bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpaired Guanosines in the 5′ Untranslated Region of HIV-1 RNA Act Synergistically To Mediate Genome Packaging
Authors: Nikolaitchik Olga A. , Somoulay Xayathed , Rawson Jonathan M. O. , Yoo Jennifer A. , Pathak Vinay K. , Hu Wei-Shau
Published: August 2020

HIV-1 must package its RNA genome during virus assembly to generate infectious viruses. To better understand how HIV-1 packages its RNA genome, we examined the roles of RNA elements identified as binding sites for NC, a Gag-derived RNA-binding protein. Our results demonstrate that binding sites within stem-loop 1 of the 5′ untranslated region play important roles in genome packaging. Although mutating one or two NC-binding sites caused only mild defects in packaging, mutating multiple sites resulted in severe defects in genome encapsidation, indicating that unpaired guanosines act synergistically to promote packaging. Our results suggest that Gag-RNA interactions occur at multiple RNA sites during genome packaging; furthermore, there are functionally redundant binding sites in viral RNA.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Thermanaeromonas
sp. Strain C210, Isolated in the Presence of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Inoue Masao , Tanimura Ayumi , Fukuyama Yuto , Okunishi Suguru , Maeda Hiroto , Yoshida Takashi , Sako Yoshihiko
Published: August 2020

The genus
Thermanaeromonas
comprises two species of thermophilic, strictly anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Thermanaeromonas
sp. strain C210, which was first isolated in the presence of carbon monoxide. The genome sequence provides insight into carbon monoxide-dependent metabolism for members of the genus
Thermanaeromonas
.
The Genome Sequence of an H6N5 Influenza A Virus Strain Isolated from a Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Sampled in Alaska, USA, Shares High Identity with That of a South Korean Wild Bird Strain
Authors: Reeves Andrew B. , Ramey Andrew M. , Poulson Rebecca L. , Stallknecht David E.
Published: August 2020

We report the genome sequence of an H6N5 influenza A virus isolated from a northern pintail sampled in Alaska in 2017. All segment sequences shared >99% nucleotide identity with those of a wild bird strain from South Korea. This finding supports viral dispersal between East Asia and North America by wild birds.
Complete Genome Sequences of Seven Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Postmenopausal Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Sharon Belle M. , Nguyen Amber , Arute Amanda P. , Hulyalkar Neha V. , Nguyen Vivian H. , Zimmern Philippe E. , De Nisco Nicole J.
Published: August 2020

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) is the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). This disease disproportionately affects women and frequently develops into recurrent UTI (rUTI) in postmenopausal women. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of seven UPEC isolates obtained from the urine of postmenopausal women with rUTI.
Complete Genome Sequence and Manual Reannotation of Mycobacterium avium subsp.
paratuberculosis
Strain DSM 44135
Authors: Goethe Ralph , Basler Tina , Meissner Thorsten , Goethe Elke , Spröer Cathrin , Swiderski Jolantha , Gerlach Gerald-F. , Weiss Siegfried , Jarek Michael , Bunk Boyke
Published: August 2020

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
reference strain DSM 44135, amended with a manual genome reannotation. The strain was originally described as
M. paratuberculosis
strain 6783. It was isolated from feces from a dairy cow in northern Germany.
Genome Sequences of Allochromatium palmeri and Allochromatium humboldtianum Expand the
Allochromatium
Family Tree of Purple Sulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria within the
Gammaproteobacteria
and Further Refine the Genus
Authors: Kyndt John A. , Meyer Terry E.
Published: August 2020

New genomes of two
Allochromatium
strains were sequenced. Whole-genome and average nucleotide identity based on BLAST (ANIb) comparisons show that
Allochromatium humboldtianum
is the nearest relative of
Allochromatium vinosum
(ANIb, 91.5%), while both
Allochromatium palmeri
and
Thermochromatium tepidum
are more distantly related (ANIb, <87%). These new sequences firmly establish the position of
Allochromatium
on the family tree.
Complete Genome Sequence ofSulfitobacterPhage ϕGT1, Isolated from a Tidal Flat
Authors: Hwang Chung Y. , Cho Yirang , Jang Gwang I. , Cho Byung C. , Hardies Stephen C.
Published: August 2020

TheSulfitobacterbacteria are ubiquitous and important players in organic sulfur cycling in marine environments. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of ϕGT1 infectingSulfitobactersp. HGT1, both of which were isolated from coastal sediment. ϕGT1 has a 40,019-bp genome containing 69 predicted protein-encoding genes.
Genetic Characterization of a Listeria monocytogenes Serotype IVb Variant 1 Strain Isolated from Vegetal Matrix in Italy
Authors: Torresi Marina , Orsini Massimiliano , Acciari Vicdalia , Centorotola Gabriella , Di Lollo Valeria , Di Domenico Marco , Bianchi Daniela Manila , Ziba Maureen Wakwamba , Tramuta Clara , Cammà Cesare , Pomilio Francesco
Published: August 2020

We report the chromosome and plasmid sequences of a strain of
Listeria monocytogenes
IVb variant 1, a recently emerging serotype, isolated in Italy from ready-to-eat vegetables.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages OKaNui and DroogsArmy
Authors: Fast Kayla M. , Johnson Kadaisha G. , Mayfield Kaitlyn N. , Stephens Leah A. , Reid T. Hunter , Ryan Emma D. , Keener Tracy W. , Sandel Michael W.
Published: August 2020

Mycobacteriophages OKaNui and DroogsArmy were isolated from soil using the bacterial host
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155, which belongs to the phylum
Actinobacteria
. OKaNui was discovered in east Mississippi and DroogsArmy in west Alabama in the United States. The genomes of OKaNui and DroogsArmy were 51,424 bp and 53,254 bp long, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four Streptococcus canis Strains Isolated from Dogs in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jae-Seok , Sakaguchi Shoichi , Fukushima Yasuto , Yoshida Haruno , Nakano Takashi , Takahashi Takashi
Published: August 2020

This study reports the complete genome sequences of four strains of
Streptococcus canis
isolated from dogs in South Korea. Their genomes ranged from 2.157 to 2.265 Mbp, with a G+C content of 39.6% to 39.7%. The sequence types, antimicrobial resistance genes, and
S. canis
M-like protein alleles were characterized.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolate INF13/18/A, Recovered from Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Wan Makhtar Wan Ratmaazila , Mohd Azlan Mawaddah , Hassan Nor Haslizai , Aziah Ismail , Samsurizal Nurul Hidayah , Yusof Nik Yusnoraini
Published: August 2020

We describe here the draft genome sequence and basic characteristics of
Escherichia coli
isolate INF13/18/A, which was isolated from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Hospital. This isolate was identified as an extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing
Escherichia coli
strain harboring the antimicrobial resistance genes TEM, CTX-M-1, and CTX-M-9.
Successful continuation of pregnancy in a patient with COVID-19-related ARDS
Authors: Federici Laura , Picone Olivier , Dreyfuss Didier , Sibiude Jeanne
Published: August 2020

A 33-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalised with fever, cough, myalgia and dyspnoea at 23.5 weeks of gestation (WG). Development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mandated invasive mechanical ventilation. A nasopharyngeal swab proved positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by reverse transcription-PCR. The patient developed hypertension and biological disorders suggesting pre-eclampsia and HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels and low platelet levels) syndrome. Pre-eclampsia was subsequently ruled out by a low ratio of serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor. Given the severity of ARDS, delivery by caesarean section was contemplated. Because the ratio was normal and the patient’s respiratory condition stabilised, delivery was postponed. She recovered after 10 days of mechanical ventilation. She spontaneously delivered a healthy boy at 33.4 WG. Clinical and laboratory manifestations of COVID-19 infection can mimic HELLP syndrome. Fetal extraction should not be systematic in the absence of fetal distress or intractable maternal disease. Successful evolution was the result of a multidisciplinary teamwork.
Does the Spraino low-friction shoe patch prevent lateral ankle sprain injury in indoor sports? A pilot randomised controlled trial with 510 participants with previous ankle injuries
Authors: Lysdal Filip Gertz , Bandholm Thomas , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann , Clausen Mikkel Bek , Mann Stephanie , Petersen Pelle Baggesgaard , Grønlykke Thor Buch , Kersting Uwe G , Delahunt Eamonn , Thorborg Kristian
Published: August 2020

Background

Lateral ankle sprains are common in indoor sports. High shoe–surface friction is considered a risk factor for non-contact lateral ankle sprains. Spraino is a novel low-friction patch that can be attached to the outside of sports shoes to minimise friction at the lateral edge, which could mitigate the risk of such injury. We aimed to determine preliminary effectiveness (incidence rate and severity) and safety (harms) of Spraino to prevent lateral ankle sprains among indoor sport athletes.

Methods

In this exploratory, parallel-group, two-arm pilot randomised controlled trial, 510 subelite indoor sport athletes with a previous lateral ankle sprain were randomly allocated (1:1) to Spraino or ‘do-as-usual’. Allocation was concealed and the trial was outcome assessor blinded. Match and training exposure, number of injuries and associated time loss were captured weekly via text messages. Information on harms, fear-of-injury and ankle pain was also documented.

Results

480 participants completed the trial. They reported a total of 151 lateral ankle sprains, of which 96 were categorised as non-contact, and 50 as severe. All outcomes favoured Spraino with incidence rate ratios of 0.87 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.23) for all lateral ankle sprains; 0.64 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.98) for non-contact lateral ankle sprains; and 0.47 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.88) for severe lateral ankle sprains. Time loss per injury was also lower in the Spraino group (1.8 vs 2.8 weeks, p=0.014). Six participants reported minor harms because of Spraino.

Conclusion

Compared with usual care, athletes allocated to Spraino had a lower risk of lateral ankle sprains and less time loss, with only few reported minor harms.

Trial registration number

NCT03311490.
CT-defined visceral adipose tissue thresholds for identifying metabolic complications: a cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Yoo Sunmi , Sung Myung-Whun , Kim Hongdae
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is closely related to obesity complications. We aimed to determine the optimal sex-specific and age-specific VAT thresholds for predicting metabolic complications among individuals living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

We reviewed medical records of adults who visited a hospital in the UAE.

Participants

A total of 369 subjects were included in the final analysis after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Primary outcome measures

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MES).

Results

MES measures excluding waist circumference were present in 73.4% of women and 78.5% of men. VAT areas adjusted for age were significantly greater in the MES group compared with the non-MES group regardless of sex (p<0.05 for all relations); however, subcutaneous adipose tissue areas adjusted for age were not significantly different. Areas under the curve used to predict MES were statistically significant for VAT and visceral to subcutaneous fat ratios among both men and women. Identified cut-off values of VAT to predict MES were 132.0 cm2 in both sexes for individuals under the age of 50 years. For those over 50 years of age, VAT thresholds were greater in women compared with men (173 cm2 vs 124.3 cm2, respectively).

Conclusions

Optimal VAT cut-offs to predict MES were 132 cm2 for individuals under 50 years old living in the UAE. These measures are potential target visceral fat values that could be used to reduce obesity-related morbidity in populations with pre-existing metabolic complications.
Interventions to improve the quality of cataract services: protocol for a global scoping review
Authors: Yoshizaki Miho , Ramke Jacqueline , Furtado João M , Burn Helen , Gichuhi Stephen , Gordon Iris , Aghaji Ada , Marques Ana P , Dean William H , Congdon Nathan , Buchan John , Burton Matthew J
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally and a major cause of vision impairment. Cataract surgery is an efficacious intervention that usually restores vision. Although it is one of the most commonly conducted surgical interventions worldwide, good quality services (from being detected with operable cataract to undergoing surgery and receiving postoperative care) are not universally accessible. Poor quality understandably reduces the willingness of people with operable cataract to undergo surgery. Therefore, it is critical to improve the quality of care to subsequently reduce vision loss from cataract. This scoping review aims to summarise the nature and extent of the published literature on interventions to improve the quality of services for primary age-related cataract globally.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health for peer-reviewed manuscripts published since 1990, with no language, geographic or study design restrictions. To define quality, we have used the elements adopted by the WHO—effectiveness, safety, people-centredness, timeliness, equity, integration and efficiency—to which we have added the element of planetary health. We will exclude studies focused on the technical aspects of the surgical procedure and studies that only involve children (<18 years). Two reviewers will screen all titles/abstracts independently, followed by a full-text review of potentially relevant articles. For included articles, data regarding publication characteristics, study details and quality-related outcomes will be extracted by two reviewers independently. Results will be synthesised narratively and presented visually using a spider chart.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not sought, as our review will only include published and publicly accessible information. We will publish our findings in an open-access peer-reviewed journal and develop an accessible summary of the results for website posting. A summary of the results will be included in the ongoing Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health.

Registration details

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/8gktz).
Transmission reduction and prevention with HPV vaccination (TRAP-HPV) study protocol: a randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of HPV vaccination in preventing transmission of HPV infection in heterosexual couples
Authors: MacCosham Aaron , El-Zein Mariam , Burchell Ann N , Tellier Pierre-Paul , Coutlée François , Franco Eduardo L
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causal agent of malignancies including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancer, as well as benign conditions such as anogenital warts. HPV vaccination protects individuals against infections with the target HPV types and their clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the protection an immunised individual confers to their sexual partner or its impact on HPV transmission dynamics. In this context, the Transmission Reduction and Prevention with HPV vaccination (TRAP-HPV) study was designed to determine the efficacy of an HPV vaccine in reducing transmission of genital and oral HPV infection in sexual partners of vaccinated individuals.

Methods and analysis

The TRAP-HPV study is an ongoing randomised controlled trial among heterosexual couples living in Montreal, Canada. Sexually active couples, aged between 18 and 45 years, who have been in a relationship no longer than 6 months are considered eligible. Participants are independently randomised to receive either the intervention HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, or a placebo hepatitis A vaccine, Avaxim, creating four vaccination groups among couples: intervention–intervention, intervention–placebo, placebo–intervention and the placebo–placebo. Participants provide genital (vaginal/penile) and oral samples at baseline and five follow-up visits over a 1-year duration. Linear Array HPV genotyping is used to detect 36 HPV types. Cox proportional hazard regression models will be used to estimate the effect of vaccination on HPV transmission.

Ethics and dissemination

The TRAP-HPV study received ethical approval by institutional review boards McGill University, Concordia University and Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Before enrolment, all participants provide informed written consent. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. The generated empirical evidence could be used in mathematical models of vaccination to inform policymakers in Canada and elsewhere.

Trial registration number

NCT01824537.
Implementation of vaginal preparation prior to caesarean section
Authors: Jakes Adam D , Bell Annie , Chiwera Lilian , Lloyd Jilly
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Surgical site infections following caesarean section are associated with significant morbidity. Vaginal preparation is the cleansing of the vaginal epithelium with an antibacterial solution to reduce the bacterial load and therefore reduce ascending genital tract infection. It is recommended by the WHO and a Cochrane review in 2018 concluded that vaginal preparation immediately before caesarean section probably reduces the rates of postoperative endometritis.

Objective

To implement vaginal preparation prior to caesarean section at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and reduce rates of deep surgical site infections.

Methods

The protocol (included within the appendices) for vaginal preparation prior to caesarean section was developed after reviewing the available evidence. Two vaginal preparation champions, a midwife and a scrub nurse, were selected to help promote and assist in the implementation. The first implementation cycle included elective and category II and III caesarean sections. To ensure acceptability, 20 women were asked to complete a questionnaire following vaginal preparation. Once the intervention was being performed in >85% of eligible women, the inclusion criteria was expanded to include category I caesarean sections.

Results

Twelve months following implementation, vaginal preparation was still being performed in 89% of eligible women. The deep surgical site infection rate is now the lowest recorded in the last 6 years. Vaginal preparation prior to caesarean section was acceptable to pregnant women and no adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

Vaginal preparation prior to caesarean section has been successfully implemented at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This simple, cheap intervention, performed with readily available materials, is still being performed in a high number of caesarean sections 12 months post-implementation. It has resulted in a reduction in deep surgical site infections. Involvement of key stakeholders and the recruitment of vaginal preparation champions were key to success.
Side effects of drug treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: current controversies
Authors: Dhar Anjan , Maw Frances , Dallal Helen Jane , Attwood Stephen
Published: August 2020

The two main drugs used in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists and both these agents have been implicated in a number of adverse effects, leading to considerable controversies related to their long-term use. This paper is aimed at a critical review of the published literature and the clinical significance of these reported side effects, most of which are associations rather than causal.
Why is the novel Hb Miguel Servet visualised by CE-HPLC newborn and not by the CE-HPLC β-thalassaemia programme?
Authors: Recasens Valle , Montañés Ángeles , Rodríguez-Vigil Carmen , González Yolanda , Hernández de Abajo Guillermo , Nieto Jorge M , González Fernández Beatriz , González-Fernández Fernando-Ataúlfo , Villegas Ana , Benavente Celina , Ropero Paloma
Published: August 2020

Screening of haemoglobinopathies is indicated for the detection of sickle cell anaemia; thus, neonates can benefit from early and adequate treatment that prevents neurological damage, reduces morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. These types of programmes sometimes lead to unexpected findings. We present a new haemoglobin (Hb) variant (Hb Miguel Servet) detected by newborn screening. During neonatal screening of haemoglobinopathies by cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (CE-HPLC) newborn, an Hb variant was detected. An analysis at 8 months of age using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) confirmed the presence of this new Hb. The molecular characterisation was performed by automatic sequencing of the α and β globin genes in an ABI PRISM 3100 Genetic Analyzer. Hb analysis by CE-HPLC β-thalassaemia short programmedid not indicate the presence of abnormal Hbs. By CZE showed a peak in the zone 12 zone comprising 3.3% of the total Hb. A new analysis by CE-HPLC on a Tosoh G8-2 (Horiba) shown a peak, in the region of HbA1b, did not interfere with the quantification of HbA1c. Sequencing of the β gene revealed the substitution of a guanine for a thymine (GGT >TGT) in codon 69 of the second exon, resulting in substitution of cysteine for the amino acid glutamine (HBB:c.208G>T). Hb Miguel Servet is a β-chain globin variant detected by CE-HPLC newborn (BioRad), by CZE and by CE-HPLC-CE Tosoh G8-2 (Horiba), but no by CE-HPLC-CE β-thalassaemia short programme (BioRad). In fact, for all the techniques that are visualised, what would be detected would be the glutathione variant of Hb (Miguel Servet).
Academic performance, subsequent socioeconomic status and suicide attempt in adulthood: path analyses on Swedish cohort data
Authors: Sörberg Wallin Alma , Sorjonen Kimmo , Lager Anton , Falkstedt Daniel
Published: August 2020

Background

Poor academic performance in childhood is associated with suicide attempt in adulthood, but the mechanisms are not known. We investigated educational attainment as a possible pathway.

Methods

We followed two sets of cohorts, born around 1950/1970, respectively, in the Swedish population-representative ‘Evaluation Through Follow-up’ study for a first suicide attempt in national records up to 2013. Data on grade point average (GPA) at age 13/16 and educational attainment (years of schooling) in adulthood were used. The path models included linear and Cox proportional hazards regressions. A model with matched age range during follow-up was used to compare the cohorts.

Results

In the 1970 cohort, the association between GPA and suicide attempt between age 26 and 46 was partly mediated by attained education (total association, β=−0.82; via education: −0.29, per SD increase in GPA), but GPA also had a direct path to suicide attempt (β=−0.53). There was no evidence of such a pathway in the 1950 cohort between age 41 and 65. In the age-matched analysis, at age 26–46, the association between GPA and suicide attempt was stronger in the 1970 cohort compared to the 1950 cohort (β=−0.72 and −0.24, respectively).

Conclusions

Differences in attained education seem to partly explain the associations of academic performance with suicide attempt up to middle age. Furthermore, there is some indication that academic performance may have become more important for young people’s mental health than it was in previous generations.
Horizontal and vertical tracing: a cognitive forcing strategy to improve diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Shimizu Taro
Published: August 2020

Reducing diagnostic error is a major issue in medical care. Various strategies have been proposed to prevent diagnostic error. The most prevalent factor for the diagnostic error is a cognitive error by physicians; reducing the cognitive error should lead to a substantial reduction in diagnostic error. That said, few studies have described new strategies to increase diagnostic accuracy that focuses on the cognitive processes of physicians. The current study describes new diagnostic strategies using cognitive forcing. Horizontal tracing is a strategy to identify comorbidities reliably, and vertical tracing identifies an underlying condition.
Transferring the cultured anther to a medium without activated charcoal overcomes the recalcitrance in pepper genotypes
Authors: Pinar Hasan , Mutlu Nedim , Yildiz Serhat , Simsek Duran , Shams Mostafakamal
Published: August 2020

Anther culture is a relatively easy and high-efficiency technique; however, low efficiency in plant regeneration may restrict its use in crop breeding. Activated charcoal is often used in in vitro culture, and it may ameliorate or hinder in vitro growth depending on genotype and tissue used. Pepper is one of the main vegetable crops of the Solanaceae family, but some pepper genotypes are known to be recalcitrant to androgenesis and formation of haploid regenerants. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the effect of activated charcoal on response to androgenesis in pepper genotypes. The plant material included 34 Long Green (LG), 13 Bell pepper (BP), 13 Charleston (Ch), 6 California Wonder (CW), and 23 Capia (CP) advanced breeding lines. Initially, anthers were cultured in a medium with activated charcoal (WAC) for 25, 35, or 45 d, and then they were transferred to the same medium without activated charcoal (NAC). In the WAC medium, 15 lines of LG genotype showed the highest recalcitrance while many lines of CW had the lowest recalcitrance to androgenesis; however, after transferring the 35-d-old anthers to a NAC medium, the androgenesis was observed in recalcitrant LG lines. The results indicated that transferring the cultured anthers from WAC medium, ideally after 35 d, to a NAC medium overcame the recalcitrance to androgenesis in pepper.
The impact of planting buckwheat strips along lowbush blueberry fields on beneficial insects
Authors: McCallum Robyn S. , McLean Nancy L. , Cutler G. Christopher
Published: August 2020

Pollination and pest control are important in many agroecosystems. Beneficial insects that provide these services (e.g., bees and natural enemies) often require floral resources beyond crop bloom. Planting floral resources along crop field margins may be a useful tactic to support communities of beneficial insects in agroecosystems. We examined the effect of planting buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) along lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) field margins on beneficial insect abundance and generic richness. We found that bee abundance was higher in buckwheat transects than control transects in 2014 and 2015, but not 2016, and that bee generic richness was higher in buckwheat transects than in control transects in 2015 only. High variability occurred across years. All bee genera recorded during blueberry bloom were also collected in buckwheat transects, suggesting buckwheat is a useful resource for the bee community involved in blueberry pollination. The effect of buckwheat on natural enemies was variable and inconsistent. We conclude that buckwheat influenced bee and natural enemy communities during certain years, but field edges in the lowbush blueberry fields studied may already adequately support beneficial insects. Thus, not all habitat management efforts with augmentative floral plantings may consistently boost communities of beneficial insects.
Identification of potential proteases for abdominal aortic aneurysm by weighted gene coexpression network analysis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Dan , Chen Siliang , Li Fangda , Cui Liqiang , Liu Zhili , Shao Jiang , Chen Yuexin , Liu Bao , Zheng Yuehong
Published: August 2020

Proteases are involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which contributes to the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). To identify new disease targets in addition to the results of previous microarray studies, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the whole transcriptome of Angiotensin II-treated ApoE−/−male mice (n = 4) and control mice (n = 4) to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Identified DEGs of proteases were analyzed using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). RT-qPCR was conducted to validate the differential expression of selected hub genes. We found that 43 DEGs were correlated with the expression of the protease profile, and most were clustered in immune response module. Among 26 hub genes, we found that Mmp16 and Mmp17 were significantly downregulated in AAA mice, while Ctsa, Ctsc, and Ctsw were upregulated. Our functional annotation analysis of genes coexpressed with the five hub genes indicated that Ctsw and Mmp17 were involved in T cell regulation and Cell adhesion molecule pathway, respectively, and that both were involved in general regulation of the cell cycle and gene expression. Overall, our data suggest that these ectopic genes are potentially crucial to AAA formation and may act as biomarkers for the diagnosis of AAA.
Generalized entropies and corresponding holographic dark energy models
Authors: Moradpour H. , Ziaie A. H. , Zangeneh M. Kord
Published: August 2020

Using Tsallis statistics and its relation with Boltzmann entropy, the Tsallis entropy content of black holes is achieved, a result in full agreement with a recent study (Mejrhit and Ennadifi in Phys Lett B 794:24, 2019). In addition, employing Kaniadakis statistics and its relation with that of Tsallis, the Kaniadakis entropy of black holes is obtained. The Sharma-Mittal and Rényi entropy contents of black holes are also addressed by employing their relations with Tsallis entropy. Thereinafter, relying on the holographic dark energy hypothesis and the obtained entropies, two new holographic dark energy models are introduced and their implications on the dynamics of a flat FRW universe are studied when there is also a pressureless fluid in background. In our setup, the apparent horizon is considered as the IR cutoff, and there is not any mutual interaction between the cosmic fluids. The results indicate that the obtained cosmological models have (i) notable powers to describe the cosmic evolution from the matter-dominated era to the current accelerating universe, and (ii) suitable predictions for the universe age.
Heavy quark energy loss in the quark-gluon plasma in the Moller theory
Authors: Blok B.
Published: August 2020

We study the energy loss of a heavy quark propagating in the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) in the framework of the Moller theory, including possible large Coulomb logarithms as a perturbation to BDMPSZ bremsstrahlung, described in the harmonic oscillator (HO) approximation. We derive the analytical expression that describes the energy loss in the entire emitted gluon frequency region. In the small frequencies region, for angles larger than the dead cone angle, the energy loss is controlled by the BDMPSZ mechanism, while for larger frequencies it is described by N = 1 term in the GLV opacity expansion. We estimate corresponding quenching rates for different values of the heavy quark path length and different m/E ratios.
Transverse-momentum-dependent gluon distribution functions in a spectator model
Authors: Bacchetta Alessandro , Celiberto Francesco Giovanni , Radici Marco , Taels Pieter
Published: August 2020

We present a model calculation of transverse-momentum-dependent distributions (TMDs) of gluons in the nucleon. The model is based on the assumption that a nucleon can emit a gluon, and what remains after the emission is treated as a single spectator particle. This spectator particle is considered to be on-shell, but its mass is allowed to take a continuous range of values, described by a spectral function. The nucleon-gluon-spectator coupling is described by an effective vertex containing two form factors. We fix the model parameters to obtain the best agreement with collinear gluon distributions extracted from global fits. We study the tomography in momentum space of gluons inside nucleons for various combinations of their polarizations. These can be used to make predictions of observables relevant for gluon TMD studies at current and future collider facilities.
Notes on statistical ensembles in the Cell Model
Authors: Gazdzicki M. , Gorenstein M. I. , Savchuk O. , Tinti L.
Published: August 2020

Properties of basic statistical ensembles in the Cell Model are discussed. The simplest version of the model with a fixed total number of particles is considered. The microcanonical ensembles of distinguishable and indistinguishable particles, with and without a limit on the maximum number of particles in a single cell, are discussed. The joint probability distributions of particle multiplicities in cells for different ensembles are derived, and their second moments are calculated. The results for infinite volume limit are calculated. The obtained results resemble those in the statistical physics of bosons, fermions and boltzmanions.
Generic derivations on o-minimal structures
Authors: Fornasiero Antongiulio , Kaplan Elliot
Published: August 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a complete, model complete o-minimal theory extending the theory [Formula: see text] of real closed ordered fields in some appropriate language [Formula: see text]. We study derivations [Formula: see text] on models [Formula: see text]. We introduce the notion of a [Formula: see text]-derivation: a derivation which is compatible with the [Formula: see text]-definable [Formula: see text]-functions on [Formula: see text]. We show that the theory of [Formula: see text]-models with a [Formula: see text]-derivation has a model completion [Formula: see text]. The derivation in models [Formula: see text] behaves “generically”, it is wildly discontinuous and its kernel is a dense elementary [Formula: see text]-substructure of [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is the theory of closed ordered differential fields (CODFs) as introduced by Michael Singer. We are able to recover many of the known facts about CODF in our setting. Among other things, we show that [Formula: see text] has [Formula: see text] as its open core, that [Formula: see text] is distal, and that [Formula: see text] eliminates imaginaries. We also show that the theory of [Formula: see text]-models with finitely many commuting [Formula: see text]-derivations has a model completion.
Asymmetric Thermal Buckling of Imperfect FGM Circular Plates with Rotationally Restrained Edge
Authors: Levyakov S. V.
Published: August 2020

The paper addresses the problem of asymmetric buckling of geometrically imperfect circular plates undergoing large axisymmetric deflections under thermal loading. The plate edge is assumed to be immovable in the radial direction and elastically restrained against bending rotation. The plate material is graded in the thickness direction and dependence of the material properties on temperature is taken into account. The governing equations are derived using the von Karman nonlinear plate theory and the concept of physically neutral surface. It is shown that, when subjected to increasing temperature, the plate initially bends into a figure of revolution and then buckles into asymmetric mode with local circumferential waves. To determine the critical temperature rise, a nonlinear eigenvalue problem is formulated by linearizing the governing equations about the axisymmetric state of equilibrium and solved using power-series expansions. The effect of temperature-dependent material properties, rotational spring stiffness and initial geometric imperfection on the critical temperature rise and buckling mode shapes is studied.
Analytical Study on Dynamic Buckling of Cylindrical Shells with General Thickness Variations Subjected to Exponentially Increasing External Pressure
Authors: Yang Licai , Luo Ying , Qiu Tian , Zheng Hao , Qiu Yang
Published: August 2020

This paper presents an analytical investigation on dynamic buckling of cylindrical shells with general thickness variations under exponentially increasing external pressure over the time. Different from the previous studies in literatures, the shell thickness varies arbitrarily and is common in actual engineering, which leads to failure of the existing methods. A new analytical method is first developed to solve the fourth-order governing partial differential equations with variable coefficients for the shell subjected to varying external pressure. Then the asymptotic formulae for dynamic buckling loads considering general thickness variations are derived and expressed by geometry sizes of the shell and thickness variation functions. To validate the presented results, two specific non-axisymmetric thickness cases are discussed in detail. The critical dynamic buckling loads show a great agreement with the previous ones by other researchers for simple and axial thickness variation situation. Finally, example calculations and parametric discussion are performed, and influences of thickness variation types, speed of external pressure and the power exponent of time on the critical dynamic buckling loads are discussed.
Vibration of a Segmented Rod
Authors: Wang C. Y. , Zhang H. , Wang C. M.
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the governing equation of motion, boundary conditions and exact vibration frequencies of a segmented rod where the segments are connected by hinges with elastic rotational springs of constant stiffness. The mass of each segment is assumed to be evenly distributed along the length of the rod. Another discrete model called Hencky bar-chain model (short for HBM; which is equivalent to the finite difference model for discretizing continuous rod) assumes the rod mass to be lumped at the ends instead and a different set of boundary conditions are adopted clamped end. The vibration results of a clamped–clamped segment rod are compared with those of the HBM. It is shown that the HBM underestimates the vibration frequencies when compared to the segmented rod model for a finite number of segments while both models furnish vibration solutions that converge to the solutions of Euler beam for infinitely large number of segments.
Three-Dimensional Cartesian Grid Method for the Simulations of Flows with Shock Waves in the Domains with Varying Boundaries
Authors: Elesin V. V. , Sidorenko D. A. , Utkin P. S.
Published: August 2020

This paper is devoted to the development and quantitative evaluation of the properties of the numerical algorithm of the Cartesian grid method for three-dimensional (3D) simulation of shock-wave propagation in areas of varying shape. The detailed description of the algorithm is presented. The algorithm is relatively simple to implement and does not require solving the problem of determination of the shape of the body’s boundary intersection with regular computational cell. The accuracy of the algorithm is demonstrated by comparing the simulated and experimental data in the problems of the interaction of a shock wave (SW) with a nonmoving sphere and a moving particle.
Numerical Simulating Open-Channel Flows with Regular and Irregular Cross-Section Shapes Based on Finite Volume Godunov-Type Scheme
Authors: Xin Xiaokang , Bai Fengpeng , Li Kefeng
Published: August 2020

A numerical model based on the Saint-Venant equations (one-dimensional shallow water equations) is proposed to simulate shallow flows in an open channel with regular and irregular cross-section shapes. The Saint-Venant equations are solved by the finite-volume method based on Godunov-type framework with a modified Harten, Lax, and van Leer (HLL) approximate Riemann solver. Cross-sectional area is replaced by water surface level as one of primitive variables. Two numerical integral algorithms, compound trapezoidal and Gauss–Legendre integrations, are used to compute the hydrostatic pressure thrust term for natural streams with arbitrary and irregular cross-sections. The Monotonic Upstream-Centered Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) and second-order Runge–Kutta methods is adopted to achieve second-order accuracy in space and time, respectively. The performance of the resulting scheme is evaluated by application in rectangular channels, trapezoidal channels, and a natural mountain river. The results are compared with analytical solutions and experimental or measured data. It is demonstrated that the numerical scheme can simulate shallow flows with arbitrary cross-section shapes in practical conditions.
Fostering Product Innovation Through Digital Transformation and Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Coronado-Medina Alejandro , Arias-Pérez Jose , Perdomo-Charry Geovanny
Published: August 2020

This paper analyzes the mediating effect of absorptive capacity (AC) on the relationship between digital transformation from e-business capabilities (EBC) perspective and product innovation (PI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was carried out with the survey data from a sample of firms that belong mainly to highly digitalized sectors. The results indicate the existence of a full mediation, which means knowledge derived from the digital operation of the business can only result in PI if AC plays an intermediation role. Hence, this finding calls into question the idea that digitalization alone and automatically acts as a PI driver.
The Use of Agile Methods in Logistics Start-ups: An Explorative Multiple Case Study
Authors: Zielske Malena , Held Tobias
Published: August 2020

An increasing number of start-ups, which create disruptive products, services, or platforms, is appearing within the logistics industry. Many of these start-ups are based on new technological innovations made possible by digitization. Compared with many of the start-ups founded during the “dotcom bubble”, current logistics start-ups seem to be more successful in creating lasting customer value. This paper aims to determine if the use of agile approaches, which have increased in importance in recent years, increases entrepreneurial success by means of the ability to better deal with the rapidly changing customer expectations, business model insecurities, and complex technological decisions. Due to the limited extent of empirical studies and the availability of only a few publications, an explorative multiple case study analysis has been executed to understand usage of agile approaches by German logistics start-ups and their interrelation with corporate performance. The main empirical foundation of the cases analyzed is a double-digit number of expert interviews conducted with company founders and executive managers. The findings of the multiple case study analysis demonstrate how logistics start-ups apply agile practices to deal with a high level of market insecurity and reveal how their application enhances company success. Future research should deepen these findings by analyzing more logistics start-ups and employees with different, non-management roles. It would especially be interesting to study direct competitors of those logistics start-ups interviewed to enable an analysis of discriminance and to deduce the best practices in use. The originality of the multiple case study presented lies in its contribution to the widely unexplored field of agility in logistics start-ups and the noteworthy opinions of the high-ranking interviewees.
Solving Riccati Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Karimi F. , Allahviranloo T. , Pishbin S. M. , Abbasbandy S.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a method for solving Riccati fuzzy differential equations is studied in great detail. To obtain the solution of Riccati fuzzy differential equations (RFDEs), we study the fuzzy differential equations (FDEs) using the concept of generalized [Formula: see text]-differentiability.
On Fuzziness in Algebraic System of Aggregates
Authors: Sulema Yevgeniya , Kerre Etienne
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present fuzzy data processing based on the Algebraic System of Aggregates (ASA) which operates with complex data structures called aggregates. An aggregate is a tuple of arbitrary tuples whose elements can be both crisp and fuzzy values. There are three categories of operations on aggregates in ASA: logical operations, ordering operations, and arithmetical operations. In this paper, we define the fuzzy case of ordering and logical operations. ASA has a practical value for data processing in various tasks where an object (process, phenomenon) of study needs to be defined through multiple measurable characteristics of its behavior changing in the course of time. In some cases, such characteristics cannot measured but only estimated with certain accuracy and thus, they are represented as fuzzy values. Application of ASA for processing of imprecise biomedical data is discussed in the paper as well.
Double-Framed Soft Set Theory Applied to Hyper BCK-Algebras
Authors: Bordbar Hashem , Khademan Somayeh , Borzooei Rajab Ali , Zahedi Mohammad Mehdi , Jun Young Bae
Published: August 2020

The notions of double-framed soft hyper BCK-algebra and double-framed soft (strong) hyper BCK-ideal of a hyper BCK-algebra are introduced, and related properties are investigated. Characterizations of double-framed soft hyper BCK-algebra and double-framed soft hyper BCK-ideal are considered. Relations between double-framed soft hyper BCK-ideal and double-framed soft strong hyper BCK-ideal are discussed. Conditions for a double-framed soft set to be a double-framed soft strong hyper BCK-ideal are provided.
Skew Hurwitz serieswise quasi-Armendariz rings
Authors: Paykan Kamal , Tehranchi Abdolreza
Published: August 2020

For a ring endomorphism [Formula: see text], a generalization of semiprime rings and right p.q.-Baer rings, which we call quasi-Armendariz rings of skew Hurwitz series type (or simply, [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]), is introduced and studied. It is shown that the [Formula: see text]-rings are closed upper triangular matrix rings, full matrix rings and Morita invariance. Some characterizations for the skew Hurwitz series ring [Formula: see text] to be quasi-Baer, generalized quasi-Baer, primary, nilary, reflexive, ideal-symmetric and semiprime are concluded.
Geometric properties for a family of holomorphic functions associated with Wanas operator defined on complex Hilbert space
Authors: Wanas Abbas Karem , Choi Junesang , Cho Nak Eun
Published: August 2020

By making use of Wanas operator, we aim to introduce and investigate a certain family of univalent holomorphic functions with negative coefficients defined on complex Hilbert space. We present some important geometric properties of this family such as coefficient estimates, convexity, distortion and growth, radii of starlikeness and convexity. We also discuss the extreme points for functions belonging to this family.
Effect of carbon-doping on structural and dielectric properties of zinc oxide
Authors: Parvez Ahmad MD. , Venkateswara Rao A. , Suresh Babu K. , Narsinga Rao G.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, Carbon-doped Zinc Oxide (C-ZnO) samples were prepared using the solid-state reaction method. The influence of carbon-doping on the structural and dielectric properties of ZnO samples was studied. The shift in the highest peak position (101) in XRD patterns of carbon-doped samples was observed. The Raman peak at 581[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] in undoped ZnO was shifted and broadened in carbon-doped ZnO samples. The ZnO samples doped with carbon show higher values of dielectric constant ([Formula: see text] at 1[Formula: see text]kHz) compared to pure ZnO([Formula: see text] at 1[Formula: see text]kHz) which was due to increase in native point defects in the samples. The ac conductivity ([Formula: see text]) value of the carbon-doped sample was enhanced by 103 times for ((ZnO)[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]) sample.