bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Compaction Method on Rutting Resistance of Hot Mix Asphalt
Authors: Alkawaaz Namir Ahmed , Asmael Noor Moutaz
Published: August 2020

The main goal of the present investigation is the comparison between conventional Marshall and Superpave design methods for resistance to rutting if applied in the mix design of the wearing course layers in flexible pavements. Detailed work is completed to accomplish the goals of the study by implementing Marshall and Superpave specimens through utilizing aggregate from AL-Taji Quarry and asphalt cement with (40-50) grade from Dourah refinery plant and one sort of mineral filler. Specimens were fabricated by Marshall and Superpave methods and tested by creep tests to evaluate the strain for these mixes. The effect of compaction method and additives were investigated on the performance of these mixes. From the analysis results, it appears that; the Superpave blends are increasingly practical as compared to those with conventional Marshall blends. In addition, adding carbon fibers and lime to the blends decreases the strain mixture. It is additionally seen that the Superpave Gyratory compactor is equipped for accomplishing lower air void contents than the Marshall hammer. Furthermore, the Superpave mix reflects better resistance against permanent deformation. Finally, the present study recognizes the importance of using the Superpave system for design asphalt mix instead of the Marshall method in Iraq.
Management of Natural Iraqi Water Resources, Aims And Challenges
Authors: Elaiwi Ala H. , Hasan Karima , Al-Hadithi Mufid
Published: August 2020

There are a number of reasons that contributed to the water scarcity problem in Iraq, represented by the water policy by shared countries with Iraq, climate changes in the last few years and the mismanagement of the water resources in Iraq that faces many challenges such as the increased demand on water due to the abnormal growth of population, as well as the high river sediment and neglecting the sanitation systems and mix them with rainwater, in addition to discharge them directly to the rivers which led to rivers pollution and deteriorate their quality. The drought of Mesopotamian Marshes had a significant effect that resulted in environmental changes and increased the impact of desertification. Thus, solving the problem of water is done through the existence of a strong federal government that develops plans which follows a water policy suits the geography of the area and overcome the Iraqi’s riparian states competition
Selection of water harvesting sites in Horan valley
Authors: Ahmed Ali Dahham , Abdulhameed Isam M. , Ghani Emad T. Abdel , Ibrahim Muthanna K.
Published: August 2020

Geographic techniques were used to select the sites of water harvesting systems within the Horan basin. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and pairwise comparison were used to determine the importance of selected traits for water harvesting (soil texture area, runoff, Land cover,). A total of 96 water harvesting sites were identified, of which 11 were found to be the most important. The results showed that the use of AHP to compare the pairs of traits affecting water harvesting. There are several promising areas for harvesting, totaling 96 sites, distributed between sandy and loamy sand and sandy clay loam. With 11 sites characterized by sandy clay soil and high surface runoff. The site 41 has the highest weight in the selected traits 0.557, while the site 84 was the lowest weight and reached 0.339 in terms of importance. The total area of the 96 study sites reached 35402.48 ha, which constitutes 19.7% of the area of the valley, while the area of the most important sites for harvesting, which amounted to 11 sites (633.49) ha, which constitutes (0.35%) of Total area of the valley and 1.7% of the total area of the water harvesting sites. The volume of water collected at all harvest sites (96 sites) was 20288131.92 m3, 567159.58 m3. The correlation between the different characteristics, the derivation of a mathematical equation that reflects the values of the best sites using a program, and then a map of calculated values, is calculated to determine their suitability in the application.
Groundwater Quality Assessment Using Water Quality Index Technique: A Case Study of Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq.
Authors: Al-Tameemi I. M. , Hasan M. B. , Al-Mussawy H. A. , Al-Madhhachi A. T.
Published: August 2020

The quality of groundwater is a global concern that is usually assessed using quality indices. The Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI) alongside with Geographical Information system (GIS) were adopted to evaluate the quality of Kirkuk’s groundwater in terms of its suitability for drinking, irrigation, aquatic, recreational purposes, and livestock uses, in 60 wells within the time period of 2017 to 2019. The groundwater quality was assessed depending on Iraq’s and world health organization (WHO) guidelines. The Iraqi standards were used for drinking purposes. The WHO standards were used for irrigation, aquatic, recreational, and livestock purposes. Both standards were incorporated in CWQI Excel Spreadsheet to evaluate the groundwater quality for studied wells. Samples were collected and analyzed for 15 major parameters. According to the CWQI, groundwater samples obtained were classified as marginal in 2017 and 2018; while poor water for drinking was observed in 2019.
Recycling of Agriculture Wastes for Efficient Removal of Methyl Orange Dye Using Batch Adsorption Unit
Authors: Dakhil Ihsan Habib
Published: August 2020

The main purpose of this study is to exam the ability of agriculture wastes without pretreatment such as date palm fibers (DPF), sawdust (SD), rice husk (RH) as low-cost adsorbents for removing of methyl orange dye (MO) from industrial wastewater. The operating parameters were designed under isothermal batch conditions to study the influence of pH (2-10), initial concentration of MO dye (100-500) mg/l, adsorbent dose (0.1-1) g/100 ml and contact time (10-150) min. The optimum conditions were pH = 2, the initial concentration of dye = 100 mg/l, the amount of adsorbent dose = 0.6 g/100ml and 120 min contact time. At these conditions, the maximum removal efficiency was 95%, 86% and 77% for DPF, SD, and RH, respectively. There are two advantages to this work, it can remove MO dye from wastewater and disposal of agricultural wastes. The equilibrium results were compared with the most common isotherm adsorption models, Langmuir and Freundlich models, to measure the conformity of results obtained. It was fitted with the two models with a high correlation coefficient (R2) for all adsorbents.
Determination the effect of gamma radiation on CR-39 detector by analysis of photoelasticity images using MATLAB software
Authors: Hasan Sinan Mohamed , Al-Jobouri Hussain Ali , Jalal O. A. , Hasan Jamal Abduljabar , Najam Laith A.
Published: August 2020

The effect of gamma radiation on CR-39 detector was determinate through the image processing for the photoelasticity images by using of MATLAB software. The maximum change different in CR-39 detector colors at photoelasticity technique was appear at the value 2 kN as a mechanical compression effect. It was adopted this value of mechanical compression on CR-39 detector to calculation the change in color percentage -C% for four colors red, green, magenta and yellow. It was found the increase of gamma irradiation dose -D(Gy) on CR-39 detector at the range (100 to 600 Gy) lead to change in color percentage - C% for four colors. The polynomial equation for red color was a good smooth relation compared with polynomial equations for green, magenta, where the yellow color behavior as a logarithmic relation. The red color relation used to determination the effect of gamma radiation on CR-39 detector due to the clear behavior between D(Gy) with C%. In this study, we can consider that the image processing for the photoelasticity images of CR-39 detector by using of MATLAB software was a good method to calculate the effect of gamma radiation on CR-39 detector compared with other methods in this field.
The Influence of Process Parameters on Anthocyanin Content in Ipomoea Batatas Extract
Authors: Boi Huyen Nguyen Thuc , Thang Nguyen Hoc
Published: August 2020

Anthocyanin content reaches high value in hot extraction conditions of Ipomoea Batatas at 60°C, using a mixture of ethanol: water at ratio of 4:1. The sizes of the material had significantly affected the anthocyanin content in Ipomoea Batatas solution. The colour of the anthocyanin-rich extracted solution varied significantly in range of pH from 1-12. So, anthocyanin was used as a colour indicator. Qualitative method by colorimetric showed that the colour of anthocyanin extracted solution was very little change during the 30-day survey period (without preservatives). However, quantitative analysis by UV-Vis, with a maximum wavelength of λmax = 523 nm, shows that the absorbance of anthocyanin decreased markedly with time of storage. Experimental results showed that the storage environment also influences anthocyanin colour and uptake in Ipomoea Batatas extracted solution.
Study of diffusion oxide hardening on intermetallic materials
Authors: Chekalova Elena , Zhuravlev Andrey
Published: August 2020

In the last decade, there has been a tendency to increase the use of titanium ortho-alloys on an intermetallic basis for the manufacture of critical parts. The technology of diffusion oxide hardening on intermetallic materials to increase hardness is proposed. The results of a metallographic study of the structure and phase composition of diffusion oxide hardening are presented. According to the results, the hardness of the VIT-1 intermetallic material in the initial state is 1250 MPa, and with hardening it is 1563 MPa, which is 25% higher than the base material.
Constructive-technological peculiarities of the machinery for implementing the technology of the surface modification by high-entropic materials with SME under the conditions of high-voltage pulse electromechanical influences
Authors: Plomodialo R L , Blednova Zh M , Dmitrenko D V
Published: August 2020

The paper shows the reasonability of using high-entropic materials for a number of multifunctional technical applications on the basis of analysis, systematization and generalization of the market’s demands for operating the machine building products by composition construction of the surface layers using TEPT materials. For the implementation of the technology of surface layers formation from high-entropic materials with SME a multifunctional technological complex was designed and manufactured to develop the technology of surface modification by high-entropic materials with SME under the conditions of high-voltage pulse electromechanical influences.
Optimization method of the extrusion mixture components formulation and consumption in the processing of the secondary heterogeneous polymeric materials
Authors: Dyadichev V V , Kolesnikov A V , Dyadichev A V , Menyuk S G , Babushkina O F , Ye Chornobay S
Published: August 2020

The paper scrutinizes the main methods, applied practically, for correcting the consumption of the components considering their fullness in the technological extrusion process. The method, chosen as the basic one, includes the following: the common fullness of the components, getting into the mixer, is subtracted from the common consumption of the filler. A mathematical model for determining the values of the components for setting the dosing devices is designed. For the operational control of the filler’s components content we determined the dependencies of these values correction on the period of the filler content evaluation and transport delay of the components supply. The algorithm of the method for controlling the extrusion mixture components’ consumption, considering the content of the filler in it, is made.
The structure and properties of laminated aluminum-glass reinforced plastics
Authors: Gordeeva M I , Knyazeva Yu A
Published: August 2020

The current state of the problem of the use in aviation of new laminated aluminum glass-reinforced plastics (Glare) is given in this review. It is shown that Glares are characterized by low density (2.4 g / cm3), high strength (> 600 MPa), but at the same time they are inferior to aluminum alloys by the elastic modulus (<60 GPa).Methods for evaluating Glares service characteristics are considered, it is indicated that replacing traditional aluminum alloys in Glares with lithium alloys that have unique elastic properties can significantly improve their service characteristics.
Investigation of hydroabrasive resistance of internal anti-corrosion coatings used in the oil and gas industry
Authors: Kovalev M , Alekseeva E , Shaposhnikov N
Published: August 2020

Anti-corrosion coatings are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to protect the inner surface of pipelines. Most of coatings have a polymer base and can effectively prevent the negative impact of the transported fluid. Existing standards allow to evaluate the quality of coatings and their durability in the anticipated operating conditions. The evaluation of the abrasive resistance of coatings usually limited to comparative tests on a Taber abraser. This paper presents the results of hydroabrasive resistance study of coatings using nonstandard technique. Comparative test results of various polymer (FBE), thermally sprayed coating and silicate coatings are obtained. The ways of modifying test method are proposed.
Clinical Significance and Histologic Characterization of Histoplasma Granulomas
Authors: Demkowicz Ryan , Procop Gary W
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To clarify the clinical significance and degree of resolution (ie, grade) of Histoplasma granulomas in routinely reviewed surgical pathology specimens and the clinical outcomes of patients with this diagnosis, with an emphasis on those not receiving antifungal therapy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective medical record, laboratory data, and surgical pathology slide review of patients with Histoplasma granulomas following institutional review board approval.

Results

Clinical, pathologic, and laboratory data from 62 patients with Histoplasma granulomas were available for review. Of these, 1 of 19 (5%) fungal cultures, 4 of 12 (33%) fungal serologic studies, 0 of 9 Histoplasma urinary antigen tests, and 0 of 2 Histoplasma serum antigen tests were positive. All but 3 of the Histoplasma granulomas were either in the resolving (grade 2) or resolved (grade 3) stage of resolution. None of the patients, including those who did not receive antifungal therapy after the histologic diagnosis, developed progressive or disseminated histoplasmosis.

Conclusions

These findings, which are supportive of clinical guidelines, suggest that patients with old, hyalinized Histoplasma granulomas do not benefit from further laboratory studies or antifungal therapy. The proposed grading of Histoplasma granulomas informs clinicians of the stage of resolution of an excised lesion, which informs therapeutic decisions and thus is recommended.
Cognitive Correlates of Math Performance in School-Aged Children with Sickle Cell Disease and Silent Cerebral Infarcts
Authors: Peterson Rachel K , Williams Suzan , Janzen Laura
Published: August 2020

Objective

Attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and math difficulties are common in youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) with silent cerebral infarcts (SCI). This study investigated the cognitive underpinnings of math difficulties in children with SCD and SCI.

Method

Youth (n = 68) with SCD and SCI completed measures of attention [Digit Span forward (DSF); Conners Continuous Performance Test-Third Edition/Kiddie Conners Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT-3/KCPT-2)]; working memory [Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WPPSI-IV, WISC-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV), Working Memory Index (WMI), Digit Span backwards (DSB)]; processing speed [WPPSI-IV, WISC-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index (PSI)]; math reasoning [Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Third Edition (WIAT-III) Mathematics composite (MC)]; and math fluency [WIAT-III Math Fluency composite (MF)] as part of a clinical neuropsychological evaluation. Parent ratings of attention and executive functioning were obtained [Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition (BASC-3), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)].

Results

MC was positively correlated with WMI (r = 0.59, p = 0.00), PSI (r = 0.40, p < 0.001), DSF (r = 0.29, p = 0.03), DSB (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and MF (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Correlations between MC, sustained attention, and parent ratings were nonsignificant. The linear regression model using correlated variables was significant [F(4,51) = 8.29, R2 = 0.39, p < 0.001]. WMI was the only significant variable within the model (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Working memory deficits account for significant variance in untimed mathematical performance in this population—consistent with other populations with white matter dysfunction. Interventions targeting both mathematics and working memory may be beneficial.
Cosmeceuticals: The Principles and Practice of Skin Rejuvenation by Nonprescription Topical Therapy
Authors: Glass Graeme Ewan
Published: August 2020

Background

Aesthetic practice relies on a harmonious relationship between medicine and commerce. Bridging the gap is a large number of skincare products that make therapeutic claims while avoiding the regulatory framework of pharmaceuticals. In this gray area, clinicians find themselves poorly disposed to counsel patients wisely as the industry is expanding faster than empirical evidence of efficacy and safety can be acquired. To serve our patients and engage with industry, we must understand the theoretical principles and evaluate the clinical evidence in practice.

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to classify cosmeceuticals by method of action, explain how they work in principle with reference to skin aging, and evaluate the clinical evidence for them.

Methods

A literature and cosmetic clinic website search was conducted to establish a list of the most commonly advertised cosmeceuticals, and a peer-reviewed literature search was then conducted to establish the clinical evidence for them.

Results

A huge number of cosmeceuticals are marketed for skin rejuvenation but almost invariably they fall into 1 of 4 categories. These include the induction of tissue repair mechanisms, inflammatory modulation, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, or a combination of the 3. With the exception of retinol derivatives and hydroxy acids, the clinical evidence is limited, despite promising preclinical evidence for several cosmeceuticals.

Conclusions

Cosmeceuticals reside within a highly competitive ecosystem and are often brought to market based on preclinical, not clinical evidence. Success and failure will largely be governed by the establishment of clinical evidence in retrospect.
Pareto’s Trattato di Sociologia Generale: a behaviourist ante litteram approach
Authors: Marchionatti Roberto , Mornati Fiorenzo
Published: August 2020

The paper deals with the changing relationship between economics and sociology in Pareto’s thought and suggests a new interpretation of this relationship. Pareto’s opus magnum in the field, the Trattato di Sociologia Generale (1916, French ed. 1917), is usually considered the result of the abandonment of economics by the late Pareto in favour of another field of interest, sociology—the realm of the analysis of non-rational actions—and on the basis of this interpretation it has been largely neglected by economists. This paper maintains that the sociology of the Trattato has to be considered not as an abandonment of interest in economics, but rather as a programme for the reconstruction and transformation of economics in a perspective that today could be called ‘behaviourist’.
Redis-Based Messaging Queue and Cache-Enabled Parallel Processing Social Media Analytics Framework
Authors: Singh Ravindra Kumar , Verma Harsh Kumar
Published: August 2020

The extensive usage of social media polarity analysis claims the need for real-time analytics and runtime outcomes on dashboards. In data analytics, only 30% of the time is consumed in modeling and evaluation stages and 70% is consumed in data engineering tasks. There are lots of machine learning algorithms to achieve a desirable outcome in prediction points of view, but they lack in handling data and their transformation so-called data engineering tasks, and reducing its time remained still challenging. The contribution of this research paper is to encounter the mentioned challenges by presenting a parallelly, scalable, effective, responsive and fault-tolerant framework to perform end-to-end data analytics tasks in real-time and batch-processing manner. An experimental analysis on Twitter posts supported the claims and signifies the benefits of parallelism of data processing units. This research has highlighted the importance of processing mentioned URLs and embedded images along with post content to boost the prediction efficiency. Furthermore, this research additionally provided a comparison of naive Bayes, support vector machines, extreme gradient boosting and long short-term memory (LSTM) machine learning techniques for sentiment analysis on Twitter posts and concluded LSTM as the most effective technique in this regard.
Specific regulations of gill membrane fatty acids in response to environmental variability reveal fitness differences between two suspension-feeding bivalves (Nodipecten subnodosus and Spondylus crassisquama)
Authors: Mathieu-Resuge Margaux , Le Grand Fabienne , Schaal Gauthier , Lluch-Cota Salvador E , Racotta Ilie S , Kraffe Edouard
Published: August 2020

Bivalves’ physiological functions (i.e. growth, reproduction) are influenced by environmental variability that can be concomitant with trophic resource variations in terms of quality and quantity. Among the essential molecules that bivalves need to acquire from their diet to maintain physiological functions, fatty acids (FAs) such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g. 20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid), 20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid)) have been described to play a critical role. The present study examined the FA composition of gill membrane lipids of two bivalve species, Nodipecten subnodosus and Spondylus crassisquama, sampled in a coastal lagoon of the Northeastern Pacific (Ojo de Liebre, Mexico), at two contrasting locations (inner versus outer part of the lagoon) and at two different periods (February and August 2016). Spatiotemporal variations showed that FA composition of gill membrane lipids was highly correlated to FA composition of reserve lipids from digestive gland. This highlights the marked impact of the diet on FA composition of gill membranes. Interestingly, both species presented differences in the seasonal accumulations of plasmalogens and of particular FA that are not found in their diet (e.g. non-methylene interrupted FA, 22:4n-9trans, 20:1n-11), suggesting specific regulations of FA incorporation and lipid class composition in gill membranes to maintain optimal membrane function in their specific and changing environment. This study highlights the importance to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of food resources in order to apprehend the physiological consequences of environmental variability, as well as species differential regulation capacities in a changing world.
An informatics research platform to make public gene expression time-course datasets reusable for more scientific discoveries
Authors: Patra Braja Gopal , Soltanalizadeh  Babak , Deng  Nan , Wu  Leqing , Maroufy Vahed , Wu  Canglin , Zheng  W Jim , Roberts  Kirk , Wu Hulin , Yaseen Ashraf
Published: August 2020

The exponential growth of genomic/genetic data in the era of Big Data demands new solutions for making these data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. In this article, we present a web-based platform named Gene Expression Time-Course Research (GETc) Platform that enables the discovery and visualization of time-course gene expression data and analytical results from the NIH/NCBI-sponsored Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The analytical results are produced from an analytic pipeline based on the ordinary differential equation model. Furthermore, in order to extract scientific insights from these results and disseminate the scientific findings, close and efficient collaborations between domain-specific experts from biomedical and scientific fields and data scientists is required. Therefore, GETc provides several recommendation functions and tools to facilitate effective collaborations. GETc platform is a very useful tool for researchers from the biomedical genomics community to present and communicate large numbers of analysis results from GEO. It is generalizable and broadly applicable across different biomedical research areas. GETc is a user-friendly and efficient web-based platform freely accessible at http://genestudy.org/
Association between physical activity and kidney stones based on dose–response analyses using restricted cubic splines
Authors: Feng Xiaojie , Wu Wentao , Zhao Fanfan , Xu Fengshuo , Han Didi , Guo Xiaojuan , Lyu Jun
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aimed to determine whether there is a dose–response relationship between physical activity and the self-reported prevalence of kidney stone, based on a restricted cubic splines (RCS) method.

Methods

This study analyzed 8931 adults aged ≥20 years who had participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2013–16. Kidney stones and physical activity were defined using a standard questionnaire, and metabolic equivalents (MET) were used to quantify the physical activity level. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between physical activity and the risk of kidney stones, and the dose–response relationship was explored using RCS.

Results

Kidney stones were present in 10.3% of the analyzed individuals: 11.5% of males and 9.2% of females. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with the first quartile (Q1) of MET, the odds ratios (ORs) of kidney stones for those with Q2, Q3 and Q4 of MET were 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.59–0.87], 0.77 (95% CI = 0.63–0.93) and 0.63 (95% CI = 0.51–0.78), respectively (all P < 0.01). The RCS regression showed that physical activity was related to kidney stones in a non-linear manner (P for non-linearity = 0.0100). The prevalence of kidney stones decreasing as physical activity increased, reaching a plateau for physical activity at approximately 2480 MET-min week−1 (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.63–0.91).

Conclusions

Physical activity is inversely associated with the prevalence of kidney stones, and the dose–response relationship has a plateau, after which the prevalence of kidney stones does not change with the increase of physical activity.
Prokaryotic community composition in a great shallow soda lake covered by large reed stands (Neusiedler See/Lake Fertő) as revealed by cultivation- and DNA-based analyses
Authors: Szuróczki Sára , Szabó Attila , Korponai Kristóf , Felföldi Tamás , Somogyi Boglárka , Márialigeti Károly , Tóth Erika
Published: August 2020

Little is known about the detailed community composition of heterotrophic bacterioplankton in macrophyte-dominated littoral systems, where a considerable amount of dissolved organic carbon originates from aquatic macrophytes instead of phytoplankton. The aim of the present study was to reveal the effect of macrophytes on the microbial community and to elucidate their role in a macrophyte-dominated shallow soda lake, which can be characterised by a mosaic of open waters and reed marsh. Therefore, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, the most probable number method, cultivation of bacterial strains, EcoPlate and cultivation-based substrate utilisation techniques were applied. Differences in the structures of microbial communities were detected between the water and the sediment samples and between vegetated and unvegetated water samples. Planktonic bacterial communities of an inner pond and a reed-covered area showed significant similarities to each other. Woesearchaeia was the dominant archaeal taxon in the water samples, while Bathyarchaeia, ‘Marine Benthic Group D' and 'DHVEG-1’ were abundant in the sediment samples. The most probable number of heterotrophic bacteria was lower in the open water than in the reed-associated areas. The vast majority (83%) of the isolated bacterial strains from the water samples of the reed-covered area were able to grow on a medium containing reed extract as the sole source of carbon.
Mild hydrostatic-pressure (15 MPa) affects the assembly, but not the growth, of oil-degrading coastal microbial communities tested under limiting conditions (5°C, no added nutrients)
Authors: Barbato Marta , Scoma Alberto
Published: August 2020

Hydrostatic pressures (HP) <30–40 MPa are often considered mild, and their impact on petroleum biodegradation seldom considered. However, the frequent use of nutrient-rich media in lab-scale high-pressure reactors may exaggerate HP importance by resulting in a strong growth stimulation as compared to oligotrophic marine environments. Here, we tested coastal seawater microbial communities, presumably enriched in pressure-sensitive microorganisms. Limiting environmental conditions for growth were applied (i.e. low temperature [5°C], no added nutrients) and HP tested at 0.1 and 15 MPa, using crude oils from three different reservoirs. The cell number was not affected by HP contrary to the microbial community composition (based on 16S rRNA gene and 16S rRNA sequences). The most predominant genera were Zhongshania, Pseudomonas and Colwellia. The enrichment of Zhongshania was crude-oil dependent and comparable at 0.1 and 15 MPa, thus showing a piezotolerant phenotype under the present conditions; Pseudomonas’ was crude-oil dependent at 0.1 MPa but unclear at 15 MPa. Colwellia was selectively enriched in the absence of crude oil and suppressed at 15 MPa. HP shaped the assemblage of oil-degrading communities even at mild levels (i.e. 15 MPa), and should thus be considered as a fundamental factor to assess oil bioremediation along the water column.
Soil microbial composition varies in response to coffee agroecosystem management
Authors: Jurburg Stephanie D , Shek Katherine L , McGuire Krista
Published: August 2020

Soil microbes are essential to the continued productivity of sustainably managed agroecosystems. In shade coffee plantations, the relationship between soil microbial composition, soil nutrient availability and coffee productivity have been demonstrated, but the effects of management on the composition of the soil microbial communities remains relatively unexplored. To further understand how management modulates the soil microbiome, the soil fungal and bacterial communities, soil chemistry, and canopy composition were surveyed in a Nicaraguan coffee cooperative, across 19 individual farms. Amplicon sequencing analyses showed that management (organic or conventional), stand age and previous land use affected the soil microbiome, albeit in different ways. Bacterial communities were most strongly associated with soil chemistry, while fungal communities were more strongly associated with the composition of the canopy and historical land use of the coffee plantation. Notably, both fungal and bacterial richness decreased with stand age. In addition to revealing the first in-depth characterization of the soil microbiome in coffee plantations in Nicaragua, these results highlight how fungal and bacterial communities are simultaneously modulated by long-term land use legacies (i.e. an agricultural plot's previous land use) and short-term press disturbance (i.e. farm age).
The complete mitochondrial genome of the lipid-producing yeast Rhodotorula toruloides
Authors: Zhou Renhui , Zhu Zhiwei , Zhang Sufang , Zhao Zongbao Kent
Published: August 2020

Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles with their own genome and crucial to cellular material and energy metabolism. Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of a lipid-producing basidiomycetous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides NP11. The mitochondrial genome of R. toruloides NP11 was assembled into a circular DNA molecule of 125937bp, encoding 15 proteins, 28 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNA subunits and 10 open reading frames with unknown function. The G + C content (41%) of the mitochondrial genome is substantially lower than that of the nuclear genome (62%) of R. toruloides NP11. Further reanalysis of the transcriptome data confirmed the transcription of four mitochondrial genes. The comparison of the mitochondrial genomes of R. toruloides NP11 and NBRC0880 revealed a significant genetic divergence. These data can complement our understanding of the genetic background of R. toruloides and provide fundamental information for further genetic engineering of this strain.
‘Allowable or not?’ John Stokesley, the court of requests and royal justice in sixteenth-century England
Authors: Flannigan Laura
Published: August 2020

In 1523 the theologian John Stokesley was dismissed as a judge in the English court of requests following an investigation by the royal council. This article reconsiders the significance of this episode as part of continuous efforts to define royal justice across the sixteenth century. Grounded in unprecedentedly detailed research in the early Requests archive, the article studies the business and personnel of Requests before, during and after Stokesley’s presidency. It demonstrates that Stokesley’s indiscretions probably undermined the principles of royal justice and required amendment. But this was no simple victory for the common law over extra-legal, equitable justice.
Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Austin , Roth Hannah , Anyane-Yeboa Adjoa , Rubin David T , Paul Sonali
Published: August 2020

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant public health burden, with up to 30% of the US population affected. The prevalence of NAFLD among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is unknown. Understanding risk factors for NAFLD in IBD patients has implications in the treatment of these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients and to identify risk factors associated with NAFLD development.

Methods

Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched using Medical Subject Headlines to find studies that assessed the prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients. Twenty-seven English-language research abstracts/articles were identified between January 2005 and April 2018. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients was compared with prevalence of NAFLD in the general population.

Results

Based on data pooled from all 27 studies, the prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients was 32% (95% CI, 24%–40%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 98%). The prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients (32%) is statistically significantly higher than the prevalence of NAFLD in the general population (25.2%; P < 0.001). Factors associated with the development of NAFLD among IBD patients included age, BMI, diabetes, IBD duration, and prior history of bowel resection.

Conclusions

There is a higher prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients compared with the general population. Previous treatment regimens may be a risk factor for the development of NAFLD. Future studies are needed to further clarify these risk factors and determine screening recommendations.
Spermathecal Variation in Temperate Opiliones
Authors: Zulekha Karachiwalla , Tagide deCarvalho , Mercedes Burns
Published: August 2020

Synopsis

Most arachnid fertilization occurs internally, allowing for a variety of post-copulatory mechanisms to take place. Females are expected to exert some level of control over sperm fate when (1) the point of gametic fusion is particularly distant from the point of oogenesis, (2) the time of syngamy is significantly later than the time of mating, (3) sperm are non-motile, and/or (4) the morphology of females allows for selective containment of sperm. Many of these conditions are met in Opiliones (a.k.a. “harvesters,” “harvestmen,” or “daddy-longlegs”), where we have evidence of sexual antagonism, multiple mating, and delayed oviposition for a number of species. We used confocal laser scanning microscopy to capture and analyze images of harvester spermathecae, structures within the genitalia of female arthropods that store and maintain sperm after copulation. Spermathecal morphology may have critical function in controlling seminal movement. We anticipated that species with previously identified traits associated with sexual antagonism would also have thicker and/or relatively more complex spermathecae. We examined spermathecal morphology in 13 species of Leiobunum and 1 species of Hadrobunus, which were collected from North America and Japan. Our results show that eight species had structures consisting of a single chamber with no or partial invagination, and the remainder had multiple cuticular invaginations producing 2–3 lumina within the spermathecae. Using phylogenetic multivariate comparative methods, we estimated a trend toward cross-correlation between conflict and spermathecal traits. Some, but not all, of the species with thicker, more complex spermathecae had morphological traits associated with sexual conflict (larger body size, thicker genital muscle). In conclusion, we discuss methods to elucidate spermathecal mechanism and sperm precedence in these species. Confocal microscopy allowed us to visualize internal structures difficult to interpret with two-dimensional brightfield microscopy, a technique that could be applied to the characterization of internal reproductive structures in other arthropods.
Genetically Determined Levels of Serum Metabolites and Risk of Neuroticism: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Qian Li , Fan Yajuan , Gao Fengjie , Zhao Binbin , Yan Bin , Wang Wei , Yang Jian , Ma Xiancang
Published: August 2020

Background

Neuroticism is a strong predictor for a variety of social and behavioral outcomes, but the etiology is still unknown. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive investigation of causal effects of serum metabolome phenotypes on risk of neuroticism using Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches.

Methods

Genetic associations with 486 metabolic traits were utilized as exposures, and data from a large genome-wide association study of neuroticism were selected as outcome. For MR analysis, we used the standard inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method for primary MR analysis and 3 additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier) for sensitivity analyses.

Results

Our study identified 31 metabolites that might have causal effects on neuroticism. Of the 31 metabolites, uric acid and paraxanthine showed robustly significant association with neuroticism in all MR methods. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables, a 1-SD increase in uric acid was associated with approximately 30% lower risk of neuroticism (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.62–0.95; PIVW = 0.0145), whereas a 1-SD increase in paraxanthine was associated with a 7% higher risk of neuroticism (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–1.12; PIVW = .0145).

Discussion

Our study suggested an increased level of uric acid was associated with lower risk of neuroticism, whereas paraxanthine showed the contrary effect. Our study provided novel insight by combining metabolomics with genomics to help understand the pathogenesis of neuroticism.
No Evidence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)–Assisted Hepatitis D Virus Propagation in a Large Cohort of HCV-Positive Blood Donors
Authors: Cappy Pierre , Lucas Quentin , Kankarafou Nakourogou , Sureau Camille , Laperche Syria
Published: August 2020

A study reported in 2019 showed that hepatitis C virus (HCV) could help disseminate hepatitis D virus (HDV). To test this finding, 2123 plasma samples positive for anti-HCV antibody were screened for anti-HDV antibodies, and HDV-RNA was searched for in samples positive for anti-HDV antibody. Of 41 samples (1.9%) that tested positive for anti-HDV antibody, 27 (65.9%) were positive and 14 (34.1%) negative for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Anti-HDV antibodies were significantly more present in samples positive for anti-HBc (6.21% vs 0.8% in negative samples; P < .001) and in samples negative for HCV RNA (2.9% vs 1.5% for positive samples; P = .03). Serological ratios were significantly higher in samples positive for anti-HBc (P < .01). No anti-HDV–positive sample was HDV RNA positive. In conclusion, this study found no evidence suggesting a role for HCV in HDV dissemination in humans.
The applicability of COBIT processes representation structure for quality improvement in healthcare: a Delphi study
Authors: Žvanut Boştjan , Burnik Milena , Kolnik Tamara Štemberger , Pucer Patrik
Published: August 2020

Objectives

In healthcare, a variety of quality management practices are used. Although they are important sources for quality improvement initiatives, they do not focus on each particular process. On the other hand, ‘Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies’ (COBIT) offers a well-defined process representation structure for representing potential process improvements. The objective of this study was to adopt the COBIT structure for healthcare processes and assess the applicability of such process representations.

Design

A two-round Delphi technique was applied: in round 1, open-ended interviews were performed with the participants; in round 2, the participants responded to the web questionnaire.

Settings

The participants provided their opinion between 11 September 2018 and 26 June 2019.

Participants

It included 37 members of an expert panel from 8 European countries.

Intervention

N/A

Main Outcome Measures

In round 1, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats indicators of using the proposed structure in healthcare were identified. These were evaluated on a 9-point Likert scale in round 2.

Results

All participants noted that elements of the COBIT process representation structure were suitable for representing healthcare processes. The consensus was reached only for strengths and opportunities indicators.

Conclusions

A set of processes represented with the suggested structure has the potential to become a valid reference in healthcare quality improvements initiatives, as COBIT in IT domain. Despite the fact that the expert panel members confirmed the applicability of the COBIT process representation structure for healthcare processes, the identified weaknesses and threats cannot be ignored.
Effect of Patient-Specific Preanalytic Variables on CSF Aβ1–42 Concentrations Measured on an Automated Chemiluminescent Platform
Authors: Darrow Jacqueline A , Calabro Amanda , Gannon Sara , Orusakwe Amanze , Esquivel Rianne , Traynham C J , Rao Aruna , Gulyani Seema , Khingelova Kristina , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Albert Marilyn , Moghekar Abhay
Published: August 2020

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are increasingly used to confirm the accuracy of a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer disease (AD). Recent evidence suggests that fully automated assays reduce the impact of some preanalytical factors on the variability of these measures. This study evaluated the effect of several preanalytical variables common in clinical settings on the variability of CSF β-amyloid 1–42 (Aβ1–42) concentrations.

Methods

Aβ1–42 concentrations were measured using the LUMIPULSE G1200 from both freshly collected and frozen CSF samples. Preanalytic variables examined were: (1) patient fasting prior to CSF collection, (2) blood contamination of specimens, and (3) aliquoting specimens sequentially over the course of collection (i.e., CSF gradients).

Results

Patient fasting did not significantly affect CSF Aβ1–42 levels. While assessing gradient effects, Aβ1–42 concentrations remained stable within the first 5 1-mL aliquots. However, there is evidence of a gradient effect toward higher concentrations over successive aliquots. Aβ1–42 levels were stable when fresh CSF samples were spiked with up to 2.5% of blood. However, in frozen CSF samples, even 0.25% blood contamination significantly decreased Aβ1–42 concentrations.

Conclusions

The preanalytical variables examined here do not have significant effects on Aβ1–42 concentrations if fresh samples are processed within 2 h. However, a gradient effect can be observed on Aβ1–42 concentrations after the first 5 mL of collection and blood contamination has a significant impact on Aβ1–42 concentrations once specimens have been frozen.
A Simple and Standardized Method for the Determination of Total Solanesol in Potato Leaves and Its Extracts Based on HPLC-MS
Authors: Lan Tao , Yu Congcong , Li Ren , Ma Zheng , Xi Xingjun , Chu Qiao
Published: August 2020

Background

Solanesol is an important pharmaceutical intermediate raw material, mainly used to synthesize coenzyme Q10, vitamin K2. It can be found prominent in potato stems and leaves. But now potato stems and leaves are always abandoned or discarded as they are not suitable for use as feed in aquaculture or other purposes. These agricultural waste resources can be reutilized as the corresponding extracts.

Objective

To develop a simple and standardized method for the detection of total solanesol in potato leaves and its extracts.

Methods

N-hexane was chosen as the extraction solvent for three times in the solanesol extraction from potato leaves. HPLC-MS was used for the detection.

Results

The LOQ was 0.3 µg/g and the linear range was from 0.1  to 50 µg/mL. The precision and stability were evaluated by the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of three samples (potato leaves, Extract-1, Extract-2) for interday and intraday. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the recoveries of three different spiked concentrations of solanesol for three samples, and results showed it ranged from 80.7% to 99.0% with RSDs less than 8.7%.

Conclusions

The method we established can provide a simple and standardized way for the extraction and detection of total solanesol.

Highlights

The work laid a foundation for the resource reutilization of potato stem and leaf.
Africa, Prisons and COVID-19
Authors: Muntingh Lukas M
Published: August 2020

Africa’s prisons are a long-standing concern for rights defenders given the prevalence of rights abuses, overcrowding, poor conditions of detention and the extent to which the criminal justice system is used to target the poor. The paper surveys 24 southern and east African countries within the context of COVID-19. Between 5 March and 15 April 2020 COVID-19 had spread to 23 southern and east African countries, except Lesotho. The overwhelming majority of these countries imposed general restrictions on their populations from March 2020 and nearly all restricted visits to prisons to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The pandemic and government responses demonstrated the importance of reliable and up to date data on the prison population, and any confined population, as it became evident that such information is sorely lacking. The World Health Organization recommended the release of prisoners to ease congestion, a step supported by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture. However, the lack of data and the particular African context pose some questions about the desirability of such a move. The curtailment of prison visits by external persons also did away with independent oversight even in states parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). In the case of South Africa, prison monitors were not listed in the ensuing legislation as part of essential services and thus were excluded from access to prisons. In the case of Mozambique, it was funding being placed on hold by the donor community that prevented the Human Rights Commission from visiting prisons. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted long-standing systemic problems in Africa’s prisons. Yet African states have remained remarkably reluctant to engage in prison reform, despite the fact that poorly managed prisons pose a significant threat to general public health care.