bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise da Trajetória Evolutiva da Cobertura Florestal do Município de Teresópolis/RJ utilizando o Algoritmo LandTrendr
Authors: Zebende João Victor , Weckmüller Rômulo , Vicens Raúl S.
Published: August 2020

A Mata Atlântica fluminense foi historicamente pressionada pelos ciclos econômicos e ocupações humanas. Alguns dos mais preservados remanescentes estão localizados na Região Serrana do estado do Rio de Janeiro. O município de Teresópolis, situado nesta Região, vem sofrendo mudanças em sua cobertura florestal desde o século XIX. Neste sentido, este trabalho visa, por meio de uma análise multitemporal (1985 – 2017) orientada a pixel, utilizando o algoritmo LandTrendr, compreender o caráter das mudanças observadas neste município, buscando o entendimento dos motivos que potencializam os distúrbios. Os resultados são apresentados como trajetórias e os vértices representam mudanças, nas trajetórias florestais foram detectados 2.090 hectares, sendo 85% supressões e 15% regenerações. As supressões antigas (1985) ocorreram na área mais densamente povoada, enquanto que as perdas florestais recentes foram nos distritos mais distantes do centro da cidade. As regenerações estão associadas à recuperação pós deslizamentos de 2011 e à silvicultura. Quanto ao relevo, as mudanças predominaram nas áreas menos declivosas.
Álgebra de Mapas na Elaboração de Carta de Risco à Inundação
Authors: Mendes Yani Scatolin , Ribeiro Vinícius De Oliveira , Paranhos Filho Antonio Conceição , Galbetti Taís Arriero Shinma
Published: August 2020

A urbanização sem o devido planejamento tem provocado alterações nas condições naturais das bacias hidrográficas, tendo como uma das consequências as inundações. A utilização de metodologias aplicadas à identificação de áreas inundáveis possibilita a prevenção da ocupação de locais susceptíveis à inundação, reduzindo impactos socioeconômicos. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho visou identificar as áreas com risco à inundação de uma bacia hidrográfica, com o auxílio de um SIG (Sistema de Informação Geográfica) livre e gratuito. Foram elaboradas cartas temáticas, sendo utilizados os seguintes parâmetros: pontes; áreas úmidas; matas ciliares; solos; declividade; e uso e ocupação do solo. A partir da álgebra de mapas, foi possível combinar essas cartas e gerar a carta final das áreas de risco à inundação. As áreas que apresentam maiores riscos a inundações estão situadas em áreas dispersas: próximas ao exutório (região sul), também nas regiões nordeste (área urbanizada) e centro-oeste da bacia, sendo predominantemente áreas de baixa declividade, representando 37% da área total da bacia. Enquanto a classe de baixo risco a inundação abrange 3% da área total, sendo áreas compostas por vegetação e maiores declividades. A obtenção desses resultados poderá servir como de apoio aos gestores públicos municipais, para que então insiram regulamentos e fiscalização, garantindo que os locais com risco à inundação sejam ocupados de maneira adequada pela população.
Segmentação Distribuída de Imagem de Sensoriamento Remoto a partir de Banco de Dados PostgreSQL/InterIMAGE
Authors: Guarda Simone Dutra Martins , Sano Edson Eyji , Bias Edilson Souza , Castejon Emiliano Ferreira , Happ Patrick Nigri , Teixeira Alexandre De Amorim , Antunes Rodrigo Rodrigues , Sousa Rogério Baptista de
Published: August 2020

A abordagem de classificação baseada em objetos representa um novo paradigma no processamento de imagens de altas resoluções espaciais, espectrais e temporais, e a construção de objetos baseia-se na segmentação das imagens. A análise de imagens baseada em objetos (GEOBIA - Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis) apresenta métodos capazes de explorar, além de atributos espectrais, elementos como textura, forma ou contexto. Existem aplicações que buscam melhorar o desempenho computacional com soluções sequenciais e distribuídas, ou programas como TerraView que abordam o uso de sistemas gerenciadores de banco de dados. Este trabalho propõe explorar especificações de aplicações para integrar o Sistema Gerenciador de Banco de Dados (SGBD) PostgreSQL/PostGIS e o classificador Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) do InterIMAGE Desktop para processamento de grandes imagens orbitais. O método apresentado é expansível no uso da biblioteca TerraLib 5, com linguagem de programação C++. Os experimentos realizados com as representações matriciais (raster) indicaram a viabilidade das aplicações e podem se consolidar sob a forma de processos de armazenamento e processamento da segmentação no SGBD.
Análise Ambiental da Expansão de Florestas Plantadas no Extremo Norte do Tocantins
Authors: Paz Laura Resplandes de Sousa , Dias Ricardo Ribeiro , Uhlmann Alexandre , Collicchio Erich
Published: August 2020

As considerações sobre os efeitos das atividades humanas no meio ambiente se tornam cada vez mais importantes no desenvolvimento da sociedade. O setor de produtos de origem florestal é reconhecido hoje como prestador de serviços ambientais. A partir da análise visual e a interpretação da resposta espectral dos objetos, foi mapeado a expansão do plantio florestal e identificado seus possíveis impactos ambientais nas cidades de Araguatins, Augustinópolis, Buriti do Tocantins, Sítio Novo e São Miguel do Tocantins, localizados no extremo norte do Estado. Observa-se um crescimento de aproximadamente 100% entre as áreas de plantio florestal entre os anos de 2007 a 2017. A partir do checklist de impactos ambientais, concluiu-se que os impactos ambientais causados pelos plantios florestais são de relevante importância, tanto para o ambiente natural quanto para o meio social onde a produção está inserida.
Efeito de Diferentes Resoluções Espaciais de Modelos Digitais de Elevação na Estimativa de Perda de Solo
Authors: Santos José Augusto Nascimento dos , Almagro André , Colman Carina Barbosa , Godoi Raquel , Siqueira Paula Prado , Oliveira Paulo Tarso Sanches de
Published: August 2020

A Equação Universal de Perda de Solo Revisada (RUSLE) é um dos modelos mais utilizados para a estimativa de risco de erosão do solo. Entre as camadas de entrada que têm o maior impacto na modelagem da perda de solo está o comprimento e o ângulo de inclinação combinados (fator LS) que descreve o efeito da topografia na erosão do solo. Neste estudo, calculamos o fator LS com base em Modelos Digitais de Elevação (MDE) de diferentes resoluções espaciais para uma bacia tropical. O cálculo do fator LS foi realizado usando a ferramenta LS-TOOL, que incorpora um algoritmo de fluxo múltiplo e contribui para uma estimativa precisa da acumulação de fluxo. O conjunto de dados do fator LS foi calculado usando MDEs com variação de 5 a 90 m de resolução espacial para toda Bacia do Guariroba, resultando em diferentes delineamentos de áreas com risco de erosão do solo em comparação com conjuntos de dados de baixa resolução. Essa abordagem combinada do uso de ferramentas de software de Sistema de Informações Geográficas com MDEs de diferentes resoluções mostra que a aplicabilidade de MDEs de média resolução, fornecidos gratuitamente, não comprometem a estimativa da perda média de solo.
Aplicação de Sísmica de Alta Resolução para a Determinação de Armadilhas Geológicas de Cascalhos Auríferos em um Trecho do Rio Peixoto de Azevedo, MT
Authors: Seimetz Eduardo Xavier , Borges Welitom Rodrigues , Ianniruberto Marco
Published: August 2020

A explotação de ouro em cascalhos auríferos presentes nas calhas dos rios da região amazônica é desenvolvida de maneira aleatória, com utilização de dragas de sucção e de escarificação. Tal condição remobiliza e aumenta o volume de sedimentos suspensos ao longo dos rios. Consequentemente, intensifica o assoreamento e a erosão nas margens dos rios. Este trabalho mostra resultados de investigações sísmicas realizadas com objetivo de verificar a eficiência da sísmica de reflexão de alta resolução na identificação de possíveis armadilhas geológicas de cascalhos auríferos presentes na calha do rio Peixoto de Azevedo. As aquisições de dados ocorreram durante o período de cheias em um trecho de 2700 metros do rio, com um perfilador de subfundo regulado para emitir sinais sísmicos nas frequências de 2 a 15 kHz. Os resultados possibilitaram a identificação de 3 fácies sísmicas e 2 superfícies de reflexão. As fácies sísmicas relacionam-se aos sedimentos arenosos atuais da calha do rio Peixoto (Sf1), aos sedimentos argilosos e grossos (cascalhos) mais antigos (paleosedimentos, Sf2), e às rochas ígneas do embasamento (Sf3). As superfícies de reflexão correspondem às interfaces entre os depósitos arenosos atuais da calha do rio e os paleosedimentos (Ss), e entre os paleosedimentos e as rochas ígneas do embasamento (Sr). Ao longo das seções sísmicas notam-se deflexões na superfície Sr que indica potenciais armadilhas de cascalhos auríferos.
Estimating the perceptual weighting of interaural time difference cues in amplitude modulated binaural beats
Authors: Haywood Nicholas R. , McAlpine David
Published: August 2020

For an abruptly gated sound, perceived lateralization is determined primarily by binaural cues at onset. Relatively less is known about the temporal weighing of binaural cues—such as interaural time difference (ITD)—during more naturalistic modulation profiles. Here, an experiment measured the lateralization of a tonal binaural beat modulated by a diotic, 8-Hz sinusoidal amplitude modulation. Binaural beat lateralization (left/right, two alternatives) was compared to that for tones with static ITDs. Across three mean carrier frequencies (200, 500, and 800 Hz), ITDs occurring during early rising amplitude (e.g., 20–25 ms after onset) predicted the perceived lateralization of the binaural beat signals well.
Multioctave supercontinuum generation and frequency conversion based on rotational nonlinearity
Authors: Beetar John E. , Nrisimhamurty M. , Truong Tran-Chau , Nagar Garima C. , Liu Yangyang , Nesper Jonathan , Suarez Omar , Rivas Federico , Wu Yi , Shim Bonggu , Chini Michael
Published: August 2020

Molecular gases enable extreme compression of industrial-grade lasers, providing a more accessible platform for attosecond science.
Anti-α
4
β
7
monoclonal antibody–conjugated nanoparticles block integrin α
4
β
7
on intravaginal T cells in rhesus macaques
Authors: Yang Sidi , Arrode-Bruses Geraldine , Frank Ines , Grasperge Brooke , Blanchard James , Gettie Agegnehu , Martinelli Elena , Ho Emmanuel A.
Published: August 2020

Anti-α
4
β
7
monoclonal antibody–conjugated nanoparticles block integrin α
4
β
7
on intravaginal T cells in rhesus macaques.
Simulation training programme to improve the integrated response of teams in
mental health crisis care
Authors: Ortega Vega Marta , Williams Leonie , Saunders Aleks , Iannelli Hannah , Cross Sean , Attoe Chris
Published: August 2020

Background

This report presents the findings of a simulation programme to improve the
integrated response of teams working in mental health crisis (MHC) care. The
programme consisted of the delivery of five interprofessional training courses
that aimed to improve the core skills of teams working in MHC care.

Methods

Questionnaires were conducted pre-training and post-training, measuring
participants’ human factors using the Human Factors SKills for Healthcare
Instrument, as well as self-reported learning experience using free text
questions.

Results

The results found a significant change in human factors scores across all
courses. Additionally, thematic analysis of the free text questions showed that
participants identified improvements in communication, teamwork and clinical
knowledge across all courses, with improvements in other skills in specific
courses.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings suggest a positive impact of the simulation
programme across a range of personal and clinical skills, developing further
the case for including simulation training in routine mental healthcare
education programmes. Future research should consider the long-term impact of
interprofessional simulation training in MHC teams to gain further insight into
the efficacy of this training modality.
Changes in the fatty acid composition of steer subcutaneous fat, including biohydrogenation products, are minimal when finished on combinations of corn and barley grains and silages
Authors: Vahmani P. , Johnson J.A. , Sutherland B.D. , Penner G.B. , Prieto N. , Aalhus J.L. , Juárez M. , López-Campos Ó. , Dugan M.E.R.
Published: August 2020

Corn production in Western Canada has increased with development of short-season varieties partially offsetting the use of barley as a silage and grain source. The current study evaluated effects of silage and cereal-grain source on subcutaneous fat (SCF) composition of finishing cattle. Steers (465 ± 28.0 kg) were assigned to 24 pens (12 steers per pen) in a 2 × 3 factorial design for an 89 d finishing study. Diets contained corn silage or barley silage at 8% [dry matter (DM)] combined either dry-rolled barley grain (BG; 86% of DM), corn grain (CG; 85% of DM), or an equal blend of BG and CG (85% of DM). Bone-in ribeyes were collected from four steers per pen, and subcutaneous fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. Feeding dry-rolled CG increased dietary fat and 18:2n-6 concentrations, resulting in small increases in 18:2n-6, total n-6 fatty acids, and n-6/n-3 ratios in SCF (P < 0.05). There were no changes in proportions of major trans-18:1 isomers (t10-18:1 or t11-18:1), the main natural isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (cis9,t11–18:2), or n-3 fatty acids. Substitution of dry-rolled CG for BG in finisher diets can, therefore, be done without substantially altering the fatty acid composition of beef fat, including polyunsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation products.
Western Canadian freshwater availability: current and future vulnerabilities
Authors: Bonsal Barrie , Shrestha Rajesh R. , Dibike Yonas , Peters Daniel L. , Spence Christopher , Mudryk Lawrence , Yang Daqing
Published: August 2020

The western cordillera supplies freshwater across much of western Canada mainly through meltwater from snow and ice. This “alpine water tower” has been, and is projected to be, associated with changes in the seasonality and amount of freshwater availability, which are critical in supporting the societal and environmental flow needs of the region. This study incorporates existing information to synthesize and evaluate current and future freshwater supplies and demands across major north-, west-, and east-flowing sub-basins of the Canadian western cordillera. The assessment of supply indicators reveals several historical changes that are projected to continue, and be exacerbated, particularly by the end of this century and under a high emission scenario. The greatest and most widespread impact is the seasonality of streamflow characterized by earlier spring freshets, increased winter, and decreased summer flow. Future winter and spring warming over all basins will result in decreases in end of season snow and glacier mass balance with greatest declines in more southern regions. In many areas, there will be a greater likelihood of summer freshwater shortages. All sub-basins have environmental and economic freshwater demands and pressures, especially in more southern watersheds where population and infrastructure are more prevalent and industrial, agricultural, and water energy needs are higher. Concerns regarding the continued ability to maintain suitable aquatic habitats and adequate water quality are issues across all regions. These water supply changes along with continued and increasing demands will combine to create a variety of freshwater vulnerabilities across all regions of western Canada. Southern basins including the South Saskatchewan and Okanagan are likely to experience the greatest vulnerabilities due to future summer freshwater supply shortages and increasing economic demands. In more northern areas, vulnerabilities primarily relate to how the rapidly changing landscape (mainly associated with permafrost thaw) impacts freshwater quantity and quality. These vulnerabilities will require various adaptation measures in response to alterations in the timing and amount of future freshwater supplies and demands.
A theoretical construction of thin-shell wormhole from regular charged black holes
Authors: Rahman Nilofar , Murshid Masum , Rahaman Farook , Kalam Mehedi
Published: August 2020

We construct a thin-shell wormhole using the cut and paste technique from regular charged black holes with a nonlinear electrodynamics source (proposed by Balart and Vagenas). Using Darmois–Israel formalism we determine the surface stresses, which are localized at the wormhole throat. We also determine the amount of exotic matter present in the shell. To analyze the stability of the constructed wormhole we consider an equation of state as a linear perturbation. The stability region is shown in the graph by varying the values of the parameter.
Bound states of a Klein–Gordon particle in the presence of a smooth potential well
Authors: López Eduardo , Rojas Clara
Published: August 2020

We solve the one-dimensional time-independent Klein–Gordon equation in the presence of a smooth potential well. The bound state solutions are given in terms of the Whittaker [Formula: see text] function, and the antiparticle bound state is discussed in terms of potential parameters.
THE IMPACT OF VACCINATION ON MALARIA PREVALENCE: A VACCINE-AGE-STRUCTURED MODELING APPROACH
Authors: VOGT-GEISSE KATIA , NGONGHALA CALISTUS N. , FENG ZHILAN
Published: August 2020

A deterministic model for the effects on disease prevalence of the most advanced pre-erythrocytic vaccine against malaria is proposed and studied. The model includes two vaccinated classes that correspond to initially vaccinated and booster dose vaccinated individuals. These two classes are structured by time-since-initial-vaccination (vaccine-age). This structure is a novelty for vector–host models; it allows us to explore the effects of parameters that describe timed and delayed delivery of a booster dose, and immunity waning on disease prevalence. Incorporating two vaccinated classes can predict more accurately threshold vaccination coverages for disease eradication under multi-dose vaccination programs. We derive a vaccine-age-structured control reproduction number [Formula: see text] and establish conditions for the existence and stability of equilibria to the system. The model is bistable when [Formula: see text]. In particular, it exhibits a backward (sub-critical) bifurcation, indicating that [Formula: see text] is no longer the threshold value for disease eradication. Thus, to achieve eradication we must identify and implement control measures that will reduce [Formula: see text] to a value smaller than unity. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when using [Formula: see text] to guide public health policy, although it remains a key quantity for decision making. Our results show that if the booster vaccine dose is administered with delay, individuals may not acquire its full protective effect, and that incorporating waning efficacy into the system improves the accuracy of the model outcomes. This study suggests that it is critical to follow vaccination schedules closely, and anticipate the consequences of delays in those schedules.
IMPACT OF ADAPTIVE MOSQUITO BEHAVIOR AND INSECTICIDE-TREATED NETS ON MALARIA PREVALENCE
Authors: NGONGHALA CALISTUS N. , WAIRIMU JOSEPHINE , ADAMSKI JESSE , DESAI HARDIK
Published: August 2020

Malaria prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa remains high. Kenya for example, records about 3.5 million new cases and 11 thousand deaths each year.1 Most of these cases and deaths are among children under five. The main control method in malaria endemic regions has been through the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Although this approach has been fairly successful, the gains are threatened by mosquito-resistance to pyrethroids (insecticides on nets), physical and chemical degradation of ITNs that reduce their efficacy, inconsistent and improper use by humans, etc. We present a model to investigate the effects of ITN use and mosquito-resistance and adaptation to pyrethroids used to treat bed nets on malaria prevalence and control in malaria endemic regions. The model captures the development and loss of resistance to insecticides, the effects of ITN use on malaria control in a setting where proper and consistent use is not guaranteed, as well as differentiated biting of human hosts by resistant and sensitive mosquitoes. Important thresholds, including the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text], and two parameter groupings that are important for disease control and for establishing the existence of endemic equilibria to the model are calculated. Furthermore, a global sensitivity analysis is carried out to identify important parameters such as insecticide treated bed-net coverage, ITN, the maximum biting rate of resistant mosquitoes, etc., that drive the system and that can be targeted for disease control. Threshold levels of ITN coverage and ITN efficacy required for containing the disease are identified and shown to depend on the type of insecticide-resistance. For example, when mosquito-resistance to insecticides is not permanent and is acquired only through recruitment and the efficacy of ITNs is [Formula: see text], about [Formula: see text] net coverage is required to contain malaria. However, for the same ITN efficacy, i.e., [Formula: see text], approximately [Formula: see text] net coverage is required to contain the disease when resistance to insecticides is permanent and is acquired through recruitment and mutation in mosquitoes. The model exhibits a backward bifurcation, which implies that simply reducing [Formula: see text] slightly below unity might not be enough to contain the disease. We conclude that appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate mosquito-resistance to insecticides, ensure that more people in endemic areas own and use ITNs properly, and that the efficacy of these nets remain high most of the time, as well as educating populations in malaria endemic areas on how to keep mosquito densities low and minimize mosquito bites are important for containing malaria.
The Infosys Saga: An Indian IT Giant Faces a Leadership Crisis
Authors: Sinha Ekta , Ajgaonkar Mihir
Published: August 2020

This case is about a flagship Indian IT organization, Infosys, which experienced a large dose of turmoil on 18th August 2017. Vishal Sikka, the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Infosys had resigned, citing ‘continuous distractions’ as the reason. Thus, leaving the organization and creating a shockwave among all the stakeholders, at the time when Indian IT industry was facing the brunt of protectionist policies in the US. Infosys was considered to be a very professional and progressive organization. Vishal Sikka’s departure created a question mark regarding the future direction for the organization. The resignation of Vishal Sikka raised some questions. The objective of the case is to understand the succession issues within Infosys. The focus is to illustrate the importance of succession management within bigger organizations, identifying and preparing in-house talent for bigger leadership roles and the contribution of the board and top leadership to it. The case also investigates the reason(s) as to why it is difficult for the founders to handover the baton to someone else.
Navigating A Career Crossroads
Authors: Mishra Geeta , Manaktala Gaurav , Puri Sandeep
Published: August 2020

The case is designed to enable students to critically think about career choices and the factors they can consider before arriving at a career decision. The case introduces the protagonist as grappling with two career choices and would allow the students to think from the perspective of someone choosing a job and a career. It presents rich insights into the dilemmas that students and working professionals are faced with while considering a job opportunity or switching a job or an industry. The case would enable the students to understand the key motivators and challenges an individual considers while making a career-related decision and also assess the impact of frequent job-hopping on one’s career.
Wingtech Acquires Nexperia: Will the New Company Fly?
Authors: Chen Ming-Jer , Chan Y. P. , Whittle Mary Summers
Published: August 2020

This case is about Wingtech, a China-based mobile phone and intelligent devices manufacturer. Early in 2019, Wingtech CEO Xuezheng Zhang faced one of the biggest challenges of his career. Founded only 13 years earlier, Wingtech was one of the world’s top producers of high-tech consumer products. But Wingtech didn’t produce its products’ key component: microchips. Instead, the vast majority of chips were imported from American and European manufacturers. Facing growing hostility from an increasingly anti-China U.S., and the very real possibility of crippling disruptions to the microchip supply chain, Wingtech had just completed the purchase of highly regarded Netherlands-based chip manufacturer Nexperia for USD3.6 billion. Now Zhang faced a daunting set of highly consequential new questions. To what extent should he try to integrate the two geographically and culturally distinct companies? How could he convince Nexperia’s highly competent leader, who had been unenthusiastic about the deal, to stay? Zhang had seen great success as an entrepreneur. How should he lead as the CEO of a global high-tech firm?
New wavelet method for solving boundary value problems arising from an adiabatic tubular chemical reactor theory
Authors: Ali Mohamed R. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: August 2020

This paper displays an efficient numerical technique of realizing mathematical models for an adiabatic tubular chemical reactor which forms an irreversible exothermic chemical reaction. At a steady-state solution for an adiabatic rounded reactor, the model can be diminished to a conventional nonlinear differential equation which converts into a system of the nonlinear equation that can proceed numerically utilizing Newton’s iterative method. An operational matrix of coordination is derived and is utilized to decrease the model for an adiabatic tubular chemical reactor to an arrangement of algebraic equations. Simple execution, basic activities, and precise arrangements are the fundamental highlights of the proposed wavelet technique. The numerical solutions attained by the present technique have been contrasted and compared with other techniques.
'It just has to be'
Authors: Gaussi Jeanno
Published: August 2020

Community + Culture features practitioner perspectives on designing technologies for and with communities. We highlight compelling projects and provocative points of view that speak to both community technology practice and the interaction design field as a whole. ---
Sheena Erete, Editor
Social work thinking for UX and AI design
Authors: Patton Desmond Upton
Published: August 2020

Interactions'
new UX Meets AI forum provides a space to engage with the challenges of designing for intelligent algorithmic experiences. We invite articles that tackle the tensions between research and practice when integrating AI and UX design. We welcome interdisciplinary debate, artful critique, forward-looking research, case studies of AI in practice, and speculative design explorations.
--- Juho Kim and Henriette Cramer, Editors
Is persistent memory persistent?
Authors: Kelly Terence
Published: August 2020

A simple and inexpensive test of failure-atomic update mechanisms.
Teaching CS undergrads online to work with others effectively
Authors: Hazzan Orit
Published: August 2020

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

Orit Hazzan on the challenges of taking a CS soft skills class online after teaching it in a classroom for a decade.
Structural Biology of RNA Polymerase II Transcription: 20 Years On
Authors: Osman Sara , Cramer Patrick
Published: August 2020

Gene transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is the first step in the expression of the eukaryotic genome and a focal point for cellular regulation during development, differentiation, and responses to the environment. Two decades after the determination of the structure of Pol II, the mechanisms of transcription have been elucidated with studies of Pol II complexes with nucleic acids and associated proteins. Here we provide an overview of the nearly 200 available Pol II complex structures and summarize how these structures have elucidated promoter-dependent transcription initiation, promoter-proximal pausing and release of Pol II into active elongation, and the mechanisms that Pol II uses to navigate obstacles such as nucleosomes and DNA lesions. We predict that future studies will focus on how Pol II transcription is interconnected with chromatin transitions, RNA processing, and DNA repair.
Cardiac function during heat stress: impact of short-term passive heat acclimation
Authors: Trachsel Lukas D. , Barry Hadiatou , Gravel Hugo , Behzadi Parya , Henri Christine , Gagnon Daniel
Published: August 2020

A lower heart rate during heat exposure is a classic marker of heat acclimation (HA). It remains unknown if improved cardiac function contributes to this response. A 7-day passive HA protocol did not alter cardiac systolic function during passive heating, whereas it improved some indexes of diastolic function in young adults. Nonetheless, heart rate during heating was unaffected by HA. These results suggest that passive HA induces limited adaptations in cardiac function during passive heating.
Hormetic modulation of angiogenic factors by exercise-induced mechanical and metabolic stress in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Fiorenza M. , Gliemann L. , Brandt N. , Bangsbo J.
Published: August 2020

Skeletal muscle capillary growth is orchestrated by angiogenic factors sensitive to mechanical and metabolic signals. In this study, we employed an integrative exercise model to synergistically target, yet to different extents and for different durations, the mechanical and metabolic components of muscle activity that promote angiogenesis. Our results suggest that the magnitude of the myocellular perturbations incurred during exercise determines the amplitude of the angiogenic molecular signals, implying hormetic modulation of skeletal muscle angiogenesis by exercise-induced mechanical and metabolic stress.
Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Patients with Schizophrenia Attending Follow-Up Treatment at Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Desalegn Defaru , Girma Shimelis , Tessema Worknesh , Yeshigeta Eyerusalem , Kebeta Teshome
Published: August 2020

Background. Schizophrenia is one of the most severe, chronic, and disabling mental disorders found globally. The chronic nature of the illness significantly interferes with functioning and results in a poor quality of life, but little is known about the quality of life among schizophrenia patients, in particular in low-income countries. Therefore, we assessed the quality of life and associated factors among patients with schizophrenia attending Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods. The hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 352 study participants using a systematic random sampling technique from June to July 2018. Patients’ sociodemographic characteristic, quality of life, psychopathology, medication adherence, comorbid physical illness, and substance use disorder were assessed. Data entry and analysis were done using EpiData version 3.1 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0, respectively. Variables with a P value < 0.05 in the final multiple regression models were declared to be associated with the outcome variable. The Results. The response rate of the study was 99.7%. The mean (±standard deviation) score of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Short Version Scale was 74.34±15.83. Positive symptoms, negative symptoms, general psychopathologies, comorbid physical illness, khat use disorder, tobacco use disorder, and medication nonadherence were negatively associated with patient quality of life. However, monthly income was found to be positively associated with quality of life. Conclusion and Recommendation. The mean and standard deviation of the quality of life of people with schizophrenia is found to be 74.34±15.83 in this study. The social relationship domain was found with the lowest mean score. Therefore, priority interventions need to be implemented to improve the social deficits.
Continuous Aspiration Thrombectomy in High- and Intermediate-High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism in Real-World Clinical Practice
Authors: Araszkiewicz Aleksander , Sławek-Szmyt Sylwia , Jankiewicz Stanisław , Żabicki Bartosz , Grygier Marek , Mularek-Kubzdela Tatiana , Krasiński Zbigniew , Lesiak Maciej
Published: August 2020

Objectives. We sought to assess the technical and clinical feasibility of continuous aspiration catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy (CDT) in patients with high- or intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods and Results. Fourteen patients (eight women and six men; age range: 29–71 years) with high- or intermediate-high-risk PE and contraindications to or ineffective systemic thrombolysis were prospectively enrolled between October 2018 and February 2020. The Indigo Mechanical Thrombectomy System (Penumbra, Inc., Alameda, California) was used as CDT device. Low-dose local thrombolysis (alteplase, 3–12 mg) was additionally applied in three patients. Technical and procedural success was achieved in 14 patients (100%). Complete or nearly complete clearance of pulmonary arteries was achieved in nine patients (64.3%), whereas partial clearance was achieved in five (35.7%). A significant improvement in the pre- and postprocedural patients’ clinical status was observed in the following fields (median; interquartile range): heart rate (110; 100–120/min vs. 85; 80–90/min;

p
<
0.0001

), systolic blood pressure (106; 90–127 mmHg vs. 123; 110–133 mmHg;

p
=
0.049

), arterial oxygen saturation (88.5; 84.2–93% vs. 95.0; 93.8–95%,

p
=
0.0051

), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (55; 44–66 mmHg vs. 42; 34–53 mmHg;

p
=
0.0015

), Miller index score (21.5; 20–23 vs. 9.5; 8–13;

p
<
0.0001

) and right ventricular/left ventricular ratio (1.3; 1.3–1.5 vs. 1.0; 0.9–1.0;

p
<
0.0001

). No major periprocedural bleeding was detected. Conclusions. CDT is a feasible and promising technique for management of high- or intermediate-high-risk PE to decrease thrombus burden, reduce right heart strain, and improve hemodynamic and clinical status. Some patients may benefit from simultaneous local low-dose thrombolytic therapy. Nevertheless, its criteria and role in CTD-managed patients require further elucidation.
The Efficacy of Teriparatide in Improving Fracture Healing in Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Han Shuang , Wen Shi-Ming , Zhao Qin-Peng , Huang Hai , Wang Hu , Cong Yu-Xuan , Shang Kun , Ke Chao , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Bin-Fei
Published: August 2020

Background. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the role of teriparatide in improving hip fracture healing and function to provide a clinical guide. Methods. The systematic literature review identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled studies evaluating teriparatide for elderly hip fractures. A meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.3. Results. This study included two RCTs and four retrospective studies comprising 607 patients, with 269 and 338 patients in the teriparatide and control groups, respectively. The quality of these six studies was moderate. Compared to the control group, teriparatide reduced the time to union (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −1.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): ‐3.23–‐0.68; P = 0.003) but did not improve the rate of fracture union at 3 months (odds ratio (OR) = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.50–4.24; P = 0.49) or 6 months (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.44–1.81; P = 0.75). In addition, teriparatide did not decrease the complications, need for reoperation, mortality, rate of deformity after fracture healing, and subsequent fracture or improve hip function. Conclusions. The current limited evidence did not support that teriparatide improves fracture healing in hip fractures, due to study heterogeneity and various sources of biases. Further high‐quality, large‐sample trials are needed. This trial is registered with PROSPERO with registration number CRD42020152205.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Thirteen Ingredients after the Oral Administration of Flos Chrysanthemi Extract in Rats by UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Jia Qi , Huang Xuhua , Yao Guangzhe , Ma Wenjuan , Shen Jiayuan , Chang Yanxu , Ouyang Huizi , He Jun
Published: August 2020

A rapid and reliable UPLC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of thirteen bioactive compounds (luteolin, cynaroside, luteolin 7‐O‐glucuronide, isochlorogenic acid C, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, apigenin, apigenin 7‐glucoside, acacetin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, tilianin, and hesperidin) in rat plasma. The compounds were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with a gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. All compounds were quantitated using Agilent Jet Stream electrospray ionization (AJS ESI) in a negative ion mode. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for all compounds was below 5 ng/mL. The intra‐ and interday accuracy ranged from ‐13.0% to 14.0%, and precisions were less than 12.2%. The extraction recoveries of the compounds were in the range of 56.9% to 95.0%, and the matrix effect ranged between 71.6% and 109.3%. Stability studies proved that the thirteen compounds were stable under tested conditions, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 11.4%. This developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of the 13 bioactive compounds after oral administration of Flos Chrysanthemi extract in rat by UPLC‐MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters of 8 out of the 13 compounds investigated are presented in this paper.
Nicotine Exposure by Device Type among Adult Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Users in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, 2015–2016
Authors: Rostron Brian L. , Coleman Blair , Cheng Yu-Ching , Kimmel Heather L. , Oniyide Olusola , Wang Lanqing , Chang Cindy M.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Previous studies have examined the characteristics of open and closed system electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) users, but population-level information on nicotine exposure among these users has not been available.

Methods:

We analyzed nicotine biomarker and survey data from Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study collected from October 2015 to October 2016. We identified 277 exclusive ENDS users and 468 dual cigarette and ENDS users and analyzed concentrations of nicotine and its metabolites obtained from urine samples by device type and other characteristics, such as frequency of use and e-liquid flavor.

Results:

Among exclusive ENDS users, open system users had higher levels of total nicotine exposure (TNE-2) than closed system users [8.8 μmol/g creatinine (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.3–14.8 μmol/g vs. 2.0 μmol/g (95% CI = 0.7–5.4 μmol/g)]. However, TNE-2 concentrations were similar when open and closed system users were stratified as daily [26.4 μmol/g (95% CI = 20.1–34.7 μmol/g) vs. 27.1 μmol/g (95% CI = 16.4–44.9 μmol/g)] and nondaily [0.5 μmol/g (95% CI = 0.1–1.9 μmol/g) vs. 0.2 μmol/g (95% CI = 0.0–0.7 μmol/g)] ENDS users. Dual users generally had higher nicotine exposure than exclusive users.

Conclusions:

Nicotine exposure was observed to be higher among exclusive open system ENDS users compared with closed system users, but levels were similar when users were stratified by frequency of use.

Impact:

These results suggest that exclusive ENDS users with similar use patterns receive comparable levels of nicotine, regardless of whether they use open or closed system devices.
The XPO1 Inhibitor KPT-8602 Synergizes with Dexamethasone in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Verbeke Delphine , Demeyer Sofie , Prieto Cristina , de Bock Charles E. , De Bie Jolien , Gielen Olga , Jacobs Kris , Mentens Nicole , Verhoeven Bronte Manouk , Uyttebroeck Anne , Boeckx Nancy , De Keersmaecker Kim , Maertens Johan , Segers Heidi , Cools Jan
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

KPT-8602 (Eltanexor) is a second-generation exportin-1 (XPO1) inhibitor with potent activity against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in preclinical models and with minimal effects on normal cells. In this study, we evaluated whether KPT-8602 would synergize with dexamethasone, vincristine, or doxorubicin, three drugs currently used for the treatment of ALL.

Experimental Design:

First, we searched for the most synergistic combination of KPT-8602 with dexamethasone, vincristine, or doxorubicin in vitro in both B-ALL and T-ALL cell lines using proliferation and apoptosis as a readout. Next, we validated this synergistic effect by treatment of clinically relevant B- and T-ALL patient-derived xenograft models in vivo. Finally, we performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to determine the mechanism of synergy.

Results:

KPT-8602 showed strong synergism with dexamethasone on human B-ALL and T-ALL cell lines as well as in vivo in three patient-derived ALL xenografts. Compared with single-drug treatment, the drug combination caused increased apoptosis and led to histone depletion. Mechanistically, integration of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data revealed that addition of KPT-8602 to dexamethasone enhanced the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) and led to increased inhibition of E2F-mediated transcription. We observed strong inhibition of E2F target genes related to cell cycle, DNA replication, and transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions:

Our preclinical study demonstrates that KPT-8602 enhances the effects of dexamethasone to inhibit B-ALL and T-ALL cells via NR3C1- and E2F-mediated transcriptional complexes, allowing to achieve increased dexamethasone effects for patients.
Associations and Dissociations among Phonological Processing Skills, Language Skills and Nonverbal Cognition in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Jokel Ariela , Armstrong Erika , Gabis Lidia , Segal Osnat
Published: August 2020

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of phonological processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it pertains to their nonverbal cognitive and linguistic abilities. Methods: Twenty-one participants between the ages of 9 and 21 years were administered a nonverbal cognitive assessment (Raven test), a language measure that requires receptive and expressive knowledge of semantics, syntax and morphology, as well as the integration across these language domains (CELF-4), and a measure of phonological processing (CTOPP). Results: Results show that performance on nonword repetition (NWR) that reflects an aspect of phonological memory was significantly low, whereas performance on phoneme reversal, phoneme elision, blending words and memory for digits was within the normal range. Hierarchical regressions with age, nonverbal intelligence (Raven test) and receptive language (CELF) as predictors showed that for NWR and phoneme elision the receptive part of the CELF was the main significant ­predictor, after controlling for age. For phoneme reversal and memory for digits, however, the Raven score was the significant predictor, suggesting that cognitive nonverbal ability is the main factor explaining variability in these tasks. Conclusions: A deficit in phonological memory characterizes individuals in the autistic population. This deficit may influence language acquisition in this population consistent with other populations of children with language impairments. Other tasks of phonological awareness, however, might be preserved especially when they do not involve memory for long phonological sequences and when the cognitive abilities are within the norm.
Age-Based Comparison of Hematological Toxicity in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Sakai Yuki , Zhou Qiliang , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Saiki Takuro , Moriyama Masato , Toyama Akira , Saijo Yasuo
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Because of the increasing age of the general population, there is an increasing number of older patients with lung cancer. Cancer chemotherapy often causes severe hematological toxicity in older patients. Objective: This study aimed to explore the risk factors affecting the hematological toxicity of cytotoxic anticancer drugs in patients with lung cancer. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 194 patients with lung cancer at Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Japan, between April 2011 and March 2016, when the patients underwent their first round of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of age: <65, 65–74, and ≥75 years. Physiological functions and laboratory data before treatment, as well as hematological adverse events following chemotherapy, were compared among the groups. Results: Patients aged ≥75 years were significantly more likely to experience grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, compared with patients aged <65 years. However, there were no differences in the incidence of anemia or thrombocytopenia among the age groups. The frequency of febrile neutropenia tended to increase with age. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥75 years, male sex, and a performance status of ≥2 were independent factors for grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Patients with 2 or 3 of these factors had a significantly higher frequency of neutropenia, compared with patients who had 0 or 1 of these factors. Conclusion: We found that age ≥75 years, male sex, and a performance status of ≥2 were independent risk factors for grade 3 or 4 neutropenia.
Aging Heads of State: The Politics of Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
Authors: Förstl Hans
Published: August 2020

Background: Increasing life expectancy may explain why more elderly candidates appear to be running for office. This raises general questions regarding the specific risks of old age and frailty in demanding political positions. Therefore, I tried to give important contemporary examples of elderly leaders, study the mean age of leading political figures over the last 3 decades and present historical examples of heads of state with age-associated brain diseases and cognitive deficits. I reviewed the literature on mental illness and politics and analyzed the ages of international political leaders in 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. Summary: There are several impressive contemporary examples of elderly politicians. The mean age of political leaders has not increased significantly in most parts of the world over the last 3 decades with the exception of the Gulf States and sub-Saharan Africa. Health problems of heads of state in earlier centuries had not been primarily age associated. After 1900, dementia but also mild cognitive and mild behavioral impairment became important issues in politically critical situations, for example international peace negotiations, the rise of Nazi Germany, the breakup of communism, the Arab Spring and others. Key Messages: This paper collects anecdotal evidence of cognitive frailty in ageing politicians; it is not an in-depth analysis of political history. Observations confirm that a very long time in power may obviously increase the risk of age-associated problems; dynamic revolutionary or entrepreneurial idols may be misled to rely on their irreplaceable charisma for too long. However, caution must be exercised against ageism on one side versus silent acquiescence towards leaders with failing mental powers on the other, who may become victims of obscure parties and their decompensating personality disorders.