bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance calculation of silicone oil fan clutch
Authors: Xu Enhua , Lv Xiaojing
Published: November 2019

This paper established the torque model of the cylinder head and end faceof the siliconeoil fan clutch under cylindrical coordinates. First, some correlation coefficients were determined based on the data of the corresponding device provided by the supplier, and then the model was used to directly obtain the performance curve of the fan at different inputs, speed and radiator outlet temperature conditions.The performance curves of the LE-040-Z670H-9 and LB-15.9X44-Z410W-7 silicone oil fan clutches are in line with the actual conditions, indicating that the established clutch mathematical model is correct and which provides theoretical support for designing the improved clutch.
Consumer traceable food attribute preference research–based on the survey data of 1116 consumers in chengdu
Authors: Zeng FengQing , Zhong Ming , Li WenFang , Luo Hao , Tian Jun
Published: November 2019

Previous studies have shown that traceability system is an important technical means to solve food safety problems. As a way of information disclosure, traceability system can effectively improve the problem of information asymmetry in the food supply chain, so as to overcome market failure and improve food safety to a certain extent. However, the mechanism of information transmission of traceability system is controversial. One view is that consumers obtain more food safety information through food traceability to judge whether food is safe or not. Another view is that the traceability system sends quality signals to consumers to improve their confidence and effectiveness in purchasing food. According to the current research results, based on the origin and quality attribute two variable scale design, using the survey data of chengdu, 1116 consumers SPSS factor analysis is adopted to establish the index of correlation matrix, combined the theory of information entropy, determine the index weight of two kinds of attribute information, to verify that the consumer information transfer mechanism of food traceability system preferences. The results show that 72.22% consumers prefer the food traceability system to directly transmit quality assurance signals to them, which verifies that the traceability system is more effective in solving information asymmetry through signal path.
In-situ HKUST-1 growth into inner pores of activated carbon granule for CO2 efficient capture
Authors: Zhen Hong-Gang , Zhao Zhi-Ping , Mao Heng , Li Tong , Li Jia-Hui , Hou Tian-Shu
Published: November 2019

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are efficient adsorption materials for carbon capture and storage. We proposed a strategy of solid-liquid in-situ reaction method to grow MOFs in activated carbon granule (AC), preparing high efficient CO2 adsorbent. At first, metal salts were solidified in the pores of AC granule carriers by 445 K treating. Then the organic ligands were introduced into the pores of AC. The MOF can be successfully prepared by solidliquid reaction method. By this method, MOFs uniformly disperse in AC pores, making it possible for MOFs used in fixed bed adsorption separation. The CO2 adsorption was tested by conducting breakthrough experiments in a fixed bed. When organic ligand concentration increased from 0 to 6%, the CO2 uptake value increased from 0.2868 mmol⋅g−1 to 0.3324 mmol⋅g−1 in the CO2/Air atmosphere with CO2 concentration of 10%. The CO2 uptake value increased 67% at 5000 PPM compared to original AC.
Effect of extrusion temperature on PP hollow fiber membrane properties and its CO2 degassing performance
Authors: Yan Su-Ying , Wang Yu-Jie , Wang Wen-Zhi , Zhao Zhi-Ping
Published: November 2019

It is challenging to remove low concentration CO2 from water. Membrane degassing has potential advantages in degassing from water. In this paper, PP hollow fiber membrane (HFM) was prepared via TIPS method using carnauba wax (Cwax) and soybean oil (SO) as binary green diluents. The effects of extrusion temperature on the membrane properties were studied. The results showed that when the extrusion temperature increased from 155 °C to 170 °C, the membrane pore size first increased and then decreased, and the maximum value was obtained at 165 °C. The extrusion temperature had little effect on morphology and liquid entry pressure (LEP) of the membrane. Considering the pore size and LEP synthetically, the optimized PP HFM was prepared at the extrusion temperature of 170 °C, and fabricated into the membrane module. The CO2 degassing performance from the water in RO system was studied. The results showed that the degassing efficiency (η) decreased as the water flow rate increased, which was mainly due to the decreasing water residence time in the membrane module. When the effective membrane length increased to 4.41 m, the η was almost stable at 80%.
Assessment of microelements in six varieties of sesame seeds using ICP-MS
Authors: Hu Jinmei , Zhou Lin
Published: November 2019

Sesame seeds are being used since long time worldwide and particularly in China as a food ingredient. However, insufficient information is available with micro mineral concentrations in different varieties of sesame seeds. The study compared the mineral composition in six varieties of black and white sesame seeds in China. Eleven trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo and Ba) were quantified on inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after closed-vessel microwave digestion. In general, average levels of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Ba in selected varieties ranged 1.07-7.40 mg/100 g, based on dry weight of the samples. Nevertheless, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Se and Mo were found at lower concentrations (<0.14 mg/100 g). The average concentrations of Mn, Fe and Zn in black sesame varieties were higher than that of the white varieties. No significant variation was noted for V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Se, Mo and Ba contents between black and white sesame seeds. On the whole, black varieties of sesame exhibited similar levels of investigated elements, which could be helpful to suggest the consumption value of sesame seeds based on mineral contents.
Study on AGC Emergency Adjustment Technology of Thermal Power Units for Suppressing Power Grid Fluctuation
Authors: Li Jun , Meng XiangRong , Yang PengWei , Wang Ting , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2019

Due to the increasing scale of new energy and the increasingly close interconnection of regional power grids, higher requirements are put forward for the adjustment of active power under power grid faults. Automatic generation control(AGC) is an important function of the energy management system(EMS), it controls the output of the frequency modulation units, and keeps the system in a safe and stable operating state. By analyzing the basic principle and assessment index of AGC control, combined with AGC control process, the emergency active power control strategy of thermal power unit is proposed. By cooperating with AGC of superior dispatching, the effective suppression of power grid fluctuation is realized, which provides effective protection for grid security control.
Trend prediction of regional groundwater level with GISFEFLOW model in Beijing Mihuaishun plain, China
Authors: Ren B. , liang J. , Dai J. F. , Li X. , Sun T. , Han Y.
Published: November 2019

A three dimensional finite element model (FEFLOW) has been used for regional ground water flow modeling of Mihuaishun plain located in the south of Beijing, China. The numerical groundwater flow model is developed considering recharge components (precipitation infiltration, river leakage, and irrigation return flow). GIS interface is created for each source of recharge. Hydraulic conductivities and storage coefficient have been calibrated by the steady state model using the recorded data from 2007 to 2009. The model results is useful to identify the aquifer characteristics and to analyze the groundwater dynamics. The groundwater level monitoring network will be improved by analyzing groundwater levels. The future development scenarios are proposed to predict the trend changes of groundwater levels.
The Effect of Sorghum Flour (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Addition to Characteristic Quality of Goat Milk Sinbiotic Yoghurt Candidate
Authors: Sukarminah Een , Lanti Indira , Wulandari Endah , Lembong Elazmanawati , Utami Ratih
Published: November 2019

Sorghum flour goat milk can be processed into functional food product, which is sinbiotic yoghurt. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate concentration of sorghum flour to produce goat milk sinbiotic yoghurt with good characteristics. The method of this study is descriptive method and using Randomized Block Design with 4 treatments of sorghum flour addition by 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% (w/v) and 3 replications. The results showed that the addition of sorghum flour of 5% (b/v) was the selected treatment with microbiological quality, namely total acid resistant probiotic bacteria, total salt resistant probiotic bacteria, total lactic acid bacteria (BAL) in accordance with the standard of more than 7 log CFU/mL, pH and total titrated acid are in the acid range, total solids and viscosity tend to be in the yoghurt set range.
Optimization of hydroponic technology for production of mycorrhiza biofertilizer
Authors: Nurbaity A , Istifadah N , Haryantini B A , Ilhami M F , Habibullah M I , Arifin M
Published: November 2019

Mycorrhiza has been known could increase plants’ nutrient uptake through promoting root zone which resulted in higher yield production. A glasshouse experiment was conducted to optimize the technology for arbuscular mycorrhiza biofertilizer production through hydroponic system with automatic watering system and nutrient solution modification. Sorghum bicolor was used as host plants, grown for six weeks on medium contained mixture of zeolite and rice husk charcoal with the addition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum. Different hydroponic techniques (Deep Flow and Ebb Flow) and phosphorus content in nutrient solutions (0, 20, 40, 80 ppm) were tested. Results showed that different types of hydroponic system and rates of P in nutrient solution gave significant differences in increasing mycorrhizal colonization in roots, number of mycorrhizal spores, P uptake and biomass of plants. The best hydroponic technique was Ebb Flow with P content 40 ppm which was 50% lower than the standard nutrient solution for hydroponic. These findings suggest that the production of mycorrhiza biofertilizer through optimization of nutrient solution and growing medium in hydroponic system was potential for future practice. This technology could be used for mass production of “clean” and good quality of mycorrhizal biofertilizer.
Value Added Analysis of Yard-Based Agroindustry for Food Security
Authors: Wardhani R M , Wuryantoro  , Adinurani P G
Published: November 2019

Optimization of land utilization is the best solution in providing value-added for agroindustry products. In the food security the existence of Agroindustry is highly needed, but the problem of agroindustry now a days is the continuity of raw material availability. This study goals is to analysing the added value of plants grown in the yard-based including fruit crops, vegetable crop sand medicinal plants into agro-industry products. The method used is descriptive method applied in some areas that empower fruit, vegetable and medicinal plants as supplier of raw material of agroindustry, while the method of data analysis is using Value-Add Analysis method, using Hayami method (1987). The results showed that: 1) Fruit plants processed into processed products can be the highest value added ratio was processed into 58.97% (Emping Melinjo product), 58.29% (Guava juice), 50.03% (Banana Chips), 49.10% (Papaya Sauce), and Mango Syrup is 39.06%. 2). Vegetable plants that are processed into processed products can find out the highest value-added ratio is processed into Sledri Chips by 80.24%, Kangkung Chips by 78.35%, Bayem Chips by 77.37%, Tomato Sauce by 42.40% and Chilli Sauce is 29.01%. 3) Plants Medicines that are processed into processed products can be known the highest value added ratio is processed into Pandan Colour products by 90%, Turmeric Herbs by 65%, Ginger Syrup by 64.80%.
The effect of probiotic originated from Kumpai Grass Silage to Final Weight, Carcass Percentage and Commercial Carcass Cut of Pegagan duck
Authors: Meisji L.S , Darmawan  , Fitra Y. , Sofia S. , Nuni G. , Nasir R
Published: November 2019

Optimal performance production of duck may increase by the probiotic treatment. The research was held to study the effect of probiotic originated from Kumpai grass silage to Final weight, carcass percentage and commercial carcass cut of Pegagan duck. Probiotic solution contained lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were voluntarily taken by Pegagan ducks every morning with various LAB concentration Completely randomized design experiments with 5 treatments; P0 (control), P1 (106 cfu LAB), P2 (107 cfu LAB), P3 (108 cfu LAB) and P4 (109 cfu LAB), each treatment was replicated 4 times respectively. The result showed that all treatments were significantly affect the final weight, carcass percentage and commercial cut especially breast cut. Probiotic solution treatments may enhance the performance of Pegagan Duck.
Potential Tempe Product of Universitas Sumatra Utara in Supporting Food Security in North of Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Ameilia Zuliyanti , Tulus  , Hastuti Liana Dwi Sri
Published: November 2019

Tempe, a traditional Indonesian food which high-level vegetable protein. Tempe contains of vitamin B, calcium, iron, fiber, antioxidants and antibiotics. Various types are identified in Indonesia called are soybean tempe, gembus tempe, koro bean tempe, green bean tempe, red bean tempe, menjes tempe, lamtoro tempe, lupine tempe, seeds munggur tempe, kratok tempe, cassava tempe and bongkrek tempe. This research was conducted by UD Berkah and Product Tempe of Universitas Sumatera Utara on June 2018 until July 2018 at Pasar 1 Tanjung Sari Medan, North of Sumatera. The main ingredients used are soybeans, chocolate bars, milk milo powder, green tea powder, and chilli powder to add flavours of various processed of tempe. The tools used are cutting knife, stove, plastic presses, plastic packaging. The number of products Tempe of Universitas Sumatera Utara are 200 packs in plastic @100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg per weeks. Tempe sold in mendoan tempe, tempe of chips, flavoured green tea tempe, red chilli tempe, and chocolate tempe are very popular in community of Medan, North Sumatra. University of North Sumatra offers solutions to solve problems of partners (Small and Medium Enterprises = SMEs) UD Berkah and Product Tempe of Universitas Sumatera Utara with provision of drilled and slicing machine of tempe, improve of human resources and processing technology and marketing used by media mass and online. The potency of processing tempe of various forms and flavours into high nutritious food products is predicted to support community food security in Medan, North of Sumatera.
Weeds found associated with wheat crop at Alahan Panjang, West Sumatra
Authors: Chaniago I , Suliansyah I , Hasanah N
Published: November 2019

Crop production is of major supports for ever-growing population. As for other crops, wheat cannot escape from weed interference which may result in significant loss of yield. Therefore, the success of agricultural practices depends on pest and diseases management including weeds. Agricultural chemicals such as herbicides has been widely applied to maximize crop yield including wheat. The present study was conducted to determine the appropriate herbicide to control weeds associated with wheat and wheat growth and yield. The experiment was carried out at farmer’s land at Batu Bagiriek, Jorong Galagah, Kenagarian Alahan Panjang, Solok, the Province of West Sumatra from May to September 2015. The experimental sites is located at 1.0729° S, 100.7831° E, 1616 m above sea level with temperature ranging from 20 to 25 °C. Three treatments i.e herbicide metsulfuron-methyl (25 g ai ha-1), herbicide 2,4 dimethylamine (1.5 L ai ha-1), and no weed control treatment were studied. Each treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design. Data were analysed with ANOVA and mean separation of Tukey HSD at 5%. Results demonstrate that herbicide 2,4 dimethylamine was best to control broad leaf weeds resulted in the highest yield of wheat grain of 6.14 tonnes/ha. Lawn grass (Axonopus compressus) and goose grass (Eleusine indica) were found to be dominant weeds.
Integrated farming system development based on local potential to improve food security and increase the farmers income: case study in Jatisari Village, Jatisrono Sub-district, Wonogiri Regency
Authors: Rachmawatie S J , Widiastuti L , Sutrisno J , Rahayu E S
Published: November 2019

Food security can be interpreted by ensuring access to food for each individual to fulfill their food needs in order to live healthy and active. The effort to improve food security is through integrated farming systems. Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a system of managing crops, livestock and fish with their environment to be closed to high productivity, security of production and conservation of resources that are relatively in line with limited land, labor and capital. The results of the analysis of the level of welfare of farmers in Jatisari Village used the indicator of Farmer Exchange Rate method. The results of the calculation can be known to the farmer exchange rate of 81.1% in which Farmer Exchange Rate is less than 100%, meaning that farmers in Jatisari Village are not prosperous. From the results of the analysis of local potential, it can be concluded that food crop farming (rice, corn, and soybeans) is a dominant potential and has not provided farmers’ welfare. The conclusion of this study is that (1) IFS in Jatisari Village has good prospects as an effort to increase community income, (2) IFS will develop optimally by utilizing local resources from various sub-sectors synergy with technology as new sources of income for the community through empowerment.
Analysis of Farmer Behaviour to the Risk of Corn Farming System in Banyumas Regency
Authors: Septiani Atalia Putri , Utami Pujiati , Putri Rahmi Hayati
Published: November 2019

Agriculture is an activity burdened with multiple risk factors, some of which are related to yields and price fluctuations. The uncertainty of the yields and also the price on agricultural commodities often leads farmer to loss. Therefore, farmers tend to resist from the possibility of risk and uncertainty of agribusiness. As a decision marker, farmers become reluctant to increase investment to develop and expand their business in agriculture. The research aims to: 1) analyse the risk of cost, production and price; 2) identify farmer behaviour to the risk of corn farming system; 3) determine the factors that affecting farmers’ behaviour toward risk of corn farming system. The research was conducted at Karanggintung Village, Sumbang District, Banyumas Region which is one of corn producing villages in Banyumas Region. Variation coefficient, quadratic utility function model, and regression analysis were used in this study. Results show that farmers face high risk on cost, while it is low on the risk of production and price. From thirty seven respondents, 70.27% farmers are risk averter, 10.81% farmers are risk lover, and the remaining is neutral. Farmers’ behaviour was influenced by harvest area, years of education, and experience.
New horizons in rib fracture management in the older adult
Authors: Coary Roisin , Skerritt Conor , Carey Anthony , Rudd Sarah , Shipway David
Published: November 2019

Adults aged ≥60 years now represent the majority of patients presenting with major trauma. Falls are the most common cause of injury, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all traumas in this population. Trauma to the thorax represents the second most common site of injury in this population, and is often associated with other serious injuries. Mortality rates are 2–5 times higher in older adults compared to their younger counterparts, often despite equivalent injury severity scores. Risk scoring systems have been developed to identify rib fracture patients at high risk of deterioration. Overall mortality from rib fractures is high, at approximately 10% for all ages. Mortality and morbidity from rib fractures primarily derive from pain-induced hypoventilation, pneumonia and respiratory failure. The main goal of care is therefore to provide sufficient analgesia to allow respiratory rehabilitation and prevent pulmonary complications. The provision of analgesia has evolved to incorporate novel regional anaesthesia techniques into conventional multimodal analgesia. Analgesia algorithms may aid early aggressive management and escalation of pain control. The current role for surgical fixation of rib fractures remains unclear for older adults who have been underrepresented in the research literature. Older adults with rib fractures often have multi-morbidity and frailty which complicate their injuries. Trauma services are evolving, and increasingly geriatricians will be embedded into trauma services to deliver comprehensive geriatric assessment. This review aims to provide an evidence-based overview of the management of rib fractures for the physician treating older patients who have sustained trauma.
A network-based algorithm for the identification of moonlighting noncoding RNAs and its application in sepsis
Authors: Liu Xueyan , Xu Yong , Wang Ran , Liu Sheng , Wang Jun , Luo YongLun , Leung Kwong-Sak , Cheng Lixin
Published: November 2019

Moonlighting proteins provide more options for cells to execute multiple functions without increasing the genome and transcriptome complexity. Although there have long been calls for computational methods for the prediction of moonlighting proteins, no method has been designed for determining moonlighting long noncoding ribonucleicacidz (RNAs) (mlncRNAs). Previously, we developed an algorithm MoonFinder for the identification of mlncRNAs at the genome level based on the functional annotation and interactome data of lncRNAs and proteins. Here, we update MoonFinder to MoonFinder v2.0 by providing an extensive framework for the detection of protein modules and the establishment of RNA–module associations in human. A novel measure, moonlighting coefficient, was also proposed to assess the confidence of an ncRNA acting in a moonlighting manner. Moreover, we explored the expression characteristics of mlncRNAs in sepsis, in which we found that mlncRNAs tend to be upregulated and differentially expressed. Interestingly, the mlncRNAs are mutually exclusive in terms of coexpression when compared to the other lncRNAs. Overall, MoonFinder v2.0 is dedicated to the prediction of human mlncRNAs and thus bears great promise to serve as a valuable R package for worldwide research communities (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/MoonFinder/index.html). Also, our analyses provide the first attempt to characterize mlncRNA expression and coexpression properties in adult sepsis patients, which will facilitate the understanding of the interaction and expression patterns of mlncRNAs.
Interstitial macrophage-derived thrombospondin-1 contributes to hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Mickael Claudia , Kassa Biruk , Sanders Linda , Hernandez-Saavedra Daniel , Koyanagi Daniel E , Kumar Sushil , Pugliese Steve C , Thomas Stacey , McClendon Jazalle , Maloney James P , Janssen William J , Stenmark Kurt R , Tuder Rubin M , Graham Brian B
Published: November 2019

Aims

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling is required for chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). The activation of TGF-β by thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) contributes to the pathogenesis of hypoxia-induced PH. However, neither the cellular source of pathologic TSP-1 nor the downstream signalling pathway that link activated TGF-β to PH have been determined. In this study, we hypothesized that circulating monocytes, which are recruited to become interstitial macrophages (IMs), are the major source of TSP-1 in hypoxia-exposed mice, and TSP-1 activates TGF-β with increased Rho-kinase signalling, causing vasoconstriction.

Methods and results

Flow cytometry revealed that a specific subset of IMs is the major source of pathologic TSP-1 in hypoxia. Intravenous depletion and parabiosis experiments demonstrated that these cells are circulating prior to recruitment into the interstitium. Rho-kinase-mediated vasoconstriction was a major downstream target of active TGF-β. Thbs1 deficient bone marrow (BM) protected against hypoxic-PH by blocking TGF-β activation and Rho-kinase-mediated vasoconstriction.

Conclusion

In hypoxia-challenged mice, BM derived and circulating monocytes are recruited to become IMs which express TSP-1, resulting in TGF-β activation and Rho-kinase-mediated vasoconstriction.
Identification of Disease-associated Traits and Clonotypes in the T Cell Receptor Repertoire of Monozygotic Twins Affected by Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Rosati Elisa , Pogorelyy Mikhail V , Dowds C Marie , Moller Frederik T , Sorensen Signe B , Lebedev Yuri B , Frey Norbert , Schreiber Stefan , Spehlmann Martina E , Andersen Vibeke , Mamedov Ilgar Z , Franke Andre
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

Intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] is thought to be T cell mediated and therefore dependent on the interaction between the T cell receptor [TCR] and human leukocyte antigen [HLA] proteins expressed on antigen presenting cells. The collection of all TCRs in one individual, known as the TCR repertoire, is characterised by enormous diversity and inter-individual variability. It was shown that healthy monozygotic [MZ] twins are more similar in their TCR repertoire than unrelated individuals. Therefore MZ twins, concordant or discordant for IBD, may be useful to identify disease-related and non-genetic factors in the TCR repertoire which could potentially be used as disease biomarkers.

Methods

Employing unique molecular barcoding that can distinguish between polymerase chain reaction [PCR] artefacts and true sequence variation, we performed deep TCRα and TCRβ repertoire profiling of the peripheral blood of 28 MZ twin pairs from Denmark and Germany, 24 of whom were discordant and four concordant for IBD.

Results

We observed disease- and smoking-associated traits such as sharing, diversity and abundance of specific clonotypes in the TCR repertoire of IBD patients, and particularly in patients with active disease, compared with their healthy twins.

Conclusions

Our findings identified TCR repertoire features specific for smokers and IBD patients, particularly when signs of disease activity were present. These findings are a first step towards the application of TCR repertoire analyses as a valuable tool to characterise inflammatory bowel diseases and to identify potential biomarkers and true disease causes.
Nitrogen Availability Decreases the Severity of Snow Storm Damage in a Temperate Forest
Authors: Walter Christopher A , Burnham Mark B , Adams Mary Beth , McNeil Brenden E , Deel Lindsay N , Peterjohn William T
Published: November 2019

Storms are among the greatest natural disturbances in temperate forests, and increased nitrogen (N) availability is thought to increase storm damage. However, the extent to which N availability increases damage from snowfall is less clear. To test how N availability might affect the susceptibility of trees to snow damage in a temperate forest, we took advantage of an opportunistic storm and surveyed damage in fertilized and unfertilized stands, and across a native N availability gradient. In response to a severe, early season snow storm—a consequence of Superstorm Sandy—the percentages of both basal area and stems damaged were lower in a fertilized watershed than in an unfertilized watershed. Across the native N availability gradient, the percentage of basal area damaged by snow decreased with higher soil N. The effects of N availability on damage were also affected by tree species. Our results suggest that N availability decreases damage from snow storms, contrary to our hypotheses drawn from broader studies. Understanding the relation between storm damage and N availability is important, considering the global increase in N deposition, and since severe storms are likely to become more prevalent with climate change.
Institutionalizing quality within national health systems: key ingredients for success
Authors: Kandasami Stephanie , Syed Shamsuzzoha Babar , Edward Anbrasi , Sodzi-Tettey Sodzi , Garcia-Elorrio Ezequiel , Mensah Abrampah Nana , Hansen Peter M
Published: November 2019

Quality improvement initiatives can be fragmented and short-term, leading to missed opportunities to improve quality in a systemic and sustainable manner. An overarching national policy or strategy on quality, informed by frontline implementation, can provide direction for quality initiatives across all levels of the health system. This can strengthen service delivery along with strong leadership, resources, and infrastructure as essential building blocks for the health system. This article draws on the proceedings of an ISQua conference exploring factors for institutionalizing quality of care within national systems. Active learning, inclusive of peer-to-peer learning and exchange, mentoring and coaching, emerged as a critical success factor to creating a culture of quality. When coupled by reinforcing elements like strong partnerships and coordination across multiple levels, engagement at all health system levels and strong political commitment, this culture can be cascaded to all levels requiring policy, leadership, and the capabilities for delivering quality healthcare.
Impact of dietary vitamin D3 supplements in nursery diets on subsequent growth and bone responses of pigs during an immune challenge
Authors: McCue Morgan , Reichert Jamie L , Crenshaw Thomas D
Published: November 2019

Limited evidence is available to validate beneficial responses from extra nutrient supplements for mediation of growth suppression that results from immune challenges. Extrarenal roles of vitamin D metabolites in immune function implicate vitamin D3 supplements as a nutrient for potential beneficial effects. The current objective was to assess growth and bone ash responses to dietary vitamin D3 (D) supplements for growing pigs undergoing an immune challenge. At weaning, 216 crossbred pigs (4 pigs/pen, 6 pens/treatment) were randomly allotted within sex and weight blocks to 1 of the 9 treatments. Treatments included D supplements (0, 100, or 800 IU/kg) in a factorial arrangement with 3 vaccine (V) protocols; no injection (0 × V), a single 2 mL injection of a Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine at day 14 (1 × V), or 2 mL injections of the same vaccine at days 0 and 7 (2 × V). An adjustment diet with no supplemental D was fed for 1 wk, then assigned D diets for 2 wk (P2). After P2, all pigs were phase-fed standard diets (D = 280 IU/kg) to assess subsequent growth to 115 kg. No differences due to D supplements or vaccination protocol were detected in ADG (0.233 ± 0.021 kg/d) or GF (0.642 ± 0.028 kg/d) over the 21-d nursery trial; however, ADFI was lower (P < 0.10) in pigs fed D levels of 0 vs. 100 and 800 (0.340 vs. 0.375, 0.372 ± 0.027 kg/d). Bone mineral content (g) from whole-body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at 9 wk (n = 4 pigs/treatment) was lower in pigs fed 0 vs. 100 and 800 IU of D (287 vs. 325, 323 ± 34.1 g/pig). Growth from nursery to 115 kg was lower (P < 0.01) in pigs fed D levels of 0 vs.100 and 800 (0.828 vs. 0.876, 0.889 ± 0.021 kg/d). At market, approximately two-thirds of pigs showed positive L. intracellularis serology titers regardless of treatment. Limited evidence for D-mediation of an immune challenge using the vaccination protocols may be a consequence of limited vaccine effects on growth in the nursery and seroconversion of most pigs to L. intracellularis by market.
Archipelago-Wide Patterns of Colonization and Speciation Among an Endemic Radiation of Galápagos Land Snails
Authors: Phillips John G , Linscott T Mason , Rankin Andrew M , Kraemer Andrew C , Shoobs Nathaniel F , Parent Christine E
Published: November 2019

Newly arrived species on young or remote islands are likely to encounter less predation and competition than source populations on continental landmasses. The associated ecological release might facilitate divergence and speciation as colonizing lineages fill previously unoccupied niche space. Characterizing the sequence and timing of colonization on islands represents the first step in determining the relative contributions of geographical isolation and ecological factors in lineage diversification. Herein, we use genome-scale data to estimate timing of colonization in Naesiotus snails to the Galápagos islands from mainland South America. We test inter-island patterns of colonization and within-island radiations to understand their contribution to community assembly. Partly contradicting previously published topologies, phylogenetic reconstructions suggest that most Naesiotus species form island-specific clades, with within-island speciation dominating cladogenesis. Galápagos Naesiotus also adhere to the island progression rule, with colonization proceeding from old to young islands and within-island diversification occurring earlier on older islands. Our work provides a framework for evaluating the contribution of colonization and in situ speciation to the diversity of other Galápagos lineages.
Periacetabular osteotomy using an imageless computer-assisted navigation system: a new surgical technique
Authors: Hooper Jessica M , Mays Rachel R , Poultsides Lazaros A , Castaneda Pablo G , Muir Jeffrey M , Kamath Atul F
Published: November 2019

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an effective surgical treatment for hip dysplasia. The goal of PAO is to reorient the acetabulum to improve joint stability, lessen contact stresses and slow the development of hip arthrosis. During PAO, the acetabulum is repositioned to adequately cover the femoral head. PAO preserves the weight-bearing posterior column of the pelvis, maintains the acetabular blood supply and retains the hip abductor musculature. The surgical technique needed to perform PAO is technically demanding, with correct repositioning of the acetabulum the most important—and challenging—aspect of the procedure. Imageless navigation has proven useful in other technically challenging surgeries, although its use in PAO has not yet been investigated. We have modified the standard technique for PAO to include the use of an imageless navigation system to confirm acetabular fragment position following osteotomy. Here, we describe the surgical technique and discuss the potential of this modified technique to improve patient-related outcomes.
Monocytic Maturation Induced by FLT3 Inhibitor Therapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Morphologic and Immunophenotypic Characteristics
Authors: Arries Cade D , Yohe Sophia L
Published: November 2019

Background

FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3-ITD) mutations are some of the most common mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and patient outcomes have improved since the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. First, granulocytic differentiation was described in FLT3-positive AML treated with FLT3 inhibitors, and more recently, monocytic differentiation was reported.

Methods

Two patients with myelomonocytic cells in their bone marrow were identified during routine follow-up after AML treatment that included FLT3 inhibitors. The bone marrow study was done as standard of care.

Results

Both patients had FLT3-ITD+ AML and showed an atypical maturing monocytic cell population and a decrease in the leukemic blast cell population after FLT3 inhibitor therapy. Concurrent genetic testing revealed persistent genetic abnormalities.

Conclusions

These cases illustrate monocytic maturation in FLT3+ AML after FLT3 inhibitor treatment. It is critical for pathologists and clinicians to be aware of the differentiation phenomenon, as these patients have persistent molecular abnormalities despite response to treatment and normalization of blast counts.
Chemical evolution with rotating massive star yields II. A new assessment of the solar s- and r- process components
Authors: Prantzos N , Abia C , Cristallo S , Limongi M , Chieffi A
Published: November 2019

The decomposition of the Solar system abundances of heavy isotopes into their s- and r- components plays a key role in our understanding of the corresponding nuclear processes and the physics and evolution of their astrophysical sites. We present a new method for determining the s- and r- components of the Solar system abundances, fully consistent with our current understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis and galactic chemical evolution. The method is based on a study of the evolution of the solar neighborhood with a state-of-the-art 1-zone model, using recent yields of low and intermediate mass stars as well as of massive rotating stars. We compare our results with previous studies and we provide tables with the isotopic and elemental contributions of the s- and r-processes to the Solar system composition.
Algorithm-improved high-speed and non-invasive confocal Raman imaging of 2D materials
Authors: Nair Sachin , Gao Jun , Yao Qirong , Duits Michael H G , Otto Cees , Mugele Frieder
Published: November 2019

Confocal Raman microscopy is important for characterizing 2D materials, but its low throughput significantly hinders its applications. For metastable materials such as graphene oxide (GO), the low throughput is aggravated by the requirement of extremely low laser dose to avoid sample damage. Here we introduce algorithm-improved confocal Raman microscopy (ai-CRM), which increases the Raman scanning rate by one to two orders of magnitude with respect to state-of-the-art works for a variety of 2D materials. Meanwhile, GO can be imaged at a laser dose that is two to three orders of magnitude lower than previously reported, such that laser-induced variations of the material properties can be avoided. ai-CRM also enables fast and spatially resolved quantitative analysis, and is readily extended to 3D mapping of composite materials. Since ai-CRM is based on general mathematical principles, it is cost-effective, facile to implement and universally applicable to other hyperspectral imaging methods.
Functional requirement of terminal inverted repeats for efficient ProtoRAG activity reveals the early evolution of V(D)J recombination
Authors: Tao Xin , Yuan Shaochun , Chen Fan , Gao Xiaoman , Wang Xinli , Yu Wenjuan , Liu Song , Huang Ziwen , Chen Shangwu , Xu Anlong
Published: November 2019

The discovery of ProtoRAG in amphioxus indicated that vertebrate RAG recombinases originated from an ancient transposon. However, the sequences of ProtoRAG terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) were obviously dissimilar to the consensus sequence of mouse 12/23RSS and recombination mediated by ProtoRAG or RAG made them incompatible with each other. Thus, it is difficult to determine whether or how 12/23RSS persisted in the vertebrate RAG system that evolved from the TIRs of ancient RAG transposons. Here, we found that the activity of ProtoRAG is highly dependent on its asymmetric 5′TIR and 3′TIR, which are composed of conserved TR1 and TR5 elements and a partially conserved TRsp element of 27/31 bp to separate them. Similar to the requirements for the recombination signal sequences (RSSs) of RAG recombinase, the first CAC in TR1, the three dinucleotides in TR5 and the specific length of the partially conserved TRsp are important for the efficient recombination activity of ProtoRAG. In addition, the homologous sequences flanking the signal sequences facilitate ProtoRAG- but not RAG-mediated recombination. In addition to the diverged TIRs, two differentiated functional domains in BbRAG1L were defined to coordinate with the divergence between TIRs and RSSs. One of these is the CTT* domain, which facilitates the specific TIR recognition of the BbRAGL complex, and the other is NBD*, which is responsible for DNA binding and the protein stabilization of the BbRAGL complex. Thus, our findings reveal that the functional requirement for ProtoRAG TIRs is similar to that for RSS in RAG-mediated recombination, which not only supports the common origin of ProtoRAG TIRs and RSSs from the asymmetric TIRs of ancient RAG transposons, but also reveals the development of RAG and RAG-like machineries during chordate evolution.
Nutritional interventions for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Karhu Elisa , Zukerman Ryan , Eshraghi Rebecca S , Mittal Jeenu , Deth Richard C , Castejon Ana M , Trivedi Malav , Mittal Rahul , Eshraghi Adrien A
Published: November 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable clinical heterogeneity. With no cure for the disorder, treatments commonly center around speech and behavioral therapies to improve the characteristic social, behavioral, and communicative symptoms of ASD. Gastrointestinal disturbances are commonly encountered comorbidities that are thought to be not only another symptom of ASD but to also play an active role in modulating the expression of social and behavioral symptoms. Therefore, nutritional interventions are used by a majority of those with ASD both with and without clinical supervision to alleviate gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms. Despite a considerable interest in dietary interventions, no consensus exists regarding optimal nutritional therapy. Thus, patients and physicians are left to choose from a myriad of dietary protocols. This review, summarizes the state of the current clinical and experimental literature on nutritional interventions for ASD, including gluten-free and casein-free, ketogenic, and specific carbohydrate diets, as well as probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary supplements (vitamins A, C, B6, and B12; magnesium and folate).
Microstructural and physiological responses to cadmium stress under different nitrogen levels in Populus cathayana females and males
Authors: Liu Miao , Bi Jingwen , Liu Xiucheng , Kang Jieyu , Korpelainen Helena , Niinemets Ülo , Li Chunyang
Published: November 2019

Although increasing attention has been paid to the relationships between heavy metal and nitrogen (N) availability, the mechanism underlying adaptation to cadmium (Cd) stress in dioecious plants has been largely overlooked. This study examined Cd accumulation, translocation and allocation among tissues and cellular compartments in Populus cathayana Rehder females and males. Both leaf Cd accumulation and root-to-shoot Cd translocation were significantly greater in females than in males under a normal N supply, but they were reduced in females and enhanced in males under N deficiency. The genes related to Cd uptake and translocation, HMA2, YSL2 and ZIP2, were strongly induced by Cd stress in female roots and in males under a normal N supply. Cadmium largely accumulated in the leaf blades of females and in the leaf veins of males under a normal N supply, while the contrary was true under N deficiency. Furthermore, Cd was mainly distributed in the leaf epidermis and spongy tissues of males, and in the leaf palisade tissues of females. Nitrogen deficiency increased Cd allocation to the spongy tissues of female leaves and to the palisade tissues of males. In roots, Cd was preferentially distributed to the epidermis and cortices in both sexes, and also to the vascular tissues of females under a normal N supply but not under N deficiency. These results suggested that males possess better Cd tolerance compared with females, even under N deficiency, which is associated with their reduced root-to-shoot Cd translocation, specific Cd distribution in organic and/or cellular compartments, and enhanced antioxidation and ion homeostasis. Our study also provides new insights into engineering woody plants for phytoremediation.
The Arabidopsis PAD4 Lipase-Like Domain Is Sufficient for Resistance to Green Peach Aphid
Authors: Dongus Joram A. , Bhandari Deepak D. , Patel Monika , Archer Lani , Dijkgraaf Lucas , Deslandes Laurent , Shah Jyoti , Parker Jane E.
Published: November 2019

Plants have evolved mechanisms to protect themselves against pathogenic microbes and insect pests. In Arabidopsis, the immune regulator PAD4 functions with its cognate partner EDS1 to limit pathogen growth. PAD4, independently of EDS1, reduces infestation by green peach aphid (GPA). How PAD4 regulates these defense outputs is unclear. By expressing the N-terminal PAD4 lipase-like domain (PAD4LLD) without its C-terminal EDS1-PAD4 (EP) domain, we interrogated PAD4 functions in plant defense. Here, we show that transgenic expression of PAD4LLD in Arabidopsis is sufficient for limiting GPA infestation but not for conferring basal and effector-triggered pathogen immunity. This suggests that the C-terminal PAD4 EP domain is necessary for EDS1-dependent immune functions but is dispensable for aphid resistance. Moreover, PAD4LLD is not sufficient to interact with EDS1, indicating the PAD4-EP domain is required for stable heterodimerization. These data provide molecular evidence that PAD4 has domain-specific functions.
Inflammasome‐mediated innate immunity in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Venegas Carmen , Heneka Michael T.
Published: November 2019

Historically neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) in particular, have been viewed to be primarily caused and driven by neuronal mechanisms. Very recently, due to experimental, genetic, and epidemiologic evidence, immune mechanisms have entered the central stage and are now believed to contribute significantly to risk, onset, and disease progression of this class of disorders. Although immune activation of microglial cells may over time engage various signal transduction pathways, inflammasome activation, which represents a canonical and initiating pathway, seems to be one of the first responses to extracellular β‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation. Here we review the current understanding of inflammasome activation in AD.—Venegas, C., Heneka, M. T. Inflammasome‐mediated innate immunity in Alzheimer's disease. FASEB J. 33, 13075–13084 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Phacoemulsification Versus Phacotrabeculectomy in Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma With Cataract: Long-Term Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Hansapinyo Linda , Choy Bonnie N.K. , Lai Jimmy S.M. , Tham Clement C.
Published: November 2019

Precis:

Phacotrabeculectomy was more effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma drugs than phacoemulsification alone in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes with cataract but was associated with more postoperative complications, up to 5 years after surgery.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification versus phacotrabeculectomy in PACG eyes with cataract.

Patients and Methods:

The 2 initial prospective randomized controlled trials recruited PACG eyes with cataract using the same criteria and randomized these eyes to receiving either phacoemulsification or phacotrabeculectomy. Clinical data up to 5 years of follow-up were pooled for retrospective analysis.

Results:

Clinical data of 35 patients in the phacoemulsification group and 44 patients in the phacotrabeculectomy group were analyzed. At 5 years after surgery, the mean IOP was decreased by 20.7% and 29.5% from before surgery to 5 years after phacoemulsification and phacotrabeculectomy, respectively (P<0.001 for both groups). Phacotrabeculectomy was significantly more effective than phacoemulsification in reducing IOP up to 5 years after surgery (P<0.001). At 5 years, the mean number of glaucoma drugs required±1 SD was 1.6±1.2 in the phacoemulsification group, and 0.7±1.0 in the phacotrabeculectomy group (P=0.004). Phacotrabeculectomy was associated with more postoperative complications than phacoemulsification up to 5 years (25 complications in the phacotrabeculectomy group versus 6 in the phacoemulsification group,P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Phacoemulsification alone reduces IOP and the need for glaucoma drugs in PACG eyes with cataracts for up to 5 years. Phacotrabeculectomy was more effective in reducing IOP and glaucoma drugs than phacoemulsification alone but was associated with more postoperative complications, up to 5 years after surgery.