bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of emotions in interstate relations: Using an interpersonal conflict model to reconceptualize Pakistan’s obsession vis-a-vis India
Authors: Kadir Jawad , Jawad Majida
Published: April 2020

Despite use of terms such as “siblings” or “brothers from the same mother (India)”, there have been few or no attempts to explain the wide-ranging sentiments associated with India-Pakistan rivalry from a theoretical perspective. A cross-disciplinary approach has been employed in this article to re-examine and reconceptualize the existing landscape of Pakistan-India conflict. An interpersonal conflict model has been used to theorize the emotions found in their bilateral relations which have often been neglected or marginalized while studying their obsessive rivalry with each other. Despite testing the troublesome dyad of these nation-states on diametrically opposite ethnic or religious grounds, this article categorizes Pakistan and India as former family members who parted ways in 1947. The article explains different phases of an interpersonal conflict model and clarifies how the emotional climate associated with these phases could be transposed to intergroup and interstate levels of conflicts between communities who lived together for centuries, and engage them in a perpetual rivalry.
Regional Disparities in Employment Intensity of Indian Industries: A State-level Analysis
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Pattanaik Falguni
Published: April 2020

The pace of industrialization plays a crucial role in the economic growth of any country. It provides high employment opportunities to the labor force, diminishes the cost of production, upsurges the saving, and raises the demand for goods and services in the economy. Furthermore, it helps in relocating surplus labor from the agriculture sector. This study is an attempt to find the states in India wherein the industrial sector generates more jobs. It further unearths the decomposition of industrial output and the regional concentration and dominance of industrial activities in India. To accomplish the objectives, the study utilizes the secondary data collected from the Annual Survey of Industry. The period of the study is from 1980–1981 to 2013–2014, and it encompasses 18 major states in India. The findings of the study suggest that a weak relationship exists between employment and output of the industrial sector for the majority of the states during the study period. The decomposition results show that there exists a large degree of regional disparity in industrial growth across the states, which is mostly driven by labor productivity and not by an increase in the supply of labour. Therefore, in order to boost the industrial sector, the states lagging in industrial development should give more emphasis on state-specific industrial policy to attract more investment and create more infrastructure.
Improving Research Practice for Studying Borderline Personality Disorder: Lessons From the Clinic
Authors: Dhaliwal Khushwant , Danzig Ayala , Fineberg Sarah K.
Published: April 2020

Borderline personality disorder is an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed mental illness characterized in part by affective lability. Clinicians’ unique understanding of the disorder has allowed them to develop disorder-specific approaches to treatment. In this review, we highlight how borderline personality disorder research can benefit from greater engagement with key disorder-specific features, including symptom variability and interpersonal sensitivity. In addition, we propose that research which employs interactive tasks will be more reflective of the kinds of volatility found in the real-life situations. Finally, we discuss how mixed-methodology can serve as a way for recovery-oriented research to practice the very ideals and recommendations it suggests. We use a patient case to contextualize each section. As interest in borderline personality disorder continues to grow, an intentional emphasis on a person-centered, recovery-focused, and disorder-specific approach to research is needed.
Falgarite, K4(VO)3(SO4)5, a new mineral from sublimates of a natural underground coal fire at the tract of Kukhi-Malik, Fan-Yagnob coal deposit, Tajikistan
Authors: Pautov Leonid A. , Mirakov Mirak A. , Siidra Oleg I. , Faiziev Abdulkhak R. , Nazarchuk Еvgeny V. , Karpenko Vladimir Yu. , Makhmadsharif Saimudasir
Published: April 2020

A new mineral falgarite, K4(V+4O)3(SO4)5 was discovered at the tract of Kukhi-Malik, Fan-Yagnob coal deposit, ca. 75 km N of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The new mineral is named after the Falgar, an ancient Sogdian name for an area around the Zeravshan riverhead. Falgarite is a fumarolic mineral formed directly from a gas emitted by a natural underground coal fire. Associated minerals are anhydrite, baryte, molybdite, an unidentified Tl-vanadyl sulfate, K–Mg sulfate and an anhydrous Mg-sulfate. Falgarite forms small isometric or pseudo-octahedral individual crystals (10–60 μm) of turquoise colour and spherical aggregates up to 0.5 mm in diameter. Mohs hardness is ~ 2.5, Dmeas = 2.87(2) and Dcalc = 2.89 g/cm3. Refractive indices are: α = 1.588(3), β(calc.) = 1.600(3) and γ = 1.609(2) (590 nm). In transmitted light falgarite is transparent green with a weak pleochroism. The mineral is non-soluble in H2O and 5% HNO3 at room temperature. Infrared spectra support the absence of H2O and OH–. The chemical composition determined by electron-microprobe analysis is (wt.%): Na2O 0.55, K2O 20.76, Tl2O 1.83, VO2 29.38 and SO3 46.78, total 99.29. The empirical formula (based on 23 O apfu) is: (K3.76Na0.15Tl0.07)Σ3.98V3.02S4.99O23.0. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [d,Å(I,%)(hkl)]: 3.20(70)(202); 3.17(80)024; 3.14(70)$\bar{2}$04; 3.01(50)$\bar{1}$51; and 2.88(100)151. Falgarite is monoclinic, P21/n, a = 8.7209(5), b = 16.1777(6), c = 14.4614(7) Å, β = 106.744(5)°, V = 1953.77(17) Å3, Z = 4 and R1 = 0.05. VO6 octahedra and SO4 tetrahedra link together by sharing corners thus forming a [(VO)3(SO4)5]4– framework. K+, Na+ and Tl+ cations are located in the channels of the framework. The synthetic K4(VO)3(SO4)5 analogue is known.
Facilitating resolution of life-threatening acute GVHD with human chorionic gonadotropin and epidermal growth factor
Authors: Holtan Shernan G. , Hoeschen Andrea L. , Cao Qing , Arora Mukta , Bachanova Veronika , Brunstein Claudio G. , Miller Jeffrey S. , Rashidi Armin , Slungaard Arne , Ustun Celalettin , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Warlick Erica D. , Betts Brian C. , El Jurdi Najla , He Fiona , Chen Chi , Gandhi Isha , Wagner John E. , Blazar Bruce R. , Jacobson Pamala Ann , Shabaneh Ashraf , Wang Jinhua , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , MacMillan Margaret L. , Weisdorf Daniel J.
Published: April 2020

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a potentially fatal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation that fails to improve with intense immunosuppression in some patients. We hypothesized that urinary-derived human chorionic gonadotropin (uhCG) could help facilitate resolution of life-threatening aGVHD when added as supportive care via 2 potential mechanisms: immunomodulation (akin to its role in pregnancy) and supplementation of epidermal growth factor (EGF; to aid in epithelial repair). In a phase 1 study, 26 participants received subcutaneous injections of uhCG in addition to standard immunosuppression (13 receiving initial therapy for high-risk aGVHD [according to the Minnesota criteria] and 13 receiving second-line therapy). Participants underwent serial blood testing for biomarkers of hormone response, immune modulation, and aGVHD activity on study. uhCG was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities. Sixty-two percent of patients in the high-risk cohort and 54% of patients in the second-line cohort had a complete response at study day 28. Plasma EGF was elevated sixfold (from 4 to 24 pg/mL; P = .02) at 6 hours postdose in the high-risk cohort, in contrast to no peak in plasma EGF in the more severe second-line cohort. After 1 week of uhCG, patients reported a twofold increase in the regulatory T cell to conventional T-cell ratio, suggesting immune modulation despite high-dose steroids. Responding patients reported significantly lower plasma amphiregulin and higher plasma butyrate levels at study completion, suggesting improvement in mucosal damage over time. uhCG is a novel, safe, supportive therapy, proceeding to phase 2 testing at 2000 units/m2 in high-risk aGVHD. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02525029.
Germline heterozygous mutations in Nxf1 perturb RNA metabolism and trigger thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia in mice
Authors: Chappaz Stéphane , Law Charity W. , Dowling Mark R. , Carey Kirstyn T. , Lane Rachael M. , Ngo Linh H. , Wickramasinghe Vihandha O. , Smyth Gordon K. , Ritchie Matthew E. , Kile Benjamin T.
Published: April 2020

In eukaryotic cells, messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules are exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where they are translated. The highly conserved protein nuclear RNA export factor1 (Nxf1) is an important mediator of this process. Although studies in yeast and in human cell lines have shed light on the biochemical mechanisms of Nxf1 function, its contribution to mammalian physiology is less clear. Several groups have identified recurrent NXF1 mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), placing it alongside several RNA-metabolism factors (including SF3B1, XPO, RPS15) whose dysregulation is thought to contribute to CLL pathogenesis. We report here an allelic series of germline point mutations in murine Nxf1. Mice heterozygous for these loss-of-function Nxf1 mutations exhibit thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia, together with milder hematological defects. This is primarily caused by cell-intrinsic defects in the survival of platelets and peripheral lymphocytes, which are sensitized to intrinsic apoptosis. In contrast, Nxf1 mutations have almost no effect on red blood cell homeostasis. Comparative transcriptome analysis of platelets, lymphocytes, and erythrocytes from Nxf1-mutant mice shows that, in response to impaired Nxf1 function, the cytoplasmic representation of transcripts encoding regulators of RNA metabolism is altered in a unique, lineage-specific way. Thus, blood cell lineages exhibit differential requirements for Nxf1-mediated global mRNA export.
Research and Development of Electro-hydraulic Control Valves Oriented to Industry 4.0: A Review
Authors: Xu Bing , Shen Jun , Liu Shihao , Su Qi , Zhang Junhui
Published: April 2020

Electro-hydraulic control valves are key hydraulic components for industrial applications and aerospace, which controls electro-hydraulic motion. With the development of automation, digital technology, and communication technology, electro-hydraulic control valves are becoming more digital, integrated, and intelligent in order to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0. This paper reviews the state of the art development for electro-hydraulic control valves and their related technologies. This review paper considers three aspects of state acquisition through sensors or indirect acquisition technologies, control strategies along with digital controllers and novel valves, and online maintenance through data interaction and fault diagnosis. The main features and development trends of electro-hydraulic control valves oriented to Industry 4.0 are discussed.
Understanding the origins and variability of the fuel consumption gap: lessons learned from laboratory tests and a real-driving campaign
Authors: Pavlovic J. , Fontaras G. , Ktistakis M. , Anagnostopoulos K. , Komnos D. , Ciuffo B. , Clairotte M. , Valverde V.
Published: April 2020

Background

Divergence in fuel consumption (FC) between the type-approval tests and real-world driving trips, known also as the FC gap, is a well-known issue and Europe is preparing the field for tackling it. The present study focuses on the monitoring of the FC of a single vehicle throughout 1 year with 20 different drivers and almost 14,000 km driven with the aim to analyze and quantify the true intrinsic variability in the FC gap coming from environmental and traffic conditions and driving factors. In addition, the regression model has been developed to evaluate the importance of these different factors on the FC gap’s variability.

Results

The 1-year FC gap measured in this study was 29% while driver’s averages were in the range from 16 to 106%. The regression model developed had $$R^{2}$$R2 equal to 90.4 meaning that more than 90% of the FC gap’s variance can be explained with this model and factors measured in this study. The results of the model showed that among all factors analyzed the highest contribution in the FC gap’s variance is coming from the average vehicle speed (16.6%), followed by the road grade (13.4%), and trip distance (10.1%). Indeed, the highest FC gaps are measured when the average vehicle speeds were below 20 km/h, the average distance-weighted road grades above 1%, and the trip distances below 5 km. In addition, the impact of driver factors is not negligible (25%) and the highest FC gap is measured for the trips where average positive acceleration was higher than 0.7 m/s2 (indicating aggressive driving) and the electric power demand higher than 800 W.

Conclusions

The future lifetime on-board fuel consumption reporting is a crucial instrument that will allow the monitoring of the evolution of the FC gap and ensuring that it does not increase over time. The analysis presented in this study is a basis for setting up a more detailed and refined prediction model, which could assist the European Commission in closely monitoring the gap and the underlying factors generating it.
Disseminated Mycobacterium simiae infection in a patient with adult-onset immunodeficiency due to anti-interferon-gamma antibodies – a case report
Authors: Keragala B. S. D. P. , Gunasekera C. N. , Yesudian P. D. , Guruge Chandima , Dissanayaka B. S. , Liyanagama D. P. , Jinadasa G. I. M. , Constantine S. R. , Herath H. M. M. T. B.
Published: April 2020

Background

Mycobacterial species other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae are generally free-living organisms and Mycobacterium simiae is one of the slowest growing Non-tuberculous mycobacteria. This is the first case report of Mycobacterium simiae infection in Sri Lanka and only very few cases with extrapulmonary manifestation reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old, previously healthy Sri Lankan male presented with generalized lymphadenopathy with discharging sinuses, evening pyrexia, weight loss, poor appetite and splenomegaly. Lymph node biopsies showed sheets of macrophages packed with organisms in the absence of granulomata. Ziehl Neelsen, Wade Fite and Giemsa stains revealed numerous red coloured acid-fast bacilli within foamy histiocytes. Slit skin smear for leprosy was negative and tuberculosis, fungal and bacterial cultures of the lymph node and bone marrow did not reveal any growth. Later he developed watery diarrhea and colonoscopy revealed multiple small polyps and ulcers throughout the colon extending up to the ileum, Which was confirmed to be due to cytomegalovirus confirmed by PCR and successfully treated with ganciclovir. Positron emission tomography scan guided biopsies of the gut and lymph nodes confirmed presence of mycobacterial spindle cell pseudo-tumours and PCR assays revealed positive HSP65. The culture grew Mycobacterium Simiae. Flow cytometry analysis on patient’s blood showed extremely low T and B cell counts and immunofixation revealed low immunoglobulin levels. His condition was later diagnosed as adult onset immunodeficiency due to anti- interferon – gamma autoantibodies. He was initially commenced on empirical anti-TB treatment with atypical mycobacterial coverage. He is currently on a combination of daily clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, linezolid with monthly 2 g/kg/intravenous immunoglobulin to which, he had a remarkable clinical response with complete resolution of lymphadenopathy and healing of sinuses.

Conclusions

This infection is considered to be restricted to certain geographic areas such as mainly Iran, Cuba, Israel and Arizona and this is the first case report from Sri lanka. Even though the infection is mostly seen in the elderly patients, our patient was only 24 years old. In the literature pulmonary involvement was common presentation, but in this case the patient had generalized lymphadenopathy and colonic involvement without pulmonary involvement.
Preventive healthcare uptake in private hospitals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey (Nisa premier hospital)
Authors: Ofoli Joshua N. T. , Ashau-Oladipo Timi , Hati Stephen S. , Ati Lile , Ede Victor
Published: April 2020

Background

Understanding the features of preventive care uptake is critical for assessing the performance and viability of primary care in any healthcare system. There are gaps in previous studies that focused on primary healthcare features, challenges and way forward in Nigeria but were mainly public sector focused and do not characterize the features of preventive care. Since private healthcare sector remains the most accessed and utilized in Nigeria, this study sought to characterize the features of uptake of preventive care to better understand the current preventive healthcare landscape.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional study, using survey questionnaire were randomly administered to adult patients attending the Family Medicine Out-Patient Department (OPD) at Nisa Premier Hospital, Jabi Abuja. The study was conducted over a three-month period. (January to June 2017). Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 23 (IBM SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency and percentage were used to report the results.

Results

A total of 381 participants completed the survey. The results revealed that while an over overwhelming majority (> 90%) of participants indicated knowledge of benefits of preventive care, and preferred interventions aimed at preventing a disease before they occur, 48% preferred interventions aimed at reducing disease or injury impact or interventions aimed at ameliorating the impact of ongoing disease or injury with long lasting effect (43%). Unfortunately, less than 40% of respondents would visit the hospital when their health condition is not serious. Important barriers to uptake of preventive care were revealed as cost (45%), distance to the healthcare provider (36%) and lack of health insurance (33%), whereas poor education (19%), social norms (13%) as well as cultural and religious beliefs (10%) towards accessing certain health services appeared to be lesser barriers.

Conclusion

Although people are aware of the benefits of preventive care, its uptake will greatly be enhanced through improved health insurance coverage, refocusing primary healthcare functions on preventive rather than curative care and instituting policies that mandatorily prescribe uptake for the insured, both at the individual and the insurer’s level.
High-intensity interval training in allogeneic adoptive T-cell immunotherapy – a big HIT?
Authors: Heinemann Nele Carolin , Tischer-Zimmermann Sabine , Wittke Torge Christian , Eigendorf Julian , Kerling Arno , Framke Theodor , Melk Anette , Heuft Hans-Gert , Blasczyk Rainer , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Eiz-Vesper Britta
Published: April 2020

Background

Adoptive transfer of virus-specific T cells (VSTs) represents a prophylactic and curative approach for opportunistic viral infections and reactivations after transplantation. However, inadequate frequencies of circulating memory VSTs in the T-cell donor’s peripheral blood often result in insufficient enrichment efficiency and purity of the final T-cell product, limiting the effectiveness of this approach.

Methods

This pilot study was designed as a cross-over trial and compared the effect of a single bout (30 min) of high-intensity interval training (HIT) with that of 30 min of continuous exercise (CONT) on the frequency and function of circulating donor VSTs. To this end, we used established immunoassays to examine the donors’ cellular immune status, in particular, with respect to the frequency and specific characteristics of VSTs restricted against Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-, Epstein–Barr-Virus (EBV)- and Adenovirus (AdV)-derived antigens. T-cell function, phenotype, activation and proliferation were examined at different time points before and after exercise to identify the most suitable time for T-cell donation. The clinical applicability was determined by small-scale T-cell enrichment using interferon- (IFN-) γ cytokine secretion assay and virus-derived overlapping peptide pools.

Results

HIT proved to be the most effective exercise program with up to fivefold higher VST response. In general, donors with a moderate fitness level had higher starting and post-exercise frequencies of VSTs than highly fit donors, who showed significantly lower post-exercise increases in VST frequencies. Both exercise programs boosted the number of VSTs against less immunodominant antigens, specifically CMV (IE-1), EBV (EBNA-1) and AdV (Hexon, Penton), compared to VSTs against immunodominant antigens with higher memory T-cell frequencies.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that exercise before T-cell donation has a beneficial effect on the donor’s cellular immunity with respect to the proportion of circulating functionally active VSTs. We conclude that a single bout of HIT exercise 24 h before T-cell donation can significantly improve manufacturing of clinically applicable VSTs. This simple and economical adjuvant treatment proved to be especially efficient in enhancing virus-specific memory T cells with low precursor frequencies.
Results of advanced core decompression in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head depending on age and sex—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Serong Sebastian , Haversath Marcel , Tassemeier Tjark , Dittrich Florian , Landgraeber Stefan
Published: April 2020

Background

Core decompression is a common surgical technique to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the parameters “age” and “sex” on the outcome of this type of treatment.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed. Eighty-six osteonecrotic hips with a mean follow-up of 32.5 months (± 24.8) after advanced core decompression were analysed regarding age- and sex-dependent treatment failure. Additionally, the modified Harris Hip Score and Numeric Rating Scale were compared regarding the parameters age and sex.

Results

The mean hip survival of the male participants was 51.3 months (39.4% treatment failure), whereas females presented a longer, thus not significant, mean survival of 61.4 months (30% therapy failure; p = 0.48). The further evaluation revealed significantly better survival in the patients aged < 40 years (mean survival 66.09 months, 16% treatment failure) in comparison to those aged ≥ 40 years (mean survival 50.14 months, 46% therapy failure; p = 0.03). The modified Harris Hip Score and Numeric Rating Scale results of patients whose treatment did not fail during the study period were similar, irrespective of the patient’s sex or age.

Conclusions

The study shows that the number of therapy failures is significantly higher in older patients, with 40 years of age marking the borderline. Patients’ sex does not seem to affect the outcome of treatment, and postoperative clinical scores appear to be identical with individuals not affected by therapy failure. Since age and sex are unalterable parameters, the study helps to provide valuable predictions regarding the chances of long-term hip survival after treatment of osteonecrosis.
Mutations in COL1A1/A2 and CREB3L1 are associated with oligodontia in osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Andersson Kristofer , Malmgren Barbro , Åström Eva , Nordgren Ann , Taylan Fulya , Dahllöf Göran
Published: April 2020

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous connective tissue disorder characterized by an increased tendency for fractures throughout life. Autosomal dominant (AD) mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 are causative in approximately 85% of cases. In recent years, recessive variants in genes involved in collagen processing have been found. Hypodontia (< 6 missing permanent teeth) and oligodontia (≥ 6 missing permanent teeth) have previously been reported in individuals with OI. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate whether children and adolescents with OI and oligodontia and hypodontia also present with variants in other genes with potential effects on tooth development. The cohort comprised 10 individuals (7.7–19.9 years of age) with known COL1A1/A2 variants who we clinically and radiographically examined and further genetically evaluated by whole-genome sequencing. All study participants were treated at the Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm (Sweden’s national multidisciplinary pediatric OI team). We evaluated a panel of genes that were associated with nonsyndromic and syndromic hypodontia or oligodontia as well as that had been found to be involved in tooth development in animal models.

Results

We detected a homozygous nonsense variant in CREB3L1, p.Tyr428*, c.1284C > A in one boy previously diagnosed with OI type III. COL1A1 and COL1A2 were the only two genes among 9 individuals which carried a pathogenic mutation. We found rare variants with unknown significance in several other genes related to tooth development.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that mutations in COL1A1, COL1A2, and CREB3L1 may cause hypodontia and oligodontia in OI. The findings cannot exclude additive effects from other modifying or interacting genes that may contribute to the severity of the expressed phenotype. Larger cohorts and further functional studies are needed.
Interleukin-6 polymorphisms in HCC patients chronically infected with HCV
Authors: Adnan Faisal , Khan Najeeb Ullah , Iqbal Aqib , Ali Ijaz , Petruzziello Arnolfo , Sabatino Rocco , Guzzo Annunziata , Loquercio Giovanna , Botti Gerardo , Khan Sanaullah , Naeem Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Ismail
Published: April 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver malignancy in which the risk of development is always multifunctional. Interleukin-6 is a proinflammatory and multifunctional cytokine, which plays an important role in the immune response, haematopoiesis and defence against viral infection. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of Interleukin-6 mutations (rs2069837 and rs17147230) associated with genetic risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Khyber Pakthunkhwa population. A total of 72 hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 38 controls were included in this study. The genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood cells and Interleukin-6 genotyping was performed using T-ARMS-PCR technique. Our results show a significant increase risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma with the mutation within Interleukin-6 gene with heterozygous G allele (rs2069837) (OR = 10.667, 95%CI = 3.923–29.001, p = < 0.0001) and heterozygous T allele (rs17147230) (OR = 75.385, 95%CI = 9.797–580.065, p = < 0.0001). However, under recessive gene model the results were insignificant in case of Interleukin-6 rs2069837 (OR = 0.605, 95%CI = 0.217–1.689, p = 0.337), while significant in case of Interleukin-6 rs17147230 (OR = 0.298, 95%CI = 0.121–0.734, p = 0.0085). In conclusion, Interleukin-6 mutation is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility. More related studies with other associated interleukins and their whole gene sequencing will be required.
Semi-quantitative determination of ash element content for freeze-dried, defatted, sulfated and pyrolysed biomass of Scenedesmus sp.
Authors: de Souza Rafael Augusto Sotana , Saldanha-Corrêa Flávia Marisa Prado , Gallego Antonio Garrido , Neto Ana Maria Pereira
Published: April 2020

Background

Energy demand by mankind has become one of the most important aspects of our society. A promising technology that seeks to provide part of the energy demand and to obtain high-value products is the thermochemical conversion of microalgae biomass. Inorganic species presented in microalgae biomass may act as catalysts for thermochemical reactions and are responsible for notorious ash-related issues during thermochemical decomposition.

Results

In this study, the freeze-dried biomass of Scenedesmus sp. was used to evaluate the lipid extraction methodology regarding a sonication bath as pretreatment technique for cell disruption followed by vortex mixing and n-hexane as solvent. It is also presented the lipid and amino acid profiles for Scenedesmus sp. The freeze-dried biomass was pyrolysed through a TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), with heating rates of 20 °C/min, from 100 to 650 °C. The ash and sulfated ash contents were accurately determined by combustion of biomass in a muffle furnace. The element component of ashes of the freeze-dried, defatted, pyrolysed and sulfated biomasses was determined by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) fitted with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The lipid content obtained for Scenedesmus sp. dry biomass was 16.72% (± 0.03). The content of the sulfated ash obtained was 17.81 ± 0.15%. The SEM–EDS technique identified different mineral compounds in ashes, allowing to quantify Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Fe, Co and Br, as well as oxides.

Conclusion

The results suggest a possible strategy to evaluate in a semi-quantitative manner the ash composition of freeze-dryed, defatted, sulfated and pyrolysed biomass of Scenedesmus sp. and its feasibility in using Scenedesmus sp. biomass in different thermochemical conversion strategies to achieve processes with positive energy ratio, representing potential use both environmental and energetically.
Pseudo-almost-periodic solutions of quaternion-valued RNNs with mixed delays via a direct method
Authors: Li Yongkun , Xiang Jianglian , Li Bing
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence and global exponential stability of pseudo-almost-periodic solutions for quaternion-valued recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with time-varying delays. By using the Banach fixed point theorem and proof by contradiction, we directly study the existence and exponential stability of pseudo-almost-periodic solutions of the quaternion-valued systems under consideration without decomposing them into into real- or complex-valued systems. Our results obtained in this paper are new. Finally, we give a numerical example and computer simulation to illustrate the feasibility of our results.
Gut microbiota from persons with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects the brain in mice
Authors: Tengeler Anouk C. , Dam Sarita A. , Wiesmann Maximilian , Naaijen Jilly , van Bodegom Miranda , Belzer Clara , Dederen Pieter J. , Verweij Vivienne , Franke Barbara , Kozicz Tamas , Arias Vasquez Alejandro , Kiliaan Amanda J.
Published: April 2020

Background

The impact of the gut microbiota on host physiology and behavior has been relatively well established. Whether changes in microbial composition affect brain structure and function is largely elusive, however. This is important as altered brain structure and function have been implicated in various neurodevelopmental disorders, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We hypothesized that gut microbiota of persons with and without ADHD, when transplanted into mice, would differentially modify brain function and/or structure. We investigated this by colonizing young, male, germ-free C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice with microbiota from individuals with and without ADHD. We generated and analyzed microbiome data, assessed brain structure and function bymagnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and studied mouse behavior in a behavioral test battery.

Results

Principal coordinate analysis showed a clear separation of fecal microbiota of mice colonized with ADHD and control microbiota. With diffusion tensor imaging, we observed a decreased structural integrity of both white and gray matter regions (i.e., internal capsule, hippocampus) in mice that were colonized with ADHD microbiota. We also found significant correlations between white matter integrity and the differentially expressed microbiota. Mice colonized with ADHD microbiota additionally showed decreased resting-state functional MRI-based connectivity between right motor and right visual cortices. These regions, as well as the hippocampus and internal capsule, have previously been reported to be altered in several neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, we also show that mice colonized with ADHD microbiota were more anxious in the open-field test.

Conclusions

Taken together, we demonstrate that altered microbial composition could be a driver of altered brain structure and function and concomitant changes in the animals’ behavior. These findings may help to understand the mechanisms through which the gut microbiota contributes to the pathobiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Population dynamics of the predator Alloeocranum biannulipes Montrouzier and Signoret (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) feeding on the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), infesting cassava chips
Authors: Loko Yêyinou Laura Estelle , Onzo Alexis , Datinon Benjamin , Akogninou Lopez , Toffa Joelle , Dannon Elie , Tamo Manuele
Published: April 2020

Functional and numerical responses of adult females of the predatory bug Alloeocranum biannulipes Montrouzier and Signoret (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to density changes of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), infesting cassava chips were investigated under laboratory conditions. Starved predators were exposed to different prey density as treatments with 6 replicates. Numbers of prey consumed, eggs laid, and adults emerged as well as the hatching rates were recorded daily. When feeding on the larvae of P. truncatus, consumption increased linearly (R2 = 0.858) with the increase in larval density. At the highest pupal density of 6 P. truncatus pupae per predator, A. biannulipes adult showed the highest consumption rates (1.67 pupae). The Holling’s type I and III functional responses were observed when A. biannulipes consumed P. truncatus larvae and pupae, respectively. The attack of the predator estimated to 0.027 h−1 for larvae and 0.125 h−1 for pupae. The handling time spent on pupae by the adult predator was 0.352 h with a theoretical daily maximum predation (T/Th) of 68.18 pupae of P. truncatus. The numerical response of A. biannulipes was positively linked to pupal density, with more eggs laid per female, and higher hatching rate when exposed to higher prey densities. Efficiency of food conversion into eggs by A. biannulipes increased with decreasing larval densities and remained constant with increasing pupal densities. These functional and numerical responses exhibited by A. biannulipes suggest that this predator can effectively control P. truncatus larvae at low densities and pupae both at low and high densities. Therefore, A. biannulipes could be a good candidate for the biological control of P. truncatus.
European Psychiatric Association policy paper on ethical aspects in communication with patients and their families
Authors: Carpiniello Bernardo , Wasserman Danuta
Published: April 2020

Background.

Establishing a valid communication is not only a basic clinical need to be met but also a relevant ethical commitment.

Methods.

On the basis of the relevant literature, ethical issues arising from specific, important situations in clinical practice were identified.

Results.

The main ethical problems regarding communication about the disorder, both in general and in relation to prodromal stages, were described and discussed together with those regarding communication about voluntary and involuntary treatments, “dual roles” enacted in clinical practice, genetic counseling, and end-of-life conditions; on the basis of what emerged, ethically driven indications and suggestions were provided.

Conclusions.

Several situations put the psychiatrist in front of relevant dilemmas and doubts which are no easy to face with; an ethically driven approach based upon the principle of the best interest of patients may support clinicians in their decisions.
Exercise Promotion in Multiple Sclerosis Through the Patient–Provider Interaction: Development of Practice Models
Authors: Richardson Emma V. , Fifolt Matthew , Barstow Elizabeth A. , Motl Robert W.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

There is a significant gap between translation of evidence-based benefits of exercise and the adoption of this exercise behavior among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Health care providers could be the means by which this translational gap is narrowed, but these individuals require support and resources to effectively promote exercise. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate practice models that guide health care providers in delivering exercise promotion in comprehensive MS care.

Methods

Over a 6-wk period, primary data were collected from health care providers who worked in comprehensive MS care centers across the United States. This study adopted a quality improvement approach, Plan-Do-Study-Act, to evaluate the practice models. We asked health care providers to complete one online survey evaluating the models and thereafter adopted a case study design to evaluate the practice models according to health care provider feedback. Data were collected through one online survey that asked health care providers to rate the practice models, provide reasons for assigning a particular score, and suggest ways to improve the models.

Results

Health care providers perceived the three practice models as useful resources for promoting exercise within comprehensive MS care, and provided feedback for improving and modifying the models before implementation into practice.

Conclusion

We are now one step closer toward a tangible, useful resource for promoting exercise in comprehensive MS care and improving the delivery of exercise promotion and consequently overall care among persons with MS within comprehensive care centers.
Axillary nodal irradiation practice in the sentinel lymph node biopsy era: Comparison of the contemporary available 3D and IMRT techniques
Authors: Belkacemi Yazid , Loganadane Gokoulakrichenane , Ghith Sahar , Li Xie , Majdoul Soufya , Grellier Noémie , Jmour Omar , Bret Cindy Le , Hervé Marie-Laure , Hadhri Asma , To Nhu Hanh , Fayolle-Campana Maryse , Colson-Durand Laurianne
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Our study aimed to compare regional node coverage and doses to the organ at risk (OAR) using conventional technique (CT) vs “AMAROS” (AT) vs intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques in patients receiving regional nodal irradiation (RNI) for breast cancer (BC).

Methods:

We included 30 consecutive patients with BC who received RNI including axillary nodes. Two independent and blinded dosimetric RNI plans were generated for all patients. For target volume coverage, we analyzed the V95%, the D95%, the mean and the minimal dose within the nodal station. For hotspots within nodal target volume, we used the V105%, the V108% and the maximal doses. For OAR, lung V20, mean lung and heart doses, the maximal dose to the brachial plexus and the axillary-lateral thoracic vessel junction region were compared between the three techniques.

Results:

Target volume coverage and hotspots: Mean V95% in stations I, II, III and IV were 35.8% and 75% respectively with CV, 22.59 and 59.9% respectively with AT technique and 45.58 and 99.6% respectively with IMRT with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Mean V105% (cc) in axillary and supraclavicular stations were 21.3 and 6.4 respectively with CV, 1.2 and 0.02 respectively with AT technique and 0.5 and 0.4 respectively with IMRT with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001)..

OARs: The mean ipsilateral lung V20 was 16.9%, 16.4 and 13.3% with CT, AT and IMRT respectively. The mean heart dose (Gy) was 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 with CT, AT and IMRT respectively. The maximal dose to the plexus brachial (Gy) was 50.3, 46.3 and 47.3 with CT, AT and IMRT respectively. The maximal dose to the axillary-lateral thoracic vessel junction (Gy) was 52.3, 47.3 and 47.6 with CT, AT and IMRT respectively. The differences were statistically significant for all OAR (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

AT is a valuable technique for RNI including axilla in patients with limited sentinel lymph node biopsy involvement without additional axillary lymph node dissection since it decreases hotspots in the target volume and lowers the radiation exposure of the OAR. For more advanced tumors or patients who did not respond to primary systemic therapy, CT or IMRT should be considered because of their better coverage of the potentially residual nodal disease. IMRT combines several advantages of offering high conformal plans, limited hotspots and protection of main OAR. The clinical impact of these dosimetric differences need to be addressed.

Advances in knowledge:

This study is to our knowledge the first to compare conventional three-dimensional and IMRT techniques for regional nodal irradiation for each nodal station in breast cancer in a context of increasing utilization of axillary irradiation.
Empreender como uma forma de ser, saber e fazer
Authors: Schaefer Ricardo , Minello Italo Fernando
Published: April 2020

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o desenvolvimento da mentalidade e comportamento empreendedores em alunos e professores de uma instituição de ensino superior, por meio da educação empreendedora. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo e quantitativo, do tipo exploratório, com base em pesquisa teórico-empírica e triangulação dos dados. Os resultados evidenciaram características e especificidades da natureza da educação empreendedora, os novos papéis que alunos e professores assumem, novas metodologias e práticas pedagógicas, um processo educacional não apenas orientado à transmissão de conhecimentos, mas sobretudo voltado ao empreender como uma forma de ser, saber e fazer.
Income smoothing practices and conservatism in Brazilian credit unions
Authors: Santos Ramon Rodrigues dos , Santos Joséte Florencio dos
Published: April 2020

This paper analyzes the relationship between income smoothing practices in the conservatism of Brazilian credit unions, from the of Eckel (1981) and Ball and Shivakumar (2005) models between the years 2012 to 2018, in a total of 5,717 observations. The results highlighted a higher level of conservatism on the part of non-smoother credit unions, demonstrating that by smoothing the remains of the cooperative, managers seek to be less conservative when advancing possible losses, reversing lower results in subsequent periods, confirming the research hypothesis.
The quality of audit services: concept, methodology, tools
Authors: Kobozeva Nadezhda , Dunaeva Vera
Published: April 2020

In the monograph developed a scientifically grounded concept and methodological quality assurance of audit services. Used in the Russian practice the system of indicators of audit quality are not sufficiently effective due to the lack of a uniform conceptual apparatus in the field of audit quality, allowing you to combine the expectations of users, requirements of regulatory bodies and public auditing. The most urgent task of the present stage of development of audit activities is the development of holistic, taking account of national features of the concept of audit quality.
For students undergraduate and graduate, auditors, specialists of bodies of state financial control and supervision of University teachers.
Hotel service
Authors: Mozhaeva Nina , Rybachek Galina
Published: April 2020

Address practical issues within professional modules: "Organization of services of reservation of hotel services", "Organization of activity of service reception and check out," and "the Organization of guest service in the process of living". In annexes 1-4 lists the requirements for hotels, hotel rooms for personnel and qualification requirements for workers in the tourism industry.
Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standards of secondary professional education of the last generation.
For students of educational institutions of secondary vocational education, students majoring in 43.02.11 "room service."
Change management and development of scientific organizations at the micro-level: problems and solutions
Authors: Mal'ceva Anna
Published: April 2020

Based on the broadcast key theoretical concepts of organizational management to a specific object of the research — scientific organizations — the authors have developed theoretical, methodological and scientific-methodical bases of management of change in them and their development. Given in the monograph of the tools and techniques applied for scientific sampling of public sector organizations, which ensured identification of key positions and trends.
The results of the study can be used as in the activities of the management bodies of scientific organizations and for implementation of state policy in the sphere of science.
Recommended for scientists, experts in the field of management science and innovation, as well as for students and postgraduates of economic specialties.
Research intelligence, solving pedagogical problems
Authors: Korzhuev Andrey , Nikitina Eleonora
Published: April 2020

The monograph presents basic research skills that need to be mastered to participants of pedagogical research; particular attention is paid to research the correct dialogue and reflection the research design at all stages of its implementation.
For researchers in the field of pedagogy, undergraduates, postgraduates and doctoral students of pedagogical specialties, workers of practical education involved in research and project activities, bachelors preparing for the defence of graduation thesis.
Trade organization
Authors: Zhulidov Sergey
Published: April 2020

The book describes the main stages of organization and technology of trade processes at the enterprises of wholesale and retail trade in the market. Separate chapters are devoted to retail trade services, technological solutions shops, as well as the protection of consumer rights and the fundamental rules of trade.
Given the schema, table, topics interdisciplinary course, accompanied by explanatory text. Schemes allow to consider the material on the theoretical and practical level in their unity, which provides the opportunity to see the structure of the problem being studied, its logical relations, theoretical approaches, and therefore provides a more in-depth study of the discipline.
The textbook will help students acquire new knowledge and skills in the field of trade in the sphere of circulation of goods and services and to prepare them for successful practical activity in the conditions of market economy.
Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standards of secondary professional education on a speciality "Commerce (on branches)" PM.01 "Organization and management of trade marketing activities of" MDK 01.02 "Organization of trade".
For students on specialities "Commerce (on branches)" and "commodity research and quality expertise of consumer goods" and for listeners of system of improvement of qualification of workers of trade.