bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QTL‐allele system of main stem node number in recombinant inbred lines of soybean (Glycine max) using association versus linkage mapping
Authors: Fahim Abbas Muhammad , Pan Liyuan , Li Chunyan , He Jianbo , Xing Guangnan , Wang Wubin , Zhang Fengkai , Li Ning , Gai Junyi
Published: August 2021

Main stem node number (MSN) as a major plant architectural trait determines the plant canopy and seed yield potential in soybean. To identify the MSN QTL system, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consists of 427 lines derived from the cross of KF‐1 × NN1138–2 was tested at two locations in 2 years showing MSN ranging in 11.9–23.7, from which the MSN QTL system was explored using RTM‐GWAS (restricted two‐stage multi‐locus genome‐wide association study) compared with linkage mapping CIM (composite interval mapping). By RTM‐GWAS, 89 QTLs were detected with a phenotypic contribution of 84.50%, whereas by CIM, 24 QTLs detected, indicating the RTM‐GWAS more powerful than CIM. In the population, the best RIL genotypic value was ~24.5, whereas the predicted extreme potential was as high as 49.0. Of the 89 MSN QTLs, 31 ones overlap with those reported in literature, whereas the rest 58 ones are novel. From the QTLs, 74 candidate genes were annotated and GO‐grouped into six categories of biological processes. RTM‐GWAS is potential in exploration of MSN QTL/Gene system benefiting breeding for ideal canopy.
A double‐edged sword: Positive and negative implications of the dialectical self
Authors: Joo Minjoo , Cross Susan E.
Published: August 2021

The dialectical self is the belief that one's self‐concept is inconsistent and malleable. This study examined the relations of the dialectical self to both personal well‐being and interpersonal relationships, along with hypothesized mediators of these relations: self‐concept control, self‐concept consistency, and self‐insight. A total of 140 participants completed measures of self‐concept and well‐being; in addition, friends of participants provided their assessment of the participant and their relationship. The results revealed that self‐concept control and self‐concept consistency serially mediated the relation between the dialectical self and (low) personal well‐being. In contrast, having a highly dialectical self was positively related to liking by one's friends, and this relation was mediated by self‐insight into one's own negative attributes.
A Pandemic Risk Perception Scale
Authors: Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Potrich Ani Caroline Grigion , Bressan Aureliano Angel , Klein Leander Luiz , Pereira Breno Augusto Diniz , Pinto Nelson Guilherme Machado
Published: August 2021

We propose a Pandemic Risk Perception Scale. Our scale comprises two constructs, Dread Risk and Personal Exposure, divided into five dimensions: Infection Risk, Emotional Health Risk, Health System Risk,Financial Risk, and Alimentary Risk. Using multidimensional item response theory, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling on two samples of respondents, our results show that Alimentary Risk, Health System Risk, and Emotional Health Risk are the main dimensions of risk perception for the COVID‐19 pandemic. Furthermore, Infection Risk has a minor impact on the pandemic's risk perception, suggesting the presence of different dynamics between personal and general risk perceptions for the COVID‐19 pandemic.
In vitro antimicrobial activity of cold atmospheric microwave plasma against bacteria causing canine skin and ear infections
Authors: Jin Hee‐Jung , Hwang Cheol‐Yong , Kang Jung‐Hun , Baek Seung‐Joon , Hyun Jae‐Eun
Published: August 2021

Background

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a new generation medical therapeutic option for bacterial infections. CAP causes physical cell wall rupture and DNA damage, therefore making it highly useful in the treatment of various conditions such as skin infections.

Hypothesis/objectives

The antimicrobial activity of cold atmospheric microwave plasma (CAMP) against major strains in canine skin infections was tested and the difference in antimicrobial activity between the antibiotic‐resistant and antibiotic‐susceptible strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was evaluated.

Methods and materials

American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and clinical isolates identified as methicillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (n = 27) and methicillin‐susceptible S. pseudintermedius (n = 13) were exposed to CAMP for 10 s, 30 s and 60 s. Afterwards, the bacterial survival rate was confirmed.

Results

Gram‐negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) were more susceptible than Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius) for the same duration of CAMP exposure. Only the Gram‐negative bacteria were completely killed after 60 s exposure. In S. pseudintermedius isolates, CAMP exposure had similar antibacterial effects regardless of antibiotic resistance.

Conclusions and clinical importance

CAMP has sufficient antimicrobial activity against major bacterial strains that cause pyoderma and otitis externa in dogs, and may be an alternative therapeutic option for S. pseudintermedius skin infections, for which antibiotics often are ineffective because of antimicrobial resistance in clinical veterinary medicine.
Improvement of transfusion practice and reduction in red blood cell utilization in Belgian hospitals: Results of a national survey and benchmarking
Authors: Vanden Broeck Jana , Beeckman Katrien , Van Gastel Evelyne , De Keersmaecker Luc , Devos Timothy , Gérard Christiane , Noens Lucien , Putzeys Dominique , Van Poucke Karin , Haelterman Margareta , Deneys Véronique , Schots Rik
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

Belgian health authorities launched a national platform in 2011 to improve the quality of transfusion practices and blood use in Belgian hospitals. No data were available about the quality of hospital transfusion practice at the national level.

Materials and Methods

Three consecutive national surveys (2012, 2014 and 2016) were performed in all 111 Belgian hospitals to assess the degree of implementation of standards in four process domains related to red blood cell (RBC) transfusion: general quality aspects, ordering of RBC, electronic traceability and reporting of adverse events. The surveys were part of a methodology based on informing, feedback and benchmarking. Responses to questions were analysed semi‐quantitatively, and hospitals could score 10 points on each of the domains.

Results

The proportion of hospitals scoring below 5 per domain decreased from 16%, 70%, 14% and 11% (2012) to 2%, 17%, 1% and 1% (2016), respectively. Similarly, scores above 7.5 increased from 25%, 1%, 23% and 36% (2012) to 64%, 30%, 68% and 81% (2016), respectively. In 2016, overall quality of transfusion practices, including the four pre‐specified domains, improved continuously with an average total score (max = 40) increasing from 24.2 to 30.5 (p = 0.0005). In addition, there was a decrease in the number of distributed and transfused RBC per 1000 population between 2011 and 2019 from 47.0 to 36.5 and 43.5 to 36.1, respectively.

Conclusion

These data show that the applied methodology was a powerful tool to improve quality of transfusion practices and to optimize utilization of RBC at the national level.
Intraoperative surgeon probe inspection compared to leak testing for detecting gaps in canine jejunal continuous anastomoses: A cadaveric study
Authors: Culbertson Tricia F. , Smeak Daniel D. , Pogue Joanna M. , Vitt Molly A. , Downey Amy C.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the detection of gaps in jejunal continuous anastomoses by probing (PT) versus leak testing (LT).

Study Design

Experimental study.

Animals

Normal jejunal segments (n = 24) from two fresh canine cadavers.

Methods

Intestinal segments were randomly selected by four volunteers who created six simple continuous anastomoses: two constructs using standard technique with 2–3 mm suture spacing (ST, 8 total), and four constructs with one 4‐mm gap (IG, 16 total). All 24 anastomoses were examined with PT (1 volunteer) prior to LT (3 volunteers). LT was performed within a maximal peristaltic pressure range (34–54 cmH2O). The presence and location of anastomotic leaks (LA) detected with LT were compared with gaps detected with PT.

Results

Nineteen out of twenty‐four (79.2%) samples had at least one probe drop, and four out of twenty‐three (17.4%) samples leaked. LT results from one sample were excluded due to iatrogenic suture failure. PT was 100% sensitive (95% CI: 51.01, 100%) with a 100% negative predictive value (95% CI: 56.55, 100%) at detecting gaps compared with LT. The location of all LAwas accurately identified with PT and confirmed during LT.

Conclusion

PT was highly sensitive at detecting gaps compared with LT. All LAwere accurately detected by PT. None of the segments negative during PT leaked.

Clinical Significance

The diagnostic value of PT appears adequate to recognize gaps in cadaveric small intestinal anastomoses. PT offers surgeons an alternative to detect suture gaps that may contribute to postoperative dehiscence of intestinal anastomoses.
Surge Prevention Techniques for a Turbocharged Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid System
Authors: Mantelli L. , Ferrari M. L. , Traverso A.
Published: August 2021

Pressurized solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems are one of the most promising technologies to achieve high energy conversion efficiencies and reduce pollutant emissions. The most common solution for pressurization is the integration with a microgas turbine, a device capable of exploiting the residual energy of the exhaust gas to compress the fuel cell air intake and, at the same time, generating additional electrical power. The focus of this study is on an alternative layout, based on an automotive turbocharger, which has been more recently considered by the research community to improve cost effectiveness at a small size (<100 kW), despite reducing slightly the top achievable performance. Such a turbocharged SOFC system poses two main challenges. On one side, the absence of an electrical generator does not allow direct control of the rotational speed, which is determined by the power balance between turbine and compressor. On the other side, the presence of a large volume between compressor and turbine, due to the fuel cell stack, alters the dynamic behavior of the turbocharger during transients, increasing the risk of compressor surge. The pressure oscillations associated with such event are particularly detrimental for the system because they could easily damage the materials of the fuel cells. This paper aims is to investigate different techniques to drive the operative point of the compressor far from the surge condition when needed, reducing the risks related to transients and increasing its reliability. By means of a system dynamic model, developed using the transeo simulation tool by Thermochemical Power Group (TPG), the effect of different antisurge solutions is simulated: (i) intake air conditioning, (ii) water spray at compressor inlet, (iii) air bleed and recirculation, and (iv) installation of an ejector at the compressor intake. The pressurized fuel cell system is simulated with two different control strategies, i.e., constant fuel mass flow and constant turbine inlet temperature. Different solutions are evaluated based on surge margin behavior, both in the short and long terms, but also monitoring other relevant physical quantities of the system, such as compressor pressure ratio and turbocharger rotational speed.
High frequency hearing impairment and cardiovascular disease in Canada: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Michaud David S. , Marro Leonora , McNamee James P.
Published: August 2021

Noise-induced stress may precipitate cardiovascular diseases. This research assessed the association between sensorineural bilateral high frequency hearing loss (HFHL), as an indication of excessive noise exposure, and cardiovascular outcomes. Participants (n = 6318, ∼50% male) 20–79 years were recruited through the cross-sectional Canadian Health Measures Survey. Questionnaires included several demographic and health-related variables. Audiometry and blood/urine collection took place in a mobile examination centre. Average thresholds ≥25 dB averaged across 3, 4, and 6 kHz defined HFHL. Logistic or linear regression models explored associations between HFHL and cardiovascular-related risk factors/outcomes. Adjusted models indicated elevated diastolic blood pressure in respondents with normal hearing, X¯ = 72.52 (95% confidence interval: 71.85–73.18) compared to the group with bilateral HFHL, X¯ = 70.28 (95%CI: 69.13–71.43), p < 0.05. Average total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A1 were elevated in the normal hearing group (p < 0.05). Insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and average resting heart rate were elevated in the group with bilateral HFHL, p < 0.05. A stratified analysis by sex- and age, or history of loud occupational noise exposure, did not change the overall results. Although some findings warrant further exploration, the overall analysis did not provide compelling evidence for an association between HFHL and cardiovascular-related biomarkers, or cardiovascular diseases among Canadians aged 20–79 years.
Immunophenotyping assessment in a COVID-19 cohort (IMPACC): A prospective longitudinal study
Authors:   IMPACC Manuscript Writing Team,   on behalf of the IMPACC Network Steering Committee, Rouphael Nadine , Maecker Holden , Montgomery Ruth R. , Diray-Arce Joann , Kleinstein Steven H. , Altman Matthew C. , Bosinger Steven E. , Eckalbar Walter , Guan Leying , Hough Catherine L. , Krammer Florian , Langelier Charles , Levy Ofer , McEnaney Kerry , Peters Bjoern , Rahman Adeeb , Rajan Jayant V. , Sigelman Steven , Steen Hanno , van Bakel Harm , Ward Alyssa , Wilson Michael R. , Woodruff Prescott , Zamecnik Colin R. , Augustine Alison D. , Ozonoff Al , Reed Elaine F. , Becker Patrice M. , Higuita Nelson Agudelo , Altman Matthew C. , Atkinson Mark A. , Baden Lindsey R. , Becker Patrice M. , Bime Christian , Brakenridge Scott C. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Cairns Charles B. , Corry David , Davis Mark M. , Augustine Alison D. , Ehrlich Lauren I. R. , Haddad Elias K. , Erle David J. , Fernandez-Sesma Ana , Hafler David A. , Hough Catherine L. , Kheradmand Farrah , Kleinstein Steven H. , Kraft Monica , Levy Ofer , McComsey Grace A. , Melamed Esther , Messer William , Metcalf Jordan , Montgomery Ruth R. , Nadeau Kari C. , Ozonoff Al , Peters Bjoern , Pulendran Bali , Reed Elaine F. , Rouphael Nadine , Sarwal Minnie , Schaenman Joanna , Sekaly Rafick , Shaw Albert C. , Simon Viviana
Published: August 2021

IMPACC is a multicenter longitudinal study assessing clinical and immunologic manifestations of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
Bundibugyo ebolavirus
Survival Is Associated with Early Activation of Adaptive Immunity and Reduced Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Signaling
Authors: Woolsey Courtney , Borisevich Viktoriya , Agans Krystle N. , Fenton Karla A. , Cross Robert W. , Geisbert Thomas W.
Published: August 2021

Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) and Ebola virus (EBOV) are ebolaviruses endemic to Africa that cause severe, often fatal hemorrhagic disease. BDBV is considered a less pathogenic ebolavirus due to its reduced lethality during human outbreaks, as well as in experimentally infected nonhuman primates.
Multifactorial Role of Mitochondria in Echinocandin Tolerance Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis of Drug-Tolerant Cells
Authors: Garcia-Rubio Rocio , Jimenez-Ortigosa Cristina , DeGregorio Lucius , Quinteros Christopher , Shor Erika , Perlin David S.
Published: August 2021

Echinocandin drugs are a first-line therapy to treat invasive candidiasis, which is a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The opportunistic fungal pathogen
Candida glabrata
is a prominent bloodstream fungal pathogen, and it is notable for rapidly developing echinocandin-resistant strains associated with clinical failure.
Ecogenomics and Adaptation Strategies of Southern Ocean Viral Communities
Authors: Alarcón-Schumacher Tomás , Guajardo-Leiva Sergio , Martinez-Garcia Manuel , Díez Beatriz
Published: August 2021

Viruses are the most abundant biologic entities in marine systems and strongly influence the microbial community composition and diversity. However, little is known about viral communities’ adaptation and diversification in the ocean.
Classic biphasic pulmonary blastoma (CBPB): a rare primary pulmonary malignancy
Authors: Pooniya Shashank , McKinnie Angela , Taylor Thomas , Will Malcolm , Wallace William
Published: August 2021

Classic biphasic pulmonary blastoma (CBPB) is a very rare primary pulmonary malignancy with distinctive clinical and pathological features. Usually CBPB presents with either non specific symptoms or is diagnosed incidentally. Histologically CBPB is composed of a mixture of malignant epithelial and stromal cells resembling fetal lung tissue. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment with further chemotherapy or radiotherapy on a case-by-case basis. However, due to its rarity, no definite treatment guidelines are available. CBPB overall has a very poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 15%. Our patient presented with cough and haemoptysis. Her chest radiograph demonstrated a large right-sided lung mass. Further investigations included CT, CT-guided biopsy and PET CT which were discussed at multidisciplinary team meetings. The patient then underwent complete surgical excision. We report this rare malignancy with radiological and pathological features, comparing them with previously reported cases.
Towards safer healthcare: qualitative insights from a process view of organisational learning from failure
Authors: Monazam Tabrizi Negar , Masri Firas
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study adopted a process view of organisational learning to investigate the barriers to effective organisational learning from medical errors.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected from 40 clinicians in high and low performing hospitals. The fit between the organisational learning process and socio-technical factors was investigated systematically from a pre-reporting stage to reporting and post-reporting stages.

Results

The analysis uncovered that the major stumbling blocks to active learning lie largely in the post-reporting stages and that they are rooted in social rather than technical issues. Although the experience of the higher-performing hospital provides valuable pointers in terms of creating more trusting environment and using the potential of small failures towards ways in which the organisational learning process in the lower hospital might be improved, due to lack of local mangers’ proactive engagement in integrating changes into practice the active learning takes place in neither of the hospitals.

Conclusions

To ensure that the change solutions are firmly incorporated into the culture and routine practice of the hospital, we need to focus on fostering an organisational culture that encourages positive cooperation and mutual interactions between local managers and frontline clinicians. This process will lead to double-loop learning and an increase in system safety.
Effectiveness of endolymphatic duct blockage versus endolymphatic sac decompression in patients with intractable Ménière’s disease: study protocol for a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Schenck Annejet A , Kruyt Josephina M , van Benthem Peter Paul , Cannegieter Suzanne C , van den Hout Wilbert B , Böhringer Stefan , Hammer Sebastiaan , Hombergen Susan P M , Blom Henk M
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Outcomes of surgery for Ménière’s disease (MD) remain discordant. Recently, a new surgical procedure in which the endolymphatic duct is clipped was proposed. To date, only one prospective trial assessing this technique was published, yielding promising results. This protocol describes a prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial that will be carried out to assess the effectiveness of this surgical intervention.

Methods

Eighty-four patients with intractable MD will be recruited from 13 hospitals in the Netherlands. Intraoperatively, randomisation will determine whether endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) or endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) will be performed. Randomisation will be 1:1 stratified for gender and duration of MD (recent-onset versus mature MD). All participants receive vestibular rehabilitation after surgery. Patients are followed up during 1 year after surgery. Follow-up visits will take place at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. The main study endpoint is proportion of patients who are free of vertigo spells at 12 months postoperatively. Secondary parameters include cumulative number of vertigo bouts, co-intervention, tinnitus, hearing, quality of life, cost effectiveness and a budget impact analysis. Total duration of the study is 4 years.

Analysis

The primary analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. For the primary outcome, a χ2test will be performed. Secondary outcomes will be analysed using a linear mixed model (EDB versus decompression group) at the different time measurement point.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was reviewed and approved by a board of specialists before funding was obtained, as well as by the Medical Research Ethics Committee Leiden-The Hague-Delft and the boards of all participating centres. Results of this study will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and will be presented on (inter)national scientific conferences and meetings.

Trial registration numbers

NL9095 andISRCTN12074571; Pre-Results.
‘Scrambling to figure out what to do’: a mixed method analysis of COVID-19’s impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States
Authors: Maier Malia , Samari Goleen , Ostrowski Jennifer , Bencomo Clarisa , McGovern Terry
Published: August 2021

Objective

A weak and politicised COVID-19 pandemic response in the United States (US) that failed to prioritise sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) overlaid longstanding SRHR inequities. In this study we investigated how COVID-19 affected SRHR service provision in the US during the first 6 months of the pandemic.

Methods

We used a multiphase, three-part, mixed method approach incorporating: (1) a comprehensive review of state-by-state emergency response policies that mapped state-level actions to protect or suspend SRHR services including abortion, (2) a survey of SRHR service providers (n=40) in a sample of 10 states that either protected or suspended services and (3) in-depth interviews (n=15) with SRHR service providers and advocacy organisations.

Results

Twenty-one states designated some or all SRHR services as essential and therefore exempt from emergency restrictions. Protections, however, varied by state and were not always comprehensive. Fourteen states acted to suspend abortion. Five cross-cutting themes surrounding COVID-19’s impact on SRHR services emerged across the survey and interviews: reductions in SRHR service provision; shifts in service utilisation; infrastructural impacts; the critical role of state and local governments; and exacerbation of SRHR inequities for certain groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates serious disruptions to the provision of SRHR care that exacerbated existing SRHR inequities. The presence or absence of policy protections for SRHR services had critical implications for providers and patients. Policymakers and service providers must prioritise and integrate SRHR into emergency preparedness planning and implementation, with earmarked funding and tailored service delivery for historically oppressed groups.
Cross-sectional study of aortic valve calcification and cardiovascular risk factors in older Danish men
Authors: Khurrami Lida , Møller Jacob Eifer , Lindholt Jes Sanddal , Urbonaviciene Grazina , Steffensen Flemming Hald , Lambrechtsen Jess , Karon Marek , Frost Lars , Busk Martin , Egstrup Kenneth , Fredgart Maise Høigaard , Diederichsen Axel Cosmus Pyndt
Published: August 2021

Objective

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), presumably sharing risk factors. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and extent of AVC in a large population of men aged 60–74 years and to assess the association between AVC and cardiovascular risk factors including CAC and biomarkers.

Methods

Participants from the DANish CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DANCAVAS) with AVC and CAC scores and without previous valve replacement were included in the study. Calcification scores were calculated on non-contrast CT scans. Cardiovascular risk factors were self-reported, measured or both, and further explored using descriptive and regression analysis for AVC association.

Results

14 073 men aged 60–74 years were included. The AVC scores ranged from 0 to 9067 AU, with a median AVC of 6 AU (IQR 0–82). In 8156 individuals (58.0%), the AVC score was >0 and 215 (1.5%) had an AVC score ≥1200. In the regression analysis, all cardiovascular risk factors were associated with AVC; however, after inclusion of CAC ≥400, only age (ratio of expected counts (REC) 1.07 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.09)), hypertension (REC 1.24 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.41)), obesity (REC 1.34 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.50)), known CVD (REC 1.16 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.31)) and serum phosphate (REC 2.25 (95% CI 1.66 to 3.10) remained significantly associated, while smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum calcium were not.

Conclusions

AVC was prevalent in the general population of men aged 60–74 years and was significantly associated with all modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but only selectively after adjustment for CAC ≥400 AU.

Trial registration number

NCT03946410 and ISRCTN12157806.
Tumor microenvironment evaluation promotes precise checkpoint immunotherapy of advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Zeng Dongqiang , Wu Jiani , Luo Huiyan , Li Yong , Xiao Jian , Peng Jianjun , Ye Zilan , Zhou Rui , Yu Yunfang , Wang Gaofeng , Huang Na , Wu Jianhua , Rong Xiaoxiang , Sun Li , Sun Huiying , Qiu Wenjun , Xue Yichen , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Li Nailin , Shi Min , Kim Kyoung-Mee , Liao Wangjun
Published: August 2021

Background

Durable efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) occurred in a small number of patients with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) and the determinant biomarker of response to ICB remains unclear.

Methods

We developed an open-source TMEscore R package, to quantify the tumor microenvironment (TME) to aid in addressing this dilemma. Two advanced gastric cancer cohorts (RNAseq, N=45 and NanoString, N=48) and other advanced cancer (N=534) treated with ICB were leveraged to investigate the predictive value of TMEscore. Simultaneously, multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas of Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) and Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) were interrogated for underlying mechanisms.

Results

The predictive capacity of TMEscore was corroborated in patient with mGC cohorts treated with pembrolizumab in a prospective phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02589496, N=45, area under the curve (AUC)=0.891). Notably, TMEscore, which has a larger AUC than programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive score, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and Epstein-Barr virus, was also validated in the multicenter advanced gastric cancer cohort using NanoString technology (N=48, AUC=0.877). Exploration of the intrinsic mechanisms of TMEscore with TCGA and ACRG multi-omics data identified TME pertinent mechanisms including mutations, metabolism pathways, and epigenetic features.

Conclusions

Current study highlighted the promising predictive value of TMEscore for patients with mGC. Exploration of TME in multi-omics gastric cancer data may provide the impetus for precision immunotherapy.
Echocardiography in suspected coronavirus infection: indications, limitations and impact on clinical management
Authors: Sheehan Megan M , Saijo Yoshihito , Popovic Zoran B , Faulx Michael D
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To describe the use of echocardiography in patients hospitalised with suspected coronavirus infection and to assess its impact on clinical management.

Methods

We studied 79 adults from a prospective registry of inpatients with suspected coronavirus infection at a single academic centre. Echocardiographic indications included abnormal biomarkers, shock, cardiac symptoms, arrhythmia, worsening hypoxaemia or clinical deterioration. Study type (limited or complete) was assessed for each patient. The primary outcome measure was echocardiography-related change in clinical management, defined as intensive care transfer, medication changes, altered ventilation parameters or subsequent cardiac procedures within 24 hours of echocardiography. Coronavirus-positive versus coronavirus-negative patient groups were compared. The relationship between echocardiographic findings and coronavirus mortality was assessed.

Results

56 patients were coronavirus-positive and 23 patients were coronavirus-negative with symptoms attributed to other diagnoses. Coronavirus-positive patients more often received limited echocardiograms (70% vs 26%, p=0.001). The echocardiographic indication for coronavirus-infected patients was frequently worsening hypoxaemia (43% vs 4%) versus chest pain, syncope or clinical heart failure (23% vs 44%). Echocardiography changed management less frequently in coronavirus-positive patients (18% vs 48%, p=0.01). Among coronavirus-positive patients, 14 of 56 (25.0%) died during hospitalisation. Those who died more often had echocardiography to evaluate clinical deterioration (71% vs 24%) and had elevated right ventricular systolic pressures (37 mm Hg vs 25 mm Hg), but other parameters were similar to survivors.

Conclusions

Echocardiograms performed on hospitalised patients with coronavirus infection were often technically limited, and their findings altered patient management in a minority of patients.
Petrology and age of the Lepreau River Dyke, southern New Brunswick, Canada: source of the end-Triassic Fundy Group basalts
Authors: McHone J. Gregory , Barr Sandra M. , Jourdan Fred
Published: August 2021

A large dyke of quartz tholeiitic gabbronorite has been mapped for 59 km in southern New Brunswick, Canada, between Lepreau River in the northeast and Indian Island in the southwest. Scattered outcrops occur along a positive aeromagnetic lineament, providing a dyke strike of N42°E overall (segments N30°E to N72°E), dips of 80° to 90°NNW, and widths of 4 to 30 m. A new 40Ar/39Ar plagioclase age of 201.67 ± 0.35 Ma for the Lepreau River Dyke is similar to dates for the massive North Mountain Basalt in the Fundy Basin to the east. The dyke is associated with the Ministers Island and Christmas Cove dykes, which are indistinguishable in chemistry, petrology, and probable age, and we regard them as segments of the same co-magmatic dyke system. In addition, their petrology is similar to that of the basalts of the adjacent Early Mesozoic Fundy and Grand Manan basins. We propose that the Lepreau River and associated dykes were sources for the regional basin basalts, which in turn are part of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) that overlaps the Triassic–Jurassic boundary and associated mass extinction event.
Richardson’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) are associated primarily with intermediate levels of grassland, clay loam soils, and human development in Canadian mixed-grass prairies
Authors: Fisher Ryan J. , Vass Ashley N. , Somers Christopher M. , Poulin Ray G.
Published: August 2021

Richardson’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii (Sabine, 1822)) is a widespread burrowing mammal on the northern Great Plains. This species is a prominent prey item for a variety of predators and its burrows provide important habitat for other wildlife; however, Richardson’s ground squirrel is also considered an economically damaging agricultural pest. Despite the ecological importance of Richardson’s ground squirrels and their status as pests, there are gaps in our knowledge about large-scale habitat associations for this species. In 2011 and 2012, we conducted 1840 roadside surveys in a 130 000 km2 area of southern Saskatchewan, Canada, to understand which habitat features are associated with Richardson’s ground squirrel occurrence. Ground squirrels were observed on 8% of the surveys. Probability of ground squirrel occurrence was highest in areas with moderate amounts of grassland (approximately 30%), areas that were developed by humans (>30%), and had a high proportion of clay loam soils, presumably for burrowing. Our study highlights the importance of heterogeneous landscapes and that areas disturbed by humans may provide suitable vegetation structure for ground squirrels. This information can help to identify important habitat for species that rely on Richardson’s ground squirrels and identify areas where Richardson’s ground squirrels could come into conflict with agriculture.
Study of growth matter index and cosmic implications in dynamical Chern–Simons modified gravity
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Rani Shamaila , Qummer Saba , Sharif Amir
Published: August 2021

In the framework of dynamical Chern–Simons theory of gravity, we study the recent cosmic expansion with acceleration of the universe. We take interacting scenario of dark energy and dark matter with three cutoffs like Granda–Oliveros, higher order derivative of Hubble parameter and generalized holographic dark energy model. In the flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe, well-known cosmological parameters have been calculated. We study the perturbation of matter density growth, growth factor and growth index behavior for the underlying framework. The cosmological parameters like equation of state parameter, deceleration parameter, and stability of each model are discussed. The outcomes of these models represent the cosmic expansion of the universe with acceleration.
Quantum field theory of space-like neutrino
Authors: Rembieliński Jakub , Caban Paweł , Ciborowski Jacek
Published: August 2021

We performed a Lorentz covariant quantization of the spin-1/2 fermion field assuming the space-like energy-momentum dispersion relation. We achieved the task in the following steps: (i) determining the unitary realizations of the inhomogenous Lorentz group in the preferred frame scenario by means of the Wigner–Mackey induction procedure and constructing the Fock space; (ii) formulating the theory in a manifestly covariant way by constructing the field amplitudes according to the Weinberg method; (iii) obtaining the final constraints on the amplitudes by postulating a Dirac-like free field equation. Our theory allows to predict all chiral properties of the neutrinos, preserving the Standard Model dynamics. We discussed the form of the fundamental observables, energy and helicity, and show that non-observation of the $$+\tfrac{1}{2}$$

+

1
2

helicity state of the neutrino and the $$-\tfrac{1}{2}$$

-

1
2

helicity state of the antineutrino could be a direct consequence of the “tachyoneity” of neutrinos at the free level. We found that the free field theory of the space-like neutrino is not invariant under the C and P transformations separately but is CP-invariant. We calculated and analyzed the electron energy spectrum in tritium decay within the framework of our theory and found an excellent agreement with the recent measurement of KATRIN. In our formalism the questions of negative/imaginary energies and the causality problem does not appear.
Kinetic model of wealth distribution by trading stocks with geometric brownian motion
Authors: Yano Ryosuke , Kuroda Hisayasu
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider the wealth distribution obtained by trading (buying–selling) stocks whose prices follow the geometric Brownian motion (GBM), when both number of the ticker symbol of the stock and maximum number of the traded stock are limited to unity. The binary exchange of the cash and stock between two agents is expressed with the Boltzmann-type kinetic equation. The distribution function of the number of the agents with the specific number of the stock or specific amount of the cash can be demonstrated, theoretically, when the price of the stock is constant. The distribution function of the number of the agents with the specific amount of the total asset can be approximated by [Formula: see text]-distribution, when the price of the stock follows the GBM. Finally, the rule in the binary-exchange-game approximates the distribution function of the number of the agents with the specific amount of the total asset to the Feller–Pareto-like distribution at the high wealth tail.
ACUTE EFFECTS OF SLING EXERCISE RECOVERY WITH WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION RESTING MUSCLE FUNCTION AND BLOOD OF LACTATE
Authors: OH JU-HWAN , YU MI , KWON TAE-KYU
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate an effective recovery method on muscle function and blood of lactate level after maximal isotonic exercise. This study was conducted in 36 adult males. The group was divided into three groups. Sling therapy group (SG, [Formula: see text]), sling therapy group with whole body vibration continuous (SAVG, [Formula: see text]) and sling therapy group with whole body vibration in intermittent (SIVG, [Formula: see text]) were randomly composed. Sling exercise therapy using supine position and whole-body vibration of 10[Formula: see text]Hz, 5[Formula: see text]mm were performed. Lactate level and muscle function during the rest, fatigue and recovery period were measured and then maximal exercise using back extension was performed to induce fatigue. After 15[Formula: see text]min, sling with whole body vibration was conducted in two groups, respectively. Blood lactate was measured a few hours before and after of vibration. Also, muscle function between only sling exercise therapy condition, sling with whole body vibration condition in all time and sling with whole body vibration condition in intermittent time were analyzed. Lactate level was recorded by lactate measurement device. Isokinetic of lumber joint extension and flexion Peak torque/body weight, total work (J), average power (W) and acceleration time (m/s2) were measured using isokinetic dynamometer. The recovery method of sling with whole body vibration showed positive changes in physical characteristics. Isokinetic contraction of peak torque/body weight (N[Formula: see text]m), average power (Watts) and total work (J) were significantly increased in the recovery step for SIVG. Lactate level was significantly decreased for SIVG as compared with SG and SAVG. This study demonstrated that sling exercise therapy with intermittent time whole body vibration could provide a positive effect on the efficient recovery of muscle function and higher reduction of lactate after maximal isotonic exercise.
THE ROLE OF PDL-CEMENTUM ENTHESIS IN PROTECTING PDL UNDER MASTICATORY LOADING: A FINITE ELEMENT INVESTIGATION
Authors: JOKAR HOSSEIN , ROUHI GHOLAMREZA , ABOLFATHI NABIOLLAH
Published: August 2021

Background: The function of periodontal ligament (PDL)-cementum enthesis (PCE) in transferring the mechanical stimuli within the tooth–periodontium (PDT)–bone complex was not made clear yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PCE on the mechanical stimuli distribution within the PDL and alveolar bone in the tooth–PDT–bone complex under occlusal forces using the finite element method.

Methods: A computed tomography-based model of alveolar bone and second premolar of mandible was constructed, in which the PDT was considered at the interface of alveolar bone and tooth. Under a 3 MPa distributed occluso-apical masticatory load, applied over the uppermost surface of crown, the von Mises strain (vMST) and strain energy density (SED) within PDL, and von Mises stress (vMSR) and SED within alveolar bone were calculated in two situations: 1. When the PCE was absent; and 2. When the PCE was present between the PDL and cementum.

Results: PCE levels-off SED and vMST within PDL up to 59% and 27%, respectively, compared to the model with no PCE. Moreover, in the alveolar bone, SEDs and vMSR increased up to 28% and 30%, respectively, compared to the model without PCE.

Conclusion: By including PCE in the tooth–PDT–bone model, the mechanical stimuli shifted from PDL to its surrounding alveolar bone. Thus, it can be speculated that the tooth–PDT–bone complex has the capability of reducing the risk of PDL damage, through shifting excess mechanical stimuli from PDL toward the alveolar bone, during prolonged cyclic masticatory loading, as well as while one applies nonphysiologic and therapeutic loads, such as in orthodontic tooth movement.
On the Interdependence of Liberal and Illiberal/Authoritarian Legal Forms in Racial Capitalist Regimes…The Case of the United States
Authors: McCann Michael , Kahraman Filiz
Published: August 2021

Scholars conventionally distinguish between liberal and illiberal, or authoritarian, legal orders. Such distinctions are useful but often simplistic and misleading, as many regimes are governed by plural, dual, or hybrid legal institutions, principles, and practices. This is no less true for the United States, which often is misidentified as the paradigmatic liberal constitutional order. Historical and critical scholarship, including recent studies of law under racial capitalism, provide reason to identify American law as a dual state in which legal forms that govern property ownership, contract relations, and civil liberties of free citizens differ from the more illiberal, authoritarian legal forms that rule over subaltern populations, particularly racialized, low-wage workers, Indigenous populations, the poor, immigrants, and women. This dual state, we argue, did undergo changes to adopt more procedurally liberal, professional, overtly deracialized legal forms after World War II, but these changes masked more than tamed the continuing illiberal, authoritarian violence that targeted marginalized citizens. While constantly changing, the American legal system is best understood not as a singular liberal order but instead as a hybrid system of mutually constitutive liberal and illiberal and authoritarian legal practices.
The Sub-Riemannian Limit of Curvatures for Curves and Surfaces and a Gauss-Bonnet Theorem in the Group of Rigid Motions of Minkowski Plane with General Left-Invariant Metric
Authors: Guan Jianyun , Liu Haiming
Published: August 2021

The group of rigid motions of the Minkowski plane with a general left-invariant metric is denoted by

E

1
,
1

,
g

λ

1

,

λ

2

, where

λ

1

≥

λ

2

>
0

. It provides a natural

2

-parametric deformation family of the Riemannian homogeneous manifold

Sol

3

=

E

1
,
1

,
g

1
,
1

which is the model space to solve geometry in the eight model geometries of Thurston. In this paper, we compute the sub-Riemannian limits of the Gaussian curvature for a Euclidean

C

2

-smooth surface in

E

1
,
1

,

g

L

λ

1

,

λ

2

away from characteristic points and signed geodesic curvature for the Euclidean

C

2

-smooth curves on surfaces. Based on these results, we get a Gauss-Bonnet theorem in the group of rigid motions of the Minkowski plane with a general left-invariant metric.
Investigating Different Types of Red-Light Running Behaviors among Urban e-Bike Rider Mixed Groups
Authors: Zhang Fan , Kuai Chenchen , Lv Huitao , Li Wenhao
Published: August 2021

The red-light running (RLR) behaviors of urban mixed e-bike groups (delivery and ordinary e-bike) have become the main cause of traffic accidents at signalized intersections. The primary purpose of this study is to identify influencing factors of e-bike riders’ RLR behaviors, focusing on the role of delivery e-bike riders in mixed e-bike rider groups. Crossing behaviors of 4,180 e-bike samples (2006 delivery e-bikes and 2174 ordinary e-bikes) at signalized intersections are observed in Xi’an, China. The random parameter multinomial logit model is employed to capture the unobserved heterogeneous effects, and the effects of interaction terms are also considered. The results indicate that delivery e-bike riders are more likely to run red lights than ordinary e-bike riders. E-bike type, riders’ age, waiting position, traffic volume, traffic light type, and time of day are associated with crossing behaviors in urban mixed e-bike groups. In addition, the variable of traffic light status is found to account for unobserved heterogeneity. Findings are indicative to the development of effective implications in improving e-bikes’ traffic safety level at signalized intersections.
Numerical Analysis of the Fractional-Order Telegraph Equations
Authors: Azhar Omar Fouad , Naeem Muhammad , Mofarreh Fatemah , Kafle Jeevan
Published: August 2021

This paper studied the fractional-order telegraph equations via the natural transform decomposition method with nonsingular kernel derivatives. The fractional result considered in the Caputo-Fabrizio derivative is Caputo sense. Currently, the communication system plays a vital role in a global society. High-frequency telecommunications continuously receive significant attention in the industry due to a slew of radiofrequency and microwave communication networks. These technologies use transmission media to move information-carrying signals from one location to another. We used natural transformation on fractional telegraph equations followed by inverse natural transformation to achieve the solution of the equation. To validate the technique, we have considered a few problems and compared them with the exact solutions.
Fairness‐Oriented Semichaotic Genetic Algorithm‐Based Channel Assignment Technique for Node Starvation Problem in Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Ghaleb Fuad A. , Al-Rimy Bander Ali Saleh , Boulila Wadii , Saeed Faisal , Kamat Maznah , Foad Rohani Mohd. , Razak Shukor Abd
Published: August 2021

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) have emerged as a scalable, reliable, and agile wireless network that supports many types of innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), and Internet of Vehicles (IoV). Due to the limited number of orthogonal channels, interference between channels adversely affects the fair distribution of bandwidth among mesh clients, causing node starvation in terms of insufficient bandwidth distribution, which impedes the adoption of WMN as an efficient access technology. Therefore, a fair channel assignment is crucial for the mesh clients to utilize the available resources. However, the node starvation problem due to unfair channel distribution has been vastly overlooked during channel assignment by the extant research. Instead, existing channel assignment algorithms equally distribute the interference reduction on the links to achieve fairness which neither guarantees a fair distribution of the network bandwidth nor eliminates node starvation. In addition, the metaheuristic‐based solutions such as genetic algorithm, which is commonly used for WMN, use randomness in creating initial population and selecting the new generation usually leading the search to local minima. To this end, this study proposes a Fairness‐Oriented Semichaotic Genetic Algorithm‐Based Channel Assignment Technique (FA‐SCGA‐CAA) to solve node starvation problem in wireless mesh networks. FA‐SCGA‐CAA maximizes link fairness while minimizing link interference using a genetic algorithm (GA) with a novel nonlinear fairness‐oriented fitness function. The primary chromosome with powerful genes is created based on multicriterion links ranking channel assignment algorithm. Such a chromosome was used with a proposed semichaotic technique to create a strong population that directs the search towards the global minima effectively and efficiently. The proposed semichaotic technique was also used during the mutation and parent selection of the new genes. Extensive experiments were conducted to evaluate the proposed algorithm. A comparison with related work shows that the proposed FA‐SCGA‐CAA reduced the potential node starvation by 22% and improved network capacity utilization by 23%. It can be concluded that the proposed FA‐SCGA‐CAA is reliable to maintain high node‐level fairness while maximizing the utilization of the network resources, which is the ultimate goal of many wireless networks.