bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning expression and immunogenicity analysis of inhibin gene in Ye Mule Aries sheep
Authors: Huang Zengwen , Zhang Juan , Hazihan WuReliHazi , Cai Zhengyun , Xin Guosheng , Feng Xiaofang , Gu Yaling
Published: September 2019

Background

Ye Mule Aries sheep is one of the most important sheep breeds in Xinjiang, China. This breed is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions and displays strong disease resistance, fast growth, and high cold tolerance. To analyze the clonal expression and immunogenicity of the Ye Mule Aries sheep inhibin gene, total RNA was extracted from sheep ovarian tissue and used as a template to generate a eukaryotic expression vector and study inhibin immunogenicity.

Methods

Primers were designed to amplify the inhibin A gene via polymerase chain reaction and the amplified product was cloned between the ScalI and EcoRI restriction sites of the expression vector pEGFP-N1 to construct a recombinant plasmid, pEGFP-INHα. Following the validation of successful cloning, the pEGFP-INHα plasmid was transfected into BHK cells to verify expression in eukaryotes and subsequently utilized as an antigen in rabbits. Rabbits were tested for anti-inhibin antibodies and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations.

Results

The analysis of the INHα gene sequence revealed that INHα is 1109 bp long and is translated to an approximately 40 KDa protein. Bioinformatics approach indicated that the INHα gene is highly conserved between organisms. Immunization with the eukaryotic expression vector, pEGFP-INHα, which expresses the INHα gene elicited immune response and generatigeneration on of anti-INHα antibody. The antibody had a significant regulatory effect on the serum concentration of FSH in rabbits and led to higher levels of FSH, indicating increased ovary function.

Conclusions

The present work resulted in a successful construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-INHα and verified the immunogenicity of this highly conserved protein. Further, the expression of pEGFP-INHα was shown to have a significant impact on the secretion of FSH, indicating a potential regulatory role in ovarian function. In conclusion, our current findings can serve as a working model for studying the effect of INHα on the breeding performance of Ye Mule Aries sheep, providing a novel strategy to improve their reproduction rates.
A Melanin‐Based Natural Antioxidant Defense Nanosystem for Theranostic Application in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Sun Tuanwei , Jiang Dawei , Rosenkrans Zachary T. , Ehlerding Emily B. , Ni Dalong , Qi Chao , Kutyreff Christopher J. , Barnhart Todd E. , Engle Jonathan W. , Huang Peng , Cai Weibo
Published: September 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently associated with oxidative stress and causes high mortality annually in clinics. Nanotechnology‐mediated antioxidative therapy is emerging as a novel strategy for the treatment of AKI. Herein, a novel biomedical use of the endogenous biopolymer melanin as a theranostic natural antioxidant defense nanoplatform for AKI is reported. In this study, ultrasmall Mn2+‐chelated melanin (MMP) nanoparticles are easily prepared via a simple coordination and self‐assembly strategy, and further incorporated with polyethylene glycol (MMPP). In vitro experiments reveal the ability of MMPP nanoparticles to scavenge multiple toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppress ROS‐induced oxidative stress. Additionally, in vivo results from a murine AKI model demonstrate preferential renal uptake of MMPP nanoparticles and a subsequent robust antioxidative response with negligible side effects according to positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) bimodal imaging and treatment assessment. These results indicate that the effectiveness of MMPP nanoparticles for treating AKI suggests the potential efficacy of melanin as a natural theranostic antioxidant nanoplatform for AKI, as well as other ROS‐related diseases.
A Reduction‐responsive Amphiphilic Methotrexate‐Podophyllotoxin Conjugate for Targeted Chemotherapy
Authors: Hou Meili , Li Shanshan , Xu Zhigang , Li Baosheng
Published: September 2019

Owing to the naturally high toxicity, poor water solubility, and other side effects of podophyllotoxin (PPT), its applications are limited. To address these issues, we developed a new PPT delivery system, in which the hydrophilic drug methotrexate (MTX) and the hydrophobic drug PPT were linked by a reduction‐responsive disulfide bond to form an amphiphilic drug‐drug conjugate prodrug (MTX‐SS‐PPT). The conjugate could self‐assemble into spherical nanoaggregates in aqueous solution and self‐deliver to tumor tissues. In addition, MTX could target to folate‐receptor‐positive cells. Over‐expression of glutathione in tumor cells broke the disulfide bonds and released the free drug. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that the nanodrug could effectively improve the biocompatibility and reduce the toxicity of PPT.
Consider a pre‐orientation program
Authors: Hamblet Elizabeth C.
Published: September 2019

For many students, transitioning to college can be overwhelming, and for students with disabilities, it may be even more daunting. Schools can ease the move to college by bringing them in for an additional orientation for first‐year students. I spoke to Anne Comfort of Mount Allison University about the Meighen Centre's Pre‐Orientation and to Mari Magler of the University of Wisconsin‐Madison about the McBurney Disability Resource Center's Orientation and Service Training program (commonly called MOST) to get ideas for how such a program could be structured.
Accommodate pregnant and parenting students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2019

BOSTON — Pregnancy itself is not a disability. But even temporary limitations can trigger the need to provide accommodations, said Ida Dilwood, Director of the Office of Disability Services and the University Test Center at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Study finds college students with diabetes at risk for complications, depression
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2019

College or university students who have diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes distress, a condition associated with feeling worried and frustrated about living with diabetes, leading to depression, poor self‐care, and a lower quality of life overall. And students newly enrolled in a college or university are more likely to experience diabetes distress than their peers who have been enrolled longer. Consequences of long‐term mismanagement of diabetes can be severe and include loss of eyesight or loss of limbs.
Effects of restoration on tree communities and carbon storage in rainforest fragments of the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Osuri Anand M. , Kasinathan Srinivasan , Siddhartha Mrinalini K. , Mudappa Divya , Raman T. R. Shankar
Published: September 2019

Ecological restoration is a leading strategy for reversing biodiversity losses and enhancing terrestrial carbon sequestration in degraded tropical forests. There have been few comprehensive assessments of recovery following restoration in fragmented forest landscapes, and the efficacy of active versus passive (i.e., natural regeneration) restoration remains unclear. We examined 11 indicators of forest structure, tree diversity and composition (adult and sapling), and aboveground carbon storage in 25 pairs of actively restored (AR; 7–15 yr after weed removal and mixed‐native tree species planting) and naturally regenerating (NR) plots within degraded rainforest fragments, and in 17 less‐disturbed benchmark (BM) rainforest plots in the Western Ghats, India. We assessed the effects of active restoration on the 11 indicators and tested the hypothesis that the effects of active restoration increase with isolation from contiguous and relatively intact rainforests. Active restoration significantly increased canopy cover, adult tree and sapling density, adult and sapling species density (overall and late‐successional), compositional similarity to benchmarks, and aboveground carbon storage, which recovered 14–82% toward BM targets relative to NR baselines. By contrast, tree height–diameter ratios and the proportion of native saplings did not recover consistently in actively restored forests. The effects of active restoration on canopy cover, species density (adult), late‐successional species density (adult and sapling), and species composition, but not carbon storage, increased with isolation across the fragmented landscape. Our findings show that active restoration can promote recovery of forest structure, composition, and carbon storage within 7–15 yr of restoration in degraded tropical rainforest fragments, although the benefits of active over passive restoration across fragmented landscapes would depend on indicator type and may increase with site isolation. These findings on early stages of recovery suggest that active restoration in ubiquitous fragmented landscapes of the tropics could complement passive restoration of degraded forests in less fragmented landscapes, and protection of intact forests, as a key strategy for conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
Extended Surfactants Including an Alkoxylated Central Part Intermediate Producing a Gradual Polarity Transition—A Review of the Properties Used in Applications Such as Enhanced Oil Recovery and Polar Oil Solubilization in Microemulsions
Authors: Salager Jean‐Louis , Forgiarini Ana , Marquez Ronald
Published: September 2019

The research published in the past half century indicates that surfactant interfacial performance in producing low tension or high solubilization with polar oils is not generally attained with pure conventional species exhibiting well‐defined polar and nonpolar parts. The improvement trends reached with surfactant mixtures as well as the introduction of additives like cosurfactants and linkers lead to the introduction of the so‐called extended surfactants, whose structure includes an intermediate polarity spacer between the hydrophilic head and the lipophilic tail. Recent investigations on different kinds of surfactants in a variety of applications—such as detergency, cosmetics, enhanced oil recovery or crude demulsifying, and vegetable oil extraction—indicate that these extended surfactants are likely to be particularly performing with oils containing polar groups, such as triacylglycerols and asphaltenic crudes. Possible applications of extended surfactants in enhanced oil recovery, crude emulsion breaking, detergency and cleaning, medicine and cosmetics vehicles, and natural oil extraction as well as some other cases are quickly reviewed.
Identifying the Key Risk Factors for Adverse Psychological Outcomes Among Police Officers: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sherwood Larissa , Hegarty Siobhan , Vallières Frédérique , Hyland Philip , Murphy Jamie , Fitzgerald Geraldine , Reid Tracey
Published: September 2019

It is well established that police work is highly stressful; however, a paucity of evidence limits our knowledge and understanding of the factors that may lead to, compromise, and/or compound psychological distress for this unique population. To address this lack, the current systematic review was conducted to reveal the individual, organizational, and operational risk factors that have been identified in the research literature to date and their associations with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and burnout. We performed searches on literature published between January 2008 and January 2018 and identified a total of 20 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The results indicated that individual factors, including high levels of neuroticism, low social support, and engaging in passive or avoidant coping strategies, were associated with adverse psychological outcomes. This review identified low social support from colleagues as the most common risk factor linked to adverse psychological outcomes. Other organizational risk factors associated with such outcomes included high work demands, low resources, and low reward. This article demonstrates that individual, organizational, and operational factors all impact the negative psychological outcomes of police officers to some degree. In particular, the current review suggests that certain negative psychological outcomes are likely a result of a combination of risk factors across the three domains of risk, highlighting the necessity to observe psychological risk of police in a more comprehensive way.
Light‐Responsive Serinol‐Based Polyurethane Nanocarrier for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Sun Jingjiang , Rust Tarik , Kuckling Dirk
Published: September 2019

In the present work, a new and facile strategy for the synthesis of light‐responsive polyurethanes (LrPUs) based on serinol with o‐nitrobenzyl pendent groups is developed. Stable monodisperse nanoparticles from these LrPUs can be formulated reproducibly in a simple manner, which is shown by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Upon irradiation with UV light, both polymers and nanoparticles undergo rapid degradation, which is investigated by DLS, scanning electron microscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The nanoparticles are also employed for the encapsulation of the model drug Nile Red, and by exposure to UV light, a burst release of the payload is detected via fluorescence spectroscopy. This strategy can be easily applied to the straightforward synthesis of various new serinol‐based monomers with different stimuli‐responsive properties and therefore expand the family of biodegradable polymers.
Evolution of cytokines/chemokines in cases with community‐acquired pneumonia and distinct etiologies
Authors: Nascimento‐Carvalho Eduardo C. , Vasconcellos Ângela G. , Clarêncio Jorge , Andrade Daniela , Barral Aldina , Barral‐Netto Manoel , Nascimento‐Carvalho Cristiana M.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To compare the systemic cytokines/chemokines levels over time during the evolution of children hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) with and without pneumococcal infection.

Methods

Children less than 5‐years‐old hospitalized with CAP were prospectively investigated in Salvador, Brazil. Clinical data and biological samples were collected to investigate 20 etiological agents and to determine serum cytokines/chemokines levels on admission and 2 to 4 weeks later. Cases with pneumococcal infection received this diagnosis irrespective of also having other etiologies.

Results

A total of 277 patients were enrolled, however, serum sample was unavailable for cytokine measurement upon admission (n = 61) or upon follow‐up visit (n = 36), etiology was undetected (n = 50) and one patient did not attend the follow‐up visit. Therefore, this study group comprised of 129 cases with established etiology. The median (interquartile range) age and sampling interval was 18 (9‐27) months and 18 (16‐21) days, respectively. Established etiology was viral (52.0%), viral‐bacterial (30.2%), and bacterial (17.8%). Pneumococcal infection was found in 31 (24.0%) patients. Overall, median interleukin‐6 (IL‐6; 10.6 [4.7‐30.6] vs 21.0 [20.2‐21.7]; P = .03), IL‐10 (3.5 [3.1‐4.5] vs 20.1 [19.8‐20.4]; P < .001), and CCL2 (19.3 [12.4‐23.2] vs 94.0 [67.2‐117.8]; P < .001) were significantly higher in convalescent serum samples, whereas median CXCL10 (83.6 [36.4‐182.9] vs 14.6 [0‐116.6]; P < .001) was lower. Acute vs convalescent levels evolution of IL‐10, CCL2, and CXCL10 did not differ among patients with or without pneumococcal infection. However, IL‐6 decreased (27.8 [12.3‐48.6] vs 20.8 [20.2‐22.6]; P = .1) in patients with pneumococcal infection and increased (9.0 [4.2‐22.6] vs 21.0 [20.2‐21.7]; P = .001) in patients without it.

Conclusion

The marked increase of IL‐6 serum levels during the acute phase makes it a potential biomarker of pneumococcal infection among children with CAP.
Strain‐Induced Slater Transition in Polar Metal LiOsO3
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gong Ji-Jun , Li Chuan-Fu , Lin Lin , Yan Zhi-Bo , Dong Shuai , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: September 2019

LiOsO3 is the first experimentally confirmed polar metal. Previous works suggested that the ground state of LiOsO3 is just close to the critical point of metal–insulator transition. Herein, the electronic state of LiOsO3 is tuned by epitaxial biaxial strain, which undergoes the Slater‐type metal–insulator transition under tensile strain, i.e., the G‐type antiferromagnetism emerges. The underlying mechanism of bandwidth tuning can be extended to its sister compound NaOsO3, which shows an opposite transition from an antiferromagnetic insulator to a nonmagnetic metal under hydrostatic pressure. A feasible route is suggested for the manipulation of magnetism and conductivity of polar metal LiOsO3.
Development of dam inspection robot with negative pressure effect plate
Authors: Sakagami Norimitsu , Yumoto Yosuke , Takebayashi Takahiro , Kawamura Sadao
Published: September 2019

This paper describes the development of an underwater robot that performs visual inspection while making mechanical contact with a dam surface by a pulling force generated from thrusters with negative pressure effect plates. In general, small and lightweight remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have low‐power thrusters. Their positioning performance is inferior with respect to external disturbances. Moreover, it is difficult for untrained operators to control the ROV position to check and inspect dams visually. A negative pressure effect plate attached to a thruster produces negative pressure that maintains mechanical contact between the robot and a dam wall surface and ensures stable robot motion on a dam surface to acquire clear continuous images. As described herein, we theoretically investigate the negative pressure effect plate characteristics and experimentally measure the force generated by the pressure difference. Results show that the force of a thruster with the effect plate is five times greater than the nominal thrust force provided by the thruster alone. Based on those results, we designed and developed the underwater robot with the negative pressure effect plates for dam inspection. Moreover, we conducted an experiment in a water tank and a field test at Shorenji Dam, Mie‐prefecture, Japan. The experimentally obtained results indicated that the negative pressure effective plate is effective at generating sufficient force and at realizing stable robot motion on the dam surface. Results demonstrate that the developed robot acquired clear images of the dam surface continuously with no sophisticated operator or controller.
The Effect of Various Extracting Agents on the Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Pea Starch
Authors: Lu Zhan‐Hui , Donner Elizabeth , Liu Qiang
Published: September 2019

Organic acids (5% lactic acid and 5% acetic acid, w/v) and biosolvents (5% ethyl lactate, 5% and 10% d‐limonene, w/v) are used as extraction agents during starch isolation from pea flour. NaOH at 0.4% w/v served as a control. The results show few differences in starch granular morphology, apparent amylose content, and most thermal parameters, and negligible differences in starch crystalline structure. However, noticeable differences are observed in protein and starch damage content, and pasting viscosities among starch isolated by different extraction agents. The starch extracted by 5% ethyl lactate has the highest protein residue (1.1%) compared to others (≤0.4%), while the starch extracted by 5% acetic acid shows the lowest pasting viscosities. d‐Limonene at 5% seems to be a promising biosolvent to isolate pea starch for its low residual protein, and no solvent residue, yet the highest pasting viscosities in starch. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detects bands of residual protein in all samples, and also unique bands at 1564, 1575, and 1720 cm−1 related to acid residue in starches extracted by the two organic acids. Chemometric analysis of FTIR spectra differentiates starches extracted by biosolvents from those extracted by alkali and acidic agents.
Protective factors in mature human milk: a look into the proteome and peptidome of adolescent mothers’ breast milk
Authors: Campanhon Isabele Batista , da Silva Márcia Regina Soares , de Magalhães Mariana Torquato Quezado , Zingali Russolina Benedeta , Bezerra Flávia Fioruci , Torres Alexandre Guedes
Published: September 2019

The characterisation of proteome and peptidome of adolescent mothers’ breast milk brings important information to both mother’s and infant’s health; however, it has not been investigated. Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins have numerous functions. The bioactivity of breast milk peptides includes anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities and regulation of gastrointestinal function. We aimed to characterise the proteome and peptidome of mature breast milk of adolescent mothers and investigate whether it is affected by lactational period. We used a combination of electrophoretic and nano-scale LC-quadrupole time-of-flight MS/MS (nLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) techniques and bioinformatics to explore the proteome of human skimmed milk expressed by lactating adolescents in two groups according to postpartum period (up to 3 and over 5 weeks postpartum). This is the first study that analysed the proteome of adolescent mothers’ breast milk produced during two periods of lactation using 1D-electrophoresis combined with nLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Our results showed that the protein composition of adolescent milk varies independently of lactation stage and showed high inter-individual variation. A total of 424 proteins were identified in skimmed milk, of which 137 proteins were common to both groups. Most of the peptides found in adolescents’ breast milk were not derived from major proteins in milk. Association maps showed several interactions between groups of peptides that pointed to the relevance of breast milk peptides to neonatal defensive system.
“This Land Remains German”: Requisitioning, Society, and the US Army, 1945–1956
Authors: Seipp Adam R.
Published: September 2019

This article examines debates over the requisitioning of real estate by the US Army during the decade after the end of World War II. Requisitioning quickly emerged as one of the most contentious issues in the relationship between German civilians and the American occupation. American policy changed several times as the physical presence of the occupiers shrank during the postwar period then expanded again after the outbreak of the Korean War. I show that requisitioning became a key site of contestation during the early years of the Federal Republic. The right to assert authority over real property served as a visible reminder of the persistent limits of German sovereignty. By pushing back against American requisitioning policy, Germans articulated an increasingly assertive claim to sovereign rights.
Design and optimization of a laser-PIXE beamline for material science applications
Authors: Morabito A. , Scisciò M. , Veltri S. , Migliorati M. , Antici P.
Published: September 2019

Multi-MeV proton beams can be generated by irradiating thin solid foils with ultra-intense (>1018 W/cm2) short laser pulses. Several of their characteristics, such as high bunch charge and short pulse duration, make them a complementary alternative to conventional radio frequency-based accelerators. A potential material science application is the chemical analysis of cultural heritage (CH) artifacts. The complete chemistry of the bulk material (ceramics, metals) can be retrieved through sophisticated nuclear techniques such as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Recently, the use of laser-generated proton beams was introduced as diagnostics in material science (laser-PIXE or laser-driven PIXE): Coupling laser-generated proton sources to conventional beam steering devices successfully enhances the capture and transport of the laser-accelerated beam. This leads to a reduction of the high divergence and broad energy spread at the source. The design of our hybrid beamline is composed of an energy selector, followed by permanent quadrupole magnets aiming for better control and manipulation of the final proton beam parameters. This allows tailoring both, mean proton energy and spot sizes, yet keeping the system compact. We performed a theoretical study optimizing a beamline for laser-PIXE applications. Our design enables monochromatizing the beam and shaping its final spot size. We obtain spot sizes ranging between a fraction of mm up to cm scale at a fraction of nC proton charge per shot. These results pave the way for a versatile and tunable laser-PIXE at a multi-Hz repetition rate using modern commercially available laser systems.
Impact of conjugation strategies for targeting of antibodies in gold nanoparticles for ultrasensitive detection of 17β-estradiol
Authors: Oliveira Jairo Pinto , Prado Adilson Ribeiro , Keijok Wanderson Juvencio , Antunes Paulo Wagnner Pereira , Yapuchura Enrique Ronald , Guimarães Marco Cesar Cunegundes
Published: September 2019

Antibody-coated nanoparticles have recently attracted considerable attention, with the focus falling on diagnostics. Nevertheless, controlled antibody bioconjugation remains a challenge. Here, we present two strategies of bioconjugation with the aim of evaluating the best approach for the coupling of antibodies on the surface of nanomaterials in an oriented way. We employed electrostatic interaction (physical adsorption) and covalent conjugation in the orientation of antibodies on the metallic surface as coupling methods, and their influence on the detection of 17β-estradiol was addressed with localized surface plasmon resonance. The understanding of these mechanisms is fundamental for the development of reproducible inorganic bioconjugates with oriented surface as well sensibility of immunoassays.
ICEKp2: description of an integrative and conjugative element in Klebsiella pneumoniae, co-occurring and interacting with ICEKp1
Authors: Farzand Robeena , Rajakumar Kumar , Zamudio Roxana , Oggioni Marco R. , Barer Michael R , O’Hare Helen M.
Published: September 2019

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a human pathogen, prominent in antimicrobial-resistant and nosocomial infection. The integrative and conjugative element ICEKp1 is present in a third of clinical isolates and more prevalent in invasive disease; it provides genetic diversity and enables the spread of virulence-associated genes. We report a second integrative conjugative element that can co-occur with ICEKp1 in K. pneumoniae. This element, ICEKp2, is similar to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity island PAPI. We identified ICEKp2 in K. pneumoniae sequence types ST11, ST258 and ST512, which are associated with carbapenem-resistant outbreaks in China and the US, including isolates with and without ICEKp1. ICEKp2 was competent for excision, but self-mobilisation to recipient Escherichia coli was not detected. In an isolate with both elements, ICEKp2 positively influenced the efficiency of plasmid mobilisation driven by ICEKp1. We propose a putative mechanism, in which a Mob2 ATPase of ICEKp2 may contribute to the ICEKp1 conjugation machinery. Supporting this mechanism, mob2, but not a variant with mutations in the ATPase motif, restored transfer efficiency to an ICEKp2 knockout. This is the first demonstration of the interaction between integrative and conjugative genetic elements in a single Gram-negative bacterium with implications for understanding evolution by horizontal gene transfer.
Precision nitrogen management in drip irrigated maize (Zea maysL.)
Authors: Shivalli Boregowda Yogananda , Puttavenkategowda Thimmegowda , Salekoplu Sannegowda Prakash , Goravale Kempegowda Shruthi
Published: September 2019

The field experiment was conducted duringkharif2014 and 2015 at ZARS, V. C. Farm, Mandya to study the effect of precision nitrogen management on growth, yield and economics of drip irrigated maize. There were 9 treatments replicated thrice in Randomized Complete Block Design. Among the various treatments, drip fertigation of nitrogen through Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) meter sufficiency index of 95-100 per cent under paired row (30/90) recorded significantly higher growth and yield parametersviz., plant height, LAI, total dry matter production, cob length, number of rows per cob, number of kernels per cob and cob weight along with kernel (85.73 and 86.78 q/ha) and stover yield (140.4 and 145.3 q/ha) during both the years of experimentation as compared to UAS Bangalore package with surface irrigation and normal spacing of 60 cm X 30 cm and was being on par with nitrogen management through Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) 6, SPAD sufficiency index of 90-95 per cent and LCC 5. The SPAD sufficiency index of 95-100 per cent registered higher net returns (Rs. 69,634 and Rs. 77,614, respectively) and B:C ratio (2.82 and 3.00, respectively) followed by LCC 6.
Signal processing algorithm of ship navigation radar based on azimuth distance monitoring
Authors: Qin Yuxin , Chen Yu
Published: September 2019

The effect of ship navigation radar signal processing has a great impact on the overall performance of the radar system. In this paper, the signal processing algorithm is studied. Firstly, the principle of radar azimuth and distance monitoring is introduced, then the pulse accumulation algorithm and median filtering algorithm are analyzed, and finally a sea clutter suppression algorithm based on sensitivity time control (STC) and a rain and snow clutter suppression algorithm based on constant false alarm rate are designed to improve the target monitoring performance of radar. In the test of the algorithm, the radar signal processing algorithm designed in this study has good precision as monitoring error of the target's azimuth and distance is controlled within 1%; and it also has a better suppression effect of sea clutter and rain and snow clutter, which can suppress the clutter well, improve the target clarity, and ensure the safe navigation of the ship. The experiment proves the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and provides some theoretical basis for the better processing of radar signals, which is beneficial to improve the environment perception ability of ships in harsh environments and promote the further development of the navigation industry.
Study on Crowning of helical gear shaved by CNC shaving machine with three synchronous axes
Authors: Hsu Ruei-Hung , Han Chi-Wen
Published: September 2019

Gear Shaving is the most efficient and economical ways to finish gears before heat treatment. The workpiece after shaving operation can reduce the running noise, which often used in the automobile industry. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model of a CNC shaving machine with multi-synchronous axes. The proposed mathematical model can be used to calculate the crowning tooth surface of the gear in parallel-shaving process.
Se réapproprier l’incertitude du marais : réintroduire la réflexivité dans l’enseignement du raisonnement clinique
Authors: Kinsella Anne E.
Published: September 2019

Contexte et problématique : L’auteure défend le point de vue selon lequel, paradoxalement, certains usages pédagogiques des typologies formelles développées à propos du raisonnement clinique pourraient limiter le développement des capacités de raisonnement clinique que les enseignants espèrent justement encourager. Exégèse : L’auteure rappelle les dimensions de complexité et d’incertitude du raisonnement clinique, en soulignant la nature foncièrement interprétative des processus en jeu. Elle suggère quelques moyens par lesquels il serait possible de se réapproprier la dimension de réflexivité dans le cadre de l’enseignement du raisonnement clinique. Conclusion : Dans une perspective éducationnelle, les théories de la réflexivité devraient désormais être mieux articulées avec les théories du raisonnement clinique. Les initiatives pédagogiques visant à favoriser le développement du raisonnement clinique pourraient bénéficier de la réintroduction de la réflexivité comme point de départ.
Nicht-kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: September 2019

Das nicht-kleinzellige Lungenkarzinom (NSCLC) ist eine Vorreiter-Entität für die personalisierte Therapie bezüglich histologischer und molekularbiologischer Ausprägung der Tumoren. Bei der diesjährigen Jahresversammlung der ASCO wurden mithilfe von Subgruppenanalysen Patienten identifiziert, deren Prognose mit speziellen Regimen verbessert werden kann.
Decision-Centered Design of Patient Information Visualizations to Support Chronic Pain Care
Authors: Harle Christopher A. , DiIulio Julie , Downs Sarah M. , Danielson Elizabeth C. , Anders Shilo , Cook Robert L. , Hurley Robert W. , Mamlin Burke W. , Militello Laura G.
Published: September 2019

Background For complex patients with chronic conditions, electronic health records (EHRs) contain large amounts of relevant historical patient data. To use this information effectively, clinicians may benefit from visual information displays that organize and help them make sense of information on past and current treatments, outcomes, and new treatment options. Unfortunately, few clinical decision support tools are designed to support clinical sensemaking.

Objective The objective of this study was to describe a decision-centered design process, and resultant interactive patient information displays, to support key clinical decision requirements in chronic noncancer pain care.

Methods To identify key clinical decision requirements, we conducted critical decision method interviews with 10 adult primary care clinicians. Next, to identify key information needs and decision support design seeds, we conducted a half-day multidisciplinary design workshop. Finally, we designed an interactive prototype to support the key clinical decision requirements and information needs uncovered during the previous research activities.

Results The resulting Chronic Pain Treatment Tracker prototype summarizes the current treatment plan, past treatment history, potential future treatments, and treatment options to be cautious about. Clinicians can access additional details about each treatment, current or past, through modal views. Additional decision support for potential future treatments and treatments to be cautious about is also provided through modal views.

Conclusion This study designed the Chronic Pain Treatment Tracker, a novel approach to decision support that presents clinicians with the information they need in a structure that promotes quick uptake, understanding, and action.
A thickness measuring device of metal sheet based on dual triangulation through side irradiation with single camera
Authors: Gao Xinxing , Zhao Bin , Wang Qiwei
Published: September 2019

A classical thickness measuring device based on dual triangulation places the laser sources over and under the sample. According to reports from factories, the tail warping of the metal sheet usually strikes the laser sources and damages them. In order to solve the problem, the dot laser sources are replaced by laser light section generators and placed on the side to avoid the tail warping crash. Moreover, only one camera is employed to monitor both upper and lower line faculae simultaneously, which solves the asynchronism problem. The optical structure and measuring mechanism of the improved device are described in this paper. A nonlinear fitting is utilized to calibrate the device, and the experimental result reveals that the maximum relative error is lower than 1.6% when the measured thickness ranges from 0.2 to 1 mm. Furthermore, even if the object is inclined within 5°, the maximum relative error is still lower than 2.55%.
Quasi-best approximation in optimization with PDE constraints
Authors: Gaspoz Fernando , Kreuzer Christian , Veeser Andreas , Wollner Winnifried
Published: September 2019

We consider finite element solutions to quadratic optimization problems, where the state depends on the control via a well-posed linear partial differential equation. Exploiting the structure of a suitably reduced optimality system, we prove that the combined error in the state and adjoint state of the variational discretization is bounded by the best approximation error in the underlying discrete spaces. The constant in this bound depends on the inverse square root of the Tikhonov regularization parameter. Furthermore, if the operators of control action and observation are compact, this quasi-best approximation constant becomes independent of the Tikhonov parameter as the mesh size tends to 0 and we give quantitative relationships between mesh size and Tikhonov parameter ensuring this independence. We also derive generalizations of these results when the control variable is discretized or when it is taken from a convex set.
Neuroinflammation and Not Tauopathy Is a Predominant Pathological Signature of Nodding Syndrome
Authors: Hotterbeekx An , Lammens Martin , Idro Richard , Akun Pamela R , Lukande Robert , Akena Geoffrey , Nath Avindra , Taylor Joneé , Olwa Francis , Kumar-Singh Samir , Colebunders Robert
Published: September 2019

Nodding syndrome (NS) is an epileptic disorder occurring in children in African onchocerciasis endemic regions. Here, we describe the pathological changes in 9 individuals from northern Uganda who died with NS (n = 5) or other forms of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) (n = 4). Postmortem examinations were performed and clinical information was obtained. Formalin-fixed brain samples were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry was used to stain astrocytes (GFAP), macrophages (CD68), ubiquitin, α-synuclein, p62, TDP-43, amyloid β, and tau (AT8). The cerebellum showed atrophy and loss of Purkinje cells with hyperplasia of the Bergmann glia. Gliosis and features of past ventriculitis and/or meningitis were observed in all but 1 participant. CD68-positive macrophage clusters were observed in all cases in various degrees. Immunohistochemistry for amyloid β, α-synuclein, or TDP-43 was negative. Mild to sparse AT8-positive neurofibrillary tangle-like structures and threads were observed in 4/5 NS and 2/4 OAE cases, preferentially in the frontal and parietal cortex, thalamic- and hypothalamic regions, mesencephalon and corpus callosum. Persons who died with NS and other forms of OAE presented similar pathological changes but no generalized tauopathy, suggesting that NS and other forms of OAE are different clinical presentations of a same disease with a common etiology.
Methionine synthase 1 provides methionine for activation of the GLR3.5 Ca2+ channel and regulation of germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ju Chuanli , Kong Dongdong , Lee Yuree , Ge Gege , Song Yanan , Liu Jiawen , Kwak June M
Published: September 2019

Seed germination is a developmental process regulated by numerous internal and external cues. Our previous studies have shown that calcium influx mediated by the Arabidopsis glutamate receptor homolog 3.5 (AtGLR3.5) modulates the expression of the ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4) transcription factor during germination and that L-methionine (L-Met) activates AtGLR3.1/3.5 Ca2+ channels in guard cells. However, it is not known whether L-Met participates in regulation of germination and what cellular mechanism is responsible for Met production during germination. Here, we describe Arabidopsis methionine synthase 1 (AtMS1), which acts in the final step of Met biosynthesis, synthesizes the Met required for the activation of AtGLR3.5 Ca2+ channels whose expression is up-regulated during germination, leading to the regulation of seed germination. We show that exogenous L-Met promotes germination in an AtGRL3.5-dependent manner. We also demonstrate that L-Met directly regulates the AtGLR3.5-mediated increase in cytosolic Ca2+ level in seedlings. We provide pharmacological and genetic evidence that Met synthesized via AtMS1 acts upstream of the AtGLR3.5-mediated Ca2+ signal and regulates the expression of ABI4, a major regulator in the abscisic acid response in seeds. Overall, our results link AtMS1, L-Met, the AtGLR3.5 Ca2+ channel, Ca2+ signals, and ABI4, and shed light on the physiological role and molecular mechanism of L-Met in germination.
The universal rotation curve of low surface brightness galaxies – IV. The interrelation between dark and luminous matter
Authors: Di Paolo Chiara , Salucci Paolo , Erkurt Adnan
Published: September 2019

We investigate the properties of the baryonic and the dark matter components in low surface brightness (LSB) disc galaxies, with central surface brightness in the B band $\mu _0 \ge 23 \, \mathrm{mag \, arcsec}^{-2}$. The sample is composed of 72 objects, whose rotation curves show an orderly trend reflecting the idea of a universal rotation curve (URC) similar to that found in the local high surface brightness (HSB) spirals in previous works. This curve relies on the mass modelling of the co-added rotation curves, involving the contribution from an exponential stellar disc and a Burkert cored dark matter halo. We find that the dark matter is dominant especially within the smallest and less luminous LSB galaxies. Dark matter haloes have a central surface density $\Sigma _0 \sim 100 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot } \, \mathrm{pc}^{-2}$, similar to galaxies of different Hubble types and luminosities. We find various scaling relations among the LSBs structural properties which turn out to be similar but not identical to what has been found in HSB spirals. In addition, the investigation of these objects calls for the introduction of a new luminous parameter, the stellar compactness C* (analogously to a recent work by Karukes & Salucci), alongside the optical radius and the optical velocity in order to reproduce the URC. Furthermore, a mysterious entanglement between the properties of the luminous and the dark matter emerges.
The Key Role of Energy in Economic Growth
Authors: Ayres Robert U. , Brockway Paul E. , Aramendia Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

Most articles on energy and economics focus on aspects such as the price of petroleum, the cost of electric power, or the demand for domestic air conditioning or industrial heat. Those topics are about the factors driving producers to invest in different sources of supply, and the factors affecting demand. Instead, this article is about how energy acts as a crucial factor of production and as a driver of, or barrier to, economic growth. It also explains how it happens that conventional economic theory neglects the role of energy, and discusses the implications of that neglect in terms of explaining past economic developments and forecasting the future. This article presents the key thermodynamic-based concepts for studying the relationships between energy and the economy, and finds that upcoming energetic constraints mean the neo-classical illusion of a global, perpetual economic growth machine will fail, and most likely sometime soon.
The Architecture of an Internal, Scientific, Presubmission Review Program Designed to Increase the Impact and Success of Grant Proposals and Manuscripts
Authors: Johnson Mallory O. , Neilands Torsten B. , Kegeles Susan M. , Gaffney Stuart , Lightfoot Marguerita A.
Published: September 2019

Securing extramural grant funding and publishing in peer-reviewed journals are key indicators of success for many investigators in academic settings. As a result, these expectations are also sources of stress for investigators and trainees considering such careers. As competition over grant funding, costs of conducting research, and diffusion of effort across multiple demands increase, the need to submit high-quality applications and publications is paramount. For over 3 decades, the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies at the University of California, San Francisco, has refined an internal, presubmission, peer review program to improve the quality and potential success of products before external submission. In this article, the rationale and practical elements of the system are detailed, and recent satisfaction reports, grant submission outcomes, and plans for ongoing tracking of the success rates of products reviewed are discussed. The program includes both early-stage concept reviews of ideas in their formative state and full product reviews of near-final drafts. Recent evaluation data indicate high levels of reviewee satisfaction with multiple domains of the process, including scheduling the review sessions, preparedness and expertise of the reviewers, and overall quality of the review. Outcome data from reviews conducted over a recent 12-month period demonstrate subsequent funding of 44% of proposals reviewed through the program, a success rate that surpasses the National Institutes of Health funding success rates for the same time period. Suggestions for the sustainability of the program and for its adoption at other institutions and settings less dependent on extramural funding are provided.
Cancer Stem Cells and Osteosarcoma: Opportunities and Limitations
Authors: Arif Abul , Hansen Marc F. , Alander Cynthia B. , Monson David K. , Reimer Nickolas B. , Drissi Hicham
Published: September 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy and is a leading cause of cancer-related death in children and young adults. Combination chemotherapy developed 3 decades ago significantly improved long-term survival compared to surgery alone. However, despite notable tumor cytoreduction and remission, the 5-year survival rate has remained static at ∼70% since, and the surviving patients have high chemoresistance with sustained risk of recurrent OS that has propensity to metastasize. After metastasis, the 5-year survival rate is abysmally low (∼10% to 20%). Emerging new evidence has revealed that within the heterogenous OS tumor evolves a subset of cancer stem cells with progenitor abilities that contribute to chemoresistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. Mechanistic insight into these cells has rekindled the hope for novel agents and treatment regimens for OS patients. In this review we discuss the recent advances towards the understanding of OS with emphasis on the functions of the cancer stem cells, microenvironment niche, genetic, epigenetic factors, and signaling pathways as well as their potential for new therapeutics.
Targeted germline sequencing of patients with three or more primary melanomas reveals high rate of pathogenic variants
Authors: Li Christopher , Liu Tong , Tavtigian Sean V. , Boucher Kenneth , Kohlmann Wendy , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Grossman Douglas
Published: September 2019

Individuals with multiple primary melanomas have rates of germlineCDKN2Apathogenic variants of 3%–18%, and are also frequent carriers of variants in the melanocortin-1 receptor. Few patients with numerous (≥3) primary melanomas have been studied with respect to these or other potential germline pathogenic variants. We investigated 46 patients with≥3 primary melanomas (3, n = 17; 4, n = 14; 5–14, n = 15) to determine if higher rates of germline pathogenic variants ofCDKN2A, MC1R, or other cancer genes could explain their extreme melanoma phenotype. Most (43/46, 93%) patients had variants inMC1Rand 11/46 (24%) hadCDKN2Apathogenic variants, but only male sex and having two variants inMC1Rcorrelated with increasing number of melanomas. Panel screening of 56 other cancer predisposition genes did not reveal other germline pathogenic variants associated with melanoma (CDK4,BAP1,POT1), although pathogenic variants inTP53,CHEK2, andBRCA2were present in three separate patients and some patients had variants of uncertain significance. In summary, targeted germline sequencing of patients with≥3 primary melanomas revealed a high rate of pathogenic variants inCDKN2Aand other known cancer genes. Although further investigation of these pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance is needed, these results support cancer gene panel testing in individuals diagnosed with≥3 melanomas.