bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Thermodynamic and Dynamic Contributions to Hydroclimatic Change over Peninsular Florida
Authors: Misra Vasubandhu , Bhardwaj Amit
Published: December 2020

In this study we examine the thermodynamically and dynamically forced hydroclimatic changes in the four representative seasons over Peninsular Florida (PF) from an unprecedented pair of high-resolution regional coupled ocean–atmosphere model simulations conducted at 10-km grid spacing for both the atmospheric and the oceanic components forced by one of the global climate models that participated in CMIP5. The model simulation verifies reasonably well with the observations and captures the distinct seasonal cycle of the region. The projected change in the freshwater flux in the mid-twenty-first century (2041–60) relative to the late twentieth century (1986–2005) shows a precipitation deficit in the summer over PF, which is statistically significant. This projected change in freshwater flux over PF is enabled by the strengthening of the anticyclonic North Atlantic subtropical high circulation with corresponding changes in divergence of moisture, advection of moisture from changes in the winds and in the change in humidity gradient, and from the change in moisture flux convergence by the transient eddies. These changes suggest that a future warm climate could witness a drier summer over PF at the expense of a wetter West Florida Shelf. The analysis conducted in this study reveals that the changes in atmospheric circulation have a significant impact on the hydroclimate, far more than that implied by the Clausius–Clapeyron equation from changes in temperature.
Immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of cardiac allograft rejection
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Liang Jialiang , Huang Wei , Jiang Lin , Paul Christian , Gao Xiang , Alam Perwez , Kanisicak Onur , Xu Meifeng , Wang Yigang
Published: December 2020

Heart transplantation continues to be the gold standard clinical intervention to treat patients with end-stage heart failure. However, there are major complications associated with this surgical procedure that reduce the survival prognosis of heart transplant patients, including allograft rejection, malignancies, infections, and other complications that arise from the use of broad-spectrum immunosuppression drugs. Recent studies have demonstrated the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) against allotransplantation rejection in both in vitro and in vivo settings due to their immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, utilization of MSCs provides new and exciting strategies to improve heart transplantation and potentially reduce the use of broad-spectrum immunosuppression drugs while alleviating allograft rejection. In this review, we will discuss the current research on the mechanisms of cardiac allograft rejection, the physiological and immunological characteristics of MSCs, the effects of MSCs on the immune system, and immunomodulation of heart transplantation by MSCs.
Graph embedding ensemble methods based on the heterogeneous network for lncRNA-miRNA interaction prediction
Authors: Zhao Chengshuai , Qiu Yang , Zhou Shuang , Liu Shichao , Zhang Wen , Niu Yanqing
Published: December 2020

Background

Researchers discover LncRNA–miRNA regulatory paradigms modulate gene expression patterns and drive major cellular processes. Identification of lncRNA-miRNA interactions (LMIs) is critical to reveal the mechanism of biological processes and complicated diseases. Because conventional wet experiments are time-consuming, labor-intensive and costly, a few computational methods have been proposed to expedite the identification of lncRNA-miRNA interactions. However, little attention has been paid to fully exploit the structural and topological information of the lncRNA-miRNA interaction network.

Results

In this paper, we propose novel lncRNA-miRNA prediction methods by using graph embedding and ensemble learning. First, we calculate lncRNA-lncRNA sequence similarity and miRNA-miRNA sequence similarity, and then we combine them with the known lncRNA-miRNA interactions to construct a heterogeneous network. Second, we adopt several graph embedding methods to learn embedded representations of lncRNAs and miRNAs from the heterogeneous network, and construct the ensemble models using two ensemble strategies. For the former, we consider individual graph embedding based models as base predictors and integrate their predictions, and develop a method, named GEEL-PI. For the latter, we construct a deep attention neural network (DANN) to integrate various graph embeddings, and present an ensemble method, named GEEL-FI. The experimental results demonstrate both GEEL-PI and GEEL-FI outperform other state-of-the-art methods. The effectiveness of two ensemble strategies is validated by further experiments. Moreover, the case studies show that GEEL-PI and GEEL-FI can find novel lncRNA-miRNA associations.

Conclusion

The study reveals that graph embedding and ensemble learning based method is efficient for integrating heterogeneous information derived from lncRNA-miRNA interaction network and can achieve better performance on LMI prediction task. In conclusion, GEEL-PI and GEEL-FI are promising for lncRNA-miRNA interaction prediction.
Clinical characteristics of 41 patients with pneumonia due to 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jilin, China
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xu Qian , Chen Yi-yang , Lou Li-xin , Che Li-he , Li Xiao-hua , Sun Lu-yao , Bao Wan-guo , Du Na
Published: December 2020

Background

The clinical characteristics of patients with confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jilin Province, China were investigated.

Methods

Clinical, laboratory, radiology, and treatment data of 41 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 were retrospectively collected. The population was stratified by disease severity as mild, moderate, or severe, based on guidelines of the National Health and Medical Commission of China.

Results

The 41 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were studied, and the median age was 45 years (interquartile range [IQR], 31–53; range, 10–87 years) and 18 patients (43.9%) were female. All of the patients had recently visited Wuhan or other places (ie, Beijing, Thailand) or had Wuhan-related exposure. Common symptoms included fever (32[78%]) and cough (29[70.7%]). All patients were without hepatitis B/C virus hepatitis. CRP (C-reactive protein, 11.3 mg/L [interquartile range {IQR}, 2.45–35.2]) was elevated in 22 patients (53.7%), and cardiac troponin I (1.5 ng/mL [IQR, 0.8–5.0]) was elevated in 41 patients (100%). Chest computed tomographic scans showed bilateral ground glass opacity (GGO) or GGO with consolidation in the lungs of 27(65.9%) patients. 31(75.6%) patients had an abnormal electrocardiograph (ECG). Comparing the three groups, the levels of CRP and cardiac troponin I, GGO distribution in bilateral lungs, and electrocardiogram changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Cardiac troponin I had a strong positive correlation with CRP (r = 0.704, p = 0.042) and LDH (r = 0.738, p = 0.037).

Conclusion

Significant differences among the groups suggest that several clinical parameters may serve as biomarkers of COVID-19 severity at hospital admission. Elevated cTnI could be considered as a predictor of severe COVID-19, reflecting the prognosis of patients with severe COVID-19. The results warrant further inspection and confirmation.
Outcome of a single XEN microstent implant for glaucoma patients with different types of glaucoma
Authors: Schargus Marc , Theilig Theresa , Rehak Matus , Busch Catharina , Bormann Caroline , Unterlauft Jan Darius
Published: December 2020

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy and safety profile of a single XEN-microstent in different types of primary and secondary open angle glaucoma.

Methods

A single XEN microstent was implanted in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEX) and secondary glaucoma (Sec.Gl). The intraocular pressure (IOP), the active substances of the applied IOP-lowering drugs, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the mean deviation (MD) of the perimetry were measured at baseline and at regular follow-ups, scheduled at 2 days and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

153 eyes were included in this analysis. 113 eyes were affected by POAG (74%), 5 eyes by NTG (3%), 22 eyes by PEX (14%) and 13 eyes by Sec. Gl (9%). Mean IOP decreased in all treatment groups during the 12 months of follow-up (complete group: 23.9 ± 7.4 to 15.4 ± 5.1 mmHg (p < 0.01); POAG: 22.8 ± 6.5 to 15.1 ± 4.6 mmHg (p < 0.01); NTG: 16.6 ± 3.4 to 11.6 ± 2.2 mmHg (p < 0.05); PEX: 28.0 ± 7.9 to 17.1 ± 6.6 mmHg (p < 0.01); Sec.Gl: 28.9 ± 13.9 to 15.5 ± 6.9 mmHg (p < 0.05)). In the 153 eyes the average number of IOP-lowering drugs applied decreased from 2.6 ± 1.2 to 0.8 ± 1.3 12 months after surgery (p < 0.01). BCVA and mean deviation of automated standard perimetry remained stable in all groups during follow-up.

Conclusion

As in eyes suffering from POAG, IOP and number of IOP-lowering drugs applied can be effectively reduced by XEN implantation in eyes suffering from NTG, PEX and secondary glaucoma while leaving BCVA and visual field unchanged.

Trial registration

Trial was registered at DRKS (registration number: DRKS00020800, Registered 25.February 2020 - Retrospectively registered).
Gα3 subunit Thga3 positively regulates conidiation, mycoparasitism, chitinase activity, and hydrophobicity of Trichoderma harzianum
Authors: Ding Jie , Mei Jie , Huang Pei , Tian Ying , Liang Yao , Jiang Xiliang , Li Mei
Published: December 2020

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are key elements of signal transduction pathways, which participate in regulating multiple biological processes in fungi including growth, conidiation, antagonism, and mycoparasitism. Among G protein subunits, Gα3 showed diverse regulatory functions in different fungi. In this study, we cloned a Gα3 subunit coding gene thga3 from T. harzianum Th33 that can antagonize Rhizoctonia solani and some other plant pathogenic fungi. A thga3 deletion strain Δthga3 was generated using the double-crossover homologous recombination strategy, and Rthga3 was generated by transforming thga3-expressing vector into the protoplasts of Δthga3 by the PEG/CaCl2-mediated method. The biological characteristics of wild-type Th33, Δthga3 and Rthga3 were evaluated. Compared with wild-type Th33, Δthga3 showed 15%, 94%, and 23% decrease in hyphal growth, conidia yield, and chitinase activity, respectively, and Δthga3 showed lower antagonistic and mycoparasitism abilities, while there were no significant differences between wild-type Th33 and Rthga3. The hyphal surface hydrophobicity of Δthga3 significantly decreased compared with those of the wild-type Th33 and Rthga3. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that transcript abundance of the hydrophobin gene (tha_09745) of Δthga3 decreased by 80% compared with that of wild-type Th33 and Rthga3. The results showed that thga3 positively regulates the growth, conidiation, hydrophobicity, chitinase activities, and mycoparasitism of Th33 towards R. solani. We hence deduced that the expression level of Tha_09745 is correlated to the hyphal hydrophobicity of Th33 and therefore affects the other biological characteristics of Th33. The findings of this report provide a foundation for elucidating the G-protein signal regulatory mechanisms of fungi.
A Bayesian nonparametric approach to option pricing
Authors: Qin Zhang , Almeida Caio
Published: December 2020

Accurately modeling the implied volatility surface is of great importance to option pricing, trading and hedging. In this paper, we investigate the use of a Bayesian nonparametric approach to fit and forecast the implied volatility surface with observed market data. More specifically, we explore Gaussian Processes with different kernel functions characterizing general covariance functions. We also obtain posterior distributions of the implied volatility and build confidence intervals for the predictions to assess potential model uncertainty. We apply our approach to market data on the S&P 500 index option market in 2018, analyzing 322,983 options. Our results suggest that the Bayesian approach is a powerful alternative to existing parametric pricing models
Protocolo de atividade física remoto para grupos de Academia da Saúde e Estratégia de Saúde da Família
Authors: Novaes Cinthya Rafaella Magalhães da Nóbrega , Wanderley Flávia Accioly Canuto , Falcão Isabela Moura , Alves Rafael Barros , Lima Amanda Tener , Soares Maria Clécia Bezerra
Published: December 2020

Considerando a necessidade de manter o vínculo e serviços prestados a usuários da atenção primária à saúde, durante o distanciamento social exigido pela pandemia provocada pelo SARS-CoV-2, o objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar o modelo lógico para elaboração e implementação de um protocolo de Prática Corporal/Atividade Física remota, disponibilizado por tecnologias, e avaliar a adesão dos usuários a este protocolo. O protocolo foi desenvolvido por profissionais de educação física das Academias de Saúde e Núcleo Ampliado em Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica (NASF-AB) do município de Arapiraca, Alagoas. Após reuniões virtuais entre gestão e profissionais e enquetes com os usuários, o Agite em Casa foi implementado em 32 grupos de saúde. Os exercícios estão sendo disponibilizados duas vezes por semana e são escolhidos de acordo com as características do grupo. Para facilitar a prescrição foi criado um banco com 53 vídeos e 26 mosaicos que apresentam a descrição e demonstração dos exercícios. Dos 754 usuários que participavam dos grupos de atividade física antes da pandemia, 344 (45,6%) aderiram ao protocolo remoto, e 225 (33,9%) participaram efetivamente do Agite em Casa.
Technical Note—Understanding the Performance of Capped Base-Stock Policies in Lost-Sales Inventory Models
Authors: Xin Linwei
Published: December 2020

Single-sourcing lost-sales inventory systems with lead times are notoriously difficult to optimize. In this paper, we propose a new family of capped base-stock policies and provide a new perspective on constructing a practical hybrid policy combining two well-known heuristics: base-stock and constant-order policies. Each capped base-stock policy is associated with two parameters: a base-stock level and an order cap. We prove that for any fixed order cap, the capped base-stock policy converges exponentially fast in the base-stock level to a constant-order policy, providing a theoretical foundation for a phenomenon by which a capped dual-index policy converges numerically to a tailored base-surge policy recently observed in other work in a different but related dual-sourcing inventory model. As a consequence, there exists a sequence of capped base-stock policies that are asymptotically optimal as the lead time grows. We also numerically demonstrate its superior performance in general (including small lead times) by comparing it with otherwell-known heuristics.
A CasaDuna de Atafona – Arte em contexto erosivo
Authors: Naidin Julia , Codeço Fernando
Published: December 2020

Neste artigo buscamos indicar o contexto histórico e socioambiental da praia de Atafona em São João da Barra (RJ) onde se situa o centro de arte CasaDuna e refletir sobre a metodologia adotada pelo mesmo, bem como sobre as implicações políticas e estéticas de algumas ações artísticas contextuais realizadas entre 2017 e 2019.
Todo arte es político. Representaciones de lo político y políticas de la representación. Notas sobre feminismo y globalización
Authors: Navarrette Carmen
Published: December 2020

En este artículo se plantea la manera en que el mercado de la estética en el marco de la globaliza- ción, y de un Nuevo Internacionalismo cultural, sigue relegando e invisibilizando la praxis artística y políticas feministas. Palavras-chave: Arte y política; feminismo; transculturalidad
Does cricoid pressure have a detrimental impact on laryngoscopy and intubation?
Authors: Dunkerley William
Published: December 2020

Background:

Cricoid pressure is used in anaesthetic practice to prevent regurgitation during anaesthetic induction; it is also used by some paramedics. However, it may have a detrimental impact upon laryngoscopy and intubation. Paramedics need to remove barriers to safe and prompt intubation of critically unwell patients.

Aim:

To determine if cricoid pressure has a detrimental effect on laryngoscopy and intubation.

Methods:

The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched with a time frame filter between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2018 and screened, leaving seven studies.

Findings:

Cricoid pressure is detrimental to laryngoscopy and intubation success rates for patients in the care of experienced providers in environments more optimal than those in which paramedics practise. One study produced statistically significant results; when cricoid pressure was applied, median intubation time was longer (27 seconds versus 24 seconds; p<0.001) and incidence of Cormack and Lehane grade III and intravenous views were doubled (10% versus 5%; p<0.001). Other studies were inconclusive.

Conclusion:

Cricoid pressure makes intubation more difficult, which may lead to higher rates of failed intubation and adverse events, especially when carried out by less proficient clinicians such as paramedics. Further pragmatic research is needed to test this hypothesis.
Practitioner experiences in epidemics and pandemics in relation to COVID-19
Authors: Hogan Chloe , Williams Julia , Rees Nigel
Published: December 2020

Background:

COVID-19 has been declared an international emergency by the World Health Organization. Despite personal concerns, frontline health professionals, such as paramedics, nurses and doctors, continue to treat patients. Ensuring these workers' mental wellbeing is supported during these stressful times is key to their maintaining good mental health in the longer term.

Aim:

To conduct a review of the literature exploring practitioners' attitudes during a pandemic.

Methods:

A scoping literature review was conducted to assess information on health professionals' attitudes during COVID-19 and previous pandemics, and to identify their main concerns and whether these were addressed. PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Titles and abstracts were screened and emergent themes were identified and discussed.

Results:

141 articles were screened; 15 articles were sourced through Google Scholar and reference lists. There were 18 articles in the final sample. There was a lack of published data on COVID-19 at the time of writing. Themes include that health professionals' mental health may be affected during a pandemic. Their biggest concerns are infecting family members and overcoming personal anxieties to continue treating patients. Key themes in protecting staff mental health during a pandemic include increasing their understanding of how to protect themselves and their families, better confidence in personal protective equipment and good managerial communication.

Conclusions:

Practitioners experience heightened stress levels during pandemics, which may affect their mental health. This has implications for workforce resilience. More research is needed on frontline staff attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect their mental health.
Cumulative Risk of Psychological Distress in College Students Effected by Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Hudson Philip J. , Lai Betty , Short Mary B.
Published: December 2020

This study examines the relationship between prior trauma and post disaster psychological distress in a sample of college students exposed to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas in 2017. College students (n = 324) receive treatment for psychological problems at very low rates, so screening for the most vulnerable students after a disaster is important. While the relationship between prior trauma and post-disaster psychological distress is well established, the evidence for prior disaster exposure as a risk factor outside of other trauma is mixed. Prior trauma was divided into two cumulative risk style indicators: prior traumatic experiences (excluding disasters) and prior disaster exposure. In multiple linear regression models, prior traumatic experiences were significant predictors of post-disaster symptoms of both post-traumatic stress disorder and depression following the hurricane. Prior disaster exposures were not significant in either case. Implications for future screening and analysis of risk factors are discussed.
Exploration of African-American Counselor-in-Training Group Core Skills: Importance and Confidence Level
Authors: Scott Levette S. , Mansaray Mahmud , Barrow Jennifer C. , Sawyer-Kurian Kyla Marie , Wasik Suzan Z. , Ghekier Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

This study explored through applied statistics the importance and confidence levels of African American counselors-in-training core group counseling skills while at the same determining the difference among their colleagues of different ethnic backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to assess core group counseling skills while at the same determining the difference among their colleagues of differing ethnic backgrounds. Participants were sixty-eight counselors-in-training enrolled in a Group Counseling Course in the spring of 2015 and fall of 2016.  Of the sixty-eight participants 38 (55.88%) African Americans and 27 (39.71%) White/Caucasian had an opportunity to complete the Core Group Work Skills Inventory - Importance and Confidence (CGWSI-IC) as an extra credit assignment pre- and post their group counseling facilitation experience.  Results suggest African American participants had confidence in determining their effectiveness as group members or leaders. A significant difference and a very large effect between pre-test and post-test of African American counselor-in-training importance level of the individual behavioral items in the CGWSI-IC items were seen. Implications for specific training for African Americans in group counseling for core group counseling skills should be examined.
The First Karyological Analysis of the Sixbar Grouper Epinephelus sexfasciatus (Valenciennes, 1828) (Perciformes, Epinephelinae)
Authors:   School of Agricultural Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Pengseng Puan
Published: December 2020

This study examines for the first time of karyotypic analysis and chromosomal characteristic of nucleolar organizer regions/NORs of Epinephelus sexfasciatus. The fish samples were collected from Andaman Sea, Phuket province, southern Thailand. The chromosomes were investigated using conventional Giemsa’s staining and Ag-NORs banding techniques. Fish chromosome preparations were conducted by squash technique from kidney. The results showed that the diploid chromosome number of E. sexfasciatus was 2n=48 and the fundamental number (NF, number of chromosome arms) was 48. The type of chromosomes included 24 large telocentric and 24 medium telocentric chromosomes. After Ag-NOR banding technique, single pair of NORs was observed on the short arm of medium telocentric chromosome pair 23. The idiogram shows gradually decreasing length of the chromosomes. A size difference of the largest and the smallest chromosomes is approximately two folds. The karyotype formula could be infered as: 2n(48) = 2n(48)= Lt24+Mt24.
Transient H2O2 Induction by ClO2 Fumigation Alters Prx-Trx System and Causes MAPK Accumulation Attenuating Browning in Harvested Longan Fruit
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Chumyam Athiwat , Saengnil Kobkiat ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Research Center in Bioresources for Agriculture, Industry and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Postharvest Technology Innovation Center, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Published: December 2020

Peroxiredoxin-thioredoxin (Prx-Trx) system plays a critical role in both redox sensing and controlling of signal transduction pathways. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) fumigation on the alteration of redox status of peroxiredoxin (Prx) and thioredoxin (Trx) in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensing and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) involved in signal transduction and pericarp browning of longan fruit. After fresh longan fruit were fumigated with 10 mg L-1 ClO2 for 10 min, a transient peak of H2O2 was found at 6 h. It also led to strong accumulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases 3 and 6 (MPK3 and MPK6) that persisted up to 3-5 d after fumigation. Furthermore, the oxidation state as well as reductase activities of both Prx and Trx increased concurrently, reaching their peaks at 12-24 h after fumigation. Both redox state and redox potential of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate were significantly affected throughout the time of storage (7 d). The altered Prx and Trx redox state and accumulation of MPK3 and MPK6 were closely associated with the reduction in excessive H2O2 accumulation and pericarp browning after 24 h of fumigation. These findings indicated that ClO2 may trigger the H2O2-induced Prx/Trx redox cycling and MAPK activity, resulting in the reduction of pericarp browning of longan fruit during storage.
A Preliminary Study on Morphological Variations from Wet and Dry Microhabitats of Hyophila involuta (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta): A Case Study from Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Printarakul Narin , Jampeetong Arunothai ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
Published: December 2020

The morphological variations of a cosmopolitan moss, Hyophila involuta (Hook.) A. Jaeger, are reported here using t-test to distinguish 2 distinct forms of ecotypes (humid and arid forms). Three replicates each from 145 collections from 27 places in Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, and Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand were examined. Eleven gametophytic characters were measured such as stem height, branching, stem diameter, leaf size, leaf blade thickness, size of median and basal laminal cells, length of innermost perichaetial leaf, and length of archegonia. Of these, 10 characters, viz. stem height, leaf size, stem diameter, branching, length of basal laminal cells, length of innermost perichaetial leaf, and length of archegonia were significantly different among populations. Other additional features of the two different ecotypes of H. involuta were recorded and discussed including leaf apices, innermost perichaetial leaf apices, marginal teeth, hyaline nodules, and number of cortical and medullary central strand cells.
Delimiting cryptic morphological variation among human malaria vector species using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Couret Jannelle , Moreira Danilo C. , Bernier Davin , Loberti Aria Mia , Dotson Ellen M. , Alvarez Marco
Published: December 2020

Deep learning is a powerful approach for distinguishing classes of images, and there is a growing interest in applying these methods to delimit species, particularly in the identification of mosquito vectors. Visual identification of mosquito species is the foundation of mosquito-borne disease surveillance and management, but can be hindered by cryptic morphological variation in mosquito vector species complexes such as the malaria-transmitting Anopheles gambiae complex. We sought to apply Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to images of mosquitoes as a proof-of-concept to determine the feasibility of automatic classification of mosquito sex, genus, species, and strains using whole-body, 2D images of mosquitoes. We introduce a library of 1, 709 images of adult mosquitoes collected from 16 colonies of mosquito vector species and strains originating from five geographic regions, with 4 cryptic species not readily distinguishable morphologically even by trained medical entomologists. We present a methodology for image processing, data augmentation, and training and validation of a CNN. Our best CNN configuration achieved high prediction accuracies of 96.96% for species identification and 98.48% for sex. Our results demonstrate that CNNs can delimit species with cryptic morphological variation, 2 strains of a single species, and specimens from a single colony stored using two different methods. We present visualizations of the CNN feature space and predictions for interpretation of our results, and we further discuss applications of our findings for future applications in malaria mosquito surveillance.
A deep learning backcasting approach to the electrolyte, metabolite, and acid-base parameters that predict risk in ICU patients
Authors: Dervishi Albion
Published: December 2020

Background

A powerful risk model allows clinicians, at the bedside, to ensure the early identification of and decision-making for patients showing signs of developing physiological instability during treatment. The aim of this study was to enhance the identification of patients at risk for deterioration through an accurate model using electrolyte, metabolite, and acid-base parameters near the end of patients’ intensive care unit (ICU) stays.

Methods

This retrospective study included 5157 adult patients during the last 72 hours of their ICU stays. The patients from the MIMIC-III database who had serum lactate, pH, bicarbonate, potassium, calcium, glucose, chloride, and sodium values available, along with the times at which those data were recorded, were selected. Survivor data from the last 24 hours before discharge and four sets of nonsurvivor data from 48–72, 24–48, 8–24, and 0–8 hours before death were analyzed. Deep learning (DL), random forest (RF) and generalized linear model (GLM) analyses were applied for model construction and compared in terms of performance according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A DL backcasting approach was used to assess predictors of death vs. discharge up to 72 hours in advance.

Results

The DL, RF and GLM models achieved the highest performance for nonsurvivors 0–8 hours before death versus survivors compared with nonsurvivors 8–24, 24–48 and 48–72 hours before death versus survivors. The DL assessment outperformed the RF and GLM assessments and achieved discrimination, with an AUC of 0.982, specificity of 0.947, and sensitivity of 0.935. The DL backcasting approach achieved discrimination with an AUC of 0.898 compared with the DL native model of nonsurvivors from 8–24 hours before death versus survivors with an AUC of 0.894. The DL backcasting approach achieved discrimination with an AUC of 0.871 compared with the DL native model of nonsurvivors from 48–72 hours before death versus survivors with an AUC of 0.846.

Conclusions

The DL backcasting approach could be used to simultaneously monitor changes in the electrolyte, metabolite, and acid-base parameters of patients who develop physiological instability during ICU treatment and predict the risk of death over a period of hours to days.
Zika, dengue and chikungunya population prevalence in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, and the importance of seroprevalence studies to estimate the real number of infected individuals
Authors: Périssé André Reynaldo Santos , Souza-Santos Reinaldo , Duarte Rosemere , Santos Fernanda , de Andrade Célia Regina , Rodrigues Nádia Cristina Pinheiro , Schramm Joyce Mendes de Andrade , da Silva Edimilson Domingues , Jacobson Ludmilla da Silva Viana , Lemos Maria Cristina Ferreira , Sobral Andrea
Published: December 2020

In the last 40 years, Latin America countries, including Brazil, have suffered from the emergence and reemergence of arboviruses, first Dengue (DENV) and recently Zika (ZIKV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV). All three arboviruses are currently endemic in Brazil and have caused major outbreaks in recent years. Rio de Janeiro city, host of the last Summer Olympic Games and the Football World Cup, has been specially affected by them. A surveillance system based on symptomatic reports is in place in Rio, but the true number of affected individuals is unknown due to the great number of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya asymptomatic cases. Seroprevalence studies are more suitable to evaluate the real number of cases in a given population. We performed a populational seroprevalence survey in Rio, with recruitment of a sample of volunteers of all ages and gender from July to October 2018, within randomly selected census tracts and household. A total of 2,120 volunteers were interviewed and tested with rapid immunochromatographic test for ZIKV, DENV and CHIKV. Individuals with positive results for IgG and/or IgM from only one virus were classified accordingly, while those with test results positive for both ZIKV and DENV were classified as flaviviruses. We corrected for sample design and non-response in data analysis, and calculated point estimate prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for each virus. Arbovirus prevalence in the Rio's population (n = 6,688,927) was estimated at 48.6% [95% CI 44.8–52.4] (n = 3,254,121) for flaviviruses and at 18.0% [95% CI 14.8–21.2] (n = 1,204,765) for CHIKV. Approximately 17.0% [95% CI 14.1–20.1] (n = 1,145,674) of Rio´s population had no contact with any of the three arboviruses. The reported cases of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya by the current surveillance system in place is insufficient to estimate their real numbers, and our data indicate that Zika seroprevalence could be at least five times and Chikungunya 45 times bigger. The high number of individuals having never been infected by any of the three arboviruses, may indicate a proper scenario for future outbreaks.
Reproductive events and respective faecal androgen metabolite concentrations in captive male roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus)
Authors: Kamgang Vanessa W. , Bennett Nigel C. , Hart Daniel W. , van der Goot Annemieke C. , Ganswindt Andre
Published: December 2020

Understanding the reproductive biology of the roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) is crucial to optimise breeding success in captive breeding programmes of this threatened species. In this study, the pattern of faecal androgen metabolite (fAM) production related to reproductive events (calving or birthing, mating, gestation, and lactation), sexual behaviours as well as environmental cues were studied in captive adult male roan antelope. Faecal sample collection and behavioural observations were carried out from August 2017 to July 2018 for three reproductive males participating in a conservation breeding programme at the Lapalala Wilderness Nature Reserve in South Africa. As a prerequisite, the enzyme immunoassay used in this study was biologically validated for the species by demonstrating a significant difference between fAM concentrations in non-breeding adults, breeding adults and juvenile males. Results revealed that in adults males, the overall mean fAM levels were 73% higher during the breeding period compared to the non-breeding periods, and 85% higher when exclusively compared to the lactation/gestation periods, but only 5.3% higher when compared to the birthing period. Simultaneously, fAM concentrations were lower during the wet season compared to the dry season, increasing with a reduction in photoperiod. With the exception of courtship, frequencies of sexual behaviours monitored changed in accordance with individual mean fAM concentrations in male roan antelope, the findings suggest that androgen production varies with the occurrence of mating activity and may be influenced by photoperiod but not with rainfall.
Survey about do-it-yourself closed loop systems in the treatment of diabetes in Germany
Authors: Herzog Anna Laura , Busch Jonas , Wanner Christoph , von Jouanne-Diedrich Holger K.
Published: December 2020

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves treatment with lower blood glucose levels and less patient effort. In combination with continuous insulin application, glycemic control improves and hypoglycemic episodes should decrease. Direct feedback of CGM to continuous subcutaneous insulin application, using an algorithm is called a closed-loop (CL) artificial pancreas system. Commercial devices stop insulin application by predicting hypoglycemic blood glucose levels through direct interaction between the sensor and pump. The prediction is usually made for about 30 minutes and insulin delivery is restarted at the previous level if a rise in blood glucose is predicted within the next 30 minutes (hybrid closed loop system, HCL this is known as a predictive low glucose suspend system (PLGS)). In a fully CL system, sensor and pump communicate permanently with each other. Hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems, which require the user to estimate the meal size and provide a meal insulin basis, are commercially available in Germany at the moment. These systems result in fewer hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes with improved glucose control. Open source initiatives have provided support by building do-it-yourself CL (DIYCL) devices for automated insulin application since 2014, and are used by a tech-savvy subgroup of patients. The first commercial hybrid CL system has been available in Germany since September 2019. We surveyed 1054 patients to determine which devices are currently used, which features would be in demand by potential users, and the benefits of DIYCL systems. 9.7% of these used a DIYCL system, while 50% would most likely trust these systems but more than 85% of the patients would use a commercial closed loop system, if available. The DIYCL users had a better glucose control regarding their time in range (TIR) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Lung-protective properties of expiratory flow-initiated pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hirabayashi Go , Saito Minami , Terayama Sachiko , Akihisa Yuki , Maruyama Koichi , Andoh Tomio
Published: December 2020

Background

Expiratory flow-initiated pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation (EF-initiated PC-IRV) reduces physiological dead space. We hypothesised that EF-initiated PC-IRV would be lung protective compared with volume-controlled ventilation (VCV).

Methods

Twenty-eight men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were enrolled in this randomised controlled trial. The EF-initiated PC-IRV group (n = 14) used pressure-controlled ventilation with the volume guaranteed mode. The inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio was individually adjusted by observing the expiratory flow-time wave. The VCV group (n = 14) used the volume control mode with a 1:2 I:E ratio. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare differences in the serum cytokine levels.

Results

There were no significant differences in serum IL-6 between the EF-initiated PC-IRV (median 34 pg ml-1 (IQR 20.5 to 63.5)) and VCV (31 pg ml-1 (24.5 to 59)) groups (P = 0.84). The physiological dead space rate (physiological dead space/expired tidal volume) was significantly reduced in the EF-initiated PC-IRV group as compared with that in the VCV group (0.31 ± 0.06 vs 0.4 ± 0.07; P<0.001). The physiological dead space rate was negatively correlated with the forced vital capacity (% predicted) in the VCV group (r = -0.85, P<0.001), but not in the EF-initiated PC-IRV group (r = 0.15, P = 0.62). Two patients in the VCV group had permissive hypercapnia with low forced vital capacity (% predicted).

Conclusions

There were no differences in the lung-protective properties between the two ventilatory strategies. However, EF-initiated PC-IRV reduced physiological dead space rate; thus, it may be useful for reducing the ventilatory volume that is necessary to maintain normocapnia in patients with low forced vital capacity (% predicted) during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Procesos de configuración de frentes urbanos costeros: La ribera de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: Dadon José R.
Published: December 2020

En la configuración de los frentes urbanos costeros convergen procesos urbanos, sociales, económicos, culturales y físico-naturales cuya complejidad deriva de su condición de cuádruple interfase aire-agua-continente-ciudad. En este trabajo se estudian dichos procesos mediante un enfoque geo-histórico para determinar cuáles son las visiones, intereses y conflictos que interactúan en la conformación de un frente urbano costero. El caso de estudio es Buenos Aires, ciudad capital de Argentina. Se analizaron en su contexto histórico-social los planes, programas y proyectos urbanos con incidencia sobre dicho frente. A partir de ese análisis, se concluye que entre los factores relevantes se encuentran el crecimiento urbano y la metropolización, los cambios en las formas de intervención y el reparto sectorial de competencias, que conducen a la fragmentación espacial y originan conflictos de uso cuya gestión requiere la implementación de estrategias intersectoriales e interjurisdiccionales.
Harold Laski and his Chinese Disciples
Authors: Ting Xu
Published: December 2020

On 2 July 2020, a virtual workshop entitled ‘Harold Laski and His Chinese Disciples: A Workshop on the Legacy of Laski’s Legal Philosophy’ was organised by Dr Ting Xu (School of Law, University of Sheffield; now Professor of Law, University of Essex). This workshop was supported and funded by Professor Xu’s British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2019-2020) on ‘Harold Laski and His Chinese Disciples: Using Biographical Methods to Study the Evolution of Rights’. This workshop provided the first opportunity for UK and Chinese studies scholars to discuss Laski’s long-neglected impact on China, contributing to reviving an interest in the significance and legacy of Laski’s legal philosophy. Speakers included eminent scholars who have conducted research in related areas, including Professor Roger Cotterrell (Queen Mary University of London), Professor Ross Cranston (London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)), Dr Peter Lamb (Staffordshire University), Professor Martin Loughlin (LSE), Professor Michael Palmer (SOAS University of London) and Professor Francis Snyder (Peking University School of Transnational Law). Twenty-five people participated in the workshop, including academics, students and several members of the public.
Fast filtered backprojection algorithm for low-dose computed tomography
Authors: GL Zeng
Published: December 2020

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) can produce noisy images that may contain streaking artifacts. Removal of streaking artifacts normally requires iterative algorithms that model the transmission noise physics. A fast filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm is introduced in this short paper. This algorithm is very simple and effective in removing the streaking artifacts in low-dose CT.
ORDENAMENTO E DESENVOLVIMENTO TERRITORIAL NO BRASIL: DESAFIOS À SOCIOBIODIVERSIDADE DO CERRADO
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina da
Published: December 2020

Ordenamento e desenvolvimento territorial são conceitos constitutivos de políticas públicas que incidem diretamente no território, transmutando-se em políticas territoriais. Tais políticas impactam o território nacional, as regiões brasileiras e o mundo do cerrado, na medida em que afetam a sociobiodiversidade. Nesse sentido, nos detivemos na política nacional de ordenamento territorial (PNOT) que se esboçou no Brasil, na primeira década do século XXI, com vistas a identificar seus impactos no cerrado. Nessa perspectiva, consideramos o cerrado como um território, onde coexistem a territorialidade animal e a territorialidade humana, para além das abordagens que o concebem apenas como um bioma. A sociobiodiversidade é a expressão dessa coexistência e de sua complexidade, que desafia as políticas de ordenamento territorial.
A FOME DO CAPITAL E A EXPROPRIAÇÃO DOS BENS COMUNS - LAND/GREEN GRABBING E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM A REPRODUÇÃO DO DISCURSO NEOLIBERAL POR TRÁS DO FENÔMENO DAS MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS
Authors: Nascimento Alexandre Sabino do
Published: December 2020

Esse artigo tem por objetivo identificar e sistematizar uma possível chave de leitura em torno da análise da relação entre conceitos, agendas e paradigmas, aparentemente, desconexos como: mudanças climáticas, neoliberalismo/neoliberalização, segurança/soberania alimentar, land grabbing, green grabbing, assetização, desenvolvimento sustentável, conservação ambiental, Economia Verde e Bioeconomia, entre outros. Como metodologia para se chegar aos resultados alcançados efetivou-se uma pesquisa exploratória, bibliográfica e documental. Conclui-se que, atualmente, evolui uma corrida global por terras e recursos naturais, que representa certo rentismo ecológico manifestado nas análises dos fenômenos de land grabbing e green grabbing, esses fenômenos, por sua vez, estão associados a práticas e dispositivos neoliberalizantes e financeiros presentes na construção de uma agenda global construída sobre o discurso apocalíptico de uma sociedade de risco global ligada a paradigma das mudanças climáticas.
The relationship between design, object and memory: the Renato Russo exhibition
Authors: Silva Neto Alceu , Arantes Priscila
Published: December 2020

The objects and their functions are configured depending on how they will be used, assuming they can be used as archives’ tools, material culture inputs, generators of memories or simply perform the function for which they were designed. Thus, it becomes necessary to discuss the functions of museum objects and culture. To this end, the relations created between the items exhibited and the exhibition design in the process of memory elaborating will be identified, considering that both are inserted in an institutional space configured as Theater of Memory. The argument is supported by concepts from Hooper-Greenhill, Meneses and Ramos. As a case study, the exhibition Renato Russo, from the Museu da Imagem e do Som of São Paulo, was elected, including the description of the chosen objects and the dynamics created between the exhibition space, the objects and the visitor.
The Influence of Charismatic Church Development on Religious Christians Life in the City of Semarang 1970-2015
Authors: Asmara Oni Andhi , Susilowati Endang , Supriyono Agustinus
Published: December 2020

This article discusses the development of the Charismatic church on the Christians life in Semarang City in 1970-2015 using historical methods and using social religion approach. Since its inception in 1970, the Charismatic church in the city of Semarang has had a major influence on the Christian life in the city. A series of innovations in worship and evangelism that are adapted to the times have made the Charismatic church much in demand by Christians in big cities, one of them is Semarang. Christian interest in the Charismatic church can be seen from the development of the number of Charismatic churches in the city of Semarang. One of the Charismatic churches that is experiencing rapid development is JKI Injil Kerajaan. In the beginning, there were 25 people in the congregations. One decade later it reached 3,557 people and continued to increase to 13,324 people on the next decade. This rapid development has brought significant changes to the Christians life in the city of Semarang. It can be seen, among others, from the increasing number of churches that are full of Charismatic churches at worship services. But on the other hand, the presence of Charismatic church with a new pattern of worship caused less harmonious relationship between non-Charismatic churches and charismatic churches as the result of the high increasing number of original church people who moved to the Charismatic church. It is because Christians in Semarang are mostly more interested in taking worship in the Charismatic church.