bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Slow Convergence of Ordinary Least Squares Estimators of α, β and Portfolio Weights under Long‐Memory Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Liu Jun , Deo Rohit , Hurvich Clifford
Published: January 2019

We consider inference for the market model coefficients based on simple linear regression under a long memory stochastic volatility generating mechanism for the returns. We obtain limit theorems for the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimators of α and β in this framework. These theorems imply that the convergence rate of the OLS estimators is typically slower than if both the regressor and the predictor have long memory in volatility, where T is the sample size. The traditional standard errors of the OLS‐estimated intercept () and slope (), which disregard long memory in volatility, are typically too optimistic, and therefore the traditional t‐statistic for testing, say, α = 0 or β = 1, will diverge under the null hypothesis. We also obtain limit theorems (which imply slow convergence) for the estimated weights of the minimum variance portfolio and the optimal portfolio in the same framework. In addition, we propose and study the performance of a subsampling‐based approach to hypothesis testing for α and β. We conclude by noting that analogous results hold under more general conditions on long‐memory volatility models and state these general conditions which cover certain fractionally integrated exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) models.
The impact of the UK Baby Friendly Initiative on maternal and infant health outcomes: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Fallon Victoria May , Harrold Joanne Alison , Chisholm Anna
Published: January 2019

Global evidence demonstrates that adherence to the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) has a positive impact on multiple child health outcomes, including breastfeeding initiation and duration up to 1 year post‐partum. However, it is currently unclear whether these findings extend to specific countries with resource‐rich environments. This mixed‐methods systematic review aims to (a) examine the impact of BFI implementation (hospital and community) on maternal and infant health outcomes in the United Kingdom (UK) and (b) explore the experiences and views of women receiving BFI‐compliant care in the UK. Two authors independently extracted data including study design, participants, and results. There is no UK data available relating to wider maternal or infant health outcomes. Two quantitative studies indicate that Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative implementation has a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes up to 1 week post‐partum but this is not sustained. There was also some evidence for the positive impact of individual steps of Baby Friendly Community Initiative (n = 3) on breastfeeding up to 8 weeks post‐partum. Future work is needed to confirm whether BFI (hospital and community) is effective in supporting longer term breastfeeding and wider maternal and infant health outcomes in the UK. A meta‐synthesis of five qualitative studies found that support from health professionals is highly influential to women's experiences of BFI‐compliant care, but current delivery of BFI may promote unrealistic expectations of breastfeeding, not meet women's individual needs, and foster negative emotional experiences. These findings reinforce conclusions that the current approach to BFI needs to be situationally modified in resource‐rich settings.
A novel fungal effector from Puccinia graminis suppressing RNA silencing and plant defense responses
Authors: Yin Chuntao , Ramachandran Sowmya R. , Zhai Ying , Bu Chunya , Pappu Hanu R. , Hulbert Scot H.
Published: January 2019

Fungal plant pathogens, like rust‐causing biotrophic fungi, secrete hundreds of effectors into plant cells to subvert host immunity and promote pathogenicity on their host plants by manipulating specific physiological processes or signal pathways, but the actual function has been demonstrated for very few of these proteins.

Here, we show that the PgtSR1 effector proteins, encoded by two allelic genes (PgtSR1‐a and PgtSR1‐b), from the wheat stem rust pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), suppress RNA silencing in plants and impede plant defenses by altering the abundance of small RNAs that serve as defense regulators.

Expression of the PgtSR1s in plants revealed that the PgtSR1s promote susceptibility to multiple pathogens and partially suppress cell death triggered by multiple R proteins.

Overall, our study provides the first evidence that the filamentous fungus P. graminis has evolved to produce fungal suppressors of RNA silencing and indicates that PgtSR1s suppress both basal defenses and effector triggered immunity.
Emerging insights from the genetics of cerebral small‐vessel disease
Authors: Rutten‐Jacobs Loes C.A. , Rost Natalia S.
Published: January 2019

Cerebral small‐vessel disease (cSVD) is a common cause of stroke, functional decline, vascular cognitive impairment, and dementia. Pathological processes in the brain's microcirculation are tightly interwoven with pathology in the brain parenchyma, and this interaction has been conceptualized as the neurovascular unit (NVU). Despite intensive research efforts to decipher the NVU's structure and function to date, molecular mechanisms underlying cSVD remain poorly understood, which hampers the development of cSVD‐specific therapies. Important steps forward in understanding the disease mechanisms underlying cSVD have been made using genetic approaches in studies of both monogenic and sporadic SVD. We provide an overview of the NVU's structure and function, the implications for cSVD, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of dysfunction that have emerged from recent genetic studies of both monogenic and sporadic diseases of the small cerebral vasculature.
Variation in the physical activity environment according to area‐level socio‐economic position—A systematic review
Authors: Jacobs Jane , Alston Laura , Needham Cindy , Backholer Kathryn , Strugnell Claudia , Allender Steven , Nichols Melanie
Published: January 2019

Physical inactivity is a major contributing factor to obesity, and both follow a socio‐economic gradient. This systematic review aims to identify whether the physical activity environment varies by socio‐economic position (SEP), which may contribute to socio‐economic patterning of physical activity behaviours, and in turn, obesity levels. Six databases were searched. Studies were included if they compared an objectively measured aspect of the physical activity environment between areas of differing SEP in a high‐income country. Two independent reviewers screened all papers. Results were classified according to the physical activity environment analysed: walkability/bikeability, green space, and recreational facilities. Fifty‐nine studies met the inclusion criteria. A greater number of positive compared with negative associations were found between SEP and green space, whereas there were marginally more negative than positive associations between SEP and walkability/bikeability and recreational facilities. A high number of mixed and null results were found across all categories. With a high number of mixed and null results, clear socio‐economic patterning in the presence of physical activity environments in high‐income countries was not evident in this systematic review. Heterogeneity across studies in the measures used for both SEP and physical activity environments may have contributed to this result.
What is an autonomy supportive environment in geriatric care units? Focus group interviews with healthcare professionals
Authors: Souesme Guillaume , Ferrand Claude
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Grounded in Self‐Determination Theory (SDT), the aim of the study was to define an autonomy supportive environment through the perceptions of different healthcare professionals in three geriatric care units within French public and private hospitals.

Study design

Four focus groups were conducted with healthcare professionals. Each focus group was videotaped and audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Methods

An inductive approach was used, and data analysis was carried out using NVivo 10 software for Mac‐QSR International.

Results

Three themes were highlighted (a) building a relationship of trust with older people; (b) encouraging them to express themselves and (c) promoting progress.

Conclusion

The present study provides some information and a reflection for healthcare professionals who might be interested in using a more autonomy‐supportive motivating style in their practice.
Pathways from insecure attachment dimensions to paranoia: The mediating role of hyperactivating emotion regulation versus blaming others
Authors: Ascone Leonie , Schlier Björn , Sundag Johanna , Lincoln Tania M.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

There is evidence of associations between insecure attachment and paranoia, but we do not yet fully understand the mediating mechanisms. Attachment theory emphasizes differential relatedness of insecure attachment dimensions (i.e., anxiety vs. avoidance) with specific emotion regulation styles (ER). We tested whether the associations between attachment anxiety versus avoidance and paranoia were mediated specifically by hyperactivating (i.e., the use of emotion‐amplifying strategies: self‐blame, rumination, catastrophization) versus blaming others ER, respectively. In addition, we explored whether self‐blame versus blaming others ER differentially mediated the associations between attachment anxiety versus avoidance and paranoia.

Method

We included 60 patients with psychosis and 40 healthy controls (HCs) with whom we conducted standardized diagnostic interviews. We assessed paranoia, attachment, and ER via questionnaires. A structural equation mediation model including attachment anxiety and avoidance (predictor), the ER styles (mediators), and paranoia (outcome) was calculated.

Results

Compared with HCs, patients exhibited significantly more attachment anxiety and avoidance, and used more hyperactivating ER as well as strategies of blaming others. We found a significant indirect effect between attachment anxiety and paranoia via hyperactivating ER in patients with psychosis. However, no significant indirect effects involving blaming others or self‐blame in any of the groups were found.

Conclusions

Our study provides a starting point for further investigation of how paranoid delusions in psychosis could emerge from insecure attachment via ER. This might inspire further research into attachment theories of ER in paranoia. In the long term, this could provide a basis to develop interpersonally oriented interventions for this target group.

Practitioner points

In individuals with psychosis, there appears to be an attachment‐specific emotion regulation (ER) pathway from attachment anxiety via hyperactivating ER to paranoia.

Blaming others did not explain the significant association between attachment avoidance and paranoia.

Attachment‐specific therapeutic approaches to paranoia, that focus on hyperactivating ER, could be a valid way to ameliorate paranoid delusions.
Engaging patients with “medically unexplained symptoms” in psychological therapy: An integrative and transdiagnostic approach
Authors: Balabanovic Janet , Hayton Philip
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Patients with “medically unexplained symptoms” or “MUS” experience subjectively compelling and distressing somatic symptoms that are not fully explained by underlying physical pathology. Effective treatment of these patients has been impeded by multiple barriers. Problems with patient engagement have been highlighted in the clinical and research literature, yet few exploratory studies have been conducted in this area. This research explores how experienced psychological therapists in a specialist MUS service work to engage these patients.

Design

An in‐depth qualitative study was conducted to explore the process of engaging patients with MUS in psychological therapy.

Method

Semi‐structured depth interviews were conducted with psychological therapists who work with complex patients with MUS. The therapists interviewed were recruited from an NHS primary care psychological therapy service that specializes in working with this patient group. Data were analysed using grounded theory to develop a model of this process.

Results

The analysis identified how multiple interacting layers of systemic, interpersonal, and intrapsychic disconnections impede engagement. The research introduces a new theoretical framework ‘Negotiating disconnection’ that conceptualizes the process of engagement in terms of a series of stages, namely ‘Drawing in’ (negotiating systemic disconnection), ‘Meeting’ (connecting in the disconnection), and ‘Nudging Forward’ (cultivating new connections), and illustrates how these are negotiated by therapists.

Conclusions

The model shows that it is critical for therapists to collaborate closely with GPs to engage these patients while also highlighting barriers to doing this, reflecting the complexities of organizational and cultural change. Clinically, the model illustrates the importance of adopting a flexible, pluralistic, and integrative approach that is person‐centred and process‐led. Doctors and therapists should embrace a holistic, biopsychosocial stance towards MUS and be sensitively attuned to its complex phenomenology.

Practitioner points

To engage patients with MUS psychological therapists should be person‐centred and process‐led rather than theory‐ or protocol‐led. A pluralistic and integrative mindset facilitates this by enhancing clinicians’ flexibility.

A multidisciplinary approach is essential. Clinicians should embrace a biopsychosocial stance towards MUS and work closely with medical colleagues to help them do the same.

Structural and cultural change is needed to tackle this issue effectively.
The road to astaxanthin production in tomato fruit reveals plastid and metabolic adaptation resulting in an unintended high lycopene genotype with delayed over‐ripening properties
Authors: Enfissi Eugenia M.A. , Nogueira Marilise , D'Ambrosio Caterina , Stigliani Adriana Lucia , Giorio Giovanni , Misawa Norihiko , Fraser Paul D.
Published: January 2019

Tomato fruit are an important nutritional component of the human diet and offer potential to act as a cell factory for speciality chemicals, which are often produced by chemical synthesis. In the present study our goal was to produce competitive levels of the high value ketocarotenoid, astaxanthin, in tomato fruit. The initial stage in this process was achieved by expressing the 4, 4′ carotenoid oxygenase (crtW) and 3, 3′ hydroxylase (crtZ) from marine bacteria in tomato under constitutive control. Characterization of this genotype showed a surprising low level production of ketocarotenoids in ripe fruit but over production of lycopene (~3.5 mg/g DW), accompanied by delayed ripening. In order to accumulate these non‐endogenous carotenoids, metabolite induced plastid differentiation was evident as well as esterification. Metabolomic and pathway based transcription studies corroborated the delayed onset of ripening. The data also revealed the importance of determining pheno/chemotype inheritance, with ketocarotenoid producing progeny displaying loss of vigour in the homozygous state but stability and robustness in the hemizygous state. To iteratively build on these data and optimize ketocarotenoid production in this genotype, a lycopene β‐cyclase was incorporated to avoid precursor limitations and a more efficient hydroxylase was introduced. These combinations resulted in the production of astaxanthin (and ketocarotenoid esters) in ripe fruit at ~3 mg/g DW. Based on previous studies, this level of product formation represents an economic competitive value in a Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) matrix that requires minimal downstream processing.
Religion in/and Black Lives Matter: Celebrating the impossible
Authors: Gray Biko Mandela
Published: January 2019

Recent scholarship on Black Lives Matter has focused on the political, economic, intellectual, and theological context/s out of which the movement arises, but there has been little engagement with the movement from the perspective of philosophy of religion or history of religions. Phenomenologically, Black life in the United States is relegated to the unthought experience and habitual reenactment of tying one's shoes. But Black people are not shoes in need of tying, so Black people live impossible lives in the United States. BLM sacralizes this impossible mode of existence in three ways: first, BLM amplifies impossible black existence; second, BLM exemplifies the impossible Black sociality; and third, BLM reminds the country that Black life is simultaneously indispensable and unthought. Through the hashtags, speak outs, and direct actions, BLM celebrates the irreducible sacredness of Black life in the United States.
Validation of the Viral Load Testing Criteria – an algorithm for targeted viral load testing in HIV‐positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Thorman Johannes , Björkman Per , Tesfaye Fregenet , Jeylan Asiya , Balcha Taye Tolera , Reepalu Anton
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Restricted capacity for viral load (VL) testing is a major obstacle for antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in high‐burden regions. Algorithms for targeted VL testing could help allocate laboratory resources rationally. We validated the performance of the Viral Load Testing Criteria (VLTC), an algorithm with satisfactory performance in derivation (sensitivity 91%, specificity 43%).

Methods

HIV‐positive adults who had been receiving first‐line ART for ≥12 months at three Ethiopian public ART clinics were included. Healthcare providers collected data on variables of the VLTC: current CD4 count, mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) and self‐reported treatment interruption. VL testing was performed in parallel. Performance of the algorithm for identification of patients with VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml was evaluated.

Results

Of 562 patients (female 62%, median ART duration 92 months), 33 (6%) had VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml. Sensitivity for the VLTC was 85% (95% CI, 68–95), specificity 60% (95% CI, 55–64), positive predictive value 12% (95% CI, 10–14) and negative predictive value 98% (95% CI, 97–99). Use of the algorithm would reduce the number of VL tests required by 57%. Misclassification occurred in 5/33 (15%) of subjects with VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml.

Conclusion

In validation, the VLTC performed similarly well as derivation. Use of the VLTC may be considered for targeted VL testing for ART monitoring in high‐burden regions.
Therapeutic granulocyte transfusions: neutropenic patients with acute leukemia continue to need them — why are definitive evidence‐based practice guidelines elusive?
Authors: Strauss Ronald G.
Published: January 2019

See article on page 160–168, in this issue
Prediction of fetal blood group and platelet antigens from maternal plasma using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Orzińska Agnieszka , Guz Katarzyna , Mikula Michal , Kluska Anna , Balabas Aneta , Ostrowski Jerzy , Uhrynowska Małgorzata , Kopeć Izabella , Dębska Marzena , Luterek Katarzyna , Brojer Ewa
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Fetuses whose mothers have produced antibodies to red blood cell (RBC) or platelet antigens are at risk of being affected by hemolytic disease or alloimmune thrombocytopenia, respectively, only if they inherit the incompatible antigen. Noninvasive diagnosis of the fetal antigen is employed for management of immunized pregnancies, but the specific detection of SNPs, encoding the majority of antigens, in maternal plasma is still a challenge. We applied targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to predict the fetal antigen based on the detection of fetomaternal chimerism.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The DNA of 13 pregnant women (with anti‐K [3] anti‐k [1], anti‐Fya [1], anti‐D + C + Jka [1], anti‐D + E + K [1], anti‐HPA‐1a [1], anti‐HPA‐3b [1], anti‐HPA‐5b [1], and nonimmunized [3]) was sequenced using primers for regions encoding RhD, RhC, Rhc, RhE/e, K/k, Fya/b, Jka/b, MN, Ss, and HPA‐1, 2, 3, 5, 15, 4 X‐polymorphisms on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) System (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA).

RESULTS

NGS results were in agreement with the phenotype/genotype of women and their neonates (except for the unsuccessful detection of MN and RhC). NGS determined fetal allele chimerism for K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, Jkb, S, RhE (from 0.42% to 6.08%); RhD, Rhc (100%); HPA‐1a, −2b, −3a, 3b, −5b, −15a, 15b (from 0.23% to 4.11%). NGS revealed fetal chimerism for incompatible antigens (from 0.7% to 4.8%) in 7 immunized cases, excluded in 3 (with anti‐K, anti‐Fya, anti‐HPA‐3b).

CONCLUSION

The designed NGS predicts the fetal RBC and platelet antigen status universally in cases with various clinically significant antibodies as well as providing confirmation of the presence of fetal DNA. However, some improvement of the unsuccessful primers is required.
Assessing the impact of respiratory infections and weather conditions on donor attendance and blood inventory in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Kathy , Lee Cheuk‐Kwong , Lau Eric H. Y. , Lau Ching‐Wa , Wu Joseph T.
Published: January 2019

Background

Maintaining a stable, safe and sufficient blood supply is crucial to the healthcare system. Every year, seasonal influenza epidemics lead to substantial hospitalizations and pose intense pressure on blood transfusion service worldwide, especially in an ageing population of Hong Kong which often see bi‐annual influenza outbreaks. However, limited quantitative studies have been performed to assess the impacts of influenza and other respiratory infections on blood supply.

Methods

We estimated the impacts of respiratory infections on donor attendance and blood inventory, considering the confounding effects of weather conditions. The method only required influenza‐like illness data from the existing sentinel surveillance network, local weather data, donor attendance records from blood transfusion service and blood inventory levels from local healthcare system.

Results

We estimated the number of donor attendance dropped by 6–10% when the number of consultations with influenza‐like illnesses (ILIs) reported by sentinel general outpatient clinics exceeded five per 1000 consultations, which is a moderate activity level and has been observed frequently in Hong Kong. Blood inventory decreased with increased ILI consultation rates reported by sentinel general outpatient clinics. Adverse weather conditions had negative impacts on both donor attendance and blood inventory.

Conclusion

Epidemics of influenza and other respiratory infections coupled with adverse weather conditions affected blood supply in Hong Kong. The pressure on blood transfusion service to maintain a stable and sufficient blood supply during influenza seasons should not be overlooked, especially in an ageing population of Hong Kong.
Effect of Local Neck Anatomy on Localized One-Dimensional Measurements of Arterial Stiffness: A Finite-Element Model Study
Authors: Campo Adriaan , McGarry Matthew D. , Panis Thomas , Dirckx Joris , Konofagou Elisa
Published: January 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most prevalent cause of death in the Western World, and their prevalence is only expected to rise. Several screening modalities aim at detecting CVD at the early stages. A common target for early screening is common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness, as reflected in the pulse wave velocity (PWV). For assessing the CCA stiffness using ultrasound (US), one-dimensional (1D) measurements along the CCA axis are typically used, ignoring possible boundary conditions of neck anatomy and the US probe itself. In this study, the effect of stresses and deformations induced by the US probe, and the effect of anatomy surrounding CCA on a simulated 1D stiffness measurement (PWVus) is compared with the ground truth stiffness (PWVgt) in 60 finite-element models (FEM) derived from anatomical computed tomography (CT) scans of ten healthy male volunteers. Based on prior knowledge from the literature, and from results in this study, we conclude that it is safe to approximate arterial stiffness using 1D measurements of compliance or pulse wave velocity, regardless of boundary conditions emerging from the anatomy or from the measurement procedure.
Analysis of Multiphase Reservoir Production From Oil/Water Systems Using Rescaled Exponential Decline Models
Authors: Sun Qian , Ayala Luis F.
Published: January 2019

In this study, we present an analytical approach based on rescaled exponential models that are able to analyze production data from oil/water systems producing under boundary-dominated flow conditions. The model is derived by coupling two-phase oil/water material balances with multiphase well deliverability equations. Nonlinearities introduced by relative permeability in multiphase oil/water systems are accounted for via depletion-dependent parameters applied to each of the flowing phases. This study shows that So–Sw–p relationships based on Muskat's standard assumptions can be successfully deployed to correlate saturation and pressure changes in these two-phase systems without the need for user-provided surface production ratios or well-stream composition information. The validity of the proposed model is verified by closely matching predictions against finely gridded numerical models for cases constrained by both constant and variable bottomhole pressure production. In addition, a straight-line analysis protocol is structured to estimate the original oil and water in place on the basis of available production data using rescaled exponential models. Finally, we explore conditions for validity of the assumptions used in the proposed model, including the So–Sw–p formulation, by conducting extensive sensitivity analysis on input parameters.
Stabilization of Continuous-Time Fractional Positive Systems With Delays and Asymmetric Control Bounds
Authors: Benzaouia Abdellah , Mesquine Fouad , Benhayoun Mohamed , Ben Braim Abdoulaziz
Published: January 2019

Continuous-time fractional linear systems with delays, asymmetrical bounds on control and non-negative states are considered. Hence, the stabilization problem is studied and solved. A direct Lyapunov–Krasovskii function is used leading to conditions in terms of a linear program (LP). Simulation difficulties and numerical problems raised by the use of the Mittag-Leffler expression are overcome. In fact, the obtained solution uses the fractional integration of the system dynamic. Illustrative examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the results. First, a numerical one is given to demonstrate the applicability of the obtained conditions. Second, an application on a real world example is provided to highlight the usefulness of the approach.
Time-Periodic Electro-Osmotic Flow With Nonuniform Surface Charges
Authors: Kim Hyunsung , Khan Aminul Islam , Dutta Prashanta
Published: January 2019

Mixing in a microfluidic device is a major challenge due to creeping flow, which is a significant roadblock for development of lab-on-a-chip device. In this study, an analytical model is presented to study the fluid flow behavior in a microfluidic mixer using time-periodic electro-osmotic flow. To facilitate mixing through microvortices, nonuniform surface charge condition is considered. A generalized analytical solution is obtained for the time-periodic electro-osmotic flow using a stream function technique. The electro-osmotic body force term is accounted as a slip boundary condition on the channel wall, which is a function of time and space. To demonstrate the applicability of the analytical model, two different surface conditions are considered: sinusoidal and step change in zeta potential along the channel surface. Depending on the zeta potential distribution, we obtained diverse flow patterns and vortices. The flow circulation and its structures depend on channel size, charge distribution, and the applied electric field frequency. Our results indicate that the sinusoidal zeta potential distribution provides elliptical shaped vortices, whereas the step change zeta potential provides rectangular shaped vortices. This analytical model is expected to aid in the effective micromixer design.
Stall and Surge in Wet Compression: Test Rig Development and Experimental Results
Authors: Munari Enrico , D'Elia Gianluca , Morini Mirko , Pinelli Michele , Spina Pier Ruggero
Published: January 2019

Wet compression is a strategy adopted to increase the power output of gas turbines, with respect to dry conditions, usually also incrementing the operating range of the compressor. However, stall and surge are two aerodynamic instabilities which depend on many factors, and they are expected to occur even in wet compression at low flow rates. Despite the many studies carried out in the last 80 years, literature does not offer many works concerning these instability phenomena in wet compression. In this paper, an experimental analysis of stall and surge in wet compression conditions is carried out on an axial-centrifugal compressor installed in an existing test rig at the Engineering Department of the University of Ferrara. The intake duct was implemented with a water injection system (WIS) which allows the uniform mixing of air and water before the compressor inlet. The control and data acquisition system of the test bench was updated with new hardware and software to obtain faster data sampling. Transient and steady-state tests were carried out to make a comparison with the experimental results in dry conditions. The analysis was carried out using traditional thermodynamic sensors, by means of both classic postprocessing techniques and cyclostationary analysis. The aim is to (i) evaluate the influence of wet compression on the stable performance of the compressor, (ii) qualitatively identify the characteristics of stall and surge in wet compression, and (iii) demonstrate the reliability of cyclostationary analysis in wet compression conditions for stall and surge analysis.
Dynamic characteristics of beam perveance under thermal deformation for a three-grid ion thruster
Authors: Long Jianfei , Wen Xiaodong
Published: January 2019

In this study, the dynamic characteristics of beam perveance under thermal deformation in a three-grid ion thruster are analyzed and discussed by a combination of theory and experiment. Beam extraction in the apertures of the grids is simulated by the particle-in-cell–Monte Carlo collision method. The influences of thermal deformation on ion density thresholds in underperveance and overperveance conditions are analyzed and calculated. Finally, a verification experiment is performed. The simulated and experimental results show the gradually increasing underperveance threshold but decreasing overperveance threshold with the grid gap widening. Unlike under normal perveance in the cold state, the extracted beam exhibits a local anomalous perveance under thermal deformation with overperveance or underperveance occuring in the middle or edge area, respectively. The simulation and experimental results agree well with a maximum relative error of less than 4.1%. This work offers a reference for uniformity of optimization of beam density for ion thrusters.
Low temperature chemical vapor deposition of superconducting molybdenum carbonitride thin films
Authors: Mohimi Elham , Canova Kinsey , Zhang Zhejun , Liu Sumeng , Mallek Justin L. , Girolami Gregory S. , Abelson John R.
Published: January 2019

Thin films of molybdenum carbonitride, MoCxNy, are deposited by low temperature chemical vapor deposition from Mo(CO)6 and NH3 in the temperature range 150–300 °C. At a substrate temperature of 200 °C and Mo(CO)6 pressure of 0.01 mTorr, the composition varies from MoC0.48N0.20 to MoC0.36N0.33 (i.e., greater nitrogen and less carbon content) upon increasing the ammonia pressure from 0.3 to 3.3 mTorr. At a constant Mo(CO)6 pressure of 0.01 mTorr and an NH3 pressure of 2 mTorr, the composition varies from MoC0.50N0.30 to MoC0.12N0.40 with increasing substrate temperature from 150 to 300 °C. Selected films grown at substrate temperatures of 150, 200, and 250 °C are superconducting with critical temperatures of 4.7, 4.5, and 5.2 K, respectively. Grazing incidence x-ray diffraction data indicate that the films are crystalline and isomorphous with the cubic phases of Mo2N and Mo2C. With a forward-directed flux of precursors toward the surface, film growth is highly conformal in microtrenches of aspect ratio 6, with step coverages of ∼0.85 and 0.80 at growth temperatures of 150 and 200 °C, respectively.
Effect of AlN seed layer on crystallographic characterization of piezoelectric AlN
Authors: Howell Kaitlin M. , Bashir Waqas , De Pastina Annalisa , Matloub Ramin , Muralt Paul , Villanueva Luis G.
Published: January 2019

Ultrathin aluminum nitride (AlN) films are of great interest for integration into nanoelectromechanical systems for actuation and sensing. Given the direct relationship between crystallographic texture and piezoelectric (PZE) response, x-ray diffraction has become an important metrology step. However, signals from layers deposited below the PZE AlN thin film may skew the crystallographic analysis and give misleading results. In this work, the authors compare the use of a Ti or AlN seed layer on the crystallographic quality of PZE AlN. The authors also analyze the influence of several AlN seed layer thicknesses on the rocking curve FWHM of PZE AlN and demonstrate a larger effect of the AlN seed layer on the θ-2θ AlN <0002> crystallographic peak for increasing AlN seed layer thickness.
Viscosity of protein-stabilized emulsions: Contributions of components and development of a semipredictive model
Authors: Roullet Marion , Clegg Paul S. , Frith William J.
Published: January 2019

Protein-stabilized emulsions can be seen as mixtures of unadsorbed proteins and protein-stabilized droplets. To identify the contributions of these two components to the overall viscosity of sodium caseinate o/w emulsions, the rheological behavior of pure suspensions of proteins and droplets was characterized, and their properties were used to model the behavior of their mixtures. These materials are conveniently studied in the framework developed for soft colloids. Here, the use of viscosity models for the two types of pure suspensions facilitates the development of a semiempirical model that relates the viscosity of protein-stabilized emulsions to their composition.
Performance of Antigen Concentration Thresholds for Attributing Fever to Malaria among Outpatients in Angola
Authors: Plucinski Mateusz M. , Rogier Eric , Dimbu Pedro Rafael , Fortes Filomeno , Halsey Eric S. , Aidoo Michael , Smith Tom
Published: January 2019

The density of malaria parasites is a key determinant of whether an infected individual develops fever. While the pyrogenic threshold for malaria parasite density has been well studied, there are no analogous data on the antigen levels associated with fever during infection.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Fresno Isolate Recovered from a Bovine Lymph Node
Authors: Haley Bradd J. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Harhay Gregory P. , Loneragan Guy H. , Webb Hattie E. , Bugarel Marie , Kim Seon Woo , Van Kessel Jo Ann S. , Harhay Dayna M.
Published: January 2019

Salmonella enterica
serovar Fresno is an infrequently isolated serovar whose ecology and genomic characteristics have not yet been described. To further understand the genomic characteristics of this serovar, we sequenced the complete genome of a single isolate recovered from a bovine lymph node at harvest.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 Strains
Authors: He Qingwen , Huang Jiangqing , Li Bin
Published: January 2019

Escherichia coli
sequence type 131 (ST131) is an important global health issue nowadays and is responsible for many clinical infections. Here, we present the complete genome sequences of two ST131 clinical isolates and one ST131 fecal isolate.
Complete Genome Sequence of Brucella canis GB1, a Strain Isolated from a Poodle in Beijing, China
Authors: Xu Guanlong , Cheng Rujia , Sun Cuili , Zhang Ge , Li Qiuchen , Sun Shijing , Jiang Hui , Cheng Junsheng , Qin Yuming , Zhu Liangquan , Ding Jiabo
Published: January 2019

Brucella
spp. are facultative intracellular pathogens and zoonotic agents which pose a great threat to human health. Twelve different
Brucella
species have been identiﬁed to date.
Gut microbiota metabolites, amino acid metabolites and improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism: the POUNDS Lost trial
Authors: Heianza Yoriko , Sun Dianjianyi , Li Xiang , DiDonato Joseph A , Bray George A , Sacks Frank M , Qi Lu
Published: January 2019

Objective

Alterations in gut microbiota have been linked to host insulin resistance, diabetes and impaired amino acid metabolism. We investigated whether changes in gut microbiota-dependent metabolite of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its nutrient precursors (choline and L-carnitine) were associated with improvements in glucose metabolism and diabetes-related amino acids in a weight-loss diet intervention.

Design

We included 504 overweight and obese adults who were randomly assigned to one of four energy-reduced diets varying in macronutrient intake. The 6-month changes (Δ) in TMAO, choline and L-carnitine levels after the intervention were calculated.

Results

Greater decreases in choline and L-carnitine were significantly (p<0.05) associated with greater improvements in fasting insulin concentrations and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at 6 months. The reduction of choline was significantly related to 2-year improvements in glucose and insulin resistance. We found significant linkages between dietary fat intake and ΔTMAO for changes in fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR (pinteraction <0.05); a greater increase in TMAO was related to lesser improvements in the outcomes among participants who consumed a high-fat diet. In addition, ΔL-carnitine and Δcholine were significantly related to changes in amino acids (including branched-chain and aromatic amino acids). Interestingly, the associations of ΔTMAO, Δcholine and ΔL-carnitine with diabetes-related traits were independent of the changes in amino acids.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the importance of changes in TMAO, choline and L-carnitine in improving insulin sensitivity during a weight-loss intervention for obese patients. Dietary fat intake may modify the associations of TMAO with insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Trial registration number

NCT00072995.
Evaluation of fatigue damage and healing of asphalt mastics for different filler contents
Authors: Mannan Umme Amina , Tarefder Rafiqul A.
Published: January 2019

Fatigue damage and healing are two very important characteristics for designing asphalt concrete (AC). Fatigue damage degrades material properties, whereas healing recovers the material properties at rest periods after damage. Mastic is a blend of asphalt binder and fine aggregates (fillers) and is a component of AC composite. Fatigue damage and healing mostly occur in the asphalt binder and mastic. This study evaluates the effect of the fines and binder grade of mastic on the fatigue damage and healing of mastic. A total of six mastics (with different binder grade and asphalt–filler ratio) are tested to determine fatigue damage and healing. It is found that fatigue resistance increases up to the addition of 20% fines in the mastic. Addition of fines more than 20% decreases the fatigue resistance. A physicochemical model is used to predict healing in mastic. Healing decreases with the addition of fines in the binder and higher binder grade.
Late Pleistocene age, size, and paleoenvironment of a caribou antler from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Authors: Mathewes Rolf W. , Richards Michael , Reimchen Thomas E.
Published: January 2019

The basal portion of a fossil caribou antler from Graham Island is the only evidence of large terrestrial vertebrates older than the Fraser (late-Wisconsin) glaciation on Haida Gwaii. This antler has been radiocarbon dated three times by different laboratories and all ages fall within the mid-Wisconsin Olympia Interglaciation (Marine Isotope Stage 3, MIS 3). We suggest that the latest date, using ultrafiltration of bone collagen, is closest to the true age at 43 200 ± 650 years BP (48 200 – 45 200 cal BP). Previous paleoecological analysis from Graham Island reconstructed a vegetation cover during MIS 3 consisting of mixed coniferous forest with nonforested openings, similar to cool subalpine forests of today. These conditions are consistent with environments that support woodland caribou and the related extinct Dawson caribou. Morphometric comparison of antlers from woodland and Dawson caribou suggest that they are more similar than previously interpreted and raise questions about the inferred differences between the mainland and island subspecies.
Presenting integral q-Schur algebras
Authors: Fu Qiang , Gao Wenting
Published: January 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be the Lusztig integral form of quantum [Formula: see text]. There is a natural surjective algebra homomorphism [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to the integral [Formula: see text]-Schur algebra [Formula: see text]. We give a generating set for the kernel of [Formula: see text]. In particular, we obtain a presentation of the [Formula: see text]-Schur algebra by generators and relations over any field.
The isoperimetric problem in the 2-dimensional Finsler space forms with k = 0
Authors: zhou Linfeng
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the isoperimetric problem in the 2-dimensional Finsler space form [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] by using the Busemann–Hausdorff area is investigated. We prove that the circle centered the origin achieves the local maximum area of the isoperimetric problem.
Multiplicity spectra in e+e− and p¯p collisions in terms of Tsallis and Weibull distributions
Authors: Sharma S. , Kaur M. , Thakur S.
Published: January 2019

Charged hadron production in the [Formula: see text] annihilations at 91 to 206[Formula: see text]GeV in full phase space and in [Formula: see text] collisions at 200 to 900[Formula: see text]GeV collision energies are studied using nonextensive Tsallis and stochastic Weibull probability distributions. The Tsallis distribution shows better description of the data than the Weibull distribution. The 2-jet modification of the statistical distribution is applied to describe [Formula: see text] data. The main features of these distributions can be described by a two-component model with soft, collective interactions at low transverse energy and hard, constituent interactions dominating at high transverse energy. This modification is found to give much better description than a full-sample fit, and again Tsallis function is found to better describe the data than the Weibull one pointing at the nonextensive character of the multiparticle production process.
MODELING THE EFFECT OF A NOVEL AUTO-DISSEMINATION TRAP ON THE SPREAD OF DENGUE IN HIGH-RISE CONDOMINIA, MALAYSIA
Authors: GREENHALGH DAVID , LIANG YANFENG , NAZNI WASI AHMAD , TEOH GUAT-NEY , LEE HAN LIM , MASSAD EDUARDO
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we use the classical Ross–Macdonald model to analyze the effect of the Mosquito Home System (MHS), which is an example of an auto-dissemination trap, in controlling the spread of dengue in Malaysia in a high-rise condominium environment. By using the national dengue data from Malaysia, we are able to estimate [Formula: see text] which represents the initial growth rate of the dengue epidemic and thus allows us to estimate the number of mosquitoes in Malaysia. The basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is also obtained. We have constructed a mathematical expression which allows us to estimate the potential number of breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes. Later on, by using the data available from the 11 months trials carried out in three blocks of flats in Selangor, we improved on our dengue model by including the effect of the MHS and thus modeling the impact it has on the spread of dengue within the flats. Numerical simulations and tables are also produced to illustrate our results.
On the Usage of a Classical Arabic Corpus as a Language Resource
Authors: Bounhas Ibrahim
Published: January 2019

This article presents a literature review of computer-science-related research applied on hadith, a kind of Arabic narration which appeared in the 7th century. We study and compare existent works in several fields of Natural Language Processing (NLP), Information Retrieval (IR), and Knowledge Extraction (KE). Thus, we illicit their main drawbacks and identify some perspectives, which may be considered by the research community. We also study the characteristics of these types of documents, by enumerating the advantages/limits of using hadith as a language resource. Moreover, our study shows that previous studies used different collections of hadiths, thus making it hard to compare their results objectively. Besides, many preprocessing steps are recurrent through these applications, thus wasting a lot of time. Consequently, the key issues for building generic language resources from hadiths are discussed, taking into account the relevance of related literature and the wide community of researchers that are interested in these narrations. The ultimate goal is to structure hadith books for multiple usages, thus building common collections which may be exploited in future applications.
The Potential of L-Type Calcium Channels as a Drug Target for Neuroprotective Therapy in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Liss Birgit , Striessnig Jörg
Published: January 2019

The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) mainly arise from degeneration of dopamine neurons within the substantia nigra. As no disease-modifying PD therapies are available, and side effects limit long-term benefits of current symptomatic therapies, novel treatment approaches are needed. The ongoing phase III clinical study STEADY-PD is investigating the potential of the dihydropyridine isradipine, an L-type Ca2+channel (LTCC) blocker, for neuroprotective PD therapy. Here we review the clinical and preclinical rationale for this trial and discuss potential reasons for the ambiguous outcomes of in vivo animal model studies that address PD-protective dihydropyridine effects. We summarize current views about the roles of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 LTCC isoforms for substantia nigra neuron function, and their high vulnerability to degenerative stressors, and for PD pathophysiology. We discuss different dihydropyridine sensitivities of LTCC isoforms in view of their potential as drug targets for PD neuroprotection, and we conclude by considering how these aspects could guide further drug development.
Introduction to the Theme “New Therapeutic Targets”
Authors: Insel Paul A. , Amara Susan G. , Blaschke Terrence F. , Meyer Urs A.
Published: January 2019

“New Therapeutic Targets” is the theme of articles in the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 59. Reviews in this volume discuss targets for a variety of conditions in need of new therapies, including type 2 diabetes, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, obesity, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, tinnitus, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, pain, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscle wasting diseases, cancer, and anemia associated with chronic renal disease. Numerous articles in this volume focus on the identification, validation, and utility of novel therapeutic targets, in particular, ones that involve new or unexpected molecular entities. This theme complements several previous themes, including “New Approaches for Studying Drug and Toxicant Action: Applications to Drug Discovery and Development,” “Precision Medicine and Prediction in Pharmacology,” and “New Methods and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Pharmacology and Toxicology.”