and length), the metaphyseal fossa (depth, width and length) and the peripheral cupping of the epiphysis. All measurements were normalized to the diameter of the epiphysis. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess the correlations between the variables measured and BMI percentile adjusted for age.

Results

Following adjustment to age, increased BMI correlated to decreased tubercle height (r =-0.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.53 to -0.11; p = 0.005), decreased tubercle length (r = -0.32; 95%CI -0.52 to -0.09; p = 0.008) and decreased tubercle width (r = -0.3; 95% CI -0.5 to -0.07; p = 0.01). There was no correlation between BMI and metaphyseal fossa and epiphyseal cupping measurements.

Conclusion

The association between increased BMI percentile and decreased epiphyseal tubercle size, without changes of the metaphyseal fossa and peripheral cupping suggests another morphological change of the femur that may be associated with decreased growth plate resistance to shear stress. Further study is necessary to investigate whether the epiphyseal tubercle size plays a role in the pathogenesis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in obese children and adolescents.

Level of Evidence

Level IV
The Community Interest Company
Authors: Mason PR
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the success of the development of the Community Interest Company (CIC). The CIC corporate form was created in 2005, designed with an asset lock to prevent successful charitable social enterprises becoming corporate targets. In practice many
people have still not heard about CICs, and the original observations in this paper are intended to aid the understanding of CICs development by both practitioners and academics. Written principally from a practitioner's perspective, the paper is empirical in nature, presenting reasons for
the subsequent legislative changes to this type of UK social business in 2009, 2012 and 2014 and providing an analysis of aspects of CIC reporting, as filed in CIC annual reports and in the Companies House 2017 dataset. It is intended, in part, to address the lack of generally available literature
informing practitioners about the existence and potential use of the CIC corporate form, either as a Company Limited by Shares, CLS, or a Company Limited by Guarantee, CLG, by social entrepreneurs seeking to incorporate UK social business enterprises at Companies House.
 For the
practitioner, it communicates findings about the CIC form in the context of the original legislation in 2005, with an overview of the regulatory changes that sought improvements to CIC reporting, actioned the removal of one of the dividend caps and relaxed the asset lock. It further indicates
the preference for the CIC form of Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), highlights that few CICs (2%) have achieved the status of large companies, and that there is little published about the financial success or otherwise of CICs. The CIC corporate form, with the inbuilt asset lock, is becoming
an accepted corporate model in practice and its potential for use as a corporate raid dis-incentive is not limited to charitable organisations. For the academic, this work indicates certain gaps, and consequently areas for further research, in the role of CICs in business theory models, in
regional variations, and importantly, in their financial success.
 The research is limited to the UK and does not consider international social enterprises and associated legislation.
Flexible transmitters based on directly modulated VCSELs for next-generation 50G passive optical networks
Authors: Parolari Paola , Gatto Alberto , Neumeyr Christian , Boffi Pierpaolo
Published: May 2020

Discrete multitone (DMT) modulation, due to its water-filling nature, is proposed to enable flexibility in passive optical networks (PONs), optimizing the PON resource usage. The use of DMT signals to directly modulate long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) can provide energy-efficient transmitters for 50G PONs. First, we present preliminary experimental measures employing both single-sideband and dual-sideband DMT modulation with already available short-cavity VCSELs operating in the third window to study the PON performance as a function of the accumulated chromatic dispersion and of the received power. The experimental results are then compared with simulations, demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed simulation tool. Then we study the performance of DMT-modulated transmitters based on next-generation short-cavity VCSELs with higher bandwidth (up to 20 GHz) operating in the O-band, evaluating their chromatic dispersion resilience. Finally, considering the statistics of a commercially deployed PON, we demonstrate that DMT modulation, providing link adaptation, offers a significant increase in the total aggregated capacity compared to a single-carrier-based fixed-rate PON, optimizing the PON resource usage with respect to the available power budget and the dispersion impairments.
Absorption enhancement by a period array of nano-grooves in gold substrate
Authors: Cao Yinghao , Zhang Siwen , Sun Xiaodong , Wu Feng
Published: May 2020

Comprehensive investigations of absorption enhancement by a period array of nano-grooves in gold substrate are provided. A simple Fabry–Perot model is presented to explore impact factors on absorption enhancement. The impacts of structural parameters on absorption enhancement for an array of nano-grooves are explored and discussed. Our calculations show that complete absorption (about 1) can be obtained with the groove depth fulfilling the Fabry–Perot resonance condition. The effect of groove width on absorption for a trapezoidal groove array is slightly different from that for a rectangular groove array, because of the impact of single-pass loss in the grooves. Surface plasmon resonance that can carry most of the energy away from grooves and propagate along the metal surface could lead to extremely low absorption for a period array of nano-grooves. Our discussions identify two key roles in absorption enhancement for a nano-groove array: the fundamental groove mode resonance and the generation of surface plasma polaritons. In addition, the analysis of absorption enhancement for an array of trapezoidal grooves can also provide a comprehensive contribution of Fabry–Perot resonance and electromagnetic interaction along the bevel edges of the trapezoidal grooves.
Time-resolved multimode heterodyne detection for dissecting coherent states of matter
Authors: Glerean Filippo , Jarc Giacomo , Marciniak Alexandre , Giusti Francesca , Sparapassi Giorgia , Montanaro Angela , Rigoni Enrico Maria , Tollerud Jonathan Owen , Fausti Daniele
Published: May 2020

Unveiling and controlling the time evolution of the momentum and position of low energy excitations such as phonons, magnons, and electronic excitation is the key to attain coherently driven new functionalities of materials. Here we report the implementation of femtosecond time- and frequency-resolved multimode heterodyne detection and show that it allows for independent measurement of the time evolution of the position and momentum of the atoms in coherent vibrational states in

α

-quartz. The time dependence of the probe field quadratures reveals that their amplitude is maximally changed when the atoms have maximum momentum, while their phase encodes a different information and evolves proportionally to the instantaneous atomic positon. We stress that this methodology, providing the mean to map both momentum and position in one optical observable, may be of relevance for both quantum information technologies and time-domain studies on complex materials.
Tm3+-doped fluorotellurite glass microsphere resonator laser at 2.3  µm
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Yi Yating , Wang Xin , Li Angzhen , Jia Shijie , Fan Yaxian , Brambilla Gilberto , Wang Shunbin , Zhao Haiyan
Published: May 2020

In this Letter, we report lasing at 2.3 µm in

Tm

3
+

-single-doped and

Tm

3
+

/

Ho

3
+

-codoped fluorotellurite glass microsphere resonators. By employing a 793 nm diode laser as a pump and exploiting whispering gallery mode microresonators (WGMRs), dual-wavelength lasing at 1.9 and 2.3 µm and triple-wavelength lasing at 1.9, 2.07, and 2.3 µm are achieved in

Tm

3
+

-doped and

Tm

3
+

/

Ho

3
+

-codoped microspheres, respectively. The introduction of

Ho

3
+

ions significantly reduces the lasing threshold of

Tm

3
+

at 2.3 µm because of energy transfer.
Lagunas en el Derecho y casos irrelevantes
Authors: Navarro Pablo Eugenio
Published: May 2020

En este trabajo analizo las principales diferencias entre las lagunas normativas y otros tipos casos que el derecho no regula. Sin embargo, las lagunas normativas son casos jurídicamente relevantes porque el derecho intenta regularlos y no proporciona una solución. La teoría jurídica tradicional ha tratado de distinguir las lagunas normativas de otros casos irrelevantes, que son aquellos que el derecho «no regula ni tiene la intención de regular». Además, la teoría tradicional ha argumentado que la diferencia entre las lagunas normativas y los casos irrelevantes es de naturaleza evaluativa; que las lagunas son ‘algo más’ que casos sin solución. Siguiendo a Alchourrón y Bulygin, defiendo una concepción objetiva y neutral de las lagunas normativas, pero señalo una cierta ambigüedad en la conocida teoría de ambos autores, que afecta especialmente la distinción entre lagunas y casos irrelevantes. También critico la propuesta de Ruiz Manero, que ofrece un enfoque alternativo a la concepción objetiva. Finalmente, elaboro un criterio de distinción entre lagunas normativas y casos irrelevantes que explica en qué sentido una determinada acción pertenece a la esfera extranormativa.
La filosofía del Derecho de Robert Alexy como sistema
Authors: Klatt Matthias
Published: May 2020

Los trabajos de Robert Alexy abarcan un amplio rango de temas relevantes: la teoría de la argumentación jurídica, el concepto y la validez del derecho y la teoría de los derechos fundamentales. En este artículo, explico en detalle cómo los múltiples elementos de la teoría del derecho de Alexy se encuentran conectados de modo coherente y sistemático. Después de reseñar los tres principales trabajos monográficos de Alexy, presento tres ideas sobre las cuales se ancla su obra: la tesis del caso especial, la pretensión de corrección y la posibilidad de una argumentación jurídica racional. Enseguida, analizo las relaciones e interconexiones entre estos tres trabajos. Finalmente, abordo el sistema de Alexy como un todo, sus elementos esenciales, su enfoque y carácter. En su conjunto, el presente artículo provee nuevas perspectivas sobre la claridad y profundidad del sistema de Alexy.
La objeción de conciencia y el diálogo judicial
Authors: Puig Hernández Marc-Abraham
Published: May 2020

Con la STC 145/2015, de 25 de junio, se dio un paso más respecto a la configuración del alcance general del derecho a la objeción de conciencia. Sin embargo, podemos hacer una lectura positiva y otra negativa de la misma. En este trabajo pretendo sostener: 1) que las consecuencias negativas tienen mayor relevancia porque circunscriben su ejercicio a un supuesto; y 2) que los precedentes de derecho extranjero e internacional hubieran contribuido a asentar las razones de la decisión del TC que ya se desprenden del derecho español. Para ofrecer una explicación teórica del segundo punto, debemos acudir a la propuesta del diálogo judicial como equilibrio reflexivo amplio.
Die neue Share Economy: Bibliotheken der Dinge
Authors: Ameli Najine
Published: May 2020

Durch Sharing kann der gesellschaftliche Energie- und Ressourcenverbrauch reduziert werden, ohne dabei den materiellen Wohlstand zu gefährden. Viele Menschen weltweit erklären sich auch bereit, Produkte gemeinschaftlich zu nutzen, anstatt sie individuell zu kaufen - tun dies in der Praxis aber nur sehr selten. Die Kluft zwischen der Bereitschaft und der tatsächlichen Umsetzung ist die Ursache für den bislang ausbleibenden Erfolg von Share Economy. Najine Ameli zeigt auf, wie sich Bibliotheken der Dinge seit einigen Jahren in Nordamerika und Europa verbreiten und als Leihstationen für eine breite Palette von Gebrauchsgegenständen einen Weg zur Überwindung dieser Kluft aufzeigen können.
Investigating Mass Transfer Phenomena in Batch Solvent Extraction of Rice Bran Oil
Authors: Aliwarga Lienda
Published: May 2020

In this study, we will point out the correlation of critical parameters in designing scale-up of process equipment for commercial rice bran oil extraction with different types of rice paddy, solvent, and physicochemical condition. Advantageously, this research was also intended to enhance the discoveries of novel sustainable production method for resilient agro-based food, energy, and chemical industries. In our experiment, the extraction of rice bran oil was organised in a batch agitated vessel and showed a profile of first order system. The most important factors which profoundly contributed towards the yield of rice bran oil from Saigon I and PadiBesar variety are temperature (T), impeller speed (N), ratio of bran to solvent (s/L), and ratio of impeller’s height-off bottom to tank diameter (h/d). For the mass transfer constant and the rate of extraction as consequence, factors that significantly influenced the correlation were temperature (T), impeller speed (N), ratio of impeller diameter to tank diameter (d/D), and ratio of impeller’s height-off bottom to tank diameter (h/d). For the dimensionless yield, generalised equation is provided with coefficient of determination 0.95, while that of the mass transfer equals to 0.63, reflecting the yield correlation to be more accurate in predicting further experimental results. These correlations are furthermore unique for different rice varieties, of which in this case belongs to Saigon I. Application for other rice species is relevant as by inserting additional correction factor which also exemplified in this research for PadiBesar. Keywords: rice bran oil; batch extraction; storage time; mass transfer, rate, yield
Encapsulation of Soursop (Annona muricata Linn.) Leaf Tea Extract Using Natural Mucilage
Authors: Cornelia Melanie , Natania Kam , Cahyana Herry , Sutiyono Edison
Published: May 2020

The bioactively rich soursop leaf extract can be encapsulated inside several natural coating materials. The extract of soursop leaf has been found to contain many bioactive compounds such as various phenolic compounds that are beneficial for anticancer, antidiabetic and many other health benefits. However due to the sensitive nature of the bioactive molecules, encapsulation procedure was applied to prolong the activity of the biomolecules. Capsule materials used in this experiment were obtained from natural extract of Okra mucilage, Aloe vera mucilage and Maltodextrin-WPI mixture to protect the unstable bioactive compounds. Homogenation time using ultrasonication and Core to Coating ratio was differed to observe the optimum encapsulation process. The encapsulation efficiency, release factor ability, size distribution and its correlation with bioactive stability are observed using Total Phenolic methods and Antioxidant Activity before and after encapsulation. Aloe vera gave best encapsulation efficiency (88-91%) while microcapsule made with Okra gave the best antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 633-710ppm), and maltodextrin-WPI gave best powder recovery (yield 70-73%). Keywords: aloe mucilage, antioxidant activity,  encapsulation, okra mucilage, soursop tea extract
Activated Carbon Derived From OPEFB by One Step Steam Activation and Its Application for Dye Adsorption : Kinetics and Isothermal Studies
Authors: Sari Fahriya Puspita , Yanto Dede Heri Yuli , Pari Gustan
Published: May 2020

Activated carbon was prepared from OPEFB by one step steam activation method. The adsorption performance for the removal of acid orange 52 (AO 52), reactive blue 19 (RB 19), basic violet 1 (BV 1) was investigated. Each dye has a different chemical structure such as azoic, anthraquinone, triarylmethane for AO 52, RB 19, and BV 1 respectively. The effects of adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time on the adsorption process were studied. Experimental data were analyzed by model equations such as Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms and it was found that the Langmuir isotherm model best fitted for all three dyes with R2 values is higher than 0.95. Langmuir model assumes a homogeneous nature and monolayer coverage of dye molecules at the outer surface of activated carbon. Adsorption kinetics was determined using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order rate equations, Elovich model and also intraparticle diffusion models. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model better described the adsorption process with R2 values exceeds 0,99 compared with the other kinetics model. The SEM images showed AC pores was well developed with steam activation while wider porosity is created in the macropore range. FT-IR analysis had shown that the AC functional groups were disappeared because of vaporization the volatile materials when the heating process. Keywords: Activated Carbon, Adsorption Isotherms, Kinetic, OPEFB, Steam Activation
The performance of a pilot-scale anaerobic hybrid bioreactor on palm oil mill effluent treatment
Authors: Ahmad Adrianto , Bahruddin Bahruddin , Andrio David , Hamzah Amir
Published: May 2020

Contemporarily, Indonesia and Malaysia are the largest contributors of crude palm oil (CPO) in the world by up to 40%, and 37.3%, respectively. Furthermore, its production value this year reached 19.7 million tons, where each generates 2.5 m3 of wastewater. Meanwhile, of all the provinces in Indonesia specifically, Riau is the largest supplier for exports by up to 38%, generated from 225 palm oil mills, where a total of 6.3 million tons resulting in the generation of about 15.75 million m3 of wastewater, with organic content between the range of 30,000-60,000 mg COD/l. In addition, one of the uses of this wastewater includes anaerobic processes, with the double benefit of reducing COD concentrations, subsequently applying it as fertilizer, and also in the production of methane gas, as an alternative source of energy. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to observe the effect of bioreactor volume, scale-up on the performance of anaerobic hybrid bioreactors, in the treatment of mill effluents. The technology examined in this study was the anaerobic hybrid bioreactor with the dimensions of length 22 m, width 10 m, and depth 1.5 m, and a total volume of 330 m3, which is impermeable to oxygen, and a 250 m3 effective working volume. This was built and operated at a hydraulic retention time of 1 day, in the Palm Oil Mill of Riau, and the results showed the environmental conditions to range from a pH of 7.2 to 8.0, with temperatures from 320C to 350C, acetic acid of 774 mg/l to 1,180 mg/l, and alkalinity of 2,149 mg/l up to 2,400 mg/l. Furthermore, the performance of these reactors are shown by the highest COD removal efficiency of 77.8%, and a biogas test for the propensity of being applied as an alternative energy source obtained a methane gas concentration of 54%. Keywords: anaerobic, bioreactor, biogas, wastewater, performance, palm oil mill effluent
Biofilm Based on Modified Sago Starch: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Sondari Dewi , Falah Faizatul , Suryaningrum Riska , Sari Fahriya Puspita , Sari Fahriya Puspita , Septefani Athanasia Amanda , Septefani Athanasia Amanda , Restu Witta Kartika , Restu Witta Kartika , Sampora Yulianti , Sampora Yulianti
Published: May 2020

Biofilms made from modified sago starch to improve the mechanical and physical properties have been studied.  This study aimed to prepare and characterize biofilms from sago starch and modified sago (acetylation, oxidation, cross-link and precipitation). Modified of sago starch was prepared by some methods: precipitation using ethanol as solvent, acetylation modified of sago starch using acetic anhydride, oxidation modification using hydrogen peroxide and cross-link modification using sodium acetate. Biofilms were made from modified sago using glycerol with a concentration of 1.0% weight, where glycerol acts as a plasticizer to impart the thermoplasticity of the starch film. Biofilm made from native sago was then compared to biofilm from modified sago starch. The effects of modified sago starch to the biofilm were measured on its moisture contents, contact angle value, mechanical properties such as elongation and tensile strength. The chemical structures were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and morphology of biofilm were measured by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optimum condition of modified sago starch used in biofilm in this study is by acetylation. The result show that modified acetylation of sago starch can improve the properties of biofilm Keywords: biofilms, sago, acetylation, oxidation, cross link, SEM, FTIR
The Use of Natural Zeolite as A Catalyst for Esterification Reaction Between Glycerol and Oleic Acid
Authors: Ramadhan Anggara Diaz , C.S Nindya Carolina , Nuryoto Nuryoto , Kurniawan Teguh
Published: May 2020

Natural zeolite in Indonesia generally divided into 2 types, which are mordernite and clinoptilolite. As far the use of zeolites is very limited. This experiment tries to use both types of natural zeolites to find out its work. The purpose of this experiment is testing the performance of mordenite natural zeolite from Bayah-Indonesia and clinoptilolite from Lampung- Indonesia in the esterification reaction between glycerol and oleic acid integrated by several variable that affect the reaction. The experiment will be done by using three-neck rounded flask batch reactor. The result showed that modernite zeolite has a better performance compared to clinoptilolite zeolite. To get the oleic acid conversion of 70%, clinoptilolite zeolite needs 4% catalyst of glycerol weight and reactant ratio of 6:1 mole of glycerol/mole of oleic acid, Meanwhile the mordernite zeolite only needs 2% catalyst of glycerol weight with reactant ratio of 4:1 mole of glycerol/mole of oleic acid.Keywords: natural zeolite; glycerol; reaction; diffusion
Morphological transition of amphiphilic block copolymer/PEGylated phospholipid complexes induced by the dynamic subtle balance interactions in the self-assembled aggregates
Authors: Tao Susu , Chu Yanyan , Wang Zihao , Xu Xiaoyan , Tan Qinggang
Published: May 2020

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the control of morphological transition of block copolymer aggregates. Here, we report how to control the morphological transition of methoxy polyethylene glycol–poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA–MPEG) by adding 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)] (DSPE–PEG). In the aggregates formed by dialyzing DSPE–PEG/PDLLA–MPEG mixed solutions against water, the two hydrophobic fatty acid tails of DSPE–PEG will preferentially anchor to the hydrophobic segment end of PDLLA–MPEG by interdigitating between these two tails and PDLLA segments. Consequently, DSPE–PEG and PDLLA–MPEG will form “ABA” temporary supra-amphiphiles in which A represents a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain segment and B is a mixed hydrophobic segment composed of PDLLA and DSPE segments; the repulsive force derived from the PEG segments of DSPE–PEG can affect the stability of “ABA” temporary supra-amphiphiles. Our results show that the dynamic subtle balance between the number of “ABA” temporary supra-amphiphiles formed and the strength of repulsive force between the PEG segments of DSPE–PEG drives the morphological structure of DSPE–PEG/PDLLA–MPEG aggregates to change from micelles to vesicles, then to semi-vesicles and finally to mixed micelles, with increasing DSPE–PEG additions.
Scholarly committees as elite public action: The SSRC and the origins of sociolinguistics
Authors: Heller Monica
Published: May 2020

Starting in the early 1950s, the SSRC cultivated interdisciplinary research into the role of language in culture and thought through its Committees on Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics. Here, Monica Heller examines how the latter committee (1963–1979) helped establish sociolinguistics in the United States, investigating the tensions between language, culture, and inequality. In exploring how the committee shifted focus from the developing world to marginalized groups in the United States, Heller addresses how the research agendas of these scholarly structures are influenced by the political dynamics or ideologies of their time, in this case the Cold War and decolonization.
Directions in Sociolinguistics: Report on an Interdisciplinary Seminar
Authors: Ferguson Charles A.
Published: May 2020

A 1964 summer seminar hosted by the SSRC’s Committee on Sociolinguistics highlighted tensions between sociology and linguistics when scholars gathered to address how their disciplines can deepen research on language’s impact on society. For example, sociologists questioned linguistics’ lack of definition for language or dialect while linguists raised concerns about sociology’s reliance on large quantified data. However, by the end of the seminar, the scholars agreed the encounter had raised important questions and opened new paths of investigation through both sociological and linguistic approaches, including the study of language and social stratification, multilingualism, and language standardization.
Multilingualism: An insufficient answer to sociolinguistic inequalities
Authors: Duchêne Alexandre
Published: May 2020

Tracing the ways in which multilingualism has been understood and valued by scholars and beyond, Alexandre Duchêne shows how the work of sociolinguistics dramatically shifted the image of multilingual speakers and societies as a problem for nation-states to something to be celebrated, even as an indicator and contributor to social justice for minority language speakers. He then goes on to argue that this validation and recognition of multiple languages can divert attention away from broader inequalities, especially socioeconomic ones, that multilingualism is unable to address.
Clinical and genetic investigation of 136 Japanese patients with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Tanaka Tatsushi , Aoyama Kohei , Suzuki Atsushi , Saitoh Shinji , Mizuno Haruo
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common congenital endocrine disorder. Recent advances in genetic testing have revealed its causative mutations in some CH patients. However, the underlying etiology remains unknown in most patients. This study aimed to perform clinical and genetic investigation in Japanese CH patients to uncover genotype-phenotype correlations.

Methods

We enrolled 136 Japanese patients with transient or permanent CH between April 2015 and March 2017, and performed next-generation sequencing of 19 genes implicated in CH.

Results

We identified potentially pathogenic bi-allelic variants in DUOX2, TSHR, and TPO in 19, 5, and 1 patient, respectively (autosomal recessive), and a potentially pathogenic mono-allelic variant in NKX2-1 (autosomal dominant) in 1 patient. Molecular genetic diagnosis was highly suggested in 26 patients (19%) from 23 families. We also detected a potentially pathogenic mono-allelic variant in five recessive genes (DUOX2, TSHR, TG, DUOXA2, and TPO) in 31 unrelated patients (23%), although the pathogenicity of these variants remains inconclusive. Patients with bi-allelic DUOX2 variants showed a more severe clinical presentation in infancy than those with bi-allelic TSHR variants. However, this trend reversed beyond infancy. There were no statistical differences in initial thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, thyroglobulin, and levothyroxine dose as of March 2017 between patients with bi-allelic and mono-allelic DUOX2 variants.

Conclusions

The prevalence of potentially-pathogenic variants in Japanese CH patients was similar to that found by previous reports. Our study demonstrates a genotype-phenotype correlation in Japanese CH patients.
A Neo-Republican Theory of Just State Surveillance
Authors: Smith Patrick Taylor
Published: May 2020

This paper develops a novel, neo-republican account of just state surveillance in the information age. The goal of state surveillance should be to avoid and prevent domination, both public and private. In light of that conception of justice, the paper makes three substantive points. First, it argues that modern state surveillance based upon information technology and predicated upon a close partnership with the tech sector gives the state significant power and represents a serious potential source of domination. Second, it argues that, nonetheless, state surveillance can serve legitimate republican ends and so unilateral and private technological attempts to block it may be wrongful. Third, it argues that, despite the serious normative failings of current institutions, state surveillance can be justly regulated and made accountable through a legal liability regime that incentivizes tech company intermediaries to ally with civil society groups in order to safeguard the privacy rights of potential subjects of state surveillance.
Gestationalism and the Rights of Adolescent Mothers
Authors: Baron Teresa
Published: May 2020

In this paper, I explore the ways in which consideration of adolescent parents forces us to confront and question common presuppositions about parental rights. In particular, I argue that recognising the right of adolescent mothers not to be forcibly separated from their newborn children justifies rejecting the notion that parental rights are (a) all acquired in the same manner and (b) acquired as a ‘bundle’ of concomitant moral rights. I conclude that children and adolescents who conceive and give birth have some parental rights concerning their newborn children – in particular, the right not to be forcibly separated from those children – even if they do not have the ‘full complement’ of parental rights as we generally characterise these.
Improving mechanical properties of recycled paper via surface spraying carboxymethyl starch-grafted-polyacrylamide
Authors: Liang Shuai-Bo , Fu Qing-Jin , Liu Qian , Dun Xu-Ji , Yao Chun-Li
Published: May 2020

Paper strengthening agent is more and more important in the current papermaking industry. In this study, carboxymethyl starch-grafted-polyacrylamide (CMS-g-PAM) was synthesized via grafting polyacrylamide onto carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and added in a recycled pulp furnish to make handsheets. The structure and surface morphology of CMS-g-PAM were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy. The effects of CMS-g-PAM dosage and addition way on the properties of the paper were investigated. The results showed that CMS-g-PAM could improve the paper mechanical properties through both wet end addition and surface spraying, and surface spraying had a better improvement at the same dosage. CMS-g-PAM was more effective in improving paper mechanical properties than CMS, when it comes to the same addition way and the same dosage. SEM analysis demonstrated that CMS-g-PAM could increase the inter-fiber bonding.
Effects of pH shock on microaerobic activated sludge system with a graphene oxide/nano-magnetic powder composite
Authors: Lan Huixia , Wang Xiangzhi , Qi Shixin , Yang Da , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2020

Using the acclimated activated sludge from the pulping middle-stage effluent, the effect of pH shock on the micro-oxygen activated sludge system with a nano-magnetic powder/graphene oxide composite was studied. The results showed that the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) and ultraviolet adsorption at 254 nm (UV254) decreased. Also, the sludge settling performance was poor due to the impact of pH, but the impact resistance of nano-magnetic powder/graphene oxide group (MGO group) was higher and the recovery was faster. Results of high throughput sequencing indicated that the diversity of microbial community was reduced by the impact of pH, but it was significantly higher in MGO group than in the blank group. The dominant bacteria after pH shock or recovery in both of the system had a large difference. The percentage of the dominant bacteria in the MGO group was higher than that in the blank group. The MGO group had higher electron transfer system (ETS) activity which made the system having a strong pH impact resistance.
Are labor pain and birth experience associated with persistent pain and postpartum depression? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Rosseland Leiv Arne , Reme Silje Endresen , Simonsen Tone Breines , Thoresen Magne , Nielsen Christopher Sivert , Gran Malin Eberhard
Published: May 2020

Background and aims

A considerable research-literature focuses on pain during labor and associations with postpartum persistent pain and depression, with findings pointing in various directions. The aim of this study was to examine the role of labor pain and overall birth experience in the development of pain and depression 8 weeks after delivery.

Methods

The study sample was drawn from the Akershus Birth Cohort. Data from multiple sources were used, including the hospital’s birth record (n = 4,391), questionnaire data from gestational week 17 of pregnancy (n = 3,752), 8 weeks postpartum (n = 2,217), and two questions about pain and birth experience asked within 48 h after delivery (n = 1,221). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure postpartum depression, a single question was used to measure persistent pain 8 weeks postpartum, while pain and birth experience were measured by numeric rating scales. A history of pre-pregnant depression and chronic pain were measured through self-report questions in gestational week 17. A total of 645 women had complete data from all sources. We applied multiple imputation techniques to handle missing responses on the two questions about pain and birth experience.

Results

The results showed that neither labor pain nor birth experience were associated with persistent pain 8 weeks postpartum, whereas pain before pregnancy (OR 3.70; 95% CI 2.71–5.04) and a history of depression (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.85–2.88) were statistically significant predictors of persistent pain. A negative birth experience was significantly (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04–1.29) associated with postpartum depression, whereas labor pain intensity was not. A history of depression (OR 3.95; 95% CI 2.92–5.34) and pre-pregnancy pain (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.37–3.01) were important predictors of postpartum depression 8 weeks after delivery.

Conclusions and implications

Whilst the relationship between labor pain intensity and postpartum pain and depression remain unclear, our results do imply the need to screen for previous depression and chronic pain conditions in pregnant women, as well as consider preventive measures in those who screen positive.
Reflections of students and staff in a project-led partnership: Contextualised experiences of students-as-partners
Authors: Dianati Seb , Oberhollenzer Yvonne
Published: May 2020

For many years, the methods of teaching and learning have remained relatively unchanged, with teachers bestowing knowledge to their students in a one-way hierarchical approach to learning. However, Student as Partners (SaP) as a concept and an ideology aims to disrupt traditional power structures of learning to offer a shared space where students become co-creators of change. This research reflects on one particular SaP project, a small-scale, project-based, institutionally resourced partnership whereby 14 students collaborated alongside 3 staff members to enhance the quality of the student experience at an Australian university. The current study aims to explore what factors mediate newly formed student-staff partnerships. Using a qualitative thematic approach, the paper draws from various online surveys to share particular contextualised experiences of student-staff partnerships. These include: learning together and navigating power dynamics, opportunities to build relationships, and balancing work and study. They became the specific strategies that mediated effective partnership. The implications of these themes highlighted that the context-dependent nature of SaP should be realised in an effort to develop institutionally appropriate practices.
Brief Electrical Stimulation Triggers an Effective Regeneration of Leech CNS
Authors: Cohen Sharon , Richter-Levin Alon , Shefi Orit
Published: May 2020

The search for therapeutic strategies to promote neuronal regeneration following injuries toward functional recovery is of great importance. Brief low-frequency electrical stimulation (ES) has been reported as a useful method to improve neuronal regeneration in different animal models; however, the effect of ES on single neuron behavior has not been shown. Here, we study the effect of brief ES on neuronal regeneration of the CNS of adult medicinal leeches. Studying the regeneration of selected sets of identified neurons allow us to quantify the ES effect per cell type at the single-cell level. Chains of the CNS that were subjected to cut injury were observed for 3 d, and the spontaneous regeneration was compared with the electrically stimulated injured chains. We show that the ES improves the efficiency of regeneration of Retzius cells, as larger masses of the total branching tree traverse the injury site with better directed growth with no effect on the average branching tree length. No antero-posterior polarity was found along regeneration within the leech CNS. Moreover, the microglial cell distribution was examined revealing more microglial cells in proximity to the stimulation site compared with non-stimulated. Our results lay a foundation for future ES-based neuroregenerative therapies.
Synaptic Connections of Aromatase Circuits in the Medial Amygdala Are Sex Specific
Authors: Billing Addison , Henrique Correia Marcelo , Kelly Diane A. , Li Geng-Lin , Bergan Joseph F.
Published: May 2020

The brains of male and female mice are shaped by genetics and hormones during development. The enzyme aromatase helps establish sex differences in social behaviors and in the neural circuits that produce these behaviors. The medial amygdala of mice contains a large population of aromatase neurons and is a critical hub in the social behavior network. Moreover, the neural representation of social stimuli in the medial amygdala displays clear sex differences that track developmental changes in social behaviors. Here, we identify a potential anatomic basis for those sex differences. We found that sensory input from the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) to aromatase neurons is derived nearly exclusively from the anterior AOB, which selectively responds to chemosensory cues from conspecific animals. Through the coordinated use of mouse transgenics and viral-based circuit-tracing strategies, we demonstrate a clear sex difference in the volume of synapses connecting the accessory olfactory bulb to aromatase-expressing neurons in the medial amygdala of male versus female mice. This difference in anatomy likely mediates, at least in part, sex differences in medial amygdala-mediated social behaviors.
The Ambiguous Legacy of the Balkans War Crimes Tribunal
Authors: Hoare Marko Attila
Published: May 2020

[T]he historical record remains bitterly contested in the former Yugoslav lands, and none of the tribunal's findings has promoted reconciliation.
Is Empowered Hindu Nationalism Transforming India?
Authors: Ganguly Sumit
Published: May 2020

All of these actions reflect the ideological commitments of the BJP and its desire to fundamentally alter the country's constitutional dispensation.
African Popular Culture Enters the Global Mainstream
Authors: Krings Matthias , Simmert Tom
Published: May 2020

Africa was long seen primarily as an importer of global cultural forms, but it is now on the verge of becoming a major exporter of popular culture to the world.
Beethoven's Mask and the Physiognomy of Late Style
Authors: Fine Abigail
Published: May 2020

This article shows how discourse on Beethoven's late works has been underpinned by material fascination with the composer's body, most apparent in the cult veneration of his dying face, which was commodified in the form of his mask. From 1890 to 1920 in Germany and Austria, Beethoven's mask became a ubiquitous item of decor for the music room, a devotional object linked with the face of Christ in the popular imagination. This mislabeled “death” mask was cast during Beethoven's lifetime, a stoic visage that put a face to the legend: that is, to the legendary 1868 account by Anselm Hüttenbrenner that recounted Beethoven's death as a heroic battle with the storm clouds. Two conflicting physiognomies—the stubborn Napoleonic commander and the suffering Christ-like redeemer—led to a critical divide that saw late works as either transcendent of, or marred by, suffering. When we unmask a prehistory of late style, we see how modern discourse on lateness still orbits around this tension between the spiritual and material, between transcendence and decay, and how this critical tradition crystallized around Theodor W. Adorno's stark resistance to the transcendent deathbed that was epitomized by the writings of Ludwig Nohl. Lateness, then, has a hidden backbone in a popular fascination with the artist's body. This same fascination led many to imagine Beethoven's final compositions as almost tangible traces of his person, hearing his late Adagios as “grave-songs,” as the composer's dying voice.