bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Nickel on High‐Temperature Oxidation and Characteristics of Oxide Layers in Two High‐Strength Steels
Authors: Vedaei-Sabegh Ali , Morin Jean-Benoît , Jahazi Mohammad
Published: December 2019

The oxidation behaviors of two high‐strength medium carbon steels with different Ni concentrations are investigated by means of differential thermal analysis equipped with thermogravimetry (TG). Four different oxidation temperatures and five oxidation times are tested. A parabolic behavior is observed for the oxide growth in both alloys; however, the relative increases in the oxidation rate from one temperature to another are not similar for both alloys, and the oxidation kinetics of the Ni‐rich steel are significantly lower than those of the low Ni alloy. On the basis of the TG results, the activation energy for the oxidation of the two alloys is determined. The influence of Ni content on the microstructure and characteristics of the different oxide layers is studied using a combination of laser confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results revealed a clear influence of Ni on the nature and relative presence of different oxide layers. The results are interpreted in terms of the influence of Ni on the diffusion of oxygen through the oxide layer.
Study of energy deposition patterns in hadron calorimeter for prompt and displaced jets using convolutional neural network
Authors: Bhattacherjee Biplob , Mukherjee Swagata , Sengupta Rhitaja
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Sophisticated machine learning techniques have promising potential in search for physics beyond Standard Model in Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Convolutional neural networks (CNN) can provide powerful tools for differentiating between patterns of calorimeter energy deposits by prompt particles of Standard Model and long-lived particles predicted in various models beyond the Standard Model. We demonstrate the usefulness of CNN by using a couple of physics examples from well motivated BSM scenarios predicting long-lived particles giving rise to displaced jets. Our work suggests that modern machine- learning techniques have potential to discriminate between energy deposition patterns of prompt and long-lived particles, and thus, they can be useful tools in such searches.
A novel dual reporter embryonic stem cell line for toxicological assessment of teratogen-induced perturbation of anterior–posterior patterning of the heart
Authors: Leigh Robert S. , Ruskoaho Heikki J. , Kaynak Bogac L.
Published: December 2019

Reliable in vitro models to assess developmental toxicity of drugs and chemicals would lead to improvement in fetal safety and a reduced cost of drug development. The validated embryonic stem cell test (EST) uses cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to predict in vivo developmental toxicity, but does not take into account the stage-specific patterning of progenitor populations into anterior (ventricular) and posterior (atrial) compartments. In this study, we generated a novel dual reporter mESC line with fluorescent reporters under the control of anterior and posterior cardiac promoters. Reporter expression was observed in nascent compartments in transgenic mouse embryos, and mESCs were used to develop differentiation assays in which chemical modulators of Wnt (XAV939: 3, 10 µM), retinoic acid (all-trans retinoic acid: 0.1, 1, 10 µM; 9-cis retinoic acid: 0.1, 1, 10 µM; bexarotene 0.1, 1, 10 µM), and Tgf-β (SB431542: 3, 10 µM) pathways were tested for stage- and dose-dependent effects on in vitro anterior–posterior patterning. Our results suggest that with further development, the inclusion of anterior–posterior reporter expression could be part of a battery of high-throughput tests used to identify and characterize teratogens.
3D Vessel Image Reconstruction by MDCT for Surgical Indication and Timing of Strangulating Small Bowel Obstructions
Authors: Murata Masaru , Hiraki Masayuki , Hagiwara Akira , Sawami Hirokazu , Suzuki Rei , Fukunaga Hiroki , Tanaka Nobuo , Inoue Akira , Takahashi Hidekazu , Morita Shunji
Published: December 2019

Background

Patients with strangulating small bowel obstructions (SBOs) can rapidly deteriorate, in condition; therefore, immediate and appropriate diagnosis is required. However, some cases of SBO are difficult to diagnose using axial computed tomography (CT) images alone. The impact of 3D vessel imaging for the diagnosis, surgical indication, and timing of strangulating SBOs was investigated, prospectively.

Methods

Clinical data were collected for 111 strangulating SBOs and 48 simple SBOs from patients receiving surgical interventions from January 2009 to March 2018. The accuracy of preoperative diagnoses for the type of SBO was evaluated. Among 159 patients, 27 underwent contrast‐enhanced CT imaging as well as prospectively reconstructed 3D vessel imaging of the superior mesenteric artery, vein, and branches. The concordance rate of operative findings and preoperative diagnoses of the type of SBO were compared between axial CT imaging alone and combination of axial and 3D vessel imaging.

Results

Overall concordance rate of diagnosis for the type of SBO by axial imaging was 93.1% and that of strangulating and simple SBOs was 92.8% and 93.8%, respectively. Combined axial and 3D vessel imaging resulted in 100% accuracy of preoperative diagnoses for both types of SBO. In addition, abnormalities could be classified from 3D vessel images as central twists or peripheral twists, and deteriorated vascular flow could also be detected.

Conclusions

The combination of axial imaging and 3D vessel imaging can be used to accurately diagnose SBOs, and this imaging technique may be useful for determining the surgical indication and suitable timing of strangulating SBOs.
Plinabulin ameliorates neutropenia induced by multiple chemotherapies through a mechanism distinct from G-CSF therapies
Authors: Tonra James R. , Lloyd G. Kenneth , Mohanlal Ramon , Huang Lan
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) increases the risk of infections and mortality in cancer patients. G-CSF therapies are approved for the treatment of CIN, but non-G-CSF therapies are needed to increase efficacy and minimize side effects. Plinabulin is an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization that ameliorates CIN caused in patients by the microtubule stabilizer docetaxel. The present study evaluates the potential of plinabulin to reduce neutropenia induced by chemotherapies of different classes in a manner not dependent on increasing G-CSF.

Methods

The anti-CIN benefits of plinabulin were tested in rodents co-treated with docetaxel, cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin. Effects on G-CSF levels were evaluated in tissues by immunoassay. Flow cytometry was utilized to test treatment effects on femur bone marrow cell counts from immunocompetent mice-bearing orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer tumors.

Results

Plinabulin alleviated neutropenia induced by microtubule stabilizing, DNA cross-linking and DNA intercalating chemotherapies, yet did not affect bone marrow or blood G-CSF levels. The number of lineage−/Sca1+/c-Kit+ (LSK) hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) in murine bone marrow collected 2 days after treatment was not affected by docetaxel monotherapy despite increased plasma G-CSF in this group. LSK cell number was, however, increased when plinabulin was combined with docetaxel, without affecting G-CSF.

Conclusions

Results support the clinical testing of plinabulin as a non-G-CSF-based treatment for CIN associated with chemotherapies of different mechanisms. Results also support HSPC as a focal point for future mechanism-of-action work aimed at understanding the ability of plinabulin to reduce this serious side effect of cytotoxic therapy in cancer patients.
Convection-permitting regional climate simulation of warm-season precipitation over Eastern China
Authors: Yun Yuxing , Liu Changhai , Luo Yali , Liang Xudong , Huang Ling , Chen Fei , Rasmmusen Roy
Published: December 2019

Convection-permitting regional climate models have been shown to improve precipitation simulation in many aspects, such as the diurnal cycle, precipitation frequency, intensity and extremes in many studies over several geographical regions of the world, but their skill in reproducing the warm-season precipitation characteristics over the East Asia has not been robustly tested yet. Motivated by recent advances in computing power, model physics and high-resolution reanalysis, we use the convection-permitting weather research and forecasting (WRF) model configured with 3 km grid spacing to simulate the warm-season precipitation in eastern China for 10 seasons (2008–2017). The hourly 31-km-resolution ERA5 reanalysis data are used to provide initial and boundary conditions for the simulations. The objectives are (1) to evaluate the model skill in simulating warm-season precipitation climatology in the East Asian monsoon region, (2) to identify the promises and problems of the convection-permitting simulation, and (3) to investigate solutions for the model deficiencies. Results demonstrate that the 3-km-resolution WRF model reasonably reproduces the spatial characteristics of seasonal and sub-seasonal precipitation, the seasonal meridional migration associated with the summer monsoon activity, the diurnal variation phase and amplitude, and the propagating convection east of the Tibetan Plateau. The major deficiency is that the model overestimates precipitation amount, especially in the afternoon. Analysis and sensitivity experiments suggest that improved treatment of sub-grid cloud fraction and the aerosol effects may help to suppress the oft-reported high precipitation bias. These results provide useful guidance for improving the model skill at simulating warm-season precipitation in East Asia.
VOLCANS: an objective, structured and reproducible method for identifying sets of analogue volcanoes
Authors: Tierz Pablo , Loughlin Susan C. , Calder Eliza S.
Published: December 2019

The definition of a suite of analogue volcanoes, or volcanoes that are considered to share enough characteristics as to be considered exchangeable to a certain extent, is becoming a key component of volcanic hazard assessment. This is particularly the case for volcanoes where data are lacking or scarce. Moreover, volcano comparisons have often been based on similarities and differences inferred through expert judgement and not necessarily informed by volcano characteristics from global datasets. These similarities can be based on a range of features, from very simplified (e.g. statrovolcanoes) to very specific (e.g. detailed eruption chronologies), and may be strongly influenced by the personal experience of individuals or teams conducting the analogue analysis. In this work, we present VOLCANS (VOLCano ANalogues Search)—an objective, structured and reproducible method to identify sets of analogue volcanoes from global volcanological databases. Five overarching criteria (tectonic setting, rock geochemistry, volcano morphology, eruption size and eruption style), and a structured combination of them, are used to quantify overall multi-criteria volcano analogy. This innovative method is complementary to expert-derived sets of analogue volcanoes and provides the user with full flexibility to weigh the criteria and identify analogue volcanoes applicable to varied purposes. Some results are illustrated for three volcanoes with diverse features and significant recent and/or ongoing eruptions: Kı̄lauea (USA), Fuego (Guatemala) and Sinabung (Indonesia). The identified analogue volcanoes correspond well with a priori analogue volcanoes derived from expert knowledge. In some cases, single-criterion searches may not be able to isolate a reduced set of analogue volcanoes but any multi-criteria search can provide high degrees of granularity in the sets of analogue volcanoes obtained. Data quality and quantity can be important factors, especially for single-criterion searches and volcanoes with very scarce data (e.g. Sinabung). Nevertheless, the method gives stable results overall across multi-criteria searches of analogue volcanoes. Potential uses of VOLCANS range from quantitative volcanic hazard assessment to promoting fundamental understanding of volcanic processes.
Comparison of multi-delay FAIR and pCASL labeling approaches for renal perfusion quantification at 3T MRI
Authors: Harteveld Anita A. , de Boer Anneloes , Franklin Suzanne Lisa , Leiner Tim , van Stralen Marijn , Bos Clemens
Published: December 2019

Objective

To compare the most commonly used labeling approaches, flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) and pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL), for renal perfusion measurement using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI.

Methods

Multi-delay FAIR and pCASL were performed in 16 middle-aged healthy volunteers on two different occasions at 3T. Relative perfusion-weighted signal (PWS), temporal SNR (tSNR), renal blood flow (RBF), and arterial transit time (ATT) were calculated for the cortex and medulla in both kidneys. Bland–Altman plots, intra-class correlation coefficient, and within-subject coefficient of variation were used to assess reliability and agreement between measurements.

Results

For the first visit, RBF was 362 ± 57 and 140 ± 47 mL/min/100 g, and ATT was 0.47 ± 0.13 and 0.70 ± 0.10 s in cortex and medulla, respectively, using FAIR; RBF was 201 ± 72 and 84 ± 27 mL/min/100 g, and ATT was 0.71 ± 0.25 and 0.86 ± 0.12 s in cortex and medulla, respectively, using pCASL. For both labeling approaches, RBF and ATT values were not significantly different between visits. Overall, FAIR showed higher PWS and tSNR. Moreover, repeatability of perfusion parameters was better using FAIR.

Discussion

This study showed that compared to (balanced) pCASL, FAIR perfusion values were significantly higher and more comparable between visits.
Acquisition strategies for spatially resolved magnetic resonance detection of hyperpolarized nuclei
Authors: Topping Geoffrey J. , Hundshammer Christian , Nagel Luca , Grashei Martin , Aigner Maximilian , Skinner Jason G. , Schulte Rolf F. , Schilling Franz
Published: December 2019

Hyperpolarization is an emerging method in magnetic resonance imaging that allows nuclear spin polarization of gases or liquids to be temporarily enhanced by up to five or six orders of magnitude at clinically relevant field strengths and administered at high concentration to a subject at the time of measurement. This transient gain in signal has enabled the non-invasive detection and imaging of gas ventilation and diffusion in the lungs, perfusion in blood vessels and tissues, and metabolic conversion in cells, animals, and patients. The rapid development of this method is based on advances in polarizer technology, the availability of suitable probe isotopes and molecules, improved MRI hardware and pulse sequence development. Acquisition strategies for hyperpolarized nuclei are not yet standardized and are set up individually at most sites depending on the specific requirements of the probe, the object of interest, and the MRI hardware. This review provides a detailed introduction to spatially resolved detection of hyperpolarized nuclei and summarizes novel and previously established acquisition strategies for different key areas of application.
Dementia diagnostics in general practitioner care
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: December 2019

General practitioner (GP) treatment of dementia is often criticized as being ineffective and not implemented consistently enough. The causes and specific standpoints of GPs have not previously been thoroughly investigated. This paper focuses on the reasons and the criticisms levelled at GPs with regard to diagnosing dementia, and identifies approaches to enable optimization. The analysis is based on 41 semi-structured interviews with GPs in Hesse, Germany, in 2018. During the course of a content analysis, the interviewees’ attitudes and behavioral patterns towards dementia diagnostics were to be analyzed. The results of the study show various challenges and problems of primary care in this field. The majority of the sample showed skepticism and reluctance with regard to the diagnosis of dementia. Six key problem areas were extracted from the interviews, which can be seen as root causes for the distance kept by GPs: 1) early delegation of patients due to role understanding, 2) attitude of pessimism towards dementia, 3) differential diagnosis perceived as an obstacle, 4) insufficient remuneration, 5) fear of patient stigmatization, and 6) lack of application. Some GPs demonstrated personal initiative with the aim of optimizing dementia diagnostics. Three approaches can be derived which could be used to improve the GP-based care of dementia: 1) self-efficacy, 2) differential diagnostics and treatment pathways, and 3) physician–patient communication.
The Association Between Somatic Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Autistic Traits
Authors: Pan Pei-Yin , Tammimies Kristiina , Bölte Sven
Published: December 2019

This study used a twin cohort to investigate the association of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autistic traits with somatic health. A total of 344 twins (172 pairs; mean age 15.56 ± 5.62 years) enriched for ASD and other neurodevelopmental conditions were examined. Medical history and current physical problems were collected with a validated questionnaire to determine twin’s somatic health. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) was used to measure the participant’s severity of autistic traits. Identified somatic health issues with significant within-twin pair differences were tested in relation to both ASD diagnosis and autistic traits in a co-twin control model. Twins with ASD exhibited more neurological and immunological health problems compared to those without ASD (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively). The intra-pair differences of neurological conditions and SRS-2 score were significantly correlated in monozygotic twins differing for autism traits (r = 0.40, p = 0.001), while the correlation was not found for immunological problems. In addition, a conditional model for analysis of within-twin pair effects revealed an association between neurological problems and clinical ASD diagnosis (Odds ratio per neurological problem 3.15, p = 0.02), as well as autistic traits (β = 10.44, p = 0.006), after adjusting for possible effects of co-existing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and general intellectual abilities. Our findings suggest that neurological problems are associated with autism, and that non-shared environmental factors contribute to the overlap for both clinical ASD and autistic traits. Further population-based twin studies are warranted to validate our results and examine in detailed the shared genetic and environmental contributions of neurological problems and ASD.
Limited adaptation to non-natal osmotic environments at high water temperature in euryhaline wanderer fishes
Authors: Nakamura Masahiro , Watanabe Soichi , Kaneko Toyoji , Masuda Reiji , Tsukamoto Katsumi , Otake Tsuguo
Published: December 2019

Gradual transfer experiments were conducted to see whether Japanese daceTribolodon hakonensis(freshwater species) and Japanese black porgyAcanthopagrus schlegelii(marine species) could acclimate to high and low temperatures in natal and non-natal osmotic environments. Two groups of each species, one acclimated to their natal osmotic environment and the other to a non-natal osmotic environment, were exposed to gradual temperature changes. Under high temperature conditions, the plasma osmolality (Posm) of both species approached the osmolality of ambient water, and high mortality was observed in the non-natal osmotic environments but not in the natal osmotic environments. In contrast, there was no clear evidence that the osmoregulatory capacity of either species had declined under low temperature conditions in the natal and non-natal osmotic environments. Limited adaptation of these fishes to non-natal osmotic environments at high temperature suggests that global warming may impair their entry to non-natal habitats.
Being Friends with or Rejected by Classmates: Aggression Toward Same- and Cross-Ethnic Peers
Authors: Hooijsma Marianne , Huitsing Gijs , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis , Flache Andreas , Veenstra René
Published: December 2019

Whereas previous research suggests that adolescents’ aggressive behavior in itself does not highlight ethnic boundaries, it remains unclear whether classmates’ responses to same- and cross-ethnic aggression strengthen ethnic boundaries. This study examined how adolescents’ aggression toward same- and cross-ethnic peers relates to the positive (friendship) and negative (rejection) relationship nominations they receive from same- and cross-ethnic classmates. Cross-sectional peer nomination data on 917 Dutch and 125 Turkish adolescents in 56 secondary schools were analyzed (mean age = 14.9 year; 51.4% boys). Adolescents received more friendship nominations from same-ethnic than from cross-ethnic classmates, but were not more rejected by cross-ethnic than same-ethnic classmates. Multilevel Poisson and negative binomial regression models showed that, irrespective of aggressor’s ethnic background, adolescents’ aggressive behavior was related to rejection by classmates from the ethnic group that was the target of aggression and to being befriended by classmates from the ethnic group that was not the target of aggression. Specifically, both Dutch and Turkish adolescents who were aggressive toward Dutch peers were rejected by Dutch classmates and befriended by Turkish classmates and vice versa. These findings suggest that classmates’ positive and negative responses to adolescents are related to adolescents’ aggressive behavior based on the ethnic background of the victim, not on the ethnic background of the aggressor. This suggests that integration between ethnic groups in schools relates to aggression in general, not only cross-ethnic aggression.
Significance of root hairs at the field scale – modelling root water and phosphorus uptake under different field conditions
Authors: Ruiz S. , Koebernick N. , Duncan S. , Fletcher D. McKay , Scotson C. , Boghi A. , Marin M. , Bengough A. G. , George T. S. , Brown L. K. , Hallett P. D. , Roose T.
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

Root hairs play a significant role in phosphorus (P) extraction at the pore scale. However, their importance at the field scale remains poorly understood.

Methods

This study uses a continuum model to explore the impact of root hairs on the large-scale uptake of P, comparing root hair influence under different agricultural scenarios. High vs low and constant vs decaying P concentrations down the soil profile are considered, along with early vs late precipitation scenarios.

Results

Simulation results suggest root hairs accounted for 50% of total P uptake by plants. Furthermore, a delayed initiation time of precipitation potentially limits the P uptake rate by over 50% depending on the growth period. Despite the large differences in the uptake rate, changes in the soil P concentration in the domain due to root solute uptake remains marginal when considering a single growth season. However, over the duration of 6 years, simulation results showed that noticeable differences arise over time.

Conclusion

Root hairs are critical to P capture, with uptake efficiency potentially enhanced by coordinating irrigation with P application during earlier growth stages of crops.
The Effects of Neuropeptide Y Overexpression on the Mouse Model of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Mattila Minttu , Söderström Mirva , Ailanen Liisa , Savontaus Eriika , Savontaus Mikko
Published: December 2019

Doxorubicin is a potent anticancer drug with cardiotoxicity hampering its use. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most abundant neuropeptide in the heart and a co-transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system that plays a role in cardiac diseases. The aim of this work was to study the impact of NPY on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Transgenic mice overexpressing NPY in noradrenergic neurons (NPY-OEDβH) and wild-type mice were treated with a single dose of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin caused cardiotoxicity in both genotypes as demonstrated by decreased weight gain, tendency to reduced ejection fraction, and changes in the expression of several genes relevant to cardiac pathology. Doxorubicin resulted in a tendency to lower ejection fraction in NPY-OEDβH mice more than in wild-type mice. In addition, gain in the whole body lean mass gain was decreased only in NPY-OEDβH mice, suggesting a more severe impact of doxorubicin in this genotype. The effects of doxorubicin on genes expressed in the heart were similar between NPY-OEDβH and wild-type mice. The results demonstrate that doxorubicin at a relatively low dose caused significant cardiotoxicity. There were differences between NPY-OEDβH and wild-type mice in their responses to doxorubicin that suggest NPY to increase susceptibility to cardiotoxicity. This may point to the therapeutic implications as suggested for NPY system in other cardiovascular diseases.
Genome sequencing of a yeast-like fungal strain P6, a novel species of Aureobasidium spp.: insights into its taxonomy, evolution, and biotechnological potentials
Authors: Jia Shu-Lei , Ma Yan , Chi Zhe , Liu Guang-Lei , Hu Zhong , Chi Zhen-Ming
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to look insights into taxonomy, evolution, and biotechnological potentials of a yeast-like fungal strain P6 isolated from a mangrove ecosystem.

Methods

The genome sequencing for the yeast-like fungal strain P6 was conducted on a Hiseq sequencing platform, and the genomic characteristics and annotations were analyzed. The central metabolism and gluconate biosynthesis pathway were studied through the genome sequence data by using the GO, KOG, and KEGG databases. The secondary metabolite potentials were also evaluated.

Results

The whole genome size of the P6 strain was 25.41Mb and the G + C content of its genome was 50.69%. Totally, 6098 protein-coding genes and 264 non-coding RNA genes were predicted. The annotation results showed that the yeast-like fungal strain P6 had complete metabolic pathways of TCA cycle, EMP pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, glyoxylic acid cycle, and other central metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the inulinase activity associated with β-fructofuranosidase and high glucose oxidase activity in this strain have been demonstrated. It was found that this yeast-like fungal strain was located at root of most species of Aureobasidium spp. and at a separate cluster of all the phylogenetic trees. The P6 strain was predicted to contain three NRPS gene clusters, five type-I PKS gene clusters, and one type-I NRPS/PKS gene cluster via analysis at the antiSMASH Website. It may synthesize epichloenin A, fusaric acid, elsinochromes, and fusaridione A.

Conclusions

Based on its unique DNA sequence, taxonomic position in the phylogenetic tree and evolutional position, the yeast-like fungal strain P6 was identified as a novel species Aureobasidium hainanensis sp. nov. P6 isolate and had highly potential applications.
An example of a planar Anosov diffeomorphism without fixed points
Authors: MATSUMOTO SHIGENORI
Published: December 2019

We construct an example of a fixed point free Anosov diffeomorphism of the plane, which is not topologically conjugate to a translation.
Reframing commitment in authentic leadership: Untangling relationship–outcome processes
Authors: Lux Andrei A. , Grover Steven L. , Teo Stephen T. T.
Published: December 2019

Affective organizational commitment is theorized and empirically tested as a key mediator between authentic leadership and desirable employee outcomes. The results of a two-wave survey of 830 business people in Australia support a serial mediation model of authentic leadership efficacy. Followers' perceptions of authentic leadership behavior influence their personal identification and affect-based trust in the leader, which in turn are mediated by affective organizational commitment to positively influence their work engagement and job satisfaction. These findings reinforce previous work that positions personal identification and affect-based trust as the two primary mediating mechanisms of authentic leadership. This paper extends prior research by demonstrating the important role of followers' affective bonds with their organization in the operation of authentic leadership, moving beyond the dyad in our understanding of follower outcomes.
Quebec 2018: A Failure of the Polls?
Authors: Durand Claire , Blais André
Published: December 2019

The polls of the 2018 Quebec election forecast a close race between the two leading parties. The result, a clear victory of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) over the Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ), was clearly at odds with the polls. We argue that when the polls get it wrong, it is important to determine whether there was apolling miss, in which the discrepancy is due to changing voter behaviour, or apoll failure, in which the problem stems from polling methodology. Our post-election poll shows that changing voter behaviour—last-minute shifts and the vote of non-disclosers—explains most of the discrepancy. These movements varied by region. We conclude that the Quebec 2018 election was among the worst polling misses in history but not necessarily a major poll failure.
Application of a Novel Elimination Algorithm with Developed Continuation Method for Nonlinear Forward Kinematics Solution of Modular Hybrid Manipulators
Authors: Rahmani Arash , Faroughi Shirko
Published: December 2019

This paper addresses the application of a novel elimination algorithm with a newly developed homotopy continuation method (HCM) for forward kinematics of a specific hybrid modular manipulator known as n-(6UPS). First, the kinematic model of n-(6UPS) was extracted using a homogenous transformation matrix method. Then, a novel algebraic elimination algorithm was developed to transform the highly nonlinear proposed kinematic model into a system of polynomial equations for each module. Next, the HCM is considered to solve the system of equations. Comparison of the results from the proposed approach with experimental data and other methods demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed contribution.
The GABA shunt pathway in germinating seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under salt stress
Authors: AL-Quraan Nisreen A. , AL-Ajlouni Zakaria I. , Obedat Dana I.
Published: December 2019

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting seed germination, crop growth and productivity. In this study, seeds of three wheat (Triticum aestiveum L.) and three barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars were treated with different concentrations of NaCl to investigate the effect of salt on seed germination physiology and metabolism through the characterization of seed germination pattern, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt metabolite accumulation [GABA, glutamate (Glu) and alanine (Ala)] and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) expression using RT-PCR. A trend of decreasing germination percentage with increasing NaCl concentrations was observed. Under all salt stress treatments, data showed significant increase with positive correlation (r = 0.50–0.99) between abundance of GABA shunt metabolites and salt concentration in all wheat and barley cultivars for 5 days. Increased GABA content was associated with a small but significant increase in Ala and Glu content in all cultivars. In all NaCl treatments, the transcription of GAD in terms of RNA abundance showed a significant increase in all cultivars with positive correlation (r = 0.50–0.98). Data showed significant association between GAD RNA transcription and the response of germinating seeds to salt stress in terms of GABA shunt metabolite accumulation. The elevated expression of GAD under salinity suggests the need for elevated activity of the GAD-mediated conversion of Glu to GABA during seed germination, which provides alternative metabolic routes to the respiratory machinery, balancing carbon and nitrogen metabolism and osmolyte synthesis in germinating seeds of wheat and barley under salt stress.
Safety and Efficacy of an On-Site Intensive Treatment Protocol for Mild and Moderate Sympathomimetic Toxicity at Australian Music Festivals
Authors: Douglas Ned , Carew James , Johnson Damian , Green Madeline , Wilson Nicholas , Donovan Jake , Mulherin Tim , Holbery-Morgan Lachlan , Bourke Elyssia , Smith Erin
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Serotonin and sympathomimetic toxicity (SST) after ingestion of amphetamine-based drugs can lead to severe morbidity and death. There have been evaluations of the safety and efficacy of on-site treatment protocols for SST at music festivals.

Problem:

The study aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of treating patients with SST on-site at a music festival using a protocol adapted from hospital-based treatment of SST.

Methods:

The study is an audit of presentations with SST over a one-year period. The primary outcome was need for ambulance transport to hospital. The threshold for safety was prospectively defined as less than 10% of patients requiring ambulance transport to hospital.

The protocol suggested patients be treated with a combination of benzodiazepines; cold intravenous (IV) fluid; specific therapies (cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine, and clonidine); rapid sequence intubation; and cooling with ice, misted water, and convection techniques.

Results:

One patient of 13 (7.7%) patients with mild or moderate SST required ambulance transport to hospital. Two of seven further patients with severe SST required transport to hospital.

Conclusions:

On-site treatment may be a safe, efficacious, and efficient alternative to urgent transport to hospital for patients with mild and moderate SST. The keys to success of the protocol tested included inclusive and clear education of staff at all levels of the organization, robust referral pathways to senior clinical staff, and the rapid delivery of therapies aimed at rapidly lowering body temperature. Further collaborative research is required to define the optimal approach to patients with SST at music festivals.
Application of the “Plan-Do-Study-Act” Model to Improve Survival after Cardiac Arrest in Korea: A Case Study
Authors: Kim Joo Yeong , Cho Hanjin , Park Jong-Hak , Song Joo-Hyun , Moon Sungwoo , Lee Hongjae , Yang Hyun Ju , Tolles Juliana , Bosson Nichole , Lewis Roger J.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Low rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were identified as a shortcoming in the “chain of survival” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) care in the Korean city of Ansan. This study sought to evaluate the effect of an initiative to increase bystander CPR and quality of out-of-hospital resuscitation on outcome from OHCA. The post-intervention data were used to determine the next quality improvement (QI) target as part of the “Plan-Do-Study-Act” (PDSA) model for QI.

Hypothesis:

The study hypothesis was that bystander CPR, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and survival to discharge after OHCA would increase in the post-intervention period.

Methods:

This was a retrospective pre/post study. The data from the pre-intervention period were abstracted from 2008–2011 and the post-intervention period from 2012–2013. The effect of the intervention on the odds of ROSC and survival to hospital discharge was determined using a generalized estimating equation to account for confounders and the effect of clustering within medical centers. The analysis was then used to identify other factors associated with outcomes to determine the next targets for intervention in the chain of survival for cardiac arrest in this community.

Results:

Rates of documented bystander CPR increased from 13% in the pre-intervention period to 37% in the post-intervention period. The overall rate of ROSC decreased from 18.4% to 14.3% (risk difference −4.1%; 95% CI, −7.1%–1.0%), whereas survival to hospital discharge increased from 3.9% to 5.0% (risk difference 1.1%; 95% CI, −1.8%–3.8%), and survival with good neurologic outcome increased from 0.8% to 1.6% (risk difference 0.8%; 95% CI, −0.8%–2.4%). In multivariable analyses, there was no association between the intervention and the rate of ROSC or survival to hospital discharge. The designated level of the treating hospital was a significant predictor of both survival and ROSC.

Conclusion:

In this case study, there were no observed improvements in outcomes from OHCA after the targeted intervention to improve out-of-hospital CPR. However, utilizing the PDSA model for QI, the designated level of the treating hospital was found to be a significant predictor of survival in the post-period, identifying the next target for intervention.
Concordance between clinician, supervisor and observer ratings of therapeutic competence in CBT and treatment as usual: does clinician competence or supervisor session observation improve agreement?
Authors: Caron EB , Muggeo Michela A. , Souer Heather R. , Pella Jeffrey E. , Ginsburg Golda S.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Lowering the cost of assessing clinicians’ competence could promote the scalability of evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Aims:

This study examined the concordance between clinicians’, supervisors’ and independent observers’ session-specific ratings of clinician competence in school-based CBT and treatment as usual (TAU). It also investigated the association between clinician competence and supervisory session observation and rater agreement.

Method:

Fifty-nine school-based clinicians (90% female, 73% Caucasian) were randomly assigned to implement TAU or modular CBT for youth anxiety. Clinicians rated their confidence after each therapy session (n= 1898), and supervisors rated clinicians’ competence after each supervision session (n= 613). Independent observers rated clinicians’ competence from audio recordings (n= 395).

Results:

Patterns of rater discrepancies differed between the TAU and CBT groups. Correlations with independent raters were low across groups. Clinician competence and session observation were associated with higher agreement among TAU, but not CBT, supervisors and clinicians.

Conclusions:

These results support the gold standard practice of obtaining independent ratings of adherence and competence in implementation contexts. Further development of measures and/or rater training methods for clinicians and supervisors is needed.
A Series of Meta-Analytic Tests of the Efficacy of Long-Term Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Authors: Woll Christian Franz Josef , Schönbrodt Felix D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Recent meta-analyses come to conflicting conclusions about the efficacy of long-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy (LTPP). Our first goal was to reproduce the most recent meta-analysis by Leichsenring, Abbass, Luyten, Hilsenroth, and Rabung (2013) who found evidence for the efficacy of LTPP in the treatment of complex mental disorders. Our replicated effect sizes were in general slightly smaller. Second, we conducted an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing LTPP (lasting for at least 1 year and 40 sessions) to other forms of psychotherapy in the treatment of complex mental disorders. We focused on a transparent research process according to open science standards and applied a series of elaborated meta-analytic procedures to test and control for publication bias. Our updated meta-analysis comprising 191 effect sizes from 14 eligible studies revealed small, statistically significant effect sizes at post-treatment for the outcome domains psychiatric symptoms, target problems, social functioning, and overall effectiveness (Hedges’ g ranging between 0.24 and 0.35). The effect size for the domain personality functioning (0.24) was not significant ( p = .08). No signs for publication bias could be detected. In light of a heterogeneous study set and some methodological shortcomings in the primary studies, these results should be interpreted cautiously. In conclusion, LTPP might be superior to other forms of psychotherapy in the treatment of complex mental disorders. Notably, our effect sizes represent the additional gain of LTPP versus other forms of primarily long-term psychotherapy. In this case, large differences in effect sizes are not to be expected.
Understanding Our Environment Requires an Indigenous Worldview
Authors: Daniel Raychelle
Published: December 2019

As geoscience and policy-making communities begin to recognize the importance of including indigenous knowledge into their work, we must place the proper value on it through equitable time and funding.
Unveiling a new type of ultradense anomalous metallic glass with improved strength and ductility through a high-pressure heat treatment
Authors: Yamada Rui , Shibazaki Yuki , Abe Yasuto , Ryu Wookha , Saida Junji
Published: December 2019

An anomalous glass was discovered through high-pressure heat treatment (5.5 GPa at 850 K) followed by rapid cooling of a Zr50Cu40Al10 metallic glass. Despite a reduction in the crystallization temperature and enthalpy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the collected bulk sample maintained a fully amorphous structure. The density of the sample was 0.6% larger than that of the as-cast state and was even larger than that of the partially crystallized state. These results suggest the formation of an ultradense packing glass that cannot be obtained through conventional annealing. Compression test results indicated a significant increase in the Young’s modulus and fracture strength, supporting the creation of an anomalous metallic glass. In addition, plasticity was observed in the treated sample. It was therefore concluded that the high-pressure heat treatment enabled the creation of a new type of glass that is normally overshadowed by the crystallized phase at atmospheric pressure. We explained the creation of the ultradense glass by introducing a pressure parameter (P) to the conventional volume (v) - temperature (T) diagram.
Anisotropic superconductivity induced by periodic multiferroic domain patterns
Authors: Huang Yen-Lin , Huang Bo-Chao , Wang Yan-Ting , Xue Fei , Lin Jheng-Cyuan , Liu Heng-Jui , Huang Rong , Lin Jiunn-Yuan , Chang Chia-Seng , Chen Long-Qing , Chiu Ya-Ping , Chu Ying-Hao
Published: December 2019

The competition between order parameters, such as ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, and superconductivity, is one of the most fascinating topics in condensed matter physics. Here, we report intriguing anisotropic superconductivity in YBa2Cu3O7 − x films induced by a multiferroic, BiFeO3, with periodic domain patterns. The anisotropic superconductivity was investigated by transport measurements and supported by phase-field simulations, and then the detailed local electronic structures were revealed by cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy. We found that the oxygen redistribution in YBa2Cu3O7 − x modulated by the ferroelectric polarization in BiFeO3 was the key mechanism driving this anisotropic superconductivity. The presented heteroarchitecture of a high-temperature superconductor and a domain-engineered multiferroic provides a new approach to tune superconductivity and offers potential advantages for the design of future multifunctional devices.
CRISPR-Cas3 induces broad and unidirectional genome editing in human cells
Authors: Morisaka Hiroyuki , Yoshimi Kazuto , Okuzaki Yuya , Gee Peter , Kunihiro Yayoi , Sonpho Ekasit , Xu Huaigeng , Sasakawa Noriko , Naito Yuki , Nakada Shinichiro , Yamamoto Takashi , Sano Shigetoshi , Hotta Akitsu , Takeda Junji , Mashimo Tomoji
Published: December 2019

Although single-component Class 2 CRISPR systems, such as type II Cas9 or type V Cas12a (Cpf1), are widely used for genome editing in eukaryotic cells, the application of multi-component Class 1 CRISPR has been less developed. Here we demonstrate that type I-E CRISPR mediates distinct DNA cleavage activity in human cells. Notably, Cas3, which possesses helicase and nuclease activity, predominantly triggered several thousand base pair deletions upstream of the 5′-ARG protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), without prominent off-target activity. This Cas3-mediated directional and broad DNA degradation can be used to introduce functional gene knockouts and knock-ins. As an example of potential therapeutic applications, we show Cas3-mediated exon-skipping of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene in patient-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These findings broaden our understanding of the Class 1 CRISPR system, which may serve as a unique genome editing tool in eukaryotic cells distinct from the Class 2 CRISPR system.
Challenging immunodominance of influenza-specific CD8+ T cell responses restricted by the risk-associated HLA-A*68:01 allomorph
Authors: van de Sandt C. E. , Clemens E. B. , Grant E. J. , Rowntree L. C. , Sant S. , Halim H. , Crowe J. , Cheng A. C. , Kotsimbos T. C. , Richards M. , Miller A. , Tong S. Y. C. , Rossjohn J. , Nguyen T. H. O. , Gras S. , Chen W. , Kedzierska K.
Published: December 2019

Although influenza viruses lead to severe illness in high-risk populations, host genetic factors associated with severe disease are largely unknown. As the HLA-A*68:01 allele can be linked to severe pandemic 2009-H1N1 disease, we investigate a potential impairment of HLA-A*68:01-restricted CD8+ T cells to mount robust responses. We elucidate the HLA-A*68:01+CD8+ T cell response directed toward an extended influenza-derived nucleoprotein (NP) peptide and show that only ~35% individuals have immunodominant A68/NP145+CD8+ T cell responses. Dissecting A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells in low vs. medium/high responders reveals that high responding donors have A68/NP145+CD8+ memory T cells with clonally expanded TCRαβs, while low-responders display A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells with predominantly naïve phenotypes and non-expanded TCRαβs. Single-cell index sorting and TCRαβ analyses link expansion of A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells to their memory potential. Our study demonstrates the immunodominance potential of influenza-specific CD8+ T cells presented by a risk HLA-A*68:01 molecule and advocates for priming CD8+ T cell compartments in HLA-A*68:01-expressing individuals for establishment of pre-existing protective memory T cell pools.
Multifunctional flexible membranes from sponge-like porous carbon nanofibers with high conductivity
Authors: Yan Jianhua , Dong Keqi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Xiao , Aboalhassan Ahmed Abdulqawy , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: December 2019

Conductive porous carbon nanofibers are promising for environmental, energy, and catalysis applications. However, increasing their porosity and conductivity simultaneously remains challenging. Here we report chemical crosslinking electrospinning, a macro–micro dual-phase separation method, to synthesize continuous porous carbon nanofibers with ultrahigh porosity of >80% and outstanding conductivity of 980 S cm−1. With boric acid as the crosslinking agent, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and poly(vinyl alcohol) are crosslinked together to form water-sol webs, which are then electrospun into fibrous films. After oxidation and pyrolysis, the as-spun fibers are converted into B-F-N triply doped porous carbon nanofibers with well-controlled macro–meso–micro pores and large surface areas of ~750 m2 g−1. The sponge-like porous carbon nanofibers with substantially reduced mass transfer resistances exhibit multifunction in terms of gas adsorption, sewage disposal, liquid storage, supercapacitors, and batteries. The reported approach allows green synthesis of high-performance porous carbon nanofibers as a new platform material for numerous applications.