bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological functioning and academic abilities in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Granjon Marine , Rohmer Odile , Doignon-Camus Nadège , Popa-Roch Maria , Pietrement Christine , Gavens Nathalie
Published: April 2021

Background

The involvement of the central nervous system is not rare in rheumatoid diseases. Even though children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may face academic difficulties until adulthood, very few studies have evaluated potential cognitive disorders in these patients. The present research aims to thoroughly investigate the cognitive and neuropsychological functioning of these patients.

Methods

We measured the cognitive profile of JIA patients via their neuropsychological profile, implicit memory and social cognition skills, and estimated their academic performance using reading and mathematics tests. We recruited 21 children with JIA aged 6 to 17 years-old (M = 11.01,SD = 3.30) and 21 healthy children matched in age, gender, academic level (same school class) and socioeconomic status.

Results

Our results showed that the cognitive profile and estimated academic ability of JIA patients are similar to those of their peers. These results support the hypothesis that children with JIA have the same cognitive predispositions to succeed at school as any other pupil.

Conclusion

Comparing our results with the existing literature, we propose complementary hypotheses for further research. Longitudinal studies seem to be necessary to understand the psychosocial and cognitive processes involved in the development of children with JIA.
Exploring fear of COVID-19 and its correlates among older adults in Bangladesh
Authors: Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Ali A. R. M. Mehrab , Akther Farhana , Yadav Uday Narayan , Harris Mark F.
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study was aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among older adults in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2020 among 1032 older Bangladeshi adults aged ≥60 years. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ characteristics and COVID-19 related information. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), where the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with perceived fear of COVID-19.

Results

The mean fear score was 19.4. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.71 to 3.78) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.31, 95% CI: 2.33 to 4.29) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Moreover, older adults who felt themselves isolated from others and whose close friends and family members were diagnosed with COVID-19 were more fearful. However, the participants who received COVID-19 related information from the health workers had a lower level of fear (β: -1.90, 95% CI: − 3.06 to − 0.73).

Conclusions

The presence of overwhelming fear of COVID-19 among the older adults of Bangladesh underlines the psychological needs of these vulnerable groups. Health workers have a key role in addressing these needs and further research is needed to identify the effective strategies for them to use.
Suicide prevention, public health, and the chiropractic profession: a call to action
Authors: Cupler Zachary A. , Daniels Clinton J. , Anderson Derek R. , Anderson Michael T. , Napuli Jason G. , Tritt Megan E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Suicide is a major public health concern that has wide-reaching implications on individuals, families, and society. Efforts to respond to a public health concern as a portal-of-entry provider can reduce morbidity and mortality of patients. The objective of this commentary is a call to action to initiate dialogue regarding suicide prevention and the role the chiropractic profession may play.

Discussion

This public health burden requires doctors of chiropractic to realize current strengths and recognize contemporaneous deficiencies in clinical, research, and policy environments. With this better understanding, only then can the chiropractic profession strive to enhance knowledge and promote clinical acumen to target and mitigate suicide risk to better serve the public.

Conclusion

We implore the profession to transition from bystander to actively engaged in the culture of suicide prevention beholden to all aspects of the biopsychosocial healthcare model. The chiropractic profession’s participation in suicide prevention improves the health and wellness of one’s community while also impacting the broader public health arena.
Effects of different surgical techniques and displacement distances on the soft tissue profile via orthodontic-orthognathic treatment of class II and class III malocclusions
Authors: Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian , Kötter Florian , Peters Florian , Kniha Kristian , Chhatwani Sachin , Danesh Gholamreza , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: April 2021

Background

Orthognathic surgery can be carried out using isolated mandibular or maxillary movement and bimaxillary procedures. In cases of moderate skeletal malocclusion, camouflage treatment by premolar extraction is another treatment option. All these surgical procedures can have a different impact on the soft tissue profile.

Methods

The changes in the soft tissue profile of 187 patients (Class II: 53, Class III: 134) were investigated. The treatment approaches were differentiated as follows: Class II: mandible advancement (MnA), bimaxillary surgery (MxS/MnA), upper extraction (UpEX), or Class III: maxillary advancement (MxA), mandible setback (MnS), bimaxillary surgery (MxA/MnS), and lower extraction (LowEX) as well as the extent of skeletal deviation (moderate Wits appraisal: − 7 mm to 7 mm, pronounced: Wits <− 7 mm, > 7 mm, respectively). This resulted in five groups for Class II treatment and seven groups for Class III treatment.

Results

In the Class II patients, a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between UpEX and moderate MnA was found for facial profile (N′-Prn-Pog’), soft tissue profile (N′-Sn-Pog’), and mentolabial angle (Pog’-B′-Li). In the Class III patients, a statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) occurred between LowEX and moderate MxA for facial profile (N′-Prn-Pog’), soft tissue profile (N′-Sn-Pog’), upper and lower lip distacne to esthetic line (Ls/Li-E-line), and lower lip length (Sto-Gn’). Only isolated significant differences (p < 0.05) were recognized between the moderate surgical Class II and III treatments as well between the pronounced Class III surgeries. No statistical differences were noticed between moderate and pronounced orthognathic surgery.

Conclusions

When surgery is required, the influence of orthognathic surgical techniques on the profile seems to be less significant. However, it must be carefully considered if orthognathic or camouflage treatment should be done in moderate malocclusions as a moderate mandibular advancement in Class II therapy will straighten the soft tissue profile much more by increasing the facial and soft tissue profile angle and reducing the mentolabial angle than camouflage treatment. In contrast, moderate maxillary advancement in Class III therapy led to a significantly more convex facial and soft tissue profile by decreasing distances of the lips to the E-Line as well as the lower lip length.
Identification of key regulators responsible for dysregulated networks in osteoarthritis by large-scale expression analysis
Authors: Shi Song , Wan Fuyin , Zhou Zhenyu , Tao Ran , Lu Yue , Zhou Ming , Liu Fan , Liu Yake
Published: April 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a worldwide musculoskeletal disorder. However, disease-modifying therapies for OA are not available. Here, we aimed to characterize the molecular signatures of OA and to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies to improve the treatment of OA.

Methods

We collected genome-wide transcriptome data performed on 132 OA and 74 normal human cartilage or synovium tissues from 7 independent datasets. Differential gene expression analysis and functional enrichment were performed to identify genes and pathways that were dysregulated in OA. The computational drug repurposing method was used to uncover drugs that could be repurposed to treat OA.

Results

We identified several pathways associated with the development of OA, such as extracellular matrix organization, inflammation, bone development, and ossification. By protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, we prioritized several hub genes, such as JUN, CDKN1A, VEGFA, and FOXO3. Moreover, we repurposed several FDA-approved drugs, such as cardiac glycosides, that could be used in the treatment of OA.

Conclusions

We proposed that the hub genes we identified would play a role in cartilage homeostasis and could be important diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Drugs such as cardiac glycosides provided new possibilities for the treatment of OA.
Correction to: The use of enoxaparin as bridge to therapeutic INR after LVAD implantation
Authors: Shah Zubair , Mastoris Ioannis , Acharya Prakash , Rali Aniket S. , Mohammed Moghni , Sami Farhad , Ranka Sagar , Wagner Savahanna , Zanotti Giorgio , Salerno Christopher T. , Haglund Nicholas A. , Sauer Andrew J. , Ravichandran Ashwin K. , Abicht Travis
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A ZFYVE19 gene mutation associated with neonatal cholestasis and cilia dysfunction: case report with a novel pathogenic variant
Authors: Mandato Claudia , Siano Maria Anna , Nazzaro Lucia , Gelzo Monica , Francalanci Paola , Rizzo Francesca , D’Agostino Ylenia , Morleo Manuela , Brillante Simona , Weisz Alessandro , Franco Brunella , Vajro Pietro
Published: April 2021

Background

ZFYVE19 (Zinc Finger FYVE-Type Containing 19) mutations have most recently been associated to a novel type of high gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), non-syndromic, neonatal-onset intrahepatic chronic cholestasis possibly associated to cilia dysfunction. Herein, we report a new case with further studies of whole exome sequencing (WES) and immunofluorescence in primary cilia of her cultured fibroblasts which confirm the observation.

Results

A now 5-year-old girl born to clinically healthy consanguineous Moroccan parents was assessed at 59 days of life due to severe cholestatic jaundice with increased serum bile acids and GGT, and preserved hepatocellular synthetic function. Despite fibrosis/cirrhosis and biliary ducts proliferation on liver biopsy suggested an extrahepatic biliary obstacle, normal intra-operatory cholangiography excluded biliary atresia. Under choleretic treatment, she maintained a clinically stable anicteric cholestasis but developped hyperlipidemia. After exclusion of the main causes of cholestasis by multiple tests, abnormal concentrations of sterols and WES led to a diagnosis of hereditary sitosterolemia (OMIM #618666), likely unrelated to her cholestasis. Further sequencing investigation revealed a homozygous non-sense mutation (p.Arg223Ter) in ZFYVE19 leading to a 222 aa truncated protein and present in both heterozygous parents. Immunofluorescence analysis of primary cilia on cultured skin fibroblasts showed a ciliary phenotype mainly defined by fragmented cilia and centrioles abnormalities.

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with and expands the recent evidence linking ZFYVE19 to a novel, likely non-syndromic, high GGT-PFIC phenotype with neonatal onset. Due to the possible role of ZFYVE19 in cilia function and the unprecedented coexistence of a coincidental hereditary sterol disorder in our case, continuous monitoring will be necessary to substantiate type of liver disease progression and/or possible emergence of a multisystemic involvement. What mentioned above confirms that the application of WES in children with undiagnosed cholestasis may lead to the identification of new causative genes, widening the knowledge on the pathophysiology.
AIF3 splicing switch triggers neurodegeneration
Authors: Liu Shuiqiao , Zhou Mi , Ruan Zhi , Wang Yanan , Chang Calvin , Sasaki Masayuki , Rajaram Veena , Lemoff Andrew , Nambiar Kalyani , Wang Jennifer E. , Hatanpaa Kimmo J. , Luo Weibo , Dawson Ted M. , Dawson Valina L. , Wang Yingfei
Published: April 2021

Background

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), as a mitochondrial flavoprotein, plays a fundamental role in mitochondrial bioenergetics that is critical for cell survival and also mediates caspase-independent cell death once it is released from mitochondria and translocated to the nucleus under ischemic stroke or neurodegenerative diseases. Although alternative splicing regulation of AIF has been implicated, it remains unknown which AIF splicing isoform will be induced under pathological conditions and how it impacts mitochondrial functions and neurodegeneration in adult brain.

Methods

AIF splicing induction in brain was determined by multiple approaches including 5′ RACE, Sanger sequencing, splicing-specific PCR assay and bottom-up proteomic analysis. The role of AIF splicing in mitochondria and neurodegeneration was determined by its biochemical properties, cell death analysis, morphological and functional alterations and animal behavior. Three animal models, including loss-of-function harlequin model, gain-of-function AIF3 knockin model and conditional inducible AIF splicing model established using either Cre-loxp recombination or CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, were applied to explore underlying mechanisms of AIF splicing-induced neurodegeneration.

Results

We identified a nature splicing AIF isoform lacking exons 2 and 3 named as AIF3. AIF3 was undetectable under physiological conditions but its expression was increased in mouse and human postmortem brain after stroke. AIF3 splicing in mouse brain caused enlarged ventricles and severe neurodegeneration in the forebrain regions. These AIF3 splicing mice died 2–4 months after birth. AIF3 splicing-triggered neurodegeneration involves both mitochondrial dysfunction and AIF3 nuclear translocation. We showed that AIF3 inhibited NADH oxidase activity, ATP production, oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, expression of AIF3 significantly increased chromatin condensation and nuclear shrinkage leading to neuronal cell death. However, loss-of-AIF alone in harlequin or gain-of-AIF3 alone in AIF3 knockin mice did not cause robust neurodegeneration as that observed in AIF3 splicing mice.

Conclusions

We identified AIF3 as a disease-inducible isoform and established AIF3 splicing mouse model. The molecular mechanism underlying AIF3 splicing-induced neurodegeneration involves mitochondrial dysfunction and AIF3 nuclear translocation resulting from the synergistic effect of loss-of-AIF and gain-of-AIF3. Our study provides a valuable tool to understand the role of AIF3 splicing in brain and a potential therapeutic target to prevent/delay the progress of neurodegenerative diseases.
Knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors of health professionals towards podoconiosis in Gamo zone, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Churko Chuchu , Asnakew Asfaw Mekuria , Tunje Abayneh , Girma Eyayou , Zerdo Zerihun
Published: April 2021

Background

Podoconiosis is entirely preventable, non‐communicable disease with high potential of elimination. The prevalence of podoconiosis in Ethiopia was 7.45%. One of the pillars for elimination of podoconiosis is morbidity control and management. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices and associated factors of health professionals towards podoconiosis cause, prevention and treatments.

Methods

Facility based cross‐sectional study was conducted. The source population was all health professionals currently working in public health facilities. The final estimated sample size was 349. A pretested self‐administrated structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were coded, entered, and cleaned by using Epi.info version7, and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.

Result

A total of 320 health professionals participated in the study. Sixty eight (23.1%) health professionals had poor knowledge towards podoconiosis. Seventy (21.9%) identified podoconiosis as infectious disease. Profession, address of health facility, service year and attitude of participants were significantly associated with knowledge towards podoconiosis. More than half (56%) had favorable attitude towards podoconiosis patients. Knowledge score (95%CI: 1.389, 4.059, p‐value = 0.002) was the independent predictor for attitude status. Very few (11.6%) respondents treated podoconiosis patients. Age group 45 years old and above and training on lymphedema morbidity management and disability prevention were significantly associated with clinical experience in treating affected patients, (AOR = 17.345; 95%CI: 4.62, 65.119) and (AOR = 7.385; 95%CI: 2.5, 21.797), respectively.

Conclusion

Despite, high percent of good knowledge of health professionals towards podoconiosis, clinical experience of health professionals in treating podoconiosis patients was very low. In‐service trainings will be given for health professionals to improve treatment. In podoconiosis endemic districts hygiene supplies and other referencing materials should be made available for podoconiosis case management.
Conducting clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic—a collaborative trial network response
Authors:   on behalf of the Australasian Kidney Trials Network, Robison Laura , Cho Yeoungjee , Viecelli Andrea K. , Johnson David W. , Hawley Carmel M. , Valks Andrea , Paul-Brent Peta-Anne , Stastny Ruth , Varghese Julie , Kiriwandeniya Charani , Pascoe Elaine M. , Vergara Liza A. , Fahim Magid A. , Boudville Neil , Krishnasamy Rathika , Reidlinger Donna
Published: April 2021

The unprecedented demand placed on healthcare systems from the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reassessment of clinical trial conduct and feasibility. Consequently, the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN), an established collaborative research group known for conducting investigator-initiated global clinical trials, had to efficiently respond and adapt to the changing landscape during COVID-19. Key priorities included ensuring patient and staff safety, trial integrity and network sustainability for the kidney care community. New resources have been developed to enable a structured review and contingency plan of trial activities during the pandemic and beyond.
Efficiency of atorvastatin on in-hospital mortality of patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD): study protocol for a randomized, open-label, superiority clinical trial
Authors: Chen Yequn , Xiong Nianling , Wang Xin , Wu Shiwan , Hong Liangli , Huang Xiru , Chen Chang , Li Weiping , Wang Bin , Ye Shu , Tan Xuerui
Published: April 2021

Background

Dyslipidemia and local inflammation at sites of lipid deposition on blood vessel walls have been demonstrated to be risk factors for patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Statins have anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, which suggest that statins may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of AAD. Some retrospective studies show that statins can protect patients with aortic dissection. However, the effect of statins on the survival of AAD patients has been scarcely investigated, especially in randomized trials. In this study, we will perform a randomized clinical trial to understand whether statins can reduce in-hospital mortality of AAD patients.

Methods

A total of 384 subjects diagnosed with AAD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College will be recruited. Participants will be randomly divided into an atorvastatin-treated or control group. The primary outcome will be the in-hospital mortality at 30 days.

Discussion

This study is designed to verify the efficacy of atorvastatin on reducing in-hospital mortality of patients with AAD. The aim is to provide a new means of improving survival as a complement to conventional drug therapy.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR1900023515. Registered on 1 June 2019.
Retraction Note: Exosomes from glioma cells induce a tumor-like phenotype in mesenchymal stem cells by activating glycolysis
Authors: Ma Zhanjun , Cui Xue , Lu Li , Chen Guohu , Yang Yang , Hu Yan , Lu Yubao , Cao Zhangqi , Wang Yan , Wang Xuexi
Published: April 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-019-1149-5.
Evaluation using latent class models of the diagnostic performances of three ELISA tests commercialized for the serological diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection in domestic ruminants
Authors: Lurier Thibaut , Rousset Elodie , Gasqui Patrick , Sala Carole , Claustre Clément , Abrial David , Dufour Philippe , de Crémoux Renée , Gache Kristel , Delignette-Muller Marie Laure , Ayral Florence , Jourdain Elsa
Published: April 2021

ELISA methods are the diagnostic tools recommended for the serological diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection in ruminants but their respective diagnostic performances are difficult to assess because of the absence of a gold standard. This study focused on three commercial ELISA tests with the following objectives (1) assess their sensitivity and specificity in sheep, goats and cattle, (2) assess the between- and within-herd seroprevalence distribution in these species, accounting for diagnostic errors, and (3) estimate optimal sample sizes considering sensitivity and specificity at herd level. We comparatively tested 1413 cattle, 1474 goat and 1432 sheep serum samples collected in France. We analyzed the cross-classified test results with a hierarchical zero-inflated beta-binomial latent class model considering each herd as a population and conditional dependence as a fixed effect. Potential biases and coverage probabilities of the model were assessed by simulation. Conditional dependence for truly seropositive animals was high in all species for two of the three ELISA methods. Specificity estimates were high, ranging from 94.8% [92.1; 97.8] to 99.2% [98.5; 99.7], whereas sensitivity estimates were generally low, ranging from 39.3 [30.7; 47.0] to 90.5% [83.3; 93.8]. Between- and within-herd seroprevalence estimates varied greatly among geographic areas and herds. Overall, goats showed higher within-herd seroprevalence levels than sheep and cattle. The optimal sample size maximizing both herd sensitivity and herd specificity varied from 3 to at least 20 animals depending on the test and ruminant species. This study provides better interpretation of three widely used commercial ELISA tests and will make it possible to optimize their implementation in future studies. The methodology developed may likewise be applied to other human or animal diseases.
Mapping evidence on ovarian, endometrial, vaginal, and vulva cancer research in Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ninimiya Sebastian Yidana , Ansu-Mensah Monica , Bawontuo Vitalis , Kuupiel Desmond
Published: April 2021

Background

Globally, cancer is generally recognized as a developmental threat yet most countries in Africa lack capacity to diagnose cancer especially gynecological cancers resulting in late detection and poor outcomes. However, most studies on gynecological cancers in Africa tend to focus on cervical cancer compared to the other gynecological cancers. Therefore, this scoping review will aim to describe the existing literature on the epidemiological burden of ovarian, endometrial, vaginal, and vulva cancers, their risk factors, and potential screening methods/techniques in Africa to identify priority research gaps for further research to inform health policy decisions.

Methods

The framework promulgated by Arksey and O’Malley and improved by Levac et al. will be used as a guide for this scoping review. A comprehensive search for relevant published studies in PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect with no date limitation to the last search date. The database search strategy will include keywords, Boolean operators, and medical subject heading terms. We will additionally consult the WHO/IARC website, IHME/Global Burden of Disease Study. A snowball approach will also be used to search the reference list of all included studies to obtain relevant papers for possible inclusion in this review. We will include articles that involve African countries, focused on ovarian, endometrial, vaginal, and vulva cancers, their risk factors, and potential screening methods/techniques in any language. We will exclude studies on cervical cancer and other cancers as well as review articles. The abstracts and full-text selection will be conducted by two independent reviewers using this review’s eligibility criteria as a guide. All the review selection tools, and the data extraction form will be pilot tested for accuracy and consistency. The data will be organized into thematic areas, summarized and the results communicated narratively.

Discussion

It is anticipated that this review will reveal important literature gaps to guide future research to inform health policy decisions about ovarian, endometrial, and rare gynecological neoplasms in Africa. This review’s findings will be disseminated via peer review journals, conferences, and other social media such Twitter and LinkedIn.
Human alpha-synuclein overexpressing MBP29 mice mimic functional and structural hallmarks of the cerebellar subtype of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Mészáros Lisa , Riemenschneider Markus J. , Gassner Heiko , Marxreiter Franz , von Hörsten Stephan , Hoffmann Alana , Winkler Jürgen
Published: April 2021

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, but fatal atypical parkinsonian disorder. The prototypical pathological hallmark are oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing alpha-synuclein (α-syn). Currently, two MSA phenotypes are classified: the parkinsonian (MSA-P) and the cerebellar subtype (MSA-C), clinically characterized by predominant parkinsonism or cerebellar ataxia, respectively. Previous studies have shown that the transgenic MSA mouse model overexpressing human α-syn controlled by the oligodendroglial myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter (MBP29-hα-syn mice) mirrors crucial characteristics of the MSA-P subtype. However, it remains elusive, whether this model recapitulates important features of the MSA-C-related phenotype. First, we examined MSA-C-associated cerebellar pathology using human post-mortem tissue of MSA-C patients and controls. We observed the prototypical GCI pathology and a preserved number of oligodendrocytes in the cerebellar white matter (cbw) accompanied by severe myelin deficit, microgliosis, and a profound loss of Purkinje cells. Secondly, we phenotypically characterized MBP29-hα-syn mice using a dual approach: structural analysis of the hindbrain and functional assessment of gait. Matching the neuropathological features of MSA-C, GCI pathology within the cbw of MBP29-hα-syn mice was accompanied by a severe myelin deficit despite an increased number of oligodendrocytes and a high number of myeloid cells even at an early disease stage. Intriguingly, MBP29-hα-syn mice developed a significant loss of Purkinje cells at a more advanced disease stage. Catwalk XT gait analysis revealed decreased walking speed, increased stride length and width between hind paws. In addition, less dual diagonal support was observed toward more dual lateral and three paw support. Taken together, this wide-based and unsteady gait reflects cerebellar ataxia presumably linked to the cerebellar pathology in MBP29-hα-syn mice. In conclusion, the present study strongly supports the notion that the MBP29-hα-syn mouse model mimics important characteristics of the MSA-C subtype providing a powerful preclinical tool for evaluating future interventional strategies.
Spatial scale of geomagnetic Pc5/Pi3 pulsations as a factor of their efficiency in generation of geomagnetically induced currents
Authors: Yagova Nadezda V , Pilipenko Vyacheslav A , Sakharov Yaroslav A , Selivanov Vasily N
Published: April 2021

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in a quasi-meridional power transmission line on the Kola Peninsula are analyzed during the intervals of Pc5/Pi3 (frequency range from 1.5 to 5 mHz) pulsations recorded at the IMAGE magnetometer network. We have analyzed GIC in a transformer at the terminal station Vykhodnoy ($$68^{\circ }$$68∘ N,$$33^{\circ }$$33∘ E) during the entire year of 2015, near the maximum of the 24th Solar cycle. To quantify the efficiency of GIC generation by geomagnetic pulsations, a ratio between power spectral densities of GIC and magnetic field variations is introduced. Upon examination of the geomagnetic pulsation efficiency in GIC generation, the emphasis is given to its dependence on frequency and spatial scale. To estimate pulsation spatial scales in latitudinal and longitudinal directions, the triangle of stations KEV-SOD-KIL has been used. Large-scale pulsations (with a high spectral coherence, low phase difference, and similar amplitudes at latitudinally separated stations) are found to be more effective in GIC generation than small-scale pulsations. The GIC response also depends on the pulsation scale across the electric power line.
Evaluation of earth system model and atmospheric inversion using total column CO2 observations from GOSAT and OCO-2
Authors: Patra Prabir K. , Hajima Tomohiro , Saito Ryu , Chandra Naveen , Yoshida Yukio , Ichii Kazuhito , Kawamiya Michio , Kondo Masayuki , Ito Akihiko , Crisp David
Published: April 2021

The measurements of one of the major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), are being made using dedicated satellite remote sensing since the launch of the greenhouse gases observing satellite (GOSAT) by a three-way partnership between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2). In the past 10 years, estimation of CO2 fluxes from land and ocean using the earth system models (ESMs) and inverse modelling of in situ atmospheric CO2 data have also made significant progress. We attempt, for the first time, to evaluate the CO2 fluxes simulated by an earth system model (MIROC-ES2L) and the fluxes estimated by an inverse model (MIROC4-Inv) using in situ data by comparing with GOSAT and OCO-2 observations. Both MIROC-ES2L and MIROC4-Inv fluxes are used in the MIROC4-atmospheric chemistry transport model (referred to as ACTM_ES2LF and ACTM_InvF, respectively) for calculating total column CO2 mole fraction (XCO2) that are sampled at the time and location of the satellite measurements. Both the ACTM simulations agreed well with the GOSAT and OCO-2 satellite observations, within 2 ppm for the spatial maps and time evolutions of the zonal mean distributions. Our results suggest that the inverse model using in situ data is more consistent with the OCO-2 retrievals, compared with those of the GOSAT XCO2 data due to the higher accuracy of the former. This suggests that the MIROC4-Inv fluxes are of sufficient quality to evaluate MIROC-ES2L simulated fluxes. The ACTM_ES2LF simulation shows a slightly weaker seasonal cycle for the meridional profiles of CO2 fluxes, compared with that from the ACTM_InvF. This difference is revealed by greater XCO2 differences for ACTM_ES2LF vs GOSAT, compared with those of ACTM_InvF vs GOSAT. Using remote sensing–based global products of leaf area index (LAI) and gross primary productivity (GPP) over land, we show a weaker sensitivity of MIROC-ES2L biospheric activities to the weather and climate in the tropical regions. Our results clearly suggest the usefulness of XCO2 measurements by satellite remote sensing for evaluation of large-scale ESMs, which so far remained untested by the sparse in situ data.
Analysis of cognitive skill in a water discharge activity for firefighting robots
Authors: Tamura Yoshihiro , Amano Hisanori , Ota Jun
Published: April 2021

Teleoperated robots are expected to perform tasks in unexpected disaster sites, which have become increasingly common in recent years. However, only few teleoperated robots are used for such purposes owing to their poor usability compared to the handling of such tasks by humans. Further, human-machine interfaces (HMI) used in teleoperated robots are closely related to human skills. Firefighting activities require cognitive skill to make appropriate decisions. In extinguishing a fire or attenuating a leaked combustible gas, firefighting activities consist of two tasks: reconnaissance and water discharge to stop the fire or attenuate the leaked combustible gas, and these tasks possess different properties. In this study, we compared the cognitive skill of ten firefighters (five novices and five experts) in attenuating the leaked combustible gas, the latter of the said two tasks, using a teleoperated robot at a fire department. The experimental results indicated that experts were more multifaceted in their evaluation of the attenuation of combustible gas as compared to novices. In addition, as this result related to firefighter decision-making mechanisms, we were motivated to improve the HMI of firefighting teleoperated robots.
Preparation of the polyester/cotton composite yarn with alternating segmented structure and interval color via a promising physical spinning approach
Authors: Wei Wei , Tang Qinglun , Tang Hengxing , Chen Jun , Yan Kun , Wang Dong
Published: April 2021

Herein, a novel kind of composite yarn with alternating segmented structure and interval color has been prepared based on a ring spinning approach. By adjusting the relative motion and blend ratio of the colored polyester filament and natural cotton staple fiber in yarn spinning process, a series of composite yarns were designed and prepared with various segmented structure and cyclical change of the distinct colors. The blend ratio was found to strongly influence on the segment frequency and yarn performance, achieving an improved mechanical property and yarn performance. A color systematic analysis indicated that the combination of alternating structural change induced interval color sense and gradient at the merged regions would lead to an enhanced stereoscopic visual effect of the composite yarns. Moreover, the composite yarns were confirmed to have an excellent weavability and able to endow different patterns and visual effects to the textiles. Thus, considering of the above advantages and multifunctionalities, this work should spur great possibilities for dyeing industry with the promising physical spinning method.
Cooperation & Liaison between Universities & Editors (CLUE): recommendations on best practice
Authors:   on behalf of the CLUE Working Group, Wager Elizabeth , Kleinert Sabine
Published: April 2021

Background

Inaccurate, false or incomplete research publications may mislead readers including researchers and decision-makers. It is therefore important that such problems are identified and rectified promptly. This usually involves collaboration between the research institutions and academic journals involved, but these interactions can be problematic.

Methods

These recommendations were developed following discussions at World Conferences on Research Integrity in 2013 and 2017, and at a specially convened 3-day workshop in 2016 involving participants from 7 countries with expertise in publication ethics and research integrity. The recommendations aim to address issues surrounding cooperation and liaison between institutions (e.g. universities) and journals about possible and actual problems with the integrity of reported research arising before and after publication.

Results

The main recommendations are that research institutions should:

develop mechanisms for assessing the integrity of reported research (if concerns are raised) that are distinct from processes to determine whether individual researchers have committed misconduct;

release relevant sections of reports of research integrity or misconduct investigations to all journals that have published research that was investigated;

take responsibility for research performed under their auspices regardless of whether the researcher still works at that institution or how long ago the work was done;

work with funders to ensure essential research data is retained for at least 10 years.

Journals should:

respond to institutions about research integrity cases in a timely manner;

have criteria for determining whether, and what type of, information and evidence relating to the integrity of research reports should be passed on to institutions;

pass on research integrity concerns to institutions, regardless of whether they intend to accept the work for publication;

retain peer review records for at least 10 years to enable the investigation of peer review manipulation or other inappropriate behaviour by authors or reviewers.

Conclusions

Various difficulties can prevent effective cooperation between academic journals and research institutions about research integrity concerns and hinder the correction of the research record if problems are discovered. While the issues and their solutions may vary across different settings, we encourage research institutions, journals and funders to consider how they might improve future collaboration and cooperation on research integrity cases.
Why are the batteries in the microwave?: Use of semantic information under uncertainty in a search task
Authors: Rehrig Gwendolyn L. , Cheng Michelle , McMahan Brian C. , Shome Rahul
Published: April 2021

A major problem in human cognition is to understand how newly acquired information and long-standing beliefs about the environment combine to make decisions and plan behaviors. Over-dependence on long-standing beliefs may be a significant source of suboptimal decision-making in unusual circumstances. While the contribution of long-standing beliefs about the environment to search in real-world scenes is well-studied, less is known about how new evidence informs search decisions, and it is unclear whether the two sources of information are used together optimally to guide search. The present study expanded on the literature on semantic guidance in visual search by modeling a Bayesian ideal observer’s use of long-standing semantic beliefs and recent experience in an active search task. The ability to adjust expectations to the task environment was simulated using the Bayesian ideal observer, and subjects’ performance was compared to ideal observers that depended on prior knowledge and recent experience to varying degrees. Target locations were either congruent with scene semantics, incongruent with what would be expected from scene semantics, or random. Half of the subjects were able to learn to search for the target in incongruent locations over repeated experimental sessions when it was optimal to do so. These results suggest that searchers can learn to prioritize recent experience over knowledge of scenes in a near-optimal fashion when it is beneficial to do so, as long as the evidence from recent experience was learnable.
Improved X-ray baggage screening sensitivity with ‘targetless’ search training
Authors: Muhl-Richardson Alex , Parker Maximilian G. , Recio Sergio A. , Tortosa-Molina Maria , Daffron Jennifer L. , Davis Greg J.
Published: April 2021

When searching for a known target, mental representations of target features, or templates, guide attention towards matching objects and facilitate recognition. When only distractor features are known, distractor templates allow irrelevant objects to be recognised and attention to be shifted away. This is particularly true in X-ray baggage search, a challenging real-world visual search task with implications for public safety, where targets may be unknown, difficult to predict and concealed by an adversary, but distractors are typically benign and easier to identify. In the present study, we draw on basic principles of distractor suppression and rejection to investigate a counterintuitive ‘targetless’ approach to training baggage search. In a simulated X-ray baggage search task, we observed significant benefits to target detection sensitivity (d′) for targetless relative to target-based training, but no effects of performance-contingent rewards or the inclusion of superordinate semantic categories during training. The benefits of targetless search training were most apparent for stimuli involving less spatial overlap (occlusion), which likely represents the difficulty and greater individual variation involved in searching more visually complex images. Together, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of a counterintuitive targetless approach to training target detection in X-ray baggage search, based on basic principles of distractor suppression and rejection, with potential for use as a real-world training tool.
Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete deep beam with large opening
Authors: Ismail Elsayed , Issa Mohamed S. , Elbadry Khaled
Published: April 2021

Background

A series of nonlinear finite element (FE) analyses was performed to evaluate the different design approaches available in the literature for design of reinforced concrete deep beam with large opening. Three finite element models were developed and analyzed using the computer software ATENA. The three FE models of the deep beams were made for details based on three different design approaches: (Kong, F.K. and Sharp, G.R., Magazine of Concrete Res_30:89-95, 1978), (Mansur, M. A., Design of reinforced concrete beams with web openings, 2006), and Strut and Tie method (STM) as per ACI 318-14 (ACI318 Committee, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI318-14), 2014). Results from the FE analyses were compared with the three approaches to evaluate the effect of different reinforcement details on the structural behavior of transfer deep beam with large opening.

Results

The service load deflection is the same for the three models. The stiffnesses of the designs of (Mansur, M. A., Design of reinforced concrete beams with web openings, 2006) and STM reduce at a load higher than the ultimate design load while the (Kong, F.K. and Sharp, G.R., Magazine of Concrete Res_30:89-95, 1978) reduces stiffness at a load close to the ultimate design load. The deep beam designed according to (Mansur, M. A., Design of reinforced concrete beams with web openings, 2006) model starts cracking at load higher than the beam designed according to (Kong, F.K. and Sharp, G.R., Magazine of Concrete Res_30:89-95, 1978) method. The deep beam detailed according to (Kong, F.K. and Sharp, G.R., Magazine of Concrete Res_30:89-95, 1978) and (Mansur, M. A., Design of reinforced concrete beams with web openings, 2006) failed due to extensive shear cracks. The specimen detailed according to STM restores its capacity after initial failure. The three models satisfy the deflection limit.

Conclusion

It is found that the three design approaches give sufficient ultimate load capacity. The amount of reinforcement given by both (Mansur, M. A., Design of reinforced concrete beams with web openings, 2006) and (Kong, F.K. and Sharp, G.R., Magazine of Concrete Res_30:89-95, 1978) is the same. The reinforcement used by the STM method is higher than the other two methods. Additional reinforcement is needed to limit the crack widths. (Mansur, M. A., Design of reinforced concrete beams with web openings, (2006)) method gives lesser steel reinforcement requirement and higher failure load compared to the other two methods.
Evaluation of physicochemical stability and degradation kinetics of bedaquiline in hydrolytic solutions of different pH
Authors: Rajput S. J. , Vanavi P. J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Tuberculosis is an infection that has high mortality rate in human as well as in animals if it remains unattained for long time. Scientists are always desirous to discover new molecules against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; one of them is bedaquiline which was recently approved to treat multidrug resistance TB. During the clinical study of new molecule stability and impurity are the key aspects to develop formulation. Stability issues in bulk drug are dangerous to drug safety and needs careful attention in formulation development. Bedaquiline stability study was completed with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and utilized in degradation kinetic study of bedaquiline in aqueous condition under different pH, temperature, and concentrations of degradant.

Results

Linearity was obtained in 50.0-250.0μg/ml, correlation coefficient, and regression line equation were 0.998 and Y=18528x + 7E+06 respectively. Intraday, inter day precision, and repeatability RSD were less than 2.0%. Average recovery in accuracy study was more than 98.0% showed that good recovery was obtained. Degradation kinetics parameters like activation energy (Ea), half-life (t50), rate constant (k), and shelf life (t90) were calculated under different condition for bedaquiline. Entropy and enthalpy of reaction was studied to gather knowledge about energy of system.

Conclusion

The result explained that bedaquiline degradation was pH-dependant, as increase in concentration of degradant and temperature, there was increase in degradation rate of bedaquiline. Bedaquiline was stable in neutral aqueous condition and at lower temperatures, shows that drug is hydrophobic in nature. Kinetic data showed that bedaquiline followed first order kinetics in acidic and alkaline pH.
Electronic Geriatric Assessment: Is It Feasible in a Multi-Institutional Study That Included a Notable Proportion of Older African American Patients? (Alliance A171603)
Authors: Guerard Emily , Dodge Andrew B. , Le-Rademacher Jennifer G. , Kemeny M. Margaret , Ojelabi Michael , Sedrak Mina S. , Hopkins Judith , Shahrokni Armin , Harlos Elizabeth , Muss Hyman , Cohen Harvey Jay , Lafky Jacqueline , Sloan Jeff , Jatoi Aminah , Hurria Arti
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

This study determined whether an electronic version of the geriatric assessment is feasible in a multi-institutional, diverse setting.

METHODs

Ten sites within the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology participated. Patients who had active cancer or a history of cancer and were 65 years of age or older were eligible. The geriatric assessment was completed with an electronic data capture system that had been loaded onto iPads. Feasibility was defined a priori as completion in at least 70% of patients either with or without help. To enhance racial diversity, the original sample size was later changed and augmented by 50% with the intention of increasing enrollment of older minority patients.

RESULTS

A total of one hundred fifty-four patients were registered with a median age of 72 years (range, 65-91 years). Forty-three (28%) identified themselves as African American or Black. One hundred forty-one patients (92%) completed the electronic geriatric assessment. Feasibility was observed across all subgroups, regardless of race, education, performance status, comorbidities, and cognition; 124 patients (81%) completed the geriatric assessment without help. Reasons for not completing the geriatric assessment are as follows: clinic visit did not occur (n = 6), no iPad connection to the Internet (n = 3), patient declined (n = 2), prolonged hospitalization (n = 1), and patient died (n = 1). Reasons for needing help, as reported by study personnel, were as follows: the patient preferred that research personnel ask the questions (n = 9), vision problem (n = 3), lack of comfort with the iPad (n = 2), questions were not clear (n = 1), less proficient in English (n = 1), and challenge in pressing the green button to go to the next question (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

The electronic geriatric assessment is feasible in a multi-institutional setting that includes a notable proportion of African American or Black patients.