bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-series classification for industrial applications: a brake pad wear prediction use case
Authors: Burnaev Evgeny
Published: August 2020

Brake system is an important part for control of a vehicle. Hence condition monitoring of brake pads is essential for ensuring passenger’s safety. Many existing methods for brake pads wear assessment rely on specific sensors installed in the brake system, which could be expensive. Instead we use data from existing vehicle’s sensors and electronic control unit that are readily available in modern vehicles. We reduced the prediction problem to time-series classification problem and developed and tested several classification pipelines based on machine learning. We demonstrated that it is possible to predict a brake pad wear with an accuracy sufficient for real-life usage.
The “Ick” Factor: An Unrecognized Affective Predictor of Physical Symptoms During Chemotherapy
Authors: Dev Vinayak , Consedine Nathan S , Reynolds Lisa M
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients undergoing chemotherapy experience a range of aversive symptoms. These symptoms vary across individuals and at least some of this variation can be predicted by psychological factors, such as distress. However, while psychological distress predicts some of the symptoms, it is limited in important ways.

Purpose

To (a) assess the viability of disgust—a discrete emotion that specifically evolved for health-related reasons—as a predictor of chemotherapy-related symptoms (particularly, taste- and smell-related changes) and (b) compare the predictive utility of disgust sensitivity and propensity against the most commonly used affective predictor, that is, psychological distress.

Methods

Patients with cancer (N = 63) about to initiate chemotherapy were recruited in a prospective observational study. Psychosocial predictor variables were assessed at baseline, and outcomes (i.e., physical symptoms, body mass index [BMI], and food-based sensory-processing changes) were assessed at both baseline and 6 week follow-up.

Results

Psychological distress did not predict any of the outcomes. Both disgust sensitivity (β = .53, p = .003) and propensity (β = −.56, p = .002) predicted greater food-based sensory-processing changes, while disgust sensitivity marginally predicted greater chemotherapy-related physical symptoms (β = .34, p = .060); neither of these two forms of disgust predicted BMI.

Conclusions

The study provides first evidence showing (a) associations between trait disgust and food sensory-processing changes that arise during chemotherapy and (b) disgust as being a more useful predictor of food- and digestion-related symptoms than psychological distress. In doing so, it opens new doors for better care to be provided to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The Double-Edged Sword of Reflective Pondering: The Role of State and Trait Reflective Pondering in Predicting Depressive Symptoms Among Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Ashley Wei-Ting , Chang Cheng-Shyong , Hsu Wen-Yau
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose

Prior research has debated whether reflective pondering is a more constructive form of rumination than brooding, which is generally considered maladaptive. This study sought to investigate whether reflective pondering predicts depressive symptoms and whether reflective pondering is adaptive under certain conditions. We predicted that the effectiveness of reflective pondering could depend on concurrent coping strategies and the trait–state distinction.

Method

Women with breast cancer (N = 309; M age = 47.5) were assessed at four waves over 2 years. A time-lagged design was applied, with rumination (i.e., brooding and reflective pondering) and coping (i.e., engagement and disengagement) measured from T1 to T3, predicting depressive symptoms assessed from T2 to T4. These variables were measured by the Ruminative Response Scale, the Brief COPE, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

Using hierarchical linear modeling, brooding, but not reflective pondering, predicted elevated depressive symptoms at both between- and within-person levels. The relationship between reflective pondering and depression was moderated by the coping strategies. Individual differences in reflective pondering predicted worse depressive symptoms, but higher use of engagement coping mitigated the detrimental effect. Within individuals, the co-occurrence of reflective pondering and disengagement coping predicted a subsequent decrease in depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The emerging role of reflective pondering in the face of breast cancer-related stress appears to be a double-edged sword. Its impact on depression may depend on concurrent coping strategies and whether reflective pondering is assessed at state and trait levels.
Prophylactic unfractionated heparin and hemorrhage in neurocritically ill underweight patients: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: McConachie Sean M , Morin Amy , Mouabbi Karim , Soubani Ayman O , Wahby Krista
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Three cases of major bleeding associated with thromboprophylactic unfractionated heparin (UFH) therapy in underweight neurocritically ill patients are reported.

Three underweight patients (body mass index of <18.5 kg/m2) were treated in the intensive care unit with major bleeds associated with UFH thromboprophylaxis. Two of the patients, a 76-year-old female and a 56-year-old female, had hemorrhages on presentation; the third patient, a 29-year-old male, developed bleeding during his admission. All 3 patients had past medical histories consisting of acute neurologic conditions within 6 weeks of presentation, including subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a brain mass. All hemorrhages developed following the receipt of prophylactic UFH at doses of 5,000 units every 8 to 12 hours, which translated to high weight-based dosages (>300 units/kg/d). Additionally, hemorrhages were associated with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, which declined following heparin discontinuation. The major bleeds following UFH administration included an acute on chronic subdural hematoma, acute rectus sheath hematoma, and cerebellar hematoma. Stabilization of the subdural hematoma was achieved without the use of protamine and the patient was discharged in stable condition. The other 2 patients expired secondary to their hemorrhagic events. Naranjo nomogram scores for the patients indicated that heparin was the probable cause of bleed in 2 cases and a possible cause in 1 case.

Conclusion

Three major hemorrhages developed following the administration of UFH. Underweight patients with neurologic injury may require increased clinical vigilance, reduced doses, and pharmacodynamic monitoring to improve safety outcomes associated with thromboprophylaxis.
Transcriptional landscape of cholangiocarcinoma revealed by weighted gene coexpression network analysis
Authors: Long Junyu , Huang Shan , Bai Yi , Mao Jinzhu , Wang Anqiang , Lin Yu , Yang Xu , Wang Dongxu , Lin Jianzhen , Bian Jin , Yang Xiaobo , Sang Xinting , Wang Xi , Zhao Haitao
Published: August 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of cancer with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Although some important genes and pathways associated with CCA have been identified, the relationship between coexpression and phenotype in CCA at the systems level remains unclear. In this study, the relationships underlying the molecular and clinical characteristics of CCA were investigated by employing weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). The gene expression profiles and clinical features of 36 patients with CCA were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, the coexpression of DEGs was determined by using the WGCNA method to investigate the correlations between pairs of genes. Network modules that were significantly correlated with clinical traits were identified. In total, 1478 mRNAs were found to be aberrantly expressed in CCA. Seven coexpression modules that significantly correlated with clinical characteristics were identified and assigned representative colors. Among the 7 modules, the green and blue modules were significantly related to tumor differentiation. Seventy-eight hub genes that were correlated with tumor differentiation were found in the green and blue modules. Survival analysis showed that 17 hub genes were prognostic biomarkers for CCA patients. In addition, we found five new targets (ISM1, SULT1B1, KIFC1, AURKB and CCNB1) that have not been studied in the context of CCA and verified their differential expression in CCA through experiments. Our results not only promote our understanding of the relationship between the transcriptome and clinical data in CCA but will also guide the development of targeted molecular therapy for CCA.
The Ecology of Disturbance Interactions
Authors: Burton Philip J , Jentsch Anke , Walker Lawrence R
Published: August 2020

Global change has been accompanied by recent increases in the frequency and intensity of various ecological disturbances (e.g., fires, floods, cyclones), both natural and anthropogenic in origin. Because these disturbances often interact, their cumulative and synergistic effects can result in unforeseen consequences, such as insect outbreaks, crop failure, and progressive ecosystem degradation. We consider the roles of biological legacies, thresholds, and lag effects responsible for the distinctive impacts of interacting disturbances. We propose a hierarchical classification that distinguishes the patterns and implications associated with random co-occurrences, individual links, and multiple links among disturbances that cascade in chains or networks. Disturbance-promoting interactions apparently prevail over disturbance-inhibiting ones. Complex and exogenous disturbance cascades are less predictable than simple and endogenous links because of their dependency on adjacent or synchronous events. These distinctions help define regional disturbance regimes and can have implications for natural selection, risk assessment, and options for management intervention.
Temporal, Spatial, and Epidemiologic Relationships of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Gene Cycle Thresholds: A Pragmatic Ambi-directional Observation
Authors: Lesho Emil , Reno Lisa , Newhart Donna , Clifford Robert , Vasylyeva Olga , Hanna John , Yu Stephanie , Bress Jonathan , Walsh Edward
Published: August 2020

Prospective serial sampling of 70 patients revealed clinically relevant cycle thresholds (Ct) occurring 9, 26, and 36 days after symptom onset. Race, gender, and corticosteroids apparently did not influence RNA positivity. In a retrospective analysis of 180 patients, initial Ct did not correlate with requirements for admission or intensive care.
Temperature alters the physiological response of spiny lobsters under predation risk
Authors: Briceño Felipe A , Fitzgibbon Quinn P , Polymeropoulos Elias T , Hinojosa Iván A , Pecl Gretta T
Published: August 2020

Predation risk can strongly shape prey ecological traits, with specific anti-predator responses displayed to reduce encounters with predators. Key environmental drivers, such as temperature, can profoundly modulate prey energetic costs in ectotherms, although we currently lack knowledge of how both temperature and predation risk can challenge prey physiology and ecology. Such uncertainties in predator–prey interactions are particularly relevant for marine regions experiencing rapid environmental changes due to climate change. Using the octopus (Octopus maorum)–spiny lobster (Jasus edwardsii) interaction as a predator–prey model, we examined different metabolic traits of sub adult spiny lobsters under predation risk in combination with two thermal scenarios: ‘current’ (20°C) and ‘warming’ (23°C), based on projections of sea-surface temperature under climate change. We examined lobster standard metabolic rates to define the energetic requirements at specific temperatures. Routine metabolic rates (RMRs) within a respirometer were used as a proxy of lobster activity during night and day time, and active metabolic rates, aerobic scope and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption were used to assess the energetic costs associated with escape responses (i.e. tail-flipping) in both thermal scenarios. Lobster standard metabolic rate increased at 23°C, suggesting an elevated energetic requirement (39%) compared to 20°C. Unthreatened lobsters displayed a strong circadian pattern in RMR with higher rates during the night compared with the day, which were strongly magnified at 23°C. Once exposed to predation risk, lobsters at 20°C quickly reduced their RMR by ~29%, suggesting an immobility or ‘freezing’ response to avoid predators. Conversely, lobsters acclimated to 23°C did not display such an anti-predator response. These findings suggest that warmer temperatures may induce a change to the typical immobility predation risk response of lobsters. It is hypothesized that heightened energetic maintenance requirements at higher temperatures may act to override the normal predator-risk responses under climate-change scenarios.
Impairment indicators for predicting delayed mortality in black sea bass (Centropristis striata) discards within the commercial trap fishery
Authors: Schweitzer Cara C , Horodysky Andrij Z , Price André L , Stevens Bradley G
Published: August 2020

Harvest restrictions (e.g. size, sex or species limitations) that are implemented to maintain sustainable fisheries often result in by-catch, e.g. unwanted non-target catch. By-catch is frequently discarded back into the ocean and assumed to survive. However, discarded fishes can succumb to delayed mortality resulting from accumulated stress from fishing activity, and such mortality can impede sustainability efforts. Quantifying reflex and behavioural impairments is a quick and cost-effective method to predict discard-related mortality in some species. We developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a release condition index, based on a reflex-action mortality prediction (RAMP) model, for predicting delayed mortality of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) caught and discarded by the commercial trap fishery in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Accumulation of impairments, and therefore release condition index, was strongly correlated with delayed mortality of black sea bass discarded and held in sea cages. This is the first release condition index validation study to predict mortality in black sea bass and could be a useful approach for predicting delayed mortality in the commercial fishery.
Bidirectional cyclical flows increase energetic costs of station holding for a labriform swimming fish, Cymatogaster aggregata
Authors: Luongo Sarah M , Ruth Andreas , Gervais Connor R , Korsmeyer Keith E , Johansen Jacob L , Domenici Paolo , Steffensen John F
Published: August 2020

Wave-induced surge conditions are found in shallow marine ecosystems worldwide; yet, few studies have quantified how cyclical surges may affect free swimming animals. Here, we used a recently adapted respirometry technique to compare the energetic costs of a temperate fish species (Cymatogaster aggregata) swimming against a steady flow versus cyclical unidirectional and bidirectional surges in which unsteady swimming (such as accelerating, decelerating and turning) occurs. Using oxygen uptake (ṀO2) as an estimate of energetic costs, our results reveal that fish swimming in an unsteady (i.e. cyclical) unidirectional flow showed no clear increase in costs when compared to a steady flow of the same average speed, suggesting that costs and savings from cyclical acceleration and coasting are near equal. Conversely, swimming in a bidirectional cyclical flow incurred significantly higher energetic costs relative to a steady, constant flow, likely due to the added cost of turning around to face the changing flow direction. On average, we observed a 50% increase in ṀO2 of fish station holding within the bidirectional flow (227.8 mg O2 kg−1 h−1) compared to a steady, constant flow (136.1 mg O2 kg−1 h−1) of the same mean velocity. Given wave-driven surge zones are prime fish habitats in the wild, we suggest the additional costs fish incur by station holding in a bidirectional cyclical flow must be offset by favourable conditions for foraging and reproduction. With current and future increases in abiotic stressors associated with climate change, we highlight the importance of incorporating additional costs associated with swimming in cyclical water flow in the construction of energy budgets for species living in dynamic, coastal habitats.
Disease Activity Patterns of Crohn’s Disease in the First Ten Years After Diagnosis in the Population-based IBD South Limburg Cohort
Authors: Wintjens Dion , Bergey Francois , Saccenti Edoardo , Jeuring Steven , van den Heuvel Tim , Romberg-Camps Mariëlle , Oostenbrug Liekele , Masclee Ad , Martins dos Santos Vitor , Jonkers Daisy , Pierik Marie
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Real-life data on long-term disease activity in Crohn’s disease [CD] are scarce. Most studies describe disease course by using proxies, such as drug exposure, need for surgery or hospitalisations, and disease progression. We aimed to describe disease course by long-term disease activity and to identify distinctive disease activity patterns in the population-based IBD South Limburg cohort [IBDSL].

Methods

All CD patients in IBDSL with ≥10 years follow-up [n = 432] were included. Disease activity was defined for each yearly quarter by mucosal inflammation on endoscopy or imaging, hospitalisation, surgery, or treatment adjustment for increased symptoms. Six distinct disease activity clusters were defined. Subsequently, the associations between clinical characteristics and the patterns were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

On average, patients experienced 5.44 (standard deviation [SD] 3.96) quarters of disease activity during the first 10 years after diagnosis. Notably, 28.2% of the patients were classified to a quiescent pattern [≤2 active quarters in 10 years], and 89.8% of those never received immunomodulators nor biologics. Surgery at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 2.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–8.34) and higher age [OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.06] were positively associated with the quiescent pattern, whereas inverse associations were observed for ileocolonic location [OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.19–1.00], smoking [OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.24–0.76] and need for steroids <6 months [OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.11–0.52].

Conclusions

Considering long-term disease activity, 28.2% of CD patients were classified to a quiescent cluster. Given the complex risk-benefit balance of immunosuppressive drugs, our findings underline the importance of identifying better predictive markers to prevent both over-treatment and under-treatment.
2020 EACTS/ELSO/STS/AATS expert consensus on post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support in adult patients
Authors: Lorusso Roberto , Whitman Glenn , Milojevic Milan , Raffa Giuseppe , McMullan David M , Boeken Udo , Haft Jonathan , Bermudez Christian A , Shah Ashish S , D’Alessandro David A
Published: August 2020

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) in adult patients has been used only rarely but recent data have shown a remarkable increase in its use, almost certainly due to improved technology, ease of management, growing familiarity with its capability and decreased costs. Trends in worldwide in-hospital survival, however, rather than improving, have shown a decline in some experiences, likely due to increased use in more complex, critically ill patients rather than to suboptimal management. Nevertheless, PC-ECLS is proving to be a valuable resource for temporary cardiocirculatory and respiratory support in patients who would otherwise most likely die. Because a comprehensive review of PC-ECLS might be of use for the practitioner, and possibly improve patient management in this setting, the authors have attempted to create a concise, comprehensive and relevant analysis of all aspects related to PC-ECLS, with a particular emphasis on indications, technique, management and avoidance of complications, appraisal of new approaches and ethics, education and training.
Acinetobacter baumannii in manure and anaerobic digestates of German biogas plants
Authors: Pulami Dipen , Schauss Thorsten , Eisenberg Tobias , Wilharm Gottfried , Blom Jochen , Goesmann Alexander , Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P
Published: August 2020

Studies considering environmental multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. are scarce. The application of manure on agricultural fields is one source of multidrug-resistant bacteria from livestock into the environment. Here, Acinetobacter spp. were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in manure applied to biogas plants and in the output of the anaerobic digestion, and Acinetobacter spp. isolated from those samples were comprehensively characterized. The concentration of Acinetobacter 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene copies per g fresh weight was in range of 106–108 in manure and decreased (partially significantly) to a still high concentration (105–106) in digestates. 16S rRNA, gyrB-rpoB and blaOXA51-like gene sequencing identified 17 different Acinetobacter spp., including six A. baumannii strains. Multilocus sequence typing showed no close relation of the six strains with globally relevant clonal complexes; however, they represented five novel sequence types. Comparative genomics and physiological tests gave an explanation how Acinetobacter could survive the anaerobic biogas process and indicated copper resistance and the presence of intrinsic beta-lactamases, efflux-pump and virulence genes. However, the A. baumannii strains lacked acquired resistance against carbapenems, colistin and quinolones. This study provided a detailed characterization of Acinetobacter spp. including A. baumannii released via manure through mesophilic or thermophilic biogas plants into the environment.
miCROPe 2019 – emerging research priorities towards microbe-assisted crop production
Authors: Hohmann Pierre , Schlaeppi Klaus , Sessitsch Angela
Published: August 2020

The miCROPe 2019 symposium, which took place from 2 to 5 December 2019 in Vienna, Austria, has unified researchers and industry from around the world to discuss opportunities, challenges and needs of microbe-assisted crop production. There is broad consensus that microorganisms—with their abilities to alleviate biotic and abiotic stresses and to improve plant nutrition—offer countless opportunities to enhance plant productivity and to ameliorate agricultural sustainability. However, microbe-assisted cultivation approaches face challenges that need to be addressed before a breakthrough of such technologies can be expected. Following up on the miCROPe symposium and a linked satellite workshop on breeding for beneficial plant–microbe interactions, we carved out research priorities towards successful implementation of microbiome knowledge for modern agriculture. These include (i) to solve context dependency for microbial inoculation approaches and (ii) to identify the genetic determinants to allow breeding for beneficial plant–microbiome interactions. With the combination of emerging third generation sequencing technologies and new causal research approaches, we now stand at the crossroad of utilising microbe-assisted crop production as a reliable and sustainable agronomic practice.
A novel sophorolipid-producing Candida keroseneae GBME-IAUF-2 as a potential agent in microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR)
Authors: Ganji Zahra , Beheshti-Maal Keivan , Massah Ahmadreza , Emami-Karvani Zarrindokht
Published: August 2020

The biosurfactants have extensive applications in food and petroleum microbiology. The aims of this research were isolation and characterization of thermo-tolerant biosurfactants from highly producing yeast strains. The Bushnell Hass medium was used for screening the biosurfactant-producing yeasts. Biosurfactant presence was evaluated using oil displacement assay and surface tension test. The best biosurfactant-producing strain was named Candida keroseneae GBME-IAUF-2 and its 5.8s-rDNA sequence was deposited in GenBank, NCBI, under the accession number MT012957.1. The thin layer chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the extracted biosurfactant was sophorolipid with a significant surface activity. The purified sophorolipid decreased the surface tension of water from 72 to 29.1 mN/m. Its maximum emulsification index, E24%, was recorded as 60% and preserved 92.06–97.25% of its original activity at 110–120°C. It also preserved 89.11% and 84.73% of its original activity in pH of 9.3 and 10.5, respectively. It preserved 96.66–100% of its original activity in saline extreme conditions. This is the first report of sophorolipid production by the yeast C. keroseneae. According to the high thermal, pH and saline stability, the sophorolipid produced by C. keroseneae GBME-IAUF-2 could be highly recommended for applications in microbial enhanced oil recovery as well as food industries as an excellent emulsifying agent.
Can a trainee perform endovascular aortic repair as effectively and safely as an experienced specialist?
Authors: Kosiorowska Kinga , Berezowski Mikołaj , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Jasinski Marek , Kreibich Maximilian , Kondov Stoyan , Czerny Martin , Rylski Bartosz
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is a technically demanding procedure usually carried out by highly experienced surgeons. However, in this era of modern endovascular surgery with growing numbers of patients qualifying for the procedure, the need to enhance surgical training has emerged. Our aim was to compare the technical results of EVAR in patients operated on by trainees to that of those operated on by an endovascular expert.

METHODS

Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 119 patients diagnosed with an abdominal aorta disease requiring EVAR were admitted to our clinic. Overall, we included 96 patients who underwent preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography and EVAR performed either by an endovascular expert (N = 51) or a trainee (N = 45).

RESULTS

We detected no difference in the baseline characteristics, indication for EVAR and preoperative anatomy between patients operated on by trainees and our endovascular expert. We noted the same incidence of endoleak type Ia occurrence (n = 2 vs n = 2, P = 1.00), reintervention rate (n = 0 vs n = 0, P = 1.00) and in-hospital mortality (n = 0 vs n = 1, P = 1.00) for operations done by trainees and the expert, respectively. There was no difference in X-ray doses or time between the 2 groups. Despite longer median operation times [112 (first quartile: 84; third quartile: 129) vs 89 (75–104) min; P = 0.03] and in-hospital stays [10 (8–13) vs 8 (7–10) days, P = 0.007] of the patients operated on by trainees, the overall clinical success of EVAR was satisfactory in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

An EVAR planned and performed by a trainee need not raise the cumulative risk of the procedure. Trainees who have undergone both mind and hand skills training can therefore carry out EVAR under the supervision of an experienced specialist as effectively and safely as experts do.
Thoracoscopic surgical ablation or catheter ablation for patients with atrial fibrillation? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yi Shaolei , Liu Xiaojun , Wang Wei , Chen Lianghua , Yuan Haitao
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVES

There is an urgent need to understand the difference in the influence of thoracoscopic surgical ablation (TSA) and catheter ablation (CA) on clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of TSA versus CA in patients with AF.

METHODS

Databases including EMBASE, Clinical Trials, PubMed and Cochrane Central Registered Control System were screened for the retrieval of articles. A direct meta-analysis of TSA versus CA was conducted. The I2 test analysis was performed to evaluate heterogeneity. The Begg–Mazumdar test and the Harbord–Egger test were used to detect publication bias. The primary efficacy outcome was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia, while the primary safety outcome was severe adverse event (SAE) occurrence.

RESULTS

Of the 860 identified articles, 6, comprising 466 participants, were finally included. The rate of freedom from AT was higher in the TSA group (75%) than in the CA group (57.1%) (odds ratio 0.41; 95% confidence interval 0.2–0.85; P = 0.02; I2 = 57%). A larger number of SAEs were observed in the TSA group than in the CA group (odds ratio 0.16; 95% confidence interval 0.006–0.46; P = 0.0006; I2 = 44%). The result of the subgroup analysis of 3 studies that enrolled AF patients without a history of ablation showed that the incidence of AT was comparable in both arms. The ablation procedure and hospitalization durations were longer in the TSA arm.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, TSA was associated with better efficacy but a higher rate of SAEs compared to CA. In addition, TSA did not show better efficacy results as the first invasive procedure in the sub-analysis of patients with paroxysmal AF or early persistent AF. Therefore, doctors should recommend either TSA or CA to patients with AF after due consideration of the aforementioned findings.
THH and Traces of Enriched Categories
Authors: Berman John D
Published: August 2020

We prove that topological Hochschild homology (THH) arises from a presheaf of circles on a certain combinatorial category, which gives a universal construction of THH for any enriched $\infty $-category. Our results rely crucially on an elementary, model-independent framework for enriched higher-category theory, which may be of independent interest. For those interested only in enriched category theory, read Sections 1.3 and 2.
Cluster of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections Linked to Music Clubs in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Sugano Nobuhiko , Ando Wataru , Fukushima Wakaba
Published: August 2020

Background

It is important to understand the mode of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for disease control. We aimed to clarify how soon SARS-CoV-2 transmission can occur after infection by asymptomatically infected individuals.

Methods

We analyzed the publicly available epidemiological information for a cluster of 108 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Osaka, Japan.

Results

Among cases, 51 cases attended a live music club only once and were considered to have a single visit. Ten remained asymptomatic at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, which was on average 20 days after exposure. Three routes of secondary transmission were identified, with 2–4 days from infection to transmission. All index cases for secondary transmission were asymptomatic at the time of contact with other people. Based on the date of symptom onset in the remaining 41 cases, the period from exposure to illness ranged from 2 to 17 days.

Conclusions

Seemingly healthy people could spread SARS-CoV-2 during intense activities in enclosed environments without sufficient ventilation. Asymptomatically infected persons can transmit the virus as soon as 2 days after infection. Continuous efforts to avoid crowding and to maintain personal hygiene are needed for effective control of COVID-19.
Combining Software Engineering and Design Thinking Practices in the Ideation Process of Augmented Digital Experiences
Authors: Díaz Paloma , Aedo Ignacio
Published: August 2020

Designing augmented and tangible experiences that intertwine human practices and expectations, interaction spaces and complex digital artifacts is a complex and multifaceted task that relies upon iterative and multidisciplinary ideation processes. Design thinking techniques have been traditionally used in ideation of such digital artifacts. In this paper, we posit that integrating some software engineering practices can improve ideation by providing a structure to the process and helping to build a shared and permanently documented design rationale. It is not a matter of software engineering versus design thinking but a question of developing a holistic understanding of technological development where discipline and creativity, rationality and emotions and quality centered and people centered coexist. Based on this assumption, we conceived a software tool called CoDICE that offers a virtual co-design space where augmented digital experiences are documented and analyzed in a shared and distributed way. The paper discusses how CoDICE contributes to alleviate some problems of co-design events including the need to support multiple co-design spaces, make explicit the co-design process and its goals, support documentation, justify design decisions, explore multiple ideas and generate a shared representation of the outcomes. Two scenarios are used to illustrate the tool utility: short-term co-design workshops in which the tool enabled multidisciplinary teams of novice designers to explore and structure their ideas and a long-term co-design project where the tool facilitated traceability, documentation, the reuse of design components and the shared elaboration of the design rationale and evolution of the deployed technologies.
Impact of Socioeconomic Status and Race on Sepsis Epidemiology and Outcomes
Authors: Minejima Emi , Wong-Beringer Annie
Published: August 2020

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a complex variable that is derived primarily from an individual’s education, income, and occupation and has been found to be inversely related to outcomes of health conditions. Sepsis is the sixth most common admitting diagnosis and one of the most costly conditions for in-hospital spending in the United States. The objective of this review is to report on the relationship between SES and sepsis incidence and associated outcomes.

Content

Sepsis epidemiology varies when explored by race, education, geographic location, income, and insurance status. Sepsis incidence was significantly increased in individuals of Black race compared with non-Hispanic white race; in persons who have less formal education, who lack insurance, and who have low income; and in certain US regions. People with low SES are likely to have onset of sepsis significantly earlier in life and to have poorly controlled comorbidities compared with those with higher SES. Sepsis mortality and hospital readmission is increased in individuals who lack insurance, who reside in low-income or medically underserved areas, who live far from healthcare, and who lack higher level education; however, a person’s race was not consistently found to increase mortality.

Interventions to minimize healthcare disparity for individuals with low SES should target sepsis prevention with increasing measures for preventive care for chronic conditions. Significant barriers described for access to care by people with low SES include cost, transportation, poor health literacy, and lack of a social network. Future studies should include polysocial risk scores that are consistently defined to allow for meaningful comparison across studies.
Application of Mid-Infrared Portable Spectrometer for the Rapid Determination of Trans-Fatty Acid Content in Lipid Extracts of Snack and Bakery Products
Authors: Shotts Mei-Ling , Plans Marcal , Wong Kevin , Milligan Alex M , Aykas Didem P , Rodriguez-Saona Luis E
Published: August 2020

In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration passed a ban on the “generally recognized as safe” status of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), and in June 2018, PHOs were prohibited from being used. Our objective was to develop a predictive model to quantify trans-fat concentrations in bakery and snacks products using a portable mid-infrared (MIR) spectrometer. The approach was tested using 24 calibration standards (consisting of trielaidin in triolein and tripalmitin) and 87 bakery and snack products ranging from ND to 65% trans-fat. The fat was extracted by grinding products into powders and extracting the fat using petroleum ether. Gas Chromatography (AOCS Cd 14c-94) was used to determine the fatty acid profile and trans-fat content. Spectra were acquired by directly placing the fat (200 μL) onto the heated (65 ± 1°C) 5–reflection ZnSe crystal of a portable MIR spectrometer. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed using the calibration standards and extracted fats spectra targeting the signal of the C–H out-of-plane deformation band at 966 cm−1. Best model performances were obtained using the spectra of the extracted fat from bakery and snack products with the standard error of prediction of 0.5 g of trans-fats per 100 g of fat. We found that 25% of products labeled as zero trans-fat/serving did not comply with the maximum tolerance levels based on GC-FAME analysis. Portable FTIR devices operating in attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode can provide the food industry and government food inspectors with rapid, accurate, and high throughput measurements for routine screening to facilitate regulatory compliance.
Alpha-Methylfentanyl and Beta-Hydroxyfentanyl LC–MS-MS Quantification in Rat Plasma after Long-Term Ethanol Exposure
Authors: Lyu Lihong , Chen Rui , Li Lu , Duan Hongbin , Chen Yao , Wang Rong , Xu Zhiru , Zhang Yurong
Published: August 2020

Fentanyl and its analogues are highly abused drugs that dominate the illicit drug trade. alpha-Methylfentanyl (A-F) and beta-hydroxyfentanyl (B-F) are two fentanyl analogues that require the development of rapid detection technologies. The current study established and validated a rapid and high-sensitivity liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) method to measure A-F and B-F concentrations in rat plasma following intravenous drug administration (20 μg/kg). Because fentanyl is primarily metabolized by the liver, we evaluated the concentrations of A-F and B-F in vivo in rats, in a control group and a group with liver damage induced by 55 days of oral ethanol gavage (6.5 g/kg, 22.5% v/v). Liquid–liquid extraction and LC–MS-MS operating in the positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode were used. A C18 column was used, and the mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid aqueous and acetonitrile. The limit of detection was 3 pg/mL (S/N > 5) for A-F and B-F. The calibration curves were linear within the concentration range of 0.01–5 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9991) and 0.005–20 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9999) for A-F and B-F, respectively. Extraction recoveries were 91.3%–97.6% with RSD ≤ 11.2% and 90.5%–94.3% with RSD ≤ 10.5% for A-F and B-F, respectively. Plasma matrix effects were 80.61%–84.58% for A-F and 80.67%–81.33% for B-F with RSD ≤ 13.9%. The validated assay indicated no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-t, Cmax and T1/2) derived from the assessment of A-F and B-F plasma concentrations between control and ethanol-exposed rats. This assay, for which the LOD was 3 pg/mL for A-F and B-F may help the forensic science field to determine fentanyl analogue-related causes of death and identify illicit drug tampering.
Orbital Compartment Syndrome Following Major Burn Resuscitation: A Case Series and Survey of Practice Patterns
Authors: Vrouwe Sebastian Q , Zuo Kevin J , Grotski Courtney H , Tredget Edward E , Chew Hall F , Cartotto Robert
Published: August 2020

Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a rare but devastating complication of over-resuscitation in burn patients that may lead to permanent visual loss. The purpose of this study was to 1) present a series of burn patients with OCS and 2) survey practice patterns of monitoring intra-ocular pressure (IOP) during burn resuscitation.

Cases of OCS at two American Burn Association (ABA)–verified burn centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they 1) required lateral canthotomy/cantholysis for elevated IOPs or 2) developed blindness on admission unrelated to any other ocular pathology. Data were collected on demographics, burn characteristics, fluid administration, ophthalmologic findings, and complications. An eight-item electronic survey was distributed by email through the ABA to all physician members.

Twelve patients with OCS were identified, with a mean age of 47.8 ± 12.4 years and TBSA of 63.7 ± 18.6%. Mean fluid resuscitation at 24 hours was 4.9 ± 1.6 ml/kg/%TBSA or 0.29 ± 0.06 liter/kg. Eight patients underwent canthotomy/cantholysis for OCS, whereas four were later found to have visual loss. A total of 83 (14%) ABA physicians responded to the survey. IOP was routinely measured by 23% of respondents during acute burn resuscitation.

OCS appears to have developed despite a relatively low 24-hour ml/kg/% burn resuscitation volume, but with a relatively higher cumulative (liter/kg) fluid volume. Their survey found that monitoring of IOP during burn resuscitation is not routinely performed by the majority of providers. Taken together, the present study suggests clinical guidelines to recognize this complication of over-resuscitation.
Do border effects alter regional development: evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China
Authors: Yang Benjian , Partridge Mark D , Chen Anping
Published: August 2020

Market access/potential is main explanations for spatial variation in economic activity. Past research has used quasi-natural experiments such as the imposition and removal of the Iron Curtain to assess how changes in market access influence economic outcomes. Rather, we focus on key quantity effects of market access by tracking population changes induced by the creation of a subnational border. We exploit a quasi-natural experiment in China and use a difference-in-difference identification strategy to estimate the effects of introducing a new border when Sichuan province was split into Chongqing and Sichuan in 1997. We find that the new border had negative population effects on Sichuan counties located near the new border. Further investigation finds that such border effects are unique to the new border region and are not related to other factors such as being more rural. We also provide additional evidence to exclude alternative explanations including differences in industry composition or access to transportation.
CJEU provides guidance on assessing if an ‘economic link’ exists between two parties which precludes a likelihood of confusion  Court of Justice of the European Union, Case C-736/18 P Gugler France v European Union Intellectual Property Office, EU:C:2020:308, 23 April 2020
Authors: Smith Leigh
Published: August 2020

The Court of Justice of the European Union has confirmed that the assessment of whether there was an ‘economic link’ between two parties should be assessed substantively and not formally. As such, it should not be only considered from the perspective of whether the earlier rightholder has the ability to control the other party.
Palestinian Amoraic Hebrew As A Living Vernacular: An Indication From Morphosyntax
Authors: Bunis Ivri J
Published: August 2020

Presently, most scholars hold that the linguistic status of Rabbinic Hebrew from Byzantine Palestine (380-640 ce) is that of a dead literary language, influenced by Aramaic and earlier varieties of Hebrew, and that Hebrew had already died out as a spoken vernacular in the second or early third century ce. The sources for this variety are rabbinic texts produced by the Palestinian Amoraim and to a lesser degree, epigraphy. The article challenges this view, claiming that such opinions have not been based on a systematic morphosyntactic examination of Palestinian Amoraic Hebrew. The article presents such an analysis of a morphosyntactic structure, namely, pseudo-coordinated verb pairs. Two sub-structures are examined: (I) imperative + imperative and (II) imperative + yiqtol, in Palestinian Amoraic Hebrew, Tannaitic Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew and Jewish Palestinian Aramaic. Palestinian Amoraic Hebrew is found to clearly align with Tannaitic Hebrew, and not Biblical Hebrew and Jewish Palestinian Aramaic.
Facing the energy transition: options for countries and companies to move forward
Authors: Batruch Christine
Published: August 2020

It has taken decades for the international community to recognize that climate change is a global issue that needs to be addressed by concerted international action. Many climate activists focus on the fossil fuel industry as the main culprit for greenhouse gas emissions and advocate for a cessation of investments in this sector. This is despite the fact that it is the use of oil and gas in housing, transportation and industry, not its production that represents over 90 per cent of its global emissions.1 This misrepresents the global challenge that is one facing society’s energy use at large. During this period of energy transition, and for decades to come, oil and gas will continue to constitute a major component of the world’s growing energy demand. All energy consumers, whether governments, industries and the general public therefore need to reduce their energy consumption, while producing countries and companies need to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as increase investments in renewable energy. In this context, Norway serves as a valuable case study of what it takes to become a carbon efficient energy producer. The example of Lundin Energy AB, one of Europe’s leading independent oil and gas producers, operating exclusively offshore Norway, shows how the Norwegian regulatory environment, coupled with the Company’s sustainability commitments and its Decarbonization Strategy, have resulted in the production of one of the lowest carbon intensity barrels in the world.
The 2014 AIPN UROA Model Contract as a master contract for unconventional deals in Argentina
Authors: Payarola Ignacio
Published: August 2020

This article provides an overview of the hydrocarbons and environmental regulatory framework in Argentina and a legal analysis of the 2014 Association of International Petroleum Negotiators UROA’s adaptability to the oil and gas activities at the upstream level in such country, with special focus on the Vaca Muerta basin.
Recapitulating Evolutionary Divergence in a SingleCis-Regulatory Element Is Sufficient to Cause Expression Changes of the Lens GeneTdrd7
Authors: Roscito Juliana G , Subramanian Kaushikaram , Naumann Ronald , Sarov Mihail , Shevchenko Anna , Bogdanova Aliona , Kurth Thomas , Foerster Leo , Kreysing Moritz , Hiller Michael
Published: August 2020

Mutations in cis-regulatory elements play important roles for phenotypic changes during evolution. Eye degeneration in the blind mole rat (BMR; Nannospalax galili) and other subterranean mammals is significantly associated with widespread divergence of eye regulatory elements, but the effect of these regulatory mutations on eye development and function has not been explored. Here, we investigate the effect of mutations observed in the BMR sequence of a conserved noncoding element upstream of Tdrd7, a pleiotropic gene required for lens development and spermatogenesis. We first show that this conserved element is a transcriptional repressor in lens cells and that the BMR sequence partially lost repressor activity. Next, we recapitulated evolutionary changes in this element by precisely replacing the endogenous regulatory element in a mouse line by the orthologous BMR sequence with CRISPR–Cas9. Strikingly, this repressor replacement caused a more than 2-fold upregulation of Tdrd7 in the developing lens; however, increased mRNA level does not result in a corresponding increase in TDRD7 protein nor an obvious lens phenotype, possibly explained by buffering at the posttranscriptional level. Our results are consistent with eye degeneration in subterranean mammals having a polygenic basis where many small-effect mutations in different eye-regulatory elements collectively contribute to phenotypic differences.