bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nutrition risk index is associated with bacteremia within 30 days after autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Garzón Herazo Javier Ricardo , Muñoz Velandia Oscar Mauricio , Solano Julio Cesar , Molina Pimienta Luisana , Figueroa Lemus Wilmer Javier
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess whether the nutrition risk index (NRI) is associated with the risk of bacteremia within the first days after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Materials and methods

Retrospective cohort study of adult patients with MM taken to ASCT at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (Bogotá, Colombia) between 2005 and 2019. The outcome of interest was the incidence of bacteremia at 30 days. Multivariate analysis was used to identify whether the NRI was associated with bacteremia, controlling by different confounding variables.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐four patients with a median age of 58.5 years (IQR: 54‐64) were included. 47.1% were in stage ISS III. 36.0% had moderate or severe malnourishment (NRI < 97.5). 11.2% presented bacteremia in the first 30 days after transplantation. In the univariate analysis, the NRI < 97.5 was associated with bacteremia (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.30‐2.72, P = .001); however, this association was not significant in the multivariate analysis, unlike the presence of mucositis (OR: 11.59; 95% CI: 1.9‐68.3, <0.01), one or more previous lines of therapy (OR: 12.0; 95% CI: 2.1‐67.4; P < .01), and duration of aplasia (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.2‐2.4, P < .01).

Conclusions

Patients with moderate or severe malnourishment have a higher incidence of bacteremia in the 30 days post‐ASCT in patients with MM. Additional risk factors associated with bacteremia include the presence of mucositis, one or more previous lines of therapy, and the duration of aplasia.
The crystal structure of Arabidopsis BON1 provides insights into the copine protein family
Authors: Wang Qianchao , Jiang Meiqin , Isupov Michail N. , Chen Yayu , Littlechild Jennifer A. , Sun Lifang , Wu Xiuling , Wang Qin , Yang Wendi , Chen Lifei , Li Qi , Wu Yunkun
Published: May 2020

The Arabidopsis thaliana BON1 gene product is a member of the evolutionary conserved eukaryotic calcium‐dependent membrane‐binding protein family. The copine protein is composed of two C2 domains (C2A and C2B) followed by a vWA domain. The BON1 protein is localized on the plasma membrane, and is known to suppress the expression of immune receptor genes and to positively regulate stomatal closure. The first structure of this protein family has been determined to 2.5‐Å resolution and shows the structural features of the three conserved domains C2A, C2B and vWA. The structure reveals the third Ca2+‐binding region in C2A domain is longer than classical C2 domains and a novel Ca2+ binding site in the vWA domain. The structure of BON1 bound to Mn2+ is also presented. The binding of the C2 domains to phospholipid (PSF) has been modeled and provides an insight into the lipid‐binding mechanism of the copine proteins. Furthermore, the selectivity of the separate C2A and C2B domains and intact BON1 to bind to different phospholipids has been investigated, and we demonstrated that BON1 could mediate aggregation of liposomes in response to Ca2+. These studies have formed the basis of further investigations into the important role that the copine proteins play in vivo.
Language mixing in the social network of a South African student
Authors: Botha Werner , Coetzee‐Van Rooy Susan
Published: May 2020

This article discusses the dynamics underlying a particular feature of South African Englishes – language mixing – and how such mixing practices and the use of English form part of the social identity of interactions between speakers in their respective social networks. The approach to this current study was adapted from Milroy's (1980) research on social networks in order to provide access to participants’ most natural use of languages. This study investigates various aspects of the multilingual language practices of speakers in South Africa and reports on the social motivations and the social contexts of language mixing in the personal lives of these speakers.
Source encoding for viscoacoustic ultrasound computed tomography
Authors: Bachmann Etienne , Tromp Jeroen
Published: May 2020

Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) is a noninvasive imaging modality that has shown its clinical relevance for breast cancer diagnostics. As opposed to traveltime inversions, waveform-based inversions can exploit the full content of ultrasound data, thereby providing increased resolution. However, this is only feasible when modeling the full physics of wave propagation, accounting for 3D effects such as refraction and diffraction, and this comes at a significant computational cost. To mitigate this cost, a crosstalk-free source encoding method for explicit time-domain solvers is proposed. The gradient computation is performed with only two numerical “super” wave simulations, independent of the number of sources and receivers. Absence of crosstalk is achieved by considering orthogonal frequencies attributed to each source. By considering “double-difference” measurements, no a priori knowledge of the source time function is required. With this method, full-physics based 3D waveform inversions can be performed within minutes using reasonable computational resources, fitting clinical requirements.
Combination Therapy Using Benznidazole and Aspirin during the Acute Phase of Experimental Chagas Disease Prevents Cardiovascular Dysfunction and Decreases Typical Cardiac Lesions in the Chronic Phase
Authors: Pereira Rito Santo , Malvezi Aparecida Donizette , Lovo-Martins Maria Isabel , Lucchetti Bruno Fernando Cruz , Santos Jussevania Pereira , Tavares Eliandro Reis , Verri Waldiceu Aparecido , de Almeida Araújo Eduardo José , Yamauchi Lucy Megumi , Yamada-Ogatta Sueli Fumie , Martins-Pinge Marli Cardoso , Pinge-Filho Phileno
Published: May 2020

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoanTrypanosoma cruzi, is one of the main causes of death due to cardiomyopathy and heart failure in Latin American countries. The treatment of Chagas disease is directed at eliminating the parasite, decreasing the probability of cardiomyopathy and disrupting the disease transmission cycle. Benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox (Nfx) are recognized as effective drugs for the treatment of Chagas disease by the World Health Organization, but both have high toxicity and limited efficacy, especially in the chronic disease phase.
Identification of Antiviral Drug Candidates against SARS-CoV-2 from FDA-Approved Drugs
Authors: Jeon Sangeun , Ko Meehyun , Lee Jihye , Choi Inhee , Byun Soo Young , Park Soonju , Shum David , Kim Seungtaek
Published: May 2020

Drug repositioning is the only feasible option to immediately address the COVID-19 global challenge. We screened a panel of 48 FDA-approved drugs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which were preselected by an assay of SARS-CoV. We identified 24 potential antiviral drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some drug candidates showed very low 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s), and in particular, two FDA-approved drugs—niclosamide and ciclesonide—were notable in some respects.
Deglycosylation of the Isoflavone
C
-Glucoside Puerarin by a Combination of Two Recombinant Bacterial Enzymes and 3-Oxo-Glucose
Authors: Nakamura Kenichi , Zhu Shu , Komatsu Katsuko , Hattori Masao , Iwashima Makoto
Published: May 2020

One important role of the gut microbiota is to metabolize dietary nutrients and supplements such as flavonoid glycosides. Ingested glycosides are metabolized by intestinal bacteria to more-absorbable aglycones and further degradation products that show beneficial effects in humans. Although numerous glycoside hydrolases that catalyze
O
-deglycosylation have been reported, enzymes responsible for
C
-deglycosylation are still limited. In this study, we characterized enzymes involved in the
C
-deglycosylation of puerarin from a human intestinal bacterium, PUE. Here, we report the purification and characterization of a recombinant oxidoreductase involved in
C
-glucoside degradation. This study provides new insights for the elucidation of mechanisms of enzymatic
C
-deglycosylation.
Depletion of Alveolar Macrophages Increases Pulmonary Neutrophil Infiltration, Tissue Damage, and Sepsis in a Murine Model of Acinetobacter baumannii Pneumonia
Authors: Lee Hiu Ham , Aslanyan Lilit , Vidyasagar Arjun , Brennan Melissa B. , Tauber Maxine S. , Carrillo-Sepulveda Maria A. , Dores Michael R. , Rigel Nathan W. , Martinez Luis R.
Published: May 2020

Acinetobacter baumanniihas emerged as an important etiological agent of hospital-related infections, especially nosocomial pneumonia. The virulence factors of this bacterium and their interactions with the cells and molecules of the immune system just recently began to be extensively studied. Here, we investigated the impact of alveolar macrophages onA. baumanniipneumonia using a mouse model of infection and a flexible tissue culture system. We hypothesized that depletion of macrophages would enhance sepsis and severity ofA. baumanniidisease.
Aminopeptidase N Expression, Not Interferon Responses, Determines the Intestinal Segmental Tropism of Porcine Deltacoronavirus
Authors: Yin Lingdan , Chen Jianfei , Li Liang , Guo Shanshan , Xue Mei , Zhang Jialin , Liu Xiang , Feng Li , Liu Pinghuang
Published: May 2020

The zoonotic potential of the PDCoV, a coronavirus efficiently infecting cells from a broad range species, including porcine, chicken, and human, emphasizes the urgent need to further study the cell and tissue tropism of PDCoV in its natural host. Herein, we generated crypt stem cell-derived enteroids from porcine different intestinal regions, which well recapitulated the events
in vivo
of PDCoV infection that PDCoV targeted multiple types of intestinal epithelia and preferably infected the jejunum and ileum over the duodenum and colon. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the expression of APN receptor rather than the IFN responses determined the susceptibility of different regions of the intestines to PDCoV infection, though PDCoV infection markedly elicited the IFN responses. Our findings provide important insights into how the distinct gene expression profiles of the intestinal segments determine the cell and tissue tropism of PDCoV.
Are You Still a Postdoc? How My Scientific Identity Intersects with My Immigrant Status
Authors: Hernandez-Sanabria Emma
Published: May 2020

Academics in non-tenure-track positions encounter a unique set of challenges on the road toward tenure. Institutionalized policies and lack of mentors are additional burdens for foreign scientists, resulting in representation differences. Becoming a scientist has been a personal and moving journey in which my multiple selves intersect and clash every now and again. My identity as a scientist is a life project and has intersected with my other identities: a young Latina immigrant in Western Europe.
The problem with gentamicin: reducing administration and prescribing
errors in neonates treated for early onset infection with gentamicin
Authors: Trivedi Ashifa , Lek Elizabeth , Sharma Sadhna , Chellen Shavindra
Published: May 2020

We describe a quality improvement (QI) project to reduce the number of
administration and prescribing errors with gentamicin on a local neonatal
unit in a district general hospital, from January 2017 to August 2019.
Baseline data collected showed seven errors in the first 16 months of the
project (from 1999 doses). The aim of this QI project was to have no
low-level, moderate-level or severe level harm errors in the intervention
period. A number of interventions were carried out including a change to
local guidelines and teaching sessions for staff. All Datix reports for
gentamicin were reviewed as well as data collected from the pharmacy team
for a further 16 months. One low harm error was reported in this period
(from 1938 doses). Education of the medical and nursing staff has been a key
intervention in reducing our gentamicin errors as well as changing the way
we prescribe gentamicin.
Occurrence, prevention, and management of the psychological effects of emerging virus outbreaks on healthcare workers: rapid review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kisely Steve , Warren Nicola , McMahon Laura , Dalais Christine , Henry Irene , Siskind Dan
Published: May 2020

Objective

To examine the psychological effects on clinicians of working to manage novel viral outbreaks, and successful measures to manage stress and psychological distress.

Design

Rapid review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, searched up to late March 2020.

Eligibility criteria for study selection

Any study that described the psychological reactions of healthcare staff working with patients in an outbreak of any emerging virus in any clinical setting, irrespective of any comparison with other clinicians or the general population.

Results

59 papers met the inclusion criteria: 37 were of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), eight of coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19), seven of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), three each of Ebola virus disease and influenza A virus subtype H1N1, and one of influenza A virus subtype H7N9. Of the 38 studies that compared psychological outcomes of healthcare workers in direct contact with affected patients, 25 contained data that could be combined in a pairwise meta-analysis comparing healthcare workers at high and low risk of exposure. Compared with lower risk controls, staff in contact with affected patients had greater levels of both acute or post-traumatic stress (odds ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 2.29) and psychological distress (1.74, 1.50 to 2.03), with similar results for continuous outcomes. These findings were the same as in the other studies not included in the meta-analysis. Risk factors for psychological distress included being younger, being more junior, being the parents of dependent children, or having an infected family member. Longer quarantine, lack of practical support, and stigma also contributed. Clear communication, access to adequate personal protection, adequate rest, and both practical and psychological support were associated with reduced morbidity.

Conclusions

Effective interventions are available to help mitigate the psychological distress experienced by staff caring for patients in an emerging disease outbreak. These interventions were similar despite the wide range of settings and types of outbreaks covered in this review, and thus could be applicable to the current covid-19 outbreak.
Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of treatments for aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer patients: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Bae Kyeore , Song Si Yeon
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) is a major adverse event of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and leads to premature discontinuation of AI therapy in breast cancer patients. The objective of this protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) is to provide the methodology to compare the change in pain intensity between different AIA treatments and demonstrate the rank probabilities for different treatments by combining all available direct and indirect evidence.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched to identify publications in English from inception to November 2019. We will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of different treatments for AIA in postmenopausal women with stage 0–III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The primary endpoints will be the change in patient-reported pain intensity from baseline to post-treatment. The number of adverse events will be presented as a secondary outcome.

Both pairwise meta-analysis and NMA with the Frequentist approach will be conducted. We will demonstrate summary estimates with forest plots in meta-analysis and direct and mixed evidence with a ranking of the treatments as the P-score in NMA. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials will be used to assess the methodological quality within individual RCTs. The quality of evidence will be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

As this review does not involve individual patients, ethical approval is not required. The results of this systematic review and NMA will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This review will provide valuable information on AIA therapeutic options for clinicians, health practitioners and breast cancer survivors.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019136967.
Demographic and health community-based surveys to inform a malaria elimination project in Magude district, southern Mozambique
Authors: Galatas Beatriz , Nhacolo Ariel , Marti Helena , Munguambe Humberto , Jamise Edgar , Guinovart Caterina , Cirera Laia , Amone Felimone , Macete Eusebio , Bassat Quique , Rabinovich Regina , Alonso Pedro , Aide Pedro , Saute Francisco , Sacoor Charfudin
Published: May 2020

Objectives

A Demographic and Health Platform was established in Magude in 2015, prior to the deployment of a project aiming to evaluate the feasibility of malaria elimination in southern Mozambique, named the Magude project. This platform aimed to inform the design, implementation and evaluation of the Magude project, through the identification of households and population; and the collection of demographic, health and malaria information.

Setting

Magude is a rural district of southern Mozambique which borders South Africa. It has nine peripheral health facilities and one referral health centre with an inpatient ward.

Intervention

A baseline census enumerated and geolocated all the households, and their resident and non-resident members, collecting demographic and socio-economic information, and data on the coverage and usage of malaria control tools. Inpatient and outpatient data during the 5 years (2010 to 2014) before the survey were obtained from the district health authorities. The demographic platform was updated in 2016.

Results

The baseline census conducted in 2015 reported 48 448 (92.1%) residents and 4133 (7.9%) non-residents, and 10 965 households. Magude’s population is predominantly young, half of the population has no formal education and the main economic activities are agriculture and fishing. Houses are mainly built with traditional non-durable materials and have poor sanitation facilities. Between 2010 and 2014, malaria was the most common cause of all-age inpatient discharges (representing 20% to 40% of all discharges), followed by HIV (12% to 22%) and anaemia (12% to 15%). In early 2015, all-age bed-net usage was between 21.8% and 27.1% and the reported coverage of indoor residual spraying varied across the district between 30.7% and 79%.

Conclusion

This study revealed that Magude has limited socio-economic conditions, poor access to healthcare services and low coverage of malaria vector control interventions. Thus, Magude represented an area where it is most pressing to demonstrate the feasibility of malaria elimination.

Trial registration number

NCT02914145; Pre-results.
Effectiveness of adult community-based physical activity interventions with objective physical activity measurements and long-term follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wahlich Charlotte , Chaudhry Umar A R , Fortescue Rebecca , Cook Derek G , Hirani Shashivadan , Knightly Rachel , Harris Tess
Published: May 2020

Objective

To identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of physical activity (PA) interventions with objective PA outcomes in adults and to evaluate whether intervention effects were sustained beyond 12 months.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Seven databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane library, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and ASSIA (Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts)) were searched from January 2000 until December 2019.

Eligibility criteria

RCTs reporting objective PA outcomes beyond 12 months with community-based participants aged ≥18 years were included; those where controls received active interventions, including advice to increase PA levels, were excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers completed extraction of aggregate data and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analyses used random-effects models at different follow-up points. Primary outcomes were daily steps and weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA).

Results

Of 33 282 records identified, nine studies (at generally low risk of bias) were included, five in meta-analyses with 12 months to 4 year follow-up. We observed 12 month increases for intervention vs control participants in steps/day (mean difference (MD)=554 (95% CIs: 384 to 724) p<0.0001, I2=0%; 2446 participants; four studies) and weekly MVPA minutes (MD=35 (95% CI: 27 to 43) p<0.0001, I2=0%; 2647 participants; four studies). Effects were sustained up to 4 years for steps/day (MD=494 (95% CI: 251 to 738) p<0.0001, I2=0%; 1944 participants; four studies) and weekly MVPA minutes (MD=25 (95% CI: 13 to 37) p<0.0001, I2=0%; 1458 participants; three studies).

Conclusions

There are few PA interventions with objective follow-up beyond 12 months, more studies are needed. However, this review provided evidence of PA intervention effects beyond 12 months and sustained up to 4 years for both steps/day and MVPA. These findings have important implications for potential long-term health benefits.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017075753.
Bayesian network modelling study to identify factors influencing the risk of cardiovascular disease in Canadian adults with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Badawi Alaa , Di Giuseppe Giancarlo , Gupta Alind , Poirier Abbey , Arora Paul
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The present study evaluates the extent of association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and identifies factors mediating this relationship using Bayesian network (BN) analysis.

Design and setting

A population-based cross-sectional survey in Canada.

Participants

Adults from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (n=10 115) aged 30 to 74 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The 10-year risk of CVD was determined using the Framingham Risk Score in HCV-positive and HCV-negative subjects. Using BN analysis, variables were modelled to calculate the probability of CVD risk in HCV infection.

Results

When the BN is compiled, and no variable has been instantiated, 73%, 17% and 11% of the subjects had low, moderate and high 10-year CVD risk, respectively. The conditional probability of high CVD risk increased to 13.9%±1.6% (p<2.2×10-16) when the HCV variable is instantiated to ‘Present’ state and decreased to 8.6%±0.2% when HCV was instantiated to ‘Absent’ (p<2.2×10-16). HCV cases had 1.6-fold higher prevalence of high-CVD risk compared with non-infected individuals (p=0.038). Analysis of the effect modification of the HCV-CVD relationship (using median Kullback-Leibler divergence; DKL) showed diabetes as a major effect modifier on the joint probability distribution of HCV infection and CVD risk (DKL=0.27, IQR: 0.26 to 0.27), followed by hypertension (0.24, IQR: 0.23 to 0.25), age (0.21, IQR: 0.10 to 0.38) and injection drug use (0.19, IQR: 0.06 to 0.59).

Conclusions

Exploring the relationship between HCV infection and CVD risk using BN modelling analysis revealed that the infection is associated with elevated CVD risk. A number of risk modifiers were identified to play a role in this relationship. Targeting these factors during the course of infection to reduce CVD risk should be studied further.
Effects of CPOE-based medication ordering on outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Abraham Joanna , Kitsiou Spyros , Meng Alicia , Burton Shirley , Vatani Haleh , Kannampallil Thomas
Published: May 2020

Background

Computerised provider order entry (CPOE) systems are widely used in clinical settings for the electronic ordering of medications, laboratory tests and radiological therapies. However, evidence regarding effects of CPOE-based medication ordering on clinical and safety outcomes is mixed. We conducted an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) to characterise the cumulative effects of CPOE use for medication ordering in clinical settings.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify published SRs from inception to 12 February 2018. SRs investigating the effects of the use of CPOE for medication ordering were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of included SRs.

Results

Seven SRs covering 118 primary studies were included for review. Pooled studies from the SRs in inpatient settings showed that CPOE use resulted in statistically significant decreases in medication errors and adverse drug events (ADEs); however, there was considerable variation in the magnitude of their relative risk reduction (54%–92% for errors, 35%–53% for ADEs). There was no significant relative risk reduction on hospital mortality or length of stay. Bibliographic analysis showed limited overlap (24%) among studies included across all SRs.

Conclusion

SRs on CPOEs included predominantly non-randomised controlled trials and observational studies with varying foci. SRs predominantly focused on inpatient settings and often lacked comparison groups; SRs used inconsistent definitions of outcomes, lacked descriptions regarding the effects on patient harm and did not differentiate among the levels of available decision support. With five of the seven SRs having low to moderate quality, findings from the SRs must be interpreted with caution. We discuss potential directions for future primary studies and SRs of CPOE.
Comparative effectiveness of improvement in pain and physical function for baricitinib versus adalimumab, tocilizumab and tofacitinib monotherapies in rheumatoid arthritis patients who are naïve to treatment with biologic or conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a matching-adjusted indirect comparison
Authors: Fautrel B , Zhu B , Taylor P C , van de Laar M , Emery P , De Leonardis F , Kannowski C L , Nicolay C , Kadziola Z , De La Torre I , Fleischmann R
Published: May 2020

Objective

To compare improvement in pain and physical function for patients treated with baricitinib, adalimumab, tocilizumab and tofacitinib monotherapy from randomised, methotrexate (MTX)-controlled trials in conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs)/biologic (bDMARD)-naïve RA patients using matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (MAICs).

Methods

Data were from Phase III trials on patients receiving monotherapy baricitinib, tocilizumab, adalimumab, tofacitinib or MTX. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (0–100 mm) and physical function using the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). An MAIC based on treatment-arm matching, an MAIC with study-level matching and Bucher’s method without matching compared change in outcomes between therapies. Matching variables included age, gender, baseline disease activity and baseline value of outcome measure.

Results

With all methods, greater improvements were observed in pain and HAQ-DI at 6 months for baricitinib compared with adalimumab and tocilizumab (p<0.05). Differences in treatment effects (TEs) favouring baricitinib for pain VAS for treatment-arm matching, study-level matching and Bucher’s method, respectively, were −12, −12 and −12 for baricitinib versus adalimumab and −7, −7 and −9 for baricitinib versus tocilizumab; the difference in TEs for HAQ-DI was −0.28, −0.28 and −0.30 for adalimumab and −0.23, −0.23 and −0.26 for tocilizumab. For baricitinib versus tofacitinib, no statistically significant differences for pain improvement were observed except with one of the three methods (Bucher method) and none for HAQ-DI.

Conclusions

Results suggest greater pain reduction and improved physical function for baricitinib monotherapy compared with tocilizumab and adalimumab monotherapy. No statistically significant differences in pain reduction and improved physical function were observed between baricitinib and tofacitinib with the MAIC analyses.
Cyclic behavior of gravel–steel interface under varying rotational shear paths
Authors: Rehman Zia ur , Zhang Ga
Published: May 2020

Cyclic rotational behavior of a soil–structure interface is imperative for understanding the three-dimensional behavior; this requires testing the interface under systematically varying rotational shear paths. A series of cyclic tests were conducted on the gravel–steel interface along linear, elliptical, and circular shear paths by systematically varying the orthogonal amplitude shear displacement ratio. The resultant peak shear stress was observed to be independent of the shear direction and dependent on the shear path. The interface demonstrates a coupling response among the orthogonal shear directions during the rotational shear, which governs the three-dimensional shear mechanism. Owing to such coupling, during the cyclic shear, the unloading extent from the resultant peak loading state at different quarters of a shear cycle diminishes as the shear path changes toward a circle; this leads to the monotonous shear proceeding in a circular route with an insignificant change in the shear direction. Significant dilatancy is induced by rotational shear, which can be divided into irreversible and reversible components. The final compression of the irreversible dilatancy increases as the area under the rotational shear path increases. The reversible dilatancy diminishes as the shear path becomes a circle. The interface evenly demonstrates aeolotropy under the rotational shear condition.
Consolidation characteristics of hydraulically deposited tailings obtained from shear wave velocity (Vs) measurements in triaxial and oedometric cells with piezoelectric ring-actuator technique (P-RAT)
Authors: Grimard Louis-Philippe , Karray Mourad , James Michael , Aubertin Michel
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the main results of a laboratory study of the use of shear wave velocity, Vs, to characterize hydraulically deposited tailings on the basis of density (void ratio), mean effective stress, and overconsolidation ratio. Tailings specimens from a gold mine in western Quebec were prepared in triaxial and oedometric cells in a manner that simulates hydraulic deposition. The specimens were consolidated isotropically and anisotropically (stress ratio, K of 0.38). Vsmeasurements were performed at each load increment using the piezoelectric ring-actuator technique (P-RAT). Correlations relating shear wave velocity to the void ratio, confining stress, and overconsolidation ratio of the tailings are presented. These laboratory correlations can be used for the characterization of the tailings by in situ Vsmeasurement. The application of these correlations to seismic cone penetration testing in an actual tailings impoundment is also presented.
Abiotic conditions are unlikely to mediate hybridization between invasive rainbow trout and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in a high-elevation metapopulation
Authors: Heim Kurt C. , McMahon Thomas E. , Kalinowski Steven T. , Ertel Brian D. , Koel Todd M.
Published: May 2020

Understanding factors mediating hybridization between native and invasive species is crucial for conservation. We assessed the spatial distribution of hybridization between invasive rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouveri) in the Lamar River of Yellowstone National Park using a paired telemetry and genetic dataset. Spawning populations containing hybrids (15/30) occupied the full spectrum of abiotic conditions in the watershed (stream temperature, stream size, runoff timing), including an intermittent stream that dried completely in late June, and mainstem spawning locations. Hybrids and rainbow trout occupied an entire high-elevation (∼2500–1900 m) tributary where rainbow trout ancestry was highest in headwaters and decreased downstream. Fluvial distance to this ostensible source population was the only covariate included in top hybridization models; effects of abiotic covariates and stocking intensity were relatively weak. In this watershed, abiotic conditions are unlikely to mediate continued hybridization. We conclude that management intervention is important for the persistence of nonhybridized Yellowstone cutthroat trout and highlight the value of pairing telemetry with genetic analysis to identify and characterize populations for hybridization assessments.
Combined effects of surface energy and couple stress on the nonlinear bending of FG-CNTR nanobeams
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Shen Huoming , Wang Yuxing , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the size-dependent nonlinear bending of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced (FG-CNTR) nanobeams. Chen–Yao’s surface elasticity and modified couple stress theories are adopted to describe surface effects and couple stress effects, respectively. These nanobeams, in which the carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced phases are assumed to be distributed in a gradient along the thickness, are subjected to a uniform pressure and rest on a nonlinear elastic foundation. In accordance with the Euler–Lagrange variational principle, the governing equations and boundary conditions for the FG-CNTR nanobeams, which involve geometric nonlinearity due to the von Kármán strain relations, are obtained. Then, with the assistance of the two-step perturbation technique, the load-deflection relationship is determined for nanobeams subjected to simply supported (SS) and clamped–clamped (CC) boundary conditions. Finally, the impacts of various factors, including surface properties, characteristic material length, elastic foundation, geometric factors, layout type and volume fraction of CNTs, on the mechanical behaviors of CNT-based nanobeams are examined. The numerical results reveal that the combination of surface effects and couple stress helps to enhanceq the stiffness of the nanobeams. Furthermore, the size-dependent nonlinear bending of the FG-CNTR nanobeam is markedly affected by the content and layout type of the reinforcements.
Multimodal dynamics of nonhomogeneous absorbing Markov chains evolving at stochastic transition rates
Authors: Teslenko Victor I. , Kapitanchuk Oleksiy L.
Published: May 2020

The Tokuyama–Mori projection operator method for a reduced time-convolutionless description of a local temporal behavior of an open quantum system interacting with the weakly dissipative and fluctuating pervasive environment is applied to a Markov chain subject to random transition probabilities. The solution to the problem of the multimodal dynamics of a two-stage absorbing Markov chain with the fluctuating forward rate constant augmented by a symmetric dichotomous stochastic process is found exactly and compared with that of the problem for the same Markov chain with the fluctuating backward rate constant. It is shown that these two different tetramodal solutions cannot generally be reduced to but be complementary to each other. In the limit of very frequent fluctuations in forward/backward rate constants of a two-stage absorbing Markov chain, as well as in the case of a one-stage recurrent Markov chain, both solutions become bimodal and superimposed to one another. However, there is a distinction between using of those solutions for the dynamics of a two-stage absorbing Markov chain in the limit of very rare fluctuations at the critical point, in which the former solution shows the resonance effect exhibiting itself as the stochastic immobilization in an initial state, while the latter demonstrates the deterministic decay to the other state.
Directed-Completeness of Quantum Statistical Experiments in the Randomization Order
Authors: Kuramochi Yui
Published: May 2020

A parametrized family of normal states on a von Neumann algebra is called a statistical experiment, which generalizes the corresponding concepts in classical statistics and finite-dimensional quantum systems. We introduce randomization preorder and equivalence relations for statistical experiments with a fixed parameter set and for normal channels with a fixed input space by post-processing completely positive channels. In this paper, we prove that the set of equivalence classes of statistical experiments or those of normal channels is an upper and lower directed-complete partially ordered set with respect to the randomization order, i.e. any increasing or decreasing net of statistical experiments or channels has its supremum or infimum in the randomization order. We also show that if the outcome space of each statistical experiment or channel of a randomization-monotone net is commutative, the outcome space of the supremum or infimum can also be taken to be commutative. We consider two examples of homogeneous Markov processes of channels on infinite-dimensional separable Hilbert spaces, namely block-diagonalization with irrational translation and ideal quantum linear amplifier channels, and explicitly derive their infima. Throughout the paper, the concept of channel conjugation is used to obtain results for decreasing channels from those for increasing channels.
Dynamics of Quantum Correlations in a Qubit-Oscillator System Interacting via a Dissipative Bath
Authors: Badveli R. , Jagadish V. , Akshaya S. , Srikanth R. , Petruccione F.
Published: May 2020

The entanglement dynamics in a bipartite system consisting of a qubit and a harmonic oscillator interacting only through their coupling with the same bath is studied. The considered model assumes that the qubit is coupled to the bath via the Jaynes-Cummings interaction, whilst the position of the oscillator is coupled to the position of the bath via a dipole interaction. We give a microscopic derivation of the Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindblad equation for the considered model. Based on the Kossakowski matrix, we show that non-classical correlations including entanglement can be generated by the considered dynamics. We then analytically identify specific initial states for which entanglement is generated. This result is also supported by our numerical simulations.
A DSGE Model-Based Analysis of the Indian Slowdown
Authors: Goyal Ashima , Kumar Abhishek
Published: May 2020

A New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model with habit persistence used to examine the US slowdown is also used to analyze the contribution of basic demand and supply shocks to the Indian slowdown. Kalman filter-based maximum likelihood estimation is undertaken with Indian output, inflation and interest rate data. First, our model based output gap tracks the statistical Hodrick–Prescott filter-based output gap well. Second, comparison of estimated parameters, impulse responses and forecast error variance decomposition between India and the US brings out the differences in policy responses, the structure of the two economies and their inflationary processes. There is a higher impact of interest rate shocks on output and inflation, and lower impact of technology shocks on output but higher on inflation in comparison to US. The former indicates monetary policy over-reaction and the latter validates a supply curve that technology shocks shift and inadequate adjustment of actual to potential output. Habit persistence is higher, markup and interest rate shocks are more volatile in India. Markup shocks play a much larger role in determination of Indian inflation again pointing to the importance of supply side factors. Third, smoothed states obtained from the Kalman filter to create counterfactual paths of output and inflation (during 2009:Q4 to 2013:Q2) in the presence of a given shock, show monetary shocks imposed significant output cost. The output gap was negative post the 2011 slowdown and in 2016.
Peer Effects in Networks: A Survey
Authors: Bramoullé Yann , Djebbari Habiba , Fortin Bernard
Published: May 2020

We survey the recent, fast-growing literature on peer effects in networks. An important recurring theme is that the causal identification of peer effects depends on the structure of the network itself. In the absence of correlated effects, the reflection problem is generally solved by network interactions even in nonlinear, heterogeneous models. By contrast, microfoundations are generally not identified. We discuss and assess the various approaches developed by economists to account for correlated effects and network endogeneity in particular. We classify these approaches in four broad categories: random peers, random shocks, structural endogeneity, and panel data. We review an emerging literature relaxing the assumption that the network is perfectly known. Throughout, we provide a critical reading of the existing literature and identify important gaps and directions for future research.
The Impact of Inequality on Intergenerational Mobility
Authors: DiPrete Thomas A.
Published: May 2020

The extent and causes of trends and cross-national variation in social class and occupational status mobility have been major topics of sociological research for decades. This topic has acquired renewed salience as inequality in many industrialized countries has increased and as improvements in data and estimation methods have stimulated increased scrutiny of intergenerational earnings or income mobility as well. The more recent focus on earnings or income mobility largely comes from economists, though sociologists and interdisciplinary teams have made increasingly important contributions. Compelling evidence supports the hypothesis that inequality trends are generating trends in absolute earnings mobility. Evidence about the impact of inequality on relative mobility is less clear, partly because within-country relative mobility trends are weak, partly because between-country differences in relative mobility likely have multiple causes, and partly because the rough stability in relative mobility could arise from offsetting forces. Efforts to exploit local variation in inequality and mobility have added important insights, as have studies that focus attention on mechanisms. The question of how inequality affects mobility cannot be answered definitively without a solid understanding of the multiple pathways that link a country's economic and institutional structure to its pattern of social mobility.
Dot Microsensors Based on Zinc Porphyrins and Zinc Phthalocyanine for the Determination of Indigo Carmine
Authors: Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , van Staden Jacobus Frederick
Published: May 2020

Eight microelectrodes based on carbon and diamond paste modified with zinc complexes with: tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP), tetranaphtoporphyrin (ZnTNP), tetrasulphophenylporphyrin (ZnTSPP) and phtalocyanine (ZnPc), were proposed for the assay of indigo carmine in wastewaters, pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples. All measurements were performed using differential pulse voltammetry. Indigo carmine was recovered reliable from real samples in percentages higher than 90.00%. The surface of the microelectrodes can easily be renewed by simple polishing, obtaining a fresh surface ready for use in a new assay.
Corrosion Mitigation and Increased Discharge Capacity in Aqueous Processed Thick Cathodes using Phosphoric Acid Additives
Authors: Kukay Alexander , Sahore Ritu , Parejiya Anand , Hawley W. B. , Li Jianlin , Wood David
Published: May 2020

Aqueous processed cathodes for lithium-ion batteries are favorable for both cost and environmental reasons; however, these electrodes still face significant problems with increasing areal capacities (i.e. thickness). Highly basic slurry conditions (pH in excess of 12) corrode the current collector surface and evolve hydrogen gas. Consequently, bubbling at the electrode interface causes substantial damage to the dried electrode. As the loading of these electrodes is increased, damage becomes severe and results in lack of adhesion and cohesion. Here introduction of phosphoric acid to combat the rise in pH and suppress the corrosion at the current collector surface is investigated. Phosphoric acid was added in increments of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% and the subsequent effects on slurry rheology, particle size, adhesion, and electrochemical cycling were investigated. A technique is reported for obtaining thick (6-8 mAh/cm2) cathodes that exhibit reduced surface cracking and improved rate performance as compared to control samples.
A Novel Numerical Procedure for Simulating Steady MHD Convective Flows of Radiative Casson Fluids over a Horizontal Stretching Sheet with Irregular Geometry under the Combined Influence of Temperature-Dependent Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Wakif Abderrahim
Published: May 2020

A novel mathematical computing analysis for steady magnetohydrodynamic convective flows of radiative Casson fluids moving over a nonlinearly elongating elastic sheet with a nonuniform thickness is established successfully in this numerical exploration. Also, the significance of an externally applied magnetic field with space-dependent strength on the development of MHD convective flows of Casson viscoplastic fluids is evaluated thoroughly by including the momentous influence of linear thermal radiation along with the temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity effects. By combining the assumption of the low-inducing magnetic field with the boundary layer approximations, the governing partial differential equations monitoring the current flow model are transmuted accordingly into a set of nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations by invoking appropriate similarity transformations. Moreover, these derived differential equations are resolved numerically by utilizing a new innovative GDQLLM algorithm integrating the local linearization technique with the generalized differential quadrature method. On the other hand, the behaviours of velocity and temperature fields are deliberated properly through various graphical illustrations and different sets of flow parameters. However, the accurate datasets generated for the skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number are presented separately in tabular displays, whose physical insights are discussed comprehensively via the slope linear regression method (SLRM). As main results, it is demonstrated that the higher values of the Casson viscoplastic parameter reduce significantly the fluid velocity within the boundary layer region, while a partial reverse tendency is observed near the stretching sheet as long as the wall thickness parameter is increased. Besides the previously mentioned hydrodynamical features, it is also depicted that the thermal field throughout the medium is enhanced considerably with the elevating values of these parameters.