bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making the Output of Seasonal Climate Models More Palatable to Agriculture: A Copula-Based Postprocessing Method
Authors: Li Ming , Jin Huidong , Brown Jaclyn N.
Published: January 2020

Seasonal climate forecasts from raw climate models at coarse grids are often biased and statistically unreliable for credible crop prediction at the farm scale. We develop a copula-based postprocessing (CPP) method to overcome this mismatch problem. The CPP forecasts are ensemble based and are generated from the predictive distribution conditioned on raw climate forecasts. CPP performs univariate postprocessing procedures at each station, lead time, and variable separately and then applies the Schaake shuffle to reorder ensemble sequence for a more realistic spatial, temporal, and cross-variable dependence structure. The use of copulas makes CPP free of strong distributional assumptions and flexible enough to describe complex dependence structures. In a case study, we apply CPP to postprocess rainfall, minimum temperature, maximum temperature, and radiation forecasts at a monthly level from the Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator Seasonal model (ACCESS-S) to three representative stations in Australia. We evaluate forecast skill at lead times of 0–5 months on a cross-validation theme in the context of both univariate and multivariate forecast verification. When compared with forecasts that use climatological values as the predictor, the CPP forecast has positive skills, although the skills diminish with increasing lead times and finally become comparable at long lead times. When compared with the bias-corrected forecasts and the quantile-mapped forecasts, the CPP forecast is the overall best, with the smallest bias and greatest univariate forecast skill. As a result of the skill gain from univariate forecasts and the effect of the Schaake shuffle, CPP leads to the most skillful multivariate forecast as well. Further results investigate whether using ensemble mean or additional predictors can enhance forecast skill for CPP.
A laboratory for teaching process control: The wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Tejado Inés , Pérez Emiliano
Published: January 2020

Laboratory experiments offer one way to introduce more realism in education and play a key role for the acquisition of practical skills, especially in engineering. This paper addresses the development of an equipment to teach fundamentals of industrial process control engineering mainly for undergraduate courses at the University of Extremadura. The laboratory consists of the DELTALAB–COSIMI wastewater treatment plant SP244, which is controlled by a CompactRIO-9014 high-performance real-time embedded controller, a kind of programmable logic controller of National Instruments. Learning objectives and a summary of students activities carried out in the laboratory lessons are given to illustrate the possibilities of use of this equipment for teaching of industrial process control.
Beta Neurofeedback Training Improves Attentional Control in the Elderly
Authors: Bielas Jacek , Michalczyk Łukasz
Published: January 2020

One of the well-documented behavioral changes that occur with advancing age is a decline in executive functioning, for example, attentional control. Age-related executive deficits are said to be associated with a deterioration of the frontal lobes. Neurofeedback is a training method which aims at acquiring self-control over certain brain activity patterns. It is considered as an effective approach to help improve attentional and self-management capabilities. However, studies evaluating the efficacy of neurofeedback training to boost executive functioning in an elderly population are still relatively rare and controversial. The aim of our study was to contribute to the assessment of the efficacy of neurofeedback as a method for enhancing executive functioning in the elderly. We provided a group of seniors with beta up-training (12–22 Hz), consisting of 20 sessions (30 minutes each), on the Cz site and tested its possible beneficiary influence on attentional control assessed by means of the Stroop and Simon tasks. The analysis of the subjects’ mean reaction times during consecutive tasks in the test and the retest, after implementation of neurofeedback training, showed a significant improvement. In contrast, the difference in reaction times between the test and the retest in the control group who had not been submitted to neurofeedback training was not significant.
Three cases of an unusual cause of haematemesis: black oesophagus
Authors: Shah Jimil , Savlania Ajay , Bush Nikhil , Mandavdhare Harshal S , Singh Harjeet , Sharma Vishal
Published: January 2020

Black oesophagus, also termed acute oesophageal necrosis or Gurvits syndrome, is an uncommon but well-characterised entity predominantly involving the lower oesophagus. Co-morbidity—such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic liver or kidney or pulmonary disease—predisposes to this condition. On endoscopy, it appears as a diffuse, circumferential, black discolouration. Though poorly understood, tissue hypoperfusion appears central to its pathogenesis. Tackling the underlying predisposing co-morbidity and supportive management are the mainstay of therapy. Despite early diagnosis and prompt treatment, the outcome may be unfavourable and is related to the underlying aetiology. We report a case series of three patients of acute oesophageal necrosis who presented to us with symptoms of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and improved with conservative management.
Toward Noninvasive Mapping of Diffuse Scattering in the Presence of Motion
Authors: Lindsey Brooks D. , Collins Graham C.
Published: January 2020

Ultrasonic coda wave analysis techniques localize defects in fields such as seismography and nondestructive testing. In medical ultrasound, these techniques might provide novel mapping of tissue properties in diseases characterized by local fibrosis. In this work, we present an approach for localizing variation in scattering properties in the diffuse regime with an array transducer in medical ultrasound. This approach estimates coda wave decorrelation as the array is displaced by 0.5 mm, allowing data acquisition at two slightly different spatial locations. An inverse problem is solved as in nondestructive testing based on coda wave decorrelation estimates and a locally-estimated diffusion constant. The developed approach is demonstrated in a tissue-mimicking phantom to assess sensitivity to variation in scattering properties. Next, the ability of the approach for localizing regions of increased multiple scattering in biological tissues is assessed with a large multiple scattering bead in an ex vivo porcine cardiac sample. Through these experiments, the ability to map variation in multiple scattering is demonstrated for the first time, with a mean localization error of 1.42 ± 3.5 mm for this low-resolution mapping technique. While the goal of this technique is to map defects in the diffuse regime rather than to develop a conventional image, contrast ratios in the resulting images were in good agreement with scattering concentrations in phantom studies: 1.98 ± 0.05 for a 2× scattering target, 1.37 ± 0.02 for a 1.4× scattering target, 0.65 ± 0.02 for a 0.7× scattering target, and 0.49 ± 0.03 for a 0.5× scattering targets.
The impact of a patient-directed activity program on functional outcomes and activity participation after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Swank Chad , Trammell Molly , Callender Librada , Bennett Monica , Patterson Kara , Gillespie Jaime , Kapoor Priyanka , Driver Simon
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Individuals post stroke are inactive, even during rehabilitation, contributing to ongoing disability and risk of secondary health conditions. Our aims were to (1) conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of a “Patient-Directed Activity Program” on functional outcomes in people post stroke during inpatient rehabilitation and (2) examine differences three months post inpatient rehabilitation discharge.

Design:

Randomized control trial.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Subjects:

Patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation post stroke.

Interventions:

Patient-Directed Activity Program (PDAP) or control (usual care only). Both groups underwent control (three hours of therapy/day), while PDAP participants were prescribed two additional 30-minute activity sessions/day.

Main measures:

Outcomes (Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement Measure, Functional Independence Measure, balance, physical activity, Stroke Impact Scale) were collected at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and three-month follow-up.

Results:

Seventy-three patients (PDAP ( n = 37); control ( n = 36)) were included in the primary analysis. Patients in PDAP completed a total of 23.1 ± 16.5 sessions (10.7 ± 8.5 upper extremity; 12.4 ± 8.6 lower extremity) during inpatient rehabilitation. No differences were observed between groups at discharge in functional measures. PDAP completed significantly more steps/day (PDAP = 657.70 ± 655.82, control = 396.17 ± 419.65; P = 0.022). The Stroke Impact Scale showed significantly better memory and thinking (PDAP = 86.2 ± 11.4, control = 80.8 ± 16.7; P = 0.049), communication (PDAP = 93.6 ± 8.3, control = 89.6 ± 12.4; P = 0.042), mobility (PDAP = 62.2 ± 22.5, control = 53.8 ± 21.8; P = 0.038), and overall recovery from stroke (PDAP = 62.1 ± 19.1, control = 52.2 ± 18.7; P = 0.038) for PDAP compared to control. At three months post discharge, PDAP ( n = 11) completed significantly greater physical activity ( P = 0.014; 3586.5 ± 3468.5 steps/day) compared to control ( n = 10; 1760.9 ± 2346.3 steps/day).

Conclusion:

Functional outcome improvement was comparable between groups; however, PDAP participants completed more steps and perceived greater recovery.
Treatment of renal calculi without hydronephrosis using a standard channel assisted by a visual puncture system
Authors: Wang Ji-liang , Cui Zhen-yu , Zhu Shi-fan , Yang Wen-zeng , Zhou Hong-yue , Zhang Shi-qing , Fu Ze-sheng , Sun Yun-fei
Published: January 2020

Objective

To study the safety and efficacy of standard channel establishment using a visual puncture system in the treatment of renal calculi without hydronephrosis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 46 patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy via a standard channel assisted by a visual puncture system, including number of punctures, duration of procedure, hemoglobin level after surgery, calculi clearance rate, and postoperative complications.

Results

Sixty-nine channels were established, including a single channel in 26 cases, double channel in 17 cases, and three channels in 3 cases. The mean number of punctures was 1.50, mean time to establish the standard channel was 2.6 minutes, and duration of surgery was 31.3 minutes. No significant change in hemoglobin was observed after surgery. Forty-three patients had no residual calculi and three had small residual calculi on the day after surgery, representing a first-phase clearance rate of 93.48% (43/46). No significant complications were observed.

Conclusions

Hemorrhage during operation can be significantly reduced by establishing a standard channel using a visual puncture system. Moreover, the number of standard channels can be reduced and the incidence of complications lowered using this approach, which should be adopted widely for the treatment of renal calculi without hydronephrosis.
Overexpression of cell-cycle related and expression-elevated protein in tumor (CREPT) in malignant cervical cancer
Authors: Wen Na , Bian Lihua , Gong Jing , Meng Yuanguang
Published: January 2020

Objective

To explore the expression of cell-cycle related and expression-elevated protein in tumor (CREPT), cyclin D1, and transcription factor 4 (TCF4) in patients with cervical carcinoma.

Methods

This study enrolled 20 patients with cervical cancer and 10 control patients diagnosed with benign cervical lesions undergoing resection at the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2017. Cervical tissues were collected from all patients and their clinical characteristics were recorded. Protein and mRNA levels of CREPT, cyclin D1, and TCF4 were measured in tissue samples by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared between the two groups.

Result

Protein and mRNA expression levels of CREPT, cyclin D1, and TCF4 were all significantly higher in the cervical cancer compared with the control group, according to western blot and PCR, respectively. CREPT expression was also significantly higher in the cervical cancer group according to immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

Levels of CREPT, cyclin D1, and TCF4 were significantly elevated in cervical carcinoma tissues, and their expression levels were positively correlated, suggesting that these factors might play important roles during the development of cervical carcinoma.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of rare painless keratitis caused by three pathogens: clinical practice and experiential discussion
Authors: Sun Yiming , Li Wenjing , Wang MiMi , Xing Quansheng , Sun Xuguang
Published: January 2020

There have been numerous reports regarding the occurrence of keratitis in patients with soft contact lenses, but few reports in patients with rigid gas permeable contact lenses. To the best of our knowledge, the occurrence of infection associated with three species of pathogens has never been reported. Here, we describe a patient who exhibited refractory painless keratitis caused by three pathogens ( Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acanthamoeba, and herpes simplex virus) and summarize similar reports published at multiple centers worldwide, with the aim of providing guidance for clinicians who might encounter mixed-type corneal infections. We describe the results of many ophthalmologic and laboratory investigations, which guided our treatment selection. We achieved good treatment efficacy, such that the patient exhibited a corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in the affected eye after a series of treatments, including curettage of ulcer lesions. Corneal infections caused by multiple pathogens are challenging in clinical practice. This summary of our experience in patient diagnosis and treatment can help clinicians to achieve a favorable prognosis in treatment of future patients.
Identification of key genes involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous melanoma using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chen Jianqin , Sun Wen , Mo Nian , Chen Xiangjun , Yang Lihong , Tu Shaozhong , Zhang Siwen , Liu Jing
Published: January 2020

Objective

Malignant melanoma is a highly invasive cancer whose pathogenesis remains unclear. We analyzed the microarray dataset GDS1375 in the Gene Expression Omnibus database to search for key genes involved in the occurrence and development of melanoma.

Methods

The dataset included 52 samples (7 normal skin and 45 melanoma samples). We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups and used integrated discovery databases for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway analyses. In addition, we used the STRING and MCODE plugins of Cytoscape to visualize the protein-protein interactions (PPI) for these DEGs.

Results

A total of 509 upregulated and 618 downregulated DEGs were identified, which were enriched in GO terms including integrin binding, protein binding, and structural constituent of cytoskeleton, and in KEGG pathways such as melanogenesis, prostate cancer, focal adhesion, and renin secretion. Three major modules from the PPI networks and 10 hub genes were identified, including CDC20, GNB2, PPP2R1A, AURKB, POLR2E, and AGTR1. Overall survival was low when these six hub genes were highly expressed.

Conclusion

This bioinformatics analysis identified hub genes that may promote the development of melanoma and represent potential new biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.
Efficacy of surgery via the single anterior and single posterior approaches for treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Haiping , Luo Jing , Wang Xiaodong , Dong Xiaohua , Hao Dingjun
Published: January 2020

Objective

The type of surgical treatment that should be adopted for thoracic tuberculosis (TB) remains controversial. This study was performed to compare the clinical efficacy of surgery via the single anterior and single posterior approaches for treatment of thoracic spinal TB.

Methods

Seventy-eight patients with thoracic TB undergoing surgical treatment were divided into two groups on the basis of the surgical methods employed: Group A (single anterior debridement + bone graft fusion and internal fixation) and Group B (single posterior debridement + bone graft fusion and internal fixation). Results of clinical and imaging examinations were analysed and compared between the two groups.

Results

The surgical duration and mean hospital stay were significantly longer and the perioperative bleeding volume was significantly higher in Group A than B. At the last follow-up, changes in the American Spinal Injury Association grade showed no obvious differences between the two groups. Before and after the surgery and at the last follow-up, no significant differences were detected in the Cobb angle change or correction rate between the two groups.

Conclusion

Surgery via the single anterior and single posterior approaches achieved good clinical efficacy in the treatment of thoracic spinal TB.
Queensland’s Human Rights Act: Perhaps not such a great step forward?
Authors: Schetzer Louis
Published: January 2020

In February 2019 Queensland became the third Australian jurisdiction to enact a statutory human rights charter. The Queensland Human Rights Act is modelled on the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and the ACT Human Rights Act 2004. However, it also provides for an accessible complaints mechanism for alleged contraventions by a public entity, which is a significant point of difference from the other two Acts. This article considers whether the Queensland act is an improvement on the Victorian and ACT acts, or whether it also fails to provide effective remedies for people whose human rights have been breached.
The Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld): Some perspectives from Victoria
Authors: Chen Bruce
Published: January 2020

The Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) is modelled on Victoria’s dialogue model for human rights protection, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic). This article provides a Victorian perspective on the operative provisions of Queensland’s Human Rights Act, particularly those which bind public entities, courts and tribunals when applying legislation (sections 13, 48, 58 and 59). The potential impacts of amendments by the Act to the Corrective Services Act 2006 (Qld) and Youth Justice Act 1992 (Qld) are also considered.
Free vibration analysis of integrated and non-integrated corrugated core sandwich panels reinforced with weft-knitted fabrics
Authors: Abedzade Atar Hamid , Zarrebini Mohammad , Hasani Hossein , Rezaeepazhand Jalil
Published: January 2020

This study deals with free vibration analysis of integrated and non-integrated corrugated core sandwich panels with rectangular core together with free vibration analysis of integrated corrugated core sandwich panels with hat-type and triangle core. Bonding of the core to skin in non-integrated sandwich panels was achieved by resin, while in the integrated sandwich panels that were reinforced with 3-D weft-knitted fabric bonding was achieved using yarns and resin. Results revealed that the integrated structures have higher natural frequency than the non-integrated structures. It was also found that the natural frequency of the triangular-core sandwich panels and the rectangular-core sandwich panels was the highest and the lowest, respectively. It was established that weft-knitting fabric technology is suitable for the production of both integrated and non-integrated corrugated core sandwich panels with a high degree of similarities in terms of geometry, weight, and characteristics.
Gender-related differences in patients treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication for diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Schiefelbein Johannes , Müller Michael , Kern Christoph , Herold Tina , Liegl Raffael , Fasler Katrin , Jeliazkova Diana , Priglinger Siegfried , Kortuem Karsten Ulrich
Published: January 2020

Background:

Diabetes prevalence is constantly rising, involving the eyes with damage including development of diabetic macular oedema. Since 2012, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication is available for diabetic macular oedema treatment. Endocrinological studies have shown that fewer women are affected by diabetes. However, when affected, they exhibit more severe diabetic complications than men. We have investigated gender-related differences in diabetic macular oedema and outcome in an ophthalmological tertiary referral hospital.

Methods:

We included 88 patients (54 males and 34 females) with 112 eyes (68 male and 44 female) having clinically significant diabetic macular oedema, treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication. A 1 year follow-up was performed in all patients (visual acuity and optical coherence tomography). Previous retinal surgery was an exclusion criterion, as were other retinal pathologies.

Results:

The mean visual acuity and mean central retinal thickness at baseline were 0.53 logMAR (male 0.49 and female 0.595) and 469 μm (male 452 μm and female: 494 μm), respectively. After 360 days, mean visual acuity changed by −0.07 (±0.36) logMAR (male −0.11 and female +0.01) and mean central retinal thickness changed by −119 μm (male −113 μm and female −127 μm). For visual acuity, a significant difference was noted at baseline ( p = 0.02) and at 1 year ( p < 0.001). Males received 5.6 injections and females received 5.68 injections in 1 year.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that female patients with diabetic macular oedema were diagnosed with and treated for diabetic macular oedema at a stage when visual acuity and optical coherence tomography were worse than those in their male counterparts. This gender difference could not be reduced, despite similar numbers of injections. Female diabetic patients should therefore be assessed early for ophthalmological pathologies.
Lubricated tribology of hybrid AMMC–steel sliding contact: A comparative investigation between fully formulated commercial engine oils and surfactant functionalized MWCNT–base oil formulation
Authors: Singh H , Bhowmick H
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study is to investigate the feasibility of developing surfactant-assisted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-laden lubricant for hybrid aluminum metal matrix composite (h-AMMC)/steel (EN31) pair sliding contact. For the preliminary screening, three grade-I base oils, two SAE grade fully formulated commercial oils, and two types of particle additives are used for the tribological investigation. Based on the detailed pilot study, a suitable grade of base oil (SN500), a fully-formulated commercial oil (SAE 20W50) and a solid particle additive (MWCNT) are finalized for the comprehensive tribological investigation. An amphiphilic surfactant, Sorbitan mono-oleate (SPAN 80) is added to MWCNT-in-oil dispersion to functionalize the MWCNT particles. For better insight of the lubrication and friction-wear mechanism, thermophysical properties of prepared suspensions and characterization of the worn-out surfaces of h-AMMC is carried out using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The study reveals some interesting insights on the performance of MWCNT-laden lubricants in the presence of surfactant, which might be connoted for the future development of the lubricants to be used in the industrial applications.
A systematic review of electronic mental health interventions for Indigenous youth: Results and recommendations
Authors: Toombs Elaine , Kowatch Kristy R , Dalicandro Lauren , McConkey Stephanie , Hopkins Carol , Mushquash Christopher J
Published: January 2020

Electronic health interventions involve health services delivered using the Internet and related communication technologies. These services can be particularly relevant for Indigenous populations who often have differential access to health-care services compared to general populations, especially within rural and remote areas. As the popularity of electronic health interventions grows, there is an increased need for evidence-based recommendations for the effective use of these technologies. The current study is a systematic review of peer-reviewed and available grey literature with the aim of understanding outcomes of electronic health interventions for mental health concerns among Indigenous people. Studies used electronic health technologies for substance use treatment or prevention, suicide prevention, parenting supports, goal setting and behaviour change and consultation services. Various technological platforms were used across interventions, with both novel and adapted intervention development. Most studies provided qualitative results, with fewer studies focusing on quantitative outcomes. Some preliminary results from the engagement of Indigenous individuals with electronic health services has been demonstrated, but further research is needed to confirm these results. Identified barriers and facilitators are identified from the reviewed literature. Recommendations for future development of electronic health interventions for Indigenous youth are provided.
Design and optimization of the transition curve in the novel profiled chamber metering pump
Authors: Liu Li , Ding Chuan , Wang Pengfei
Published: January 2020

To better understand the optimization of the stator profile to improve the dynamic performance of a novel profiled chamber metering pump, this paper presents a dynamic analysis method for transition curve design and optimization of the profiled chamber. The face-shaped curve of the inner chamber of the stator is formed of two quarter circular arcs and two quarter noncircular arcs, and the two quarter noncircular arcs are defined as transition curves, which directly affect the mechanical vibration, friction, and wear of the profiled chamber metering pump. The proposed design and optimization method combine a friction analysis with the motion control of the moving parts. The approach based on a new strategy mainly includes three steps. For the first step, based on motion analysis, the trigonometric function and polynomial function are adopted to derive the candidate transition curves that have different order of continuity. Secondly, a friction model between the slides and the stator is established, by means of kinematic and force analysis of the slides. Then, the model is used to examine the friction dissipated energy for different candidate transition curves. Finally, through a comparison analysis of motion parameters and energy losses, comprehensive optimal transition curves are obtained. This three-step analytical work is proved to be efficient in the design of the transition curves.
Ethical eating as experienced by consumers and producers: When good food meets good farmers
Authors: Carolan Michael
Published: January 2020

This article engages with two rich but largely disparate research traditions: one looks at ethical consumption, that is, constructions and contestations around good food, while the other interrogates the equally contested space of what it means to be a good farmer. The argument is informed by qualitative data collected from, on the one hand, those engaged in shaping urban food policy and institutional procurement plans in Denver, Colorado, and, on the other hand, rural Colorado farmers and ranchers who supply out-of-state markets. Given the growing appeal of locally sourced food from smaller scale producers utilizing certain so-called ethical management practices (resulting in, e.g. cage-free chickens, organic food, and grass-fed beef), the article asks, “how are particular markers of good food,” which I show to be commonly held in urban foodscapes, “understood by rural producers?,” and “how do these constructions play into their conceptions of what it means to be a good farmer?” Conceptually, the argument is situated within a moral economy framework, which reminds us that the market is always mediated by institutions, individuals, and communities and vice versa. This framework emphasizes the point that markets are moralizing – and demoralizing – entities. The article adds to the fields of sociology of consumption and critical agrifood studies by interrogating aspects of how the two “ends” of the supply chain are interconnected. Eaters’ constructions of good food and producers’ understandings of what it means to be a good farmer are shown to be intertwined.
Influence of electrolytes and hydroxypropylsulfonation on paste stability of cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol blend sizes for warp sizing
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Lanjuan , Zhang Zhengqiao , Lu Yuhao
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research was to ascertain the influences of electrolytes and hydroxypropylsulfonation on paste stabilities of cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol blend sizes. The hydroxypropylsulfonated cassava starch was prepared via hydroxypropylsulfonation of hydrolyzed cassava starch with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl sulfonic acid sodium in an aqueous medium. The stability was evaluated by measuring the initial demixing time. Before and after the addition of the electrolytes such as NaH2PO4, Na2SO4, and NaCl, the initial demixing time was 24, 20, 18, and 15 min for hydroxypropylsulfonated cassava starch/PVA1799 paste and 21, 17, 15, and 14 min for hydrolyzed cassava starch/PVA1799 one. This showed that the electrolytes accelerated the separation rates of hydroxypropylsulfonated cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol blend pastes and hydrolyzed cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol ones, thereby reducing the stability, and the acceleration followed the order: NaH2PO4 > Na2SO4 > NaCl. Increasing the concentration of electrolyte accelerated the separation rate and lowered the stability. The hydroxypropylsulfonation was able to reduce the separation rate and enhance paste stability. When the weight percentage of starch was fixed, with the rise in the degree of substitution from 0.011 to 0.029, the initial demixing time gradually increased, indicating the gradual decreases in the separation rates, thereby promoting the enhancement in the stability. Moreover, PVA0588 was lower than PVA1799 and PVA1788 in affecting the separation rate, which implied that polyvinyl alcohol with a lower degree of polymerization favored to promote the stability.
Seroepidemiological patterns and predictors of hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic of Atat Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Bafa Temesgen Abera , Egata Andamlak Dendir
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Viral hepatitis is a serious blood-borne and sexually transmitted systemic communicable disease affecting the liver. Commonly, it is caused by hepatitis B and C viruses. HIV infection has been one of the largest public health challenges that can also be transmitted vertically.

Objective:

To determine seroepidemiological patterns and predictors of hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Atat Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 222 pregnant women from May to July, 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and predicators of hepatitis B, C and HIV infections through face-to-face interview. Venous blood sample of 5 mL was collected from study participants, and serum was tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV using rapid test kits and further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hepatitis and HIV infections. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and HIV infections were 4.5%, 1.8% and 2.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections was significantly higher among patients having history of poly-sexual practices (adjusted odds ratio = 11.31; 95% confidence interval = 1.24–28.69, p = 0.003), history of abortion (adjusted odds ratio = 8.64; 95% confidence interval = 5.5–30.36, p = 0.034), home delivery by traditional birth attendants (adjusted odds ratio = 9.06; 95% confidence interval = 2.01–13.36, p = 0.005) and blood transfusion (adjusted odds ratio = 18.1; 95% confidence interval = 2.63–114.24, p = 0.001). HIV co-infection was present in 40% and 100% of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus positive pregnant women, respectively. All hepatitis C virus positive women had a history of ear piercing, abortion and home delivery.

Conclusion:

Hepatitis B, C and HIV were all uncommon infections in this population, with hepatitis B virus the most common. All hepatitis C virus positive pregnant women were co-infected with HIV. Significant association was found between hepatitis B virus infection and predictors. Therefore, continuous screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B and C infections should be performed.
Inspiring Creativity in Diverse Organizational Cultures: An Expatriate Integrity Dilemma
Authors: Ogbeibu Samuel , Senadjki Abdelhak , Emelifeonwu Jude , Vohra Paramjeet Singh
Published: January 2020

Employee creativity can bolster organizational competitiveness and survival. Although, when in host countries, expatriate top management leaders (ETML) are often challenged to constantly exhibit integrity that positively impacts the creativity of employees, despite prevalent organizational cultures’ (OCs) influences. Varying influences of distinct OCs and questionable ETML integrity have also been argued to have unpredictable influences on the creativity prowess of several emerging economies like Nigeria. It is, thus, unclear from the literature how ETML and distinct OCs act to inspire employee creativity. This study investigated the relationship between ETML integrity, OC and employee creativity. A cross-sectional survey design was administered to 439 participants from 22 manufacturing organizations in Nigeria, and data analysis was executed by leveraging partial least square path modelling (SmartPLS 3). Results indicated that ETML integrity and adhocracy OC have positive associations with employee creativity. Equally, clan and market OCS reflect negative associations with employee creativity. Surprisingly, ETML integrity dampens the positive relationships between adhocracy OC and hierarchy OC, and employee creativity. Furthermore, ETML integrity reinforces the association of clan OC and market OC with employee creativity. This study offers substantive and significant contributions that can be applied to emerging economies with similar concerns and context.
Sentiment analysis of real-world migraine tweets for population research
Authors: Deng Hao , Wang Qiushi , Turner Dana P , Sexton Katherine E , Burns Sara M , Eikermann Matthias , Liu Dianbo , Cheng Dan , Houle Timothy T
Published: January 2020

Background:

Migraine is a highly prevalent disorder that is typically episodic in nature. Social network data reflecting personal commentary on everyday life patterns, including those interrupted by migraine, represent a unique window into the real-life experience of those willing to share them. The experience of a migraine attack might be captured by twitter text data, and this information might be used to complement our current knowledge of activity in the general population and even lead to enhanced prediction.

Objective:

To characterize tweets reporting migraine activity and to explore their social-behavior features as foundation for further investigations.

Methods:

A longitudinal cohort study utilizing 1 month of Twitter data from November to December 2014 was conducted. Tweets containing the word “migraine” were extracted, preprocessed, and managed using natural language processing (NLP) techniques. User behavior profiles including tweeting frequencies, high-frequency words, and sentimental presentations were reported and analyzed.

Results:

During the observation period, 98,622 tweets were captured from 77,335 different users. The overall sentiment of tweets was slightly negative for expressive tweets but neutral for informative tweets. Among posted negative expressive tweets, we found a strong tendency that high-frequent expressions were those with the extreme sentiment, and profanity was common.

Conclusions:

Twitter users with migraine showed distinct sentimental patterns while suffering from disease onsets exemplified by posting tweets with extreme negative sentiments.
Guanfacine treatment improves ADHD phenotypes of impulsivity and hyperactivity in a neurofibromatosis type 1 mouse model
Authors: Lukkes J. L. , Drozd H. P. , Fitz S. D. , Molosh A. I. , Clapp D. W. , Shekhar A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a mutation in one copy of the neurofibromin gene (NF1+/−). Even though approximately 40–60% of children with NF1 meet the criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), very few preclinical studies, if any, have investigated alterations in impulsivity and risk-taking behavior. Mice with deletion of a single NF1 gene (Nf1+/−) recapitulate many of the phenotypes of NF1 patients.

Methods

We compared wild-type (WT) and Nf1+/− mouse strains to investigate differences in impulsivity and hyperactivity using the delay discounting task (DDT), cliff avoidance reaction (CAR) test, and open field. We also investigated whether treatment with the clinically effective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist, guanfacine (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), would reverse deficits observed in behavioral inhibition.

Results

Nf1+/− mice chose a higher percentage of smaller rewards when both 10- and 20-s delays were administered compared to WT mice, suggesting Nf1+/− mice are more impulsive. When treated with guanfacine (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), Nf1+/− mice exhibited decreased impulsive choice by waiting for the larger, delayed reward. Nf1+/− mice also exhibited deficits in behavioral inhibition compared to WT mice in the CAR test by repetitively entering the outer edge of the platform where they risk falling. Treatment with guanfacine ameliorated these deficits. In addition, Nf1+/− mice exhibited hyperactivity as increased distance was traveled compared to WT controls in the open field. This hyperactivity in Nf1+/− mice was reduced with guanfacine pre-treatment.

Conclusions

Overall, our study confirms that Nf1+/− mice exhibit deficits in behavioral inhibition in multiple contexts, a key feature of ADHD, and can be used as a model system to identify alterations in neural circuitry associated with symptoms of ADHD in children with NF1.
Genomic dissection of maternal, additive and non-additive genetic effects for growth and carcass traits in Nile tilapia
Authors: Joshi Rajesh , Meuwissen Theo H. E. , Woolliams John A. , Gjøen Hans M.
Published: January 2020

Background

The availability of both pedigree and genomic sources of information for animal breeding and genetics has created new challenges in understanding how they can be best used and interpreted. This study estimated genetic variance components based on genomic information and compared these to the variance components estimated from pedigree alone in a population generated to estimate non-additive genetic variance. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of the assumptions of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) on estimates of genetic variance components. For the first time, the magnitude of inbreeding depression for important commercial traits in Nile tilapia was estimated by using genomic data.

Results

The study estimated the non-additive genetic variance in a Nile tilapia population of full-sib families and, when present, it was almost entirely represented by additive-by-additive epistatic variance, although in pedigree studies this non-additive variance is commonly assumed to arise from dominance. For body depth (BD) and body weight at harvest (BWH), the proportion of additive-by-additive epistatic to phenotypic variance was estimated to be 0.15 and 0.17 using genomic data (P < 0.05). In addition, with genomic data, the maternal variance (P < 0.05) for BD, BWH, body length (BL) and fillet weight (FW) explained approximately 10% of the phenotypic variances, which was comparable to pedigree-based estimates. The study also showed the detrimental effects of inbreeding on commercial traits of tilapia, which was estimated to reduce trait values by 1.1, 0.9, 0.4 and 0.3% per 1% increase in the individual homozygosity for FW, BWH, BD and BL, respectively. The presence of inbreeding depression but lack of dominance variance was consistent with an infinitesimal dominance model for the traits.

Conclusions

The benefit of including non-additive genetic effects for genetic evaluations in tilapia breeding schemes is not evident from these findings, but the observed inbreeding depression points to a role for reciprocal recurrent selection. Commercially, this conclusion will depend on the scheme’s operational costs and resources. The creation of maternal lines in Tilapia breeding schemes may be a possibility if the variation associated with maternal effects is heritable.
PRAP: Pan Resistome analysis pipeline
Authors: He Yichen , Zhou Xiujuan , Chen Ziyan , Deng Xiangyu , Gehring Andrew , Ou Hongyu , Zhang Lida , Shi Xianming
Published: January 2020

Background

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can spread among pathogens via horizontal gene transfer, resulting in imparities in their distribution even within the same species. Therefore, a pan-genome approach to analyzing resistomes is necessary for thoroughly characterizing patterns of ARGs distribution within particular pathogen populations. Software tools are readily available for either ARGs identification or pan-genome analysis, but few exist to combine the two functions.

Results

We developed Pan Resistome Analysis Pipeline (PRAP) for the rapid identification of antibiotic resistance genes from various formats of whole genome sequences based on the CARD or ResFinder databases. Detailed annotations were used to analyze pan-resistome features and characterize distributions of ARGs. The contribution of different alleles to antibiotic resistance was predicted by a random forest classifier. Results of analysis were presented in browsable files along with a variety of visualization options. We demonstrated the performance of PRAP by analyzing the genomes of 26 Salmonella enterica isolates from Shanghai, China.

Conclusions

PRAP was effective for identifying ARGs and visualizing pan-resistome features, therefore facilitating pan-genomic investigation of ARGs. This tool has the ability to further excavate potential relationships between antibiotic resistance genes and their phenotypic traits.
Copper-induced concomitant increases in photosynthesis, respiration, and C, N and S assimilation revealed by transcriptomic analyses in Ulva compressa (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Laporte Daniel , Rodríguez Felipe , González Alberto , Zúñiga Antonio , Castro-Nallar Eduardo , Sáez Claudio A. , Moenne Alejandra
Published: January 2020

Background

The marine algaUlva compressais the dominant species in copper-polluted coastal areas in northern Chile. It has been shown that the alga tolerates micromolar concentrations of copper and accumulates copper at the intracellular level. Transcriptomic analyses were performed using total RNA of the alga cultivated with 10 μ M copper for 0, 1, 3 and 5 days using RNA-seq in order to identify processes involved in copper tolerance.

Results

The levels of transcripts encoding proteins belonging to Light Harvesting Complex II (LHCII), photosystem II (PSII), cytochrome b6f, PSI, LHCI, ATP synthase and proteins involved in repair of PSII and protection of PSI were increased in the alga cultivated with copper. In addition, the level of transcripts encoding proteins of mitochondrial electron transport chain, ATP synthase, and enzymes involved in C, N and S assimilation were also enhanced. The higher percentages of increase in the level of transcripts were mainly observed at days 3 and 5. In contrast, transcripts involved protein synthesis and degradation, signal transduction, and replication and DNA repair, were decreased. In addition, net photosynthesis and respiration increased in the alga cultivated with copper, mainly at days 1 to 3. Furthermore, the activities of enzymes involved in C, N and S assimilation, rubisco, glutamine synthase and cysteine synthase, respectively, were also increased, mainly at days 1 and 3.

Conclusions

The marine algaU. compressatolerates copper excess through a concomitant increase in expression of proteins involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and C, N and S assimilation, which represents an exceptional mechanism of copper tolerance.
Liver injury monitoring, fibrosis staging and inflammation grading using T1rho magnetic resonance imaging: an experimental study in rats with carbon tetrachloride intoxication
Authors: Xie Shuangshuang , Qi Hanxiong , Li Qing , Zhang Kun , Zhang Longjiang , Cheng Yue , Shen Wen
Published: January 2020

Background

To investigate the merit of T1rho relaxation for the evaluation of liver fibrosis, inflammatory activity, and liver injury monitoring in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat model.

Methods

Model rats from CCl4-induced liver fibrosis (fibrosis group: n = 41; regression group: n = 20) and control (n = 11) groups underwent black blood T1rho magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI). Injection of CCl4 was done twice weekly for up to 12 weeks in the fibrosis group and for up to 6 weeks in the regression group. MR scanning time points were at baseline and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after CCl4 injection in the fibrosis group and at baseline and at 2, 4, 6 (CCl4 withdrawal), 7, 8, 10 and 12 weeks in the regression group.

Results

In the fibrosis group, liver T1rho values increased gradually within week 8 and then decreased. In the regression group, T1rho values dropped gradually after the withdrawal of CCl4 and fell below those at baseline. The T1rho values at S0 were lower than those at any other stage (all P < 0.05). The T1rho values at G0 were significantly lower than those at any other grade, and G1 was lower than G2 (all P < 0.01). The T1rho values mildly correlated with fibrosis stages (r = 0.362) and moderately correlated with grades of inflammation (r = 0.568). The T1rho values of rats with the same inflammation grades showed no significant difference among different fibrosis stages, and the T1rho values at S3 showed a significant difference among different grades of inflammation (P = 0.024). Inflammation grade was an independent variable associated with T1rho values (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

T1rho MRI can be used to monitor CCl4-induced liver injury, and inflammatory activity had a greater impact on liver T1rho values than fibrosis.