bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bambara Nut Flour Addition on Proximate, Mineral Composition and Sensory Quality of Millet Based Madidi: A Nigerian Solid Gel Food
Authors: Ayo J. A. , Aba F.
Published: July 2020

Madidi was produced from different formulations of pearl millet ogi and bambara nut flours. Five madidi products were produced at the laboratory scale using 100:0 (control), 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 millet to bambara groundnut flours, respectively. Bambara ground nut were cleaned, sorted (to remove foreign materials), soaked in cold water for 2 hours, dried and toasted for 30 minutes by using oven. The five formulated products were subjected to proximate, minerals and sensory analysis. The results showed that the protein contents increased with increased addition of bambara groundnut flour. The protein contents ranged from 1.79 to 3.51% on dry weight basis. The fat contents ranged from 0.26 to 1.22%. Carbohydrate content decreased from 22.00 to 13.21% as the proportion of bambara flour increased. Magnesium and phosphorous increased significantly (p=0.05), however potassium and iron were not significant affected (p=0.05). The 100% millet (0.17 mg/100 g) was significantly high in magnesium (p=0.05) followed by 95% millet and 5% bambara nut (0.09 mg/100 g). The phosphorous composition increased with increase in bambara nut (0.17– 0.22 mg/100 g). The average scores of parameters for all the products are relatively high. Product 85:15 millet to bambara flour was most acceptable. It is concluded that an acceptable madidi can be produced from millet and bambara nut at 15% substitution level.
Effect of [C2mim][OTf] Ionic Liquid on Tensile Properties of HDPE/KCF Biocomposites: A Primary Research
Authors: Shamsuri Ahmad Adlie , Darus Siti Atiqa Al Zahra Mat
Published: July 2020

In this primary research, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquid ([C2mim][OTf]) was added to the high-density polyethylene/kenaf core fiber (HDPE/KCF) biocomposites by using an internal mixer at 150°C, followed by compression molding at the same temperature. The [C2mim][OTf] contents were varied from 0 to 10wt.%. The tensile properties of the prepared biocomposites have been determined by using a universal testing machine. The tensile results of the HDPE/KCF biocomposites indicated that the tensile strength and tensile modulus have decreased with the addition of [C2mim][OTf]. However, the presence of [C2mim][OTf] has significantly increased the tensile extension at break of the biocomposites. This research concluded that the addition of [C2mim][OTf] at the lower content (≈ 10wt.%) could act as a plasticizer for improving the flexibility of HDPE/KCF biocomposites.
Growth, Yield and Biochemical Characteristics of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes under Seasonal Heat Stress
Authors: Chapagain T. R. , Shrestha A. K. , Sharma M. D. , Tripathi K. Mishra , Srivastva A.
Published: July 2020

This field study was conducted to evaluate yield and fruit quality of tomato genotypes under seasonal heat stress condition (April-June) in plains of Chitwan valley, Nepal for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019 at research farm, of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal. Nine tomato genotypes were evaluated for their morphological, flowering, yield and biochemical traits in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Results showed significant differences (P = 0.05) among all genotypes for all traits evaluated. Genotypes AVTO-9304 and AVTO-9801 were early flowering and flowered within 28 days after transplanting. The highest marketable fruit yield of 110.6 and 92.6 t ha-1 was recorded in genotype TO-1057 in 2018 and 2019, respectively with the mean yield of 101.6 t ha-1  whereas genotype AVTO-9802 produced  the lowest fruit yield in both years (34.0 and 32.0 t ha-1 in 2018 and 2019, respectively) with the mean yield of  32.9 t ha-1.  The highest amount of total soluble solid content (4.90 oBrix) was observed in genotype AVTO-9803. Genotype ‘AVTO-1314’ had a significantly higher amount (12.60 mg 100 g-1) of ascorbic acid but statistically at par with AVTO-9801, TO-1057 and Pariposa-4102. This study identified genotype TO-1057 as a highly productive genotype suitable for cultivation during summer months in Chitwan and this genotype could be promoted in other agro-ecological regions having the similar climatic conditions.
The Contribution of Fisheries Sector in Regional Development of Batam City of Riau Islands Province, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Heldo Parulian , Rizal Achmad , Hamdani Herman , Gumilar Iwang
Published: July 2020

This research aims to analyze the growth of the fisheries sector, analyze the commodity market strength of the fisheries sector and analyze the strength of the fisheries sector's base and non-base sectors in regional development in Batam City. The method used in this study is a quantitative method using secondary data cross-section and time series which are then analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative methods using primary data obtained through interview questionnaires. Analysis of the data used is growth index analysis, Trade Area Capture (TAC) analysis, Pull Factor analysis (PF) and Minimum Requirement Approach (MRA) analysis. The results of the growth index analysis show that the GDP of the fisheries sector in the Batam City has increased by 126 % in the period 2013-2018. The results of the 2013-2018 TAC analysis showed that the TAC value> population indicated that Batam City was able to capture the opportunities of trade in fisheries products in other regions. PF value of the Batam City fisheries sector> 1 which shows that the Batam City region can attract customers from other regions and has a specialization in terms of fishery product markets. MRA analysis results in Batam City in 2017 obtained the largest base multiplier in BatuAji District with a value of 2.4 which means that every 20 workers in the base sector are expected to create 4 workers in the non-base sector.
Relation of Obesity and Hypertension among Chinese Community in Melaka, Malaysia–A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Lwin Htay , Htay Mila Nu Nu , Soe Htoo Htoo Kyaw , Aye Mra , Abas Adinegara Lutfi , Phyu Khine Lynn , Moe Soe
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The main cause of overweight and obesity is the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Obesity is the abnormal accumulation of ≥20% of body fat, over the individual's ideal body weight. Obesity is diagnosed by measuring the weight in relation to the height of an individual, thereby determining or calculating the body mass index (BMI).

Methodology: This study is a cross-sectional study with the secondary data analysis of the health records of the patients who had attended the medical camps conducted in Melaka, Malaysia. All of the attendee’s body weight and height were measured. The blood pressure measurement was done according to the Clinical Practice Guidelines, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Hypertension is defined as if the participant has systolic blood pressure (SBP) of > 140 mmHg and/ or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg or more. Some peoples were taking treatment of Hypertension.

Results: The mean SBP among females was 11.64 units and mean DBP was 5.29 units lower compared to male participants. With an increase in age, SBP is expected to increase by .29 units, provided other variables remain unchanged. Regarding to BMI, every unit increase in BMI, SBP increased by 1.99 units and DBP increased by .86 units provided other variables remain unchanged.

Conclusion: This study found that BMI is associated with SBP and DBP, which suggested that interventions for bodyweight management might be beneficial for the management of hypertension.
Impact of Institutional Credit on Cropping Pattern and Farm Structure in Fakharpur Block of Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Choudhri Harendra Pratap Singh , Singh G. P. , . Supriya , Kumar Ajeet , Mishra P.
Published: July 2020

Finance in agriculture is as important as development of technology because new technology of farming cannot be adopted at field level by resource poor farmers. This view is also supported by Banerjee [1], Jugale [2] and Kalhon & Karam [3]. But the real picture of Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh was unavailable in this regard. Having the importance of financial support in agriculture in view a sample study was conducted in Fakharpur block of Bahraich district of U.P. Purposive cum proportionate  random sampling technique was applied to select the sample respondents. Personal interview technique was used to collect the primary data. Simple tabular analysis (percentages and averages) were done to present the result. The study was conducted during 2017-19 and the final result obtained from this study in dicate that financial support from institutional credit agencies are quite helpful in the study area to improve the position of crop production and financial upliftment of rural poors through additional generation of finance and employment in agriculture.
Sulphur in Soils and Plants: An Overview
Authors: Rai Ashish , Singh Arvind Kumar , Mishra Rahul , Shahi Brajesh , Rai Vikas Kumar , Kumari Neelam , Kumar Vipin , Gangwar Anshu , Sharma Ram Babu , Rajput Jitendra , Kumari Nidhi , Kumar Sanjay , Anal Ajit Kumar Dubedi , Rai Shalini , Sharma Sachin , Bahuguna Ayush , Arvind . , Kumar Manish , Kumar Anand , Singh Sreejan
Published: July 2020

In India food demand is increasingly doubled due to calorie consumption of fast growing population rate. For achieving and sustaining a high level of food production, especially in agriculture, soil must be regularly replenished with a balance of crop nutrients, like macronutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients. Sulphur (S) comes under secondary nutrients after nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (potassium) at number four as an essential nutrient. It exists in group 16 and period 3 with a molecular weight of 32 in the periodic table. Naturally S occurs as an element found in many minerals like iron pyrites, galena, gypsum and Epsom salts. In Igneous and Sedimentary rocks S occurs as sulphides and in soil it is also present as organic compounds also in industrial wastes, sea water as well as gaseous emission in the atmosphere. Under temperate conditions it assumes that more than 95% of total S in soil is present in the organic matter due to low decomposition rate. In plants, sulphur plays an important role in protein synthesis.
Biochemical Differences between Bolted and Non-Bolted Onions
Authors: Gorrepati Kalyani , Thangasamy A. , Kumar Ashok , Satpute Prashant , Singh Major
Published: July 2020

The present experiment was conducted to know the biochemical differences between bolted and non-bolted onion of Indian varieties. Onion is a very important vegetable consumed for its flavour and health benefits. Bolting, which is an undesirable character in onion bulb production, produces bulbs with central hard and hollow cellulosic stalk and makes them unmarketable. In this research four different varieties of onion (three red onion varieties (viz; Bhima Kiran; Bhima Shakti; N-2-4-1) and one white variety (Bhima Shweta)) were studied to verify differences between bolted and non-bolted bulbs. The results showed significant difference in total soluble solids and total phenol content in bolted and non-bolted onions. In bolted onion bulbs, total soluble solid content varied from 11.2 to 11.83 °Brix and 12.0 to 12.9 °Brix in non-bolted onion varieties. In bolted onion, the total phenol content was 27.0, 52.2, 61.3 and 65.8 mg GAE/100 g in Bhima Shweta, Bhima Kiran, N-2-4-1 and Bhima Shakti respectively. The phenol content varied from 26.2 to 48.7 mg GAE/100 g in non-bolted onion with lowest in Bhima Shweta and highest in N-2-4-1. No significant difference was observed for moisture content and total flavonoid content in bolted and non-bolted onion.
Effect of Methanolic Extract of Securigera securidaca as Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Mazaideh Ghassab M. Al- , Quran Saleh A. Al-
Published: July 2020

In the present work, the phytochemical screening, polyphenolic content, antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity of Securigera securidaca seeds in methanol were carried out. Phytochemical analysis of seeds showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids and glycosides. Total phenolic content was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau method and the result showed the highest phenolic content of 62.28 mg/g. Methanolic extract was screened for antibacterial activity by disc diffusion method and it found to be potent. The MIC of methanol extract identified by broth dilution method showed a MIC value of 0.25 mg/ml for both E. coli and Kl. Oxytoca, and also 0.5 mg/ml for both S. aureus and S. epidermis. The antioxidant effect of the seeds was tested by DPPH scavenging activity as in vitro assay. The extract had potent inhibitory activity (IC50) value of 0.057 mg/ml. The finding experimental results showed that methanolic extract of Securigera securidaca is important as a source of antibacterial activity and polyphenolic antioxidants.
Alzheimer's disease risk modifier genes do not affect tau aggregate uptake, seeding or maintenance in cell models
Authors: Kolay Sourav , Diamond Marc I.
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) afflicts millions of people worldwide and is caused by accumulated amyloid beta and tau pathology. Progression of tau pathology in AD may utilize prion mechanisms of propagation in which pathological tau aggregates released from one cell are taken up by neighboring or connected cells and act as templates for their own replication, a process termed ‘seeding’. We have used HEK293T cells to model various aspects of pathological tau propagation, including uptake of tau aggregates, induced seeding by exogenous aggregates, seeding caused by Lipofectamine‐mediated delivery to the cell interior, and stable maintenance of aggregates in dividing cells. The factors that regulate these processes are not well understood, and we hypothesized that AD risk modifier genes might play a role. We identified 22 genes strongly linked to AD via meta‐analysis of genome‐wide association study (GWAS). We used CRISPR/Cas9 to individually knock out each gene in HEK293T cells and verified disruption using genomic sequencing. We then tested the effect of gene knockout in tau aggregate uptake, naked and Lipofectamine‐mediated seeding, and aggregate maintenance in these cultured cell lines. GWAS gene knockouts had no effect in these models of tau pathology. With obvious caveats due to the model systems used, these results imply that the 22 AD risk modifier genes are unlikely to directly modulate tau uptake, seeding, or aggregate maintenance in a cell‐autonomous fashion.
Complex nutritional deficiencies in a large cohort of Italian patients with Cornelia de Lange syndrome spectrum
Authors: Parma Barbara , Cianci Paola , Decimi Valentina , Mariani Milena , Provero Maria Cristina , Funari Caterina , Tajè Silvia , Apuril Erika , Cereda Anna , Panceri Roberto , Maitz Silvia , Fossati Chiara , Selicorni Angelo
Published: July 2020

Cornelia de Lange syndrome Spectrum (CdLSp) is characterized by intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, and growth impairment. Although eating difficulties are a well‐known feature of the disease, there is no data regarding the nutritional deficiencies of these patients. The food intake was tracked using a dietary transcription provided by the family/caregivers, biochemical nutritional parameters were measured with laboratory tests and through an accurate clinical evaluation of the incidence of qualitative and quantitative imbalances in a cohort of 73 patients with CdLSp ware determined. Of these 73, 62 (85%) subjects provided a complete and detailed dietary transcription. In the studied population, a quantitative caloric imbalance in 47/62 (76%) subjects was observed. The caloric intake was low in 27/62 (43%) subjects whereas excessive in 20/62 (33%). Only 15/62 (24%) had an optimum caloric intake. Regarding micronutrients, a calcium intake deficiency in 32% of the patients (20/62) was observed. Blood tests revealed a low iron level in 22/73 (30%) of the patients and 25(OH)D deficiency in 49/73 (67%). Serum hypocalcemia was not evidenced. Qualitative and quantitative imbalances resulted in more frequent than expected in CdLSp patients. A qualitative imbalance was more prevalent in younger patients while in older patients prevailed mainly a quantitative disproportion. We found no statistically meaningful correlation between dietary imbalances, genetic, or clinical parameters. Our findings highlight the need for further studies to evaluate the basal metabolic rate of CdLSp patients and find a correlation with their growth impairment.
Disclosing false‐positive rates in the report: Useful or not?
Authors: Cibas Edmund S.
Published: July 2020

In this issue, Poller and Schmitt provide an overview of false‐positive rates for cytologic interpretations of malignancy in different specimen types and ask an intriguing question: Should a malignant diagnosis include an acknowledgment of the risk of a false‐positive based on published literature?
Patients with moderate chronic kidney disease without heart disease have reduced coronary flow velocity reserve
Authors: Kashioulis Pavlos , Guron Cecilia Wallentin , Svensson Maria K. , Hammarsten Ola , Saeed Aso , Guron Gregor
Published: July 2020

Aims

The overall aim was to identify sub‐clinical cardiac abnormalities by echocardiography in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4 and to investigate underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

Ninety‐one patients with CKD stages 3 and 4, without a diagnosis of heart disease, and 41 healthy matched controls were included in this cross‐sectional study. Cardiac morphology and function were analysed with Doppler echocardiography and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in response to adenosine was measured in the left anterior descendent artery to detect coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). All study subjects had a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction > 50%. Patients with CKD showed statistically significant increases in left atrial volume index and transmitral and pulmonary vein flow velocities during atrial contraction and prolonged LV isovolumetric relaxation time. Patients with CKD had significantly reduced CFVR vs. controls (2.74 ± 0.86 vs. 3.40 ± 0.89, P < 0.001), and 43% of patients were classified as having CMD compared with 9% of controls (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with CKD stages 3 and 4, without a diagnosis of heart disease, showed early abnormalities in LV diastolic function that did not fulfil the criteria for LV dysfunction according to current guidelines. A large proportion of CKD patients had CMD, suggesting that microvascular abnormalities may have a pathogenic role in the development of heart failure in this patient group.
IL‐31 transgenic mice show reduced allergen‐induced lung inflammation
Authors: Neuper Theresa , Neureiter Daniel , Sarajlic Muamera , Strandt Helen , Bauer Renate , Schwarz Harald , Suchanek Patrick , Korotchenko Evgeniia , Dillon Stacey R. , Hammerl Peter , Stoecklinger Angelika , Weiss Richard , Horejs‐Hoeck Jutta
Published: July 2020

Interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) is a Th2 cell–derived cytokine that has been closely linked to pruritic skin inflammation. More recently, enhanced IL‐31 serum levels have also been observed in patients with allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to unravel the contribution of IL‐31 to allergen‐induced lung inflammation. We analyzed lung inflammation in response to the timothy grass (Phleum pratense) pollen allergen Phl p 5 in C57BL/6 wild‐type (wt) mice, IL‐31 transgenic (IL‐31tg) mice, and IL‐31 receptor alpha‐deficient animals (IL‐31RA−/−). IL‐31 and IL‐31RA levels were monitored by qRT‐PCR. Cellular infiltrate in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue inflammation, mucus production as well as epithelial thickness were measured by flow cytometry and histomorphology. While allergen challenge induced IL‐31RA expression in lung tissue of wt and IL‐31tg mice, high IL‐31 expression was exclusively observed in lung tissue of IL‐31tg mice. Upon Phl p 5 challenge, IL‐31tg mice showed reduced numbers of leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF and lung tissue as well as diminished mucin expression and less pronounced epithelial thickening compared to IL‐31RA−/− or wt animals. These findings suggest that the IL‐31/IL‐31RA axis may regulate local, allergen‐induced inflammation in the lungs.
Inciting Social Change Through Evaluation
Authors: McBride Dominica , Casillas Wanda , LoPiccolo Jennifer
Published: July 2020

This chapter summarizes and presents several current insights into our current understanding of structural racism. It then argues that evaluators have a role and a responsibility to step further into the arena by explicitly addressing structural racism in our evaluation projects. Lastly, drawing on our work at BECOME: Center for Community Engagement and Social Change, it outlines three strategies evaluators can adopt too, as we suggest, “step further into the arena.”
Examining Issues Facing Communities of Color Today: The Role of Evaluation to Incite Change
Authors: Neubauer Leah C. , McBride Dominica , Guajardo Andrea D. , Casillas Wanda D. , Hall Melvin E.
Published: July 2020

The intersection of ethnicity, class, gender, and race and attention to advocacy, inclusion and equity have never been more enmeshed with program evaluation than is the case today. Sponsors of evaluation and evaluators seek guidance on how and when to embrace these issues in the populations impacted by programs under review. Those newly sensitized to the importance of context and culture expect evaluation to rightly manage inquiry to produce results reflective of multicultural validity and equitable impacts. With social justice and equity added to the evaluation equation, the issues communities face challenge and often overwhelm (a) the evaluation design, (b) goals and implementation, and (c) other evaluation processes. Evaluations that do not seek to put these issues in perspective with the broader structures and value systems that create the issues fail to adequately inform audiences regarding what is happening in the programs and community context. All parties involved are finding a shortage of literature that inform important evaluative decisions that address the multilevel, salient issues in communities served. Of special note is the small but slowly growing number of evaluation scholars and authors who are persons of color, from a younger generation, and born of a more activist evaluation style. This issue provides an update to and contemporizes previous evaluation literature focused on issues impacting minority populations in evaluation (1992) and culturally responsive evaluation (2004). The issue describes historical roots of this work, provides a contemporary framing of the issues, offers several frameworks and approaches for social justice evaluation, and concludes with inquiry for the future. Discussion of key insights into present‐day issues in advocacy‐oriented evaluation are included throughout.
Evaluation of quantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI parameters using a reference region model in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patients
Authors: Li Aijing , Pan Yuning , Chen Bin , Huang Rong , Xia Jianbi , Jin Yinhua , Zheng Jianjun
Published: July 2020

In this study, we investigated the changes of quantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI parameters using a reference region (RR) model for the breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). We retrospectively analyzed 80 cases with pathologically confirmed IDC using quantitative DCE‐MRI with a RR model. The pharmacokinetic quantitative parameters and prognostic factors of IDC were measured, and the relationship between them was examined. The volume transfer constant (RRKtrans) and rate constant (Kep) were significantly higher in patients with level 3 histological grading compared to patients with level 1 & 2 histological grading (p < 0.05), and patients with negative estrogen receptor (ER‐negative) and/or negative progesterone receptor (PR‐negative) compared to patients with ER‐positive (p < 0.05) and/or PR‐positive (p < 0.05), and Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) type compared to luminal type breast cancer, respectively. Our results demonstrated that high RRKtrans and Kep values were associated with TNBC type. In addition, RRKtrans and Kep parameters can differentiate luminal type and TNBC type breast cancer.
Stereometric characterization of kefir microbial films associated with Maytenus rigida extract
Authors: Matos Robert Saraiva , Pinto Erveton Pinheiro , Ramos Glenda Quaresma , da Fonseca de Albuquerque Marta Duarte , da Fonseca Filho Henrique Duarte
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to report the first discussion of statistical parameters and possible applications related to the surface of kefir biofilms prepared with Maytenus rigida Mart. extract through micromorphology, using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Four different samples were produced. The reference contained demerara sugar with a concentration of 40 g/L and the others had added extract whose concentrations were 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g/L, respectively. AFM was used to image the surface in tapping mode, on square areas of 30 μm × 30 μm. Images were studied by the MountainsMap premium commercial software. The main parameter of the surface, roughness, grew with the increase of the extract concentration up to 0.50 g/L. In addition, asymmetry and kurtosis showed that the biofilm with the best peak distribution was the one with 0.25 g/L of plant extract. The other parameters followed the main results for the surface and were observed for the depth and volume parameters. The power spectrum density spectrum confirmed the reliability of the results for the sample with 0.25 g/L. Therefore, the sample with 0.25 g/L of plant extract produced the best balance in relation to the surface properties. These results showed that the biofilm morphology and microtexture were affected by the incorporation of the plant extract and can be useful to define possible applications.
Social media usage in family communication about genetic information: ‘I no longer speak with my sister but she needed to know’
Authors: Leighton Sarah , Forrest Laura E. , Young Mary‐Anne , Delatycki Martin B. , Lynch Elly
Published: July 2020

The use of social media has become a ubiquitous form of communication. Little is known about whether social media is used in families to assist with the communication of genetic information. This study aimed to understand if and why individuals use social media to communicate genetic information to at‐risk relatives. Individuals with either a pathogenic variant in a cancer‐predisposing gene or a heterozygous pathogenic variant in an autosomal or X‐linked recessive gene were surveyed about communicating genetic information to their at‐risk relatives and their use of social media to assist this process. Surveys were sent to 323 individuals from a reproductive carrier screening program and 250 individuals from a familial cancer center. The 128 responses (response rate 25.2%) showed that while most participants (79.0%) did not use social media to communicate genetic information, those that did use social media (21.0%) found it to be helpful as it was easy, accessible and allowed individuals to overcome communication barriers. Genetic professionals should be aware that social media is being used by individuals to assist family communication about genetic information and should discuss this method of communication with individuals who are faced with communicating genetic information with their family.
Study Design of the Nationwide Japanese Lead Extraction (J‐LEX) Registry: Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Open Registry
Authors: Shoda Morio , Kusano Kengo , Goya Masahiko , Nishii Nobuhiro , Imai Katsuhiko , Okamoto Yoji , Takegami Misa , Nakao Yoko M. , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Nogami Akihiko ,   the J‐LEX registry investigators
Published: July 2020

Background

Transvenous lead extractions (TLEs) in Japan have grown to become the standard therapy since the approval of the laser extraction system in 2008. However, little is known about the current indications, methods, success rate, and acute complications in the real‐world setting.

Methods

The Japanese Lead EXtraction (J‐LEX) registry is a nationwide, multicenter, observational registry, performed by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS) in collaboration with the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. This study is a nationwide registry ordered by the JHRS and its data are collected prospectively using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system. The acute success rate at discharge and complications associated with TLEs will be collected in all cases. Based on the provided information, the annual incidence and predictive factors for the outcomes will be investigated by the Event Assessment Committee (EAC). This registry started in July 2018 and the number of participating medical institutions will be more than 50 hospitals and the target number of procedures will be 500‐1000 per year. We will also compare the results with other registries in foreign countries.

Result

The results of this study are currently under investigation.

Conclusion

The J‐LEX registry will provide real‐world data regarding the results and complications of TLEs for the various types of indications, methods, and performing hospitals in Japan.
Toward A Mechanistic Understanding of Re‐Infiltration in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs with Surfactant‐Aided Gravity Drainage Process
Authors: Davoudi Behrouz M. , Assareh Mehdi
Published: July 2020

Surfactant‐aided gravity drainage is an improved oil recovery technique for water‐invaded zone in fractured carbonate reservoirs, which are mostly oil‐wet or mixed‐wet rocks. The re‐infiltration mechanism in water‐invaded zone has a considerable effect on oil vertical movement in gravity drainage processes. In this work, a mechanistic understanding of re‐infiltration in surfactant‐aided gravity drainage, in comparison to oil–water gravity drainage is presented using an experimentally and numerically validated model. A column model is constructed from three matrix blocks. These blocks are separated from each other by horizontal fractures. A storage tank is considered on top of the model to store depleted oil from matrix blocks. The stacked‐blocks model for re‐infiltration is validated and verified to simulate water and chemical flooding using a mesh independency study and experimental flooding data in a composite core experiment. Using this model, several analyses are performed to investigate effects of rock and fluid properties, rock saturation functions, wettability alteration, surfactant adsorption, and capillary continuity on re‐infiltration.
De novo lipogenesis is elicited dramatically in human hepatocellular carcinoma especially in hepatitis C virus‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Shaojian , Liu Ruonan , Pan Qinling , Wang Genshu , Cheng Daorou , Yang Jie , Chen Hui , Xu Geyang
Published: July 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Abnormal de novo lipogenesis is reported to be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. In current study, de novo lipogenesis and its association with patient survival rate were investigated in human HCC samples induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or nonviral factors. Hepatic mRNA and protein levels of lipogenic transcription factors and lipid synthesis enzymes were examined by realtime‐PCR (RT‐PCR) and western blot. Association of gene expression and patient survival was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Lipogenic pathway regulators such as AKT2, SREBP1c, PPARγ, and lipogenic enzymes such as ACC and FAS were increased in human HCC when compared with control livers. Notably, a more robust increase in de novo lipogenesis was observed in HCV‐HCC when compared to HBV‐HCC and nonviral HCC. High FAS and ACC expression correlated with poor overall survival (OS) in HCV‐HCC. High expression of lipogenesis gene panel significantly correlated with poor OS in HCV‐HCC, but not in HBV‐HCC or nonviral HCC. In sum, de novo lipogenesis is stimulated dramatically in human HCC especially in HCV‐HCC.
From tigers to axolotls: Why people keep exotic pets in Russia
Authors: Shukhova Sofiya , MacMillan Douglas C.
Published: July 2020

The exotic pet trade, both legal and illegal, ‬plays a crucial role in wildlife overharvesting and biodiversity loss world‐wide, but drivers of demand for exotic pets are still poorly understood and under‐studied. Some geographical areas, including the post‐Soviet states, have little or no relevant research.

We conducted open‐ended in‐depth interviews with 27 exotic pet owners in Russia. The research involved participants who collectively owned over 90 pet animals, including endangered and critically endangered species.

The interviewees were classified into four main categories according to their motivations and reasons for keeping exotic pets. ‘Life‐Savers’ were motivated by pity; ‘Accidental Owners’ acquired animals by chance; ‘New Experience Seekers’ were looking for something different and unusual; and ‘Collectors’ acquired animals based on their specific characteristics. Species and provenance preferences, level of husbandry knowledge, understanding of the legislation and rights varied among exotic pet owners often reflecting their different motivations. Despite their differences, together they formed a distinctive sub‐community of pet owners.

Our findings provide essential information for various stakeholders, including policymakers and law enforcement agencies, aiming to address exotic pet trade in Russia and its negative impact on biodiversity both in Russia and overseas. Understanding the motivations for exotic pet ownership will facilitate a more evidence‐based policy to emerge to regulate pet ownership.

This paper can also serve as a basis for further investigation into the exotic pet trade of Russia and our typology of motivations could be a basis for future studies in other geographical areas.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
AI and Spinoza: a review of law’s conceptual treatment of Lethal Autonomous
Authors: De Lucia Dahlbeck Moa
Published: July 2020

In this article I will argue that the philosophy of Benedict Spinoza (1632–1677) may assist us in coming to terms with some of the conceptual challenges that the phenomenon of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses on law and legal thought. I will pursue this argument in three steps. First, I will suggest that Spinoza’s philosophy of the mind and knowledge may function as an analytical tool for making sense of the prevailing conception of AI within the legal discourse on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). Then, I will continue the argument with the aid of Spinoza’s political philosophy which partly complicates the picture as it seems to disqualify a normative process grounded directly upon the means stipulated for achieving a robust understanding of AI. Based on these two separate discussions I will conclude by outlining a composite critique – from the twofolded perspective of Spinoza’s ethical and political discussions – of the ongoing negotiations of a new Conventional Weapons Convention (CCW) protocol on LAWS.
On opportunistic software reuse
Authors: Mäkitalo Niko , Taivalsaari Antero , Kiviluoto Arto , Mikkonen Tommi , Capilla Rafael
Published: July 2020

The availability of open source assets for almost all imaginable domains has led the software industry toopportunistic design—an approach in which people develop new software systems in an ad hoc fashion by reusing and combining components that were not designed to be used together. In this paper we investigate this emerging approach. We demonstrate the approach with an industrial example in whichNode.jsmodules and various subsystems are used in an opportunistic way. Furthermore, to study opportunistic reuse as a phenomenon, we present the results of three contextual interviews and a survey with reuse practitioners to understand to what extent opportunistic reuse offers improvements over traditional systematic reuse approaches.
Transfer of criminal proceedings: from stumbling block to cornerstone of cooperation in criminal matters in the EU
Authors: de Jonge Boudewijn
Published: July 2020

Most forms of international cooperation in criminal matters have now been regulated to some extent by European Union legislation. One classical form of cooperation has been so far largely immune from influence by the EU legislator, however. This is the area of transfer of proceedings. This article provides an overview of the current situation and argues that new life should be blown into earlier initiatives to improve this form of cooperation. Harmonisation in this area will prove an important step to facilitate the proper administration of justice in the common Area of Freedom, Justice and Security that the European Union is set to realise.
Attitudes Toward Attributed Agency: Role of Perceived Control
Authors: Zafari Setareh , Koeszegi Sabine T.
Published: July 2020

Previous research suggests that the increased attribution of agency to robots may be linked to negative attitudes toward robots. If robots are truly expected to assume various roles in our social environment, it is necessary to further explore how increasing agency, for example through increasing levels of autonomy, affects attitudes toward them. This study investigates the role of perceived control as a moderator explaining attitudes toward attributed agency in a collaboration context. Austrian-based participants ($$\hbox {N}=102$$

N
=
102

) watched a video of a robot collaborating with a person to assemble a mixer—the robot was presented as either agentic and capable of proactively collaborating with the human or non-agentic and only capable of following human commands. The results show that attributing high levels of agency to robots is associated with negative attitudes toward them when individuals perceive low control during the collaboration.
ON CONFIGURATIONS CONCERNING CARDINAL CHARACTERISTICS AT REGULAR CARDINALS
Authors: BEN-NERIA OMER , GARTI SHIMON
Published: July 2020

We study the consistency and consistency strength of various configurations concerning the cardinal characteristics
$\mathfrak {s}_\theta , \mathfrak {p}_\theta , \mathfrak {t}_\theta , \mathfrak {g}_\theta , \mathfrak {r}_\theta $
at uncountable regular cardinals
$\theta $
. Motivated by a theorem of Raghavan–Shelah who proved that
$\mathfrak {s}_\theta \leq \mathfrak {b}_\theta $
, we explore in the first part of the paper the consistency of inequalities comparing
$\mathfrak {s}_\theta $
with
$\mathfrak {p}_\theta $
and
$\mathfrak {g}_\theta $
. In the second part of the paper we study variations of the extender-based Radin forcing to establish several consistency results concerning
$\mathfrak {r}_\theta ,\mathfrak {s}_\theta $
from hyper-measurability assumptions, results which were previously known to be consistent only from supercompactness assumptions. In doing so, we answer questions from [1], [15] and [7], and improve the large cardinal strength assumptions for results from [10] and [3].
Incorporating word embeddings in unsupervised morphological segmentation
Authors: Üstün Ahmet , Can Burcu
Published: July 2020

We investigate the usage of semantic information for morphological segmentation since words that are derived from each other will remain semantically related. We use mathematical models such as maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) and maximum a posteriori estimate (MAP) by incorporating semantic information obtained from dense word vector representations. Our approach does not require any annotated data which make it fully unsupervised and require only a small amount of raw data together with pretrained word embeddings for training purposes. The results show that using dense vector representations helps in morphological segmentation especially for low-resource languages. We present results for Turkish, English, and German. Our semantic MLE model outperforms other unsupervised models for Turkish language. Our proposed models could be also used for any other low-resource language with concatenative morphology.
Inherited Charisma and Personal Qualities: Sayyids and religious reform in nineteenth century Multan
Authors: ABENANTE DIEGO
Published: July 2020

It has generally been acknowledged that Sayyids, through their real or imagined connection to the Prophet, have represented a key trans-regional dimension of Islam. In the Punjab, the status of the Ashraf has been reinforced by their role as custodians of the Sufi shrines. In the Multan region, Sayyids and Qureshis acted frequently aspirandsajjada nashinfor many Sufidargahs. Their position, however, did not go unchallenged. The Chishti Nizami revival in the late eighteenth and nineteenth century saw the growth of an alternative religious network that competed with older families both religiously and socially. This process directly challenged the idea of inherited charisma and the established social hierarchy. Although reform movements are often considered to represent a shift towards a universal dimension of Islam, connected symbolically to Arabia and to the figure of the Prophet, the Chishti Nizami revival in Multan can be seen rather as a vernacularisation of Islamic authority. The movement favoured the social ascent of local tribes and non-Arab Ashraf families. The alliance between these groups would become a stable feature in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and contributed to the social status of Sayyid families being questioned.
Historical Reconstruction of Storm Surge Activity in the Southeastern Coastal Area of China for the Past 60 Years
Authors: Ji Tao , Li Guosheng , Liu Rui
Published: July 2020

It is a very difficult task to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of storm surge activity with current monitoring methods, because tide gauge observation, satellite altimeter, and numerical simulation do not ensure sufficient spatial and temporal resolution and temporal coverage at the same time. We propose to use a reanalysis data set, which covers the period from 1958 to 2016, to statistically reconstruct the daily maximum storm surge levels in the southeastern coastal area of China. Then, we used the Geographical Differential Analysis (GDA) calibration to correct the reconstruction results. The verification of the statistical model and the calibration results show that both the statistical model and the GDA calibration have a good accuracy in terms of high correlations and small errors. However, they also reveal a variable spatial quality of the multivariate statistical model in the reconstructed maximum storm surge levels, especially in the extreme events of the storm surge activity, the daily maximum surge is often underestimated. The GDA calibration result readily solves this problem, as it can accurately reflect not only the daily maximum storm surge levels but also the whole spatial and temporal dynamic storm surge evolution process. Therefore, this work provides an effective method to establish long‐term sequence and high‐precision daily maximum storm surge levels. This method can reveal the spatial and temporal evolution features of storm surge intensity at a climatic scale and main variability features. Moreover, it can predict possible trends in the geospatial distribution pattern of storm surge intensity in the context of future climate change.
Centuries of monthly and 3-hourly global ocean wave data for past, present, and future climate research
Authors: Song Zhenya , Bao Ying , Zhang Danqi , Shu Qi , Song Yajuan , Qiao Fangli
Published: July 2020

Ocean surface waves are essential to navigation safety, coastal activities, and climate systems. Numerical simulations are still the primary methods used in wave climate research, especially in future climate change scenarios. Recently, First Institute of Oceanography-Earth System Model version 2.0 (FIO-ESM v2.0), a global climate model coupled with an ocean wave model, was carried out the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) experiments. Here, we present the global monthly-mean and 3-hourly instantaneous wave parameter dataset from the FIO-ESM v2.0 CMIP6 experiments, including 700-year piControl, 165-year historical, three 86-year future scenarios (ssp125, ssp245, and ssp585, respectively), and two 150-year climate sensitive experiments (1pctCO2 and abrupt-4xCO2) simulations. Historical results show that the model can capture the basic wave climate features under climate change. These unique centuries of global wave data are from a fully coupled system and can provide the community with a vital long-term data source for scientific and engineering applications, such as wave climate research, wave-related process studies and parameterizations, as well as coastal and near-shore industry designs.
Generalizable deep temporal models for predicting episodes of sudden hypotension in critically ill patients: a personalized approach
Authors: Chan Brandon , Chen Brian , Sedghi Alireza , Laird Philip , Maslove David , Mousavi Parvin
Published: July 2020

The vast quantities of data generated and collected in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have given rise to large retrospective datasets that are frequently used for observational studies. The temporal nature and fine granularity of much of the data collected in the ICU enable the pursuit of predictive modeling. In particular, forecasting acute hypotensive episodes (AHE) in intensive care patients has been of interest to researchers in critical care medicine. Given an advance warning of an AHE, care providers may be prompted to search for evolving disease processes and help mitigate negative clinical outcomes. However, the conventionally adopted definition of an AHE does not account for inter-patient variability and is restrictive. To reflect the wider trend of global clinical and research efforts in precision medicine, we introduce a patient-specific definition of AHE in this study and propose deep learning based models to predict this novel definition of AHE in data from multiple independent institutions. We provide extensive evaluation of the models by studying their accuracies in detecting patient-specific AHEs with lead-times ranging from 10 min to 1 hour before the onset of the event. The resulting models achieve AUROC values ranging from 0.57–0.87 depending on the lead time of the prediction. We demonstrate the generalizability and robustness of our approach through the use of independent multi-institutional data.
Traffic light and moving object detection for a guide‐dog robot
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Yinong , Zhu Jinhui , De Luca Gennaro , Zhang Mei , Guo Ying
Published: July 2020

Guide dogs are helpful for visually impaired people for navigating through the streets. However, it is expensive and time consuming to train a guide dog. In addition, a guide dog cannot decide when and where to cross a street safely, and it is up to the human to decide. Here, the authors propose a framework for creating a guide dog robot by using artificial intelligence and other technologies. The proposed framework is based on an Intel UP squared board, together with a Neural Compute Stick Movidius to process the images gathered from a GoPro camera. MobileNet single shot detector (SSD) is the main framework to detect the moving objects in the environment. The final decision is made after fusing the information gathered from all the sources. The authors also apply the Amazon Alexa device for the voice communication between the guide dog robot and the visually impaired person. A prototype of the proposed system is implemented and tested. Experimental results show that the proposed framework can process the information at a traffic intersection scene and can guide a blind person to cross the street safely.
Actes de la journée filnemus troubles cognitifs et maladies neuromusculaires
Authors: Péréon Yann , Merret Géraldine
Published: July 2020

Les résumés, textes et diaporamas qui figurent dans les pages suivantes sont issus de la journée de travail organisée le 23 mai 2019 à l’Institut de Myologie par la commission « Accompagnement du Patient » de la filière neuromusculaire FILNEMUS.