bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and associated factors in a rural tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda: A prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Thembo Nobert , Masifa George , Kamugisha Gerald , Nabitaka Robinah , Akais Benjamin , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Kiyonga Edward , Muhindo Rita , Ampaire Lucas
Published: November 2019

Background:
Asymptomatic carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can predispose the host to a wide array of infections that can be difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. To inform public health strategies, the study sought to describe MRSA nasal carriage frequencies and the associated factors concerning nasal carriage among patients attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH).
Methods:
Nasal swabs were obtained from consented (aged >15years) participants presenting to the hospital for medical care between January and April 2018[L1] . Direct Culture of swabs was performed on blood agar and then incubated at 37℃ for 24 hours. Identification of S. aureus was done using conventional biochemical tests. Phenotypic screening and confirmation of MRSA was done using cefoxitin disc (30µg) test and MICs on the Phoenix M50 instrument respectively. Patient demographic characteristics and the MRSA nasal carriage risk factors were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.
Results:
Overall, majority of the participants were in-patients (138, 63.3%) with the proportions of both females and males among the participants being 154/218 (70.6%) and 64/218 (29.3%) respectively. Mean age for both female and male participants was 40.16 (SD± 17.04) years respectively. S. aureus nasal carriage rate among the participants was 22.9% (50/218), with 57.9% (29/50) of the harboured strains phenotypically expressing methicillin resistance (mecA mediated). Phenotypic co-expression with inducible clindamycin resistance and vancomycin resistance was displayed in 45.5% (23/50) and 2% (1/50) of the studied isolates respectively. Colonisation with MRSA did not show any significant relationship with all the studied factors.
Conclusion:
There was a moderate S. aureus nasal carriage among the participants in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital with a highly noted phenotypic expression of methicillin resistance among the isolated S. aureus strains. The studied factors were not significantly associated with the rate of MRSA nasal carriage. For surveillance purposes to combat future outbreaks, there is a need to do a larger study to better draw generalizable conclusions of carriage in the population.

[L1]This is an important statement. I suggest that we reinstatate it if we are still in recommended word count
Pediatric Brain tumors in Southeast Nigeria; A prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Uche Enoch , Uche Nkechi Judith , Ajuzieogu Obinna V , Amuta Dubem , Onyia ephraim , Eke Chris , Okafor John , Emejulu John-Kennedy , Mezue Wilfred , Ryttlefors Matt , Tisell Magnus
Published: November 2019

Background: Pediatric brain tumors (PBT’s) from previous studies are associated with poor outcomes in our sub region. Methods. An 8 -year single center prospective study. All cases investigated with neuroimaging and treated were enrolled. Data was analyzed with SPSS (Inc.) Chicago IL, USA version 23. Chi Square test, One-way Anova and confidence limits were used to evaluate associations at the 95% level of significance. Ethical approval was obtained for our study. Results: 103 patients were enrolled, 92 satisfied the study criteria. There were 45 males and 39 females, M: F=0.8. The mean age was 9.5±2.1 years 95%CI with a range of 7 months to 16 years. The most common symptom was headache for supratentorial lesions (73%) and gait disturbance (80.2%) for infratentorial lesions. More tumors were supratentorial in location (51 (55.4%), while 35(38.1%) were infratentorial. Craniopharyngiomas (n=22), medulloblastomas (n=17) and astrocytomas (n=12) were the most common tumors. Hemoglobin genotype (AA and AS) had some influence on tumor phenotype FT, P=0.033. 76 cases were microsurgically resected while 16 patients were treated with radiotherapy alone. The 30-day mortality for operated cases is 7.2±0.7%. Overall 1-year and 5-year survival was 66.7% and 52.3 % respectively. Survival School performance varied among treatment subgroups Conclusion: Survival profile in this series suggests some improvement in comparison to previous studies from our region. Keywords: Pediatric brain tumors, microneurosurgery, radiotherapy, survival
Acceptability and practicability of self-management for patients with Parkinson's disease based on smartphone applications in China
Authors: Hu Jie , Yuan Dezhi , Zhao Qiuye , Wang Xuefei , Zhang Xiaotian , Jiang Qihui , Luo Huirong , Li Jing , Ran Jianhua , Li Jinfang
Published: November 2019

Background China has had about 1.2 billion mobile-phone users, and usage continues to grow. However, mobile-health services (mHealth) are currently in the initial stage, and have not yet prevailed in China. Additionally, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in China is 190/100,000. Indeed, these PD patients would benefit from mHealth to manage their disease. Therefore, we designed a study to determine attitudes toward smartphone applications (apps) for chronic condition self-management, and to discover the practicality of these apps among PD patients in China.Methods We selected 204 participants with PD between 52 and 87 years old and surveyed their attitudes concerning the use of smartphone apps for chronic condition management via questionnaires.Results Among the participants, 65.19％ had smartphones. Among these smartphone users, 82.84％ expressed a preference for using apps for PD management. This group tended to be younger and more frequent web users with higher education and better medication compliance, and they tended to have a longer PD course and worse conditions (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.041, P < 0.001, P = 0.013.) Additionally, the willingness to apply apps for PD self-management was positively related to education (P < 0.001) and negatively related to age and PD course (P = 0.017, P < 0.001).Conclusion In China, patients with PD have a generally positive attitude towards self-management through smartphone apps. Consequently, improving the coverage of smartphones with practical and handy apps is a promising strategy for PD self-management.
Mating precedes selective immune priming which is maintained throughout bumblebee queen diapause
Authors: Colgan Thomas J , Finlay Sive , Brown Mark JF , Carolan James C
Published: November 2019

Background: Understanding the mechanisms by which organisms adapt to unfavourable conditions is a fundamental question in ecology and evolutionary biology. One such mechanism is diapause, a period of dormancy typically found in nematodes, fish, crustaceans and insects. This state is a key life-history event characterised by arrested development, suppressed metabolism and increased stress tolerance and allows an organism to avoid prolonged periods of harsh and inhospitable environmental conditions. For some species, diapause is preceded by mating which can have a profound effect on female behaviour, physiology and key biological processes, including immunity. However, our understanding of how mating impacts long-term immunity and whether these effects persist throughout diapause is currently limited. To address this, we explored molecular changes in the haemolymph of the ecologically important pollinator, the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris . B. terrestris queens mate prior to entering diapause, a non-feeding period of arrested development that can last 6-9 months. Using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, we quantified changes in the pre-diapause queen haemolymph after mating, as well as the subsequent protein expression of mated queens during and post-diapause.
Results: Our analysis identified distinct proteome profiles associated with diapause preparation, maintenance and termination. More specifically, mating pre-diapause was followed by an increase in the abundance of antimicrobial peptides, key effectors of the immune system. Furthermore, we identified the elevated abundance of these proteins to be maintained throughout diapause. This finding was in contrast to a general reduction in immune proteins during diapause suggestive of selective immune priming and expression during diapause. Diapause also affected the expression of proteins involved in cuticular maintenance, olfaction, as well as proteins of unknown function, which may have roles in diapause regulation.
Conclusions: Our results provide clear molecular evidence for the consequences and benefits of mating at the immune level as it precedes the selective increased abundance of antimicrobial peptides that are sustained throughout diapause. In addition, our results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which bumblebees prepare for, survive, and recover from diapause, insights that may have implications for our general understanding of these processes in other insect groups.
The characteristics of spatial-temporal distribution and cluster of tuberculosis in Yunnan Province, China, 2005-2018.
Authors: Chen Jinou , Qiu Yubing , Yang Rui , Li Ling , Hou Jinglong , Lu Kunyun , Xu Lin
Published: November 2019

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) makes a big challenge to public health, especially in high TB burden counties of China and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The aim of this study was to identify the spatial-temporal dynamic process and high-risk region of notified pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), sputum smear-positive tuberculosis (SSP-TB) and sputum smear-negative tuberculosis (SSN-TB) cases in Yunnan, the south-western of China between years of 2005 to 2018. meanwhile, to evaluate the similarity of prevalence pattern for TB among GMS. Methods: Data for notified PTB were extracted from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP) correspond to population information in 129 counties of Yunnan between 2005 to 2018. Seasonally adjusted time series defined the trend cycle and seasonality of PTB prevalence. Kulldorff’s space-time scan statistics was applied to identify temporal, spatial and spatial-temporal PTB prevalence clusters at county-level of Yunnan. Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical clustering were applied to define the similarity of TB prevalence among borders with GMS. Result: There were a total of 381 855 notified PTB cases in Yunnan, and the average prevalence was 59.1 per 100 000 population between 2005 to 2018. A declined long-term trend with seasonality of a peak in spring and a trough in winter for PTB was observed. Spatial-temporal scan statistics detected the significant clusters of PTB prevalence, the most likely cluster concentrated in the northeastern angle of Yunnan between 2011 to 2015 (RR=2.6, P<0.01), though the most recent cluster for PTB and spatial cluster for SSP-TB was in borders with GMS. There were six potential TB prevalence patterns among GMS. Conclusion: This study detected aggregated time interval and regions for PTB, SSP-TB, and SSN-TB at county-level of Yunnan province. Similarity prevalence pattern was found in borders and GMS. The localized prevention strategy should focus on cross-boundary transmission and SSN-TB control. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Spatial-temporal cluster, Scan statistics, Yunnan, Greater Mekong Subregion
Associations Between Early Childhood Caries and Malnutrition and Anemia: A Global Perspective
Authors: Folayan Morenike , Tantawi Maha El , Schroth Robert J , Vukovic Ana , Kemoli Authur , Gaffar Balgis O , Obiyan Mary
Published: November 2019

Background: To determine the relationship between country-level prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC), malnutrition and anemia in infants and preschool children.

Methods: Matched country level ECC, malnutrition and anemia prevalence information were generated from databases covering the period from 2000 to 2017. Multivariate general linear models were developed to assess the relationship between outcome variables (prevalence of stunting, wasting, overweight, and anemia) and the explanatory variable (ECC prevalence) adjusted for Gross National Income per capita. Adjusted regression coefficients (B) and partial eta squared were computed.

Results: The mean (standard deviation (SD)) ECC prevalence for 0-2 year-olds was 23.8 (14.8)% and 57.3 (22.4)% for 3-5 year-olds. The mean (SD) prevalence of wasting was 6.3 (4.8)%, overweight was 7.2 (4.9)%, stunting was 24.3 (13.5)%, and anemia was 37.8 (18.1)%. For 0-2-year-olds, the strongest and only significant association observed was between the prevalence of ECC and overweight (η2= 0.21): one percent higher ECC prevalence was associated with 0.12% higher prevalence of overweight (B= 0.12, P= 0.03). In 3-5-year-olds, the strongest and only significant association was observed between the prevalence of ECC and anemia (η2= 0.08): one percent higher prevalence of ECC was associated with 0.14% lower prevalence of anemia (B= -0.14, P= 0.048).

Conclusion: Age-related disparities in the relationship between country-level prevalence of ECC, malnutrition and anemia were observed. The relationship between ECC and overweight may be due to intake of sugars. The relationship between ECC and anemia needs further investigations.
Impact of Non-synchronous Diagnostic Ureteroscopy on Intravesical Recurrence in Patients Underwent Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Ye Huamao , Feng Xiang , Wang Yang , Chen Rui , Hua Meimian , Lu Xiaojun , Jiang Xiaoqin , Fang Yu , Wu Zhenjie , Yang Qing , Yang Bo , Lü Chen , Wang Linhui
Published: November 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Characterization of the Gh4CL gene family reveals a role of Gh4CL7 in drought tolerance
Authors: Sun Shichao , Xiong Xianpeng , Zhang Xiaoli , Feng Hongjie , Zhu Qianhao , Sun Jie , Li Yanjun
Published: November 2019

Background The function of 4-coumarate-CoA ligases (4CL) under abiotic stresses have been studied in plants, however, limite is known about the upland cotton 4CL genes and their roles in response to drought stress.Results In this study, we performed genome-wide identification of the 4CL genes in G. hirsutum and investigated the expression profiles of the identified genes in various cotton tissues and in response to stress conditions with an aim to identify 4CL gene(s) associated with drought tolerance. We identified 34 putative 4CL genes in G. hirsutum that were clustered into three classes. Genes of the same class usually share a similar gene structure and motif composition. Many cis -elements related to stress and phytohormone responses were found in the promoters of the Gh4CL genes. Of the 34 Gh4CL genes, 26 were induced by at least one abiotic stress and 10 were up-regulated under the PEG simulated drought stress conditions, including Gh4CL7 . Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cotton and overexpression (OE) in Arabidopsis thaliana were applied to investigate the biological function of Gh4CL7 in drought tolerance. The Gh4CL7 -silencing cotton plants showed more sensitive to drought stress, probably due to decreased relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content and antioxidative enzyme activity, increased stomatal aperture, and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Arabidopsis lines overexpressing Gh4CL7 , however, were more tolerant to drought treatment, which was associated with improved antioxidative enzyme activity, reduced accumulation of MDA and H 2 O 2 and up-regulated stress-related genes under the drought stress conditions. In addition, compared to their respective controls, the Gh4CL7 -silencing cotton plants and the Gh4CL7- overexpressing Arabidopsis lines had a lower and higher lignin content, respectively. Taken together, these results demonstrated that Gh4CL7 could positively respond to drought stress and therefore might be a candidate gene for improvement of drought tolerance in cotton.Conclusion We comprehensively identified 4CL family genes in upland cotton and provide valuable information on the evolutionary relationship. Gh4CL7 gene is involved in lignin biosynthesis and play a positively role in reponsing drought stress.
Gut microbiota-based algorithms in the prediction of metachronous adenoma in colorectal cancer patients following surgery
Authors: Liu Yang , Geng Rui , Liu Lujia , Jin Xiangren , Yan Wei , Zhao Lei , Zhao Fuya , Wang Shuang , Guo Xiao , Wei Yunwei
Published: November 2019

Background/Aims:The occurrence of metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients after surgery has been well documented. Despite high risk, there is a lack of reliable factors or models to be used for predicting the development of metachronous CRC. The objectives of this study were to examine mucosal and fecal microbiota, and to assess their values in the prediction of metachronous colorectal adenoma among CRC patients who underwent surgical removal of their primary CRC. Methods: A cohort of CRC patients was prospectively enrolled, and their mucosal and fecal samples were used for analysis of gut microbiota by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes. The relatively predominant gut microbial populations, in combination with clinical risk factors, were utilized to generate Random-Forest (RF) algorithms for the predication of metachronous adenoma. Results: Patients with metachronous adenoma in the MA group exhibited significantly lower mucosal microbial alpha-diversity compared to those individuals in the nMA group. Linear discriminant analysis of effect size (LEfSe) identified 10 predominant bacterial genera, some of which were identified as independent risk factors for metachronous adenoma. The microbiota-based RF model was established utilizing specific members of predominant gut microbiota and independent clinical risk factors (high body mass index (BMI) and the status of synchronous adenoma) in combination. The RF model had an AUC of 0.885 for predicting metachronous adenoma. The RF model performed well on fecal and off-tumor samples with the AUC of 0.835 and 0.889, respectively. Further, we generated a RF model by including specific bacteria taxa for differential prediction of metachronous adenoma from liver metastasis, which showed good performance with AUC of 0.86. Finally, we introduced a risk score for potential clinical application using the four independent predictive factors, and the scoring system had an AUC of 0.94. The presence of two or more risk factors for metachronous adenoma had a sensitivity and specificity of 90.9% and 89.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The findings have demonstrated that the microbiota-based models and scoring system have good ability to predict the risk for developing metachronous adenoma after surgical resection. The newly established algorithms may hold potential to guide individual postoperative surveillance plan for CRC patients.
Burden of Fatigue among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in EthiopiaBurden of Fatigue among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreyesus Tsiwaye , Belay Addisalem , Berhe Gebretsadik , Haile Gebremedhin
Published: November 2019

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence and determined factors associated with fatigue among adults living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy at health facilities of Mekelle city, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 609 HIV/AIDS patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected by using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Level of fatigue was measured by fatigue severity scale. Results: The prevalence of fatigue was found to be 51.7%. The contributing factors that had statistically significant association with fatigue were: having children [AOR= 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09-3.71], CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3 [AOR= 2.81; 95% CI: 1.58-4.99], having anemia [AOR= 4.90 95% CI: 2.40-9.97], having co-morbid health conditions [AOR= 3.65; 95% CI: 1.71-7.78], showing depression [AOR= 3.68 95% CI: 1.99-6.79], not being physically active [AOR= 3.20 95% CI: 1.50-6.81], clinical stage II and IV [AOR= 3.11; 95% CI: 1.51-6.40] and [AOR= 4.08; 95% CI: 1.37-12.14] respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of fatigue was medium compared to the global prevalence. Having children, having CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3, being in clinical stage II/IV, being anemic, having co-morbid health conditions, showing depression, and not being physically active were positively associated with fatigue. Health care stakeholders need to give special attention for HIV patients with the identified associated factors. Keywords: Fatigue, HIV/AIDS, Associated factors, Prevalence, Ethiopia
LncRNA MALAT1 exhibits positive effects on nucleus pulposus cells biology in vivo and in vitro by sponging miR-503 media the P38MAPKs/AP-1 pathway
Authors: Zheng Hongyu , Wang Tingting , Li Xiangmin , He Wei , Gong Zhiqiang , Lou Zhenkai , Wang Bing , Li Xingguo
Published: November 2019

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by the loss of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and phenotypic abnormalities. Accumulated evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of IDD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the functional effects of lncMALAT1 on NPCs in IDD and the possible mechanism. Results: We validated the decreased expression of MALAT1 in the IDD tissues, associating with increased collagen II and aggrecan expression. In vitro, overexpressed MALAT1 could attenuate the effect of IL-1β on NPCs proliferation, apoptosis, and aggrecan degradation. In vivo, MALAT1 overexpression attenuated the severity of disc degeneration in IDD model rats. Our molecular study further demonstrated that MALAT1 could sponge miR-503, modulate the expression of miR-503, and the activation of downstream MAPK signaling pathways. The effects of MALAT1 on NPCs were partially reversed/ aggregated by miR-503 mimics/inhibitor treatment. Conclusion: Our data suggested that MALAT1-miR-503-MAPK pathway plays a critical role in NPCs, which may be a potential strategy for improving IDD.
AKR1B10 accelerates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via NF-κB signaling pathway in colon cancer
Authors: Liu Cong , Shi Lei , Li Wanyun , Huang Zilan , Wang Shengyu , Xu Peilan , Li Tingting , Li Zhenyu , Luo Fanghong , Yan Jianghua , Wu Ting
Published: November 2019

Aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10 (AKR1B10) has been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis of various cancer. In our studies, we evaluated the relationship between AKR1B10 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in colon cancer and showed that AKR1B10 expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage and clinical stage of colon cancer. It has been reported that colorectal cancer is closely associated with chronic inflammation and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Here we found that knockdown of AKR1B10 significantly decreased the expression of the inflammatory cytokines, IL1α and IL6, induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, AKR1B10 depends on its reductase activity to affect the NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently affect the production of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, knockdown of AKR1B10 effectively reduced cell proliferation and clonogenic growth, indicating the biologic role of AKR1B10 in colon cancer. Collectively, our findings provided important insights into a previously unrecognized role of AKR1B10 in colon cancer.
A qualitative transcriptional signature for predicting CpG island methylator phenotype status of the right-sided colon cancer
Authors: You Tianyi , Zhao wenyuan , Guo Zheng , Song Kai , Guo Wenbing , Fu Yelin , Wang Kai , Zheng Hailong , Yang Jing , Jin Liangliang , Qi Lishuang
Published: November 2019

Background: A part of colorectal cancer which is characterized by simultaneous numerous hypermethylation CpG islands sites is defined as CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) status. Stage II and III CIMP-positive (CIMP+) right-sided colon cancer (RCC) patients have a better prognosis than CIMP-negative (CIMP-) RCC treated with surgery alone. However, there is no gold standard available in defining CIMP status. In this work, we developed a transcriptional qualitative signature to individually predict CIMP status for stage II and III RCC. Results: Based on the relative expression orderings (REOs) of gene pairs, a signature composed of 19 gene pairs was developed to predict the CIMP status of RCC through a feature selection process. A sample is predicted as CIMP+ when the gene expression orderings of at least 12 gene pairs vote for CIMP+; otherwise the CIMP-. The difference of prognosis between the predicted CIMP+ and CIMP- groups was more significantly different than the original CIMP status groups. There were more differential methylation and expression characteristics between the two predicted groups. The hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the signature could perform better for predicting CIMP status of RCC than current methods. Conclusions: The qualitative transcriptional signature for classifying CIMP status at the individualized level can predict outcome and guide therapy for RCC patients.
Ridge‐Furrow Planting System and Wheat Straw Mulching Effects on Dryland Sunflower Yield, Soil Temperature, and Moisture
Authors: Gholamhoseini Majid , Dolatabadian Aria , Habibzadeh Farhad
Published: November 2019

The current study uses 2‐yr trial data set to investigate the impacts of ridge‐furrow planting system and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw mulching on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield and some soil parameters. Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 in two different locations (Tehran and Mashhad Provinces, Iran). The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design comprised of four treatments, including control that is, neither ridge‐furrow planting system nor wheat straw mulching (RF0M0); ridge‐furrow planting system without wheat straw mulching (RF1M0); ridge‐furrow planting system with wheat straw mulching only covering 50% of the soil surface (RF1M50); and ridge‐furrow planting system with full covering (100%) of the soil surface with wheat straw mulch (RF1M100). The RF1M0 treatment could not increase sunflower yield, but the application of 50 and 100% wheat straw mulch significantly increased seed yield by10 and 18%, respectively. For both years and sites, on average the maximum seed yield was found with the RF1M100 treatment (1629 kg ha−1), while the minimum value (1318 kg ha−1) was related to RF0M0 treatment. Wheat straw mulching reduced soil temperature and increased soil water storage, organic C and microbial biomass C. We concluded that the ridge‐furrow planting system with full coverage of the soil surface with wheat straw mulch could be critical in the cultivation of sunflower under arid and semiarid areas, where water is the most important factor in determining plant growth and yield.

Core Ideas

Ridge‐furrow system promoted sunflower seed yield, applying straw mulch further increased yield.

Improved sunflower yield was explained by optimized water supply and thermal balance.

Wheat straw mulch could reduce risk of heat stress.

Application of wheat straw mulching improved soil biological properties.

The RF1M100 effectively increased soil water storage and biomass accumulation.
Elasticity of single-crystal Fe-enriched diopside at high-pressure conditions: Implications for the origin of upper mantle low-velocity zones
Authors: Fan Dawei , Fu Suyu , Lu Chang , Xu Jingui , Zhang Yanyao , Tkachev Sergey N. , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Lin Jung-Fu
Published: November 2019

Diopside is one of the most important end-members of clinopyroxene, which is an abundant mineral in upper-mantle petrologic models. The amount of clinopyroxene in upper-mantle pyrolite can be ∼15 vol%, while pyroxenite can contain as high as ∼60 vol% clinopyroxene. Knowing the elastic properties of the upper-mantle diopside at high pressure-temperature conditions is essential for constraining the chemical composition and interpreting seismic observations of region. Here we have measured the single-crystal elasticity of Fe-enriched diopside (Di80Hd20, Di-diopside, and Hd-hedenbergite; also called Fe-enriched clinopyroxene) at high-pressure conditions up to 18.5 GPa by using in situ Brillouin light-scattering spectroscopy (BLS) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction in a diamond-anvil cell. Our experimental results were used in evaluating the effects of pressure and Fe substitution on the full single-crystal elastic moduli across the Di-Hd solid-solution series to better understand the seismic velocity profiles of the upper mantle. Using the third- or fourth-order Eulerian finite-strain equations of state to model the elasticity data, the derived aggregate adiabatic bulk and shear moduli (KS0, G0) at ambient conditions were determined to be 117(2) and 70(1) GPa, respectively. The first- and second-pressure derivatives of bulk and shear moduli at 300 K were (∂KS/∂P)T = 5.0(2), (∂2KS/∂P2)T = –0.12(4) GPa−1 and (∂G/∂P)T = 1.72(9), (∂2G/∂P2)T = –0.05(2) GPa−1, respectively. A comparison of our results with previous studies on end-member diopside and hedenbergite in the literatures shows systematic linear correlations between the Fe composition and single-crystal elastic moduli. An addition of 20 mol% Fe in diopside increases KS0 by ∼1.7% (∼2 GPa) and reduces G0 by ∼4.1% (∼3 GPa), but has a negligible effect on the pressure derivatives of the bulk and shear moduli within experimental uncertainties. In addition, our modeling results show that substitution of 20 mol% Fe in diopside can reduce VP and VS by ∼1.8% and ∼3.5%, respectively, along both an expected normal mantle geotherm and a representative cold subducted slab geotherm. Furthermore, the modeling results show that the VP and VS profiles of Fe-enriched pyroxenite along the cold subducted slab geotherm are ∼3.2% and ∼2.5% lower than AK135 model at 400 km depth, respectively. Finally, we propose that the presence of Fe-enriched pyroxenite (including Fe-enriched clinopyroxene, Fe-enriched orthopyroxene, and Fe-enriched olivine), can be an effective mechanism to cause low-velocity anomalies in the upper mantle regions atop the 410 km discontinuity at cold subudcted slab conditions.
Experimental determination of the phase relations of Pt and Pd antimonides and bismuthinides in the Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide systems between 1100 and 700 °C
Authors: Helmy Hassan M. , Botcharnikov Roman
Published: November 2019

The stability relations of Pt and Pd antimonides and bismuthinides in the Sb- and Bi-bearing Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide systems have been experimentally determined at temperatures between 1100 and 700 °C in evacuated silica tubes. Both PtSb and PdSb are stable as immiscible liquids at temperatures above 1100 and 1000 °C, respectively. The Fe-Ni-Cu-sulfide melt that coexists with the immiscible antimonide melt can dissolve up to 3.8 wt% Sb at 1100 °C, whereas monosulfide solid solution (mss) dissolves very low amounts of Sb over the entire 1100–700 °C temperature range. The liquidus of Pt-antimonides and Pdantimonides are above 980 and 750 °C, respectively. Bismuth does not form immiscible melt at 1100 °C but may partially partition into a vapor phase at 1050 °C. The Pt- and Pd-bismuthinides crystallize directly from immiscible bismuthinide melt only after crystallization of the sulfide melt into intermediate solid solution (iss). Insizwaite (PtBi2) and froodite (PdBi2) are stable at 780 and 700 °C, respectively. At the last stage of evolution of Sb-bearing magmatic Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide melts, Sb will form immiscible antimonide melt that will extract Pt and Pd from the sulfide melt. During cooling, Pt and Pd-antimonides will crystallize directly from the immiscible antimonide melt, and Pt-phases will form at higher temperatures relative to Pd-phases. Bismuth will partition into vapor phase and concentrate into a low-temperature melt in hydrothermal and porphyry systems that scavenge precious metals. The Sb and Bi (like Te) will be highly incompatible at moderate degrees of mantle partial melting.
Statistics of correlation functions in the random Heisenberg chain
Authors: Colmenarez Luis A. , McClarty Paul A. , Haque Masud , Luitz David J.
Published: November 2019

Ergodic quantum many-body systems satisfy the eigenstate
thermalization hypothesis (ETH). However, strong disorder can destroy
ergodicity through many-body localization (MBL) – at least in one
dimensional systems – leading to a clear signal of the MBL transition in
the probability distributions of energy eigenstate expectation values of
local operators. For a paradigmatic model of MBL, namely the
random-field Heisenberg spin chain, we consider the full probability
distribution of eigenstate correlation functions across
the entire phase diagram. We find gaussian distributions at weak
disorder, as predicted by pure ETH. At intermediate disorder – in the
thermal phase – we find further evidence for anomalous
thermalization in the form of heavy tails of the distributions.
In the MBL phase, we observe peculiar features of the correlator
distributions: a strong asymmetry in S_i^z S_{i+r}^zSizSi+rz
correlators skewed towards negative values; and a multimodal
distribution for spin-flip correlators. A quantitative
quasi-degenerate perturbation theory calculation of these
correlators yields a surprising agreement of the full
distribution with the exact results, revealing, in particular,
the origin of the multiple peaks in the spin-flip correlator
distribution as arising from the resonant and off-resonant admixture of
spin configurations. The distribution of the
S_i^zS_{i+r}^zSizSi+rz
correlator exhibits striking differences between the MBL and Anderson
insulator cases.
Factors That Influence Employees’ Intention to Use Enterprise Social Media as Knowledge Sharing Media
Authors: Gunawan Jeanifer
Published: November 2019

Along with the widespread use of Enterprise Social Media (ESM) by various large companies in Indonesia, this research is conducted to discover what the factors that drive employees’ intention to use ESM as knowledge sharing media are, and what factor is the most dominant in driving employees’ intention. This research is quantitative research, which uses Innovation Diffusion Technology (IDT) and Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the research model. Data collection in this study is conducted by the survey method. The questionnaires are distributed to 374 respondents. Based on the data collected, data processing and hypothesis testing are carried out using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The result of this study indicates that relative advantage, compatibility, and perceived ease of use have a significant influence on perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment. Meanwhile, perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment have a significant influence on employees’ intention to use ESM. Furthermore, it is also found that the most dominant factor among those two variables is perceived enjoyment.
Effects of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Frailty and Ageing: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jayanama Kulapong , Theou Olga
Published: November 2019

Globally, the population over the age of 60 is growing fast, but people age in different ways. Frailty, shown by the accumulation of age-related deficits, is a state of increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes among people of the same chronological age. Ageing results in a decline in diversity and homeostasis of microbiomes, and gut flora changes are related to health deficit accumulation and adverse health outcomes. In older people, health deficits including inappropriate intake, sarcopenia, physical inactivity, polypharmacy, and social vulnerability are factors associated with gut dysbiosis. The use of probiotics and prebiotics is a cost-effective and widely available intervention. Intake of probiotics and prebiotics may improve the homeostasis of gut microflora and prevent frailty and unhealthy aging. However, health effects vary among probiotics and prebiotics and among individual populations. This narrative review summarizes recent evidence about the relationship between prebiotic and probiotic consumption with health outcomes in older people.
An Information Gain-based Method for Evaluating the Classification Power of Features Towards Identifying Enhancers
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Wang Rongjie , Jiang Qinghua , Wang Yadong
Published: November 2019

Background:

Enhancers are cis-regulatory elements that enhance gene expression on
DNA sequences. Since most of enhancers are located far from transcription start sites, it is difficult
to identify them. As other regulatory elements, the regions around enhancers contain a variety of
features, which can help in enhancer recognition.

Objective:

The classification power of features differs significantly, the performances of existing
methods that use one or a few features for identifying enhancer vary greatly. Therefore, evaluating
the classification power of each feature can improve the predictive performance of enhancers.

Methods:

We present an evaluation method based on Information Gain (IG) that captures the
entropy change of enhancer recognition according to features. To validate the performance of our
method, experiments using the Single Feature Prediction Accuracy (SFPA) were conducted on
each feature.

Results:

The average IG values of the sequence feature, transcriptional feature and epigenetic
feature are 0.068, 0.213, and 0.299, respectively. Through SFPA, the average AUC values of the
sequence feature, transcriptional feature and epigenetic feature are 0.534, 0.605, and 0.647,
respectively. The verification results are consistent with our evaluation results.

Conclusion:

This IG-based method can effectively evaluate the classification power of features for
identifying enhancers. Compared with sequence features, epigenetic features are more effective for
recognizing enhancers.
High Gain V-Antenna Array for 60 GHz WiGig Network
Authors: Panda Ribhu Abhusan , Mishra Debasis
Published: November 2019

Aims:

This paper provides an efficient but simple designed V-Shaped microstrip array
antenna on a RT duroid substrate of dimension 50 mm× 40 mm × 1.6 mm.

Objective:

By considering the ratio of the length of one leg of the V-element and wavelength of
the desired frequency, the angle between two legs of V-Patch has been determined.

Methods:

For a more efficient outcomes, an array design of 4-elements is made and its comparison with
single element is done. A simple line feed technique has been used, with feedline width of 3mm.

Results:

The proposed structure is simulated by using Ansys HFSS software and S-Parameter, antenna
gain, directivity, Standing wave ratio and surface current distribution have been determined.
Unlike conventional patches, the array contains a separation between two consecutive V-Elements
in the shape of a rectangular patch termed as Element Separation Band (ESB) and it plays an important
role in modifying the antenna gain and directivity.

Conclusion:

This antenna produces a return loss of -39.387 dB at 60.58 GHz frequency to cater
the present demand of 60 GHz Wi-Gig and WPAN.
Predicting Metabolic Syndrome With Machine Learning Models Using a Decision Tree Algorithm: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Cheng-Sheng , Lin Yu-Jiun , Lin Chang-Hsien , Wang Sen-Te , Lin Shiyng-Yu , Lin Sanders H , Wu Jenny L , Chang Shy-Shin
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders that significantly influence the development and deterioration of numerous diseases. FibroScan is an ultrasound device that was recently shown to predict metabolic syndrome with moderate accuracy. However, previous research regarding prediction of metabolic syndrome in subjects examined with FibroScan has been mainly based on conventional statistical models. Alternatively, machine learning, whereby a computer algorithm learns from prior experience, has better predictive performance over conventional statistical modeling.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of different decision tree machine learning algorithms to predict the state of metabolic syndrome in self-paid health examination subjects who were examined with FibroScan.

METHODS

Multivariate logistic regression was conducted for every known risk factor of metabolic syndrome. Principal components analysis was used to visualize the distribution of metabolic syndrome patients. We further applied various statistical machine learning techniques to visualize and investigate the pattern and relationship between metabolic syndrome and several risk variables.

RESULTS

Obesity, serum glutamic-oxalocetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, controlled attenuation parameter score, and glycated hemoglobin emerged as significant risk factors in multivariate logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for classification and regression trees and for the random forest were 0.831 and 0.904, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning technology facilitates the identification of metabolic syndrome in self-paid health examination subjects with high accuracy.
Text automation tool to improve pharmacist productivity and work capacity in a digital hospital: user feedback survey (Preprint)
Authors: Van Garderen Aaron , Snoswell Centaine L.
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Hospitals and health services are increasingly using digital systems to improve medication safety. Electronic medication management (EMM) systems support medication management by enabling doctors, nurses and pharmacists to digitally prescribe, order, check, reconcile, dispense and record medication administration detail. Yet, despite many gains, negative user experiences and increased documentation time have been recognised as the main barriers to successful adoption of an EMM in routine practice.

OBJECTIVE

To assess if a customised text automation tool improves clinical pharmacist productivity, capacity and user experience when using an Electronic Medication Management system (EMM).

METHODS

A four-week trial was completed. Participants were educated on how to use a customised automation tool within their daily practice. Following completion, the participants were asked to rate their experience with using the tool and how its use could impact their workflow using a Likert questionnaire.

RESULTS

Key findings Fifteen pharmacists completed the trial. The automation tool was considered to have a positive impact on productivity, capacity and user experience.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlighted that the autotext tool could help enhance pharmacist workflow and be an acceptable clinical application.

CLINICALTRIAL

Not applicable
The Institutional Dimension of Public Financial Governance and Public Sector External Debt in Guinea
Authors: KONATE Sidiki , SMOUNI Rachid
Published: November 2019

Through an institutional approach, this article seeks to address the problem of public finance governance and the external debt of the public sector in Guinea. As a result, based on the main theoretical and conceptual contributions relating to public finance governance and public sector external debt, we have devised a theoretical conceptual model that theoretically reflects the influence of public finance governance on public external debt. We tested this model using the linear correlation method, regression and modeling. The results showed a significant influence of the institutional dimension of the governance of public finances on public external debt in Guinea through the components: quality of macroeconomic management and debt policy.
Steak Thickness, Cook Surface Temperature and Quality Grade Affected Top Loin Steak Consumer and Descriptive Sensory Attributes
Authors: Miller Rhonda K. , Kerth Christopher R. , Berto Michael C. , Laird Hannah L. , Savell Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2019

Beef flavor attributes of USDA Top Choice and Select beef top loin steaks were evaluated that differed in thickness (1.3 or 3.8 cm) and grill surface temperature (177 or 232°C) when cooked on a commercial flat top grill. A trained descriptive attribute panel and consumer sensory panels were used to evaluate steak flavor and texture. As thickness and temperature increased, beef identity and brown/roasted flavor aromatics increased (P < 0.05). Steaks cooked at 232°C and cut 3.8-cm thick had the highest (P < 0.05) levels of burnt flavor and bitter basic tastes. Thicker steaks cooked at 177°C had more intense umami basic taste and beef identity (P < 0.05). Steaks cut 1.3 cm had lower levels of beef identity and brown/roasted flavor aromatics and the thin cut steaks cooked at 177°C had more sour basic taste (P < 0.05). Consumers rated 232°C, 3.8 cm steaks lowest (P < 0.05) for overall, beef flavor, overall flavor, and grilled flavor liking; whereas, the 177°C, 3.8 cm steaks were highest (P < 0.05) in beef flavor liking. Beef identity, brown/roasted, bloody/serumy, fat-like, umami, sweet, salty, overall sweet, overall tenderness, and muscle fiber tenderness were positive attributes, and metallic, bitter, and burnt were negative attributes in predicting consumer overall liking. Thick steaks cooked at low temperatures or thin steaks cooked at high temperatures resulted in more positive sensory panel traits and consumer liking scores.
Модернизированный сканирующий зондовый микроскоп "ФемтоСкан XI"
Authors: Яминский И.В. , Ахметова А.И. , Орешкин С.И.
Published: November 2019

Визуализацию живой клетки можно осуществить с помощью атомно-силовой микроскопии, однако деформация мягкой и чувствительной поверхности образца за счет взаимодействия с кантилевером приводит к некоторым затруднениям. Осуществить бесконтактное сканирование можно с помощью капиллярной микроскопии, которая позволяет визуализировать поверхность клетки с разрешением 3–6 нм и практически без силового воздействия.
SUSS MicroTec в России
Authors: Timoshin A.V.
Published: November 2019

Компании SUSS MicroTec в этом году исполнилось 70 лет. ТБС, являясь эксклюзивным агентом в России, приурочил к этой дате 50-ю юбилейную поставку установки совмещения MJB4, доведя цифру парка инсталлированных систем экспонирования в России до 70.
ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЕЙ ТОКАРНОГО ОБРАБАТЫВАЮЩЕГО ЦЕНТРА
Authors: Сахаров А. , Родионова Н.
Published: November 2019

Показано определение технологических возможностей токарного обрабатывающего центра по изготовлению модулей поверхностей деталей.
Representación cartográfica interactiva, 3D, dinámica y en línea, de patrones espaciotemporales de movilidad. Caso de estudio: el sistema de bicicleta compartida “Ecobici” de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Osorno-Covarrubias Francisco Javier , Suarez-Lastra Manuel , Ruiz-Castañeda Luis Felipe
Published: November 2019

Dada su complejidad, la representación cartográfica de patrones espaciotemporales de movilidad presenta retos difíciles de resolver y comunicar a través de los métodos tradicionales, limitados por las características del sustrato en papel, inherentemente plano, estático y desconectado de los datos subyacentes. Si bien existe software comercial que ofrece herramientas para elaborar cartografía dinámica en 3 dimensiones, la difusión en línea de los productos generados permanece atada a costosas licencias en el servidor, y por ende están sujetas a una difusión limitada. En este artículo presentamos una metodología innovadora, basada en software libre y de código abierto, orientada a la generación de productos cartográficos que habilitan la exploración tridimensional, dinámica, interactiva y en línea de dichos patrones. Nuestro caso de estudio usa el acervo masivo de datos abiertos del sistema de bicicleta compartida ECOBICI, de la ciudad de México. Como prueba de concepto, se presentan cuatro escenas interactivas. Finalmente se discuten las ventajas y limitaciones de la metodología utilizada.