bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Up‐regulation of lipid metabolism and glycine betaine synthesis are associated with choline‐induced salt tolerance in halophytic seashore paspalum
Authors: Gao Yanli , Li Mingna , Zhang Xiaxiang , Yang Qingchuan , Huang Bingru 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCholine may affect salt tolerance by regulating lipid and glycine betaine (GB) metabolism. This study was conducted to determine whether alteration of lipid profiles and GB metabolism may contribute to choline regulation and genotypic variations in salt tolerance in a halophytic grass, seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum). Plants of Adalayd and Sea Isle 2000 were subjected to salt stress (200‐mM NaCl) with or without foliar application of choline chloride (1 mM). Genotypic variations in salt tolerance and promotive effects of choline application on salt tolerance were associated with both the up‐regulation of lipid metabolism and GB synthesis. The genotypic variations in salt tolerance associated with lipid metabolism were reflected by the differential accumulation of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine between Adalayd and Sea Isle 2000. Choline‐induced salt tolerance was associated with of the increase in digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) content including DGDG (36:4 and 36:6) in both cultivars of seashore paspalum and enhanced synthesis of phosphatidylinositol (34:2, 36:5, and 36:2) and phosphatidic acid (34:2, 34:1, and 36:5), as well as increases in the ratio of digalactosyl diacylglycerol: monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG:MGDG) in salt‐tolerant Sea Isle 2000. Choline regulation of salt tolerance may be due to the alteration in lipid metabolism in this halophytic grass species.
Ichnology and sedimentology of aeolian and shallow‐marine interactions in the Permian Unayzah Group of central Saudi Arabia: Towards a mechanism for infaunal colonization of coastal dune fields and erg margins
Authors: Polo Camilo A. , Melvin John , Hooker Nigel P. , Rees Andrew J. , Gingras Murray K. , Pemberton S. George 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper documents aeolian and shallow‐marine interactions and describes their ichnofossil suites from the early Permian Tinat Member of the Nuayyim Formation of subsurface Saudi Arabia, thereby confirming marine sedimentation in an interval historically interpreted as being dominated by continental settings wherein aeolian processes prevailed. This paper attempts to characterize in situ animal–sediment interactions in coastal dune fields and erg margins in arid to semiarid settings; where the description of organism–sediment relationships, until now, has been focused on the landward portion including freshwater suites. Sedimentological and ichnological assessments in the Tinat Member allowed the identification of aeolian and marginal‐marine, tidally influenced interactions in two facies associations that are conformably interbedded. Facies Association 1 includes sediment deposition in aeolian and continental, groundwater table‐related environments such as: aeolian dunes (facies 1); dry and damp aeolian interdunes (facies 2 and 3); ephemeral and perennial stream deposits (facies 4 and 5); and palaeosols (facies 6). Facies Association 2 reflects sedimentation in shallow‐marine, tidally influenced environments and includes punctuated occurrences of tidal flats and sheltered shallow bay deposits (facies 7 and 8) displaying a brackish‐water trace fossil assemblage. This suite exhibits a diminutive, highly stressed mixture with structures reflecting an impoverished Skolithos Ichnofacies and Cruziana Ichnofacies associated with tidal flat deposits displaying synaeresis cracks, lenticular bedding, low‐angle and wavy lamination, flaser bedding, reactivation surfaces, carbonaceous double mud drapes, current ripples and tubular tidalites. Aeolian sedimentation and trace fossil associations presented in this paper are significant because they provide evidence for shallow‐marine, tidally influenced and aeolian processes in the Unayzah Group during deposition of the Tinat Member of the Nuayyim Formation. More importantly, documenting marine and aeolian interactions and their resulting ichnofossil suite can be used: (i) to build integrated sedimentological and ichnological facies models; and (ii) to characterize the resulting trace fossil association in this particular interactive setting that can be used to identify similar successions elsewhere in the rock record.
Tectonic control on exhumation and seismicity in the Garhwal‐Kumaun Himalaya, NW‐India
Authors: Patel Ramesh C. , Manmohan  , Karnwal Reena , Kumar Rajiv 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDespite similar geological and tectonic setting along the Himalayan orogen, distinct thermochronological/exhumational and seismicity variability exists between the Kumaun and the Garhwal regions of the NW‐ Himalaya. The processes responsible for such variability are still debated. To understand this, published thermochronological ages from several traverses across the Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC) and Lesser Himalayan Crystalline (LHC) have been correlated with the seismicity pattern in both Garhwal and Kumaun segments. The seismicity pattern coincides with the zone of rapid uplift and exhumation. The profiles of seismicity across the Kumaun and the Garhwal regions agree with the existence of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) underlying the regions and reflect its geometry and architecture. Slip along the MHT is responsible for occurrence of seismicity on decade time‐scale and exhumation pattern on Myr time‐scale of the Himalaya.
Variability, Rigidity and the Nesting Problem
Authors: Poller Olga 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn order to block controversial predictions of 2D semantics (The Nesting Problem), Chalmers and Rabern (2014) propose adding an additional constriction called “the liveness constraint” in definitions of epistemic modals. Without this constraint, all scenario‐world pairs counterfactual to a scenario‐world pair considered as actual in a 2D matrix for a contingenta prioripropositionϕappear problematic for 2D semantics. This is because, although it is false thatϕin such pairs, it isa prioritrue thatϕ. I consider two versions of 2D semantics, those with unstructured and structured intensions. I argue that the unstructured version of 2D semantics is over‐simplified and due to this, it has controversial predictions for counterfactual scenario‐world pairs – the definition of epistemic conceivability with the liveness constraint causes some contingent propositions to appear inconceivable in counterfactual scenario‐world pairs, while some other contingent propositions remain conceivable. In turn, the structured version of the 2D account of propositions has no explanation of how it is possible to possess purely qualitative knowledge without its being dependent on a particular individual or on a particular actual world.
Vascular ring anomalies in cats: 20 cases (2000‐2018)
Authors: Bascuñán Ana , Regier Penny J. , Case J. Brad , Singh Ameet , Balsa Ingrid , Flanders James , Thieman‐Mankin Kelley , Ham Kathleen M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo report the clinical characteristics, types of vascular ring anomalies (VRA), operative findings, complications, and survival after surgical treatment of cats with VRA.Study designRetrospective, multi‐institutional case series.AnimalsClient‐ or shelter‐owned cats presenting to academic, referral veterinary institutions.MethodsMedical records of cats with VRA that underwent surgical treatment were reviewed. Signalment, relevant medical history, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, surgical findings, complications, and survival were recorded.ResultsTwenty cats with VRA were included. Vascular ring anomalies were most commonly (75% [15/20]) diagnosed in cats less than 1 year old, with no breed or sex predilection. Regurgitation was the most common clinical sign, present in 18 of 20 (90%) cats. A persistent right aortic arch was diagnosed in 17 of 20 (85%) cats, with concurrent aberrant left subclavian artery in four of the cats. Surgical treatment was associated with survival to discharge in 18 of 20 (90%) cats. Persistent clinical signs were reported in nine of 13 (69%) cats, and radiographic evidence of megaesophagus persisted in four of 13 (31%) cats, with a median follow‐up of 275 days after discharge.ConclusionPersistent right aortic arch was the most commonly diagnosed VRA in cats in this series, although multiple anomalies were observed. Surgical treatment of VRA in cats was associated with a high survival to discharge, although persistence of clinical signs and megaesophagus was noted in 69% and 31% of the cats, respectively.Clinical significanceSurgical treatment of VRA in cats is associated with a high survival rate; however, persistence of clinical signs is an expected outcome.
Weibull and Bootstrap-Based Data-Analytics Framework for Fatigue Life Prognosis of the Pressurized Water Nuclear Reactor Component Under Harsh Reactor Coolant Environment
Authors: Park Jae Phil , Mohanty Subhasish , Bahn Chi Bum , Majumdar Saurin , Natesan Krishnamurti 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn general, the fatigue life of a safety critical pressure component is estimated using best-fit fatigue life curves (S-N curves). These curves are estimated based on underlying in-air condition fatigue test data. The best-fitting approach requires a large safety factor to accommodate the uncertainty associated with large scatter in fatigue test data. In addition to this safety factor, reactor component fatigue life prognostics requires an additional correction factor that in general is also estimated deterministically. This additional factor known as the environmental correction factor Fen is to cater the effect of the harsh coolant environment that severely reduces the life of these components. The deterministic Fen factor may also lead to further conservative estimation of fatigue life leading to unnecessary early retirement of costly reactor components. To address the above-mentioned issues, we propose a data-analytics framework which uses Weibull and Bootstrap probabilistic modeling techniques for explicitly quantifying the uncertainty/scatter associated with fatigue life rather than estimating the lives based on a best-fit based deterministic approach. We assume the proposed probabilistic approach would provide the first hand information for assessing the maximum and minimum effects of pressurized water reactor water on the reactor component. In the discussed approach, in addition to the probabilistic fatigue curves, we suggest using a probabilistic environment correction factor Fen. We assume the probabilistic fatigue curve and Fen would capture the S-N data scatter associated with the bulk effect of material grades, surface finish, strain rate, etc. on the material/component fatigue life.
Maternal night-eating pattern and glucose tolerance during pregnancy: study protocol for a longitudinal study
Authors: Loy See Ling , Cheung Yin Bun , Chong Mary , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Lek Ngee , Lee YS , Tan Kok Hian , Chern Bernard , Yap Fabian , Chan Jerry 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionCoordinating eating schedules with day–night cycles has been shown to improve glucose regulation in adults, but its association with gestational glycaemia is less clear. A better understanding on how eating time can influence glucose levels in pregnancy may improve strategies for gestational glycaemic control. This study aims to examine the association of maternal night-eating pattern with glucose tolerance in the second trimester of pregnancy, and to investigate how lifestyle factors may be related to night-eating pattern.Methods and analysisThis is an observational longitudinal study that targets to recruit 200 pregnant women at 18–24 weeks’ gestation from the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore. Data collection includes sociodemographics, lifestyle habits and obstetric information. Maternal dietary intake is collected using the 4-day food diary and food frequency questionnaire; while 24-hour physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and light exposure are captured using the accelerometer at 18–24 weeks’ gestation. Continuous glucose monitoring at 18–24 weeks’ gestation, oral glucose tolerance test and insulin test at 24–28 weeks’ gestation are performed to assess glycaemic outcomes. Multivariable generalised linear models will be used to analyse the association of maternal night-eating pattern (consumption of meal and snack during 1900–0659 hours) with glycaemic measures, and the associated factors of night-eating pattern, controlling for potential confounders. Recruitment began in March 2019 and is estimated to end in November 2020.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the Centralised Institutional Review Board of SingHealth, Singapore (reference 2018/2529). The results will be presented at conferences and disseminated in journal articles.Trial registration numberNCT03803345
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the spiritual care competency scale in nursing practice: a methodological study
Authors: Hu Yanli , Leeuwen René Van , Li Fan 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the validity and reliability of the Spiritual Care Competency Scale (SCCS) among nurses in China.DesignMethodological research.MethodsAfter the SCCS was translated into Chinese, the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the SCCS (C-SCCS) were evaluated using a convenience sample of 800 nurses recruited from different healthcare centres. The construct validity of the C-SCCS was determined by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with promax rotation. Pearson’s correlation coefficients of the C-SCCS and the Palliative Care Spiritual Care Competency Scale (PCSCCS-M) were computed to assess the concurrent validity and construct validity of the C-SCCS. To verify the quality of the component structure, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We tested the internal consistency and stability of the measure using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the Guttman split-half coefficient, respectively, and a factorial analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 709 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate: 88.63%), and all completed questionnaires were suitable for analysis. Three factors were abstracted from the EFA and explained 58.19% of the total variance. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the three subscales were .93, .92, and .89, and the Guttman split-half coefficient for the C-SCCS was .84. The CFA indicated a well-fitting model, and the significant correlations between the C-SCCS and the PCSCCS-M (r=0.67, p<0.01) showed adequate concurrent validity. Nurses’ education and income level showed a significant association with the C-SCCS score.ConclusionThe C-SCCS was shown to be a psychometrically sound instrument for evaluating Chinese nurses’ spiritual care competencies.
Validation and impact of a simplified clinical decision rule for diagnosing pulmonary embolism in primary care: design of the PECAN prospective diagnostic cohort management study
Authors: van Maanen Rosanne , Rutten Frans H , Klok Frederikus A , Huisman Menno V , Blom Jeanet W , Moons Karel G M , Geersing Geert-Jan 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionCombined with patient history and physical examination, a negative D-dimer can safely rule-out pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the D-dimer test is frequently false positive, leading to many (with hindsight) ‘unneeded’ referrals to secondary care. Recently, the novel YEARS algorithm, incorporating flexible D-dimer thresholds depending on pretest risk, was developed and validated, showing its ability to safely exclude PE in the hospital environment. Importantly, this was accompanied with 14% fewer computed tomographic pulmonary angiography than the standard, fixed D-dimer threshold. Although promising, in primary care this algorithm has not been validated yet.Methods and analysisThe PECAN (DiagnosingPulmonaryEmbolism in the context ofCommonAlternative diagNoses in primary care) study is a prospective diagnostic study performed in Dutch primary care. Included patients with suspected acute PE will be managed by their general practitioner according to the YEARS diagnostic algorithm and followed up in primary care for 3 months to establish the final diagnosis. To study the impact of the use of the YEARS algorithm, the primary endpoints are the safety and efficiency of the YEARS algorithm in primary care. Safety is defined as the proportion of false-negative test results in those not referred. Efficiency denotes the proportion of patients classified in this non-referred category. Additionally, we quantify whether C reactive protein measurement has added diagnostic value to the YEARS algorithm, using multivariable logistic and polytomous regression modelling. Furthermore, we will investigate which factors contribute to the subjective YEARS item ‘PE most likely diagnosis’.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee Utrecht, the Netherlands. Patients eligible for inclusion will be asked for their consent. Results will be disseminated by publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at (inter)national meetings and congresses.Trial registrationNTR 7431.
Jandu Yani U ‘For All Families’ Triple P—positive parenting program in remote Australian Aboriginal communities: a study protocol for a community intervention trial
Authors: Andersson Ellaina , McIlduff Cari , Turner Karen , Thomas Sue , Davies Jadnah , Elliott Elizabeth J , Einfeld Stewart 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionThe population-based (Lililwan) study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) revealed a high prevalence of FASD in the remote communities of the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia (WA) and confirmed anecdotal reports from families and teachers that challenging child behaviours were a significant concern. In response, Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre initiated a partnership with researchers from The University of Sydney to bring the positive parenting program (Triple P) to the Valley. Triple P has been effective in increasing parenting skills and confidence, and improving child behaviour in various Indigenous communities.Methods and analysisExtensive consultation with community leaders, service providers, Aboriginal health networks and academic institutions was undertaken and is ongoing. Based on community consultations, the intervention was adapted to acknowledge local cultural, social and language complexities. Carers of children born after 1 January 2002 and living in the Fitzroy Valley are invited to participate in Group Triple P, including additional Stepping Stones strategies for children with complex needs. Programme are delivered by local community service workers, trained and accredited as Triple P providers or ‘parent coaches’. Assessments for parent coach pretraining and post-training includes their perceived ability to deliver the intervention and the cultural appropriateness of the programme. Carers complete preintervention and postintervention and 6-month follow-up assessments of parenting practices, self-efficacy and child behaviour.Ethics and disseminationApproval was granted by the University of Sydney Human Ethics Committee, WA Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee, WA Country Health Services Ethics Committee and Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum. Consultation with community is imperative for efficacy, engagement, community ownership and sustainability of the programme, and will be ongoing until findings are disseminated. Anonymous findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, community feedback sessions and scientific forums.
Aggressive Energy Reduction for Video Inference with Software-only Strategies
Authors: Gonçalves Larissa Rozales , Moura Rafael Fão De , Carro Luigi 
Published: October 2019

In the past years, several works have proposed custom hardware and software-based techniques for the acceleration of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Most of these works focus on saving computations by changing the used precision or modifying frame processing. To reach a more aggressive energy reduction, in this paper we propose software-only modifications to the CNNs inference process.
Our approach exploits the inherent locality in videos by replacing entire frame computations with a movement prediction algorithm. Furthermore, when a frame must be processed, we avoid energy-demanding floating-point operations, and at the same time reduce memory accesses by employing look-up tables in place of the original convolutions.
Using the proposed approach, one can reach significant energy gains of more than 25× for security cameras, and 12× for moving vehicles applications, with only small software modifications.
SWARAM
Authors: Mohanty Ram Prasad , Gamaarachchi Hasindu , Lambert Andrew , Parameswaran Sri 
Published: October 2019

Treatment of patients using high-quality precision medicine requires a thorough understanding of the genetic composition of a patient. Ideally, the identification of unique variations in an individual’s genome is needed for specifying the necessary treatment. Variant calling workflow is a pipeline of tools, integrating state of the art software systems aimed at alignment, sorting and variant calling for the whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. This pipeline is utilized for identifying unique variations in an individual’s genome (compared to a reference genome). Currently, such a workflow is implemented on high-performance computers (with additional GPUs or FPGAs) or in cloud computers. Such systems are large, have a high cost, and rely on the internet for genome data transfer which makes the system unusable in remote locations unequipped with internet connectivity. It further raises privacy concerns due to processing being carried out in a different facility.
To overcome such limitations, in this paper, for the first time, we present a cost-efficient, offline, scalable, portable, and energy-efficient computing system named SWARAM for variant calling workflow processing. The system uses novel architecture and algorithms to match against partial reference genomes to exploit smaller memory sizes which are typically available in tiny processing systems. Extensive tests on a standard benchmark data-set (NA12878 Illumina platinum genome) confirm that the time consumed for the data transfer and completing variant calling workflow on SWARAM was competitive to that of a 32-core Intel Xeon server with similar accuracy, but costs less than a fifth, and consumes less than 40% of the energy of the server system. The original scripts and code we developed for executing the variant calling workflow on SWARAM are available in the associated Github repository https://github.com/Rammohanty/swaram.