bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Electricity Information Acquisition System Based on Sample Data Mining Model
Authors: Zhongkui Dang , Lei Fu
Published: October 2020

In power user information collection and detection, power companies generally have a variety of different detection needs, or need to solve the problem while having additional requirements for certain aspects. Therefore, the SVM classification technology is used in the paper to carry out more detailed pattern recognition of power consumption characteristics for small-scale users or users with major suspicions. Moreover, given the imbalance of the abnormal electricity detection data set, a comprehensive processing model of unbalanced samples is constructed. Meanwhile, the differential evolution algorithm is applied to complete the SVM parameter optimization, which not only solves the problem that the SVM classification performance is significantly affected by the parameters, but also ensures the operating efficiency of the integrated classification model.
The Integral Points On A Class Of Elliptic Curve
Authors: Yang Lixing
Published: October 2020

It is very important to study the integer points of various elliptic curves in elementary number theory. On the one hand, as an important research object in elementary number theory, elliptic curve plays an indispensable role in the development of mathematics. On the other hand, as an important research object in elementary number theory, elliptic curve has practical application in many aspects. So far, there are some conclusions about elliptic curve y
2 = x
3 + a
x + b, a, b ∈ Z. In 1987, D. Zagier proposed the integer points problem on y
2 = x
3 - 27x + 62, which is important for studying the arithmetic and geometric properties of elliptic curves. In 2009, Zhu H L and Chen J H used the methods of P-adic analysis and algebraic number theory to solve the problem of the integer points on y
2 = x
3 - 27x + 62. In 2010, Wu H M used the elementary methods to find all the integral points of elliptic curves y
2 = x
3 - 27x - 62. In 2015, Li Y Z and Cui B J used the elementary methods to solve the problem of the integer points on y
2 = x
3 - 21x - 90. In 2016, Guo J used the elementary methods to solve the problem of the integer points on y
2 = x
3 + 27x + 62. In 2017, Guo J used the elementary method proves that y
2 = x
3 - 21x + 90 has no integer points. Up to now, there is no relevant conclusions on the integral points of elliptic curves y
2 = x
3 + 19x - 46, which is the subject of this paper. By using congruence and Legendre Symbol, it can be proved that elliptic curve y
2 = x
3 + 19x - 46 has only one integer point: (x, y) = (2,0).
Vehicle Detection: A Review
Authors: Meng Chaochao , Bao Hong , Ma Yan
Published: October 2020

Vehicle detection based computer vision is the essential algorithm in autonomous driving, aims at identifying which locating vehicles by digital images or videos. The basic idea of vehicle detection is detecting “blocks,” which reflects the position of the vehicle in images or videos. Besides, this paper discusses 3D vehicle detection algorithms based on stereo perception, which originated from advanced planar vehicle detection perception. Finally, this paper summarizes the vehicle detection algorithms in recent years in terms of the difference between the feature extraction approach and the perceived results. It proposes hypotheses for further in-depth study of the vehicle detection algorithms.
Research on signal processing technology in φ-OTDR system based on non-uniform sampling
Authors: Chen Jin , Qiao Xiao Rui , Gao Zhi
Published: October 2020

In the optical cable communication system, because the optical cable often has a long span, the sampling frequency is limited when φ-OTDR is used as the monitoring method. When the system adopts the traditional uniform sampling method, the sampling frequency must be greater than 2 times of the signal frequency, otherwise spectrum aliasing will occur. How to get the frequency information of high frequency signal with lower sampling frequency, and how to solve the problem that the highest response frequency of the system decreases when the sensing distance of φ-OTDR system is extended, is a major technical problem for the monitoring of optical cable communication system. In this paper, through the analysis of the common methods of broadening the response frequency band of Φ-OTDR system, a non-uniform sampling method is selected to analyze the optimal value of some parameters of Φ-OTDR system based on non-uniform sampling, and a method of using the mean square change value to locate the vibration source is proposed. The simulation results show that this method is suitable for monitoring vibration signals with sparse characteristics in frequency domain, and the location SNR is better than the traditional method, and has good anti noise performance.
Research on Power Load Forecast Based on Ceemdan Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Lilong Huang , Chao Zhang , Ping Yu
Published: October 2020

With the continuous development of the power industry, power data has become more complex. However, it is difficult for common shallow neural networks to fully extract the original load data features, thus greatly limiting the load prediction accuracy. Therefore, given the advantages of CEEMDAN, a prediction model based on CEEMDAN is proposed in the paper, the advantages of which are verified by simulation analysis of measured power data. Experiments prove that the algorithm proposed in the paper has higher prediction accuracy, which effectively overcomes the EMD modal aliasing problem, and the decomposition process is more complete, so that the prediction accuracy of the subsequent prediction model is improved.
Research on Jet Quenching with Isolated-Photon+Jet correlation in Pb-Pb and p-p collisions at collision energy 5.02 TeV
Authors: Li Zhaobo , Zhang Boxuan , Wang Haomin
Published: October 2020

This paper is dedicated on the phenomenon of jet quenching and its quantitative description at

S

N
N

=
5.02
T
e
V

. Data from collision events with an isolated leading photon,

p

T

γ

>
40
G
e
V

, associate jets with

p

T

j
e
t

>
30
G
e
V

, are plotted as a function of centrality; result is then matched to reference function in p-p events at the same level of energy to infer some model for parton energy loss in PbPb collisions. The main motivation for this paper is to overcome the difficulties of comparing the theoretical models and experimental data, which are linked with a hypothetical equation for energy loss.
Exponential Cubic B-spline Collocation Method for Solving the One Dimensional Wave Equation Subject to an Integral Conservation Condition
Authors: Wu Beibei , Deng Wenchao
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a collocation method is presented based on the exponential B-spline functions for the numerical solution of the one-dimensional wave equation subject to an integral conservation condition. The wave equation is fully-discretized by using the exponential cubic B-spline collocation for spatial discretization and the finite difference method for the time discretization. The difference scheme is analyzed to be unconditionally stable. The results of a numerical experiment show the stability and efficiency of the proposed method.
Research on Response Characteristics of Hydraulic Gate Subjected to Non-contact Underwater Explosion Load
Authors: Yang Zhuoyi , Sun Xingquan , Song Lei , Wang Hui , Yu Fulin
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the response characteristics of deep-hole planar steel gates under the separate induction of bubble pulsating load are studied. Through the large-scale finite element simulation software ABAQUS, using the explicit dynamic finite element analysis method, the contact surface of the gate and the water is taken into account by the fluid-solid coupling algorithm. When the water level is constant, the gate is subjected to explosion and the impact of the generated bubble impact on the gate structure and its anti-explosion ability are analyzed. The equivalent stress, displacement, and equivalent plastic strain of the gate under six different cases were simulated. Then, the effect of bubble pulsating load on the stress characteristics of the gate and the anti-explosion ability of the gate were summarized.
Study on crushing characteristics and size effect of single-particle
Authors: Liu Chang , Chen Zuobing , Zhang Weili , Mao Ya , Ye Weidong , Yang Chenggang , Xie Qiang
Published: October 2020

Many crushing equipment will have particle crushing behavior. Mastering the particle crushing behavior helps improve the performance of crushing equipment. In this paper a numerical model of single-particle crushing has been established in order to investigate the the particle crushing characteristics under static load. The evolution process of particle crushing, size effect, law of energy accumulation and dissipation were comprehensively discussed, respectively. The simulation results showed that when a single particle was crushed, a large number of failure units and acoustic emissions (AE) occurred in the middle of the particle, and single-particle crushing is caused by tensile stress. There is size effect of single particle. By analyzing the characteristics of single particle crushing in crushing equipment, this study can give helpful theoretical support for the optimization of crushing process of crushing equipment, so as to obtain better crushing efficiency and energy saving effect.
Chaotic analysis for a buckled curved beam resting on nonlinear elastic foundations
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Ma Huaiyuan
Published: October 2020

The chaotic behaviors of a buckled curved beam around postbuckling configuation are investigated. The Melnikov’s method is introduced to find the necessary conditions for chaotic behaviours of the beam. We get the maximal Lyapunov exponent which is greater than zero and we can see and the system is sensitive to small differences in initial values. Associated the numerical simulations, we can see the chaotic behaviours can occur and the numerical analysis verifies the theoretical analytical predictions.
Dark Matter: Candidates and Searches
Authors: Cao Zheng
Published: October 2020

Dark matter is an unknown field in astrophysics and cosmology. Various experiments to detect dark matter have already been done around the world since the hypothesis of dark matter was first proposed. In this article, several prevalent dark matter candidate theories have been reviewed, which will make contributions to the understanding of these theories, especially for beginners. The detections and methods, such as Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), have also been included.
Research on the influence of air resistance in spacecraft moment of inertia measurement
Authors: Xu Zaifeng , Zhao Ke , Chen Mian , Du Chen , Liu Mo
Published: October 2020

MOI values of spacecraft are critical values to influence the control accuracy and attitude in the orbit. Traditionally, MOI values are measured by air floating MOI measurement equipment, but the air resistance may influence the accuracy of MOI measurement. How to evaluate the scale of the influence and to reduce the influence will reduce measurement error. The thesis designs a kind of simulation boards to research the air resistance influence, then using the air influence factors to calculate the influence in quantity, and finally using the method to compensate the air resistance influence. The influence of air resistance can be compensated by calculating the coefficient of air resistance, and compensation will eliminate 96% of the error.
Research and Implementation of Breast Cancer Intelligent Recognition Algorithm Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Chen Taixing , Wang Lidan , Li Yunfei , Duan Shukai
Published: October 2020

Breast cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers with a particularly high mortality rate for women. In the face of thousands of female pathological pictures, how to use computer related control algorithms to quickly and efficiently intelligently idently female breast cancer images has become an urgent problem in the world. With the development of computer vision and deep convolutional neural networks, this paper applies the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to solve the classification and recognition computer tasks of histological images for breast cancer, aiming to learn from tens of thousands of histological images features for breast cancer, and to assist doctors in diagnosing patients’ disease was found by computer control algorithm. There are many well-known neural network computer algorithms, such as AlexNet, Inception-Net, ResNet. Image recognition for breast is a binary classification problem, and it is not appropriate to use a ResNet network with a large amount of parameters. Therefore, this paper borrowed Alexnet algorithm and redesigned the algorithm, then used it for breast cancer experiments. We compared with the capsule algorithm used by Anupama authors. Our experiment improves the accuracy rate by 2%, and reduces the amount of neural network parameters, which greatly speeds up the training time.
Production analysis of smallholding arabica coffee farm in the district of Solok, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Yusmarni Y , Putri A , Paloma C , Zakir Z
Published: October 2020

Economically and strategically, coffee plays a significant role in economic development. Coffee is one of the agricultural commodities planted and developed in the District of Solok, West Sumatera. Most of the coffee plantations in this district are small scale plantations (smallholdings) owned by farmers’ families. To increase the positive economic impact in improving income, the farmers should optimize the utilization of production inputs. This study aims to examine the correlation between the characteristic of farmers and coffee production to investigate factors affecting coffee production and to analyze the return scale of smallholding Arabica coffee farms in the District of Solok. This research used a survey method, and the data were gathered from 60 coffee farmers in two sub-districts, namely the sub-district of Lembah Gumanti and sub strict of Pantai Cermin. The research finds that the characteristic of farmers that positively and significantly correlates to coffee production are age, land area, experience in farming, and education. Moreover, the statistical test shows that all variables were simultaneously affecting the output. However, partially only variables of the utilization of organic fertilizer, labor, and capital, which significantly affect the output. Furthermore, the study finds that smallholding Arabica coffee farms in the district of Solok are in the condition of Increasing Return to Scale, which means the production increases by a more substantial proportion than the increase in input production utilization.
Survey and detection of Banana bunchy top virus in Java
Authors: Lestari SM , Hidayat SH
Published: October 2020

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is one of the most important virus causing disease on banana plantation. Infection of BBTV is indicated by unique symptoms involving yellowing and curling of leaf margin, and stunting of plant. Research was conducted to determine the distribution of banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) in West Java (Bogor and Sukabumi), Central Java (Pati and Magelang), and East Java (Malang and Banyuwangi) based on symptom variations and disease severity. Field samples was then confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method using four specific primers, each amplified different region of BBTV genome, i.e CP1/2 which amplified coat protein gene in DNA S, mRep1/2, BBT1/2, and BBTV-F/-R which amplified replication gene in DNA R in different region. Symptoms and incidence of BBTD was varied across banana plantation in Java. The most common symptoms observed in the field includes chlorotic, green mosaic, narrow, and upright appearance of the leaves, and stunting of the plant. Incidence of BBTV was found more severe in West Java than those in Central Java and East Java. All primers used in the detection method was successfully amplified the target DNA fragment. DNA R primers were more sensitive than DNA S primers and the better amplification result was achieved using BBT1/2 and BBTVR-F/-R primers.
Design of nanoemulsion of Tephrosia vogelii extract as botanical insecticide to control cabbage pest
Authors: Lina E C , Tama D P , Nelly N , Arneti  , Djamaan A
Published: October 2020

Nanoemulsion is a technology that can improve the performance of botanical insecticides. Nanoemulsion can increase the stability of active substances, prevent the decomposition of active ingredients by microorganisms, allows to activate ingredients directly on the target site, which aims to reduce damage. This research was conducted at the Sumatra Biota Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy and Insect Bioecology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, from June to August 2018. The purpose of this research was to obtain T. vogelii formulations in the form of nanoparticles using spontaneous emulsification as a botanical insecticide that can control cabbage pests of Crocidolomia pavonana larvae. The result of this research showed the particle size nanoemulsion of formula A is 206.7 (nm) formula B is 432.6 (nm). The distribution of formula A nanoemulsion particles are classified as polydispersion, and Formula B is monodispersed. Mortality larvae instar 2 C. Pavonana in both formulas showed good results, namely >50%. This shows that nanoemulsion T. vogelii is very effective for controlling C. pavonana cabbage pests.
Local convergence of large random triangulations coupled with an Ising model
Authors: Albenque Marie , Ménard Laurent , Schaeffer Gilles
Published: October 2020

We prove the existence of the local weak limit of the measure obtained by sampling random triangulations of size

n
n

decorated by an Ising configuration with a weight proportional to the energy of this configuration. To do so, we establish the algebraicity and the asymptotic behaviour of the partition functions of triangulations with spins for any boundary condition. In particular, we show that these partition functions all have the same phase transition at the same critical temperature. Some properties of the limiting object – called the Infinite Ising Planar Triangulation – are derived, including the recurrence of the simple random walk at the critical temperature.
The Utility of Liver Biopsy in the Evaluation of Liver Disease and Abnormal Liver Function Tests
Authors: Khalifa Ali , Lewin David N , Sasso Roula , Rockey Don C
Published: October 2020

Objectives

We aimed to assess the value of liver biopsy in the evaluation of abnormal liver tests.

Methods

We analyzed consecutive liver biopsy specimens performed for evaluation of unexplained abnormal liver tests from 2014 to 2018. Diagnoses were categorized histologically and clinically. We determined whether histologic examination led to a specific diagnosis and whether prebiopsy laboratory variables predicted the underlying etiology.

Results

Among the 383 liver biopsy specimens included, chronic hepatitis was the most common histologic (25%) and clinical (17%) diagnosis. Liver biopsy led to a clinical diagnosis in 87% of patients. The most likely clinical diagnoses were autoimmune hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury (38, 33, and 32 patients, respectively). Using sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, we found that liver tests were not predictive of a specific diagnosis. In patients with no history of liver disease or clinical features of portal hypertension, biopsy specimens revealed histologic cirrhosis in 5% of patients.

Conclusions

Histopathologic diagnoses were made in 85% of patients undergoing liver biopsy for investigation of unexplained liver tests, leading to a clinical diagnosis in 87% of patients. However, neither liver tests themselves nor their patterns were useful in predicting histologic or clinical diagnoses.
Cardiovascular comorbidities as predictors for severe COVID-19 infection or death
Authors: Phelps Matthew , Christensen Daniel Mølager , Gerds Thomas , Fosbøl Emil , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Schou Morten , Køber Lars , Kragholm Kristian , Andersson Charlotte , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Christensen Helle Collatz , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Gislason Gunnar
Published: October 2020

Aims 

Pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been proposed to identify patients at higher risk of adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, but existing evidence is conflicting. Thus, it is unclear whether pre-existing CVDs are independently important predictors for severe COVID-19.

Methods and results 

In a nationwide Danish cohort of hospital-screened COVID-19 patients aged ≥40, we investigated if pre-existing CVDs predict the 30-day risk of (i) composite outcome of severe COVID-19 and (ii) all-cause mortality. We estimated 30-day risks using a Cox regression model including age, sex, each CVD comorbidity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-asthma, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. To illustrate CVD comorbidities’ importance, we evaluated the predicted risks of death and severe infection, for each sex, along ages 40–85. In total, 4090 COVID-19 hospital-screened patients were observed as of 26 August 2020; 22.1% had ≥1 CVD, 23.7% had severe infection within 30 days and 12.6% died. Predicted risks of both outcomes at age 75 among men with single CVD comorbidities did not differ in clinically meaningful amounts compared with men with no comorbidities risks for the composite outcome of severe infection; women with heart failure (28.2%; 95% CI 21.1–37.0%) or atrial fibrillation (30.0%; 95% CI: 24.2–36.9%) showed modest increases compared with women with no comorbidities (24.0%; 95% CI: 21.4–26.9%).

Conclusions 

The results showing only modest effects of CVDs on increased risks of poor COVID-19 outcomes are important in allowing public health authorities and clinicians to provide more tailored guidance to cardiovascular patients, who have heretofore been grouped together as high risk due to their disease status.
Calcified macroalgae and their bacterial community in relation to larval settlement and metamorphosis of reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis
Authors: Yang Fangfang , Mo Jiahao , Wei Zhangliang , Long Lijuan
Published: October 2020

Calcified macroalgae play an important role in the settlement and metamorphosis of invertebrate larvae in coral reef ecosystems. However, little is known about the algal-associated bacterial communities and their effects on larval settlement. In this study, the responses of larvae of the coral Pocillopora damicornis to calcified algae (Porolithon onkodes, Halimeda cylindracea, Halimeda opuntia and Amphiroa fragilissima) were evaluated. The results revealed that Por. onkodes and H. cylindracea significantly enhanced the rates of settlement and metamorphosis, whereas fewer larvae settled on Am. fragilissima and H. opuntia. Amplicon pyrosequencing of the V3–V4 region of 16S rDNA was applied to investigate the relationship between algal bacterial community and larval settlement. Principal coordinates analysis demonstrated that the bacterial community composition of H. opuntia was more similar to that of Am. fragilissima, but clearly distinct from those of H. cylindracea and Por. onkodes. Furthermore, the relative abundances of bacteria were highly diverse among different algae. H. opuntia had higher percentages of Thalassobius, Pelagibius and SM1A02, whereas the abundances of Mycoplasma and Suttonella were significantly higher in H. cylindracea than other algae. Our results showed that larval settlement/metamorphosis was strongly correlated with the bacterial community composition and with the relative abundance of a few operational taxonomic units.
Determination and Distribution of Cannabinoids in Nail and Hair Samples
Authors: Cobo-Golpe María , de-Castro-Ríos Ana , Cruz Angelines , López-Rivadulla Manuel , Lendoiro Elena
Published: October 2020

Hair has been used for decades in toxicology as a biological matrix for long-term detection of substances. Nails are another keratinized matrix that is being studied as an alternative when hair cannot be obtained. Although cannabis is the most prevalent illicit drug in the world, cannabinoid distribution in nails compared with hair has been scarcely studied. In this work, we described two methods for the determination of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and main metabolites of THC [11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH), 11-hydroxy-THC (OHTHC) and 8-β-11-dihydroxyTHC (diOHTHC)] in nail and hair samples. After an alkaline hydrolysis, samples were submitted to solid-phase extraction and analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS). The methods were fully validated, with good linearity (r2 > 0.99) in the range of 20 to 100 to 20,000 pg/mg. No endogenous or exogenous interferences were found. Accuracy was from 99.5% to 109.8%, and imprecision was <6.9%. Ion suppression (up to −74.4%) was observed for all the analytes, except for diOHTHC at low concentrations in hair (46.1%). Extraction efficiency ranged from 21.5% to 84.5%. The methods were applied to matched nail and hair specimens from 23 cannabis users to study the incorporation and distribution of the cannabinoids into these matrices. Only CBD, CBN and THC were detected in the samples, with much higher concentrations in fingernails than in toenails and hair. Correlations between analyte concentrations in the different matrices and with reported drug consumption were studied. A preliminary cut-off for THC in toenails was calculated using the cut-off proposed by the Society of Hair Testing in hair for the identification of chronic cannabis use.
Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Indoxacarb in Two Populations of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Lemes Amanda A F , Sipriano-Nascimento Thamiris P , Vieira Natalia F , Cardoso Camila P , Vacari Alessandra M , De Bortoli Sergio A
Published: October 2020

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758), is one of the main pests of brassicas, and various insecticides, such as indoxacarb, are used to control it. However, frequent insecticide applications favor the selection of resistant individuals. Thus, the residual and sublethal effects of indoxacarb in two populations of P. xylostella, one collected in the field (FP) and one from the laboratory (LP), were evaluated and compared. The objective of this research was to investigate the toxicity of indoxacarb at residual and sublethal levels in a field population of P. xylostella from Brazil and a population from the laboratory. Leaf-dip bioassays showed high toxicity, with LC50 values after 48 h of 3.7 and 6.9 mg/liter for the LP and FP, respectively. Sublethal effects were indicated by significant reduction in the survival of larvae, pupae, and offspring. There was an increase in foliar consumption and a decrease in adult survival in the LP, and a decrease in fecundity in the FP. For the LP and FP population, the mean values for R0, rm, and λ for the control treatment were significantly higher than for the treatment groups (CL15 and CL25). Exposure of larvae to sublethal indoxacarb concentrations significantly reduced larval and pupal survival. Larval and pupal survival decreased as the indoxacarb concentration increased. Fecundity was significantly lower for the FP at LC15 (96.2 eggs per female) and LC25 (69.2 eggs per female) concentrations compared with the other treatments.
Young Adult Cancer Survivorship: Recommendations for Patient Follow-up, Exercise Therapy, and Research
Authors: Adams Scott C , Herman Jennifer , Lega Iliana C , Mitchell Laura , Hodgson David , Edelstein Kim , Travis Lois B , Sabiston Catherine M , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Gupta Abha A
Published: October 2020

Survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers (AYAs) often live 50 to 60 years beyond their diagnosis. This rapidly growing cohort is at increased risk for cancer- and treatment-related ‘late effects’ that persist for decades into survivorship. Recognition of similar issues in pediatric cancer survivors has prompted the development of evidence-based guidelines for late effects screening and care. However, corresponding evidence-based guidelines for AYAs have not been developed. We hosted an AYA survivorship symposium for a large group of multidisciplinary AYA stakeholders (approximately 200 were in attendance) at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) to begin addressing this disparity. The following overview briefly summarizes and discusses the symposium’s stakeholder-identified high-priority targets for late effects screening and care and highlights knowledge gaps to direct future research in the field of AYA survivorship. This overview, although not exhaustive, is intended to stimulate clinicians to consider these high-priority screening and care targets when seeing survivors in clinical settings and, ultimately, to support the development of evidence-based late effects screening and care guidelines for AYAs.
Long-term metabolic evolution of brain metastases with suspected radiation necrosis following stereotactic radiosurgery: longitudinal assessment by F-DOPA PET
Authors: Cicone Francesco , Carideo Luciano , Scaringi Claudia , Romano Andrea , Mamede Marcelo , Papa Annalisa , Tofani Anna , Cascini Giuseppe Lucio , Bozzao Alessandro , Scopinaro Francesco , Minniti Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

Background

The evolution of radiation necrosis (RN) varies depending on the combination of radionecrotic tissue and active tumor cells. In this study, we characterized the long-term metabolic evolution of RN by sequential PET/CT imaging with 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-l-phenylalanine (F-DOPA) in patients with brain metastases following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Methods

Thirty consecutive patients with 34 suspected radionecrotic brain metastases following SRS repeated F-DOPA PET/CT every 6 months or yearly in addition to standard MRI monitoring. Diagnoses of local progression (LP) or RN were confirmed histologically or by clinical follow-up. Semi-quantitative parameters of F-DOPA uptake were extracted at different time points, and their diagnostic performances were compared with those of corresponding contrast-enhanced MRI.

Results

Ninety-nine F-DOPA PET scans were acquired over a median period of 18 (range: 12–66) months. Median follow-up from the baseline F-DOPA PET/CT was 48 (range 21–95) months. Overall, 24 (70.6%) and 10 (29.4%) lesions were classified as RN and LP, respectively. LP occurred after a median of 18 (range: 12–30) months from baseline PET. F-DOPA tumor-to-brain ratio (TBR) and relative standardized uptake value (rSUV) increased significantly over time in LP lesions, while remaining stable in RN lesions. The parameter showing the best diagnostic performance was rSUV (accuracy = 94.1% for the optimal threshold of 1.92). In contrast, variations of the longest tumor dimension measured on contrast-enhancing MRI did not distinguish between RN and LP.

Conclusion

F-DOPA PET has a high diagnostic accuracy for assessing the long-term evolution of brain metastases following SRS.
Real-world evaluation of the impact of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in elderly patients with glioblastoma based on age and performance status
Authors: Al Feghali Karine A , Buszek Samantha M , Elhalawani Hesham , Chevli Neil , Allen Pamela K , Chung Caroline
Published: October 2020

Background

This retrospective study investigated the impact of, in addition to age, the management and outcomes of elderly patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried between 2004 and 2015 for GBM patients age 60 years and older. Three age groups were created: 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 years and older, and 4 age/KPS groups: “age ≥ 60/ KPS < 70” (group 1), “age 60 to 69/KPS ≥ 70” (group 2), “age 70 to 79/KPS ≥ 70” (group 3), and “age ≥ 80/KPS ≥ 70” (group 4). Multivariable (MVA) modeling with Cox regression determined predictors of survival (OS), and estimated average treatment effects analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 48 540 patients with a median age of 70 years (range, 60-90 years) at diagnosis, and a median follow-up of 6.8 months (range, 0-151 months) were included. Median survival was 5.0, 15.2, 9.6, and 6.8 months in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P < .001). On treatment effects analysis, all groups survived longer with combined chemotherapy (ChT) and radiation therapy (RT), except group 1, which survived longer with ChT alone (P < .001). RT alone was associated with the worst OS in all groups (P < .01). Across all groups, predictors of worse OS on MVA were older age, lower KPS, White, higher comorbidity score, worse socioeconomic status, community treatment, tumor multifocality, subtotal resection, and no adjuvant treatment (all P < .01).

Conclusions

In elderly patients with newly diagnosed GBM, those with good KPS fared best with combined ChT and RT across all age groups. Performance status is a key prognostic factor that should be considered for management decisions in these patients.
Maximizing the use of batch production of 18F-FDOPA for imaging of brain tumors to increase availability of hybrid PET/MR imaging in clinical setting
Authors: Aboian Mariam , Barajas Ramon , Shatalov Julia , Ravanfar Vahid , Bahroos Emma , Tong Elizabeth , Taylor Jennie W , Bush N Oberheim , Sneed Patricia , Seo Youngho , Cha Soonmee , Hernandez-Pampaloni Miguel
Published: October 2020

Background

Amino acid PET imaging of brain tumors has been shown to play an important role in predicting tumor grade, delineation of tumor margins, and differentiating tumor recurrence from the background of postradiation changes, but is not commonly used in clinical practice because of high cost. We propose that PET/MRI imaging of patients grouped to the day of tracer radiosynthesis will significantly decrease the cost of PET imaging, which will improve patient access to PET.

Methods

Seventeen patients with either primary brain tumors or metastatic brain tumors were recruited for imaging on 3T PET/MRI and were scanned on 4 separate days in groups of 3 to 5 patients. The first group of consecutively imaged patients contained 3 patients, followed by 2 groups of 5 patients, and a last group of 4 patients.

Results

For each of the patients, standard of care gadolinium-enhanced MRI and dynamic PET imaging with 18F-FDOPA amino acid tracer was obtained. The total cost savings of scanning 17 patients in batches of 4 as opposed to individual radiosynthesis was 48.5% ($28 321). Semiquantitative analysis of tracer uptake in normal brain were performed with appropriate accumulation and expected subsequent washout.

Conclusion

Amino acid PET tracers have been shown to play a critical role in the characterization of brain tumors but their adaptation to clinical practice has been limited because of the high cost of PET. Scheduling patient imaging to maximally use the radiosynthesis of imaging tracer significantly reduces the cost of PET and results in increased availability of PET tracer use in neuro-oncology.
Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile Pacemaker Infection
Authors: Berkefeld Anna , Berger Fabian K , Gärtner Barbara C , Wantia Nina , Prinzing Anatol , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Busch Dirk H , Rothe Kathrin
Published: October 2020

Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated nosocomial diarrhea, but extra-intestinal manifestations are rare. We describe the first documented case of bacteraemia with pacemaker pocket and lead infection with the toxigenic C. difficile ribotype 014 with a lack of abdominal symptoms. The patient underwent pacemaker extraction and treatment with intravenous and oral vancomycin. Genotyping and molecular subtyping revealed clonality between pacemaker and intestinal isolates. This case illustrates the risk of intravascular device infections due to C. difficile. Even asymptomatic C. difficile colonization might pose a risk for prosthetic material infection.
Contesting Commemorative Landscapes: Confederate Monuments and Trajectories of Change
Authors: Simko Christina , Cunningham David , Fox Nicole
Published: October 2020

Following the racially motivated shootings at an African American church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015, a wave of contentious campaigns around Confederate statuary emerged, or at least intensified, in communities across the country. Yet local struggles have culminated in vastly different alterations to the built environment. This paper develops a framework for differentiating distinct “modes of recontextualization” rooted in the relocation and/or modification of commemorative objects. Building on models of memory as an iterative, path-dependent process, we track recontextualization efforts in three communities—St. Louis, Missouri; Oxford, Mississippi; and Austin, Texas—documenting how each mode alters the meaning of contested symbols. An analysis of local news sources in the year following recontextualization shows how each mode exerts identifiable proximate effects on broader political debates and, through that process, structures the horizon of possibility for longer-range outcomes.
Examination of the relationship between lapses and weight loss in a smartphone-based just-in time adaptive intervention
Authors: Goldstein Stephanie P , Brick Leslie A , Thomas J Graham , Forman Evan M
Published: October 2020

We developed a smartphone-based just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI), called OnTrack, that provides personalized intervention to prevent dietary lapses (i.e., nonadherence from the behavioral weight loss intervention diet). OnTrack utilizes ecological momentary assessment (EMA; repeated electronic surveys) for self-reporting lapse triggers, predicts lapses using machine learning, and provides brief intervention to prevent lapse. We have established preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of OnTrack, but no study has examined our hypothesized mechanism of action: reduced lapse frequency will be associated with greater weight loss while using OnTrack. This secondary analysis investigated the association between lapse frequency and the weekly percentage of weight loss. Post hoc analyses evaluated the moderating effect of OnTrack engagement on this association. Participants (N = 121) with overweight/obesity (MBMI = 34.51; 84.3% female; 69.4% White) used OnTrack with a digital weight loss program for 10 weeks. Engagement with OnTrack (i.e., EMA completed and interventions accessed) was recorded automatically, participants self-reported dietary lapses via EMA, and weighed weekly using Bluetooth scales. Linear mixed models with a random effect of subject and fixed effect of time revealed a nonsignificant association between weekly lapses and the percentage of weight loss. Post hoc analyses revealed a statistically significant moderation effect of OnTrack engagement such that fewer EMA and interventions completed conferred the expected associations between lapses and weight loss. Lapses were not associated with weight loss in this study and one explanation may be the influence of engagement levels on this relationship. Future research should investigate the role of engagement in evaluating JITAIs.
Surveying for Potential Diseases and Abiotic Disorders of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Production
Authors: Thiessen Lindsey D. , Schappe Tyler , Cochran Sarah , Hicks Kristin , Post Angela R.
Published: October 2020

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has recently been reintroduced as an agricultural commodity in the United States, and, through state-led pilot programs, growers and researchers have been investigating production strategies. Diseases and disorders of industrial hemp in the United States are largely unknowns because record-keeping and taxonomy have improved dramatically in the last several decades. In 2016, North Carolina launched a pilot program to investigate industrial hemp, and diseases and abiotic disorders were surveyed in 2017 and 2018. Producers, consultants, and agricultural extension agents submitted samples to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Services Division (n = 572) and the North Carolina Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (n = 117). Common field diseases found included Fusarium foliar and flower blights (Fusarium graminearum), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), and Helminthosporium leaf spot (Exserohilum rostratum). Greenhouse diseases were primarily caused by Pythium spp. and Botrytis cinerea. Common environmental disorders were attributed to excessive rainfall flooding roots and poor root development of transplanted clones.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Causes Decay and Forms Sclerotia in Potato Tubers in Idaho
Authors: Woodhall James W. , Brown Lara , Harrington Miranda , Olsen Nora , Miller Jeff , Duellman Kasia M.
Published: October 2020

Potato tubers (cultivar ‘Austrian Crescent’) displaying a dry rot decay symptom and internal sclerotia were received for diagnosis. Isolations were attempted from symptomatic material, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was frequently recovered. Pathogenicity tests for S. sclerotiorum in potato tubers were completed using agar plugs with S. sclerotiorum placed over tuber wounds and through injecting stolon end with a S. sclerotiorum hyphal suspension. Both inoculation methods induced decay symptoms, although these were observed less frequently with the agar plug inoculation (37.5%) compared with hyphal injection (100%). S. sclerotiorum was consistently reisolated from inoculated symptomatic tubers. This symptom is rare, but potato growers should be aware that tuber infection is possible when white mold is present.
Cognitive Improvement After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults With Severe or Profound Hearing Impairment: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Controlled, Multicenter Study
Authors: Mertens Griet , Andries Ellen , Claes Annes J. , Topsakal Vedat , Van de Heyning Paul , Van Rompaey Vincent , Calvino Miryam , Sanchez Cuadrado Isabel , Muñoz Elena , Gavilán Javier , Bieńkowska Katarzyna , Świerniak Weronika , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk , Skarżyński Henryk , Tapper Lynne , Killan Catherine , Ridgwell Jillian , McGowan Janet , Raine Christopher , Tavora-Vieira Dayse , Marino Roberta , Acharya Aanand , Lassaletta Luis
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To compare the cognitive evolution of older adults with severe or profound hearing impairment after cochlear implantation with that of a matched group of older adults with severe hearing impairment who do not receive a cochlear implant (CI).

Design:

In this prospective, longitudinal, controlled, and multicenter study, 24 older CI users were included in the intervention group and 24 adults without a CI in the control group. The control group matched the intervention group in terms of gender, age, formal education, cognitive functioning, and residual hearing. Assessments were made at baseline and 14 months later. Primary outcome measurements included the change in the total score on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing impaired individuals score and on its subdomain score to assess cognitive evolution in both groups. Secondary outcome measurements included self-reported changes in sound quality (Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index), self-perceived hearing disability (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale), states of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and level of negative affectivity and social inhibition (Type D questionnaire).

Results:

Improvements of the overall cognitive functioning (p = 0.05) and the subdomain “Attention” (p = 0.02) were observed after cochlear implantation in the intervention group; their scores were compared to the corresponding scores in the control group. Significant positive effects of cochlear implantation on sound quality and self-perceived hearing outcomes were found in the intervention group. Notably, 20% fewer traits of Type D personalities were measured in the intervention group after cochlear implantation. In the control group, traits of Type D personalities increased by 13%.

Conclusion:

Intervention with a CI improved cognitive functioning (domain Attention in particular) in older adults with severe hearing impairment compared to that of the matched controls with hearing impairment without a CI. However, older CI users did not, in terms of cognition, bridge the performance gap with adults with normal hearing after 1 year of CI use. The fact that experienced, older CI users still present subnormal cognitive functioning may highlight the need for additional cognitive rehabilitation in the long term after implantation.
Performance Comparison of a Novel Rapid Stand-alone Molecular Test and a 2-Step Diagnostic Algorithm for Clostridioides difficile Detection in Children
Authors: Brotons Pedro , Saucedo Jesica , Simó Silvia , Gené Amadeu , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen
Published: October 2020

Background:

We aimed to evaluate diagnostic performance of the cobas® Liat® Cdiff test, a novel single-step automated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for rapid diagnosis of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in stool samples from children with clinical symptoms of CDI.

Methods:

Assessment of cobas Liat Cdiff diagnostic yield, time of analytical process and agreement of results with those of a 2-step diagnostic algorithm. The sequential algorithm combined an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) targeting antigen glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), enterotoxin-A and cytotoxin-B, and a confirmatory PCR in EIA GDH-positive and toxin-negative samples. Fresh stool samples were collected prospectively from patients 2–18 years of age that were attended in Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (Barcelona, Spain) during December 2018–August 2019.

Results:

A total of 122 specimens were collected from 91 children (mean age, 8 years; 69.7% male). cobas Liat Cdiff identified 24 (19.7%) positive samples. EIA yielded 97 (79.5%) GDH- and toxin-negative results, 11 (9.0%) GDH- and toxin-positive results, and 14 (11.5%) GDH-positive and toxin-negative results, of which 11 (9.0%) were positive for the toxin by the confirmatory PCR. Overall, GDH- and toxin-positive samples detected by the sequential algorithm were 22 (18.0%). Comparatively, the new test reduced time of the analytical process significantly (20 vs. 35.4 minutes, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Use of cobas Liat Cdiff showed similar detection yield compared with a 2-step diagnostic algorithm that combined an EIA and a confirmatory PCR while decreasing the time of the analytical process markedly in stool samples from children suspected of CDI.