bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA miR‐927 targets the juvenile hormone primary response gene Krüppel homolog1 to control Drosophila developmental growth
Authors: He Q. , Zhang Y. , Dong W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractKrüppel homolog1 (Kr‐h1) is a juvenile hormone (JH) response transcriptional factor that transduces JH signalling to repress insect metamorphosis in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects. While few studies about microRNAs (miRNAs) downregulating Kr‐h1 expression to mediate insect metamorphosis have been demonstrated in hemimetabolous insects, the miRNAs that target the Kr‐h1 of holometabolous insects have not been reported. Here, we identified two miR‐927 binding sites within the 3′UTR region of Kr‐h1 in Drosophila melanogaster, and miR‐927 was found to downregulate the expression of Kr‐h1. The expression profiles of miR‐927 and Kr‐h1 displayed relatively opposite pattern during most of the larval development stages. Overexpression of miR‐927 in the fat body significantly decreased the expression of Kr‐h1 and resulted in reduced oviposition, increased mortality, delayed pupation, and reduced pupal size. Notably, the co‐overexpression of Kr‐h1 rescued the developmental and growth defects associated with miR‐927 overexpression, indicating that Kr‐h1 is a biologically relevant target of miR‐927. Moreover, the expression of miR‐927 was found to be repressed by JH and its receptor Met/gce, forming a positive regulatory loop of JH signalling. Overall, our studies support a conserved role for the JH/miRNA/Kr‐h1 regulatory axis in growth control during insect development.
Expression, purification and characterization of three odorant binding proteins from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Cai L. , Cheng X. , Qin J. , Xu W. , You M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOdorant binding proteins (OBPs) are critical components in insect olfactory systems where they bind, solubilize and transport odorant molecules to receptors. Here, we cloned three OBPs (PxylGOBP1, PxylGOBP2 and PxylOBP24) from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, one of the most destructive pests of cruciferous crops. These three OBPs were expressed in Escherichia coli as recombinant proteins, purified and characterized by fluorescence binding assays with 39 ligands including sex pheromone and plant‐derived chemical compounds. PxylGOBP1 and PxylGOBP2 showed significantly different binding affinities to theses ligands, suggesting distinct binding preferences of these two general odorant binding proteins. PxylOBP24 showed no or extremely low binding activities to selected ligands, suggesting it may be involved in non‐olfactory functions. Circular dichroism spectral results demonstrated that PxylGOBP1 and PxylGOBP2 shared similar secondary structures while PxylOBP24 was significantly different. This study improves our knowledge of insect OBPs, which will assist in a better understanding of insect olfactory system and developing more environmentally friendly pest control strategies for P. xylostella.
Behavioral heterogeneity in return expectations across equity style portfolios
Authors: Stork Philip A. , Vidojevic Milan , Zwinkels Remco C. J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe estimate a heterogeneous agent model on five prominent equity investment styles—value, size, profitability, investment, and momentum—and find evidence for behavioral heterogeneity in expected return formation. Our model features two groups of boundedly rational investors, fundamentalists and chartists, whose demand functions for the investment styles depend on their respective expected style return forecasts. The fundamentalists form return expectations using a model based on time‐varying stock‐level characteristics and dynamic factor premia, and the chartists do so based on heuristics commonly employed by technical analysts, such as moving average rules. Our results cast doubt on the theories that assume perfect rationality of the representative agent in financial markets, and give support to the behavioral theories with heterogeneous agents.
Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi‐d) with V. A. C. VeraFlo in traumatic, surgical, and chronic wounds—A helpful tool for decontamination and to prepare successful reconstruction
Authors: Diehm Yannick F. , Loew Julia , Will Patrick A. , Fischer Sebastian , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Ziegler Benjamin , Gazyakan Emre , Kneser Ulrich , Hirche Christoph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFor nearly two decades, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has been used for temporary wound coverage as well as wound bed preparation. The addition of instillation and dwell time as an adjunct to NPWT (NPWTi‐d) enables wound bed cleaning and improved wound bed granulation. Thirty patients with different types of colonised wounds (traumatic, surgical, and chronic) were treated with NPWTi‐d using saline for instillation. Patient data, microbiological data and wound characteristics were collected and analysed. Endpoints were bacterial decontamination (count and type), effect on wound bed granulation, and successful reconstruction. Additionally, subgroup analyses for traumatic, surgical, and chronic wounds as well as patients pretreated with conventional NPWT or isolated gram‐positive or negative germs were performed. NPWTi‐d was applied on average for 13 days with a total hospitalisation time of 51 days. After NPWTi‐d, decontaminated wounds were detected in 23% of cases. The number of different bacteria as well as bacterial count could be significantly reduced from 2.38 to 1.16 and 3.9 to 1.3, respectively. This was similar for all subgroups except surgical wounds, in which NPWTi‐d did not lead to a significant reduction of the bacterial count. NPWTi‐d resulted in a significant stimulation of granulation tissue. Successful reconstruction was achieved in 90% of cases. NPWTi‐d enabled wound pre‐conditioning by powerfully reducing or decontaminating the bacterial load and spectrum in most of the wounds. The wound bed integrity was re‐established to prepare successful reconstruction.
More effective crack self‐healing capability of SiCf/SiC‐B4C with Al2O3 modified under wet environment
Authors: Shan Qingliang , Xue Yudong , Hu Jianbao , Xu Qiankun , Ma Qian , Zeng Shenghui , Lian Jiawei , Wang Yewei , Shui Anze 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAluminum oxide has been introduced into SiCf/(SiC + B4C) composites to improve the crack self‐healing property in O2/H2O atmosphere. The observation of the surface and interior morphologies of the oxidized composites reveal that Al2O3 can lead to rapid self‐healing of cracks, which will effectively block the oxidation of interior interphase and fiber. Further investigation reveals that Al2O3 plays an important role in impeding the crystallization of SiO2 and limiting the volatilization of B2O3. It is beneficial to form self‐healing fluid glass phase and improve glass phase stability. Under these circumstances, the pre‐crack can be healed more effectively, which is advantageous for composites to remain high strength retention rate.
Roles of local reactivity on the solid‐state addition reaction kinetics
Authors: Cho Sang‐Hee , Senna Mamoru 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA predominant factor of the diffusion‐controlled kinetics of a solid‐state addition reaction using powder is the particle size of the reactants, into which the other chemical species are migrating. However, diffusion‐controlled kinetic equations are seldom satisfactorily applicable even when the effects of particle size are thoroughly accounted. One of the representative nongeometrical items affecting the solid‐state reaction process is the reactivity of solids (ROS), which has not been accounted in any of the established kinetic equations. Change in ROS is the consequence of the imperfections of the crystalline solids. In this study, we try to discuss the effects of ROS on the solid‐state reaction kinetics. A typical solid‐state addition reaction, formation of BaTiO3 from the equimolar mixture of TiO2 and BaCO3, was chosen as a model. For this reaction, the rate‐determining step is established to be the diffusion of Ba2+ ions into TiO2. Since the defect concentration is known to be higher at the near‐surface region, the local distribution of ROS that is discussed here is based on a simple core‐shell model of the host TiO2 particles with higher reactivity at the shell part. The ratio of the rate of diffusion within the shell part relative to that of the core (factor n), and the ratio of shell thickness, Rs, relative to the particle radius, Rp, (factor g) were chosen as main parameters to be iterated. By systematically varying these two factors, n and g, we succeeded in minimizing the fluctuation of apparent diffusion rate constant by the particle size. Despite the oversimplified model and lacking experimental evidences of the hypothetical parameters, the present proposal may pave the way to introduce ROS and its local distribution into the reaction kinetics. We also discussed the effects of second phases by comparing the same reaction process observed from the decomposition of the reactant and formation of the products.
Building Bridges to Housing for homeless adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: outcomes of a cross‐sector intervention
Authors: Reid Nadine , Kron Amie , Lamanna Denise , Wen Sophia , Durbin Anna , Rajakulendran Thanara , Lunsky Yona , Roy Sylvain , DuBois Denise , Stergiopoulos Vicky 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have high rates of homelessness. This observational study evaluates Bridges to Housing, a cross‐sector intervention offering immediate access to housing and supports to this population in Toronto, Canada.MethodsTwenty‐six participants, enrolled between April 2016 and December 2017, were assessed at baseline, six and 12 months post‐enrolment. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear modelling evaluated quality of life (QOL) and service needs outcomes. Twenty‐one service users and providers participated in semi‐structured interviews between August 2017 and June 2018 to elicit their experiences of the intervention, which were analysed thematically.ResultsTwelve months post‐enrolment, 24 participants were successfully housed and reported increased QOL scores (F(2,43) = 13.73, p = <.001) and decreased perceived unmet service needs (Wald χ2(2) = 12.93, p = .002). Individual‐, intervention‐ and system‐level characteristics facilitated housing stability in this population.ConclusionsCross‐sector approaches can improve outcomes for homeless adults with IDD and may have an important role in supporting this marginalized population.
Developing a flipped learning approach to support student engagement: A design‐based research of secondary school mathematics teaching
Authors: Lo Chung Kwan , Hew Khe Foon 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe overarching goal of this research project is to develop a set of theoretical and empirical based design principles to support student engagement in flipped mathematics learning. We used a design‐based research approach in which a series of studies was conducted in a secondary school. First, an analysis of practical problems was performed via exploratory studies (Studies 1A and 1B), randomized experiments (Studies 2A and 2B), and a literature review (Study 3). Second, a basic flipped lesson prototype was developed based on our empirical findings and relevant theoretical work of student engagement and self‐determination theory. Third, we refined and evaluated our practice with two empirical studies (Studies 4 and 5). Finally, we reflected on each stage of our research project to produce a set of design principles for future practice. This study thus contributes to our knowledge of methods to support student engagement in flipped mathematics learning.
Salvage of an epicardial lead in a pacemaker‐dependent patient with Fontan palliation using an IS‐1 extender
Authors: Aronis Konstantinos N. , Mettler Bret A. , Love Charles J. , de la Uz Caridad M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe present a case report of severed epicardial atrial lead salvage using an IS‐1 lead extender. A 37‐year‐old male with single ventricle physiology, Fontan palliation, sinus node dysfunction, recurrent atrial tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation resulting in failing Fontan physiology presented with failure of the atrial pacing lead. The patient was initially paced with an epicardial system that had to be removed due to pocket infection, and the epicardial leads were cut and abandoned. Given his significant sinus node dysfunction he required atrial pacing to allow for rhythm control. The failing Fontan physiology of the patient precluded him from undergoing surgery for epicardial lead placement or a complex intravascular lead placement procedure (although anatomically feasible). We considered the option of salvaging the existing epicardial atrial leads to provide atrial pacing, allowing for rhythm control and improvement of his failing Fontan physiology as a bridge to a more permanent pacing solution. This case report is important because it demonstrates how a lead extender can be used to salvage a severed pacemaker lead. This may be useful for patients in whom implantation of new leads is not promptly feasible due to patient anatomy and/or clinical status.
Molecular and functional characterization of the flightin gene in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Yuan Rui‐ling , Zheng Chuan‐wei , Chen Peng , Du Chun‐hua , Wang Yi‐xuan , Feng Dan , Ong Su‐Ping , Xu Jin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFlightin is a protein in flight muscles and is crucial for the flight capacity. Flightin also has been proposed as a protein with deep ancestry and functions outside of flight muscles. However, functional and molecular characterization of flightin achieved so far is mainly in flight muscles of Drosophila. Here, we cloned the flightin (Bd‐flightin) gene and tested its expression and function in Bactrocera dorsalis, an important migratory pest. Phylogenetic analysis based on flightin orthologs revealed that the divergence of flightin is consistent with the taxonomic classification of insects. Motif analysis indicated obvious variations in flightin orthologs, which may have occurred during speciation and functional differentiation. The expression is quite low during egg and larval stages, which largely increased during pupal stage and then peaked at the beginning of the adult stage. Bd‐flightin also showed tissue‐ and age‐specific expression patterns during adult stage. The relative expression level is low in wing, head, ovary and testis, which is relatively higher in leg and abdominal wall and much higher in thorax. Injection of late pupae and newly eclosed adults with 1 μg flightin dsRNA per insect both significantly reduced the expression of flightin and the flight capacity in males and females. In addition, silencing the expression of flightin also decreased the weight ratio of thorax and whole‐body. These results suggested that flightin plays important roles in flight muscle development and flight function in B. dorsalis, which can potentially be used to control the flight behaviour of the fruit fly.
Testing muzzle and ploy devices to reduce predation of bees by Asian hornets
Authors: Bonnefond Laura , Paute Sandrine , Andalo Christophe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSince its accidental introduction in 2004, the Asian yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina) has quickly spread in France. V. velutina specializes in the emblematic honeybee, Apis mellifera which are unable to protect their colonies efficiently against this fierce new predator. Here, we investigated whether two defence devices, a ploy and a muzzle, can protect bee colonies. Our results showed that neither device was able to reduce the number of hornets present in front of the hive or their predation efficiency (i.e. the number of captured bees). However, we found more flying bees and a smaller bee carpet in the presence of a muzzle, evidence that this very cheap method of protection can reduce the hornets’ impact on the activity of the bee colony and thus probably enabling its survival. We also showed that the number of agonistic interactions among V. velutina individuals increased with the number of hornets but without influencing the predation rate in our experimental conditions. The threat to honey bees is now well described, but the Asian yellow‐legged hornet very likely has an impact on another insect species that has been the subject of far fewer studies: The native European hornet (Vespa cabro). Monitoring of several apiaries suggests that high densities of both V. velutina and V. crabro are exclusive and that the two species are engaged in an exploitative competition interaction. We are thus already in a position to underline the need for combined protection, as well as for further studies to better understand the ecology of V. velutina, to reduce the damage they cause.
Bayesian estimation of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of a qPCR and a bacteriological culture method for Piscirickettsia salmonis in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Chile
Authors: Laurin Emilie , Gardner Ian A. , Peña Andrea , Rozas‐Serri Marco , Gayosa Jorge , Neumann Heise Joaquin , Mardones Fernando O. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEarly detection of piscirickettsiosis is an important purpose of government‐ and industry‐based surveillance for the disease in Atlantic salmon farms in Chile. Real‐time qPCRs are currently used for surveillance because bacterial isolation is inadequately sensitive or rapid enough for routine use. Since no perfect tests exist, we used Bayesian latent class models to estimate diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (DSp) of qPCR and culture using separate two‐test, single‐population models for three farms (n = 148, 151, 44). Informative priors were used for DSp (culture (beta(999,1); qPCR (beta(98,2)), and flat priors (beta 1,1) for DSe and prevalence. Models were run for liver and kidney tissues combined and separately, based on the presence of selected gross‐pathological signs. Across all models, qPCR DSe was 5‐ to 30‐fold greater than for culture. Combined‐tissue qPCR median DSe was highest in Farm 3 (sampled during P. salmonis outbreak (DSe = 97.6%)) versus Farm 1 (DSe = 85.6%) or Farm 2 (DSe = 83.5%), both sampled before clinical disease. Median DSe of qPCR was similar for liver and kidney, but higher when gross‐pathological signs were evident at necropsy. High DSe and DSp and rapid turnaround‐time indicate that the qPCR is fit for surveillance programmes and diagnosis during an outbreak. Targeted testing of salmon with gross‐pathological signs can enhance DSe.
Short contribution on adaptive behaviour of flood‐prone companies: A pilot study of Dresden‐Laubegast, Germany
Authors: Jehmlich Caroline , Hudson Paul , Thieken Annegret H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntegrated flood management strategies consider property‐level precautionary measures as a vital part. Whereas this is a well‐researched topic for residents, little is known about the adaptive behaviour of flood‐prone companies although they often settle on the ground floor of buildings and are thus among the first affected by flooding. This pilot study analyses flood responses of 64 businesses in a district of the city of Dresden, Germany that experienced major flooding in 2002 and 2013. Using standardised survey data and accompanying qualitative interviews, the analyses revealed that the largest driver of adaptive behaviour is experiencing flood events. Intangible factors such as tradition and a sense of community play a role for the decision to stay in the area, while lacking ownership might hamper property‐level adaptation. Further research is also needed to understand the role of insurance and governmental aid for recovery and adaptation of businesses.
Improvement of wrinkles and skin tightening using TriPollar® radiofrequency with Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA™)
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency (RF) energy promotes skin renewal by inducing tissue remodeling through dermal heating and neocollagenesis.AimTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a medical esthetic system that combines simultaneously TriPollar® RF energy with Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA™) for improving facial skin tightness and wrinkles.MethodsA prospective, open‐label study. Eleven subjects (mean age, 43 years; Fitzpatrick skin type II‐IV) with Fitzpatrick Elastosis Scale (FES) score 3‐6 were treated. The participants underwent six weekly treatments. Effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated at 1 and 3 months follow‐ups after the last treatment, using the FES and evaluator‐ and subject‐rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Treatment safety and tolerance were evaluated as well. Pain was evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0‐10.ResultsTreatment was safe, with minimal pain (VAS score less than 1), no adverse events, and no downtime. At 1 and 3 months follow‐up evaluation, mean physician‐rated FES statistically significantly improved from baseline (4.63 ± 0.88) by 2.27 ± 0.45 for both time points (P < .0001). According to investigator GAI scale at 3 months follow‐up evaluations, 81.8% of patients were improved and 18.2% were much improved in fine lines, wrinkles and skin tightness.ConclusionsTreatment with RF TriPollar® combined with DMA™ is effective and well‐tolerated treatment for improving skin tightness and reducing wrinkles.
Safety Transformation and the Structure of the Financial System
Authors: DIAMOND WILLIAM 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThis paper studies how a financial system that is organized to efficiently create safe assets responds to macroeconomic shocks. Financial intermediaries face a cost of bearing risk, so they choose the least risky portfolio that backs their issuance of riskless deposits: a diversified pool of nonfinancial firms' debt. Nonfinancial firms choose their capital structure to exploit the resulting segmentation between debt and equity markets. Increased safe asset demand yields larger and riskier intermediaries and more levered firms. Quantitative easing reduces the size and riskiness of intermediaries and can decrease firm leverage, despite reducing borrowing costs at the zero lower bound.
Learning From Disagreement in the U.S. Treasury Bond Market
Authors: GIACOLETTI MARCO , LAURSEN KRISTOFFER T. , SINGLETON KENNETH J. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTWe study risk premiums in the U.S. Treasury bond market from the perspective of a Bayesian econometrician who learns in real time from disagreement among investors about future bond yields. Notably, disagreement has substantial predictive power for yields, and 's risk premiums are less volatile than those in the analogous model without learning. 's forecasts are substantially more accurate than the consensus forecasts of market professionals, particularly following U.S. recessions. The predictive power of disagreement is distinct from the (much weaker) one of inflation and output growth. Rather, it appears to reflect uncertainty about future fiscal policy.