bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a dengue forecast model using Long Short Term Memory neural networks method
Authors: Xu Jiucheng , Xu Keqiang , Li Zhichao , Tu Taotian , Xu Lei , Liu Qiyong
Published: September 2019

Background

Dengue Fever (DF) is a tropical mosquito-borne disease that threatens public health and causes enormous economic burdens worldwide. In China, DF expanded from coastal region to inner land, and the incidence sharply increased in the last few years. In this study, we conduct the analysis of dengue using the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks. This is an artificial intelligence technology, to develop a precise dengue forecast model.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The model is developed from monthly dengue cases and local meteorological data of 2005–2018 among top 20 Chinese cities with a record of the highest dengue incidence. The first 13 year data were used to construct the LSTM and to predict the dengue outbreaks in 2018. The results are compared with the estimated dengue cases of other previously published models. Model performance and prediction accuracy were assessed using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). With the LSTM method, the prediction measurements of average RMSE drop by 54.79% and 34.76% as compared with the Susceptible Infected Recovered (SIR) model and Zero Inflated Generalized Additive Model (ZIGAM). Our results showed that if only local data were used to develop forecast models, the LSTM neural networks would fail to capture the transmission characteristics of dengue virus in areas with fewer dengue cases. Contrarily, transfer learning (TL) can improve the accuracy of prediction of the LSTM neural network model in areas with fewer dengue incidences.

Conclusion and significance

The LSTM model is beneficial in predicting dengue incidence as compared with other previously published forecasting models. The findings provide a more precise forecast dengue model, which can help the local government and health-related departments respond early to dengue epidemics.

Author summary

In China, DF is a public health concern that poses a great economic burden on local governments. However, the incidence has sharply increased in recent years with growth in the sub-regions. With this issue, it will be challenging to develop an accurate and timely dengue forecast model. LSTM recurrent neural networks, deep learning methods and virus propagation rules by learning from observational data offer more advantages in predicting the prevalence of infectious disease dynamics than the traditional statistical model. The 2005–2017 data of the top 20 Chinese cities with the highest dengue incidence were used to construct the LSTM model, advantageous in predicting dengue in most cities. Moreover, the model helped to predict the dengue outbreaks in 2018 and used to compare the estimated dengue cases with the RMSE results of other previously published models. A thorough search of the literature shows that this is the first established dengue forecast model using the LSTM method, which is effective in predicting the trend of dengue dynamics.
A limited role for autophagy during arbovirus infection of mosquito cells
Authors: Brackney Doug E. , Correa Maria A.
Published: September 2019

Macroautophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis. It can additionally function as an innate immune response to viral infection as has been demonstrated for a number of arthropod-borne (arbo-) viruses. Arboviruses are maintained in a transmission cycle between vertebrate hosts and invertebrate vectors yet the majority of studies assessing autophagy-arbovirus interactions have been limited to the mammalian host. Therefore we evaluated the role of autophagy during arbovirus infection of the invertebrate vector using the tractable Aag2Aedes aegyptimosquito cell culture system. Our data demonstrates that autophagy is significantly induced in mosquito cells upon infection with two flaviviruses, dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), as well as an unrelated mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya virus (CHIKV;Togaviridae). While assessing the role of autophagy during arbovirus infection, we observed a somewhat paradoxical outcome. Both induction and suppression of autophagy via torin 1 and spautin-1, respectively, resulted in increased viral titers for all three viruses, yet suppression of autophagy-related genes had no effect. Interestingly, chemical modulators of autophagy had either no effect or opposite effects in another widely used mosquito cell line, C6/36Aedes albopictuscells. Together, our data reveals a limited role for autophagy during arbovirus infection of mosquito cells. Further, our findings suggest that commonly used chemical modulators of autophagy alter mosquito cells in such a way as to promote viral replication; however, it is unclear if this occurs directly through autophagic manipulation or other means.

Author Summary

Arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses, specifically those transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, cause significant morbidity and mortality and pose a continued public health threat worldwide. Many of these viruses lack vaccines or therapeutics and current mosquito control strategies are underperforming. For these reasons, identifying vulnerabilities within the transmission cycle that can be targeted will be critical to the development of novel control interventions. Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular pathway and previous studies manipulating this pathway have shown promise in minimizing viral infections in mammalian hosts. In this study we examined arbovirus-autophagy interactions within vector mosquitoes. The goal was to elucidate the role of autophagy during infection of mosquitoes in hopes of identifying critical interactions that can be targeted by novel approaches to block infection of and transmission by vector mosquitoes.
The PAR2 signal peptide prevents premature receptor cleavage and activation
Authors: Liu Belinda , Lee Grace , Wu Jiejun , Deming Janise , Kuei Chester , Harrington Anthony , Wang Lien , Towne Jennifer , Lovenberg Timothy , Liu Changlu , Sun Siquan
Published: September 2019

Unlike closely related GPCRs, protease-activated receptors (PAR1, PAR2, PAR3, and PAR4) have a predicted signal peptide at their N-terminus, which is encoded by a separate exon, suggesting that the signal peptides of PARs may serve an important and unique function, specific for PARs. In this report, we show that the PAR2 signal peptide, when fused to the N-terminus of IgG-Fc, effectively induced IgG-Fc secretion into culture medium, thus behaving like a classical signal peptide. The presence of PAR2 signal peptide has a strong effect on PAR2 cell surface expression, as deletion of the signal peptide (PAR2ΔSP) led to dramatic reduction of the cell surface expression and decreased responses to trypsin or the synthetic peptide ligand (SLIGKV). However, further deletion of the tethered ligand region (SLIGKV) at the N-terminus rescued the cell surface receptor expression and the response to the synthetic peptide ligand, suggesting that the signal peptide of PAR2 may be involved in preventing PAR2 from intracellular protease activation before reaching the cell surface. Supporting this hypothesis, an Arg36Ala mutation on PAR2ΔSP, which disabled the trypsin activation site, increased the receptor cell surface expression and the response to ligand stimulation. Similar effects were observed when PAR2ΔSP expressing cells were treated with protease inhibitors. Our findings indicated that these is a role of the PAR2 signal peptide in preventing the premature activation of PAR2 from intracellular protease cleavage before reaching the cells surface. The same mechanism may also apply to PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4.
A method of back-calculating the log odds ratio and standard error of the log odds ratio from the reported group-level risk of disease
Authors: Hu Dapeng , Wang Chong , O’Connor Annette M
Published: September 2019

In clinical trials and observational studies, the effect of an intervention or exposure can be reported as an absolute or relative comparative measure such as risk difference, odds ratio or risk ratio, or at the group level with the estimated risk of disease in each group. For meta-analysis of results with covariate adjustment, the log of the odds ratio (log odds ratio), with its standard error, is a commonly used measure of effect. However, extracting the adjusted log odds ratio from the reported estimates of disease risk in each group is not straightforward. Here, we propose a method to transform the adjusted probability of the event in each group to the log of the odds ratio and obtain the appropriate (approximate) standard error, which can then use used in a meta-analysis. We also use example data to compare our method with two other methods and show that our method is superior in calculating the standard error of the log odds ratio.
AIRE is induced in oral squamous cell carcinoma and promotes cancer gene expression
Authors: Nguyen Chi Thi Kim , Sawangarun Wanlada , Mandasari Masita , Morita Kei-ichi , Kayamori Kou , Yamaguchi Akira , Sakamoto Kei
Published: September 2019

Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) is a transcriptional regulator that is primarily expressed in medullary epithelial cells, where it induces tissue-specific antigen expression. Under pathological conditions, AIRE expression is induced in epidermal cells and promotes skin tumor development in association with stress-responsive keratin KRT17. This study aimed to clarify the role of AIRE in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). AIRE expression was evaluated in seven OSCC cell lines and in OSCC tissue specimens. Transient or constitutive expression of AIRE in 293A cells induced KRT17 expression. cDNA microarray analysis of 293A cells stably expressing AIRE revealed that STAT1 and ICAM1 were significantly upregulated by AIRE. Expression of KRT17, STAT1, ICAM1, MMP9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 was elevated in 293A cells stably expressing AIRE, and conversely, was decreased in AIRE-knockout HSC3 OSCC cells when compared to the respective controls. Upregulation of KRT17, STAT1, and ICAM in OSCC cells was confirmed in tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry. We provide evidence that AIRE exerts transcriptional control in cooperation with ETS1. Expression of STAT1, ICAM1, CXCL10, and MMP9 was increased in 293A cells upon Ets1 transfection, and coexpression of AIRE resulted in enhanced expression of STAT1. AIRE coprecipitated with ETS1 in a modified immunoprecipitation assay using formaldehyde crosslinking. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR analysis revealed that promoter fragments of STAT1, ICAM1, CXCL10, and MMP9 were enriched in the AIRE precipitates. In oral cancer cells, ETS1 was diffusely located in the nucleus and partially overlapped with dot-like AIRE accumulation sites. Nuclear translocation of AIRE was promoted by cotransfection with Ets1. These results indicate that AIRE is induced in OSCC and supports cancer-related gene expression in cooperation with ETS1. This is a novel function of AIRE in extrathymic tissues under the pathological condition.
Human PUM1 and PUM2 exhibit regulation of divergent mRNA targets in male germ cells
Authors: Smialek Maciej Jerzy , Ilaslan Erkut , Sajek Marcin Piotr , Swiercz Aleksandra , Janecki Damian Mikolaj , Kusz-Zamelczyk Kamila , Wozniak Tomasz , Kotecki Maciej , Handschuh Luiza , Figlerowicz Marek , Jaruzelska Jadwiga
Published: September 2019

Mammalian Pumilio (PUM) proteins are sequence-specific, RNA-binding proteins with wide-ranging roles, including germ cell development that has functional implications in fertility. Although human PUM1 and PUM2 are closely related to each other and recognize the same RNA binding motif, there is some evidence for functional diversity, particularly related to their roles in fertility. Here, by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) approaches, we identified separate mRNA pools regulated by PUM1 and PUM2 proteins in human male germ cells. Using global mass spectrometry-based profiling, we identified distinct PUM1- and PUM2-bound putative protein cofactors, most of them involved in RNA processing. Combinatorial analysis of RNA-Seq and mass spectrometry findings revealed that PUM1 and PUM2 may form distinct RNA-regulatory networks, with different roles in human reproduction and testicular tumorigenesis. Our findings highlight the functional divergence and versatility of PUM paralogue-based post-transcriptional regulation, offering insight into the mechanisms underlying their diverse biological roles and diseases resulting from their dysfunction.
Sumoylation is largely dispensable for normal growth but facilitates heat tolerance in yeast
Authors: Moallem Marjan , Akhter Akhi , Burke Giovanni L. , Babu John , Bergey Benjamin G. , McNeil J. Bryan , Baig Mohammad S. , Rosonina Emanuel
Published: September 2019

Numerous proteins are sumoylated in normally growing yeast and SUMO conjugation levels rise upon exposure to several stress conditions. We observe high levels of sumoylation also during early exponential growth and when nutrient-rich medium is used. However, we find that reduced sumoylation (~75% less than normal) is remarkably well-tolerated, with no apparent growth defects under non-stress conditions or under osmotic, oxidative, or ethanol stresses. In contrast, strains with reduced activity of Ubc9, the sole SUMO conjugase, are temperature-sensitive, implicating sumoylation in the heat stress response, specifically. Aligned with this, a mild heat shock triggers increased sumoylation which requires functional levels of Ubc9, but likely also depends on decreased desumoylation, since heat shock reduces protein levels of Ulp1, the major SUMO protease. Furthermore, we find that a ubc9 mutant strain with only ~5% of normal sumoylation levels shows a modest growth defect, has abnormal genomic distribution of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), and displays a greatly expanded redistribution of RNAPII after heat shock. Together, our data implies that SUMO conjugations are largely dispensable under normal conditions, but a threshold level of Ubc9 activity is needed to maintain transcriptional control and to modulate the redistribution of RNAPII and promote survival when temperatures rise.
Thickness of carbon coatings on silicon materials determined by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at multiple photon energies
Authors: Isomura Noritake , Takahashi Naoko , Kosaka Satoru , Kawaura Hiroyuki
Published: September 2019

Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at multiple photon energies is used to investigate the surface structure of carbon coatings on silicon materials destined for use as negative electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. The photoelectron intensity from the carbon coatings decreases with an increase in the kinetic energy of the photoelectron. By fitting the photoelectron intensity versus energy to numerically derived curves, the thickness and coverage of the carbon coatings can be obtained. The results are in agreement with the values suggested by the cross-sectional secondary-electron microscopy images of the carbon coatings, although the thickness should be corrected by accounting for the rectangular parallelepiped structure of the silicon material.
Coordination of a triazine ligand with CuII and AgI investigated by spectral, structural, theoretical and docking studies
Authors: Marandi Farzin , Moeini Keyvan , Krautscheid Harald
Published: September 2019

Two complexes of 5-phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazine (PPTA), namely (ethanol-κO)bis(nitrato-κO)[5-phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl-κN)-1,2,4-triazine-κN
2]copper(II), [Cu(NO3)2(C14H10N4)(C2H6O)] or [Cu(NO3)2(PPTA)(EtOH)] (1), and bis[μ-5-phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazine]-κ3
N
1:N
2,N
3;κ3
N
2,N
3:N
1-bis[(nitrato-κO)silver(I)], [Ag2(NO3)2(C14H10N4)2] or [Ag2(NO3)2(μ-PPTA)2] (2), were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, FT–IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray structure analysis of 1 revealed a copper complex with square-pyramdial geometry containing two O-donor nitrate ligands along with an N,N′-donor PPTA ligand and one O-donor ethanol ligand. In the binuclear structure of 2, formed by the bridging of two PPTA ligands, each Ag atom has an AgN3O environment and square-planar geometry. In addition to the four dative interactions, each Ag atom interacts with two O atoms of two nitrate ligands on adjacent complexes to complete a pseudo-octahedral geometry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the geometry around the Cu and Ag atoms in 1
opt and 2
opt (opt is optimized) for an isolated molecule is the same as the experimental results. In 1, O—H...O hydrogen bonds form R
1
2(4) motifs. In the crystal network of the complexes, in addition to the hydrogen bonds, there are π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings (phenyl, pyridine and triazine) of the ligands on adjacent complexes. The ability of the ligand and complexes 1 and 2 to interact with ten selected biomacromolecules (BRAF kinase, CatB, DNA gyrase, HDAC7, rHA, RNR, TrxR, TS, Top II and B-DNA) was investigated by docking studies. The results show that the studied compounds can interact with proteins better than doxorubicin (except for TrxR and Top II).
Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of organonickel(II) complexes coordinated to novel 1-bromo-2,6-bis{[(λ5-phosphanylidene)imino]methyl}benzene NCN-pincer ligands
Authors: Guillet Gary L. , Pitts Skyler L. , Sheriff Kirkland W. , Rucker Donna N. , Rogers Aaryn L.
Published: September 2019

A novel family of four 1-bromo-2,6-bis{[(λ5-phosphanylidene)imino]methyl}benzene ligands has been synthesized and characterized. The phosphiniminomethyl substituents are decorated with either three phenyl groups, two phenyl and one cyclohexyl group, one phenyl and two cyclohexyl groups, or three cyclohexyl groups. Each ligand was metallated using zero-valent nickel through an oxidative addition to form a family of organonickel(II) complexes, namely (2,6-bis{[(triphenyl-λ5-phosphanylidene)imino]methyl}phenyl-κ3
N,C
1,N′)bromidonickel(II) dichloromethane hemisolvate, [NiBr(C44H37N2P2)]·0.5CH2Cl2, (2,6-bis{[(cyclohexyldiphenyl-λ5-phosphanylidene)imino]methyl}phenyl-κ3
N,C
1,N′)bromidonickel(II) diethyl ether hemisolvate, [NiBr(C44H49N2P2)]·0.5C4H10O, (2,6-bis{[(dicyclohexylphenyl-λ5-phosphanylidene)imino]methyl}phenyl-κ3
N,C
1,N′)bromidonickel(II), [NiBr(C44H61N2P2)], and (2,6-bis{[(tricyclohexyl-λ5-phosphanylidene)imino]methyl}phenyl-κ3
N,C
1,N′)bromidonickel(II), [NiBr(C44H73N2P2)]. This family of complexes represents a useful opportunity to investigate the impact of incrementally changing the steric characteristics of a complex on its structure and reactivity.
Developmental stages and gut microenvironments influence gut microbiota dynamics in the invasive beetle Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Chouaia Bessem , Goda Nizar , Mazza Giuseppe , Alali Sumer , Florian Fiorella , Gionechetti Fabrizia , Callegari Matteo , Gonella Elena , Magoga Giulia , Fusi Marco , Crotti Elena , Daffonchio Daniele , Alma Alberto , Paoli Francesco , Roversi Pio Federico , Marianelli Leonardo , Montagna Matteo
Published: September 2019

Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a highly polyphagous invasive beetle originating from Japan. This insect is highly resilient and able to rapidly adapt to new vegetation. Insect‐associated microorganisms can play important roles in insect physiology, helping their hosts to adapt to changing conditions and potentially contributing to an insect's invasive potential. Such symbiotic bacteria can be part of a core microbiota that is stably transmitted throughout the host's life cycle or selectively recruited from the environment at each developmental stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the origin, stability and turnover of the bacterial communities associated with an invasive population of P. japonica from Italy. Our results demonstrate that soil microbes represent an important source of gut bacteria for P. japonica larvae, but as the insect develops, its gut microbiota richness and diversity decreased substantially, paralleled by changes in community composition. Notably, only 16.75% of the soil bacteria present in larvae are maintained until the adult stage. We further identified the micro‐environments of different gut sections as an important factor shaping microbiota composition in this species, likely due to differences in pH, oxygen availability and redox potential. In addition, P. japonica also harboured a stable bacterial community across all developmental stages, consisting of taxa well known for the degradation of plant material, namely the families Ruminococcacae, Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Interestingly, the family Christensenallaceae had so far been observed exclusively in humans. However, the Christensenellaceae operational taxonomic units found in P. japonica belong to different taxonomic clades within this family.
How efficient is the market for Australian firms’ earnings information?
Authors: Taylor Stephen , Tong Alex
Published: September 2019

We construct a measure of the speed with which forecasts issued by sell‐side analysts accurately forecast future annual earnings. Following Marshall, we label this measure earnings information flow timeliness (EIFT). This measure avoids the aggregation problem inherent in price‐based measures of information efficiency. We document large variation in EIFT across firm‐years, and show that EIFT is positively associated with the extent of analyst following, consistent with increased analyst coverage improving the speed with which earnings‐related information is recognised. We also find that EIFT is higher for firm‐years classified as ‘bad news’ (i.e., where analysts’ forecasts at the start of the financial period exceed the reported outcome). However, when we separately consider instances where analysts appear to forecast non‐GAAP (or ‘street’) earnings rather than GAAP earnings, we find that the greater timeliness of bad news is concentrated among observations where analysts forecast non‐GAAP earnings, where unusual items are typically excluded. We conclude that the market for accounting information is more efficient for negative operating outcomes than for negative outcomes reflecting unusual items.
Outcomes of gear and closure subsidies in artisanal coral reef fisheries
Authors: McClanahan Tim R. , Kosgei Jesse K.
Published: September 2019

The outcomes of subsidizing natural and fishing capital were studied in nearshore coral reef fisheries initiated by the devolution of governance and management from national to county governments. One county promoted a net subsidy program of preferred mesh sizes with a distinct purchase and distribution date, while the other supported the ongoing maintenance of fisheries closures. This provoked a BACI design where standard fisheries statistics were measured 3 years prior to and 2.5 years after the net subsidy, or the life expectancy of these nets. Only ~50% of the purchased nets were utilized, indicating a replacement rather than addition of capital and low need. For example, net fishing effort did not change and there was an overall demographic change in gear use away from traps toward lower cost spearguns. Net subsidized fisheries displayed a 9% increase in the mean length of captured fish but also a decline in catch‐per‐unit effort (CPUE) and personal incomes and no change in prices, yields, and per area incomes. In contrast, the fisheries surrounding closures displayed increased fishing effort and a 4% decline in fish lengths but increased CPUE, yield, incomes, and per area revenues. The net cost of maintaining closures was less than the gear subsidy purchase. Significant time × treatment interactions in all indicators support the conclusion that gear subsidies, apart from larger fish sizes, worsened the fisheries, while closures improved it. Increased recruitment rather than growth of fish appeared to be the mechanism for improvement.
Ultraviolet emission transparent Gd:YAG ceramics processed by solid‐state reaction spark plasma sintering
Authors: Zhang Guangran , Carloni David , Wu Yiquan
Published: September 2019

Transparent 1% Gd‐doped YAG and YAG ceramics were synthesized via solid‐state reaction spark plasma sintering using commercially available powder and TESO as a sintering additive. The highest in‐line transmission values achieved were 77.1% at 550 nm and 80.6% at 800 nm in the 1% (at.%) Gd‐doped YAG transparent ceramic with 99.90% relative density. Ultraviolet emission at 312.5 nm was observed in 1% Gd‐doped YAG ceramic via photoluminescence excitation, making it a promising material for applications in solid‐state UV devices.
Equality Beyond Needs‐Satisfaction: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Allard Aurélien , Cova Florian
Published: September 2019

Abstract

The moral value of distributive equality constitutes one of the most contentious debates in political philosophy. Following Frankfurt, many philosophers have claimed that the intuitive appeal of equality is illusory and that egalitarian intuitions are fundamentally intuitions about the importance of satisfying basic needs. According to this argument, our intuitions tell us that inequality ceases to matter once a certain threshold has been reached. Despite the widespread appeal to intuitions regarding this issue, few empirical studies have tried to assess whether Frankfurt and his followers are right in claiming the lack of intuitiveness of equality per se. In a series of three experiments, we show that experimental evidence does not allow us to settle the intuitiveness of each theory: laypeople are divided in the consideration of the respective importance of needs and equality. While our results do show that laypeople attach special importance to needs‐fulfilment, it also seems that they are divided when it comes to the importance they grant to equality once needs are fulfilled. No theory is unanimously backed by participants, and it seems that, fundamentally, divisions among philosophers reflect deep divisions among people.
Phylogeography of sand‐burrowing amphipods (Haustoriidae) supports an ancient suture zone in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Hancock Zachary B. , Hardin Faith O. , Light Jessica E.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To evaluate the impact of a proposed ancient suture zone in the Gulf of Mexico on the distribution and molecular diversity of dispersal‐limited, sand‐burrowing amphipods of the genera Haustorius and Lepidactylus (Haustoriidae: Amphipoda).

Location

Gulf of Mexico, USA and Mexico.

Methods

Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses were performed using mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and nuclear (18S and 28S) data from 93 amphipod individuals from 16 sites across the Gulf of Mexico. Bayesian and ML phylogenies were constructed for all genes, divergence times were estimated using a molecular clock for COI (0.007–0.013 subs./site per Myr), and four species delimitation methods were used to identify operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within each amphipod species. The mitochondrial COI gene was used to construct haplotype networks and estimate population genetic parameters to evaluate historical changes in effective population sizes.

Results

Deep divergences (most estimated to be >4 Ma) were uncovered between sister clades of both amphipod genera on either side of the Mississippi River as well as within Lepidactylus triarticulatus where each sample site was found to harbour a unique genetic lineage. Two cryptic OTUs of L. triarticulatus were identified living sympatrically at Pass Christian, Mississippi. Two distinct OTUs representing western and eastern Haustorius galvezi clades were identified along the Texas and Mexico coastlines with abutting ranges. Population genetic results show some support for recent population expansions for western Gulf OTUs, while eastern Gulf OTUs may have suffered population bottlenecks in the past.

Main conclusions

Divergences between sister species of sand‐burrowing amphipods exceeds the timing of previous vicariant hypotheses. The split appears to be consistent with Miocene sedimentation levels from the Mississippi River acting as an east–west barrier to gene flow in the Gulf of Mexico. Given their strong population structure and cryptic diversity, haustoriid amphipods are ideal model organisms for studying open coast biogeography.
The N‐terminal D1 domain of Treponema pallidum flagellin binding to TLR5 is required but not sufficient in activation of TLR5
Authors: Xu Man , Xie Yafeng , Tan Manyi , Zheng Kang , Xiao Yongjian , Jiang Chuanhao , Zhao Feijun , Zeng Tiebing , Wu Yimou
Published: September 2019

Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum (T pallidum) and the pathogenesis that T pallidum infection induces immunopathological damages in skin and other tissues remains unclear. We have previously reported that recombinant flagellins of T pallidum can elicit IL‐6 and IL‐8 transcriptions via TLR5 pathway. To identify the domains which induced the pro‐inflammatory activity and the importance of the interactions between TLR5 and domains, homology‐based modelling and comparative structural analyses revealed that Tpflagellins can combine with TLR5 directly. Deletion mutations showed that the ND1 domain binding to TLR5 is required but not sufficient in TLR5 activation. Moreover, site‐directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that the arginine residue (Tpflagellins R89) of the ND1 domain and its adjacent residues (Tpflagellins L93 and E113) constitute a hot spot that elicits IL‐6, IL‐8 transcriptions and TLR5 activation, and affects the binding of Tpflagellins to TLR5. Taken together, these results give insight into the pathogenesis of T pallidum and may contribute to the future design of Tpflagellins‐based therapeutics and syphilis vaccine.
Effectiveness of applied relaxation method vs splint in treatment of temporomandibular disorders in Finnish students
Authors: Huhtela Outi S. , Koivisto Nina , Hägg Vuokko , Sipilä Kirsi
Published: September 2019

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) include pain and dysfunction in masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Applied relaxation (AR) is a coping skill that may be applicable for treatment of TMD.

Objectives

The aim of this randomised, controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness of AR as compared to stabilisation splint (SS), for treatment of TMD during 12‐month follow‐up.

Methods

The data were derived from 96 university students seeking treatment due to TMD symptoms at Finnish Student Health Service in Finland. The subjects were randomly divided into two treatment groups: SS (n = 41) and AR (n = 51) groups. Clinical TMD examinations (a modified version of DC/TMD, Axis I) were performed for both the groups at baseline and 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups. Depressive and non‐specific physical symptoms (NSPS) were estimated with Axis II questionnaire (RDC/TMD), and a number of other pain sites were screened at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up. Data were analysed by means of chi‐square test for both groups on five variables, t test for VAS pain intensity and repeated measures ANOVA for palpation pain at follow‐up points. Statistical significance was set on P < .05.

Results

Decrease in the number of painful masticatory muscles and TMJs and VAS on pain intensity did not differ between groups. During follow‐up, NSPS and number of body pain sites decreased significantly more in the AR than the SS group. The dropout was 56 patients.

Conclusion

Neither of the treatments showed more benefit in decreasing local TMD pain. AR gave more benefit on psychological well‐being and general pain symptoms.
Titanium coated with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid incorporating simvastatin: Biofunctionalization of dental prosthetic abutments
Authors: Littuma Gustavo J. S. , Sordi Mariane B. , Borges Curtarelli Raissa , Aragonês Águedo , da Cruz Ariadne C. C. , Magini Ricardo S.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To propose a biofunctionalized prosthetic abutment by analyzing physico‐chemical and morphological properties, simvastatin (SIM) release, and biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) disks coated with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) incorporating SIM.

Methods

Titanium disks (8 × 3 mm) were distributed into four groups: Ti: pure Ti; Ti + PLGA: Ti coated with PLGA; Ti + PLGA + SIM6%: Ti + PLGA with 6% SIM; and Ti + PLGA + SIM0.6%: Ti + PLGA incorporating 0.6% SIM. PLGA was prepared through chloroform evaporation technique. After complete dissolution of PLGA, SIM was diluted in the solution. Ti + PLGA, Ti + PLGA + SIM6%, and Ti + PLGA + SIM0.6% were dip coated with PLGA and PLGA + SIM, respectively. Samples were sterilized by ethylene oxide. For SIM release assay, disks were submerged in PBS, pH 7.4, 37°C, 30 rpm up to 600 hours. At different time intervals, SIM was quantified by spectrophotometry (238 nm). For characterization of the biomaterial components, it was performed Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical profilometry, and atomic force microscopy. Biocompatibility analyses were performed by MTS colorimetric assay on murine fibroblasts L929, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). Absorbance was measured at 490 nm, and percentages of viable cells were calculated in relation to positive control (Ti). SEM images were obtained to verify cell adhesion and morphology. One‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was applied (P < 0.05) for statistical analyses.

Results

SIM release was slow and continuous, reaching about 21% of the incorporated SIM after 600 hours. Topographical analyses revealed success in coating Ti disks with PLGA incorporating SIM. Regarding biocompatibility test, Ti + PLGA + SIM0.6% showed the highest percentage of L929 viability at days 3 and 7. There was no significant difference for Ti, Ti + PLGA, and Ti + PLGA + SIM0.6% groups on cell viability of both SHEDs and HGFs at days 3 and 7. SEM corroborates that SHEDs and HGFs were able to adhere and proliferate on Ti, Ti + PLGA, and Ti + PLGA + SIM0.6% surfaces.

Conclusion

A slow and controlled release of SIM was achieved, attributed to a diffusional mass transfer mechanism. Moreover, a homogenous coating topography was obtained. Additionally, 0.6% SIM incorporated into PLGA coating improved fibroblasts L929 viability compared to titanium or PLGA. Also, 0.6% SIM incorporated into PLGA promoted cell viability of about 100% for HGFs and approximately 150% for human mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, this study allows to consider the use of PLGA‐coated titanium incorporating SIM as a biofunctionalized abutment for dental implants.
Hepatic copper and other trace mineral concentrations in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Harro Cailin C. , Smedley Rebecca C. , Buchweitz John P. , Langlois Daniel K.
Published: September 2019

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor in dogs. Abnormalities in hepatic copper, iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations increase risk for HCC development in other species, but trace mineral concentrations have not been evaluated in dogs with HCC.

Objectives

To investigate hepatic trace mineral concentrations in dogs with HCC.

Animals

Archived liver specimens from 85 dogs with HCC and 85 control dogs.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study. A histopathology database was searched to identify dogs with HCC (test population) and an age‐matched control population. Demographic information was retrieved, and H&E and rhodanine stained slides were reviewed for all cases. Copper, iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations were determined in noncancerous liver tissues (test and control population) and in HCC tissues (test population) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

Hepatic copper concentrations (non‐neoplastic hepatic tissue) were greater in test population dogs (median, IQR; 294.9 μg/g, 233.5‐475.9 μg/g) than in control dogs (202.8 μg/g, 135.0‐295.3 μg/g; P < .001). Hepatic zinc concentrations in test (132.1 μg/g,108.6‐163.2 μg/g) and control dogs (151.5 μg/g, 117.1‐184.5 μg/g) also were different (P = .03). Within test population dogs, all trace mineral concentrations were decreased in the HCC tissue as compared to the non‐neoplastic hepatic tissue (all P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hepatic copper accumulation and other abnormalities in hepatic trace mineral concentrations could be involved in the pathogenesis of HCC in some dogs.
Reality is not as it seems
Authors: Paulson Steve , Hoffman Donald D. , O'Sullivan Suzanne
Published: September 2019

The prevalent view in cognitive science is that we construct our perception of reality in real time. But could we be misinterpreting the content of our perceptual experiences? Does what we perceive with our brain and senses reflect the true nature of reality? Might evolution have shaped our perceptions to guide adaptive behavior, without enabling us to see reality as it actually is? In a discussion moderated by Steve Paulson, cognitive scientist Donald D. Hoffman and neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan analyze these questions and their profound implications for our understanding of human consciousness.
Is vitamin D deficiency a risk factor for recurrent aphthous stomatitis? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Maweri Sadeq Ali , Halboub Esam , Al‐Sufyani Ghadah , Alqutaibi Ahmed Yaseen , Shamala Anas , Alsalhani Anas
Published: September 2019

Objectives

A few studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with the occurrence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Hence, the aim of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis is to explore such a potential association.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted in June 2019. The inclusion criteria were (a) observational studies that assessed the relationship between vitamin D and RAS, and (b) the outcome measures reported quantitative vitamin D levels. Studies without control groups, case series, case reports, experimental studies, letter to editors, reviews, were excluded. The random effects model was conducted for meta‐analyses using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Five studies comprising 208 RAS patients and 241 healthy individuals were included. All studies except one reported significantly lower levels of vitamin D in RAS patients compared with the healthy individuals. The results of the pooled 5 studies revealed statistically significant lower levels of vitamin D in RAS patients (Mean Difference (MD) = −9.67 ng/ml, 95% CI = −15.68, −3.65; p ˂ .002).

Conclusion

The present meta‐analysis suggests a significant association between low vitamin D levels and RAS. Further well‐designed studies with adequate sample sizes are required to elucidate the role of vitamin D in pathogenesis of RAS.
Analysis of Tornado Reports Through Replicated Spatiotemporal Point Patterns
Authors: González Jonatan A. , Hahn Ute , Mateu Jorge
Published: September 2019

Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of tornado events is increasingly imperative, not only because of the natural phenomenon itself and its tremendous complexity but also because we can potentially reduce the risks that they entail. In particular, the US regions are particularly susceptible to tornadoes and they are the focus and motivation of our statistical analysis. Tornado reports can be treated as spatiotemporal point patterns, and we develop some methods for the analysis of replicated spatiotemporal patterns to identify significant structural differences between cold and warm seasons along the years. We extend some existing spatial techniques to the spatiotemporal context to test the null hypothesis that two (or more) observed spatiotemporal point patterns with replications are realizations of point processes that have the same second-order descriptors. In particular, we develop a non-parametric test to approximate the null distribution of the test statistics. We present intensive simulation studies that demonstrate the validity and power of our test and apply our methods to the motivating problem of tornadoes.
Estimation of the number of exposed people during highly pathogenic avian influenza virus outbreaks in EU/EEA countries, October 2016–September 2018
Authors: Adlhoch Cornelia , Miteva Aleksandra , Zdravkova Anna , Miškić Tihana , Kneževic Dražen , Perdikaris Sokratis , Śmietanka Krzysztof , Świętoń Edyta , Kopriva Vilem , Chudý Martin , Romero González Luis Jose , Moreno Gil Ines , Wallén Norell Annica , Verdonck Frank
Published: September 2019

We estimated that more than 11,000 people were exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in EU/EEA countries over the outbreak period October 2016–September 2018 by cross‐linking data submitted by Member States to European Food Safety Authority and EMPRES‐i. A stronger framework for collecting human exposure data is required.
The Effects of Role on Tacit Knowledge Sharing Practices/ Kesan Peranan Terhadap Amalan Perkongsian Ilmu Tersirat
Authors: Mat Samsudin Mohd. Amir
Published: September 2019

This study investigates the impact of role (work scope, authority and responsibility fulfilment) towards the practice of tacit knowledge sharing. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed via mail to the organizational managers (outsourcing companies) registered with Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor. Of these, 168 questionnaires were returned and only 166 had been coded and analyzed. The analysis of the hypotheses is carried out using multiple regression analysis. The findings show that role elements such as work scope and responsibility fulfilment have a positive and significant relationship to the practice of tacit knowledge sharing. Theoretical and practical implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Examining The Relationship Between Human Resource Managemnt Practices And Organizational Citizenship Behavior For Environment Among Administrative Staff In A Thailand University
Authors: Niyomdecha Lubna , Yahya Khulida Kirana
Published: September 2019

This study examines the influence of three human resource management practices which are training and development, performance appraisal, and compensation and benefit on organizational citizenship behavior for environment (OCBE) among administrative staffs at Prince of Songkla University (PSU, Hatyai campus. A total of 231 administrative staffs participated in this study. Regression analysis was performed to test the research hypothesis. The results revealed that the two dimensions of human resource management practices which are performance appraisal and compensation and benefit did not have significant relationship with organizational citizenship behavior for environment (OCBE). However, training and development was found to have positive significant relationship with organizational citizenship behavior for environment (OCBE)
Work Values, Emotional Intelligence, Work Environment and Career Commitment among Generation Y: A Proposed Framework
Authors: Damayanti Nur , Yahya Khulida Kirana , Yean Tan Fee
Published: September 2019

This article reviews the relationship between work values, emotional intelligence, work environment and career commitment in the banking industry. In future, the banking industry will be dominated by the new workforce, millennial generation or Generation Y, a generation whose behaviors and characteristics is different from the older generation before them. Generation Y is known as a very expressive generation, who as employees are confident but lacks career commitment and not interested in meticulous details; they present different views on work and duties. Generation Y, unlike employees of previous generations, tend to think that they have the competitive edge; no emotional connection or workplace loyalty. When job expectations are not met, they are more likely to switch jobs.  The proposed study will be useful for all leaders and managers in the banking industry to gain a greater understanding of the work values of Generation Y employees. Consequently, this study may contribute useful knowledge in gaining career commitment among the Generation Y workforce
The Development Impact on Communities in Chenang Beach, Langkawi Island/ Impak Pembangunan Terhadap Masyarakat di Pantai Chenang, Pulau Langkawi
Authors: Mohd Karim Khofizhoah , Mohamad Nizar Zuraida , Md Darit Sezali , Sakdan Mohd Fo’ad
Published: September 2019

Less controlled development at Chenang Beach created an unhealthy environment in the area. In fact, most of the built buildings are not approved by the local agencies. Hence, the purpose of this study is to identify the impact of development received by the community based on the effectiveness of development at Chenang Beach. Using stratified and systematic random sampling methods, this study was conducted in five villages within Chenang Beach area. Questionnaire were set up and distributed to 368 respondents. The findings show that there is a significant and negative relationship between the location of development and the impact of development. Whereas, in terms of planned development projects, the findings show that there is no relationship between the development project and the impact of development. However, the study also revealed significant finding, that is, when more areas are being developed, the acceptance among the local community are declining. In addition, this study also shows that development projects undertaken by the government or the private sector do not affect the society as a whole. Therefore, the need for planning and development begins from the aspirations of the local community so that the development implemented has a positive impact on society.
A Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Safety Performance by Impact Cooperation Facilitation, Safety Communication and Work Environment: Jordanian Hospitals
Authors: Barakat Abuashour Abdallah Mohammad , Hassan Zuraida
Published: September 2019

Safety in the workplace is essential to ensure organization survivability, constant operation and best work quality specifically in among the countries at the developing stage such as Jordan. Relatedly, safety performance is very crucial for organization performance measurement and corporate existence to practice safety management at workplace, and every level of organization structure. Thus, the need for enhancing safety at the work setting has been proposed by most scholars, industry practitioners and relevant stakeholders. Workers are exposed to a hazardous event at the workplace through chemical, ergonomic and biological exposures. Consequently, various degrees of accidents, injuries, and fatalities happened in the organization and lead to multiple levels of challenges to the organization and serve as indicator of poor safety performance within organization. Improvements in safety performance indicators are critical as they can help in improving organizational performance. The impact from poor safety performance indicator could be seen in various forms such as high medical bills, insurance costs and productivity losses. This paper develops a proposed safety performance framework for understanding safety management practices dimensions such as cooperation facilitation, and safety communication and feedback as antecedents of the work environment – the relationship of safety performance based on perceived social exchange theory (SET).