bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentary: Extending longitudinal network approaches – a reflection on Funkhouser et al. (2020)
Authors: Goh Patrick K. , Martel Michelle M.
Published: January 2021

The network approach facilitates an exploration of direct and potentially causal relations among symptoms of psychological disorders, yet most prior research utilizing this approach has done so using cross‐sectional data. This commentary highlights the importance of longitudinal network approaches, as depicted in the study conducted by Funkhouser et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2020), and describes two possible key extensions of this approach: (a) accounting for risk markers, etiological mechanisms, and other nonsymptoms within longitudinal network models, and (b) continued exploration of longitudinal within‐person networks with attention to personalized treatment applications. Inclusion of these extensions in future longitudinal network studies could provide new insights into the nature of psychopathology and inform the development of more precise screening tools and targeted, personalized interventions.
“I made a mistake!”: A narrative analysis of experienced physicians' stories of preventable error
Authors: Kandasamy Sujane , Vanstone Meredith , Colvin Eamon , Chan Teresa , Sherbino Jonathan , Monteiro Sandra
Published: January 2021

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The complexity of healthcare systems makes errors unavoidable. To strengthen the dialogue around how physicians experience and share medical errors, the objective of this study was to understand how generalist physicians make meaning of and grow from their medical errors.

Methods

This study used a narrative inquiry approach to conduct and analyse in‐depth interviews from 26 physicians from the generalist specialties of emergency, internal, and family medicine. We gathered stories via individual interview, analysed them for key components, and rewrote a “meta‐story” in a chronological sequence. We conceptualized the findings into a metaphor to draw similarities, learn from, and apply new principles from other fields of practice.

Results

Through analysis we interpreted the story of a physician who is required to make numerous decisions in a short period of time in different clinical environments among the patient's family and whilst abiding by existing rules and regulations. Through sharing stories of success and failure, the clinical supervisor can help optimize the physician's emotional growth and professional development. Similarly, through sharing and learning from stories, colleagues and trainees can also contribute to the growth of the protagonist's character and the development of clinic, hospital, and healthcare system.

Conclusion

We draw parallels between the clinical setting and a generalist physician's experiences of a medical error with the environment and practices within professional sports. Using this comparison, we discuss the potential for meaningful coaching in medical education.
Extended external reporting assurance: Current practices and challenges
Authors: Krasodomska Joanna , Simnett Roger , Street Donna L.
Published: January 2021

This paper summarizes the UNCTAD ISAR WBCSD Webinar—Assurance on Sustainability Reports: Current Practices and Challenges, which explored views and practices on assurance of extended external reporting (EER) and identified challenges and potential ways forward. Stakeholders are demanding more accountability, as reflected in increased publication of EER and regulatory developments. EER can play an important role in rebuilding trust by catalyzing corporate focus and disclosure of business‐centric matters material to stakeholders including strategy, business model, governance, and greater transparency on other material non‐financial matters. Relatedly, EER cannot rebuild trust unless disclosures are credible and viewed as credible. Therefore, it is important that assurance, and other credibility enhancing techniques, is developed alongside EER frameworks and takes account of regulatory initiatives. We expand on lessons outlined during the Webinar by highlighting questions posed by participants, providing a historical overview of European regulatory developments (e.g., Directive 2014/95/EU and a forthcoming revision), providing a historical overview of the IAASB’s development of ISAE 3000 and forthcoming guidance on addressing major challenges aimed at supporting EER assurance, and providing an overview of practice‐focused publications addressing EER assurance. We conclude with an assessment of the way forward in regard to possible changes in the EER institutional setting, potential harmonization of EER standards, and the ability to provide reasonable versus limited assurance. Along with our companion paper (Venter and van Eck, 2021, 32), we contribute to the current discussion on EER assurance by providing a comprehensive assessment of the EER assurance landscape.
Safety and feasibility of oral carbohydrate consumption before cesarean delivery on patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: A parallel, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Ningning , Jin Ying , Wang XiaoJuan , Xiang Zhenzhen , Zhang Le , Feng Suwen
Published: January 2021

Aim

To investigate the safety and feasibility of taking low‐concentration carbohydrate solution at 2 h before induction of anesthesia for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients.

Methods

GDM patients undergoing cesarean section were randomly assigned to experimental group (n = 43) and control group (n = 42). Two hours before induction of anesthesia, participants in experimental group orally received 300 mL low‐concentration carbohydrate solution, while those in control group received equivalent warm water. Blood glucose and serum insulin were measured at 2 h before induction of anesthesia, right before induction of anesthesia, and the morning of postoperative day 1. Neonatal blood glucose level was monitored at birth. Maternal gastrointestinal function and well‐being were assessed perioperatively.

Results

The levels of blood glucose and serum insulin right before induction of anesthesia in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. There were four cases with hypoglycemia in the experimental group and 19 cases in the control group right before induction of anesthesia (9.3% vs 45.2%, p < 0.001). The incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia was 2.3% in the experimental group and 7.1% in the control group with no significance. Hunger score of the participants between the two groups right before induction of anesthesia was significantly different. No aspiration, nausea, and vomiting occurred in both groups before, during, and after surgery. No significant difference was found in the time to the first flatus and abdominal distension between the two groups.

Conclusion

Taking low‐concentration carbohydrate solution is safe and feasible for patients with GDM undergoing elective cesarean section.
Seizing control: How dense granule effector proteins enable Toxoplasma to take charge
Authors: Panas Michael W. , Boothroyd John C.
Published: January 2021

Control of the host cell is crucial to the Apicomplexan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, while it grows intracellularly. To achieve this goal, these single‐celled eukaryotes export a series of effector proteins from organelles known as “dense granules” that interfere with normal cellular processes and responses to invasion. While some effectors are found attached to the outer surface of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) in which Toxoplasma tachyzoites reside, others are found in the host cell's cytoplasm and yet others make their way into the host nucleus, where they alter host transcription. Among the processes that are severely altered are innate immune responses, host cell cycle, and association with host organelles. The ways in which these crucial processes are altered through the coordinated action of a large collection of effectors is as elegant as it is complex, and is the central focus of the following review; we also discuss the recent advances in our understanding of how dense granule effector proteins are trafficked out of the PV.
Central airway collapse is related to obesity independent of asthma phenotype
Authors: Bhatawadekar Swati A. , Peters Ubong , Walsh Ryan R. , Daphtary Nirav , MacLean Erick S. , Mori Vitor , Hodgdon Kevin , Kinsey C. Matthew , Kaminsky David A. , Bates Jason H.T. , Dixon Anne E.
Published: January 2021

Background and objective

Late‐onset non‐allergic asthma in obesity is characterized by an abnormally compliant, collapsible lung periphery; it is not known whether this abnormality exists in proximal airways. We sought to compare collapsibility of central airways between lean and obese individuals with and without asthma.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study comparing luminal area and shape (circularity) of the trachea, left mainstem bronchus, right bronchus intermedius and right inferior lobar bronchus at RV and TLC by CT was conducted.

Results

In 11 lean controls (BMI: 22.4 (21.5, 23.8) kg/m2), 10 lean individuals with asthma (23.6 (22.0, 24.8) kg/m2), 10 obese controls (45.5 (40.3, 48.5) kg/m2) and 21 obese individuals with asthma (39.2 (35.8, 42.9) kg/m2), lumen area and circularity increased significantly with an increase in lung volume from RV to TLC for all four airways (P < 0.05 for all). Changes in area and circularity with lung volume were similar in obese individuals with and without asthma, and both obese groups had severe airway collapse at RV. In multivariate analysis, change in lumen area was related to BMI and change in circularity to waist circumference, but neither was related to asthma diagnosis.

Conclusion

Excessive collapse of the central airways is related to obesity, and occurs in both obese controls and obese asthma. Increased airway collapse could contribute to ventilation abnormalities in obese individuals particularly at lower lung volumes, and complicate asthma in obese individuals.
Sample Size Determination for Risk-Based Tax Auditing
Authors: Dellaportas Petros , Ioannidis Evangelos , Kotsogiannis Christos
Published: January 2021

A modern system of Revenue Administration requires an effective and efficient management of compliance which in turn requires a well-designed taxpayers audit strategy. The selection of taxpayers to be audited by Revenue Authorities is a non-standard sample size determination problem, involving an initial random sample from the population and, based on the statistical information derived from it, a risk-based auditing scheme whose sole objective is to select for auditing the taxpayers with the highest estimated risk in the population. This paper provides a methodological approach that estimates the initial optimal random sample size such that the Revenue Administration Authority maximises their expected tax revenues. The methodology is illustrated using administrative data from the UK’s Revenue Authority, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Relationship between taste perception and use of upper complete dentures
Authors: da Silva Ruann Oswaldo Carvalho , Lacerda William Fernandes , Henn Indiara Welter , Chaiben Cassiano Lima , Machado Maria Ângela Naval , de Lima Antonio Adilson Soares
Published: January 2021

Aims

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the taste perception in patients with upper complete dentures.

Methods and results

One hundred seventy male and female patients (45‐83 years old) upper denture wearers were evaluated for their gustatory function by the paper strips technique in relation to the four basic tastes. The taste test was performed with and without the presence of the denture on the palate. Through Shapiro‐Wilk and Kolmogorov‐Smirnov tests, the results were analyzed by their normal distribution. The t‐test for paired samples was used to evaluate if there was a statistical difference on the taste perception and itself revealed that there is a significant difference (p < 0.01) when the taste perception was analyzed for the absence and presence of the prosthesis (alone and compared) (p < 0.01). The results revealed that patients with dentures had great difficulty to recognize the bitter taste, followed by the salty, sweet, and sour.

Conclusion

The presence of the denture was able to modify the perception of taste when compared to its absence, especially for the bitter taste.
Safety and efficacy of unilateral topical application of rocuronium bromide in healthy scops owls (Otus scops)
Authors: Cantero Francisco , Ortillés Ángel , Peña María T. , Gogova Savina , Molina Rafael , Ríos José , Leiva Marta
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of unilateral topical application of rocuronium bromide in scops owls.

Animals studied

Ten healthy adult scops owls.

Procedures

Birds weighting between 82‐111 g were enrolled. Complete physical and ophthalmic examinations were performed. Each animal received a single dose of 0.15 mg of rocuronium bromide (30 µL) in a randomly selected eye. Static pupillometric evaluations were performed before and after drug instillation at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, in a room with fixed light intensity. Physical and ophthalmic examinations were carried out to evaluate possible adverse effects.

Results

Median pupil (95% CI) size att0was 7.10 mm (5.51‐7.41) for placebo eyes and 7.22 mm (6.93‐7.48) for treated eyes, showing no statistical differences (P > .05). When compared to the placebo eye, significant mydriasis was achieved att30[8.18 mm (7.22‐9.00)] (P = .014) and lasting untilt90[7.35 mm (6.20‐9.52)] (P = .004). Maximal mydriasis was obtained att60[8.63 mm (7.72‐9.81)] (P = .001). During this period, the treated eye no longer responded to direct light stimulation. Complete mydriasis was observed in 5/10 birds (mean weight 97.4 g). Pupil size att90andt120did not differ from baseline (P > .05) in treated eyes. No adverse effects were seen during the study period.

Conclusion

Single‐dose topical rocuronium bromide (0.15 mg) is a safe and effective medium duration mydriatic agent in scops owls. Further studies are needed to evaluate bilateral topical application and standardize the mydriatic protocol.
Practical guides for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS): Interpreting the carbon 1s spectrum
Authors: Gengenbach Thomas R. , Major George H. , Linford Matthew R. , Easton Christopher D.
Published: January 2021

The carbon 1s photoelectron spectrum is the most widely fit and analyzed narrow scan in the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) literature. It is, therefore, critically important to adopt well-established protocols based on best practices for its analysis, since results of these efforts affect research outcomes in a wide range of different application areas across materials science. Unfortunately, much XPS peak fitting in the scientific literature is inaccurate. In this guide, we describe and explain the most common problems associated with C 1s narrow scan analysis in the XPS literature. We then provide an overview of rules, principles, and considerations that, taken together, should guide the approach to the analysis of C 1s spectra. We propose that following this approach should result in (1) the avoidance of common problems and (2) the extraction of reliable, reproducible, and meaningful information from experimental data.
To Live, Play, and Die in Tianjin: Football as Biopolitical Assemblage in Contemporary China
Authors: Newman Joshua I. , Yan Grace , Xue Hanhan , Watanabe Nicholas M.
Published: January 2021

In this article, the authors provide a Deleuzoguattarian tracing of a specific set of relationships between traditional Chinese medicine, life, death, and football (soccer). More specifically, the authors examine political, economic, and cultural associations formed in and around the Quanjian Group, a major traditional Chinese medicine company once located in the burgeoning industrial hub of Tianjin. The authors follow Aihwa Ong in abductively examining (de)territorializations of life, sport, and death; examining how the media publics’ (in China and beyond) awareness of the death of a young girl in 2015 destabilized a network of capital, state, medicine, and sport and in the process revealed how the vitality of major professional sport in China is situated within, and contingent upon, a vast array of material and nonmaterial (bio)political formations.
Comment on “Meta-analysis reveals declines in terrestrial but increases in freshwater insect abundances”
Authors: Desquilbet Marion , Gaume Laurence , Grippa Manuela , Céréghino Régis , Humbert Jean-François , Bonmatin Jean-Marc , Cornillon Pierre-André , Maes Dirk , Van Dyck Hans , Goulson David
Published: January 2021

Van Klink
et al
. (Reports, 24 April 2020, p. 417) argue for a more nuanced view of insect decline, and of human responsibility for this decline, than previously suggested. However, shortcomings in data selection and methodology raise questions about their conclusions on trends and drivers. We call for more rigorous methodology to be applied in meta-analyses of ecological data.
Unraveling the mysteries of microsatellite instability
Authors: Ileana-Dumbrava Ecaterina
Published: January 2021

DNA polymerase proofreading and mismatch repair deficiency have different microsatellites signatures.
Transcriptional Analysis of Lymphoid Tissues from Infected Nonhuman Primates Reveals the Basis for Attenuation and Immunogenicity of an Ebola Virus Encoding a Mutant VP35 Protein
Authors: Pinski Amanda , Woolsey Courtney , Jankeel Allen , Cross Robert , Basler Christopher F. , Geisbert Thomas , Messaoudi Ilhem
Published: January 2021

Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV) infection causes a severe and often fatal disease characterized by inflammation, coagulation defects, and organ failure driven by a defective host immune response. Lymphoid tissues are key sites of EBOV pathogenesis and the generation of an effective immune response to infection.
Roles of Cholesterol in Early and Late Steps of the Nipah Virus Membrane Fusion Cascade
Authors: Contreras Erik M. , Johnston Gunner P. , Buchholz David W. , Ortega Victoria , Monreal I. Abrrey , Zamora J. Lizbeth R. , Cheung Tracy , Aguilar Hector C.
Published: January 2021

Cholesterol has been implicated in various steps of the viral life cycle for different enveloped viruses. Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic enveloped virus in the
Henipavirus
genus within the
Paramyxoviridae
family, capable of causing a high mortality rate in humans and high morbidity in domestic and agriculturally important animals.
Phosphorylation of Influenza A Virus NS1 at Serine 205 Mediates Its Viral Polymerase-Enhancing Function
Authors: Patil Amol , Anhlan Darisuren , Ferrando Verónica , Mecate-Zambrano Angeles , Mellmann Alexander , Wixler Viktor , Boergeling Yvonne , Ludwig Stephan
Published: January 2021

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) still pose a major threat to human health worldwide. As a zoonotic virus, IAV can spontaneously overcome species barriers and even reside in new hosts after efficient adaptation.
Draft Genome Sequences of 19 Clinical Isolates of Candida auris from Hong Kong
Authors: Tse Herman , Tsang Alan K. L. , Chu Yiu-Wai , Tsang Dominic N. C.
Published: January 2021

Candida auris
is an emerging human pathogen associated with multidrug resistance and nosocomial outbreaks. We report the draft genome sequences of 19
C. auris
isolates that were associated with a cluster of cases in a hospital in Hong Kong.
Complete Genome Sequence of Strain SS-5, a Magnetotactic Gammaproteobacterium Isolated from the Salton Sea, a Shallow, Saline, Endorheic Rift Lake Located on the San Andreas Fault in California
Authors: Trubitsyn Denis , Monteil Caroline L. , Geurink Corey , Morillo-Lopez Viviana , Gonzaga Paula de Almeida Luiz , Ribeiro de Vasconcelos Ana Tereza , Abreu Fernanda , Bazylinski Dennis A. , Lefevre Christopher T.
Published: January 2021

We report the 3.7-Mb genome sequence of strain SS-5, a magnetotactic, sulfur-oxidizing rod and member of the family
Chromatiaceae
of the class
Gammaproteobacteria
, which biomineralizes membrane-bounded, elongated, prismatic octahedral, magnetite nanocrystals. This genome sequence brings further diversity for understanding the origin and evolution of magnetotaxis and magnetosome biomineralization.
Characterization of a Complete Genome Sequence of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus from an Adult Woman in Australia
Authors: Sarker Subir , Isberg Sally R. , Athukorala Ajani , Mathew Ravi , Capati Nolasco , Haque Md. Hakimul , Helbig Karla J.
Published: January 2021

The complete genome sequence of molluscum contagiosum virus 1 (MOCV1) isolate NT2017 was sequenced from a tissue sample from an Australian woman. The genome consisted of 185,655 bp encoding 169 predicted open reading frames. Phylogenetically, isolate NT2017 was most closely related to an MOCV1 strain from Slovenia.
Complete Annotated Genome Sequence of Limosilactobacillus fermentum AGR1487
Authors: Bailie Marc A. , Altermann Eric , Young Wayne , Roy Nicole C. , McNabb Warren C.
Published: January 2021

Limosilactobacillus fermentum
is a probiotic species; however,
L. fermentum
AGR1487 increases colon inflammation in germfree mice and decreases barrier integrity in Caco-2 cells. The AGR1487 genome was sequenced to explore these phenotypes. The genome is a single, circular, 1,939,032-bp chromosome with a G+C content of 52.17% and no plasmids.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four Atrazine-Degrading Bacterial Strains,
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain ADPe,
Arthrobacter
sp. Strain TES,
Variovorax
sp. Strain 38R, and
Chelatobacter
sp. Strain SR38
Authors: Billet Loren , Devers-Lamrani Marion , Serre Rémy-Félix , Julia Emmanuel , Vandecasteele Céline , Rouard Nadine , Martin-Laurent Fabrice , Spor Aymé
Published: January 2021

We report here the complete genome sequences of four atrazine-degrading bacteria. Their genomes will serve as references for determining the genetic changes that have occurred during an evolution experiment.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Bioactive Compound-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain LV
Authors: Simionato Ane Stéfano , Cano Bárbara Gionco , Navarro Miguel Octavio Pérez , Tavares Eliandro Reis , Ribeiro Renan Augusto , Hungria Mariangela , Yamauchi Lucy Megumi , Yamada-Ogatta Sueli Fumie , Andrade Galdino
Published: January 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is known for a high adaptive capacity due to the ability to synthesize several compounds that give advantages for competing with other microorganisms in the environment. The LV strain synthesizes bioactive compounds, mainly by secondary metabolism, with antitumor and antimicrobial activities against microbial pathogens.
A 24-Year-Old Sample Contributes the Complete Genome Sequence of Fowl Aviadenovirus D from the United States
Authors: Goraichuk Iryna V. , Davis James F. , Kulkarni Arun B. , Afonso Claudio L. , Suarez David L.
Published: January 2021

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of fowl adenovirus D (FAdV-D) isolated from a preserved 24-year-old pancreas sample of a broiler chicken embryo. The results of the sequence showed that the viral genome is 44,079 bp long.
Complete Genome Sequence of Novel Polerovirus-Associated RNA Infecting Pepper (
Capsicum
spp.) in South Africa
Authors: Schravesande W. E. W. , van Wijk J. P. , Verhage A.
Published: January 2021

The complete genome sequence of novel polerovirus-associated RNA infecting pepper in South Africa was determined. The nucleotide sequence identity of 78.3% with closely related species suggested that this associated RNA was novel, and the name Pepper Vein Yellows Virus-associated RNA is proposed for this RNA fragment.
Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequence of Bacillus mycoides Strain U53, a Psychrotolerant Bacterium Isolated from the Sakhalin Region in Russia
Authors: Phan Ha My T. , Sidorenko Marina L. , Tsai Po-Chun , Huang Shir-Ly
Published: January 2021

The shotgun genome sequence of
Bacillus mycoides
strain U53, a psychrotolerant bacterium that was isolated from soil in Russia, is characterized. The bacterial genome is 5,710,017 bp long and is predicted to have 5,847 genes. The GC content is 35.4%.
Complete Genome Sequences of Novel Bovine T4, rv5-Like, and Dhillonviruses Effective against Escherichia coli O157
Authors: Sváb Domonkos , Falgenhauer Linda , Chakraborty Trinad , Tóth István
Published: January 2021

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) isolates of serotype O157:H7 are serious foodborne zoonotic pathogens and prime targets for biocontrol using bacteriophages. We report on the complete genome sequences of 11 novel lytic bacteriophages, representing three viral genera, isolated from cattle in Hungary that target
E. coli
O157 strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium orygis Strain 51145
Authors: Rufai Syed Beenish , McIntosh Fiona , Poojary Indira , Chothe Shubhada , Sebastian Aswathy , Albert Istvan , Praul Craig , Venkatesan Manigandan , Mahata Gibarni , Maity Hindol , Dandapat Premanshu , Michael Joy Sarojini , Katani Robab , Kapur Vivek , Behr Marcel A.
Published: January 2021

We report the complete 4,352,172-bp genome sequence of
Mycobacterium orygis
strain 51145 assembled into a single circular chromosome. Comparative genomic analyses with other lineages of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex can provide insights into the biology, evolution, and epidemiology of this important group of pathogenic mycobacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
Siphophage Sitrop
Authors: Portillo Victor , Diaz Haydee , Clark James , Hernandez Isla , Liu Mei , Burrowes Ben
Published: January 2021

Streptomyces
sp. strain Mg1 is a Gram-positive soil bacterium capable of causing cell lysis and degradation of
Bacillus subtilis
colonies. Here, we report the 48,481-bp genome of
Streptomyces
sp. Mg1 siphophage Sitrop. With 77 predicted protein-coding genes and one tRNA, Sitrop shares 77% nucleotide sequence identity with the
Streptomyces
virus Verse.
Mutation Profile of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences Originating from Eight Israeli Patient Isolates
Authors: Zaide Galia , Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Israeli Ofir , Stein Dana , Shifman Ohad , Weiss Shay , Simon Irit , Laskar Orly , Beth-Din Adi , Zvi Anat
Published: January 2021

We report the genome sequences and the identification of genetic variations in eight clinical samples of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Samples were collected from nasopharyngeal swabs of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals from five care homes for elderly and infirm persons in Israel. The sequences obtained are valuable, as they carry a newly reported nonsynonymous substitution located within the nucleoprotein open reading frame.
Morphological and Genetic Diversity of Two Forms of Muksun Coregonus muksun (Salmonidae) of the Khatanga River Basin as a Key for Understanding the Phylogenetic Relationships between Muksun and Whitefish C. lavaretus
Authors: Borovikova E. A. , Budin Yu. V.
Published: January 2021

Morphological analysis of muksun Coregonus muksun of the Khatanga River basin revealed that along with its typical high-density-rakered form, individuals of the low-density-rakered form also live in this region. Analysis of the genetic polymorphism of three marker regions of mitochondrial (ND1 and COI fragments) and nuclear (ITS1) DNA indicates the polyphyletic origin of these forms. The revealed low level of genetic differentiation of muksun and whitefish C. lavaretus, along with the available data on the absence of clear diagnostic species characteristics, suggest that they belong to the same biological species C. lavaretus.
Empower to connect and connect to empower: experience in using a humanistic approach to improve patients’ access to, and experience of, care in isolation wards during the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore
Authors: Woong Natalie Liling , Ekstrom Victoria Sze Min , Xin Xiaohui , Lim Crystal , Boon Evelyn Swee Kim , Teo Shaun Wei Jie , Ng Patrick Chee Sang , Ang Tricia Pei Shin , Lim Shu Hui , Lam Amanda Yun Rui , Fan Esther Monica Peijin , Ang Shin Yuh , Chow Wan Cheng
Published: January 2021

Patients admitted to the isolation ward during the COVID-19 outbreak face multiple psychosocial stressors including the disruptive experience of being in quarantine, anxiety over contracting a newly emerging infectious disease and limited access to their healthcare team. This quality improvement project aims to leverage on technology to improve patients’ access to, and experience of, care while in isolation.

Patients admitted to two isolation wards in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) between 28 February and 19 March 2020 were each provided an iPad loaded with the MyCare application (app), curated materials and mobile games. During this period, 83 of them accessed the device and the app. MyCare app is an app developed by the nursing team in SGH as part of an existing interprofessional collaboration to help patients navigate their care during their inpatient stay. In response to COVID-19, MyCare app was supplemented with materials to address affected patients’ informational and psychosocial needs. These materials included an information sheet on COVID-19, interviews with previous severe acute respiratory syndrome survivors, psychosocial support materials, and uplifting literature, illustrated storybooks and artwork.

This paper describes the process of planning for, and executing, the intervention and reports the initial results of its effect. Initial feedback indicated a positive response to the intervention. 9 out of 10 respondents (90%) rated their hospital experience with a maximum of five stars and all 10 respondents (100%) rated the psychosocial support materials with five stars. Doctors managing the patients also observed a reduction in the number of commonly asked questions following the deployment of the iPad.

This quality improvement project is ongoing with plans for further research to determine how to better support the psychosocial needs of patients in isolation during a novel disease outbreak. This report is written based on the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence guidelines.
Effects of flavourants and humectants on waterpipe tobacco puffing behaviour, biomarkers of exposure and subjective effects among adults with high versus low nicotine dependence
Authors: Keller-Hamilton Brittney , Mehta Toral , Hale Jessica J , Leavens Eleanor L S , Shihadeh Alan , Eissenberg Thomas , Brinkman Marielle C , Wagener Theodore L
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Flavourants and humectants in waterpipe tobacco (WT) increase product appeal. Removal of these constituents, however, is associated with increased intensity of WT puffing, likely due to reduced nicotine delivery efficiency. To clarify the potential public health outcomes of restrictions on flavourants or humectants in WT, we evaluated the effects of these constituents on puffing behaviours, biomarkers of exposure and subjective effects among adults with high versus low WT dependence.

Methods

N=39 high dependence and N=49 low dependence WT smokers (Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Scale scores>10 = high dependence) completed four smoking sessions in a cross-over experiment. Conditions were preferred flavour with humectant (+F+H), preferred flavour without humectant (+F-H), unflavoured with humectant (−F+H) and unflavoured without humectant (−F−H). Measures of puff topography, plasma nicotine and expired carbon monoxide (eCO) boost, and subjective effects were assessed.

Results

Level of WT dependence modified the effect of WT condition on average flow rate, average puff volume and eCO boost. Although, overall, participants puffed the +F+H WT least intensely and −F−H WT most intensely, this association was strongest among WT smokers with high dependence. Participants preferred smoking the +F+H WT and achieved the largest plasma nicotine boost in that condition.

Discussion

Findings underscore the complexity of setting product standards related to flavourants and humectants in WT. Future research evaluating whether WT smokers with high dependence would quit or reduce their WT smoking in response to removal of flavourants or humectants from WT is necessary to appreciate the full public health effects of such policies.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Calculus Based on Einstein Operations
Authors: Guo Changhong , Fang Shaomei
Published: January 2021

The intuitionistic fuzzy set (A-IFS) was introduced by Atanassov to generalize the concept of Zadeh’s fuzzy set. The basic elements of an A-IFS are the intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs). In this paper, we deal with the intuitionistic fuzzy set with the help of Einstein operations. First we introduce some operations of A-IFS, such as the Einstein sum, Einstein product, Einstein scalar multiplication and Einstein exponentiation, and redefine two new and important operation as Einstein subtraction and Einstein division. Then we investigate the limit, continuity and derivatives of intuitionistic fuzzy functions (IFFs) based on the Einstein operations. Furthermore and what is more, some infinite and definite integrals for the IFFs are discussed importantly, and an aggregation method based on the definite integral was introduced to solve some actual decision making problems, which focus on the original data and obtain better overall evaluations in information aggregation.
Low-Cost Fluoride Source for Organic Liquid Electrolyte-Based Fluoride Shuttle Battery
Authors: Celik Kucuk Asuman , Yamanaka Toshiro , Yokoyama Yuko , Abe Takeshi
Published: January 2021

The effects of using low-cost inorganic fluoride salts (i.e., KF or NaF) as fluoride sources in fluoride shuttle batteries (FSBs) on the electrochemical compatibility of BiF3 electrodes are investigated herein. The preparation of electrolytes containing saturated KF or NaF and 0.5 M 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyridine (DiOB-Py) in G4 is described. For Py/NaF/G4, the discharge and charge reactions of BiF3 were hindered because of the low solubility of NaF as well as the low ionic conductivity of the electrolyte. However, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis revealed that the solubility of KF in Py/KF/G4 was moderate and the ionic conductivity of Py/KF/G4 was promising. Higher oxidation and reduction peaks observed in the cyclic voltammograms of Py/KF/G4 than those of Py/G4 and Py/NaF/G4 are attributed to the enhanced electrochemical activity of the former. Consequently, the BiF3/C nanocomposite electrode exhibits good cycling capability in Py/KF/G4, with initial discharge/charge capacities of 316/218 mAh g−1, respectively. Moreover, the ICP-MS and Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed that defluorination reactions of BiF3 occur via a direct desorption mechanism. Py/KF/G4 is the first effective electrolyte based on a low-cost inorganic salt. FSBs exhibit improved performance in Py/KF/G4 compared with CsF salt systems, which warrants further investigation.
Exploring the link between vitamin D and clinical outcomes in COVID-19
Authors: Lohia Prateek , Nguyen Paul , Patel Neel , Kapur Shweta
Published: January 2021

Low vitamin D has been associated with increased frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections in the past. Current literature linking clinical outcomes in COVID-19 with low vitamin D is debatable. This study evaluated the role of vitamin D in severe disease outcomes among COVID-19 patients and found no association of vitamin D levels with mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, and thromboembolism in COVID-19.
Potassium deficiency decreases the capacity for urea synthesis and markedly increases ammonia in rats
Authors: Mikkelsen Anne Catrine D. , Thomsen Karen Louise , Vilstrup Hendrik , Aamann Luise , Jones Helen , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P. , Hamilton-Dutoit Stephen , Frystyk Jan , Aagaard Niels Kristian
Published: January 2021

Our study provides novel findings of experimental hypokalemia reducing urea cycle functionality and thereby severely increasing plasma ammonia. This is pathophysiologically interesting because plasma ammonia increases during hypokalemia by a hitherto unknown mechanism, which may be particular important in relation to the unexplained link between hypokalemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Potassium deficiency decreases gene expression, protein synthesis, and growth. The urea cycle maintains body nitrogen homeostasis including removal of toxic ammonia. Hyperammonemia is an obligatory trait of liver failure, increasing the risk for hepatic encephalopathy, and hypokalemia is reported to increase ammonia. We aimed to clarify the effects of experimental hypokalemia on the in vivo capacity of the urea cycle, on the genes of the enzymes involved, and on ammonia concentrations. Female Wistar rats were fed a potassium-free diet for 13 days. Half of the rats were then potassium repleted. Both groups were compared with pair- and free-fed controls. The following were measured: in vivo capacity of urea-nitrogen synthesis (CUNS); gene expression (mRNA) of urea cycle enzymes; plasma potassium, sodium, and ammonia; intracellular potassium, sodium, and magnesium in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues; and liver sodium/potassium pumps. Liver histology was assessed. The diet induced hypokalemia of 1.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L. Compared with pair-fed controls, the in vivo CUNS was reduced by 34% ( P < 0.01), gene expression of argininosuccinate synthetase 1 ( ASS1) was decreased by 33% ( P < 0.05), and plasma ammonia concentrations were eightfold elevated ( P < 0.001). Kidney and muscle tissue potassium contents were markedly decreased but unchanged in liver tissue. Protein expressions of liver sodium/potassium pumps were unchanged. Repletion of potassium reverted all the changes. Hypokalemia decreased the capacity for urea synthesis via gene effects. The intervention led to marked hyperammonemia, quantitatively explainable by the compromised urea cycle. Our findings motivate clinical studies of patients with liver disease.
14-kDa phosphohistidine phosphatase is a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis
Authors: Xu Anjian , Zhou Jichao , Li Yanmeng , Qiao Luyao , Jin Caicai , Chen Wei , Sun Lan , Wu Shanna , Li Xiaojin , Zhou Donghu , Jia Siyu , Zhang Bei , Yao Jingyi , Zhang Xiaowei , You Hong , Huang Jian
Published: January 2021

PHP14 inhibition via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene silencing could potently attenuate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. PHP14 could regulate the migration of macrophages to the site of injury in vivo. PHP14 knockdown in vivo influenced the environment of fibrogenesis and relevant signaling pathways, subsequently affecting myofibroblast activation.
Remote ischemic conditioning for acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19
Authors: Incognito Anthony V. , Millar Philip J. , Pyle W. Glen
Published: January 2021

Acute respiratory distress syndrome and subsequent respiratory failure remains the leading cause of death (>80%) in patients severely impacted by COVID-19. The lack of clinically effective therapies for COVID-19 calls for the consideration of novel adjunct therapeutic approaches. Though novel antiviral treatments and vaccination hold promise in control and prevention of early disease, it is noteworthy that in severe cases of COVID-19, addressing “run-away” inflammatory cascades are likely more relevant for improvement of clinical outcomes. Viral loads may decrease in severe, end-stage coronavirus cases, but a systemically damaging cytokine storm persists and mediates multiple organ injury. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) of the limbs has shown potential in recent years to protect the lungs and other organs against pathological conditions similar to that observed in COVID-19. We review the efficacy of RIC in protecting the lungs against acute injury and current points of consideration. The beneficial effects of RIC on lung injury along with other related cardiovascular complications are discussed, as are the limitations presented by sex and aging. This adjunct therapy is highly feasible, noninvasive, and proven to be safe in clinical conditions. If proven effective in clinical trials for acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID-19, application in the clinical setting could be immediately implemented to improve outcomes.
Predictive Trajectory‐Based Mobile Data Gathering Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chao Fan , He Zhiqin , Feng Renkuan , Wang Xiao , Chen Xiangping , Li Changqi , Yang Ying
Published: January 2021

Tradition wireless sensor networks (WSNs) transmit data by single or multiple hops. However, some sensor nodes (SNs) close to a static base station forward data more frequently than others, which results in the problem of energy holes and makes networks fragile. One promising solution is to use a mobile node as a mobile sink (MS), which is especially useful in energy‐constrained networks. In these applications, the tour planning of MS is a key to guarantee the network performance. In this paper, a novel strategy is proposed to reduce the latency of mobile data gathering in a WSN while the routing strategies and tour planning of MS are jointly optimized. First, the issue of network coverage is discussed before the appropriate number of clusters being calculated. A dynamic clustering scheme is then developed where a virtual cluster center is defined as the MS sojourn for data collection. Afterwards, a tour planning of MS based on prediction is proposed subject to minimizing the traveling distance to collect data. The proposed method is simulated in a MATLAB platform to show the overall performance of the developed system. Furthermore, the physical tests on a test rig are also carried out where a small WSN based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is developed in our laboratory. The test results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the method proposed.
Detecting and Visualizing the Communities of Innovation in Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei Urban Agglomeration Based on the Patent Cooperation Network
Authors: Zhou Fang , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2021

For a deep understanding of Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH) collaborative innovation, we detected and visualized the communities of innovation in BTH Urban Agglomeration based on the patent cooperation network. China Patent Database was connected with Business Registration Database and the Tianyan Check to achieve the geographical information of organizational innovators. Spinglass algorithm was applied and ultimately 12 communities of innovation were detected. Based on the different structure characteristics, we further clustered the 12 communities into four typical structures that are hierarchical, single‐center, polycentric, and flat structures. The hierarchical structure is usually large in scale and the cooperative intensity is relatively high. Single‐center structure has a center with a high proportion of centrality and the cooperative intensity is relatively low. Polycentric structure has multiple centers with similar proportions of centrality. Flat structure is usually small in scale and has no obvious network center. In the patent cooperative network of BTH Urban Agglomeration, universities and state‐owned enterprises occupied the centers and acted important roles to connect other organizations. Some communities of innovation showed significant industry characteristics, mainly involving six industry fields that are electric power, construction, petroleum, metallurgy and materials, municipal transportation, and railway. From the geographical perspective, some communities manifested local attributes and some demonstrated cooperation between regions. Beijing was the center of the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei patent cooperation network. Compared with the pair of Beijing‐Tianjin and the pair of Beijing‐Hebei, Tianjin and Hebei were not closely connected. In the future, Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei collaborative innovation should strengthen cooperation between Tianjin and Hebei.
A Novel Malware Detection and Family Classification Scheme for IoT Based on DEAM and DenseNet
Authors: Wang Changguang , Zhao Ziqiu , Wang Fangwei , Li Qingru
Published: January 2021

With the rapid increase in the amount and type of malware, traditional methods of malware detection and family classification for IoT applications through static and dynamic analysis have been greatly challenged. In this paper, a new simple and effective attention module of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), named as Depthwise Efficient Attention Module (DEAM), is proposed and combined with a DenseNet to propose a new malware detection and family classification model. Based on the good effect of the DenseNet in the field of image classification and the visual similarity of the malware family on images, the gray-scale image transformed from malware is input into the model combined with the DEAM and DenseNet for malware detection, and then the family classification is carried out. The DEAM is a general lightweight attention module improved based on the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), which can strengthen the attention to the characteristics of malware and improve the model effect. We use the MalImg dataset, Microsoft malware classification challenge dataset (BIG 2015), and our dataset constructed by the two above-mentioned datasets to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model in family classification and malware detection. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves 99.3% in terms of accuracy for malware detection on our dataset and achieves 98.5% and 97.3% in terms of accuracy for family classification on the MalImg dataset and BIG 2015 dataset, respectively. The model can reliably detect IoT malware and classify its families.
Use of BP Neural Networks to Determine China’s Regional CO2 Emission Quota
Authors: Qi Yawei , Peng Wenxiang , Yan Ran , Rao Guangping
Published: January 2021

China declared a long‐term commitment at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2020 to reduce CO2 emissions. This announcement has been described by Reuters as “the most important climate change commitment in years.” The allocation of China’s provincial CO2 emission quotas (hereafter referred to as quotas) is crucial for building a unified national carbon market, which is an important policy tool necessary to achieve carbon emissions reduction. In the present research, we used historical quota data of China’s carbon emission trading policy pilot areas from 2014 to 2017 to identify alternative features of corporate CO2 emissions and build a backpropagation neural network model (BP) to train the benchmark model. Later, we used the model to calculate the quotas for other regions, provided they implement the carbon emission trading policy. Finally, we added up the quotas to obtain the total national quota. Additionally, considering the perspective of carbon emission terminal, a new characteristic system of quota allocation was proposed in order to retrain BP including the following three aspects: enterprise production, household consumption, and regional environment. The results of the benchmark model and the new models were compared. This feature system not only builds a reasonable quota‐related indicator framework but also perfectly matches China’s existing “bottom‐up” total control quota approach. Compared with the previous literature, the present report proposes a quota allocation feature system closer to China’s policy and trains BP to obtain reasonable feature weights. The model is very important for the establishment of a unified national carbon emission trading market and the determination of regional quotas in China.