bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of PI3K/Akt/β-catenin signaling in schisandrin B-mitigated bone deterioration in an experimental rat model of estrogen deficiency
Authors: Liang Yimin , Li Wei , Li Xiang , Nan Jun
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Schisandrin B (SchB) has been reported to perform a wide range of biological functions, including antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity and stimulation of osteoblast proliferation. However, the function and mechanism of SchB in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis are still unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-osteoporotic activity of SchB in an experimental rat model of estrogen deficiency, which is usually used to mimic human postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO).

Material and methods

OVX rats were orally treated with low (10 mg/kg) or high (50 mg/kg) doses of SchB for 8 weeks. Bone metabolism-related markers were measured by ELISA. The levels of protein expression were determined by western blotting analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and safranin O staining were performed to analyze trabecular bone and cartilage degeneration. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to evaluate osteoclast differentiation.

Results

SchB administration markedly increased serum Ca levels and bone Ca content and decreased urinary calcium excretion in OVX-operated rats. In addition, high-dosage SchB treatment blocked osteoclastogenesis and improved trabecular bone and cartilage degeneration in the tibia of OVX-operated rats. Furthermore, high-dosage SchB treatment dramatically elevated the protein expression of phospho-PI3K, phospho-Akt and -catenin in OVX-operated rats.

Conclusions

SchB exerted anti-osteoporotic activity in OVX-operated rats by accelerating the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, subsequently upregulating the expression of β-catenin.
Beelden in transitie. Recyclage en destructie in beeldhouwkunst
Authors: Baeyens Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Wat kan in onze snel veranderende wereld de betekenis zijn van een traag en per definitie statisch medium als beeldhouwkunst? Die vraag staat centraal in het werk en onderzoek van beeldhouwer Nicolas Baeyens. Als beeldend kunstenaar verkent hij de wisselende condities van het kunstwerk tussen creatie en destructie. Wat gebeurt er wanneer destructie een deel van het ontstaansproces wordt? Kan het kunstwerk ontdaan worden van zijn statische karakter door het in te schrijven in een cyclisch systeem van recuperatie en recyclage (recycling)? Uiteindelijk kent elk kunstwerk een metamorfose in de herinnering van de kijker, aldus Baeyens. In deze bijdrage illustreert hij dat destructie en recyclage nauw verwant zijn met elkaar door verbanden te leggen tussen destructieve kunst sinds de jaren 60 van de vorige eeuw en zijn eigen transformatieprojecten.
Precipitaten
Authors: Frank Robbert , Robbert Frank
Published: February 2020

Geïnspireerd door de grottekeningen van Lascaux, Egyptische hiëroglyfen en protoschriften uit Mesopotamië, werkt het kunstenaarsduo Frank&Robbert Robbert&Frank aan nieuwe objecten waarin ze hun eigen leven en werk documenteren in eenvoudige symbolische lijntekeningen. Deze tekeningen zijn een manier om zichzelf, de wereld waarin ze leven en hun kunstpraktijk onder de loep te nemen. Tegelijk creëren ze een basis om ook minder grijpbare ideeën en systemen te vertalen. Zoals de Egyptenaren in hun muurschilderingen niet enkel de dagelijkse handelingen uitbeeldden, maar ook hun kosmologische systeem vertaalden in symbolische voorstellingen.
Interdisciplinariteit tot de tweede macht. Dansstudies op het kruispunt van context en lichaam
Authors: Rutgeerts Jonas , Masschelein Anneleen , Delheye Pascal , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Truyen Frederik
Published: February 2020

Hoewel verschillende vormen van dansonderzoek zichzelf bestempelen als interdisciplinair en open, liggen de gebruikte modellen van interdisciplinariteit in de praktijk behoorlijk ver uit elkaar. In dit artikel zetten de auteurs een eerste stap in de ontwikkeling van een ‘interdisciplinariteit tot de tweede macht’ (ID2), een model waarmee het mogelijk wordt om de dialoog te initiëren tussen de verschillende interdisciplinaire modellen van dansonderzoek.
Plasma transport into the duskside magnetopause caused by Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices in response to the northward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field observed by THEMIS
Authors: Yan Guang Qing , Parks George K. , Cai Chun Lin , Chen Tao , McFadden James P. , Ren Yong
Published: February 2020

Abstract. A train of likely Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) vortices with plasma
transport across the magnetopause has been observed by the Time History of
Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) at the duskside
of the magnetopause. This unique event occurs when the interplanetary magnetic
field (IMF) abruptly turns northward, which is the immediate change to
facilitate the K–H instability. Two THEMIS spacecraft, TH-A and TH-E,
separated by 3 RE, periodically encountered the duskside magnetopause and
the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) with a period of 2 min and
tailward propagation of 212 km s−1. Despite surface waves also
explaining some of the observations, the rotations in the bulk velocity
observation, a distorted magnetopause with plasma parameter fluctuations and
the magnetic field perturbations, as well as a high-velocity low-density
feature indicate the possible formation of rolled-up K–H vortices at the
duskside of the magnetopause. The coexistence of magnetosheath ions with
magnetospheric ions and enhanced energy flux of hot electrons is identified
in the K–H vortices. These transport regions appear more periodic at the
upstream spacecraft and more dispersive at the downstream location,
indicating significant transport can occur and evolve during the tailward
propagation of the K–H waves. There is still much work to do to fully
understand the Kelvin–Helmholtz mechanism. The observations of the direct
response to the northward turning of the IMF, the possible evidence of
plasma transport within the vortices, involving both ion and electron fluxes,
can provide additional clues as to the K–H mechanism.
Earth system data cubes unravel global multivariate dynamics
Authors: Mahecha Miguel D. , Gans Fabian , Brandt Gunnar , Christiansen Rune , Cornell Sarah E. , Fomferra Normann , Kraemer Guido , Peters Jonas , Bodesheim Paul , Camps-Valls Gustau , Donges Jonathan F. , Dorigo Wouter , Estupinan-Suarez Lina M. , Gutierrez-Velez Victor H. , Gutwin Martin , Jung Martin , Londoño Maria C. , Miralles Diego G. , Papastefanou Phillip , Reichstein Markus
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Understanding Earth system dynamics in light of ongoing human intervention and dependency remains a major scientific challenge. The unprecedented availability of data streams describing different facets of the Earth now offers fundamentally new avenues to address this quest. However, several practical hurdles, especially the lack of data interoperability, limit the joint potential of these data streams. Today, many initiatives within and beyond the Earth system sciences are exploring new approaches to overcome these hurdles and meet the growing interdisciplinary need for data-intensive research; using data cubes is one promising avenue. Here, we introduce the concept of Earth system data cubes and how to operate on them in a formal way. The idea is that treating multiple data dimensions, such as spatial, temporal, variable, frequency, and other grids alike, allows effective application of user-defined functions to co-interpret Earth observations and/or model–data integration. An implementation of this concept combines analysis-ready data cubes with a suitable analytic interface. In three case studies, we demonstrate how the concept and its implementation facilitate the execution of complex workflows for research across multiple variables, and spatial and temporal scales: (1) summary statistics for ecosystem and climate dynamics; (2) intrinsic dimensionality analysis on multiple timescales; and
(3) model–data integration. We discuss the emerging perspectives for investigating global interacting and coupled phenomena in observed or simulated data. In particular, we see many emerging perspectives of this approach for interpreting large-scale model ensembles. The latest developments in machine learning, causal inference, and model–data integration can be seamlessly implemented in the proposed framework, supporting rapid progress in data-intensive research across disciplinary boundaries.
Post-entrapment modification of residual inclusion pressure and its implications for Raman elastic thermobarometry
Authors: Zhong Xin , Moulas Evangelos , Tajčmanová Lucie
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Residual pressure can be preserved in mineral inclusions, e.g.
quartz-in-garnet, after exhumation due to differential expansion between
inclusion and host crystals. Raman spectroscopy has been applied to infer
the residual pressure and provides information on the entrapment temperature
and pressure conditions. However, the amount of residual pressure relaxation
cannot be directly measured. An underestimation or overestimation of residual
pressure may lead to significant errors between calculated and actual
entrapment pressure. This study focuses on three mechanisms responsible for
the residual pressure modification: (1) viscous creep; (2) plastic yield; (3) proximity of inclusion to the thin-section surface. Criteria are provided to
quantify how much of the expected residual pressure is modified due to these
three mechanisms. An analytical solution is introduced to demonstrate the
effect of inclusion depth on the residual pressure field when the inclusion
is close to the thin-section surface. It is shown that for a quartz-in-garnet
system, the distance between the thin-section surface and inclusion centre needs
to be at least 3 times the inclusion radius to avoid pressure release.
In terms of viscous creep, representative case studies on a quartz-in-garnet
system show that viscous relaxation may occur from temperatures as low as
600–700 ∘C depending on the particular
pressure–temperature (P–T) path and various garnet compositions. For quartz
entrapped along the prograde P–T path and subject to viscous relaxation at
peak T above 600–700 ∘C, its residual pressure after
exhumation may be higher than predicted from its true entrapment conditions.
Moreover, such a viscous resetting effect may introduce apparent
overstepping of garnet nucleation that is not related to reaction affinity.
Leadership - Management of Management
Authors: Dytrt Zdenek , Serek Radomir
Published: February 2020

The dynamic development of the world is characterized by changes of the current state, that is by innovations, which are supposed to bring desirable economic effects. However, unethical intentions could also deliver the results fast but in an undesirable way. Unethical goals are mostly based on quantitative values and do not respect the existence of qualitative values and cannot satisfy the needs of the whole society. Therefore, it is desirable to apply responsible management which respects both, quantitative as well as qualitative values. Formation of the ethical environment is a long-term task which requires managers who act as ethical leaders according to the certain principles. Management aims to change the status quo - thus management is the management of the innovation process. Management of management (leadership) is an innovation of the management theory and practice. The converging strategic goals should be a company’s Goodwill and Corporate Culture. To reach these goals it will be necessary a cooperation between the business and educational and scientific organizations, as well as respecting the rules of the innovation process which includes continuity, timeliness, complexity and consistency.
Fish assemblages associated with artificial reefs assessed using multiple gear types in the northwest Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Plumlee Jeffrey D , Dance Kaylan M , Dance Michael A , Rooker Jay R , TinHan Thomas C , Shipley J Brooke , Wells RJ David
Published: February 2020

Quantitative surveys of fishes associated with artificial reefs in the northwest Gulf of Mexico were conducted over a 4-yr period (2014–2017). Artificial reefs surveyed were comprised of three types: concrete structures, rig jackets, and decommissioned ships. All reefs were surveyed
using vertical long line (VLL), fish traps, and Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar (ARIS 1800). Mean fish abundance did not significantly differ using VLL [1.7 ind set –1 (SD 2.2)] among the three reef types. However, relative abundance among all fishes collected was significantly highest
on rig reefs using traps [6.2 ind soak–1 (SD 3.8)], while results from sonar surveys indicated that the mean relative fish density was highest on concrete reefs [15.3 fish frame–1 (SD 26.8)]. Red snapper (n = 792), followed by gray triggerfish (n
= 130), pigfish (n = 70), tomtate (n = 69), and hardhead catfish (n = 57) were the most numerically abundant species using VLL and traps; red snapper comprised 90.7% of total catch using VLL and 43.9% using traps. Mean Brillouin's diversity (HB) was
highest on ships using VLL [0.41 (SD 0.14)] and highest on rigs using traps [0.87 (SD 0.58)] compared to the lowest diversity found on concrete [VLL 0.07 (SD 0.11); traps 0.36 (SD 0.32)]. Findings from this study can be used to inform the planning of future artificial reefs and their effect
on the assemblages of reef-associated fishes. Additionally, these results highlight the value of using multiple gear types to survey reef fish assemblages associated with artificial reefs.
Fenugreek seed poultice versus cold cabbage leaves compresses for relieving breast engorgement: An interventional comparative study
Authors: Hassan Hanan Elzeblawy , Sheha Eman Ali Abd El Moaty , Hassanine Sharbat Thabet , Gamel Wafaa Mostafa Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Background: Breast engorgement is an uncomfortable and painful condition affecting a large slid of mothers in their early postpartum period. Several approaches have been explored for pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions applied to the treatment of breast engorgement. Some of the non-medical interventions include Fenugreek seed poultice and cold cabbage leaves compresses. Aim: Study the impact of nursing intervention on relieves of breast engorgement among puerperal breastfeeding women and compare Fenugreek seed poultice versus could cabbage leaves compresses as two different nursing care approaches of on relieving of breast-engorgement.Methods: Setting: Postnatal unit and outpatient clinic of Beni-Suef and El-Fayoum University Hospital. Design: A quasi-experimental comparative study. Subjects: A purposive sample of a total of 100 puerperal mothers; 50 in the Fenugreek group \& 50 in the cold Cabbage group. Tools: A specialized designed structured interview schedule and Breast Engorgement Assessment Scale (Numerical rating scale, Modified Reeda Scale, Six-points engorgement scale, Fever Chart, and LATCH breastfeeding charting scale).Results: A significant improvement of breast condition after intervention for both groups regardless of the applied measure was found; however, the improvement was better and shorter time among Fenugreek group than Cabbage group (p < .05). Conclusions: For the management of breast engorgement, both Fenugreek seed poultice and cold Cabbage leaves were effective. However, Fenugreek seed was more highly effective where breast engorgement was alleviated in a shorter time than cold Cabbage leaves. Recommendations: Further randomized controlled trials with possible placebo treatment should be carried out to elucidate the non-specific effects of Fenugreek seed poultice and cold Cabbage leaves application.
Minimum 5-Year Outcomes of Robotic-assisted Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Nested Comparison Against Manual Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score–Matched Study
Authors: Domb Benjamin G. , Chen Jeffrey W. , Lall Ajay C. , Perets Itay , Maldonado David R.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Robotic-assisted technology has been a reliable tool in enhancing precision and accuracy of cup placement in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Still, questions remain on the clinical benefit of this technology.

Methods:

The purposes of the ongoing study were (1) to report on minimum 5-year outcomes in patients who underwent robotic-assisted primary THA (rTHA), (2) to compare those outcomes to a propensity score–matched manual primary THA (mTHA) control group, and (3) to compare radiographic measures between the groups regarding acetabular cup placement. Prospectively collected patient data were retrospectively reviewed for primary THA recipients during June 2008 to July 2013. Patients with minimum 5-year follow-up for Harris Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score-12, Veterans RAND-12 Mental, Veterans RAND-12 Physical, 12-Item Short Form Survey Mental, 12-Item Short Form Survey Physical, visual analog scale, and satisfaction were included. Patient-reported outcomes, cup placement, and revision rate of the rTHA group were compared with those of a propensity score–matched mTHA control group.

Results:

Sixty-six rTHAs were matched to 66 mTHAs. The rTHA group reported significantly higher Harris Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score-12, Veterans RAND-12 Physical, and 12-Item Short Form Survey Physical (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.002, P = 0.001). The acetabular implant placement by rTHA had a 9 and 4.7-fold reduced risk of placement outside the Lewinnek and Callanan safe zones, respectively (relative risk, 0.11 [95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 0.46]; P = 0.002; relative risk, 0.21 [95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.47]; P = 0.001). In addition, rTHA recipients had lesser absolute values of leg length discrepancy and global offset (P = 0.091, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Patients who received rTHA reported favorable outcomes at minimum 5-year follow-up. Furthermore, in comparison to a propensity score pair–matched mTHA group, rTHAs reported higher patient-reported outcome scores and had 89% reduced risk of acetabular implant placement beyond the Lewinnek safe zone and 79% reduced risk of placement beyond the Callanan safe zone.

Level of Evidence:

Level III
Perceptions of the Educational and Institutional Impact of the Orthopaedic Fellowship Interview Process
Authors: Taylor Adam J. , Sobel Andrew D. , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

The time spent applying and interviewing for an orthopaedic fellowship has notable financial, educational, and workflow consequences on both residents and their respective residency programs. The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions regarding the fellowship interview process to suggest changes that could be implemented.

Methods:

Mixed-response questionnaires were sent to orthopaedic surgery residency program directors (PDs) and PGY-4 to PGY-6 residents at the 164 accredited allopathic orthopaedic surgery residency programs in the United States (August 2017).

Results:

Significantly more PDs believed that time away for fellowship interviews negatively affected resident education compared with residents (68% versus 25%, 48 of 65 versus 28 of 113; P < 0.001). About half of all PDs and residents noted a specific amount of time granted for interviews (range, 3 to 20 days). Seventy-one percent of residents included in this study would favor regionally coordinated interview dates.

Conclusions:

Orthopaedic surgery residents and PDs perceive differences in the impact of the fellowship interview process on resident education and means for improvement of the process. Two-tiered or regionally coordinated interviews are favored as changes that could be implemented.
Proses produksi triasetin dari gliserol dengan katalis asam sulfat
Authors: Widayat W , Satriado Hantoro , Abdullah A , Handono Ika Windrianto K.
Published: February 2020

Triacetin production process from glycerol using sulfuric acid as catalyst.Glycerol can be produced from biodiesel production process with transesterification reaction. Glycerol of this reaction, not fully utilized as raw materials or as chemial products. Triacetate is a product of the esterification reaction of glycerol with acetic acid. Triacetate can be used for food and non-food. The objective of this study was to study the effect of temperature and the ratio of reactants on glycerol conversion on triacetate production process. The experiments were carried in batch process and total volume of glycerol and acetic acid 600 mL, stirring speed of 100 rpm and catalyst of sulphuric acid was 5 %-w glycerol based. The results of the qualitative analysis by means of FTIR confirmed there is Triacetate as product. Increasing of ratio molar of glycerol to acetic acid increased of glycerol conversion. The similar result obtained for temperature. The glycerol conversion was 67.6% and selectivity of triacetate 25%, where obtained using the reaction condition: mole ratio of glycerol to acetic acid 1:7, temperature 120 oC and 50 minutes.Keywords: glycerol, acetate acid, esterification, triacetin, glycerol conversion AbstrakGliserol dapat dihasilkan dari proses produksi biodiesel dari proses transesterifikasi. Gliserol dari proses ini, belum dimanfaatkan secara maksimal sebagai bahan baku maupun sebagai produk jadi. Triasetin atau gliserol triasetin merupakan produk reaksi esterifikasi gliserol dengan asam asetat. Kegunaan triasetin cukup banyak baik untuk keperluan bahan pangan maupun non pangan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari pengaruh temperatur dan perbandingan reaktan terhadap konversi gliserol dalam proses produksi triasetin. Percobaan dilakukan dengan proses curah, dimana volume total gliserol dan asam asetat sebesar 600 mL, kecepatan pengadukan 100 rpm dan katalis asam sulfat adalah 5 %-b gliserol. Hasil analisis kualitatif dengan alat FTIR menunjukkan adanya produk triasetin, dimana kesesuaian dengan bahan standar triasetin cukup tinggi. Peningkatan perbandingan gliserol dengan asam asetat akan meningkatkan konversi gliserol. Demikian juga dengan peningkatan temperatur juga akan meningkatkan konversi gliserol. Hasil yang terbaik diperoleh pada perbandingan mol pereaksi gliserol dan asam asetat 1:7 temperatur 120 oC, waktu 50 menit dengan nilai konversi sebesar 67,6% dan selektivitas sebesar 25%. Kata kunci: gliserol, asam asetat, esterifikasi, triasetin, konversi gliserol
Association of UDP-galactose-4-epimerase with milk protein concentration in the Chinese Holstein population
Authors: Li Cong , Cai Wentao , Liu Shuli , Zhou Chenghao , Cao Mingyue , Yin Hongwei , Sun Dongxiao , Zhang Shengli , Loor Juan J.
Published: February 2020

Objective: An initial RNA-Sequencing study revealed that UDP-galactose-4-epimerase (GALE) was one of the most promising candidates for milk protein concentration in Chinese Holstein cattle. This enzyme catalyzes the interconversion of UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose, an important step in galactose catabolism. To further validate the genetic effect of GALE on milk protein traits, genetic variations were identified, and genotypes-phenotypes associations were performed.Methods: The entire coding region and the 5’-regulatory region (5’-UTR) of GALE were re-sequenced using pooled DNA of 17 unrelated sires. Association studies for five milk production traits were performed using a mixed linear animal model with a population encompassing 1,027 Chinese Holstein cows.Results: A total of three variants in GALE were identified, including two novel variants (g.2114 A>G and g.2037 G>A) in the 5’-UTR and one previously reported variant (g.3836 G>C) in an intron. All three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with milk yield (p<0.0001), fat yield (p = 0.0006 to <0.0001), protein yield (p = 0.0232 to <0.0001) and protein percentage (p<0.0001), while no significant associations were detected between the SNPs and fat percentage. A strong linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.96 to 1.00) was observed among all three SNPs, and a 5 Kb haplotype block involving three main haplotypes with GAG, AGC, and AGG was formed. The results of haplotype association analyses were consistent with the results of single locus association analysis (p<0.0001). The phenotypic variance ratio above 3.00% was observed for milk protein yield that was explained by SNP-g.3836G >C.Conclusion: Overall, our findings provided new insights into the polymorphic variations in bovine GALE gene and their associations with milk protein concentration. The data indicate their potential uses for marker-assisted breeding or genetic selection schemes.
Nutritional value and in situ degradability of fruit-vegetable byproducts and their feeding effects on performance of growing Hanwoo steers
Authors: Song Keun Hong , Woo Jun Sik , Kim Ju Ri , Ryu Gyeong Lim , Baek Youl Chang , Oh Young Kyoon , Kwak Wan Sup , Park Keun Kyu
Published: February 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate nutritional value and in situ degradability of fruit-vegetable byproducts and their feeding effects on performance of growing Hanwoo steers.Methods: Nutritional value and in situ degradability of cabbage, Chinese cabbage and fruit-vegetable byproducts were assessed. In vivo feeding trial was also performed for 12 weeks. Thirty-six growing steers were randomly allocated into three groups according to body weight (BW) and age in 12 pens (4 replications/treatment) and assigned to one of the three dietary treatments: control (byproduct 0%), FV-B (fruit-vegetable byproduct 20%), and CA-B (cabbage peel 15% plus Chinese cabbage peel 15%, total byproduct 30%).Results: The crude protein contents of cabbage, Chinese cabbage and fruit-vegetable byproducts were 18.69%, 20.20%, and 10.07%, respectively. Concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were higher in cabbage (22.31%) and Chinese cabbage (28.83%) than fruit-vegetable (13.94%). Higher concentrations of non-fiber carbohydrate were observed for fruit-vegetable (66.72%) than cabbage (44.93%) and Chinese cabbage byproducts (24.69%). The effective degradability (ED) of both dry matter (DM) and NDF for fruit-vegetable byproduct (DM, 84.69%; NDF, 85.62%) was higher (p<0.05) than cabbage (DM, 68.47%; NDF, 55.97%) and Chinese cabbage byproducts (DM, 68.09%; NDF, 54.22%). The DM intake was not different among treatments because the amount of feed was kept constant according to the BW of growing steers to prevent overweight during the growing period. The average daily gain during the whole experimental period was not different among treatments (1.26, 1.25, and 1.34 kg/d for control, FV-B, and CA-B). The ED of both DM and NDF degradability of the total mixed ration (TMR) diets were very similar among treatments. Feed conversion ratio during the whole period showed no significant difference among treatments.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that fruit-vegetable and cabbage byproducts up to 20% and 30% (as fed basis), respectively can be included in TMR diets for growing beef cattle.
Use of condensed molasses fermentation solubles as an alternative source of concentrates in dairy cows
Authors: Ma Jian , Ma Chen , Fan Xue , Shah Ali Mujtaba , Mao Jiang
Published: February 2020

Objective: The purpose of present study was to investigate the effects of condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS) on lactation performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters of dairy cows.Methods: A total of 75 healthy Holstein cows with the same parity (milk production = 35±2.5 kg, body weight = 570±28 kg) were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups. One group served as control group (CON; no CMS), whereas the other 4 groups were CMS1 (accounted for 1% of the diet), CMS2 (2%), CMS3 (3%), and CMS4 (4%). All cows were fed regularly three times each day at 0800, 1600, and 2400 h. Cows received diet and water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 60 days.Results: Results showed that the dry matter intake, milk yield, and protein of CMS2 were maximum and higher (p<0.05) than CMS4. The ruminal pH was observed less than 6 in CMS3 and CMS4 groups. No noticeable difference of microbial protein was found between CON and CMS2 groups, while the microbial protein in these groups was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in CMS2 group was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. Compared to CMS3 and CMS4 groups, the CMS2 group increased (p<0.05) the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M on d 60.Conclusion: Therefore, it is practicable that CMS substitutes for a part of concentrates in lactating cows’ diets, but higher addition of CMS (more than 3% of the diet) could decrease production performance of dairy cows as seen in the present study.
Ground Forest Inventory and Assessment of Carbon Stocks in Sierra Leone, West Africa
Authors: Brima Mattia Stephen , Sesay Sampha
Published: February 2020

Forest and woodland are renewable natural resources providing basic human necessities. They have the ability to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change. Sustainable forest management is guided by forest mensuration and inventory which include measuring and calculating growth and changes in trees and forests. The objective of the study was to estimate timber resources and carbon stock using simple hand tools in Kasewe and Singamba forests in the southern part of Sierra Leone. All trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were measured in every plot for DBH, and three trees were measured for height. The correlation between mean wood volume and carbon stock was highly significant. For Kasewe plantation forest, mean wood volume and carbon stock were 151 m3 ha−1 and 44 t C ha−1, respectively, and for the Singamba natural forest, they were 181 m3 ha−1 and 82 t C ha−1, respectively. The linear correlation between basal area and volume, DBH and volume and basal area and total biomass was significant for the plantation species tested. Realistic national forest inventory and community forestry are inevitable for sustainable forest management in Sierra Leone.
Impact of Biological Factors Related to Maternal Aging: Risk of Childbirth with Down Syndrome
Authors: Kumar Dey Subrata , Bhaumik Pranami , Bhattacharya Mandar
Published: February 2020

Maternal aging and different biological factors play an important role in the birth of Down syndrome baby. Hormones play a crucial role for the maintenance of female sex cycle and oocyte maturation. Disparity in the level of these hormones during menstrual cycle has profound effect on female reproductive system. Hormonal imbalance also affects meiotic process and integrity of spindle structure and leads to nondisjunction of chromosome. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play a crucial role in ovarian aging and nondisjunction of chromosomes. FSH stands as a hormonal indicator for ovarian aging, and its high level is responsible for aneuploid birth. Advanced chronological age of mother, ovarian aging, environmental factors and accelerated telomere shortening at older reproductive age are found to be risk factors for the birth of trisomy 21 Down syndrome.
Interplay of Two Socio-Political Movements: Khudai Khidmatgar Movement and Independence Movement
Authors: Reayat Nauman , Shah Anwar-ul-Mujahid , Ali Usman
Published: February 2020

Khudai Khidmatgar Movement was an important historical movement which mobilized the
polity in a bottom-up direction to awaken the people living in the then North Western
Province and today's province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a
transformational and charismatic leader. He educated common people about non-violence
as a tool for organization and accomplishment of designed objectives. The essence of whole movement was rooted in the religion Islam which is interesting against the background of inspiration drawn by Pushtuns nationalists for the legitimacy of their narratives. This work throws new light on historical legacy of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan from a leadership perspective through historical comparative method. A new insight will be made to dig out various methods adopted by the leadership of the movement to gain the legitimacy of the movement and which had roots in religious text.
Improving Emotion Regulation skills through an Emotional Intelligence Training Course
Authors: Bagheri Zahra , Mohd Kosnin Azlina , Besharat Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2020

Emotion regulation is the fourth component of emotional intelligence theory introduced by Salovey and Mayer (1990). It has received much interest in recent years due to its
significant effect on life qualities such as mental health, social relationship, academic
achievement and work performance. However, there were not enough empirical studies to examine whether the training of emotional intelligence can improve emotion regulation skills. This paper describes a quasi-experimental study aimed at answering the question, „Does training in emotional intelligence create more emotionally intelligent behavior, particularly emotion regulation?‟ Emotional intelligent behavior was measured by responses to a written test (FEIS-41) in twice, before and after the training course. The subject participants were 60 and divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received an emotional intelligence training course, while the control group did not. The training course had six sessions, held once per week for two and a half hours. The results showed that the level of emotion regulation improved in the experimental group after the emotional intelligence training.
Food Security and Nutritional Status among Rural Poor: Evaluating the Impact of Rural Livelihood Mission in Odisha, India
Authors: Mishra Abhisek , Mishra Sujit Kumar , Baitharu Iswar , Das Tushar Kanti
Published: February 2020

This paper empirically examines the effect of participation in National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) on the food security of rural poor. In parallel, it also introspects the nutritional profiles of the respondents. Data were collected from 220 respondents (including both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) through a structured questionnaire from Sonepur district of Odisha (India). For assessing the nutritional profile, the study uses 24 hour recall and food frequency questionnaire methods to collect the information on food consumption. Then food items were converted into their equivalent calories. A food security index (FSI) was constructed to capture the food security taking the average calories of food consumed by the respondents. The study finds a better food consumption pattern among beneficiaries than the non-beneficiaries. Further, the impact of NRLM is examined using randomised control trial method and finds a positive impact of the programme on the food security. That means, participation in the programme helps the beneficiaries to attain food security. Therefore, participation should be encouraged to mitigate the food insecurity problem.
Neural mechanisms of economic choices in mice
Authors: Kuwabara Masaru , Kang Ningdong , Holy Timothy E , Padoa-Schioppa Camillo
Published: February 2020

Economic choices entail computing and comparing subjective values. Evidence from primates indicates that this behavior relies on the orbitofrontal cortex. Conversely, previous work in rodents provided conflicting results. Here we present a mouse model of economic choice behavior, and we show that the lateral orbital (LO) area is intimately related to the decision process. In the experiments, mice chose between different juices offered in variable amounts. Choice patterns closely resembled those measured in primates. Optogenetic inactivation of LO dramatically disrupted choices by inducing erratic changes of relative value and by increasing choice variability. Neuronal recordings revealed that different groups of cells encoded the values of individual options, the binary choice outcome and the chosen value. These groups match those previously identified in primates, except that the neuronal representation in mice is spatial (in monkeys it is good-based). Our results lay the foundations for a circuit-level analysis of economic decisions.
Cortical encoding of melodic expectations in human temporal cortex
Authors: Di Liberto Giovanni M , Pelofi Claire , Bianco Roberta , Patel Prachi , Mehta Ashesh D , Herrero Jose L , de Cheveigné Alain , Shamma Shihab , Mesgarani Nima
Published: February 2020

Humans engagement in music rests on underlying elements such as the listeners’ cultural background and interest in music. These factors modulate how listeners anticipate musical events, a process inducing instantaneous neural responses as the music confronts these expectations. Measuring such neural correlates would represent a direct window into high-level brain processing. Here we recorded cortical signals as participants listened to Bach melodies. We assessed the relative contributions of acoustic versus melodic components of the music to the neural signal. Melodic features included information on pitch progressions and their tempo, which were extracted from a predictive model of musical structure based on Markov chains. We related the music to brain activity with temporal response functions demonstrating, for the first time, distinct cortical encoding of pitch and note-onset expectations during naturalistic music listening. This encoding was most pronounced at response latencies up to 350 ms, and in both planum temporale and Heschl’s gyrus.
Thioredoxin-1 distinctly promotes NF-κB target DNA binding and NLRP3 inflammasome activation independently of Txnip
Authors: Muri Jonathan , Thut Helen , Feng Qian , Kopf Manfred
Published: February 2020

Antioxidant systems, such as the thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) pathway, ensure cellular redox homeostasis. However, how such systems regulate development and function of myeloid cells is barely understood. Here we show that in contrast to its critical role in T cells, the murine Trx1 system is dispensable for steady-state myeloid-cell hematopoiesis due to their capacity to tap the glutathione/glutaredoxin pathway for DNA biosynthesis. However, the Trx1 pathway instrumentally enables nuclear NF-κB DNA-binding and thereby pro-inflammatory responses in monocytes and dendritic cells. Moreover, independent of this activity, Trx1 is critical for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β production in macrophages by detoxifying excessive ROS levels. Notably, we exclude the involvement of the Trx1 inhibitor Txnip as a redox-sensitive ligand of NLRP3 as previously proposed. Together, this study suggests that targeting Trx1 may be exploited to treat inflammatory diseases.
Structure and physiological function of the human KCNQ1 channel voltage sensor intermediate state
Authors: Taylor Keenan C , Kang Po Wei , Hou Panpan , Yang Nien-Du , Kuenze Georg , Smith Jarrod A , Shi Jingyi , Huang Hui , White Kelli McFarland , Peng Dungeng , George Alfred L , Meiler Jens , McFeeters Robert L , Cui Jianmin , Sanders Charles R
Published: February 2020

Voltage-gated ion channels feature voltage sensor domains (VSDs) that exist in three distinct conformations during activation: resting, intermediate, and activated. Experimental determination of the structure of a potassium channel VSD in the intermediate state has previously proven elusive. Here, we report and validate the experimental three-dimensional structure of the human KCNQ1 voltage-gated potassium channel VSD in the intermediate state. We also used mutagenesis and electrophysiology in Xenopus laevisoocytes to functionally map the determinants of S4 helix motion during voltage-dependent transition from the intermediate to the activated state. Finally, the physiological relevance of the intermediate state KCNQ1 conductance is demonstrated using voltage-clamp fluorometry. This work illuminates the structure of the VSD intermediate state and demonstrates that intermediate state conductivity contributes to the unusual versatility of KCNQ1, which can function either as the slow delayed rectifier current (IKs) of the cardiac action potential or as a constitutively active epithelial leak current.
Agonist-selective recruitment of engineered protein probes and of GRK2 by opioid receptors in living cells
Authors: Stoeber Miriam , Jullié Damien , Li Joy , Chakraborty Soumen , Majumdar Susruta , Lambert Nevin A , Manglik Aashish , von Zastrow Mark
Published: February 2020

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) signal through allostery, and it is increasingly clear that chemically distinct agonists can produce different receptor-based effects. It has been proposed that agonists selectively promote receptors to recruit one cellular interacting partner over another, introducing allosteric ‘bias’ into the signaling system. However, the underlying hypothesis - that different agonists drive GPCRs to engage different cytoplasmic proteins in living cells - remains untested due to the complexity of readouts through which receptor-proximal interactions are typically inferred. We describe a cell-based assay to overcome this challenge, based on GPCR-interacting biosensors that are disconnected from endogenous transduction mechanisms. Focusing on opioid receptors, we directly demonstrate differences between biosensor recruitment produced by chemically distinct opioid ligands in living cells. We then show that selective recruitment applies to GRK2, a biologically relevant GPCR regulator, through discrete interactions of GRK2 with receptors or with G protein beta-gamma subunits which are differentially promoted by agonists.
Taxonomic clarifications concerning the crocodyliform genus Isisfordia
Authors: Hart Lachlan J.
Published: February 2020

Background

In a recent paper, a new species of the crocodyliform genus Isisfordia was erected based on, in part, a specimen previously designated as the holotype of ‘Crocodylus (Bottosaurus)’ selaslophensis. This new species was given the name Isisfordia molnari. However, because the holotype of ‘Crocodylus (Bottosaurus)’ selaslophensis displays a unique combination of characters and does not overlap with the holotype of I. molnari, both names remain valid according to ICZN regulations.

Results

The present work instates Isisfordia selaslophensis comb. nov., recognising the seniority of the original specific epithet given to the specimen. The specimen is also reaffirmed as the holotype of the species. Isisfordia molnari is rediagnosed based on non-overlapping material but is potentially referable to Isisfordia selaslophensis. All other analyses, descriptions, diagnoses and conclusions stated by the original study remain valid.
Monitoring the training dose and acute fatigue response during elbow flexor resistance training using a custom-made resistance band
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Xu Hongbin , Liang Juke , Jeong Jongyeob , Xu Taojin
Published: February 2020

Background

Home-based resistance training offers an alternative to traditional, hospital-based or rehabilitation center-based resistance training and has attracted much attention recently. However, without the supervision of a therapist or the assistance of an exercise monitoring system, one of the biggest challenges of home-based resistance training is that the therapist may not know if the patient has performed the exercise as prescribed. A lack of objective measurements limits the ability of researchers to evaluate the outcome of exercise interventions and choose suitable training doses.

Objective

To create an automated and objective method for segmenting resistance force data into contraction phase-specific segments and calculate the repetition number and time-under-tension (TUT) during elbow flexor resistance training. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the segmentation algorithm and to show the capability of the system in monitoring the compliance of patients to a prescribed training program in a practical resistance training setting.

Methods

Six subjects (three male and three female) volunteered to participate in a fatigue and recovery experiment (5 min intermittent submaximal contraction (ISC); 1 min rest; 2 min ISC). A custom-made resistance band was used to help subjects perform biceps curl resistance exercises and the resistance was recorded through a load cell. The maximum and minimum values of the force-derivative were obtained as distinguishing features and a segmentation algorithm was proposed to divide the biceps curl cycle into concentric, eccentric and isometric contraction, and rest phases. Two assessors, who were unfamiliar with the study, were recruited to manually pick the visually observed cut-off point between two contraction phases and the TUT was calculated and compared to evaluate performance of the segmentation algorithm.

Results

The segmentation algorithm was programmatically implemented and the repetition number and contraction-phase specific TUT were calculated. During isometric, the average TUT (3.75 ± 0.62 s) was longer than the prescribed 3 s, indicating that most subjects did not perform the exercise as prescribed. There was a good TUT agreement and contraction segment agreement between the proposed algorithm and the assessors.

Conclusion

The good agreement in TUT between the proposed algorithm and the assessors indicates that the proposed algorithm can correctly segment the contraction into contraction phase-specific parts, thereby providing clinicians and researchers with an automated and objective method for quantifying home-based elbow flexor resistance training. The instrument is easy to use and cheap, and the segmentation algorithm is programmatically implemented, indicating good application prospect of the method in a practical setting.
Sorption of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ from Aqueous Solution Using a Blended Membrane of Immobilized Karkashi (Sesame Leaves) and Sodium Alginate
Authors: Maradona Ibrahim , Kanus J. H. , Stephen M. Suleman
Published: February 2020

Sorption techniques are widely used to remove heavy metal ions from large volume of aqueous solutions, this plays a vital role in controlling environmental pollution. Herein, the sorption of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ with blended membrane of sodium alginate (Na-Alg) and immobilized karkashi leaves (IKAL) from aqueous solution was investigated at optimum conditions for effectiveness. Sorption capacities of the membrane for Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ were found to be 86.80, 40.60 and 39.55% respectively. The sorption behavior with respect to initial pH, ionic strength, temperature, contact time and initial metal ion concentration was investigated for optimum sorption conditions. Maximum sorption was found to occur at pH 3.0 for all the metal ions studied. Results showed that metallic ion uptake by the blended membrane declined with increase in ionic strength. This trend was also observed at an increased temperature of 50ºC for Pb2+, Cu2+ and 40ºC for Zn2+. Increase in initial metal ion concentration led to increase in metal ion uptake.

At the end of the chemical remediation, the blended membrane was found to be effective to some extent, with the reaction being exothermic.
Stretchable Composite Acoustic Transducer for Wearable Monitoring of Vital Signs
Authors: Cotur Yasin , Kasimatis Michael , Kaisti Matti , Olenik Selin , Georgiou Charis , Güder Firat
Published: February 2020

A highly flexible, stretchable, and mechanically robust low‐cost soft composite consisting of silicone polymers and water (or hydrogels) is reported. When combined with conventional acoustic transducers, the materials reported enable high performance real‐time monitoring of heart and respiratory patterns over layers of clothing (or furry skin of animals) without the need for direct contact with the skin. The approach enables an entirely new method of fabrication that involves encapsulation of water and hydrogels with silicones and exploits the ability of sound waves to travel through the body. The system proposed outperforms commercial, metal‐based stethoscopes for the auscultation of the heart when worn over clothing and is less susceptible to motion artefacts. The system both with human and furry animal subjects (i.e., dogs), primarily focusing on monitoring the heart, is tested; however, initial results on monitoring breathing are also presented. This work is especially important because it is the first demonstration of a stretchable sensor that is suitable for use with furry animals and does not require shaving of the animal for data acquisition.