bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaos control strategy for a fractional-order financial model
Authors: Xu Changjin , Aouiti Chaouki , Liao Maoxin , Li Peiluan , Liu Zixin
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a new fractional-order financial model which is a generalized version of the financial model reported in the previous publications. By applying a suitable time-delayed feedback controller, we have control for the chaotic behavior of the fractional-order financial model. We investigate the stability and the existence of a Hopf bifurcation of the fractional-order financial model. A new sufficient condition that guarantees the stability and the existence of a Hopf bifurcation for a fractional-order delayed financial model is presented by regarding the delay as bifurcation parameter. The investigation shows that the delay and the fractional order have an important effect on the stability and Hopf bifurcation of involved model. Some simulations justifying the validity of the derived analytical results are given. The obtained results of this article are innovative and are of great significance in handling the financial issues.
Re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 induces apoptosis and impaired autophagy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhe , Hurst Douglas R. , Qu Xing , Lu Li-Guang , Wu Chen-Zhou , Li Yu-Yu , Li Yi
Published: October 2020

Background

p53 and DIRAS3 are tumor suppressors that are frequently silenced in tumors. In this study, we sought to determine whether the concurrent re-expression of p53 and DIRAS3 could effectively induce head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell death.

Methods

CAL-27 and SCC-25 cells were treated with Ad-DIRAS3 and rAd-p53 to induce re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 respectively. The effects of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression on the growth and apoptosis of HNSCC cells were examined by TUNEL assay, flow cytometric analysis and MTT. The effects of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression on Akt phosphorylation, oncogene expression, and the interaction of 4E-BP1 with eIF4E were determined by real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation analysis. The ability of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression to induce autophagy was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, LC3 fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting. The effects of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression on HNSCC growth were evaluated by using an orthotopic xenograft mouse model.

Results

TUNEL assay and flow cytometric analysis showed that the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 significantly induced apoptosis (P < 0.001). MTT and flow cytometric analysis revealed that DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression significantly inhibited proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest (P < 0.001). Mechanistically, the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 down-regulated signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) and up-regulated p21WAF1/CIP1 and Bax (P < 0.001). DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression also inhibited Akt phosphorylation, increased the interaction of eIF4E with 4E-BP1, and reduced the expression of c-Myc, cyclin D1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Bcl-2 (P < 0.001). Moreover, the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 increased the percentage of cells with GFP-LC3 puncta compared with that in cells treated with control adenovirus (50.00% ± 4.55% vs. 4.67% ± 1.25%, P < 0.001). LC3 fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting further showed that DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression significantly promoted autophagic activity but also inhibited autophagic flux, resulting in overall impaired autophagy. Finally, the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 significantly decreased the tumor volume compared with the control group in a HNSCC xenograft mouse model [(3.12 ± 0.75) mm3 vs. (189.02 ± 17.54) mm3, P < 0.001].

Conclusions

The concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 is a more effective approach to HNSCC treatment than current treatment strategies.
Aligning intuition and theory: enhancing the replicability of behaviour change interventions in cancer genetics
Authors: Taylor Natalie , Healey Emma , Morrow April , Greening Sian , Wakefield Claire E. , Warwick Linda , Williams Rachel , Tucker Katherine M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite considerable encouragement for healthcare professionals to use or be clear about the theory used in their improvement programmes, the uptake of these approaches to design interventions or report their content is lacking. Recommendations suggest healthcare practitioners work with social and/or behavioural scientists to gain expertise in programme theory, ideally before, but even during or after the work is done. We aim to demonstrate the extent to which intuitive intervention strategies designed by healthcare professionals to overcome patient barriers to communicating genetic cancer risk information to family members align with a theoretical framework of behaviour change.

Methods

As part of a pre-post intervention study, a team of genetic counsellors aimed to understand, and design interventions to overcome, the major barriers a group of familial cancer patients face around communicating hereditary cancer risk information to their relatives. A behavioural change specialist worked with the team to review and recode barriers and interventions according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and 93 behaviour change techniques (BCTs). Resulting BCTs were cross-referenced against the Theory and Techniques Tool to examine whether evidence-based mechanistic links have been established to date.

Results

Five themes emerged from the genetic counsellor coded barriers, which when recoded according to the TDF represented seven domains of behaviour change. Forty-five experiential and intuitive interventions were used to tackle key barriers. These were represented by 21 BCTs, which were found to be used on 131 occasions. The full mapping exercise is presented, resulting in a suite of intervention strategies explicitly linked to a theoretical framework. Structured, written reflections were provided retrospectively by the core clinical team.

Conclusions

Although the ideal is to use theory prospectively, or even whilst a project is underway, making links between theory and interventions explicit, even retrospectively, can contribute towards standardising intervention strategies, furthering understanding of intervention effects, and enhancing the opportunities for accurate replicability and generalisability across other settings. Demonstrating to healthcare professionals how their intuition aligns with theory may highlight the additional benefits that theory has to offer and serve to promote its use in improvement.
Unconventional reservoir characterization and sensitive attributes determination: A case study of the Eastern Sembar Formation, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Abid Muhammad , Niu Liping , Ma Jiqiang , Geng Jianhua
Published: October 2020

The Sembar Shale formation in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, is thought to contain significant potential for unconventional resources; however, no detailed study has been carried out yet to quantify its potential. In conventional oil and gas exploration, reservoir rocks have been the main focus; therefore, a limited number of wells target the Sembar Formation. To explore its regional view, the seismic characterization of these shales is required. Generally, a poor correlation is observed between the compressional wave (P-wave) impedance and the reservoir and geomechanical properties of rocks, making it challenging to characterize them using seismic data. We have developed a workflow for characterizing the seismic-derived unconventional prospect of the Sembar Shale using prestack seismic data along with well logs. The logging results of the two wells show that the organic matter richness of well A has high to very high values, whereas well B has low to very low values. Considering the mineral composition and brittleness index evaluation, the Sembar Shale in well A is brittle to less brittle in nature. The organic content, porosity, and brittleness index result in well A make the Lower Cretaceous Sembar Formation favorable to be considered as a potential organic shale reservoir. Four sensitive attributes, derived through integration of the rock petrophysical, geochemical, and geomechanical parameters, are correlated with the P-wave impedance. The correlation of each sensitive attribute has been applied to characterize the Sembar Shale potential. These attributes are first-order indicators to depict organic matter, porosity, and geomechanical properties. This attribute approach is further validated through rock-physics modeling. The workflow presented in this study can be used to assess the unconventional reservoir potential of the Sembar Formation in other parts of the basin.
Q-compensated reverse time migration in tilted transversely isotropic media
Authors: Fathalian Ali , Trad Daniel O. , Innanen Kristopher A.
Published: October 2020

Anisotropy and absorption are critical to the modeling and analysis of seismic amplitude,phase, and traveltime data. To neglect any of these phenomena, which are often bothoperating simultaneously, degrades the resolution and interpretability of migrated images.However, a full accounting of anisotropy and anelasticity is computationally complex andexpensive. One strategy for accommodating these aspects of wave propagation, while keepingcost and complexity under control, is to do so within an acoustic approximation. Weset up a procedure for solving the time-domain viscoacoustic wave equation for tilted transverselyisotropic (TTI) media, based on a standard linear solid model and, from this, developa viscoacoustic reverse time migration (Q-RTM) algorithm. In this approach, amplitudecompensation occurs within the migration process through a manipulation of attenuationand phase dispersion terms in the time domain differential equations. Specifically, theback-propagation operator is constructed by reversing the sign only of the amplitude lossoperators, but not the dispersion-related operators, a step made possible by reformulatingthe absorptive TTI equations such that the loss and dispersion operators appear separately.The scheme is tested on synthetic examples to examine the capacity of viscoacoustic RTM to correct for attenuation, and the overall stability of the procedure.
Simulating the procedure of manual seismic horizon picking
Authors: Lou Yihuai , Zhang Bo , Fang Huijing , Cao Danping , Wang Kangning , Huo Zhizhou
Published: October 2020

Manual seismic horizon picking is the least efficient interpretation technique in terms of time and effort. The loop-tie is a key “element” and the most time-consuming task in manual horizon picking, which ensures the accuracy of horizon picking. Autopicking techniques have been used since the early 1980s. However, there are few studies simulating the procedure of manual seismic horizon picking and quantitatively evaluating the autopicked horizons. In our proposed method, we perform autopicking on inline and crossline seismic vertical slices independently, similar to the manual horizon picking procedure. We then evaluate the picked horizons using a loop-tie step similar to the loop-tie checking in manual horizon picking. To simulate the loop-tie step in manual picking, we define two dip attributes for each time sample of seismic traces, which are the “left” and “right” reflector dips. We only preserve the portions of the tracked horizons that meet the defined loop-tie checking. Next, we merge the tracked horizons centered at the seeded seismic traces. The two-way traveltime of the merged horizons functions as a “hard” control for the final step of autopicking. Finally, we use the seismic dip attribute to track the horizons over the seismic survey under the hard controls. The real data demonstrate that our algorithm can extract accurate horizons near discontinuities such as faults and unconformities.
Physical modeling of fluid-filled fractures using the dynamic photoelasticity technique
Authors: Cao Haitao , Medici Ezequiel , Askari Roohollah
Published: October 2020

We have developed an optical apparatus based on the dynamic photoelasticity technique to visualize and analyze the propagation of the Krauklis wave within an analog fluid-filled fracture. Although dynamic photoelasticity has been used by others to study seismic wave propagation, this study adds a quantitative analysis addressing dispersion properties. We physically modeled a fluid-filled fracture using transparent photoelastic-sensitive polycarbonate and nonsensitive acrylic plates. Then we used a pixel-based framework to analyze the dispersion of a Krauklis wave excited in the fracture. Through this pixel-based framework, we thus demonstrate that the dynamic photoelasticity technique can quantitatively describe seismic wave propagation with a quality similar to experiments using conventional transducers (receivers) while additionally visualizing the seismic stress field. We observe that an increase in the fluid viscosity results in a decrease in the velocity of the Krauklis wave. We also determine the capability of the method to analyze seismic data in the case of complex geometry by modeling a sawtooth fracture. The fracture’s geometry can strongly affect the characteristics of the Krauklis wave as we note a higher Krauklis wave velocity for the sawtooth case, as well as greater perturbation of the stress field.
Deep learning a poroelastic rock-physics model for pressure and saturation discrimination
Authors: Weinzierl Wolfgang , Wiese Bernd
Published: October 2020

Determining saturation and pore pressure is relevant for hydrocarbon production as well as natural gas and [Formula: see text] storage. In this context, seismic methods provide spatially distributed data used to determine gas and fluid migration. A method is developed that allows the determination of saturation and reservoir pressure from seismic data, more accurately from the rock-physics attributes of velocity, attenuation, and density. Two rock-physics models based on Hertz-Mindlin-Gassmann and Biot-Gassmann are developed. Both generate poroelastic attributes from pore pressure, gas saturation, and other rock-physics parameters. The rock-physics models are inverted with deep neural networks to derive saturation, pore pressure, and porosity from rock-physics attributes. The method is demonstrated with a 65 m deep unconsolidated high-porosity reservoir at the Svelvik ridge, Norway. Tests for the most suitable structure of the neural network are carried out. Saturation and pressure can be meaningfully determined under the condition of a gas-free baseline with known pressure and data from an accurate seismic campaign, preferably cross-well seismic. Including seismic attenuation increases the accuracy. Although training requires hours, predictions can be made in only a few seconds, allowing for rapid interpretation of seismic results.
Application of the generalized finite-element method to the acoustic wave simulation in exploration seismology
Authors: Sotelo Edith , Favino Marco , Gibson Jr. Richard L.
Published: October 2020

The generalized finite-element method (GFEM) has been applied frequently to solve harmonic wave equations, but its use in the simulation of transient wave propagation is still limited. We have applied GFEM for the simulation of the acoustic wave equation in models relevant to exploration seismology. We also perform an assessment of its accuracy and efficiency. The main advantage of GFEM is that it provides an enhanced solution accuracy compared to the standard finite-element method (FEM). This is attained by adding user-defined enrichment functions to standard FEM approximations. For the acoustic wave equation, we consider plane waves oriented in different directions as the enrichments, whose argument includes the largest wavenumber of the wavefield. We combine GFEM with an unconditionally stable time integration scheme with a constant time step. To assess the accuracy and efficiency of GFEM, we compare the GFEM simulation results against those obtained with the spectral-element method (SEM). We use SEM because it is the method of choice for wave propagation simulation due to its proven accuracy and efficiency. In the numerical examples, we first perform a convergence study in space and time, evaluating the accuracy of both methods against a semianalytical solution. Then, we consider simulations of relevant models in exploration seismology that include low-velocity features, an inclusion with a complex geometric boundary and topography. Results using these models indicate that GFEM presents comparable accuracy and efficiency to those based on SEM. For the given examples, the GFEM efficiency stems from the combined effect of local mesh refinement, nonconforming or unstructured, and the unconditionally stable time integration scheme with a constant time step. Moreover, these features provide great flexibility to the GFEM implementations, proving advantageous when using, for example, unstructured grids that impose severe time step size restrictions in SEM.
First-in-Human Phase I Study of Iadademstat (ORY-1001): A First-in-Class Lysine-Specific Histone Demethylase 1A Inhibitor, in Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Salamero Olga , Montesinos Pau , Willekens Christophe , Pérez-Simón José Antonio , Pigneux Arnaud , Récher Christian , Popat Rakesh , Carpio Cecilia , Molinero César , Mascaró Cristina , Vila Joaquim , Arévalo M. Isabel , Maes Tamara , Buesa Carlos , Bosch Francesc , Somervaille Tim C. P.
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

Iadademstat is a novel, highly potent, and selective inhibitor of LSD1 (KDM1A), with preclinical in vitro and in vivo antileukemic activity. This study aimed to determine safety and tolerability of iadademstat as monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML).

METHODS

This phase I, nonrandomized, open-label, dose-escalation (DE), and extension-cohort (EC) trial included patients with R/R AML and evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary antileukemic activity of this orally bioavailable first-in-class lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were treated with iadademstat on days 1 to 5 (5-220 µg/m2/d) of each week in 28-day cycles in a DE phase that resulted in a recommended dose of 140 µg/m2/d of iadademstat as a single agent. This dose was chosen to treat all patients (n = 14) in an EC enriched with patients with MLL/KMT2A-rearranged AML. Most adverse events (AEs) were as expected in R/R AML and included myelosuppression and nonhematologic AEs, such as infections, asthenia, mucositis, and diarrhea. PK data demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in plasma exposure, and PD data confirmed a potent time- and exposure-dependent induction of differentiation biomarkers. Reductions in blood and bone marrow blast percentages were observed, together with induction of blast cell differentiation, in particular, in patients with MLL translocations. One complete remission with incomplete count recovery was observed in the DE arm.

CONCLUSION

Iadademstat exhibits a good safety profile together with signs of clinical and biologic activity as a single agent in patients with R/R AML. A phase II trial of iadademstat in combination with azacitidine is ongoing (EudraCT No.: 2018-000482-36).
Dietary Fiber, Genetic Variations of Gut Microbiota-derived Short-chain Fatty Acids, and Bone Health in UK Biobank
Authors: Zhou Tao , Wang Mengying , Ma Hao , Li Xiang , Heianza Yoriko , Qi Lu
Published: October 2020

Context

Dietary fiber intake may relate to bone health.

Objective

To investigate whether dietary fiber intake is associated with bone mineral density (BMD), and the modification effect of genetic variations related to gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Design

The associations of dietary fiber intake with estimated BMD derived from heel ultrasound and fractures were assessed in 224 630 and 384 134 participants from the UK Biobank.

Setting

UK Biobank.

Main Outcome Measures

Estimated BMD derived from heel ultrasound

Results

Higher dietary fiber intake (per standard deviation) was significantly associated with higher heel-BMD (β [standard error] = 0.0047 [0.0003], P = 1.10 × 10–54). Similarly significant associations were observed for all the fiber subtypes including cereal, fruit (dried and raw), and vegetable (cooked and raw) (all P < .05). A positive association was found in both women and men but more marked among men except for dietary fiber in cooked vegetables (all Pinteraction < .05). A protective association was found between dietary fiber intake and hip fracture (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.94, 0.89-0.99; P = 3.0 × 10–2). In addition, the association between dietary fiber and heel BMD was modified by genetically determined SCFA propionate production (Pinteraction = 5.1 × 10–3). The protective association between dietary fiber and heel BMD was more pronounced among participants with lower genetically determined propionate production.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that greater intakes of total dietary fiber and subtypes from various food sources are associated with higher heel-BMD. Participants with lower genetically determined propionate production may benefit more from taking more dietary fiber.
Sleep, Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Cardiovascular Health: MESA
Authors: GERMAN CHARLES , MAKAREM NOUR , FANNING JASON , REDLINE SUSAN , ELFASSY TALI , MCCLAIN AMANDA , ABDALLA MARWAH , AGGARWAL BROOKE , ALLEN NORRINA , CARNETHON MERCEDES
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity are each independently associated with cardiovascular health (CVH). It is unknown how substituting time in sedentary behavior with sleep or physical activity affects overall CVH.

Methods

Data for this analysis were taken from the Multi-Ethnic Study on Atherosclerosis Sleep Ancillary Study. Eligible participants (N = 1718) wore Actiwatch accelerometers for 24 h and had at least 3 d of valid accelerometry. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 was used to represent the CVH score after excluding the physical activity component, with higher scores indicating more favorable CVH. Isotemporal substitution modeling was conducted to examine the effect of substituting 30 min of sedentary time for an equivalent amount of sleep, light-intensity physical activity (LIPA), or moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Results

Substituting 30 min of sedentary time to sleep, LIPA, and MVPA was associated with a significantly higher CVH score [β (95% confidence interval) = 0.077 (0.056), 0.039 (0.033), and 0.485 (0.127), respectively]. Substituting 30 min of sedentary time to sleep was associated with lower body mass index (BMI). Substituting 30 min of sedentary time to LIPA was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol, and lower BMI. Substituting 30 min of sedentary time to MVPA was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and lower BMI.

Conclusions

Sleep, LIPA, and MVPA are all associated with more favorable overall CVH and several key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These findings underscore the importance of lifestyle modifications in improving CVH.
Carbohydrate Supplementation and the Influence of Breakfast on Fuel Use in Hypoxia
Authors: GRIFFITHS ALEX , DEIGHTON KEVIN , BOOS CHRISTOPHER J. , ROWE JOSHUA , MORRISON DOUGLAS J. , PRESTON TOM , KING RODERICK , O’HARA JOHN P.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study investigated the effect of carbohydrate supplementation on substrate oxidation during exercise in hypoxia after preexercise breakfast consumption and omission.

Methods

Eleven men walked in normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 ~11.7%) for 90 min at 50% of hypoxic V˙O2max. Participants were supplemented with a carbohydrate beverage (1.2 g·min−1 glucose) and a placebo beverage (both enriched with U-13C6 D-glucose) after breakfast consumption and after omission. Indirect calorimetry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry were used to calculate carbohydrate (exogenous and endogenous [muscle and liver]) and fat oxidation.

Results

In the first 60 min of exercise, there was no significant change in relative substrate oxidation in the carbohydrate compared with placebo trial after breakfast consumption or omission (both P = 0.99). In the last 30 min of exercise, increased relative carbohydrate oxidation occurred in the carbohydrate compared with placebo trial after breakfast omission (44.0 ± 8.8 vs 28.0 ± 12.3, P < 0.01) but not consumption (51.7 ± 12.3 vs 44.2 ± 10.4, P = 0.38). In the same period, a reduction in relative liver (but not muscle) glucose oxidation was observed in the carbohydrate compared with placebo trials after breakfast consumption (liver, 7.7% ± 1.6% vs 14.8% ± 2.3%, P < 0.01; muscle, 25.4% ± 9.4% vs 29.4% ± 11.1%, P = 0.99) and omission (liver, 3.8% ± 0.8% vs 8.7% ± 2.8%, P < 0.01; muscle, 19.4% ± 7.5% vs 19.2% ± 12.2%, P = 0.99). No significant difference in relative exogenous carbohydrate oxidation was observed between breakfast consumption and omission trials (P = 0.14).

Conclusion

In acute normobaric hypoxia, carbohydrate supplementation increased relative carbohydrate oxidation during exercise (>60 min) after breakfast omission, but not consumption.
Increased Duration of Exercise Decreases Rate of Nonresponse to Exercise but May Not Decrease Risk for Cancer Mortality
Authors: LIN DAN , POTIAUMPAI MELANIE , SCHMITZ KATHRYN , STURGEON KATHLEEN
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Previous studies have observed an inverse relationship between exercise and breast cancer risk. However, there is interindividual variability in response to exercise training interventions. We investigated whether increasing the dose of aerobic exercise (150 or 300 min·wk−1), while keeping intensity of exercise constant (70%–80% HRmax), decreases the number of exercise nonresponders and further decreases associated risk for cancer mortality in our study population of women genetically predisposed for breast cancer.

Methods

Healthy premenopausal women at elevated risk of breast cancer were randomized into control (<75 min·wk−1, n = 47), low-dose exercise (150 min·wk−1, n = 39), and high-dose exercise groups (300 min·wk−1, n = 39) for approximately 6 months. We assessed 1) clinical effectiveness (CE), defined as an improvement in predicted V˙O2max of ≥1 mL·kg−1·min−1, and twice the typical error (2× TE) of V˙O2max as thresholds to classify exercise “nonresponders”; 2) CE and 2× TE relative to exercise adherence levels; and 3) related changes in V˙O2max to predicted cancer mortality risk.

Results

After our 6-month intervention, we observed that 23.5% of women in the low-dose group and 5.6% of women in the high-dose group were clinical nonresponders (P = 0.04). Clinical nonresponder status was independent of adherence level. Associated reduction in risk for cancer mortality was observed among 87.2% of women in the low-dose group and 94.9% in the high-dose group (P = 0.43).

Conclusion

Increasing volume (not intensity) of exercise via time spent exercising significantly decreases the number of “nonresponders.” True nonresponders were observed as some women did not improve their fitness capacity despite high exercise adherence levels. Lastly, it appears 150 min·wk−1 is sufficient to decrease the predicted risk of cancer mortality.
Tributes to Ian Devereux, 1940–2020
Authors: anon anon
Published: October 2020

Tributes from colleagues, friends and family.
Theory of Sampling and Sampling Practice, Third Edition
Authors: Pitard Francis
Published: October 2020

The second of three new textbooks in the field of Theory and Practice of Sampling.
A systematic evaluation of bioinformatics tools for identification of long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Duan You , Zhang Wanting , Cheng Yingyin , Shi Mijuan , Xia Xiao-Qin
Published: October 2020

High-throughput RNA sequencing unveiled the complexity of transcriptome and significantly increased the records of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which were reported to participate in a variety of biological processes. Identification of lncRNAs is a key step in lncRNA analysis, and a bunch of bioinformatics tools have been developed for this purpose in recent years. While these tools allow us to identify lncRNA more efficiently and accurately, they may produce inconsistent results, making selection a confusing issue. We compared the performance of 41 analysis models based on 14 software packages and different data sets, including high-quality data and low-quality data from 33 species. In addition, computational efficiency, robustness, and joint prediction of the models were explored. As a practical guidance, key points for lncRNA identification under different situations were summarized. In this investigation, no one of these models could be superior to others under all test conditions. The performance of a model relied to a great extent on the source of transcripts and the quality of assemblies. As general references, FEELnc_all_cl, CPC, and CPAT_mouse work well in most species while COME, CNCI, and lncScore are good choices for model organisms. Since these tools are sensitive to different factors such as the species involved and the quality of assembly, researchers must carefully select the appropriate tool based on the actual data. Alternatively, our test suggests that joint prediction could behave better than any single model if proper models were chosen. All scripts/data used in this research can be accessed at http://bioinfo.ihb.ac.cn/elit.
MOOCs και Ψηφιακές βιβλιοθήκες: επισκόπηση της σημερινής πραγματικότητας, προβληματισμοί & προοπτικές
Authors: Μυγδάνης Γιάννης Αθανάσιος , Κονδυλίδου Άση
Published: October 2020

Τα τελευταία χρόνια ραγδαίες εξελίξεις έχουν λάβει χώρα στο πεδίο της εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης, διαμορφώνοντας ένα παιδαγωγικό πλαίσιο ριζικά διαφορετικό από το συμβατικό. Σε αυτόν τον άξονα τα Μαζικά Ανοιχτά Διαδικτυακά Μαθήματα (MOOCs), αποτελούν μια νέα πρόταση με ταχεία εξάπλωση. Πολλοί θεωρούν ότι πρόκειται για μία εκπαιδευτική καινοτομία που θα επηρεάσει καθοριστικά την εκπαίδευση ενώ άλλοι εκφράζουν ανησυχίες σχετικά με την απουσία παιδαγωγικού μοντέλου. Τα MOOCs έχουν πλέον εδραιωθεί ως κομμάτι της εξ αποστάσεως ανώτατης εκπαίδευσης και η εμπλοκή των βιβλιοθηκών είναι καθοριστικής σημασίας, όπως και σε ένα μάθημα με φυσική παρουσία, δημιουργώντας νέες προκλήσεις αλλά και διευρυμένες δυνατότητες. Ωστόσο, οι ψηφιακές βιβλιοθήκες δεν έχουν αποκτήσει ακόμα ενεργό ρόλο στη διάρθρωση των MOOCs εξαιτίας της φύσης των μαθημάτων αυτών, ζητημάτων πνευματικών δικαιωμάτων, αδειοδότησης αλλά και του εκπαιδευτικού πλαισίου που διαμορφώνεται συνεχώς. Σκοπός του παρόντος άρθρου αποτελεί η διερεύνηση των τρόπων προσαρμογής των βιβλιοθηκών στα μαθήματα MOOCs, μέσω της σχεδιασμού ενός μοντέλου αποσαφήνισης περιορισμών και προκλήσεων που ανακύπτουν, ώστε οι τελευταίες να αποκτήσουν το δικό τους διακριτό ρόλο στο συνεχώς εξελισσόμενο διαδικτυακό εκπαιδευτικό πλαίσιο.
Interval-Based Dynamic Discretization Discovery for Solving the Continuous-Time Service Network Design Problem
Authors: Marshall Luke , Boland Natashia , Savelsbergh Martin , Hewitt Mike
Published: October 2020

We introduce an effective and efficient iterative algorithm for solving the continuous-time service network design problem. The algorithm achieves its efficiency by carefully and dynamically refining partially time-expanded network models so that only a small number of small integer programs, defined over these networks, need to be solved. An extensive computational study shows that the algorithm performs well in practice, often using time-expanded network models with size much less than 1% (in terms of number of variables and constraints) of a full time-expanded network model. The algorithm is inspired by and has many similarities to the dynamic discretization discovery algorithm introduced in Boland et al. [Boland N, Hewitt M, Marshall L, Savelsbergh M (2017) The continuous-time service network design problem. Oper. Res. 65(5):1303–1321.], but generates smaller partially time-expanded models, produces high-quality solutions more quickly, and converges more quickly.
Use of negative pressure wound therapy to treat a cochlear implant infection around the auricle: a case report
Authors: Fukushima Seita , Komune Noritaka , Kamizono Kenichi , Matsumoto Nozomu , Takaiwa Kazutaka , Nakagawa Takashi , Kadota Hideki
Published: October 2020

Although negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is widely used, its application to the head and neck region remains challenging due to anatomical complexities. This report presents the case of a female patient presenting with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes, uncontrolled diabetes and severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patient had undergone cochlear implant surgery and five months later the wound was infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). NPWT was started shortly after removing the internal receiver and was stopped 11 days later. NPWT helped in controlling infection and led to a successful wound closure. In this case, NPWT was effective in treating infectious wounds around the auricle after cochlear implant surgery. Declaration of interest: The authors have no financial support for this article and no conflict of interest directly relevant to the content of this article.
Current provision of simulation in the UK and Republic of Ireland trauma and orthopaedic specialist training: a national survey
Authors: James Hannah K. , Gregory Robert J. H. , Tennent Duncan , Pattison Giles T. R. , Fisher Joanne D. , Griffin Damian R.
Published: October 2020

Aims

The primary aim of the survey was to map the current provision of simulation training within UK and Republic of Ireland (RoI) trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) specialist training programmes to inform future design of a simulation based-curriculum. The secondary aims were to characterize; the types of simulation offered to trainees by stage of training, the sources of funding for simulation, the barriers to providing simulation in training, and to measure current research activity assessing the educational impact of simulation.

Methods

The development of the survey was a collaborative effort between the authors and the British Orthopaedic Association Simulation Group. The survey items were embedded in the Performance and Opportunity Dashboard, which annually audits quality in training across several domains on behalf of the Speciality Advisory Committee (SAC). The survey was sent via email to the 30 training programme directors in March 2019. Data were retrieved and analyzed at the Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, UK.

Results

Overall, 28 of 30 programme directors completed the survey (93%). 82% of programmes had access to high-fidelity simulation facilities such as cadaveric laboratories. More than half (54%) had access to a non-technical skills simulation training. Less than half (43%) received centralized funding for simulation, a third relied on local funding such as the departmental budget, and there was a heavy reliance on industry sponsorship to partly or wholly fund simulation training (64%). Provision was higher in the mid-stages (ST3-5) compared to late-stages (ST6-8) of training, and was formally timetabled in 68% of prostgrammes. There was no assessment of the impact of simulation training using objective behavioural measures or real-world clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

There is currently widespread, but variable, provision of simulation in T&O training in the UK and RoI, which is likely to expand further with the new curriculum. It is important that research activity into the impact of simulation training continues, to develop an evidence base to support investment in facilities and provision.
The treatment of coccydynia in adolescents
Authors: Kalstad Ante Matti , Knobloch Rainer Günter , Finsen Vilhjalmur
Published: October 2020

Aims

To determine if the results of treatment of adolescents with coccydynia are similar to those found in adults. Adult patients with coccydynia may benefit from injection therapy or operative treatment. There is little data evaluating treatment results in adolescents. We have treated adolescent patients similarly to adults and compared the outcomes.

Methods

Overall, 32 adolescents with coccydynia were treated at our institution during a seven-year period; 28 responded to final follow-up questionnaires after a minimum of one year, 14 had been treated with only injection therapy, and 14 had been operated with coccygectomy. We collected data with regards to pain while sitting, leaning forward, rising from a sitting position, during defecation, while walking or jogging, and while travelling in trains, planes, or automobiles. Pain at follow-up was registered on a numeric pain scale. Each adolescent was then matched to adult patients, and results compared in a case control fashion. The treatment was considered successful if respondents were either completely well or much better at final follow-up after one to seven years.

Results

Out of the 28 treated adolescents, 14 were regarded as successfully treated. Seven were somewhat better, and the remaining seven were unchanged. In the adult control group the corresponding number was 15 successfully treated, eight patients were somewhat better, and five were unchanged. Six of the 14 successfully treated adolescents had been operated. There were no significant differences between the groups in the various registered domains, or on numeric pain scale.

Conclusion

Treatment results in adolescent patients seem similar to those in adults. The long-term success rate of injection therapy is low. In case of injection treatment failure, operation may be considered, also in adolescents.
COVID-19 and orthopaedic surgery: evolving strategies and early experience
Authors: Mathai Naveen J. , Venkatesan Aakaash Sethuraman , Key Thomas , Wilson Christopher , Mohanty Khitish
Published: October 2020

Aims

COVID-19 has changed the practice of orthopaedics across the globe. The medical workforce has dealt with this outbreak with varying strategies and adaptations, which are relevant to its field and to the region. As one of the ‘hotspots’ in the UK , the surgical branch of trauma and orthopaedics need strategies to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19.

Methods

Adapting to the crisis locally involved five operational elements: 1) triaging and workflow of orthopaedic patients; 2) operation theatre feasibility and functioning; 3) conservation of human resources and management of workforce in the department; 4) speciality training and progression; and 5) developing an exit strategy to resume elective work. Two hospitals under our trust were redesignated based on the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Registrar/consultant led telehealth reviews were carried out for early postoperative patients. Workflows for the management of outpatient care and inpatient care were created. We looked into the development of a dedicated operating space to perform the emergency orthopaedic surgeries without symptoms of COVID-19. Between March 23 and April 23, 2020, we have surgically treated 133 patients across both our hospitals in our trust. This mainly included hip fractures and fractures/infection affecting the hand.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic is not the first disease outbreak affecting the UK, nor will it be the last. The current crisis has necessitated rapid development of new hospital guidelines and early adaptive strategies in our services. Protocols and directives need to be formalized keeping in mind that COVID-19 will have a long and protracted course until a definitive cure is discovered.
Subtrochanteric femoral shortening for hip centre restoration in complex total hip arthroplasty with functional outcome
Authors: Oommen A. T. , Chandy V. J. , Jeyaraj Christo , Kandagaddala Madhavi , Hariharan T. D. , Arun Shankar A. , Poonnoose P. M. , Korula Ravi Jacob
Published: October 2020

Aims

Complex total hip arthroplasty (THA) with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy is necessary in conditions other than developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and septic arthritis sequelae with significant proximal femur migration. Our aim was to evaluate the hip centre restoration with THAs in these hips.

Methods

In all, 27 THAs in 25 patients requiring THA with femoral shortening between 2012 and 2019 were assessed. Bilateral shortening was required in two patients. Subtrochanteric shortening was required in 14 out of 27 hips (51.9%) with aetiology other than DDH or septic arthritis. Vertical centre of rotation (VCOR), horizontal centre of rotation, offset, and functional outcome was calculated. The mean followup was 24.4 months (5 to 92 months).

Results

The mean VCOR was 17.43 mm (9.5 to 27 mm) and horizontal centre of rotation (HCOR) was 24.79 mm (17.2 to 37.6 mm). Dislocation at three months following acetabulum reconstruction required femoral shortening for offset correction and hip centre restoration in one hip. Mean horizontal offset was 39.72 (32.7 to 48.2 mm) compared to 42.89 (26.7 to 50.6 mm) on the normal side. Mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) of 22.64 (14 to 35) improved to 79.43 (68 to 92). Mean pre-operative shortening was 3.95 cm (2 to 8 cm). Residual limb length discrepancy was 1.5 cm (0 to 2 cm). Sciatic neuropraxia in two patients recovered by six months, and femoral neuropraxia in one hip recovered by 12 months. Mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was 13.92 (9 to 19). Mean 12-item short form survey (SF-12) physical scores of 50.6 and mental of 60.12 were obtained.

Conclusion

THA with subtrochanteric shortening is valuable in complex hips with high dislocation. The restoration of the hip centre of rotation and offset is important in these hips.

Level of evidence IV

Femoral shortening useful in conditions other than DDH and septic sequelae. Restoration of hip centre combined with offset to be planned and ensured.
The effects of a UK lockdown on orthopaedic trauma admissions and surgical cases
Authors: Hampton Matthew , Clark Matthew , Baxter Ian , Stevens Richard , Flatt Elinor , Murray James , Wembridge Kevin
Published: October 2020

Aims

The current global pandemic due to COVID-19 is generating significant burden on the health service in the UK. On 23 March 2020, the UK government issued requirements for a national lockdown. The aim of this multicentre study is to gain a greater understanding of the impact lockdown has had on the rates, mechanisms and types of injuries together with their management across a regional trauma service.

Methods

Data was collected from an adult major trauma centre, paediatric major trauma centre, district general hospital, and a regional hand trauma unit. Data collection included patient demographics, injury mechanism, injury type and treatment required. Time periods studied corresponded with the two weeks leading up to lockdown in the UK, two weeks during lockdown, and the same two-week period in 2019.

Results

There was a 55.7% (12,935 vs 5,733) reduction in total accident and emergency (A&E) attendances with a 53.7% (354 vs 164) reduction in trauma admissions during lockdown compared to 2019. The number of patients with fragility fractures requiring admission remained constant (32 patients in 2019 vs 31 patients during lockdown; p > 0.05). Road traffic collisions (57.1%, n = 8) were the commonest cause of major trauma admissions during lockdown. There was a significant increase in DIY related-hand injuries (26% (n = 13)) lockdown vs 8% (n = 11 in 2019, p = 0.006) during lockdown, which resulted in an increase in nerve injuries (12% (n = 6 in lockdown) vs 2.5% (n = 3 in 2019, p = 0.015) and hand infections (24% (n = 12) in lockdown vs 6.2% (n = 8) in 2019, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The national lockdown has dramatically reduced orthopaedic trauma admissions. The incidence of fragility fractures requiring surgery has not changed. Appropriate provision in theatres should remain in place to ensure these patients can be managed as a surgical priority. DIY-related hand injuries have increased which has led to an increased in nerve injuries requiring intervention.
A multicentre prospective randomized equivalence trial of a soft bandage and immediate discharge versus current treatment with rigid immobilization for torus fractures of the distal radius in children
Authors: Achten Juul , Knight Ruth , Dutton Susan J. , Costa Matthew L. , Mason James , Dritsaki Melina , Appelbe Duncan , Messahel Shrouk , Roland Damian , Widnall James , Perry Daniel C.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Torus fractures are the most common childhood fracture, accounting for 500,000 UK emergency attendances per year. UK treatment varies widely due to lack of scientific evidence. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled equivalence trial of ‘the offer of a soft bandage and immediate discharge’ versus ‘rigid immobilization and follow-up as per the protocol of the treating centre’ in the treatment of torus fractures .

Methods

Children aged four to 15-years-old inclusive who have sustained a torus/buckle fracture of the distal radius with/without an injury to the ulna are eligible to take part. Baseline pain as measured by the Wong Baker FACES pain scale, function using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper limb, and quality of life (QoL) assessed with the EuroQol EQ-5D-Y will be collected. Each patient will be randomly allocated (1:1, stratified by centre and age group (four to seven years and ≥ eight years) to either a regimen of the offer of a soft bandage and immediate discharge or rigid immobilization and follow-up as per the protocol of the treating centre.

Results

At day one, three, and seven, data on pain, function, QoL, immobilization, and analgesia will be collected. Three and six weeks after injury, the main outcomes plus data on complications, resource use, and school absence will be collected. The primary outcome is the Wong-Baker FACES pain scale at three days post-randomization. All data will be obtained through electronic questionnaires completed by the participants and/or parents/guardian. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:214–221.
Algebraic and Geometric Basis of Principal Components: An Overview
Authors: Pandit Pramit , Krishnamurthy K. N. , Murthy K. B.
Published: October 2020

Principal Component Analysis is considered as a dimension-reduction tool which may be used to reduce a large set of possibly correlated variables to hopefully a smaller set of uncorrelated variables that still accounts for most of the variation of the original large set. To understand the inner constructs of principal components, concepts of algebraic as well as geometric basis of principal components are prerequisites. Hence, in the current study, an attempt has been made to provide a step by step and vivid discussion of the basis of principle components and its various important properties.