bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A facile one-step synthesis of molybdenum carbide-carbon composites for the hydrogenation of naphthalene
Authors: Yin Chengyang , He Jing , Liu Shuang
Published: April 2020

A molybdenum carbide-carbon composite (β-Mo2C/C) is prepared by carbonization of an anionic resin with molybdate. The β-Mo2C/C is characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Characterization indicates that the sample shows a hierarchically microporous, mesoporous, and macroporous structure, and has a large surface area. The nanosized β-Mo2C crystals are highly dispersed in the carbon-based sample. The β-Mo2C/C composite shows high catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of naphthalene to tetralin.
Time-variant fatigue reliability evaluation of riveted lap joint under stationary random loading
Authors: Jiang Shan , Li Yan-Fu
Published: April 2020

This article focuses on the time-variant reliability assessment of riveted lap joint structure subjected to fatigue. A physics-based fatigue crack growth model that can take the crack closure into account is derived to calculate the crack length at different time under arbitrary loading. In addition, several uncertainties are quantified, including the material, initial crack size, and loading condition. The stationary random loading is a common service environment in practice, in which the stress range and stress ratio vary with constant statistical characteristics (the mean and standard deviation). The time-variant fatigue reliability of riveted lap joint under stationary random loading is assessed by introducing the outcrossing concept. The experimental data of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy riveted lap joint under constant amplitude loading are used to validate the physics-based fatigue crack growth model. It is verified that this proposed model can predict the fatigue life probability distribution with a reasonable accuracy. In addition, the simulation of riveted lap joint under stationary random loading is performed. The time-variant fatigue reliability is evaluated. The results with or without considering crack closures are also compared. It is noted that the results from the time-variant fatigue reliability assessment considering crack closure has higher reliability level.
Theorizing the time-dynamics of violence
Authors: Collins Randall
Published: April 2020

Violence depends not only on long-standing background conditions but on time-patterns that determine when and if it breaks out, how long it lasts and how severe it is. Advances in recording technology including video cameras and CCTV have made it possible to locate turning points and sequences on the micro level. Different scales of violence have different time-dynamics, ranging from micro to meso to macro. These include the following: micro-rhythms (fractions of seconds) of synchronization and dominance in setting rhythms in face-to-face interaction; violence-triggering thresholds (a few minutes or less) in small groups, where boredom makes violence abort; tension-building danger time-zones (lasting a few hours) in organized crowds; revolutionary tipping points (a few days); duration of riots (a few days, but several weeks long if the riot moves from place to place or is intermittently scheduled); mass crisis and hysteria zone of national solidarity, rapidly reaching a plateau and lasting 3 to 6 months before declining; and macro time-forks, where sudden victory is relatively low in casualties, but where a stalemate leads to years of dispersed conflict with high attrition costs.
Project-as-Practice: Applying Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice on Project Managers
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Theodoros , Leopoulos Vrassidas , Kirytopoulos Konstantinos , Ventoura Zoe
Published: April 2020

Researchers have not studied the human side of project managers thoroughly. Decision-making mechanisms lie not only in technocratic knowledge but also in practitioners’ inner cultures and personal lifestyles. Highlighting the human (f)actor behind the strategic decisions made in projects reveals a new path for analyzing project managers. This article applies Bourdieu’s practice theory within the field of project management through a qualitative study into 17 successful and experienced Greek project managers. The results exhibit the common social characteristics of successful project managers and suggest that project managers must be viewed from a sociological perspective as well.
Indole-3-acetic acid improves drought tolerance of white clover via activating auxin, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid related genes and inhibiting senescence genes
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Li Yaping , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Li Zhou , Peng Yan
Published: April 2020

Background

Auxin may have a positive effect on plants under drought stress. White clover is widely cultivated and often prone to water shortages. In the present study, we investigated the effects of exogenous indole − 3-acetic acid (IAA) on growth and physiological changes of white clover under drought stress condition. The contents of endogenous IAA and other hormones including ABA, CTK, JA, GA, IAA, and SA were assayed. Moreover, expressions of auxin-responsive genes, drought-responsive genes and leaf senescence-associated genes were detected in response to exogenous IAA.

Results

Compared to control, drought stress alone significantly diminished stem dry weigh, relative water content (RWC) and total chlorophyll content (Chl). Exogenous IAA treatment significantly increased RWC and Chl, whereas L-AOPP treatment drastically decreased stem dry weight, RWC and Chl under drought stress condition. Additionally, exogenous IAA treatment significantly increased ABA content and JA content, up-regulated expression of auxin responsive genes (GH3.1, GH3.9, IAA8), drought stress responsive genes (bZIP11, DREB2, MYB14, MYB48, WRKY2, WRKY56, WRKY108715 and RD22), and down-regulated expressions of auxin-responding genes (GH3.3, GH3.6, IAA27) and leaf senescence genes (SAG101 and SAG102) in the presence of PEG. Contrarily, L-AOPP treatment significantly reduced contents of ABA, GA3 and JA, down-regulated expressions of GH3.1, GH3.9, IAA8, bZIP11, DREB2, MYB14, MYB48, WRKY2, WRKY56, WRKY108715, ERD and RD22, and up-regulated SAG101 and SAG102.

Conclusions

Exogenous IAA improved drought tolerance of white clover possibly due to endogenous plant hormone concentration changes and modulation of genes involving in drought stress response and leaf senescence. These results provided useful information to understand mechanisms of IAA improved drought tolerance in white clover.
Long-term evaluation of the rise in legal age-of-sale of cigarettes from 16 to 18 in England: a trend analysis
Authors: Beard Emma , Brown Jamie , Jackson Sarah , West Robert , Anderson Will , Arnott Deborah , Shahab Lion
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess the long-term impact of the increase in age-of-sale of cigarettes from 16 to 18 in England in October 2007.

Methods

Data were collected between November 2006 and September 2018 on 252,601 participants taking part in a nationally representative survey of adults aged 16+ in England, the Smoking Toolkit Study (STS). We assessed the impact of the introduction of the increase in age-of-sale on prevalence of ever smoking, current smoking, and quit attempts, among 16–17 year olds compared with 18–24 year olds.

Results

Following the increase in age-of-sale, there was a declining trend in ever smoking that was greater among 16–17 year olds than 18–24 year olds (OR 0.990 versus OR 0.993; p = 0.019). Data on current smoking were insensitive to detect a difference between the age groups in a step-level change or change in trend following the increase in age-of-sale (Bayes factors (BFs) 0.75 and 2.10). Data on quit attempts were also insensitive to detect a change in trend (BF 0.71), and despite a greater step-level decline among those aged 16–17 (OR 0.311 versus OR 0.547, p = 0.025), quit attempts remained higher among those aged 16–17. Secondary analysis indicated that post-policy change, trends in current and ever smoking were linear for 16–17 year olds but quadratic for 18–24 year olds (slowing decline).

Conclusion

There is some evidence from an assessment of long-term trends in the Smoking Toolkit Study that the increase in legal age-of-sale of cigarettes in England was associated with a greater long-term decline in ever smoking among those aged 16–17 compared with those aged 18–24.
A study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly docetaxel and cisplatin for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with T4 and/or M1 lymph node metastasis or locoregional recurrence
Authors: Liu Qi , Xia Yi , Chen Yun , Zhang Junhua , Deng Jiaying , Zhao Kuaile
Published: April 2020

Background

The improvement of survival outcomes and the reduction of toxicities for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are still needed. We conducted a pilot study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly docetaxel and cisplatin for the treatment of esophageal SCC with T4 and/or M1 lymph node metastasis (LNM) or locoregional recurrence.

Methods

Fifty-four patients with advanced thoracic esophageal SCC having a stage T4 tumor or M1 LNM and/or locoregional recurrence were enrolled. Docetaxel and cisplatin were both administered weekly at a dose of 25 mg/m2 5–6 times in total concurrently with a specific dose of radiation. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control and treatment-related toxicities.

Results

From October 2015 to December 2016, concurrent treatment with full-cycle docetaxel and cisplatin and radiotherapy was administered to 41 of 54 patients (75.9%). A total of 51 patients (94.4%) completed the radiation schedules. Twenty-one patients (44.4%) achieved a complete response, and 21 (44.4%) achieved a partial response after chemoradiotherapy. The median survival time was 18.2 months, and the median PFS time was 11.5 months. The 1-year and 3-year OS, locoregional control and PFS rates were 70.4, 80.6, 50.0 and 36.4%, 64.3, 31.5%, respectively. Grade 3 toxicities included neutropenia (13.0%), anemia (3.7%), thrombocytopenia (1.9%), fatigue (20.4%), anorexia (13.0%), esophagitis (11.1%), and pneumonitis (5.6%). Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 16.7% of patients. Four patients (7.4%) died from grade 5 toxicities. There were no significant differences in both survival and grade 3 and higher toxicities between the newly diagnosed group and recurrent group.

Conclusions

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly docetaxel and cisplatin is a well-tolerated and effective treatment regimen for esophageal SCC with T4 or M1 LNM and/or locoregional recurrence. Clinical trials with larger sample size and comparisons with conventional fluorouracil and cisplatin regimens are needed.
The frequency of reduction loss after arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular dislocations using a double-button device, and its effect on clinical and radiological results
Authors: Çarkçı Engin , Polat Ayşe Esin , Gürpınar Tahsin
Published: April 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reduction loss of more than 3 mm on clinical and radiological results after at least 2 years of follow-up after arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations using a double-button device.

Methods

Thirty-six patients who had acute (< 3 weeks old), type III or V acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations underwent arthroscopic fixation of the AC joint using a double-button device. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed at preoperative, postoperative first day, 3 months and last follow-up. When the coracoclavicular (CC) distances of patients at the last follow-up were compared to the early postop CC distances, those with a difference of 3 mm or less were grouped as group A and those with a difference of more than 3 mm were grouped as group B.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, follow-up time, time from injury to surgery, return to work, and distribution of Rockwood classification. Pre-operative CC distance was reduced from 18.7 ± 3.5 to 8.5 ± 0.6 in the early postoperative period. Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients compared with the unaffected side (CC distance 8.6 ± 0.7). However, the CC distance increased to 9.9 ± 1.5 at the third-month follow-up and increased to 11 ± 2.7 at the last follow-up. There were no significant Constant score differences between the groups in the preoperative and last follow-up periods (p > 0.05). At the last follow-up, the mean Acromioclavicular Joint Instability (ACJI) score of group A was 84.4 ± 8, whereas it was 68.3 ± 8.3 for group B, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the subjective evaluation and aesthetic subjective satisfaction values of group B were lower than group A (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Reduction loss of more than 3 mm was observed in 25% of patients after arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular dislocations using a double-button device. Although this loss did not create a statistically significant difference in Constant scores, AC joint-specific tests such as ACJI, subjective evaluation, and aesthetic subjective satisfaction values were significantly impaired.
First observation of larval oarfish, Regalecus russelii, from fertilized eggs through hatching, following artificial insemination in captivity
Authors: Oka Shin-ichiro , Nakamura Masaru , Nozu Ryo , Miyamoto Kei
Published: April 2020

Background

Little is known about the life history of oarfish of the genus Regalecus, although it is a famous deep-sea fish and an apparent origin of sea serpent legends. We successfully performed artificial insemination using a recently dead pair of sexually mature individuals. We report for the first time development from fertilized eggs to early larvae in the Lampridiformes.

Results

Eggs required 18 days of development from fertilization to hatching under 20.5–22.5 °C conditions. Oarfish larvae had similar morphological features as other lampridiform larvae hatched in the ocean. Larvae typically faced downward and swam using pectoral fins; they frequently opened their mouths. This mouth-opening behavior and swimming ability were both consistent with osteological development. The larvae did not eat and died four days after hatching.

Conclusions

This is the first successful instance of artificial insemination and hatching in the oarfish, as well as the first reliable morphological and behavioral description of lampridiform larvae.
Successful Model for Guideline Implementation to Prevent Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in the Ambulatory Cancer Clinic
Authors: Holmes Chris E. , Ades Steven , Gilchrist Susan , Douce Daniel , Libby Karen , Rogala Britny , Parenteau Emily , Cushman Mary , Holm Allison Kaigle
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE:

Guidelines recommend venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment in outpatients with cancer and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in selected patients at high risk for VTE. Although validated risk stratification tools are available, < 10% of oncologists use a risk assessment tool, and rates of VTE prophylaxis in high-risk patients are low in practice. We hypothesized that implementation of a systems-based program that uses the electronic health record (EHR) and offers personalized VTE prophylaxis recommendations would increase VTE risk assessment rates in patients initiating outpatient chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in the Ambulatory Cancer Clinic (VTEPACC) was a multidisciplinary program implemented by nurses, oncologists, pharmacists, hematologists, advanced practice providers, and quality partners. We prospectively identified high-risk patients using the Khorana and Protecht scores (≥ 3 points) via an EHR-based risk assessment tool. Patients with a predicted high risk of VTE during treatment were offered a hematology consultation to consider VTE prophylaxis. Results of the consultation were communicated to the treating oncologist, and clinical outcomes were tracked.

RESULTS:

A total of 918 outpatients with cancer initiating cancer-directed therapy were evaluated. VTE monthly education rates increased from < 5% before VTEPACC to 81.6% (standard deviation [SD], 11.9; range, 63.6%-97.7%) during the implementation phase and 94.7% (SD, 4.9; range, 82.1%-100%) for the full 2-year postimplementation phase. In the postimplementation phase, 213 patients (23.2%) were identified as being at high risk for developing a VTE. Referrals to hematology were offered to 151 patients (71%), with 141 patients (93%) being assessed and 93.8% receiving VTE prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION:

VTEPACC is a successful model for guideline implementation to provide VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis to prevent cancer-associated thrombosis in outpatients. Methods applied can readily translate into practice and overcome the current implementation gaps between guidelines and clinical practice.
Fat Distribution in Women Is Associated With Depot-Specific Transcriptomic Signatures and Chromatin Structure
Authors: Divoux Adeline , Sandor Katalin , Bojcsuk Dora , Yi Fanchao , Hopf Meghan E , Smith Joshua S , Balint Balint L , Osborne Timothy F , Smith Steven R
Published: April 2020

Background

Preferential accumulation of fat in the upper body (apple shape) is associated with higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome relative to lower body fat (pear shape). We previously discovered that chromatin openness partially defined the transcriptome of preadipocytes isolated from abdominal and gluteofemoral fat. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying interindividual variation in body shape are unknown.

Methods

Adipocyte fraction was isolated from abdominal and gluteofemoral fat biopsies of premenopausal women (age and body mass index matched) segregated initially only by their waist-to-hip ratio. We evaluated transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility using RNA sequencing and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) along with key clinical parameters.

Results

Our data showed that higher lower body fat mass was associated with better lipid profile and free fatty acid decrease after glucose administration. Lipid and glucose metabolic pathways genes were expressed at higher levels in gluteofemoral adipocyte fraction in pears, whereas genes associated with inflammation were higher both in abdominal and gluteofemoral apple adipocyte fraction. Gluteofemoral adipocyte chromatin from pear-shaped women contained a significantly higher number of differentially open ATAC-seq peaks relative to chromatin from the apple-shaped gluteofemoral adipocytes. In contrast, abdominal adipocyte chromatin openness showed few differences between apple- and pear-shaped women. We revealed a correlation between gene transcription and open chromatin at the proximity of the transcriptional start site of some of the differentially expressed genes.

Conclusions

Integration of data from all 3 approaches suggests that chromatin openness partially governs the transcriptome of gluteofemoral adipocytes and may be involved in the early metabolic syndrome predisposition associated with body shape.
Establishment of wMel Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and reduction of local dengue transmission in Cairns and surrounding locations in northern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ryan Peter A. , Turley Andrew P. , Wilson Geoff , Hurst Tim P. , Retzki Kate , Brown-Kenyon Jack , Hodgson Lauren , Kenny Nichola , Cook Helen , Montgomery Brian L. , Paton Christopher J. , Ritchie Scott A. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Jewell Nicholas P. , Tanamas Stephanie K. , Anders Katherine L. , Simmons Cameron P. , O’Neill Scott L.
Published: April 2020

Background: The wMel strain of Wolbachia has been successfully introduced into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and subsequently shown in laboratory studies to reduce transmission of a range of viruses including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Mayaro viruses that cause human disease. Here we report the entomological and epidemiological outcomes of staged deployment of Wolbachia across nearly all significant dengue transmission risk areas in Australia.

Methods: The wMel strain of Wolbachia was backcrossed into the local Aedes aegypti genotype (Cairns and Townsville backgrounds) and mosquitoes were released in the field by staff or via community assisted methods. Mosquito monitoring was undertaken and mosquitoes were screened for the presence of Wolbachia. Dengue case notifications were used to track dengue incidence in each location before and after releases.

Results: Empirical analyses of the Wolbachia mosquito releases, including data on the density, frequency and duration of Wolbachia mosquito releases, indicate that Wolbachia can be readily established in local mosquito populations, using a variety of deployment options and over short release durations (mean release period 11 weeks, range 2-22 weeks). Importantly, Wolbachia frequencies have remained stable in mosquito populations since releases for up to 8 years. Analysis of dengue case notifications data demonstrates near-elimination of local dengue transmission for the past five years in locations where Wolbachia has been established. The regression model estimate of Wolbachia intervention effect from interrupted time series analyses of case notifications data prior to and after releases, indicated a 96% reduction in dengue incidence in Wolbachia treated populations (95% confidence interval: 84 – 99%).

Conclusion: Deployment of the wMel strain of Wolbachia into local Ae. aegypti populations across the Australian regional cities of Cairns and most smaller regional communities with a past history of dengue has resulted in the reduction of local dengue transmission across all deployment areas.
Falls and older people: understanding why people fall
Authors: While Alison E
Published: April 2020

Falls are common among older people and a major public health challenge. This article describes why falls are more common among older people, the potential causes of falls and what assessments should be undertaken to inform preventive interventions. District nurses are well placed to contribute to the understanding of why an older person has had a fall as part of a falls risk assessment.
Improving the experience of patients who receive home enteral tube feeding
Authors: Carter-Stephens Ruth
Published: April 2020

Home enteral tube feeding is an increasingly common intervention for patients who are unable to meet their full nutritional requirements. These patients require specialist support to enable them to live as normal a life as possible at home. An integrated acute and community nutrition service developed a new role of community nutrition nurse (CNN) in 2016, with the goal of reducing the number of unplanned hospital attendances relating to enteral tube feeding issues. Following the introduction of the CNN and related troubleshooting interventions, there was a 93% reduction in unplanned hospital admissions between 2017 and 2018. The role has been found to have many benefits, such as improved patient experience, care closer to the patient's home and empowerment of patients, their relatives and carers. It has also helped to increased patient and carer confidence to self-care and has reduced costs within the acute hospital system relating to unplanned hospital attendances and admissions.
Malnutrition in community-dwelling older people: lessons learnt using a new procedure
Authors: Murphy Jane , Bracher Michael , Tkacz Daria , Aburrow Annemarie , Allmark Grace , Steward Kathy , Wallis Kathy , May Carl
Published: April 2020

This article reports the implementation of a new procedure for screening and treatment of malnutrition in a community NHS trust in England. The barriers and facilitators to implementation were assessed with staff from Integrated Community and Older People's Mental Health teams. Data from interviews and surveys were collected at baseline, 2 months after initial training and 16 months after initial training as well as following deployment of a nutrition lead to embed new developments for nutritional care. The adoption of the procedure made screening and treatment of malnutrition simpler and more likely to be actioned. The benefit of a nutrition lead and local nutrition champions to support and empower staff (avoiding reliance on training alone) was shown to drive change for nutritional care across the community. Prioritisation and commitment of leadership at the organisational level are needed to embed and sustain malnutrition screening and treatment in routine practice.
Quantitative analysis of homocysteine in liquid by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Liping , Wu Xu , Peng Yan , Yang Qingrou , Chen Xiaohong , Wu Wanwan , Zhu Yiming , Zhuang Songlin
Published: April 2020

Homocysteine (C4H9NO2S) is a variant of the amino acid cysteine, a harmful substance to the human body, which is closely related to cardiovascular disease, senile dementia, fractures, et al. At present, conventional methods for detecting homocysteine in biological samples include high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), and enzymatic cycling methods. These methods have the disadvantages of being time-consuming, sample-losing, chemical reagent-using and operation-cumbersome. Here, we present a method for the quantitative detection of homocysteine in liquid based on terahertz spectroscopy. Considering the strong absorption of water for terahertz beam, we also put forward a pretreatment method for drying samples at low temperature. These methods make the detection limit for homocysteine reach 10 µmol/L (human normal concentration). Based on the linear relationship between the homocysteine concentration and the THz spectral intensity, we can successfully achieve quantitative, accurate and real-time detection of homocysteine. As compared to Raman spectroscopy, the correlation coefficient of THz spectrum (

R

16.24

THz

2

 = 0.99809) is much larger than that of the Raman spectrum (

R

2558.26

c

m

−
1

2

 = 0.80022,

R

2937.32

c

m

−
1

2

 = 0.8028). These results are greatly useful for the accurate evaluation of pathological stage.
Rotating levitated nanoparticle sensors in a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Biswas Tushar , Kani A. , Bhattacharya M.
Published: April 2020

Hollow-core photonic crystal fibers offer a versatile platform for
developing cutting edge optical sensors through particle levitation.
Here, the orbital angular momentum mode of such a fiber is utilized to
rotate a dielectric nanoparticle, levitated inside the fiber via the
gradient force. The rotation frequency, measured from the output
intensity modulation caused by the particle rotation, enables sensing
of the input power, core pressure, and particle size. Different types
of particle dynamics can be obtained by using various orders of
angular momentum modes supported by the fiber. At high input power,
the system exhibits interesting nonlinear dynamics. Our proposal
represents a versatile platform for fiber-based nanoparticle rotation
sensing.
Sub-second, super-resolved imaging of biological systems using parallel EO-STED
Authors: Girsault Arik , Meller Amit
Published: April 2020

We present a parallel stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscope with no mechanical moving parts and sub-millisecond pixel dwell times, relying on electro-optical (EO) phase modulators. The nanoscope offers 1225-fold parallelization over single-doughnut-scanning STED and achieves a spatial resolution of 35 nm. We imaged immunostained nuclear pore complexes of zebrafish within their natural biological environment, demonstrating spatial and temporal resolutions of 56 nm and 0.2 s, respectively. Furthermore, we show parallel EO-STED sub-second imaging of microtubules inside living cells. Finally, we reveal the nanodomain organization of a eukaryotic initiation factor within the processing bodies of fixed cells. The potential of parallel EO-STED to offer microsecond pixel dwell times over large fields of view promises millisecond STED imaging.
Highly linear sub-nanoradian tilt measurement based on dual-beam interferometry
Authors: Yan Hao , Mao Qiuli , Xie Siyuan , Liu Shuai , Luo Jun , Yeh Hsien-chi
Published: April 2020

The tilt measurement method based on dual-beam interferometry is presented in this Letter. Due to symmetric property of the nonlinear errors of two displacement measurement arms, the composite nonlinearity of the tilt measurement is counterbalanced, so that a small nonlinearity over a large dynamic range can be obtained. According to the theoretical analysis with a Gaussian beam model, the second-order nonlinear error is dominant. The experimental results show that a measurement noise of

0
.
4

n
r
a
d

/

H
z

at 1 Hz with a nonlinearity of less than 60 nrad for a measurement range of

±

500

µ

r
a
d

has been achieved.
Examination of the relationship between school principals’ 21st century skills and their strategic leadership according to teachers’ opinions
Authors: Özdemir Servet , Çoban Ömür , Bozkurt Süheyla
Published: April 2020

This study aims to examine the relationship between school principals’ 21st century skills and their strategic leadership according to teachers’ opinions. In this quantitative research, a descriptive model that describes the situation was used. The study was conducted in Ankara, and 424 teachers joined the study. To get data from teachers, two scales were used: 21st Century Educational Administrators’ Skills Scale and Strategic Leadership Scale. In order to determine the level of school principals’ 21st century skills and their strategic leadership, descriptive analysis was used as well as Pearson Correlation Analysis and Regression analysis. There were significant positive relationships between all dimensions of educational administrators’ 21st century skills and strategic leadership behaviors. Besides, education managers’ 21st century skills were found to be a significant predictor of their strategic leadership behaviors. As a result of the research, it was revealed that information literacy, technology literacy, accountability, leadership and responsibility were significant predictors of managerial leadership behavior. School administrators need to increase their levels of knowledge literacy, technological literacy, accountability, leadership, and responsibility skills in order to improve their managerial leadership behaviors.
Japanese embedded questions are nominal: Evidence from quantificational variability effect
Authors: Tomioka Satoshi
Published: April 2020

The exhaustivity of an embedded interrogative sentence can be altered by the presence of an adverb in the matrix clause. This phenomenon, known as Quantificational Variability Effect (QVE), manifests itself in a peculiar way in Japanese. A QVE-inducing adverb can take the form of a numeral classifier that agrees with the embedded Wh-phrase. While a QVE-inducing numeral classifier appears to be associated with an embedded wh-phrase, it is not clear how such an association can be established. I argue that Japanese embedded questions are implicitly nominalized in the fashion similar to the internally-headed relative clause construction, and that the nominalized embedded questions are treated as concealed questions. The proposed analysis gives a very simple account for the puzzling QVE construction, as the floated quantifier structure with a concealed-question-denoting NP is commonplace. The paper examines a variety of phenomena, such as doubly headed relative clause structure and selectional restrictions on QVE, which support the nominal structure of Japanese embedded questions.
Development of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention as a National Reperfusion Strategy for Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Assessment of Its Use in Egypt
Authors: Sobhy Mohamed , Elshal Ahmed , Ghanem Noha , Hasan-Ali Hosam , Farag Nabil , Okasha Nireen , Farag El Sayed , Sadaka Mohamed , El Enein Hisham Abo , Salama Sameh , Khamis Hazem , Shokry Khaled , Ragy Hany , Elshorbagy Amany , Mehanna Radwa
Published: April 2020

Objective: Early treatment of acute ischemia of the heart by performing immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore blood flow in patients with the clinical presentation of an acute coronary syndrome and more specifically with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can save lives. This study aims to identify the mean time (door to balloon time and first contact to balloon time) to primary PCI for STEMI patients and to assess the percentage of primary PCI and its success rate in Egypt.

Methods: A registry study of patients presenting to cardiac centers in Egypt was designed, where patients’ basic characteristics, the treatment strategy, and the door to balloon time and the first contact to balloon time were assessed.

Results: One thousand six hundred fifty STEMI patients with a mean age of 57 years were included in the study. Immediate transfer for primary PCI was the most used treatment strategy, representing 74.6% of all treatment strategies used. The door to balloon time and the first contact to balloon time were 50 and 60 minutes, respectively, with a primary PCI success rate of 65.1%.

Conclusion: The registry study results showed a marked improvement by implementation of the best treatment strategy with respect to the time factor to achieve a better outcome for STEMI patients in Egypt.
Neonatal Stroke and TLR1/2 Ligand Recruit Myeloid Cells through the Choroid Plexus in a CX3CR1-CCR2- and Context-Specific Manner
Authors: Rayasam Aditya , Faustino Joel , Lecuyer Matthieu , Vexler Zinaida S.
Published: April 2020

Neonatal stroke is as frequent as stroke in the elderly, but many pathophysiological injury aspects are distinct in neonates, including immune signaling. While myeloid cells can traffic into the brain via multiple routes, the choroid plexus (CP) has been identified as a uniquely educated gate for immune cell traffic during health and disease. To understand the mechanisms of myeloid cell trafficking via the CP and their influence on neonatal stroke, we characterized the phenotypes of CP-infiltrating myeloid cells after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in neonatal mice of both sexes in relation to blood-brain barrier permeability, injury, microglial activation, and CX3CR1-CCR2 signaling, focusing on the dynamics early after reperfusion. We demonstrate rapid recruitment of multiple myeloid phenotypes in the CP ipsilateral to the injury, including inflammatory CD45+CD11b+Ly6chighCD86+, beneficial CD45+CD11b+Ly6clowCD206+, and CD45+CD11b+Ly6clowLy6ghighcells, but only minor leukocyte infiltration into acutely ischemic-reperfused cortex and negligible vascular albumin leakage. We report that CX3CR1-CCR2-mediated myeloid cell recruitment contributes to stroke injury. Considering the complexity of inflammatory cascades triggered by stroke and a role for TLR2 in injury, we also used direct TLR2 stimulation as an independent injury model. TLR2 agonist rapidly recruited myeloid cells to the CP, increased leukocytosis in the CSF and blood, but infiltration into the cortex remained low over time. While the magnitude and the phenotypes of myeloid cells diverged between tMCAO and TLR2 stimulation, in both models, disruption of CX3CR1-CCR2 signaling attenuated both monocyte and neutrophil trafficking to the CP and cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStroke during the neonatal period leads to long-term disabilities. The mechanisms of ischemic injury and inflammatory response differ greatly between the immature and adult brain. We examined leukocyte trafficking via the choroid plexus (CP) following neonatal stroke in relation to blood-brain barrier integrity, injury, microglial activation, and signaling via CX3CR1 and CCR2 receptors, or following direct TLR2 stimulation. Ischemia-reperfusion triggered marked unilateral CX3CR1-CCR2 dependent accumulation of diverse leukocyte subpopulations in the CP without inducing extravascular albumin leakage or major leukocyte infiltration into the brain. Disrupted CX3CR1-CCR2 signaling was neuroprotective in part by attenuating monocyte and neutrophil trafficking. Understanding the migratory patterns of CP-infiltrating myeloid cells with intact and disrupted CX3CR1-CCR2 signaling could identify novel therapeutic targets to protect the neonatal brain.
Venlafaxine Stimulates an MMP-9-Dependent Increase in Excitatory/Inhibitory Balance in a Stress Model of Depression
Authors: Alaiyed Seham , McCann Mondona , Mahajan Gouri , Rajkowska Grazyna , Stockmeier Craig A. , Kellar Kenneth J. , Wu Jian Young , Conant Katherine
Published: April 2020

Emerging evidence suggests that there is a reduction in overall cortical excitatory to inhibitory balance in major depressive disorder (MDD), which afflicts ∼14%-20% of individuals. Reduced pyramidal cell arborization occurs with stress and MDD, and may diminish excitatory neurotransmission. Enhanced deposition of perineuronal net (PNN) components also occurs with stress. Since parvalbumin-expressing interneurons are the predominant cell population that is enveloped by PNNs, which enhance their ability to release GABA, excess PNN deposition likely increases pyramidal cell inhibition. In the present study, we investigate the potential for matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9), an endopeptidase secreted in response to neuronal activity, to contribute to the antidepressant efficacy of the serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine in male mice. Chronic venlafaxine increases MMP-9 levels in murine cortex, and increases both pyramidal cell arborization and PSD-95 expression in the cortex of WT but not MMP-9-null mice. We have previously shown that venlafaxine reduces PNN deposition and increases the power ofex vivoγ oscillations in conventionally housed mice. γ power is increased with pyramidal cell disinhibition and with remission from MDD. Herein we observe that PNN expression is increased in a corticosterone-induced stress model of disease and reduced by venlafaxine. Compared with mice that receive concurrent venlafaxine, corticosterone-treated mice also display reducedex vivoγ power and impaired working memory. Autopsy-derived PFC samples show elevated MMP-9 levels in antidepressant-treated MDD patients compared with controls. These preclinical and postmortem findings highlight a link between extracellular matrix regulation and MDD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTReduced excitatory neurotransmission occurs with major depressive disorder, and may be normalized by antidepressant treatment. Underlying molecular mechanisms are, however, not well understood. Herein we investigate a potential role for an extracellular protease, released from neurons and known to play a role in learning and memory, in antidepressant-associated increases in excitatory transmission. Our data suggest that this protease, matrix metalloprotease-9, increases branching of excitatory neurons and concomitantly attenuates the perineuronal net to potentially reduce inhibitory input to these neurons. Matrix metalloprotease-9 may thus enhance overall excitatory/inhibitory balance and neuronal population dynamics, which are important to mood and memory.
A Collection of Pre-mRNA Splicing Mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kanno Tatsuo , Venhuizen Peter , Wu Ming-Tsung , Chiou Phebe , Chang Chia-Liang , Kalyna Maria , Matzke Antonius J M , Matzke Marjori
Published: April 2020

To investigate factors influencing pre-mRNA splicing in plants, we conducted a forward genetic screen using an alternatively-spliced GFP reporter gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. This effort generated a collection of sixteen mutants impaired in various splicing-related proteins, many of which had not been recovered in any prior genetic screen or implicated in splicing in plants. The factors are predicted to act at different steps of the spliceosomal cycle, snRNP biogenesis pathway, transcription, and mRNA transport. We have described eleven of the mutants in recent publications. Here we present the final five mutants, which are defective, respectively, in RNA-BINDING PROTEIN 45D (rbp45d), DIGEORGE SYNDROME CRITICAL REGION 14 (dgcr14), CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE G2 (cdkg2), INTERACTS WITH SPT6 (iws1) and CAP BINDING PROTEIN 80 (cbp80). We provide RNA-sequencing data and analyses of differential gene expression and alternative splicing patterns for the cbp80 mutant and for several previously published mutants, including smfa and new alleles of cwc16a, for which such information was not yet available. Sequencing of small RNAs from the cbp80 mutant highlighted the necessity of wild-type CBP80 for processing of microRNA (miRNA) precursors into mature miRNAs. Redundancy tests of paralogs encoding several of the splicing factors revealed their functional non-equivalence in the GFP reporter gene system. We discuss the cumulative findings and their implications for the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing efficiency and alternative splicing in plants. The mutant collection provides a unique resource for further studies on a coherent set of splicing factors and their roles in gene expression, alternative splicing and plant development.
Golgi Outposts Locally Regulate Microtubule Orientation in Neurons but Are Not Required for the Overall Polarity of the Dendritic Cytoskeleton
Authors: Yang Sihui Z , Wildonger Jill
Published: April 2020

Golgi are emerging as key regulators of acentrosomal microtubule networks. In neurons, the role of dendrite-specific Golgi outposts in creating or maintaining the unique organization of the dendritic cytoskeleton is an open question...

Microtubule-organizing centers often play a central role in organizing the cellular microtubule networks that underlie cell function. In neurons, microtubules in axons and dendrites have distinct polarities. Dendrite-specific Golgi “outposts,” in particular multicompartment outposts, have emerged as regulators of acentrosomal microtubule growth, raising the question of whether outposts contribute to establishing or maintaining the overall polarity of the dendritic microtubule cytoskeleton. Using a combination of genetic approaches and live imaging in a Drosophila model, we found that dendritic microtubule polarity is unaffected by eliminating known regulators of Golgi-dependent microtubule organization including the cis-Golgi matrix protein GM130, the fly AKAP450 ortholog pericentrin-like protein, and centrosomin. This indicates that Golgi outposts are not essential for the formation or maintenance of a dendrite-specific cytoskeleton. However, the overexpression of GM130, which promotes the formation of ectopic multicompartment units, is sufficient to alter dendritic microtubule polarity. Axonal microtubule polarity is similarly disrupted by the presence of ectopic multicompartment Golgi outposts. Notably, multicompartment outposts alter microtubule polarity independently of microtubule nucleation mediated by the γ-tubulin ring complex. Thus, although Golgi outposts are not essential to dendritic microtubule polarity, altering their organization correlates with changes to microtubule polarity. Based on these data, we propose that the organization of Golgi outposts is carefully regulated to ensure proper dendritic microtubule polarity.
Growing Characters of Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in Response to Different Rainwater Harvesting Practices in Semi-arid Region of the Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Yang Qu. , Feng B.
Published: April 2020

In semi-arid and arid areas, crop growth is mainly limited by low rainfall (mm). Using plastic film-mulched and special soil tillage can be employed to harvest limited rainfall for crop growth so as to assure food production. The objective of this work was to find out how to exploit limited rainfall (mm) to increase yield of proso millet. Effects of different rainfall harvesting systems based on plastic film-mulched in proso millet were managed in semi-arid regions of Loess Plateau in 2010-2012, and soil type that study involved was calciccambisols. The hypothesis was that proso millet could improve growth and yield of proso millet by using rainfall harvesting system. Experiment designed three rainfall harvesting systems based on plastic mulched and no mulching (NM) as a control. A flat plot with no mulching was a control (NM), the width of furrow was 60 cm with 60 cm wide ridge (P60), the width of furrow was 60 cm with 100 cm wide M-shaped ridge (M160), and the width of furrow was 40 cm with 40 cm wide W-shaped ridge (W80). Control plot and systems were laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Only the ridge was mulched with white plastic film. The results showed as follows: rainfall harvesting systems based on plastic film-mulched could increase water content of topsoil by 19.6%-43%, move up in temperature of topsoil by 0.1oC-2.7oC, improve agronomic traits (P=0.05), and increase yield by 96.8%-115.3% (P=0.05) and WUE by 120.2%-179.3% (P=0.05) compared with those of NM, respectively; “W-shaped” system performed advantage enough among all rainfall harvesting systems, increased water content of topsoil and temperature of topsoil, and separately increased yield and WUE of proso millet by 115.3% and 179.3% compared with those of NM =0.05) in three growing seasons; average rate of yield increase of proso millet in all rainfall harvesting systems tended to be quadratic function correlated with the rainfall (mm) (R2=1); rainfall harvesting systems had better effect on improving plant heights at early growing stage of proso millet than those at later growing stage. The hypothesis was supported by these findings that suggested rainfall harvesting systems with plastic film-mulched could improve yield and water use efficiency of proso millet and have affection effectively at early growing stage of proso millet, increasing yield of rainfall harvesting system was limited by abundant rainfall (mm) and had to be suitable for 250 mm-300 mm rainfall of growing seasons for proso millet; “W-shaped” system performed well in semi-arid areas.
Adaptation strategy of different cow genotypes to the voluntary milking system
Authors: Borshch O. O. , Gutyj B. V. , Sobolev O. I. , Borshch O. V. , Ruban S. Yu. , Bilkevich V. V. , Dutka V. R. , Chernenko O. M. , Zhelavskyi M. M. , Nahirniak T.
Published: April 2020

The aim was of this study was to discover the adaptation indicators of different breeds first-calving cows to voluntary (robotic) milking system during the first month of lactation. The research was carried out in a robotic farm on German Holstein, French Holstein breeds and Brown Swiss breed of cows. During the adaptation period, the German Holsteins were differed from the rench Holsteins and Brown Swiss breed by milk yield, multiplicity of milking, and the amount of consumed concentrated feed. On the 30th day (end of adaptation period), the German Holstein breed dominated over the French Holstein breed and Brown Swiss having average daily milk yield by 0.73 and 4.12 kg, milking times by 0.26 and 0.34, the amount of consumed concentrated feed by 0.32 and 0.61 kg higher. In addition, the German Holstein breed during the adaptation period was distinguished by higher multiplicity of passages through the selection gate and the number of visits to feed stations. Important indicators of adaptation to free keeping and voluntary milking are the number of cases of forced milking. On the 5th day of lactation, some 69.4–86.2% of cows of all the groups did not enter the milking robot. This indicator has been steadily declining every five days. On the 30th day of lactation the cases of operator-forced milking were 24.3–35.9% and they were the lowest in cows of the German Holstein breed, indicating the best adaptive qualities of this cattle. The German Holstein breed had more lower (by 0.30 and 0.26 mS/cm) electrical milk conductivity on the 30th day compared with French and Brown Swiss breeds. In addition, the number of somatic cells in its milk was lower by 19.4 and 17.1 thousand cells per cm3 compared with French Holstein and Brown Swiss breed. Therefore, we suggested that the German Holstein breed has more higher stress tolerance, and hence a shorter adaptation time to the keeping.