bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functions of pipecolic acid on induced resistance against Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 in tomato plants
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Qiu Yating , Li Miao , Song Fengming , Jiang Ming
Published: August 2020

Amino acid metabolic pathways are involved in the plant immune system. Pipecolic acid (Pip), a lysine‐derived non‐protein amino acid, acts as an important regulator of disease resistance. Here, we report the functions of Pip on tomato disease resistance. Tomato seedlings treated with 0.5 mM Pip showed increased resistance to Pst DC3000 and B. cinerea compared with the control. After pathogen infection, the expression of defence‐related genes increased in plants pretreated with Pip, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation decreased. These data demonstrated that exogenous application of Pip induced resistance against Pst DC3000 and B. cinerea in tomatoes, possibly through the regulation of ROS accumulation and defence‐related gene expression.
Steppe islands in a sea of fields: Where island biogeography meets the reality of a severely transformed landscape
Authors: Dembicz Iwona , Moysiyenko Ivan I , Kozub Łukasz , Dengler Jürgen , Zakharova Maryna , Sudnik‐Wójcikowska Barbara
Published: August 2020

Questions

Steppes are among the most transformed and fragmented biomes in the world, but studies on the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on these zonal grasslands are scarce. In many regions, steppe has survived only on small habitat islands, particularly on kurgans (ancient burial mounds) surrounded by intensive croplands. We asked how the size of kurgans, their isolation and other landscape and local factors influence their species richness.

Location

Southern Ukraine.

Methods

We recorded all species of vascular plants and assessed local (area, steepness, disturbance level), landscape (distance to the nearest habitat patch, habitat amount in the surroundings, surrounding type, distance to settlements) and climatic (precipitation) conditions of 112 kurgans. We analysed species–area relationships (SARs) for total richness, habitat specialists and generalists. Then, we assessed importance of environmental factors in explaining the residuals of the SAR models.

Results

Patch area explained more than 50% of variance in total and specialist species richness. The slopes of the power function SAR (z‐values) were higher for specialists than for generalists. Connectivity measures (the distance to the nearest large habitat enclave and share of habitat in the surroundings) were more important for richness of specialists than for that of generalists, which were more controlled by the kurgan's surroundings.

Conclusions

We found that for specialist species the steppe “islands” follow the theory of island biogeography closely, but less so for generalist species. Combined with the revealed importance of connectivity for specialist species richness, we conclude that the conservation value of the kurgans in the long term likely can only be achieved with larger steppe areas in the surroundings.
Are Women Less Effective at Passing Bills? Exploring the Direct and Indirect Effects of Gender
Authors: Senk Kaitlin
Published: August 2020

Are women as effective as men at passing legislation? What are the institutional pathways through which gender affects bill approval? I argue that gender does not have a direct effect on a legislator’s ability to gain legislative approval. Instead, women are marginalized in their access to influential institutional positions—committee leadership positions, influential committee assignment, and bill content—which may have consequences for bill approval. I examine these relationships using causal mediation analysis on bill data from Argentina from 1983 through 2007. I do not find a direct effect of gender on bill approval. Instead, women are negatively affected by their lack of access to committee leadership positions. While women do not experience legislative consequences directly, by virtue of being women, they do face indirect consequences through the positions they receive. This article makes important methodological and substantive contributions to understanding relationships between gender and legislative outcomes.
Reproductive interference between Aedes albopictus and Aedes flavopictus at a place of their origin
Authors: Sultana A. , Sunahara T. , Tsurukawa C. , Tuno N.
Published: August 2020

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus and Aedes (Stegomyia) flavopictus are related species that have overlapping distributions from southern to central Japan. To understand how they interact, we studied reproductive interference between them, particularly focusing on the body size difference between the mating pair. Here, we examined the effects of conspecific, heterospecific and double mating (i.e. heterospecific mating followed by conspecific mating) on copulation duration, egg production and hatchability of eggs using mosquitoes that varied in body size. Females mated only with heterospecific males produced few viable eggs, indicating that post‐mating isolation is almost complete. When mated with heterospecific males before conspecific mating, the production of viable eggs was lower than when mated only with conspecific males, revealing the occurrence of reproductive interference. The degree of reproductive interference was larger in Ae. flavopictus than in Ae. albopictus when the female size was small but did not differ between them when the female size was large. Aedes albopictus females appear to be able to distinguish Ae. flavopictus males from conspecific males and larger females are more successful in the rejection of heterospecific males. On the other hand, Ae. flavopictus were not able to discriminate between conspecific and heterospecific males.
Evaluation of the occurrence of work‐related musculoskeletal pain among anesthesiology, intensive care, and surgical nurses: An observational and descriptive study
Authors: Rypicz Łukasz , Karniej Piotr , Witczak Izabela , Kołcz Anna
Published: August 2020

Clinical nurses can encounter musculoskeletal pain episodes stemming from regular exposure to workplace risk factors that contribute to overloads. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and location of work‐related musculoskeletal pain among Polish nurses. An observational and descriptive survey study was conducted among 136 nurses working in the anesthesiology, intensive care, and surgery units. An extended version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to investigate musculoskeletal pain. Only 8% of the participating nurses experienced no musculoskeletal pain, while 85% suffered from pain in more than one location. The lower back (67%), upper back (59%), and neck (66%) were the most common pain locations. In summary, nurses experienced multiple musculoskeletal pain episodes, occurring most frequently in the spinal region (lower and upper back and neck). It is crucial to determine the real causes of musculoskeletal pain and to take appropriate preventive measures to improve workplace ergonomics.
Using historical sources to supplement climate site histories: A case study of Auckland's Albert Park
Authors: Fowler Anthony M.
Published: August 2020

New Zealand's best‐known record of surface air temperature is the partially homogenised seven‐station series of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. The homogeneity analysis used in constructing this series depends on the completeness of the site histories and issues arise if relevant information is missing. Recent developments in the online availability of searchable historical records provide an opportunity to supplement early metadata. This potential is explored here using Albert Park (Auckland) as a case study. A wealth of relevant historical information about Albert Park was found in online archives, especially related to a major episode of site disturbance, evolving site environment and instrumentation changes.
Application of Laminoplasty Combined with ARCH Plate in the Treatment of Lumbar Intraspinal Tumors
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Chao , Li Shu‐Zhong , Sun Yuan‐Liang , Yin Chu‐Qiang , Wang Yue‐Lei , Wang Jie , Liu Chen‐Jing , Cao Zhen‐Lu , Wang Ting
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the bone fusion and clinical effect of laminoplasty combined with ARCH plate fixation in the treatment of lumbar intraspinal tumors.

Methods

This was a clinical study. From June 2017 to January 2019, 24 patients (seven males and 17 females, average age 40 ± 16 years) with lumbar intraspinal tumors underwent laminoplasty combined with ARCH plate fixation in our hospital. The bone fusion was evaluated by X‐ray and computed tomography (CT) scans that were taken 15.2 ± 2.17 months postoperatively. Each segment showed a bone bridge on one side, which was classified as “segmental partial fusion.” Each segment showed bilateral bone bridges, which were classified as “segmental complete fusion”. When all segments of the patient showed bilateral bone bridging so that the replanted lamina and the host lamina became a unit on the CT scan, it was defined as “complete fusion”. In addition, the operation time and blood loss were recorded. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the potential influencing factors of bone healing, including age (≤40 years vs >40 years), gender, number of operated levels (single vs two). Paired t‐test was used to analyze pre‐ and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scale and low back and leg pain visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

A total of 33 segments of laminoplasty were successfully performed in 24 patients. The average operation time was 128 ± 18 minutes. The average blood loss was 110 ± 19 mL. All patients were followed up at least 12 months after operation (average, 15.2 ± 2.17 months). At the final follow‐up, according to the definition of this study, the proportion of “segmental partial fusion” and “segmental complete fusion” were 30.3% (10/33) and 69.7% (23/33), respectively. And the proportion of patients with “complete fusion” was 70.8% (17/24). Age, gender, and number of operated levels were not associated with the fusion (P = 1.0, 0.37, and 0.06, respectively). ODI and VAS were much better at 1 month after operation and the final follow‐up than those before the operation (P < 0.01). At 6 months after operation, the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the supraspinous ligament was repaired, and there were no complications, such as spinal epidural scar recompression.

Conclusions

Laminoplasty combined with ARCH plate was a better surgical method, and 70.8% of the patients showed complete bone fusion and there was no case of bilateral nonunion.
Occlusal support and postural stability in children: An observational study
Authors: Tanaka Yuto , Yoshino Noritaka , Sako Kazuki , Ono Yoshiaki , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: August 2020

Background

The relationship between uneven occlusal contact and fall risk has been described in elderly participants; however, multiple confounding factors, such as systemic disease or deterioration in vestibular function, have not been well considered. This study aimed to investigate this relationship in pediatric participants at the age of approximately 9–12, where these confounding factors are absent and the replacement of primary molars by permanent ones generally occurs and transiently results in uneven occlusal contact.

Methods

Sixty‐five children (36 boys and 29 girls, mean age: 9.5 ± 1.5 years) were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked whether they had experienced at least two falls within the past 1 year. The occlusal contact area ratio was calculated by dividing the greater half (right or left dental arch) by the smaller half (the other half) with U‐shaped pressure sensor sheet. The total length and rectangular area of the center of pressure while standing upright for 10 s were measured with a stabilometer and used as postural sway parameters.

Results

The occlusal contact area ratio significantly correlated with the postural sway parameters. Comparison between those who had experienced the fall incidences and those who had not after propensity score matching that adjusts their overall physical function revealed that there were no significant differences in the postural sway parameters and occlusal contact area ratio regardless of the history of fall incidence.

Conclusions

Uneven occlusal contact leads to an increase in postural sway in children; however, this may not be associated with fall incidence.
Reckoning With Kant on Race*
Authors: Basevich Elvira
Published: August 2020

This essay develops Kant’s theory of reform to theorize racial justice reform. I assess the function of Kant’s philosophy of race as part of his nonideal theory of justice, which offers a racist pragmatic anthropology that uses the concept of race to determine the practical effectiveness of legislative reason. His philosophy of race defends a teleological account of the natural history of the human species to fulfill the requirements of justice and assumes that certain racial groups have failed to develop their innate capacity for legislative reason. I show that we need an alternative Kantian nonideal theory of justice that demonstrates how legislative reason actualizes practical freedom. Rather than appeal to anthropology, I expand Kant’s model of public reason to advance racial justice reform under the conditions of partial compliance to the requirements of justice in a profoundly nonideal republic such as the U.S. I then showcase the promise—and limits—of the a priori ideals of citizenship and publicity for racial justice reform and introduce the new ideal of interracial civic fellowship to guide the public use of reason in nonideal circumstances.
Validation of a SCID mouse model for transfusion by concurrent comparison of circulation kinetics of human platelets, stored under various temperature conditions, between human volunteers and mice
Authors: Gelderman Monique P. , Cheng Chunrong , Xu Fei , Skripchenko Andrey , Ryan Johannah , Li Ying , Whitley Pamela , Wagner Stephen J. , Vostal Jaroslav G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Initial evaluation of new platelet (PLT) products for transfusion includes a clinical study to determine in vivo recovery and survival of autologous radiolabeled PLTs in healthy volunteers. These studies are expensive and do not always produce the desired results. A validated animal model of human PLTs in vivo survival and recovery used pre‐clinically could reduce the risk of failing to advance product development.

Study Design and Methods

An immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model to evaluate recovery of human PLTs was compared to a radiolabeling study in human volunteers. Autologous apheresis PLTs stored for 7 days at room temperature (RT), thermo‐cycled (TC), and cold temperature (CT) were radiolabeled and infused into healthy humans (n = 16). The same PLTs, non‐radiolabeled, were also infused into mice (n = 160) on the same day. Blood samples from humans and mice were collected to generate clearance curves of PLTs in circulation. Flow cytometry was used to detect human PLTs in mouse blood.

Results

Human and mouse PLTs were cleared with one phase exponential clearance. Relative differences for initial recovery and AUC, expressed as ratio of test and control PLTs, were similar in humans and mice. The initial recovery ratio of TC/RT was 0.73 ± 0.07 in humans and 0.67 ± 0.14 in mice. The ratio for CT/TC was 0.53 ± 0.06 in humans and 0.75 ± 0.18 in mice.

Conclusion

The SCID mouse model can provide information on relative differences of initial in vivo recovery and AUC between control and alternatively stored/processed human PLTs that is predictive of performance in healthy human volunteers.
A Framework of Optimal Design of Thermal Management System for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Using Multi-Objectives Optimization
Authors: Liao Xiangping , Ma Chong , Peng Xiongbin , Li Yuwu , Duan Lianfeng , Garg Akhil , Gao Liang
Published: August 2020

Battery thermal management system is critical to prevent the battery pack from such safety issues as overheating, thermal runaway, and spontaneous combustion. Many research works have been done to improve the thermal performance of the thermal management system by reducing the maximum temperature of the battery pack. However, the temperature difference and energy consumption were not discussed in most of the researches. This paper proposed a framework of optimal design of the battery thermal management system using surrogate model and multi-objective optimization methodology. The accuracy of this method was then validated through two cases. The proposed framework aims to find a way to design a battery pack with at least two types of the following objectives: the smallest maximum temperature, smallest temperature deviation, and the lowest energy consumption. The framework can be divided into five steps: the structural design of the battery thermal management system; the fluid–solid coupled heat transfer modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method; the design of experiments and selection of surrogate models; the multi-objective optimization algorithm based on Pareto optimal solution; and the experimental verification. The optimized designs showed significant improvement by decreasing both the temperature rise and the energy consumption.
Development, Validation, and Application of an Optimization Scheme for Impellers of Centrifugal Fans Using Computational Fluid Dynamics-Trained Metamodels
Authors: Bamberger Konrad , Carolus Thomas , Belz Julian , Nelles Oliver
Published: August 2020

A quick method for the design of efficiency-optimal centrifugal fan impellers is presented. It is based on an evolutionary optimization algorithm that identifies the optimal geometrical parameters for a given aerodynamic objective function. The range of the geometrical parameters considered allows covering aerodynamic design points appropriate for the complete class of centrifugal fans. The quickness of the method stems from evaluating the objective function using metamodels. In total, four metamodels, based on local model networks (LMN) and multi-layer perceptrons (MLP), were trained and eventually aggregated to reduce the variance (stochastic) error. The training data consist of approximately 4000 characteristic curves obtained from automated numerical steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) flow simulations. The computational domain as well as the number of grid nodes and their distribution in the domain were optimized in a pre-study. For verification, a grid independence study was carried out. In addition, two criteria were defined to detect aerodynamic operating points associated with non-physical performance predictions. Finally, validation was secured with experimental data from three exemplary impeller designs. The proposed optimization scheme requires a costly initial one-time computational fluid dynamics (CFD) effort, but then allows a quick design of centrifugal fan impellers for arbitrary design points. The search for an optimal centrifugal impeller requires less than 1 min on a standard personal computer, while allowing up to 105 objective function evaluations for one search. Moreover, predicted performance curves that always come along with each design were found to be very reliable in comparison with experiments.
Scattering Nanoparticles-Induced Reflection Effect for Enhancing Optical Efficiency of Inverted Quantum Dots-Light-Emitting Diodes Combined With the Centrifugation Technique
Authors: Li Zong-Tao , Liang Jia-Yong , Li Jia-Sheng , Li Jie-Xin , Tang Yong
Published: August 2020

Inverted packaging structure is a promising alternative for thermal isolation between light-emitting diode (LED) chips and quantum dot (QD) converters with effective heat dissipation. However, serious reflection loss occurs at the lead frame owing to the inverted bonding of LED chips. In this study, the scattering nanoparticles-induced reflection effect has been developed to enhance the optical efficiency of inverted QD-LEDs combined with the centrifugation technique. The strong back-scattered effect of boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles with a thin columnar structure is chosen for reflection enhancement according to the ray-tracing and finite different time-domain simulations. Furthermore, a centrifugation technique is introduced to control the equilibrium geometry of the BN-incorporating reflector (BNR) by changing the centrifugal speed. Results indicate that the luminous flux of inverted QD/BNR-LEDs using the optimized concave BNR structure largely increases by 82.8% compared with reference inverted QD-LEDs. The great enhancement is attributed to the light concentrated effect of the concave geometry and the strong diffusion reflection ability of BN scattering nanoparticles. Consequently, the smart design on reflection properties of inverted QD-LEDs is critical for achieving high optical performances.
Smartphone Enabled Phototherapy Irradiance Meter for the Care of the Jaundiced Neonates in Low-Resource Regions
Authors: Powell Patrick , Abdulkadir Isa , Slusher Tina M. , Satrom Katie , DeWitt Gary
Published: August 2020

Smartphones have become near ubiquitous on the global stage placing the power of both computational analytics and communication into the hands of users in both high and low-resource regions alike. The potential to leverage these devices to address inequities in healthcare are enormous. Our development team theorizes that we can create a medical device blending a traditional pediatric phototherapy irradiance meter for the treatment of neonatal jaundice with a mobile smartphone to create a reasonably priced irradiance meter with improved performance specifically for low-resource regions. The result of our work is a minimum viable prototype based on an Android operating system tethered wirelessly to a remote sensor that incorporates a clinical training feature. Based on laboratory tests simulating a clinical environment and field testing in Northern Nigeria, the results were equivalent to standard phototherapy meters with additional expected benefits of cost, mobility, access and clinical training.
Variable Hydraulic Transmission to Be Used in a Body-Powered Wearable Robot
Authors: Hashemi Saeed , Durfee William
Published: August 2020

A body-powered wearable robot (BPWR) transmits power from one joint to another in an exoskeleton. A variable hydraulic transmission design using long-stroke rolling diaphragm cylinders and efficient on/off valves is suggested in this paper to be used in a BPWR. Using the new design, a high number of transmission ratios are achievable in a smooth mechanism. The number of transmission ratios with respect to the number of cylinders and the pressure drop across the transmission is assessed. The torque loss caused by the pressure drop is 5 percent using a proper conduit geometry.
Evaluating the Fit of Current Anatomical Scapula Reconstruction Plates: A Study Using Fifty Scapulae
Authors: Dey Roopam , Sivarasu Sudesh , Charilaou Johan , Roche Stephen , Hansson Frida
Published: August 2020

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of scapula fractures have increased in numbers recently. This is due to better functional outcomes achieved post-ORIF than non-operative management techniques. In South Africa, there is only one available supplier for anatomical contoured scapula plates used in the ORIF. This study examines the fit of these plates on the bony topology of fifty healthy scapula. It was observed that the short medial body plate performed the best in adhering to the bone topology followed by the short acromion plate. The glenoid plate and the long acromion and body plates were not adequately designed to fit their intended regions on the scapula. In conclusion, this study highlights the drawbacks in design of current commercial plates available for ORIF of scapula. Further studies are needed in order to evaluate the quantitative-fit performance of these plates on fracture scapula surfaces.
Evaluating the Effect of a Double-Walled Aortic Stent-Graft Prototype on Pulse Wave Velocity in an In Vitro Flow Loop
Authors: Kizilski Shannen B. , Coletti Filippo , Faizer Rumi , Barocas Victor H.
Published: August 2020

The effect of a double-walled stent-graft (DWSG) design on arterial compliance was evaluated using pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements in an in vitro mock arterial flow loop. The DWSG prototype was compared to a rigid stent-graft and to an unstented aorta model. The time delay between two pressure sensors a fixed distance apart was used to calculate PWV. Latex tubing simulated the compliant aorta, and a needle valve provided downstream resistance. A series of pulse rates and stroke volumes was applied to enable measurements at different mean pressures for the same system. PWV for the rigid stent-graft was higher than in the other two cases across all mean pressures. The DWSG exhibited behavior similar to the unstented model, demonstrating the capability of the DWSG to maintain aortic compliance in patients requiring an aortic stent-graft.
USDL: Inexpensive Medical Imaging Using Deep Learning Techniques and Ultrasound Technology
Authors: Balamurugan Manish , Chung Kathryn , Kuppoor Venkat , Mahapatra Smruti , Pustavoitau Aliaksei , Manbachi Amir
Published: August 2020

In this study, we present USDL, a novel model that employs deep learning algorithms in order to reconstruct and enhance corrupted ultrasound images. We utilize an unsupervised neural network called an autoencoder which works by compressing its input into a latent-space representation and then reconstructing the output from this representation. We trained our model on a dataset that compromises of 15,700 in vivo images of the neck, wrist, elbow, and knee vasculature and compared the quality of the images generated using the structural similarity index (SSIM) and peak to noise ratio (PSNR). In closely simulated conditions, the architecture exhibited an average reconstruction accuracy of 90% as indicated by our SSIM. Our study demonstrates that USDL outperforms state of the art image enhancement and reconstruction techniques in both image quality and computational complexity, while maintaining the architecture efficiency.
In search of opportunity and community: Internal migration of refugees in the United States
Authors: Mossaad Nadwa , Ferwerda Jeremy , Lawrence Duncan , Weinstein Jeremy , Hainmueller Jens
Published: August 2020

Administrative data reveal that refugees prioritize locations with employment opportunities and existing co-national networks.
Role of children in household transmission of COVID-19
Authors: Kim Jieun , Choe Young June , Lee Jin , Park Young Joon , Park Ok , Han Mi Seon , Kim Jong-Hyun , Choi Eun Hwa
Published: August 2020

Objective

Transmissibility of COVID-19 by children in the household is not clear. Herein, we describe children’s role in household transmission of COVID-19.

Design and setting

All paediatric COVID-19 index cases and their household members reported from 20 January to 6 April 2020 in South Korea were reviewed. The secondary attack rate (SAR) from child index case to household secondary case was calculated. Epidemiological and clinical findings of child index case-household secondary case pair was assessed.

Results

A total of 107 paediatric COVID-19 index cases and 248 of their household members were identified. One pair of paediatric index-secondary household case was identified, giving a household SAR of 0.5% (95% CI 0.0% to 2.6%). The index case was self-quarantined at home after international travel, stayed in her room, but shared a meal table with the secondary case.

Conclusion

The SAR from children to household members was low in the setting of social distancing, underscoring the importance of rigorous contact tracing and early isolation in limiting transmission within households.
How to set up government-led national hygiene communication campaigns to combat COVID-19: a strategic blueprint
Authors: Curtis Val , Dreibelbis Robert , Sidibe Myriam , Cardosi Jason , Sara Jennifer , Bonell Chris , Mwambuli Kaposo , Ghosh Moulik Soma , White Sian , Aunger Robert
Published: August 2020

While large-scale changes in population behaviour are required to reduce the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, the emergency context is not conducive to the sort of careful communications planning that would normally be required to meet such a task. Rapid strategic communications planning in a pandemic by governments is, however, possible and necessary. Steps include setting up a dedicated communications task force, mobilising partners and resources, developing a creative brief and theory of change and overseeing the creation, testing, roll out and revision of content. In this short guide, we argue that a minimum of strategic planning can be undertaken rapidly, and that good use can be made of simple principles of behaviour change, even during pandemics. Our aim here is to provide a blueprint that governments and their partners, especially in low-income settings, can follow to design, coordinate and resource national communications efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic immediately and for the longer term.
Early symptoms in symptomatic and preclinical genetic frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Tavares Tamara Paulo , Mitchell Derek G V , Coleman Kristy KL , Coleman Brenda L , Shoesmith Christen L , Butler Christopher R , Santana Isabel , Danek Adrian , Gerhard Alexander , de Mendonca Alexandre , Borroni Barbara , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Graff Caroline , Galimberti Daniela , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Moreno Fermin , Frisoni Giovanni B , Rowe James Benedict , Levin Johannes , Van Swieten John Cornelis , Otto Markus , Synofzik Matthis , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Vandenberghe Rik , Laforce Robert Jr , Ghidoni Roberta , Sorbi Sandro , Ducharme Simon , Masellis Mario , Rohrer Jonathan D , Finger Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The clinical heterogeneity of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) complicates identification of biomarkers for clinical trials that may be sensitive during the prediagnostic stage. It is not known whether cognitive or behavioural changes during the preclinical period are predictive of genetic status or conversion to clinical FTD. The first objective was to evaluate the most frequent initial symptoms in patients with genetic FTD. The second objective was to evaluate whether preclinical mutation carriers demonstrate unique FTD-related symptoms relative to familial mutation non-carriers.

Methods

The current study used data from the Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia Initiative multicentre cohort study collected between 2012 and 2018. Participants included symptomatic carriers (n=185) of a pathogenic mutation in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), progranulin (GRN) or microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and their first-degree biological family members (n=588). Symptom endorsement was documented using informant and clinician-rated scales.

Results

The most frequently endorsed initial symptoms among symptomatic patients were apathy (23%), disinhibition (18%), memory impairments (12%), decreased fluency (8%) and impaired articulation (5%). Predominant first symptoms were usually discordant between family members. Relative to biologically related non-carriers, preclinicalMAPTcarriers endorsed worse mood and sleep symptoms, andC9orf72carriers endorsed marginally greater abnormal behaviours. PreclinicalGRNcarriers endorsed less mood symptoms compared with non-carriers, and worse everyday skills.

Conclusion

Preclinical mutation carriers exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms compared with non-carriers that may be considered as future clinical trial outcomes. Given the heterogeneity in symptoms, the detection of clinical transition to symptomatic FTD may be best captured by composite indices integrating the most common initial symptoms for each genetic group.
An alarming high prevalence of resistance-associated mutations to macrolides and fluoroquinolones inMycoplasma genitaliumin Belgium: results from samples collected between 2015 and 2018
Authors: De Baetselier Irith , Kenyon Chris , Vanden Berghe Wim , Smet Hilde , Wouters Kristien , Van den Bossche Dorien , Vuylsteke Bea , Crucitti Tania
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The number of reported cases of multiresistantMycoplasma genitalium(MG) is increasing globally. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of macrolide and possible fluoroquinolone resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) of MG in Belgium.

Methods

The study was performed retrospectively on two sets of MG-positive samples collected in Belgium between 2015 and 2018. The first set of samples originated from routine surveillance activities and the second set came from a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) using pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV transmission. Detection of RAMs to macrolides and fluoroquinolones was performed on all samples using DNA sequencing of the 23S ribosomal RNA gene, thegyrAgene and theparCgene.

Results

Seventy-one per cent of the MG samples contained a mutation conferring resistance to macrolides or fluoroquinolones (ParC position 83/87). RAMs were more frequently found among men compared with women for fluoroquinolones (23.9% vs 9.1%) and macrolides (78.4% vs 27.3%). Almost 90% of the MG infections among MSM possessed a RAM to macrolides (88.4%). In addition, 18.0% of the samples harboured both macrolides and fluoroquinolone RAMs; 3.0% in women and 24.2% in MSM. Being MSM was associated with macrolide RAMs (OR 15.3), fluoroquinolone RAMs (OR 3.8) and having a possible multiresistant MG infection (OR 7.2).

Conclusion

The study shows an alarmingly high prevalence of MG with RAMs to macrolides and fluoroquinolones in Belgium. These results highlight the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship in Belgium in order to avoid the emergence of untreatable MG.
Smoking epidemic in Europe in the 21st century
Authors: Janssen Fanny , El Gewily Shady , Bardoutsos Anastasios
Published: August 2020

Objective

To estimate smoking-attributable mortality in the long-term future in 29 European countries using a novel data-driven forecasting approach that integrates the wave pattern of the smoking epidemic and the cohort dimension.

Methods

We estimated and forecasted age-specific and age-standardised smoking-attributable mortality fractions (SAMF) and 95% projection intervals for 29 European countries by sex, 1950–2100, using age-period-cohort modelling with a generalised logit link function. We projected the (decelerating) period increases (women) by a quadratic curve to obtain future declines, and extrapolated the past period decline (men). In addition, we extrapolated the recent cohort trend.

Results

SAMF among men are projected to decline from, on average, 25% in 2014 (11% (Sweden)—41% (Hungary)) to 11% in 2040 (range: 6.3%–15.4%), 7% in 2065 (range: 5.9%–9.4%) and 6% in 2100. SAMF among women in 21 non-Eastern European countries, currently at an average of 16%, are projected to reach peak levels in 2013 (Northern Europe), 2019 (Western Europe), 2027 (Greece, Italy) and 2022 (Central Europe), with maximum levels of, on average, 17% (8% (Greece)—28% (Denmark)), and to decline to 10% in 2040 (range: 4%–20%), 5% in 2065 (range: 3.5%–7.6%) and 4% in 2100. For women, a short-term shift in the peak of the inverse U-shaped age pattern to higher ages is projected, and crossovers between the age-specific trends.

Conclusion

Our novel forecasting method enabled realistic estimates of the mortality imprint of the smoking epidemic in Europe up to 2100. The high peak values in smoking-attributable mortality projected for women warrant attention.
Minimally modified gravity fitting Planck data better than $$\Lambda $$ CDM
Authors: Aoki Katsuki , De Felice Antonio , Mukohyama Shinji , Noui Karim , Oliosi Michele , C. Pookkillath Masroor
Published: August 2020

We study the phenomenology of a class of minimally modified gravity theories called $$f(\mathcal {H})$$

f
(
H
)

theories, in which the usual general relativistic Hamiltonian constraint is replaced by a free function of it. After reviewing the construction of the theory and a consistent matter coupling, we analyze the dynamics of cosmology at the levels of both background and perturbations, and present a concrete example of the theory with a 3-parameter family of the function f. Finally, we compare this example model to Planck data as well as some later-time probes, showing that such a realization of $$f(\mathcal {H})$$

f
(
H
)

theories fits the data significantly better than the standard $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model, in particular by modifying gravity at intermediate redshifts, $$z\simeq 743$$

z
≃
743

.
Phase diagram of the mixed-spin (1,3/2) Ising ferrimagnetic system with two different anisotropies
Authors: da Silva D. C. , de Arruda A. S. , Godoy M.
Published: August 2020

In this work, we have performed Monte Carlo simulations to study phase transitions in a mixed spin-1 and spin-3/2 Ising ferrimagnetic system on the square and cubic lattices and with two different single-ion anisotropies. These lattices are divided in two interpenetrating sublattices with spins [Formula: see text] (states [Formula: see text] and 0) on the sublattice [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (states [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) on the sublattice [Formula: see text]. We have used single-ion anisotropies [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] acting on the sites of the sublattice [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. We have determined the phase diagrams of the model in the temperature [Formula: see text] vs. the single-ion anisotropies strength [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] plane and shown that the system exhibits both second- and first-order phase transitions. This system also displays compensation points for some values of the anisotropies.
DETERMINANTS OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REVISITED: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: LE THAI-HA , NGUYEN CANH PHUC
Published: August 2020

This study examines the determinants of emissions for a global sample of 120 countries during the 1995–2012 period using panel data analysis. Specifically, an extended version of the STIRPAT model combined with the EKC was employed to examine the determinants of emissions for the full sample and three subsamples of countries at different income levels. Three proxies for emissions are used, including CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions. The two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) is employed as the estimation technique. The empirical results indicate the evidence of EKC for the global sample and all subgroups of countries for CO2 emissions. On the other hand, U-shaped relationships between income and emissions are found for all three subsamples in the cases of N2O and CH4 emissions. Energy intensity appears to be the major driver of CO2 emissions for all groups of countries as well as for N2O and CH4 emissions for high-income and upper-middle-income countries. The effects of industrialization and urbanization vary across different types of emissions and different income country groups. The global environmental policy should focus on encouraging energy efficiency, enhancing the use of eco-friendly energy resources, as well as incorporating the impacts of industrialization and urbanization on emissions.
An algorithm for a lifted Massey triple product of a smooth projective plane curve
Authors: Lee Younggi , Park Jeehoon , Park Junyeong , Yim Jaehyun
Published: August 2020

We provide an explicit algorithm to compute a lifted Massey triple product relative to a defining system for a smooth projective plane curve [Formula: see text] defined by a homogeneous polynomial [Formula: see text] over a field. The main idea is to use the description (due to Carlson and Griffiths) of the cup product for [Formula: see text] in terms of the multiplications inside the Jacobian ring of [Formula: see text] and the Cech–deRham complex of [Formula: see text]. Our algorithm gives a criterion whether a lifted Massey triple product vanishes or not in [Formula: see text] under a particular nontrivial defining system of the Massey triple product and thus can be viewed as a generalization of the vanishing criterion of the cup product in [Formula: see text] of Carlson and Griffiths. Based on our algorithm, we provide explicit numerical examples by running the computer program.
Symmetry analysis, invariant subspace and conservation laws of the equation for fluid flow in porous media
Authors: Yusuf Abdullahi
Published: August 2020

The equation for fluid flow in porous media is analyzed in this paper with the aid of Lie symmetry method (LSM) and invariant subspace method (ISM). Infinitesimal generators, the entire geometric fields of the vectors and the symmetry groups of the equation being considered are given. One-dimensional optimal systems of sub-algebra are reported with corresponding reduced nonlinear ordinary differential equations. By means of ISM, we determine the exact solutions and invariant subspaces (ISs) for the equation under consideration. Moreover, with the aid of the new theorem of conservation, we establish the conservation laws (CLs) for the governing equation. The construction of the conserved vectors reveals the integrability and existence of soliton solutions of the equation for fluid flow in porous media.
One-Step Fabrication of Electrochemical Reduced Graphene Oxide-Carboxyl Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Film and Its Use as a Platform for Determination of Clopidogrel Bisulfate
Authors: Wang Na , Gao Die , Ding Yaxin , Wang Lijie , Wang Fei
Published: August 2020

In this work, one-step fabrication of electrochemical reduced graphene oxide-carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (ErGO-[Formula: see text]MWCNTs) was successfully presented using potentiostatic method (PM). Characteristics of nanocomposite film were studied by using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and electrochemical experiments. Furthermore, nanocomposite film of ErGO-[Formula: see text]MWCNTs was presented to develop a sensitive voltammetric sensor for detection of clopidogrel bisulphate (CLP). Electrochemical tests showed that nanocomposite film of ErGO-[Formula: see text]MWCNTs modified electrode can effectively increase currents to the oxidation of CLP due to the large accessible surface area as well as its excellent conductivity. Under optimum conditions, response peak currents were linear related to CLP in the range of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] with a lower detection limits of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). Moreover, the proposed method exhibited an excellent selectivity, stability, reproducibility and was applied successfully for determination of CLP content in tablet dosage form with acceptable recovery values.
ROLLING THE DICE IN THE CORRIDORS OF POWER: WILLIAM NORDHAUS’S IMPACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
Authors: ALDY JOSEPH E. , STAVINS ROBERT N.
Published: August 2020

The seminal contributions of William Nordhaus to scholarship on the long-run macroeconomics of global climate change are clear. Much more challenging to identify are the impacts of Nordhaus and his research on public policy in this domain. We examine three conceptually distinct pathways for that influence: his personal participation in the policy world; his research’s direct contribution to the formulation and evaluation of public policy; and his research’s indirect role informing public policy. Many of the themes that emerge in this assessment of the contributions of one of the most important economists to have worked in the domain of climate change analysis apply more broadly to the roles played by other leading economists in this and other policy domains.
Influence of dynamic temperature variation and inplane varying loads over post-buckling and free vibration analysis of sandwich composite beam
Authors: Lal Achchhe , Markad Kanif
Published: August 2020

In this study, nonlinear post-buckling and free vibration analysis of shape memory polymer sandwich composite (SMPSC) under dynamic temperature variation is performed. For the analysis, simplified Co continuity based on higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) has been adopted to perform finite element analysis (FEA). Numerical solutions are obtained by iterative Newton–Raphson method considering Von-Karman nonlinear kinematics. Material properties of SMPSC, with Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) as matrix and carbon fiber as reinforcements, have been calculated by theory of volume averaging. The effect of dynamic temperature variation and axial variable inplane loadings (AVIL) on SMPC and SMPSC has been evaluated for various parameters such as beam thickness ratio, layer variation, boundary conditions (BCs), position of core, thickness of core in sandwich structures for the first time. Apart from these, this study also clearly reveals the difference in magnitude of buckling and free vibration parameters between the shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) and SMPSC, before and after glass transition region of material.
A Parallel and Broadband Helmholtz FMBEM Model for Large-Scale Target Strength Modeling
Authors: Wilkes Daniel R. , Duncan Alec J. , Marburg Steffen
Published: August 2020

The Fast Multipole Boundary Element Method (FMBEM) reduces the [Formula: see text] computational and memory complexity of the conventional BEM discretized with [Formula: see text] boundary unknowns, to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. A number of massively parallel FMBEM models have been developed in the last decade or so for CPU, GPU and heterogeneous architectures, which are capable of utilizing hundreds of thousands of CPU cores to treat problems with billions of degrees of freedom (dof). On the opposite end of this spectrum, small-scale parallelization of the FMBEM to run on the typical workstation computers available to many researchers allows for a number of simplifications in the parallelization strategy. In this paper, a novel parallel broadband Helmholtz FMBEM model is presented, which utilizes a simple columnwise distribution scheme, element reordering and rowwise compression of data, to parallelize all stages of the fast multipole method (FMM) algorithm with a minimal communication overhead. The sparse BEM near-field and sparse approximate inverse preconditioner are also constructed and executed in parallel, while the flexible generalized minimum residual (fGMRES) solver has been modified to apply the FMBEM matrix-vector products and corresponding minimum residual convergence within the parallel environment. The algorithmic and memory complexities of the resulting parallel FMBEM model are shown to reaffirm the above estimates for both the serial and parallel configurations. The parallel efficiency (PE) of the FMBEM matrix-vector products and fGMRES solution for the present model is shown to be satisfactory; achieving PEs up to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the fGMRES solution using 3 and 6 CPU cores respectively, when applied to models having [Formula: see text] dof per CPU core. The PE of the precalculation stages of the FMBEM — in particular the FMM precomputation stage which is largely unparallelized — reduces the overall PE of the FMBEM model; resulting in average efficiencies of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the 3-core and 6-core models when treating problems with [Formula: see text] dof per CPU core. The present model is able to treat large-scale acoustic scattering problems involving up to [Formula: see text] dof on a workstation computer equipped with 128[Formula: see text]GB of RAM, while acoustic target strength (TS) results calculated up to 3[Formula: see text]kHz for the BeTSSi II submarine model demonstrate its capabilities for large-scale TS modeling.