bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Striking Flower-in-Flower Phenotype of Arabidopsis Thaliana Nossen (No-0) is Caused by a Novel LEAFY Allele
Authors: Mohrholz Anne , Sun Hequan , Glöckner Nina , Hummel Sabine , Kolukisaoglu Üner , Schneeberger Korbinian , Harter Klaus
Published: November 2019

The transition to reproduction is a crucial step in the life cycle of any organism. In Arabidopsis thaliana the establishment of reproductive growth can be divided into two phases: Firstly, cauline leaves with axillary meristems are formed and internode elongation begins. Secondly, lateral meristems develop into flowers with defined organs. Floral shoots are usually determinate and suppress the development of lateral shoots. Here, we describe a transposon insertion mutant in the Nossen accession with defects in floral development and growth. Most strikingly is the outgrowth of stems from the axillary bracts of the primary flower carrying secondary flowers. Therefore, we named this mutant flower-in-flower (fif). However, the transposon insertion in the annotated gene is not the cause for the fif phenotype. By means of classical and genome sequencing-based mapping, the mutation responsible for the fif phenotype was found to be in the LEAFY gene. The mutation, a G-to-A exchange in the second exon of LEAFY, creates a novel lfy allele and results in a cysteine-to-tyrosine exchange in the α1-helix of LEAFY´s DNA-binding domain. This exchange abolishes target DNA-binding, whereas subcellular localization and homomerization are not affected. To explain the strong fif phenotype against this molecular findings, several hypotheses are discussed.
Gender as a Dimension of Inequality in Accounting Organizations and Related HR Strategies
Authors: Faragalla Atena , Tiron-Tudor Adriana
Published: November 2019

Considering the increasing number of women entering the accounting profession; it is timely to explore inequalities that still exist; and consider what policy processes continue to forge inequalities between men and women. Through a SLR of accounting and management journals during the period 1994-2017 we assess the different dynamics that have shaped inequalities between men and women, presenting both employee and employer perspectives of professional enhancement. The study is framed around conceptualizations of gendered organizations and highlights how cultural and social practices impact men and women differently. Our study finds there are still arrays of organization practices that have profound gendered effects. Our study shows that there are commonalities in research which include HR practices of recruitment, selection, and advancement; perceptions of women's visibility and invisibility at work; motherhood and childcare responsibilities; and discourses of the glass ceiling that constitute barriers to women's progression. Most importantly we reveal that constraints nowadays are similar to those identified in the 90s. We explored these gendered constructions and suggest relevant HR strategies that can aid women's advancement.
Strategi Penerapan Sistem Keamanan Pada Desain Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Kelas II Di Surakarta
Authors: Yanarsya Reysa , Nugroho Rachmadi , Wahyuwibowo Agung Kumoro
Published: November 2019

The role of level II prison in Surakarta as a supporter of the correctional system is based on three aspects. The first aspect is to overcome the problem of prisoners' excess capacity in Indonesia by building prisons in every district or city so that the handling and placement of prisoners are at their place of origin. Second, Surakarta is a city that contributes to the second highest crime rate  in Central Java and the lack of optimal correctional facilities that already exist. Third, the security aspects are the most important factor in establishing prison buildings, because in this era, security is not only done manually but also electronically. The combination of the two security systems can provide the concept of a more modern prison design. The discussion method applied from the beginning to the completion of the design is through the stages of problem identification and exploration, stages of data collection through precedent studies, interviews, observations, and security system theory literature. Then the analysis stages that combine data obtained with theories related to prison buildings. The results of the overall analysis include five concepts of designing prison security system design concepts in the form of deter, detect, delay, halt, and minimize.
Penerapan Arsitektur Metafora pada Strategi Perancangan Pusat Kecantikan Tradisional di Surakarta
Authors: Dyah Permatahati Raras Sekarwangi , Sumaryoto Sumaryoto , Purnomo Agus Heru
Published: November 2019

Public request for beauty care services continues to increase. The production of cosmetics and beauty clinics are also increasing at the same time. Some cosmetics that contain hazardous substances on the market make consumers more smart to choose non-hazardous ones by using natural cosmetics. Traditional beauty centers in Surakarta aim to realize the provision of traditional beauty treatments with natural ingredients as well as providing facilities for relaxation, education, and art and gallery as complementary facilities. The main problem of this building design is how to attract visitors and show them that it’s a commercial building that accommodates beauty activities using a metaphorical architectural approach. The result of the design is Traditional Beauty Center in Surakarta that can attract attention and bring visitors. Public can see that this is Traditional Beauty Center just to see through the building. To obtain the criteria, the method that will be used are observational studies to the community, field studies, and literature studies on related theories.
Konsekuensi Budgetary Slack : Perspektif Gender
Authors: Suhartini Dwi , Sari Rida Perwita , Riadi Eko
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of participatory budgeting on budgetary slack behavior and managerial performance in the public sector. This study will include the personal character of gender and affective, continuance, normative organizational commitment in the relationship of participatory budgeting with the behavior of budgetary slack. This study uses the mail survey method with an individual analysis unit as an executive officer at the Regional Work Unit (SKPD) at the East Java Province level. Data obtained from 82 respondents' answers in the form of perceptions or attitudes to the variables under study. The sampling technique with sampling census and analysis techniques using PLS. The results showed that executive officials at SKPD actively involved in budgeting mechanisms tended to conduct budgetary slack behavior which was motivated by the limited use of budget funds. However, this remains a trigger for managerial performance to remain high. High participatory budgeting can increase organizational commitment and gender roles can reduce budgetary slack behavior.
Pembentukan Sikap Ilmiah Melalui Pembelajaran Kooperatif pada Mata Kuliah Ilmu Alamiah Dasar
Authors: Aqil Deden Ibnu
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine the formation of scientific attitudes of students after using jigsaw type cooperative learning and STAD (student team achievement division) in basic natural science courses. The method used in this research is to form a group of students consisting of 4-5 people to discuss a theme related to the theme of lectures. After students receive the theme from the lecturer, each group discusses it. The results showed that 91.3% curious attitude, 90.18% respect for facts, critical thinking 93.62%, 90.83% openness, 88.4% perseverance, honesty, 97.02%, responsibility 90 , 31%. From the results of the assessment showed the scientific attitude of students included in the excellent category. The conclusion of this study is that learning Basic Natural Sciences by using jigsaw cooperative learning and STAD (student team achievement division) can form scientific attitudes very well.
Mengeksplorasi Argumentasi dan Pengetahuan Pendidik Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA) Tentang Pemanasan Global
Authors: Septaria Kiki
Published: November 2019

This research isa qualitative research based oncasestudiestoinvestigatethe quality ofthe arguments and personal knowledge of scienceteachers about global warming. Thesubjects ofthis research were 20scienceteachersfromthesamestudy program and university. Data collectiontechniques use interview methods and written arguments. Qualitative analysis of datafrom interviews and written arguments reveals thatsomescienceteachers use evidence during argumentation, butthe evidence used is often not accurate enoughtosupport or refute other people's claims or arguments andsome otherscience teachers use personal perspectivesin argumentation becausescienceteachers have difficulty building evidence-based argumentation. In addition, somescienceteachers have similarities inknowledge about global warming, butthere aresomescienceteachers who differ intheir belief inscientific expertise and thecredibility of scientific evidence. This research is expectedto help increasetheknowledge andskills ofscience teachersto educate global warmingto students and prepare studentsto makethe right decisions about global warming in the future.
Hubungan Karakteristik Morfofisiologi Tanaman Kersen (Muntingia Calabura)
Authors: Nurholis Nurholis , Saleh Ismail
Published: November 2019

Kersen (Muntingia calabura) merupakan salah satu tumbuhan liar yang belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal. Tumbuhan ini dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai tanaman obat dengan memanfaatkan daun atau buahnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi karakteristik morfologi dan fisiologi daun, bunga, dan buah kersen. Penelitian dilakukan dengan mengambil sampel tanaman kersen di wilayah Cirebon dan Kuningan, Jawa Barat dengan ketinggian tempat yang berbeda. Lokasi pengambilan sampel tanaman kersen yaitu Pilang (4 mdpl), Bima (15 mdpl), Gronggong (135 mdpl), Cilimus (476 mdpl), dan Cigugur (960 mdpl).Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan November 2015 – Maret 2016. Hasil pengamatan menunjukkan bahwa daun kersen memiliki karakteristik berdaun tunggal dengan panjang dan lebar daun berturut-turut 10.67 cm dan 4 cm. Bunga kersen termasuk ke dalam bunga sempurna dengan mahkota berwarna putih dan kelopak berwarna hijau. Buah kersen berbentuk bulat dan ketika muda berwarna hijau dan merah ketika sudah matang. Bobot buah kersen yang sudah matang berkisar 1.71 g. Kadar vitamin C buah kersen berkisar 2.31 mg/g bobot basah dan tingkat kemanisan (padatan total terlarut) buah kersen yaitu 19.14 % Brix. Berdasarkan hasil analisis korelasi, luas daun berkorelasi positif dengan diameter ovari dan bobot buah. Bobot buah kersen berkorelasi negatif dengan tingkat kemanisan buah.
A Model of Oil-Water Coning for 2-D Areal Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Chappelear J. E. , Hirasaki G. J.
Published: November 2019

A model for oil-water coning in a partially perforated well has been developed and tested by comparison with numerical simulations. The effect of oil-water coning, including down coning of oil, on field production is demonstrated by studying a small water-drive reservoir whose complete production data is known.

The coning model is derived by assuming vertical equilibrium and segregated flow. A necessary correction for departure from vertical equilibrium in the immediate neighborhood of the well is developed. The coning model is suitable for single well studies or for inclusion in a reservoir simulator for two-dimensional areal studies.
Non-uinform gut microbiota alteration patterns associated with therapeutic outcomes in an Alzheimer's disease animal model
Authors: Wang Min , Amakye William Kwame , Cao Jianing , Gong Congcong , Sun Xiaoyu , Yao Maojin , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: November 2019

Background: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota is associated with the progression of beta-amyloid (Aβ) pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to identify uniform Aβ-responsible gut microbiota status as possible guideline for gut microbiota manipulation and the prediction of outcomes of microbiota targeted treatments. Six months old APP/PS1 mice from the same genetic background, housing and feeding conditions were then daily gavage with Metformin, peptides WN5 or PW5 to manipulate the gut microbiota for 12 weeks. Aβ pathology and gut microbiota were then explored and compared.
Results: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from a 16 month old APP/PS1 mouse reconstituted the gut microbiota towards the donor and increased Aβ pathology in APP/PS1 mouse model. Metformin, peptides WN5 and PW5 all attenuated Aβ-plaque formation in APP/PS1 mouse model but each was associated with distinct gut microbiota status. No uniform gut microbiota pattern associated with Aβ pathology was found among different gut microbiota-targeted treatments.
Conclusion: We found no uniform gut microbiota status associated with Aβ pathology suggesting gut microbiota status is not a suitable biomarker for AD diagnosis and treatment predictions. Alteration of gut microbiota in itself may not be sufficiently directly related to functional outcomes and might only be a shadow of deeper molecular mechanisms not fully understood. The findings here strongly suggested that the significance of gut microbiota alteration in disease pathology and treatment may have so far been over claimed and that interpretation of gut microbiota data should be done with utmost caution.
Protein kinase A is involved in neuropathic pain by activating the p38MAPK pathway to mediate spinal cord cell apoptosis
Authors: Deng Yajun , Yang Liang , Xie Qiqi , Yang Fengbiao , Li Guoqiang , Zhang Guangzhi , Li Shaoping , Wu Zuolong , Wang Jing , Kang Xuewen
Published: November 2019

Background: Neuropathic pain is a serious clinical problem to be solved. Protein kinase A (PKA) is widely distributed in the central nervous system and participates in various signal transduction pathways to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, it is unclear whether PKA is involved in neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate PKA expression in neuropathic pain and its possible mechanisms of involvement. Methods: The mRNA expression dataset of neuropathic pain (GSE24982) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the R software. DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database, and the Cytoscape plug-in cytoHubba was used to screen for hub genes. A spared nerve injury (SNI) rat model was established and the paw withdrawal threshold was determined using von Frey filaments. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and cellular localization of key proteins in the spinal cord, respectively. Western blotting, ELISA, and TUNEL assays were used to detect cell signal transduction, inflammation, and apoptosis, respectively. Results: Among 449 DEGs and 20 hub genes, PKA was identified as a key gene involved in neuropathic pain. After SNI, mechanical allodynia occurred, PKA expression in the spinal cord increased, the p38MAPK pathway was activated, and spinal cord inflammation and apoptosis occurred in rats. Immunofluorescence staining showed that PKA colocalized with neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, and TUNEL with GFAP, Iba-1, Neun double labeling showed that apoptotic cells were mainly neurons. Intrathecal injection of a PKA inhibitor not only relieved mechanical hyperalgesia, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis in SNI rats, but also inhibited p38MAPK pathway activation. Intrathecal injection of a p38MAPK inhibitor attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis, but did not affect PKA expression. Conclusions: PKA is involved in neuropathic pain by activating the p38MAPK pathway to mediate spinal cord cell apoptosis. This study provides novel insights that my aid in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain.
Argon reduces microglia activation and ramification dependent inflammatory cytokine expression in the retina
Authors: Goebel Ulrich , Scheid Stefanie , Spassov Sashko , Schallner Nils , Wollborn Jakob , Buerkle Hartmut , Ulbrich Felix
Published: November 2019

Background: Perioperative damage of neuronal tissue due to insufficient cerebral circulation as a result of hypotension or stroke, lead to permanent destruction and functional impairment via apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. Recently, the noble gas argon has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects. Despite intensive research, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Methods: In-vitro, after injury of human neuroblastoma cells with rotenone over a period of four hours, postconditioning with argon 75 Vol% was performed for 2. In-vivo, retinal ischemia reperfusion injury in the rat was induced by increasing intraocular pressure for 1 hour (h). Upon reperfusion, argon was administered by inhalation for 2 h. Results: In summary, argon reduced binding activity of transcription factors involved in regulation of neuronal damage such as STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), NF-kB (Nuclear factor `kappa-light-chain-enhancer´ of activated B-cells), AP-1 (Activator protein 1) and Nrf-2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Flow cytometry analysis showed that argon down-regulated the Fas-Ligand. Since some of these transcription factors were regulated via toll-like receptors (TLR), their effects could be eliminated - at least in part - by OxPAPC (TLR2 and -4 inhibitor). Argon was able to reduce the quantity and the activity of neuronal microglia after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Consecutively, qPCR (quantitative Polymerase chain reaction) showed a reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α (Interleukin-1α), IL-1ß (Interleukin-1ß), IL-6 (Interleukin 6), TNFα (Tumor necrosis factor alpha) and iNOS (inducible Nitric oxide synthase). Conclusion: Argon reduced the extent of inflammation after neuronal injury by suppression of transcription factors crucial for microglia activation. The therapeutic use of the noble gas would be ideal for treating in the context of neuronal damage due to the lack of known side effects and narcotic properties with preservation of neurological assessability. Although preclinical studies are promising, further investigations are required before argon can be approved for use in patients.
Diazotroph diversity associated with scleractinian corals and its relationships with environmental variables in the South China Sea
Authors: Liang Jiayuan , Yu Kefu , Wang Yinghui , Huang Xueyong , Huang Wen , Qin Zhenjun , Wang Guanghua , Su Hongfei , Chen Biao , Wu Zhengchao
Published: November 2019

Background: Coral reef ecosystems cannot operate normally without an effective nitrogen cycle. For oligotrophic coral reef areas, coral-associated diazotrophs are indispensable participants in the nitrogen cycle. How coral-associated diazotrophs will change in order to adapt to environmental changes resulting from global warming and human activities is a topic of concern for researchers. To this end, 68 colonies of scleractinian coral were collected from 6 coral reefs areas with different environmental variables in the South China Sea to investigate the composition of associated diazotrophs based on nifH gene amplification using high-throughput sequencing. The six coral reefs can be clearly divided into two types (fringing reefs and island reefs), are affected by varying degrees of human activities and are located at different latitudes from 9°20′06′′N to 22°34′55′′N with different seawater temperatures. Results: Alpha- and beta-diversity analyses showed that the distribution of diazotrophs among coral reefs exhibited greater geographical fluctuations than interspecific fluctuations. The predominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Chlorobi, Cyanobacteria, and two unclassified phyla. Chlorobi exhibited an abundance of 47–96% in coral samples from the high-latitude Daya Bay fringing reef affected by eutrophication. Unclassified bacteria II, with an abundance of 28–87%, was found in all coral samples from the midlatitude Luhuitou fringing reef affected by eutrophication. However, unclassified bacteria I and Proteobacteria dominated (> 80% abundance) in most of the coral samples from the Weizhou Island fringing reef, which is far from land, and three island reefs (Huangyan Island, Xinyi Reef, and Sanjiao Reef) at relatively low latitudes. At the genus level, some core diazotrophs were found in different coral sample groups. In addition, the correlation analysis with various environmental variables revealed that the variables correlated positively or negatively with different diazotrophic genera. Conclusions: We found that coral-associated diazotrophs were common among coral individuals. The presence of these diazotrophs was not affected by the external environment, but their population abundances were closely related to the different environmental variables. These results provide insights into the ecological characteristics of coral-associated diazotrophs and their relationships with critical environmental variables in the South China Sea.
Clinical Stewardship of Genomic Information in Pediatric Critical Care: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Char Danton , Lee Sandra Soo-Jin , Magnus David
Published: November 2019

Background: As clinical use of genomic sequencing (GS) increases within pediatric critical care, a model of clinical stewardship of genomic information is needed. To better understand in depth the responsibilities and ethical considerations around clinicians’ use of GS in the pediatric critical care context, we undertook this study. Methods: We conducted semi-structured, in-person and telephone interviews of clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children at a high-volume pediatric heart center. We conducted qualitative analysis of transcribed interviews. Results: 35 clinicians were interviewed. Three areas of concern emerged: 1) the costs of acquiring the GS information; 2) resource allocation decisions (medical and financial) that already exist but can be informed by GS findings; and, 3) patient privacy and protecting the genomic information itself in a healthcare context. Conclusions: Three key elements are needed for a model of clinical stewardship of GS in pediatric critical care. First, clinicians using GS need to negotiate the cost burdens and non-financial costs to families and society from GS testing. Second, clinicians need to define how GS improves or alters decision making around scarce resources. Third, clinicians are entrusted with protecting the privacy and sensitivity of their patient’s GS revealed information.
The importance of patient's experience and its impact on healthcare system for people received Chinese medicine
Authors: Chiou Shang-Jyh , Lee Pei-Chen , Lee Li-Hui , Chang Yu-Hsuan , Chen Chen-Hui , Kuo Chen-yin , Lin Kuan-Chia
Published: November 2019

Background Health system responsiveness is a complicated issue that guides researchers in determining an efficient methodology to enhance understanding of healthcare systems’ perspectives. Latent class analysis (LCA) helps healthcare professionals to understand discrepancies in patient experience profiles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and maintain measurability in observational settings. This study examined the relationship between patients’ experience profiles and their satisfaction with medical outcomes.Methods The study focused on an annual National Health Insurance survey examining patients’ experiences with medical services in TCM in 2015. We used 11 items from the LCA to develop patients’ experience profiles. A logistic regression model was developed to explore differences in patients’ satisfaction with their treatment outcome across 4 groups identified via the LCA, with adjustment for demographic factors.Results Participants (N=2012) were divided into four groups. Regardless of gender and age, Group 2 (nall) held the lowest satisfaction with treatment outcome relative to those reported by the other 3 groups (odds ratios with p-value: Group 1 (pall): 7.40, Group 3 (nComm): 1.37, Group 4 (Skip): 2.20, p<0.001). Respondents with a more favorable patient experience reported higher satisfaction with treatment outcome.Conclusions More satisfied patients are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors by complying with treatment recommendations and thus produce better outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that traditional medicine integrated with Western medicine (WM) can play an important role in achieving the goal of “Health for All.” Health authorities should develop strategies aimed at enhancing patients’ experiences in TCM to contribute to a positive care process.
Combination of CRP, PCT, N%, Bell stage and add milk the day before onset of NEC for predicting surgical necrotizing enterocolitis and their clinical significance
Authors: Wang Li , Huang Jingwei , Wang Lili
Published: November 2019

Objects Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe neonatal disease. The present study aimed to identify risk factors of NEC and predict surgical NEC.Methods According to the modified Bell’s staging criteria, 235 neonates with NEC admitted between Jan 1, 2015 and Sep 30, 2019 were divided into surgical group (n=47) and conservative group (n=188). Data concerning clinical characteristics and therapeutic management were collected. Infection values of WBC, N%, PLT, CRP, PCT were measured before treatment (T0), on the next day after treatment (T1).Results 1. Surgical group were associated with gestational age, small for gestational age, add milk before onset of NEC, hospitalization expense compared to conservative group (p=0.040, 0.048, 0.045, 0.011), in addition to N%0, N%1, PLT1, CRP1 and PCT1 (p=0.049, 0.003, 0.018, <0.001, 0.003). There was significant difference in NEC among Bell stage I, II and III between surgical group and conservative group (χ2=49.358, p<0.001). 2. Regression analysis showed that Bell stage I, II and III NEC (OR 12.331, 6.315, p=0.038, 0.025), N%1 (OR 0.959, p=0.032), CRP1 (OR 0.978, p=0.039) and PCT1 (OR 0.983, p=0.036), add milk before onset of NEC (OR 7.117, p=0.021) were all independent risk factors to predict surgical NEC. 3. The AUC of combined Bell stage I, II and III NEC, N%1, CRP1, PCT1, add milk the day before onset of NEC (P) in predicting surgical NEC was 0.924 (95%CI 0.865~0.983, p<0.001). The ideal cutoff value of P was 0.729, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 87.5%.Conclusion Increased Levels of CRP1, PCT1, N%1, Bell stage I, II and III, and add milk the day before onset of NEC are all independent risk factors of NEC, and combined of them can be used to predict the development of surgical NEC.
Soybean Phenology Prediction Tool for the US Midsouth
Authors: dos Santos Caio , Salmerón Montserrat , Purcell Larry C.
Published: November 2019

Core Ideas

Soybean phenology predictions allow producers to schedule management decisions.

Phenology can be predicted for a location and maturity group from temperature and photoperiod.

Predictions from 2776 locations were generated for the US Midsouth.

An interactive map displays predicted dates of flowering, beginning seed fill, and physiological maturity.

Eco‐physiology models can predict soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] development by describing daily development as a function of temperature, photoperiod, and cultivar sensitivity to these environmental conditions. However, these models require calibration with field data and a skilled user, limiting their agronomic application and adoption. We developed an interactive forecasting tool (SoyStage) using algorithms and previously calibrated coefficients from DSSAT‐CROPGRO‐Soybean. SoyStage predicts dates of first flower, beginning seed fill, and physiological maturity for emergence dates ranging from 14 March to 27 June in 7‐d intervals, maturity groups (MGs) 3.2 to 6.7 in one‐half MG increments, and 2776 locations across the US Midsouth based on weather data from 1981 to 2016. Predictions from SoyStage agreed well with field observed phenological stages monitored at 27 site‐years (RMSE ≤ 7.2 d). SoyStage can be accessed through the internet, requiring minimal inputs and predicting phenology for a wide range of locations, MGs, and emergence dates.
Monitoring Soil Water Content Using Time‐Lapse Horizontal Borehole GPR Data at the Field‐Plot Scale
Authors: Klotzsche Anja , Lärm Lena , Vanderborght Jan , Cai Gaochao , Morandage Shehan , Zörner Miriam , Vereecken Harry , van der Kruk Jan
Published: November 2019

Core Ideas

4‐yr monitoring of soil water content dynamics for different plant types.

Horizontal crosshole GPR at the field‐plot scale sampled ∼65 m3.

Natural, irrigated, and sheltered treatments in gravelly and clayey–silty soils.

Consistent patches of soil water content were observed along horizontal slices using GPR.

Results enable improved investigation of soil–plant–atmosphere interactions.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has shown a high potential to derive soil water content (SWC) at different scales. In this study, we combined multiple horizontal GPR measurements at different depths to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of the SWC under cropped plots. The SWC data were analyzed for four growing seasons between 2014 and 2017, two soil types (gravelly and clayey–silty), two crops (wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] and maize [Zea mays L.]), and three different water treatments. We acquired more than 150 time‐lapse GPR datasets along 6‐m‐long horizontal crossholes at six depths. The GPR SWC distributions are distinct both horizontally and vertically for both soil types. A clear change in SWC can be observed at both sites between the surface layer (>0.3 m) and subsoil. Alternating patches of higher and lower SWC, probably caused by the soil heterogeneity, were observed along the horizontal SWC profiles. To investigate the changes in SWC with time, GPR and time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) data were averaged for each depth and compared with changes in precipitation, treatment, and soil type. The high‐temporal‐resolution TDR and the large‐sampling‐volume GPR show similar trends in SWC for both sites, but because of the different sensing volumes, different responses were obtained due to the spatial heterogeneity. A difference in spatial variation of the crosshole GPR SWC data was detected between maize and wheat. The results for this 4‐yr period indicate the potential of this novel experimental setup to monitor spatial and temporal SWC changes that can be used to study soil–plant–atmosphere interactions.
Solar water disinfection with parabolic and flat reflectors
Authors: Beattie Audrey , Dillon Heather , Poor Cara , Kenton Ryan
Published: November 2019

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a process by which microbially contaminated water is disinfected by transmitting solar ultraviolet radiation to the water, rendering the bacteria inactive. The purpose of this project was to determine a residence time for disinfection in specific applications using a 3-log reduction in colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). The water was contained in quartz tubes and tested over both flat and parabolic reflectors. While UVA and UVB radiation are diffuse and independent of reflector style, water temperature is affected by solar concentration. The two reflector styles were studied to identify how insolation level and temperature affects the bacteria inactivation process. Escherichia coli, DH5α, was inoculated into sterile water and treated for 2, 4, and 8 h. The study had several conclusions, first that a 5-log reduction was achieved after 2 h, for all water temperature and insolation levels. The reflector style did not have a measurable effect on inactivation due to the short disinfection time, but the water temperature increased significantly with the parabolic reflectors. A thermal model of the two systems confirmed that the parabolic configuration resulted in higher energy input, making it the preferred configuration for disinfection with lower residence times.
Synthesis of Allenes by 1,2-Elimination
Authors: Armstrong Roly J.
Published: November 2019

Allenes represent an extremely important class of organic molecules, which, as
a result of their twisted orthogonal π-systems can possess axial chirality. A wide array of
methods for allene synthesis have been reported, such as the substitution of propargylic
electrophiles, isomerization of alkynes and sigmatropic rearrangement. An alternative approach
for the synthesis of allenes is 1,2-elimination of an appropriately substituted precursor.
This mini-review highlights recent examples of 1,2-elimination processes, which
target allenes including both polar and radical processes. The main focus is upon how control
over the stereospecificity (e.g. syn- or anti-) of the 1,2-elimination process can enable
the synthesis of enantioenriched axially chiral allenes. Recent developments in this field
are presented including both enantiospecific and catalytic asymmetric methods.
Metabolic Alterations in the Outer Membrane Vesicles of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: An LC-MS/MS-based Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Wei Shou-Chao , Wei Wei , Peng Wan-Juan , Liu Zhou , Cai Zhi-You , Zhao Bin
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To characterize the specific metabolomics profiles in the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and to explore potential metabolic biomarkers and their diagnostic roles.

Methods:

Nine AD patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled, and feces were collected. OMVs were extracted, purified, and then analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass chromatography (LC-MS/MS) method coupled with a series of multivariate statistical analyses.

Results:

Remarkable differences were found between the OMVs from AD patients and those from healthy controls. A number of differential metabolites and several top-altered metabolic pathways were identified. The levels of aspartate, L-aspartate, imidazole-4-acetate and L-glutamate were confirmed to be highly upregulated in AD-OMVs. Other differential metabolites, such as arachidic acid, prostaglandin G2, and leukotriene B4, were also identified. Furthermore, the differential metabolites possessed higher areas under the ROC curve (AUCs).

Conclusion:

Metabolic activity is significantly altered in the OMVs from AD patients. This data might be helpful for identifying novel biomarkers and their diagnostic roles in AD.

:

Furthermore, OMVs metabolomics analysis combined with GWAS could enrich our understanding of the genetic spectrum of AD and lead to early predictions and diagnosis and clinical applications of better AD treatments.
Salivary mir-27b Expression in Oral Lichen Planus Patients: A Series of Cases and a Narrative Review of Literature
Authors: Stasio Dario Di , Mosca Laura , Lucchese Alberta , Cave Donatella Delle , Kawasaki Hiromichi , Lombardi Angela , Porcelli Marina , Caraglia Michele
Published: November 2019

Background:

microRNAs play a critical role in auto-immunity, cell proliferation, differentiation
and cell death. miRNAs are present in all biological fluids, and their expression is essential in
maintaining regular immune functions and preventing autoimmunity, whereas miRNA dysregulation
may be associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Oral lichen planus
(OLP) is an inflammatory disease mediated by cytotoxic T cells attack against epithelial cells. The
present study aims to perform a specific microRNA expression profile through the analysis of saliva in
this disease.

Methods:

The study group was formed by five patients (mean age 62.8±1.98 years; 3 females/2 males)
affected by oral lichen planus and control group by five healthy subjects (mean age 59.8 years±2.3; 3
females/ 2 males); using a low-density microarray analysis, we recorded a total of 98 differentially
expressed miRNAs in the saliva of patients with oral lichen planus compared to the control group. The
validation was performed for miR-27b with qRT-PCR in all saliva samples of oral lichen planus group.

Results:

89 miRNAs were up-regulated and nine down-regulated. In details, levels of miR-21, miR-
125b, miR-203 and miR15b were increased (p<0.001) in study group while levels of miR-27b were
about 3.0-fold decreased compared to controls (p<0.001) of miR-27b expression in OLP saliva. QRTPCR
validation confirmed the down regulation of miR-27b in all saliva samples.

Conclusions:

Collecting saliva samples is a non-invasive procedure and is well accepted by all patients.
microRNAs can be readily isolated and identified and can represent useful biomarkers of OLP.
A Stiff Person Syndrome Misdiagnosed as a Psychiatric Illness: A Case Report
Authors: Souissi Mohamed-Anis , Bellakhal Syrine , Gharbi Emna , Abdelkefi Istabrak , Douggui Mohamed-Hedi
Published: November 2019

Background:

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder
which is often misdiagnosed. We report here a case of SPS with a long diagnosis delay.

Case:

A 36-year-old man presented with an 11-year history of progressive stiffness and painful
spasms of his both legs, with recent worsening of his condition over the last year resulting in a considerable
difficulty of standing up and walking. As the patient developed phobic symptoms, he was
considered as having a psychiatric illness and treated with antianxiety and antidepressant drugs. As
no real improvement was observed, the patient was referred to internal medicine. Neurological examination
showed paraspinal, abdominal and lower limbs muscle contraction with lumbar rigidity.
These symptoms were associated to adrenergic symptoms: profuse sweating, tachycardia and high
bloodpressure. Initial routine investigations revealed high blood glucose level. Polygraphic electromyographic
(EMG) evaluation from paraspinal and leg muscles showed continuous motor unit
activity in agonist and antagonist muscle. Electroencephalography and brain magnetic resonance
imaging were normal. Immunologic tests according to radio immune assay technique revealed high
level of serum anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD65) antibodies. Diagnosis of autoimmune
SPS was retained based on clinical, electrophysiological, and immunological findings. Pregabalin
at the dose of 150 mg, three times a day was prescribed with satisfying response.

Conclusion:

SPS is supported by an autoimmune pathogenesis and anti-GAD antibodies seems to
be very helpful when SPS is clinically suspected. Treatment of SPS is a challenge, given the scarcity
of the syndrome and the absence of established recommendations.
Characteristics and Risk Factors Associated with Stroke Subtypes among Adult Patients Admitted to the Stroke Unit of Jimma University Medical Center: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gebreegziabher Bekalu G. , Birhanu Tesema E. , Olana Diriba D. , Tesfaye Behailu T.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Almost 80% of deaths due to non-communicable diseases occur in lowand
middle-income countries. Stroke is a great public health problem in Ethiopia. Stroke mortality
was estimated to be 14.7% in Ethiopia. Despite this, researches done in Ethiopia on factors associated
with stroke sub-types were inadequate.

Objective:

To assess the characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke subtypes among patients
admitted to Jimma University Medical Center.

Methods and materials:

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to
May 2018 in the stroke unit of the Jimma University Medical Center. A total of 106 medical charts of
patients diagnosed with stroke were reviewed. A checklist comprising relevant variables was used
to collect data. SPSS version 21 was employed for data entry and analysis. Pearson chi-square test was
used to check the association of different parameters with stroke subtypes. A P-value <0.05 was used
as a cutoff point to declare statistical significance. Data were presented using text, tables, and figures.

Result:

From a total of 106 patients, 67 (63.2%) were men. The mean ± SD of age was
52.67±12.46 Year's, and the difference was not significant among stroke subtypes. Among all patients,
59 (55.6%) had ischemic strokes and 47 (44.4%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The most prevalent
risk factors significantly associated with stroke subtypes were being male 67 (63.2%) followed
by dyslipidemia 43 (40.5%) and cigarette smoking 38 (35.8%).

Conclusion:

The ischemic stroke was reported to be higher than hemorrhagic in this study. The
overall mean (±SD) age of the patient was 52.67±(12.46) years. The mean age of hemorrhagic
stroke patients was 55.98 (±13.77) years; while in ischemic stroke was 50.03 (±10.70) years. Being
male, a history of cigarette smoking, and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with stroke
subtypes.
Atypical Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy with Hypokinetic Left Mid-ventricle and Apical Wall Sparing: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ludhwani Dipesh , Sheikh Belaal , Patel Vasu K , Jhaveri Khushali , Kizilbash Mohammad , Sura Prashant
Published: November 2019

Background:

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an uncommon cause of acute reversible
ventricular systolic dysfunction in the absence of obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD). Typically manifesting as apical wall ballooning, TTC can rarely present atypically with
apical wall sparing.

Case report:

A 62-year-old female presented with complaints of chest pain and features mimicking
acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiogram revealed no obstructive CAD and left ventriculogram
showed reduced ejection fraction, normal left ventricular apex and hypokinetic mid-ventricles
consistent with atypical TTC. The patient was discharged home on heart failure medications and a
follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated improved left ventricular function with no
wall motion abnormality.

Conclusion:

This case report provides an insight into the diagnosis and management of TTC in the
absence of pathognomic features.
An RP-HPLC Method for Quantitative Analysis of Linagliptin Entrapped in Nanotransfersomes and its Application to Skin Permeation Studies
Authors: Peram Malleswara Rao , Patil Sachin R. , Kumbar Vijay M. , Kugaji Manohar S. , Bhat Kishore G. , Diwan Prakash V. , Jalalpure Sunil
Published: November 2019

Background:

Linagliptin (LNG) is an oral hypoglycemic agent that acts by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase - 4 (DPP-4) and reduces blood sugar levels in type-II diabetic patients. To date, the literature presents few analytical methods for the determination of LNG. However, no reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method has been reported for the determination of LNG in nanotransfersomes and in vitro skin permeation samples.

Objective:

The present study involves the development and validation of RP-HPLC method to quantify LNG in both nanotransfersomes and in vitro skin permeation and deposition samples.

Methods:

The chromatographic analysis was performed on Luna C18 (2) column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5μm particle size) with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of methanol: 0.2% orthophosphoric acid (50:50, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, detection wavelength of 227 nm, and column temperature of 40 °C.

Results:

The method was found to be specific, linear (r2≥ 0.999; 2-12 μg/mL), precise at both intra and inter-day levels (percentage relative standard deviation; % RSD < 2.00), accurate (percentage recovery 100.21-103.83%), and robust. The detection and quantification limits were 0.27 and 0.82 μg/mL, respectively. The mean % entrapment efficiency and the cumulative amount of LNG permeated across the rat skin from different transfersomal formulations ranged between 40.78 ± 2.54 % to 52.26 ± 2.15 % and 79.54 ± 16.67 to 200.74 ± 35.13 μg/cm2respectively.

Conclusion:

The method was successfully applied to determine the entThe method was successfully applied to determine the entrapment efficiency, in vitro skin permeation and deposition behavior of LNG-nanotransfersomes.rapment efficiency, in vitro skin permeation and deposition behavior of LNG-nanotransfersomes.
The Effects of Resveratrol on Oxidative Stress Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Omidian Mahsa , Abdolahi Mina , Daneshzad Elnaz , Sedighiyan Mohsen , Aghasi Mohadeseh , Abdollahi Hamed , Omidian Parisa , Dabiri Sasan , Mahmoudi Maryam
Published: November 2019

Objective:

Recent trial studies have found that resveratrol supplementation beneficially
reduces oxidative stress marker, but, there is no definitive consensus on this context. The present systematic
review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol supplementation on
oxidative stress parameters.

Methods:

We searched databases of Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to December 2018 with
no language restriction. Studies were reviewed according to preferred reporting items for systematic
reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane handbook. To compare the effects of resveratrol
with placebo, weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled
based on the random-effects model.

Results:

Among sixteen clinical trials, we found that resveratrol supplementation increased GPx serum
levels significantly (WMD: 18.61; 95% CI: 8.70 to 28.52; P<0.001) but had no significant effect on
SOD concentrations (WMD: 1.01; 95% CI: -0.72 to 2.74; P= 0.25), MDA serum levels (WMD: -1.43;
95% CI: -3.46 to 0.61; P = 0.17) and TAC (WMD: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.11; P = 0.36) compared to
placebo. Finally, we observed that resveratrol supplementation may not have a clinically significant
effect on oxidative stress.

Conclusion:

However, the number of human trials is limited in this context, and further large prospective
clinical trials are needed to confirm the effect of resveratrol supplement on oxidative stress
markers.
Fault Diagnosis Method of Mine Motor Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sheng Ren
Published: November 2019

Background:

In order to improve the efficiency of fault treatment of mining motor, the
method of model construction is used to construct the type of kernel function based on the principle
of vector machine classification and the optimization method of parameters.

Methodology:

One-to-many algorithm is used to establish two kinds of support vector machine
(SVM) models for fault diagnosis of motor rotor of crusher. One of them is to obtain the optimal
parameters C and g based on the input samples of the instantaneous power fault characteristic data
of some motor rotors which have not been processed by rough sets. Patents on machine learning
have also shows their practical usefulness in the selction of the feature for fault detection.

Results:

The results show that the instantaneous power fault feature extracted from the rotor of the
crusher motor is obtained by the cross validation method of grid search k-weights (where k is 3) and
the final data of the applied Gauss radial basis penalty parameter C and the nuclear parameter g are
obtained.

Conclusion:

The model established by the optimal parameters is used to classify and diagnose the
sample of instantaneous power fault characteristic measurement of motor rotor. Therefore, the classification
accuracy of the sample data processed by rough set is higher.