bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal biology and locomotor performance in Phymaturus calcogaster: are Patagonian lizards vulnerable to climate change?
Authors: OBREGÓN Rosa L. , SCOLARO Jose A. , IBARGÜENGOYTÍA Nora R. , MEDINA Marlin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBehavioral and physiological traits of ectotherms are especially sensitive to fluctuations of environmental temperature. In particular, niche‐specialist lizards are dependent on their physiological plasticity to adjust to changing environmental conditions. Lizards of the genus Phymaturus are viviparous, mainly herbivorous, and inhabit only rock promontories in the steppe environments of Patagonia and the Andes. Herein, we examine the vulnerability of the southernmost Phymaturus species to global warming: the endemic Phymaturus calcogaster, which lives in a mesic environment in eastern Patagonia. We studied body temperatures in the field (Tb), preferred body temperatures in a thermogradient (Tpref), the operative (Te) and environmental temperatures, and the dependence of running performance on body temperature. P. calcogaster had a mean Tb (27.04°C) and a mean Te (31.15°C) both lower than their preferred temperature (Tpref = 36.61°C) and the optimal temperature for running performance (To = 37.13°C). Lizard activity seems to be restraint during the early afternoon due high environmental temperatures. However, both, the high safety margin and warming tolerance suggest that the expected increase in environmental temperatures due to global warming (IPCC report in 2018) would not threaten, but indeed enhance locomotor performance in this population.
Enhancing oxidative stability of sunflower oil by supplementation with prickled broom (Pterospartum tridentatum) ethanolic extract
Authors: Neves Marta , Miranda Andreia , Lemos Marco F.L. , Silva Susana , Tecelão Carla 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Pterospartum tridentatum flowers in the stability of sunflower oil. The extract was characterized regarding to its antioxidant activity by the 2,2,1‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method (EC50 = 76.3 ± 2.6 µg/mL) and total phenolic content (200 ± 8 mg GAE/g). Extracts were added at 500 mg/L (E1) and 1,000 mg/L (E2), and after 30 days of storage at room temperature, E2 oil showed improved quality parameters, with a reduction of 22.4%, 17.2%, and 45.6% in the values of acidity, peroxide, and p‐anisidine, respectively. The extract also increased oil stability at 180 °C. After 27 hr, the acidity (0.216 ± 0.016 mg KOH/g) and the total oxidation value (TOTOX) (69.30 ± 0.26) values of E2 oil were significantly lower than the control. These results showed that P. tridentatum effectively improved the shelf‐life and thermal stability of sunflower oil, being a promising source of antioxidants for edible oils processing.Practical ApplicationPterospartum tridentatum ethanolic extracts increased stability of sunflower oil during storage at room temperature and at 180 °C. Oil stability increased with extract concentration, being highest for 1,000 mg/L. Therefore, P. tridentatum may be a promising source of antioxidants for edible oils processing.
Apically extruded debris produced during glide path preparation using R‐Pilot, WaveOne Gold Glider and ProGlider in curved root canals
Authors: Keskin Cangül , Sivas Yilmaz Özlem , Inan Uğur 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to compare the apically extruded debris produced during glide path preparation using R‐Pilot (RP), WaveOne Gold Glider (WGG) and ProGlider (PG) with the subsequent preparation using Reciproc Blue in curved root canals. Mesial roots of mandibular molars with angle of curvature between 25° and 35° were selected (n = 20). The Myers and Montgomery method was used to collect and assess apically extruded debris. The glide path was prepared either manually with K‐file, ProGlider, R‐Pilot or WaveOne Gold Glider. Manual preparation group produced the highest amount of apically extruded debris (P < 0.05), while all groups caused debris extrusion. There were no significant differences among the extruded debris caused by RP, PG and WGG groups (P > 0.05). Apically extruded debris produced by engine‐driven reciprocational or continuous rotational single file glide path instruments was similar, whereas manual glide path preparation was associated with the greatest amount of extruded debris.
Sex, language and financial inclusion*
Authors: Osei‐Tutu Francis , Weill Laurent 
Published: August 2020

AbstractReference to gender in language can lead individuals to draw distinctions between genders and reinforce traditional views of gender roles. To test our hypothesis that language gender marking exerts an influence on the gender gap in financial inclusion, we draw on data for 117 countries in the World Bank's Global Findex database and perform logit estimations at the individual level. We find the gender gap in the probability of owning a formal account, having access to a formal credit, as well as having savings in a formal financial institution is higher for countries with gendered languages than for countries with genderless languages. These findings are confirmed in robustness checks that control for alternative measures of culture and estimations at the country level.
Research on the fatigue properties of sub‐heat‐affected zones in X80 pipe
Authors: Xu Kai , Qiao Gui‐ying , Wang Jun‐si , Zhang Shi‐yu , Xiao Fu‐ren 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPipeline transmission is an essential means of oil and gas transportation, but its safety is threatened by fatigue fracture that generally occurs in the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) adjacent to welded joints of the pipeline. Therefore, it is important to determine the fatigue properties of HAZ. In this work, the microstructure and mechanical properties in the HAZ of a X80 pipe were accurately simulated by thermal simulation. The fatigue life and crack growth rate of typical sub‐HAZ were tested. The results showed that fine grain HAZ exhibited the lowest strength and fatigue life. In contrast, coarse grain HAZ had the highest strength, but its fatigue life was lower than that of the intercritical HAZ. The microstructure of each sub‐HAZ and the effect of this structure on fatigue properties were analysed and discussed in detail. The results provide insight into the effects of microstructure and mechanical properties on the service safety of pipeline transportation.
Clinical and economic impact of “triple therapy” for Helicobacter pylori eradication on peptic ulcer disease in Australia
Authors: Eslick Guy D. , Tilden Dominic , Arora Nimita , Torres Margaux , Clancy Robert L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection has had a major impact on the global health of billions of people. Triple therapy was extensively used in Australia by 1986 for H pylori eradication after its discovery in 1984 and was critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this infection.AimsThis study analyzed hospital admission, mortality, and therapeutic data to determine the economic and clinical impact that antibiotic triple therapy had on peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in Australia.MethodsAn analysis of indirect and direct cost‐savings in Australia between 1990 and 2015 associated with triple therapy and the impact on PUD mortality and hospital admissions.ResultsThe direct and indirect impacts of PUD treated by triple therapy between 1990 and 2015 suggest that triple therapy is likely to have prevented 18 665 deaths, and saved 258 887 life years and 33 776 productive life years. The total savings, over the 26‐year period, including direct and indirect costs, are calculated to be $10.03 billion, equating to an average annual saving of $393.419 million.ConclusionsThis study highlights the enormous benefits to Australia's health care of the discovery of triple therapy, a relatively low‐cost antibiotic regimen which brought considerable savings via the reduction in morbidity (hospital admissions) and mortality related to PUD. It is likely that benefits of similar scale occurred internationally.
A bi‐level programming framework for identifying optimal parameters in portfolio selection
Authors: Jing Kui , Xu Fengmin , Li Xuepeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of identifying optimal portfolio parameters in nonsparse and sparse models. Generally, using the sample estimates to construct a mean–variance portfolio often leads to undesirable portfolio performance. We propose a novel bi‐level programming framework to identify the optimal values of expected return and cardinality, which can be estimated separately or simultaneously. In the general formulation of our approach, outer‐level is designed to maximize the utility of the portfolio, which is measured by Sharpe ratio, while the inner‐level is to minimize the risk of a portfolio under a given expected return. Considering the nonconvex and nonsmooth characteristics of the outer‐level, we develop a hybrid derivative‐free optimization algorithm embedded with alternating direction method of multipliers to solve the problem. Numerical experiments are carried out based on both simulated and real‐life data. During the process, we give a prior range of cardinality using the data‐driven method to promote the efficiency. Estimating the parameters by our approach achieves better performance both in the stock and fund‐of‐funds markets. Moreover, we also demonstrate that our results are robust when the risk is measured by conditional value‐at‐risk.
Fatty acid synthase contributes to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma through PRRX1/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhang Wei‐long , Wang Sha‐sha , Jiang Ya‐ping , Liu Yan , Yu Xiang‐hua , Wu Jing‐biao , Wang Ke , Pang Xin , Liao Peng , Liang Xin‐hua , Tang Ya‐ling 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFatty acid synthase (FASN) has been shown to be selectively up‐regulated in cancer cells to drive the development of cancer. However, the role and associated mechanism of FASN in regulating the malignant progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) still remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that FASN inhibition attenuated invasion, metastasis and EMT of SACC cells as well as the expression ofPRRX1, ZEB1, Twist, Slug and Snail, among which the level of PRRX1 changed the most obviously. Overexpression of PRRX1 restored migration and invasion in FASN knockdown cells, indicating that PRRX1 is an important downstream target of FASN signalling. Levels of cyclin D1 and c‐Myc, targets of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, were significantly decreased by FASN silencing and restored by PRRX1 overexpression. In addition, FASN expression was positively associated with metastasis and poor prognosis of SACC patients as well as with the expression of PRRX1, cyclin D1 and c‐Myc in SACC tissues. Our findings revealed that FASN in SACC progression may induce EMT in a PRRX1/Wnt/β‐catenin dependent manner.
Agent‐based modelling for SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemic prediction and intervention assessment: A methodological appraisal
Authors: Maziarz Mariusz , Zach Martin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundOur purpose is to assess epidemiological agent‐based models—or ABMs—of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic methodologically. The rapid spread of the outbreak requires fast‐paced decision‐making regarding mitigation measures. However, the evidence for the efficacy of non‐pharmaceutical interventions such as imposed social distancing and school or workplace closures is scarce: few observational studies use quasi‐experimental research designs, and conducting randomized controlled trials seems infeasible. Additionally, evidence from the previous coronavirus outbreaks of SARS and MERS lacks external validity, given the significant differences in contagiousness of those pathogens relative to SARS‐CoV‐2. To address the pressing policy questions that have emerged as a result of COVID‐19, epidemiologists have produced numerous models that range from simple compartmental models to highly advanced agent‐based models. These models have been criticized for involving simplifications and lacking empirical support for their assumptions.MethodsTo address these voices and methodologically appraise epidemiological ABMs, we consider AceMod (the model of the COVID‐19 epidemic in Australia) as a case study of the modelling practice.ResultsOur example shows that, although epidemiological ABMs involve simplifications of various sorts, the key characteristics of social interactions and the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 are represented sufficiently accurately. This is the case because these modellers treat empirical results as inputs for constructing modelling assumptions and rules that the agents follow; and they use calibration to assert the adequacy to benchmark variables.ConclusionsGiven this, we claim that the best epidemiological ABMs are models of actual mechanisms and deliver both mechanistic and difference‐making evidence. Consequently, they may also adequately describe the effects of possible interventions. Finally, we discuss the limitations of ABMs and put forward policy recommendations.
Family Caregivers of Veterans Experience High Levels of Burden, Distress, and Financial Strain
Authors: Shepherd‐Banigan Megan , Sherman Sophia R. , Lindquist Jennifer H. , Miller Katherine E. M. , Tucker Matthew , Smith Valerie A. , Van Houtven Courtney Harold 
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESTo describe the caregiving experiences and physical and emotional needs of family members and friends who provide care to veterans with mental, physical, and cognitive comorbidities.DESIGNCross‐sectional study.SETTINGNational telephone surveys administered from 2017 to 2019.PARTICIPANTSFamily caregivers of veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Program of General Caregiver Support Services between October 2016 and July 2018 who responded to a telephone survey (N = 1,509; response rate = 39%).MEASUREMENTSWe examined caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, financial strain, satisfaction with care, amount and duration of caregiving, life chaos, loneliness, and integration of caregiver with the healthcare team using validated instruments. We also collected caregiver demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and asked caregivers to identify the veteran's condition(s) and provide an assessment of the veteran's functioning.RESULTSAverage caregiver age was 62.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 13.7) and 69.8 (SD = 15.6) for veterans. Among caregivers, 76.7% identified at White, and 79.9% were married to the veteran. Caregivers reported having provided care for an average of 6.4 years and spending on average 9.6 hours per day and 6.6 days per week providing care. Average Zarit Subjective Burden score was 21.8 (SD = 9.4; range = 0–47), which is well above the cutoff for clinically significant burden (>16). Caregivers reported high levels of depressive symptoms; the sample average Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 10‐item Scale score was 11.5 (SD = 7.1; range = 0–30). Caregivers also reported high levels of loneliness and financial strain.CONCLUSIONCaregivers who care for veterans with trauma‐based comorbidities reported intensive caregiving and significant levels of distress, depressive symptoms, and other negative consequences. These caregivers require comprehensive support services including access to health care, financial assistance, and enhanced respite care. Planned expansion of VA caregiver support has the potential to provide positive benefits for this population and serve as a model for caregiver support programs outside the VA health care system.
Transcriptional, metabolic, physiological and developmental responses of switchgrass to phosphorus limitation
Authors: Ding Na , Huertas Raul , Torres‐Jerez Ivone , Liu Wei , Watson Bonnie , Scheible Wolf‐Rüdiger , Udvardi Michael 
Published: August 2020

AbstractKnowing how switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) responds and adapts to phosphorus (P)‐limitation will aid efforts to optimize P acquisition and use in this species for sustainable biomass production. This integrative study investigated the impacts of mild, moderate, and severe P‐stress on genome transcription and whole‐plant metabolism, physiology and development in switchgrass. P‐limitation reduced overall plant growth, increased root/shoot ratio, increased root branching at moderate P‐stress, and decreased root diameter with increased density and length of root hairs at severe P‐stress. RNA‐seq analysis revealed thousands of genes that were differentially expressed under moderate and severe P‐stress in roots and/or shoots compared to P‐replete plants, with many stress‐induced genes involved in transcriptional and other forms of regulation, primary and secondary metabolism, transport, and other processes involved in P‐acquisition and homeostasis. Amongst the latter were multiple miRNA399 genes and putative targets of these. Metabolite profiling showed that levels of most sugars and sugar alcohols decreased with increasing P stress, while organic and amino acids increased under mild and moderate P‐stress in shoots and roots, although this trend reversed under severe P‐stress, especially in shoots.
A multicentre analysis of the outcome of arteriovenous fistula in maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Jothi Swathi , KG Hareesh , Lesley Nancy , Vijayan Madhusudan , Haridas Anupama Sneha , Mathew Milly , Parthasarathy Rajeevalochana , Sundarajan Saravanan , P Nagarajan , Kumaraswamy Latha , Abraham Georgi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract Introduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are the preferred choice for vascular access in hemodialysis. We aim to identify factors that may contribute to AVF failure. Methods: Data regarding AVF survival were collected from 441 patients. All AVFs were either radial or brachial, of the end‐to‐side variety. Parameters studied were age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension prior to end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), site of fistula, blood flow rate, venous pressure, dialysis vintage and frequency, needle gauge used during dialysis, year of fistula creation, and details of fistula failure. Findings: The 6‐month, 1‐year and 2‐year AVF survival rates were 98.41%, 95.01%, and 89.57%. Failure rates were 17.2%, 5.5%, 26.8%, and 14.4% for dominant radial, non‐dominant radial, dominant brachial and non‐dominant brachial respectively (P < 0.001). Using a larger needle size had better AVF survival rate (P < 0.05). All other factors had no significant correlation with AVF failure. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in AVF patency with respect to gender, age, blood flow rate, presence of diabetes mellitus or systemic hypertension. A distally placed AVF in the nondominant arm had the best survival rate. Using a larger needle size, specifically 15G during dialysis, was associated with lowest AVF failure.
Assessing and mitigating the interference of ALX148, a novel CD47 blocking agent, in pretransfusion compatibility testing
Authors: Kim Tae Yeul , Yoon Mi Sook , Hustinx Hein , Sim Janet , Wan Hong I. , Kim Hyungsuk 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundALX148, a novel CD47 blocking agent, is in clinical development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors and lymphoma. Because CD47 is highly expressed on red blood cells (RBCs), its therapeutic blockade can potentially interfere with pretransfusion compatibility testing. This study describes the interference of ALX148 in pretransfusion compatibility testing and evaluates the methods used for mitigating such interference.Study Design and MethodsRoutine serologic tests were performed on six samples from four patients treated with ALX148. Antibody screening tests were performed on ALX148‐spiked plasma, and RBC testing including antigen typing was performed on ALX148‐coated RBCs. Soluble CD47 or high‐affinity signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) monomers were used to remove the false‐positive reactivity of ALX148‐spiked plasma with or without anti‐E.ResultsALX148 caused false‐positive reactivity in antibody screening using indirect antiglobulin testing (IAT) and two‐stage papain testing. However, false‐positive reactivity was not observed at the immediate spin (IS), room temperature (RT), and 37°C phases. Direct antiglobulin testing, autologous controls, and eluates showed positive results. ALX148 did not affect blood group antigen typing performed at the IS or RT phases. The use of 50‐ to 100‐fold molar excess of soluble CD47 or 300‐fold molar excess of high‐affinity SIRPα monomers removed false‐positive reactivity in IAT without affecting anti‐E detection.ConclusionALX148 generates false‐positive reactivity in IAT, interfering with pretransfusion compatibility testing. The use of soluble CD47 or high‐affinity SIRPα monomers can resolve the interference without possibly missing clinically significant alloantibodies.
Aminocyclopyrachlor sorption–desorption and leaching in soil amended with organic materials from sugar cane cultivation
Authors: Takeshita Vanessa , Mendes Kassio Ferreira , Bompadre Thiago Francisco Ventoso , Alonso Felipe Gimenes , Pimpinato Rodrigo Floriano , Tornisielo Valdemar Luiz 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe correct application of a new herbicide depends on knowledge concerning its behaviour within the cultivation system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sorption–desorption process of aminocyclopyrachlor in soils with the addition of three aged organic materials from sugar cane and their transport via leaching. Sugar cane straw (12 t/ha), filter cake (90 t/ha) and vinasse (200 m3/ha) were added to a clayey soil 15, 30 and 60 days before herbicide application. Sorption and desorption were evaluated by the batch equilibrium method. For leaching assessments, the materials were applied to the soil surface. Sorption was relatively low in all treatments (Kd = 0.17–0.41 L/kg), although significantly higher in soil without organic material addition. A negative correlation between herbicide sorption and increased soil base saturation was observed, indicating competition for sorption sites. With the addition of vinasse, 71% of the herbicide reached the leachate, while <50% reached the leachate in the other treatments. Aminocyclopyrachlor availability was not reduced with organic material addition to the soil, which may be favourable for weed control. However, the presence of vinasse leads to the risk of leaching to deeper soil layers than the seed bank.