bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speech recognition of spoken Italian based on detection of landmarks and other acoustic cues to distinctive features
Authors: Di Benedetto Maria-Gabriella , Choi Jeung-Yoon , Shattuck-Hufnagel Stefanie , De Nardis Luca , Budoni Sara , Vivaldi Jacopo , Arango Javier , DeCaprio Alec , Yao Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Modeling the process that a listener actuates in deriving words intended by a speaker, requires setting a hypothesis on how lexical items are stored in memory. Stevens’ model (2002) postulates that lexical items are stored in memory according to distinctive features, and that these features are hierarchically organized. The model highlights the importance of abrupt acoustic events, named landmarks, in the perception process. In this model, the detection of landmarks is primary in human perception, corresponding to the first phase of recognition. The temporal area around the landmark is then further processed by the listener. Based on the above model, the Speech Communication Group of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a speech recognition system—for spoken English—over a span of more than 20 years. In the current work (LaMIT project, Lexical access Model for Italian) the above model is applied to Italian. Exploring a new language will provide insight into how Stevens' approach has universal application across languages, with relevant implications for understanding how the human brain recognizes speech. K. N. Stevens “Toward a model for lexical access based on acoustic landmarks and distinctive features,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 111(4), 1872–1891 (2002).
Phonological processes of consonants from orthographic to pronounced words in the Buckeye Corpus
Authors: Yang Byunggon
Published: December 2020

The phonological processes of consonants in pronounced words in the Buckeye Corpus are investigated along with the frequency distribution of these processes to provide a clearer understanding of conversational English for linguists and teachers. Both orthographic and pronounced words were extracted from the transcribed label scripts of the Buckeye Corpus. Next, the phonological processes of consonants in the orthographic and pronounced labels were tabulated separately by onsets and codas, and a frequency distribution by consonant process types was examined. The results showed that the majority of the onset clusters were pronounced as the same sounds in the Buckeye Corpus. The participants in the corpus were presumed to speak semiformally. In addition, the onsets have fewer deletions than the codas, which might be related to the information weight of the syllable components. Moreover, there is a significant association and strong positive correlation between the phonological processes of the onsets and codas in men and women. We conclude that an analysis of phonological processes in spontaneous speech corpora can contribute to a practical understanding of spoken English. Further studies comparing the current phonological process data with those of other languages would be desirable to establish universal patterns in phonological processes.
The Physical Demands and Power Profile of Professional Men’s Cycling Races: An Updated Review
Authors: Sanders Dajo , van Erp Teun
Published: December 2020

Background: A variety of intensity, load, and performance measures (eg, “power profile”) have been used to characterize the demands of professional cycling races with differing stage types. An increased understanding of the characteristics of these races could provide valuable insight for practitioners toward the design of training strategies to optimally prepare for these demands. However, current reviews within this area are outdated and do not include a recent influx of new articles describing the demands of professional cycling races. Purpose: To provide an updated overview of the intensity and load demands and power profile of professional cycling races. Typically adopted measures are introduced and their results summarized. Conclusion: There is a clear trend in the research that stage type significantly influences the intensity, load, and power profile of races with more elevation gain typically resulting in a higher intensity and load and longer-duration power outputs (ie, >10 min). Flat and semimountainous stages are characterized by higher maximal mean power outputs over shorter durations (ie, <2 min). Furthermore, single-day races tend to have a higher (daily) intensity and load compared with stages within multiday races. Nevertheless, while the presented mean (grouped) data provide some indications on the demands of these races and differences between varying competition elements, a limited amount of research is available describing the “race-winning efforts” in these races, and this is proposed as an important area for future research. Finally, practitioners should consider the limitations of each metric individually, and a multivariable approach to analyzing races is advocated.
The Effects of Aerobic Versus Cognitively Demanding Exercise Interventions on Executive Functioning in School-Aged Children: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meijer Anna , Königs Marsh , van der Fels Irene M.J. , Visscher Chris , Bosker Roel J. , Hartman Esther , Oosterlaan Jaap
Published: December 2020

The authors performed a clustered randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of an aerobic and a cognitively demanding exercise intervention on executive functions in primary-school-age children compared with the regular physical education program (N = 856). They hypothesized that both exercise interventions would facilitate executive functioning, with stronger effects for the cognitively demanding exercise group. The interventions were provided four times per week for 14 weeks. Linear mixed models were conducted on posttest neurocognitive function measures with baseline level as covariate. No differences were found between the exercise interventions and the control group for any of the measures. Independently of group, dose of moderate to vigorous physical activity was positively related to verbal working memory and attention abilities. This study showed that physical exercise interventions did not enhance executive functioning in children. Exposure to moderate to vigorous physical activity is a crucial aspect of the relationship between physical activity and executive functioning.
Finding a Place Within the Academy: Sport Management and Faculty Entrepreneurship
Authors: Lawrence Heather J. , Strode James , Baker Robert E. , Benedict Paul C.
Published: December 2020

Faculty are increasingly expected to participate in activities that bring additional revenue and prestige to their universities. Engaging in entrepreneurial activities can achieve this mission, as well as afford considerable benefits to the faculty member. This essay outlines the financial constraints that have moved universities to embrace entrepreneurship, discusses entrepreneurship in the context of sport management, outlines the benefits of pursuing entrepreneurship, describes considerations in a campus environment, and provides key considerations and a road map for navigating opportunities. The essay concludes with a call to action for sport management faculty and administrators to embrace an entrepreneurship model.
Context-specific control over the neural dynamics of temporal attention by the human cerebellum
Authors: Breska Assaf , Ivry Richard B.
Published: December 2020

Cerebellar degeneration disrupts modulation of EEG signatures of attentional orienting in time.
Anthropogenic extinctions conceal widespread evolution of flightlessness in birds
Authors: Sayol F. , Steinbauer M. J. , Blackburn T. M. , Antonelli A. , Faurby S.
Published: December 2020

Studying anthropogenic bird extinctions shows that flight loss has evolved much more often than inferred from extant birds.
A bird’s-eye view of brain activity in socially interacting mice through mobile edge computing (MEC)
Authors: Kim Jisoo , Kim Chaewoo , Han Hio-Been , Cho Cheol Jun , Yeom Wooseob , Lee Sung Q. , Choi Jee Hyun
Published: December 2020

Illuminating neural event of interests on the head shows the direct link between brain activity and behaviors in group of mice.
Resurrecting the ancient glow of the fireflies
Authors: Oba Y. , Konishi K. , Yano D. , Shibata H. , Kato D. , Shirai T.
Published: December 2020

Resurrection of extinct firefly luciferases sheds light on the evolutionary history of ancient glow of the beetles.
Structure and assembly of CAV1 8S complexes revealed by single particle electron microscopy
Authors: Han Bing , Porta Jason C. , Hanks Jessica L. , Peskova Yelena , Binshtein Elad , Dryden Kelly , Claxton Derek P. , Mchaourab Hassane S. , Karakas Erkan , Ohi Melanie D. , Kenworthy Anne K.
Published: December 2020

Single particle analysis reveals how the membrane sculpting protein caveolin 1 is packaged within disc-shaped complexes.
Enoxacin induces oxidative metabolism and mitigates obesity by regulating adipose tissue miRNA expression
Authors: Rocha Andréa Livia , de Lima Tanes Imamura , de Souza Gerson Profeta , Corrêa Renan Oliveira , Ferrucci Danilo Lopes , Rodrigues Bruno , Lopes-Ramos Camila , Nilsson Daniel , Knittel Thiago Leite , Castro Pollyana Ribeiro , Fernandes Mariane Font , dos Santos Martins Flaviano , Parmigiani Raphael Bessa , Silveira Leonardo Reis , Carvalho Hernandes F. , Auwerx Johan , Vinolo Marco Aurélio R. , Boucher Jeremie , Mori Marcelo A.
Published: December 2020

Enoxacin mitigates obesity by inducing fat and muscle energy metabolism independently of its antibiotic function.
Macrophage activation on “phagocytic synapse” arrays: Spacing of nanoclustered ligands directs TLR1/2 signaling with an intrinsic limit
Authors: Li Miao , Wang Haomin , Li Wenqian , Xu Xiaoji G. , Yu Yan
Published: December 2020

The clustering of TLR1/2 acts as a driver in integrating the spatial cues of ligands into cell-level activation events.
Transcriptome and regulatory maps of decidua-derived stromal cells inform gene discovery in preterm birth
Authors: Sakabe Noboru J. , Aneas Ivy , Knoblauch Nicholas , Sobreira Debora R. , Clark Nicole , Paz Cristina , Horth Cynthia , Ziffra Ryan , Kaur Harjot , Liu Xiao , Anderson Rebecca , Morrison Jean , Cheung Virginia C. , Grotegut Chad , Reddy Timothy E. , Jacobsson Bo , Hallman Mikko , Teramo Kari , Murtha Amy , Kessler John , Grobman William , Zhang Ge , Muglia Louis J. , Rana Sarosh , Lynch Vincent J. , Crawford Gregory E. , Ober Carole , He Xin , Nóbrega Marcelo A.
Published: December 2020

Functional annotations of a placental cell genome aid in identifying genes associated with preterm birth.
Tracing Argoland in eastern Tethys and implications for India-Asia convergence
Authors: Zhang Xiaoran , Chung Sun-Lin , Tang Jui-Ting , Maulana Adi , Mawaleda Musri , Oo Thura , Tien Chia-Yu , Lee Hao-Yang
Published: December 2020

Incremental accretion of continental fragments from East Gondwana to Eurasia resulted in the growth of Asia and rise of the Tibetan Plateau, yet its detailed evolution remains uncertain. Argoland, a continental fragment that rifted from NW Australia during the Late Jurassic, played a key role in the initial opening of the Indian Ocean and the evolution of eastern Tethys. However, its present identity remains elusive, with East Java-West Sulawesi currently assumed to be the most likely option. To constrain the missing Argoland and its role in India-Asia convergence, we report new detrital zircon data from Sulawesi, Indonesia, and West Burma, Myanmar, and synthesize literature results from relevant regions in Southeast Asia, which (>15,000) reveal age profiles of West Sulawesi, the central Sulawesi metamorphic belt, and southeast Borneo comparable to that of Bird's Head, New Guinea, whereas age patterns of West Burma and East/West Java are similar to those of NW Australia. Notably, the most dominant age populations in NW Australia are rarely detected in Sulawesi and Borneo. These observations, combined with previous geological records and recent paleomagnetic data, suggest that West Burma is the mysterious Argoland, opposing the currently favored East Java-West Sulawesi model, with East Java and West Sulawesi probably having originated from NW Australia and Bird's Head, respectively. We estimate an average northward motion of ∼6–8 cm/yr for West Burma, which split from NW Australia to approach the equator during ca. 155–95 Ma, shedding new light on the reconstruction and breakup of northern East Gondwana, progressive building of Southeast Asia, and India-Asia convergence.
Evidence base for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for diagnosis of skull fractures in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alexandridis Georgios , Verschuuren Eva W , Rosendaal Arthur V , Kanhai Danny A
Published: December 2020

Background

Blunt head trauma is a common presentation to emergency departments (EDs). Identifying skull fractures in children is important as they are known factor of risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Currently, CT is the reference standard for diagnosing skull fractures and TBIs in children. Identifying skull fractures with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may help risk-stratify children for TBI following blunt trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of POCUS in identifying skull fractures in children.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on 17 July 2020 in Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Embase. Prospective studies reporting skull fractures diagnosed with ultrasound in children younger than 18 years due to blunt head injury were included. Studies that did not confirm the fracture with CT were excluded. The quality of studies was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool. Data were extracted from the eligible studies to calculate outcomes such as sensitivity and specificity; when possible overall outcomes were calculated.

Results

Seven studies were included. All eligible studies included patients for whom the decision to perform a CT scan was made in advance. Overall, the included studies demonstrated low risk of bias or had minor concerns regarding risk of bias. The pooled data (n=925) demonstrated a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 96%, positive predictive value of 88% and negative predictive value of 97%.

Conclusion

The included studies demonstrate minor methodological limitations. Overall, the evidence suggests that POCUS is a valid option for diagnosing skull fractures in children visiting the ED after blunt head injury.
Paediatric ED utilisation in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lee Lois , Mannix Rebekah , Guedj Romain , Chong Shu-Ling , Sunwoo Sidney , Woodward Tony , Fleegler Eric
Published: December 2020

Background

Past epidemics, including influenza, have resulted in increased paediatric patient volume in EDs. During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unclear how ED volume would be impacted in paediatric hospitals. The objective of this study was to examine differences in the international experience of paediatric ED utilisation and disposition at five different children’s hospitals.

Methods

We obtained data on ED volume, acuity level and disposition (hospitalisation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission) for the time period 1 December1–10 August for the years 2017–2020 from hospitals in five cities (Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Singapore; Melbourne, Australia; Seattle, Washington, USA; and Paris, France). Per cent change was analysed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

Overall ED volume dramatically decreased in all five hospitals during the early months of COVID-19 compared with prior years. There was a more varied response of decreases in ED volume by acuity level, hospitalisation and ICU admission among the five hospitals. The one exception was a 2% increase in ICU admissions in Paris. As of August 2020, all hospitals have demonstrated increases in ED volume; however, they are still below baseline.

Conclusion

Paediatric EDs in these five cities demonstrated differential decreases of ED volume by acuity and disposition during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Training for difficult conversations and breaking bad news over the phone in the emergency department
Authors: Collini Anna , Parker Helen , Oliver Amy
Published: December 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been strict limits on visitors to hospitals. This has led to clinicians having an increasing number of difficult conversations with patients and their relatives over the phone. There is a lack of published literature examining how to do this well, but it is recognised that phone communication does differ from face to face interactions, and requires specific training. What is most important to patients and their families when receiving bad news is privacy, adequate time without interruptions, clarity and honesty when delivering the information, and an empathetic and caring attitude. Much of the work done on breaking bad news has been done in oncology and focusses on face to face interaction; there has been an assumption that this is transferrable to the emergency department, and more recently that this is applicable to conversations over the phone. Multiple educational interventions to improve the delivery of bad news have been developed, with differing frameworks to help clinicians carry out this stressful task. Simulation is widely used to train clinicians to break bad news, and has solid theoretical foundations for its use. The psychological safety of participants must be considered, especially with emotive subjects such as breaking bad news. We believe there is a need for specific training in breaking bad news over the phone, and developed an innovative simulation-based session to address this. The training has been well received, and has also highlighted the need for a space where clinicians feel able to discuss the emotional impact of the difficult conversations they are having.
Post-exertion oxygen saturation as a prognostic factor for adverse outcome in patients attending the emergency department with suspected COVID-19: a substudy of the PRIEST observational cohort study
Authors: Goodacre Steve , Thomas Ben , Lee Ellen , Sutton Laura , Loban Amanda , Waterhouse Simon , Simmonds Richard , Biggs Katie , Marincowitz Carl , Schutter José , Connelly Sarah , Sheldon Elena , Hall Jamie , Young Emma , Bentley Andrew , Challen Kirsty , Fitzsimmons Chris , Harris Tim , Lecky Fiona , Lee Andrew , Maconochie Ian , Walter Darren
Published: December 2020

Background

Measurement of post-exertion oxygen saturation has been proposed to assess illness severity in suspected COVID-19 infection. We aimed to determine the accuracy of post-exertional oxygen saturation for predicting adverse outcome in suspected COVID-19.

Methods

We undertook a substudy of an observational cohort study across 70 emergency departments during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. We collected data prospectively, using a standardised assessment form, and retrospectively, using hospital records, from patients with suspected COVID-19, and reviewed hospital records at 30 days for adverse outcome (death or receiving organ support). Patients with post-exertion oxygen saturation recorded were selected for this analysis. We constructed receiver-operating characteristic curves, calculated diagnostic parameters, and developed a multivariable model for predicting adverse outcome.

Results

We analysed data from 817 patients with post-exertion oxygen saturation recorded after excluding 54 in whom measurement appeared unfeasible. The c-statistic for post-exertion change in oxygen saturation was 0.589 (95% CI 0.465 to 0.713), and the positive and negative likelihood ratios of a 3% or more desaturation were, respectively, 1.78 (1.25 to 2.53) and 0.67 (0.46 to 0.98). Multivariable analysis showed that post-exertion oxygen saturation was not a significant predictor of adverse outcome when baseline clinical assessment was taken into account (p=0.368). Secondary analysis excluding patients in whom post-exertion measurement appeared inappropriate resulted in a c-statistic of 0.699 (0.581 to 0.817), likelihood ratios of 1.98 (1.26 to 3.10) and 0.61 (0.35 to 1.07), and some evidence of additional prognostic value on multivariable analysis (p=0.019).

Conclusions

Post-exertion oxygen saturation provides modest prognostic information in the assessment of selected patients attending the emergency department with suspected COVID-19.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN56149622)http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN28342533.
Development and initial psychometric validation of a patient-reported outcome measure for Crohn’s perianal fistula: the Crohn’s Anal Fistula Quality of Life (CAF-QoL) scale
Authors: Adegbola Samuel O , Dibley Lesley , Sahnan Kapil , Wade Tiffany , Verjee Azmina , Sawyer Rachel , Mannick Sameer , McCluskey Damian , Bassett Paul , Yassin Nuha , Warusavitarne Janindra , Faiz Omar , Phillips Robin , Tozer Phil J , Norton Christine , Hart Ailsa L
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Crohn’s perianal fistulas are challenging for patients and clinicians. Many do not respond to available treatments and despite recommendations by a global consensus, there are currently no specific patient-derived quality of life tools to measure response to treatment. We present a new validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for this complicated disease phenotype.

Methods

A draft questionnaire was generated using unstructured qualitative patient interviews on the experience of living with Crohn’s perianal fistula, a nationwide multidisciplinary consensus exercise, a systematic review of outcomes assessing medical/surgical/combined treatment and a patient and public involvement day. Psychometric properties were assessed including construct validity (by comparison with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (UK-IBDQ)), and reliability and responsiveness was assessed by test–retest analysis.

Results

Data from 211 patients contributed to development of a final 28-item questionnaire. The Crohn’s Anal Fistula Quality of Life (CAF-QoL) demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.88), excellent stability (intraclass correlation 0.98) and good responsiveness and construct validity, with positive correlation with the UK-IBDQ and HADS.

Conclusion

The CAF-QoL scale is ready for use as a PROM in research and clinical practice. It complements objective clinical evaluation of fistula by capturing impact on the patient.
Virtual car seat checks during a pandemic
Authors: Kendi Sadiqa , Taylor Michael F , Chamberlain James
Published: December 2020

Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of death and morbidity in children and young adults in the USA, and suboptimal child restraint use is an important risk factor for severe childhood injury and death. The restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have presented unique challenges to the public health community, including how to use certified child passenger safety technicians through car seat checks. This case series assessed the feasibility of performing remote car seat checks and parental satisfaction with them. It provides preliminary evidence that remote car seat checks are feasible in a real-world environment and acceptable to caregivers during times in which in-person car seat checks are not safe or accessible.
Therapeutic Effect of Nebulized Hypertonic Saline for Muco-Obstructive Lung Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yin , Song Anchao , Liu Jingyue , Dai Jihong , Lin Jilei
Published: December 2020

Overproduction of mucus and impaired clearance play important roles in the pathogenesis of muco-obstructive lung diseases (MOLDs). This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) on MOLDs. Five electronic databases including PubMed, Excerpt Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov and International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register were searched until June 2019. Randomized controlled trials or randomized controlled crossover trials which investigated the therapeutic effect of HS versus non-HS for MOLDs were included. Twenty-one studies met the eligibility criteria. For cystic fibrosis (CF), although the forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity did not improve significantly (mean difference (MD) −0.48, 95% CI −3.72 to 2.76), (MD 1.85, 95% CI −4.31 to 8.01), respectively), the clearance capability of lung and quality of life (QOL) improved significantly in the HS group ((standard mean difference 0.44, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.87), (MD −0.64, 95% CI −)1.14, to 0.13), respectively). However, the results of trial sequential analysis showed the evidence needed more researches to support. The effect of nebulized HS on non-CF bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and primary ciliary dyskinesia also need more evidence to conclude, since current studies are limited and results are inconsistent. Most adverse events of nebulized HS were mild and transient. In summary, the current available evidence suggests that nebulized HS may increase the QOL in CF, but there was no significant improvement in lung function. However, it is not possible to draw firm conclusions for other MOLDs due to limited data.
Risk factors for resignation from work after starting infertility treatment among Japanese women: Japan-Female Employment and Mental health in Assisted reproductive technology (J-FEMA) study
Authors: Imai Yuya , Endo Motoki , Kuroda Keiji , Tomooka Kiyohide , Ikemoto Yuko , Sato Setsuko , Mitsui Kiyomi , Ueda Yuito , Deshpande Gautam A , Tanaka Atsushi , Sugiyama Rikikazu , Nakagawa Koji , Sato Yuichi , Kuribayashi Yasushi , Itakura Atsuo , Takeda Satoru , Tanigawa Takeshi
Published: December 2020

Objective

To elucidate the risk factors associated with resignation from work of Japanese women undergoing infertility treatment.

Methods

A total of 1727 female patients who attended a private fertility clinic in Japan participated in the Japan-Female Employment and Mental health in Assisted reproductive technology study. Questions related to demographic, clinical and socioeconomic characteristics were employed in the questionnaire. Out of the 1727 patients, 1075 patients who were working at the time of initiating infertility treatment and felt infertility treatment incompatible with work were included in the analysis. Risk factors for resignation were assessed by using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Among 1075 working women who started infertility treatment, 179 (16.7%) subsequently resigned. Multivariable-adjusted ORs for resignation in those with lower educational background and infertility for ≥2 years were 1.58 (95% CI: 1.07 to 2.34) and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.15 to 2.89), respectively. The OR for resignation in non-permanent workers undergoing infertility treatment was 2.65 (95% CI: 1.61 to 4.37). While experiencing harassment in the workplace approached significance, lack of support from the company was significantly associated with resignation after starting infertility treatment, with ORs of 1.71 (95% CI: 0.98 to 2.99) and 1.91 (95% CI: 1.28 to 2.86), respectively.

Conclusion

One-sixth of women resigned after starting infertility treatments. It was found that factors related to education, infertility duration and work environment were significantly associated with resignation. Reducing the physical and psychological burden endured by women, for example, by increasing employer-provided support, is vitally important in balancing infertility treatment with maintenance of work life.
Impact of enhanced personal protective equipment on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19
Authors: Swaminathan Ramanathan , Mukundadura Bimantha Perera , Prasad Shashi
Published: December 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare workers in patient-facing roles. We describe the impact on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE consistently.

Methods

We conducted a single-centre, cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated to evaluate the effects on individuals' physical and mental well-being. Physical and mental impact was assessed through a visual analogue scale.

Results

Prospective analysis of the views of 72 respondents is reported. 63.9% were women and 36.1% were men. Physical impact included exhaustion, headache, skin changes, breathlessness and a negative impact on vision. Communication difficulties, somnolence, negative impact on overall performance and difficulties in using surgical instrumentation were reported.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the undeniable negative impact on the front-line healthcare workers using enhanced PPE and lays the ground for larger multicentric assessments given for it to potentially be the norm for the foreseeable future.
A prospective study of 12-week respiratory outcomes in COVID-19-related hospitalisations
Authors: Shah Aditi S , Wong Alyson W , Hague Cameron J , Murphy Darra T , Johnston James C , Ryerson Christopher J , Carlsten Christopher
Published: December 2020

The long-term respiratory morbidity of COVID-19 remains unclear. We describe the clinical, radiological and pulmonary function abnormalities that persist in previously hospitalised patients assessed 12 weeks after COVID-19 symptom onset, and identify clinical predictors of respiratory outcomes. At least one pulmonary function variable was abnormal in 58% of patients and 88% had abnormal imaging on chest CT. There was strong association between days on oxygen supplementation during the acute phase of COVID-19 and both DLCO-% (diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide) predicted and total CT score. These findings highlight the need to develop treatment strategies and the importance of long-term respiratory follow-up after hospitalisation for COVID-19.
Persistent symptoms 1.5–6 months after COVID-19 in non-hospitalised subjects: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Stavem Knut , Ghanima Waleed , Olsen Magnus Kringstad , Gilboe Hanne Margrethe , Einvik Gunnar
Published: December 2020

This study assessed symptoms and their determinants 1.5–6 months after symptom onset in non-hospitalised subjects with confirmed COVID-19 until 1 June 2020, in a geographically defined area. We invited 938 subjects; 451 (48%) responded. They reported less symptoms after 1.5–6 months than during COVID-19; median (IQR) 0 (0–2) versus 8 (6–11), respectively (p<0.001); 53% of women and 67% of men were symptom free, while 16% reported dyspnoea, 12% loss/disturbance of smell, and 10% loss/disturbance of taste. In multivariable analysis, having persistent symptoms was associated with the number of comorbidities and number of symptoms during the acute COVID-19 phase.
Repeated thinning treatments reduce long-term soil carbon and nitrogen storage: an 87-year study at the Petawawa Research Forest, Canada
Authors: Dávila Reátegui Hans , Poirier Vincent , Coyea Marie R. , Munson Alison D.
Published: December 2020

Forest management activities are increasingly analyzed through a lens that quantifies their effects on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage because forest soils are an important C sink. Data on the longer-term impacts of repeated interventions are often lacking. At the Petawawa Research Forest, Ontario, Canada, treatments to evaluate the effect of repeated thinnings on wood quality of red pine (Pinus resinosa Aiton) and white pine (Pinus strobus L.) were initiated in 1918 with the first experimental plots in Canada: permanent sample plots 1 (thinned) and 2 (control). In 2005, 16 years after the last thinning in 1989, we observed that repeated thinnings reduced soil C and N stocks in the surface L, F, and Ah horizons. Contrary to our hypotheses, concentrations and stocks of C and N increased in the Bm1 horizon, indicating that these elements could be accumulated in deeper horizons after surface disturbance and potentially increased decomposition associated with thinning. However, total C and N accumulation in the profile to 30 cm contributed to reduced storage (–35% for C and –30% for N). Many forest sites in the Great Lakes Forest Region that are selectively cut repeatedly over decades could experience this level of soil C and N decline.
Quantifying the economic impact of disasters on businesses using human mobility data: a Bayesian causal inference approach
Authors: Yabe Takahiro , Zhang Yunchang , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: December 2020

In recent years, extreme shocks, such as natural disasters, are increasing in both frequency and intensity, causing significant economic loss to many cities around the world. Quantifying the economic cost of local businesses after extreme shocks is important for post-disaster assessment and pre-disaster planning. Conventionally, surveys have been the primary source of data used to quantify damages inflicted on businesses by disasters. However, surveys often suffer from high cost and long time for implementation, spatio-temporal sparsity in observations, and limitations in scalability. Recently, large scale human mobility data (e.g. mobile phone GPS) have been used to observe and analyze human mobility patterns in an unprecedented spatio-temporal granularity and scale. In this work, we use location data collected from mobile phones to estimate and analyze the causal impact of hurricanes on business performance. To quantify the causal impact of the disaster, we use a Bayesian structural time series model to predict the counterfactual performances of affected businesses (what if the disaster did not occur?), which may use performances of other businesses outside the disaster areas as covariates. The method is tested to quantify the resilience of 635 businesses across 9 categories in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Furthermore, hierarchical Bayesian models are used to reveal the effect of business characteristics such as location and category on the long-term resilience of businesses. The study presents a novel and more efficient method to quantify business resilience, which could assist policy makers in disaster preparation and relief processes.
Set Propagation Techniques for Reachability Analysis
Authors: Althoff Matthias , Frehse Goran , Girard Antoine
Published: December 2020

Reachability analysis consists in computing the set of states that are reachable by a dynamical system from all initial states and for all admissible inputs and parameters. It is a fundamental problem motivated by many applications in formal verification, controller synthesis, and estimation, to name only a few. This article focuses on a class of methods for computing a guaranteed overapproximation of the reachable set of continuous and hybrid systems, relying predominantly on set propagation; starting from the set of initial states, these techniques iteratively propagate a sequence of sets according to the system dynamics. After a review of set representation and computation, the article presents the state of the art of set propagation techniques for reachability analysis of linear, nonlinear, and hybrid systems. It ends with a discussion of successful applications of reachability analysis to real-world problems.
Presidential Unilateral Power
Authors: Lowande Kenneth , Rogowski Jon C.
Published: December 2020

Contrary to stylized accounts of policy making in democracies, it is routine for presidents, governors, and other chief executives to issue directives such as decrees and executive orders to make law on their own. This article evaluates what political scientists have learned about presidential unilateral power. In our view, while a quarter century of scholarship on the topic has yielded a variety of theoretical predictions, the empirical record offers conflicting and perhaps unreliable evidence to substantiate and adjudicate between them. We review the dominant theoretical perspectives, which focus largely on constraints related to the separation of powers and political accountability. We then evaluate the evidence supporting these arguments and conclude with recommendations for conceptual, theoretical, and empirical advancement.
Electrochromic Properties of Graphene Doped Nb2O5 Thin Film
Authors: Akkurt Nihan , Pat Suat , Mohammadigharehbagh Reza , Olkun Ali , Korkmaz Şadan
Published: December 2020

Electrochromic device plays a key role in energy efficiency management and modern display technology. As a cathodic coloration material, Nb2O5 is one of the important material used in the electrochromic device. The capacity of a layer is related with the intercalation and deintercalation behavior. Graphene Doping is a promising process for the high-capacity ion storage application. Graphene is a two-dimensional material and it possesses excellent mechanical and electrical properties. In this paper, graphene doped Nb2O5 thin films have been deposited onto ITO coated glass substrate by a thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) technique. The coloring efficiency has been calculated as 91 and 56 cm2 C−1 at 414 and 550 nm, respectively. The transmittance variation of graphene doped Nb2O5 layer have determined as 42%. According to the Raman spectroscopy, the peaks for orthorhombic phase of Nb2O5 and graphene bands have been observed. According to obtained results, graphene is a promising dopant material for the high performance electrochromic device with Nb2O5 active layer.
Voluntary activation of knee extensor muscles with transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Nuzzo James L. , Kennedy David S. , Finn Harrison T. , Taylor Janet L.
Published: December 2020

We discovered that the contemporary procedure for assessing voluntary activation of the knee extensor muscles with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is invalid. TMS activates too few agonist quadriceps motoneurons and too many antagonist hamstrings motoneurons to estimate the resting twitch accurately. A modified procedure, in which TMS-evoked superimposed twitches are considered together with the resting twitch from femoral nerve stimulation, is valid but only in select individuals who meet rigorous eligibility criteria.
Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Promote Maturity of Murine Dendritic Cells through Toll-Like Receptor 4-Erk1/2-Blimp1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Duan Xiangguo , Lan Yaru , Zhang Xiaoyu , Hou Shaozhang , Chen Jian , Ma Bin , Xia Yuhan , Su Chunxia
Published: December 2020

In previous studies, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), a traditional Chinese medicine, can promote immature dendritic cells (DCs) to mature. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LBP works are not yet elucidated. Here, we found that LBP can induce DCs maturation, which is mainly characterized by the upregulation of MHCII and costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86), and increase the production of IL-6 and IL-4. Furthermore, we found that LBP could increase the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, p38, Erk1/2, JNK, and Blimp1 signal molecules. More interestingly, after blocking by Toll-like receptor 4 inhibitor, Resatorvid (TAK 242), the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, Erk1/2, and Blimp1 was significantly decreased while the expression of p38 and JNK has not changed. Then, we found that after blocking by p38 inhibitor (SB203580), Erk inhibitor (PD98059), and JNK inhibitor (SP603580) separately, Blimp1 protein expression was significantly reduced; after downregulating Blimp1 by Blimp1-siRNA, the production of IL-6 was reduced. In conclusion, our results indicate that LBP can induce maturation of DCs through the TLR4-Erk1/2-Blimp1 signal pathway instead of the JNK/p38-Blimp1 pathway. Our findings may provide a novel evidence for understanding the molecular mechanisms of LBP on activating murine DCs.
On Structural Properties of
ξ
-Complex Fuzzy Sets and Their Applications
Authors: Imtiaz Aneeza , Shuaib Umer , Alolaiyan Hanan , Razaq Abdul , Gulistan Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Complex fuzzy sets are the novel extension of Zadeh’s fuzzy sets. In this paper, we comprise the introduction to the concept of

ξ

-complex fuzzy sets and proofs of their various set theoretical properties. We define the notion of

α
,
δ

-cut sets of

ξ

-complex fuzzy sets and justify the representation of an

ξ

-complex fuzzy set as a union of nested intervals of these cut sets. We also apply this newly defined concept to a physical situation in which one may judge the performance of the participants in a given task. In addition, we innovate the phenomena of

ξ

-complex fuzzy subgroups and investigate some of their fundamental algebraic attributes. Moreover, we utilize this notion to define level subgroups of these groups and prove the necessary and sufficient condition under which an

ξ

-complex fuzzy set is

ξ

-complex fuzzy subgroup. Furthermore, we extend the idea of

ξ

-complex fuzzy normal subgroup to define the quotient group of a group

G

by this particular

ξ

-complex fuzzy normal subgroup and establish an isomorphism between this quotient group and a quotient group of

G

by a specific normal subgroup

G

A

ξ

.
A Comparison of Urine Dilution Ability between Adult Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Other Chronic Kidney Diseases, and Healthy Control Subjects: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Malmberg M. H. , Mose F. H. , Pedersen E. B. , Bech J. N.
Published: December 2020

The final dilution of urine is regulated via aquaporin-2 water channels in the distal part of the nephron. It is unclear whether urine dilution ability in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients (ADPKD patients) differs from other patients with similar degree of impaired renal function (non-ADPKD patients). The purpose of this case control study was to measure urine dilution ability in ADPKD patients compared to non-ADPKD patients and healthy controls. Methods. Eighteen ADPKD, 16 non-ADPKD patients (both with chronic kidney disease, stage I-IV), and 18 healthy controls received an oral water load of 20 ml/kg body weight. Urine was collected in 7 consecutive periods. We measured free water clearance (CH2O), urine osmolality, urine output, fractional excretion of sodium, urine aquaporin2 (u-AQP2), and urine epithelial sodium channel (u-ENaC). Blood samples were drawn four times (at baseline, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 hours after the water load) for analyses of plasma osmolality, vasopressin, renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone. Brachial and central blood pressure was measured regularly during the test. Results. The three groups were age and gender matched, and the patient groups had similar renal function. One hour after water load, the ADPKD patients had an increased CH2O compared to non-ADPKD patients (2.97 ± 2.42 ml/min in ADPKD patients vs. 1.31 ± 1.50 ml/min in non-ADPKD patients,

p

0.029

). The reduction in u-AQP2 and u-ENaC occurred earlier in ADPKD than in non-ADPKD patients. Plasma concentrations of vasopressin, renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone and blood pressure measurements did not show any differences that could explain the deviation in urine dilution capacity between the patient groups. Conclusions. ADPKD patients had a higher CH2O than non-ADPKD patients after an oral water load, and u-AQP2 and u-ENaC were more rapidly reduced than in non-ADPKD patients. Thus, urine-diluting capacity may be better preserved in ADPKD patients than in non-ADPKD patients.
The Therapeutic Effect of Ge‐Gen Decoction on a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea: Label‐Free Quantitative Proteomics and Bioinformatic Analyses
Authors: Xie Yazhen , Qian Jianqiang , Lu Qibin
Published: December 2020

Ge‐Gen decoction (GGD) is widely used for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) in China. However, the mechanisms that underlie this effect are unclear. We investigated the protective mechanism of GGD in a rat model of PD using label‐free quantitative proteomics. The model was established by the administration of estradiol benzoate and oxytocin. Thirty rats were divided into three groups (ten rats/group): a control group (normal rats), a model group (PD rats), and a treatment group (PD rats treated with GGD). The serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) were measured by ELISA. Nanohigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (nano‐HPLC‐MS/MS) was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), and bioinformatics was used to investigate the protein function. Proteomic data were validated by western blot analysis. Oxytocin‐induced writhing responses and abnormal serum levels of PGE2 and PGF2α were reversed following the administration of GGD. A total of 379 DEPs were identified; 276 were identified between the control group and the model group, 144 were identified between the model group and the treatment group, and 41 were identified as DEPs that were common to all groups. Bioinformatics revealed that the DEPs between the control group and the model group were mainly associated with cellular component biogenesis and binding processes. The DEPs between the model group and the treatment group were mainly involved in the protein binding and metabolic process. The expression levels of HSP90AB1 and the phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK, and P‐p38 in the uteri of rats in the three groups were consistent with the proteomic findings; MAP kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) are known to be involved in the production of inflammatory cytokines and oxytocin signaling while HSP90AB1 is known to be associated with estrogen signaling. Collectively, these data indicate that GGD may exert its protective function on PD by regulating the inflammatory response and signaling pathways associated with oxytocin and estrogen.
On Two Cases with Autosomal Dominant Hyper IgE Syndrome: Importance of Immunological Parameters for Clinical Course and Follow-Up
Authors: Kandilarova Snezhina Mihailova , Lesichkova Spaska Stoyneva , Gesheva Nevena Todorova , Yankova Petya Stefanova , Ivanov Nedelcho Hristov , Stoyanova Guergana Petrova , Perenovska Penka Ilieva , Baleva Marta Petrova , Naumova Elissaveta Jordanova
Published: December 2020

Autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (AD-HIES) is a rare disease described in 1966. It is characterized by severe dermatitis, a peculiar face, frequent infections, extremely high levels of serum IgE and eosinophilia, all resulting from a defect in the STAT3 gene. A variety of mutations in the SH2 and DNA-binding domain have been described, and several studies have searched for associations between the severity of the clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and the type of genetic alteration. We present two children with AD-HIES–a girl with the most common STAT3 mutation (R382W) and a boy with a rare variant (G617E) in the same gene, previously reported in only one other patient. Herein, we discuss the clinical and immunological findings in our patients, focusing on their importance on disease course and management.