bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmological exploitation of the size function of cosmic voids identified in the distribution of biased tracers
Authors: Contarini Sofia , Ronconi Tommaso , Marulli Federico , Moscardini Lauro , Veropalumbo Alfonso , Baldi Marco
Published: July 2019

Cosmic voids are large underdense regions that, together with galaxy clusters, filaments and walls, build-up the large-scale structure of the Universe. The void size function provides a powerful probe to test the cosmological framework. However, to fully exploit this statistics, the void sample has to be properly cleaned from spurious objects. Furthermore, the bias of the mass tracers used to detect these regions has to be taken into account in the size function model. In our work, we test a cleaning algorithm and a new void size function model on a set of simulated dark matter halo catalogues, with different mass and redshift selections, to investigate the statistics of voids identified in a biased mass density field. We then investigate how the density field tracers’ bias affects the detected size of voids. The main result of this analysis is a new model of the size function, parametrized in terms of the linear effective bias of the tracers used, which is straightforwardly inferred from the large-scale two-point correlation function. This method is a crucial step in exploiting real surveys. The proposed size function model has been accurately calibrated on halo catalogues, and used to validate the possibility to provide forecasts on the cosmological constraints, namely on the matter density contrast, ΩM, and on the normalization of the linear matter power spectrum, σ8, at different redshifts.
LTMG: a novel statistical modeling of transcriptional expression states in single-cell RNA-Seq data
Authors: Wan Changlin , Chang Wennan , Zhang Yu , Shah Fenil , Lu Xiaoyu , Zang Yong , Zhang Anru , Cao Sha , Fishel Melissa L , Ma Qin , Zhang Chi
Published: July 2019

A key challenge in modeling single-cell RNA-seq data is to capture the diversity of gene expression states regulated by different transcriptional regulatory inputs across individual cells, which is further complicated by largely observed zero and low expressions. We developed a left truncated mixture Gaussian (LTMG) model, from the kinetic relationships of the transcriptional regulatory inputs, mRNA metabolism and abundance in single cells. LTMG infers the expression multi-modalities across single cells, meanwhile, the dropouts and low expressions are treated as left truncated. We demonstrated that LTMG has significantly better goodness of fitting on an extensive number of scRNA-seq data, comparing to three other state-of-the-art models. Our biological assumption of the low non-zero expressions, rationality of the multimodality setting, and the capability of LTMG in extracting expression states specific to cell types or functions, are validated on independent experimental data sets. A differential gene expression test and a co-regulation module identification method are further developed. We experimentally validated that our differential expression test has higher sensitivity and specificity, compared with other five popular methods. The co-regulation analysis is capable of retrieving gene co-regulation modules corresponding to perturbed transcriptional regulations. A user-friendly R package with all the analysis power is available at https://github.com/zy26/LTMGSCA.
3D imaging of colorectal cancer organoids identifies responses to Tankyrase inhibitors
Authors: Badder Luned M. , Hollins Andrew J. , Herpers Bram , Yan Kuan , Ewan Kenneth B. , Shone Jennifer R. , Badder Delyth A. , Naven Marc , Ashelford Kevin , Hargest Rachel , Clarke Alan R. , Esdar Christina , Buchstaller Hans-Peter , Wienke Dirk , Price Leo S. , Shaw Paul , Dale Trevor C.
Published: July 2019

Aberrant activation of the Wnt signalling pathway is required for tumour initiation and survival in the majority of colorectal cancers. The development of inhibitors of Wnt signalling has been the focus of multiple drug discovery programs targeting colorectal cancer and other malignancies associated with aberrant pathway activation. However, progression of new clinical entities targeting the Wnt pathway has been slow. One challenge lies with the limited predictive power of 2D cancer cell lines because they fail to fully recapitulate intratumoural phenotypic heterogeneity. In particular, the relationship between 2D cancer cell biology and cancer stem cell function is poorly understood. By contrast, 3D tumour organoids provide a platform in which complex cell-cell interactions can be studied. However, complex 3D models provide a challenging platform for the quantitative analysis of drug responses of therapies that have differential effects on tumour cell subpopulations. Here, we generated tumour organoids from colorectal cancer patients and tested their responses to inhibitors of Tankyrase (TNKSi) which are known to modulate Wnt signalling. Using compounds with 3 orders of magnitude difference in cellular mechanistic potency together with image-based assays, we demonstrate that morphometric analyses can capture subtle alterations in organoid responses to Wnt inhibitors that are consistent with activity against a cancer stem cell subpopulation. Overall our study highlights the value of phenotypic readouts as a quantitative method to asses drug-induced effects in a relevant preclinical model.
The microbiome wants what it wants: microbial evolution overtakes experimental host-mediated indirect selection
Authors: Arora Jigyasa , Brisbin Margaret Mars , Mikheyev Alexander S.
Published: July 2019

Microbes ubiquitously inhabit animals and plants, often affecting their host’s phenotype. As a result, even in a constant genetic background, the host’s phenotype may evolve through indirect selection on the microbiome. ‘Microbiome engineering’ offers a promising novel approach for attaining desired host traits but has been attempted only a few times. Building on the known role of the microbiome on development in fruit flies, we attempted to evolve earlier eclosing flies by selecting on microbes in the growth media. We carried out parallel evolution experiments in no- and high-sugar diets by transferring media associated with fast-developing fly lines over the course of four rounds of selection. In each round, we used sterile eggs from the same inbred population, and assayed fly mean eclosion times. Ultimately, flies eclosed seven to twelve hours earlier, depending on the diet, but selection had no effect. 16S sequencing showed that the microbiome did evolve, particularly in the no sugar diet, with an increase in alpha diversity over time. Thus, while microbiome evolution did affect host eclosion times, these effects were incidental. Instead, any experimentally enforced selection effects were swamped by independent microbial evolution. These results imply that selection on host phenotypes must be strong enough to overcome other selection pressures simultaneously operating on the microbiome. The independent evolutionary trajectories of the host and the microbiome may limit the extent to which indirect selection on the microbiome can ultimately affect host phenotype. Random-selection lines accounting for independent microbial evolution are essential for experimental microbiome engineering studies.
Ecological association between seagrass and mangrove ecosystems increases seagrass population longevity in island ecosystem
Authors: Mishra Amrit Kumar , Apte Deepak
Published: July 2019

We report for first time about tropical seagrass meadows association with mangrove ecosystems and its effect on seagrass population dynamics off India in Andaman Sea. Two sites of Neil island, i.e. site 1, associated with mangroves and site 2 without mangroves were selected. Quadrat sampling (n=5) were used to collect sediment and seagrass samples. Reconstruction techniques were used to derive population age structure. T. hemprichii population was found mostly with sandy substrate at both sites, with silt consisting very low fraction at site 1. Density, biomass, productivity and morphometric features of T. hemprichii were significantly higher at site1. Reproductive density was higher at site 1, whereas reproductive effort to produce fruits were higher at site 2. The rhizome (vertical+ horizontal) production rates were higher at site 1 and the vertical elongation rate was higher at site 2. Plastochrome interval for site1 and 2 were 25.49 and 26.80 days respectively leading to formation of 14.31 and 13.62 leaves per year. T. hemprichii population at site 1 had four years of longevity and higher younger plants compared to site 2. The long-term average recruitment and present recruitment rate were higher at site 1 compared to site 2, resulting in steady state growth of the overall population at site 1. Higher number of younger plants suggests fitness of the T. hemprichii population at site 1, which increases the ecological significance of mangrove ecosystems have on seagrass population dynamics. This association should be considered for better management and conservation practices of coastal seascapes under global change scenarios.
What can we learn from over 100,000 Escherichia coli genomes?
Authors: Abram Kaleb , Udaondo Zulema , Bleker Carissa , Wanchai Visanu , Wassenaar Trudy M. , Robeson Michael S. , Ussery Dave W.
Published: July 2019

The explosion of microbial genome sequences in public databases allows for large-scale population genomic studies of bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli. In this study, we examine and classify more than one hundred thousand E. coli and Shigella genomes. After removing outliers, a semi-automated Mash-based analysis of 10,667 assembled genomes reveals 14 distinct phylogroups. A representative genome or medoid identified for each phylogroup serves as a proxy to classify more than 95,000 unassembled genomes. This analysis shows that most sequenced E. coli genomes belong to 4 phylogroups (A, C, B1 and E2(O157)). Authenticity of the 14 phylogroups described is supported by pangenomic and phylogenetic analyses, which show differences in gene preservation between phylogroups. A phylogenetic tree constructed with 2,613 single copy core genes along with a matrix of phylogenetic profiles is used to confirm that the 14 phylogroups change at different rates of gene gain/loss/duplication. The methodology used in this work is able to identify previously uncharacterized phylogroups in E. coli species. Some of these new phylogroups harbor clonal strains that have undergone a process of genomic adaptation to the acquisition of new genomic elements related to virulence or antibiotic resistance. This is, to our knowledge, the largest E. coli genome dataset analyzed to date and provides valuable insights into the population structure of the species.
Molecular basis for allosteric regulation of the type 2 ryanodine receptor channel gating by key modulators
Authors: Chi Ximin , Gong Deshun , Ren Kang , Zhou Gewei , Huang Gaoxingyu , Lei Jianlin , Zhou Qiang , Yan Nieng
Published: July 2019

The type-2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is responsible for releasing Ca2+from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of cardiomyocytes, subsequently leading to muscle contraction. Here, we report four cryo-EM structures of porcine RyR2 bound to distinct modulators that collectively provide mechanistic insight into RyR2 regulation. Ca2+alone induces a contraction of the Central domain that facilitates the dilation of S6 bundle, but is insufficient to open the pore. The small molecule agonist PCB95 helps Ca2+to overcome the barrier for opening. FKBP12.6 induces a relaxation of the Central domain that decouples it from the S6 bundle, stabilizing RyR2 in a closed state. Caffeine locks the Central domain in a constitutively contracted state, while further addition of ATP opens the channel by strengthening the coupling between the U-motif and S6. Our study marks an important step towards mechanistic understanding of the complicated regulation of this key channel whose aberrant activity engenders life-threatening cardiac disorders.
Common neural and transcriptional correlates of inhibitory control underlie emotion regulation and memory control
Authors: Liu Wei , Peeters Nancy , Fernández Guillén , Kohn Nils
Published: July 2019

Inhibitory control is crucial for regulating emotions, and it may also enable memory control. However, evidence for their shared neurobiological correlates is limited. Here, we report meta-analyses of neuroimaging studies on emotion regulation, or memory control, and link neural commonalities to transcriptional commonalities using the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA). Based on 95 fMRI studies, we reveal a role of the right inferior parietal lobule embedded in a frontal-parietal-insular network during emotion and memory control, which is similarly recruited during response inhibition. These co-activation patterns also overlap with the networks associated with “inhibition”, “cognitive control”, and “working memory” when consulting the Neurosynth. Using the AHBA, we demonstrate that emotion and memory control-related brain activity patterns are associated with transcriptional profiles of a specific set of “inhibition-related” genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of these “inhibition-related” genes reveal associations with the neuronal transmission and risk for major psychiatric disorders as well as seizures and alcoholic dependence. In summary, this study identified a neural network and a set of genes associated with inhibitory control across emotion regulation, memory control. These findings facilitate our understanding of the neurobiological correlates of inhibitory control and may contribute to the development of novel brain stimulation and pharmacological interventions.
Functional reconstitution of TatB into thylakoidal Tat translocase
Authors: Zinecker Sarah , Jakob Mario , Klösgen Ralf Bernd
Published: July 2019

We have established an experimental system for the functional analysis of thylakoidal TatB, a component of the membrane-integral TatBC receptor complex of the thylakoidal Twin-arginine protein transport (Tat1) machinery. For this purpose, the intrinsic TatB activity of isolated pea thylakoids was inhibited by affinity-purified antibodies and substituted by supplementing the assays with TatB protein either obtained byin vitrotranslation or purified after heterologous expression inE. coli. Tat transport activity of such reconstituted thylakoids, which was analyzed with the authentic Tat substrate pOEC16, reached routinely 20 - 25% of the activity of mock-treated thylakoid vesicles analysed in parallel. In contrast, supplementation of the assays with the purified antigen comprising all but the N-terminal transmembrane helix of thylakoidal TatB did not result in Tat transport reconstitution which confirms that transport relies strictly on the activity of the TatB protein added and is not due to restoration of the intrinsic TatB activity by antibody release. Unexpectedly, even a mutant TatB protein (TatB,E10C) assumed to be incapable of assembling into the TatBC receptor complex showed low but considerable transport reconstitution underlining the sensitivity of the approach and its suitability for further functional mutant analyses. Finally, quantification of TatB demand suggests that TatA and TatB are required in approximately equimolar amounts to achieve Tat-dependent thylakoid transport.
Reduced responsiveness of the reward system underlies tolerance to cannabis impairment in chronic users
Authors: Mason N.L , Theunissen E.L. , Hutten N.R.P.W. , Tse D.H.Y. , Toennes S.W. , Jansen J.F.A. , Stiers P. , Ramaekers J.G.
Published: July 2019

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. However due to a changing legal landscape, and rising interest in therapeutic utility, there is an increasing trend in (long-term) use and possibly, cannabis impairment. Importantly, a growing body of evidence suggests regular cannabis users develop tolerance to the impairing, as well as the rewarding, effects of the drug. However, the neuroadaptations that may underlie cannabis tolerance remain unclear. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over study assessed the acute influence of cannabis on brain and behavioral outcomes in two distinct cannabis user groups. Twelve occasional (OUs) and 12 chronic (CUs) cannabis users received acute doses of cannabis (300 μg/kg THC) and placebo, and underwent ultra-high field functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In OUs, cannabis induced significant neurometabolic alterations in reward circuitry, namely decrements in functional connectivity and increments in striatal glutamate concentrations, which were associated with increases in subjective high and decreases in performance on a sustained attention task. Such changes were absent in CUs. The finding that cannabis altered circuitry and distorted behavior in OUs, but not CUs, suggests reduced responsiveness of the reward circuitry to cannabis intoxication in chronic users Taken together, the results suggest a pharmacodynamic mechanism for the development of tolerance to cannabis impairment.
Numerical investigation of the POD reduced-order model for fast predictions of two-phase flows in porous media
Authors: Li Jingfa , Zhang Tao , Sun Shuyu , Yu Bo
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present an efficient IMPES algorithm based on a global model order reduction method, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), to achieve the fast solution and prediction of two-phase flows in porous media.

Design/methodology/approach

The key point of the proposed algorithm is to establish an accurate POD reduced-order model (ROM) for two-phase porous flows. To this end, two projection methods including projecting the original governing equations (Method I) and projecting the discrete form of original governing equations (Method II) are respectively applied to construct the POD-ROM, and their distinctions are compared and analyzed in detail. It is found the POD-ROM established by Method I is inapplicable to multiphase porous flows due to its failed introduction of fluid saturation and permeability that locate on the edge of grid cell, which would lead to unphysical results.

Findings

By using Method II, an efficient IMPES algorithm that can substantially speed up the simulation of two-phase porous flows is developed based on the POD-ROM. The computational efficiency and numerical accuracy of the proposed algorithm are validated through three numerical examples, and simulation results illustrate that the proposed algorithm displays satisfactory computational speed-up (one to two orders of magnitude) without sacrificing numerical accuracy obviously when comparing to the standard IMPES algorithm that without any acceleration technique. In addition, the determination of POD modes number, the relative errors of wetting phase pressure and saturation, and the influence of POD modes number on the overall performances of the proposed algorithm, are investigated.

Originality/value

1. Two projection methods are applied to establish the POD-ROM for two-phase porous flows and their distinctions are analyzed. The reason why POD-ROM is difficult to be applied to multiphase porous flows is clarified firstly in this study. 2. A highly efficient IMPES algorithm based on the POD-ROM is proposed to accelerate the simulation of two-phase porous flows. 3. Satisfactory computational speed-up (one to two orders of magnitude) and prediction accuracy of the proposed algorithm are observed under different conditions.
Multi-site planning and scheduling: state-of-the-art review and future research directions
Authors: Badhotiya Gaurav Kumar , Soni Gunjan , Mittal M.L.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with integrated planning and scheduling problem in multi-site manufacturing environment and provides a comprehensive review of literature. Classification schemes and various aspects of planning and scheduling problem in multi-site manufacturing are highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured review methodology is adopted to classify the relevant literature. Taxonomy for classification of the problem is presented, followed by review of modelling approaches, solution strategies and challenges faced in multi-site integrated planning and scheduling problem.

Findings

The paper is concluded with interesting research findings and a short view on directions related to modelling approach, solution strategy and technique for further developments in the area of multi-site integrated planning and scheduling.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study would be helpful for future researchers and practitioners to provide a knowledge base and to further work in this area.

Originality/value

This study attempts to consolidate the diverse literature available and highlight the various aspects of planning and scheduling in multi-site manufacturing.
ICOs, the next generation of IPOs
Authors: Hashemi Joo Mohammad , Nishikawa Yuka , Dandapani Krishnan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recognize the benefits of the initial coin offering (ICO) as a way of raising funds and to present a detailed comparison between the ICO and the initial public offering to realize the future possibilities that this new funding method holds.

Design/methodology/approach

It is an exhaustive review of the ICO, the mechanism of crowdfunding, the blockchain technology behind it, benefits and current shortcomings of the ICO, and the potential future development of the ICO as a convenient and efficient way of raising capital.

Findings

ICOs have brought billions of dollars of funding to startups and projects worldwide in less than two years. Concurrently, many successful ICOs yielded extremely high returns to investors and believers of this new way of funding businesses.

Research limitations/implications

While the ICO is a revolutionary vehicle for business funding, it has raised concerns among users as well as potential investors about its risk and lack of regulation. The future of this innovative funding method highly depends on further development and placement of appropriate regulatory supervision, better understanding of risk and benefits and attaining the confidence of users.

Originality/value

This is a review of the advantages and drawbacks of the ICO. If the current fraud, market and cybersecurity risks can be mitigated and standardized regulations are developed, the ICO has a future to become an established way of capital funding or even replace the existing options, regardless of the size and age of companies.
A comparative analysis of taxation and revenue trends in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
Authors: Alsharari Nizar Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into how well past reforms have performed against revenue, equity and efficiency benchmarks of tax policymaking, so that the direction of future reform of tax system might be determined. It also presents a comparative analysis of taxation and revenue trends in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region over the data set period 1990-2012.

Design/methodology/approach

By overviewing the development and relative significance of resource revenues, allocating non-resource taxes and examining the tax policies of constituent countries, this paper presents a comparative review of taxation and revenue trends in the MENA region.

Findings

Findings showed, on average, a slight decline in non-resource revenues against the significant rise in income from resources. The analysis of government revenues and current taxation structures provide insight into how prior reforms have performed against the standard measures of tax policy-making (i.e. revenue, equity and efficiency) and directions for change leading to the establishment of simple tax systems. The study observes regional differences, such as the higher tax and revenues of the Maghreb sub-region over the Mashreq, except for value-added tax, where low rates were associated with equal or greater revenue. Similarities were also found, including the partial compensation by income taxes (not indirect taxes) for revenue lost through trade liberalization. The challenges of tax reform are found to vary across countries and opportunities for improving equity and reducing the complexity of tax systems across the region are identified.

Research limitations/implications

Reforms in all tax systems could have major implications for the country, employment, earnings and tax revenues; but recommendations would require political value judgments and government decisions. The study suggests eliminating the current tax system, thereby replacing one of the more distortionary taxes in the current system with a neutral and efficient tax.

Originality/value

The paper signals the need, even of the oil-rich states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for governments to build tax systems capable of capturing and spending revenues effectively into the future.
From operational excellence to organizational significance: setting the tempo for change
Authors: Yeo Roland K.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss the transformation of a multinational organization, Global Co, through the deployment of an operational excellence system at a time of turbulence and complexity. It illuminates the opportunities and challenges of implementing the system from the perspective of learning and change.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method was utilized in the research based on a four-year longitudinal study. Formal and informal interviews, unobtrusive observations and archival records formed the core of the data collection that led to key insights reported in this paper.

Findings

A structured approach to managing work processes is essential for ensuring efficiency and reliability in work output. Performance improvement is sustained by operational discipline that strives for consistency in daily work practices. Organizations develop self-healing mechanisms to help address work-related gaps and issues, turning constraints into enablers for improvement.

Originality/value

The paper provides a wider dimension of organizational performance from the learning and change perspective. It considers organizations as organisms with self-healing properties supported by operational discipline. It redefines the impact of operational excellence through organizational significance.
Toileting‐related falls at night in hospitalised patients: The role of nocturia
Authors: Rose Georgie , Decalf Veerle , Everaert Karel , Bower Wendy F.
Published: July 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of toileting‐related falls in hospitalised older people.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of falls related to night‐time toileting in patients 60 years or over in a tertiary hospital during a one‐year period.

Results

Overall 34% of falls were related to toileting with at least 44% of these falls occurring during the night. Toilet‐related falls peaked between 11 pmand 1am, a period that coincides with maximum supine‐induced diuresis. Almost half of night falls occurred at the bedside. In 80% of night toileting‐related falls, patients were mobilising without the recommended level of assistance. Half of all patients had no strategies for toileting documented in their care plan.

Conclusion

Findings support screening for nocturia in older inpatients and implementation of strategies to reduce both the need for toileting at night and risk factors for falling.
PAG1 limits allergen‐induced type 2 inflammation in the murine lung
Authors: Ullah Md Ashik , Vicente Cristina T. , Collinson Natasha , Curren Bodie , Sikder Md Al Amin , Sebina Ismail , Simpson Jennifer , Varelias Antiopi , Lindquist Jonathan A. , Ferreira Manuel A. R. , Phipps Simon
Published: July 2019

Background

Phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid‐enriched microdomains 1 (PAG1) is a transmembrane adaptor protein that affects immune receptor signaling in T and B cells. Evidence from genome‐wide association studies of asthma suggests that genetic variants that regulate the expression of PAG1 are associated with asthma risk. However, it is not known whether PAG1 expression is causally related to asthma pathophysiology. Here, we investigated the role of PAG1 in a preclinical mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)‐induced allergic sensitization and allergic airway inflammation.

Methods

Pag1‐deficient (Pag1−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice were sensitized or sensitized/challenged to HDM, and hallmark features of allergic inflammation were assessed. The contribution of T cells was assessed through depletion (anti‐CD4 antibody) and adoptive transfer studies.

Results

Type 2 inflammation (eosinophilia, eotaxin‐2 expression, IL‐4/IL‐5/IL‐13 production, mucus production) in the airways and lungs was significantly increased in HDM sensitized/challenged Pag1−/− mice compared to WT mice. The predisposition to allergic sensitization was associated with increased airway epithelial high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) translocation and release, increased type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and monocyte‐derived dendritic cell numbers in the mediastinal lymph nodes, and increased T‐helper type 2 (TH2)‐cell differentiation. CD4+ T‐cell depletion studies or the adoptive transfer of WT OVA‐specific CD4+ T cells to WT or Pag1−/− recipients demonstrated that the heightened propensity for TH2‐cell differentiation was both T cell intrinsic and extrinsic.

Conclusion

PAG1 deficiency increased airway epithelial activation, ILC2 expansion, and TH2 differentiation. As a consequence, PAG1 deficiency predisposed toward allergic sensitization and increased the severity of experimental asthma.
Supplementation of salvianic acid A to boar semen extender to improve seminal quality and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Tian Xuekai , Li Dong , He Yulin , Zhang Wenyu , He Hongmei , Du Renrang , Pang Weijun , Yang Gongshe , Yu Taiyong
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this test was to investigate the effect of salvianic acid A (SAA, CAS No. 76822‐21‐4) on the quality of boar semen during liquid storage at 17°C. The effects of different concentrations of SAA on semen quality and antioxidant capacity were analyzed. Boar semen was diluted with Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) containing different concentrations (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 μM of SAA). During the storage period, sperm activity was measured every 24 hr, and plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and catalase (CAT) activity were measured at 0, 1, 3, and 5 days. The results from our study suggest that different concentrations of SAA have different effects on semen preservation. Semen samples supplemented with SAA showed reduced effects of oxidative stress on sperm compared to the control samples. Supplementation of 30 μM of SAA significantly improved sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and antioxidant capacity. However, the addition of SAA to the extender was scarcely beneficial to the improvement of results of artificial insemination with boar semen after liquid preservation. Further studies are necessary in order to demonstrate that SAA has good effects on the liquid preservation of semen.
Control Mechanisms: Pornography, Theatre and Subversion in Santa Fe Province during the Last Argentine Military Dictatorship
Authors: Schenquer Laura
Published: July 2019

This paper examines a case of cultural repression during the last dictatorship in Argentina (1976–1983). It studies actions carried out by law enforcement officers in response to a denunciation against a group of teachers in a small town in Santa Fe that had participated in a play characterised as ‘pornographic’, and who were finally accused of left‐wing propaganda and ‘subversive’ activities. This case offers an opportunity to review the relationship between immorality, pornography, communism and ‘subversion’. Since the Cold War, these issues have been used in Latin America to construct an internal enemy and create governmental mechanisms and regulations for detecting and controlling its actions, and penalising the population in general.
Hearing the Voice of the Child: Current Practice in Family Courts in Germany
Authors: Salzgeber Joseph , Warning‐Peltz Sophie
Published: July 2019

German family courts have a long‐standing tradition of hearing the child's voice when proceedings affect the child. This article aims to provide an overview of the German procedural rules. The current role and practice of child hearings in family courts and the direct effects on the child are discussed in detail. The perceived benefits, challenges, and pitfalls are deliberated from the viewpoint of the psychological expert. Hearing the voice of the child in person is increasingly viewed as beneficial to the proceedings if the judges and other professionals involved possess the necessary qualifications and competence.
Toward Better Outcomes for Families Through Innovative Dispute Resolution Programs in England
Authors: Dare Holly , Goodman Carole , John Rebecca , Parsons Sarah
Published: July 2019

This article explores and shares the learning from two of Cafcass’ innovative dispute resolution pilot programs. The programs aim to improve outcomes for families against the backdrop of rising private law demand in England, while keeping the child at the center. The Positive co‐Parenting Programme pilot provides a structured intervention to reduce conflict and promote timely resolution for children and families in complex cases. The Support with Making Child Arrangements pilot explores whether the provision of a package of support to parents ahead of the first court hearing can help them come to safe agreements about their children without the need for court intervention.
Decision Making and Justice
Authors: Ryder Ernest
Published: July 2019

This article considers how judges can improve decision making, especially in cases that involve children in the family court. It looks specifically at improvements that are being implemented in England and Wales following a major review of family justice in 2011. All judges need to be well‐trained and well‐informed if they are to make the best‐quality decisions they can. Three principles underpin the approach to improving judicial decision making, which must be systematic, evidence based, and tested, and the evidence that informs judicial decisions must be robust. Collaboration among professionals in the development of good practice, its dissemination, and its application should be the acknowledged goal, and it should involve the views and perceptions of the young people and families involved.
Assessing the role of off‐take and source–sink dynamics in the extinction of the amphidromous New Zealand grayling (Prototroctes oxyrhynchus)
Authors: Lee Finnbar , Perry George L. W.
Published: July 2019

Some extinctions have obvious drivers (e.g. over‐harvesting), while others can be less obvious and arise from multiple interacting factors. The extinction of the New Zealand grayling (Prototroctes oxyrhynchus) has been blamed on over‐fishing and predation by introduced trout, but these explanations fail to account for the species disappearance from isolated, uninvaded rivers. We investigated if source–sink dynamics, facilitated by P. oxyrhynchus's amphidromous dispersal habit, could account for the species’ rapid extinction.

We created a database of P. oxyrhynchus sightings by surveying newspapers dating back to 1839, along with a review of traditional scientific literature. We used this database to update P. oxyrhynchus's known distribution map and inform sighting models to predict P. oxyrhynchus's extinction date. Finally, we implemented a meta‐population model to explore how source–sink dynamics could interact with off‐take (over‐fishing or predation) to drive extinction.

Prototroctes oxyrhynchus was found across New Zealand, except the north of the North Island. Based on sightings methods, the earliest predicted extinction date was 1924, although the species may have persisted until 1972, later than previous estimates have suggested. In the absence of source–sink dynamics, relatively high levels of off‐take were sustainable (up to 30% per generation). When the species was modelled as a panmictic meta‐population including 5% sink habitats, the sustainable off‐take rate was reduced to as low as 5% per generation.

Prototroctes oxyrhynchus was a widespread, abundant species that underwent rapid declines and ultimately went extinct. Previous attempts to explain this extinction have failed to account for the species extinction from isolated, pristine rivers. Our modelling shows that treating the species as a panmictic metapopulation and including source–sink dynamics rapidly increases the probability of extinction. We suggest that source–sink dynamics may be an important aspect of the population dynamics of amphidromous species and should be considered when managing taxa with similar dispersal habits.
Expanded Practice in Midwifery: Designing, Implementing, and Maintaining Programs
Authors: DeJoy Susan A. , Holley Sharon , Friedman Laurie , Mills Michelle , Jackson‐Köhlin Donna , Detterman Carly , Green Katharine
Published: July 2019

Advances in health care science and delivery, coupled with patient need for access to care, have driven expanded practice in midwifery for decades. The process for development and implementation of expanded practices for midwives and midwifery practices is described. Important components include assessment of need, identifying stakeholders and supporters, development of a program proposal, obtaining privileges, developing training programs, and conducting ongoing quality management and program evaluation. Examples of expanded practice in midwifery are presented.
Surveillance factors change outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma due to chronic hepatitis C virus infection in New Zealand
Authors: Schauer Cameron , van Rijnsoever Marius , Gane Edward
Published: July 2019

Although surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with 6 monthly imaging is recommended for patients with cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, international studies report poor adherence and there is paucity of data on its effect on patient outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to review cases of HCC secondary to HCV to determine the impact of adherence with HCC surveillance on survival. A total of 520 patients with confirmed HCC secondary to chronic HCV from 31 January 2001 to 31 May 2018 were identified from a prospective national HCC database. Computerized clinical records, general practitioner referral letters and secondary care clinic letters were subsequently retrospectively analysed for methods of HCC detection. HCC was detected through routine surveillance in only 224 patients (44%). HCC was detected either incidentally or following the onset of symptoms in nonadherent (12%), suboptimal surveyed (3%), undiagnosed cirrhotic (12%) or recently diagnosed HCV patients (21%) or were never offered surveillance (2%). Routine surveillance improved overall survival, OR 0.41 (95% CI [0.32, 0.53], P < .0001), with an overall mean survival of 91.5 months (95% CI 76.4, 106.6) compared to 43.0 (95% CI 34.2, 51.9) for those patients not receiving regular surveillance Outcome following diagnosis of HCC secondary to chronic HCV is determined by early detection when curative intervention is possible. Lack of diagnosis of HCV and nonadherence to HCC surveillance results in late diagnosis and poor outcomes. Under‐diagnosis of HCV infection and lack of diagnosis of cirrhosis in patients known to have HCV infection reduce the benefit of current HCC surveillance strategies.
Oil and Africa’s macroeconomy: are structural breaks important?
Authors: Olanrele Iyabo , Adenikinju Adeola
Published: July 2019

This study examines the changing impact of oil price shocks on Nigeria and South Africa. Using a structural break approach, recent studies have established the altered impact of oil price shocks consequent to the Great Moderation that commenced in the mid‐1980s. While several studies have focused on the oil–macroeconomic relationship in Africa, little attention has been paid to the variation across different periods. This study investigated the possible changing impact of oil on inflation and the real gross domestic product growth rate in the two largest African economies that are, respectively, net oil‐exporting and net importing countries. A data set from 1970 quarter 1 to 2016 quarter 4 was employed. An impulse response function was used as a referenced model while rolling impulse approach was adopted to ascertain variation across periods. Our findings show the magnitude of the impacts of oil price shocks has declined significantly since the 1990s. Several factors were adduced for the muted effects of oil in the two economies. These factors were largely driven by domestic policies and institutional reforms. Hence, not taking account of the time‐varying nature of the relationship may not provide a complete picture of the relationships between oil and macroeconomic outcomes among African countries.
Multicentre evaluation of Erytra Eflexis®, a benchtop fully automated analyser with a compact design for routine use in blood transfusion laboratory
Authors: Elliott C. , Carrascosa T. , Souchet J.‐L. , Smith D. , Malaxetxebarria I. , You J. , Bendahan M. , Barnes S. , Lisle F. , Whitehouse N.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Evaluation of the compact benchtop Erytra Eflexis® automated analyser was performed at three health centres representing a range of routine transfusion workload.

Background

Automation instruments with the simplicity and flexibility adequate for small‐ to mid‐sized blood transfusion services are an unmet need.

Methods

Performance in pre‐transfusion testing (2109 ABO/D, 382 Rh/K phenotype, 2001 antibody screening, 113 antibody identification, 151 DAT, 88 extended phenotype; 655 cross matching) in comparison to Erytra® as reference device was assessed. Throughput [time to first result (TTFR), final turn‐around time (TAT), processing rate] was calculated; usability and adaptability in laboratory practice under routine and with emergency samples were surveyed.

Results

Agreement between systems was 99·8% (11/5499 test discrepancies, all due to weak/doubtful positive reactions). Erytra Eflexis produced six true positives (two Rh/D, two B positives, two screening), four false positives (three screening and one cross matching) and one false negative (screening). Processing of eight routine samples with the Erytra Eflexis for ABO/Rh(D) and screening took 34–38 min and 32–37 min, respectively, independent of the simultaneous processing of a STAT sample, whether or not the incubator for STAT was reserved. In this scenario, a STAT sample requested within 2 min after the routine load was processed in 14–26 min. Processing rate tended to stabilise and optimise in the larger workloads, particularly in ABO/Rh(D)/K cards (16·7, 18 and 19·5 results/h for 10, 15 and 24 specimens, respectively).

Conclusion

Erytra Eflexis analyser was found to be reliable and suitable for pre‐transfusion routine tests performed in a small‐/medium‐sized blood transfusion laboratory.
The third international standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin: international collaborative study to evaluate candidate preparations
Authors: Fox Bernard , Sharp Giles , Atkinson Eleanor , Roberts Graham , Rigsby Peter , Studholme Lucy
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

The purpose of the study was to evaluate a lyophilized anti‐D immunoglobulin preparation to serve as a replacement WHO International Standard for the calibration of potency assays of anti‐D immunoglobulin products. Such products are used to prevent haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn due to maternal alloanti‐D.

Materials and Methods

The candidate 3rd International Standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin (16/332) was evaluated and calibrated against the 2nd International Standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin (01/572), along with a coded duplicate, a second candidate preparation (16/278) and a comparability sample (16/272) in an international collaborative study. Twenty of 21 laboratories in 15 countries performed one or more of the three European Pharmacopoeia reference methods.

Results

The overall geometric mean potency (from all methods) of the candidate 3rd International Standard, 16/332, was 296·6 IU/ampoule, with inter‐laboratory variability, expressed as % GCV, of 4·7%. SE‐HPLC of the immunoglobulin preparations demonstrated combined monomeric and dimeric IgG peak areas of >95% for all samples. Accelerated stability studies have shown both 16/332 and 16/278 to be very stable for long‐term storage at −20°C.

Conclusions

Preparation 16/332 was established by the World Health Organisation Expert Committee on Biological Standardization as the 3rd International Standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin with an assigned potency of 297 IU/ampoule.
Soft Wearable Deltoid Assistive Device
Authors: Arellano Francisco Javier Lopez , Gandhi Sushrut , Patil Dhiraj , Roquemore Bryan , Maruyama Trent , Polygerinos Panagiotis
Published: July 2019

The soft actuated wearable deltoid assistance device presented in this paper aims at assisting patients with activities of daily living by dynamically producing flexion and abduction movements for them. By counteracting the force of gravity on the patient’s arm it allows them to move in the frontal plane to perform activities of daily living.
Wearable Smart Glasses for Assessment of Eye-Contact Behavior in Children With Autism
Authors: RajKumar Ashwin , Arora Chetan , Katz Barry , Kapila Vikram
Published: July 2019

To promote eye contact learning and behavior in children with autism, there exist specialized environments as well as smartphone applications. However, few currently available techniques support the assessment of desired behavioral improvement during learning. In this paper, we describe recently developed wearable smart glasses instrumented with mechatronic sensors and controllers. The mechatronics glasses, worn by both an instructor and a child, quantitatively measure the eye contact behavior of the child. The instructor glasses connect with a smartphone application through Bluetooth low energy. A user interface is created and hosted on the smartphone to enable the instructor to customize the reward to the child based on improvements in eye contact behavior. Specifically, the smartphone application quantifies the eye contact duration, frequency, latency, and session time, allowing instructors, therapists, and clinicians to monitor and track the child’s progress in eye contact behavior. The results from preliminary user testing of the device with control subjects show that the device is capable of recording sessions details and supporting eye contact behavior assessment.
Using Photoplethysmography Based Features As Indicators of Drowsiness: Preliminary Results
Authors: Majumder Shubha , Verma Ajay K. , Wang Chunwu , Mohamud Abdiaziz , Archer Lewis , Tavakolian Kouhyar , Wilson Nicholas
Published: July 2019

Drowsiness, a transitional psychological state between alertness and sleepiness, is one of the leading reasons for the increased risk of accidents, particularly in commercial aviation. Though electroencephalography (EEG) is widely used for drowsiness assessment, it is impractical for unobtrusive airborne monitoring due to discomfort induced by the number of electrodes touching the scalp. In this work, we investigated the potential of pulse arrival time (PAT), and photoplethysmogram (PPG) features as indicators of drowsiness. Simultaneous vertical electrooculogram (EOG), ear PPG, and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded from 18 commercially-rated pilots from 02:00 AM to 04:30 AM. ECG R-peaks and PPG peaks were detected and used for calculation of PAT and heart rate to observe their changes during drowsiness. During the drowsy periods, the PAT and RR intervals increased (i.e., decrease in heart rate) significantly (p < 0.05) compared to baseline. Features based on only PPG also showed a significant increase during drowsiness. However, decrease in PAT/RR during drowsiness for most of the subjects indicates that increase in PAT is not linearly correlated to RR interval and might be reflecting changes in arterial stiffness. Hence, PAT and derived PPG based features with continuous heart rate monitoring can serve as useful indicators of early drowsiness detection.