bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of the influence of the relative position of the drone’s rotor inside the nacelle on the airflow dynamics
Authors: Sirca A A , Mariasiu F , Varga B O , Morariu S
Published: August 2020

The use of drones in different economic sectors has become a usual thing at present, being present in a varied and diverse range from a constructive point of view. A special attention is given for agricultural sector where drones can be used for: plant protection and pest control, vegetative crop surveillance, disease and pest estimation, surveillance, etc. However, the big problem that characterizes the performance of a drone remains the flight autonomy, autonomy directly related to the drone’s own weight and the configuration of the propulsion system. The paper aims to use computerized numerical analysis methods to study the effect of the relative positioning of a drone’s rotor, inside the nacelle, to characterize (and study) the flow characteristics of the airflow. The parameters considered in the study for the comparative evaluation of the research hypothesis are related to the parameters that characterize the dynamic flow of airflow (airspeed and pressure). Based on the results obtained the researches can be further developed by modifying the geometric construction of the rotor nacelle in order to optimize the flow of airflow used for crops’ spraying process.
Study on the improvement of the vehicle deceleration signalling system
Authors: Moraru G M , Popescu L G
Published: August 2020

Our paper presents a study regarding the improvement of the vehicle deceleration light signalling system. Based on global statistics on the number of road accidents caused by non-compliance with the safety distance and a market research on the availability of purchasing an extra option to allow drivers to be informed about the speed reduction of the vehicle in front, we have applied the Product Life Cycle Management (PLM). For this purpose, we made two market researches. Based on the results of the primary market research and the technical solutions currently in place, a new market research was carried out through an opinion poll. All the results of the opinion polls were discussed in a brainstorming session, which was attended by representatives of automotive companies, representatives of academia and professional drivers. At the end, we have demonstrated the possibility of developing a new product that aims to reduce road accidents caused by rear-end collisions. The working method, proposed has led to the need to find new constructive solutions and ways to apply them.
Data acquisition for medical devices
Authors: Veres R , Feier B C , Ilea S , Bohm-Revesz G
Published: August 2020

Following the path of the powerful evolution in many fields, engineering and medicine are converging to a healthy collaboration. Engineering, as a profession, is a practising one, and it is based on modifying and harnessing the three fundamental resources of the known world: information, energy and materials. Delivering solutions using the latest technologies and also trying to innovate for a better world, the continuous advancement of methods and many other improvements are focusing on helping and developing new ways to have better results. Medicine, with its many fields, is going hand in hand with this exponential growth. One method used in engineering to study and characterize different processes or phenomena is the acquisition and digital processing of data. With the development of computational techniques, it became possible to capture biological data, radiography and tomography being two examples that allow the reconstruction of images that are useful for diagnosis and establishment of treatment. In the following paper, methods known in the industry are presented and related to different procedures used in this collaboration between engineering and medicine.
Analysis and improvement of freight transport using software products
Authors: Ință M , Bădescu M , Purcar C
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the paper is to provide certain solutions to improve freight operations within a company. Nowadays, information technology occupies an important place and computer programs facilitate work in all areas of activity.

With the help of these tools that record important data related to the company’s activity and operations management clearly and concisely, the company’s management easily obtains answers to essential questions. After a critical analysis of the main problems faced by the transport company, the four most important problems to be solved are selected. Based on these, the most suitable software is selected for the company after customized consultation for the best solutions of these problems. There are presented the structure of this software and also the advantages brought after its implementation in the company. Among the most important are improve communication within the company, cost reduction through efficient management of truck supplies and rigorous organization of space in trucks. The software can be tested and supplemented at any time with other suitable sections.
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Autonomous Vehicles: Training Algorithm for Traffic Signs Recognition
Authors: Dursun C , Erdei T I , Husi G
Published: August 2020

As the last point of autonomous vehicle development, these vehicles are being evolved by most of the car manufacturing companies, which increases the need for novel image recognition and automation solutions. This paper presents autonomous driving for vehicles at the stage of level 2 (partial Automation; the vehicle can perform steering and acceleration, though the human driver still monitors all tasks and can take control at any time). YOLO (You Only Look Once), is a Python-based image processing algorithm that was used to achieve the goals. This algorithm is extremely useful due to its real-time capabilities. A new data set was gathered using miniature signs, and a Python script was developed to label these newly trained objects. The algorithm draws bounding boxes around the object with object name and the rates of accuracy. The created system performs well, with further plans to improve it, and apply it in a simulated/modelled environment.
Static analysis of a vehicle suspension with leaf springs and reaction bars
Authors: Alexandru C
Published: August 2020

The work approaches the static analysis of a suspension mechanism with leaf springs and reaction bars used for motor vehicles. The reaction bars are used for compensating the twist of the springs into an ‘S’ shape, a phenomenon that occurs in the classic suspension system with soft leaf springs during hard acceleration or braking. The virtual prototyping software package ADAMS is used for modelling and simulating the suspension system. The static analysis results reveal the improved behaviour of the suspension system with reaction bars relative to the classical leaf spring suspension system.
Research in the field of vibration of automotive systems
Authors: Stanescu M , Ionica V , Geonea I , Miritoiu C , Bolcu A
Published: August 2020

The aim of the research is to improve knowledge about the behaviour of materials and structures, to develop models and tools useful in the process of design of structures and machines and to capitalize on a technical culture in terms of analysis, design and manufacturing methodologies. We also set out to show the influence of which types of vibrations have an effect on the operation of the crankshaft mechanism of a car engine, as well as their influence on the operation of the camshaft system, all of which are taken into account in any design process in this field. The generalization of the theory of elasticity and the dynamics of viscous fluids led to the creation of the linear theory of viscos-elasticity, the bodies with such a behaviour obeying the principle of overlapping Boltzmann. Thus, mechanical models were built consisting of spring and damping systems, the springs describing the elastic properties of the body, and the dampers on the viscous ones.
Opportunities, risks and challenges for actual key players of commodities production into the new wave of industry 4.0
Authors: Simion L C , Avasilcai S
Published: August 2020

The actual dymanic of the industrial wave created by the concept Industry 4.0 is streaming a serial consequences for the main market consumers which are the direct beneficiaries of comodities or daily consuming goods of food,automotive,gadgets and textile/garments industry.Upon the actual researches available from Aachen University and World bank statistics as Birnabaum report, if many of the products which belong to food and textile are defined by standard parameters, so far less dependable of human working factor as direct making of product,the ready made garments production which now is more to be confused with fashion industry,is crossing a period of high challenges to be solved, fighting with the risks to be shrinked until disappearance.The key players which are involved in the whole commodities industry could be defined as the final customers or consumers looking for a permanent variety of items(1),main suppliers of production means(2) and in between we find the producer(3).This one need to handle the pressure of low market prices, frequent economic downturns and motivation of their main resource which are the people either defined as “blue collars” or “white collars”.
Towards synchronizing radio communication of In-Vivo nanorobots
Authors: Dolev Shlomi , Narayanan Ram Prasadh , Scheideler Christian
Published: August 2020

Biomedical tasks in a physiological medium (blood) by nanoscopic programmable matters can be coordinated and executed efficiently by realizing a communication channel to and from the outside of the body. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility of self synchronized radio communication between nanorobots in the physiological medium. We present a magnetic-based method for synchronization, analysis, and a simulation for a previously designed carbon nanotube (CNT) based cantilever device, oscillating due to an electrostatic force to emit radio signals. A magnetic field can modify the electrostatic force, which induces the communicating cantilever device. A resultant magnetic field emitted from every nanorobot to its neighbors is suggested as a means for self-synchronization, where the sum of mutual influences gradually self synchronize the radio signals to form an in-phase higher amplitude strong signal. In another design, an external magnetic field is applied for a long enough period, assisting in establishing synchronization among the nanorobots. The radiofrequency enabling this communication is unlikely to affect the attached tissue due to their physical dimensions designed to conform to the Medical Device Radiocommunications Service (MedRadio) specifications.
OSNR and dispersion tolerance of FWM based optical carrier recovery scheme
Authors: Alahakoon Sachinthani , Munasinghe Dushani , Samarakkody Gresha S , Weerasuriya Ruwan
Published: August 2020

In this paper we demonstrate the Optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and Dispersion characteristics of Four-Wave Mixing (FWM) based optical carrier recovery scheme for a 10-Gb/s nonreturn-to-zero binary phase-shift-keyed input. The performance was evaluated by measuring the linewidth of the recovered carrier against different OSNR and accumulated dispersion values and recording the eye diagrams. The system characterization will enable new avenues of using the FWM based carrier recovery system in phase-sensitive amplification and heterodyne detection.
Party campaign strategies in Ghana: Rallies, canvassing and handouts
Authors: Brierley Sarah , Kramon Eric
Published: August 2020

Political parties use different methods—such as holding rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and distributing gifts—to mobilize voters during election campaigns across Africa. But how do parties choose which approach to use in each constituency? We propose that parties prefer to hold rallies in core constituencies, and to use targeted strategies—canvassing and handouts—in swing and opposition districts. However, opposition parties may not have sufficient resources to pursue such a strategy. Ruling parties have the dual advantage of being in a strong financial position, and having the ability to target core voters with state benefits between elections. Using post-election survey data from Ghana’s 2012 election, we show that the ruling party canvassed the most in districts where they were electorally weak and concentrated rallies in their home constituencies. In contrast, the opposition party focused all of its efforts in its home districts. The results highlight how incumbency status shapes parties’ campaign behaviour. They also suggest that ruling parties can combine core and swing voter targeting in different stages of the electoral cycle.
BAP1-Mutated Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gallan Alexander J , Parilla Megan , Segal Jeremy , Ritterhouse Lauren , Antic Tatjana
Published: August 2020

Objectives

While aberrations in the VHL gene and chromosome 3p resulting in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) are well established, we know that additional mutations in chromatin remodeling genes PBRM1, SETD2, and BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) contribute to pathogenesis in some cases. Given the known aggressive clinical behavior of BAP1-mutated CCRCC, we sought to define the pathologic phenotype of BAP1-mutated CCRCC.

Methods

We identified 14 cases of molecularly proven BAP1-mutated CCRCC and investigated their clinicopathologic features.

Results

BAP1-mutated CCRCC frequently showed papillary, tubulopapillary, or expanded nested architecture; demonstrated granular to diffusely eosinophilic cytoplasm with prominent eosinophilic globules; and contained high-grade nuclei. This morphology demonstrates significant overlap with Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Immunohistochemistry notably demonstrates loss of BAP1 expression in almost all tumors, in addition to strong p504S expression. A conventional CCRCC component was frequently present adjacent to the characteristic BAP1 areas and showed retained BAP1 expression and only patchy p504S. Approximately two-thirds of BAP1-mutated CCRCCs were stage pT3, renal vein invasion was common, and 50% developed metastases.

Conclusions

Herein, we describe the histologic and immunohistochemical findings in BAP1-mutated CCRCC, which has important implications for utilization of molecular testing, prognosis, future therapeutics, and distinction from other RCC subtypes such as Xp11 translocation RCC.
Transseptal puncture for ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with an implanted atrial flow regulator: a case report
Authors: Biller Cornelia , Filipovic Karlo , Lüker Jakob , Steven Daniel
Published: August 2020

Background

Atrial flow regulator (AFR) (Occlutech, Helsingborg, Sweden) are self-expanding, circular devices. A flexible waist in the centre connects the two discs and has a centrally located shunt.

Case summary

We report a case of an 80-year-old woman undergoing a repeat left atrial ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation with an implanted AFR. The AFR was implanted 1 year prior to the procedure for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction as part of the AFR-PRELIEVE trial. A single, fluoroscopy-guided, transseptal puncture was performed infero-posterior to the device, allowing the positioning of the mapping (LASSO® 20 mm, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) and ablation (Thermocool Smarttouch SF, CARTO®, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) catheter in the left atrium. Three-dimensional mapping (CARTO®, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) and left atrial ablation were successfully performed. After the procedure, fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography showed an unchanged device position.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a transseptal puncture in a patient with an implanted AFR. Transseptal puncture in patients with an implanted AFR seems to be safe and feasible. With device diameters of 21–23 mm and based on previous studies on similar devices, transseptal puncture should be possible in most patients, as opposed to puncture through the device.
Welfare Costs of Catastrophes: Lost Consumption and Lost Lives
Authors: Martin Ian W R , Pindyck Robert S
Published: August 2020

Most of the literature on the economics of catastrophes assumes that such events cause a reduction in the stream of consumption, as opposed to widespread fatalities. Here we show how to incorporate death in a model of catastrophe avoidance, and how a catastrophic loss of life can be expressed as a welfare-equivalent drop in consumption. We examine how potential fatalities affect the policy interdependence of catastrophic events and ‘willingness to pay’ (WTP) to avoid them. Using estimates of the ‘value of a statistical life’ (VSL), we find the WTP to avoid major pandemics, and show that it is large (10% or more of annual consumption) and partly driven by the risk of macroeconomic contractions. Likewise, the risk of pandemics significantly increases the WTP to reduce consumption risk. Our work links the VSL and consumption disaster literatures.
Improved Reference Genome Uncovers Novel Sex-Linked Regions in the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Fraser Bonnie A , Whiting James R , Paris Josephine R , Weadick Cameron J , Parsons Paul J , Charlesworth Deborah , Bergero Roberta , Bemm Felix , Hoffmann Margarete , Kottler Verena A , Liu Chang , Dreyer Christine , Weigel Detlef
Published: August 2020

Theory predicts that the sexes can achieve greater fitness if loci with sexually antagonistic polymorphisms become linked to the sex determining loci, and this can favor the spread of reduced recombination around sex determining regions. Given that sex-linked regions are frequently repetitive and highly heterozygous, few complete Y chromosome assemblies are available to test these ideas. The guppy system (Poecilia reticulata) has long been invoked as an example of sex chromosome formation resulting from sexual conflict. Early genetics studies revealed that male color patterning genes are mostly but not entirely Y-linked, and that X-linkage may be most common in low-predation populations. More recent population genomic studies of guppies have reached varying conclusions about the size and placement of the Y-linked region. However, this previous work used a reference genome assembled from short-read sequences from a female guppy. Here, we present a new guppy reference genome assembly from a male, using long-read PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing and chromosome contact information. Our new assembly sequences across repeat- and GC-rich regions and thus closes gaps and corrects mis-assemblies found in the short-read female-derived guppy genome. Using this improved reference genome, we then employed broad population sampling to detect sex differences across the genome. We identified two small regions that showed consistent male-specific signals. Moreover, our results help reconcile the contradictory conclusions put forth by past population genomic studies of the guppy sex chromosome. Our results are consistent with a small Y-specific region and rare recombination in male guppies.
Underlying Vulnerabilities to the Cytokine Storm and Adverse COVID-19 Outcomes in the Aging Immune System
Authors: Nidadavolu Lolita S , Walston Jeremy D
Published: August 2020

Older adults are far more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes and mortality after contracting COVID-19. There are likely multiple age-related biological, clinical, and environmental reasons for this increased risk, all of which are exacerbated by underlying age-associated changes to the immune system as well as increased prevalence of chronic disease states in older adults. Innate immune system overactivity, termed the cytokine storm, appears to be critical in the development of the worst consequences of COVID-19 infection. Pathophysiology suggests that viral stimulation of the innate immune system, augmented by inflammatory signals sent from dying cells, ramps up into a poorly controlled outpouring of inflammatory mediators. Other aging-related changes in cells such as senescence as well as higher prevalence of chronic disease states also likely ramp up inflammatory signaling. This in turn drives downstream pathophysiological changes to pulmonary, cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, and brain tissues that drive many of the adverse health outcomes observed in older adults. This article provides an overview of the underlying etiologies of innate immune system activation and adaptive immune system dysregulation in older adults and how they potentiate the consequences of the COVID-19-related cytokine storm, and possible uses of this knowledge to develop better risk assessment and treatment monitoring strategies.
Heterogeneity in Association Between Cognitive Function and Gait Speed Among Older Adults: An Integrative Data Analysis Study
Authors: Handing Elizabeth P , Rapp Stephen R , Chen Shyh-Huei , Rejeski W Jack , Wiberg Marie , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Craft Suzanne , Kitzman Dalane , Ip Edward H
Published: August 2020

Background

Increasing evidence shows that cognition and gait speed are associated and are important measures of health among older adults. However, previous studies have used different methods to assess these 2 outcomes and lack sufficient sample size to examine heterogeneity among subgroups. This study examined how the relationship between global cognitive function and gait speed are influenced by age, gender, and race utilizing an integrated data analysis approach.

Method

Data on cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA], Mini-Mental Status Examination [MMSE], and Modified Mini-Mental State Examination [3MSE]) and gait speed (range: 4–400 m) were acquired and harmonized from 25 research studies (n = 2802) of adults aged 50+ from the Wake Forest Older American Independence Center. Multilevel regression models examined the relationship between predicted values of global cognitive function (MoCA) and gait speed (4-m walk), including heterogeneity by age, race, and gender.

Results

Global cognitive function and gait speed exhibited a consistent positive relationship among whites with increasing age, while this was less consistent for African Americans. That is, there was a low correlation between global cognitive function and gait speed among African Americans aged 50–59, a positive correlation in their 60s and 70s, then a negative correlation thereafter.

Conclusion

Global cognition and gait speed exhibited a curvilinear U-shaped relationship among whites; however, the association becomes inverse in African Americans. More research is needed to understand this racial divergence and could aid in identifying interventions to maintain cognitive and gait abilities across subgroups.
Development of Generative Concern Across Mid- to Later Life
Authors: Nelson Niccole A , Bergeman Cindy S
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

The development of generativity, or investment in the next generation, has been theorized about for decades. Extant empirical findings regarding generativity’s trajectory, however, are mixed. Thus, the current study modeled the development of generative concern, or the extent to which individuals care for the next generation, across adulthood.

Research Design and Methods

The current study followed an accelerated longitudinal design, modeling generative concern’s trajectory across the overlapping ages of 861 age-heterogeneous participants from the 10-year Notre Dame Study of Health & Well-being. Three models were fit to examine whether generative concern followed a linear, quadratic, or cubic trajectory across ages 40–84. The Final Model was tested for birth cohort effects to support the interpretation of developmental change.

Results

Generative concern followed an age-graded cubic trend across ages 40–84, and no birth cohort effects were apparent in this trajectory. Generative concern was highest at age 40. Although generative concern declined thereafter, it remained relatively stable across ages 50–70. Finally, generative concern declined after age 70.

Discussion and Implications

Generative concern, indeed, develops over time. The step-like declines across ages 40–84 are informative for both basic and applied researchers in that knowledge of this developmental trend bolsters decade-old theory and informs the optimal timing for intervention work.
Chronic medical conditions and late effects after acute myeloid leukaemia in adolescents and young adults: a population-based study
Authors: Abrahão Renata , Huynh Jasmine C , Benjamin David J , Li Qian W , Winestone Lena E , Muffly Lori , Keegan Theresa H M
Published: August 2020

Background

Curative-intent treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) can lead to multiple chronic medical conditions (‘late effects’). Little is known about the burden of late effects in adolescent and young adult (AYA, 15–39 years) survivors of AML. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence and investigate the main predictors of late effects among these patients.

Methods

During 1996–2012, 1168 eligible AYAs with AML who survived ≥2 years after diagnosis were identified in the California Cancer Registry. Late effects were reported from State hospital discharge data, and patients were followed through 2014. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of late effects occurrence were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Results

The most common late effects at 10 years after diagnosis were: endocrine (26.1%), cardiovascular (18.6%) and respiratory (6.6%), followed by neurologic (4.9%), liver/pancreatic (4.3%), renal (3.1%), avascular necrosis (2.7%) and second primary malignancies (2.4%). Of 1168 survivors, 547 (46.8%) received a haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). After multivariable adjustments, AYAs who underwent HSCT or had a non-favourable risk AML experienced ∼2-fold or higher increased likelihood of all late effects. Additionally, AYAs of Hispanic, Black or Asian/Pacific Islander (vs non-Hispanic White) race/ethnicity and those who resided in lower socio-economic neighbourhoods were at higher risk of numerous late effects.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the need for long-term surveillance for the prevention, early detection and treatment of late effects, and can inform the development of AYA-focused consensus-based guidelines that will ultimately improve the quality of life and survival of these young vulnerable patients.
There Is More Than One Type of Hoarder: Collecting, Managing and Hoarding Digital Data in the Workplace
Authors: McKellar Kerry , Sillence Elizabeth , Neave Nick , Briggs Pam
Published: August 2020

There are organizational and individual problems associated with the excessive accumulation of digital material, but little is known about why people hoard digital information in the workplace. We interviewed 20 participants from two large knowledge-intensive organizations (one academic, one commercial). These participants scored highly on the Digital Hoarding Questionnaire (DHQ). We asked them to discuss their information management practices, their reasons for keeping large amounts of digital data and the difficulties they faced in relation to deleting data. Using thematic analysis, we identified four underlying dimensions of digital hoarding (anxiety, disengagement, compliance and collection). We discuss these in relation to the consequences of digital hoarding for individuals and organizations—considering the implications for organizational culture, digital ownership and cybersecurity.
Psychosocial Determinants of Burn-Related Suicide: Evidence From the National Violent Death Reporting System
Authors: Abrams Thereasa E , McGarity Stephen V
Published: August 2020

Suicide is a unique phenomenon in humans. In 2017, over 47,000 Americans died by suicide, prompting a public health crisis. Suicide by burning, while one of the rarest forms of suicide, could be mitigated in part by early recognition and treatment of the underlying psychosocial factors. To date, investigators have attempted to tease out the risk factors associated with this phenomenon through the examination of burn center chart reviews and repository data, but these studies were limited by small sample sizes. In order to fill this gap in the literature, the authors analyzed 14 years of data (2003–2016) from the National Violent Death Reporting System. Suicides by burning (n = 722) were compared with a reference group containing all other suicide types (n = 166,949). Socio-demographic variables and psychosocial factors (eg, mental health, substance use, and alcohol use) were included in the model. Due to the imbalance between the target and reference groups, rare event data analysis was used to reduce potential small sample estimation bias. Results indicated that females (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: .50–2.83, P < .001), Caucasians (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7, P < .001), victims with schizophrenia (OR = 5.4, 95% CI: 3.7–7.8, P < .001), and victims with eating disorders (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.9–8.6, P < .001) are significantly more likely to commit suicide by burning. These results contribute new knowledge to what is currently known about suicidal burn-related behaviors and supports interventions that focus on mitigating this insidious public health problem.
The end of the great inversion: offshore national banks and the global financial crisis
Authors: Haberly Daniel , Wójcik Dariusz
Published: August 2020

Here we present a novel analysis of the geographic evolution of international banking since 1980, which addresses still unanswered questions about the role of offshore centers in the global financial crisis, and the post-crisis stability of these centers. We show that post-1980 regulatory shifts prompted a ‘Great Inversion’ of offshore banking, wherein conventional Euromarket activity was partially overshadowed by the growth of European ‘midshore’ center national banks. As a result, offshore jurisdictions (i) were likely more responsible for pre-crisis regulatory failures in a home than host regulator capacity and (ii) internalized far greater domestic fiscal risks than in previous crises.
Wolf habitat selection in relation to recreational structures in a national park
Authors: Malcolm Kimberly , Cheveau Marianne , St-Laurent Martin-Hugues
Published: August 2020

Although most predators usually avoid human activity, some individuals instead will habituate to it. Habituation to human presence and infrastructure by predator species such as wolves may lead to conflicts implicating serious risks for public safety and for the survival of the animals involved. Accordingly, this research project aims to shed light on the relationship between wolves and recreational structures using telemetry data from 10 wolves located in the Parc National du Mont-Tremblant (Québec, Canada) and its surrounding area. Using resource selection functions (RSFs), we observed wolf habitat selection in relation to these structures during three biological periods (denning: May–June; rendezvous: June–October; and nomadic: October–April). Our results revealed that wolves selected proximity to linear structures (roads and trails) during the denning and rendezvous periods, but this selection depended on the density of such structures in the surroundings (i.e., functional response in habitat selection): wolves selected proximity to linear structures when these structures were present at greater densities. Wolves avoided housing structures (campsites, cabins, park facilities), especially when these structures were present at greater densities, suggesting that wolves perceived them as a risk. These results suggest that conflicts between visitors and wolves were unlikely to occur in campgrounds during the time of our study. This could indicate that the management measures implemented by the park following the past episodes of conflict were effective. However, wolves’ use of linear structures could lead to increased tolerance to human proximity if left unmanaged.
Parental Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing of Hospitalized Children: Rethinking Infection Control in a Pandemic
Authors: Hassoun Ameer , Prasad Nishant , Pugh Suzanne , Merced Indira , Abularrage Joseph , Sharma Manish
Published: August 2020

Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a challenge to infection control within hospital systems. Asymptomatic children and their caretakers carry the risk of silently spreading infection in pediatric emergency departments and hospital units. Our current knowledge is evolving, and infection control measures are frequently changing depending on new emerging data.

Methods

We conducted a point-prevalence study to assess SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR) results of hospitalized children, their asymptomatic caretakers, and caretaker-child test concordance at a major community hospital in New York City. We screened Children and caretakers with temperature measurements and the presence of COVID-19 symptoms before pediatric emergency department evaluation. Children requiring hospitalization and their caretakers had nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. The paired results are used to identify the infection control level at the appropriate pediatric unit.

Results

Forty consecutive asymptomatic caretaker-child pairs had SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing between May 28th to June 22nd, 2020. The rate of asymptomatic COVID-19 was 2.5% in hospitalized children and 7.5% in caretakers. The caretaker-child SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test concordance was evident in 95% of the cohort.

Conclusion

This cohort had a low asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive rate in children and their caretakers with a high concordance rate of paired test results. It suggests that children’s SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result will likely correspond to their accompanying caretaker at healthcare facilities where admission screening is performed.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy delivered with IMRT for oligometastatic regional lymph node metastases in hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-institutional study
Authors: Matoba Munetaka , Tsuchiya Hirokazu , Kondo Tamaki , Ota Kiyotaka
Published: August 2020

The optimal treatment to lymph node metastases in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been established, yet. Our aim was to evaluate the local control, the survival benefit and the toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) delivered with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to oligometastatic regional lymph node in HCC patients. We retrospectively analyzed 15 patients with HCC treated with SBRT delivered using IMRT to 24 regional lymph node metastases. Dose prescriptions were set to 45 Gy in 6 fractions of 7.5 Gy for solitary lesions and 49.5 Gy in 9 fractions of 5.5 Gy for multiple lesions. For the planning target volume, the plan was optimized aiming for a V95% > 90%. The study endpoints were freedom from local progression (FFLP), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity. The median follow-up was 18.1 months. The 1-year and 2-year FFLP rates were 100 and 90 ± 9.5%, respectively. The 1-year PFS rate was 46.7 ± 12.9%, and the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 73.3 ± 11.4 and 28.6 ± 12.7%, respectively. Only one patient had a duodenal ulcer and three patients had liver enzyme elevation in sub-acute toxicity, however there was no grade ≥ 3 toxicity. In conclusion, SBRT delivered with IMRT to lymph node metastases can offer excellent local control with minimal toxicity, and SBRT may improve HCC patients’ survival more than conventional radiotherapy.
The Long-Term Outcomes of Refugees: Tracking the Progress of the East African Asians
Authors: Anders Jake , Burgess Simon , Portes Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Refugees are often perceived as an economic ‘burden’, as the current debate on the European refugee crisis illustrates. But there is little quantitative evidence on the medium-term outcomes of refugees in the UK. We fill this gap by looking at the case of ‘East African Asians’ who arrived as refugees in the late 1960s and early 1970s. We discuss from a theoretical and empirical perspective the possible factors that might influence—positively and negatively—their long-term economic outcomes and use data from the UK Census to describe those outcomes 40 years later. We show that their outcomes are at least as good as the population average, with the younger cohort performing better, and better than for economic migrants of the same ethnicity. At least for this group, refugee status, as distinct from ethnicity or immigrant status, appears to have been positively associated with their economic outcomes.
Rice lectin protein r40c1 imparts drought tolerance by modulatingS-adenosylmethionine synthase 2, stress-associated protein 8 and chromatin-associated proteins
Authors: Sahid Salman , Roy Chandan , Paul Soumitra , Datta Riddhi
Published: August 2020

Lectin proteins play an important role in biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants. Although the rice lectin protein Osr40c1 has been reported to be regulated by drought stress, the mechanism of its drought tolerance activity has not been studied so far. In this study, it is shown that expression of the Osr40c1 gene correlates with the drought tolerance potential of various rice cultivars. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing Osr40c1 were significantly more tolerant to drought stress than the wild-type plants. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the Osr40c1 gene in tobacco yielded a similar result. Interestingly, the protein displayed a nucleo-cytoplasmic localization and was found to interact with a number of drought-responsive proteins such as S-adenosylmethionine synthase 2 (OsSAM2), stress-associated protein 8 (OsSAP8), DNA-binding protein MNB1B (OsMNB1B), and histone 4 (OsH4). Silencing of each of these protein partners led to drought sensitivity in otherwise tolerant Osr40c1-expressing transgenic tobacco lines indicating that these partners were crucial for the Osr40c1-mediated drought tolerance in planta. Moreover, the association of Osr40c1 with these partners occurred specifically under drought stress forming a multi-protein complex. Together, our findings delineate a novel role of Osr40c1 in imparting drought tolerance by regulating OsMNB1B, OsSAM2, and OsH4 proteins, which presumably enables OsSAP8 to induce downstream gene expression.
The Lagrangian hydrodynamics code magma2
Authors: Rosswog S
Published: August 2020

We present the methodology and performance of the new Lagrangian hydrodynamics code magma2, a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) code that benefits from a number of non-standard enhancements. By default it uses high-order smoothing kernels and wherever gradients are needed, they are calculated via accurate matrix inversion techniques, but a more conventional formulation with kernel gradients has also been implemented for comparison purposes. We also explore a matrix inversion formulation of SPH with a symmetrization in the particle indices that is not frequently used. We find interesting advantages of this formulation in some of the tests, for example, a substantial reduction of surface tension effects for non-ideal particle setups and more accurate peak densities in Sedov blast waves.  magma2 uses artificial viscosity, but enhanced by techniques that are commonly used in finite-volume schemes such as reconstruction and slope limiting. While simple to implement, this approach efficiently suppresses particle noise, but at the same time drastically reduces dissipation in locations where it is not needed and actually unwanted. We demonstrate the performance of the new code in a number of challenging benchmark tests including, for example, multidimensional vorticity creating Schulz–Rinne-type Riemann problems and more astrophysical tests such as a collision between two stars to demonstrate its robustness and excellent conservation properties.
Photometric and spectroscopic evolution of the peculiar Type IIn SN 2012ab
Authors: Gangopadhyay Anjasha , Turatto Massimo , Benetti Stefano , Misra Kuntal , Kumar Brajesh , Cappellaro Enrico , Pastorello Andrea , Tomasella Lina , Vanni Sabrina , Fiore Achille , Morales-Garoffolo A , Elias-Rosa Nancy , Singh Mridweeka , Dastidar Raya , Ochner Paolo , Tartaglia Leonardo , Kumar Brijesh , Pandey Shashi Bhushan
Published: August 2020

We present an extensive (∼1200 d) photometric and spectroscopic monitoring of the Type IIn supernova (SN) 2012ab. After a rapid initial rise leading to a bright maximum (MR  = −19.39 mag), the light curves show a plateau lasting about 2 months followed by a steep decline up to about 100 d. Only in the U band, the decline is constant in the same interval. At later phases, the light curves remain flatter than the 56Co decline, suggesting the increasing contribution of the interaction between SN ejecta with circumstellar material (CSM). Although heavily contaminated by emission lines of the host galaxy, the early spectral sequence (until 32 d) shows persistent narrow emissions, indicative of slow unshocked CSM, and the emergence of broad Balmer lines of hydrogen with P-Cygni profiles over a blue continuum, arising from a fast expanding SN ejecta. From about 2 months to ∼1200 d, the P-Cygni profiles are overcome by intermediate width emissions [full width at half-maximum (FWHM) ∼6000  km s−1], produced in the shocked region due to interaction. On the red wing, a red bump appears after 76 d, likely a signature of the onset of interaction of the receding ejecta with the CSM. The presence of fast material both approaching and then receding is suggestive that we are observing the SN along the axis of a jet-like ejection in a cavity devoid of or uninterrupted by CSM in the innermost regions.
Diffuse galactic Gamma-rays from star clusters
Authors: Nath Biman B , Eichler David
Published: August 2020

We demonstrate that young star clusters have a γ-ray surface brightness comparable to that of the diffuse Galactic emission (DGE), and estimate that their sky coverage in the direction of the inner Galaxy exceeds unity. We therefore suggest that they comprise a significant fraction of the DGE.
Engineered signal-coupled inducible promoters: measuring the apparent RNA-polymerase resource budget
Authors: Davey James A , Wilson Corey J
Published: August 2020

Inducible promoters are a central regulatory component in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and protein production for laboratory and commercial uses. Many of these applications utilize two or more exogenous promoters, imposing a currently unquantifiable metabolic burden on the living system. Here, we engineered a collection of inducible promoters (regulated by LacI-based transcription factors) that maximize the free-state of endogenous RNA polymerase (RNAP). We leveraged this collection of inducible promotors to construct simple two-channel logical controls that enabled us to measure metabolic burden – as it relates to RNAP resource partitioning. The two-channel genetic circuits utilized sets of signal-coupled transcription factors that regulate cognate inducible promoters in a coordinated logical fashion. With this fundamental genetic architecture, we evaluated the performance of each inducible promoter as discrete operations, and as coupled systems to evaluate and quantify the effects of resource partitioning. Obtaining the ability to systematically and accurately measure the apparent RNA-polymerase resource budget will enable researchers to design more robust genetic circuits, with significantly higher fidelity. Moreover, this study presents a workflow that can be used to better understand how living systems adapt RNAP resources, via the complementary pairing of constitutive and regulated promoters that vary in strength.
SpaGE: Spatial Gene Enhancement using scRNA-seq
Authors: Abdelaal Tamim , Mourragui Soufiane , Mahfouz Ahmed , Reinders Marcel J T
Published: August 2020

Single-cell technologies are emerging fast due to their ability to unravel the heterogeneity of biological systems. While scRNA-seq is a powerful tool that measures whole-transcriptome expression of single cells, it lacks their spatial localization. Novel spatial transcriptomics methods do retain cells spatial information but some methods can only measure tens to hundreds of transcripts. To resolve this discrepancy, we developed SpaGE, a method that integrates spatial and scRNA-seq datasets to predict whole-transcriptome expressions in their spatial configuration. Using five dataset-pairs, SpaGE outperformed previously published methods and showed scalability to large datasets. Moreover, SpaGE predicted new spatial gene patterns that are confirmed independently using in situ hybridization data from the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas.
Radiomic analysis of magnetic resonance imaging predicts brain metastases velocity and clinical outcome after upfront radiosurgery
Authors: Hsu Che-Yu , Xiao Furen , Liu Kao-Lang , Chen Ting-Li , Lee Yueh-Chou , Wang Weichung
Published: August 2020

Background

Brain metastasis velocity (BMV) predicts outcomes after initial distant brain failure (DBF) following upfront stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We developed an integrated model of clinical predictors and pre-SRS MRI-derived radiomic scores (R-scores) to identify high-BMV (BMV-H) patients upon initial identification of brain metastases (BMs).

Methods

In total, 256 patients with BMs treated with upfront SRS alone were retrospectively included. R-scores were built from 1246 radiomic features in 2 target volumes by using the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm to predict BMV-H groups, as defined by BMV at least 4 or leptomeningeal disease at first DBF. Two R-scores and 3 clinical predictors were integrated into a predictive clinico-radiomic (CR) model.

Results

The related R-scores showed signiﬁcant differences between BMV-H and low BMV (BMV-L), as defined by BMV less than 4 or no DBF (P < .001). Regression analysis identiﬁed BMs number, perilesional edema, and extracranial progression as significant predictors. The CR model using these 5 predictors achieved a bootstrapping corrected C-index of 0.842 and 0.832 in the discovery and test sets, respectively. Overall survival (OS) after first DBF was signiﬁcantly different between the CR-predicted BMV-L and BMV-H groups (median OS: 26.7 vs 13.0 months, P = .016). Among patients with a diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment of 1.5–2 or 2.5–4, the median OS after initial SRS was 33.8 and 67.8 months for CR-predicted BMV-L, compared to 13.5 and 31.0 months for CR-predicted BMV-H (P < .001 and <.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Our CR model provides a novel approach showing good performance to predict BMV and clinical outcomes.
Loosely trapped surface and dynamically transversely trapping surface in Einstein–Maxwell systems
Authors: Lee Kangjae , Shiromizu Tetsuya , Yoshino Hirotaka , Izumi Keisuke , Tomikawa Yoshimune
Published: August 2020

We study the properties of the loosely trapped surface (LTS) and the dynamically transversely trapping surface (DTTS) in Einstein–Maxwell systems. These concepts of surfaces were proposed by four of the present authors in order to characterize strong gravity regions. We prove the Penrose-like inequalities for the area of LTSs/DTTSs. Interestingly, although the naively expected upper bound for the area is that of the photon sphere of a Reissner–Nordström black hole with the same mass and charge, the obtained inequalities include corrections represented by the energy density or pressure/tension of electromagnetic fields. Due to this correction, the Penrose-like inequality for the area of LTSs is tighter than the naively expected one. We also evaluate the correction term numerically in the Majumdar–Papapetrou two-black-hole spacetimes.