bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-principles study of the structure, elastic constants, electronic and thermodynamic properties of C15 laves phase ZrMo2
Authors: Liu Xianbo , Zhu Jun
Published: July 2020

The structure, elastic constants and electron state density of ZrMo2 in [Formula: see text]15 phase are investigated by pseudopotential plane-wave method based on density functional theory (DFT). The thermodynamic properties are studied with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The calculated results are in good agreement with the previous experimental results and theoretical simulations. The calculated phonon spectra and elastic constants show that [Formula: see text]15 phase of ZrMo2 is mechanically stable. Through the analysis of [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] value and Poisson’s ratio, [Formula: see text]15 phase of ZrMo2 shows ductility at 0–150 GPa, and it increases with the increment of pressure. We further explore the mechanism of the metallic properties by analyzing the electronic density of states. In addition, Debye temperature, thermal expansion coefficient and heat capacity as a function of pressure and temperature is discussed, respectively.
A New Method for Ranking Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Numbers Based on Mellin Transform
Authors: Gong Yanbing , Xiang Lin , Yang Shuxin , Ma Hailiang
Published: July 2020

Interval type-2 fuzzy sets provide us with additional degrees of freedom to represent the uncertainty and the fuzziness of the real word than traditional type-1 fuzzy sets. Interval type-2 fuzzy numbers ranking has an important role in the decision making analysis. In this paper, the probatilistic mean value and variance of interval type-2 fuzzy numbers are proposed based on the Mellin transform for type-1 fuzzy numbers. The interval type-2 fuzzy number with the higher mean is ranked higher. If the mean values are equal the one with the smaller variance is judged higher rank. On this basis, some new distance measures and possibility degree formula are proposed to comparing interval type-2 fuzzy numbers based on their Mellin mean value and variance. Some benchmarking numerical examples are given, and some interpretation issues are explained.
Mabel Elizabeth Tomlinson and Isabel Ellie Knaggs: two overlooked early female Fellows of the Geological Society
Authors: Burek Cynthia V.
Published: July 2020

The first female Fellows of the Geological Society of London were elected in May 1919. Brief biographies were documented by Burek in 2009 as part of the celebrations for the bicentenary of the Geological Society. While some of those women were well known (e.g. Gertrude Elles and Ethel Wood), others had seemingly been forgotten. In the decade since that publication, information has come to light about those we knew so little about. There are, however, still some details evading research. From 1919 until 1925, 33 women were elected FGS, including Isobel Ellie Knaggs (1922) and Mabel Tomlinson (1924). Mabel Tomlinson had two careers, and is remembered both as an extraordinary teacher and a Pleistocene geologist. She was awarded the Lyell Fund in 1937 and R.H. Worth Prize in 1961, one of only 13 women to have received two awards from the Geological Society. She inspired the educational Tomlinson–Brown Trust. Isabel Knaggs was born in South Africa and died in Australia but spent all her school, university and working years in England. She made significant contributions to crystallography, working with eminent crystallography scientists while remaining a lifelong FGS. The achievements of Tomlinson and Knaggs are considerable, which makes their relative present-day obscurity rather puzzling.
COVID-19 and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Risk Assessment, Shared Molecular Pathways, and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Popa Iolanda Valentina , Diculescu Mircea , Mihai Cătălina , Cijevschi-Prelipcean Cristina , Burlacu Alexandru
Published: July 2020

Background. The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 disease is yielding a global outbreak with severe threats to public health. In this paper, we aimed at reviewing the current knowledge about COVID-19 infectious risk status in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients requiring immunosuppressive medication. We also focused on several molecular insights that could explain why IBD patients appear not to have higher risks of infection and worse outcomes in COVID-19 than the general population in an attempt to provide scientific support for safer decisions in IBD patient care. Methods. PubMed electronic database was interrogated for relevant articles involving data about common molecular pathways and shared treatment strategies between SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Besides, Neural Covidex, an artificial intelligence tool, was used to answer queries about pathogenic coronaviruses and possible IBD interactions using the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19). Discussions. Few molecular and therapeutic interactions between IBD and pathogenic coronaviruses were explored. First, we showed how the activity of soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, CD209L other receptors, and phosphorylated α subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 might exert protective impact in IBD in case of coronavirus infection. Second, IBD medication was discussed in the context of possible beneficial effects on COVID-19 pathogeny, including “cytokine storm” prevention and treatment, immunomodulation, interferon signaling blocking, and viral endocytosis inhibition. Conclusions. Using the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 as well as other pathogenic coronaviruses immunopathology, we showed why IBD patients should not be considered at an increased risk of infection or more severe outcomes. Whether our findings are entirely applicable to the pathogenesis, disease susceptibility, and treatment management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in IBD must be further explored.
Existence and Uniqueness of Positive Solutions for Singular Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equation via Mixed Monotone Operator Method
Authors: Wang Tian , Hao Zhaocai
Published: July 2020

In this article, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of positive solution for a class of singular fractional differential equations, where the nonlinear term contains fractional derivative and an operator. By applying the fixed point theorem in cone, we get the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions for the fractional differential equation. Moreover, we give an example to demonstrate our main result.
A Novel Fatigue Damage Model of Rock considering Temperature Effects
Authors: Zhu Yaoliang , Yu Jin , Cai Yanyan , Tang Xin , Yao Wei , Liu Xueying
Published: July 2020

The deformation rules and failure types of rock fatigue damage at different temperatures are quite different, and existing constitutive theory cannot describe them quantitatively. A novel rock fatigue damage model considering the effects of temperature was presented based on phenomenology. In this model, the residual strain method was used to define the fatigue damage, and the Harris attenuation function was introduced to characterize the cyclic damage evolution. The proposed model has considered the influence of the initial damage and temperature, and the model parameters can be easily calculated. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the calculated values of cyclic upper strain and fatigue life with previous test results. The physical significance of the model parameters shows that parameter a is related to fatigue stress ratio and lithology, while parameter b is related to temperature. The study has some reference values for the fatigue damage model of rock considering the influence of temperature.
Control of Multiple Viruses Interacting and Propagating in Multilayer Networks
Authors: Tu Xiao , Jiang Guo-Ping , Song Yurong , Wang Xiaoling
Published: July 2020

Experimental studies involving control against virus propagation have attracted the interest of scientists. However, most accomplishments have been constrained by the simple assumption of a single virus in various networks, but this assumption apparently conflicts with recent developments in complex network theory, which details that each node might play multiple roles in different topological connections. Multiple viruses propagate through individuals via different routes, and thus, each individual component could be located in various positions of differing importance in each virus propagation process in each network. Therefore, we propose several control strategies for establishing a multiple-virus interaction and propagation model involving multiplex networks, including a novel Multiplex PageRank target control model and a multiplex random control model. Using computer experiments and simulations derived from actual examples, we exploit several actual cases to determine the relationship of the relative infection probability with the immunization probability. The results demonstrate the differences between our multiple-virus interaction and propagation model and the single-virus propagation model and verify the effectiveness of our novel Multiplex PageRank target control strategy. Moreover, we use parallel computing for simulating and identifying the relationships of the immunization thresholds with both interaction coefficients, which is beneficial for further practical applications because it can reduce the multiple interactions between viruses and allows achieving a greater effect through the immunization of fewer nodes in the multilayer networks.
Bias and Loss to Follow‐Up in Cardiovascular Randomized Trials: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fong Lucas Chun Wah , Ford Thomas J. , da Costa Bruno R. , Jüni Peter , Berry Colin
Published: July 2020

Background

Loss to follow‐up (
LTFU
) is common in randomized controlled trials. However, its potential impact on primary outcomes from cardiovascular randomized controlled trials is not known.

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective systematic review (
PROSPERO
:
CRD
42019121959) for randomized controlled trials published in 8 leading journals over 5 years from January 2014 to December 2018. Extent, reporting, and handling of
LTFU
data were recorded, and the proportion of a trial's primary outcome results that lose statistical significance was calculated after making plausible assumptions for the intervention and control arms. These assumptions could drive differential treatment effects between the groups considering relative event incidence between
LTFU
participants and those included in the primary outcome. We identified 117 randomized controlled trials of which 91 (78%) trials reported
LTFU
, 23 (20%) reported no
LTFU
, and 3 (3%) trials did not report on whether
LTFU
occurred. The median percentage of study participants lost to follow‐up was 2% (interquartile range, 0.33%–5.3%). Only 10 trials (9%) had a low cluster of risk factors for impairment in trial quality. The percentage of trials losing statistical significance varied from 2% when the relative event incidence for
LTFU
between the randomized groups was 1 for the intervention arm and 1.5 for the control arm to 16% when the relative event incidence was 3 for the intervention arm and 1 for the control arm.

Conclusions

Almost 1 in 6 (16%) cardiovascular randomized trials published in leading journals may have a change in the primary outcome if plausible assumptions are made about differential event rates of participants lost to follow up. There is scope for improvement arising from
LTFU
in randomized trials in cardiovascular medicine.

Registration

URL
:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero
; Unique identifier:
CRD
42019121959.
Anticancer Therapy–Related Increases in Arterial Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Parr Shannon K. , Liang Jia , Schadler Keri L. , Gilchrist Susan C. , Steele Catherine C. , Ade Carl J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Cardio‐oncology is a clinical discipline focused primarily on the early detection of anticancer therapy–related cardiomyopathy. However, there is growing evidence that the direct adverse consequences extend beyond the myocardium to affect the vasculature, but this evidence remains limited. In addition, there remains a paucity of clinically based strategies for monitoring vascular toxicity in these patients. Importantly, arterial stiffness is increasingly recognized as a surrogate end point for cardiovascular disease and may be an important vascular outcome to consider. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to summarize evidence of increased arterial stiffening with anticancer therapy and evaluate the effect of treatment modifiers.

Methods and Results

A total of 19 longitudinal and cross‐sectional studies that evaluated arterial stiffness both during and following anticancer therapy were identified using multiple databases. Two separate analyses were performed: baseline to follow‐up (12 studies) and control versus patient groups (10 studies). Subgroup analysis evaluated whether stiffness differed as a function of treatment type and follow‐up time. Standard mean differences and mean differences were calculated using random effect models. Significant increases in arterial stiffness were identified from baseline to follow‐up (standard mean difference, 0.890; 95%
CI
, 0.448–1.332;
P
<0.0001; mean difference, 1.505; 95%
CI
, 0.789–2.221;
P
≤0.0001) and in patient versus control groups (standard mean difference, 0.860; 95%
CI
, 0.402–1.318;
P
=0.0002; mean difference, 1.437; 95%
CI
, 0.426–2.448;
P
=0.0052). Subgroup analysis indicated differences in arterial stiffness between anthracycline‐based and non‐anthracycline‐based therapies (standard mean difference, 0.20; 95%
CI
, 0.001–0.41;
P
=0.048), but not follow‐up time.

Conclusions

Significant arterial stiffening occurs following anticancer therapy. Our findings support the use of arterial stiffness as part of a targeted vascular imaging strategy for the identification of early cardiovascular injury during treatment and for the detection of long‐term cardiovascular injury into survivorship.
Dynamic Forecasts of Survival for Patients Living With Destination Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Insights From INTERMACS
Authors: Michelis Katherine C. , Zhong Lin , Peltz Matthias , Pandey Ambarish , Tang W. H. Wilson , Rohatgi Anand , Young James B. , Drazner Mark H. , Grodin Justin L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve outcomes in patients with end‐stage heart failure and are increasingly implanted for destination therapy. We describe dynamic estimates of event‐free survival with conditional survival probabilities in a destination therapy LVAD population.

Methods and Results

We studied 8245 adult patients in INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) implanted with a continuous‐flow destination therapy LVAD. The composite primary end point was death, device exchange or removal, or heart transplantation. Conditional survival probabilities were calculated and stratified by implantation characteristics and nonfatal adverse events experienced within the first year after implant. Probabilities of surviving an additional 1 to 3 years were numerically higher after longer prior event‐free survival. INTERMACS profile 1, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, prior or concomitant surgery, and dialysis within 48 hours of implantation were associated with significantly lower event‐free survival in the first year but did not impact event‐free survival beyond then. For patients who experienced a nonfatal adverse event within the first year, subsequent 1‐year conditional survival was lower than in the absence of that event for stroke (65% [95% CI, 57%–73%] versus 75% [95% CI, 73%–77%];
P
<0.001), device‐related infection (64% [95% CI 57%–71%] versus 76% [95% CI, 74%–78%];
P
<0.001), and pump thrombosis or malfunction (64% [95% CI, 57%–70%] versus 76% [95% CI, 74%–78%];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Conditional survival in patients with destination therapy LVADs improves over time, even for patients with unfavorable implantation characteristics. However, LVAD‐related complications including stroke, device‐related infection, and pump thrombosis or malfunction have an enduring negative influence on dynamic estimates of long‐term prognosis.
Contact Zones and Liminal Spaces in Okinawan and Zainichi Contemporary Art
Authors: Jennison Rebecca Sue
Published: July 2020

This article focuses on selected art works by third-generation Zainichi Koreans Haji Oh and Soni Kum, and Okinawan-based Chikako Yamashiro to explore ways in which these artists have continued to develop innovative, interdisciplinary practices to explore contact zones and liminal spaces in the East Asian context. Drawing on Françoise Lionnet and Shu-mei Shih’s notion of minor transnationalism, it argues the creative interventions of the three artists shed light on complex histories of minor transnationalism and at the same time alert us to ways in which the legacies of colonialism, migration and war continue to evolve in the present in Okinawa, Jeju Island, and Japan. Deploying different media, practices and techniques, all three artists aim to deterritorialize dominant visual and historical narratives and draw inspiration from minor literatures in ways that disrupt binary and vertical relationships, making visible minor to minor connections and ways of envisioning horizontal networks.
Clinical results of active scanning proton therapy for primary liver tumors
Authors: Dionisi Francesco , Brolese Alberto , Siniscalchi Benedetta , Giacomelli Irene , Fracchiolla Francesco , Righetto Roberto , Morganti Alessio G. , Pravadelli Cecilia , Avancini Ivo , Rozzanigo Umberto , Mattiuzzi Angela , Frisinghelli Michela , Pertile Riccardo , Ciarleglio Francesco A. , Vitale Alessandro , Schwarz Marco , Amichetti Maurizio
Published: July 2020

Background:

Evidence for the efficacy of radiation therapy for primary liver cancer is growing. In this context, proton therapy (PT) can potentially improve the therapeutic ratio, as demonstrated by recent clinical studies. Here we report the first European clinical experience on the use of PT for primary liver cancer.

Methods:

All patients treated for primary liver cancer in our center entered the analysis. Patients were simulated during deep expiration breath-hold. A 15-fraction treatment schedule was adopted using active scanning PT. Clinical outcome and toxicity were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Between January 2018 and December 2019, 18 patients were treated. Fourteen patients had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), three patients had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and one patient had synchronous ICC-HCC. The Child-Pugh score was A5 in the majority of patients with HCC (71.4%). Median prescription dose was 58.05 Gy (range, 50.31–67.5). Median follow-up was 10 months (range, 1–19). The majority of deaths occurred from liver tumor progression. One-year overall survival (OS) was 63%. A significant correlation between worse OS and patient performance status, vascular invasion, and tumor stage was recorded. One-year local control was 90%. Toxicity was low, with a decrease in Child-Pugh score ⩾2 points detected in one patient. No cases of classic radiation-induced liver disease occurred.

Conclusions:

Our initial results of active scanning PT for primary liver cancer demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of this advanced technique in this setting. The potential of the combination of PT with other locoregional therapies is under evaluation.
Patients With Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease Receive Supportive and Palliative Care Just Prior to Death
Authors: Smallwood Natasha , Mann Jennifer , Guo Hui , Goh Nicole
Published: July 2020

Background:

Fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (f-ILDs) are often progressive and incurable. As patients experience significant symptoms and have a poor prognosis, early palliative care referral is recommended.

Objective:

To examine the care delivered to patients with f-ILD during the terminal hospital admission and the past 2 years of life.

Methods:

A retrospective audit was performed for consecutive patients who died from f-ILD at 2 Australian teaching hospitals between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016.

Results:

Of 67 patients, 44 (66%) had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Median age was 78 years. Median respiratory function: forced expiratory volume in 1 second 69.0% predicted (interquartile range [IQR]: 58.0%-77.0%), forced vital capacity 64.0% predicted (IQR = 46.8%-74.3%), and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide 36.0% predicted (IQR = 31.0%-44.0%). In the 2 years prior to the terminal admission, 38 (57%) patients reported severe breathlessness and 17 (25%) used opioids for symptom relief. Twenty-four (36%) patients received specialist palliative care (SPC) and 11 (16%) completed advance care planning. During the terminal admission, 10 (15%) patients were admitted directly under SPC. A further 33 (49%) patients were referred to SPC, on average 1 day prior to death. Sixty-three (94%) patients received opioids and 49 (73%) received benzodiazepines for symptom management. Median starting and final opioid doses were 10 and 23 mg oral morphine equivalent/24 hours, respectively. Opioids were commenced on average 2 (IQR 1-3) days prior to death.

Conclusions:

Although most patients were identified as actively dying in the final admission, referral to SPC and use of palliative medications occurred late. Additionally, few patients accessed symptom palliation earlier in their illness.
Lateralized versus nonlateralized reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Bedeir Yehia H , Grawe Brian M , Eldakhakhny Magdy M , Waly Ahmed H
Published: July 2020

Throughout the history of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, the extent of lateral offset has changed considerably from “too lateral” to “too medial” and has been lately swinging back towards a point somewhere in between. Nonlateralized designs minimize shear forces on the glenoid and decrease force required by the deltoid. Glenoid lateralization decreases impingement and scapular notching and improves range of motion. Humeral lateralization achieves a more anatomic position of the tuberosities while maintaining a nonlateralized center of rotation. Several factors play a role in choosing the extent of lateral offset and method of lateralization.
Form and the politics of world
Authors: Ash James
Published: July 2020

In this commentary, I respond to Engelmann, Häkli, Harman and McCormack’s reading of my article, ‘Flat ontology and geography’. In doing so, I argue that a flat ontology of form developed in the article is only a starting point for analysis rather than a fully-fledged theory. In turn, I reflect on how the notion of form can be further developed to identify and analyse mechanisms of inequality that lead to a range of issues for all manner of humans and non-humans.
Non-adherence to established dietary guidelines associated with increased mortality: the Copenhagen General Population Study
Authors: Ewers Bettina , Marott Jacob L , Schnohr Peter , Nordestgaard Børge G , Marckmann Peter
Published: July 2020

Aims

The relevance of adherence to established dietary guidelines is repeatedly challenged. We hypothesised that non-adherence to established dietary guidelines is associated with an excess risk of cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Methods

We studied 100,191 white adult Danes aged 20–100 years recruited in 2003–2015 and followed up until December 2018. During follow-up equalling 865,600 person-years, 9273 individuals died. Participants’ diets were assessed at baseline by a food frequency questionnaire focusing on key foods defining a healthy diet according to Danish dietary guidelines. Individuals were divided into five categories ranging from very high to very low adherence to dietary guidelines and studied with Cox and Fine–Gray regression models. At study inclusion, we collected demographic and lifestyle characteristics by questionnaire, made a physical examination and took a blood sample.

Results

Cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular and all-cause mortality increased gradually with increasing non-adherence to dietary guidelines. Cardiovascular mortality was 30% higher (95% confidence interval 7–57%), non-cardiovascular mortality 54% higher (32–79%) and all-cause mortality 43% higher (29–59%) in individuals with very low adherence to dietary guidelines compared with those with very high adherence after adjustments for age, sex, education, income, smoking, leisure time physical activity and alcohol intake. Mortality risk estimates were similar in all strata of adjusted variables.

Conclusion

Non-adherence to Danish food-based dietary guidelines is associated with up to 43% increased all-cause mortality in a dose–response manner. The mortality excess was seen for both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes. The public has good reasons to have confidence in and to adhere to established dietary guidelines.
Moderated Mediation Analysis of Leader Technology Orientation: A Study of Operations and Manufacturing Leaders of India
Authors: Jha Sumi , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: July 2020

This article aims to understand the impact of the relationship between operations leader employee orientation (LEO) and leader information orientation (LIO) on leader long-term orientation (LLTO). The relationship is mediated by leader inclusivity orientation (LINCO) and moderated by leader technology orientation (LTO). The data were collected from business leaders who had more than 15 years of experience in the domain of supply chain, operations, and manufacturing. The total number of questionnaires sent to respondents was 620. Authors received 446 filled responses, out of which 360 responses were usable. The response rate was 58 percent. Moderated mediation analysis was performed to analyze the data and to test the proposed hypothesis. The findings revealed that the relationship between LEO LIO has a significant effect on LLTO. The relationship was positively mediated by LINCO. Further, LTO was found to be significantly related to LEO–LINCO–LTO and LIO–LINCO–LTO in a way that the relationship is strong when LTO is high and weak when LTO is low.
Quantitative characterization of tumor cell-free DNA shortening
Authors: Guo Juntang , Ma Kefeng , Bao Hua , Ma Xiangyuan , Xu Yang , Wu Xue , Shao Yang W. , Jiang Mei , Huang Jin
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous studies found that cell-free DNA (cfDNA) generated from tumors was shorter than that from healthy cells, and selecting short cfDNA could enrich for tumor cfDNA and improve its usage in early cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring; however, the underlying mechanism of shortened tumor cfDNA was still unknown, which potentially limits its further clinical application.

Results

Using targeted sequencing of cfDNA in a large cohort of solid tumor patient, sequencing reads harboring tumor-specific somatic mutations were isolated to examine the exact size distribution of tumor cfDNA. For the majority of studied cases, 166 bp remained as the peak size of tumor cfDNA, with tumor cfDNA showing an increased proportion of short fragments (100-150 bp). Less than 1% of cfDNA samples were found to be peaked at 134/144 bp and independent of tumor cfDNA purity. Using whole-genome sequencing of cfDNA, we discovered a positive correlation between cfDNA shortening and the magnitude of chromatin inaccessibility, as measured by transcription, DNase I hypersensitivity, and histone modifications. Tumor cfDNA shortening occurred simultaneously at both 5′ and 3′ ends of the DNA wrapped around nucleosomes.

Conclusions

Tumor cfDNA shortening exhibited two distinctive modes. Tumor cfDNA purity and chromatin inaccessibility were contributing factors but insufficient to trigger a global transition from 166 bp dominant to 134/144 bp dominant phenotype.
Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the detection of Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Mahendran Punitha , Liew Jonathan Wee Kent , Amir Amirah , Ching Xiao-Teng , Lau Yee-Ling
Published: July 2020

Background

Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium vivax are the predominant Plasmodium species that cause malaria in Malaysia and play a role in asymptomatic malaria disease transmission in Malaysia. The diagnostic tools available to diagnose malaria, such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT), are less sensitive at detecting lower parasite density. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), which has been shown to have higher sensitivity at diagnosing malaria, allows direct quantification without the need for a standard curve. The aim of this study is to develop and use a duplex ddPCR assay for the detection of P. knowlesi and P. vivax, and compare this method to nested PCR and qPCR.

Methods

The concordance rate, sensitivity and specificity of the duplex ddPCR assay were determined and compared to nested PCR and duplex qPCR.

Results

The duplex ddPCR assay had higher analytical sensitivity (P. vivax = 10 copies/µL and P. knowlesi = 0.01 copies/µL) compared to qPCR (P. vivax = 100 copies/µL and P. knowlesi = 10 copies/µL). Moreover, the ddPCR assay had acceptable clinical sensitivity (P. vivax = 80% and P. knowlesi = 90%) and clinical specificity (P. vivax = 87.84% and P. knowlesi = 81.08%) when compared to nested PCR. Both ddPCR and qPCR detected more double infections in the samples.

Conclusions

Overall, the ddPCR assay demonstrated acceptable efficiency in detection of P. knowlesi and P. vivax, and was more sensitive than nested PCR in detecting mixed infections. However, the duplex ddPCR assay still needs optimization to improve the assay’s clinical sensitivity and specificity.
Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma vs corticosteroids in the treatment of moderate knee osteoarthritis: a single-center prospective randomized controlled study with a 1-year follow up
Authors: Elksniņš-Finogejevs Andrejs , Vidal Luis , Peredistijs Andrejs
Published: July 2020

Background

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, which significantly impacts the patient’s mobility and quality of life. Pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis, such as corticosteroids, produce an immediate reduction of the patient’s pain as well as an improvement in the patient’s mobility and quality of life, but with a limited long-term efficacy. In this context, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infiltrations represent a therapeutic tool due to its trophic properties and its ability to control inflammatory processes, especially in musculoskeletal applications. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the clinical benefits of PRP when injected intra-articularly vs a commonly used corticosteroid (CS, triamcinolone acetonide, Kenalog®) in patients affected by mild to moderate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Forty patients affected by symptomatic radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades II–III) were enrolled in this randomized study. Patients randomized in the PRP group (n= 20) received an intra-articular injection of PRP (8 mL) while patients randomized in the CS group (n= 20) received an intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide (1 mL of 40 mg/mL) plus lidocaine (5 mL of 2%). The pain and function of the target knee were evaluated by the VAS, IKDC, and KSS scales at the baseline (V1), 1 week (V2), 5 weeks (V3), 15 weeks (V4), 30 weeks (V5), and 1 year (V6) after treatment.

Results

No serious adverse effects were observed during the follow-up period. A mild synovitis was registered in 15 patients (75%) in the PRP group within the first week after treatment which resolved spontaneously. Both treatments were effective in relieving pain and improving the knee function in the very short-term follow-up visit (1 week). A high improvement of the subjective scores was observed for both groups up to 5 weeks, with no significative differences between the groups for the VAS, IKDC, or KSS. After 15 weeks of follow-up, the PRP group showed significative improvements in all scores when compared to the CS group. Overall, the patients who received PRP treatment had better outcomes in a longer follow-up visit (up to 1 year) than those who received CS.

Conclusions

A single PRP or CS intra-articular injection is safe and improves the short-term scores of pain and the knee function in patients affected by mild to moderate symptomatic knee OA (with no significant differences between the groups). PRP demonstrated a statistically significant improvement over CS in a 1-year follow-up. This study was registered at ISRCTN with the ID ISRCTN46024618.
MiR-920 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells by targeting HOXA7
Authors: Zha Jun-pu , Wang Xiao-qing , Di Jun
Published: July 2020

Background

To explore the effect of miR-920 on osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and the possible mechanism.

Methods

Osteoporosis (OP) and healthy control bone tissues were collected, and the relative expression of miR-920 and HOXA7 was measured. hBMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase activity and miR-920 and HOXA7 relative expression were measured during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Then, bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess the potential mechanism of miR-920. MiR-920 mimic and inhibitor were introduced into hBMSCs by lipofection transfection and were used to investigate the effect of miR-920 on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify whether the 3′UTR of HOXA7 mRNA was a direct target of miR-920. Western blotting was performed to assess whether miR-920 affected the MAPK signaling pathway.

Results

We found that miR-920 was downregulated in OP patients compared with controls, while HOXA7 was upregulated, and miR-920 had a negative correlation with HOXA7 (r = − 0.859, P = 0.001). Moreover, miR-920 was increased during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, while HOXA7 had the opposite tendency. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that there were a total of 207 target genes, and MAPK was a potential targeted signaling pathway. MiR-920 mimic significantly increased ALP activity, calcium deposition, osteoblastic protein expression (ALP and OSX), and p-p38 and p-JNK protein levels.

Conclusion

Overall, miR-920 promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by targeting HOXA7 through the MAPK signaling pathway.
Tumor conspicuity significantly correlates with postoperative recurrence in patients with pancreatic cancer: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , You Myung-Won , Han Dong Yoon , Hwang Ji Hye , Park Seong Jin
Published: July 2020

Background

There has been scanty data regarding the clinical significance of tumor conspicuity in pancreatic cancer. In this study, we attempted to investigate the prognostic significance of pancreatic tumor conspicuity and determine prognostic factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with surgically resected pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Between January 2011 and September 2019, 62 patients who underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) for pancreatic cancer were retrospectively included. Two reviewers evaluated various clinical, imaging, and pathologic variables and reviewed all available medical records to determine patient outcomes after surgery. Tumor conspicuity was defined as the attenuation ratio between normal parenchyma and tumor lesions on dynamic-enhanced CT images and represented the conspicuity score. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were investigated using Cox regression analysis.

Results

Patient mean age was 65.9 (±11.6) years, and 56.5% were male. The median follow-up period was 11 months (range 2–138). Forty patients (64.5%) experienced postoperative recurrence, and the median time to recurrence was 6 months (range 1–101). Tumor conspicuity scores were positively correlated with both radiologic and pathologic tumor sizes (r = 0.252, 0.321, p < 0.01). Conspicuity score ≥ 2 (HR 3.8, 95% CI 1.73–8.47), elevated preoperative (HR 1.15, 95% CI; 1.02–1.28) and postoperative CA19–9 (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.23), pathologic tumor size (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06–2.45), and lymphatic invasion (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.22–6.21) were significant factors for recurrence-free survival in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Over half of the patients with pancreatic cancer experienced postoperative recurrence (64.5%). Increased tumor conspicuity correlated with larger tumor size and postoperative recurrence.
Least-squares reverse time migration with sparse regularization in the 2D wavelet domain
Authors: Li Feipeng , Gao Jinghuai , Gao Zhaoqi , Jiang Xiudi , Sun Wenbo
Published: July 2020

The inadequate sampling of seismic data in the spatial dimension results in migration artifacts. Conventional least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) could improve the image quality. However, even LSRTM will not work in some inadequately sampling situations. To mitigate the impact of migration artifacts, we have developed a new LSRTM method with a sparse regularization, which takes advantage of the effective sparse representation of the subsurface reflectivity model in the 2D undecimated wavelet transform (UWT) domain. Different from other sparse regularizations, a sparseness constraint in the 2D UWT domain is applied on the angle slices of the image. To efficiently solve the least-squares inversion problem, we employ an inversion scheme using the conjugate gradient method that uses a soft threshold method to achieve sparse constraint in updating the conjugate gradient direction. Compared with the sparse constraint based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), the threshold in this method is angle-dependent and is determined according to the energy distribution of each angle slice. To avoid overregularization that can lead to instability and increase the number of iterations, we also apply an exponential threshold strategy. Numerical tests on synthetic datasets demonstrate that our method is capable of improving the image quality by enhancing the resolution and suppressing migration artifacts caused by inadequately sampled seismic data. The method can converge more rapidly than conventional LSRTM. Because this method performs sparse regularization on several slopes, it achieves better performance on enhancing complex structures with discontinuities such as the steeply dipping faults compared to DWT-based regularization.
Structure Determination, Chemical Synthesis, and Evaluation of Biological Activity of Super Carbon Chain Natural Products
Authors: Oishi Tohru
Published: July 2020

Marine microorganisms are known to produce natural products, so called super carbon chain compounds whose molecular weights (MWs) exceed one thousand, such as amphidinol 3 (AM3) and maitotoxin (MTX). AM3 (MW 1328) is a long linear compound containing polyol, bis-tetrahydopyran, and polyene moieties, and elicits potent antifungal activities. During the course of our studies on AM3, originally proposed absolute configuration was revised by the chemical synthesis of partial structures in combination with degradation of the natural product. Furthermore, the first total synthesis of AM3 has been achieved based on the convergent method via three components coupling. In addition, we have succeeded in design and synthesis of an artificial truncated analog of AM3 which elicits comparable antifungal activity with those of the natural product. On the other hand, MTX (MW 3422) is a ladder-shaped polyether comprised of thirty-two cyclic ethers, and it elicits potent Ca2+ influx activity. During the course of our structure-activity relationship studies of MTX, we have developed three methods for synthesizing ladder-shaped polyethers via two-ring construction through the coupling of two fragments. The synthetic partial structures corresponding to the hydrophobic parts of MTX inhibited the Ca2+ influx induced by MTX.
Uncertainty Quantification in Vehicle Content Optimization for General Motors
Authors: Song Eunhye , Wu-Smith Peiling , Nelson Barry L.
Published: July 2020

A vehicle content portfolio refers to a complete set of combinations of vehicle features offered while satisfying certain restrictions for the vehicle model. Vehicle Content Optimization (VCO) is a simulation-based decision support system at General Motors (GM) that helps to optimize a vehicle content portfolio to improve GM’s business performance and customers’ satisfaction. VCO has been applied to most major vehicle models at GM. VCO consists of several steps that demand intensive computing power, thus requiring trade-offs between the estimation error of the simulated performance measures and the computation time. Given VCO’s substantial influence on GM’s content decisions, questions were raised regarding the business risk caused by uncertainty in the simulation results. This paper shows how we successfully established an uncertainty quantification procedure for VCO that can be applied to any vehicle model at GM. With this capability, GM can not only quantify the overall uncertainty in its performance measure estimates but also identify the largest source of uncertainty and reduce it by allocating more targeted simulation effort. Moreover, we identified several opportunities to improve the efficiency of VCO by reducing its computational overhead, some of which were adopted in the development of the next generation of VCO.
Technical Note—On the Optimality of Reflection Control
Authors: Yang Jiankui , Yao David D. , Ye Heng-Qing
Published: July 2020

The so-called reflection control is easy to implement and widely applied in many applications such as inventory management and financial systems. To apply reflection control in a production-inventory system, for example, production will stop when the finished-goods inventory reaches a certain level. What is the best level for this control? In what sense is it optimal? In their paper, “On the Optimality of Reflection Control,” Jiankui Yang, Heng-Qing Ye, and David D. Yao have established the optimality of reflection control under an exponential holding cost in three settings—namely, a Brownian motion model, a single-server system, and a birth–death queue model. The study provides a thorough understanding of the control and extends significantly its domain of applications.
Asthma guidelines: the best of three
Authors: Booth Andrew
Published: July 2020

National and international guidelines provide evidence-based advice on the diagnosis and management of asthma. There are now three potential asthma guidelines to follow, each taking its own its own unique, and sometimes conflicting direction, creating a total of over 700 pages of high-quality evidence. A puzzle is thus presented to the busy health professional: which guideline do I follow? This article compares and contrasts two national and one international asthma guideline, focusing particularly on diagnosis and pharmacological management. Mortality from asthma is increasing in the UK, making the need for a conjoined guideline more urgent than ever.
Through the looking glass: the rabbit hole of reflective practice
Authors: Mahon Paul , O'Neill Mary
Published: July 2020

Reflective practice is a common feature of nurse education. Indeed, the development of nursing practice is associated with being a ‘reflective practitioner’. However, how we see ourselves or interpret past events is often influenced by our own unconscious biases. While it is reasonable to hold favourable views of one's ability, biased or lack of self-insight might mean that one is actually unskilled and unaware of it. In the ambiguous clinical context where an act or omission can have potentially devastating consequences, the implications of this are significant. The questions of whether and how reflection addresses unconscious biases are relatively unexplored in the nursing literature. Given that accurate self-assessment is integral to reflective practice, this article attempts to explore the potential impact of unconscious bias on reflection. The authors conclude that while biases may limit our ability to learn from reflection, this is not a reason to dispense with reflective practice, but rather, is even more reason to critically engage with the process. Nurses of all levels must be encouraged to reflect on both their practice, and their reflection.
Efficient radiation releasing in device-level glass ceramics driven by a blue laser
Authors: Han D. , Li D. S. , Li G. , Pun E. Y. B. , Lin H.
Published: July 2020

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, Y) glass ceramics (GCs) have been proved to be shapeable phosphors for white lighting driven by a 453 nm laser. Quantitative characterization reflects that the net emission powers of 4 wt% LuAG-doped GC and 4 wt% YAG-doped GC are 59.99 mW and 66.22 mW at the pump power of 117.63 mW, and the quantum yields reach up to 71.1% and 78.0%, respectively. Miniaturization of devices can be achieved for LuAG/YAG-GCs by optimizing sample size and phosphor concentration with maintaining fluorescence intensity of the samples. Presupposed color coordinate trace reveals that the high-brightness white fluorescence can be realized when the appropriate intensity ratio is determined between residual laser and sample emission. The tunable white fluorescence and the efficient radiation releasing illustrate that LuAG/YAG-GCs are potential candidates for application in solid-state laser illumination.
Radio, music, podcasts – BBC Sounds: Public service radio and podcasts in a platform world
Authors: Berry Richard
Published: July 2020

In 2018, the BBC announced plans to replace their long-established ‘iPlayer Radio’ service with a new platform called BBC Sounds. The new service was promoted as a single space where listeners can consume BBC radio, music and podcasts, creating a single point of interaction between audiences and content. This is, however, far more than an exercise in reframing public service radio content in a new app; it is also a practical application of these policies through the commissioning of content made for online, specifically, younger, audiences. This shift happens not only at a time where traditional broadcasters are exploring ways to re-engage younger listeners but as commentators search for the ‘Netflix of Podcasts’ This article explores the manner in which the BBC Sounds project is a response to current trends in the radio industry and to which it recognizes podcasting as an audio medium that is distinct from but institutionally connected to radio.
Assessment of total phenolic content and antioxidant potentiality of selected Indian folk medicinal plants by spectrophotometric method
Authors: Dubey Satish , Ojha Kundan , Chandrakar Jagriti , Dehariya Rashmi , Vinodia Shilpa , Singh Akanksha , Dixit Ashwini Kumar
Published: July 2020

Natural antioxidant capacity of five important folk medicinal plants measured in vitro. Total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (FC) and free radical scavenging capacity of ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Lippia alba (LA), Annona squamosa (AS), Hyptis suaveolens (HS), Commiphora wightii (CW) and Milletia pinnata (MP) was assessed using spectrophotometric method. Folin ciocalteu and aluminium chloride method employed to optimise TPC and FC. Free radical scavenging potentiality of leaf extracts was assessed using Ferrous ion chelation (FIC), 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging, Hydroxyl (OH•) radical scavenging (HRS) and Superoxide (O- 2) radical scavenging (SRS) methods. Results revealed that the TPC (96.22±5.85 to 519.23±34.90 ?g GAE/gm dry weight) were found significant in aqueous extracts from all the plants except AS (p<0.05). For FC (?g QCE/gm dry weight), ethanol was found optimum for LA (463.94±6.49), CW (289.99±2.70) and MP (347.47±4.50) whereas, aqueous was found more appropriate for rest two plants were found significant instead of ethanol and methanol (all p<0.05). The lowest IC50 (?g/ml) were recorded from A. squamosa (27.72±8.95), H. suaveolens (27.78±0.88), C. wightii (27.18±0.16) and M. pinnata (27.30±0.03). All plants have reflected a high antioxidant capacity; however, the highest antioxidant activity was reported from ethanolic extract of H. suaveolens followed by L. alba, A. squamosa, C. wightii and M. pinnata. Hence, these studies show that all folk medicinal plants contain potential antioxidant bioactive compounds.
Wstęp
Authors: Gill Patrick , Kopf Martin , Lipski Jakub
Published: July 2020

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