bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating next‐generation sequencing (NGS) methods for routine monitoring of wild bees: Metabarcoding, mitogenomics or NGS barcoding
Authors: Gueuning Morgan , Ganser Dominik , Blaser Simon , Albrecht Matthias , Knop Eva , Praz Christophe , Frey Juerg E.
Published: March 2019

Implementing cost‐effective monitoring programs for wild bees remains challenging due to the high costs of sampling and specimen identification. To reduce costs, next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based methods have lately been suggested as alternatives to morphology‐based identifications. To provide a comprehensive presentation of the advantages and weaknesses of different NGS‐based identification methods, we assessed three of the most promising ones, namely metabarcoding, mitogenomics and NGS barcoding. Using a regular monitoring data set (723 specimens identified using morphology), we found that NGS barcoding performed best for both species presence/absence and abundance data, producing only few false positives (3.4%) and no false negatives. In contrast, the proportion of false positives and false negatives was higher using metabarcoding and mitogenomics. Although strong correlations were found between biomass and read numbers, abundance estimates significantly skewed the communities' composition in these two techniques. NGS barcoding recovered the same ecological patterns as morphology. Ecological conclusions based on metabarcoding and mitogenomics were similar to those based on morphology when using presence/absence data, but different when using abundance data. In terms of workload and cost, we show that metabarcoding and NGS barcoding can compete with morphology, but not mitogenomics which was consistently more expensive. Based on these results, we advocate that NGS barcoding is currently the seemliest NGS method for monitoring of wild bees. Furthermore, this method has the advantage of potentially linking DNA sequences with preserved voucher specimens, which enable morphological re‐examination and will thus produce verifiable records which can be fed into faunistic databases.
Efficacy of subsequent docetaxel +/− ramucirumab and S‐1 after nivolumab for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tamura Nobumasa , Horinouchi Hidehito , Sekine Katsutoshi , Matsumoto Yuji , Murakami Shuji , Goto Yasushi , Kanda Shintaro , Fujiwara Yutaka , Yamamoto Noboru , Ohe Yuichiro
Published: March 2019

Background

Cytotoxic chemotherapy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as second‐line or subsequent treatment generally results in a poor treatment outcome. Several reports have indicated that subsequent cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients who have received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) might have relatively better efficacy.

Methods

The clinical data of advanced NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab during clinical practice at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 17 December 2015 and 31 August 2017 were consecutively reviewed, and the treatment outcomes of docetaxel‐based chemotherapy (docetaxel +/− ramucirumab) or S‐1 after nivolumab were analyzed. The results were then compared with those of advanced NSCLC patients treated with docetaxel or S‐1 but not ICIs during clinical practice between 17 December 2014 and 16 December 2015.

Results

Thirty patients were administered docetaxel‐based chemotherapy and 21 patients were administered S‐1 in any line after nivolumab. Twenty‐four patients were administered docetaxel‐based chemotherapy and 15 patients were administered S‐1 immediately after nivolumab. Sixty‐six patients were administered docetaxel and 23 patients were administered S‐1 without ICIs. The objective response rate, disease control rate, and median progression‐free survival duration were 28.6%, 53.6%, and 5.26 months for patients receiving docetaxel‐based chemotherapy or S‐1 immediately after nivolumab treatment; 24.3%, 51.4%, and 3.88 months for patients receiving docetaxel‐based chemotherapy or S‐1 in any line after nivolumab; and 16.4%, 56.7%, and 2.74 months, for patients receiving docetaxel or S‐1 without ICIs, respectively.

Conclusion

Subsequent cytotoxic chemotherapy, especially immediately after nivolumab, has better treatment efficacy than that of regimens without ICI pretreatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Alcohol‐Dependent Veterans: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Chakravorty Subhajit , Morales Knashawn H. , Arnedt J. Todd , Perlis Michael L. , Oslin David W. , Findley James C. , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: March 2019

Background

Insomnia is highly prevalent in individuals recovering from alcohol dependence (AD) and increases their risk of relapse. Two studies evaluating cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) have demonstrated its efficacy in non‐Veterans recovering from AD. The aim of this study was to extend these findings in an 8‐week trial of CBT‐I in Veterans.

Methods

Veterans recovering from AD were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of treatment with CBT‐I (N = 11) or a Monitor‐Only (MO; N = 11) condition and were evaluated 3 (N = 21/22) and 6 months posttreatment (N = 18/22). The primary outcome measure was the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score. Secondary outcome measures were sleep diary measures, percent days abstinent (PDA), and scores on the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep Scale (DBAS), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐Trait (STAI‐T) scale, and Short Form 12‐item (SF‐12). Mixed‐effects regression models, adjusted for race, evaluated differences in outcomes between the groups over a 6‐month period (clinicaltrials.gov identifier = NCT01603381).

Results

Subjects were male, aged 54.5 (SD = 6.9) years, and had 26.4 (SD = 26.3) days of abstinence before their baseline evaluation. CBT‐I produced a significantly greater improvement in model‐based estimates than MO (mean change at 6 months compared to their baseline) for ISI, sleep latency from a daily sleep diary, DBAS mean score, and SHI total score. PDA and QIDS improved over time, but there was no difference between the groups. PACS, STAI‐T, or SF‐12 scale did not show any improvement from their baseline scores.

Conclusions

CBT‐I treatment demonstrated substantial efficacy in reducing insomnia, associated negative cognitions, and improving sleep hygiene in Veterans during early recovery, though it did not reduce drinking behavior.
Overnight block trades in the Korean stock market
Authors: Chung Chune Young , Hur Seok‐Kyun , Kim Suk Bong
Published: March 2019

We examine the characteristics of overnight block trades in the Korean stock market from 2004 to 2015. We find that the discount on the offering price is negatively related to the number and return volatility of shares, the offering price is higher for firm‐commitment contracts than for best‐effort contracts, the discount level is lower for larger deal values under best‐effort contracts, commission fee rates and fees are more pronounced under firm‐commitment contracts, and a deal's uncertainty is related to the firm's contract choice. The incentives of sellers and investment banks are aligned unless sellers face an informational disadvantage.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo, and risperidone‐controlled study of lurasidone in the treatment of schizophrenia: Results of an inconclusive 6‐week trial
Authors: Higuchi Teruhiko , Iyo Masaomi , Kwon Jun Soo , Chou Yuan‐Hwa , Chen Hsing‐Kang , Chen Jen‐Yeu , Chen Tzu‐Ting , Huang San‐Yuan , Lee Jung‐Sik , Saeki Yuichi , Tanaka Hisashi , Wang Tzong‐Shi , Wu Bo‐Jian , Katoh Takao , Ishigouoka Jun
Published: March 2019

Objective

The efficacy and safety of lurasidone in schizophrenia has been demonstrated in multiple controlled trials, primarily in US and European populations. The aim of the current study was To evaluate lurasidone for the treatment of schizophrenia among patients in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Methods

Hospitalized patients (N = 460) with schizophrenia were randomized to 6 weeks of fixed‐dose lurasidone 40 mg/d, lurasidone 80 mg/d, risperidone 4 mg/d, or placebo. Efficacy was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression‐Severity (CGI‐S).

Results

No significant endpoint differences in PANSS total score were found for lurasidone or risperidone vs placebo. Lurasidone was safe and well tolerated, with minimal effects on weight and metabolic parameters.

Discussion

The current study was inconclusive regarding the efficacy of lurasidone in schizophrenia but further confirmed its safety and tolerability.
Do porcine Sertoli cells represent an opportunity for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Authors: Chiappalupi Sara , Salvadori Laura , Luca Giovanni , Riuzzi Francesca , Calafiore Riccardo , Donato Rosario , Sorci Guglielmo
Published: March 2019

Sertoli cells (SeC) are responsible for the immunoprivileged status of the testis thanks to which allogeneic or xenogeneic engraftments can survive without pharmacological immune suppression if co‐injected with SeC. This peculiar ability of SeC is dependent on secretion of a plethora of factors including maturation factors, hormones, growth factors, cytokines and immunomodulatory factors. The anti‐inflammatory and trophic properties of SeC have been largely exploited in several experimental models of diseases, diabetes being the most studied. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X‐linked recessive pathology in which lack of functional dystrophin leads to progressive muscle degeneration culminating in loss of locomotion and premature death. Despite a huge effort to find a cure, DMD patients are currently treated with anti‐inflammatory steroids. Recently, encapsulated porcine SeC (MC‐SeC) have been injected ip in the absence of immunosuppression in an animal model of DMD resulting in reduction of muscle inflammation and amelioration of muscle morphology and functionality, thus opening an additional avenue in the treatment of DMD. The novel protocol is endowed with the advantage of being potentially applicable to all the cohort of DMD patients regardless of the mutation. This mini‐review addresses several issues linked to the possible use of MC‐SeC injected ip in dystrophic people.
Interface reaction‐governed heteroepitaxial growth of YBa2Cu3O7‐δ film on CeO2‐buffered technical substrate
Authors: Chu Jingyuan , Zhao Yue , Ji Yaotang , Wu Wei , Shi Jiangtao , Hong Zhiyong , Ma Lin , Suo Hongli , Jin Zhijian
Published: March 2019

Due to the high growth rate and environmental‐friendly, fluorine‐free metal‐organic decomposition routes (FF‐MOD) have attracted more attention for growth of high‐quality YBa2Cu3O7‐δ (YBCO) films. Few works have been performed when using technical substrates. In this study, correlation among the sintering process, microstructure, and superconductivity of the YBCO was systematically established on the technical substrates capped with CeO2 layer. We found that the optimal process conditions are mainly related to the enhanced transient liquid phase and BaCeO3. Combined X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicate that high‐quality growth of YBCO film is a trade‐off of two different competition phenomena during sintering: (a) the presence of enhanced transient liquid phase, (b) the formation of BaCeO3 at the interface. The former is beneficial to YBCO epitaxial growth/structure rearrangement, while the latter should be suppressed in view of minimizing YBCO partial decomposition triggered by the interfacial reaction. Moreover, we confirmed that both two aforementioned phenomena are somehow associated with the cross‐linkage between the sintering temperature and pO2 during the YBCO conversion. According to this systemic study, the key parameters are defined to avoid the BaCeO3 formation prior to the YBCO orientation nucleation. Structure and superconductivity of the YBCO film were also investigated. Remarkably, a high Jc value of 3.69 mA/cm2 (77 K, sf) was obtained in the YBCO film grown on the CeO2 technical substrate deposited under optimized deposition conditions, which is rather comparable with that on the LaAlO3 single crystal. TEM cross‐sectional observation reveals that the enhanced Jc (B) properties of the YBCO film are mainly contributed by high density of short stacking faults. This work demonstrates the feasibility of FF‐MOD to fabricate high‐performance YBCO films on the CeO2‐buffered technical substrate.
Spatial segregation between immatures and adults in a pelagic seabird suggests age‐related competition
Authors: Pettex Emeline , Lambert Charlotte , Fort Jérôme , Dorémus Ghislain , Ridoux Vincent
Published: March 2019

Individual competitiveness conditions access to resources when they are limited. Immature individuals that are less skilled than adults have to adapt their foraging strategies to survive. Among strategies to reduce competition, spatial segregation has been widely demonstrated. However, the use of spatial segregation by immatures to limit intra‐specific competition with adults has rarely been tested.

In this study, we investigated and compared habitat preferences and distributions of free‐ranging immature and breeding adult northern gannets Morus bassanus in order to determine whether they compete for similar habitats during the year, and if this results in a spatial segregation between birds of different age groups.

Based on > 66 000 km of aerial surveys conducted in the North‐East Atlantic Ocean during winter and summer 2012, habitats selected by immatures and adult birds were modelled independently, linking gannet density to a set of oceanographic and physiographic predictors. Their large‐scale seasonal distribution was then predicted.

We found that gannets displayed a strong season‐dependent competition between immatures and adults, as a consequence of immatures and adults using similar habitats in both summer and winter. During summer, when adults are constrained by reproduction, both groups were spatially highly segregated despite similar habitat preferences (thermal fronts), with youngest individuals selecting habitats out of range of central‐place foragers, highlighting intra‐specific competition. Contrastingly during winter, when reproductive constraints disappear, immature and adult distributions largely overlapped.

Our study provides new insights into the role played by age, foraging experience and reproductive constraints on the distribution of marine predators. More specifically, these results highlight in seabirds how the youngest fraction mitigates, through spatial segregation, the competition with experienced adults, and suggest a progressive strategy along the maturation process.
Leg length and temperature determine the use of unipedal roosting in birds
Authors: Ryeland Julia , Weston Michael A. , Symonds Matthew R. E.
Published: March 2019

The function of standing on one leg in birds has long been attributed to reducing heat loss from the unfeathered legs to the external environment. Whilst a handful of single‐species studies correlate the use of the behaviour with ambient temperature, the degree to which it is used across taxa is unknown. Given that leg‐length varies between species, the length of the leg (relative to body size) may mediate the use of this thermoregulatory behaviour, such that birds with longer legs should roost on one leg more than those with relatively shorter legs at any given ambient temperature. We tested this prediction through field observations and comparative analyses of nine shorebird species, with varying tarsi length relative to body size. Six of the nine species examined used unipedal standing more as temperatures decrease, indicating its role as a heat conservation behaviour. We also found that species with relatively longer legs roosted on one leg more frequently across a wide range of temperatures. Species with shorter leg lengths likely rely less on this posture to insulate the relatively smaller surface area of the legs. Our findings showed that the long accepted notion that birds stand on one leg more at colder temperatures holds, and that species with smaller relative leg length were less reliant on this behaviour to minimise heat loss from these bare appendages.
The effects of cucurbitacin E on GADD45β‐trigger G2/M arrest and JNK‐independent pathway in brain cancer cells
Authors: Cheng An‐Chin , Hsu Yi‐Chiang , Tsai Chiang‐Chin
Published: March 2019

Cucurbitacin E (CuE), an active compound of the cucurbitacin family, possesses a variety of pharmacological functions and chemotherapy potential. Cucurbitacin E exhibits inhibitory effects in several types of cancer; however, its anticancer effects on brain cancer remain obscure and require further interpretation. In this study, efforts were initiated to inspect whether CuE can contribute to anti‐proliferation in human brain malignant glioma GBM 8401 cells and glioblastoma‐astrocytoma U‐87‐MG cells. An MTT assay measured CuE's inhibitory effect on the growth of glioblastomas (GBMs). A flow cytometry approach was used for the assessment of DNA content and cell cycle analysis. DNA damage 45β (GADD45β) gene expression and CDC2/cyclin‐B1 disassociation were investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis. Based on our results, CuE showed growth‐inhibiting effects on GBM 8401 and U‐87‐MG cells. Moreover, GADD45β caused the accumulation of CuE‐treated G2/M‐phase cells. The disassociation of the CDC2/cyclin‐B1 complex demonstrated the known effects of CuE against GBM 8401 and U‐87‐MG cancer cells. Additionally, CuE may also exert antitumour activities in established brain cancer cells. In conclusion, CuE inhibited cell proliferation and induced mitosis delay in cancer cells, suggesting its potential applicability as an antitumour agent.
Acetaminophen Safety: Risk of Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Nursing Home Residents, a Prospective Study
Authors: Girard Philippe , Sourdet Sandrine , Cantet Christelle , de Souto Barreto Philipe , Rolland Yves
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen is the most widely used analgesic today. A recent systematic review found increased adverse events and mortality at therapeutic dosage. Our aim was to challenge these results in a large sample of older adults living in nursing homes (NHs).

DESIGN

Prospective study using data from the Impact of Educational and Professional Supportive Interventions on Nursing Home Quality Indicators project (IQUARE), a multicenter, individually tailored, nonrandomized controlled trial in NHs across southwestern France.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

We studied data from 5429 participants living in 175 NHs (average age, 86.1 ± 8.1 years; 73.9% women).

MEASUREMENTS

All prescriptions obtained at baseline were analyzed by a pharmacist for acetaminophen use as stand‐alone or associated. Myocardial infarction (MI) and strokes were reported from participants' medical records at 18‐month follow‐up. Dates of death were obtained. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire at baseline and at 18 months by NH staff. Analyses were realized in our total population and a population matched on propensity score of acetaminophen intake. Six models were run for each outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 2239 participants were taking, on average, 2352 ± 993 mg of acetaminophen daily. Results for mortality were: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.86‐1.10). No associations between acetaminophen intake and the risk of mortality or MI were found. In one of our models, acetaminophen intake was associated with a significant increased risk of stroke in diabetic subjects (OR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.25‐8.18; P = .0157). [Correction added March 16, 2019, after first publication online. In the previous sentence, “HR” was mistakenly used instead of “OR”.]

CONCLUSION

Despite old age, polypharmacy, and polymorbidity, acetaminophen was found safe for most, but not all, of our NH study population. Pain management in NHs is a health priority, and acetaminophen remains a good therapeutic choice as a first‐line analgesic. More studies are needed on older diabetic patients.
Maternal care activates the ventral tegmental area but not dopaminergic cells in the rat
Authors: Caba Mario , Melo Angel I. , Fleming Alison , Meza Enrique
Published: March 2019

The ventral tegmental area (VTA), together with the preoptic area, is part of a neural circuit necessary for the expression of maternal behaviour (MB); destruction of either area disrupts MB in postpartum rats. Central to the proposal of VTA activation are dopaminergic cells, for which the cell bodies lie in the VTA and project to forebrain structures. This mesolimbic system is a motivational circuit involved in rewarding behaviours such as sex and MB. Despite their recognised importance, surprisingly, unlike the preoptic area, there are no anatomical descriptions of the pattern of VTA activation or of the dopaminergic cell activation, specifically in relation to MB in the rat. In the present study, we explore the possible activation (as indicated by Fos protein via immunohistochemistry) of the anterior and medial portions of the VTA and in the dopaminergic cells in these regions, as well as in the medial preoptic area, in lactating rats, at postpartum day 7 (after a 12‐hour mother/pups separation), and in dioestrous females. After 12 hours, mothers were perfused at that moment or after a 90 minutes of interaction, or not, with their pups. We found a strong significant Fos induction in both the preoptic area and in the anterior portion of VTA in dams that interacted with their pups. The number of dopaminergic cells that coexpressed Fos did not differ across groups. Additionally, we determined Fos and GABA colocalisation in the anterior part of the VTA and found dense GABAergic processes, possibly varicosities, in the area of increased Fos expression. The results of the present study support a proposed GABAergic pathway from medial preoptic area to VTA cells, critical for the expression of MB. Future experiments are warranted to explore the neurochemical identity of the Fos and no‐Fos expressing cells that are recipients of GABAergic processes in the VTA, aiming to better understand the neural circuitry of the VTA in relation to MB.
Inhibition of cyanobacterial photosynthetic activity by natural ketones
Authors: Voronova Elena N. , Konyukhov Ivan V. , Koksharova Olga A. , Popova Alexandra A. , Pogosyan Sergey I. , Khmel Inessa A. , Rubin Andrey B.
Published: March 2019

Microbial volatiles have a significant impact on the physiological functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Various ketones are present in volatile mixtures produced by plants, bacteria, and fungi. Our earlier results demonstrated the inhibitory effects of soil bacteria volatiles, including ketones, on cyanobacteria. In this work, we thoroughly examined the natural ketones, 2‐nonanone and 2‐undecanone to determine their influence on the photosynthetic activity in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. We observed for the first time that the ketones strongly inhibit electron transport through PSII in cyanobacteria cells in vivo. The addition of ketones decreases the quantum yield of primary PSII photoreactions and changes the PSII chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves. There are clear indications that the ketones inhibit electron transfer from QA to QB, electron transport at the donor side of PSII. The ketones can also modify the process of energy transfer from the antenna complex to the PSII reaction center and, by this means, increase both chlorophyll fluorescence quantum yield and the chlorophyll excited state lifetime. At the highest tested concentration (5 mM) 2‐nonanone also induced chlorophyll release from Synechococcus cells that strongly indicates the possible role of the ketones as detergents.
Transbronchial evaluation of peripheral pulmonary lesions using ultrasonic spectrum analysis in lung cancer patients
Authors: Ishiwata Tsukasa , Terada Jiro , Nakajima Takahiro , Tsushima Kenji , Tatsumi Koichiro
Published: March 2019

Background and objective

Analysis of the endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) radiofrequency spectrum has been used for convex‐probe EBUS technology. Quantitative imaging analysis is also warranted for guided bronchoscopy using radial‐probe EBUS (RP‐EBUS) targeting peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). This study aimed to determine the feasibility of radiofrequency spectrum analysis for distinguishing malignant and benign PPL during diagnostic bronchoscopy.

Methods

Raw RP‐EBUS images with radiofrequency data, including backscatter signals, were prospectively recorded. The ultrasonic spectral parameters, such as intercept, midband‐fit and slope within the region of interest, were retrospectively computed by linear regression analysis and compared with the final diagnosis.

Results

A total of 71 PPL, including 45 malignant and 26 benign lesions, were analysed. Malignant PPL showed a significantly lower intercept (P < 0.0001), lower midband‐fit (P < 0.0001) and higher slope (P = 0.014) than benign PPL. Analyses of the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic plots demonstrated that the intercept showed the best diagnostic performance among three parameters (0.87, 0.77 and 0.69 for intercept, midband‐fit and slope, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive likelihood and negative likelihood were 75.6%, 96.2%, 83.1%, 19.6 and 0.25 for the intercept; 88.9%, 57.7%, 77.5%, 2.1 and 0.19 for the midband‐fit; and 68.9%, 73.1%, 70.4%, 2.6 and 0.43 for the slope.

Conclusion

Spectrum analysis of EBUS radiofrequency can be used as a novel non‐invasive predictor of malignant or benign PPL. Analysis of the ‘intercept’ of the targeted lesion may provide useful supporting data for real‐time sampling from PPL during diagnostic bronchoscopy.
Normalized Coordinate Equations and an Energy Method for Predicting Natural Curved-Fold Configurations
Authors: Badger Jacob C. , Nelson Todd G. , Lang Robert J. , Halverson Denise M. , Howell Larry L.
Published: March 2019

Of the many valid configurations that a curved fold may assume, it is of particular interest to identify natural—or lowest energy—configurations that physical models will preferentially assume. We present normalized coordinate equations—equations that relate fold surface properties to their edge of regression—to simplify curved-fold relationships. An energy method based on these normalized coordinate equations is developed to identify natural configurations of general curved folds. While it has been noted that natural configurations have nearly planar creases for curved folds, we show that nonplanar behavior near the crease ends substantially reduces the energy of a fold.
Parameter Optimization for the Driving System of a 5 Degrees-of-Freedom Parallel Machining Robot With Planar Kinematic Chains
Authors: Xie Zenghui , Xie Fugui , Liu Xin-Jun , Wang Jinsong , Shen Xu
Published: March 2019

Driving system parameter optimization (DSPO) is an important approach to improve robots' dynamic performances such as acceleration capacity, load carrying capacity, and operation stability. To achieve better dynamic performance, motors with high power and high cost are generally used. But this leads to a waste of resources. It is difficult to simultaneously make the robots satisfy the prescribed requirements and avoid over conservative design. This issue is much more challenging for parallel machining robots due to the coupling characteristics of the closed kinematic chains. In this paper, a 5 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) parallel machining robot with planar kinematic chains is presented, and its dynamic model is established based on the virtual work principle. Then, a DSPO method for 5-DoF machining robots is proposed by considering the classical machining trajectories that can reflect the robots' performance requirements. The motor output under these trajectories and candidate motor parameters are presented in a comprehensive graph. Combined with motor selection criteria, the feasible motors and usable reduction ratio range are derived. To optimize the reduction ratio, a dynamic index is proposed based on the variance degree of the motor output torque to evaluate driving system's operational stability. On this basis, the optimal reduction ratio is obtained by minimizing this index to improve the stability of machining robots. Based on the proposed method, the DSPO for the 5-DoF parallel machining robot is implemented, and the optimal driving units are generated. The proposed method can be used for the DSPO of other 5-DoF parallel machining robots.
Design of CaO–SiO2–CaF2 and CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 Based Submerged Arc Fluxes for Series of Bead on Plate Pipeline Steel Welds—Effect on Carbon and Manganese Content, Grain Size and Microhardness
Authors: Sharma Lochan , Chhibber Rahul
Published: March 2019

Submerged arc welding is mainly used to weld high thickness steel plates in various applications such as offshore oil drilling platforms, bridges, building construction, and pressure vessels. Suitable flux composition and welding parameters play an important role in determining the good bead quality, which further affects the mechanical properties of welded joint. Agglomerated fluxes were formulated based on CaO–SiO2–CaF2 and CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 flux system using constrained mixture design and extreme vertices design approach. The chemical compositions of the bead on plate have been studied using formulated fluxes. Twenty one beads on plate experiments were conducted at constant current, voltage, and welding speed using submerged arc welding process. In the present study, chemical composition, grain size, and microhardness properties of series of bead on plate weld deposits (for API 5 L X70 grade pipe line) were optimized by using multiobjective optimization approach.
Efficient implementation of superdirective beamforming in a half-space environment
Authors: Stefanakis Nikolaos
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the case considered is a planar microphone array placed in front of a wall of the room so that the microphone array plane is perpendicular to that of the wall. For this arrangement, a so-called half-space propagation model has been recently proposed, which accounts for the joint contribution of the direct path and the earliest reflection introduced by the adjacent wall. Based on this propagation model, a numerical process to estimate a model of the diffuse noise spatial coherence, which accounts for the presence of the reflecting surface, is proposed. The suggested noise covariance model is used in order to extend the superdirective beamformer in half-space, achieving notable improvements in performance in comparison to a more typical implementation that involves the spherical isotropic coherence model.
Talent Identification in Youth Ice Hockey: Exploring “Intangible” Player Characteristics
Authors: Guenter Ryan W. , Dunn John G.H. , Holt Nicholas L.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine “intangible” characteristics that scouts consider when evaluating draft-eligible prospects for the Western Hockey League. Sixteen scouts participated in semistructured interviews that were subjected to an inductive thematic analysis and then organized around predetermined categories ofwhyintangibles were important,whatintangibles were valued, andhowscouts evaluated these intangibles. Intangibles helped scouts establish players’ fit with the organizational culture of teams and influenced scouts’ draft-list ranking of players. The key intangibles scouts sought were labeled compete, passion, character, and leadership/team player. Scouts noted red flags (i.e., selfish on-ice behaviors, bad body language, and poor parental behavior) that led them to question players’ suitability for their respective organizations. Finally, scouts used an investigative process to identify and evaluate these intangibles through direct observation; interviews with players, coaches, and trainers; and assessments of players’ social media activities. Implications for sport psychology consultants are discussed.
Smoking and lung function among adults with newly onset asthma
Authors: Jaakkola Jouni J K , Hernberg Samu , Lajunen Taina K , Sripaijboonkij Penpatra , Malmberg L Pekka , Jaakkola Maritta S
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Smoking increases the risk of asthma and reduces lung function among subjects with and without asthma. We assessed the effects of smoking on lung function reflecting both central and small airways among adults with newly onset asthma.

Methods

In a population-based study, 521 (response rate 86%) working-aged adults with clinically defined newly diagnosed asthma answered a questionnaire on personal smoking and other factors potentially influencing lung function, and performed spirometry. We applied multiple linear regression analysis to estimate the relations between smoking and lung function adjusting for confounding.

Results

Among asthmatics, FEV1level was reduced significantly, on average 208 mL, related to regular smoking (adjusted effect estimate −0.208, 95% CI −0.355 to −0.061) and 245 mL in relation to former smoking, that is, among those who quit less than a year ago (−0.245, 95% CI −0.485 to −0.004). In contrast, FEV1was not significantly related to occasional smoking or former smoking among those who quit over a year ago. Forced expiratory flow (FEF) levels (L/s) were also significantly reduced among regular smokers (FEF25–75%: −0.372, 95% CI −0.607 to −0.137; FEF50%: −0.476, 95% CI −0.750 to −0.202). An exposure–response pattern related to both daily smoking rate and lifetime cumulative smoking was seen both among men and women.

Conclusions

This study provides new evidence that among working-aged adults with new asthma, regular smoking and former smoking reduce lung function levels with a dose–response pattern. The lung function parameters applied as outcomes reflect both larger and smaller airways.
Direct healthcare costs of sedentary behaviour in the UK
Authors: Heron Leonie , O'Neill Ciaran , McAneney Helen , Kee Frank , Tully Mark A
Published: March 2019

Background

Growing evidence indicates that prolonged sedentary behaviour increases the risk of several chronic health conditions and all-cause mortality. Sedentary behaviour is prevalent among adults in the UK. Quantifying the costs associated with sedentary behaviour is an important step in the development of public health policy.

Methods

National Health Service (NHS) costs associated with prolonged sedentary behaviour (≥6 hours/day) were estimated over a 1-year period in 2016–2017 costs. We calculated a population attributable fraction (PAF) for five health outcomes (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease [CVD], colon cancer, endometrial cancer and lung cancer). Adjustments were made for potential double-counting due to comorbidities. We also calculated the avoidable deaths due to prolonged sedentary behaviour using the PAF for all-cause mortality.

Results

The total NHS costs attributable to prolonged sedentary behaviour in the UK in 2016–2017 were £0.8 billion, which included expenditure on CVD (£424 million), type 2 diabetes (£281 million), colon cancer (£30 million), lung cancer (£19 million) and endometrial cancer (£7 million). After adjustment for potential double-counting, the estimated total was £0.7 billion. If prolonged sedentary behaviour was eliminated, 69 276 UK deaths might have been avoided in 2016.

Conclusions

In this conservative estimate of direct healthcare costs, prolonged sedentary behaviour causes a considerable burden to the NHS in the UK. This estimate may be used by decision makers when prioritising healthcare resources and investing in preventative public health programmes.
Night work and miscarriage: a Danish nationwide register-based cohort study
Authors: Begtrup Luise Moelenberg , Specht Ina Olmer , Hammer Paula Edeusa Cristina , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Garde Anne Helene , Hansen Johnni , Hansen Åse Marie , Kolstad Henrik Albert , Larsen Ann Dyreborg , Bonde Jens Peter
Published: March 2019

Objective

Observational studies indicate an association between working nights and miscarriage, but inaccurate exposure assessment precludes causal inference. Using payroll data with exact and prospective measurement of night work, the objective was to investigate whether working night shifts during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage.

Methods

A cohort of 22 744 pregnant women was identified by linking the Danish Working Hour Database (DWHD), which holds payroll data on all Danish public hospital employees, with Danish national registers on births and admissions to hospitals (miscarriage). The risk of miscarriage during pregnancy weeks 4–22 according to measures of night work was analysed using Cox regression with time-varying exposure adjusted for a fixed set of potential confounders.

Results

In total 377 896 pregnancy weeks (average 19.7) were available for follow-up. Women who had two or more night shifts the previous week had an increased risk of miscarriage after pregnancy week 8 (HR 1.32 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.62) compared with women, who did not work night shifts. The cumulated number of night shifts during pregnancy weeks 3–21 increased the risk of miscarriages in a dose-dependent pattern.

Conclusions

The study corroborates earlier findings that night work during pregnancy may confer an increased risk of miscarriage and indicates a lowest observed threshold level of two night shifts per week.
An integrated analysis of mRNA and miRNA in skeletal muscle from myostatin-edited Meishan pigs
Authors: Xie Shanshan , Li Xiang , Qian Lili , Cai Chunbo , Xiao Gaojun , Jiang Shengwang , Li Biao , Gao Ting , Cui Wentao
Published: March 2019

Myostatin (MSTN) is a key muscle factor that negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth and development. Our laboratory recently produced genetically engineered Meishan pigs containing a ZFN-edited MSTN loss-of-function mutation (MSTN−/−, MKO) that led to the hypertrophy of skeletal muscles. In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing and miRNA sequencing in skeletal muscle samples from MKO and wildtype Meishan (MWT) pigs to investigate the effect of MSTN−/− on expression of mRNA and miRNA. Our results indicated that, compared to MWT pigs, there were 200 genes and 4 miRNAs being significantly up-regulated, and 238 genes and 5 miRNAs being significantly down-regulated in MKO pigs. Analysis by GO and KEGG pathways revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes of those differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in the signal pathways of skeletal muscle growth and development such as AMPK, mTOR, and TGF-beta. An integrated analysis of the correlation between miRNA-mRNA and transcriptome predicated that XK and METTL8 were target genes for miR-499-5p, while LRP4 was a target gene for miR-490-3p. Our results provide important clues to help us further investigate MSTN′s regulatory mechanisms during skeletal muscle growth and development.
A Framework-Driven Comparison of Automata-Based Tools for Identifying Business Rule Conflicts
Authors: Lam Vitus S. W.
Published: March 2019

Drawing on business rules for constructing business process models by a constraint-driven methodology is a distinct characteristic of declarative process modeling. Given the intricacies of business rules, there is a pragmatic need to conduct conflict-free assessments for business rules in an automatic manner. In this paper, business rules are stated in terms of restricted English by harnessing a group of predefined business rule templates. With linear temporal logic that serves as a semantic foundation for the business rule templates, a pair of business rules represented as a linear temporal logic specification is translated into an associated Büchi automaton via LTL2BA, LTL3BA and ltl2tgba. A Büchi automaton that accepts the empty language signifies that the two business rules are in conflict with each other. The suitability of the formal framework and the three automated tools is evaluated by an industry-level case study.
Magneto-Optical and Micromagnetic Properties of Ferromagnet/Heavy Metal Thin Film Structures
Authors: Zdoroveyshchev A. V. , Vikhrova O. V. , Demina P. B. , Dorokhin M. V. , Kudrin A. V. , Temiryazev A. G. , Temiryazeva M. P.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the magnetization, Kerr and Faraday magneto-optical effects, magnetic force microscopy measurements of CoPt, CoPd, FePd alloy thin films. The films were fabricated by electron-beam evaporation, with the variation of a ferromagnetic material content. A decrease in the size of magnetic domains with an increase of the Co content in CoPt and CoPd films is shown. The presence of two magnetic phases in the films is discussed.
Concentration and Mobility of Electrons in n-GaAs/AlGaAs:Si Nanostructures under Uniaxial Compression in the Dark and After Illumination
Authors: Bogdanov E. V. , Minina N. Ya.
Published: March 2019

Resistivity, Hall effect and quantum oscillations of magnetoresistance in a two-dimensional electron system at an n-GaAs/Al0.29Ga0.71As:Si heterointerface have been investigated under uniaxial compression up to 3.5 kbar along [110] direction in the dark and after illumination by infrared diode at 1.7 K. The observed persistent photoconductivity is connected with the excitation of deep DX centers in the active layer. The electron redistribution between the quantum well and the active layer explains pressure dependence of the electron mobility and concentration fixed after illumination.
Spatial and temporal studies of metabolic activity: contrasting biochemical kinetics in tissues and pathways during fasted and fed states
Authors: Daurio Natalie A. , Wang Yichen , Chen Ying , Zhou Haihong , Carballo-Jane Ester , Mane Joel , Rodriguez Carlos G. , Zafian Peter , Houghton Andrea , Addona George , McLaren David G. , Zhang Rena , Shyong Bao Jen , Bateman Kevin , Downes Daniel P. , Webb Maria , Kelley David E. , Previs Stephen F.
Published: March 2019

The regulation of nutrient homeostasis, i.e., the ability to transition between fasted and fed states, is fundamental in maintaining health. Since food is typically consumed over limited (anabolic) periods, dietary components must be processed and stored to counterbalance the catabolic stress that occurs between meals. Herein, we contrast tissue- and pathway-specific metabolic activity in fasted and fed states. We demonstrate that knowledge of biochemical kinetics that is obtained from opposite ends of the energetic spectrum can allow mechanism-based differentiation of healthy and disease phenotypes. Rat models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes serve as case studies for probing spatial and temporal patterns of metabolic activity via [2H]water labeling. Experimental designs that capture integrative whole body metabolism, including meal-induced substrate partitioning, can support an array of research surrounding metabolic disease; the relative simplicity of the approach that is discussed here should enable routine applications in preclinical models.
Compensation for cold-induced thermogenesis during weight loss maintenance and regain
Authors: Presby David M. , Jackman Matthew R. , Rudolph Michael C. , Sherk Vanessa D. , Foright Rebecca M. , Houck Julie A. , Johnson Ginger C. , Orlicky David J. , Melanson Edward L. , Higgins Janine A. , MacLean Paul S.
Published: March 2019

Prevalence of obesity is exacerbated by low rates of successful long-term weight loss maintenance (WLM). In part, relapse from WLM to obesity is due to a reduction in energy expenditure (EE) that persists throughout WLM and relapse. Thus, interventions that increase EE might facilitate WLM. In obese mice that were calorically restricted to reduce body weight by ~20%, we manipulated EE throughout WLM and early relapse using intermittent cold exposure (ICE; 4°C, 90 min/day, 5 days/wk, within the last 3 h of the light cycle). EE, energy intake, and spontaneous physical activity were measured during the obese, WLM, and relapse phases. During WLM and relapse, the ICE group expended more energy during the light cycle because of cold exposure but expended less energy in the dark cycle, which led to no overall difference in total daily EE. The compensation in EE appeared to be mediated by activity, whereby the ICE group was more active during the light cycle because of cold exposure but less active during the dark cycle, which led to no overall effect on total daily activity during WLM and relapse. In brown adipose tissue of relapsing mice, the ICE group had greater mRNA expression of Dio2 and protein expression of UCP1 but lower mRNA expression of Prdm16. In summary, these findings indicate that despite robust increases in EE during cold exposures, ICE is unable to alter total daily EE during WLM or early relapse, likely due to compensatory behaviors in activity.
Solvability of Some Fractional Boundary Value Problems with a Convection Term
Authors: Wei Yongfang , Bai Zhanbing
Published: March 2019

This paper is devoted to the research of some Caputo’s fractional derivative boundary value problems with a convection term. By the use of some fixed-point theorems and the properties of Green function, the existence results of at least one or triple positive solutions are presented. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Analysis of Signal Game for Supply Chain Finance (SCF) of MSEs and Banks Based on Incomplete Information Model
Authors: Tao Zhang , Li Xin , Liu Xinquan , Feng Nana
Published: March 2019

The signal gaming model based on incomplete information is used to analyze the decisions of commercial banks and medium-sized and small enterprises (SMEs) in supply chain finance business. It is found that the returns of banks are closely relied on the probability of good SMEs join which is proportional to θ (the probability of “good” SMEs in the market) and p (the probability of “good” SMEs chosen to join the supply chain finance) in supply chain finance business, and the default cost is an important constrain for determining the strategies adopted by the SMEs and the banks. To achieve higher returns, SMEs and banks should make effects to create a better supply chain finance business environment to achieve the separation equilibrium.
Processing and Communication Delays in EWS: On the Performance of the Earthcloud Prototype
Authors: Klapez Martin , Grazia Carlo Augusto , Casoni Maurizio , Zennaro Simone , Cozzani Matteo
Published: March 2019

A Seismic Alert System (SAS), also called Earthquake Warning System (EWS) or Earthquake Early Warning System (EEW or EEWS), represents one of the most important measures that can be taken to prevent and minimize earthquake damage. These systems are mainly used to detect P-waves and the faster seismic waves and to subsequently trigger an alarm about the incoming S-waves, the slower and most dangerous seismic waves. In some cases, distributed systems are also able to alert some locations before the impending P-waves strike them. This paper presents Earthcloud, a cloud-based SAS that aims to provide all the former capabilities while retaining financial accessibility. Earthcloud first results, generated from four months of data acquisition, are compared with those coming from other systems. In particular, the paper focuses on processing and communication delays, showing how the Earthcloud new detection strategy may minimize delays. Although a thorough test campaign with more sensor nodes is needed to assess performance reliably, especially for highly dense urban scenarios, initial results are promising, with total latencies for Earthcloud always kept under the 1-second mark, despite being at the expense of solid magnitude estimation.