bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new analysis and prediction model of road traffic based on open community
Authors: Feng Yujie , Li Deyi , Wang Jiufeng
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to optimize the road network structure of open residential areas in China. Firstly, the nonlinear coefficient R0 = t3/T is used to study the road condition, using Matlab programming to calculate road network saturation LOS, establish a reasonable evaluation index system of community opening. Then the theoretical model of road resistance function is established, the influence coefficient η of each factor is determined, the traffic influence degree model is established, and the vehicle passing model is obtained. Finally, three different types of community A, B and C are constructed, and then traffic simulation is carried out according to Vissim software. The conclusion is that the degree of road traffic pressure relief is the largest in one type of community, and the least degree in type B community.
Research on fire fighting and emergency rescue of all-electric vehicle traffic accident
Authors: Li Chao , Liu Liwen , Lin Shuangshuang , Liu Shuai
Published: July 2021

With the popularization of all-electric vehicles, the application of all-electric vehicles in traffic accidents is more and more. It is also difficult to solve the problems such as the selection of fire extinguishing agent for electric vehicles, the update control of high-pressure protection and emergency rescue. Based on the comparison and analysis of the normal operation of automatic sprinkling extinguishing agent and the reaction conditions inside lithium battery, this paper puts forward the updating method of selecting and controlling extinguishing agent for all-electric vehicle. And by analyzing the characteristics and danger of all-electric vehicle traffic accident, the insulation protection and power off method for all-electric fire and emergency rescue are also mentioned in this paper.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Multi-vehicle Vehicle-bridge Coupling System
Authors: Shen Jian , Zhuo Jin-hao , Wu Lang , Liu Xiao-yun
Published: July 2021

By analyzing different nonlinear models of vehicle-bridge coupling vibration when multiple vehicles travel on a bridge, this paper proposes the nonlinear vibration equation of multiple vehicle vehicle-bridge coupling. A comprehensive analysis is conducted on the quarter vehicle model, the nonlinear motion model of the bridge, and the coupled coupling equation of the vehicle and bridge. The vehicle-bridge coupled nonlinear analysis model of a single vehicle is established, and the correctness of the results calculated by the model is verified by calculation examples. In addition, taking the three-span continuous beam bridge with equal cross section and equal span as an example, this paper studies the driving conditions of multiple vehicles respectively from the influence of vehicle number, vehicle spacing and vehicle speed on the dynamic response value of the bridge. The results show that vehicle speed, vehicle number and vehicle spacing have significant influence on the dynamic response value of the bridge.
Research on Optimization of Phase Design for an Isolated Intersection
Authors: Liu Deng , Wu Wen-xiang
Published: July 2021

Based on the phase conflict matrix and safety principle, a phase design optimization model is proposed to minimize the sum of flow-capacity ratios concerning critical phases. Both dynamic programming method and improved elite multi-population genetic algorithm are used to automatically generate the optimal phase design scheme. Finally, the model and its algorithm are verified by a numerical example, which shows this optimization model can reduce the total flow-capacity ratio of critical phases by 6.5%, compared with the current phase design.
Calculation method of index weight for facility support capability evaluation in Airfield
Authors: Xuelin Huang , Guanhu Wang , Wei Wang , Wei Tang , Yingjie Yuan , Wei Xia
Published: July 2021

In order to effectively evaluate the facilities in each airport airfield, this paper proposes four methods: analytic hierarchy process (AHP), subjective weighting method based on Improved Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), objective weighting method based on entropy weight method and combination weighting method based on game theory. Combined with the actual situation of the airport, the corresponding calculation method is adopted to introduce the mathematical model into the construction of the airport. After verification, the proposed method can be applied to 90% of airports, and the applicability of the index is improved by 50%. The weight of obstacle capability evaluation index provides an important basis.
Evaluation of Anti-Abrasion Performance for High-Performance Micro Surfacing Mixture
Authors: Wang Peng , Qin Yongchun , Xu Jian , Huang Wei , Feng Guoli
Published: July 2021

Methods to evaluate the anti-abrasion performance of a high-performance micro surfacing (HMS), including the wet-track abrasion test (WTAT) and initial curing abrasion test (ICAT), were studied, and the long-term and initial anti-abrasion performances of the HMS were evaluated. The ICAT is a new method, and the test results were used to evaluate the initial compaction properties of the HMS mixture. Specifically, this method simulates the contact state between the tire and road surface at the initial period when the road was opened for traffic after the micro surfacing treatment via the friction between a rubber tube and the mixture. Four typical modified emulsified asphalts were selected for the WTAT and ICAT. Based on the test results, two modified emulsified asphalts were selected to explore the effects of different amounts of added styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) modifiers on the wet-track abrasion loss and the effects of different abrasion times on the initial curing abrasion loss. Based on the results of the WTAT, it is recommended that the wet-track abrasion loss values of the HMS mixtures soaked in water for 1 h and 6 d are not higher than 360 and 480 g/m2, respectively. The initial curing abrasion loss (ICAL) indicates that it is feasible to use the ICAT to evaluate the initial compaction properties of the micro surfacing and can be used to guide the HMS design. The results of the WTAT and ICAT showed that the HMS had a better initial compaction capability and durability than the conventional micro surfacing.
Floral development and vasculature in Eriocaulon (Eriocaulaceae) provide insights into the evolution of Poales
Authors: de Lima Silva Arthur , Trovó Marcelo , Stützel Thomas , Rudall Paula J , Sajo Maria das Graças , Coan Alessandra Ike
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Floral developmental studies are crucial for understanding the evolution of floral structures and sexual systems in angiosperms. Within the monocot order Poales, both subfamilies of Eriocaulaceae have unisexual flowers bearing unusual nectaries. Few previous studies have investigated floral development in subfamily Eriocauloideae, which includes the large, diverse and widespread genus Eriocaulon. To understand floral variation and the evolution of the androecium, gynoecium and floral nectaries of Eriocaulaceae, we analysed floral development and vasculature in Eriocaulon and compared it with that of subfamily Paepalanthoideae and the related family Xyridaceae in a phylogenetic context.

Methods

Thirteen species of Eriocaulon were studied. Developmental analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, and vasculature analysis was carried out using light microscopy. Fresh material was also analysed using scanning electron microscopy with a cryo function. Character evolution was reconstructed over well-resolved phylogenies.

Key Results

Perianth reductions can occur due to delayed development that can also result in loss of the vascular bundles of the median sepals. Nectariferous petal glands cease development and remain vestigial in some species. In staminate flowers, the inner stamens can emerge before the outer ones, and carpels are transformed into nectariferous carpellodes. In pistillate flowers, stamens are reduced to staminodes and the gynoecium has dorsal stigmas.

Conclusions

Floral morphology is highly diverse in Eriocaulon, as a result of fusion, reduction or loss of perianth parts. The nectariferous carpellodes of staminate flowers originated first in the ancestor of Eriocaulaceae; petal glands and nectariferous branches of pistillate flowers originated independently in Eriocaulaceae through transfer of function. We present a hypothesis of floral evolution for the family, illustrating a shift from bisexuality to unisexuality and the evolution of nectaries in a complex monocot family, which can contribute to future studies on reproductive biology and floral evolution in other groups.
Homeostatic Regulation of Astrocytes by Visual Experience in the Developing Primary Visual Cortex
Authors: Wang Liang-Liang , Xu Dan , Luo Yujian , Li Xiaofang , Gu Yan , Wang Lang
Published: July 2021

During postnatal development, sensory experience shapes the organization and function of cortical circuits. Previous studies focusing on experience-dependent plasticity of neurons have revealed a variety of mechanisms underlying cortical circuit rewiring. Emerging evidence shows that astrocytes play important roles in shaping cortical circuits through extensive interactions with different types of neurons and other glia cells. However, it remains unclear how astrocytes respond to sensory experience during postnatal development. In the present study, we profiled the maturation of astrocytes in the primary visual cortex (V1) at different postnatal stages. We then investigated the anatomical and physiological changes of astrocytes in V1 induced by multiple types of visual experience within 4 postnatal weeks. Compared with monocular deprivation during the critical period, binocular deprivation showed stronger impact on reactive astrocytes in V1. Moreover, long-term binocular deprivation significantly reduced the density of reactive astrocytes in layer 2/3 of V1 while strengthening gap junction couplings between astrocytes at the same time. Therefore, our data demonstrated that cortical astrocytes could undergo homeostatic plasticity in response to long-term changes of sensory inputs. The plasticity of astrocytes may interact with the plasticity of neurons to cooperatively shape cortical circuit refinement during postnatal development.
Adaptive Mechanisms of Somatostatin-Positive Interneurons after Traumatic Brain Injury through a Switch of α Subunits in L-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels
Authors: Ihbe Natascha , Le Prieult Florie , Wang Qi , Distler Ute , Sielaff Malte , Tenzer Stefan , Thal Serge C , Mittmann Thomas
Published: July 2021

Unilateral traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes cortical dysfunctions spreading to the primarily undamaged hemisphere. This phenomenon, called transhemispheric diaschisis, is mediated by an imbalance of glutamatergic versus GABAergic neurotransmission. This study investigated the role of GABAergic, somatostatin-positive (SST) interneurons in the contralateral hemisphere 72 h after unilateral TBI. The brain injury was induced to the primary motor/somatosensory cortex of glutamate decarboxylase 67–green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) knock-in mice at postnatal days 19–21 under anesthesia in vivo. Single GFP+ interneurons of the undamaged, contralateral cortex were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and analyzed by mass spectrometry. TBI caused a switch of 2 α subunits of pore-forming L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) in GABAergic interneurons, an increased expression of CaV1.3, and simultaneous ablation of CaV1.2. This switch was associated with 1) increased excitability of single SST interneurons in patch-clamp recordings and (2) a recovery from early network hyperactivity in the contralateral hemisphere in microelectrode array recordings of acute slices. The electrophysiological changes were sensitive to pharmacological blockade of CaV1.3 (isradipine, 100 nM). These data identify a switch of 2 α subunits of VGCCs in SST interneurons early after TBI as a mechanism to counterbalance post-traumatic hyperexcitability.
The Neural Representation of Ordinal Information: Domain-Specific or Domain-General?
Authors: Attout Lucie , Leroy Nathan , Majerus Steve
Published: July 2021

Ordinal processing allows for the representation of the sequential relations between stimuli and is a fundamental aspect of different cognitive domains such as verbal working memory (WM), language and numerical cognition. Several studies suggest common ordinal coding mechanisms across these different domains but direct between-domain comparisons of ordinal coding are rare and have led to contradictory evidence. This fMRI study examined the commonality of ordinal representations across the WM, the number, and the letter domains by using a multivoxel pattern analysis approach and by focusing on triplet stimuli associated with robust ordinal distance effects. Neural patterns in fronto-parietal cortices distinguished ordinal distance in all domains. Critically, between-task predictions of ordinal distance in fronto-parietal cortices were robust between serial order WM, alphabetical order judgment but not when involving the numerical order judgment tasks. Moreover, frontal ROIs further supported between-task prediction of distance for the luminance judgment control task, the serial order WM, and the alphabetical tasks. These results suggest that common neural substrates characterize processing of ordinal information in WM and alphabetical but not numerical domains. This commonality, particularly in frontal cortices, may however reflect attentional control processes involved in judging ordinal distances rather than the intervention of domain-general ordinal codes.
A case report of a massive cardiac intimal sarcoma manifesting as syncope during a stress test
Authors: Rehman Mahin , El-Dabh Ashraf , Mandal Shobha , Sattur Sudhakar
Published: July 2021

Background

Syncope has many aetiologies but from a cardiac standpoint, if arrhythmogenic and ischaemic causes are not present, obstructive lesions should be considered. Cardiac spindle cell sarcomas are incredibly rare and difficult to cure.

Case summary

A 62-year-old man presented for exercise stress test and had a syncopal episode on the treadmill. He was found to have a massive mass obstructing the transmitral flow. Patient was taken to the operating room and the mass was resected successfully. Histopathological confirmation revealed the mass to be a cardiac intimal sarcoma. Patient was initiated on a trial regimen of doxorubin, ifosfamide, and mesna.

Discussion

Cardiac intimal sarcomas are aggressive cancers and are difficult to treat; there are no established treatment guidelines. They can lead to obstruction of blood flow through the cardiac chambers. From a cardiac perspective, without arrhythmogenic and ischaemic causes of syncope, obstructive lesions should be considered.
Harnessing multivariate, penalized regression methods for genomic prediction and QTL detection of drought-related traits in grapevine
Authors: Brault Charlotte , Doligez Agnès , Cunff Le , Coupel-Ledru Aude , Simonneau Thierry , Chiquet Julien , This Patrice , Flutre Timothée
Published: July 2021

Viticulture has to cope with climate change and to decrease pesticide inputs, while maintaining yield and wine quality. Breeding is a key lever to meet this challenge, and genomic prediction a promising tool to accelerate breeding programs. Multivariate methods are potentially more accurate than univariate ones. Moreover, some prediction methods also provide marker selection, thus allowing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detection and the identification of positional candidate genes. To study both genomic prediction and QTL detection for drought-related traits in grapevine, we applied several methods, interval mapping (IM) as well as univariate and multivariate penalized regression, in a bi-parental progeny. With a dense genetic map, we simulated two traits under four QTL configurations. The penalized regression method Elastic Net (EN) for genomic prediction, and controlling the marginal False Discovery Rate on EN selected markers to prioritize the QTLs. Indeed, penalized methods were more powerful than IM for QTL detection across various genetic architectures. Multivariate prediction did not perform better than its univariate counterpart, despite strong genetic correlation between traits. Using 14 traits measured in semi-controlled conditions under different watering conditions, penalized regression methods proved very efficient for intra-population prediction whatever the genetic architecture of the trait, with predictive abilities reaching 0.68. Compared to a previous study on the same traits, these methods applied on a denser map found new QTLs controlling traits linked to drought tolerance and provided relevant candidate genes. Overall, these findings provide a strong evidence base for implementing genomic prediction in grapevine breeding.
The effect of lateral variations in Earth structure on Last Interglacial sea level
Authors: Austermann Jacqueline , Hoggard Mark J , Latychev Konstantin , Richards Fred D , Mitrovica Jerry X
Published: July 2021

It is generally agreed that the Last Interglacial (LIG; ∼130–115 ka) was a time when global average temperatures and global mean sea level were higher than they are today. However, the exact timing, magnitude and spatial pattern of ice melt is much debated. One difficulty in extracting past global mean sea level from local observations is that their elevations need to be corrected for glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), which requires knowledge of Earth’s internal viscoelastic structure. While this structure is generally assumed to be radially symmetric, evidence from seismology, geodynamics and mineral physics indicates that large lateral variations in viscosity exist within the mantle. In this study, we construct a new model of Earth’s internal structure by converting shear wave speed into viscosity using parametrizations from mineral physics experiments and geodynamic constraints on Earth’s thermal structure. We use this 3-D Earth structure, which includes both variations in lithospheric thickness and lateral variations in viscosity, to calculate the first 3-D GIA prediction for LIG sea level. We find that the difference between predictions with and without lateral Earth structure can be metres to 10s of metres in the near field of former ice sheets, and up to a few metres in their far field. We demonstrate how forebulge dynamics and continental levering are affected by laterally varying Earth structure, with a particular focus on those sites with prominent LIG sea level records. Results from four 3-D GIA calculations show that accounting for lateral structure can act to increase local sea level by up to ∼1.5 m at the Seychelles and minimally decrease it in Western Australia. We acknowledge that this result is only based on a few simulations, but if robust, this shift brings estimates of global mean sea level from these two sites into closer agreement with each other. We further demonstrate that simulations with a suitable radial viscosity profile can be used to locally approximate the 3-D GIA result, but that these radial profiles cannot be found by simply averaging viscosity below the sea level indicator site.
The Promise and Perils of Mainstreaming Intersectionality in the Colombian Peace Process
Authors: González Villamizar Juliana , Bueno-Hansen Pascha
Published: July 2021

This article examines the extent to which mainstreaming intersectionality in the Colombian Truth Commission (CEV) serves the feminist aim of producing social transformations by exposing patriarchal, racialized and class-based structures of oppression. Analysing the mainstreaming of intersectionality as a site of struggle exposes the interlocking dynamics of inequality and ontological impositions that block Indigenous and Afro-descendant women’s full participation at the CEV. Ongoing dialogues with five Indigenous and/or Afro-descendant Colombian activists centrally inform this analysis. All the activists utilize the gender, woman, family and generation approach, which is anchored in the shared cosmological reference points of Indigenous and Afro-descendant women. The peril of mainstreaming intersectionality appears when it is used in a shallow manner that severs a structural intersectional analysis from a political intersectional analysis. The promise of intersectionality can only be realized through a holistic understanding and application of both its structural and political dimensions.
Higher Viral Load Drives Infrequent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Transmission Between Asymptomatic Residence Hall Roommates
Authors: Bjorkman Kristen K , Saldi Tassa K , Lasda Erika , Bauer Leisha Conners , Kovarik Jennifer , Gonzales Patrick K , Fink Morgan R , Tat Kimngan L , Hager Cole R , Davis Jack C , Ozeroff Christopher D , Brisson Gloria R , Larremore Daniel B , Leinwand Leslie A , McQueen Matthew B , Parker Roy
Published: July 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic spread to >200 countries in <6 months. To understand coronavirus spread, determining transmission rate and defining factors that increase transmission risk are essential. Most cases are asymptomatic, but people with asymptomatic infection have viral loads indistinguishable from those in symptomatic people, and they do transmit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, asymptomatic cases are often undetected.

Methods

Given high residence hall student density, the University of Colorado Boulder established a mandatory weekly screening test program. We analyzed longitudinal data from 6408 students and identified 116 likely transmission events in which a second roommate tested positive within 14 days of the index roommate.

Results

Although the infection rate was lower in single-occupancy rooms (10%) than in multiple-occupancy rooms (19%), interroommate transmission occurred only about 20% of the time. Cases were usually asymptomatic at the time of detection. Notably, individuals who likely transmitted had an average viral load approximately 6.5-fold higher than individuals who did not (mean quantification cycle [Cq], 26.2 vs 28.9). Although students with diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection moved to isolation rooms, there was no difference in time to isolation between cases with or without interroommate transmission.

Conclusions

This analysis argues that interroommate transmission occurs infrequently in residence halls and provides strong correlative evidence that viral load is proportional to transmission probability.
Rhizospheric pathogen proliferation and ROS production are associated with premature senescence of the osvha-a1 rice mutant
Authors: Lin Feifan , Letuma Puleng , Li Zhaowei , Lin Sheng , Rensing Christopher , Lin Wenxiong
Published: July 2021

Root-pathogen interactions influence premature senescence in rice, however, few studies have addressed the underlying mechanism. In this study, when premature senescence significantly occurred in the osvha-a1 mutant (loss of tonoplast H+-ATPase activity), the relative abundance of rhizospheric bacterial communities was similar between the mutant and its wild type, while the fungi in the rhizosphere of the osvha-a1 mutant significantly differed from the wild type. Furthermore, one key fungal strain in the rhizospheric soil of the osvha-a1 mutant, Gibberella intermedia, increased substantially during the late growing phase, resulting in severe accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). By contrast, the wild type showed much lower levels of ROS when infected by G. intermedia. Using high performance liquid chromatography, sugars in root exudates were identified to be different between osvha-a1 mutant and the wild type. G. intermedia could use mannose and rhamnose in root exudates from the mutant more efficiently than any other sugar. Finally, antagonistic bacteria could be employed for limiting the proliferation of G. intermedia in the rhizosphere, thereby alleviating the early senescent phenotypes of the osvha-a1 mutant, and improving grain yield.
Obtaining nonlinear galaxy bias constraints from galaxy-lensing phase differences
Authors: Manera Marc , Bacon David
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate the utility and constraining power of a new statistic for investigating galaxy bias: the galaxy-lensing phase difference. The statistic consists in taking the differences of the phases of the harmonic wave modes between the weak lensing convergence field and the galaxy count field. We use dark matter simulations populated with galaxies up to redshift z = 1 to test the performance of this estimator. We find that phase differences are sensitive to the absolute value of the second-order bias (c2 = b2/b1) and demonstrate why this is the case. For a $1500$ deg2 galaxy survey we recover c2 with an error of approximately 0.1 for a wide range of c2 values; current constraints from redshift surveys have errors of 0.1–0.6 depending on redshift. This new statistic is therefore expected to provide constraints for c2 which are complementary and competitive with constraining power by the conventional estimators from the power spectrum and bispectrum. For the Dark Energy Survey (DES), we predict leading measurements of second-order bias.
An analytic solution to the Kozai–Lidov evolution equations
Authors: Lubow Stephen H
Published: July 2021

A test particle in a non-coplanar orbit about a member of a binary system can undergo Kozai–Lidov oscillations in which tilt and eccentricity are exchanged. An initially circular highly inclined particle orbit can reach high eccentricity. We consider the non-linear secular evolution equations previously obtained in the quadrupole approximation. For the important case that the initial eccentricity of the particle orbit is zero, we derive an analytic solution for the particle orbital elements as a function of time that is exact within the quadrupole approximation. The solution involves only simple trigonometric and hyperbolic functions. It simplifies in the case that the initial particle orbit is close to being perpendicular to the binary orbital plane. The solution also provides an accurate description of particle orbits with non-zero but sufficiently small initial eccentricity. It is accurate over a range of initial eccentricity that broadens at higher initial inclinations. In the case of an initial inclination of π/3, an error of 1 per cent at maximum eccentricity occurs for initial eccentricities of about 0.1.
Improving T cell therapy: in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screens tell us how to do
Authors: Yin Tao
Published: July 2021

Editor’s note

A commentary on “In vivo CD8+ T cell CRISPR screening reveals control by Fli1 in infection and cancer”.
The Party Structure of Mutual Funds
Authors: Bubb Ryan , Catan Emiliano M
Published: July 2021

We investigate the structure of mutual funds’ corporate governance preferences as revealed by how they vote their shares in portfolio companies. We apply unsupervised learning tools from the machine learning literature to analyze mutual funds’ votes and find that a parsimonious two-dimensional model can explain the bulk of mutual fund voting. The dimensions capture competing visions of corporate governance and are related to the leading proxy advisors’ recommendations. Cluster analysis shows that mutual funds are organized into three “parties”—the Traditional Governance Party, Shareholder Reform Party, and Shareholder Protest Party—that follow distinctive philosophies of corporate governance and shareholders’ role.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
The GOUT-36 prediction rule for inpatient gout flare in people with comorbid gout: derivation and external validation
Authors: Jatuworapruk Kanon , Grainger Rebecca , Dalbeth Nicola , Lertnawapan Ratchaya , Hanvivadhanakul Punchong , Towiwat Patapong , Shi Lianjie , Taylor William J
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To develop and validate a gout flare risk stratification tool for people with gout hospitalized for non-gout conditions.

Methods

The prediction rule for inpatient gout flare was derived from a cohort of 625 hospitalized people with comorbid gout from New Zealand. The rule had four items: no pre-admission gout flare prophylaxis, no pre-admission urate-lowering therapy, tophus and pre-admission serum urate >0.36 mmol/l within the previous year (GOUT-36 rule). Two or more items are required for the classification of high risk for developing inpatient gout flares. The GOUT-36 rule was validated in a prospective cohort of 284 hospitalized people with comorbid gout from Thailand and China.

Results

The GOUT-36 rule had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 67% and area under the curve of 0.71 for classifying people at high risk for developing inpatient gout flares. Four risk groups were developed: low (no items), moderate (one item), high (two items) and very high risk (three or four items). In a population with frequent (overall 34%) in-hospital gout flares, 80% of people with very high risk developed inpatient flares while 11% with low risk had inpatient flares.

Conclusion

The GOUT-36 rule is simple and sensitive for classifying people with high risk for inpatient gout flares. The rule may help inform clinical decisions and future research on the prevention of inpatient gout flares.
Gender and Race on the Frontline: Experiences of Health Workers in Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wenham Clare , Fernandez Michelle , Corrêa Marcela Garcia , Lotta Gabriela , Schall Brunah , Rocha Mariela Campos , Pimenta Denise Nacif
Published: July 2021

Studies on the differential effects of health emergencies have largely overlooked women health workers. Whilst the literature has shown the impact of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) on women and on healthcare workers, little research has considered the gendered effects of the health workforce. This article analyses the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers and working conditions in Brazil’s public healthcare system, through consideration of gendered and racialized understandings of care and work. Data were taken from an online survey of 1,263 health workers, undertaken between September and October 2020, disaggregated by sex and by race in order to understand health workers’ experiences of the pandemic in one of the countries most significantly affected by the crisis.
The tale of two representatives and two jurisdictions
Authors: Bryan Zahler
Published: July 2021

Firewall provisions have become a common feature of offshore jurisdictions since this type of legislation was first introduced by the Cayman Islands in 1987. In a world in which trustees of offshore trusts are increasingly likely to find themselves being joined to foreign proceedings, firewall provisions act as a mechanism through which offshore trusts can be protected from foreign judgments inconsistent with key aspects of the local law. Unlike legislation introduced in other jurisdictions, however, the Trusts Law (2021 Revision) does not include an express jurisdiction provision as part of its firewall provisions. The conventional view adopted by the Cayman Island courts had nonetheless been that exclusive jurisdiction in relation to particular matters was conferred on the Cayman Island courts by section 90 of the Trusts Law. In the recent Re Stingray Trust decision, the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands distinguished previous authorities and held that section 90 is limited to a governing law provision, thereby affirming the continuing importance establishing jurisdiction under common law rules.
Evaluation of partial body weight for predicting body weight and average daily gain in growing beef cattle
Authors: MacNeil Michael D , Berry Donagh P , Clark Sam A , Crowley John J , Scholtz Michiel M
Published: July 2021

Information on body weight and average daily gain (ADG) of growing animals is key not only to monitoring performance, but also for use in genetic evaluations in the pursuit of achieving sustainable genetic gain. Accurate calculation of ADG, however, requires serial measures of body weight over at least 70 days. This can be resource intensive and thus alternative approaches to predicting individual animal ADG warrant investigation. One such approach is the use of continuously collected individual animal partial body weights. The objective of the present study was to determine the utility of partial body weights in predicting both body weight and ADG; a secondary objective was to deduce the appropriate length of test to determine ADG from partial body weight records. The dataset used consisted of partial body weights, predicted body weights and recorded body weights recorded for 8,972 growing cattle from a range of different breed types in 35 contemporary groups. The relationships among partial body weight, predicted body weight and recorded body weight at the beginning and end of the performance test were determined and calculated ADG per animal from each body weight measure were also compared. On average, partial body weight explained 90.7 ± 2.0% of the variation in recorded body weight at the beginning of the postweaning gain test and 87.9 ± 2.9% of the variation in recorded body weight at its end. The GrowSafe proprietary algorithm to predict body weight from the partial body weight strengthened these coefficients of determination to 95.1 ± 0.9% and 94.9 ± 0.8%, respectively. The ADG calculated from the partial body weight or from the predicted body weight were very strongly correlated (r = 0.95); correlations between these ADG values with those calculated from the recorded body weights were weaker at 0.81 and 0.78, respectively. For some applications, ADG may be measured with sufficient accuracy with a test period of 50 days using partial body weights. The intended inference space is to individual trials which have been represented in this study by contemporary groups of growing cattle from different genotypes.
Binary Semantic Classification Using Cortical Activation with Pavlovian-Conditioned Vestibular Responses in Healthy and Locked-In Individuals
Authors: Yoshimura Natsue , Umetsu Kaito , Tonin Alessandro , Maruyama Yasuhisa , Harada Kyosuke , Rana Aygul , Ganesh Gowrishankar , Chaudhary Ujwal , Koike Yasuharu , Birbaumer Niels
Published: July 2021

To develop a more reliable brain–computer interface (BCI) for patients in the completely locked-in state (CLIS), here we propose a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm using galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), which can induce a strong sensation of equilibrium distortion in individuals. We hypothesized that associating two different sensations caused by two-directional GVS with the thoughts of “yes” and “no” by individuals would enable us to emphasize the differences in brain activity associated with the thoughts of yes and no and hence help us better distinguish the two from electroencephalography (EEG). We tested this hypothesis with 11 healthy and 1 CLIS participant. Our results showed that, first, conditioning of GVS with the thoughts of yes and no is possible. And second, the classification of whether an individual is thinking “yes” or “no” is significantly improved after the conditioning, even in the absence of subsequent GVS stimulations. We observed average classification accuracy of 73.0% over 11 healthy individuals and 85.3% with the CLIS patient. These results suggest the establishment of GVS-based Pavlovian conditioning and its usability as a noninvasive BCI.
Coupling real-time simulation of power supply, trains and dispatching for urban rail transit
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Zhaoyang , Xu Li'en , Ying Ting , Li Jianghong , Chen Huaguo , Hu Yunqing , Qing Guangming
Published: July 2021

In order to study the interaction among the traction power supply, the train group and the operation dispatching of urban rail transit, a coupling simulation system of power supply system, trains and dispatching management is constructed. In order to solve the problems of different timescales and difficult cooperation operation for related subsystems, a multi-bus distributed real-time network architecture based on hierarchical management of communication data is established, and simulation management software is developed to facilitate the free expansion of the simulation system. Meanwhile, the track line, train operation and other large timescale subsystems are realized by the pure digital simulation. And the time-sensitive subsystems, such as train traction system, braking system, auxiliary power supply system and network system etc., are built by the semi-physical simulation. In this article, the system structure and the main implementation principle of each simulation subsystem are given in detail, and the system is tested and verified at the end. The results show that the simulation system can meet the expected requirements.
Anaphylaxis and digital medicine
Authors: Anto Aram , Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Bousquet Jean
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review

Digital medicine (mHealth) aims to help patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) improve and facilitate the provision of patient care. It encompasses equipment/connected medical devices, mHealth services and mHealth apps (apps). An updated review on digital health in anaphylaxis is proposed.

Recent findings

In anaphylaxis, mHealth is used in electronic health records and registries.

It will greatly benefit from the new International Classification of Diseases-11 rules and artificial intelligence. Telehealth has been revolutionised by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and lessons learnt should be extended to shared decision making in anaphylaxis. Very few nonvalidated apps exist and there is an urgent need to develop and validate such tools.

Although digital health appears to be of great importance in anaphylaxis, it is still insufficiently used.
Amount of Hearing Aid Use Impacts Neural Oscillatory Dynamics Underlying Verbal Working Memory Processing for Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Heinrichs-Graham Elizabeth , Walker Elizabeth A. , Eastman Jacob A. , Frenzel Michaela R. , McCreery Ryan W.
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Children with hearing loss (CHL) may exhibit spoken language delays and may also experience deficits in other cognitive domains including working memory. Consistent hearing aid use (i.e., more than 10 hours per day) ameliorates these language delays; however, the impact of hearing aid intervention on the neural dynamics serving working memory remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the amount of hearing aid use and neural oscillatory activity during verbal working memory processing in children with mild-to-severe hearing loss.

Design:

Twenty-three CHL between 8 and 15 years-old performed a letter-based Sternberg working memory task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). Guardians also completed a questionnaire describing the participants’ daily hearing aid use. Each participant’s MEG data was coregistered to their structural MRI, epoched, and transformed into the time–frequency domain using complex demodulation. Significant oscillatory responses corresponding to working memory encoding and maintenance were independently imaged using beamforming. Finally, these whole-brain source images were correlated with the total number of hours of weekly hearing aid use, controlling for degree of hearing loss.

Results:

During the encoding period, hearing aid use negatively correlated with alpha-beta oscillatory activity in the bilateral occipital cortices and right precentral gyrus. In the occipital cortices, this relationship suggested that with greater hearing aid use, there was a larger suppression of occipital activity (i.e., more negative relative to baseline). In the precentral gyrus, greater hearing aid use was related to less synchronous activity (i.e., less positive relative to baseline). During the maintenance period, hearing aid use significantly correlated with alpha activity in the right prefrontal cortex, such that with greater hearing aid use, there was less right prefrontal maintenance-related activity (i.e., less positive relative to baseline).

Conclusions:

This study is the first to investigate the impact of hearing aid use on the neural dynamics that underlie working memory function. These data show robust relationships between the amount of hearing aid use and phase-specific neural patterns during working memory encoding and maintenance after controlling for degree of hearing loss. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that wearing hearing aids for more than ~8.5 hours/day may serve to normalize these neural patterns. This study also demonstrates the potential for neuroimaging to help determine the locus of variability in outcomes in CHL.
Multidisciplinary Team-based Amputee Care: Level Sparing Surgical Techniques and Treatment of Chronic Pain
Authors: Stoneback Jason W. , Donaldson Nathan , Ignatiuk Ashley , Iorio Matthew L.
Published: July 2021

Careful consideration of a multitude of factors including vascular status, soft tissue envelope, functional status, and goals are integral in determining optimal amputation technique. For patients undergoing a secondary or revision amputation, those same factors, in addition to frequently encountered issues such as poor prosthetic fit, unstable soft tissues, neuromatous pain, and poor overall function should be evaluated. A multidisciplinary team including orthopedics, musculoskeletal radiology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, vascular interventionists, infectious disease, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, wound care, physical therapy, and prosthetists are integral to the optimal care of amputees and the potential for level sparing amputation surgery. Ample social support including social work and an amputee support group is fundamental in helping patients navigate primary amputation issues as well as the transitions over time as an amputee learns to live their life optimally.
Frailty phenotype is associated with antiretroviral exposure among older persons living with HIV
Authors: Felker Gwendoline , Enel Patricia , Petit Nathalie , Retornaz Frederique , Darque Albert , Ravaux Isabelle
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review

This multicentre, cross-sectional study was carried out in the South of France to assess the association between frailty phenotype and antiretroviral therapy (ART) in older persons living with HIV (PLWHIV). Sociodemographic and HIV data, geriatric assessment, comorbidities, behavioral and age-related variables and the five frailty markers of Fried were recorded. Exposure to any pharmacological class of ART and all regimens were retrieved from medical records.

Recent findings

The 509 PLWHIV analysed (72.7% male) received a mean of 6.01 ART regimens and 12.5 years exposure to ART. The prevalence of at least one frailty marker [frail and prefrail phenotype (FPFP)] was 66.4%. Duration of exposure to protease inhibitors and reverse transcriptase inhibitors, number of ART regimens and comorbidities, dyslipidaemia, cancer, depression, falls, disability and pain were significantly associated with FPFP by univariate analysis. In logistic regression multivariable analysis, independent predictors for FPFP were a large number of ART regimens, presence of cancer and pain. No significant association was found with HIV-related parameters neither with ART class and duration.

A significant association was found between FPFP and a large number of different ART regimens among older PLWHIV. The burden of cancer and pain in these patients shows the importance of comprehensive care.
Mesenchymal PLAG1 Tumor With PCMTD1-PLAG1 Fusion in an Infant: A New Type of “Plagoma”
Authors: Tomás-Velázquez Alejandra , Surrey Lea F. , Miele Evelina , Li Marilyn M. , Alaggio Rita , Goitz Robert J. , Reyes-Múgica Miguel , Salgado Cláudia Maria
Published: July 2021

In the past decade, there have been major advances in knowledge related to mesenchymal tumors, and new genetic alterations are being delineated. We report a mesenchymal spindle cell neoplasm harboring a novel gene fusion in an infant. Histopathologically, the neoplasm shared some features with sclerosing perineurioma, but immunohistochemically, EMA was negative, whereas GLUT1, NK1-C3, and BCOR were positive. Next-generation sequencing revealed a PCMTD1–pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) fusion. PLAG1 contributes to the expression of a variety of genes implicated in regulating cell proliferation, and PCMTD1 has been related to the development of certain carcinomas. Recently, other soft tissue tumors in young children associated with PLAG1 fusion variants have been reported. Perhaps, mesenchymal neoplasms presenting PLAG1 fusions with different genes would confirm a specific group (PLAG mesenchymal tumours or “plagomas”) in the near future.
CD34 Staining as a Useful Tool in Disorders of Collagen Degeneration
Authors: Lee Jonathan M. C. , Borretta Lisa J. , Crawford Richard I.
Published: July 2021

The human progenitor-cell antigen CD34 is expressed in dermal dendritic cells and is lost in several disorders affecting dermal collagen. The loss of CD34 immunohistochemical staining has been demonstrated to be helpful in the histologic diagnosis of morphea, lichen sclerosus, and the classic pattern of granuloma annulare. This study characterized CD34 expression in 2 sclerosing disorders affecting the subcutis: lipodermatosclerosis (LDS) and the sclerodermoid form of chronic graft-versus-host disease (ScGVHD). In addition, we applied CD34 staining to the interstitial pattern of granuloma annulare (IGA), which is a diagnostically challenging entity with subtle amounts of dermal collagen degeneration. Fifteen cases of LDS, 6 cases of ScGVHD, and 4 cases of IGA were identified and stained with CD34. All cases of LDS showed loss of CD34 within subcutaneous septa, and 9 cases (60%) also exhibited full-thickness dermal loss of interstitial staining. All 6 cases of ScGVHD showed varying degrees of CD34 loss within the dermis and/or subcutaneous septa. The normal subcutis showed diffuse septal staining with CD34, with a density equal to that seen in the dermis. CD34 staining was lost in areas of dermal inflammation in half of the IGA cases. We conclude that CD34 staining is a useful ancillary test in disease processes affecting the subcutaneous collagen such as LDS and ScGVHD. Its utility also extends to diagnostically challenging disorders of dermal collagen degeneration such as IGA.
Immature Chondroid Choristoma: Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Study of an Unusual Benign Skin Tumor
Authors: Suster David , Ronen Shira , Mackinnon Alexander C. , Suster Saul
Published: July 2021

An unusual benign skin tumor is reported occurring in a 68-year-old woman with no significant medical history. The lesion presented as a small skin nodule in the neck. Histologic examination showed a well-circumscribed superficial dermal nodule composed of a solid proliferation of large, round cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and small centrally placed nuclei displaying a vaguely chondroid appearance. Immunohistochemical studies showed strong positivity of the tumor cells for S100 protein and vimentin and negative staining for SOX10, melanoma cocktail, HMB45, Melan-A, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, inhibin, desmin, smooth muscle actin, CD68, CD164, and neuron specific enolase. Next-generation sequencing using a panel of 50 actionable genes commonly encountered in human neoplasia did not reveal the presence of any mutations. Owing to the remarkable similarity of the lesion to immature cartilage, we consider this to be a benign tumor, most likely resulting from an embryologic defect. We propose the term immature chondroid choristoma to designate this lesion.