In order to further improve the calculation precision and get a simpler algorithm, the Martin-Hou Equation of State is modified after rigorous data analysis data in different cases. A new revision factor h, a function of critical compression factor, is introduced into the novel M-H EOS to reduce the deviation of molar volume calculated in liquid-phase state. According to the new derivation process of the EOS, only a few number of physical properties are needed to characterize a given substance, which greatly reduced the difficulty of solution of the EOS. In order to verify the generality and the calculation precision in liquid-phase state, the novel M-H EOS has been applied to six representative substances: argon, methane, nitrogen, propane, benzene and water. Compared with the previous M-H EOS in liquid-phase state, the novel M-H EOS obviously reduces the deviation and can universally be applied to most kinds of substances.

The antioxidant activity and photosynthetic efficiency of two Türkish barley cultivars, Erginel-90 and Tokak 157/37, grown under 120 mM NaCl, was studied. Photosynthetic and antioxidative changes were much more significant after 7 days of salt treatment. The photosynthetic apparatus of Tokak 157/37 was found to be more tolerant to salt stress as compared with Erginel-90, probably due to higher antioxidant activity, lower H2O2 content and lower lipid peroxidation. After 7 days of salt treatment, Erginel-90 showed high value of the rate of accumulation of closed reaction centers (V/to) and dissipation energy flux per PSII reaction center (DIo/RC) while it is not changed in Tokak 157/37 as compared to control. SM, N, o, ETo/RC, SFIABS, o/(1-o), performance index (PIABS), Ro and Ro were drastically lower than control in Erginel-90 under salt stress for 7 days, however, these parameters in Tokak 157/37 were very close to the values determined in control plants. Thus, on the basis of our results on two barley cultivars, we recommend the use of some JIP test parameters such as V/to, SM, N, SFIABS, PI, Ro, PI and Ro for the detection of salt-induced changes and to test salt tolerance degree in barley cultivars.

DNA barcoding identification needs a good characterization of intra-specific genetic divergence to establish the limits between species. Yet, the number of barcodes per species is many times low and geographically restricted. A poor coverage of the species distribution range may hamper identification, especially when undersampled areas host genetically distinct lineages. If so, the genetic distance between some query sequences and reference barcodes may exceed the maximum intra-specific threshold for unequivocal species assignation. Taking a group of Quercus herbivores (moths) in Europe as model system, we found that the number of DNA barcodes from southern Europe is proportionally very low in the Barcoding of Life Data Systems (BOLD). This geographical bias complicates the identification of southern query sequences, due to their high intra-specific genetic distance with respect to barcodes from higher latitudes. Pairwise intra-specific genetic divergence increased along with spatial distance, but was higher when at least one of the sampling sites was in southern Europe. Accordingly, GMYC (General Mixed Yule Coalescent) single threshold model retrieved clusters constituted exclusively by Iberian haplotypes, some of which could correspond to cryptic species. The number of putative species retrieved was more reliable than that of multiple threshold GMYC but very similar to results from ABGD and jMOTU. Our results support GMYC as a key resource for species delimitation within poorly inventoried biogeographic regions in Europe, where historical factors (e.g. glaciations) have promoted genetic diversity and singularity. Future European DNA barcoding initiatives should be preferentially performed along latitudinal gradients, with special focus on southern peninsulas.

In this paper, the solution and validity of the transfer probability density function for a stochastic dynamical system excited by white Gaussian noise are discussed. Based on the exponential polynomial closure method, not only the numerical solution of FPK equation is accepted, but also the validity of the method is shown from different views. On the one hand, the exact solution expression of the stationary transition probability density of some kind of system is received and its error compared with the numerical solution is analyzed. On the other hand, by establishing a kind of potential function to observe the stable region of the state variables in probabilistic sense, it is found that the stable region of the state variables determined by the potential function is highly consistent with the stable region determined by the stationary transition probability density function after long-term observation.

In the paper, we consider the local-in-time and the global-in-time infinity-ion-mass convergence of bipolar Euler-Maxwell systems by setting the mass of an electron me=1 and letting the mass of an ion mi→∞. We use the method of asymptotic expansions to handle the local-in-time convergence problem and find that the limiting process from bipolar models to unipolar models is actually decoupling, but not the vanishing of equations for the corresponding the other particle. Moreover, when the initial data is sufficiently close to the constant equilibrium state, we establish the global-in-time infinity-ion-mass convergence.

This study is considered to formulate Mathematica pseudocodes for implementing block Adams family (MPIBAF). An idea multinomial basis function approximant will be utilized to process the interpolation and collocation methods. A special block Adams family in form of block Adams-Bashforth and Block Adams-Moulton methods will be developed via interpolation and collocation method to foster the principal local truncation error thereby bringing into existence the convergency limits. The application of Mathematica pseudocodes will be processed on some applied math problems in a parallel manner with each processor depending on one another. The computable results will be produced via a compiled Mathematica pseudocode in a gradual manner. In addition, technical computation supersedes manual computation as demonstrated by the results of the numerous gains such as ease of computable processes and structures, better accuracy and quicker convergency.

Cough is an adverse effect that may hinder the delivery of drugs into the lungs. Chemical or mechanical stimulants activate the transient receptor potential in some airway afferent nerves (C or A fibres) to trigger cough. Types of inhaler device and drug, dose, excipients, formulation characteristics including pH, tonicity, aerosol output and particle size may trigger cough by stimulating the cough receptors. Release of inflammatory mediators may increase the sensitivity of the cough receptors to stimulants. The cough-provoking effect of aerosols is enhanced by bronchoconstriction in diseased airways and reduces drug deposition in the target pulmonary regions. In this article, we review the factors by which inhalation products may cause cough.

When establishing a hypothesis testing procedure to ensure its credibility, the most significant of all is unquestionably to select and/or compute the optimal Type-I and the Type-II error probabilities, namely Producer’s and Consumer’s Risks, α & β respectively. This article as opposed to the conventionally and judgmentally picking at best a subjective Type-I error probability, outlines a Game theoretic approach, i.e. that of von Neumann, to this historically unresolved paradigm to justify optimal choices for Type-I error probability (α) and Type-II error probability (β) when cost, utility and other market-centric factors are incorporated as input data. A game theory-based algorithmic methodology and several numerical examples of practical nature with specific emphasis to company-specific Acceptance Sampling plans for Quality Assurance are illustrated. A side benefit of this method in addition to improving the Acceptance Sampling plans is to transform the traditional Hypothesis Testing process in making sound engineering decisions from a “subjective” to “objective” stance, provided that the monetary cost and utility consequences of committing error and non-error combinations are available.

The response of meteorological elements to potential evapotranspiration(ET0) varies greatly from different time-scale perspectives, but current research are mainly focused on a certain time-scale and lack the study on the response of various meteorological elements to ET0 variations based on different time-scale perspectives. This situation results in the unilateral perception of variations in ET0 caused by climate change. Therefore, this study qualitatively explore the sensitive factors of ET0 on different time scales by sensitivity coefficients, and quantitatively characterize the actual contribution amounts of major meteorological elements to variations in ET0 on different time scales by contribution rate combining the sensitivity coefficients with the relative variation rates of meteorological elements. Results are listed as follows. (1) The SRH is always negative, but SRn, ST and SU are positive. The main sensitivity factors of ET0 vary on different time scales. Specifically, RH and Rn become the major sensitive factors alternately within a year. On an interannual basis, the Rn was the most sensitive factor from 1958 to 1963, and the most sensitive factor became RH from 1964 to 1978. RH and Rn became the most sensitive factors to ET0 alternately from 1979 to 2017. (2) The contributions of each meteorological element fluctuate significantly. On the daily time scale, the GT and GU are large at the beginning and end of the year. The GRn and GRH are dominant in the middle of the year. On the monthly and seasonal time scales, RH contributes the most in spring and autumn and Rn does in summer. The GT and GU are dominant in winter. On the yearly and multi-yearly time scales, the main contributing factors are RH and T. In summary, the increase in ET0 in Beijing area is mainly caused by the decrease in RH and the increase in T. The decreases in U and Rn also slow down the further increase in ET0 in this area. This blocking effect caused by Rn in summer is highly evident.

Fungi are a key component of tropical biodiversity. Due to their inconspicuous and largely subterranean nature, they are however usually neglected in biodiversity inventories. The goal of this study was to identify the key determinants of fungal richness, community composition, and turnover in tropical rainforests. We tested specifically for the effect of soil properties, habitat, and locality in Amazonia. For these analyses, we used high-throughput sequencing data of short and long reads of fungal DNA present in soil and organic litter samples, combining existing and novel genomic data. Habitat type (phytophysiognomies) emerges as the strongest factor in explaining fungal community composition. Naturally open areas – campinas – are the richest habitat overall. Soil properties have different effects depending on the soil layer (litter or mineral soil) and the choice of genetic marker. We suggest that campinas could be a neglected hotspot of fungal diversity. An underlying cause for their rich diversity may be the overall low soil fertility, which increases the reliance on biotic interactions essential for nutrient absorption in these environments, notably ectomycorrhizal fungi–plant associations. Our results highlight the advantages of using both short and long DNA reads produced through high-throughput sequencing to characterize fungal diversity. While short-reads can suffice for diversity and community comparison, long-reads add taxonomic precision and have the potential to reveal population diversity.

In this first part, this article defines the concept of energy as a fundamental measure of the existence of matter and on that basis defines the concept of a system solely as a pair consisting of an energy source and an energy consumer. The notion of an invariant controlled system is introduced and its modeling by means of an RLC system determines the energy equations in a stable and transitive state of this invariant system. In the second part of the article with subtitle Electromechanical Dualism. The Universality of Energetic Equations, with the help of modern altebra, is proved the versatility of the electrical model of the system. The article offers a new philosophy of the concept of control in the general dialectical sense of the word.

1. The abundance of UV-B absorbing compounds (for example p-Coumaric acid, pCA) within pollen-grain sporopollenin has been proposed as a proxy for reconstructing past changes in surface solar radiation, but drivers of the variation of these compounds in pollen grains remains poorly understood. 2. One important consideration is that the physiological response that results in the production and timing of pCA in pollen remains poorly understood. This calls for studies that explicitly tests the temporal resolution and plasticity of the response of pCA in pollen under field conditions. 3. To address this, we conducted two parallel experiments. First, we measured pCA in four Pinus spp. from Geneva in two consecutive years to investigate the impact of natural variation in ambient solar radiation, and differences in responses between species. Second, we covered pollen cones on Pinus sylvestris trees in Bergen with 90% shading cloth one month before dehiscence and compared the amount of pCA in pollen from shaded and sun-exposed cones from the same tree. 4. Between years, in Geneva, Pinus spp. produced 31% more pCA in 2014 than in 2013, with higher levels of solar radiation also observed in 2014. pCA content also showed strong species-level variation, largely reflecting differences in pollen size between species. Experimentally shaded Pinus sylvestris pollen produced 21% less pCA than fully exposed pollen. 5. Our work demonstrates a plastic response in the production of UV absorbing compounds (pCA) to inter-annual and experimentally induced variation in ambient solar radiation in Pinus spp. pollen. This supports pCA as a highly responsive proxy for early-season solar radiation. We also find strong species-level variation in pCA content in pine pollen, likely related to pollen grain size, which should be accounted for in reconstructions from sites with multiple Pinus species present.

A well known \emph{in silico} analysis in metabolic flux analysis is the structural identifiability analysis. It comes from the fact that some enrichment measurement sets cannot uniquely elucidate all intracellular fluxes. To the best of our knowledge, the structural identifiability analysis of dynamic isotope experiments is not available in the literature. In this work, it is shown that if one measurement plan makes the dynamic isotopic fractions balance equations structurally identifiable then for any arbitrary small time interval the plan also makes the equations structurally identifiable. Based on the fact, in order to resolve the local structural identifiablity problem of the dynamic isotopic fractions balance equations approximated with piecewise affine intracellular fluxes, one should check the local structural identifiablity for the corresponding cascaded linear time invariant system at each sampling point with the approach proposed in our earlier work (Lin \emph{et al.}, Math Biosci. 2018; 300:122-12).

Integrating physical knowledge with machine learning is critical to developing industrially-focused digital twins for monitoring and optimisation of biomanufacturing systems. However, identifying the correct model structure to quantify kinetic mechanisms poses a challenge for the construction of mechanistic and data-driven models. This study proposes a hybrid modelling strategy comprising of a simple kinetic model to describe the overall process trajectory and a data-driven model to estimate the mismatch between the kinetic equations and real process. An automatic model structure identification algorithm is used to identify the most probable kinetic model structure and minimum number of data-driven model parameters that can well represent different bioprocess behaviours over broad operating conditions. Through this approach, a hybrid model was constructed to simulate biomass growth, nutrient consumption, and product synthesis in an algal photo-production process. Performance of this model for predictive modelling, optimisation, and online self-calibration is demonstrated, indicating its advantages for industrial application.

In order to maximize the productivity of engineered metabolic pathway, in silico model is an established means to provide features of enzyme reaction dynamics. In our previous study, E.coli engineered with acrylate pathway yielded low propionic acid titre. To understand the bottleneck behind this low productivity, a kinetic model was developed that incorporates the enzymatic reactions of the acrylate pathway. The resulting model was capable of simulating the fluxes reported under in vitro studies with good agreement, suggesting repression of propionyl-CoA transferase by carboxylate metabolites as the main limiting factor for propionate production. Furthermore, the predicted flux control coefficients of the pathway enzymes under steady state conditions revealed that the control of flux is shared between propionyl-CoA transferase and lactoyl-CoA dehydratase. Increase in lactate concentration showed gradual decrease in flux control coefficients of propionyl-CoA transferase that in turn confirmed the control exerted by the carboxylate substrate. To interpret these in silico predictions under in vivo system, an organized study was conducted with a Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strain engineered with acrylate pathway. Analysis reported a decreased product formation rate on attainment of inhibitory titre by suspected metabolites and supported the model.

Objective: To compare the antiepileptic drug (AED) patterns, seizure control, and folic acid supplementation between planned and unplanned pregnancy in women with epilepsy (WWE), and investigate the effects of planned pregnancy on fetal outcomes. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: A prospectively collected database from Feb 2010 to Dec 2018 in Xijing Hospital. Populations: Pregnant WWE. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical characteristics and fetal outcomes. Results: 477 pregnancies were enrolled: 188 planned pregnancies (39.4%) and 289 unplanned pregnancies (60.6%). The education level of the unplanned group was lower than that of the planned group (P < 0.001). Among the planned group, 66.0% took AED monotherapy, and 32.4% received polytherapy. In the unplanned group, 58.1% did not take AEDs, 28.0% took monotherapy, and 12.8% received polytherapy. Compared with the unplanned group, The planned group had less generalized tonic-clonic seizures (2 [1-4] vs. 1 [1-2]; P = 0.002) and a higher proportion of being seizure-free (41.0% vs. 22.8%; P < 0.001). All planned pregnancies took folic acid while 39.8% of unplanned pregnancies never took it (P < 0.001). The planned group showed significantly less adverse fetal outcomes than the unplanned group: induced abortions (2.7% vs. 13.5%; P < 0.001), preterm births (3.3% vs. 20.4%; P < 0.001), and major congenital malformations within one year of delivery (1.6% vs. 7.5%; P = 0.016). Regression analysis demonstrated that pregnancy planning was independently associated with adverse fetal outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.27; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Planned-pregnancy could benefit both WWE and their offspring.

Objective: To compare long term efficacy and safety of an innovative single incision sling (SIS) with the inside-out trans-obturator sling (TOT) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Design: randomized controlled trial. Setting: single tertiary referral urogynecology center. Population: women with pure urodynamic SUI. Methods: randomized to either an SIS or TOT and followed-up for four years. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were objective cures defined with a negative cough stress test and subjective cure reported via patient’s satisfaction scale. Secondary outcomes involved surgery complications including re-operations, postoperative de-novo urgency, and impact on patient quality of life. Results: The objective (86.4% vs. 83.1%; 95% CI 0.30-2.02; p=0.635) and subjective cure rates (83.3% vs. 80.0%; 95% CI 0.33-1.94; p=0.657) were similar with the SIS and TOT groups. Both procedures were associated with low complication rates. Repeated surgery rates owing to recurrent SUI were 7.6% in SIS and 6.3% in TOT groups, respectively. Overall mesh exposure rate was 2.3% for both groups. Incidence of de-novo urgency didn’t vary between TOT and SIS patients. Both groups registered a significant quality of life improvement. Conclusions: Following long term follow-up, anti-incontinence SIS surgery proved non-inferior to inside-out TOT procedure in terms of objective and subjective cure rates. Funding: supported by Czech Republic Ministry of Health, No. FNBr65269705 Keywords: Stress urinary incontinence; mid-urethral sling; single incision sling; efficacy; patient-reported outcomes; randomized controlled trial Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02506309

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that impaired maternal gestational pulmonary function, assessed by a moderate-to-severe reduction in FEV1% predicted, is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in women with SCD. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary referral centre Population: A total of 104 pregnancies in Ghanaian women with SCD aged 18–41 years. Methods: Participants were categorized into two groups (FEV1% predicted ≥ 65: n = 94; FEV1% predicted < 65: n = 10) based on spirometry performed before 28 weeks of pregnancy. The rates of adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. Multivariable penalized logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios. Main outcome measure: Fetal death, defined as fetus weighing>500g with no signs of life at birth. Results: Fetal death occurred more frequently in pregnant women with FEV1% predicated < 65 (30.0% versus 4.3%, p=0.02). FEV1% predicted < 65 was associated with a nearly 8-fold increased risk of fetal death (OR 7.81, 95%CI [1.59–38.38], p=0.01). Phenotype HbSS (3.41[0.68–17.19], p=0.13) and low maternal BMI (1.00 [0.84–1.20], p=0.96) were not associated with increased risk of fetal death. Conclusions: In pregnant women with SCD, low FEV1% predicted is associated with an increased risk of fetal death. Understanding the mechanism for low FEV1% predicted in pregnant women with SCD and improving gestational FEV1% predicted may result in a targeted intervention for decreasing fetal deaths. Keywords: Sickle cell disease, pulmonary function, FEV1, pregnancy outcomes, fetal death.

Sánchez-Tójar et al. (2020, Ecol Lett) question the methodology, transparency and conclusion of our study (Yin et al. 2019, Ecol Lett, 22, 1976). I feel that these arguments ignore critical assumptions and are based on a misunderstanding of our peer-review process. General does not mean always; the jury is in deciding when and where a transgenerational effect is beneficial, which enlightens future research.

Despite extensive research, the pathophysiology and prevention of pre-eclampsia remain elusive, diagnosis is challenging, and pre-eclampsia remains associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Angiogenic biomarkers, including placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), have been identified as valuable biomarkers for preterm pre-eclampsia, accelerating diagnosis and reducing maternal adverse outcomes by risk stratification, with enhanced surveillance for high-risk women. PlGF-based testing is increasingly being implemented into clinical practice in several countries. This review provides healthcare providers with an understanding of the evidence for PlGF-based testing and describes the practicalities and challenges to implementation.

Objective To investigate the association between antenatal depression and anxiety and early pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) within and between White British and South Asian women. Design Retrospective analysis Setting The Born in Bradford cohort, UK Population White British and South Asian pregnant women, 2007-2011 Methods Mother’s BMI was stratified into six World Health Organisation BMI categories (underweight, recommended, overweight or obese class 1-3). To determine associations with outcomes, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models (adjusting for maternal age, education, deprivation and smoking) were used. Main outcome measure Depression and anxiety using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ); a GHQ score of >0 for the depression subscale and >6 for anxiety. Results There were 7824 women included (3514 White British and 4310 South Asian). South Asian women were significantly more likely to have depression than White British (43.3% vs 36.1% p<0.0001) and less likely to have anxiety (45.3% vs 48.4% p<0.01). There was no significant association between early pregnancy BMI and depression or anxiety in South Asian women. White British women with an overweight BMI had higher odds of anxiety compared with women with a recommended BMI (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval 1.05-1.47). No significant associations were observed for other BMI categories. Conclusion Although South Asian women have a higher prevalence of depression than White women in this cohort, the known associations between maternal obesity and anxiety do not appear to be present. More studies are needed using validated depression tools for South Asian pregnant women.

Mini-commentary on BJOG-19-1677.R1: Risk-factors for second-line dactinomycin failure after methotrexate treatment for low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a retrospective study

In the present paper initial problem for the integro-differential diffusion system with nonlocal nonlinear source is considered. The results on existence of local mild solution and nonexistence of global weak solution to the nonlinear integro-differential diffusion system are presented.

The purpose of this paper is to study the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem which is a simplified model to describe high frequency and small displacement oscillation of elastic structure in fluids. The elastic structure displacement is modeled by a fourth order nonlinear hyperbolic square equations, the motion of fluid is modeled by the time-dependent incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. we prove the existence of at least one weak solutions (global in time) to this problem by compactness method. The result both holds for two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases.