bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Totally asymmetric simple exclusion process with two consecutive ramps
Authors: Xiao Song , Chen Xiaoyu , Qi Lin , Liu Yanna
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the effect of totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) with two consecutive ramps (in the bulk far away boundaries) has been investigated. The phase diagram changes with the off-ramp rate p and on-ramp rate q have been given. In addition, the main boundary expressions are also obtained by mean field approximation (MFA). The LD (Low Density)/LD and HD (High Density)/HD phases still vanish with p > 1/2 and q > 1/2, respectively. In particular, the MC/MC phase exists in the system with the relationship p/(1+2p) < q < p/(1-2p). Specially, when p and q satisfy p >1/2 and q > 1/2, the phase diagram is divided into four intervals with same area by the LD/MC (Maximum Current), LD/HD, MC/MC and MC/HD phases.
Effect of aluminum shield on deposition parameters of Teflon irradiated by high energy electrons
Authors: Zuo Yinghong , Wei Yuan , Zhu Jinhui , Niu Shengli
Published: October 2019

To study the influence of aluminum shield on deposition parameters of typical insulating medium Teflon irradiated by high energy electrons, a calculation model of aluminum shield and Teflon irradiated by high energy electrons was established. Monte Carlo method was used to simulate the effects of the energy of irradiated electrons, the thickness of aluminum shield and the electron irradiation current density on the distribution of parameters such as injection current density, charge deposition rate, radiation dose rate and radiation induced conductivity. The results show that the larger the energy of irradiated electrons, the stronger the ability of electrons to penetrate aluminum shield and Teflon. The higher the injection current density in Teflon is, the deeper the position of Bragg peak is, and the lower the height of the peak is. The thicker the aluminum shield, the shallower the peak position of charge deposition rate and electron radiation dose rate is, the smaller the absolute value of charge deposition rate peak is, and the lower the peak of radiation dose rate is.
Study on reactor residual heat removal method based on steam controllable discharge in station blackout accident
Authors: Yuan Tianhong , Cai Qi , Yu Lei
Published: October 2019

The design of passive residual heat removal system (PRHRS) has the problems of uncontrollable coolant cooling rate and incomplete matching between the heat removal capacity and the reactor residual heat. To solve these problems, a residual heat removal method is proposed in this paper, which is controllable release of secondary steam into the environment at the early stage of reactor shutdown when the residual heat is large. The feasibility of this method is verified by the thermohydraulic analysis code. The results show that this method can discharge the residual heat in a period of time after the reactor shutdown, and the coolant system can establish a stable natural circulation. But when the steam generator is empty, the residual heat must be removed by other ways. After that, based on the critical flow theory of nozzle, a simplified method for calculating the steam discharge power and estimating the safety-related parameters by steam pressure is proposed, which can be a reference for operators to control the cooling rate, analyze the system status and handle the accident. The conclusions can also provide references for the study and improvement of residual heat removal method.
Analysis of seasonal tourism demand to economic growth in Thailand: Bayesian approach
Authors: Intapan Chanamart , Sriboonchitta Songsak , Chaiboonsri Chukiat , Piboonrungroj Pairach
Published: October 2019

This study investigates the dynamic empirical link between tourism demand (tourist arrivals, tourism revenues and tourism expenditures) and economic growth in the case of Thailand using a quarterly time-series data set from 2013q1 to 2018q4. The combination of Bayesian approach and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations can be applied and employed to estimate the parameters of tourism demand and economic growth. Stationary and correlative trends of variables datasets were examined by using Bayesian ADF unit-root testing (BADF), Bayesian seasonal unit-root testing (BHEGY) and Bayesian Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (BARDL) model respectively. BADF is applied in order to probe the stationary of the time-series data set. Moreover, BHEGY is utilized in order to examine the seasonally of the time-series data set. Furthermore, BARDL technique is used and implemented in order to analyse the long-run and short-run relationship between tourism demand and economic growth. Our empirical findings provide important policy implications for further study on Thailand tourism.
Modelling dependency structures of crude oil prices and stock markets of developed and developing countries: A C-vine copula approach
Authors: Liao Ruofan , Boonyakunakorn Petchaluck , Liu Jianxu , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to investigate the impact of oil price on the stock price of developed countries (represented by the Group of seven) and the stock price of developing countries (represented by BRICS) by using C-vine copula approach. A C-vine based GJR-GARCH is used to measure the conditional dependence between stock price and oil price and investigate the difference between developed countries and developing countries. The empirical evidence shows that G7 and BRICS countries have a positive and significant dependence between oil returns, and there is an even stronger dependence between oil returns for the G7 countries. Some countries in the developed and the developing countries have the tail relationship in the low market or in bear market, further, both groups do not have a relationship with oil return when the stock is in a boom market.
Model building and evaluation for 4-wheel drive hybrid vehicle based on the random forest
Authors: Hou Zhuoran , Qiao Yiran , Chu Liang , Guo Chong
Published: October 2019

In order to improve the accuracy of 4WD hv-pm (hybrid vehicle powertrain model), a virtual controller (VC) is established based on machine learning methods and benchmark data. Considering that developed VC can reflect the real performance of vehicle, the accuracy of 4WD hv-pm is measured by VC output. The machine learning method adopted by VC is random forest (RF), and the preferred benchmark data for building the training set are speed, acceleration pedal, brake pedal, state of charge (SOC), battery current, battery voltage, and traction demand. Moreover, the workable VC can provide engine torque, engine speed, motor torque and motor speed. Therefore, the VC output has been compared with the simulation results of constructed 4WD hv-pm, and the performance difference was evaluated to estimate the accuracy of constructed 4WD hv-pm, so as to further achieve the improvement of the model. Ultimately, it is proved that proposed VCexerts good effect on the effectiveness in model improvement and vehicle development by the means of comparison.
Technical efficiency of rice production in Thailand: copula-based stochastic frontier model
Authors: Nunti Chonrada , Boonyakunakorn Petchaluck , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: October 2019

The study aims to investigate Thai rice production efficiency with the copula-based stochastic frontier model to draft general statistical data for Thai agriculture development in the future. The empirical results show that land and fertilizer have an indisputably positive and significant effect on rice production. The SFM with Gaussian copula has the lowest value regarding to AIC. The best average TE score belongs to the northern region followed by the central region, the north-eastern region, and the southern region with their average scores of 0.86, 0.819, 0.76 and 0.74, respectively. The interesting point is that, even with highest efficiency score, there is the largest gap between the highest and the lowest scores within central region provinces, followed by north-eastern, central and northern regions with their values of 0.2, 0.18, 0.15 and 0.08, respectively.
Comparative antioxidant study of onion and garlic waste and bulbs
Authors: Kotenkova E A , Kupaeva N V
Published: October 2019

Among vegetables, onion and garlic production occupies a leading position worldwide due to their wide usage in various sectors of the food industry. Husk is the main waste from onion and garlic processing. The biological properties of onion and garlic bulbs are well studied, but the husks are not well investigated to date. The total antioxidant capacities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of onion and garlic husks and bulbs were determined by the ORAC method and expressed in μmol equiv. Trolox/g of sample. The husks demonstrated the greatest total antioxidant capacities and significantly exceeded those of the bulbs. Onion husk was the most active, and its total antioxidant capacity was 521.24±11.23 μmol equiv. Trolox/g of sample for aqueous extract and 1206.93±8.37 23 μmol equiv. Trolox/g of sample for ethanol extract. Antioxidant capacity depended on extractant type.
Novel paradigms linking salt and health
Authors: Popovic M , Velicki R , Torovic Lj , Bjelanovic J , Janjic J , Mitrovic R , Baltic M Z
Published: October 2019

Although sodium is an essential nutrient, conclusive scientific evidence suggests the association between excessive salt intake and various negative health outcomes. One of the health consequences with the greatest public health impact is the increase in population blood pressure with a consequent increase of cardiovascular disease risk. There is ample evidence linking high salt intake with other health outcomes: stomach cancer, impaired renal function, osteoporosis, obesity, severity of asthma, but also with novel health risks established with advanced molecular and metagenomics technology: autoimmunity, immunity in various organs and systems. Some recent studies have reported that a high salt diet modulates the gut-microbiome, interacting with both the host’s gastrointestinal tract environment and its genome and metabolism. The newest evidence indicates possible novel pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity, including high fasting ghrelin in healthy individuals consuming a high-salt diet, as well as endogenous fructose production and leptin resistance in mice. This revealing new evidence links high salt intake with obesity and consequently, with further metabolic complications. As a country with high prevalences of obesity and hypertension, and high salt intake, Serbia would greatly benefit from adopting and implementing a national sodium reduction program that minimize risks through education, regulation, and enforcement.
Influence of soil-protective technologies on the characteristics of the soils of hop plants
Authors: Smirnov M , Smirnov P , Alexeev E , Maksimov I , Kazakov Y , Prokopeva E
Published: October 2019

It is known that one of the main and complex indicators of the soil is the density of its composition (volume mass). The widespread introduction of new technologies of tillage in our country only increases interest in the values of density in the new conditions. At the same time, soil hardness is also an important parameter characterizing agrophysical conditions of plant growth. We believe that research on the diagnosis of these soil parameters is not enough, so we have conducted research in this area. Traditional methods of tillage do not have a significant compacting effect in the surface layer. Most of the acquired parameters of the additional density are characterized by us as optimal. Only in some cases of ploughing the soil density decreased to 0.7…0.99 g / cm3. This indicates an excessively friable state. Processing of fields by "no-till" (zero) type leads to an increase of values of density of addition of the soil to 0.94…1.25 g / cm3. Hardness values also increased and reached 22.8 kgf / cm2 (2.24 MPa). We see the reason for this phenomenon in the inevitability of the use of heavy-duty tractors. At the same time, the mass of the tractor itself almost levels the type of engine used – caterpillar or pneumatic wheels. Therefore, the objects of study were tractors of different classes, energy saturation, and weight. Soil samples were taken from arable and subsurface horizons from five conventional layers. The results showed that the impact of the drivers of the tractors increases the density of the composition of the soil in all conditional layers. However, the compact intensity on the layers differentiated depending on the weight of the tractor. The soil in the traces of tractors weighing up to 6-7 tons was compressed mainly in the Arab horizon (at a depth of 0.3 m), and in the subsurface (at a depth of 0.3-0.5 m) the compact was practically absent. Soil compaction by tractors weighing 8-11 tons occurred to a depth of 0.5 m. At the same time, the increase in volume mass in the layers of the arable horizon was from 0.25 to 0.35 g/cm3. The most effective way to restore the subsurface layer is the use of various subsurface agents in the autumn. Application in the winter of snow retention techniques allows one to accumulate in the loosened subsurface layer of additional moisture needed in the spring presowing period.
Study on the effect of stress treatment on embryogenic callus of raspberry
Authors: Liang F H , Liu Y J , Yang J H , Liu Y , Shi Y Y , Liu H Q , Zhang C
Published: October 2019

In order to obtain the embryogenic callus of raspberry, the friable calluses of raspberry were used as materials to be treated by different time of starvation and desiccation, and were further cultivated and induced embryoid. By use of embryogenic observation, the embryogenic degree of callus could be determined. The results showed that the embryogenic degree of calluses which were treated by starvation for 6 days was the highest, and the desiccation treatment had no effect on embryogenic degree of calluses. Therefore, appropriate starvation treatment can facilitate the transformation of non-embryogenic callus into embryogenic callus. The results of this experiment could provide reference for callus embryogenesis induction of other plants.
Case analysis of artificial snowfall enhancement by aircraft in Winter Olympic Games Area
Authors: Yang W X , Hu Z X , Dong X B , Yang Y , Zhao L W
Published: October 2019

It was dry in Hebei Province in winter of 2017, with less snow. But on November 25, 2017, snowfall occurred in Zhangjiakou and Chengde areas of Hebei Province by the influence of low trough-cold front weather process. Hebei Artificial Weather Office used cloud physics model products issued by National Artificial Weather Office for timely and accurate early warning, and successfully implemented artificial snowfall enhancement operation by an aircraft. Aircraft was King of the Air 350, and carried series of cloud physics and environment detection instruments produced by SPEC Company. In this paper, the case was analyzed, and technical conditions for artificial snowfall enhancement were summarized from water content and vertical velocity in clouds by combining several rainfall processes from winter of 2017 to spring of 2018.
The association of SNP rs42688595 in LOC514211 gene with Indonesian-Holstein cow’s reproductive traits
Authors: Rahayu A P , Hartatik T , Purnomoadi A , Kurnianto E
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to study the association between SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) rs42688595 in LOC514211 gene with the reproductive traits on Indonesian Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples and reproduction records from 89 cows were used. The DNA analysis was carried out using the PCR-RFLP method. Cows with AC genotypes showed the lowest days open (152.06 ± 20.54 days) and the lowest calving interval (427.06 ± 20.26 days) (P<0.05) compared to those of CC genotypes (236.46 ± 23.34 and 514.95 ± 22.86 days, respectively) and AA genotypes (270.14 ± 26.27 and 552.06 ± 26.29 days, respectively). The studied SNP was not associated with the age at first calving and service per conception (P>0.05). The LOC514211 rs42688595 shows a potency to be used as a genetic marker for a selection program to produce cows with better reproductive performance. Selection could be done by increasing the genetic frequency of heterozygous animals (AC).
The study on mechanical properties of Phytagel medium
Authors: Zhou Y , Yan J , Xu B Y , Wang B C
Published: October 2019

Background: The mechanical properties of plant culture medium such as Phytagel affect plant growth and development. Given that the mechanical properties of Phytagel medium are vital for biomechanical experiments designing, a systematic study on mechanical properties of Phytagel medium with different concentrations were carried out here to better understand the response of plant to mechanical stimulation. Results: Uniaxial compression test was conducted for the mechanical strength and Young’s modulus. The variation of concentrations of media results in different mechanical strength. The linear-regression analysis of the breaking load shows that there is a lack of fit of the linear regression model to the observed data points for all these Phytagel concentrations (R2 = 0.9708). The spline regression model, however, fits well to the Young’s modulus for Phytagel medium data. The rheological measurements from the oscillation tests (frequency sweep from 0.1 to 20 Hz at 1% strain) indicate that increasing the Phytagel concentrations results in a stiffer structure at 0.5%-1.2%. Conclusions: Although the biological effects of Phytagel on plant along with mechanical power are expected to check, this contribution provides a useful reference in biomechanical experiments to choose the best Phytagel concentration for the culture of plants and tissues.
How to develop therapeutic and translational research collaborations with industry
Authors: Kleiman Robin J. , Ehlers Michael D.
Published: October 2019

Discovery and development of new medicines requires the talent and passion of both academic and industrial scientists. Identifying the optimal set of circumstances for direct collaboration between academic and industry teams requires a mutual understanding of what each partner brings to the relationship, and an appreciation of the specialized capabilities and scope of work to be undertaken by each group. We provide our perspective on the who, what, where, why, and how for establishing therapeutic and translational research collaborations between academic and industry scientists.
The Importance of Genetics Experts in Optimizing Genetic Test Orders Through Prospective and Retrospective Reviews
Authors: Conway M Edye , Kalejta Cassidi Dailey , Sternen Darci L , Singh Ila R
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To demonstrate the impact of genetics specialists on identifying test order errors and improving reimbursement for genetic testing.

Methods

Forty-four cases in which whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed but not reimbursed were reviewed by a genetic counselor through simulated prospective and retrospective reviews.

Results

Fifty-two percent of WES requests were ordered by nongenetics providers. Retrospective review revealed that 50% of cases were denied because of contractual constraints on billing. If review by a genetic counselor had occurred in real time, modifications or cancellations would have been recommended in 82% of the cases.

Conclusions

A laboratory stewardship program involving genetics experts identified test order errors and opportunities for improved reimbursement and cost savings. Significant variables affected reimbursement, including inpatient status, payer criteria, and ordering provider specialty.
From Age 4 to 8, Children Become Increasingly Aware About Normative Situations for Adults to Consume Alcohol
Authors: Voogt Carmen , Smit Koen , Kleinjan Marloes , Otten Roy , Scheffers Tessa , Kuntsche Emmanuel
Published: October 2019

Aims

Limited cross-sectional studies have indicated that young children have some knowledge of the type of situations in which adults usually consume alcohol. However, it is unclear when and how this knowledge develops over time. This study tests the hypothesis that between the ages of 4 and 8, children become more knowledgeable about common drinking situations (e.g. ‘partying’) and uncommon situations (e.g. ‘driving’).

Methods

Data of two independent samples were used: a cross-sectional study (parents) and a three-wave longitudinal study (children). Parents and children were recruited via a convenience and random sampling strategy, respectively. To identify common, ambivalent, and uncommon drinking situations, parents (N = 158; 47% men) completed an online survey in which they indicated how common it is that any adult would drink alcohol in the 18 situations of the Dutch electronic appropriate beverage (eABT). Children (N = 329; 48.9% boys) completed the Dutch eABT to assess their knowledge of situations in which adults usually consume alcohol.

Results

General linear model repeated measures with post-hoc pairwise comparisons showed that parents’ perceptions of common, ambivalent, and uncommon situations in which adults consume alcohol predicted the initial level and the change over time in children’s knowledge of adults’ alcohol use in these situations.

Conclusions

Children aged 4–8 become increasingly knowledgeable about drinking norms in specific situations which implies that they know in what kind of situation alcohol consumption is a common human behavior. This knowledge may put them at risk for early alcohol initiation and frequent drinking later in life.
A novel constrained reconstruction model towards high-resolution subtomogram averaging
Authors: Han Renmin , Li Lun , Yang Peng , Zhang Fa , Gao Xin
Published: October 2019

Motivation

Electron tomography (ET) offers a unique capacity to image biological structures in situ. However, the resolution of ET reconstructed tomograms is not comparable to that of the single-particle cryo-EM. If many copies of the object of interest are present in the tomograms, their structures can be reconstructed in the tomogram, picked, aligned and averaged to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and improve the resolution, which is known as the subtomogram averaging. To date, the resolution improvement of the subtomogram averaging is still limited because each reconstructed subtomogram is of low reconstruction quality due to the missing wedge issue.

Results

In this article, we propose a novel computational model, the constrained reconstruction model (CRM), to better recover the information from the multiple subtomograms and compensate for the missing wedge issue in each of them. CRM is supposed to produce a refined reconstruction in the final turn of subtomogram averaging after alignment, instead of directly taking the average. We first formulate the averaging method and our CRM as linear systems, and prove that the solution space of CRM is no larger, and in practice much smaller, than that of the averaging method. We then propose a sparse Kaczmarz algorithm to solve the formulated CRM, and further extend the solution to the simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART). Experimental results demonstrate that CRM can significantly alleviate the missing wedge issue and improve the final reconstruction quality. In addition, our model is robust to the number of images in each tilt series, the tilt range and the noise level.

Availability and implementation

The codes of CRM-SIRT and CRM-SART are available at https://github.com/icthrm/CRM.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Progress in the study of genome size evolution in Asteraceae: analysis of the last update
Authors: Vitales Daniel , Fernández Pol , Garnatje Teresa , Garcia Sònia
Published: October 2019

The Genome Size in Asteraceae Database (GSAD, http://www.asteraceaegenomesize.com) has been recently updated, with data from papers published or in press until July 2018. This constitutes the third release of GSAD, currently containing 4350 data entries for 1496 species, which represent a growth of 22.52% in the number of species with available genome size data compared with the previous release, and a growth of 57.72% in terms of entries. Approximately 6% of Asteraceae species are covered in terms of known genome sizes. The number of source papers included in this release (198) means a 48.87% increase with respect to release 2.0. The significant data increase was exploited to study the genome size evolution in the family from a phylogenetic perspective. Our results suggest that the role of chromosome number in genome size diversity within Asteraceae is basically associated to polyploidy, while dysploidy would only cause minor variation in the DNA amount along the family. Among diploid taxa, we found that the evolution of genome size shows a strong phylogenetic signal. However, this trait does not seem to evolve evenly across the phylogeny, but there could be significant scale and clade-dependent patterns. Our analyses indicate that the phylogenetic signal is stronger at low taxonomic levels, with certain tribes standing out as hotspots of autocorrelation between genome size and phylogeny. Finally, we also observe meaningful associations among nuclear DNA content on Asteraceae species and other phenotypical and ecological traits (i.e. plant habit and invasion ability). Overall, this study emphasizes the need to continue generating and analysing genome size data in order to puzzle out the evolution of this parameter and its many biological correlates.
Common reflection point mapping of the mantle transition zone using recorded and 3-D synthetic ScS reverberations
Authors: Haugland Samuel M , Ritsema Jeroen , Sun Daoyuan , Trampert Jeannot , Koroni Maria
Published: October 2019

The method of ScS reverberation migration is based on a ‘common reflection point’ analysis of multiple ScS reflections in the mantle transition zone (MTZ). We examine whether ray-theoretical traveltimes, slownesses and reflection points are sufficiently accurate for estimating the thickness H of the MTZ, defined by the distance between the 410- and 660-km phase transitions. First, we analyse ScS reverberations generated by 35 earthquakes and recorded at hundreds of seismic stations from the combined Arrays in China, Hi-NET in Japan and the Global Seismic Network. This analysis suggests that H varies by about 30 km and therefore that dynamic processes have modified the large-scale structure of the MTZ in eastern Asia and the western Pacific region. Second, we apply the same procedure to spectral-element synthetics for PREM and two 3-D models. One 3-D model incorporates degree-20 topography on the 410 and 660 discontinuities, otherwise preserving the PREM velocity model. The other model incorporates the degree-20 velocity heterogeneity of S20RTS and leaves the 410 and 660 flat. To optimize reflection point coverage, our synthetics were computed assuming a homogeneous grid of stations using 16 events, four of which are fictional. The resolved image using PREM synthetics resembles the PREM structure and indicates that the migration approach is correct. However, ScS reverberations are not as strongly sensitive to H as predicted ray-theoretically because the migration of synthetics for a model with degree-20 topography on the 410 and 660: H varies by less than 5 km in the resolved image but 10 km in the original model. In addition, the relatively strong influence of whole-mantle shear-velocity heterogeneity is evident from the migration of synthetics for the S20RTS velocity model and the broad sensitivity kernels of ScS reverberations at a period of 15 s. A ray-theoretical approach to modelling long-period ScS traveltimes appears inaccurate, at least for continental-scale regions with relatively sparse earthquake coverage. Additional modelling and comparisons with SS precursor and receiver function results should rely on 3-D waveform simulations for a variety of structures and ultimately the implementation of full wave theory.
Predicting landscape-scale summer resource selection for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) in Iowa
Authors: Kaminski Dan J , Poole Kelly E , Clark Kathryne B , Harms Tyler M
Published: October 2019

The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is currently listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act largely due to population declines resulting from the spread of white-nose syndrome in North America. White-nose syndrome was confirmed in Iowa in 2015, emphasizing a need to closely monitor populations of M. septentrionalis statewide. We applied presence-only models to predict landscape-scale resource selection by M. septentrionalis using roost tree observations and mist net captures from various research and environmental assessment projects in Iowa (2003–2015). We used a simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) model to account for residual spatial autocorrelation in our compiled data set and estimate the proportional probability of use of summer habitats for M. septentrionalis. We estimated SAR models using four environmental predictor variables measured at two landscape scales (0.5- and 2.4-km) representative of M. septentrionalis home range sizes in North America. The SAR models resulted in high predictive fit with withheld test observations and an independent data set of acoustic detections of M. septentrionalis from recent surveys (2016–2018), indicating a significant positive relationship existed between habitat quality (as an index of selection) and distribution of M. septentrionalis at landscape scales. At both spatial scales, M. septentrionalis showed positive selection of closed canopy interior forest, bottomland hardwood forest, and total perennial stream length, whereas at the 0.5-km scale, M. septentrionalis also showed a positive association with open canopy forest. Our models indicated that up to 7.0% and 8.5% of the state was comprised of potentially suitable forested summer habitats for M. septentrionalis for 0.5- and 2.4-km scales, respectively. Our models also indicated the distribution of highly selected habitats at landscape scales in Iowa and accurately predicted independent observations of M. septentrionalis in areas of the state where no capture efforts have occurred. This study provides methods to predict landscape-scale resource selection and distribution for bats where multiple fine-scale data sources exist across broad geographic regions.
Multilocus phylogenetic analysis helps to untangle the taxonomic puzzle of chubs (genus Squalius: Cypriniformes: Actinopteri) in the Adriatic basin of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Buj Ivana , Marčić Zoran , Čavlović Kristina , Ćaleta Marko , Tutman Pero , Zanella Davor , Duplić Aljoša , Raguž Lucija , Ivić Lucija , Horvatić Sven , Mustafić Perica
Published: October 2019

Fish of the genus Squalius inhabit various freshwater habitats across Europe and Asia, with a particularly high diversity in the Mediterranean area, but the taxonomic status of many populations is still a matter of debate. This study aims to resolve the taxonomic uncertainties of chubs distributed in the Adriatic basin of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome b and two nuclear genes, the recombination activating gene 1 and the rhodopsin gene, reveal high diversity of chubs in the investigated area. Two evolutionary independent groups are revealed: the first comprising the species Squalius illyricus, S. microlepis, S. svallize, S. tenellus and S. zrmanjae, and a second group corresponding with S. squalus. Genetic distinctiveness of species belonging to different groups is high due to their divergence that began in the Middle Miocene. In addition to allopatric speciation as the main force of divergence of Adriatic Squalius species, several instances of natural hybridizations were detected, contributing to the observed diversity. A comparison of phylogenetic scenarios using Bayesian factors corroborated the molecular basis for recognition of six Squalius species in the Adriatic basin, while Squalius janae is confirmed to be a junior synonym of S. squalus.
Caffeine Restrictions in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings: Precipitating Withdrawal?
Authors: Shapiro Bryan
Published: October 2019

Caffeine is often restricted in locked inpatient psychiatric facilities based on concern that it may exacerbate clinical symptoms. However, psychiatric inpatients may be at particularly high risk of caffeine withdrawal during psychiatric hospitalization, which may cause undue discomfort or distress, limit their engagement in inpatient treatment, and confound the management of psychiatric illness. Psychiatric patients who regularly consume caffeine also possess a degree of caffeine tolerance which may reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with continued inpatient caffeine intake. For these reasons, it appears reasonable to allow caffeine in inpatient psychiatric settings.
LncRNA ANRIL promotes cell growth, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via sponging miR-144
Authors: Ma Yongbiao , Zhang Hongmei , Li Gaoxue , Hu Jingxia , Liu Xin , Lin Li
Published: October 2019

Antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4A locus (ANRIL) has been recognized as a cancer-related lncRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma previously. This study aimed to reveal the functional effects and mechanisms of ANRIL on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The expression of ANRIL in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (MHCC97 and Li-7) and non-tumourigenic liver cell line THLE-3 was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of ANRIL, miR-144 and PBX3 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells was altered simultaneously or respectively by vector/oligonucleotide transfection. Then, cell viability, migration, invasion, apoptotic cell rate, protein expression of apoptosis-related factors were assessed. The correlation between ANRIL, miR-144 and PBX3 was explored. ANRIL was highly expressed in MHCC97 and Li-7 cells when compared to THLE-3 cells. ANRIL overexpression promoted cell viability, migration, invasion and suppressed apoptosis of MHCC97 and Li-7 cells. ANRIL negatively regulated miR-144, and oncogenic effects of ANRIL were attenuated when miR-144 was overexpressed. PBX3 was a direct target of miR-144. miR-144 overexpression blocked PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signalling pathways via targeting PBX3. Our data documented that ANRIL promoted hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth, migration and invasion. One of the possible mechanisms responsible for the tumour-promoting actions is that ANRIL sponging miR-144 to derepress PBX3.
Inhibition of the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human breast cancer cells by leucine aminopeptidase 3 inhibitors derived from natural marine products
Authors: Yang Hanlin , Dai Gong , Wang Sensen , Zhao Yan , Wang Xuejuan , Zhao Xin , Zhang Hongan , Wei Liuya , Zhang Lei , Guo Shoudong , Song Weiguo , Guo Lu , Fang Chunyan
Published: October 2019

Leucine aminopeptidase 3 is involved in the progression and metastasis of several cancers. This study aimed to screen anti-tumor lead compounds targeting leucine aminopeptidase 3. The compounds’ suppression effect on enzyme activity and anti-tumor activity were evaluated through a series of assays. Leucine aminopeptidase 3 overexpression K562 cells were used as an enzyme source to screen 43 natural marine compounds. Compounds 5 and 6 exhibited high suppression effect on leucine aminopeptidase 3 activity. Cell activity tests indicated that both compounds have an anti-proliferative effect on triple-negative breast cancer cells. Wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay showed that both compounds could inhibit the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Immunoblot analysis exhibited that both compounds could downregulate the expression of metastasis-related proteins fascin and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9. A molecular dynamic simulation process was applied to discover the key features of compounds 5 and 6 in binding to leucine aminopeptidase 3 active site. This study described the anti-tumor effects of two leucine aminopeptidase 3 small molecule inhibitors. Taken together, compounds 5 and 6 could be used as anti-tumor lead compounds targeting leucine aminopeptidase 3.
Heterogenous Renal Injury Biomarker Production Reveals Human Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Subtypes
Authors: Jou-Valencia Daniela , Koeze Jacqueline , Popa Eliane R. , Aslan Adnan , Zwiers Peter J. , Molema Grietje , Zijlstra Jan G. , van Meurs Matijs , Moser Jill
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

To identify mechanisms associated with sepsis-acute kidney injury based on the expression levels of renal injury biomarkers, neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, and kidney injury molecule-1 in renal biopsies which may allow the identification of sepsis-acute kidney injury patient subtypes.

Design:

Prospective, clinical laboratory study using “warm” human postmortem sepsis-acute kidney injury kidney biopsies.

Setting:

Research laboratory at university teaching hospital.

Subjects:

Adult patients who died of sepsis in the ICU and control patients undergoing tumor nephrectomy.

Measurements and Main Results:

Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining were used to quantify messenger RNA and protein expression levels of neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 in the kidney of sepsis-acute kidney injury patients and control subjects. Morphometric analysis was used to quantify renal and glomerular neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 protein levels. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 messenger RNA and protein levels were increased in kidneys of sepsis-acute kidney injury patients compared with control kidney tissue. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin was localized in the distal tubules, collecting ducts, the adventitia of the renal arterioles, and in the glomerular tufts of renal biopsies from sepsis-acute kidney injury patients. In contrast, kidney injury molecule-1 was localized at the brush border of the proximal tubules. There was no correlation between neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 levels. Furthermore, renal neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 levels were not associated with the extent of renal injury, the severity of critical illness, or serum creatinine levels at either ICU admission or day of expiration. By laser microdissecting glomeruli, followed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we identified heterogenous glomerular neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin production in the kidney of sepsis-acute kidney injury patients.

Conclusion:

We found differences in the expression of neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 in patients with the same syndrome “sepsis-acute kidney injury” meaning there is no single pathway leading to sepsis-acute kidney injury. This underscores the beliefs that there are many/different pathophysiological pathways that can cause sepsis-acute kidney injury. Hence, patients with criteria that meet the definitions of both acute kidney injury and sepsis can be divided into subtypes based on pathophysiological features.
Vasopressin Versus Norepinephrine for the Management of Septic Shock in Cancer Patients: The VANCS II Randomized Clinical Trial*
Authors: Hajjar Ludhmila Abrahão , Zambolim Cristiane , Belletti Alessandro , de Almeida Juliano Pinheiro , Gordon Anthony C. , Oliveira Gisele , Park Clarice Hyesuk Lee , Fukushima Julia Tizue , Rizk Stephanie Itala , Szeles Tais Felix , dos Santos Neto Nestor Cordeiro , Filho Roberto Kalil , Galas Filomena Regina Barbosa Gomes , Landoni Giovanni
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

Previous trials suggest that vasopressin may improve outcomes in patients with vasodilatory shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether vasopressin could be superior to norepinephrine to improve outcomes in cancer patients with septic shock.

Design:

Single-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Setting:

ICU of a tertiary care hospital.

Patients:

Two-hundred fifty patients 18 years old or older with cancer and septic shock.

Interventions:

Patients were assigned to either vasopressin or norepinephrine as first-line vasopressor therapy. An updated meta-analysis was also conducted including randomized trials published until October 2018.

Measurements and Main Results:

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 28 days after randomization. Prespecified secondary outcomes included 90-days all-cause mortality rate; number of days alive and free of advanced organ support at day 28; and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score 24 hours and 96 hours after randomization. We also measure the prevalence of adverse effects in 28 days. A total of 250 patients were randomized. The primary outcome was observed in 71 patients (56.8%) in the vasopressin group and 66 patients (52.8%) in the norepinephrine group (p = 0.52). There were no significant differences in 90-day mortality (90 patients [72.0%] and 94 patients [75.2%], respectively; p = 0.56), number of days alive and free of advanced organ support, adverse events, or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score.

Conclusions:

In cancer patients with septic shock, vasopressin as first-line vasopressor therapy was not superior to norepinephrine in reducing 28-day mortality rate.
Impact of periprocedural biomarker elevation on mortality in stable angina pectoris patients undergoing elective coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis including 24 666 patients
Authors: Soud Mohamad , Hideo-Kajita Alexandre , Ho Gavin , Yacob Omar , Alahdab Fares , King Fred , Waksman Ron , McFadden Eugène P. , Garcia-Garcia Hector M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Uncertainty remains regarding the exact prognostic impact of biomarker elevation following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable angina pectoris and the subsequent risk of death. We sought, therefore, to evaluate the effect of periprocedural myocardial infarction on the subsequent mortality risk following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable angina pectoris and normal preprocedural cardiac biomarkers level.

Methods

After a systematic literature search was done in PubMed and EMBASE, we performed a meta-analysis of studies with post-procedural cardiac biomarkers data. All-cause mortality and cardiac death were evaluated in subjects with stable angina pectoris who underwent an elective coronary intervention.

Results

Fourteen studies with 24 666 patients were included. The mean age was 64.2 years ± 9.8 with about 3-quarters (74.9%) of these patients being men. The mean duration of follow-up was 18.1 months ± 14.3. Periprocedural myocardial infarction, based on study-specific biomarker criteria, occurred in 14.3% of the patients. Periprocedural myocardial infarction conferred a statistically significant increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.01;P< 0.0001; I2= 0%); where reported separately, cardiac death was also significantly increase (odds ratio, 2.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.60–4.80;P= 0.0003; I2= 0%).

Conclusion

The occurrence of periprocedural myocardial infarction after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable angina pectoris is associated with a statistically significant increase in subsequent all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality.
Effects of Brief Mood-Improving Interventions on Immunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ayling Kieran , Sunger Kanchan , Vedhara Kavita
Published: October 2019

Objective

Positive mood has been associated with enhanced immune function. Interventions that improve mood could therefore provide a mechanism for optimizing immune-related health outcomes. Brief interventions that improve mood, also known as mood inductions, potentially offer a pragmatic approach to enhancing immune function for finite periods where this would be beneficial to health (e.g., in advance of vaccination or surgery). This review sought to systematically examine the evidence regarding the effects of brief, single-session positive mood interventions on immunity.

Methods

Systematic searches of electronic databases were performed from earliest records to July 25, 2018. We identified 42 interventions suitable for inclusion, 6 of which were tested in multiple subpopulations. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for pre-post experimental group immune outcomes measured in at least five intervention studies.

Results

Although interventions were heterogeneous, 81% resulted in a statistically significant change in at least one immune parameter after the positive mood intervention for one or more of the subpopulations examined. However, studies were, in general, of low-to-moderate quality with small sample sizes (median n = 32) and did not examine the persistence or clinical relevance of the immune changes observed. Random-effects meta-analyses showed a significant medium-sized effect of interventions on increasing secretory IgA concentration (g = 0.65), a small but statistically significant effect for increased Interleukin-6 production (g = 0.12), and nonsignificant effects on natural killer cell activity (g = 0.15).

Conclusions

The current literature suggests that improvements in mood resulting from brief interventions can influence some immune parameters in ways indicative of enhanced immune function. However, there is a need for higher-quality research in this area that focuses on clinically relevant immune outcomes and mechanisms.
PrEP Discontinuation and Prevention-Effective Adherence: Experiences of PrEP Users in Ugandan HIV Serodiscordant Couples
Authors: Gilbert Hannah N. , Wyatt Monique A. , Pisarski Emily E. , Muwonge Timothy R. , Heffron Renee , Katabira Elly T. , Celum Connie L. , Baeten Jared M. , Haberer Jessica E. , Ware Norma C.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Optimal adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention involves aligning consistent PrEP use with periods of risk to achieve prevention-effective adherence. Prevention-effective adherence is predicated on individuals discontinuing PrEP during periods without expected risk. For stable, serodiscordant couples, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence by the HIV-positive partner markedly decreases HIV transmission risk, potentially obviating the need for continued PrEP use; yet little is known about actual lived experiences of discontinuing PrEP.

Methods:

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with HIV-uninfected PrEP users in serodiscordant couples taking part in the Partners Demonstration Project at IDI-Kasangati, Kampala, Uganda. Open-ended interviews elicited information on the partnered relationship; understandings of PrEP; prevention strategies; and experiences of PrEP discontinuation. An inductive, thematic, content-analytic approach was used to analyze study data.

Results:

Uninfected partners experienced PrEP as a valued resource for preventing HIV acquisition. Despite ongoing ART use by HIV-positive partners for a period of time consistent with viral suppression, discontinuation of PrEP was experienced as a loss of protection and a corresponding increase in risk of HIV acquisition. Uninfected partners responded with strategies aimed at offsetting this subjective sense of increased risk, specifically: (1) changing sexual practices; (2) prioritizing fidelity in the relationship; (3) increasing reliance on condoms; and (4) seeking evidence of partners' ART adherence.

Conclusions:

These experiences highlight the challenges PrEP users in serodiscordant couples face in discontinuing PrEP for prevention-effective adherence. Flexible interventions that support individuals during this transition may increase comfort with discontinuing PrEP when alternative prevention strategies provide protection, such as a partner's consistent adherence to ART.