bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meat Hook Injury Leading to Brain Abscess: A Rare Occurrence
Authors: Diyora Batuk , Dhall Gagan , Patel Mehool , Mulla Mazharkhan , More Nilesh , Shah Amit
Published: July 2021

Transorbital orbitofrontal penetrating injury by a nonmissile object is uncommon. The presentation of this injury varies. This injury can be easily missed during the initial clinical presentation, because the foreign body is sometimes not visible on local examination, the wound on the orbital skin is small, and very subtle signs are present. The patient can present with delayed complications of the primary injury. Our patient was a 33-year-old male who presented with an orbitofrontal injury with a meat hook. He had minor symptoms at the time of presentation, which were overlooked. Three weeks later, he developed signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Brain imaging revealed a peripheral rim of contrast-enhancing mass lesion in the right frontal lobe, extending into the right orbit with perilesional edema suggestive of posttraumatic brain abscess. Via right frontal craniotomy, pus was drained out and abscess wall was excised. The patient made good clinical recovery. A higher index of suspicion and sound knowledge of occult penetrating injury patterns is required in the cases of orbital injuries. Appropriate radiological imaging can lead to an earlier and accurate diagnosis, and can prevent its delayed sequela like brain abscess.
Thermography in ocular inflammation
Authors: Kawali Ankush A
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate ocular inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions using commercially available thermal camera. Materials and Methods: A non-contact thermographic camera (FLIR P 620) was used to take thermal pictures of seven cases of ocular inflammation, two cases of non-inflammatory ocular pathology, and one healthy subject with mild refractive error only. Ocular inflammatory cases included five cases of scleritis, one case of postoperative anterior uveitis, and a case of meibomian gland dysfunction with keratitis (MGD-keratitis). Non-inflammatory conditions included a case of conjunctival benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) and a case of central serous chorio-retinopathy. Thermal and non-thermal photographs were taken, and using analyzing software, the ocular surface temperature was calculated. Results: Patient with fresh episode of scleritis revealed high temperature. Eyes with MGD-keratitis depicted lower temperature in clinically more affected eye. Conjunctival BRLH showed a cold lesion on thermography at the site of involvement, in contrast to cases of scleritis with similar clinical presentation. Conclusion: Ocular thermal imaging is an underutilized diagnostic tool which can be used to distinguish inflammatory ocular conditions from non-inflammatory conditions. It can also be utilized in the evaluation of tear film in dry eye syndrome. Its applications should be further explored in uveitis and other ocular disorders. Dedicated "ocular thermographic" camera is today′s need of the hour.
Na compound fertiliser improves growth performance, drought resistance, and water-saving efficiency of the succulent xerophyte
Authors: Kang Jian-jun , Yu Jian-long , Zhang Jin-lin , Xu Jian-hua , Wang Suo-min
Published: July 2021

For Haloxylon ammodendron – a typical succulent xerophyte that accumulates Na+ to resist drought stress– the use of a Na-compound fertiliser (NaCF) at small scales could increase drought resistance. In this study we compared the effects of NaCF, NP (with N and P contents the same as in NaCF), diammonium phosphate (DP), and a control (C) on growth of H. ammodendron in the Alashan Desert regions of China. Results indicated that NaCF significantly increased plant height (PH) by 56, 27 and 12%, main root length (MRL) by 72, 60 and 45%, dry weight (DW) of whole plant by 291, 124 and 89%over the C, NP and DP treatments respectively in the nursery. NaCF also significantly improved drought resistance of H. ammodendron in large-scale desert afforestation, where it increased PH by 4.6 and 1.8 cm plant–1, main root length (MRL) by 4.5 and 4.1 cm plant–1, and DW by 17.9 and 15.9 g plant–1 compared with the C and DP treatments respectively. Furthermore, compared with the seedlings treated with DP in the nursery and in the desert afforestation, seedlings treated with NaCF resulted in water saving potentials of 50 and 33% respectively. These findings indicate that NaCF could be beneficial if widely applied in eco-restoration of the degraded vegetations in desert regions of China.
Morphological ghosts of introgression in Darwin’s finch populations
Authors: Grant Peter R. , Grant B. Rosemary
Published: July 2021

Significance

Genomes contain signatures of past gene exchange between species. However, genomic data are not available for many organisms. For these, morphology may substitute for genes, as exemplified by Darwin’s finches on the Galápagos island of Floreana. In 1835, Darwin and companions collected seven specimens of a uniquely large form of
Geospiza magnirostris
that became extinct in the next few decades. A surviving population of
Geospiza fortis
shows evidence of hybridization in a pronounced skew in the distribution of beak size in the direction of the absent
G. magnirostris.
The genetic and morphological residuum of an extinct species in an extant one has implications for its future evolution, as well as for conservation programs of reintroduction in extinction-depleted communities.
Adverbs in the Austronesian languages of Taiwan
Authors: Li Paul Jen-kuei
Published: July 2021

This is a study of adverbs in nine typologically divergent Austronesian languages of Taiwan, Atayal, Bunun,
Favorlang, Kavalan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiyat, Thao, and Tsou. There are only a few adverbs in each of these languages. The form of
an adverb is usually invariant and its position in a sentence is relatively free. On the contrary, the form of a verb usually
varies and its position in the sentence is usually fixed. Since the function of an adverb is to modify a verb, it may not occur
without a verb in a sentence, whereas a true verb may occur without any other verb. Many adverbial concepts in Chinese and
English, such as ‘all’, ‘only’, ‘often’, and ‘again’, are expressed using verbs that manifest different foci and take aspect
markers. When these words function as the main verb in the sentence, they may attract bound personal pronouns in many Austronesian
languages of Taiwan. However, there are a few genuine adverbs in each of these languages. It varies from language to language
whether a certain lexical item functions as a verb or adverb.
Cattle tick control in Africa: potential of ethnoveterinary plants
Authors: Mvumi Brighton M. , Nyahangare Emmanuel T. , Eloff Jacobus N. , Belmain Steven R. , Stevenson Philip C.
Published: July 2021

Cattle are a livelihood asset to smallholder farmers in Africa yet remain threatened by the effects of ticks and tick-borne diseases during production because they cause morbidity and premature death. The use of indigenous plants in tick control is a worldwide practice spanning thousands of years. Changes in the agricultural and socio–cultural landscape over time have, however, led to neglect of indigenous pesticidal plants in favour of synthetic products. The benefits of synthetic acaricides are well-recognized, but emerging observation indicates that they cannot solve all livestock health problems across production systems, farmer circumstances and agro-ecologies. Concerns associated with commercial acaricides have revived research interest in alternative or complementary remedies. Past research has focused on documenting ethnoveterinary practices, scientific validation of the practices and optimization of these practices. Here, we review the challenges of synthetic acaricides and progress made in ethnoveterinary plant research and development in Africa. The review highlights challenges of access, affordability and availability of commercial acaricides to resource-poor communities; synthetic acaricide resistance development; disposal of obsolete acaricides and environmental pollution; reduced water supply and implications on conventional use of acaricide-treated dipping facilities; and plant bioprospecting and downstream development of products in Africa. This information contributes towards shaping the ethnoveterinary plant research agenda and policy, and investment interventions in Africa.
Return to play protocols for musculoskeletal upper and lower limb injuries in tackle‐collision team sports: A systematic review
Authors: Geldenhuys A. Grethe , Burgess Theresa , Roche Stephen , Hendricks Sharief
Published: July 2021

Athletes in tackle‐collision teams are at high risk of musculoskeletal injuries resulting in absence from play due to the high impact nature of the sport. There is a paucity of research to guide the management and assessment methods needed to facilitate the return to play (RTP) process. This review aimed to describe, synthesise and evaluate RTP protocols implemented for musculoskeletal injuries in tackle‐collision teams. A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Ebsco Host was conducted for RTP management protocols and assessment modalities following upper and lower limb musculoskeletal injuries in tackle‐collision team athletes. Prospective and retrospective quantitative controlled trials, cohort, case–control, case‐series and cross‐sectional observation studies published between January 2000 and March 2020 were considered. The main outcome measures were the proportion of athletes to RTP, associated time‐loss and reinjury risk. 5265 articles were screened. 34 studies met the eligibility criteria of which 23 involved management and 11 assessment modalities. Management involved surgical or conservative strategies along with exercise‐based rehabilitation. Assessment modalities included radiographic assessment, clinical evaluation and subjective ratings. Promising RTP management included progressive weight‐bearing and exercised‐based rehabilitation for ankle sprains as well as surgery, the use of a sling and exercise‐based rehabilitation for shoulder instability. MRI scans showed promise in predicting time‐loss following hamstring and calf strains in tackle‐collision athletes. There are currently no clear guidelines for RTP after musculoskeletal injuries in tackle‐collision sports. Future research should investigate efficient management strategies evaluated through valid and reliable assessment methods to better guide clinicians.
Withdrawn: 2-D numerical simulation of electron MHD acceleration under low magnetic Reynolds number
Authors: Pan Xu , Zhang Sheng-Wu , Xu Wei , Ding Zhi-Wen , Qiu Yuan-Ran
Published: July 2021

The authors made a decision to withdraw the paper.
Chirp-dependent ionization of hydrogen atoms in the presence of super-intense laser pulses*
Authors: Zhu Fengzheng , Liu Xiaoyu , Guo Yue , Wang Ningyue , Jiao Liguang , Liu Aihua
Published: July 2021

We perform a theoretical study on dynamic interference in single photon ionization of ground state hydrogen atoms in the presence of a super-intense ultra-fast chirped laser pulse of different chirp types (equal-power and equal-FWHM laser pulses) by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in one dimension. We investigate the influences of peak intensity and chirp parameters on the instantaneous ionization rate and photoelectron yield, respectively. We also compare the photoelectron energy spectra for the ionization by the laser pulses with different chirp types. We find that the difference between the instantaneous ionization rates for the ionization of hydrogen atom driven by two different chirped laser pulses is originated from the difference in variation of vector potentials with time.
Review of wearable technologies and machine learning methodologies for systematic detection of mild traumatic brain injuries
Authors: Schmid William , Fan Yingying , Chi Taiyun , Golanov Eugene , Regnier-Golanov Angelique S , Austerman Ryan J , Podell Kenneth , Cherukuri Paul , Bentley Timothy , Steele Christopher T , Schodrof Sarah , Aazhang Behnaam , Britz Gavin W
Published: July 2021

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are the most common type of brain injury. Timely diagnosis of mTBI is crucial in making ‘go/no-go’ decision in order to prevent repeated injury, avoid strenuous activities which may prolong recovery, and assure capabilities of high-level performance of the subject. If undiagnosed, mTBI may lead to various short- and long-term abnormalities, which include, but are not limited to impaired cognitive function, fatigue, depression, irritability, and headaches. Existing screening and diagnostic tools to detect acute and early-stage mTBIs have insufficient sensitivity and specificity. This results in uncertainty in clinical decision-making regarding diagnosis and returning to activity or requiring further medical treatment. Therefore, it is important to identify relevant physiological biomarkers that can be integrated into a mutually complementary set and provide a combination of data modalities for improved on-site diagnostic sensitivity of mTBI. In recent years, the processing power, signal fidelity, and the number of recording channels and modalities of wearable healthcare devices have improved tremendously and generated an enormous amount of data. During the same period, there have been incredible advances in machine learning tools and data processing methodologies. These achievements are enabling clinicians and engineers to develop and implement multiparametric high-precision diagnostic tools for mTBI. In this review, we first assess clinical challenges in the diagnosis of acute mTBI, and then consider recording modalities and hardware implementation of various sensing technologies used to assess physiological biomarkers that may be related to mTBI. Finally, we discuss the state of the art in machine learning-based detection of mTBI and consider how a more diverse list of quantitative physiological biomarker features may improve current data-driven approaches in providing mTBI patients timely diagnosis and treatment.
NMR investigations toward understanding the variety of ground states in iron-based superconductors
Authors: Nishioka S. , Kouchi T. , Sakano F. , Yashima M. , Mukuda H. , Yogi M. , Yamaura K. , Takayama-Muromachi E. , Miyasaka S. , Tajima S. , Eisaki H. , Iyo A. , Kodani M. , Kakuto T. , Lee J.-H. , Kambe T.
Published: July 2021

We report NMR experiments on heavily electron-doped Fe-based superconductor in comparison with the results on the parent Fe-based compounds. The typical parent Fe-based compound LaFe(As1-x′P
x′)O exhibits the re-emergent antiferromagnetic (AFM) order at x′ ~ 0.6 (AFM2) separated from the parent AFM order at x′ =0 (AFM1). Systematic 31P-NMR study on [Sr4Sc2O6]Fe2(As1−x
P
x
)2 (SrSc42622), which has local lattice parameters of iron-pnictogen (FePn) layer similar to the series of LaFe(As1−x′/P
x′)O, also revealed that the presence of AFM1 order is universal for most of parent Fe-based compounds. In contrast, the static AFM2 order was absent in this series, however, the dynamical low-energy AFM spin fluctuations are enhanced at around x ~ 0.8, indicating that the onset of the static AFM2 is quite sensitive to the local lattice parameters of FePn layer. In order to elucidate the further universality and diversity, we have carried out 77Se-NMR measurement on Li
x
(NH3)yFe2−δ
Se2 (Tc
= 44 K) in heavily electron-doped regime. Although the spin fluctuations at low energies does not significantly develops upon cooling, the moderate spin fluctuations were extracted at high temperatures from comparison of the temperature (T) dependences of Knight shift and nuclear relaxation rate (1/T
1
T). We discuss the universality and diversity of the relationship between the Tc
and the characteristics of the spin fluctuations in the Fe-based compounds from a microscopic point of the NMR measurements.
Complex conductivity of FeSe1–xTex(x = 0 – 0.5) films
Authors: Kurokawa Hodaka , Nakamura Sota , Zhao Jiahui , Shikama Naoki , Sakishita Yuki , Sun Yue , Nabeshima Fuyuki , Imai Yoshinori , Kitano Haruhisa , Maeda Atsutaka
Published: July 2021

We measured the complex conductivity, σ, of the FeSe1−xTex(x= 0 – 0.5) films belowTcwhich show a drastic increase of the superconducting transition temperature,Tc, when the nematic order disappears. Since the magnetic penetration depth, λ (> 400 nm) of Fe(Se, Te) is longer than the typical thickness of the film (∼100 nm), we combined the coplanar-waveguide-resonator- and cavity-perturbation techniques to evaluate both the real and imaginary parts of σ. Films with the nematic order showed a qualitatively different behavior of the quasiparticle scattering time compared with those without the nematic order, suggesting that the nematic order influences the superconducting gap structure. On the other hand, the proportionality between the superfluid density,ns/m* (∝ λ−2), andTcwas observed irrespective of the presence or absence of the nematic order. This result indicates that the amount of the superfluid has a stronger impact onTcof Fe(Se, Te) than the presence or absence of the nematic order itself.
Focused ion beam microfabrication of single-crystal nanobridge toward Fe(Te, Se)-based Josephson device
Authors: Miyazawa Takamaro , Tadokoro Naoki , Horikawa Shumpei , Tamegai Tsuyoshi , Sun Yue , Kitano Haruhisa
Published: July 2021

We report the fabrication and the transport measurements of FeTe1-xSex (x=0.4, 1) nanobridges along the c axis, toward the appearance of Josephson effects in single-crystal devices. Cross sectional areas of both FeTe0.6Se0.4 and FeSe nanobridges were systematically reduced to 0.06 μm2 by using a new method based on the focused ion beam (FIB) techniques. The critical current Ic
measured by the current-voltage characteristics is roughly two orders of magnitude smaller than that for the conventional microbridges with larger cross sections, while the IcRn
product, where R
n is the normal-state resistance along the c axis, is still 3-4 times larger than the theoretical value for the appearance of Josephson effects. We argue the importance of the development of single-crystal Josephson devices and the comparison between FeTe0.6Se0.4 and FeSe nanobridges.
Anisotropic Critical Current Densities in Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 with Splayed Columnar Defects
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Takahashi Ayumu , Pyon Sunseng , Yoshida Atsushi , Kambara Tadashi , Sun Yue , Kitano Haruhisa , Tamegai Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2021

Enhancement and non-monotonic field dependence of critical current density (Jc
), called anomalous peak effect, were observed in Ba1−x
K
x
Fe2As2 with splayed columnar defects. In principle, anisotropy of in-plane Jc
should be present in this superconductor since the introduced splayed columnar defects introduce anisotropy in the plane. This study reports in-plane anisotropy of Jc
observed in 2.6 GeV U irradiated Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 with splay angles of ±15° and ±20°. Results show that Jc
component parallel to the splay plane is larger than the perpendicular component, and the parallel component contribute to the anomalous peak effect at around B
Φ/3 more.
An RSFQ flexible-precision multiplier utilizing bit-level processing
Authors: Kito Nobutaka , Takagi Kazuyoshi
Published: July 2021

An RSFQ flexible-precision multiplier is proposed. The circuit can perform multiplication with specified bit-width within a predefined bit range. The calculation bit-width can be changed in every operation. When the bit-width of a calculation decreases, the latency in cycles is reduced. The proposed circuit calculates the multiplication result with bit-level processing to save the circuit area. The circuit carries out multiplication by counting pulses on a signal line. An RSFQ flexible-precision matrix multiplication circuit based on the proposed multiplier is also proposed. Its internal multipliers share many component circuits and it is implemented in a compact area.
Double armature HTS bulk synchronous machine
Authors: Takei S , Izumi M , Yamaguchi K , Ida T , Shaanika E
Published: July 2021

In many high-temperature superconducting (HTS) rotating machines of radial flux type, the magnetic field from one side surface of the field pole is employed facing the armature winding. However, both side surfaces of the field pole can be effectively utilised to face the armature windings. Thus, we have applied the double armature structure in which both inner and outer armature rotors sandwiched the field pole stator in the HTS synchronous generator. We introduce the first step design and the electromagnetic study of the double armature synchronous machine for tidal current power generation. The double armatures with copper winding were adopted with a field pole composed of the HTS bulks. The power and the torque density were calculated with a low speed that depends on a 500 kW contra-rotating turbine design. In this paper, we comparatively studied three electromagnetic designs in which (1) a permanent magnet was used for the field pole, (2) the HTS bulk was employed as the field pole and (3) the field pole HTS bulk was arranged at an angle in the x-y plane, reducing torque ripple due to torque consistency and tilting of the HTS bulk plate. A generator model consistent with the input mechanical torque of the turbine was obtained from the analysis of compatibility with the 500 kW class tidal current power generation.
Design and evaluation of 10-kA class superconducting DC power cable based on longitudinal magnetic field effect
Authors: Kinoshita Y , Yonenaka T , Ichiki Y , Akasaka T , Otabe E S , Kiuchi M , Matsushita T , Hu N , Ni B , Ma T
Published: July 2021

In this study, we designed a power cable based on the longitudinal magnetic field (LMF) effect using an iterative approximation method. An evaluation of the cable shows that it is more efficient than conventional-design power cables. A cable with four inner layers and four shield layers and a maximum winding angle of 30° had a current capacity of more than 10 kA. Based on calculation results, we fabricated a 2-m-long LMF power cable and a conventional-design power cable. Experimental results show that the proposed power cable can carry more current (8.8% more current per tape and 18% more current overall) than a conventional-design power cable due to the LMF effect. These results well agree with the theoretical calculation results.
Modeling and Simulation of Buoy Heave Response Under Electric Generator Load Using Simulink
Authors: Wang Peng , He Guanghua , Luan Zhengxiao
Published: July 2021

According to the different links of energy transmission, the oscillating buoy wave energy converter is divided into mechanical mode and hydraulic mode. For the oscillating buoy wave energy converter with mechanical transmission, it’s requisite to consider the influence of electric generator and different transmission ratio on the heave response of buoy in its design process. Consequently, the Simulink toolbox is used to establish the simulation model of the buoy heave response under the electric generator load, and the heave response of the buoys with different diameters under the electric generator and transmission ratio is analysed. The results show that as the buoy diameter increases linearly, the heave displacement, heave velocity and generating power curve amplitude do not increase linearly which shows that the increment of amplitude becomes smaller. Therefore, buoys with different diameters have different load capacity.
Risk Assessment of LNG Ship Navigation in Inland Water Based on FAHP-cloud Model
Authors: Chaofan Liu , Guoping Guo
Published: July 2021

In order to understand the navigation safety risks of LNG ships in inland waterways, the paper combines the general accident risk assessment and the specific navigation environment of inland rivers[1], and analyzes the probability of collision accidents[9]. Combined with the characteristics of the specific navigation environment, to construct a hierarchical model of the risk factors for the navigation safety of inland LNG ships. Set the entry channel in the Dongsha operation area of Zhang jiagang Port area as the research scene, use the FAHP (fuzzy analytic hierarchy) process to determine the weight value of each navigation risk factor, use the cloud model to quantify the conversion of qualitative risk factors[13], quantitatively evaluate the risk level of risk factor indicators, and combine qualitative analysis to analyze the risk level of the approach channel in the Dongsha operation area from a quantitative perspective. The result objectively demonstrated the risk level of the channel, and verified that the evaluation result conforms to reality.
Influence of Stairwell Ventilation State on Fire Behavior and Smoke Temperature Distribution in a Full-scale High-rise Building
Authors: He J J , Zhang J , Ning X Y , Wang J , Yuen R K K
Published: July 2021

In this study, a set of experiments were carried out in a 21-story full-scale building varying stairwell ventilation state to investigate the fire behavior and smoke temperature distribution in the stairwell. Results demonstrate that the ventilation state of top vents has a great influence on the fire behavior and smoke temperature distribution than the bottom vents. The flame inclines to the stairwell with top vents open during the steady stage, while with top vents closed, it just tilts slightly to the side wall. The mass loss rates and temperature attenuations with top vents closed are larger than those with top vents open. In addition, the open of bottom vents can cause a reduction in the smoke temperature. These unique full-scale experiments provide crucial experimental data that help the design of safer smoke ventilation systems for stairwells in a high-rise building.
Doping and annealing effects on structural, optical and electrical characteristics of Sn-doped ZnS thin film
Authors: Sayeed Md Abu , Rouf Hasan Khaled , Hussain Kazi Md Amjad
Published: July 2021

This work presents the fabrication of Zn1−xS:Snxthin films using the chemical bath deposition method and investigates the effects of Sn doping and annealing temperature on the structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnS thin films. The XRD patterns show that the relative intensities of the major diffraction peaks increase with Sn dopant incorporation and annealing temperature. Because high-temperature annealing forms several nucleation centers throughout the lattice and dopant incorporation enhances point defects leading to crystallite boundary mobility enhancement, crystallinity is also improved. UV–vis-NIR spectrophotometric studies revealed that the films have good transmittance that is larger than 75% in both visible and near-infrared regions and their optical bandgap ranges from 3.34 eV to 3.90 eV. Both the Sn content and annealing temperature cause the transmittance and the optical bandgap to rise. The absorption edge shifts towards the longer wavelength for higher Sn contents and annealing temperatures. Also, the decreased Urbach energy with increased Sn content or annealing temperature can be attributed to the reduced structural disorders and dislocations of ZnS crystals that are indicated by improved crystallinity. Electrical characterization by the two-point probe method exhibits that at higher annealing temperature grain boundary scattering limits the number of mobile carriers by increasing interatomic binding. On the other hand, due to increased carrier concentration and decreased dislocations resulting from the Sn content or annealing, localized carriers dominate in the bulk crystal state and require higher activation energy to replace an interstitial atom and excite the bulk states.
Parametrizing torsion pairs in derived categories
Authors: Angeleri Hügel Lidia , Hrbek Michal
Published: July 2021

We investigate parametrizations of compactly generated t-structures, or more generally, t-structures with a definable coaisle, in the unbounded derived category

D

(

M
o
d

-
A
)

\mathrm {D}({\mathrm {Mod}}\text {-}A)

of a ring

A
A

. To this end, we provide a construction of t-structures from chains in the lattice of ring epimorphisms starting in

A
A

, which is a natural extension of the construction of compactly generated t-structures from chains of subsets of the Zariski spectrum known for the commutative noetherian case. We also provide constructions of silting and cosilting objects in

D

(

M
o
d

-
A
)

\mathrm {D}({\mathrm {Mod}}\text {-}A)

. This leads us to classification results over some classes of commutative rings and over finite dimensional hereditary algebras.
Multi-trait genomic-enabled prediction enhances accuracy in multi-year wheat breeding trials
Authors: Montesinos-López Abelardo , Runcie Daniel E , Ibba Maria Itria , Pérez-Rodríguez Paulino , Montesinos-López Osval A , Crespo Leonardo A , Bentley Alison R , Crossa José
Published: July 2021

Implementing genomic-based prediction models in genomic selection requires an understanding of the measures for evaluating prediction accuracy from different models and methods using multi-trait data. In this study, we compared prediction accuracy using six large multi-trait wheat data sets (quality and grain yield). The data were used to predict 1 year (testing) from the previous year (training) to assess prediction accuracy using four different prediction models. The results indicated that the conventional Pearson’s correlation between observed and predicted values underestimated the true correlation value, whereas the corrected Pearson’s correlation calculated by fitting a bivariate model was higher than the division of the Pearson’s correlation by the squared root of the heritability across traits, by 2.53–11.46%. Across the datasets, the corrected Pearson’s correlation was higher than the uncorrected by 5.80–14.01%. Overall, we found that for grain yield the prediction performance was highest using a multi-trait compared to a single-trait model. The higher the absolute genetic correlation between traits the greater the benefits of multi-trait models for increasing the genomic-enabled prediction accuracy of traits.
The Italian Catholic Press and the Racial Laws (1938–1943)
Authors: Kertzer David I , Benedetti Roberto
Published: July 2021

Surprisingly little attention has been paid to the role of the Roman Catholic Church in encouraging popular acceptance of the Italian Fascist regime’s antisemitic campaign and its “racial laws” (effective from 1938 to 1943). Investigation of major Italian Catholic daily newspapers, the Fascist press, and Italian and French diplomatic archives reveals how the Church communicated its support for these racial laws by distinguishing unacceptable German racism from Church-sanctioned anti-Jewish measures.
Verification of analytical bacterial spectrum of QIAstat-Dx® GI V2 and Novodiag® Bacterial GE+ V2-0 diagnostic panels
Authors: Engberg Jørgen , Vejrum Laus Krems , Madsen Tina Vasehus , Nielsen Xiaohui Chen
Published: July 2021

Background

Implementing multiplex PCR or syndromic panel-based testing platforms to detect microbial species that cause acute diarrhoea may guide patient management more effectively and efficiently.

Objectives

To assess and compare the performance of two syndromic panel-based testing systems, QIAstat-Dx® Gastrointestinal Panel V2 (QGI) and the Novodiag® Bacterial GE+ V2-0 (NGE).

Methods

The QGI and NGE panels include 16 and 14 bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens, respectively. The performance of the panels was tested retrospectively using 141 positive clinical stool specimens, External Quality Assessment (EQA) panels and spiked faecal specimens.

Results

For Campylobacter jejuni and coli (n = 20), Salmonella (n = 24), Shigella (n = 13), Yersinia enterocolitica (non-1A biotypes) (n = 8), Clostridioides difficile (n = 24) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n = 2), QGI correctly verified 19/20, 20/24, 13/13, 8/8, 23/24 and 2/2, whereas NGE correctly verified 20/20, 17/24, 13/13, 8/8, 14/24 and 1/2. Among diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (n = 29), QGI reported one Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) stx1a O26:H11 as STEC serotype O157:H7 and NGE failed on one enteropathogenic E. coli, one enteroaggregative E. coli and one STEC (stx2e). Y. enterocolitica biotype 1A (non-pathogenic) (n = 6) were all positive in QGI, but negative in NGE.

Conclusions

Both QGI and NGE testing panels can improve laboratory workflow and patient management by providing user-friendly platforms that can rapidly detect a number of targets with one specimen. QGI was significantly more sensitive in identifying C. difficile. Both methods had suboptimal detection of Salmonella and this needs to be examined further. The short hands-on time and turnaround time are of value for on-demand testing and use in a high-throughput setting.
Development and Validation of Four Spectrophotometric Methods for Assay of Rebamipide and its Impurity: Application to Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed A , Moatamed Radwa S , Naguib Ibrahim A , El Ghobashy Mohamed R , Farid Nehal F
Published: July 2021

Background

Rebamipide (REB) is quinolinone derivative compound, which is used for the treatment of stomach ulcers.

Objective

The development of four spectrophotometric methods for quantification of REB and its impurity and degradation product: the debenzoylated isomer of REB (DER).

Methods

Method A is ratio difference spectrophotometry where 254 and 291 nm were selected for REB and 320 and 355 nm were selected for DER, allowing spectral discrimination for both. Method B is derivative ratio spectrophotometry, where the peak amplitudes of the first derivative of ratio spectra at 261 and 350.2 nm for REB and DER, respectively, are determined. Method C is a second derivative approach, which allows quantification of both REB and DER at 337 and 340 nm, respectively. Method D is mean centering of ratio spectra, where electronic absorption spectra of REB and DER were recorded and divided by a suitable divisor from DER and REB, respectively, and then the mean center is represented by the ratio spectrum so obtained.

Results

The proposed methods are simple, selective, and sensitive in the quantification of REB and DER. These methods were validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Statistical analyses performed on the findings from the suggested methods and those obtained from reported methods revealed high accuracy and good precision.

Conclusion

The developed and validated methods are useful for quality control assay in routine analyses.

Highlights

First derivative, second derivative, derivative ratio, and mean centering methods for quantification of REM and DER. These methods are useful for analysis of REB in pharmaceutical dosage form.
Live-cell imaging probes to track chromatin modification dynamics
Authors: Sato Yuko , Nakao Masaru , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

The spatiotemporal organization of chromatin is regulated at different levels in the nucleus. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in chromatin regulation and play fundamental roles in genome function. While the one-dimensional epigenomic landscape in many cell types has been revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing, the dynamic changes of chromatin modifications and their relevance to chromatin organization and genome function remain elusive. Live-cell probes to visualize chromatin and its modifications have become powerful tools to monitor dynamic chromatin regulation. Bulk chromatin can be visualized by both small fluorescent dyes and fluorescent proteins, and specific endogenous genomic loci have been detected by adapting genome-editing tools. To track chromatin modifications in living cells, various types of probes have been developed. Protein domains that bind weakly to specific modifications, such as chromodomains for histone methylation, can be repeated to create a tighter binding probe that can then be tagged with a fluorescent protein. It has also been demonstrated that antigen-binding fragments and single-chain variable fragments from modification-specific antibodies can serve as binding probes without disturbing cell division, development and differentiation. These modification-binding modules are used in modification sensors based on fluorescence/Förster resonance energy transfer to measure the intramolecular conformational changes triggered by modifications. Other probes can be created using a bivalent binding system, such as fluorescence complementation or luciferase chemiluminescence. Live-cell chromatin modification imaging using these probes will address dynamic chromatin regulation and will be useful for assaying and screening effective epigenome drugs in cells and organisms.
Whatever Happened to Henri Bergson?
Authors: Whitfield Stephen J
Published: July 2021

In the early decades of the twentieth century, Henri Bergson (1859–1941) ranked among the world’s most eminent philosophers. His distinction between clock-time and time as subjectively experienced, as well as his invocation of the élan vital as driving humanity to higher planes of creativity and freedom, enabled him to enjoy unparalleled influence among French students as well as international writers. Bergson personified philosophy. He also seemed to justify the gamble of emancipation that France had taken barely a century earlier, in granting talented Jews the opportunity to flourish. In 1927 Bergson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Yet very soon thereafter, the prominence that he had enjoyed quite precipitously declined, and he drifted into obscurity from which his writings have yet to recover. How can such an eclipse be explained? Part of the reason was an inevitable shift in philosophic fashion. By the 1920s, belles-lettres aimed at an educated public yielded to linguistic analysis in the Anglo-American world and to phenomenology on the continent. Part of the reason was the shock of the First World War. Its carnage led to disillusionment and to pessimism, which made Bergson’s paeans to the intuitive powers of humanity seem tone-deaf. Another part of the reason was an illness that left him virtually speechless—and thus unresponsive—for the last fifteen years of his life, which was cut short by the German invasion and occupation. Registering as a Jew in the dead of winter, Bergson died—a victim of Nazism—of pneumonia.
On the angular momentum extraction from the rotation powered pulsars
Authors: Shibata Shinpei , Kisaka Shota
Published: July 2021

The rotation powered pulsar loses angular momentum at a rate of the rotation power divided by the angular velocity Ω*. This means that the length of the lever arm of the angular momentum extracted by the photons, relativistic particles, and wind must be on average c/Ω*, which is known as the light cylinder radius. Therefore, any deposition of the rotation power within the light cylinder causes insufficient loss of angular momentum. In this paper, we investigate two cases of this type of energy release: polar cap acceleration and Ohmic heating in the magnetospheric current inside the star. As for the first case, the outer magnetosphere beyond the light cylinder is found to compensate the insufficient loss of the angular momentum. We argue that the energy flux coming from the sub-rotating magnetic field lines must be larger than the solid-angle average value, and as a result, an enhanced energy flux emanating beyond the light cylinder is observed in different phases in the light curve from those of emission inside the light cylinder. As for the second case, the stellar surface rotates more slowly than the stellar interior. We find that the way the magnetospheric current closes inside the star is linked to how the angular momentum is transferred inside the star. We obtain numerical solutions that shows that the magnetospheric current inside the star spreads over the polar cap magnetic flux embedded in the star in such a way that electromotive force is gained efficiently.
Music Therapists as Clients: Therapy-Seeking and Utilization of Personal Therapy by Music Therapists
Authors: Kendrick Claire J
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to personal therapy for board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs), specifically regarding the rate of past and present therapy attendance, type of therapy utilized, reason(s) music therapists seek therapy, and the role of gender identity or theoretical orientation on rates of therapy utilization. Music therapists were considered as both professional musicians and allied health professionals, potentially exposing them to both areas of occupational risk relating to psychological stress or illness. A survey was created and sent out to all MT-BCs who opted to receive research inquiries (8,493), with a return of 945 usable responses. The majority of participants indicated that they have attended therapy or counseling at some point in time during their career. The most commonly utilized form of therapy was talk therapy or verbal counseling. Common reasons for therapy attendance were to seek personal insight, address a mental health concern, address feelings of stress from work, and address a mental illness. There was no apparent difference in therapy-seeking dependent on gender identity, but participants with theoretical orientations that emphasize the importance of personal insight may have higher rates of therapy utilization. Implications from the findings of the study and recommendations for future research were discussed.
Water molecules bonded to the carboxylate groups at the inorganic–organic interface of an inorganic nanocrystal coated with alkanoate ligands
Authors: Li Jiongzhao , Cao Weicheng , Shu Yufei , Zhang Haibing , Qian Xudong , Kong Xueqian , Wang Linjun , Peng Xiaogang
Published: July 2021

High-quality colloidal nanocrystals are commonly synthesized in hydrocarbon solvents with alkanoates as the most common organic ligand. Water molecules with an approximately equal number of surface alkanoate ligands are identified at the inorganic–organic interface for all types of colloidal nanocrystals studied, and investigated quantitatively using CdSe nanocrystals as the model system. Carboxylate ligands are coordinated to the surface metal ions and the first monolayer of water molecules is found to bond to the carboxylate groups of alkanoate ligands through hydrogen bonds. Additional monolayer(s) of water molecules can further be adsorbed through hydrogen bonds to the first monolayer of water molecules. The nearly ideal environment for hydrogen bonding at the inorganic–organic interface of alkanoate-coated nanocrystals helps to rapidly and stably enrich the interface-bonded water molecules, most of which are difficult to remove through vacuum treatment, thermal annealing and chemical drying. The water-enriched structure of the inorganic–organic interface of high-quality colloidal nanocrystals must be taken into account in order to understand the synthesis, processing and properties of these novel materials.
Help, my foundation was a mistake!
Authors: Laignel Richard , Edwards Sally
Published: July 2021

A recent decision of the Royal Court of Jersey has determined whether a foundation established and incorporated under Jersey law can be set aside on the grounds of mistake. The case is significant for individuals who may be looking to establish a foundation in Jersey as it provides guidance on the remedies available to them if they have taken action based on deficient advice. It also demonstrates that a foundation cannot be a sham.
Ipsilateral and Simultaneous Comparison of Responses from Acceleromyography- and Electromyography-based Neuromuscular Monitors
Authors: Nemes Réka , Lengyel Szabolcs , Nagy György , Hampton David R. , Gray Martyn , Renew J. Ross , Tassonyi Edömér , Fülesdi Béla , Brull Sorin J.
Published: July 2021

Background

The paucity of easy-to-use, reliable objective neuromuscular monitors is an obstacle to universal adoption of routine neuromuscular monitoring. Electromyography (EMG) has been proposed as the optimal neuromuscular monitoring technology since it addresses several acceleromyography limitations. This clinical study compared simultaneous neuromuscular responses recorded from induction of neuromuscular block until recovery using the acceleromyography-based TOF-Watch SX and EMG-based TetraGraph.

Methods

Fifty consenting patients participated. The acceleromyography and EMG devices analyzed simultaneous contractions (acceleromyography) and muscle action potentials (EMG) from the adductor pollicis muscle by synchronization via fiber optic cable link. Bland–Altman analysis described the agreement between devices during distinct phases of neuromuscular block. The primary endpoint was agreement of acceleromyography- and EMG-derived normalized train-of-four ratios greater than or equal to 80%. Secondary endpoints were agreement in the recovery train-of-four ratio range less than 80% and agreement of baseline train-of-four ratios between the devices.

Results

Acceleromyography showed normalized train-of-four ratio greater than or equal to 80% earlier than EMG. When acceleromyography showed train-of-four ratio greater than or equal to 80% (n = 2,929), the bias was 1.3 toward acceleromyography (limits of agreement, –14.0 to 16.6). When EMG showed train-of-four ratio greater than or equal to 80% (n = 2,284), the bias was –0.5 toward EMG (–14.7 to 13.6). In the acceleromyography range train-of-four ratio less than 80% (n = 2,802), the bias was 2.1 (–16.1 to 20.2), and in the EMG range train-of-four ratio less than 80% (n = 3,447), it was 2.6 (–14.4 to 19.6). Baseline train-of-four ratios were higher and more variable with acceleromyography than with EMG.

Conclusions

Bias was lower than in previous studies. Limits of agreement were wider than expected because acceleromyography readings varied more than EMG both at baseline and during recovery. The EMG-based monitor had higher precision and greater repeatability than acceleromyography. This difference between monitors was even greater when EMG data were compared to raw (nonnormalized) acceleromyography measurements. The EMG monitor is a better indicator of adequate recovery from neuromuscular block and readiness for safe tracheal extubation than the acceleromyography monitor.

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