bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate has contrasting direct and indirect effects on armed conflicts
Authors: Helman David , Zaitchik Benjamin F , Funk Chris
Published: July 2020

There is an active debate regarding the influence that climate has on the risk of armed conflict, which stems from challenges in assembling unbiased datasets, competing hypotheses on the mechanisms of climate influence, and the difficulty of disentangling direct and indirect climate effects. We use gridded historical non-state conflict records, satellite data, and land surface models in a structural equation modeling approach to uncover the direct and indirect effects of climate on violent conflicts in Africa and the Middle East (ME). We show that climate–conflict linkages in these regions are more complex than previously suggested, with multiple mechanisms at work. Warm temperatures and low rainfall direct effects on conflict risk were stronger than indirect effects through food and water supplies. Warming increases the risk of violence in Africa but unexpectedly decreases this risk in the ME. Furthermore, at the country level, warming decreases the risk of violence in most West African countries. Overall, we find a non-linear response of conflict to warming across countries that depends on the local temperature conditions. We further show that magnitude and sign of the effects largely depend on the scale of analysis and geographical context. These results imply that extreme caution should be exerted when attempting to explain or project local climate–conflict relationships based on a single, generalized theory.
Spectroscopic thickness and quality metrics for PtSe2 layers produced by top-down and bottom-up techniques
Authors: Szydłowska Beata M , Hartwig Oliver , Tywoniuk Bartlomiej , Hartman Tomáš , Stimpel-Lindner Tanja , Sofer Zdeněk , McEvoy Niall , Duesberg Georg S , Backes Claudia
Published: July 2020

Thin films of noble-metal-based transition metal dichalcogenides, such as PtSe2, have attracted increasing attention due to their interesting layer-number dependent properties and application potential. While it is difficult to cleave bulk crystals down to mono- and few-layers, a range of growth techniques have been established producing material of varying quality and layer number. However, to date, no reliable high-throughput characterization to assess layer number exists. Here, we use top-down liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) coupled with centrifugation to produce PtSe2 nanosheets of varying sizes and thicknesses with a low degree of basal plane defectiveness. Measurement of the dimensions by statistical atomic force microscopy allows us to quantitatively link information contained in optical spectra to the dimensions. For LPE nanosheets we establish metrics for lateral size and layer number based on extinction spectroscopy. Further, we compare the Raman spectroscopic response of LPE nanosheets with micromechanically exfoliated PtSe2, as well as thin films produced by a range of bottom up techniques. We demonstrate that the Eg
1 peak position and the intensity ratio of the Eg
1/A1g
1 peaks can serve as a robust metric for layer number across all sample types.This will be of importance in future benchmarking of PtSe2 films.
Preparation of superhydrophobic surface with tunable adhesion on glass substrate
Authors: Zhu Jiyuan , Liao Kaijin
Published: July 2020

Superhydrophobic coatings help to reduce the surface contamination of glass and improve its performance. A SiO2 nanoparticles superhydrophobic surface with tunable adhesion is obtained on a glass substrate after modifying with PDMS. With the water contact angle of 155.1 ± 3°, the superhydrophobic surface also shows excellent self-cleaning property, good durability and thermal stability. This method is facile, cost-effective and easy to operate and will expand the potential applications of glass materials in different fields.
Ni-coated graphene nanoplatelets and their application as reinforcements for WC-Co cemented carbides
Authors: Yuan Yigao , Xu Xingxing , Zhang Jianguo
Published: July 2020

In the current research, Ni-coated graphene nanoplatelets (Ni-GNPs) were fabricated by electroless Ni plating process. The Co-cemented tungsten carbides (WC-Co) samples doped with Ni-GNPs were obtained by vacuum hot pressing sintering. The effect of various content of Ni-GNPs on the mechanical and frictional properties of as-sintered WC-Co samples was investigated. Vickers hardness of WC-Co samples decreased from 1896 MPa to 1743 MPa with the content of Ni-GNPs varied from 0.0 wt% to 0.4 wt%. The fracture toughness reached to the highest value of 10.85 MPa · m1/2 with 0.05 wt% Ni-GNPs. The friction coefficient dropped from 0.43 of the sample with 0.0 wt% Ni-GNPs to 0.21 of the sample with 0.4 wt% Ni-GNPs. The results revealed that the Ni-GNPs have considerable effect on improving the combination properties of WC-Co cemented carbides. Within the mentioned content range, the optimal content of the Ni-GNPs in WC-Co sample was 0.05 wt%.
Tunable band alignment in boron carbon nitride and blue phosphorene van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Cao Liemao , Wu Qingyun , Ang Yee Sin , Ang L K
Published: July 2020

The hybrid monolayer of boron nitride and graphene, namely the BC
x
N monolayer, has been recently revealed as a direct bandgap semiconductor with exceptional thermal, mechanical and optical properties. The integration of such monolayer with other 2D materials into a van der Waals heterostructure (VDWH), however, remains largely unexplored thus far. In this work, we investigate the electronic and structural properties of a new class of VDWH obtained via the vertical stacking of BC
x
N (x = 2, 6) and blue phosphorene monolayers. By using first-principle density functional theory (DFT) simulation, we show that BC
x
N couples to the blue phosphorene layer via weak van der Waals interactions and exhibits a type-II band alignment which is beneficial for electron-hole pair separation in photodetection and solar cell applications. Intriguingly, changing the interlayer separation induces a indirect-to-direct band gap transition which changes the band alignment types of the VDWH. The interlayer separation, which can be readily tuned via a vertical strain, thus provides a useful tuning knob for switching the heterostructures between type-I and type-II VDWHs. Our findings reveals the BC
x
N-based VDWH as a versatile material platform with tunable band alignments, thus opening a route towards novel VDWH-based optoelectronic devices.
Mixed-Methods Randomized Evaluation of FAMS: A Mobile Phone-Delivered Intervention to Improve Family/Friend Involvement in Adults’ Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care
Authors: Mayberry Lindsay S , Berg Cynthia A , Greevy Robert A , Nelson Lyndsay A , Bergner Erin M , Wallston Kenneth A , Harper Kryseana J , Elasy Tom A
Published: July 2020

Background

Family and friends have both helpful and harmful effects on adults’ diabetes self-management. Family-focused Add-on to Motivate Self-care (FAMS) is a mobile phone-delivered intervention designed to improve family/friend involvement, self-efficacy, and self-care via monthly phone coaching, texts tailored to goals, and the option to invite a support person to receive texts.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate how FAMS was received by a diverse group of adults with Type 2 diabetes and if FAMS improved diabetes-specific family/friend involvement (increased helpful and reduced harmful), diabetes self-efficacy, and self-care (diet and physical activity). We also assessed if improvements in family/friend involvement mediated improvements in self-efficacy and self-care.

Methods

Participants were prospectively assigned to enhanced treatment as usual (control), an individualized text messaging intervention alone, or the individualized text messaging intervention plus FAMS for 6 months. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and postintervention interviews. Between-group and multiple mediator analyses followed intention-to-treat principles.

Results

Retention, engagement, and fidelity were high. FAMS was well received and helped participants realize the value of involving family/friends in their care. Relative to control, FAMS participants had improved family/friend involvement, self-efficacy, and diet (but not physical activity) at 3 and 6 months (all ps < .05). Improvements in family/friend involvement mediated effects on self-efficacy and diet for FAMS participants but not for the individualized intervention group.

Conclusions

The promise of effectively engaging patients’ family and friends lies in sustained long-term behavior change. This work represents a first step toward this goal by demonstrating how content targeting helpful and harmful family/friend involvement can drive short-term effects.

Trial Registration Number

NCT02481596.
Latinx Health Disparities Research During COVID-19: Challenges and Innovations
Authors: Harkness Audrey , Gattamorta Karina A , Estrada Yannine , Jimenez Daniel , Kanamori Mariano , Prado Guillermo , Behar-Zusman Victoria
Published: July 2020

Background

The Center for Latino Health Research Opportunities (CLaRO) supports and facilitates research addressing substance abuse, violence/trauma, and HIV/AIDS among diverse and underserved Latinx populations. CLaRO runs a pilot awards program for early-stage investigators conducting Latinx health disparities research. This pilot awards program was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating innovative responses for research continuity.

Purpose

The purpose of this commentary is to describe the challenges and innovative research methods developed in response to COVID-19 to continue Latinx health disparities research in the context of COVID-19.

Methods/Results

This commentary provides a brief description of each CLaRO pilot project, the challenges introduced by COVID-19, and innovative research methods to continue Latinx health disparities research during and beyond COVID-19.

Conclusions

Despite the challenges COVID-19 presents to the continuity of health disparities research, it also presents unprecedented opportunities to innovate. Such innovation is essential for solving persistent scientific, public health, and clinical challenges underlying current and emerging health disparities.
Recurrent Autoimmune Hepatitis and De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis in the Liver Allograft
Authors: González Iván A , Hartley Christopher P , Nalbantoglu ILKe
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a form of severe hepatitis that can recur after orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). Presentation of AIH in patients with OLT who do not have a history of AIH is called de novo AIH (DNAIH). We evaluated the clinicopathologic characteristics of AIH and DNAIH.

Methods

Clinicopathologic and outcome measures of 11 patients with recurrent AIH (RAIH) and 22 with DNAIH identified between 2000 and 2017 were compared.

Results

Both cohorts showed female predominance. The mean clinical follow-up was 13 and 7.8 years in the in the RAIH and DNAIH groups, respectively (P = .1). Moderate portal inflammation was more common in patients with RAIH (64% vs 27%, P = .043). A trend was observed for more cases of DNAIH showing severe inflammation (36% vs 9%, P = .09) and submassive necrosis compared with RAIH (23% vs 0%, P = .086). A trend for more advanced fibrosis was also noted in the RAIH group (27% vs 5%, P = .059). Three patients with RAIH lost their grafts because of RAIH. Five-year disease-specific graft survival (GS) (P = .012) and overall GS (P = .015) were worse in patients with RAIH. Complement component 4d immunohistochemistry was positive in 2 patients with RAIH and 3 with DNAIH but showed no correlation with GS or other parameters.

Conclusions

RAIH seems to have a more aggressive clinical course than DNAIH and warrants closer clinical follow-up and aggressive treatment.
pyGenomeTracks: reproducible plots for multivariate genomic datasets
Authors: Lopez-Delisle Lucille , Rabbani Leily , Wolff Joachim , Bhardwaj Vivek , Backofen Rolf , Grüning Björn , Ramírez Fidel , Manke Thomas
Published: July 2020

Motivation

Generating publication ready plots to display multiple genomic tracks can pose a serious challenge. Making desirable and accurate figures requires considerable effort. This is usually done by hand or using a vector graphic software.

Results

pyGenomeTracks (PGT) is a modular plotting tool that easily combines multiple tracks. It enables a reproducible and standardized generation of highly customizable and publication ready images.

Availability and implementation

PGT is available through a graphical interface on https://usegalaxy.eu and through the command line. It is provided on conda via the bioconda channel, on pip and it is openly developed on github: https://github.com/deeptools/pyGenomeTracks.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GeoMine: interactive pattern mining of protein–ligand interfaces in the Protein Data Bank
Authors: Diedrich Konrad , Graef Joel , Schöning-Stierand Katrin , Rarey Matthias
Published: July 2020

The searching of user-defined 3D queries in molecular interfaces is a computationally challenging problem that is not satisfactorily solved so far. Most of the few existing tools focused on that purpose are desktop based and not openly available. Besides that, they show a lack of query versatility, search efficiency and user-friendliness. We address this issue with GeoMine, a publicly available web application that provides textual, numerical and geometrical search functionality for protein–ligand binding sites derived from structural data contained in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The query generation is supported by a 3D representation of a start structure that provides interactively selectable elements like atoms, bonds and interactions. GeoMine gives full control over geometric variability in the query while performing a deterministic, precise search. Reasonably selective queries are processed on the entire set of protein–ligand complexes in the PDB within a few minutes. GeoMine offers an interactive and iterative search process of successive result analyses and query adaptations. From the numerous potential applications, we picked two from the field of side-effect analyze showcasing the usefulness of GeoMine.

Availability and implementation

GeoMine is part of the ProteinsPlus web application suite and freely available at https://proteins.plus.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
VRmol: an integrative web-based virtual reality system to explore macromolecular structure
Authors: Xu Kui , Liu Nan , Xu Jingle , Guo Chunlong , Zhao Lingyun , Wang Hong-Wei , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff
Published: July 2020

Structural visualization and analysis are fundamental to explore macromolecular functions. Here, we present a novel integrative web-based virtual reality (VR) system—VRmol, to visualize and study molecular structures in an immersive virtual environment. Importantly, it is integrated with multiple online databases and is able to couple structure studies with associated genomic variations and drug information in a visual interface by cloud-based drug docking. VRmol thus can serve as an integrative platform to aid structure-based translational research and drug design.

Availability and implementation

VRmol is freely available (https://VRmol.net), with detailed manual and tutorial (https://VRmol.net/docs). The code of VRmol is available as open source under the MIT license at http://github.com/kuixu/VRmol.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Poisson reduced-rank models with an application to political text data
Authors: Jentsch Carsten , Lee Eun Ryung , Mammen Enno
Published: July 2020

We discuss Poisson reduced-rank models for low-dimensional summaries of high-dimensional Poisson vectors that allow inference on the location of individuals in a low-dimensional space. We show that under weak dependence conditions, which allow for certain correlations between the Poisson random variables, the locations can be consistently estimated using Poisson maximum likelihood estimation. Moreover, we develop consistent rules for determining the dimension of the location from the discrete data. Our main motivation for studying Poisson reduced-rank models arises from applications to political text data, where word counts in a political document are modelled by Poisson random variables. We apply our method to party manifesto data taken from German political parties across seven federal elections following German reunification, to make statistical inferences on the multi-dimensional evolution of party positions.
Anti-inflammatories in Alzheimer’s disease—potential therapy or spurious correlate?
Authors: Rivers-Auty Jack , Mather Alison E , Peters Ruth , Lawrence Catherine B , Brough David
Published: July 2020

Epidemiological evidence suggests non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, clinical trials have found no evidence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug efficacy. This incongruence may be due to the wrong non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being tested in robust clinical trials or the epidemiological findings being caused by confounding factors. Therefore, this study used logistic regression and the innovative approach of negative binomial generalized linear mixed modelling to investigate both prevalence and cognitive decline, respectively, in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging dataset for each commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and paracetamol. Use of most non-steroidal anti-inflammatories was associated with reduced Alzheimer’s disease prevalence yet no effect on cognitive decline was observed. Paracetamol had a similar effect on prevalence to these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs suggesting this association is independent of the anti-inflammatory effects and that previous results may be due to spurious associations. Interestingly, diclofenac use was significantly associated with both reduce incidence and slower cognitive decline warranting further research into the potential therapeutic effects of diclofenac in Alzheimer’s disease.
Rapid MSPD-LC–MS/MS Procedure for Determination of Pesticides in Potato Tubers
Authors: Danek Magdalena , Sajdak Marcin , Płonka Joanna , Barchańska Hanna
Published: July 2020

The program of potato protection recommended by the producers of agrochemicals requires application: thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, rimsulfuron and metalaxyl. Therefore, there is a risk that these pesticides are present in tubers, thus posing a toxicological risk to the consumer. In this respect, it is necessary to monitor the presence of these compounds in edible plants. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to develop a novel, simple and robust analytical procedure for simultaneous determination of above-mentioned pesticides in potato tubers. To develop an analytical procedure that fulfills SANTE demands, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method and matrix solid phase dispersion technique were investigated. The final determination was conducted by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The obtained experimental data were analyzed by analysis of variance. For the extraction of analytes, matrix solid phase dispersion with octadecyl sorbent and methanol as eluent was chosen, since it provides the validation parameters according to SANTE requirements (recovery: 77–111%, relative standard deviation: 1–10%, limit of quantification: 0.9–5.0 μg/kg). This innovative analytical procedure is a practical analytical tool, which was successfully proven by applying it for target pesticides determination in potato tuber samples of different varieties randomly chosen at local markets.
Scalar postpolitics, inclusive growth and inclusive economies: challenging the Greater Manchester agglomeration model
Authors: Deas Iain , Haughton Graham , Ward Kevin
Published: July 2020

This article examines the changing scalar political relations underpinning English city-regional governance. Drawing on case study research in Greater Manchester, the article demonstrates how locally rooted discourses around inclusive growth and inclusive economies have been deployed to challenge the city-region’s historically dominant agglomeration-based model. Using the analytical lens of scalar postpolitics, the article shows how the earlier technocratic approach adopted by national and city-region leaders attracted criticism in the face of continuing socio-spatial inequalities within Greater Manchester. We highlight the contrasting experiences of Oldham and Trafford, two boroughs of Greater Manchester, to reveal how local geographies were central to challenging the previously dominant model and promoting new thinking around inclusive growth and inclusive economies.
Increased incidence and improved prognosis of glomerulonephritis: a national 30-year study
Authors: Heaf James G , Sørensen Søren S , Hansen Alastair
Published: July 2020

Background

While there are many cross-sectional studies of glomerulonephritis (GN) incidence, changes in incidence over time, particularly in the 21st century have received less attention. Similarly, little is known about temporal changes in GN prognosis. The presence in Denmark of comprehensive registries for renal biopsy results, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), comorbidity and mortality permit these questions to be addressed.

Methods

Data for all renal biopsies in Denmark between 1985 and 2014 were extracted from the Danish Renal Biopsy Registry and Patobank registries. The date of first dialysis or transplantation was extracted from the Danish Nephrology Registry for those patients developing ESRD. Dates of death and presence of chronic comorbid conditions at date of biopsy were extracted from the National Patient Registry. The incidence of GN, adjusted to the 2013 European standard population, was calculated. ESRD incidence and mortality were calculated, both in absolute terms and after correction for age, comorbidity and presence of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

Results

The incidence rose from 33.3 patients per million (ppm)/year in 1985–94 to 46.5 ppm in 2005–14. The increase could in part be related to changes in renal biopsy policy. Large increases in Anti-neutropil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis (ANCAV) (3.1–7.7 ppm/year) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (1.5–5.7 ppm/year) incidence were noted. The biopsy-proven prevalence of GN in 2014 was 748 ppm of which 155 ppm were being treated with dialysis or transplantation. Adjusted ESRD incidence fell by 25% during the study period, mortality by 62% and combined ESRD/mortality by 46%. The fall in ESRD incidence was limited to minimal change GN, FSGS, membranous GN and lupus nephritis, while reductions in mortality, and the combination of ESRD and/or death, were seen for nearly all GN diagnoses.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the incidence of GN has generally increased between 1985 and 2014, but some of the increase may be related to changes in renal biopsy policy. Major increases in FSGS and ANCAV incidence have occurred. The prognosis of GN, both as regards ESRD and mortality, has improved.
The use of novel oral anticoagulants compared to vitamin K antagonists (warfarin) in patients with left ventricular thrombus after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Jones Daniel A , Wright Paul , Alizadeh Momin A , Fhadil Sadeer , Rathod Krishnaraj S , Guttmann Oliver , Knight Charles , Timmis Adam , Baumbach Andreas , Wragg Andrew , Mathur Anthony , Antoniou Sotiris
Published: July 2020

Aim

Current guidelines recommend the use of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for up to 3–6 months for treatment of left ventricular (LV) thrombus post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, based on evidence supporting non-inferiority of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) compared to VKA for other indications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (PE), and thromboembolic prevention in atrial fibrillation, NOACs are being increasingly used off licence for the treatment of LV thrombus post-AMI. In this study, we investigated the safety and effect of NOACs compared to VKA on LV thrombus resolution in patients presenting with AMI.

Methods and results

This was an observational study of 2328 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography ± percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI between May 2015 and December 2018, at a UK cardiac centre. Patients’ details were collected from the hospital electronic database. The primary endpoint was rate of LV thrombus resolution with bleeding rates a secondary outcome. Left ventricular thrombus was diagnosed in 101 (4.3%) patients. Sixty patients (59.4%) were started on VKA and 41 patients (40.6%) on NOAC therapy (rivaroxaban: 58.5%, apixaban: 36.5%, and edoxaban: 5.0%). Both groups were well matched in terms of baseline characteristics including age, previous cardiac history (previous myocardial infarction, PCI, coronary artery bypass grafting), and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia). Over the follow-up period (median 2.2 years), overall rates of LV thrombus resolution were 86.1%. There was greater and earlier LV thrombus resolution in the NOAC group compared to patients treated with warfarin (82% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.0018, at 1 year), which persisted after adjusting for baseline variables (odds ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2–2.9). Major bleeding events during the follow-up period were lower in the NOAC group, compared with VKA group (0% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.030) with no difference in rates of systemic thromboembolism (5% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.388).

Conclusion

These data suggest improved thrombus resolution in post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) LV thrombosis in patients treated with NOACs compared to VKAs. This improvement in thrombus resolution was accompanied with a better safety profile for NOAC patients vs. VKA-treated patients. Thus, provides data to support a randomized trial to answer this question.
Improved cardiovascular risk prediction using targeted plasma proteomics in primary prevention
Authors: Hoogeveen Renate M , Pereira João P Belo , Nurmohamed Nick S , Zampoleri Veronica , Bom Michiel J , Baragetti Andrea , Boekholdt S Matthijs , Knaapen Paul , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J , Groen Albert K , Catapano Alberico L , Koenig Wolfgang , Levin Evgeni , Stroes Erik S G
Published: July 2020

Aims

In the era of personalized medicine, it is of utmost importance to be able to identify subjects at the highest cardiovascular (CV) risk. To date, single biomarkers have failed to markedly improve the estimation of CV risk. Using novel technology, simultaneous assessment of large numbers of biomarkers may hold promise to improve prediction. In the present study, we compared a protein-based risk model with a model using traditional risk factors in predicting CV events in the primary prevention setting of the European Prospective Investigation (EPIC)-Norfolk study, followed by validation in the Progressione della Lesione Intimale Carotidea (PLIC) cohort.

Methods and results

Using the proximity extension assay, 368 proteins were measured in a nested case–control sample of 822 individuals from the EPIC-Norfolk prospective cohort study and 702 individuals from the PLIC cohort. Using tree-based ensemble and boosting methods, we constructed a protein-based prediction model, an optimized clinical risk model, and a model combining both. In the derivation cohort (EPIC-Norfolk), we defined a panel of 50 proteins, which outperformed the clinical risk model in the prediction of myocardial infarction [area under the curve (AUC) 0.754 vs. 0.730; P < 0.001] during a median follow-up of 20 years. The clinically more relevant prediction of events occurring within 3 years showed an AUC of 0.732 using the clinical risk model and an AUC of 0.803 for the protein model (P < 0.001). The predictive value of the protein panel was confirmed to be superior to the clinical risk model in the validation cohort (AUC 0.705 vs. 0.609; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a primary prevention setting, a proteome-based model outperforms a model comprising clinical risk factors in predicting the risk of CV events. Validation in a large prospective primary prevention cohort is required to address the value for future clinical implementation in CV prevention.
Lefschetz Theory for Exterior Algebras and Fermionic Diagonal Coinvariants
Authors: Kim Jongwon , Rhoades Brendon
Published: July 2020

Let $W$ be an irreducible complex reflection group acting on its reflection representation $V$. We consider the doubly graded action of $W$ on the exterior algebra $\wedge (V \oplus V^*)$ as well as its quotient $DR_W:= \wedge (V \oplus V^*)/ \langle \wedge (V \oplus V^*)^{W}_+ \rangle $ by the ideal generated by its homogeneous $W$-invariants with vanishing constant term. We describe the bigraded isomorphism type of $DR_W$; when $W = {{\mathfrak{S}}}_n$ is the symmetric group, the answer is a difference of Kronecker products of hook-shaped ${{\mathfrak{S}}}_n$-modules. We relate the Hilbert series of $DR_W$ to the (type A) Catalan and Narayana numbers and describe a standard monomial basis of $DR_W$ using a variant of Motzkin paths. Our methods are type-uniform and involve a Lefschetz-like theory, which applies to the exterior algebra $\wedge (V \oplus V^*)$.
The efficiency–thoroughness trade-off after implementation of electronic medication management: a qualitative study in paediatric oncology
Authors: Baysari Melissa T , van Dort Bethany A , Prgomet Mirela , Zheng Wu Yi , Raban Magdalena Z , Dalla-Pozza Luciano , Mccullagh Cheryl , Westbrook Johanna
Published: July 2020

Objective

The efficiency–thoroughness trade-off (ETTO) principle proposes that people and organizations are often required to make a trade-off between being efficient and being thorough, as it is difficult to be both efficient and thorough at the same time. This study aimed to compare pre- electronic medication management system (EMMS) expectation of how an EMMS is likely to impact on efficiency and thoroughness to post-EMM experiences of an EMMS and the ETTO.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting

A paediatric oncology cancer centre in a large paediatric tertiary teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Participants

Forty-four semi-structured interviews with doctors, nurses and pharmacists six months prior to and two years following implementation of an EMMS.

Results

Prior to EMM implementation, staff identified a number of areas of work where both efficiency and thoroughness were expected to improve with EMM. These included ease of accessibility of the medication record, and organization and legibility of medication information. Following EMMS implementation, staff reported improvements in these areas. However, the EMMS was perceived to drive thoroughness (safety) benefits at the expense of efficiency (time). Measures to improve safety in the EMMS enforced processes that required time, such as medication double-checking procedures.

Conclusions

Overall, staff were aware of the competitive interplay between thoroughness and efficiency and reported that introduction of an EMMS had imposed processes that favoured improvements in thoroughness at the expense of efficiency.
Early therapeutic monitoring of β-lactams and associated therapy outcomes in critically ill patients
Authors: Al-Shaer Mohammad H , Rubido Eric , Cherabuddi Kartikeya , Venugopalan Veena , Klinker Kenneth , Peloquin Charles
Published: July 2020

Background

In the ICU, early and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is important to lower infection-related mortality.

Objectives

Assess whether achieving early β-lactam free concentration above the MIC 100% of the time (fT>MIC) is associated with positive outcomes in the ICU.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in ICU patients admitted to UF Health Shands Hospital between 2016 and 2018. Adult patients who received β-lactam therapy and had drug concentration measured were included. Data collected included demographics, β-lactam regimens and concentrations, sources of infection, cultures and susceptibilities, mortality, length of stay, resistance acquisition for 30 days and clinical outcome at end of therapy. Multiple regression and time-to-event (TTE) analyses were performed.

Results

Two-hundred and six patients were included. Clinical cure occurred in 71%, microbial eradication occurred in 58% and new resistance to the β-lactam received developed in 8% of patients. Hospital and 30 day mortalities were 17% and 14%, respectively. fT>MIC and fT>4×MIC were associated with clinical cure (P = 0.0303), microbial eradication (P = 0.0476) and suppression of resistance (P = 0.0043). Delay in measuring β-lactam concentration was associated with clinical failure (P = 0.0072), longer ICU stay (P < 0.0001) and higher mortality (P = 0.0387). In the TTE analysis, patients with 100% fT>MIC had a significantly shorter ICU stay (P = 0.0297). Patients who had clinical cure and microbial eradication had drug concentrations measured earlier (P = 0.0025 and 0.0254, respectively).

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of early measurement of β-lactam concentration and confirms the association between fT>MIC and clinical cure, microbial eradication and emergence of resistance.
Impacts of Mycoplasma loads and lung lesions on immune and hematological statuses of pigs in an eight-breed cross heterogeneous population
Authors: Zhang Qing , Li Jing , Huang Tao , Zhang Yifeng , Xu Wenwu , Huang Lusheng , Ai Huashui , Yang Bin
Published: July 2020

Developments of pulmonary diseases, often accompanied by infections of bacteria, severely affect the meat production and welfare of pigs. This study investigated 307 pigs at age of 240 d from an eight-breed cross reared under standardized housing conditions for associations among the extent of lung lesions, bacteria load inferred from 16S rRNA sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as 57 immune cells and 25 hematological traits. We showed that the pigs under study suffered substantial and varied lung lesions, and the Mycoplasma is the most associated bacteria genera. At a false discovery rate of 0.05 (FDR < 0.05), the severity of lung lesions were significantly associated with greater CD8+ to CD3+ cell ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and standard deviation of red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW-SD), and lower CD4−CD8−/CD3+, CD3+CD4−CD8−/PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and CD14−CD16−/PBMCs cell ratios, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte count percentage, reflecting an status of inflammation, immune suppression, and hypoxia of the pigs accompanying the progression of the lung lesions. The Mycoplasma abundance showed positive correlations with neutrophil count, neutrophil count percentage, NLR, monocyte count, coefficient of variation in red blood cell volume distribution width , and RDW-SD, and negative correlations with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte count percentage; these correlations are largely consistent with those of lung lesions, supporting the comorbidity of lung lesions and Mycoplasma infection. We also observed nonlinear associations that sharp increases in neutrophil count and neutrophil count percentage occurred only when Mycoplasma abundance raised above the population-average level. The results provide helpful insights into the changes of host immune status in response to Mycoplasma relevant lung diseases in pigs.
Re H (A Child) (Parental Responsibility: Vaccination): The Merits of Adopting A Softer Approach To Vaccination of A Child in Care?
Authors: Ó Néill Clayton
Published: July 2020

In Re H (A Child) (Parental Responsibility: Vaccination), the Court of Appeal decided that vaccination did not represent ‘grave’ or ‘serious’ medical treatment and determined that, in the case of a child under the care of a Local Authority, court authorization for consent to and arrangement of vaccination is no longer required. This is due to the strong medical evidence in support of vaccination. Thus, with due reference to 33(3)(b) Children Act 1989 and while considering proportionality and, particularly, the proportionate response to interference with the parents’ right to respect for private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the court held that vaccination is in line with the best interests of the child. This commentary supports this judgment but identifies a slight prospective anomaly in the approach adopted to children in care and those who are not in care. The resolution of this dichotomy lies in broadening the scope of King LJ’s approach in this case.
Efficient potential-tuning strategy through p-type doping for designing cathodes with ultrahigh energy density
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Da , Zou Zheyi , Song Tao , Ni Dixing , Li Zhenzhu , Shao Xuecheng , Yin Wanjian , Wang Yanchao , Luo Wenwei , Wu Musheng , Avdeev Maxim , Xu Bo , Shi Siqi , Ouyang Chuying , Chen Liquan
Published: July 2020

Designing new cathodes with high capacity and moderate potential is the key to breaking the energy density ceiling imposed by current intercalation chemistry on rechargeable batteries. The carbonaceous materials provide high capacities but their low potentials limit their application to anodes. Here, we show that Fermi level tuning by p-type doping can be an effective way of dramatically raising electrode potential. We demonstrate that Li(Na)BCF2/Li(Na)B2C2F2 exhibit such change in Fermi level, enabling them to accommodate Li+(Na+) with capacities of 290–400 (250–320) mAh g−1 at potentials of 3.4–3.7 (2.7–2.9) V, delivering ultrahigh energy densities of 1000–1500 Wh kg−1. This work presents a new strategy in tuning electrode potential through electronic band structure engineering.
A Tailored Approach to Cortical Bone Track for Spine Fixation Surgery: 3-Dimensional Printed Custom Made Guides for Screws Placement: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Marengo Nicola , Ajello Marco , Cofano Fabio , Santonio Filippo Veneziani , Monticelli Matteo , Di Perna Giuseppe , Zenga Francesco , Garbossa Diego
Published: July 2020

Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation is an attractive technique.
1-4
However, the ideal insertion of those screws could be technically demanding.
5,6
The use of 3-dimensional (3D) patient-matched guides increase safety for CBT screws implantation.
7
In this video, the case of a 46 yr old male is presented. He complained low back pain with left sciatica. magnetic resonance imaging showed an L5/S1 degenerative disc disease with left herniation. The patient was positioned prone; the L5 spinous process was identified under fluoroscopic guidance than skin incision was performed. Preserving the cranial facet joints, spinous processes and laminae of L5 and S1 vertebrae were exposed. Guides were positioned on the corresponding vertebra and the contact areas checked to avoid any discrepancy. With a high-speed drill the cortical bone was violated through the guide tubes. The drill itself has a stop mechanism provided by the guides. With this mechanism the drilling can be safely performed up to the planned depth. Guidewires were than introduced into the pedicle and body of the vertebra; undertapping could be performed with cannulated instrument. Laminectomy and facetectomy were performed. Diskectomy was performed, then a titanium kidney-shaped pivoting cage was implanted. Four Screws were finally placed. Proper positioning of the implants were verified on fluoroscopy and on the postoperative computed tomography scan confirming the accuracy of the trajectory.

 All procedures performed for this study were in accordance with the ethical standards of our Institute and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

 Written informed consent was obtained from the patient who is operated in this video.
Profiling the Extent and Location of Pain in Migraine and Cervicogenic Headache: A Cross-sectional Single-Site Observational Study
Authors: Uthaikhup Sureeporn , Barbero Marco , Falla Deborah , Sremakaew Munlika , Tanrprawate Surat , Nudsasarn Angkana
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The primary aim was to quantify and compare the location and extent of pain in people with either episodic migraine, chronic migraine, or cervicogenic headache. A secondary aim was to examine the associations between pain extent and headache features, quality of life, and psychological distress for each headache type.

Design

A cross-sectional, single-site, observational study.

Setting

Headache outpatient clinic.

Subjects

From a sample of 390 patients, 114 patients with migraine or cervicogenic headache (48 episodic migraine, 30 chronic migraine, 36 cervicogenic headache) were eligible for the study.

Methods

Pain location and extent were determined using a novel approach for digital pain drawing acquisition and analysis. Headache features included intensity and history duration. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 and psychological distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

Overall, pain was most frequently reported in the frontal and temporal regions in patients with either episodic or chronic migraine, whereas pain was most frequent in the suboccipital region in patients with cervicogenic headache. A larger pain extent was moderately correlated with higher headache intensity (rs = 0.53, P = 0.003) and poorer quality of life (rs ranged from –0.36 to –0.40, P < 0.05) in patients with chronic migraine, whereas pain extent was associated with longer headache duration in those with cervicogenic headache (rs = 0.35, P = 0.04). No correlation was found between pain extent and psychological features for any headache type (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite some differences, there was a large symptomatic overlap between headache types, highlighting the limitations of using pain location in the differential diagnosis of headache.
The COVID-19 Shock and Equity Shortfall: Firm-Level Evidence from Italy
Authors: Carletti Elena , Oliviero Tommaso , Pagano Marco , Pelizzon Loriana , Subrahmanyam Marti G
Published: July 2020

We employ a representative sample of 80,972 Italian firms to forecast the drop in profits and the equity shortfall triggered by the COVID-19 lockdown. A 3-month lockdown generates an aggregate yearly drop in profits of about 10% of GDP, and 17% of sample firms, which employ 8.8% of the sample’s employees, become financially distressed. Distress is more frequent for small and medium-sized enterprises, for firms with high pre-COVID-19 leverage, and for firms belonging to the Manufacturing and Wholesale Trading sectors. Listed companies are less likely to enter distress, whereas the correlation between distress rates and family firm ownership is weak. (JEL G01, G32, G33)

Received July 8, 2020; editorial decision July 20, 2020 by Editor Uday Rajan.
Monetary Policy for a Bubbly World
Authors: Asriyan Vladimir , Fornaro Luca , Martin Alberto , Ventura Jaume
Published: July 2020

What is the role of monetary policy in a bubbly world? To address this question, we study an economy in which financial frictions limit the supply of assets. The ensuing scarcity generates a demand for “unbacked” assets, i.e., assets that are backed only by the expectation of their future value. We consider two types of unbacked assets: bubbles, which are created by the private sector, and money, which is created by the central bank. Bubbles and money share many features, but they also differ in two crucial respects. First, while the rents from the creation of bubbles accrue to entrepreneurs and foster investment, the rents from money creation accrue to the central bank. Second, while bubbles are driven by market psychology, and can rise and fall according to the whims of the market, money is under the control of the central bank. We characterize the optimal monetary policy and show that, through its ability to supply assets, monetary policy plays a key role in the bubbly world. The model sheds light on the recent expansion of central bank liabilities in response to the bursting of bubbles.
Religious Diversity Reconsidered: Local Religious Contexts and Individual Religiosity
Authors: Lim Chaeyoon , de Graaf Nan Dirk
Published: July 2020

This study examines how the religious composition of a local U.S. population shapes an individual’s religious involvement. We reconsider Berger’s plausibility thesis and unpack its theoretical mechanisms by (1) conceptualizing religious diversity from each religious group’s perspective, because a specific local religious environment has different implications depending on one’s religion; (2) decomposing the diversity of the population into the religious outgroup’s share and diversity; and (3) including non-affiliated as part of local religious contexts. Furthermore, we adjust for the detailed categories of religious family in a multilevel framework, which addresses the problem of non-substantive correlation and potential heterogeneity among religious groups. Focusing on Protestants, Catholics, and non-affiliated, the analysis reveals that although religious diversity, especially the share of the religious outgroup, tends to be associated negatively with an individual’s religious involvement, there are important differences in how religious diversity is related to religiosity among different religious groups including Protestants and Catholics.
Assessing the entomo-epidemiological situation of Chagas disease in rural communities in the state of Piauí, Brazilian semi-arid region
Authors: dos Santos Jessica P , da Silva Renato , Ricardo-Silva Alice Helena , Verly Thaiane , Britto Constança , Evangelista Brenda B C , Rocha-Silva Liliene , da Silva Darlane F M , Oliveira Rony A , Pereira Edvan , Monteiro Kerla J L , Carvalho-Costa Filipe A , Mallet Jacenir dos S
Published: July 2020

Background

In northeastern Brazil, the wild nature of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors has challenged control actions. This study aims to describe the entomological and epidemiological scenario of Chagas disease in rural communities in the state of Piauí.

Methods

A cross-sectional study (n=683 individuals/244 dwellings) was carried out to obtain serum samples, sociodemographic data and intra- and peridomestic triatomines.

Results

The overall seroprevalence rate was 8.1%, with no positive tests among subjects <30 y of age. Prevalence rates reached 34.3% and 39.1% among subjects 61–75 and >75 y of age, respectively; 1474 triatomines were collected, of which 90.3% were found in peridomiciliary structures and 9.7% inside houses; 87.2% were classified as Triatoma brasiliensis. T. cruzi infection rates in insects were 0.5% by light microscopy and 0.9% by culture in NNN/LIT medium. Five cultivated isolates were submitted to molecular genotyping, three of which were identified as T. cruzi I and two as T. cruzi II.

Conclusions

Although no vector transmission currently occurs, prevalence rates are high in adults and the elderly. This disease should be targeted by primary healthcare providers. Insect surveillance and control activities should not be discontinued in an environment favourable to the perpetuation of house colonization by triatomines.
Visual Elicitation
Authors: Orr Elizabeth R. , Ballantyne Marilyn , Gonzalez Andrea , Jack Susan M.
Published: July 2020

Generating rich data from interviews for a qualitative study can be difficult to operationalize; especially when difficulties establishing rapport, power imbalances, and participant factors threaten the interview process and quality of data. The aim of this methods article is to (a) discuss the value of incorporating visual elicitation tools or tasks within semistructured or in-depth qualitative interviews to enhance the depth of data generated and (b) provide a specific example of how this is planned and executed within the context of an applied qualitative health research study.