bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chromosome‐scale reference genome of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) provides insights into disease resistance, cold tolerance and genome evolution in Citrus
Authors: Peng Ze , Bredeson Jessen V. , Wu Guohong A. , Shu Shengqiang , Rawat Nidhi , Du Dongliang , Parajuli Saroj , Yu Qibin , You Qian , Rokhsar Daniel S. , Gmitter Frederick G. , Deng Zhanao
Published: September 2020

Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata), a deciduous close relative of evergreen Citrus, has important traits for citrus production, including tolerance/resistance to citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing, HLB) and other major diseases, and cold tolerance. It has been one of the most important rootstocks, and one of the most valuable sources of resistance and tolerance genes for citrus. Here we present a high‐quality, chromosome‐scale genome assembly of P. trifoliata. The 264.9‐Mb assembly contains nine chromosomal pseudomolecules with 25 538 protein‐coding genes, covering 97.2% of the estimated gene space. Comparative analyses of P. trifoliata and nine Citrus genomes revealed 605 species‐specific genes and six rapidly evolving gene families in the P. trifoliata genome. Poncirus trifoliata has evolved specific adaptation in the C‐repeat/DREB binding factor (CBF)‐dependent and CBF‐independent cold signaling pathways to tolerate cold. We identified candidate genes within quantitative trait loci for HLB tolerance, and at the loci for resistance to citrus tristeza virus and citrus nematode. Genetic diversity analysis of Poncirus accessions and Poncirus/Citrus hybrids shows a narrow genetic base in the US germplasm collection, and points to the importance of collecting and preserving more natural genetic variation. Two phenotypically divergent Poncirus accessions are found to be clonally related, supporting a previous conjecture that dwarf Flying Dragon originated as a mutant of a non‐dwarfing type. The high‐quality genome reveals features and evolutionary insights of Poncirus, and it will serve as a valuable resource for genetic, genomic and molecular research and manipulation in citrus.
CORS (CROM20): A new high‐prevalence antigen in the Cromer blood group system
Authors: Vrignaud Cédric , Chiaroni Jacques , Durieux‐Roussel Elisabeth , Le Van Kim Caroline , Azouzi Slim , Peyrard Thierry
Published: September 2020

The Cromer blood group system consists of 19 antigens (16 of high prevalence and 3 of low prevalence). This study describes the identification and characterization of a new Cromer high‐prevalence antigen, named CORS. The CORS‐negative proband carries a c.713G>A substitution in the CD55 gene, resulting in the substitution of glycine 238 into a glutamic acid (p.Gly238Glu).
A Delphi study to establish consensus on a definition of major bleeding in adult trauma
Authors: Wong Henna S. , Curry Nicola S. , Davenport Ross A. , Yu Ly‐Mee , Stanworth Simon J.
Published: September 2020

Background

The majority of potentially preventable deaths in trauma are due to uncontrolled hemorrhage and occur early after injury. How major bleeding is defined is integral to early identification and treatment of this group of high‐risk patients. However, there is no consensus on a definition of major bleeding in trauma. The aim of this Delphi study was to develop a consensus definition for research, with transfusion used as a surrogate marker of bleeding.

Study Design and Methods

Trauma experts from three international groups were invited to take part in an online Delphi survey. Over the course of four rounds, the group developed a number of definitions of major bleeding and reached consensus on a new definition.

Results

Forty‐four trauma experts agreed to become members of the Delphi panel, and 30 of 44 (68%) completed all four rounds. The panel agreed to exclude the historical massive transfusion definition (≥10 units of red blood cells within 24 hours). Consensus was reached on a new definition for use in clinical research: 4 or more units of any blood component within 2 hours of injury.

Conclusion

This Delphi process has yielded a pragmatic transfusion‐based definition of major bleeding. The consensus definition differs from historical definitions: a shorter time frame to reflect the acuity of bleeding, and multiple blood components in keeping with a balanced approach to resuscitation. The definition developed may be best suited to mature trauma systems (reflecting the demographics of the expert panel), and could be used to guide registry data recording and to characterize patients at risk of major bleeding.
Pruritic eosinophilic dermatitis in Jersey cows infested with Leptotrombidium spp (Acari: Trombiculidae)
Authors: Cadiergues Marie C. , Moulin Jean P. , Lucas Marie N. , Dorchies Philippe , Schelcher François
Published: September 2020

La dermatite éosinophilique a été observée dans des échantillons cutanés prélevés sur des vaches Jersey à la mi‐octobre dans le sud‐est de la France. La réponse inflammatoire a été considérée comme résultant de piqures de Trombiculidae. Les signes cliniques ont été considérés comme étant en partie dus à des auto‐traumatismes et comprenaient une alopécie en patch avec papules croûteuses ; les lésions ont été observées sur les mâchoires, les fanons, le périnée et les extrémités distales des membres. Les parasites identifiés étaient des larves de Leptotrombidium spp. Les lésions se sont résolues en totalité spontanément en décembre.
Non‐phthalate plasticizer DEHT preserves adequate blood component quality during storage in PVC blood bags
Authors: Larsson Linda , Sandgren Per , Ohlsson Sara , Derving Julia , Friis‐Christensen Tove , Daggert Felicia , Frizi Naïma , Reichenberg Stefan , Chatellier Sonia , Diedrich Beatrice , Antovic Jovan , Larsson Stella , Uhlin Michael
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

Commercial blood bags are predominantly made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasticized with di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is favourable for storage of red blood cells (RBC). Historically, removal of DEHP from blood bags has been linked to unacceptable haemolysis levels. Oncoming regulatory restrictions for DEHP due to toxicity concerns increase the urgency to replace DEHP without compromising RBC quality. Di(2‐ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) is one suggested substitute. The aim of this study was to compare PVC‐DEHT to PVC‐DEHP blood bags using additive solutions saline–adenine–glucose–mannitol (SAGM) and phosphate–adenine–glucose–guanosine–saline–mannitol (PAGGSM), to determine whether DEHT can maintain acceptable component quality.

Materials and methods

RBC concentrates (N = 64), platelet concentrates (N = 16) and fresh frozen plasma (N = 32) were produced from whole blood collected into either DEHT or DEHP plasticized systems. Using a pool‐and‐split study design, pairs of identical RBC content were created within each plasticizer arm and assigned either SAGM or PAGGSM. Storage effects were assessed weekly for 49 days (RBC), 7 days (platelets) and before/after freezing (plasma).

Results

Though haemolysis was slightly higher in DEHT, all study arms remained below half of the European limit 0·8%. K+ was lower in DEHT than in DEHP independent of additive solution. The metabolic parameters were not influenced by choice of plasticizer. Platelet activation/metabolism and plasma content were similarly preserved.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the plasticizer DEHT provides adequate blood component quality. We propose DEHT as a strong future candidate for replacement of DEHP in blood bags.
In vitro diagnostics for screening the blood supply: the new European regulation for IVD and the WHO IVD prequalification programme
Authors: Mbunkah Herbert Afegenwi , Reinhardt Jens , Kafere Chancelar , Scheiblauer Heiner , Prat Irena , Nübling Claudius Micha
Published: September 2020

Blood transfusion remains a routine life‐saving medical procedure that helps replace blood lost due to surgery, injury or disease. The quality of transfused blood is crucial in this process as blood donors must be free of transfusion‐transmissible infections and donated blood should be compatible to that of the recipient. The quality of donated blood could be affected by the quality of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) used in the screening process. Consequently, the need for high‐quality, safe and well‐performing IVDs for use in transfusion medicine arises, accompanied by the need for tight regulations in this domain. In the European Union, the new IVD Regulation will replace the existing IVD Directive within a five‐year transitional period. Manufacturers of IVDs are expected to fully comply with the new Regulation by 26 May 2022. In this review, we address the major differences relating to marketing authorization and testing between this new Regulation and its predecessor. We further present the main elements of the prequalification assessment introduced by the WHO for IVDs, including disease‐specific IVDs for blood screening laboratories.
Computational Analysis of an Optimized Curved-Bladed Small-Scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Abdelsalam Ali M. , El-Askary W. A. , Kotb M. A. , Sakr I. M.
Published: September 2020

This article aims to study numerically the effect of curvature of linear blade profile on the performance of small-scale horizontal axis wind turbine (SSHAWT). Rotors with two curvature types, f forward angles 5 deg, 10 deg, 15 deg, 20 deg, 30 deg, and 45 deg and backward angles −5 deg, −10 deg, and −15 deg, are investigated. Furthermore, three curvature positions of r/R = 0.8, 0.9, and 0.95 are studied. The numerical simulations are performed on rotors of radius 0.5 m at different wind speeds. The results are compared with straight rotor of linear profiles of chord and twist, which is considered as base rotor. It is found that the rotor with forward curvature of 5 deg and r/R = 0.9 has the highest power coefficient compared with the other rotors. At the peak performance, the proposed rotor reduces the axial thrust by about 12.5% compared with the base rotor. The flow behavior represented by the streamlines contours is also discussed. In such case, the separation approximately disappeared for the tip speed ratios of 5 and 6, which is responsible for the performance peak.
Hybrid approach to modeling large area field emitters
Authors: Biswas Debabrata
Published: September 2020

Large area field electron emitters, typically consisting of several thousands of nanotips, pose a major challenge since numerical modeling requires enormous computational resources. We propose a hybrid approach where the local electrostatic field enhancement parameters of an individual emitter are determined numerically while electrostatic shielding and anode-proximity effects are incorporated using recent analytical advances. The hybrid model is tested numerically on an ordered arrangement of emitters and then applied to recent experimental results on randomly distributed gold nanocones. Using the current-voltage data of two samples with vastly different emitter densities but having similar nanocone sizes, we show that an appropriate modeling of the emitter apex together with the analytical results on shielding and anode-proximity effects leads to consistent results for the apex radius of curvature. In both cases, the I−V data are approximately reproduced for Ra≃9 nm. Importantly, it is found that anode-proximity plays a significant role in counter-balancing electrostatic shielding, and ignoring this effect results in the requirement of a much smaller value of Ra.
Thin-film encapsulation of Al2O3 multidensity layer structure prepared by spatial atomic layer deposition
Authors: Park Hyunwoo , Shin Seokyoon , Choi Hyeongsu , Lee Namgue , Choi Yeongtae , Kim Keunsik , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: September 2020

Aluminum oxide films deposited by spatial atomic layer deposition have been used for thin-film encapsulation of organic light-emitting diodes. In this study, a multidensity layer structure consisting of two Al2O3 layers of different densities was deposited at varying ozone flow rates. The structure improved moisture permeation barrier characteristics, as confirmed by the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) measurement. The lowest WVTR of the multidensity layer structure was 5.3 × 10−5 g m−2 day−1, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of a reference single-density Al2O3 layer. This improvement can be attributed to the location mismatch of paths in the film for atmospheric gases, such as oxygen and water, due to different layer densities. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the multidensity layer structure’s superior characteristics as an encapsulation layer due to a location mismatch of the paths for oxidative species between the two layers.
Experimental reliability study of cumulative damage models on state-of-the-art semiconductor technologies for step-stress tests and mission profile stresses
Authors: Hirler A. , Biba J. , Lipp D. , Lochner H. , Siddabathula M. , Simon S. , Sulima T. , Wiatr M. , Hansch W.
Published: September 2020

Cumulative damage models are essential for reliability analysis, whether it is for the development of time-saving step-stress or ramp-stress life tests or for the qualification of products against mission-profile-based lifetime requirements. Although many cumulative damage models have been proposed in the literature, the discussion on them is rarely based on empirical data. In order to contribute to the experimental investigation of those models, three well-established models are tested for their validity. Thus, the cumulative exposure, the tampered random variable, and the tampered failure rate models are introduced in such a way that is supportive of multilevel step-stress accelerated life testing. Subsequently, experimental reliability data of semiconductor devices are used to verify or disprove the predicted failure behavior of all three models. For this purpose, university MOS-capacitors and the 22FDX® technology from GLOBALFOUNDRIES are tested. The chosen failure mechanism is the voltage and temperature accelerated time-dependent dielectric breakdown.
Enhancing Holistic Learning Through a Sport Management Short-Term Study Abroad
Authors: Springer Daniel L. , Anderson Arden J. , Dixon Stuart M. , Warner Stacy M. , Dixon Marlene A.
Published: September 2020

Sport management scholars have called for educators and students to increase their global perspectives to better reflect the globalization of the industry. Short-term study abroad trips represent an alternative to long-term study abroad trips and help address financial and temporal barriers associated with longer trips. Based on a holistic model of study abroad, the current study examined the associated outcomes of an intentional pretrip and in-trip design for sport management undergraduate students in a short-term study abroad program. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the researchers asked students on a short-term trip to complete journals and an online survey regarding their cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal outcomes and corresponding experiences. Results indicate that students demonstrated learning in all three areas and highlight the importance for educators to identify opportunities to assist students in making meaning of their experiences and the corresponding lessons associated with those experiences. These findings provide guidance for educators on how intentionally planning pretrip and in-trip lessons can enhance holistic learning for short-term study abroad students.
Notch signaling protects CD4 T cells from STING-mediated apoptosis during acute systemic inflammation
Authors: Long Junke , Yang Chenxuan , Zheng Yawen , Loughran Patricia , Guang Fu , Li Yiming , Liao Hong , Scott Melanie J. , Tang Daolin , Billiar Timothy R. , Deng Meihong
Published: September 2020

Notch or STING, which is in charge of CD4 T cell fate?
Transplanted microvessels improve pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocyte engraftment and cardiac function after infarction in rats
Authors: Sun Xuetao , Wu Jun , Qiang Beiping , Romagnuolo Rocco , Gagliardi Mark , Keller Gordon , Laflamme Michael A. , Li Ren-ke , Nunes Sara S.
Published: September 2020

Microvessels enhance survival of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, improving remuscularization and cardiac function after myocardial infarction in rats.
Impact of Obesity on Voriconazole Pharmacokinetics among Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Takahashi Takuto , Smith Angela R. , Jacobson Pamala A. , Fisher James , Rubin Nathan T. , Kirstein Mark N.
Published: September 2020

Voriconazole (VCZ) is an antifungal agent with wide inter- and intrapatient pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and narrow therapeutic index. Although obesity was associated with higher VCZ trough concentrations in adults, the impact of obesity had yet to be studied in children. We characterized the PK of VCZ in obese patients by accounting for age and CYP2C19 phenotype. We conducted intensive PK studies of VCZ and VCZ
N
-oxide metabolite in 44 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients aged 2 to 21 years who received prophylactic intravenous VCZ every 12 hours (q12h).
Biofilm Sampling for Detection of
Cryptosporidium
Oocysts in a Southeastern Pennsylvania Watershed
Authors: Jellison Kristen , Cannistraci Daniel , Fortunato Jenelle , McLeod Colin
Published: September 2020

Monitoring
Cryptosporidium
occurrence in watersheds that provide drinking water is necessary to determine where limited resources should most effectively be directed to protect consumers from waterborne exposure to pathogenic oocysts. Biofilms are a useful tool to monitor complex watersheds and identify point sources of
Cryptosporidium
oocyst contamination that need to be managed to protect public health. Compared to EPA Method 1623.1, the cost benefit of using biofilms to monitor for
Cryptosporidium
contamination will enable utilities to sample water supplies more frequently, and at more locations, than is currently possible given limited operating budgets. Biofilm sampling could be used to identify high-risk regions within a large, complex watershed and the associated water treatment plants at potential risk for increased oocyst loads in the water supply; this information could then be used to select the locations within the watershed where the more expensive EPA Method 1623.1 is warranted.
Use of Flavin-Containing Monooxygenases for Conversion of Trimethylamine in Salmon Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Goris Marianne , Puntervoll Pål , Rojo David , Claussen Julie , Larsen Øivind , Garcia-Moyano Antonio , Almendral David , Barbas Coral , Ferrer Manuel , Bjerga Gro Elin Kjæreng
Published: September 2020

Enzyme-based conversion of marine biomass to high-quality peptide ingredients leaves a distinct smell of “fish” caused by the presence of trimethylamine, which limits their economic potential. We suggest an enzymatic solution for converting trimethylamine to the odorless trimethylamine
N
-oxide as a novel strategy to improve the smell quality of marine protein hydrolysates. Following a systematic investigation of 45 putative bacterial trimethylamine monooxygenases from several phyla, we expand the repertoire of known active trimethylamine monooxygenases. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate that three of these enzymes oxidized trimethylamine in an industry-relevant salmon protein hydrolysate. Our results add new oxidoreductases to the industrial biocatalytic toolbox and provide a new point of departure for enzyme process developments in marine biorefineries.
Sex Steroids Induce Membrane Stress Responses and Virulence Properties in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Vidaillac Celine , Yong Valerie Fei Lee , Aschtgen Marie-Stephanie , Qu Jing , Yang Shuowei , Xu Guangfu , Seng Zi Jing , Brown Alexandra C. , Ali Md Khadem , Jaggi Tavleen K. , Sankaran Jagadish , Foo Yong Hwee , Righetti Francesco , Nedumaran Anu Maashaa , Mac Aogáin Micheál , Roizman Dan , Richard Jean-Alexandre , Rogers Thomas R. , Toyofuku Masanori , Luo Dahai , Loh Edmund , Wohland Thorsten , Czarny Bertrand , Horvat Jay C. , Hansbro Philip M. , Yang Liang , Li Liang , Normark Staffan , Henriques-Normark Birgitta , Chotirmall Sanjay H.
Published: September 2020

Molecular mechanisms by which sex steroids interact with
P. aeruginosa
to modulate its virulence have yet to be reported. Our work provides the first characterization of a steroid-induced membrane stress mechanism promoting
P. aeruginosa
virulence, which includes the release of proinflammatory outer membrane vesicles, resulting in inflammation, host tissue damage, and reduced bacterial clearance. We further demonstrate that at nanomolar (physiological) concentrations, male and female sex steroids promote virulence in clinical strains of
P. aeruginosa
based on their dynamic membrane fluidic properties. This work provides, for the first-time, mechanistic insight to better understand and predict the
P. aeruginosa
related response to sex steroids and explain the interindividual patient variability observed in respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis that are complicated by gender differences and chronic
P. aeruginosa
infection.
The Cu(II) Reductase RclA Protects
Escherichia coli
against the Combination of Hypochlorous Acid and Intracellular Copper
Authors: Derke Rhea M. , Barron Alexander J. , Billiot Caitlin E. , Chaple Ivis F. , Lapi Suzanne E. , Broderick Nichole A. , Gray Michael J.
Published: September 2020

During infection and inflammation, the innate immune system uses antimicrobial compounds to control bacterial populations. These include toxic metals, like copper, and reactive oxidants, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl). We have now found that RclA, a copper(II) reductase strongly induced by HOCl in proinflammatory
Escherichia coli
and found in many bacteria inhabiting epithelial surfaces, is required for bacteria to resist killing by the combination of intracellular copper and HOCl and plays an important role in colonization of an animal host. This finding indicates that copper redox chemistry plays a critical and previously underappreciated role in bacterial interactions with the innate immune system.
Interleukin-1β Triggers p53-Mediated Downmodulation of CCR5 and HIV-1 Entry in Macrophages through MicroRNAs 103 and 107
Authors: Lodge Robert , Bellini Nicolas , Laporte Mélanie , Salahuddin Syim , Routy Jean-Pierre , Ancuta Petronela , Costiniuk Cecilia T. , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Cohen Éric A.
Published: September 2020

Macrophages are heterogeneous immune cells that display varying susceptibilities to HIV-1 infection, in part due to the expression of small noncoding microRNAs involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and silencing. Here, we identify microRNAs 103 and 107 as important p53-regulated effectors of the antiviral response triggered by the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in macrophages. These microRNAs, which are enriched in colon macrophages of healthy donors and alveolar macrophages of HIV-infected individuals under antiretroviral therapy, act as inhibitors of HIV-1 entry through their capacity to downregulate the CCR5 coreceptor. These results highlight the important role played by miR-103/107 in modulating CCR5 expression and HIV-1 entry in macrophages. They further underscore a distinct function of the tumor suppressor p53 in enforcing proinflammatory antiviral responses in macrophages, thus providing insight into a cellular pathway that could be targeted to limit the establishment of viral reservoirs in these cells.
Adult-onset Still’s disease with concurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: case report and literature review
Authors: Kato Ryohei , Ikeuchi Tomoyuki , Tomita Katsuyuki , Yamasaki Akira
Published: September 2020

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is rare complication resulting from adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). We report the case of a 69-year-old Japanese man who initially presented with fever and joint pain and was diagnosed as having concurrent AOSD with TTP 1 month later. He had extremely high ferritin levels (32 696 ng/mL). He initially responded to plasma exchange but subsequently died of septic shock. AOSD accompanied by extremely high ferritin levels might be considered a sign of concurrent TTP.
Ethical, legal and administrative implications of the use of video and audio recording in an emergency department in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Douglas Stuart L , McRae Andrew , Calder Lisa , de Wit Melanie , Sivilotti Marco L A , Howes Daniel , Brooks Steven C , Szulewski Adam
Published: September 2020

While video and audio recording (VAR) of patients is well described for clinical research, its application to quality improvement in the emergency department has thus far been limited and hindered by potential obstacles. We believe this technology holds promise to incite marked systems improvement but only if deployed in a thoughtful and principled manner. Experts in clinical, regulatory, legal, quality improvement, patient safety and ethical domains collaborated to articulate the salient considerations and challenges to implementation of a VAR programme. We describe this implementation using the lens of legislation and other principles specific to our current context. The landscape of ethical, legal and regulatory barriers and a case example of how a VAR programme has been implemented in an emergency department in Ontario, Canada are outlined. The potential to harness VAR data to drive quality and to improve safety is remarkable. Articulating the most contentious issues and illustrating how they can be addressed may guide others hoping to implement similar VAR programmes.
Evaluation of Secure Mobile and Clinical Communication Solution (SMaCCS) across acute and community practice settings
Authors: Spina Sean P , Atwood Kristin M , Loewen Peter
Published: September 2020

Aims

Clinicians struggle to provide information to each other that supports safe patient transitions, especially across acute and community care jurisdictions. They need flexible communication tools to improve care coordination. Island Health introduced a Secure Mobile and Clinical Communication Solution (SMaCCS) to address these challenges in 2018. In this study we evaluated the SMaCCS system to understand the (1) volume and flow of healthcare communication, (2) degree of adoption and accessibility of the system and (3) user experience.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Island Health Information Management/Information Technology (IMIT) selected Vocera Collaboration Suite as the secure messaging platform. We invited healthcare providers in various roles in the hospital and community to use SMaCCS for their daily communications and system and survey data were collected between February and August 2018. System data and survey data were used to determine outcomes.

Results

A Sankey diagram represents the volume and flow of communication. A total of 2542 messages were sent and 79% of conversations included more than a single message. Eighty-one per cent of participants agreed that using a secure communication tool made them feel more comfortable sharing patient information. Most users (65%) perceived that the application was a useful method for transmitting simple information.

Conclusion

However, our study showed that different occupational roles require different frequencies and volumes of communication and there are numerous barriers to adoption that must be addressed before secure messaging can be an effective, ubiquitous method of clinical communication.
Faecal immunochemical test after negative colonoscopy may reduce the risk of incident colorectal cancer in a population-based screening programme
Authors: Peng Szu-Min , Hsu Wen-Feng , Wang Ying-Wei , Lin Li-Ju , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Li-Sheng , Lee Yi-Chia , Wu Ming-Shiang , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Chiu Han-Mo
Published: September 2020

Objective

Subjects with a positive faecal immunochemical test (FIT) have a much higher likelihood of advanced neoplasms than the general population. Whether FIT-positive subjects with negative colonoscopy should receive subsequent FIT screening remain unclear.

Design

Subjects with a negative colonoscopy after positive FIT in the first screening in the Taiwanese Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Program 2004–2009 were followed until the end of 2014. CRC incidence was compared between those who did and did not receive subsequent FIT screening. Cox regression analysis was conducted, adjusting for major confounders to investigate whether subsequent FIT was associated with lower risk of incident CRC.

Results

The study cohort was comprised of 9179 subjects who had negative diagnostic colonoscopy after positive FIT in 2004–2009, of whom 6195 received subsequent FIT during the study period. The CRC incidence (per 1000 person years) was 1.34 in those who received subsequent FIT and 2.69 in those who did not, with corresponding adjusted HR (aHR) of 0.47 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71). Lower adenoma detection rate of diagnostic colonoscopy was associated with higher risk of incident CRC but became non-significant in multivariable analysis after adjustment for subsequent FIT. Higher baseline faecal haemoglobin concentration (FHbC, μg haemoglobin/g faeces) was associated with increased risk of incident CRC (reference: FHbC=20–39; aHR=1.93 (1.04–3.56), 0.95 (0.45–2.00), 2.26 (1.16–4.43) and 2.44 (1.44–4.12) for FHbC=40–59, 60–99, 100–149 and ≥150, respectively).

Conclusion

Subsequent FIT should be scheduled after negative colonoscopy to detect missed neoplasms and reduce the risk of incident CRC in a national FIT screening programme.
Endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19: prevalence, demographics, and outcomes
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Yaghi Shadi , Mistry Eva A , Delic Alen , Hohmann Samuel , Shippey Ernie , Stulberg Eric , Tirschwell David , Frontera Jennifer A , Petersen Nils H , Anadani Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Background

We aimed to compare the outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who received endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with confirmed COVID-19 to those without.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis using the Vizient Clinical Data Base and included hospital discharges from April 1 to July 31 2020 with ICD-10 codes for AIS and EVT. The primary outcome was in-hospital death and the secondary outcome was favorable discharge, defined as discharge home or to acute rehabilitation. We compared patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 to those without. As a sensitivity analysis, we compared COVID-19 AIS patients who did not undergo EVT to those who did, to balance potential adverse events inherent to COVID-19 infection.

Results

We identified 3165 AIS patients who received EVT during April to July 2020, in which COVID-19 was confirmed in 104 (3.3%). Comorbid COVID-19 infection was associated with younger age, male sex, diabetes, black race, Hispanic ethnicity, intubation, acute coronary syndrome, acute renal failure, and longer hospital and intensive care unit length of stay. The rate of in-hospital death was 12.4% without COVID-19 vs 29.8% with COVID-19 (P<0.001). In mixed-effects logistic regression that accounted for patient clustering by hospital, comorbid COVID-19 increased the odds of in-hospital death over four-fold (OR 4.48, 95% CI 3.02 to 6.165). Comorbid COVID-19 was also associated with lower odds of a favorable discharge (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.61). In the sensitivity analysis, comparing AIS patients with COVID-19 who did not undergo EVT (n=2139) to the AIS EVT patients with COVID-19, there was no difference in the rate of in-hospital death (30.6% vs 29.8%, P=0.868), and AIS EVT patients had a higher rate of favorable discharge (32.4% vs 47.1%, P=0.002).

Conclusion

In AIS patients treated with EVT, comorbid COVID-19 infection was associated with in-hospital death and a lower odds of favorable discharge compared with patients without COVID-19, but not compared with AIS patients with COVID-19 who did not undergo EVT. AIS EVT patients with COVID-19 were younger, more likely to be male, have systemic complications, and almost twice as likely to be black and over three times as likely to be Hispanic.
Erratum to: New high precision measurements of the cosmic charged particle rate beyond the Arctic Circle with the PolarquEEEst experiment
Authors: Abbrescia M. , Avanzini C. , Arlandoo M. , Balbi G. , Baldini L. , Ferroli R. Baldini , Batignani G. , Battaglieri M. , Boi S. , Cavazza D. , Bossini E. , Carnesecchi F. , Cicalò C. , Cifarelli L. , Coccetti F. , Coccia E. , Corvaglia A. , De Gruttola D. , De Pasquale S. , Fabbri F. , Falchieri D. , Flammini A. , Galante L. , Garbini M. , Gemme G. , Gnesi I. , Gramstad E. , Grazzi S. , Håland E. S. , Hatzifotiadou D. , La Rocca P. , Liu Z. , Lombardo L. , Mandaglio G. , Margotti A. , Maron G. , Mazziotta M. N. , Meneghini S. , Millerjord S. A. , Mulliri A. , Nania R. , Noferini F. , Nozzoli F. , Ould-Saada F. , Palmonari F. , Panareo M. , Panetta M. P. , Paoletti R. , Parvis M. , Pellegrino C. , Perasso L. , Pinazza O. , Pinto C. , Pisano S. , Riggi F. , Righini G. , Ripoli C. , Rizzi M. , Sartorelli G. , Scapparone E. , Schioppa M. , Scioli G. , Scribano A. , Selvi M. , Serri G. , Squarcia S. , Taiuti M. , Terreni G. , Torromeo G. , Travaglini R. , Trifirò A. , Trimarchi M. , Veri C. , Vistoli C. , Votano L. , Williams M. C. S. , Zichichi A. , Zuyeuski R.
Published: September 2020

In the original version of this article, the names of four authors were missing in the author list: L. Perasso, O. Pinazza, C. Pinto and S. Pisano.
Exploring sizable triple Higgs couplings in the 2HDM
Authors: Arco F. , Heinemeyer S. , Herrero M. J.
Published: September 2020

An important task at future colliders is the measurement of the triple Higgs coupling. Depending on its size relative to the Standard Model (SM) value, certain collider options result in a higher experimental accuracy. Within the framework of Two Higgs Doublet Models (2HDM) types I and II we investigate the allowed ranges for all triple Higgs couplings involving at least one light, SM-like Higgs boson. We take into account theoretical constraints (unitarity, stability), experimental constraints from direct Higgs-boson searches, measurements of the SM-like Higgs-boson properties, flavor observables and electroweak precision data. We find that the SM-type triple Higgs coupling w.r.t. its SM value, $$\lambda _{hhh}/\lambda _{\mathrm {SM}}$$

λ

hhh

/

λ
SM

, can range between $$\sim -0.5$$

∼
-
0.5

and $$\sim 1.5$$

∼
1.5

. Depending on which value is realized, the HL-LHC can compete with, or is clearly inferior to the ILC. We find the coupling $$\lambda _{hhH}$$

λ

hhH

between $$\sim -1.5$$

∼
-
1.5

and $$\sim 1.5$$

∼
1.5

. Triple Higgs couplings involving two heavy Higgs bosons, $$\lambda _{hHH}$$

λ

hHH

, $$\lambda _{hAA}$$

λ

hAA

and $$\lambda _{hH^+H^-}$$

λ

h

H
+

H
-

can reach values up to $${{\mathcal {O}}}(10)$$

O
(
10
)

, roughly independent of the 2HDM type. This can lead to potentially strongly enhanced production of two Higgs-bosons at the HL-LHC or high-energy $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

colliders.
A Framework for Selection of Training Algorithm of Neuro-Statistic Model for Prediction of Pig Breeds in India
Authors: Mandal Satyendra Nath , Ghosh Pritam , Shit Nanigopal , Hajra Dilip Kumar , Banik Santanu
Published: September 2020

Various training algorithms are used in artificial neural networks for updating the weights during training the network. But, the selection of the appropriate training algorithm is dependent on the input–output mapping of dataset for which the network is constructed. In this paper, a framework has been proposed consisting of five modules to select the optimal training algorithm for predicting pig breeds from their images. The individual pig images from five pig-breeds have been captured using inbuilt camera of mobile phone and the contour of pig has been segmented from each captured image by HUE-based segmentation algorithm. In Statistical Parameter and Color Component retrieval module, parameters like entropy, standard deviation, variance, mean, median, and mode and color properties like hue, saturation, value (HSV) extracted from the content of each segmented image. Values of all extracted parameters have been transferred into Training Algorithm Selection Module. In this module, a fitting neural network with different numbers of hidden neurons has been executed by feeding all extracted values from pig images for mapping their breeds. Ten training algorithms have been applied on the same extracted dataset separately for five epochs each keeping other network parameters constants. The mean square error (MSE) and correlation coefficient ([Formula: see text]) for the validation set have been calculated after adjustment of weights and biases in each connection of the neurons. One training algorithm among 10 and its suitable number of hidden neurons has been selected based on comparative analysis for getting lower MSE and higher [Formula: see text] in the validation set. Then, the fitting network with selected training algorithm has been run on the same extracted datasets until the stopping condition is reached. Then the test set images are fed into the network and the network output has been categorized to class which has been assigned to each breed of pig in Breed Prediction Module. The proposed framework has been able to predict breeds with 96.00% accuracy, achieved by the trial with 50 images of the test set. It may be concluded that the Neuro Statistic Neural Network model may be used for breed prediction of pigs by using images of individual pigs.
Nasal Calcium-Rich Salts for Cleaning Airborne Particles from the Airways of Essential Workers, Students, and a Family in Quarantine
Authors: Edwards David , Salzman Jonathan , Devlin Tom , Langer Robert
Published: September 2020

To improve hygiene in the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated the intranasal delivery of calcium-enriched saline to suppress breath particles in practical settings reflecting essential worker hygiene, quarantine hygiene, and back-to-school hygiene. In studies with 92 men, women, and children, we observed that nasal salt aerosols lowered exhaled particles for the group by around 75%, and outperformed surgical face masks in the clearing of sub-micron particles.
Responsible mining and responsible sourcing of minerals: opportunities and challenges for cooperation across value chains
Authors: Bilham Nic T.
Published: September 2020

Responsible mining companies, manufacturers and other mineral value chain actors and stakeholders have a common interest in ensuring that the negative social, economic and environmental impacts of mining are minimized, that its benefits are maximized and shared equitably, and that good practice is recognized and encouraged by industrial users of minerals, investors and consumers. Joining up their respective efforts across long, complex and opaque supply chains is a significant challenge, which may be hampered by misalignment between different actors’ sustainability objectives and motivations. Discussions at two workshops convened by the Geological Society of London explored how barriers to progress might be addressed. These are reported and analysed in the context of several relevant bodies of literature. While assurance schemes and novel technologies can play a significant role in addressing these challenges, it is also vital to mobilize consumers’ awareness of the mineral resources they use, work in partnership with communities affected by mining, urge policy-makers to take greater responsibility, and develop a shared vision of what a sustainable global system of mineral production and consumption should look like. Such a holistic perspective is necessary to avoid well-intentioned but fragmented approaches resulting in harmful unintended consequences, and in some aspects of sustainability being overlooked.
Ethical considerations in managing the hydrosphere: an overview of water ethics
Authors: Groenfeldt David
Published: September 2020

Water has a unique importance as the basis of life, and the ethical ramifications of managing water are correspondingly complex. Values about water constitute the building blocks for ethical guidance. Modern interest in developing a practical field of water ethics began with a UNESCO initiative (1998–2004) that analysed best ethical practice in various water sectors (e.g. irrigation, domestic water supply, ecosystem health, etc.). A complementary approach has been to focus on particular normative values borrowed from the field of Human Rights such as integrity, justice and solidarity. A water ethics framework helps to integrate diverse and sometimes conflicting values through rendering the values about water visible and creating ethical space for dialogue and mediation. There is growing interest in approaching water policy decisions on the basis of normative values that can be diverse and mutually supportive. The widespread acceptance of agroecology as an alternative to mono-crop industrial farming, and corporate support for water stewardship initiatives, illustrate a societal turn towards valuing a broader range of spiritual, environmental and social benefits of water. We are undergoing a transformation in how we perceive the water around us. The need for clarifying the ethical foundations of water management decisions has never been greater.
A Survey of Quantum Theory Inspired Approaches to Information Retrieval
Authors: Uprety Sagar , Gkoumas Dimitris , Song Dawei
Published: September 2020

Since 2004, researchers have been using the mathematical framework of quantum theory in information retrieval (IR). Quantum theory offers a generalized probability and logic framework. Such a framework has been shown to be capable of unifying the representation, ranking, and user cognitive aspects of IR, and helpful in developing more dynamic, adaptive, and context-aware IR systems. Although quantum-inspired IR is still a growing area, a wide array of work in different aspects of IR has been done and produced promising results. This article presents a survey of the research done in this area, aiming to show the landscape of the field and draw a road map of future directions.
Mobility Management in 5G-enabled Vehicular Networks
Authors: Aljeri Noura , Boukerche Azzedine
Published: September 2020

Over the past few years, the next generation of vehicular networks is envisioned to play an essential part in autonomous driving, traffic management, and infotainment applications. The next generation of intelligent vehicular networks enabled by 5G systems will integrate various heterogeneous wireless techniques to enable time-sensitive services with guaranteed quality of service and ultimate bandwidth usage. However, to allow the dense diversity of wireless technologies, seamless and reliable wireless communication protocols need to be thoroughly investigated in vehicular networks environment. Henceforth, efficient mobility management protocols that mitigate the challenges of vehicles’ mobility is essential to support massive data loads throughout various applications. In this article, we review different mobility management protocols and their ability to address issues related to 5G-enabled vehicular networks within the related works. First, we provide a broad view of existing models of vehicular networks and their applicability to the next generation of wireless networks. Next, we propose a classification of several vehicular network models that suit the 5G wireless network, followed by a thorough discussion of the mobility management challenges in each of these network models that need to be addressed and then discuss each of their benefits and drawbacks accordingly.
Predictive Reliability and Fault Management in Exascale Systems
Authors: Canal Ramon , Hernandez Carles , Tornero Rafa , Cilardo Alessandro , Massari Giuseppe , Reghenzani Federico , Fornaciari William , Zapater Marina , Atienza David , Oleksiak Ariel , PiĄtek Wojciech , Abella Jaume
Published: September 2020

Performance and power constraints come together with Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor technology scaling in future Exascale systems. Technology scaling makes each individual transistor more prone to faults and, due to the exponential increase in the number of devices per chip, to higher system fault rates. Consequently, High-performance Computing (HPC) systems need to integrate prediction, detection, and recovery mechanisms to cope with faults efficiently. This article reviews fault detection, fault prediction, and recovery techniques in HPC systems, from electronics to system level. We analyze their strengths and limitations. Finally, we identify the promising paths to meet the reliability levels of Exascale systems.
Predecessor Search
Authors: Navarro Gonzalo , Rojas-Ledesma Javiel
Published: September 2020

The
predecessor
problem is a key component of the fundamental sorting-and-searching core of algorithmic problems. While binary search is the optimal solution in the comparison model, more realistic machine models on integer sets open the door to a rich universe of data structures, algorithms, and lower bounds. In this article, we review the evolution of the solutions to the predecessor problem, focusing on the important algorithmic ideas, from the famous data structure of van Emde Boas to the optimal results of Patrascu and Thorup. We also consider lower bounds, variants, and special cases, as well as the remaining open questions.
Do Politicians Talk about Politics? Assessing Online Communication Patterns of Brazilian Politicians
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Santos De , Vaz-de-Melo Pedro O. S. , Amaral Marcelo S. , Pinho José Antônio G.
Published: September 2020

Politicians need to decide how to communicate with their voters to build their reputations. This problem is especially complicated during important political events such as the elections when politicians must decide whether to confront and share their thoughts about controversial topics or to simply communicate
non-political
messages. Aware of these communication behaviors, our goal is to analyze how politicians present themselves in the digital environment and how the public reacts to them. We also investigate whether they change their communication and if there is a typical pattern that is chosen by the majority of politicians over time. To address these problems, we collected 751,117 public tweets of 692 Brazilian deputies from October 2013 to October 2015. Furthermore, we propose a methodology for identifying Twitter messages about
political
issues at a large scale. We use this methodology to characterize the communication behavior of Brazilian congresspeople in a 2-year span. We found that Brazilian congresspeople changed their communication behavior as the election approached and as they were elected or not. Moreover, we showed that although most of the politicians increased the number of
non-political
messages during elections, the audience tends to favorite and retweet
political
messages more.
Syncytium cell growth increases Kir2.1 contribution in human iPSC-cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Weizhen , Han Julie L. , Entcheva Emilia
Published: September 2020

We identify cell culture density and cell-cell contact as an important factor in determining the expression of a key ion channel at the transcriptional and the protein levels, KCNJ2/Kir2.1, and its contribution to the electrophysiology of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Our results indicate that studies on isolated cells, out of tissue context, may underestimate the cellular ion channel properties being characterized.