bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on Average Housing Prices in the Inland Capital Cities of China by Night-time Light Remote Sensing and Official Statistics Data
Authors: Li Chang , Zhu Heli , Ye Xinyue , Jiang Chang , Dong Jing , Wang Di , Wu Yijin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the annually average Defense Meteorological Satellite Program-Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) night-time light data is first proposed as a surrogate indicator to mine and forecast the average housing prices in the inland capital cities of China. First, based on the time-series analysis of individual cities, five regression models with gross error elimination are established between average night-time light intensity (ANLI) and average commercial residential housing price (ACRHP) adjusted by annual inflation rate or not from 2002 to 2013. Next, an optimal model is selected for predicting the ACRHPs in 2014 of these capital cities, and then verified by the interval estimation and corresponding official statistics. Finally, experimental results show that the quadratic polynomial regression is the optimal mining model for estimating the ACRHP without adjustments in most provincial capitals and the predicted ACRHP of these cities are almost in their interval estimations except for the overrated Chengdu and the underestimated Wuhan, while the adjusted ACRHP is all in prediction interval. Overall, this paper not only provides a novel insight into time-series ACRHP data mining based on time-series ANLI for capital city scale but also reveals the potentiality and mechanism of the comprehensive ANLI to characterize the complicated ACRHP. Besides, other factors influencing housing prices, such as the time-series lags of government policy, are tested and analysed in this paper.
Formation of an electrical coupling between differentiating cardiomyocytes
Authors: Slotvitsky M. M. , Tsvelaya V. A. , Podgurskaya A. D. , Agladze K. I. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHuman induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) serve as an indispensable platform for the study of human cardiovascular disease is human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). While the possibility of reproducing rare pathologies, patient-specific selection of drugs, and other issues concerning single cardiomyocytes have been well studied, little attention has been paid to the properties of the whole syncytium of CMs, in which both the functionality of individual cells and the distribution of electrophysiological connections between them are essential. The aim of this work is to directly study the ability of hiPSC-CMs to form a functional syncytium that can stably conduct an excitation wave. For that purpose, syncytium forming hiPSC-CMs were harvested and seeded (transferred) on a new substrate on different days of differentiation. The excitation conduction in a sample was characterized by the stability of the wavefront using optical mapping data. We found that the cells transferred before the 20th day of differentiation were able to organize a functional syncytium capable of further development and stable excitation conduction at high stimulation frequencies, while the cells transferred after 20 days did not form a homogeneous syncytium, and multiple instabilities of the propagating wavefront were observed with the possibility of reentry formation.
Spatial and temporal patterns of Lyme Neuroborreliosis on Funen, Denmark from 1995–2014
Authors: Andreasen Amalie Muus , Dehlendorff Petter Bart , Knudtzen Fredrikke Christie , Bødker Rene , Kjær Lene Jung , Skarphedinsson Sigurdur 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn Europe, Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is the most severe manifestation of Lyme borreliosis and has recently been added to the communicable disease surveillance list for EU/EEA by the European Commission. In Northern Europe, LNB is primarily caused by the spirochete Borrelia garinii and transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus. This Danish observational epidemiologic case-control study includes every identified LNB patient (n = 401) on Funen, Denmark, from 1995-2014. We display spatial and temporal LNB incidence variation, seasonal distribution of cases and local spatial case clustering. Seasonal patterns show LNB symptom-onset peaking in July and a significant seasonal difference in number of cases (p < 0.01). We found no significant change in seasonality patterns over time when dividing the study period into 5-year intervals. We identified a significant local geographical hot-spot of cases with a relative risk of 2.44 (p = 0.013). Analysis revealed a significantly shorter distance to nearest forest for cases compared with controls (p < 0.001). We present a novel map of the focal geographical distribution of LNB cases in a high endemic borreliosis area. Continued studies of case clustering in the epidemiology of LNB are of key importance in guiding intervention strategies.
Crossing the pond: genetic assignment detects lobster hybridisation
Authors: Ellis Charlie D. , Jenkins Tom L. , Svanberg Linda , Eriksson Susanne P. , Stevens Jamie R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAmerican lobsters (Homarus americanus) imported live into Europe as a seafood commodity have occasionally been released or escaped into the wild, within the range of an allopatric congener, the European lobster (H. gammarus). In addition to disease and competition, introduced lobsters threaten native populations through hybridisation, but morphological discriminants used for species identification are unable to discern hybrids, so molecular methods are required. We tested an array of 79 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for their utility to distinguish 1,308 H. gammarus from 38 H. americanus and 30 hybrid offspring from an American female captured in Sweden. These loci provide powerful species assignment in Homarus, enabling the robust identification of hybrid and American individuals among a survey of European stock. Moreover, a subset panel of the 12 most powerful SNPs is sufficient to separate the two pure species, even when tissues have been cooked, and can detect the introduced component of hybrids. We conclude that these SNP loci can unambiguously identify hybrid lobsters that may be undetectable via basic morphology, and offer a valuable tool to investigate the prevalence of cryptic hybridisation in the wild. Such investigations are required to properly evaluate the potential for introgression of alien genes into European lobster populations.
Human microbiota-transplanted C57BL/6 mice and offspring display reduced establishment of key bacteria and reduced immune stimulation compared to mouse microbiota-transplantation
Authors: Lundberg Randi , Toft Martin F. , Metzdorff Stine B. , Hansen Camilla H. F. , Licht Tine R. , Bahl Martin I. , Hansen Axel K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTransplantation of germ-free (GF) mice with microbiota from mice or humans stimulates the intestinal immune system in disparate ways. We transplanted a human microbiota into GF C57BL/6 mice and a murine C57BL/6 microbiota into GF C57BL/6 mice and Swiss-Webster (SW) mice. Mice were bred to produce an offspring generation. 56% of the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) present in the human donor microbiota established in the recipient mice, whereas 81% of the C57BL/6 OTUs established in the recipient C57BL/6 and SW mice. Anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium from humans were not transferred to mice. Expression of immune-related intestinal genes was lower in human microbiota-mice and not different between parent and offspring generation. Expression of intestinal barrier-related genes was slightly higher in human microbiota-mice. Cytokines and chemokines measured in plasma were differentially present in human and mouse microbiota-mice. Minor differences in microbiota and gene expression were found between transplanted mice of different genetics. It is concluded that important immune-regulating bacteria are lost when transplanting microbiota from humans to C57BL/6 mice, and that the established human microbiota is a weak stimulator of the murine immune system. The results are important for study design considerations in microbiota transplantation studies involving immunological parameters.
Leptoria phrygia in Southern Taiwan shuffles and switches symbionts to resist thermal-induced bleaching
Authors: Huang Ya-Yi , Carballo-Bolaños Rodrigo , Kuo Chao-Yang , Keshavmurthy Shashank , Chen Chaolun A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSymbiodiniaceae communities in some corals often shuffle or switch after severe bleaching events, one of the major threats to coral survival in a world with climate change. In this study we reciprocally transplanted five Leptoria phrygia colonies between two sites with significantly different temperature regimes and monitored them for 12 months. Our ITS2 amplicon deep sequencing demonstrated that L. phrygia acclimatized to maintain a strong and stable association with Durusdinium D17, D. trenchii, and D. glynnii, but also remained flexible and formed a short-term association with different Cladocopium. Most interestingly, two colonies shuffled between Durusdinium and Cladocopium without the occurrence of bleaching; one colony even switched its dominant Cladocopium after generic shuffling. Both dominant Cladocopium were originally rare with relative abundances as low as 0.024%. This is the first record of adult corals switching dominant symbiont without bleaching.
Immunoglobulins as Biomarkers for Gastrointestinal Nematodes Resistance in Small Ruminants: A systematic review
Authors: Aboshady H. M. , Stear M. J. , Johansson A. , Jonas E. , Bambou J. C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe rise of anthelmintic resistance worldwide has led to the development of alternative control strategies for gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infections, which are one of the main constraints on the health of grazing small ruminants. Presently, breeding schemes rely mainly on fecal egg count (FEC) measurements on infected animals which are time-consuming and requires expertise in parasitology. Identifying and understanding the role of immunoglobulins in the mechanisms of resistance could provide a more efficient and sustainable method of identifying nematode-resistant animals for selection. In this study we review the findings on immunoglobulin response to GIN in the literature published to date (june 2019) and discuss the potential to use immunoglobulins as biomarkers. The literature review revealed 41 studies which measured at least one immunoglobulin: 35 focused on lamb immune response (18 used non-naïve lambs) and 7 on yearlings. In this review we propose a conceptual model summarizing the role of immunoglobulins in resistance to GIN. We highlight the need for more carefully designed and documented studies to allow comparisons across different populations on the immunoglobulin response to GIN infection.
Effects of lifestyle modification in polycystic ovary syndrome compared to metformin only or metformin addition: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Chan Hee , Chon Seung Joo , Lee Seon Heui 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease that has an effect on approximately 10% of women of childbearing age. Although there is evidence regarding the role of lifestyle factors in the development of PCOS, the exact etiology remains unclear. Additionally, metformin is used in the treatment of PCOS but its role remains unclear. We compared the effects of lifestyle modification (LSM) + metformin and metformin alone on PCOS. We performed a systematic review by searching electronic databases for publications until December 2019. The primary endpoints were clinical outcomes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy rates, and the secondary endpoints were anthropometric, metabolic, and androgenic parameters. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the improvements in the menstrual cycles between LSM and metformin alone (weighted mean difference [MD] = 1.62) and between LSM + metformin and LSM (MD = 1.20). The pregnancy rates and body mass indices were not significantly different between LSM and metformin alone (MD = 1.44 and −0.11, respectively). LSM reduced insulin resistance (MD = −0.52) and increased serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulins (MD = 8.27) compared with metformin. Therefore, we suggest recommending lifestyle modifications actively to women with PCOS if they do not have indications for metformin.
Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Juan , Zheng Jing , Yang Cui , Wang Ran , Zhou Yi , Tao Yun-Yun , Gong Xue-Qin , Wang Wei-Cheng , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Yang Lin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to explore the value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study included 65 patients with malignant hepatic nodules (55 with HCC, 10 with ICC), and 17 control patients with normal livers. All patients underwent IVIM-DWI scans on a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (Dslow), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (Dfast), and perfusion fraction (f) were obtained. Differences in the parameters among the groups were analysed using one-way ANOVA, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the efficacy of each parameter in differentiating HCC from ICC. ADC, Dslow, Dfast, f significantly differed among the three groups. ADC and Dslow were significantly lower in the HCC group than in the ICC group, while Dfast was significantly higher in the HCC group than in the ICC group; f did not significantly differ between the HCC and ICC groups. When the cut-off values of ADC, Dslow, and Dfast were 1.27 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.81 × 10−3 mm2/s, and 26.04 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively, their diagnostic sensitivities for differentiating HCC from ICC were 98.18%, 58.18%, and 94.55%, their diagnostic specificities were 50.00%, 80.00%, and 80.00%, and their areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were 0.687, 0.721, and 0.896, respectively. Dfast displayed the largest AUC value. IVIM-DWI can be used to differentiate HCC from ICC.
Aberrant expression of the COX2/PGE2 axis is induced by activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in BRAFV595E canine urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Yoshitake Ryohei , Saeki Kohei , Eto Shotaro , Shinada Masahiro , Nakano Rei , Sugiya Hiroshi , Endo Yoshifumi , Fujita Naoki , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCancer-promoting inflammation is an important event in cancer development. Canine urothelial carcinoma (cUC) overexpresses prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and has a unique sensitivity to cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-inhibiting therapy. In addition, majority of cUC harbour BRAFV595E mutation. However, mechanisms underlying aberrant PGE2 production in BRAFV595E cUC patients remain unclear. Drug screening revealed that inhibition of RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, p38 and JNK pathway reduced PGE2 production in cUC cells. By pharmacological inhibition of the multiple components in the pathway, activation of the ERK MAPK pathway was shown to mediate overexpression of COX2 and production of PGE2 in BRAFV595E cUC cells. In silico gain-of-function analysis of the BRAF mutation also implicated involvement of mutation in the process. The positive association between ERK activation and COX2 expression was further validated in the clinical patients. Moreover, it was also suggested that p38 and JNK regulates PGE2 production independently of ERK pathway, possibly through COX2-dependent and COX1-/COX2- independent manner, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that activation of ERK induces production of PGE2 in BRAFV595E cUC cells, which is also independently regulated by p38 and JNK. With its unique vulnerability to COX-targeted therapy, BRAFV595E cUC may serve as a valuable model to study the tumour-promoting inflammation.
Monodisperse thiourea functionalized graphene oxide-based PtRu
nanocatalysts for alcohol oxidation
Authors: Kuyuldar Esra , Polat Su Selda , Burhan Hakan , Mustafov Sibel Demiroglu , Iyidogan Aysegul , Sen Fatih 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAddressed herein, thiourea functionalized graphene oxide-based PtRu
nanocatalysts (PtRu@T/GO) has been synthesized and characterized by several
techniques and performed for methanol oxidation reactions as novel catalysts. In
this study, graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized with thiourea (T/GO) in order to
obtain monothiol functionalized graphene and increase the stability and activity of
the nanocatalysts. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray
diffraction (XRD), TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and high-resolution
transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) were used for characterization of the
prepared nanocatalysts. The results obtained from these techniques showed that the
prepared nanocatalysts were in a highly crystalline form, well dispersed on T/GO,
very small in size and colloidally stable. The average size of the synthesized
nanocatalysts determined by TEM analysis was found to be 3.86 ± 0.59 nm. With HR-TEM
analysis, the atomic lattice fringes of the nanocatalysts were calculated to be
0.23 nm. After the full characterization of the prepared nanocatalysts, they were
tried for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and it was observed that 97.3% of
the initial performance was maintained even after 1000 cycles while exhibiting great
catalytic activity and stability with the help of T/GO. Thus, the arranged
nanocatalysts displayed great heterogeneous catalyst characteristics for the
methanol oxidation response.
Spintronic devices for energy-efficient data storage and energy harvesting
Authors: Puebla Jorge , Kim Junyeon , Kondou Kouta , Otani Yoshichika 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe current data revolution has, in part, been enabled by decades of research into magnetism and spin phenomena. For example, milestones such as the observation of giant magnetoresistance, and the resulting development of the spin-valve read head, continue to motivate device research. However, the ever-growing need for higher data processing speeds and larger data storage capabilities has caused a significant increase in energy consumption and environmental concerns. Ongoing research and development in spintronics should therefore reduce energy consumption while increasing information processing capabilities. Here, we provide an overview of the current status of research and technology developments in data storage and spin-mediated energy harvesting in relation to energy-efficient technologies. We give our perspective on the advantages and outstanding issues for various data-storage concepts, and energy conversion mechanisms enabled by spin.
A Sensory Stimulation Protocol to Modulate Cough Sensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial Safety Study
Authors: Wallace Emma , Guiu Hernandez Esther , Epton Michael , Ploen Laura , Huckabee Maggie-Lee , Macrae Phoebe 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a sensory stimulation protocol that was designed to modulate citric acid cough thresholds as a potential treatment for silent aspiration.MethodHealthy adults (n= 24) were randomly assigned to one of three sensory stimulation groups: (a) high-intensity ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (UNDW) inhalations (1.6 ml/min); (b) low-intensity UNDW inhalations (0.5 ml/min); and (3) control, 0.9% saline inhalations (1.6 ml/min). Sensory stimulation was delivered once a day, for 4 consecutive days. Citric acid cough thresholds were determined at baseline, Day 3, and Day 5 to evaluate changes in cough sensitivity. Spirometry was undertaken before, during, and after each sensory stimulation session to monitor for bronchoconstriction.ResultsNo participant showed evidence of bronchoconstriction during the sensory stimulation protocol. There was an interaction effect between day and group on suppressed cough thresholds, χ2(4) = 11.32,p= .02. When compared to the control group, there was a decrease in citric acid cough thresholds across Days 1–5 in the high-intensity (−1.8 doubling concentrations, 95% confidence interval [−2.88, −0.72],p= .01) and low-intensity (−1.3 doubling concentrations, 95% confidence interval [−2.4, −0.2],p= .03) UNDW inhalation groups, representing a sensitization effect of UNDW inhalations on cough sensitivity.ConclusionsThe UNDW sensory stimulation protocol was safe in healthy adults. The findings provide preliminary evidence that UNDW inhalations sensitize laryngeal afferents related to citric acid–induced cough induction. The therapeutic potential of the UNDW sensory stimulation protocol will be explored in patients with reduced cough sensitivity who are at risk of silent aspiration and aspiration pneumonia.Plain Language SummaryThis study explored the safety and efficacy of a sensory stimulation protocol that was designed to modulate cough sensitivity as a potential treatment for silent aspiration. The study revealed that inhalations of nebulized distilled water were safe and increased cough sensitivity, when compared to control saline inhalations.
Intelligent learning approach for UHF partial discharge localisation in air‐insulated substations
Authors: Zheng Quanfu , Luo Lingen , Song Hui , Sheng Gehao , Jiang Xiuchen 
Published: May 2020

To achieve comprehensive insulation deterioration motoring of power equipment and early fault warning in air‐insulated substations, a data‐driven partial discharge (PD) source localisation method employing noisy ultra‐high frequency (UHF) received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and particle filter is proposed in this study. Compared with the existing UHF time‐difference‐based techniques, UHF wireless sensor arrays and RSSI‐based methods provide an economical and high‐adaptability solution. However, owing to the multi‐pathing and shadowing effects, UHF signal attenuation cannot be modelled. Therefore, a Kalman filter was employed to smoothen the RSSI signal. Furthermore, a semi‐parametric regression model is proposed to achieve a more accurate relationship between the RSSI and the transmission distance. Finally, in contrast to traditional localisation algorithms directly based on the RSSI ranging model, a particle filter was used to achieve higher accuracy. It predicted the best distribution of the position of PD by learning and considering all the system states of the previous moment. The laboratory test was performed within an area of 6 m × 6 m, and the results demonstrate that the mean PD source localisation error was 1.16 m, which gives a potential application for the identification of power equipment with insulation deterioration in a substation, while the accuracy is still needed to be verified further by field tests.