bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haloxyfop determination by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in eggs
Authors: Lehner Andreas F. , Zyskowski Justin , Fulton Richard M. , Buchweitz John P.
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Haloxyfop is a pre/post‐emergence herbicide with known organ toxicities and teratogenic effects in mammals. The European Union Commission on Food Safety has an established maximum residue limit of 10 μg/kg in all agricultural products including eggs. A sensitive highly specific method would be of value in determination of haloxyfop residues in foodstuffs such as eggs.

Methods

The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (MSU VDL) developed a method for the extraction of haloxyfop from eggs based on popular QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) methodologies, essentially providing acetonitrile extracts following treatment with high ionic strength additives. Extracts derivatized with trimethylsilyl (TMS) groups were examined by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using developed multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methodology.

Results

The MSU VDL received eggs from chickens exposed to 760 μg/kg haloxyfop in flaxseed. Haloxyfop‐TMS m/z 374→73 MRM setting enabled quantitation across the 1–50 ppb range in comparison with an ibuprofen MRM transition as internal standard.

Conclusions

The determined limit of quantitation was 2.5 ng/g, and the method successfully identified haloxyfop residues in five of six batches of the chicken eggs, with nonzero values ranging from 2.7 to 14.5 ng/g. These values were consistent with flaxseed incorporation into the diet at 4–7% and known excretion into eggs at 2–3% of daily haloxyfop exposure, and establish the utility of the method in identifying regulatory noncompliance and adulteration of food sources.
An improved continuous sliding mode controller for flexible air‐breathing hypersonic vehicle
Authors: Ding Yibo , Wang Xiaogang , Bai Yuliang , Cui Naigang
Published: July 2020

An improved continuous sliding mode control algorithm is proposed for a flexible air‐breathing hypersonic vehicle (FAHV), including nonsingular fast fixed‐time sliding surface (NFFS) and dual‐layer adaptive continuous twisting reaching law (DACTL). Firstly, the nonlinear control‐oriented model of FAHV is processed using input/output feedback linearization method with the significant flexible effects modeling as unknown matched disturbances. Secondly, a novel NFFS is improved from conventional fixed‐time sliding surface by adjusting power exponent to accelerate convergence rate. In the meanwhile, in order to avoid singularity aroused by fractional power term, an exponential convergent sliding surface is switched when tracking error approaches zero. Thirdly, a DACTL is proposed to realize finite‐time convergence of sliding mode variable with higher convergence precision and less chattering. Dual‐layer adaptive law is utilized to adjust the gain in DACTL based on equivalent control concept so as to enhance robustness automatically and avoid overestimation of control gain. Meanwhile, disturbances can be compensated without knowledge of Lipschitz constants. Ultimately, simulations on longitudinal control of FAHV demonstrate the control algorithm proposed is superior to conventional quasi‐continuous sliding mode controller in the aspect of convergence accuracy and chattering suppression.
Self‐triggered stabilizing controllers for linear continuous‐time systems
Authors: Zobiri Fairouz , Meslem Nacim , Bidegaray‐Fesquet Brigitte
Published: July 2020

Self‐triggered control is an improvement on event‐triggered control methods. Unlike the latter, self‐triggered control does not require monitoring the behavior of the system constantly. Instead, self‐triggered algorithms predict the events at which the control law has to be updated before they happen, relying on system model and past information. In this work, we present a self‐triggered version of an event‐triggered control method in which events are generated when a pseudo‐Lyapunov function (PLF) associated with the system increases up to a certain limit. This approach has been shown to considerably decrease the communications between the controller and the plant, while maintaining system stability. To predict the intersections between the PLF and the upper limit, we use a simple and fast root‐finding algorithm. The algorithm mixes the global convergence properties of the bisection and the fast convergence properties of the Newton‐Raphson method. Moreover, to ensure the convergence of the method, the initial iterate of the algorithm is found through a minimization algorithm.
Assessing river condition: A multiscale approach designed for operational application in the context of biodiversity net gain
Authors: Gurnell Angela M. , Scott Sarah J. , England Judy , Gurnell Dave , Jeffries Richard , Shuker Lucy , Wharton Geraldene
Published: July 2020

Assessments of river condition are needed to guide all aspects of river management. Such assessments have evolved over three decades from simply capturing the mosaic of river physical habitats to recognizing that habitat mosaics are dynamic, driven mainly by physical processes and modified by human (indirect) pressures and (direct) interventions. To embrace these broader aspects, riparian as well as in‐stream environments need to be evaluated, going beyond subjective assessments to incorporate observations that support understanding of both physical habitat structure and cause‐effect relationships. This paper reports on an operational approach to assessing the physical condition of rivers, which attempts to bridge the gap between a physical habitat and a geomorphic condition assessment. The approach forms part of Biodiversity Metric 2.0, a habitat‐based methodology for measuring and accounting for biodiversity losses and gains resulting from development or land management change at individual project sites across England. The river condition assessment component adopts a bottom‐up multi‐scale approach that integrates field observations of physical habitats and of features indicative of geomorphic processes to deliver assessments of longer subreaches, whose condition is then evaluated within the context of the reach‐scale geomorphological type of river. By applying the assessment before, immediately after, and following recovery from project implementation, changes in condition and their causes can be evaluated. The assessment method is presented to an international audience, outlining its structure, application and testing, and critically discussing its strengths and weaknesses, because the methodological approach could be helpful for devising methods for application in other environmental contexts.
Precision installation of a highly efficient suicide gene safety switch in human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Shi Zhong-Dong , Tchao Jason , Wu Ling , Carman Aaron J.
Published: July 2020

Human pluripotent stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells, hold great promise for cell-based therapies, but safety concerns that complicate consideration for routine clinical use remain. Installing a “safety switch” based on the inducible caspase-9 (iCASP9) suicide gene system should offer added control over undesirable cell replication or activity. Previous studies utilized lentiviral vectors to integrate the iCASP9 system into T cells and iPSCs. This method results in random genomic insertion of the suicide switch and inefficient killing of the cells after the switch is “turned on” with a small molecule (eg, AP1903). To improve the safety and efficiency of the iCASP9 system for use in iPSC-based therapy, we precisely installed the system into a genomic safe harbor, the AAVS1 locus in the PPP1R12C gene. We then evaluated the efficiencies of different promoters to drive iCASP9 expression in human iPSCs. We report that the commonly used EF1α promoter is silenced in iPSCs, and that the endogenous promoter of the PPP1R12C gene is not strong enough to drive high levels of iCASP9 expression. However, the CAG promoter induces strong and stable iCASP9 expression in iPSCs, and activation of this system with AP1903 leads to rapid killing and complete elimination of iPSCs and their derivatives, including MSCs and chondrocytes, in vitro. Furthermore, iPSC-derived teratomas shrank dramatically or were completely eliminated after administration of AP1903 in mice. Our data suggest significant improvements on existing iCASP9 suicide switch technologies and may serve as a guide to other groups seeking to improve the safety of stem cell-based therapies.
The impact of managerial job security on corporate entrepreneurship: Evidence from corporate venture capital programs
Authors: Cabral Joseph J. , Francis Bill B. , Kumar M. V. Shyam
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

We examine the role of managerial job security in the adoption of innovative practices and structures. Utilizing state level antitakeover protections as an exogenous shock, we find that when managers are afforded greater job security through these protections they exhibit a higher probability of initiating a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) program. Furthermore, the positive effect of job security on CVC adoption is stronger when firms are research intensive, and when there are slack financial resources. Our results suggest that providing managers leeway to experiment while ensuring job security is important for corporate entrepreneurship and the willingness to experiment with innovative strategies.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurial activity often involves identifying opportunities that the rest of the marketplace overlooks. While this risk taking is celebrated as part of entrepreneurial folklore, in pragmatic terms, for managers of public organizations, it requires going against the prevailing wisdom of important stakeholders. Since stakeholders can hold considerable influence over top managers' employment, managers may avoid innovation if they feel experimentation and/or failure could cost them their jobs. This study demonstrates that when top managers have more job security, they are more likely to experiment with new organizational forms and structures by establishing Corporate Venture Capital units. The study demonstrates that job security not only impacts the amount of risk taken within existing operations, but also the willingness to experiment with novel ideas and activities.
Entrepreneurs' socioeconomic status and government expropriation in an emerging economy
Authors: Zhou Jieyu , Ge Lipeng Gary , Li Jiatao , Chandrashekar Subramanya Prasad
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

This study focuses on a salient challenge for entrepreneurs in emerging economies: government expropriation. Drawing on signaling arguments, we propose that an owner's high socioeconomic status (SES) attracts government attention to her start‐up by conveying information about its resource endowments. The empirical tests based on start‐ups in China support that an owner's high SES increases government expropriation. The effect is stronger for start‐ups in regions with greater income inequality or in those where the legal system is less developed. High‐SES entrepreneurs can mitigate the risk of government expropriation by building political connections.

Managerial Summary

Institutional voids in emerging economies pose a major threat to start‐ups in the form of government expropriation. This research finds that the threat is more severe for start‐ups with high‐SES entrepreneurs because they have strong resource‐mobilization capabilities and easily become expropriation targets. Further, this research suggests that two measures help protect high‐SES entrepreneurs from government expropriation: locating their start‐ups in regions with low income inequality or a well‐developed legal system, and building connections with the government in order to exchange favors with government officials.
Managing dilemmas of resource mobilization throughjugaad: Amulti‐methodstudy of social enterprises in Indian healthcare
Authors: Agarwal Nivedita , Chakrabarti Ronika , Prabhu Jaideep C. , Brem Alexander
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

This study focuses on the dilemmas that social entrepreneurs encounter and the practices used to manage dilemmas over time. Using a multi‐method approach involving event structure analysis and an inductive multiple case study, we find that four key organizational practices—asset multiplication, leveraging human capital, building social embeddedness, and affordable quality—embody thejugaadelements of frugality and inclusivity. Adding to the social entrepreneurship literature, this study demonstrates that thejugaadapproach is conceptually distinct from bricolage and relevant to the study of social enterprises' resource mobilization processes.

Managerial Summary

How do social enterprises encounter and manage dilemmas over time in emerging markets? The present study responds to this question, finding that social entrepreneurs mobilize resources and overcome dilemmas using the practices ofjugaad, the “Indian method” of problem‐solving. Thesejugaadpractices can be used to build and allocate resources and create trade‐offs among thejugaadelements of frugality and inclusivity. Based on our results, we recommend that social entrepreneurs pay close attention to how to proceduralize human assets, which would allow these entrepreneurs to build training systems that are highly task‐focused and replicated across functions. We also encourage social entrepreneurs to work in rural markets and seek wider resource pools within these markets by building social embeddedness in rural communities.
Facile Synthesis for Anchoring Highly Efficient Superfine Pd Nanoparticles on Carbon: Boosting Catalytic C–C Coupling
Authors: Pang Qingqing , Fan Xizheng
Published: July 2020

The facile approach has been found to immobilize superfine palladium nano‐particles (Pd NPs) on the carbon material according to the wet impregnation by weakly‐capping growth function of methanol. The structure and morphology of catalysts are analyzed and verified by characterizations containing XRD, XPS, N2 absorption‐desorption and TEM analysis. Under the effect of methanol possessing the weakly‐capping capacity, the Pd@C nano‐catalyst is bestowed as superfine Pd NPs with an average particle size of 2.7 nm in alkaline environment which can enhance the interaction between the carrier C and Pd ions. Compared with Pd/C (prepared without alkaline environment) and commercial Pd/C catalysts, the smaller size and excellent dispersion of Pd NPs greatly promote the catalytic activity of the Pd@C, providing a higher yield of biphenyl compounds up to 99 % at 40 °C. Moreover, Pd@C catalyst possesses a sustained catalysis performance in Suzuki‐Miyaura reaction, due to easily recycling by centrifugal separation.
Synthesis of New 3‐(2‐Amino‐6‐arylpyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxyquinolin‐2(1H)‐ones and Their In Vitro Antimicrobial and “DPPH” Scavenging Activity Evaluation
Authors: Krishna Alla. , Vijayakumar V. , Sarveswari S.
Published: July 2020

An efficient multi component reaction for the synthesis of new 3‐(2‐amino‐6‐arylpyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxyquinolin‐2(1H)‐ones has been described. Synthesized derivatives were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial and 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Among the tested compounds 3 k, 3 m and 3 r shown better antibacterial properties and have displayed broad spectrum of activity than Neomycin against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella planticola, Escherechia coli, S.aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover 3 r, 3 t and 3 n were found to have potent antifungal activity against Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Candida glabrata, Issatchenkia hanoiensis and Candida than the standard Miconazole. Furthermore 3 c, 3 j, 3 d, 3 m, and 3 h showed strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity than Ascorbic acid.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Fluorescent Analogues of Abscisic Acid
Authors: González Florenci V. , Bou‐Iserte Lledó , Miguel‐López Borja , de la Hoz‐Rodríguez Sergio , Kersten Christian , Sánchez‐Sarasúa Sandra , Espinosa‐Fernández Verónica , Sánchez‐Pérez Ana María
Published: July 2020

A fluorescent analogue of abscisic acid has been prepared by combining (S)‐abscisic acid (ABA) with nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore using ethanol amine as a linker. Isomerization of the double bond at the side chain of abscisic acid happened during the synthesis. The resulting fluorophore analogues derived from both isomeric compounds entered cells suggesting a wide applicability of the ABA‐NBD conjugates as fluorescent probes to study ABA mechanism of action. The functional properties of the isomeric ABA‐NBD conjugates were tested in vitro, by measuring TNFα expression and nitrite concentration in LPS‐stimulated macrophages and compared with their non‐fluorescent ABA isomers. Rationalization of the results is given as supported by docking studies of the compounds with LANCL2 and PPARγ targets.
Social distancing merely stabilized COVID‐19 in the United States
Authors: Wagner Aaron B. , Hill Elaine L. , Ryan Sean E. , Sun Ziteng , Deng Grace , Bhadane Sourbh , Hernandez Martinez Victor , Wu Peter , Li Dongmei , Anand Ajay , Acharya Jayadev , Matteson David S.
Published: July 2020

Social distancing measures have been imposed across the United States in order to stem the spread of COVID‐19. We quantify the reduction in the doubling rate, by state, that is associated with this intervention. Using the earlier of K‐12 school closures and restaurant closures, by state, to define the start of the intervention, and considering daily confirmed cases through April 23, 2020, we find that social distancing is associated with a statistically‐significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the doubling rate for all states except for Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, when controlling for false discovery, with the doubling rate averaged across the states falling from 0.302 (0.285, 0.320) days−1 to 0.010 (−0.007, 0.028) days−1. However, we do not find that social distancing has made the spread subcritical. Instead, social distancing has merely stabilized the spread of the disease. We provide an illustration of our findings for each state, including estimates of the effective reproduction number, R, both with and without social distancing. We also discuss the policy implications of our findings.
Antimycin A shows selective antiproliferation to oral cancer cells by oxidative stress‐mediated apoptosis and DNA damage
Authors: Yu Tzu‐Jung , Hsieh Che‐Yu , Tang Jen‐Yang , Lin Li‐Ching , Huang Hurng‐Wern , Wang Hui‐Ru , Yeh Yun‐Chiao , Chuang Ya‐Ting , Ou‐Yang Fu , Chang Hsueh‐Wei
Published: July 2020

The antibiotic antimycin A (AMA) is commonly used as an inhibitor for the electron transport chain but its application in anticancer studies is rare. Recently, the repurposing use of AMA in antiproliferation of several cancer cell types has been reported. However, it is rarely investigated in oral cancer cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate the selective antiproliferation ability of AMA treatment on oral cancer cells. Cell viability, flow cytometry, and western blotting were applied to explore its possible anticancer mechanism in terms of both concentration‐ and exposure time‐effects. AMA shows the higher antiproliferation to two oral cancer CAL 27 and Ca9‐22 cell lines than normal oral HGF‐1 cell lines. Moreover, AMA induces the production of higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and pan‐caspase activation in oral cancer CAL 27 and Ca9‐22 cells than in normal oral HGF‐1 cells, providing the possible mechanism for its selective antiproliferation effect of AMA. In addition to ROS, AMA induces mitochondrial superoxide (MitoSOX) generation and depletes mitochondrial membrane potential (MitoMP). This further supports the AMA‐induced oxidative stress changes in oral cancer CAL 27 and Ca9‐22 cells. AMA also shows high expressions of annexin V in CAL 27 and Ca9‐22 cells and cleaved forms of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase 9, and caspase 3 in CAL 27 cells, supporting the apoptosis‐inducing ability of AMA. Furthermore, AMA induces DNA damage (γH2AX and 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine [8‐oxodG]) in CAL 27 and Ca9‐22 cells. Notably, the AMA‐induced selective antiproliferation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage were partly prevented from N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) pretreatments. Taken together, AMA selectively kills oral cancer cells in an oxidative stress‐dependent mechanism involving apoptosis and DNA damage.
The top 5 FERPA sections: Practical applications, what happens when someone really messes up, part 2
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: July 2020

What has to happen for a school official to violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act? That person has disclosed a student's education records illegally.
Raw and chemically treated bio‐waste filled (Limonia acidissima shell powder) vinyl ester composites: Physical, mechanical, moisture absorption properties, and microstructure analysis
Authors: Shravanabelagola Nagaraja Setty Vasantha Kumar , Govardhan Goud , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart
Published: July 2020

The rapid growth of environmentally sustainable and eco‐friendly materials tends to the utilization of biowastes as filler in polymer matrix composites. The particulate composite with improved wettability of fillers and advanced approach can evolve polymer composites that exhibit promising applications in packaging, automobile, marine, construction, and aerospace. In the present work, one of the biowaste fillers were synthesized from Limonia acidissima shells via a top‐down approach (pulverizing) and the surfaces were chemically modified using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) before they were used as fillers in vinyl ester polymer composites by different weight percentage (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). The prepared particulate composites were characterized by mechanical properties, moisture absorption behavior, and morphology. At different filler loading the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, hardness, density, and moisture intake tests were performed. The results reveal that the properties increased for composites filled with alkaline treated fillers for the same filler loading and found to be higher at filler loading of 15 wt%. The morphological analysis confirms the better interfacial bonding between alkali‐treated particles and matrix due to the removal of non‐cellulose materials from the surface of the particles.
Knee arthrodesis as last resort for persistent knee joint infections
Authors: Zajonz Dirk , Zimmerlich Benedikt , Möbius Robert , Edel Melanie , Przybyl Johanna , Höch Andreas , Fakler Johannes K. M. , Roth Andreas , Ghanem Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Background

Knee joint arthrodesis is an established treatment for periprosthetic infections (PPI) providing stability and pain relief. In this study the outcome after arthrodesis of the knee joint for persistent infections was compared and evaluated depending on the surgical procedure (intramedullary vs. extramedullary).

Material and methods

In a retrospective case analysis, all patients who underwent knee joint arthrodesis between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016 were identified and divided into two groups: IMA and EMA. All patients were examined clinically and radiologically and the patient files were evaluated. In addition, the FIM score, the LEFS, the WHOQOL-BREF and NRS were evaluated.

Results

The median LEFS score for the IMA group was 26 points and in the EMA group 2 points (p = 0.03). The IMA patients showed a median pain scale at rest of 0 and during exercise of 2. The EMA group recorded a pain scale of 3 at rest and 5 during exercise (p = 0.28 at rest; p = 0.43 during exercise). In the IMA group the median postsurgical leg length difference was −2.0 cm and −2.5 cm in the EMA group (p = 0.31). At the end of the follow-up examinations, the FIM score of patients in the IMA group was 74.5 points and 22 points in the EMA group (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

The study showed that no arthrodesis procedure is obviously superior with respect to the postoperative outcome. The IMA combines advantages especially in the early phase after surgery in terms of function as well as patient comfort and is therefore currently the procedure of choice. The attending physician should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the various procedures in order to be able to make an individual decision and thus maximize the chance of treatment success.
Diagnostik der periprothetischen Infektion
Authors: Mühlhofer H. , Renz N. , Zahar A. , Lüdemann M. , Rudert M. , Hube R. , Frommelt L. , Ascherl R. , Perka C. , von Eisenhart-Rothe R.
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Die Behandlung periprothetischer Infektionen (PPI) ist eine der größten Herausforderungen im Bereich der Endoprothetik. Der möglichst sichere Ausschluss oder die Bestätigung einer periprothetischen Infektion ist die Voraussetzung für jede Revisionsoperation und kann für den behandelnden Orthopäden und Unfallchirurgen eine große Herausforderung darstellen. Eine sichere evidenzbasierte präoperative Diagnostik ist im Sinne des Patienten notwendig, um einerseits eine periprothetische Infektion zu erkennen sowie die entsprechende chirurgische und antibiotische Therapie zu planen und andererseits unnötige zweizeitige Wechsel zu vermeiden.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel ist es, ein evidenzbasiertes problem- und prioritätenbasiertes Vorgehen zu entwickeln und dies in einem transparenten und standardisierten Algorithmus zusammenzufassen.

Methode

Durch systematische Literaturrecherche wurden relevante Arbeiten identifiziert und im Rahmen von Expertenrunden bewertet. Nach Extraktion der Daten erfolgte die Berechnung von Sensitivität, Spezifität, positiver und negativer Likelihood-Ratio sowie positiver und negativer prädiktiver Werte. Im Rahmen von 4 Treffen wurden die entsprechenden Studien der Arbeitsgruppe für implantatassoziierte Infektionen präsentiert und analog zu Standard-Delphi-Runden durch die einzelnen Experten bearbeitet und bewertet. Gemäß der Prioritätenliste der Expertenrunde erfolgte die Entwicklung eines zur ISO (International Organization for Standardisation) konformen Algorithmus.

Ergebnisse

Der entwickelte Algorithmus ist eine Abfolge von evidenzbasierten Prozessen gemäß der verwendeten ISO-Norm. Gemäß der durch die Expertenrunde priorisierten Haupt- und Nebenkriterien erfolgte die Entwicklung logisch strukturiert und problemorientiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Der Ausschluss einer periprothetischen Infektion ist von enormer Bedeutung vor einer Revisionsoperation und entscheidet in vielen Fällen über den Erfolg und die Invasivität der Operation. Die Diagnose „periprothetische Infektion“ erfordert eine substanzielle Veränderung der therapeutischen Strategie. Der durch die Arbeitsgruppe entwickelte Algorithmus fasst Positionen aus der aktuellen Literatur und spezielle Expertenmeinungen zusammen, dies ermöglicht einen transparenten diagnostischen Ansatz im Sinne einer Standard Operation Procedure.
Life-long testosterone and antiandrogen treatments affect the survival and reproduction of captive male red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)
Authors: Alonso-Alvarez Carlos , Cantarero Alejandro , Romero-Haro Ana Ángela , Chastel Olivier , Pérez-Rodríguez Lorenzo
Published: July 2020

Sexual steroids can play an important role as life-history organizers. In males, high circulating testosterone levels induce physiological/behavioral costs and benefits, leading to trade-offs. However, studies simultaneously testing the impact of these levels in both fitness components (survival and fecundity) during lifetime are scarce and limited to wild birds. To determine the mortality causes or hormonal manipulation impacts on male fertility is, nonetheless, a difficult task in free-ranging animals that could be easier in captivity. We longitudinally monitored captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and exposed males to high exogenous testosterone levels, anti-androgens, or a control treatment during each breeding period throughout their lives. Theory predicts that individuals maintaining high androgen levels should obtain higher fitness returns via reproduction, but suffer reduced longevity. Testosterone-treated male partridges, accordingly, lived shorter compared to controls, since they were more prone to die from a natural bacterial infection. However, the same birds seemed to have a lower capacity to fertilize eggs, probably due to endocrine feedback reducing testicular mass. These results show that exogenous testosterone can exert unpredicted effects on fitness parameters. Therefore, caution must be taken when drawing conclusions from non-fully controlled experiments in the wild. Males treated with the androgen-receptor blocker flutamide did not outlive controls as predicted by the life-history trade-off theory, but their mates laid eggs with higher hatching success. The latter could be due to mechanisms improving sperm quality/quantity or influencing maternal investment in egg quality. Testosterone receptor activity/amount could thus be as relevant to fitness as testosterone levels.

Significance statement

It has repeatedly been hypothesized that high testosterone levels induce a cost in terms of reduced lifetime reproductive success. This can be due to reduced fecundity or via shorter lifespan. This is, however, only supported by a handful of studies, mostly in wild birds. We tested this in captive male red-legged partridges, which allowed us to determine reproductive success and mortality causes. We increased testosterone levels or blocked its action with antiandrogens throughout life. High testosterone levels reduced the survival by making birds more prone to die by infection. The eggs produced by their mates also showed lower hatching success, a probable manipulation artifact that should be considered in avian studies in the wild. Interestingly, the androgen-receptor blocker flutamide increased lifetime hatching success compared to controls, suggesting that androgen receptor amounts/activity are even more relevant to fitness than testosterone levels.
A Southeast Asian origin for present-day non-African human Y chromosomes
Authors: Hallast Pille , Agdzhoyan Anastasia , Balanovsky Oleg , Xue Yali , Tyler-Smith Chris
Published: July 2020

The genomes of present-day humans outside Africa originated almost entirely from a single out-migration ~ 50,000–70,000 years ago, followed by mixture with Neanderthals contributing ~ 2% to all non-Africans. However, the details of this initial migration remain poorly understood because no ancient DNA analyses are available from this key time period, and interpretation of present-day autosomal data is complicated due to subsequent population movements/reshaping. One locus, however, does retain male-specific information from this early period: the Y chromosome, where a detailed calibrated phylogeny has been constructed. Three present-day Y lineages were carried by the initial migration: the rare haplogroup D, the moderately rare C, and the very common FT lineage which now dominates most non-African populations. Here, we show that phylogenetic analyses of haplogroup C, D and FT sequences, including very rare deep-rooting lineages, together with phylogeographic analyses of ancient and present-day non-African Y chromosomes, all point to East/Southeast Asia as the origin 50,000–55,000 years ago of all known surviving non-African male lineages (apart from recent migrants). This observation contrasts with the expectation of a West Eurasian origin predicted by a simple model of expansion from a source near Africa, and can be interpreted as resulting from extensive genetic drift in the initial population or replacement of early western Y lineages from the east, thus informing and constraining models of the initial expansion.
An expert review on the use of tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Asia
Authors: Charlton Michael R. , Alam Altaf , Shukla Akash , Dashtseren Bekhbold , Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi Adithya , Duger Davadoorj , Payawal Diana Alcantara , Duy Cuong Do , Jargalsaikhan Ganbolor , Cua Ian Homer Yee , Sollano Jose Decena , Singh Karam Romeo , Madan Kaushal , Win Khin Maung , Kyi Khin Pyone , Tun Kyaw Soe , Salih Mohd. , Rastogi Mukul , Saraf Neeraj , Thuy Pham Thi Thu , Hien Pham Tran Dieu , Gani Rino Alvani , Mohamed Rosmawati , Tanwandee Tawesak , Piratvisuth Teerha , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Naing Win , Hashmi Zahid Yasin
Published: July 2020

Asia has intermediate-to-high prevalence and high morbidity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The use of guideline-recommended nucleos(t)ide analogs with high barrier to resistance, such as entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), is one of the key interventions for curbing HBV infection and associated morbidity in Asia. However, there are some challenges to the use of ETV and TDF; while ETV is associated with high resistance in lamivudine (LAM)-exposed (especially LAM-refractory) patients; bone and renal safety issues are a major concern with TDF. Hence, a panel of twenty-eight expert hepatologists from Asia convened, reviewed the literature, and developed the current expert opinion-based review article for the use of TAF in the resource-constrained settings in Asia. This article provides a comprehensive review of two large, phase 3, double-blind, randomized controlled trials of TAF versus TDF in HBeAg-negative (study 0108) and HBeAg-positive (study 0110) chronic HBV patients (> 70% Asians). These studies revealed as follows: (1) non-inferiority for the proportion of patients who had HBV DNA < 29 IU/mL; (2) significantly high rate of normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels; (3) no incidence of resistance; and (4) significantly better bone and renal safety, with TAF vs. TDF up to 144 weeks. Considering the benefits of TAF, the expert panel proposed recommendations for optimizing the use of TAF in Asia, along with guidance on specific patient groups at risk of renal or bone disease suitable for TAF therapy. The guidance provided in this article may help clinicians optimize the use of TAF in Asia.
Microbial-, fusulinid limestones with large gastropods and calcareous algae: an unusual facies from the Early Permian Khao Khad Formation of Central Thailand
Authors: Ketwetsuriya Chatchalerm , Nose Martin , Charoentitirat Thasinee , Nützel Alexander
Published: July 2020

The Early Permian (Kungurian) Khao Khad Formation of Central Thailand consists mostly of carbonates deposited on the western margin of the Indochina Terrane. This formation has yielded unusual microbial-fusulinid limestones with large gastropods which contribute most to the rock volume. With a height of more than 6 cm, the gastropods are amongst the largest Early Permian gastropods ever reported. Gastropods as major rock formers are rare in the Palaeozoic. This, and other recently reported invertebrate faunas from Thailand show that gastropods may dominate Permian fossil assemblages not only in diversity, but also regarding abundance and in some cases also regarding biomass. Besides gastropods, fusulinids, various calcareous algae, intraclasts and thick microbial-cyanobacterial (Girvanella and Archaeolithoporella) coatings and reticular microbial patches as well as thick inter- and intragranular radial fibrous cement crusts are present. The gastropods represent at least four species and belong probably to undescribed taxa. The fusulinid genus Pseudofusulina and Misellina (M.) termieri are reported from the Khao Khad Formation for the first time and indicate a Bolorian age. Calcareous algae are dominated by dasycladaceans followed by gymnocodiaceans and solenoporaceans. The studied limestone almost completely lacks metazoan reef builders such as corals and sponges. Likewise, brachiopods and bivalves are absent in the studied samples and echinoderms are very scarce. The carbonate is interpreted as product of shallow water, back-reef lagoonal platform community with a high productivity providing the large gastropods with sufficient food. However, conditions were too eutrophic for sessile filter feeders including metazoan reef builders.
Fire Safety Assessment of Epoxy Composites Reinforced by Carbon Fibre and Graphene
Authors: Zhang Qiangjun , Wang Yong C , Soutis Constantinos , Bailey Colin G. , Hu Yuan
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a coupled numerical investigation to assess the reaction to fire performance and fire resistance of various types of epoxy resin (ER) based composites. It examines the fire response of carbon fibre (CF) reinforced ER (CF/ER), ER with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP/ER) and CF reinforced GNP/ER (CF/GNP/ER). Thermal, physical and pyrolysis properties are presented to assist numerical modelling that is used to assess the material ability to pass the regulatory vertical burn test for new aircraft structures and estimate in-fire and post-fire residual strength properties.

Except for the CF/GNP/ER composite, all other material systems fail the vertical burn test due to continuous burning after removal of the fire source. Carbon fibres are non-combustible and therefore reduce heat release rate of the ER composite. By combining this property with the beneficial barrier effects of graphene platelets, the CF/GNP/ER composite with 1.5 wt% GNP and 50 wt% CF self-extinguishes within 15 s after removal of the burner with a relatively small burn length. Graphene drastically slows down heat conduction and migration of decomposed volatiles to the surface by creating improved char structures. Thus, graphene is allowing the CF/GNP/ER composite panel to pass the regulatory vertical burn test.

Due to low heat conduction and reduced heat release rate, the maximum temperatures in the CF/GNP/ER composite are low so the composite material retains very high in-fire and post-fire mechanical properties, maintaining structural integrity. In contrast, temperatures in the CF/ER composite are much higher. At a maximum temperature of 86 °C, the residual in-fire tensile and compressive mechanical strengths of CF/GNP/ER are about 87% and 59% respectively of the ambient temperature values, compared to 70% and 21% respectively for the CF/ER composite that has a temperature of 140 °C at the same time (but the CF/ER temperature will be higher due to continuing burning). Converting mass losses of the composites into char depth, the post-fire mechanical properties of the CF/GNP/ER composite are about 75% of the ambient condition compared to about 68% for the CF/ER composite.
In S. cerevisiae hydroxycitric acid antagonizes chronological aging and apoptosis regardless of citrate lyase
Authors: Baroni Maurizio D. , Colombo Sonia , Libens Olivier , Pallavi Rani , Giorgio Marco , Martegani Enzo
Published: July 2020

Caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs) are promising molecules to prevent age-related diseases as they activate pathways driven by a true caloric restriction. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is considered a bona fide CRM since it depletes acetyl-CoA pools by acting as a competitive inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), ultimately repressing protein acetylation and promoting autophagy. Importantly, it can reduce inflammation and tumour development. In order to identify phenotypically relevant new HCA targets we have investigated HCA effects in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where ACLY is lacking. Strikingly, the drug revealed a powerful anti-aging effect, another property proposed to mark bona fide CRMs. Chronological life span (CLS) extension but also resistance to acetic acid of HCA treated cells were associated to repression of cell apoptosis and necrosis. HCA also largely prevented cell deaths caused by a severe oxidative stress. The molecule could act widely by negatively modulating cell metabolism, similarly to citrate. Indeed, it inhibited both growth reactivation and the oxygen consumption rate of yeast cells in stationary phase. Genetic analyses on yeast CLS mutants indicated that part of the HCA effects can be sensed by Sch9 and Ras2, two conserved key regulators of nutritional and stress signal pathways of primary importance. Our data together with published biochemical analyses indicate that HCA may act with multiple mechanisms together with ACLY repression and allowed us to propose an integrated mechanistic model as a basis for future investigations.
No statistical support for wolf control and maternal penning as conservation measures for endangered mountain caribou
Authors: Harding Lee E. , Bourbonnais Mathieu , Cook Andrew T. , Spribille Toby , Wagner Viktoria , Darimont Chris
Published: July 2020

Mountain caribou, a behaviourally and genetically distinct set of ecotypes of the Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) restricted to the mountains of western Canada, have undergone severe population declines in recent decades. Although a broad consensus exists that the ultimate driver of these declines has been the reduction of habitat upon which mountain caribou depend, research and policy attention has increasingly focused on predation. Recently, Serrouya et al. (Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 116:6181–6186, 2019) analysed population dynamics data from 18 subpopulations in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, subject to different treatments and ‘controls’, and concluded that lethal wolf control and maternal caribou penning provide the most effective ways to stabilize population declines. Here we show that this inference was based on an unbalanced analytical approach that omitted a null scenario, excluded potentially confounding variables and employed irreproducible habitat alteration metrics. Our reanalysis of available data shows that ecotype identity is a better predictor of population trends than any adaptive management treatments considered by Serrouya et al. Disparate behavioural characteristics and responses to industrial disturbance among ecotypes suggest it may be incorrect to assume that adaptive management strategies that might benefit one ecotype are transferable to another.
Contemplative insight as an opinion conflict and a search for meaning in the context of innovative elements of the revolution industry 4.0
Authors: Chudy Stefan , Neumeister Pavel , Koribska Iva , Strouhal Martin , Selicka Denisa
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is to present an insight into the issue of technology and innovation reform with an emphasis on their integration into the social sciences. Using discourse analysis, we have reconstructed the basic elements of reforms and their reflections into a theory that changes not only in terms of content and terminology, but mainly in terms of logic and rationalization of new paradigms. These changes are reflected in the transformation of society, bringing new challenges and defining the relationship between innovation and society. An important outcome of the analysis is pointing out the change in values in society and their reflection in the form of challenges that respect changes in the labor market and educational policies of the various educational institutions.
Six and eight weeks injection frequencies of bevacizumab are non-inferior to the current four weeks injection frequency for quality of life in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Visser Martijn S. , Amarakoon Sankha , Missotten Tom , Timman Reinier , Busschbach Jan J. V.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nARMD) will not deteriorate on visual acuity and retinal thickness when treated with bevacizumab injection frequencies of 6 or 8 weeks compared to 4 weeks. This study aimed to investigate this non-inferiority in quality of life (QoL). We hypothesized that less frequent bevacizumab injections are not inferior regarding patients reported QoL.

Methods

Patients were randomized to bevacizumab every 4 (n = 64), 6 (n = 63), and 8 weeks (n = 64). Patients were at least 65 years old, have a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 to 20/20, no previous ARMD treatment and active leakage. Vision-related QoL questionnaire NEI VFQ-39 was used to assess QoL at baseline and after 1 year. General QoL questionnaire SF-36 was included for secondary analysis. Multilevel analyses were performed, correcting for age, gender and baseline.

Results

The 6 (3.68; 95% CI − 0.63 to 8.00) and 8 (2.15; 95% CI − 2.26 to 6.56) weeks bevacizumab regimens resulted in non-inferior QoL differences compared to 4 weeks on the NEI VFQ-39. Also on the SF-36 the differences were well within the non-inferiority limits.

Conclusion

Non-inferiority of the 6 and 8 weeks frequencies was demonstrated compared to 4 weeks on vision-related and general QoL in patients with nARMD. These results are in line with previously published results of lower frequency injections regarding visual acuity and central retinal thickness. Lower injection frequency may reduce burden, side effects, and treatment costs. In consideration of these results, 8 weeks frequency injections of intravitreal bevacizumab could be considered in patients with nARMD.
Solar Intensity X-Ray and Particle Spectrometer SIXS: Instrument Design and First Results
Authors: Huovelin J. , Vainio R. , Kilpua E. , Lehtolainen A. , Korpela S. , Esko E. , Muinonen K. , Bunce E. , Martindale A. , Grande M. , Andersson H. , Nenonen S. , Lehti J. , Schmidt W. , Genzer M. , Vihavainen T. , Saari J. , Peltonen J. , Valtonen E. , Talvioja M. , Portin P. , Narendranath S. , Jarvinen R. , Okada T. , Milillo A. , Laurenza M. , Heino E. , Oleynik P.
Published: July 2020

The Solar Intensity X-ray and particle Spectrometer (SIXS) on the BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter (“Bepi”) measures the direct solar X-rays, energetic protons, and electrons that bombard, and interact with, the Hermean surface. The interactions result in X-ray fluorescence and scattering, and particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), i.e. “glow” of the surface in X-rays. Simultaneous monitoring of the incident and emitted radiation enables derivation of the abundances of some chemical elements and scattering properties of the outermost surface layer of the planet, and it may reveal other sources of X-ray emission, due to, for example, weak aurora-like phenomena in Mercury’s exosphere. Mapping of the Hermean X-ray emission is the main task of the MIXS instrument onboard BepiColombo. SIXS data will also be used for investigations of the solar X-ray corona and solar energetic particles (SEP), both in the cruise phase and the passes of the Earth, Venus and Mercury before the arrival at Mercury’s orbit, and the final science phase at Mercury’s orbit. These observations provide the first-ever opportunity for in-situ measurements of the propagation of SEPs, their interactions with the interplanetary magnetic field, and space weather phenomena in multiple locations throughout the inner solar system far away from the Earth, and more extensively at Mercury’s orbit.

In this paper we describe the scientific objectives, design and calibrations, operational principles, and scientific performance of the final SIXS instrument launched to the mission to planet Mercury onboard BepiColombo. We also provide the first analysis results of science observations with SIXS, that were made during the Near-Earth Commissioning Phase and early cruise phase operations in 2018–19, including the background X-ray sky observations and “first light” observations of the Sun with the SIXS X-ray detection system (SIXS-X), and in-situ energetic electron and proton observations with the SIXS Particle detection system (SIXS-P).