bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the truth about nutrition labelling: The age of the confused consumer
Authors: Wagner Kassandra
Published: September 2019

Inadequate nutrition is considered to be a leading cause of mortality in the world. Access to quality information about the nutritional quality of food products is essential for making informed decisions in terms of food selection. To this end, nutrition labelling can be used as a tool for helping guide consumers food choices. This review article will examine which consumers use nutrition labels and what types of information they get from them; how nutrition labels influence health choices, dietary habits, and consumer behaviours; and finally, current practices in nutrition labelling and whether this aligns with consumer preferences. Findings from this article are useful for developing methods of nutritional label education and understanding how nutrition labels can be improved to become more useful to consumers.

Keywords: health; nutrition labelling; food products; packaging; public education; consumer perception
“Nervous nellies and nay-sayers”: Social movements and Canada-United States free trade
Authors: Hamelin Spencer
Published: September 2019

Free trade is part of neo-liberal economics, which is centred on the free market principles of limited government regulation and private sector competition. Free trade focuses on the elimination of trade barriers and tariffs. In Canada, the movement toward free trade began in 1985 with the Royal Commission on the Economic Union and Development Prospects for Canada, which encouraged free trade between the United States and Canada, and concluded with the 1988 federal election that sealed Canada’s fate within economic union with the United States. This article will combine a Neo-Marxist and Political Process Theory framework to address how during the period from 1985 to 1988, Canadian social movements adopted innovative tactics and mobilized against free trade to gain greater influence over trade policy.

Keywords: free trade; social movements; Canada; United States; Auto Pact; United Steel Workers; Canadian Auto Workers, National Action Committee on the Status of Women; Council of Canadians; Macdonald Commission
Tropical Deforestation: Can Property Rights Stem the Tide?
Authors: Bayley Daniel
Published: September 2019

In this report the property right structures surrounding tropical forest management are analyzed with a specific case study presented on tropical forests in Honduras. In order to adequately understand the set of property rights in place surrounding tropical forests, the applicable sets of property rights are laid out and explained (private, common, state, and open access). It is argued that the current property rights regimes in place surrounding tropical forests are inadequate and are the issue leading to high levels of deforestation. Conflicts and controversies surrounding the issue are presented for a counterargument and separate view of the issue. It was found that the current property rights regime in Honduras is inadequate for effective resource management as it lacks enforceability along with structure and is the prominent issue surrounding tropical deforestation. Private property rights were the most effective form of property rights found for maintaining natural resources, and it is therefore recommended that private ownership be instilled upon tropical forests to reduce the rate of deforestation. Free Market Environmentalism (FME) is offered as a solution to the current methodology for the management of tropical forests, as it advocates for private ownership and an enforceable set of rights. Therefore, it is recommended that a private property rights regime following the FME methodology replace existing state property rights in order to stem the tide of tropical deforestation.
Impact of anorectic drugs fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, lorcaserin, and rimonabant on obesity
Authors: Tompkins Brock H.R.
Published: September 2019

Anorectic drugs are used to suppress appetite and increase satiety, thereby encouraging weight loss. Among the anorectic drugs that have been most commonly used are fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, lorcaserin, and rimonabant, which promote weight loss in different ways and to different degrees. By reviewing recent literature, this paper comparatively assesses the benefits and risks of these anorectic drugs. Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, while highly effective in promoting weight loss, were associated with the highest risk of potentially fatal cardiac valve damage. Lorcaserin has proven to be significantly safer than fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, but its impacts on weight loss were generally modest and it was less sucessful in promoting long-term weight loss. Rimonabant resulted in a more significant decrease in weight than did lorcaserin, but was associated with unpredictable psychological side effects. This review identifies lorcaserin as the safest of the anorectic drugs discussed, even if it is not the most effective in promoting and sustaining weight loss. While anorectic drugs may help to treat obesity, they are not without potentially harmful side effects and are best used in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Future research should seek to improve the specificity of anorectic drugs and thereby reduce potential side effects.
To Spark Real-Time Revolution, Fracture Diagnostic Firms Partner Up and Innovate
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: September 2019

While waiting to give a presentation at an industry conference last year, Dale Logan was sitting in his chair listening to one of the speakers lined up ahead of him. The man at the podium was describing an emerging fracture diagnostics system that analyzes the “noise” coming out of a hydraulically stimulated well to measure the size of its fractures.

“I’m just as skeptical as the next guy,” said Logan, a 31-year field operations veteran turned senior vice president of marketing for C&J Energy Services in Houston. “So I said to him, ‘Look, if this stuff is really as good as you guys say it is, then I’m interested.’”

The technology that caught his eye that day comes from an Austin-based startup called Seismos. The chance meeting led to more. Then late last year, the Houston-based pressure pumping company (which will soon become the third largest in the US after its merger with Keane Energy Services) and the startup of fewer than 40 people began working together in the field.

Their experiment was to see if combining C&J’s relatively new drilling data-based completions advisory tool with Seismos’ wellhead-based acoustic analysis proves out the value proposition of both technologies at the same time. Success would be convincing operators that there is a way to predict the relationship between rock properties, fracture half-lengths, and near- wellbore conductivity—opening the door for geologic-based, or “engineered completion” strategies.

The project has borne fruit, but it remains a work in progress as the two companies make sure they know how best to use their data sets together. “It’s not that easy,” said Logan on the pains of the validation process. “You come up with something new, you show people the answer, and then they ask how do you know if it’s right?”

To zoom out here is to see that this partnership is but a single team in the race to revolutionize how the shale sector monitors and executes multimillion-dollar hydraulic fracturing operations. Taking part are at least a dozen service companies and new technology developers that are importing advanced computing and communications technologies that have proven to work in other areas of the•business.•

The objective of these firms is to shed new light on what fractures look like, where they going as they are made, and how much profit they are likely to generate—or lose. Some are aiming to serve up these answers in real time, others, a few minutes after each fracture stage is completed. Either way, the fracture analysis can be used to guide a well completion as it unfolds.

In July, the exhibition floor of the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) became the physical manifestation of these grand ambitions.

Service providers used the gathering in Denver of more than 6,000 petrotechnicals to unveil new software platforms that manage and integrate hydraulic fracture data, which does not have a formal standard across the board as in the drilling sector. Also on display were new ways to capture fracture data.
Intestinal schistosomiasis of Ijinga Island, north-western Tanzania: Prevalence, intensity of infection, hepatosplenic morbidities and their associated factors
Authors: Mueller Andreas , Fuss Antje , Ziegler Uwe , Kaatano Godfrey M. , Mazigo Humphrey D.
Published: September 2019

Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis is highly endemic in Tanzania and mass drug administration (MDA) using praziquantel is the mainstay of control. MDA covers only school aged children and does not include other public health measures. The Ijinga schistosomiasis project examines the impact of an intensified MDA protocol combined with additional public health interventions. It aims to investigate the feasibility of eliminating intestinal schistosomiasis in a highly endemic African setting using an integrated community-based approach. We report baseline data on S.mansoni prevalence, intensity of infection, related hepatosplenic morbidities and their associated factors.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 930 individuals aged 1-95 years on Ijinga Island, north-western Tanzania in September 2016. Single stool and urine samples were collected and processed using Kato Katz (KK) technique and point-of-care Circulating Cathodic (POC-CCA) antigen test for detection of S.mansoni eggs and antigen respectively. All participants received ultrasonography for S.mansoni hepatosplenic morbidities. For statistical analyses Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, student-t-test, ANOVA and linear regression were used where applicable.
Results: Based on KK technique and POC-CCA test, 68.9% and 94.5% respectively were infected with S.mansoni . The overall geometrical mean eggs per gram (GMepg) of faeces was 85.7epg. A total of 27.1%, 31.2% and 51.9% of the participants had periportal fibrosis (PPF-grade C-F), splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Risk factors for PPF were being male (aRR=1.08, P <0.01), belong to the age group 16-25 years (aRR=1.23, P <0.01), 26-35 years (aRR=1.42, P <0.001), 36-45 years (aRR=1.56, P <0.001) and ≥ 46 years (aRR=1.64, P <0.001). The length of the left liver lobe was associated with being female ( P <0.03), the age group 1-5 years ( P <0.013), 6-15 years ( P <0.04) and S.mansoni intensity of infection ( P <0.034). Male sex (aRR=1.15, P <0.001) and the age groups 16-25 years (aRR=1.27, P <0.02) or 26-35 years (aRR=1.32, P <0.01) were associated with splenomegaly.
Conclusion : Schistosoma mansoni infection and related morbidities are common in the study area. Age, sex and intensity of infection were associated with periportal fibrosis. With a prevalence of >50% in each age group we recommend MDA to the entire community.
Study of hemolytic activity and subfactors of complement in smokers intoxication
Authors: Allaf Rojan Ghanim Al
Published: September 2019

Background: Heavy Smokers appeared to be less resistant to infection, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Many studies have examined the complement components concentrations than compared with normal people and ignored the functional sequencing of complement components.
Methods: our study included the determination of complement activity by using Sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) as antigen and extracting the hemolytic activity (50%) of complement compounds, and because of difficulty of this method we using statistical analysis program (SPSS 23) and derived the inverse equation which gives the decomposition percentage (1-100%) of complement components by using five serum dilutions only, The total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) and its C3 and C4 fractions were determined in 30 heavy smokers.
Results: The results were compared with a control group that contained 30 persons matched in age and sex. Generally, both C3 and C4 concentrations were increased in smoker's individual in compared with the control group. However, when the independent t-test has applied the differences in the C3 and C4 levels in the control group (healthy individuals) and in the smoker group were found to be statistically insignificant but the inverse equation showed a 7% reduction in CH50 in smokers compared with the control group, where 18% reduction was observed.
Conclusions: Our current study suggests that the complement components of the heavy smokers suffer from a significant dysfunction in the function, although the concentration of the basic components in the serum is parallel with normal values.
Epidemiology and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Vibrio cholerae Associated with the 2017 Outbreak in Kasese district
Authors: Iramiot Jacob Stanley , Rwego Innocent B. , Kansiime Catherine , Asiimwe Benon B
Published: September 2019

Background Cholera has continued to be a global threat to public health and a key indicator of lack of social development in developing countries. This report summarizes findings from the epidemiologic investigation, which aimed at identifying the mode of transmission and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the Vibrio cholerae isolated in Kasese district, Uganda. Materials and methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study to describe the epidemiology of the 2017 cholera outbreak in Kasese district. Rectal swabs were collected from 69 suspected case-persons and cultured on Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile-Salts Sucrose (TCBS™; SEIKEN Japan) agar and incubated at 370C for 18-24 hours. The isolates were serotyped with polyvalent 01 antiserum and monovalent serotype Inaba and Ogawa antisera (Denka Seiken, Tokyo, Japan) to determine which serotype was responsible for the outbreak. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Results A total of 222 cases were recorded in the Kasese District outbreak between the month of September 2017 and January 2018 with the case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.4%. Children below the age of 14 years contributed the biggest proportion of the cases (70%) and out of these, 33% were aged below five years. Antibiotic susceptibility using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method showed 100% resistance to Ampicillin and over 50% were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole whereas gentamicin showed 100% susceptibility. The general trend also showed increased susceptibility to combination therapy as opposed to mono-therapy.
Template-switching artifacts resemble alternative polyadenylation
Authors: Balázs Zsolt , Tombácz Dóra , Csabai Zsolt , Moldován Norbert , Snyder Michael , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: September 2019

Background: Alternative polyadenylation is commonly examined using cDNA sequencing, which is known to be affected by template-switching artifacts. However, the effects of such template-switching artifacts on alternative polyadenylation are generally disregarded, while alternative polyadenylation artifacts are attributed to internal priming.
Results: Here, we analyzed both long-read cDNA sequencing and direct RNA sequencing data of two organisms, generated by different sequencing platforms. We developed a filtering algorithm which takes into consideration that template-switching can be a source of artifactual polyadenylation when filtering out spurious polyadenylation sites. The algorithm outperformed the conventional internal priming filters based on comparison to direct RNA sequencing data. We also showed that the polyadenylation artifacts arise in cDNA sequencing at consecutive stretches of as few as three adenines. There was no substantial difference between the lengths of poly(A) tails at the artifactual and the true transcriptional end sites even though it is expected that internal priming artifacts have shorter poly(A) tails than genuine polyadenylated reads.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that template switching plays an important role in the generation of spurious polyadenylation and support the need for more rigorous filtering of artifactual polyadenylation sites in cDNA data, or that alternative polyadenylation should be annotated using native RNA sequencing.
Intra-abdominal infections: the role of different classifications on the selection of the best antibiotic treatment.
Authors: Nunes João Silva , Cardoso Teresa Maria Costa
Published: September 2019

Background: Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) represent a serious cause of morbimortality. A full classification, including all facets of IAIs, does not exist. Two classifications are used to subdivide IAIs: uncomplicated or complicated, considering infection extent; and community-acquired, healthcare-associated or hospital-acquired, regarding the place of acquisition. Inadequate antibiotic therapy is associated with treatment failure and increased mortality. This study was designed to determine accuracy of different classifications of IAIs to identify infections by pathogens sensitive to current treatment guidelines helping the selection of the best antibiotic therapy.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study including all adult patients discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of IAI between 1st of January and 31st of October 2016. All variables potentially associated with pre-defined outcomes: infection by a pathogen sensitive to non-pseudomonal cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole (ATB 1, primary outcome), sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam (ATB 2) and hospital mortality (secondary outcomes) were studied through logistic regression. Accuracy of the models was assessed by area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve and calibration was tested using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.
Results: Of 1804 patients screened 154 met inclusion criteria. Sensitivity to ATB 1 was independently associated with male gender (adjusted OR=2.612) and previous invasive procedures in the last year (adjusted OR=0.424) (AUROC curve=0,65). Sensitivity to ATB 2 was independently associated with liver disease (adjusted OR=3.580) and post-operative infections (adjusted OR=2.944) (AUROC curve=0.604). Hospital mortality was independently associated with age≥70 (adjusted OR=4.677), solid tumour (adjusted OR=3.127) and sensitivity to non-pseudomonal cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole (adjusted OR=0.368).
The accuracy of pre-existing classifications to identify infection by a pathogen sensitive to ATB 1 was 0.59 considering place of acquisition, 0.61 infection extent and 0.57 local of infection, for ATB 2 it was 0.66, 0.50 and 0.57, respectively.
Conclusion: None of existing classifications had a good discriminating power to identify IAIs caused by pathogens sensitive to current antibiotic treatment recommendations. A new classification, including patients’ individual characteristics like those included in the current model, might have a higher potential to distinguish IAIs by resistant pathogens allowing a better choice of empiric antibiotic therapy.
Keywords: intra-abdominal infections; classification; antibiotic therapy; hospital mortality.
The olfactory secretome varies according to season in female sheep and goat
Authors: CANN Paul , CHABI Malika , DELSART Aliénor , DANVIC Chrystelle LE , SALIOU Jean-Michel , CHASLES Manon , KELLER Matthieu , MEILLOUR Patricia NAGNAN-LE
Published: September 2019

Abstract:
Background : Small ungulates (sheep and goat) display a seasonal breeding, characterised by two successive periods, sexual activity (SA) and sexual rest (SR). Odours emitted by a sexually active male can reactivate the ovulation of anoestrus females. The plasticity of the olfactory system under these hormonal changes has never been explored at the peripheral level of odours reception. As it was shown in pig that the olfactory secretome (proteins secreted in the nasal mucus) could be modified under hormonal control, we monitored its composition in females of both species through several reproductive seasons, thanks to a non-invasive sampling of olfactory mucus. For this purpose, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-E), western-blot with specific antibodies, MALDI-TOF and high-resolution (nano-LC-MS/MS) mass spectrometry, RACE-PCR and molecular modelling were used.

Results : In both species the olfactory secretome is composed of isoforms of OBP-like proteins, generated by post-translational modifications, as phosphorylation, N-glycosylation and O -GlcNAcylation. Important changes were observed in the olfactory secretome between the sexual rest and the sexual activity periods, characterised in ewe by the specific expression of SAL-like proteins and the emergence of OBPs O- GlcNAcylation. In goat, the differences between SA and SR did not come from new proteins expression, but from different post-translational modifications, the main difference between the SA and SR secretome being the number of isoforms of each protein. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD014833.

Conclusion : Despite common behaviour, seasonal breeding, and genetic resources, the two species seem to adapt their sensory equipment in SA by different modalities: the variation of olfactory secretome in ewe could correspond to a specialization to detect male odours only in SA, whereas in goat the stability of the olfactory secretome could indicate a constant capacity of odours detection suggesting that the hallmark of SA in goat might be the emission of specific odours by the sexually active male. In both species, the olfactory secretome is a phenotype reflecting the physiological status of females, and could be used by breeders to monitor their receptivity to the male effect.
“With a grain of salt”? Supervisor credibility and other trainee concerns when seeking clinical oversight, support and advice: a focus group study of Australian general practice trainees.
Authors: Sturman Nancy Jennifer , Jorm Christine , Parker Malcolm
Published: September 2019

Background ‘Ad hoc’ help-seeking by trainees from their supervisors during trainee consultations is important for patient safety, and trainee professional development. General practice trainee decisions about seeking (and responding to) supervisor oversight, support and advice may be influenced by a number of concerns, including reservations about the credibility of their supervisors. Methods Focus groups with general practice trainees were undertaken to explore their help-seeking decisions during consultations, and their assessments of the credibility and value of the help provided by their supervisors. All data was audio-recorded and transcribed, coded using in-vivo and descriptive codes, and analysed by the constant comparison of provisional interpretations and themes with the data. Findings are reported under the over-arching categories of help-seeking objectives, activities and outcomes. Results Early in their general practice placements trainees need advice about practice facilities, and the “ complex maze ” of local patient resources and referral preferences, as well as unfamiliar clinical presentations and management decisions. Subsequent help-seeking tended to be characterised informally as “ having a chat ” or “ getting a second opinion ” so as not to “ miss anything ” when trainees were “ not 100% sure ”, although trainees continued to emphasise the importance of being (and demonstrating that they were) safe. Time and workflow constraints had a powerful influence on trainee help-seeking decisions, and patients also exerted considerable influence. Trainees assessed the credibility of supervisors in terms of their approach to risk and their clinical expertise. The latter was often believed to be uneven. Several trainees reported seeking other opinions when they were uncomfortable with supervisor advice. Conclusion How a supervisor responds when their help is sought strongly influences the trainee’s subsequent help-seeking. Trainees prefer to seek help from supervisors who respond promptly and observe the etiquette of providing help in front of patients, and whose advice they trust. Trainees learn through help-seeking to make their own clinical calls but remain curious about how other general practitioners practise. Several trainees expressed great respect for their supervisors and valued opportunities to observe their clinical expertise. These important learning opportunities should be provided throughout training.
Point-of-Care Measurement of Activated Clotting Time for Cardiac Surgery as measured by the Hemochron Signature Eliteand the Abbott i-STAT: Agreement, Concordance, and Clinical Reliability
Authors: Dirkmann Daniel , Nagy Elisabeth , Britten Martin Walter , Peters Juergen
Published: September 2019

Background: Since inadequate heparin anticoagulation and insufficient reversal can result in complications during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery, heparin anticoagulation monitoring by point-of-care (POC) activated clotting time (ACT) measurements is essential for CPB initiation, maintainance, and anticoagulant reversal. However, concerns exist regarding reproducibility of ACT assays and comparability of devices. Methods: We evaluated the agreement of ACT assays using four parallel measurements performed on two commonly used devices each (i.e., two Hemochron Signature Elite (Hemochron) and two Abbott i-STAT (i-STAT) devices, respectively). Blood samples from 30 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB were assayed at specified steps (baseline, after heparin administration, after protamine administration) with four parallel measurements (two of each device type) using commercial Kaolin activated assays provided by the respective manufactures. Measurements were compared between identical and different device types using linear regression, Bland-Altman analyses, and calculation of Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: Parallel i-STAT ACTs demonstrated a good linear correlation (r=0.985). Bias, as determined by Bland-Altman analysis, was low (-3.8s; 95% limits of agreement (LOA): -77.8 -70.2s), and Cohen’s Kappa demonstrated good agreement (kappa=0.809). Hemochron derived ACTs demonstrated worse linear correlation (r=0.782), larger bias with considerably broader LOA (-13.14s; 95%LOA:-316.3-290s), and lesser concordance between parallel assays (kappa=0.554). Although demonstrating a fair linear correlation (r=0.815), parallel measurements on different ACT-devices showed large bias (-20s; 95% LOA: -290-250s) and little concordance (kappa=0.368). Overall, disconcordant results according to clinically predefined target values were more frequent with the Hemochron than i-STAT. Furthermore, while discrepancies in ACT between two parallel iSTAT assays showed little or no clinical relevance, deviations from parallel Hemochron assays and iSTAT versus Hemochron measurements revealed marked and sometimes clinically critical deviations. Conclusion: Currently used ACT point-of-care devices cannot be used interchangeably. Furthermore, our data question the reliability of the Hemochron in assessing adequacy of heparin anticoagulation monitoring for CPB.
Uncompleted emergency department care and discharge against medical advice in patients with neurological complaints: a chart review.
Authors: Hoyer Carolin , Stein Patrick , Alonso Angelika , Platten Michael , Szabo Kristina
Published: September 2019

Background: Uncompleted emergency department care and against-medical-advice discharge represent relevant medical problems with impact on patient safety and potential medicolegal and socioeconomic consequences. They may also indicate structural or procedural problems in the emergency department (ED) relating to patient management and flow. While patients with neurological complaints frequently leave the ED against medical advice or without being seen, no dedicated analysis of this group of patients aiming at the identification of characteristics associated with irregular ED discharge has been performed so far.
Methods: A chart review was performed of all patients with neurological complaints presenting to a German interdisciplinary emergency department between January and December 2017 for neurological evaluation. Demographics, mode of presentation, process times, presenting symptoms and diagnosis were recorded. Patients leaving against medical advice after an informed consent discussion and signing of documentation (DAMA) or leaving prematurely without notifying ED staff (PL) were compared to the total of patients who were admitted or discharged (non-DAMA/PL).
Results: Of all patients presenting with neurological symptoms or complaints, 3% left against medical advice and 2.2% left prematurely DAMA/PL patients were younger (p<.001), and they were more frequently self-presenting (p<0.001). Headaches, seizures and sensory deficits were the most frequent presenting symptoms in DAMA/PL patients, and 56.1% of those presenting with a seizure had a history of epilepsy. The most common documented reason for leaving was the duration of door-to-doctor time.
Conclusions: Younger age, self-presenting mode of presentation and presentation with headache, seizures or sensory deficits are associated with premature leave or against-medical-advice discharge of patients with neurological complaints from the ED, and long waiting times were given as the major reason for leaving the ED. Increasing ED staff’s awareness of these factors and the optimization of pre-hospital assessment and demand management, thereby positively impacting on patient flow and ED process times, may help to prevent irregular discharges from the ED.
Dolomite and Micronutrient Fertilizer Affect Phosphorus Fate in Pine Bark Substrate used for Containerized Nursery Crop Production
Authors: Shreckhise Jacob H. , Owen James S. , Eick Matthew J. , Niemiera Alexander X. , Altland James E. , White Sarah A.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Addition of dolomite or micronutrients reduced leachate‐P from bark‐based substrates.

Orthophosphate‐P from controlled‐release fertilizer contributed 74 to 86% of TDP.

Dolomite reduced fertilizer orthophosphate‐P in leachate by >50%.

MnHPO4 and Ca5(PO4)3(OH) were dominant modeled solid‐phase species in leachate.

Addition of dolomite and micronutrient amendments to bark may be considered a BMP.

Dolomite and a micronutrient fertilizer are routinely incorporated into a pine bark‐based soilless substrate when producing containerized nursery crops, yet the effect of these amendments on phosphorus (P) is not well understood. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of dolomite and micronutrient fertilizer amendments on P partitioning among four P fractions (i.e., orthophosphate‐P [OP], non‐orthophosphate dissolved P [NODP], total dissolved P [TDP], and particulate P [PP]) and to model potential P species in leachate of pine bark substrate. Amendment treatments incorporated into bark at experiment initiation included (1) a control (no fertilizer, dolomite, or micronutrient fertilizer), (2) controlled‐release fertilizer (CRF), (3) CRF and dolomite, (4) CRF and micronutrient fertilizer, or (5) CRF, dolomite, and micronutrient fertilizer. Phosphorus fractions in leachate of irrigated pine bark columns were determined at eight sampling times over 48 days. Amending pine bark with dolomite and micronutrient fertilizer reduced leachate OP concentrations by 70% when averaged across sampling dates primarily due to retention of OP in the substrate by dolomite. The NODP fraction was unaffected by amendments, and the response of TDP was similar to that of OP. Particulate P was present throughout the study and was strongly correlated particulate Fe and DOC concentrations. Visual MINTEQ indicated MnHPO4 and Ca5(PO4)3(OH) were consistently saturated with respect to their solid phase in treatments containing CRF. Results of this study suggest amending pine bark with dolomite and micronutrients is a best management practice for reducing P leaching from containerized nurseries.
Women in Soil Science: Growing Participation, Emerging Gaps, and the Opportunities for Advancement in the USA
Authors: Vaughan Karen , Van Miegroet Helga , Pennino Amanda , Pressler Yamina , Duball Chelsea , Brevik Eric C. , Berhe Asmeret Asefaw , Olson Carolyn
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Despite historic gains, women remain under‐represented in soils‐related careers.

Women are under‐represented in soil science leadership positions.

Women receive SSSA awards at lower rates than their participation in the society.

Women face attrition more than men as they advance the soil science career ladder.

Diversity and inclusion are important pathways to grow and innovate soil science.

The soil science discipline has undergone significant changes since its establishment in the 1900s; from strong connections with agronomy to a broader focus on ecosystems, earth, and environmental sciences while also during this period experiencing a notable increase in diversity among soil scientists. In this review, we explore soil science from the perspective of gender demographics and disciplinary foci of soil scientists. We examine graduate student enrollment metrics; employment information in academia, the federal government, and the private sector; and membership data from SSSA to gain deeper insight into these changes and the implications for the future of soil science. Women earn nearly half of the advanced soil science degrees. The number of women pursuing soil science careers has also increased, albeit less markedly, as women now comprise 24, 26, and 20% of the soil scientists in academic faculty positions, federal agencies, and private industry, respectively. However, there is reason for concern that women linger in intermediate levels of employment, and further attrition occurs along the career ladder with only ∼18% of the highest employment levels held by women; even fewer reach executive leadership levels in any sector. The growing participation of women in soil science is further reflected in a nearly 45% increase in female membership and meeting attendance in SSSA over the past decade, but recognition of their accomplishments and their presence in SSSA leadership positions remains low. We provide recommendations toward greater inclusion and gender diversity as this represents an important pathway to grow and innovate our science.
Effects of 130 Years of Selected Cropping Management Systems on Soil Health Properties for Sanborn Field
Authors: Norkaew Saranya , Miles Randall J. , Brandt Donna K. , Anderson Stephen H.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Soil health characterization was useful for discriminating among long‐term cropping systems.

Positive associations were found among most soil health properties.

Most soil health properties evaluated had negative correlations with bulk density.

Incorporation of crop rotations into cropping systems has been suggested as an effective practice to improve soil health for sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted on selected cropping systems with little fertilizer input to evaluate long‐term cropping system effects on soil health properties in Sanborn Field. Soil samples were collected on two dates during 2 yr from each plot. Soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics were analyzed in the laboratory for these samples to assess soil health using a cumulative normal distribution method. Soil samples collected from Tucker Prairie were used as a proxy for the original state of Sanborn Field soils to compare with soil from the selected cropping systems. The results from the characterization indicated that continuous timothy (Phleum pretense L.) and warm‐season grass treatments were classified with very high soil health scores, followed by middle scores for rotations and continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and by the lowest score for continuous corn (Zea mays L.). In addition, results showed strong positive linear associations between the following properties: soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, active carbon, microbial biomass, and water‐stable aggregates (r = 0.60 to 0.96). In contrast, these properties had strong negative linear correlations with bulk density (r = −0.59 to −0.71). An integrated soil health index requires a combination of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to adequately assess the soil health status of selected cropping systems and to make potential recommendations for future sustainable management.
Equilibration towards generalized Gibbs ensembles in non-interacting theories
Authors: Gluza Marek , Eisert Jens , Farrelly Terry
Published: September 2019

Even after almost a century, the foundations of quantum statistical
mechanics are still not completely understood. In this work, we provide
a precise account on these foundations for a class of systems of
paradigmatic importance that appear frequently as mean-field models in
condensed matter physics, namely non-interacting lattice models of
fermions (with straightforward extension to bosons). We demonstrate that
already the translation invariance of the Hamiltonian governing the
dynamics and a finite correlation length of the possibly non-Gaussian
initial state provide sufficient structure to make mathematically
precise statements about the equilibration of the system towards a
generalized Gibbs ensemble, even for highly non-translation invariant
initial states far from ground states of non-interacting models.
Whenever these are given, the system will equilibrate rapidly according
to a power-law in time as long as there are no long-wavelength
dislocations in the initial second moments that would render the system
resilient to relaxation. Our proof technique is rooted in the machinery
of Kusmin-Landau bounds. Subsequently, we numerically illustrate our
analytical findings by discussing quench scenarios with an initial state
corresponding to an Anderson insulator observing power-law
equilibration. We discuss the implications of the results for the
understanding of current quantum simulators, both in how one can
understand the behaviour of equilibration in time, as well as concerning
perspectives for realizing distinct instances of generalized Gibbs
ensembles in optical lattice-based architectures.
Caçadas Perdigueiras - um estudo etnográfico sobre individuação técnica de homens e cadelas
Authors: Olivier Ramos Rodrigues Paulo
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo diz respeito a uma pesquisa etnográfica feita nos anos de 2015 e 2016. Acompanhei caçadores da serra gaúcha, que anualmente, durante a temporada de caça, na estação do inverno, locomovem-se na direção dos campos uruguaios para encontrar a presa desejada, a perdizes. Viso refletir acerca das técnicas envolvidas nessa prática, no que tange os humanos e os não-humanos participantes, (cães, perdizes, espingardas, etc.), a partir de uma perspectiva ecológica.
Caminhos de estrelas e trilhas de ondas
Authors: Paulo Victor Vieira
Published: September 2019

Através do contraste entre duas formas de navegação distintas, oriundas das Ilhas Carolinas e das Ilhas Marshall, na Micronésia, buscamos discutir duas abordagens teóricas prevalentes nas discussões sobre navegação na antropologia – a teoria cognitiva da navegação e a teoria do descobrir caminho. Enfatizando as possibilidades e limites de cada abordagem, argumentamos pela complementaridade destes aparatos teóricos no estudo antropológico da navegação.
Tortura da dieta versus prazer de comer:
Authors: Justo Glaucia Figueiredo , Ferreira Jaqueline Teresinha
Published: September 2019

Este trabalho aborda uma etnografia entre usuários do ambulatório de Nutrição de uma Policlínica pública na cidade do Rio de Janeiro entre os anos de 2015 e 2016. O objetivo do presente texto foi de revelar as percepções entre usuários sobre as questões da alimentação e seus sentidos e significados. Como metodologia foi realizado observação participante na sala de espera, grupos focais, entrevista semidiretiva e recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Como resultados observou-se um conflito acerca dos alimentos “saudáveis” preconizados pelos nutricionistas e os preferidos pelos usuários. Nesse sentido, a dieta, essencial para compensar os desarranjos metabólicos causados pelas suas patologias, era considerada uma tortura.
Inhibition of microRNA-155 Alleviates Neurological Dysfunction Following Transient Global Ischemia and Contribution of Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Hippocampus
Authors: Sun Lichao , Ji Shouqin , Xing Jihong
Published: September 2019

Background/Aims:

Central pro-inflammatory cytokine (PIC) signal is involved in neurological deficits
after transient global ischemia induced by cardiac arrest (CA). The present study was to examine the role of microRNA-
155 (miR-155) in regulating IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus of rats with induction of CA.
We further examined the levels of products of oxidative stress 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso PGF2α, indication of
oxidative stress); and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, indication of protein oxidation) after cerebral
inhibition of miR-155.

Methods:

CA was induced by asphyxia and followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats. ELISA and western
blot analysis were used to determine the levels of PICs and products of oxidative stress; and the protein expression
of NADPH oxidase (NOXs) in the hippocampus. In addition, neurological severity score and brain
edema were examined to assess neurological functions.

Results:

We observed amplification of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α along with 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG in the hippocampus
of CA rats. Cerebral administration of miR-155 inhibitor diminished upregulation of PICs in the hippocampus.
This also attenuated products of oxidative stress and upregulation of NOX4. Notably, inhibition of
miR-155 improved neurological severity score and brain edema and this was linked to signal pathways of PIC
and oxidative stress.

Conclusion:

We showed the significant role of blocking miR-155 signal in improving the neurological function
in CA rats likely via inhibition of signal pathways of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting
that miR-155 may be a target in preventing and/or alleviating development of the impaired neurological functions
during CA-evoked global cerebral ischemia.
Mixed Ligand-metal Complexes of 2-(butan-2-ylidene) Hydrazinecarbothioamide- Synthesis, Characterization, Computer-Aided Drug Character Evaluation and in vitro Biological Activity Assessment
Authors: Khan Tahmeena , Ahmad Rumana , Azad Iqbal , Raza Saman , Joshi Seema , Khan Abdul R.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Mixed ligand-metal complexes are efficient chelating agents because of their
flexible donor ability. Mixed ligand complexes containing hetero atoms sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen
have been probed for their biological significance.

Methods:

Nine mixed ligand-metal complexes of 2-(butan-2-ylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide (2-
butanone thiosemicarbazone) with pyridine, bipyridine and 2-picoline as co-ligands were synthesized
with Cu, Co and Zn salts. The complexes were tested against MDA-MB231 (MDA) and A549 cell lines.
Antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The drug character
of the complexes was evaluated on parameters viz. physicochemical properties, bioactivity scores, toxicity
assessment and Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) profile using
various automated softwares. Molecular docking was performed against Ribonucleotide Reductase (RR)
and topoisomerase II (topo II).

Results:

The mixed ligand-metal complexes were synthesized by condensation reaction for 4-5 h. The
characterization was done by elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, FT-IR, molar conductance and UV spectroscopic
techniques. Molecular docking results showed that [Cu(C5H11N3S)(py)2(CH3COO)2],
[Zn(C5H11N3S)(bpy)(SO4)] and [Zn(C5H11N3S)(2-pic)2(SO4)] displayed the lowest binding energies with
respect to RR. Against topo II [Cu(C5H11N3S)(py)2(CH3COO)2], [Cu(C5H11N3S)(bpy)(CH3COO)2] and
[Zn(C5H11N3S)(2-pic)2(SO4)] had the lowest energies. The druglikness assessment was done using Leadlikeness
and Lipinski’s rules. Not more than two violations were obtained in case of each filtering rule
showing drug-like character of the mixed ligand complexes. Some of the complexes exhibited positive
bioactivity scores and almost all the complexes were predicted to be safe with no hazardous effects as
predicted by the toxicity assessment. Ames test predicted the non-mutagenic nature of the complexes.

Conclusion:

In vitro activity evaluation showed that [Zn(C5H11N3S)(py)2(SO4)], [Co(C5H11N3S(bpy)
(Cl)2] and [Cu(C5H11N3S)(2-pic)2(CH3COO)2] were active against MDA. Against A549
[Co(C5H11N3S)(py)2(Cl)2], [Cu(C5H11N3S)(py)2(CH3COO)2] and [Co(C5H11N3S(bpy)(Cl)2] were active.
Antibacterial evaluation showed that [Co(C5H11N3S)(bpy)(Cl)2], [Zn(C5H11N3S)(2-pic)2(SO4)] and
[Cu(C5H11N3S)(2-pic)2(CH3COO)2] were active against S. aureus. Against E. coli, [Zn(C5H11N3S)(2-
pic)2(SO4)] showed activity at 18-20 mg dose range.
Copper Catalyzed Autoxidation of Sulphur Dioxide and Inhibition by Methanoic Acid
Authors: Sharma Arun Kumar , Prasad Devarkonda Satay Narayan
Published: September 2019

Background::

Today, acid rain problem is one of the serious global problems to
the environment in which pH of the rain water decreases, causing harmful effect to nature,
buildings, monuments, vegetation and human being as well. Therefore, the objective of the
paper to find out some organic inhibitors present in the atmosphere that inhibited the acid
rain.

Objective::

In this paper, we studied the chemistry of Cu (II)-methanoic acid-S(IV)-O2 in
acetate buffered medium by earlier reported methods in literature. Gravimetric analysis
was carried out to find the end product and confirmed that it was sulphate with 98 % recovery.

Methods::

Experiments were carried out at 303 ≤ T/K ≤ 313, 4.0 ≤ pH ≤ 5.35, 1.0×10−3
mol/dm3 ≤ S(IV) ≤ 10.0×10−3 mol/dm3, 5×10−6 mol/dm3 ≤ [Cu(II)] ≤ 2.5×10−5 mol/dm3,
6×10−6 mol/dm3≤[methanoic acid]≤7×10-4 mol/dm3. The value of apparent activation energy
and inhibition parameter B was calculated in the presence of methanoic acid found as
29.07 kJ mol-1and 3.18 x 103 mol dm-3, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters were
found as frequency factor (1.59 x 10-6s-1), entropy (-358.92 J K-1 mol-1), enthalpy (20.97 k J
mol-1), and Gibbs free energy (172.83k J mol-1), respectively.

Results::

We observed that methanoic acid acts as an inhibitor in copper catalyzed autoxidation
of SO2 in acidic medium. Therefore, on the basis of the observed results a free radical
mechanism has been identified. The results are useful for modeling rain water acidity
and therefore a great use of meteorology and atmospheric chemistry. This study is important
in understanding the mechanism of the oxidation of S(IV) by O2.

Conclusion::

This study suggests that since organic inhibitors are found in the atmosphere,
their concentrations and their influence on the oxidation of aqueous SO2 should be taken
into account. The intervention of methanoic acid in the autoxidation of aqueous SO2 plays
a role in deciding the fate of both methanoic acid and SO2. The influence of inhibitors may
be used to calculate the lifetime of SO2, Methanoic acid has high values of kinh and, therefore,
it would be degraded by sulfate radical anions in atmospheric waters.