bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on creep behavior and microstructure of a Fe–Cr–Al–Nb–W ferrtic heat-resistant steel based on C, N and Al element control
Authors: Zhang Shanjun , Shen Junjie , Kang Hui , Hu Fuyong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this work, the effects of C, N, and Al on the microstructures and creep properties of Fe–Cr–Al–Nb–W ferritic alloys were investigated through scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometry, as well as uniaxial creep testing and hardness testing. The results demonstrated that the matrix of the Fe–Cr–Al–Nb–W heat-resistant steel was ferrite, while the precipitation phases were Laves phases, M23C6 carbides and MX nitride phases. M23C6 and MX precipitated at grain interior, Laves phases precipitated at grain interior, grain boundary and around MX phases. C, N and Al affected microstructure and creep of heat-resistant steel. As the Al content increased or as N content decreased along with the C increase, the average diameter of the Laves phases, along with M23C6 and MX phase grain interior decrease. Moreover, the unit density increased and the phase spacing decreased, which led to the minimum creep rate decrease and creep rupture time increase. Compared to M23C6, Laves and MX phases mainly affected the alloy creep strength. The decrease of Laves phase continuity coefficient (ratio of Laves phase particle spacing and size) on the grain boundary was conducive to the plasticity improvement of heat-resistant steel.
Questing by Tick Larvae (Acari: Ixodidae): A Review of the Influences That Affect Off-Host Survival
Authors: Leal Brenda , Zamora Emily , Fuentes Austin , Thomas Donald B , Dearth Robert K 
Published: May 2020

AbstractQuesting is a host-seeking behavior in which ticks ascend plants, extend their front legs, and wait poised for a chance to attach to a passing host. Hard ticks are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates and because some species vector disease, they are among the most medically important of arthropod pests. All ixodid ticks require blood to survive and reproduce with the number of blood-hosts needed to complete their life cycle varying among species. The vast majority are three-host ticks requiring a different host for each developmental stage: larva, nymph, and adult. A few, including some of the most economically important species, are one-host ticks, that quest only in the larval stage. Questing is a rate-limiting behavior critical to tick survival and disease transmission. For the off-host larval stage, survival is highly dependent on ecological and physiological factors. Yet, off-host larval ecophysiology is often overlooked for the more obvious adult and nymphal tick-host interactions. This review summarizes the literature on ixodid larval questing with emphasis on how specific biotic and abiotic factors affect off-host survival.
Evaluating a Key Instrumental Variable Assumption Using Randomization Tests
Authors: Branson Zach , Keele Luke 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Instrumental variable (IV) analyses are becoming common in health services research and epidemiology. Most IV analyses use naturally occurring instruments, such as distance to a hospital. In these analyses, investigators must assume that the instrument is as-if randomly assigned. This assumption cannot be tested directly, but it can be falsified. Most IV falsification tests compare relative prevalence or bias in observed covariates between the instrument and exposure. These tests require investigators to make covariate-by-covariate judgments about the validity of the IV design. Often, only some covariates are well-balanced, making it unclear whether as-if randomization can be assumed for the instrument. We propose an alternative falsification test that compares IV balance or bias with the balance or bias that would have been produced under randomization. A key advantage of our test is that it allows for global balance measures as well as easily interpretable graphical comparisons. Furthermore, our test does not rely on parametric assumptions and can be used to validly assess whether the instrument is significantly closer to being as-if randomized than the exposure. We demonstrate our approach using data from (SPOT)light, a prospective cohort study carried out in 48 National Health Service hospitals in the United Kingdom between November 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011. This study used bed availability in the intensive care unit as an instrument for admission to the intensive care unit.
Proper imputation of missing values in proteomics datasets for differential expression analysis
Authors: Liu Mingyi , Dongre Ashok 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Label-free shotgun proteomics is an important tool in biomedical research, where tandem mass spectrometry with data-dependent acquisition (DDA) is frequently used for protein identification and quantification. However, the DDA datasets contain a significant number of missing values (MVs) that severely hinders proper analysis. Existing literature suggests that different imputation methods should be used for the two types of MVs: missing completely at random or missing not at random. However, the simulated or biased datasets utilized by most of such studies offer few clues about the composition and thus proper imputation of MVs in real-life proteomic datasets. Moreover, the impact of imputation methods on downstream differential expression analysis—a critical goal for many biomedical projects—is largely undetermined. In this study, we investigated public DDA datasets of various tissue/sample types to determine the composition of MVs in them. We then developed simulated datasets that imitate the MV profile of real-life datasets. Using such datasets, we compared the impact of various popular imputation methods on the analysis of differentially expressed proteins. Finally, we make recommendations on which imputation method(s) to use for proteomic data beyond just DDA datasets.
Kidney disease and electrolytes in COVID-19: more than meets the eye
Authors: Carriazo Sol , Kanbay Mehmet , Ortiz Alberto 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 is a global pandemic fuelled in some countries by government actions. The current issue of Clinical Kidney Journal presents 15 articles on COVID-19 and kidney disease from three continents, providing a global perspective of the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on electrolytes and different kidney compartments (glomeruli, tubules and vascular compartments) and presenting clinically as a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, acute kidney injury, acute kidney disease, collapsing glomerulopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy, among others, in the context of a brand-new cardiorenal syndrome. Kidney injury may need acute dialysis that may overwhelm haemodialysis (HD) and haemofiltration capabilities. In this regard, acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) may be lifesaving. Additionally, pre-existent chronic kidney disease increases the risk of more severe COVID-19 complications. The impact of COVID-19 on PD and HD patients is also discussed, with emphasis on preventive measures. Finally, current therapeutic approaches and potential future therapeutic approaches undergoing clinical trials, such as complement targeting by eculizumab, are also presented.
Genome sequence and analysis of a Japanese radish (Raphanus sativus) cultivar named ‘Sakurajima Daikon’ possessing giant root
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Hirakawa Hideki , Fukino Nobuko , Kitashiba Hiroyasu , Isobe Sachiko 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Aim
The complex genome of a Japanese radish (Raphanus sativus) cultivar named ‘Okute-Sakurajima’ with an extremely large edible round root was analysed to explore its genomic characteristics.

Methods and Results
Single-molecule real-time technology was used to obtain long sequence reads to cover 60× of the genome. De novo assembly generated 504.5 Mb contigs consisting of 1,437 sequences with the N50 value of 1.2 Mb and included 94.1% of the core eukaryotic genes. Nine pseudomolecules, comprising 69.3% of the assembled contigs, were generated along with a high-density SNP genetic map. The sequence data thus established revealed the presence of structural variations and rearrangements in the Brassicaceae genomes.

Conclusion and perspective
A total of 89,915 genes were identified in the ‘Okute-Sakurajima’ genome, 30,033 of which were newly found in this study. The genome information reported here will not only contribute to the establishment of a new resource for the radish genomics but also provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying formation of the giant root.
Colonization of Marginal Host Plants by Seed Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Effects of Geographic Source and Genetic Admixture
Authors: Messina Frank J , Lish Alexandra M , Springer Amy , Gompert Zachariah 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe ability to adapt to a novel host plant may vary among insect populations with different genetic histories, and colonization of a marginal host may be facilitated by genetic admixture of disparate populations. We assembled populations of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), from four continents, and compared their ability to infest two hosts, lentil and pea. We also formed two cross-continent hybrids (Africa × N.A. and Africa × S.A.). In pre-selection assays, survival was only ~3% in lentil and ~40% in pea. For three replicate populations per line, colonization success on lentil was measured as cumulative exit holes after 75–175 d. On pea, we estimated the change in larval survival after five generations of selection. Females in all lines laid few eggs on lentil, and survival of F1 larvae was uniformly &lt;5%. Subsequently, however, the lines diverged considerably in population growth. Performance on lentil was highest in the Africa × N.A. hybrid, which produced far more adults (mean &gt; 11,000) than either parental line. At the other extreme, Asian populations on lentil appeared to have gone extinct. The Africa × N.A. line also exhibited the highest survival on pea, and again performed better than either parent line. However, no line displayed a rapid increase in survival on pea, as is sometimes observed on lentil. Our results demonstrate that geographic populations can vary substantially in their responses to the same novel resource. In addition, genetic admixtures (potentially caused by long-distance transport of infested seeds) may facilitate colonization of an initially poor host.
A call to action becomes practice: cardiac and vascular surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Lombardy emergency guidelines
Authors: Bonalumi Giorgia , Giambuzzi Ilaria , Barbone Alessandro , Ranieri Camilla , Cavallotti Laura , Trabattoni Piero , Naliato Moreno , Polvani Gianluca , Torracca Lucia , Pelenghi Stefano , Ragni Franco , Russo Claudio Francesco , Guerra Francisco , Trimarchi Santi , Civilini Efrem , Romani Federico , Bellosta Raffaello , Losa Sergio , Roberto Maurizio , Alamanni Francesco 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, Northern Italy had to completely reorganize its hospital activity. In Lombardy, the hub-and-spoke system was introduced to guarantee emergency and urgent cardiovascular surgery, whereas most hospitals were dedicated to patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to analyse the results of the hub-and-spoke organization system.

METHODS
Centro Cardiologico Monzino (Monzino) became one of the four hubs for cardiovascular surgery, with a total of eight spokes. SARS-CoV-2 screening became mandatory for all patients. New flow charts were designed to allow separated pathways based on infection status. A reorganization of spaces guaranteed COVID-19-free and COVID-19-dedicated areas. Patients were also classified into groups according to their pathological and clinical status: emergency, urgent and non-deferrable (ND).

RESULTS
A total of 70 patients were referred to the Monzino hub-and-spoke network. We performed 41 operations, 28 (68.3%) of which were emergency/urgent and 13 of which were ND. The screening allowed the identification of COVID-19 (three patients, 7.3%) and non-COVID-19 patients (38 patients, 92.7%). The newly designed and shared protocols guaranteed that the cardiac patients would be divided into emergency, urgent and ND groups. The involvement of the telematic management heart team allowed constant updates and clinical discussions.

CONCLUSIONS
The hub-and-spoke organization system efficiently safeguards access to heart and vascular surgical services for patients who require ND, urgent and emergency treatment. Further reorganization will be needed at the end of this pandemic when elective cases will again be scheduled, with a daily increase in the number of operations.
Novel mechanisms of TolC-independent decreased bile-salt susceptibility in Escherichia coli
Authors: Le Vuong Van Hung , Biggs Patrick J , Wheeler David , Davies Ieuan G , Rakonjac Jasna 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Bile salts, including sodium deoxycholate (DOC), are secreted into the intestine to aid fat digestion and contribute to antimicrobial protection. Gram-negative pathogens such as Escherichia coli, however, are highly resistant to DOC, using multiple mechanisms of which the multidrug efflux pump AcrAB-TolC is the dominant one. Given that TolC-mediated efflux masks the interaction of DOC with potential targets, we sought to identify those targets by identifying genes whose mutations cause an increase in the MIC to DOC relative to the ∆tolC parental strain, that lacks TolC-associated functional efflux pumps. Using a mutant screen, we isolated twenty independent spontaneous mutants that had a higher MICDOC than the E. coli parental ∆tolC strain. Whole genome sequencing of these mutants mapped most mutations to the ptsI or cyaA gene. Analysis of knock-out mutants and complementation showed that elimination of PtsI, a component of the carbohydrate phosphotransferase system, or one of the two key proteins involved in cAMP synthesis and signaling, adenylate cyclase (CyaA) or cAMP receptor protein (Crp) causes low-level increased resistance of a ∆tolC E. coli strain to DOC.
The Equations Defining Affine Grassmannians in Type A and a Conjecture of Kreiman, Lakshmibai, Magyar, and Weyman
Authors: Muthiah Dinakar , Weekes Alex , Yacobi Oded 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe affine Grassmannian of $SL_n$ admits an embedding into the Sato Grassmannian, which further admits a Plücker embedding into the projectivization of Fermion Fock space. Kreiman, Lakshmibai, Magyar, and Weyman describe the linear part of the ideal defining this embedding in terms of certain elements of the dual of Fock space called shuffles, and they conjecture that these elements together with the Plücker relations suffice to cut out the affine Grassmannian. We give a proof of this conjecture in two steps; first, we reinterpret the shuffle equations in terms of Frobenius twists of symmetric functions. Using this, we reduce to a finite-dimensional problem, which we solve. For the 2nd step, we introduce a finite-dimensional analogue of the affine Grassmannian of $SL_n$, which we conjecture to be precisely the reduced subscheme of a finite-dimensional Grassmannian consisting of subspaces invariant under a nilpotent operator.
Role of Rapid Diagnostics in Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Eubank Taryn A , Long S W , Perez Katherine K 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Delayed administration of active anti-infective therapy is associated with increased rates of adverse events, mortality, and costs among sepsis patients. Inherent limitations of conventional culture identification methods and the lengthy turnaround time of antimicrobial susceptibility testing are significant barriers to the timely delivery of life-saving therapy, particularly among antibiotic-resistant infections. Culture-independent diagnostic techniques that detect pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes within clinical samples present a tremendous benefit to timely diagnosis and management of patients. Improved outcomes for rapid intervention with rapid diagnostics have been documented and include decreased mortality rates, decreased health care delivery costs, and faster delivery of appropriate therapeutics.
Effect of performance-based financing on health service delivery: a case study from Adamawa state, Nigeria
Authors: Sato Ryoko , Belel Abdullahi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) was implemented in three Nigerian states between 2013 and 2018. Under the NSHIP, some local government areas were randomly assigned to Performance-Based Financing (PBF) intervention while others received decentralized facility financing (DFF) for comparison. This article evaluates the effect of PBF compared with DFF on health service delivery indicators in Adamawa state, under this quasi-experimental design, using the difference-in-differences technique. The analysis used health facility monthly data collected by the Health Management Information System through the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2). The PBF intervention group significantly increased the quantity of most of its service delivery indicators, such as antenatal care visits and deliveries by skilled personnel compared with the comparison group (DFF) after the introduction of NSHIP, although the baseline level of service delivery between PBF and DFF health facilities was statistically identical prior to the introduction of the intervention. We also conducted robustness check analysis to confirm the effect of PBF. Overall, we found a significant positive effect of PBF on most service delivery outcomes, except full vaccinations and post-natal care. One important policy implication is that we should carefully use PBF for targeted indicators.
Frequent Job Changes can Signal Poor Work Attitude and Reduce Employability
Authors: Cohn Alain , Maréchal Michel André , Schneider Frédéric , Weber Roberto A 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe study whether employment history provides information about a worker’s “work attitude”, that is, the tendency to act cooperatively and reliably in the workplace. We conjecture that, holding all else equal, frequent job changes can indicate poor work attitude and that this information is transmitted through employment histories. We find support for this hypothesis across three studies that employ complementary laboratory, field, and survey experiments, as well as in labor market panel data. First, a tightly controlled laboratory labor market experiment demonstrates that prior employment information allows employers to screen for reliable and cooperative workers and that these workers obtain better employment outcomes. Secondly, we conduct a field experiment that varies the frequency of job changes in applicants’ resumes and find that those with fewer job changes receive substantially more callbacks from prospective employers. Thirdly, a survey experiment with human resources professionals confirms that the resume manipulations in the field study create different perceptions of work attitude and that these largely account for the callback differences. Finally, we find evidence consistent with our hypothesized relationships in empirical labor market data. Our work highlights the potential importance of job history as a signal of work attitude in labor markets, and points to a potential cost of frequent job changes.
Reconstructing the Evolutionary History of Chromosomal Races on Islands: A Genome-Wide Analysis of Natural House Mouse Populations
Authors: Franchini Paolo , Kautt Andreas F , Nater Alexander , Antonini Gloria , Castiglia Riccardo , Meyer Axel , Solano Emanuela 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChromosomal evolution is widely considered to be an important driver of speciation, as karyotypic reorganization can bring about the establishment of reproductive barriers between incipient species. One textbook example for genetic mechanisms of speciation are large-scale chromosomal rearrangements such as Robertsonian (Rb) fusions, a common class of structural variants that can drastically change the recombination landscape by suppressing crossing-over and influence gene expression by altering regulatory networks. Here, we explore the population structure and demographic patterns of a well-known house mouse Rb system in the Aeolian archipelago in Southern Italy using genome-wide data. By analyzing chromosomal regions characterized by different levels of recombination, we trace the evolutionary history of a set of Rb chromosomes occurring in different geographical locations and test whether chromosomal fusions have a single shared origin or occurred multiple times. Using a combination of phylogenetic and population genetic approaches, we find support for multiple, independent origins of three focal Rb chromosomes. The elucidation of the demographic patterns of the mouse populations within the Aeolian archipelago shows that an interplay between fixation of newly formed Rb chromosomes and hybridization events has contributed to shaping their current karyotypic distribution. Overall, our results illustrate that chromosome structure is much more dynamic than anticipated and emphasize the importance of large-scale chromosomal translocations in speciation.
A Qualitative Analysis of Maori and Pacific people’s Experiences of Using Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
Authors: Strickett Elizabeth , Robertson Lindsay , Waa Andrew , Blank Mei-Ling , Erick Stephanie , Hoek Janet 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Introduction
If electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are to bring public health benefits, members of population groups most affected by smoking must find them an easily adopted and satisfying replacement for smoking. We explored experiences of ENDS uptake and use among Māori and Pacific peoples living in New Zealand and probed factors that assisted transitions from smoking to vaping.

Methods
We recruited 16 participants using whānaungatanga and community advertising. All were aged 18 or over, identified as Māori or Pacific (or both), had smoked at least 100 cigarettes, and were current ENDS users. We undertook in-depth interviews and analyzed the data using a thematic analysis approach.

Results
We identified two key challenges that participants reported facing: their search for a satisfying ENDS experience and resisting social cues that could trigger relapse. Two supportive factors facilitated and reinforced smoking to vaping transitions: improved financial and physical well-being, and feeling connected to vaping communities.

Conclusion
Learning about ENDS devices from those who had successfully switched from smoking to vaping provided much-needed information, reinforced the financial benefits of switching, and could inspire those making this transition to persist until they too become smoke free.

Implications
Measures to support transitions from smoking to ENDS use could reduce inequities in smoking prevalence that indigenous people experience. Collective cessation interventions that draw on communities’ knowledge and connections may enable smokers to access support that helps them navigate the potentially complex pathway from smoking to vaping.
To reserve or not to reserve? What can possibly go wrong—Part II
Authors: Goodman Dawn , Johnson Lucy 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This article builds on Part I, in which we looked at options for reserving powers in a number of key trust jurisdictions. We also suggested that caution and restraint would be appropriate, given such provisions have not been widely tested in the courts and the appreciation in the profession that the greater the powers retained, the greater the risk of invalidity or some form of look through has been borne out in the Pugachev case.1 This second part explores what can possibly go wrong when too much power is retained or concentrated, and asks what—if anything—can be done to remedy any resulting difficulties.