bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDEAL, the Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock project open access database and biobank
Authors: Callaby Rebecca , Pendarovski Cezar , Jennings Amy , Mwangi Samuel Thumbi , Van Wyk Ilana , Mbole-Kariuki Mary , Kiara Henry , Toye Philip G. , Kemp Steve , Hanotte Olivier , Coetzer Jacobus A. W. , Handel Ian G. , Woolhouse Mark E. J. , de Clare Bronsvoort Barend Mark
Published: July 2020

The Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) project was a longitudinal cohort study of calf health which was conducted in Western Kenya between 2007–2010. A total of 548 East African shorthorn zebu calves were recruited at birth and followed at least every 5 weeks during the first year of life. Comprehensive clinical and epidemiological data, blood and tissue samples were collected at every visit. These samples were screened for over 100 different pathogens or infectious exposures, using a range of diagnostic methods. This manuscript describes this comprehensive dataset and bio-repository, and how to access it through a single online site (http://data.ctlgh.org/ideal/). This provides extensive filtering and searching capabilities. These data are useful to illustrate outcomes of multiple infections on health, investigate patterns of morbidity and mortality due to parasite infections, and to study genotypic determinants of immunity and disease.
Effectiveness of antimuscarinics and a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist in patients with overactive bladder in a real-world setting
Authors: Huang Chiung-Kun , Lin Chih-Chieh , Lin Alex Tong-Long
Published: July 2020

Both antimuscarinics and beta-3 adrenoceptor agonists are generally used as first-line pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder (OAB). This study aimed to investigate the differences in clinical characteristics and manifestations between different medication groups using real-world data. In this retrospective study, we recruited all patients aged > 18 years diagnosed with OAB at our institute from March 2010 to December 2017. They were allocated into three groups, the antimuscarinics (group A), beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist (group B), and discontinued (group C) treatment groups, and they completed OAB symptom score and quality of life questionnaires before and after treatment. In addition, the Clinical Global Impression was recorded for treatment outcomes. A premedication urodynamic study was also applied. A total of 215 patients were analyzed (group A: 43, B: 35, C: 137). Group B was significantly older (mean age 77.4 years) than group A (69.2 years, p = 0.012) and group C (68.6 years, p = 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in sex or underlying diseases among the groups. Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the questionnaire results among all groups. The cystometric capacity of group A (mean ± SD, 257.3 ± 135.1 cm3) was significantly larger than that of group B (125.8 ± 46.0 cm3, p = 0.002) and group C (170.5 ± 99.2 cm3, p = 0.001). After treatment, there were no significant differences between group A and group B in any of the questionnaire scores; however, their scores were better than those of group C. The OAB patients who adhered to antimuscarinics tended to be younger and have larger cystometric bladder capacity in the urodynamic study. However, there were no significant differences in effectiveness between the patients who took antimuscarinics and those who took a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist.
Optimized ex vivo stimulation identifies multi-functional HBV-specific T cells in a majority of chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Chua Conan G. , Mehrotra Aman , Mazzulli Tony , Wong David K. , Feld Jordan J. , Janssen Harry L. A. , Gehring Adam J.
Published: July 2020

High antigen burden during chronic hepatitis B (CHB) results in a low frequency HBV-specific T cell response with restricted functionality. However, this observation is based on limited data because low T cell frequencies have hindered effective ex vivo analysis. We adapted the ELISpot assay to overcome this obstacle to measure ex vivo T cell responses in CHB patients. We modified the key variables of cell number and the peptide pulsing method to improve ex vivo detection of HBV-specific T cells. We detected IFN-γ responses in 10/15 vaccinated controls and 20/30 CHB patients, averaging 195 and 84 SFUs/2 × 106 PBMCs respectively. Multi-analyte FluoroSpots improved functional characterization of T cells. We detected IFN-γ responses in all tested vaccinated controls (n = 10) and CHB patients (n = 13). IL-2 responses were detectable in 9/10 controls and 10/13 patients. TNF-α displayed less sensitivity, detectable in only 7/10 controls and 7/13 patients. Antigen-specific analysis demonstrated that IFN-γ responses were dominated by polymerase and core, with weak responses to envelope and X. IL-2 responses were found in 3/5 patients and equally directed towards polymerase and core. While their ex vivo frequency is extremely low, a fraction of HBV-specific T cells are detectable and display multi-functionality ex vivo.
Involvement of Arabidopsis BIG protein in cell death mediated by Myo-inositol homeostasis
Authors: Bruggeman Quentin , Piron-Prunier Florence , Tellier Frédérique , Faure Jean-Denis , Latrasse David , Manza-Mianza Deborah , Mazubert Christelle , Citerne Sylvie , Boutet-Mercey Stéphanie , Lugan Raphael , Bergounioux Catherine , Raynaud Cécile , Benhamed Moussa , Delarue Marianne
Published: July 2020

Programmed cell death (PCD) is essential for several aspects of plant life. We previously identified the mips1 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, which is deficient for the enzyme catalysing myo-inositol synthesis, and that displays light-dependent formation of lesions on leaves due to Salicylic Acid (SA) over-accumulation. Rationale of this work was to identify novel regulators of plant PCD using a genetic approach. A screen for secondary mutations that abolish the mips1 PCD phenotype identified a mutation in the BIG gene, encoding a factor of unknown molecular function that was previously shown to play pleiotropic roles in plant development and defence. Physiological analyses showed that BIG is required for lesion formation in mips1 via SA-dependant signalling. big mutations partly rescued transcriptomic and metabolomics perturbations as stress-related phytohormones homeostasis. In addition, since loss of function of the ceramide synthase LOH2 was not able to abolish cell death induction in mips1, we show that PCD induction is not fully dependent of sphingolipid accumulation as previously suggested. Our results provide further insights into the role of the BIG protein in the control of MIPS1-dependent cell death and also into the impact of sphingolipid homeostasis in this pathway.
Interfacial stabilization for epitaxial CuCrO2 delafossites
Authors: Ok Jong Mok , Yoon Sangmoon , Lupini Andrew R. , Ganesh Panchapakesan , Chisholm Matthew F. , Lee Ho Nyung
Published: July 2020

ABO2 delafossites are fascinating materials that exhibit a wide range of physical properties, including giant Rashba spin splitting and anomalous Hall effects, because of their characteristic layered structures composed of noble metal A and strongly correlated BO2 sublayers. However, thin film synthesis is known to be extremely challenging owing to their low symmetry rhombohedral structures, which limit the selection of substrates for thin film epitaxy. Hexagonal lattices, such as those provided by Al2O3(0001) and (111) oriented cubic perovskites, are promising candidates for epitaxy of delafossites. However, the formation of twin domains and impurity phases is hard to suppress, and the nucleation and growth mechanisms thereon have not been studied for the growth of epitaxial delafossites. In this study, we report the epitaxial stabilization of a new interfacial phase formed during pulsed-laser epitaxy of (0001)-oriented CuCrO2 epitaxial thin films on Al2O3 substrates. Through a combined study using scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron-energy loss spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, we report that the nucleation of a thermodynamically stable, atomically thick CuCr1−xAlxO2 interfacial layer is the critical element for the epitaxy of CuCrO2 delafossites on Al2O3 substrates. This finding provides key insights into the thermodynamic mechanism for the nucleation of intermixing-induced buffer layers that can be used for the growth of other noble-metal-based delafossites, which are known to be challenging due to the difficulty in initial nucleation.
Species richness both impedes and promotes alien plant invasions in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Lannes Luciola S. , Karrer Stefanie , Teodoro Danielle A. A. , Bustamante Mercedes M. C. , Edwards Peter J. , Olde Venterink Harry
Published: July 2020

Worldwide, alien plant invasions have been intensively studied in the past decades, but mechanisms controlling the invasibility of native communities are not fully understood yet. The stochastic niche hypothesis predicts that species-rich plant communities are less prone to alien plant invasions than species-poor communities, which is supported by some but not all field studies, with some very species-rich communities such as the Brazilian Cerrado becoming heavily invaded. However, species-rich communities potentially contain a greater variety of facilitative interactions in resource exploitation than species-poor communities, from which invasive plants might benefit. This alternative hypothetical mechanism might explain why nutrient-poor, species-rich ecosystems are prone to invasion. Here we show that a high species richness both impedes and promotes invasive plants in the Brazilian Cerrado, using structural equation modelling and data from 38 field sites. We found support for the stochastic niche hypothesis through an observed direct negative influence of species richness on abundance of alien invasive species, but an indirect positive effect of species richness on invasive alien plants through soil phosphatase activity that enhances P availability was also found. These field observations were supported with results from a mesocosm experiment. Root phosphatase activity of plants increased with species richness in the mesocosms, which was associated with greater community P and N uptake. The most prominent alien grass species of the region, Melinis minutiflora, benefited most from the higher N and P availability in the species mixtures. Hence, this study provides a novel explanation of why species-richness may sometimes promote rather than impede invasion, and highlights the need to perform facilitation experiments in multi-species communities.
Sequence-based genetic mapping of Cynodon dactylon Pers. reveals new insights into genome evolution in Poaceae
Authors: Fang Tilin , Dong Hongxu , Yu Shuhao , Moss Justin Q. , Fontanier Charles H. , Martin Dennis L. , Fu Jinmin , Wu Yanqi
Published: July 2020

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylonPers.) is an important warm-season perennial used extensively for turf, forage, soil conservation and remediation worldwide. However, limited genomic information has hindered the application of molecular tools towards understanding genome evolution and in breeding new cultivars. We genotype a first-generation selfed population derived from the tetraploid (4x = 36) ‘A12359’ using genotyping-by-sequencing. A high-density genetic map of 18 linkage groups (LGs) is constructed with 3,544 markers. Comparative genomic analyses reveal that each of nine homeologous LG pairs ofC. dactyloncorresponds to one of the first nine chromosomes ofOropetium thomaeum. Two nested paleo-ancestor chromosome fusions (ρ6-ρ9-ρ6, ρ2-ρ10-ρ2) may have resulted in a 12-to-10 chromosome reduction. A segmental dissemination of the paleo-chromosome ρ12 (ρ1-ρ12-ρ1, ρ6-ρ12-ρ6) leads to the 10-to-9 chromosome reduction inC. dactylongenome. The genetic map will assist in an ongoing whole genome sequence assembly and facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) in developing new cultivars.
Current understanding of intimal hyperplasia and effect of compliance in synthetic small diameter vascular grafts
Authors: Jeong YeJin , Yao Yuan , Yim Evelyn K. F.
Published: July 2020

A review detailing the current methods utilized to study the effects of mechanical properties of synthetic vascular grafts on intimal hyperplasia.
Amyloid-like protein aggregates combining antifouling with antibacterial activity
Authors: Tian Juanhua , Liu Yongchun , Miao Shuting , Yang Qingmin , Hu Xinyi , Han Qian , Xue Li , Yang Peng
Published: July 2020

A new class of biopolymer coating based on amyloid-like protein aggregates is reported to combine both antifouling and antibacterial activity.
Synthesis and reactivity of alkaline-earth stannanide complexes by hydride-mediated distannane metathesis and organostannane dehydrogenation
Authors: Morris Louis J. , Rajabi Nasir A. , Mahon Mary F. , Manners Ian , McMullin Claire L. , Hill Michael S.
Published: July 2020

The synthesis of heteroleptic complexes with calcium– and magnesium–tin bonds are described.
Interannual, summer, and diel variability of CH4and CO2effluxes from Toolik Lake, Alaska, during the ice-free periods 2010–2015
Authors: Eugster Werner , DelSontro Tonya , Shaver Gaius R. , Kling George W.
Published: July 2020

CH4and CO2fluxes from Toolik Lake obtained for the first time with eddy covariance during ice-free periods 2010–2015.
Identifying suitable ionic liquid electrolytes for Al dual-ion batteries: role of electrochemical window, conductivity and voltage
Authors: Manna Surya Sekhar , Bhauriyal Preeti , Pathak Biswarup
Published: July 2020

A design strategy for suitable electrolytes for Al dual-ion batteries based on electrochemical window (ECW), conductivity and voltage calculations.
Biomimetic liquid lenses actuated by a laser beam: effects of evaporation and orientation to gravity
Authors: Malyuk Alexandr , Ivanova Natalia
Published: July 2020

Liquid lenses actuated by thermocapillary and solutocapillary forces via heating with a laser beam demonstrate a high level of adaptability.
Palladium-catalyzed C–H activation of anisole with electron-deficient auxiliary ligands: a mechanistic investigation
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Chen Kezhi
Published: July 2020

In this work, the experimentally observed site-selectivity and ligand choice of Yu's meta-arylation reaction were rationalized through DFT calculations.
Gold-catalyzed dual C–C bond cleavage of biphenylenes bearing a pendant alkyne at ambient temperature
Authors: Takano Hideaki , Okazaki Sari , Nishibe Shun , Ito Takeharu , Shiozawa Natsumi , Sugimura Natsuhiko , Kanyiva Kyalo Stephen , Shibata Takanori
Published: July 2020

We report a catalytic skeletal rearrangement of biphenylenes with a pendant alkyne moiety at room temperature by a cationic gold catalyst, which involves the cleavage of two bonds: the C–C bond of biphenylene and the C(sp)–C(sp2 or sp3) bond.
Near-infrared and metal-free tetra(butylamino)phthalocyanine nanoparticles for dual modal cancer phototherapy
Authors: Wu Ying-Jie , Lv Fan-Hong , Kan Jing-Lan , Guan Qun , Xue Anqi , Wang Quanbo , Li Yan-An , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: July 2020

Two new HSA-involved tetra(butylamino)phthalocyanine composite nanoparticles, as highly efficient dual-phototherapy agents upon a single NIR laser irradiation, were reported.
A ruthenium oxide and iridium oxide coated titanium electrode for pH measurement
Authors: Liu Baishu , Zhang Juanfeng
Published: July 2020

A ruthenium oxide and iridium oxide coated titanium electrode could be a good pH sensing material candidate.
A high energy density and high rate capability flexible supercapacitor based on electro-spun highly porous SnO2@carbon nanofibers
Authors: Barik Rasmita , Tanwar Vaishali , Kumar Rajat , Ingole Pravin P.
Published: July 2020

The energy density of the present state-of-the-art materials remains the main challenge for commercial utilization of supercapacitor devices.
Organic-based active electrode materials for potassium batteries: status and perspectives
Authors: Kapaev Roman R. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: July 2020

Performance of organic-based active materials for K-based batteries is reviewed and compared with the best inorganic analogs. Key strategies for improving energy density, rate capability and cycling stability are discussed.
Unveiling the role of upper excited electronic states in the photochemistry and laser performance of anti-B18H22
Authors: Cerdán Luis , Francés-Monerris Antonio , Roca-Sanjuán Daniel , Bould Jonathan , Dolanský Jiří , Fuciman Marcel , Londesborough Michael G. S.
Published: July 2020

Using the first laser borane, anti-B18H22, as a case study, our combined experimental and theoretical approach unravels the photophyscial and photochemical molecular dynamics of a highly efficient luminophore in an excited electronic state.
Asymmetrically flexoelectric gating effect of Janus transition-metal dichalcogenides and their sensor applications
Authors: Dou Kun Peng , Hu Hui Hui , Wang XiaoHan , Wang XinYi , Jin Hao , Zhang Guang-Ping , Shi Xing-Qiang , Kou Liangzhi
Published: July 2020

Janus transition-metal dichalcogenides are promising for wearable motion sensors and chemical sensors due to the nonsymmetric directional information upon bending.
Compressing deep‐quaternion neural networks with targeted regularisation
Authors: Vecchi Riccardo , Scardapane Simone , Comminiello Danilo , Uncini Aurelio
Published: July 2020

In recent years, hyper‐complex deep networks (such as complex‐valued and quaternion‐valued neural networks – QVNNs) have received a renewed interest in the literature. They find applications in multiple fields, ranging from image reconstruction to 3D audio processing. Similar to their real‐valued counterparts, quaternion neural networks require custom regularisation strategies to avoid overfitting. In addition, for many real‐world applications and embedded implementations, there is the need of designing sufficiently compact networks, with few weights and neurons. However, the problem of regularising and/or sparsifying QVNNs has not been properly addressed in the literature as of now. In this study, the authors show how to address both problems by designing targeted regularisation strategies, which can minimise the number of connections and neurons of the network during training. To this end, they investigate two extensions of and structured regularisations to the quaternion domain. In the authors’ experimental evaluation, they show that these tailored strategies significantly outperform classical (real‐valued) regularisation approaches, resulting in small networks especially suitable for low‐power and real‐time applications.
Study of processes of artificial freezing and thawing of soils when developing a model of energy-efficient radiation-convection setup
Authors: Velsovskij Anatoly , Mukhametova Liliya , Sinitsyn Anton , Karpov Denis
Published: July 2020

This paper considers one stage of development of a new power plant for thawing frozen soil during emergency repairs. It includes experimental study of temperature conditions for freezing and artificial thawing of various types of soils in field and laboratory conditions. The main results of laboratory research are presented. The operation process of an industrial prototype of power plant is modelled on a test bench using analogues of radiation-convective heat generators. The obtained calculated and experimental characteristics of artificial thawing of frozen soil by a surface radiation-convective method will allow one to calculate the thermal power of a power plant, and to carry out its design and thermal calculation.
The use of porous metals in the design of heat exchangers to increase the intensity of heat exchange
Authors: Rydalina Natalia , Stepanov Oleg , Antonova Elena
Published: July 2020

Heat exchangers are widely used in heat supply systems. To increase the efficiency of heat supply systems, heat exchangers with porous metals are proposed to design. There was a test facility set up to study new types of heat exchangers. The countercurrent flow of heat carriers was activated in those heat exchangers. Freon moved through the heat exchanger pores, and water moved through the inner tubes. It should be noted that the porous materials in the heat exchangers differed in the coefficient of porosity. To be compared, one of the heat exchangers did not contain any porous material. The first test cycle proved the feasibility of using porous metals in heat exchange equipment. Afterwards, a simplified mathematical model of the heat exchanger was compiled. Such an analytical form makes a solution convenient for engineering calculations. Numerical calculations based on this model were compared with the experimental data. Heat transfer intensity of materials with different porosity was compared.
The new ways to increase the efficiency of thermal hydraulic processes in systems of separation and reheating of NPP wet steam turbines
Authors: Egorov Mikle , Kasatkin Ivan , Kovalenko Ivan , Krectunova Irina , Lavrovskaya Nataliya , Litvinova Nadezhda
Published: July 2020

Systems of moisture separators - reheaters (SMSR) were created simultaneously with the powerful turbines development of nuclear power plants operating on a wet steam from the early 60s of the 20th century. This lengthy experience made the opportunity to identify the moisture separators - reheaters (MSRs) drawbacks, to determine the objectives for their design and computation improvement in order to increase thermodynamic efficiency, MSR devices and MSR systems reliability in general. Based on maintenance experience and results of our and other researchers’ model and field studies this article discusses potential ways of further development and improvement, taking into consideration both SMSR components (separation and reheating) under conditions of their flow in one apparatus.
Study of gas consumption patterns for sheet glass enterprises
Authors: Shenets Yauhen , Moroz Deniz , Hruntovich Nadzeya , Malashanka Mikhail , Tsvetkov Alexei
Published: July 2020

A study of the gas consumption modes of the subgroup “Enterprises of construction industry and architecture” of the regional gas supply system, as well as the production of sheet glass, which forms gas consumption in the subgroup by 94%, was carried out. The field type “daily gas consumption outside temperature” is set for the subgroup and the plant for production of sheet glass. This is a field with a weak dependence on the growth of daily gas consumption when outside temperature decreases and without an obvious stratification into temperature regions determined by the state of the heating system (“on” or “off”) and a significant vertical spread of daily gas flow at the same values of outside temperature. Additional factors affecting gas consumption were searched. The created database of 14 technological indicators over a seven-year period allowed to identify factors forming daily and annual gas consumption regimes using correlation-regression analysis. The importance of the “time worked by the line” factor and its contribution to the formation of the annual volume of gas consumption was assessed. Invention proposes a simplified method of estimating the rate of aging of furnace lining and wear of enclosing structures on the basis of a single-factor model of gas consumption from productivity by comparing the daily average annual values of specific gas consumption for sheet glass production with the same volume of output.
Fault indicators on the Russian market
Authors: Borodin Maksim Vladimirovich , Kudinova Tatyana Anatolievna , Rashidovich Khasanov Shamil
Published: July 2020

The article indicates the relevance of using fault indicators. Various models and manufacturers of fault indicators are presented on the Russian market. The analysis of the characteristics of various fault indicators was produced. At present, the most suitable domestic device for electric grid companies in Russia, which allows determining the open and short circuit on power lines, as well as indicating the location of the fault, is a fault indicator C134B of the ANTRAKS R&D&M Co, Ltd. The market analysis of fault indicators in Russia will allow specialists of design organizations, personnel of electric grid companies and other specialists to reduce the time spent on searching for information on fault indicators.
Modelling a solid fuel unit for soil warming up before its exploitation
Authors: Sinitsyn Anton , Mukhametova Liliya , Korobeinikov Alexander
Published: July 2020

This work continues the previous studies on energy-efficient technologies and devices for thawing frozen soils during repair and construction works. It proceeds with the multi-year research on development of efficient devices for emergency repairs. The possibility of using a solid fuel back-draft furnace for accelerated heating of various types of soils is considered. Analysis of the existing devices is presented, the performance criteria are determined, computer modelling of the developed unit and heat and mass transfer processes for the most common types of soils are carried out.
Estimation of the driven gas turbine unit technical performance using the standard measuring systems
Authors: Blinov Vitalii L. , Komarov Oleg V. , Zaslavskiy Egor A.
Published: July 2020

In large pipeline gas transport systems the operation and maintenance of gas pumping units are carried according to the current number of equivalent working hours of centrifugal gas compressors and gas turbines. Modern terms of lean production require the maintenance procedure to be done according to the current technical performance of equipment. The paper presents a designed and verified methodology of technical performance estimation of gas turbine units using the standard measuring systems. This method includes a verified high-order mathematical model based on the gas dynamic function for the precise analytical description of turbomachinery aerodynamics. The models are defined for different types of multi-shaft gas turbines. In this article the results of technical performance estimation of different gas turbine units are discussed.
Improving the energy efficiency of wide crossings of overhead power lines
Authors: Shevchenko Natalya , Soshinov Anatoly , Elfimova Olga , Lebedeva Julia , Akhmedova Olga
Published: July 2020

The use of new generation wires in the design of wide spans of overhead power lines over water barriers and large gorges can increase their transmission capacity and increase reliability. However, when large currents flow, load losses in line also increase. Thus, it is necessary to obtain a methodology for technical and economic comparison of design options for overhead power lines over large crossings, which enables to determine the most cost-effective version of the project with high mechanical reliability. For comparative analysis, five options for wide spans of overhead power lines over the river with new-generation wires of Russian production were compiled: Aluminium Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced, Z-type (high conductivity), Thermal-Resistant Conductor, Aluminium Compozite Core Conductor, ASk2y. Option with Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced wire was taken as the source. For the first option, the crossing scheme E-A-A-E was selected, for the remaining options E-I-I-E scheme was considered. For the modes of maximum loads, minimum temperature and average annual conditions, the mechanical calculation of wires was carried out using the method of permissible stresses. The wire bending deflections were determined in accordance with the theory of the catenary curve. The method of integrated indicators was used to perform a technical and economic comparison of these options. The calculation results showed that among the proposed options, the most optimal is a crossing with the ACCC wire having minimum relative investment per 1 MW of transmitted electricity and minimal power loss. The transmission capacity of the line with this wire is increased by 1.8 times, and the cost of crossing is reduced by 16%. Due to the compact design of wire, the probability of ice formation on wire is reduced, and the reduced bending deflection reduces the probability of wire break due to natural environmental influences.
Analysis of the Condition and Monitoring of Emergency Power Outages in 10 kV Overhead Lines of the Oryol Region
Authors: Fomin Igor Nikolaevich , Vinogradov Alexander Vladimirovich , Belikov Roman Pavlovich , Kudinova Tatyana Anatolyevna , Nizamiev Marat Firdenatovich
Published: July 2020

Efficiency improvement of modern production is associated with uninterrupted power supply to consumers. Power supply reliability to consumers is ensured by reliable operation of power lines. The number of outages depends on their condition and operation quality. An increase in the number of outages affects the further degradation of power line state, significantly reducing the resource of lines and equipment; and it takes a lot of time to find faults and eliminate them. Monitoring of power outages in overhead power lines will reduce the time of emergency elimination.1
Software product to reduce commercial energy losses
Authors: Borodin Maksim Vladimirovich , Kudinova Tatyana Anatolievna , Shakurova Zumeyra Munirovna
Published: July 2020

The personnel of electric grid companies spend considerable amount of time searching for noncontractual and non-meteredelectricity consumption. The raids carried out by personnel of electric grid companies to detect electricity theft are not always effective, as they are carried out selectively and often do not take into account many factors that could affect the number of detected cases of electricity theft. The article proposes a software product that allows, on the basis ofconsumers’ registration, who have already stolen electricity, have arrears in payment for consumed electricity, made uncontrolled consumption, carry out a process of technological connection or have non-meter accounting, to send personnel conducting a raid to identify electricity theft. It also makes possible to generate the necessary acts, certificates, etc.in real time, which allows staff to reduce the time to fill out paper versions and transfer the necessary documents to the police. The software product allows to increase the efficiency of raids by electric grid companies, by reducing the time of inspections. In turn, the implementation of the proposed software product will allow electric grid companies to significantly reduce energy losses by increasing the territoriality of raids.
The experiment results of using the competency-based approach in the occupational safety management field to reduce microtraumas in the energy sales company
Authors: Bakiko Elena , Serdyuk Vitaly , Kuleshov Vladimir , Ignatovich Ivan
Published: July 2020

Reducing injuries problems in the electrical energy industry require the modern tools search and application for managing professional risks. The authors suggest the labor protection services specialists’ professional competence improving in organizations as one of these tools. Conducting experiment of the labor protection specialists’ professional competence improving impact assessment on the labor protection management effectiveness of was performed on the example of the energy sales company. The experiment purpose was the electrical injuries level decrease. The competency-based approach testing in the labor protection field is based on the researches results of more than 1000 organizations, where the assessment of more than 2000 labor protection specialists’ professional competence state was performed. The results obtained showed the occupational safety specialists professional competence improving effectiveness not only in electrical injury reducing by 1.5 times over 2 years, but also in the occupational safety management system effectiveness improving in the company as a whole. The authors forecast the further positive company’s competence approach impact in the labor protection field in dynamics. The experiment results are of practical interest to the labor protection services heads, personnel management services, leading top managers, employers.
The labor protection specialist competence influence on the professional risk management state
Authors: Bakiko Elena , Serdyuk Vitaly , Yanchij Svetlana , Ignatovich Ivan , Bardina Ekaterina
Published: July 2020

The results of the authors’ research in more than 600 organizations have shown the labor protection specialist competence influence on the occupational risk management system state and the overall labor protection management system. It is revealed that the leading role in the labor conditions and safety improving strategy choosing and formation, as well as in the scientifically based method of professional risk assessment belongs to a labor protection specialist with a certain competence. The paper describes 16 occupational safety specialists’ professional competence levels and the main factors that determine their formation. The possibilities and abilities of specialists’ with different professional competence levels to assess professional risks are considered and presented in tabular form. About 100 data of different approaches and methods for assessing occupational risks are given, from which only a competent occupational safety specialist can choose the best method for his organization. His decision influences not only the assessing and managing professional risks procedure costs, determined by the particular method choosing, but also the overall occupational safety management system effectiveness in the organization. The conducted research has shown a significant occupational safety competent specialists role in ensuring the professional risks management in the organization and allowed to link his capabilities in assessing professional risks with his professional competence level. This information can motivate the employer to pay attention to the labor protection specialists’ role in ensuring the industrial safety and take care of their timely skills improvement.
Probing quantum processor performance with pyGSTi
Authors: Nielsen Erik , Rudinger Kenneth , Proctor Timothy , Russo Antonio , Young Kevin , Blume-Kohout Robin
Published: July 2020

PyGSTi is a Python software package for assessing and characterizing the performance of quantum computing processors. It can be used as a standalone application, or as a library, to perform a wide variety of quantum characterization, verification, and validation (QCVV) protocols on as-built quantum processors. We outline pyGSTi’s structure, and what it can do, using multiple examples. We cover its main characterization protocols with end-to-end implementations. These include gate set tomography, randomized benchmarking on one or many qubits, and several specialized techniques. We also discuss and demonstrate how power users can customize pyGSTi and leverage its components to create specialized QCVV protocols and solve user-specific problems.
Providing Laboratory Medicine Training in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Harb Roa , Kachimanga Chiyembekezo , Bangura Musa , Kanawa Sahr , Stratton Charles W , Milner Dan A , Eichbaum Quentin
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We developed and participated in a 1-week laboratory medicine training presented from June 3, 2019, to June 7, 2019.

Methods

The training was a combination of daily morning lectures and case presentations as well as afternoon practical sessions in the clinical laboratory. The content was selected over months by local organizers and the visiting faculty and further modified on site to reflect local needs.

Results

Participants identified practice changes that could be realized in the short term but most faced significant barriers to implementation in the absence of structured and long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

In this report, we review insights learned from our experience and reflect on strategies for realistic, meaningful, and relevant contributions in the setting of laboratory medicine–oriented short-term programs.
Prospective Study Assessing the Effect of Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid on Facelift Bleeding
Authors: Kochuba Andrew L , Coombs Demetrius M , Kwiecien Grzegorz J , Sinclair Nicholas R , Zins James E
Published: July 2020

Background

Rebound bleeding during facelift surgery is a major cause of facelift hematomas. Subcutaneous infiltration of tranexamic acid (TXA) combined with lidocaine and epinephrine was recently retrospectively shown to decrease rebound bleeding. No study has prospectively examined the effect of subcutaneous TXA on intraoperative and postoperative bleeding during facelift surgery.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to prospectively demonstrate that TXA combined with local anesthesia safely reduces the effects of rebound bleeding, reduces operative time, and decreases postoperative drainage.

Methods

This was a prospective, single-surgeon, case-control study performed between July 2019 and March 2020. Thirty-nine patients (35 female and 4 male; mean age, 64.9 years; age range, 49-80 years) underwent facelift surgery alone or in combination with facial rejuvenation procedures. All patients were injected subcutaneously with 1 or 2 mg/mL TXA + 0.5% lidocaine/1:200,000 epinephrine. Patient demographics, TXA dose, time to hemostasis, drain output, and minor and major complications were recorded.

Results

The mean time to hemostasis was 6.4 minutes for the left and right sides each. Average postoperative day (POD) 0 drain outputs were 13.9 mL (left) and 10.1 mL (right). Average POD 1 drain outputs were 15.1 mL (left) and 15.6 mL (right). Drains were removed from all patients on POD 1 or 2. There were 2 minor complications (flap necrosis plus infection, marginal mandibular neuropraxia) and no major complications.

Conclusions

TXA safely and effectively decreased bleeding, operating room time, and drain output compared with traditional local anesthetic techniques. Our future goal is to determine if epinephrine can be completely removed from the local anesthetic and replaced with TXA for facelift surgery.

Level of Evidence: 2
Twenty years of distributed port-Hamiltonian systems: a literature review
Authors: Rashad Ramy , Califano Federico , van der Schaft Arjan J , Stramigioli Stefano
Published: July 2020

The port-Hamiltonian (pH) theory for distributed parameter systems has developed greatly in the past two decades. The theory has been successfully extended from finite-dimensional to infinite-dimensional systems through a lot of research efforts. This article collects the different research studies carried out for distributed pH systems. We classify over a hundred and fifty studies based on different research focuses ranging from modeling, discretization, control and theoretical foundations. This literature review highlights the wide applicability of the pH systems theory to complex systems with multi-physical domains using the same tools and language. We also supplement this article with a bibliographical database including all papers reviewed in this paper classified in their respective groups.
Estimating Transmission Parameters for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Predicting the Impact of Maternal and Pediatric Vaccination
Authors: van Boven Michiel , Teirlinck Anne C , Meijer Adam , Hooiveld Mariëtte , van Dorp Christiaan H , Reeves Rachel M , Campbell Harry , van der Hoek Wim ,   RESCEU Investigators, Reeves Rachel M , Li You , Campbell Harry , Nair Harish , van Wijhe Maarten , Kølsen Fischer Thea , Simonsen Lone , Trebbien Ramona , Tong Sabine , Gallichan Scott , Bangert Mathieu , Demont Clarisse , Lehtonen Toni , Heikkinen Terho , Teirlinck Anne , van Boven Michiel , van der Hoek Wim , van der Maas Nicoline , Meijer Adam , Fernandez Liliana Vazquez , Bøas Håkon , Bekkevold Terese , Flem Elmira , Stona Luca , Speltra Irene , Giaquinto Carlo , Cheret Arnaud , Leach Amanda , Stoszek Sonia , Beutels Philippe , Bont Louis , Pollard Andrew , Openshaw Peter , Abram Michael , Swanson Kena , Rosen Brian , Molero Eva , Reeves Rachel M , Li You , Campbell Harry , Nair Harish , van Wijhe Maarten , Kølsen Fischer Thea , Simonsen Lone , Trebbien Ramona , Tong Sabine , Gallichan Scott , Bangert Mathieu , Demont Clarisse , Lehtonen Toni , Heikkinen Terho , Teirlinck Anne , van Boven Michiel , van der Hoek Wim , van der Maas Nicoline , Meijer Adam , Fernandez Liliana Vazquez , Bøas Håkon , Bekkevold Terese , Flem Elmira , Stona Luca , Speltra Irene , Giaquinto Carlo , Cheret Arnaud , Leach Amanda , Stoszek Sonia , Beutels Philippe , Bont Louis , Pollard Andrew , Openshaw Peter , Abram Michael , Swanson Kena , Rosen Brian , Molero Eva
Published: July 2020

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory tract illness in young children and a major cause of hospital admissions globally.

Methods

Here we fit age-structured transmission models with immunity propagation to data from the Netherlands (2012–2017). Data included nationwide hospitalizations with confirmed RSV, general practitioner (GP) data on attendance for care from acute respiratory infection, and virological testing of acute respiratory infections at the GP. The transmission models, equipped with key parameter estimates, were used to predict the impact of maternal and pediatric vaccination.

Results

Estimates of the basic reproduction number were generally high (R0 > 10 in scenarios with high statistical support), while susceptibility was estimated to be low in nonelderly adults (<10% in persons 20–64 years) and was higher in older adults (≥65 years). Scenario analyses predicted that maternal vaccination reduces the incidence of infection in vulnerable infants (<1 year) and shifts the age of first infection from infants to young children.

Conclusions

Pediatric vaccination is expected to reduce the incidence of infection in infants and young children (0–5 years), slightly increase incidence in 5 to 9-year-old children, and have minor indirect benefits.
SCOR: A secure international informatics infrastructure to investigate COVID-19
Authors: Raisaro J L , Marino Francesco , Troncoso-Pastoriza Juan , Beau-Lejdstrom Raphaelle , Bellazzi Riccardo , Murphy Robert , Bernstam Elmer V , Wang Henry , Bucalo Mauro , Chen Yong , Gottlieb Assaf , Harmanci Arif , Kim Miran , Kim Yejin , Klann Jeffrey , Klersy Catherine , Malin Bradley A , Méan Marie , Prasser Fabian , Scudeller Luigia , Torkamani Ali , Vaucher Julien , Puppala Mamta , Wong Stephen T C , Frenkel-Morgenstern Milana , Xu Hua , Musa Baba Maiyaki , Habib Abdulrazaq G , Cohen Trevor , Wilcox Adam , Salihu Hamisu M , Sofia Heidi , Jiang Xiaoqian , Hubaux J P
Published: July 2020

Global pandemics call for large and diverse healthcare data to study various risk factors, treatment options, and disease progression patterns. Despite the enormous efforts of many large data consortium initiatives, scientific community still lacks a secure and privacy-preserving infrastructure to support auditable data sharing and facilitate automated and legally compliant federated analysis on an international scale. Existing health informatics systems do not incorporate the latest progress in modern security and federated machine learning algorithms, which are poised to offer solutions. An international group of passionate researchers came together with a joint mission to solve the problem with our finest models and tools. The SCOR Consortium has developed a ready-to-deploy secure infrastructure using world-class privacy and security technologies to reconcile the privacy/utility conflicts. We hope our effort will make a change and accelerate research in future pandemics with broad and diverse samples on an international scale.
Airbag Burns: An Unfortunate Consequence of Motor Vehicle Safety
Authors: Skibba Kathryn E H , Cleveland Chelsea N , Bell Derek E
Published: July 2020

Thousands of people are injured in motor vehicle collisions daily and the mandated installation of airbags protects passengers but can also cause injuries from deployment including cutaneous burns. We sought to characterize the patterns and outcomes of burns resulting from airbag deployment by performing a retrospective review of all patients evaluated by the burn service from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2019. Inclusion criteria were patients of all ages with burn injuries related to airbag deployment. Demographic data, burn characteristics, and outcomes were reviewed. Seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria: 82.4% female and 17.6% male. The average age was 40.4 years. Fifteen patients had second-degree and two had third-degree burns. The average TBSA was 0.45%. The hands or upper extremity (88%) were most often injured, but there were two chest, one neck, and one anterior thigh burns. Eight patients suffered multiple burns. Burn etiology (chemical vs thermal) was often not specified. No patients required hospitalization or surgical intervention, and all wounds healed with wound care. The average time to re-epithelialization was 11 days. Although airbags prevent mortality and serious injury, the exothermic chemical reaction that inflates the airbag is responsible for deployment-related burns. Since there is a chemical and thermal component, all airbag-related burns should undergo chemical decontamination on the initial presentation. Burns related to airbag deployment tend to be small and do not require grafting; however, patients suffer from associated pain, scarring, and burn management can be a financial and time burden to the patient.
Identification of lymphatic endothelium in cranial arachnoid granulation-like dural gap
Authors: Kutomi Osamu , Takeda Sen
Published: July 2020

The dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are essential for maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system. Despite insufficiently detailed descriptions of their structural and molecular properties for a century, cranial arachnoid granulations (CAGs) on meninges have been thought to participate in draining CSF from the subarachnoid space into the dural sinuses. However, recent studies have demonstrated the existence of other types of CSF drainage systems, such as lymphatic vessels adjacent to dural sinus and paravascular space in the brain so-called glymphatic system. Therefore, the role of CAGs in CSF drainage has become dubious. To better understand CAG function, we analyzed the ultrastructure and molecular identity of CAG-like structure on meninges adjacent to the superior sagittal sinus of pigs. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that this structure has a reticular conglomerate consisting of endothelial cells that resembles lymphatic linings. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy showed that they express molecules specific to lymphatic endothelial cell. We coined a name ‘CAG-like dural gap (CAG-LDG)’ to this structure and discussed the physiological relevance in terms of CSF drainage.
Dislocation of a polyethylene insert in an infected knee joint after a Triathlon total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ahmed Idrees , Murray James
Published: July 2020

This report presents the case of a 57-year-old male patient who underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using an uncemented Triathlon system and subsequently went on to develop a prosthetic joint infection (PJI) with eventual polyethylene insert dislocation. This report presents the clinical, radiological and surgical findings of the insert dislocation on the background of PJI and explores this rare complication of TKA by providing a summary of the literature on this topic.