bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Het Wetsvoorstel burgerschapsopdracht
Authors: van den Brink Jaco
Published: May 2020

The draft bill ‘Assignment for Citizenship’

The proposed Act on Citizenship Education requires fundamental reflection from several angles. The article provides a perspective from remarks describing the current age and a possible list of values for a democratic state. Important is also the perspective from educational freedom, on which topic several publications from the Onderwijsraad were issued in December 2019. The proposed Act (with the different versions of its explanation by the Minister) are critically evaluated and confronted with an alternative proposal.
Grotere vrijheid in geval van godsdienstige motieven?
Authors: Nieuwenhuis Aernout
Published: May 2020

Do religious motives result in greater freedom of action?

Do religious motives result in greater freedom of action? This question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. First of all, a distinction must be made between conduct that falls within the scope of the right to freedom of religion as opposed to other conduct. This distinction in turn needs some qualification. The aforementioned right can, after all, be restricted. The conduct in question could moreover fall within the purview of another fundamental right, as a result of which persons without religious motives are entitled to invoke another fundamental right. All these distinctions will be reviewed in this article. Special attention will be given to religiously motivated statements condemning homosexuality and the religiously motivated refusal to have children vaccinated.
Sharia in het Westen (II)
Authors: Berger Maurits
Published: May 2020

Sharia in the West (Part II)

This is the second part of the revised translation of ‘Understanding sharia in the West’ that was published in the Journal of Law, Religion and State 2018, 6, p. 236-273. The first part of the translation appeared in Tijdschrift voor Religie, Recht en Beleid 2019, 3, p. 17-31.
‘Gutmenschen’, een bedreigde diersoort?
Authors: Vanheeswijck Guido
Published: May 2020

‘Gutmenschen’, a species threatened with extinction – Christianity and populism

When does an appeal to the heritage of Christianity intensify our ethical sensitivity? When does an appeal to the Christian heritage diminish our ethical sensitivity? How to distinguish authentic Christianity from its cultural shape? All these questions highlight an ethical theme intimately interwoven with the many references to Christianity in contemporary politics. In that perspective, even a neologism was coined, the ‘Gutmensch’. When neologisms pop up and daily appear in newspapers, alertness is indispensable and an accurate approach is required.
Estimation of the average wage in Polish small companies using the robust approach
Authors: Dehnel Grażyna , Wawrowski Łukasz
Published: May 2020

There is a growing demand for multivariate economic statistics for crossclassified domains. In business statistics, this demand poses a particular challenge given the specific character of the population of enterprises, which necessitates searching for methods of analysis that would represent the robust approach to estimation, where auxiliary variables could be utilised. The adoption of new solutions in this area is expected to increase the scope of statistical output and improve the precision of estimates. The study presented in the paper furthers this goal, as it is focused on testing the application of a robust version of the Fay-Herriot model, which makes it possible to meet the assumption of normality of random effects under the presence of outliers. These alternative models are supplied to estimate the parameters of small firms operating in 2012. Variables from administrative registers were used as auxiliary variables, which made the estimation process more comprehensive. The paper refers to small area estimation methods. The variables of interest are estimated at a low level of aggregation represented by the crosssection province and NACE sections.
Identification of markers associated with estimated breeding value and horn colour in Hungarian Grey cattle
Authors: Zsolnai Attila , Kovács András , Kaltenecker Endre , Anton István
Published: May 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to estimate effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on the estimated breeding value of Hungarian Grey (HG) bulls and to find markers associated with horn colour.Methods: Genotypes 136 HG animals were determined on Geneseek high-density Bovine SNP 150K BeadChip. A multi-locus mixed-model was applied for statistical analyses.Results: Six SNPs were identified to be associated (–log10P>10) with green and white horn. These loci are located on chromosome 1, 3, 9, 18, and 25. Seven loci (on chromosome 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 28) showed considerable association (–log10P>10) with the estimated breeding value.Conclusion: Analysis provides markers for further research of horn colour and supplies markers to achieve more effective selection work regarding estimated breeding value of HG.
Graded concentrations of digestible lysine on performance of White Leghorn laying hens fed sub-optimal levels of protein
Authors: Savaram Venkata Rama Rao , Paul Shyam Sundar , Mantina Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha Raju , Devanaboyina Nagalakshmi , Bhukya Prakash
Published: May 2020

Objective: An experiment was conducted to study the effect of graded concentration of digestible lysine (dLys) on performance of layers fed diets containing sub-optimal level of protein.Methods: Five diets were formulated to contain graded concentrations of dLys (0.700%, 0.665%, 0.630%, 0.593%, and 0.563%), but similar levels of crude protein (15% CP), energy (10.25 MJ ME/kg) and other nutrients. A total of 3,520 hens (26 wk of age) with mean body weight of 1,215+12.65 g were randomly divided into 40 replicate groups of 88 birds in each and housed in an open sided colony cage house. Each diet was offered ad libitum to eight replicates from 27 to 74 wk of age. The performance was compiled at every 28 d and the data for each parameter were grouped into three phases, that is early laying phase (27 to 38 wk), mid laying phase (39 to 58 wk), and late laying phase (59 to 74 wk of age) for statistical analysis.Results: Egg production, egg mass and feed efficiency (feed required to produce an egg) were significantly improved by the dLys level during the early and mid laying phases but not during the late phase. Whereas feed intake was significantly reduced by dLys concentration during mid and late laying phases but not during early laying phase. The egg weight was not affected by dLys concentration in any of the three phases.Conclusion: Based on best fitted statistical models, dietary requirements of dLys worked out to be 0.685%, 0.640%, and 0.586% during early phase, mid phase, and late egg laying phase, respectively. The calculated requirement of dLys for the respective production phases are 727 mg/b/d during the early and mid laying phases and 684 mg/b/d during the late laying phase in diets containing 15% CP.
Ram semen preserved at 0°C with soybean lecithin Tris-based extender substituted for egg yolk
Authors: Zhao Jian-qing , Xiao Guo-liang , Zhu Wen-liang , Fang Di , Li Na , Han Chun-mei , Gao Qing-hua
Published: May 2020

Objective: The present study evaluated the preservation of ram semen at 0°C using soybean lecithin with a Tris-fructose extender.Methods: Semen was collected by artificial vagina ejaculation from six rams with proven fertility. High quality ejaculates were diluted by soybean lecithin (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%) using Tris-fructose extender and control (Tris-fructose egg yolk extender), respectively. The ejaculates were diluted to a concentration of 5×108 sperm/mL, followed by cooling to 0°C in 90 min and maintaining the temperature for 12 days. The diluted semen samples were examined and recorded for sperm progressive motility, acrosome integrity at 0, 24, 72, 144, 216, 288 h, respectively. Two hundred and twenty-three ewes were inseminated for 216 h with optimal soybean lecithin concentrated semen or control via trans-cervical insemination.Results: The results showed that there were no differences in sperm progressive motility at 0, 24, 72, and 144 h (p>0.05). After 216 h, the sperm progressive motility in the control group and 0.5% concentration groups was significantly higher when compared to 0.25% concentration (p<0.05). The 0.5% concentration group demonstrated the highest survival rate and had no difference with the control group (p>0.05). At 216 h, the sperm progressive motility of all groups was still above 50%. The acrosome integrity of all groups was decreased with prolongation of storage time, but there was no difference at each time point (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the lambing rate and pregnancy rate between the 0.5% concentration group and the control group (p>0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that ram sperm is capable of fertilization after preservation at 0°C with 0.5% of soybean lecithin in Tris-based extender substituted for egg yolk and produce normal offspring after insemination.
Effect of dietary supplementation of garlic powder and phenyl acetic acid on productive performance, blood haematology, immunity and antioxidant status of broiler chickens
Authors: Ismail I. E. , Alagawany M. , Taha A. E. , Puvača N. , Laudadio V. , Tufarelli V.
Published: May 2020

Objective: The effect of garlic powder (GP) and phenyl acetic (PA) acid throughout the fattening period of broiler chickens on performance, blood parameters, immune, and antioxidant parameters as well as carcass traits was evaluated.Methods: A total of 210 day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven dietary treatments having five replications with six chicks per replicate. The first group (control) fed a basal diet without supplements, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group were fed basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g GP/kg diet, respectively and the group 5th, 6th, and 7th were fed on the basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g PA/kg diet.Results: Broiler body weight and gain at 21 and 42 days were increased (p<0.05) with diets supplemented with GP and PA. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were improved in chickens fed diets enriched with GP. Broiler chickens received diets containing either GP or PA recorded the higher values (p<0.05) of total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and IgG, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity; while, blood total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate-aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde were lowered (p<0.05) compared to control-diet. Liver and immune-related organs weight were improved (p<0.05) in broilers fed diet supplemented with GP and PA.Conclusion: Feeding of GP or PA in diet had positive effects on performance traits and immunological, antioxidant and physiological status of broilers. Thus, the use of tested feed additives as an eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics produced a positive effect on animal health.
O acolhimento dos refugiados na União Europeia em virtude da securitização da migração na região
Authors: Mangueira Ana Beatriz da Costa , Pacifico Andrea Maria Calazans Pacheco , Nobre Fábio Rodrigo Ferreira , Melo Filipe Reis
Published: May 2020

O artigo trata do acolhimento dos refugiados na União Europeia, e possui como principal objetivo analisar esse acolhimento, considerando a securitização da migração como um empecilho para a proteção dos refugiados. Para conduzir a discussão sobre a temática, busca-se examinar a discussão política sobre as migrações forçadas na União Europeia, tendo como foco os refugiados e utilizando-se do exemplo da Itália. Além disso, outros objetivos subjacentes ao principal intento desta investigação buscam apresentar a importância da integração institucional e humanitária dos refugiados no local de acolhimento e, por fim, identificar soluções a fim de melhorar o acolhimento dos refugiados nos países da União Europeia. Observa-se que os Estados se eximem da sua responsabilidade enquanto importantes atores para a proteção desses migrantes forçados. Portanto, é necessário refletir sobre as medidas que contribuam para uma maior cooperação dos Estados, em vez de reforçar a securitização da migração local.
O uso de simulações e cultura popular para o ensino de Relações Internacionais
Authors: Valença Marcelo M.
Published: May 2020

Este artigo apresenta e discute as possibilidades advindas da utilização do instrumental do aprendizado ativo em cursos de Relações Internacionais (“RI”) no Brasil. Mais especificamente, trata do uso de duas estratégias que enriqueceriam o processo de aprendizado. Estas são a combinação do recurso a material de leitura não-tradicional, com ênfase em elementos de cultura popular, e o desenvolvimento de simulações e jogos em sala de aula. Esses elementos complementariam o ensino tradicional em ao menos três aspectos. Primeiro, ao apresentar situações familiares aos estudantes. Segundo, a partir do estímulo do desenvolvimento da habilidade de resolução de problemas baseado no conhecimento constituído. Finalmente, ao construir conexões significativas entre o que se estuda e a realidade que os cerca. Deste modo, proponho que tais recursos possibilitam e facilitam a constituição de um ambiente pedagógico com resultados mais duradouros e, consequentemente, a oferta de ferramentais mais eficientes para o aprendizado do aluno.
Argentina en el Consejo de Defensa Suramericano de la Unasur (2015-2018)
Authors: Frenkel Alejandro
Published: May 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la política de seguridad regional argentina tras la llegada de Mauricio Macri a la presidencia. Especialmente, en lo que refiere al desempeño del país austral en el Consejo de Defensa Suramericano de la Unasur (CDS). En este sentido, se presume que la reorientación de la política exterior que sobrevino con el nuevo gobierno -basada en un mayor acercamiento a Estados Unidos, en un abandono de la autonomía como principio rector y en una jerarquización de las agendas comerciales en los esquemas de integración- tuvo un impacto en la agenda de seguridad regional de la Argentina, generando un menor interés en participar activamente en la Unasur y su Consejo de Defensa. Como otra cara de la misma moneda, Argentina volvería a ponderar su participación en las instancias del Sistema Interamericano de Defensa.
The Meno Paradox of Reflection
Authors: Alshanetsky Eli ,   Journal of Philosophy Inc.
Published: May 2020

The paper introduces a new puzzle about reflection—albeit one that is reminiscent of the famous paradox about inquiry in Plato’s Meno. We often make our thoughts clear to ourselves in the process of putting them into words. Our puzzle is that, on the one hand, coming to know what we are thinking seems to require finding words that would express our thought; yet, on the other hand, finding the words seems to require already knowing what we are thinking. I argue that the puzzle cannot be solved by accounting for the knowledge that we gain in such cases on the models of self-interpretation and self-constitution. The primary purpose of introducing the puzzle is to provide a tool for systematically investigating this category of non-interpretive and non-constitutive self-knowledge, and I conclude with some words about the scope of the category and the value of finding a solution.
The Paradox of an Absolute Ineffable God of Islam
Authors: Ahsan Abbas ,   Gnomon Center for the Humanities
Published: May 2020

The laws of logic and two of the broader theories of truth are fundamental components that are responsible for ensuring such an ontology and meaningfulness. In this respect they have persisted as conventional attitudes or modes of thought which most, if not all, of analytic philosophy uses to philosophize. However, despite the conceptual productivity of these components they are unable to account for matters that are beyond them. These matters would include certain theological beliefs, for instance, that transcend the purview of analytic ontology and the meaningfulness it ensues. Any attempt in making rational sense of such beliefs that are insusceptible to these methodological components would conventionally prohibit (restrict) us from rationally believing in them. This is because we would be unable to make sense of such beliefs with the aid of these methodological components. As a result of this, religious beliefs of this particular nature would be deemed irrational. I shall demonstrate this point by applying both of these components to an ab­solutely ineffable God of Islam. This would entail, attempting to make sense of an absolutely ineffable God of Islam in virtue of the laws of logic and two broad categories of truth theories, namely, substantive and insubstantive theories. I hope to establish that applying both of these methodological components in attempting to make sense of an absolutely ineffable God of Islam would not be conceptually viable. It would result in a contradictory notion which I shall allude to as the paradox of ineffability.
Survival strategies of population in a single-industry town
Authors: Zueva E. L. , Girny M. A.
Published: May 2020

The article presents the results of a study of survival strategies of the population in a single-industry town using the example of Chusovoy (Perm Krai). Single-industry towns perform a special role in the economic development of regions and the country in general. The authors have identified the most common survival strategies and the adaptation of the population to the socio-economic situation in a single-industry town. The results of the study indicate that the standards of living in these settlements are relatively low. Measures are currently taken to diversify the economy of single-industry towns and to create new industries and conditions for the development of small and medium-sized businesses and to stabilize employment. It is important to understand the impact of all the mechanisms used. The authors highlight the importance of the current social strategies for adapting to life in a single- industry town. This analysis of Chusovoy showed the need to develop recommendations to speed up the development of the territory, to reduce the shortcomings in the implementation the TOSER conception (territories of advanced social and economic development), to elaborate other mechanisms for assisting single-industry towns. Taking into account the current survival strategies of the population, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of supports mechanism for single-industry towns.
The role of migration in the demographic development of the Kaliningrad oblast
Authors: Lуalina A.V.
Published: May 2020

The article provides an analysis of the current level of migration to and from the Kaliningrad region. The article focuses on the impact of migration on the replacement of the natural population decline and its age and sex structure. The data on the age and sex of migrants and the population of municipalities of the Kaliningrad region in 2011-2017 were used in the analysis. The author has built a typology of migration trends in the region. The main classifying feature was the criterion of migration intensity in different age and gender groups, which was estimated using the net migration rate. It was found that despite the generally favourable nature of the age profile of migration for demographic development, migration replaces the reduction in the number of the working-age population only partially. The ageing of the population is observed in the East and South-West of the region, some coastal areas, whereas the rejuvenation of the population is registered in other coastal areas and the Kaliningrad agglomeration. The gender structure of migration tends to exacerbate the existing disparities. In the municipalities of the region, the intraregional and external migration largely go in the opposite directions. Migration exchange with the CIS, the Baltic countries and regions of Russia partly replaces the loss of the male population and youth in intraregional exchange.
Notice and Wonder
Authors: Barlow Angela T.
Published: May 2020

Editor Comments for May 2020 issue
Fra fæstningsby til Øresundsmetropol
Authors: Bro Henning
Published: May 2020

Artiklen baseres på det oplæg, som forfatteren gav ved den metropolhistoriske konference på Frederiksberg Rådhus, august 2019. Som afsæt til videre forskning i hovedstads- og øresundsområdets regionale historie sætter denne således artikel fokus på, hvorledes Nordøstsjælland i store træk udvikle sig til en af landets mest integrerede regioner. Således de lange linjer fra middelalderens sundbyer, over enevældens total dominerende hovedstad, til dannelsen af hovedstadsmetropolen op gennem det 20. århundrede og dennes begyndende sammensmeltning med byer og landskaber øst for Øresund efter årtusindeskiftet.
Köpenhamns uppkomst
Authors: Dahlström Hanna
Published: May 2020

Artiklen baseres på det oplæg, som forfatteren gav ved den metropolhistoriske konference på Frederiksberg Rådhus, august 2019. Heri belyses de seneste arkæologiske udgravninger omkring nutidens Rådhusplads i det centrale København, der har afsløret banebrydende oplysninger om den ældste fase i byens historie. Fundet af en kirkegård fra det 11. århundrede, ukendt fra skriftlige kilder og placeret uden for den senere, befæstede middelalderby, er et nyt spor til vores forståelse af hvad, og hvem der stod bag dannelsen og den tidlige udvikling af byen. På Rådhuspladsen blev der også fundet betydelige rester af værksteder, der var involveret i smedevirksomhed, dateret til slutningen af ​​det 11. til det tidlige 14. århundrede. Fundene bidrager med værdifuld information om livsforhold, men også om geografiske og aktørbaserede netværk af betydning for den videre udvikling af byen. Artiklen er fagfællebedømt.
Københavns nære og fjerne opland før industrialiseringen
Authors: Mikkelsen Jørgen
Published: May 2020

Artiklen baseres på det oplæg, som forfatteren gav ved den metropolhistoriske konference på Frederiksberg Rådhus, august 2019, og tager udgangspunkt i, at en by kan have mange slags oplande, afhængig af hvilke aktiviteter man taler om. Med inspiration i tre oplandsbegreber, udviklet af tyske forskere, og af von Thünens klassiske teori om, at en by ideelt set er omgivet af koncentriske produktionszoner sættes der i artiklen fokus på handelsrelationerne mellem København og hovedstadens opland i tiden fra ca. 1700 til omkring 1850, men med linjer op til midten af 1900-tallet.
Konferencedel
Authors: Bro Henning
Published: May 2020

Konferencedel af METROPOL 2020, NR. 1
Regionalt baserede kultur- og fritidstilbud
Authors: Bro Henning
Published: May 2020

Med afsæt i velfærdsstatens fritids- og kultursøjle i mellem- og efterkrigstiden, belyser artiklen, hvorledes der i hovedstadsmetropolen på regionalt basis sikredes et ensartet lokalt bibliotekstilbud og et videre eksistensgrundlag for kommunale og private teatre og andre kulturinstitutioner i perioden.
Adult chondrogenesis and spontaneous cartilage repair in the skate, Leucoraja erinacea
Authors: Marconi Aleksandra , Hancock-Ronemus Amy , Gillis J Andrew
Published: May 2020

Mammalian articular cartilage is an avascular tissue with poor capacity for spontaneous repair. Here, we show that embryonic development of cartilage in the skate (Leucoraja erinacea) mirrors that of mammals, with developing chondrocytes co-expressing genes encoding the transcription factors Sox5, Sox6 and Sox9. However, in skate, transcriptional features of developing cartilage persist into adulthood, both in peripheral chondrocytes and in cells of the fibrous perichondrium that ensheaths the skeleton. Using pulse-chase label retention experiments and multiplexed in situ hybridization, we identify a population of cycling Sox5/6/9+ perichondral progenitor cells that generate new cartilage during adult growth, and we show that persistence of chondrogenesis in adult skates correlates with ability to spontaneously repair cartilage injuries. Skates therefore offer a unique model for adult chondrogenesis and cartilage repair and may serve as inspiration for novel cell-based therapies for skeletal pathologies, such as osteoarthritis.
Heterogeneity of proteome dynamics between connective tissue phases of adult tendon
Authors: Choi Howard , Simpson Deborah , Wang Ding , Prescott Mark , Pitsillides Andrew A , Dudhia Jayesh , Clegg Peter D , Ping Peipei , Thorpe Chavaunne T
Published: May 2020

Maintenance of connective tissue integrity is fundamental to sustain function, requiring protein turnover to repair damaged tissue. However, connective tissue proteome dynamics remain largely undefined, as do differences in turnover rates of individual proteins in the collagen and glycoprotein phases of connective tissue extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we investigate proteome dynamics in the collagen and glycoprotein phases of connective tissues by exploiting the spatially distinct fascicular (collagen-rich) and interfascicular (glycoprotein-rich) ECM phases of tendon. Using isotope labelling, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics, we calculate turnover rates of individual proteins within rat Achilles tendon and its ECM phases. Our results demonstrate complex proteome dynamics in tendon, with ~1000 fold differences in protein turnover rates, and overall faster protein turnover within the glycoprotein-rich interfascicular matrix compared to the collagen-rich fascicular matrix. These data provide insights into the complexity of proteome dynamics in tendon, likely required to maintain tissue homeostasis.
EEG based assessment of stress in horses: a pilot study
Authors: de Camp Nora V. , Ladwig-Wiegard Mechthild , Geitner Carola I.E. , Bergeler Jürgen , Thöne-Reineke Christa
Published: May 2020

As has been hypothesized more than 20 years ago, data derived from Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements can be used to distinguish between behavioral states associated with animal welfare. In our current study we found a high degree of correlation between the modulation index of phase related amplitude changes in the EEG of horses (n = 6 measurements with three different horses, mare and gelding) and their facial expression, measured by the use of the horse grimace scale. Furthermore, the pattern of phase amplitude coupling (PAC) was significantly different between a rest condition and a stress condition in horses. This pilot study paves the way for a possible use of EEG derived PAC as an objective tool for the assessment of animal welfare. Beyond that, the method might be useful to assess welfare aspects in the clinical setting for human patients, as for example in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Exploring environmental coverages of species: a new variable contribution estimation methodology for rulesets from the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction
Authors: Yang Anni , Gomez Juan Pablo , Blackburn Jason K.
Published: May 2020

Variable contribution estimation for, and determination of variable importance within, ecological niche models (ENMs) remain an important area of research with continuing challenges. Most ENM algorithms provide normally exhaustive searches through variable space; however, selecting variables to include in models is a first challenge. The estimation of the explanatory power of variables and the selection of the most appropriate variable set within models can be a second challenge. Although some ENMs incorporate the variable selection rubric inside the algorithms, there is no integrated rubric to evaluate the variable importance in the Genetic Algorithm for Ruleset Production (GARP). Here, we designed a novel variable selection methodology based on the rulesets generated from a GARP experiment. The importance of the variables in a GARP experiment can be estimated based on the consideration of the prevalence of each environmental variable in the dominant presence rules of the best subset of models and its coverage. We tested the performance of this variable selection method based on simulated species with both weak and strong responses to simulated environmental covariates. The variable selection method generally performed well during the simulations with over 2/3 of the trials correctly identifying most covariates. We then predict the distribution of Toxostoma rufum (a bird with a cosmopolitan distribution) in the continental United States (US) and apply our variable selection procedure as a real-world example. We found that the distribution of T. rufum could be accurately modeled with 13 or 10 of 21 variables, using an UI cutoff of 0.5 or 0.25, respectively, arriving at parsimonious environmental coverages with good model accuracy. We also provide tools to simulate species distributions for testing ENM approaches using R.
Changes in the gut microbiota during Asian particolored bat (Vespertilio sinensis) development
Authors: Yin Zhongwei , Sun Keping , Li Aoqiang , Sun Deyi , Li Zhongle , Xiao Guohong , Feng Jiang
Published: May 2020

Background

The gut microbiota is closely linked to host development, diet and health and is influenced by both the host and the environment. Although many studies have focused on the dynamics of the gut microbiota during development in captive animals, few studies have focused on the dynamics of the gut microbiota during development in wild animals, especially for the order Chiroptera.

Methods

In this study, we characterized the gut microbiota of the wild Asian particolored bat (Vespertilio sinensis) from 1 day to 6 weeks after birth. We explored the changes in their gut microbial community compositions, examined possible influencing factors, and predicted the feeding transition period.

Results

The gut microbiota changed during the development of V. sinensis. The alpha diversity of the bats’ gut microbiota gradually increased but did not change significantly from the 1st day to the 4th week after birth; however, the alpha diversity decreased significantly in week 5, then stabilized. The beta diversity differed slightly in weeks 4–6. In week 4, the fecal samples showed the highest diversity in bacterial community composition. Thus, we predicted that the potential feeding transition period for V. sinensis may occur during week 4. Redundancy analysis showed that age and body mass index significantly affected the compositional changes of the gut microbiota in Asian particolored bats.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota changed during the development of V. sinensis. We suggest that changes in the alpha and beta diversity during week 4 after birth indicate a potential feeding transition, highlighting the importance of diet in the gut microbiota during the development of V. sinensis.
Direct aortic route versus transaxillary route for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Hsiu-An , Su I-Li , Chen Shao-Wei , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Chen Dong-Yi , Chu Pao-Hsien , Chou An-Hsun , Cheng Yu-Ting , Lin Pyng-Jing , Tsai Feng-Chun
Published: May 2020

Background

The transfemoral route is contraindicated in nearly 10% of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) candidates because of unsuitable iliofemoral vessels. Transaxillary (TAx) and direct aortic (DAo) routes are the principal nonfemoral TAVR routes; however, few studies have compared their outcomes.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the rates of mortality, stroke, and other adverse events of TAx and DAo TAVR. The study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42017069788). We searched Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies reporting the outcomes of DAo or TAx TAVR in at least 10 patients. Studies that did not use the Valve Academic Research Consortium definitions were excluded. We included studies that did not directly compare the two approaches and then pooled rates of events from the included studies for comparison.

Results

In total, 31 studies were included in the quantitative meta-analysis, with 2,883 and 2,172 patients in the DAo and TAx TAVR groups, respectively. Compared with TAx TAVR, DAo TAVR had a lower Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) score, shorter fluoroscopic time, and less contrast volume use. The 30-day mortality rates were significantly higher in the DAo TAVR group (9.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [8.4–10.9]) than in the TAx TAVR group (5.7%, 95% CI = [4.8–6.8];Pfor heterogeneity <0.001). DAo TAVR was associated with a significantly lower risk of stroke in the overall study population (2.6% vs. 5.8%,Pfor heterogeneity <0.001) and in the subgroup of studies with a mean STS score of ≥8 (1.6% vs. 6.2%,Pfor heterogeneity = 0.005). DAo TAVR was also associated with lower risks of permanent pacemaker implantation (12.3% vs. 20.1%,Pfor heterogeneity = 0.009) and valve malposition (2.0% vs. 10.2%,Pfor heterogeneity = 0.023) than was TAx TAVR.

Conclusions

DAo TAVR increased 30-day mortality rate compared with TAx TAVR; by contrast, TAx TAVR increased postoperative stroke, permanent pacemaker implantation, and valve malposition risks compared with DAo TAVR.
Ontogeny of a sexually selected structure in an extant archosaur Gavialis gangeticus (Pseudosuchia: Crocodylia) with implications for sexual dimorphism in dinosaurs
Authors: Hone David , Mallon Jordan C. , Hennessey Patrick , Witmer Lawrence M.
Published: May 2020

Despite strong evidence for sexual selection in various display traits and other exaggerated structures in large extinct reptiles, such as dinosaurs, detecting sexual dimorphism in them remains difficult. Their relatively small sample sizes, long growth periods, and difficulties distinguishing the sexes of fossil specimens mean that there are little compelling data on dimorphism in these animals. The extant gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a large and endangered crocodylian that is sexually dimorphic in size, but males also possesses a sexually selected structure, the ghara, which has an osteological correlate in the presence of a fossa associated with the nares. This makes the species a unique model for potentially assessing dimorphism in fossil lineages, such as dinosaurs and pterosaurs, because it is a large, slow-growing, egg-laying archosaur. Here we assess the dimorphism of G. gangeticus across 106 specimens and show that the presence of a narial fossa diagnoses adult male gharials. Males are larger than females, but the level of size dimorphism, and that of other cranial features, is low and difficult to detect without a priori knowledge of the sexes, even with this large dataset. By extension, dimorphism in extinct reptiles is very difficult to detect in the absence of sex specific characters, such as the narial fossa.
Correlation of Quick SOFA Score and Procalcitonin with Mortality in the Emergency Department
Authors: Bhatia Mandip Singh , Attri Ritu , Kant Kumar Rajni , Sharda Saurabh C.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated host response to infection with high mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease mortality.

Methods: We studied 2031 patients presenting to an emergency department with fever or suspected infection to find the correlation between q SOFA SCORE and procalcitonin levels with mortality.

Results: It is seen that mortality is directly proportionate to qSofa score and we also found that the value of procalcitonin is directly proportionate to qSofa score.

Conclusion: Combination of qSofa score with procalcitonin is a sensitive marker of death in sepsis. qSofa score of 2 or more is associated with increased mortality but its, not death sentence if all such patients treated aggressively & timely then the majority of them would survive.
RecJ from Bacillus halodurans possesses endonuclease activity at moderate temperature
Authors: Wang Wen , Ma Liya , Wang Ling , Zheng Li , Zheng Minggang
Published: May 2020

RecJ homologs, which occur in virtually all prokaryotes and eukaryotes, play key roles in DNA damage repair and recombination. Current evidence shows that RecJ family proteins exhibit exonuclease activity, degrading single‐stranded nucleic acids. Here, we report a novel RecJ isolated from Bacillus halodurans, which utilizes double‐stranded DNA as a substrate and functions as an endonuclease. Bacillus halodurans RecJ (BhRecJ) cleaves supercoiled plasmids into open circular and linear forms. Besides the typical domains of DHH, DHHA1, and oligonucleotide‐binding‐fold, BhRecJ possesses a C‐terminal domain with unknown function, which might form the core of the endonuclease activity. Using mutational analysis, we mapped several essential residues for BhRecJ endonuclease activity. Our findings suggest that BhRecJ may be involved in biological processes not typically associated with RecJ proteins.
Rational Design of Polyglutamic Acid Delivering an Optimized Combination of Drugs Targeting Mutated BRAF and MEK in Melanoma
Authors: Pisarevsky Evgeni , Blau Rachel , Epshtein Yana , Ben‐Shushan Dikla , Eldar‐Boock Anat , Tiram Galia , Koshrovski‐Michael Shani , Scomparin Anna , Pozzi Sabina , Krivitsky Adva , Shenbach‐Koltin Gal , Yeini Eilam , Fridrich Lidar , White Richard , Satchi‐Fainaro Ronit
Published: May 2020

Targeted therapies against cancer can relieve symptoms and induce remission; however, they often present limited duration of disease control, cause side effects, and may induce acquired resistance. Therefore, there is great motivation to develop a unique delivery system, targeted to the tumor, in which several active entities can be combined, the therapeutic index can be increased by reducing systemic exposure, and their synergistic activity can be enhanced. To meet these goals, the biocompatible and biodegradable poly(α,l‐glutamic acid) (PGA) is chosen as a nanocarrier that facilitates extravasation‐dependent tumor targeting delivery. The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway when aberrantly activated in melanoma, can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, induced invasion, and reduced apoptosis. Here, two drugs targeting this pathway are selected: a MEK1/2 inhibitor (selumetinib, SLM) and a modified BRAF inhibitor (modified dabrafenib, mDBF) that exhibit synergism in vitro. The combination of PGA conjugated to SLM and mDBF (PGA–SLM–mDBF) is synthesized and characterized. PGA–SLM–mDBF inhibits the proliferation of melanoma cells and decreases their migratory and sprouting abilities without inducing a hemolytic effect. Moreover, it exhibits superior antitumor activity in a mouse model of primary melanoma and prolonged survival at a lower dose than the free drugs.
Highly Fluorescent Emitters Based on Triphenylamine‐π‐Triazine (D‐π‐A) System: Effect of Extended Conjugation on Singlet‐Triplet Energy Gap
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Rajamalli Pachaiyappan , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: May 2020

Three D‐π‐A type linearly‐extended emitters, based on diphenylamine (DPA) as the donor and 2,4,6‐triphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (TRZ) as the acceptor, were synthesized and their optoelectronic properties characterized. The introduction of an additional phenyl or phenylethynyl π‐spacer results in an enhancement of the molar extinction coefficient and a systematic bathochromic shift of the charge‐transfer transition in the absorption spectra. A mirrored bathochromic shift in the photoluminescence spectra is also observed with increasing conjugation of the bridge moiety. All three compounds show high photoluminescence quantum yields and moderate singlet‐triplet excited state energy gaps, ΔEST, of 0.26‐0.37 eV were observed in 10 wt% doped films in PMMA as the host matrix.
One‐pot synthesis of [2+2]‐helicate‐like macrocycle and 2+4‐μ4‐oxo tetranuclear open frame complexes: Chiroptical properties and asymmetric oxidative coupling of 2‐naphthols
Authors: Chinnaraja Eswaran , Arunachalam Rajendran , Pillai Renjith S. , Peuronen Anssi , Rissanen Kari , Subramanian Palani S.
Published: May 2020

Synthesis of binuclear Cu(II) terminally closed [2+2]‐ double‐stranded helicate‐like macrocycles 1, 1′,1″, 2, 2′, 2″ and 2+4‐μ4‐oxo tetranuclear open frame complexes 3, 3′, 3″, 4, 4′, 4″ are established. Adapting one‐pot self‐assembly technique from simple three components systems: 1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine, 4‐methyl‐2,6‐diformyl phenol and cupric salts, the helicate‐like [2+2]‐ macrocyclic complexes 1–1″, 2–2″ and 2+4‐μ4‐oxo tetranuclear complexes 3–3″, 4–4″ were obtained by appropriately altering the reaction condition such as temperature and subcomponent ratio. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were carried out for understanding the structural geometries, intermediates involved in the diverse formation of [2+2] and 2+4 frameworks. The single crystal X‐ray structures obtained for 1′, 2 and 3 confirms the self‐assembly process in line with DFT. This detailed analysis tempted us to derive a plausible mechanism for this long standing challenge in the synthesis of such macrocycles using 1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine (BNDA) and aromatic aldehyde. The chiroptical properties of enantiopure complexes and their catalytic applications in asymmetric oxidative coupling of 2‐naphthol to chiral 1,1’‐Bi‐2‐naphthol (BINOL) achieved in good yield and ee were discussed.
Anwendungsgerechte Bestimmung des αcc‐Beiwerts
Authors: Empelmann Martin , Javidmehr Sara
Published: May 2020

Stahlbeton‐ und Spannbetonbauteile müssen für alle während ihrer Lebensdauer auftretenden Beanspruchungsszenarien ausreichend tragfähig sein. Dies gilt unabhängig von der jeweiligen Beanspruchungsart und ‐kombination sowie vom Beanspruchungszeitpunkt und von der Beanspruchungsdauer. Daher werden die zeitlichen Effekte der Beanspruchung beim Bemessungswert der Betondruckfestigkeit in dem Beiwert αcc berücksichtigt, der in den Normen üblicherweise konstant angenommen wird. Bei den Bewertungen im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit wird aber oft die Größe dieses Beiwerts diskutiert. Aufbauend auf der differenzierten Bestimmung des Beiwerts αcc in [1] werden in diesem Beitrag mithilfe typischer Anwendungsbeispiele die Möglichkeiten des neuen Ansatzes für die Anwendung weitergehend erläutert und diskutiert.
Recommended operating room practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review
Authors:   Welsh Surgical Research Initiative (WSRI) Collaborative, Abdelrahman T , Ansell J , Brown C , Egan R , Evans T , Ryan Harper E , Harries R L , Hopkins L , James O , Lewis S , Lewis W G , Luton O , Mellor K , Powell A G , Robinson D , Thomas R , Williams A , Beamish A J
Published: May 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a critical global public health crisis. Operating room (OR) best practice in this crisis is poorly defined. This systematic review was performed to identify contemporary evidence relating to OR practice in the context of COVID-19.

Methods

MEDLINE was searched systematically using PubMed (search date 19 March 2020) for relevant studies in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Documented practices and guidance were assessed to determine Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) levels of evidence, and recommendations for practice within five domains were extracted: physical OR, personnel, patient, procedure, and other factors.

Results

Thirty-five articles were identified, of which 11 met eligibility criteria. Nine articles constituted expert opinion and two were retrospective studies. All articles originated from the Far East (China, 9; Singapore, 2); eight of the articles concerned general surgery. Common themes were identified within each domain, but all recommendations were based on low levels of evidence (median OCEBM level 5 (range 4–5)). The highest number of overlapping recommendations related to physical OR (8 articles) and procedural factors (13). Although few recommendations related to personnel factors, consensus was high in this domain, with all studies mandating the use of personal protective equipment.

Conclusion

There was little evidence to inform this systematic review, but there was consensus regarding many aspects of OR practice. Within the context of a rapidly evolving pandemic, timely amalgamation of global practice and experiences is needed to inform best practice.
Optimization of culture media to enhance the growth of tissue engineered cartilage
Authors: Bajic Andjela , Tarantino Roberto , Chiu Loraine L. Y. , Duever Thomas , Waldman Stephen D.
Published: May 2020

Tissue engineering is a promising option for cartilage repair. However, several hurdles still need to be overcome to develop functional tissue constructs suitable for implantation. One of the most common challenges is the general low capacity of chondrocytes to synthesize cartilage‐specific extracellular matrix (ECM). While different approaches have been explored to improve the biosynthetic response of chondrocytes, several studies have demonstrated that the nutritional environment (e.g., glucose concentration and media volume) can have a profound effect on ECM synthesis. Thus, the purpose of this study was to optimize the formulation of cell culture media to upregulate the accumulation of cartilaginous ECM constituents (i.e., proteoglycans and collagen) by chondrocytes in 3D culture. Using response surface methodology, four different media factors (basal media, media volume, glucose, and glutamine) were first screened to determine optimal media formulations. Constructs were then cultured under candidate optimal media formulations for 4 weeks and analyzed for their biochemical and structural properties. Interestingly, the maximal accumulation of proteoglycans and collagen appeared to be elicited by different media formulations. Most notably, proteoglycan accumulation was favored by high volume, low glucose‐containing DMEM/F12 (1:1) media whereas collagen accumulation was favored by high volume, high glucose‐containing F12 media. While high glutamine‐containing media elicited increased DNA content, glutamine concentration had no apparent effect on ECM accumulation. Therefore, optimizing the nutritional environment during chondrocyte culture appears to be a promising, straight‐forward approach to improve cartilaginous tissue formation. Future work will investigate the combined effects of the nutritional environment and external stimuli.
Lead department to keep on winning, even in crisis
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2020

There's no denying it. Everyone connected to college sports felt it, like a punch to the gut, when practices and competitions came to a sudden, unexpected halt in March due to the COVID‐19 crisis. It's something even a self‐avowed glass‐half‐full kind of guy readily admits.
Evolution of charged grains in harmonic force field
Authors: Wang Youmei , Guan Miao , Yu Mingyang
Published: May 2020

Evolution of the spatial structure of the massive charged grains in the presence of weak linearly space‐dependent external force in a dusty plasma is studied using molecular dynamics simulation. The interaction among the dust grains in the background electron‐ion plasma is described by a modified Yukawa interaction potential that includes both repulsive and attractive ranges. Evolution of the initially homogeneously distributed dust grains is followed until a quasi‐stationary state is reached. Even though the external force is radially highly asymmetric, the final configuration of the charged grains can be a circular crystal. Still driven by the external force, the grains in the crystal execute synchronized oscillations in the direction of the force. The time needed to reach the quasi‐stationary state decreases with increase of the strength of the external force.