bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predation risk influences food‐web structure by constraining species diet choice
Authors: Ho Hsi‐Cheng , Tylianakis Jason M. , Zheng Jonathan X. , Pawar Samraat
Published: August 2019

The foraging behaviour of species determines their diet and, therefore, also emergent food‐web structure. Optimal foraging theory (OFT) has previously been applied to understand the emergence of food‐web structure through a consumer‐centric consideration of diet choice. However, the resource‐centric viewpoint, where species adjust their behaviour to reduce the risk of predation, has not been considered. We develop a mechanistic model that merges metabolic theory with OFT to incorporate the effect of predation risk on diet choice to assemble food webs. This ‘predation‐risk‐compromise’ (PR) model better captures the nestedness and modularity of empirical food webs relative to the classical optimal foraging model. Specifically, compared with optimal foraging alone, risk‐mitigated foraging leads to more‐nested but less‐modular webs by broadening the diet of consumers at intermediate trophic levels. Thus, predation risk significantly affects food‐web structure by constraining species’ ability to forage optimally, and needs to be considered in future work.
Recursive and Discursive Model of and for Entrepreneurial Action
Authors: Dimov Dimo , Pistrui Joseph
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a model of entrepreneurial action that integrates three distinct elements. First, it brings together action and time to articulate a recursive relationship between perception and action, mediated by consequences. Second, it brings together action and context to ground the entrepreneur's perceptions and actions in a mesh of social orders and practices. Third, it articulates the content of perceptions and actions as discursive entries and exits in a social language game of giving and asking for reasons. We discuss a number of implications for a systematic understanding of different manifestations of entrepreneurship.
Consistency in boldness expression varies with ecological context in a jumping spider
Authors: Chang Chia‐chen , Klomp Danielle A. , Norma‐Rashid Yusoff , Li Daiqin
Published: August 2019

Animals can adjust their behaviours depending on ecological context (i.e., behavioural plasticity), and an individual's response to a given context may also vary from occasion to occasion (intra‐individual variability). Recognizing the roles of both behavioural plasticity and intra‐individual variability is important in understanding how behavioural diversity is maintained within populations. However, how the ecological context itself influences the individual behavioural response and intra‐individual variability (e.g., how variable an individual is in their behavioural expression) remains largely unexplored. Here, we examine boldness expression (the duration of startle response) in a specialised spider‐eating jumping spider, Portia labiata, across three contexts following a mild disturbance: presence of a conspecific intruder (most dangerous), environmental change but no conspecific intruder, and no conspecific intruder or environmental change (safest). We found that context does not significantly influence the average boldness expression at the population level. However, each individual responded to each context differently, and the repeatability of boldness expression—the proportion of behavioural variation attributable to the between ‐individual level—is context‐dependent. We also found that in the presence of a conspecific intruder, spiders behave less predictably than in the environmental change context, but not differently from the safest context. These findings may suggest that the presence of conspecifics influences behavioural consistency in individuals, but that this may occur without influencing the population average behaviour.
Evaluating the suitability of an English saddle for a horse and rider combination
Authors: Bondi A. , Norton S. , Pearman L. , Dyson S.
Published: August 2019

Correct saddle‐fit for horse and rider is crucial for optimal comfort and performance. Poor saddle‐fit is a frequent contributor to suboptimal performance but is often overlooked. The most common problems are incorrect tree width, the saddle positioned too close to the scapulae thus compromising forelimb movement, a pommel with inadequate clearance at the withers or a gullet which is effectively made too small by excessive padding under the saddle. The saddle provides the interface between the rider and the horse's thoracolumbar region. A rider that is too large for the saddle, out of balance or crooked will result in uneven force distribution under the saddle. Thus, rider position and stability in the saddle are also of vital importance for optimal performance. The assessment of saddle‐fit for horse and rider is considered an integral part of poor performance evaluation.
Invasive plants negatively impact native, but not exotic, animals
Authors: Fletcher Rebecca A. , Brooks Rachel K. , Lakoba Vasiliy T. , Sharma Gourav , Heminger Ariel R. , Dickinson Christopher C. , Barney Jacob N.
Published: August 2019

Despite our growing understanding of the impacts of invasive plants on ecosystem structure and function, important gaps remain, including whether native and exotic species respond differently to plant invasion. This would elucidate basic ecological interactions and inform management. We performed a meta‐analytic review of the effects of invasive plants on native and exotic resident animals. We found that invasive plants reduced the abundance of native, but not exotic, animals. This varied by animal phyla, with invasive plants reducing the abundance of native annelids and chordates, but not mollusks or arthropods. We found dissimilar impacts among “wet” and “dry” ecosystems, but not among animal trophic levels. Additionally, the impact of invasive plants increased over time, but this did not vary with animal nativity. Our review found that no studies considered resident nativity differences, and most did not identify animals to species. We call for more rigorous studies of invaded community impacts across taxa, and most importantly, explicit consideration of resident biogeographic origin. We provide an important first insight into how native and exotic species respond differently to invasion, the consequences of which may facilitate cascading trophic disruptions further exacerbating global change consequences to ecosystem structure and function.
International review of national‐level guidelines on end‐of‐life care with focus on the withholding and withdrawing of artificial nutrition and hydration
Authors: Mayers Thomas , Kashiwagi Shiho , Mathis Bryan J. , Kawabe Makiko , Gallagher Joshua , Morales Aliaga Maria L. , Kai Ichiro , Tamiya Nanako
Published: August 2019

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to collate examples of end‐of‐life care guidelines from various counties, examine their contents, and gain an overall picture of how end‐of‐life care guidance is offered to physicians and care providers internationally.

Methods

In this study, eight researchers worked independently to source and examine national‐level end‐of‐life care guidelines from different countries and regions. Data collected by each researcher were gathered into a unified table. The items in the table included basic information (publisher, year, URL etc.) and more specific items, such as the presence/absence of legal information and family's role in decision‐making. These data were then used to identify trends, and examine the mechanics and delivery of guidance on this topic.

Results

A total of 54 guidelines were included in the study. All the guidelines were published between 2000 and 2016, and 60% (n = 33) were published after 2012. The length of the guidelines varied from two to 487 pages (median 38 pages), and had different target audiences – both lay and professional. A total of 38 (70%) of the guidelines included information about the relevant laws and legal issues, 47 (87%) offered advice on withholding and withdrawing treatment, 46 (85%) discussed the family's role in decision‐making and 46 (85%) emphasized the teamwork aspect of care.

Conclusions

The present findings show that end‐of‐life care guidelines are generally made reactively in response to the trend toward patient‐centered care, and that to create effective guidelines and implement them requires multilevel cooperation between governmental bodies, healthcare teams, and patients and their families. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 847–853.
Social Relays of China’s Power Projection? Overseas Chinese Collective Actions for Security in France
Authors: Tran Émilie , Chuang Ya‐Han
Published: August 2019

Once known as a silent and even a model minority, hardworking and keeping a low profile, the Chinese community in Paris, one of the largest Chinese diasporic population in Europe, has organized several massive demonstrations since 2010 to demand police protection amid mounting security concerns. Based on qualitative methods combining ethnographic research, media analysis, observation of the collective actions, and interviews of key actors involved, this article analyses the evolution of these mobilizations and their aftermath, on a span of eight years from June 2010 to July 2018, aiming to comprehend the role of China’s influence diplomacy in regard to the actions of overseas Chinese for security. There hasn’t been any study on the role that overseas Chinese might play in China’s foreign policy towards Europe.
Implementation of a primary care physician‐led Cavity Clinic using silver diamine fluoride
Authors: Bernstein Rebecca S. , Johnston Bryan , Mackay Katherine , Sanders James
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Early childhood caries (ECC) disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic status households. In this article, we describe a novel intervention utilizing physician‐applied silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in a primary care “Cavity Clinic.”

Methods

Building on literature review and expert consultation, Cavity Clinic using SDF for children without dentists was implemented in a family medicine residency setting. Process outcomes were evaluated through chart review and structured field notes.

Results

From December 2017 to December 2018, 30 patients have been treated. Their average age is 5.5 years (2–9), 82 percent are African American, and all are insured by Medicaid. Most have severe ECC. Thirty‐eight percent have successfully established dental homes through participation.

Conclusions

It is feasible and acceptable for physicians to treat ECC with SDF in a primary care setting. Partnership with an on‐site hygienist is helpful but physician‐only sessions were still beneficial. This strategy holds potential for addressing the epidemic of ECC.
Correlation betweenl‐lactate and glucose concentrations and body condition score in healthy horses and ponies
Authors: Dunkel Bettina , Knowles Edward J. , Chang Yu‐Mei , Menzies‐Gow Nicola J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Bloodl‐lactate and glucose concentrations were higher in ponies with gastrointestinal disease than in horses, possibly because of differences in body condition (BC).

Objectives

To investigate whetherl‐lactate and glucose concentrations correlate with BC and differ between healthy horses and ponies.

Animals

Systemically healthy client‐owned ponies (n = 101) and horses (n = 51).

Methods

Prospective observational study. Breed, weight, height, and subjective and objective measures of BC were recorded andl‐lactate and glucose concentrations were measured. Correlations betweenl‐lactate and glucose concentrations and BC were established. The association betweenl‐lactate concentrations, equid type (pony or horse), BC, age, and glucose concentrations was investigated using a multivariable model.

Results

Weak but significant (P= .001) negative correlations were detected betweenl‐lactate concentration and average BC score (r= −0.29), heart girth:height ratio (r= −0.27), and age (r= −0.27). Glucose concentrations were significantly (P < .001) positively correlated with neck length:heart girth ratio (r= 0.37) and heart girth:height ratio (r= 0.31).l‐lactate and glucose concentrations were weakly correlated (r= 0.15;P= .04). In the final multivariable model, age (−0.02 ± 0.006;P= .001) and heart girth:height ratio (−1.74 ± 0.53;P= .001) were significantly associated with the natural logarithm ofl‐lactate concentration (Lnl‐Lactate). This represents a 2% decrease inl‐lactate concentration per year increase in age and 10% decrease inl‐lactate concentration per 0.06 unit increase in heart girth:height ratio.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In healthy horses and ponies, age and BC significantly influencel‐lactate concentrations.
Mirabegron causes vesical and urethral relaxation in rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Sugaya Kimio , Nishijima Saori , Kadekawa Katsumi , Noguchi Katsuhiko , Ueda Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Hideyuki
Published: August 2019

The effects of solifenacin and mirabegron on vesical and urethral function were compared in rats with or without spinal cord injury (SCI). Isovolumetric cystometry and urethral pressure recording were initially performed in intact rats. Then, the bladder neck was ligated under urethane anesthesia, after which a catheter was inserted through the bladder dome for isovolumetric cystometry and another catheter was inserted into the urethra to measure urethral pressure. Solifenacin (0.03–3 mg/kg) or mirabegron (0.03–3 mg/kg) was injected intravenously, and bladder and urethral activity were recorded. To create rats with SCI, the spinal cord was transected at the lower thoracic level under isoflurane anesthesia. After 2 weeks, a catheter was inserted through the bladder dome for single cystometry and bladder activity was recorded without anesthesia following intravenous injection of solifenacin or mirabegron. Isovolumetric cystometry revealed a larger decrease in maximum bladder contraction pressure after injection of solifenacin, whereas prolongation of the interval between bladder contractions was greater with mirabegron. In SCI rats, single cystometry showed that solifenacin and mirabegron both increased bladder volume at the first non‐voiding bladder contraction and decreased the maximum bladder contraction pressure. Mirabegron also increased the voided volume and decreased the percentage residual volume without altering bladder capacity. Solifenacin and mirabegron both inhibited bladder contractility, and mirabegron possibly also induced urethral relaxation. Mirabegron may be suitable for patients with overactive bladder and residual urine.
Determinants of youth not in education, employment or training: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Abayasekara Ashani , Gunasekara Neluka
Published: August 2019

The presence of a large proportion of youth neither in education, employment, or training (NEET) signals problems in a country’s education and labor market systems, and has wide‐ranging negative consequences, extending beyond the individual to the economy and society. Using Sri Lankan Labour Force Survey data for the year 2016 and binomial and multinomial logistic regression models, in this paper we provide the first estimates of NEET‐related risk factors in Sri Lanka. Key risk factors of becoming NEET include being female, being of ethnic and religious minorities, belonging to the older 20 to 24 age group, having very low or very high levels of education, being illiterate in English, belonging to a low‐income household or one headed by a male, having young children, and living in more remote areas. Our findings hold several important policy implications for reducing the NEET rate in Sri Lanka and engaging more youth in education and in the labor force.
Detection of the novel HLA‐A allele, HLA‐A*02:01:01:58, in a Japanese individual
Authors: Khor Seik‐Soon , Hitomi Yuki , Omae Yosuke , Ishibashi Yoshimi , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: August 2019

HLA‐A*02:01:01:58 differs from HLA‐A*02:01:01:01 by one nucleotide difference at position 2126(G>T) with no amino acid change.
K-stability of birationally superrigid Fano varieties
Authors: Stibitz Charlie , Zhuang Ziquan
Published: August 2019

We prove that every birationally superrigid Fano variety whose alpha invariant is greater than (respectively no smaller than) $\frac{1}{2}$ is K-stable (respectively K-semistable). We also prove that the alpha invariant of a birationally superrigid Fano variety of dimension $n$ is at least $1/(n+1)$ (under mild assumptions) and that the moduli space (if it exists) of birationally superrigid Fano varieties is separated.
Cucumber cultivar responses to two tetranychid mites, two-spotted spider mite and strawberry spider mite in greenhouses

Authors: Modarres Najafabadi Seyed Saeid , Bagheri Abdoolnabi , Askari-Seya Hooei Majeed
Published: August 2019

Cultivating resistant host plants has been considered as an important strategy for sustainable pest management of mites. The current study was conducted to evaluate the response of 43 cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars against two important tetranychid species, two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch.) and strawberry spider mite (Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov & Nikolski). The experiment was implemented in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCB) with 43 treatments replicated 4 times in a greenhouse during 2015-2016. Two main evaluation criteria, cultivar injury rate (from 1 to 5) and number of eggs/female/day (EFD) on each cultivar, were used to compare responses. The results revealed that the highest number of eggs/female/day (EFD) for both mites was observed on Taha cultivar (9.0±0.40 and 9.5±0.28 for T. urticae and T. turkestani, respectively). The highest injury rate was also observed on this cultivar (4.8±0.26 and 5.0±0.0 for T. urticae and T. turkestani, respectively). In contrast, the lowest EFD number for T. urticae (2.8±0.47) and T. turkestani (2.5±0.28) was seen on Samer star and Davos cultivars, respectively. However, no host preference for egg-laying was observed on Iver and Samer star cultivars for T. turkestani. These two cultivars had the lowest injury level too (1.2±0.25 for Samer star and 1.5±0.28 for Negeen to T. urticae and T. turkestani, respectively). The obtained results demonstrated that Taha was the most susceptible cultivar colonized easily by both two tetranychid species. In contrast, Samer star and Negeen were the most resistant cultivars, strongly recommended for cultivation in greenhouses.
Doppler scale estimation for varied speed mobile frequency-hopped binary frequency-shift keying underwater acoustic communication
Authors: Qiao Gang , Zhao Yunjiang , Liu Songzuo , Ahmed Niaz
Published: August 2019

An optimized Doppler scale factor estimation method based on wavelet de-noising is proposed in this paper to improve the performance of frequency-hopped binary frequency-shift keying mobile underwater acoustic communication. The method is with regard to the Doppler scale factors of multiple symbols as a whole and focuses on the continuous variation overall trends, rather than the association between two adjacent symbols. The proposed method was demonstrated in a shallow water experiment conducted in November 2018 at Songhua River in Heilongjiang, China. Experimental data collected showed a bit error rate less than 10−4 with a data rate of 65.41 bps at a moving speed of 2.0–6.2 m/s over the horizontal range of 0.68–1.6 km.
Perception of nonnative tonal contrasts by Mandarin-English and English-Mandarin sequential bilinguals
Authors: Chan I Lei , Chang Charles B.
Published: August 2019

This study examined the role of acquisition order and crosslinguistic similarity in influencing transfer at the initial stage of perceptually acquiring a tonal third language (L3). Perception of tones in Yoruba and Thai was tested in adult sequential bilinguals representing three different first (L1) and second language (L2) backgrounds: L1 Mandarin-L2 English (MEBs), L1 English-L2 Mandarin (EMBs), and L1 English-L2 intonational/non-tonal (EIBs). MEBs outperformed EMBs and EIBs in discriminating L3 tonal contrasts in both languages, while EMBs showed a small advantage over EIBs on Yoruba. All groups showed better overall discrimination in Thai than Yoruba, but group differences were more robust in Yoruba. MEBs' and EMBs' poor discrimination of certain L3 contrasts was further reflected in the L3 tones being perceived as similar to the same Mandarin tone; however, EIBs, with no knowledge of Mandarin, showed many of the same similarity judgments. These findings thus suggest that L1 tonal experience has a particularly facilitative effect in L3 tone perception, but there is also a facilitative effect of L2 tonal experience. Further, crosslinguistic perceptual similarity between L1/L2 and L3 tones, as well as acoustic similarity between different L3 tones, play a significant role at this early stage of L3 tone acquisition.
A common neural signature of brain injury in concussion and subconcussion
Authors: Hirad Adnan A. , Bazarian Jeffrey J. , Merchant-Borna Kian , Garcea Frank E. , Heilbronner Sarah , Paul David , Hintz Eric B. , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Schifitto Giovanni , Wright David W. , Espinoza Tamara R. , Mahon Bradford Z.
Published: August 2019

Clinically silent brain injury in contact sports athletes can be detected by noninvasive MRI.
A 160,000-year-old history of tectonically controlled methane seepage in the Arctic
Authors: Himmler Tobias , Sahy Diana , Martma Tõnu , Bohrmann Gerhard , Plaza-Faverola Andreia , Bünz Stefan , Condon Daniel J. , Knies Jochen , Lepland Aivo
Published: August 2019

Late Quaternary Northern Hemisphere ice volume variations influenced deep-sea methane release.
Microbial rhodopsins are major contributors to the solar energy captured in the sea
Authors: Gómez-Consarnau Laura , Raven John A. , Levine Naomi M. , Cutter Lynda S. , Wang Deli , Seegers Brian , Arístegui Javier , Fuhrman Jed A. , Gasol Josep M. , Sañudo-Wilhelmy Sergio A.
Published: August 2019

First quantifications of marine microbial rhodopsin reveal a major role in solar energy capture in the surface ocean.
Personalized circulating tumor DNA analysis to detect residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer
Authors: McDonald Bradon R. , Contente-Cuomo Tania , Sammut Stephen-John , Odenheimer-Bergman Ahuva , Ernst Brenda , Perdigones Nieves , Chin Suet-Feung , Farooq Maria , Mejia Rosa , Cronin Patricia A. , Anderson Karen S. , Kosiorek Heidi E. , Northfelt Donald W. , McCullough Ann E. , Patel Bhavika K. , Weitzel Jeffrey N. , Slavin Thomas P. , Caldas Carlos , Pockaj Barbara A. , Murtaza Muhammed
Published: August 2019

A robust personalized ctDNA test, TARDIS, achieves high accuracy for residual disease after completion of neoadjuvant therapy.
Resolving deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Dakin Stephanie G.
Published: August 2019

Inflammation-resolving lipid mediator resolvin D4 attenuates murine venous thrombosis.
Identification of New MmpL3 Inhibitors by Untargeted and Targeted Mutant Screens Defines MmpL3 Domains with Differential Resistance
Authors: Williams John T. , Haiderer Elizabeth R. , Coulson Garry B. , Conner Kayla N. , Ellsworth Edmund , Chen Chao , Alvarez-Cabrera Nadine , Li Wei , Jackson Mary , Dick Thomas , Abramovitch Robert B.
Published: August 2019

The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
mycolate flippase MmpL3 has been the proposed target for multiple inhibitors with diverse chemical scaffolds. This diversity in chemical scaffolds has made it difficult to predict compounds that inhibit MmpL3 without whole-genome sequencing of isolated resistant mutants.
The Siderophore Transporter Sit1 Determines Susceptibility to the Antifungal VL-2397
Authors: Dietl Anna-Maria , Misslinger Matthias , Aguiar Mario M. , Ivashov Vasyl , Teis David , Pfister Joachim , Decristoforo Clemens , Hermann Martin , Sullivan Sean M. , Smith Larry R. , Haas Hubertus
Published: August 2019

VL-2397 (previously termed ASP2397) is an antifungal, aluminum-chelating cyclic hexapeptide with a structure analogous to that of ferrichrome-type siderophores, whereby replacement of aluminum by iron was shown to decrease the antifungal activity of this compound. Here, we found that inactivation of an importer for ferrichrome-type siderophores, termed Sit1, renders
Aspergillus fumigatus
resistant to VL-2397.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Positive-Controlled Crossover Study of the Effects of Omadacycline on QT/QTc Intervals in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Darpo Borje , Xue Hongqi , Tanaka S. Ken , Tzanis Evan
Published: August 2019

Omadacycline, an aminomethylcycline, is an antibiotic that is approved in the United States for once-daily intravenous (i.v.) and oral use for treatment of adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
Physiological and Transcriptional Responses of Candida parapsilosis to Exogenous Tyrosol
Authors: Jakab Ágnes , Tóth Zoltán , Nagy Fruzsina , Nemes Dániel , Bácskay Ildikó , Kardos Gábor , Emri Tamás , Pócsi István , Majoros László , Kovács Renátó
Published: August 2019

Candida
-secreted quorum-sensing molecules (i.e., farnesol and tyrosol) are key regulators in fungal physiology, which induce phenotypic adaptations, including morphological changes, altered biofilm formation, and synchronized expression of virulence factors. Moreover, they have a remarkable antifungal activity at supraphysiological concentrations. Limited data are available concerning the tyrosol-induced molecular and physiological effects on non-
albicans Candida
species such as
C. parapsilosis
. In addition, the background of the previously observed antifungal effect caused by tyrosol remains unknown. This study reveals that tyrosol exposure enhanced the oxidative stress response and the expression of efflux pump genes, while it inhibited growth and ribosome biogenesis as well as several virulence-related genes. Metabolism was changed toward glycolysis and ethanol fermentation. Furthermore, the initial adherence was not influenced significantly in the presence of tyrosol. Our results provide several potential explanations for the previously observed antifungal effect.
A Rapid and Automated Sample-to-Result Candida auris Real-Time PCR Assay for High-Throughput Testing of Surveillance Samples with the BD Max Open System
Authors: Leach L. , Russell A. , Zhu Y. , Chaturvedi S. , Chaturvedi V.
Published: August 2019

The multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen
Candida auris
continues to cause outbreaks and clusters of clinical cases worldwide. Previously, we developed a real-time PCR assay for the detection of
C. auris
from surveillance samples (L. Leach, Y. Zhu, and S. Chaturvedi, J Clin Microbiol 56:e01223-17, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01223-17
).
Draft Genome Sequence of
Brevundimonas
sp. Strain T2.26MG-97, Isolated from a Rock Core Sample from 492.6 Meters Deep on the Subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt
Authors: Rodríguez-Robles E. , Martínez J. M. , Leandro T. , Amils R.
Published: August 2019

The draft genome of
Brevundimonas
sp. strain T2.26MG-97, isolated at a depth of 492.6 m in the subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, is reported here. It consists of 262 scaffolds with a total genome length of 3.68 Mbp, where 3,549 coding DNA sequences have been annotated.
Complete Genome Sequences of Streptomyces lividans Bacteriophages Satis and JustBecause
Authors: Hartigan Kelly , Alarcon John Hudson , Cao Andrew , Chen Yongzhen , Curnutt Nicole , Felsheim Brooke , Gothi Saransh , Grandison Lucia , McDermut Matthew , Spight Kaeli-Skye , Xu Xuejing , Weston-Hafer Kathleen , Shaffer Christopher
Published: August 2019

We present here the complete genomes of two
Streptomyces
bacteriophages, Satis and JustBecause. Both phages were isolated directly from soil samples collected in St. Louis, MO, and present with an unusual prolate head morphology and large genome lengths of over 180 kb.
First Whole-Genome Sequence of a Highly Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 14 Strain Isolated from Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Sofia B. , Kambal Sumaya , Munir Abdalla , Abdalla Nusiba , Hassan Mohamed , Hamad Ahmed , Mohammed Sara , Ahmed Fatima , Hamid Omnia , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal
Published: August 2019

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is an opportunistic pathogen that accounts for a significant proportion of hospital-acquired infections and is a leading cause of nosocomial outbreaks. Here, we describe the genomic sequence of a highly resistant
K. pneumoniae
sequence type 14 (ST14) strain isolated from Sudan.
Complete Genome Sequences of Cluster F Mycobacteriophages EleanorGeorge, Mattes, and Spikelee
Authors: Jacob Christina , Alvarez Yunia , Castro Cynthia , Clarke Katherine , Dantico Linda , Connors Bernadette J.
Published: August 2019

EleanorGeorge, Mattes, and Spikelee are mycobacteriophages isolated from different soil samples using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155 as the host. Each was obtained using direct isolation techniques, purified, and then sequenced. Based on sequence similarity, all three belong to the F1 subcluster and are temperate phages.
Genome Sequence of a T4-like Phage,
Escherichia
Phage vB_EcoM-Sa45lw, Infecting Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Liao Yen-Te , Zhang Yujie , Salvador Alexandra , Wu Vivian C. H.
Published: August 2019

Escherichia
phage vB_EcoM-Sa45lw, a new member of the T4-like phages, was isolated from surface water in a produce-growing area. The phage, containing double-stranded DNA with a genome size of 167,353 bp and 282 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), is able to infect generic
Escherichia coli
and Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
O45 and O157 strains.
ASDAS is associated with both the extent and intensity of DW-MRI spinal inflammation in active axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Chung Ho Yin , Chui Eva Tsz Fung , Lee Kam Ho , Tsang Helen Hoi Lun , Chan Shirley Chiu Wai , Lau Chak Sing
Published: August 2019

Objective

To investigate the relationship between Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and intensity of spinal inflammation measured by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in MRI in participants with active axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods

Participants with axial SpA and back pain were recruited. Clinical, demographic, biochemical and imaging data were collected. ASDAS was calculated based on C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Inflammatory lesions were identified in short tau inversion recovery images and the corresponding ADC maps to determine the maximum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmax), normalised maximum ADC, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean) and normalised mean ADC by two independent readers. Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) spine and sacroiliac (SI) joint MRI indexes were determined. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the associations between of ASDAS with ADC values, SPARCC spine and SI MRI scores.

Results

Eighty-two participants had identifiable ADC lesions. Multivariate analyses using ADCmax and SPARCC spine MRI as independent variables showed associations with ASDAS-CRP (ADCmax: B=0.27, p=0.02; SPARCC: B=0.32, p=0.01) and ASDAS-ESR (ADCmax: B=0.24, p=0.03; SPARCC: B=0.36, p<0.01); using ADCmean and SPARCC spine MRI as independent variables also showed an association with ASDAS-ESR (ADCmean: B=0.22, p=0.05; SPARCC: B=0.36, p<0.01) and a tendency to associate with ASDAS-CRP (ADCmean: B=0.21, p=0.07; SPARCC: B=0.34, p<0.01).

Conclusion

ASDAS is associated with both the extent and the intensity of spinal inflammation in patients with detectable inflammatory lesions. Our results showed that ASDAS is an objective disease assessment tool.

Trial registration number

HKUCTR-2087.
The opioid epidemic: helping rheumatologists prevent a crisis
Authors: Trouvin Anne-Priscille , Berenbaum Francis , Perrot Serge
Published: August 2019

An endemic increase in the number of deaths attributable to prescribed opioids is found in all developed countries. In 2016 in the USA, more than 46 people died each day from overdoses involving prescription opioids. European data show that the number of patients receiving strong opioids is increasing. In addition, there is an upsurge in hospitalisations for opioid intoxication, opioid abuse and deaths in some European countries. This class of analgesic is increasingly used in many rheumatological pathologies. Cohort studies, in various chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) (osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, etc), show that between 2% and 8% of patients are treated with strong opioids. In order to help rheumatologists prescribe strong opioids under optimal conditions and to prevent the risk of death, abuse and misuse, recommendations have recently been published (in France in 2016, the recommendations of the French Society of Study and Treatment of Pain, in 2017, the European recommendations of the European Federation of IASP Chapters and the American Society of International Pain Physicians). They agree on the same general principles: opioids may be of interest in situations of CNCP, but their prescription must follow essential rules. It is necessary to make an accurate assessment of the pain and its origin, to formulate therapeutic objectives (pain, function and/or quality of life), to evaluate beforehand the risk of abuse and to get a specialised opinion beyond a certain dose or duration of prescription.
Comparison of Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications regarding pile design subject to negative skin friction
Authors: Bartz James R. , Blatz James A.
Published: August 2019

Negative skin friction acting on piles has long been included in the design of bridge foundations subject to ground settlement. However, currently there are inconsistencies in how negative skin friction and drag force are incorporated into the calculation of the geotechnical ultimate limit state (ULS), partly due to differences in the design codes. The latest editions of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications are compared with the analysis of a hypothetical steel H-pile, driven through a settling clay layer into a dense, nonsettling layer. The results show that foundation designs can be significantly more conservative and costly when adhering to the AASHTO code because this code includes the drag force in the geotechnical ULS. It is concluded that adhering to the CHBDC can result in a reduced foundation system by considering the actual force distribution in the pile.
Comparison of flow and morphological characteristics in uniform and non-uniform sand bed channel
Authors: Sharma Anurag , Kumar Bimlesh , Balachandar Ram
Published: August 2019

An experimental investigation has been carried out to evaluate the turbulent flow and morphological characteristics in an alluvial channel composed of uniform and non-uniform sand beds. The measures of turbulent flow parameters show that the streamwise mean velocity and Reynolds shear stress increase in the presence of the uniform sand bed, indicating a potential for a greater movement of sediment particles. The turbulent integral scale increases significantly with a uniform sand bed, which results in an increased energy and momentum transfer caused by the larger eddy size in the near bed region. Frequency analysis of the velocity time series was carried out with the help of the Hilbert–Huang transformation, which shows that the dominant time scale of the velocity time series data in a uniform sand bed channel is smaller as compared to the flow in a non-uniform sand bed channel.
Neutrino mass generation from the perspective of presymmetry
Authors: Matute Ernesto A.
Published: August 2019

The Standard Model (SM) with one right-handed neutrino per generation is revisited with presymmetry being the global [Formula: see text] symmetry of an electroweak theory of leptons and quarks with initially postulated symmetric fractional charges. The cancellation of gauge anomalies and the non-perturbative normalization of lepton charges proceed through the mixing of local and topological charges, the global [Formula: see text] measuring the induced charge associated with a unit of topological charge, and the mathematical replacement of the original fractional charges with the experimentally observed ones. The [Formula: see text] symmetry of the SM with Dirac neutrinos is seen as a residual presymmetry. High-scale and low-scale seesaw mechanisms proposed to explain the mass of neutrinos are examined from the perspective of presymmetry, be they of Majorana or pseudo-Dirac type. We find that the tiny mass splitting in pseudo-Dirac neutrinos and the mass of heavy neutrinos ride on the opposite ends of the seesaw. We show that pseudo-Dirac neutrinos contain extra sterile neutrinos with imprints of presymmetry and for heavy ones we get constraints favoring the low-scale linear seesaw over the inverse variant.
Effect of massive potentials and the Gauss–Bonnet gravity on the holographic thermalization
Authors: Nemati Ali , Parvizi Shahrokh
Published: August 2019

We perform a numerical study to recognize the difference between various massive potentials in the massive gravity on the holographic thermalization in the AdS and AdS–Gauss–Bonnet gravities in 4[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1 dimensions. In this space–time, three different massive potentials contribute to the graviton mass. We analyze the effects of these terms on the time evolution of entanglement entropy and the corresponding thermalization time. We also trace the effect of Gauss–Bonnet coupling on the thermalization process. The behavior of the holographic mutual information and size of the kinks, appearing in a large interval, are also studied.
An improved algorithm for clustering uncertain traffic data streams based on Hadoop platform
Authors: Xu Weixiang , Li Jiaojiao
Published: August 2019

During the development of intelligent transportation systems, traffic data has the characteristics of streaming, high dimension and uncertainty. In order to realize the query of uncertain traffic data streams in a distributed environment, the authors design the algorithm of Uncertain Traffic Data Stream Parallel Continuous Query algorithm (UTDSPCQ). Firstly, the sliding window mode is applied to realize the data receiving and buffering in the data stream environment, so as to adapt to the MapReduce computing framework of the Hadoop distributed structure. Then, the impact of the high dimensionality and uncertainty of the data on the feature analysis of the dataset is reduced, through the dimension reduction and data rewriting. Finally, a multi-attribute data point RePoint is newly defined, to solve the problem of data dimension increase caused by data rewriting. Experiments show that this algorithm optimizes the traditional density-based clustering algorithm, and make it more adaptable to parallel continuous queries for uncertain traffic data streams, and can fully consider the newly generated streaming traffic data.
Rectification and negative differential effects of Si2C2 clusters: An ab initio study
Authors: Zhou Qinghua , Wei Ziqing , Hu Wei , Liang Yan , Liu Wenhua , Li Huili , He Kerong , Wan Haiqing
Published: August 2019

By combining the density functional theory (DFT) with the nonequilibrium Green’s function, we studied the transmission properties of Si2C2 clusters (the linear form M1 and the rhombic form M2). The result shows that the I-V characteristics of the cluster are closely related to the structure of the cluster. The change in the structure of the cluster causes a change in the coupling process between the cluster and the electrode, resulting in a change in its transmission characteristics. Compared with the linear form M1 system, the rhombic form M2 system has obvious rectification and negative differential resistance (NDR) effects, which makes it more advantageous as a candidate for molecular devices.
Network evolution analysis of nickel futures and the spot price linkage effect based on a distributed lag model
Authors: Dong Xiaojuan , Gao Xiangyun , Dong Zhiliang , An Haigang , Liu Siyao
Published: August 2019

In many cases, the correlation between time series has a certain lag effect. To study the lag correlation between two time series variables, we select London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel futures and spot prices from 3 January 2008 to 29 December 2017 as sample data to carry out stationarity tests, cointegration tests and Granger causality tests to determine the stationarity and correlation of two time series. Then, we use the method of combining the distributed lag model and sliding window method to construct a network. We select the best sliding window length through a sensitivity test. The time series is reconstructed into a complex network by taking the types of patterns as the nodes and the conduction relationship between the patterns as the edges. The number of transitions between patterns is defined as the weight of the edge. The results show that the spot price changes are caused by the change in nickel futures price and that the optimal sliding window length is 64. Additionally, 12 types of patterns account for a large proportion of the patterns in the network. Six patterns are the main intermediaries of pattern transmission and appear centrally with the change in the market environment. Therefore, the relationship model between these futures and spot prices has remained stable for a long time. Combining the positive and negative news of the market, we identify the timing of the change in the relationship model and can use this approach to improve the accuracy of early warning methods. This study provides a method to construct a complex network using a distributed lag model, which can help analyze two real time series variables with lag correlation.
Study of water pollution through a Lévy flight jump diffusion model with stochastic jumps of pollutants
Authors: El-Hadidy Mohamed Abd Allah
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we present the multivariate distribution of independent Lévy flight jump diffusion molecules that cause water pollution. We consider that the waiting time of this jump has a Gaussian distribution. Rather than studying the statistical properties of this distribution in water, we estimate the length of the jump distance parameters for each molecule. These estimated jump distances of the molecules are used to predict the proportion of pollution in a large area of the sea.
Partition signed social networks by spectral features and structural balance
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Ma Yinghong
Published: August 2019

In social networks, individuals are usually but not exactly divided into communities such that within each community people are friendly to each other while being hostile towards other communities. This is in line with structural balance theory which enables a comprehensive understanding of the stability and tensions of social systems. Yet, there may be some conflicts such as the intra-community negative edges or inter-community positive edges that affect the balancedness of the social system. This raises an interesting question of how to partition a signed network for minimal conflicts, i.e., maximum balancedness. In this paper, by analyzing the relationship between balancedness and spectrum space, we find that each eigenvector can be an indicator of dichotomous structure of networks. Incorporating the leader mechanism, we partition signed networks to maximize the balancedness with top-k eigenvectors. Moreover, we design an optimizing segment to further improve the balancedness of the network. Experimental data both from real social and synthetic networks demonstrate that the spectral algorithm has higher efficiency, robustness and scientificity.
Spatiotemporal synchronization in asymmetrically bidirectionally coupled neurons over a complex network
Authors: Khan Mohammad Ali , Maity Debjani , Jabeen Syeda Darakhshan
Published: August 2019

The spatiotemporal synchronous activity of delay coupled chaotic systems in a network is very important to understand the communications through neurons of the human body. In this paper, we present a homogeneous one-dimensional delay coupled neuron model in a complex network. We design a network model in which the links are stochastically updated at every time step. In this model, the nodes of the network are bidirectionally asymmetrically coupled instead of usual symmetric coupling. We further analyze the impacts of dynamic random updating of links and delay term on the synchronization phenomenon of the network. Synchronized fixed points are found in the networks of neurons numerically. Analytically, the stability range of synchronized fixed point and period-2 orbits are determined which are in very good agreement with the numerical simulation results. Moreover, numerical simulation results have been presented and are found to be in very good concurrence with our analytical result. Interestingly, we have found that in our model synchronized period-2 and period-4 dynamics appear for weak coupling which were not observed earlier. In addition, we have plotted the time series data and maximum Lyapunov exponent to confirm the existence of synchronized chaos.
Structures, electronic properties and adsorption mechanisms of the O2Fe3N clusters
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Li Zhi
Published: August 2019

The structures, adsorption mechanisms and electronic attributes of the O2Fe3N clusters are calculated at Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE) functional. The results show that two O atoms prefer to be located at the Fe–Fe bridge site of Fe–N molecule which form the ground-state O2Fe3N cluster, respectively. It means that O2molecule is dissociated by Fe3N molecule. Compared to the isomer (3)–(6), it indicates that an O2molecule is preferentially adsorbed on the top site of Fe atom which is close to N atom of the Fe3N molecule in the vertical direction. The adsorptions of Fe3N with O2are the exothermic before endothermic reaction. All the O2Fe3N clusters possess higher kinetic activity. The average spin magnetic moments of the O2Fe3N clusters are as follows: isomer (6) [Formula: see text] isomer (1) [Formula: see text] isomer (3) [Formula: see text] isomer (5) [Formula: see text] ground-state [Formula: see text] isomer (2) [Formula: see text] isomer (4). Compared to the external charge transfer of the O2Fe3N clusters, the transfer of electrons between 4s and 3d, 4p orbitals in the same atom is significantly higher.
Entangled thermal mixed states for multi-qubit systems
Authors: Mansour M. , Daoud M.
Published: August 2019

We derive the entangled thermal mixed states by using the formalism of phase states for a finite-dimensional algebra of a multi-qubit system in contact with an independent thermal environment of absolute temperature [Formula: see text]. Thermal entangled states describing the multi-qubit system in equilibrium with the thermal bath are a special kind of mixed states that exhibit genuine multipartite correlation. We define the unitary phase operators for a multipartite system of non-interacting qubits. Entangled density matrices are derived for qubits interacting via an Hermitian Hamiltonian of Heisenberg type [Formula: see text]. By assuming that the noisy interaction of the entangled qubit ensemble with the bath is governed by a local Hamiltonian [Formula: see text], we show that the entangled phase states can be decohered. When the multi-qubits entangled system reaches the equilibrium with the thermal bath, the decohered mixed states are identified with entangled thermal states. The thermal mixed states for bipartite and multipartite systems are explicitly expressed and their bipartite entanglement properties are investigated.