bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Correlational Study to Assess The Job Adjustment and Service Attitude of Male Nurses Working in Private Hospitals of Udupi and Mangalore Districts, Karnataka.
Authors: N. Geo Sebastia , George Mariamma V ,   Shalini
Published: April 2020

Purpose of the study : The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of job adjustment on service attitude of male nurses.

Background of the problem : The shortage and turnover of nurses is a critical problem worldwide. Many people view nursing as a woman's profession; men have three major gender barriers in the nursing education process such as social isolation, refusal to address individual learning needs and the lack of acknowledgement of men in nursing profession.

Methods : A correlational design was adopted. Data were collected from a total of 146 male nurses from Udupi and Mangalore districts, Karnataka in 2013.

Findings : Majority of the male nurses 90(60.80%) were between the age group of 20-25years. Out of the 146 subjects 67(43.30%) of them were with the educational qualification of BSc Nursing, 64(42.20%) of them were with GNM qualification, and 15(10.10%) were with PB BSc Nursing. Most 60(40%) of them were with clinical experience of 6 months to one year. Majority 72(48.6%) of them were working in intensive care unit. There was a strong, positive, statistically significant relationship between job adjustment and service attitude(r=0.563, p<0.00), inferring that service attitude is dependent on job adjustment.

Conclusion : : The findings show that there was significant relationship between job adjustment and service attitude among male nurses.
Whole Exome Sequencing Provides the Correct Diagnosis in a Case of Osteopathia Striata with Cranial Sclerosis: Case Report of a Novel Frameshift Mutation in AMER1
Authors: García-Aznar José María , Ramírez Noelia , De Uña David , Santiago Elisa , Monserrat Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

The diagnosis of rare diseases with multisystem manifestations can constitute a difficult process that delays the determination of the underlying cause. Whole exome sequencing (WES) provides a suitable option to examine multiple target genes associated with several disorders that display common features. In this study, we report the case of a female patient suspected of having Sotos syndrome. Screening for the initially selected genes, considering Sotos syndrome and Sotos-like disorders, did not identify any pathogenic variants that could explain the phenotype. The extended analysis, which considered all genes in the exome associated with features consistent with those shown by the studied patient, revealed a novel frameshift variant in the AMER1 gene, responsible for osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis. WES analysis and an updated revision of previously reported disease-causing mutations, proved useful to reach an accurate diagnosis and guide further examination to identify critical abnormalities.
Nanostructured TiO2 for light-driven CO2 conversion into solar fuels
Authors: Cai Jingsheng , Shen Fei , Shi Zixiong , Lai Yuekun , Sun Jingyu
Published: April 2020

Energy shortages and global warming have become two major issues closely associated with the tremendous consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels. As a sustainable and economical route, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 conversion, the so-called artificial photosynthesis, provides an alluring strategy to realize the twofold benefits with respect to closing carbon cycle and producing renewable fuels/chemicals, thereby solving the above issues. TiO2 photocatalysts have attracted widespread attention in CO2 reduction reactions owing to their low cost, high stability, and environmental safety. Nevertheless, the limited absorption ability in the visible light range and fast recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes are the two main drawbacks impeding practical applications. This minireview summarizes the fabrication methodologies of nanostructured TiO2 (especially focused on the 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures), discusses the fundamentals of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to value-added chemicals, and draws a comparison of photocatalytic performances from modified TiO2 nanostructures. In further contexts, the opportunities and challenges for nanostructured TiO2 based materials on CO2 conversion are proposed.
Topological thermoelectrics
Authors: Fu Chenguang , Sun Yan , Felser Claudia
Published: April 2020

Since the first-generation three-dimensional topological insulators were discovered in classic thermoelectric systems, the exploration of novel topological materials for advanced thermoelectric energy conversion has attracted increasing attention. The rapid developments in the field of topological materials, from topological (crystalline) insulators, Dirac/Weyl semimetals, to magnetic Weyl semimetals, have offered a variety of exotic electronic structures, for example, topological surface states, linear Dirac/Weyl bands, and large Berry curvature. These topological electronic structures provide a fertile ground to advance different kinds of thermoelectric energy conversion based on the Seebeck effect, magneto-Seebeck effect, Nernst effect, and anomalous Nernst effect. In this Perspective, we present a vision for the development of different topological materials for various thermoelectric energy conversion applications based on their specific topological electronic structures. Recent theoretical calculations and experimental works have been summarized to demonstrate practical routes for this new field. Further outlook on scientific and technological challenges and opportunities with regard to topological thermoelectrics are offered.
Triptolide suppresses IDH1-mutated malignancy via Nrf2-driven glutathione metabolism
Authors: Yu Di , Liu Yang , Zhou Yiqiang , Ruiz-Rodado Victor , Larion Mioara , Xu Guowang , Yang Chunzhang
Published: April 2020

Significance

IDH1 mutation is a common genetic abnormality in human malignancies, whereas selective therapeutics for IDH1-mutated malignancies remain unavailable. Our present study reveals that IDH1-mutated cancer cells exhibit addiction to Nrf2-governed antioxidative pathways. Blockade of Nrf2 transcriptional activity achieved synergistic lethality with a neomorphic IDH1 mutation. We also showed that triptolide serves as a potent Nrf2 inhibitor, which inhibited Nrf2 transcriptional activity and led to apoptotic changes in IDH1-mutated cells via redox catastrophe. We believe that our findings highlight the broad scope and significance of Nrf2 blockade as a therapeutic strategy and provide an actionable strategy for IDH1-mutated malignancies.
Reconciling global priorities for conserving biodiversity habitat
Authors: Mokany Karel , Ferrier Simon , Harwood Thomas D. , Ware Chris , Di Marco Moreno , Grantham Hedley S. , Venter Oscar , Hoskins Andrew J. , Watson James E. M.
Published: April 2020

Degradation and loss of natural habitat is the major driver of the current global biodiversity crisis. Most habitat conservation efforts to date have targeted small areas of highly threatened habitat, but emerging debate suggests that retaining large intact natural systems may be just as important. We reconcile these perspectives by integrating fine-resolution global data on habitat condition and species assemblage turnover to identify Earth’s high-value biodiversity habitat. These are areas in better condition than most other locations predicted to have once supported a similar assemblage of species and are found within both intact regions and human-dominated landscapes. However, only 18.6% of this high-value habitat is currently protected globally. Averting permanent biodiversity loss requires clear, spatially explicit targets for retaining these unprotected high-value habitats.
Complete photonic band gaps in Sn2P2X6 (X = S, Se) supercell photonic crystals
Authors: Simsek Sevket , Palaz Selami , Koc Husnu , Mamedov Amirullah M. , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: April 2020

In this work, we present an investigation of the optical properties and band structures for the photonic crystal structures (PCs) based on Sn2P2X6: X = S, Se) with Fibonacci superlattices. The optical properties of PCs can be tuned by varying
structure parameters such as the lengths of poled domains, filling factor, and dispersion relation. In our simulation, we employed the finite-difference time domain technique and the plane wave expansion method, which implies the solution of Maxwell equations with centered finite-difference
expressions for the space and time derivatives.
Structural, Electrical, and AC-Resistivity Studies of BNT-KN Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Pattipaka Srinivas , Bora Sweety , Pamu D.
Published: April 2020

The lead-free (1 – x) Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 – x KNbO3 (BNT-KN; x = 0 – 0.12) composite ceramics have been synthesized by a sol-gel process. Their structure,
morphology, AC conductance and dielectric response were studied systematically. The X-ray diffraction patterns of BNT-KN revealed a morphotropic phase boundary between a rhombohedral and a pseudocubic structure. The temperature-dependent dielectric response of pure BNT revealed two-phase transitions
at 200 °C (TR-T or Td) and 320 °C (TC). Furthermore, the critical temperatures were found to shift to lower values with increasing KN concentration. The manifested relaxor behavior was well confirmed by a modified
Curie – Weiss law. The hopping conduction mechanism in BNT-KN was characterized through AC-resistivity analysis.
Nanoporous copper sonocatalysts prepared by dealloying Cu–Al–Ti amorphous ribbons
Authors: Qian Haixia , Mu Xiaobo , Li Kaiyang , Xie Shenghui , Xiong Xinbo , Zeng Xierong
Published: April 2020

Nanoporous copper (NPC) with a controllable ligament width was prepared by chemically dealloying Cu45Al45Ti10 amorphous ribbons in dilute HCl solution. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the 3D, bicontinuous, nanoporous structure constituting fcc-Cu ligaments of 39–79 nm thickness. The coarsening of NPC ligaments increased significantly with an increase of HCl concentration, reaction temperature or time. The surface diffusivity and activation energy of NPC were also calculated. Finally, the catalytic activity of NPC was validated with the ultrasound and H2O2-assisted degradation of methyl orange (MO), where 99% MO was degraded within 15 min.
Exosomes derived from neural progenitor cells preserve photoreceptors during retinal degeneration by inactivating microglia
Authors: Bian Baishijiao , Zhao Congjian , He Xiangyu , Gong Yu , Ren Chunge , Ge Lingling , Zeng Yuxiao , Li Qiyou , Chen Min , Weng Chuanhuang , He Juncai , Fang Yajie , Xu Haiwei , Yin Zheng Qin
Published: April 2020

Retinal degeneration (RD) is one of the most common causes of visual impairment and blindness and is characterized by progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. Transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) is a promising treatment for RD, although the mechanisms underlying the efficacy remain unclear. Accumulated evidence supports the notion that paracrine effects of transplanted stem cells is likely the major approach to rescuing early degeneration, rather than cell replacement. NPC‐derived exosomes (NPC‐exos), a type of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from NPCs, are thought to carry functional molecules to recipient cells and play therapeutic roles. In present study, we found that grafted human NPCs (hNPCs) secreted EVs and exosomes in the subretinal space (SRS) of RCS rats, an RD model. And direct administration of mouse neural progenitor cell‐derived exosomes (mNPC‐exos) delayed photoreceptor degeneration, preserved visual function, prevented thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), and decreased apoptosis of photoreceptors in RCS rats. Mechanistically, mNPC‐exos were specifically internalized by retinal microglia and suppressed their activation in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and miRNA profiling revealed a set of 17 miRNAs contained in mNPC‐exos that markedly inhibited inflammatory signal pathways by targeting TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and COX‐2 in activated microglia. The exosomes derived from hNPC (hNPC‐exos) contained similar miRNAs to mNPC‐exos that inhibited microglial activation. We demonstrated that NPC‐exos markedly suppressed microglial activation to protect photoreceptors from apoptosis, suggesting that NPC‐exos and their contents may be the mechanism of stem cell therapy for treating RD.
First data from the CUPID-Mo neutrinoless double beta decay experiment
Authors: Schmidt B.
Published: April 2020

The CUPID-Mo experiment is searching for neutrinoless double beta decay in 100Mo, evaluating the technology of cryogenic scintillating Li2
100MoO4 detectors for CUPID (CUORE Upgrade with Particle ID). CUPID-Mo detectors feature background suppression using a dual-readout scheme with Li2MoO4 crystals complemented by Ge bolometers for light detection. The detection of both heat and scintillation light signals allows the efficient discrimination of α from γ&β events. In this proceedings, we discuss results from the first 2 months of data taking in spring 2019. In addition to an excellent bolometric performance of 6.7 keV (FWHM) at 2615 keV and an β separation of better than 99.9% for all detectors, we report on bulk radiopurity for Th and U. Finally, we interpret the accumulated physics data in terms of a limit of

T

1
/
2

0
v

> 3 × 1023 yr for 100Mo and discuss the sensitivity of CUPID-Mo until the expected end of physics data taking in early 2020.
Air pollution lowers high skill public sector worker productivity in China
Authors: Kahn Matthew E , Li Pei
Published: April 2020

China’s urbanites continue to be exposed to high levels of air pollution. Such pollution exposure raises mortality risk, lowers the day-to-day sentiment of the population and lowers outdoor worker productivity. Using a unique set of data for Chinese judges, we document that local air pollution also lowers the productivity of high skilled government officials who work indoors. Our new evidence on the effects of air pollution highlights both the challenge that pollution poses for quality of life and workforce productivity and indicates that the Chinese urban elites gain co-benefits when their cities burn less fossil fuel.
Cyclic voltammetry, photocatalytic and antimicrobial comparative studies of fabrication Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/PAN nanofibers
Authors: Mogomotsi Ranku N , Akinola Stephen S , Emeka Elemike E , Fayemi Omolola E
Published: April 2020

This study reports the properties of green mediated synthesized iron oxides nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) from peel extracts of pomegranate plant and its polyacrylonitrile/iron oxide composite nanofibers (Fe3O4/PAN). The following were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles and its polymer nanofibers; FT-IR, UV-Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope SEM, TEM and cyclic voltammetry. The antimicrobial activities of synthesized nanoparticles were investigated against selected bacterial pathogens. For the plant extract, FTIR revealed OH characteristics peaks at 3271 cm−1 and 1600 cm−1 while the absorption peaks at 577 and 430 cm1 showed successful reduction of the precursor to Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The SEM images showed a spherical morphology of Fe3O4 and that of the composite with entrapped Fe3O4 into the PAN nanofibers. Photocatalytic process showed that the synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles has degradation efficiency of 71.36% and the nanofibers exhibited efficiency of 22.68% towards methylene blue (MB) dye. However, further kinetic analysis of the degradation process put Fe3O4/PAN nanofibers (NF) at a better correlation coefficient of 0.9239 than the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry showed that PAN functionalized with Fe3O4 is more electroactive as compared to the other electrodes studied. The anodic peak potential at 599 mV also confirmed the presence of Fe3O4 in the nanocomposite Fe3O4/PAN. The antimicrobial studies revealed that as the concentration of the green mediated Fe3O4 nanoparticle increases in the composite Fe3O4/PAN an excellent antimicrobial activity against selected pathogens were observed, showing Fe3O4 nanoparticles potentials to control pathogens of public health significance.
OpenBioLink: a benchmarking framework for large-scale biomedical link prediction
Authors: Breit Anna , Ott Simon , Agibetov Asan , Samwald Matthias
Published: April 2020

Recently, novel machine-learning algorithms have shown potential for predicting undiscovered links in biomedical knowledge networks. However, dedicated benchmarks for measuring algorithmic progress have not yet emerged. With OpenBioLink, we introduce a large-scale, high-quality and highly challenging biomedical link prediction benchmark to transparently and reproducibly evaluate such algorithms. Furthermore, we present preliminary baseline evaluation results.

Availability and implementation

Source code and data are openly available at https://github.com/OpenBioLink/OpenBioLink.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
P2Y12 inhibitors monotherapy after short course of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials including 29 089 patients
Authors: Bianco Matteo , Careggio Alessandro , Destefanis Paola , Luciano Alessia , Perrelli Maria Giulia , Quadri Giorgio , Rossini Roberta , Campo Gianluca , Vizzari Giampiero , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Anselmino Matteo , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Ibáñez Borja , Montagna Laura , Varbella Ferdinando , Cerrato Enrico
Published: April 2020

Aims

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) reduces the incidence of thrombotic complications at the cost of an increase in bleedings. New antiplatelet therapies focused on minimizing bleeding and maximizing antithrombotic effects are emerging. The aim of this study is to collect the current evidence coming from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on early aspirin interruption after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and current drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation and to perform a meta-analysis in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this strategy.

Methods and results

MEDLINE/PubMed was systematically screened for RCTs comparing P2Y12 inhibitors (P2Y12i) monotherapy after a maximum of 3 months of DAPT (S-DAPT) vs. DAPT for 12 months (DAPT) in patients undergoing PCI with DES. Baseline features were appraised. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE: all causes of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) and its single composites, stent thrombosis (ST) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5 were considered and pooled with fixed and random-effects with inverse-variance weighting. A total of four RCTs including a total of 29 089 patients were identified. Overall, the majority of included patients suffered a stable coronary artery disease, while ST-elevation myocardial infarction was the least represented clinical presentation. Complex anatomical settings like left main intervention, bifurcations, and multi-lesions treatment were included although representing a minor part of the cases. At 1-year follow-up, MACCE rate was similar [odds ratio (OR) 0.90; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.79–1.03] and any of its composites (all causes of death rate: OR 0.87; 95% CIs 0.71–1.06; myocardial infarction: OR 1.06; 95% CIs 0.90–1.26; stroke: OR 1.12; 95% CIs 0.82–1.53). Similarly, also ST rate was comparable in the two groups (OR 1.17; 95% CIs 0.83–1.64), while BARC 3 or 5 bleeding resulted significantly lower, adopting an S-DAPT strategy (OR 0.70; 95% CIs 0.58–0.86).

Conclusion

After a PCI with current DES, an S-DAPT strategy followed by a P2Y12i monotherapy was associated with a lower incidence of clinically relevant bleeding compared to 12 months DAPT, with no significant differences in terms of 1-year cardiovascular events.
The power ranking of the members of the Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament
Authors: Fertő Imre , Kóczy László Á , Kovács Attila , Sziklai Balázs R
Published: April 2020

We aim to identify the most influential members of the Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament (COMAGRI). Unlike previous studies that were based on case studies or interviews with stakeholders, we analyse the voting power of MEPs using a spatial Banzhaf power index. We identify critical members: members whose votes are necessary to form winning coalitions. We found that rapporteurs, EP group coordinators and MEPs from countries with high relative Committee representations, such as Ireland, Poland or Romania are powerful actors. Italy emerges as the most influential member state, while France seems surprisingly weak.
Mitochondrial sequences of Rhipicephalus and Coxiella endosymbiont reveal evidence of lineages co-cladogenesis
Authors: Coimbra-Dores Maria João , Jaarsma Ryanne Isolde , Carmo Anderson Oliveira , Maia-Silva Mariana , Fonville Manoj , da Costa Daniela Filipa Ferreira , Brandão Ricardo Manuel Lemos , Azevedo Fábia , Casero María , Oliveira Ana Cristina , Afonso Sónia Maria de Santana , Sprong Hein , Rosa Fernanda , Dias Deodália
Published: April 2020

Rhipicephalus ticks are competent vectors of several pathogens, such as Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (SFGR) and many Babesia species. Within this genus, different R. sanguineus s.l. lineages show an unequal vector competence and resistance regarding some pathogenic strains. Current literature supports that tick endosymbionts may play an essential role in the transmission ability of a vector. Indeed, the microbial community of Rhipicephalus seems to be dominated by Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE). Still, their co-evolutionary associations with the complicated phylogeny of Rhipicephalus lineages and their transmissible pathogens remain unclear. We performed a phylogenetic congruence analysis to address whether divergent R. sanguineus s.l. lineages had a different symbiont composition. For that, we applied a PCR based approach to screen part of the microbial community present in 279 Rhipicephalus ticks from the Iberian Peninsula and Africa. Our analyses detected several qPCR-positive signals for both SFGR and Babesia species, of which we suggest R. sanguineus-tropical lineage as a natural vector of Babesia vogeli and R. sanguineus-temperate lineage of SFGR. The acquisition of 190 CLE sequences allowed to evaluate co-phylogenetic associations between the tick and the symbiont. With this data, we observed a strong but incomplete co-cladogenesis between CLE strains and their Rhipicephalus tick lineages hosts.
Paternally Inherited P-Element Copy Number Affects the Magnitude of Hybrid Dysgenesis in Drosophila simulans and D. melanogaster
Authors: Serrato-Capuchina Antonio , Wang Jeremy , Earley Eric , Peede David , Isbell Kristin , Matute Daniel R
Published: April 2020

Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive regions of DNA that are able to self-replicate and reinsert themselves throughout host genomes. Since the discovery of TEs, a prevalent question has been whether increasing TE copy number has an effect on the fitness of their hosts. P-elements (PEs) in Drosophila are a well-studied TE that has strong phenotypic effects. When a female without PEs (M) is crossed to a male with them (P), the resulting females are often sterile, a phenomenon called hybrid dysgenesis (HD). Here, we used short- and long-read sequencing to infer the number of PEs in the genomes of dozens of isofemale lines from two Drosophila species and measured whether the magnitude of HD was correlated with the number of PEs in the paternal genome. Consistent with previous reports, we find evidence for a positive correlation between the paternal PE copy number and the magnitude of HD in progeny from ♀M × ♂ P crosses for both species. Other crosses are not affected by the number of PE copies. We also find that the correlation between the strength of HD and PE copy number differs between species, which suggests that there are genetic differences that might make some genomes more resilient to the potentially deleterious effects of TEs. Our results suggest that PE copy number interacts with other factors in the genome and the environment to cause HD and that the importance of these interactions is species specific.
Coseismic and post-seismic gravity disturbance induced by seismic sources using a 2.5-D spectral element method
Authors: Pollitz F F
Published: April 2020

I present a prescription for computing free-air coseismic and post-seismic gravity changes induced by seismic sources in a viscoelastic earth model. I assume a spherical earth geometry and a 2.5-D calculation, that is, 3-D motions that satisfy the equations of quasi-static equilibrium on a 2-D viscoelastic structure. The prescription permits application to regional gravity computations where a 2-D structure adequately represents the structural heterogeneity. I use a hybrid approach where deformation is computed on a discretized domain and the resulting density perturbations are expanded with spherical harmonics to produce the free-air gravity field. Starting with a solution to the equations of quasi-static displacements in the Laplace transform domain for a given dislocation source, I solve Poisson’s equation using Lagrangian interpolation on spectral element nodes to compute the required deformation quantities that contribute to free-air gravity. A numerical inverse Laplace transform then yields time domain results. This methodology is tested with analytic solutions on a spherically stratified viscoelastic structure, then applied to evaluate the effect of a descending slab of relatively high viscosity on post-seismic gravity in a megathrust faulting setting.
Why Do Only Some Chairs Act as Successful Mediators? Trust in Chairs of Global Climate Negotiations
Authors: Walker Hayley , Biedenkopf Katja
Published: April 2020

Trust in the chairs of global negotiations is a decisive factor facilitating successful outcomes. When negotiators trust the chair, they allow her to go beyond her formal procedural role by acting as a mediator, fostering the reaching of agreement. Negotiating parties must consent to a chair assuming substantive mediation functions. They cede parts of their control over the process to the chair when they are confident that the chair is competent and acts in good faith and everyone's interest. In this article, we develop a detailed conceptualization of trust in chairs of global negotiations and demonstrate its impact in two cases of United Nations negotiations that aimed to deliver a universal deal on climate change: the failed 2009 round in Copenhagen, and the 2015 round that culminated in the adoption of the Paris Agreement.
Illiberal Norm Diffusion: How Do Governments Learn to Restrict Nongovernmental Organizations?
Authors: Glasius Marlies , Schalk Jelmer , De Lange Meta
Published: April 2020

Recent decades have witnessed a global cascade of restrictive and repressive measures against nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). We theorize that state learning from observing the regional environment, rather than NGO growth per se or domestic unrest, explains this rapid diffusion of restrictions. We develop and test two hypotheses: (1) states adopt NGO restrictions in response to nonarmed bottom-up threats in their regional environment (“learning from threats”); (2) states adopt NGO restrictions through imitation of the legislative behavior of other states in their regional environment (“learning from examples”). Using an original dataset on NGO restrictions in ninety-six countries over a period of twenty-five years (1992–2016), we test these hypotheses by means of negative binomial regression and survival analyses, using spatially weighted techniques. We find very limited evidence for learning from threats, but consistent evidence for learning from examples. We corroborate this finding through close textual comparison of laws adopted in the Middle East and Africa, showing legal provisions being taken over almost verbatim from one law into another. In our conclusion, we spell out the implications for the quality of democracy and for theories of transition to a postliberal order, as well as for policy-makers, lawyers, and civil-society practitioners.
An interactive online dashboard for tracking COVID-19 in U.S. counties, cities, and states in real time
Authors: Wissel Benjamin D , Van Camp P J , Kouril Michal , Weis Chad , Glauser Tracy A , White Peter S , Kohane Isaac S , Dexheimer Judith W
Published: April 2020

Objective

The study sought to create an online resource that informs the public of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in their area.

Materials and Methods

This R Shiny application aggregates data from multiple resources that track COVID-19 and visualizes them through an interactive, online dashboard.

Results

The Web resource, called the COVID-19 Watcher, can be accessed online (https://covid19watcher.research.cchmc.org/). It displays COVID-19 data from every county and 188 metropolitan areas in the United States. Features include rankings of the worst-affected areas and auto-generating plots that depict temporal changes in testing capacity, cases, and deaths.

Discussion

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not publish COVID-19 data for local municipalities, so it is critical that academic resources fill this void so the public can stay informed. The data used have limitations and likely underestimate the scale of the outbreak.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 Watcher can provide the public with real-time updates of outbreaks in their area.
The effect of Brahman genes on body temperature plasticity of heifers on pasture under heat stress
Authors: Mateescu Raluca G , Sarlo-Davila Kaitlyn M , Dikmen Serdal , Rodriguez Eduardo , Oltenacu Pascal A
Published: April 2020

Bos taurus indicus cattle have the superior ability for the regulation of body temperature during heat stress due to a number of physiological and cellular level adaptive traits. The objectives of this study were to quantify the change in body temperature in heifers with various proportions of Brahman genes per unit increase in heat stress as measured by temperature–humidity index (THI) and to assess how different breed groups responded to varying intensity and duration of heat stress. A total of 299 two-yr-old heifers from six breed groups ranging from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman were evaluated under hot and humid conditions during 2017 and 2018 summer days. Two strategies were used to estimate the plasticity in body temperature of breed groups in response to environmental challenges: 1) a random regression mixed model was used to estimate reaction norm parameters for each breed group in response to a specified environmental heat stress and 2) a repeated measures mixed model was used to evaluate the response to different environmental heat loads. The reaction norm model estimated an intercept and slope measuring the change in body temperature per unit increase in THI environmental heat stress for different breed groups of animals and allowed the identification of genotypes which are robust, with low slope values indicative of animals that are able to maintain normal body temperature across a range of environments. The repeated measures mixed model showed that Brahman cattle have an advantage under moderate or high heat stress conditions but both Angus and Brahman breed groups are greatly affected when heat stress is severe. A critical factor appears to be the opportunity to cool down during the night hours more than the number of hours with extreme THI. With heat stress conditions predicted to intensify and expand into currently temperate zones, developing effective strategies to ensure sustainable beef production systems are imperative. Effective strategies will require the identification of the genes conferring the superior thermotolerance in Brahman cattle.
Effects of incremental exercise and dietary tryptophan supplementation on the amino acid metabolism, serotonin status, stool quality, fecal metabolites, and body composition of mid-distance training sled dogs
Authors: Templeman James R , Thornton Emma , Cargo-Froom Cara , Squires Eli J , Swanson Kelly S , Shoveller Anna K
Published: April 2020

Exercise improves the health of dogs; however, the extreme exertion experienced by sled dogs may lead to variable metabolic and fecal characteristics. Nutritional interventions, such as dietary tryptophan (Trp), may reduce the prevalence of these exercise-induced disturbances. Sporting diets tend to have high crude protein concentrations in contrast to adult maintenance diets and this results in less Trp relative to other amino acids (AA). Therefore, sporting dogs represent an ideal cohort to assess the effects of supplemental Trp. The objective was to evaluate the effects of supplemental dietary Trp and an incremental training regimen on AA and serotonin status, fecal scores and metabolites, and body composition in client-owned Siberian huskies. Sixteen dogs (nine females and seven males) were used, with a mean age of 4.8 ± 2.5 yr and body weight (BW) of 24.3 ± 4.3 kg. Dogs were blocked for sex, age, and BW and randomly allocated into two groups with eight fed a dry extruded control diet (Ctl) and eight fed Ctl supplemented with Trp to reach a Trp:large-neutral AA (LNAA) ratio of 0.075:1 (treatment, Trt). The exercise regimen was designed to increase in distance each week, but weather played a role in setting the daily distance. Each week BW was recorded and food allotments were adjusted to maintain initial BW. Pre and post-exercise blood samples were taken every 3 wk, dogs then received a meal followed by 1, 2, and 4 h post meal blood collections (serum AA, serotonin). Stool collection and scoring occurred each week and body composition was measured on weeks −1 and 11. Serotonin, AA, fecal metabolite, and body composition data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with dog as a random effect and week and Trt as fixed effects. Stool score data were analyzed using PROC FREQ to compare stool score and Trt, and PROC CORR was used to analyze associations between fecal score, temperature, humidity, and run distance. Dogs on Trt had greater fasted Trp compared with baseline, greater post-meal Trp and serotonin compared with baseline, greater post-meal Trp compared with fasted, and greater post-meal Trp and serotonin compared with Ctl (P < 0.05). Fecal data indicated that Trp improved stool scores (P < 0.05) yet had no effect on fecal metabolites. An overall increase in lean and decrease in fat mass was found (P < 0.05), but Trt had no effect on body composition. Optimization of the dietary Trp:LNAA ratio may help to improve GI health without compromising performance in actively training sled dogs.
Microextraction by Packed Sorbent as a Novel Strategy for Sample Clean-Up in the Determination of Methadone and EDDP in Hair
Authors: Rosado T , Gallardo E , Vieira D N , Barroso M
Published: April 2020

A microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) procedure for rapid concentration of methadone and its primary metabolite (EDDP) in hair samples was developed. The miniaturized approach coupled to gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS-MS) was successfully validated. Hair samples (50 mg) were incubated with 1 mL of 1 M sodium hydroxide for 45 min at 50°C, time after which the extract was neutralized by adding 100 μL of 20% formic acid. Subsequently, MEPS was applied using a M1 sorbent (4 mg; 80% C8 and 20% strong cation-exchange (SCX)), first conditioned with three 250-μL cycles of methanol and three 250-μL cycles of 2% formic acid. The extract load occurred with nine 150-μL cycles followed by a washing step involving three 50-μL cycles with 3.36% formic acid. For the elution of the analytes, six 100-μL cycles of 2.36% ammonium hydroxide in methanol were applied. The method was linear from 0.01 to 5 ng/mg, for both compounds, presenting determination coefficients greater than 0.99. Precision and accuracy were in accordance with the statements of international guidelines for method validation. This new miniaturized approach allowed obtaining recoveries ranging from 73 to 109% for methadone and 84 to 110% for EDDP, proving to be an excellent alternative to classic approaches, as well as other miniaturized procedures.
Screen Mesh Size for Exclusion of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Citrus Production
Authors: Ebert Timothy A , Waldo Laura , Stanton Daniel , Schumann Arnold W
Published: April 2020

Huanglongbing is a citrus disease that reduces yield, crop quality, and eventually causes tree mortality. The putative causal agent, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Rhizobiales: Rhizobiaceae), is vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. Disease management is largely through vector control, but the insect is developing pesticide resistance. A nonchemical approach to vector management is to grow citrus under screen cages either as bags over individual trees or enclosures spanning many acres. The enclosing screen reduces wind, alters temperature relative to ambient, and excludes a variety of pests that are too large to pass through the screen. Here we evaluated the potential of six screens to exclude D. citri. We conclude that screens with rectangular openings need to limit the short side to no more than 384.3 µm with a SD of 36.9 µm (40 mesh) to prevent psyllids from passing through the screen. The long side can be at least 833 µm, but the efficacy of screens exceeding this value should be tested before using in the field.
Racism and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease: Roles of Depression and Support
Authors: Mougianis Ifigenia , Cohen Lindsey L , Martin Sarah , Shneider Caitlin , Bishop Meredith
Published: April 2020

Introductions

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most commonly inherited blood disorder in the United States, and it predominately affects the Black community. SCD is characterized by a number of symptoms, including unpredictable pain, which can lead to hospitalizations. Data indicate that people with SCD experience racism and ample data indicate that racism predicts depressive symptoms and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In contrast, research suggests that social support might buffer the impact of racism on depression. The aim of this study was to explore associations among perceived racism, depressive symptoms, and HRQOL in adolescents with SCD. Consistent with the literature, it was predicted that perceived racism would predict HRQOL through depression, and social support would moderate the negative impact of racism on depression.

Methods

In a cross-sectional design, 75 inpatient adolescents with SCD completed measures of perceived racism, depressive symptoms, HRQOL, and social support.

Results

This results indicated a moderated mediation model with greater perceived racism predicting more depressive symptoms, which in turn related to poorer HRQOL; greater access to social support from individuals with SCD strengthened the perceived racism—depressive symptom association.

Conclusions

Findings suggest a model for how racism, depressive symptoms, HRQOL, and social support might interact in hospitalized adolescents with SCD. Longitudinal or experimental designs are needed to substantiate directionality among these variables. Results highlight several areas for future research and clinical avenues to improve the welfare of youth with SCD.
Multicenter Initial Guidance on Use of Antivirals for Children With Coronavirus Disease 2019/Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Chiotos Kathleen , Hayes Molly , Kimberlin David W , Jones Sarah B , James Scott H , Pinninti Swetha G , Yarbrough April , Abzug Mark J , MacBrayne Christine E , Soma Vijaya L , Dulek Daniel E , Vora Surabhi B , Waghmare Alpana , Wolf Joshua , Olivero Rosemary , Grapentine Steven , Wattier Rachel L , Bio Laura , Cross Shane J , Dillman Nicholas O , Downes Kevin J , Timberlake Kathryn , Young Jennifer , Orscheln Rachel C , Tamma Pranita D , Schwenk Hayden T , Zachariah Philip , Aldrich Margaret , Goldman David L , Groves Helen E , Lamb Gabriella S , Tribble Alison C , Hersh Adam L , Thorell Emily A , Denison Mark R , Ratner Adam J , Newland Jason G , Nakamura Mari M
Published: April 2020

Background

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is mild in nearly all children, a small proportion of pediatric patients develop severe or critical illness. Guidance is therefore needed regarding use of agents with potential activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in pediatrics.

Methods

A panel of pediatric infectious diseases physicians and pharmacists from 18 geographically diverse North American institutions was convened. Through a series of teleconferences and web-based surveys, a set of guidance statements was developed and refined based on review of best available evidence and expert opinion.

Results

Given the typically mild course of pediatric COVID-19, supportive care alone is suggested for the overwhelming majority of cases. The panel suggests a decision-making framework for antiviral therapy that weighs risks and benefits based on disease severity as indicated by respiratory support needs, with consideration on a case-by-case basis of potential pediatric risk factors for disease progression. If an antiviral is used, the panel suggests remdesivir as the preferred agent. Hydroxychloroquine could be considered for patients who are not candidates for remdesivir or when remdesivir is not available. Antivirals should preferably be used as part of a clinical trial if available.

Conclusions

Antiviral therapy for COVID-19 is not necessary for the great majority of pediatric patients. For those rare cases of severe or critical disease, this guidance offers an approach for decision-making regarding antivirals, informed by available data. As evidence continues to evolve rapidly, the need for updates to the guidance is anticipated.
Using Nonpolio Enterovirus Detection to Assess the Integrity of Stool Specimens Collected From Acute Flaccid Paralysis Cases in Somalia During 2014–2017
Authors: Ben Hamida Amen , Mohamed Ali Kamil , Mdodo Rennatus , Mohamed Abdinoor , Mengistu Kumlachew , Nzunza Rosemary M , Farag Noha H , Ehrhardt Derek T , Elfakki Eltayeb , Mbaeyi Chukwuma
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite insecurity challenges in Somalia, key indicators for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance have met recommended targets. However, recent outbreaks of vaccine-derived polioviruses have raised concerns about possible gaps. We analyzed nonpolio enterovirus (NPEV) and Sabin poliovirus isolation rates to investigate whether comparing these rates can inform about the integrity of stool specimens from inaccessible areas and the likelihood of detecting circulating polioviruses.

Methods

Using logistic regression, we analyzed case-based AFP surveillance data for 1348 cases with onset during 2014−2017. We assessed the adjusted impacts of variables including age, accessibility, and Sabin-like virus isolation on NPEV detection.

Results

NPEVs were more likely to be isolated from AFP case patients reported from inaccessible areas than accessible areas (23% vs 15%; P = .01). In a multivariable model, inaccessibility and detection of Sabin-like virus were positively associated with NPEV detection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–2.65; and AOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.07–2.90; respectively), while being aged ≥5 years was negatively associated (AOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20–0.85).

Conclusions

Rates of NPEV and Sabin poliovirus detection in inaccessible areas suggest that the integrity of fecal specimens tested for AFP surveillance in Somalia can generate useful AFP data, but uncertainties remain about surveillance system quality.
Difficulties of Identifying the Early HIV Antibody Seroconversion Period Depending on the Confirmatory Assay
Authors: Stefic Karl , Mahjoub Nadia , Desouche Céline , Néré Marie Laure , Thierry Damien , Delaugerre Constance , Barin Francis , Chaix Marie Laure
Published: April 2020

Background

Identification of HIV infection at the early stage is valuable for patient management, for prevention, and for research purposes. In practice, identification of a recent HIV infection at diagnosis proves challenging after HIV antibody seroconversion but can be suspected using Western blots (WBs) or immunoblots (IBs) as confirmatory assays.

Methods

Five commercially available confirmatory assays were compared using 43 samples from recently infected individuals. This included 2 WBs (New LAV Blot I, Biorad, and HIV Blot 2.2, MP Biomedicals), 2 IBs (INNO-LIA HIV I/II, Fujirebio, and RecomLine HIV-1 & HIV-2, Mikrogen Diagnostik), and 1 immunochromatographic single-use assay (Geenius HIV1/2 supplemental assay, Biorad).

Results

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for interpretation, the 2 WBs led to indeterminate results for 30% and 42% of the samples, suggesting recent infection, compared with 2%–7% for the 3 other assays. When interpreted based on the Fiebig classification, concordant stages were observed in 42% of samples, and only 49% were classified as early seroconversion by all 5 assays. For the remaining specimens, the distinction with chronic infection was highly variable depending on the assay (5%–100%).

Conclusions

Clinical laboratories must consider this variability, which must be kept in mind both for initial diagnosis and for multicenter studies for which inclusion criteria refer to serological profiles by confirmatory assays.
Cluster formation induced by a cloud–cloud collision in [DBS2003]179
Authors: Kuwahara Sho , Torii Kazufumi , Mizuno Norikazu , Fujita Shinji , Kohno Mikito , Fukui Yasuo
Published: April 2020

[DBS2003]179 is a super star cluster in the Galaxy discovered in deep near-infrared observations. We carried out CO J = 1–0 and J = 3–2 observations of the region of [DBS2003]179 with NANTEN2, ASTE, and the Mopra 22 m telescope. We identified and mapped two molecular clouds that are likely to be associated with the cluster. This association is supported by the spatial correlation with the corresponding 8$\, \mu$m Spitzer image and by a high ratio of the two transitions of $^{12}$CO(J = 3–2 and J = 1–0). The two clouds show complementary distributions in space, and bridging features connect them in velocity. We hypothesize that the two clouds collided with each other 1–2 Myr ago and that the collision compressed the interfacial layer, triggering the formation of the cluster. This offers an additional piece of evidence for a super star cluster formed by a cloud–cloud collision, alongside the four super star clusters Westerlund$\:2$, NGC 3603, RCW 38, and R 136. These findings indicate that the known super star clusters with closely associated dust emission were formed by cloud–cloud collisions, lending support to the important role of cloud–cloud collisions in high-mass star formation.