bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal financing and operation strategy of fresh agricultural supply chain
Authors: Yan Bo , Liu Gaodi , Zhang Zhenyu , Yan Chang
Published: March 2020

Increased market demand and expanded scales of production of fresh agricultural products by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) have highlighted the challenge of funding sufficient infrastructure. Additional costs to improve the freshness of produce makes the optimal financial and operational policies different for these enterprises. On the basis of the characteristics of the fresh agricultural supply chain, this paper analyses the financing strategies adopted by SMEs and obtains optimal operational and financing strategies for SMEs in six different situations. The analysis shows that the optimal level of financing  by SMEs is not only affected by the financing rate, but also negatively related to the freshness effort cost coefficient, and is positively related to the sensitivity coefficient of market freshness. Moreover, although the cost of improving the freshness level of the producte is only  borne by the SME, the supply chain cannot maximise profit from the optimal financial strategies of SMEs. Shouldering the fresh effort cost also lessens the optimal financing requirement of the SME compared with that of the entire supply chain. The difference is affected by the fresh effort cost coefficient.
Adsorption kinetics of high mobility group box 1 protein in a polyacrylonitrile hemofiltration membrane
Authors: Nakamura Tomoyuki , Moriyama Kazuhiro , Shimomura Yasuyo , Kato Yu , Kuriyama Naohide , Hara Yoshitaka , Yamada Shingo , Nishida Osamu
Published: March 2020

The high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is recognized as a prototypical endogenous danger cytokine in sepsis. We previously reported that a polyacrylonitrile (AN69ST) membrane rapidly adsorbed HMGB1. Herein, an in vitro hemofiltration system was designed to assess the HMGB1 adsorption capacity, adsorption sites, and adsorption mechanism of the AN69ST membrane. HMGB1 was repeatedly added seven times during hemofiltration. A rapid decrease in circulating HMGB1 was observed after every addition with no sign of saturation. Presence of HMGB1 on the filter membrane was observed on both membrane surfaces and within the bulk layer using a high concentration of HMGB1 by immunoelectron microscopy. We hypothesized that the addition of heparin to the membrane surface or filtration rate would contribute to the adsorption mechanism. We could not measure the influence of heparin and filtration. Although the membrane was too large to saturate under the μg/mL HMGB1 conditions, our results show that the AN69ST membrane has a robust absorption capacity that could be used to treat sepsis.
Functional analysis of an R311C variant of Ca2+‐calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase‐2 (CaMKK2) found as a de novo mutation in a patient with bipolar disorder
Authors: XY Ling Naomi , Langendorf Christopher G. , Hoque Ashfaqul , Galic Sandra , Loh Kim , Kemp Bruce E. , Gundlach Andrew L. , Oakhill Jonathan S. , Scott John W.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene encoding the calcium‐calmodulin (Ca2+‐CaM)‐dependent protein kinase kinase‐2 (CaMKK2) enzyme are linked to bipolar disorder. Recently, a de novo arginine to cysteine (R311C) mutation in CaMKK2 was identified from a whole exome sequencing study of bipolar patients and their unaffected parents. The aim of the present study was to determine the functional consequences of the R311C mutation on CaMKK2 activity and regulation by Ca2+‐CaM.

Methods

The effects of the R311C mutation on CaMKK2 activity and Ca2+‐CaM activation were examined using a radiolabeled adenosine triphosphate (ATP) kinase assay. We performed immunoblot analysis to determine whether the R311C mutation impacts threonine‐85 (T85) autophosphorylation, an activating phosphorylation site on CaMKK2 that has also been implicated in bipolar disorder. We also expressed the R311C mutant in CaMKK2 knockout HAP1 cells and used immunoblot analysis and an MTS reduction assay to study its effects on Ca2+‐dependent downstream signaling and cell viability, respectively.

Results

The R311C mutation maps to the conserved HRD motif within the catalytic loop of CaMKK2 and caused a marked reduction in kinase activity and Ca2+‐CaM activation. The R311C mutation virtually abolished T85 autophosphorylation in response to Ca2+‐CaM and exerted a dominant‐negative effect in cells as it impaired the ability of wild‐type CaMKK2 to initiate downstream signaling and maintain cell viability.

Conclusions

The highly disruptive, loss‐of‐function impact of the de novo R311C mutation in human CaMKK2 provides a compelling functional rationale for being considered a potential rare monogenic cause of bipolar disorder.
Predicting the presence of breast cancer using circulating small RNAs, including those in the extracellular vesicles
Authors: Koi Yumiko , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Nishiyama Yukie , Ueda Daisuke , Ibuki Yuta , Sasada Shinsuke , Akita Tomoyuki , Masumoto Norio , Kadoya Takayuki , Yamamoto Yuki , Takahashi Ryou‐u , Tanaka Junko , Okada Morihito , Tahara Hidetoshi
Published: March 2020

Emerging evidence indicates that small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and their isoforms (isomiRs), and transfer RNA fragments (tRFs), are differently expressed in breast cancer (BC) and can be detected in blood circulation. Circulating small RNAs and small RNAs in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as ideal markers in small RNA‐based applications for cancer detection. In this study, we first undertook small RNA sequencing to assess the expression of circulating small RNAs in the serum of BC patients and cancer‐free individuals (controls). Expression of 3 small RNAs, namely isomiR of miR‐21‐5p (3′ addition C), miR‐23a‐3p and tRF‐Lys (TTT), was significantly higher in BC samples and was validated by small RNA sequencing in an independent cohort. Our constructed model using 3 small RNAs showed high diagnostic accuracy with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92 and discriminated early‐stage BCs at stage 0 from control. To test the possibility that these small RNAs are released from cancer cells, we next examined EVs from the serum of BC patients and controls. Two of the 3 candidate small RNAs were identified, and shown to be abundant in EVs of BC patients. Interestingly, these 2 small RNAs are also more abundantly detected in culture media of breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231). The same tendency in selective elevation seen in total serum, serum EV, and EV derived from cell culture media could indicate the efficiency of this model using total serum of patients. These findings indicate that small RNAs serve as significant biomarkers for BC detection.
Efficient Communication in Written and Performed Music
Authors: Bonnasse‐Gahot Laurent
Published: March 2020

Since its inception, Shannon's information theory has attracted interest for the study of language and music. Recently, a wide range of converging studies have shown how efficient communication pervades language, from phonetics to syntax. Efficient principles imply that more resources should be assigned to highly informative items. For instance, average information content was shown to be a better predictor of word length than frequency, revisiting the famous Zipf's law. However, in spite of the success of the efficient communication framework in the study of language and speech, very little work has investigated its relevance in the analysis of music. Here, we examine the organization of harmonic information in two large corpora of Western music, one made of MIDI files directly sequenced from scores, and the other made of MIDI recordings of live performances of highly skilled piano players. We show that there is a clear positive relationship between (contextual) information content of harmonic sequences and two essential musical properties, namely duration and loudness: the more unexpected a harmonic event is, the longer and the louder it is.
Pathological manifestation of the induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cortical neurons from an early‐onset Alzheimer's disease patient carrying a presenilin‐1 mutation (S170F)
Authors: Li Ling , Kim Hee Jin , Roh Jee Hoon , Kim Minchul , Koh Wonyoung , Kim Younghoon , Heo Hyohoon , Chung Jaehoon , Nakanishi Mahito , Yoon Taeyoung , Hong Chang Pyo , Seo Sang Won , Na Duk L. , Song Jihwan
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease which is characterized by the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These abnormal proteins induce disturbance in mitochondrial dynamics and defect in autophagy system. Since presenilin‐1 (PS1) is a core component in γ‐secretase complex, the mutations of PS1 gene cause the interference of γ‐secretase activity and lead to the increased Aβ42 secretion. We aimed to characterize the patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line carrying PS1‐S170F mutation. Furthermore, we tested whether disease‐modifying drug can reduce AD pathology in the AD iPSC‐derived neurons.

Materials and methods

Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated freshly from the peripheral blood of an autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) patient carrying presenilin‐1 (PS1) mutation (Ser170Phe; PS1‐S170F) and a cognitively normal control. We generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, which were differentiated into functional cortical neurons. Then, we measured the markers indicative of AD pathogenesis using immunocytochemistry and Western blot. We also investigated the mitochondrial dynamics in the AD iPSC‐derived neurons using Mito‐tracker.

Results

We observed that both extracellular and intracellular Aβ levels were dramatically increased in the PS1‐S170F iPSC‐derived neurons, compared with the control iPSC‐derived neurons. Furthermore, PS1‐S170F iPSC‐derived neurons showed high expression levels of p‐Tau, which were detected both in the soma and neurites. The mitochondrial velocity in the PS1‐S170F iPSC‐derived neurons was much reduced, compared with that of the control. We also found a significant decrease of fusion‐related protein Mfn1 (membrane proteins mitofusin 1) and an increase of fission‐related protein DRP1 (dynamin‐related protein 1) in the PS1‐S170F iPSC‐derived neurons. We further observed the defects of autophagy‐related clearance in the PS1‐S170F iPSC‐derived neurons. Finally, we demonstrated the levels of Aβ and p‐Tau can be dramatically reduced by the treatment of LY‐2886721, a BACE1 inhibitor.

Conclusions

Taken together, we have established and characterized the pathological features of an AD patient carrying PS1‐S170F mutation using iPSC technology, which will be the first case on this mutation and this iPSC line will serve as a useful resource for studying AD pathogenesis and drug screening in the future.
Adherence to COPD free triple inhaled therapy in the real world: a primary care based study
Authors: Zucchelli Alberto , Vetrano Davide L. , Bianchini Elisa , Lombardo Francesco Paolo , Piraino Alessio , Zibellini Marco , Ricci Alberto , Marengoni Alessandra , Lapi Francesco , Cricelli Claudio
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The development of new pharmacological treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has improved health‐related quality of life of patients. However, suboptimal adherence may limit its potential.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the adherence to free triple inhaled therapy and to investigate poor adherence determinants among primary care patients.

Methods

Data were derived from a primary care database in Italy. Patients aged 40+ affected by COPD and prescribed with inhaled corticosteroids, long‐acting beta agonists and long‐acting muscarinic antagonists (N = 3177) were enrolled. Low adherence was defined as a proportion of days covered (PDC) by medications prescription lower than 80%. Predictors of low adherence were tested using logistic regression models.

Results and conclusions

The 85% of enrolled patients showed poor adherence to free triple inhaled therapy. Comorbidities, such as heart failure (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.19‐2.75), depression (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.06‐1.88) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.01‐1.74) were associated with poor adherence. Former (OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.34‐0.78) or current smokers (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.41‐0.93) and patients with more severe airways obstruction or history of severe exacerbations (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.52‐0.79) were less likely to exhibit poor adherence. Real‐world adherence to triple inhaled therapy with different inhalers is generally low. Higher GOLD airways obstruction stage and current or former smoking status are associated with increased adherence to treatment. Reduced perceived benefit on symptoms control is probably linked to poorer adherence to free triple therapy.
Relationship between spirometry results and colonisation of Aspergillus species in allergic asthma
Authors: Vakili Mahshid , Aliyali Masoud , Mortezaee Vida , Mahdaviani Seyed Alireza , Poorabdollah Mihan , Mirenayat Maryam Sadat , Fakharian Atefeh , Hassanzad Maryam , Abastabar Mahdi , Yazdani Charati Jamshid , Haghani Iman , Tavakoli Mahin , Maleki Maedeh , Armstrong‐James Darius , Hedayati Mohammad T.
Published: March 2020

Introduction and objectives

Exposure to fungi in patients with asthma leads to the release of various fungal antigens, which can increase the severity of asthma. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the colonisation of Aspergillus species and spirometry results in allergic asthma.

Materials and methods

Two hundred sixteen patients with mild to severe asthma and 30 healthy controls were included. All participants underwent pulmonary function tests. Furthermore, sputum samples were collected from each subject. Each sputum sample was subjected to direct microscopic examination and fungal culture. All cultured Aspergillus colonies were identified at species level by molecular methods. Finally, all available data from sputum culture and spirometry test were analysed.

Results

Out of 216 sputum samples, 145 (67.1%) were positive for fungal growth. Furthermore, out of 264 grown fungal colonies, 137 (51.9%) were Aspergillus species. Among the Aspergillus isolates, A. flavus (29.2%) was the most prevalent species, followed by A. fumigatus (27.7%). The mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in the mild, moderate and severe asthmatic patients with a positive sputum culture for fungi were obtained as 90.0 ± 11.1, 71.1 ± 15.9 and 54.9 ± 16.4, respectively. In general, Aspergillus species colonisation had no statistically significant effect on spirometry results of study patients.

Conclusion

Our results showed that there is no difference in the FEV1 and forced vital capacity between Aspergillus positive and negative patients in any asthma severity group.
A Concept for a Japanese Regulatory Framework for Emerging Medical Devices with Frequently Modified Behavior
Authors: Ota Nagomi , Tachibana Keisuke , Kusakabe Tetsuya , Sanada Shoji , Kondoh Masuo
Published: March 2020

Recent progress in the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence has made it possible to utilize the vast quantity of personal health records, clinical data, and scientific findings for prognosis, diagnosis, and therapy. These innovative technologies provide new possibilities with the development of medical devices (MDs), whose behaviors can be continuously modified. A novel regulatory framework covering these MDs is now under discussion in Japan. In this review, we introduce the regulatory initiative for MDs and the importance of a paradigm shift from regulation to innovation regarding MDs.
Spatial patterns of mayfly, stonefly and caddisfly assemblages in Swiss running waters in the face of global warming
Authors: Timoner Pablo , Marle Pierre , Castella Emmanuel , Lehmann Anthony
Published: March 2020

Biotic homogenization represents a major concern in ecology but relatively few studies have assessed climate change impacts on assemblage patterns of freshwater species. Our main goals were to predict the current and future (years 2035, 2060 and 2085) patterns of mayfly, stonefly and caddisfly (EPT) diversity across Switzerland from macroscale environmental variables, and to assess the impact of warming temperatures on β‐diversity. The study area was the entire Swiss territory divided into 21 818 subcatchments (median area of 1.41 km2), used as spatial units for predicting patterns of EPT diversity. We assumed that the stream conditions were homogeneous within a subcatchment at this scale. Incidence of EPT larvae was derived from samplings carried out between 2010 and 2017 in 292 water‐course sites as part of two national monitoring programs. We employed generalized dissimilarity modeling to analyze the spatial turnover of EPT assemblages. Climatic, topographic, geological and land‐use variables were used as covariates, and different climate change scenarios were used for future predictions. We compared β‐diversity among the different scenarios through distance‐based tests of homogeneity of multivariate dispersions. Our findings showed the largest amount of EPT turnover occurred along the air temperature and slope gradients, considered as good proxies for water temperature and flow velocity. We predicted a biotic homogenization with increasing temperatures due to the upstream expansion of some species from the sub‐montane level, which only stabilizes in the most conservative climate scenario. This study is the first countrywide prediction of EPT composition patterns in the context of global warming and provides insights into the vulnerability of assemblages occurring at high elevations.
Aedes aegyptilines for combined sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique applications: the importance of host genomic background
Authors: Carvalho Danilo O. , Torres‐Monzon Jorge A. , Koskinioti Panagiota , Dilrukshi Wijegunawardana N.D. Asha , Liang Xiao , Pillwax Gulizar , Xi Zhiyong , Bourtzis Kostas
Published: March 2020

Aedes aegyptiL. (Diptera: Culicidae), being the primary vector of pathogenic arboviruses, is a target for the development of novel genetic approaches to complement current conventional vector control strategies such as the combined sterile insect and incompatible insect technique (SIT/IIT). A transinfected line ofAe. aegypticarrying thewAlbBWolbachiastrain (WB2) was introgressed into two genomic backgrounds, Brazil and Mexico, producing two newAe. aegyptistrains (WB2‐BRA and WB2‐MEX). These strains were evaluated with respect to several life‐history traits such as fecundity, fertility, longevity, pupa size, pupation curve, and male mating competitiveness, as well as their response to irradiation. Our results show that the impact ofWolbachiainfection depends on the genomic background and that the Brazilian one had no significant effect, whereas the Mexican one negatively affected fertility, longevity, and pupal size. Interestingly,Wolbachia‐infectedAe. aegyptilines required a lower irradiation dose to achieve complete female sterility than the uninfected ones. The present findings are discussed given the potential use ofWolbachia‐infectedAe. aegyptilines in combined SIT/IIT population suppression programs.
Somatic variants in new candidate genes identified in focal cortical dysplasia type II
Authors: Zhang Zhongbin , Gao Kai , Liu Qingzhu , Zhou Jiapeng , Li Xiyuan , Lang Na , Liu Ming , Wang Tianshuang , Zhang Jie , Wang Hui , Dong Ying , Ji Taoyun , Wang Shuang , Liu Xiaoyan , Jiang Yuwu , Cai Lixin , Wu Ye
Published: March 2020

Objective

Focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII) is a malformation of cortex development commonly found in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy. FCDII has been associated with somatic mutations in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐related pathway genes and an upregulation of mTOR. Somatic mutations were found in 10%‐63% of FCDII samples; the frequency of the mutant allele was 0.93%‐33.5%. This study aimed to find new candidate genes involved in FCDII.

Methods

We collected resected FCD lesions, perilesional brain tissues, and peripheral blood from 17 children with pathologically confirmed FCDII. We performed whole exome sequencing and followed a set of screening and analysis strategies to identify potentially deleterious somatic variants (PDSVs) in brain‐expressed genes. We performed site‐specific amplicon sequencing to validate the results. We also performed an in vitro functional study on an IRS1 variant.

Results

In six of 17 samples, we identified seven PDSVs in seven genes, including two frameshift variants and five missense variants. The frequencies of the variant allele were 1.29%‐5.50%. The genes were MTOR, TSC2, IRS1, RAB6B, RALA, HTR6, and ZNF337. PDSVs in IRS1, RAB6B, ZNF337, RALA, and HTR6 had not been previously associated with FCD. In one lesion, two PDSVs were found in two genes. In a transfected cell line, we demonstrated that the c.1791dupG (identified in FCDII from Patient 1) led to a truncated IRS1 and significant mTOR hyperactivation compared to cells that carried wild‐type IRS1. mTOR was also activated in FCDII tissue from Patient 1.

Significance

Seven PDSVs were identified in FCDII lesions in six of 17 children. Five variant genes had not been previously associated with cortical malformations. We demonstrated that the IRS1 variant led to mTOR hyperactivation in vitro. Although functional experiments are needed, the results provide evidence for novel candidate genes in the pathogenesis of FCDII.
Association of polymorphisms in TNF‐α, IL‐1β, GSTM and GSTT genes with apical periodontitis: is there a link with herpesviral infection?
Authors: Jakovljevic A. , Nikolic N. , Carkic J. , Beljic‐Ivanovic K. , Soldatovic I. , Miletic M. , Andric M. , Milasin J.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To investigate the possible association between TNFα (−308 G/A) and IL‐1β (−511 C/T) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and GSTT and GSTM deletion polymorphisms and risk of apical periodontitis (AP) development, and determine the association of different genotypes with the presence of herpesviral infection in AP.

Methodology

The study included 120 periapical lesions and 200 control samples. Gene polymorphism analysis was performed using either polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or PCR/ restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Relative gene expression of TNF‐α and IL‐1β was analysed using reverse transcriptase – real‐time PCR. The presence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was assessed by nested PCR. Chi‐square and Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression analyses were done for polymorphisms, whilst Mann–Whitney U‐test was performed for the expression analysis. The expected frequency of variants was analysed by the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test.

Results

TNF‐α (−308 G/A) SNP increased AP susceptibility for heterozygous (odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–2.80, P = 0.027) and homozygous (OR = 8.55, 95% CI = 1.77–41.36, P < 0.001) carriers of the variant A allele. On the other hand, IL‐1β (−511 C/T) polymorphism exerted a protective effect both in heterozygotes (OR = 0.540, 95% CI = 0.332–0.880, P = 0.013) and homozygotes (OR = 0.114, 95% CI = 0.026–0.501, P < 0.001). In addition, GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes separately, as well as concomitantly, were associated with an increased risk for AP development (P < 0.001). The null GSTT1 genotype increased approximately twice the risk of Epstein–Barr infection (EBV) in AP (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1–4.71, P = 0.048), whilst TNF‐α SNP decreased it, both in heterozygotes (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.08–0.48, P < 0.001) and AA homozygotes (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.37, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

GSTM and GSTT deletion polymorphisms, as well as TNFα (−308 G/A) SNP, are associated with increased risk, whereas IL‐1β (−511 C/T) polymorphism decreases the risk of AP development. GSTT and TNFα polymorphisms also appear to modulate the risk of EBV infection in Serbian patients with AP.
Artwashing Education?
Authors: Ruck Anthony
Published: March 2020

Education increasingly operates in neoliberal terms; privatisation, marketisation and competition have become key drivers for schools in England. This article explores the findings from an ethnography that points to how arts education practices are being used to ‘art‐wash’ schools resulting in parents with the requisite economic, social and cultural capitals ensuring that their children benefit the most from a creative education. Whilst most of the narratives on artwashing have so far focused on arts institutions and global capital, this article questions how some of the specific processes of gentrification may be extended to the current education system in England and ask if schools and arts organisations may increasingly be ‘art‐washing education’.
Social construction of biopsychosocial and medical experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wright Pamela J. , Dawson Robin M. , Corbett Cynthia F.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To explore the perceived biopsychosocial and medical experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, as presented in stories written by women on a social support website.

Design

Qualitative descriptive using low inference content analysis, guided by the social construction of illness theoretical framework.

Methods

In July 2018, 95 of 379 website stories were randomly selected. The stories were analysed, ending in September 2018.

Results

Three major themes aligning with framework constructs were identified: Biopsychosocial struggles and management: “I can't even look in the mirror without wanting to cry,” Sociocultural navigation: “I feel all alone and no one understands me.” and Healthcare encounters: “I don't feel like I’m getting the help I need”. These themes revealed that Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has biological and experiential components, which exist independently of each other and hold social and cultural meanings.

Conclusion

Care for women with PCOS should be multidisciplinary, multidimensional, and multi‐level to ameliorate biopsychosocial issues. Provider (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) education about PCOS is necessary to enhance timely diagnosis and implement individualized treatment strategies. Non‐advanced practice nurses are in a unique position to have an impact on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes by providing and reinforcing patient education, coordinating management processes, counselling via telephone or in‐person appointments and facilitating referrals to ancillary providers. Evidence‐based and accessible psychosocial supports and interventions will lead to improved self‐esteem and effective coping skills, and reduced stigma‐related stress. Lastly, policy changes are warranted to address access to care, health insurance inequities and inadequate funding for PCOS‐related research.

Impact

Increased awareness of PCOS and its biopsychosocial aspects will aid providers with timely diagnosis and meaningful treatment plans. Women with PCOS will gain acknowledgment, acceptance, and insight towards health care and self‐management.
Structural and functional properties of raw and defatted flaxseed flour and degradation of cynogenic contents using different processing methods
Authors: Safdar Bushra , Pang Zhihua , Liu Xinqi , Rashid Muhammad T. , Jatoi Mushtaque A.
Published: March 2020

Flaxseed contains valuable nutritional composition with functional and bioactive properties. These characteristics make flaxseed an attractive source of functional ingredients for the preparation of foodstuffs. An extensive comparative study was conducted using raw and defatted flaxseed flours (DFF), investigating their functional properties, antioxidant potential (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays), thermal properties by differential scanning calorimeter, microstructure by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. Flaxseed flour contains a considerable amount of cyanogen glycosides that have certain harmful effects on human health. Therefore, different processing methods (microwave processing, water boiling, autoclaving, soaking, solvent extraction, and ultrasound‐assisted detoxification) were compared to reduce this harmful compound in DFF. As seen in results, significant increase in proximate composition was observed in DFF. Similarly, DFF showed better antioxidant activity and functional properties. FTIR spectra revealed that the characteristic peaks associated with protein and carbohydrates were more prominent in DFF. Additionally, all tested detoxification methods significantly depleted HCN content. Among all, water boiling method found to be higher in reduction of HCN content followed by ultrasound assisted detoxification method. These findings revealed that DFF possess good nutritional, functional, and antioxidant properties, suggesting the potential application as a functional ingredient and as a supplement in foods.

Practical Applications

Flaxseed has been considered as a rich source of oil, protein and other beneficial components. The presence of cyanogenic components (mainly HCN) limits its application in food products. Therefore, the current study is conducted with a view of providing beneficial knowledge concerning potential applicability of flaxseed flour on industrial scale. It will also be supportive for establishing strategies to reduce HCN content from DFF and subsequently providing a safer toxin free flour with high nutrition value that could supplement other cereal or tuber flours.
Muscone suppresses inflammatory responses and neuronal damage in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy by regulating Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial fission
Authors: Zhou Long‐yun , Yao Min , Tian Zi‐rui , Liu Shu‐fen , Song Yong‐jia , Ye Jie , Li Gan , Sun Yue‐li , Cui Xue‐jun , Wang Yong‐jun
Published: March 2020

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common cause of disability with few treatments. Aberrant mitochondrial dynamics play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, regulation of mitochondrial dynamics may offer therapeutic benefit for the treatment of CSM. Muscone, the active ingredient of an odoriferous animal product, exhibits anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects for which the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. We hypothesized that muscone might ameliorate inflammatory responses and neuronal damage by regulating mitochondrial dynamics. To this end, the effects of muscone on a rat model of chronic cervical cord compression, as well as activated BV2 cells and injured neurons, were assessed. The results showed that muscone intervention improved motor function compared with vehicle‐treated rats. Indeed, muscone attenuated pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression, neuronal‐apoptosis indicators in the lesion area, and activation of the nod‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 inflammasome, nuclear transcription factor‐κB, and dynamin‐related protein 1 in Iba1‐ and βIII‐tubulin‐labeled cells. Compared with vehicle‐treated rats, compression sites of muscone‐treated animals exhibited elongated mitochondrial morphologies in individual cell types and reduced reactive oxygen species. In vitro results indicated that muscone suppressed microglial activation and neuronal damage by regulating related‐inflammatory or apoptotic molecules. Moreover, muscone inhibited dynamin‐related protein 1 activation in activated BV2 cells and injured neurons, whereby it rescued mitochondrial fragmentation and reactive oxygen species production, which regulate a wide range of inflammatory and apoptotic molecules. Our findings reveal that muscone attenuates neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in rats with chronic cervical cord compression by regulating mitochondrial fission events, suggesting its promise for CSM therapy.

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Roads to American Empire: U.S. Military Public Works and Capitalist Transitions, 1898–1934.
Authors: Jackson Justin F.
Published: March 2020

Between 1898 and 1934, in synchronous and successive U.S. military interventions and occupations in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, American soldiers made public works, and especially roads, into a global technology of imperial power. This essay examines infrastructure as a factor in state formation and capitalist transition in these five different imperial spaces as a way to study U.S. empire, and its effects on foreign societies, through a comparative, global, and intra‐imperial approach often precluded by the methodological nationalism of historical and sociological literatures. Despite significant differences between these sites of U.S. war and occupation, both prior to American interventions and during them, U.S. military public works expressed and advanced a common political‐economic logic of state centralization and capital accumulation. Colonial and post‐colonial political institutions and political economies, the strength of central governments, the extent of plantation agriculture and rural proletarianization, world commodity markets, and geography and natural events varied, but determined U.S. imperial infrastructure's outcomes. By the 1930s, the U.S. military had elevated infrastructural improvement to a key repertoire of American imperial power in the world, and one which persisted as the United States turned away from formal colonialism in the era of the Cold War and decolonization.
Self‐management activities of older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by types of healthcare services utilised: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Kitamura Satomi , Igarashi Ayumi , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Senjyu Hideaki , Horie Takeo , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: March 2020

Aims and design

Various healthcare services in Japan provide self‐management interventions for older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To examine the influence of healthcare service utilisation on self‐management activities, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey of older people with COPD who received care through outpatient clinics (OC), outpatient rehabilitation centres (OR) or home care (HC) services.

Methods

The survey consisted of 34 originally developed self‐report questions about three types of self‐management activities: (a) strategies to minimise dyspnoea, (b) appropriate activities to maintain physical and mental health status and (c) communication with healthcare professionals or family members. We compared self‐management activities in each setting (OC, OR and HC) using logistic regression analyses, controlling for dyspnoea level and age, which we chose as representative variables of disease severity.

Results

Among the total sample (n = 81; mean age: 78.2 years old), participants in the HC group (n = 25) had the most severe level of COPD, followed by those in the OR (n = 31) and OC (n = 12) groups. Compared with participants from the OC group, more participants from the OR and HC groups reported self‐management activities, such as “moving body corresponding to breathing” (OR: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 6.71; HC: AOR, 6.98), “trying not to move quickly” (OR: AOR, 5.46), “avoiding suffocating movements” (HC: AOR, 7.37), “getting an influenza vaccination”(OR: AOR, 8.12; HC: AOR, 7.81), “stretching exercise” (OR: AOR, 6.42; HC: AOR, 16.76), “muscle training” (OR: AOR, 8.49; HC: AOR, 9.73) and “discussing lifestyle goals with healthcare professionals” (HC: AOR, 5.75) after controlling for dyspnoea level and age.

Conclusions

Some self‐management activities (such as breathing techniques and home exercise) were associated with the use of OR or HC services, an effect persisting after adjusting for degree of breathlessness and age.

Implications for practice

Findings suggest that we should provide additional services such as OR and HC besides OC to older people with COPD who are unable to practice self‐management activities. We need to consider strategies to provide effective self‐management intervention in each healthcare service setting according to the unique characteristics of each setting.
Combining ability of soybean (Glycine max) for low phosphorus tolerance on acidic soils of Western Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Abush , Githiri Mwangi , Derera John , Debele Tolessa
Published: March 2020

Determining the gene actions governing the inheritance of traits of interest has paramount importance in designing a breeding approach to improve the progeny populations. This study was undertaken to determine the combining ability of nine selected parental lines in the F2/F3 segregating populations for low P tolerance. The experiment was laid out in an alpha lattice design in two locations, that is Mettu and Assossa of Western Ethiopia that are characterized by soils with low P and pH. General combining ability (GCA) effects were highly significant for grain yield, pod length, days to maturity and plant height, while specific combining ability (SCA) effects were highly significant for grain yield, 100‐seed weight, pod length and plant height. The parent Hardee‐1 was identified as the best general combiner for yield, number of seeds per pod, pod length, plant height and pod number. The results suggest that additive gene action was important for several of the studied traits, implied by significant GCA effect, which might indicate selection for these traits could be effective in later segregating generations.
Impacts of fire cues on germination of Brassica napus L. seeds with high and low secondary dormancy
Authors: Shayanfar A. , Ghaderi‐Far F. , Behmaram R. , Soltani A. , Sadeghipour H. R.
Published: March 2020

Agricultural burning is used in farm management operations; however, information about the impact of fire cues on the release and/or induction of secondary dormancy in crop seeds is scarce.

Seeds from two oilseed rape cultivars were induced for high (HD) or low (LD) secondary dormancy using polyethyleneglycol (PEG) pre‐treatment, and their germination after exposure to various fire cues was compared to control PEG pre‐treated and non‐dormant seeds.

Non‐dormant seed germination was unaffected by various fire cues. Low doses of aerosol smoke released secondary dormancy in HD seeds, while higher doses increased dormancy of LD seeds. Dilute smoke water also released HD seed secondary dormancy, but concentrated smke water enhanced dormancy in both LD and HD seeds. The concentrated aqueous extracts from charred oilseed rape straw only promoted germination of HD seeds, while dilution inhibited LD seed germination. Heat shock (80 °C, 5 min) released secondary dormancy in HD seeds; however, higher temperatures and/or increased exposure time was associated with seed death. GC‐MS analyses of smoke water revealed two butenolides and an array of monoaromatic hydroxybenzene compounds with potential germination inhibitor or promoter activity.

The extent of secondary dormancy induction in seeds affects their subsequent responses to fire cues. Both aerosol smoke and smoke water have both germination promoter and inhibitor activity. Lacking any butenolides, aqueous extracts of charred straw contain a potential germination stimulating steroid, i.e. ergosterol. The significance of fire‐derived cues on behaviour of oilseed rape seeds in the soil seed bank is discussed.
Sediment pollution and nitrogen release at the sediment‐water interface in Changjiang River and its tributary, the lower Han River Basin
Authors: Yuan Jie , Zhong Xinlin
Published: March 2020

Surface and core sediments were investigated in the lower Han River Basin, a tributary of Changjiang River in China to evaluate the nitrogen (N) pollution of sediments and N fluxes as well as their influencing factors at the sediment‐water interface. Two methods of sediment pollution assessment were applied and the results showed that the sediment at site H9 was the most contaminated and that at site H4 and H7 was almost unpolluted. pH was significantly and positively correlated with total nitrogen (TN) content and

flux (P < 0.05), indicating that N fluxes could be related to environmental factors.

was generally from out of the sediment and into water, while

diffused into sediment from water at some sites. Overall, the N fluxes were extremely high, revealing the considerable risk in internal N release. It is of great importance to strengthen the ecological restoration and control the internal N release.
Educational Upward Mobility. Practices of Social Changes--Research on Social Mobility and Educational Inequality
Authors: Lin Mei-ling
Published: March 2020

Social class is defined by the possession of all forms of economic capital, cultural capital and social capital which together shape the kinds of experience and lifestyles. This process is dubbed symbolic violence by Pierre Bourdieu. Education is crucially linked to assets such as income, occupational position and social prestige. Educational upward mobility requires more than individual effort and intelligence, and sometimes different ingredients, such as specific social conditions. The different dimensions of inequality—income, poverty, social exclusion, education and social mobility—are interconnected. The paper has been inspired by Bourdieu’s work on symbolic domination and capitals, and lifestyles. The author identifies a persistence of inequalities among the students due to social reproduction mechanisms: family background and parents’ social situation have a substantial influence on the life chances. The empirical data of this study come from a survey in 2019. The paper ends with a summary of findings and conclusions.
On Digital Twins, Mirrors, and Virtualizations: Frameworks for Model Verification and Validation
Authors: Worden K. , Cross E. J. , Barthorpe R. J. , Wagg D. J. , Gardner P.
Published: March 2020

A powerful new idea in the computational representation of structures is that of the digital twin. The concept of the digital twin emerged and developed over the last decade, and has been identified by many industries as a highly desired technology. The current situation is that individual companies often have their own definitions of a digital twin, and no clear consensus has emerged. In particular, there is no current mathematical formulation of a digital twin. A companion paper to the current one will attempt to present the essential components of the desired formulation. One of those components is identified as a rigorous representation theory of models; most importantly, governing how they are verified and validated, and how validation information can be transferred between models. Unlike its companion, which does not attempt detailed specification of any twin components, this paper will attempt to outline a rigorous representation theory of models, based on the introduction of two new concepts: mirrors and virtualizations. The paper is not intended as a passive wish list; it is intended as a rallying call. The new theory will require the active participation of researchers across a number of domains including: pure and applied mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering. The paper outlines the main objects of the theory and gives examples of the sort of theorems and hypotheses that might be proved in the new framework.
The Mechanism on Prediction of Transient Maximum Amplitude for Tuned and Mistuned Blisks
Authors: Ouyang Luohui , Shang Hai , Chen Hua , Bi Qingzhen , Zhu Li-Min
Published: March 2020

Blisks are subjected to frequent acceleration and deceleration, which leads to a transient forced response; however, there is limited understanding of this response. In this work, the mechanism on prediction of transient maximum amplitude is found. An analytical link is proposed between the transient maximum amplitude and a fundamental dimensionless parameter which combines the damping ratio, natural frequency, acceleration, and engine order of the system to reveal the mechanism of the transient maximum amplitude. Therefore, the transient maximum amplitudes of tuned and mistuned blisks are predicted analytically. First, a lumped parameter model is used to study the mechanism of the transient maximum amplitude for a tuned blisk, and an approximated analytical expression is derived between the fundamental parameter and the transient amplification factor of a 1DOF (degree-of-freedom) model. The relationship is also applicable to a reduced order, tuned finite element model (FEM). Second, the mechanism of the transient response for a mistuned blisk is studied in the decoupled modal space of the blisk, based on the 1DOF transient relationship. The transient maximum amplitude in a reduced order, mistuned FEM is predicted. Two lumped parameter models and a FEM are employed to validate the prediction.
Safety of ultrasonic examinations; thermal and mechanical indices
Authors: Nowicki Andrzej
Published: March 2020

This review article combines the reports on the biophysical effects in ultrasonography and provides the rationale behind the mechanical index (MI) and thermal index (TI) complying with the Output Display Standard (ODS). Safe ultrasonic doses are determined according to specific rules, and the screen displays the associated quantities MI and TI. The introduced indices MI and TI take into account the physical mechanism of interaction between ultrasounds and biological tissue, which depends on the temporal and spatial parameters of the acoustic field generated by ultrasound transducers. The predicted temperature increase is determined using three different tissue models: homogeneous, layered and bone/tissue interface.
The value of S-Detect for the differential diagnosis of breast masses on ultrasound: a systematic review and pooled meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jun , Sang Tian , Yu Wen-Hui , Jiang Meng , Hunag Shu-Yan , Cao Chun-Li , Chen Ming , Cao Yu-Wen , Cui Xin-Wu , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: March 2020

Aim: To evaluate the value of S-Detect (a computer aided diagnosis system using deep learning) in breast ultrasound (US) for discriminating benign and malignant breast masses.Material and methods: A literature search was performed and relevant studies using S-Detect for the differential diagnosis of breast masses were selected. The quality of included studies was assessed using a Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) questionnaire. Two review authors independently searched the articles and assessed the eligibility of the reports.Results: A total of ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 (95%CI: 0.77-0.87) and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.76-0.92), respectively. In addition, the diagnostic odds ratios, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 28 (95%CI: 16- 49), 5.7 (95%CI: 3.4-9.5), and 0.21 (95%CI: 0.16-0.27), respectively. Area under the curve was 0.89 (95%CI: 0.86-0.92). No significant publication bias was observed.Conclusions: S-Detect exhibited a favourable diagnostic value in assisting physicians discriminating benign and malignant breast masses and it can be considered as a useful complement for conventional US.