bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequences of 10 Strains ofPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiaeBiovar 1: A Major Kiwifruit Bacterial Canker Pathogen in Japan
Authors: Fujikawa Takashi , Hatomi Hiroe , Sawada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Several groups (biovars) of the kiwifruit bacterial canker pathogen,Pseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiae, are found in Japan. Here, we sequenced and compared the 10 genomes of biovar 1, the major group in Japan, which is known as the phaseolotoxin producer.

The kiwifruit bacterial canker pathogen,Pseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiae(Psa), was first described in Japan in 1989 (1). Subsequently, Psa was found in other kiwifruit-producing countries (2). Based on comparative analyses (2–4), Psa was categorized into several groups (biovars). The first Japanese group was named biovar 1 (Psa1), which was also later found in Italy and Korea. This biovar produces phaseolotoxin (2), a phytotoxin that inhibits arginine biosynthesis in host plants and results in bacterial canker symptom development. On the Psa1 chromosome, a large number of genes involved in phaseolotoxin biosynthesis are accumulated in an approximately 23 kb region (argK-toxcluster), which is contained in an exogenous genomic island (toxisland) that Psa1 acquired in the past (2). However, some Psa1 strains found in Ehime Prefecture, Japan (the Ehime isolates) do not produce phaseolotoxin, although they seem to possess theargK-toxcluster (5). On the other hand, several Psa1 strains preserved in the NARO Genebank (https://www.gene.affrc.go.jp/index_en.php) may lack this cluster (2). Here, we selected 10 strains (Table 1) that represent Psa1 diversity and conducted comparative genome analyses.
Evaluating the appropriate oral lipid tolerance test model for investigating plasma triglyceride elevation in mice
Authors: Ochiai Masaru
Published: June 2020

The oral lipid tolerance test (OLTT) has been known to assess intestinal fat metabolism and whole-body lipid metabolism, but rodent models for OLTT are not yet established. Differences in OLTT methodology preclude the generation of definitive results, which may cause some confusion about the anti-hypertriglyceridemia effects of the test materials. To standardize and generate more appropriate methodology for the OLTT, we examined the effects of mice strain, dietary lipid sources, fasting period, and gender on lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia in mice. First, lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia was more strongly observed in male ddY mice than in C57BL/6N or ICR mice. Second, the administration of olive and soybean oils remarkably repressed lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia in male ddY mice. Third, fasting period before the OLTT largely affected the plasma triglyceride elevation. Fasting for 12 h, but less than 48 h, provoked lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia in male ddY mice. Fourth, we explored the suppressive effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, on lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia. The administration of 100 mg/kg of EGCG suppressed lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia and intestinal lipase activity in male ddY mice after 12 h fasting. Fifth, EGCG-induced suppressive effects were observed after lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia was triggered in male mice. Lastly, lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia could be more effectively induced in mice fed a high-fat diet for 1 week before the OLTT. These findings indicate that male ddY mice after 12 h fasting displayed marked lipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia in response to soybean oil and, hence, may be a more appropriate OLTT model.
ENSO drives lateral separation of FAD-associated skipjack and bigeye tuna in the Western Tropical Pacific
Authors: Leung Shirley , Mislan K. A. S. , Thompson LuAnne
Published: June 2020

Incidental capture of juvenile bigeye tuna in fish aggregating device (FAD)-associated purse seine fisheries targeting skipjack tuna have contributed significantly to the degradation of bigeye stocks in the Western Tropical Pacific (WTP) Ocean. One way to reduce this incidental catch is to simply limit purse seine fishing effort; however, skipjack tuna stocks are healthy and economically important to many small island nations in the region. Here we assess whether there is sufficient lateral separation of skipjack and bigeye within FAD-associated purse seine fisheries in the WTP to allow limiting bigeye catch while maintaining a robust skipjack fishery. Based on monthly 5°-longitude-by-5°-latitude catch and effort data, FAD-associated bigeye and skipjack catch per unit effort (CPUE) covary tightly throughout the WTP, such that lateral separation between the two species is generally small. There are, however, significant variations in the amount of separation over both space and time. Waters within the Party to the Nauru Agreement exclusive economic zones (EEZs) belonging to Palau, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu regularly exhibit some of the smallest bigeye-to-skipjack catch ratios, especially during El Niño. In contrast, waters within Kiribati’s Phoenix Islands EEZ regularly exhibit some of the largest bigeye-to-skipjack catch ratios, which are particularly high during La Niña. In general, El Niño lowers bigeye-to-skipjack catch ratios east of 170°E, while La Niña lowers bigeye-to-skipjack catch ratios west of 170°E. These ENSO-driven variations in separability are larger and more widespread than those driven by seasonality, due to larger associated variations in environmental conditions. Sea surface height anomalies may be particularly useful for demarcating the different environments preferred by skipjack and bigeye throughout the WTP. Sea surface temperatures, temperatures at 100 m, and thermocline depths may also help distinguish between the two species’ preferred habitats in many areas. These analyses can help better inform the complex decisions made by both fishers during operations and fisheries managers during creation of effective, dynamic policies to preserve bigeye stocks in the WTP. They also show that climate variability can have substantial effects on the spatial distributions of top pelagic predators and their interactions with one another.
The discovery of potential natural products for targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by virtual screening
Authors: Chen Guan-Yu , Yao Tsung-You , Ahmed Azaj , Pan Yi-Cheng , Yang Juan-Cheng , Wu Yang-Chang
Published: June 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters into the cells through its spike proteins binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein and causes virus infection in host cells. Until now, there are no available antiviral drugs have been reported that can effectively block virus infection. The study aimed to discover the potential compounds to prevent viral spike proteins to bind to the human ACE2 proteins from Taiwan Database of Extracts and Compounds (TDEC) by structure-based virtual screening. In this study, to rapidly discover potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, the molecular docking calculation was performed by AutoDock Vina program. Herein, we found that 39 potential compounds may have good binding affinities and can respectively bind to the viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein in the prefusion conformation and spike-ACE2 complex proteinin silico. Among those compounds, especially natural products thioflexibilolide A and candidine that were respectively isolated from the soft coralsSinularia flexibilisandPhaius mishmensismay have better binding affinity than others. This study provided the predictions that these compounds may have the potential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from entry into cells.
Altered central pain processing in fibromyalgia – a multimodal neuroimaging case-control study using arterial spin labelling
Authors: Müller Monika , Wüthrich Florian , Federspiel Andrea , Wiest Roland , Egloff Niklaus , Reichenbach Stephan , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Jüni Peter , Curatolo Michele , Walther Sebastian
Published: June 2020

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and a striking discrepancy between objective signs of tissue damage and severity of pain. Function and structural alterations in brain areas involved in pain processing may explain this feature. Previous case-control studies in fibromyalgia focused on acute pain processing using experimentally-evoked pain paradigms. Yet, these studies do not allow conclusions about chronic, stimulus-independent pain. Resting-state cerebral blood flow (rsCBF) acquired by arterial spin labelling (ASL) may be a more accurate marker for chronic pain. The objective was to integrate four different functional and structural neuroimaging markers to evaluate the neural correlate of chronic, stimulus-independent pain using a resting-state paradigm. In line with the pathophysiological concept of enhanced central pain processing we hypothesized that rsCBF is increased in fibromyalgia in areas involved in processing of acute pain.

We performed an age matched case-control study of 32 female fibromyalgia patients and 32 pain-free controls and calculated group-differences in rsCBF, resting state functional connectivity, grey matter density and cortical thickness using whole-brain and region of interest analyses. We adjusted all analyses for depression and anxiety. As centrally acting drugs are likely to interfere with neuroimaging markers, we performed a subgroup analysis limited to patients not taking such drugs.

We found no differences between cases and control in rsCBF of the thalamus, the basal ganglia, the insula, the somatosensory cortex, the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulum and supplementary motor area as brain previously identified to be involved in acute processing in fibromyalgia. The results remained robust across all four neuroimaging markers and when limiting the study population to patients not taking centrally acting drugs and matched controls.

In conclusion, we found no evidence for functional or structural alterations in brain areas involved in pain processing in fibromyalgia that could reflect neural correlates of chronic stimulus-independent pain.
Molecular Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Structural Genes: Evidence of Positive Selection in Spike Glycoprotein
Authors: Zhan Xiao-Yong , Zhang Ying , Zhou Xuefu , Huang Ke , Qian Yichao , Leng Yang , Yan Leping , Huang Bihui , He Yulong
Published: June 2020

SARS-CoV-2 caused a global pandemic in early 2020 and has resulted in more than 8,000,000 infections as well as 430,000 deaths in the world so far. Four structural proteins, envelope (E), membrane (M), nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) glycoprotein, play a key role in controlling the entry into human cells and virion assembly of SARS-CoV-2. However, how these genes evolve during its human to human transmission is largely unknown. In this study, we screened and analyzed roughly 3090 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from GenBank database. The distribution of the four gene alleles is determined:16 for E, 40 for M, 131 for N and 173 for S genes. Phylogenetic analysis shows that global SARS-CoV-2 isolates can be clustered into three to four major clades based on the protein sequences of these genes. Intragenic recombination event isn’t detected among different alleles. However, purifying selection has conducted on the evolution of these genes. By analyzing full genomic sequences of these alleles using codon-substitution models (M8, M3 and M2a) and likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) of codeML package, it reveals that codon 614 of S glycoprotein has subjected to strong positive selection pressure and a persistent D614G mutation is identified. The definitive positive selection of D614G mutation is further confirmed by internal fixed effects likelihood (IFEL) and Evolutionary Fingerprinting methods implemented in Hyphy package. In addition, another potential positive selection site at codon 5 in the signal sequence of the S protein is also identified. The allele containing D614G mutation has undergone significant expansion during SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic, implying a better adaptability of isolates with the mutation. However, L5F allele expansion is relatively restricted. The D614G mutation is located at the subdomain 2 (SD2) of C-terminal portion (CTP) of the S1 subunit. Protein structural modeling shows that the D614G mutation may cause the disruption of salt bridge among S protein monomers increase their flexibility, and in turn promote receptor binding domain (RBD) opening, virus attachment and entry into host cells. Located at the signal sequence of S protein as it is, L5F mutation may facilitate the protein folding, assembly, and secretion of the virus. This is the first evidence of positive Darwinian selection in thespikegene of SARS-CoV-2, which contributes to a better understanding of the adaptive mechanism of this virus and help to provide insights for developing novel therapeutic approaches as well as effective vaccines by targeting on mutation sites.
The adaptive architecture is shaped by population ancestry and not by selection regime
Authors: Otte Kathrin A. , Nolte Viola , Mallard François , Schlötterer Christian
Published: June 2020

Understanding the genetic architecture of adaptive phenotypes is a key question in evolutionary biology. One particularly promising approach is Evolve and Resequence (E&R), which combines advantages of experimental evolution such as time series, replicate populations and controlled environmental conditions, with whole genome sequencing. The recent analysis of replicate populations from two differentDrosophila simulansfounder populations, which were adapting to the same novel hot environment, uncovered very different architectures - either many selection targets with large heterogeneity among replicates or fewer selection targets with a consistent response among replicates. Here, we exposed the founder population from Portugal to a cold temperature regime. Although almost no selection targets were shared between the hot and cold selection regime, the adaptive architecture was similar: we identified a moderate number of loci under strong selection (19 selected alleles, mean selection coefficient = 0.072) and very parallel responses in the cold evolved replicates. This similarity across different environments indicates that the adaptive architecture depends more on the ancestry of the founder population than the specific selection regime. These observations have a pronounced impact on our understanding of adaptation in natural populations.
Cellular exocytosis gene (EXOC6/6B): a potential molecular link for the susceptibility and mortality of COVID-19 in diabetic patients
Authors: Hachim Mahmood Yaseen , Hachim Ibrahim Yaseen , Heialy Saba Al , Taneera Jalal , sulaiman Nabil
Published: June 2020

Diabetes is one of the most critical comorbidities linked to an increased risk of severe complications in the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A better molecular understanding of COVID-19 in people with type diabetes mellitus (T2D) is mandatory, especially in countries with a high rate of T2D, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that make T2D patients prone to aggressive course of the disease can help in the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve our response to the disease pandemic. Herein, we employed a system genetics approach to explore potential genomic, transcriptomic alterations in genes specific to lung and pancreas tissues, affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and study their association with susceptibility to T2D in Emirati patients. Our results identified the Exocyst complex component, 6 (EXOC6/6B) gene (a component for docks insulin granules to the plasma membrane) with documented INDEL in 3 of 4 whole genome sequenced Emirati diabetic patients. Publically available transcriptomic data showed that lung infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed significantly lower expression ofEXOC6/6Bcompared to healthy lungs.

In conclusion, our data suggest thatEXOC6/6Bmight be an important molecular link between dysfunctional pancreatic islets and ciliated lung epithelium that makes diabetic patients more susceptible to severe SARS-COV-2 complication.
Characterization of the Novel Mitochondrial Genome Segregation Factor TAP110 inTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Amodeo Simona , Kalichava Ana , Fradera-Sola Albert , Bertiaux-Lequoy Eloïse , Guichard Paul , Butter Falk , Ochsenreiter Torsten
Published: June 2020

Proper mitochondrial genome inheritance is key for eukaryotic cell survival, however little is known about the molecular mechanism controlling this process.Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite, contains a singular mitochondrial genome aka kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). kDNA segregation requires anchoring of the genome to the basal body via the tripartite attachment complex (TAC). Several components of the TAC as well as their assembly have been described, it however remains elusive how the TAC connects to the kDNA. Here, we characterize the TAC associated protein TAP110 and for the first time use ultrastructure expansion microscopy in trypanosomes to reveal that TAP110 is the currently most proximal kDNA segregation factor. The kDNA proximal positioning is also supported by RNAi depletion of TAC102, which leads to loss of TAP110 at the TAC. Overexpression of TAP110 leads to expression level changes of several mitochondrial proteins and a delay in the separation of the replicated kDNA networks. In contrast to other kDNA segregation factors TAP110 remains only partially attached to the flagellum after DNAse and detergent treatment and can only be solubilized in dyskinetoplastic cells, suggesting that interaction with the kDNA might be important for stability of the TAC association. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the TAC, but not the kDNA, is required for correct TAP110 localizationin vivoand suggest that TAP110 might interact with other proteins to form a >669 kDa complex.

Summary Statement

TAP110 is a novel mitochondrial genome segregation factor inTrypanosoma bruceithat associates with the previously described TAC component TAC102. Ultrastructure expansion microscopy reveals its proximal position to the kDNA.
CRISPR-finder: A high throughput and cost effective method for identifying successfully editedA. thalianaindividuals
Authors: Symeonidi Efthymia , Regalado Julian , Schwab Rebecca , Weigel Detlef
Published: June 2020

Background

Genome editing with the CRISPR/Cas9 system allows the user to mutate a targeted region of the genome using an endonuclease (Cas9) and an artificial single-guide RNA (sgRNA). Both because of variable efficiency with which such mutations arise and because the repair process produces a spectrum of mutations, one needs to ascertain the genome sequence at the targeted locus for many individuals that have been subjected to CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis. This process can be laborious, expensive and inefficient with conventional methods such as the T7E1 assay or Sanger sequencing. An alternative comprises methods for amplicon sequencing, but most available protocols do not include a facile way for high throughput generation of the samples for sequencing.

Results

In this study we provide a full pipeline based on amplicon sequencing, CRISPR-finder. We provide a complete protocol for the generation of amplicons up until the identification of the exact mutations in the targeted region. CRISPR-finder can be used to process thousands of individuals in a single sequencing run. For example, we were able to analyze in one sequencing reaction over 900Arabidopsis thalianaindividuals whose genomes had been targeted with the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Conclusions

In order to validate the potential of CRISPR-finder, we targeted theISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1gene inA. thalianausing the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We successfully identified a mutant line in which the production of salicylic acid was impaired compared to the wild type, as expected. These features establish CRISPR-finder as a high-throughput, cost-effective and -efficient genotyping method of individuals whose genomes have been targeted using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Generation of Heart Organoids Modeling Early Human Cardiac Development Under Defined Conditions
Authors: Israeli Yonatan , Gabalski Mitchell , Ball Kristen , Wasserman Aaron , Zou Jinyun , Ni Guangming , Zhou Chao , Aguirre Aitor
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular-related disorders are a significant worldwide health problem. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries, making up a third of the mortality rate in the US1. Congenital heart defects (CHD) affect ∼1% of all live births2, making it the most common birth defect in humans. Current technologies provide some insight into how these disorders originate but are limited in their ability to provide a complete overview of disease pathogenesis and progression due to their lack of physiological complexity. There is a pressing need to develop more faithful organ-like platforms recapitulating complexin vivophenotypes to study human development and diseasein vitro. Here, we report the most faithfulin vitroorganoid model of human cardiovascular development to date using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Our protocol is highly efficient, scalable, shows high reproducibility and is compatible with high-throughput approaches. Furthermore, our hPSC-based heart organoids (hHOs) showed very high similarity to human fetal hearts, both morphologically and in cell-type complexity. hHOs were differentiated using a two-step manipulation of Wnt signaling using chemical inhibitors and growth factors in completely defined media and culture conditions. Organoids were successfully derived from multiple independent hPSCs lines with very similar efficiency. hHOs started beating at ∼6 days, were mostly spherical and grew up to ∼1 mm in diameter by day 15 of differentiation. hHOs developed sophisticated, interconnected internal chambers and confocal analysis for cardiac markers revealed the presence of all major cardiac lineages, including cardiomyocytes (TNNT2+), epicardial cells (WT1+,TJP+), cardiac fibroblasts (THY1+,VIM+), endothelial cells (PECAM1+), and endocardial cells (NFATC1+). Morphologically, hHOs developed well-defined epicardial and adjacent myocardial regions and presented a distinct vascular plexus as well as endocardial-lined microchambers. RNA-seq time-course analysis of hHOs, monolayer differentiated iPSCs and fetal human hearts revealed that hHOs recapitulate human fetal heart tissue development better than previously described differentiation protocols3,4. hHOs allow higher-order interaction of distinct heart tissues for the first time and display biologically relevant physical and topographical 3D cues that closely resemble the human fetal heart. Our model constitutes a powerful novel tool for discovery and translational studies in human cardiac development and disease.
Increased Expression of Chondroitin Sulfotransferases following AngII may Contribute to Pathophysiology Underlying Covid-19 Respiratory Failure: Impact may be Exacerbated by Decline in Arylsulfatase B Activity
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sumit , Kotlo Kumar , Tobacman Joanne K.
Published: June 2020

The precise mechanisms by which Covid-19 infection leads to hypoxia and respiratory failure have not yet been elucidated. Interactions between sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein have been identified as participating in viral adherence and infectivity. The spike glycoprotein binds to respiratory epithelium through the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which endogenously interacts with Angiotensin (Ang) II to yield Angiotensin 1-7. In this report, we show that stimulation of human vascular smooth muscle cells by Ang II leads to increased mRNA expression of two chondroitin sulfotransferases (CHST11 and CHST15), which are required for synthesis of chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) and chondroitin 4,6-disulfate (CSE), respectively. Also, increased total sulfated GAGs, increased sulfotransferase activity, and increased expression of the proteoglycans biglycan, syndecan, perlecan, and versican followed treatment by Ang II. Candesartan, an Angiotensin II receptor blocker (Arb), largely, but incompletely, inhibited these increases, and the differences from baseline remained significant. These results suggest that another effect of Ang II also contributes to the increased expression of chondroitin sulfotransferases, total sulfated GAGs, and proteoglycans. We hypothesize that activation of ACE2 may contribute to these increases and suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein interaction with ACE2 may also increase chondroitin sulfotransferases, sulfated GAGs, and proteoglycans and thereby contribute to viral adherence to bronchioalveolar cells and to respiratory compromise in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A genotype-phenotype-fitness map reveals local modularity and global pleiotropy of adaptation
Authors: Kinsler Grant , Geiler-Samerotte Kerry , Petrov Dmitri
Published: June 2020

Building a genotype-phenotype-fitness map of adaptation is a central goal in evolutionary biology. It is notoriously difficult even when the adaptive mutations are known because it is hard to enumerate which phenotypes make these mutations adaptive. We address this problem by first quantifying how the fitness of hundreds of adaptive yeast mutants responds to subtle environmental shifts and then modeling the number of phenotypes they must collectively influence by decomposing these patterns of fitness variation. We find that a small number of phenotypes predicts fitness of the adaptive mutations near their original glucose-limited evolution condition. Importantly, phenotypes that matter little to fitness at or near the evolution condition can matter strongly in distant environments. This suggests that adaptive mutations are locally modular—affecting a small number of phenotypes that matter to fitness in the environment where they evolved—yet globally pleiotropic—affecting additional phenotypes that may reduce or improve fitness in new environments.
Modulation of motor behavior by the mesencephalic locomotor region
Authors: Dautan Daniel , Kovács Adrienn , Bayasgalan Tsogbadrakh , Diaz-Acevedo Miguel A. , Pal Balazs , Mena-Segovia Juan
Published: June 2020

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) serves as an interface between higher-order motor systems and lower motor neurons. The excitatory module of the MLR is composed of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) and the cuneiform nucleus (CnF), and their activation has been proposed to elicit different modalities of movement, but how the differences in connectivity and physiological properties explain their contributions to motor activity is not known. Here we report that CnF glutamatergic neurons are electrophysiologically homogeneous and have short-range axonal projections, whereas PPN glutamatergic neurons are heterogeneous and maintain long-range connections, most notably with the basal ganglia. Optogenetic activation of CnF neurons produced fast-onset, involuntary motor activity mediated by short-lasting muscle activation. In contrast, activation of PPN neurons produced long-lasting increases in muscle tone that reduced motor activity and disrupted gait. Our results thus reveal a differential contribution to motor behavior by the structures that compose the MLR.
Mathematical modeling of the COVID-19 prevalence in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elhassan Tusneem , Gaafar Ameera
Published: June 2020

The swift precautionary and preventive measures and regulations that were adopted by the Saudi authority has ameliorated the exponential escalation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread, decreased the fatality rate and critical cases of COVID-19. Understanding the trend of COVID-19 is crucial to establishing the appropriate precautionary measures to mitigate the epidemic spread. The aim of this paper was to modifying and enhancing the mathematical modeling to guide health authority and assist in an early assessment of the epidemic outbreak and can be utilised to monitor non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Both ARIMA model and Logistic growth model were developed to study the trend and to provide short and long-term forecasting of the prevalence of COVID-19 cases and dynamics. The data analyzed in this study covered the period between 2nd March and 21st June 2020. Two different scenarios were developed to predict the epidemic fluctuating trends and dynamics. The first scenario covered the period between 2nd March and 28th May when the first peak was observed and immediately declined. The analysis projected that the COVID-19 epidemic to reach a peak by 17th May with a total number of 58,534 infected cases and to end on the 4th August, if lockdown were not interrupted and folks followed the recommended personal and social safety guidelines. The second scenario was simulated because of the sudden sharp spike witnessed in the trend of the new confirmed cases on the last week of May and continue to escalate till the time of current writing-21st June. In the 2nd scenario, the analysis estimated the epidemic to peak on 15th June with a total number of 146,004 infected cases and to end on 29th September, 2020 with a final size of 209,607 (185,757 to 244,310) infected cases, assuming that the NPIs will be maintained while new normal life is resumed carefully. ARIMA and Logistic growth models showed excellent performance in projecting the epidemic prevalence, trends and dynamics at different phases. In conclusion, the analysis presented in this paper will assist policy-makers and health care authorities to evaluate the effect of the NPIs applied and to size the resources needed to manage different phases and cope with the final size of the epidemic estimates and to impose extra precautions.
A Logistic Curve in the SIR Model and Its Application to Deaths by COVID-19 in Japan
Authors: Saito Takesi , Shigemoto Kazuyasu
Published: June 2020

Approximate solutions of SIR equations are given, based on a logistic growth curve in the Biology. These solutions are applied to fix the basic reproduction number α and the removed ratio c, especially from data of accumulated number of deaths in Japan COVID-19. We then discuss the end of the epidemic. These logistic curve results are compared with the exact results of the SIR model.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in COVID-19 Infections
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yuan Youshu , Zhang Shucheng , Jin Can , Wu Linlin , Mei Hong , Chen Miao , Jiang Zhixia , He Zhixu
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To compare the clinical characteristics between the rapid cohort and the normal cohort of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in COVID-19 infections, analyze the variables with significant differences, and explore the influencing factors of rapid ESR.

Methods

Selected a total of 80 patients with ESR detection during hospitalization were measured in 146 patients who received medical observation in concentrated isolation hospital in Guizhou province in China, collected and compared demographic information, epidemiological data, clinical symptoms, laboratory test data and CT image data during the observation between rapid cohort and normal group of ESR.

Results

By comparison, the proportion of male in the rapid cohort was higher than female. The average age was more than 35 years old, with a large age gap. The proportion of severe and critical patients was more than 26.53% (13/49). However, in the normal cohort the proportion of female was more than male, and the average age was about 8 years lower than the rapid cohort, and the age gap was smaller. The proportion of severe and critical patients was 12.90%, which was less than half of the rapid group. In the two groups, the proportion of clustered cases accounted for more than 50%, and the average number of patients in one family was more than 3. The most common clinical symptoms were cough, sputum, fever, sore throat and weakness of limbs. There were significant differences in ALT, γ-GT and C-reactive protein between the rapid and normal cohort (P<0.05), but no statistically significant in other indicators. Hemoglobin and C-reactive protein have a significant effect on erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that ESR is related to Hemoglobin and C-reactive protein. (Funded by Science and Technology Department of Guizhou Province; Chinese ClinicalTrials.gov number, ChiCTR2000033346. opens in new tab.)
Effect of different resumption strategies to flatten the potential COVID-19 outbreaks amid society reopens: a modeling study
Authors: Ge Yong , Zhang Wenbin , Wang Jianghao , Liu Mengxiao , Ren Zhoupeng , Zhang Xining , Zhou Chenghu , Tian Zhaoxing
Published: June 2020

The effect of the COVID-19 outbreak has led policymakers around the world to attempt transmission control. However, lockdown and shutdown interventions have caused new social problems and designating policy resumption for infection control when reopening society remains a crucial issue. We investigated the effects of different resumption strategies on COVID-19 transmission using a modeling study setting. We employed a susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed model to simulate COVID-19 outbreaks under five reopening strategies based on China’s business resumption progress. The effect of each strategy was evaluated using the peak values of the epidemic curves vis-à-vis confirmed active cases and cumulative cases. We found that a hierarchy-based reopen strategy performed best when current epidemic prevention measures were maintained save for lockdown, reducing the peak number of active cases and cumulative cases by 50% and 44%, respectively. However, the modeled effect of each strategy decreased when the current intervention was lifted somewhat. Additional attention should be given to regions with significant numbers of migrants, as the potential risk of COVID-19 outbreaks amid society reopening is intrinsically high. Business resumption strategies have the potential to eliminate COVID-19 outbreaks amid society reopening without special control measures. The proposed resumption strategies focused mainly on decreasing the number of imported exposure cases, guaranteeing medical support for epidemic control, or decreasing active cases.
Effects of social distancing on the spreading of COVID-19 inferred from mobile phone data
Authors: Khataee Hamid , Scheuring Istvan , Czirok Andras , Neufeld Zoltan
Published: June 2020

A better understanding of how the COVID-19 epidemic responds to social distancing efforts is required for the control of future outbreaks and to calibrate partial lock-downs. We present quantitative relationships between key parameters characterizing the COVID-19 epidemiology and social distancing efforts of nine selected European countries. Epidemiological parameters were extracted from the number of daily deaths data, while mitigation efforts are estimated from mobile phone tracking data. The decrease of the basic reproductive number (R0) as well as the duration of the initial exponential expansion phase of the epidemic strongly correlates with the magnitude of mobility reduction. Utilizing these relationships we decipher the relative impact of the timing and the extent of social distancing on the total death burden of the epidemic.
Population heterogeneity is a critical factor of the kinetics of the COVID-19 epidemics
Authors: Ediev Dalkhat M.
Published: June 2020

The novel coronavirus pandemic generates extensive attention in political and scholarly domains 1–4. Its potentially lasting prospects, economic and social consequences call for a better understanding of its nature. The widespread expectations of large portions of the population to be infected or vaccinated before containing the COVID-19 epidemics rely on assuming a homogeneous population. In reality, people differ in the propensity to catch the infection and spread it further. Here, we incorporate population heterogeneity into the Kermack-McKendrick SIR compartmental model 5 and show the cost of the pandemic may be much lower than usually assumed. We also indicate the crucial role of correctly planning lockdown interventions. We found that an efficient lockdown strategy may reduce the cost of the epidemic to as low as several percents in a heterogeneous population. That level is comparable to prevalences found in serological surveys 6. We expect that our study will be followed by more extensive data-driven research on epidemiological dynamics in heterogeneous populations.
Crystallographic and spectroscopic characterization of racemic Mosher's Acid
Authors: Savich Carolyn Z. , Tanski Joseph M.
Published: June 2020

The title compound, C10H9F3O3, represents the structure of racemic Mosher's Acid (systematic name: 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methoxy-2-phenylpropanoic acid), a carboxylic acid that when resolved can be employed as a chiral derivatizing agent. The compound contains a carboxylic acid group, a methoxy group and a trifluoromethyl substituent on an asymmetric benzylic carbon atom. The two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit form a non-centrosymmetric homochiral dimer via intermolecularly hydrogen-bonded head-to-tail dimers with graph-set notation R
2
2(8) and donor–acceptor hydrogen-bonding distances of 2.6616 (13) and 2.6801 (13) Å.
4-[(E)-3-(4-Methylphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl]benzonitrile
Authors: Arunkumar Dandavathi , Samshuddin Seranthimata , Ansar Mhammed , Mague Joel T. , Ramli Youssef
Published: June 2020

In the title molecule C17H13NO, the phenyl rings are inclined to one another by 48.04 (9)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...π(ring) interactions form a layered structure parallel to the ab plane.
Evolution of framework foresight
Authors: Hines Andy
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The organization’s core approach to exploring and influencing the future, Framework Foresight, emerged from piecemeal roots in the 1990s to an established method circa 2013. Since then, it has evolved from primarily a teaching tool to a project methodology in its own right. The purpose of this paper is to explore the iterative process that has emerged in which teaching and practice inform and advance one another.

Design/methodology/approach

Innovations in technique will be highlighted and illustrated by commentary from project experience. The piece will be providing readers with a birds-eye view into the evolution of a foresight method in both theory and practice.

Findings

The continuous iteration between theory and practice, or the classroom and the client world, provides an excellent means to advance the teaching and practice of foresight. Significant changes include three horizons, inputs, drivers, archetypes, rating scenarios and strategic approach.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that closer relationships between academia and the external/client world provide practical benefit by improving teaching and providing more innovative approaches for clients.

Originality/value

The description of the development of this unique approach to doing foresight work provides an example for other programs or firms to emulate.
Preliminary investigations of rotary ultrasonic neurosurgical bone grinding using Grey-Taguchi optimization methodology
Authors: Babbar Atul , Jain Vivek , Gupta Dheeraj
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In present research work, the effects of rotational speed, feed rate and vibration amplitude have been investigated during novel method of ultrasonic-assisted bone grinding. During dissection of tumors, firstly a bone flap is removed near the target region to create passage for grinding burr. During abrasion, heat is produced, which sometimes increases the temperature to unsafe levels. So, efforts have been made to limit the temperature below the threshold levels of osteonecrosis during bone grinding.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature produced during osteotomy has been measured using infrared thermography camera during the implementation of L18 Taguchi orthogonal array design. Subsequently, main effect plots and contour plots have been presented to analyze and visualize the effect of grinding parameters on temperature rise during bone grinding. Furthermore, the process parameters have been optimized for optimum results for response characteristics using Taguchi SN ratio-based optimization methodology. For multiobjective optimization, the process parameters are further optimized using grey relational analysis.

Findings

It is revealed that all three process parameters substantially affect the response characteristics. The proposed optimization methodology is successfully applied on the experimental findings and the optimum results for change in temperature are found to be rotational speed = 3,000 rpm, feed rate = 20 mm/min, amplitude = 10 µm and for standard deviation are 5,000 rpm, 60 mm/min, 10 µm.

Research limitations/implications

The present research findings cannot be generalized, and researchers are encouraged to further investigate the proposed rotary ultrasonic-assisted bone grinding at higher rotational speed up to 60k rpm on the skull bone.

Originality/value

The research on osteotomy is still at its initial phase, and continuous research is carried out for making patients’ life comfortable. In this direction, the authors have proposed a novel osteotomy method to limit the temperature below the threshold limit of osteonecrosis. The outcomes of the present study will be beneficial for the neurosurgeons working in this field.
Does higher educational attainment imply less crime? Evidence from the Indian states
Authors: Rakshit Bijoy , Neog Yadawananda
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of educational attainment on crime rates across 33 Indian states over the period 2001 to 2013. This paper also examines the role of various macroeconomic, socio-economic and demographic factors in determining the variation of crimes in India.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper provides a representative theoretical model and discusses the possible relationship between crime and education. Second, the paper applies a dynamic panel data (DPD) model to extract more precise, unbiased and reliable estimates of the effect of education in abating different crime rates. The main advantage of using the dynamic panel model is to address the problem of endogeneity in some regressors and capture the time persistent effect of education on crime.

Findings

Empirical findings reveal that a 1% increase in gross enrolment ratio leads to the reduction of total crime by 8%. However, a unique finding identifies a positive association between tertiary education and economic crime. This finding further goes against the general belief that criminals tend to be less educated than non-criminals.

Practical implications

This paper recommends that instead of punishment and mandatory law enforcement for offenders, increase in government expenditure and different educational attainment ratios can go a long way to combat crime in India, which has posed a serious threat to the stability of society. Furthermore, utilizing the information on offenders' educational attainment in examining the crime rates can be a future research agenda for policymakers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the empirical debate of ‘crime-education nexus’ by examining the role of education on crime in India. This study is the first of its kind that focuses on the aspects of crime and education more recently and investigates the relationship between crime and education due to the recent changes in educational attainment ratios and crime rate.
Diagnosing cognitive impairment in prisoners – a literature review
Authors: Catalano Grazia , Mason Jonathan , Brolan Claire Elise , Loughnan Siobhan , Harley David
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This literature review identifies instruments for diagnostic assessment of cognitive impairment in prison populations. The purpose of this paper is to promote procedures for early screening and identification of cognitive impairment using instruments appropriate to prisons.

Design/methodology/approach

A targeted literature review identified studies on screening and diagnostic assessment of adults in jails, prisons, police watch-houses (custody suites), rehabilitation facilities and forensic settings or community settings for offenders. Discriminant validity, suitability, reliability and feasibility of instruments in correctional and forensic settings are presented.

Findings

From 135 peer-reviewed articles relating to diagnostic assessment of cognitive impairment, 15 instruments were considered appropriate for use in prison settings.

Research limitations/implications

Selection of instruments for prison use considers suitability of the instrument(s) and clinical workforce capability. Cultural and gender validity of the instrument, its feasibility for use in the prison environment and cost and time to administer are also important. Using appropriate tools as part of a staged and targeted process in the screening and diagnosis of cognitive impairment is demonstrated by two case vignettes presented in this paper. As this was a desk review, the authors did not evaluate the instruments.

Originality/value

Identification of instruments that are suitable for diagnosis of cognitive impairment in forensic populations informs the rehabilitation of offenders with cognitive impairment in prison and upon release to probation and parole.
Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of copolymers of N-vinyl carbazole and methyl ethyl ketone formaldehyde resin
Authors: Ustamehmetoğlu Belkis , Köken Nesrin , Kizilcan Nilgun , Akar Ahmet , Tayyar Şebnem
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to produce non-conductive copolymers of N-vinyl carbazole (NVCz) and methyl ethyl ketone formaldehyde resin (MEKFR) by the electroinduced Ce (IV) polymerization method and the electrochemical oxidization of the formed copolymer to produce their conductive green form. The non-conductive and conductive copolymers were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared, solid-state conductivity and spectroelectrochemical, chronoamperometric, cyclovoltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The chronoamperometric electropolymerization of white, insulator form of the copolymer of NVCz and MEKFR (copolymer 1) on to Pt electrode was carried out and the green coloured film of the MEKFR-ox-NVCz copolymer (copolymer 11) was produced in the doped and conductive form. All reactions were performed in dichloromethane containing 0.1 M BU4NClO4. Copolymer 11 films obtained on the surface of the working electrode were removed and washed in acetonitrile and dried at room temperature before characterization. The results were compared with the copolymer obtained by electrochemical oxidation of MEKF-R and NVCz (copolymer 2).

Findings

The insulating copolymer of NVCz and MEKFR (copolymer 1) was produced by the electroinduced Ce (IV) polymerization method and converted into the conductive form electrochemically on the surface of the Pt electrode (copolymer 11). The polymers were characterized by electrochemical, spectrophotometric and conductivity measurements. The ionization potentials, optical band gap, peak potentials Ep, doping degree and specific capacitance of the copolymer 11 were obtained. The conductivity of the copolymer 11 is lower than the PNVCz and higher than the copolymer obtained by electrochemical oxidation of MEKF-R and NVCz (copolymer 2). The copolymer 11 has a lower onset potential than PNVCz and the copolymer 1 and slightly higher band gap than PNVCz. The capacitive behaviours of the copolymer 11 were very close to PNVCz.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on obtaining a green and conductive form of the copolymer of NVCz and MEKFR with the electrochemical method by using a white and insulator form of the same copolymer.

Practical implications

This work provides technical information for the synthesis of conducting copolymer of NVCz and MEKFR.

Social implications

These copolymers may be in the field of PNVCz applications such as photoconductivity and corrosion inhibition.

Originality/value

Electroinduced Ce (IV) MEKFR redox system was applied for the polymerization of NVCz monomer to produce the copolymer 1. The conductive copolymer 11 was synthesized through electrochemical oxidative coupling of the carbazole groups of the copolymer 1.