bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A frequency-domain beamforming for rotating sound source identification
Authors: Ma Wei , Zhang Ce
Published: September 2020

Identifications of rotating sound sources are of interest in many industrial applications. Nowadays, almost all frequency-domain rotating beamformings are based on the concept of virtual rotating array (VRA), and consequently, have one constraint that microphones must constitute a ring around the rotation axis of a sound source. This constraint greatly restricts the wide application of these beamformings in industrial experiments. To overcome this constraint, this paper proposed a frequency-domain rotating beamforming (mode composition beamforming, MCB). Without using the concept of VRA, MCB directly uses the concept of delay-and-sum with the mode composition of rotating sound. MCB has the same ability to rotate sound source identification as the famous time-domain rotating source identifier (ROSI) proposed by Sijtsma et al. (2001) and generally has a much higher computational speed than ROSI, especially when a large number of samplers are used. Special arrays, such as rotational symmetry array, with respect to the rotation axis with a high order of rotational symmetry, are recommended to compensate for the ghost contributions in MCB induced by the Doppler effect.
Free fatty acid binding pocket in the locked structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Toelzer Christine , Gupta Kapil , Yadav Sathish K. N. , Borucu Ufuk , Davidson Andrew D. , Kavanagh Williamson Maia , Shoemark Deborah K. , Garzoni Frederic , Staufer Oskar , Milligan Rachel , Capin Julien , Mulholland Adrian J. , Spatz Joachim , Fitzgerald Daniel , Berger Imre , Schaffitzel Christiane
Published: September 2020

Locking down the SARS-CoV-2 spike

Many efforts to develop therapies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are focused on the spike (S) protein trimer that binds to the host receptor. Structures of trimeric S protein show its receptor-binding domain in either an up or a down conformation. Toelzer
et al.
produced SARS-CoV-2 S in insect cells and determined the structure by cryo–electron microscopy. In their dataset, the closed form was predominant and was stabilized by binding linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. A similar binding pocket appears to be present in previous highly pathogenic coronaviruses, and past studies suggested links between viral infection and fatty acid metabolism. The pocket could be exploited to develop inhibitors that trap S protein in the closed conformation.

Science
, this issue p.
725
Imipenem plus Fosfomycin as Salvage Therapy for Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Authors: Nakamura Itaru , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Aoki Kotaro , Miura Yuri , Sato Satoko , Fujita Hiroaki , Watanabe Hidehiro
Published: September 2020

We applied combination antibiotic therapy to treat vertebral osteomyelitis and a psoas abscess caused by glycopeptide-intermediate (MIC, 2 μg/ml) and daptomycin-nonsusceptible (>2 μg/ml) methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. The Etest synergy test showed the largest synergistic effects for imipenem/cilastatin and fosfomycin. Whole-gene sequencing showed amino acid changes in SA0802, SA1193 (
mprF
), and SA1531 (
ald
).
A Prime/Boost Vaccine Regimen Alters the Rectal Microbiome and Impacts Immune Responses and Viremia Control Post-Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Male and Female Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Musich Thomas , Thovarai Vishal , Venzon David J. , Mohanram Venkatramanan , Tuero Iskra , Miller-Novak Leia K. , Helmold Hait Sabrina , Rahman Mohammad Arif , Hunegnaw Ruth , Huiting Erin , Yuan Wuxing , O’hUigin Colm , Hoang Tanya , Sui Yongjun , LaBranche Celia , Montefiori David , Bear Jenifer , Rosati Margherita , Bissa Massimiliano , Berzofsky Jay A. , Pavlakis George N. , Felber Barbara K. , Franchini Genoveffa , Robert-Guroff Marjorie
Published: September 2020

Differences in HIV pathogenesis between males and females, including immunity postinfection, have been well documented, as have steroid hormone effects on the microbiome, which is known to influence mucosal immune responses. Few studies have applied this knowledge to vaccine trials. We investigated two SIV vaccine regimens combining mucosal priming immunizations and systemic protein boosting. We again report a vaccine-induced sex bias, with female rhesus macaques but not males displaying significantly reduced acute viremia. The vaccine regimens, especially the mucosal primes, significantly altered the rectal microbiome. The greatest effects were in females. Striking differences between female and male macaques in correlations of prevalent rectal bacteria with viral loads and potentially protective immune responses were observed. Effects of the microbiome on vaccine-induced immunity and viremia control require further study by microbiome transfer. However, the findings presented highlight the critical importance of considering effects of sex and the microbiome in vaccine design and evaluation.
Intergenerational Pathogen-Induced Diapause in Caenorhabditis elegans Is Modulated by
mir-243
Authors: Gabaldón Carolaing , Legüe Marcela , Palominos M. Fernanda , Verdugo Lidia , Gutzwiller Florence , Calixto Andrea
Published: September 2020

Persistent infection of the bacterivore nematode
C. elegans
with bacteria such as
P. aeruginosa
and
S. enterica
makes the worm diapause or hibernate. By doing this, the worm closes its mouth, avoiding infection. This response takes two generations to be implemented. In this work, we looked for genes expressed upon infection that could mediate the worm diapause triggered by pathogens. We identify
mir-243-3p
as the only transcript commonly upregulated when animals feed on
P. aeruginosa
and
S. enterica
for two consecutive generations. Moreover, we demonstrate that
mir-243-3p
is required for pathogen-induced dauer formation, a new function that has not been previously described for this microRNA (miRNA). We also find that the transcriptional activators DAF-16, PQM-1, and CRH-2 are necessary for the expression of
mir-243
under pathogenesis. Here we establish a relationship between a small RNA and a developmental change that ensures the survival of a percentage of the progeny.
Charting the Metabolic Landscape of the Facultative Methylotroph Bacillus methanolicus
Authors: Delépine Baudoin , López Marina Gil , Carnicer Marc , Vicente Cláudia M. , Wendisch Volker F. , Heux Stéphanie
Published: September 2020

Methanol is inexpensive, is easy to transport, and can be produced both from renewable and from fossil resources without mobilizing arable lands. As such, it is regarded as a potential carbon source to transition toward a greener industrial chemistry. Metabolic engineering of bacteria and yeast able to efficiently consume methanol is expected to provide cell factories that will transform methanol into higher-value chemicals in the so-called methanol economy. Toward that goal, the study of natural methylotrophs such as
Bacillus methanolicus
is critical to understand the origin of their efficient methylotrophy. This knowledge will then be leveraged to transform such natural strains into new cell factories or to design methylotrophic capability in other strains already used by the industry.
Primary leptomeningeal T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma: a rare cause of chronic meningitis
Authors: Elavarasi Arunmozhimaran , Bhatia Rohit , Arava Sudheer , Kumar Lalit
Published: September 2020

Primary leptomeningeal lymphomatosis is a rare disease with only a few hundred cases reported. We present a patient with a relatively short history of 25 days of headache followed by diplopia who was found to have primary leptomeningeal T-cell lymphoma without evidence of systemic lymphoma. The patient responded well to chemotherapy along with intrathecal medication and cranial irradiation and returned to a completely normal state of health. Not all chronic meningitis is due to infection or self-limiting inflammatory causes. It is important to consider lymphoma as a differential even in the absence of constitutional features such as loss of weight, appetite, night sweats, lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. T-cell lymphoma with only Central Nervous system (CNS) involvement is a rare cause of chronic meningitis, which is eminently amenable to treatment and is fatal if missed.
Patients use fewer analgesics following supervised exercise therapy and patient education: an observational study of 16 499 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Thorlund Jonas Bloch , Roos Ewa M , Goro Patricia , Ljungcrantz Emily Gromelsky , Grønne Dorte Thalund , Skou Søren T
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To investigate changes in analgesic use before and after supervised exercise therapy and patient education in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We recruited 16 499 of 25 933 eligible patients (64%; mean age 64.9; SD 9.6; 73% women) from the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D) registry. Change in proportions of analgesic users (categorised according to analgesic risk profile; opioids > non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs > paracetamol) was assessed from before to after an 8-week supervised exercise therapy and patient education programme targeting knee or hip OA pain and functional limitations.

Results

Patients reported 13.2 mm (95% CI 12.8 to 13.6) less pain (visual analogue scale 0–100 mm) at follow-up compared with baseline. The proportion of analgesic users reduced from 62.2% (95% CI 61.5 to 63.0) at baseline to 44.1% (95% CI 43.3 to 44.9) at follow-up (absolute change: 18.1% (95% CI 17.3 to 19.0)). Among patients using analgesics at baseline, 52% changed to a lower risk analgesic or discontinued analgesic use. The proportion of opioid users after the exercise therapy was 2.5% (95% CI 2.1 to 2.9) lower than baseline; this represents a relative reduction of 36%.

Conclusion

Among patients with knee or hip OA using analgesics, more than half either discontinued analgesic use or shifted to lower risk analgesics following an 8-week structured exercise therapy and patient education programme (GLA:D). These data encourage randomised controlled trial evaluation of whether supervised exercise therapy, combined with patient education, can reduce analgesic use, including opioids, among patients with knee and hip OA pain.
Implementation of robotic devices in nursing care. Barriers and facilitators: an integrative review
Authors: Servaty Ricarda , Kersten Annalena , Brukamp Kirsten , Möhler Ralph , Mueller Martin
Published: September 2020

Background

Robots in healthcare are gaining increasing attention; however, their implementation is challenging due to the complexity of both interventions themselves and the contexts in which they are implemented. The objective of this integrative review is to identify barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of robotic systems in nursing.

Methods

Articles published from 2002 to 2019 reporting on projects to implement robotic devices in nursing care were searched on Medline (via PubMed), CINAHL and databases on funded research projects (Community Research and Development Information Services and Technische Informationsbibliothek) and in journals for robotic research in November 2017 and July 2019 for an update. No restrictions regarding study designs were imposed. All included articles underwent quality assessments with design-specific critical appraisal tools. Barriers to and facilitators of implementation were classified using the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions framework.

Results

After removing all duplicates, the search revealed 11 204 studies, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis. The majority of the studies dealt with the implementation of robots designed to support individuals, either living at home or in nursing homes (n=11). The studies were conducted in Europe, the USA and New Zealand and were carried out in nursing homes, individual living environments, hospital units and laboratories. The quality of reporting and quality of evidence were low in most studies. The most frequently reported barriers were in socioeconomic and ethical domains and were within the implementation outcomes domain. The most frequently reported facilitators were related to the sociocultural context, implementation process and implementation strategies.

Discussion

This review identified barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of robotic devices in nursing within different dimensions. The results serve as a basis for the development of suitable implementation strategies to reduce potential barriers and promote the integration of elements to facilitate implementation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018073486.
Differences in transitional care processes among high-performing and low-performing hospital-SNF pairs: a rapid ethnographic approach
Authors: Manges Kirstin A , Ayele Roman , Leonard Chelsea , Lee Marcie , Galenbeck Emily , Burke Robert E
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite the increased focus on improving patient’s postacute care outcomes, best practices for reducing readmissions from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are unclear. The objective of this study was to observe processes used to prepare patients for postacute care in SNFs, and to explore differences between hospital-SNF pairs with high or low 30-day readmission rates.

Design

We used a rapid ethnographic approach with intensive multiday observations and key informant interviews at high-performing and low-performing hospitals, and their most commonly used SNF. We used flow maps and thematic analysis to describe the process of hospitals discharging patients to SNFs and to identify differences in subprocesses used by high-performing and low-performing hospitals.

Setting and participants

Hospitals were classified as high or low performers based on their 30-day readmission rates from SNFs. The final sample included 148 hours of observations with 30 clinicians across four hospitals (n=2 high performing, n=2 low performing) and corresponding SNFs (n=5).

Findings

We identified variation in five major processes prior to SNF discharge that could affect care transitions: recognising need for postacute care, deciding level of care, selecting an SNF, negotiating patient fit and coordinating care with SNF. During each stage, high-performing sites differed from low-performing sites by focusing on: (1) earlier, ongoing, systematic identification of high-risk patients; (2) discussing the decision to go to an SNF as an iterative team-based process and (3) anticipating barriers with knowledge of transitional and SNF care processes.

Conclusion

Identifying variations in processes used to prepare patients for SNF provides critical insight into the best practices for transitioning patients to SNFs and areas to target for improving care of high-risk patients.
European Registry onHelicobacter pylorimanagement (Hp-EuReg): patterns and trends in first-line empirical eradication prescription and outcomes of 5 years and 21 533 patients
Authors: Nyssen Olga P , Bordin Dmitry , Tepes Bojan , Pérez-Aisa Ángeles , Vaira Dino , Caldas Maria , Bujanda Luis , Castro-Fernandez Manuel , Lerang Frode , Leja Marcis , Rodrigo Luís , Rokkas Theodore , Kupcinskas Limas , Pérez-Lasala Jorge , Jonaitis Laimas , Shvets Oleg , Gasbarrini Antonio , Simsek Halis , Axon Anthony T R , Buzás György , Machado Jose Carlos , Niv Yaron , Boyanova Lyudmila , Goldis Adrian , Lamy Vincent , Tonkic Ante , Przytulski Krzysztof , Beglinger Christoph , Venerito Marino , Bytzer Peter , Capelle Lisette , Milosavljević Tomica , Milivojevic Vladimir , Veijola Lea , Molina-Infante Javier , Vologzhanina Liudmila , Fadeenko Galina , Ariño Ines , Fiorini Giulia , Garre Ana , Garrido Jesús , F Pérez Cristina , Puig Ignasi , Heluwaert Frederic , Megraud Francis , O'Morain Colm , Gisbert Javier P
Published: September 2020

Objective

The best approach forHelicobacter pylorimanagement remains unclear. An audit process is essential to ensure clinical practice is aligned with best standards of care.

Design

International multicentre prospective non-interventional registry starting in 2013 aimed to evaluate the decisions and outcomes inH. pylorimanagement by European gastroenterologists. Patients were registered in an e-CRF by AEG-REDCap. Variables included demographics, previous eradication attempts, prescribed treatment, adverse events and outcomes. Data monitoring was performed to ensure data quality. Time-trend and geographical analyses were performed.

Results

30 394 patients from 27 European countries were evaluated and 21 533 (78%) first-line empiricalH. pyloritreatments were included for analysis. Pretreatment resistance rates were 23% to clarithromycin, 32% to metronidazole and 13% to both. Triple therapy with amoxicillin and clarithromycin was most commonly prescribed (39%), achieving 81.5% modified intention-to-treat eradication rate. Over 90% eradication was obtained only with 10-day bismuth quadruple or 14-day concomitant treatments. Longer treatment duration, higher acid inhibition and compliance were associated with higher eradication rates. Time-trend analysis showed a region-dependent shift in prescriptions including abandoning triple therapies, using higher acid-inhibition and longer treatments, which was associated with an overall effectiveness increase (84%–90%).

Conclusion

Management ofH. pyloriinfection by European gastroenterologists is heterogeneous, suboptimal and discrepant with current recommendations. Only quadruple therapies lasting at least 10 days are able to achieve over 90% eradication rates. European recommendations are being slowly and heterogeneously incorporated into routine clinical practice, which was associated with a corresponding increase in effectiveness.
Expression and clinical significance of PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 and VISTA in craniopharyngioma
Authors: Wang Yuelong , Deng Jiaojiao , Wang Lin , Zhou Tingyue , Yang Jinlong , Tian Zerong , Yang Jinhao , Chen Hongxu , Tang Xin , Zhao Shasha , Zhou Liangxue , Tong Aiping , Xu Jianguo
Published: September 2020

Background

Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a common refractory tumor of the central nervous system. However, little is known about the expression and clinical significance of B7 family ligands/receptors in CP patients. Thus, we conducted the present study to address this issue in a cohort of 132 CP cases.

Methods

We mapped and quantified the expression of B7 family ligands/receptors molecules programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), B7-H3, B7-H4 and V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) in 89 adamantinomatous-type CP and 43 papillary-type CP samples using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Associations between the marker levels, clinicopathological variables and survival were evaluated.

Results

The positive rates of PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 and VISTA in the cohort of 132 CP cases were 76.5%, 100%, 40.2% and 80.3%, respectively. The cut-off values of PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 and PD-L1 expression were determined by survival receiver operating characteristic (ROC) package, which was 70, 182, 0 and 20, respectively. Elevated expressions of PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 and VISTA were significantly associated with some clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that higher VISTA expressions correlated with better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.0053 and p=0.0066, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that VISTA was an independent prognostic factor for OS (p=0.018) but not for PFS (p=0.898).

Conclusions

We found variable expression of PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 and VISTA proteins in CPs. The results suggest that the expression level of VISTA may be used as an important indicator to predict the OS and PFS of CPs. B7 family ligands/receptors could be potential immunotherapeutic targets when treating CPs.
Non-maleficence and the ethics of consent to cancer screening
Authors: Elton Lotte
Published: September 2020

Cancer screening programmes cause harm to individuals via overdiagnosis and overtreatment, even where they confer population-level benefit. Screening thus appears to violate the principle of non-maleficence, since it entails medically unnecessary harm to individuals. Can consent to screening programmes negate the moral significance of this harm? In therapeutic medical contexts, consent is used as a means of rendering medical harm morally permissible. However, in this paper, I argue that it is unclear that the model of consent used within therapeutic medicine can be applied unproblematically to preventive medicine. Invitation to screening changes the pragmatic norms and expectations of the patient–doctor encounter such that two key principles of consent may be violated. First, the pragmatics of a medical invitation are such that patients may fail to be adequately informed, since patients appear to assume medical invitations are made with their best interests in mind, even where information to the contrary is outlined. Second, screening invitations may place pressure on patients; in the context of a medical encounter, to make an invitation to screening may constitute an inducement to accept. In order to be sure that a patient’s consent to a screening invitation is valid, we must make clear to patients that their decision to accept screening may be shaped not only by how information about screening is presented, but by the pragmatic form of the invitation itself.
Aligning patient and physician views on educational pelvic examinations under anaesthesia: the medical student perspective
Authors: Salwi Sanjana , Erath Alexandra , Patel Pious D , Kaur Karampreet , Mitchell Margaret B
Published: September 2020

Recent media articles have stirred controversy over anecdotal reports of medical students practising educational pelvic examinations on women under anaesthesia without explicit consent. The understandable public outrage that followed merits a substantive response from the medical community. As medical students, we offer a unique perspective on consent for trainee involvement informed by the transitional stage we occupy between patient and physician. We start by contextualising the role of educational pelvic examinations under anaesthesia (EUAs) within general clinical skill development in medical education. Then we analyse two main barriers to achieving explicit consent for educational pelvic EUAs: ambiguity within professional guidelines on how to operationalize ‘explicit consent’ and divergent patient and physician perspectives on harm which prevent physicians from understanding what a reasonable patient would want to know before a procedure. To overcome these barriers, we advocate for more research on patient perspectives to empower the reasonable patient standard. Next, we call for minimum disclosure standards informed by this research and created in conjunction with students, physicians and patients to improve the informed consent process and relieve medical student moral injury caused by performing ‘unconsented’ educational pelvic exams.
Smoking cessation among US adults: use of e-cigarettes, including JUUL, and NRT use
Authors: Patel Minal , Cuccia Alison F , Zhou Yitong , Kierstead Elexis C , Briggs Jodie , Schillo Barbara A
Published: September 2020

Background

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a common tobacco product in the US. Despite lacking Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for cessation, e-cigarettes, including JUUL, a popular device, have been viewed by some as a potential tool for tobacco users seeking to quit combustible tobacco use. It is unknown how current and former smokers report using these products for cigarette smoking cessation.

Methods

Online surveys were collected from a probability-based panel of US adults aged 18–64, with an oversample of past 12-month JUUL users (n=3415). Weighted past 12-month and past 30-day use of popular e-cigarette brands were measured. Former smokers with a quit attempt in the past 4 years and current smokers with a quit attempt in the past 12 months were asked about methods for smoking cessation, including e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) use.

Results

Among former smokers (n=157), 21.2% used e-cigarettes and/or NRTs to help them quit. Specifically, 2.2% used JUUL only, compared with 10.3% who used NRTs only, and 6.9% used other e-cigarettes only to quit. Among current smokers with a quit attempt (n=308), 24.0% used any product (NRT or e-cigarettes) to quit, and only 1.1% used JUUL only. Current smokers reported relatively low use of NRTs only (10.1%), other e-cigarettes only (5.6%) and other e-cigarettes and NRTs (5.1%).

Conclusions

Data suggest that few smokers in the US use e-cigarettes, and JUUL specifically, for cessation, and NRTs use is relatively low. All e-cigarettes should undergo FDA review to minimise recreational use and understand their cessation efficacy.
Quantum field theory motivated model for the Einstein, Podolsky, Rosen (EPR) experiment
Authors: Schatten Kenneth H. , Jacobs Verne L.
Published: September 2020

Bell deduced the nature and form of “nonlocal hidden variables” that could yield the unusual pattern of responses in the paradoxical Bohm (B-EPR) version of the Einstein, Podolsky, Rosen (EPR) experiment. We consider that quantum field theory (QFT) allows for the existence of Bell’s hidden variables in the “dressing” of free electrons that may explain the EPR experimental results. Specifically, the dressing of free electrons can convey random vector information. Motivated by this, we use a random vector paradigm (RVP) to explore how well a Monte Carlo computer program compares with the experimental B-EPR statistics. In this algorithm, the random vector provides a unique fingerprint that allows these charged leptons to bear unique responses when their spin is read by Stern–Gerlach detectors. The program’s numerical results compare well with Bell’s experimental summary. This work offers the opportunity to consider that virtual particles play a role in understanding the origins of quantum mechanics (QM)’s unique entanglement and probabilistic behaviors.
Mass formulae and staticity condition for dark matter charged black holes
Authors: Rogatko Marek
Published: September 2020

The Arnowitt–Deser–Misner formalism is used to derive variations of mass, angular momentum and canonical energy for Einstein–Maxwell dark matter gravity in which the auxiliary gauge field coupled via kinetic mixing term to the ordinary Maxwell one, which mimics properties of hidden sector. Inspection of the initial data for the manifold with an interior boundary, having topology of $$S^2$$

S
2

, enables us to find the generalised first law of black hole thermodynamics in the aforementioned theory. It has been revealed that the stationary black hole solution being subject to the condition of encompassing a bifurcate Killing horizon with a bifurcation sphere, which is non-rotating, must be static and has vanishing magnetic Maxwell and dark matter sector fields, on static slices of the spacetime under consideration.
Low counting rate measurement on thermal neutron induced fission using cross-correlation technique
Authors: Zeynalov Shakir , Sidorova Olga
Published: September 2020

The measurement procedure based on the continuous thermal neutron beam modulation with a mechanical chopper was developed for delayed neutron yield measurement of the thermal neutron induced fission of [Formula: see text]Np. The idea of the procedure is similar to that widely used in modern computer communications to prevent unauthorized data access. The data is modulated with a predefined pattern before transmission to the public network, and only the recipient that has the modulation pattern is able to demodulate it upon receipt. For thermal neutron induced reaction applications, the thermal neutron beam modulation pattern was used to demodulate the measured delayed neutron intensity signals on the detector output, resulting in nonzero output only for the detector signals correlated with the beam modulation. The comparison of the method with the conventional measurement procedure was provided, and it was demonstrated that the cross-correlation procedure has special features making it superior to the conventional one, especially when the measured value is extremely small in comparison with the background. Due to the strong sensitivity of the measurement procedure on the modulation pattern of the neutron beam, one can implement the modulation pattern of a specific shape to separate the effect of the thermal part of the beam from the higher energy part in the most confident way in the particular experiment. The remarkable property of our method is related to the unique possibility of separation of the effects caused exclusively by thermal neutrons using the neutron time-of-flight measurement available on the IBR-2 pulsed reactor.
Decarceration Problems and Prospects
Authors: Clear Todd R.
Published: September 2020

Incarceration rates in the United States are far higher than in the world's other Western democracies, so high that they are referred to as mass incarceration. After nearly 40 years of sustained growth in US incarceration rates, a broad consensus exists to bring them down. The Iron Law of Prison Populations directs attention to the fact that 51 different jurisdictional-level penal policies, rather than crime, drive incarceration rates, making systematic policy reform difficult. However, the fact that prison populations have already begun to decline, combined with the emerging public will to reduce incarceration and dropping age-specific incarceration rates, promotes optimism in the decarceration agenda. Three issues remain to be resolved: the eventual target rate of incarceration, what to do with people convicted of violent crimes, and how to avoid the distracting focus on reentry programming.
A Field Guide to Eukaryotic Transposable Elements
Authors: Wells Jonathan N. , Feschotte Cédric
Published: September 2020

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that propagate within genomes. Through diverse invasion strategies, TEs have come to occupy a substantial fraction of nearly all eukaryotic genomes, and they represent a major source of genetic variation and novelty. Here we review the defining features of each major group of eukaryotic TEs and explore their evolutionary origins and relationships. We discuss how the unique biology of different TEs influences their propagation and distribution within and across genomes. Environmental and genetic factors acting at the level of the host species further modulate the activity, diversification, and fate of TEs, producing the dramatic variation in TE content observed across eukaryotes. We argue that cataloging TE diversity and dissecting the idiosyncratic behavior of individual elements are crucial to expanding our comprehension of their impact on the biology of genomes and the evolution of species.
Prosody and Sociolinguistic Variation in American Englishes
Authors: Holliday Nicole
Published: September 2020

Though scholarly understandings of sociolinguistic variation have undergone a significant expansion in the last 70 years, variables in the realm of prosody remain severely underdescribed. It is necessary to examine variation at these levels both because of its perceptual salience and utility for speakers and listeners and because of what it can illuminate about cross-variety sociolinguistic differences. This article reviews some of the key methodologies that have been used to study prosody in phonological research and discusses the limited body of sociophonetic literature that has examined such variables. It concludes with a discussion of the future of sociophonetic studies in the twenty-first century and the importance of examining prosodic variables for a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of variation itself.
Production of Extracellular Reactive Oxygen Species by Marine Biota
Authors: Hansel Colleen M. , Diaz Julia M.
Published: September 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced ubiquitously across the tree of life. Far from being synonymous with toxicity and harm, biological ROS production is increasingly recognized for its essential functions in signaling, growth, biological interactions, and physiochemical defense systems in a diversity of organisms, spanning microbes to mammals. Part of this shift in thinking can be attributed to the wide phylogenetic distribution of specialized mechanisms for ROS production, such as NADPH oxidases, which decouple intracellular and extracellular ROS pools by directly catalyzing the reduction of oxygen in the surrounding aqueous environment. Furthermore, biological ROS production contributes substantially to natural fluxes of ROS in the ocean, thereby influencing the fate of carbon, metals, oxygen, and climate-relevant gases. Here, we review the taxonomic diversity, mechanisms, and roles of extracellular ROS production in marine bacteria, phytoplankton, seaweeds, and corals, highlighting the ecological and biogeochemical influences of this fundamental and remarkably widespread process.
Scanning Micro X-ray Fluorescence (μXRF) as an Effective Tool in Quantifying Fe Dissolution in LiFePO4 Cells: Towards a Mechanistic Understanding of Fe Dissolution
Authors: Eldesoky A. , Logan E. R. , Johnson M. B. , McFarlane C. R. M. , Dahn J. R.
Published: September 2020

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, or LFP) is a widely used cathode material in Li-ion cells due to its improved safety and low cost relative to other materials such as LiNixMnyCozO2 (x + y + z = 1, NMC). To improve the calendar life of LFP cells, an investigation of their failure mechanisms is necessary. Herein, we use scanning micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to study Fe dissolution from LFP and deposition on the graphite electrode, which is thought to be a contributor to capacity fade. The impacts of the vinylene carbonate (VC) electrolyte additive, cycling conditions, and water content in the positive electrode on Fe dissolution were studied. There was no significant correlation between Fe dissolution and capacity fade found. Furthermore, we proposed that gas generation concomitant with Fe dissolution might be due to the reduction of the organic species coordinating Fe2+ when they reach the negative electrode. Localized regions of increased Fe loading on the anode surface were found, which corresponded to regions with slight non-uniformities in stack pressure or current density. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of μXRF in quantifying transition metal (TM) dissolution in Li-ion cells without any sample treatments that might mask valuable information such as element spatial distribution.
Maternal hypercortisolemia alters placental metabolism: a multiomics view
Authors: Joseph Serene , Walejko Jacquelyn M. , Zhang Sicong , Edison Arthur S. , Keller-Wood Maureen
Published: September 2020

Previous studies have suggested that increases in maternal cortisol or maternal stress in late pregnancy increase the risk of stillbirth at term. In an ovine model with increased maternal cortisol over the last 0.20 of gestation, we have previously found evidence of disruption of fetal serum and cardiac metabolomics and altered expression of genes related to mitochondrial function and metabolism in biceps femoris, diaphragm, and cardiac muscle. The present studies were designed to test for effects of chronically increased maternal cortisol on gene expression and metabolomics in placentomes near term. We hypothesized that changes in placenta might underlie or contribute to the alterations in fetal serum metabolomics and thereby contribute to changes in striated muscle metabolism. Placentomes were collected from pregnancies in early labor (143 ± 1 days gestation) of control ewes ( n = 7) or ewes treated with cortisol (1 mg·kg−1·day−1 iv; n = 5) starting at day 115 of gestation. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were performed using an ovine gene expression microarray (Agilent 019921) and HR-MAS NMR, respectively. Multiomic analysis indicates that amino acid metabolism, particularly of branched-chain amino acids and glutamate, occur in placenta; changes in amino acid metabolism, degradation, or biosynthesis in placenta were consistent with changes in valine, isoleucine, leucine, and glycine in fetal serum. The analysis also indicates changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism and suggests changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress and antioxidant status in the placenta. These findings suggest that changes in placental function occurring with excess maternal cortisol in late gestation may contribute to metabolic dysfunction at birth.
Genetic background influences the impact of KLOTHO deficiency
Authors: Salloum Jawad S. , Garsetti Diane E. , Rogers Melissa B.
Published: September 2020

Genetic background is a key but sometimes overlooked factor that profoundly impacts disease susceptibility and presentation in both humans and disease models. Here we show that deficiency of KLOTHO protein, an important renal regulator of mineral homeostasis and a cofactor for FGF23, causes different phenotypes in 129S1/SvlmJ (129) and C57BL/6J (B6) mouse strains. The 129 strain is more severely affected, with decreased longevity, decreased body weight, and increased amounts of kidney calcification compared with B6 mice. Reciprocal F1 crosses of the strains also indicate a parentage effect on the Klotho phenotype with F1 KLOTHO-deficient progeny of B6 mothers and 129 fathers having more kidney calcification than progeny of 129 mothers and B6 fathers. Comparing and contrasting the genetic architecture leading to different phenotypes associated with specific inbred mouse strains may reveal previously unrecognized and important metabolic interactions affecting chronic kidney disease.
Dynamic Combined-Mode Traffic Network Model considering Transfer Behaviors
Authors: Li ShuGuang , Zhou QingHua
Published: September 2020

We propose a dynamic combined-mode traffic network model considering transfer behaviors. We assume that travelers can be classified into two classes: one class is pure-mode travelers who complete a trip by single transportation mode, and another is combined-mode travelers who cover a journey by car, bus, and so forth. The multimode point queue model is used to model the interaction of cars and buses on the network. We present an integrated variational inequality formulation to capture the complex traveler choice behaviors such as departure time choices, transfer point, and route choices. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed heuristic algorithm and model.
Myocardial Scar on Surface ECG: Selvester Score, but Not Fragmentation, Predicts Response to CRT
Authors: Nesti Martina , Perini Alessandro Paoletti , Bani Rossella , Cartei Stella , Checchi Luca , Ricciardi Giuseppe , Pieragnoli Paolo , Michelotti Federica , Mascioli Giosuè , Cavarretta Elena , Sciarra Luigi
Published: September 2020

Purpose. Myocardial scar is directly related to the response to CRT after implantation. The extent of myocardial scar can be detected not only by cardiac magnetic resonance but also by two electrocardiographic scores: fragmented QRS (fQRS) and Selvester score (SSc). The aim of our study is to compare the role of baseline SSc and fQRS in predicting response to CRT in a cohort of heart failure patients with true left bundle branch block (LBBB). As a secondary endpoint, we assessed the association of both scores with overall and cardiac mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, ventricular arrhythmias requiring ICD intervention, and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). Methods. We evaluated fQRS and SSc of 178 consecutive HF patients with severe systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 35%), NYHA class II-III despite optimal medical treatment, and true-LBBB. Response to CRT was defined as the improvement of LVEF of at least 10% or as the reduction of LVESV of at least 15% at a 6-month follow-up. Each endpoint was related to fQRS and SSc. Results. SSc ≥7 was significantly associated with the absence of echocardiographic response to CRT (OR: 0.327; 95% C.I. 0.155–0.689;

p
=
0.003

), while the presence of fQRS at baseline ECG was not (OR: 1.133; 95% C.I. 0.539–2.381;

p
=
0.742

). No correlation was found between SSc and overall mortality, cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmias, hospitalizations due to heart failure, or for MACE. Similar results were observed between fQRS and all secondary endpoints. Conclusion. In HF patients with true-LBBB and LVEF ≤35% eligible for CRT, myocardial scar assessed by calculating the SSc on preimplant ECG is an independent predictor of nonresponse after multiple adjustments. Neither SSc nor fQRS is associated with overall and cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmias, or hospitalization for heart failure at a 24-month follow-up.
The Effect of Sex Differences on Endothelial Function and Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Ren Zi , Guo Jiayi , Xiao Xingxing , Huang Jiana , Li Manchao , Cai Ruibin , Zeng Haitao
Published: September 2020

Background. Men have a higher risk and earlier onset of cardiovascular diseases compared with premenopausal women. Hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of ischemic heart disease. Endothelial dysfunction is related to the development of ischemic heart disease. Whether sex differences will affect the circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial function in hypertriglyceridemia patients or not is not clear. Methods. Forty premenopausal women and forty age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched men without cardiovascular and metabolic disease were recruited and then divided into four groups: normotriglyceridemic women (women with serum triglycerides level <150 mg/dl), hypertriglyceridemic women (women with serum triglycerides level ≥150 mg/dl), normotriglyceridemic men (men with serum triglycerides level <150 mg/dl), and hypertriglyceridemic men (men with serum triglycerides level ≥150 mg/dl). Peripheral blood was obtained and evaluated. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), the number and activity of circulating EPCs, and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in plasma and culture medium were measured. Results. The number and activity of circulating EPCs, as well as the level of NO in plasma or culture medium, were remarkably increased in premenopausal females compared with those in males both in the hypertriglyceridemic group and the normotriglyceridemic group. The EPC counts and activity, as well as the production of NO, were restored in hypertriglyceridemic premenopausal women compared with those in normal women. However, in hypertriglyceridemic men, the EPC counts and activity, as well as levels of NO, were significantly reduced. The values of VEGF and GM-CSF were without statistical change. Conclusions. The present study firstly demonstrated that there were sex differences in the number and activity of circulating EPCs in hyperglyceridemia patients. Hypertriglyceridemic premenopausal women displayed restored endothelial functions, with elevated NO production, probably mediated by estradiol. We provided a new insight to explore the clinical biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for hypertriglyceridemia-related vascular damage.
A Physarum-Inspired Decision-Making Strategy for Multisource Task Searching of Mobile Robots
Authors: Jiang Laihao , Mo Hongwei , Xu Lifang
Published: September 2020

In the real world, there are many different kinds of sources, such as light, sound, and gas, distributed randomly over an area. Source search can be carried out by robotic system in applications. However, for a single robot, the multisource search has been receiving relatively little attention compared to single-source search. For multisource task searching, a single robot has a high travel cost and is easy to trap a source which has been located before. In order to overcome these shortages, two multisource search algorithms inspired by the foraging behavior of Physarum polycephalum are proposed in this paper. First, a Physarum-inspired Strategy (PS) is designed based on the gradient climbing characteristic of Physarum polycephalum during foraging. The PS is simple and effective to let a mobile robot traverse all sources. Then, an extension algorithm named Physarum-inspired Decision-making Strategy (PDS) is proposed based on PS. Therein the synthetical field gradient model is established by introducing decision-making factor to obtain more accurate gradient information estimation. The PDS also introduces an obstacle avoidance model. Various simulation results obtained in the multisource environments show that the performance of PDS is better than other algorithms.
Comprehensive Analysis of a ceRNA Network Identifies lncR‐C3orf35 Associated with Poor Prognosis in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Shi Yi , Ren Jianhua , Zhuang Ze , Zhang Wenhui , Wang Zhe , Liu Yuangao , Li Jinze , Liang Tangzhao , He Ronghan , Wang Kun
Published: September 2020

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone cancer which primarily occurs in children and young adults. Increasing evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that sponge microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs), play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of cancers. The regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA‐mediated ceRNAs in osteosarcoma have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in osteosarcoma based on RNA microarray profiles in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A ceRNA network was constructed utilizing bioinformatic tools. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that lncR‐C3orf35 and HMGB1 were associated with poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Furthermore, results of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that lncR‐C3orf35 may be involved in cellular invasion, the Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway, and immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Further analysis showed that patients with osteosarcoma metastasis expressed higher levels of lncR‐C3orf35 and HMGB1 compared to metastasis‐free patients. Moreover, the metastasis‐free survival rate of the high lncR‐C3orf35/HMGB1 expression group was significantly lower than that of the low expression group. The ESTIMATE algorithm was used to calculate the immune score and stromal scores for each sample. High lncR‐C3orf35 and HMGB1 levels were correlated with low immune scores. ImmuCellAI analysis revealed that a low proportion of macrophage infiltration was associated with high lncR‐C3orf35 and HMGB1 expression. The differential expression of lncR‐C3orf35, miR‐142‐3p, and HMGB1 was further verified by quantitative real‐time PCR. This study indicates that lncR‐C3orf35 could be considered as a novel potential biomarker and therapeutic target of osteosarcoma, which may contribute to a better understanding of ceRNA regulatory mechanisms.