bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Optimization for Fast Image Transfer and Visualization for Mobile and Stationary Devices: A Performance Evaluation Using Animati Viewer
Authors: Venson José Eduardo , Bevilacqua Fernando , Maia Carlos Edmilson , D'Ornellas Marcos
Published: June 2020

medical application running outside the workstation environment has to deal with several limitations, such as reduced available memory and low network bandwidth. Adaptations and novel approaches are required to make applications overcome such problems. This paper presents an approach that uses a combination of client- and server-side procedures to dynamically optimize the data flow for fast image transfer and visualization on mobile and stationary devices. The main goal of our approach is to minimize the amount of data transferred to and used in the host device without sacrificing the user experience. Our approach was implemented and validated using a real use case, the application Animati Viewer, which is a web visualizer for diagnostic images. The evaluation was measured using metrics such as the accumulated amount of network transferred data and the amount of memory used in the host device. The results show that our approach is feasible and, in one of our tests, it transferred only 7.73% of the amount of data downloaded by the OsiriX mobile.
Extração de Características de Contornos Côncavos para Diagnóstico de Câncer de Mama
Authors: Marques Ricardo , Benevides Marcos , Ramos Neto Geovane , De Paiva Anselmo , Braz Júnior Geraldo
Published: June 2020

O câncer de mama tem o maior índice de ocorrência na população feminina que responde por 22% dos novos casos a cada ano. Uma abordagem para detectar precocemente tais anomalias é a imagem de mamografia. No entanto, os padrões de imagem complexos e a diferente organização dos tecidos mamários requer habilidade e experiência de médicos treinados para evitar falhas na interpretação de mamografias. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é utilizar geometria côncava para extrair características de regiões em massa com o objetivo de fazer um diagnóstico quanto ao padrão de malignidade com base em que a forma que circunscreve massas malignas são muito irregular.
Método para Segmentação Automática de Lesões de Esclerose Múltipla em exames FLAIR
Authors: Klein Pedro , Franco Alexandre , Pinho Márcio
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo propõe um método para segmentação automática de lesões de Esclerose Múltipla em imagens de Ressonância Magnética obtidas na modalidade Fluid Attenuated Inverse Recovery (FLAIR). Ao contrário do método considerado padrão ouro atual, que exige que além das imagens em FLAIR também sejam adquiridas imagens na modalidade T1, a abordagem aqui descrita visa substituir o uso das imagens T1, utilizadas na delimitação das estruturas cerebrais, pelo uso de atlas probabilísticos utilizados para os mesmos fins. Como resultados preliminares, obteve-se uma segmentação bastante aproximada do método considerado padrão ouro, o que para este trabalho em andamento indica um bom direcionamento de estudos.
Tertiarius minutulus sp. nov. (Stephanodiscaceae, Bacillariophyta) – a new fossil diatom species from Lake Ohrid
Authors: Zaova Dušica , Cvetkoska Aleksandra , Mitic-Kopanja Danijela , Jovanovska Elena , Ognjanova-Rumenova Nadja , Levkov Zlatko
Published: June 2020

A new fossil diatom species, Tertiarius minutulus sp. nov., is described from a sediment sequence DEEP-5045-1 of Lake Ohrid. The species is characterized by small valves (3.0–8.0 µm) with a round shape, a marginal area with radially arranged costae and a central uneven area with scattered areolae. Externally, the alveoli are occluded by cribra perforated by irregularly arranged pores. Internally, the alveoli are simple and areolae are occluded with domed cribra. The marginal fultoportulae are situated on costae close to the valve margin, located on every 5th or 7th thick internal costa. One to three fultoportulae are present on the valve face, each surrounded by two to three satellite pores. One rimoportula is present, positioned on a costa at the valve face / mantle junction. The species is compared with morphologically similar taxa and a detailed differential diagnosis is provided. Tertiarius minutulus sp. nov. is known only as a fossil taxon from Lake Ohrid, with a first occurrence during the early stages of lake basin development.
Time and eternity in the literary image of the church procession: Pushkin’s Boris Godunov and Shmeleff’s The Year of the Lord
Authors: Konnova Maria N.
Published: June 2020

This article considers the depiction of the church procession to examine the literary inter­pretation of time and eternity in Alexander Pushkin’s historical drama Boris Godunov and Ivan Shmeleff’s novel The Year of the Lord. The two texts share fundamental similarities in literary images. The church procession is portrayed as a manifestation of eternity in the tan­gible reality of this world. Despite their common temporal nature, images in Boris Godunov and The Year of the Lord differ in terms of both motivation (state-driven in Pushkin’s dra­ma and public-driven in Shmeleff’s novel) and the degree of detail. The description is con­densed and script-driven in Boris Godunov, whereas the church procession in The Year of the Lord unfolds before the reader to reveal personal, family-related, and public aspects of the phenomenon.
On the Pushkin text in the poetry of Perestroika
Authors: Severskaya Olga I.
Published: June 2020

This article is devoted to Perestroika poets referring to the Pushkin text as a ‘tuning fork’ in reconfiguring poetics. The study aims to show that, in this case, intertextual connection create a special text-within-a-text. The corpus, intertextual, and compositional methods are used to analyse Pushkin-invoking texts by Yuri Arabov, Vladimir Druk, Timur Kibirov, and other poets. It is concluded that these authors perceive Pushkin’s poetry as a lexicon whose units can be used for building countless cycles of poetic reflections on the world as well as on poetry and the role of the poet. The donor text is an interlinear gloss for the recipient text. The implicit ‘alien’ and the explicit ‘own’ words merge into a single text. Perestroika poets inherit from Pushkin polystylism, a propensity to parody when analysing cultural codes and prece­dent texts, and fundamental dialogicity. Particular attention is paid to variations on the theme of Pushkin's ‘Monument’ as well as the symbolism of his name, which turned into somewhat of a common noun used to refer to any poet. The predominance of allusions to quotes in references to Pushkin points to the desire of perestroika poets engage in an equal dialogue with the national genius. At the same time, the Pushkin text becomes for them the point at which the semantic perspective of both a concrete poetic utterance and poetry as a whole is refracted.
Health-related Fitness Components – Links Between Parents and Their Child
Authors: Laudańska-Krzemińska Ida , Tomczak Maciej , Pluta Beata , Bronikowska Małgorzata , Kasprzak Zbigniew , Maciaszek Janusz
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Health-related fitness is a good predictor of health status of children and adults. Less is known about relationships of health-related fitness components between parents and children. Methods: Our study involved 58 children (30 girls and 28 boys, mean age
= 7.97) and 58 parents (33 mothers, mean age = 39.32, and 25 fathers, mean age = 38.73) who were voluntarily enrolled in the program in 3 selected primary schools in the city of Poznan, Poland. Physical fitness was measured using the Eurofit test battery. Assessment of body composition was
performed by measuring the bioimpedance. Results: Positive relationships were found among the levels of strength of abdominal muscle, flexibility of parents, and the slenderness of children. Slimmer parents also had more physically active children. Body composition parameters also were
related to physical activity. More relationships were found between children and parents of the same sex. Conclusion: Data support the hypothesis that health-related risk factors are linked between parents and children and that sex plays an important role in these relationships. Our
findings reinforce the need to develop health promotion programs that include children and their parents.
Do Emotional Intelligence and Self-compassion Affect Disordered Eating Perceptions?
Authors: Shenaar-Golan Vered , Walter Ofra
Published: June 2020

Background: Self-compassion (SC) allows people to cope with negative perceptions, and thus, may act as a buffer in people with disordered eating in terms of body image and eating behaviors. Higher emotional intelligence (EI) may play a similar role. However, few studies have
explored their association. Objective: In this study, we tested a correlation model to determine how SC, EI, and subjective well-being (SWB) interact and affect disordered eating (DE) perceptions and which variables (SC, EI) predict SWB. Method: Overall, 156 participants completed
a questionnaire assessing their levels of SC, EI, and SWB. Results: Participants who perceived themselves as having DE had significantly lower levels of SWB and SC but a significantly higher EI level. SWB was predicted by high scores in SC and low scores in EI. Conclusion: We
propose a mediating model explaining the contribution of EI and SC to the SWB of those with DE perceptions.
The Relationships between Depression and Anxiety Disorder and Online Social Media for Healthcare
Authors: Sam Oh Young , Jung Hyejin
Published: June 2020

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the relationships between a diagnosis of depression and anxiety disorder (DAD) and using online social media for healthcare. Online social media functions as a vital method of seeking health and disease information, providing low search
costs and convenience for users. Because of these benefits, online social media can provide higher accessibility to people with mental health problems. Methods: We used propensity score matching to adjust for baseline differences and reduce confounding effects between DAD and non-DAD
groups. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between a diagnosis of DAD and the use of online social media. Conclusions: Patients with DAD are regarded as active and empowered decision-makers; social media functions as a vital method of seeking health and
disease information, providing low search costs and convenience for users.
de Lucas, Javier. Decir No. El imperativo de la desobediencia. Tirant lo Blanch Valencia, 2020.
Authors: Añón Roig María José
Published: June 2020

de Lucas, Javier. Decir No. El imperativo de la desobediencia. Tirant lo Blanch Valencia, 2020.
Comparative analysis of the verbs of intensive movement on the example of English and Chuvash languages
Authors: Ignateva Tatiana , Myasnikova Irina Alekseevna Irina Alekseevna
Published: June 2020

This article is dedicated to the comparative analysis of English and Chuvash verbs of intensive movements that comprise a separate lexical-semantic group in these languages. Relevance of this work is defined by the fact that there are relatively small amount of research on the comparative examination of verbs of movement in English and Chuvash languages, although they refer to one of the richest and diverse semantic groups within the verb as part of speech. An attempt is made to analyzes the words attributed to lexical-semantic group of intensive movement of a subject in space, establish semantic relations between the indicated units. The applied interlinguistic method allowed revealing a number of common and distinct features that are not evident in intralinguistic analysis. The scientific novelty consists in the fact that systemic examination of the group of verbs of intensive movement, which are united semantically, was conducted by comparison of linguistic means of multi-structural languages, namely English and Chuvash. The authors assume that the acquires results would contribute to better command of foreign languages, as well as more in-depth and comprehensive studying of the native language, as well as provide essential material for literary translation, formation and development of speech culture.  
Functional-semantic aspects of translation of psychological terminological phrases of English language
Authors: Balygina Elena Anatol'evna , Yarovikova Yuliya Vladimirovna , Ermolova Tat'yana Viktorovna , Krukovskaya Oksana Aleksandrovna
Published: June 2020

Multiple scientific works are dedicated to studying the impact of linguistic factors upon the translation process. However, relevant remains the task of determining dependence of the translation strategy on the peculiarities of semantic development and functionality of terminological units. This article examines the functional-semantic aspects of translation of the adjective-substantive terminological phrases of English language that reflects the scientific notions of psychology. An attempt is made to develop the methods for translating terminological phrases that would consider syntagmatic aspects of interaction of the meanings of its components. Attention is focused on determination of the impact of peculiarities of terminological meaning of terminological phrase upon the choice of its conveying in translation. A conclusion is made that the translation process of terminological phrases from English to Russian are influenced by such factors, as the level of semantic closeness of terminological phrases and communicative significance of its adjective component. In conclusion, the author discusses strategies of selection of the way of translation of terminological phrases, taking into account the aforementioned factors.
Aberrant sorting of hippocampal complex pyramidal cells in type I lissencephaly alters topological innervation
Authors: D'Amour James A , Ekins Tyler , Ganatra Stuti , Yuan Xiaoqing , McBain Chris J
Published: June 2020

Layering has been a long-appreciated feature of higher order mammalian brain structures but the extent to which it plays an instructive role in synaptic specification remains unknown. Here we examine the formation of synaptic circuitry under cellular heterotopia in hippocampal CA1, using a mouse model of the human neurodevelopmental disorder Type I Lissencephaly. We identify calbindin-expressing principal cells which are mispositioned under cellular heterotopia. Ectopic calbindin-expressing principal cells develop relatively normal morphological features and stunted intrinsic physiological features. Regarding network development, a connectivity preference for cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons to target calbindin-expressing principal cells is diminished. Moreover, in vitro gamma oscillatory activity is less synchronous across heterotopic bands and mutants are less responsive to pharmacological inhibition of cholecystokinin-containing interneurons. This study will aid not only in our understanding of how cellular networks form but highlight vulnerable cellular circuit motifs that might be generalized across disease states.
A quantitative inventory of yeast P body proteins reveals principles of composition and specificity
Authors: Xing Wenmin , Muhlrad Denise , Parker Roy , Rosen Michael K
Published: June 2020

P bodies are archetypal biomolecular condensates that concentrate proteins and RNA without a surrounding membrane. While dozens of P body proteins are known, the concentrations of components in the compartment have not been measured. We used live cell imaging to generate a quantitative inventory of the major proteins in yeast P bodies. Only seven proteins are highly concentrated in P bodies (5.1–15µM); the 24 others examined are appreciably lower (most ≤ 2.6µM). P body concentration correlates inversely with cytoplasmic exchange rate. Sequence elements driving Dcp2 concentration into P bodies are distributed across the protein and act synergistically. Our data indicate that P bodies, and probably other condensates, are compositionally simpler than suggested by proteomic analyses, with implications for specificity, reconstitution and evolution.
Profiling tear proteomes of patients with unilateral relapsed Behcet’s disease-associated uveitis using data-independent acquisition proteomics
Authors: Liang Anyi , Qin Weiwei , Zhang Meifen , Gao Fei , Zhao Chan , Gao Youhe
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To explore whether unilateral relapse of Bechet’s disease-associated uveitis (BDU) causes differences in the tear proteome between the diseased and the contralateral quiescent eye and potential tear biomarkers for uveitis recurrence and disease monitoring.

Method

To minimize interindividual variations, bilateral tear samples were collected from the same patient (n = 15) with unilateral relapse of BDU. A data-independent acquisition (DIA) strategy was used to identify proteins that differed between active and quiescent eyes.

Results

A total of 1,797 confident proteins were identified in the tear samples, of which 381 (21.2%) were also highly expressed in various tissues and organs. Fifty-one (2.8%) proteins differed in terms of expression between tears in active and quiescent eyes, 9 (17.6%) of which were functionally related to immunity or inflammation. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (fold change = 3.2, p = 0.007) was increased and Annexin A1 (fold change = −1.7, p < 0.001) was decreased in the tears of the active BDU eye compared to the contralateral quiescent eye.

Conclusions

A substantial amount of confident proteins were detected in the tears of BDU patients, including proteins that were deferentially expressed in the uveitis-relapsed eyes and the contralateral quiescent eyes. Some of these identified tear proteins play important roles in immune and inflammatory processes. Tear proteome might be a good source of biomarkers for uveitis.
Mitochondrial genome of the nonphotosynthetic mycoheterotrophic plant Hypopitys monotropa, its structure, gene expression and RNA editing
Authors: Shtratnikova Viktoria Yu , Schelkunov Mikhail I. , Penin Aleksey A. , Logacheva Maria D.
Published: June 2020

Heterotrophic plants—plants that have lost the ability to photosynthesize—are characterized by a number of changes at all levels of organization. Heterotrophic plants are divided into two large categories—parasitic and mycoheterotrophic (MHT). The question of to what extent such changes are similar in these two categories is still open. The plastid genomes of nonphotosynthetic plants are well characterized, and they exhibit similar patterns of reduction in the two groups. In contrast, little is known about the mitochondrial genomes of MHT plants. We report the structure of the mitochondrial genome of Hypopitys monotropa, a MHT member of Ericaceae, and the expression of its genes. In contrast to its highly reduced plastid genome, the mitochondrial genome of H. monotropa is larger than that of its photosynthetic relative Vaccinium macrocarpon, and its complete size is ~810 Kb. We observed an unusually long repeat-rich structure of the genome that suggests the existence of linear fragments. Despite this unique feature, the gene content of the H. monotropa mitogenome is typical of flowering plants. No acceleration of substitution rates is observed in mitochondrial genes, in contrast to previous observations in parasitic non-photosynthetic plants. Transcriptome sequencing revealed the trans-splicing of several genes and RNA editing in 33 of 38 genes. Notably, we did not find any traces of horizontal gene transfer from fungi, in contrast to plant parasites, which extensively integrate genetic material from their hosts.
Temperature alters the shape of predator–prey cycles through effects on underlying mechanisms
Authors: DeLong John P. , Lyon Shelby
Published: June 2020

Background

Predicting the effects of climate warming on the dynamics of ecological systems requires understanding how temperature influences birth rates, death rates and the strength of species interactions. The temperature dependance of these processes—which are the underlying mechanisms of ecological dynamics—is often thought to be exponential or unimodal, generally supported by short-term experiments. However, ecological dynamics unfold over many generations. Our goal was to empirically document shifts in predator–prey cycles over the full range of temperatures that can possibly support a predator–prey system and then to uncover the effect of temperature on the underlying mechanisms driving those changes.

Methods

We measured the population dynamics of the Didinium-Paramecium predator–prey system across a wide range of temperatures to reveal systematic changes in the dynamics of the system. We then used ordinary differential equation fitting to estimate parameters of a model describing the dynamics, and used these estimates to assess the long-term temperature dependance of all the underlying mechanisms.

Results

We found that predator–prey cycles shrank in state space from colder to hotter temperatures and that both cycle period and amplitude varied with temperature. Model parameters showed mostly unimodal responses to temperature, with one parameter (predator mortality) increasing monotonically with temperature and one parameter (predator conversion efficiency) invariant with temperature. Our results indicate that temperature can have profound, systematic effects on ecological dynamics, and these can arise through diverse and simultaneous changes in multiple underlying mechanisms. Predicting the effects of temperature on ecological dynamics may require additional investigation into how the underlying drivers of population dynamics respond to temperature beyond a short-term, acute response.
The level of putative carotenoid-binding proteins determines the body color in two species of endemic Lake Baikal amphipods
Authors: Drozdova Polina , Saranchina Alexandra , Morgunova Mariya , Kizenko Alena , Lubyaga Yulia , Baduev Boris , Timofeyev Maxim
Published: June 2020

Color is an essential clue for intra- and interspecies communication, playing a role in selection and speciation. Coloration can be based on nanostructures and pigments; carotenoids and carotenoproteins are among the most widespread pigments in animals. Over 350 species and subspecies of amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda) endemic to Lake Baikal exhibit an impressive variability of colors and coloration patterns, including intraspecific color morphs. However, the mechanisms forming this diversity are underexplored, as while the carotenoid composition of several transparent, green, and red species was investigated, there have been no reports on the corresponding carotenoid-binding proteins. In this work, we analyze the coloration of two brightly colored Baikal amphipods characterized by intraspecific color variability, Eulimnogammarus cyaneus and E. vittatus. We showed that the color of either species is defined by the level of putative carotenoid-binding proteins similar to the pheromone/odorant-binding protein family, as the concentration of these putative crustacyanin analogs was higher in blue or teal-colored animals than in the orange- or yellow-colored ones. At the same time, the color did not depend on the total carotenoid content, as it was similar between animals of contrasting color morphs. By exploring the diversity of these sequences within a larger phylogeny of invertebrate crustacyanins, we show that amphipods lack orthologs of the well-studied crustacyanins A and C, even though they possess some crustacyanin-like sequences. The analysis of expression levels in E. cyaneus showed that the transcripts encoding crustacyanin analogs had much higher expression than the crustacyanin-like sequences, suggesting that the former indeed contribute to the color of these brightly colored animals. The crustacyanin analogs seem to act in a similar way to the well-studied crustacyanins in body color formation, but the details of their action are still to be revealed.
Bird-window collisions: different fall and winter risk and protective factors
Authors: Brown Barbara B. , Hunter Lia , Santos Sabrina
Published: June 2020

Background

To reduce bird fatalities from millions of window collisions each year in North America, it is important to understand how design and landscape elements relate to collision risk. The current study extends prior research that found that buildings near ornamental pear trees (Prunus calleryana) and buildings with mirrored windows significantly increased odds of collisions among eight buildings on the University of Utah campus in winter. The previous study found bird-friendly glass was not related to collision risk, although only one fatality occurred at two buildings with ORNILUX® ultraviolet (UV) or fritted windows. We reasoned that extending data collection to include fall might provide a better test of efficacy. We tested the following three hypotheses: (1) Buildings with mirrored windows would experience more collisions, replicating the original study; (2) the addition of fall migration data would reveal fewer collisions at the buildings with bird-friendly windows; (3) the danger of pear tree proximity would be heightened in winter, when fruit is ripe enough to appeal to frugivores, especially the Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) that frequent these trees.

Methods

Trained observers monitored buildings three times per week in Fall (September 12 to October 27, 2019) and Winter (October 29, 2019 to January 24, 2020). Collisions were photographed and documented in the iNaturalist University of Utah Bird Window Collision Project.

Results

There were 39 total collisions, from 0 to 14 per building.Using generalized estimating equations, buildings near pear trees had 3.33-fold increased odds, mirrored windows had 5.92-fold increased odds, and bird-friendly windows had an 84% lower odds (Odds ratio = 0.16) of bird window collisions when analyzed separately; all were statistically significant (p < 0.01). A test of all possible combinations of risk and protective factors revealed that the best fit model included pear trees (odds = 2.31) and mirrored windows (odds = 2.33). A separate analysis tested the pear tree by season interaction model; it yielded the deadliest combination, with 40-fold increased odds for buildings near pear trees in winter season.

Discussion

This research provides the first peer-reviewed evidence found for the efficacy of bird-friendly fritted windows and ORNILUX ® UV windows in buildings. In addition, it replicated a study that established the dangers of mirrored windows and fruiting pear trees near buildings. These risks were especially dangerous to Cedar Waxwings, who constituted 62.2% of the identifiable window collision victims. This research highlights how building risks depend on window design, landscape choices, species, and season. If replicated, analyses of risk factors can help identify buildings that require mitigation to make existing windows less deadly. Results also support the installation of bird-friendly glass in new or renovated buildings to reduce fatalities.
Defective Ion Channel in Cystic Fibrosis: Current Development in Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Godfrey Ngoga , Ganyam M. M. , Ibiang G.O. , Difa C. A. , Christian Nelson
Published: June 2020

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is involved in the production of mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene in CFTR causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passage ways, especially in the lungs and pancreas. This mucus leads to the formation of bacterial microenvironments known as biofilms (a niche that harbors bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) that are difficult for immune cells and antibiotics to penetrate. Viscous secretions and persistent respiratory infections repeatedly damage the lung by gradually remodeling the airways, which makes infection even more difficult to eradicate. CFTR, a Cl– selective ion channel, is a prototypic member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter super family that is expressed in several organs. Understanding how these complexes regulate the intracellular trafficking and activity of CFTR provides a unique insight into the aetiology of cystic fibrosis and other diseases associated to it. Cystic fibrosis patients exhibit lung disease consistent with a failure of innate airway defense mechanisms. The link between abnormal ion transport, disease initiation and progression is not fully understood, but airway mucus dehydration seems paramount in the initiation of CF lung disease. New therapies are currently in development that target the ion transport defects in CF with the intention of rehydrating airway surfaces.
Effects of Off-farm Income on Poverty and Food Security Status of Farmers in Paikoro Area of Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Yisa E. S. , Adewumi A. , Adebayo C. O. , Opuama I. I.
Published: June 2020

This study determined the effects of off-farm income on poverty and food security status of farmers in Paikoro Local Government area of Niger state, Nigeria. A total of 150 farmers were selected randomly from six wards across the Local Government Area. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to elicit primary data from the farmers for the study. Descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbeck (FGT) model, Logit regression and Tobit regression models were used for data analysis. Results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 42 years, majority (89.33%) were male while 90.67% were married and 63% had no formal education. The most prevailing off-farm enterprise was trading (74%). The poverty status of the respondents were classified under poor and non-poor with poverty incidence of 41.33% for the poor, poverty gap and severity indices were 37.63% and 14.16% respectively. Logit regression showed membership of association, household size, gender, food expenses, years in formal education, and off-farm income were significant at p=0.01, p=0.01, p=0.05, p=0.05, p=0.05, p=0.05 respectively. The food security status analysis revealed that 67% of the farmers were food secure while 33% were food insecure. Tobit regression results showed household size, farming experience, size of farm and off-farm income at p=0.01 respectively were significant determinants of food security. It was concluded that off-farm income had significant positive effect on the poverty and food security status of the farmers. However, poverty and food insecurity still remain major issues in the area that cannot be over-looked, and as such, efforts should be made to ensure that farmers are encouraged and empowered to engage in profitable off-farm activities while the government should also make policies that will favour their off-farm enterprises.
AMMI Biplot Analysis in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Genotypes for Genotype X Environment Interaction at Four Agro-ecologies in Telangana State
Authors: Lingaiah N. , Sudharshanam A. , Rao V. Thirumala , Prashant Y. , Kumar M. Vijay , Reddy P. Indhudar , Prasad B. Ram , Reddy P. Raghu Rami , Rao P. Jagan Mohan
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and stability performance of eight promising cotton genotypes at four agro-ecologies in Telangana State. The experimental material consisting of eight genotypes were planted in randomized block design replicating thrice in four diverse environments of Telangana state during 2017, Kharif season. The present investigation was carried out in four diverse environments of Telangana state viz. RARS, Warangal, ARS, Adilabad, ARS, Modhole and RARS, Palem (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University) during 2017, Kharif season. The study was conducted at four diversified agro-ecologies of Telangana State. The experimental material comprised of eight genotypes viz., WGCV-109, ADB-638, WGCV-122, Narasimha, WGCV-119, WGCV-119, Srirama, WGCV-48 and ADB 645. First pooled analysis of variance was carried out to know the significance variation in genotype x environment interaction followed by AMMI analysis for genotype x environment interaction studies. Analysis of variance was significant for environments and (G x E) components indicating the use fullness of AMMI analysis in identifying the stable genotypes.  Among the eight cotton genotypes, WGCV-109, Narasimha and ADB-645 were found to be best yielders over environments whereas the genotypes G7 (WGCV-48) and G4 (Narasimha) found to be stable. Most of the genotypes showed environment specificity. As a result, almost all of the evaluated genotypes were affected by the genotype x environment interaction effects, hence no genotype had superior performance in all environments.
Sedimentisphaeraceae
Authors: Spring Stefan
Published: June 2020

Se.di.men.ti.sphae.ra.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Sedimentisphaera
, type genus of the family; suff.
–aceae
, ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Sedimentisphaeraceae
, the
Sedimentisphaera
family.

Planctomycetes / Phycisphaerae / Sedimentisphaerales / Sedimentisphaeraceae

Cells are Gram‐negative, free‐living, unpigmented, nonmotile, and non‐spore‐forming irregular cocci that divide by binary fission. Intracellular membranes are not formed. Most strains are resistant against rifampicin and kanamycin A but susceptible to chloramphenicol. Vitamins required for growth. Tests for catalase and oxidase are negative. Nitrate is not reduced. Members of the family are anaerobic and utilize carbohydrates by fermentation. The family encompasses mainly bacteria found in anoxic hypersaline environments. The affiliation of novel species to this family mainly depends on the phylogenetic position, which should be determined on the basis of comparative sequence analyses of 16S rRNA genes or genomes.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 46–47 (genome analyses).

Type genus
:
Sedimentisphaera
Spring et al. 2018, VL184.
Ectoine Synthase: An Iron‐Dependent Member of the Cupin Superfamily
Authors: Czech Laura , Hoeppner Astrid , Smits Sander HJ , Bremer Erhard
Published: June 2020

The ectoine synthase EctC (EC 4.2.1.108) is a member of the hydro‐lyases (EC 4.2.1), a group of enzymes that cleaves carbon–oxygen bonds. It catalyzes the last step in the synthesis of the microbial osmotic stress‐protectant and chemical‐chaperone ectoine [(S)‐2‐methyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid]. Genes encoding the ectoine biosynthetic enzymes are widely found in the members of theBacteriabut rarely inArchaea. Notably, a few halophilic protists and some marine microalgae are also capable of ectoine production. The EctC‐catalyzed enzyme reaction is strictly iron dependent and proceeds via cyclocondensation of the EctA‐formed substrateN‐γ‐acetyl‐l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid via a water elimination. Crystal structures of the EctC proteins from the cold‐adapted Gram‐negative bacteriumSphingopyxis alaskensis(Sa) and the thermotolerant Gram‐positive bacteriumPaenibacillus lautus(Pl) revealed a common overall protein fold and classify the ectoine synthase as a member of the cupin superfamily. The side chains of the three residues (Glu, Tyr, and His) coordinating the catalytically critical iron protrude into the lumen of the cupin barrel, closely positioned to theN‐γ‐acetyl‐l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid substrate‐binding site. High‐resolution crystal structures of the (Pl)EctC protein in its apo‐, substrate‐, and product‐bound forms allowed a proposal of the EctC enzyme reaction mechanism.
Interaction of Metal Complexes with G‐Quadruplexes
Authors: Jarjayes Olivier , Lavergne Thomas , Thomas Fabrice
Published: June 2020

There is growing evidence that guanine‐rich sequences are ubiquitous in the human genome. They provide DNA with the ability to fold under a topology known as G‐quadruplex (G4), which is distinct from the classical Watson–Crick double helix and characterized by a great polymorphism and dynamics. G4s are found in the promoter region of important oncogenes and in the telomeric region of chromosomes, where they play significant regulatory roles. The stabilization of G4 structures results in the downregulation of oncogenes such as c‐myc, but also inhibits telomerase, which is overexpressed in 85% of the cancer cells, hence contributing to their immortality. Therefore, G4s are now considered a promising target for designing new anticancer drugs. These important therapeutic perspectives have stimulated the development of G4 binders (organic and inorganic), which have grown exponentially during the past decade. The specific recognition of the G4, which is required for cellular applications, is based on the targeting of specific structural features: The upper guanine tetrad that exposes a large aromatic surface to the solvent, specific shape and folding of the loops and grooves. For this purpose, metal complexes proved to be a powerful platform. By combining the effects of the positively charged metal, which can be involved in electrostatic interactions with electronegative regions, and aromatic rings (chelating or not) designed to interact through π‐stacking, strong G4 binders were obtained. The typical versatility of the ligands and complexes synthesis allows for easy screening and, hence, convenient optimization, while offering the possibility to incorporate reactive or fluorescent fragments. Several families of complexes have emerged in the literature, with distinct metal ions and functionalities, which show tight and specific interactions with G4s, while G4s can be also used as scaffold for catalysis. All these aspects are reviewed and discussed in this article after a brief presentation of the main factors determining the G4 folding and the biological implications.
Validation of the dosimetry of total skin irradiation techniques by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Tseng Wenchih , Wu Qiuwen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To validate the dose measurements for two total skin irradiation techniques with Monte Carlo simulation, providing more information on dose distributions, and guidance on further technique optimization.

Methods

Two total skin irradiation techniques (stand‐up and lay‐down) with different setup were simulated and validated. The Monte Carlo simulation was primarily performed within the EGSnrc environment. Parameters of jaws, MLCs, and a customized copper (Cu) filter were first tuned to match the profiles and output measured at source‐to‐skin distance (SSD) of 100 cm where the secondary source is defined. The secondary source was rotated to simulate gantry rotation. VirtuaLinac, a cloud‐based Monte Carlo package, was used for Linac head simulation as a secondary validation. The following quantities were compared with measurements: for each field/direction at the treatment SSDs, the percent depth dose (PDD), the profiles at the depth of maximum, and the absolute dosimetric output; the composite dose distribution on cylindrical phantoms of 20 to 40 cm diameters.

Results

Cu filter broadened the FWHM of the electron beam by 44% and degraded the mean energy by 0.7 MeV. At SSD = 100 cm, MC calculated PDDs agreed with measured data within 2%/2 mm (except for the surface voxel) and lateral profiles agreed within 3%. At the treatment SSD, profiles and output factors of individual field matched within 4%; dmax and R80 of the simulated PDDs also matched with measurement within 2 mm. When all fields were combined on the cylindrical phantom, the dmax shifted toward the surface. For lay‐down technique, the maximum x‐ray contamination at the central axis was (MC: 2.2; Measurement: 2.1)% and reduced to 0.2% at 40 cm off the central axis.

Conclusions

The Monte Carlo results in general agree well with the measurement, which provides support in our commissioning procedure, as well as the full three‐dimensional dose distribution of the patient phantom.
Finite‐time extremum seeking control for a class of unknown static maps
Authors: Guay Martin , Benosman Mouhacine
Published: June 2020

This article proposes an extremum‐seeking control design that achieves finite‐time stability of the optimum of an unknown measured cost function. The finite‐time extremum‐seeking control technique is shown to achieve finite‐time practical stability of the optimum of the cost function. The main characteristic of the proposed extremum seeking control approach is that the corresponding target averaged system achieves finite‐time stability. A simulation study is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Support for marijuana increases as 9 states consider a vote
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2020

The current status of state marijuana laws is still in flux, and Carnevale Associates released an issue brief last week that shows which changes may occur in 2020.
New OBOT program to open in Tennessee in response to COVID‐19
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2020

Spero Health is opening a new OBOT (office‐based outpatient treatment) center for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in Savannah, Tennessee, in response to the high demand for treatment in the COVID‐19 pandemic. This clinic will utilize telehealth and in‐person visit options. Spero Health has more than 35 clinics thro‐ughout Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee, treating more than 7,000 patients a month. Spero Health accepts TennCare, the state's Medicaid plan, and most commercial insurance plans.
Precipitation, runoff, and yields from terraced drylands with stubble‐mulch or no tillage1
Authors: Baumhardt R. L. , Johnson G. L. , Dockal J. R. , Brauer D. K. , Schwartz R. C. , Jones O. R.
Published: June 2020

Dryland crops rely on precipitation as their exclusive water source, but storm water runoff decreases the amount available for biomass and grain production. Management practices that minimize runoff often increase the opportunity time for infiltration and improve precipitation storage as soil water. Our objective was to quantify storm water runoff from contour farmed terraces in relation to precipitation and field characteristics and then relate runoff to soil water at planting and yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in a 3‐yr wheat–sorghum–fallow (WSF) rotation. Comparisons of long‐term (1984–2010) runoff observations indicated mean annual runoff for both uncropped periods of the WSF rotation were significantly greater with no‐tillage (NT) than stubble‐mulch (SM) tillage. By contrast, soil loss was greater for SM than NT because residue cover of undisturbed NT soil was less subject to entrainment and loss. Increasing field slope from 1.2 to 1.8% produced greater fallow runoff, which is water lost from dryland production. Nevertheless, soil water was significantly greater with NT, which reduced evaporative losses during fallow compared with SM. Long‐term wheat yields exhibited no difference due to tillage, but NT grain sorghum yields increased significantly over SM tillage. The data show that while runoff with NT was typically greater than SM, profile soil water at planting was also greater for NT and increased grain sorghum yields significantly. We conclude that decreasing evaporative water losses with NT residues is the primary factor affecting soil water conservation.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Palladium Complex onto Graphene Oxide and Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) Applied as Superior Catalyst for the Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction in Water
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Asadi Shima , Hoseini Chopani Seyede Mahdiye , Jaderi Elham
Published: June 2020

Using polymeric nanocomposites incorporated Pd to promote C‐C coupling reactions has been found as one of the most successful strategies. In this paper we apply graphene oxide (GO) as an efficient surface immobilized by water‐soluble poly (ethylene glycol)‐imidazole followed by introduction of PdCl2 salt to obtain the desired catalyst. Catalytic performance of this composite was investigated in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction under mild reaction conditions and superior results were obtained. The hydrophilic nature of the catalyst and well distribution of Pd lead to superior catalytic activity in water media. Moreover, the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction proceed successfully with excellent yield and short reaction time without any loss of activity even after seven consecutive reaction cycles.
The relationship between type of urinary diversion and quality of life after radical cystectomy: Ileal conduit versus orthotopic bladder
Authors: Elbadry Mohamed S. , Ali Ahmed Issam , Hassan Ali , Clement Kieran David , Hammady Ahmed Rashed , Abdbelaal Abdalla , Barsoum Nady Mounir , Hassan Mohamed Abd Elmalek , Gabr Ahmed H.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

We aimed to compare health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) in patients who underwent ileal conduit (IC) vs orthotopic neobladder (ONB) as a method of urinary diversion (UD) after radical cystectomy (RC) for invasive bladder cancers.

Methods

The questionnaires of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Bladder Cancer (FACT‐BL) were used to evaluate and compare the HrQoL in 113 patients with 1 year follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐nine patients were included in the ONB group and 64 patients in the IC group. Patients with IC showed superior scores in all domains of the FACT‐BL questionnaire and this reached statistical significance in physical well‐being (PWB), functional well‐being (FWB), over all FACT‐G, Bladder‐Specific Subscale and FACT‐BL total scores (P‐values = .01, .01, .001, .001, and .001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate marginally improved HrQoL in IC patients when compared with patients undergoing ONB which may be attributed to an increased morbidity and postoperative complications in the ONB group.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Derived Exosomes for Effective Cartilage Tissue Repair and Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Young Guk , Choi Jonghoon , Kim Kyobum
Published: June 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases, caused by cellular inflammatory responses and subsequent structural disruption in osteochondral extracellular matrix (ECM) in cartilage tissues. Various cell‐therapies have been recently developed via the exogenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their intrinsic regenerative capacity of self‐renewal and chondrogenic differentiation. However, MSC‐based cellular approaches have exhibited some technical limitations including dedifferentiation during MSC expansion, reduction of regenerative efficacy upon administration, and inconsistent quality control in large‐scale cell production. To overcome these disadvantages, exosome mediated cartilage tissue regeneration has been investigated. Since exosome derived from MSC (MSC‐exosome) transport and deliver multiple cellular components from their original MSC sources, they could be utilized as alternative therapeutic agents for OA treatment. Recent studies have shown that the administration of MSC‐exosome effectively reduced a production of inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes, increased the expression of cartilage ECM component, and eventually augment cartilage tissue regeneration in a series of in vivo studies. Therefore, this review emphasizes current engineering approaches via MSC‐exosome for cartilage tissue repair, as a functional OA treatment technique.