bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections: a survey of ICU nurses’ knowledge and practice in China
Authors: Chi Xiuwen , Guo Juan , Niu Xiaofeng , He Ru , Wu Lijuan , Xu Hong
Published: November 2020

Background

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are largely preventable when evidence-based guidelines are followed. However, it is not clear how well these guidelines are followed in intensive care units (ICUs) in China. This study aimed to evaluate Chinese ICU nurses’ knowledge and practice of evidence-based guidelines for prevention of CLABSIs issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US and the Department of Health UK.

Method

Nurses completed online questionnaires regarding their knowledge and practice of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of CLABSIs from June to July 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions, and a score of 1 was given for a correct answer (total score = 0–11).

Results

A total of 835 ICU nurses from at least 104 hospitals completed the questionnaires, and 777 were from hospitals in Guangdong Province. The mean score of 11 questions related to evidence-based guidelines for preventing CLABSIs was 4.02. Individual total scores were significantly associated with sex, length of time as an ICU nurse, educational level, professional title, establishment, hospital grade, and incidence of CLABSIs at the participant’s ICU. Importantly, only 43% of nurses reported always using maximum barrier precautions, 14% of nurses reported never using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate for antisepsis at the insertion site, only 40% reported prompt removal of the catheter when it was no longer necessary, and 33% reported frequently and routinely changing catheters even if there was no suspicion of a CLABSI.

Conclusion

Chinese ICU nurses in Guangdong Province lack of knowledge and practice of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of CLABSIs. National health administrations should adopt policies to train ICU nurses to prevent CLABSIs.
Is there an optimal age for total knee arthroplasty?: A systematic review
Authors: Lee Seung Hoon , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to elucidate the optimal age for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), to optimize the balance between the benefits and risks by analyzing patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM), revision rate, and mortality according to age.

Materials and methods

A rigorous and systematic approach was used and each of the selected studies was evaluated for methodological quality. Data were extracted according to the following: study design, patients enrolled, patient age at the time of surgery, follow-up period, PROM, revision rate, and mortality.

Results

Thirty-nine articles were included in the final analysis. The results were inconsistent in the PROM analysis, but there was consensus that PROM were good in patients in their 70s

. In the revision rate analysis, there was consensus that the revision rate tends to increase in TKA in younger patients, but no significant difference was observed in patients > 70 years of age. In the mortality analysis, there was consensus that the mortality was not significantly different in patients < 80 years of age, but tended to increase with age.

Conclusion

This systematic review shows that the PROM were good when TKA was performed in patients between 70 and 80 years of age; the best PROM could be achieved around 70 years of age, and no significant difference in the revision or mortality rates was observed between 70 and 80 years of age; however, mortality tended to increase with age. Therefore, the early 70s could be recommended as an optimal age to undergo TKA.
The value of contrast-enhanced FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging in detecting meningeal abnormalities in suspected cases of meningitis compared to conventional contrast-enhanced T1WI sequences
Authors: Kamr Wael Hamza , Eissawy Mohamed Gaber , Saadawy Amr
Published: November 2020

Background

Early diagnosis of meningitis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be useful for appropriate and effective management, decrease morbidity and mortality, and provide better diagnosis and treatment. The objective of the current study is to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced FLAIR (CE-FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI) in the detection of meningeal abnormalities in suspected cases of meningitis.

Results

Out of 45 patients, 37 patients were confirmed to have meningitis on CSF analysis. Out of the 37 patients, 34 patients were positive on CE-FLAIR sequence and 27 were positive on CE-T1WI. The sensitivity of CE-FLAIR sequence was 91.9% and specificity 100%, while the sensitivity of CE-T1WI sequence was 73% and specificity 100%.

Conclusion

CE-FLAIR is more sensitive than CE-T1WI in diagnosis of meningitis. It is recommended to be used in any cases with clinically suspected meningitis.
Nuclear medicine practices during the COVID-19 pandemic—review of some recently published protocols
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Shahbaz Muhammad , Qadeer Owais Bin , Nazir Kanwal , Naeem Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad Shahzad , Imran Muhammad Babar
Published: November 2020

Background

With the global surge in COVID-19 pandemic, it has become inevitable for everyone, inclusive of nuclear medicine personnel, to play their role in combating and containing its transmission. During fall 2019, China encountered a novel coronavirus in Wuhan city which was later on termed as COVID-19. The pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is characterized by dry cough, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breathing (dyspnea). Until now, this virus has spread worldwide and continues to cause exponential causalities.

Main body

This global catastrophic scenario calls for stringent measures to control COVID-19 infection. Thus herein, the respective authors have endeavored to review precautionary measures for nuclear medicine department, encompassing its personnel as well as the patients so that intradepartmental transmission can be prevented. This requires development and execution of a robust and dynamic plan elaborating the healthcare guidelines. Hence, our review paper covers the arena of nuclear medicine services in particular.

Conclusion

Nuclear medicine can play its role in mitigating COVID-19 transmission to personnel and patients if provided with ample PPEs and guidelines are strictly followed. With implementing SOPs (standard operating procedures) based on these guidelines, nuclear medicine facilities will be better prepared for impromptu actions in case of any future outbreak while retaining the smooth flow of obligatory healthcare services.
Risk of spontaneous vertebral fracture during bisphosphonates drug holiday
Authors: Aboughanima Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Background

Bisphosphonates are the most common treatment for osteoporosis with confirmed efficacy. However, less information is available on prolonged use. This study was performed to examine the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures during bisphosphonates holiday and estimate its predictors.

Results

Forty-two patients completed 2-year fracture-free holiday; 7 had spontaneous vertebral fracture. Among baseline characteristics, age was significantly higher in fracture group (69.99 ± 3.62 vs. 75.37 ± 3.81; P value 0.007); other factors were comparable. Longitudinal changes analysis showed that only alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increment had significant group over time interaction (P value 0.002). The difference between baseline and clinical end-point serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptid (CTX) was significant in both fracture and non-fracture groups, whereas femoral neck and total hip BMD decline was significant in fracture group only. Multivariate analysis showed that only age (OR, 1.43; p, 0.011) and history of previous fractures (OR, 13.59; p, 0.044) are significant predictors of vertebral fractures.

Conclusions

These results suggest that older age and history of previous fracture should be considered as risk factors for vertebral fractures during bisphosphonates holiday. Furthermore, femoral neck and total hip BMD decline could be related to vertebral fractures. By the same token, overt increase of ALP and CTX could be an indicator of fracture occurrence.
Plagiarism and Authorship in Turn-of-the-Century Venezuela
Authors: Bouzaglo Nathalie
Published: November 2020

This article explores the connection between modernismo, a literary movement that relied heavily on imitation and intertextuality, and accusations of plagiarism, copying, and appropriation. It contextualizes the analysis within a nineteenth-century legal moment in which intellectual property protections were just beginning to take hold at the international level. It examines claims of authorship in the absence of meaningful intellectual property legislation, and in an asymmetrical context in which European authors were widely reprinted and read in Latin America but Latin American authors were barely read in Europe. And it considers performances of plagiarizing and of being plagiarized—that is, the unease expressed by one who suspects his work has been copied. Specifically, the article analyzes an accusatory epistolary exchange between Enrique Gómez Carrillo and Manuel Díaz Rodríguez; the novel El hombre de hierro (The Iron Man; 1907) by Rufino Blanco Fombona, which was interpreted as a copy of Flaubert’s Madame Bovary but justified by its local character; and the very curious case of Rafael Bolívar Coronado, whose writing implodes the category of authorship that underlies intellectual property legislation. Taken together, the three cases demonstrate the development of the notions of authorship and plagiarism in Venezuelan literature at the turn of the century.
The Discovery of the Gini Coefficient
Authors: Schneider Michael
Published: November 2020

This article traces the development of the methods of representing the degree of income inequality that were developed in the early twentieth century by Max Otto Lorenz and Corrado Gini. It suggests that Gini’s efforts to perfect the Lorenz curve may well have facilitated his discovery of what came to be known as the Gini coefficient and argues that this coefficient is an important example of a multiple (or chain multiple) discovery.
Citizens, Infiltrators, and Others
Authors: Bhushan Bharat
Published: November 2020

This article will address the political objective behind the Modi government passing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), planning to prepare a National Population Register (NPR) and a National Register of Citizens (NRC). It will examine the psychological impact of these moves on the minority community and why these moves were seen as precursors to their possible political disenfranchisement. It will examine the manner in which anti-CAA/NPR/NRC protest sites came up spontaneously across the country, how these protests were organized, and their lack of a clear leadership. It will also examine the decision of mainstream Opposition parties to keep away from these protests and the consequences of this decision. It will argue that this decision cost the political parties and the nation dearly. It shifted the political discourse within the majoritarian spectrum and led to these parties losing credibility with the protestors and the minority community. Finally, it will also examine the failure of the mainstream political parties in preventing violence by the state against the protestors (such as in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Delhi) and in moderating the protests so that they do not fall prey to violent provocation.
The Birth of a Character
Authors: Zehtabi Sabeti Moqaddam Maryam
Published: November 2020

In Iran—as never before in the history of the country—prostitutes gained notorious visibility in twentieth-century Persian literature. Fixation on the image of the prostitute created a wealth of literature beginning in 1924 with the first Persian urban social novel, The Horrible Tehran, by Murtiza Mushfiq Kazimi. Associating prostitution with economic corruption, political and administrative decay, and religious hypocrisy, Iranian male writers directed their attention toward representing the sexually wayward woman. By scrutinizing the image of the prostitute in The Horrible Tehran as well as her inflationary and unparalleled presence in Iranian literature in the early twentieth century, this article not only sheds light on the reasons behind the birth of the prostitute character in the Persian novel but also problematizes the period’s tangled legal, social, and moral attitudes toward female sexuality.
Genetic and structural analysis of the in vivo functional redundancy between murine NANOS2 and NANOS3
Authors: Wright Danelle , Kiso Makoto , Saga Yumiko
Published: November 2020

NANOS2 and NANOS3 are evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding proteins involved in murine germ cell development. NANOS3 is required for protection from apoptosis during migration and gonadal colonization in both sexes, whereas NANOS2 is male-specific and required for the male-type differentiation of germ cells. Ectopic NANOS2 rescues the functions of NANOS3, but NANOS3 cannot rescue NANOS2 function even though its expression is up-regulated in Nanos2-null conditions. It is unknown why NANOS3 cannot rescue NANOS2 function and it is unclear whether NANOS3 plays any role in male germ cell differentiation. To address these questions, we made conditional Nanos3/Nanos2 knockout mice and chimeric mice expressing chimeric NANOS proteins. Conditional double knockout of Nanos2 and 3 led to the rapid loss of germ cells, and in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that DND1 and NANOS2 binding is dependent on the specific NANOS2 zinc finger structure. Moreover, murine NANOS3 failed to bind CNOT1, an interactor of NANOS2 at its N-terminal. Collectively, our study suggests that the inability of NANOS3 to rescue NANOS2 function is due to poor DND1 recruitment and CNOT1 binding.
The human foot functions like a spring of adjustable stiffness during running
Authors: Holowka Nicholas B. , Richards Alexander , Sibson Benjamin E. , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: November 2020

Like other animals, humans use their legs like springs to save energy during running. One potential contributor to leg stiffness in humans is the longitudinal arch (LA) of the foot. Studies of cadaveric feet have demonstrated that the LA can function like a spring, but it is unknown whether humans can adjust LA stiffness in coordination with more proximal joints to help control leg stiffness during running. Here, we used 3-D motion capture to record 27 adult participants running on a forceplate-instrumented treadmill, and calculated LA stiffness using beam bending and midfoot kinematics models of the foot. Because changing stride frequency causes humans to adjust overall leg stiffness, we had participants run at their preferred frequency and frequencies 35% above and 20% below preferred to test for similar adjustments in the LA. Regardless of which foot model we used, we found that participants increased LA quasi-stiffness significantly between low and high frequency runs, mirroring changes at the ankle, knee and leg overall. However, among foot models, we found that the model incorporating triceps surae force into bending force on the foot produced unrealistically high LA work estimates, leading us to discourage this modeling approach. Additionally, we found that there was not a consistent correlation between LA height and quasi-stiffness values among the participants, indicating that static LA height measurements are not good predictors of dynamic function. Overall, our findings support the hypothesis that humans dynamically adjust LA stiffness during running in concert with other structures of the leg.
A deposit-feeder sea cucumber also ingests suspended particles through the mouth
Authors: Mohsen Mohamed , Zhang Libin , Sun Lina , Lin Chenggang , Liu Shilin , Wang Qing , Yang Hongsheng
Published: November 2020

Although the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus has been characterised as a deposit feeder, nutrients sourced from the water column have been recorded in the intestines of this species. However, the mechanisms whereby nutrients in the water enter the intestinal tract of A. japonicus, and whether other suspended particles can be ingested via the mouth of A. japonicus adults, remain unknown. Here, we reveal how A. japonicus ingests suspended particles through the mouth. We used synthetic particles and video recording to confirm the suspension uptake by the sea cucumber. A. japonicus continued to ingest suspended particles (if present) over time, and the particle-ingestion rate was positively correlated with the concentration of suspended particles (Pearson correlation: r=0.808). Additionally, clearance rates of the suspended particles ranged from 0.3–0.9 L−1 h−1. The findings of this study thus provide evidence of a previously undescribed particle uptake mechanism in a commercially important species.
Washnut Seed-Derived Ultrahigh Surface Area Nanoporous Carbons as High Rate Performance Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Shrestha Ram Lal , Chaudhary Rashma , Shrestha Rekha Goswami , Shrestha Timila , Maji Subrata , Ariga Katsuhiko , Shrestha Lok Kumar
Published: November 2020

Hierarchical porous carbon materials with high surface area and large porosity derived from biomass are desired for the sustainable development of low-cost electrode materials for advanced energy storage devices. Here, we report the electrochemical supercapacitance performance of washnut seed-derived nanoporous carbon materials in aqueous electrolyte (1 M H2SO4) on a three-electrode system. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation of the pre-carbonized Washnut seed powder at high temperatures (800–1000 °C) under nitrogen atmosphere yielded nanoporous carbons with hierarchical micro- and mesoporous structure with well-developed porosity. The surface areas and pore volumes are found in the range of 2005 to 2185 m2 g−1 and 1.370 to 2.002 cm3 g−1, respectively. The as-prepared materials showed outstanding electrochemical energy storage performance achieving a high specific capacitance of 288.7 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 followed by a high rate capability sustaining 67.2% capacitance even at a high current density of 50 A g−1 with only a small capacity loss (<2%) after 10,000 charging/discharging cycles. This work demonstrates novel insights into low-cost high-performance carbon materials design using natural biomass for the sustainable development of electrode materials for advanced supercapacitor applications.
Update on lyssaviruses and rabies: will past progress play as prologue in the near term towards future elimination?
Authors: Rohde Rodney E , Rupprecht Charles E
Published: November 2020

Rabies is an ancient, much-feared, and neglected infectious disease. Caused by pathogens in the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus, and distributed globally, this viral zoonosis results in tens of thousands of human fatalities and millions of exposures annually. All mammals are believed susceptible, but only certain taxa act as reservoirs. Dependence upon direct routing to, replication within, and passage from the central nervous system serves as a basic viral strategy for perpetuation. By a combination of stealth and subversion, lyssaviruses are quintessential neurotropic agents and cause an acute, progressive encephalitis. No treatment exists, so prevention is the key. Although not a disease considered for eradication, something of a modern rebirth has been occurring within the field as of late with regard to detection, prevention, and management as well as applied research. For example, within the past decade, new lyssaviruses have been characterized; sensitive and specific diagnostics have been optimized; pure, potent, safe, and efficacious human biologics have improved human prophylaxis; regional efforts have controlled canine rabies by mass immunization; wildlife rabies has been controlled by oral rabies vaccination over large geographic areas in Europe and North America; and debate has resumed over the controversial topic of therapy. Based upon such progress to date, there are certain expectations for the next 10 years. These include pathogen discovery, to uncover additional lyssaviruses in the Old World; laboratory-based surveillance enhancement by simplified, rapid testing; anti-viral drug appearance, based upon an improved appreciation of viral pathobiology and host response; and improvements to canine rabies elimination regionally throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas by application of the best technical, organizational, economic, and socio-political practices. Significantly, anticipated Gavi support will enable improved access of human rabies vaccines in lesser developed countries at a national level, with integrated bite management, dose-sparing regimens, and a 1 week vaccination schedule.
Nest camouflage records on five social wasp species (Vespidae, Polistinae) from southeastern Brazil
Authors: Souza Marcos Magalhães de , Clemente Mateus Aparecido , Teofilo-Guedes Gabriel
Published: November 2020

Social insects use different strategies to defend their colonies, including camouflage. In order to expand knowledge, regarding the strategy of camouflage in social wasps, information is presented on the camouflage pattern of the species: Parachartergus smithii (De Saussure), Parachartergus wagneri Du Buysson, Chartergellus communis Richards, Metapolybia cingulata (Fabricius) and Mischocyttarus anthracinus Richards.These species are uncommon in inventory studies in Brazil. Records occur in different Conservation Units, between 2011 and 2019, in the Minas Gerais State, Brazil Southeastern. Camouflage seems to be the main defense strategy for these species, due to the color and shape of their nests in line with the substrate, as well as their docile behavior. The exception is Metapolybia cingulata, which in addition to camouflage shows aggressive behavior in some situations, which suggests the use of different strategies in the colony defense.
Medication adherence: understanding the issues and finding solutions
Authors: While Alison
Published: November 2020

Medication is the most frequent treatment intervention, and its success depends on patients taking their medicines in line with their prescribed regimen to yield the full benefit of the treatment. Adherence is especially difficult to ensure in those with multimorbidity, who take multiple medications to manage their conditions. Non-adherence is costly for the health service, both through wastage and increased ill health. Non-adherence may be intentional or non-intentional, and many factors affect an individual's compliance with a medication regimen. There are a variety of aids that may be helpful; however, the interaction with a health professional is very important, both for understanding the reason for non-adherence and for promoting adherence.
Crossref Annual Meeting LIVE20
Authors:   Crossref, Pentz Ed , Hendricks Ginny , Vickery Bryan , Ofiesh Lucy
Published: November 2020

The Crossref annual meeting and board election took place on November 10th, 2020, online. The outputs include slide deck, transcript of Q&A, recording, and recording transcript (all in English). The content includes key updates and statistics from the leadership team as well as the results of the board election.
The labour digital divide: digital dimensions of labour market segmentation
Authors: Calderón-Gómez Daniel , Casas-Mas Belén , Urraco-Solanilla Mariano , Revilla Juan Carlos
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates digitalisation in labour activities within the Spanish population, with the aim of examining its extent and characteristics in relation to the digital divide at work, focusing particularly on access to and use of the internet. It thus aims to analyse the digital dimension of job segregation in the Spanish labour market. Internet use is explored both as an indicator of the type of work carried out and, in aggregate terms, of the broader characteristics of the labour market. The authors argue that a new segmentation of the labour market might be emerging, based on the technological requirements of jobs. The article draws on data from a representative Spanish population survey on how employees access and use the internet at work. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to describe the correlation between digitalised labour practices and individual sociodemographic conditions. The results show that around a third of Spanish workers are not required to use the internet at work. This population falls into two categories: the ‘analogical precariat’, in poor socio-economic conditions; and ‘traditional analogical labour’, in better quality traditional jobs. Digital workers can be classified into three groups: the ‘digital precariat’ (with a poor economic situation); ‘traditional digital labour’ (mainly involved in productive digital tasks); and the ‘innovative class’ (carrying out productive and communicative digital tasks). The level of education is by far the most important determining variable, in relation both to general and advanced uses. Young people and women are prominent in less complex uses of the internet (the digital precariat), which are usually related to less qualified jobs. The article argues that this represents a more subtle gender discrimination in the digital sphere than in the analogue one, with women being overrepresented in the digital precariat and underrepresented in the innovative class, while also being overrepresented in traditional analogical labour.
Young Women's Complex Patterns of Contraceptive Use: Findings from an Australian Cohort Study
Authors: Harris Melissa L. , Coombe Jacqueline , Forder Peta M. , Lucke Jayne C. , Bateson Deborah , Loxton Deborah
Published: November 2020

CONTEXT

Unintended pregnancy is common among young women. Understanding how such women use contraceptives— including method combinations—is essential to providing high‐quality contraceptive care.

METHODS

Data were from a representative cohort of 2,965 Australian women aged 18–23 who participated in the 2012–2013 Contraceptive Use, Pregnancy Intention and Decisions baseline survey, had been heterosexually active in the previous six months, and were not pregnant or trying to conceive. Latent class analysis was employed to characterize women's contraceptive choices; multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate correlates of membership in the identified classes.

RESULTS

The vast majority of women (96%) reported using one or more contraceptives, most commonly short‐acting hormonal methods (60%), barrier methods (38%), long‐acting contraceptives (16%) and withdrawal (15%). In total, 32 combinations were reported. Four latent classes of method use were identified: no contraception (4% of women); short‐acting hormonal methods with supplementation (59%, mostly the pill); high‐efficacy contraceptives with supplementation (15%, all long‐acting reversible contraceptive users); and low‐efficacy contraceptive combinations (21%); supplementation usually involved barrier methods or withdrawal. Class membership differed according to women's characteristics; for example, women who had ever been pregnant were more likely than other women to be in the no‐contraception, high‐efficacy contraceptive or low‐efficacy contraceptive combination classes than in the short‐acting hormonal contraceptive class (odds ratios, 2.0‐3.0).

CONCLUSIONS

The complexity of women's contraceptive choices and the associations between latent classes and such characteristics as pregnancy history highlight the need for individualized approaches to pregnancy prevention and contraceptive care.
1-bit feedback-based beamforming scheme for an uplink FSO-NOMA system with SIC errors
Authors: Saxena Prakriti , Bhatnagar Manav R.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study the effect of a beamforming scheme for a multiple-input-single-output (MISO) uplink free-space optical (FSO) communication system with nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) over negative exponential fading channels. 1-bit feedback about the channel state information is required by the proposed beamforming scheme. The feedback is considered to be error-free in this work; however, an error due to successive interference cancellation (SIC) is taken into consideration. It is inferred by bit error rate (BER) analysis that a higher weight given to the channel with higher channel gain and a slightly lower weight given to the channel with lower channel gain gives the best performance as compared to all arbitrary schemes in a

2
×
1

FSO-NOMA system. Further, it is also analytically shown that using a 1-bit feedback-based beamforming scheme in an FSO-NOMA system suppresses the effect of SIC error; hence the BER performance of both the transmitters (TXs) is the same, which is not the case for a conventional NOMA scheme. A simplified asymptotic upper bound of BER of the proposed scheme is obtained by using the order statistics, and an optimized beamforming vector is found by minimizing this upper bound. It is then established analytically as well as through simulations that the beamforming vector is independent of average signal-to-noise ratio as long as the two channels remain independent and identically distributed. We further compare the proposed scheme with an FSO-NOMA system without feedback and beamforming and with single-input single-output FSO system using 4-ary pulse amplitude modulated signaling. It is shown by simulations that the proposed scheme outperforms both of them and has a huge coding gain advantage. A numerical analysis of this scheme is also provided for gamma-gamma (GG) and log-normal (LN) turbulence regime. The proposed scheme is extended to

3
×
1

and

4
×
1

MISO systems, and it is revealed that the performance of the system degrades as the number of TX increases.
All-fiber laser source at 1645  nm for lidar measurement of methane concentration and wind velocity
Authors: Benoit Philippe , Le Méhauté Simon , Le Gouët Julien , Canat Guillaume
Published: November 2020

We report on the realization of an all-fiber laser source that delivers single-frequency pulses at 1645 nm, on a linearly polarized single-mode beam, based on stimulated Raman scattering in passive fibers. The pulse energy reaches 14 µJ for a repetition rate of 20 kHz, and the spectral linewidth is 9.5 MHz for 100 ns square pulses. To the best of our knowledge, this energy is the highest reported at 1645 nm in an all-fiber laser source. Our method consists of reducing the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) gain for the pump and signal pulses, respectively, by sweeping the optical frequency of the pump beam, and by applying a strain gradient on the amplification fiber. This compact laser source is now used in a transportable lidar system to measure simultaneously wind velocity and methane (

C
H

4

) concentration.
Validation of DBFOLD: An efficient algorithm for computing folding pathways of complex proteins
Authors: Bitran Amir , Jacobs William M. , Shakhnovich Eugene
Published: November 2020

Atomistic simulations can provide valuable, experimentally-verifiable insights into protein folding mechanisms, but existing ab initio simulation methods are restricted to only the smallest proteins due to severe computational speed limits. The folding of larger proteins has been studied using native-centric potential functions, but such models omit the potentially crucial role of non-native interactions. Here, we present an algorithm, entitled DBFOLD, which can predict folding pathways for a wide range of proteins while accounting for the effects of non-native contacts. In addition, DBFOLD can predict the relative rates of different transitions within a protein’s folding pathway. To accomplish this, rather than directly simulating folding, our method combines equilibrium Monte-Carlo simulations, which deploy enhanced sampling, with unfolding simulations at high temperatures. We show that under certain conditions, trajectories from these two types of simulations can be jointly analyzed to compute unknown folding rates from detailed balance. This requires inferring free energies from the equilibrium simulations, and extrapolating transition rates from the unfolding simulations to lower, physiologically-reasonable temperatures at which the native state is marginally stable. As a proof of principle, we show that our method can accurately predict folding pathways and Monte-Carlo rates for the well-characterized Streptococcal protein G. We then show that our method significantly reduces the amount of computation time required to compute the folding pathways of large, misfolding-prone proteins that lie beyond the reach of existing direct simulation. Our algorithm, which is available online, can generate detailed atomistic models of protein folding mechanisms while shedding light on the role of non-native intermediates which may crucially affect organismal fitness and are frequently implicated in disease.
Kinship and social organization in Copper Age Europe. A cross-disciplinary analysis of archaeology, DNA, isotopes, and anthropology from two Bell Beaker cemeteries
Authors: Sjögren Karl-Göran , Olalde Iñigo , Carver Sophie , Allentoft Morten E. , Knowles Tim , Kroonen Guus , Pike Alistair W. G. , Schröter Peter , Brown Keri A. , Brown Kate Robson , Harrison Richard J. , Bertemes Francois , Reich David , Kristiansen Kristian , Heyd Volker
Published: November 2020

We present a high-resolution cross-disciplinary analysis of kinship structure and social institutions in two Late Copper Age Bell Beaker culture cemeteries of South Germany containing 24 and 18 burials, of which 34 provided genetic information. By combining archaeological, anthropological, genetic and isotopic evidence we are able to document the internal kinship and residency structure of the cemeteries and the socially organizing principles of these local communities. The buried individuals represent four to six generations of two family groups, one nuclear family at the Alburg cemetery, and one seemingly more extended at Irlbach. While likely monogamous, they practiced exogamy, as six out of eight non-locals are women. Maternal genetic diversity is high with 23 different mitochondrial haplotypes from 34 individuals, whereas all males belong to one single Y-chromosome haplogroup without any detectable contribution from Y-chromosomes typical of the farmers who had been the sole inhabitants of the region hundreds of years before. This provides evidence for the society being patrilocal, perhaps as a way of protecting property among the male line, while in-marriage from many different places secured social and political networks and prevented inbreeding. We also find evidence that the communities practiced selection for which of their children (aged 0–14 years) received a proper burial, as buried juveniles were in all but one case boys, suggesting the priority of young males in the cemeteries. This is plausibly linked to the exchange of foster children as part of an expansionist kinship system which is well attested from later Indo-European-speaking cultural groups.
Development of an immuno-wall device for the rapid and sensitive detection of EGFR mutations in tumor tissues resected from lung cancer patients
Authors: Yogo Naoyuki , Hase Tetsunari , Kasama Toshihiro , Nishiyama Keine , Ozawa Naoya , Hatta Takahiro , Shibata Hirofumi , Sato Mitsuo , Komeda Kazuki , Kawabe Nozomi , Matsuoka Kohei , Chen-Yoshikawa Toyofumi Fengshi , Kaji Noritada , Tokeshi Manabu , Baba Yoshinobu , Hasegawa Yoshinori
Published: November 2020

Detecting molecular targets in specimens from patients with lung cancer is essential for targeted therapy. Recently, we developed a highly sensitive, rapid-detection device (an immuno-wall device) that utilizes photoreactive polyvinyl alcohol immobilized with antibodies against a target protein via a streptavidin–biotin interaction. To evaluate its performance, we assayed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, such as E746_A750 deletion in exon 19 or L858R substitution in exon 21, both of which are common in non-small cell lung cancer and important predictors of the treatment efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The results showed that in 20-min assays, the devices detected as few as 1% (E746_A750 deletion) and 0.1% (L858R substitution) of mutant cells. Subsequent evaluation of detection of the mutations in surgically resected lung cancer specimens from patients with or without EGFR mutations and previously diagnosed using commercially available, clinically approved genotyping assays revealed diagnostic sensitivities of the immuno-wall device for E746_A750 deletion and L858R substitution of 85.7% and 87.5%, respectively, with specificities of 100% for both mutations. These results suggest that the immuno-wall device represents a good candidate next-generation diagnostic tool, especially for screening of EGFR mutations.
Using night time lights to find regional inequality in India and its relationship with economic development
Authors: Singhal Abhishek , Sahu Sohini , Chattopadhyay Siddhartha , Mukherjee Abhijit , Bhanja Soumendra N.
Published: November 2020

Due to unavailability of consistent income data at the sub-state or district level in developing countries, it is difficult to generate consistent and reliable economic inequality estimates at the disaggregated level. To address this issue, this paper employs the association between night time lights and economic activities for India at the sub-state or district-level, and calculates regional income inequality using Gini coefficients. Additionally, we estimate the relationship between night time lights and socio-economic development for regions in India. We employ a newly available data on regional socio-economic development (Social Progress Index), as well as an index that represents institutional quality or governance. Robust to the choice of socio-economic development indicators, our findings indicate that regional inequality measured by night time lights follow the Kuznets curve pattern. This implies that starting from low levels of socio-economic development or quality of institutions, inequality rises as regional socio-economic factors or quality of institutions improve, and with subsequent progress in socio-economic factors or quality of institutions, regional inequality declines.
Incidence and risk factors of kidney impairment on patients with COVID-19: A meta-analysis of 10180 patients
Authors: Yang Qixin , Yang Xiyao
Published: November 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus is pandemic around the world. Several researchers have given the evidence of impacts of COVID-19 on the respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system. Studies still have debated on kidney injury of COVID-19 patients. The purpose of the meta-analysis was to evaluate the association of kidney impairment with the development of COVID-19.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase and MedRxiv databases were searched until May 1, 2020. We extracted data from eligible studies to summarize the clinical manifestations and laboratory indexes of kidney injury on COVID-19 infection patients and further compared the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the mean differences of three biomarkers between in ICU/severe and non-ICU/non-severe cases. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2method.

Results

In the sum of 24 studies with 10180 patients were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of AKI, increased serum creatinine (Scr), increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased D-dimer, proteinuria and hematuria in patients with COVID-19 were 16.2%, 8.3%, 6.2%, 49.8%, 50.1% and 30.3% respectively. Moreover, the means of Scr, BUN and D-dimer were shown 6.4-folds, 1.8-folds and 0.67-folds, respectively, higher in ICU/severe cases than in corresponding non-ICU/non-severe patients. The prevalence of AKI was about 30 folds higher in ICU/severe patients compared with the non-ICU/non-severe cases.

Conclusions

Overall, we assessed the incidences of the clinic and laboratory features of kidney injury in COVID-19 patients. And kidney dysfunction may be a risk factor for COVID-19 patients developing into the severe condition. In reverse, COVID-19 can also cause damage to the kidney.
Optimization of mine ventilation network feature graph
Authors: Jia Jinzhang , Li Bin , Ke Dinglin , Wu Yumo , Zhao Dan , Wang Mingyu
Published: November 2020

A ventilation network feature graph can directly and quantitatively represent the features of a ventilation network. To ensure the stability of airflow in a mine and improve ventilation system analysis, we propose a new algorithm to draw ventilation network feature graphs. The independent path method serves as the algorithm’s main frame, and an improved adaptive genetic algorithm is embedded so that the graph may be drawn better. A mathematical model based on the node adjacency matrix method for unidirectional circuit discrimination is constructed as the drawing algorithm may not be valid in such cases. By modifying the edge-seeking strategy, the improved depth-first search algorithm can be used to determine all of the paths in the ventilation network with unidirectional circuits, and the equivalent transformation method of network topology relations is used to draw the ventilation network feature graph. Through the analysis of the topological relation of a ventilation network, a simplified mathematical model is constructed, and network simplification technology makes the drawing concise and hierarchical. The rapid and intuitive drawing of the ventilation network feature graphs is significant for optimization of the ventilation system and day-to-day management.
Including residual contact information into replica-exchange MD simulations significantly enriches native-like conformations
Authors: Voronin Arthur , Weiel Marie , Schug Alexander
Published: November 2020

Proteins are complex biomolecules which perform critical tasks in living organisms. Knowledge of a protein’s structure is essential for understanding its physiological function in detail. Despite the incredible progress in experimental techniques, protein structure determination is still expensive, time-consuming, and arduous. That is why computer simulations are often used to complement or interpret experimental data. Here, we explore how in silico protein structure determination based on replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) can benefit from including contact information derived from theoretical and experimental sources, such as direct coupling analysis or NMR spectroscopy. To reflect the influence from erroneous and noisy data we probe how false-positive contacts influence the simulated ensemble. Specifically, we integrate varying numbers of randomly selected native and non-native contacts and explore how such a bias can guide simulations towards the native state. We investigate the number of contacts needed for a significant enrichment of native-like conformations and show the capabilities and limitations of this method. Adhering to a threshold of approximately 75% true-positive contacts within a simulation, we obtain an ensemble with native-like conformations of high quality. We find that contact-guided REMD is capable of delivering physically reasonable models of a protein’s structure.
Stress-dependent conformational changes of artemin: Effects of heat and oxidant
Authors: Takalloo Zeinab , Ardakani Zahra Afshar , Maroufi Bahman , Shahangian S. Shirin , Sajedi Reza H.
Published: November 2020

Artemin is an abundant thermostable protein inArtemiaembryos and it is considered as a highly efficient molecular chaperone against extreme environmental stress conditions. The conformational dynamics of artemin have been suggested to play a critical role in its biological functions. In this study, we have investigated the conformational and functional changes of artemin under heat and oxidative stresses to identify the relationship between its structure and function. The tertiary and quaternary structures of artemin were evaluated by fluorescence measurements, protein cross-linking analysis, and dynamic light scattering. Based on the structural analysis, artemin showed irreversible substantial conformational lability in responses to heat and oxidant, which was mainly mediated through the hydrophobic interactions and dimerization of the chaperone. In addition, the chaperone-like activity of heated and oxidized artemin was examined using lysozyme refolding assay and the results showed that although both factors, i.e. heat and oxidant, at specific levels improved artemin potency, simultaneous incubation with both stressors significantly triggered the chaperone activation. Moreover, the heat-induced dimerization of artemin was found to be the most critical factor for its activation. It was suggested that oxidation presumably acts through stabilizing the dimer structures of artemin through formation of disulfide bridges between the subunits and strengthens its chaperoning efficacy. Accordingly, it is proposed that artemin probably exists in a monomer–oligomer equilibrium inArtemiacysts and environmental stresses and intracellular portion of protein substrates may shift the equilibrium towards the active dimer forms of the chaperone.
Incidence of hospitalization and mortality due to stroke in young adults, residents of developed regions in Brazil, 2008-2018
Authors: de Moraes Bernal Henrique , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Pinheiro Bezerra Italla Maria , Adami Fernando , Takasu Jessica Miwa , Ji Young Suh João Victor , de Lira Ribeiro Silmara , de Sousa Santos Edige Felipe
Published: November 2020

Introduction

We evaluated trends in hospitalization incidence and mortality due to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in young adults, according to gender and developed regions in Brazil.

Methods

Between 2008–2018, we performed a population-based time-series study using official hospitalization and death data due to stroke, in individuals aged 10–49 years, from Southeast and South, Brazil. Data were based on reports from the Unified Health System of Hospital Information System and Mortality Information System. Stroke was defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (I60–I63). A Prais-Winsten regression model was performed and the Annual Percentage Change was calculated.

Results

In total, 78,123 hospitalizations of individuals aged 10–49 years were recorded, of which 59,448 (76%) resulted from hemorrhagic stroke (HS). The hospitalizations for HS was significantly decreased (- 4.37%) among men and women in both regions. The hospitalizations for ischemic stroke (IS) was flat, except between 2011 and 2018, when IS hospitalization rates increased. In the analysis by states, HS hospitalizations declined across all states, except for Espírito Santo, where it remained unchanged (p > 0.05). IS flat hospitalizations were observed in all states, except Espírito Santo, where it increased by 24.93%. In terms of mortality, 28,625 deaths were recorded, of which 26,548 (92.7%) resulted from HS. HS mortality decreased significantly by -3.48%and IS mortality by -3.84%. Decreases also occurred in all Southeast and South states (p < 0.05). IS remained unchanged across all states, except Minas Gerais, where it decreased by -14.95%.

Conclusions

We identified a decline in the hospitalizations and mortality of HS and a flat trend for IS in developed regions of Brazil. The recent period (2011–2018) demonstrated increasing rates in the hospitalizations of IS in both regions and genders. The mortality rates for HS and IS decreased between 2008–2018 in Southeast and South Brazil for both genders.