bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of the aerogel RICH counter for the Belle II spectrometer using early beam collision data
Authors: Yonenaga M , Adachi I , Burmistrov L , Le Diberder F , Iijima T , Iwata S , Kakimoto S , Kakuno H , Karyan G , Kawai H , Kawasaki T , Kindo H , Kitamura H , Kobayashi M , Kohriki T , Konno T , Korpar S , Križan P , Kumita T , Kuze K , Lai Y , Mrvar M , Nazaryan G , Nishida S , Nishimura M , Ogawa K , Ogawa S , Pestotnik R , Seljak A , Shoji M , Sumiyoshi T , Tabata M , Tamechika S , Yusa Y , Šantelj L
Published: May 2020

The Aerogel Ring Imaging Cherenkov (ARICH) counter serves as a particle identification device in the forward end-cap region of the Belle II spectrometer. It is capable of identifying pions and kaons with momenta up to $4\>$GeV$\>$c$^{-1}$ by detecting Cherenkov photons emitted in the silica aerogel radiator. After the detector alignment and calibration of the probability density function, we evaluate the performance of the ARICH counter using early beam collision data. Event samples of $D^{\ast +} \to D^0 \pi^+ (D^0 \to K^-\pi^+)$ were used to determine the $\pi(K)$ efficiency and the $K(\pi)$ misidentification probability. We found that the ARICH counter is capable of separating kaons from pions with an identification efficiency of $93.5 \pm 0.6 \, \%$ at a pion misidentification probability of $10.9 \pm 0.9 \, \%$. This paper describes the identification method of the counter and the evaluation of the performance during its early operation.
Evaluating the Mobilization Effect of Online Political Network Structures: A Comparison between the Black Lives Matter Network and Ideal Type Network Configurations
Authors: Hsiao Yuan
Published: May 2020

Do online networks encourage political participation? Much research has theorized on how digital networks transmit mobilizing content, fewer studies examine the structure of online networks, and even fewer test how the structure of online networks affects participation for political behaviors with differing costs. From a structural network perspective, I highlight the puzzle: If according to recent literature, digital networks are loose with many weak ties, how can such a network configuration facilitate high-cost political behavior that requires multiple social reinforcements? I map the following relationships among 655 Twitter users who follow the Black Lives Matter Sacramento chapter and compare the structure of the digital network to three commonly observed ideal type networks. The results show that the digital network is structurally distinct from the ideal types, as it is characterized by an extremely dense cluster but also with many loosely connected components, which I describe as a “cluster-connective network.” Results from computer experiments further show that paradoxically, this “cluster-connective” configuration benefits participation for high-cost behavior but hinders participation for low-cost behavior. The results illustrate how a structural network perspective helps scholars move from the question of whether digital networks facilitate participation to the conditions under which digital networks encourage participation.
A Sociological Survey of Japanese International Relations Journals and University Education: Still a Discipline ‘In Between’?
Authors: KOLMAŠ Michal , KOZISEK David
Published: May 2020

The Japanese discipline of international relations has been understood as a product of interaction with its Western other, formed and developed much like Japanese contested identity. But although much attention has been paid to how the discipline emerged and evolved, very little has been written about how the discipline looks now. To remedy that, we apply a sociology of knowledge perspective to find out whether the Japanese discipline of IR does still possess distinct qualities or whether there has been growing influence from its Euro-American counterpart. We proceed in two steps: (a) We analyze 175 articles from the Japanese language IR journals Kokusai seiji, Kokusai mondai, Kokusai anzen hoshō, Heiwa kenkyū, Ajia kenkyū, Revaiasan and Nenpō seijigaku, and dissect them according to topics, focus, author background and theories/methods used; (b) We conduct four case studies of IR education at Japanese universities to demonstrate how the discipline is taught, with a focus on lecturer background, experience and syllabus composition. Our findings suggest that although there remains a preoccupation with diplomatic history, loose methodology and either realist or atheoretical studies, there is a clear trend of convergence toward Euro-American standards, especially in university education.
Manganese-induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is Not Detectable at Exposures Below the Acute Cytotoxic Threshold in Neuronal Cell Types
Authors: Warren Emily B , Bryan Miles R , Morcillo Patricia , Hardeman Keisha N , Aschner Michael , Bowman Aaron B
Published: May 2020

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal, but excessive exposures have been well-documented to culminate in neurotoxicity. Curiously, the precise mechanisms of Mn neurotoxicity are still unknown. One hypothesis suggests that Mn exerts its toxicity by inhibiting mitochondrial function, which then (if exposure levels are high and long enough) leads to cell death. Here, we used a Huntington’s disease cell model with known differential sensitivities to manganese—STHdhQ7/Q7 and STHdhQ111/Q111 cells—to examine the effects of acute Mn exposure on mitochondrial function. We determined toxicity thresholds for each cell line using both changes in cell number and caspase-3/7 activation. We used a range of acute Mn exposures (0–300 µM), both above and below the cytotoxic threshold, to evaluate mitochondria-associated metabolic balance, mitochondrial respiration, and substrate dependence. In both cell lines, we observed no effect on markers of mitochondrial function at subtoxic Mn exposures (below detectable levels of cell death), yet at supratoxic exposures (above detectable levels of cell death) mitochondrial function significantly declined. We validated these findings in primary striatal neurons. In cell lines, we further observed that subtoxic Mn concentrations do not affect glycolytic function or major intracellular metabolite quantities. These data suggest that in this system, Mn exposure impairs mitochondrial function only at concentrations coincident with or above the initiation of cell death and is not consistent with the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction precedes or induces Mn cytotoxicity.
Phylogenetic position and morphological descriptions ofChitonspecies from the south-eastern Pacific
Authors: Ibáñez Christian M , Pardo-Gandarillas M Cecilia , Méndez Marco A , Sellanes Javier , Sigwart Julia D , Sirenko Boris
Published: May 2020

In the south-eastern Pacific Ocean (SEP), six species of the genus Chiton have been recorded. However, the taxonomic status and geographic distribution of some of these species is controversial. In this study, we compare and describe Chiton species in the SEP. More than 3000 specimens of six species from 49 localities were analysed for morphological features. Among these, 27 specimens of the six species from the SEP were sequenced for the mitochondrial barcode region (COI) and ribosomal 16S and 18S to infer phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that the genus Chiton in the SEP represents a polyphyletic group and confirms the placement of C. barnesii in Chiton and not in Radsia, as previously suggested. Among Chiton s.s., C. cumingsii is the sister-species of C. magnificus, while C. granosus is a sister-species of C. barnesii. This analysis also indicates that C. bowenii is a junior synonym of C. magnificus. Our results improved the knowledge of systematics and distribution of Chiton species in the SEP, suggesting the presence of five valid species of the genus. In this study, we designate a lectotype for C. cumingsii and a neotype for C. granosus.
Evaluation of Sensitivity and Resistance Risk of Corynespora cassiicola to Isopyrazam and Mefentrifluconazole
Authors: Ma Dicheng , Jiang Jiangong , Zhu Jiamei , Zhang Lingyan , Li Beixing , Mu Wei , Liu Feng
Published: May 2020

Necrotic lesions on leaves caused by Corynespora leaf spot (CLS) seriously threaten the quality and yield of cucumber in China. Corynespora cassiicola has developed different degrees of sensitivity to various fungicides due to its long-term and extensive application. In our work, the effect of isopyrazam and mefentrifluconazole on different life stages of C. cassiicola was examined. To determine the optimal effect of binary mixtures of isopyrazam and mefentrifluconazole, the two fungicides were mixed at different proportions. Furthermore, the disease suppression of isopyrazam, mefentrifluconazole, and their compound mixture against CLS was evaluated in greenhouse experiments. Ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis and fungicide-selection methods were performed to assess the risk of resistance development. Among the three life stages tested, isopyrazam showed the weakest inhibition on mycelial growth, and mefentrifluconazole showed the strongest inhibition of germ tube elongation. According to Wadley’s and cotoxicity coefficient methods, the optimal proportion of the two-component mixture of isopyrazam and mefentrifluconazole was 1:1. Isopyrazam, mefentrifluconazole, and their binary mixture at 1:1 reduced the disease severity of CLS on potted cucumber plants, with protective effects of 31.11, 24.65, and 42.12% and curative effect of 33.90, 37.48, and 42.84%, respectively. Compared with isopyrazam or mefentrifluconazole alone, the binary mixture of the two fungicides at 1:1 did not exert significant influence on the change of C. cassiicola sensitivity. Undoubtedly, such data will greatly facilitate the screening of new fungicides for CLS and resistance management.
A Guide to Implementing Role-Play in the Nursing Classroom
Authors: Nemec Rebbecca , Brower Emily , Allert Jenny
Published: May 2020

To foster critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in nursing students, there has been a shift in nursing education from lecture-based classroom teaching to active learning strategies. However, the challenge of switching teaching strategies can be overwhelming and daunting for many educators. This article unravels role-play as an effective active learning strategy. A methodical approach is provided to enable educators to develop an activity that can be adapted for a variety of courses.
Internal Medicine Residents’ Feelings of Responsibility, Confidence, and Clinical Practice in Opioid Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Prescribing
Authors: Wang Linda , Cunningham Chinazo O. , Browder Casey , Iyer Shwetha
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

We assessed internal medicine residents’ attitudes and clinical practices regarding opioid overdose prevention education and naloxone prescribing as a first step in developing curriculum to train residents on these topics.

Methods:

We adapted a previously validated questionnaire to assess residents’ feelings of responsibility, confidence and clinical practice in opioid overdose prevention and naloxone prescribing.

Results:

Nearly all 90 residents (62% response rate) felt responsible and most felt confident in: assessing patients for risk of opioid overdose (95% and 57%, respectively), assessing patients’ readiness to reduce risk of opioid overdose (95% and 73%, respectively), and advising behavior change to minimize opioid overdose risk (98% and 71%, respectively). Most felt responsible to refer patients for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment (98%), and provide overdose prevention education and prescribe naloxone (87%). Most felt confident referring patients for OUD treatment (60%), and nearly half felt confident in providing overdose prevention education and prescribing naloxone (45%). In clinical practice, over a third reported assessing patients’ risk of overdose (35%), assessing patients’ readiness to reduce risk of overdose (57%), and advising behavior change to minimize overdose risk (57%). Only 17% reported providing overdose prevention education and prescribing naloxone.

Conclusions:

Despite feeling responsible and confident in addressing opioid overdose prevention strategies, few residents report implementing these strategies in clinical care. Residency programs must not only include curricula addressing overdose risk assessment and counseling, referral to or provision of OUD treatment, but also include curricula that impact implementation of opioid overdose prevention strategies.
Medical Student Spirituality and Substance Use
Authors: Williams Michelle K. , Greene William M. , Leitner Stefano A. , Merlo Lisa J.
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

Although medical students report relatively high levels of substance use, little is known about the risk and protective factors associated with substance use in this population. This study sought to examine the link between spirituality and substance use among medical students.

Methods:

As part of a larger study, medical students from all 9 medical schools in the state of Florida were invited to complete an anonymous survey pertaining to distress and well-being. Responses to items assessing self-reported spirituality and substance use were examined and descriptive statistics were analyzed.

Results:

Data from 868 medical students (57% female) were included. Of these, 22.6% described themselves as “non-spiritual,” 31.0% described themselves as “spiritual,” 18.5% engaged in informal spiritual practices, and 27.9% reported formal spiritual/religious practices. Students who reported stronger spirituality also reported lower rates of substance use. Though 31% of respondents across all levels of spirituality reported that their alcohol consumption increased since starting medical school, rates of binge drinking after exams were inversely related to level of spirituality.

Conclusions:

Self-reported spirituality appears to be associated with decreased risk of substance use in medical school. Future studies should examine this relation in greater depth.
A Narrative Review of the Published Literature, Hospital Practices, and Policies Related to External Ventricular Drains in the United States: The External Ventricular Drain Publications, Practices, and Policies (EVDPoP) Study
Authors: Thamjamrassri Thanyalak , Yuwapattanawong Kornkamon , Chanthima Phuriphong , Vavilala Monica S. , Lele Abhijit V. ,   for the EVDPoP Study Collaborators
Published: May 2020

External ventricular drain (EVD) placement and management pose risks to neurocritically ill patients. Yet, little is known about EVD management or hospital EVD management practices and policies in US hospitals. A narrative review was conducted to describe EVD-related publications reported in PubMed and Embase between 1953 and 2019, and a survey was used to examine US hospital EVD practices and policies, including adherence to EVD guideline recommendations. Overall, 912 relevant articles were published between 1953 and 2019 (average 21; range, 0 to 102 articles, per year), primarily related to indications for EVD placement (n=275, 30.2%), EVD-associated complications (n=206, 22.6%), and EVD care (n=200, 21.9%). The number of EVD publications increased over time (R
2=0.7), and most publications addressed EVD-associated infection (n=296, 73.4%) and EVD insertion (n=195, 45.2%). Survey responses were received from 30 hospitals (37.5% response rate), and reported use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in 80% of hospitals, preinsertion antibiotic administration in 70%, collection of cerebrospinal fluid samples for suspicion of ventriculitis in 73.3%, tracking of EVD-associated infection in 86.7%, routine EVD clamping during transport in 66.7%, and monitoring of intracranial pressure during transport in 33.3%. Adherence to hospital policies was high for recommendations related to flushing an EVD and changing cerebrospinal fluid drainage systems (100% [range, 0% to 100%] each), but low for intrahospital transportation (16.7% [0% to 83.3%]), EVD removal (0% [0% to 66.7%]), patient and family education (0% [0% to 100%]), and administration of intraventricular medication (0% [0% to 100%]). In summary, the published literature related to EVD insertion and maintenance, and reported EVD hospital practices and policies, primarily focus on reducing EVD-associated infections. Still, overall adherence of hospital EVD policies to guideline recommendations is modest. To promote a culture of EVD safety, clinicians should focus on reducing all EVD-associated adverse events.
VISUAL OUTCOME OF EARLY VITRECTOMY AND INTRAVITREAL ANTIBIOTICS IN ACUTE POSTSURGICAL AND POSTINTRAVITREAL INJECTION ENDOPHTHALMITIS
Authors: Soliman Mohamed Kamel , Gini Giampaolo , Kuhn Ferenc , Parolini Barbara , Ozdek Sengul , Adelman Ron A. , Sallam Ahmed B. ,   for the European Vitreo-Retinal Society (EVRS) Endophthalmitis Study Group
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the visual outcome associated with intravitreal antibiotics (IVA) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for acute postprocedure endophthalmitis.

Methods:

Data from 237 eyes presenting with acute postprocedure endophthalmitis were collected from 57 retina specialists in 28 countries. All eyes were treated with IVA on the day of presentation. We classified eyes according to the method of treatment used as IVA and early PPV (IVA + PPV within 1 week of presentation) groups.

Results:

After exclusion of ineligible eyes, data from 204 eyes were analyzed. The mean (SD) age of patients was 62.7 (21.8) years and 69.3 (12.7) years in the IVA and PPV groups, respectively (P = 0.18). Endophthalmitis secondary to cataract, intravitreal injections, PPV, and other intraocular procedures represented 64.2%, 16.2%, 13.7%, and 5.9% of cases, respectively. Intravitreal antibiotics alone were administered in 55 eyes (27.0%), and early PPV was performed in 149 eyes (73.0%). No difference was found between groups in the final visual acuity of ≥20/60 (43.6%, 65 eyes vs. 34.5%, 19 eyes) and ≤counting fingers (30.9%, 46 eyes vs. 36.4%, 20 eyes) for IVA versus early PPV groups, respectively. Vision of light perception (odds ratio = 12.2; 95% confidence interval: 2.0–72.6) and retinal detachment (odds ratio = 7.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.5–409) at baseline were predictive of vision of ≤counting fingers. Retinal detachment at baseline (odds ratio = 20.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–372.1) was predictive of final retinal detachment status.

Conclusion:

The current retrospective multicenter cohort of eyes with acute postprocedure endophthalmitis reports similar outcomes after treatment with IVA alone when compared with IVA and early PPV within 1 week of presentation.
INDOLENT, NONPROGRESSIVE, MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDAL LESIONS
Authors: Carroll William J. , Deak Gabor , J. Daily Mark , Cunha de Souza Eduardo , Shelsta Heather N. , Barbante Casella Antonio Marcelo , Jampol Lee M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

In 2012, four patients with multiple asymptomatic, indolent, unilateral, choroidal lesions were described. We suspected benign-behaving lymphocytes infiltrating the choroid. This article expands the number of patients and duration of follow-up and speculates further on the etiology. Although histopathologic confirmation of these lesions is still unknown, the natural course of these patients is excellent and should be distinguished from aggressive choroidal lymphoma.

Methods:

To qualify for the study, the patients had to meet the following criteria: 1) Patients collected had asymptomatic choroidal infiltrates as demonstrated in the figures; 2) absence of vitreous cells; 3) no evidence of concomitant systemic malignancy; 4) no systemic inflammatory diseases, including sarcoidosis; 5) no birdshot chorioretinopathy; 6) no conjunctival or orbital lesions; and 7) advanced multimodal imaging and clinical follow-up were performed.

Results:

There were 11 eyes of 11 patients seen. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 12 years and 1 month (mean 50.2 months; median 24 months). Systemic workup was unrevealing. No patients in this cohort developed systemic, conjunctival, orbital, or vitreoretinal lymphoma or inflammatory disease. No patients developed symptoms or vision loss.

Conclusion:

This entity is an indolent choroidal infiltrative disease. It resembles some cases of choroidal lymphoma and may represent an indolent lymphocytic infiltrate.
Oscillopsia After Isolated Lateral Wall Decompression Versus Balanced or 3-Wall Decompression
Authors: Porrúa-Tubío Laura , Sales-Sanz Andrea , de-Arriba-Palomero Pablo , Felix-Espinar Beatriz , de-Arriba-Palomero Fernando , Alonso-Formento Nieves , Albandea-Jiménez Ana , Rodríguez-del-Valle José María , Sales-Sanz Marco
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To assess the incidence of postoperative masticatory oscillopsia after orbital decompression, comparing results between isolated lateral wall and balanced or 3-wall orbital decompression.

Methods:

An observational retrospective study was performed, involving 161 consecutive patients who underwent orbital decompression between 2008 and 2018. Patients’ clinical data were registered, and archives were revised for data compilation. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of surgery: “lateral” group included patients who underwent isolated lateral wall decompression and “lateral plus” group involved patients with balanced or 3-wall decompression. Exclusion criteria were secondary decompressions, those not including lateral wall and asymmetrical surgeries, so analysis was performed among 131 remaining patients. Oscillopsia was self-reported and was registered as present or not. Diplopia was evaluated according to Paridaens grading system.

Results:

Statistical analysis among the 131 patients with lateral wall decompression (isolated or in combination) was performed. Seven patients referred oscillopsia, 5 among “lateral” group, while 2 reported oscillopsia on “lateral plus” group (p = 0.001). The authors found no differences on new-onset or worsening of diplopia between groups (p = 1)

Conclusions:

Oscillopsia was significantly higher after isolated lateral wall decompression than after balanced or 3-wall decompression, while no differences were found between groups according to diplopia status. Transmission of temporal muscle contraction to the orbit seems to be the cause of the oscillopsia. The authors postulate that the absence of orbital floor or medial wall may act as a dampener for the temporalis muscle contractions, allowing the orbital contents to be expanded through them, and avoiding oscillopsia.
[11C]dihydrotetrabenazine Positron Emission Tomography in Manganese-Exposed Workers
Authors: Criswell Susan R. , Nielsen Susan Searles , Warden Mark N. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Moerlein Stephen M. , Sheppard Lianne , Lenox-Krug Jason , Checkoway Harvey , Racette Brad A.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To understand the neurotoxic effects of manganese (Mn) exposure on monoaminergic function, utilizing [11C]dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) positron emission tomography (PET) to measure vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2).

Methods:

Basal ganglia and thalamic DTBZ binding potentials (BPND) were calculated on 56 PETs from 41 Mn-exposed workers. Associations between cumulative Mn exposure, regional BPND, and parkinsonism were examined by mixed linear regression.

Results:

Thalamic DTBZ BPND was inversely associated with exposure in workers with less than 3 mg Mn/m3-yrs, but subsequently remained stable. Pallidal DTBZ binding increased in workers with less than 2 mg Mn/m3-yrs of exposure, but decreased thereafter. Thalamic DTBZ binding was inversely associated with parkinsonism (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

Mn-dose-dependent associations with thalamic and pallidal DTBZ binding indicate direct effects on monoaminergic VMAT2. Thalamic DTBZ binding was also associated with parkinsonism, suggesting potential as an early biomarker of Mn neurotoxicity.
Implementation of Physical Employment Standards for Physically Demanding Occupations
Authors: Stevenson Richard D.M. , Siddall Andrew G. , Turner Philip F.J. , Bilzon James L.J.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

The aim of this paper was to describe an approach to implementing and integrating physical employment standards into an organizational procedure, to ensure the safe and effective supervision of physical fitness of workers in a physically demanding occupation, using a real-world example.

Methods:

Using previously published cardiorespiratory, muscular strength, and endurance physical demands data from UK firefighters, a process to manage all levels of physical capability was developed with industry stakeholders.

Results:

Performance standards and associated cut-scores relating to acceptable, uncertain, and unacceptable job performance, using a traffic-light style process, were agreed by stakeholders to ensure the safe and effective management of incumbent's physical fitness.

Conclusions:

This paper describes the processes involved in implementing a physical capability management procedure, for the administration of routine in-service physical employment standards and tests in the UK Fire & Rescue Service.
Optimal Colonoscopic Surveillance Interval After Normal Baseline Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Dong Jian , Wu Minman , Miao Jiarong , Khan Rana Sami Ullah , Zhi Tao , Zhang Tianmei , Li Xue , Peng Yashi , Yang Gang , Nan Qiong
Published: May 2020

The optimal colonoscopic surveillance interval in the Chinese population is unclear. The present study aimed to assess the optimal colonoscopic surveillance interval after normal baseline screening colonoscopy to avoid overuse or underuse of colonoscopy. This retrospective study included individuals with normal baseline colonoscopy who had undergone at least 2 follow-up colonoscopy examinations at the Digestive Endoscopy Center of our hospital between 2000 and 2013. The risk factors for adenoma and the optimal colonoscopic surveillance interval were assessed. A total of 1,005 individuals (419 men; mean age, 49.34 ± 13.29 years) were included in the study. Of these, 169 individuals had adenomas at colonoscopic surveillance (mean, 1.32 ± 0.79 procedures). The mean adenoma diameter was 0.54 ± 0.38 cm, and the mean number of adenomas was 1.76 ± 1.29. The mean adenoma surveillance interval was 4.76 ± 2.89 years. The risk factors for adenoma identification were age more than 50 years and male gender. The optimal colonoscopic surveillance interval was 4.76 years according to an adenoma detection rate of 5%. The optimal colonoscopic surveillance interval is around 5 years for individuals with normal baseline colonoscopy. Age more than 50 years and male gender are risk factors for adenoma identification.
Cognitive Fatigability is Independent of Subjective Cognitive Fatigue and Mood in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bakirtzis Christos , Nikolaidis Ioannis , Boziki Marina-Kleopatra , Artemiadis Artemios , Andravizou Athina , Messinis Lambros , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Grigoriadis Nikolaos
Published: May 2020

Background:

Sustained cognitive testing is used to detect cognitive fatigability and is often considered a substitute for subjective cognitive fatigue (CF). However, the relationship between cognitive fatigability and subjective CF in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) remains undetermined.

Objective:

To explore potential associations between fatigability induced by sustained cognitive testing and subjective CF in PwMS.

Methods:

We gave 120 PwMS and 60 demographically matched, healthy individuals the Beck Depression Inventory—FastScreen (BDI–FS) to measure mood and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale to measure CF. In addition, we used the Quotient ADHD Test, a sustained attention test, to measure cognitive fatigability. We also explored potential correlations between the individuals’ performance on the sustained attention test and thalamic volume using recent MRI scans.

Results:

Forty-one (34.2%) of the PwMS exhibited cognitive fatigability. These 41 were found to be significantly older (P=0.006), had been diagnosed with the disease for longer (P=0.03), had higher scores (P<0.001) on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and had reduced thalamic volume (P=0.04) compared with the 79 (65.8%) PwMS not exhibiting cognitive fatigability. The PwMS exhibiting cognitive fatigability scored similarly on the BDI–FS (P=0.21) and self-reported similar rates of CF (P=0.62) as the PwMS not exhibiting cognitive fatigability.

Conclusion:

Cognitive fatigability induced by sustained cognitive testing is not an accurate clinical alternative to subjective CF. This study provides evidence to support cognitive fatigability and CF in PwMS as two distinct concepts.
Update: proposed reference sequences for subtypes of hepatitis E virus (species Orthohepevirus A)
Authors: Smith Donald B. , Izopet Jacques , Nicot Florence , Simmonds Peter , Jameel Shahid , Meng Xiang-Jin , Norder Heléne , Okamoto Hiroaki , van der Poel Wim H.M. , Reuter Gábor , Purdy Michael A.
Published: May 2020

In this recommendation, we update our 2016 table of reference sequences of subtypes of hepatitis E virus (HEV; species Orthohepevirus A, family Hepeviridae) for which complete genome sequences are available (Smith et al., 2016). This takes into account subsequent publications describing novel viruses and additional proposals for subtype names; there are now eight genotypes and 36 subtypes. Although it remains difficult to define strict criteria for distinguishing between virus subtypes, and is not within the remit of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), the use of agreed reference sequences will bring clarity and stability to researchers, epidemiologists and clinicians working with HEV.
SRY: An Effective Method for Sorting Long Reads of Sex-limited Chromosome
Authors: Wang Xiao-Bo , Liu Qing-You , Li A-Lun , Ruan Jue
Published: May 2020

Most of available reference genomes are lack of the sequence map of sex-limited chromosomes, that make the assemblies uncompleted. Recent advances on long reads sequencing and population sequencing raise the opportunity to assemble sex-limited chromosomes without the traditional complicated experimental efforts. We introduce a computational method that shows high efficiency on sorting and assembling long reads sequenced from sex-limited chromosomes. It will lead to the complete reference genomes and facilitate downstream research of sex-limited chromosomes.
Variation in Covid-19 Cases Across New York City
Authors: Federgruen Awi , Naha Sherin
Published: May 2020

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, relative to population size, has varied greatly throughout the United States and even within the same city. In different zip codes in New York City, the epicentre of the epidemic, the number of cases per 100,000 residents has ranged from 437 to 4227, a 1:10 ratio. To guide policy decisions regarding containment and reopening of the economy, schools and other institutions, it is vital to identify the factors that drive this large variation.

This paper reports on a statistical study of incidence variation by zip code across New York City. Among many socio-economic and demographic measures considered, the average household size emerges as the single most important explanatory variable: an increase in average household size by one member increases the zip code incidence rate, in our final model specification, by at least 876 cases, 23% of the range of incidence rates, at a 95% confidence level.

The percentage of the population above the age of 65, the percentage below the poverty line, and their interaction term are also strongly positively associated with zip code incidence rates, In terms of ethnic/racial characteristics, the percentages of African Americans, Hispanics and Asians within the population, are significantly associated, but the magnitude of the impact is considerably smaller. (The proportion of Asians within a zip code has a negative association.)

These significant associations may be explained by comorbidities, known to be more (less) prevalent among the black and Hispanic (Asian) population segments. In turn, the increased prevalence of these comorbidities among the black and Hispanic population, is, in large part, the result of poorer dietary habits and more limited access to healthcare, themselves driven by lower incomes

Contrary to popular belief, population density, per se, does not have a significantly positive impact. Indeed, population density and zip code incidence rate are negatively correlated, with a -33% correlation coefficient.

Our model specification is based on a well-established epidemiologic model that explains the effects of household sizes on R0, the basic reproductive number of an epidemic.

Our findings support implemented and proposed policies to quarantine pre-acute and post-acute patients, as well as nursing home admission policies
Prediction of vascular aging based on smartphone acquired PPG signals
Authors: Dall’Olio Lorenzo , Curti Nico , Remondini Daniel , Harb Yosef Safi , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Castellani Gastone , Uh Hae-Won
Published: May 2020

Photoplethysmography (PPG) measured by smartphone has the potential for a large scale, non-invasive, and easy-to-use screening tool. Vascular aging is linked to increased arterial stiffness, which can be measured by PPG. We investigate the feasibility of using PPG to predict healthy vascular aging (HVA) based on two approaches: machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). We performed data preprocessing including detrending, demodulating and denoising on the raw PPG signals. For ML, ridge penalized regression has been applied to 38 features extracted from PPG, whereas for DL several convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been applied to the whole PPG signals as input. The analysis has been conducted using the crowd-sourced Heart for Heart data. The prediction performance of ML using two features (AUC of 94.7%) – theawave of the second derivative PPG andtpr, including four covariates, sex, height, weight, and smoking – was similar to that of the best performing CNN, 12-layer ResNet (AUC of 95.3%). Without having the heavy computational cost of DL, ML might be advantageous in finding potential biomarkers for HVA prediction. The whole workflow of the procedure is clearly described, and open software has been made available to facilitate replication of the results.
An Accurate Free Energy Method for Solvation of Organic Compounds and Binding to Proteins
Authors: Tayfuroglu Omer , Yildiz Muslum , Pearson Lee-Wright , Kocak Abdulkadir
Published: May 2020

Here, we introduce a new strategy to estimate free energies using single end-state molecular dynamics simulation trajectories. The method is adopted from ANI-1ccx neural network potentials (Machine Learning) for the Atomic Simulation Environment (ASE) and predicts the single point energies at the accuracy of CCSD(T)/CBS level for the entire configurational space that is sampled by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Our preliminary results show that the method can be as accurate as Bennet-Acceptance-Ration (BAR) with much reduced computational cost. Not only does it enable to calculate solvation free energies of small organic compounds, but it is also possible to predict absolute and relative binding free energies in ligand-protein complex systems. Rapid calculation also enables to screen small organic molecules from databases as potent inhibitors to any drug targets.
Cloning of the riceXo1resistance gene and interaction of the Xo1 protein with the defense-suppressingXanthomonaseffector Tal2h
Authors: Read Andrew C. , Hutin Mathilde , Moscou Matthew J. , Rinaldi Fabio C. , Bogdanove Adam J.
Published: May 2020

TheXo1locus in the heirloom rice variety Carolina Gold Select confers resistance to bacterial leaf streak and bacterial blight, caused byXanthomonas oryzaepvs. oryzicola and oryzae, respectively. Resistance is triggered by pathogen-delivered transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) independent of their ability to activate transcription, and is suppressed by variants called truncTALEs common among Asian strains. By transformation of the susceptible variety Nipponbare, we show that one of 14 nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) protein genes at the locus, with a zfBED domain, is theXo1gene. Analyses of published transcriptomes revealed that theXo1-mediated response is similar to those of NLR resistance genesPiaandRxo1and distinct from that associated with induction of the executor resistance geneXa23, and that a truncTALE dampens or abolishes activation of defense-associated genes byXo1. InNicotiana benthamianaleaves, fluorescently-tagged Xo1 protein, like TALEs and truncTALEs, localized to the nucleus. And, endogenous Xo1 specifically co-immunoprecipitated from rice leaves with a pathogen-delivered, epitope-tagged truncTALE. These observations suggest that suppression of Xo1-function by truncTALEs occurs through direct or indirect physical interaction. They further suggest that effector co-immunoprecipitation may be effective for identifying or characterizing other resistance genes.
Deciphering trophic interactions in a mid-Cambrian assemblage
Authors: Swain Anshuman , Devereux Matthew , Fagan William F
Published: May 2020

The Cambrian Period (541-485 Mya) represents a major stage in the development of metazoan-dominated assemblages with complex community structure and species interactions. Exceptionally preserved fossil sites have allowed specimen-based identification of putative trophic interactions to which network analyses have been applied. However, network analyses of the fossil record suffer from incomplete and indirect data, time averaging that obscures species coexistence, and biases in preservation. Here, we present a novel high-resolution fossil dataset from the Raymond Quarry (RQ) member of the mid-Cambrian Burgess Shale (7549 specimens, 61 taxa, ~510 Mya) affording new perspectives on these challenging issues. Further, we formulate a new measure of ‘preservation bias’ that aids identification of those assemblage subsets to which network analyses can be reliably applied. For sections with sufficiently low bias, abundance correlation network analyses predicted longitudinally consistent trophic and competitive interactions. Our correlation network analyses predicted previously postulated trophic interactions with 83.5% accuracy and demonstrated a shift from specialist interaction-dominated assemblages to ones dominated by generalist and competitive interactions. This approach provides a robust, taphonomically corrected framework to explore and predict in detail the existence and ecological character of putative interactions in fossil datasets, offering new windows on ancient food-webs.

Significance Statement

Understanding interactions in paleo-ecosystems has been a difficult task due to biases in collection and preservation of taxa, as well as low time resolution of data. In this work, we use network science tools and a fine scale dataset from the Cambrian period to explore: (i) preservation bias due to ecological/physical characteristics of taxa; (ii) evidence that the magnitude and sign of pairwise abundance correlations between two fossil taxa yields information concerning the ecological character about the interaction. All results in our work derive from using complex system approaches to analyze abundance data, without assuming any prior knowledge about species interactions – thereby providing a novel general framework to assess and explore fossil datasets.
Bilayer graphene oxide membranes for a wearable hemodialyzer
Authors: Rode Richard P. , Chung Henry H. , Miller Hayley N. , Gaborski Thomas R. , Moghaddam Saeed
Published: May 2020

2D nanomaterials have long been considered for development of ultra-high throughput membranes, due to their atomically thin nature and high mechanical strength. However, current processes have yet to yield a viable membrane for practical applications due to the lack of scalability and substantially improved performance over existing membranes. Herein, a graphene oxide (GO) bilayer membrane with a permeability of 1562 mL/hr.mmHg.m2, two orders of magnitude higher than existing nanofiltration membranes, and a tight molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) is presented. To build such a membrane, we have developed a new process involving self-assembly and optimization of GO nanoplatelets physicochemical properties. The process produced a highly organized mosaic of nanoplatelets enabling ultra-high permeability and selectivity with only three layers of GO. Performance of the membrane has been evaluated in a simulated hemodialysis application, where it presents a great value proposition. The membrane has a precise molecular cut-off size of 5 nm, adjusted using a molecular interlinker, designed to prevent loss of critical blood proteins. Urea, cytochrome-c, and albumin are used as representative test molecules. Urea and cytochrome-c sieving coefficients of 0.5 and 0.4 were achieved under physiological pressure conditions, while retaining 99% of albumin. Hemolysis, complement activation, and coagulation studies exhibit a performance on par or superior to the existing hemodialyzer materials.
Neuronal resonance can be generated independently at distinct levels of organization
Authors: Stark Eran , Rotstein Horacio G.
Published: May 2020

Neuronal resonance is defined as maximal amplification of the response of a system to a periodic input at a finite non-zero input frequency band. Resonance has been observed experimentally in the nervous system at the level of membrane potentials, spike times, post-synaptic potentials, and neuronal networks. It is often assumed that resonance at one level of organization endows resonance at another level, but how the various forms of neuronal resonances interact is unknown. Here we show that a direct link of the frequency response properties across neuronal levels of organization is not necessary. Using detailed biophysical modeling combined with numerical simulations, extracellular recordings, and optogenetic manipulations from behaving mice, we show how low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering, and amplification mechanisms can generate resonance at a single level of organization. Subthreshold resonance, synaptic resonance, and spiking resonance can each occur in the lack of resonance at any other level of organization. In contrast, frequencydependent mechanisms at several levels of organization are required to generate the more complex phenomenon of network resonance. Together, these results show that multiple independent mechanisms can generate resonance in neuronal systems.
Identifying non-identical-by-descent rare variants in population-scale whole genome sequencing data
Authors: Johnson Kelsey E. , Voight Benjamin F.
Published: May 2020

The site frequency spectrum in human populations is not accurately modeled by an infinite sites model, which assumes that all mutations are unique. Despite the pervasiveness of recurrent mutations, we lack computational methods to identify these events at specific sites in population sequencing data. Rare alleles that are identical-by-descent (IBD) are expected to segregate on a long, shared haplotype background that descends from a common ancestor. However, alleles introduced by recurrent mutation or by non-crossover gene conversions are identical-by-state and will have a shorter expected shared haplotype background. We hypothesized that the expected difference in shared haplotype background length can distinguish IBD and non-IBD variants in population sequencing data without pedigree information. We implemented a Bayesian hierarchical model and used Gibbs sampling to estimate the posterior probability of IBD state for rare variants, using simulations to demonstrate that our approach accurately distinguishes rare IBD and non-IBD variants. Applying our method to whole genome sequencing data from 3,621 individuals in the UK10K consortium, we found that non-IBD variants correlated with higher local mutation rates and genomic features like replication timing. Using a heuristic to categorize non-IBD variants as gene conversions or recurrent mutations, we found that potential gene conversions had expected properties such as enriched local GC content. By identifying recurrent mutations, we can better understand the spectrum of recent mutations in human populations, a source of genetic variation driving evolution and a key factor in understanding recent demographic history.
A pilot study to investigate the fecal dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 virus genome in COVID-19 patients in Odisha, India
Authors: Senapati Shantibhusan , Kshatri Jaya Singh , Prasad Punit , Turuk Jyotirmayee , Pati Sanghamitra , Parida Ajay
Published: May 2020

In infectious diseases, the routes of transmission play major roles in determining the rate and extent of disease spread. Though fomites and aerosol droplets are major sources of SARS-CoV-2 human to human transmission, studies have also reported possible involvement of other routes of transmission like fecal-oral. Multiple studies around the world have reported shedding of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome in certain COVID-19 patient fecal samples. Hence, the major objective of this study was to get the experimental evidence whether in Indian COVID-19 patients fecal dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 genome occurs or not. Information obtained from twelve number of patients from a COVID-19 hospital of Odisha has demonstrated that both symptomatic and asymptomatic Indian patients could be positive for the SARS-CoV-2 genome in their fecal component. The findings have also established a protocol to collect and extract viral RNA for SARS-CoV-2 detection in fecal samples. Together, the study supports the hypothesis of possible fecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus and provides a rationale to extend this study in a larger cohort of patient samples and correlate the significance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome detection in fecal samples with disease severity and transmission.
Wading through Molasses: A qualitative examination of the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of Australian medical practitioners regarding medical billing
Authors: Faux Margaret , Adams Jon , Dahiya Simran , Wardle Jon
Published: May 2020

Background

Medical billing errors and fraud have been described as one of the last “great unreduced healthcare costs,” with some commentators suggesting measurable average losses from this phenomenon are 7% of total health expenditure. In Australia, it has been estimated that leakage from Medicare caused by non-compliant medical billing may be 10-15% of the scheme’s total cost. Despite a growing body of international research, mostly from the U.S, suggesting that rather than deliberately abusing the health financing systems they operate within, medical practitioners may be struggling to understand complex and highly interpretive medical billing rules, there is a lack of research in this area in Australia. The aim of this study was to address this research gap by examining the experiences of medical practitioners through the first qualitative study undertaken in Australia, which may have relevance in multiple jurisdictions.

Method

This study interviewed 27 specialist and general medical practitioners who claim Medicare reimbursements in their daily practice. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The qualitative data revealed five themes including inadequate induction, poor legal literacy, absence of reliable advice and support, fear and deference, and unmet opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion

The qualitative data presented in this study suggest Australian medical practitioners are ill-equipped to manage their Medicare compliance obligations, have low levels of legal literacy and desire education, clarity and certainty around complex billing standards and rules. Non-compliant medical billing under Australia’s Medicare scheme is a nuanced phenomenon that may be far more complex than previously thought and learnings from this study may offer important insights for other countries seeking solutions to the phenomenon of health system leakage. Strategies to address the barriers and deficiencies identified by participants in this study will require a multi-pronged approach. The data suggest that the current punitive system of ensuring compliance by Australian medical practitioners is not fit for purpose.