bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting 1-D and 2-D ground resonances with a single-station approach
Authors: Sgattoni Giulia , Castellaro Silvia
Published: June 2020

The vibration modes of the ground have been described both in the 1-D and 2-D case. The 1-D resonance is found on geological structures whose aspect ratio is low, that is on layers with a lateral width much larger than their thickness. A typical example is that of a horizontal soft sediment layer overlying hard bedrock. In this case, the 1-D resonance frequency, traditionally detected by means of the microtremor H/V (horizontal to vertical spectral ratio) technique, depends on the bedrock depth and on the shear wave velocity of the resonating cover layer. The H/V technique is thus used both to map the resonance frequencies in seismic microzonation studies and for stratigraphic imaging. When 2-D resonance occurs, generally on deep and narrow valleys, the whole sedimentary infill vibrates at the same frequency and stratigraphic imaging can no longer be performed by means of the 1-D resonance equation. Understanding the 1-D or 2-D resonance nature of a site is therefore mandatory to avoid wrong stratigraphic and dynamic interpretations, which is in turn extremely relevant for seismic site response assessment. In this paper, we suggest a procedure to address this issue using single-station approaches, which are much more common compared to the multistation synchronized approach presented by research teams in earlier descriptions of the 2-D resonances. We apply the procedure to the Bolzano sedimentary basin in Northern Italy, which lies at the junction of three valleys, for which we observed respectively 1-D-only, 1-D and 2-D, and 2-D-only resonances. We conclude by proposing a workflow scheme to conduct experimental measurements and data analysis in order to assess the 1-D or 2-D resonance nature of a site using a single-station approach.
Tracing theories in realist evaluations of large-scale health programmes in low- and middle-income countries: experience from Nigeria
Authors: Mirzoev Tolib , Etiaba Enyi , Ebenso Bassey , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Ensor Tim , Onwujekwe Obinna , Huss Reinhard , Ezumah Nkoli , Manzano Ana
Published: June 2020

Realist evaluations (RE) are increasingly popular in assessing health programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This article reflects on processes of gleaning, developing, testing, consolidating and refining two programme theories (PTs) from a longitudinal mixed-methods RE of a national maternal and child health programme in Nigeria. The two PTs, facility security and patient–provider trust, represent complex and diverse issues: trust is all encompassing although less tangible, while security is more visible. Neither PT was explicit in the original programme design but emerged from the data and was supported by substantive theories. For security, we used theories of fear of crime, which perceive security as progressing from structural, political and socio-economic factors. Some facilities with the support of communities erected fences, improved lighting and employed guards, which altogether contributed to reduced fear of crime from staff and patients and improved provision and uptake of health care. The social theories for the trust PT were progressively selected to disentangle trust-related micro, meso and macro factors from the deployment and training of staff and conditional cash transfers to women for service uptake. We used taxonomies of trust factors such as safety, benevolent concerns and capability. We used social capital theory to interpret the sustainability of ‘residual’ trust after the funding for the programme ceased. Our overarching lesson is that REs are important though time-consuming ways of generating context-specific implications for policy and practice within ever-changing contexts of health systems in LMICs. It is important to ensure that PTs are ‘pitched at the right level’ of abstraction. The resource-constrained context of LMICs with insufficient documentation poses challenges for the timely convergence of nuggets of evidence to inform PTs. A retroductive approach to REs requires iterative data collection and analysis against the literature, which require continuity, coherence and shared understanding of the analytical processes within collaborative REs.
Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis and Seronegative Inflammatory Spondyloarthritis With Vedolizumab and Tofacitinib
Authors: Lee Joy A , Magavi Pooja R , Konijeti Gauree G
Published: June 2020

The case report describes the benefits of combination therapy with vedolizumab and tofacitinib in a patient with ulcerative colitis and seronegative inflammatory spondyloarthritis.
Fecal Calprotectin Thresholds to Predict Endoscopic Remission Using Advanced Optical Enhancement Techniques and Histological Remission in IBD Patients
Authors: Cannatelli Rosanna , Bazarova Alina , Zardo Davide , Nardone Olga Maria , Shivaji Uday , Smith Samuel Charles Lloyd , Gkoutos Georgios , Ricci Chiara , Gui Xianyong Sean , Ghosh Subrata , Iacucci Marietta
Published: June 2020

Background

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a common surrogate marker of mucosal healing (MH) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). We investigated the optimum FC thresholds for defining endoscopic remission (ER) and histological remission (HR) using advanced endoscopic techniques.

Patients and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we collected clinical, endoscopic, histological data, and FC from 76 UC and 41 CD patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created to evaluate the optimum cut-off of FC to predict ER evaluated by Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES), Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), and modified PICaSSO (Paddington International Virtual Chromoendoscopy Score) for UC patients and Simple Endoscopic Score (SES-CD) in CD patients; and HR was scored by the Robarts Histology Index (RHI) and Nancy Index for UC and modified Riley for CD.

Results

In UC patients, the best thresholds of FC to identify ER calculated with MES, UCEIS, and modified PICaSSO were 112, 148, and 161 mcg/g with accuracy of 86.9% 86.8%, and 81.6%, respectively. The best value of FC to predict HR was 112 mcg/g and 172 mcg/g with accuracy of 84.2% and 81.6% for RHI and Nancy Index, respectively.

In CD patients, the best cut-off of FC to predict ER was 96 mcg/g with accuracy of 82.9%. The HR was best predicted by an FC value of 225 mcg/g with accuracy of 75.6%.

Conclusions

The FC value threshold between 112 and 172 mcg/g could identify ER and HR in UC patients, whereas a value under 225 mcg/g should be considered for CD patients.
Early Combined Immunosuppression May Be More Effective for Reducing Complications in Isolated Colonic- vs Ileal-Dominant Crohn Disease
Authors: Dulai Parambir S , Jairath Vipul , Zou Guangyong , Stitt Larry W , Khanna Reena , Sandborn William J , Feagan Brian G , Singh Siddharth
Published: June 2020

Background

We assessed whether differential efficacy of early combined immunosuppression (ECI) in comparison with conventional management (CM) is present in patients with Crohn disease (CD) according to disease location.

Methods

In this posthoc analysis of the Randomized Evaluation of an Algorithm for Crohn’s Treatment trial, the effect of ECI vs CM modified by disease location (isolated-colonic vs ileal-dominant) in terms of time to first complication (hospitalization, surgery, or disease-related complications—presence of a new abscess, fistula, or stricture; serious worsening of disease activity; extraintestinal manifestations) was analyzed using a marginal Cox proportional hazard model to account for cluster randomization. Factors adjusted included practice size, country, and other covariates selected in a backward logistic regression analysis with the first composition as outcome and P < 0.10.

Results

Of the 1969 patients with CD, 435 had isolated colonic CD (ECI n = 257, CM n = 178) and 1534 had ileal CD (ECI n = 817, CM n = 717). Over 24 months there was a significant differential impact for ECI vs CM for reducing the risk of a CD-related complication between patients with colonic CD and ileal CD (colonic CD hazard ratio [HR] = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.30-0.85 vs ileal CD HR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.57-1.10; P = 0.033). No difference was identified between ECI vs CM for reducing the risk of surgery (colonic HR = 0.52 vs ileal HR = 0.74; P = 0.468) or hospitalization (colonic HR = 0.77 vs ileal HR = 0.83; P = 0.806).

Conclusions

In this posthoc analysis of the Randomized Evaluation of an Algorithm for Crohn’s Treatment trial, symptom-based ECI was associated with greater efficacy for reducing the risk of CD-related complications in patients with colonic disease location relative to ileal disease location.
Association Between Common Vaginal Infections and Cervical Non–Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 Infection in HPV-Vaccinated Women
Authors: Hu Shang-Ying , Tsang Sabrina H , Chen Feng , Pan Qin-Jing , Zhang Wen-Hua , Hong Ying , Sampson Joshua N , Hildesheim Allan , Zhao Fang-Hui , Kreimer Aimée R
Published: June 2020

Background

How vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, Candida spp, and Trichomonas vaginalis affect persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is not well established. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between common vaginal infections and cervical non-HPV16/18 infection, as risk factors associated with persistence of nonvaccine HPV types will become increasingly relevant in the setting of HPV vaccination.

Methods

We performed an analysis in 2039 AS04-HPV16/18–vaccinated women enrolled in a phase II/III trial in China, who were HPV DNA negative at month 0 and 6 and had at least 1 subsequent follow-up visit. Vaginal infections were detected in liquid-based cytology according to the diagnostic criteria of the Bethesda System. Associations between vaginal infections and incident and 6-month persistent non-HPV16/18 infections in the cervix were evaluated using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for the age at initial vaccination, as well as HPV types in the persistence analysis.

Results

Study visits with any vaginal infection had a statistically significant increased risk of incident non-HPV16/18 infection compared to those without vaginal infections (odds ratio [OR], 1.44 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.09–1.92]). However, vaginal infections were not associated with 6-month persistent non-HPV16/18 infection (OR, 1.02 [95% CI, .62–1.69]).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that common vaginal infections are not associated with persistence of non-HPV16/18 infection among HPV16/18-vaccinated women.
Core Recommendations for Antifungal Stewardship: A Statement of the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium
Authors: Johnson Melissa D , Lewis Russell E , Dodds Ashley Elizabeth S , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Zaoutis Theoklis , Thompson George R , Andes David R , Walsh Thomas J , Pappas Peter G , Cornely Oliver A , Perfect John R , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the global public health community has increasingly recognized the importance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in the fight to improve outcomes, decrease costs, and curb increases in antimicrobial resistance around the world. However, the subject of antifungal stewardship (AFS) has received less attention. While the principles of AMS guidelines likely apply to stewarding of antifungal agents, there are additional considerations unique to AFS and the complex field of fungal infections that require specific recommendations. In this article, we review the literature on AMS best practices and discuss AFS through the lens of the global core elements of AMS. We offer recommendations for best practices in AFS based on a synthesis of this evidence by an interdisciplinary expert panel of members of the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium. We also discuss research directions in this rapidly evolving field. AFS is an emerging and important component of AMS, yet requires special considerations in certain areas such as expertise, education, interventions to optimize utilization, therapeutic drug monitoring, and data analysis and reporting.
Efficient T-Cell Compartment in HIV-Positive Patients Receiving Orthotopic Liver Transplant and Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Franceschini Erica , De Biasi Sara , Digaetano Margherita , Bianchini Elena , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Gibellini Lara , Menozzi Marianna , Zona Stefano , Tarantino Giuseppe , Nasi Milena , Codeluppi Mauro , Guaraldi Giovanni , Magistri Paolo , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Pinti Marcello , Mussini Cristina , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: June 2020

Background

In patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant (OLT), immunosuppressive treatment is mandatory and infections are leading causes of morbidity/mortality. Thus, it is essential to understand the functionality of cell-mediated immunity after OLT. The aim of the study was to identify changes in T-cell phenotype and polyfunctionality in human immunodeficiency virus–positive (HIV+) and –negative (HIV–) patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment after OLT.

Methods

We studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 108 subjects divided into 4 groups of 27: HIV+ transplanted patients, HIV– transplanted patients, HIV+ nontransplanted patients, and healthy subjects. T-cell activation, differentiation, and cytokine production were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Median age was 55 years (interquartile range, 52–59 years); the median CD4 count in HIV+ patients was 567 cells/mL, and all had undetectable viral load. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subpopulations showed different distributions between HIV+ and HIV– OLT patients. A cluster representing effector cells expressing PD1 was abundant in HIV– transplanted patients and they were characterized by higher levels of CD4+ T cells able to produce interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor–α.

Conclusions

HIV– transplanted patients have more exhausted or inflammatory T cells compared to HIV+ transplanted patients, suggesting that patients who have already experienced a form of immunosuppression due to HIV infection respond differently to anti-rejection therapy.
Extent of In Utero Transfer of Tenofovir From Mother to Fetus: A Paired Analysis of Hair Specimens Collected at Birth From a Cohort in the United States
Authors: Pintye Jillian , Huo Yanling , Kacanek Deborah , Zhang Kevin , Kuncze Karen , Okochi Hideaki , Gandhi Monica
Published: June 2020

Understanding in utero transfer of antiretrovirals is critical for interpreting safety. Hair levels measure cumulative exposure. We measured tenofovir (TFV) concentrations in hair at delivery among women living with human immunodeficiency virus receiving TFV disoproxil fumarate-based treatment and their infants, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Among 103 mother-infant pairs, the mean log10 ratio of infant-to-maternal TFV levels was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, .97–1.20). TFV transfer was 60% lower from mothers who had preterm compared with term deliveries and 42% lower from mothers who had cesarean compared with vaginal deliveries. Like prior studies assessing transfer via short-term measures (plasma, cord blood, amniotic fluid), we found high cumulative transfer using hair.
Leveraging health system telehealth and informatics infrastructure to create a continuum of services for COVID-19 screening, testing, and treatment
Authors: Ford Dee , Harvey Jillian B , McElligott James , King Kathryn , Simpson Kit N , Valenta Shawn , Warr Emily H , Walsh Tasia , Debenham Ellen , Teasdale Carla , Meystre Stephane , Obeid Jihad S , Metts Christopher , Lenert Leslie A
Published: June 2020

Objectives

We describe our approach in using health information technology to provide a continuum of services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 challenges and needs required health systems to rapidly redesign the delivery of care.

Materials and Methods

Our health system deployed 4 COVID-19 telehealth programs and 4 biomedical informatics innovations to screen and care for COVID-19 patients. Using programmatic and electronic health record data, we describe the implementation and initial utilization.

Results

Through collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and strategic planning, 4 telehealth program initiatives have been deployed in response to COVID-19: virtual urgent care screening, remote patient monitoring for COVID-19–positive patients, continuous virtual monitoring to reduce workforce risk and utilization of personal protective equipment, and the transition of outpatient care to telehealth. Biomedical informatics was integral to our institutional response in supporting clinical care through new and reconfigured technologies. Through linking the telehealth systems and the electronic health record, we have the ability to monitor and track patients through a continuum of COVID-19 services.

Discussion

COVID-19 has facilitated the rapid expansion and utilization of telehealth and health informatics services. We anticipate that patients and providers will view enhanced telehealth services as an essential aspect of the healthcare system. Continuation of telehealth payment models at the federal and private levels will be a key factor in whether this new uptake is sustained.

Conclusions

There are substantial benefits in utilizing telehealth during the COVID-19, including the ability to rapidly scale the number of patients being screened and providing continuity of care.
Characterization of feeding behavior traits in steers with divergent residual feed intake consuming a high-concentrate diet
Authors: Parsons Ira L , Johnson Jocelyn R , Kayser William C , Tedeschi Luis O , Carstens Gordon E
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to examine the differences in feeding behavior patterns of steers with divergent phenotypes for residual feed intake (RFI). Three trials were conducted with 508 Angus-based composite crossbred steers (body weight [BW] = 309 ± 57 kg) fed a high-concentrate diet in pens equipped with electronic feed bunks (GrowSafe System). Initial and final carcass ultrasound measurements (intra-muscular fat, backfat depth, and rib-eye area) were collected on days 0 and 70, and BW measured at 14-d intervals. Individual dry matter intake (DMI) and feeding behavior traits were collected for 70 d, and RFI calculated as the residual from the regression of DMI on average daily gain (ADG) and mid-test BW0.75. Steers were ranked by RFI and assigned to low-, medium-, and high-RFI classes based on ± 0.5 SD from the mean RFI within the trial. The feeding behavior traits evaluated in this study included frequency and duration of bunk visit (BV) and meal events, head-down (HD) duration, mean meal length, time-to-bunk interval, the maximum nonfeeding interval, and the day-to-day variation of these traits, defined as the root mean squared error (RMSE) from linear regression of each trait on the day of trial. Additionally, three ratio traits were evaluated: BV events per meal, HD duration per BV event, and HD duration per meal event. Low-RFI (feed-efficient) steers consumed 16% less (P < 0.01) DMI, while BW and ADG were not different compared with high-RFI steers. Low-RFI steers had 18% fewer and 21% shorter (P < 0.01) BV events, and 11% fewer and 13% shorter (P < 0.01) meal events per day compared with high-RFI steers. Furthermore, low-RFI steers exhibited less (P < 0.05) day-to-day variance in DMI, as well as in frequency and duration of BV and meal events and HD duration compared with high-RFI steers. Differences in feeding behavior traits due to RFI were minimally affected by covariate adjustment for DMI, indicating that steers with divergent RFI have distinct feeding behavior patterns that are largely independent of differences in DMI. These results suggest that feeding behavior traits may be useful biomarkers for the prediction of feed efficiency in beef cattle.
The Zero Bias in Target Retirement Fund Choice
Authors: Kalra Ajay , Liu Xiao , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2020

Using a sample of individuals who hold target retirement funds (TRFs), we examine how people use arithmetic to estimate their retirement age. We find a robust “zero” bias where investors have a strong preference for TRFs that end with zero compared to TRFs that end with five. The evidence is consistent that the bias is an outcome of people using imprecise arithmetic, specifically rounding up and down in the computational estimation required to estimate their retirement year. The zero bias manifests itself in people born in years ending between eight and two. Those born in zero- through two-ending years select TRFs that imply they intend to retire at 70, whereas those born in eight- and nine-ending years choose TRFs that imply retiring at 60. The choices can significantly lower or increase wealth by altering the contribution amounts and exposing investors to risk incompatible with their age profile. The bias is particularly costly for those who are risk averse and select later TRFs but is also most beneficial to risk-averse consumers who choose early TRFs. We experimentally confirm that the contribution rates are related to the TRF choices and that the use of imprecise mathematical rounding is implicated in the bias.
Developing an Ephestia kuehniella Hemocyte Cell Line to Assess the Bio-Insecticidal Potential of Microencapsulated Helicoverpa armigera Nucleopolyhedrovirus Against Cotton Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larva
Authors: Valizadeh Bita , Samarfard Samira , Sendi Jalal Jalali , Karbanowicz Thomas P
Published: June 2020

Helicoverpa armigera Nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) (genus: Alphabaculovirus, incertae sedis: Baculoviridae) has been used to control Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). A reproducible and susceptible cell line was prepared from the hemocytes of Ephestia kuehniella in Grace and Ex-Cell 420 media. The population doubling time of these cloned cell cultures during the logarithmic phase were about 2.3 and 3.7 d for Ex-Cell 420 and Grace’s media, respectively. When 60% confluence occurred, cells were infected by viral inoculums. All biochemical compounds were significantly changed relevant to cellular metabolism due to HearNPV infection. In order to improve its stability, two polymer formulations were used, i.e., formulation A (sodium alginate, gelatin, starch, and molasses) and formulation B (cottonseed kernel extract, Bran, glycerol, boric acid, egg white, and sugar). Formulant A provided high photostability by exhibiting 83.2 ± 3% efficacy and 88.66 ± 2.1% original activities remaining after 72 h UV exposure. Percentage original activity remaining of unformulated HearNPV and formulated mixture of B was 38.66 ± 2.6% and 9.33 ± 1.3%, respectively, after 72 h UV-irradiation. The virulence of the HearNPV proliferated from the Ex-Cell medium was similar to the virulence of wild-type HearNPV with LC50 of 7.7×105 OBs/ml. Formulant A, revealed only 20.0 ± 1% reduction in efficacy while the unformulated virus and formulant B faced a reduction of 90.0 ± 3% and 64.0 ± 2% after 72 h of UVA irradiation. Formulant A thus showed a high potential to protect HearNPVs microparticles against UV-inactivation suggesting a new platform for more efficient biological-management of cotton bollworm (specific name Helicoverpa armigera, genus: Helicoverpa, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in vivo.
Virulence of Metarhizium brunneum (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Strains Against Stinkbugs Euschistus heros and Dichelops furcatus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Resquín-Romero G , Cabral-Antúnez C , Sarubbi-Orue H , Garrido-Jurado I , Valverde-García P , Schade M , Butt T M
Published: June 2020

Three strains of fungi belonging to the genus Metarhizium Sorokīn (ARSEF 4556, ARSEF 3297, native strain) were assayed against adults and nymphs of the Neotropical brown stinkbug Euschistus heros (F.) and the green-belly stinkbug Dichelops furcatus (F.). The most virulent strain, ARSEF 4556, caused over 90% mortality. The average survival time of the second and fifth instar nymphs and adults following immersion in 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 was 4.8, 5.7, and 5.2 d, respectively. The second instar nymphs were more susceptible than the adults. The LC50 values and median survival times for second instar and adult E. heros were 1.6 × 107 and 3.1 × 107 conidia ml−1 and 6 and 8 d, respectively. Eggs of E. heros and the closely related stinkbug, D. furcatus, were highly susceptible to ARSEF 4556 with the mean mortality of eggs immersed in 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 being 77.4% and 89.7%, respectively. The strain 3297 showed also good aptitudes for stinkbugs control with mortalities higher than 80% against nymphs and adults and eggs mortalities of 75.5% for E. heros and 79.6% for D. furcatus. This study has shown that it is possible to have a two-pronged control strategy, targeting adults and to reduce oviposition and targeting egg clusters to prevent emergence and dispersal of nymphs. Besides early instars of nymphs have been shown to be more susceptible to the fungal strains than late instars and adults.
Influence of Riparian Habitat and Ground Covers on Threecornered Alfalfa Hopper (Hemiptera: Membracidae) Populations in Vineyards
Authors: Wilson Houston , Yazdani Armand S , Daane Kent M
Published: June 2020

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) is the causal agent of grapevine red blotch disease, which affects wine grapes and leads to reduced crop yield and quality. While some virus spread can be attributed to the propagation of infected plant material, a greenhouse assay recently demonstrated that the threecornered alfalfa hopper (Membracidae: Spissistilus festinus Say) can transmit GRBV between grapevines. While S. festinus is not considered an economic pest of wine grapes, this species is present in California vineyards and their feeding can cause petiole girdling. Recent surveys have noted a correlation between S. festinus populations and GRBV-positive vines in vineyard areas adjacent to riparian habitat. Here, S. festinus populations were monitored over a 2-yr period at multiple vineyard sites adjacent to riparian habitats. At each site, insects were sampled from ground covers and the vine canopy at the vineyard edge and interior, and vines in both locations were evaluated for petiole girdling. Results indicate that there was no difference in abundance of S. festinus at the vineyard edge and interior. Populations in the vine canopy were highest in the late spring and early summer, and this was followed by the appearance of petiole girdling, indicating a key period of potential GRBV transmission. Furthermore, activity in the vine canopy appears to be amplified when the quality of ground covers is reduced as the season progresses. That said, overall populations of S. festinus were relatively low and additional work is needed to characterize the timing and efficiency of transmission under field conditions.
Interpreting Temporal and Spatial Variation in Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Trap Captures in Highbush Blueberries
Authors: Rodriguez-Saona Cesar , Firbas Nicolas , Hernández-Cumplido Johnattan , Holdcraft Robert , Michel Caryn , Palacios-Castro Sirley , Silva Diego B
Published: June 2020

Integrated pest management (IPM) programs for the spotted-wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) rely on insecticide applications to reduce adult populations and prevent fruit infestation. Although monitoring traps are used for early D. suzukii adult detection to time the start of insecticide applications, it remains unclear whether trap counts can be used to determine the efficacy of these programs and predict the risk of fruit infestation. To address this, a 2-yr study (2016–2017) was conducted in highbush blueberries in New Jersey (USA) to interpret D. suzukii trap count variation in relation to the frequency of insecticide applications and proximity to forest habitats. We also correlated trap counts with fruit infestation and used traps to determine the maximum dispersive distance traveled by D. suzukii adults within blueberry fields by using mark-release-capture studies. Using a trapping network across nine farms, we demonstrated that insecticide applications reduce D. suzukii trap counts, but this varied according to seasonality, and that traps placed closer to forest habitats within farms had higher fly counts than those placed in farm interiors. Moreover, blueberry fields that had zero fruit infestation also had predictably lower trap counts than fields with infested fruit, and the maximum dispersive distance for D. suzukii within blueberry fields was 90 m. In summary, while D. suzukii trap counts in blueberry farms could predict the frequency of insecticide applications and fruit infestation, the predictive power of our trap data was too variable across the blueberry harvest period to make it a reliable tool.
Plan B Earth v Secretary of State for Transport: Airport Expansion, the Paris Agreement and the Planning Act 2008
Authors: Gordhan Sonam
Published: June 2020

This case analysis considers the Court of Appeal’s decision in R (Plan B Earth and ors) v Secretary of State for Transport [2020] EWCA Civ 214, which followed the High Court challenge to the Secretary of State’s designation of the UK Airports National Policy Statement. The Court of Appeal found that the Secretary of State’s failure to take into account the UK’s commitment to the Paris Agreement when carrying out his duties under the Planning Act 2008 was unlawful. While permission to appeal this decision has been granted, it remains a notable judgment. The Plan B Earth case confirms the interaction between the UK’s climate change commitments and the statutory framework of the UK’s planning system. It also highlights the complexity of the Court’s institutional role in the context of environmental problems. Analysing the implications of this decision through a policymaking lens risks overlooking the role of public law principles that shaped the Court’s reasoning, defining the relationship between the Paris Agreement and the Planning Act.
Thiamethoxam Differentially Impacts the Survival of the Generalist Predators, Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), When Exposed via the Food Chain
Authors: Esquivel Carlos J , Martinez Erick J , Baxter Raven , Trabanino Rogelio , Ranger Christopher M , Michel Andrew , Canas Luis A
Published: June 2020

Insect predators are seldom considered during toxicological trophic assessments for insecticide product development. As a result, the ecological impact of novel insecticides on predators is not well understood, especially via the food chain, i.e., when their prey is exposed to insecticides. Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides widely used in agriculture to control herbivorous insects, but their effects on predatory insects via the food chain have not been well characterized. In this study, we documented the time-course effects of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam on the survival of two predators, the insidiosus flower bug Orius insidiosus (Say) and the convergent lady beetle Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, when preying upon the aphids Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Aphids were exposed to thiamethoxam-treated or untreated plants every week over the course of 5 wk. After transferring aphids to Petri dishes, predators were allowed to feed on aphids. We found that the survival of the insidiosus flower bug, but not the convergent lady beetle, was reduced after consuming aphids reared on thiamethoxam-treated plants compared to untreated plants. Survival reduction of the insidiosus flower bug was observed only during the first weeks after thiamethoxam application; no reduction occurred 28 d after treatment or beyond. These results demonstrate that a systemic application of thiamethoxam could be compatible with convergent lady beetles and insidiosus flower bugs, if the time of predator release does not coincide with thiamethoxam activity. These findings are critical for the development of future pest control programs that integrate biological and chemical control.
Efficacy of a Stress Management Intervention for Mothers of Children with Cancer
Authors: Marsland Anna L , Walsh Catherine P , Cleary Jennifer L , Vaisleib Alina D , Farrell Chelsea , Woods William C , Tersak Jean M , Wright Aidan , Ewing Linda J
Published: June 2020

Objective

Mothers of children with cancer confront life stress that can impact their psychological and physical health and, in turn, the health of the family. Recommendations advocate preemptive stress-management interventions; however, few studies have investigated their efficacy. Here, we report results of a parallel randomized pilot trial examining health benefits of a stress management intervention designed to teach coping skills.

Methods

One hundred twenty mothers (age 36 ± 8 years) of children newly diagnosed with cancer were randomized to a 12-session stress management intervention (n = 60) or usual care (n = 60). Sessions took place in the inpatient or outpatient setting of a children’s hospital. Primary outcome variables included psychological function and physical health assessed preintervention and postintervention and at 6-month follow-up (∼12 months postdiagnosis).

Results

Enrollment, retention, and satisfaction data supported feasibility and acceptability. Latent change score models showed the intervention reduced perceived stress (d = −0.37, p = 0.03), anxiety symptoms (ds = −0.38 and −0.56, ps < .03) and, a nonsignificant effect for depressive symptoms (d = −0.29, p = .11) across the 6 months following diagnosis. Intervention participants also endorsed fewer depressive symptoms than controls ∼12 months after diagnosis. The intervention improved stress management skills, which associated with the psychological benefits of participation. There were no intervention-related changes in perceived health or markers of inflammation.

Conclusion

Intervention-related improvements in stress management skills may result in better psychological health in the face of caring for a child with cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02022449
Reduction in Medical Evacuations from Iraq and Syria Following Introduction of an Asynchronous Telehealth System
Authors: Nguyen Charles , Mbuthia Jennifer , Dobson Craig P
Published: June 2020

Introduction

While deployed, military medical personnel manage routine medical issues that fall under the category of Disease Non-Battle Injury (DNBI). The 86th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) partnered with Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) Surgeon Cell, and Special Operations Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (SOJTF-OIR) Surgeon Cell, to introduce the Health Experts onLine Portal (HELP) telemedicine system to medical personnel in Iraq and Syria. HELP is an asynchronous (store and forward) online system that provides secure provider-to-provider teleconsultation services for routine patient care and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) coordination. The goal was to reduce the need for MEDEVAC by providing expert consultation to medical providers in farther-forward deployed units.

Material and Methods

In June 2017, the 86th CSH launched HELP telemedicine services for Kuwait. Following the successful implementation of the telemedicine system in Kuwait, the 86th CSH leadership partnered with CJTF-OIR and SOJTF-OIR medical leadership in launching the system within Iraq and Syria as well as making the system available to all deployed locations in Central Command (CENTCOM). This was a prospective cohort study designed to determine if having convenient and secure access to remote subspecialty consultation would be associated with a reduction in routine MEDEVACs from far forward in the battle space. In August 2017, new-user training was completed and the program launched in Iraq and Syria. This study analyzes the baseline MEDEVAC rate in 3 months before the implementation of HELP telemedicine compared to 3 months following the implementation.

Results

Iraq and Syria cases in the HELP telemedicine system accounted for 17.2% (76) of total CENTCOM telemedicine case volume over the 7-month study period. Comparing the 3-month period before and after implementation of HELP, use of asynchronous telemedicine in Iraq and Syria was associated with a reduction in total MEDEVACs from 157 to 68 (56.7% reduction, p < 0.001). DNBI represented the majority of the change, (65.0% reduction, p < 0.001). MEDEVAC for battle-related injuries decreased slightly from 13 to 6 per 3-month period (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

This is the first prospective study to demonstrate an association between the initiation of asynchronous telemedicine capabilities in a combat zone and decreased MEDEVACs. Annualized numbers would predict a reduction of 328 MEDEVACs/year for each 10,000 personnel by utilizing asynchronous telemedicine. This represents a significant potential cost savings of $1.2 million/year through avoidance of routine medical movement of personnel and supports unit readiness by retaining service members in areas of combat operations.
Prevalence of Tinnitus and Association with Self-Rated Health among Military Personnel Injured on Combat Deployment
Authors: MacGregor Andrew J , Joseph Antony R , Dougherty Amber L
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Tinnitus is an auditory problem frequently reported by military personnel and is currently responsible for 1 billion dollars annually in disability compensation. Recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan saw high levels of combat exposure coupled with a surge in blast weaponry, both of which can adversely affect hearing. The present study explored the prevalence of tinnitus and the association with self-rated health among military personnel injured during combat deployment.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1,026 U.S. military personnel who sustained an injury during operations (592 battle blast, 73 battle nonblast, 361 nonbattle) in Iraq were identified from clinical records. Post-Deployment Health Assessments administered at two separate points in time were used to identify self-reported tinnitus symptoms and self-rated health within 1 year of injury.

Results

Those with a battle blast injury had the highest prevalence of tinnitus with 19.1% and 31.3% on the first and second health assessments, respectively. In a multivariate model adjusting for combat exposure, concussion, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other covariates, tinnitus was associated with lower self-rated health for both the first (odds ratio [OR] = 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.07–5.30, P < 0.001) and second assessments (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.76–3.61, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Tinnitus is a common source of impairment among military personnel injured during combat deployment and is associated with poorer self-rated health. Future research should determine whether timing of assessment is linked to symptom recognition or reporting, and what interventions are best suited for ameliorating the negative impact of tinnitus.
The impact of spectroscopic incompleteness in direct calibration of redshift distributions for weak lensing surveys
Authors: Hartley W G , Chang C , Samani S , Carnero Rosell A , Davis T M , Hoyle B , Gruen D , Asorey J , Gschwend J , Lidman C , Kuehn K , King A , Rau M M , Wechsler R H , DeRose J , Hinton S R , Whiteway L , Abbott T M C , Aguena M , Allam S , Annis J , Avila S , Bernstein G M , Bertin E , Bridle S L , Brooks D , Burke D L , Kind M Carrasco , Carretero J , Castander F J , Cawthon R , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , Desai S , Diehl H T , Dietrich J P , Flaugher B , Fosalba P , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Gerdes D W , Gruendl R A , Gutierrez G , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , James D J , Kent S , Krause E , Kuropatkin N , Lahav O , Lima M , Maia M A G , Marshall J L , Melchior P , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Ogando R L C , Palmese A , Paz-Chinchón F , Plazas A A , Roodman A , Rykoff E S , Sanchez E , Scarpine V , Schubnell M , Serrano S , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Smith M , Soares-Santos M , Suchyta E , Tarle G , Troxel M A , Tucker D L , Varga T N , Weller J , Wilkinson R D ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: June 2020

Obtaining accurate distributions of galaxy redshifts is a critical aspect of weak lensing cosmology experiments. One of the methods used to estimate and validate redshift distributions is to apply weights to a spectroscopic sample, so that their weighted photometry distribution matches the target sample. In this work, we estimate the selection bias in redshift that is introduced in this procedure. We do so by simulating the process of assembling a spectroscopic sample (including observer-assigned confidence flags) and highlight the impacts of spectroscopic target selection and redshift failures. We use the first year (Y1) weak lensing analysis in Dark Energy Survey (DES) as an example data set but the implications generalize to all similar weak lensing surveys. We find that using colour cuts that are not available to the weak lensing galaxies can introduce biases of up to Δz ∼ 0.04 in the weighted mean redshift of different redshift intervals (Δz ∼ 0.015 in the case most relevant to DES). To assess the impact of incompleteness in spectroscopic samples, we select only objects with high observer-defined confidence flags and compare the weighted mean redshift with the true mean. We find that the mean redshift of the DES Y1 weak lensing sample is typically biased at the Δz = 0.005−0.05 level after the weighting is applied. The bias we uncover can have either sign, depending on the samples and redshift interval considered. For the highest redshift bin, the bias is larger than the uncertainties in the other DES Y1 redshift calibration methods, justifying the decision of not using this method for the redshift estimations. We discuss several methods to mitigate this bias.
Weak lensing of Type Ia Supernovae from the Dark Energy Survey
Authors: Macaulay E , Bacon D , Nichol R C , Davis T M , Elvin-Poole J , Brout D , Carollo D , Glazebrook K , Hinton S R , Lewis G F , Lidman C , Möller A , Sako M , Scolnic D , Smith M , Sommer N E , Tucker B E , Abbott T M C , Aguena M , Annis J , Avila S , Bertin E , Bhargava S , Brooks D , Burke D L , Carnero Rosell A , Carrasco Kind M , Carretero J , Castander F J , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , Desai S , Diehl H T , Doel P , Flaugher B , Foley R J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Gerdes D W , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Gschwend J , Gutierrez G , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , Huterer D , James D J , Kuehn K , Kuropatkin N , Lahav O , Lima M , Maia M A G , Marshall J L , Melchior P , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Palmese A , Plazas A A , Romer A K , Roodman A , Sanchez E , Scarpine V , Schubnell M , Serrano S , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Soares-Santos M , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Varga T N , Walker A R , Weller J ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: June 2020

We consider the effects of weak gravitational lensing on observations of 196 spectroscopically confirmed Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) from years 1 to 3 of the Dark Energy Survey (DES). We simultaneously measure both the angular correlation function and the non-Gaussian skewness caused by weak lensing. This approach has the advantage of being insensitive to the intrinsic dispersion of SNe Ia magnitudes. We model the amplitude of both effects as a function of σ8, and find σ8 =1.2$^{+0.9}_{-0.8}$. We also apply our method to a subsample of 488 SNe from the Joint Light-curve Analysis (JLA; chosen to match the redshift range we use for this work), and find σ8 =0.8$^{+1.1}_{-0.7}$. The comparable uncertainty in σ8 between DES–SN and the larger number of SNe from JLA highlights the benefits of homogeneity of the DES–SN sample, and improvements in the calibration and data analysis.
Quantification of the expected residual dispersion of the MICADO Near-IR imaging instrument
Authors: van den Born J A , Jellema W
Published: June 2020

MICADO, a near-infrared imager for the Extremely Large Telescope, is being designed to deliver diffraction limited imaging and 50 microarcsecond (μas) astrometric accuracy. MICADO employs an atmospheric dispersion corrector (ADC) to keep the chromatic elongation of the point spread function (PSF) under control. We must understand the dispersion and residuals after correction to reach the optimum performance. Therefore, we identified several sources of chromatic dispersion that need to be considered for the MICADO ADC. First, we compared common models of atmospheric dispersion to investigate whether these models remain suitable for MICADO. We showed that the differential dispersion between common atmospheric models and integration over the full atmosphere is less than 10 μas for most observations in H band. We then performed an error propagation analysis to understand the uncertainty in the atmospheric dispersion as a function of atmospheric conditions. In addition, we investigated the impact of photometric colour on the astrometric performance. While the differential refraction between stars within the same field of view can be significant, the inclusion of an ADC rendered this effect negligible. For MICADO specifically, we found that the current optomechanical design dominates the residual dispersion budget of 0.4 milliarcseconds (mas), with a contribution of 0.31 mas due to the positioning accuracy of the prisms and up to 0.15 mas due to a mismatch between the dispersive properties of the glass and the atmosphere. We found no showstoppers in the design of the MICADO ADC for achieving 50 μas relative astrometric accuracy.
ExoMol line lists – XXXIX. Ro-vibrational molecular line list for CO2
Authors: Yurchenko S N , Mellor Thomas M , Freedman Richard S , Tennyson J
Published: June 2020

A new hot line list for the main isotopologue of CO2, 12C16O2 is presented. The line list consists of almost 2.5 billion transitions between 3.5 million rotation-vibration states of CO2 in its ground electronic state, covering the wavenumber range 0–20 000 cm−1 (λ > 0.5 µm) with the upper and lower energy thresholds of 36 000 cm−1 and 16 000 cm−1, respectively. The ro-vibrational energies and wavefunctions are computed variationally using the accurate empirical potential energy surface Ames-2. The ro-vibrational transition probabilities in the form of Einstein coefficients are computed using an accurate ab initio dipole moment surface with variational program TROVE. A new implementation of TROVE which uses an exact nuclear-motion kinetic energy operator is employed. Comparisons with the existing hot line lists are presented. The line list should be useful for atmospheric retrievals of exoplanets and cool stars. The UCL-4000 line list is available from the CDS and ExoMol data bases.
Detecting Signatures of Positive Selection against a Backdrop of Compensatory Processes
Authors: Chi Peter B , Kosater Westin M , Liberles David A
Published: June 2020

There are known limitations in methods of detecting positive selection. Common methods do not enable differentiation between positive selection and compensatory covariation, a major limitation. Further, the traditional method of calculating the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) does not take into account the 3D structure of biomacromolecules nor differences between amino acids. It also does not account for saturation of synonymous mutations (dS) over long evolutionary time that renders codon-based methods ineffective for older divergences. This work aims to address these shortcomings for detecting positive selection through the development of a statistical model that examines clusters of substitutions in clusters of variable radii. Additionally, it uses a parametric bootstrapping approach to differentiate positive selection from compensatory processes. A previously reported case of positive selection in the leptin protein of primates was reexamined using this methodology.