bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamental Plane of BOSS galaxies: correlations with galaxy properties, density field, and impact on RSD measurements
Authors: Singh Sukhdeep , Yu Byeonghee , Seljak Uroš
Published: October 2020

Fundamental Plane (FP) of elliptical galaxies can be used to predict the intrinsic size of galaxies and has a number of plausible application to study cosmology and galaxy physics. We present a detailed analysis of the FP of the SDSS-III BOSS LOWZ and CMASS galaxies. For the standard FP, we find a strong redshift evolution for the mean residual and show that it is primarily driven by the redshift evolution of the surface brightness of the galaxies. After correcting for the redshift evolution, the FP residuals are strongly correlated with the galaxy properties and some observational systematics. We show that the variations in the FP between the central and satellite galaxies, which have been observed in the literature, can primarily be explained by the correlation of the FP with the galaxy luminosity. We also measure the cross-correlations of the FP residuals with the galaxy density field. The amplitude of the cross-correlations depends on the galaxy properties and environment with brighter and redder galaxies showing stronger correlation. In general, galaxies in denser environments (higher galaxy bias) show stronger correlations. We also compare FP amplitude with the amplitudes of intrinsic alignments (IA) of galaxy shapes, finding the two to be correlated. Finally, using the FP residuals, we also study the impact of IA on the constraint of growth rate using redshift-space distortions (RSD). We do not observe any significant trends in measurements of the growth rate f as function of the amplitude of FP–density correlations, resulting in null detection of the effects of IA on the RSD measurements.
Pulsar radio emission mechanisms: a critique
Authors: Melrose D B , Rafat M Z , Mastrano A
Published: October 2020

We consider critically the three most widely favoured pulsar radio emission mechanisms: coherent curvature emission (CCE), beam-driven relativistic plasma emission (RPE), and anomalous Doppler emission (ADE). We assume that the pulsar plasma is 1D, streaming outwards with a bulk Lorentz factor γs ≫ 〈γ〉 − 1 ≳ 1, where 〈γ〉 is the intrinsic spread in the rest frame of the plasma. We argue that the formation of beams in a multicloud model is ineffective in the intrinsically relativistic case for plausible parameters because the overtaking takes too long. We argue that the default choice for the particle distribution in the rest frame is a Jüttner distribution and that relativistic streaming should be included by applying a Lorentz transformation to the rest-frame distribution, rather than the widely assumed relativistically streaming Gaussian distribution. We find that beam-driven wave growth is severely restricted by (a) the wave properties in pulsar plasma, (b) a separation condition between beam and background, and (c) the inhomogeneity of the plasma in the pulsar frame. The growth rate for the kinetic instability is much smaller and the bandwidth of the growing waves is much larger for a Jüttner distribution than for a relativistically streaming Gaussian distribution. No reactive instability occurs at all for a Jüttner distribution. We conclude that none of CCE, RPE, and ADE is tenable as the generic pulsar radio emission mechanism for ‘plausible’ assumptions about the pulsar plasma.
Compact galaxies and the size–mass galaxy distribution from a colour-selected sample at 0.04 < z < 0.15 supplemented by ugrizYJHK photometric redshifts
Authors: Baldry Ivan K , Sullivan Tricia , Rani Raffaele , Turner Sebastian
Published: October 2020

The size–mass galaxy distribution is a key diagnostic for galaxy evolution. Massive compact galaxies are potential surviving relics of a high-redshift phase of star formation. Some of these could be nearly unresolved in Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) imaging and thus not included in galaxy samples. To overcome this, a sample was selected from the combination of SDSS and UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) photometry to r < 17.8. This was done using colour–colour selection, and then by obtaining accurate photometric redshifts (photo-z) using scaled flux matching (SFM). Compared to spectroscopic redshifts (spec-z), SFM obtained a 1σ scatter of 0.0125 with only 0.3 per cent outliers (|Δln (1 + z)| > 0.06). A sample of 163 186 galaxies was obtained with 0.04 < z < 0.15 over $2300\, {\rm deg}^2$ using a combination of spec-z and photo-z. Following Barro et al. log Σ1.5 = log M* − 1.5log r50, maj was used to define compactness. The spectroscopic completeness was 76 per cent for compact galaxies (log Σ1.5 > 10.5) compared to 92 per cent for normal-sized galaxies. This difference is primarily attributed to SDSS ‘fibre collisions’ and not the completeness of the main galaxy sample selection. Using environmental overdensities, this confirms that compact quiescent galaxies are significantly more likely to be found in high-density environments compared to normal-sized galaxies. By comparison with a high-redshift sample from 3D-HST, log Σ1.5 distribution functions show significant evolution, with this being a compelling way to compare with simulations such as EAGLE. The number density of compact quiescent galaxies drops by a factor of about 30 from z ∼ 2 to log (n/Mpc−3) = − 5.3 ± 0.4 in the SDSS–UKIDSS sample. The uncertainty is dominated by the steep cut off in log Σ1.5, which is demonstrated conclusively using this complete sample.
Extreme kinematic misalignment in IllustrisTNG galaxies: the origin, structure, and internal dynamics of galaxies with a large-scale counterrotation
Authors: Khoperskov Sergey , Zinchenko Igor , Avramov Branislav , Khrapov Sergey , Berczik Peter , Saburova Anna , Ishchenko Marina , Khoperskov Alexander , Pulsoni Claudia , Venichenko Yulia , Bizyaev Dmitry , Moiseev Alexei
Published: October 2020

We provide an in-deep analysis of 25 galaxies with substantial counterrotation from IllustrisTNG100 simulations in the stellar mass range 2×109−3×1010 M⊙. The counterrotation is a result of an external gas infall ≈2–8 Gyr ago. The infall leads to the removal of pre-existing gas, which is captured and mixed together with the infalling component. This mixture ends up in the counterrotating gaseous disc where ${\approx}90{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of counterrotating stars formed in-situ. During the early phases of the infall, gas can be found in extended structures which, in some galaxies, are similar to (nearly-) polar ring-like components. We suggest that the AGN activity does not cause the counterrotation, although it is efficiently triggered by the retrograde gas infall, and it correlates well with the misaligned component appearance. We also find the vertical-to-radial velocity dispersion ratio above unity implying the importance of misalignment in shaping the velocity ellipsoids.
GENCODE 2021
Authors: Frankish Adam , Diekhans Mark , Jungreis Irwin , Lagarde Julien , Loveland Jane E , Mudge Jonathan M , Sisu Cristina , Wright James C , Armstrong Joel , Barnes If , Berry Andrew , Bignell Alexandra , Boix Carles , Carbonell Sala Silvia , Cunningham Fiona , Di Domenico Tomás , Donaldson Sarah , Fiddes Ian T , García Girón Carlos , Gonzalez Jose Manuel , Grego Tiago , Hardy Matthew , Hourlier Thibaut , Howe Kevin L , Hunt Toby , Izuogu Osagie G , Johnson Rory , Martin Fergal J , Martínez Laura , Mohanan Shamika , Muir Paul , Navarro Fabio C P , Parker Anne , Pei Baikang , Pozo Fernando , Riera Ferriol Calvet , Ruffier Magali , Schmitt Bianca M , Stapleton Eloise , Suner Marie-Marthe , Sycheva Irina , Uszczynska-Ratajczak Barbara , Wolf Maxim Y , Xu Jinuri , Yang Yucheng T , Yates Andrew , Zerbino Daniel , Zhang Yan , Choudhary Jyoti S , Gerstein Mark , Guigó Roderic , Hubbard Tim J P , Kellis Manolis , Paten Benedict , Tress Michael L , Flicek Paul
Published: October 2020

The GENCODE project annotates human and mouse genes and transcripts supported by experimental data with high accuracy, providing a foundational resource that supports genome biology and clinical genomics. GENCODE annotation processes make use of primary data and bioinformatic tools and analysis generated both within the consortium and externally to support the creation of transcript structures and the determination of their function. Here, we present improvements to our annotation infrastructure, bioinformatics tools, and analysis, and the advances they support in the annotation of the human and mouse genomes including: the completion of first pass manual annotation for the mouse reference genome; targeted improvements to the annotation of genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection; collaborative projects to achieve convergence across reference annotation databases for the annotation of human and mouse protein-coding genes; and the first GENCODE manually supervised automated annotation of lncRNAs. Our annotation is accessible via Ensembl, the UCSC Genome Browser and https://www.gencodegenes.org.
Event-related potentials reflect prediction errors and pop-out during comprehension of degraded speech
Authors: Banellis Leah , Sokoliuk Rodika , Wild Conor J , Bowman Howard , Cruse Damian
Published: October 2020

Comprehension of degraded speech requires higher-order expectations informed by prior knowledge. Accurate top-down expectations of incoming degraded speech cause a subjective semantic ‘pop-out’ or conscious breakthrough experience. Indeed, the same stimulus can be perceived as meaningless when no expectations are made in advance. We investigated the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of these top-down expectations, their error signals and the subjective pop-out experience in healthy participants. We manipulated expectations in a word-pair priming degraded (noise-vocoded) speech task and investigated the role of top-down expectation with a between-groups attention manipulation. Consistent with the role of expectations in comprehension, repetition priming significantly enhanced perceptual intelligibility of the noise-vocoded degraded targets for attentive participants. An early ERP was larger for mismatched (i.e. unexpected) targets than matched targets, indicative of an initial error signal not reliant on top-down expectations. Subsequently, a P3a-like ERP was larger to matched targets than mismatched targets only for attending participants—i.e. a pop-out effect—while a later ERP was larger for mismatched targets and did not significantly interact with attention. Rather than relying on complex post hoc interactions between prediction error and precision to explain this apredictive pattern, we consider our data to be consistent with prediction error minimization accounts for early stages of processing followed by Global Neuronal Workspace-like breakthrough and processing in service of task goals.
Role of available adjuvant therapies following surgical resection of atypical choroid plexus papilloma—a systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Tavallaii Amin , Keykhosravi Ehsan , Rezaee Hamid , Kianbakht Camellia
Published: October 2020

Background

Atypical choroid plexus papilloma is a recently introduced entity with intermediate pathological characteristics. These tumors are relatively rare and the optimal management of these tumors is a matter of debate. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and pooled analysis about the effects of adjuvant therapies on outcome measures of these patients. We also compared these effects on totally and partially resected tumors and pediatric and adult populations.

Methods

A systematic search of 3 databases based on inclusion/exclusion criteria was performed. Data extraction was separately performed by 2 authors, and the summarized data were presented in the form of tables. Pooled estimates of different outcome measures were calculated for each adjuvant therapy and presented separately for studies with pediatric, adult, or mixed populations.

Results

A review of 14 included studies consisting of 144 patients revealed the effect of adjuvant treatment on reduction of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and reoperation rates and increasing survival rates in patients with subtotal tumor resection. This advantage was not seen in the case of gross total tumor resection. Almost all outcome measures were more favorable in the pediatric population.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that whenever gross total resection is not feasible, the implementation of adjuvant therapy can improve the outcome and prognosis. In other cases, it should be decided on an individual basis. Also, more aggressive behavior and higher rates of recurrence and mortality in the adult population suggest the consideration of more aggressive adjuvant treatments for adult patients.
Measuring more than just economic growth to improve well-being
Authors: Danielli Shaun , Donnelly Patrice , Coffey Tom , Horn Schellion , Ashrafian Hutan , Darzi Ara
Published: October 2020

It’s official: The UK is in a recession. The economy has suffered its biggest slump on record with a drop in gross domestic product (GDP) of 20.4%. 1 This is going to have a significant impact on our health and well-being. It risks creating a spiralling decay as we know good health is not only a consequence, but also a condition for sustained and sustainable economic development. 2 In this way, the health of a nation creates a virtuous circle of improved health and improved economic prosperity. How we measure prosperity is therefore important and needs to be considered.
Prevalence and associated socioeconomic factors of multimorbidity in 10 regions of China: an analysis of 0.5 million adults
Authors: Zou Siyu , Wang Zhicheng , Bhura Maria , Zhang Guoting , Tang Kun
Published: October 2020

Background

The epidemiology of multiple chronic conditions in China is poorly understood. We investigated the prevalence of multimorbidity among the middle-aged and elderly population in China and analyzed its demographic and socioeconomic correlates.

Methods

Data were obtained from the baseline of the China Kadoorie Biobank Study, which recruited over 0.5 million participants between 2004 and 2008. We calculated the prevalence by the characteristics of multimorbidity. The demographic and socioeconomic correlates were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

15.9% of the participants were multimorbid. Although the prevalence of multimorbidity increased with age, the absolute number of people with multimorbidity was much higher among middle-aged adults (30–60 years, n = 42 041) than the elderly group (>60 years, n = 38 834). The odd of multimorbidity was higher in males (aOR =1.09, 95% CI: 1.07–1.11) and among those who were unemployed (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.55–1.62). Those who received the highest level of education were most likely to be multimorbid compared with those with no education (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09–1.19). Such an association was similar when treating multimorbidity as multinomial variable.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity is a public health concern, with higher prevalence among the elderly, males and those who belong to a lower socioeconomic stratum. Actions are needed to curb multimorbidity epidemic in China.
Investments in social ties, risk sharing, and inequality
Authors: Ambrus Attila , Elliott Matt
Published: October 2020

This article investigates stable and efficient networks in the context of risk sharing, when it is costly to establish and maintain relationships that facilitate risk sharing. We find a novel trade-off between efficiency and equality: the most stable efficient networks also generate the most inequality. We then suppose that individuals can be split into groups, assuming that incomes across groups are less correlated than within a group but relationships across groups are more costly to form. The tension between efficiency and equality extends to these correlated income structures. More-central agents have stronger incentives to form across-group links, reaffirming the efficiency benefits of having highly central agents. Our results are robust to many extensions. In general, endogenously formed networks in the risk-sharing context tend to exhibit highly asymmetric structures, which can lead to stark inequalities in consumption levels.
Mosaic patterns of homoplasy accompany the parallel evolution of suspensory adaptations in the forelimb of tree sloths (Folivora: Xenarthra)
Authors: Spear Jeffrey K , Williams Scott A
Published: October 2020

We examine how derived functional signal and phylogenetic inheritance interact in the forelimb of tree sloths, to understand the relative contribution of each in the evolution of a novel morphobehavioural suite. Molecular and craniodental data demonstrate that extant tree sloths evolved suspensory behaviours and associated morphologies from a non-suspensory ancestor independently of one another, making them a useful model system. We find that convergence in univariate traits is expressed mosaically, although the signal is largely functional. Three-dimensional analyses suggest there is greater conservatism of gross morphology in more proximal bones than in more distal elements. Convergence in some univariate scapular traits is independent of the gross morphology of the scapula itself, demonstrating that functionally relevant morphologies were mapped on to a more conserved scapular shape. Our results suggest that morphological homoplasy is expressed in a mosaic manner. The relationship between homoplasy and trait integration may be more nuanced than previously thought, even within a single adaptive system.
Safety and feasibility of lung biopsy in diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fukuda Yosuke , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Yamada Yoshie , Ito Hiroyuki , Tanaka Takeshi , Yoshida Takuo , Okamori Satoshi , Ando Koichi , Okada Yohei
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of acute respiratory failure characterized by non-cardiac pulmonary edema caused by various underlying conditions. ARDS is often pathologically characterized by diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), and its pathological findings have been reported to be associated with prognosis, although the adverse effects of lung biopsies to obtain pathological findings are still unclear. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to reveal the safety and feasibility of lung biopsy in the diagnosis of ARDS.

Methods and analysis

We will include studies that were published in MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until June 1, 2020. We will include the reports for critically ill patients in an intensive care unit or emergency department who undergo lung biopsy and require a mechanical ventilation. Two review authors will independently scan titles and abstracts of all identified studies. Furthermore, these two authors will read and assess the full text of study reports to identify trials that appeared broadly to address the subject of the review. We will perform a risk of bias assessment using the McMaster Quality Assessment Scale of Harms.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will be based on the published data, therefore, it does not require ethical approval. The final results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

UMIN registration number

UMIN000040650

Strengths and limitations of this study

This protocol complies with the Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol guidelines.

This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess the safety and feasibility of lung biopsy in patients with ARDS.

We will evaluate the risk of bias and report according to the McMaster Quality Assessment Scale of Harms.

This review will include the reports about only adult patients with acute respiratory failure.

We will plan to exclude non-English databases in this study.
COVID-19 in regions with low prevalence and low density of population. An uncertainty dynamic modeling approach
Authors: Garrido José M. , Martínez-Rodríguez David , Rodríguez-Serrano Fernando , Díez-Domingo Javier ,   COVID-19_Granada Study Group, Villanueva Rafael-J.
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that emerged in China at the end of 2019 has spread worldwide. In this article, we present a mathematical SEIR model focused on analysing the transmission dynamics of COVID-19, the patients circulating in the hospitals and evaluating the effects of health policies and vaccination on the control of the pandemic. We tested the model using registered cases and population data from the province of Granada (Spain), that represents a population size near 1 million citizens with low density of population and low prevalence. After calibrating the model with the data obtained from 15 March to 22 September 2020, we simulate different vaccination scenarios - including effectiveness and availability date - in order to study the possible evolution of the disease. The results show that: 1) infected will increase until 5.6% - 7.4% of the total population over next 3-4 months (2nd wave); 2) vaccination seems not to be enough to face the pandemic and other strategies should be used; 3) we also support the claim of the WHO about the effectiveness of the vaccine, that should be, at least, of 50% to represent a substantial progress against the COVID-19; 4) after the 2nd wave, the return to normal life should be controlled and gradual to avoid a 3rd wave. The proposed study may be a useful tool for giving insight into the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and to design vaccination and health policies.
SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in untreated wastewater: first detection in a low-resource community in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Iglesias Néstor Gabriel , Gebhard Leopoldo Germán , Carballeda Juan Manuel , Aiello Ignacio , Recalde Emiliano , Terny Gabriel , Ambrosolio Silvina , L’Arco Gabriela , Konfino Jonatan , Brardinelli Juan Ignacio
Published: October 2020

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) in a brief report about the status of environmental surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 indicated that approaches are needed that can be applied in lower-resource settings, where a greater proportion of the population is not connected to sewers and instead uses pit toilets or septic tanks. Possibilities include testing surface water contaminated by sewage. In this study we measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA from a surface water source in a low-income settlement. We observe for this community that measurements of SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in surface water contaminated by sewage can be considered as an estimation of changes in COVID-19 prevalence on a population level.
Comparison of a Commercially Available Prostate Segmentation Application to Traditional Prolate and Biproximate Ellipsoid Methods for Prostate Volume Measurement
Authors: Wasserman Neil F. , Spilseth Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Rationale and Objectives

To compare the a commercially available automatic and manually adjusted segmentation software program (DynaCAD®) to two ellipsoid volume methods using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

This is a retrospective IRB-approved study of 146 patients randomly selected from 1600 consecutive men referred for T2-weighted MRI. All measurements were performed by a single expert senior radiologist. Total prostate volume was calculated using automatic DynaCAD®software (RCAD), manually adjusted DynaCAD®(ACAD), traditional ellipsoid method (TE) and a new alternative biproximate ellipsoid method (BE). Results were assessed with ANOVA and linear regression.

Results

Mean volumes for RCAD, ACAD, BE and TE were 61.5, 58.4, 56, and 53.2 respectively. ANOVA showed no difference of the means (p> 0.05.) Linear regression showed a coefficient of determination (r2) between ACAD and TE of 0.92 and between ACAD and BE of 0.90. Using the planigraphic-based segmented ACAD as the “gold’ standard, RCAD overestimated volume by 5%. TE and BE underestimated prostatic volume by 4% and 9% respectively. ACAD processing time was 4.5 to 9.5 minutes (mean=6.6 min.) compared to 1.5 to 3.0 minutes (mean=2.3 min.) for prolate ellipsoid methods.

Conclusion

Manually adjusted MRI T2-weighted segmentation is likely the most accurate measure of total prostate volume. DynaCAD appears to fulfill that function, but manual adjustment of automatic misregistration of boundaries is necessary. ACAD and RCAD are best applied to research use. Ellipsoid methods are faster, more convenient, nearly as accurate and more practical for clinical use.
Predictors and rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety in UK frontline health and social care workers during COVID-19
Authors: Greene Talya , Harju-Seppänen Jasmine , Adeniji Mariam , Steel Charlotte , Grey Nick , Brewin Chris R. , Bloomfield Michael A. , Billings Jo
Published: October 2020

Background

Studies have shown that working in frontline healthcare roles during epidemics and pandemics was associated with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to identify demographic, work-related and other predictors for clinically significant PTSD, depression, and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in UK frontline health and social care workers (HSCWs), and to compare rates of distress across different groups of HCSWs working in different roles and settings.

Methods

A convenience sample (n=1194) of frontline UK HCSWs completed an online survey during the first wave of the pandemic (27 May – 23 July 2020). Participants worked in UK hospitals, nursing or care homes and other community settings. PTSD was assessed using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ); Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); Anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7).

Results

Nearly 58% of respondents met the threshold for clinically significant PTSD, anxiety or depression, and symptom levels were high across occupational groups and settings. Logistic regression analyses found that participants who were concerned about infecting others, who felt they could not talk with their managers, who reported feeling stigmatised and who had not had reliable access to personal protective equipment (PPE) were more likely to meet criteria for a clinically significant mental disorder. Being redeployed during the pandemic, and having had COVID were associated with higher odds for PTSD. Higher household income was associated with reduced odds for a mental disorder.

Conclusions

This study identified predictors of clinically significant distress during COVID-19 and highlights the need for reliable access to PPE and further investigation of barriers to communication between managers and staff.
Activities of Daily Living with Bionic Arm Improved by Combination Training and Latching Filter in Prosthesis Control Comparison
Authors: Paskett Michael D. , Brinton Mark R. , Hansen Taylor C. , George Jacob A. , Davis Tyler S. , Duncan Christopher C. , Clark Gregory A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Advanced prostheses can restore function and improve quality of life for individuals with amputations. Unfortunately, most commercial control strategies do not utilize the rich control information from residual nerves and musculature. Continuous decoders can provide more intuitive prosthesis control from multi-channel neural or electromyographic recordings. Three components influence continuous decoder performance: the data used to train the algorithm, the algorithm, and smoothing filters on the algorithm’s output. As individual groups often focus on a single decoder, very few studies compare different decoders using otherwise similar experimental conditions.

Methods

We completed a two-phase head-to-head comparison of 12 continuous decoders using activities of daily living. In phase one, we compared two training types and a smoothing filter with three algorithms (modified Kalman filter, multi-layer perceptron, and convolutional neural network) in a clothespin relocation task. We compared training types that included data with only individual digit and wrist movements vs. combination movements (e.g., simultaneous grasp and wrist flexion). We also compared raw vs. nonlinearly smoothed algorithm outputs. In phase two, we compared the three algorithms in fragile egg, zipping, pouring, and folding tasks using the combination training and smoothing found beneficial in phase one. In both phases, we collected objective, performance-based (e.g., success rate) and subjective, user-focused (e.g., preference) measures.

Results

Phase one showed that combination training improved prosthesis control accuracy and speed, and that the nonlinear smoothing improved accuracy but generally reduced speed. Phase one importantly showed simultaneous movements were used in the task, and that the modified Kalman filter and multi-layer perceptron predicted more simultaneous movements than the convolutional neural network. In phase two, user-focused metrics favored the convolutional neural network and modified Kalman filter, whereas performance-based metrics were generally similar among all algorithms.

Conclusions

These results confirm that state-of-the-art algorithms, whether linear or nonlinear in nature, functionally benefit from training on more complex data and from output smoothing. These studies will be used to select a decoder for a long-term take-home trial with implanted neuromyoelectric devices. Overall, clinical considerations may favor the mKF as it is similar in performance, faster to train, and computationally less expensive than neural networks.
Validation of Visual and Auditory Digital Markers of Suicidality in Acutely Suicidal Psychiatric In-Patients
Authors: Galatzer-Levy Isaac R. , Abbas Anzar , Ries Anja , Homan Stephanie , Koesmahargyo Vidya , Yadav Vijay , Colla Michael , Scheerer Hanne , Vetter Stefan , Seifritz Erich , Scholz Urte , Kleim Birgit
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple symptoms of suicide risk are assessed based on visual and auditory information including flattened affect, reduced movement, and slowed speech. Objective quantification of such symptomatology from novel data sources can increase the sensitivity, scalability, and timeliness of suicide risk assessment.

Methods

In the current study we utilized video to quantify facial, vocal, and movement markers associated with mood, emotion, and motor functioning from a structured clinical conversation in 20 patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital following a suicide risk attempt. Measures were calculated using open source deep learning algorithms for processing facial expressivity, head movement, and vocal characteristics. Derived digital measures of flattened affect, reduced movement, and slowed speech were compared to suicide severity using the Beck Suicide Scale (BSS), controlling for age and gender using multiple linear regression.

Results

Suicide severity was associated with multiple visual and auditory markers including speech prevalence (β = −0.68; P =.017, r2 =.40, overall expressivity (β = −0.46; P = 0.10, r2 =.27), and head movement measured as head pitch variability (β = −1.24; P =.006, r2 =.48) and head yaw variability (β = −0.54; p =.055, r2 =.32).

Conclusions

Digital measurements of facial affect, movement, and speech prevalence demonstrated strong effect sizes and significant linear associations with severity of suicidal ideation.
Rate of Antibiotic Use and Associated Risk Factors in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Martin Alysa J. , Shulder Stephanie , Dobrzynski David , Quartuccio Katelyn , Pillinger Kelly E.
Published: October 2020

Background

Literature suggests that antibiotic prescribing in COVID-19 patients is high, despite low rates of confirmed bacterial infection. There are little data on what drives prescribing habits.

Objective

This study sought to determine antibiotic prescribing rates and risk factors for antibiotic prescribing in hospitalized patients. It was the first study to assess risk factors for receiving more than one course of antibiotics.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multi-center, observational study. Patients admitted from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 and treated for PCR-confirmed COVID-19 were included. The primary endpoint was the rate of antibiotic use during hospitalization. Secondary endpoints included risk factors associated with antibiotic use, risk factors associated with receiving more than one antibiotic course, and rate of microbiologically confirmed infections.

Results

A total of 208 encounters (198 patients) were included in the final analysis. Eighty-three percent of patients received at least one course of antibiotics, despite low rates of microbiologically confirmed infection (12%). Almost one-third of patients (30%) received more than one course of antibiotics. Risk factors identified for both antibiotic prescribing and receiving more than one course of antibiotics were more serious illness, increased hospital length of stay, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Conclusion and relevance

There were high rates of antibiotic prescribing with low rates of bacterial co-infection. Many patients received more than one course of antibiotics during hospitalization. This study highlights the need for increased antibiotic stewardship practices in COVID-19 patients.
Cost and social distancing dynamics in a mathematical model of COVID-19 with application to Ontario, Canada
Authors: Moyles I. R. , Heffernan J. M. , Kong J. D.
Published: October 2020

A mathematical model of COVID-19 is presented where the decision to increase or decrease social distancing is modelled dynamically as a function of the measured active and total cases as well as the perceived cost of isolating. Along with the cost of isolation, we define an overburden healthcare cost and a total cost. We explore these costs by adjusting parameters that could change with policy decisions. We observe that two disease prevention practices, namely increasing isolation activity and increasing incentive to isolate do not always lead to optimal health outcomes. We demonstrate that this is due to the fatigue and cost of isolation. We further demonstrate that an increase in the number of lock-downs, each of shorter duration can lead to minimal costs. Our results are compared to case data in Ontario, Canada from March to August 2020 and details of expanding the results to other regions are presented.

Subject Areas

mathematical modelling, epidemiology, infectious diseases
Mortality among Adults Ages 25-44 in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Faust Jeremy Samuel , Krumholz Harlan M. , Dickerson Katherine L. , Lin Zhenqiu , Gilman Cleavon , Walensky Rochelle P.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has caused a marked increase in all-cause deaths in the United States, mostly among adults aged 65 and older. Because younger adults have far lower infection fatality rates, less attention has been focused on the mortality burden of COVID-19 in this demographic.

Methods

We performed an observational cohort study using public data from the National Center for Health Statistics at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and CDC Wonder. We analyzed all-cause mortality among adults ages 25-44 during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Further, we compared COVID-19-related deaths in this age group during the pandemic period to all drug overdose deaths and opioid-specific overdose deaths in each of the ten Health and Human Services (HHS) regions during the corresponding period of 2018, the most recent year for which data are available.

Results

As of September 6, 2020, 74,027 all-cause deaths occurred among persons ages 25-44 years during the period from March 1st to July 31st, 2020, 14,155 more than during the same period of 2019, a 23% relative increase (incident rate ratio 1.23; 95% CI 1.21–1.24), with a peak of 30% occurring in May (IRR 1.30; 95% CI 1.27-1.33). In HHS Region 2 (New York, New Jersey), HHS Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas), and HHS Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada), COVID-19 deaths exceeded 2018 unintentional opioid overdose deaths during at least one month. Combined, 2,450 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in these three regions during the pandemic period, compared to 2,445 opioid deaths during the same period of 2018.

Meaning

We find that COVID-19 has likely become the leading cause of death—surpassing unintentional overdoses—among young adults aged 25-44 in some areas of the United States during substantial COVID-19 outbreaks.

Note

The data presented here have since been updated. As a result, an additional 1,902 all-cause deaths occurring among US adults ages 25-44 during the period of interest are not accounted for in this manuscript.
Solar geoengineering could redistribute malaria risk in developing countries
Authors: Carlson Colin J. , Colwell Rita , Hossain Mohammad Sharif , Rahman Mohammed Mofizur , Robock Alan , Ryan Sadie J. , Alam Mohammad Shafiul , Trisos Christopher H.
Published: October 2020

Solar geoengineering is often framed as a stopgap measure to decrease the magnitude, impacts, and injustice of climate change. However, the costs or benefits of geoengineering for human health are largely unknown. We project how geoengineering could impact malaria risk by comparing transmission suitability and populations-at-risk today against moderate and high emissions scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) with and without geoengineering over the next half-century. We show that if geoengineering deployment cools the tropics, it could help protect high elevation populations in eastern Africa from the encroachment of malaria, but could increase transmission in lowland sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Compared to extreme warming, we also find that by 2070, geoengineering would nullify a projected reduction of nearly one billion people at risk of malaria. Our results indicate that geoengineering strategies designed to offset warming are not guaranteed to unilaterally improve health outcomes, and could produce regional trade-offs among Global South countries that are often excluded from geoengineering conversations.
Fetal and Neonatal Echocardiographic Analysis of Biomechanical Alterations for the Hypoplastic Left Heart
Authors: Meyers Brett A. , Bhattacharya Sayantan , Brindise Melissa C. , Loke Yue-Hin , Payne R. Mark , Vlachos Pavlos P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) presents diagnostic and prognostic challenges while progressing toward heart failure (HF). Understanding the fetal and neonatal HLHS biomechanics, including novel hydrodynamic parameters, could help better planning of the long-term management of HLHS patients.

Objectives

Compare fetal and neonatal HLHS cardiac biomechanics against normal subjects using echocardiography.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 10 HLHS patients with echocardiograms at 33-weeks gestation and at the first week post-birth and 12 age-matched controls. We used in-house developed analysis algorithms to quantify ventricular biomechanics from four-chamber B-mode and color Doppler scans. Cardiac morphology, hemodynamics, tissue motion, deformation, and flow parameters were measured.

Results

Tissue motion, deformation, and index measurements did not reliably capture biomechanical changes. Stroke volume and cardiac output were nearly twice as large for the HLHS right ventricle (RV) compared to the control RV and left ventricle (LV) due to RV enlargement. The enlarged RV exhibited disordered flow with higher energy loss (EL) compared to prenatal control LV and postnatal control RV and LV. Furthermore, the enlarged RV demonstrated elevated vortex strength (VS) compared to both the control RV and LV, prenatally and postnatally. The HLHS RV showed reduced relaxation with increased early filling velocity (E) compared prenatally to the LV and postnatally to the control RV and LV. Furthermore, increased recovery pressure (ΔP) was observed between the HLHS RV and control RV and LV, prenatally and postnatally.

Conclusions

The novel hydrodynamic parameters more reliably capture the HLHS alterations in contrast to traditional parameters.
Requirements for the containment of COVID-19 disease outbreaks through periodic testing, isolation, and quarantine
Authors: Mukhamadiarov Ruslan I. , Deng Shengfeng , Serrao Shannon R. , Priyanka  , Childs Lauren M. , Täuber Uwe C.
Published: October 2020

We employ individual-based Monte Carlo computer simulations of a stochastic SEIR model variant on a two-dimensional Newman–Watts small-world network to investigate the control of epidemic outbreaks through periodic testing and isolation of infectious individuals, and subsequent quarantine of their immediate contacts. Using disease parameters informed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigate the effects of various crucial mitigation features on the epidemic spreading: fraction of the infectious population that is identifiable through the tests; testing frequency; time delay between testing and isolation of positively tested individuals; and the further time delay until quarantining their contacts as well as the quarantine duration. We thus determine the required ranges for these intervention parameters to yield effective control of the disease through both considerable delaying the epidemic peak and massively reducing the total number of sustained infections.
Development of a predictive risk model for severe COVID-19 disease using population-based administrative data
Authors: Zhou Jiandong , Lee Sharen , Wang Xiansong , Li Yi , Wu William KK , Liu Tong , Cao Zhidong , Zeng Daniel Dajun , Kei Wong Ian Chi , Yung Cheung Bernard Man , Zhang Qingpeng , Tse Gary
Published: October 2020

Background

Recent studies have reported numerous significant predictors for adverse outcomes in COVID-19 disease. However, there have been few simple clinical risk score for prompt risk stratification. The objective is to develop a simple risk score for severe COVID-19 disease using territory-wide healthcare data based on simple clinical and laboratory variables.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted to Hong Kong’s public hospitals between 1st January and 22nd August 2020 diagnosed with COVID-19, as confirmed by RT-PCR, were included. The primary outcome was composite intensive care unit admission, need for intubation or death with follow-up until 8th September 2020.

Results

COVID-19 testing was performed in 237493 patients and 4445 patients (median age 44.8 years old, 95% CI: [28.9, 60.8]); 50% male) were tested positive. Of these, 212 patients (4.8%) met the primary outcome. A risk score including the following components was derived from Cox regression: gender, age, hypertension, stroke, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease/heart failure, respiratory disease, renal disease, increases in neutrophil count, monocyte count, sodium, potassium, urea, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, high sensitive troponin-I, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer and C-reactive protein, as well as decreases in lymphocyte count, base excess and bicarbonate levels. The model based on test results taken on the day of admission demonstrated an excellent predictive value. Incorporation of test results on successive time points did not further improve risk prediction.

Conclusions

A simple clinical score accurately predicted severe COVID-19 disease, even without including symptoms, blood pressure or oxygen status on presentation, or chest radiograph results.
THE MATRIX IS EVERYWHERE: CACO3BIOMINERALIZATION BY THEBACILLUS LICHENIFORMISPLANKTONIC CELLS
Authors: Ivanova Lyubov A. , Golovkina Darya A. , Zhurishkina Elena V. , Garmay Yuri P. , Baranchikov Alexander Ye. , Tsvigun Natalia V. , Zabrodskaya Yana A. , Yapryntsev Alexey D. , Gorshkov Andrey N. , Lebedev Kirill I. , Shaldzhyan Aram A. , Kopitsa Gennady P. , Egorov Vladimir V. , Kulminskaya Anna A.
Published: October 2020

To date, the mechanisms of CaCO3nucleus formation and crystal growth induced by bacterial cells still remain debatable. Here, an insight on the role of planktonic cells ofBacillus licheniformisDSMZ 8782 in the biomineralization is presented. We showed that during 14-days bacterial growth in a liquid urea/Ca2+-containing medium the transformation of CaCO3polymorphs followed the classical pathway “ACC-vaterite-calcite/aragonite”. By microscopic techniques, we detected the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) around the cells at the stage of exponential growth and appearance of electron-dense inclusions at 24 h after the inoculation. The cells formed filaments and created a network, the nodes of which served as sites for further crystal growth. The ECM formation accompanied with the expression of proteins required for biofilm formation, the aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase, stress-associated Clp family proteins, and a porin family protein (ompA ortholog) associated with bacterial extracellular vesicles. We demonstrated that urea and CaCl2acted as denaturing agents causing matrix formation in addition to their traditional role as a source of carbonate and Ca2+ions. We showed that CaCO3nucleation occured insideB. licheniformiscells and further crystal growth and polymorphic transformations took place in the extracellular matrix without attaching to the cell surface. The spatial arrangement of the cells was important for the active crystal growth and dependent on environmental factors. The extracellular matrix played a double role being formed as a stress response and providing a favorable microenvironment for biomineralization (a high concentration of ions necessary for CaCO3crystal aggregation, fixation and stabilization).