bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 spread across the Colombian-Venezuelan border
Authors: Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto , Muñoz Marina , Florez Carolina , Gomez Sergio , Rico Angelica , Pardo Lisseth , Barros Esther C. , Hernández Carolina , Delgado Lourdes , Jaimes Jesús E. , Pérez Luis , Teherán Aníbal A. , Alshammary Hala Alejel , Obla Ajay , Khan Zenab , Gonzalez-Reiche Ana S. , Hernandez Matthew M. , Sordillo Emilia Mia , Simon Viviana , van Bakel Harm , Ramírez Juan David
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Venezuela and Colombia both adopted measures of containment early in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian crisis has decimated its health care system, and forced millions of Venezuelans to flee through its porous border with Colombia. The extensive shared border, and illegal cross-border transit through improvised trails between the two countries are major challenges for public health authorities. We report the first SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Venezuela, and present a snapshot of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiologic landscape in the Colombian-Venezuelan border region.

Methods

We sequenced and assembled viral genomes from total RNA extracted from nasopharyngeal (NP) clinical specimens using a custom reference-based analysis pipeline. Three assemblies obtained were subjected to typing using the Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak LINeages ‘Pangolin’ tool. A total of 376 publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genomes from South America were obtained from the GISAID database to perform comparative genomic analyses. Additionally, the Wuhan-1 strain was used as reference.

Results

We found that two of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Venezuela belonged to the B1 lineage, and the third to the B.1.13 lineage. We observed a point mutation in the Spike protein gene (D614G substitution), previously reported to be associated with increased infectivity, in all three Venezuelan genomes. An additional three mutations (R203K/G204R substitution) were present in the nucleocapsid (N) gene of one Venezuelan genome.

Conclusions

Genomic sequencing demonstrates similarity between SARS-CoV-2 lineages from Venezuela and viruses collected from patients in bordering areas in Colombia and from Brazil, consistent with cross-border transit despite administrative measures including lockdowns. The presence of mutations associated with increased infectivity in the 3 Venezuelan genomes we report and Colombian SARS-CoV-2 genomes from neighboring borders areas may pose additional challenges for control of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the complex epidemiological landscape in Latin American countries. Public health authorities should carefully follow the progress of the pandemic and its impact on displaced populations within the region.
Crystal structure of bis{(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dihydro[3-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazol-1-yl]borato}iron(II)
Authors: Ossinger Sascha , Näther Christian , Tuczek Felix
Published: July 2020

The structure determination of [Fe(C13H15BN5)2] was undertaken as part of a project on the modification of the recently published spin-crossover (SCO) complex [Fe{H2B(pz)(pypz)}2] (pz = pyrazole, pypz = pyridylpyrazole). To this end, a new ligand was synthesized in which two additional methyl groups are present. Its reaction with iron trifluoromethanesulfonate led to a pure sample of the title compound, as proven by X-ray powder diffraction. The asymmetric unit consists of one complex molecule in a general position. The FeII atom is coordinated by two tridentate N-binding {H2B(3,5-(CH3)2-pz)(pypz)}− ligands. The Fe—N bond lengths range between 2.1222 (13) and 2.3255 (15) Å, compatible with FeII in the high-spin state, which was also confirmed by magnetic measurements. Other than a very weak C—H...N non-classical hydrogen bond linking individual molecules into rows extending parallel to [010], there are no remarkable intermolecular interactions.
Phase I non-linear profiles monitoring using a modified Hausdorff distance algorithm and clustering analysis
Authors: Nie Bin , Liu Diqing , Liu Xiaohui , Ye Wenjing
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new non-parametric phase I control chart for the problem of non-linear profile outlier detection.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed non-parametric method is based on a modified Hausdorff distance, which does not require a restrictive assumption on the form of profiles. By obtaining the distance between each profile and the baseline profile, the authors introduced an iterative optimization clustering algorithm to identify outliers by clustering distances.

Findings

The simulation results show that the proposed method can distinguish outliers for structural changes of non-linear profiles. The authors also present a real industrial case example to highlight how practitioners can implement and make use of the proposed control chart in outlier detection applications, and it achieves higher accuracy in the outlier detection of complex profiles.

Practical implications

The research results of this paper can be applied to any manufacturing or service system whose quality characteristics are characterized by non-linear profiles. This new approach provides quality practitioners a better decision-making tool for non-linear profile outlier detection.

Originality/value

Due to the complexity of real-world applications, the non-linear profiles monitoring problem is yet to be addressed. However, the related research still remains rare. And the authors’ proposed non-linear profile control chart, which does not require a restrictive assumption on the form of profiles, shows its applicability and superiority in simulation study and real-world case.
An instrument validation of TQM enablers and IT resources in Indian ICT organizations
Authors: Khanam Suby , Talib Faisal , Siddiqui Jamshed
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and rank total quality management (TQM) enablers and information technology (IT) resources to provide a reliable and valid measurement instrument for evaluation in Indian information and communications technology (ICT) organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review of TQM enablers and IT resources, 17 factors are identified, of which, 9 are TQM enablers and 8 are IT resources. The empirical data, retrieved from 801 ICT organizations, is tested by descriptive analysis and factor analysis (FA). FA is used to ensure that items in each scale sufficiently reflect the scope of each factor.

Findings

This paper has developed an instrument that can be used to evaluate items to implement TQM enablers and IT resources. The instrument identifies 17 reliable and valid factors, out of which 16 are input factors, while 1 is an outcome factor.

Practical implications

This instrument will provide a practical understanding to enable the monitoring of TQM enabler and IT resource activities in ICT organizations. Along with this, these instruments will help to build models related to constructs that will further achievement of customer satisfaction (CS).

Originality/value

This paper presents an instrument which validates the different items of TQM enablers and IT resources. It also shows the relationship between the two in terms of CS.
The urgent need for microbiology literacy in society: children as educators
Authors: Timmis Kenneth , Timmis James , Jebok Franziska
Published: July 2020

Microbes and their activities have pervasive influence and deterministic roles in the functioning and health of the geosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, i.e. in nature. Microbiology can be considered a language of nature. We have argued that the relevance of microbes for everyday personal decisions and collective policies requires that society attains microbiology literacy, through the introduction of child‐relevant microbiology topics into school curricula. That is: children should learn the microbiology language of nature. Children can be effective transmitters of new and/or rapidly evolving knowledge within families and beyond, where there is a substantive information asymmetry (witness digital technology, social media, and new languages in foreign countries). They can thus be key disseminators of microbiology knowledge, where there will be information asymmetry for the foreseeable future, and thereby contribute to the attainment of microbiology literacy in society. The education of family and friends can be encouraged/stimulated by home assignments, family leisure projects, and school‐organised microbiology‐centric social‐education events. Children are key stakeholders in family decisions. Their microbiology knowledge, and their dissemination of it, can help inform and increase the objectivity of such decisions.
Uterocervical angle as a predictor of preterm birth on a high‐risk collective between 20 and 31 weeks of gestation: A cohort analysis
Authors: Gründler Kathleen , Gerber Bernd , Stubert Johannes
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The cervical length (CL) measurement is a widely used method to estimate the risk of preterm birth. Due in particular to the high false‐positive rate, the establishment of markers with improved test characteristics is a great challenge. A potential predictor of preterm birth is the uterocervical angle (UCA) and this additional measurement may improve the risk assessment. It was the aim of this study to compare the test properties of CL and UCA on patients at risk for preterm birth.

Material and methods

109 patients with at least one of the following signs of threatening preterm birth between 20+0/7 and 31+6/7 weeks were included in a prospective cohort analysis: regular (>3/30 min) or painful uterine contractions, CL below 25 mm or a history of preterm birth. Exclusion criteria were premature rupture of membranes, hypertensive disorders, vaginal bleeding, surgical cerclage, Arabin pessary or cervical dilation of more than 30 mm. The determination of the UCA was carried out in a standardized manner using the image documents captured by vaginal sonographic CL measurement. The primary endpoint was preterm birth <34 weeks, secondary endpoints were delivery <37 weeks and within 7 days.

Results

The UCA was on average 103° and the mean UCA in preterm and term groups did not differ significantly (P = .924). The UCA was not predictive for threatened preterm birth, even if only singletons were considered. For CL the best predictive accuracy for preterm birth <34 weeks was observed at a cut‐off value of 14 mm with sensitivity 0.50, specificity 0.80, positive predictive value 0.30, negative predictive value 0.90, positive likelihood ratio 2.4, negative likelihood ratio 0.6 and an odds ratio of 3.9 (95% confidence interval 1.3‐11.7, P = .016).

Conclusions

The assessment of UCA in patients at risk for preterm birth was not suitable to predict the probability of a threatened preterm birth. Measurement of UCA cannot be recommended in this situation.
Novel monoclonal antibody against integrin α3 shows therapeutic potential for ovarian cancer
Authors: Ke Feng‐Yi , Chen Wan‐Yu , Lin Ming‐Chieh , Hwang Yu‐Chyi , Kuo Kuan‐Ting , Wu Han‐Chung
Published: July 2020

Ovarian cancer has a high recurrence rate after platinum‐based chemotherapy. To improve the treatment of ovarian cancer and identify ovarian cancer‐specific antibodies, we immunized mice with the human ovarian carcinoma cell line, SKOV‐3, and generated hybridoma clones. Several rounds of screening yielded 30 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with no cross‐reactivity to normal cells. Among these mAbs, OV‐Ab 30‐7 was found to target integrin α3 and upregulate p53 and p21, while stimulating the apoptosis of cancer cells. We further found that binding of integrin α3 by OV‐Ab 30‐7 impaired laminin‐induced focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. The mAb alone or in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel inhibited tumor progression and prolonged survival of tumor‐bearing mice. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of ovarian patient specimens revealed higher levels of integrin α3 in cancer cells compared with normal cells. By querying online clinical databases, we found that elevated ITGA3 expression in ovarian cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Taken together, our data suggest that the novel mAb, OV‐Ab 30‐7, may be considered as a potential therapeutic for ovarian cancer.
Service quality evaluation of satellite data distribution system based on BP‐IPA
Authors: Jin Jiahua , Lu Lu , Yan Xiangbin
Published: July 2020

With the remarkable advances in remote sensing technology, remote sensing data collected by satellites play an important role in many application domains, in particular the smart city. The service quality of satellite data distribution systems (SDDS) is vital for both administrators and end users. Therefore, it is of practical significance to fully understand the factors that affect the satellite data distribution service. Based on prior studies of e‐service quality evaluation and the characteristics of the satellite data, a multidimensional and multi‐level service quality evaluation model of the SDDS is proposed. A questionnaire was designed based on the proposed model to collect users' evaluation data. Backpropagation neural network was employed to examine whether and how factors in the proposed model affect the overall service quality. The results were interpreted using importance and performance analysis to assess the relationship between the keys of service quality of the SDDS and the overall service quality. Findings have important managerial implications for the quality management of the SDDS.
14‐month‐olds exploit verbs’ syntactic contexts to build expectations about novel words
Authors: Babineau Mireille , Shi Rushen , Christophe Anne
Published: July 2020

During their second year of life, infants develop a rudimentary understanding of grammatical categories based on their knowledge and use of frequent function words. The current study inquired whether, at only 14 months of age, infants can track co‐occurrence patterns between function words and content words (e.g., determiners can precede nouns, and pronouns can precede verbs), and use these previously encountered syntactic contexts to build expectations about which function words can co‐occur with novel words. Using a habituation paradigm, French‐learning 14‐month‐olds were presented with utterances containing two novel words preceded by function words (either two determiners in the Novel Nouns condition or two pronouns in the Novel Verbs conditions). We found that at test, infants looked longer during trials in which the novel words occurred in an unexpected syntactic context (following a pronoun for infants in the Novel Nouns condition and following a determiner for infants in the pooled analysis of the three Novel Verbs conditions). Hence, our results confirm previous findings on infants’ sensitivity to noun contexts and most importantly demonstrate that their sensitivity to the co‐occurrence of verbs with pronouns begins much earlier than previously understood.
Trait evolution and historical biogeography shape assemblages of annual killifish
Authors: Helmstetter Andrew J. , Papadopulos Alexander S. T. , Igea Javier , Van Dooren Tom J. M.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Different species assemblages of annual killifish possess replicated body size distributions yet have unique sets of species in each area of endemism. Here, we use models of trait evolution and historical biogeography to discover how size variation originated and has been restructured.

Location

South America.

Taxon

Austrolebias (Cyprinodontiformes).

Methods

We sampled 63 individuals from 26 Austrolebias species. Using phylogenetic trees (BEAST2), data on environmental variables at sampling locations and size data, we compare different models for trait evolution (SURFACE, l1OU) of body size and niche traits. We model the historical biogeography of the areas of endemism (BioGeoBEARS) and use both analyses in combination to reconstruct the history of four species assemblages.

Results

We present new phylogenetic trees for Austrolebias and use them to show that large size principally arose within a single area driven by a shifted selection optimum for a subset of the species in that area. We suggest that ecological interactions triggered size divergence and that this large‐bodied lineage subsequently spread to two other areas. A second assemblage may have been shaped by adaptation to a new environment without an associated increase in size divergence. A third assemblage, which has the smallest size range and the most recent origin, is phylogenetically clustered, and we found no evidence of environmental filtering.

Main conclusions

Assemblage similarity in Austrolebias is the result of contrasting ecological, evolutionary and historical processes. Modelling trait evolution together with historical biogeography can help to disentangle the complex histories of multispecies assemblages. This approach provides context to commonly used tests investigating the role of ecological processes from phylogenetic data and generates new testable hypotheses on the processes that generated trait diversity and assemblage similarity.
Characterization of metabolic activity, isozyme contribution and species differences of bavachin, and identification of efflux transporters for bavachin-O-glucuronide in HeLa1A1 cells
Authors: Li Yang , Xu Chunxia , Xu Jinjin , Qin Zifei , Li Shishi , Hu Liufang , Yao Zhihong , Gonzalez Frank J , Yao Xinsheng
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Bavachin is a bioactive natural flavonoid with oestrogen-like activity. Here, we aimed to investigate its metabolic and disposal fates involving in CYPs, UGTs and efflux transporters.

Methods

Phase I metabolism and glucuronidation were performed by human liver microsomes (HLM). Reaction phenotyping and activity correlation analysis were performed to identify the main CYP and UGT isozymes. Chemical inhibition and gene knock-down approaches were employed to explore the function of BCRP and MRPs.

Key findings

Five phase I metabolites (M1–M5) and three glucuronides (G1–G3) were identified. The CLint values for M4 and G1 by HLM were 127.99 and 1159.07 μl/min per mg, respectively. Reaction phenotyping results suggested CYP1A1 (208.85 μl/min per mg) and CYP2C9 (107.51 μl/min per mg), and UGT1A1 (697.19 μl/min per mg), UGT1A7 (535.78 μl/min per mg), UGT1A8 (247.72 μl/min per mg) and UGT1A9 (783.68 μl/min per mg) all participated in the metabolism of bavachin. In addition, activity correlation analysis also supported the results above. Furthermore, the metabolism exhibited marked species differences, and rabbits were the appropriate model animals. Moreover, MRP4 was identified as the main contributor based on chemical inhibition and gene silencing approaches.

Conclusions

CYP1A1 and CYP2C9, UGT1A1, UGT1A7, UGT1A8 and UGT1A9, and MRP4 all played important roles in the metabolism and disposition of bavachin.
Markup Dispersion and Firm Entry: Evidence from Ethiopia*
Authors: Damoah Kaku Attah , Giovannetti Giorgia , Sanfilippo Marco
Published: July 2020

This paper examines whether and to what extent markups can influence structural transformation in a developing country by creating entry barriers. We exploit information from the Ethiopian annual census of manufacturing establishments to estimate markups and their dispersion at industry and woreda‐industry‐wide levels. We then analyse the relationship between markup dispersion and firm entry rates in local markets. Results show that higher markup dispersion significantly correlates with lower entry rates into a market, even in the presence of expected positive average markups. Specifically, an increase in dispersion from its median to the values at the 90th percentile of the distribution is related to a 4.2% point lower entry rate. This result is robust to different estimation methods as well as to different definitions of the key variables.
Experimental Investigation and Simulation of a Boeing 747 Auxiliary Power Unit
Authors: Skliros Christos , Ali Fakhre , Jennions Ian
Published: July 2020

Auxiliary power units (APUs) are a major driver of maintenance on civil aircraft. However, experimental data and performance simulations are rarely seen in public domain literature. While there is recourse to aircraft engine experience, this does not address the loading and the failure modes of an APU. This work aims to add to the literature, by experimentally investigating a Boeing 747 APU, collecting data under various power settings and ambient conditions, and using these data to calibrate a simple simulation model. This simulation model will subsequently be used to explore failure modes in the APU and hence what sensors may be needed for health monitoring purposes in future work. In this paper, a Boeing 747 APU rig development process and the testing strategy are presented. The rig is validated through a process that includes uncertainty analysis, repeatability tests, consistency tests, and comparison of the collected data with the calibrated simulation model. The results from the rig's validation indicate that the data collected from the APU is independent of its running time or the order of loading cycles imposed on it, i.e., the results are path independent. Changes in pneumatic and electrical power result in small changes in the rotational speed despite the fact that the rotational speed should remain constant. The rotational speed shows a slightly increasing trend when the extracted power rises, and this affects the APU thermodynamic characteristics. This work has resulted in a calibrated simulation model that will be further used in examining fault mode scenarios, as injecting these directly into the rig is seen as high risk.
Exergy and NOx Emission-Based Ecological Performance Analysis of the Scimitar Engine
Authors: Tanbay Tayfun , Durmayaz Ahmet
Published: July 2020

Scimitar engine is a hypersonic hybrid engine designed to propel the LAPCAT A2 aircraft. In this study, a novel exergy and NOx emission-based ecological performance analysis of the engine is performed. For this purpose, first, a component-based exergy analysis for the cruise phase of the Scimitar engine in air-turborocket mode is performed and the exergy destruction rates of engine components are determined at Mach 5 by the thermodynamic model developed. Then, a novel objective function, the coefficient of emission-based ecological performance (CEEP) is defined as “the propulsive power produced per unit environmentally harmful exhaust gas emission rate,” which can be utilized to assess the ecological impact of any jet engine. Finally, the impacts of cruise speed, altitude, and air and fuel mass flow rates on the exergetic and NOx emission-based ecological performance of the engine are investigated by the aid of the newly defined CEEP, together with the exergy efficiency and the coefficient of ecological performance. It is found that the combustion chamber is responsible for 57.36% of the overall exergy destruction rate of 123.80 MW at the cruise conditions, and CEEP relatively increases by 13.8% when the hydrogen fuel consumption rate is increased from 3.96 kg/s to 4.17 kg/s. Increasing the cruise speed from Ma = 4.88 to Ma = 5.2 and decreasing the altitude from 25 km to 23 km cause a relative degradation of 12.75% in CEEP.
Photoassisted chemical smoothing of AlGaN surface after laser lift-off
Authors: Zheng Zhongming , Long Hao , Matta Samuel , Leroux Mathieu , Brault Julien , Ying Leiying , Zheng Zhiwei , Zhang Baoping
Published: July 2020

To fabricate AlGaN-based ultraviolet (UV) vertical cavity surface-emitting laser diodes, a pair of distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) having a smooth surface is desired to have a high quality factor (Q). In this work, photoassisted chemical etching (PCE) was attempted to smoothen the -c(000-2) AlN surface after removing the sapphire substrate by means of the laser lift-off process. First, the conditions for PCE were optimized using an Xe lamp and KOH solution. The root-mean-square roughness of the -c(000-2) AlN surface was reduced from 30.5 to 5.6 nm, which enables us to fabricate an improved HfO2/SiO2 DBR on the AlN surface. Then, using the optimized PCE technique, improved UV (Al,Ga)N planar microcavities were fabricated and distinct cavity-mode-related emissions were observed using the photoluminescence (PL) technique. By comparing the PL spectra between the samples with and without PCE treatment, the Q value at 303 nm for the case of the improved DBR was determined to increase from 174 to 270. The increase in the Q value is mainly attributed to the reduction of scattering losses in optical cavities. Furthermore, the discussion on the mechanism of improved surface during the PCE treatment is given. Consequently, PCE is demonstrated to be a feasible approach to refine the quality of ultraviolet nitride microcavities.
IS
Kpn40
-Mediated Mobilization of the Colistin Resistance Gene
mcr-3.11
in Escherichia coli
Authors: He Yu-Zhang , Long Teng-Fei , Chen Cai-Ping , He Bing , Li Xing-Ping , Schuyler Jessica , Chen Liang , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong , Sun Jian
Published: July 2020

The mobile colistin resistance gene
mcr-3
has globally disseminated since it was first reported in 2017 in
Escherichia coli
.
In vitro
mobilization assays in this study demonstrate the functionality of the composite transposon structure IS
Kpn40-mcr-3.11-dgkA
-IS
Kpn40
in wild-type and
recA
−
E. coli
strains. These transpositions generated 4-bp duplications at the target sites.
Supplemental Material: Cold feet: Trackways and burrows in ice-marginal strata of the end-Ordovician glaciation (Table Mountain Group, South Africa)
Authors: Davies Neil , al. et
Published: July 2020

Further geological context and high-resolution images of the Matjiesgoedkloof ichnofauna
Supplemental Material: Facies interpretation and geochronology of diverse Eocene floras and faunas, northwest Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Gosses Justin , Carroll Alan R. , al. et
Published: July 2020

Table S1. Full documentation of 40Ar/39Ar geochronology.
Understanding key mechanisms of successfully leading integrated team-based services in health and social care: protocol for a realist synthesis
Authors: Harris Ruth , Fletcher Simon , Sims Sarah , Ross Fiona , Brearley Sally , Manthorpe Jill
Published: July 2020

Introduction

As systems of health and social care in England move towards more integrated and collaborative models, leaders will need different skills than their predecessors to enable system leadership, building partnerships and working across organisations and sectors. There is little understanding of what the mechanisms for effective leadership across integrated health and social care systems might be, the contexts that influence good leadership, or the nature of the resulting outcomes. This review aims to identify, refine and test programme theories of leadership of integrated team-based services in health and social care, exploring what works, for whom and in what circumstances.

Methods and analysis

This study uses a realist synthesis approach, following RAMESES guidelines, supported by stakeholder consultation. Stage 1 will develop initial programme theories about leadership of integrated health and social care based on a review of the scientific and grey literature and a stakeholder consultation workshop. Stage 2 will involve focused searching of empirical literature, data extraction and synthesis to refine the initial programme theories and identify relationships between identified contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. A second stakeholder event will guide the focus of the review. Stage 3 will further refine and interrogate the theories testing them against substantive theory on leadership of complex systems and through the experiences and expertise of the stakeholder group.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study does not require ethics committee approval. This research will contribute to building an in-depth understanding of what aspects of leadership of integrated team-based services work, for whom and in what circumstances. It will identify the professional development needs of leaders and provide recommendations about optimal organisational and interorganisational structures and processes that support effective leadership in integrated health and social care systems. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations and formal and informal reports.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018119291
Whole exome sequencing analyses reveal gene–microbiota interactions in the context of IBD
Authors: Hu Shixian , Vich Vila Arnau , Gacesa Ranko , Collij Valerie , Stevens Christine , Fu Jack M , Wong Isaac , Talkowski Michael E , Rivas Manuel A , Imhann Floris , Bolte Laura , van Dullemen Hendrik , Dijkstra Gerard , Visschedijk Marijn C , Festen Eleonora A , Xavier Ramnik J , Fu Jingyuan , Daly Mark J , Wijmenga Cisca , Zhernakova Alexandra , Kurilshikov Alexander , Weersma Rinse K
Published: July 2020

Objective

Both the gut microbiome and host genetics are known to play significant roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. However, the interaction between these two factors and its implications in the aetiology of IBD remain underexplored. Here, we report on the influence of host genetics on the gut microbiome in IBD.

Design

To evaluate the impact of host genetics on the gut microbiota of patients with IBD, we combined whole exome sequencing of the host genome and whole genome shotgun sequencing of 1464 faecal samples from 525 patients with IBD and 939 population-based controls. We followed a four-step analysis: (1) exome-wide microbial quantitative trait loci (mbQTL) analyses, (2) a targeted approach focusing on IBD-associated genomic regions and protein truncating variants (PTVs, minor allele frequency (MAF) >5%), (3) gene-based burden tests on PTVs with MAF <5% and exome copy number variations (CNVs) with site frequency <1%, (4) joint analysis of both cohorts to identify the interactions between disease and host genetics.

Results

We identified 12 mbQTLs, including variants in the IBD-associated genes IL17REL, MYRF, SEC16A and WDR78. For example, the decrease of the pathway acetyl-coenzyme A biosynthesis, which is involved in short chain fatty acids production, was associated with variants in the gene MYRF (false discovery rate <0.05). Changes in functional pathways involved in the metabolic potential were also observed in participants carrying rare PTVs or CNVs in CYP2D6, GPR151 and CD160 genes. These genes are known for their function in the immune system. Moreover, interaction analyses confirmed previously known IBD disease-specific mbQTLs in TNFSF15.

Conclusion

This study highlights that both common and rare genetic variants affecting the immune system are key factors in shaping the gut microbiota in the context of IBD and pinpoints towards potential mechanisms for disease treatment.
Multimodal MRI for MRgFUS in essential tremor: post-treatment radiological markers of clinical outcome
Authors: Kapadia Anish N , Elias Gavin J B , Boutet Alexandre , Germann Jürgen , Pancholi Aditiya , Chu Powell , Zhong Jidan , Fasano Alfonso , Munhoz Renato , Chow Clement , Kucharczyk Walter , Schwartz Michael L , Hodaie Mojgan , Lozano Andres M
Published: July 2020

Background

MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy is a promising non-invasive treatment option for medication-resistant essential tremor. However, it has been associated with variable efficacy and a relatively high incidence of adverse effects.

Objectives

To assess the evolution of radiological findings after MRgFUS thalamotomy and to evaluate their significance for clinical outcomes.

Methods

Ninety-four patients who underwent MRgFUS between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Lesion characteristics were assessed on routine MRI sequences, as well as with tractography. Relationships between imaging appearance, extent of white matter tract lesioning (59/94, on a 4-point scale) and clinical outcome were investigated. Recurrence was defined as >33% loss of tremor suppression at 3 months relative to day 7.

Results

Acute lesions demonstrated blood products, surrounding oedema and peripheral diffusion restriction. The extent of dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT) lesioning was significantly associated with clinical improvement at 1 year (t=4.32, p=0.001). Lesion size decreased over time (180.8±91.5 mm3at day 1 vs 19.5±19.3 mm3at 1-year post-treatment). Higher post-treatment oedema (t=3.59, p<0.001) was associated with larger lesions at 3 months. Patients with larger lesions at day 1 demonstrated reduced rates of tremor recurrence (t=2.67, p=0.019); however, lesions over 170 mm3trended towards greater incidence of adverse effects (sensitivity=0.60, specificity=0.63). Lesion encroachment on the medial lemniscus (Sn=1.00, Sp=0.32) and pyramidal tract (Sn=1.00, Sp=0.12) were also associated with increased adverse effects incidence.

Conclusion

Lesion size at day 1 predicts symptom recurrence, with fewer recurrences seen with larger lesions. Greater DRTT lesioning is associated with treatment efficacy. These findings may have implications for lesion targeting and extent.

Trial registration number

NCT02252380.
Blackhole in nonlocal gravity: comparing metric from Newmann–Janis algorithm with slowly rotating solution
Authors: Kumar Utkarsh , Panda Sukanta , Patel Avani
Published: July 2020

The strong gravitational field near massive blackhole is an interesting regime to test General Relativity (GR) and modified gravity theories. The knowledge of spacetime metric around a blackhole is a primary step for such tests. Solving field equations for rotating blackhole is extremely challenging task for the most modified gravity theories. Though the derivation of Kerr metric of GR is also demanding job, the magical Newmann–Janis algorithm does it without actually solving Einstein equation for rotating blackhole. Due to this notable success of Newmann–Janis algorithm in the case of Kerr metric, it has been being used to obtain rotating blackhole solution in modified gravity theories. In this work, we derive the spacetime metric for the external region of a rotating blackhole in a nonlocal gravity theory using Newmann–Janis algorithm. We also derive metric for a slowly rotating blackhole by perturbatively solving field equations of the theory. We discuss the applicability of Newmann–Janis algorithm to nonlocal gravity by comparing slow rotation limit of the metric obtained through Newmann–Janis algorithm with slowly rotating solution of the field equation.
Graphene band engineering for resistive random-access memory application
Authors: Koohzadi Pooria , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Karamdel Javad , Nguyen Truong Khang
Published: July 2020

Emerging memory technologies promise new memories to store more data at less cost. On the other hand, the scaling of silicon-based chips approached its physical limits. Nonvolatile memory technologies, such as resistive random-access memory (RRAM), are trying to solve this problem. The fundamental study in RRAM devices still needs to be moved further. In this regard, conduction mechanism of RRAM is focused in this study. The RRAM conductance varies considerably depending on the material used in the dielectric layer and selection of electrodes. To formulate the conductance mechanism, new materials with notable conductivity such as graphene oxide (GO) sheets has been employed by researchers. In the GO-based RRAM, pristine of GO due to the presence of sp3-hybridized oxygen functional groups(hydroxyl) leads to electrically insulating layers in the device. However, by applying the voltage, the conductive path can be formed with the redox of GO layer in to graphene. This phenomenon is known as RRAM set process which can be explained due to the conversion of sp3 to sp2 oxygen functionalities, which make the RRAM to move in to the ON state. Also, in this paper, variation of the ON state resistance by the voltage in the nondegenerate mode is described and the reset process by degeneracy variation is reported.
Synchronous target mode decision mechanism of electrically coupled neuron system under asymmetric excitation
Authors: Wang Guanping , Sun Wei , Liu Suyu , Yang Wanxia
Published: July 2020

Due to the universality of asymmetric coupling-excitation in neuronal system and the important role of firing pattern in neural information coding and transmission, synchronous target mode decision mechanism of electrically coupled neuron system under asymmetric excitation is studied in this paper. In the beginning, based on an asymmetric excitation system with symmetrical coupling, according to the phenomenon that Interval Spike Intervals Sequence (ISI) can coincide with the ISIs of a single neuron stimulated by a certain current, the concept of ‘virtual equivalent symmetrical stimulus current’ is put forward. Furthermore, it is also found that there is no relationship between the steady-state synchronous target mode and the coupling strength of symmetric coupled system under this situation. However, the following experiments of asymmetric coupling-excitation system show that there is a strong internal relationship between the almost complete synchronous stable firing mode and coupling strength as well as exciting currents. According to the experimental conclusion, a qualitative criterion is proposed, and then, on the basis that the system can be fully synchronized, the decision-making quantitative basis of the steady-state synchronization target mode of the given system is derived strictly. This study has important reference value for understanding the working state transition of neuronal system.
Covering Problem for Solutions of Max-Archimedean Bipolar Fuzzy Relation Equations
Authors: Tiwari Vijay Lakshmi , Thapar Antika
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the resolution of max-Archimedean bipolar fuzzy relation equations. In the literature, many methods have been proposed based on 0-1 integer programming problem or reduction methods for the optimization with bipolar fuzzy relation equations. A new concept based on the idea of covering and the notions of leading, non-leading variables are introduced in the present paper for finding the solutions of max-Archimedean bipolar fuzzy relation equations. It is shown that the problem of finding the complete solution set of the system of max-Archimedean bipolar fuzzy relation equations is equivalent to solving a covering problem and the solutions of such equations correspond to irredundant coverings of the covering problem. The proposed method is illustrated with some examples.
HOW CARBON MARKET COOPERATION CHANGES THE ENERGY SYSTEMS IN NORTHEAST ASIA
Authors: BAEK MINHO , CHAI QIMIN , KIM SUDUK
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the impact of international emissions trading (IET) among Korea, China, and Japan, three countries that would form the largest potential carbon market in the world. The Nationally Determined Contribution for each country forms the basis of scenario analyses using GCAM (Global Change Assessment Model). As expected, China emerges as the sole net seller of emissions permits while Korea and Japan are the net purchasers of emission permits produced by China. All participants enjoy gains from emissions trading. The implementation of IET changes the power systems of Korea and Japan by favoring increased conventional fossil fuel usage over renewable power technologies or attached carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, while China’s power system moves in the opposite direction, by boosting the deployment of renewables and CCS-attached technologies. Considering the counterproductive incentives for Korea and Japan to consume more carbon-intensive energy sources, each country should consider such issues carefully before officially adopting IET as the pillar of climate policy.
Effects of a Cognitive-Functional Intervention Method on Improving Executive Function and Self-Directed Learning in School-Aged Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Single-Subject Design Study
Authors: Kim Mi Ji , Park Hae Yean , Yoo Eun-Young , Kim Jung-Ran
Published: July 2020

Background. School-aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face many difficulties with self-directed learning because of their poor executive function. This leads to secondary problems such as learning disabilities and depression, so the role of intervention to improve executive function in school-aged children with ADHD is important. Objective. The present study is aimed to investigate how cognitive-functional (Cog-Fun) intervention affected executive function of school-aged children with ADHD and the sustainability of these effects. To investigate the effects of changes in the executive function of school-aged children with ADHD through Cog-Fun intervention in self-directed learning. Method. A single-subject A-B-A research design was employed in this study. Three children aged 9-10 years who were diagnosed with ADHD were selected. A total of 17 experimental sessions were conducted. The Cog-Fun intervention program was implemented during the intervention phase. To measure dependent variables, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Homework Problems Checklist (HPC) were used. Significant changes in executive function assessed by the Children’s Color Trails Test (CCTT) and Stroop test were analyzed through two-standard deviation band analysis. Additionally, video clips of task performance were analyzed to examine qualitative performance changes in self-directed learning. Result. All three participants presented statistically significant changes with a number of near-misses of CCTT and color words score of Stroop test during the intervention. T-scores of the Global Executive Composite (GEC) decreased after the intervention, indicating improvement in executive function. The follow-up period revealed retention of the improved executive function. Additionally, self-directed learning improved in all participants after the implementation Cog-Fun intervention. Conclusion. The study supports the effectiveness of Cog-Fun intervention in improving executive function in school-aged children with ADHD and confirmed that the improvement of executive function ultimately leads to the improvement of self-directed learning performance.
The Pathogenesis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Evaluation and Prevention
Authors: Ouassou Hayat , Kharchoufa Loubna , Bouhrim Mohamed , Daoudi Nour Elhouda , Imtara Hamada , Bencheikh Noureddine , ELbouzidi Amine , Bnouham Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major health problem causing severe acute respiratory illness in humans. It has spread rapidly around the globe since its first identification in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The causative virus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new epidemic disease Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The incidence of COVID-19 continues to increase with more than three million confirmed cases and over 244,000 deaths worldwide. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine against COVID-19. Therefore, in the absence of pharmaceutical interventions, the implementation of precautions and hygienic measures will be essential to control and to minimize human transmission of the virus. In this review, we highlight the epidemiology, transmission, symptoms, and treatment of this disease, as well as future strategies to manage the spread of this fatal coronavirus.
Design and Simulation of a Damper with Negative Stiffness for Vibration Mitigation from Drilling Equipment to a Semi-Submersible Platform
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wang Shuqing , Fang Hui , Han Huawei , Xu Yihua
Published: July 2020

A negative-stiffness damper (NSD) that incorporates eccentric columns and high-stiffness springs is proposed for vibration mitigation from drilling equipment to a semi-submersible platform. Eccentric columns are considered as negative-stiffness elements, which can provide high static stiffness and achieve negative stiffness with hysteresis energy dissipation caused by buckling mode transition under dynamic conditions. With the assistance of high-stiffness springs, the damper possesses a hysteresis loop that can dissipate vibration energy and mitigate responses. Firstly, the hysteresis characteristics and negative stiffness of eccentric columns are analyzed. Then, the design principle of the NSD is derived, and several characteristics required for applications are investigated. In addition, an NSD system is designed for a target drilling mud pump based on measured data, and the mitigation performance is analyzed by comparing the vibration responses between cases of the proposed NSD system and the steel pedestal. The results demonstrate that the proposed system can effectively reduce the width of affected coverage and the magnitudes of vibration responses. The investigations performed in this paper not only provide the design principle of the new damper, but also prove the great potential of the proposed damper in vibration mitigation from drilling equipment to the hull of the platform.
Cilostazol for Secondary Prevention of Stroke and Cognitive Decline
Authors: McHutchison Caroline , Blair Gordon W. , Appleton Jason P. , Chappell Francesca M. , Doubal Fergus , Bath Philip M. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:

Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase 3’ inhibitor, is used in Asia-Pacific countries for stroke prevention, but rarely used elsewhere. In addition to weak antiplatelet effects, it stabilizes endothelium, aids myelin repair and astrocyte-neuron energy transfer in laboratory models, effects that may be beneficial in preventing small vessel disease progression.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of unconfounded randomized controlled trials of cilostazol to prevent stroke, cognitive decline, or radiological small vessel disease lesion progression. Two reviewers searched for papers (January 1, 2019 to July 16, 2019) and extracted data. We calculated Peto odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for recurrent ischemic, hemorrhagic stroke, death, adverse symptoms, with sensitivity analyses. The review is registered (CRD42018084742).

Results:

We included 20 randomized controlled trials (n=10 505), 18 in ischemic stroke (total n=10 449) and 2 in cognitive impairment (n=56); most were performed in Asia-Pacific countries. Cilostazol decreased recurrent ischemic stroke (17 trials, n=10 225, OR=0.68 [95% CI, 0.57–0.81];
P
<0.0001), hemorrhagic stroke (16 trials, n=9736, OR=0.43 [95% CI, 0.29–0.64];
P
=0.0001), deaths (OR=0.64 [95% CI, 0.49–0.83],
P
<0.0009), systemic bleeding (n=8387, OR=0.73 [95% CI, 0.54–0.99];
P
=0.04), but increased headache and palpitations, compared with placebo, aspirin, or clopidogrel. Cilostazol reduced recurrent ischemic stroke more when given long (>6 months) versus short term without increasing hemorrhage, and in trials with larger proportions (>40%) of lacunar stroke. Data were insufficient to assess effects on cognition, imaging, functional outcomes, or tolerance.

Conclusions:

Cilostazol appears effective for long-term secondary stroke prevention without increasing hemorrhage risk. However, most trials related to Asia-Pacific patients and more trials in Western countries should assess its effects on cognitive decline, functional outcome, and tolerance, particularly in lacunar stroke and other presentations of small vessel disease.