bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Robust Principal Component Analysis for Gross Regional Domestic Product of Provinces in Indonesia
Authors: Sanusi Ratna Nur Mustika , Saputro D R S , Setiyowati R
Published: February 2021

Problems in the macroeconomy that are often faced by various countries are economic growth that is not on target yet. One indicator of economic growth is the value of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). The GRDP value can be predicted with a multivariate linear regression model. Multivariate linear regression will depend on the assumption of homogeneity and non-multicollinearity. In this research, a GRDP regression model was constructed based on expenditure data current prices in Indonesia and the factors that influence it. The results of the GRDP data exploration and the factors that influence are outliers data and multicollinearity occurs. So that not only a multivariate linear regression model is needed, but also a multivariate linear regression model that is robust to outliers is a robust principal component analysis (RPCA) method. This RPCA method will reduce the dimensions while overcoming the existence of outliers data. Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine the regression model with the RPCA method with robust estimation is the estimated minimum covariant determinant (MCD). The dependent variable used is the GDP of expenditure at current prices in Indonesia in 2018 and the independent variable is net export (X1), inventory change (X2), gross domestic fixed capital formation (X3), government consumption expenditure (X4), expenditure household non-profit consumption (X5), and consumption expenditure household (X6). The results show model which is constructed the GDP prediction is only affected by gross domestic fixed capital formation that is Ŷi
= 0.657 + 3.068Wi1
with R2 = 85%
Prediction of Inflation Rate in Indonesia Using Local Polynomial Estimator for Time Series Data
Authors: Fibriyani Vita , Chamidah N
Published: February 2021

Inflation prediction is needed to determine strategies and policies to control a country’s economic stability. Inflation is one of the important macroeconomic indicators. Fluctuating inflation rates can disrupt a country’s economy, so this is a particular concern. In this paper, inflation prediction was carried out through two approaches: the parametric regression model approach based on the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and the nonparametric regression approach based on the local polynomial estimator. The model’s accuracy is determined based on prediction results using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE)value. We obtained a MAPE value of 9.0% for the ARIMA model approach and MAPE values of 4.0% and 1.778% for first and second orders, respectively, of local polynomial nonparametric regression model approach. It means that the best model for predicting Indonesia’s inflation rate is the second order of local polynomial nonparametric regression model because it has the smallest MAPE value.
Growth of 300-nm-thick epitaxial AlInN films on a semi-relaxed c-plane GaInN template by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Miyoshi Makoto , Yamanaka Mizuki , Egawa Takashi , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki , Takeuchi Tetsuya
Published: February 2021

Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of approximately 300-nm thick epitaxial AlInN films with different alloy compositions was performed using a semi-relaxed c-plane GaInN template as an underlying substrate. The GaInN template consisted of a Ga0.98In0.02N film on a facet-structured GaN film formed on a c-plane sapphire substrate by the epitaxial lateral overgrowth technique, and its surface was treated with the chemical-mechanical polishing. It was observed that an Al0.835In0.165N film grown with an in-plane tensile strain exhibited a relatively smooth surface whereas an Al0.781In0.219N film grown with an in-plane compressive strain exhibited a granular morphology owing to a columnar polycrystalline structure. This phenomenon was quite similar to that observed for AlInN films grown non GaN/sapphire templates (GaN templates); therefore, it was speculated that the microstructure variation might have been caused by the in-plane compressive strain generated in AlInN films on the GaInN template in the same way as on GaN templates or FS-GaN substrates.
Evaluating the plasmon-exciton interaction in ZnO tetrapods coupled with gold nanostructures by nanoscale cathodoluminescence
Authors: Villani M , Rossi F , Calestani D , Salviati G , Fabbri F
Published: February 2021

Plasmon-exciton coupling is gaining increasing interest for enhancing the performance of optoelectronic, photonic and photo-catalytic devices. Herein we evaluate the interaction of excitons in zinc oxide tetrapods with surface plasmons of gold nanostructures with different morphologies. The gold nanostructures are grownin situon ZnO tetrapods by means of a photochemical process, resulting in clean interfaces. The modification of the synthesis parameters results in different morphologies, as isolated nanoparticles, nano-domes or nanoparticles aggregates. Plasmon-exciton interaction is evaluated by means of cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and mapping at the nanoscale. The ZnO excitonic emission is strongly blue-shifted and broadened in close proximity of the gold nanostructures. This effect is explained by the formation of a Schottky barrier that is strongly mediated by the morphology of metal nanostructures.
The Beauville-Narasimhan-Ramanan correspondence for twisted Higgs 𝑉-bundles and components of parabolic 𝑆𝑝(2𝑛,ℝ)-Higgs moduli spaces
Authors: Kydonakis Georgios , Sun Hao , Zhao Lutian
Published: February 2021

We generalize the classical Beauville-Narasimhan-Ramanan correspondence to the case of parabolic Higgs bundles with regular singularities and Higgs

V
V

-bundles. Using this correspondence along with Bott-Morse theoretic techniques we provide an exact component count for moduli spaces of maximal parabolic

S
p

(
2
n
,

R

)

\mathrm {Sp}\left ( 2n,\mathbb {R} \right )

-Higgs bundles with fixed parabolic structure.
Carbohydrate storage in herbs: the forgotten functional dimension of the plant economic spectrum
Authors: Lubbe F Curtis , Klimeš Adam , Doležal Jiří , Jandová Veronika , Mudrák Ondřej , Janeček Štěpán , Bartušková Alena , Klimešová Jitka
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

Although the plant economic spectrum seeks to explain resource allocation strategies, carbohydrate storage is often omitted. Belowground storage organs are the centre of herb perennation, yet little is known about the role of their turnover, anatomy and carbohydrate storage in relation to the aboveground economic spectrum.

Methods

We collected aboveground traits associated with the economic spectrum, storage organ turnover traits, storage organ inner structure traits and storage carbohydrate concentrations for ~80 temperate meadow species.

Key Results

The suites of belowground traits were largely independent of one another, but there was significant correlation of the aboveground traits with both inner structure and storage carbohydrates. Anatomical traits diverged according to leaf nitrogen concentration on the one hand and vessel area and dry matter content on the other; carbohydrates separated along gradients of leaf nitrogen concentration and plant height.

Conclusions

Contrary to our expectations, aboveground traits and not storage organ turnover were correlated with anatomy and storage carbohydrates. Belowground traits associated with the aboveground economic spectrum also did not fall clearly within the fast–slow economic continuum, thus indicating the presence of a more complicated economic space. Our study implies that the generally overlooked role of storage within the plant economic spectrum represents an important dimension of plant strategy.
Surface-in pathology in multiple sclerosis: a new view on pathogenesis?
Authors: Pardini Matteo , Brown J William L , Magliozzi Roberta , Reynolds Richard , Chard Declan T
Published: February 2021

While multiple sclerosis can affect any part of the CNS, it does not do so evenly. In white matter it has long been recognized that lesions tend to occur around the ventricles, and grey matter lesions mainly accrue in the outermost (subpial) cortex. In cortical grey matter, neuronal loss is greater in the outermost layers. This cortical gradient has been replicated in vivo with magnetization transfer ratio and similar gradients in grey and white matter magnetization transfer ratio are seen around the ventricles, with the most severe abnormalities abutting the ventricular surface. The cause of these gradients remains uncertain, though soluble factors released from meningeal inflammation into the CSF has the most supporting evidence. In this Update, we review this ‘surface-in’ spatial distribution of multiple sclerosis abnormalities and consider the implications for understanding pathogenic mechanisms and treatments designed to slow or stop them.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging towards clinical application in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Granziera Cristina , Wuerfel Jens , Barkhof Frederik , Calabrese Massimiliano , De Stefano Nicola , Enzinger Christian , Evangelou Nikos , Filippi Massimo , Geurts Jeroen J G , Reich Daniel S , Rocca Maria A , Ropele Stefan , Rovira Àlex , Sati Pascal , Toosy Ahmed T , Vrenken Hugo , Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia A M , Kappos Ludwig ,   the MAGNIMS Study Group, Barkhof F , de Stefano N , Sastre-Garriga J , Ciccarelli O , Enzinger C , Filippi M , Gasperini Claudio , Kappos L , Palace J , Vrenken H , Rovira À , Rocca M A , Yousry T
Published: February 2021

Quantitative MRI provides biophysical measures of the microstructural integrity of the CNS, which can be compared across CNS regions, patients, and centres. In patients with multiple sclerosis, quantitative MRI techniques such as relaxometry, myelin imaging, magnetization transfer, diffusion MRI, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and perfusion MRI, complement conventional MRI techniques by providing insight into disease mechanisms. These include: (i) presence and extent of diffuse damage in CNS tissue outside lesions (normal-appearing tissue); (ii) heterogeneity of damage and repair in focal lesions; and (iii) specific damage to CNS tissue components. This review summarizes recent technical advances in quantitative MRI, existing pathological validation of quantitative MRI techniques, and emerging applications of quantitative MRI to patients with multiple sclerosis in both research and clinical settings. The current level of clinical maturity of each quantitative MRI technique, especially regarding its integration into clinical routine, is discussed. We aim to provide a better understanding of how quantitative MRI may help clinical practice by improving stratification of patients with multiple sclerosis, and assessment of disease progression, and evaluation of treatment response.
Resting-state connectivity within the brain’s reward system predicts weight loss and correlates with leptin
Authors: Schmidt Liane , Medawar Evelyn , Aron-Wisnewsky Judith , Genser Laurent , Poitou Christine , Clément Karine , Plassmann Hilke
Published: February 2021

Weight gain is often associated with the pleasure of eating food rich in calories. This idea is based on the findings that people with obesity showed increased neural activity in the reward and motivation systems of the brain in response to food cues. Such correlations, however, overlook the possibility that obesity may be associated with a metabolic state that impacts the functioning of reward and motivation systems, which in turn could be linked to reactivity to food and eating behaviour and weight gain. In a study involving 44 female participants [14 patients with obesity, aged 20–63 years (mean: 42, SEM: 3.2 years), and 30 matched lean controls, aged 22–60 years (mean: 37, SEM: 1.8 years)], we investigated how ventromedial prefrontal cortex seed-to-voxel resting-state connectivity distinguished between lean and obese participants at baseline. We used the results of this first step of our analyses to examine whether changes in ventromedial prefrontal cortex resting-state connectivity over 8 months could formally predict weight gain or loss. It is important to note that participants with obesity underwent bariatric surgery at the beginning of our investigation period. We found that ventromedial prefrontal cortex–ventral striatum resting-state connectivity and ventromedial–dorsolateral prefrontal cortex resting-state connectivity were sensitive to obesity at baseline. However, only the ventromedial prefrontal cortex–ventral striatum resting-state connectivity predicted weight changes over time using cross-validation, out-of-sample prediction analysis. Such an out-of-sample prediction analysis uses the data of all participants of a training set to predict the actually observed data in one independent participant in the hold-out validation sample and is then repeated for all participants. In seeking to explain the reason why ventromedial pre-frontal cortex–ventral striatum resting-state connectivity as the central hub of the brain’s reward and motivational system may predict weight change over time, we linked weight loss surgery-induced changes in ventromedial prefrontal cortex–ventral striatum resting-state connectivity to surgery-induced changes in homeostatic hormone regulation. More specifically, we focussed on changes in fasting state systemic leptin, a homeostatic hormone signalling satiety, and inhibiting reward-related dopamine signalling. We found that the surgery-induced increase in ventromedial prefrontal cortex–ventral striatum resting-state connectivity was correlated with a decrease in fasting-state systemic leptin. These findings establish the first link between individual differences in brain connectivity in reward circuits in a more tonic state at rest, weight change over time and homeostatic hormone regulation.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Setting-specific Transmission Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Thompson Hayley A , Mousa Andria , Dighe Amy , Fu Han , Arnedo-Pena Alberto , Barrett Peter , Bellido-Blasco Juan , Bi Qifang , Caputi Antonio , Chaw Liling , De Maria Luigi , Hoffmann Matthias , Mahapure Kiran , Ng Kangqi , Raghuram Jagadesan , Singh Gurpreet , Soman Biju , Soriano Vicente , Valent Francesca , Vimercati Luigi , Wee Liang En , Wong Justin , Ghani Azra C , Ferguson Neil M
Published: February 2021

Background

Understanding the drivers of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission is crucial for control policies, but evidence of transmission rates in different settings remains limited.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to estimate secondary attack rates (SARs) and observed reproduction numbers (Robs) in different settings exploring differences by age, symptom status, and duration of exposure. To account for additional study heterogeneity, we employed a beta-binomial model to pool SARs across studies and a negative-binomial model to estimate Robs.

Results

Households showed the highest transmission rates, with a pooled SAR of 21.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]:17.4–24.8). SARs were significantly higher where the duration of household exposure exceeded 5 days compared with exposure of ≤5 days. SARs related to contacts at social events with family and friends were higher than those for low-risk casual contacts (5.9% vs 1.2%). Estimates of SARs and Robs for asymptomatic index cases were approximately one-seventh, and for presymptomatic two-thirds of those for symptomatic index cases. We found some evidence for reduced transmission potential both from and to individuals younger than 20 years of age in the household context, which is more limited when examining all settings.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that exposure in settings with familiar contacts increases SARS-CoV-2 transmission potential. Additionally, the differences observed in transmissibility by index case symptom status and duration of exposure have important implications for control strategies, such as contact tracing, testing, and rapid isolation of cases. There were limited data to explore transmission patterns in workplaces, schools, and care homes, highlighting the need for further research in such settings.
On unit free assessment of the extent of multilateral distributional variation
Authors: Anderson Gordon , Linton Oliver , Pittau Maria Grazia , Whang Yoon-Jae , Zelli Roberto
Published: February 2021

Multilateral comparison of outcomes drawn from multiple groups pervade the social sciences and measurement of their variability, usually involving functions of respective group location and scale parameters, is of intrinsic interest. However, such approaches frequently mask more fundamental differences that more comprehensive examination of relative group distributional structures reveal. Indeed, in categorical data contexts, location- and scale-based techniques are no longer feasible without artificial and questionable cardinalisation of categories. Here, Gini’s transvariation measure is extended and employed in providing quantitative and visual multilateral comparison tools in discrete, continuous, categorical, univariate, or multivariate settings which are particularly useful in paradigms where cardinal measure is absent. Two applications, one analysing Eurozone cohesion in terms of the convergence or divergence of constituent nations income distributions, the other, drawn from a study of ageing, health, and income inequality in China, exemplify their use in a continuous and categorical data environment.
Immunopathogenesis of genitalChlamydiainfection: insights from mouse models
Authors: Dockterman Jacob , Coers Jörn
Published: February 2021

Chlamydiae are pathogenic intracellular bacteria that cause a wide variety of diseases throughout the globe, affecting the eye, lung, coronary arteries and female genital tract. Rather than by direct cellular toxicity, Chlamydia infection generally causes pathology by inducing fibrosis and scarring that is largely mediated by host inflammation. While a robust immune response is required for clearance of the infection, certain elements of that immune response may also damage infected tissue, leading to, in the case of female genital infection, disease sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. It has become increasingly clear that the components of the immune system that destroy bacteria and those that cause pathology only partially overlap. In the ongoing quest for a vaccine that prevents Chlamydia-induced disease, it is important to target mechanisms that can achieve protective immunity while preventing mechanisms that damage tissue. This review focuses on mouse models of genital Chlamydia infection and synthesizes recent studies to generate a comprehensive model for immunity in the murine female genital tract, clarifying the respective contributions of various branches of innate and adaptive immunity to both host protection and pathogenic genital scarring.
Gene tagging via CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair in cassava
Authors: Veley Kira M , Okwuonu Ihuoma , Jensen Greg , Yoder Marisa , Taylor Nigel J , Meyers Blake C , Bart Rebecca S
Published: February 2021

Research on a few model plant–pathogen systems has benefitted from years of tool and resource development. This is not the case for the vast majority of economically and nutritionally important plants, creating a crop improvement bottleneck. Cassava bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam), is an important disease in all regions where cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is grown. Here, we describe the development of cassava that can be used to visualize one of the initial steps of CBB infection in vivo. Using CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR), we generated plants containing scarless insertion of GFP at the 3’ end of CBB susceptibility (S) gene MeSWEET10a. Activation of MeSWEET10a-GFP by the transcription activator-like (TAL) effector TAL20 was subsequently visualized at transcriptional and translational levels. To our knowledge, this is the first such demonstration of HDR via gene editing in cassava.
A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Dark Sleeper Odontobutis potamophila
Authors: Jia Yongyi , Zheng Jianbo , Liu Shili , Li Fei , Chi Meili , Cheng Shun , Gu Zhimi
Published: February 2021

The dark sleeper, Odontobutis potamophila, is a commercially valuable fish that widely distributed in China and Southeast Asia countries. The phenomenon of sexual dimorphism in growth is conspicuous, which the males grow substantially larger and faster than the females. However, the high-quality genome resources for gaining insight into sex-determining mechanisms to develop sex-control breeding are still lacking. Here, a chromosomal-level genome assembly of O. potamophila was generated from a combination of Illumina reads, 10× Genomics sequencing, and Hi-C chromatin interaction sequencing. The assembled genome was 1,134.62 Mb with a contig N50 of 22.25 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 24.85 Mb, representing 94.4% completeness (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs). Using Hi-C data, 96.49% of the total contig bases were anchored to the 22 chromosomes, with a contig N50 of 22.25 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 47.68 Mb. Approximately 54.18% of the genome were identified as repetitive elements, and 23,923 protein-coding genes were annotated in the genome. The assembled genome can be used as a valuable resource for molecular breeding and functional studies of O. potamophila in the future.
The Heterochromatin Block That Functions as a Rod Cell Microlens in Owl Monkeys Formed within a 15-Myr Time Span
Authors: Tanabe Hideyuki , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi , Imai Hiroyuki , Yokota Shin-Ichi , Kuraishi Takeshi , Hattori Shosaku , Kai Chieko , Koga Akihiko
Published: February 2021

In rod cells of many nocturnal mammals, heterochromatin localizes to the central region of the nucleus and serves as a lens to send light efficiently to the photoreceptor region. The genus Aotus (owl monkeys) is commonly considered to have undergone a shift from diurnal to nocturnal lifestyle. We recently demonstrated that rod cells of the Aotus species Aotus azarae possess a heterochromatin block at the center of its nucleus. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the time span in which the formation of the heterochromatin block took place. We performed three-dimensional hybridization analysis of the rod cell of another species, Aotus lemurinus. This analysis revealed the presence of a heterochromatin block that consisted of the same DNA components as those in A. azarae. These results indicate that the formation was complete at or before the separation of the two species. Based on the commonly accepted evolutionary history of New World monkeys and specifically of owl monkeys, the time span for the entire formation process was estimated to be 15 Myr at most.
A mouse model of BBS identifies developmental and homeostatic effects of BBS5 mutation and identifies novel pituitary abnormalities
Authors: Bentley-Ford Melissa R , Engle Staci E , Clearman Kelsey R , Haycraft Courtney J , Andersen Reagan S , Croyle Mandy J , Rains Addison B , Berbari Nicolas F , Yoder Bradley K
Published: February 2021

Primary cilia are critical sensory and signaling compartments present on most mammalian cell types. These specialized structures require a unique signaling protein composition relative to the rest of the cell to carry out their functions. Defects in ciliary structure and signaling result in a broad group of disorders collectively known as ciliopathies. One ciliopathy, Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS; OMIM 209900), presents with diverse clinical features, many of which are attributed to defects in ciliary signaling during both embryonic development and postnatal life. For example, patients exhibit obesity, polydactyly, hypogonadism, developmental delay and skeletal abnormalities along with sensory and cognitive deficits, but for many of these phenotypes it is uncertain, which are developmental in origin. A subset of BBS proteins assembles into the core BBSome complex, which is responsible for mediating transport of membrane proteins into and out of the cilium, establishing it as a sensory and signaling hub. Here, we describe two new mouse models for BBS resulting from a targeted LacZ gene trap allele (Bbs5−/−) that is a predicted congenital null mutation and conditional (Bbs5flox/flox) allele of Bbs5. Bbs5−/− mice develop a complex phenotype consisting of increased pre-weaning lethality craniofacial and skeletal defects, ventriculomegaly, infertility and pituitary anomalies. Utilizing the conditional allele, we show that the male fertility defects, ventriculomegaly and pituitary abnormalities are only present when Bbs5 is disrupted prior to postnatal day 7, indicating a developmental origin. In contrast, mutation of Bbs5 results in obesity, independent of the age of Bbs5 loss.
Application of a multibeam echosounder to document changes in animal movement and behaviour around a tidal turbine structure
Authors: Williamson Benjamin J , Blondel Philippe , Williamson Laura D , Scott Beth E
Published: February 2021

Changes in animal movement and behaviour at fine scales (tens of metres) in immediate proximity to tidal stream turbine structures are largely unknown and have implications for risks of animal collision with turbine blades. This study used upward-facing multibeam echosounder data to detect and track animal movement comprising fish, diving seabirds, and marine mammals. Measurements over spring-neap tidal cycles at a turbine structure (no blades present) are compared to a neighbouring reference area with no structure and comparable conditions, with measurements consecutive in time to maximize comparability.

The majority of tracked animals (93.4% around turbine structure and 99.1% without turbine structure) were observed swimming against the flow, with 87.5% and 97.8%, respectively, making ground and showing capability of manoeuvring in tidal stream flow speeds. Track tortuosity increased around the turbine structure compared to the reference site, particularly in the wake and at low flow speeds, indicating animal station-holding or milling behaviour. These data also evidence the benefits of multibeam echosounders to measure animal movement through larger measurement volumes rather than relying on single-beam echosounders to measure animal presence alone, including to avoid large biases overestimating the size of schools swimming against the flow measured by time-in-beam.
Social inequalities and COVID-19 mortality in the city of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Karina Braga , Ribeiro Ana Freitas , Veras Maria Amélia de Sousa Mascena , de Castro Marcia Caldas
Published: February 2021

Background

Heterogeneity in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality is often associated with a country's health-services structure and social inequality. This study aimed to characterize social inequalities in COVID-19 mortality in São Paulo, the most populous city in Brazil and Latin America.

Methods

We conducted a population-based study, including COVID-19 deaths among São Paulo residents from March to September 2020. Age-standardized mortality rates and unadjusted rate ratios (RRs) [with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] were estimated by race, sex, age group, district of residence, household crowding, educational attainment, income level and percentage of households in subnormal areas in each district. Time trends in mortality were assessed using the Joinpoint model.

Results

Males presented an 84% increase in COVID-19 mortality compared with females (RR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.79–1.90). Higher mortality rates were observed for Blacks (RR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.67–1.88) and mixed (RR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.37–1.47) compared with Whites, whereas lower mortality was noted for Asians (RR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.58–0.68). A positive gradient was found for all socio-economic indicators, i.e. increases in disparities denoted by less education, more household crowding, lower income and a higher concentration of subnormal areas were associated with higher mortality rates. A decrease in mortality over time was observed in all racial groups, but it started earlier among Whites and Asians.

Conclusion

Our results reveal striking social inequalities in COVID-19 mortality in São Paulo, exposing structural inequities in Brazilian society that were not addressed by the governmental response to COVID-19. Without an equitable response, COVID-19 will further exacerbate current social inequalities in São Paulo.
Compactifications of Cluster Varieties and Convexity
Authors: Cheung Man-Wai , Magee Timothy , Nájera Chávez Alfredo
Published: February 2021

Gross–Hacking–Keel–Kontsevich [13] discuss compactifications of cluster varieties from positive subsets in the real tropicalization of the mirror. To be more precise, let ${\mathfrak {D}}$ be the scattering diagram of a cluster variety $V$ (of either type– ${\mathcal {A}}$ or ${\mathcal {X}}$), and let $S$ be a closed subset of $\left (V^\vee \right )^{\textrm {trop}} \left ({\mathbb {R}}\right )$—the ambient space of ${\mathfrak {D}}$. The set $S$ is positive if the theta functions corresponding to the integral points of $S$ and its ${\mathbb {N}}$-dilations define an ${\mathbb {N}}$-graded subalgebra of $\Gamma (V, \mathcal {O}_V){ [x]}$. In particular, a positive set $S$ defines a compactification of $V$ through a Proj construction applied to the corresponding ${\mathbb {N}}$-graded algebra. In this paper, we give a natural convexity notion for subsets of $\left (V^\vee \right )^{\textrm {trop}} \left ({\mathbb {R}}\right )$, called broken line convexity, and show that a set is positive if and only if it is broken line convex. The combinatorial criterion of broken line convexity provides a tractable way to construct positive subsets of $\left (V^\vee \right )^{\textrm {trop}} \left ({\mathbb {R}}\right )$ or to check positivity of a given subset.
Exploiting the Microbiota for the Diagnosis of Anal Precancerous Lesions in Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Ron Raquel , Cabello Alfonso , Gosalbes María José , Sánchez-Conde Matilde , Talavera-Rodríguez Alba , Zamora Javier , Monge-Maillo Begoña , Jiménez Daniel , Martínez-Sanz Javier , López Yolanda , Crespillo Clara , Velasco Tamara , Moreno Santiago , Pérez-Molina José A , Serrano-Villar Sergio
Published: February 2021

Background

While the microbiota has been associated with human papillomavirus malignant transformation, it is unclear whether anal bacteria could improve the low specificity of anal cytology for the screening of high-grade intraepithelial squamous neoplasia (HSIL)

Methods

We recruited men who have sex with men undergoing anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy. We assessed the microbiota composition from fecal samples and cytobrush anal samples using 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing in participants with or without biopsy-proven HSIL (bHSIL). We selected bacterial biomarkers based on their linear discriminant analysis. We assessed their predictive performance using logistic regression and bootstrap resampling.

Results

We included 128 individuals, 47 (36.7%) with bHSIL and 99 (77.3%) with human immunodeficiency virus. We detected 40 potential predictors of bHSIL. Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group, Alloprevotella genus, Prevotella melanonigenica, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 were the most predictive of bHSIL. From 35 false-positive cytologic results, the combination of these 4 biomarkers with the anal cytology reclassified to true-negative 33 individuals (94%) and showed good diagnostic performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.805; 95% confidence interval, .728–.882).

Conclusions

We found anal-associated bacteria indicative of a higher risk of precancerous anal lesions, which combination was highly specific. The microbiota could be developed as a complementary diagnostic tool to overcome the limitations of the current screening strategy for anal cancer.
Global Rotavirus and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introductions and the Association With Country Disease Surveillance, 2006–2018
Authors: Peck Megan E , Hampton Lee M , Antoni Sebastian , Ogbuanu Ike , Serhan Fatima , Nakamura Tomoka , Walldorf Jenny A , Cohen Adam L
Published: February 2021

Background

To inform the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Global Invasive Bacterial Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Network (GISN) and the Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network (GRSN) in 2008. We investigated whether participation in these networks or other surveillance was associated with vaccine introduction.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2018, among all WHO member states, we used multivariable models adjusting for economic status to assess (1) the association between surveillance for pneumococcal disease or rotavirus disease, including participation in GISN or GRSN and the introduction of the PCV or the rotavirus vaccine, respectively, and (2) the association between the rotavirus disease burden and the rotavirus vaccine introduction among 56 countries participating in GRSN from 2008 to 2018.

Results

Countries that participated in or conducted surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease or rotavirus disease were 3.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–7.1) and 4.2 (95% CI, 2.1–8.6) times more likely to introduce PCV or rotavirus respectively, compared to those without surveillance. Among countries participating in GRSN, there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate an association between countries with higher rotavirus positivity and vaccine introduction.

Conclusions

Surveillance should be incorporated into advocacy strategies to encourage the introduction of vaccines, with countries benefiting from data from, support for, and coordination of international disease surveillance networks.
Prioritization and management of calls from older people to GP out-of-hours services
Authors: Smith Suzanne , Carragher Lucia
Published: February 2021

Background

Urgent out-of-hours medical care is necessary to ensure people can remain living at home into older age. However, older people experience multiple barriers to using out-of-hours services including poor awareness about the general practitioner (GP) out-of-hours (GPOOH) service and how to access it. In particular, older people are reluctant users of GPOOH services because they expect either their symptoms will not be taken seriously or they will simply be referred to hospital accident and emergency services. The aim of this study was to examine if this expectation was borne out in the manner of GPOOH service provision.

Objective

The objective was to establish the urgency categorization and management of calls to GPOOH , for community dwelling older people in Ireland.

Methods

An 8-week sample of 770 calls, for people over 65 years, to a GPOOH service in Ireland, was analysed using Excel and Nvivo software.

Results

Urgency categorization of older people shows 40% of calls categorized as urgent. Recognition of the severity of symptoms, prompting calls to the GPOOH service, is also reflected in a quarter of callers receiving a home visit by the GP and referral of a third of calls to emergency services. The findings also show widespread reliance on another person to negotiate the GPOOH system, with a third party making 70% of calls on behalf of the older person seeking care.

Conclusion

Older people are in urgent need of medical services when they contact GPOOH service, which plays an effective and patient-centred gatekeeping role, particularly directing the oldest old to the appropriate level of care outside GP office hours. The promotion of GPOOH services should be enhanced to ensure older people understand their role in supporting community living.
Blockchain and Business Analysis: Making the Case
Authors: Maya Martin
Published: February 2021

Blockchain technology is here to stay, so should your business be taking advantage of its capabilities? asks Martin Maya, Director of Amatis Training.
The Secret Life of the Ferranti Mark I
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: February 2021

Simon Lavington FBCS, Emeritus Professor of Computer Science at the University of Essex, tells Martin Cooper MBCS the story of a very important computer.
Authorship and Creation
Authors: Irmak Nurbay
Published: February 2021

Artworks have authors. According to Christy Mag Uidhir, this simple assumption has significant consequences for the ontology of artworks. One such consequence is that artworks cannot be identified with abstract entities: if there are works of art, they are concrete entities. Therefore, one cannot create an abstract work of art. Mag Uidhir presents a novel challenge against abstract creationism, the view that certain kinds of art objects are abstract artifacts. This article has two aims. First, it provides a defense of abstract creationism against Mag Uidhir’s arguments. Second, it argues that creation, even in the case of concrete artifacts, is never purely causal: to create an artifact is to bring about the conditions on which the created object ontologically depends. I conclude that a properly developed account of creation provides a better understanding of the question of how one comes to create an artifact, be it abstract or concrete.
Evaluation of a thrice weekly administration of teicoplanin in the outpatient setting: a retrospective observational multicentre study
Authors: Asumang John , Heard Katie L , Troise Oliver , Fahmy Sandra , Mughal Nabeela , Moore Luke S P , Hughes Stephen
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The glycopeptide teicoplanin is commonly utilized to facilitate outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Licensed for once daily maintenance dosing, teicoplanin’s long half-life allows for less frequent dosing (e.g. thrice weekly) following successful loading. This service evaluation reviews the safety and effectiveness of a novel thrice weekly teicoplanin dosing regimen.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was conducted at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (March 2018 to July 2020), evaluating trough serum teicoplanin concentrations for patients receiving >5 days of teicoplanin in the OPAT setting. Teicoplanin dosing and administration (once daily versus thrice weekly), clinical outcomes and therapeutic levels were analysed for all patients. The project was registered with clinical governance locally.

Results

A total of 82 patients treated with teicoplanin in the OPAT service were included; 53/82 receiving thrice weekly and 29/82 receiving once daily dosing. Mean teicoplanin trough levels were similar in both groups (26.2 mg/L and 25.8 mg/L in once daily and thrice weekly groups, P = 0.8895). High clinical success rates were recorded in both groups (25/29 [86.2%] versus 50/53 [94.3%]). No correlation with clinical outcomes and initial teicoplanin serum levels was identified. Normal renal function (>90 mL/min) was associated with lower teicoplanin serum concentrations (mean [±SD] 21.4 mg/L [±10.1] versus 29.7 mg/L [±14], P = 0.0178) in the thrice weekly dosed group but not with the once daily dosed group (mean [±SD] 28.2 mg/L [±9.4] versus 23.7 mg/L [±9.9], P = 0.2201).

Conclusions

This study supports thrice weekly teicoplanin as a convenient and effective OPAT for administration in the OPAT setting. Therapeutic drug monitoring is advised to adjust for intra-patient variability.
Real-time locating systems to improve healthcare delivery: A systematic review
Authors: Overmann Kevin M , Wu Danny T.Y , Xu Catherine T , Bindhu Shwetha S , Barrick Lindsey
Published: February 2021

Objective

Modern health care requires patients, staff, and equipment to navigate complex environments to deliver quality care efficiently. Real-time locating systems (RTLS) are local tracking systems that identify the physical locations of personnel and equipment in real time. Applications and analytic strategies to utilize RTLS-produced data are still under development. The objectives of this systematic review were to describe and analyze the key features of RTLS applications and demonstrate their potential to improve care delivery.

Materials and Methods

We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and IEEE following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were articles that utilize RTLS to evaluate or influence workflow in a healthcare setting. We summarized aspects of relevant articles, identified key themes in the challenges of applying RTLS to workflow improvement, and thematically reviewed the state of quantitative analytic methodologies.

Results

We included 42 articles in the final qualitative synthesis. The most frequent study design was observational (n = 24), followed by descriptive (n = 12) and experimental (n = 6). The most common clinical environment for study was the emergency department (n = 12), followed by entire hospital (n = 7) and surgical ward (n = 6).

Discussion

The focus of studies changed over time from early experience to optimization to evaluation of an established system. Common narrative themes highlighted lessons learned regarding evaluation, implementation, and information visibility. Few studies have developed quantitative techniques to effectively analyze RTLS data.

Conclusions

RTLS is a useful and effective adjunct methodology in process and quality improvement, workflow analysis, and patient safety. Future directions should focus on developing enhanced analysis to meaningfully interpret RTLS data.
Overall Health Care Cost During the Year Following Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Stratified by History of Colorectal Evaluative Procedures
Authors: Paszat Lawrence , Sutradhar Rinku , Luo Jin , Rabeneck Linda , Tinmouth Jill , Baxter Nancy N
Published: February 2021

Background

The cost-effectiveness of colorectal screening has been modeled; however, the cost of health care following the diagnosis of colorectal cancer has not been described stratified by history of colorectal evaluative procedures.

Methods

We identified persons with first diagnosis of colorectal cancer between 2015 and 2017 from the Ontario Cancer Registry, and categorized them by history of colorectal evaluative procedures during Period 1 (the 10 years before the 6-month prediagnostic interval) with or without procedures during Period 2 (the 6 month prediagnostic interval), versus only during Period 2, versus none. We extracted overall health care cost 1 year following diagnosis from population-wide administrative databases.

Results

Among cases diagnosed at 52 to 74 years, overall health care cost among those with no colorectal evaluative procedures on or before the date of diagnosis is $71,039.65 (SD $51,825.18), compared to $48,406.15 (SD $38,843.64) among those who received colorectal evaluative procedures during Period 1, with or without procedures during Period 2. Among the population aged 20 to 74 years at diagnosis, cases with ≥1 screening colonoscopies for hereditary CRC syndrome, the mean overall initial cost was between $32,300.32 (SD) and $33,084.67 (SD $39,905.77), and those with ≥1 screening colonoscopies because of a first-degree relative with CRC, was between $36,344.71 (SD $35,539.85) and $45,456.41 (SD $49,818.59).

Conclusions

Overall health care cost is lower among cases who received colorectal evaluative procedures during Period 1, with or without procedures during Period 2, and among those with screening colonoscopy for hereditary CRC syndromes or affected first-degree relatives.
A Novel Methodology for Supporting Integration between Refugees and Host Communities: NAUTIA (Need Assessment under a Technological Interdisciplinary Approach)
Authors: Salas-Ruiz Adela , Eras-Almeida Andrea A , Rodríguez-Rivero Rocío , Sanz-Cobena Alberto , MuÑoz-Hernández Susana , Canet Juana , Rojo-Losada Alejandra , Gesto-Barroso Belén
Published: February 2021

More than 26 million people are recognized globally as refugees and have been forced to flee from their home countries because of poverty, human rights violations, natural disasters, climate change, and other social and political conflicts. What is more, most host communities are usually poor and face social and economic crises. This is why supporting integration between refugees and host communities is imperative at the global humanitarian context. Thereby, this research presents the NAUTIA (Need Assessment under a Technological Interdisciplinary Approach) methodology, an innovative mixed-method approach designed by the Platform on Refugees of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. The main objective of NAUTIA is to identify the basic needs of refugees and locals to improve their quality of life through interdisciplinary and inclusive intervention proposals based on technology. The methodology was applied in the permanent Shimelba Refugee Camp (Ethiopia), where energy, shelter, and food security solutions have resulted essential to improve the living conditions of both population groups. The results are useful for researchers, stakeholders, and practitioners from the humanitarian sector as they provide a more innovative and comprehensive way to support the unprecedented global human mobility there is nowadays.
A fruit ripening-associated transcription factor CsMADS5 positively regulates carotenoid biosynthesis in citrus
Authors: Lu Suwen , Ye Junli , Zhu Kaijie , Zhang Yin , Zhang Mengwei , Xu Qiang , Deng Xiuxin
Published: February 2021

Carotenoids in citrus contribute to the quality of the fruit, but the mechanism of its transcriptional regulation is fairly unknown. Here, we characterized a citrus FRUITFULL sub-clade MADS gene, CsMADS5, that was ripening-inducible and acted as a nucleus-localized trans-activator. Transient overexpression of CsMADS5 in citrus induced fruit coloration and enhanced carotenoid concentrations. The expression of carotenogenic genes including phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene desaturase (PDS), and lycopene β-cyclase 1 (LCYb1) was increased in the peels of fruits overexpressing CsMADS5. Similar results were observed from stable overexpression of CsMADS5 in tomato fruits and citrus calli, even though the effect of CsMADS5 on carotenoid metabolism in transgenic citrus calli was limited. Further biochemical analyses demonstrated that CsMADS5 activated the transcription of PSY, PDS, and LCYb1 by directly binding to their promoters. We concluded that CsMADS5 positively regulates carotenoid biosynthesis in fruits by directly activating the transcription of carotenogenic genes. Moreover, CsMADS5 physically interacted with a positive regulator CsMADS6, indicating that CsMADS5 may form an enhancer complex with CsMADS6 to synergistically promote carotenoid accumulation. These findings expand our understanding of the complex transcriptional regulatory hierarchy of carotenoid biosynthesis during fruit ripening.