bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Watermelon Rind (Citrullus lanatus) Addition on the Functional, Pasting and Microbiological Quality of Sorghum Based Mumu
Authors: Gbaa Stephen T. , Ahemen Samuel A. , Ameh Christiana O.
Published: September 2019

The effect of watermelon rind powder addition on the functional, pasting and microbiological quality of Sorghum based mumu was evaluated. Sorghum-based mumu was prepared from composite flours of 85:15, 75:15, 70:15 and 65:15% roasted sorghum flour and roasted partially defatted groundnut flour respectively and included with 0, 10, 15 and 20% watermelon rind powder respectively which were known as sample A, B, C and D accordingly. Subsequently, the functional, pasting properties and microbial quality was assessed. Functional properties values; Bulk density (0.89 to 0.80mg/100g), reconstitution index (4.99 to 4.89) and swelling index (2.35 to 2.20) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in watermelon powder addition while water absorption (10.36 to 10.97g/g), oil absorption (10.33 to 10.79) and foam capacities (12.46 to 13.85%) increased with increase in watermelon rind powder.  The pasting properties; peak (302.22 to 292.44 RVU), trough (156.44 to 150.00 RVU) and Final viscosities (412.69 to 400.76RVU), and breakdown (149.95 to 140.59RVU) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased in watermelon rind powder while setback viscosity (101.05 to 115.59RVU), pasting temperature (59.32 to 62.02oC) and pasting time (4.93 to 5.13mins) increased. Microbial analysis revealed the following ranges: Total viable count, 0.5x102 to1.0x102 cfu/g, fungi count of 6.1x101- 9.9x101 cfu/g and no coliform was detected. Overall, addition of watermelon rind powder showed good functional, pasting and microbiological qualities of sorghum based mumu.
Structure and Successional Classification of the Shrub-Arboreal Component in a Remnant of Atlantic Forest, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Nelio Domingos da , Marangon Luiz Carlos , Marangon Ana Lícia Patriota Feliciano , Silva José Antônio Aleixo da
Published: September 2019

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the structure and successional classification of component shrub-arboreal in the edge and interior environments in a remnant of Tropical Forest in Pernambuco, Brazil.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in a remnant of the Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest categorized as Urban Forest Reserve named Mata of Manassu, with an area approximately 264.24 ha and located in Jaboatao dos Guararapes, Pernambuco. The data were registered between March 2017 and September 2017.

Methodology: The data were collected in 40 100 m2 plots, 20 plots in each environment: edge and forest interior. The ‘‘edge’’ was considered to comprise a 100-m strip at the border of the forest and the ‘‘interior’’ at least 300 m in from this strip. In all plots, were cataloged, identified and measured the circumferences at height of the base at 30 cm from the soil of all shrub-arboreal individuals whose height were equal or greater than 1.0 meter and circumference at breast height at 1.30 m of soil, less than 15.0 cm. For the communities on the edge and forest interior were estimated: total density (TD), absolute density (AD), relative density (RD), total frequency (TF), absolute frequency (AF), relative frequency (RF), total dominance (TDo), absolute dominance (ADo), relative dominance (RDo), relative natural regeneration by height class (RNRij), total natural regeneration by height class (TNR), importance value index (IVI) and was performed the distribution analysis of individuals in three height classes using the Chi-square test with 95% significance. The sampled individuals were classified into family, genus, and species, and the species classified for the successional group (pioneers, initial secondary, late secondary or uncharacterized).

Results: The environment of the edge showed the highest absolute density (10.240 ind.haˉ¹) to the forest interior (9.805 ind.haˉ¹). In both environments, it was found the high representativity of initial and late secondary species. The structural distributions of individuals by height class at the edge and interior environments showed curves shaped as inverted "J" indicating "dynamic balance" of the forest.

Conclusion: The higher representativity of initial and late secondary species probably is due to the forest being in an advanced successional stage, having a structure with well-defined stratum. Among the shrub-arboreal species sampled which presented higher total natural regeneration per height class to both in the edge and forest interior and that can be used for the enrichment of areas in the recovery process of Atlantic Forest are Miconia prasina e Eschweilera ovata.
Industrial Organizational Psychology Practices and Organizational Competitiveness: A Panacea for Career Growth and Development in Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Fred Ssemugenyi , Augustine Amboka Asumwa , Obsiye Faud Abidi
Published: September 2019

The study delved the effect of industrial organizational psychology practices on organizational competitiveness in Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited. Available literature indicates that the two variables under investigation correlate although with an irregular consistence on the account of practice in most organizations and Kenya Power is no exception. This served the researchers a favorable ground to hypothesize that organizational competitiveness is explained sufficiently not by the industrial organizational psychology practices. To guide this reasoning, the study thus adopted the following specific objectives; to establish the effect of talent management, work-life programs, work diversity and globalization on organizational competitiveness. The study further adopted a positivistic philosophical foundation which is based on real facts, objectivity, neutrality, measurement and validity. A true experimental quantitative survey and a content analysis for qualitative approach were employed. Questionnaires were administered on the employees of Kenya Power as it’s one of the key players in the energy sector in Kenya and the only firm where the problem under investigation seemed dominant. Findings were consistent with some reviewed literature despite having poor connotation with the status-quo in the company. All aspects of the independent variable scored highly implying that they are fit to explain a change in the dependent variable. Despite this empirical evidence, the practice on ground in the said company at the time of the study seemed inconsistent with the empirical data. Much as it is common sense to everyone in this company that organizational competitiveness strongly rely on the psychological mighty of the firm, the practice seems to suggest a different stance. This sends a very powerful message to Industrial Psychologists for their field is under siege, employers and employees seem to mind less about it despite its strong perceived relevance in predicting organizational success. The academic-practitioner divide is wide and thus the I–O psychology is much less likely to become more visible or more relevant to society at large or to achieve the lofty goals it has set for itself unless researchers, practitioners, universities, and professional organizations implement significant changes.
Antimicrobial Potency and Bioactive Ingredients of Different Extracts of Prosopis africana against Some Selected Human Pathogenic Microbes: An In-vitro Approach
Authors: Abdulmumin A. R. , Kassim Z. J. , Muhammad I. L. , Mohammed S. B. , Ya’aba Y.
Published: September 2019

Background: The resistance to conventional drugs by microbes is at alarming rate and poses extra challenges in the field of medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study was aimed to determine the active ingredients and assess the antimicrobial potency of Prosopis africana leave extract using system of different solvents as aqueous, ethylacetate and n-hexane.

Methodology: The plant specimen was collected, identified, prepared and cold macerated using aqueous, ethylacetate and n-hexane as solvent.  The resulted crude extracts were further assayed for anti-infective potency; adopting agar well diffusion protocol against some selected human pathogenic isolates viz Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were ascertained using the standard protocol of microdilution assay.

Results: The antimicrobial screening of the crude extracts showcased that P. africana leave is susceptible against all the tested microbial stains by exhibiting significant degrees of inhibition zone of diameter (0 to 25 mm). The positive controls likewise were observed to be vulnerable to the tested isolates while P. aeruginosa was resistant. The MIC was observed at 50.0 to 12.5 mg/mL and MBC at 50.0 mg/mL against some bacteria strains. P. aeruginosa and C. albicans has no bactericidal and fungicidal properties. The phytochemical analysis led to the isolation of anthraquinones, carbohydrates, saponins, terpenes, steroids and cardiac glycosides as the active constituents of the plant part.

Conclusion: This finding provides a logical justification to the traditional healers for the utilization of the plant in the management of different ailments caused by the tested microbes.
What is the Relationship among Patients' Position and Intra-abdominal Pressure and Mean Arterial Pressure?
Authors: Moghaddam Yusef Haghighi , Hosseinnejhad Elnaz , Hasanloei Mohammad Amin Valizade , Rasouli Javad
Published: September 2019

Background: The prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension in ICU patients is about 50% and can be affected by changing the position of the patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changing patient positions in bed with intra-abdominal pressure and mean arterial pressure among mechanically ventilated patients in ICU.

Methods: This study was a clinical trial conducted on 68 patients admitted in intensive care units of Imam Khomeini hospital of Urmia city, Iran. The patients were selected through convenience sampling based on the inclusion criteria. In this study, the effects of changes in five positions (0, 15, 30, 45, left and right lateral position with 30 degrees) on the mean arterial pressure was evaluated. Statistical tests such as chi square and repeated measures ANOVA were used as well. All analyzes were performed using SPSS 21.

Results: In this study, there were 24 men (35.3%) and 44 women (64.7%). The mean age, weight and height of patients were 70.35±16.98 years, 75.76±9.77 kg and 168.82±8.14 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference regarding intra-abdominal pressure by gender (p<0.05). There was a significant difference regarding intra-abdominal pressure between first, second, fourth and fifth measurements (p<0.001). There was a significant difference regarding mean arterial pressure between first, second, third, fourth and fifth measurements (p<0.001). Significant differences were observed between the fifth and fourth mean arterial pressure measurements as well (p<0.001).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the changing of patient's body position from supine to higher positions lead to the increase of intra-abdominal pressure.
Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Parameters of Borehole and Hand Dug Well Water in Michika and Environs, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Alexander Priscilla , Bwatanglang I. B. , Daniel Juth
Published: September 2019

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Parameters of Borehole and Hand dug well water of Michika town in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria and environs were assessed to determine their suitability or otherwise for drinking and domestic purposes. Ten (10) water samples, five each from boreholes and hand-dug wells, from five selected areas in Michika town, were collected during the months of January and February 2018. The water samples which are extensively used for drinking and other domestic purposes, were randomly collected and the results were compared with WHO and NAFDAC standards guidelines for drinking water. These samples were analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, TDS, Turbidity, hardness), heavy metals, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliform counts. The results of the investigation revealed that the physicochemical and bacteriological parameters falls within the maximum permissible limits of NAFDAC and WHO guidelines for drinking water. The physicochemical concentrations were higher in borehole water than in hand dug well water; Lead and Cadmium were not detected in all the samples. All the water samples were free from feacal contamination except in Barikin Dlaka hand dug well which contained 0.05 ± 0.001 MPN/100 ml total coliform count which is below the WHO/NAFDAC maximum permissible levels. The suitability of water for domestic and drinking purposes indicated that the water samples were within the standards prescribed for potable water. However, there is need for routine checks to ascertain the suitability or otherwise of these water sources so as to forestall outbreak of water born diseases.
Practice variation of genetic counselor engagement in the cystic fibrosis newborn screen‐positive diagnostic resolution process
Authors: Langfelder‐Schwind Elinor , Raraigh Karen S. , Parad Richard B.
Published: September 2019

Families of infants with a positive newborn screen for cystic fibrosis (CFNBS+) have well‐characterized genetic counseling needs, including understanding the implications of diagnostic categorization. However, degree of involvement of genetic counselors (GCs) in the CFNBS+ diagnostic resolution process varies. This project explored GC engagement with US CF care centers in the diagnostic resolution process for CFNBS+ infants. Surveys were emailed to 713 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation‐accredited CF center directors and clinic coordinators and 4,517 GCs. Respondents from institutions providing CFNBS+ diagnostic resolution were categorized by level of engagement between the CF center and GC: GC is part of or embedded in CF center (GC‐engaged); GC is independent of CF center but receives CFNBS+ referrals (GC‐referral); GC is uninvolved (non‐engaged)] in CF center or CFNBS+ diagnostic resolution process. Responses from 125 CF center directors and clinic coordinators (17.5%) and 174 GCs (3.8%) were received. Analysis targeted responses from 84 center directors and clinic coordinators and 52 GCs, estimated to represent 24%–48% and 29% of 175 pediatric CF care centers, respectively. Nearly 40% of CF center directors or clinic coordinators never refer CFNBS+ infants to GCs. Respondents from GC‐engaged CF centers reported that GCs provide unique and valuable services, understand CF at a high level, improve efficiency of the CFNBS+ diagnostic resolution process, and should be part of the CF care team; respondents from non‐engaged CF centers reported negative views of GCs’ value and knowledge (all p < .05). GCs engaged with CF centers were more likely to report that their services were valued by and accessible to CF centers (both p < .05). At all levels of engagement with CF centers, GCs were comfortable discussing CF genotype–phenotype correlation, variants of unknown significance, quality of life, and therapies. These results highlight a need to address practice variation in CFNBS+ genetic counseling and improve access to GCs’ services.
SOME LIMIT THEOREMS OF DELAYED AVERAGES FOR COUNTABLE NONHOMOGENEOUS MARKOV CHAINS
Authors: Zhong Pingping , Yang Weiguo , Shi Zhiyan , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this paper is to establish some limit theorems of delayed averages for countable nonhomogeneous Markov chains. The definition of the generalized C-strong ergodicity and the generalized uniformly C-strong ergodicity for countable nonhomogeneous Markov chains is introduced first. Then a theorem about the generalized C-strong ergodicity and the generalized uniformly C-strong ergodicity for the nonhomogeneous Markov chains is established, and its applications to the information theory are given. Finally, the strong law of large numbers of delayed averages of bivariate functions for countable nonhomogeneous Markov chains is proved.
Current practice in the introduction of solid foods for preterm infants
Authors: Cleary Jane , Dalton Sayne MC , Harman Alexandra , Wright Ian M
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The present study compared the age of first solid foods in a cohort of preterm infants with term infants and identified factors influencing timing of solid food introduction.

Design:

Structured interviews on infant feeding practices, growth and medical status at term equivalence and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months corrected postnatal age. The age of solid food introduction was compared between term and preterm infants, and the influence of maternal, infant and milk feeding factors was assessed.

Setting:

This prospective longitudinal study recruited primary carers of preterm and term infants from a regional metropolitan referral hospital in eastern Australia.

Participants:

One hundred and fifty infants (preterm, n 85; term, n 65).

Results:

When corrected for prematurity, preterm infants received solid foods before the recommended age for the introduction of solid foods for term infants. Median introduction of solid foods for preterm infants was 14 weeks corrected age (range 12–17 weeks). This was significantly less than 19 weeks (range 17–21 weeks) for term infants (P < 0·001). Lower maternal education and male gender were associated with earlier introduction of solid foods among preterm infants.

Conclusions:

Preterm infants are introduced to solid foods earlier than recommended for term infants, taking account of their corrected age. Further research is needed to assess any risk or benefit associated with this pattern and thus to develop clear evidence-based feeding guidelines for preterm infants.
Clinical Features of Neuroblastoma with 11q Deletion: An Increase in Relapse Probabilities in Localized and 4S Stages
Authors: Juan Ribelles Antonio , Barberá Sandra , Yáñez Yania , Gargallo Pablo , Segura Vanessa , Juan Bárbara , Noguera Rosa , Piqueras Marta , Fornés-Ferrer Victoria , de Mora Jaime Font , Cañete Adela , Castel Victoria
Published: September 2019

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a heterogeneous tumor with an extremely diverse prognosis according to clinical and genetic factors, such as the presence of an 11q deletion (11q-del). A multicentric study using data from a national neuroblastic tumor database was conducted. This study compared the most important features of NB patients: presence of 11q-del, presence of MYCN amplification (MNA) and remaining cases. A total of 357 patients were followed throughout an 8-year period. 11q-del was found in sixty cases (17%). 11q-del tumors were diagnosed at an older age (median 3.29 years). Overall survival (OS) was lower in 11q-del patients (60% at 5 years), compared to all other cases (76% at 5 years) p = 0.014. Event free survival (EFS) was 35% after 5 years, which is a low number when compared with the remaining cases: 75% after 5 years (p < 0.001). Localized tumors with 11q-del have a higher risk of relapse (HR = 3.312) such as 4 s 11q-del patients (HR 7.581). 11q-del in NB is a dismal prognostic factor. Its presence predicts a bad outcome and increases relapse probability, specially in localized stages and 4 s stages. The presence of 11q aberration should be taken into consideration when stratifying neuroblastoma risk groups.
Estimate of traffic energy consumption from vehicle fleet distribution forecast
Authors: Luin Blaž , Al-Mansour Fouad , Šemrov Darja
Published: September 2019

Transport policies worldwide foresee electric mobility as a way of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption for transportation. Market forecast scenarios predict different shares of electric vehicles. The paper deals with estimation of energy savings for different scenarios. It will be achieved by defining representative vehicles according to the fleet data and market forecasts and by applying the VSP (Vehicle-Specific Power) based model for microsimulation of traffic scenarios. The application of the methodology that takes into account electric and conventional vehicles will yield traffic energy consumption for different scenarios. Case studies will be presented showing impact of different EV shares and traffic volumes. To simulate the traffic conditions and energy consumption, a microsimulation model SUMO will be used.
A novel Carbon Capture and Utilisation concept applied to the ceramic industry
Authors: Saponelli Roberto , Milani Massimo , Montorsi Luca , Rimini Bianca , Venturelli Matteo , Stendardo Stefano , Barbarossa Vincenzo
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates a new concept for the CO2 emission mitigation in the ceramic industry based on carbon reduction and methane formation. The concept is analysed as a retrofit to the natural gas fuelled ceramic kiln that represents the main responsible of this industry in terms of energy consumption and exhaust emissions. The carbon dioxide conversion to methane is obtained by reduction with hydrogen on a Ni catalyst and thus methane is used to fuel the standard burners that equip the kiln. The paper addresses different sources for the hydrogen used as a feedstock for the proposed concept as well as alternative catalysts are explored and compared in terms of reduction efficiency and costs. A lumped and distributed parameter simulation of the entire ceramic kiln is combined to the CFD simulation of the reactor to estimate the efficiency of the CO2 reduction and the corresponding methane production for a reference ceramic kiln. The results of the numerical simulations are then employed to discuss the potential benefits of the proposed concept in terms of carbon dioxide emission reduction for the ceramic production. An economic assessment of the system analysed is also carried out concept to determine the investment necessary to implement the technology in an existing ceramic kiln. The potential replicability for other industrial sector is also addressed.
Results from the third flight of ANITA
Authors: Vieregg Abigail
Published: September 2019

We summarize results from the third flight of the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA), a NASA long-duration balloon payload that searches for radio emission from the interactions of ultra-high-energy neutrinos and cosmic rays. ANITAIII was launched in December 2014 and flew for 22 days. We report the results from multipleanalyses of the data, which search for Askaryan radio emission from neutrinos interacting in the Antarctic ice as well as geomagnetic radio emission from extensive air showers (EASs) induced by cosmic rays or a tau lepton created in an in-earth tau neutrino interaction. In the most sensitive Askaryan neutrino search, we find one eventon a pre-unblinding background of 0:7−0:3+0.5. Across all searches, including a dedicated EAS search, we find a total of 28 EAS-like events. One of these events is consistent with an upward-traveling EAS, with a post-unblinding background estimate of ⪷10−2.
Methods to measure the cosmic-ray composition with the Auger Engineering Radio Array
Authors: Canfora Fabrizia
Published: September 2019

The mass composition of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays plays a key role in the understanding of the origins ofthese rare particles. A composition-sensitive observable is the atmospheric depth at which the air shower reaches the maximum number of particles (Xmax). The Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) detects the radio emission inthe 30-80 MHz frequency band from extensive air showers with energies larger than 1017 eV. It consists of more than 150 autonomous radio stations covering an area of about 17 km2. From the distribution of signals measured by the antennas, it is possible to estimate Xmax. In this contribution three independent methods for the estimation of Xmax will be presented.
A Rotationally Symmetric Lateral Distribution Function for Radio Emission from Inclined Air Showers
Authors: Huege Tim , Brenk Lukas , Schlüter Felix
Published: September 2019

Radio detection of inclined air showers is currently receiving great attention. To exploit the potential, a suitable event reconstruction needs to be developed. A crucial step in this direction is the development of a model for the lateral distribution of the radio signals, which in the case of inclined air showers exhibits asymmetries due to “earlylate” effects in addition to the usual asymmetries from the superposition of charge-excess and geomagnetic emission. We present a model which corrects for all asymmetries and successfully describes the lateral distribution of the energy fluence with a rotationally symmetric function. This gives access to the radiation energy as a measure of the energy of the cosmic-ray primary, and is also sensitive to the depth of the shower maximum.
Controlled High-Temperature Sintering of Boron Carbide
Authors: Stoimenov Nikolay , Popov Bogomil , Yosifova Veneta
Published: September 2019

The paper discusses the boron carbide properties. Two methods are used to examine and control the sintering process of micro/nano boron carbide. For achieving sintering is used a Tammann furnace. First, it is used an electric furnace with the thermal couple for determining transmission coefficient of ZnSe infrared window, observed with an infrared thermal camera. Analysis of the temperatures with and without infrared glass are discussed. After setting the transmission coefficient to the camera, the material is sintered to desired temperatures and for the temperature control is used an infrared camera. The result of the temperature control is achieved boron carbide material, obtained in strict temperature environment.
Experiences of registered nurses in a general practice-based new graduate program: a qualitative study
Authors: McInnes Susan , Halcomb Elizabeth , Huckel Karen , Ashley Christine
Published: September 2019

Nurses are increasingly needed in primary healthcare settings to support community-based healthcare delivery. Programs to facilitate transition of new graduate nurses are well established in acute care; however, there are few similar programs reported in settings like general practice. This paper sought to explore the experiences of new graduate registered nurses and their registered nurse mentors in a new graduate program within Australian general practice. New graduates (n = 9) and their mentors participated in interviews before, during and at the conclusion of a 12-month new graduate program. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim before being analysed using thematic analysis. Eighteen new graduate and 10 mentor interviews were conducted, revealing four themes. Preparation and Opportunities describes the influence that pre-registration education had on preparing nurses for general practice employment. Exceeding Expectations highlights the positive experiences within the program. Program Challenges draws attention to the difficulties experienced by participants, and Future Career Intentions explores future career plans. This study highlights that a general practice new graduate nurse program has the potential to build the workforce. However, strengthening undergraduate preparation of nurses around primary health care and addressing funding issues in general practice, are important to promote the success of such programs.
Main and embedded clausal asymmetry in the history of English
Authors: Gelderen Elly van
Published: September 2019

In this paper, I sketch the CP layer in main and embedded clauses in the history of English. The Modern English main clause is not as easily expandable as the Old English one, but the reverse is true in the subordinate clause, where Modern English has a more flexible embedded CP than Old English. I focus on the developments of the embedded CP. It has been claimed that Old English lacks an embedded split CP and therefore lacks embedded V2 and a host of other embedded root phenomena. I show this to be true for complements to both assertive and non-assertive verbs. In contrast, the Modern English matrix verb has an effect on the strength of the C-position. Assertive verbs in Modern English allow main clause phenomena in subordinate clauses whereas non-assertives typically do not. The main point of the paper is to chronicle the changes that ‘stretch’ the embedded clause and the changing role of main verbs. It is descriptive rather than explanatory, e.g., in terms of changes in phase-head status.
Immune‐related adverse reactions in the hepatobiliary system: second‐generation check‐point inhibitors highlight diverse histological changes
Authors: Zen Yoh , Chen Yen‐Ying , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Tsai Hung‐Wen , Yeh Matthew M
Published: September 2019

Aims

Immune check‐point inhibitors are known to cause immune‐mediated adverse liver injury, but our knowledge is mainly based on cases treated with ipilimumab or nivolumab.

Methods and results

Clinicopathological features of 10 patients with hepatobiliary adverse reactions caused by second‐generation drugs, pembrolizumab (n = 6) and atezolizumab (n = 4), were reviewed. Liver dysfunction developed during a median period of 3.5 weeks after administration of the check‐point inhibitor (3 days–1 year). Antinuclear antibodies were detected in two patients at a low titre (1/80), and serum IgG concentrations were also only mildly elevated in two patients. Liver biopsies showed panlobular hepatitis (n = 5), cholangiopathic changes (n = 2), granulomatous injury (n = 2) and bland cholestasis (n = 1). Two cases of cholangiopathy (both pembrolizumab‐treated) showed diffuse sclerosing cholangitis on imaging, and one also presented lymphocytic cholangitis resembling primary biliary cholangitis on biopsy. In two atezolizumab‐treated cases, Küpffer cells were hyperplastic and aggregated, forming microgranulomas. Confluent necrosis and eosinophilic or plasma cell infiltration were rare. On immunostaining, the ratio of CD8+/CD4+ cells was 12.2 ± 5.1, which was significantly higher than that in autoimmune hepatitis (2.7 ± 1.1; P < 0.001) or idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (5.0 ± 1.1; P = 0.014). All patients responded to steroid therapy, but it was less effective in patients with sclerosing cholangitis.

Conclusions

Pembrolizumab and atezolizumab manifested not only lobular hepatitis but also sclerosing cholangitis, lymphocytic duct injury and granulomatous hepatitis, probably representing various impaired cellular functions in CD8+ lymphocytes and macrophages due to blockage of PD‐1–PD‐L1 interaction.
Functional evolution of nodulin 26‐like intrinsic proteins: from bacterial arsenic detoxification to plant nutrient transport
Authors: Pommerrenig Benjamin , Diehn Till A. , Bernhardt Nadine , Bienert Manuela D. , Mitani‐Ueno Namiki , Fuge Jacqueline , Bieber Annett , Spitzer Christoph , Bräutigam Andrea , Ma Jian Feng , Chaumont François , Bienert Gerd P.
Published: September 2019

Nodulin 26‐like intrinsic proteins (NIPs) play essential roles in transporting the nutrients silicon and boron in seed plants, but the evolutionary origin of this transport function and the co‐permeability to toxic arsenic remains enigmatic. Horizontal gene transfer of a yet uncharacterised bacterial AqpN‐aquaporin group was the starting‐point for plant NIP evolution.

We combined intense sequence, phylogenetic and genetic context analyses and a mutational approach with various transport assays in oocytes and plants to resolve the transorganismal and functional evolution of bacterial and algal and terrestrial plant NIPs and to reveal their molecular transport specificity features.

We discovered that aqpN genes are prevalently located in arsenic resistance operons of various prokaryotic phyla. We provided genetic and functional evidence that these proteins contribute to the arsenic detoxification machinery. We identified NIPs with the ancestral bacterial AqpN selectivity filter composition in algae, liverworts, moss, hornworts and ferns and demonstrated that these archetype plant NIPs and their prokaryotic progenitors are almost impermeable to water and silicon but transport arsenic and boron. With a mutational approach, we demonstrated that during evolution, ancestral NIP selectivity shifted to allow subfunctionalisations.

Together, our data provided evidence that evolution converted bacterial arsenic efflux channels into essential seed plant nutrient transporters.
Nitric oxide impacts bovine sperm capacitation in a cGMP‐dependent and cGMP‐independent manner
Authors: Maciel Valter Luiz , Caldas‐Bussiere Maria Clara , Marín Diego Fernando Dubeibe , Paes de Carvalho Carla Sobrinho , Quirino Celia Raquel , Leal Ana Carolina de Macedo Soares
Published: September 2019

We aimed to elucidate whether NO acts in in vitro sperm capacitation in bovine via cGMP/PKG1 pathway. For this, cryopreserved bovine sperm were capacitated in vitro with 20 µg/ml heparin (Control) plus treatments: 1 mM L‐arginine (L‐arg, NO precursor), 50 µM Rp‐8‐Bromo‐β‐phenyl‐1,N2‐ethenoguanosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS, selective inhibitor of the binding site for cGMP in PKG1), 1 mM 2‐Phenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl 3‐oxide (PTIO, NO scavenger), and the combinations of L‐arg + RP‐8‐Br‐cGMPS and L‐arg + PTIO. Sperm motility and vigour were determined by phase‐contrast microscopy, capacitation status by chlortetracycline staining, and the intracellular concentration of cGMP was measured by ELISA. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared with SNK test at 5% probability. Motility and vigour were lower in sperm treated with PTIO when compared to Control and other treatments (p < .05). The L‐arg treatment showed the highest percentage of capacitated sperm when compared to the Control and other treatments (Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS, L‐arg + Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS and PTIO) (69.8 ± 3.4%, 51.2 ± 3.0, 51.1 ± 2.1, 51.2 ± 3.0 and 45.5 ± 2.7, respectively) (p < .05). The capacitation ratio (%) was lower in treatments with Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS, L‐arg + Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS and PTIO, respectively (p < .05). Lastly, cGMP concentration (pmol/ml) was lower in PTIO and L‐arg + PTIO (1.3 ± 0.3 and 1.6 ± 0.4) and was higher in Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS and L‐arg + Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS (3.7 ± 0.4 and 4.0 ± 0.5) treatments. We showed that during in vitro capacitation of cattle: (a) NO influences sperm motility and vigour; (b) NO is associated with cGMP synthesis through two independent pathways and (c) the cGMP/PKG1 pathway has a partial role in sperm capacitation and does not involve the L‐arg/NO.
Inspiring Interest in and Curiosity for Physics: Looking Beyond the Stars
Authors: Chang Ngee-Pong
Published: September 2019

As physics educators, our mission is not only to impart the knowledge of physics but to inspire interest in physics as well.

[Formula: see text]In this article, I hope to open the eyes of some students who are interested and curious enough to want to look beyond the daily physics principles and think about the universe.

[Formula: see text]The story of Newton, Hooke, and Halley provides a context and lesson for future generations of physicists on how to think outside the box, and look beyond the stars.
Acoustic Nanomotors for Detection of Human Papillomavirus–Associated Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Qualliotine Jesse R. , Bolat Gulcin , Beltrán‐Gastélum Mara , de Ávila Berta Esteban‐Fernández , Wang Joseph , Califano Joseph A.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is a lethal disease with increasing incidence; however, technologies for early detection are limited. Nanomotors are synthetic nanostructures that can be powered by different mechanisms and functionalized for specific applications, such as biosensing. The objective of this investigation was to demonstrate an in vitro proof of concept for a novel nanomotor‐based cancer detection approach toward in vivo detection of HPV‐OPC.

Study Design

In vitro cell line incubated with ultrasound‐propelled nanomotors.

Setting

Basic science and engineering laboratories.

Subjects and Methods

Ultrasound‐powered gold nanowire nanomotors were functionalized with graphene oxide and dye‐labeled single‐stranded DNA for the specific intracellular detection of HPV16 E6 mRNA transcripts. Nanomotors were incubated with HPV‐positive or HPV‐negative human OPC cells under static conditions or with an applied ultrasound field for 15 minutes. The resulting intracellular fluorescence was assessed with fluorescence microscopy and analysis software.

Results

Nanomotors incubated with RNA extracted from HPV‐positive OPC cells resulted in 60.7% of maximal fluorescence recovery, while incubation with RNA extracted from HPV‐negative cells produced negligible fluorescence. Nanomotor incubation with intact HPV‐negative cells produced minimal fluorescence (0.01 au), while incubation with HPV‐positive cells produced a detectable signal (0.43 au) under static conditions and had 2.3‐times greater intensity when powered with ultrasound.

Conclusion

Acoustically powered nanomotors can successfully identify HPV16 E6 mRNA transcripts extracellularly and within intact cells. This work represents the first step toward a novel, practical approach to address the challenge of visually detecting HPV‐OPC in real time.
Getting the fundamentals right: assisting patients with eating and drinking
Authors: Semerdzhieva Elizabeth , Reid Bernie
Published: September 2019

Compassion and effective communication are widely regarded as essential elements of quality person-centred nursing care, but these can be difficult to demonstrate during mealtimes. Elizabeth Semerdzhieva and Bernie Reid discuss the best techniques and approaches
Developing effective record-keeping in a care home setting
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: September 2019

Record-keeping can seem merely administrative, but it should be an essential part of care home operations. Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of teaching staff how to develop daily and medicine records encompassing all aspects of care and support
FEIRA DE SANTANA: ASPECTOS HISTÓRICOS DA URBANIZAÇÃO SOB A ÓTICA DA MOBILIDADE URBANA
Authors: Reis Ruy Souza
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo tem como linha principal os aspectos históricos da urbanização sob a ótica da mobilidade urbana, no âmbito do município de Feira de Santana-Bahia, e suas transformações até chegar ao status atual. Compreende isso com base na evolução histórica de Feira de Santana, seu surgimento e desenvolvimento como marcos para entender o processo de crescimento urbano e o surgimento dos problemas da mobilidade na cidade. O texto utilizou como procedimentos metodológicos: pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e exploratória, e retrata os eventos considerados como vetores de crescimento de Feira de Santana, os dados demográficos ao longo das décadas e os movimentosmigratórios do campo para a cidade e o consequente crescimento da frota de veículos no município, no horizonte de 2001 a 2016. A análise dos aspectos históricos e os vetores de crescimento da cidade, aliado ao crescimento da frota de veículos, permitem então entender o que ocorre, nas últimas décadas, na mobilidade urbana da cidade.
CO2-ak bultzatutako gizarte baterantz: landareetatik ikasten
Authors: Huizi-Rayo Uxua , San Sebastian Eider , Cepeda Javier
Published: September 2019

Gaur egungo energia-beharra dela eta, energia-iturri fosilak agortu eta CO2- isuriak hazten ari dira. Horrek energia-iturri alternatiboekin bultzatutako gizartearen ideiari indarra ematen dio. CO2-emisioen papera klima-aldaketan aski ezaguna da. Horregatik, kutsatzaile horren birziklapenak energia-beharra eta klima-aldaketa erregula ditzakeela pentsatzen da. CO2 eraldatzeko prozesu bat baino gehiago badaude ere, gehienetan tenperatura eta boltaje oso altuak behar dira, erredukzio fotokatalitikoaren kasuan izan ezik. Horrek landareen fotosintesia simulatzen du, baina, prozesuari bere etekin guztia ateratzeko, fotokatalizatzaileak hobetu behar dira. MOFak metalak eta molekula organikoak koordinatuz osatutako material nanoporotsu mota bat dira, adsortzioaren bidez molekula txikiak harrapatu ditzaketen zulo edo kanalak dituztenak. MOFaren diseinu egokiarekin, metalak eta ligandoak ondo aukeraturik, material horiek CO2-aren erredukzio fotokatalitikoa burutzeko gai izan daitezke.
Health Policy Considerations in Texas Measles Outbreaks Past and Present
Authors: Cardinal Christine , Scarbrough Amanda , Ratnapradipa Dhitinut
Published: September 2019

Objective: In this study, we analyzed the effects of vaccination policy on measles cases in Texas. Methods: We examined secondary data extracted from the Texas State Department of Health Services and previous literature analyses pertaining to Texas measles outbreaks. Results:
There is evidence of increasing vaccine exemption rates and increasing measles cases in the same counties in Texas during the last 3 outbreaks in Texas. Conclusion: Legislation and parental education on vaccines is an effective tool to raise vaccination rates; more research is necessary
to identify geographic clusters with higher exemption rates to target and tailor parental educational efforts for vaccination rate improvement.
Fluorescence anti-Stokes de l'Er3+ et du Tm3+ par transfert d'energie
Authors: Auzel F. , Deutschbein O.
Published: September 2019

Antistokes fluorescence in the green and blue region, excited by infrared radiation (λ=0.97μm) is observed with a relatively high efficiency in substances which contain not only a luminescent activator (Er3+ or Tm3+), but also a sensitizer which has a strong infrared absorption (Yb3+). Polycrystalline mixed tungstates and germanate glasses have been studied. The green fluorescence of Er3+ increases as a square-law function of the excitation intensity, the blue fluorescence of Tm3+ as a cubic function. This effect has been used to build an optical amplifier which has served to measure the excitation spectra. The mechanism of excitation is the following: Absorption of the infrared radiation by the sensitizer, followed by energy transfers to the luminescent activator, which is excited stepwise up to the initial level of luminescence. Oscillator strengths for some transitions between excited levels have been calculated.
Bewegungen der CH3-Gruppen in Methyl-Naphtalin-Kristallen .III.Protonenspin-Relaxation bei tiefen Temperaturen / Rotation of CH3 Croups in Methyl Naphthalene Crystals at low Temperatures
Authors: Schütz J. U. von , Güttler W. , Wolf H. C.
Published: September 2019

In continuation of earlier works (temperature range 400 - 77 K) the temperature and frequency dependencies of the longitudinal relaxation time T1 in different methyl naphthalene crystals were measured down to 4,2 K at 22 and 56 MHz. The observation of two minima in some cases below 50 K could be attributed quantitatively to the weakly hindered β-CH3 groups (EA <0,8 kcal/mole) by comparison of the results of similar methyl naphthalenes. The low relaxation rate in the minima is due to tunneling effects of the methyl groups. The splitting of the lowest torsional niveau could be roughly determined.
Laser-Induced Breakdown in a High Pressure Gas Jet
Authors: Neusser H.J. , Puell H.
Published: September 2019

Laser heating of small gas volumes containing less than 1016 particles is investigated experimentally. A freely expanding high pressure gas jet is used as a target. Strong absorption of laser light is observed at gas pressures above 20 atm. The time of light-plasma interaction is measured as a function of light power and number of heated particles. Streak photographs of the laser produced plasma indicate a nearly isotropic expansion. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical predictions based on a spherical model.
Excess Electrons and Positive Charge Carriers in Liquid Methane. I
Authors: Bakale George , Schmidt Werner F.
Published: September 2019

The drift velocities of radiation-induced excess electrons and positive charge carriers in liquid methane were measured at different electric field strengths and several temperatures. For the excess electrons the drift velocity increases up to 1.5 kV cm-1 proportional to the electric field strength and a mobility of (400±50) cm2 V-1 s-1 at T = 111 °K was obtained. Above 1.5 kV cm-1 the drift velocity varies with E½. The temperature coefficient of the mobility is negative. For the positive charge carriers the measurements were carried out up to electric field strengths of 50 kV cm-1 and the drift velocity remained proportional to the field giving a mobility of (2.5 ± 0.5) · 10-3 cm2 V-1 s-1 at 7 = 111 °K. The mobility increased with increasing temperature.

The reaction of excess electrons with oxygen was also studied and a rate constant of 8.4 · 1011 l mole-1 s-1 was obtained.
Nitrogen Quadrupole Coupling in Ethyl Isocyanide, C2H5NC
Authors: Fliege E. , Dreizler H.
Published: September 2019

In this paper we present a 14N-quadrupole hyperfine structure analysis for ethyl isocyanide, CH3CH2NC, by use of microwave Fourier transform spectroscopy. For earlier works as e.g. CH3NC [1], such narrow splittings as they are met with in the case of the isonitriles had to be measured employing a maser beam spectrometer.
Dermatófitos no Estado do Amazonas - Brasil
Authors: Moraes Mário Augusto Pinto de
Published: September 2019

Sinopse De 696 casos de micoses superficiais, encontrados em Manaus — Estado do Amazonas, durante um período de 7 anos (1961 - 1968), isolaram-se 515 amostras de fungos, das quais 440 pertenciam a espécies do grupo dos dermatófitos. O fungo predominante foi Trichophyton tonsurans, responsável por 282 das 440 amostras, ou seja, 64% do total de dermatófitos. Contribuiu para este percentual, bastante elevado, o fato de ser T. tonsurans quase que o único agente causador de tinha da cabeça nas crianças de Manaus: em 242 casos de tinha tonsurante apareceu ele 234 vezes, e em 30 casos de quério, 23 vezes. Nas pessoas maiores de 15 anos, todavia, o dermatófito mais encontrado foi T. mentagrophytes; apareceu ele 106 vezes, contra apenas 16 de T. tonsurans, em 145 amostras de dermatófitos isolados deste grupo.