bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
You don't need to administer a placebo to elicit a placebo effect: Social factors trigger neurobiological pathways to enhance sports performance
Authors: Davis Arran J. , Hettinga Florentina , Beedie Chris
Published: July 2019

The placebo effect is traditionally viewed as a positive outcome resulting from a person's belief that an inert substance is in fact an active drug. In this context, it is often viewed as an intrapsychic phenomenon. However, most placebo effects reported in scientific research result from social interactions. These might be explicit, such as the description and administration of a treatment by a practitioner, or less explicit, for example, the recipient's perceptions of the practitioner's credibility, expertise, or confidence. On this basis, placebo effects are arguably social in origin. Many phenomena in sport are likewise social in origin, from the facilitation effects of a home field crowd or a cohesive team, to anxiety induced by an expert opponent or perceived underperformance. Such social effects have been the subject of research not only in social psychology, but also in experimental physiology. Emergent research in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology suggests that these social effects can be examined as a form of placebo effect. This suggestion is not a speculative position predicated on social and placebo effects sharing similar environmental cues and outcomes, but one based on a growing database indicating that drug, placebo, and social effects operate via common neurobiological mechanisms. In this paper, we examine the theoretical and empirical overlap between placebo and social effects and describe emergent research reporting specific brain pathways activated by socio‐environmental cues as well as by drugs and placebos. We do so from three perspectives: the competitor, the teammate, the researcher.
Association of plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine concentration changes with intradialytic hypotension and hypertension in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ali Zulkhair , Riyadi Ichram , Akbar Yusuf A , Yakub Rahadiyanto Kemas
Published: July 2019

Intradialytic hypertension and hypotension are both independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic hemodialysis. Prior studies investigate the role of endothelial dysfunction in the mechanism of adverse intradialytic blood pressure changes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a marker for endothelial dysfunction, concentration changes pre-to-post-dialysis with both intradialytic hypertension and intradialytic hypotension. The study was a case-control study of 36 patients with chronic hemodialysis (12 patients in each group for intradialytic hypertension, intradialytic hypotension, and stable blood pressure). Intradialytic blood pressure changes were defined as increased or decreased systolic blood pressure pre-to-post-dialysis ≥10 mmHg in ≥4/6 consecutive HD sessions. Dialysis resulted in significant reduction of the plasma ADMA concentration pre-to-post dialysis in each group (0.26±0.15µmol/L, p=0.00 in patients with intradialytic hypertension; 0.18±0.15µmol/L, p=0.01 in patients with intradialytic hypotension; 0.17±0.09µmol/L, p=0.00 in patients with stable blood pressure). The reduction of plasma ADMA concentration in patients with intradialytic hypertension was significantly different compared to control group (p=0.02), albeit the insignificant difference in patients with intradialytic hypotension (p=0.78). Plasma ADMA concentration changes pre-to-post dialysis was considered as an insignificant risk factor (OR=1.96, 95%CI [0.38-9.93, p=0.41]) for intradialytic hypertension.
Antibacterial activity of various calcium hydroxide solvents against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Rusdiana Puspa Dewi Siti , Agung Santoso Riki , Sujatmiko Billy , Seto Wibowo Ickman
Published: July 2019

Fusobacterium nucleatumandEnterococcus faecalisare the most common types of bacteria found in root canal failure. Various ways are done to eliminate such pathogens, one of them by adding various solvents to increase the antibacterial activity of intracanal calcium hydroxide medication. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of various calcium hydroxide solvents againstFusobacterium nucleatumandEnterococcus faecalis. The antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine 2%, glycerin, povidone-iodine 2% and distilled water (control group) as calcium hydroxide solvents were tested in vitro. Zone of inhibition of solvents was observed. The results showed that the remarkable inhibition of the bacterial growth was shown by adding glycerin solvent to calcium hydroxide. This activity was due to its ability in increasing alkaline activity of calcium hydroxide. Hence, glycerin solvent of calcium hydroxide can be used to increase antibacterial activity against root canal microbes.
Identification of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa) using cefoxitin disc diffusion test and dupleks polymerase chain reaction in Jambi city hospitals
Authors: Humaryanto  , Simanjuntak C A , Hanina  , Lipinwati
Published: July 2019

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains the important health problems because the frequency of isolate MRSA tends to increase in the world. Cefoxitin disc diffusion test and detection of MecA gene using PCR were used in MRSA identification. FemB gen is used for spesies SA confirmation. FemB encodes enzyme in cross-linking peptidoglycan in SA. This research aimed to identified MRSA from clinical samples of hospitalized patients in Jambi city using cefoxitin disc diffusion test and dupleks PCR. This research has been conducted in Biomedic Laboratory of Medical Faculty of Jambi University during periode June – November 2017. Swab of 76 festering wounds were grown on Mannitol Salt Agar medium which incubate at 30ºC 18–24 h. The Yellowish colony confirmed with gram staining and tested using Staphytect plus Test DR 850 M. Identified of MRSA using cefoxitin disc diffusion test and dupleks PCR. This research reported cefoxitin-RSA was detected in 41,67% of SA, MecA gene was detected in 45,83% of SA. MecA gene was detected in 100% of cefoxitin-RSA and 7,14% of cefoxitin-SSA. FemB gene was detected in 8,33% of cefoxitin-RSA, and 64,28% of cefoxitin-SSA. Detection of MecA and FemB genes by PCR for identification of MRSA is sensitif and fast.
Pre and intraoperative findings of chronic otitis media
Authors: Ghanie Irwan Abla , Widyasari Fiona , Suyanti  , Gunawan Amelia
Published: July 2019

Chronic otitis media (COM) is still highly prevalent in developing countries and often become main cause of deafness and morbid complication. Appropriate management may decrease the morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of the study are to evaluate preoperative and intraoperative finding among COM patients. A descriptive study was conducted at Mohammad Hoesin Hospital Palembang from April 2015 to April 2018. A secondary data was taken from medical records. A total of 252 patients were included in this study with the highest incidence was at 21-30 years old group (29,36 %) with male predominance. The most frequent preoperative assessment were total perforation of tympanic membrane in 104 patients (41.26 %), moderately severe mixed hearing loss in 61 patients (24,2%), and mastoiditis with cholesteatoma in computed tomography (CT) finding in 158 patients (62,69 %). In intraoperative finding, there were 202 patients (80,15%) with cholesteatoma whereas 103 patients (40,87 %) with granulation tissue. Ossicular chain destruction were found in 141 patients (55,95 %). Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy (CWD) were performed in 190 patients (75,39 %). The prevalence of COM with cholesteatoma at Mohammad Hoesin hospital is still high. Operative management using CWD technique is preferred in cases of COM with cholesteatoma.
Wild honey 50% inhibits growth of streptococcus viridans in vitro
Authors: Jeani N , Andina Meizly
Published: July 2019

Honey has peroxide hydrogen and flavonoid as an anti-bacterial activity. Streptococcus viridans is known as a normal flora in the mouth cavity furthermore it can become a pathogen. Several Streptococcus viridans make an important role in forming a caries teeth. The objective of this study is to determine a comparative the inhibition power of wild honey 50% with chlorhexidine gluconate 0,2% against the growth of Streptococci viridans bacteria. This research is an experimental posttest only with control group design. Streptococcus viridian was taken from the Regional Health Laboratory. The groups are wild honey 50%, chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%, and aquadest. The study was conducted at the Laboratory Health Center of North Sumatra Province. Antibacterial activity of wild honey 50% against Streptococcus viridans in vitro shows that honey has antibacterial inhibitory power. Mann Whitney test results for each wild honey 50% group with chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% group obtained a significant P value of 0.007 (α <0.05). Wild honey 50% group with negative aquadest control group obtained a significant p-value of 0.000 (α <0.05). Wild honey 50% can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus viridans, though still has a significant difference (p <0.05) compared to chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%.
The ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes accuracy as tuberculosis predictor
Authors: Liana Phey , Brestilova Brillia , Yakub Rahadiyanto Kemas
Published: July 2019

Tuberculosis is one of the top ten death’s causes in the world and even cause more deaths than HIV in 2015. In the same years, there are 10.4 million new TB case incidences with case notification rate is 142/100,000 population globally. Monocytes and lymphocytes play an important role in the body’s defense mechanism against tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can induce increased monocytes and decreased lymphocytes. The ratio of Monocytes to lymphocytes is expected to be used as predictors of tuberculosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes accuracy as tuberculosis predictor. This diagnostic study was done at dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang. Samples of this study had been taken from medical records which fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The sample of the study was 101 tuberculosis subjects. Most of the subjects were men (70,3%) and were 36-45 years old group (25,7%). The cut-off value of 0,476 allowed the discrimination of tuberculosis with positive bacterial culture from negative bacterial culture, with a sensitivity of 95,1% and a specificity of 70%. Therefore, we concluded that the ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes can be considered as an early predictor marker of tuberculosis.
The effectiveness of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) extracts as root canal irrigation alternative material on Streptococcus viridans
Authors: Dwi Puspita Suci , Yulianti Rinda , Mozartha Martha
Published: July 2019

Irrigation is one of the important principles of triad endodontic to eradicate microorganisms in root canal infections. The rhizomes of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) contain compounds that have antibacterial activity and has a potential to be used as an alternative for irrigation solution. The study was done to evaluated the antimicrobial activity of white turmeric extracts againts Streptococcus viridans. This experimental in vitro study used four extracts of white turmeric with various concentrations (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%) as tested groups, 2% Chlorhexidine as positive control and distilled water as negative control group. Solid BHI medium containing Streptococcus viridans was perforated with a cork borer and dropped by 5 mL solution according to each group. The inhibition zone diameter was measured to evaluate antibacterial efficacy. Data were analyzed by One Way ANOVA and continued by Post-hoc Bonferroni. The results showed that all groups had significant differences. The largest growth inhibition zone was 100% white turmeric extracts group and had strong antibacterial effect, followed by 50% and 2% chlorhexidine, while 25% and 12.5% extracts had moderate antibacterial effect. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that white turmeric extracts can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus viridans.
The effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) extract on spermatozoa morphology of male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) after induced with 2-Methoxyethanol
Authors: Rahmadaniah Indah , Salni  , Marwoto Joko , Darmasari Sagita
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 2-ME and administration of black cumin extract on sperm motility of male white rats. The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) of 24 male white rats. The 2-ME solution is given intraperitoneally, and black cumin extract is given orally. The samples were divided into 6 groups, treatment given for 21 days. Data analysis used One Way ANOVA and continued with Duncan’s test. The results, after induced 2-ME spermatozoa morphology mean as much as 31.25%, after being given average black cumin extract spermatozoa morphology of 89.75%, after administration of 2-ME and black cumin extract dose of 1.2 g/kgBW average morphology of spermatozoa 35.75%, the dose of 2.4 g/kgBW mean morphology of spermatozoa was 47.00%, while the dose of 3.6 g/kgBW resulted in an increase in morphology of spermatozoa by 57.25%. Conclusion, 2-ME induction can reduce the morphology of male white rat spermatozoa. While the administration of black cumin extract can improve the morphology of male white rat spermatozoa. The administration of black cumin extract at a dose of 3.6 g/kgBW after 2-ME induced can improve the morphology of the sperm and is significantly different.
Comparison of leptin serum levels between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and non-SLE patients at Mohammad Hoesin Hospital Palembang
Authors: Reagan Muhammad , Aprilia Salim Nelda , Junaidi  , Hermansyah
Published: July 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, in which immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues such as joint, skin, kidneys, brain, and other organs. The dysregulation occurs in the immune system and produces various inflammatory autoantibodies and cytokines in SLE patients. Leptin plays a role in the immune system’s reaction to autoimmune diseases related to the inflammatory response, therefore it acts as a potential target in the development of therapy in the autoimmune disease. Serum leptin levels in SLE patients may be elevated, and are associated with the involvement of lupus nephritis, although it still unclear. A cross sectional study was conducted with a number of 70 subjects, each group consisted 35 SLE and 35 non-SLE patients who were treated as outpatient in the period of April - November 2016 at internal medicine Mohammad Hoesin hospital Palembang. We found that, leptin serum levels in the SLE group were higher than the non-SLE group but showed no significantly different.
Correlation between serum lipid profile and acne vulgaris severity
Authors: Citra Utami Olivia , Kurniawati Yuli , Diba Sarah , Irsan Saleh Mgs.
Published: July 2019

Minimal reports are available on the relation between blood lipids and acne vulgaris (AV). Sebaceous glands are the key roles in AV pathogenesis, while the sebum lipids in sebaceous glands are one of the main factors for AV development. Recently, any changes in the proportions of blood lipoprotein are known to be related to AV incidence. The study was conducted to determine the correlation between serum lipid profile and AV severity. Sixty-two study participants, who met the inclusion criteria based on the consecutive sampling method, were enrolled in the study. The levels of lipid profile were measured and the AV severity was determined by Lehmann criteria. Results showed that the majority of participants had moderate AV (56.5%) and there was an increase in LDL-C levels (54.8%). There was a statistically significant correlation between TC levels and AV severity (p = 0.001; r = 0.332) as well as a strong correlation between LDL-C levels and AV severity (p = 0.000; r = 0.622). The study also found a tendency of HDL-C levels decrease, followed by increased AV severity, and vice versa (p = 0.041; r = −0.229). The study suggested that there was a significant correlation between serum lipid profile and AV severity.
Climate-driven changes in CO2 emissions associated with residential heating and cooling demand by end-century in China
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhou Yuntao
Published: July 2019

Global climate change affects residential heating and cooling demand that further contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The spatio-temporal changes in magnitude and distribution of the demands in China are poorly understood. In addition, few studies have focused on the future impact of climate change on long term residential CO2 emissions in China. Here we investigate regional changes in CO2 emissions calculated from degree-days. Our results show that heating degree-days (HDD), cooling degree-days (CDD) and their associated CO2 emissions all have large spatio-temporal variability. We find that average durations of HDD and CDD are predicted to be 34 days shorter and 63 days longer by the end of century (2071–2100) than history (1976–2005). CO2 emissions from residential cooling and heating are predicted to increase 218% and decrease 30% in China by end-century, respectively. We further examine the CO2 emissions from residential heating and cooling in five cities representative of five contrasting architectural climate zones in China. The CO2 emissions from heating of these cities are projected to decrease by end-century: 26% in Harbin, 32% in Beijing, 43% in Shanghai, 42% in Kunming, and 61% in Shenzhen. The CO2 emissions from cooling of these cities all increase by end-century: 436% in Harbin, 215% in Beijing, 223% in Shanghai, 765% in Kunming, and 149% in Shenzhen.
Vegetable Oil-Based Lubrication in Machining: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Mahadi M A , Choudhury I A , Azuddin M , Yusoff N , Yazid A A , Norhafizan A
Published: July 2019

The use of vegetable oil as a replacement for conventional mineral-based lubricant has gained many interests in recent years from the machining industries. This is due to the problematic issues with the use of conventional mineral-based lubricant that can cause negative effects on the manufacturing cost, operators’ health and the environmental. As vegetable oil is renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic and has remarkable tribological characteristic from its triglycerides structure, it has been identified as the best replacement for mineral-based cutting lubricant. However, formulating vegetable oil into machining lubricant has its challenges where it must overcome its nature of poor low-temperature properties and low oxidative stability. Therefore, this paper will elaborate the present issues and challenges in formulating green machining lubricant using vegetable oil and its stand under sustainable machining. This includes the method and technique of formulating vegetable-based lubricant and the output performance obtained from vegetable-based lubricant under machining in comparison to the conventional mineral-based lubricant. The result shows that utilizing the vegetable-based lubricant at minimum quantity has comparable or better performance to conventional mineral-based lubricant in terms of surface finish. Therefore, the use of vegetable oil has its challenges and issues as machining lubricant, but it is one of the current best viable alternatives to the mineral-based lubricant in promoting sustainable machining.
Minimization of Cutting Force by Optimizing the Cutting Parameters Using Taguchi Method in Turning
Authors: Bhuiyan M S H
Published: July 2019

The changes in magnitude of cutting force demonstrate the different occurrences in turning. The pattern of cutting force signal illustrates the cutting tool conditions and also corresponds to the changes in the cutting parameters. Obtaining an optimal cutting condition would significantly minimize the cutting force in turning, can reduce respective power consumption and consequently, extent the life of cutting tool. Choosing the optimal cutting parameters in turning would safeguard the cutting tool from catastrophe and could ensure a better surface finish of workpiece. From the orthogonal array and S/N ratio, the cutting speed of 120 m/min, feed rate of 0.32 mm/rev and depth of cut of 1 mm is found to be optimum cutting parameters. The magnitude of cutting force is found to be minimal and the surface finish is seen to be comparatively low at this cutting condition. The tool life at this cutting condition is found to be the longest for that particular tool – workpiece combination.
Effect of Main Cut and Multiple Trim Cuts on Surface Integrity of 2379 Steel
Authors: Jaafar N A , Abdullah A B
Published: July 2019

Wire electrical discharge machine (WEDM) is commonly used in producing tool and die parts. However, it rarely achieves the optimum machining condition due to the inappropriate selection of WEDM machining parameters. In this study, 2379 steel which own properties equivalent to SKD 11 was used as die material. Four main wire electrical discharge machine (WEDM) cutting parameters, namely pulse on time, pulse off time, servo voltage, ignition pulse current has been experimentally studied and optimized at both levels, main cut and multiple trim cuts using Taguchi Method. Based on Taguchi Method optimization and analysis of variance (ANOVA), the result found that pulse on time and pulse off time give significant effect on white layer thickness for both main cut and multiple trim cuts. According to Signal to Noise (S/N) ratio response, the optimal combination of A2B3C2D1 and A1B3C3D1 gave the lowest white layer thickness for main cut and multiple trim cuts respectively. It also has been found that the hardness of machined surface with multiple trim cuts is higher compared to main cut.
State of The Art Review of Quality Control Method in Automotive Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Hafizi M , Jamaludin S N S , Shamil A H
Published: July 2019

Quality control plays a vital role in automotive industry to ensure the standard of the end product are accepted by customer and stay competitive in this industry. Company must remain updated to enhance and improve method in defining their product quality and maintain the continuous quality improvement. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of implementation quality control method used in automotive industry in reducing defects. Methodology used for this paper is extensive review of existing paper and literature. This paper provides an overview of quality control method, advantages and disadvantages of the method. The literature in this subject is fairly limited. There are very limited discussions of quality control method in the automotive industry. Therefore, great effort to carry out the study was done on the manufacturing environment particularly in the automotive part.
The Application of DMAIC to Improve Production: Case Study for Single-Sided Flexible Printed Circuit Board
Authors: Mohamad N , Ahmad S , Samat H A , Seng C K , Lazi F M
Published: July 2019

In this study the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) technique is applied at a company producing Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) in Malaysia. It is an initiative for continuous improvement by the company. The aim of the study is to reduce the number of open defects during the production of the single sided FPCB which has substantial impact on the profit margin of the company. The study examines one of the production line which has the highest defect rate. The study has utilised the Six Sigma tools such as brainstorming, process mapping, fish bone diagram, Pareto chart and control charts. From the analysis, it is found that the major contributor to the open defect problems are contamination of the separator during production. The causes of the contamination were identified and action plans were implemented. These actions have resulted in an overall reduction of defect rate and cost saving for the company. For the duration of the study, the overall defect rate for the particular line was reduced from 0.6% to 0.37% with a total saving of RM 1423.60. The case study showed that DMAIC process is an effective approach that can solve what seems to be a major problems using simple solutions. If conducted properly and efficiently, it has the potential to give good returns to the company.
Knowledge Base and Rule Base Safety Management Systems Development Strategies and Applications for Petrochemical Industries: A Brief Outline
Authors: Asad M M , Hassan R , Sherwani B , Sherwani F
Published: July 2019

This review paper discussed about the development tactics and applications of knowledge based and rule-based decision support systems for health and safety in oil and gas sector. It recommends the users on the extent of health and safety concerns for risk and hazard investigation and prevention in which the system developers and researchers mostly face issues during selection and adaptation of development approaches. A complete and systematic review and classification of articles from last seven years has been conducted and briefly analysed, to investigate various methodologies employed in previously developed rule based (RB) and knowledge based (KB) decision support systems. All major bibliographic databases covering a broad series of health and safety fields were searched in various oil and gas production sector related studies. Eighteen articles met the KB and RB study. Twelve of these met the methodological prospective of required investigation. In this review paper, researchers briefly explain about the methodological aspects and industrial applications of rule and knowledge-based decision support systems for reducing work place risks and hazards in safety and health domain. Conclusions that can be extracted from this analytical review paper of the methodological variation and applications of rule based and knowledge-based decision support system is that both inferences are interrelated to each other. RB and KB inferences techniques and methods are used in both interpretations for developing decision support systems in the context of oil and gas extraction and production sector. But safety and health consider KB decision systems as more effective for taking suitable decisions due to real time information and experts’ opinions which facilities safety professionals to take appropriate decision then RB reasoning decision support systems.
Paper Machine Breakdown Reduction by FMEA and Preventive Maintenance Improvement: A Case Study
Authors: Wannawiset S , Tangjitsitcharoen S
Published: July 2019

FMEA is a widely selected tool for the application of machinery breakdown prevention. This research adopted FMEA technique to reduce and prevent the breakdown of the important equipment of a large commercial paper machine that has capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum located in the Northeast area of Thailand. This research accomplished the improvement of preventive maintenance in other machines for rapid implementation and improved machine inspections. After implementation, the downtime of paper machine belonging to maintenance department responsibility reduced significantly 5 hours per month by average, machine availability, OEE, and MTBF increased 0.46%, 0.51%, and 10 hours respectively. The machine downtime has been on the downward trend.
Matrix logarithms and range of the exponential maps for the symmetry groups

SL
(
2
,
R
)
,
SL
(
2
,
C
)

, and the Lorentz group
Authors: Qiao Zhiqian , Dick Rainer
Published: July 2019

Physicists know that covering the continuously connected component



+

↑

of the Lorentz group can be achieved through two Lie algebra exponentials, whereas one exponential is sufficient for compact symmetry groups like SU(N) or SO(N). On the other hand, both the general Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula for the combination of matrix exponentials in a series of higher order commutators, and the possibility to define the logarithm

ln
(

M

̲

)

of a general matrix

M

̲

through the Jordan normal form, seem to naively suggest that even for non-compact groups a single exponential should be sufficient. We provide explicit constructions of

ln
(

M

̲

)

for all matrices

M

̲

in the fundamental representations of the non-compact groups

SL
(
2
,
R
)
,
SL
(
2
,
C
)

, and SO(1, 2). The construction for

SL
(
2
,
C
)

also yields logarithms for SO(1, 3) through the spinor representations. However, it is well known that single Lie algebra exponentials are not sufficient to cover the Lie groups

SL
(
2
,
R
)

and

SL
(
2
,
C
)

. Therefore we revisit the maximal neighbourhoods



1

⊂
SL
(
2
,
R
)

and



1
,
C

⊂
SL
(
2
,
C
)

which can be covered through single exponentials

exp
(

X

̲

)

with

X

̲

∈
sl
(
2
,
R
)

or

X

̲

∈
sl
(
2
,
C
)

, respectively, to clarify why

ln
(

M

̲

)
∉
sl
(
2
,
R
)

or

ln
(

M

̲

)
∉
sl
(
2
,
C
)

outside of the corresponding domains



1

or



1
,
C

. On the other hand, for the Lorentz groups SO(1, 2) and SO(1, 3), we confirm through construction of the logarithm

ln
(

Λ

̲

)

that every transformation

Λ

̲

in the connectivity component



+

↑

of the identity element can be represented in the form

exp
(

X

̲

)

with

X

̲

∈
so
(
1
,
2
)

or

X

̲

∈
so
(
1
,
3
)

, respectively. We also examine why the proper orthochronous Lorentz group can be covered by single Lie algebra exponentials, whereas this property does not hold for its covering group

SL
(
2
,
C
)

: The logarithms

ln
(

Λ

̲

)

in



+

↑

correspond to logarithms on the first sheet of the covering map

SL
(
2
,
C
)
→



+

↑

, which is contained in



1
,
C

. The special linear groups and the Lorentz group therefore provide instructive examples for different global behaviour of non-compact Lie groups under the exponential map.
Temperature in micromagnetism: cell size and scaling effects of the stochastic Landau–Lifshitz equation
Authors: Hahn Marc Benjamin
Published: July 2019

The movement of the macroscopic magnetic moment in ferromagnetic systems can be described by the Landau–Lifshitz (LL) or Landau–Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. These equations are strictly valid only at absolute zero temperature. To include temperature effects a stochastic version of the LL or LLG equation for a spin density of one per unit cell can be used instead. To apply the stochastic LL to micromagnetic simulations, where the spin density per unit cell is generally higher, a conversion regarding simulation cell size and temperature has to be established. Based on energetic considerations, a conversion for ferromagnetic bulk and thin film systems is proposed. The conversion is tested in micromagnetic simulations which are performed with the Object Oriented Micromagnetic Framework (OOMMF). The Curie temperatures of bulk Nickel, Cobalt and Iron systems as well as Nickel thin-film systems with thicknesses between 6.3 mono layer (ML) and 31 ML are determined from micromagnetic simulations. The results show a good agreement with experimentally determined Curie temperatures of bulk and thin film systems when temperature scaling is performed according to the presented model.
The structural and gene expression hypotheses in laminopathic diseases—not so different after all
Authors: Osmanagic-Myers Selma , Foisner Roland
Published: July 2019

Laminopathies are a diverse group of rare diseases with various pathologies in different tissues, which are linked to mutations in the LMNA gene. Historically, the structural disease model proposed mechanical defects of the lamina and nuclear fragility, the gene expression model impairment of spatial chromatin organization and signaling pathways as underlying mechanisms leading to the pathologies. Exciting findings in the past few years showing that mechanical forces are directly transmitted into the nucleus, where they affect chromatin organization and mechanoresponsive signaling molecules, have led to a revised concept of an integrative unified disease model, in which lamin-mediated pathways in mechanotransduction and chromatin regulation are highly interconnected and mutually dependent. In this Perspective we highlight breakthrough findings providing new insight into lamin-linked mechanisms of mechanotransduction and chromatin regulation and discuss how a combined and interrelated impairment of these functions by LMNA mutations may impair the complex mechanosignaling network and cause tissue-specific pathologies in laminopathies.
Evaluation of rice grain yield and yield components of Nona Bokra chromosome segment substitution lines with the genetic background of Koshihikari, in a saline paddy field
Authors: Mitsuya Shiro , Murakami Norifumi , Sato Tadashi , Kazama Tomohiko , Toriyama Kinya , Skoulding Nicola Stephanie , Kano-Nakata Mana , Yamauchi Akira
Published: July 2019

The ability to tolerate salt differs with the growth stages of rice and thus the yield components that are determined during various growth stages, are differentially affected by salt stress. In this study, we utilized chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) from Nona Bokra, a salt-tolerant indica landrace, with the genetic background of Koshihikari, a salt-susceptible japonica variety. These were screened to find superior CSSLs under long-term saline conditions that showed higher grain yield and yield components in comparison to Koshihikari. One-month-old seedlings were transplanted into a paddy field without salinity. These were allowed to establish for 1 month further, then the field was flooded, with saline water maintained at 7.41 dS m−1 salinity until harvest. The experiments were performed twice, once in 2015 and a targeted study in 2016. Salt tolerance of growth and reproductive stage parameters was evaluated as the Salt Effect Index (SEI) which was computed as the difference in each parameter within each line between control and saline conditions. All CSSLs and Koshihikari showed a decrease in grain yield and yield components except panicle number under salinity. SL538 showed a higher SEI for grain yield compared with Koshihikari under salinity throughout the two experiments. This was attributed to the retained grain filling and harvest index, yet the mechanism was not due to maintaining Na+, Cl− and K+ homeostasis. Few other CSSLs showed greater SEI for grain weight under salinity compared with Koshihikari, which might be related to low concentration of Na+ in leaves and panicles. These data indicate that substitution of different Nona Bokra chromosome segments independently contributed to the maintenance of grain filling and grain weight of Koshihikari under saline conditions.
Sexually opposite effects of testosterone on mating success in wild rock hyrax
Authors: Koren Lee , Weissman Yishai , Schnitzer Inbar , Beukeboom Rosanne , Bar Ziv Einat , Demartsev Vlad , Barocas Adi , Ilany Amiyaal , Geffen Eli
Published: July 2019

Although males and females share traits, their motivations and needs may be different, due to life-history disparities that lead to divergent selection pressures. Proximate mechanisms underlying differences between the sexes include hormones that mediate the development and activation of suites of traits. Testosterone is associated with morphological features, physiological processes, and social behaviors in both sexes. However, even if present in similar concentrations in the circulation, testosterone often affects males and females differently. We combined behavioral mating observations of the wild polygynandrous rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) with hair testosterone that represents long-term integrated levels. We found that whereas copulation success increases with the rise in testosterone in males it decreases in females. We did not find an association between testosterone and choosiness in either sex. However, we found that males with higher testosterone mate-guarded females with lower testosterone. Our findings show disassortative mating and mate-guarding in respect to testosterone and provide clues to the cost of testosterone for females, in terms of copulation success. These results open up intriguing questions relating to the role of testosterone in mediating a similar trade-off in male and female reproductive success.
Convergence strikes again in the Neotropical woody bamboos (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae): a new Andean genus and a new species
Authors: Clark Lynn G , Londoño Ximena , Tyrrell Christopher D , Judziewicz Emmet J
Published: July 2019

Aulonemiella (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Arthrostylidiinae), a new Andean genus from Colombia and Ecuador, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by its delicate scandent, vining habit, filiform to narrowly triangular, reflexed culm leaf blades, short, delicate foliage leaf fimbriae, synflorescences with subtending bracts and prophylls, awnless spikelets in spicate to racemose synflorescences and clavate rachilla internodes. The new species Aulonemiella laegaardii (southern Ecuador) is described, and the new combination A. ecuadorensis (Colombia and northern Ecuador) is made. Aulonemiella laegaardii is smaller overall and more delicate than A. ecuadorensis; it is also distinguished by its filiform, recurved culm leaf blades and paleas shorter than the lemmas. The culm leaf blades of A. ecuadorensis are narrowly triangular and straight, and its paleas are subequal to the lemmas; in addition, the synflorescence axes of A. ecuadorensis are usually apically zigzag at maturity.
Homocysteine and C-Reactive Protein Levels Are Associated With Frailty in Older Spaniards: The Toledo Study for Healthy Aging
Authors: Álvarez-Sánchez Nuria , Álvarez-Ríos Ana Isabel , Guerrero Juan Miguel , García-García Francisco José , Rodríguez-Mañas Leocadio , Cruz-Chamorro Ivan , Lardone Patricia Judith , Carrillo-Vico Antonio
Published: July 2019

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) are inflammation markers but are also related to cardiovascular diseases, disability, or higher risk of death. Although inflammation is considered to be associated with frailty, data regarding the association between hsCRP or Hcy and frailty are controversial or scarce, especially with respect to their association with prefrailty. Thus, our objective was to study the association of hsCRP and Hcy with prefrailty and frailty in 1,211 Spanish men and women aged 65–98 years from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging (TSHA) cohort, classified according to Fried’s criteria. Hcy was independently associated with frailty (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.12), whereas hsCRP was independently associated with both prefrailty (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.06) and frailty (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02–1.12). Furthermore, both markers were positively correlated with the number of Fried’s criteria that were met and were independently associated with the criteria of exhaustion (Hcy: OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06), weakness (hsCRP: OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), and low physical activity (hsCRP: OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06). Thus, our results highlight the importance of inflammation in age-related physical decline and, in particular, its association with fatigue, low strength, and decreased physical activity.
PRSice-2: Polygenic Risk Score software for biobank-scale data
Authors: Choi Shing Wan , O'Reilly Paul F
Published: July 2019

Background

Polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses have become an integral part of biomedical research, exploited to gain insights into shared aetiology among traits, to control for genomic profile in experimental studies, and to strengthen causal inference, among a range of applications. Substantial efforts are now devoted to biobank projects to collect large genetic and phenotypic data, providing unprecedented opportunity for genetic discovery and applications. To process the large-scale data provided by such biobank resources, highly efficient and scalable methods and software are required.

Results

Here we introduce PRSice-2, an efficient and scalable software program for automating and simplifying PRS analyses on large-scale data. PRSice-2 handles both genotyped and imputed data, provides empirical association P-values free from inflation due to overfitting, supports different inheritance models, and can evaluate multiple continuous and binary target traits simultaneously. We demonstrate that PRSice-2 is dramatically faster and more memory-efficient than PRSice-1 and alternative PRS software, LDpred and lassosum, while having comparable predictive power.

Conclusion

PRSice-2's combination of efficiency and power will be increasingly important as data sizes grow and as the applications of PRS become more sophisticated, e.g., when incorporated into high-dimensional or gene set–based analyses. PRSice-2 is written in C++, with an R script for plotting, and is freely available for download from http://PRSice.info.
De novo genome assembly of the endangered Acer yangbiense, a plant species with extremely small populations endemic to Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Yang Jing , Wariss Hafiz Muhammad , Tao Lidan , Zhang Rengang , Yun Quanzheng , Hollingsworth Peter , Dao Zhiling , Luo Guifen , Guo Huijun , Ma Yongpeng , Sun Weibang
Published: July 2019

Background

Acer yangbiense is a newly described critically endangered endemic maple tree confined to Yangbi County in Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It was included in a programme for rescuing the most threatened species in China, focusing on “plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP)”.

Findings

We generated 64, 94, and 110 Gb of raw DNA sequences and obtained a chromosome-level genome assembly of A. yangbiense through a combination of Pacific Biosciences Single-molecule Real-time, Illumina HiSeq X, and Hi-C mapping, respectively. The final genome assembly is ~666 Mb, with 13 chromosomes covering ~97% of the genome and scaffold N50 sizes of 45 Mb. Further, BUSCO analysis recovered 95.5% complete BUSCO genes. The total number of repetitive elements account for 68.0% of the A. yangbiense genome. Genome annotation generated 28,320 protein-coding genes, assisted by a combination of prediction and transcriptome sequencing. In addition, a nearly 1:1 orthology ratio of dot plots of longer syntenic blocks revealed a similar evolutionary history between A. yangbiense and grape, indicating that the genome has not undergone a whole-genome duplication event after the core eudicot common hexaploidization.

Conclusion

Here, we report a high-quality de novo genome assembly of A. yangbiense, the first genome for the genus Acer and the family Aceraceae. This will provide fundamental conservation genomics resources, as well as representing a new high-quality reference genome for the economically important Acer lineage and the wider order of Sapindales.
Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Levels Are Associated With Cortical Hypometabolism in Alzheimer Disease Signature Regions
Authors: Mayeli Mahsa , Mirshahvalad Seyed Mohammad , Aghamollaii Vajiheh , Tafakhori Abbas , Abdolalizadeh Amirhussein , Rahmani Farzaneh ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2019

Neurofilament light chain (NFL) has been recently introduced as a biomarker of early dementia. 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) is a proxy for regional hypometabolism in Alzheimer disease (AD). Globally normalized 18F-FDG-PET values and levels of NFL and tau were obtained from 149 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from the baseline cohort of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. We adopted a stepwise partial correlation model using plasma NFL, plasma tau, CSF NFL, and regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRGlc) as main variables, and age, sex, and Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (ADAS) as covariates. Significant regions were entered into a stepwise multiple regression analysis to investigate the independent correlation of each biomarker to baseline regional CMRGlc and its progression in patients with MCI. Higher baseline CSF NFL levels correlated with hypometabolism in bilateral precuneal and posterior cingulate cortex. After correction for age, sex, and ADAS score, plasma NFL levels correlated with hypometabolism in bilateral parahippocampal and middle temporal gyri. Cortical hypometabolism in bilateral parahippocampal gyri and right fusiform and middle temporal gyri was independently predicted by higher baseline plasma NFL levels in a multiple regression model. Plasma NFL promises to be an early biomarker of cortical hypometabolism in MCI and for MCI progression to AD.
Factors associated with work status in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Stevelink S A M , Fear N T , Hotopf M , Chalder T
Published: July 2019

Background

Work status in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has not been extensively researched.

Aims

To explore occupational outcomes in patients with CFS by socio-demographic, well-being and disease characteristics.

Methods

We assessed cross-sectional data from patients attending a UK specialist CFS treatment service between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014. The main outcome was self-reported current employment status: currently in employment, temporarily interrupted employment or permanently interrupted employment. Other variables included sex, age, ethnicity, education, marital status, CFS duration, fatigue severity, anxiety, depression, activity limitations and functional impairment. We used multinominal logistic regression models to identify factors associated with current work status.

Results

Two hundred and seventy-nine (55%) patients were currently working, with 83 (16%) reporting temporarily interrupted employment and 146 (29%) stopping work altogether. Factors strongly associated with permanently interrupted employment were older age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.24; 95% CI 2.67–10.28), poorer functioning (AOR 6.41; 95% CI 3.65–11.24) and depressive symptoms (AOR 2.89; 95% CI 1.82–4.58) compared to patients currently working. Higher educated patients (AOR 0.60; 95% CI 0.37–0.97) and being in a relationship (AOR 0.34; 95% CI 0.21–0.54) were associated with being currently employed. Anxiety symptoms were common; 230 patients (45%) met caseness criteria.

Conclusions

Many patients with CFS were not working. This was exacerbated by high levels of depressive symptoms. Health professionals should assess co-morbid mental health conditions and consider treatment options when patients with CFS present themselves. The early involvement of occupational health practitioners is recommended to maximize the chances of maintaining employment.