bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Amino Acid Variants in Malignant Melanoma Cells Resistant to BRAF inhibition
Authors: Schmitt Marisa , Sinnberg Tobias , Bratl Katrin , Zittlau Katharina , Garbe Claus , Macek Boris , Nalpas Nicolas C.
Published: December 2020

Analysis of patient-specific nucleotide variants is a cornerstone of personalised medicine. Although only 2% of the genomic sequence is protein-coding, mutations occurring in these regions have the potential to influence protein structure and may have severe impact on disease aetiology. Of special importance are variants that affect modifiable amino acid residues, as protein modifications involved in signal transduction networks cannot be analysed by genomics. Proteogenomics enables analysis of proteomes in context of patient- or tissue-specific non-synonymous nucleotide variants. Here, we developed a proteogenomics workflow and applied it to study resistance to serine/threonine-protein kinase B-raf (BRAF) inhibitor (BRAFi) vemurafenib in malignant melanoma cell line A375. This approach resulted in high identification and quantification of non-synonymous nucleotide variants and (phospho)proteins. We integrated multi-omic datasets to reconstruct the perturbed signalling networks associated with BRAFi resistance and to predict drug therapies with the potential to disrupt BRAFi resistance mechanism in A375 cells. Notably, we showed that aurora kinase A (AURKA) inhibition is effective and specific against BRAFi resistant A375 cells. Furthermore, we investigated nucleotide variants that interfere with protein post-translational modification (PTM) status and potentially influence cell signalling. Mass spectrometry (MS) measurements confirmed variant-driven PTM changes in 12 proteins; among them was the runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) displaying a variant on a known phosphorylation site S(Ph)276L. We confirmed the loss of phosphorylation site by MS and demonstrated the impact of this variant on RUNX1 interactome.
A novel family of nonribosomal peptides modulate collective behavior inPseudovibriobacteria isolated from marine sponges
Authors: Ióca Laura P. , Dai Yitao , Kunakom Sylvia , Diaz-Espinosa Jennifer , Krunic Aleksej , Crnkovic Camila M. , Orjala Jimmy , Sanchez Laura M. , Ferreira Antonio G. , Berlinck Roberto G. S. , Eustáquio Alessandra S.
Published: December 2020

Collective behavior is a common feature of life. Although swarming motility and biofilms are opposed collective behaviors, both contribute to bacterial survival and host colonization. We have identified a link between motility/biofilms and a nonribosomal peptide synthetase-polyketide synthase gene cluster family (ppp) conserved inPseudovibrioandPseudomonasProteobacteria known to interact with diverse eukaryotes. After developing reverse genetics forPseudovibrio, we discovered two pseudovibriamide families, heptapeptides with a reversal in chain polarity via an ureido linkage1-6and related nonadepsipeptides7-12. Imaging mass spectrometry showed that1was excreted whereas7was colony-associated. Deletion ofpppAabolished production of1-12leading to reduced motility and increased biofilm production.pppDmutants that produced only1-6showed motility comparable to the wild-type and reduced biofilm formation, indicating that the excreted heptapeptides play a role in promoting motility. In contrast to lipopeptides widely known to affect swarming and biofilms, pseudovibriamides are not surfactants. Our results expand current knowledge on metabolites mediating bacterial collective behavior. Moreover, the establishment of reverse genetics will enable future exploration of the ecological and biotechnological potential ofPseudovibriobacteria which have been proposed to contribute to marine sponge health.

Significance

Bacteria contribute to health and disease of plants and animals. Specialized metabolites produced by bacteria are important in mediating their behavior and the colonization of their hosts. We have identified a conserved gene cluster family inPseudovibrioandPseudomonasbacteria known to colonize marine animals and terrestrial plants, respectively. UsingPseudovibrioas a model, we show the encoded metabolites, which we termed pseudovibriamides, promote motility and decrease biofilms. In contrast to lipopeptides widely known to affect motility/biofilms, pseudovibriamides are not surfactants, but instead are linear peptides with a reversal in chain polarity. The discovery of pseudovibriamides expands current knowledge of bacteria collective behavior. The establishment of reverse genetics will enable exploration of the ecological and biotechnological potential ofPseudovibriobacteria.

Classification

Biological Sciences, Microbiology
The core of business ethics
Authors: Hasnas John
Published: December 2020

Much of the focus on business ethics literature is on complex questions of corporate social responsibility. Yet, the heart of business ethics consists in a set of fundamental moral principles that are inherent in the activity of doing business in a market. These principles transcend differences in nationality, culture, and religion and supply the building blocks on which the more complex analyses can be based. This set of principles, which constitute the core of business ethics, provides business people with a code of conduct that is the analog of attorneys’ Canon of Ethics and physicians’ Code of Medical Ethics.
Use of random pattern skin flaps for wound closure in two horses
Authors: Jansson J. , Knottenbelt D. , Hennessy S.
Published: December 2020

A 9‐year‐old Thoroughbred broodmare presented with a mass rostral to the medial canthus of the left eye. The mass was removed under general anaesthesia and the wound bed infiltrated with carboplatin emulsion before partially closing using a Z‐plasty. The mass recurred and subsequently was resected twice. It has not recurred 68 weeks post‐treatment. The second case describes removal of a granulomatous mass from the metatarsus of a yearling Thoroughbred colt. Skin expanders and a rotational flap were used to allow tension‐free closure. This required two separate surgeries to firstly insert the skin expanders and secondly to remove the mass, the expanders and to close the defect. The wound healed with good cosmesis. There have been few reports on the use of skin flaps in equine reconstructive surgery in the last 30 years. This report details two cases of wound closure where skin flaps were used to achieve primary intention wound healing.
A reduced panel of eight genes (ATM, SF3B1, NOTCH1, BIRC3, XPO1, MYD88, TNFAIP3, and TP53) as an estimator of the tumor mutational burden in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chauzeix Jasmine , Pastoret Cédric , Donaty Lucie , Gachard Nathalie , Fest Thierry , Feuillard Jean , Rizzo David
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Mutational complexity or tumor mutational burden (TMB) influences the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, this information is not routinely used because TMB is usually obtained from whole genome or exome, or from large gene panel high‐throughput sequencing.

Methods

Here, we used the C‐Harrel concordance index to determine the minimum panel of genes for which mutations predict treatment‐free survival (TFS) as well as large resequencing panels.

Results

An eight gene estimator was defined encompassing ATM, SF3B1, NOTCH1, BIRC3, XPO1, MYD88, TNFAIP3, and TP53. TMB estimated from either a large panel of genes or the eight gene estimator was increased in treated patients or in those with a short TFS (<2 years), unmutated IGHV gene or with an unfavorable karyotype. Being an independent prognostic parameter, any mutation in the eight gene estimator predicted a shorter TFS better than Binet stage and IGHV mutational status among patients with an apparently non‐progressive disease (TFS >6 months). Strikingly, the eight gene estimator was also highly informative for patients with Binet stage A CLL or with a good prognosis karyotype.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the eight gene estimator, that is easily achievable by high‐throughput resequencing, brings robust and valuable information that predicts evolution of untreated patients at diagnosis better than any other parameter.
Relevance of qualifications and work experience in the recruiting of foreign‐trained immigrants – comparative insights from the Health and ICT Sectors in Germany and Canada
Authors: Annen Silvia
Published: December 2020

Germany and Canada differ significantly regarding their migration policy as well as the structures of the national labour markets and their educational systems. This paper aims to analyse how these differences affect the labour market outcomes of immigrants and the usability of foreign qualifications and work experiences by using the health and ICT sectors as example. The comparison focuses on the question how qualifications and work experience serve as signals and are screened for in the recruiting process of enterprises. The results show clear differences as well as several commonalities between the two compared countries.
Taking a long view: Investor trading horizon and earnings management strategy
Authors: Jang Yeejin , Lee Kyung Yun (Kailey)
Published: December 2020

This paper studies how the investment horizon of institutional investors affects firms' earnings management strategy in terms of trade‐off decisions between accrual management and operational adjustment. We find that when overall earnings management motives are held fixed, firms in which long‐term investors hold large stakes are more likely to manage earnings by adjusting operational decisions than by manipulating accruals. The preference for real earnings management is more pronounced when long‐term investors face performance pressures and when they have a strong influence on managers. We further document that real earnings management helps smooth earnings, and the future adverse consequences of operational adjustment are relatively less severe for firms with a greater proportion of long‐term investors than for those with more short‐term investors. Our findings are robust to the endogenous choice of ownership structure. Overall, the evidence suggests that firms choose earnings management methods to meet the earnings expectations of institutional investors, who have different earnings target windows.
Effectiveness of lip repositioning surgeries in the treatment of excessive gingival display: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: dos Santos‐Pereira Silvio Antônio , Cicareli Álvaro José , Idalgo Fábio Alarcon , Nunes Alexandre Gomes , Kassis Elias Naim , Castanha Henriques José Fernando , Bellini‐Pereira Silvio Augusto
Published: December 2020

To synthesize the available evidence regarding lip repositioning surgery (LRS) and quantify the short‐ and long‐term reduction in excessive gingival display (EGD) with the procedure. Additionally, evaluate the effect of myotomy on the results. Seven electronic databases were searched up to May 2020 by two independent reviewers. Studies evaluating the exclusive use of LRS to treat EGD were included. After risk of bias assessment, the data were quantitatively evaluated with random‐effects meta‐analysis. The initial database search yielded 368 studies, of which 16 were selected for full‐text review. Finally, eight studies were included. The random effects model exhibited an EGD reduction of 2.87 mm (95% CI: 1.91–3.82) after 3 months of LRS. These results decreased after 6 months (2.71 mm; 95% CI: 1.95–3.47) and 12 months (2.10 mm; 95% CI: 1.48–2.72). Meta‐analysis comparing the performance of myotomy showed greater EGD reduction at 6 months than without myotomy (P < 0.02). LRS is an effective approach for treating EGD, and it has satisfactory results up to 6 months. After this period, the effectiveness appears to progressively decrease over time indicating substantial relapse at 12 months. Myotomy seems a suitable alternative to increase the stability of LRS. Lip repositioning surgery is an effective procedure to improve smile esthetics in the short‐term (up to 6 months). After this period, the efficacy of LRS seems to decrease progressively, and an approximately 25% relapse may be expected after 12 months. Clinicians should combine the procedure with other approaches, such as plastic periodontal surgeries, restorative procedures, or botulin toxin injections for more predictable and stable outcomes.
Raynaud's phenomenon as a presenting manifestation of ovarian cancer: A case report
Authors: Matanes Emad , Boulus Sari , Lauterbach Roy , Matanis Jawad , Reiss Ari , Amit Amnon
Published: December 2020

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterized by episodes of vasospasm affecting the hands and feet. Paraneoplastic RP, as a single presenting symptom is rarely seen in cases of ovarian cancer (OC), and thus may lead to misdiagnosis. We present a case of paraneoplastic RP in a patient with high‐grade serous OC. A 66‐year‐old female presented with dyspnea and bilateral peripheral cyanosis involving her fingers. CA125 was elevated (423 U/mL). CT revealed a pleural effusion on the left side, suspicious omental lesions and ascites. Omental biopsy and pleural cytology demonstrated high‐grade serous OC. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin/paclitaxel) resulted in objective improvement in finger ischemia and complete regression of vasospastic features. However, the patient's disease was refractory to post‐surgical treatment and eventually she deceased of multiple organ failure. To conclude, RP may be a presenting symptom of OC. It is important to determine the underlying disease and develop an effective treatment strategy.
The Political Dynamics of Japan's Immigration Policies during the Abe Government*
Authors: Song Jiyeoun
Published: December 2020

This paper examines Japan's immigration policies during the Abe government. Japan has maintained its very restrictive immigration policies, especially for unskilled foreign workers, since the early 1990s. But despite Japan's reluctance to open its doors to unskilled foreign workers, the Abe government drastically shifted its policy position toward expanding the employment of unskilled foreign workers through the revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law in 2018. This paper argues that while Japan's demographic crisis and the strong business demand for the foreign workforce are important in explaining this change, Prime Minister Abe's political leadership is another key factor accounting for Japan's recent policy choice.
From Humanitarian Relief to Democracy Aid: US Foreign Assistance Towards North Korea, 1996–2016*
Authors: Kim Taekyoon , Mok Jong‐Kyun , Woo Changbin , Kim Bo Kyung
Published: December 2020

This study sets out to discover two hitherto unexplored areas entrenched in US foreign assistance to North Korea. First, it aims to conduct the complete enumeration of US aid projects targeting North Korea for two decades, from 1996 to 2016. A full coverage of humanitarian relations between the United States and North Korea contributes to tracing its evolving trajectories in a complete form. The second issue involves a more ambitious mission, intending to dig into Washington's strategic objectives which have been veiled under the philanthropic auspice of humanitarian aid. Given that donors always react sensitively to North Korea's nuclear threats, Washington exerted strategic control over the release of humanitarian assistance along with Pyongyang's conformity with aid conditionality. Considering the donor's national interest was hidden in humanitarianism, the study reveals not only whether humanitarian assistance has deviated from its main mission of emergency relief, but also which factor led to such a deviation and advanced the democracy aid framework as a new principle of reshuffling the usage of humanitarian assistance. Analyzing its moving frontier – from humanitarian relief to democracy aid – should be at the center of identifying the securitization process of US foreign assistance to North Korea.
When the Kangaroo Encounters the Flying Dragon: The Growth of Balancing Elements in Australia's China Policy
Authors: Kwon Jaebeom
Published: December 2020

Since the late 2000s, China's growing naval power and maritime assertiveness has resulted in a security environment unfavorable to Australia. Facing this situation, how has Australia responded? This study sheds light on Australia's recent balancing strategies against China. It analyzes Australia's recent China policy and argues that there have been growing balancing elements in that policy, including Australia's active military build‐up, enhancement of its alliance with the United States, and diversification of its strategic and defense partnerships with other regional powers.
Tax treaties worldwide: Estimating elasticities and revenue foregone
Authors: Janský Petr , Láznička Jan , Palanský Miroslav
Published: December 2020

While researchers agree that dividend and interest payments respond to tax treaties, evidence of the magnitude of this response remains scarce. We combine data from the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation and the International Monetary Fund in a set of 65,000 annual country‐pair observations for the 2009–2016 period. We estimate dividend flows to be highly elastic in a cross‐country regression and arrive at somewhat lower and less robust estimates for interest income. While our revenue estimates are lower than static estimates which do not reflect elasticities, we show that for some countries the revenue foregone remains non‐negligible.
Fiscal competition for foreign direct investment with knowledge spillovers and trade costs
Authors: Ferrett Ben , Gravino Daniel
Published: December 2020

We develop a model of fiscal competition for foreign direct investment and show that the decision of multinational firms to locate in the proximity of indigenous firms—which can be thought of as agglomeration—may be the result of the provision of government incentives that aim to capitalise on the potential for knowledge spillovers to indigenous industry. Somewhat different but complementary to existing literature, we also show that fiscal competition may increase the welfare of both winning and losing countries in the auction for the multinational firm when it leads to the relocation of multinationals away from countries that do not have the potential to benefit from knowledge spillovers to countries that do. As trade costs fall and the potential for knowledge spillovers increases, both outcomes become more likely in equilibrium.
European Council Notes 2020/04-05 - May to July: The MFF and the Recovery Fund
Authors: Ludlow Peter
Published: December 2020

The present paper resumes where the previous paper in this series concluded. At its video conference on 23 April the European Council mandated the Commission to draft a Recovery Plan, and on 21 July, at the end of a fve-day meeting, it signed off on a Recovery Fund and a revised MFF.

The size and economic signifcance of the package are illustrated in the text and tables. It is big money which, because it is targeted primarily at the more vulnerable member states, should have a considerable economic impact, particularly in the South. Talk of a crossing of the Rubicon is
nonetheless misplaced. Firstly because, though large, it is still much smaller than member states' Covid-related spending. Secondly, more importantly, because the politics of the agreement, which are analysed at some length in the narrative section of the paper, confrm that the leading players
in Europe's Union of sovereign states have little or no appetite for the huge systemic changes which would be required to deliver on the federalists' dream.
 Four features of the political narrative are of particular importance.
 Firstly, the making of the July agreement
was a success story which, in the face of widespread scepticism, confrmed that the EU can deliver. As a result, both the self-confdence of the insiders and the standing of the EU with its citizens have been boosted.
 Secondly, the story vindicated the Union's European Council centred
system of government. Media focus on the 18 May Statement by Merkel and Macron was misleading. The story begins on 23 April and ends on 21 July with the European Council.
 Thirdly, individuals and institutions matter too. In institutional terms, the European Commission, the Council's
rotating Presidency as well as the European Council itself have been at the heart of the process. In individual terms, Angela Merkel was once again in a league of her own, von der Leyen and Michel performed well, and the leaders of the F4, reinforced for most of the time by the Finnish prime
minister, left their mark in a positive still more than a negative sense. As too did Conte and Sanchez. Macron was also important needless to say, but not as important as the French government and the international media suggested.
 Fourthly, the story draws attention to the limits
as well as the potential of the system. Two closely related episodes since July are cited by way of illustration. In the frst, the negotiations between the German Council Presidency and the European Parliament about the budget, the parliamentary negotiators over-estimated both the powers and
the signifcance of the Parliament in the system. In the second, involving the Council, the Parliament and the Hungarian and Polish governments, the latter have, as often before, challenged the shared values on which the EU system is based. On this occasion however their interlocutors have
considerable leverage and, rightly in our view, appear determined to stand frm, even if, as is still possible, this puts the MFF/NGEU package at risk.
Companion-animal-inclusive domestic violence practice: Implications for service delivery and social work
Authors: Taylor Nik , Fraser Heather , Riggs Damien W.
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Based on an understanding of links between human- and animal-directed domestic violence, this article: 1) argues for companion-animal inclusive domestic violence service delivery; and 2) reflects on the challenges this offers to social work and the human services.APPROACH: We start by considering the importance of companion animals in many people’s lives and then offer an overview of material on “the link” between human- and animal-directed violence, specifically as it pertains to domestic violence.CONCLUSIONS: Implications for service design and provision are discussed. We conclude with brief comments about the importance of centring animals in future considerations of human– animal violence links and outline how this offers an opportunity to challenge and re-think the humanist foundations on which traditional social work is built.
“It’s about the most needy children”: A Foucauldian analysis of school social workers’ responses to need in post-earthquake Canterbury
Authors: Tudor Raewyn
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: After the 2011 Canterbury earthquake, the provision of school social work was extended into a larger number of schools in the greater Christchurch region to support discussions of their practice priorities and responses in post-earthquake schools.FINDINGS: Two main interpretations of need are reflected in the school social workers’ accounts of their work with children and families. Firstly, hardship-focused need, which represented children as adversely influenced by their home circumstances; the interventions were primarily with parents. These families were mainly from schools in low socioeconomic areas. Secondly, anxiety-based need, a newer practice response, which emphasised children who were considered particularly susceptible to the impacts of the disaster event. This article considers how these practitioners conceptualised and responded to the needs of the children and their families in this context.METHOD: A qualitative study examining recovery policy and school social work practice following the earthquakes including 12 semi-structured interviews with school social workers. This article provides a Foucauldian analysis of the social worker participants’ perspectives on emotional and psychological issues for children, particularly those from middle-class families; the main interventions were direct therapeutic work with children themselves. Embedded within these practice accounts are moments in which the social workers contested the predominant, individualising conceptualisations of need to enable more open-ended, negotiable, interconnected relationships in post-earthquake schools.IMPLICATIONS: In the aftermath of disasters, school social workers can reflect on their preferred practice responses and institutional influences in schools to offer children and families opportunities to reject the prevalent norms of risk and vulnerability.
International Media Coverage of the Pakistan Super League
Authors: Cassilo David , Coombs Danielle Sarver
Published: December 2020

The Pakistan Super League launched in 2016 with massive enthusiasm in its “cricket-mad” nation. However, safety concerns stemming from a 2009 terrorist attack in Lahore, Pakistan, meant all matches were played in the United Arab Emirates until the tournament’s final game in 2017—the ultimate test in seeing if top-level cricket could return to Pakistan. In this study, the authors examine framing of the creation in 2013 and first 2 years of the Pakistan Super League from news sources in Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. This study offers an opportunity to understand how Middle Eastern sport and the sport’s connection to national identity are framed in the media across multiple countries during a pivotal time for cricket in Pakistan.
Substantial Attenuation of Virulence of Tembusu Virus Strain PS Is Determined by an Arginine at Residue 304 of the Envelope Protein
Authors: Yang Lixin , Liang Te , Lv Junfeng , Qu Shenghua , Meng Runze , Yang Baolin , Feng Chonglun , Dai Weiqian , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Bing , Zhang Dabing
Published: December 2020

TMUV-related disease emerged in 2010 and has a significant economic impact on the duck industry. Although the disease was originally recognized to affect adult ducks, increasing evidence has shown that TMUV also causes severe disease of young ducklings.
Role of VapBC12 Toxin-Antitoxin Locus in Cholesterol-Induced Mycobacterial Persistence
Authors: Talwar Sakshi , Pandey Manitosh , Sharma Chandresh , Kutum Rintu , Lum Josephine , Carbajo Daniel , Goel Renu , Poidinger Michael , Dash Debasis , Singhal Amit , Pandey Amit Kumar
Published: December 2020

The current TB treatment regimen involves a combination of drugs administered for an extended duration that could last for 6 months to 2 years. This could lead to noncompliance and the emergence of newer drug resistance strains.
Primary PCI in a nonagenarian: an uncommon predicament
Authors: Babu Nelagondanahalli Manjunath Sharath , Kumar Paramasivan Naveen , George Paul Valiavetil , George Oommen Kattunilam
Published: December 2020

Myocardial infarction in a nonagenarian is a morbid cardiac illness that can lead to significant mortality unless properly dealt with management aspects. Many comorbid or family-related issues might be part of holdbacks in management of such a group of patients. Hence, myocardial infarction in a nonagenarian where intervention is better treatment option forms an uncommon combination and has many preprocedural, periprocedural and postprocedural difficulties related to multiple issues. Here, we present a case of nonagenarian who presented with extensive anterior wall MI and was successfully dealt with primary percutaneous coronary intervention despite periprocedural and intraprocedural difficulties.
Brief psychotic disorder associated with quarantine and mild COVID-19
Authors: Haddad Peter M , Al Abdulla Majid , Latoo Javed , Iqbal Yousaf
Published: December 2020

A 30-year-old man with no significant previous or family psychiatric history became severely anxious about his health after a positive COVID-19 test. Physical symptoms of COVID-19 were mild, with no evidence of hypoxia or pneumonia, throughout his illness. He was admitted to a quarantine facility. He remained highly anxious, and 1 week later, he developed paranoid delusions and auditory hallucinations (his first psychotic episode). He was treated with lorazepam 1 mg four times a day, mirtazapine 30 mg nocte and risperidone 1 mg two times a day. His psychotic symptoms lasted 1 week. He stopped psychiatric medication after 4 weeks and had remained well when reviewed 3 months later. A Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder with marked stressor (brief reactive psychosis) was made. Anxiety about his health and social isolation appeared the main aetiological factors but an inflammatory component cannot be excluded. The case highlights that first episode psychosis can be associated with mild COVID-19.
Quality improvement project to eliminate the occurrence of never events during insertion of intrauterine contraception
Authors: Power Jo , Jungmann Eva , Rayan Anshu , Battison Teresa , Edwards Simon
Published: December 2020

Aim

This project aimed to reduce the occurrence of never events during insertion of intrauterine contraception (IUC), within Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) clinics, to zero within 6 weeks.

Background

CNWL provides sexual health services in seven London boroughs and Surrey. Approximately 5500 IUC are inserted annually. Over a period of 67 days between 7 December 2017 and 12 February 2018, three incidents were identified within CNWL involving the insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive that was different to that agreed with the patient. Several different types of IUCs are available, avoiding insertion of an incorrect IUC device is important as it could lead to unwanted side effects and swapping to the chosen device could lead to a repeat procedure with potential increased risks of infection and uterine perforation.

Insertion of an incorrect IUC has been classified as a never event since January 2018 when NHS Improvement updated their never events list to include ‘insertion of an IUC different from the one in the procedural plan’. Never events are serious incidents that are preventable if appropriate systems are in place. There is currently no national guidance on how to reduce the risk of IUC never events but since inclusion of IUC events in the never event list the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health has been working to produce national guidance for safety standards for IUC insertion. In the interim, CNWL undertook a review of their local policies.

Investigation and recommendations

Following the CNWL IUC never events, a root cause analysis investigation was conducted. A multidisciplinary team was convened to identify potential contributory factors. The main cause was identified as the lack of a standard process for confirming, documenting and double-checking the chosen IUC immediately prior to insertion. Other contributory factors included storage of similar IUC devices alongside each other and delayed access to a trained assistant in IUC clinics.

Quality improvement (QI) methodology was used to help implement local system changes to reduce the risk of future errors. These included changes to IUC storage and the introduction of an IUC checklist to confirm the chosen device type during IUC insertions.

Results and conclusion

Since implementation of these changes 30 months ago there have been no further IUC never events within CNWL.

QI methods have facilitated the successful introduction of local system changes that have reduced the occurrence of errors during IUC insertion.
Comparison of gamma analysis with using different dosimetric systems for pre-treatment verification of intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Inan Gokcen , Gul Osman Vefa
Published: December 2020

The evaluation of the agreement between calculated and measured dose plays an essential role in the quality assurance procedures of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). This study aimed to compare gamma analysis using portal dosimetry (PD), Epiqa, and 2D array detector for dose verification of radiotherapy treatment plans. Five field step-and-shoot IMRT plan was performed for 20 prostate IMRT patients using the dual-energy DHX linear accelerator (Varian Medical System, Palo Alto, Calif., USA). The treatment plans were created using Varian DHX Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) version 15.1. All measurements were performed by aS500 EPID integrated into Varian DHX linear accelerator and 2D array detector. The dose distribution was evaluated with gamma area histograms (GAHs) generated using different γ criteria (1%/1 mm, 2%/2 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm) for dose agreement and distance to agreement parameters. Statistical analyses were evaluated by using Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test, and p-value of p < 0.01 was considered to be significant. The average pass rate for 20 IMRT plans was above 95 for all devices with 2%/2 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm. The mean and standard deviation pass rates (γ ≤ 1) were found to be 99.80 ± 0.19, 99.35 ± 0.34, and 97.53 ± 0.71 for PD, Epiqa, and 2D array, respectively. All IMRT plans passed 2%/2 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm gamma by more than 95 of three dosimetric systems. They are all in good agreement with the literature. All three devices are acceptable for quality control of IMRT. Due to the simplicity and fast evaluation process, PD can be preferred for quality control.
AAC Succeed durum wheat
Authors: Ruan Y. , Singh A.K. , DePauw R.M. , Knox R.E. , Cuthbert R.D. , McCallum B. , Fetch T.
Published: December 2020

AAC Succeed durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. AAC Succeed carries the Sm1 gene, which confers antibiosis-based resistance to orange wheat blossom midge [Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin)]. Averaged over three years, AAC Succeed yielded significantly more grain than Strongfield (7%) and AC Navigator (21%). AAC Succeed had a protein concentration significantly higher than Brigade and AC Navigator, and similar to Strongfield. AAC Succeed had significantly stronger straw as measured by lodging score than Strongfield, and similar to Brigade. AAC Succeed is eligible for grades of Canada Western Amber Durum, has low grain cadmium concentration, and has higher yellow pigment concentration than the check cultivars.
Wave propagation in a non-local piezoelectric phononic crystal Timoshenko nanobeam
Authors: He Feiyang , Qian Denghui , Zhai Musai
Published: December 2020

By applying non-local elasticity theory and plane wave expansion (PWE) method to Timoshenko beam, the calculation method of band structure of a non-local piezoelectric phononic crystal (PC) Timoshenko nanobeam is proposed and formulized. In order to investigate the properties of wave propagating in the nanobeam in detail, bandgaps of first four orders are picked, and the corresponding influence rules of thermo-electro-mechanical coupling fields, non-local effect and geometric parameters on bandgaps are studied. During the research works, temperature variation, external electrical voltage and axial force are chosen as the influencing parameters related to the thermo-electro-mechanical coupling fields. Scale coefficient is chosen as the influencing parameter corresponding to non-local effect. Length ratio between materials PZT-4 and epoxy and height-width ratio are chosen as the influencing parameters of geometric parameters. Moreover, all the band structures and influence rules of Timoshenko nanobeam are compared to those of Euler nanobeam. The results are expected to be of help for the design of micro and nanodevices based on piezoelectric periodic nanobeams.
Always-on Time-series Database: Keeping Up Where There's No Way to Catch Up
Authors: Schlossnagle Theo , Sheehy Justin , McCubbin Chris
Published: December 2020

What if you found you needed to provide for the capture of data from disconnected operations, such that updates might be made by different parties at the same time without conflicts? And what if your service called for you to receive massive volumes of data almost continuously throughout the day, such that you couldn't really afford to interrupt data ingest at any point for fear of finding yourself so far behind present state that there would be almost no way to catch up?
Complex Lithiation Mechanism of Siloxene and Germanane: Two Promising Battery Electrode Materials
Authors: Loaiza L. C. , Dupré N. , Davoisne C. , Madec L. , Monconduit L. , Seznec V.
Published: December 2020

The layered siloxene and germanane, derived from CaSi2 and CaGe2, respectively, have shown very promising results as anodes for Lithium-ion batteries. Their delivered capacities, capacity retention and high rate cycling are superior compared to bulk Si and Ge. These positive features are most probably related to the layered morphology that buffers the volume changes and improves the kinetics. Despite numerous recently published studies regarding their electrochemical properties, very little is known about their electrochemical mechanism. In this work, we have used a combination of different characterization techniques to study the processes taking place during the lithiation of siloxene and germanane and compared with Si and Ge. Our results suggest a slightly different pathway for the lithiation of siloxene and germanane: their initial layered morphology is preserved after cycling, the crystalline Li15Si4 and Li15Ge4 characteristic of an alloying mechanism are absent and possibly different lithiated intermediates are formed. We provide then, an initial assessment of the involved LixSi and LixGe phases and propose the hypothesis of a reversible Li intercalation in the siloxene and germanane layers.
Pseudo-Steady-State Reduced-Order-Model Approximation for Constant-Current Parameter Identification in Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Guest Brandon , Trimboli M. Scott , Plett Gregory L.
Published: December 2020

The challenges of parameter identification for a lumped-parameter, physics-based model of a lithium-ion cell motivate a closed-form approximation that can be used inside an optimization routine. Present reduced-order models of the lithium-ion cell do not achieve the desired speed and fidelity for the parameter-identification application when applied to a constant-current test. This paper introduces a novel approximation to the cell internal and terminal-voltage dynamics that is specialized for constant-current applications and incorporates a model of solid and electrolyte diffusion, solid and electrolyte potential, and the kinetics of the solid–electrolyte interphase layer. The approximation leverages non-time-varying profiles for electrolyte-level quantities under a pseudo-steady-state assumption coupled with a nonlinear approximation to the lithium stoichiometry at the electrode surface. The proposed approximation achieves significantly improved speed and accuracy over a comparable reduced-order model simplified for constant current when evaluated against a full-order-model simulation using the true parameter values.
Intestinal dysmotility after bowel resection in rats is associated with decreased ghrelin and vimentin expression and loss of intestinal cells of Cajal
Authors: Sukhotnik Igor , Ben-Shahar Yoav , Pollak Yulia , Cohen Shlomi , Moran-Lev Hadar , Koppelmann Tal , Gorenberg Migel
Published: December 2020

This study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of intestinal dysmotility following massive small bowel resection. We show that 2 weeks after bowel resection in rats, impaired intestinal motility was associated with loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (downregulation of TMEM 16A, and c-kit expression) as well as with decreased vimentin, desmin, and ghrelin levels. Impaired intestinal motility led to decrease in final body weight, suggesting less effective nutrient absorption.
Longitudinal Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy in a Nationwide Screening Program: Comparing Deep Learning and Human Graders
Authors: Limwattanayingyong Jirawut , Nganthavee Variya , Seresirikachorn Kasem , Singalavanija Tassapol , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Ruamviboonsuk Varis , Rao Chetan , Raman Rajiv , Grzybowski Andrzej , Schaekermann Mike , Peng Lily H. , Webster Dale R. , Semturs Christopher , Krause Jonathan , Sayres Rory , Hersch Fred , Tiwari Richa , Liu Yun , Ruamviboonsuk Paisan
Published: December 2020

Objective. To evaluate diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening via deep learning (DL) and trained human graders (HG) in a longitudinal cohort, as case spectrum shifts based on treatment referral and new-onset DR. Methods. We randomly selected patients with diabetes screened twice, two years apart within a nationwide screening program. The reference standard was established via adjudication by retina specialists. Each patient’s color fundus photographs were graded, and a patient was considered as having sight-threatening DR (STDR) if the worse eye had severe nonproliferative DR, proliferative DR, or diabetic macular edema. We compared DR screening via two modalities: DL and HG. For each modality, we simulated treatment referral by excluding patients with detected STDR from the second screening using that modality. Results. There were 5,738 patients (12.3% STDR) in the first screening. DL and HG captured different numbers of STDR cases, and after simulated referral and excluding ungradable cases, 4,148 and 4,263 patients remained in the second screening, respectively. The STDR prevalence at the second screening was 5.1% and 6.8% for DL- and HG-based screening, respectively. Along with the prevalence decrease, the sensitivity for both modalities decreased from the first to the second screening (DL: from 95% to 90%,

p
=
0.008

; HG: from 74% to 57%,

p
<
0.001

). At both the first and second screenings, the rate of false negatives for the DL was a fifth that of HG (0.5-0.6% vs. 2.9-3.2%). Conclusion. On 2-year longitudinal follow-up of a DR screening cohort, STDR prevalence decreased for both DL- and HG-based screening. Follow-up screenings in longitudinal DR screening can be more difficult and induce lower sensitivity for both DL and HG, though the false negative rate was substantially lower for DL. Our data may be useful for health-economics analyses of longitudinal screening settings.
A Multimodel Decision Fusion Method Based on DCNN-IDST for Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing
Authors: Xu Weixiao , Jing Luyang , Tan Jiwen , Dou Lianchen
Published: December 2020

Each pattern recognition method has its advantages and disadvantages to diagnose the state of rotating machinery. There are many fault types of rolling bearings with apparent uncertainty. The optimal fusion level is usually challenging to be selected for a specific fault diagnosis task, and extensive human labour and prior knowledge are also highly required during these selections. To solve the above problems, a multimodel decision fusion method based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network and Improved Dempster-Shafer Evidence Theory (DCNN-IDST) is proposed for the inspection of rolling bearing. To solve the defect of the original evidence theory method in the fusion of high-conflict evidence, the fuzzy consistency matrix is introduced. By calculating the factor weight, the reliability and rationality of D-S evidence theory are improved. The DCNN model can learn features from the original data and carry out adaptive feature extraction for multiple sensor information. The features extracted by DCNN adaptively are input into multiple network models for decision fusion. The new method of DCNN-IDST multimodel decision fusion is applied to detect the damage of rolling bearings. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, both the BP neural network and RBF neural network are used to set up a multigroup comparison test. The result demonstrates that the proposed method can detect the fault of the rolling bearing effectively and achieve the highest diagnosis accuracy among all the tested methods in the experiment.
ПОКАЗНИКИ ОКИСНЮВАЛЬНОГО СТРЕСУ В ЩУРІВ З ПАРАЦЕТАМОЛОВИМ ГЕПАТИТОМ ТА ЇХ КОРЕКЦІЯ ГУСТИМ ЕКСТРАКТОМ ІЗ ГРИБІВ МАЙТАКЕ
Authors: Herasymets I. I. , Fira L. S. , Medvid I. I.
Published: December 2020

Вступ. У статті наведено результати дослідження активності окиснювальних процесів і стану захисних систем щурів за умов ураження їх парацетамолом та після корекції густим екстрактом із грибів майтаке.

Мета дослідження – вивчити вплив густого екстракту з грибів майтаке на активність вільнорадикальних процесів та показники антиоксидантної системи за умов парацетамолового гепатиту в щурів.

Методи дослідження. Дослідження проводили на білих щурах-самцях. Тварин поділили на 10 груп, кожна з яких включала 6 щурів. Гострий гепатит моделювали шляхом інтрагастрального введення парацетамолу в дозі 1250 мг/кг 1 раз на добу (протягом 2 діб) у вигляді суспензії у 2 % розчині крохмального гелю. Для корекції токсичного ураження застосовували густий екстракт із грибів майтаке, який вводили інтрагастрально за 2 год до введення парацетамолу та щоденно після ураження в дозі 150 мг/кг маси тіла. Препарат порівняння “Силібор” вводили за тією ж схемою, що і досліджуваний екстракт, у дозі 20 мг/кг маси тіла тварини. На 3-тю, 7-му та 10-ту доби від початку ураження здійснювали евтаназію щурів з використанням барбамілу натрію. Дослідженням піддавали гомогенат печінки та сироватку крові. Активність процесів вільнорадикального окиснення при парацетамоловому гепатиті й після введення коригувальних препаратів оцінювали за активністю супероксиддисмутази і каталази, вмістом ТБК-активних продуктів та продуктів окиснювальної модифікації протеїнів.

Результати й обговорення. Про підвищення активності процесів вільнорадикального окиснення після ураження щурів парацетамолом свідчили зниження активності супероксиддисмутази і каталази, підвищення вмісту ТБК-активних продуктів, продуктів окиснювальної модифікації протеїнів нейтрального й основного характеру в сироватці крові та печінці тварин. Експериментально доведено ефективність застосування густого екстракту з грибів майтаке і його позитивний вплив на активність процесів ліпопероксидації та окиснювальної модифікації протеїнів за умов парацетамолового гепатиту в щурів.

Висновок. Застосування досліджуваного екстракту з грибів майтаке за умов змодельованого гостро­го гепатиту в щурів привело до нормалізації показників ліпопероксидації, окиснювальної модифікації протеїнів та антиоксидантного захисту.