bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
About use of supercapacitors in autonomous power supplies
Authors: Ganiev M I , Dyomko A I , Yu Semenov O
Published: September 2020

The article describes the use of supercapacitors in power supplies designed for a long time of unattended operation in difficult meteorological conditions. A comparison is made of the energy efficiency factor of energy storage devices - batteries and supercapacitors when using solar panels. The optimization of the power supply circuit is considered, taking into account the provision of the maximum battery life with a limited number of charge / discharge cycles.
Determination of the Geological Age of Oil Using Diamondoids
Authors: Giruts M , Gadzhiev G , Gordadze G
Published: September 2020

Based on the study of a large number of Western and Eastern Siberia oils, it was shown that adamantanes can be used as a means of correlation in oils of different genotypes and ages. Based on the relative distribution of mono-, di-, and trialkyl-substituted C11–C13 adamantanes marine and terristerial oils and Cenozoic and Proterozoic oils were distinguished. This approach could be used when there are no generally recognized biomarker hydrocarbons or indicators based on them are uninformative. We found that Jurassic and Cretaceous oils of Kalmykia can be distinguished by the distribution of methyl- and dimethyldiamantanes. It was concluded that the distributions of alkyl substituted diamantanes could also be applied for the differentiation of oils of different ages.
Permeability Alteration of Carbonate Reservoir Rock Under Cyclic Geomechanical Treatment
Authors: Indrupskiy I M , Ibragimov I I , Zakiryanov R A , Idiyatullin I F , Girfanov I I , Remeyev M M , Mansurov A
Published: September 2020

The paper presents integral analysis of data obtained on carbonate reservoir rocks of Bashkir and Tournai formations (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) under specially designed experimental studies for measuring rock permeability alteration under changes of pore pressure with constant triaxial outer (geostatic) stresses. Characteristic hysteretic effects of permeability alteration under cyclic changes of pore pressure are revealed and related to the reservoir and mechanical properties of rock samples, as well as different fluid saturation. It is shown that cyclic geomechanical treatment can promote significant improvements of flow characteristics of a carbonate rock material.
Innovative Approach to Assessing the Condition and Certification of Oil-Contaminated Sites
Authors: Mukhametshina E R , Aitov I S
Published: September 2020

The article describes an innovative method of volumetric assessment and certification of oil-contaminated land plots, which allows us to give an accurate assessment of the volume content of certain limiting factors. This technique involves building 3D models, tabular systematization of concentrations and volumes of oil pollution, improving the certification of the above-mentioned areas using special QR codes and parcel codes created by us. The method described by us makes it easier and at the same time increases the objectivity of certification of oil-contaminated land plots, reflects the qualitative and quantitative volume and time parameters of plots, increases the convenience, efficiency and reliability of accounting, data transmission and storage.
Interference analysis of wells in oil and gas reservoir with bottom water
Authors: Ryzhova LL , Kanevskaya R D
Published: September 2020

A mathematical model of the inflow and algorithm for calculating the pressure field for interfering wells in a complex oil and gas reservoir with bottom water were developed in this paper. The interference model explores well interaction and when the operating mode of one of them is changing it allows to evaluate the change of bottom hole pressure in the reacting wells. While using the developed model it is possible to calculate a pressure field for a group of wells, to simulate the process of pulse-code well testing and also to specify the boundary conditions for more detailed inflow models. All the results were successfully tested on real data from one of the Eastern Siberia fields.
Effect of fertilization practice on biological properties of crude oil-polluted soil
Authors: Wei X , Bocharnikova E A , Matichenkov V V , Demin D V
Published: September 2020

Hydrocarbon soil pollution is widespread problem in many regions of the world, where oil is extracted and transported. Pollution with crude oil has numerous adverse impacts on the soil-microorganism-plant system. Although adding fertilizers has been shown to be essential to enhance remediation rate, excessive nutrients may exert toxicity for microorganisms and plants. Field test was conducted in the area previously subjected to several accidental oil spills in the central European Russia. The effects of fresh pig manure and/or conventional NPK fertilizers on plant growth, hydrocarbon content and activities of catalase, dehydrogenase, urease, sucrose, and phosphatase were evaluated depending on an application rate. Fertilizer application resulted in restoration of plant cover and reduction of hydrocarbons by 13 to 46%. Oil pollution reduced activities of catalase, dehydrogenase, sucrase and phosphatase and increased urease activity. Manure application was more effective in regard to plant growth, hydrocarbon removal and enzymatic activity in comparison with mineral fertilizers. The maximum positive effect on contaminated soil-microorganism-plant system was obtained under combined application of manure and NPK.
An intervening metallic phase at the CDW–SDW transition region in the one-dimensional Holstein-Hubbard model at half filling: a semi-exact solution
Authors: Malik M Zahid , Chatterjee Ashok
Published: September 2020

The one-dimensional Holstein–Hubbard model is analyzed at half filling at the CDW-SDW transition region by using a series of unitary transformations. The phonon degrees of freedom are eliminated by averaging the transformed Hamiltonian with respect to a generalized many-phonon state and the resulting effective electronic Hamiltonian is finally solved exactly by employing the Bethe-ansatz technique. The present variational state leads to a lower ground state energy as compared to those obtained from the previous variational calculations and yields a wider intermediate metallic phase at the SDW-CDW transition region confirming the prediction of Takada and Chatterjee.
Analysis of the high-speed rotary motion of a superconducting magnetic bearing during ring spinning
Authors: Sparing Maria , Espenhahn Tilo , Fuchs Günter , Hossain Mahmud , Abdkader Anwar , Nielsch Kornelius , Cherif Chokri , Hühne Ruben
Published: September 2020

Ring spinning is the leading textile technology for the production of short staple yarn, which runs commercially up to a maximum speed of 25 000 rpm. Higher speeds result in yarn damage mainly due to frictional heat. To eliminate this limitation, a friction-free superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB) was introduced as alternative high-speed yarn twist element consisting of a cryostat with an array of superconductors and a levitating permanent magnet ring with a yarn guide. Whereas stable spinning was possible until 30 000 rpm, it turned out that the new SMB twist element is more susceptible to external disturbances resulting in oscillating movements of the magnet. Therefore, a measurement system with an array of 5 synchronized optical laser triangulation sensors and one tachometer was implemented to analyse this motion in detail during spinning with high speeds. To test the system, the spinning speed was varied between 10 000 rpm and 21 000 rpm for different yarn qualities. In general, the magnetic ring oscillates around its centre position with the rotation frequency and a peak amplitude between 10 μm and 14 μm, which might be due to a small imbalance of the magnet. At the same time, the small tilt of the ring remained fixed with respect to the machine for all speeds. In addition, larger oscillation amplitudes of up to 300 μm are observed at 18 Hz for selected spinning parameters arising most probably from resonance effects with machine vibrations.
Influence of the base material on the interface properties of ZnO:Al/n-CdS/p-Cd1−xZnxTe heterojunctions
Authors: Maistruk Eduard V , Ilashchuk Mariya I , Orletsky Ivan G , Koziarskyi Ivan P , Koziarskyi Dmytro P , Marianchuk Pavlo D , Parfenyuk Orest A , Ulyanytskiy Kostyantyn S
Published: September 2020

Researches of I–V-characteristics and C-V-characteristics of structures fabricated on unannealed and annealed at high temperature (t = 900 °C) p-Cd1−xZnxTe substrates have been carried out. The influence of the intrinsic point defects system of the base material p-Cd1−xZnxTe on the interface properties of ZnO:Al/n-CdS/p-Cd1−xZnxTe heterojunctions have been studied. The above structures have been fabricated by sequential deposition of CdS and ZnO:Al thin films on crystalline p-Cd1−xZnxTe by high-frequency magnetron sputtering. Based on the analysis of the I–V-characteristics in the region of forward and reverse biases, the relationship between the physical processes during heat treatment and the structural perfection of the transition area of the studied heterojunctions have been established.
Evaluation of a Text Messaging-Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Intervention for Young Sexual Minority Men: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gerend Mary A , Madkins Krystal , Crosby Shariell , Korpak Aaron K , Phillips Gregory L , Bass Michael , Houlberg Magda , Mustanski Brian
Published: September 2020

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related anal cancer. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, HPV vaccine uptake among young MSM remains low.

Purpose

This pilot randomized controlled trial tested the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a text messaging-based HPV vaccination intervention for young sexual minority men.

Methods

In 2018, unvaccinated sexual minority men aged 18–25 years were recruited from Chicago to participate in a 9 month sexual health program called txt2protect. Participants (N = 150) were randomized to the intervention or control condition. Intervention condition messages focused primarily on HPV vaccination, with only a brief mention of other sexual health practices (e.g., condom use and HIV testing), while control condition messages focused on a variety of sexual health practices with only a brief mention of HPV vaccination. Participants received daily text messages for the first 3 weeks and monthly text messages for the remaining ~8 months of the trial. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 3 week and 9 month follow-ups.

Results

Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Although trial retention was high (with over 88% completing the 9 month survey), the study fell short of meeting its recruitment goal. HPV vaccine series initiation was significantly higher among intervention participants (19.4%) compared to control participants (6.6%), odds ratio = 3.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.17, 10.08.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that txt2protect is an acceptable and potentially promising intervention for increasing HPV vaccine initiation among young sexual minority men.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02994108.
Predicting Social Distancing Intention and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Social Cognition Model
Authors: Hagger Martin S , Smith Stephanie R , Keech Jacob J , Moyers Susette A , Hamilton Kyra
Published: September 2020

Background

Social distancing is a key behavior to minimize COVID-19 infections. Identification of potentially modifiable determinants of social distancing behavior may provide essential evidence to inform social distancing behavioral interventions.

Purpose

The current study applied an integrated social cognition model to identify the determinants of social distancing behavior, and the processes involved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In a prospective correlational survey study, samples of Australian (N = 365) and U.S. (N = 440) residents completed online self-report measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norm, moral norm, anticipated regret, and perceived behavioral control [PBC]), intention, action planning, habit, and past behavior with respect to social distancing behavior at an initial occasion. Follow-up measures of habit and social distancing behavior were taken 1 week later.

Results

Structural equation models indicated that subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC were consistent predictors of intention in both samples. Intention, action planning, and habit at follow-up were consistent predictors of social distancing behavior in both samples. Action planning did not have consistent effects mediating or moderating the intention–behavior relationship. Inclusion of past behavior in the model attenuated effects among constructs, although the effects of the determinants of intention and behavior remained.

Conclusions

Current findings highlight the importance of subjective norm, moral obligation, and PBC as determinants of social distancing intention and intention and habit as behavioral determinants. Future research on long-range predictors of social distancing behavior and reciprocal effects in the integrated model is warranted.
Association Between the Risk for Cardiovascular Events and Antiviral Treatment for Herpes Zoster
Authors: Kim Jinkwon , Jeon Jimin , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Kyung-Yul
Published: September 2020

Background

Cardiovascular risk increases following herpes zoster. We investigated whether treatment with antiviral agents, steroids, and common cardiovascular medications was associated with the risk of postherpetic cardiovascular events.

Methods

This was a nationwide population-based, retrospective, cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service health claims data in Korea. We included patients with a first-ever diagnosis of herpes zoster in 2003–2014 and no prior cardiovascular event. The primary outcome was the occurrence of composites of myocardial infarction (International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code I21) and stroke (codes I60–I63) since the herpes zoster. We analyzed the exposure (intravenous or oral administration) to antiviral agents, steroids, antithrombotics, and statins within ±7 days from the index date of herpes zoster diagnosis. Follow-up was performed until occurrence of the primary outcome, death, or 31 December 2015, whichever came first.

Results

Of 84 993 patients with herpes zoster, the proportions of patients who received the treatment with antiviral agents, steroids, antithrombotics, and statins were 90.5%, 48.0%, 9.1%, and 7.9%, respectively. During the mean (standard deviation) follow-up period of 5.4 (3.1) years, 1523 patients experienced the primary outcome. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that treatment with antiviral agents (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, .71–.95) and statins (0.71; .59–.85) were significantly associated with the lower risk of primary outcome. Use of antithrombotics and steroids were not associated with the risk.

Conclusions

After herpes zoster, treatment with antiviral agents was significantly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. We need more information on the cardiovascular protective role of herpes zoster treatments.
Medication in adults after atrial switch for transposition of the great arteries: clinical practice and recommendations
Authors: Woudstra Odilia I , Kuijpers Joey M , Jongbloed Monique R M , van Dijk Arie P J , Sieswerda Gertjan T , Vliegen Hubert W , Egorova Anastasia D , Kiès Philippine , Duijnhouwer Anthonie L , Robbers-Visser Daniëlle , Konings Thelma C , Zwinderman Aeilko H , Meijboom Folkert J , Mulder Barbara J M , Bouma Berto J
Published: September 2020

Aims

Heart failure is the main threat to long-term health in adults with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) corrected by an atrial switch operation (AtrSO). Current guidelines refrain from recommending heart failure medication in TGA-AtrSO, as there is insufficient data to support the hypothesis that it is beneficial. Medication is therefore prescribed based on personal judgements. We aimed to evaluate medication use in TGA-AtrSO patients and examine the association of use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and β-blockers with long-term survival.

Methods and results

We identified 150 TGA-AtrSO patients [median age 30 years (interquartile range 25–35), 63% male] included in the CONCOR registry from five tertiary medical centres with subsequent linkage to the Dutch Dispensed Drug Register for the years 2006–2014. Use of RAAS inhibitors, β-blockers, and diuretics increased with age, from, respectively, 21% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14–40], 12% (95% CI 7–21), and 3% (95% CI 2–7) at age 25, to 49% (95% CI 38–60), 51% (95% CI 38–63), and 41% (95% CI 29–54) at age 45. Time-varying Cox marginal structural models that adjusted for confounding medication showed a lower mortality risk with use of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers in symptomatic patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.13 (95% CI 0.03–0.73); P = 0.020 and HR = 0.12 (95% CI 0.02–0.17); P = 0.019, respectively]. However, in the overall cohort, no benefit of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers was seen [HR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.24–3.63); P = 0.92 and HR = 0.98 (0.23–4.17); P = 0.98, respectively].

Conclusion

The use of heart failure medication is high in TGA-AtrSO patients, although evidence of its benefit is limited. This study showed lower risk of mortality with use of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers in symptomatic patients only. These findings can direct future guidelines, supporting use of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers in symptomatic, but not asymptomatic patients.
Infant mortality among native-born children of immigrants in France, 2008–17: results from a socio-demographic panel survey
Authors: Wallace Matthew , Khlat Myriam , Guillot Michel
Published: September 2020

Background

Within Europe, France stands out as a major country that lacks recent and reliable evidence on how infant mortality levels vary among the native-born children of immigrants compared with the native-born children of two parents born in France.

Methods

We used a nationally representative socio-demographic panel consisting of 296 400 births and 980 infant deaths for the period 2008–17. Children of immigrants were defined as being born to at least one parent born abroad and their infant mortality was compared with that of children born to two parents born in France. We first calculated infant mortality rates per 1000 live births. Then, using multi-level logit models, we calculated odds ratios of infant mortality in a series of models adjusting progressively for parental origins (M1), core demographic factors (M2), father's socio-professional category (M3) and area-level urbanicity and deprivation score (M4).

Results

We documented a substantial amount of excess infant mortality among those children born to at least one parent from Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, Western Africa, Other Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas, with variation among specific origin countries belonging to these groups. In most of these cases, the excess infant mortality levels persisted after adjusting for all individual-level and area-level factors.

Conclusions

Our findings, which can directly inform national public health policy, reaffirm the persistence of longstanding inequality in infant mortality according to parental origins in France and add to a growing body of evidence documenting excess infant mortality among the children of immigrants in Europe.
Tyrosine tRNA synthetase as a novel extracellular immunomodulatory protein in Streptococcus anginosus
Authors: Shimoyama Yu , Ishikawa Taichi , Kodama Yoshitoyo , Kimura Shigenobu , Sasaki Minoru
Published: September 2020

Streptococcus anginosus is frequently detected in patients with infective endocarditis, abscesses or oral cancer. Although S. anginosus is considered the causative pathogen of these diseases, the pathogenic mechanisms of the bacterium have remained unclear. Previously, we suggested that an extracellular antigen from S. anginosus (SAA) serves as a pathogenic factor by inducing nitric oxide production in murine macrophages. In the present study, we identified SAA using LC–MS/MS and assessed the biological activities of His-tagged recombinant SAA in murine macrophages. SAA was identified as a tyrosine tRNA synthetase (SaTyrRS) that was isolated from the extracellular fraction of S. anginosus but not from other oral streptococci. In addition, inducible nitric oxide synthase and TNF-α mRNA expression was induced in recombinant SaTyrRS-stimulated murine macrophages. However, their mRNA expression was not induced in macrophages stimulated with truncated or heat-inactivated recombinant SaTyrRS, and the activation motif was identified as Arg264–Thr270. Consequently, these results indicated that SaTyrRS could be a novel and specific immunomodulatory protein in S. anginosus.
End-of-Life Orders, Resource Utilization, and Costs Among Injured Older Adults Requiring Emergency Services
Authors: Lin Amber L , Newgard Craig , Caughey Aaron B , Malveau Susan , Dotson Abby , Eckstrom Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Background: Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) are increasingly utilized to assist patients approaching the end of life in documenting goals of care. We evaluated the association of POLST, resource utilization, and costs to 1 year among injured older adults requiring emergency services.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort of injured older adults ≥65 years with continuous Medicare fee-for-service coverage transported by emergency medical services (EMS) in 2011 across 4 counties in Oregon. Data sources included EMS, Medicare claims, vital statistics, and state POLST, inpatient and trauma registries. Outcomes included hospital admission, receipt of aggressive medical interventions, costs, and hospice use. We matched patients on patient characteristics and comorbidities to control for bias.Results: We included 2116 patients of which 484 (22.9%) had a POLST form prior to 911 contact. Of POLST patients, 136 (28.1%) had orders for full treatment, 194 (40.1%) for limited interventions, and 154 (31.8%) for comfort measures. There were no significant associations for care during the index event. However, in the year after the index event, patients with care limitations had higher adjusted hospice use (limited interventions OR 1.7 [95% CI: 1.2–2.6]; comfort OR, 2.0 [95% CI: 1.3–3.0]) and lower adjusted post-discharge costs (no POLST, $32,399 [95% CI: 30,041–34,756]; limited interventions, $18,729 [95% CI: 12,913–24,545]; and comfort $15,593 [95% CI: 12,091–19,095]). There were no significant associations for all other outcomes.Conclusions: Care limitations specified in POLST forms among injured older adults transported by EMS are associated with increased use of hospice and decreased costs to 1 year.
Estimating Older Adult Mortality From COVID-19
Authors: Sharma Andy
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to employ simulations to model the probability of mortality from COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus) for older adults in the United States given at best and at worst cases.

Methods

This study first examined current epidemiological reports to better understand the risk of mortality from COVID-19. Past epidemiological studies from severe acute respiratory syndrome were also examined given similar virology. Next, at best and at worst mortality cases were considered with the goal of estimating the probability of mortality. To accomplish this for the general population, microdata from the National Health Interview Survey pooled sample (2016, 2017, and 2018 public-use NHIS with a sample of 34,881 adults at least 60 years of age) were utilized. Primary measures included age and health status (diabetes, body mass index, and hypertension). A logit regression with 100,000 simulations was employed to derive the estimates and probabilities.

Results

Age exhibited a positive association for the probability of death with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.22 (p < .05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.42). A positive association was also found for body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.03, p < .01, 95% CI: 1.02–1.04) and hypertension (OR 1.36, p < .01, 95% CI: 1.09–1.66) for the at best case. Diabetes was significant but only for the at best case.

Discussion

This study found mortality increased with age and was notable for the 74–79 age group for the at best case and the 70–79 age group of the at worst case. Obesity was also important and suggested a higher risk for mortality. Hypertension also exhibited greater risk but the increase was minimal. Given the volume of information and misinformation, these findings can be applied by health professionals, gerontologists, social workers, and local policymakers to better inform older adults about mortality risks and, in the process, reestablish public trust.
Caremongering and Assumptions of Need: The Spread of Compassionate Ageism During COVID-19
Authors: Vervaecke Deanna , Meisner Brad A
Published: September 2020

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the pervasive ageism that exists in our society. Although instances of negative or hostile ageism have been identified, critical attention to the nuances of ageism throughout the pandemic, such as the prevalence and implications of positive or compassionate ageism, has lagged in comparison. This commentary uses stereotype content theory to extend the conversation regarding COVID-19 and ageism to include compassionate ageism. We offer the “caremongering” movement, a social movement driven by social media to help individuals affected by COVID-19, as a case study example that illustrates how compassionate ageism has manifested during the pandemic. The implications of compassionate ageism that have and continue to occur during the pandemic are discussed using stereotype embodiment theory. Future actions that focus on shifting attention from the intent of ageist actions and beliefs to the outcomes for those experiencing them are needed. Further, seeking older individuals’ consent when help is offered, recognizing the diversity of aging experiences, and thinking critically about ageism in its multiple and varied forms are all required.
Differences in Biologic Utilization and Surgery Rates in Pediatric and Adult Crohn’s Disease: Results From a Large Electronic Medical Record-derived Cohort
Authors: Kurowski Jacob A , Milinovich Alex , Ji Xinge , Bauman Janine , Sugano David , Kattan Michael W , Achkar Jean-Paul
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic illness that affects both the pediatric and adult populations with an increasing worldwide prevalence. We aim to identify a large, single-center cohort of patients with CD using natural language processing (NLP) in combination with codified data and extract surgical rates and medication usage from the electronic medical record (EMR).

Methods

Patients with CD were identified from the entire Cleveland Clinic EMR using ICD codes and CD-specific terms identified by NLP to fit a logistic regression model. Cohorts were developed for pediatric-onset (younger than 18 years) and adult-onset (18 years and older) CD. Surgeries were identified using current procedural terminology (CPT) codes and NLP. Crohn’s disease–related medications were extracted using physician orders in the EMR.

Results

Patients with pediatric-onset (n = 2060) and adult-onset (n = 4973) CD were identified from 2000 to 2017 with a positive predictive value of 98.5%. Rate of CD-related abdominal surgery over time was significantly higher in adult-onset compared with pediatric-onset CD (10-year surgery rate 49.9% vs 37.7%, respectively; P < 0.001). Treatment with biologics was significantly higher in pediatric vs adult-onset CD cohorts (63.6% vs 49.2%; P < 0.001). The overall rate of CD-related abdominal surgery was significantly higher in those who received <6 months of a biologic compared with ≥6 months of a biologic for both cohorts (pediatric 64.1% vs 39.1%, P ≤ 0.001; adult 69.3% vs 56.5%, P ≤ 0.001). Additionally, 60.9% in pediatric-onset CD and 43.5% in adult-onset CD treated with ≥6 months of biologic therapy have not required abdominal surgery. On multivariable analysis, perianal surgery was a significant risk factor for abdominal surgery in both cohorts.

Conclusion

We used a combination of codified and NLP data to establish the largest, North American, single-center EMR cohort of pediatric- and adult-onset CD patients and determined that biologics are associated with lower rates of surgery over time, potentially altering the natural history of the disease.
Imputation of missing data from time-lapse cameras used in recreational fishing surveys
Authors: Afrifa-Yamoah Ebenezer , Taylor Stephen M , Fisher Aiden , Mueller Ute
Published: September 2020

While remote camera surveys have the potential to improve the accuracy of recreational fishing estimates, missing data are common and require robust analytical techniques to impute. Time-lapse cameras are being used in Western Australia to monitor recreational boating activities, but outages have occurred. Generalized linear mixed effect models formulated in a fully conditional specification multiple imputation framework were used to reconstruct missing data, with climatic and some temporal classifications as covariates. Using a complete 12-month camera record of hourly counts of recreational powerboat retrievals, data were simulated based on ten observed camera outage patterns, with a missing proportion of between 0.06 and 0.61. Nine models were evaluated, including Poisson and negative binomial models, and their associated zero-inflated variants. The imputed values were cross-validated against actual observations using percent bias, mean absolute error, root mean square error, and skill score as performance measures. In 90% of the cases, 95% confidence intervals for the total imputed estimates from at least one of the models contained the total actual counts. With no systematic trends in performance among the models, zero-inflated Poisson and its bootstrapping variant models consistently ranked among the top 3 models and possessed the narrowest confidence intervals. The robustness and generality of the imputation framework were demonstrated using other camera datasets with distinct characteristics. The results provide reliable estimates of the number of boat retrievals for subsequent estimates of fishing effort and provide time series data on boat-based activity.
From Text to Political Positions on Foreign Aid: Analysis of Aid Mentions in Party Manifestos from 1960 to 2015
Authors: Dietrich Simone , Milner Helen V , Slapin Jonathan B
Published: September 2020

Looking at texts of election manifestos, this paper examines systematic differences among political parties within and across countries in how they position themselves on foreign aid and in how these manifesto pledges translate into commitments to disburse aid. Conventional wisdom suggests that left-leaning parties may be more supportive of foreign aid than rightwing parties, but also that foreign aid may not be sufficiently electorally salient for parties to stake out positions in campaign materials, such as manifestos. We leverage a new data set that codes party positions on foreign aid in election manifestos for 13 donors from 1960 to 2015. We find that parties differ systematically in how they engage with foreign aid. Left-leaning governments are more likely to express positive sentiment vis-à-vis aid than right-leaning governments. We evaluate the effects of positions on aid outcomes and find that positive aid views expressed by the party in government translate into higher aid commitments, though only for left-leaning parties.
Development and validation of a lateral flow immunoassay for rapid detection of VanA-producing enterococci
Authors: Oueslati Saoussen , Volland Hervé , Cattoir Vincent , Bernabeu Sandrine , Girlich Delphine , Dulac Ducan , Plaisance Marc , Laroche Maxime , Dortet Laurent , Simon Stéphanie , Naas Thierry
Published: September 2020

Background

VRE are nosocomial pathogens with an increasing incidence in recent decades. Rapid detection is crucial to reduce their spread and prevent infections and outbreaks.

Objectives

To evaluate a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) (called NG-Test VanA) for the rapid and reliable detection of VanA-producing VRE (VanA-VRE) from colonies and broth.

Methods

NG-Test VanA was validated on 135 well-characterized enterococcal isolates grown on Mueller–Hinton (MH) agar (including 40 VanA-VRE). Different agar plates and culture broths widely used in routine laboratories for culture of enterococci were tested.

Results

All 40 VanA-VRE clinical isolates were correctly detected in less than 15 min irrespective of the species expressing the VanA ligase and the medium used for bacterial growth. No cross-reaction was observed with any other clinically relevant ligases (VanB, C1, C2, D, E, G, L, M and N). Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 100% for VanA-VRE grown on MH agar plates. NG-Test VanA accurately detects VanA-VRE irrespective of the culture medium (agar and broth). Band intensity was increased when using bacteria grown on vancomycin-containing culture media or on MH close to the vancomycin disc as a consequence of VanA induction. The limit of detection of the assay was 6.3 × 106 cfu per test with bacteria grown on MH plates and 4.9 × 105 cfu per test with bacteria grown on ChromID® VRE plates.

Conclusions

NG-Test VanA is efficient, rapid and easy to implement in the routine workflow of a clinical microbiology laboratory for the confirmation of VanA-VRE.
Patched Green's function method applied to acoustic wave propagation in disordered media: an interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Moura Francisco A , Barbosa Wagner A , Duarte Edwin F , Silva Danyelle P , Ferreira Mauro S , Lucena Liacir S , de Araújo João M
Published: September 2020

Modern visualization can be formulated as inversion problems that aim to obtain structural information about a complex medium through wave excitations. However, without numerically efficient forward calculations, even state-of-the-art inversion procedures are too computationally intensive to implement. We adapt a method previously used to treat transport in electronic waveguides to describe acoustic wave motion in complex media with high gains in computational time. The method consists of describing the system as if it was made of disconnected parts that are patched together. By expressing the system in this manner, wave-propagation calculations that otherwise would involve a very large matrix can be done with considerably smaller matrices instead. In particular, by treating one of such patches as a target whose parameters are changeable, we are able to implement target-oriented optimization in which the model parameters can be continuously refined until the ideal result is reproduced. The so-called Patched Green's function (PGF) approach is mathematically exact and involves no approximations, thus improving the computational cost without compromising accuracy. Given the generality of our method, it can be applied to a wide variety of inversion problems. Here we apply it to the case of seismic modeling where acoustic waves are used to map the earth subsurface in order to identify and explore mineral resources. The technique is tested with realistic seismic models and compared to standard calculation methods. The reduction in computational complexity is remarkable and paves the way to treating larger systems with increasing accuracy levels.
Management of Hepatitis C in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Statler Victoria A , Espinosa Claudia
Published: September 2020

The management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has changed dramatically in recent years with the use of direct antiviral agents (AADs). New AADs have excellent safety profile and demonstrated to be highly effective. Interferon free regimens are now recommended for children and adolescents but significant barriers for treatment exist. Overcoming those barriers will facilitate HCV elimination. This review covers varied topics to familiarize providers with the current status of pediatric HCV management in light of newly available DAAs medications.
Polysaccharides extracted fromRheum tanguticumameliorate radiation-induced enteritis via activation of Nrf2/HO-1
Authors: Zhang Tian , Shi Lei , Li Yan , Mu Wei , Zhang HaoMeng , Li Yang , Wang XiaoYan , Zhao WeiHe , Qi YuHong , Liu Linna
Published: September 2020

Radiation-induced enteritis is a major side effect in cancer patients undergoing abdominopelvic radiotherapy. The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway is a critical endogenous antioxidant stress pathway, but its precise role in radiation-induced enteritis remains to be clarified. Polysaccharides extracted from Rheum tanguticum (RTP) can protect the intestinal cells from radiation-induced damage, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. SD rats and IEC-6 cells were exposed to 12 or 10 Gy X-ray radiation. Rat survival, and histopathological and immunohistochemical profiles were analyzed at different time points. Indicators of oxidative stress and inflammatory response were also assessed. Cell viability, apoptosis and Nrf2/HO-1 expression were evaluated at multiple time points. Significant changes were observed in the physiological and biochemical indexes of rats after radiation, accompanied by significant oxidative stress response. The mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 peaked at 12 h after irradiation, and HO-1 expression peaked at 48 h after irradiation. RTP administration reduced radiation-induced intestinal damage, upregulated Nrf2/HO-1, improved physiological indexes, significantly decreased apoptosis and inflammatory factors, and upregulated HO-1, particularly at 48 h after irradiation. In conclusion, Nrf2 is activated in the early stage of radiation-induced intestinal injury and plays a protective role. RTP significantly ameliorates radiation-induced intestinal injury via the regulation of Nrf2 and its downstream protein HO-1.
Lipofibromatous Hamartoma in a Hispanic Patient with macrodactyly: a rare peripheral nerve tumor causing recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Pinci Marcantonio V , Olivella Gerardo , Rodríguez Manuel , Hess-Arcelay Hans W , Ramírez Norman , Foy-Parilla Christian
Published: September 2020

This is a rare case of a 42-year-old Hispanic male with macrodactyly who presented with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to Lipofibromatous Hamartoma (LFH). A slowly growing mass in his right palm with pain and numbness, along with motor and sensory deficits in the median nerve distribution, was reported since the past year prior to visit. Previous open carpal tunnel release was performed at 16 years of age due to CTS without complications. The diagnosis of LFH was made based on ultrasound, electromyography test and physical examination. An extended open carpal tunnel release with transection of transverse ligament was performed. The 24-month postoperative evaluation showed complete resolution of symptoms. This report illustrates the management of a recurrent CTS due to LFH in a Hispanic adult patient with macrodactyly that was successfully treated with a carpal tunnel decompression.
Activation of ACS7 in Arabidopsis affects vascular development and demonstrates a link between ethylene synthesis and cambial activity
Authors: Yang Shuo , Wang Sining , Li Shujia , Du Qian , Qi Liying , Wang Wenguang , Chen Jingtang , Wang Huanzhong
Published: September 2020

Ethylene is a gaseous hormone that affects many processes of plant growth and development. During vascular development, ethylene positively regulates cambial cell division in parallel with tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor (TDIF) peptide signaling. In this study, we identified an ethylene overproducing mutant, acs7-d, exhibiting enhanced cambial activity and reduced wall development in fiber cells. Using genetic analysis, we found that ethylene signaling is necessary for the phenotypes of enhanced cambial cell division as well as defects in stem elongation and fiber cell wall development. Further, the cambial cell proliferation phenotype of acs7-d depends on WOX4, indicating that the two parallel pathways, ethylene and TDIF signaling, converge at WOX4 in regulating cambium activity. Gene expression analysis showed that ethylene impedes fiber cell wall biosynthesis through a conserved hierarchical transcriptional regulation. These results advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ethylene in regulating vascular meristem activity.
PSB33 protein sustains photosystem II in plant chloroplasts under UV-A light
Authors: Nilsson Anders K , Pěnčík Aleš , Johansson Oskar N , Bånkestad Daniel , Fristedt Rikard , Suorsa Marjaana , Trotta Andrea , Novák Ondřej , Mamedov Fikret , Aro Eva-Mari , Burmeister Björn Lundin
Published: September 2020

Plants can quickly and dynamically respond to spectral and intensity variations of the incident light. These responses include activation of developmental processes, morphological changes, and photosynthetic acclimation that ensure optimal energy conversion and minimal photoinhibition. Plant adaptation and acclimation to environmental changes have been extensively studied, but many details surrounding these processes remain elusive. The photosystem II (PSII)-associated protein PSB33 plays a fundamental role in sustaining PSII as well as in the regulation of the light antenna in fluctuating light. We investigated how PSB33 knock-out Arabidopsis plants perform under different light qualities. psb33 plants displayed a reduction of 88% of total fresh weight compared to wild type plants when cultivated at the boundary of UV-A and blue light. The sensitivity towards UV-A light was associated with a lower abundance of PSII proteins, which reduces psb33 plants’ capacity for photosynthesis. The UV-A phenotype was found to be linked to altered phytohormone status and changed thylakoid ultrastructure. Our results collectively show that PSB33 is involved in a UV-A light-mediated mechanism to maintain a functional PSII pool in the chloroplast.
A High-Level Overview of the Regulations Surrounding a Clinical Laboratory and Upcoming Regulatory Challenges for Laboratory Developed Tests
Authors: Graden Kevin C , Bennett Shannon A , Delaney Sarah R , Gill Hillary E , Willrich Maria A V
Published: September 2020

Objective

Regulations for clinical laboratories in the United States are complex. The goal of this review is to improve the clarity of laboratory-developed test (LDT) regulation to facilitate innovation.

Methods

A literature and regulation review of current legislation for compliance by U.S. clinical laboratories was performed, and examples of the steps to implement LDTs within compliance with the regulatory environment are shared.

Results

Many federal and state jurisdictions are critical to the functionality of a laboratory in addition to upcoming potential promulgation of the Verifying Accurate Leading-Edge IVCT Development Act. Increased regulation, although imperative to maintain consistent, high-standard clinical care, could mean additional costs for developers and healthcare while also hindering innovation.

Conclusion

An extensive discussion of proposed regulations for LDTs needs to occur. Laboratory testing requires the sustained use of innovative methods at a cost that will permit continued, timely, uninterrupted high-quality service.
Photometric modelling and VIS-IR albedo maps of Rhea from Cassini-VIMS
Authors: Filacchione G , Ciarniello M , D’Aversa E , Capaccioni F , Cerroni P , Buratti B J , Clark R N , Stephan K , Plainaki C
Published: September 2020

Photometric correction based on the Shkuratov method is applied to derive visible and infrared albedo maps of Rhea from disc-resolved Cassini VIMS data. Differently from I/F images, albedo maps offer an optimal disentanglement of composition and physical properties of the surface from illumination-viewing effects and to study spectral variations occurring at hemispherical and local scales. A similar methodology has been already applied to Dione’s and Tethys’s data sets returned by VIMS. Following the same scheme also for Rhea, spectral albedo is derived at 59 wavelengths between 0.35 and 5.047 µm. Equigonal albedo maps are rendered in cylindrical projection with a 0.5$^\circ \, \times$ 0.5° angular resolution in latitude and longitude, corresponding to a maximum spatial resolution of 6.7 km bin−1. Apart from albedo, 0.35–0.55 and 0.55–0.95 µm spectral slopes and the water ice 1.5–2.0 µm band depth maps are computed from photometric-corrected data with the specific scope to investigate the leading-trailing hemisphere colour-albedo dichotomy and to constrain spectral properties above different morphological units including fresh craters (Inktomi) and bright tectonics features (Wakonda-Avaiki Chasmata).
EIF4A3-induced circular RNA ASAP1 promotes tumorigenesis and temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma via NRAS/MEK1/ERK1–2 signaling
Authors: Wei Yutian , Lu Chenfei , Zhou Peng , Zhao Lin , Lyu Xiao , Yin Jianxing , Shi ZhuMei , You Yongping
Published: September 2020

Background

Acquired chemoresistance is a major challenge in the clinical treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). Circular RNAs have been verified to play a role in tumor chemoresistance. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential role and molecular mechanism of circular (circ)RNA ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase activating proteins with Src homology 3 domain, ankyrin repeat and Pleckstrin homology domain 1 (circASAP1) in temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of GBM.

Methods

We analyzed circRNA alterations in recurrent GBM tissues relative to primary GBM through RNA sequencing. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR verified the expression of circASAP1 in tissues and cells. Knockdown and overexpressed plasmids were used to evaluate the effect of circASAP1 on GBM cell proliferation and TMZ-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, fluorescent in situ hybridization, dual-luciferase reporter, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to confirm the regulatory network of circASAP1/miR-502-5p/neuroblastoma Ras (NRAS). An intracranial tumor model was used to verify our findings in vivo.

Results

CircASAP1 expression was significantly upregulated in recurrent GBM tissues and TMZ-resistant cell lines. CircASAP1 overexpression enhanced GBM cell proliferation and TMZ resistance, which could be reduced by circASAP1 knockdown. Further experiments revealed that circASAP1 increased the expression of NRAS via sponging miR-502-5p. Moreover, circASAP1 depletion effectively restored the sensitivity of TMZ-resistant xenografts to TMZ treatment in vivo.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that circASAP1 exerts regulatory functions in GBM and that competing endogenous (ce)RNA-mediated microRNA sequestration might be a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM treatment.