bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of biomass in meeting the Paris agreement
Authors: Moreira J R , Pacca S A , Goldemberg J
Published: October 2019

Recent energy scenarios, dealing with Climate Change mitigation with the purpose to limit warming up to 2°C or less by 2100, report high biomass energy participation in the primary global energy portfolio. By 2017, global biomass contributed with 52.3 EJ and average annual growth rate, in the last four yrs was 2.23%. However, the recent bioenergy growth rate must increase to meet CO2 concentration pathways aligned with the mitigation scenarios. This paper describes a bioenergy deployment strategy, based on liquid fuel and electricity joint production from sugar cane used for light duty vehicles. The pathway relies on 1st generation ethanol production, and steam power cogeneration from sugar cane waste supplemented by planted forest. Both technologies are commercial, and when used in conjunction with Biomass Energy Capture and Storage (BECCS) from sugar fermentation CO2, reach negative CO2e emissions. This yields a significant volume of GHGs abatement to contribute for the Paris Agreement. Exploring an area of 80 million hectares, from which 60 Mha is dedicated for sugar cane and 20 Mha for fast growing trees, it is possible to move a fleet of 1 billion plug-in hybrid light duty vehicles through the combination of ethanol and bioelectricity. The cost of ethanol and bioelectricity to consumers is lower than the cost of gasoline used in conventional cars and the net balance of GHGs emissions is lower than for electric vehicles.
Characteristic Analysis of Partial Discharge of Free Metal Particle in GIS
Authors: Shi W , Yang Z L , Chen H X , Lu Z W , Wang D , Xin W F
Published: October 2019

Free metal particle is one of the main defects affecting the safe and stable operation of GIS equipment. In order to further analyze the characteristics of partial discharge produced by metal particles, an independent sealed test model which can simulate real defects is designed in this paper. By adjusting applied voltage, particle size and number of particles, PRPD and n-φ pattern of partial discharge caused by particle defects are characterized. Analysis of the causes of formation of features, especially in the light of particle motion patterns, the transfer and neutralization of charges carried by particles at various stages are elaborated, which provides a reference for the follow-up research and field detection work.
Photovoltaic performance of one axis multiple-position sun-tracked PV panels
Authors: Chen Y B , Tang J J , Li G H , Yu Y M
Published: October 2019

In this article, the photovoltaic performance of one-axis multiple-positions sun-tracked photovoltaic panels (MP-PV) is investigated based on solar geometry and dependence of photovoltaic conversion efficiency on the incident angle (IA) of solar rays on PV panels. For such PV system, the azimuth angle (AZA) of PV panels is daily adjusted several times (M) from eastward in the morning to westward in the afternoon by rotating PV panels about inclined north-south axis (INSA) to ensure the projected incident angle (PIA) of solar rays on the plane perpendicular to INSA is always less than the specified angle θa
. Results show that, the annual electricity generation (AEG) of MP-PV increases with the increase of M, but such increase is not noticeable when M>5. For MP-PV with the tilt-angle (β) of INSA being yearly fixed (1T-MP-PV), the optimal θa
of 3P-,5P- and 7P-PV for maximizing AEG are respectively 24°, 15° and 11.5°, and their AEGs are respectively about 92%, 94% and 95% of that from similar 2-axis tracked PV panels (2A-PV). Whereas for MP-PV with the β being yearly adjusted four times at three tilts (3T-MP-PV), the optimal θa
of 3P-, 5P- and 7P-PV are respectively about 22.5°, 14.5° and 11°, and the Pa are respectively about 96%, 98% and 99% of that of similar 2A-PV systems.
An Inquisition of Envelope Fabric for Building Energy Performance Using Prominent BIM-BPS Tools—A Case Study in Sub-Tropical Climate
Authors: Uddin M N , Wei H H , Chi H L , Ni M
Published: October 2019

Energy efficient building is enhancing a worldwide movement as a policy to lessen the carbon footprint. With the intention of zero energy building in sub-tropical climates, exertion should be placed to minimize the overall energy usage to the greatest scope by incorporating apposite construction skills into the whole design process. Suitable building envelope resources is one of the most effective ways to manage energy flows, minimize energy loss, and maintain a comfortable environment for occupants. In the present paper, a conventional building (Educational) in Hong Kong is considered and the goal is to identify and prioritize the potential energy saving opportunities through the implications of multiple envelopes (walls, windows, etc.) fabric using dynamic BIM-BPS process for potential retrofitting. A conceptual framework is proposed for comprehensive energy assessment using BIM (e.g. Revit 2019) and BPS tools (e.g. e-QUEST) to simulate the energy performance of the building. Using a calibrated model, several high performances envelop fabric are considered to perform a parametric investigation (e.g. walls, windows) through active simulation process. In order to achieve more realistic conditioning, an assumed occupancy profile also considered during the energy analysis. Results have shown that a significant saving of 11.45% in yearly entailed total building energy. The study can help with the decision-making analysis regarding future retrofitting opportunities in a sub-tropical climate.
Dual-mechanistic antibody-drug conjugate via site-specific selenocysteine/cysteine conjugation
Authors: Nilchan Napon , Li Xiuling , Pedzisa Lee , Nanna Alex R , Roush William R , Rader Christoph
Published: October 2019

Background

While all clinically translated antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) contain a single-drug payload, most systemic cancer chemotherapies involve use of a combination of drugs. These regimens improve treatment outcomes and slow development of drug resistance. We here report the generation of an ADC with a dual-drug payload that combines two distinct mechanisms of action.

Methods

Virtual DNA crosslinking agent PNU-159682 and tubulin polymerization inhibitor monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) were conjugated to a HER2-targeting antibody via site-specific conjugation at engineered selenocysteine and cysteine residues (thio-selenomab).

Results

The dual-drug ADC showed selective and potent cytotoxicity against HER2-expressing cell lines and exhibited dual mechanisms of action consistent with the attached drugs. While PNU-159682 caused S-phase cell cycle arrest due to its DNA-damaging activity, MMAF simultaneously inhibited tubulin polymerization and caused G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest.

Conclusion

The thio-selenomab platform enables the assembly of dual-drug ADCs with two distinct mechanisms of action.
ImSpectR: R package to quantify immune repertoire diversity in spectratype and repertoire sequencing data
Authors: Cordes Martijn , Pike-Overzet Karin , van Eggermond Marja , Vloemans Sandra , Baert Miranda R , Garcia-Perez Laura , Staal Frank J T , Reinders Marcel J T , van den Akker Erik B
Published: October 2019

An effective immune system is characterized by a diverse immune repertoire. There is a strong demand for accurate and quantitative methods to assess the diversity of the immune repertoire for various (pre-)clinical applications, including the diagnosis and prognosis of primary immune deficiencies, or to assess the response to therapy. Current strategies for immune diversity assessment generally comprise the visual inspection of the length distribution of rearranged T- and B-cell receptors. Visual inspections, however, are prone to subjective assessments and thus lead to biases. Here, we introduce ImSpectR, a unified approach to quantify immunodiversity using either spectratype, repertoire sequencing or single cell RNA sequencing data. ImSpectR scores various types of deviations from the expected length distribution and integrates these into one measure, allowing for robust quantitative comparisons of immune diversity across individuals or conditions.

Availability and implementation

R-package is available for download on GitHub at https://github.com/martijn-cordes/ImSpectR.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hierarchical Action Encoding Within the Human Brain
Authors: Turella Luca , Rumiati Raffaella , Lingnau Angelika
Published: October 2019

Humans are able to interact with objects with extreme flexibility. To achieve this ability, the brain does not only control specific muscular patterns, but it also needs to represent the abstract goal of an action, irrespective of its implementation. It is debated, however, how abstract action goals are implemented in the brain. To address this question, we used multivariate pattern analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Human participants performed grasping actions (precision grip, whole hand grip) with two different wrist orientations (canonical, rotated), using either the left or right hand. This design permitted to investigate a hierarchical organization consisting of three levels of abstraction: 1) “concrete action” encoding; 2) “effector-dependent goal” encoding (invariant to wrist orientation); and 3) “effector-independent goal” encoding (invariant to effector and wrist orientation). We found that motor cortices hosted joint encoding of concrete actions and of effector-dependent goals, while the parietal lobe housed a convergence of all three representations, comprising action goals within and across effectors. The left lateral occipito-temporal cortex showed effector-independent goal encoding, but no convergence across the three levels of representation. Our results support a hierarchical organization of action encoding, shedding light on the neural substrates supporting the extraordinary flexibility of human hand behavior.
Quantifying the Burden of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection With Long-term Sequelae in Subsequent Pregnancies of Women Seronegative at Their First Pregnancy
Authors: Leruez-Ville Marianne , Guilleminot Tiffany , Stirnemann Julien , Salomon Laurent J , Spaggiari Emmanuel , Faure-Bardon Valentine , Magny Jean-Francois , Ville Yves
Published: October 2019

Background

In women seronegative before pregnancy, congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)-related sequelae are exclusively seen in those infected in the first trimester of pregnancy. Following a maternal primary infection in the first trimester, up to 30% of infected neonates suffer long-term sequelae. Maternal parity is an established risk factor of cCMV in previously seronegative women. Our objective was to quantify, in a population of women seronegative at their first pregnancy, the risk of cCMV and related sequelae following primary infections in the first trimester in subsequent pregnancies.

Methods

There were 739 women seronegative at their first pregnancy who had at least 1 of 971 subsequent pregnancies and deliveries managed at our institution. All women had CMV immunoglobin (Ig) G and IgM testing at 11–14 weeks of each pregnancy.

Results

Between 2 consecutive pregnancies, 15.6% (115/739) of women seroconverted. Of these seroconversions, 29% (33/115) occurred in the periconceptional period or in the first trimester. The risks for cCMV and related sequelae (neurologic and/or hearing loss) following a maternal infection in the first trimester were, respectively, 24- and 6-fold higher (risk ratios, 24 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 10.8–62.3] and 6 [95% CI 1.5–24], respectively) than in the general pregnant population. Of all primary maternal infections and fetal infections in the first trimester, 88% (29/33) and 92% (11/12), respectively, occurred when the inter-pregnancy interval was ≤2 years.

Conclusions

Women seronegative at their first pregnancy with a subsequent pregnancy within 2 years have the highest risk of delivering a child with cCMV-related sequelae. These women should be made aware of the risk and given the opportunity of serology screening in the first trimester.
On the ‘utilisation controversy’: a rejoinder and some comments
Authors: Nikiforos Michalis
Published: October 2019

The conclusions of Gahn and González (2019) are weak for the following reasons: (i) The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) measure of utilisation is not appropriate for measuring long-run variations of utilisation because of the method and the purpose of its construction. Even if its difference with the measures of the average workweek of capital (AWW) was trivial, this would still be the case; if anything, it would show that the AWW is also an inappropriate measure. (ii) Gahn and González choose to ignore the longest available estimate of the AWW produced by Foss, which has a clear long-run trend. (iii) Their econometric results are not robust to more suitable specifications of the unit root tests. Under these specifications, the tests overwhelmingly fail to reject the unit root hypothesis. (iv) Other estimates of the AWW, which were not included in Nikiforos (2016) confirm these conclusions. (v) For the comparison between the AWW series and the Federal Reserve series, they construct variables that are not meaningful, because they subtract series in different units. When the comparison is done correctly, the results confirm that the difference between the AWW series and the FRB series has a unit root. (vi) Stationary utilisation rate is not consistent with any theory for the determination of capacity utilisation. Even if demand did not play a role, there is no reason to expect that all the other factors that determine utilisation would change in a fashion that would keep utilisation constant.
Anti-LRP2 nephropathy with concurrent kidney infiltration by lymphoma
Authors: Gamayo Ashley , Hecox Douglas , Dicker Lance , Vecchiarelli Lisa , Raess Philipp W , Khalighi Mazdak , Andeen Nicole K
Published: October 2019

Anti-low-density lipoprotein receptor-related lipoprotein 2 (LRP2) nephropathy/anti-brush border antibody disease is rare and characterized by tubular basement membrane, Bowman’s capsule and glomerular subepithelial immune deposits on kidney biopsy. No reported cases have occurred in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders or monoclonal gammopathies. We present two cases of anti-LRP2 nephropathy that occurred in patients with progressive low-grade B-cell lymphoma and had concurrent kidney infiltration by lymphoma on biopsy. We speculate that underlying immune dysregulation related to lymphoma may contribute to the development of this rare autoimmune kidney disease in some patients.
Mantle thermal structure at northern Mid–Atlantic ridge from improved numerical methods and boundary conditions
Authors: Cuffaro Marco , Miglio Edie , Penati Mattia , Viganò Marco
Published: October 2019

We computed mantle flow and thermal structure beneath a segment of the northern Mid-Atlantic ridge using numerical simulations adopting asymmetric spreading and ridge migration as boundary conditions. The objective is to obtain new insights on mantle processes acting at this ridge segment. We explored different lateral boundary conditions based on velocity, stress and stress-velocity constraints highlighting differences in the depth of the thermal base of the lithosphere versus domain width. Here, we propose a new formulation of lateral and bottom boundary conditions based on the choice of a proper tangential stress at the bottom and on lateral boundaries of the domain accounting for ridge migration. Moreover, dimensional analysis of governing equations suggests that heat generation due to work of the viscous forces cannot be neglected in the computations. Therefore, we included this thermal contribution into the numerical experiments providing an application to the northern Mid-Atlantic ridge at the reference latitude of 43 ○N. Results are compared with available geophysical data in the area, including also mantle tomography models. Asymmetric spreading and ridge migration in numerical modelling account for an asymmetric accretion of the oceanic lithosphere, supporting the evidence of the asymmetries described by geophysical data across the northern Mid-Atlantic ridge segments.
The role of intangible human capital in innovation diversification: linking behavioral competencies with different types of innovation
Authors: Bonesso Sara , Gerli Fabrizio , Pizzi Claudio , Boyatzis Richard Eleftherios
Published: October 2019

This article advances the literature that has recently drawn attention to the intangible elements of human capital for innovation, investigating the relationship between behavioral competencies and the ability to attain different types of innovation, namely product, process, marketing, and organizational. Through a study of a sample of managers performing key roles in the innovation process within the luxury high-fashion footwear industry in the Italian context, we found that the ability to attain diversification of innovation depends on the use of a broad portfolio of behavioral competencies. Adopting a multimethod analysis, we also open the black box of the relationship between innovation typology and behavioral competencies, demonstrating how different combinations of competencies explain the achievement of particular types of innovation. Managerial insights on how to improve the innovation capacity of managers in the workplace are provided.
An in vitro comparison of internally versus externally mounted leaflets in surgical aortic bioprostheses
Authors: Vriesendorp Michiel D , de Lind van Wijngaarden Rob A F , Rao Vivek , Moront Michael G , Patel Himanshu J , Sarnowski Edward , Vatanpour Sepehr , Klautz Robert J M
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES

To improve haemodynamic performance, design modifications of prosthetic valves have been proposed with each new generation of valves. These different designs also impact the amount of mechanical wear, because mechanical stresses are distributed differently. Because long-term evidence for new prosthetic valves is lacking, this in vitro study compared hydrodynamic performance and durability among 3 currently available bioprosthetic valves with internally (IMLV) or externally mounted leaflets (EMLV).

METHODS

Prostheses of the internally mounted Medtronic Avalus and Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna Ease valves were compared to prostheses of the externally mounted Abbott Trifecta valve. For each labelled size (e.g. 19, 21 and 23) of the 3 types, 3 valves underwent accelerated wear testing for up to 600 million cycles, corresponding to ∼15 years of simulated wear. The valves underwent hydrodynamic testing and visual inspection.

RESULTS

EMLV had the largest effective orifice area and lowest pressure gradient for each labelled size at baseline and 600 million cycles; the effective orifice area and the pressure gradient were equivalent for the 2 types of IMLV. Five of 9 EMLVs had at least 1 hole or tear in the leaflet tissue around the stent posts, which resulted in severe regurgitation at 500 million cycles in 2 cases. All IMLVs were intact at 600 million cycles with minimal tissue wear.

CONCLUSIONS

EMLV showed superior hydrodynamic performance but inferior mechanical durability compared to IMLV after 600 million cycles of testing. The primary failures were because of significant mechanical abrasion in the commissural region, which may warrant close monitoring of EMLV during long-term follow-up.
Minority Gene Expression Profiling: Probing the Genetic Signatures of Pathogenesis Using Ribosome Profiling
Authors: Vila-Sanjurjo Antón , Juarez Diana , Loyola Steev , Torres Michael , Leguia Mariana
Published: October 2019

Minority Gene Expression Profiling (MGEP) refers to a scenario where the expression profiles of specific genes of interest are concentrated in a small cellular pool that is embedded within a larger, non-expressive pool. An example of this is the analysis of disease-related genes within sub-populations of blood or biopsied tissues. These systems are characterized by low signal-to-noise ratios that make it difficult, if not impossible, to uncover the desired signatures of pathogenesis in the absence of lengthy, and often problematic, technical manipulations. We have adapted ribosome profiling (RP) workflows from the Illumina to the Ion Proton platform and used them to analyze signatures of pathogenesis in an MGEP model system consisting of human cells eliciting <3% productive dengue infection. We find that RP is powerful enough to identify relevant responses of differentially expressed genes, even in the presence of significant noise. We discuss how to deal with sources of unwanted variation, and propose ways to further improve this powerful approach to the study of pathogenic signatures within MGEP systems.
Predicting Adaptive Genetic Variation of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Populations Under Projected Future Climates Based on Multivariate Models
Authors: Lu Mengmeng , Krutovsky Konstantin V , Loopstra Carol A
Published: October 2019

Greenhouse gas emission and global warming are likely to cause rapid climate change within the natural range of loblolly pine over the next few decades, thus bringing uncertainty to their adaptation to the environment. Here, we studied adaptive genetic variation of loblolly pine and correlated genetic variation with bioclimatic variables using multivariate modeling methods—Redundancy Analysis, Generalized Dissimilarity Modeling, and Gradient Forests. Studied trees (N = 299) were originally sampled from their native range across eight states on the east side of the Mississippi River. Genetic variation was calculated using a total of 44,317 single-nucleotide polymorphisms acquired by exome target sequencing. The fitted models were used to predict the adaptive genetic variation on a large spatial and temporal scale. We observed east-to-west spatial genetic variation across the range, which presented evidence of isolation by distance. Different key factors drive adaptation of loblolly pine from different geographical regions. Trees residing near the northeastern edge of the range, spanning across Delaware and Maryland and mountainous areas of  Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and northern Georgia, were identified to be most likely impacted by climate change based on the large difference in genetic composition under current and future climate conditions. This study provides new perspectives on adaptive genetic variation of loblolly pine in response to different climate scenarios, and the results can be used to target particular populations while developing adaptive forest management guidelines.
Virginia opossum distributions are influenced by human-modified landscapes and water availability in tallgrass prairies
Authors: Wait Kyle R , Ahlers Adam A
Published: October 2019

The Flint Hills represent the largest tract of tallgrass prairie in North America and is located near the western edge of the native range of the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). This region is undergoing rapid landscape changes (e.g., urbanization, agriculture, woody encroachment) that are negatively affecting mammal communities. Although previous research has revealed northward distributional expansions of Virginia opossums facilitated by urban development, no studies have assessed how landscape change affects distribution patterns along the western edge of their geographic range. During 2016–2018, we monitored site (n = 74) occupancy along urban–rural transects in the Flint Hills to assess the influence of landscape change (i.e., urban, grassland, agriculture, woody encroachment) and water availability on the distribution of Virginia opossums. Sites surrounded by urban land cover had greater initial occupancy probabilities and lower extinction rates. Sites closer to permanent water sources experienced greater colonization rates and lower extinction rates. In addition, site extinction rates were lower in areas surrounded by woody encroachment. Our results concur with other studies suggesting that growing urban areas may expand opossum distributions along the edges of their geographic range. Our study also suggests that woody encroachment into tallgrass prairies may provide an alternative pathway for future distributional expansions. Future research must consider the potential for landscape change, along with dynamic water availability, in models predicting the distribution of Virginia opossums.
CancerTracer: a curated database for intrapatient tumor heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Chen , Yang Jian , Luo Hong , Wang Kun , Wang Yu , Xiao Zhi-Xiong , Tao Xiang , Jiang Hao , Cai Haoyang
Published: October 2019

Comprehensive genomic analyses of cancers have revealed substantial intrapatient molecular heterogeneities that may explain some instances of drug resistance and treatment failures. Examination of the clonal composition of an individual tumor and its evolution through disease progression and treatment may enable identification of precise therapeutic targets for drug design. Multi-region and single-cell sequencing are powerful tools that can be used to capture intratumor heterogeneity. Here, we present a database we’ve named CancerTracer (http://cailab.labshare.cn/cancertracer): a manually curated database designed to track and characterize the evolutionary trajectories of tumor growth in individual patients. We collected over 6000 tumor samples from 1548 patients corresponding to 45 different types of cancer. Patient-specific tumor phylogenetic trees were constructed based on somatic mutations or copy number alterations identified in multiple biopsies. Using the structured heterogeneity data, researchers can identify common driver events shared by all tumor regions, and the heterogeneous somatic events present in different regions of a tumor of interest. The database can also be used to investigate the phylogenetic relationships between primary and metastatic tumors. It is our hope that CancerTracer will significantly improve our understanding of the evolutionary histories of tumors, and may facilitate the identification of predictive biomarkers for personalized cancer therapies.
PDBe: improved findability of macromolecular structure data in the PDB
Authors: Armstrong David R , Berrisford John M , Conroy Matthew J , Gutmanas Aleksandras , Anyango Stephen , Choudhary Preeti , Clark Alice R , Dana Jose M , Deshpande Mandar , Dunlop Roisin , Gane Paul , Gáborová Romana , Gupta Deepti , Haslam Pauline , Koča Jaroslav , Mak Lora , Mir Saqib , Mukhopadhyay Abhik , Nadzirin Nurul , Nair Sreenath , Paysan-Lafosse Typhaine , Pravda Lukas , Sehnal David , Salih Osman , Smart Oliver , Tolchard James , Varadi Mihaly , Svobodova-Vařeková Radka , Zaki Hossam , Kleywegt Gerard J , Velankar Sameer
Published: October 2019

The Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe), a founding member of the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB), actively participates in the deposition, curation, validation, archiving and dissemination of macromolecular structure data. PDBe supports diverse research communities in their use of macromolecular structures by enriching the PDB data and by providing advanced tools and services for effective data access, visualization and analysis. This paper details the enrichment of data at PDBe, including mapping of RNA structures to Rfam, and identification of molecules that act as cofactors. PDBe has developed an advanced search facility with ∼100 data categories and sequence searches. New features have been included in the LiteMol viewer at PDBe, with updated visualization of carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Small molecules are now mapped more extensively to external databases and their visual representation has been enhanced. These advances help users to more easily find and interpret macromolecular structure data in order to solve scientific problems.
Optimizing Coverage vs Frequency for Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening of Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Weiss Kevin M , Jones Jeb S , Anderson Emeli J , Gift Thomas , Chesson Harrell , Bernstein Kyle , Workowski Kimberly , Tuite Ashleigh , Rosenberg Eli S , Sullivan Patrick S , Jenness Samuel M
Published: October 2019

Background

The incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased substantially despite availability of effective antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual screening for all sexually active (SA) MSM and more frequent screening for high-risk (HR) MSM. The population-level benefits of improved coverage vs increased frequency of STI screening among SA vs HR MSM are unknown.

Methods

We used a network transmission model of gonorrhea (NG) and chlamydia (CT) among MSM to simulate the implementation of STI screening across different scenarios, starting with the CDC guidelines at current coverage levels. Counterfactual model scenarios varied screening coverage and frequency for SA MSM and HR MSM (MSM with multiple recent partners). We estimated infections averted and the number needed to screen to prevent 1 new infection.

Results

Compared with current recommendations, increasing the frequency of screening to biannually for all SA MSM and adding some HR screening could avert 72% of NG and 78% of CT infections over 10 years. Biannual screening of 30% of HR MSM at empirical coverage levels for annual SA screening could avert 76% of NG and 84% of CT infections. Other scenarios, including higher coverage among SA MSM and increasing frequency for HR MSM, averted fewer infections but did so at a lower number needed to screen.

Conclusions

The optimal screening scenarios in this model to reduce STI incidence among MSM included more frequent screening for all sexually active MSM and higher coverage of screening for HR men with multiple partners.
Asymptotic Approximant for the Falkner–Skan Boundary Layer Equation
Authors: Belden E R , Dickman Z A , Weinstein S J , Archibee A D , Burroughs E , Barlow N S
Published: October 2019

We demonstrate that the asymptotic approximant applied to the Blasius boundary layer flow over a flat plat (Barlow et al., Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 70 (2017) 21–48.) yields accurate analytic closed-form solutions to the Falkner–Skan boundary layer equation for flow over a wedge having angle $\beta\pi/2$ to the horizontal. A wide range of wedge angles satisfying $\beta\in[-0.198837735, 1]$ are considered, and the previously established non-unique solutions for $\beta<0$ having positive and negative shear rates along the wedge are accurately represented. The approximant is used to determine the singularities in the complex plane that prescribe the radius of convergence of the power series solution to the Falkner–Skan equation. An attractive feature of the approximant is that it may be constructed quickly by recursion compared with traditional Padé approximants that require a matrix inversion. The accuracy of the approximant is verified by numerical solutions, and benchmark numerical values are obtained that characterize the asymptotic behavior of the Falkner–Skan solution at large distances from the wedge.
High water vs. ad libitum water intake for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a randomized controlled feasibility trial
Authors: El-Damanawi R , Lee M , Harris T , Cowley L B , Bond S , Pavey H , Sandford R N , Wilkinson I B , Karet Frankl F E , Hiemstra T F
Published: October 2019

Background

Vasopressin stimulates cyst growth in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and is a key therapeutic target. Evaluation of high water intake as an alternative to pharmacological vasopressin blockade is supported by patients. However feasibility, safety and adherence-promoting strategies required to deliver this remain unknown.

Aims

Assess the feasibility of a definitive randomized high water intake trial in ADPKD.

Methods

In this prospective open-label randomized trial, adult ADPKD patients with eGFR ≥ 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 were randomized to prescribed high water (HW) intake targeting urine osmolality (UOsm) ≤270 mOsm/kg, or ad libitum (AW) intake (UOsm >300 mOsm/kg). Self-management strategies including home-monitoring of urine-specific gravity (USG) were employed to promote adherence.

Results

We enrolled 42 participants, baseline median eGFR (HW 68.4 [interquartile range (IQR) 35.9–107.2] vs. AW 75.8 [IQR 59.0–111.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.22) and UOsm (HW 353 [IQR 190–438] vs. AW 350 [IQR 240–452] mOsm/kg, P = 0.71) were similar between groups. After 8 weeks, 67% in the HW vs. 24% in AW group achieved UOsm ≤270 mOsm/kg, P = 0.001. HW group achieved lower UOsm (194 [IQR 190–438] vs. 379 [IQR 235–503] mOsm/kg, P = 0.01) and higher urine volumes (3155 [IQR 2270–4295] vs. 1920 [IQR 1670–2960] ml/day, P = 0.02). Two cases of hyponatraemia occurred in HW group. No acute GFR effects were detected. In total 79% (519/672) of USG were submitted and 90% (468/519) were within target. Overall, 17% withdrew during the study.

Conclusion

DRINK demonstrated successful recruitment and adherence leading to separation between treatment arms in primary outcomes. These findings suggest a definitive trial assessing the impact of high water on kidney disease progression in ADPKD is feasible.
Increased rates of hypernatraemia during modest heatwaves in temperate climates
Authors: Brennan M , Murray O , O’Shea P M , Mulkerrin E C
Published: October 2019

Background

Hypernatraemia is associated with morbidity and mortality, particularly in the older person. Last summer, Ireland experienced prolonged periods of excessive heat. The Irish meteorological service defines a heatwave as temperatures exceeding 25°C for five consecutive days.

Aim

This study sought to compare the frequency of hypernatraemia (sodium (Na+) >145 mmol/l) observed during a modest heatwave with that during average ambient temperature in the temperate Irish climate.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis with nested case–control study.

Methods

The 10-day period from 24 June to 3 July in 2017 and 2018 were chosen as the control and heatwave periods, respectively. Patients aged >65 with at least one Na+ value recorded on the laboratory information system were included. Local meteorological data, age, gender and Na+ levels were evaluated.

Results

Maximum air temperatures were significantly higher during the heatwave period (mean 27°C vs. 16.8°C, P < 0.0001). Hypernatraemia was present in 3.6% (66/1840) of samples collected during the heatwave compared to 1.4% (23/1593) in the control period. The mean age of affected patients was similar in both groups, 75 years ±7 (P = 1.000). Almost half of participants (49.5%) were male. The frequency of hypernatraemia observed was not influenced by gender, P = 0.33. The median sodium concentrations were similar in both groups, P = 1.00.

Conclusion

Hypernatraemia was 2.5 times more frequent in samples drawn during the heatwave compared to the control period. In this study, neither age nor gender impacted the profile of patients diagnosed with hypernatraemia. A modest rise in temperatures increases hypernatraemia rates in temperate climates.
The Microfoundations of Bureaucratic Outcomes: Causes and Consequences of Interpretive Disjuncture in Eviction Cases
Authors: Nelson Kyle
Published: October 2019

Eviction transforms landlords into plaintiffs and tenants into defendants, reframing expansive histories of housing trouble into legal problems. Researchers note high rates of default judgments against tenants, a majority of tenants without attorneys, and a disconnect between the ways that landlords and tenants understand cases. This study reveals the micro-foundations of case outcomes by explaining causes and consequences of “interpretive disjuncture.” How does interpretive disjuncture shape case trajectories and outcomes as housing trouble transforms into an eviction lawsuit? Drawing on one year of ethnographic fieldwork in tenants’ rights clinics in Los Angeles County, I follow tenants’ cases back to their roots and explain how both everyday and institutional challenges shape tenants’ interpretive processes as they navigate eviction.
A Bayesian Approach for Inferring the Impact of a Discrete Character on Rates of Continuous-Character Evolution in the Presence of Background-Rate Variation
Authors: May Michael R , Moore Brian R
Published: October 2019

Understanding how and why rates of character evolution vary across the Tree of Life is central to many evolutionary questions; for example, does the trophic apparatus (a set of continuous characters) evolve at a higher rate in fish lineages that dwell in reef versus nonreef habitats (a discrete character)? Existing approaches for inferring the relationship between a discrete character and rates of continuous-character evolution rely on comparing a null model (in which rates of continuous-character evolution are constant across lineages) to an alternative model (in which rates of continuous-character evolution depend on the state of the discrete character under consideration). However, these approaches are susceptible to a “straw-man” effect: the influence of the discrete character is inflated because the null model is extremely unrealistic. Here, we describe MuSSCRat, a Bayesian approach for inferring the impact of a discrete trait on rates of continuous-character evolution in the presence of alternative sources of rate variation (“background-rate variation”). We demonstrate by simulation that our method is able to reliably infer the degree of state-dependent rate variation, and show that ignoring background-rate variation leads to biased inferences regarding the degree of state-dependent rate variation in grunts (the fish group Haemulidae). [Bayesian phylogenetic comparative methods; continuous-character evolution; data augmentation; discrete-character evolution.]
Whose privilege is it anyway?
Authors: Morrison Matthew
Published: October 2019

The £10 subject access request served by Ashley Dawson-Damer on Taylor Wessing LLP (TW) in August 2014 has already resulted in two substantial hearings in the Chancery Division1, and a two-day trip to the Court of Appeal. It is understood that the case is headed back to the Court of Appeal and that the appeal will be heard at some point in the new year.
ORP4L couples IP3 to ITPR1 in control of endoplasmic reticulum calcium release
Authors: Cao Xiuye , Chen Jianuo , Li Dan , Xie Peipei , Xu Mengyang , Lin Weize , Li Shiqian , Pan Guoping , Tang Yong , Xu Jun , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Yan Daoguang , Zhong Wenbin
Published: October 2019

Oxysterol‐binding protein‐related protein (ORP) 4L acts as a scaffold protein assembling CD3‐ε, G‐αq/11, and PLC‐β3 into a complex at the plasma membrane that mediates inositol (1,4,5)‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ release and oxidative phosphorylation in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Here, we offer new evidence that ORP4L interacts with the carboxyl terminus of the IP3 receptor type 1 (ITPR1) in Jurkat T cells. ORP4L enables IP3 binding to ITPR1; a truncated construct that lacks the ITPR1‐binding region retains the ability to increase IP3 production but fails to mediate IP3 and ITPR1 binding. In association with this ability of ORP4L, it enhances Ca2+ release from the ER and subsequent cytosolic and mitochondrial parallel Ca2+ spike oscillations that stimulate mitochondrial energetics and thus maintains cell survival. These data support a novel model in which ORP4L is a cofactor of ITPR1, which increases ITPR1 sensitivity to IP3 and enables ER Ca2+ release.—Cao, X., Chen, J., Li, D., Xie, P., Xu, M., Lin, W., Li, S., Pan, G., Tang, Y., Xu, J., Olkkonen, V. M., Yan, D., Zhong, W. ORP4L couples IP3 to ITPR1 in control of endoplasmic reticulum calcium release. FASEB J. 33, 13852‐13865 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Family Caregivers Are Members of Our Team
Authors: Reinhard Susan C. , Young Heather M.
Published: October 2019

Nurses play a critical role in providing support.
Advocating for HIT That Captures Nursing Process
Authors: Stein Dylan , Travers Jasmine , Merrill Jacqueline A.
Published: October 2019

Nurses can influence choices about EHR systems and their design.
New Drug for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: October 2019

The Food and Drug Administration has approved darolutamide (Nubeqa), an androgen receptor inhibitor, for the treatment of nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

The most common adverse effects of darolutamide are fatigue, pain in the extremity, and rash. The drug can also cause fetal harm and male infertility.
The Burden of U.S. Sesame Allergies May be Higher than Previously Believed
Authors: Rosenberg Karen , Todd Betsy
Published: October 2019

According to this study:

At least 1 million U.S. adults and children may have immunoglobulin-mediated sesame allergy.
Beholding the Returning Light
Authors: Sato Hui-Wen (Alina)
Published: October 2019

An unknown patient becomes known.
The effect of a gastric second primary cancer on the survival of patients with a previous cancer history
Authors: Morais Samantha , Antunes Luís , Bento Maria José , Lunet Nuno
Published: October 2019

Second primary cancers (SPCs) are an increasing concern among cancer survivors. In Northern Portugal, gastric cancer incidence is high, and alone corresponds to one in 10 SPCs diagnosed. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the contribution of gastric SPCs to the mortality of patients with a previous cancer. A population-based cohort of nongastric first primary cancer (FPC) patients from the North Region Cancer Registry of Portugal, diagnosed between 2000 and 2006, was followed for a gastric SPC until the end of 2012, and for death by any cause until the end of 2017. Patients with a gastric SPC (85 synchronous and 215 metachronous, diagnosed within one and >1 year after the FPC, respectively) were matched (1:3, by sex, five-year age group, year and site of FPC diagnosis) to those who did not develop a gastric SPC and were alive when the corresponding SPC was diagnosed. Significantly higher hazards for mortality [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)] were observed among patients diagnosed with a synchronous [3.74 (2.69–5.21) in males and 3.36 (2.02–5.58) in females] or metachronous [6.93 (5.41–8.87) in males and 5.93 (4.04–8.72) in females] gastric SPC. The differences in the 10-year cumulative mortality between gastric SPC patients and those with no SPC were approximately 30% for synchronous and over 40% for metachronous gastric SPCs, corresponding to a 1.5- to 2-fold higher relative risk, respectively. In conclusion, cancer patients with a gastric SPC have a nearly two-fold higher risk of death over 10 years than those with a corresponding FPC only.
Contextualizing Instructional Technology to the Demands of Nursing Education
Authors: Smart Denise , Ross Kyle , Carollo Sandy , Williams-Gilbert Wendy
Published: October 2019

This article reviews current technologies in nursing education and the impact of technology on learning. The integration of technology into nursing curricula is thought to improve efficiency and enhance student experiences through active learning and interactive learning designs. The following focused questions are explored: (1) What are the current technologies used by university students and faculty in nursing programs? (2) How does that technology influence student learning? The primary themes were student-centered technology, with five subthemes, and faculty-centered technology. Consumers of healthcare (patients) demand quality care and expect highly skilled, compassionate, ethical practitioners; to this end, training and education of future nurses by skilled, qualified nurse educators who are comfortable with technological demands of all aspects of healthcare are fundamental. While it is essential that nurses and nurse educators continue to publish as a mechanism for open discussion and transparency in our teaching and learning approaches, we need higher levels of evidence to strengthen the argument that technology improves the learning environment and student outcomes and has a positive impact on clinical settings and patient care.
External validation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition melanoma staging system: who needs adjuvant treatment?
Authors: Madu Max F. , Franke Viola , Van de Wiel Bart A. , Klop Willem M.C. , Jóźwiak Katarzyna , van Houdt Winan J. , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , van Akkooi Alexander C.J.
Published: October 2019

Now effective adjuvant therapy has arrived in melanoma, accurate staging and patient selection to optimize its risk/benefit ratio is crucial. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system is the most widely used and validated melanoma staging system, which recently released its 8th edition. We aimed to externally validate the prognostic and discriminatory ability for survival of the 8th edition compared to the 7th edition and evaluate prognostic factors. Prospective database of stage III melanoma (2000–2016). Prognostic factors for melanoma-specific survival and distant metastasis-free survival were analyzed. Survival differentiation of the 7th and 8th edition was assessed with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models. Discriminatory ability was compared using the receiver operating characteristic and Akaike's Information Criterion. Six hundred forty patients were included (median follow-up 59 months). Median melanoma-specific survival was 138 months, distant metastasis-free survival 96 months. Age, Breslow thickness, ulceration of the primary tumor and number of positive lymph nodes (N) were independent prognostic parameters for distant metastasis-free survival and melanoma-specific survival. The 8th edition performed slightly better than the 7th edition in terms of survival discrimination but showed slightly worse distant metastasis-free survival and melanoma-specific survival differentiation between stage IIIA and IIIB. Sentinel node (SN) metastasis size cutoff of 1 mm differentiated survival in both 7th and 8th edition stage IIIA, showing excellent distant metastasis-free survival and melanoma-specific survival for patients with a SN metastasis size <1 mm. The 8th edition performed at least comparably, if not better than the 7th in terms of survival discrimination. However, survival in both 7th and 8th edition stage IIIA melanoma remains heterogeneous. EORTC SN tumor burden criteria can further stratify survival and help patient selection for adjuvant therapy.
Cutaneous Elastic Tissue Anomalies
Authors: Andrés-Ramos Irene , Alegría-Landa Victoria , Gimeno Ignacio , Pérez-Plaza Alejandra , Rütten Arno , Kutzner Heinz , Requena Luis
Published: October 2019

After a review of the physiology in the formation and degradation of cutaneous elastic tissue, we describe the clinicopathologic disorders characterized by increased and decreased cutaneous elastic tissue. Cutaneous disorders characterized by increased and/or abnormal elastic tissue in the dermis include elastoma, also named nevus elasticus, dermatosis lenticularis disseminata, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, late-onset focal dermal elastosis, linear focal elastosis, elastoderma, elastofibroma dorsi, and elastosis perforans serpiginosa. In some of these conditions, the specific histopathologic diagnosis may be rendered with hematoxylin-eosin stain, whereas in other ones special elastic tissue stains are necessary to demonstrate the anomalies. Cutaneous disorders characterized by decreased dermal elastic tissue include nevus anelasticus, papular elastorrhexis, perifollicular elastolysis, anetoderma cutis laxa, postinflammatory elastolysis and cutis laxa, white fibrous papulosis of the neck, pseudoxanthoma elasticum–like papillary dermal elastolysis, and mid dermal elastolysis. In most of these conditions, the histopathologic anomalies are only seen with elastic tissue stains, and cutaneous biopsies of these processes stained with hematoxylin-eosin show appearance of normal skin. The diagnosis of some of these disorders characterized by increased or decreased elastic dermal tissue should be followed by general exploration of the patient to rule out associated severe systemic anomalies, and in some cases, a genetic counseling should be offered to the family.