bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility to disorder of the optimal resetting rate in the Larkin model of directed polymers
Authors: Grange Pascal 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We consider the Larkin model of a directed polymer with Gaussian-distributed random forces, with the addition of a resetting process whereby the transverse position of the end-point of the polymer is reset to zero with constant rate r. We express the average over disorder of the mean time to absorption by an absorbing target at a fixed value of the transverse position. Thanks to the independence properties of the distribution of the random forces, this expression is analogous to the mean time to absorption for a diffusive particle under resetting, which possesses a single minimum at an optimal value

of the resetting rate . Moreover, the mean time to absorption can be expanded as a power series of the amplitude of the disorder, around the value

of the resetting rate. We obtain the susceptibility of the optimal resetting rate to disorder in closed form, and find it to be positive.
Task feasibility of V shape electrothermal actuators
Authors: Hussein Hussein , Younis Mohammad I , Fariborzi Hossein 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates the modeling, design, and task feasibility of V shape electrothermal actuators. In the first part, the force-deflection governing expressions are derived and the actuator performance is analyzed based on these expressions. The influence of the actuator dimensions and properties on its performance is clarified. In the second part, the task feasibility is further investigated. A performance measure is proposed for evaluating the capacity of the actuator to accomplish required tasks depending on the application. This measure is used for finding a feasible configuration and optimized design. A case study is finally presented, showing very good agreement between analytical model and finite element simulations, and demonstrating the robustness of the task feasibility measure.
Nanotechnology based approaches for combatting COVID-19 viral infection
Authors: Jindal Shlok , Gopinath P 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus pneumonia pandemic was declared as ‘public-health emergency of international concern’ by the World Health Organization on 30 January 2020. The sudden emergence of the viral pathogen responsible for this outbreak, the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has triggered alarm for their instant management using anti-viral measures and diagnostic tools. Early diagnosis will enable containment of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), allowing quick implementation of control measures for limiting the spread of this disease. Due to high human to human transmission, the development of effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics for treating affected patients will help to slow down the transfer of viruses from patients to healthy individuals. However, till the time any effective therapeutic or vaccine is developed, preventing exposure to SARS- CoV-2 virus is the best way out. The development of more effective personal protective equipments (PPEs) is essential to maintain the safety of healthcare professionals and the public at large. Taking into consideration the current severity of this disease and the imperative need of SARS-CoV-2 specific treatment and diagnostic tools, nanotechnology-based approaches can provide promising alternatives to conventional ways of disease diagnosis, treatment, and preventing exposure to SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we inform about the different ways in which nanotechnology can help in the detection and treatment of prevailing SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as help to improve the PPE devices.
Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Characteristics of Pulmonary Hamartomas With Uncommon Presentation
Authors: Chatzopoulos Kyriakos , Johnson Tucker F , Boland Jennifer M 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the clinicopathologic and radiologic features of pulmonary hamartomas (PHs) with uncommon clinical presentation.

Methods
A retrospective clinicopathologic and radiologic review was performed for patients diagnosed (1999-2019) with multiple hamartomas, lesions arising adjacent to a coexisting pulmonary malignancy, and tumors with predominantly extrapulmonary localization.

Results
Of 979 patients diagnosed with PHs, 6 (0.6%) had multiple hamartomas, 4 (0.4%) had hamartomas adjacent to lung adenocarcinoma, and 2 (0.2%) had large mediastinal masses. Patients with multiple lesions had a median age of 65 years and mean tumor size of 0.9 cm; 1 patient had 3 hamartomas, and 5 patients had 2. Lesions next to adenocarcinomas had a mean size of 1.4 cm, and affected patients had a median age of 69 years. Predominantly mediastinal PHs, diagnosed in a 63-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man, measured 4.1 to 6 cm and were connected to the lung. All lesions were solid on imaging with absence of definitive fat or calcification, concerning for granuloma or malignancy. All cases had typical histology of PH, although one of the mediastinal tumors had an unusual amount of epithelial hyperplasia.

Conclusions
PHs can be clinically and radiologically challenging to diagnose. Histopathologic examination of biopsies and resection specimens is diagnostically crucial in this setting.
Hospitalization of Pediatric Enteric Fever Cases, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2017–2019: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Saha Shampa , Sayeed K M Ishtiaque , Saha Senjuti , Islam Md Shafiqul , Rahaman Afiour , Islam Maksuda , Rahman Hafizur , Das Raktim , Hasan Md Mahmudul , Uddin Mohammad Jamal , Tanmoy Arif Mohammad , Ahmed A S M Nawshad Uddin , Luby Stephen P , Andrews Jason R , Garrett Denise O , Saha Samir K 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Enteric fever causes substantial morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we analyzed Surveillance for Enteric Fever in Asia Project (SEAP) data to estimate the burden of enteric fever hospitalization among children aged &lt;15 years and identify risk factors for hospitalization in Bangladesh.

Methods
SEAP used hospital surveillance paired with a community-based health-care utilization assessment. In SEAP hospital surveillance, blood was obtained for culture from children aged &lt;15 years with ≥3 days of fever. In the hospital catchment area, a health-care utilization survey (HCUS) was conducted to estimate the proportion of febrile children hospitalized at the study hospitals. We analyzed hospital surveillance and HCUS data to estimate the health care–adjusted incidence of enteric fever hospitalization, and conducted univariable and multivariable logistic regressions.

Results
From July 2017 through June 2019, 2243 laboratory-confirmed enteric fever cases were detected in 2 study hospitals; 673 (30%) were hospitalized. The health care–adjusted incidence of enteric fever hospitalization among children &lt;15 years old was 303/100 000 children/year (95% confidence interval [CI], 293–313). Salmonella Typhi contributed most to the enteric fever hospitalization incidence (277/100 000 children/year; 95% CI, 267–287). The incidence was highest among children aged 2 to &lt;5 years (552/100 000 children/year; 95% CI, 522–583), followed by those aged &lt;2 years (316/100 000 children/year; 95% CI, 288–344). Factors independently associated with enteric fever hospitalization included fever duration, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and leukocytopenia.

Conclusions
We estimated a high burden of hospitalization due to enteric fever among children aged &lt;5 years in Bangladesh. The introduction of a typhoid conjugate vaccine would protect children from typhoid and avert typhoid hospitalizations.
Existence and possible roles of independent non-CpG methylation in the mammalian brain
Authors: Lee Jong-Hun , Saito Yutaka , Park Sung-Joon , Nakai Kenta 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Methylated non-CpGs (mCpHs) in mammalian cells yield weak enrichment signals and colocalize with methylated CpGs (mCpGs), thus have been considered byproducts of hyperactive methyltransferases. However, mCpHs are cell type-specific and associated with epigenetic regulation, although their dependency on mCpGs remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that mCpHs colocalize with mCpGs in pluripotent stem cells, but not in brain cells. In addition, profiling genome-wide methylation patterns using a hidden Markov model revealed abundant genomic regions in which CpGs and CpHs are differentially methylated in brain. These regions were frequently located in putative enhancers, and mCpHs within the enhancers increased in correlation with brain age. The enhancers with hypermethylated CpHs were associated with genes functionally enriched in immune responses, and some of the genes were related to neuroinflammation and degeneration. This study provides insight into the roles of non-CpG methylation as an epigenetic code in the mammalian brain genome.
Cruzioseptins, antibacterial peptides from Cruziohyla calcarifer skin, as promising leishmanicidal agents
Authors: Mendes Bruno , Proaño-Bolaños Carolina , Gadelha Fernanda R , Almeida José R , Miguel Danilo C 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
Screenings of natural products have significantly contributed to the discovery of novel leishmanicidal agents. In this study, three known cruzioseptins—antibacterial peptides from Cruziohyla calcarifer skin—were synthesized and evaluated against promastigotes and amastigotes stages of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. EC50 ranged from 9.17 to 74.82 μM, being cruzioseptin-1 the most active and selective compound, with selectivity index &gt; 10 for both promastigotes and amastigotes of L. (V.) braziliensis. In vitro infections incubated with cruzioseptins at 50 μM showed up to ∼86% reduction in the amastigote number. Cruzioseptins were able to destabilize the parasite's cell membrane, allowing the incorporation of a DNA-fluorescent dye. Our data also demonstrated that hydrophobicity and charge appear to be advantageous features for enhancing parasiticidal activity. Antimicrobial cruzioseptins are suitable candidates and alternative molecules that deserve further in vivo investigation focusing on the development of novel antileishmanial therapies.
Correspondence between Breeding Values of the Same Pinus taeda L. Genotypes from Clonal Trials and Half-Sib Seedling Progeny Trials
Authors: Shalizi Mohammad Nasir , Gezan Salvador Alejandro , McKeand Steven E , Sherrill Joshua R , Cumbie W Patrick , Whetten Ross W , Isik Fikret 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe correspondence between breeding values of 65 loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) genotypes from clonal genetic tests and half-sib seedling progeny tests was studied in the southern United States. The two experiments were established separately, 10 years apart. Additive genetic variance estimates from clonal tests were larger compared with the estimates from the half-sib progeny tests, regardless of the covariance structure used in the statistical models and the traits. However, clone-mean and half-sib family-mean heritability estimates were comparable for all traits, ranging between 0.88 and 0.99. Based on the independent analysis, the correlation between the breeding values of the same genotypes from two propagule types was moderate (0.59) for tree height and stem volume. The combined analysis resulted in a strong genetic correlation (&gt;0.93) between the breeding values of two propagule types. Herein the large discrepancy is mainly the outcome of different data analytical approaches. Conclusively, selecting genotypes for deployment based on clonal testing may not be optimal, but forest tree breeders can use the results from clonal tests to make some informed decisions.
Long-Term Timber Contracts in the Southeastern United States: Updating the Primer Valuation Framework
Authors: Restrepo Hector I , Mei Bin , Bullock Bronson P 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTimberland ownership has drastically changed in the United States since the 1980s, driven by the divestitures of vertically integrated forest products companies. Having sold their timberland, forest products companies have exposed themselves more to the risk of raw material supply. To hedge against this risk, forest products companies usually use long-term timber contracts (LTTC). The objective of this article is to update the valuation framework for LTTCs proposed by Shaffer (1984) by including alternative option price models and refining the estimates of some key economic variables. In particular, conditional volatility from the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model and quasi-conditional volatility from rolling estimation windows, in addition to simple standard deviation, are used for the volatility estimates in the option pricing models. Contrary to the previous result by Shaffer (1984), our analysis suggests that LTTCs that were once profitable for forest products companies in the 1980s are no longer so under current market conditions. This is primarily because both timber price volatility and the risk-free interest rates have declined significantly. Thus, to be better off, forest products companies need to either lower the administration and management costs of those LTTCs or rely more on the open market for timber procurement.Study Implications: Forest products companies have traditionally relied on long-term timber contracts (LTTC) negotiated with forest landowners to mitigate the risk of raw material supply. The value of these LTTCs highly depends on the economic context. This research provides some insights into the valuation of LTTCs in the southeastern United States. Forest products companies can use this updated framework to aid their decisionmaking in timber procurement.
Community Classification of Piñon-Juniper Vegetation in the Four Corners Region, USA
Authors: Falco Gennaro , Waring Kristen M 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPiñon-juniper is one of the most common vegetation types in the Four Corners states of the western United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah). Because of its high degree of community heterogeneity across the landscape, development of a more detailed and statistically supported classification system for piñon-juniper has been requested by regional land managers. We used a USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data set from the Four Corners states to develop a statistics-based classification system for piñon-juniper vegetation. Cluster analysis was used to group piñon-juniper FIA data into community classes. Classification and regression tree analysis was then used to develop a model for predicting piñon-juniper community types. To determine which variables contributed most to classifying piñon-juniper FIA data, a random forest analysis was conducted. Results from these analyses support a six-class piñon-juniper community-type model within the Four Corners states. Using the classification tree, membership of FIA piñon-juniper communities can be accurately predicted (r2 = 0.81) using only relative overstory species abundance. Our dominance-based classification system was useful in classifying piñon-juniper community types and could be used in the field to identify broad community types and complement more refined tools available for stand-scale decisionmaking.Study Implications: Piñon-juniper vegetation communities commonly occur in the Four Corners region of the United States. We used a regional data set to develop a statistically based classification system for piñon-juniper communities. We found support for a dominance-based approach supporting initial classification into six community classes. Classes were based on different overstory species dominance patterns, stand structural characteristics (stand density index, basal area [square meters per hectare], trees per hectare, and stand age), and precipitation patterns (mean annual precipitation and monsoonal index) (Table S2). Community type can be predicted using relative overstory abundance to help managers prioritize regional areas (~6,000 acres [2,428 hectares]) for management and predict responses based on precipitation patterns, current understory tree regeneration, and plant community abundance. This system could lead to better planning documents and management decisions on a regional scale to complement more refined tools available for stand-scale management such as plant associations and detailed soil maps.
Use of n-alkanes to estimate feed intake in ruminants: a meta-analysis
Authors: Andriarimalala Jose Herilalao , Dubeux Jose Carlos B , DiLorenzo Nicolas , Jaramillo David Mirabedini , Rakotozandriny Jean de Neupomuscène , Salgado Paulo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Precise techniques to estimate feed intake by ruminants are critical to enhance feed efficiency and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses to the environment. Using a meta-analysis, we evaluated the accuracy of the n-alkane technique to predict feed intake in cattle and sheep and assessed the relationships between feed intake and fecal recovery (FR) of n-alkanes. The database was composed of 28 studies, including 129 treatments (87 and 42 for cattle and sheep, respectively) and 402 animals (232 cattle and 170 sheep) fed at troughs, from published studies. Relationships between observed (in vivo measurement) and predicted feed intake by C31:C32 and C32:C33 n-alkane pairs were evaluated by regression. Meta-regression addressed the relationships between the difference in FR of n-alkane pairs and the error in intake estimation, as well as the amount and duration of C32 n-alkane dosing. Regression of observed intake on n-alkane-based estimates revealed good relationships in cattle (adjusted R2 = 0.99 for C31:C32, and adjusted R2 = 0.98 for C32:C33; P &lt; 0.0001) and in sheep (adjusted R2 = 0.94 for C31:C32, and adjusted R2 = 0.96 for C32:C33; P &lt; 0.0001). FR of natural n-alkanes showed a coefficient of variation of about 15% and 16% for C31 and C33, respectively, in cattle. In sheep, the coefficient of variation was 8% and 14% for C31 and C33, respectively. The relationships between the difference of FR of n-alkane pairs and the error in feed intake estimation in cattle were characterized by an adjusted R2 = 0.83 for C31:C32 (P &lt; 0.0001) and adjusted R2 = 0.93 for C32:C33 (P &lt; 0.0001). In sheep, they were characterized by an adjusted R2 = 0.69 for C31:C32 (P &lt; 0.001) and adjusted R2 = 0.76 for C32:C33 (P &lt; 0.001). The n-alkane technique provided the reliability for estimating feed intake in cattle and sheep in barn experiments. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that without correction for differences in FR of n-alkane pairs, deviation in feed intake prediction would occur. However, further research is necessary to determine the relationship between the n-alkane dosing procedure (daily amount and duration of dosing) and FR of n-alkane.
A Forever War? Rethinking the Temporal Scope of Non-International Armed Conflict
Authors: Derejko Nathan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
How do we know when a Non-International Armed Conflict (NIAC) is over? What does International Humanitarian Law (IHL) say about its temporal scope of application during NIAC? In practice, identifying the end of a NIAC can prove exceptionally difficult. In part, this is the result of the complex spectrum of factors that contribute to the existence and continuance of NIAC, and in particular the objectives that underpin and propel a NIAC. In addition, the virtual silence of IHL regarding its temporal scope of application adds another layer of complexity to identifying the end of a NIAC. While considerable research has focused on IHL’s threshold of activation during NIAC, much less attention has been given to its threshold of termination. However, the looming threat of the so-called ‘forever war’ has stimulated fresh interest in determining when and how NIACs (legally) end. This article provides a forensic examination of the temporal scope of IHL during NIAC, with an exclusive focus on IHL’s threshold of termination. It examines two of the leading approaches for determining the temporal scope of NIAC, and argues that neither approach is entirely satisfactory, and as a result, advances and explores a novel alternative—a ‘functional approach’ for determining IHL’s threshold of termination during NIAC.
Transcriptome Analysis of Pyrethroid-ResistantChrysodeixis includens(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Reveals Overexpression of Metabolic Detoxification Genes
Authors: Perini Clerison R , Tabuloc Christine A , Chiu Joanna C , Zalom Frank G , Stacke Regis F , Bernardi Oderlei , Nelson David R , Guedes Jerson C 
Published: September 2020

AbstractChrysodeixis includens (Walker, [1858]) is one of the most important defoliator of soybean in Brazil because of its extensive geographical distribution and high tolerance to insecticides compared with other species of caterpillars. Because of this, we conducted bioassays to evaluate the efficacy of pyrethroid λ-cyhalothrin on a C. includens resistant strain (MS) and a susceptible (LAB) laboratory strain. High throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of larval head and body tissues were performed to identify potential molecular mechanisms underlying pyrethroid resistance. Insecticide bioassays showed that MS larvae exhibit 28.9-fold resistance to pyrethroid λ-cyhalothrin relative to LAB larvae. RNA-seq identified evidence of metabolic resistance in the head and body tissues: 15 cytochrome P450 transcripts of Cyp6, Cyp9, Cyp4, Cyp304, Cyp307, Cyp337, Cyp321 families, 7 glutathione-S-transferase (Gst) genes, 7 α-esterase genes from intracellular and secreted catalytic classes, and 8 UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (Ugt) were overexpressed in MS as compared with LAB larvae. We also identified overexpression of GPCR genes (CiGPCR64-like and CiGPCRMth2) in the head tissue. To validate RNA-seq results, we performed RT-qPCR to assay selected metabolic genes and confirmed their expression profiles. Specifically, CiCYP9a101v1, CiCYP6ae149, CiCYP6ae106v2, CiGSTe13, CiCOE47, and CiUGT33F21 exhibited significant overexpression in resistant MS larvae. In summary, our findings detailed potential mechanisms of metabolic detoxification underlying pyrethroid resistance in C. includens.