Foundations of reasoning with uncertainty via real-valued logics.

Interest in logics with some notion of real-valued truths has existed since at least Boole and has been increasing in AI due to the emergence of neuro-symbolic approaches, though often their logical inference capabilities are characterized only qualitatively. We provide foundations for establishing the correctness and power of such systems. We introduce a rich class of multidimensional sentences, with a sound and complete axiomatization that can be parameterized to cover many real-valued logics, including all the common fuzzy logics, and extend these to weighted versions, and to the case where the truth values are probabilities. Our multidimensional sentences form a very rich class. Each of our multidimensional sentences describes a set of possible truth values for a collection of formulas of the real-valued logic, including which combinations of truth values are possible. Our completeness result is strong, in the sense that it allows us to derive exactly what information can be inferred about the combinations of truth values of a collection of formulas given information about the combinations of truth values of a finite number of other collections of formulas. We give a decision procedure based on linear programming for deciding, for certain real-valued logics and under certain natural assumptions, whether a set of our sentences logically implies another of our sentences. The generality of this work, compared to many previous works on special cases, may provide insights for both existing and new real-valued logics whose inference properties have never been characterized. This work may also provide insights into the reasoning capabilities of deep learning models.

Trace DNA and its persistence on various surfaces: A long term study investigating the influence of surface type and environmental conditions - Part one, metals.

It is imperative for proper evidence triage that forensic biologists understand what kind of results to expect from certain evidence types submitted for DNA analysis. The persistence of trace DNA has been insufficiently investigated and there is little data available pertaining to the persistence of DNA in different environmental conditions and on different materials. The goal of this study is to increase the available data on this topic which would, in turn, help forensic biologists manage expectations when submitting specific evidence types for DNA testing. The work presented herein is a large-scale persistence project aimed to identify trends in the persistence of trace DNA and indicate how different environmental storage conditions and target surface characteristics influence the persistence of cellular and cell free DNA (cfDNA) over time. To eliminate variation within the experiment we used a proxy DNA deposit consisting of a synthetic fingerprint solution, cellular DNA, and/or cfDNA. Samples were collected and analysed from 7 metals over the course of 1 year (27 time points) under 3 different environmental storage conditions. The results of this experiment show that metal type greatly influences DNA persistence. For instance, copper exhibited an expected poor DNA persistence (up to 4 h) which a purification step did not help increase the DNA yield. Alternatively, DNA can persist for up to a year on lead at levels potentially high enough to allow for forensic DNA testing. Additionally, this study showed that the sample storage environment had no impact on DNA persistence in most cases. When considering DNA type, cfDNA was shown to persist for longer than cellular DNA and persistence as a whole appears to be better when DNA is deposited as mixtures over when deposited alone. Unsurprisingly, it can be expected that DNA recovery rates from trace deposits will decrease over time. However, DNA decay is highly dependent on the metal surface and extremely variable at short time points but slightly less variable as time since deposition increases. This data is intended to add to our understanding of DNA persistence and the factors which affect it.

Comparison of swabbing and cutting-out DNA collection methods from cotton, paper, and cardboard surfaces.

Choosing an inappropriate method of sample collection can often have a detrimental impact on DNA recovery. Multiple studies highlight the importance of selecting the recovery method based on the type of surface the DNA sample is located on. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of sample collection via the single cotton swabbing method in comparison to recovery directly from the material cut from the surface. The three types of surfaces included cotton, paper, and cardboard. DNA sources comprised cell-free and cellular DNA, as well as blood and saliva as examples of body fluids commonly encountered at crime scenes. The data analysis revealed that the cutting-out method resulted in higher DNA recovery from all but cardboard surfaces, making it the more efficient collection method. Despite its limitations, the cutting-out method should be considered as the DNA recovery method of choice when suitable.

Modulation-doping a correlated electron insulator.

Correlated electron materials (CEMs) host a rich variety of condensed matter phases. Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a prototypical CEM with a temperature-dependent metal-to-insulator (MIT) transition with a concomitant crystal symmetry change. External control of MIT in VO2-especially without inducing structural changes-has been a long-standing challenge. In this work, we design and synthesize modulation-doped VO2-based thin film heterostructures that closely emulate a textbook example of filling control in a correlated electron insulator. Using a combination of charge transport, hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and structural characterization, we show that the insulating state can be doped to achieve carrier densities greater than 5 × 1021 cm-3 without inducing any measurable structural changes. We find that the MIT temperature (TMIT) continuously decreases with increasing carrier concentration. Remarkably, the insulating state is robust even at doping concentrations as high as ~0.2 e-/vanadium. Finally, our work reveals modulation-doping as a viable method for electronic control of phase transitions in correlated electron oxides with the potential for use in future devices based on electric-field controlled phase transitions.

NMR indicates the N-termini of PSGL1 and CCR7 bind competitively to the chemokine CCL21.

Chemokines are from a family of secreted cytokines that direct the trafficking of immune cells to coordinate immune responses. Chemokines are involved in numerous disease states, including responding to infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer metastasis. Ther are chemokines, like CCL21, that signal for cellular migration through the activation of G protein-coupled receptors, like CCR7, through interaction with the receptor's extracellular N-terminus, loops, and core of the receptor. CCL21 is involved in routine immune surveillance but can also attract metastasizing cancer cells to lymph nodes. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL1) has a role in cellular adhesion during chemotaxis and is a transmembrane signaling molecule. PSGL1 expression enhances chemotactic responses of T cells to CCL21. Here NMR studies indicate the binding sites on CCL21 for the N-termini or PSGL1 and CCR7 overlap, and binding of the N-termini of PSGL1 and CCR7 is competitive.

A synthetic fingerprint solution and its importance in DNA transfer, persistence and recovery studies.

A review of the literature on DNA transfer and persistence highlights many difficulties that are encountered when conducting research of this nature. One of the main problems highlighted repeatedly in the literature is the prevalence of inherent uncontrolled variation that accompany these studies, and in turn, the results obtained. This work aims to decrease the amount of intrinsic variability associated with DNA transfer and persistence experiments using a realistic proxy solution which is adaptable, of known composition, reproducible, and capable of being standardised. This proxy is composed of three parts: a synthetic fingerprint solution, cellular DNA, and cell free DNA. In this proof-of-concept study the proxy was tested with a small-scale DNA transfer and recovery experiment and the data obtained suggests that the use of a solution that mimics real fingerprint secretions, over an alternative (such as buffer or a body fluid), is important when working with non-donor provided trace DNA samples. This is because the DNA deposit solution likely impacts the transfer of DNA from fingers/hands to a surface as well as the ability to recover the biological material once deposited.

Encouraging outcomes of stemless ceramic head anatomic shoulder arthroplasty in severe primary osteoarthritis (Walch type B glenoids).

Background: We report the radiological and functional outcomes at five years in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint and a Walch type B glenoid who have undergone stemless anatomic total shoulder replacement. Methods: A retrospective analysis of case notes, computed tomography scans and plain radiographs of patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder replacement for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis were performed. Patients were grouped by the severity of their osteoarthritis using the modified Walch classification, glenoid retroversion and posterior humeral head subluxation. An evaluation was made using modern planning software. Functional outcomes were assessed using the American shoulder and elbow surgeons score, shoulder pain and disability index and visual analogue scale. Annual Lazarus scores were reviewed as regard to glenoid loosening. Results: Thirty patients were reviewed at 5 years. Analysis of all patient-reported outcome measures demonstrated significant improvement at 5-year review, American shoulder and elbow surgeons (p = <0.0001), shoulder pain and disability index (p = 0.0001), visual analogue scale (p = 0.0001). Radiological associations between Walch scores and Lazarus scores were not statistically significant (p = 0.1251) at 5 years. There were no associations between features of glenohumeral osteoarthritis and patient-reported outcome measures. Discussion: The severity of osteoarthritis did not show any association with glenoid component survivorship or with patient-reported outcome measures at 5 years review. Level of evidence: IV.

An improved rapid method for DNA recovery from cotton swabs.

We present a novel rapid method for the recovery of cellular and free DNA from cotton swabs based on a simple elution buffer containing a high molecular weight polymer and detergent combined with a short proteinase K digestion to release cellular DNA. This method shows increased yields approaching 80% recovery of the input DNA compared to the QIAamp DNA Mini kit standard extraction protocol for swabs which has a recovery of 20-30%. The buffer components in the described method are compatible with direct PCR analysis of the isolated DNA without further purification. Recovery efficiencies were estimated by qPCR.

The Activity of Red Nigerian Propolis and Some of Its Components against Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense.

Propolis is a resin that is gathered by bees from exudates produced by various plants. Its exact chemical composition depends on the plants available near the hive. Bees use propolis to coat the surfaces of the hive, where it acts as an anti-infective. Regardless of the chemical composition of propolis, it is always anti-protozoal, probably because protozoan parasites, particularly Lotmarium passim, are widespread in bee populations. The protozoa Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense cause disease in humans and/or animals. The existing drugs for treating these diseases are old and resistance is an increasingly severe problem. The many types of propolis present a rich source of anti-trypanosomal compounds-from a material gathered by bees in an environmentally friendly way. In the current work, red Nigerian propolis from Rivers State, Nigeria was tested against T. brucei and T. congolense and found to be highly active (EC50 1.66 and 4.00 µg/mL, respectively). Four isoflavonoids, vestitol, neovestitol, 7-methylvestitol and medicarpin, were isolated from the propolis. The isolated compounds were also tested against T. brucei and T. congolense, and vestitol displayed the highest activity at 3.86 and 4.36 µg/mL, respectively. Activities against drug-resistant forms of T. brucei and T. congolense were similar to those against wild type.

Livestreaming Can Augment the Observation of Veterinary Post-mortem Examinations.

The creation of interactive livestreaming post-mortem examination sessions for veterinary students is described, including the technological and pedagogical issues that were considered and a detailed description of the solution developed. We used the Hero 7 Go Pro camera ( https://gopro.com/en/gb ) and livestreamed using Zoom ( https://explore.zoom.us/en/about/ ). We completed a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis of the student perception of the value of the streaming platform and the sessions that were delivered to the second and third year students in the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) programme at the University of Glasgow. JISC Online surveys to BVMS2 and BVMS3 were central to the quantitative and qualitative analysis (MVLS Ethics reference 200,190,190).Students who responded to the survey found the material interesting, were able to interact effectively with the pathologists, enjoyed the "pathologists' eye" view that the system afforded, and enjoyed the ability to review and revise the video recording. The disadvantage some mentioned was not being in the appropriate professional space, i.e. the post-mortem facility, although a few students found this advantageous and suggested that this was a useful introduction to the post-mortem facility but without the cold/smell/noise to detract from their learning. In addition, a short explanation of additional uses of the Zoom Go Pro to teach BVMS4 and Veterinary Bioscience BSc Level 3 students and use for extracurricular student activities, e.g. Pathology Club, Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association at the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, is given. The authors also consider other roles for the platform in the future, in particular the induction of students to the post-mortem facility environment.

The Antiprotozoal Activity of Papua New Guinea Propolis and Its Triterpenes.

Profiling a propolis sample from Papua New Guinea (PNG) using high-resolution mass spectrometry indicated that it contained several triterpenoids. Further fractionation by column chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) followed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) identified 12 triterpenoids. Five of these were obtained pure and the others as mixtures of two or three compounds. The compounds identified were: mangiferonic acid, ambonic acid, isomangiferolic acid, ambolic acid, 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid, cycloartenol, cycloeucalenol, 24-methylenecycloartenol, 20-hydroxybetulin, betulin, betulinic acid and madecassic acid. The fractions from the propolis and the purified compounds were tested in vitro against Crithidia fasciculata, Trypanosoma congolense, drug-resistant Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma b. brucei and multidrug-resistant Trypanosoma b. brucei (B48). They were also assayed for their toxicity against U947 cells. The compounds and fractions displayed moderate to high activity against parasitic protozoa but only low cytotoxicity against the mammalian cells. The most active isolated compound, 20-hydroxybetulin, was found to be trypanostatic when different concentrations were tested against T. b. brucei growth.

A new sesquiterpene from South African wild ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Schweinf) B.L. Burtt).

A new eusdesmane sesquiterpenoid, characterised as 5-acetoxy-9aß-hydroxy-4aαH-3,5α, 8aß-trimethyl-4, 4a, 6, 7, 8a, 9-hexahydronaphtho-([2, 3 b]-dihydrofuran-2-one)-8-one or phaeusmane F acetate (1) has been isolated from the rhizomes of the South African variety of wild ginger (iphonochilus aethiopicus (Schweinf) B.L. Burtt). The compound was obtained after a series of column and gel filtration chromatography. Its structure was elucidated by NMR and Mass-Spectrometric analyses, including 1 D-, 2 D-NMR and HR-LCMS. This is an initial report of the compound from a Siphonochilus sp. Previously isolated similar compounds from the plant material were 4aαH-3,5α,8aß-trimethyl-4,4a,8a,9-tetrahydronaphtho[2,3b]-furan-8-one (siphonochilone) (2), 9aß-hydroxy-4aαH-3,5α,8aß-trimethyl-4,4a,8a,9-tetrahydronaphtho-([2,3b]-dihydrofuran-2-one)-8-one (3), 4aαH-3,5α,8aß-trimethyl-4,4a,8a,9-tetrahydronaphtho-([2,3b]-dihydrofuran-2-one)-8-one (4), 2-hydroxy-4aαH-3,5α,8aß-trimethyl-4,4a,8a,9-tetrahydro-naphtho[2,3b]- furan-8(5H)-one (5), 4aαH-3,5α,8aß-trimethyl-4,4a,8a-trihydronaphtho-([2,3b]-dihydrofuran-2-one)-8-one (6).[Formula: see text].

Creation of a universal experimental protocol for the investigation of transfer and persistence of trace evidence: Part 1 - From design to implementation for particulate evidence.

Understanding the transfer and persistence of different types of trace evidence between different donor and receiving surfaces under specific conditions, circumstances and alleged competing defence and prosecution hypotheses is a significant need. Acquiring such a knowledge base enables hypothesis testing to be undertaken more readily and with greater confidence. A longstanding goal has been to develop a unified approach to transfer and persistence studies which are fit for purpose but also scalable. Here we propose a low cost, universal experimental protocol using a recognised and well researched proxy material for the development and aggregation of ground truth transfer and persistence data at scale. We also propose and provide the tools to enable the creation of an open source and open access data repository of experimental data to act as a resource for practitioners and researchers in addressing transfer and persistence questions.

DNA-nanopore technology: a human perspective.

The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of the current state of nanopore sequencing in relation to forensic science with a brief outline of where it stands in relation to current methods, its potential uses in forensic science and factors which may influence acceptance of this technology by forensic practitioners, the judiciary and law enforcement. Perhaps most importantly consideration is also given to concerns which may influence the acceptance of the technology by the general public.

Two New Antiprotozoal Diterpenes From the Roots of Acacia nilotica.

The powdered roots of the medicinal plant Acacia nilotica were extracted with hexane and ethyl acetate, and the extracts were subjected to column chromatography for the isolation of potentially bioactive compounds and their screening against kinetoplastid pathogens. NMR and HREI mass spectrometric analyses identified two new diterpenes, characterized as 16, 19-dihydroxycassa-12-en-15-one (Sandynone, 1) and (5S, 7R, 8R, 9R, 10S, 13Z, 17S)-7,8:7,17:16,17-triepoxy-7,8-seco-cassa-13-ene (niloticane B, 2). The previously reported (5S,7R,8R,9R,10S) -(-)-7,8-seco-7, 8-oxacassa-13,15-diene-7,17-diol (3), (5S,7R,8R,9R,10S) -(-)-7,8-seco-7, 8-oxacassa-13,15-dien-7-ol-17-al (4), and (5S,7R,8R,9R,10S) -(-)-7,8-seco-7, 8-oxacassa-13,15-dien-7-ol (5) a, mixture of stigmasterol (6a) and sitosterol (6b), and lupeol (7) were also isolated. Several column fractions displayed significant activity against a panel of Trypanosoma and Leishmania spp., and from the most active fraction, compound 4 was isolated with high purity. The compound displayed high activity, particularly against T. brucei, T. evansi, and L. mexicana (0.88-11.7 µM) but only a modest effect against human embryonic kidney cells and no cross-resistance with the commonly used melaminophenyl arsenical and diamidine classes of trypanocides. The effect of compound 4 against L. mexicana promastigotes was irreversible after a 5-h exposure, leading to the sterilization of the culture between 24 and 48 h.

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: a snapshot of the state-of-the-art in 2020.

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) is establishing itself as an essential technique for the characterisation of materials. The number of specialised photoelectron spectroscopy techniques making use of hard x-rays is steadily increasing and ever more complex experimental designs enable truly transformative insights into the chemical, electronic, magnetic, and structural nature of materials. This paper begins with a short historic perspective of HAXPES and spans from developments in the early days of photoelectron spectroscopy to provide an understanding of the origin and initial development of the technique to state-of-the-art instrumentation and experimental capabilities. The main motivation for and focus of this paper is to provide a picture of the technique in 2020, including a detailed overview of available experimental systems worldwide and insights into a range of specific measurement modi and approaches. We also aim to provide a glimpse into the future of the technique including possible developments and opportunities.

Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial Activity of Chalcones and Flavanones from Polygonum salicifolium.

Trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are a group of neglected parasitic diseases caused by several species of parasites belonging to the family Trypansomatida. The present study investigated the antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of chalcones and flavanones from Polygonum salicifolium, which grows in the wetlands of Iraq. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant yielded two chalcones, 2',4'-dimethoxy-6'-hydroxychalcone and 2',5'-dimethoxy-4',6'-dihydroxychalcone, and two flavanones, 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone and 5,8-dimethoxy-7-hydroxyflavanone. The chalcones showed a good antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity while the flavanones were inactive. The EC50 values for 2',4'-dimethoxy-6'-hydroxychalcone against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (0.5 µg/mL), T. congolense (2.5 µg/mL), and Leishmania mexicana (5.2 µg/mL) indicated it was the most active of the compounds. None of the compounds displayed any toxicity against a human cell line, even at 100 µg/mL, or cross-resistance with first line clinical trypanocides, such as diamidines and melaminophenyl arsenicals. Taken together, our study provides significant data in relation to the activity of chalcones and flavanones from P. salicifolium against both parasites in vitro. Further future research is suggested in order to investigate the mode of action of the extracted chalcones against the parasites.

A novel benzofuro-(2, 3-c)-7'-chromene from Cassia sieberiana.

The stem bark of Cassia sieberiana was extracted with methanol and the methanol extract partitioned with chloroform. Column chromatography of the chloroform fraction over silica gel yielded a novel benzofurochromene [2-(4-hydroxylphenyl)-7'-1, 2-dihydroxy-1-phenylpropyl)-4', 6'-dihydroxy [1] phenylbenzofuro (2, 3-c)-7'-chromene], lupeol and epiafzelechin. Their structures determined by Nuclear Magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry.[Figure: see text].

Wild deer in the United Kingdom are a potential reservoir for the livestock parasite Babesia divergens.

Redwater fever is an economically important disease of cattle in the United Kingdom caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia divergens. Control efforts are dependent on accurate local historic knowledge of disease occurrence, together with an accurate appreciation of current underlying risk factors. Importantly, the involvement of red deer in the transmission of this pathogen in the UK remains unclear. We employed a polymerase chain reaction approach combined with DNA sequencing to investigate Babesia infections in livestock and red deer at a UK farm with a history of tick-borne disease. This revealed several B. divergens-infected cattle that were not displaying overt clinical signs. Additionally, 11% of red deer on the farmland and surrounding areas were infected with this parasite. We also found that 16% of the red deer were infected with Babesia odocoilei, the first time this parasite has been detected in the UK. The finding of B. divergens in the red deer population updates our knowledge of epidemiology in the UK and has implications for the effective control of redwater fever.

Antiplasmodial activity of a novel diarylheptanoid from Siphonochilus aethiopicus.

The Nigerian and South African varieties of Siphonochilus aethiopicus were examined for their phytochemical constituents. The ethyl acetate extract of the rhizomes of the South African variety yielded a novel diarylheptanoid, 2,3-diacetoxy-7-(3'',4''-dihydroxy-5''-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-5-heptene and the flavonoid 3,7-dimethoxyquercetin. From the hexane extract of the Nigerian variety, siphonochilone and another flavonoid, 3,4',7-trimethylkaempferol were isolated. The isolated compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. The diarylheptanoid was then assayed for antiplasmodial activity in vitro using a Plasmodium falciparum growth inhibition assay. At the concentrations tested, the compound inhibited parasite growth by 69 - 74%, without producing cytotoxic or significant haemolytic effects. The antiplasmodial activity of the compound is likely mediated by direct mechanism(s) in erythrocytic - stage parasites.