bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Innovatory Method Based on Continuation Power Flow to Analyze Power System Voltage Stability with Distributed Generation Penetration
Authors: Van Dai Le , Minh Khoa Ngo , Cao Quyen Le
Published: September 2020

With the penetration of distributed generation (DG) units, the power systems will face insecurity problems and voltage stability issues. This paper proposes an innovatory method by modifying the conventional continuation power flow (CCPF) method. The proposed method is realized on two prediction and correction steps to find successive load flow solutions according to a specific load scenario. Firstly, the tangent predictor is proposed to estimate the next predicted solution from two previous corrected solutions. And then, the corrector step is proposed to determine the next corrected solution on the exact solution. This corrected solution is constrained to lie in the hyperplane running through the predicted solution orthogonal to the line from the two previous corrected solutions. Besides, once the convergence criterion is reached, the procedure for cutting the step length control down to a smaller one is proposed to be implemented. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via numerical simulations on three standard test systems, namely, IEEE 14-bus, 57-bus, and 118-bus, and compared to the CCPF method.
Predictors of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Seropositivity and Cranial Ultrasound Patterns among Children with Hydrocephalus
Authors: Ottaru Sofia , Mirambo Mariam M. , Kabyemera Rogatus , Kidenya Benson R. , Seugendo Mwanaisha , Msanga Delfina R. , Ngoya Patrick , Morona Domenica , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: September 2020

Background. Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy is associated with serious neonatal complications, including hydrocephalus. In many high-income countries, T. gondii screening and treatment during the antenatal period are routinely carried out to prevent associated complications, whereas in most low-income countries, there is no routine screening of T. gondii during pregnancy. Despite the parasite being common in Tanzania, there is a paucity of information on the prevalence of T. gondii and cranial ultrasound patterns among children with hydrocephalus. Methods. An analytical cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 125 infants with hydrocephalus attending the Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) was conducted between May 2017 and February 2018. Sociodemographic and other relevant information was collected using a pretested data collection tool. Venous blood samples were collected, and sera were used for the detection of specific T. gondii antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as per manufacturer’s instructions. Data were analysed using STATA version 13 software. Results. The mean age of enrolled children was 4.8±3.5 months. Out of 125 infants with hydrocephalus, 29 (23.2%, 95% CI: 21-36) were seropositive for T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. By multiple generalized linear model analysis, being male (aRR=1.1, 95% CI: 0.9–1.5, p=0.049), higher birth order (aRR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5, p=0.023), consumption of fish meat (aRR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3, p=0.003), and using other methods of cooking meat than boiling (aRR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5, p=0.015) were independent risk factors for T. gondii IgG seropositivity. Obstructive hydrocephalus was significantly more common among T. gondii-seronegative infants compared to IgG-seropositive infants (31.3% [30/96] vs. 13.8% [4/29]; p=0.049). Conclusions. A significant proportion of infants with nonobstructive hydrocephalus are T. gondii IgG seropositive, and this is predicted by male gender, increase of birth order, consuming fish, and using other methods of cooking meat than boiling. These facts highlight the importance of continuing health education for pregnant women regarding T. gondii transmission and the need to follow-up their infants so that appropriate counselling and management can be provided.
Halt Optimization Strategy for a Space Manipulator with a Joint-Locked Failure
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Lanpu , Fu Yingzhuo , Yuan Bonan , Fei Junting
Published: September 2020

Aiming at a space manipulator with a joint-locked failure, a halt optimization strategy is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a halt configuration optimization model (HCOM) is constructed, to select an optimal configuration where the kinematic ability of the manipulator is the best. Secondly, considering the constraint of joint running parameters and the disturbance torque of the base, we construct and solve the halt motion optimization model (HMOM), which can achieve a steady halt and ensure the safety of the manipulator. The correctness and effectiveness of the proposed strategy in this paper are verified with a 7-DOF space manipulator. This strategy firstly puts forward the idea of halt configuration optimization and realizes the minimum global disturbance torque of the base in the halt process.
Search Space Reduction for Determination of Earthquake Source Parameters Using PCA andk-Means Clustering
Authors: Lee Seongjae , Kim Taehyoun
Published: September 2020

The characteristics of an earthquake can be derived by estimating the source geometries of the earthquake using parameter inversion that minimizes the L2 norm of residuals between the measured and the synthetic displacement calculated from a dislocation model. Estimating source geometries in a dislocation model has been regarded as solving a nonlinear inverse problem. To avoid local minima and describe uncertainties, the Monte-Carlo restarts are often used to solve the problem, assuming the initial parameter search space provided by seismological studies. Since search space size significantly affects the accuracy and execution time of this procedure, faulty initial search space from seismological studies may adversely affect the accuracy of the results and the computation time. Besides, many source parameters describing physical faults lead to bad data visualization. In this paper, we propose a new machine learning-based search space reduction algorithm to overcome these challenges. This paper assumes a rectangular dislocation model, i.e., the Okada model, to calculate the surface deformation mathematically. As for the geodetic measurement of three-dimensional (3D) surface deformation, we used the stacking interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and the multiple-aperture SAR interferometry (MAI). We define a wide initial search space and perform the Monte-Carlo restarts to collect the data points with root-mean-square error (RMSE) between measured and modeled displacement. Then, the principal component analysis (PCA) and thek-means clustering are used to project data points with low RMSE in the 2D latent space preserving the variance of original data as much as possible and extractkclusters of data with similar locations and RMSE to each other. Finally, we reduce the parameter search space using the cluster with the lowest mean RMSE. The evaluation results illustrate that our approach achieves 55.1~98.1% reductions in search space size and 60~80.5% reductions in 95% confidence interval size for all source parameters compared with the conventional method. It was also observed that the reduced search space significantly saves the computational burden of solving the nonlinear least square problem.
A Three-Phase Bidirectional Grid-Connected AC/DC Converter for V2G Applications
Authors: Han Jingang , Zhou Xiong , Lu Song , Zhao Pinxuan
Published: September 2020

The smart grid and electric vehicles (EVs) are widely used all over the world. As the key role, the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) has been attracting increasing attention. The bidirectional grid-connected AC/DC converter is one of the indispensable parts in the V2G system, which can realize bidirectional power flow and meet the power quality requirements for grid. A three-phase bidirectional grid-connected AC/DC converter is presented in this paper for V2G systems. It can be used to achieve the bidirectional power flow between EVs and grid, supply reactive power compensation, and smooth the power grid fluctuation. Firstly, the configuration of V2G systems is introduced, and the mathematical model of the AC/DC converter is built. Then, for bidirectional AC/DC converters, the grid voltage feedforward decoupling scheme is applied, and the analysis of PI control strategy is proposed and the controller is designed. The system simulation model is established based on MATLAB/Simulink, and the experiment platform of the bidirectional grid-connected converter for V2G is designed in lab. The simulation and experiment results are shown, and the results evaluate the effectiveness of the model and the performance of the applied control strategy.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus from Groundnut Kernels in Kenya
Authors: Okayo Robert O. , Andika Darius O. , Dida Mathews M. , K’Otuto George O. , Gichimu Bernard M.
Published: September 2020

Pathogenesis of Aspergillus flavus on important agricultural products is a key concern on human health due to the synthesis and secretion of the hazardous secondary metabolite, aflatoxin. This study identified and further characterized aflatoxigenic A. flavus from groundnuts sampled from sundry shops in Kenya using integrated morphological and molecular approaches. The groundnuts were plated on potato dextrose agar for isolation and morphological observation of A. flavus based on macroscopic and microscopic features. Molecular characterization was done through amplification and comparison of the partial sequence of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. The expression analysis of aflR, aflS, aflD, aflP, and aflQ genes in the aflatoxin biosynthesis pathways was conducted to confirm the positive identification of A. flavus. The gene expression also aided to delineate toxigenic isolates of A. flavus from atoxigenic ones. Morphologically, 18 isolates suspected to be A. flavus were identified. Out of these, 14 isolates successfully amplified the 500 bp ITS region of A. flavus or Aspergillus oryzae, while 4 isolates were not amplified. All the remaining 14 isolates expressed at least one of the aflatoxigenic genes but only 5 had all the genes expressed. Partial sequencing revealed that isolates 5, 11, 12, 13, and 15 had 99.2%, 97.6%, 98.4%, 97.5%, and 100% homology, respectively, to the A. flavus isolate LUOHE, ITS-5.8S-ITS2, obtained from the NCBI database. The five isolates were accurate identification of atoxigenic A. flavus. Precise identification of toxigenic strains of A. flavus will be useful in establishing control strategies of the fungus in food products.
Partial Pulpotomy with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in Permanent Incisors with Complicated Crown Fracture: 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Gomes Isabel
Published: September 2020

Traumatic dental injuries are highly prevalent among children. This article describes a case report of a patient who has experienced dental trauma at 8 years old, which has led to enamel-dentine fracture with pulp exposure in the left central incisor and crown-root fracture with pulp exposure in the right central incisor. Partial pulpotomy was performed with the aim of maintaining the neurovascular bundle, thus allowing normal radicular formation. During follow-up 5 years later, teeth were asymptomatic and with no evidence of radiolucent lesions in radiographic examinations. This report demonstrates that traumatic fractures with pulp exposure can be treated effectively by the described technique.
New-Onset Cervical Lymphadenopathy in a Patient Undergoing Treatment of Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection: Toxoplasmosis Lymphadenitis
Authors: Chiu Chia-Yu , Sarwal Amara , Yangga Peter , Kang Dasol , Feinstein Addi
Published: September 2020

Immunocompetent hosts with toxoplasmosis are usually asymptomatic. However, T. gondii can present as an acute systemic infection. Symptomatic patients usually have a benign, self-limited course that typically lasts from a few weeks to months. Herein, we present a 66-year-old immunocompetent female who developed dysphagia and new-onset cervical lymphadenopathy during pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex treatment.
An Efficient Damage Identification Method for Simply Supported Beams Based on Strain Energy Information Entropy
Authors: Xiang Chang-Sheng , Li Ling-Yun , Zhou Yu , Dang Cong
Published: September 2020

Concrete simply supported beams are widely used in small‐ and medium‐sized bridges. Hinged slabs and joints are damaged in service easily, as they are the main load‐carrying members of bridge. In this paper, using the high sensitivity and strong antinoise characteristics of strain energy to damage, a strain energy information entropy index is proposed for identifying local damage in hinge joints and hinged slabs. Moreover, a new damage index of the local strain energy entropy function is constructed according to the strain energy of a hinge joint element and its surrounding elements. A simply supported beam model is established to verify the effectiveness of the proposed index. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed damage index of hinge joints can accurately locate and quantify the degree of damage of single‐hinge joints and multihinge joints. The improved modal strain energy information entropy index is sensitive to single‐hinge slab damage and can accurately identify damage with noise levels of 5% and 10%.
Overexpression of miR‐29a‐3p Suppresses Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis via Targeting TNFRSF1A
Authors: You Liyi , Chen Hao , Xu Lixin , Li Xun
Published: September 2020

Objective. Increasing evidence highlights the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Our aim was to probe out the role and regulatory mechanism of miR‐29a‐3p in AS. Methods. An in vivo model of AS was conducted by high‐fat diet ApoE-/- mice. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐ (ox‐LDL‐) exposed vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were utilized as an in vitro of AS. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were detected. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s staining was presented to investigate the pathological changes. miR‐29a‐3p and TNFRSF1A expression was detected by RT‐qPCR. Proliferative, migrated, and invaded abilities of VSMCs were determined via a series of assays. The interaction between miR‐29a‐3p and TNFRSF1A was verified through luciferase reporter assay. Results. Upregulated miR‐29a‐3p and downregulated TNFRSF1A were found both in vitro and in vivo models of AS. miR‐29a‐3p mimic distinctly decreased the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL‐C and increased serum HDL‐C levels. Moreover, its overexpression could ameliorate plaque formation of AS mice. In ox‐LDL‐induced VSMCs, miR‐29a‐3p overexpression notably decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which was reversed by TNFRSF1A overexpression. Also, miR‐29a‐3p could directly target the 3 ′UTR of TNFRSF1A. Conclusion. miR‐29a‐3p overexpression ameliorated plaque formation of AS and suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of ox‐LDL‐induced VSMCs via TNFRSF1A, which offered novel insights into the progression of AS.
Effects of Acute and Chronic Graft-versus-myelodysplastic Syndrome on Long-term Outcomes Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Konuma Takaaki , Ishiyama Ken , Igarashi Aiko , Uchida Naoyuki , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Fukuda Takahiro , Ueda Yasunori , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Mori Takehiko , Katayama Yuta , Onizuka Makoto , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Atsuta Yoshiko
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

Potent graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effects associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) might be dependent on hematologic disease type and status. However, the data regarding the impact of GVHD on transplant outcomes for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are limited.

Experimental Design:

We retrospectively evaluated the impact of acute and chronic GVHD on transplant outcomes for a large cohort of adult patients with a low-risk (n = 1,193) and high-risk (n = 1,926) MDS treated by first allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation between 2001 and 2017.

Results:

The multivariate analysis, in which development of GVHD was treated as a time-dependent covariate, showed that acute and chronic GVHD at any grade or severity did not improve overall mortality, relapse, or nonrelapse mortality (NRM) in low-risk MDS. For patients with high-risk MDS, development of limited chronic GVHD was significantly associated with lower overall mortality [HR, 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50–0.86; P = 0.002]. This is probably due to that the reduced risk of relapse with grade III–IV acute GVHD (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25–0.65; P = 0.0002), or limited (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39–0.83; P = 0.003) or extensive (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41–0.77; P = 0.0004) chronic GVHD was offset by increased NRM with grade III–IV acute GVHD or extensive chronic GVHD in high-risk MDS.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrated a survival benefit of the graft-versus-MDS effect is present only in high-risk MDS patients with limited chronic GVHD.

See related commentary by Eckel and Deeg, p. 6404
Management of Melanoma during Pregnancy: A Case Series of 11 Women Treated at NYU Langone Health
Authors: Sawyers Amelia E. , Pavlick Anna C. , Weber Jeffrey S. , Osman Iman , Stein Jennifer A.
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Melanoma is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed during pregnancy. This study examined the impact of pregnancy on management decisions of melanoma patients treated at NYU Langone Health (NYULH). Methods: We analyzed data for patients who were pregnant at initial or recurrent melanoma diagnosis at NYULH from 2012 to 2019 with prospective protocol-driven follow-up. Results: Of the 900 female patients accrued during this period, 11 women in the childbearing range were pregnant at melanoma diagnosis. Six patients presented with early (stage 0 or I) disease and five with advanced (stage III or IV) melanoma. Women with early stage disease had normal deliveries and minimal changes to their treatment timeline and regimen. However, patients with more advanced stage disease opted for either termination of the pregnancy or early delivery and altered treatment timelines because of pregnancy. Conclusion: Both melanoma stage and gestational age at diagnosis contribute to the differences in the therapeutic management of melanoma in pregnant women. Given the complexity and variety of each case of melanoma during pregnancy, informed discussion between patients and physicians allows for individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique situation.
The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatic Cancer Staging in the Era of Neoadjuvant Therapy and Personalised Medicine
Authors: Bispo Miguel , Marques Susana , Rio-Tinto Ricardo , Fidalgo Paulo , Devière Jacques
Published: September 2020

Precise staging of pancreatic cancer is crucial for treatment choice. In clinical practice, this includes the TNM staging and determination of tumour resectability, based on a multimodality imaging workup. International guidelines recommend multi-detector computed tomography (CT), with a dedicated pancreatic protocol, as the first-line tool for TNM staging and evaluation of tumour-vessel relationships. In non-metastatic disease upon initial CT assessment, both magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may add relevant information, potentially changing treatment sequence. EUS may have distinct advantages in pancreatic cancer diagnosis and staging when compared with other modalities, being particularly valuable in the determination of portal venous confluence involvement (particularly in small and ill-defined/isoattenuating tumours on CT), in locoregional nodal staging and in the detection of ascites. As we step forward to a more frequent use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and to personalised medicine, the importance of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) also increases. The recent availability of third-generation biopsy needles significantly increased the diagnostic yield of EUS-guided tissue acquisition, providing diagnostic cell blocks in approximately 95% of cases with only two dedicated passes and allowing ancillary testing, such as immunohistochemistry and molecular profiling of the tumour. In this article, the authors present an updated perspective of the place of EUS and EUS-FNB in the staging algorithm of pancreatic cancer. Data supporting the increasing role of neoadjuvant therapy and the importance of a patient-tailored treatment selection, based on tumoural subtyping and molecular profiling, are also discussed.
Clinical Outcome and Intraoperative Neurophysiology of the Lance-Adams Syndrome Treated with Bilateral Deep Brain Stimulation of the Globus Pallidus Internus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mure Hideo , Toyoda Naoto , Morigaki Ryoma , Fujita Koji , Takagi Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Background: The Lance-Adams syndrome (LAS) is a myoclonus syndrome caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. LAS cases could be refractory to first-line medications, and the neuronal mechanism underlying LAS pathology remains unknown. Objectives: To describe a patient with LAS who underwent bilateral globus pallidus internus (GPi) stimulation and discuss the pathophysiology of LAS with intraoperative electrophysiological findings. Patients: A 79-year-old woman presented with a history of cardiopulmonary arrest due to internal carotid artery rupture following carotid endarterectomy after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, within 1 month, the patient developed sensory stimulation-induced myoclonus in her face and extremities. Because her myoclonic symptoms were refractory to pharmacotherapy, deep brain stimulation of the GPi was performed 1 year after the hypoxic attack. Results: Continuous bilateral GPi stimulation with optimal parameter settings remarkably improved the patient’s myoclonic symptoms. At the 2-year follow-up, her Unified Myoclonus Rating Scale score decreased from 90 to 24. In addition, we observed burst firing and interburst pause patterns on intraoperative microelectrode recordings of the bilateral GPi and stimulated this area as the therapeutic target. Conclusion: Our results show that impairment in the basal ganglion circuitry might be involved in the pathogenesis of myoclonus in patients with LAS.
Predictors of Response and Survival Outcomes of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhu Meizhen , Yu Yang , Shao Xiying , Zhu Liang , Wang Linbo
Published: September 2020

Background: In triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), pre-treatment predictors for pathological complete response (pCR) have been reported; however, those for progressive disease (PD) remain unidentified. Methods: We investigated pre-treatment clinicopathological predictors associated with pCR and PD by retrospectively reviewing data for 165 patients treated between 2015 and 2018. Patients with pCR and PD were compared to those without pCR and PD, respectively, using logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: Lack of androgen receptor (AR) was an independent predictor of pCR, while high histological grade, low Ki-67 index, and incomplete NACT courses were independent predictors of PD. Mean disease-free survival and overall survival were significantly poorer in PD patients than in pCR patients (15.7, 21.3 vs. 52.4, 56.3 months). Conclusions: Insights into the chemo-resistance mechanisms and exploration of novel targeted agents in subgroups as per AR and Ki-67 status are needed to improve survival outcomes in TNBC patients.
Gut Microbiota Diversity in Lean Athletes Is Associated with Positive Energy Balance
Authors: Bielik Viktor , Hric Ivan , Baláž Vladimír , Penesová Adela , Vávrová Silvia , Grones Jozef , Bokor Boris , Budiš Jaroslav , Bohmer Miroslav , Minárik Gabriel , Augustovičová Dušana , Šoltys Katarína
Published: September 2020

Introduction: In contrast to obesity, little is known about the human lean phenotype associated with gut microbiota composition. Objective: We aimed to investigate whether the bacterial composition of lean athletes with a positive energy balance differs from the equal-calorie food group. Methods: Twenty-four male participants were included in this cross-sectional study: lean athletes with a positive energy balance (LA, n 12) and control group athletes (CTRLs, n 12). Nutritional data, resting and total energy expenditure, and body composition were determined. DNA was extracted from stool samples and subjected to 16S rRNA gene analysis. Results: We found 7 differentially abundant bacterial taxa between the LA and CTRL groups. Of those, 5 were significantly less abundant and 2 were enriched in the LA group. The following categories significantly associated with the community structure were identified: body fat parameters, BMI, energy intake and expenditure, oxygen consumption, and respiratory exchange ratio. Conclusions: Although we are far from a detailed interpretation of lean human body maintenance, the primary findings of our study suggest that gut microbial composition may be a factor influencing the regulation of weight gain in lean athletes with a positive energy balance.
The empidoid flies (Diptera: Empidoidea, exclusive of Dolichopodidae) of the Russian Arctic islands and Svalbard Archipelago
Authors: SHAMSHEV IGOR V. , SINCLAIR BRADLEY J. , KHRULEVA OLGA A.
Published: September 2020

The empidoid flies of the Russian Arctic islands and Svalbard Archipelago are revised including families Empididae (4 genera, 32 species), Hybotidae (2 genera, 3 species) and Brachystomatidae (1 genus, 2 species). The following ten new species are described: Empididae—Empis septentrionalis Shamshev & Sinclair sp. nov. (Russia: Wrangel Island); Rhamphomyia (Dasyrhamphomyia) gorodkovi Shamshev, Sinclair & Saigusa sp. nov. (Russia: Chukotka mainland, Wrangel Island, Taymyr, Yakutia; USA: Alaska); R. (D.) mallochi Shamshev, Sinclair & Saigusa sp. nov. (Canada: Yukon; Russia: Chukotka mainland, Kolyuchin and Wrangel Islands; USA: Alaska); R. (Pararhamphomyia) subfilicauda Shamshev & Sinclair sp. nov. (Russia: Wrangel Island); R. (P.) submacrura Shamshev & Sinclair sp. nov. (Russia: Wrangel Island); R. (P.) subtenuiterfilata Shamshev & Sinclair sp. nov. (Russia: Wrangel Island, Yakutia); R. (P.) wrangeli Shamshev & Sinclair sp. nov. (Russia: Wrangel Island); R. sublongiseta Shamshev, Sinclair & Saigusa sp. nov. (Canada: Yukon; Russia: Wrangel Island); one species of Rhamphomyia was retained as unnamed due to insufficient material; Hybotidae—Platypalpus septentrionalis Shamshev & Sinclair sp. nov. (Russia: Wrangel Island), P. subtectifrons Shamshev & Sinclair sp. nov. (Canada: Northwest Territories, Yukon; Russia: Wrangel Island; USA: Alaska). For previously described species a short diagnosis and a habitus photo are provided to enable easier recognition. In addition, a key to the species of Rhamphomyia (Empididae) occurring on the Russia Arctic islands and Svalbard Archipelago is compiled. A lectotype is designated for Rhamphomyia armipes Sack, 1923. The male and the female of R. taimyrensis Frey and R. kaninensis Frey are described for the first time, respectively. Tachypeza sericeipalpis Frey is newly recorded from North America (Canada: Northwest Territories, Nunavut) and first illustration of the male terminalia is provided. Trichoclinocera lapponica (Ringdahl) is recorded for the first time from the territory of Russia.
An insider looking in or an outsider wannabee? Studying vulnerable hard-to-reach populations in the field of victimology – the example of the Roma communities in Sweden
Authors: Wallengren Simon
Published: September 2020

This article reviews methodological barriers to victimological research on vulnerable hard-to-reach populations and presents a reflexive discussion of insider and outsider positions in a study researching Roma communities’ victimization in Sweden. As a Roma (Traveler/resande) academic, I found that some aspects of my identity were linked to an insider position, while other aspects of my identity were often perceived by study participants as outsider attributes. Within the framework of critical reflexivity, this article considers the impact of my insider/outsider position at each stage of the research process. The article rearticulates the importance of researcher reflexivity, mainly when both researchers and participants exhibit multiculturality, which has become more common in the globalized world.
Propositions toward educating pedagogists: Decentering the child
Authors: Land Nicole , Vintimilla Cristina Delgado , Pacini-Ketchabaw Veronica , Angus Lucille
Published: September 2020

The authors propose decentering the child as a critical motion in the education of pedagogists who work to refuse developmental pedagogies in early childhood education. Tracing how child-centered developmental practices are obstacles for deeper ethical and intellectual work and reiterate anthropocentric relationalities, they offer two propositions toward decentering the child that they emphasize in pedagogists’ learning: refusing legitimation through mastery and abandoning narratives of linearity. The authors advance these propositions within an intention to reinvent the relational commons that anchor pedagogists’ learning and practice while responding to the complexities of early childhood education in Canada.
The crosstalk of ABCA1 and ANXA1: a potential mechanism for protection against atherosclerosis
Authors: Shen Xin , Zhang Shun , Guo Zhu , Xing Dongming , Chen Wujun
Published: September 2020

Atherosclerosis, characterized by the formation of fat-laden plaques, is a chronic inflammatory disease. ABCA1 promotes cholesterol efflux, reduces cellular cholesterol accumulation, and regulates anti-inflammatory activities in an apoA-I- or ANXA1-dependent manner. The latter activity occurs by mediating the efflux of ANXA1, which plays a critical role in anti-inflammatory effects, cholesterol transport, exosome and microparticle secretion, and apoptotic cell clearance. ApoA-I increases ANXA1 expression via the ERK, p38MAPK, AKT, and PKC pathways. ApoA-I regulates the signaling pathways by binding to ABCA1, suggesting that apoA-I increases ANXA1 expression by binding to ABCA1. Furthermore, ANXA1 may increase ABCA1 expression. ANXA1 increases PPARγ expression by modulating STAT6 phosphorylation. PPARγ also increases ANXA1 expression by binding to the promoter of ANXA1. Therefore, ABCA1, PPARγ, and ANXA1 may form a feedback loop and regulate each other. Interestingly, the ANXA1 needs to be externalized to the cell membrane or secreted into the extracellular fluids to exert its anti-inflammatory properties. ABCA1 transports ANXA1 from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane by regulating lipidization and serine phosphorylation, thereby mediating ANXA1 efflux, likely by promoting microparticle and exosome release. The direct role of ABCA1 expression and ANXA1 release in atherosclerosis has been unclear. In this review, we focus on the role of ANXA1 in atheroprogression and its novel interaction with ABCA1, which may be useful for providing basic knowledge for the development of novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
On business cycle forecasting
Authors: Lai Huiwen , Ng Eric C. Y.
Published: September 2020

We develop a recession forecasting framework using a less restrictive target variable and more flexible and inclusive specification than those used in the literature. The target variable captures the occurrence of a recession within a given future period rather than at a specific future point in time (widely used in the literature). The modeling specification combines an autoregressive Logit model capturing the autocorrelation of business cycles, a dynamic factor model encompassing many economic and financial variables, and a mixed data sampling regression incorporating common factors with mixed sampling frequencies. The model generates significantly more accurate forecasts for U.S. recessions with smaller forecast errors and stronger early signals for the turning points of business cycles than those generated by existing models.
Do you respond sincerely? How sellers’ responses to online reviews affect customer relationship and repurchase intention
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Ma Baolong , Bai Rubing
Published: September 2020

For many online businesses, online reviews are crucially important to managing reputation, word-of-mouth sales, and, ultimately, their survival. Hence, more and more online business owners are posting public responses to both positive and negative reviews. But do these responses change anything? And, if so, which types of responses are the most effective for strengthening customer relationship and increasing the chances of repeat business? With two surveys and a series of partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analyses, we tested three relevant hypotheses to answer these questions. The results show that when business replies to online reviews with promotional information, consumers perceive the seller to be self-interested, and both relationship quality and repurchase intention decrease. However, sincere responses that do not contain promotional information, such as gratitude and apology, are highly correlated to positive relationship quality and the likelihood of future repeat business. These findings enrich the academic literature on online reviews, and the recommendations stemming from our results should be of interest to any business that relies on their online reputation for survival.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 modulates pacemaker ion channels differentiation in P19-derived pluripotent cells
Authors: Zheng Mingqi , Kang Lin , Uchino Tomoko , Liu Gang , Wang Yan , Ono Katsushige
Published: September 2020

Signal regulators during early cardiogenetic differentiation for the cellular automaticity are largely unknown. Our investigations were designed to clarify the role of transcription factors and their modulators in P19-derived cardiomyocytes to the expression of cardiac pacemaker ion channels. Transcription factors Csx/Nkx2.5 and GATA4 but not MEF2C were markedly inhibited by p38 MAP kinase inhibition in a distinct manner; expression but not phosphorylation of GATA4 was reduced by inhibition of p38 MAP kinase actions. In the presence of an ERK1/2,5 inhibitor PD98059 or a JNK MAP kinase inhibitor SP600125, P19 cells successfully differentiated into cardiomyocytes displaying spontaneous beatings with expression of three types of pacemaker ion channels. We demonstrate that acquisition of cellular automaticity and the expression of pacemaker ion channels are regulated by the transcription factors, Csx/Nkx2.5 and GATA4, through intracellular signals including p38 MAP kinase in the process of P19-derived pluripotent cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes.
Statistically efficient association analysis of quantitative traits with haplotypes and untyped SNPs in family studies
Authors: Diao Guoqing , Lin Dan-yu
Published: September 2020

Background

Associations between haplotypes and quantitative traits provide valuable information about the genetic basis of complex human diseases. Haplotypes also provide an effective way to deal with untyped SNPs. Two major challenges arise in haplotype-based association analysis of family data. First, haplotypes may not be inferred with certainty from genotype data. Second, the trait values within a family tend to be correlated because of common genetic and environmental factors.

Results

To address these challenges, we present an efficient likelihood-based approach to analyzing associations of quantitative traits with haplotypes or untyped SNPs. This approach properly accounts for within-family trait correlations and can handle general pedigrees with arbitrary patterns of missing genotypes. We characterize the genetic effects on the quantitative trait by a linear regression model with random effects and develop efficient likelihood-based inference procedures. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to examine the performance of the proposed methods. An application to family data from the Childhood Asthma Management Program Ancillary Genetic Study is provided. A computer program is freely available.

Conclusions

Results from extensive simulation studies show that the proposed methods for testing the haplotype effects on quantitative traits have correct type I error rates and are more powerful than some existing methods.
Genome-wide identification of lysin motif containing protein family genes in eight rosaceae species, and expression analysis in response to pathogenic fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea in Chinese white pear
Authors: Chen Qiming , Li Qionghou , Qiao Xin , Yin Hao , Zhang Shaoling
Published: September 2020

Background

Lysin motif-containing proteins (LYP), which act as pattern-recognition receptors, play central roles in growth, node formation, and responses to biotic stresses. The sequence of Chinese white pear genome (cv. ‘Dangshansuli’) along with the seven other species of Rosaceae has already been reported. Although, in these fruit crops, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the LYP family genes and their evolutionary history.

Results

In the existing study, eight Rosaceae species i.e., Pyrus communis, Prunus persica, Fragaria vesca, Pyrus bretschneideri, Prunus avium, Prunus mume, Rubus occidentalis, and Malus × domestica were evaluated. Here, we determined a total of 124 LYP genes from the underlined Rosaceae species. While eighteen of the genes were from Chinese white pear, named as PbrLYPs. According to the LYPs structural characteristics and their phylogenetic analysis, those genes were classified into eight groups (group LYK1, LYK2, LYK3, LYK4/5, LYM1/3, LYM2, NFP, and WAKL). Dispersed duplication and whole-genome duplication (WGD) were found to be the most contributing factors of LYP family expansion in the Rosaceae species. More than half of the duplicated PbrLYP gene pairs were dated back to the ancient WGD (~ 140 million years ago (MYA)), and PbrLYP genes have experienced long-term purifying selection. The transcriptomic results indicated that the PbrLYP genes expression was tissue-specific. Most PbrLYP genes showed differential expression in leaves under fungal pathogen infection with two of them located in the plasmalemma.

Conclusion

A comprehensive analysis identified 124 LYP genes in eight Rosaceae species. Our findings have provided insights into the functions and characteristics of the Rosaceae LYP genes and a guide for the identification of other candidate LYPs for further genetic improvements for pathogen-resistance in higher plants.
Ensuring protocol compliance and data transparency in clinical trials using Blockchain smart contracts
Authors: Omar Ilhaam A. , Jayaraman Raja , Salah Khaled , Simsekler Mecit Can Emre , Yaqoob Ibrar , Ellahham Samer
Published: September 2020

Background

Clinical Trials (CTs) help in testing and validating the safety and efficacy of newly discovered drugs on specific patient population cohorts. However, these trials usually experience many challenges, such as extensive time frames, high financial cost, regulatory and administrative barriers, and insufficient workforce. In addition, CTs face several data management challenges pertaining to protocol compliance, patient enrollment, transparency, traceability, data integrity, and selective reporting. Blockchain can potentially address such challenges because of its intrinsic features and properties. Although existing literature broadly discusses the applicability of blockchain-based solutions for CTs, only a few studies present their working proof-of-concept.

Methods

We propose a blockchain-based framework for CT data management, using Ethereum smart contracts, which employs IPFS as the file storage system to automate processes and information exchange among CT stakeholders. CT documents stored in the IPFS are difficult to tamper with as they are given unique cryptographic hashes. We present algorithms that capture various stages of CT data management. We develop the Ethereum smart contract using Remix IDE that is validated under different scenarios.

Results

The proposed framework results are advantageous to all stakeholders ensuring transparency, data integrity, and protocol compliance. Although the proposed solution is tested on the Ethereum blockchain platform, it can be deployed in private blockchain networks using their native smart contract technologies. We make our smart contract code publicly available on Github.

Conclusions

We conclude that the proposed framework can be highly effective in ensuring that the trial abides by the protocol and the functions are executed only by the stakeholders who are given permission. It also assures data integrity and promotes transparency and traceability of information among stakeholders.
HIV-1 infection among women in Israel, 2010–2018
Authors: Wagner Tali , Olshtain-Pops Karen , Wax Marina , Horwitz Olivia , Shirazi Rachel , Gozlan Yael , Volnowitz Hadar , Mendelson Ella , Levy Itzchak , Mor Orna
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Although women comprise 33% of the HIV-1-carriers in Israel, they have not previously been considered a risk group requiring special attention. Immigration waves from countries in Africa and in East Europe may have changed the local landscape of women diagnosed with HIV-1. Here, we aimed to assess viral and demographic characteristics of HIV-1-positive women identified in Israel between 2010 and 2018.

Methods

All > 16 year-old, HIV-1-infected women, diagnosed in Israel in 2010–2018, (n = 763) registered in the National HIV reference laboratory were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from the database. Viral subtypes and transmitted drug resistance mutations (TDRM) were determined in 337 (44.2%) randomly selected samples collected from treatment-naive women.

Results

Median age at diagnosis was 38 years. Most (73.3%) women were immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) (41.2%, 314) or sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (32.2%, 246) and carried subtype A (79.7%) or C (90.3%), respectively. Only 11.4% (87) were Israeli-born women. Over the years, the prevalence of women from SSA decreased while that of women from FSU increased significantly (p < 0.001). The median CD4+ cell count was 263 cells/mm3, and higher (391 cells/mm3) in Israeli-born women. TDRM were identified in 10.4% of the tested samples; 1.8, 3 and 7.1% had protease inhibitors (PI), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) TDRM, respectively. The prevalence of women with NNRTI TDRM significantly increased from 4.9% in 2010–2012 to 13.3% in 2016–2018. Israeli-born women had the highest prevalence (16.3%) of NNRTI TDRM (p = 0.014). NRTI A62 (5.6%), NNRTI E138 and K103 (5.6 and 4.2%, respectively) were the most prominent mutated sites.

Conclusions

Most HIV-1-positive women diagnosed in Israel in 2010–2018 were immigrants, with the relative ratio of FSU immigrants increasing in recent years. The high proportion of women diagnosed with resistance mutations, particularly, the yearly increase in the frequency of NNRTI mutations, support the national policy of resistance testing at baseline.
Prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown cause in Malawi: a cross-sectional analysis in a rural and urban population
Authors: Hamilton Sophie A. , Nakanga Wisdom P. , Prynn Josephine E. , Crampin Amelia C. , Fecht Daniela , Vineis Paolo , Caplin Ben , Pearce Neil , Nyirenda Moffat J.
Published: September 2020

Background

An epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) is occurring in rural communities in tropical regions of low-and middle-income countries in South America and India. Little information is available from Southern African countries which have similar climatic and occupational characteristics to CKDu-endemic countries. We investigated whether CKDu is prevalent in Malawi and identified its potential risk factors in this setting.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study from January–August 2018 collecting bio samples and anthropometric data in two Malawian populations. The sample comprised adults > 18 years (n = 821) without diabetes, hypertension, and proteinuria. Estimates of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated using the CKD-EPI equation. Linear and logistic regression models were applied with potential risk factors, to estimate risk of reduced eGFR.

Results

The mean eGFR was 117.1 ± 16.0 ml/min per 1.73m2 and the mean participant age was 33.5 ± 12.7 years. The prevalence of eGFR< 60 was 0.2% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.1, 0.9); the prevalence of eGFR< 90 was 5% (95% CI =3.2, 6.3). We observed a higher prevalence in the rural population (5% (3.6, 7.8)), versus urban (3% (1.4, 6.7)). Age and BMI were associated with reduced eGFR< 90 [Odds ratio (OR) (95%CI) =3.59 (2.58, 5.21) per ten-year increment]; [OR (95%CI) =2.01 (1.27, 3.43) per 5 kg/m2 increment] respectively. No increased risk of eGFR < 90 was observed for rural participants [OR (95%CI) =1.75 (0.50, 6.30)].

Conclusions

Reduced kidney function consistent with the definition of CKDu is not common in the areas of Malawi sampled, compared to that observed in other tropical or sub-tropical countries in Central America and South Asia. Reduced eGFR< 90 was related to age, BMI, and was more common in rural areas. These findings are important as they contradict some current hypothesis that CKDu is endemic across tropical and sub-tropical countries. This study has enabled standardized comparisons of impaired kidney function between and within tropical/subtropical regions of the world and will help form the basis for further etiological research, surveillance strategies, and the implementation and evaluation of interventions.
Effect of nipple shield use on milk removal: a mechanistic study
Authors: Coentro Viviane Silva , Perrella Sharon Lisa , Lai Ching Tat , Rea Alethea , Murray Kevin , Geddes Donna Tracy
Published: September 2020

Background

Concerns about reduced milk transfer with nipple shield (NS) use are based on evidence from studies with methodological flaws. Milk removal during breastfeeding can be impacted by infant and maternal factors other than NS use. The aim of this study was to control electric breast pump vacuum strength, pattern and duration across multiple study sessions to determine if NS use reduces milk removal from the breast.

Methods

A within-subject study with two groups of breastfeeding mothers (infants < 6 months) were recruited; Control Group (CG): no breastfeeding difficulties; Pain Group (PG) used NS for persistent nipple pain. Mothers completed three randomised 15 min pumping sessions using the Symphony vacuum curve (Medela AG); no NS, fitted NS, and a small NS. Sessions were considered valid where the applied vacuum was within 20 mmHg of the set vacuum. Milk removal was considered as pumped milk volume, and also percentage of available milk removed (PAMR), which is calculated as the pumped volume divided by the estimated milk volume stored in the breast immediately prior to pumping.

Results

Of 62 sessions (all: n = 31 paired sessions) a total of 11 paired sessions from both PG (n = 03) and CG (n = 08) were valid (subset) with and without a fitted NS. Only 2 small shield sessions were valid and so all small shield measurements were excluded. Both pumped volumes and PAMR were significantly lower with NS use for all data but not for subset data. (All: Volume and PAMR median: no NS: 76.5 mL, 69%, Fitted NS: 32.1 mL, 41% respectively (volume p = 0.002, PAMR p = 0.002); Subset: Volume and PAMR median: no NS: 83.8 mL, 72%; Fitted NS: 35.2 mL, 40% (volume p = 0.111 and PAMR p = 0.045). The difference in PAMR, but not volume, was statistically significant when analysed by linear mixed modelling. A decrease of 10 mmHg was associated with a 4.4% increase in PAMR (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

This experimental data suggests that nipple shield use may reduce milk removal. Close clinical monitoring of breastfeeding mothers using nipple shields is warranted.