bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Inter-blade Vortex and Runner Blades Force of Pump Turbine during Load Rejection Period
Authors: Mao X L , Lu J H , Yang J G , Wei D , Li T , Zhang N
Published: March 2021

Pumped storage unit as the most efficient energy storage equipment, it makes a great contribution to the development of renewable energy. The operating stability of pump turbine affects economical and safe operation of pumped storage plant directly, hence this study focuses on the transient process of pump turbine load rejection. Detached eddy simulation is adopted as turbulence model and dynamic mesh technique is used to achieve continuous guide vane closure. Internal fluid characteristics are presented based on the numerical analysis of inter-blade vortex and force of runner blades. The results show that:(1) Inter-blade vortex can be divided into two developing stages according to its location, which corresponds to the first and second half of guide vane closure respectively. (2) The incidence angle is the original reason that causes vortex in runner passage, which further development occupies the whole flow passage under the influence from centrifugal force and the interaction with the previous water. (3) The force distribution is aligned with the vortex zone, and the axial thrust keeps a downward tendency.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of High-speed Nanoscale Sliding with Third Medium
Authors: Chen K , Lin Y S , Zhao X F , Qi X , Wei Z G , Pang J , Huang C H , Ke H B
Published: March 2021

3D non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the friction characteristic of Fe-Fe tribopair system under third medium condition. A Fe-Fe sliding simulation model with the soft third medium (Cu nanoparticle) is built. The Friction force, evolution of the structure of interface and the temperature profiles of the sliding system are obtained. The influence of the sliding velocity to the temperature and structure change under third medium is investigated. The influence of Cu nanoparticle to the microstructure evolution and change of the friction characteristic is extremely concerned. The results show that the Cu nanoparticle can decrease the friction force and average temperature under the relatively low velocity (25m/s). However, under high velocity (150m/s), the positive effect is not obvious. A Cu nano-film would form on the surface, which is useful for weakening the destruction of the interface, and protecting the sliding blocks. Under high velocity, a mixing layer would be formed in both two cases (with or without Cu nanoparticle).
A New Approach to High Value Conversion of Phosphogypsum from Phosphate Rock to Catalyst for Glycerol Carbonate Synthesis
Authors: Wang Y S , Wang Y X , Tang M Z , Yang G , Sun Y
Published: March 2021

This paper reports a new process of using phosphate rock as the precursor to prepare a high performance catalyst for glycerol carbonate synthesis. The reported technical route will create a new opportunity to synthesis the active chemical intermediate that can be used for energy generation. Three important preparation parameters were investigated to find out both singular and binary effects upon the statistical significances of prepared glycerol carbonate conversion using response surface methodology (RSM) approach. The optimal condition with the goal of maximizing the glycerol carbonate was set and achieved. The obtained catalyst prepared at the optimal condition was characterized. The proposed process offers a rosy prospect for high value conversion of colossal by-product phosphogypsum generated from phosphorous acid manufacturing industry.
A Parameter Sensitivity Study of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on One-dimensional Model
Authors: Liu H K , Xu X H
Published: March 2021

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising and efficient energy conversion devices. The modeling method was widely used to study characteristics of SOFCs due to limitation of experiments. Values of material properties such as porosity, tortuosity and pore radius are required information in modeling. Current modeling works usually employ material properties used in the literature, which are not exactly measured and the values vary in wide ranges. However, inappropriate selection of material properties can result in incorrect modeling results of SOFCs. In this study, a one-dimensional model of SOFCs was established to analyze the effects of different material parameters on the modeling results. A parameter sensitivity analysis was also conducted to determine the most influential parameters on the polarization curve. The results provide a reference for selection values of SOFC material parameters. This work can also be used as a guideline to fit the experimental polarization curve in numerical simulations by adjusting appropriate material parameters.
DC Fault Ride-Through Strategy Based on Overmodulation
Authors: Cui M , Li K J , Liu Z J , Li L Z
Published: March 2021

The hybrid modular multilevel converter (hybrid MMC) can realize DC fault ride-through based on the capability of overmodulation and can continue to output reactive power to AC side during the fault, which can speed up the recovery of DC grid power after the fault is cleared. This paper improves the control strategy of DC fault ride-through. During the bipolar short circuit on the DC side, hybrid MMC blocks the short-circuit current of the DC side by adjusting the reference value of DC voltage dynamically. Moreover, the average value of the sub-modules is introduced into the active current controller to maintain the balance of the sub-module voltage. Then, the performance of the improved strategy is verified by MATLAB/Simulink simulation model.
Pointwise Mass Conservative Least Squares Isogeometric Analysis for Stokes Problem
Authors: Chen D X , Geng M F
Published: March 2021

Conventional least squares finite element method for incompressible flow does not enforce mass conservation in pointwise, i.e. the velocity field is not exactly divergence free. In this paper, we present a pointwise mass conservative least squares isogeometric analysis for the Stokes problem. The method utilizes high order smooth basis functions generated from non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS). Pointwise divergence free velocity field is defined using stream function on each patch of computational domain. Velocity boundary conditions and cross patch continuity are enforced in least square sense. Numerical results are presented for flow past a large circular cylinder in a channel and flow over a backward facing step. The results show improvements on local and global mass conservation.
On-Line Optimization of Microgrid Operating Cost Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Lin S H , Yu H H , Chen H W
Published: March 2021

In view of the microgrid random optimization scheduling problem, this paper proposes a microgrid online optimization algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning. By using the approximate state-action value function of the deep neural network, the action of the battery is discretized into the decision variables output by the neural network, and then the remaining decision variables are solved by nonlinear programming and the immediate return is calculated. The optimal strategy is obtained by using the Q-learning algorithm. In order to make the neural network adapt to the randomness of wind, photovoltaic and load power, according to the wind, photovoltaic and load power prediction curves as well as wind, photovoltaic and load prediction errors, Monte Carlo sampling was used to generate multiple sets of training curves to train the neural network. After the training is completed, the weight is fixed and the real-time action value of the battery is output according to the real-time status of the microgrid, so as to realize the online optimal dispatching of the microgrid. Compared with day-ahead optimization results under different fluctuations of wind, photovoltaic and load power, the effectiveness and superiority of this algorithm in online optimization of microgrid are verified.
Effects of MnSO4 on grain output, protein and Mn content of quinoa strains (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Cheng Weishun , Huang Xiang , Luo Xi , Wang Suping , Jiang Li , Du Lei , Zhang Guiyou , Zhang Lihong , Hong Juan , Gang Chen
Published: March 2021

Quinoa is a new crop with great potential in the world. Micronutrients are vital components for balances both growth and development in plants. An experiment was designed for the sake of researching the impacts of MnSO4 on output and quality parameters of Quinoa strains in Wuhan. Four repetitions stochastic complete block design is used for the partition layout. Major zones were MnSO4 (contains 28% pure manganese) (2, 4 and 6 g·m−2), and sub-zones were Quinoa cultivars (L-1, L-2 and L-3). The meaningful influence of MnSO4 on the number of fertile ears, the amount of seeds in each ear, the weight of a thousand seeds, grain output, the contents of proteins and manganese in grain. The significant influence of cultivar on number of fertile ears, the weight of a thousand grains, grain output and protein content. The highest values of fertile ear, amount of grain, the weight of a thousand grains, harvest index, grain output, the contents of grain proteins and Mn were achieved in applying 6 g MnSO4 per m2. In addition, the highest amount of fertile ears, amount of grains per ear, grain harvest and grain manganese content were related to“L-3”cultivar. The results show that cultivation of“L-3”cultivar and application of 6 g MnSO4 per m2 is recommended for Wuhan.
Research progress on analysis methods of procyanidins
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Jiangwang , Lv Yunkai
Published: March 2021

Procyanidins (PC for short) is a very complex secondary metabolite of plant polyphenols, rich in grape skins, seeds, apples, hawthorn, tea and other plants. Studies have shown that the intake of procyanidins can regulate cell apoptosis through its anti-oxidation effect, and play a role in maintaining body health, delaying aging and preventing diseases. However, there is no unified standard for detection and quantitative analysis methods so far, making the separation, purification, and characterization of such products always be a technical problem that plagues market quality evaluation. Therefore, this article summarizes and summarizes PC analysis methods, including spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography and other analysis methods.
Study on the mechanism of the active ingredient of Strychni Semen on nervous system based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Liu Yun-Feng , Shen Xin-Gang , Qiu Zhao-Zhi , Guan Yong-Mei , Huang Shi-Yu , Wu Lu , Zhu Wei-Feng , Chen Li-Hua
Published: March 2021

To explore the potential targets and mechanism of Strychni Semen in the nervous system through network pharmacology and molecular docking, in this study, TCMSP, PubChem, and Swiss Target Prediction databases were used to screen the active ingredients and targets of Strychni Semen; related targets of the nervous system were screen out through GeneCards and OMIM databases; the common targets of the two were input into the STRING online analysis platform to construct potential protein interactions (PPI) network. The Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a “component-target” network diagram; then the Metascape platform was used to perform GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on its core targets; and the core target was verified by molecular docking with the active ingredient of Strychni semen. In the results, the screening in Strychni Semen with OB ≥ 30% and DL ≥ 0.18% as the threshold values obtained a total of 15 active ingredients and corresponding 384 potential targets; searched for diseases with “neurological” as keywords, 34769 related targets were mapped to potential drug targets, and 61 common targets were obtained; 74 nodes and 173 edges were read in the “component-target” network diagram; enriched in GO and KEGG A total of 11 signal pathways with significant differences were obtained in the analysis; molecular docking showed that the compounds in Strychni Semen have high binding energy to key proteins of the nervous system. In conclusion, the study initially explored the potential mechanism of Strychni Semen’s multi-pathway and multi-target action on the nervous system, providing scientific basis for the clinical application and in-depth research of the decoction piece.
A safe radio frequency identification system (RFID) authentication protocol for Internet of Things
Authors: Du Zhiguo , Wen Bin , Wu Zhihui , Su Ruijia , Liu Wenzi
Published: March 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is the evolution of related technologies and applications such as Internet and mobile networks. Agriculture, as the source of food, is one of the key areas for the application of the IoT technology, and it is also the field with the most urgent, difficult and integrated characteristics of the IoT application. Future research into IoT will focus on generic technology, information security, and critical applications. Based on IoT, the existing Radio frequency identification system (RFID) security mechanisms are analyzed, with a focus on cryptographic protocols. Investigate the weaknesses or flaws in these protocols, and then a theoretical model and method to design and analyze RFID protocols within the provable security framework is discussed. A mutual authentication protocol of RFID system using synchronized secret information is put forward.
Removal of Escherichia coli from ballast water via high-gradient magnetic separation
Authors: Lu Zheng , Guo Fuqiao , Zhang Kun , Guan Di , Shi Yue
Published: March 2021

Ship ballast water is a prominent medium for the growth of several foreign species. This study aimed to develop a high-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS)-based method to eliminate Escherichia coli and the mechanism underlying E. coli death, per regulation D-2 of the Ballast Water Convention. A novel wheat straw magnetic seed characterized by good flocculation performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness was prepared via chemical implantation. The HGMS system using this wheat straw magnetic seed had a significantly higher total suspended solid (TSS) removal rate and E. coli removal rate than a system comprising Fe3O4 (MP) + polyaluminium chloride (PAC) + polyacrylamide (PAM). A hydraulic retention time of 60 s, these rates were increased by 18.5% and 0.15log, respectively. Furthermore, with an increase in magnetic field strength, the E. coli removal rate continued to increase, and Escherichia coli cells were markedly damaged. Lipid peroxide MDA levels increased rapidly over a short period, and a large volume of K+ leaked out, eventually leading to cell death. The present HGMS system using wheat straw magnetic seeds is a novel ballast water pretreatment system with good potential applications.
Collaborative legislation on the control of toxic and harmful substances in drinking water resources of Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Gao Zhi-Gang
Published: March 2021

With the determination of China’s Yangtze River Delta integration development strategy, the importance of cross regional drinking water resources protection has become increasingly prominent. At present, there are still many problems in the practice of legislative collaborative protection. In this paper, the Yangtze River Delta as a flora, through the analysis of the current water quality of the mainstream and lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, on the basis of listing the cross regional water resources collaborative protection, find out the needs of legislative coordination, and further clarify the mechanism, mode selection, process and way of regional legislative cooperation in the Yangtze River Delta. This study is of great significance to promote the rational allocation and sharing of water resources and improve the quality of regional comprehensive development.
Research on the path of the prevention and control of toxic and harmful substances in take-out food for college students
Authors: Lu Wei
Published: March 2021

The paper expounds the existing circumstances of take-out food for college students, analyzes the classification and input channels of toxic and harmful substances in university takeout and puts forward that the market supervision department and the online catering service platform should strengthen the cooperation in food safety supervision. In addition, there is no doubt that catering merchants and take-out distribution companies should create a good environment of production and distribution. Similarly, colleges and universities should pay attention to do a good job in propaganda and education of laws and regulations on take-out food safety for college students, forming a system to protect the take-out food safety for college students.
A study on the microstructural evolution and subgrain size dependent constitutive equation of a type of maraging steel in the solid solution treatment process
Authors: Zhu Y Z , Zhao T Y , Huang H , Peng H , Hu F W , Yin S Y
Published: March 2021

00Cr12Ni9Mo4Cu2 is an ultra- high strength, maraging stainless steel. Optical microscopy, microhardness measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) were used to quantitatively investigate the effect of the solid solution parameters on the grain size and the secondary phases of the steel. It was found that the grain size increased from 8.5 um to 28 um when the solid solution temperature was increased from 960 °C to 1040 °C. Meanwhile, the strength of the alloy increased from 822 MPa to 1054 MPa. However, when the temperature was increased from 1040 °C to 1100 °C, the grain size rose dramatically to 55 um, and the strength of the alloy decreased from 1054 MPa to 782 MPa. Most of the original carbides were dissolved when the solid solution temperature increased up to 1040 °C. Finally, a constitutive equation based on the evolution of the subgrain size is proposed, clarifying the relationship between the mechanical properties and microstructures.
Exotic Psyllids and Exotic Hosts: Accumulation of Nonnative Psylloidea in North America (Hemiptera)
Authors: Horton David R , Miliczky Eugene , Waters Timothy D , Burckhardt Daniel , Halbert Susan E
Published: March 2021

The Psylloidea (Hemiptera) comprise ~4,000 species of small sap-feeding insects known as psyllids or jumping plant-lice. We summarize species composition of the nonnative psyllid fauna in North America and review detection records, current distributions, host use, life histories, and geographical sources. Forty-six species are considered to be nonnative accounting for ~10% of the known North American psyllid fauna. The family Psyllidae is overrepresented in the pool of exotics (52% of exotic species) relative to global psyllid diversity, whereas Triozidae (at 11% of exotic species) is underrepresented. Records of initial detection range from the 1832 detection of a European pear psyllid to the 2016 detection of a Ficus specialist from Asia. Many species exhibit discontinuous distributions in North America presumably caused by multiple introductions or by secondary spread of established populations. Host plants of nonnative species are almost exclusively trees and shrubs. The factor most correlated with introduction is presence of hosts from the psyllid’s native region. Virtually all host plants in North America have been imported intentionally for human-related use, with initial importation beginning in the 1500s and 1600s. Arrival of host plants in North America often preceded psyllid detection or arrival by decades or centuries. There has been almost no spillover by psyllids onto native plant species reflecting the narrow host range of Psylloidea. A glaring exception is the recent damaging colonization of a native Fraxinus closely related to the psyllid’s European Fraxinus host. Biological and geographical traits correlated with arrival and establishment of nonnative psyllids have shifted through time. Temperate Europe was the source of the earliest arriving species, with initial detection records primarily in New England and eastern Canada. In contrast, recent arrivals are mostly Myrtaceae- and Fabaceae-feeding species from the Neotropics or Australia, with detection records limited mostly to Florida or California. Early-arriving, temperate zone species exhibit a formal winter diapause while recent arrivals from the Neotropics and Australia appear to reproduce more-or-less continuously.
KCRR: a nonlinear machine learning with a modified genomic similarity matrix improved the genomic prediction efficiency
Authors: An Bingxing , Liang Mang , Chang Tianpeng , Duan Xinghai , Du Lili , Xu Lingyang , Zhang Lupei , Gao Xue , Li Junya , Gao Huijiang
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, advances in high-throughput sequencing benefit the increasing application of genomic prediction (GP) in breeding programs. In this research, we designed a Cosine kernel–based KRR named KCRR to perform GP. This paper assessed the prediction accuracies of 12 traits with various heritability and genetic architectures from four populations using the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), BayesB, support vector regression (SVR), and KCRR. On the whole, KCRR performed stably for all traits of multiple species, indicating that the hypothesis of KCRR had the potential to be adapted to a wide range of genetic architectures. Moreover, we defined a modified genomic similarity matrix named Cosine similarity matrix (CS matrix). The results indicated that the accuracies between GBLUP_kinship and GBLUP_CS almost unanimously for all traits, but the computing efficiency has increased by an average of 20 times. Our research will be a significant promising strategy in future GP.
KEC: unique sequence search by K-mer exclusion
Authors: Beran Pavel , Stehlíková Dagmar , Cohen Stephen P , Čurn Vladislav
Published: March 2021

Searching for amino acid or nucleic acid sequences unique to one organism may be challenging depending on size of the available datasets. K-mer elimination by cross-reference (KEC) allows users to quickly and easily find unique sequences by providing target and non-target sequences. Due to its speed, it can be used for datasets of genomic size and can be run on desktop or laptop computers with modest specifications.

Availability and implementation

KEC is freely available for non-commercial purposes. Source code and executable binary files compiled for Linux, Mac and Windows can be downloaded from https://github.com/berybox/KEC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Who is the best coach of all time? A network-based assessment of the career performance of professional sports coaches
Authors: Erkol Şirag , Radicchi Filippo
Published: March 2021

We consider two large datasets consisting of all games played among top-tier European soccer clubs in the last $60$ years, and among professional American basketball teams in the past $70$ years. We leverage game data to build networks of pairwise interactions between the head coaches of the teams and measure their career performance in terms of PageRank centrality. We identify Arsène Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jupp Heynckes, Carlo Ancelotti and José Mourinho as the top $5$ European soccer coaches of all time. In American basketball, the first $5$ positions of the all-time ranking are occupied by Red Auerbach, Gregg Popovich, Phil Jackson, Don Nelson and Lenny Wilkens. We further establish rankings by decade and season. We develop a simple methodology to monitor performance throughout a coach’s career, and to dynamically compare the performance of two or more coaches at a given time. The manuscript is accompanied by the website coachscore.luddy.indiana.edu where complete results of our analysis are accessible to the interested readers.
The Crown Pearl: a draft genome assembly of the European freshwater pearl musselMargaritifera margaritifera(Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Gomes-dos-Santos André , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Machado André M , Marcos Ramos António , Usié Ana , Bolotov Ivan N , Vikhrev Ilya V , Breton Sophie , Castro L Filipe C , da Fonseca Rute R , Geist Juergen , Österling Martin E , Prié Vincent , Teixeira Amílcar , Gan Han Ming , Simakov Oleg , Froufe Elsa
Published: March 2021

Since historical times, the inherent human fascination with pearls turned the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) into a highly valuable cultural and economic resource. Although pearl harvesting in M. margaritifera is nowadays residual, other human threats have aggravated the species conservation status, especially in Europe. This mussel presents a myriad of rare biological features, e.g. high longevity coupled with low senescence and Doubly Uniparental Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA, for which the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly known. Here, the first draft genome assembly of M. margaritifera was produced using a combination of Illumina Paired-end and Mate-pair approaches. The genome assembly was 2.4 Gb long, possessing 105,185 scaffolds and a scaffold N50 length of 288,726 bp. The ab initio gene prediction allowed the identification of 35,119 protein-coding genes. This genome represents an essential resource for studying this species’ unique biological and evolutionary features and ultimately will help to develop new tools to promote its conservation.
Quasilobar minimalist lung volume reduction surgery
Authors: Pompeo Eugenio , Elkhouly Ahmed , Rogliani Paola , Dauri Mario , Peer Michael , Sergiacomi Gianluigi , Sorge Roberto
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to assess the results and the costs of the quasilobar minimalist (QLM) thoracoscopic lung volume reduction (LVR) surgical method developed to minimize the trauma from the operation and the anaesthesia and to maximize the effect of the lobar volume reduction.

METHODS

Forty patients with severe emphysema underwent QLM-LVR that entailed adoption of sole intercostal block analgesia and lobar plication through a single thoracoscopic incision. Results were compared after propensity matching with 2 control groups undergoing non-awake resectional LVR with double-lumen tracheal intubation or awake non-resectional LVR by plication with thoracic epidural anaesthesia. As a result, we had 3 matched groups of 30 patients each.

RESULTS

Baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s, residual volume, the 6-min walking test and the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea index were 0.77 ± 0.18, 4.97 ± 0.6, 328 ± 65 and 3.3 ± 0.7, respectively, with no intergroup difference after propensity score matching. The visual pain score was better (P < 0.007), the hospital stay was shorter (P < 0.04) and overall costs were lower (P < 0.04) in the QLM-LVR group than in the control groups. The morbidity rate was lower with QLM-LVR than with non-awake resectional-LVR (P = 0.006). Significant improvements (P < 0.001) occurred in all study groups during the follow-up period. At 24 months, improvements in residual volume and dyspnoea index were significantly better with QLM-LVR (P < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

QLM-LVR proved safe and showed better perioperative outcomes and lower procedure-related costs than the control groups. Similar clinical benefit occurred at 12 months, but absolute improvements in residual volume and dyspnoea index were better in the QLM-LVR group at 24 months.
Online interventions to prevent mental health problems implemented in school settings: the perspectives from key stakeholders in Austria and Spain
Authors: Zeiler Michael , Kuso Stefanie , Nitsch Martina , Simek Monika , Adamcik Tanja , Herrero Rocio , Etchemendy Ernestina , Mira Adriana , Oliver Elia , Jones Bell Megan , Karwautz Andreas , Wagner Gudrun , Baños Rivera Rosa Maria , Botella Cristina , Waldherr Karin
Published: March 2021

Background

Schools are key settings for delivering mental illness prevention in adolescents. Data on stakeholders’ attitudes and factors relevant for the implementation of Internet-based prevention programmes are scarce.

Methods

Stakeholders in the school setting from Austria and Spain were consulted. Potential facilitators (e.g. teachers and school psychologists) completed an online questionnaire (N=50), policy makers (e.g. representatives of the ministry of education and health professional associations) participated in semi-structured interviews (N=9) and pupils (N=29, 14–19 years) participated in focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify experiences with, attitudes and needs towards Internet-based prevention programmes, underserved groups, as well as barriers and facilitators for reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance.

Results

Experiences with Internet-based prevention programmes were low across all stakeholder groups. Better reach of the target groups was seen as main advantage whereas lack of personal contact, privacy concerns, risk for misuse and potential stigmatization when implemented during school hours were regarded as disadvantages. Relevant needs towards Internet-based programmes involved attributes of the development process, general requirements for safety and performance, presentation of content, media/tools and contact options of online programmes. Positive attitudes of school staff, low effort for schools and compatibility to schools’ curriculum were seen as key factors for successful adoption and implementation. A sound implementation of the programme in the school routine and continued improvement could facilitate maintenance of online prevention initiatives in schools.

Conclusions

Attitudes towards Internet-based mental illness prevention programmes in school settings are positive across all stakeholder groups. However, especially safety concerns have to be considered.
Stakeholders’ views on online interventions to prevent common mental health disorders in adults implemented into existing healthcare systems in Europe
Authors: Kuso Stefanie , Nitsch Martina , Zeiler Michael , Simek Monika , Adamcik Tanja , Dey Michelle , Berger Thomas , Krieger Tobias , Weisel Kiona K , Zarski Anna-Carlotta , Ebert David D , Schaub Michael P , Moser Christian T , Botella Christina , Baños Rosa , Herrero Rocio , Etchemendy Ernestina , Nacke Barbara , Beintner Ina , Vollert Bianka , Schmidt-Hantke Juliane , Hütter Kristian , Jacobi Corinna , Waldherr Karin
Published: March 2021

Background

Online preventive interventions can help to reduce the incidence of mental disorders. Whereas knowledge on stakeholders’ attitudes and factors relevant for successfully integrating online treatment into existing healthcare systems is available, knowledge is scarce for online prevention.

Methods

Stakeholders from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Spain were surveyed. Potential facilitators/delivery staff (e.g. psychologists, psychotherapists) completed an online questionnaire (n = 183), policy makers (i.e. from the governing sector or health insurance providers) participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 16) and target groups/potential users of mental illness prevention (n = 49) participated in ten focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify their experiences with and attitudes and needs regarding online programmes to prevent mental disorders. Additionally, it was examined which groups they consider underserved and which factors they consider as fostering and hindering for reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance (cf. RE-AIM model) when integrating online prevention into existing healthcare systems.

Results

Main advantages of online mental illness prevention are perceived in low structural and psychological barriers. Lack of personal contact, security, privacy and trust concerns were discussed as disadvantages. Relevant needs are high usability and target group appropriateness, evidence for effectiveness and the use of motivational tools.

Conclusions

Positive attitudes among stakeholders are the key for successful integration of online mental illness prevention into existing healthcare systems. Potential facilitators/delivery staff must receive training and support to implement these programmes; the programmes must be attractive and continuously evaluated, updated and promoted to ensure ongoing reach; and existing infrastructure and contextual factors must be considered.
Views on online self-help programmes from people with eating disorders and their carers in UK
Authors: Yim See Heng , Spencer Lucy , Gordon Gemma , Allen Karina L , Musiat Peter , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: March 2021

Background

Digitalizing the healthcare system has been declared a priority by the UK government. People with eating disorders (EDs), especially those with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED), and ED carers may benefit from online self-help programmes, due to the shame and stigma associated with EDs and barriers in accessing treatment, skills-training or support. Qualitative studies are needed to explore stakeholders’ needs, attitudes to and views about online self-help, to optimize intervention design and delivery.

Methods

Focus groups and telephone interviews were conducted with people with BN or BED, and carers of people with anorexia nervosa, between March and September 2018 in the UK.

Results

People with EDs and carers perceived online self-help positively in the context of barriers to seeking and accessing treatment and support, despite some seeing it as inferior to face-to-face support. Most reported little experience with online interventions. Participants thought the disadvantages of online interventions could be overcome by reminders, progress summaries, regular engagement and engaging with peers. Receiving guidance was seen as an important functionality in the intervention by people with EDs.

Conclusions

People with EDs and their carers are aware of the potential benefits of online self-help despite having little experience with this form of intervention. A stepped-care approach that utilizes technology-based interventions as a first step and makes such interventions available directly to the consumer may fit the attitudes and needs of stakeholders. The study provides a foundation for future research on design and delivery of ED online self-help.
Microtubule-associated proteins and motors required for ectopic microtubule array formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: King Brianna R , Meehl Janet B , Vojnar Tamira , Winey Mark , Muller Eric G , Davis Trisha N
Published: March 2021

The mitotic spindle is resilient to perturbation due to the concerted, and sometimes redundant, action of motors and microtubule-associated proteins. Here, we utilize an inducible ectopic microtubule nucleation site in the nucleus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study three necessary steps in the formation of a bipolar array: the recruitment of the γ-tubulin complex, nucleation and elongation of microtubules (MTs), and the organization of MTs relative to each other. This novel tool, an Spc110 chimera, reveals previously unreported roles of the microtubule-associated proteins Stu2, Bim1, and Bik1, and the motors Vik1 and Kip3. We report that Stu2 and Bim1 are required for nucleation and that Bik1 and Kip3 promote nucleation at the ectopic site. Stu2, Bim1, and Kip3 join their homologs XMAP215, EB1 and kinesin-8 as promoters of microtubule nucleation, while Bik1 promotes MT nucleation indirectly via its role in SPB positioning. Furthermore, we find that the nucleation activity of Stu2 in vivo correlates with its polymerase activity in vitro. Finally, we provide the first evidence that Vik1, a subunit of Kar3/Vik1 kinesin-14, promotes microtubule minus end focusing at the ectopic site.
How to License Article 17? Exploring the Implementation Options for the New EU Rules on Content-Sharing Platforms under the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive
Authors: Husovec Martin , Quintais JoÃo Pedro
Published: March 2021

Article 17 of the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive is a major internet policy experiment of our decade. The provision fundamentally changes copyright regulation of certain digital platforms. However, the precise nature of Art. 17 is far from clear. How does it fit the existing structure of EU copyright law and doctrine? How can the Member States implement it? These are the questions at the heart of this article. To answer them, we start by examining the nature and structure of the right prescribed in Art. 17. The exact qualification brings important legal consequences. Among others, it determines the conditions imposed by EU and international law on national implementations. After reviewing different interpretation options, we conclude that Art. 17 introduces either a ‘special’ or a ‘new’ sui generis right, both of which allow significant margin of discretion for Member States, especially as regards licensing mechanisms and exceptions.
Hit the Road JAK! The Role of New Oral Treatment in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Garrido Isabel , Lopes Susana , Macedo Guilherme
Published: March 2021

Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are considered chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, lifelong medication often being necessary. Furthermore, they have significant implications on the quality of life. In the past few years, major advances have been achieved concerning the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. These advances are expanding the possibilities for managing these patients. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent the most auspicious treatment to date because they consist of drugs that are orally administered, with a short half-life and low antigenicity. In addition, they seem to concurrently lessen various proinflammatory routes. In fact, tofacitinib has already been approved in patients with UC, both naïve and with prior exposure to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. In CD, the results with tofacitinib have been less impressive. Several other JAK inhibitors are currently being investigated. However, given the wide spectrum of immunosuppressive effects, special attention has been given to the safety profile of these drugs, namely with regard to the occurrence of thromboembolic events, opportunistic infections, and malignancy. In this article, we review key evidence on the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors concerning both UC and CD.
Tofacitinib for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: Analysis of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Rates From the Ulcerative Colitis Clinical Program
Authors: Sands Bruce E , Long Millie D , Reinisch Walter , Panés Julian , Loftus Edward V , Nduaka Chudy I , Soonasra Arif , Mundayat Rajiv , Lawendy Nervin , Chan Gary , Friedman Gary S , Su Chinyu
Published: March 2021

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). We present integrated analyses of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) incidence in the tofacitinib UC clinical program.

Methods

Nonmelanoma skin cancer events were evaluated from 3 randomized, placebo-controlled studies: 2 identical, 8-week induction studies (NCT01465763, NCT01458951), a 52-week maintenance study (NCT01458574), and an open-label, long-term extension study (NCT01470612). Cohorts analyzed were: Induction, Maintenance, and Overall (patients receiving ≥1 dose of tofacitinib 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily [BID]). An independent adjudication committee reviewed potential NMSC. Proportions and incidence rates (IRs; unique patients with events per 100 patient-years of exposure) for NMSC were evaluated. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for risk factor analysis.

Results

Nonmelanoma skin cancer was evaluated for 1124 patients (2576.4 patient-years of tofacitinib exposure; ≤6.8 years’ treatment). In the Induction Cohort, NMSC IR was 0.00 for placebo and 1.26 for 10 mg BID. Nonmelanoma skin cancer IR was 0.97 for placebo, 0.00 for 5 mg BID and 1.91 for 10 mg BID in the Maintenance Cohort, and 0.73 (n = 19) in the Overall Cohort. No NMSC was metastatic or led to discontinuation. In the Overall Cohort, Cox regression identified prior NMSC (hazard ratio [HR], 9.09; P = 0.0001), tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) failure (3.32; P = 0.0363), and age (HR per 10-year increase, 2.03; P = 0.0004) as significant independent NMSC risk factors.

Conclusions

For patients receiving tofacitinib, NMSC occurred infrequently. Older age, prior NMSC, and TNFi failure, which are previously reported NMSC risk factors in patients with UC, were associated with increased NMSC risk.
Randomized Controlled Trial: Perioperative Dexamethasone Reduces Excessive Postoperative Inflammatory Response and Ileus After Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zhang Tenghui , Xu Yi , Yao Yao , Jin Lingling , Liu Haoxin , Zhou Yan , Gu Lili , Ji Qing , Zhu Weiming , Gong Jianfeng
Published: March 2021

Background

An excessive postoperative inflammatory response is common after surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may be associated with an increased incidence of postoperative ileus. This study assessed the role of perioperative dexamethasone in postoperative ileus after IBD surgery.

Method

Patients undergoing elective IBD surgery were randomized to either an intravenous 8-mg dose of dexamethasone (n = 151) or placebo (n = 151) upon induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of prolonged postoperative ileus. Secondary outcomes included incidence of reported nausea or vomiting, time to first passage of flatus and stool, GI-2 recovery, postoperative pain, length of stay, and surgical complications.

Results

An intention-to-treat analysis revealed that patients who received dexamethasone exhibited a lower incidence of prolonged postoperative ileus (22.5% vs 38.4%; P = 0.003), shorter time to first passage of stool (28 vs 48 h, P < 0.001), GI-2 recovery (72 vs 120 h; P < 0.001), reduced postoperative length of stay (9.0 vs 10.0 d; P = 0.002), and less postoperative pain (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Moreover, there were no significant differences in postoperative nausea or vomiting (P = 0.531), major postoperative complications (P = 0.165), or surgical site infections (P = 0.337) between the groups. A benefit was only observed in patients with Crohn’s disease, restored bowel continuity, colon/rectal resections, and those who underwent open operations.

Conclusion

A single, intravenous 8-mg dose of dexamethasone upon induction of anesthesia reduced the incidence of prolonged postoperative ileus, the intensity of postoperative pain, and shortened the postoperative length of stay for IBD patients undergoing elective surgery. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03456752.
Optimal vial sizes for infliximab injection: a simulation study of Japanese demographic data
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiko , Kusumoto Masaaki , Yano Yoshitaka
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Drug wastage costs in the medical field must be reduced, particularly for expensive biological drugs. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has developed specific criteria for the divided use of injectable vials and vial sharing of anticancer injection drugs to reduce drug wastage. This study investigates the optimal vial size for infliximab infusion to reduce drug wastage in Japan.

Method

A log-normal distribution was assumed for body weight, and hypothetical data were simulated using the software R. We assumed the average wastage in milligrams (mg) by considering different vial sizes in addition to the existing 100 mg size. We also assumed 18 different vial size combinations for rheumatism patients by gender. The range was 10–95 mg with 5 mg increments. Using the total amount of wasted doses for the existing 100 mg size as a baseline, we evaluated the effect of using additional vial sizes on the total amount of wasted doses.

Key findings

The average cost of infliximab wastage per case was found to be US$ 353.8 for males and US$ 359.6 for females. For a 15 mg plus 100 mg combination, the average cost of infliximab wastage per case became US$ 20.2 for males and US$ 26.1 for females. In other words, infliximab wastage would be reduced by 94.3% for males and 92.8% for females.

Conclusions

Adding a 15 mg vial size to the existing 100 mg size can reduce wastage. Producing drugs in different vial sizes can thus help significantly reduce the cost burden on the national health care system.
Updated Characterization of Poliovirus Transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan and the Impacts of Different Outbreak Response Vaccine Options
Authors: Kalkowska Dominika A , Pallansch Mark A , Cochi Stephen L , Thompson Kimberly M
Published: March 2021

Background

Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only reservoirs of wild poliovirus transmission. Prior modeling suggested that before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, plans to stop the transmission of serotype 1 wild poliovirus (WPV1) and persistent serotype 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) did not appear on track to succeed.

Methods

We updated an existing poliovirus transmission and Sabin-strain oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) evolution model for Pakistan and Afghanistan to characterize the impacts of immunization disruptions and restrictions on human interactions (ie, population mixing) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also consider different options for responding to outbreaks and for preventive supplementary immunization activities (SIAs).

Results

The modeling suggests that with some resumption of activities in the fall of 2020 to respond to cVDPV2 outbreaks and full resumption on 1 January 2021 of all polio immunization activities to pre–COVID-19 levels, Pakistan and Afghanistan would remain off-track for stopping all transmission through 2023 without improvements in quality.

Conclusions

Using trivalent OPV (tOPV) for SIAs instead of serotype 2 monovalent OPV offers substantial benefits for ending the transmission of both WPV1 and cVDPV2, because tOPV increases population immunity for both serotypes 1 and 2 while requiring fewer SIA rounds, when effectively delivered in transmission areas.
Leniency and Damage Liability for Cartel Members in Brazil
Authors: Pinha Lucas Campio , Braga Marcelo José
Published: March 2021

A recent debate on leniency policies is the interplay between the public and the private competition law enforcement. The lack of a well-established set of rules regarding damage claims may be harming the effectiveness of the Brazilian Leniency Program, either by discouraging the wrongdoers from applying for leniency in already formed cartels or by not being threatening enough to deter the cartel formation. The paper objective is to analyze the best policies for leniency applicants regarding the damage liability in Brazil. We conclude that the optimal policy is providing immunity to the leniency applicant, and after that the damage claim lawsuits can be encouraged with no undesirable effects. Extensions confirm the following: the immunity is even more effective when there is risk of betrayal; the immunity is the best policy in the case of ex-post leniency; the immunity is the optimal policy when there is no bankruptcy, otherwise the applicant liability should be the minimum necessary to avoid the bankruptcy; immunity regarding criminal sanctions for individuals is the optimal policy; for international cartels, the optimal policy is a combination of immunity regarding damage claims in all jurisdictions.

JEL codes: L13; L41; L44