bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of multilayer perceptron, radial basis function, fuzzy inference system, and an adaptively tuned fuzzy wavelet neural network in parameter prediction of multiphase flow measurement instrumentation
Authors: Khayat Omid , Afarideh Hossein
Published: March 2019

Application of predictive models in industrial multiphase flow metering has attracted an increasing attention recently. Void fraction (VF), water–liquid ratio (WLR), and flow regime are key parameters, measured by oil/water/gas multiphase flow metres (MPFM) in petroleum industry. Artificial neural networks and fuzzy inference systems (FIS) are reliable and efficient computational models, which can be simply implemented on microprocessors of MPFMs, having the advantages of trainability, adaptability, and capability to model non‐linear functions. In this paper, a wavelet‐based adaptive neuro‐FIS (WANFIS) is introduced and validated by the prediction of multiphase flow measurement critical parameters including flow regime, VF, and WLR. The performance of the proposed WANFIS model is then compared with multilayer perceptron (MLP), radial basis function (RBF) network, and an FIS trained by fuzzy c‐means and a subtractive clustering method in the prediction of flow parameters in a customized designed structure of oil/water/gas MPFM. Structural parameters of all predictive models are first optimized to yield the most efficient structure for the available dataset. Comparison is then made between the optimized predictive models, in terms of mean squared error of parameter prediction, computation time, and repeatability of the prediction process. According to the obtained results, MLP model using Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithm and WANFIS model using gradient‐based back propagation dynamical iterative learning algorithm are the most efficient models, which give the best performance compared with other used models. All predictive models can predict the flow regime with 100% accuracy, whereas the highest inaccuracy is related to the prediction of WLR. The results of this study can be used to select and develop the most appropriate predictive model applicable in predicting and identifying flow measurement parameters in industrial MPFMs.
PtdIns(4,5)P2 is generated by a novel phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase in the protist parasite Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Sharma Shalini , Bhattacharya Sudha , Bhattacharya Alok
Published: March 2019

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protist parasite that causes amoebiasis, a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Phosphoinositides are involved in signalling systems that have a role in invasion and pathogenesis of this parasite. Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5K) catalyses the generation of phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2), a key species of phosphoinositide that regulates various cellular processes. However, phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPK) family of enzymes have not been characterized in E. histolytica. Here, we report the identification and characterization of type I PIPK (EhPIPKI) of E. histolytica. Computational analysis revealed homologs of type I and III PIPK family in E. histolytica and the absence of type II PIPK. In spite of low overall sequence identity, the kinase domain was found to be highly conserved. Interestingly, a unique insertion of a tandem repeat motif was observed in EhPIPKI distinguishing it from existing PIPKs of other organisms. Substrate profiling showed that EhPIPKI could phosphorylate at third and fifth hydroxyl positions of phosphatidylinositols, though the predominant substrate was phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PtdIns(4)P). Furthermore, EhPIPKI underwent intracellular cleavage close to the amino‐terminal, generating two distinct fragments Nter‐EhPIPKI (27p) and Cter‐EhPIPKI (47p). Immunofluorescence and cellular fractionation revealed that the full‐length EhPIPKI and the Cter‐EhPIPKI containing carboxyl‐terminal activation loop were present in the plasma membrane while the Nter‐EhPIPKI was observed in the cytosolic region. In conclusion, E. histolytica has a single EhPIPKI gene that displays novel properties of post‐translational processing, the presence of a repeat domain and substrate specificity not observed in any PIPK enzyme so far.
Promote Biomarker Discovery by Identifying Homogenous Primary Headache Subgroups
Authors: Frederiksen Simona Denise
Published: March 2019

Within‐ and between‐study heterogeneity impede identification of valid primary headache biomarkers. Homogenous subgroup identification and investigation of differential biochemical profiles and networks within and across headache categories, based on statistical techniques, might promote biomarker discovery. When studying common primary headaches with a multifactorial etiology, variability might be captured at different levels (eg, genetics, clinical features, comorbidities, triggers). Moreover, focus on biochemical profiles instead of single compounds is crucial to develop strategies for accurate differential diagnosis.
Genomic analysis of recurrences and high‐grade forms of polymorphous adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sebastiao Ana P M , Pareja Fresia , Kumar Rahul , Brown David N , Silveira Catarina , da Silva Edaise M , Lee Ju Y , Del Angela , Katabi Nora , Chiosea Simion , Weigelt Britta , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Seethala Raja R
Published: March 2019

Aims

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) usually follows an indolent course, but some cases may show recurrences and high‐grade features. The genetic events associated with recurrences and high‐grade versions are yet to be defined. Our aim was to determine the genetic underpinning of recurrent PACs of the salivary gland and the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations in cases with high‐grade histology.

Methods and results

Four PACs from three patients, including one case with matching primary and recurrent tumours, one de‐novo high‐grade PAC, and a PAC that transformed to a high‐grade tumour following multiple recurrences, were subjected to targeted sequencing (Memorial Sloan Kettering Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets assay) or whole‐exome sequencing. Both matching primary and recurrent tumours, and the de‐novo high‐grade PAC, harboured clonal PRKD1 E710D hotspot mutations, whereas the PAC that underwent high‐grade transformation upon recurrence, which was wild‐type for PRKD1, harboured a PRKD2 rearrangement. The PACs analysed here also harboured mutations targeting cancer genes such as PIK3CA, SETD2, ARID1A, and NOTCH2. A clonal decomposition analysis of the matching primary and recurrent PACs revealed that a minor subclone from the primary tumour became dominant in the recurrent tumour following a clonal selection evolutionary pattern.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that recurrent and high‐grade PACs are underpinned by PRKD1 E710D hotspot mutations or PRKD2 rearrangements, and that recurrences of PACs may stem from the selection of pre‐existing subclones in the primary tumour.
Severe haematologic toxicity is rare in high risk HIV‐exposed infants receiving combination neonatal prophylaxis
Authors:   The European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration (EPPICC) study group in EuroCoord, Chiappini Elena
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Combination neonatal prophylaxis (CNP) is recommended in high‐risk situations for the prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission, although data on its safety are limited. The aim of the study was to identify whether neonatal prophylaxis (NP) type is associated with the risk of severe anaemia or neutropaenia.

Methods

An individual patient data meta‐analysis was conducted within six European cohorts, in infants at high risk for acquiring HIV infection. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of AIDS (DAIDS) grade 3–4 anaemia/neutropaenia at ages 0–6 months. Mixture models of haemoglobin (Hb) level and log10‐transformed neutrophil count (NC) were used to explore associations with NP type at ages 0–18 months.

Results

Of 1836 infants, 25% were preterm, 1149 (63%) had antenatal combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) exposure and 395 (22%) received NP (125 received CNP with three drugs). Overall, 117 (6.7%) infants had grade 3–4 anaemia at age 0–6 months and 140 (9.1%) had grade 3–4 neutropaenia. The presence of grade 3–4 anaemia or neutropaenia was not associated with NP type [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.04 for one‐drug NP and 1.60 for three‐drug NP versus two‐drug NP (P = 0.879 and P = 0.277, respectively) for anaemia; aOR 1.33 for one‐drug NP and 1.98 for three‐drug NP versus two‐drug NP (P = 0.330 and P = 0.113, respectively) for neutropaenia], but was associated with preterm delivery. Overall, 7746 Hb and NC results were available for 1836 infants up to age 18 months; no significant differences in predicted Hb level or NC were apparent by NP type.

Conclusions

A small proportion of infants experienced grade 3–4 haematological adverse events; risk of anaemia or netropenia was not associated with type of NP.
A C‐type lectin with a single carbohydrate‐recognition domain involved in the innate immune response of Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Bi J. , Feng F. , Li J. , Mao J. , Ning M. , Song X. , Xie J. , Tang J. , Li B.
Published: March 2019

C‐type lectins are one of the pattern‐recognition proteins involved in innate immunity in invertebrates. Although there are 16 C‐type lectin genes that have been identified in the genome of Tribolium castaneum, their functions and mechanisms in innate immunity remain unknown. Here, we identified one C‐type lectin orthologue, TcCTL6 (TC003708), by sequencing random clones from the cDNA library of the coleopteran beetle, T. castaneum. TcCTL6 contains a 654 bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 217 amino acids that includes a single carbohydrate‐recognition domain. The expression of TcCTL6 was significantly induced by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and stimulation with carbohydrates, including lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. A binding assay suggested that the recombinant TcCTL6 not only bound to lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan but also bound to Gram‐positive (S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thuringiensis) and Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in the presence of calcium ions. Furthermore, when TcCTL6 was knocked down by RNA interference, four antimicrobial peptides (attacin1, attacin2, coleoptericin1 and coleoptericin2) were significantly decreased. These results demonstrate that TcCTL6 plays a vital role in the immune response towards pathogen infection by influencing the expression of antimicrobial peptides and the agglutination of bacteria in the presence of calcium ions in T. castaneum.
Asymmetric Correlations in Predicting Portfolio Returns*
Authors: Wang Nianling , Zhang Lijie , Huang Zhuo , Li Yong
Published: March 2019

Rigorous statistical tests have been designed to detect the existence of asymmetric correlations. However, these tests can hardly further facilitate future investment or risk management because asymmetric correlations are time‐varying and difficult to predict. In this paper, we construct a unified state‐space model, which not only measures in‐sample asymmetric correlations, but also exploit out‐of‐sample asymmetric correlations in the context of predicting portfolio returns. First, we regard time‐varying correlation between market returns and portfolio returns as a state variable and model it as an AR(1) process. Then, we measure future asymmetric correlations based on correlation coefficients between two unpredictable components in market returns and correlation, respectively. Third, we clarify the intuition, calculate asymmetric correlations for two portfolio sets and estimate the economic value of applying our model in asset allocation. Finally, we try to search for potential variables that can explain future asymmetric correlations. The results show that market‐wide liquidity, variance, earning price ratio, and investor sentiment can partially explain the asymmetry correlation phenomenon.
Healthcare professionals’ queries on oseltamivir and influenza in Finland 2011‐2016—Can we detect influenza epidemics with specific online searches?
Authors: Pesälä Samuli , Virtanen Mikko J. , Mukka Milla , Ylilammi Kimi , Mustonen Pekka , Kaila Minna , Helve Otto
Published: March 2019

Background

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) search medical information during their clinical work using Internet sources. In Finland, Physician's Databases (PD) serve as an Internet medical portal aimed at HCPs. Influenza epidemics appear seasonal outbreaks causing public health concern. Oseltamivir can be used to treat influenza. Little is known about HCPs’ queries on oseltamivir and influenza from dedicated online medical portals and whether queries could be used as an additional source of information for disease surveillance when detecting influenza epidemics.

Methods

We compared HCPs’ queries on oseltamivir and influenza from PD to influenza diagnoses from the primary healthcare register in Finland 2011‐2016. The Moving Epidemic Method (MEM) calculated the starts of influenza epidemics. Laboratory reports of influenza A and influenza B were assessed. Paired differences compared queries, diagnoses, and laboratory reports by using starting weeks. Kendall's correlation test assessed the season‐to‐season similarity.

Results

We found that PD and the primary healthcare register showed visually similar patterns annually. Paired differences in the mean showed that influenza epidemics based on queries on oseltamivir started earlier than epidemics based on diagnoses by −0.80 weeks (95% CI: −1.0, 0.0) with high correlation (τ = 0.943). Queries on influenza preceded queries on oseltamivir by −0.80 weeks (95% CI: −1.2, 0.0) and diagnoses by −1.60 weeks (95% CI: −1.8, −1.0).

Conclusions

HCPs’ queries on oseltamivir and influenza from Internet medical databases correlated with register diagnoses of influenza. Therefore, they should be considered as a supplementary source of information for disease surveillance when detecting influenza epidemics.
Substance use among individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning in residential care: Examining the relationship between drinking motives and substance use
Authors: Schijven Esmée P. , Didden Robert , Otten Roy , Poelen Evelien A. P.
Published: March 2019

Background

This study examined the relationship between substance use motives (i.e., social, conformity, coping and enhancement) and substance use in individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (MID‐BIF).

Method

Data were collected among 163 clients with MID‐BIF using interactive questionnaires with visual cues on a tablet with a web application.

Results

Results show that social motives were positively related to frequency of alcohol use, while conformity, coping and enhancement motives were positively related to severity of alcohol use. Results for drug use show that social motives were positively related to frequency of cannabis and hard drug use and that conformity motives were negatively related to frequency of cannabis use. Coping motives were positively related to severity of drug use.

Conclusions

Insight in substance use motives should be used when adapting interventions, as it could contribute to the prevention and reduction of substance use disorders in individuals with MID‐BIF.
Papillary muscle ventricular arrhythmias in patients with arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse: Electrophysiologic substrate and catheter ablation outcomes
Authors: Enriquez Andres , Shirai Yasuhiro , Huang Jason , Liang Jackson , Briceño David , Hayashi Tatsuya , Muser Daniele , Fulton Brian , Han Yuchi , Perez Armando , Frankel David S. , Schaller Robert , Supple Gregory , Callans David , Marchlinski Francis , Garcia Fermin , Santangeli Pasquale
Published: March 2019

Background

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common valve condition and has been associated with sudden cardiac death. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) from the papillary muscles (PMs) may play a role as triggers for ventricular fibrillation (VF) in these patients.

Objectives

To characterize the electrophysiological substrate and outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with MVP and PM PVCs.

Methods

Of 597 patients undergoing ablation of ventricular arrhythmias during the period 2012‐2015, we identified 25 patients with MVP and PVCs mapped to the PMs (64% female). PVC‐triggered VF was the presentation in 4 patients and a fifth patient died suddenly during follow‐up. The left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50.5% ± 11.8% and PVC burden was 24.4% ± 13.1%. A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed in nine cases and areas of late gadolinium enhancement were found in four of them. A detailed LV voltage map was performed in 11 patients, three of which exhibited bipolar voltage abnormalities. Complete PVC elimination was achieved in 19 (76%) patients and a significant reduction in PVC burden was observed in two (8%). In patients in which the ablation was successful, the PVC burden decreased from 20.4% ± 10.8% to 6.3% ± 9.5% (P = 0.001). In 5/6 patients with depressed LVEF and successful ablation, the LV function improved postablation. No significant differences were identified between patients with and without VF.

Conclusions

PM PVCs are a source of VF in patients with MVP and can induce PVC‐mediated cardiomyopathy that reverses after PVC suppression. Catheter ablation is highly successful with more than 80% PVC elimination or burden reduction.
Prevalence and Genotyping of Microsporidian Parasites in Dogs in Turkey: Zoonotic Concerns
Authors: Duzlu Onder , Yildirim Alparslan , Onder Zuhal , Ciloglu Arif , Yetismis Gamze , Inci Abdullah
Published: March 2019

Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens that infect a wide range of invertebrates and vertebrates. To assess the potential role of dogs in the transmission of these zoonotic pathogens, a total of 282 fecal samples from dogs in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey were analyzed by utilizing species specific polymerase chain reaction for the four most frequent human microsporidia. Two microsporidia species were recognized in 41 samples (14.5%). Encephalitozoon intestinalis was detected in 35 samples (12.4%) and it was the most common microsporidium. The second microsporidium, E. cuniculi, was identified in six (2.1%) of the samples. Sequence analysis of the intergenic spacer of the ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene revealed the presence of three E. intestinalis haplotypes closely associated with each other. No polymorphic region was found among the ITS sequences of E. cuniculi isolates and they were characterized as genotype III. This study provides the first data on the zoonotic microsporidia species from dogs in Turkey.
Government institutions and the dynamics of urban growth in China
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pose Andrés , Zhang Min
Published: March 2019

Economic growth in China in recent decades has largely rested on the dynamism of its cities. High economic growth has coincided with measures aimed at improving the efficiency of local governments and with a mounting political drive to curb corruption. Yet the connection between government institutions and urban growth in China remains poorly understood. This paper is the first to look into the link between government efficiency and corruption, on the one hand, and urban growth in China, on the other hand and to assess what is the role of institutions relative to more traditional factors for economic growth in Chinese cities. Using panel data for 283 cities over the period between 2003 and 2014, the results show that the urban growth in China is a consequence of a combination of favorable human capital, innovation, density, local conditions, foreign direct investment, and city‐level government institutions. Both government quality—especially for those cities with the best governments—and the fight against corruption at the city level have a direct effect on urban growth. Measures to tackle corruption at the provincial level matter in a more indirect way, by raising or lowering the returns of other growth‐inducing factors.
Effect of Sociodemographics, Health‐Related Problems, and Family Structure on Chronic Absenteeism Among Children
Authors: Lim Eunjung , Davis James , Choi So Yung , Chen John J.
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

From 5 to 7.5 million schoolchildren are chronically absent, defined as missing ≥15 days of school within a year. Students miss schools due to various reasons such as health, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors. We examined child's health and behavior, family structure, and sociodemographics to understand chronic absenteeism.

METHODS

The population included children ages 6 to 17 years from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey years 2008‐2013. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors of chronic absenteeism, adjusting for the complex sampling design.

RESULTS

Among sociodemographic variables, age ≥14 years, race/ethnicity, lower‐income family, public health insurance, US born, and speaking English at home were associated with absenteeism. Asians, Mexican Hispanics, and blacks have lower absenteeism than whites. Among health‐related variables, children using an inhaler for asthma, having behavioral problems, and less healthy than other children were more likely to be chronically absent. Among family variables, a smaller family size was a risk factor for absenteeism.

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma and behavioral problems were highly associated with chronic absenteeism. The identification of children at risk for chronic absenteeism will help the educational professionals identify the barriers to academic achievements and develop integrated educational interventions and policies to support disadvantaged children.
The Impact of School Bullying on Physical Activity in Overweight Youth: Exploring Race and Ethnic Differences
Authors: Pulido Ryne , Banks Courtney , Ragan Kelsey , Pang Dorothy , Blake Jamilia J. , McKyer E. Lisako
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

About one third of youth in the United States are overweight or obese and African American youth are at an increased risk for pediatric overweight and obesity as well as their complications. Physical activity has been identified as one determinant of overweight and obesity, and school bullying has been found to be associated with decreased physical activity. Guided by the Transactional Stress and Coping Model, this study examines how school bullying might impact the physical activity of white and African American healthy weight and overweight youth.

METHODS

Existing, nationally representative, and complex survey data (N = 4509) from the 2005–2006 United States Health Behavior in School‐Aged Children (HBSC) were analyzed using multiple group structural equation modeling to evaluate study questions.

RESULTS

Support for the hypothesized model was found such that bullying negatively impacted physical activity by way of increasing internalizing symptoms. Possible evidence for parental support, but not peer support, as a protective factor was also found. Results were generally similar for all groups, though some differences are discussed.

CONCLUSION

School bullying is a risk factor for reduced physical activity, regardless of race‐ethnicity and weight. Implications for school health professionals are discussed.
Bargaining foundation for ratio equilibrium in public‐good economies
Authors: van den Nouweland Anne , Rusinowska Agnieszka
Published: March 2019

We provide a bargaining foundation for the concept of ratio equilibrium in public‐good economies. We define a bargaining game of alternating offers, in which players bargain to determine their cost shares of public‐good production and a level of public good. We study the stationary subgame perfect equilibrium (SSPE) without delay of the bargaining game. We demonstrate that when the players are perfectly patient, they are indifferent between the equilibrium offers of all players. We also show that every SSPE without delay in which the ratios offered by all players are the same leads to a ratio equilibrium. In addition, we demonstrate that all equilibrium ratios are offered by the players at some SSPE without delay. We use these results to discuss the case when the assumption of perfectly patient players is relaxed and the cost of delay vanishes.
Evaluation of liposome toll‐like receptor ligand complexes for non‐specific mucosal immunoprotection from feline herpesvirus‐1 infection
Authors: Contreras Elena T. , Olea‐Popelka Francisco , Wheat William , Dow Steven , Hawley Jennifer , Lappin Michael R.
Published: March 2019

Background

Feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1) infection can result in serious morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. Immunotherapy using liposome‐toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligand complexes (LTC) has been shown to activate innate immune responses.

Objectives

To determine in kittens whether mucosal administration of LTC before FHV‐1 inoculation would decrease severity of clinical signs and decrease quantities of FHV‐1 DNA in materials collected on oropharyngeal swabs.

Animals

Nineteen, 14‐week‐old, purpose‐bred kittens.

Methods

Pilot clinical trial with 2 groups of kittens allocated to either an LTC or control group. The LTC were administered into both nares and the oropharynx of the 12 LTC group kittens, and all 19 kittens were inoculated with FHV‐1 24 hours later. Clinical scores were determined daily for 28 days, and oropharyngeal mucosal materials were collected every 7 days to assess FHV‐1 DNA quantities for comparison between groups.

Results

Conjunctivitis was more common in kittens in the control group on Days 15‐28 (P = .01) and Days 1‐28 (P = .02). Total respiratory scores were higher in the LTC group on days 15‐28 (P = .03). The LTC group had significantly decreased FHV‐1 DNA on swabs when compared to the control group on some postinoculation days, using 2 methods of calculation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Administration of LTC to kittens was shown to decrease FHV‐1 DNA and some manifestations of illness in kittens when administrated 24 hours before inoculation, suggesting clinical benefit.
Caste‐ and pesticide‐specific effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure on gene expression in bumblebees
Authors: Colgan Thomas J. , Fletcher Isabel K. , Arce Andres N. , Gill Richard J. , Ramos Rodrigues Ana , Stolle Eckart , Chittka Lars , Wurm Yannick
Published: March 2019

Social bees are important insect pollinators of wildflowers and agricultural crops, making their reported declines a global concern. A major factor implicated in these declines is the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Indeed, recent research has demonstrated that exposure to low doses of these neurotoxic pesticides impairs bee behaviours important for colony function and survival. However, our understanding of the molecular‐genetic pathways that lead to such effects is limited, as is our knowledge of how effects may differ between colony members. To understand what genes and pathways are affected by exposure of bumblebee workers and queens to neonicotinoid pesticides, we implemented a transcriptome‐wide gene expression study. We chronically exposed Bombus terrestriscolonies to either clothianidin or imidacloprid at field‐realistic concentrations while controlling for factors including colony social environment and worker age. We reveal that genes involved in important biological processes including mitochondrial function are differentially expressed in response to neonicotinoid exposure. Additionally, clothianidin exposure had stronger effects on gene expression amplitude and alternative splicing than imidacloprid. Finally, exposure affected workers more strongly than queens. Our work demonstrates how RNA‐Seq transcriptome profiling can provide detailed novel insight on the mechanisms mediating pesticide toxicity to a key insect pollinator.
Beta2‐adrenergic receptor in kidney biology: A current prospective
Authors: Arif Ehtesham , Nihalani Deepak
Published: March 2019

Beta2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) is a G‐protein‐coupled adrenergic receptor family member, whose clinical significance has been extensively investigated in lung, cardiovascular and muscular diseases, but its role in kidney biology remains understudied. In this review, we discuss some of the recent studies, where the effect of agonist/antagonist‐mediated activation/inhibition of β2‐AR on disease pathogenesis process was studied, and highlighted the role of β2‐AR in kidney biology. The expression of β2‐AR has been noted in many kidney subunits including proximal tubules, glomeruli and podocytes. In vivo studies have shown that in cultured proximal tubules β2‐AR is involved in Na‐ATPase activity and transcellular Na‐transport through protein kinase‐C activation; whereas in cultured podocytes, it was associated with depolarization of the membrane. The animal studies further revealed that β2‐AR activation by short‐acting β2 agonists attenuated monocyte activation, pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrotic responses through β‐arrestin2 dependent NF‐kB inactivation in diabetic kidney disease; in contrast, activation by long‐acting β2 agonists restored mitochondrial and renal function in the acute kidney injury mice models through PGC‐1α dependent mitochondrial biogenesis. In conclusion, the activation of β2‐AR may present a rapidly developing therapeutic target for renal diseases.
UV‐Vis Spectroscopy Reveals a Correlation Between Y263 and BV Protonation States in Bacteriophytochromes
Authors: Rumfeldt Jessica A. , Takala Heikki , Liukkonen Alli , Ihalainen Janne A.
Published: March 2019

Red‐light photosensory proteins, phytochromes, link light activation to biological functions by interconverting between two conformational states. For this, they undergo large‐scale secondary and tertiary changes which follow small‐scale Z to E bond photoisomerization of the covalently bound bilin chromophore. The complex network of amino acid interactions in the chromophore‐binding pocket plays a central role in this process. Highly conserved Y263 and H290 have been found to be important for the photoconversion yield, while H260 has been identified as important for bilin protonation and proton transfer steps. Here, we focus on the roles these amino acids are playing in preserving the chemical properties of bilin in the resting Pr state of the photosensory unit of a bacteriophytochrome from Deinococcus radiodurans. By using pH‐dependent UV‐Vis spectroscopy and spectral decomposition modeling, we confirm the importance of H260 for biliverdin protonation. Further, we demonstrate that in the canonical bacteriophytochromes, the pKa value of the phenol group of the Y263 is uncommonly low. This directly influences the protonation of the bilin molecule and likely the functional properties of the protein. Our study expands the understanding of the tight interplay between the nearby amino acids and bilin in the phytochrome family.
Microgeographic variation in recruitment under adult trees: arrival of new genotypes or perpetuation of the existing ones?
Authors: Castilla A. R. , Godoy J. A. , Delibes M. , Rodriguez‐Prieto A. , Fedriani J. M.
Published: March 2019

Investigating spatial variation in the relative importance of sexual reproduction and clonal propagation is critical to obtain more accurate estimates of future effective population sizes and genetic diversity, as well as to identify ecological correlates of clonality.

We combined a stratified sampling scheme with microsatellite genetic analyses to estimate variation in the proportion of sexual versus clonal recruits among saplings in five populations of the tree Pyrus bourgaeana. Using a likelihood framework, we identified clones among the genotypes analysed and examined variation among populations regarding the proportion of saplings coming from clonal propagation. We also examined the relationship between the relative abundance of clonal shoots across the studied populations and their herbivory levels.

Our results revealed that one third of the saplings examined (N = 225 saplings) had a probability above 0.9 of being clones of nearby (<10 m) trees, with the ratio between clonal propagation and sexual recruitment varying up to eight‐fold among populations. A small portion of these putative clonal shoots reached sexual maturity. Relative abundance of clonal shoots did not significantly relate to the herbivory by ungulates.

Our results call into question optimistic expectations of previous studies reporting sufficient levels of recruitment under parental trees without animal seed dispersal services. Nevertheless, given that some of these clonal shoots reach sexual maturity, clonal propagation can ultimately facilitate the long‐term persistence of populations during adverse periods (e.g. environmental stress, impoverished pollinator communities, seed dispersal limitation).
Dispositional resilience in treatment‐seeking patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder and its association with treatment outcome
Authors: Holm Silje Elisabeth Hasmo , Hansen Bjarne , Kvale Gerd , Eilertsen Thomas , Johnsen Bjørn Helge , Hystad Sigurd William , Solem Stian
Published: March 2019

There is a lack of research on the relation between obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) and resilience. Dispositional resilience, as described and defined in literature on hardiness, consists of three facets, namely beliefs about having control in everyday living, having a sense of purpose or commitment, and a positive attitude toward challenges. This study explores associations between dispositional resilience (measured with the Dispositional Resilience Scale (DRS‐15‐R)), symptom severity, and treatment outcome in a sample of 89 patients treated with concentrated exposure therapy (cET), and compares the findings with scores from two reference groups (students and soldiers). The patient group had significantly lower resilience scores than the two reference groups. Weak correlations were observed between dispositional resilience and OCD symptoms. Differences in dispositional resilience were weakly related to remission status at follow‐up (odds ratio of 1.11). Furthermore, resilience improved from pre‐ to post‐treatment (Cohen's d of 0.65). Our results imply that patients’ initial resilience score does not hinder nor facilitate treatment effects to a great extent in this format of ERP treatment.
Toward a Noninferentialist, Nonreliabilist Account of Perceptual Justification
Authors: Roth Martin
Published: March 2019

While it may be a datum of common sense that perceptual experiences can justify beliefs, there is no clear consensus about how they can do so. According to what I call “inferentialism,” perceptual experiences can justify beliefs because perceptual experiences have propositional contents and thus can serve as reasons for belief. A critical commitment of inferentialism is that justification requires the obtaining of a nonarbitrary or nonaccidental semantic relation between justifier and justified, a requirement that I call semantic appropriateness (SA). By contrast, reliabilists reject SA and argue that perceptual experiences can justify beliefs because perceptual experiences are part of a reliable belief‐forming process. In this paper, I explore whether a commitment to SA inevitably leads to a commitment to inferentialism. This exploration is largely motivated by doubts over whether perceptual experiences have propositional contents. If those doubts prove to be well‐founded, then it seems either that perceptual experiences cannot justify beliefs or that some form of reliabilism is true. I argue that although we should take the doubts seriously, there is a way to make sense of SA that does not require inferentialism.
Distinct genome‐wide alternative polyadenylation during the response to silicon availability in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Authors: Fu Haihui , Wang Peng , Wu Xiaohui , Zhou Xiaoxuan , Ji Guoli , Shen Yingjia , Gao Yahui , Li Qingshun Q. , Liang Junrong
Published: March 2019

The post‐transcriptional regulation involved in the responses of diatoms to silicon is poorly understood. Using a poly(A)‐tag sequencing (PAT‐seq) technique that interrogates only the junctions of 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) and the poly(A) tails at the transcriptome level, a comprehensive comparison of alternative polyadenylation (APA) was performed to understand the role of post‐transcriptional regulation in various silicon‐related cellular responses for the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. In total, 23 701 poly(A) clusters and 6894 APA genes, treated with silicon starvation and replenishment, were identified at nine time points. Significant APA was found in numerous genes (e.g. five cingulin genes) closely associated with the silicon‐starvation response, girdle bands and valve synthesis, suggesting that many genes participated in the responses to silicon availability and biosilica formation through changes in transcript isoforms. The poly(A) site usage profiles were distinct during various stages of silicon biomineralization responses. Moreover, a correlation between APA and expression levels of APA switching genes was also discovered. This is an interesting study that presents a genome‐wide profile of transcript ends in diatoms, which is distinct from that of higher plants, animals and other microalgae. This work provides an important resource to understand a different aspect of cell‐wall synthesis.
Spinor groups with good reduction
Authors: Chernousov Vladimir I. , Rapinchuk Andrei S. , Rapinchuk Igor A.
Published: March 2019

Let $K$ be a two-dimensional global field of characteristic $\neq 2$ and let $V$ be a divisorial set of places of $K$. We show that for a given $n\geqslant 5$, the set of $K$-isomorphism classes of spinor groups $G=\operatorname{Spin}_{n}(q)$ of nondegenerate $n$-dimensional quadratic forms over $K$ that have good reduction at all $v\in V$ is finite. This result yields some other finiteness properties, such as the finiteness of the genus $\mathbf{gen}_{K}(G)$ and the properness of the global-to-local map in Galois cohomology. The proof relies on the finiteness of the unramified cohomology groups $H^{i}(K,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{2})_{V}$ for $i\geqslant 1$ established in the paper. The results for spinor groups are then extended to some unitary groups and to groups of type $\mathsf{G}_{2}$.
Study of Various International Codes and Standards for Flanged and Flued Type Expansion Bellows Design
Authors: Chikhaliya Kamlesh M. , Patel Bhaveshkumar P.
Published: March 2019

Differential longitudinal thermal expansion between the shell and the tube bundle is a well-known problem in fixed tubesheet heat exchanger design. An expansion bellows provide flexibility for thermal expansion and also function as a pressure retaining part. In this paper, guidelines for design of flanged and flued type (thick wall) expansion bellows available in international codes and standards including ASME VIII-1 and 2, EN-13445, and TEMA and EJMA codes are presented. These codes and standards are compared in terms of information available for thick wall expansion bellows design with regard to condition of applicability of design formula, spring rate determination, parameter to define the initial geometry, stress determination, and fatigue evaluation. Inherent limitations of these codes with respect to expansion bellows design, research gape, and recommendations for effective design are also presented in this paper. Brief history and information provided in various codes and standards related to unreinforced thin wall expansion bellows (bellows expansion joints) are also presented to understand evaluation of expansion bellows design.
Measuring System for Recuperation Units
Authors: Jiřinec Jakub , Rot David
Published: March 2019

The article is primarily concerned with the measurement of heat recovery units for different work environments. At present, great emphasis is placed on indoor air quality. The quality of the indoor environment greatly influences the concentration, response, and overall quality of work. This is important in the area of the main control room of the nuclear power plant. For efficient suction of these spaces, it is necessary to handle the entire control process so that the air is delivered to the desired location in proper quantity and quality. For this reason, it is necessary to know the properties of the used components (e.g., recuperator). To calculate the efficiency of heat recovery unit, it is necessary to measure temperature, humidity, and air volume in its individual parts. Based on these requirements, a measurement system was created to achieve the appropriate data for the further optimization process. The first part briefly describes the created measuring system primarily tested on SL-Thermo (Plattling, Germany) units produced by the Südluft Systemtechnik (Plattling, Germany). The core of the system is based on an industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) in combination with LabVIEW (Austin, TX) software. The software can be used in laboratory condition or in the real operation. The next part is devoted to measurement of the heat recovery unit in laboratory condition, where the different operating states of the heat recovery unit were simulated. On the basis of the measurements made, a final evaluation was made and some structural modifications were recommended, which would increase the efficiency of the regenerative unit.
Intracardiac echocardiography for transseptal puncture. A guide for cardiac electrophysiologists
Authors: Rosu Radu , Cismaru Gabriel , Muresan Lucian , Puiu Mihai , Gusetu Gabriel , Istratoaie Sabina , Pop Dana , Zdrenghea Dumitru
Published: March 2019

The key to a successful catheterization of the left heart chambers is the safe transseptal puncture. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is an attractive tool used in cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs to provide detailed images thatcan facilitate transseptal puncture. ICE permits a direct visualization of the endocardium and precisely locates the needle and the sheath against the interatrial septum. Two different ICE catheters are available: a phased array and a mechanical transducer, both being currently used in clinical practice. This paper describes the technique used for guiding transseptal puncture with ICE. Due to its advantages, ICE has currently become an important tool used to maximize the safety of the transseptal puncture and increase efficacy of interventional cardiology procedures.
Introducing RpsA Point Mutations Δ438A and D123A into the Chromosome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Confirms Their Role in Causing Resistance to Pyrazinamide
Authors: Shi Wanliang , Cui Peng , Niu Hongxia , Zhang Shuo , Tønjum Tone , Zhu Bingdong , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2019

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a unique frontline drug for shortening tuberculosis (TB) treatment, but its mechanisms of action are elusive. We previously found one PZA-resistant strain that harbors an alanine deletion at position 438 (Δ438A) in RpsA, a target of PZA associated with PZA resistance, but its role in causing PZA resistance has been inconclusive.
Entry Exclusion of Conjugative Plasmids of the IncA, IncC, and Related Untyped Incompatibility Groups
Authors: Humbert Malika , Huguet Kévin T. , Coulombe Frédéric , Burrus Vincent
Published: March 2019

IncA and IncC conjugative plasmids drive antibiotic resistance dissemination among several pathogenic species of
Gammaproteobacteria
due to the diversity of drug resistance genes that they carry and their ability to mobilize antibiotic resistance-conferring genomic islands such as SGI1 of
Salmonella enterica
. While historically grouped as “IncA/C,” IncA and IncC replicons were recently confirmed to be compatible and to abolish each other’s entry into the cell in which they reside during conjugative transfer. The significance of our study is in identifying an entry exclusion system that is shared by IncA and IncC plasmids. It impedes DNA transfer to recipient cells bearing a plasmid of either incompatibility group. The entry exclusion protein of this system is unrelated to any other known entry exclusion proteins.
Reduced Incubation Time of the Modified Carbapenem Inactivation Test and Performance of Carbapenem Inactivation in a Set of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae with a High Proportion of
bla
IMP
Isolates
Authors: Beresford Rohan William , Maley Michael
Published: March 2019

Accurate and timely identification of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) is critical for microbiology laboratories in order to facilitate infection prevention, reduce the spread of multiresistant Gram-negative bacilli, and reduce delays to effective antibiotic therapy. We undertook a study to compare the carbapenem inactivation method (CIM) against the modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) on a broad range of CPE isolates from Australia, including a high proportion of
bla
IMP
isolates.
Hyponatraemia and hyperpigmentation in primary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Benner Bernadette Johanna Maria , Alsma Jelmer , Feelders Richard A
Published: March 2019

Hyponatraemia is a common electrolyte disturbance with multiple causes. We present a case of a 49-year-old Caucasian female with cholangiocarcinoma, who had a hyponatraemia which was initially assumed to be based on a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion as paraneoplastic phenomenon. At physical examination, hyperpigmentation was seen and multiple episodes with syncope were reported. Subsequent endocrine assessment with a synthetic adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and measurement of ACTH levels revealed primary adrenal insufficiency also known as Morbus Addison. We started hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone replacement therapy, resulting in resolving of symptoms, hyponatraemia and hyperpigmentation.
High-grade B-cell lymphoma relapse presenting as neurolymphomatosis of the median nerve
Authors: Tai Rebecca , Maingard Julian , Nambiar Mithun , Lim Kelvin
Published: March 2019

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is the infiltration of lymphocytes into the peripheral nervous system in a haematological malignancy. We describe the imaging features of NL in a patient with relapsed Burkitt-like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. Imaging features on ultrasound are infrequently described and provide useful information in helping to establish an imaging diagnosis of NL. Features of NL in our patient included intense linear fluorodeoxyglucose-18 (18FDG) uptake on PET along the affected median nerve. B-mode ultrasound demonstrated concentric tubular thickening and loss of fascicular architecture. Perineural and intraneural vascularity was present on colour Doppler ultrasound. It is important to be able to correlate ultrasound findings to features observed on18FDG-PET as this aids in diagnosis and in guiding potential surgical biopsy.