bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of dietary aconitine and nicotine on the gut microbiota of two lepidopteran herbivores
Authors: Zeng Jian‐Yong , Wu De‐Dong , Shi Zhong‐Bin , Yang Jing , Zhang Guo‐Cai , Zhang Jie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe gut microbiota plays an important role in pheromone production, pesticide degradation, vitamin synthesis, and pathogen prevention in the host animal. Therefore, similar to gut morphology and digestive enzyme activity, the gut microbiota may also get altered under plant defensive compound‐induced stress. To test this hypothesis, Dendrolimus superans larvae were fed either aconitine‐ or nicotine‐treated fresh leaves of Larix gmelinii, and Lymantria dispar larvae were fed either aconitine‐ or nicotine‐treated fresh leaves of Salix matsudana. Subsequently, the larvae were sampled 72hr after diet administration and DNA extracted from larval enteric canals were employed for gut microbial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (338 F and 806 R primers). The sequence analysis revealed that dietary nicotine and aconitine influenced the dominant bacteria in the larval gut and determined their abundance. Moreover, the effect of either aconitine or nicotine on D. superans and L. dispar larvae had a greater dependence on insect species than on secondary plant metabolites. These findings further our understanding of the interaction between herbivores and host plants and the coevolution of plants and insects.
Peptidylprolylisomerases, Protein Folders, or Scaffolders? The Example of FKBP51 and FKBP52
Authors: Rein Theo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPeptidylprolyl‐isomerases (PPIases) comprise of the protein families of FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs), cyclophilins, and parvulins. Their common feature is their ability to expedite the transition of peptidylprolyl bonds between the cis and the trans conformation. Thus, it seemed highly plausible that PPIase enzymatic activity is crucial for protein folding. However, this has been difficult to prove over the decades since their discovery. In parallel, more and more studies have discovered scaffolding functions of PPIases. This essay discusses the hypothesis that PPIase enzymatic activity might be the consequence of binding to peptidylprolyl protein motifs. The main focus of this paper is the large immunophilins FKBP51 and FKBP52, but other PPIases such as cyclophilin A and Pin1 are also described. From the hypothesis, it follows that the PPIase activity of these proteins might be less relevant, if at all, than the organization of protein complexes through versatile protein binding. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/A33la0dx5LE.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas
Authors: Lin J-P , Zhao Y-J , He Q-L , Hao H-K , Tian Y-T , Zou B-B , Jiang L-X , Lin W , Zhou Y B , Li Z , Xu Y-C , Zhao G , Xue F-Q , Li S-L , Fu W-H , Li Y-X , Zhou X-J , Li Y , Zhu Z-G , Chen J-P , Xu Z-K , Cai L-H , Li E , Li H-L , Xie J-W , Huang C-M , Li P , Lin J-X , Zheng C-H 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival in patients with resectable gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas (G-NECs) or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (G-MANECs).

Methods
The study included patients with G-NECs or G-MANECs who underwent surgery in one of 21 centres in China between 2004 and 2016. Propensity score matching analysis was used to reduce selection bias, and overall survival (OS) in different treatment groups was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results
In total, 804 patients with resectable G-NECs or G-MANECs were included, of whom 490 (60·9 per cent) received adjuvant chemotherapy. After propensity score matching, OS in the chemotherapy group was similar to that in the no-chemotherapy group. Among patients with G-NECs, survival in the fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy group and the non-5-FU-based chemotherapy group was similar to that in the no-chemotherapy group. Similarly, etoposide plus cisplatin or irinotecan plus cisplatin was not associated with better OS in patients with G-NECs. Among patients with G-MANECs, OS in the non-5-FU-based chemotherapy group was worse than that in the no-chemotherapy group. Patients with G-MANECs did not have better OS when platinum-based chemotherapy was used.

Conclusion
There was no survival benefit in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy for G-NECs or G-MANECs.
Apply involuntary withdrawal procedures for students who pose a direct threat
Authors: Masinter Michael 
Published: April 2020

A recent court decision, R.W. v. Columbia Basin College, No. 4:18‐CV‐5089‐RMP (E.D. Wash. 10/04/19), demonstrates the importance of enacting and applying involuntary withdrawal policies for students whose words or actions pose a direct threat to the safety of others without regard to whether they violated conduct codes.
Exploration of a Novel Preventative Policing Approach in the United Kingdom to Adverse Childhood Experiences
Authors: Chandan Joht Singh , Hughes Nathan , Thomas Tom , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Taylor Julie 
Published: April 2020

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with negative mental and physical health consequences. Neighbourhood police officers (NPOs) are thought to be well placed to identify and support children experiencing ACEs. Within this paper, we describe a qualitative exploration of an initiative deployed by a large UK police force which aimed to aid early identification of young people with ACEs using police data and provide subsequent support given by NPOs. A thematic analysis was conducted using transcripts from three focus groups of NPOs, supplemented by questionnaires. Key themes identified in both sets of data offer reflections for policing and other public service provision seeking to target on the basis of ACEs, including: limitations in the usefulness of police data to identify childhood adversity; challenges using the ACEs framework as a means to target such ‘early intervention’; and debates regarding the appropriate role of the police in supporting young people in adversity. Prior to replication of this intervention elsewhere, there are several points to consider: whether police data alone are sufficient in identifying ACEs; ensuring clarity regarding the role of the public sector agencies in such intervention; and determining an apt measure of success for the scheme.Key practitioner messages

Modelling using only police data can provide insight into the population of children who may have suffered from ACEs but may not provide significant opportunities for early intervention
There is a clear need for defining the role of UK police forces in the delivery of early intervention
It is evident that multi‐agency working/data sharing is crucial to preventing the duplication of referrals and interventions conducted with young people who have experienced ACEs
‘There is a clear need for defining the role of UK police forces in the delivery of early intervention’
Inheritance of a paternal ABCC8 variant and maternal loss of heterozygosity at 11p15 retrospectively unmasks the etiology in a case of Congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Joyce Caroline M. , Houghton Jayne A. , O’Halloran Domhnall J. , O’Shea Paula M. , O’Connell Susan M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdvances in genomics and 18F‐DOPA PET‐CT imaging have transformed the management of infants with Congenital Hyperinsulinism. Preoperative diagnosis of focal hyperinsulinism permits limited pancreatectomy with improved clinical outcomes while knowledge of the molecular etiology informs genetic counseling and provides a more accurate recurrence risk to families.
Computational and Experimental Investigation of an Industrial Biomass Furnace
Authors: Pfeiffelmann Björn , Diederich Michael , Gül Fethi , Benim Ali Cemal , Heese Markus , Hamberger Andreas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAn industrial biomass boiler of 200 kW thermal power is analyzed by computational and experimental methods. Gas composition and temperature within the furnace and in the downstream heat exchanger are measured. Combustion, flow and heat transfer processes within the furnace, exhaust tract as well as the forced convection on the water side of the heat exchanger are computationally investigated by the finite volume method‐based computational fluid dynamics procedures. The predictions are compared with the experiments. A satisfactory overall agreement between the predicted and measured temperatures is observed with an average deviation about 5 %. For oxygen mole fractions a fair agreement is found that shows deviations within the range of 10–20 %. For carbon monoxide, calculations exhibit a stronger underprediction.
Rationale and design of a smartphone‐enabled, home‐based exercise program in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease: The smart step randomized trial
Authors: Harzand Arash , Vakili Alexander A. , Alrohaibani Alaaeddin , Abdelhamid Smah M. , Gordon Neil F. , Thiel John , Benarroch‐Gampel Jaime , Teodorescu Victoria J. , Minton Keri , Wenger Nanette K. , Rajani Ravi R. , Shah Amit J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundSupervised exercise therapy (SET) is recommended in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as first‐line therapy, although patient adoption remains low. Home‐based exercise therapy (HBET) delivered through smartphones may expand access. The feasibility of such programs, especially in low‐resource settings, remains unknown.MethodsSmart Step is a pilot randomized trial of smartphone‐enabled HBET vs walking advice in patients with symptomatic PAD in an inner‐city hospital. Participants receive a smartphone app with daily exercise reminders and educational content. A trained coach performs weekly phone‐based coaching sessions. All participants receive a Fitbit Charge HR 2 to measure physical activity. The primary outcome changes in 6‐minute walking test (6MWT) distance at 12 weeks over baseline. Secondary outcomes are the degree of engagement with the smartphone app and changes in health behaviors and quality of life scores after 12 weeks and 1 year.ResultsA total of 15 patients are randomized as of December 15, 2019 with a mean (SD) age of 66.1 (5.8) years. The majority are female (60%) and black (87%). At baseline, the mean (SD) ABI and 6MWT were 0.86 (0.29) and 363.5 m, respectively. Enrollment is expected to continue until December 2020 to achieve a target size of 50 participants.ConclusionsThe potential significance of this trial will be to provide preliminary evidence of a home‐based, “mobile‐first” approach for delivering a structured exercise rehabilitation program. Smartphone‐enabled HBET can be potentially more accessible than center‐based programs, and if proven effective, may have a potential widespread public health benefit.
Hemodynamic effects of blood clots trapped by an inferior vena cava filter
Authors: López Josep M. , Fortuny Gerard , Puigjaner Dolors , Herrero Joan , Marimon Francesc 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe alteration of blood flow around an OPTEASE inferior vena cava filter with one or two blood clots attached was investigated by means of computational fluid dynamics. We used a patient‐specific vein wall geometry, and we generated different clot models with shapes adapted to the filter and vein wall geometries. A total of eight geometries, with one or two clots and a total clot volume of 0.5 or 1 cm3, were considered. A non‐Newtonian model for blood viscosity was adopted and the possible development of turbulence was accounted for by means of a three‐equation model. Two blood flow rates were considered for each case, representative for rest and exercise conditions. In exercise conditions, flow unsteadiness and even turbulence was detected in some cases. Pressure and wall shear stress (WSS) distributions were modified in all cases. Clots attached to the filter downstream basket considerably increased averaged WSS values by up to almost 50%. In all the cases a flow recirculation region appeared downstream of the clot. The degree of flow stagnation in these regions, an indicator of propensity to thrombogenesis, was estimated in terms of mean residence times and mean blood viscosity. High levels of flow stagnation were detected in rest conditions in the wake of those clots that were placed upstream from the filter. Our results suggest that one downstream placed big clot, showing a higher tendency to induce flow instabilities and turbulence, might be more harmful than two small clots placed in tandem.
Telecommunication customer satisfaction using self‐organized network‐based heuristic algorithm
Authors: Lema Gebrehiwet Gebrekrstos 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe emerging network including long‐term evolution‐advanced (LTE‐A) aims at enhancing the telecommunication customer satisfaction in numerous aspects including system capacity, network coverage, handover management, and quality of service (QoS). Effective handover (HO) management reduces HO failure and hence enhances the data rate and supports user mobility. There are numerous challenges that increase the call drop rate. Among the main challenges that increase the call drop rate, the variable user speeds and variable traffic loads are the major ones. Hence, the time to trigger (TTT), HO margin (HOM), and HO offset (HOO) are used to evaluate the HO management using self‐organized network‐based heuristic algorithm under variable user speeds and variable traffic loads. In recent researches, different HO management techniques were applied to manage the HO decision including fuzzy‐logic tactics and Q‐learning. However, they did not apply intelligent optimization techniques that adapt the variable user speeds and dynamic traffic loads. This paper aims at increasing the telecom customer satisfaction by decreasing the call drop rate using particle swarm optimization (PSO), which adaptively manages the handover control parameters according to the user speed and traffic loads. The simulation results have shown that the proposed optimization tool results in significant call drop rate reduction compared to the ordinary HO management.
Enhancing pollination is more effective than increased conventional agriculture inputs for improving watermelon yields
Authors: Sawe Thomas , Eldegard Katrine , Totland Ørjan , Macrice Samora , Nielsen Anders 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAgricultural practices to improve yields in small‐scale farms in Africa usually focus on improving growing conditions for the crops by applying fertilizers, irrigation, and/or pesticides. This may, however, have limited effect on yield if the availability of effective pollinators is too low. In this study, we established an experiment to test whether soil fertility, soil moisture, and/or pollination was limiting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) yields in Northern Tanzania. We subjected the experimental field to common farming practices while we treated selected plants with extrafertilizer applications, increased irrigation and/or extra pollination in a three‐way factorial experiment. One week before harvest, we assessed yield from each plant, quantified as the number of mature fruits and their weights. We also assessed fruit shape since this may affect the market price. For the first fruit ripening on each plant, we also assessed sugar content (brix) and flesh color as measures of fruit quality for human consumption. Extra pollination significantly increased the probability of a plant producing a second fruit of a size the farmer could sell at the market, and also the fruit sugar content, whereas additional fertilizer applications or increased irrigation did not improve yields. In addition, we did not find significant effects of increased fertilizer or watering on fruit sugar, weight, or color. We concluded that, insufficient pollination is limiting watermelon yields in our experiment and we suggest that this may be a common situation in sub‐Saharan Africa. It is therefore critically important that small‐scale farmers understand the role of pollinators and understand their importance for agricultural production. Agricultural policies to improve yields in developing countries should therefore also include measures to improve pollination services by giving education and advisory services to farmers on how to develop pollinator‐friendly habitats in agricultural landscapes.
Tenofovir Versus Entecavir on Recurrence of Hepatitis B Virus–Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Surgical Resection
Authors: Choi Jonggi , Jo Chanyoung , Lim Young‐Suk 
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims
Studies have suggested that tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment is associated with a significantly lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence when compared with entecavir (ETV) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. We aimed to compare HCC recurrence and survival of patients treated with TDF or ETV after surgical resection for hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related HCC.

Approach and Results
This historical cohort study included 1,695 consecutive patients treated with ETV (n = 813) or TDF (n = 882) after curative‐intent hepatectomy for HBV‐related HCC of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0 or A in Korea between 2010 and 2018. HCC recurrence and overall survival of patients were compared between ETV and TDF groups by propensity score–matched and multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression analyses from the date of hepatectomy for HCC. The mean age of the study patients was 54.8 years, and 1,294 patients (76.3%) were male. During the median follow‐up duration of 37.6 months with continued ETV or TDF therapy, 561 (33.1%) patients developed HCC recurrence, 144 (8.4%) died, and 22 (1.3%) received liver transplant. Compared with ETV, TDF therapy was associated with significantly higher recurrence‐free (P = 0.02) and overall survival (P = 0.03) rates by propensity score–matched analysis. By multivariable‐adjusted analysis, the TDF group was associated with significantly lower rates of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.68‐0.98; P = 0.03), and death or transplantation (HR, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.44‐0.88; P = 0.01). TDF therapy was an independent protective factor for both early (<2 years; HR, 0.79; P = 0.03) and late (≥2 years; HR, 0.68; P = 0.03) postoperative HCC recurrence.

Conclusions
Among patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HBV‐related HCC, TDF therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of HCC recurrence and better overall patient survival compared with ETV therapy.
Fine for non‐attendance in public hospitals in Denmark: A survey of non‐attenders' reasons and attitudes
Authors: Vaeggemose Ulla , Blæhr Emely Ek , Thomsen Anne Marie L. , Burau Viola , Ankersen Pia Vedel , Lou Stina 
Published: April 2020

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate non‐attending patients' reasons for non‐attendance and their general and specific attitudes towards a non‐attendance fine.Data sourcesNon‐attenders at two hospital departments participating in a trial of fine for non‐attendance from May 2015 to January 2017.DesignA quantitative questionnaire study was conducted among non‐attenders.Data collectionNon‐attending patients in the intervention group were invited to complete the questionnaire. The response rate was 39% and the total number of respondents was 71 individuals.Principal findingsThe main reason for non‐attendance was technical challenges with the digital appointment and with cancelation. The main part of the respondents was generally positive towards a fine for non‐attendance. However, approximately the half had a negative attitude towards the actual fine issued.ConclusionsTechnical challenges with appointments and cancelation should get special attention when addressing non‐attendance. Danish non‐attending patients are primarily positive towards the general principle of issuing a fine for non‐attendance. However, a significant proportion of the generally positive, reported a negative specific attitude to the specific fine issued to them. This, however, did not affect their general attitude.
Thermal performance analysis of gas turbine engines based on different compressor configurations
Authors: Almutairi Abdulrahman , Zedan Mohamed , Alhajeri Hamad M. , Alenezi Abdulrahman 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, the performance of several gas turbine engines has been investigated using computational modelling based on the actual manufacturer's data. Further, the study focuses on evaluating the impact of varying the configuration of the compressor on overall engine performance based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The results confirm that the main source of irreversibilities occurs in the combustion chamber in all cases. The exergetic efficiency of the gas turbine engine significantly varies with compressor configurations, type of compressors, load variation, climatic condition, and isentropic efficiency. The engine capacity and high‐pressure turbine inlet temperature govern the gas turbine performance, and higher values are more favourable. The gas turbine exergetic efficiency drops off when the power setting adjusted at part‐load and at high ambient temperature. The most optimal gas turbine performance is located at the single axial compressor case, followed by the axial‐centrifugal compressor and then the centrifugal–centrifugal compressor.
The onset of Darcy‐Brinkman convection in a porous medium layer with vertical throughflow and variable gravity field effects
Authors: Yadav Dhananjay 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, the influence of constant throughflow and varying downward gravity field on the onset of Darcy‐Brinkman convection in a porous medium layer is examined numerically. We considered two cases of gravity field variations: (a) linear and (b) parabolic. A higher‐order Galerkin‐weighted residual technique and QZ procedure are used to get the numerical solution for the entire Darcy numbers amid (Horton‐Rogers‐Lapwood convection) and (Rayleigh Bénard Convection). It is obtained that the throughflow, the downward gravity field and the Darcy number are to holdup the beginning of convection. It is also obtained that the system is more stable for linear variation of gravity field in comparison to the parabolic variation.
Modification of decellularized vascular xenografts with 8‐arm polyethylene glycol suppresses macrophage infiltration but maintains graft degradability
Authors: Mahara Atsushi , Kitai Marina , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Hikima Takaaki , Ohya Yuichi , Sasaki Sono , Sakurai Shinichi , Yamaoka Tetsuji 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBecause acellular vascular xenografts induce an immunological reaction through macrophage infiltration, they are conventionally crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA). However, the GA crosslinking reaction inhibits not only the host immune reaction around the graft but also the graft's enzymatic degradability, which is one of the key characteristics of acellular grafts that allow them to be replaced by host tissue. In this study, we used an 8‐arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) to successfully suppress macrophage infiltration, without eliminating graft degradation. Decellularized ostrich carotid arteries were modified with GA or N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐activated 8‐arm PEG (8‐arm PEG‐NHS), which has a molecular weight of 17 kDa. To evaluate the enzymatic degradation in vitro, the graft was immersed in a collagenase solution for 12 hr. The 8‐arm PEG‐modified graft was degraded to the same extent as the unmodified graft, but the GA‐modified graft was not degraded. The graft was transplanted into rat subcutaneous tissue for up to 8 weeks. Although CD68‐positive cells accumulated in the unmodified graft, they did not infiltrate into either modified graft. However, the GA‐modified grafts calcified, but the 8‐arm PEG‐modified graft did not calcify after transplantation. These data suggested that 8‐arm PEG‐NHS is a promising modification agent for biodegradable vascular xenografts, to suppress acute macrophage infiltration only.