bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding affected differently on observations distribution of a growth trait in Iranian Baluchi sheep
Authors: Binabaj Fateme Bahri , Farhangfar Seyyed Homayoun , Jafari Majid
Published: February 2020

Objective: Initial consequence of inbreeding is inbreeding depression which impairs the performance of growth, production, health, fertility and survival traits in different animal breeds and populations. The effect of inbreeding on economically important traits should be accurately estimated. The effect of inbreeding depression on growth traits in sheep has been reported in many breeds. Based on this, the main objective of the present research was to evaluate the impact of inbreeding on some growth traits of Iranian Baluchi sheep breed using quantile regression model.Methods: Pedigree and growth traits records of 13,633 Baluchi lambs born from year 1989 to 2016 were used in this research. The traits were birth weight, weaning weight, six-month weight, nine-month weight, and yearling weight. The contribution, inbreeding and co-ancestry software was used to calculate the pedigree statistics and inbreeding coefficients. To evaluate the impact of inbreeding on different quantiles of each growth trait, a series of quantile regression models were fitted using QUANTREG procedure of SAS software. Annual trend of inbreeding was also estimated fitting a simple linear regression of lamb’s inbreeding coefficient on the birth year.Results: Average inbreeding coefficient of the population was 1.63 percent. Annual increase rate of inbreeding of the flock was 0.11 percent (p<0.01). The results showed that the effect of inbreeding in different quantiles of growth traits is not similar. Also, inbreeding affected differently on growth traits, considering lambs’ sex and type of birth.Conclusion: Quantile regression revealed that inbreeding did not have similar effect on different quantiles of growth traits in Iranian Baluchi lambs indicating that at a given age and inbreeding coefficient, lambs with different sex and birth type were not equally influenced by inbreeding.
Response of broilers to supplementation of branched-chain amino acids blends with different valine contents in the starter period under summer conditions
Authors: Kop-Bozbay Canan , Akdag Ahmet , Atan Helin , Ocak Nuh
Published: February 2020

Objective: The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of normal and low protein content (PC) of starter diet supplemented or not with blends of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on growth performance of broilers under summer conditions and to investigate whether these effects altered some quality traits and the characteristics of gastrointestinal tract.Methods: A total of 768 mixed-sex broiler chicks (Ross 308, one-d-old) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 47.6±1.03 g were allocated into six treatments with four replications in 2×3 factorial arrangement. Factors were: PC, normal (N, 22% to d 15); and low (L, 20% to d 15); and added BCAA blends, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine at zero (0L:0I:0V); 1.0, 0.25, and 0.25 (4L:1I:1V); or 1.0, 0.25, 0.75 (4L:1I:3V) g/kg of diet. Hence, six dietary treatments were named as N0L:0I:0V, N4L:1I:1V, N4L:1I:3V, L0L:0I:0V, L4L:1I:1V, and L4L:1I:3V. Average indoor temperature and humidity were 32.8°C±1.7°C and 61.1%±4.12%, respectively.Results: BW, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass weight were not affected by PC, BCCA and their interaction (p>0.05). The L diets decreased the water holding capacity of the breast (p = 0.002) and thigh (p = 0.050) meats and dressing percentage (p = 0.005) compared to the N diets. The 4L:1I:1V diet decreased breast yield compared to the 0L:0I:0V diets (p = 0.041). The effect of PC on feed intake, mortality and gastrointestinal trait weight were depended on the L:I:V ratios under summer conditions due to interactions between factors (p<0.05). The FI and mortality of L4L:1I:1V broilers were lower than those of N4L:1I:1V birds (p<0.05).Conclusion: It was concluded that the blends of BCAAs used failed to improve performance and to promote breast yields, because diets with normal or with reduced protein supplemented or not with BCAAs up to d 15 produced a similar BW and FCR in broilers raised in hot-climate conditions.
Effects of ruminal administration of soy sauce oil on functional fatty acids in the rumen, blood and milk of dairy cows
Authors: Konno Daiji , Takahashi Masanobu , Osaka Ikuo , Orihashi Takenori , Sakai Kiyotaka , Sera Kenji , Obara Yoshiaki , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: February 2020

Objective: Soy sauce oil, a byproduct of whole soybean processing by the soy sauce industry, was evaluated as a source of linoleic acid for dairy cows for the purpose of manipulating the composition of milk.Methods: Eight dairy Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannulas were used for ruminal administration of soy sauce oil for a 28-day period using a 4×4 Latin square study design with 4 doses (0, 200, 400, and 600 g soy sauce oil/d).Results: Although dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by soy sauce oil administration, ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and acetate were decreased, specifically at 600 g/d administration. While milk fat percentage was decreased with administration of soy sauce oil, proportions of linoleic, vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acids in the rumen, blood and milk were increased with increasing soy sauce oil dose.Conclusion: These results suggest that soy sauce oil feeding could be useful for improving milk functionality without adverse effects on animal production performance when fed at less than 400 g/d.
NQO1-Bioactivatable Therapeutics as Radiosensitizers for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Singh Naveen , A. Motea Edward , Huang Xiumei , L. Starcher Colton , Silver Jayne , Yeh I-Ju , Pay S. Louise , Su Xiaolin , A. Russ Kristen , A. Boothman David , A. Bey Erik
Published: February 2020

Developing cancer therapeutics that radiosensitize in a tumor-selective manner remains an ideal. We developed a novel means of radiosensitization, exploiting NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) overexpression, and lowered catalase expression in solid human tumors using NQO1-bioactivatable drugs. Non-small cell lung (NSCLC), pancreatic (PDAC), prostate, and breast cancers overexpress NQO1. Ionizing radiation (IR) creates a spectrum of DNA lesions, including lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and mutagenic but rarely lethal altered DNA bases and DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs). NQO1-bioactivatable drugs (e.g., β-lapachone and deoxynyboquiones) also promote abasic DNA lesions and SSBs. These hyperactivate poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and dramatically increase calcium release from the endoplasm reticulum (ER). Exposure of human cancer cells overexpressing NQO1 to NQO1-bioactivatable drugs immediately following IR, therefore, hyperactivates PARP1 synergistically, which in turn depletes NAD+ and ATP, inhibiting DSB repair. Ultimately, this leads to cell death. Combining IR with NQO1-bioactivatable drugs allows for a reduction in drug dose. Similarly, a lower IR dose can be used in combination with the drug, reducing the effects of IR on normal tissue. The combination treatment is effective in preclinical animal models with NSCLC, prostate, and head and neck xenografts, indicating that clinical trials are warranted.
Toward Practical Criteria for Analyzing and Designing Urban Blocks
Authors: Shakibamanesh Amir , Ebrahimi Bita
Published: February 2020

The streets, blocks, lots, and buildings are the main elements of cities’ texture. Surrounded by streets and surrounding the buildings, urban blocks invariably interact with these components dialectically, in that it can connect the network of streets and buildings, hence its significance in urban design. However, affected by unsound formal and spatial changes of urban forms in modern and postmodern eras, space coherence reduction led to a loss of blocks’ identity. Therefore, we can barely find a comprehensive functional tool structured on a solid understanding to design this very component of the urban morphology. In this regard, this study seeks to define a practical tool for analyzing and designing this crucial element developing an operational, yet expandable, checklist for urban blocks including various factors, from concepts to indices. All these factors are classified under three main concepts: spatial balance, spatial continuity and integration, and durability. In fact, as a primitive step, this research can enable urban designers to understand urban blocks more effectively and use the framework to assess the current situation and design the future.
Understanding Sow Sexual Behavior and the Application of the Boar Pheromone to Stimulate Sow Reproduction
Authors: J. McGlone John , O. Aviles-Rosa Edgar , Archer Courtney , M. Wilson Meyer , Jones Karlee D. , M. Matthews Elaina , A. Gonzalez Amanda , Reyes Erica
Published: February 2020

In this chapter, we review the sexual behavior of domestic pigs, and the visible or measurable anatomical features of the pig that will contribute to detecting sows in estrus. We also summarize olfactory organs, and the effects of a sexual pheromone on pig’s biology and sow reproductive performance. We discuss the role of a live boar in the heat detection where the female is in breeding crates. However, there is an increasing interest in being able to breed sows without a boar present. Farm workers must be trained on the fine points of estrus detection so that they can work in a safe and productive setting. After a review of olfactory biology of the pig, the chapter explains how new pheromonal technology, such as BOARBETTER®, aids in the process of heat detection with or without a live boar. To achieve reproductive success, the persons breeding must assimilate all fine points of pig sexual behavior and possess a clear understanding of what they should be looking for in each sow they expect to breed.
Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages of Counting Processes When the Time between Events Is Weibull Distributed
Authors: Stewart Sparks Ross , Hazrati-Marangaloo Hossein
Published: February 2020

There are control charts for Poisson counts, zero-inflated Poisson counts, and over dispersed Poisson counts (negative binomial counts) but nothing on counting processes when the time between events (TBEs) is Weibull distributed. In our experience the in-control distribution for time between events is often Weibull distributed in applications. Counting processes are not Poisson distributed or negative binomial distributed when the time between events is Weibull distributed. This is a gap in the literature meaning that there is no help for practitioners when this is the case. This book chapter is designed to close this gap and provide an approach that could be helpful to those applying control charts in such cases.
Biological Efficacy of Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. in the Management of Plant Diseases
Authors: Daniel Hernández-Castillo Francisco , Castillo-Reyes Francisco , Antonio Tucuch-Pérez Marco , Arredondo-Valdes Roberto
Published: February 2020

This chapter will cover topics about the microbial antagonists Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. from the perspective of use as potential biological control agents on plant diseases. Results obtained in the laboratory about from their isolation, microbial strain collections for both genera, taxonomic identification, antifungal activity in in vitro tests, obtained evaluation of the antifungal effect of secondary metabolites from microbial antagonists will be shown. Besides, results obtained from bioassays in the greenhouse and field are used as biopesticides in the control of diseases in fruit trees and vegetables and their effects on the promotion of plant growth and increased crop yield.
What is Capgras Syndrome? Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
Authors: Enzel Koc Aslı , Hocaoglu Cicek
Published: February 2020

Capgras delusion is a complex psychopathological phenomenon that presents in a wide range of psychiatric and neurological disorders with differing patterns dependent on the main etiology. An underlying neurological disease should be suspected where the delusion concerns a spouse or inanimate objects and is associated with visual hallucinations, while a functional disorder is suggested by multiple imposters, strangers, additional delusions, and auditory hallucinations. Misidentifications in Capgras syndrome (CS) are fixed false beliefs and, therefore, represent true delusions. Even if when patients are confronted over and over with the illogical nature of the delusion, they keep their beliefs. Surprisingly, patients may show implicit or explicit awareness of their true situation. Some research suggests that a considerable number of patients with CS have some awareness of the bizarre nature of the misidentification delusions and therefore tend not to report them, especially during initial interviews when they are less likely to be confident with the clinician. Specific questions and interventions may assist clinicians in successfully identifying patients with CS. In a series of interviews with these patients, some focus on identifying CS, rather than a single interview which is likely to increase the detection of the delusional misidentification. The clinician should always be mindful of the risk of aggression and homicide in CS.
Methodology for Optimal Fire Evacuations in Underground Mines Based on Simulated Scenarios
Authors: Adjiski Vancho , Despodov Zoran
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to develop a methodology that will contribute in locating optimal evacuation routes in case of fire that are based on minimal carbon monoxide (CO) exposure during the evacuation procedures. The proposed methodology is tested using simulated fire scenarios from which CO concentration over time curve is extracted from all available evacuation routes and presented in a weighted form based on the accumulating effect of CO inhalation in the form of fractional effective dose (FED). The safety limits of the FED model on which the optimization process is based are determined using a model for the prediction of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in human blood. The COHb model is associated with predicted clinical symptoms that are the basis for determining the level of incapacitation at which the mineworkers are incapable of completing their evacuation. Also in the process of improving the fire risk analysis, the proposed methodology enables the development of evacuation plans that are based on the results of modeled fire scenarios combined together with the results of the anticipated hazards generated by CO inhalation. The results presented in this chapter indicate a more precise approach in the process of planning the evacuation system inside the underground mines.
The Bangsamoro Peace Process and Peacebuilding in Mindanao: Implications to Philippine Studies and National Development
Authors: Caballero Juvanni A. , Torres Mark Anthony J.
Published: February 2020

This paper is all about how integral Mindanao is to the Philippines. As such, Mindanao
studies should not only be at the periphery of Philippine studies. The recent developments in Mindanao should be enough reason for scholars to devote significant amount of their attention to the region. After all, the peace processes in Mindanao, both vertical and horizontal, have generated a constellation of issues and questions for them to delve and study. More critically, this paper interrogates the gaps in Mindanao and Philippine studies, arguing that scholars can contribute to the success of the peace processes not only by engaging in research but also by initiating extension activities with research components. Here, I will discuss, as an example, initiatives from the academe (e.g., the partnership on peacebuilding between the University of Hawaii and Mindanao State University, under the aegis of the United States Institute of Peace) that complements the vertical peace process.Finally, the paper is an invitation for scholars to help steer the boat of Philippine Studies towards the direction of peace-building by writing articles on Mindanao using a peace lens.
Class oppression, commodification, and consumerism in Dreiser’s Sister Carrie
Authors: Omrani Elham , Royanian Shamsoddin , Shabanirad Ensieh
Published: February 2020

Theodore Dreiser, an American novelist, had experienced financial insecurity in his family and tasted the bitterness of poverty. So, through the contrast of affluence and poverty, he depicted class distinction, oppressive ideologies, and social inequality in a capitalist and consumerist society in his literary works. It is perceivable that through a Marxist reading of his works, one can feel the way he tried to portray the urban capitalist society in America in the late nineteenth century and the negative effects of capitalism on individuals and their behavior and values. This paper intends to discuss Marxist critique of class oppression, commodification, and consumerism in Dreiser’s Sister Carrie. The characters in this novel commodify and oppress one another in order to achieve their own personal goals; someone victimizes another person to his own convenience and becomes a social climber while there is no financial security for the other one who falls to misery. The difficult conditions of the workers and the lower class versus the comfortable conditions of the higher class in such a capitalist society are
discussed in Dreiser’s Sister Carrie. Besides, the ruling class constructed false ideologies which just benefit them and they instill these ideologies into the minds of the lower class and in this way the labor source, or base, is governed by the superstructure. So, the role of ideology in the society and the Marxist view of its function in capitalist society are also discussed in this paper.
Acquisition of spatial adjectives in the case of a fouryear-old child knowing Azerbaijani Turkish, English and Farsi: A case study of multilingualism
Authors: Shahiditabar Mostafa
Published: February 2020

This study aims at investigating the acquisition of spatial adjectives in a four-year-old multilingual child speaking Azerbaijani Turkish, English and Farsi. The subject of the current study has been exposed to the mentioned languages from birth. The opposite game is played for the elicitation of the adjectives. The results show that the child's answers are not the same in the three languages. For instance, he could produce kiçik for low in Azerbaijani Turkish but he could not produce the same adjective in English nor Farsi. Furthermore, the results of the current research do not completely agree with
Clark (Clark, 1972)'s hierarchy of acquisition for spatial adjectives including big/little, tall/short, long/short, high/low, wide/narrow and thick/thin, respectively. For example, the child could produce arıq in Azerbaijani Turkish, small in English and کوچولو in Farsi for thin listed in Clark (Clark, 1972)'s hierarchy of acquisition for spatial adjectives as the most difficult adjective to acquire by children. Moreover, the child could not produce any words in the three languages he knew for low which is said to be acquired earlier than thin in Clark (Clark, 1972)'s hierarchy.
Investigation of Hypothetico-Creative Reasoning Skills of Teacher Trainees in Terms of Their Thinking Styles
Authors: Gelen İsmail , Duran Volkan , Özer Bayram
Published: February 2020

Thinking styles more boradly intellectual styles refers to people’s partly fixed, relatively
stable and innate preferences about information processing and handling with the tasks that they may confront (Zhang & Sternberg, 2005). Sternberg’s (1988) introduced of the theory of mental self-government, where intellectual style specifies 13 thinking styles that fall along five dimensions of mental self-government: (a) functions, (b) forms, (c) levels, (d) scopes, and (e) leanings of government as applied to individuals (Zhang, Sternberg, Rayner, 2002: 14).Hypothetico-Creative reasoning model developed by Duran (2014) can be defined skills including logical and creative thinking skills in 12 dimensions. This study, is a descriptive study based on, relational screening model among the screening models.The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between learning styles proposed by Sternberg (1988) and hypothetico-creative reasoning skills proposed by Duran (2014) in the context of the characteristics of left an right brains or thinking modes emphasized by Zhang (2002). The population consists of all the second grade students (N=383) in those departments in the education period 2015-2016 in English Teaching Department, Preschool Education Department, Department of Elementary Education, The Department of Computer Education and Instruction, The Department of Psychological Counseling And Guidance. It was found that students are more prone to use their right brains, that is lateralization of hepispheric specialization is thought to be in right side. Hence students perceive themselves to use Type I thinking, holistic mode of thinking styles indicating that they use right brain hence perceive themselves to be more holistic, creative and experiantial learners.
Literature and Psychology in the Context of the Interaction of Social Sciences
Authors: Emir Badegül Can
Published: February 2020

There is a two-way relationship between literature and psychology coming together on the same intersection at the point of essential people and human behavior. As it is possible to approach literature and to evaluate literary works with the resources of psychology, and of literary sciences, so it is also possible to consider literary works based on psychology and to discover psychological facts in literature. Thus, both psychologists and writers have taken into consideration the relationship between literature and psychology. Studies of the science of psychology directed to literature, literary works and writers that was introduced by Freud continued with other outstanding theorists of psychology such as Adler, Jung, Lacan, From, Reich and Klein. Likewise, writers and literary theorists such as N.Holland, Lev Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Virginia Woolf contributed to the psychology of literature. This paper is an effort to analyze the relationship between literature and psychology considering the wide field which the science of psychology opens for literature.
Philosophy and Activism
Authors: Horton Keith ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: February 2020

In this article I develop and defend what I call the ‘Epistemic Argument for Activism.’ According to this argument, some moral and political philosophers have certain features that give them epistemic advantages when tackling topics such as the moral status of certain practices, policies, and institutions (‘PPIs’). Because of these advantages, when these philosophers study those PPIs carefully they generally develop views about the moral status of those PPIs that have a number of enhanced epistemic properties. And because their views have such enhanced epistemic properties, these philosophers have distinctive, epistemic-based reasons to take activist steps in certain circumstances.
Monoclonal Antibodies Specific to Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Myxovirus Resistance Protein_1
Authors: Phai Dam Van , Anne-Sophie Van Laere , Axel Dubois , Dao Bui Tran Anh , Daniel Desmecht
Published: February 2020

Recombinant bubaline (Bubalus bubalis) myxovirus resistance protein 1 (bbMx1) was successfully expressed by an Escherichia coli expression system. After immunization and cell fusion, a set of ten mouse hybridomas producing mAbs to bbMx1 was established. The ten corresponding mAbs were further characterized using indirect ELISA, western blot analysis and immunocytofluorescent staining. Eight mAbs, designated 11C7, RD5, NF3, 9D1, FD4, PE6, 11A7 and 10F5, displayed binding abilities and specificity in the three formats. Moreover, combining NF3 (for capture) with RD5 (for detection), 9D1 with RD5, FD4 with 11C7 or PE6 with 11C7 generated a strong signal in a prototype sandwich-ELISA. The results suggest that the mAbs developed and characterized here provide an excellent starting point for developing diagnostic tools aimed at detecting viral infections in the water buffalo, whatever using immunoblotting, immunocytostaining or sandwich-ELISA.
Management of Adaptation of Organizational and Economic Mechanisms of Construction to Increasing Impact of Digital Technologies on the National Economy
Authors: Stetsenko Sergii P. , Tytok Viktoriya V. , Emelianova Olena M. , Bielienkova Olha Yu. , Tsyfra Tetiana Yu.
Published: February 2020

Motivation: We note significant problems of developing countries, including Ukraine, with the adaptation of organizational and economic mechanisms of the construction industry to increase impact of digital technologies on their economic systems and construction sectors.Novelty: The scientific novelty is a set of management activities for the adaptation of organizational and economic mechanisms of Ukrainian construction companies to the development of digital technologies.Methodology and Methods: The research methods used in this study are a quantitative analysis of statistics on the dynamics of world GDP, the global construction industry, the construction industries of developing countries, including Ukraine, the global digital market, digital markets in developing countries, including Ukraine, for ten years using one-dimensional statistical methods (UT) based on random sampling. The paper also uses the correlation and regression analysis, namely the linear regression model, as well as the statistical verification of the obtained model by calculating the pair correlation coefficient, the coefficient of determination and the Chaddock scale in the study of the impact of digital technology development on the Ukrainian construction industry.Data and Empirical Analysis: To conduct the study, data were collected and an empirical analysis was conducted regarding the dynamics of world GDP, the world construction industry, the construction industries of developing countries, including Ukraine, the global digital market, digital markets in developing countries, including Ukraine, in 2009-2018 according to statistics from Knoema, The World Bank, Deloitte, State Statistics Service of Ukraine, UNCTAD, International Data Corporation, Gartner.Policy Considerations: The economy of the country and the construction sector requires development and implementation of a set of management activities to adapt organizational and economic mechanisms of construction in Ukraine to development of digital technologies.
Transcriptome analysis and transcription factors responsive to drought stress in Hibiscus cannabinus
Authors: An Xia , Jin Guanrong , Luo Xiahong , Chen Changli , Li Wenlue , Zhu Guanlin
Published: February 2020

Kenaf is an annual bast fiber crop. Drought stress influences the growth of kenaf stems and causes a marked decrease in fiber yield and quality. Research on the drought resistance of kenaf is therefore important, but limited information is available on the response mechanism of kenaf to drought stress. In this study, a transcriptome analysis of genes associated with the drought stress response in kenaf was performed. About 264,244,210 bp high-quality reads were obtained after strict quality inspection and data cleaning. Compared with the control group, 4,281 genes were differentially expressed in plants treated with drought stress for 7 d (the drought stress group). Compared with the control group, 605 genes showed differential expression in plants subjected to drought stress for 6 d and then watered for 1 d (the rewatering group). Compared with the rewatering group, 5,004 genes were differentially expressed in the drought stress group. In the comparisons between the drought stress and control groups, and between the drought stress and rewatering groups, the pathway that showed the most highly significant enrichment was plant hormone signal transduction. In the comparison between the rewatering and control groups, the pathways that showed the most highly significant enrichment were starch and sucrose metabolism. Eight transcription factors belonging to the AP2/ERF, MYB, NAC, and WRKY families (two transcription factors per family) detected in the leaf transcriptome were associated with the drought stress response. The identified transcription factors provide a basis for further investigation of the response mechanism of kenaf to drought stress.
Certain Properties Involving the Joint Essential Numerical Ranges
Authors: Cyprian O. S.
Published: February 2020

The concept of essential numerical range of an operator was dened and studied by Stamp i and Williams in 1972. Researchers generalised this idea of essential numerical range to a group of operators to the joint essential numerical range. In this paper, we consider the jointessential numerical range and show that the properties of the classical numerical range such as compactness also hold for the joint essential numerical range. Further, we show that the joint essential spectrum is contained in the joint essential numerical range by looking at the boundary of the joint essential spectrum.
Identification and Biochemical Characterization of Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Raw Beef Sold in Otuoke Market, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ikimi C. G. , Omeje F. I. , Anumudu C. K.
Published: February 2020

Meat and meat products are a very important category of food consumed widely to meet the nutritional requirements of humans. Due to the high nutrient and moisture content of meat, they readily support the growth of diverse microorganisms. The consumption of these products, when contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms can pose a risk to health leading to possible food poisoning, with Escherichia coli being the most implicated organism. Thus, this research focused on the isolation of Escherichia coli from raw beef (Bos taurus) retailed in Otuoke market, its biochemical identification, pathogenicity testing and antibiogram. A total of 90 raw beef samples were collected from three retail points (30 samples per point) over 3 months and cultured on Eosin-Methylene Blue (EMB) agar for the elucidation of E. coli. Conventional biochemical tests were performed on isolates to identify E. coli. The isolates were subjected to Congo-red assay to test for pathogenicity and the agar-diffusion assay to test sensitivity to commonly utilized antibiotics. A total of 51 samples (56%) were contaminated with E. coli of which 24 samples (26.6%) had mean aerobic bacteria counts greater than 5.0 Log CFU/gm which is above the European Commission Regulation No. 2073/2005 guideline for fresh beef. All E. coli isolates tested positive to the Congo-red assay, thus indicating their potential pathogenicity. Antimicrobial sensitivity assay indicates the resistance of isolates to Tetracycline (60%), Erythromycin (80%) and Amoxicillin (85%). However, the isolates were sensitive to Nitrofurantoin (90%), Gentamicin (78%) and Ciprofloxacin (82%). The results obtained highlights the high level of contamination by potentially pathogenic E. coli in retailed fresh meats which are highly resistant to some of the commonly used antibiotics. The results obtained from this study is of public health significance as it indicates possible risks of infection to people through the consumption of inadequately cooked meat or the cross-contamination of other food items by the meat products which may lead to outbreaks of food poisoning.
Dietary and Blood Lipids in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Salahuddin
Published: February 2020

Blood lipids are essential for life; at the same time, elevated or reduced levels of some of the components of lipid are related to risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This article provides a review on dietary and blood lipids with their impact on cardiovascular health. The role of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), Lipoprotein(a) ((Lp(a)) and other lipoprotein particles in the development of ASCVD has been reviewed. There are new evidences that ApoB the structural protein of most of the lipoprotein particles (carrier of blood lipids), in addition to low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with increased risk for ASCVD. Elevated levels of Lp(a) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of ASCVD, but it appears to be a weaker risk factor than ApoB or LDL-C.
Effect of Cardisoma guanhumi (Land Crab) Extract on Haematology and Lungs Histology in Swiss Mice Infected with Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Enyi I. O. , Hart A. I. , Siminialayi I. M.
Published: February 2020

Pertussis is an acute human respiratory tract disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, a known international pathogen that affects infants, children and adults. This study is aimed at investigating the changes in haematological parameters and histopathological changes of the lungs connected with Bordetella pertussis infection in swiss mice and to evaluate the potential of Cardisoma guanhumi extract to reverse these adverse changes about erythromycin treatment. The animals were divided into five groups: Group 1 was normal to control, group 2 was infected with Bordetella pertussis without treatment (negative control), group 3 and 4 were Bordetella pertussis infected and treated with 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of the extract respectively and group 5 were infected and treated with 4000 mg/70 kg of erythromycin in divided doses. The animals were inoculated with a single infectious dose of Bordetella pertussis bacteria and were consequently treated with the graded doses of the extract and erythromycin for eighteen days after the animals were confirmed infected. The mice were humanely sacrificed using diethyl ether anaesthesia and blood samples were taken for liver function investigation and liver tissue harvested and processed for histological examination. The result showed that Cardisoma guanhumi extract reversed the changes in the haematological parameters and pathological changes in the lungs of mice infected with Bordetella pertussis in a dose and time-dependent manner which suggests prophylactic and curative potentials of Cardisoma guanhumi extract against B. pertussis.
Asymmetric Construction of Bispiro‐Cyclopropane‐Pyrazolones via a [2+1] Cyclization Reaction by Dipeptide‐Based Phosphonium Salt Catalysis
Authors: Lu Dongming , Liu Xin , Wu Jia‐Hong , Zhang Song , Tan Jian‐Ping , Yu Xiaojun , Wang Tianli
Published: February 2020

We reported herein an efficient alternative for asymmetric synthesis of structurally complicated chiral bispiro‐cyclopropane‐pyrazolones via dipeptide‐based phosphonium salt catalyzed [2+1] cyclization of 2,3‐dioxopyrrolidines and halogenated pyrazolones. With this catalytic asymmetric protocol, a broad range of bispiro heterocyclic compounds bearing a pyrazolone unit were prepared in high yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enatioselectivities. Of note, this transformation proceeds in a really short time under mild reaction conditions.

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Targeted Engineering of Medicinal Chemistry for Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Chen Weihua , Sun Zhen , Lu Lehui
Published: February 2020

Severe side effects and poor therapeutic efficacy are the main drawbacks of current anticancer drugs. These problems can be mitigated by targeting, but the targeting efficacy of current drugs is poor and urgently needs improvement. Taking this into consideration, this Review first summarizes the current targeting strategies for cancer therapy in terms of cancer tissue and organelles. Then, we analyse the systematic targeting of anticancer drugs and conclude that a typical journey for a targeted drug administered by intravenous injection is a CTIO cascade of at least four steps. Furthermore, to ensure high overall targeting efficacy, the properties of a targeting drug needed in each step are further analysed, and some guidelines for structure optimization to obtain effective targeting drugs are offered. Finally, some viewpoints highlighting the crucial problems and potential challenges of future research on targeted cancer therapy are presented. This review could actively promote the development of precision medicine against cancer.
Spectral Line Shape Analysis Using Hartmann‐Tran Profile for Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy of Water Vapor at 1.39 μm
Authors: Kim Yera , Lim Jeong Sik
Published: February 2020

In this study, spectral line shape analysis was conducted for water vapor absorption at 1.39 μm with a Hartmann‐Tran profile (HTP), which is capable of being efficiently and accurately reduced to (speed dependent) Voigt and (speed dependent) Rautian profiles. The near‐IR absorption lines of water vapor were measured using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). The spectrum fitting code was home‐written based on the Trust region reflective algorithm and the HTP. Voigt profile (VP), Rautian profile (RP), speed‐dependent VP (SDVP), and speed‐dependent Rautian profile (SDRP), which were reduced from the HTP, were used as model functions to test the validity of the near‐IR absorption lines of water vapor in terms of line shape profile. With the SDVP, the standard deviation of the fitting residuals was at a 10−3 level relative to the most intense peak height in a range of 1.39 μm at 2.5 Torr and room temperature, while the global standard deviation was less than 0.5 × 10−3, thus showing the best result among them. This suggests the need to consider the speed‐dependent collision width in the self‐broadening of water vapor.
Nomograms to predict the long‐time prognosis in patients with alpha‐fetoprotein negative hepatocellular carcinoma following radical resection
Authors: Huang Jian , Liu Fu‐Chen , Li Li , Zhou Wei‐Ping , Jiang Bei‐Ge , Pan Ze‐Ya
Published: February 2020

Background

To develop and validate nomograms that can be used to predict outcomes in individuals suffering alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radical resection.

Methods

A total of 509 AFP‐negative HCC patients who received hepatectomy between January 2009 and March 2013 in our center were randomized into training and validation cohorts. Nomograms for both overall and recurrence‐free survival (OS and RFS, respectively) were established based on the predictors in the training cohort. Nomograms performance and discriminative power were assessed with concordance index (C‐index) values and decision curve analyses (DCA). The results were validated in the validation cohort.

Results

Alkaline phosphatase, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, satellite lesions, microvascular invasion, and Edmondson‐Steiner grade were significantly linked to OS and RFS. Sex and tumor number were additional predictors for RFS. The OS nomogram had a C‐index value of 0.742, which was better than that for the AJCC eighth edition (0.632), BCLC system (0.553), and JIS score (0.557) (all P < .001). The RFS nomogram C‐index was 0.669, which was also superior to that of the AJCC eighth (0.608), BCLC stage (0.554), JIS score (0.551), and model of Gan et al (0.636) (P < .05 for all). Calibration curves indicated a good agreement between observed actual outcomes and predicted values. Kaplan‐Meier curves and DCA indicated that nomograms were powerful in discrimination and clinical usefulness. These results were supported by the validation cohort.

Conclusions

These nomograms presented more accurate prognostic prediction in patients with AFP‐negative HCC after hepatectomy.
Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT): Diagnosis and Indications in Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy Involving Tooth Movement
Authors: Mandelaris George A. , Huang Iwei , Relle Robert , Vence Brian S. , DeGroot Bradley S.
Published: February 2020

Focused Clinical Question

What are the key considerations for the interdisciplinary dentofacial therapy (IDT) team in the diagnostic process to evaluate a patient for surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT)?

SFOT creates a demineralized bone matrix and augments dentoalveolar deficiencies in the management of dentofacial disharmony malocclusion. Numerous indications and contraindications exist which are essential to the periodontal surgeon for proper case selection. A collaboratively focused workup by an IDT team is equally essential. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and orthodontic simulation software which identifies changes in the dentoalveolar complex influenced by tooth movement are critical in providing transparency to the patient and IDT team during the treatment planning process. Such transparency can aid the team in assessing goals and outcomes that consider and respect foundational dentoalveolar parameters while contributing to sustainable outcomes.

Conclusions

The SFOT IDT decision making process is complex, yet full of opportunities. Embracing SFOT IDT with innovative and novel 3D technology can optimize conditions leading to long‐term outcomes that align with periodontal stability as well as patient goals and preferences which permeate beyond the achievement of “straightening teeth”. Transparency of complex IDT through 3D CBCT and orthodontic simulation software engenders “collaborative accountability” and can improve patient communication which is critical to developing meaningful and essential treatment plans.
Connecting Workplace Learning and Academic Credentials via Digital Badges
Authors: Leaser David , Jona Kemi , Gallagher Sean
Published: February 2020

This chapter explores the evolution of technology industry credentials in a rapidly changing digital skills landscape. The authors explore two interrelated case studies: the benefits of IBM's development of its own educational programs into digital badges, and the partnership between IBM and Northeastern University that articulates these industry credentials for academic degree credit.
The Development of Vanadyl Phosphate Cathode Materials for Energy Storage Systems: A Review
Authors: Shi Hua‐Yu , Jia Zhongqiu , Wu Wanlong , Zhang Xiang , Liu Xiao‐Xia , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: February 2020

Various cathode materials have been proposed for high‐performance rechargeable batteries. Vanadyl phosphate is an important member of the polyanion cathode family. VOPO4 has seven known crystal polymorphs with tunneled or layered frameworks, which allow facile cation (de)intercalations. Two‐electron transfer per formula unit can be realized by using VV/VIV and VIV/VIII redox couples. The electrochemical performance is closely related to the structures of VOPO4 and the types of inserted cations. This Review outlines the crystal structures of VOPO4 polymorphs and their lithiated phases. The research progress of vanadyl phosphate cathode materials for different energy storage systems, including lithium‐ion batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, potassium‐ion batteries, multivalent batteries, and supercapacitors, as well as the related mechanism investigations are summarized. It is hoped that this Review will help with future directions of using vanadyl phosphate materials for energy storage.
Protein‐Mediated Suppression of Rolling Circle Amplification for Biosensing with an Aptamer‐Containing DNA Primer
Authors: Bialy Roger M. , Ali Monsur M. , Li Yingfu , Brennan John D.
Published: February 2020

We report a method to detect proteins via suppression of rolling circle amplification (RCA) by using an appropriate aptamer as the linear primer (denoted as an aptaprimer) to initiate RCA. In the absence of a protein target, the aptaprimer is free to initiate RCA, which can produce long DNA products that are detected via binding of a fluorescent intercalating dye. Introduction of a target causes the primer region within the aptamer to become unavailable for binding to the circular template, inhibiting RCA. Using SYBR Gold or QuantiFluor dyes as fluorescent probes to bind to the RCA reaction product, it is possible to produce a generic protein‐modulated RCA assay system that does not require fluorophore‐ or biotin‐modified DNA species, substantially reducing complexity and cost of reagents. Based on this modulation of RCA, we demonstrate the ability to produce both solution and paper‐based assays for rapid and quantitative detection of proteins including platelet derived growth factor and thrombin.
Kristallisationsschemata in der Zuckerindustrie
Authors: Frenzel Stefan
Published: February 2020

Mithilfe des Kristallisationsschemas einer Zuckerfabrik kann die technologische Arbeit so gesteuert werden, dass bei möglichst geringem Energieeinsatz ein Weißzucker möglichst hoher Qualität erzielt und die anfallende Melasse maximal erschöpft wird. Die in den einzelnen Kristallisationsstufen erreichbaren Ausbeuten beeinflussen die Gestaltung der Kristallisationsschemata entscheidend. Weitere Einflussfaktoren sind die Rohstoffqualität und die Produktanforderungen, aber auch die verfügbare apparative Ausrüstung und das gewählte Kristallisationsverfahren. Anhand ausgewählter Beispiele werden die Spielräume aber auch praktischen Limitierungen erläutert, die sich in diesem Spannungsfeld aus Qualitätsanforderungen, Ausbeute, Produktivität und Energiebedarf für eine Zuckerfabrik ergeben.
Self‐endorsed cognitive problems versus objectively assessed cognitive impairment in blood or bone marrow transplantation recipients: A longitudinal study
Authors: Murdaugh Donna L. , Bosworth Alysia , Patel Sunita K. , Sharafeldin Noha , Chen Yanjun , Francisco Liton , Forman Stephen J. , Wong F. Lennie , Bhatia Smita
Published: February 2020

Background

Cognitive impairment in survivors of blood or bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is well documented. However, to the authors' knowledge, the clinical relevance of self‐endorsed cognitive problems and their relation to objectively assessed cognitive impairment is not known.

Methods

The authors assessed cognitive impairment in 378 BMT recipients (median age, 52.2 years, 40% of whom were female and 68% of whom were non‐Hispanic white) and 98 healthy controls at 5 predetermined time points: at baseline (before BMT) and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after BMT. Self‐endorsed cognitive problems were evaluated using the Neuropsychological Impairment Scale (NIS) and correlated with a standardized 2‐hour battery of objective cognitive testing at each time point. The authors examined the magnitude of difference in self‐endorsed cognitive problems between BMT recipients and healthy controls, and the rate of change in scores over time. Multivariable analyses were used to identify clinical and/or demographic variables associated with self‐endorsed cognitive problems. The authors also examined the association between cognitive impairment and returning to work after BMT.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, BMT recipients endorsed more cognitive problems (P < .001) at all time points, and the rate of change in NIS scores was found to be significantly greater in BMT recipients. Fatigue was associated with greater endorsement of cognitive problems at 1 year after BMT (odds ratio, 4.23; 95% CI, 2.1‐8.3 [P < .001]). Overall, there was a statistically significant, modest correlation noted between self‐endorsed cognitive problems and objective cognitive impairment (range, 0.401‐0.445 [P ≤ .01]). Higher self‐endorsed cognitive problems were associated with a 3.7‐fold (P = .02) higher odds of not returning to work at 3 years after BMT.

Conclusions

The results of the current study demonstrated that self‐endorsed cognitive problems can help to identify vulnerable patient subpopulations for detailed cognitive assessment and possible cognitive remediation.