bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top-down and bottom-up views of public choice: should wellbeing be government's only goal?
Authors: CHATER NICK
Published: January 2020

Frijters et al. make a powerful and lucid case for a top-down approach to government, in which the maximization of wellbeing should be the ultimate goal. I argue, by contrast, for a bottom-up approach: that the variety of goals, plans, norms and rules that govern our lives should be the starting point for political discussion. From this standpoint, the goal of individual and collective decision-making of all kinds is the reconciliation of conflicting objectives and priorities on a piecemeal basis. The distinction between top-down and bottom-up approaches in political decision-making parallels debates between ‘foundationalists’ and ‘coherentists’ in epistemology.
Vitamin D-related genes and cardiometabolic markers in healthy children: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Lopez-Mayorga Ania , Hauger Hanne , Petersen Rikke A. , Vogel Ulla , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Lauritzen Lotte
Published: January 2020

Observational studies show associations between low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cardiometabolic risk markers. This Mendelian randomisation study examined associations between cardiometabolic markers in children and SNP in genes related to vitamin D metabolism (DHCR7; group-specific complement (GC); cytochrome P450 subfamily IIR1 (CYP2R1); and CYP24A1) and action (CYP27B1 and VDR). In 699 healthy 8–11-year-old children, we genotyped eleven SNP. We generated a genetic risk score based on SNP associated with low 25(OH)D and investigated associations between this and blood pressure, plasma lipids and insulin. Furthermore, we examined whether SNP related to vitamin D actions modified associations between 25(OH)D and the cardiometabolic markers. All GC and CYP2R1 SNP influenced serum 25(OH)D. A risk score based on four of the six SNP was associated with 3·4 (95 % CI 2·6, 4·2) mmol/l lower 25(OH)D per risk allele (P < 0·001), but was not associated with the cardiometabolic markers. However, interactions were indicated for the three VDR SNP (Pinteraction < 0·081) on associations between 25(OH)D and TAG, systolic blood pressure and insulin, which all decreased with increasing 25(OH)D only in major allele homozygotes (β –0·02 (95 % CI –0·04, –0·01) mmol/l; β –0·5 (95 % CI –0·9, –0·1) mmHg; and β –0·5 (95 % CI –1·4, 0·3) pmol/l, respectively). In conclusion, genetic variation affected 25(OH)D substantially, but the genetic score was not associated with cardiometabolic markers in children. However, VDR polymorphisms modified associations with vitamin D, which warrants further investigation of VDR's role in the relationship between vitamin D and cardiometabolic risk.
The Kenyan Civil Forfeiture Regime: Nature, Challenges and Possible Solutions
Authors: Gikonyo Constance
Published: January 2020

Civil forfeiture is an asset forfeiture mechanism available to seize proceeds of crime. Kenya has embraced its use and provides statutory mechanisms for its implementation. The Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act is the main statute in this regard. This article examines the substantive law and procedure for civil forfeiture provided in this statute. The analysis indicates that the provisions are technical in nature and that the process is systematic. This ensures a procedurally and substantively fair process before an individual's property is seized. This approach aims to safeguard against the arbitrary deprivation of property. Nonetheless, challenges are identified that interfere with the effective implementation of the civil forfeiture regime. These problems lead to the current underutilization of the regime. Accordingly, the article identifies viable ways of addressing these shortcomings. Implementation of these suggestions could enhance the use and success of civil forfeiture in dealing with the proceeds of crime.
“Shades of Grey”: Exploring Public Opinion about Later-Life Sexuality
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Ayalon Liat
Published: January 2020

Public opinion on later-life sexuality affects older people’s sexual health, behaviour, and satisfaction. In this study, we explored public opinion on later-life sexuality by participants’ responding to an open-ended question rather than rank their level of agreement or disagreement with different statements about older people’s sexuality. Responses from 135 men and women reflecting on how sexuality changes in older age were thematically analysed. Five themes emerged, varying from positive to negative perceptions of later-life sexuality. Older people’s sexuality was described as declining, non-existent, conservative, narrow, tedious, and boring, but also as encompassing more emotions and feelings; being better and more “complete”. This study provides qualitative data and an opportunity to gain insights on valuable opinions on what young and middle-aged people think about later-life sexuality. Assessing what people think about later-life sexuality is the first stage in instilling more liberating views about the diversity of sexual expressions in old age.
HPA-axis multilocus genetic profile score moderates the association between maternal prenatal perceived stress and offspring depression in early adulthood
Authors: McKenna Brooke G. , Hammen Constance , Brennan Patricia A.
Published: January 2020

Maternal stress during pregnancy can cause alterations to the fetal hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, a phenomenon known as fetal programming that may have lasting effects on offspring outcomes, including depression. Evidence suggests that these effects may vary with respect to the offspring's genetic risk. Nonetheless, few studies have examined these effects into adulthood, when risk for depression onset is highest. The present study builds upon the extant literature by examining the interaction of maternal prenatal perceived stress (MPPS) and offspring HPA-axis polygenic risk to predict offspring depression in early adulthood. A total of 381 mother–child dyads participated in a prospective, longitudinal study that spanned from pregnancy until offspring were 20 years of age. Polygenic risk was defined by a multilocus genetic profile score (MGPS) that reflected the additive risk of three HPA-axis candidate genes. The results indicated that the interaction of MPPS and HPA-axis MGPS confers risk for offspring depression at age 20, in line with the differential susceptibility model. This interaction may be specific to prenatal stress, as maternal stress during early childhood did not interact with genetic risk to predict depression. These findings provide the first evidence that genetic variants that are associated with the HPA axis may act in a polygenic, additive fashion to moderate the association between fetal programming and adult depression.
Primitive recursion in the abstract
Authors: Leivant Daniel , Marion Jean-Yves
Published: January 2020

Recurrence can be used as a function definition schema for any nontrivial free algebra, yielding the same computational complexity in all cases. We show that primitive-recursive computing is in fact independent of free algebras altogether, and can be characterized by a generic programming principle, namely the control of iteration by the depletion of finite components of the underlying structure.
Embedding technological transformation: the welfare state and citizen attitudes toward technology
Authors: Lim Sijeong
Published: January 2020

Much scholarly attention has been given to the potentially disruptive distributional implications of new technologies in labor markets. Less explored is the way citizens as socially embedded individuals perceive and respond to technological transformation. This study fills this gap by exploring how welfare state institutions shape and are shaped by citizens’ perceptions of technological transformation. My analysis covering over 50 developed and developing countries finds that welfare state generosity is associated with a greater acceptance of technological change. I also provide evidence consistent with the expectation that labor market interventions of the welfare state have the potential to reduce the skill cleavage over technological transformation by mitigating the insecurity faced by the low-skilled. Additionally, citizens embracing technological transformation are more supportive of the welfare state than techno-skeptics are.
The Ductile‐to‐Brittle Transition Recorded in the Balmuccia Peridotite Body, Italy: Ambient Temperature for the Onset of Seismic Rupture in Mantle Rocks
Authors: Ueda Tadamasa , Obata Masaaki , Ozawa Kazuhito , Shimizu Ichiko
Published: January 2020

To constrain the conditions of the brittle‐ductile transition in peridotite, we studied the deformation sequence of a small‐displacement fault system developed in the Balmuccia peridotite body, northern Italy. The ambient pressure‐temperature conditions of the deformation were estimated using equilibrium mineral assemblages and mineral compositions. Fault‐related deformed rocks, including pseudotachylytes, cataclasites, and mylonites, were classified into three groups according to the metamorphic facies at the time of their formation: Group 1 consists of mylonites, cataclasites, and pseudotachylytes of the spinel‐lherzolite facies; Group 2 consists of cataclasite and pseudotachylyte, but no mylonite, of the plagioclase‐lherzolite facies; and Group 3 consists of cataclasite and pseudotachylyte of a lower‐grade hydrous facies. Cataclasite of the spinel‐lherzolite facies coeval with fault‐vein pseudotachylyte was identified for Group 1 and ambient temperature of the earthquake was determined by applying geothermometers to the mylonite and cataclasite. Among the deformed rocks of the spinel‐lherzolite facies (Group 1), mylonite is truncated by veins of pseudotachylyte. However, the mineral compositions of the mylonite and the cataclasite associated with the pseudotachylyte are essentially identical, yielding a temperature for the ductile‐to‐brittle transition in the peridotite of ~720 °C at a pressure of ~0.6–1.6 GPa. In the pressure range, low‐pressure side, which overlaps with conditions of surrounding crustal rocks, is more consistent with obtained fault structures and regional tectonics. This condition lies on a geotherm of an oceanic lithosphere of the age of ~10 Ma and is consistent with a predicted temperature and depth using published flow laws of olivine.
Carbon Dioxide Fluxes to the Atmosphere From Waters Within Flooded Forests in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Amaral Joao Henrique Fernandes , Melack John M. , Barbosa Pedro Maia , MacIntyre Sally , Kasper Daniele , Cortés Alicia , Silva Thiago Sanna Freire , Nunes de Sousa Rodrigo , Forsberg Bruce R.
Published: January 2020

Inundated tropical forests are underrepresented in analyses of the global carbon cycle and constitute 80% of the surface area of aquatic environments in the lowland Amazon basin. Diel variations in CO2 concentrations and exchanges with the atmosphere were investigated from August 2014 to September 2016 in two flooded forests sites with different wind exposure within the central Amazon floodplain (3°23′S, 60°18′W). CO2 profiles and estimates of air–water gas exchange were combined with ancillary environmental measurements. Surface CO2 concentrations ranged from 19 to 329 μM, CO2 fluxes ranged from −0.8 to 55 mmol m−2 hr−1 and gas transfer velocities ranged from 0.2 to 17 cm hr−1. CO2 concentrations and fluxes were highest during the high water period. CO2 fluxes were three times higher at a site with more wind exposure (WE) compared to one with less exposure (WP). Emissions were higher at the WP site during the day, whereas they were higher at night at the WE site due to vertical mixing. CO2 concentrations and fluxes were lower at the W P site following an extended period of exceptionally low water. The CO2 flux from the water in the flooded forest was about half of the net primary production of the forest estimated from the literature. Mean daily fluxes measured in our study (182 ± 247 mmol m−2d−1) are higher than or similar to the few other measurements in waters within tropical and subtropical flooded forests and highlight the importance of flooded forests in carbon budgets.
Basement Structures Have Crucial Influence on Rift Development: Insights From the Jianghan Basin, Central China
Authors: Wu Lulu , Mei Lianfu , Paton Douglas A. , Liu Yunsheng , Shen Chuanbo , Liu Zhaoqian , Luo Jin , Min Caizheng , Li Minghua , Wen Hui
Published: January 2020

Crustal heterogeneity has a fundamental influence on rift development; however, the detailed architecture of structures within crystalline basement is commonly poorly understood, resulting in the exact manner in which basement structures control rift development being rather enigmatic. The Jianghan Basin evolved on a crystalline basement covered by thick prerift strata, providing an excellent opportunity to unravel the enigma. Using extensive 2‐D and 3‐D seismic, borehole and field data from the Jianghan Basin in combination, we investigate the deformation characteristics of basement structures and unravel their relationship with the overlying rift basin. A most striking feature of the basement structures in the Jianghan Basin is that prerift strata near the major rift‐related fault planes in the hanging walls are older than these in the footwalls and for most faults prerift strata in the hanging walls become increasingly older while approaching the fault planes, suggesting that these rift‐related faults have reactivated preexisting thrusts or thrusts associated with unroofed folds through negative structural inversion. All the major rift‐related faults have very high Dmax/L ratios (0.11–0.66) compared to typical normal faults, likely resulting from either constant length fault model or low frictional strength. By unraveling the prerift deformation intensity and structural division of basement structures in the Jianghan Basin, we propose that basement structures not only have crucial influence on rift geometry but also control rift localization. The reactivation of multidirectional basement structures and multidirectional extension with rift localization in the Jianghan Basin provides yet unrecognized insights into the development of tripartite rift systems.
Leaky-gut enhanced lupus progression in the Fc gamma receptor-IIb deficient and pristane-induced mouse models of lupus
Authors: Thim-uam Arthid , Surawut Saowapha , Issara-Amphorn Jiraphorn , Jaroonwitchawan Thiranut , Hiengrach Pratsanee , Chatthanathon Piraya , Wilantho Alisa , Somboonna Naraporn , Palaga Tanapat , Pisitkun Prapaporn , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: January 2020

The influence of gut-leakage or gut-microbiota upon lupus progression was explored in 2 lupus mouse models. Pristane, administered in 4-wk-old wild-type (WT) female mice, induced lupus characteristics at 24-wk-old similar to the lupus-onset in FcGRIIb−/− mice. Gut-microbiota alteration was induced by co-housing together with the gavage of feces from 40-wk-old FcGRIIb−/− mice (symptomatic lupus). On the other hand,  gut-leakage was induced  by dextran sulfate solution (DSS). DSS and gut-microbiota alteration induced high serum anti-dsDNA immunoglobulin (Ig) as early as 30 days post-DSS only in FcGRIIb−/− mice. DSS, but not gut-microbiota alteration, enhanced lupus characteristics (serum creatinine and proteinuria) in both lupus models (but not in WT) at 60 days post-DSS. Indeed, DSS induced the translocation of molecular components of gut-pathogens as determined by bacterial burdens in mesenteric lymph node (MLN), endotoxemia (gut-bacterial molecule) and serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BG) (gut-fungal molecule) as early as 15 days post-DSS together with enhanced MLN apoptosis in both WT and lupus mice. However, DSS induced spleen apoptosis in FcGRIIb−/− and WT mice at 30 and 60 days post-DSS, respectively, suggesting the higher impact of gut-leakage against spleen of lupus mice. In addition, macrophages preconditioning with LPS plus BG were susceptible to starvation-induced apoptosis, predominantly in FcGRIIb−/− cell, implying the influence of gut-leakage upon cell stress. In summary, gut-leakage induced gut-translocation of organismal-molecules then enhanced the susceptibility of stress-induced apoptosis, predominantly in lupus. Subsequently, the higher burdens of apoptosis in lupus mice increased anti-dsDNA Ig and worsen lupus severity through immune complex deposition. Hence, therapeutic strategies addressing gut-leakage in lupus are interesting.
Vegetation productivity summarized by the Dynamic Habitat Indices explains broad-scale patterns of moose abundance across Russia
Authors: Razenkova Elena , Radeloff Volker C. , Dubinin Maxim , Bragina Eugenia V. , Allen Andrew M. , Clayton Murray K. , Pidgeon Anna M. , Baskin Leonid M. , Coops Nicholas C. , Hobi Martina L.
Published: January 2020

Identifying the factors that determine habitat suitability and hence patterns of wildlife abundances over broad spatial scales is important for conservation. Ecosystem productivity is a key aspect of habitat suitability, especially for large mammals. Our goals were to a) explain patterns of moose (Alces alces) abundance across Russia based on remotely sensed measures of vegetation productivity using Dynamic Habitat Indices (DHIs), and b) examine if patterns of moose abundance and productivity differed before and after the collapse of the Soviet Union. We evaluated the utility of the DHIs using multiple regression models predicting moose abundance by administrative regions. Univariate models of the individual DHIs had lower predictive power than all three combined. The three DHIs together with environmental variables, explained 79% of variation in moose abundance. Interestingly, the predictive power of the models was highest for the 1980s, and decreased for the two subsequent decades. We speculate that the lower predictive power of our environmental variables in the later decades may be due to increasing human influence on moose densities. Overall, we were able to explain patterns in moose abundance in Russia well, which can inform wildlife managers on the long-term patterns of habitat use of the species.
Expression of feeding-related neuromodulatory signalling molecules in the mouse central olfactory system
Authors: Nogi Yasuko , Ahasan Md Monjurul , Murata Yoshihiro , Taniguchi Mutsuo , Sha Md Fazley Rabbi , Ijichi Chiori , Yamaguchi Masahiro
Published: January 2020

Various neural systems cooperate in feeding behaviour, and olfaction plays crucial roles in detecting and evaluating food objects. While odour-mediated feeding behaviour is highly adaptive and influenced by metabolic state, hedonic cues and learning processes, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Feeding behaviour is regulated by orexigenic and anorexigenic neuromodulatory molecules. However, knowledge of their roles especially in higher olfactory areas is limited. Given the potentiation of feeding behaviour in hunger state, we systemically examined the expression of feeding-related neuromodulatory molecules in food-restricted mice through quantitative PCR, in the olfactory bulb (OB), olfactory tubercle (OT), and remaining olfactory cortical area (OC). The OT was further divided into attraction-related anteromedial, aversion-related lateral and remaining central regions. Examination of 23 molecules including neuropeptides, opioids, cannabinoids, and their receptors as well as signalling molecules showed that they had different expression patterns, with many showing elevated expression in the OT, especially in the anteromedial and central OT. Further, in mice trained with odour-food association, the expression was significantly altered and the increase or decrease of a given molecule varied among areas. These results suggest that different olfactory areas are regulated separately by feeding-related molecules, which contributes to the adaptive regulation of feeding behaviour.
Hyperreflective Foci in the Outer Retinal Layers as a Predictor of the Functional Efficacy of Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Yoshitake Tatsuya , Murakami Tomoaki , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Dodo Yoko , Fujimoto Masahiro , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: January 2020

Anti-VEGF drugs are as the first-line therapies for diabetic macular edema (DME). In this study, we investigated the association between hyperreflective foci in the outer retinal layers and functional efficacy in DME patients who received intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections. We retrospectively reviewed 77 eyes of 71 patients with DME treated with pro re nata IVR injections for at least 12 months. We evaluated how baseline hyperreflective foci in the outer retinal layers on spectral domain optical coherence tomography images were associated with an improvement in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (logMAR VA) at 12 months. Forty-three eyes with hyperreflective foci in the outer retinal layers had greater VA improvement than 34 eyes without such foci at 12 months. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that both logMAR VA and hyperreflective foci in the outer retinal layers at baseline were associated with VA improvement. Structural analyses revealed that the central subfield thickness was decreased and that the ellipsoid zone of photoreceptors was improved more significantly in eyes with hyperreflective foci in the outer layers than eyes without such lesions. Baseline hyperreflective foci in the outer retinal layers predict the functional efficacy of IVR injections for DME.
Platelet transfusion in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is associated with poor clinical outcome
Authors: Post R. , Tjerkstra M. A. , Middeldorp S. , Van den Berg R. , Roos Y. B. W. E. M. , Coert B. A. , Verbaan D. , Vandertop W. P.
Published: January 2020

Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who are using antiplatelet drugs prior to their hemorrhage, often receive platelet transfusions to reverse antiplatelet effects prior to life-saving surgical interventions. However, little is known about the effect of platelet transfusion on patient outcome in these patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of platelet transfusion on clinical outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) who use antiplatelet agents. Consecutive adult patients with an aSAH admitted between 2011 and 2015 to the Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) were included. Demographic characteristics and in-hospital complications were compared and clinical outcome was assessed after six months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to correct for confounding variables. A total of 364 patients with an aSAH were included. Thirty-eight (10%) patients underwent platelet transfusion during admission. Patients receiving platelet transfusion had worse clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 4–6) at six months compared to patients without platelet transfusion (65% versus 32%, odds ratio 4.0, 95% confidence interval:1.9–8.1). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that platelet transfusion during admission was associated with unfavorable clinical outcome after six months; adjusted for age, treatment modality, modified Fisher and WFNS on admission (adjusted odds ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–8.4). In this observational study, platelet transfusion was associated with poor clinical outcome at six months after correcting for confounding influences. In aSAH patients who need surgical treatment at low risk of bleeding, the indication for platelet transfusion needs careful weighing of the risk-benefit-balance.
Cation permeability in CorA family of proteins
Authors: Stetsenko Artem , Guskov Albert
Published: January 2020

CorA proteins belong to 2-TM-GxN family of membrane proteins, and play a major role in Mg2+ transport in prokaryotes and eukaryotic mitochondria. The selection of substrate is believed to occur via the signature motif GxN, however there is no consensus how strict this selection within the family. To answer this question, we employed fluorescence-based transport assays on three different family members, namely CorA from bacterium Thermotoga maritima, CorA from the archeon Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and ZntB from bacterium Escherichia coli, reconstituted into proteoliposomes. Our results show that all three proteins readily transport Mg2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+, but not Al3+. Despite the similarity in cation specificity, ZntB differs from the CorA proteins, as in the former transport is stimulated by a proton gradient, but in the latter by the membrane potential, confirming the hypothesis that CorA and ZntB proteins diverged to different transport mechanisms within the same protein scaffold.
The rapid increases in microplastics in urban lake sediments
Authors: Dong Mingtan , Luo Zejiao , Jiang Qingfeng , Xing Xinli , Zhang Qiaoqiao , Sun Yue
Published: January 2020

Microplastics have received widespread attention as an emerging global pollutant. However, the research on the abundance and characteristics of microplastics entering the environment throughout history has been limited. Meanwhile, the determination of the start of the Anthropocene is important because humans have become a vital force affecting the environment and Earth surface processes. It is unclear whether the plastic can be used as an artefact to indicate the start of the Anthropocene. In this study, combined with 137Cs, 210Pb, and spherical carbonaceous particles (SCP) high-resolution chronology, a microplastics-time curve was established by using the sedimentary record from an urban lake in Wuhan city. The microplastic abundance increased from 741 items·kg−1 to 7707 items·kg−1 over the past 60 years. The microplastics were mainly fibres and composed of polyester and rayon polymers, which indicated that the microplastics most likely originated from textiles. The surfaces of the older microplastics were rough and weathered with many absorbed elements. Microplastics are similar to fossils belonging to the Anthropocene, and may be used as an indicator. The comparison of microplastic-time curves in different records on a global scale will be necessary in the future.
Kinetic mechanisms of crumpled globule formation
Authors: Petrov Artem , Kos Pavel , Chertovich Alexander
Published: January 2020

Collapse induced by long-living pairwise reversible bond formation in a spatially confined chain does not follow the classical pearl-necklace mechanism.
Wnt10b promotes hair follicles growth and dermal papilla cells proliferation via Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in Rex rabbits
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Zhu Yanli , Liu Hongli , Liu Gongyan , Li Fuchang
Published: January 2020

Wnt signaling plays an important role in the growth and development of hair follicles (HFs). Among the signaling molecules, Wnt10b was shown to promote the differentiation of primary skin epithelial cells toward the hair shaft and inner root sheath of the HF cells in mice in vitro. Whisker HFs were isolated from Rex rabbits and cultured in vitro to measure hair shaft growth. Meanwhile, dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were isolated and cultured in vitro. Treatment with AdWnt10b or the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway inhibitor, XAV939, assessed the DPCs proliferation by CCK-8 assay. And the cell cycle was also analyzed by flow cytometry. We found that Wnt10b could promote elongation of the hair shaft, whereas XAV-939 treatment could eliminated this phenomenon. AdWnt10b treatment promoted the proliferation and induced G1/S transition of DPCs. AdWnt10b stimulation up-regulated β-Catenin protein in DPCs. Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling by XAV-939 could decreased the basal and Wnt10b-enhanced proliferation of DPCs. And could also suppress the cell cycle progression in DPCs. In summary, our study demonstrates that Wnt10b could promote HFs growth and proliferation of DPCs via the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in Rex rabbits.
Hydrolysis of three different head groups phospholipids by chicken group V phospholipase A2 using the monomolecular film technique
Authors: Karray Aida , Ali Madiha Bou , Raida Jallouli , Sofiane Bezzine
Published: January 2020

The kinetic aspects of lipolysis by pulmonary phospholipase A2 (ChPLA2-V), chicken intestinal phospholipase A2 (ChPLA2-IIA) and chicken pancreatic phospholipase A2 (ChPLA2-IB), from chicken have been compared using the monomolecular films technique, on short-chain phospholipids (with three different head groups) and on long-chain phospholipids.

The main conclusions from our experimental data indicate that the maximum catalytic activities of ChPLA2-V on 1,2 phosphatidylcholine and 1,2 phosphatidylethanolamine reached 15.26 and 36.12 moles/cm2.min.mM, respectively, at a pressure of 15 and 35 dynes/cm, respectively. Whereas, those of ChPLA2-IB were 3.58 (at the pressure of 20 dynes/cm) and 4.9 moles/cm2.min.mM. However, hydrolysis of phosphatidylglycerol monolayers (C12PG), were very much higher compared with all the substrates tested with 122 moles/cm2.min. Surprisingly, the hydrolysis rate of ChPLA2-V on long-chain phosphatidylglycerol (C18PG) was very low (1.45 moles/cm2.min) compared with all tested substrates, even with the use of p-cyclodextrin. And thus, the fatty acid preference of ChPLA2-V was 2-decanoyl > 2-oleoyl with a PG head group.

In order to gain significant correlations between enzyme’s structures and their relative functions, we tried to examine the surface electrostatic potentials of the various secreted phospholipase 2 (sPLA2) from chicken. In the present study, we detailed that the substrate affinity, specificity and the hydrolysis rates of sPLA2 at each interface is governed by the surface electrostatic potentials and hydrophobic interactions operative at this surface.
Improving symbol error rate of heterogeneous network by clustering, IA, and interference detection
Authors: Ghorbani K. , Falahati A.
Published: January 2020

Despite all the benefits of small cells in heterogeneous networks (HetNets) such as coverage improvement and spectral efficiency, they may cause additional interferences. Interference alignment (IA) by cell clustering is a possible candidate to manage HetNets interferences. Several picocells coexist within a microcell area while the nodes that cause interferences in a similar range of the desired signals are grouped in a cluster. IA removes the intra‐cluster interferences, and the strong remaining interferences are estimated by interference detection. The simulation results show improvement in the symbol‐error rate by the proposed scheme.
Image DAEs based on residual entropy maximum
Authors: Xiang Qian , Peng Likun , Pang Xueliang
Published: January 2020

Image denoising under low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and non‐Gaussian noise is still a challenging problem in image processing. In this study, the authors prose a kind of improved convolution neural network auto‐encoders for image denoising. Different from other priors based methods, the denoising auto‐encoders (DAEs) can learn end‐to‐end mappings from noisy images to the target ones. This study research statistical features of image residual between the restored images and target images. According to the maximum entropy principle, the training loss function of the ordinary DAEs was modified with residual statistics as the constraint condition, and an improved training algorithm was proposed based on augmented Lagrange function method. Thus, the quality of restored image can be improved through removing image information from residual more efficiently. Experiments show not only the denoising effects of improved DAEs is superior to the original mean‐square‐error loss function DAEs in both peak SNR and Riesz feature similarity metric indexes, but also has the ability to suppress the different types of noises with different levels through a single model.
Dual attention convolutional network for action recognition
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Xie Miao , Zhang Yin , Ding Guangtai , Tong Weiqin
Published: January 2020

Action recognition has been an active research area for many years. Extracting discriminative spatial and temporal features of different actions plays a key role in accomplishing this task. Current popular methods of action recognition are mainly based on two‐stream Convolutional Networks (ConvNets) or 3D ConvNets. However, the computational cost of two‐stream ConvNets is high for the requirement of optical flow while 3D ConvNets takes too much memory because they have a large amount of parameters. To alleviate such problems, the authors propose a Dual Attention ConvNet (DANet) based on dual attention mechanism which consists of spatial attention and temporal attention. The former concentrates on main motion objects in a video frame by using ConvNet structure and the latter captures related information of multiple video frames by adopting self‐attention. Their network is entirely based on 2D ConvNet and takes in only RGB frames. Experimental results on UCF‐101 and HMDB‐51 benchmarks demonstrate that DANet gets comparable results among leading methods, which proves the effectiveness of the dual attention mechanism.
Space‐vector‐based hybrid PWM for reduced line current ripple and common mode voltage in paralleled interleaved three‐phase two‐level converter
Authors: Zeng Zhiyong , Li Zhongxi , Goetz Stefan
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a hybrid space vector modulation (HBSVM) to reduce line current ripple while maintaining the optimal common mode voltage and zero sequence circulating current peak. The analysis reveals that the vector errors can be reduced by an equivalent basic vector with an adjustable length, which is synthesised by two basic vectors of the same vector angle. Then, a variable k is defined to denote the distribution of the two basic vectors. In addition, due to the implementation of k, a special vectors timing sequence is proposed. With the proposed generalised sequence, this paper investigates the current ripple over the switching period. Furthermore, we derive a map of the optimal distribution factor kopt to minimise the current ripple. Each 30° sector is divided into three subsectors; each applies kopt to minimise the current ripple. With the proposed two variables (p and q), a simple flowchart for kopt selection in the whole space vector plane is developed. The proposed HBSVM uses the optimal distribution kopt according to the position of the reference voltage, achieving the minimised line current ripple. The proposed HBSVM achieves the best line current quality while maintaining the optimal ZSCC and CMV peak, as validated by experiments.
The giant outburst of 4U 0115+634 in 2011 with Suzaku and RXTE
Authors: Kühnel Matthias Bissinger né , Kreykenbohm Ingo , Ferrigno Carlo , Pottschmidt Katja , Marcu-Cheatham Diana M. , Fürst Felix , Rothschild Richard E. , Kretschmar Peter , Klochkov Dmitry , Hemphill Paul , Hertel Dominik , Müller Sebastian , Sokolova-Lapa Ekaterina , Oruru Bosco , Grinberg Victoria , Martínez-Núñez Silvia , Torrejón José M. , Becker Peter A. , Wolff Michael T. , Ballhausen Ralf , Schwarm Fritz-Walter , Wilms Jörn
Published: January 2020

We present an analysis of X-ray spectra of the high-mass X-ray binary 4U 0115+634 as observed with Suzaku and RXTE in 2011 July, during the fading phase of a giant X-ray outburst. We used a continuum model consisting of an absorbed cutoff power law and an ad hoc Gaussian emission feature centered around 8.5 keV, which we attribute to cyclotron emission. Our results are consistent with a fundamental cyclotron absorption line centered at ∼10.2 keV for all observed flux ranges. At the same time we rule out significant influence of the 8.5 kev Gaussian on the parameters of the cyclotron resonant scattering feature, which are not consistent with the cyclotron line energies or the depths of previously reported flux-dependent descriptions. We also show that some continuum models can lead to artificial line-like residuals in the analyzed spectra, which are then misinterpreted as unphysically strong cyclotron lines. Specifically, our results do not support the existence of a previously claimed additional cyclotron feature at ∼15 keV. Apart from these features, we find for the first time evidence for a He-like Fe XXV emission line at ∼6.7 keV and weak H-like Fe XXVI emission close to ∼7.0 keV.
ORIGIN: Blind detection of faint emission line galaxies in MUSE datacubes
Authors: Mary David , Bacon Roland , Conseil Simon , Piqueras Laure , Schutz Antony
Published: January 2020

Context.One of the major science cases of the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) integral field spectrograph is the detection of Lyman-alpha emitters at high redshifts. The on-going and planned deep fields observations will allow for one large sample of these sources. An efficient tool to perform blind detection of faint emitters in MUSE datacubes is a prerequisite of such an endeavor.

Aims.Several line detection algorithms exist but their performance during the deepest MUSE exposures is hard to quantify, in particular with respect to their actual false detection rate, or purity. The aim of this work is to design and validate an algorithm that efficiently detects faint spatial-spectral emission signatures, while allowing for a stable false detection rate over the data cube and providing in the same time an automated and reliable estimation of the purity.

Methods.The algorithm implements (i) a nuisance removal part based on a continuum subtraction combining a discrete cosine transform and an iterative principal component analysis, (ii) a detection part based on the local maxima of generalized likelihood ratio test statistics obtained for a set of spatial-spectral profiles of emission line emitters and (iii) a purity estimation part, where the proportion of true emission lines is estimated from the data itself: the distribution of the local maxima in the “noise only” configuration is estimated from that of the local minima.

Results.Results on simulated data cubes providing ground truth show that the method reaches its aims in terms of purity and completeness. When applied to the deep 30 h exposure MUSE datacube in theHubbleUltra Deep Field, the algorithms allows for the confirmed detection of 133 intermediate redshifts galaxies and 248 Lyαemitters, including 86 sources with noHubbleSpace Telescope counterpart.

Conclusions.The algorithm fulfills its aims in terms of detection power and reliability. It is consequently implemented as a Python package whose code and documentation are available on GitHub and readthedocs.
Rapid spectral transition of the black hole binary V404 Cygni
Authors: Kajava J. J. E. , Sánchez-Fernández C. , Alfonso-Garzón J. , Motta S. E. , Veledina A.
Published: January 2020

During the June 2015 outburst of the black hole binary V404 Cyg, rapid changes in the X-ray brightness and spectra were common. The INTEGRAL monitoring campaign detected spectacular Eddington-limited X-ray flares, but also rapid variations at much lower flux levels. On 2015 June 21 at 20 h 50 min, the 3–10 keV JEM-X data as well as simultaneous optical data started to display a gradual brightening from one of these low-flux states. This was followed 15 min later by an order-of-magnitude increase of flux in the 20–40 keV IBIS/ISGRI light curve in just 15 s. The best-fitting model for both the pre- and post-transition spectra required a Compton-thick partially covering absorber. The absorber parameters remained constant, but the spectral slope varied significantly during the event, with the photon index decreasing from Γ ≈ 3.7 to Γ ≈ 2.3. We propose that the rapid 20–40 keV flux increase was either caused by a spectral state transition that was hidden from our direct view, or that there was a sudden reduction in the amount of Compton down-scattering of the primary X-ray emission in the disk outflow.
“Assessment of Coastal Vulnerability Index on potential agricultural land - CVI, Banyuwangi Regency”
Authors: Romadhona Sukron , Mutmainnah Laily , Wibowo Cahyoadi , Setiawati Tri Candra
Published: January 2020

Indonesia is an archipelago country that has the longest coastline after Canada (UNCLOS). Banyuwangi District is a coastal area in Northern Java, which has a very dynamic development because of its location of the capital city that located along the coastal area. The purpose of this study is to assess the degree of coastal vulnerability in Banyuwangi District with the higher level of development. The CVI method (Coastal Vulnarability Index) of evisien sting is used to assess vulnerability. The coastal vulnerability is very low over 8 km, with a 15.4% of coastal length of Banyuwangi District. Low vulnerability occurs in areas that are located in areas close to settlements area, with beaches already experiencing human intervention. The low category is about 12 km long, reaching 23.3% of the existing coastal length in Banyuwangi District. The middle category is about 16 km, equivalent to 30.8% of shoreline. While the high category is about 10 km, equivalent to 19.2% of coastal length. The highest category has a length of 6 km, equivalent to 11.5% of the coastal area of Banyuwangi district.
Role of Mineral Elements to Induce the Resistance of Arabica Coffee Against Rust Disease at Lowland Area
Authors: Ghufron Rosyady Muhammad , Anom Wijaya Ketut , Wulanjari Distiana , Wafa Ali
Published: January 2020

Lowland arabica coffee can be affected by leaf rust and its decrease the coffee production up to 80%. The resistance level of the plant can be determined by the content of cellulose, lignin, calcium pectate, and polyphenols in leaf tissue. Many publications reported that the mineral element could increase the content of the metabolites. This study aimed to determine the effect of Si, B, I, Ca, and K on the incidence of leaf rust attack. The experiment was carried out at 400 m a.s.l. in 2018. The experimental subjects were KT variety, which was six years old. The experiment used a randomized block design with seven treatments. The results showed that there were 1) decrease the number of leaves affected by rust between first and second observation, and 2) compared to controls, all treatments has decreased the incidence of attacks leaf rust disease. Conclusion: There is a tendency of differences in the incidence rate of attack of leaf rust disease in each treatment. Control plants showed the highest incidence rate of 1.25%, while the lowest incidence was affected by Silica, iodine, and potassium, which were 0.63%. The treatment of silica and iodine was able to reduce the highest number of colonies Leaf Rust.
Tolerance Screening of Sugarcane Varieties Toward Waterlogging Stress
Authors: Avivi Sholeh , Arini Silvia Fitri Mei , Soeparjono Sigit , Pudji Restanto Didik , Indra Duwi Fanata Wahyu , Anom Widjaya Ketut
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research was to obtain the resistant plant toward waterlogging stress. The research used complete randomized block design (RBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factors of sugarcane variety are PS 8845, VMC 7616, BL, VMC 86550, PSJK 922 and PS 864. The second factor is the treatments of waterlogging on the level of treatment, that is, without waterlogging, 6, 9, and 12 weeks of waterlogging in bucket. The research results showed that the differences in resistance response of several tested varieties were seen in parameters of number of leaves, number of yellowing leaves, fresh weight of plant, plant height, stem diameter, root length, root’s branch, number of tillers, chlorophyll content, the rate of photosynthesis, stomatal density, shoot leaf size, and leaf angle. Quantitative data character were analysed using ANOVA and DMRT. The conclusion of this research were that PS 8845 and VMC 7616 variety can be recommended as a variety that is resistant to water logging stress. While variety PSJK 922 showed the worst response in condition of waterlogging stress.
Antigenic Properties of Fixed and Unfixed Particles of Some Cucumber Mosaic Virus Strains
Authors: Sri Wahyuni Wiwiek
Published: January 2020

The virus particle of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is unstable and degrades during and after virus preparation. For longterm storage, either 0.25% glutaraldehyde or 0.2% formaldehyde are used as protein cross-linking reagents for stabilising the antigenic binding sites of the viral protein. The glutaraldehyde effect on the stability of purified CMV strains preparation after longterm storage were investigated by serological reactions with either fixed and unfixed CMV antisera. These preparations were also analysed by sucroce density gradient centrifugation and ISCO density gradient fractionation, then by gel electrophoresis and by electron microscopy. During longterm storage (more than one year) some fixed and unfixed virus strains had degrade partially as shown by the appearance of double precipitine lines in gel immunodiffusion tests and the shape of absorbance peaks of ISCO density gradient fractionation. However, the degradation of virus particles was not apparent by electron microscopy. On the other hand, in agarose gel electrophoresis the virus particle of CMV strains produced pattern of mutiple bands that shown that virus was certainly degraded. It appeared that the fixed virus had faster mobility bands than unfixedvirus.
Contribution of tobacco waste for agriculture
Authors: Prima Indahsari Okta , Suryo Negoro Abul Haris
Published: January 2020

This study aim is to explain the contribution of tobacco waste in the agricultural sector. Tobacco waste here limited to tobacco stems only. Tobacco stems are processed into bio briquettes, pellets, and liquid smoke. Biobriquettes and bio pellets can substitute the use of coal as fuel while liquid smoke can replace the use of chemical insecticides. The three products are eco-friendly and safe for the consumers. The production of these three products is a contribution manifestation of tobacco waste utilization to increase agriculture productivity, reducing fossil energy use, and minimizing tobacco stakeholders from chemical contamination both on tobacco plantation area and tobacco barns.
Institutional Arrangement of Agriculture Development in Indonesia: Lesson Learn from Korea through 6th Order of Industrial Agriculture System
Authors: Wardhono Adhitya , Wibowo Rudi
Published: January 2020

The development of economy in the recent years has successfully changed the Indonesian economy from agricultural economy to Industrial economy. However, when the sectoral output contribution decreases sharply, it does not mean that agriculture sector becomes unimportant factor in the Indonesian Economy. In recent years, the data shows that the agricultural sector still absorbs high employment compared to other sectors, which amounted to 30.9% of the total 121.7 million workforce. Increasing instability in the management of the agricultural industry and increasing population resulted in reduced regional vitality and community productivity. Therefore, through the policy concept of The Sixth Order Industry, it is important for the Indonesian government to build policy support and measures to promote the local economy in maintaining the welfare of the agricultural community. The purpose of this study is to determine the priority of policy objectives and support related to the 6th-order agricultural industrialization policy and identify the rules of agricultural institutions in Indonesia through the concept of the 6th-order agricultural industrialization policy. The method used study of literature and SWOT. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be seen that marketing and financial support are the most important means among several policy tools in achieving the goals of The Sixth Order Industry. Improving governance, agricultural management from upstream to downstream, and increasing cooperation between farmers, industry and banking are the keys to the success of agricultural development in Indonesia in order to achieve food sovereignty.