bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topology of Subvarieties of Complex Semi-abelian Varieties
Authors: Liu Yongqiang , Maxim Laurentiu , Wang Botong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe use the non-proper Morse theory of Palais–Smale to investigate the topology of smooth closed subvarieties of complex semi-abelian varieties and that of their infinite cyclic covers. As main applications, we obtain the finite generation (except in the middle degree) of the corresponding integral Alexander modules as well as the signed Euler characteristic property and generic vanishing for rank-one local systems on such subvarieties. Furthermore, we give a more conceptual (topological) interpretation of the signed Euler characteristic property in terms of vanishing of Novikov homology. As a byproduct, we prove a generic vanishing result for the $L^2$-Betti numbers of very affine manifolds. Our methods also recast June Huh’s extension of Varchenko’s conjecture to very affine manifolds and provide a generalization of this result in the context of smooth closed sub-varieties of semi-abelian varieties.
Increase of E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 expression leads to degradation of its target proteins PTEN/IGF1R during the formation of goose fatty liver
Authors: Yan Chunchi , Zhao Minmeng , Li Shuo , Liu Tongjun , Xu Cheng , Liu Long , Geng Tuoyu , Gong Daoqing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Goose fatty liver may have a unique protective mechanism as it does not show a pathological injury even in the case of severe steatosis. Although neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated gene 4 (NEDD4) participates in repair and regeneration of injured liver through its target proteins, its role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains unknown. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblot analyses, here, we found that the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of NEDD4 were induced in goose fatty liver compared with normal liver. The mRNA expression of the gene of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) was also induced in goose fatty liver; however, their protein expression was or tended to be suppressed. Moreover, the co-immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that there was a physical association between NEDD4 and PTEN in goose liver, which was consistent with the ubiquitination of PTEN in goose fatty liver. Furthermore, NEDD4 overexpression in goose primary hepatocytes suppressed the PTEN and IGF1R protein levels without a significant effect on their mRNA expression. In conclusion, the increased expression of NEDD4 leads to the degradation of PTEN and IGF1R proteins through ubiquitination in goose fatty liver, suggesting that NEDD4 may protect goose fatty liver from severe steatosis-associated injury via its target proteins during the development of goose fatty liver.
Effects of mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate in sow diets on epigenetic modification and growth of progeny
Authors: Jang Ki Beom , Kim Jong Hyuk , Purvis Jerry M , Chen Juxing , Ren Ping , Vazquez-Anon Mercedes , Kim Sung Woo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe study was conducted to determine the effects of mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate (MMHAC) partially replacing inorganic trace minerals in sow diets on epigenetic and transcriptional changes in the muscle and jejunum of progeny. The MMHAC is zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) chelated with methionine hydroxy analog (Zn-, Mn-, and Cu-methionine hydroxy analog chelate [MHAC]). On day 35 of gestation, 60 pregnant sows were allotted to two dietary treatments in a randomized completed block design using parity as a block: 1) ITM: inorganic trace minerals with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), manganese oxide (MnO), and copper sulfate (CuSO4) and 2) CTM: 50% of ITM was replaced with MMHAC (MINTREX trace minerals, Novus International Inc., St Charles, MO). Gestation and lactation diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC requirements. On days 1 and 18 of lactation, milk samples from 16 sows per treatment were collected to measure immunoglobulins (immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M) and micromineral concentrations. Two pigs per litter were selected to collect blood to measure the concentration of immunoglobulins in the serum, and then euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa, jejunum tissues, and longissimus muscle to measure global deoxyribonucleic acid methylation, histone acetylation, cytokines, and jejunal histomorphology at birth and day 18 of lactation. Data were analyzed using Proc MIXED of SAS. Supplementation of MMHAC tended to decrease (P = 0.059) body weight (BW) loss of sows during lactation and tended to increase (P = 0.098) piglet BW on day 18 of lactation. Supplementation of MMHAC increased (P &lt; 0.05) global histone acetylation and tended to decrease myogenic regulatory factor 4 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA; P = 0.068) and delta 4-desaturase sphingolipid1 (DEGS1) mRNA (P = 0.086) in longissimus muscle of piglets at birth. Supplementation of MMHAC decreased (P &lt; 0.05) nuclear factor kappa B mRNA in the jejunum and DEGS1 mRNA in longissimus muscle and tended to decrease mucin-2 (MUC2) mRNA (P = 0.057) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) mRNA (P = 0.057) in the jejunum of piglets on day 18 of lactation. There were, however, no changes in the amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, TGF-β, MUC2, and myogenic factor 6 in the tissues by MMHAC. In conclusion, maternal supplementation of MMHAC could contribute to histone acetylation and programming in the fetus, which potentially regulates intestinal health and skeletal muscle development of piglets at birth and weaning, possibly leading to enhanced growth of their piglets.
The Effect of Education on Primary School Students’ Knowledge Regarding Burn Prevention Measures and Actions to Take
Authors: Bagheri Tooran , Fatemi Mohammad Javad , Saberi Mohsen , Rahbar Arya , Momeni Mahnoush 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Burns injuries are a global concern. Many health specialists develop prevention programs, especially for high-risk groups such as children. This study was designed to investigate the effect of education on knowledge of primary school students about burn prevention and initial actions to take in dealing with burns. This is a quasi-experimental study conducted on primary school students. The sampling was done by cluster method in six boys’ and girls’ public schools (fourth to sixth grade) in three different regions of Tehran. The collected data included a demographic section and 17 questions for assessing students’ awareness about prevention and initial actions in dealing with burns. The training was conducted by two experts who were familiar with the children’s education in the schools. The level of the students’ knowledge was evaluated by the questionnaire before the intervention, immediately after, and 3 months follow-up. The results showed that the knowledge score in both domains of prevention and initial actions significantly increased immediately and 3 months after training (P &lt; .05). Also, there was a significant relationship between knowledge score in both domains with sex, educational level, and education area after intervention. Education is effective on raising students’ knowledge about prevention and initial actions to take after a burn injury. Therefore, it is suggested to repeat educational programs, educate parents and students simultaneously, and use media to change beliefs and attitudes that are rooted in the culture of a society, especially in lower socioeconomic classes.
Attachment to and Detachment from Favorite Stores: An Affordance Theory Perspective
Authors: Borghini Stefania , Sherry John F , Joy Annamma 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLike homes, neighborhoods, and cities, retail locations offer significant opportunities for attachment far from domestic spheres. In commercial settings, consumers construct personal geographies, and find stable references for their lives. Our work advances previous consumer research by showing how these relationalities are situated, implicitly unstable and often impermanent. Individuals attach to commercial spaces in multiple ways, through both immediate and slow processes. We theorize that multiple affordances of spaces—whether sensual, symbolic, or cerebral—trigger meaningful ties, stimulate new affective and practice repertoires and may exert a transformative power in personal biographies. Bonds evolve in tandem with individuals’ life courses and are also impacted by events beyond consumers’ control, such as store closures. Whether disruptive or constructive, detachments can precipitate constructive change, allowing individuals to mobilize the emotional and cognitive resources at the base of their affective bond with treasured places, and redirect these assets more effectively. Forced and voluntary detachment from retail spaces are thus interpreted as integral and complementary components of attachment.
Molecular Identification of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) From Frass by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Rizzo Domenico , Taddei Andrea , Da Lio Daniele , Bruscoli Tommaso , Cappellini Giovanni , Bartolini Linda , Salemi Chiara , Luchi Nicola , Pennacchio Fabrizio , Rossi Elisabetta 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853), native to eastern Asia, is a destructive woodborer of many ornamental species, leading to the decline and the death of the attacked trees. In outbreak areas as Europe or North America, this pest is usually identified using morphological or molecular analyses of adult or larval specimens. However, the procedures for collecting A. glabripennis specimens from infested plants are too expensive and time consuming for routine screening. A noninvasive diagnostic tool based on frass discrimination is therefore crucial for the rapid identification of A. glabripennis at different development stages in the host. This article describes a rapid diagnostic protocol based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). DNA extracted from A. glabripennis frass was amplified with both visual and real-time LAMP and compared with those of nontarget species. The results show that the method is reliable and accurate and therefore could be a promising diagnostic tool in phytosanitary surveys.
Yield, Insect-Derived Ear Injury, and Aflatoxin Among Developmental and Commercial Maize Hybrids Adapted to the North American Subtropics
Authors: Pruter Luke S , Brewer Michael J , Murray Seth C , Isakeit Thomas , Pekar Jacob J , Wahl Nancy J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The development of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids that are adapted to subtropical areas of North America should consider yield potential under heat and moisture stress, and reduced susceptibility to insect herbivory and disease. To aid in this process, maize hybrids (43 developmental and seven non-Bt commercial hybrids) were evaluated for severity of ear injury to Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), susceptibility to Aspergillus flavus (Link) (Deuteromycetes: Moniliales), and yield. In subtropical Corpus Christi and College Station, TX, field experiments conducted over three years revealed significant differences among maize hybrids with the rank of the selected measurements differing across the two locations. When the location by maize hybrid interaction was not significant, variation across the main factors of maize hybrid genetics (in all cases) and location (in some cases) was detected. In 2014, a significant location by maize hybrid interaction in yield but not aflatoxin and ear injury were likely associated with differences in weather between locations. In Corpus Christi in 2015, a location by maize hybrid interaction was detected for ear injury only. Overall, experimental maize hybrids, containing the inbred line Tx777, displayed partial resistance to insect derived ear injury in both locations, and some hybrid testcrosses exhibited low rates of aflatoxin accumulation while maintaining relatively high yields. Tx777 was selected from populations originating in Bolivia and adapted to subtropical climates. The most promising hybrid testcrosses had lower ear injury and aflatoxin accumulation, and good yield under varying heat and moisture stress at the two subtropical maize growing areas in this study.
Ecological Drift and Directional Community Change in an Isolated Mediterranean Forest Reserve—Larger Moth Species Under Higher Threat
Authors: Wölfling Mirko , Uhl Britta , Fiedler Konrad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLong-term data are important to understand the changes in ecological communities over time but are quite rare for insects. We analyzed such changes using historic museum collections. For our study area, an isolated forest reserve in North-East Italy, data from the past 80 yr were available. We used records of 300 moth species to analyze whether extinction risk was linked to their body size or to their degree of ecological specialization. Specialization was scored 1) by classifying larval food affiliations, habitat preferences, and the northern distributional limit and 2) by analyzing functional dispersion (FDis) within species assemblages over time. Our results show that locally extinct species (mean wingspan: 37.0 mm) were larger than persistent (33.2 mm) or previously unrecorded ones (30.7 mm), leading to a smaller mean wingspan of the moth community over time. Some ecological filters appear to have selected against bigger species. By using coarse specialization categories, we did not observe any relationship with local extinction risk. However, FDis, calculated across 12 species traits, significantly decreased over time. We conclude that simple classification systems might fail in reflecting changes in community-wide specialization. Multivariate approaches such as FDis may provide deeper insight, as they reflect a variety of ecological niche dimensions. With the abandonment of extensive land use practices, natural succession seems to have shifted the moth community toward a preponderance of forest-affiliated species, leading to decreased FDis values. Multivariate analyses of species composition also confirmed that the moth community has significantly changed during the last 80 yr.
Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Insecticides on the Fecundity of Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) via the Regulation of Vitellogenin and Its Receptor
Authors: Zhou Cao , Yang Xi-bin , Yang Hong , Long Gui-yun , Jin Dao-chao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhite-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera, Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is an important migratory pest of rice. It causes severe economic losses by reducing crop production. Vg and VgR are important proteins that help in the successful reproduction of insects and have been studied in many insects. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of insecticides on white-backed planthopper reproduction, we studied the expression profiles of SfVg, SfVg-like, and SfVgR in white-backed planthopper exposed to insecticides. SfVg and SfVgR silencing inhibited the ovarian development, number of eggs laid by, and hatching rate of white-backed planthopper. Thiamethoxam LC10 significantly inhibited SfVg-like and SfVgR expression. In contrast, triazophos LC25 significantly promoted SfVg, SfVg-like, and SfVgR expression and increased vitellogenin content in white-backed planthopper. These results demonstrate that insecticides can regulate the reproduction of white-backed planthopper by altering the expression of SfVg and SfVgR, thereby affecting the population density of white-backed planthopper. These findings build a foundation for improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of insecticides on the reproduction and resurgence of pests.
COVID-19 and psychiatric illness: rectal foreign bodies (30 stylus batteries) in a young male patient affected by Asperger syndrome
Authors: Lovisetto Federico , Guala Andrea , Facciotto Giuseppe , Zonta Sandro 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Here we present the case of a 17-year-old male patient, affected by Asperger syndrome, who reached the emergency division of our hospital after anal insertion of some stylus batteries. Transanal extraction of 30 stylus batteries avoided surgical intervention. Lockdown and boredom due to the strict domestic quarantine policies adopted during COVID-19 pandemic might have unmasked in our patient a susceptibility to unhealthy behaviour.
Impact of Spinal Cord Stimulation on Opioid Dose Reduction: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Adil Syed M , Charalambous Lefko T , Spears Charis A , Kiyani Musa , Hodges Sarah E , Yang Zidanyue , Lee Hui-Jie , Rahimpour Shervin , Parente Beth , Greene Kathryn A , McClellan Mark , Lad Shivanand P 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Opioid misuse in the USA is an epidemic. Utilization of neuromodulation for refractory chronic pain may reduce opioid-related morbidity and mortality, and associated economic costs.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on opioid dose reduction.

METHODS
The IBM MarketScan® database was retrospectively queried for all US patients with a chronic pain diagnosis undergoing SCS between 2010 and 2015. Opioid usage before and after the procedure was quantified as morphine milligram equivalents (MME).

RESULTS
A total of 8497 adult patients undergoing SCS were included. Within 1 yr of the procedure, 60.4% had some reduction in their opioid use, 34.2% moved to a clinically important lower dosage group, and 17.0% weaned off opioids entirely. The proportion of patients who completely weaned off opioids increased with decreasing preprocedure dose, ranging from 5.1% in the >90 MME group to 34.2% in the ≤20 MME group. The following variables were associated with reduced odds of weaning off opioids post procedure: long-term opioid use (odds ratio [OR]: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.21-0.30; P < .001), use of other pain medications (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.65-0.87; P < .001), and obesity (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60-0.94; P = .01).

CONCLUSION
Patients undergoing SCS were able to reduce opioid usage. Given the potential to reduce the risks of long-term opioid therapy, this study lays the groundwork for efforts that may ultimately push stakeholders to reduce payment and policy barriers to SCS as part of an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to nonopioid solutions for chronic pain.
Impact of a specialist service in the Emergency Department on admission, length of stay and readmission of patients presenting with falls, syncope and dizziness
Authors: Jusmanova K , Rice C , Bourke R , Lavan A , McMahon C G , Cunningham C , Kenny R A , Briggs R 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBackgroundUp to half of patients presenting with falls, syncope or dizziness are admitted to hospital. Many are discharged without a clear diagnosis for their index episode, however, and therefore a relatively high risk of readmission.AimTo examine the impact of ED-FASS (Emergency Department Falls and Syncope Service) a dedicated specialist service embedded within an ED, seeing patients of all ages with falls, syncope and dizziness.DesignPre- and post-cohort study.MethodsAdmission rates, length of stay (LOS) and readmission at 3 months were examined for all patients presenting with a fall, syncope or dizziness from April to July 2018 (pre-ED-FASS) inclusive and compared to April to July 2019 inclusive (post-ED-FASS).ResultsThere was a significantly lower admission rate for patients presenting in 2019 compared to 2018 [27% (453/1676) vs. 34% (548/1620); X2 = 18.0; P &lt; 0.001], with a 20% reduction in admissions. The mean LOS for patients admitted in 2018 was 20.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.4–24.0] days compared to 18.2 (95% CI 14.6–21.9) days in 2019 (t = 0.98; P = 0.3294). This accounts for 11 344 bed days in the 2018 study period, and 8299 bed days used after ED-FASS. There was also a significant reduction in readmission rates within 3 months of index presentation, from 21% (109/1620) to 16% (68/1676) (X2 = 4.68; P = 0.030).ConclusionThis study highlights the significant potential benefits of embedding dedicated multidisciplinary services at the hospital front door in terms of early specialist assessment and directing appropriate patients to effective ambulatory care pathways.
Genealogies of Story in Jean Rhys’s ‘The Day They Burned the Books’
Authors: Thomas Sue 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Jean Rhys’s story ‘The Day They Burned the Books’ (1960) has a pivotal place in her career and in literary history. Rhys lost her sense of a literary vocation by 1949 when she was in her very late fifties; ‘The Day They Burned the Books’, written by early 1953, marked its return. In this essay I address what is at stake in her revisiting of the racialized cultural inheritances and affiliations of a white Creole storyteller in the early 1950s by tracing the composition of the story. An examination of its textual patterns and allusions and her working in of small narrative detail from her Black Exercise Book of the late 1930s complicates standard readings of the story, of the relation between its narrative and authorial voice, and of Rhys’s awareness of contemporary West Indian writing. The story is the earliest known exploration of what has been termed ‘the daffodil gap’ in the experience of the colonial schoolchild. I briefly compare Rhys’s evocation of the daffodil gap with V. S. Naipaul’s and Derek Walcott’s subsequent references to it in the 1960s.
Feasibility of online home spirometry in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease: a pilot study
Authors: Moor Catharina C , van Leuven Sander I , Wijsenbeek Marlies S , Vonk Madelon C 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Frequent monitoring of forced vital capacity at home may be of added value in patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) to monitor disease progression and guide treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and optimal frequency of online home spirometry using a home monitoring application in patients with SSc-ILD.

Methods
This was a prospective, observational study in patients with SSc-ILD. Patients evaluated for 3 months the online home monitoring application ILD-online integrated with a Bluetooth-connected spirometer. Patients performed daily home spirometry for 6 weeks and weekly home spirometry for 6 weeks. In addition, patients completed an evaluation questionnaire after 3 months and online patient-reported outcomes at baseline and 3 months.

Results
Ten consecutive patients participated. Mean adherence to home spirometry was 98.8% (s.d. 1.5). Home and hospital spirometry were highly correlated. The mean coefficient of variation was lower for weekly [2.45% (s.d. 1.19)] than daily [3.86% (s.d. 1.45)] forced vital capacity measurements (P = 0.005). All patients considered the home monitoring application and spirometer easy to use and no patients considered home spirometry burdensome. All patients would recommend home monitoring to other patients with SSc.

Conclusions
Home spirometry using an online home monitoring application is feasible in patients with SSc-ILD, with high adherence and patient satisfaction. Larger long-term studies are needed to assess whether home spirometry can detect the progression of ILD in patients with SSc.