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Frequent wildfires associated with emplacement of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) are thought to have been important drivers of two significant changes in terrestrial plant communities and diversity during the Triassic-Jurassic Mass Extinction (TJME, ca. 201.51 Ma). However, it remains to be investigated whether these two changes are potentially related to different wildfire types. To better understand this relationship, we used a new method to reanalyze fossil pollen and spores across the Triassic-Jurassic transition in the Jiyuan Basin from the North China Plate. Results show that two peaks in wildfire frequency experienced different types of wildfires, with each linked to significant changes in plant communities and diversity losses. In the first wildfire peak, canopy fires dominated and are accompanied by significant losses of canopy forming plants, while in the second wildfire peak, ground cover fires dominated accompanied by significant losses of ground cover plants. Changes in atmospheric humidity conditions were an important control on the two different wildfire peaks. Relatively humid climatic conditions corresponded to the prevalence of canopy fires and hindered the spread and development of ground cover fires in wet surface conditions. Conversely, relatively arid climatic conditions corresponded with the prevalence of ground cover fires in dry surface environments. Our results provide a potential relationship between terrestrial plant communities and wildfire types, which is important to further understanding of terrestrial environmental and floral changes driven by Large Igneous Provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses new approaches to parameter estimation of gamma distribution based on representative points. In the first part, the existence and uniqueness of gamma mean squared error representative points (MSE-RPs) are discussed theoretically. In the second part, by comparing three types of representative points, we show that gamma MSE-RPs perform well in parameter estimation and simulation. The last part proposes a new Harrel–Davis sample standardization technique. Simulation studies reveal that the standardized samples can be used to improve estimation performance or generate MSE-RPs. In addition, a real data analysis illustrates that the proposed technique yields efficient estimates for gamma parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a bias-corrected expression for maximum likelihood estimators using the sequential number-theoretic method for optimization (SNTO) to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the estimators in three extreme value distributions (EVDs). It is well known that the widely used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) could be often biased for small-size samples in EVDs. Meanwhile, numerical simulation results reveal that maximum likelihood estimators are suffered from high variance when the sample size is small and the impact is non-negligible. A comprehensive comparison study which includes classical bias-corrected methods and more recent ones is presented. Based on the simulation studies, the bias-correction estimator via SNTO is highly recommended to reduce the bias and variance of estimators. In addition, a real data set is illustrated to employ different techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multivariate normal is a common assumption in many statistical models and methodologies for high-dimensional data analysis. The exploration of approaches to testing multivariate normality never stops. Due to the characteristics of the multivariate normal distribution, most approaches to testing multivariate normality show more or less advantages in their power performance. These approaches can be classified into two types: multivariate and univariate. Using the multivariate normal characteristic by the Mahalanobis distance, we propose an approach to testing multivariate normality based on representative points of the simple univariate F-distribution and the traditional chi-square statistic. This approach provides a new way of improving the traditional chi-square test for goodness-of-fit. A limited Monte Carlo study shows a considerable power improvement of the representative-point-based chi-square test over the traditional one. An illustration of testing goodness-of-fit for three well-known datasets gives consistent results with those from classical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To discover the value of contrast-enhanced CT parameters in predicting the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) patients after radical gastrectomy. Methods: The patients with a clinical diagnosis of GAC were retrospectively enrolled. Two radiologists drew the regions of interest (ROIs) in CT images and measured the CT attenuate value (CAV) in each phase and the corrected CAV (cCAV) in each contrast-enhanced phase. Patients were divided into two groups (high/low-enhancement) according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to evaluate correlation between prognosis and variables. Subgroup analysis was used to further analyze the prognostic value of variables. Results: In total 435 patients were included. According to ROC curve, the cCAV in delayed phase (DP-cCAV) with maximum AUC and Youden index was chosen. A total of 312 patients (71.7%) entered DP-cCAVlow group and remaining 123 (28.3%) patients were in DP-cCAVhigh group. According to univariate (high vs low, HR=2.120, p< 0.001) and multivariate (high vs low, HR=1.623, p< 0.001) Cox regression analysis, the low-enhancement state was considered as an independent protective factor. Subgroup analysis was based on age, maximum diameter of tumor, differentiation, vascular invasion status, and TNM staging. In most subgroups, the overall survival (OS) of DP-cCAVlow group was overwhelmingly satisfactory (all HR > 1, expect TNM stage I, IV and differentiated type subgroups). Conclusion: The prognostic effectiveness of CT parameters as biomarkers for OS in GAC patients treated with radical gastrectomy has potential value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aim of this study was to determine the role of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) parameters in predicting the expression status of HER2 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) patients before radical gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: A total of 460 GAC patients who underwent non-contrast CT (NC-CT) and CE-CT examinations before radical resection were enrolled in this retrospective study. The radiologists reviewed their CT scans and recorded parameters, including CT attenuate value (CAV) and corrected CAV (cCAV). The pathologist identified the postoperative HER2 expression status, and HER2 expression status was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The association between CE-CT parameters and HER2 expression status was analyzed. Results: Among the 460 patients, 84 patients had HER2 over-expression status, at a prevalence of 18.3%. The CAVs were significantly different between the 2 different HER2 expression groups in the non-contrast and arterial phases (non-contrast phase: p = 0.005; arterial phase: p < 0.001). Besides, there was a significant difference in the cCAVs between the 2 groups in the arterial phase (arterial phase: p = 0.003). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified that the maximum diameter of tumor, differentiation degree, CAV in non-contrast, arterial, and portal phases, and cCAV in the arterial phase were predictive factors of HER2 expression status. Conclusion: Our analyses showed that the CE-CT parameters were significantly different between different HER2 expression groups. CE-CT parameters could serve as simple, objective predictive factors of HER2 expression status of GAC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NCTU micro-orifice cascade impactor (NMCI) was redesigned and tested to enable the measurement and adjustment of the jet-to-plate distance (S) of the impactors by using a micrometer. Each stage of the NMCI contains an impaction plate and a nozzle plate which are separated. The bottom casing for impaction plate assembly and the nozzle plate holder of each stage are separated. Calibration results show that the cutoff aerodynamic diameter (dpa50) of the three lower stages (dpa50= 180, 100, and 56 nm) are close to the nominal values given in Marple et al. (1991). In addition, theS/W(W: nozzle diameter) effects on thedpa50for the three lower stages were investigated and an empirical equation was developed to facilitate the prediction ofdpa50when the nozzle diameters may change slightly from one batch to another. The relationship between the nozzle diameter and pressure drop of the micro-orifice impactors at the fixed operational flow rate of 30 L/min was also established so that the nozzle diameters can be predicted from the pressure drop measurement. An empirical equation was proposed to express the correlation between the dimensionless cutoff size and theS/Wratio when considering isentropic flow to facilitate the design of micro-orifice impactors forS/W> 4. It is expected that the present NMCI could improve the accuracy of size classification of submicron particles below 180 nm, especially for nanoparticles. Copyright 2015 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The frequent haze episodes in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of China have been of great public concern due to the high risks to human health. Therefore, a better understanding of the sources and characteristics of particulate matters (PM) and associated elements is crucial and urgent for haze controlling. In this study, air particulates were collected from six different functional areas in a megacity of the YRD, China in early winter of 2012. Highly time- and size-resolved analysis of PM-elements was conducted to trace their sources. Our results showed that the main donors to particulate elements were crustal dust, followed by traffic and industrial influences due to the mixed residential, commercial and industrial zones at most sites. Anthropogenesis contributed more to the sources of finer particles and associated elements than those of coarser ones. Besides the local emission sources, meteorological conditions also affected the distribution patterns of ambient elements. Furthermore, the risks of hazard metals in PM 2.5 and PM 1.0 to human health were estimated. The highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were observed at urban living quarter (ULQ) and eco-industrial park (EIP), respectively. In addition, the general risks at rural living quarters (RLQ) were the lowest. Results from this study may provide valuable information for air pollution control and management in the YRD, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractHypothesis testing for the Weibull distribution always raises attention in the literature. It is challenging especially in small-sample scenarios. In this paper, we propose a new Kolmogorov-Smirnov type test based on the distance between two empirical functions, one from the data and another from the representative points of the underlying distribution. A bias correction technique is used to estimate unknown parameters in the Weibull distribution. We also discuss how to choose a suitable number of representative points based on the proposed loss function, which is recommended for constructing the empirical function from the Weibull distribution. To compare with tailor-made tests in the literature, a simulation study of the empirical type I error and testing power is conducted. It shows that our proposed test statistic is more powerful in most alternative scenarios, and it significantly improves the power of testing in small-sample scenarios. Finally, two real-world datasets are conducted to further demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Epithelial cells line the intestinal mucosa and form an important barrier for maintaining host health. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of the Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) pathway in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) that participate in the intestinal barrier function. Methods: In this study, we constructed a knockout of the S1PR2 gene in mice, and Dextra sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce colitis. We isolated IECs from wild type (WT) and S1PR2–/– mice, and the endogenous expression of S1PR2 and Zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) in IEC were detected by Western blot. Next, the major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) expression was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry. The in vivo and in vitro intestinal permeability were evaluated by serum fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) concentration. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in cell suspension were analyzed by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). A carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) assay was used to detect the T-cell proliferation in a co-culture system. Results: The intestinal mucosal barrier damage in S1PR2–/– mice was more severe than in the WT mice, and there were more CD4+T-cells in the colon tissue of DSS-treated S1PR2–/– mice. Either the mouse colon carcinoma cell line (CT26. WT) or the IECs upregulated MHC-II expression, which then promoted CD4+T-cell proliferation. The S1P/S1PR2 pathway controlled MHC-II expression to regulate CD4+T-cell proliferation via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. In addition, the IFN-γ that was secreted by CD4+T-cells increased DSS-induced damage of intestinal epithelial cell barrier function. ZO-1 expression was increased by S1P in CT26.WT cells, while S1PR2 antagonist JTE-013 expression was downregulated. However, in CT26.WTsi-S1PR2 cells, S1P had no effect on ZO-1 expression. Conclusions: The S1P/S1PR2 axis in IECs mediated CD4+T-cell activation via the ERK pathway and MHC-II expression to regulate intestinal barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Epithelial cells line the intestinal mucosa and form an important barrier for maintaining host health. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of the Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) pathway in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) that participate in the intestinal barrier function., Methods: In this study, we constructed a knockout of the S1PR2 gene in mice, and Dextra sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce colitis. We isolated IECs from wild type (WT) and S1PR2-/- mice, and the endogenous expression of S1PR2 and Zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) in IEC were detected by Western blot. Next, the major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) expression was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry. The in vivo and in vitro intestinal permeability were evaluated by serum fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) concentration. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in cell suspension were analyzed by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). A carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) assay was used to detect the T-cell proliferation in a co-culture system., Results: The intestinal mucosal barrier damage in S1PR2-/- mice was more severe than in the WT mice, and there were more CD4+T-cells in the colon tissue of DSS-treated S1PR2-/- mice. Either the mouse colon carcinoma cell line (CT26. WT) or the IECs upregulated MHC-II expression, which then promoted CD4+T-cell proliferation. The S1P/S1PR2 pathway controlled MHC-II expression to regulate CD4+T-cell proliferation via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. In addition, the IFN-γ that was secreted by CD4+T-cells increased DSS-induced damage of intestinal epithelial cell barrier function. ZO-1 expression was increased by S1P in CT26.WT cells, while S1PR2 antagonist JTE-013 expression was downregulated. However, in CT26.WTsi-S1PR2 cells, S1P had no effect on ZO-1 expression., Conclusions: The S1P/S1PR2 axis in IECs mediated CD4+T-cell activation via the ERK pathway and MHC-II expression to regulate intestinal barrier function., (© 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

We sought to systematically evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-203 in patients with colorectal cancer. To explore the diagnostic performance of miR-203, eligible studies were identified from biomedical databases. Based on these results, 11 studies were pooled and included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios of miR-203 were 0.83 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.78-0.86), 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83), and 19.27 (95% CI: 7.23-51.36) for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The area under the curve for miR-203 for diagnosing colorectal cancer was 0.89. Patients with higher expression of tissue miR-203 had poor overall survival (pooled hazard ratio: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.03-2.57, P =0.04), but serum miR-203 was not predictive (pooled hazard ratio: 1.59; 95% CI: 0.31-8.12, P =0.58). The miR-203 values of tissue and serum merged together may perhaps predict superior overall survival (pooled hazard ratio: 1.62; 95% CI: 0.93-2.82), but the effect was not significant ( P =0.09)., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

An element-free Galerkin method (EFGM) is proposed to simulate the propagation of myocardial electrical activation without explicit mesh constraints using a monodomain model. In our framework the geometry of myocardium is first defined by a meshfree particle representation that is, a sufficient number of sample nodes without explicit connectivities are placed in and inside the surface of myocardium. Fiber orientations and other material properties of myocardium are then attached to sample nodes according to their geometrical locations, and over the meshfree particle representation spatial variation of these properties is approximated using the shape function of EFGM. After the monodomain equations are converted to their Galerkin weak form and solved using EFGM, the propagation of myocardial activation can be simulated over the meshfree particle representation. The derivation of this solution technique is presented along a series of numerical experiments and a solution of monodomain model using a FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) membrane model in a canine ventricular model and a human-heart model which is constructed from digitized virtual Chinese dataset.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the most important applications in nuclear medicine and has become a powerful tool for scientific research. This paper is a symposium of the current status of image reconstruction for PET. The latest advances in the field of filtered-backprojection algorithm and expectation maximization algorithm are also introduced.