bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actin‐binding protein Anillin promotes the progression of gastric cancer in vitro and in mice
Authors: Jia Huanxia , Yu Fang , Li Baoyu , Gao Zhenya
Published: October 2020

Background

To detect the expression levels of actin‐binding protein anillin (ANLN) in human gastric cancer (GC) tissues and explore the possible involvement of ANLN in GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Methods

The bioinformation analysis was performed in TCGA database to explore the expression of ANLN in human GC tissues and the difference of ANLN expression between multiple types of cancers. IHC assays and clinical pathological analysis were performed to confirm ANLN expression and its correlation with clinical features of GC patients. Colony formation, CCK‐8, wound closure, and transwell assays were performed to detect its effects on GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Tumor growth was also measured using a xenograft animal model.

Results

We found the high expression of ANLN in human GC tissues based on the results from TCGA database and IHC staining. We further noticed ANLN depletion resulted in the inhibition of GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our data further confirmed that ANLN contributed to tumor growth of GC cells in vivo.

Conclusions

We confirmed the involvement of ANLN in GC progression and thought ANLN could serve as a promising therapeutic target for GC.
Predicted Cardiac Hemodynamic Consequences of the Renal Actions of SGLT2i in the DAPA‐HF Study Population: A Mathematical Modeling Analysis
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Tang Weifeng , Greasley Peter J. , Penland Robert C. , Boulton David W. , Hallow K. Melissa
Published: October 2020

The Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA‐HF) study demonstrated that dapagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), reduced heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF‐rEF), with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multiple potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain this benefit, which may be multifactorial. This study aimed to quantify the contribution of the known natriuretic/diuretic effects of SGLT2is to changes in cardiac hemodynamics, remodeling, and fluid homeostasis in the setting of HF‐rEF. An integrated cardiorenal mathematical model was used to simulate inhibition of SGLT2 and its consequences on cardiac hemodynamics in a virtual population of HF‐rEF patients generated by varying model parameters over physiologically plausible ranges and matching to baseline characteristics of individual DAPA‐HF trial patients. Cardiovascular responses to placebo and SGLT2i over time were then simulated. The baseline characteristics of the HF‐rEF virtual population and DAPA‐HF were in good agreement. SGLT2i‐induced diuresis and natriuresis that reduced blood volume and interstitial fluid volume, relative to placebo within 14 days. This resulted in decreased left ventricular end‐diastolic volume and pressure, indicating reduced cardiac preload. Thereafter, blood volume and interstitial fluid volume again began to accumulate, but pressures and volumes remained shifted lower relative to placebo. After 1 year, left ventricle mass was lower and ejection fraction was higher than placebo. These simulations considered only hemodynamic consequences of the natriuretic/diuretic effects of SGLT2i, as other mechanisms may contribute additional benefits besides those predictions.
An experimental method to characterize the relationship between aperture image and ray directions in microscope optics
Authors: Tran Mai Thi , Oldenbourg Rudolf
Published: October 2020

We propose a direct experimental method to calibrate the relationship between ray directions in object space and their positions in the aperture plane of a light field microscope. The calibration improves the interpretation of light field images, which contain information from both types of image planes, the field plane and the aperture plane of the ray path in the microscope. Our method is based on the diffraction of line gratings of known periodicities and provides accurate results with subpixel resolution. The method can be custom‐tailored to most any optical configuration, including standard light microscopy setups, whenever correct mapping between ray parameters in the object/image plane and the aperture plane is needed.
Duration of Pre‐university Education and Labour Market Outcomes: Evidence from a Quasi‐experiment in Ghana
Authors: Boahen Emmanuel Adu , Opoku Kwadwo , Schotte Simone
Published: October 2020

This paper provides new evidence on the effect of shortening the duration of pre‐university education on long‐term labour market outcomes in Ghana, expl`oiting the education reform of 1987 as a natural experiment. Our results indicate that the drastic cut in the duration of pre‐tertiary education from 17 to 12 years improved the labour market success of treated cohorts. However, this is driven by a ‘quantity’ effect: the shorter course duration reduced the direct and indirect costs of acquiring post‐primary education and allowed more students to enrol, which provided access to better job opportunities. On aggregate, this has dominated the negative effect on education ‘quality’. © 2020 UNU‐WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Susceptibility of livestock and companion animals to COVID‐19
Authors: Sreenivasan Chithra C. , Thomas Milton , Wang Dan , Li Feng
Published: October 2020

While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) continues to wreak havoc, there is little known about the susceptibility of the livestock and companion animals relative to humans. Here, we explore the susceptibility of companion and agricultural animals, in light of the existing information on natural infections, experimental infections, serosurveillance, and in vitro protein‐homology binding interaction studies of the SARS‐CoV‐2 with the proposed receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 from diverse animal species.
Possible vertical transmission and antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 among infants born to mothers with COVID‐19: A living systematic review
Authors: Bwire George M. , Njiro Belinda J. , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Sabas Deodatus , Sunguya Bruno F.
Published: October 2020

Current evidence suggests that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is predominantly transmitted from human‐to‐human. However, evidence on vertical transmission and natural passive immunity among the newborns exposed to COVID‐19 is scanty and varies. This poses a challenge on preventive interventions for the newborns. We conducted a systematic review to first, determine the likelihood of vertical transmission among COVID‐19 exposed infants and second, determine whether antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were generated among COVID‐19 vertically exposed but negative infants. This review registered in PROSPERO searched evidence from PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar, among others. About 517 studies were pooled, where 33 articles (5.8%) met the inclusion criteria such as infection prevention and control measures at birth. A total of 205 infants born to COVID‐19 positive mothers were studied. Overall, 6.3% (13/205; 95% CI: 3.0%–9.7%) of the infants tested positive for COVID‐19 virus at birth. Of 33 eligible studies, six studies (18.8%) reported about immunoglobulin G/M (IgG/IgM) against SARS‐CoV‐2. IgG/IgM were detected in 90% infants (10/11; 95% CI: 73.9%–107.9%) who tested negative for COVID‐19 virus. The median antibody levels detected were 75.49 AU/ml (range, 7.25–140.32 AU/ml) and 3.79 AU/ml (range, 0.16–45.83 AU/ml), p = .0041 for IgG and IgM, respectively. In conclusion, the current evidence revealed a low possibility of vertical transmission of COVID‐19 and antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were detected among vertically exposed but negative infants. Further studies on transplacental transmission and the magnitude of natural passive immunity in infants born to mothers with COVID‐19 are warranted.
Disrupted brain functional networks in patients with end‐stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Wu Baolin , Li Xuekun , Zhang Meng , Zhang Feifei , Long Xipeng , Gong Qiyong , Jia Zhiyun
Published: October 2020

Patterns of change in whole‐brain functional networks remain poorly understood in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We conducted a prospective research to investigate the topological properties of whole‐brain functional networks in those patients using a graph‐based network analysis. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 51 ESRD patients (25 HD and 26 nondialysis patients) and 36 healthy controls (HCs). We compared the topological properties of brain functional networks among the three groups, and analyzed the relationships between those significant parameters and clinical variables in ESRD patients. Progressively disrupted global topological organizations were observed from nondialysis patients to HD patients compared with HCs (all p < 0.05 after Bonferroni correction). HD patients, relative to HCs, showed significantly decreased nodal centralities in the left temporal pole: superior temporal gyrus, bilateral median cingulate and paracingulate gyri, bilateral hippocampus, bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, and bilateral amygdala, and showed increased nodal centralities in the orbital part of the bilateral middle frontal gyrus, left cuneus, and left superior occipital gyrus (all p < 0.05 after Bonferroni correction). Furthermore, nodal centralities in the bilateral hippocampus were significantly decreased in HD patients compared with nondialysis patients (p < 0.05 after Bonferroni correction). Dialysis duration negatively correlated with global efficiency in ESRD patients undergoing HD (r = −0.676, FDR q = 0.004). This study indicates that ESRD patients exhibit disruptions in brain functional networks, which are more severe in HD patients, and these alterations are correlated with cognitive performance and clinical markers.
Independent impact of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease on elevated soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Polizzi Alessandro , Alibrandi Angela , Williams Ray C. , Leonardi Rosalia
Published: October 2020

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that a soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) plays an essential function in leukocytes and endothelial homeostasis and, therefore, in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) and periodontitis. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of gingival health, periodontitis, and CHD on suPAR levels in plasma and saliva and to evaluate suPAR as a biomarker of periodontitis and CHD.

Methods

Healthy controls (n = 33), patients with periodontitis (n = 31), CHD (n = 29), and a combination of periodontitis + CHD (n = 29) were enrolled in the present study. All patients were clinically and periodontally evaluated and regularly assessed for socioeconomic status, serum lipids, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and for plasma and salivary suPAR levels.

Results

Patients with periodontitis (P <.001) and with periodontitis + CHD (P <.001) presented higher median plasma and salivary suPAR levels compared with CHD and healthy controls. Moreover, univariate regression analysis demonstrated that hs‐CRP (P <.001) and periodontitis (P <.001) had a significant negative direct effect on both plasma and salivary suPAR levels. The multivariate regression analysis showed that periodontitis was the only significant predictor of plasma suPAR (P = .035) while hs‐CRP was the only significant predictor of salivary suPAR (P <.001).

Conclusions

The results of the present study demonstrated that patients with periodontitis and periodontitis + CHD presented higher suPAR levels in both plasma and saliva in comparison with healthy controls and CHD. Moreover, periodontitis and hs‐CRP were the only significant predictors of the augmented suPAR levels in plasma and saliva, respectively.
A high‐resolution speleothem proxy record of the Late Glacial in the European Alps: extending the NALPS19 record until the beginning of the Holocene
Authors: Li Hanying , Spötl Christoph , Cheng Hai
Published: October 2020

Previous research has shown that speleothems from the northern rim of the European Alps captured submillennial‐scale climate change during the last glacial period with exceptional sensitivity and resolution, mimicking Greenland ice‐core records. Here we extend this so‐called NALPS19 record across the Late Glacial using two stalagmites which grew continuously into the Holocene. Both specimens show the same high‐amplitude δ18O signal as Greenland ice cores down to decadal resolution. The start of the warming at the onset of the equivalent of Greenland Interstadial (GI) GI‐1e at 14.66 ± 0.18 ka agrees with the North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP) (14.64 ± 0.28 ka) and comprised a temperature rise of about 5–6 °C. The transition from the equivalent of GI‐1a into the equivalent of Greenland Stadial (GS) GS‐1 (broadly equivalent to the Younger Dryas) commenced at 13.02 ± 0.13 ka which is consistent with NGRIP (12.80 ± 0.26 ka) within errors. The onset of the Holocene started at 11.78 ± 0.14 ka (11.65 ± 0.10 ka at NGRIP) and involved a warming of about 4–5 °C. In contrast to δ18O, δ13C values show no response to (sub)millennial climate shifts due to strong rock‐buffering and only record a long‐term trend of soil development starting with the rapid warming at 14.7 ka.
Predation Management and Spatial Structure Moderate Extirpation Risk and Harvest of Northern Bobwhite
Authors: Yeiser John M. , Jackson Alexander L. , Sisson D. Clay , Terhune Theron M. , Martin James A.
Published: October 2020

Density dependence, immigration, and emigration can considerably influence wildlife population demographics. Population models used to evaluate common actions like predator management and harvest in the absence of these processes may lead to poor management decisions. We built a novel population simulation model for the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; bobwhite) that included implicit spatial structure (ingress and egress of individuals), density dependence, and harvest. We used 42 years of data (1970–2012) from a relatively stable population to create and validate the simulation model. We then used this simulation model to predict the effect of meso‐mammal trap and removal, a management action that increases bobwhite fecundity, on population abundance, cumulative harvest through 50 years, and extirpation risk. We conducted a population sensitivity analysis to understand the implications of meso‐mammal trap and removal to populations with varying vital rates. Incorporating ingress and egress of individuals and density dependence improved the understanding of bobwhite population dynamics and reduced the uncertainty about the efficacy of predator management across a range of environmental conditions. Increased number of immigration sources decreased extirpation risk and increased bobwhite abundance. A key outcome of our modeling process was that density‐dependent processes did not fully compensate for harvest. Cumulative harvest through 50 years increased with increasing harvest rate but started to decline when harvest rate was >0.35 for populations with meso‐mammal removal and 0.25–0.30 for populations without meso‐mammal removal. Meso‐mammal removal increased the harvest capacity of populations and produced greater harvest opportunity over time. Meso‐mammal removal also buffered populations from extirpation risk resulting from too few immigration sources. Practitioners often ignore the contribution of immigration and emigration to local demographics or assume density‐independent vital rates; however, recent literature reviews and our study indicate that these processes are important to the understanding of animal ecology and management. In the interest of the conservation of species that are hunted and at risk of extirpation in some geographies, predator management may increase hunter success and be a tool to reduce extirpation risk, although the degree of effectiveness likely varies geographically. This manuscript could serve as a framework for predicting the effects of management on bobwhite at the population level. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Implications from Monitoring Gopher Tortoises at Two Spatial Scales
Authors: Goessling Jeffrey M. , Stober Jonathan M. , Gyengo Sybil G. , Hermann Sharon M. , Tuberville Tracey D. , Guyer Craig
Published: October 2020

Conservation biologists need to effectively monitor species given resource limitations and the inherent challenges of assessing long‐term demographic processes. We assessed gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) abundance at a landscape scale and at the scale of 3 local populations within the Conecuh National Forest (CNF), Alabama, USA, between 1991 and 2017. We collected landscape‐level data from line transect distance sampling arranged uniformly across the CNF during a single season (2011); we obtained data for local populations from long‐term mark‐recapture of individuals at 3 sites selected based on prior knowledge of high density at each. At a landscape scale, we estimated 5,242 (95% CI = 3,538–7,768) tortoises occurred across the approximately 34,000‐ha forest, yielding a density of 0.14–0.32 tortoises/ha. These low densities across the landscape suggest that, on average, management activities across the property have not allowed tortoise populations to retain the social structure needed for long‐term persistence. The 3 local populations, however, contained 25–60 individuals and densities of 1.9–6.9 tortoises/ha. Over the study period, populations at 2 sites were stable and the third experienced significant population growth. Mean annual survival of individuals was 0.89 and invariant across size classes. Overall, line transect distance sampling is important for assessing landscape‐scale abundance of tortoises but may fail to detect local clusters of high‐density sites important for population persistence. Our mark‐recapture efforts at the local scale revealed that small populations on these high‐density sites can exhibit long‐term stability or growth even though they do not meet current established criteria for viability. Improved models that incorporate immigration and emigration and better reflect the dynamics of peripheral populations would assist in determining how such populations best contribute to species recovery and regional conservation targets. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
SP1‐induced lncRNA DANCR contributes to proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer
Authors: Cui Peng‐Hua , Li Zhi‐Yan , Li Da‐Hai , Han Shu‐Yu , Zhang Yu‐Juan
Published: October 2020

Transcription factor SP1 could manipulate pathways involved in ovarian cancer progression. LncRNAs are involved in SP1‐mediated tumorigenesis. LncRNA DANCR could promote metastasis of ovarian cancer. However, the regulatory function and involvement of SP1‐induced lncRNA DANCR in ovarian cancer remain elusive. Data from this study showed that SP1 was up‐regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cells (CAOV3, SKOV3, A2780), and SP1 could bind to the promoter region of DANCR through chromatin immunoprecipitation and leuciferase activity assays. Therefore, DANCR was transcriptionally induced by SP1 in ovarian cancer tissues and cells (CAOV3, SKOV3, A2780). Functionally, reduced expression of DANCR suppressed cell viability, migration and invasion of CAOV3, while enhanced DANCR expression contributed to SKOV3 growth. Over‐expression of SP1 reversed the suppressive effects of DANCR interference on ovarian cancer progression. In conclusion, SP1‐induced DANCR contributed to oncogenic potential of ovarian cancer, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
Onset of Mechanochromic Response in the High Strain Rate Uniaxial Compression of Spiropyran Embedded Silicone Elastomers
Authors: Shannahan Logan S. , Lin Yangju , Berry James F. , Barbee Meredith H. , Fermen‐Coker Müge , Craig Stephen L.
Published: October 2020

The molecular processes that accompany dynamic mechanical response to large deformations at high strain rate (≈1000 s−1 or higher) underlie the early stages of damage in materials, but understanding of material response in this regime is typically limited to macroscopic constitutive equations. Here, spiropyran mechanophores are embedded in very short, stress‐bearing strands in silicone elastomers, and their mechanochromic response to uniaxial compression is explored in a Split Hopkinson Pressure (or Kolsky) Bar. At strain rates of 1000 s−1, the onset of mechanochromism occurs at lower strains, but higher stresses, than in the same materials under quasi‐static loading. Similar to quasi‐static loading, however, a negligible effect of mechanophore structure on the critical strain for colorimetric onset is observed. The results suggest that nonequilibrium, inhomogeneous local tension distributions in the elastomers lead to greater stress in individual strands than at the same strains under equilibrium loading, but that within the regions of force concentration, mechanochromic onset is determined primarily by a limiting local strain threshold.
Effective antitumor activity of 5T4‐specific CAR‐T cells against ovarian cancer cells in vitro and xenotransplanted tumors in vivo
Authors: Guo Cuiyu , Dong E , Lai Qinhuai , Zhou Shijie , Zhang Guangbing , Wu Mengdan , Yue Xiaozhu , Tao Yiran , Peng Yujia , Ali Jamel , Lu Ying , Fu Yuyin , Lai Weirong , Zhang Zhixiong , Ma Fanxin , Yao Yuqin , Gou Lantu , Yang Hanshuo , Yang Jinliang
Published: October 2020

Ovarian cancer is considered to be the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and despite the development of conventional therapies and new therapeutic approaches, the patient's survival time remains short because of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, effective methods to control tumor progression are urgently needed. The oncofetal tumor‐associated antigen 5T4 (trophoblast glycoprotein, TPBG) represents an appealing target for adoptive T‐cell immunotherapy as it is highly expressed on the surface of various tumor cells, has very limited expression in normal tissues, and spreads widely in malignant tumors throughout their development. In this study, we generated second‐generation human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells with redirected specificity to 5T4 (5T4 CAR‐T) and demonstrated that these CAR‐T cells can elicit lytic cytotoxicity in targeted tumor cells, in addition to the secretion of cytotoxic cytokines, including IFN‐γ, IL‐2, and GM‐CSF. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of 5T4 CAR‐T cells significantly delayed tumor formation in xenografts of peritoneal and subcutaneous animal models. These results demonstrate the potential efficacy and feasibility of 5T4 CAR‐T cell immunotherapy and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical study of future immunotherapies targeting 5T4 for ovarian cancer.
A modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with alternative food and selective predation of noninfected prey
Authors: Bortuli Junior Altemir , Maidana Norberto Anibal
Published: October 2020

Infectious diseases affect prey populations, and predators choosing susceptible prey may lead to the extinction of the prey population. We propose a mathematical model of prey–predator interaction with the prey population divided into two classes: susceptible and infected. The susceptible prey subpopulation becomes infected by direct contact with the infected prey subpopulation, and the predator consumes only susceptible prey. An analysis of the model enabled the establishment of thresholds for the spread of disease in the absence and presence of predators. In the absence of predators, we obtain the classic basic reproduction number ℜ0, and in the presence of predators, we obtain a new threshold
, which measures the effect of predators in the disease spread. Furthermore, these thresholds establish conditions for the existence and stability of biologically viable equilibrium points. Using numerical simulations, we determined the different biological characteristics of the model and illustrated the analytical results.
On the compressible viscous barotropic flows subject to large external potential forces in a half space with Navier's boundary conditions
Authors: Song Changzhen , Zhang Jianwen
Published: October 2020

This paper is concerned with an initial and boundary value problem of the Navier‐Stokes equations for compressible viscous barotropic flow subject to large external potential forces in a half space
with Navier's boundary conditions. The global well‐posedness of strong solutions with large oscillations and vacuum is established, provided that the initial energy is suitably small and that the unique steady state is strictly away from vacuum. As a by‐product, the stability of stationary solution is obtained.
Artificial intelligence‐based radiotherapy machine parameter optimization using reinforcement learning
Authors: Hrinivich William Thomas , Lee Junghoon
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) machine parameter optimization (MPO) approach based on deep‐Q reinforcement learning (RL) capable of finding an optimal machine control policy using previous prostate cancer patient CT scans and contours, and applying the policy to new cases to rapidly produce deliverable VMAT plans in a simplified beam model.

Methods

A convolutional deep‐Q network was employed to control the dose rate and multileaf collimator of a C‐arm linear accelerator model using the current dose distribution and machine parameter state as input. A Q‐value was defined as the discounted cumulative cost based on dose objectives, and experience‐replay RL was performed to determine a policy to minimize the Q‐value. A two‐dimensional network design was employed which optimized each opposing leaf pair independently while monitoring the corresponding dose plane blocked by those leaves. This RL approach was applied to CT and contours from 40 retrospective prostate cancer patients. The dataset was split into training (15 patients) and validation (5 patients) groups to optimize the network, and its performance was tested in an independent cohort of 20 patients by comparing RL‐based dose distributions to conformal arcs and clinical intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) delivering a prescription dose of 78 Gy in 40 fractions.

Results

Mean ± SD execution time of the RL VMAT optimization was 1.5 ± 0.2 s per slice. In the test cohort, mean ± SD (P‐value) planning target volume (PTV), bladder, and rectum dose were 80.5 ± 2.0 Gy (P < 0.001), 44.2 ± 14.6 Gy (P < 0.001), and 43.7 ± 11.1 Gy (P < 0.001) for RL VMAT compared to 81.6 ± 1.1 Gy, 51.6 ± 12.9 Gy, and 36.0 ± 12.3 Gy for clinical IMRT.

Conclusions

RL was applied to VMAT MPO using clinical patient contours without independently optimized treatment plans for training and achieved comparable target and normal tissue dose to clinical plans despite the application of a relatively simple network design originally developed for video‐game control. These results suggest that extending a RL approach to a full three‐dimensional beam model could enable rapid artificial intelligence‐based optimization of deliverable treatment plans, reducing the time required for radiotherapy planning without requiring previous plans for training.
Update on the Use of Filters for Parenteral Nutrition: An ASPEN Position Paper
Authors: Worthington Patricia , Gura Kathleen M. , Kraft Michael D. , Nishikawa Reid , Guenter Peggi , Sacks Gordon S. ,   the ASPEN PN Safety Committee
Published: October 2020

Intravenous in‐line filters play a critical role in promoting patient safety during parenteral nutrition (PN) administration. Guidelines for using filters for PN have been issued by a number of professional organizations and manufacturers of PN components. Yet despite this guidance, filter use remains controversial. Recent changes in recommendations for filtering lipid injectable emulsions have added to confusion and created considerable variation in practice. This Position Paper aims to review past guidance regarding the filtration of PN, examine the clinical consequences of infusing particulate matter, discuss the challenges and issues related to filtration, and clarify the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) recommendations for the use of filters for PN administration. This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.
Single soliton and double soliton solutions of the quadratic‐nonlinear Korteweg‐de Vries equation for small and long‐times
Authors: Başhan Ali , Esen Alaattin
Published: October 2020

In this article, numerical solutions of the seven different forms of the single soliton and double soliton solutions of the Korteweg‐de Vries equation are investigated. Since numerical solution of the six test problems for small‐times do not exist in the literature, the present numerical results firstly are reported with exact solutions. Besides small‐time solutions, long‐time solutions of all test problems are obtained and compared with some of the earlier works. Present algorithm which is based on combination of finite difference method and differential quadrature method have obtained superior results than those in the given literature. Numerical and exact solutions for small‐time of all test problems are plotted together for all test problems. Since the numerical results are too close to exact solutions the graphs are indistinguishable. Numerical simulations for long‐time solutions are plotted and the error graphs are plotted for the end of the simulations of all test problems.
BMI and All‐Cause Mortality in a Population‐Based Cohort in Rural South Africa
Authors: Manne‐Goehler Jennifer , Baisley Kathy , Vandormael Alain , Bärnighausen Till , Tanser Frank , Herbst Kobus , Pillay Deenan , Siedner Mark J.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study evaluates the association between BMI and all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in South Africa.

Methods

Prospective, population‐based observational cohort data from rural South Africa were analyzed. BMI was measured in 2010. Demographic characteristics were recorded and deaths were verified with verbal autopsy interview. The InterVA‐5 tool was used to assign causes of death. HIV testing was conducted annually. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate the effect of BMI on all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality, accounting for the competing risk of death from other causes. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and HIV status, and inverse probability weighting for survey nonparticipation was used.

Results

The cohort consisted of 9,728 individuals. In adjusted models, those with BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 or 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m2 had a lower hazard of death (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.69‐0.92 and adjusted hazard ratio: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60‐0.93, respectively) compared with those with BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Individuals in South Africa who meet clinically defined criteria for overweight or obesity had a lower risk of all‐cause mortality than those with a normal BMI. These findings were stronger for women and communicable conditions.
Association between the Mallampati score and maximal mouth opening in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Yonenaga Kazumichi , Taga Hitoshi , Eno Yukiko , Watanabe Masato , Matsuo Akira , Itai Shunsuke , Ono Sachiko , Takato Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the Mallampati score and other anatomical indicators, including maximal mouth opening and body mass index (BMI). We also evaluated the association between the Mallampati score and the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) to confirm the scores’ validity in predicting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

We recruited patients with confirmed OSA who visited JR Tokyo General Hospital for oral appliance therapy between January 2016 and June 2019. The coefficients of determination were calculated by ordinary least square regression to evaluate the association between (a) the Mallampati score and maximal mouth opening, (b) AHI and BMI, and (c) the Mallampati score and AHI.

Results

We included 82 patients with an average (standard deviation) Mallampati score of 2.2 (0.9) and mouth opening capacity of 48.7 (6.5) mm. The Mallampati score was inversely associated with maximal mouth opening (R2 = 0.189, P < .01). A higher BMI was associated with a higher AHI (R2 = 0.115, P < .01). No significant association was found between the Mallampati score and the AHI (R2 = 0.01, P = .33).

Conclusion

Although we were not able to confirm the association between the Mallampati score and the AHI that was reported previously, the Mallampati score was found to be inversely associated with the extent of mouth opening.
Emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, self‐efficacy for well‐being: A longitudinal study using sequential mediation
Authors: Shamshad Iqra , Naqi Khan Muhammad Kamran
Published: October 2020

The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between a leader's emotional intelligence and employees' psychological well‐being while using transformational leadership and self‐efficacy as sequential mediators. Primary data was collected using pre‐established questionnaires, and quantitative analysis techniques have been employed using SPSS and SmartPLS with a sample of n = 927. The results showed that the emotional intelligence of a leader does have a significant impact on his choice of leading style and also influences perceived work characteristics during the process, which ignites a higher level of self‐efficacy in employees, as a result, improves their psychological well‐being. The study has improved the awareness related to the psychological well‐being and its predecessors associated with emotional intelligence. The concluding results of the study show that how much emotional intelligence of leaders has long term effects on organizational outcomes and future orientations of employees working under the command. Emotional intelligence is considered a crucial characteristic to survive in a rapidly changing work environment due to continuous technological advancements in almost every field of life.
Increasing zinc concentration in maize grown under contrasting soil types in Malawi through agronomic biofortification: Trial protocol for a field experiment to detect small effect sizes
Authors: Botoman Lester , Nalivata Patson C. , Chimungu Joseph G. , Munthali Moses W. , Bailey Elizabeth H. , Ander E. Louise , Lark R. Murray , Mossa Abdul‐Wahab , Young Scott D. , Broadley Martin R.
Published: October 2020

The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies including zinc (Zn) is widespread in Malawi, especially among poor and marginalized rural populations. This is due to low concentrations of Zn in most staple cereal crops and limited consumption of animal source foods. The Zn concentration of cereal grain can be increased through application of Zn‐enriched fertilizers; a process termed agronomic biofortification or agro‐fortification. This trial protocol describes a field experiment which aims to assess the potential of agronomic biofortification to improve the grain Zn concentration of maize, the predominant staple crop of Malawi. The hypotheses of the study are that application of Zn‐enriched fertilizers will create a relatively small increase in the concentration of Zn in maize grains that will be sufficient to benefit dietary supplies of Zn, and that the effectiveness of agronomic biofortification will differ between soil types. The study will be conducted at three sites, Chitedze, Chitala, and Ngabu Agricultural Research Stations, in Lilongwe, Salima, and Chikwawa Districts respectively. These three sites represent locations in the Central and Southern Regions of Malawi. At each site, two different sub‐sites will be used, each corresponding to one of two agriculturally important soil types of Malawi, Lixisols, and Vertisols. Within each sub‐site, three Zn fertilizer rates (1, 30, and 90 kg/ha) will be applied to experimental plots using standard soil application methods, in a randomized complete block design. The number of replicates at plot level has been informed by a power analysis from pilot study data, assuming that a minimum 10% increase in Zn concentration of grain at 90 kg/ha relative to the concentration at 1 kg/ha is of interest. Grain mass (yield), stover mass, and both stover and grain Zn concentrations will be measured at harvest. A second year of cropping will be used to establish whether there are any residual benefits to grain Zn concentration. The potential for Zn agronomic biofortification will be communicated to relevant academic and government stakeholders through a peer review journal article and a briefing paper.
The BioGRID database: A comprehensive biomedical resource of curated protein, genetic, and chemical interactions
Authors: Oughtred Rose , Rust Jennifer , Chang Christie , Breitkreutz Bobby‐Joe , Stark Chris , Willems Andrew , Boucher Lorrie , Leung Genie , Kolas Nadine , Zhang Frederick , Dolma Sonam , Coulombe‐Huntington Jasmin , Chatr‐aryamontri Andrew , Dolinski Kara , Tyers Mike
Published: October 2020

The BioGRID (Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets, thebiogrid.org) is an open‐access database resource that houses manually curated protein and genetic interactions from multiple species including yeast, worm, fly, mouse, and human. The ~1.93 million curated interactions in BioGRID can be used to build complex networks to facilitate biomedical discoveries, particularly as related to human health and disease. All BioGRID content is curated from primary experimental evidence in the biomedical literature, and includes both focused low‐throughput studies and large high‐throughput datasets. BioGRID also captures protein post‐translational modifications and protein or gene interactions with bioactive small molecules including many known drugs. A built‐in network visualization tool combines all annotations and allows users to generate network graphs of protein, genetic and chemical interactions. In addition to general curation across species, BioGRID undertakes themed curation projects in specific aspects of cellular regulation, for example the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, as well as specific disease areas, such as for the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus that causes COVID‐19 severe acute respiratory syndrome. A recent extension of BioGRID, named the Open Repository of CRISPR Screens (ORCS, orcs.thebiogrid.org), captures single mutant phenotypes and genetic interactions from published high throughput genome‐wide CRISPR/Cas9‐based genetic screens. BioGRID‐ORCS contains datasets for over 1,042 CRISPR screens carried out to date in human, mouse and fly cell lines. The biomedical research community can freely access all BioGRID data through the web interface, standardized file downloads, or via model organism databases and partner meta‐databases.
Metabolite V, an epoxide species is a minor circulating metabolite in humans following a single oral dose of deflazacort
Authors: Kong Ronald , Ma Jiyuan , Beers Brian , Kaushik Diksha , Lin E , Goodwin Elizabeth , Colacino Joseph , Bibbiani Francesco
Published: October 2020

Deflazacort (Emflaza) was approved in the United States in 2017 for the treatment of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy in patients aged 2 years and older. Several deflazacort metabolites were isolated and identified from rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans. Among them, 1ß,2ß‐epoxy‐3ß‐hydroxy‐21‐desacetyl deflazacort, referred to as Metabolite V, was reported to be one of the major circulating metabolites in humans. However, its quantitative distribution in plasma was not fully characterized. The objective of this study was to determine deflazacort plasma pharmacokinetics, metabolite profiles and their quantitative exposures in humans following a single oral dose. Six healthy male subjects were each administered a single oral dose of 60 mg [14C]‐deflazacort. Plasma and urine were collected and deflazacort metabolites in plasma were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography radio‐profiling followed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry characterization. Metabolite V was isolated from urine and its structure was further confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. These analyses demonstrated that deflazacort was not detectable in plasma; of the eight circulating deflazacort metabolites identified or characterized, the pharmacologically active metabolite 21‐desacetyl deflazacort and inactive metabolite 6ß‐hydroxy‐21‐desacetyl deflazacort accounted for 25.0% and 32.9% of the 0‐24 hours plasma total radioactivity, respectively, while Metabolite V, an epoxide species, was a minor circulating metabolite, representing only about 4.7% of the total plasma radioactivity.
Three molecules found in rosemary or nutmeg essential oils repel ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) more effectively than DEET in a no‐human assay
Authors: Wong Colin , Crystal Kylie , Coats Joel
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Development of new personal repellents to prevent tick bites is progressing to keep up with the increasing threat of tick‐borne diseases in humans. However, the market share of natural, plant‐based repellents is still quite small. We tested all of the major (>1%) components found in the essential oils of rosemary (Spanish variety) and nutmeg. These were tested with Dermacentor variabilis ticks, a robust tick capable of vectoring human diseases, in a no‐human horizontal Petri dish assay. For comparison, we also tested the active ingredients currently recommended by the CDC and EPA as personal repellents for use against ticks.

RESULTS

Of the 16 oil components tested, three performed significantly better than N,N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide (DEET) in our assay. These compounds were myristicin and safrole found in the nutmeg oil, and terpinolene found in nutmeg oil and as a minor (<1%) constituent of rosemary oil. The current market natural product, 2‐undecanone, also performed strongly in our assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Our assay focused on comparing active ingredients as potential repellents and found that many natural products can elicit a strong response from ticks. Terpinolene is the most promising active ingredient identified, owing to human health concerns regarding myristicin and safrole. Our results from examining individual terpenoids from two essential oils suggest that there remain unexploited natural compounds that could be further developed for new personal tick repellents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The potential global distribution of the papaya mealybug,Paracoccus marginatus, a polyphagous pest
Authors: Finch Elizabeth A , Beale Tim , Chellappan Mani , Goergen Georg , Gadratagi Basana Gowda , Khan Mohammed Abul Monjur , Rehman Abdul , Rwomushana Ivan , Sarma Arup Kumar , Wyckhuys Kris AG , Kriticos Darren J
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The papaya mealybug,Paracoccus marginatus, is a highly polyphagous invasive pest that affects more than 200 plants, many of which are of economic importance. We modelled the potential distribution ofP. marginatususing CLIMEX, a process‐oriented, climate‐based niche model. We combined this model with spatial data on irrigation and cropping patterns to increase the real‐world applicability of the model.

RESULTS

The resulting model agreed with known distribution points for this pest and with broad areas whereP. marginatushas been reported, but for which no GPS data were available. Our model highlights the potential expansion ofP. marginatusinto novel areas in Central and East Africa, as well as further expansion in Central America and Asia, as these areas are highly climatically suitable, and have large expanses of suitable crop hosts. It also highlights areas, such as the central and eastern states of the USA as well as the western provinces of China, that are suitable for seasonal invasions ofP. marginatus.

CONCLUSION

Our results offer refined resolution on areas with high potential for invasion byP. marginatus. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Olfactory and behavioral responses to acetate esters in red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Du Yuzhe , Zhou Aiming , Chen Jian
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is one of the most successful invasive ants in the world. Previous studies indicated that benzyl acetate and prenyl acetate elicited significant electroantennography (EAG) response in S. invicta and exhibited as attractants at certain concentrations. In addition, the easy commercial availability, low cost, and low mammalian toxicity make acetate esters ideal candidates to screen for potential use in S. invicta control.

RESULTS

We examined the EAG and behavioral responses to 26 acetate esters in all castes of S. invicta. Our results demonstrated a large diversity of EAG tuning and behavioral responses to acetate esters in S. invicta. For linear alkyl acetate esters, EAG response was clearly affected by the carbon chain length of the alkyl group. Linear alkyl acetates with five to seven carbon chain length of the alkyl group elicited significant EAG response in S. invicta, whereas those with shorter (C1 to C4) or longer (C8 to C12) carbon chain lengths did not. Different substitutions also exhibited large variety of EAG and behavioral responses in S. invicta.

CONCLUSION

Our works explored the olfactory and behavioral response of S. invicta to structurally different acetate esters, and identified two potential fire ant attractants, pentyl acetate and tran‐2‐hexenyl acetate, and two potential repellents, hexyl acetate and cis‐3‐hexenyl acetate. These compounds may be useful in developing new products for fire ant management. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Symmetry of Electron Bands in Graphene: (Nearly) Free Electron Versus Tight‐Binding
Authors: Kogan Eugene , Silkin Vyacheslav M.
Published: October 2020

The symmetry labeling of all electron bands in graphene obtained by combining numerical band calculations and analytical analysis based on group theory is presented. The latter is performed both in the framework of the (nearly) free electron model, or in the framework of the tight‐binding model. The predictions about relative positions of the bands which can be made on the basis of each of the models just using the group theory (and additional simple qualitative arguments, if necessary) are complimentary.
Practical trade‐offs for the prefix‐sum problem
Authors: Pibiri Giulio Ermanno , Venturini Rossano
Published: October 2020

Given an integer array A, the prefix‐sum problem is to answer sum(i) queries that return the sum of the elements in A[0..i], knowing that the integers in A can be changed. It is a classic problem in data structure design with a wide range of applications in computing from coding to databases. In this work, we propose and compare practical solutions to this problem, showing that new trade‐offs between the performance of queries and updates can be achieved on modern hardware.
The Roles of Parents in Community Korean–English Bilingual Family Literacy
Authors: Wee Jongsun
Published: October 2020

This study introduces parents’ roles in the community Korean–English bilingual family literacy program named Family Storytime. It was offered at the Korean church for 30 minutes during lunch time on Sundays over 3 months. The Korean parents played two major roles: facilitators and participants. As facilitators, the parents advertised the literacy program to other Korean families, set up the room, managed children’s behaviors, and assisted bookplay activities. The Korean parents were active participants who responded to the book, interacted with children, and gave positive feedback to children. The parents’ heritage–language skills and funds of knowledge were valuable resources at the Family Storytime sessions. This study offers an example for how bilingual parents can be involved in family literacy in schools and communities.