bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparing for the Storm: Mitigating the Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Induced Hypercytokinemia
Authors: Rowaiye Adekunle , Okpalefe Okiemute , Onuh Olukemi , Ogidigo Joyce , Oladipo Oluwakemi , Ogu Amoge , Oli Angus , Olofinase Samson , Onyekwere Onyekachi
Published: November 2020

With increasing fatalities, the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a formidable global health challenge. The causative agent, SARS-CoV-2 constantly tests the efficacy of the immune system of its victims. The protective ability of the innate immune system as the first responder largely determines the progression of disease and its clinical prognosis. Evidence suggests that mortalities associated with COVID-19 are largely due to hyperinflammation and a dysregulated immune response. Consequently, the degree of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL1, IL-6, and TNF alpha remarkably distinguishes between mild and severe cases of COVID-19. The early prediction of a cytokine storm is made possible by several serum chemistry and hematological markers. The prompt use of these markers for laboratory tests, and the aggressive prevention and management of a cytokine release syndrome is critical in determining the level of morbidity and fatality associated with COVID-19. With respect to the SARS-CoV-2 and the host cell, this literature review focuses on the dynamics of the COVID-19 disease highlighting on the pathogenesis, and the markers of Cytokine Storm. It also proffers solutions by critically looking at the current and potential pharmacological agents that are or can be used to mitigate and manage cytokine storms.
Innovative Integrated Seismic and Energy Retrofitting System for Masonry Walls using Textile Reinforced Mortars Combined with Thermal Insulation: Experimental, Analytical and Numerical Study
Authors: Karlos Kyriakos , Tsantilis Aristomenis , Triantafillou Thanasis
Published: November 2020

Taking into consideration the seismic vulnerability of older buildings and the increasing need for reducing their carbon footprint and energy consumption, the application of an innovative system is investigated; the system is based on the use of textile reinforced mortars (TRM) and thermal insulation as a means of combined seismic and energy retrofitting of existing masonry walls. Medium scale tests were carried out on masonry walls subjected to out-of-plane cyclic loading. The following parameters were investigated experimentally: one-sided versus two-sided insulation and/or TRM jacketing, placement of the TRM outside the insulation or in a sandwich form (over and under the insulation), as well as the displacement amplitude of the loading cycles. A simple analytical method is developed and is found in good agreement with test results. Additionally, numerical modeling is carried out and is also found in good agreement with test results. From the results obtained in this study the authors believe that TRM jacketing may be combined effectively with thermal insulation, increasing the overall strength and energy efficiency of the masonry panels in buildings.
Isolation and Identification of Gram Positive and Negative Bacteria from Dairy Department Waste Lines at Baraton University
Authors: Wanyama Stella
Published: November 2020

AbstractBaraton University dairy farm is an environment that attracts a microbiologist to inquire the composition of bacteria that exist there in. The knowledge of bacteria has in time and again amazed the life scientist community that have invested to acquire more information in this microbiology world.The study engages fundamental tests such as gram stain, endospore stain, and assays for specific microbial activities & enzymes, susceptibility on disinfectant and antibiotic, utilization of specific substrate and culture characteristics. The two organisms (gram negative and positive) tested positive for sucrose & lactose fermentation, Indole & Methly red, catalase & Oxidase, were both facultative and motile. On contrary, gram positive bacteria had spores and had a gamma haemolysis on Blood Agar, while gram negative bacteria haemolysed beta haemolysis. To draw a conclusion on the identity of the two organisms is that, the gram positive is a Bacillus ........ while gram negative is Escherichia coli.
Preoperative Skin Cultures Predict Periprosthetic Infections in Revised Shoulder Arthroplasties
Authors: Matsen Frederick A. , Whitson Anastasia , Hsu Jason E.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Current approaches do not provide a practical method for the accurate prediction of a Cutibacterium periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in failed arthroplasties. Thus, surgeons revising failed arthroplasties must decide whether to exchange the implants and to institute antibiotic treatment without knowing the results of cultures of deep specimens obtained at the revision procedure. This study tests the hypothesis that the results of preoperative culture specimens of the skin surface obtained in the clinic can predict the presence of culture-positive Cutibacterium PJIs.

Methods:

Revision shoulder arthroplasties performed between October 3, 2017, and February 4, 2020, that had both preoperative clinic culture specimens and surgical culture specimens were included in this analysis. Culture results were assigned a value from 0 to 4. The percentage of the total skin bacterial load contributed by Cutibacterium (Cutibacterium percentage) was determined. To reduce concern about contamination, a robust criterion for culture-positive Cutibacterium PJI was applied: ≥2 surgical specimens with a Cutibacterium value of ≥1. The predictive values for a culture-positive Cutibacterium PJI were determined for a clinic skin culture Cutibacterium value of >1 and a clinic skin percentage of Cutibacterium of ≥75%.

Results:

Eighteen cases met the inclusion criteria; of these, 7 (6 male patients) met our criterion for a culture-positive Cutibacterium PJI. For all patients, a preoperative clinic skin Cutibacterium value of >1 predicted the presence of a culture-positive Cutibacterium PJI with an accuracy of 89%, and a clinic skin Cutibacterium percentage of ≥75% predicted the presence of a culture-positive Cutibacterium PJI with an accuracy of 94%. For male patients, a preoperative clinic skin Cutibacterium value of >1 predicted the presence of a culture-positive Cutibacterium PJI with an accuracy of 91%, and a clinic skin Cutibacterium percentage of ≥75% predicted the presence of a culture-positive Cutibacterium PJI with an accuracy of 100%.

Conclusions:

A simple culture specimen of the unprepared skin surface obtained in a clinic prior to revision shoulder arthroplasty may provide valuable assistance to surgeons planning a revision arthroplasty.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Vibration survey of Room 47 with a laser doppler vibrometer : Main Laboratory Basement, U.S. Army ERDC-CRREL
Authors: Hart Carl
Published: November 2020

Plans are underway to create an acousto-optic laboratory on the campus of the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. For this purpose, existing space in the basement of the Main Laboratory will be renovated. Demanding measurement techniques, such as interferometry, require a sufficiently quiet vibration environment (i.e., low vibration levels). As such, characterization of existing vibration conditions is necessary to determine vibration isolation requirements so that highly sensitive measurement activities are feasible. To this end, existing vibro-acoustic conditions were briefly surveyed in Room 47, a part of the future laboratory. The survey measured ambient noise and ambient vertical floor vibrations. The ambient vibration environment was characterized according to generic velocity criteria (VC), which are one-third octave band vibration limits. At the time of the survey, the ambient vibration environment fell under a VC-A designation, where the tolerance limit is 2000 μin/s across all one-third octave bands. Under this condition, highly sensitive measurement activities are feasible on a vibration-isolated working surface. The conclusion of this report provides isolation efficiency requirements that satisfy VC-E limits (125 μin/s), which are necessary for interferometric measurements.
Preferensi Petani dan Penyebaran Varietas Unggul Ubi Kayu di Indonesia
Authors: Krisdiana Ruly
Published: November 2020

Pengembangan ubi kayu di Indonesia mempunyai beberapa kendala terutama preferensi dan penyebaran varietas unggul. Kendala tersebut mempengaruhi perbedaan tingkat adopsi varietas unggul di daerah sentra yang pada akhirnya berpengaruh terhadap produktivitas ubi kayu. Penelitian dilakukan untuk memahami perkembangan dan kondisi aktual preferensi petani, adopsi dan penyebaran, serta kontribusi ekonomi varietas unggul ubi kayu di Indonesia. Penelitian dilakukan berdasarkan data yang dikumpulkan secara lintas institusi (Balitkabi, BPTP, Dinas Pertanian) pada sentra produksi ubi kayu di Provinsi Lampung, Jawa Timur, dan Jawa Tengah, serta Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta pada tahun 2013 dan 2014. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah simple random sampling pada 856 petani responden. Hasil kajian memberikan gambaran terdapat keberagaman preferensi petani terhadap varietas ubi kayu yang tergantung dari pemanfaatan ubi kayu di suatu daerah. Tingkat adopsi petani di Lampung terhadap varietas unggul ubi kayu lebih dinamis, bahkan varietas unggul yang baru dilepas sudah diadopsi petani. Kontribusi ekonomi varietas unggul ubi kayu di Lampung ternyata tinggi (>Rp5 triliun). Di Jawa Timur dan Jawa Tengah, kontribusi ekonomi varietas unggul ubi kayu sedang (Rp1,5-2,2 triliun). Akan tetapi di Yogyakarta, kontribusi ekonomi varietas unggul rendah (Rp0,02 triliun) disebabkan luas areal penyebaran kurang. Program diseminasi atau sosialisasi varietas unggul ubi kayu kepada pengguna seperti petani/kelompok tani, penyuluh dan Dinas Pertanian perlu ditingkatkan sehingga petani dapat memilih varietas ubi kayu yang sesuai dan berproduktivitas tinggi.
Paket Teknologi Budi Daya Kedelai pada Kebun Sawit Muda di Lahan Pasang Surut
Authors: Harsono Arief , Sucahyono Didik , Elisabeth Dian Adi Anggraeni
Published: November 2020

Di Indonesia, kebun sawit muda di lahan pasang surut mempunyai potensi besar untuk pengembangan kedelai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merakit dan mengevaluasi paket teknologi budi daya kedelai pada lahan pasang surut di perkebunan sawit muda. Penelitian dilaksanakan di lahan pasang surut tipe C di antara tegakan kelapa sawit umur 2-3 tahun di Kecamatan Wanaraya, Kabupaten Barito Kuala, Kalimantan Selatan. Penelitian terdiri atas dua tahap: 1) penelitian skala plot untuk mengetahui respons beberapa varietas kedelai terhadap tingkat kejenuhan Al tanah, dan 2) evaluasi kelayakan paket teknologi yang dirakit dari hasil penelitian pertama. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa varietas Tanggamus lebih adaptif dan mampu memberikan hasil lebih tinggi pada lahan pasang surut hingga kejenuhan Al 30% dibanding varietas Anjasmoro dan Panderman. Varietas Anjasmoro memiliki ukuran biji lebih besar dan pada kejenuhan Al 30% mampu memberikan hasil tidak berbeda dengan hasil pada kejenuhan Al 20%, yaitu 1,68 t/ha. Pada kebun sawit umur <3 tahun di lahan pasang surut dengan pH tanah <4,8 dan kejenuhan Al >38%, paket teknologi alternatif perbaikan Balitkabi dapat meningkatkan hasil kedelai menjadi 1,64 t/ha biji kering bila dibandingkan dengan paket teknologi eksisting petani (0,96 t/ha) dan paket rekomendasi Dinas Pertanian (0,92 t/ha). Dengan nilai MBCR 1,70 dan 3,44 masing-masing terhadap paket teknologi eksisting petani dan paket teknologi rekomendasi Dinas Pertanian, maka paket teknologi alternatif perbaikan Balitkabi ini layak diadopsi dan diterapkan oleh petani.
Los que no pueden quedarse en casa: movilidad urbana y vulnerabilidad territorial en el área metropolitana de Barcelona durante la pandemia COVID-19
Authors: Checa Joan , Martín Jordi , López Joan , Nel·lo Oriol
Published: November 2020

El artículo analiza el comportamiento diferenciado de la población con respecto a la movilidad cotidiana en una situación altamente excepcional: la crisis sanitaria y social provocada por la pandemia de la COVID-19. La investigación, centrada en el área metropolitana de Barcelona, se basa en el análisis de las validaciones de los títulos de transporte en días laborables para acceder a los modos de transporte ferroviario (metro, ferrocarril suburbano y tranvía), en relación con la renta media del territorio donde se produce cada uno de los accesos al sistema. La investigación parte de la hipótesis según la cual la capacidad de cada persona de gestionar su movilidad en la ciudad se relaciona directamente con los recursos económicos y el capital social del que dispone, es decir, de su mayor o menor vulnerabilidad. La evidencia aportada permite confirmar que las personas residentes en entornos más vulnerables han podido reducir menos y más lentamente su movilidad que el resto de la población. Se muestra así cómo, en un contexto en el cual baja movilidad pasa a ser un recurso preciado a la hora de proteger la propia salud y bienestar, la incapacidad de reducir los desplazamientos deviene causa y expresión de la exclusión social.
Prevalencias y factores asociados con el uso de métodos anticonceptivos modernos en adolescentes, 2012 y 2018
Authors: Villalobos Aremis , Ávila-Burgos Leticia , Hubert Celia , Suárez-López Leticia , De la Vara-Salazar Elvia , Hernández-Serrato María I , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Analizar la prevalencia de uso de métodos anticonceptivos (MAC) modernos en adolescentes de 12 a19 años en 2012 y 2018-19, y factores asociados con su uso consistente. Material y métodos. A partir de las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud y Nutrición 2012 y 2018-2019, se construyeron variables de interés: uso de anticonceptivos reversibles de acción prolongada (ARAP), protección dual y uso consistente de MAC. Se calcularon prevalencias y modelos logísticos para uso consistente de MAC. Resultados. El uso de ARAP en la última relación se incrementó entre encuestas (4.1 a 6.3%). Tener mayor edad, no embarazo y asistencia escolar incrementaron la posibilidad de uso consistente en mujeres; en hombres, la asistencia escolar la incrementó, y vivir en unión, inicio temprano de vida sexual y consumir >100 cigarrillos la disminuyeron. Conclusión. Es necesario fomentar el acceso y uso de MAC de manera consistente, basado en el respeto a los derechos sexuales y reproductivos.
Evolución de las conductas alimentarias de riesgo en adolescentes mexicanos, 2006-2018
Authors: Villalobos Aremis , Unikel Claudia , Hernández-Serrato Maria I , Bojorquez Ietza
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Analizar la evolución de la prevalencia de conductasalimentarias de riesgo (CAR) en adolescentes mexicanosentre 2006 y 2018. Material y métodos. Se utilizóinformación de las Ensanut 2006 y 2018-19. Se evaluaron lasCAR con el Cuestionario Breve de Conductas Alimentariasde Riesgo, distinguiendo entre normativas (recomendadasen la prevención de la obesidad) y no normativas (no recomendadas).Se analizó la relación entre CAR e indicadoresdel medio ambiente sociocultural en que los adolescentes sedesenvuelven (nivel socioeconómico, tamaño de la localidad).Resultados. La prevalencia de CAR normativas pasó de11.9% (IC95% 11.3-12.6) a 15.7% (IC95% 15.0-16.5) y la de lasCAR no normativas de 12.1 (IC95% 11.4-12.9) a 21.9 (IC95%21.0-22.9). Las CAR fueron más frecuentes en mujeres, enadolescentes con sobrepeso u obesidad, de nivel socioeconómicomás alto y en localidades urbanas. Conclusión.Las CAR son un problema importante en adolescentes y esnecesario implementar estrategias de prevención
Aumento en la oferta de consultorios adyacentes a farmacias y atención en servicios públicos en México entre 2012 y 2018
Authors: Colchero M. Arantxa , Gómez Rouselinne , Figueroa José Luis , Rodríguez-Atristain Alejandra , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Estudiar los cambios en la utilización de serviciosde salud públicos y privados en México entre 2012 y 2018.Material y métodos. Usamos la Encuesta Nacional deSalud y Nutrición de los años 2012 y 2018 (Ensanut 2012 yEnsanut 2018-19), y datos agregados de la oferta de serviciosde salud. Resultados. Los consultorios adyacentes a farmacias(CAF) crecieron aceleradamente y esto se relacionó conun menor uso de servicios públicos, aun en la población conseguridad social. Individuos que viven en municipios con altadensidad de CAF tienen menor probabilidad de usar serviciospúblicos. El aumento en la afiliación al Seguro Popular (SP)no se acompañó de un incremento de la oferta de serviciospúblicos y no se relaciona con mayor utilización de serviciospúblicos. Conclusiones. Derechohabiencia y afiliación nogarantizan el acceso a la atención médica en servicios públicos.Dada la creciente importancia de los CAF, es urgente diseñary evaluar estrategias para regular su desempeño
Comprensión y uso del etiquetado frontal nutrimental Guías Diarias de Alimentación de alimentos y bebidas industrializados en México
Authors: Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Sagaceta-Mejía Janine , Cruz-Casarrubias Carlos , Ríos-Cortázar Víctor , Jauregui Alejandra , Barquera Simón
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Evaluar el uso y la comprensión subjetiva y objetivadel etiquetado frontal Guías Diarias de Alimentación(GDA) para ayudar a la población a tomar decisiones saludablesrespecto a los productos que consume. Material ymétodos. Se evaluó el uso de la información nutrimentaldisponible en el empaque (GDA, tabla de información nutrimentaly lista de ingredientes), así como la comprensiónsubjetiva y objetiva del GDA, en personas mayores de 20años. Resultados. Se entrevistó a 43 157 personas. Latabla nutrimental fue la etiqueta más utilizada (11.1%). Apenas24.6% (IC95% 23.9-25.3) y 41.2% (IC95% 40.4-42.1) clasificócorrectamente el producto como nada saludable o alto ensodio, respectivamente. Estas proporciones fueron menoresen adultos mayores, personas con menor nivel educativo,nivel socioeconómico bajo y área rural. Conclusiones.Los resultados muestran que el etiquetado GDA no es útilpara apoyar a la población vulnerable a realizar eleccionessaludables.
Neumonía atípica: un término histórico en desuso
Authors: Martínez-Medina Miguel Angel , Cano-Rangel Manuel Alberto , Frías-Mendívil Mauricio
Published: November 2020

No disponible
Compromiso y responsabilidad de los profesionales sanitarios de una región de España durante la pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Santana-López Borja Nicolás , Santana-Padilla Yeray Gabriel , González-Martín Jesús María , Santana-Cabrera Luciano
Published: November 2020

No disponible
Incidencia y distribución geográfica de la enfermedad de Parkinson en México
Authors: Martínez-Ramírez Daniel , Rodríguez-Violante Mayela , Velázquez-Ávila Edna Sophia , Cervantes-Arriaga Amin , González-Cantú Arnulfo , Corona-Vázquez Teresita , Velásquez-Pérez Leora
Published: November 2020

No disponible
Comments: The Global Fits and Starts of Energy Transition
Authors: Boschee Pam
Published: November 2020

Many major oil and gas operators have announced their intentions to achieve various emissions goals. Obviously, the transition cannot be achieved with a simple flip of a switch and will require some time. What is also becoming more apparent is that the global variability in governments, populations, politics, and economics affects the implementation of measures necessary to achieve a macro-level energy transition. While this is a simple statement, it does not capture the zoomed-in view.
Technology Focus: Gas Production (November 2020)
Authors: Wilson Scott J.
Published: November 2020

When two black swans - weak industry fundamentals and a global pandemic - collided midair, a downward spiral became a freefall. Accompanied by the human tragedy of illness and financial hardship, industry employment shrunk at a pace not seen since 1986 and caused a contraction to the lowest international rig count since Baker Hughes started keeping records 43 years ago.

How has this upheaval affected the demand for the natural gas our industry supplies? Not very much.

Essential goods and services rose to the top of our attention in 2020, and natural gas has proved to be essential and reliable. Gas-fired electricity usage actually increased as stay-at-home orders nullified the economies of scale provided by shared workspaces. Natural-gas-powered delivery trucks bring things to us as we avoid crowded stores. While office buildings are kept cool or warm for a small number of onsite workers, work-from-home employees now demand a comfortable home 24 hours a day rather than just evenings and weekends. Worldwide demand is marginally lower because of curtailed economic activity, but that decline has been matched by the decrease in associated gas from shut-in oil wells.

While the selected papers were written before these developments, they each show the spirit of innovation and dedication to improving processes that will be required to rebound fully and continue to deliver the energy our world needs. Engineers thrive on making more from less, and this month’s paper selections highlight efforts to improve the efficiency of gas-production operations throughout the world.

Natural-gas suppliers continue to provide uninterrupted service despite fewer people and smaller budgets. Like other essential workers, they are heroes and deserve our sincerest thanks.
Modeling Liquid Holdup in Pseudoslugs
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: November 2020

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 19769, “Modeling Liquid Holdups in Pseudoslugs,” by Yilin Fan, SPE, Colorado School of Mines; Eissa Al-Safran, SPE, Kuwait University; and Eduardo Pereyra, SPE, The University of Tulsa, et al., prepared for the 2020 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 13-15 January. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 International Petroleum Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

Pseudoslug flow does not comply with the basic characteristics of conventional unit-cell slug flow. The liquid in the pseudoslug body is insufficient to reach the upper part of the pipe wall, resulting in only a large wave with entrained gas bubbles at the bottom part of the pseudoslug body. The pseudoslug body can be divided into two regions, liquid film (wave) with entrained gas bubbles at the bottom and gas core with entrained liquid droplets. The complete paper develops a plausible physical model of the experimentally observed pseudoslug liquid-holdup phenomenon and models physical and hydrodynamic behavior using a dimensional regression modeling approach.
Short-Term Production Optimization Under Water-Cut Uncertainty
Authors: Chaves Gabriela , Monteiro Danielle , Duque Maria Clara , Filho Virgílio Ferreira , Baioco Juliana , Vieira Bruno Ferreira
Published: November 2020

Short-term production optimization is an essential activity in the oil/gasfield-development process because it allows for the maximization of field production by finding the optimal operational point. In the fields that use gas lift as an artificial-lift method, the gas-lift optimization is a short-term problem. This paper presents a stochastic approach to include uncertainties from production parameters in gas-lift optimization, called the uncertain-gas-lift-optimization problem (UGLOP). Uncertainties from production variables are originated from the measurement process and the intrinsic stochastic phenomena of the production activity. The production variables usually obtained from production tests play an important role in the optimization process because they are used to update reservoir and well models. To include the uncertainties, the strategy involves representing the well-test data using nonlinear regression [support-vector regression (SVR)] and using the Latin-hypercube-sampling (LHS) method. The optimization gives a stochastic solution for the operational point. In the solved problem, this operational point is composed of the individual wells’ gas-lift-injection rate, choke opening, and well/separator routing. The value of the stochastic solution is computed to evaluate the benefit of solving the stochastic problem over the deterministic. The developed methodology is applied to wells of a Brazilian field considering uncertainty in water-cut (WC) values. As a result, an up-to-4.5% gain in oil production is observed using this approach.
Dynamic Contact Angle Reformulates Pore-Scale Fluid-Fluid Displacement at Ultralow Interfacial Tension
Authors: Yang Weipeng , Fu Chenliang , Du Yujing , Xu Ke , Balhoff Matthew T. , Weston Javen , Lu Jun
Published: November 2020

Surfactant flooding is an effective enhanced oil recovery method in which the oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) is reduced to ultralow values (<0.01 mN/m). The microscopic fluid-fluid displacement has been extensively studied at high IFT (>10 mN/m). However, the microscopic displacement dynamics can be significantly different when the IFT is ultralow because the dynamic contact angle increases with the increase of the capillary number. In this study, surfactant flooding was performed and visualized in micromodels to investigate the dynamics of multiphase displacement at ultralow IFT. Although the micromodels used were strongly water-wet, the displacements of oil by surfactant solutions at ultralow IFT appeared as drainage. Furthermore, a macroscopic oil film was left behind on the surface, which indicates that a contact line instability occurred during displacements. The shape of the oil/water meniscus was determined by the balance between viscous forces and capillary forces. The meniscus can be significantly distorted by viscous forces at ultralow IFT. Therefore, the water-wet micromodel exhibits an oil-wet behavior at ultralow IFT, and the displacements of oil by surfactant solutions at ultralow IFT manifested as drainage rather than imbibition. The flow behavior is further complicated by the spontaneous formation of microemulsion during displacement. The microemulsion is mainly formed from the residual oil. The formation of a microemulsion bank made the surfactant solution discontinuous, with transport in the form of droplets in the microemulsion bank and displacement front. The novelty of this work is to reveal the effects of dynamic contact angle on the ultralow IFT displacement.
In Science we (should) trust: expectations and compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bicchieri Cristina , Fatas Enrique , Aldama Abraham , Casas Andres , Deshpande Ishwari , Lauro Mariagiulia , Parilli Cristina , Spohn Max , Pereira Paula , Wen Ruiling
Published: November 2020

The magnitude and nature of the COVID-19 pandemic prevents public health policies from relying on coercive enforcement. Practicing social distancing, wearing masks and staying at home are voluntary and conditional on the behavior of others. We present the results of a large-scale survey experiment in nine countries with representative samples of the population. We find that both empirical expectations (what others do) and normative expectations (what others approve of) play a significant role in compliance, beyond the effect of any other individual or group characteristic. In our survey experiment, when empirical and normative expectations of individuals are high, compliance goes up by 55% (relative to the low expectations condition). Similar results are obtained when we look at self-reported compliance among those with high expectations. Our results are driven by an asymmetric interaction with individuals’ trust in government and science. Holding both expectations high, the effect of trusting science is substantial and significant in our vignette experiment (22% increase in compliance), and even larger in self-reported compliance (76% and 127% increase before and after the lockdown). By contrast, trusting the government only generates modest effects. At the macro level, the country-level trust in science, and not in government, becomes a strong predictor of compliance.
Inference of malaria transmission dynamics under varying assumptions about the spatial scale of transmission: a modelling study in three elimination settings
Authors: Routledge Isobel , Bhatt Samir
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIndividual-level geographic information about malaria cases, such as the GPS coordinates of residence or health facility, is often collected as part of surveillance in near-elimination settings, but could be more effectively utilised to infer transmission dynamics, in conjunction with additional information such as symptom onset time and genetic distance. However, in the absence of data about the flow of parasites between populations, the spatial scale of malaria transmission is often not clear. As a result, it is important to understand the impact of varying assumptions about the spatial scale of transmission on key metrics of malaria transmission, such as reproduction numbers. MethodsWe developed a method which allows the flexible integration of distance metrics (such as Euclidian distance, genetic distance or accessibility matrices) with temporal information into a single inference framework to infer malaria reproduction numbers. Twelve scenarios were defined, representing different assumptions about the likelihood of transmission occurring over different geographic distances and likelihood of missing infections (as well as high and low amounts of uncertainty in this estimate). These scenarios were applied to four individual level datasets from malaria eliminating contexts to estimate individual reproduction numbers and how they varied over space and time.Results Model comparison suggested that including spatial information improved models as measured by ΔAICc, compared to time only results. Across scenarios and across datasets, including spatial information tended to increase the seasonality of temporal patterns in reproduction numbers and reduced noise in the temporal distribution of reproduction numbers. The best performing parameterisations assumed long-range transmission (>200km) was possible.ConclusionsOur approach is flexible and provides the potential to incorporate other sources of information which can be converted into distance or adjacency matrices such as travel times or molecular markers.
Effect of Dark Septate Endophytes on Plant Performance of Artemisia Ordosica and Associated Soil Microbial Community Under Salt Stress
Authors: Hou Lifeng , Li Xia , He Xueli , Zuo Yiling , Zhang Dongdong , Zhao Lili
Published: November 2020

Background: Fungal endophytes can improve plant tolerance to abiotic stress, however, the role of these plant–fungal interactions in desert species ecology and their management implications remain unclear. This study aimed to assess whether dark septate endophytes (DSE) can shift the performance of Artemisia ordosica and associated soil microbial community under salt stress.Methods: We investigated the effects of three DSE (Alternaria chlamydosporigena [AC], Paraphoma chrysanthemicola [PC] and Bipolaris sorokiniana [BS]) isolated from desert habitats on plant morphology, physiology and rhizosphere soil microhabitat of Artemisia ordosica seedlings under different NaCl concentrations (0 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 %) in a growth chamber. Results: Three DSE strains could colonize the roots of A. ordosica, and the symbiotic response with host plants depended on DSE species and NaCl concentration. The greatest benefits associated with DSE occurred under 0.1 % NaCl. Specifically, AC improved root morphology, and increased total biomass and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; PC increased root morphology, root biomass, and glutathione (GSH) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) contents; and BS promoted SOD activity and GSH and IAA contents. DSE reduced the root Na+ content. Interestingly, BS promoted gram-positive (G +) and gram-negative (G −) bacteria under 0.1 % NaCl and the abundance of AM fungi under 0.2 % and 0.3 % NaCl. PC positively affected fungi, AM fungi, G − bacteria and actinomycetes under 0.2 % and 0.3 % NaCl, while AC increased the abundance of all examined microbes under 0.3 % NaCl. A structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that DSE not only positively affects A. ordosica performance but also directly or indirectly impacts soil microbes by regulating the soil organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (AP), and alkaline nitrogen (AN) content.Conclusions: DSE isolated from A. ordosica enhanced the root development of host plants and altered the soil nutrient content and soil microbiota under different NaCl concentrations, possibly contributing to plant growth and ecological adaptability under saline environment. These results contribute to the understanding of the ecological function of DSE in desert ecosystems and may be used to promote vegetation restoration in salinized desert areas.
R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor MdMYB73 Confers Increased Resistance to the Fungal Pathogen Botryosphaeria Dothidea via the Salicylic acid Pathway in Apple
Authors: Gu Kai-Di , Zhang Quan-Yan , Yu Jian-Qiang , Wang Jia-Hui , Zhang Fu-Jun , Wang Chu-Kun , Zhao Yu-Wen , Sun Cui-Hui , You Chun-Xiang , Hu Da-Gang , Hao Yu-Jin
Published: November 2020

Background: The MYB transcription factor (TF) family is involved in many biological processes. However, the molecular mechanism of the MYB family in the resistance to apple ring rot remains poorly understood. Results: Here, the R2R3-MYB subfamily member MdMYB73 was cloned from “Royal Gala,” and its function was characterized by a positive regulator in controlling defense against Botryosphaeria dothidea. qRT-PCR and GUS staining analysis demonstrated that the expression of MdMYB73 was notably induced in apple fruits and transgenic calli after inoculation with B. dothidea. Overexpression of MdMYB73 enhanced resistance, while suppressing MdMYB73 expression weakened resistance to B. dothidea in apple calli and fruits. The increased resistance to B. dothidea was also observed in MdMYB73-expressing Arabidopsis thaliana. Interestingly, we found that MdMYB73 improved resistance against B. dothidea, possibly by the salicylic acid (SA) pathway, since SA content and expression of SA synthesis- and signaling-associated genes were higher in MdMYB73 overexpression plant materials compared with wild-type controls after inoculation. In addition, we discovered that MdMYB73 interacts with the B. dothidea positive regulator MdWRKY31 and together enhance the resistance to B. dothidea in apple. Conclusions: Overall, these findings shed light on the mechanism by which MdMYB73 enhances the resistance to B. dothidea, possibly by regulating the SA pathway.
Comparison of The 7th and 8th Editions of The Union for International Cancer Control /American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging System for Nonmetastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in The Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Era
Authors: He Tao , Yan Ruo-Nan , Chen Hua-Ying , Zeng Yuan-Yuan , Xiang Zhong-Zheng , Liu Fang , Shao Bian-Fei , Ma Jia-Chun , Wang Xi-Ran , Liu Lei
Published: November 2020

Background: To compare the prognostic value of 7th and 8th editions of the Union for International Cancer Control /American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for patients with nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy and simultaneous integrated boost– intensity-modulated radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT).Methods: Patients with NPC (n = 300) who received SIB-IMRT were included. Survival by T-classification, N-classification, and stage group of each staging system was assessed.Results: For T-classification, nonsignificant difference was observed between T1 and T2 and between T2 and T3 disease (P = 0.066 and 0.106, respectively) for overall survival (OS) in the 7th staging system, whereas all these differences were significant in the 8th staging system (all P < 0.05). The survival curves for disease-free survival (DFS) and LRFS in both staging systems were similar, except for the comparison of T2 and T4 disease for LRFS (P = 0.07 for 7th edition; P = 0.011 for 8th edition). For N-classification, significant differences were observed between N2 and N3 diseases after revision (P = 0.046 and P = 0.043 for OS and DFS, respectively). For staging system, no significant difference was observed between IVA and IVB of 7th edition.Conclusion: The 8th AJCC staging system appeared to have superior prognosis value in the SIB-IMRT era compared with the 7th edition.
Modeling and Simulation of Knowledge Innovation Diffusion in Weighted Scale-free Industry-University-Research Cooperative Innovation Network
Authors: Cao Xia , Li Chuanyun , Li Jinqiu , Li Yunchang
Published: November 2020

With the weighted scale-free cooperative innovation network of industry-university-research established by the weighted evolutionary BBV model as the research object, based on the interaction between knowledge innovation diffusion and network structure, a corresponding model of knowledge innovation diffusion is constructed. By using complex network theory and simulation analysis methods, the evolution law of knowledge innovation diffusion in the industry-university-research cooperative innovation network is analyzed. The results show that the overall knowledge level of the industry-university-research cooperative innovation network shows a rapid growth trend, and the growth rate of knowledge shows a changing trend of slowing first and then increasing abruptly; the greater the degree of the innovator, the higher its knowledge level; the more stable the cooperative relationships between innovator, and the stronger its knowledge diffusion ability; the knowledge diffusion mode and network structure are the reasons for the emergence of sudden changes in the network; the knowledge diffusion constraints and network structure are the keys to knowledge innovation and diffusion; with the passage of time, the knowledge level differentiation among innovators gradually increases, and the role of hub institutions in knowledge innovation diffusion becomes increasingly prominent.
Comparative proteomic profiling of newly acquired, virulent and attenuated Neoparamoeba perurans proteins associated with amoebic gill disease
Authors: Dhufaigh Kerrie Ní , Dillon Eugene , Botwright Natasha , Talbot Anita , O'Connor Ian , MacCarthy Eugene , Slattery Orla
Published: November 2020

The causative agent of amoebic gill disease, Neoparamoeba perurans is reported to lose virulence during prolonged in vitro maintenance. In this study, the impact of prolonged culture on N. perurans virulence and its proteome was investigated. Two isolates, attenuated and virulent, had their virulence assessed in an experimental trial using Atlantic salmon smolts and their bacterial community composition was evaluated by 16S rRNA Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Soluble proteins were isolated from three isolates: a newly acquired, virulent and attenuated N. perurans culture. Proteins were analysed using two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The challenge trial using naïve smolts confirmed a loss in virulence in the attenuated N. perurans culture. A greater diversity of bacterial communities was found in the microbiome of the virulent isolate in contrast to a reduction in microbial community richness in the attenuated microbiome. A collated proteome database of N. perurans, Amoebozoa and four bacterial genera resulted in 24 proteins differentially expressed between the three cultures. The present LC-MS/MS results indicate protein synthesis, oxidative stress and immunomodulation are upregulated in a newly acquired N. perurans culture and future studies may exploit these protein identifications for therapeutic purposes in infected farmed fish.
Enhanced Interactions of Kuroshio Extension With Tropical Pacific in a Changing Climate 
Authors: Joh Youngji , Lorenzo Emanuele Di , Siqueira Leo , Kirtman Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Quasi-decadal climate of the Kuroshio Extension (KE) is pivotal to understanding the North Pacific coupled ocean-atmosphere dynamics and their predictability. Recent observational studies suggest that extratropical-tropical coupling between the KE and the central tropical Pacific El Niño Southern Oscillation (CP-ENSO) leads to the observed preferred decadal time-scale of Pacific climate variability. By combining reanalysis data with numerical simulations from a high-resolution climate model and a linear inverse model (LIM), we confirm that KE and CP-ENSO dynamics are linked through extratropical-tropical teleconnections. Specifically, the atmospheric response to the KE excites Meridional Modes that energize the CP-ENSO (extratropics→tropics), and in turn, CP-ENSO teleconnections energize the extratropical atmospheric forcing of the KE (tropics→extratropics). However, both observations and the model show that the KE/CP-ENSO coupling is non-stationary and has intensified in recent decades after the mid-1980. Given the short length of the observational and climate model record, it is difficult to attribute this shift to anthropogenic forcing. However, using a large-ensemble of the LIM we show that the intensification in the KE/CP-ENSO coupling after the mid-1980 is significant and linked to changes in the KE atmospheric downstream response, which exhibit a stronger imprint on the subtropical winds that excite the Pacific Meridional modes and CP-ENSO.
A Longitudinal and Geospatial Analysis of COVID-19 Tweets During the Early Outbreak Period in the United States
Authors: Cuomo Raphael , Purushothaman Vidya , Li Jiawei , Cai Mingxiang , Mackey Timothy
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Local rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths may not accurately convey the variability in community-level concern about COVID-19 during the early outbreak period in the United States. Social media interaction may elucidate communication about COVID-19 in this critical period, during which communities may have formulated initial conceptions pertaining to the perceived gravity of the disease and potential behavioral strategies for prevention.Methods: Scripts were written to obtain tweets related to COVID-19 from Twitter. Using manually-annotated tweets about symptom-related concerns from a prior study, a machine learning classifier was applied to obtain a subset of tweets about concerns relating to COVID-19. The longitudinal relationship between these social media posts and active COVID-19 cases was assessed using linear and exponential regression. Changes in the geospatial clustering of tweets was assessed for the top five most populous cities in the United States.Results: Social media posts relating to COVID-19 concerns appeared more predictive of active COVID-19 cases as temporal distance increased. The distribution of tweets in New York City and Phoenix appeared concentrated in city centers, whereas tweets from other cities were more residential. Tweets from New York City became more highly concentrated, but the opposite trend was observed in tweets from Los Angeles.Conclusion: Clustering of social media posts about COVID-19 revealed discrepancies across major US cities. General concern about the COVID-19 pandemic may moderate the relationship between behavioral/environmental factors and COVID-19 transmission. The degree and modality of this moderating effect may differ across US areas.
Zircon Record of Supercontinent Amalgamation in Back-arc Volcanic Rocks
Authors: Zeng Zhigang , Chen Zuxing , Zhang Yuxiang
Published: November 2020

Episodic supercontinental amalgamation has profoundly influenced the evolution of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. However, the timing of supercontinent formation has mainly been constrained by the global age spectra of detrital zircon. Here, we show that the zircons in back-arc volcanic rocks not only reflect the evolution of local magmatism but also contain a record of global continental amalgamation events. We found that the young (<100 ka) zircons in volcanic rocks from the Okinawa Trough have old (108 Ma to 2.7 Ga) inherited zircon, which were captured as the magma ascended through the rifting continental crust. Moreover, the ages of the inherited zircons correspond to five supercontinent amalgamation events. Specifically, the Archaean inherited zircons, which have positive ɛHf(t) and low δ18O values, correspond to the formation of juvenile global continental crust. In contrast, the negative ɛHf(t) and high δ18O values of post-Archaean inherited zircons indicate that their parental magma contained recycled, old crust due to the enhanced crustal thickening and crust-mantle interactions during supercontinent assembly. Therefore, inherited zircons in back-arc volcanic rocks not only reflect the evolution of local magmatism but also contain a record of global supercontinental amalgamation events.
Surgeon Dominated Design Can Improve the Accuracy of Patient-specific Instruments in Kinematically Aligned TKA
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Wen Liang , Zhang Liang , Ma Desi , Dong Xiang , Qu Tiebing
Published: November 2020

Precise bone resection is mandatory for kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty（KA-TKA). Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been applied to improve the accuracy of bone resection in TKA for many years. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether surgeons’ domination in PSI design can improve accuracy in KA-TKA. A total of 24 patients (24 knees) who underwent KA-TKA in our institution were assigned into engineer designed PSI group (10 knees) and surgeon designed PSI group (14 knees). The bone resection discrepancies of every key facets were used to evaluate the accuracy of PSI in bone resection, while the absolute differences of joint line orientation before and after surgery were used to evaluate the accuracy of PSI in joint line restoration. The overall discrepancy of bone resection was reduced by surgeon designed PSI compared to engineer designed PSI by 0.33mm (P<0.001). Surgeon designed PSI could reduce the outliers in terms of relative discrepancies in bone resection as well. Moreover, surgeon designed PSI could significantly improve the accuracy of PSI in the restoration of the joint line (p=0.01). This study indicate that the dominance of surgeons in both PSI design and subsequent surgical operation should be emphasized in efforts to improve the accuracy of PSI.