bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Material characterization and optimization of CNT-reinforced aluminum (AA7075) functionally graded material processed by ultrasonic cavitation
Authors: Srinivas P N Sudhakar , Babu P Ravindra , Balakrishna B
Published: August 2020

Conventional materials that have to function in rigorous conditions can exhibit extraordinary properties in tough conditions just from reinforcement with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). However, the manufacturing methods available for CNTs are complex and cumbersome, in terms of the process parameters. In our research work, we have intensively concentrated on the synthesis of functionally-graded material reinforced with long carbon fiber nanotubes for cylinder linings in a four-wheeler. The matrix constituent under consideration is AA7075 and the reinforcing constituents are titanium nitride (TiN) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. These constituents are blended as per defined mixture rules, having matrix mass percentages of 100%, 95%, 90%, 85% and 80%, TiN and CNT mass percentages of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% are taken in equal proportions. The specimens are synthesized using centrifugal casting and layer-by-layer deposition of the matrix and the reinforcing constituents from the bottom to the top layer, as per the ASTM G33 standard. The uniform dispersion of the CNTs is assured with the aid of an ultrasonic cavitation methodology. The specimens are tested for their mechanical properties, such as tensile and impact strength, and macro- and microhardness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS) are utilized to verify a continuous phase and uniform dispersion of the carbon nanotubes and the titanium nitride within the matrix constituent. The results show that there is strong interfacial bonding with respect to layers and the interstitial region. Tribological characterization shows that the maximum wear rate, frictional force and coefficient of friction attained values of 100 microns, 15.6 N and 0.15 respectively, at a constant speed of 675 rpm and a wear time of 30 min, over a sliding distance of 9500 m. ANOVA and multiple linear regression are conducted to optimize and standardize the process parameters of the manufacturing process.
Malaria Screening Using Front-Line Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: McGinnis Eric , Chan Geoffrey , Hudoba Monika , Markin Todd , Yakimec Jim , Roland Kristine
Published: August 2020

Objectives: We implemented front-line loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)–based malaria screening in our nonendemic multicenter health region to reduce reliance on microscopy without sacrificing diagnostic efficiency. We aimed to evaluate changes in test volumes, positivity rates, turnaround times, and approximate labor time savings resulting from implementation of LAMP-based malaria testing to assess the efficacy of the novel testing algorithm in our regional hub-and-spoke testing model.

Methods: We reviewed data generated from institutional malaria testing between 2016 and 2019, having implemented LAMP in October 2018 as a front-line screening test for all malaria investigations from our hub facility and investigations from satellite facilities with negative rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy.

Results: Blood film microscopy and RDT workloads decreased substantially in the year following LAMP implementation (by 90% and 46%, respectively,) despite similar numbers of patients tested and positivity rates for malaria compared with historical data. LAMP turnaround times (TATs) were comparable to historical TATs for RDTs, and TATs for RDTs and thick films did not increase with the change in workflow.

Conclusions: LAMP was successfully implemented in our multicenter health region malaria diagnostic algorithm, significantly reducing reliance on microscopic evaluations and RDT and providing substantial labor time savings without compromising TATs.
Evaluation of post–flexible cystoscopy urinary tract infection rates
Authors: Cusumano Jaclyn A , Hermenau Matthew , Gaitanis Melissa , Travis Michelle , LaPlante Kerry L , Tran Timothy Y , McConeghy Kevin W
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) development after flexible cystoscopy (FC) is not well described. It remains difficult to assess the role of pre-FC antimicrobial prophylaxis to reduce UTI risk.

Methods

In fall 2017, the urology service at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center implemented routine oral antimicrobial prophylaxis in its outpatient FC clinic. Outpatients were randomly selected for a retrospective chart review to compare patients who received pre-FC antimicrobials (cefuroxime 500 mg tablet or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim [800 mg/160 mg] tablet) and those who underwent FC prior to fall 2017 and did not receive prophylaxis. The primary outcome was presence of symptomatic UTI within 30 days post FC. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic UTI that met colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL guideline requirements, and UTI treatment received. Potential risk factors for UTI were also assessed.

Results

A total of 296 patients were included in the final analysis: 139 who did not receive and 157 who received a prophylactic antimicrobial before FC. Rates of symptomatic UTI, symptomatic UTI meeting CFU/mL guideline requirements, and postprocedure treatment for UTI were similar with and without antimicrobial prophylaxis (2.5% vs 2.2% [P > 0.99], 1.9% vs 1.4% [P > 0.99], and 2.5% vs 4.3% [P = 0.53], respectively). The mean number of days from FC to the start of UTI treatment was 7.9 (range, 1-18 days). Age over 65 years was the only risk factor present in all patients with a post-FC UTI, irrespective of antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Conclusion

The rate of post-FC symptomatic UTI was lower than rates previously described in the literature. The role of antimicrobial prophylaxis prior to FC warrants further exploration.
Species-specific flowering phenology responses to experimental warming and drought alter herbaceous plant species overlap in a temperate–boreal forest community
Authors: Rice Karen E , Montgomery Rebecca A , Stefanski Artur , Rich Roy L , Reich Peter B
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are expected to continue to occur as the climate changes. How these changes will impact the flowering phenology of herbaceous perennials in northern forests is poorly understood but could have consequences for forest functioning and species interactions. Here, we examine the flowering phenology responses of five herbaceous perennials to experimental warming and reduced summer rainfall over 3 years.

Methods

This study is part of the B4WarmED experiment located at two sites in northern Minnesota, USA. Three levels of warming (ambient, +1.6 °C and +3.1 °C) were crossed with two rainfall manipulations (ambient and 27 % reduced growing season rainfall).

Key Results

We observed species-specific responses to the experimental treatments. Warming alone advanced flowering for four species. Most notably, the two autumn blooming species showed the strongest advance of flowering to warming. Reduced rainfall alone advanced flowering for one autumn blooming species and delayed flowering for the other, with no significant impact on the three early blooming species. Only one species, Solidago spp., showed an interactive response to warming and rainfall manipulation by advancing in +1.6 °C warming (regardless of rainfall manipulation) but not advancing in the warmest, driest treatment. Species-specific responses led to changes in temporal overlap between species. Most notably, the two autumn blooming species diverged significantly in their flowering timing. In ambient conditions, these two species flowered within the same week. In the warmest, driest treatment, flowering occurred over a month apart.

Conclusions

Herbaceous species may differ in how they respond to future climate conditions. Changes to phenology may lead to fewer resources for insects or a mismatch between plants and pollinators.
The Value of Integrating Fluorescent Imaging and Immunohistochemistry for Future Anatomical Studies in Aesthetic Surgery: Lessons From the Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulatory System of Human Nerves and Brain
Authors: Pessa Joel E , Smith Douglas , Sieber David A , Kenkel Jeffrey M , Arbique Gary , Nahai Foad , Heldermon Coy D , Scott Edward W
Published: August 2020

Background

During their work on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulatory system of human nerves and brain, the authors applied imaging and tissue techniques that complemented basic anatomical dissection.

Objectives

The authors sought to show how integrating fluorescent imaging and basic immunohistochemistry (IHC) with facial anatomy can address current problems in aesthetic surgery.

Methods

The authors developed an algorithm and a set of principles from their work on the CSF circulatory system and applied these to 3 problems in aesthetic surgery: the functional anatomy of the vermilion-cutaneous junction; chemosis; and the functional anatomy of periosteal fixation.

Results

Integrating fluorescent imaging and IHC with anatomical dissection characterizes structural and functional anatomy. Fluorescent imaging helps to identify and locate easily missed structures. IHC defines cell type and function. The vermilion-cutaneous junction is defined by a major lymphatic vessel. Lymphatic flow from the medial limbus to the lateral canthus suggests the etiology of chemosis. Periosteal sites of fixation prevent shear where dural CSF vessels drain directly to subcutaneous lymphatics.

Conclusions

Integrating anatomical dissection with fluorescent imaging and basic IHC characterizes structural and functional anatomy and helps to better understand many problems encountered in aesthetic surgery.
CONCUR: quick and robust calculation of codon usage from ribosome profiling data
Authors: Frye Michaela , Bornelöv Susanne
Published: August 2020

CONCUR is a standalone tool for codon usage analysis in ribosome profiling experiments. CONCUR uses the aligned reads in BAM format to estimate codon counts at the ribosome E-, P- and A-sites and at flanking positions.

Availability and implementation

CONCUR is written in Perl and is freely available at https://github.com/susbo/concur.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evidence of introgression in endemic frogs from thecampo rupestrecontradicts the reduced hybridization hypothesis
Authors: Magalhães Rafael F , Lemes Priscila , Santos Marcus Thadeu T , Mol Rafael M , Ramos Elisa K S , Oswald Caroline B , Pezzuti Tiago L , Santos Fabrício R , Brandão Reuber A , Garcia Paulo C A
Published: August 2020

The campo rupestre ecosystem is considered an old, climatically buffered, infertile landscape. As a consequence, long-term isolation is thought to have played an important role in the diversification of its biota. Here, we tested for hybridization between two endemic leaf frogs from the campo rupestre. We used sequence markers and coalescent models to verify haplotype sharing between the species, to test the existence and direction of gene flow, and to reconstruct the spatiotemporal dynamics of gene flow. Additionally, ecological niche modelling (ENM) was used to assess for potential co-occurrence by overlapping the climatic niche of these species since the middle Pleistocene. We found haplotype sharing and/or lack of differentiation in four nuclear fragments, one of them associated with introgression. The coalescent models support introgressive hybridization unidirectionally from Pithecopus megacephalus to P. ayeaye, occurring ~300 kya. ENM corroborates this scenario, revealing areas of potential environmental niche overlap for the species at about 787 kya. These results contradict the expectation of reduced hybridization, while ENM suggests climatic fluctuation rather than stability for the two species. The reduced hybridization hypothesis needs to be further investigated because our results suggest that it may have unrealistic premises at least for animals.
On the use of a penalized quasilikelihood information criterion for generalized linear mixed models
Authors: Hui Francis K C
Published: August 2020

Information criteria are commonly used for joint fixed and random effects selection in mixed models. While information criteria are straightforward to implement, a major difficulty in applying them is that they are typically based on maximum likelihood estimates, but calculating such estimates for one candidate mixed model, let alone multiple models, presents a major computational challenge. To overcome this hurdle, we study penalized quasilikelihood estimation and use it as the basis for performing fast joint selection. Under a general framework, we show that penalized quasilikelihood estimation produces consistent estimates of the true parameters. We then propose a new penalized quasilikelihood information criterion whose distinguishing feature is the way it accounts for model complexity in the random effects, since penalized quasilikelihood estimation effectively treats the random effects as fixed. We demonstrate that the criterion asymptotically identifies the true set of important fixed and random effects. Simulations show that the quasilikelihood information criterion performs competitively with and sometimes better than common maximum likelihood information criteria for joint selection, while offering substantial reductions in computation time.
Concomitant Marked Decline in Prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Other Respiratory Viruses Among Symptomatic Patients Following Public Health Interventions in Australia: Data from St Vincent’s Hospital and Associated Screening Clinics, Sydney, NSW
Authors: Marriott Deborah , Beresford Rohan , Mirdad Feras , Stark Damien , Glanville Allan , Chapman Scott , Harkness Jock , Dore Gregory J , Andresen David , Matthews Gail V
Published: August 2020

Our Australian hospital tested almost 22 000 symptomatic people over 11 weeks for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Following travel bans and physical distancing, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses diagnoses fell dramatically. Increasing rhinovirus diagnoses as social control measures were relaxed may indirectly indicate an elevated risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resurgence.
A critique of Shaikh’s two interpretations of Marx’s ‘transformation problem’
Authors: Moseley Fred
Published: August 2020

It is argued in this paper that Shaikh has presented two different interpretations of the transformation problem in his works. In his influential 1977 paper, he presented an “iterative” interpretation in which there is a transfer of value between departments in the economy; and in a series of papers in the 1980s and in his recent book, he presented a different interpretation in which there is a transfer of value between firms in Department 3 and capitalist households. An important common feature of these two different interpretations is that total profit is not equal to total surplus-value. The two interpretations present different explanations of this divergence, which are examined in detail in this paper. It is argued that there is no textual evidence whatsoever to support Shaikh’s second interpretation. A few comparisons will also be made to my “macro-monetary” interpretation of Marx theory according to which there is no transformation problem in Marx’s theory and total profit is always equal to total surplus-value.
WE-CARE IBD SCORE: Assessing High-quality Care From the Perspective of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Barello Serena , Guida Elena , Bonanomi Andrea , Menichetti Julia , Leone Salvatore , Previtali Enrica , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Patient-reported experience measures [PREMs] are today a core asset to orientate health care quality improvements. They are particularly relevant in clinical situations requiring frequent interactions between patients and the health care system, like inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Indeed, IBD chronic care requires continuous therapies, psychological interventions, and follow-ups. The characteristics of health care services play an important role in the life of these patients and in their satisfaction with the care received. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an IBD-specific questionnaire [WE-CARE IBD SCORE] able to capture IBD patients’ needs and priorities for their own health care and based on patients’ perspectives.

Methods

The WE-CARE IBD SCORE was developed and validated through a multistage process [qualitative and quantitative] and administered to 1176 patients with IBD. Psychometric evaluation included an assessment of internal consistency and factor analysis.

Results

The WE-CARE IBD SCORE is a short and self-administered questionnaire that includes six items assessing one unique dimension of ‘IBD patient-reported high quality of care’. Psychometric evaluations demonstrate the reliability [Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93] and validity [invariance to gender and diagnosis] of the questionnaire as an instrument able to detect and assess IBD patients’ main psychosocial needs and priorities for receiving health care services.

Conclusions

The WE-CARE IBD SCORE contributes to the panorama of existing quality of care patient-reported measures by providing a patient-based, psychosocial perspective in the evaluation of a key aspect for chronic—and particularly for IBD patients—care.
Within-Colony Transmission of Microsporidian and Trypanosomatid Parasites in Honey Bee and Bumble Bee Colonies
Authors: Pinilla-Gallego Mario S , Williams Emma E , Davis Abby , Fitzgerald Jacquelyn L , McArt Scott H , Irwin Rebecca E
Published: August 2020

Parasites are commonly cited as one of the causes of population declines for both managed and wild bees. Epidemiological models sometimes assume that increasing the proportion of infected individuals in a group should increase transmission. However, social insects exhibit behaviors and traits which can dampen the link between parasite pressure and disease spread. Understanding patterns of parasite transmission within colonies of social bees has important implications for how to control diseases within those colonies, and potentially the broader pollinator community. We used bumble bees (Bombus impatiens Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) infected with the gut parasites Crithidia bombi (Lipa & Triggiani) (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) and Nosema ceranae (Fries et al.) (Dissociodihaplophasida: Nosematidae), respectively, to understand how the initial proportion of infected individuals impacts within-colony spread and intensity of infection of the parasites. In bumble bees, we found that higher initial parasite prevalence increased both the final prevalence and intensity of infection of C. bombi. In honey bees, higher initial prevalence increased the intensity of infection in individual bees, but not the final prevalence of N. ceranae. Measures that reduce the probability of workers bringing parasites back to the nest may have implications for how to control transmission and/or severity of infection and disease outbreaks, which could also have important consequences for controlling disease spread back into the broader bee community.
Prognostic implication of CT-FFR based functional SYNTAX score in patients withde novothree-vessel disease
Authors: Qiao Hong Yan , Li Jian Hua , Schoepf U Joseph , Bayer Richard R , Tinnefeld Fiona C , Di Jiang Meng , Yang Fei , Guo Bang Jun , Zhou Chang Sheng , Ge Ying Qian , Lu Meng Jie , Jiang Jian Wei , Lu Guang Ming , Zhang Long Jiang
Published: August 2020

Aims

This study was aimed at investigating whether a machine learning (ML)-based coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) SYNTAX score (SS), ‘Functional SYNTAX score’ (FSSCTA), would predict clinical outcome in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and results

The SS based on CCTA (SSCTA) and ICA (SSICA) were retrospectively collected in 227 consecutive patients with three-vessel CAD. FSSCTA was calculated by combining the anatomical data with functional data derived from a ML-based CT-FFR assessment. The ability of each score system to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was compared. The difference between revascularization strategies directed by the anatomical SS and FSSCTA was also assessed. Two hundred and twenty-seven patients were divided into two groups according to the SSCTA cut-off value of 22. After determining FSSCTA for each patient, 22.9% of patients (52/227) were reclassified to a low-risk group (FSSCTA ≤ 22). In the low- vs. intermediate-to-high (>22) FSSCTA group, MACE occurred in 3.2% (4/125) vs. 34.3% (35/102), respectively (P < 0.001). The independent predictors of MACE were FSSCTA (OR = 1.21, P = 0.001) and diabetes (OR = 2.35, P = 0.048). FSSCTA demonstrated a better predictive accuracy for MACE compared with SSCTA (AUC: 0.81 vs. 0.75, P = 0.01) and SSICA (0.81 vs. 0.75, P < 0.001). After FSSCTA was revealed, 52 patients initially referred for CABG based on SSCTA would have been changed to PCI.

Conclusion

Recalculating SS by incorporating lesion-specific ischaemia as determined by ML-based CT-FFR is a better predictor of MACE in patients with three-vessel CAD. Additionally, the use of FSSCTA may alter selected revascularization strategies in these patients.
Greenhouse gases emissions from the diet and risk of death and chronic diseases in the EPIC-Spain cohort
Authors: González Carlos A , Bonet Catalina , de Pablo Miguel , Sanchez María José , Salamanca-Fernandez Elena , Dorronsoro Miren , Amiano Pilar , Huerta Jose María , Chirlaque María Dolores , Ardanaz Eva , Barricarte Aurelio , Quirós Jose Ramón , Agudo Antonio , Rivera Ferrer Marta Guadalupe
Published: August 2020

Background

Evidence from the scientific literature shows a significant variation in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the diet, according to the type of food consumed. We aim to analyze the relationship between the daily dietary GHG emissions according to red meat, fruit and vegetables consumption and their relationship with risk of total mortality, and incident risk of chronic diseases.

Methods

We examined data on the EPIC-Spain prospective study, with a sample of 40 621 participants. Dietary GHG emission values were calculated for 57 food items of the EPIC study using mean emission data from a systematic review of 369 published studies.

Results

Dietary GHG emissions (kgCO2eq/day), per 2000 kcal, were 4.7 times higher in those with high red-meat consumption (>140 g/day) than those with low consumption (<70 g/day). The average dietary GHG emissions were similar in males and females, but it was significantly higher in youngest people and in those individuals with lower educational level, as well as for northern EPIC centers of Spain. We found a significant association with the risk of mortality comparing the third vs. the first tertile of dietary GHG emissions [hazard ratio (HR) 1.095; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007–1.19; trend test 0.037]. Risk of coronary heart disease (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.08–1.48; trend test 0.003) and risk of type 2 diabetes (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.11–1.38; trend test 0.002) showed significant association as well.

Conclusions

Decreasing red-meat consumption would lead to reduce GHG emissions from diet and would reduce risk of mortality, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Bariatric surgery proves long-term benefit in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Izzy Manhal , Angirekula Mounika , Abu Dayyeh Barham K , Bazerbachi Fateh , Watt Kymberly D
Published: August 2020

Background

Obesity is commonly observed in patients with cirrhosis, especially with the increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Bariatric surgery has been avoided in these patients given concerns about increased perioperative risk; therefore, data are lacking regarding long-term outcomes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with cirrhosis who underwent bariatric surgery.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of adult patients with compensated cirrhosis who underwent bariatric surgery after they were prospectively enrolled between February 23, 2009 and November 9, 2011, and followed in a pilot study for evaluation of bariatric surgery outcomes. Only patients with more than 4 years of follow-up were included in the analysis. Data regarding their liver disease, metabolic status, and survival were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

The cohort consisted of 10 patients, of whom 7 were females. The median post-surgical follow-up was 8.7 years (± 1.4 years). All patients had biopsy-proven NASH; two patients had concurrent, untreated hepatitis C infection. During the observation period, there was a mean weight loss of 24 kg (19.2% of total body weight pre surgery, P < 0.001) and only one patient regained weight to the baseline pre-surgical measurement. One patient who was not eligible for transplant developed hepatic encephalopathy 3 years after surgery and later died. The remainder of the patients did not have any hepatic decompensation, cardiovascular event, or mortality. Except for one patient with Gilbert syndrome, bilirubin was normal in all patients at last follow-up.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery in patients with compensated cirrhosis can lead to sustained weight loss and stable hepatic function on long-term follow-up.
Using onset times from frequent seismic surveys to understand fluid flow at the Peace River Field, Canada
Authors: Hetz Gil , Datta-Gupta Akhil , Przybysz-Jarnut Justyna K , Lopez Jorge L , Vasco D W
Published: August 2020

Our limited knowledge of the relationship between changes in the state of an aquifer or reservoir and the corresponding changes in the elastic moduli, that is the rock physics model, hampers the effective use of time-lapse seismic observations for estimating flow properties within the Earth. A central problem is the complicated dependence of the magnitude of time-lapse changes on the saturation, pressure, and temperature changes within an aquifer or reservoir. We describe an inversion methodology for reservoir characterization that uses onset times, the calendar time of the change in seismic attributes, rather than the magnitude of the changes. We find that onset times are much less sensitive than magnitudes to the rock physics model used to relate time-lapse observations to changes in saturation, temperature and fluid pressure. We apply the inversion scheme to observations from daily monitoring of enhanced oil recovery at the Peace River field in Canada. An array of 1492 buried hydrophones record seismic signals from 49 buried sources. Time-shifts for elastic waves traversing the reservoir are extracted from the daily time-lapse cubes. In our analysis 175 images of time-shifts are transformed into a single map of onset times, leading to a substantial reduction in the volume of data. These observations are used in conjunction with bottom hole pressure data to infer the initial conditions prior to the injection, and to update the reservoir permeability model. The combination of a global and local inversion scheme produces a collection of reservoir models that are best described by three clusters. The updated model leads to a nearly 70 percent reduction in seismic data misfit. The final set of solutions successfully predict the observed normalized pressure history during the soak and flow-back into the wells between 82 and 175 days into the cyclic steaming operation.
Thermodynamic and financial assessment of concentrated solar power plant hybridized with biomass-based organic Rankine cycle, thermal energy storage, hot springs and CO2 capture systems
Authors: Baral Suresh
Published: August 2020

The present study aims to investigate the thermodynamic and financial aspect of concentrated solar power (CSP) plant hybridized with biomass-based organic Rankine cycle (ORC), thermal energy storage (TES), hot springs and CO2 capture systems. The organic working fluids namely R123, R235fa, D4 and MDM are selected for designing the hybrid system at different operating conditions. The nominal power capacities of the CSP and biomass ORC plants are 1.3 MW and 730 kW respectively. Additionally, a parametric study has been carried out to understand the influencing parameters that affect the system’s performance. From the results, it is revealed that the biomass ORC plant with a hot spring system alone can develop a power of 720 and 640 kW for D4 and MDM respectively. Furthermore, the power generation can be increased with addition of TES in the CSP plant. From the economic point of view, the hybrid system with special focus on CO2 capture could be very profitable if the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is fixed at 0.24$/kWh. In this scenario, the payback period is 8 years with an internal rate of return (IRR) more than 8%. Therefore, the hybrid system is thermodynamically and financially attractive for dispatchable electricity.
Treatment Discontinuation Impact on Long-Term (10-Year) Weight Gain and Lipid Metabolism in First-Episode Psychosis: Results From the PAFIP-10 Cohort
Authors: Vázquez-Bourgon Javier , Mayoral-van Son Jaqueline , Gómez-Revuelta Marcos , Juncal-Ruiz María , Ortiz-García de la Foz Víctor , Tordesillas-Gutiérrez Diana , Ayesa-Arriola Rosa , Bioque Miquel , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) are at higher risk of gaining weight and presenting metabolic disturbances, partly related to antipsychotic exposure. Previous studies suggest that treatment discontinuation might have a positive impact on weight in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment discontinuation on weight and metabolic changes in a FEP cohort.

Methods

A total of 209 FEP patients and 57 healthy controls were evaluated at study entry and prospectively at 10-year follow-up. Anthropometric measures and, clinical, metabolic, and sociodemographic data were collected.

Results

Patients discontinuing antipsychotic treatment presented a significantly lower increase in weight and better metabolic parameter results than those still on antipsychotic treatment at 10-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Treatment discontinuation had a positive effect on the weight and metabolic changes observed in FEP patients; however, this effect was not sufficient to reaching a complete reversal to normal levels.
Overview of Portable Assays for the Detection of Mycotoxins, Allergens, and Sanitation Monitoring
Authors: Sarver Ronald W , Almy David J , Bergeron Eric R , Strong Benjamin F , Steiner Brent A , Donofrio Robert , Lupo Anthony J , Gray R Lucas , Sperry Amanda K
Published: August 2020

Background

Many food recalls are related to the presence of undeclared allergens and microorganisms in food products. To reduce these occurrences, portable diagnostic assay kits are available to quantitate mycotoxins, to detect allergens and gluten in foods and on environmental surfaces, and for sanitation monitoring.

Objective

This article reviews diagnostic kits that can detect sources of contamination in food and ingredients as well as on surfaces and clean-in-place rinses.

Method

Mycotoxins and gluten were detected using lateral flow diagnostic assays. Sanitation monitoring of surfaces was completed using a chemiluminescent assay to detect adenosine 5′-triphosphate disodium salt hydrate (ATP) and another assay to detect protein.

Results

Gluten was detected at 10 ppm in spiked commodities and on wet and dry surfaces at 2.5 µg/100cm2. Deoxynivalenol was quantitated in dry distillers grains plus solubles and mean results were within two SDs of those determined by HPLC. The chemiluminescent assay had an LOD of 6 fmol of ATP and was able to detect a 1:10 000 dilution of orange juice from surfaces. The protein assay detected 5 µg of bovine serum albumin (BSA) directly applied to the sampler, 100 µg of BSA on surfaces, and detected 1:10 dilutions of Greek yogurt and raw beef from surfaces.

Conclusions

Portable diagnostic kits evaluated in this work provided accurate, rapid, and sensitive results for detection of mycotoxins, gluten, proteins, and ATP. These methods can be used in facilities with minimal training and provide results that are important to ensure food safety.

Highlights

Portable methods to detect gluten, mycotoxins, proteins, and ATP are presented.
Comparing the Real-World Effectiveness of High- Versus Low-Volume Split Colonoscopy Preparations: An Experience Through the British Columbia Colon Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Lee Joseph G H , Telford Jennifer J , Galorport Cherry , Yonge Jordan , Macdonnell Christopher A , Enns Robert A
Published: August 2020

Background

The British Columbia Colon Screening Program (BCCSP) is a population-based colon cancer screening program. In December 2018, physicians in Vancouver, Canada agreed to switch from a low-volume split preparation to a high-volume polyethylene glycol preparation after a meta-analysis of studies suggested superiority of the higher volume preparation in achieving adequate bowel cleansing and improving adenoma detection rates.

Aims

To compare the quality of bowel preparation and neoplasia detection rates using a high-volume split preparation (HVSP) versus a low-volume split preparation (LVSP) in patients undergoing colonoscopy in the BCCSP.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing colonoscopy through the BCCSP at St. Paul’s Hospital from July 2017 to November 2018 and December 2018 to November 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria included age 50 to 74 and patients undergoing colonoscopy through the BCCSP. Variables collected included patient demographics and bowel preparation quality. Rates of bowel preparation and neoplasia detection were analyzed using chi-squared test.

Results

A total of 1453 colonoscopies were included, 877 in the LVSP group and 576 in the HVSP group. No statistically significant difference was noted between rates of inadequate bowel preparation (LVSP 3.6% versus HVSP 2.8%; P = 0.364). Greater rates of excellent (48.4% versus 40.1%; P = 0.002) and optimal (90.1% versus 86.5%; P = 0.041) bowel preparation were achieved with HVSP. The overall adenoma detection rate was similar between the two groups (LVSP 53.1% versus HVSP 54.0%; P = 0.074). LVSP demonstrated higher overall sessile serrated lesion detection rate (9.5% versus 5.6%; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Compared to LVSP, HVSP was associated with an increase in excellent and optimal bowel preparations, but without an improvement in overall neoplasia detection.
Germline Sequencing DNA Repair Genes in 5545 Men With Aggressive and Nonaggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Darst Burcu F , Dadaev Tokhir , Saunders Ed , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Pooler Loreall , Xia Lucy Y , Chanock Stephen , Berndt Sonja I , Gapstur Susan M , Stevens Victoria , Albanes Demetrius , Weinstein Stephanie J , Gnanapragasam Vincent , Giles Graham G , Nguyen-Dumont Tu , Milne Roger L , Pomerantz Mark , Schmidt Julie A , Mucci Lorelei , Catalona William J , Hetrick Kurt N , Doheny Kimberly F , MacInnis Robert J , Southey Melissa C , Eeles Rosalind A , Wiklund Fredrik , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Conti David V , Haiman Christopher A
Published: August 2020

Background

There is an urgent need to identify factors specifically associated with aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) risk. We investigated whether rare pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or deleterious (P/LP/D) germline variants in DNA repair genes are associated with aggressive PCa risk in a case-case study of aggressive vs nonaggressive disease.

Methods

Participants were 5545 European-ancestry men, including 2775 nonaggressive and 2770 aggressive PCa cases, which included 467 metastatic cases (16.9%). Samples were assembled from 12 international studies and germline sequenced together. Rare (minor allele frequency < 0.01) P/LP/D variants were analyzed for 155 DNA repair genes. We compared single variant, gene-based, and DNA repair pathway-based burdens by disease aggressiveness. All statistical tests are 2-sided.

Results

BRCA2 and PALB2 had the most statistically significant gene-based associations, with 2.5% of aggressive and 0.8% of nonaggressive cases carrying P/LP/D BRCA2 alleles (odds ratio [OR] = 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.94 to 5.25, P = 8.58 × 10-7) and 0.65% of aggressive and 0.11% of nonaggressive cases carrying P/LP/D PALB2 alleles (OR = 6.31, 95% CI = 1.83 to 21.68, P = 4.79 × 10-4). ATM had a nominal association, with 1.6% of aggressive and 0.8% of nonaggressive cases carrying P/LP/D ATM alleles (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.10 to 3.22, P = .02). In aggregate, P/LP/D alleles within 24 literature-curated candidate PCa DNA repair genes were more common in aggressive than nonaggressive cases (carrier frequencies = 14.2% vs 10.6%, respectively; P = 5.56 × 10-5). However, this difference was non-statistically significant (P = .18) on excluding BRCA2, PALB2, and ATM. Among these 24 genes, P/LP/D carriers had a 1.06-year younger diagnosis age (95% CI = -1.65 to 0.48, P = 3.71 × 10-4).

Conclusions

Risk conveyed by DNA repair genes is largely driven by rare P/LP/D alleles within BRCA2, PALB2, and ATM. These findings support the importance of these genes in both screening and disease management considerations.
Inferences About Drug Safety in Phase III Trials in Oncology: Examples From Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Drago Joshua Z , Gönen Mithat , Thanarajasingam Gita , Sacks Chana A , Morris Michael J , Kantoff Philip W , Stopsack Konrad H
Published: August 2020

Background

Safety is a central consideration when choosing between multiple medications with similar efficacy. We aimed to evaluate whether adverse event (AE) profiles of 3 such drugs in advanced prostate cancer could be distinguished based on published literature.

Methods

We assessed consistency in AE reporting, AE risk in placebo arms, and methodology used for risk estimates and quantification of statistical uncertainty in randomized placebo-controlled phase III trials of apalutamide, enzalutamide, and darolutamide in advanced prostate cancer.

Results

Seven included clinical trials enrolled a total of 9215 participants (range = 1051-1715 per trial) across 3 prostate cancer disease states. Within disease states, baseline patient characteristics appeared similar between trials. Of 54 distinct AE types in total, only 3 (fatigue, hypertension, and seizure) were reported by all 7 trials. Absolute risks of AEs in the placebo arms differed systematically and more than twofold between trials, which was associated with visit frequency and resulted in different degrees of uncertainty in AE profiles between trials. No trial used inferential methodology to quantify statistical uncertainty in AE risks, but 6 of 7 trials drew overall conclusions. Two trials concluded that there was no elevated AE risk because of the intervention, including the trial of darolutamide, which had the greatest statistical uncertainty.

Conclusions

Rigorous comparison of drug safety was precluded by heterogeneity in AE reporting, variation in AE risks in the placebo arms, and lack of inferential statistical methodology, underscoring considerable opportunities to improve how AE data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted in oncology trials.
A novel BSD domain-containing transcription factor controls vegetative growth, leaf senescence, and fruit quality in tomato
Authors: Fan Youhong , Niu Xiangli , Huang Li , Gross Rachel , Lu Han , Hawkins Madigan , Yuan Yulin , Miao Min , Liu Yongsheng , Xiao Fangming
Published: August 2020

BSD (mammalian BTF2-like transcription factors, synapse-associated proteins, and DOS2-like proteins) is a conserved domain that exists in a variety of organisms, but its function has not been well studied. Here, we identified a novel BSD domain-containing protein (SlBSD1) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Biochemical and microscopy assays indicated that SlBSD1 is a functional transcription factor that is predominantly localized in the nucleus. Loss-of-function and overexpression analyses suggested that SlBSD1 is a novel regulator of vegetative growth and leaf senescence in tomato. SlBSD1-knockdown (-KD) plants exhibited retarded vegetative growth and precocious leaf senescence, whereas SlBSD1-overexpression (-OX) plants displayed the opposite phenotypes. The negative role of SlBSD1 in leaf senescence was also supported by RNA-seq analysis comparing leaf tissues from SlBSD1-KD and wild-type plants. In addition, contents of soluble solids were altered in fruits in the SlBSD1-KD and SlBSD1-OX plants. Taken together, our data suggest that the novel transcription factor SlBSD1 plays important roles in controlling fruit quality and other physiological processes in tomato, including vegetative growth and leaf senescence.
Microvariability in AGNs: study of different statistical methods – II. Light curves from simulated images
Authors: Zibecchi L , Andruchow I , Cellone S A , Carpintero D D
Published: August 2020

In a previous paper, we studied two statistical methods used to analyse the variability of active galactic nuclei (AGNs): the C and F statistics. Applying them to observed differential light curves (DLCs) of 39 AGNs, we found that, even though the C criterion cannot be considered as an actual statistical test, it could still be a useful parameter to detect variability, whereas F is a good detector of non-variability. In order to test these results under controlled input conditions, so that the different error sources could be individually evaluated, we generated a series of synthetic DLCs simulating astronomical images with different atmospheric conditions, such as cloud cover, seeing or sky brightness, as well as several types of intrinsic variability of the AGN, all with a specific instrumental configuration. Having obtained light curves for each case, we applied both statistics to them in order to test their reliability. We found that a weight factor should always be used with these indices. The F-test has a tendency to classify noisy non-variable curves as variable (i.e. false positives), although it is reliable and robust to correctly classify non-variable curves. In contrast, although the C index tends to give false negatives, we found that whenever the C index indicates a source to be variable, it effectively is. Finally, light curves with low amplitude variabilities are more likely to be affected by changes in atmospheric conditions.
The completed SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: GLAM-QPM mock galaxy catalogues for the emission line galaxy sample
Authors: Lin Sicheng , Tinker Jeremy L , Klypin Anatoly , Prada Francisco , Blanton Michael R , Comparat Johan , Dawson Kyle S , de Mattia Arnaud , du Mas des Bourboux Hélion , Percival Will J , Raichoor Anand , Rossi Graziano , Smith Alex , Zhao Cheng
Published: August 2020

We present 2000 mock galaxy catalogues for the analysis of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) in the Emission Line Galaxy (ELG) sample of the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 16 (eBOSS DR16). Each mock catalogue has a number density of $6.7 \times 10^{-4} h^3 \rm Mpc^{-3}$, covering a redshift range from 0.6 to 1.1. The mocks are calibrated to small-scale eBOSS ELG clustering measurements at scales of $\lesssim 30\, h^{-1}$Mpc. The mock catalogues are generated using a combination of GaLAxy Mocks (GLAM) simulations and the quick particle-mesh (QPM) method. GLAM simulations are used to generate the density field, which is then assigned dark matter haloes using the QPM method. Haloes are populated with galaxies using a halo occupation distribution. The resulting mocks match the survey geometry and selection function of the data, and have slightly higher number density that allows room for systematic analysis. The large-scale clustering of mocks at the BAO scale is consistent with data and we present the correlation matrix of the mocks.
CoV3D: a database of high resolution coronavirus protein structures
Authors: Gowthaman Ragul , Guest Johnathan D , Yin Rui , Adolf-Bryfogle Jared , Schief William R , Pierce Brian G
Published: August 2020

SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19, exemplifies the general threat to global health posed by coronaviruses. The urgent need for effective vaccines and therapies is leading to a rapid rise in the number of high resolution structures of SARS-CoV-2 proteins that collectively reveal a map of virus vulnerabilities. To assist structure-based design of vaccines and therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, we have developed CoV3D, a database and resource for coronavirus protein structures, which is updated on a weekly basis. CoV3D provides users with comprehensive sets of structures of coronavirus proteins and their complexes with antibodies, receptors, and small molecules. Integrated molecular viewers allow users to visualize structures of the spike glycoprotein, which is the major target of neutralizing antibodies and vaccine design efforts, as well as sets of spike-antibody complexes, spike sequence variability, and known polymorphisms. In order to aid structure-based design and analysis of the spike glycoprotein, CoV3D permits visualization and download of spike structures with modeled N-glycosylation at known glycan sites, and contains structure-based classification of spike conformations, generated by unsupervised clustering. CoV3D can serve the research community as a centralized reference and resource for spike and other coronavirus protein structures, and is available at: https://cov3d.ibbr.umd.edu.
Trends in Legionnaires’ Disease-Associated Hospitalizations, United States, 2006–2010
Authors: Mudali Gayathri , Kilgore Paul E , Salim Abdulbaset , McElmurry Shawn P , Zervos Marcus
Published: August 2020

Background

Legionella pneumophila is a waterborne cause of both healthcare-associated and community-acquired pneumonia. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 is responsible for 80% of infections. There is currently limited published disease burden data on Legionnaires’ disease-associated hospitalization in the United States.

Methods

In this study, we estimated the annual incidence of Legionnaires’ disease-associated hospitalizations in United States and identified demographic, temporal, and regional characteristics of individuals hospitalized for Legionnaires’ disease. A retrospective study was conducted using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) data from 2006 to 2010. The NHDS is a nationally representative US survey, which includes estimates of inpatient stays in short-stay hospitals in the United States, excluding federal, military, and Veterans Administration hospitals. All discharges assigned with the Legionnaires’ disease International Classification of Diseases 9th Clinical Modification discharge diagnostic code (482.84) were included in this study.

Results

We observed the annual incidence and number of Legionnaires’ disease-associated hospitalizations (per 100 000 population) in the United States by year, age, sex, race, and region. Over a 5-year period, 14 574 individuals experienced Legionnaires’ disease-associated hospitalizations in the United States The annual population-adjusted incidence (per 100 000 population) of Legionnaires’ disease-associated hospitalizations was 5.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.12–5.64) in 2006, 7.06 (95% CI, 6.80–7.40) in 2007, 8.77 (95% CI, 8.44–9.11) in 2008, 17.07 (95% CI, 16.62–17.54) in 2009, and 9.66 (95% CI, 9.32–10.01) in 2010. A summer peak of Legionnaires’ disease-associated hospitalizations occurred from June through September in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010.

Conclusions

Legionnaires’ disease-associated hospitalizations significantly increased over the 5-year study period. The increasing disease burden of Legionnaires’ disease suggests that large segments of the US population are at risk for exposure to this waterborne pathogen.