bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetically conserved host traits and local abiotic conditions jointly drive the geography of parasite intensity
Authors: LoScerbo Daniella , Farrell Maxwell J. , Arrowsmith Julie , Mlynarek Julia , Lessard Jean‐Philippe 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The role of biotic interactions in shaping species distributions is a cornerstone of biogeographic theory; yet, it remains elusive. Such interactions are more likely to have an influence on organisms with obligate associations, such as hosts and their parasites. Whereas abiotic conditions may affect the abundance and distribution of parasites in ways similar to free‐living species, attributes of the host could also play a part.

Here, we focus on parasitic water mites and their dragonfly and damselfly hosts, and use a hierarchical Bayesian model to examine the relative influence of the abiotic environment and biotic factors such as local host community structure and individual host characteristics on parasite intensity along a broad‐scale environmental gradient. Specifically, we assessed how climate, surrounding vegetation, water chemistry, host community structure as well as the relative abundance and body mass of host species affected the intensity of parasitism on individual hosts along a latitudinal gradient.

We found that water chemistry and body mass of the host were the best predictors of variation in parasite intensity among hosts. High parasite intensity was observed in hosts sampled from lakes with high pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Additionally, we found that the intensity of parasitism was strongly influenced by host species identity. In particular, body mass, which shows strong phylogenetic signal, was negatively related to parasite intensity. It may be that larger species, or individuals within species, are more immune to high level of parasitism and/or body mass is correlated with other traits of the host which relate to immunity.

Considering both the abiotic environment and attributes of host species is necessary to understand why certain host individuals and locations exhibit more intense parasitism. Amid widespread decline of insect populations world‐wide, some of which are attributed to pathogens and parasites, models predicting rates of parasitism in space and time could become an essential tool for guiding management and conservation efforts.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Incorporating External Green Infrastructure Models into Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) Simulations Using Interface Files
Authors: Yang Yang , Chui Ting Fong May 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is widely used to predict the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff and runoffs from other drainage systems in urban catchments. However, it can be useful to replace the green infrastructure (GI) model in SWMM for certain applications. This paper explains why and how GIs can be modeled using models of choice and proposes a method to systematically incorporate external GI models into SWMM when using it to model the other elements of the catchment. A file‐based coupling method is presented that uses a GI model of choice to compute the output hydrographs of selected contributing drainage areas. These GI outputs are then used as input flows to SWMM in the form of routing interface or rainfall data files. This study also presents a toolbox that contains functions to create the external files and to modify the SWMM input files to accommodate the external modeling of a part of the catchment using a GI model of choice. Finally, the use of the coupling method and the toolbox is illustrated using two case studies investigating the effectiveness of different GI models and the parameter estimation of subcatchments after implementing GIs. In summary, the proposed method and toolbox enable the use of different GI models in SWMM catchment‐scale studies.
Subclinical atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis: Different risk profiles among patients according to clinical manifestations
Authors: Sciarra Iliana , Vasile Massimiliano , Carboni Alessia , Stefanantoni Katia , Iannace Nicoletta , Angelelli Carlotta , Scarno Antongiulio G. , Valesini Guido , Riccieri Valeria 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionLike other autoimmune diseases, systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been described to be associated with accelerated atherosclerosis (ATS). Before clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD) occur, subclinical ATS can be investigated in different ways.AimTo evaluate the presence of subclinical ATS in a group of patients with SSc, and to identify different risk profiles among patients.MethodsSubclinical ATS was reviewed in 43 SSc patients and 27 healthy controls, using 2 methods: carotid ultrasound and flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery.ResultsPlaques were statistically more frequent in SSc patients than in controls (65% vs 30%, P = .006); intima‐media thickness of common carotid artery (CCA‐IMT) resulted in statistically higher (median value 0.8 mm vs 0.55 mm; P < .0001) while FMD was significantly lower (median value 9% vs 14%; P = .0086) in patients compared to healthy controls. Among the SSc patients, thickening of CCA‐IMT was significantly associated with the presence of diastolic dysfunction of left ventricle (absence of diastolic dysfunction: odds ratio [OR] 0.2, 95% CI 0.04‐0.92, P = .038) and with a higher Framingham score (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.03‐1.6], P = .024). The diffuse cutaneous form was slightly protective against pathological FMD (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.022‐0.71, P = .019).ConclusionsThis study confirms the involvement of macrocirculation in SSc patients, detecting the presence of subclinical ATS markers more frequently in patients compared to healthy controls. Framingham score, diastolic dysfunction of left ventricle and limited cutaneous form of the disease appeared to be associated with a higher risk of developing ATS.
Policy Opportunities and Constraints for Addressing Urban Precarity of Migrant Populations
Authors: Siddiqui Tasneem , Szaboova Lucy , Adger W. Neil , Safra de Campos Ricardo , Bhuiyan Mohammad Rashed Alam , Billah Tamim 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAddressing sources and drivers of precarity among marginalized migrant populations in urban spaces is central to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for all. Yet dominant policy discourses continue to frame migrants as problematic causes of insecurity and tend to exclude them from policy processes. Deliberative democratic theory suggests that inclusive processes have the potential to create innovative solutions for resilient cities. This study elicits and reports on self‐identified sources of precarity and insecurity as experienced by new low‐income migrant populations. It combines visual ethnography and deliberative democracy tools in an action research process that facilitated dialogue between migrant populations, urban planners and policy stakeholders. The objective is to elicit policy opportunities and constraints for changing dominant discourses, with a view to enhance marginalized lives and to implement sustainable urban infrastructure in Chattogram, the second largest city of Bangladesh. The results show options for addressing precarity, developed through facilitating migrants and planners to engage with each other’s perspectives. Priorities include focusing on insecure tenure, exposure to environmental hazards, and representation in planning processes. Integrating the perspectives and lived experiences of migrant urban populations into policy processes potentially leads to more effective, sustainable and legitimate solutions.
Phylogenetically aligned component analysis
Authors: Collyer Michael L. , Adams Dean C. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

It has become common in evolutionary biology to characterize phenotypes multivariately. However, visualizing macroevolutionary trends in multivariate datasets requires appropriate ordination methods.

In this paper we describe phylogenetically aligned component analysis (PACA): a new ordination approach that aligns phenotypic data with phylogenetic signal. Unlike phylogenetic principal component analysis (Phy‐PCA), which finds an alignment of a principal eigenvector that is independent of phylogenetic signal, PACA maximizes variation in directions that describe phylogenetic signal, while simultaneously preserving the Euclidean distances among observations in the data space.

We demonstrate with simulated and empirical examples that with PACA, it is possible to visualize the trend in phylogenetic signal in multivariate data spaces, irrespective of other signals in the data. In conjunction with Phy‐PCA, one can visualize both phylogenetic signal and trends in data independent of phylogenetic signal.

Phylogenetically aligned component analysis can distinguish between weak phylogenetic signals and strong signals concentrated in only a portion of all data dimensions. We provide empirical examples that emphasize the difference. Use of PACA in studies focused on phylogenetic signal should enable much more precise description of the phylogenetic signal, as a result.

Overall, PACA will return a projection that shows the most phylogenetic signal in the first few components, irrespective of other signals in the data. By comparing Phy‐PCA and PACA results, one may glean the relative importance of phylogenetic and other (ecological) signals in the data.
Transcriptomic analysis of eyelid pigmentation in Hereford cattle
Authors: Jara E. , Peñagaricano F. , Menezes C. , Tardiz L. , Rodons G. , Iriarte A. , Armstrong E. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThe study of skin color in cattle holds both economic and scientific interest. Several ocular diseases of cattle have been associated with low pigmentation of the eyelids, including ocular squamous cell carcinoma and infectious keratoconjunctivitis, the two most common ocular diseases affecting cattle production. Although low eyelid pigmentation is a well‐known risk factor for various ocular diseases, the genetic and biological basis of this relationship is largely unknown. We investigated the transcriptome of eyelid skin in Hereford cattle using RNA‐sequencing technology. Two contrasting groups were evaluated: steers that were completely pigmented and steers with no pigmentation in both eyelids. Most of the up‐regulated genes in pigmented samples are directly implicated in melanogenesis and melanosome development, whereas up‐regulated genes in non‐pigmented samples are implicated in cancer development and the immune system, among other functions. Interestingly, network analysis comparing pigmented vs. non‐pigmented samples revealed significant differences in the co‐expression patterns of genes related to melanosome, pigmentation and defense response to bacteria, showing higher gene activity, greater co‐expression patterns and tighter co‐regulation mechanisms in pigmented samples. Overall, our findings indicate that bovine eyelid pigmentation depends on the expression of many genes involved not only in pigmentation and melanosome function but also related to inflammatory response, infection and tumoral pathways.
Identification of genes related to intramuscular fat independent of backfat thickness in Duroc pigs using single‐step genome‐wide association
Authors: Zhang Z. , Zhang Z. , Oyelami F. O. , Sun H. , xu Z. , Ma P. , Wang Q. , Pan Y. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryIntramuscular fat (IMF) is an important meat‐quality trait of pigs, which influences pork’s shearing force, hydraulics, tenderness and juicy flavor. However, to achieve a higher percentage of lean meat, pigs with lower backfat thickness (BF) are intensively selected for, which may lead to a reduction in pork quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to locate loci that affect IMF without changing BF. A single‐step GWAS was performed on 950 Duroc pigs genotyped by a 50K SNP chip in order to detect genomic variants relevant to IMF and BF. The significant SNPs detected were afterwards divided into a BF subset (seven SNPs), an IMF subset (11 SNPs) and a subset of both traits (12 SNPs), according to their P‐value and LD. After SNP and QTL annotation, our results indicated that SSC1: 167938652, 166363826, 164829874 and 167171587 might be associated with IMF without changing BF. In the subset of both traits, we found that the combined effect of ALGA0006602 (SSC1: 159538854) and 12784636 (SSC1: 160773437) might improve the IMF without changing BF. Our gene annotation result showed that TLE3, ITGA11, SMAD6, PAQR5 and [RNF152A/G × MC4RA/A] genes might affect IMF independently of BF. We believe that the SNPs and genes identified in this study will be valuable for the future molecular breeding of IMF in Duroc pigs.
A joint analysis strategy reveals genetic changes associated with artificial selection between egg‐type and meat‐type ducks
Authors: Gu H. , Zhu T. , Li X. , Chen Y. , Wang L. , Lv X. , Yang W. , Jia Y. , Jiang Z. , Qu L. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryEgg‐type ducks and meat‐type ducks are predominantly commercial or indigenous and have been subjected to artificial directional selection. These two duck types differ substantially in body shape, production performance and reproductivity. However, the genetic changes associated with phenotypic differences remain unclear. Here, we compared the two duck types at the genomic and transcriptomic levels. We identified a large number of SNPs and genes in genomic divergent regions in terms of FST and θπ values. The corresponding genes were mainly enriched in embryonic development function and metabolic pathway. RNA‐seq analysis also revealed differential gene expression in the liver and gonads. The differentially expressed genes were functionally associated with signal transmission and substance metabolism respectively. Furthermore, we found that seven genes were related to differentiation between the two types by both g genome and transcriptome analysis and were plausible candidate genes. These genes were annotated to GO categories of cell development and disease immunity. These findings will enable a better understanding of the artificial selection history of meat and egg ducks and provide a valuable resource for future research on the breeding of these two lineages.
Distribution of tumor subtypes in bilateral breast cancer: Comparison between synchronous and metachronous cancer
Authors: Kim Haeyoung , Lee Hyebin , Choi Doo Ho , Park Won , Cho Won Kyung , Nam Seok Jin , Lee Jeong Eon , Kim Seok Won , Lee Sei Kyung , Cho Eun Yoon , Cho Soo Youn 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThis study was performed to evaluate patterns of breast cancer subtypes in Korean patients with synchronous (SBC) or metachronous bilateral breast cancer (MBC).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed records of 302 patients with SBC (n = 161) or MBC (n = 141) who received curative surgery at our hospital between 1995 and 2013. Expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. We categorized breast cancers into the following subtypes: ER+ or PR+, HER2− (i.e., luminalA); ER+ or PR+, HER2+ (i.e., luminalB HER2+); ER−, PR− and HER2+ (i.e., HER2‐enriched); ER−, PR− and HER2− (i.e., triple negative, TN).ResultsMore patients with MBC were ≤40 years at the time of breast cancer diagnosis than patients with SBC (34.6% vs. 19.3%, P < 0.01). The proportion of subtypes in SBC and MBC were as follows: luminalA, 65.8% vs. 45.0%; luminalB, HER2+, 9.0% vs. 8.5%; HER2‐enriched, 4.1% vs. 12.1%; and TN, 11.2% vs. 31.2%, respectively (P < 0.01). The 10‐year overall survival rate in patients with SBC and MBC was 89.0% and 93.6%, respectively. The 10‐year disease‐free survival rate in patients with SBC and MBC was 79.6% and 80.9%, respectively. Locoregional recurrence was found in 2.5% of patients with SBC and 9.9% of patients with MBC. Distant metastasis occurred in 8.7% of patients with SBC and 4.9% of patients with MBC.ConclusionThe distribution of breast cancer subtypes was different between SBC and MBC. TN‐subtype was profoundly more frequent in MBC whereas luminal‐subtype was most frequently found among SBC.
Media Coverage of Environmental Pollution and the Investment of Polluting Companies*
Authors: Chang Ying , He Yu , Jin Xingye , Li Tao , Shih Chia Mei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEmploying a textual analysis of China’s provincial newspapers, this study examines the effect of local media coverage of environmental pollution on corporate investment. Using a sample of publicly listed firms in polluting industries, we document a significantly positive effect of media coverage on both the total investment and green investment of these firms. Further analyses reveal that the positive effect of pollution‐related media coverage on investment is more pronounced when firms have weak governance mechanisms. Overall, our findings imply that media not only play an important monitoring role but also enhance corporate social responsibility.
Are we over‐diagnosing vasa praevia? The experience and lessons learned in a tertiary centre
Authors: La Stephanie , Melov Sarah J. , Nayyar Roshini 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundVasa praevia (VP) is a rare obstetric condition in which unprotected fetal vessels transverse the cervix, are vulnerable to rupture during labour and may result in rapid exsanguination of the fetus. Antenatal diagnosis of VP has resulted in excellent outcomes. However, there are little data available on the false positive rates for the antenatal diagnosis of VP. Improving accuracy of the diagnosis of VP can potentially improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary intervention.AimsTo assess our accuracy in the diagnosis of VP, examine our false positive diagnoses of VP and suggest strategies during antenatal ultrasound to aid in the antenatal diagnosis of VP.Material and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective descriptive study of women diagnosed with VP antenatally over 11 years at a single tertiary hospital and eligible patients were identified from obstetric databases. All medical records, including ultrasound reports, were reviewed and compared with the placental histological findings and both operative and midwifery documentation of the cord insertion.ResultsTwenty‐three women (25 babies) were diagnosed with VP and underwent a caesarean section delivery at a mean gestational age of 36 weeks. The false positive rate in our series was 17% (4/23).ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of postnatal confirmation of the diagnosis of VP and careful documentation of intraoperative findings of the placenta and cord insertion. We suggest strategies to aid in the accurate diagnosis of VP, thereby improving clinical decision‐making and reducing unnecessary intervention.
Sparse vector error correction models with application to cointegration‐based trading
Authors: Lu Renjie , Yu Philip L.H. , Wang Xiaohang 
Published: October 2020

SummaryInspired by constructing large‐size cointegrated portfolios, this paper considers a vector error correction model and develops the adaptive Lasso estimator of the cointegrating vectors. The asymptotic properties of the estimators and the oracle property of the adaptive Lasso are derived. An optimisation algorithm for estimating the model parameters is proposed. The simulation study shows the effectiveness of the parameter estimation procedures and the forecasting performance of our model. In the empirical study, we apply the proposed method to construct the sparse cointegrated portfolios with or without market‐neutral property. The trading performances of different types of cointegrated portfolios are evaluated using the Dow Jones Industrial Average composite stocks. The empirical findings reveal that the sparse cointegrated market‐neutral portfolios of a number of securities are capable to benefit the investors who wish to construct statistical arbitrage portfolios which are market‐neutral.
Carotid artery tortuosity may pose a problem during insertion of the tunneled catheter for hemodialysis
Authors: Gołębiowski Tomasz , Poznański Paweł , Kusztal Mariusz , Miś Marcin , Szczurowska Agata , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Konieczny Andrzej , Majchrzak Konrad , Janczak Dariusz , Krajewska Magdalena 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTortuosity of the carotid artery is usually an asymptomatic vascular abnormality and is discovered accidentally during cerebral angiography. These vascular changes may aggravate surgical procedures in the neck region. We described a technique of permanent catheter insertion in patients with renal graft failure in whom renal replacement therapy was necessary. Severe tortuosity of cervical arteries may make this procedure more difficult, necessitating a special technique, that is, full image monitoring.
Longitudinal retinal layer changes in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: van de Kreeke Jacoba A. , Nguyen Hoang Ton , Konijnenberg Elles , Tomassen Jori , den Braber Anouk , ten Kate Mara , Yaqub Maqsood , van Berckel Bart , Lammertsma Adriaan A. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Tan H. Stevie , Visser Pieter Jelle , Verbraak Frank D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeSeveral studies found reduced retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), even in preclinical stages, labelling this technique of interest as biomarker. In this study, we examine retinal thickness changes in preclinical AD, as defined by cognitively normal individuals with amyloid‐beta (Aβ) on positron emission tomography (PET).MethodsFor this monocentre study, 145 cognitively healthy monozygotic twins aged ≥ 60 were included from the Netherlands Twin Register taking part in the EMIF‐AD PreclinAD study. At baseline, participants underwent [18F] flutemetamol PET that was visually rated for cortical Aβ. Binding potential was calculated as continuous measure for Aβ. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at baseline and after 22 months to assess changes in total and individual inner retinal layer thickness in the macular region (ETDRS circles) and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Differences in rate of change between amyloid‐beta positive and negative individuals and associations between binding potential and change in retinal thickness were evaluated.ResultsSixteen participants (11%) were positive for Aβ. Change in retinal thickness did not differ in any region between Aβ+ and Aβ− individuals. A positive association between binding potential and change in inner plexiform layer thickness was observed in the inner macular ring (beta = 1.708, CI = 0.575 to 2.841, p = 0.003).ConclusionAβ+ individuals did not differ in rate of change of any retinal layer compared to controls, but higher binding potential at baseline was associated with less IPL thinning over time. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a longitudinal screening tool for preclinical AD seems limited, but IPL changes offer leads for further research.