bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of automated tool for two‐dimensional fetal biometry
Authors: Salim I. , Cavallaro A. , Ciofolo‐Veit C. , Rouet L. , Raynaud C. , Mory B. , Collet Billon A. , Harrison G. , Roundhill D. , Papageorghiou A. T. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate whether an automated tool can recognize a structure of interest and measure fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) on frozen two‐dimensional ultrasound images.MethodsUltrasound examinations were performed in 100 singleton pregnancies between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation, ensuring an even distribution throughout gestational age. In each pregnancy, three standard biometric variables (HC, AC, FL) were measured each in three different images obtained for this purpose (i.e. nine independent image acquisitions). An algorithm (Philips Research) was used to detect the structure of interest and automatically place calipers for measurement. Caliper placement was assessed in two ways. First, subjective clinical assessment was performed to determine whether the caliper placement was correct, and caliper position was classified as ‘acceptable for clinical use’, ‘minor adjustment required’ or ‘major adjustment required’. Second, the resulting automatic measurements were compared with manual measurements, taken in real time. Mean difference errors were calculated and expressed as percentages to correct for fetal growth with advancing gestation.ResultsAfter exclusion of one pregnancy due to missing images, a total of 891 images (297 for each biometric variable) from 99 pregnancies were analyzed. The algorithm failed to place calipers for the AC in nine images, whereas there were no failures in caliper placement for measurement of HC and FL. On subjective quality assessment of automatic caliper placement, in 475 (53.3%) images position of the calipers was judged to be clinically acceptable and did not require any adjustment, while in 317 (35.6%) and 90 images (10.1%) minor and major adjustments were required, respectively. The mean error between manual and automatic measurement of HC was −0.21 cm corresponding to a percentage error of −0.81% with 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between −3.73% and 2.12%. For AC and FL measurements, the mean error was, respectively, 0.72 cm (percentage error, 2.40%) with LOA between −9.48% and 14.27%, and 0.21 cm (percentage error, 3.76%) with LOA between −8.38% and 15.91%.ConclusionsThe automated tool identified correctly the biometric variable of interest in 99% of frozen images. The resulting measurements had a high degree of accuracy and compared well with previously published manual‐to‐manual agreement. The measurements exhibited bias, with the automated tool underestimating biometry; this could be overcome by further improvements in the algorithm. Nevertheless, adjustable calipers for manual correction remains a requirement. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
CylA is a sequence-specific protease involved in toxin biosynthesis
Authors: Tang Weixin , Bobeica Silvia C , Wang Li , van der Donk Wilfred A 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
CylA is a subtilisin-like protein belonging to a recently expanded serine protease family related to class II lanthipeptide biosynthesis. As a leader peptidase, CylA is responsible for maturation of the enterococcal cytolysin, a lantibiotic important for Enterococcus faecalis virulence. In vitro reconstitution of CylA reveals that it accepts both linear and modified cytolysin peptides with a preference for cyclized peptides. Further characterization indicates that CylA activates itself by removing its N-terminal 95 amino acids. CylA achieves sequence-specific traceless cleavage of non-cognate peptides even if they are post-translationally modified, which makes the peptidase a powerful tool for mining novel lanthipeptides by providing a general strategy for leader peptide removal. Knowledge about the substrate specificity of CylA may also facilitate the development of protease inhibitors targeting cytolysin biosynthesis as a potential therapeutic approach for enterococcal infections.
Systematic investigation of CRISPR–Cas9 configurations for flexible and efficient genome editing in Corynebacterium glutamicum NRRL-B11474
Authors: Cameron Coates R , Blaskowski Stephen , Szyjka Shawn , van Rossum Harmen M , Vallandingham Jim , Patel Kedar , Serber Zach , Dean Jed 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This study details a reliable and efficient method for CRISPR–Cas9 genome engineering in the high amino acid-producing strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum, NRRL-B11474. Our investigation demonstrates that a plasmid-encoded single-guide RNA paired with different edit-encoding fragments is sufficient to generate edits without the addition of an exogenous recombinase. This approach leverages a genome-integrated copy of the cas9 gene for reduced toxicity, in combination with a single plasmid carrying the targeting guide RNA and matching edit fragment. Our study systematically investigated the impact of homology arm length on editing efficiency and demonstrates genome editing with homology arm lengths as small as 25 bp for single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 75 bp for 100 bp sequence swaps. These homology arm lengths are smaller than previously reported for other strains of C. glutamicum. Our study finds that C. glutamicum NRRL-B11474 is not amenable to efficient transformation with plasmids containing the BL1, NG2, or CC1 origins of replication. This finding differs from all previously reported approaches to plasmid-based CRISPR–Cas9 or Cpf1 editing in other strains of C. glutamicum. Two alternative origins of replication (CG1 and CASE1) can be used to successfully introduce genome edits; furthermore, our data demonstrate improved editing efficiency when guide RNAs and edit fragments are encoded on plasmids carrying the CASE1 origin of replication (compared to plasmids carrying CG1). In addition, this study demonstrates that efficient editing can be done using an integrated Cas9 without the need for a recombinase. We demonstrate that the specifics of CRISPR–Cas9 editing configurations may need to be tailored to enable different edit types in a particular strain background. Refining configuration parameters such as edit type, homology arm length, and plasmid origin of replication enables robust, flexible, and efficient CRISPR–Cas9 editing in differing genetic strain contexts.
Natural product drug discovery in the genomic era: realities, conjectures, misconceptions, and opportunities
Authors: Baltz Richard H 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Natural product discovery from microorganisms provided important sources for antibiotics, anti-cancer agents, immune-modulators, anthelminthic agents, and insecticides during a span of 50 years starting in the 1940s, then became less productive because of rediscovery issues, low throughput, and lack of relevant new technologies to unveil less abundant or not easily detected drug-like natural products. In the early 2000s, it was observed from genome sequencing that Streptomyces species encode about ten times as many secondary metabolites as predicted from known secondary metabolomes. This gave rise to a new discovery approach—microbial genome mining. As the cost of genome sequencing dropped, the numbers of sequenced bacteria, fungi and archaea expanded dramatically, and bioinformatic methods were developed to rapidly scan whole genomes for the numbers, types, and novelty of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. This methodology enabled the identification of microbial taxa gifted for the biosynthesis of drug-like secondary metabolites. As genome sequencing technology progressed, the realities relevant to drug discovery have emerged, the conjectures and misconceptions have been clarified, and opportunities to reinvigorate microbial drug discovery have crystallized. This perspective addresses these critical issues for drug discovery.
The Implications of Fabrication and Cast-to-Cast Variability on Thermal Aging in the Creep Range for AISI Type 316H Stainless Steel Components
Authors: Warren A. D. , Martinez-Ubeda A. , Griffiths I. , Flewitt P. E. J. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Life prediction is critical for safe operation of plant within the creep regime. This study investigates the influence differences in specific composition and fabrication routes have on creep degradation for components with compositions within the design specification. Four ex-service AISI 316H austenitic stainless steel components exhibiting different manufacturing techniques and a range of compositions were used in the study. The boiler header component was found to contain localized chromium-rich regions arising from the original cast microstructure which result in a wide range of phases and show enhanced creep cavitation. Chi-phase precipitates contribute a significant role in creep damage accumulation via phosphorus segregation to the chi-austenite inter-phase boundaries. Tubular components with a homogenous microstructure and similar composition to the header showed limited secondary phase evolution. In one tubular specimen, creep cavitation was linked to phosphorus segregation at M23C6—austenite inter-phase boundaries. The remaining two tubular components, with a higher (but within specification) silicon content, showed homogeneous microstructures with limited creep cavitation and no phosphorus segregation was observed.
Ultra-High Temperature Interaction Between h-BN-Based Composite and Molten Silicon
Authors: Polkowski Wojciech , Sobczak Natalia , Polkowska Adelajda , Nowak Rafał , Kudyba Artur , Bruzda Grzegorz , Giuranno Donatella , Generosi Amanda , Paci Barbara , Trucchi Daniele M. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Silicon has been recently proposed as a very promising phase change material for applications in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) and conversion systems working at ultra-high temperatures. However, in order to successfully develop such kind of devices, suitable refractories showing low reactivity and non-wetting behavior upon the melting and storing of molten silicon at temperatures much higher than its melting point have to be selected. In our previous work, we have documented that the non-wetting behavior in Si/h-BN system is preserved at temperatures up to 1650 °C, with the absence of new reaction products formed at the interface. These findings make hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) a reasonable first candidate for Si-based LHTES applications. Nevertheless, the rather poor mechanical strength of “pure” h-BN ought to be improved in order to enhance the reliability under thermocycling operational conditions and to increase the life period of the device. Therefore, in the present paper, we examine for the first time the interactions at ultra-high temperatures between a high strength commercial h-BN-based composite and molten Si. At temperatures up to 1750 °C, the wettability of the h-BN-based composite (h-BN + SiC + ZrO2) with molten Si is much lower if compared to the pure h-BN counterpart. Additionally, the role of reinforcements (SiC + ZrO2) and occured microstructural evolution is discussed based on the results obtained by SEM and XRD analyses.
Investigation of Magnetite Oxidation Kinetics at the Particle Scale
Authors: Sandeep Kumar T. K. , Viswanathan N. N. , Ahmed H. , Dahlin A. , Andersson C. , Bjorkman B. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The induration of magnetite pellets is a complex physico-chemical process that involves oxidation, sintering, and heat transfer. The thermal- and gas-composition profile that is experienced by the pellet in an induration reactor could result in the formation of a homogenous or heterogeneous pellet structure, which could affect the pellet quality. The oxidation kinetics of magnetite pellets from sintering studies have been studied at two levels, namely, the pellet scale and at the particle scale, and the findings of the latter are presented here. The rate of oxidation of the magnetite concentrate depends primarily on temperature, oxygen content in the oxidizing gas, and particle size. These factors are investigated in this study. It was found that the oxidation of the magnetite concentrate is comprised of two distinct stages, a primary stage with high rates followed by a secondary stage where rates decrease significantly. The isothermal oxidation behavior as analyzed by the Avrami kinetic model was found to fit better than the shrinking-core model. The partially oxidized particles were examined microstructurally to supplement the experimental and model results. The Avrami kinetic model for isothermal oxidation was extended to non-isothermal profiles using the superposition principle, and the model was validated experimentally.
Constitutive Moral Luck and Strawson's Argument for the Impossibility of Moral Responsibility
Authors: HARTMAN ROBERT J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGalen Strawson's Basic Argument is that because self-creation is required to be truly morally responsible and self-creation is impossible, it is impossible to be truly morally responsible for anything. I contend that the Basic Argument is unpersuasive and unsound. First, I argue that the moral luck debate shows that the self-creation requirement appears to be contradicted and supported by various parts of our commonsense ideas about true moral responsibility, and that this ambivalence undermines the only reason that Strawson gives for the self-creation requirement. Second, I argue that the self-creation requirement is so demanding that either it is an implausible requirement for a species of true moral responsibility that we take ourselves to have or it is a plausible requirement of a species of true moral responsibility that we have never taken ourselves to have. Third, I explain that Strawson overgeneralizes from instances of constitutive luck that obviously undermine true moral responsibility to all kinds of constitutive luck.
Justice as Lawfulness
Authors: ROGERS TRISTAN J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhat is the relationship between justice as an individual virtue and justice as an institutional virtue? The latter has been exhaustively explored by political philosophers, whereas the former remains underexplored in the literature on virtue ethics. This article defends the view that individual justice is logically prior to institutional justice, and argues that this view requires a conception of individual justice I call ‘justice as lawfulness’. The resulting view consists of three claims. First, just institutions are composed of the relations between just persons. Second, the just person has a disposition to act in accordance with the legal and social norms (collectively, thenomoi) of the existing political tradition. Third, departures from thenomoirequire that the just person act with practical wisdom to reform thenomoiaccording to an implicit standard of justice in the political tradition.
Facilitators of research registry enrollment and potential variation by race and gender
Authors: Glover Crystal M. , Creel-Bulos Christina , Patel Lisa M. , During Scarlett Ellis , Graham Karen L. , Montoya Yadira , Frick Susan , Phillips Judy , Shah Raj C. 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionLittle is known about what motivates people to enroll in research registries. The purpose of this study is to identify facilitators of registry enrollment among diverse older adults.MethodsParticipants completed an 18-item Research Interest Assessment Tool. We used logistic regression analyses to examine responses across participants and by race and gender.ResultsParticipants (N=374) were 58% black, 76% women, with a mean age of 68.2 years. All participants were motivated to maintain their memory while aging. Facilitators of registry enrolled varied by both race and gender. Notably, blacks (estimate=0.71, p<0.0001) and women (estimate=0.32, p=0.03) were more willing to enroll in the registry due to home visits compared with whites and men, respectively.ConclusionsResearchers must consider participant desire for maintaining memory while aging and home visits when designing culturally tailored registries.
Producing and Maintaining Minority “Groupness” through State Effects: Teaching in Croatian in Serbia
Authors: Hodges Andrew 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article ethnographically examines the situation surrounding the teaching of Croatian in Serbia. It analyzes the discourses and efforts of minority activists in promoting Croatian culture and language in various ways, specifically drawing on fieldwork conducted in a school where three mutually intelligible language varieties—Serbian, Croatian, and Bunjevac—were taught. Instruction in Croatian has been offered in Serbia since 2002 through a minority rights framework. However, prior to the wars of Yugoslav succession in the 1990s, those identifying as Croat were not considered a minority in [the] Socialist Yugoslavia, as it was a South Slavic federation. The number of children enrolling in Croatian minority programs in Serbia is small, and of those who attend them, a significant number do not come to identify as Croatian, a fact that many minority activists consider to be a problem. The article is organized in four parts. First, the context and various perspectives are introduced through an ethnographic vignette. Second, the research context and legal and institutional framework are introduced. Activist perspectives are then discussed, including tensions present. Finally, Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s concept of “state effects” is presented and elaborated with respect to the case study, and the various efforts of activists in trying to promote and/or maintain Croatian “groupness” are evaluated.
Trends of serum phospholipid fatty acids over time in rural Uganda: evidence of nutritional transition?
Authors: Chajès Véronique , Gibson Lorna J. , Biessy Carine , Slimani Nadia , Asiki Gershim , Dossus Laure , Wild Christopher P. , Newton Robert 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNon-communicable diseases are projected to become the most common causes of death in Africa by 2030. The impact on health of epidemiological and nutritional transitions in sub-Saharan Africa remains unclear. To assess the trends of dietary fatty acids over time in Uganda, we examined fatty acids in serum collected from individuals in rural south-west Uganda, at three time points over two decades. Independent cross-sectional samples of 915 adults and children were selected from the general population cohort in 1990 (n 281), 2000 (n 283) and 2008 (n 351). Serum phospholipid fatty acids were measured by GC. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare the geometric means of fatty acids by time period. Serum fatty acid profiling showed high proportions of SFA, cis-MUFA and industrial trans-fatty acids (iTFA), likely to be biomarkers of high consumption of palm oil and hydrogenated fats. In contrast, proportions of n-6 and n-3 PUFA from vegetable oils and fish were low. From 1990 to 2008, serum phospholipids showed increases in absolute amounts of SFA (17·3 % increase in adults and 26·4 % in children), MUFA (16·7 % increase in adults and 16·8 % in children) and n-6:n-3 PUFA (40·1 % increase in adults and 39·8 % in children). The amount of elaidic acid, iTFA from hydrogenated fats, increased in children (60·1 % increase). In this rural Ugandan population, we show evidence of unfavourable trends over time of dietary fatty acids.
International Influences on Policymaking in China: Network Authoritarianism from Jiang Zemin to Hu Jintao
Authors: Duckett Jane 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPrevious research has credited China's top leaders, Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, with the social policies of their decade in power, arguing that they promoted these policies either for factional reasons or to achieve rational, problem-solving goals. But such arguments ignore the dominant “fragmented authoritarian” model of policymaking in China that centres on bargaining among bureaucratic agencies. This article asks whether top leadership factions, rational problem solving, or “fragmented authoritarianism” can explain the adoption of one of the Hu and Wen administration's flagship policies, New Rural Cooperative Medical Schemes. Based on a careful tracing of this policy's evolution, it finds little evidence for these explanations, and instead uncovers the role played by international events and organizations, and ideas they introduced or sustained within policy networks. The article highlights some of the effects that China's international engagement has had on policymaking and the need to go beyond explanations of the policy process that focus solely on domestic actors. It proposes a new model of policymaking, “network authoritarianism,” that centres on policy networks spanning the domestic–international, state–non-state, and central–local divides, and which takes account of the influence of ideas circulating within these networks.
Principle-guided Policy Experimentation in China: From Rural Tax and Fee Reform to Hu and Wen's Abolition of Agricultural Tax
Authors: Wang Guohui 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe abolition of Agricultural Tax in 2005 was a major policy of the early Hu–Wen administration. But how and why did it happen? Drawing on abundant media reports, archive documents and internal speeches by key policymakers, as well as on the author's interviews, this article argues that this reform was pushed through (the “how”) by “principle-guided policy experimentation” with origins in the period of Jiang Zemin's leadership. Not only does this show policy continuities from the Jiang–Zhu era into the Hu–Wen period, it also reveals a different process of policy experimentation from that identified by Sebastian Heilmann in the economic policy arena. Under principle-guided policy experimentation, Chinese central decision makersfirstreached consensus on theprincipleof the Rural Tax and Fee Reform (RTFR) drawing on policy learning from prior bottom-up local experimentation, andthenformulated and implemented an experimental programme from the top-down, funding it in order to encourage local governments to participate. The evidence suggests that international, political (rural instability), economic and fiscal considerations came to explain leaders’ decisions (the “why”) on tax reform as much as their individual preferences.
Social Policy and Income Inequality during the Hu–Wen Era: A Progressive Legacy?
Authors: Gao Qin , Yang Sui , Zhai Fuhua 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe Hu–Wen era saw significant expansions in social policies in China. How did these policy changes affect income inequality, and did they leave a progressive legacy? Using the China Household income Project (CHIP) 2002, 2007 and 2013 data, this article offers empirical evidence to answer these questions. We find that these social policy changes indeed led to some convergence of the divided urban–rural–migrant social welfare systems and helped curtail the growing income inequality driven by market forces. Measured as the share in household final income, the size of urban social benefits decreased, while those for rural residents and rural-to-urban migrants increased from 2002 to 2013. Social benefits – especially pensions – reduced income inequality in all three groups, although to a much smaller extent for rural residents and migrants as compared to their urban peers. Rural residents also gained from agricultural and livelihood subsidies through the “Building a new socialist countryside” initiative.