bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cretaceous deposits of the Yamal Peninsula for their hydrocarbon potential based on the water-gas equilibria modeling results
Authors: Novikov D. A.
Published: September 2020

Results of the evaluation of petroleum-bearing potential of Yamal’s Cretaceous deposits based on the study of water-gas equilibria are presented. It has been established that the “water-gas” system within them has a complex and unequal pattern. Hydrocarbon accumulations serve as “relics” of antecedent hydrogeological epochs, with groundwater being the most mobile component of this system. The sediments composition is therefore subjected to a slow directional change aimed at establishing an equilibrium, which subsequently results in a qualitatively new state of their geochemical framework. Most of the studied area is characterized by very favorable conditions for persistent preservation of oil and gas accumulations. In northern and central regions of Yamal, there is a slight shift in the water – gas system phase equilibrium, suggesting a potential for discovery of new oil/gas pools and significant hydrocarbon reserves within them. The analysis confirmed the presence of earlier discovered hydrocarbon pools within the studied fields and enabled prediction of new thirteen accumulations. The hydrogeochemical analysis and the water-gas equilibria modeling results have shown that the prospects are significantly lower for new discoveries in SW Yamal.
Investigation of the gas-dynamic processes in the operation of an explosion-reactive complex
Authors: Solov’ev V O , Shvedov I M
Published: September 2020

To conduct drilling and blasting operations in difficult climatic and geological conditions at mining enterprises, it is promising to use explosion-reactive complexes (ERC). Having a clear advantage, these devices have a number of disadvantages, mainly due to the gas-dynamic instability of the process of their functioning. A non-stationary gas-dynamic model of the development of such processes at different stages of ERC operation was developed and analyzed. The analysis was performed by methods of numerical mathematical modelling. The simulation results allowed the authors to further justify the rational parameters of the installation and its individual components, which significantly increased its efficiency.
Pragmatic studies on automated properties of High Efficiency Concrete
Authors: Bhavani Chowdary T , Teja J
Published: September 2020

The term high efficiency concrete is similar to high performance (HPC) is vividly used in the concrete industry since it has definite rheological properties in comparison with traditional concrete. Current research specifies the outcome of silica fume (SF) inclusion to M60 grade concrete by cumulative percentage replacements of SF with respect to cement, from 0-15 varying 5 and steel fiber of 1 percent is added by weight of cementitious binder. A super plasticizer of 1% is added to enhance workability of concrete. Water-binder ratio (w/b) is maintained at a ratio of 0.33. Mechanical properties of HPC are studied and results were tabulated.
Modelling the Shear Flow Behaviour of Cement Paste Using Machine Learning –XGBoost
Authors: Sathyan Dhanya , Govind D , Rajesh C B , Gopikrishnan K , Aswath Kannan G , Mahadevan Jayanth
Published: September 2020

In recent years machine learning is considered as a highly effective and widely used tool to predict the behaviour of complex and heterogeneous problems. In this paper, the behaviour of superplasticised cement paste is assessed by XGBoost, which is accepted to accomplish the state-of-the-art results on many machine learning challenges. The data required for the development of model is formulated experimentally by conducting rheological tests on cement pastes using a temperature controlled Coaxial Cylinder Viscometer. Various parameters like amount of cement, superplasticiser, water and test temperature are taken as input parameters and the behaviour is assessed by taking rheological characterises like yield stress and plastic viscosity as output parameters. Out of the 252 data formulated experimentally 85 % are used for training and the remaining is for testing the efficacy of the network. From the results it is observed that the model developed using XGBoost is a promising tool for the solution of highly complex and heterogeneous civil engineering problems, which otherwise is highly tedious and time consuming in nature.
MXene and MBene as efficient catalysts for energy conversion: roles of surface, edge and interface
Authors: Zhou Si , Yang Xiaowei , Pei Wei , Jiang Zhou , Zhao Jijun
Published: September 2020

MXenes and MBenes emerge from a large family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, and borides and have drawn tremendous attention in recent years. They possess diverse elemental compositions, surface terminations and geometrical structures, and exhibit many fascinating physical and chemical properties. Specifically, these 2D compounds hold great promise for renewable energy applications owing to their superior electrical conductivity, high hydrophility, rich surface chemistry, and outstanding stability. In this perspective, we present a brief overview about the catalytic properties of MXenes, MBenes and MXene based heterostructures for typical electrochemical reactions. The roles of surface, edge and interface of these 2D nanostructures in energy conversion are highlighted from a theoretical point of view. Challenges and outlooks for future research are also outlined.
Influence of salt addition on polymer-free electrospinning of cyclodextrin nanofibers
Authors: Topuz Fuat , Celebioglu Asli , Aytac Zeynep , Uyar Tamer
Published: September 2020

Solution conductivity is one of the critical parameters affecting the electrospinning of polymer solutions as the jet formation is directly related to the movement of an electrically charged polymer solution to a grounded target. Hence, the solution conductivity has been studied for the electrospinning of various polymeric systems, but not yet for the electrospinning of polymer-free systems. In this regard, this study investigates the influence of solution conductivity on the electrospinning of CD molecules (i.e., hydroxypropyl (HP) modified β and γ -CDs) at various concentrations in the presence of quaternary ammonium salt (i.e., tetraethylammonium bromide, TEAB) from aqueous solutions. The addition of TEAB significantly boosted the conductivity of the CD solutions. It could lead to smaller particles at low CD concentrations because of electrohydrodynamic spraying, while the transformation from beaded-fibers to bead-free fibers was observed with an increase in the CD concentration. The salt addition decreased the fiber diameter and resulted in thinner nanofibers. Likewise, the incorporation of NaCl –used as an alternative to TEAB- caused thinning of the fibers due to enhanced solution conductivity. On the other hand, at higher salt contents, the fiber morphology was worsened for both CDs, leadings to beads on the fibers. Overall, this paper, for the first time, investigates the effect of solution conductivity of the electrospinning of a polymer-free system (i.e., CD), and the experimental findings show that increasing the solution conductivity with salt addition causes significant changes on the electrospinnability and fiber properties.
Partial data inverse problem with 𝐿^{𝑛/2} potentials
Authors: Chung Francis , Tzou Leo
Published: September 2020

We construct an explicit Green’s function for the conjugated Laplacian

e

−
ω
⋅
x

/

h

Δ

e

−
ω
⋅
x

/

h

e^{-\omega \cdot x/h}\Delta e^{-\omega \cdot x/h}

, which lets us control our solutions on roughly half of the boundary. We apply the Green’s function to solve a partial data inverse problem for the Schrödinger equation with potential

q
∈

L

n

/

2

q \in L^{n/2}

. Separately, we also use this Green’s function to derive

L
p

L^p

Carleman estimates similar to the ones in Kenig-Ruiz-Sogge [Duke Math. J. 55 (1987), pp. 329–347], but for functions with support up to part of the boundary. Unlike many previous results, we did not obtain the partial data result from the boundary Carleman estimate—rather, both results stem from the same explicit construction of the Green’s function. This explicit Green’s function has potential future applications in obtaining direct numerical reconstruction algorithms for partial data Calderón problems which is presently only accessible with full data [Inverse Problems 27 (2011)].
Weight Stigma as a Predictor of Distress and Maladaptive Eating Behaviors During COVID-19: Longitudinal Findings From the EAT Study
Authors: Puhl Rebecca M , Lessard Leah M , Larson Nicole , Eisenberg Marla E , Neumark-Stzainer Dianne
Published: September 2020

Background

Weight stigma is common for people with obesity and harmful to health. Links between obesity and complications from COVID−19 have been identified, but it is unknown whether weight stigma poses adverse health implications during this pandemic.

Purpose

We examined longitudinal associations between prepandemic experiences of weight stigma and eating behaviors, psychological distress, and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in a diverse sample of emerging adults.

Methods

Participants (N = 584, 64% female, mean age = 24.6 ± 2.0 years, mean body mass index [BMI] = 28.2) in the COVID-19 Eating and Activity over Time (C-EAT) study were cohort members of the population-based longitudinal study EAT 2010–2018. Weight stigma reported by participants in 2018 was examined as a predictor of binge eating, eating to cope, physical activity, depressive symptoms, and stress during COVID-19. Data were collected via online surveys during the U.S. outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

Results

Prepandemic experiences of weight stigma predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms (β = 0.15, p < .001), stress (β = 0.15, p = .001), eating as a coping strategy (β = 0.16, p < .001), and an increased likelihood of binge eating (odds ratio = 2.88, p < .001) among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic but were unrelated to physical activity. Although associations remained after accounting for demographic characteristics and BMI, the magnitude of longitudinal associations was attenuated after adjusting for prior levels of the outcome variables.

Conclusions

Young adults who have experienced weight stigma may have increased vulnerability to distress and maladaptive eating during this pandemic. Public health messaging could be improved to support people of diverse body sizes and reduce the harmful consequences of weight stigma.
Microscopic Esophageal Sloughing Is Not Specific to “Sloughing Esophagitis”
Authors: Ettel Mark G , Gonzalez Raul S
Published: September 2020

Objectives

“Sloughing esophagitis” (SE) is characterized by a 2-toned squamous epithelium with superficial necrotic keratinocytes overlying viable epithelium. We compared histologic and clinical findings to determine how cases clinically diagnosed as SE differed from cases with histologic sloughing but a different clinical diagnosis. In addition, we compared cases with inflammatory and noninflammatory histology.

Methods

We searched departmental archives for esophageal biopsies with histologic sloughing features. We compared clinical and histologic findings for cases with and without clinical confirmation of SE and with and without histologic inflammation.

Results

We identified 52 patients, of whom 10 (19%) had clinically diagnosed SE, 18 (35%) had another diagnosis, and 24 (46%) had an unclear diagnosis. Endoscopic sloughing tended to be reported more often in cases with SE (P = .07). Histologic features did not discriminate between SE and other etiologies. Esophagitis resolved in 18 of 31 patients with follow-up, with no difference between sloughing and nonsloughing cases (P = .26). There were no clinical differences based on inflammatory and noninflammatory histology.

Conclusions

SE has a classic microscopic appearance, but its findings are not specific, although endoscopic sloughing helps correlate histologic and clinical findings. In cases with histologic sloughing, pathologists should raise a broad differential diagnosis.
Matrix (factorization) reloaded: flexible methods for imputing genetic interactions with cross-species and side information
Authors: Fan Jason , Li Xuan Cindy , Crovella Mark , Leiserson Mark D M
Published: September 2020

Motivation

Mapping genetic interactions (GIs) can reveal important insights into cellular function and has potential translational applications. There has been great progress in developing high-throughput experimental systems for measuring GIs (e.g. with double knockouts) as well as in defining computational methods for inferring (imputing) unknown interactions. However, existing computational methods for imputation have largely been developed for and applied in baker’s yeast, even as experimental systems have begun to allow measurements in other contexts. Importantly, existing methods face a number of limitations in requiring specific side information and with respect to computational cost. Further, few have addressed how GIs can be imputed when data are scarce.

Results

In this article, we address these limitations by presenting a new imputation framework, called Extensible Matrix Factorization (EMF). EMF is a framework of composable models that flexibly exploit cross-species information in the form of GI data across multiple species, and arbitrary side information in the form of kernels (e.g. from protein–protein interaction networks). We perform a rigorous set of experiments on these models in matched GI datasets from baker’s and fission yeast. These include the first such experiments on genome-scale GI datasets in multiple species in the same study. We find that EMF models that exploit side and cross-species information improve imputation, especially in data-scarce settings. Further, we show that EMF outperforms the state-of-the-art deep learning method, even when using strictly less data, and incurs orders of magnitude less computational cost.

Availability

Implementations of models and experiments are available at: https://github.com/lrgr/EMF.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
IsoResolve: predicting splice isoform functions by integrating gene and isoform-level features with domain adaptation
Authors: Li Hong-Dong , Yang Changhuo , Zhang Zhimin , Yang Mengyun , Wu Fang-Xiang , Omenn Gilbert S , Wang Jianxin
Published: September 2020

Motivation

High resolution annotation of gene functions is a central goal in functional genomics. A single gene may produce multiple isoforms with different functions through alternative splicing. Conventional approaches, however, consider a gene as a single entity without differentiating these functionally different isoforms. Towards understanding gene functions at higher resolution, recent efforts have focused on predicting the functions of isoforms. However, the performance of existing methods is far from satisfactory mainly because of the lack of isoform-level functional annotation.

Results

We present IsoResolve, a novel approach for isoform function prediction, which leverages the information from gene function prediction models with domain adaptation (DA). IsoResolve treats gene-level and isoform-level features as source and target domains, respectively. It uses DA to project the two domains into a latent variable space in such a way that the latent variables from the two domains have similar distribution, which enables the gene domain information to be leveraged for isoform function prediction. We systematically evaluated the performance of IsoResolve in predicting functions. Compared with five state-of-the-art methods, IsoResolve achieved significantly better performance. IsoResolve was further validated by case studies of genes with isoform-level functional annotation.

Availability and implementation

IsoResolve is freely available at https://github.com/genemine/IsoResolve.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
On the phase transition of Wilks’ phenomenon
Authors: He Yinqiu , Meng Bo , Zeng Zhenghao , Xu Gongjun
Published: September 2020

Wilks’ theorem, which offers universal chi-squared approximations for likelihood ratio tests, is widely used in many scientific hypothesis testing problems. For modern datasets with increasing dimension, researchers have found that the conventional Wilks’ phenomenon of the likelihood ratio test statistic often fails. Although new approximations have been proposed in high-dimensional settings, there still lacks a clear statistical guideline regarding how to choose between the conventional and newly proposed approximations, especially for moderate-dimensional data. To address this issue, we develop the necessary and sufficient phase transition conditions for Wilks’ phenomenon under popular tests on multivariate mean and covariance structures. Moreover, we provide an in-depth analysis of the accuracy of chi-squared approximations by deriving their asymptotic biases. These results may provide helpful insights into the use of chi-squared approximations in scientific practices.
Targeting of BCR-ABL1 and IRE1α induces synthetic lethality in Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Vieri Margherita , Preisinger Christian , Schemionek Mirle , Salimi Azam , Patterson John B , Samali Afshin , Brümmendorf Tim H , Appelmann Iris , Kharabi Masouleh Behzad
Published: September 2020

BCR-ABL1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell survival is dependent on the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) branch of the unfolded protein response. In the current study, we have focused on exploring the efficacy of a simultaneous pharmacological inhibition of BCR-ABL1 and IRE1α in Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) ALL using tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) nilotinib and the IRE1α inhibitor MKC-8866. The combination of 0.5 µM nilotinib and 30 µM MKC-8866 in Ph+ ALL cell lines led to a synergistic effect on cell viability. To mimic this dual inhibition on a genetic level, pre-B-cells from conditional Xbp1+/fl mice were transduced with a BCR-ABL1 construct and with either tamoxifen-inducible cre or empty vector. Cells showed a significant sensitization to the effect of TKIs after the induction of the heterozygous deletion. Finally, we performed a phosphoproteomic analysis on Ph+ ALL cell lines treated with the combination of nilotinib and MKC-8866 to identify potential targets involved in their synergistic effect. An enhanced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase α (p38α MAPK) was identified. In line with this findings, p38 MAPK and, another important endoplasmic reticulum-stress-related kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were found to mediate the potentiated cytotoxic effect induced by the combination of MKC-8866 and nilotinib since the targeting of p38 MAPK with its specific inhibitor BIRB-796 or JNK with JNK-in-8 hindered the synergistic effect observed upon treatment with nilotinib and MKC-8866. In conclusion, the identified combined action of nilotinib and MKC-8866 might represent a successful therapeutic strategy in high-risk Ph+ ALL.
Multidose Priming and Delayed Boosting ImprovePlasmodium falciparumSporozoite Vaccine Efficacy Against HeterologousP. falciparumControlled Human Malaria Infection
Authors: Lyke Kirsten E , Singer Alexandra , Berry Andrea A , Reyes Sharina , Chakravarty Sumana , James Eric R , Billingsley Peter F , Gunasekera Anusha , Manoj Anita , Murshedkar Tooba , Laurens Matthew B , Church W Preston , Garver Baldwin Lindsey S , Sedegah Martha , Banania Glenna , Ganeshan Harini , Guzman Ivelese , Reyes Anatalio , Wong Mimi , Belmonte Arnel , Ozemoya Amelia , Belmonte Maria , Huang Jun , Villasante Eileen , Sim B Kim Lee , Hoffman Stephen L , Richie Thomas L , Epstein Judith E ,   Warfighter II Study Team
Published: September 2020

Background

A live-attenuated Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite (SPZ) vaccine (PfSPZ Vaccine) has shown up to 100% protection against controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) using homologous parasites (same P. falciparum strain as in the vaccine). Using a more stringent CHMI, with heterologous parasites (different P. falciparum strain), we assessed the impact of higher PfSPZ doses, a novel multi-dose prime regimen, and a delayed vaccine boost upon vaccine efficacy (VE).

Methods

We immunized 4 groups that each contained 15 healthy, malaria-naive adults. Group 1 received 5 doses of 4.5 x 105 PfSPZ (Days 1, 3, 5, and 7; Week 16). Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 3 doses (Weeks 0, 8, and 16), with Group 2 receiving 9.0 × 105/doses; Group 3 receiving 18.0 × 105/doses; and Group 4 receiving 27.0 × 105 for dose 1 and 9.0 × 105 for doses 2 and 3. VE was assessed by heterologous CHMI after 12 or 24 weeks. Volunteers not protected at 12 weeks were boosted prior to repeat CHMI at 24 weeks.

Results

At 12-week CHMI, 6/15 (40%) participants in Group 1 (P = .04) and 3/15 (20%) participants in Group 2 remained aparasitemic, as compared to 0/8 controls. At 24-week CHMI, 3/13 (23%) participants in Group 3 and 3/14 (21%) participants in Group 4 remained aparasitemic, versus 0/8 controls (Groups 2–4, VE not significant). Postboost, 9/14 (64%) participants versus 0/8 controls remained aparasitemic (3/6 in Group 1, P = .025; 6/8 in Group 2, P = .002).

Conclusions

Administering 4 stacked priming injections (multi-dose priming) resulted in 40% VE against heterologous CHMI, while dose escalation of PfSPZ using single-dose priming was not significantly protective. Boosting unprotected subjects improved VE at 24 weeks, to 64%.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02601716.
Antibiotic Overuse After Hospital Discharge: A Multi-hospital Cohort Study
Authors: Vaughn Valerie M , Gandhi Tejal N , Chopra Vineet , Petty Lindsay A , Giesler Daniel L , Malani Anurag N , Bernstein Steven J , Hsaiky Lama M , Pogue Jason M , Dumkow Lisa , Ratz David , McLaughlin Elizabeth S , Flanders Scott A
Published: September 2020

Background

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to patients as they leave the hospital. We aimed to create a comprehensive metric to characterize antibiotic overuse after discharge among hospitalized patients treated for pneumonia or urinary tract infection (UTI), and to determine whether overuse varied across hospitals and conditions.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients treated for pneumonia or UTI in 46 hospitals between 1 July 2017–30 July 2019, we quantified the proportion of patients discharged with antibiotic overuse, defined as unnecessary antibiotic use, excess antibiotic duration, or suboptimal fluoroquinolone use. Using linear regression, we assessed hospital-level associations between antibiotic overuse after discharge in patients treated for pneumonia versus a UTI.

Results

Of 21 825 patients treated for infection (12 445 with pneumonia; 9380 with a UTI), nearly half (49.1%) had antibiotic overuse after discharge (56.9% with pneumonia; 38.7% with a UTI). For pneumonia, 63.1% of overuse days after discharge were due to excess duration; for UTIs, 43.9% were due to treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. The percentage of patients discharged with antibiotic overuse varied 5-fold among hospitals (from 15.9% [95% confidence interval, 8.7%–24.6%] to 80.6% [95% confidence interval, 69.4%–88.1%]) and was strongly correlated between conditions (regression coefficient = 0.85; P < .001).

Conclusions

Antibiotic overuse after discharge was common and varied widely between hospitals. Antibiotic overuse after discharge was associated between conditions, suggesting that the prescribing culture, physician behavior, or organizational processes contribute to overprescribing at discharge. Multifaceted efforts focusing on all 3 types of overuse and multiple conditions should be considered to improve antibiotic prescribing at discharge.
Estimation of dynamic models of recurrent events with censored data
Authors: Lee Sanghyeok , Gørgens Tue
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we consider estimation of dynamic models of recurrent events (event histories) in continuous time using censored data. We develop maximum simulated likelihood estimators where missing data are integrated out using Monte Carlo and importance sampling methods. We allow for random effects and integrate out this unobserved heterogeneity using a quadrature rule. In Monte Carlo experiments, we find that maximum simulated likelihood estimation is practically feasible and performs better than both listwise deletion and auxiliary modelling of initial conditions. In an empirical application, we study ischaemic heart disease events for male Maoris in New Zealand.
Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction after complex percutaneous coronary intervention and transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case report of bioprosthesis-related delayed coronary obstruction and its difficult diagnosis
Authors: Rudziński Piotr Nikodem , Mach Markus , Gross Christoph , Andreas Martin
Published: September 2020

Background

There is a high coincidence of significant coronary artery disease and severe aortic stenosis. Coronary revascularization should be performed prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We report a case of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) after complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prior to TAVI, where differential diagnosis between coronary stent failure and bioprosthesis-related sinus obstruction was substantial.

Case summary

A 79-year-old woman was re-admitted to the hospital 5 days after TAVI due to troponin-negative new-onset angina. She underwent complex PCI 3 days before TAVI and was not compliant to medications. Symptoms initially resolved after re-establishment of anti-hypertensive treatment. There were no signs of aortic bioprosthesis failure, paravalvular leak, or myocardial ischaemia. After 1 month, the symptoms re-occurred. Due to elevated troponins, myocardial ischaemia in electrocardiogram and new contractility disorders, NSTEMI was diagnosed. Because it was impossible to intubate the left coronary artery (LCA), cardiac surgery was performed. Calcified native coronary leaflet was pushed by the stent frame of aortic bioprosthesis towards LCA ostium causing its subtotal occlusion. Transcatheter heart valve (THV) was removed and the new surgical aortic bioprosthesis was implanted. Further hospitalization and 1-month follow-up were uneventful.

Discussion

Pre-procedural assessment is crucial prior to THV interventions. Delayed coronary obstruction caused by the native leaflet is extremely rare and potentially fatal complication of TAVI. The diagnosis is difficult and high clinical suspicion is required to detect this pathology. Given our experience, the indication towards interventional or surgical repair should be established faster to avoid coronary ischaemia.
Case report of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction diagnosed in spectral detector-based computed tomography performed for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Aoyama Rie , Murata Teppei , Ishikawa Joji , Harada Kazumasa
Published: September 2020

Background

Contrast-enhanced spectral detector-based computed tomography (SDCT) allows for the comprehensive and retrospective analysis. We report a case of pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) accompanied by non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) diagnosed by SDCT.

Case summary

A 72-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and prostate cancer suddenly developed chest and back pain and had difficulty in breathing at rest. Electrocardiography showed a right bundle branch block without significant ST-segment change. The initial serum troponin I level was 0.05 ng/mL, and the d-dimer level was 14.7 μg/mL. Spectral detector-based computed tomography showed bilateral scattered PE. After admission, his chest pain persisted, and the serum troponin I level 3 h after admission was elevated to 0.90 ng/mL. Reconstruction of SDCT images showed a perfusion defect of the posterolateral left ventricle myocardium. A coronary angiogram showed total occlusion of the obtuse marginal branch (OM); percutaneous coronary intervention was performed. Furthermore, we administered him with oral anticoagulants (OACs) for PE. Spectral detector-based computed tomography tests performed 6 months after the treatment was initiated, until when the dual antiplatelet therapy and OAC therapy were continued, showed improvement in perfusion defects of both pulmonary fields and the myocardium. His treatment was deescalated to single antiplatelet therapy and OAC, and the patient has had a good course.

Discussion

Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is sometimes difficult to diagnose accurately, especially in the hyper-acute phase or in the OM branch. The reconstruction of spectral images from enhanced SDCT was helpful to diagnose this unique combination of PE and NSTEMI and may be useful for evaluating therapeutic effects in such patients.
Pericardial effusion in patients with COVID-19: case series
Authors: Sauer François , Dagrenat Charlotte , Couppie Philippe , Jochum Gaelle , Leddet Pierre
Published: September 2020

Background

SARS-coronavirus-2 [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] infection is a public health issue affecting millions of people. It started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 spreading rapidly worldwide.

Case summary

Three patients aged 51–84 developed a pericarditis related to COVID-19, associated for two of them with a myocarditis. Case 1 was a COVID-19 cardiac tamponade without myocarditis, confirmed by a positive chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Case 2 showed a COVID-19 myopericarditis, confirmed by a positive chest CT scan and a SARS-coronavirus-2 positive swab. Case 3 was a cardiac tamponade due to COVID-19 pericarditis, with a positive polymerase chain reaction on pericardial fluid. They were all treated by colchicine and their condition improved rapidly.

Discussion

Presumably rare, we reported three cases of pericardial effusions (PEs) occurring in a single cardiology centre. There is a higher incidence of COVID-19-related cardiac diseases such as pericarditis that can manifest as a minimal PE to a cardiac tamponade, which should result in a higher awareness of cardiologists. A systematic measure of the high-sensitivity troponin kinetic in patients affected by COVID-19 could be interesting in order to screen for potential myocarditis. Any unexplained haemodynamic failure or increased cardiac biomarkers should make the medical team search for myopericarditis by a transthoracic echocardiography.
A new method of superior vena cava isolation without phrenic nerve injury by longitudinal ablation parallel to the phrenic nerve: a case report
Authors: Arai Tomoyuki , Hojo Rintaro , Kitamura Takeshi , Fukamizu Seiji
Published: September 2020

Background

Superior vena cava (SVC) isolation has improved the outcomes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) originating from the SVC. However, right phrenic nerve (PN) injury is a major complication of this procedure. Therefore, in cases where the right atrium (RA)-SVC conduction site is near the PN, tremendous care is required to prevent PN injury.

Case summary

Repeated SVC isolation was performed due to the recurrence of SVC-triggered AF. The RA-SVC activation map revealed that the partial conduction block line was detected, and the propagation broke through the gap at the course of the PN site from the RA to the SVC. Since the course of the PN identified at high-output pacing was wide, the SVC was isolated by making longitudinal lines on both sides of the PN in a cranial direction, except for where low-output pacing captured, confirming compound muscle action potential to detect PN injury. Eventually, the SVC was successfully isolated without PN injury, and the sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drugs during a 14-month follow-up period.

Conclusion

Superior vena cava isolation was difficult depending on the course of the PN, and some methods to avoid PN injury were reported. However, this method can facilitate safe and effective SVC isolation with the conventional system, including the cases with AF foci located on the course of the PN.
Abundance of undiagnosed cardiometabolic risk within the population of a long-stay prison in the UK
Authors: Gray Benjamin J , Craddock Christie , Couzens Zoe , Bain Evie , Dunseath Gareth J , Shankar Ananda Giri , Luzio Stephen D , Perrett Stephanie E
Published: September 2020

Background

The health of people in prisons is a public health issue. It is well known that those in prison experience poorer health outcomes than those in the general community. One such example is the burden of non-communicable diseases, more specifically cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, there is limited evidence research on the extent of cardiometabolic risk factors in the prison environment in Wales, the wider UK or globally.

Methods

Risk assessments were performed on a representative sample of 299 men at HMP Parc, Bridgend. The risk assessments were 30 min in duration and men aged 25–84 years old and free from pre-existing CVD and T2DM were eligible. During the risk assessment, a number of demographic, anthropometric and clinical markers were obtained. The 10-year risk of CVD and T2DM was predicted using the QRISK2 algorithm and Diabetes UK Risk Score, respectively.

Results

The majority of the men was found to be either overweight (43.5%) or obese (37.5%) and/or demonstrated evidence of central obesity (40.1%). Cardiometabolic risk factors including systolic hypertension (25.1%), high cholesterol (29.8%), low HDL cholesterol (56.2%) and elevated total cholesterol: HDL ratios (23.1%) were observed in a considerable number of men. Ultimately, 15.4% were calculated at increased risk of CVD, and 31.8% predicted at moderate or high risk of T2DM.

Conclusions

Overall, a substantial prevalence of previously undiagnosed cardiometabolic risk factors was observed and men in prison are at elevated risk of cardiometabolic disease at a younger age than current screening guidelines.
Functional Contexts of Adipose and Gluteal Muscle Tissue Gene Co-expression Networks in the Domestic Horse
Authors: Schaefer Robert J , Cullen Jonah , Manfredi Jane , McCue Molly E
Published: September 2020

Synopsis

A gene’s response to an environment is tightly bound to the underlying genetic variation present in an individual’s genome and varies greatly depending on the tissue it is being expressed in. Gene co-expression networks provide a mechanism to understand and interpret the collective transcriptional responses of genes. Here, we use the Camoco co-expression network framework to characterize the transcriptional landscape of adipose and gluteal muscle tissue in 83 domestic horses (Equus caballus) representing 5 different breeds. In each tissue, gene expression profiles, capturing transcriptional response due to variation across individuals, were used to build two separate, tissue-focused, genotypically-diverse gene co-expression networks. The aim of our study was to identify significantly co-expressed clusters of genes in each tissue, then compare the clusters across networks to quantify the extent that clusters were found in both networks as well as to identify clusters found in a single network. The known and unknown functions for each network were quantified using complementary, supervised, and unsupervised approaches. First, supervised ontological enrichment was utilized to quantify biological functions represented by each network. Curated ontologies (gene ontology [GO] and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes [KEGG]) were used to measure the known biological functions present in each tissue. Overall, a large percentage of terms (40.3% of GO and 41% of KEGG) were co-expressed in at least one tissue. Many terms were co-expressed in both tissues; however, a small proportion of terms exhibited single tissue co-expression suggesting functional differentiation based on curated, functional annotation. To complement this, an unsupervised approach not relying on ontologies was employed. Strongly co-expressed sets of genes defined by Markov clustering identified sets of unannotated genes showing similar patterns of co-expression within a tissue. We compared gene sets across tissues and identified clusters of genes the either segregate in co-expression by tissue or exhibit high levels of co-expression in both tissues. Clusters were also integrated with GO and KEGG ontologies to identify gene sets containing previously curated annotations versus unannotated gene sets indicating potentially novel biological function. Coupling together these transcriptional datasets, we mapped the transcriptional landscape of muscle and adipose setting up a generalizable framework for interpreting gene function for additional tissues in the horse and other species.
Hereditary Species as Monoidal Decomposition Spaces, Comodule Bialgebras, and Operadic Categories
Authors: Carlier Louis
Published: September 2020

We show that Schmitt’s hereditary species induce monoidal decomposition spaces and exhibit Schmitt’s bialgebra construction as an instance of the general bialgebra construction on a monoidal decomposition space. We show furthermore that this bialgebra structure coacts on the underlying restriction-species bialgebra structure so as to form a comodule bialgebra. Finally, we show that hereditary species induce a new family of examples of operadic categories in the sense of Batanin and Markl [ 4].
Effects of high-amylase corn on performance and carcass quality of finishing beef heifers
Authors: Horton Lucas M , Van Bibber-Krueger Cadra L , Müller Hans C , Drouillard James S
Published: September 2020

Developed initially for use in fuel ethanol production, Enogen Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Crop Protection) is genetically modified to express high concentrations of α-amylase in the corn kernel. Experiments were conducted to evaluate processing characteristics of EFC, in vitro digestion, and effects on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess incidence. Experiment 1 used a randomized complete block design (3 × 3 × 5 factorial) to evaluate starch availability, in situ dry matter disappearance (ISDMD), in vitro gas production (IVGP), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles of in vitro cultures. Grains (EFC or mill-run control [CON]) were flaked to a density of 360 g/L, and mixtures with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% EFC were prepared. Grains were tempered with added moisture (0%, 3%, or 6%) prior to steam conditioning for 15, 30, or 45 min. No two- or three-way interactions were observed. Adding moisture improved starch availability (linear; P < 0.01), and tended to improve ISDMD (linear, P = 0.06). Steam conditioning for 30 min improved starch availability, IVGP, and production of acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, and total VFA (P < 0.01) compared with conditioning for 15 or 45 min. Starch availability, ISDMD, IVGP, acetate, propionate, valerate, and total VFA production increased with an increasing proportion of EFC (linear, P < 0.01). Experiment 2 used 700 beef heifers (394 ± 8.5 kg initial body weight [BW]) fed finishing diets with steam-flaked corn as CON or EFC for 136 d. Targeting similar starch availabilities, grains were processed to 360 g/L (CON) and 390 g/L for CON and EFC, respectively. Heifers were blocked by BW, stratified, and then randomly assigned to 28 dirt-surfaced pens (25 animals per pen). Dry matter intakes were similar between treatments (P = 0.78), but cattle fed EFC had greater average daily gain (P < 0.01), improving feed efficiency by 5% (P < 0.01). Hot carcass weight was 6 kg greater for EFC cattle (P <0.01) than CON. No differences were observed for longissimus muscle area (P = 0.89), 12th-rib fat thickness (P = 0.21), or USDA yield grade (P = 0.13). Cattle fed CON had greater marbling scores than EFC (P = 0.04), but this did not affect the USDA quality grade (P > 0.33). Cattle fed EFC had 23% fewer abscessed livers than CON (P = 0.03). High-amylase corn may be used to improve microbial digestion, mill-throughput, and cattle performance, and it may mitigate liver abscesses.
Re-examining the Experiential Advantage in Consumption: A Meta-Analysis and Review
Authors: Weingarten Evan , Goodman Joseph K
Published: September 2020

A wealth of consumer research has proposed an experiential advantage: consumers yield greater happiness from purchasing experiences compared to material possessions. While this research stream has undoubtedly influenced consumer research, few have questioned its limitations, explored moderators, or investigated filedrawer effects. This has left marketing managers, consumers, and researchers questioning the relevance of the experiential advantage. To address these questions, the authors develop a model of consumer happiness and well-being based on psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, relatedness, self-esteem, and meaningfulness), and conduct an experiential advantage meta-analysis to test this model. Collecting 360 effect sizes from 141 studies, the meta-analysis supports the experiential advantage (d = 0.383, 95% CI [0.336, 0.430]), of which approximately a third of the effect may be attributable to publication bias. The analysis finds differential effects depending on the type of dependent measure, suggesting that the experiential advantage may be more tied to relatedness than to happiness and willingness to pay. The experiential advantage is reduced for negative experiences, for solitary experiences, for lower socioeconomic status consumers, and when experiences provide a similar level of utilitarian benefits relative to material goods. Finally, results suggest future studies in this literature should use larger sample sizes than current practice.
Jasmonic Acid-Isoleucine (JA-Ile) Is Involved in the Host-Plant Resistance Mechanism Against the Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Yates-Stewart Ashley D , Pekarcik Adrian , Michel Andy , Blakeslee Joshua J
Published: September 2020

Host-plant resistance (HPR) is an important tool for pest management, affording both economic and environmental benefits. The mechanisms of aphid resistance in soybean are not well understood, but likely involve the induction of the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway, and possibly other phytohormone signals involved in plant defense responses. Despite the efficacy of aphid resistance in soybean, virulent aphids have overcome this resistance through mostly unknown mechanisms. Here, we have used metabolomic tools to define the role of plant phytohormones, especially the JA pathway, in regulating interactions between aphid-resistant soybean and virulent aphids. We hypothesized that virulent aphids avoid or suppress the JA pathway to overcome aphid resistance. Our results suggested that aphid-resistant soybean increased accumulation of JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) only when infested with avirulent aphids; virulent aphids did not cause induction of JA-Ile. Further, applying JA-Ile to aphid-resistant soybean reduced subsequent virulent aphid populations. The concentrations of other phytohormones remained unchanged due to aphid feeding, highlighting the importance of JA-Ile in this interaction. These results increase our knowledge of soybean resistance mechanisms against soybean aphids and contribute to our understanding of aphid virulence mechanisms, which will in turn promote the durability of HPR.
Antibiosis to Metopolophium dirhodum (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Spring Wheat and Emmer Cultivars
Authors: Platková Hana , Skuhrovec Jiří , Saska Pavel
Published: September 2020

Yield losses caused by pests, including aphids, can be substantial in cereals. Breeding for resistance against aphids is therefore desirable for enhancing the economic and environmental sustainability of cereal production. The aim of our study was to reveal the degree of antibiosis against Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Homoptera: Aphididae), in four cultivars of spring wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (‘Alicia’, ‘Odeta’, ‘Libertina’, ‘Astrid’), and two cultivars of emmer, Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum (Schrank ex Schübler) Thell. (‘Rudico’, ‘Tapiruz’) (both Poales: Poaceae) under controlled laboratory conditions. Using age-stage, two-sex life table, we quantified responses of M. dirhodum to each cultivar and to project population growth. The spring wheat and emmer cultivars varied in their suitability to M. dirhodum. The cultivar most susceptible to M. dirhodum was the emmer cultivar ‘Rudico’; the projected population size of M. dirhodum on this cultivar was one order of magnitude larger than those on other cultivars. The most resistant cultivar was the spring wheat cultivar ‘Libertina’. Since emmer is commonly used as a gene source for breeding T. aestivum, we advocate that care be taken to avoid the transmission of genes responsible for suitability to aphids from emmer to T. aestivum.
Population Growth and Development of the Khapra Beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), on Different Sorghum Fractions
Authors: Lampiri Evagelia , Athanassiou Christos G , Arthur Frank H
Published: September 2020

A series of tests was performed to examine the development ability of Trogoderma granarium Everts on six different sorghum milling fractions: bran, shorts, coarse grits, fine grits, red dogs, and flour. In the first bioassay, 20 adults and 20 g of each fraction were placed in vials of 60 ml at 30°C and 60% relative humidity for a period of 65 d. In the second part of the experiment, a neonate larva (1-d old) was placed in vials with 1 g of each fraction and exposed at 25, 30, and 32°C until adult emergence. Significantly more live larvae were found in bran compared with flour and to the two grain controls (soft wheat and whole wheat flour), where most dead adults were recorded. The increase in temperature reduced both the time to adult emergence and larval mortality before the appearance of the first adult. Developmental times ranged between 25.5 and 37.5 d, and 23.2 and 29.0 d for 30 and 32°C, respectively. At 25°C, larvae in the milling fractions did not reach 100% adult emergence even after almost 3 mo. However, the first adult appeared in the shorts fraction at all temperatures tested. Our results show that all sorghum milling fractions support the development of T. granarium and that the optimal temperatures for growth and development are 30 and 32°C. These results also have important implications for phytosanitary regulations and international trade, given the quarantine restrictions on this insect.
A CYC/TB1-type TCP transcription factor controls spikelet meristem identity in barley
Authors: Shang Yi , Yuan Lu , Di Zhaocan , Jia Yong , Zhang Zhenlan , Li Sujuan , Xing Liping , Qi Zengjun , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhu Jinghuan , Hua Wei , Wu Xiaojian , Zhu Minqiu , Li Gang , Li Chengdao
Published: September 2020

Barley possesses a branchless, spike-shaped inflorescence where determinate spikelets attach directly to the main axis, but the developmental mechanism of spikelet identity remains largely unknown. Here we report the functional analysis of the barley gene BRANCHED AND INDETERMINATE SPIKELET 1 (BDI1), which encodes a TCP transcription factor and plays a crucial role in determining barley inflorescence architecture and spikelet development. The bdi1 mutant exhibited indeterminate spikelet meristems that continued to grow and differentiate after producing a floret meristem; some spikelet meristems at the base of the spike formed two fully developed seeds or converted to branched spikelets, producing a branched inflorescence. Map-based cloning analysis showed that this mutant has a deletion of ~600 kb on chromosome 5H containing three putative genes. Expression analysis and virus-induced gene silencing confirmed that the causative gene, BDI1, encodes a CYC/TB1-type TCP transcription factor and is highly conserved in both wild and cultivated barley. Transcriptome and regulatory network analysis demonstrated that BDI1 may integrate regulation of gene transcription cell wall modification and known trehalose-6-phosphate homeostasis to control spikelet development. Together, our findings reveal that BDI1 represents a key regulator of inflorescence architecture and meristem determinacy in cereal crop plants.