bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature-related mortality: a systematic review and investigation of effect modifiers
Authors: Son Ji-Young , Liu Jia Coco , Bell Michelle L
Published: April 2019

Background: Understanding which populations are vulnerable and which factors affect vulnerability to temperature-mortality associations is important to reduce the health burden from current day weather extremes and climate change. Objectives: We reviewed population-based studies on the impact of temperature on mortality and assessed the vulnerability to temperature-mortality associations systematically. Methods: We identified 207 studies published between 1980 and 2017 and summarized findings on effect modification based on individual- and community-level characteristics. Results: In our assessment of vulnerability to temperature-mortality associations, we found strong evidence of effect modification for several individual-level factors such as age and sex. We also found limited or suggestive evidence for other individual-level factors such as education, place of death, occupation, race, marital status, and chronic conditions. Evidence on effect modification by community-level characteristics for temperature-mortality associations is limited. We found weak evidence of effect modification for population density, heating system, healthcare facilities, proximity to water, housing quality, and air pollution level. We found limited or suggestive evidence for community-level socio-economic status, latitude, urban/rural, air conditioning, climatic condition, green space, and previous winter mortality. Conclusions: Our findings provide scientific evidence on which populations could be targeted for establishing appropriate strategies to reduce the health burden from extreme temperatures, and for policies on climate change.
Root-zone hypoxia reduces growth of the tropical forage grass Urochloa humidicola in high-nutrient but not low-nutrient conditions
Authors: Jiménez Juan de la Cruz , Kotula Lukasz , Veneklaas Erik J , Colmer Timothy D
Published: April 2019

Background and Aims

The perennial C4 grass Urochloa humidicola is widely planted on infertile acidic and waterlogging-prone soils of tropical America. Waterlogging results in soil anoxia, and O2 deficiency can reduce nutrient uptake by roots. Interestingly, both nutrient deficiencies and soil waterlogging can enhance root cortical cell senescence, and the increased gas-filled porosity facilitates internal aeration of roots. We tested the influence of nutrient supply and root-zone O2 on root traits, leaf nutrient concentrations and growth of U. humidicola.

Methods

Plants were grown in pots in a completely randomized design under aerated or stagnant deoxygenated hydroponic conditions and six nutrient regimes, with low to high concentrations of all essential elements, for 28 d in a controlled-temperature greenhouse. The standard acid solution (SAS) used was previously designed based on infertile acidic soils of the tropical America savannas, and step increases in the concentration of SAS were used in aerated or deoxygenated 0.1 % agar solution, which mimics changes in gas composition in waterlogged soils. Measurements included shoot and root growth, root porosity, root anatomy, radial O2 loss, and leaf tissue nutrient concentrations.

Key Results

Shoot dry mass was reduced for plants in stagnant compared with aerated conditions at high, but not at low, levels of mineral nutrition. In low-nutrition stagnant solution, roots were shorter, of greater porosity and had smaller radial thickness of the stele. Suberized lamellae and lignified sclerenchyma, as well as a strong barrier to radial O2 loss, were documented for roots from all treatments. Leaf nutrient concentrations of K, Mg and Ca (but not N, P and S) were higher in aerated than in stagnant conditions.

Conclusions

Under low-nutrient conditions, plant growth in stagnant solution was equal to that in aerated solution, whereas under higher-nutrient regimes growth increased but dry mass in stagnant solution was less than in aerated solution. Slow growth in low-nutrient conditions limited any further response to the low O2 treatment, and greater porosity and smaller stele size in roots would enhance internal O2 movement within roots in the nutrient-limited stagnant conditions. A constitutive barrier to radial O2 loss and aerenchyma facilitates O2 movement to the tips of roots, which presumably contributes to maintaining nutrient uptake and the tolerance of U. humidicola to low O2 in the root-zone.
The thermal ecology of flowers
Authors: van der Kooi Casper J , Kevan Peter G , Koski Matthew H
Published: April 2019

Background

Obtaining an optimal flower temperature can be crucial for plant reproduction because temperature mediates flower growth and development, pollen and ovule viability, and influences pollinator visitation. The thermal ecology of flowers is an exciting, yet understudied field of plant biology.

Scope

This review focuses on several attributes that modify exogenous heat absorption and retention in flowers. We discuss how flower shape, orientation, heliotropic movements, pubescence, coloration, opening–closing movements and endogenous heating contribute to the thermal balance of flowers. Whenever the data are available, we provide quantitative estimates of how these floral attributes contribute to heating of the flower, and ultimately plant fitness.

Outlook

Future research should establish form–function relationships between floral phenotypes and temperature, determine the fitness effects of the floral microclimate, and identify broad ecological correlates with heat capture mechanisms.
Exact hypothesis testing for shrinkage-based Gaussian graphical models
Authors: Bernal Victor , Bischoff Rainer , Guryev Victor , Grzegorczyk Marco , Horvatovich Peter
Published: April 2019

Motivation

One of the main goals in systems biology is to learn molecular regulatory networks from quantitative profile data. In particular, Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) are widely used network models in bioinformatics where variables (e.g. transcripts, metabolites or proteins) are represented by nodes, and pairs of nodes are connected with an edge according to their partial correlation. Reconstructing a GGM from data is a challenging task when the sample size is smaller than the number of variables. The main problem consists in finding the inverse of the covariance estimator which is ill-conditioned in this case. Shrinkage-based covariance estimators are a popular approach, producing an invertible ‘shrunk’ covariance. However, a proper significance test for the ‘shrunk’ partial correlation (i.e. the GGM edges) is an open challenge as a probability density including the shrinkage is unknown. In this article, we present (i) a geometric reformulation of the shrinkage-based GGM, and (ii) a probability density that naturally includes the shrinkage parameter.

Results

Our results show that the inference using this new ‘shrunk’ probability density is as accurate as Monte Carlo estimation (an unbiased non-parametric method) for any shrinkage value, while being computationally more efficient. We show on synthetic data how the novel test for significance allows an accurate control of the Type I error and outperforms the network reconstruction obtained by the widely used R package GeneNet. This is further highlighted in two gene expression datasets from stress response in Eschericha coli, and the effect of influenza infection in Mus musculus.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/V-Bernal/GGM-Shrinkage

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
NPS: scoring and evaluating the statistical significance of peptidic natural product–spectrum matches
Authors: Tagirdzhanov Azat M , Shlemov Alexander , Gurevich Alexey
Published: April 2019

Motivation

Peptidic natural products (PNPs) are considered a promising compound class that has many applications in medicine. Recently developed mass spectrometry-based pipelines are transforming PNP discovery into a high-throughput technology. However, the current computational methods for PNP identification via database search of mass spectra are still in their infancy and could be substantially improved.

Results

Here we present NPS, a statistical learning-based approach for scoring PNP–spectrum matches. We incorporated NPS into two leading PNP discovery tools and benchmarked them on millions of natural product mass spectra. The results demonstrate more than 45% increase in the number of identified spectra and 20% more found PNPs at a false discovery rate of 1%.

Availability and implementation

NPS is available as a command line tool and as a web application at http://cab.spbu.ru/software/NPS.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Abnormal Left-Hemispheric Sulcal Patterns Correlate with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Subjects with Single Ventricular Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Morton Sarah U , Maleyeff Lara , Wypij David , Yun Hyuk Jin , Newburger Jane W , Bellinger David C , Roberts Amy E , Rivkin Michael J , Seidman J G , Seidman Christine E , Grant P Ellen , Im Kiho
Published: April 2019

Neurodevelopmental abnormalities are the most common noncardiac complications in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Prenatal brain abnormalities may be due to reduced oxygenation, genetic factors, or less commonly, teratogens. Understanding the contribution of these factors is essential to improve outcomes. Because primary sulcal patterns are prenatally determined and under strong genetic control, we hypothesized that they are influenced by genetic variants in CHD. In this study, we reveal significant alterations in sulcal patterns among subjects with single ventricle CHD (n = 115, 14.7 ± 2.9 years [mean ± standard deviation]) compared with controls (n = 45, 15.5 ± 2.4 years) using a graph-based pattern-analysis technique. Among patients with CHD, the left hemisphere demonstrated decreased sulcal pattern similarity to controls in the left temporal and parietal lobes, as well as the bilateral frontal lobes. Temporal and parietal lobes demonstrated an abnormally asymmetric left–right pattern of sulcal basin area in CHD subjects. Sulcal pattern similarity to control was positively correlated with working memory, processing speed, and executive function. Exome analysis identified damaging de novo variants only in CHD subjects with more atypical sulcal patterns. Together, these findings suggest that sulcal pattern analysis may be useful in characterizing genetically influenced, atypical early brain development and neurodevelopmental risk in subjects with CHD.
The Predictive Performance of a Pneumonia Severity Score in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–negative Children Presenting to Hospital in 7 Low- and Middle-income Countries
Authors: Gallagher Katherine E , Knoll Maria D , Prosperi Chrissy , Baggett Henry C , Brooks W Abdullah , Feikin Daniel R , Hammitt Laura L , Howie Stephen R C , Kotloff Karen L , Levine Orin S , Madhi Shabir A , Murdoch David R , O’Brien Katherine L , Thea Donald M , Awori Juliet O , Baillie Vicky L , Ebruke Bernard E , Goswami Doli , Kamau Alice , Maloney Susan A , Moore David P , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Olutunde Emmanuel O , Seidenberg Phil , Sissoko Seydou , Sylla Mamadou , Thamthitiwat Somsak , Zaman Khalequ , Scott J Anthony G
Published: April 2019

Background

In 2015, pneumonia remained the leading cause of mortality in children aged 1–59 months.

Methods

Data from 1802 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–negative children aged 1–59 months enrolled in the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) study with severe or very severe pneumonia during 2011–2014 were used to build a parsimonious multivariable model predicting mortality using backwards stepwise logistic regression. The PERCH severity score, derived from model coefficients, was validated on a second, temporally discrete dataset of a further 1819 cases and compared to other available scores using the C statistic.

Results

Predictors of mortality, across 7 low- and middle-income countries, were age <1 year, female sex, ≥3 days of illness prior to presentation to hospital, low weight for height, unresponsiveness, deep breathing, hypoxemia, grunting, and the absence of cough. The model discriminated well between those who died and those who survived (C statistic = 0.84), but the predictive capacity of the PERCH 5-stratum score derived from the coefficients was moderate (C statistic = 0.76). The performance of the Respiratory Index of Severity in Children score was similar (C statistic = 0.76). The number of World Health Organization (WHO) danger signs demonstrated the highest discrimination (C statistic = 0.82; 1.5% died if no danger signs, 10% if 1 danger sign, and 33% if ≥2 danger signs).

Conclusions

The PERCH severity score could be used to interpret geographic variations in pneumonia mortality and etiology. The number of WHO danger signs on presentation to hospital could be the most useful of the currently available tools to aid clinical management of pneumonia.
Positive Bicultural Identity Development Curriculum: A Pilot Evaluation
Authors: Bishop Margaret , Melamed Galina , Stone Susan
Published: April 2019

Although a large body of research demonstrates a positive relationship between bicultural identity integration (BII) (that is, having a harmonious and blended bicultural identity) and psychosocial functioning, much less research focuses on approaches to promote this integration, particularly among early adolescents. This study describes the Positive Bicultural Identity Development Curriculum developed for middle school students ranging in age from 12 through 14 and presents results of a pilot evaluation. Between pre- and post-curriculum, the seven participants reported increased BII, and facilitator ratings showed increases in bicultural identity certainty. Post-curriculum facilitator ratings also indicated bicultural identity growth. Parents or guardians and teachers perceived similar changes in participants. This study provides initial support for the utility of the intervention and its promise for more rigorous evaluation.
A School-Based Mental Health Counseling Intervention with Students in Title I Elementary Schools
Authors: Lambie Glenn W , Solomon Coralis , Joe J Richelle , Kelchner Viki P , Perleoni Mary K
Published: April 2019

The present study investigated the influence of a school-based mental health counseling intervention (SBMHCI) on elementary school students’ (N = 49) behavioral and emotional problems and school attendance at two Title I elementary schools. The study used a single-group, pretest–posttest design to examine change in the participants’ scores after participating in the five-week SBMHCI. The results identified that participants’ internalizing and total problem scores exhibited significant improvement over time, per parent report. In addition, participants’ school attendance significantly improved over time, from the previous academic year, following the SBMHCI.
School Utilization of Spouse Perspectives on Military Parental Absence for Program Planning
Authors: Culler Erica , Moeller Jeremy , Runion Megan , Perkins Kyle , Morgan Nicole , Aronson Keith R , Perkins Daniel F , Dailey-Perkins Jennifer , Embler Sandra
Published: April 2019

The negative effects of military work-related parental absences on military families and military children in particular have been detailed in the literature. Family adjustment to increased stress during deployment is influenced by the family’s perceptions of the stressors. In the study reported in this article, military spouses (N = 79) were interviewed so researchers could gain an understanding of the spouses’ perceptions of the effects (for example, concerns, unmet needs) of military work-related parental absences on the overall family system and could identify contextual risk and protective factors that contribute to the well-being of children in military families. Results are presented as percentages of spouses’ theme responses and exemplary quotes. Unmet needs included individual child counseling, parental-absence support programs, age-specific programming for children, child care needs, availability of parenting programs, lack of awareness of programs for students and parents, and supports for exceptional family members. Recommendations for schools to meet these unmet needs are provided following a tiered support framework to better support military families during parental absences.
A case of repetitive myocardial infarction with unobstructed coronaries due to Churg–Strauss syndrome
Authors: Gue Ying X , Prasad Sanjay , Isenberg David , Gorog Diana A
Published: April 2019

Background

Myocardial infarction is most commonly caused by thrombosis occurring on a background of coronary atherosclerosis, resulting in reduced coronary flow. Less often, myocardial infarction can occur in the absence of coronary disease. The pathomechanism of myocardial infarction in such patients is heterogeneous and more challenging to diagnose and treat. European Society of Cardiology published a position paper on myocardial infarction in patients with non-obstructive coronary disease, with definitions and recommendations for investigations, in what has hitherto been an under-recognized and under-investigated Cinderella-like condition. However, the importance of obtaining a diagnosis is all the more important, since one treatment approach with revascularization and antithrombotic treatment does not ‘fit all’.

Case summary

A 70-year-old male patient presented with chest pain at rest, associated with rise in troponin and without ECG changes. A diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was made. Coronary angiography showed a smooth stenosis which resolved with administration of intracoronary nitrate. A diagnosis of coronary artery spasm was made, and treatment initiated. After 18 months, the patient had recurrent chest pains at rest, unresponsive to glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed extension of subendocardial infarction, without inducible ischaemia. CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) showed non-obstructive coronaries. Blood tests showed significant eosinophilia, raised troponin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) that fluctuated without correlation with symptoms or any ECG changes. A diagnosis of Churg–Strauss syndrome was made, and immunosuppression commenced.

Discussion

Churg–Strauss syndrome is an autoimmune vasculitis in patients with history of atopy or late-onset asthma which when involving coronary arteries can lead to myocardial injury mimicking acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Identification is important to allow initiation of immunosuppression which can prevent development or progression.
A case report of dipyridamole stress-induced ST depression progressing to ST-elevation myocardial infarction despite intravenous aminophylline: steal, spasm, or something else?
Authors: Li Ki Fung Cliff , Ho Hee Hwa , Yew Min Sen
Published: April 2019

Background

Dipyridamole stress is commonly used for myocardial perfusion imaging and is generally safe. Myocardial ischaemia can occasionally occur and is classically thought to be due to coronary steal as a result of redistribution of flow away from collateral dependent myocardium. Although ischaemia more commonly presents as electrocardiographic (ECG) ST depression and angina, ST-elevation myocardial infarction may occur as a very rare complication.

Case summary

We report a case of a patient who developed chest pain and ST depression during dipyridamole infusion. The pain persisted despite intravenous aminophylline with new inferior ST elevation soon after. Coronary angiography showed subtotal right coronary artery occlusion with no collateral supply. The symptoms and ECG changes resolved after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Discussion

Coronary steal may not fully account for our patient’s presentation given the failure of aminophylline and absent angiographic collaterals. Vasospasm may be triggered by dipyridamole and can directly cause ischaemia or provoke rupture of an unstable plaque. Augmentation of cardiac energetics during vasodilator stress may also play a role.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in previously undiagnosed patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia resuscitated from sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: van der Werf Christian , Lieve Krystien V , Bos J Martijn , Lane Conor M , Denjoy Isabelle , Roses-Noguer Ferran , Aiba Takeshi , Wada Yuko , Ingles Jodie , Leren Ida S , Rudic Boris , Schwartz Peter J , Maltret Alice , Sacher Frederic , Skinner Jonathan R , Krahn Andrew D , Roston Thomas M , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob , Swan Heikki , Robyns Tomas , Ohno Seiko , Roberts Jason D , van den Berg Maarten P , Kammeraad Janneke A , Probst Vincent , Kannankeril Prince J , Blom Nico A , Behr Elijah R , Borggrefe Martin , Haugaa Kristina H , Semsarian Christopher , Horie Minoru , Shimizu Wataru , Till Janice A , Leenhardt Antoine , Ackerman Michael J , Wilde Arthur A
Published: April 2019

Aims

In patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are sometimes ineffective and may even trigger fatal electrical storms. We assessed the efficacy and complications of ICDs placed in patients with CPVT who presented with a sentinel event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) while undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

Methods and results

We analysed 136 patients who presented with SCA and in whom CPVT was diagnosed subsequently, leading to the initiation of guideline-directed therapy, including β-blockers, flecainide, and/or left cardiac sympathetic denervation. An ICD was implanted in 79 patients (58.1%). The primary outcome of the study was sudden cardiac death (SCD). The secondary outcomes were composite outcomes of SCD, SCA, appropriate ICD shocks, and syncope. After a median follow-up of 4.8 years, SCD had occurred in three patients (3.8%) with an ICD and none of the patients without an ICD (P = 0.1). SCD, SCA, or appropriate ICD shocks occurred in 37 patients (46.8%) with an ICD and 9 patients (15.8%) without an ICD (P < 0.0001). Inappropriate ICD shocks occurred in 19 patients (24.7%) and other device-related complications in 22 patients (28.9%).

Conclusion

In previously undiagnosed patients with CPVT who presented with SCA, an ICD was not associated with improved survival. Instead, the ICD was associated with both a high rate of appropriate ICD shocks and inappropriate ICD shocks along with other device-related complications. Strict adherence to guideline-directed therapy without an ICD may provide adequate protection in these patients without all the potential disadvantages of an ICD.
Incidence and predictors of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy and its complications in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation patients
Authors: Blom Lennart J , Visser Marloes , Christiaans Imke , Scholten Marcoen F , Bootsma Marianne , van den Berg Maarten P , Yap Sing-Chien , van der Heijden Jeroen F , Doevendans Pieter A , Loh Peter , Postema Pieter G , Barge-Schaapsveld Daniela Q , Hofman Nynke , Volders Paul G A , Wilde Arthur A , Hassink Rutger J
Published: April 2019

Aims

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a rare cause of sudden cardiac arrest. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation is currently the only treatment option. Limited data are available on the prevalence and complications of ICD therapy in these patients. We sought to investigate ICD therapy and its complications in patients with IVF.

Methods and results

Patients were selected from a national registry of IVF patients. Patients in whom no underlying diagnosis was found during follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Recurrence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) was derived from medical and ICD records, electrogram records of ICD therapies were used to differentiate between appropriate or inappropriate interventions. Independent predictors for appropriate ICD shock were calculated using cox regression. In 217 IVF patients, recurrence of sustained VAs occurred in 66 patients (30%) during a median follow-up period of 6.1 years. Ten patients died (4.6%). Thirty-eight patients (17.5%) experienced inappropriate ICD therapy, and 32 patients (14.7%) had device-related complications. Symptoms before cardiac arrest [hazard ratio (HR): 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48–4.24], signs of conduction disease (HR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.15–4.47), and carrier of the DPP6 risk haplotype (HR: 3.24, 1.70–6.17) were identified as independent predictors of appropriate shock occurrence.

Conclusion

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy is an effective treatment in IVF, treating recurrences of potentially lethal VAs in approximately one-third of patients during long-term follow-up. However, device-related complications and inappropriate shocks were also frequent. We found significant predictors for appropriate ICD therapy. This may imply that these patients require additional management to prevent recurrent events.
A new air PM2.5 filtrative lamp with a combination of fabric filter and TiO2 coating mop
Authors: Wongwatcharapaiboon Jitiporn , Gan Guohui , Riffat Saffa B
Published: April 2019

Air particle cleaning in developing countries in Southeast Asia has become important especially regarding local respiratory health. One of possible solutions is air filtration which is normally used but at high cost. Therefore, this study aims to develop low cost air PM2.5 filtration using integrated lamp, and then investigate filtration performance of adaptive lamp. The integration of fabric filter and floor lamp is designed with fan unit driving force, and then photocatalytic process is applied for increasing air purificative performance. Tests are set in 2.5 m width × 2.5 m length × 2.5 m height bedroom within three regimes: (A) existing filter, (B) integrating fabric filter lamp and (C) adapting TiO2 fiber mop to filter lamp. Based on EPA standard, no regime examined exceeds NAAQs at 35 μg/m3, while regime C with fan speed 2 m/s shows the best performance of air purification. Then the MERV level of filtrative lamp demonstrates MERV15 and MERV16 to identify regime B lamp with 3 m/s fan speed and C lamp with 2 m/s fan speed respectively.
Dual and Triple Infections With Influenza A and B Viruses: A Case-Control Study in Southern Brazil
Authors: Gregianini Tatiana Schäffer , Varella Ivana R Santos , Fisch Patricia , Martins Letícia Garay , Veiga Ana B G
Published: April 2019

Influenza surveillance is important for disease control and should consider possible coinfection with different viruses, which can be associated with disease severity. This study analyzed 34 459 patients with respiratory infection from 2009 to 2018, of whom 8011 were positive for influenza A virus (IAV) or influenza B virus (IBV). We found 18 cases of dual influenza virus infection, including coinfection with 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus (A[H1N1]pdm09) and influenza A(H3N2) virus (1 case), A(H1N1)pdm09 and IBV (6 cases), A(H3N2) and IBV (8 cases), and nonsubtyped IAV and IBV (3 cases); and 1 case of triple infection with A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, and IBV. Compared with 76 monoinfected patients, coinfection was significantly associated with cardiopathy and death. Besides demographic characteristics and clinical symptoms, we assessed vaccination status, antiviral treatment, timeliness of antiviral use, hospitalization, and intensive care unit admission, but no significant differences were found between coinfected and monoinfected cases. Our findings indicate that influenza virus coinfection occurs more often than previously reported and that it can lead to a worse disease outcome.
Lowering dietary cation-anion difference increases sow blood and milk calcium concentrations
Authors: Guo Ji Yao , Pasquetti Tiago Junior , Kim Sung Woo
Published: April 2019

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding an acidogenic diet with a low dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) on acid-base balance, blood, milk, and urine Ca concentrations of sows during lactation. A total of 30 multiparous sows (parity: 4.5 ± 2.9, Smithfield Premium Genetic, Rose Hill, NC) were allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments: CON (control diets were corn-soybean meal based with a calculated DCAD of 170 and 226 mEq/kg during late gestation and lactation, respectively) or ACI (acidogenic diets had a DCAD 100 mEq/kg lower than the control diets). The lower DCAD was achieved by the addition of an acidogenic mineral. The DCAD was calculated as mEq (Na + K – Cl)/kg diet. Sows had a daily access to 2-kg feed from day 94 of gestation to parturition and ad libitum access to feed during lactation. Blood and urine pH and Ca, serum macrominerals, serum biochemistry, Ca-regulating hormones, and milk composition were measured. Sows in ACI had a lower (P < 0.05) blood pH than sows in CON at day 1 of lactation. Sows in ACI had a lower (P < 0.05) urine pH at day 108 of gestation, days 1, 9, and 18 of lactation compared with sows in CON. Sows in ACI had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of serum total Ca at days 1 and 18 of lactation than sows in CON. There was a greater (P < 0.05) concentration of colostrum Ca in ACI than in CON. There was no difference in urine Ca concentration between treatments during lactation. Concentrations of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol were not different between treatments at either day 1 or 18 of lactation. Sows in ACI tended to have a smaller (P = 0.086) concentration of total alkaline phosphatase in serum at day 18 of lactation compared with sows in CON. At day 1 of lactation, the concentration of serum Cl in ACI was greater (P < 0.05) than that in CON. Feed intake, BW loss, and litter performance were not different between treatments. Collectively, feeding an acidogenic diet with a low DCAD to sows can induce a mild metabolic acidosis at farrowing, reduce the urine pH consistently, and increase serum total Ca and colostrum Ca concentrations during lactation but without altering the parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels during lactation.
Factors Related to Pediatric Unintentional Burns: The Comparison of Logistic Regression and Data Mining Algorithms
Authors: Aghaei Abbas , Soori Hamid , Ramezankhani Azra , Mehrabi Yadollah
Published: April 2019

Burn injuries are one of the traumas seen in all parts of the world and children are usually one of the vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to unintentional burns in children, using data mining algorithms. In this hospital-based case–control study conducted in Kermanshah province, Iran, data were collected over a period of 15 months. Children under the age of 15 years old who were referred to the burn ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital, the only burn referral in Kermanshah province, were included as cases. For the control group, children who were admitted to Dr. Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital, the only specialist and subspecialist pediatric center in this province, were included. Frequency matching was performed for age and sex. Support vector machine, artificial neural network (ANN), random forest, and logistic regression were employed to determine the factors related to burns in children. The mean age of children with burn injuries was 4.29 ± 3.51 years and 58% of them were boys. The ANN algorithm had better performance than other algorithms. Body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status, hours without a watchful, mother’s age, mother’s education, household size, father’s job, father’s age, having more than one watchful, and petroleum storage were the most important factors related to pediatric burns. The majority of the burn-related variables were related to individuals’ social welfare status and their environments. Lessening the effects of these factors could reduce the incidence of pediatric burns.
Modeling Agrilus planipennis F. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Spread in New Jersey
Authors: Lyttek Erik , Lal Pankaj , Nieddu Garrett , Forgoston Eric , Wieczerak Taylor
Published: April 2019

Pests and disease have become an increasingly common issue as globalized trade brings non-native species into unfamiliar systems. Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), is an Asiatic species of boring beetle currently devastating the native population of ash (Fraxinus) trees in the northern forests of the United States, with 85 million trees having already succumbed across much of the Midwest. We have developed a reaction-diffusion partial differential equation model to predict the spread of emerald ash borer over a heterogeneous 2-D landscape, with the initial ash tree distribution given by data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis. As expected, the model predictions show that emerald ash borer consumes ash which causes the local ash population to decline, while emerald ash borer spreads outward to other areas. Once the local ash population begins to decline emerald ash borer also declines due to the loss of available habitat. Our model’s strength lies with its focus on the county scale and its linkage between emerald ash borer population growth and ash density. This enables one to make accurate predictions regarding emerald ash borer spread which allows one to consider various methods of control as well as to accurately study the economic effects of emerald ash borer spread.
From passion to bereavement
Authors: Immonen Visa , Räsänen Elina
Published: April 2019

The Finnish diplomat Harri Holma and his wife Alli, along with their son, art historian Klaus, created a private collection of 554 items. They acquired antique pieces and works of art in Berlin, Paris and Rome from the 1920s to the 1950s. The collection consists of Western and Southern European paintings, sculpture, furniture, textiles and tableware, dating from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century. Initially the objects were acquired by the Holmas to decorate diplomatic residences, but eventually they came to form a deliberately assembled collection. Following Klaus’s death, Harri and Alli Holma donated the collection to the Lahti City Museum in the 1950s and the 1960s. Here the creation of the collection is first traced then followed on its journey to Finland, with a focus on the developing relationship between objects, family history and museum institution. The shifts in the collection’s narrative from hobby to an expression of grief, and finally to a formal museum assemblage and a subject of academic research generate epistemological tensions.
Giving Time: Examining Sector Differences in Volunteering Intensity
Authors: Holt Stephen B
Published: April 2019

Sector differences in prosocial motivations and behaviors among workers receives a great deal of attention in public administration scholarship. Extant literature consistently finds public sector workers are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering, than their peers in the private sector. Less attention has been paid to the sector gap in volunteerism along the intensive margin. Using time-diary data, which accounts for potential social desirability bias, from a nationally representative sample, this study investigates the gap between public sector workers and their private sector counterparts. The results suggest that public sector workers spend more time, on an average day, volunteering than observably similar private sector peers, and the difference cannot be explained by other observable differences between public and private sector workers. The gap in volunteer intensity is largest at the local level and among teachers. The implications of these results for research and practice are discussed.
Acute abdomen due to an infected urachal cyst in a 5-year-old female: case report
Authors: Kudra Danial Aghyad , Sankari Tarabishi Ahmad , Aldakhil Ahmad , Alzahran Ayham , Najjar Omar , Ayoub Kusay
Published: April 2019

The urachus is an embryonic tube that connects the upper portion of the bladder to the umbilicus, and obliterates normally during embryonic development stages forming the median umbilical ligament. Incomplete obliteration of this tube results in many anomalies such as congenital patent urachus, umbilical urachal sinus, vesicourachal diverticulum and urachal cyst. We report in this case a 5-year-old female presented to the Emergency, complaining of generalized abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and constipation with no umbilical discharge. The clinical presentation accompanied by radiology investigations suggested a case of acute abdomen. We performed an exploratory laparotomy and found a mass above the bladder connected to the umbilicus; we excised the mass and sent a specimen to pathology that confirmed Urachal cyst. Urachal cyst is usually asymptomatic unless it is complicated; depending on our case, we recommend surgical management by complete excision for complicated urachal cyst.
Bayesian Inference of Finite Population Quantiles for Skewed Survey Data Using Skew-Normal Penalized Spline Regression
Authors: Liu Yutao , Chen Qixuan
Published: April 2019

Skewed data are common in sample surveys. In probability proportional to size sampling, we propose two Bayesian model-based predictive methods for estimating finite population quantiles with skewed sample survey data. We assume the survey outcome to follow a skew-normal distribution given the probability of selection and model the location and scale parameters of the skew-normal distribution as functions of the probability of selection. To allow a flexible association between the survey outcome and the probability of selection, the first method models the location parameter with a penalized spline and the scale parameter with a polynomial function, while the second method models both the location and scale parameters with penalized splines. Using a fully Bayesian approach, we obtain the posterior predictive distributions of the nonsampled units in the population and thus the posterior distributions of the finite population quantiles. We show through simulations that our proposed methods are more efficient and yield shorter credible intervals with better coverage rates than the conventional weighted method in estimating finite population quantiles. We demonstrate the application of our proposed methods using data from the 2013 National Drug Abuse Treatment System Survey.
A simple non-equilibrium feedback model for galaxy-scale star formation: delayed feedback and SFR scatter
Authors: Orr Matthew E , Hayward Christopher C , Hopkins Philip F
Published: April 2019

We explore a class of simple non-equilibrium star formation models within the framework of a feedback-regulated model of the ISM, applicable to kiloparsec-scale resolved star formation relations (e.g. Kennicutt–Schmidt). Combining a Toomre-Q-dependent local star formation efficiency per free-fall time with a model for delayed feedback, we are able to match the normalization and scatter of resolved star formation scaling relations. In particular, this simple model suggests that large (∼dex) variations in star formation rates (SFRs) on kiloparsec scales may be due to the fact that supernova feedback is not instantaneous following star formation. The scatter in SFRs at constant gas surface density in a galaxy then depends on the properties of feedback and when we observe its star-forming regions at various points throughout their collapse/star formation ‘cycles’. This has the following important observational consequences: (1) the scatter and normalization of the Kennicutt–Schmidt relation are relatively insensitive to the local (small-scale) star formation efficiency; (2) but gas depletion times and velocity dispersions are; (3) the scatter in and normalization of the Kennicutt–Schmidt relation is a sensitive probe of the feedback time-scale and strength; (4) even in a model where $\tilde{Q}_{\rm gas}$ deterministically dictates star formation locally, time evolution, variation in local conditions (e.g. gas fractions and dynamical times), and variations between galaxies can destroy much of the observable correlation between SFR and $\tilde{Q}_{\rm gas}$ in resolved galaxy surveys. Additionally, this model exhibits large scatter in SFRs at low gas surface densities, in agreement with observations of flat outer H i disc velocity dispersion profiles.
A merger shock in Abell 1367
Authors: Ge Chong , Sun Ming , Liu Ruo-Yu , Rudnick Lawrence , Sarazin Craig , Forman William , Jones Christine , Chen Hao , Liu Wenhao , Yagi Masafumi , Boselli Alessandro , Fossati Matteo , Gavazzi Giuseppe
Published: April 2019

Multiwavelength observations show that Abell 1367 (A1367) is a dynamically young cluster, with at least two subclusters merging along the SE–NW direction. With the wide-field XMM–Newton mosaic of A1367, we discover a previously unknown merger shock at the NW edge of the cluster. We estimate the shock Mach number from the density and temperature jumps as Mρ = 1.21 ± 0.08 and MT = 1.60 ± 0.07, respectively. This shock region also corresponds to a radio relic discovered with the VLA and GBT, which could be produced by the shock re-acceleration of pre-existing seed relativistic electrons. We suggest that some of the seed relativistic electrons originate from late-type, star-forming galaxies in this region.
Cumulative shift of periastron time of binary pulsar with Kozai–Lidov oscillation
Authors: Suzuki Haruka , Gupta Priti , Okawa Hirotada , Maeda Kei-ichi
Published: April 2019

We study a hierarchical triple system with the Kozai–Lidov mechanism, and analyse the cumulative shift of periastron time of a binary pulsar by the emission of gravitational waves. Time evolution of the osculating orbital elements of the triple system is calculated by directly integrating the first-order post-Newtonian equations of motion. The Kozai–Lidov mechanism will bend the evolution curve of the cumulative shift when the eccentricity becomes large. We also investigate the parameter range of mass and semimajor axis of the third companion with which the bending of the cumulative-shift curve could occur within 100 yr.
Can we predict the impact conditions of metre-sized meteoroids?
Authors: Zuluaga Jorge I , Cuartas-Restrepo Pablo A , Ospina Jonathan , Sucerquia Mario
Published: April 2019

Every year, a few metre-sized meteoroids impact the atmosphere of the Earth. Most (if not all) of them are undetectable before the impact. Therefore, predicting where and how they will fall seems to be an impossible task. In this letter, we show compelling evidence that we can constrain in advance, the dynamical and geometrical conditions of an impact. For this purpose, we analyse the well-documented case of the Chelyabinsk (Russia) impact and the more recent and smaller Viñales (Cuba) event, whose conditions we estimate and provide here. After using the Gravitational Ray Tracing (GRT) algorithm to ‘predict’ the impact conditions of the aforementioned events, we find that the speed, incoming direction, and (marginally) the orbital elements of the corresponding meteoroids could be constrained in advance, starting only on one hand, with the geographical location and time of the impact, and on the other hand, with the distribution in configuration space of near-Earth objects (NEOs). Any improvement in our capability to predict or at least to constrain impact properties of medium-sized and large meteoroids will help us to be better prepared for its potentially damaging effects.
Histone H1.5 binds over splice sites in chromatin and regulates alternative splicing
Authors: Glaich Ohad , Leader Yodfat , Lev Maor Galit , Ast Gil
Published: April 2019

Chromatin organization and epigenetic markers influence splicing, though the magnitudes of these effects and the mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that linker histone H1.5 influences mRNA splicing. We observed that linker histone H1.5 binds DNA over splice sites of short exons in human lung fibroblasts (IMR90 cells). We found that association of H1.5 with these splice sites correlated with the level of inclusion of alternatively spliced exons. Exons marked by H1.5 had more RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) stalling near the 3′ splice site than did exons not associated with H1.5. In cells depleted of H1.5, we showed that the inclusion of five exons evaluated decreased and that RNAP II levels over these exons were also reduced. Our findings indicate that H1.5 is involved in regulation of splice site selection and alternative splicing, a function not previously demonstrated for linker histones.
AppA: a web server for analysis, comparison, and visualization of contact residues and interfacial waters of antibody–antigen structures and models
Authors: Nguyen Minh N , Verma Chandra S , Zhong Pingyu
Published: April 2019

The study of contact residues and interfacial waters of antibody–antigen (Ab-Ag) structures could help in understanding the principles of antibody–antigen interactions as well as provide guidance for designing antibodies with improved affinities. Given the rapid pace with which new antibody–antigen structures are deposited in the protein databank (PDB), it is crucial to have computational tools to analyze contact residues and interfacial waters, and investigate them at different levels. In this study, we have developed AppA, a web server that can be used to analyze and compare 3D structures of contact residues and interfacial waters of antibody–antigen complexes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first web server for antibody–antigen structures equipped with the capability for dissecting the contributions of interfacial water molecules, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals interactions and ionic interactions at the antibody–antigen interface, and for comparing the structures and conformations of contact residues. Various examples showcase the utility of AppA for such analyses and comparisons that could help in the understanding of antibody–antigen interactions and suggest mutations of contact residues to improve affinities of antibodies. The AppA web server is freely accessible at http://mspc.bii.a-star.edu.sg/minhn/appa.html.
The Impact of “Churn” on Plasma HIV Burden Within a Population Under Care
Authors: Krentz Hartmut B , Vu Quang , Gill M John
Published: April 2019

Background

Cross-sectional reporting of viral suppression rates within a population underestimates the community viral load (VL) burden. Longitudinal approaches, while addressing cumulative effects, may still underestimate viral burden if “churn” (movement in and out of care) is not incorporated. We examined the impact of churn on the cumulative community HIV viral burden.

Methods

All HIV+ patients followed in 2016–2017 at the Southern Alberta Clinic (Calgary, Canada) were categorized as follows: (1) in continuous care, (2) newly diagnosed, (3) diagnosed elsewhere transferring care, (4) returning to care, (5) lost-to-follow-up, (6) moved care elsewhere, or (7) died. Patient days were classified by VL as suppressed (≤200copies/ml), unsuppressed (>200 copies/ml), and transmittable (>1500 copies/ml).

Results

Of 1934 patients, 78.4% had suppressed VL; 21.4% had ≥1 unsuppressed VL, and 18.7% ≥1 transmittable VL. Of 1 276 507 total patient days in care, 92.1% were spent suppressed, 7.9% unsuppressed (101 459 days), and 6.4% (81 847 days) transmittable. 88.7% of category 1 patients had suppressed VL, 11.3% ≥1 unsuppressed VL, and 8.9% ever a transmittable VL. Of category 2 patients, 90% became suppressed on treatment (mean – 62 days). 38.5% of category 3 patients presented with a transmittable VL. Category 4 and 5 patients combined had high rates of unsuppressed (54.5%) and transmittable (51.2%) VL and, while representing only 6.2% of all patients, they accounted for 37.1% of unsuppressed and 41.5% of all transmittable days.

Conclusion

Focus on VL of patients continuously in care misses those with unsuppressed and transmittable VL in a community. Patients moving in and out of care pose an underappreciated risk for HIV transmissions.