bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise do padrão estacional e previsão dos preços da soja aos produtores do estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Souza Celso Correia de , Andrade Janaína Outeiro de , Lemes Luiz Henrique Brito , Viganó Hevelyne Henn da Gama , Kazama Anderson Susumu
Published: June 2020

Este artigo discute a sazonalidade dos preços da soja para os produtores de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2016, no estado de São Paulo (SP). Considerando o preço como a variável mais importante na decisão de comercialização dessa commodity, foi analisado o índice de variação sazonal percentual (IVEP) da soja comercializada no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, bem como os limites inferior e superior de confiança percentuais (LICP e LSCP), no período de 2000 a 2016. Utilizando conceitos de séries temporais e da técnica ARIMA, analisou-se a tendência de preços da soja no período considerado e realizou-se uma provisão dos preços desse produto para os doze meses seguintes, ano de 2017. Os resultados constataram que os preços do saco de soja variaram muito, tanto dentro de um mesmo ano, quanto ao longo do período estudado (de 2000 a 2016). Em virtude da oferta de soja ser maior no primeiro semestre do ano devido a colheita do produto, os preços do saco de soja são menores nesse período e se elevam durante o segundo semestre. No período de março a maio de cada ano, apesar do preço praticado pelo mercado ser menor, o histórico dos preços mostra que o produtor pode vender o seu produto por um excelente preço, sem muitos riscos de prejuízos. As previsões dos preços do saco de soja para os meses do ano de 2017, logo após o período estudado, utilizando o modelo ARIMA se mostrou robusto, apresentando um bom desempenho, com pequenos erros de previsão.
Percepções de agricultores familiares e técnicos da Região do Vale do Ribeira (SP) sobre o mercado institucional
Authors: Gomes Tiago Tomaz , Abreu Lucimar Santiago de
Published: June 2020

Em diversos territórios do país os produtos da agricultura familiar apresentam dificuldades de inserção da produção nos mercados, com vistas a solucionar essa problemática, nas últimas décadas, um conjunto de políticas foi criado para o setor, denominadas, mercado institucional de alimentos da agricultura familiar ou PAA e PNAE, também, aplicada à região do Vale do Ribeira (SP). O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar as percepções de produtores familiares e técnicos, associadas à política de compra institucional, no Vale do Ribeira (SP) e seus impactos sociais. A metodologia caracteriza-se pela natureza qualitativa, dialógica e participativa. Direcionando a observação no campo, a construção de entrevistas, a aplicação, além da análise do material. Os resultados mostram que os programas teriam potencial para impactar positivamente a realidade desses agricultores, mas essa política apresentou limitações quanto ao alcance do público-alvo (agricultores familiares da região da área do estudo). Um dos pontos apontados foi a falta de informação e de compreensão do funcionamento operacional do programa, além de ficar clara a necessidade de assistência técnica qualificada, no campo da agricultura de base ecológica.
A agroindústria familiar e as regulamentações sanitárias: análise da aplicabilidade da resolução 49/2013 em um município do Sudoeste do Paraná
Authors: Führ Aline Luiza , Ancini Neiva Aparecida , Triches Rozane Márcia
Published: June 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as condições de agricultores familiares e microempreendedores e a competência do órgão de Vigilância Sanitária em relação às considerações trazidas pela Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada (RDC) nº49/2013. Trata-se de um estudo de caso quantitativo e qualitativo, realizado em um município do sudoeste do Paraná. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas diferenciadas de acordo com o grupo de indivíduos e analisadas com a técnica de análise de conteúdo e aplicado o checklist/RDC nº275/2002 nos estabelecimentos. Três de quatro estabelecimentos foram classificados no grupo 3 – com apenas 0-50% dos itens atendidos, constatando-se que esta RDC não é aplicável à realidade de pequenas agroindústrias familiares. O profissional da Vigilância Sanitária, mesmo sem conhecer a RDC nº49, seguia algumas diretrizes, principalmente a da razoabilidade. Considerando-se os aspectos retratados pela Resolução, bem como, os impasses diagnosticados, verificou-se pouco conhecimento, aderência, praticabilidade e, portanto, efetividade desta política no caso estudado e a necessidade de esclarecer mais os atores envolvidos para que a mesma atinja seus objetivos.
Law and Politics in International Relations: the case study of the historical development of the International Regime for the Law of the Sea
Authors: Moreira Felipe Kern
Published: June 2020

This contribution aims to develop a case study about the relationship between law and politics concerned to the Law of the Sea. The research posses the following objectives: from (i) a theoretical framework of the international relations, envisoning the relations between law and international politics; (ii) to analyse the historical development of the international regime for the Law of the Sea as a case study.
Impacto do Pronatec Prisional na trajetória de vida de apenados do Presídio Estadual de Júlio de Castilhos, RS, Brasil
Authors: Cardoso Maria Lucia Viana , Delgado Paulo
Published: June 2020

A assistência educacional para indivíduos privados de liberdade é um dos direitos garantidos constitucionalmente e regrados pela Lei de Execução Penal, que viabiliza a remição de pena e, sobretudo, define condições para a ressocialização. O presente estudo propõe analisar a realidade de um grupo de apenados do Presídio Estadual de Júlio de Castilhos – Pejuli que concluíram cursos do Pronatec Prisional e assim, obter subsídios para averiguar se a ação foi exitosa e se de fato colaborou para a formação e ressocialização destes egressos. A investigação partiu de um estudo de caso, assente numa metodologia quali-quantitativa, e recorreu a entrevistas e aplicação de questionários, retratando o ponto-de-vista dos vários sujeitos envolvidos. Da referida investigação foi possível verificar o impacto das ações realizadas, detectar alguns pontos a serem aprimorados e concluir que as políticas públicas vinculadas à educação em ambientes prisionais são, de fato, imprescindíveis, para que indivíduos privados de liberdade estejam preparados para um recomeço em sociedade.
Acesso à justiça no Projeto “Escrevendo e Reescrevendo Nossa História” (Pernoh)
Authors: Silva Sandoval Alves da , Siqueira João Renato Rodrigues
Published: June 2020

Este estudo objetiva apresentar as atividades de extensão desenvolvidas em um dos polos do Projeto “Escrevendo e Reescrevendo a Nossa História” (Pernoh), localizado no bairro do Una em Belém (PA). O Projeto é abordado em uma perspectiva expansionista do acesso à justiça, que ultrapassa a ideia de acesso à jurisdição, relatando-se experiências extensionistas obtidas na realização do projeto. Adotou-se o método de abordagem dedutivo e, como método de procedimento monográfico, a revisão da literatura. Verificou-se que, de acordo com a perspectiva adotada, o acesso ao Judiciário é apenas uma das modalidades de acesso à justiça. Conclui-se que o acesso à justiça refere-se, também, à ordem jurídica justa, ao acesso à cidadania e ao acesso à participação democrática enquanto mecanismos que oferecem melhores oportunidades ao cidadão.
Human and technology in the philosophy of Lewis Mumford
Authors: Khasieva Mariya Alanovna
Published: June 2020

The subject of this research is the problem of technicalization of human nature studied in the works of an American historian, sociologists and philosopher of technology Lewis Mumford.  The Western philosophical tradition marks the existence of the traditional juxtaposition of technology and nature, technology and human. The impact of scientific and technological progress upon human mind and his corporeal nature is incontestable. However, the evolution of technology itself reflects the intentions of development of intellectual culture. Thus, technology is initially ambivalent with regards to human, producing disintegrating and organizing influence simultaneously. Technology separates human from nature and forms new subject and value systems. The article applies a descriptive method of research, gives characteristics to the most significant works of L. Mumford, as well as utilizes hermeneutic approach and method of structural analysis of his writings. The author’s main contribution consists in versatile analysis of L. Mumford’s interpretations of the philosophical problems of technology. Multiple existing research emphasize his negative evaluation of technology: he correlates process of technicalization with dehumanization, militarization and strengthening of totalitarian means of social organization. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that throughout his path, L. Mumford has substantially modified the context of studying technology: in his early work “Technology and Civilization (1934) Mumford optimistically determines the modern “neo-technological” type of social development. The conclusions are made on the sociocultural and socioeconomic meaning of technology, with focus on the anthropological problem of the impact of technology upon human nature.
Sequentially induced motor neurons from human fibroblasts facilitate locomotor recovery in a rodent spinal cord injury model
Authors: Lee Hyunah , Lee Hye Yeong , Lee Byeong Eun , Gerovska Daniela , Park Soo Yong , Zaehres Holm , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J , Kim Jae-Ick , Ha Yoon , Schöler Hans R , Kim Jeong Beom
Published: June 2020

Generation of autologous human motor neurons holds great promise for cell replacement therapy to treat spinal cord injury (SCI). Direct conversion allows generation of target cells from somatic cells, however, current protocols are not practicable for therapeutic purposes since converted cells are post-mitotic that are not scalable. Therefore, therapeutic effects of directly converted neurons have not been elucidated yet. Here, we show that human fibroblasts can be converted into induced motor neurons (iMNs) by sequentially inducing POU5F1(OCT4) and LHX3. Our strategy enables scalable production of pure iMNs because of the transient acquisition of proliferative iMN-intermediate cell stage which is distinct from neural progenitors. iMNs exhibited hallmarks of spinal motor neurons including transcriptional profiles, electrophysiological property, synaptic activity, and neuromuscular junction formation. Remarkably, transplantation of iMNs showed therapeutic effects, promoting locomotor functional recovery in rodent SCI model. Together, our advanced strategy will provide tools to acquire sufficient human iMNs that may represent a promising cell source for personalized cell therapy.
Unsupervised machine learning reveals risk stratifying glioblastoma tumor cells
Authors: Leelatian Nalin , Sinnaeve Justine , Mistry Akshitkumar M , Barone Sierra M , Brockman Asa A , Diggins Kirsten E , Greenplate Allison R , Weaver Kyle D , Thompson Reid C , Chambless Lola B , Mobley Bret C , Ihrie Rebecca A , Irish Jonathan M
Published: June 2020

A goal of cancer research is to reveal cell subsets linked to continuous clinical outcomes to generate new therapeutic and biomarker hypotheses. We introduce a machine learning algorithm, Risk Assessment Population IDentification (RAPID), that is unsupervised and automated, identifies phenotypically distinct cell populations, and determines whether these populations stratify patient survival. With a pilot mass cytometry dataset of 2 million cells from 28 glioblastomas, RAPID identified tumor cells whose abundance independently and continuously stratified patient survival. Statistical validation within the workflow included repeated runs of stochastic steps and cell subsampling. Biological validation used an orthogonal platform, immunohistochemistry, and a larger cohort of 73 glioblastoma patients to confirm the findings from the pilot cohort. RAPID was also validated to find known risk stratifying cells and features using published data from blood cancer. Thus, RAPID provides an automated, unsupervised approach for finding statistically and biologically significant cells using cytometry data from patient samples.
Lack of evidence for associative learning in pea plants
Authors: Markel Kasey
Published: June 2020

Gagliano et al. (Learning by association in plants, 2016) reported associative learning in pea plants. Associative learning has long been considered a behavior performed only by animals, making this claim particularly newsworthy and interesting. In the experiment, plants were trained in Y-shaped mazes for 3 days with fans and lights attached at the top of the maze. Training consisted of wind consistently preceding light from either the same or the opposite arm of the maze. When plant growth forced a decision between the two arms of the maze, fans alone were able to influence growth direction, whereas the growth direction of untrained plants was not affected by fans. However, a replication of their protocol failed to demonstrate the same result, calling for further verification and study before mainstream acceptance of this paradigm-shifting phenomenon. This replication attempt used a larger sample size and fully blinded analysis.
Longitudinal relationships between changes in body composition and changes in selected metabolic risk factors (abdominal obesity and blood pressure) among South African adolescents
Authors: Masocha Vincent , Monyeki Makama Andries , Czyż Stanisław H.
Published: June 2020

Background

Incidence of childhood high blood pressure (BP) is increasing worldwide. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between changes in body composition (i.e. body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage body fat) and selected metabolic risk factors (abdominal obesity and BP) among adolescents from the Tlokwe municipality in the North West Province of South Africa.

Method

One hundred and eight-six adolescents (81 boys and 105 girls) aged 14 to 16 years participated in the study. Body composition was measured following the International Society of the Advancement of Kinanthropometry standard procedures. BMI, abdominal obesity using WC measurement, and resting BP were determined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures was calculated to determine changes in anthropometric measures and body composition as well as changes in BP. Additionally, Univariate analysis of variance with repeated measures and participants as a random sample was applied. Diastolic BP (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP) were used as dependent variables and sex, age, BMI, WC, and waist-to-height ratio as independent variables.

Results

Significant changes were found for stature, BMI, body mass, WC, SBP, and DBP. BMI for the total group was significant and positively related to abdominal obesity in 2012 (r = 0.55;p < 0.01) and in 2013 (r = 0.77;p < 0.01) and to SBP (r = 0.26;p < 0.05) in 2012 and (r = 0.17;p = 0.43) in 2013. BMI among the boys was significantly and positively related to abdominal obesity in 2012 (r = 0.83;p < 0.01) and 2013 (r = 0.91;p < 0.01). For the girls, BMI was significantly and positively related to abdominal obesity (r = 0.49;p < 0.01) and to SBP (r = 0.32; p = 0.05) in 2012. Boys with a higher WC in 2012 had significantly increased DBP (p < 0.05). Boys measured in 2012 with greater WC and BMI show a significant increase in SBP.

Conclusions

BMI was positively related to BP and abdominal obesity over time. Relatively high BMI and abdominal obesity significantly increased the likelihood of elevated BP over time, especially in boys. BMI was a predictor of abdominal obesity in boys, while in girls, BMI was a predictor of both abdominal obesity and SBP. In view of the future health implications of both abdominal obesity and elevated BP, urgent strategic interventions programs aimed at increasing physical activity and advocating for well-balanced dietary practices as well as importance of keeping normal blood pressure among South African adolescents are needed.
The cytochrome bc1 complex as an antipathogenic target
Authors: Fisher Nicholas , Meunier Brigitte , Biagini Giancarlo A.
Published: June 2020

The cytochrome bc1 complex is a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chains of many eukaryotic microorganisms that are pathogenic for plants or humans, such as fungi responsible for crop diseases and Plasmodium falciparum, which causes human malaria. Cytochrome bc1 is an enzyme that contains two (ubi)quinone/quinol‐binding sites, which can be exploited for the development of fungicidal and chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we review recent progress in determination of the structure and mechanism of action of cytochrome bc1, and the associated development of antimicrobial agents (and associated resistance mechanisms) targeting its activity.
Self‐Degradable Lipid‐Like Materials Based on “Hydrolysis accelerated by the intra‐Particle Enrichment of Reactant (HyPER)” for Messenger RNA Delivery
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Takahashi Tatsunari , Konishi Manami , Takata Nae , Gomi Masaki , Shirane Daiki , Miyama Ryo , Hagiwara Shinya , Yamasaki Yuki , Sakurai Yu , Ueda Keisuke , Higashi Kenjirou , Moribe Kunikazu , Shinsho Eiji , Nishida Ruka , Fukuzawa Kaori , Yonemochi Etsuo , Okuwaki Koji , Mochizuki Yuji , Nakai Yuta , Tange Kota , Yoshioka Hiroki , Tamagawa Shinya , Akita Hidetaka
Published: June 2020

RNA‐based therapeutics is a promising approach for curing intractable diseases by manipulating various cellular functions. For eliciting RNA (i.e., mRNA and siRNA) functions successfully, the RNA in the extracellular space must be protected and it must be delivered to the cytoplasm. In this study, the development of a self‐degradable lipid‐like material that functions to accelerate the collapse of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and the release of RNA into cytoplasm is reported. The self‐degradability is based on a unique reaction “Hydrolysis accelerated by intra‐Particle Enrichment of Reactant (HyPER).” In this reaction, a disulfide bond and a phenyl ester are essential structural components: concentrated hydrophobic thiols that are produced by the cleavage of the disulfide bonds in the LNPs drive an intraparticle nucleophilic attack to the phenyl ester linker, which results in further degradation. An oleic acid‐scaffold lipid‐like material that mounts all of these units (ssPalmO‐Phe) shows superior transfection efficiency to nondegradable or conventional materials. The insertion of the aromatic ring is unexpectedly revealed to contribute to the enhancement of endosomal escape. Since the intracellular trafficking is a sequential process that includes cellular uptake, endosomal escape, the release of mRNA, and translation, the improvement in each process synergistically enhances the gene expression.
Estimating the relative frequency of leukodystrophies and recommendations for carrier screening in the era of next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Schmidt Johanna L. , Pizzino Amy , Nicholl Jessica , Foley Allison , Wang Yue , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Mighion Lindsey , Bean Lora , da Silva Cristina , Cho Megan T. , Truty Rebecca , Garcia John , Speare Virginia , Blanco Kirsten , Powis Zoe , Hobson Grace M. , Kirwin Susan , Krock Bryan , Lee Hane , Deignan Joshua L. , Westemeyer Maggie A. , Subaran Ryan L. , Thiffault Isabelle , Tsai Ellen A. , Fang Terry , Helman Guy , Vanderver Adeline
Published: June 2020

Leukodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of heritable disorders characterized by abnormal brain white matter signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and primary involvement of the cellular components of myelin. Previous estimates suggest the incidence of leukodystrophies as a whole to be 1 in 7,000 individuals, however the frequency of specific diagnoses relative to others has not been described. Next generation sequencing approaches offer the opportunity to redefine our understanding of the relative frequency of different leukodystrophies. We assessed the relative frequency of all 30 leukodystrophies (associated with 55 genes) in more than 49,000 exomes. We identified a relatively high frequency of disorders previously thought of as very rare, including Aicardi Goutières Syndrome, TUBB4A‐related leukodystrophy, Peroxisomal biogenesis disorders, POLR3‐related Leukodystrophy, Vanishing White Matter, and Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher Disease. Despite the relative frequency of these conditions, carrier‐screening laboratories regularly test only 20 of the 55 leukodystrophy‐related genes, and do not test at all, or test only one or a few, genes for some of the higher frequency disorders. Relative frequency of leukodystrophies previously considered very rare suggests these disorders may benefit from expanded carrier screening.
Reproductive period and dementia: A 44‐year longitudinal population study of Swedish women
Authors: Najar Jenna , Östling Svante , Waern Margda , Zettergren Anna , Kern Silke , Wetterberg Hanna , Hällström Tore , Skoog Ingmar
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Longitudinal studies examining the effect of endogenous estrogens on dementia risk are needed to understand why women have higher dementia incidence than men after age 85.

Methods

A population‐based sample of women with natural menopause (N = 1364) from Gothenburg, Sweden, was followed from 1968‐2012. Information on endogenous estrogens (age at menarche and menopause, number of pregnancies, and months of breastfeeding) was obtained from interviews in 1968‐1992. Dementia was diagnosed according to established criteria based on information from neuropsychiatric examinations and close informant interviews.

Results

We found that longer reproductive period was associated with increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR] per year 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03‐1.20) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (1.06, 1.02‐1.11), particularly for those with dementia (1.10, 1.04‐1.17) and AD (1.15, 1.06‐1.26) onset after age 85.

Discussion

These results may explain why women have higher dementia incidence compared to men after age 85, the age with the highest number of dementia cases.
Dual sensitivity enhancement in gold nanoparticle‐based lateral flow immunoassay for visual detection of carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Mahmoudi Tohid , Shirdel Behnaz , Mansoori Behzad , Baradaran Behzad
Published: June 2020

In this work, we presented the development of cost‐effective dual sensitivity enhancement in gold nanoparticle‐based lateral flow test strip for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen. On the one hand, we employed protein G as a host matrix for oriented immobilization of antibodies within the nitrocellulose membrane. On the other hand, we utilized gold enhancement approach to visualize the final signals effectively. Primary examinations revealed that the smaller sized nanoparticles have greater signal enhancement compared to bigger ones. So, mono‐dispersed gold nanoparticles with average diameters of 11.40 ± 1.40 nm were utilized as tags. The measurement of fluorescent intensity of FITC‐tagged secondary antibody attached to the polyclonal antibody, in the presence/absence of protein G as a host matrix on microplate wells, showed the successful oriented immobilization of antibodies via the host matrix. The FESEM images confirmed the attachment and growth of nanoparticles within the porous nitrocellulose membrane, after gold enhancement. Finally, under the optimized conditions, the developed strip could quantify the standard values of target within 2‐50 ng/mL range with a limit of detection of 0.35 ng/mL. This strategy enabled the reduction of antibody consumption from a conventional amount of 0.6 µg/strip down to 0.012 µg/strip. The serum samples containing carcinoembryonic antigen were also successfully analyzed by the developed strip with a visual detection limit of 10 ng/mL, which confirms favorable characteristics of the developed test strip for point‐of‐care applications.
Atomic Layer Fluorination of 5 V Class Positive Electrode Material LiCoPO4 for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Kim Sanghoon , Kim Eun Jeong , Charles‐Blin Youn , Guérin Katia , Dubois Marc , Flahaut Delphine , Martinez Herve , Deschamps Michaël , Miller David N. , Irvine John T. S. , Armstrong A. Robert , Monconduit Laure , Louvain Nicolas
Published: June 2020

The surface fluorination of lithium cobalt phosphate (LiCoPO4, LCP) using a one‐step, room temperature processable, easily up‐scalable and dry surface modification method with XeF2 as fluorine source was developed. After fluorination, fluorine‐rich nanoparticles were observed mainly on the particle surface, which facilitates the improvement of surface stability and electrochemical performance such as cycling stability and rate capability, as the fluorinated LCP can be protected against side reactions with electrolyte or by‐products of electrolyte decomposition at high voltage (5 V). More importantly, the direct surface fluorination proved more efficient than adding a fluorinated electrolyte additive (i. e., FEC). These results suggest that surface fluorination using XeF2 is of great promise for practical applications of high voltage positive materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Vasoactive exposures and risk of amniotic band syndrome and terminal transverse limb deficiencies
Authors: Adrien Nedghie , Petersen Julie M. , Parker Samantha E. , Werler Martha M.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) includes limb deficiencies accompanied by fibrous strands originating from the amniotic lining. Terminal transverse limb deficiencies (TTLD) appear to be similar but lack fibrous strands. Both are hypothesized to result from vascular disruption. For ABS, limb deficiencies are considered secondary to amnion rupture. We explored an alternative possibility—that TTLD is the primary defect and ABS is secondary.

Methods

Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we expanded on a previous study. We examined smoking, alcohol, and medications categorized by indicated vasoactivity as markers of vascular disruption. Logistic regression models with Firth's penalized likelihood were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Use of bronchodilators and aspirin appeared to increase the risk of ABS, while decongestants and nonaspirin NSAIDs increased the risk of TTLD. The risk of ABS was markedly increased in cases reporting combinations of vasoactive exposures, particularly alcohol and aspirin (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6, 7.8), and alcohol and bronchodilators (aOR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4, 7.5). Increased risk of TTLD due to combinations of vasoactive exposures was only observed for smoking and decongestants (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4, 3.6).

Conclusions

Exposures associated with increased risk of ABS had no apparent association with TTLD, supporting previous evidence that these may be distinct phenotypes. ABS appears to be associated with combined exposures with vasodilation properties, such as alcohol and bronchodilators, while increased risk of TTLD may be associated with smoking and decongestants, both vasoconstrictive exposures.
Recent advances in methodologies and applications of cataluminescence sensing
Authors: Hu Jiaxi , Zhang Lichun , Su Yinigying , Lv Yi
Published: June 2020

Cataluminescence (CTL), a kind of chemiluminescence emitted at the gas–solid interface during catalytic oxidation reactions, has been developed for many decades as a novel and promising gas sensing technique. In this review, we introduce the origin, basic principles, and mechanisms of CTL sensing systems and summarize the recent advances in CTL sensing, focusing on methodologies and extended applications such as in gas selective monitoring, recognition of complex mixture, evaluation for catalytic property and use in high‐performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and gas chromatography detectors. In addition, development prospects and some challenges facing CTL‐based sensing are also discussed.
The effectiveness of flipped classroom on learning outcomes of medical statistics in a Chinese medical school
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Li Junyi , Wang Chengwei
Published: June 2020

Medical statistics is one of the most important courses for medical students. It requires tremendous practice opportunities to fully master the learning contents. The in‐class lectures inevitably reduce students' practice opportunities and the possibility of getting timely feedbacks. More importantly, a passive learning experience made by traditional class may eliminate any sense of autonomy or competence in learners. Thus, the present study attempted to redesign medical statistics course in a Chinese medical school by using the flipped classroom approach and examined the effectiveness of this approach on learning interest, self‐regulated learning ability, and academic performance. The results showed both learning interest and academic performance experienced significant increase within the traditional class and flipped class; however, the changes in the flipped class were significantly larger than the traditional class. As for self‐regulated learning, it significantly increased only within the flipped class, no significant change was found within the traditional class. The change of self‐regulated learning in the flipped class was not significantly different from the traditional class. In general, the effectiveness of flipped classroom approach for medical statistics was verified. Further studies should examine whether the flipped classroom approach for medical statistics is benefit to self‐regulated learning or metacognition.
What Do Confessions Reveal about Abusive Head Trauma? A Systematic Review
Authors: Edwards George A. , Maguire Sabine A. , Gaither Julie R. , Leventhal John M.
Published: June 2020

Although confessions related to abusive head trauma (AHT) are reported, no detailed analysis exists. Therefore, we systematically reviewed studies of AHT confessions and examined the details, including country of origin, mechanisms and perpetrators' characteristics. Employing 36 search terms across three search engines, we searched Medline and CINAHL from 1963 to 2018. All relevant studies underwent two independent reviews and data extraction. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the sample; chi square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess differences in demographic and clinical characteristics. Of 6759 identified studies, 157 full texts were reviewed and 55 articles from 15 countries spanning four continents were included. Included articles contained 434 confessions. The mechanisms of abuse included shaking alone (64.1%), impact alone (17.1%), shaking plus impact (18.0%) and other (0.9%). There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of confessions reporting shaking alone when comparing continents: North America (64.0%), Europe (64.2%) and Oceania (60.0%; p = 0.92), or when comparing circumstances in which the confession was obtained: medical evaluation (74.6%) vs police or judicial investigations (63.4%; p = 0.11). Of 119 cases with identified perpetrators, 67.2 per cent were cases with males alone. Confessions reveal striking similarities in the mechanism of AHT (predominantly shaking) that occur across the globe.

Key Practitioner Messages

Confessions can provide important information about AHT and have been reported in medical literature for over 40 years.

The quality of evidence for the association of shaking with AHT has been questioned, but no systematic review of confessions of AHT has been performed previously.

This systematic review of confessions of AHT reveals that shaking is the most common mechanism reported and that shaking and AHT occur together across the world.

‘We systematically reviewed studies of AHT confessions and examined the details, including country of origin, mechanisms and perpetrators' characteristics’
Sequences of Tolypins, Insecticidal Efrapeptin‐Type Peptaibiotics from Species of the Fungal Genus Tolypocladium
Authors: Brückner Hans , Degenkolb Thomas
Published: June 2020

A peptide mixture named tolypin, originally isolated from species of the fungal genus Tolypocladium, was structurally characterised and sequences compared to those reported for efrapeptins isolated from strains of Tolypocladium inflatum. Chiral amino acid analysis, direct infusion, and online HPLC electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry provided composition, molecular weights of peptides, and series of diagnostic fragment ions. Sequences deduced from ESI‐MS revealed that tolypins C−G are identical to efrapeptins C−G. The results were corroborated by ESI‐MS and HPLC of an authentic efrapeptin sample from Eli Lilly Research Laboratories (USA). Comparison of the HPLC elution profiles of efrapeptin and tolypin indicated a pronounced microheterogeneity of the former. A high‐resolution HPLC of authentic efrapeptin has not been published before. Close relationship and partial identity of sequences of tolypins and efrapeptins, which had previously been postulated, were definitely proven. The geographical origin of the two most important T. inflatum strains used for sequencing of efrapeptins/tolypins could unambiguously be clarified. A new minor compound, designated tolypin H1, was sequenced. High proportions of helicogenic Aib (α‐aminoisobutyric acid) and l‐isovaline, N‐terminal acetyl‐l‐pipecolic acid and the unusual, amide‐bound C‐terminal residue, named (S)‐2‐amino‐1‐(1,5‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐5‐ene‐5‐ylium)‐4‐methylpentane corresponding to 1‐[(2S)‐2‐amino‐4‐methylpentyl]‐2,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydropyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐1‐ium, define these peptides as linear, cationic peptaibiotics.
Novel Treatment Paradigms in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Khanal Nabin , Upadhyay Banskota Shristi , Bhatt Vijaya Raj
Published: June 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease marked by the presence of several driver mutations and molecular subgroups even in a single patient. The genetic and molecular heterogeneity is also reflected by a progressive shift from a morphologic classification to one informed by causative genomic changes. Cytogenetic results and somatic mutations are increasingly being utilized to guide use of intensive chemotherapy and low‐intensity chemotherapy, particularly among older adults. Utilization of next‐generation sequencing in AML has led to increasing use of targeted treatments for actionable mutations. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction‐based mutational analysis and multicolor flow cytometry offer sensitive assays that can detect minimal residual disease (MRD). Several studies have shown that MRD negativity, as defined by specified cutoff values, is highly prognostic with potential therapeutic implications. The last 3 years mark an unprecedented history in the drug development in AML with approval of 8 new drugs and large portfolio of ongoing early and late‐phase trials of several promising drugs. Multiple combinatorial trials of approved agents and approval of newer agents in the future will continue to change the therapeutic landscape of AML.
Visual node module: An open‐source extension to the ns‐3 network simulator
Authors: Mosaif Afaf , Rakrak Said
Published: June 2020

A wireless visual sensor network is a collective network of directional and battery‐operated sensor nodes equipped with cameras. The field of view of these nodes depends on the camera opening angle, its direction, and its depth of view. Therefore, coverage and object detection in this type of networks are more challenging compared with the traditional wireless sensor networks. Thus, many researchers propose algorithms and solutions in this field that need tests and simulations. In this paper, we focus on network simulator 3 (ns‐3), which is an open‐source and discrete‐event tool suitable for wireless network simulation targeted primarily for research and educational use. The lack of models that can simulate visual sensor nodes in this simulator motivated us to design and develop a new visual node module as an extension of the ns‐3 core libraries and also to adapt the NetAnim tool to present these nodes graphically. This module will help researchers to simulate, test, and visualize their solutions in wireless visual sensor networks field. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of the proposed module. Furthermore, we show how it can be used in ns‐3 to simulate different scenarios of object detection and visualize the results in NetAnim tool.
Environmental enrichment modulates inflammation during development in long‐evans rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Scarola Samantha J. , Bardi Massimo
Published: June 2020

It is unknown whether increased production of pro‐inflammatory mediators during the life span is caused by aging per se or via the combination of a cumulative allostatic load due to life challenges. This study aimed to investigate the long‐term effects of stress and environmental enrichment on the inflammatory status associated with aging in rats. Animals were assigned to the following five treatment groups: chronic stress with and without environmental enrichment; acute stress with and without environmental enrichment; control animals. Enrichment was provided as an open field containing novel objects (30 min three times per week). Animals assigned to chronic stress groups were exposed to predator sound stressors (e.g., hawk sound) for 30 min daily, while animals assigned to acute stress groups were exposed once a week for 30 min. The interaction between the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the immune system was investigated by measuring metabolized dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels and peripheral levels of the cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐10. Results suggested that inflamm‐aging was more pronounced in animals with low DHEA levels, which in turn were affected by exposure to environmental enrichment and acute stress. This study showed that environmental enrichment and acute stress can significantly attenuate disruptions in DHEA production, consequently contributing to improved neuroimmune function of aging animals.
Occurrence of apomictic conspecifics and ecological preferences rather than colonization history govern the geographic distribution of sexualPotentilla puberula
Authors: Nardi Flavia Domizia , Hülber Karl , Moser Dietmar , Alonso‐Marcos Henar , Tribsch Andreas , Dobeš Christoph
Published: June 2020

The geographic distribution of sexual‐apomictic taxa (i.e., comprising individuals usually reproducing either sexually or asexually via seeds) is traditionally thought to be driven by their ecological preferences and colonization histories. Where sexuals and apomicts get into contact with each other, competitive and reproductive interactions can interfere with these factors, an aspect which hitherto received little attention in biogeographic studies. We disentangled and quantified the relative effects of the three factors on the distribution of tetraploid sexuals inPotentilla puberulain a latitudinal transect through the Eastern European Alps, in which they are codistributed with penta‐, hepta‐, and octoploid apomictic conspecifics. Effects were explored by means of binomial generalized linear regression models combining a single with a multiple predictor approach. Postglacial colonization history was inferred from population genetic variation (AFLPs and cpDNA) and quantified using a cost distance metric. The study was based on 235 populations, which were purely sexual, purely apomictic, or of mixed reproductive mode. The occurrence of apomicts explained most of the variation in the distribution of sexuals (31%). Specifically, the presence of sexual tetraploids was negatively related to the presence of each of the three apomictic cytotypes. Effects of ecological preferences were substantial too (7% and 12% of the total variation explained by ecological preferences alone, or jointly with apomicts’ occurrence, respectively). In contrast, colonization history had negligible effects on the occurrence of sexuals. Taken together, our results highlight the potentially high impact of reproductive interactions on the geographic distribution of sexual and apomictic conspecifics and that resultant mutual exclusion interrelates to ecological differentiation, a situation potentially promoting their local coexistence.
Quantifying the impact of the modifiable areal unit problem when estimating the health effects of air pollution
Authors: Lee Duncan , Robertson Chris , Ramsay Colin , Pyper Kate
Published: June 2020

Air pollution is a major public health concern, and large numbers of epidemiological studies have been conducted to quantify its impacts. One study design used to quantify these impacts is a spatial areal unit design, which estimates a population‐level association using data on air pollution concentrations and disease incidence that have been spatially aggregated to a set of nonoverlapping areal units. A major criticism of this study design is that the specification of these areal units is arbitrary, and if one changed their boundaries then the aggregated data would change despite the locations of the disease cases and the air pollution surface remaining the same. This is known as the modifiable areal unit problem, and this is the first article to quantify its likely effects in air pollution and health studies. In addition, we derive an aggregate model for these data directly from an idealized individual‐level risk model and show that it provides better estimation than the commonly used ecological model. Our work is motivated by a new study of air pollution and health in Scotland, and we find consistent significant associations between air pollution and respiratory disease but not for circulatory disease.
Insecticide use and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes: A subset meta‐analysis of the North American Pooled Project
Authors: Kachuri Linda , Beane Freeman Laura E. , Spinelli John J. , Blair Aaron , Pahwa Manisha , Koutros Stella , Hoar Zahm Shelia , Cantor Kenneth P. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Pahwa Punam , Dosman James A. , McLaughlin John R. , Demers Paul A. , Harris Shelley A.
Published: June 2020

Insecticide use has been linked to increased risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), however, findings of epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent, particularly for NHL subtypes. We analyzed 1690 NHL cases and 5131 controls in the North American Pooled Project (NAPP) to investigate self‐reported insecticide use and risk of NHL overall and by subtypes: follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for each insecticide were estimated using logistic regression. Subtype‐specific associations were evaluated using ASSET (Association analysis for SubSETs). Increased risks of multiple NHL subtypes were observed for lindane (OR = 1.60, 1.20‐2.10: FL, DLCBL, SLL), chlordane (OR = 1.59, 1.17‐2.16: FL, SLL) and DDT (OR = 1.36, 1.06‐1.73: DLBCL, SLL). Positive trends were observed, within the subsets with identified associations, for increasing categories of exposure duration for lindane (Ptrend = 1.7 × 10−4), chlordane (Ptrend = 1.0 × 10−3) and DDT (Ptrend = 4.2 × 10−3), however, the exposure‐response relationship was nonlinear. Ever use of pyrethrum was associated with an increased risk of FL (OR = 3.65, 1.45‐9.15), and the relationship with duration of use appeared monotonic (OR for >10 years: OR = 5.38, 1.75‐16.53; Ptrend = 3.6 × 10−3). Our analysis identified several novel associations between insecticide use and specific NHL subtypes, suggesting possible etiologic heterogeneity in the context of pesticide exposure.
The rs2302685 polymorphism in the LRP6 gene is associated with bone mineral density and body composition in Iranian children
Authors: Montazeri‐Najafabady Nima , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadian Amiri Rajeeh
Published: June 2020

Background

Some 60–80% of the variability in bone mineral density (BMD) is determined by genetic factors. In the present study, we investigated the impact of the rs2302685 polymorphism of LRP6 on BMD and body composition in Iranian children.

Methods

In total, 200 children (101 boys and 99 girls) were enrolled in the study. Body composition and BMD were computed using the Hologic DXA System (Hologic, Marlborough, MA, USA). The single nucleotide polymorphism of LRP6 rs2302685 (V1062I) was determined using a polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism. A generalized linear model was performed to find the association between LRP6 polymorphisms, BMD and body composition in two adjusted models.

Results

In model 1, a significant difference was found between LRP6 (rs2302685) polymorphism, trochanteric BMD (p= 0.007), intertrochanteric BMD (p= 0.007), total fat (p= 0.001), total fat (%) (p= 0.034), total lean mass (p= 0.031), total Lean + BMC (p= 0.036) and total mass (p= 0.001). In model 2, LRP6 (rs2302685) polymorphisms showed a significant effect on the trochanteric BMD (p= 0.005), intertrochanteric BMD (p= 0.005), total fat (p= 0.001), total fat (%) (p= 0.013) and total mass (p= 0.01). Total fat, total fat (%) and total body mass were higher in subjects with the CC genotype compared to the TT/CT genotype, whereas total lean mass and total Lean + BMC were higher in the TT/CT genotype.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the LRP6 polymorphism may be associated with body composition and BMD in Iranian children.
Heterogeneity of active sites in recombinant betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase is modulated by potassium
Authors: Muñoz‐Bacasehua César , Rosas‐Rodríguez Jesús A. , Arvizu‐Flores Aldo A. , Stephens‐Camacho Aurora , Soñanez‐Organis José G. , Figueroa‐Soto Ciria G. , Valenzuela‐Soto Elisa M.
Published: June 2020

Betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH EC 1.2.1.8) catalyzes the irreversible oxidation of betaine aldehyde to glycine betaine using NAD+ as a coenzyme. Porcine kidney BADH (pkBADH) follows a bi‐bi ordered mechanism in which NAD+ binds to the enzyme before the aldehyde. Previous studies showed that NAD+ induces complex and unusual conformational changes on pkBADH and that potassium is required to maintain its quaternary structure. The aim of this work was to analyze the structural changes in pkBADH caused by NAD+ binding and the role played by potassium in those changes. The pkBADH cDNA was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the protein was purified by affinity chromatography using a chitin matrix. The pkBADH/NAD+ interaction was analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) and by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) by titrating the enzyme with NAD+. The cDNA has an open reading frame of 1485 bp and encodes a protein of 494 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 53.9 kDa. CD data showed that the binding of NAD+ to the enzyme caused changes in its secondary structure, whereas the presence of K+ helps maintain its α‐helix content. K+ increased the thermal stability of the pkBADH‐NAD+ complex by 5.3°C. ITC data showed that NAD+ binding occurs with different association constants for each active site between 37.5 and 8.6 μM. All the results support previous data in which the enzyme incubation with NAD+ provoked changes in reactivity, which is an indication of slow conformational rearrangements of the active site.
Reconstructing a fractional integro‐differential equation
Authors: Boumenir Amin , Kim Tuan Vu , Al‐Khulaifi Waled
Published: June 2020

We are concerned with the inverse problem of reconstructing a fractional integro‐differential equation from a single observation of its solution at an arbitrary point. We first prove the global existence of solutions generated by suitable initial conditions. For the inverse problem, we reconstruct the unknown coefficients, along with the fractional orderαand the memory kernel as well by using methods of function theory.
Response to the “letter to editor”: Critical appraisal of systematic review
Authors: Van der Looven Ruth , Pitt Matthew
Published: June 2020

See article on pages E70–E71 in this issue.