bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid measurement of indole levels in Brassica vegetables using one millilitre binary organic extraction solvent and capillary electrophoresis‐UV analysis
Authors: Suparman  , Inpota Prawpan , Phonchai Apichai , Wilairat Prapin , Chantiwas Rattikan
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Brassica vegetables contain high levels of indole compounds which have been found to provide health benefits, especially as cancer‐preventive agents. An efficient and rapid method using solvent extraction with capillary electrophoresis (CE) and ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed for the determination of four major indoles from four types of Brassica vegetables.

Materials and Methods

Freeze‐dried samples of four Brassica vegetables, i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage and cabbage, were selected. Hence, 1 mL of the binary solvent dimethylformamide (DMF)–methanol, 4:1 (v/v), was used for sample extraction. The extracts were diluted with the running buffer and directly analysed using CE with UV detection of four indole compounds.

Results

The binary solvent DMF–methanol, 4:1 (v/v) was selected from studies of the extraction efficiency of standard indoles spiked in ivy gourd (as the negative control sample) and using diphenylamine as the internal standard. Recovery was 80(±10)–120(±3)% for the four indoles: indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), indole‐3‐acetonitrile (I3A), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM). For direct analysis suitable dilution of the extract with the running buffer was required. The linear range of the quantitation is 0.75–25.0 μg/mL, limit of detection (LOD) of 0.14–0.52 μg/mL and r2 > 0.998. The amount of indole in the Brassica vegetables are in the order I3C > > IAA, I3A > DIM.

Conclusion

A rapid method for extraction and quantitation of four indoles in four Brassica vegetables using CE with UV detection was developed. It has the potential as an efficient technique for generating data for use in agricultural and nutritional studies.
Impact of pre‐exposure time bias in self‐controlled case series when the event conditions the exposure: Hip/femur fracture and use of benzodiazepines as a case study
Authors: Requena Gema , Douglas Ian J. , Huerta Consuelo , de Abajo Francisco
Published: January 2020

Background

In self‐controlled case series (SCCS), the event should not condition the probability of subsequent exposure. If this assumption is not met, an important bias could take place. The association of hip/femur fracture (HFF) and use of benzodiazepines (BDZ) has a bidirectional causal relationship and can serve as case study to investigate the impact of this methodological issue.

Objectives

To assess the magnitude of bias introduced in a SCCS when HFF conditions the posterior exposure to BDZ and explore ways to correct it.

Methods

Four thousand four hundred fifty cases of HFF who had at least one BZD prescription were selected from the primary care health record database BIFAP. Exposure to BZD was divided into non‐use, current, recent, and past use. Conditional Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of HFF among current vs non‐use/past, adjusted for age. To investigate possible event‐exposure dependence, a pre‐exposure time of different lengths (15, 30, and 60 days) was excluded from the reference category to evaluate the IRR.

Results

IRR of HHF for current use was 0.79 (0.72‐0.86); removing 30 days, IRR was 1.43 (1.31‐1.57). Removing 15 days, IRR was 1.29 (1.18‐1.41), and removing 60 days, IRR was 1.56 (1.42‐1.72). A pre‐exposure period up to 182 days was necessary to remove such effect giving an IRR of 1.64 (1.48‐1.81).

Conclusions

HFF remarkably conditioned the use of BDZs resulting in seriously biased IRRs when this association was studied through a SCCS design. The use of pre‐exposure periods of different lengths helped to correct this error.
Development of advanced hydrogenation processes for silicon solar cells via an improved understanding of the behaviour of hydrogen in silicon
Authors: Hallam Brett J. , Hamer Phill G. , Ciesla née Wenham Alison M. , Chan Catherine E. , Vicari Stefani Bruno , Wenham Stuart
Published: January 2020

The understanding and development of advanced hydrogenation processes for silicon solar cells are presented. Hydrogen passivation is incorporated into virtually all silicon solar cells, yet the properties of hydrogen in silicon are still poorly understood. This is largely due to the complex behaviour of hydrogen in silicon and its ability to exist in many different forms in the lattice. For commercial solar cells, hydrogen is introduced into the device through the deposition of hydrogen‐containing dielectric layers and the subsequent metallisation firing process. This process can readily passivate structural defects such as grain boundaries but is ineffective at passivating numerous defects in silicon solar cells such as the boron‐oxygen complex, responsible for light‐induced degradation in p‐type Czochralski silicon. This difficulty is due to the need to first form the boron‐oxygen defect and also due to atomic hydrogen naturally occupying low‐mobility and low‐reactivity charge states. However, these challenges can be overcome using advanced hydrogenation processes incorporating excess carrier generation from illumination or current injection that increase the concentration of the highly mobile and reactive neutral charge state. As a result, after fast firing, additional low‐temperature advanced hydrogenation processes incorporating illumination can be implemented to enable the passivation of difficult defects like the boron‐oxygen complex. With the implementation of such processes for industrial silicon solar cells, efficiency improvements of 1.1% absolute can be obtained.
Tuning the thermal properties of poly(ethylene)‐like poly(esters) by copolymerization of ε‐caprolactone with macrolactones, in the presence of a pyridylamidozinc(II) complex
Authors: Naddeo Marco , D'Auria Ilaria , Viscusi Gianluca , Gorrasi Giuliana , Pellecchia Claudio , Pappalardo Daniela
Published: January 2020

Linear aliphatic poly(ester)s, as thermoplastic materials, are more and more envisaged as the potential “green” alternative to traditional plastics. Aliphatic polyesters having long methylene chain behave as “polyethylene‐like” materials and can be prepared by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of macrolactones. A pyridylamidozinc(II) complex was used for the ROP of ε‐caprolactone (CL) and of two large ring size lactones, the ω‐6‐hexadecenlactone (6HDL) and the ω‐pentadecalactone (PDL). High turnover frequencies were observed for the CL polymerization, while for the macrolactones, an entropy‐driven behavior was recognized. Random copolymerizations of the PDL with 6HDL and of the macrolactones with CL were successfully achieved, and the copolymer microstructure was ascertained by NMR and MALDI analyses. The copolymer melting temperatures, measured by DSC, and the thermal degradation behavior, studied by TGA in nitrogen and air atmosphere, were dependent on the copolymer's composition. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci.2020,58, 528–539
Aqueous synthesis of sialylglycopeptide‐grafted glycopolymers with high affinity for the lectin and the influenza virus hemagglutinin
Authors: Tsuji Sotaro , Aso Yuji , Ohara Hitomi , Tanaka Tomonari
Published: January 2020

Glycopolymers with pendant complex‐type sialyl N‐glycans containing heptapeptides, that is, sialylglycopeptides (SGPs), were synthesized using a water soluble polymer backbone bearing N‐hydroxysulfosuccinimidyl esters by post‐polymerization modification in water. Although SGP has three amino groups on the peptide chain, the substitution reaction occurs preferentially at the N‐terminus α‐amino group in the lysine residue onto the polymer side chain because the reactivity of such α‐amino group is higher than that of the ε‐amino group in the lysine residue under mild acidic aqueous condition. The resulting SGP‐grafted glycopolymers exhibited strong interaction with the lectin Sambucus sieboldiana agglutinin and the human influenza A virus hemagglutinin, with higher binding associate constant values than those of free saccharide according to quartz crystal microbalance analysis. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 548–556
Theoretical and experimental studies on the thermal decomposition and fire‐extinguishing performance of cis‐1,1,1,4,4,4‐hexafluoro‐2‐butene
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Xingyu , Zhang Xiao , Fu Haolun , Tan Zhaoyang , Zhang Haijun
Published: January 2020

Due to the environmental problems caused by the existing Halon substitutes, it is essential to explore new extinguishants with better environmental friendliness. In this study, in order to evaluate the practicability of cis‐1,1,1,4,4,4‐hexafluoro‐2‐butene (HFO‐1336mzz(Z)) as a potential Halon substitution product, the thermal decomposition mechanism and fire‐extinguishing performance of HFO‐1336mzz(Z) were studied by using density functional theory calculation and experimental analysis. The computational results show that thermal decomposition of HFO‐1336mzz(Z) would result in some products that can further react with active OH˙ and H˙ radicals, which are indispensable reactants in the flame and combustion. Moreover, during the interaction between HFO‐1336mzz(Z) and flame, the fire‐extinguishing radical CF3˙ would be produced, indicating the chemical‐extinguishing mechanism and the pronounced fire‐extinguishing performance of HFO‐1336mzz(Z). To explore its actual fire‐extinguishing effect, the fire‐extinguishing concentration (FEC) of HFO‐1336mzz(Z) on methane‐air flame was measured in cup‐burner. The FEC value of HFO‐1336mzz(Z) is 6.84% in volume, which is lower than those of HFC‐125 and HFC‐116, and is slightly higher than that of HFC‐236fa. Both the experimental and theoretical results suggest that HFO‐1336mzz(Z) can be a promising candidate for Halon substitute.
Descriptor state‐bounding observer design for positive Markov jump linear systems with sensor faults: Simultaneous state and faults estimation
Authors: Song Xiaoqi , Lam James , Chen Xiaoming , Zhu Bohao
Published: January 2020

This article presents a descriptor observer design approach for positive Markov jump linear systems subject to interval parameter uncertainties and sensor faults. First, by taking the sensor fault term as an auxiliary state, an augmented descriptor system is constructed. A pair of positive observers with state‐bounding feature is then proposed, which enables simultaneous estimation of the system state and sensor faults. A necessary and sufficient condition on existence of the desired state‐bounding observer is derived by considering positivity and robust mean exponential stability of corresponding observer error dynamics. An iterative optimization algorithm is developed for the computation of the optimized observer matrices. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the validity of the proposed methods.
Effects of High Pressure Processing on Common Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.): Cotyledon Structure, Starch Characteristics, and Phytates and Tannins Contents
Authors: Belmiro Ricardo Henrique , Tribst Alline Artigiani Lima , Cristianini Marcelo
Published: January 2020

High pressure processing (HPP) is an emerging technology capable of promoting structural changes in food. This work studies the effect of HPP at room temperature (50 MPa/1 or 10 min and 600 MPa/1 min) on the cotyledon structure, starch characteristics, tannins, and phytates of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The results show that all process conditions promote a partial disruption of the bean parenchymal cells, minor reduction in birefringence under polarized light microscopy and, for samples processed at 600 MPa for 1 min, a small reduction in the crystallinity intensity is observed. Moreover, the processes are able to reduce up to 40% of the tannin content but cause no loss of phytates. Thus, HPP can be used as a unit operation to improve the nutritional value of common beans and to enhance the exposure of starch granules, which possibly increases bean susceptibility to hydration/dehydration/cooking processes, allowing the production of easy‐to‐cook beans.
Potential Genes Related to Levofloxacin Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Based on Transcriptome and Methylome Overlap Analysis
Authors: Li Hai-cheng , Guo Hui-xin , Chen Tao , Wang Wei , Wu Zhu-hua , Chen Liang , Wu Hui-zhong , Xu Gao-po , Chen Xun-xun , Zhou Lin
Published: January 2020

Drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) has become an increasingly serious public health problem and has complicated tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Levofloxacin (LOF) is an ideal anti-tuberculosis drug in clinical applications. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of LOF-resistant M. tuberculosis in TB treatment have not been revealed. Our study performed transcriptome and methylome sequencing to investigate the potential biological characteristics of LOF resistance in M. tuberculosis H37Rv. In the transcriptome analysis, 953 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; 514 and 439 DEGs were significantly downregulated and upregulated in the LOF-resistant group and control group, respectively. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 97 pathways were enriched in this study. In the methylome analysis, 239 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified; 150 and 89 DMGs were hypomethylated and hypermethylated in the LOF-resistant group and control group, respectively. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 74 pathways were enriched in this study. The overlap study suggested that 25 genes were obtained. It was notable that nine genes expressed downregulated mRNA and upregulated methylated levels, including pgi, fadE4, php, cyp132, pckA, rpmB1, pfkB, acg, and ctpF, especially cyp132, pckA, and pfkB, which were vital in LOF-resistant M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The overlapping genes between transcriptome and methylome could be essential for studying the molecular mechanisms of LOF-resistant M. tuberculosis H37Rv. These results may provide informative evidence for TB treatment with LOF.
Epigenetic regulation of human papillomavirus transcription in the productive virus life cycle
Authors: Burley Megan , Roberts Sally , Parish Joanna L.
Published: January 2020

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a large family of viruses which contain a circular, double-stranded DNA genome of approximately 8000 base pairs. The viral DNA is chromatinized by the recruitment of cellular histones which are subject to host cell–mediated post-translational epigenetic modification recognized as an important mechanism of virus transcription regulation. The HPV life cycle is dependent on the terminal differentiation of the target cell within epithelia—the keratinocyte. The virus life cycle begins in the undifferentiated basal compartment of epithelia where the viral chromatin is maintained in an epigenetically repressed state, stabilized by distal chromatin interactions between the viral enhancer and early gene region. Migration of the infected keratinocyte towards the surface of the epithelium induces cellular differentiation which disrupts chromatin looping and stimulates epigenetic remodelling of the viral chromatin. These epigenetic changes result in enhanced virus transcription and activation of the virus late promoter facilitating transcription of the viral capsid proteins. In this review article, we discuss the complexity of virus- and host-cell-mediated epigenetic regulation of virus transcription with a specific focus on differentiation-dependent remodelling of viral chromatin during the HPV life cycle.
Alien limb in the corticobasal syndrome: phenomenological characteristics and relationship to apraxia
Authors: Lewis-Smith David J. , Wolpe Noham , Ghosh Boyd C. P. , Rowe James B.
Published: January 2020

Alien limb refers to movements that seem purposeful but are independent of patients’ reported intentions. Alien limb often co-occurs with apraxia in the corticobasal syndrome, and anatomical and phenomenological comparisons have led to the suggestion that alien limb and apraxia may be causally related as failures of goal-directed movements. Here, we characterised the nature of alien limb symptoms in patients with the corticobasal syndrome (n = 30) and their relationship to limb apraxia. Twenty-five patients with progressive supranuclear palsy Richardson syndrome served as a disease control group. Structured examinations of praxis, motor function, cognition and alien limb were undertaken in patients attending a regional specialist clinic. Twenty-eight patients with corticobasal syndrome (93%) demonstrated significant apraxia and this was often asymmetrical, with the left hand preferentially affected in 23/30 (77%) patients. Moreover, 25/30 (83%) patients reported one or more symptoms consistent with alien limb. The range of these phenomena was broad, including changes in the sense of ownership and control as well as unwanted movements. Regression analyses showed no significant association between the severity of limb apraxia and either the occurrence of an alien limb or the number of alien limb phenomena reported. Bayesian estimation showed a low probability for a positive association between alien limb and apraxia, suggesting that alien limb phenomena are not likely to be related to severity apraxia. Our results shed light on the phenomenology of these disabling and as yet untreatable clinical features, with relevance to theoretical models of voluntary action.
Correction to: Effectiveness of combining microcurrent with resistance training in trained males
Authors: Naclerio Fernando , Seijo Marcos , Karsten Bettina , Brooker George , Carbone Leandro , Thirkell Jack , Larumbe-Zabala Eneko
Published: January 2020

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.
Self-prioritization during stimulus processing is not obligatory
Authors: Caughey Siobhan , Falbén Johanna K. , Tsamadi Dimitra , Persson Linn M. , Golubickis Marius , Neil Macrae C.
Published: January 2020

An emerging literature has suggested that self-relevance automatically enhances stimulus processing (i.e., the self-prioritization effect). Specifically, during shape–label matching tasks, geometric shapes associated with the self are identified more rapidly than comparable stimuli paired with other targets (e.g., friend, stranger). Replicating and extending work that challenges the putative automaticity of this effect, here we hypothesized that self-relevance facilitates stimulus processing only when task sets draw attention to previously formed shape–label associations in memory. The results of a shape-classification task confirmed this prediction. Compared to shapes associated with a friend, those paired with the self were classified more rapidly when participants were required to report who the stimulus denoted (i.e., self or friend). In contrast, self-relevance failed to facilitate performance when participants judged either what the shape was (i.e., triangle or square, diamond or circle) or where it was located on the screen (i.e., above or below fixation). These findings further elucidate the conditions under which self-relevance does—and does not—influence stimulus processing.
Environmental deterioration in rapid urbanisation: evidence from assessment of ecosystem service value in Wujiang, Suzhou
Authors: Yu Li , Lyu Yinchao , Chen Chun , Choguill Charles L.
Published: January 2020

Land use change is the most prominent feature of Chinese urbanisation. In China, the expansion of land consumed for urban development is inevitable given the rapid increases in the urban economy and urban population, but also in meeting the population’s increasing demand for better quality of life. This paper is based on a research study of Wujiang district in Suzhou, which is considered representative of many of the rapid urbanisation areas within the nation. The objective is to develop an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of land use change and how this change contributes to environmental deterioration, as assessed by changes in the ecosystem service value (ESV). In this study, ESV is defined as the environmental products and functions provided for human well-being. Based on local planning documents, Landsat TM remote-sensing images and field surveys, the research analyses the cost to the environment when traditional land uses are transformed into urbanisation. The research demonstrates that conversion to urban land use which ignores the limit and capacity of the environment can generate significant environmental costs, as assessed by ESV, which in turn, can lead to a deterioration of quality of life for inhabitants, the exact opposite of the original intention. The research demonstrates that by mapping the spatial distribution of ecological service values, ESV can be used as a guide to urban sustainable development.
Anti-Immigration Backlashes as Constraints
Authors: Del Savio Lorenzo
Published: January 2020

Migration often causes what I refer to in this paper as ‘anti-immigration backlashes’ in receiving countries. Such reactions have substantial costs in terms of the undermining of national solidarity and the diffusion of political distrust. In short, anti-immigration backlashes can threaten the social and political stability of receiving countries. Do such risks constitute a reason against permissive immigration policies which are otherwise desirable? I argue that a positive answer may depend on a skeptical view based on the alleged constraints that certain political facts - especially facts about human nature - pose on political intervention. This view does not stand conceptual and empirical scrutiny in the case of anti-immigration backlashes, where feasibility comes in degree. Yet focusing on the recalcitrance to change of these facts is practically important when devising action plans. This pragmatic core of the skeptical view yields a gradualist and naturalistic way of thinking about constraints in political theorising about migration, and elsewhere.
Algorithm for filling curves on surfaces
Authors: Kudlinska Monika
Published: January 2020

Let $$\varSigma $$
Σ
be a compact, orientable surface of negative Euler characteristic, and let h be a complete hyperbolic metric on $$\varSigma $$
Σ
. A geodesic curve $$\gamma $$
γ
in $$\varSigma $$
Σ
is filling if it cuts the surface into topological disks and annuli. We propose an efficient algorithm for deciding whether a geodesic curve, represented as a word in some generators of $$\pi _1(\varSigma )$$

π
1

(
Σ
)

, is filling. In the process, we find an explicit bound for the combinatorial length of a curve given by its Dehn–Thurston coordinate, in terms of the hyperbolic length. This gives us an efficient method for producing a collection which is guaranteed to contain all words corresponding to simple geodesics of bounded hyperbolic length.
Temperature-induced storage quality changes in pumpkin and safflower cold-pressed oils
Authors: Banaś Joanna , Maciejaszek Ireneusz , Surówka Krzysztof , Zawiślak Agnieszka
Published: January 2020

Cold-pressed pumpkin and safflower seeds oils were stored at 2 ± 1 °C, 20 ± 1 °C and 40 ± 1 °C for 8 weeks. Measurements of lipid quality parameters were performed every 2 weeks. Throughout storage the emission and synchronous fluorimetric spectra of investigated oils were registered and colour L*, a*, b* parameters were determined. It was found that pumpkin oil, regardless of storage temperature, maintains high quality over the entire examined period. Safflower oil demonstrated relatively low oxidative stability, especially when stored at 20 and 40 °C. Evaluated activation energy of oxidation was 82.9 and 36.5 kJ/mol for pumpkin seed and safflower oil, respectively. Emission spectra determined the nature of changes occurring in investigated oils at all storage temperatures. Registered synchronous spectra connected with the principal component analysis (PCA) allowed the crucial factors influencing the oil quality to be identified. In addition, regression models were used to determine the parameters causing the observed colour changes of the examined products.
Michalina Wisłocka’s The Art of Loving and the Legacy of Polish Sexology
Authors: Ingbrant Renata
Published: January 2020

This article discusses the development of Polish sexology as well as the challenges of sex education in Poland in general and the implications of Michalina Wisłocka’s work within the field of adult sex education in particular, both from a historical perspective and against the background of sociopolitical circumstances and the backlash in the sexual politics of today’s Poland. Michalina Wisłocka (1921–2005) is the author of Sztuka kochania [The Art of Loving] from 1978—the most widely read Polish handbook on sex, sexuality and eroticism. Although there has not been a sexual revolution in Poland, the success of the book may be considered revolutionary as it had an enormous impact on sexual awareness among the Poles at least for two decades after its publication. Nowadays, the book is considered groundbreaking as regards its normalizing effect on the language of sex, despite the omnipresence of gender role stereotypes. Even so, the revival of Wisłocka that has been seen in Poland in recent years is quite remarkable because the book appears traditional and largely outdated from today’s perspective. In the context of the postsocialist retraditionalization of sexual politics in Poland, however, the revived interest in Wisłocka seems less ambiguous since it can be perceived both as a sign of backlash and a sign of renewed demand for sexual knowledge and education.
Experimental and modeling study of wettability alteration through seawater injection in limestone: a case study
Authors: Seiedi Omolbanin , Zahedzadeh Mohammad , Roayaei Emad , Aminnaji Morteza , Fazeli Hossein
Published: January 2020

Water flooding is widely applied for pressure maintenance or increasing the oil recovery of reservoirs. The heterogeneity and wettability of formation rocks strongly affect the oil recovery efficiency in carbonate reservoirs. During seawater injection in carbonate formations, the interactions between potential seawater ions and the carbonate rock at a high temperature can alter the wettability to a more water-wet condition. This paper studies the wettability of one of the Iranian carbonate reservoirs which has been under Persian Gulf seawater injection for more than 10 years. The wettability of the rock is determined by indirect contact angle measurement using Rise in Core technique. Further, the characterization of the rock surface is evaluated by molecular kinetic theory (MKT) modeling. The data obtained from experiments show that rocks are undergoing neutral wetting after the aging process. While the wettability of low permeable samples changes to be slightly water-wet, the wettability of the samples with higher permeability remains unchanged after soaking in seawater. Experimental data and MKT analysis indicate that wettability alteration of these carbonate rocks through prolonged seawater injection might be insignificant.
Explaining temporal qualia
Authors: Farr Matt
Published: January 2020

Experiences of motion and change are widely taken to have a ‘flow-like’ quality. Call this ‘temporal qualia’. Temporal qualia are commonly thought to be central to the question of whether time objectively passes: (1) passage realists take temporal passage to be necessary in order for us to have the temporal qualia we do; (2) passage antirealists typically concede that time appears to pass, as though our temporal qualia falsely represent time as passing. I reject both claims and make the case that passage-talk plays no useful explanatory role with respect to temporal qualia, but rather obfuscates what the philosophical problem of temporal qualia is. I offer a ‘reductionist’ account of temporal qualia that makes no reference to the concept of passage and argue that it is well motivated by empirical studies in motion perception.
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in a chicken model: current approaches and applications
Authors: Chojnacka-Puchta Luiza , Sawicka Dorota
Published: January 2020

Improvements in genome editing technology in birds using primordial germ cells (PGCs) have made the development of innovative era genome-edited avian models possible, including specific chicken bioreactors, production of knock-in/out chickens, low-allergenicity eggs, and disease-resistance models. New strategies, including CRISPR/Cas9, have made gene editing easy and highly efficient in comparison to the well-known process of homologous recombination. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technique enables us to understand the function of genes and/or to modify the animal phenotype to fit a specific scientific or production target. To facilitate chicken genome engineering applications, we present a concise description of the method and current application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in chickens. Different strategies for delivering sgRNAs and the Cas9 protein, we also present extensively. Furthermore, we describe a new gesicle technology as a way to deliver Cas9/sgRNA complexes into target cells, and we discuss the advantages and describe basal applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in a chicken model.
Whole-tumor histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient maps in grading diagnosis of ependymoma
Authors: Huang Huiyu , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang , Wen Mengmeng
Published: January 2020

Objective

To study the value of whole-tumor histogram analysis which is based on apparent diffusion coefficient maps in grading diagnosis of ependymoma.

Methods

71 patients with ependymal tumors were retrospectively analyzed, including 13 cases of WHO grade I, 28 cases of WHO grade II, and 30 cases of WHO grade III. Mazda software was used to draw the region of interest (ROI) in the apparent diffusion coefficient maps of three groups on every layer of tumor level. The whole-tumor gray histogram analysis was carried to obtained nine characteristic parameters, including mean, variance, kurtosis, skewness, Perc.01%, Perc.10%, Perc.50%, Perc.90%, and Perc.99%. When the parameters satisfy the test of normal distribution and homogeneity of variance, single factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried to compare the three groups and LSD t test was performed to compare the two groups. Besides, the ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the parameters.

Results

Variance, Perc.01%, and Perc.10% had significant differences among the three groups (all P < 0.05). The remaining six parameters had no significant difference among the three groups (all P > 0.05). And, between WHO I and WHO II, the sensitivity and specificity of the Perc.10% were 85.7% and 100.0%, the AUC was 0.872, and the cut-off was 126.5. Between WHO I and WHO III, the sensitivity and specificity of the Perc.10% were 85.7% and 87.7%, the AUC was 0.835, and the optimum critical value was 131.33. Besides, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of variance between WHO II and WHO III are 68.4%, 76.9%, 0.794, and 2645.7, respectively. They had higher identification efficiency.

Conclusion

Whole-tumor histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps could provide ancillary diagnostic value in grading diagnosis of ependymoma. Perc.10% had a high diagnostic efficiency.
Testosterone Therapy: What We Have Learned From Trials
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Torres Luiz Otavio , Maggi Mario
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The role of testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) in men is still conflicting. In particular, safety concerns and cardiovascular (CV) risk related to TRT have not been completely clarified yet. Similarly, the clear beneficial effects of TRT are far to be established.

Aim

To systematically and critically analyze the available literature providing evidence of the benefit-risk ratio derived from TRT in aging men.

Methods

A comprehensive PubMed literature search was performed to collect all trials, either randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies, evaluating the effects of TRT on different outcomes.

Main Outcome Measure

Whenever possible, data derived from RCTs were compared with those resulting from observational studies. In addition, a discussion of the available meta-analyses has been also provided.

Results

Data derived from RCT and observational studies clearly documented that TRT can improve erectile function and libido as well as other sexual activities in men with hypogonadism (total T < 12 nM). Conversely, the effect of TRT on other outcomes, including metabolic, mood, cognition, mobility, and bone, is more conflicting. When hypogonadism is correctly diagnosed and managed, no CV venous thromboembolism or prostate risk is observed.

Clinical Implications

Before prescribing TRT, hypogonadism (total T < 12 nM) must be confirmed through an adequate biochemical evaluation. Potential contraindications should be ruled out, and an adequate follow-up after the prescription is mandatory.

Strength & Limitations

When correctly diagnosed and administered, TRT is safe, and it can improve several aspects of sexual function. However, its role in complicated vasculogenic erectile dysfunction is limited. Conversely, TRT is not recommended for weight reduction and metabolic improvement. Further well-powered studies are advisable to better clarify TRT for long-term CV risk and prostate safety in complicated patients as well as in those curatively treated for prostate cancer.

Conclusion

TRT results in sexual function improvement when men with hypogonadism (total T < 12 nM) are considered. Positive data in other outcomes need to be confirmed.
Additive metal solutions to aircraft skin corrosion
Authors: Matthews N. , Jones R. , Peng D. , Phan N. , Nguyen T.
Published: January 2020

This paper focuses on the problem of skin corrosion on the upper wing surfaces of rib-stiffened aircraft. For maritime and military transport aircraft this often results in multiple co-located repairs. The common approach to corrosion damage in operational aircraft is to blend out the corrosion and rivet a mechanical doubler over the region. In particular this paper describes the results of a combined numerical and experimental investigation into the ability of the additive metal technology, Supersonic Particle Deposition (SPD), to restore the load-carrying capacity of rib-stiffened wing planks with simulated skin corrosion. The experimental results reveal that unrepaired skin corrosion can result in failure by yielding. The experimental results also reveal that SPD repairs to skin corrosion can restore the stress field in the structure, and can ensure that the load-carrying capability of the repaired structure is above proof load.
The glacial origins of relict ‘pingos’, Wales, UK
Authors: Ross Neil , Brabham Peter , Harris Charles
Published: January 2020

Ramparted depressions (doughnut-shaped debris-cored ridges with peat- and/or sediment-filled central basins) are commonly perceived to represent the relict collapsed forms of permafrost ground-ice mounds (i.e. pingos or lithalsas). In Wales, UK, ramparted depressions of Late Pleistocene age have been widely attributed to permafrost-related processes. However, a variety of alternative glacial origins for these enigmatic landforms are also consistent with the available geological and geomorphological evidence, although previous studies have barely considered such alternative processes of formation. From detailed geophysical, sedimentological and remote-sensing studies at two field sites, we demonstrate that: (i) the wastage of stagnating glacier ice is a viable alternative explanation for the formation of ramparted depressions in Wales; (ii) the glacial geomorphology and geology of these landforms is analogous to supraglacial and subglacial landforms from the last Laurentide and Fennoscandian ice sheets; (iii) these landforms have significant potential for characterising the nature of deglaciation around the margins of the Irish Sea during the last glacial cycle, and may record evidence for the overextension and stagnation of the south-eastern margin of the Irish Sea Ice Stream; and (iv) investigations of ramparted depressions within formerly glaciated terrains must consider both glacial and periglacial mechanisms of formation.
CATEGORIFYING RATIONALIZATION
Authors: BARWICK CLARK , GLASMAN SAUL , HOYOIS MARC , NARDIN DENIS , SHAH JAY
Published: January 2020

We construct, for any set of primes$S$, a triangulated category (in fact a stable$\infty$-category) whose Grothendieck group is$S^{-1}\mathbf{Z}$. More generally, for any exact$\infty$-category$E$, we construct an exact$\infty$-category$S^{-1}E$of equivariant sheaves on the Cantor space with respect to an action of a dense subgroup of the circle. We show that this$\infty$-category is precisely the result of categorifying division by the primes in$S$. In particular,$K_{n}(S^{-1}E)\cong S^{-1}K_{n}(E)$.
When less is more: reducing redundancy in mental health and psychosocial instruments using Item Response Theory
Authors: Haroz Emily E. , Kane Jeremy C. , Nguyen Amanda J. , Bass Judith K. , Murray Laura K. , Bolton Paul
Published: January 2020

Background

There is a need for accurate and efficient assessment tools that cover a range of mental health and psychosocial problems. Existing, lengthy self-report assessments may reduce accuracy due to respondent fatigue. Using data from a sample of adults enrolled in a psychotherapy randomized trial in Thailand and a cross-sectional sample of adolescents in Zambia, we leveraged Item Response Theory (IRT) methods to create brief, psychometrically sound, mental health measures.

Methods

We used graded-response models to refine scales by identifying and removing poor performing items that were not well correlated with the underlying trait, and by identifying well-performing items at varying levels of a latent trait to assist in screening or monitoring purposes.

Results

In Thailand, the original 17-item depression scale was shortened to seven items and the 30-item Posttraumatic Stress Scale (PTS) was shortened to 10. In Zambia, the Child Posttraumatic Stress Scale (CPSS) was shortened from 17 items to six. Shortened scales in both settings retained the strength of their psychometric properties. When examining longitudinal intervention effects in Thailand, effect sizes were comparable in magnitude for the shortened and standard versions.

Conclusions

Using Item Response Theory (IRT) we created shortened valid measures that can be used to help guide clinical decisions and function as longitudinal research tools. The results of this analysis demonstrate the reliability and validity of shortened scales in each of the two settings and an approach that can be generalized more broadly to help improve screening, monitoring, and evaluation of mental health and psychosocial programs globally.
Weaving First Peoples' knowledge into a university course
Authors: Synot Edward , Graham Mary , Graham John , Valencia-Forrester Faith , Longworth Catherine , Backhaus Bridget
Published: January 2020

Abstract
First Peoples' knowledge at university lies within a contested knowledge space. The incompatibilities and differences between Western and First Peoples' knowledge systems means attempts to superficially ‘add’ First Peoples' content to university courses are often ineffective and tokenistic. Considering these issues, this paper reflects on the design and implementation of weaving First Peoples' knowledge and perspectives throughout a service-learning course. The course is a nationally awarded work-integrated learning programme delivered to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Drawing on a theoretical framework of Woven Law, the design of the module was led and authored by First Peoples. Throughout the design process, the module was critically examined in terms of the content developed and methods of content inclusion, while also responding to institutional demands of student learning outcomes. Survey results show a positive student reception and early success in enabling students to achieve learning outcomes. While initial results are promising, data are limited due to this being the first assessment of the programme and the fact that students were asked to rate their own experience. Nonetheless, Woven Law and carefully weaving First Peoples' knowledge throughout the curriculum represents a promising methodology and area for future research.
The Impact of Neopatrimonialism on Poverty in Contemporary Latin America
Authors: Giraudy Agustina , Hartlyn Jonathan , Dunn Claire , Carty Emily
Published: January 2020

Neopatrimonial exercise of power, combining ruler appropriation of resources with ruler discretionality in the use of state power, remains present to varying degrees in contemporary Latin America. Building on an extensive literature, this article provides a delimited conceptualization and measurement of neopatrimonialism for 18 countries in the region and examines the effects of neopatrimonial legacies on poverty with cross-national quantitative analysis. The study finds that higher levels of neopatrimonialism have a significant, substantive impact on poverty levels, controlling for other relevant demographic, socioeconomic, and political factors. It confirms the importance of a cumulative record of democracy for poverty alleviation, while the analysis indicates that neopatrimonialism limits the effects of the political left in power on poverty reduction.
On the Poincaré problem and Liouvillian integrability of quadratic Liénard differential equations
Authors: Demina Maria V. , Valls Claudia
Published: January 2020

We present the complete classification of irreducible invariant algebraic curves of quadratic Liénard differential equations. We prove that these equations have irreducible invariant algebraic curves of unbounded degrees, in contrast with what is wrongly claimed in the literature. In addition, we classify all the quadratic Liénard differential equations that admit a Liouvillian first integral.
Origin of Devonian mafic magmatism in the East Kunlun orogenic belt, northern Tibetan Plateau: implications for continental exhumation
Authors: Tang You-Jun , Liu Bin , Li Mei-Jun , Wu Yue , Huang Jian , Zhao Shao-Qing , Sun Yang
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the zircon geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope geology of Devonian mafic rocks developed in the East Kunlun orogenic belt, northern Tibetan Plateau, and reveals their mantle sources, petrogenesis and geodynamic implications for continental exhumation. The zircon geochronology of typical samples indicates that these mafic rocks crystallized at 406∼408 Ma. They can be classified into two different groups based on petrographic observations and geochemical compositions. Group 1 rocks exhibit low TiO2 and FeOt contents and Nb/Y ratios and have enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB)-like compositions with slight negative Nb and Ta anomalies. However, Group 2 rocks have distinctly high TiO2 and FeOt contents and Nb/Y ratios, comparable to typical Fe–Ti-rich mafic rocks worldwide. All the samples exhibit weak enrichments in light rare earth elements, Nb and Ta relative to the primitive mantle. Based on geochemical and isotopic studies, Group 1 rocks are suggested to be derived from depleted asthenospheric mantle that was metasomatized by c. 3–5 % continental crustal components, while Group 2 rocks originated from partial melting of enriched lithospheric mantle. The high contents of Fe, Ti and Nb for Group 2 rocks could be attributed to a high degree of olivine crystallization under low fO2 conditions with delayed nucleation of Fe–Ti oxides. Combining those results with other geological data, we conclude that slab break-off was the key factor causing exhumation of eclogites and triggering flare-up of the Devonian magmatism, and that continental collision or continental subduction may have initiated at 431∼436 Ma.
Estimating seasonal fragrant rice production in Thailand using a spatial crop modelling and weather forecasting approach
Authors: Kaeomuangmoon Thewin , Jintrawet Attachai , Chotamonsak Chakrit , Singh Upendra , Buddhaboon Chitnucha , Naoujanon Panu , Kongton Sahaschai , Kono Yasuyuki , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: January 2020

Fragrant rice is an important export commodity of Thailand and obtaining seasonal production estimates well in advance is important for marketing and stock management. Rice4cast is a software platform that has been developed to forecast rice yield several months prior to harvesting; it links a rice model with a Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Weather Research Forecast (WRF) data. The current study aimed to parameterize and evaluate the model and to demonstrate the use of the Rice4cast platform in forecasting seasonal KDML 105 rice yield and production with local data set. The study area encompassed 77 districts in Thailand, covering 0.94 of the total area of KDML 105 in the country. Minimum Data Sets for the 2013–2015 growing seasons were used for model parameterization and evaluation. The annual statistics from the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) were used as a reference basis and planted areas from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) was used for production estimation. Model evaluation showed good to fairly good agreement between the predicted and reported OAE yield. Production forecasts, however, over-estimated the OAE values considerably, primarily because of the use of GISTDA planted areas that were larger than the harvested areas in the production estimates. Adjustment of the planted areas to account for damaged areas need to be explored further. Nevertheless, the results demonstrated the capability of yield predictions with the Rice4cast, making it a valuable tool for in-season estimates for fragrant rice yield and production.
An episodic account of divine personhood
Authors: MOONEY JUSTIN
Published: January 2020

I present Ned Markosian's episodic account of identity under a sortal, and then use it to sketch a new model of the Trinity. I show that the model can be used to solve at least three important Trinitarian puzzles: the traditional ‘logical problem of the Trinity’, a less-discussed problem that has been dubbed the ‘problem of triunity’, and a problem about the divine processions that has been enjoying increased attention in the recent literature.
PATRONS AND ARTISTS ON THE MOVE: NEW LIGHT ON MATTEO GIOVANNETTI BETWEEN AVIGNON AND ROME
Authors: Bolgia Claudia
Published: January 2020

This article reassesses artistic production in Rome at the time of the temporary return of Pope Urban V, between 1367 and 1370, after a lengthy period of absence of the papacy in Avignon, and offers new insights into the long-term impact of this production. It does so by starting from a thoroughly neglected artwork now in the Museo Storico Artistico del Tesoro di S. Pietro, a victim of the traditional interpretative dichotomy as either a work by Giotto or not. By taking a different methodological approach, which is to think in terms of movement of patrons and artists, and on the basis of combined technical/visual analysis and documentary sources, the article sheds new light on this painting, offering new proposals concerning its dating, attribution, original location and function. It then addresses its historical contextualization and significance, allowing us to rethink art in Rome in the fourteenth century by discussing the role that the circulation of patrons and artists played in creating new forms. This discussion not only contributes to a better understanding of the art produced in Rome in the Trecento but also throws some light on the very origins and nature of Renaissance art.