bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific variation in thermal acclimation and tolerance between populations of the winter ant, Prenolepis imparis
Authors: Tonione Maria Adelena , Cho So Mi , Richmond Gary , Irian Christian , Tsutsui Neil Durie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThermal phenotypic plasticity, otherwise known as acclimation, plays an essential role in how organisms respond to short‐term temperature changes. Plasticity buffers the impact of harmful temperature changes; therefore, understanding variation in plasticity in natural populations is crucial for understanding how species will respond to the changing climate. However, very few studies have examined patterns of phenotypic plasticity among populations, especially among ant populations. Considering that this intraspecies variation can provide insight into adaptive variation in populations, the goal of this study was to quantify the short‐term acclimation ability and thermal tolerance of several populations of the winter ant, Prenolepis imparis. We tested for correlations between thermal plasticity and thermal tolerance, elevation, and body size. We characterized the thermal environment both above and below ground for several populations distributed across different elevations within California, USA. In addition, we measured the short‐term acclimation ability and thermal tolerance of those populations. To measure thermal tolerance, we used chill‐coma recovery time (CCRT) and knockdown time as indicators of cold and heat tolerance, respectively. Short‐term phenotypic plasticity was assessed by calculating acclimation capacity using CCRT and knockdown time after exposure to both high and low temperatures. We found that several populations displayed different chill‐coma recovery times and a few displayed different heat knockdown times, and that the acclimation capacities of cold and heat tolerance differed among most populations. The high‐elevation populations displayed increased tolerance to the cold (faster CCRT) and greater plasticity. For high‐temperature tolerance, we found heat tolerance was not associated with altitude; instead, greater tolerance to the heat was correlated with increased plasticity at higher temperatures. These current findings provide insight into thermal adaptation and factors that contribute to phenotypic diversity by revealing physiological variance among populations.
Assessment of optimal allocation of renewable distributed generator sources in distribution network
Authors: Nasef Asmaa F. , Osheba Dina S. , Khattab Heba A. , Osheba Shaban 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe integration of distributed generators (DGs) into distribution networks in optimal allocation is one of the main issues facing power system engineers to ensure improved stability and economic operation. This article presents a detailed analysis of the impacts of the optimal allocation and the number of DGs on both system steady‐state and transient performances of distribution networks. An oscillatory particle swarm optimization (OPSO) algorithm was used to find the optimal allocations of DGs via minimizing various objective functions that deal with Total Transmission Losses, Voltage Regulation, and Power Performance Index. The OPSO is used to optimize these functions as a single and as a multiobjective optimization problem. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated with the IEEE‐14 bus as an example of distribution networks with a 50% increase in system loading. Two penetration scenarios have been considered, the optimal sizes and locations of DGs are obtained, and the results are presented. In addition, the impact of the penetration level of Photovoltaic and Wind Energy sources on transient performance is obtained using detailed nonlinear models of both synchronous machines and DGs sources. The system response is then obtained when the system is subjected to a three‐phase short circuit fault for six cycles and the results are presented in a comparative form for different penetration levels. The techniques and results presented in the article form a useful base for power system engineers in planning and operating distribution systems with high penetration levels of RDG sources.
Quantitative prediction of the 3D permeability tensor for a fractured reservoir in the Dingbian oilfield, Ordos basin, Central China
Authors: Liu Jingshou , Dong Li , Ding Wenlong , Wu Xiaofei , Gu Yang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUnderstanding existing fractures is critical to achieving high and stable yields in low‐permeability reservoirs, tight sandstones, and shale reservoirs. When multiple fracture sets are present in a reservoir, accurately determining the seepage direction of fluids is critical for the deployment of the well network, fracture reformation, and the design of horizontal wells. In this paper, based on conventional logging data calculations and rock triaxial mechanical experiments, a heterogeneous finite element model was established using the finite element software. The densities and the occurrence of the natural fractures were calculated by numerical simulation of the paleostress field; the fracture apertures were calculated numerically by a current in situ stress simulation. Using a combined static coordinate system and dynamic coordinate system approach, a model suitable for determining the 3D permeability tensor of multiple fractures is established, and the formula of the permeability tensor is given. In addition, by adjusting the rotation angle and flip angle in the dynamic coordinate system, the permeability of elements is predicted for different directions. The results show that fractures mainly trend in the NE (45°) and ESE (120°) directions. Additionally, the results of differential strain, microseismic monitoring, stress relief, and regional borehole collapse observations indicate that the dominant direction of the in situ stress field is ENE (70°). The principal values of maximum permeability in the reservoirs in the Chang 71 layer mainly range from 0.05 to 2 × 10−3 μm2, and in the horizontal plane, the direction of maximum principal permeability ranges from 56 to 124°.
Enhancement of the apoptotic effects of Arctii Fructus extracts on cancer cells by the enzymatic bioconversion of lignans
Authors: Kim Jung‐Eun , Lee Nam Hyouck , Kim Young Ho , Kim Young Eon , Lim Tae‐Gyu , Song Kyung‐Mo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe fruit of Arctium lappa L. (Arctii Fructus) is one of the most popularly used medicinal plant components in Asia. To enhance the functionality of Arctii Fructus extract, a bioconversion method was developed to produce arctigenin from arctiin. Treatment with β‐glucosidase increased the arctigenin content by >5 fold in Arctii Fructus extracts. The bioconversion products enhanced the apoptosis of cancer cells. The cell viabilities of gefitinib‐resistant lung cancer HCC827 (HCC827GR) cells and colon cancer cells (DLD1) were decreased by 40% and 35%, respectively. The bioconversion products also decreased anchorage‐independent growth of cancer cells. In addition, the increase of apoptosis in cancer cells by bioconversion was confirmed by the flow cytometry analysis. These results indicated that arctigenin exerts anticancer effects on lung and colon cancer cells and that Arctii Fructus can potentially function as a chemopreventive agent. In addition, bioconverted Arctii Fructus extract displayed higher anticancer activity than the same levels of purified arctigenin, indicating the advantage of consuming Arctii Fructus itself as a food or medicinal material.
Developing buoyant convection in vertical porous annuli with unheated entry and exit
Authors: N Girish , Sankar M. , Makinde O. D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe open‐ended vertical double‐passage annular space between three vertical concentric coaxial cylinders is an important physical configuration portraying many practical applications. Hence, in the present analysis, the developing buoyant convection in vertical double‐passage annuli filled with fluid‐saturated porous media is studied numerically by imposing unheated entry and unheated exit thermal boundary conditions. The numerical solutions of the mathematical model equations are found through finite difference technique. The velocity profiles in radial as well as axial directions and temperature profiles have been depicted for vast range of nondimensional numbers, baffle position, and heating and un‐heating ratio. The velocity and thermal gradients decreases as heating section length decreases. Maximum velocity and heat transport occurs in a narrow annular passage rather than equal or wider passages. The presence of porosity causes a reduction in flow velocities and thermal gradients.
miR‐487b and TRAK2 that form an axis to regulate the aggressiveness of osteosarcoma, are potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Wang Fei , Ye Bao‐Guo , Liu Jun‐Zhi , Kong Da‐Liang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo investigate the effect of microRNA‐487b (miR‐487b) as well as the underlying mechanism in osteosarcoma (OS). Data downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to analyze the expression and prognostic value of miR‐487b/TRAK2. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, and transwell assays were performed to investigate the biological functions of miR‐487b and TRAK2. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to confirm the interactions between miR‐487b and TRAK2. miR‐487b was overexpressed in OS tissues and was inversely associated with the prognosis of OS patients. We discovered that miR‐487b could contribute to the proliferative, clonogenic, invasive, and migratory capabilities of OS cells. Through target prediction using miRWalk and differential expression analysis based on the GEO data set, trafficking kinesin protein 2 (TRAK2) was recognized as a potential target of miR‐487b, which was further verified by luciferase reporter assay. The expression of TRAK2 was decreased in OS tissues compared with normal tissues and was positively correlated with the prognosis of OS patients. A negative relevance was presented between the expression of miR‐487b and TRAK2 in OS cells. Of note, further mechanistic analyses indicated that TRAK2 was implicated in the regulatory effect of miR‐487b on the cell malignant behaviors in OS. To sum up, these results demonstrated that miR‐487b played an oncogenic role in OS progression via directly targeting TRAK2, which could advance the development of cancer treatment.
A retrospective study on Escherichia coli bacteremia in immunocompromised patients: Microbiological features, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for shock and death
Authors: Tao Xiaoyan , Wang Haichen , Min Changhang , Yu Ting , Luo Yi , Li Jun , Hu Yongmei , Yan Qun , Liu Wen' en , Zou Mingxiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate clinical features, bacterial characteristics, and risk factors for shock and mortality of immunocompromised patients with Escherichia coli bacteremia.MethodsA nearly 6‐year retrospective study of E coli bacteremia in 188 immunocompromised patients at Xiangya Hospital was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were documented. Phylogenetic background and virulence factors of E coli isolates were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Risk factors for shock and mortality were also investigated.ResultsOf all 188 E coli isolates, most prevalent virulence factors were fimH (91.0%), followed by traT (68.6%) and iutA (67.0%), while papG allele I, gafD, and cdtB were not detected. Phylogenetic group D was dominant (42.0%) among all isolates, and group B2 accounted for 17.6%, while group A and B1 accounted for 28.2% and 12.2%, respectively. In univariate analysis, ibeA and cnf1 were associated with mortality, which were not found in multivariate regression analysis. 22.3% of patients suffered shock, and 30‐day mortality rate was 21.3%. MDR (HR 2.956; 95% CI, 1.091‐8.012) was the only risk factor for shock, while adult (HR 0.239; 95% CI, 0.108‐0.527) was a protective factor. Multivariate analysis revealed that shock (HR 4.268; 95% CI, 2.208‐8.248; P < .001) and Charlson index > 2 (HR 2.073; 95% CI, 1.087‐3.952; P = .027) were associated with fatal outcome.ConclusionsEscherichia coli bacteremia was highly lethal in immunocompromised patients, and host‐related factors played major roles in poor prognosis, while bacterial determinants had little effect on outcome. This study also provided additional information about the virulence and phylogenetic group characteristics of E coli bacteremia.
Cnidium lactone prevents bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model through the estrogen‐α/BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Zhao , Bao Hong‐Wei , Xu You‐Jia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the effect of cnidium lactone on ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced bone loss and determine whether it exerts its effects by mediating the estrogen receptor‐α (ERα)/bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2)/Smad signaling pathways.MethodsFifty‐five female rats were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: the OVX group, the sham‐operated (sham) group, and groups treated with cnidium lactone at different doses (10 mg/kg/day, 20 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/kg/day). Treatments were administered for 60 days. Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH; http://stitch.embl.de) was used to identify the interaction between cnidium lactone and target proteins. Bone mineral density (BMD), mechanical strength, serum osteoblastic and osteoclastic markers, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of the distal femur were evaluated. Moreover, western blot analyses were also performed to evaluate the effect of cnidium lactone on the ERα/BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathway.ResultsCnidium lactone treatment was associated with an increase in the BMD of the distal femur compared to that of the OVX group. Moreover, cnidium lactone significantly increased biomechanical properties in a dose‐dependent manner compared to those of the OVX group (p < 0.05). Treatment with cnidium lactone significantly enhanced the BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathway by up‐regulating the expression of ERα, BMP‐2, p‐Smad1 and p‐Smad4. Cnidium lactone treatment improved the microstructure of trabecular bone in the distal femurs of OVX rats, as shown by HE staining.ConclusionsCnidium lactone exerts potent antiosteoporotic activity in ovariectomized mice, and the underlying molecular mechanism may be related to the ERα/BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathways.
SHRINKING THE STATE: THE RISE OF PRIVATE SECTOR HEALTHCARE IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Rahman Redwanur 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSince the 1980s, most developing countries have been following market‐oriented liberalising policy reforms and have prioritized private sector‐led growth. Bangladesh's inability to provide quality healthcare services, along with issues pertaining to limited resources, absenteeism, poor governance, and lack of accountability in its public healthcare system have created wide gaps that are increasingly being filled by the private sector. This has been fuelled by the state's investment in medical education and training of public sector physicians while simultaneously permitting them to practice privately, as well as the provision of grants and subsidies. The growth of this sector has limited benefits for the improvement of people's health. The government should take a comprehensive approach and engage its political will to make changes in management and governance and bring in stewardship to revitalise the public sector. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified Diet for nutrition management of phenylketonuria: A survey of U.S. metabolic dietitians
Authors: Hansen Joyanna , Hollander Suzanne , Drilias Nicoletta , Van Calcar Sandra , Rohr Fran , Bernstein Laurie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundPhenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine. Medical nutrition therapy, consisting of a Phe‐restricted diet with medical formula, is the primary treatment for PKU. The Simplified Diet is an approach to PKU nutrition management that allows certain fruits, vegetables, and low‐protein foods to be eaten without measuring or tracking, referred to as free/uncounted foods. There is no consensus on how to implement this approach in metabolic centers in the United States (U.S.), and clinical practice varies.AimThis study describes the clinical experience of metabolic dietitians in U.S.‐based metabolic centers related to the use and implementation of the Simplified Diet.MethodsA survey was developed and sent out to metabolic dietitians to query current clinical practices related to the Simplified Diet. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses.ResultsSixty‐three dietitians managing ≥5 patients with PKU in U.S.‐based metabolic centers responded to the survey. Ninety‐eight percent of survey respondents reported using some version of the Simplified Diet in clinical practice. The survey identified areas of strong agreement, including introduction of the Simplified Diet at 6 to 12 months of age. The survey also identified areas of widespread variability, including specific Phe or protein thresholds for free/uncounted foods, and whether or not to set daily quantity limits on these foods.ConclusionsSignificant variability related to implementation of the Simplified Diet exists across U.S.‐based metabolic centers. This practice variability may contribute to differences in the patient experience across centers and may indicate a need for development of clinical guidelines.
Austral summer precipitation biases over tropical South America in five CMIP5 earth system models
Authors: Vasconcellos Fernanda Cerqueira , Deng Yi , Zhang Henian , Martins Guilherme 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study examined the historical (1980–2005) austral summer precipitation in Tropical South America (SA) simulated by five Earth System Models (ESM) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). All simulations show a band of maximum precipitation eastward of the observed one and without typical NW‐SE orientation. This displacement suggests models have trouble in reproducing the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ). Due to this and additional model problems in simulating the Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), all models exhibit negative precipitation biases at the extreme northern SA, including Guianas, Suriname, and north of Brazil and positive precipitation biases at part of northeastern Brazil. For extreme northern SA, models, in general, underestimate intense precipitation and overestimate weak rainfall. Analysis of the moisture flux divergence over the northern coast of SA in models suggested that the precipitation bias could primarily stem from model misrepresentations of moisture availability for convection. Further analyses indicate that the moisture flux biases are, in turn, tied to a negative sea surface temperature (SST) bias in the tropical North Atlantic, inducing stronger northeasterly trade winds. Thus, more intense moisture flux goes to the inner continent. Consequently, an anomalous divergence of moisture flux and less precipitation occur near the coast. Despite some differences in energy budget and cloudiness, models results for wind, precipitation, SST, and latent heat flux suggest problems at WES feedback. In the GFDL‐ESM and MIROC‐ESM models, the negative SST bias was also partly associated with a lower incident shortwave (SW) radiation over the tropical North Atlantic. This SW bias was tied to a positive bias of cloud cover over tropical North Atlantic, at least in the GFDL‐ESM.
Cross‐Sectional Nutrition Profile of Palliative Home Care Clients in Ontario and Performance of the interRAI Palliative Care Nutrition Clinical Assessment Protocol
Authors: Stevens Tara , Keller Heather , Williams Nicole , Downar James , Guthrie Dawn M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe nutrition profile of palliative home care clients is unknown. This study describes this group and their nutrition issues and evaluates the performance of the interRAI nutrition Clinical Assessment Protocol (CAP).MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional secondary analysis using Ontario interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) Assessment data. The sample represents 74,963 unique Ontario home care clients assessed between 2011 and 2018. Frequencies and standardized differences (stdiffs) of nutrition characteristics were presented for cancer (n = 62,394) and noncancer (n = 12,569) diagnostic subgroups. Rates of triggering the nutrition CAP were presented by nutrition issue to evaluate its performance.ResultsOf this sample, 16.7% were ≥85 years of age, 52.6% had a prognosis between 6 weeks and 6 months, and 41.4% required assistance with eating. The prevalence was higher among those with nervous/mental/behavioral disorders (72.6%) compared with those with cancer (37.6%; stdiff = 0.75). However, most nutrition issues experienced were similar (stdiff < 0.20) across diagnostic groups. Of the entire sample, 21% triggered the nutrition CAP, indicating a need for further evaluation or intervention. Yet, 73.4% of those who experienced dry mouth, 71.8% of those who required assistance with eating, and 68.4% of those who received a nutrition consult within the last 3 days did not trigger the nutrition CAP.ConclusionsNutrition issues are prevalent in palliative home care clients, regardless of diagnosis; yet the nutrition CAP identified a small fraction of this group. There is a need to focus research and care guidelines toward life‐limiting illnesses beyond cancer and address nutrition‐related issues in this population.
Self‐efficacy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions discharged from physical therapy service: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Souza Carolina Matiello , Martins Jaqueline , Libardoni Thiele de Cássia , de Oliveira Anamaria Siriani 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate self‐efficacy levels of patients after finishing rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal conditions and identify factors related to self‐efficacy.MethodTwo hundred and eight patients aged >40 years with musculoskeletal disorders were included. Self‐efficacy was assessed by the Chronic Pain Self‐Efficacy Scale (CPSS), and regression analyses were used to test six predictors of self‐efficacy: age, symptom duration, number of physical therapy sessions, postdischarge pain intensity, perceived clinical improvement, and cognitive reassurance. Self‐efficacy was compared between patients who reported improvement and worsening of their clinical condition, and a cutoff value for self‐efficacy was established using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to distinguish patients with severe pain from those with mild to moderate pain.ResultsBetter perceived clinical improvement (Beta = −0.37, p = 0.000), lower pain intensity (Beta = −0.33, p = 0.000), and a lower number of physical therapy sessions (Beta = −0.12, p = 0.027) were related to greater self‐efficacy. No significant associations were observed between self‐efficacy and age, symptom duration, and cognitive reassurance. The patients who reported improvement had greater self‐efficacy (204.76 ± 52.80) than those who reported worsening of their clinical condition (145.45 ± 44.18; p = 0.000). A CPSS score of 172 points (sensitivity of 0.77; specificity of 0.72) may indicate low self‐efficacy.ConclusionA higher perception of self‐efficacy after discharge from physiotherapy is associated with better perceived clinical improvement, lower pain intensity, and a lower number of physical therapy sessions. Therefore, interventions to support patients' exercise‐based rehabilitation should include self‐efficacy, which may affect the prognosis of patients with chronic conditions.