bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning Nonlinear Model Parameters in Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters to Match Experimental Data
Authors: Poblete Alejandro , Peralta Patricio , Ruiz Rafael O.
Published: December 2020

A framework that allows the use of well-known dynamic estimators in piezoelectric harvesters (PEHs) (i.e., deterministic performance estimators) and that accounts for the random error associated with the mathematical model and the uncertainties of model parameters is presented here. This framework may be employed for Posterior Robust Stochastic analysis, such as when a harvester can be tested or is already installed and the experimental data are available. In particular, the framework detailed here is introduced to update the electromechanical properties of PEHs using Bayesian techniques. The updated electromechanical properties are identified by adopting a Transitional Markov Chain Monte Carlo. A well-known device with a nonlinear constitutive relationship is employed for experiments in this study, and the results demonstrated the capability of the proposed framework to update nonlinear electromechanical properties. The importance of including model parameter uncertainties to generate robust predictive tools is also supported by the results. Therefore, this framework constitutes a powerful tool for the robust design and prediction of PEH performance.
A Friction-Enhanced Tuned Ring Damper for Bladed Disks
Authors: Lupini Andrea , Epureanu Bogdan I.
Published: December 2020

This paper introduces a new type of damper for turbomachinery blisks. The major pitfalls of the damper concepts currently employed are two: the low level of relative motion that is available at the damper attachment location, and the inability to control the preload at the frictional interface. To address these issues, the proposed damper is designed as a tuned vibration absorber (TVA), which allows energy transfer from the blades to the damper provided that the natural frequency of the damper is close to that of the host structure. Thanks to the enhanced energy transfer, the damper can experience increased relative motion. Frictional contacts are then included to dissipate the energy transferred to the damper. The damper structure must be stiff enough to withstand centrifugal loading without affecting the preload too much. However, it also must be compliant to make sure that its natural frequencies can match the ones of the host structure. For this reason, the proposed damper involves a complex geometry that is stiff in the radial direction and softer in the circumferential direction, which is the direction of the relative motion. A model of the damper is created to damp the vibration of a realistic blisk. The effectiveness of the damper is investigated using high fidelity finite element (FE) models. The frequency response of the system is obtained to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed design. Preliminary results show the potential of this technology for structures with such low damping.
Power Analysis of SDOF Structures With Tuned Inerter Dampers
Subjected to Earthquake Ground Motions
Authors: Shen Wenai , Long Zhentao , Wang Heng , Zhu Hongping
Published: December 2020

Tuned inerter dampers (TID) have been demonstrated as efficient energy dissipation devices for seismic response control. However, its potential capability for energy harvesting remains largely unexplored. Here, we present a theoretical analysis of the power of a structure-TID system subjected to earthquake ground motions. The analytical solutions (ASs) of the average damping power of the system are derived for considering white noise base excitations and the Kanai-Tajimi earthquake model, respectively. Comparisons of the numerical results of a Monte Carlo simulation and the theoretical predictions verify the accuracy of the analytical solutions. Besides, we uncover the influence of the TID parameters on the average damping power and output power of the system. The optimal frequency ratio of the TID for maximizing its output power slightly differs from that for seismic response control, and the former varies with site conditions. In contrast, both the damping power and output power are not sensitive to the damping ratio of the TID. For short-period structures, a small inertance-to-mass ratio (μ) of the TID is beneficial to maximize its output power, while seismic response control requires a large μ. For long-period structures, the damping power and output power are not sensitive to the μ. Generally, a structure-TID system on a soft soil site absorbs more energy from a given earthquake and is capable of harvesting more energy than that on a hard soil site. This study may help develop new strategies for self-powered control and monitoring in civil structures.
The M Waves Emitted by an Expanding Phase Boundary Create a “Lacuna”
Authors: Markenscoff Xanthippi
Published: December 2020

The M waves introduced by Burridge and Willis (1969, “The Self-Similar Problem of the Expanding Crack in an Anisotropic Solid,” Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc., 66(2), pp. 443–468) are emitted by the surface of a self-similarly expanding elliptical crack, and they give Rayleigh waves at the corresponding crack speed. In the analysis for the self-similarly expanding spherical inclusion with phase change (dynamic Eshelby problem), the M waves are related to the waves obtained on the basis of the dynamic Green’s function containing the contribution from the latest wavelets emitted by the expanding boundary of phase discontinuity, and they satisfy the Hadamard jump conditions for compatibility and linear momentum across the moving phase boundary of discontinuity. In the interior of the expanding inclusion, they create a “lacuna” with zero particle velocity by canceling the effect of the P and S. It is shown that the “lacuna” and Eshelby properties are also valid for a Newtonian fluid undergoing phase change in a self-similarly expanding ellipsoidal region of a fluid with different viscosity.
Study on Incorporation of New Design Fatigue Curves and a New Environmental Fatigue Correction Factor for PWR Environment Into the JSME Environmental Fatigue Evaluation Method
Authors: Asada Seiji , Zhang Shengde , Takanashi Masahiro , Nomura Yuichiro
Published: December 2020

Improved design fatigue curves were developed in the Subcommittee on Design Fatigue Curve in the Atomic Energy Research Committee in the Japan Welding Engineering Society (JWES). Working Group on Design Fatigue Curves (WG DFC) in the JSME has studied the validity and the applicability of the improved design fatigue curves developed in the JWES to incorporate into the JSME Environmental Fatigue Evaluation Method. The authors propose a fatigue analysis method using the design fatigue curves developed in the JWES that are applied revised factors to optimize the environmental fatigue analysis.

Also, the Japanese pressurized water reactor (PWR) utility group developed equations of environmental fatigue factors (Fen) for austenitic stainless steel base metal, weld metal and cast stainless steel in PWR environment. The WG DFC has investigated the Fen equations and concluded that the Fen equation of austenitic stainless steel base metal is the most conservative among the three equations and close to NUREG/CR-6909 Rev.1 [24]. The authors propose to use the Fen equation for base metal for austenitic stainless steels for all of the base metal, weld metal and cast stainless steel. In addition, the authors have confirmed that the employment of the proposed Fen equation to the proposed design fatigue curves of austenitic stainless steels accurately predicts the existing environmental fatigue test data of austenitic stainless steels, which were used in the development of the current Fen equation of austenitic stainless steels in PWR environments in the JSME Environmental Fatigue Evaluation Method. Therefore, the proposed Fen equation can be applied to environmental fatigue evaluation for austenitic stainless steels.
The spatial uniformity of an electronic sound masking system in an open-plan space
Authors: Lee Joonhee , Zarei Farideh , Mackenzie Roderick , Le Men Vincent
Published: December 2020

An electronic sound-masking system reduces workers' distractions in open-plan spaces by utilizing an artificial broadband sound. The artificial sound should raise a background noise level spectrum to the targeted masking sound level uniformly over the entire area.Uneven distribution of the masking sound levels can cause unnecessary loud background noise or inefficient sound masking performance at the same time and in different locations. The ASTM E 1573-18 standard provides a procedure to quantify the uniformity of the masking sound but does not specify any acceptable degree of uniformity. Thus, this study aims to investigate the uniformity of the masking sound field in an open-plan space under varying room acoustic conditions. The acoustic measurement was carried out in an open-plan office with a measurement grid of 0.6 m. The spatial variation of the sound pressure levels was calculated with the measured one-third-octave band SPLs from 250 Hz to 4 kHz. The study also employed computer-aided acoustic simulation to find key design parameters, impacting the uniformity of the masking sound. The results show that the number of loudspeakers, a partition height, scattering, and absorption coefficients can significantly influence the spatial uniformity and speech privacy within the space. Finally, the results proposed an acceptable variation of the masking sound field by examining the Articulation Index (AI) change in the space.
Multispecies bioacoustics classification using transfer learning of deep convolutional neural networks with pseudo-labeling
Authors: Zhong Ming , LeBien Jack , Campos-Cerqueira Marconi , Dodhia Rahul , Lavista Ferres Juan , Velev Julian , Aide T. Mitchell
Published: December 2020

In this study, we evaluated deep convolutional neural networks for classifying the calls of 24 birds and amphibian species detected in ambient field recordings from the tropical mountains of Puerto Rico. Training data were collected using a template-based detection algorithm and manually validated with a graphical interface. To reduce the labor intensive and time-consuming process of manual validation, as well as to increase the accuracy of species classification with acoustic recordings, we propose a novel approach that combines transfer learning of a pre-trained deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model, a semi-supervised pseudo-labeling method, and a custom training loss function. While generating sufficient training data is a major challenge for many deep learning applications, our proposed methodology enables the network to be trained in a supervised fashion with labeled and unlabeled data simultaneously, which effectively increases the size of training set and thus boosts the model performance. As a result, the model achieves 97.7% sensitivity, 96.4% specificity and 96.6% accuracy in classifying a test set of manually validated true and false positive template-based detections. This multi-label multi-species classification methodology and its framework can be easily expanded to other acoustic classification problems.
Depth dependence of acoustic signals produced by bubble release events in melting glacier ice
Authors: Johnson Hayden A. , Vishnu Hari , Deane Grant B. , Tuckman Phillip , Glowacki Oskar , Moskalik Mateusz
Published: December 2020

Melting glaciers and ice sheets are important contributors to sea level rise, but the rates at which they are losing mass are difficult to measure precisely. Using the acoustic signals produced by the rapid release of pressurized air from bubbles contained in the ice is a promising avenue for obtaining quantitative estimates of the rate of submarine melting at the termini of tidewater glaciers. The amplitude and character of the observed average signal generated by the bubble release events have been found to depend strongly upon the hydrostatic pressure of the water the bubbles are released into, and therefore on the depth at which said events occur; this dependence must be better understood before the goal of measuring melting rates can be achieved. Data from field experiments performed at the Hornsund fjord in Svalbard, Norway, in which the acoustic melting signal from blocks of glacier ice was recorded at varying depths, will be presented, and compared to the output of an idealized model for the acoustic signal produced by the release of bubbles from melting ice.
Stand Up Now: A Sedentary Behavior Intervention in Older Adults of Moderate to Low Physical Function
Authors: Thralls Butte Katie , Levy Susan S.
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To examine the efficacy of an the intervention Stand Up Now (SUN) to reduce sedentary behavior (SB) and improve physical function and mobility. Methods: SUN included two groups: (a) focused on reducing total SB (SUNSL) and (b) focused on increasing sit-to-stand (STS) transitions (SUNSTS). The participants (N = 71; Mage = 87 ± 7 years) had 12 weekly health coaching sessions. SB, physical function, and mobility were measured at the baseline, 6, and 12 weeks via the activPAL, Short Physical Performance Battery, and the 8-foot up and go, respectively. Linear mixed models examined the outcome variables over time. Results: Both groups decreased sedentary time (1.3 ± 0.3 hr, p < .001), increased standing time (0.5 ± 0.2 hr, p < .02), and improved physical function (1.5 ± 0.4 points, p < .001) from the baseline to 6 weeks, and they maintained it at 12 weeks. SUNSTS increased STS transitions (5.4 ± 4.1, p < .001), while SUNSL had no changes (0.5 ± 3.1, p > .9). There were no changes in mobility for either group (0.5 ± 1.5 s, p > .05). Discussion: SUN demonstrates the efficacy to improve SB and physical function in older adults.
A dam big problem
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: December 2020

A string of catastrophic failures has raised alarm about dams meant to contain muddy mine wastes.
Red alert
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: December 2020

Researchers are working to find new uses for red mud, the caustic byproduct of aluminum production.
‘A very, very bad look’ for remdesivir
Authors: Cohen Jon , Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: December 2020

FDA and Europe anointed it as a key therapy just after a major study found it has little value.
Antitumor activity of a systemic STING-activating non-nucleotide cGAMP mimetic
Authors: Chin Emily N. , Yu Chenguang , Vartabedian Vincent F. , Jia Ying , Kumar Manoj , Gamo Ana M. , Vernier William , Ali Sabrina H. , Kissai Mildred , Lazar Daniel C. , Nguyen Nhan , Pereira Laura E. , Benish Brent , Woods Ashley K. , Joseph Sean B. , Chu Alan , Johnson Kristen A. , Sander Philipp N. , Martínez-Peña Francisco , Hampton Eric N. , Young Travis S. , Wolan Dennis W. , Chatterjee Arnab K. , Schultz Peter G. , Petrassi H. Michael , Teijaro John R. , Lairson Luke L.
Published: December 2020

Targeting STING for cancer therapy

Activation of the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) protein by cyclic dinucleotide metabolites plays a critical role in antitumor immunity. The development of synthetic STING agonists is therefore being pursued as a strategy for cancer therapy, but the inherent instability of dinucleotides has limited current efforts. Pan
et al.
and Chin
et al.
identified stable STING agonists that act in a “closed” conformation similar to the natural STING ligand, cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate (see the Perspective by Gajewski and Higgs). The small molecules can be given orally—an advantage over previously developed STING agonists, which required intratumoral administration. After oral or systemic administration in mice, the agonists activated STING and diverse immune cell types to promote antitumor immunity. These studies represent progress toward clinically viable STING agonists for cancer immunotherapy.

Science
, this issue p.
eaba6098
, p.
993
; see also p.
921
A glycoprotein in urine binds bacteria and blocks infections
Authors: Kukulski Wanda
Published: December 2020

Direct imaging of a human fluid illuminates the molecular basis of urinary tract protection from disease
The genetic law of the minimum
Authors: Polz Martin F. , Cordero Otto X.
Published: December 2020

The genetic code evolved to reduce the impact of nutrient limitations
2′3′-cGAMP triggers a STING- and NF-κB–dependent broad antiviral response in
Drosophila
Authors: Cai Hua , Holleufer Andreas , Simonsen Bine , Schneider Juliette , Lemoine Aurélie , Gad Hans Henrik , Huang Jingxian , Huang Jieqing , Chen Di , Peng Tao , Marques João T. , Hartmann Rune , Martins Nelson E. , Imler Jean-Luc
Published: December 2020

The cyclic dinucleotide 2′3′-cGAMP activates STING and NF-κB to protect
Drosophila
against multiple viruses.
Pooled Saliva Specimens for SARS-CoV-2 Testing
Authors: Barat Bidisha , Das Sanchita , De Giorgi Valeria , Henderson David K. , Kopka Stacy , Lau Anna F. , Miller Tracey , Moriarty Theresa , Palmore Tara N. , Sawney Shari , Spalding Chris , Tanjutco Patricia , Wortmann Glenn , Zelazny Adrian M. , Frank Karen M.
Published: December 2020

We evaluated saliva (SAL) specimens for SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) testing by comparison of 459 prospectively paired nasopharyngeal (NP) or midturbinate (MT) swabs from 449 individuals with the aim of using saliva for asymptomatic screening. Samples were collected in a drive-through car line for symptomatic individuals (
n
 = 380) and in the emergency department (ED) (
n
 = 69).
Complete Genome Sequence of the Naegleria fowleri (Strain LEE) Closed Circular Extrachromosomal Ribosomal DNA Element
Authors: Mullican John C. , Drescher Kristen M. , Chapman Nora M. , Tracy Steven
Published: December 2020

The circular extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) element of
Naegleria fowleri
strain LEE was molecularly cloned and fully sequenced. The element comprises 15,786 bp and encodes a single copy of the organism’s rDNA cistron. The nonribosomal sequence contains five potential open reading frames, two large direct repeat sequences, and numerous smaller repeated-sequence regions.
De Novo
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Annotation of Pathogenic Bovine Pasteurella multocida Type A:3 Strains
Authors: Livingstone Morag , Aitchison Kevin , Dagleish Mark , Longbottom David
Published: December 2020

Pneumonic pasteurellosis, caused by
Pasteurella multocida
, is a common respiratory infection of ruminants that has major economic and welfare implications throughout the world. Here, we report the annotated genome sequences of seven pathogenic strains of
P. multocida
that were isolated from cattle in the UK.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequence of Dolichospermum circinale Strain Clear-D4, Assembled from a Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Enrichment Culture
Authors: Florea Kyra M. , Thrash J. Cameron , Webb Eric A.
Published: December 2020

Dolichospermum circinale
(formerly
Anabaena circinale
) is a significant harmful algal bloom species. We report the draft metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) sequence for a strain of
D. circinale
(Clear-D4) obtained from an enrichment culture. The genome sequence comprises 5,029,933 bp in 560 contigs with 37% GC content.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Kottbus Strain Kharkiv, Isolated from a Commercial Pork Production Facility in Ukraine
Authors: Arefiev Vasiliy , Kovalenko Ganna , Frant Maciej , Chumachenko Tetiana , Polyvianna Yuliia , Pivnenko Svitlana , Bolotin Vitaliy , Mayboroda Olga , Solodiankin Oleksii , Tarasov Oleksandr , Bezyemenni Maksym , Lyon Cora , Redlinger Matthew , Sapachova Maryna , Mezhenskyi Andrii A. , Ducluzeau Anne-Lise , Bortz Eric , Gerilovych Anton , Drown Devin M.
Published: December 2020

The complete genome of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Kottbus (serogroup C2-C3), which was isolated from a commercial pork production facility in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was assembled using long-read Nanopore sequences. A single circular contig (4,799,045 bp) comprised a complete chromosome encoding antibiotic resistance, highlighting the risk of cross-species livestock and human infection.
Genome Sequence of Vibrio nigripulchritudo Strain TUMSAT-TG-2018, Isolated from Diseased Pacific White Shrimp,
Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Kawato Satoshi , Lu Jian , Nozaki Reiko , Kondo Hidehiro , Hirono Ikuo
Published: December 2020

The Gram-negative bacterium
Vibrio nigripulchritudo
is an important shrimp pathogen. Here, we present the genome sequence of
Vibrio nigripulchritudo
TUMSAT-TG-2018, which was isolated from a diseased pacific white shrimp (
Litopenaeus vannamei
). The assembly totaled 6.8 Mbp, consisting of two chromosomes and four plasmids.
Virome Analysis of Near-Bottom Coastal Water of Lake Baikal
Authors: Butina Tatyana V. , Petrushin Ivan S. , Khanaev Igor V. , Bukin Yurij S.
Published: December 2020

In recent years, Lake Baikal has undergone significant changes in the composition of coastal communities associated with the increasing anthropogenic influence and global climate changes. In this context, we carried out metagenomic sequencing of the DNA viral community of an integral near-bottom water sample from the littoral zone of the lake.
Virtual online consultation platforms for secondary care: a review of the options
Authors: Shah Neha , Thakrar Amit , Visvanathan Shankar , Thamban Sujatha
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The primary objective of this paper was to independently evaluate the currently available web-based software options for virtual consultations in a secondary care setting.

Design

Comparative study.

Setting

UK.

Participants

Web-based software options for virtual consultations in a secondary care setting.

Main outcome measures

Eight predetermined measures of functionality were assessed including time to setup, availability of a diary system, ability to book appointments in advance, ability to send patient reminders, ability to add a second caller, text messaging functionality, need for the patient to download an app and web browser compatibility.

Results

Nine platforms met the inclusion criteria for web-based standalone video consultation solutions. Four offered immediate access via an nhs.net email address. Six platforms used an appointment diary system, with five allowing clinicians to see which patients were ready and waiting for consultation at any particular time. Four of the platforms had the facility to book appointments in advance and send appointment details via text message or email. Five of the platforms had the ability to add a second caller. One platform required the patient to download a mobile phone app. All platforms were compatible with Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Microsoft Edge (Chromium or Blink versions).

Conclusions

The uptake of virtual online consultations has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the National Health Service (NHS) has become a forced ‘early-adopter’. Many of the solutions do well to address the demand; however, more work is required for it to be embedded into routine service and fulfil the aims of the NHS Long Term Plan: allow patients more choice and flexibility in their care. It is vital that once normality resumes, research focuses on the outcomes of virtual online consultations, with focus on factors such as patient satisfaction, length of appointment, time to diagnosis and initiation of management.
Comparison of a progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol with a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who are participating in an IVF programme: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Ningling , Zhu Qianqian , Ma Meng , Liang Zhou , Tao Yu , Wang Yun , Kuang Yanping
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols are typically characterised by an increased number of oocytes retrieved. The oocytes are often of poor quality, leading to lower pregnancy rates, higher miscarriage rates and an increased risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Since our previous preliminary study showed that a novel progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol blocked the luteinising hormone (LH) surge during IVF and achieved a higher pregnancy rate with a lower incidence of OHSS, we designed a prospective randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of this PPOS protocol with the flexible gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol in patients with PCOS who are undergoing IVF procedures.

Methods and analysis

Patients with PCOS will be randomised to one of two controlled ovarian stimulation regimens—GnRH antagonist or PPOS—using a computer-generated random number. A freeze-all strategy using embryo vitrification techniques and frozen embryo transfer will be performed in both groups. The primary outcome is the live-birth rate per transfer. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of premature LH surges, the duration and total dose of human menopausal gonadotropin stimulation, the number of oocytes retrieved, the incidence of moderate or severe OHSS, the number of embryos available for transfer, implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, pregnancy loss rates, ectopic pregnancy rates, pregnancy and neonatal complications, and congenital anomalies. The necessary sample size for this trial was estimated as 392 participants, with 196 participants in each group. Intention-to-treat analysis was used in processing our experimental data.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the hospital (2016-133-T82). The trial will be conducted according to the principles of the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki and in accordance with Good Clinical Practice standards. The findings of this trial will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTRIPR16009580.
Predicting severe pneumonia in the emergency department: a global study of the Pediatric Emergency Research Networks (PERN)—study protocol
Authors: Florin Todd Adam , Tancredi Daniel Joseph , Ambroggio Lilliam , Babl Franz E , Dalziel Stuart R , Eckerle Michelle , Mintegi Santiago , Neuman Mark , Plint Amy C , Kuppermann Nathan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Pneumonia is a frequent and costly cause of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisations in children. There are no evidence-based, validated tools to assist physicians in management and disposition decisions for children presenting to the ED with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The objective of this study is to develop a clinical prediction model to accurately stratify children with CAP who are at risk for low, moderate and severe disease across a global network of EDs.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective cohort study enrolling up to 4700 children with CAP at EDs at ~80 member sites of the Pediatric Emergency Research Networks (PERN; https://pern-global.com/). We will include children aged 3 months to <14 years with a clinical diagnosis of CAP. We will exclude children with hospital admissions within 7 days prior to the study visit, hospital-acquired pneumonias or chronic complex conditions. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data from the ED visit and hospitalisations within 7 days will be collected. A follow-up telephone or text survey will be completed 7–14 days after the visit. The primary outcome is a three-tier composite of disease severity. Ordinal logistic regression, assuming a partial proportional odds specification, and recursive partitioning will be used to develop the risk stratification models.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will result in a clinical prediction model to accurately identify risk of severe disease on presentation to the ED. Ethics approval was obtained for all sites included in the study. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB) serves as the central IRB for most US sites. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results will be disseminated through international conferences and peer-reviewed publications. This study overcomes limitations of prior pneumonia severity scores by allowing for broad generalisability of findings, which can be actively implemented after model development and validation.
Design and rationale of the COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium international, multicentre, observational study
Authors: Li Bassi Gianluigi , Suen Jacky , Barnett Adrian Gerard , Corley Amanda , Millar Jonathan , Fanning Jonathon , Lye India , Colombo Sebastiano , Wildi Karin , Livingstone Samantha , Abbate Gabriella , Hinton Samuel , Liquet Benoit , Shrapnel Sally , Dalton Heidi , Fraser John F
Published: December 2020

Introduction

There is a paucity of data that can be used to guide the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19. In response, a research and data-sharing collaborative—The COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium—has been assembled to harness the cumulative experience of intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. The resulting observational study provides a platform to rapidly disseminate detailed data and insights crucial to improving outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This is an international, multicentre, observational study of patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to ICUs. This is an evolving, open-ended study that commenced on 1 January 2020 and currently includes >350 sites in over 48 countries. The study enrols patients at the time of ICU admission and follows them to the time of death, hospital discharge or 28 days post-ICU admission, whichever occurs last. Key data, collected via an electronic case report form devised in collaboration with the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium/Short Period Incidence Study of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness networks, include: patient demographic data and risk factors, clinical features, severity of illness and respiratory failure, need for non-invasive and/or mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and associated complications, as well as data on adjunctive therapies.

Ethics and dissemination

Local principal investigators will ensure that the study adheres to all relevant national regulations, and that the necessary approvals are in place before a site may contribute data. In jurisdictions where a waiver of consent is deemed insufficient, prospective, representative or retrospective consent will be obtained, as appropriate. A web-based dashboard has been developed to provide relevant data and descriptive statistics to international collaborators in real-time. It is anticipated that, following study completion, all de-identified data will be made open access.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620000421932 (http://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000421932.aspx).
Gender disparities in depressive and anxiety symptoms among internal migrant workers in Shenzhen: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hou Fengsu , Liu Huiming , Peng Xiaodong , You Liqin , Zhou Zhijian , Xie Haiyan , Liu Tiebang
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate the gender disparities in the prevalence and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and associated factors among internal migrant workers in Shenzhen.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Labour intensive factories in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Participants

We recruited 3200 internal migrant workers who aged over 18 years old and above and did not register in Shenzhen’s household registration system. There were 3095 participants eligible for this study.

Methods

Participants completed sociodemographic questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Meaning in Life Questionnaire. We applied χ2test, analysis of variance, Wilcoxon rank test, Fisher’s exact test and univariate and multivariate multilevel linear regression analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 27.85% and 19.26% among internal migrant workers. We reported gender disparities of depressive and anxiety symptoms among participants that the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was higher in women (30.57% vs 26.43% and 22.67% vs 17.47%), and the symptoms were more severe among women. Female migrant workers were more likely to be singled, have lower prevalence of smoking and drinking, receive less education and monthly income, have higher level of impulsiveness and social support and lower level of meaning in life. We found age, marriage, income, adaption to living in Shenzhen, being discriminated, drinking, loneliness, impulsiveness, social support, coping strategies and meaning of life were associated with the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms among internal migrant workers in Shenzhen.

Conclusion

Gender inequality may be the institutional factor leading to disparities in depressive and anxiety symptoms among internal migrant workers. Interventions should be embedded with strategies improving gender equality.
Quantum correlated coherence and Hellinger distance in the critical systems
Authors: Ye Biaoliang , Zhang Zhanjun
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we explore the quantum phase transitions in the XY chain and the XXZ model. The quantum correlated coherence has been introduced by Tan and Jeong [Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 220401 (2018)]. We utilize the quantum correlated coherence to investigate the quantum critical systems. We also demonstrate the Hellinger distance which shows the quantum critical behaviors. The numerical results are presented and analyzed in details.
VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLE AND APPROXIMATE SOLUTION FOR THE FRACTAL GENERALIZED BENJAMIN–BONA–MAHONY–BURGERS EQUATION IN FLUID MECHANICS
Authors: WANG KANG-JIA , WANG GUO-DONG
Published: December 2020

The well-known generalized Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers (gBBMB) equation is widely used in the fluid mechanics, but it becomes invalid under the non-smooth boundary. So this paper, for the first time ever, extends the gBBMB equation into the fractal form that still works under the non-smooth boundary. By using the semi-inverse method, we develop the fractal variational formulations for the problem, which can provide the conservation laws in an energy form, and reveal the possible solution structures of the equation. Furthermore, the two-scale transform method combined with the variational iteration method is used to solve the fractal gBBMB equation. The obtained results show a good agreement with the existed results.
Report on YoungEC 19
Authors: Goldner Kira
Published: December 2020

We present a report on the second Young Research Workshop on Economics and Computation (YoungEC 19) held in Tel Aviv, Israel on December 31, 2019--January 2, 2020, highlighting the aspects that make this event unique from other workshops in the community.
Algorithmic classification and strategic effort
Authors: Kleinberg Jon , Raghavan Manish
Published: December 2020

In this letter, we summarize our recent work examining the incentives produced by algorithmic decision-making. Drawing upon principal-agent models in the mechanism design literature, we construct and analyze a model of strategic behavior under algorithmic evaluation. We characterize which behaviors can be incentivized by any reasonable mechanism, showing that simple linear mechanisms are sufficient to incentivize desired behavior. However, we find that it is computationally hard to optimize even simple objectives subject to the constraint that the resulting linear mechanism induces the desired incentives.
Mechanistic Studies on TiO2 Photoelectrochemical Radical Cation [2 + 2] Cycloadditions
Authors: Horiguchi Genki , Kamiya Hidehiro , Okada Yohei
Published: December 2020

In addition to electrochemical and photochemical approaches, the photoelectrochemical method using semiconductors as photoelectrodes is a third type of approach in the field of synthetic organic chemistry that enables precise control of single electron transfer (SET) reactions. Herein, we report mechanistic studies on TiO2 photoelectrochemical redox neutral reactions, where both reductive and oxidative SET are involved, using radical cation [2 + 2] cycloadditions as models. In the presence of platinum nanoparticles or molecular oxygen as electron sink or electron acceptor, respectively, the mechanistic details for the photoelectrochemical reactions can be investigated because the excited electron at the conduction band of TiO2 is removed.
Development of SnO2@rGO Hybrid Nanocomposites through Complexometric Approach for Multi-Dimensional Electrochemical Application
Authors: Raj Benjamin , Oraon Ramesh , Mohapatra Mamata , Basu Suddhasatwa , Padhy Arun K
Published: December 2020

Herein, we report a time-efficient one pot preparation of SnO2and its composite with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using Imidazole based organic precursor followed by calcination. Various physicochemical analyses (viz. FT-IR, XRD, XPS etc.) confirmed the successful formation of SnO2immobilized @rGO nanocomposite. Improved surface microstructural evolution with a uniform decoration of SnO2over rGO (in composite) was observed via SEM, EDAX analysis. The enhanced surface area of SnO2@rGO nanocomposite material from 120 m2g−1of pure SnO2to 145 m2g−1after incorporation with rGO provides a shorter diffusion path for electrolyte and better charge transfer property. Electrochemical measurements via cyclic voltammetry (CV) revealed tremendous increase (∼344%) in specific capacitance of SnO2from 32.80 F g−1to 112.87 F g−1in composite with rGO. These observations were well complemented by EIS analysis with improved charge transfer property of SnO2@rGO nanocomposite. Furthermore, amperometric curve (i-t) showed that SnO2@rGO nanocomposite material exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards non-enzymatic glucose sensor with a low detection limit of 6.4 nM, a wide linear range of 20μM–380μM (R2= 0.908) and high sensitivity (0.2127μA mM−1cm−2), respectively.
Deregulated miRNA expression is associated with endothelial dysfunction in post-mortem lung biopsies of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Centa Ariana , Fonseca Aline S. , da Silva Ferreira Solange G. , Azevedo Marina Luise V. , de Paula Caroline Busatta V. , Nagashima Seigo , Machado-Souza Cleber , dos Santos Miggiolaro Anna Flavia R. , Pellegrino Baena Cristina , de Noronha Lucia , Cavalli Luciane R.
Published: December 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical modulators of endothelial homeostasis, which highlights their involvement in vascular diseases, including those caused by virus infections. Our main objective was to identify miRNAs involved in the endothelial function and determine their expression in post-mortem lung biopsies of COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory injuries and thrombotic events. Based on functional enrichment analysis, miR-26a-5p, miR-29b-3p, and miR-34a-5p were identified as regulators of mRNA targets involved in endothelial and inflammatory signaling pathways, as well as viral diseases. A miRNA/mRNA network, constructed based on protein–protein interactions of the miRNA targets and the inflammatory biomarkers characterized in the patients, revealed a close interconnection of these miRNAs in association to the endothelial activation/dysfunction. Reduced expression levels of selected miRNAs were observed in the lung biopsies of COVID-19 patients ( n = 9) compared to the Controls ( n = 10) ( P < 0.01-0.0001). MiR-26a-5p and miR-29b-3p presented the best power to discriminate these groups (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.8286, and AUC = 0.8125, respectively). The correlation analysis of the miRNAs with inflammatory biomarkers in the COVID-19 patients was significant for miR-26a-5p [IL-6 ( r2 = 0.5414), and ICAM-1 ( r2 = 0.5624)], and miR-29b-3p [IL-4 ( r2 = 0.8332) and IL-8 ( r2 = 0.2654)]. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the relevance and the non-random involvement of miR-26a-5p, miR-29b-3p, and miR-34a-5p in endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory response in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the occurrence of severe lung injury and immunothrombosis.
The retrotrapezoid nucleus and the neuromodulation of breathing
Authors: Moreira Thiago S. , Sobrinho Cleyton R. , Falquetto Barbara , Oliveira Luiz M. , Lima Janayna D. , Mulkey Daniel K. , Takakura Ana C.
Published: December 2020

Breathing is regulated by a host of arousal and sleep-wake state-dependent neuromodulators to maintain respiratory homeostasis. Modulators such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, histamine, serotonin (5-HT), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), substance P, somatostatin, bombesin, orexin, and leptin can serve complementary or off-setting functions depending on the target cell type and signaling mechanisms engaged. Abnormalities in any of these modulatory mechanisms can destabilize breathing, suggesting that modulatory mechanisms are not overly redundant but rather work in concert to maintain stable respiratory output. The present review focuses on the modulation of a specific cluster of neurons located in the ventral medullary surface, named retrotrapezoid nucleus, that are activated by changes in tissue CO2/H+ and regulate several aspects of breathing, including inspiration and active expiration.
Alternative Model to Determine the Optimal Government Subsidies in Construction Stage of PPP Rail Transit Projects under Dynamic Uncertainties
Authors: Lv Junna , Zhang Yan-ying , Zhou Wen
Published: December 2020

Urban rail transit is a quasioperational project and its net cash inflow can hardly cover the investment expenditure. It is essential to determine an acceptable amount of government subsidy to ensure the financial viability of the PPP projects, so as to encourage the entry of the private partner. The partners involved in PPPs have common interests but conflict regarding the value of government subsidy. Considering the uncertainty characteristic by PPPs and information incompleteness in the decision-making process, this study presents a methodology to calculate the equitable subsidy ratio favored by both participants. This study divides the decision process into two steps. First, this study constructs a financial model and introduces an acceptable range of subsidy ratio by using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Second, this study uses the bargaining game theory to determine a particular subsidy ratio under incomplete information. To verify the applicability of the presented model, the researchers invoke an illustrative example for model validation. This research provides a referential and operational method for the government and private sectors to make government subsidy decisions for quasioperational projects.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Galactomannan for Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Cao Xun-Jie , Li Ya-Ping , Xie Li-Min , Zhang Hong-Lang , Qin Yu-Shan , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: December 2020

Background. The pathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is still unknown, but its progression is rapid and mortality rate remains high. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) galactomannan (GM) analysis has been used to diagnose IA. This study is aimed at making an accurate estimate of the whole accuracy of BALF‐GM in diagnosing IA. Methods. After a systematic review of the study, a bivariate meta‐analysis was used to summarize the specificity (SPE), the sensitivity (SEN), the positive likelihood ratios (PLR), and the negative likelihood ratios (NLR) of BALF‐GM in diagnosing IA. The overall test performance was summarized using a layered summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the heterogeneity between studies. Results. A total of 65 studies that are in line with the inclusion criteria were included. The summary estimates of BALF‐GM analysis are divided into four categories. The first is the proven+probable vs. possible+no IA, with an SPE, 0.87 (95% CI, 0.85‐0.98); SEN, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.76‐0.84); PLR, 9.78 (5.78‐16.56); and NLR, 0.20 (0.14‐0.29). The AUC was 0.94. The BALF‐GM test for proven+probable vs. no IA showed SPE, 0.88 (95% CI, 0.87‐0.90); SEN, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78‐0.85); PLR, 6.56 (4.93‐8.75); and NLR, 0.24 (0.17‐0.33). The AUC was 0.93. The BALF‐GM test for proven+probable+possible vs. no IA showed SPE, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.79‐0.95); SEN, 0.59 (95% CI, 0.55‐0.63); PLR, 3.60 (2.07‐6.25); and NLR, 0.31 (0.15‐0.61). The AUC was 0.86. The analyses for others showed SPE, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.83‐0.87); SEN, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86‐0.91); PLR, 6.91 (4.67‐10.22); and NLR, 0.18 (0.13‐0.26). The AUC was 0.94. Conclusions. The findings of this BALF‐GM test resulted in some impact on the diagnosis of IA. The BALF‐GM assay is considered a method for diagnosing IA with high SEN and SPE. However, the patients’ underlying diseases may affect the accuracy of diagnosis. When the cutoff is greater than 1, the sensitivity will be higher.
A Nonlinear Integral Equation Related to Infectious Diseases
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a nonlinear integral equation related to infectious diseases is investigated. Namely, we first study the existence and uniqueness of solutions and provide numerical algorithms that converge to the unique solution. Next, we study the lower and upper subsolutions, as well as the data dependence of the solution.
Isolation and Characterization of Wilt-Causing Pathogens of Local Growing Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Oljira Temesgen , Berta Sefawdin
Published: December 2020

The yield of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is extremely threatened by different diseases in Ethiopia. The objective of the study was isolation of wilt-causing pathogens and susceptibility test of local growing pepper. Eighteen pepper farming fields were selected for disease assessment study. The samples of Mareko Fana, Dubi, and Mitmita local cultivar pepper’s pods, seeds, leaves, stems, and roots were collected, surface sterilized, and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Selective peptone pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) agar medium was used for fungus. Similarly, for bacteria isolation, nutrient agar (NA) was used. Morphological and biochemical tests revealed eleven fungal isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. that were isolated. The pathogenicity test confirmed nine of them were virulent to Mareko Fana, Dubi, and Mitmita local pepper. It is confirmed that Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. is the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici. Besides, Ralstonia solanacearum was identified as a bacterium pathogen causing complex pepper wilt disease. The highest mean PDI was registered in Remuga Keble (93.0%) and the lowest in Buyi Keble (58.3%). Similarly, the highest mean PSI was recorded in Buyi Keble (87.0%) and the lowest PSI (54.5%) was registered in Tawlla Keble. Among 60 seeds, Mareko local pepper inoculated by F. oxysporum f. sp. and R. solanacearum shows the highest susceptibility of 55 (91.0%) and 30 (50.0%), respectively. However, Mitmita local pepper was registered as the lowest susceptibility to both F. oxysporum f. sp. and R. solanacearum of 28.3% and 30.0%, respectively. Based on the finding, it can be concluded that pepper wilt was caused by a complex of fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici and bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum sp. in the study area. So, it is recommended that an integrated disease management approach should be implemented to manage the complex diseases of the site.