bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive linguopoetics of lyric prose texts
Authors: Ozerova Elena , Fedoszov Oleg
Published: December 2020

The article examines the cognitive specificity of lyric prose texts as a product of discursive activity. The semantic space of lyric prose texts decodes images of cultural memory as an interpretive category of cognitive linguopoetics. The meaning-generating mechanisms of lyric prose texts are focused on reflecting the ego-perception of reality, which explicates the cultural and value attitudes of the author. In cognitive linguopoetics, architectonics represents the semantic essence and integrity of the lyric prose text, since it is a discursive and pragmatic manifestation of its semantic continuum. Through the prism of the architectonics of the text, the associative-figurative tonality of the semantic content of the artistic text is decoded. That is why the concept of architectonics integrates two principles: a) the creative-discursive potential of text generation and b) a multi-vector palette of discursive consciousness, which is motivated by the experience of lyrical speech thinking. The essence of lyric prose texts is determined by the lyrical architectonics of sensory-emotional and aesthetic integrity, which is motivated by poetic reflexems, representing a discursively conditioned scan of reality, passed through the prism of expressive-figurative perception of the egotope.
Algorithms of analogy-based metaphorical coinages in Modern English
Authors: Ryzhkina Elena
Published: December 2020

The research looks into the phenomenon of analogy as a key cognitive-linguistic mechanism that provides the systematic quality of the creative functioning of linguistic units. Specifically, the study examines analogy-based English metaphorical neologisms. Apart from sampling, semantic and conceptual analyses, the research also applies methods and techniques proposed by corpus linguistics and construction grammar. The work proceeds from the assumption that, while creating novel expressions by analogy with a conventional one, the speaker relies on a relative similarity of two concepts, which makes it possible to represent one of them through the other by modifying and adjusting the latter in accordance with the speaker’s intent. At the linguistic level, this kind of modification is reflected in the variation of the lexical components of the linguistic prototype used by the speaker as a model for forming new units. However, a corpus-based study into the functioning of the selected units shows that the construction of the prototype normally remains intact throughout the whole range of lexical change the initial expression undergoes. The constancy of the prototype’s construction and clear algorithm-like patterns involved in creating analogical units account for the fact that new coinages are easily recognized and their meaning adequately deciphered.
Proper names in German-language mass media (prospects in teaching methodology and new opportunities)
Authors: Maslova Irina
Published: December 2020

The research covers semantic and pragma-stylistic features of onomastic units in German-language mass media, as well as the peculiarities of their functioning and impact on the reader, their prospects in the process of teaching a foreign language (in the terms of stylistic analysis of media texts).
English semi-idioms (phraseological terminological units) and their use in fiction and Internet-discourse
Authors: Nikulina Elena
Published: December 2020

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the units which can function both as terms of various spheres and an idioms, called in the Russian School of Phraseology, semi-idioms. The research shows the high frequency of usage of the units under question in the literary works as well as in the present-day media discourse space. Moreover, the research also raises the problem of introduction of these units to the students through the analysis on English classes that undoubtedly will lead to the students’ language awareness. The results of the linguistic experiments are shown in the paper with the conclusion that semi-idioms are quite important for understanding of intraconnection of Terminology and Phraseology sciences.
“Polycode” irony as a sign of modern media-political discourse
Authors: Bozhenkova Natalya , Kalichkina Tamara
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this research is to conduct a comprehensive linguoculturological analysis of verbal and non-verbal means of expressing “polycode” irony in modern Russian political discursive practices. In the process of problem-solving research uses different methods and approaches of discourse analysis: a functional analysis of corpora of political texts of the Russian language; pragmatic analysis of speech acts and communicative; stylistic analysis revealing the specifics of genre specific political practices; the linguistic and cultural interpretation; the descriptive-logical methods of categorical mapping units and their subsequent economicaly. The article deals with the main functions and roles of “polycode” irony in political media space. In the study, the authors identify the key functions, high significance and abundance of “polycode” irony in media-political discourse. The article contains a linguistic analysis that has contributed to identifying main rhetorical devices most commonly used to create “polycode” irony.
Teaching ESP online during the COVID-19 pandemic: An account of Argentinian students on this teaching modality
Authors: Waicekawsky Liliana , Laurenti Laura , Yuvero Florencia
Published: December 2020

In today’s world, the language par excellence in written and oral communication in all the spheres of commerce, business, education and science is English (Swales, 1990). Undeniably, this is the most widely chosen language for communication in academic settings among nonnative speakers who share neither a common first language nor a common culture to carry out scientific interactions such as delivering a conference or university lecture, submitting a grant proposal, or writing a paper or dissertation, presenting a conference poster, to name just a few (Seildhofer, 2006). In many countries in which English is not the native language, most universities and institutions of higher learning adopt an approach called ESP (English for Specific Purposes) for English language teaching. ESP consists of tailoring language instruction to meet the needs of learners who belong to particular disciplines or professions and studies the language appropriate to such activities. Most universities have included ESP programs as part of their syllabuses because they acknowledge the importance of helping non-native speakers of English “master the functions and linguistic conventions of texts that they need to read and write in their disciplines and professions” (Hyon, 1996, p. 698). At the National University of San Luis, since the first years of any course of study, students are exposed to different genres which are published in English. This means that their exposure to the language starts at an early stage of instruction. In general, classes are face-to-face and in a classroom that is fit to that aim. Unfortunately, due to an unexpected pandemic, instruction was forced to adopt a different course. In this paper, we attempt to give an account of how the teaching of ESP is taking place under the circumstances we are facing due to COVID-19. We have changed our methodology so as to meet the demands of the students and the university alike. We administered a questionnaire to know the perceptions and opinions of our students as regards the material, teacher performance, testing, and online modality adopted. Results suggest that the opinions are divided as regards non-face to face or face-to-face teaching modality. Although many students prefer virtuality because of the time flexibility it provides, others assert that nothing is more valuable than teacher and classmates interaction.
Pragmatic markedness of elocutive means of Russian advertising texts and the specifics of their translation into English
Authors: Egorova Liudmila , Ryabova Marina
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the problem of pragmatic conditionality of advertising texts in translation studies since the development of digital infrastructure, the transition to network principles of communication, global involvement of all countries in international market processes lead to the increasing importance of the quality of advertising texts translation into different target languages. As the communicative success of advertising texts is related to the elocutive component, the attention of researchers from Russia, Great Britain, the USA, Germany and other countries is focused on maximizing the retention of the pragmatic effect in the target language. The problem of conveying the elocutive structure of the advertising text when translating is relevant both for the Russian and the world context. The authors of the article adhere to the fundamental idea that the priority is the creation of a secondary text equivalent in terms of communicative aim. The research showed that the translated and source elocutively marked texts have their own distinctive pragmatic potential and the choice of translation technique depends on the task and function of the translated text. It is concluded that the development of digital technologies transformed the function of creolized components in the translation. The research results are of practical importance and can be used in the practice of teaching translation disciplines.
Problems of cognitive distortions in cross-cultural communication when using automatic translation in the Russian Chinese dialogue
Authors: Nijiati Abdusalamu , Karabulatova Irina , Lin Yuan , Sautieva Fatima
Published: December 2020

The article is aimed at analyzing cognitive distortions in crosscultural communication when using automatic translation from Chinese to Russian, which are presented in the Internet space. Hypothesis: cognitive impairment in cross-cultural communication when automatic ChineseRussian translation due to differences in mentality of Russian and Chinese, differential specificity of cognitive picture of the world at native speakers of languages of different structures, especially the inclusion of the components in the scope of the concept, specifics of the representation of the material with different system of graphics, the mismatches of structure of Russian and Chinese proposals, etc. A special role is played by the peculiarities of the tradition of teaching and communication in Russia and China, as well as the specifics of ethnolinguopsychology. The Chinese mentality has a priority influence on the formation of respect for traditions and following them in the written style of speech. The Chinese mentality finds Parallels with the North Caucasian mentality in using the cognitive experience of its predecessors, in following the traditions of pedagogical practice. Russian Russian and Chinese Russian specialists ’ practical skills in cross-cultural communication correspond to the goals, stages, and tasks of training specialists in Russian-Chinese dialogue. The method of analysis is based on an axiological approach and synergetics, including methods of ethnopsycholinguistics, cross-cultural communication, machine learning, methods of teaching languages as foreign languages in an ethno-cultural environment with significant differences in social distance.
Prediction of the amplitude of solar cycle 25 using polar faculae observations
Authors: Janssens Jan
Published: December 2020

Based on the monthly number of polar faculae, a forecast of the amplitude of solar cycle 25 (SC25) is provided, as well as a prediction of the number of solar flares. Faculae near both solar poles have been visually observed using a commercial off-the-shelf 20 cm Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope since 1995. The monthly averages were corrected for varying seeing conditions and the heliographic latitude of the center of the solar diskB0. From the deduced relationship between the smoothed number of monthly polar faculae during the solar cycle minimum, and the subsequent maximum of the monthly sunspot number, a prediction has been made for the amplitude of the next solar cycle. The methodology used can be considered as a precursor technique. The expected number of M- and X-class flares was calculated based on a statistical approach. The maximum of SC25 is predicted to be 118 ± 29, of similar strength than the previous SC24. Also the number of M5 or stronger flares is expected to be comparable to that of the previous solar cycle.
Secondary Reconstruction of the Zygomaticomaxillary Complex
Authors: Aman Hessah M. , Alenezi Abdulrahman , Ducic Yadranko , Reddy Likith V.
Published: December 2020

Zygomaticomaxillary (ZMC) fractures are the second most common facial fractures after nasal bone fractures. The zygoma, with its location and multiple points of articulations, lends itself to both facial structure and esthetics. Secondary ZMC deformities are complications of inadequate primary correction, delayed repair, or lack of repair. Secondary revisions of ZMC aim to correct ZMC displacement and projection and to address orbital discrepancies. Extensive correction involving significant orbital and malar defects requires zygomatic repositioning osteotomies and would greatly benefit from the utilization of virtual surgical planning, intraoperative navigation, and imaging. Minor corrections in malar projection can be corrected by onlay grafting and soft tissue augmentation and resuspension. Isolated or minor orbital corrections can be managed by autogenous or alloplastic material to restore lost orbital volume and anatomy.
Regional Salvage Flap Options in Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Correia Camil , Wang Weitao , Vincent Aurora G. , Chan David , Ducic Yadranko
Published: December 2020

Microvascular free tissue transfer is the standard in the complex head and neck reconstruction with success rates greater than 95%. Free tissue transfer allows for more versatility in reconstructing complex defects with better tissue match. Failures, however, do occur and subsequent free tissue transfer might not be an option due to either the patients' health or in a vessel depleted neck. In these challenging salvage scenarios, the head and neck reconstructive surgeon must turn to regional flaps for reconstruction. Here, we review multiple regional flap options for salvage head and neck reconstruction.
Fistula Management in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Sanchez Anthony , Frank Ethan , Inman Jared , Wang Weitao , Namin Arya , Ducic Yadranko
Published: December 2020

Fistulas in head and neck cancer patients are a common and challenging issue. Despite their commonality, there is little consensus regarding optimal treatment strategies or in preventative measures that might be taken preoperatively. A general knowledge and understanding of what factors correlate with fistula formation can assist a surgeon in optimizing a patient for surgery, thus decreasing prevalence. In addition, surgical techniques can aid in both the prevention and treatment of fistulas once they form. This review details risk factors for fistula formation, the use of vascularized tissue as a preventative measure, conservative and nonconservative treatment of fistulas, and possible strategies to decrease the likelihood of their formation.
Positional and ontogenetic variation in vertebral centra morphology in five batoid species
Authors: James Kelsey C. , Natanson Lisa J.
Published: December 2020

An increasing number of studies on elasmobranchs have shown that band-pair counts in vertebral centra do not accurately reflect age. Research in sharks has indicated that the number of band pairs vary with body size and that centrum morphology is related to structural needs. A study of this kind has not been undertaken on batoids; thus, we examined the relationship between band-pair deposition and morphology of centra along the vertebral column, and ontogenetically, for five batoid species (little skate, Leucoraja erinacea, winter skate, Leucoraja ocellata, barndoor skate, Dipturus laevis, Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, and round ray, Urobatis halleri). Centrum morphology and band-pair count varied along the vertebral column in all individuals of all species, except in young of the year. Variation in band-pair counts among centra within individuals supports the hypothesis that band-pair formation is related to somatic growth and body shape rather than to an annual cycle.
Loanwords vs relics
Authors: Geller Ewa , Gajek Michał
Published: December 2020

One of the major issues in historical and contact linguistics is how to distinguish between inherited and acquired vocabulary in a given language: both traditional historical linguistics and modern contact linguistics are in this respect eventually forced to resort to inferences. The aim of this paper is to propose a diagnostic test to aid in the identification of putative substratum relics in the lexicon. The method for this test consists in juxtaposing and comparing word families in the source and recipient language. We use the example of Yiddish-Slavic language contact, in which contact-induced changes are still relatively transparent. We employ wordnets – digital networks of lexical entities connected by lexico-semantic relations – in order to visually “map” lexical and semantic relations of transferred lexemes within the recipient language onto the source language. The method allows us to combine contemporary empirical data with historical analysis.
Thickening language and sexuality studies
Authors: Cashman Holly R.
Published: December 2020

In this contribution to the special issue of the Journal of Language and Sexuality celebrating
its 10th anniversary, I reflect on several key articles in the journal that related to my work in language and sexuality with
queer, Latinx and bi/multilingual individuals and organizations, survey the field of language and sexuality today from my vantage
point, and propose several directions for the future of language and sexuality studies, namely: to engage multilingualism, to
question our ideologies as researchers, to grapple more deeply with intersectionality through ethnography, and to consider age more
seriously.
Fact or fiction?
Authors: Chlebuch Natasha , Goldstein Thalia R. , Weisberg Deena Skolnick
Published: December 2020

Many studies have claimed to find that reading fiction leads to improvements in social cognition. But this work
has left open the critical question of whether any type of narrative, fictional or nonfictional, might have similar effects. To
address this question, as well as to test whether framing a narrative as fiction matters, the current studies presented
participants (N = 268 in Study 1; N = 362 in Study 2) with literary fiction texts, narrative
nonfiction texts, expository nonfiction texts, or no texts. We tested their theory-of-mind abilities using the picture-based
Reading the Mind in the Eyes task and a text-based test of higher-order social cognition. Reading anything was associated with
higher scores compared to reading nothing, but the effects of framing and text type were inconsistent. These results suggest that
prior claims regarding positive effects of reading fiction on mentalizing should be seen as tenuous; other mechanisms may be
driving previously published effects.
The effects of mode on interpreting performance in a simulated police interview
Authors: Hale Sandra , Goodman-Delahunty Jane , Martschuk Natalie , Doherty Stephen
Published: December 2020

This study tested the effects of the consecutive and simultaneous interpreting modes in a simulated police interview, addressing four research questions: (1) Does the consecutive interpreting mode lead to more accurate interpreting than the simultaneous interpreting mode? (2) Do language combinations moderate the performance of similarly qualified interpreters? (3) Does experience in simultaneous interpreting in legal settings increase interpreting accuracy in SI? and (4) Which mode of interpreting do interpreters perceive to require more mental effort? A total of 70 interpreters interpreted a live simulated interview between an English-speaking interviewer and an Arabic-, Mandarin- or Spanish-speaking suspect. Mode was varied within participants, and the order of the mode was counter-balanced across participants. Interpreters rated their perceived mental effort after the task. Independent assessments of performance showed better results for the simultaneous interpreting mode, regardless of language. This effect held for accuracy of style, verbal rapport markers, and interpreting protocol.
Designing thermal demultiplexer: Splitting phonons by negative mass and genetic algorithm optimization*
Authors: Tan Yu-Tao , Wang Lu-Qin , Wang Zi , Peng Jiebin , Ren Jie
Published: December 2020

We propose the concept of thermal demultiplexer, which can split the heat flux in different frequency ranges into different directions. We demonstrate this device concept in a honeycomb lattice with dangling atoms. From the view of effective negative mass, we give a qualitative explanation of how the dangling atoms change the original transport property. We first design a two-mass configuration thermal demultiplexer, and find that the heat flux can flow into different ports in corresponding frequency ranges roughly. Then, to improve the performance, we choose the suitable masses of dangling atoms and optimize the four-mass configuration with genetic algorithm. Finally, we give out the optimal configuration with a remarkable effect. Our study finds a way to selectively split spectrum-resolved heat to different ports as phonon splitter, which would provide a new means to manipulate phonons and heat, and to guide the design of phononic thermal devices in the future.
Effects of core stochastization on particle and momentum transport
Authors: Ohtani Yoshiaki , Tanaka Kenji , Igami Hiroe , Ida Katsumi , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Takemura Yuki , Tsuchiya Hayato , Sanders Mike , Yoshinuma Mikirou , Tokuzawa Tokihiko , Yamada Ichihiro , Yasuhara Ryo , Funaba Hisamichi , Shoji Mamoru , Bando Takahiro , LHD Experimental Group
Published: December 2020

The effects of the stochastic magnetic field in a plasma center produced by electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) on transport have been revealed. Because the electron temperature profile is flat in the core region, in the case of counter-directed ECCD (ctr-ECCD) against the toroidal magnetic field, the magnetic field is stochastic in the core region with rotational transform ᵼ ∼ 1/3. The particle diffusion coefficient of the ctr-ECCD plasma is approximately 20 times as large as that of the plasma without the stochastic magnetic field produced by co-directed ECCD (co-ECCD) at the maximum. Furthermore, in the stochastic magnetic field with ctr-ECCD, counter-directed intrinsic rotation is observed in the plasma with balanced NBI discharge.
Circular photogalvanic effect from third-order nonlinear effect in 1T’-MoTe2
Authors: Ma Junchao , Muniz Rodrigo A. , Qi Shaomian , Lai Jiawei , Zhang Kenan , Liu Yinan , Zhuo Xiao , Chen Shuxia , Chen Jian-Hao , Zhou Shuyun , Sun Dong
Published: December 2020

The two-dimensional layered material MoTe2 has aroused extensive research interests in its rich optoelectronic properties in various phases. One property of particular interest is the circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE): a conventional second order nonlinear optical effect that is related to the chirality of materials. It has been demonstrated in Td-MoTe2, a type-II topological Weyl semimetal candidate, while it has been unclear so far whether it exists in the semimetallic 1T’ phase, another interesting phase that hosts a quantum spin hall state. In this article, we report a clear experimental observation of in-plane CPGE in 1T’-MoTe2. The observation is confirmed under various experimental designs with excitation by normally incident mid-infrared laser, and we find it to be related to an in-plane internal DC electric field. We attribute the circular photogalvanic response to a third-order nonlinear optical effect involving this DC electric field, which is consistent with the crystal symmetry of the lattices and present in both the 1T’ and Td phases of the material.
Ultrafast charge dynamics and photoluminescence in bilayer MoS2
Authors: Ud Din Naseem , Turkowski Volodymyr , Rahman Talat S
Published: December 2020

Our examination of the interplay of ultrafast charge dynamics and electron–phonon interaction in the AA′ stacked bilayer MoS2 provides a microscopic basis for understanding the features (two peaks) in the emission spectrum. We demonstrate that while the initial accumulation of excited charge occurs at and near the Q point of the two-dimensional Brillioun zone, emission takes place predominantly through two pathways: direct charge recombination at the K point and indirect phonon-assisted recombination of electrons at the

K

valley and holes at the

Γ

hill of the Brillouin zone. Analysis of the wave vector dependencies of the electron–phonon interaction traces the higher energy peak to phonon-assisted relaxation of the excited electrons from the Q to the K valley in the conduction band. Our results thus reveal the importance of ultrafast charge dynamics in understanding photoemissive properties of a few-layer transition-metal dichalcogenide. These calculations are based on time dependent density functional theory in the density matrix formulation.
Preparation of CuO/HZSM-5 catalyst based on fly ash and its catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol, quinoline and indole
Authors: Liu Yong , Lu Hao , Wang Guodong
Published: December 2020

This work aims to use fly ash and the organic template of tetrapropyl ammonium bromide (TPABr) to synthesize the catalyst carrier of HZSM-5 and prepare the catalyst of CuO/HZSM-5 for catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol, quinoline and indole in aqueous solution. The carrier and the catalyst were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) tests and the results indicate HZSM-5 zeolite and CuO/HZSM-5 catalyst have been successfully synthesized. The specific surface area of catalysts with copper loading from 0 to 15% decreased from 310.1 m2 g−1 to 253.8 m2 g−1. The results of catalyst performance showed that the catalyst of CuO/HZSM-5 with copper loading of 10% has the best removal effect on the mixed aqueous solution containing phenol, quinoline and indole. When the total concentrations of phenol, quinoline and indole are 200 mg.l−1 (namely 120 mg phenol·l−1, 60 mg quinoline·l−1 and 20 mg indole·l−1), the catalyst with the copper loading of 10% can remove these organic matters with 100% efficiency after reaction for 4 h at 200 °C and the COD removal rate is more than 75%. Under the same experimental conditions, if the reaction temperature drops to 120 °C, the COD removal rate will rise to 86.2%. The CWAO experiments showed the optimum reaction temperature range for the Cu-10% catalyst is from 120 °C to 150 °C.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Subway Use and COVID-19 Outcomes in New York City
Authors: Sy Karla Therese L , Martinez Micaela E , Rader Benjamin , White Laura F
Published: December 2020

Using data from New York City from January 2020 to April 2020, we found an estimated 28-day lag between the onset of reduced subway use and the end of the exponential growth period of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 within New York City boroughs. We also conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the associations between human mobility (i.e., subway ridership) on the week of April 11, 2020, sociodemographic factors, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence as of April 26, 2020. Areas with lower median income, a greater percentage of individuals who identify as non-White and/or Hispanic/Latino, a greater percentage of essential workers, and a greater percentage of health-care essential workers had more mobility during the pandemic. When adjusted for the percentage of essential workers, these associations did not remain, suggesting essential work drives human movement in these areas. Increased mobility and all sociodemographic variables (except percentage of people older than 75 years old and percentage of health-care essential workers) were associated with a higher rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, when adjusted for testing effort. Our study demonstrates that the most socially disadvantaged not only are at an increased risk for COVID-19 infection, they lack the privilege to fully engage in social distancing interventions.
In Their Own Words: Thomas Lovejoy
Authors: Verdier James M
Published: December 2020

In Their Own Words chronicles the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields. These short histories provide our readers a way to learn from and share their experiences. Each month, we will publish in the pages of BioScience and on our podcast, BioScience Talks (http://bioscienceaibs.libsyn.com), the results of these conversations. This history is with Thomas Lovejoy, professor at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia, in the United States, explorer at large with the National Geographic Society, and senior fellow at the United Nations Foundation. He is also a past president of AIBS.

Note: Both the text and audio versions have been edited for clarity and length.
Lysophosphatidic acid mediated PI3K/Akt activation contributed to esophageal squamous cell cancer progression
Authors: Liu Si , Jiang Haiyan , Min Li , Ning Tingting , Xu Junxuan , Wang Tiange , Wang Xingyu , Zhang Qian , Cao Ruizhen , Zhang Shutian , Zhu Shengtao
Published: December 2020

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and its G-protein-coupled receptors (Lpar1–Lpar6) mediate a plethora of activities associated with cancer growth and progression. However, there is no systematic study about whether and how LPA promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we show that autotaxin (ATX), a primary LPA-producing enzyme, is highly expressed in ESCC, and overexpressed ATX is associated with the poor outcome of ESCC patients. Meanwhile, the expression of Lpar1 was much higher in ESCC cells compared with Het-1a (human esophagus normal epithelial cells). Functional experiments showed that LPA remarkably increased the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. Furthermore, Lpar1 knockdown abolished the effect of LPA on ESCC cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistic studies revealed that LPA promoted ESCC cell lines proliferation and migration through PI3K/Akt pathway. Treatment of KYSE30 cell xenografts with Lpar1 inhibitor BMS-986020 significantly repressed tumor growth. Our results shed light on the important role of LPA in ESCC, and Lpar1 might be a potential treatment target for ESCC.
An empirical study of ransomware attacks on organizations: an assessment of severity and salient factors affecting vulnerability
Authors: Yuryna Connolly Lena , Wall David S , Lang Michael , Oddson Bruce
Published: December 2020

This study looks at the experiences of organizations that have fallen victim to ransomware attacks. Using quantitative and qualitative data of 55 ransomware cases drawn from 50 organizations in the UK and North America, we assessed the severity of the crypto-ransomware attacks experienced and looked at various factors to test if they had an influence on the degree of severity. An organization’s size was found to have no effect on the degree of severity of the attack, but the sector was found to be relevant, with private sector organizations feeling the pain much more severely than those in the public sector. Moreover, an organization’s security posture influences the degree of severity of a ransomware attack. We did not find that the attack target (i.e. human or machine) or the crypto-ransomware propagation class had any significant bearing on the severity of the outcome, but attacks that were purposefully directed at specific victims wreaked more damage than opportunistic ones.
De novo genome assembly of two tomato ancestors, Solanum pimpinellifolium and Solanum
lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, by long-read sequencing
Authors: Takei Hitomi , Shirasawa Kenta , Kuwabara Kosuke , Toyoda Atsushi , Matsuzawa Yuma , Iioka Shinji , Ariizumi Tohru
Published: December 2020

The ancestral tomato species are known to possess genes that are valuable for improving traits in breeding. Here, we aimed to construct high-quality de novo genome assemblies of Solanum pimpinellifolium ‘LA1670’ and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme ‘LA1673’, originating from Peru. The Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) long-read sequences with 110× and 104× coverages were assembled and polished to generate 244 and 202 contigs spanning 808.8 Mbp for ‘LA1670’ and 804.5 Mbp for ‘LA1673’, respectively. After chromosome-level scaffolding with reference guiding, 14 scaffold sequences corresponding to 12 tomato chromosomes and 2 unassigned sequences were constructed. High-quality genome assemblies were confirmed using the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs and long terminal repeat assembly index. The protein-coding sequences were then predicted, and their transcriptomes were confirmed. The de novo assembled genomes of S. pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme were predicted to have 71,945 and 75,230 protein-coding genes, including 29,629 and 29,185 non-redundant genes, respectively, as supported by the transcriptome analysis results. The chromosome-level genome assemblies coupled with transcriptome data sets of the two accessions would be valuable for gaining insights into tomato domestication and understanding genome-scale breeding.
Axillary artery access for stenting of aortic coarctation in a 1.2 kg premature newborn with malignant systemic hypertension: a case report
Authors: Esmaeili Anoosh , Schrewe Roland , Wong Flora , Schranz Dietmar
Published: December 2020

Background 

Axillary artery access is rarely used for demanding percutaneous transcatheter interventions. However, there are many clear advantages.

Case summary 

We describe this attractive approach in a 3-week-old premature neonate (bodyweight of 1.2 kg) with severe aortic coarctation. Percutaneous transcatheter intervention was performed with analgo-sedation and local anaesthesia; and a coronary stent was placed with a low fluoroscopy time of 2 min. Malignant systemic hypertension (160/54 mmHg) was effectively treated without any residual blood pressure gradient, with the aim for definitive surgery with stent resection and end-to-end anastomosis at the age of 6–12 months.

Discussion 

Axillary artery access is an attractive, alternative approach to treat newborns and premature infants with low body weight with complex heart diseases.
Interventions on health care providers to improve seasonal influenza vaccination rates among patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence since 2000
Authors: Okoli George N , Reddy Viraj K , Lam Otto L T , Abdulwahid Tiba , Askin Nicole , Thommes Edward , Chit Ayman , Abou-Setta Ahmed M , Mahmud Salaheddin M
Published: December 2020

Background

Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) rates remain suboptimal in many populations, even in those with universal SIV.

Objective

To summarize the evidence on interventions on health care providers (physicians/nurses/pharmacists) to increase SIV rates.

Methods

We systematically searched/selected full-text English publications from January 2000 to July 2019 (PROSPERO-CRD42019147199). Our outcome was the difference in SIV rates between patients in intervention and non-intervention groups. We calculated pooled difference using an inverse variance, random-effects model.

Results

We included 39 studies from 8370 retrieved citations. Compared with no intervention, team-based training/education of physicians significantly increased SIV rates in adult patients: 20.1% [7.5–32.7%; I2 = 0%; two randomized controlled trials (RCTs)] and 13.4% [8.6–18.1%; I2 = 0%; two non-randomized intervention studies (NRS)]. A smaller increase was observed in paediatric patients: 7% (0.1–14%; I2 = 0%; two NRS), and in adult patients with team-based training/education of physicians and nurses together: 0.9% (0.2–1.5%; I2 = 30.6%; four NRS). One-off provision of guidelines/information to physicians, and to both physicians and nurses, increased SIV rates in adult patients: 23.8% (15.7–31.8%; I2 = 45.8%; three NRS) and paediatric patients: 24% (8.1–39.9%; I2 = 0%; two NRS), respectively. Use of reminders (prompts) by physicians and nurses slightly increased SIV rates in paediatric patients: 2.3% (0.5–4.2%; I2 = 0%; two RCTs). A larger increase was observed in adult patients: 18.5% (14.8–22.1%; I2 = 0%; two NRS). Evidence from both RCTs and NRS showed significant increases in SIV rates with varied combinations of interventions.

Conclusions

Limited evidence suggests various forms of physicians’ and nurses’ education and use of reminders may be effective for increasing SIV rates among patients.
A Commentary on Current Diagnostic Challenges and Research Needs for Evaluating Reproductive Sequelae of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Kersh Ellen N , Geisler William M
Published: December 2020

Advancing the understanding of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) requires access to advanced diagnostic approaches for evaluating reproductive sequelae of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Current limitations of clinical criteria and advanced imaging technologies for diagnosing reproductive sequelae make diagnosis and surveillance of PID a challenge. We summarize and comment on major challenges in diagnostic evaluation of reproductive sequelae: limited point-of-care clinical diagnostic options for reproductive sequelae, economic and geographical obstacles to accessing state-of-the-art diagnostics, an expanding list of STIs that may cause reproductive sequelae and the complexities in evaluating them, and the need for coordinated research efforts to systematically evaluate biomarkers with gold-standard, well-defined specimens and associated clinical data. The future use of biomarkers in readily accessible mucosal or blood-derived specimens as a noninvasive approach to determining STI etiologies may be fruitful and requires more research. Biomarkers under consideration include cytokines, STI-specific antibody responses, and mRNA transcriptional profiles of inflammatory markers.
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Hospitalization in the United States, 2019–2020
Authors: Tenforde Mark W , Talbot H Keipp , Trabue Christopher H , Gaglani Manjusha , McNeal Tresa M , Monto Arnold S , Martin Emily T , Zimmerman Richard K , Silveira Fernanda P , Middleton Donald B , Olson Samantha M , Garten Kondor Rebecca J , Barnes John R , Ferdinands Jill M , Patel Manish M ,   Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN) Investigators, Le Shoshona , Da Silva Juliana , Keong Lisa M , Stark Thomas J , Petrie Joshua G , Lamerato Lois E , Malani Anurag , Lauring Adam , E. Malosh Ryan , Wyatt Dayna , Zhu Yuwei , Liu Zhouwen , Longmire Stephanie , Graves Kellie , Sedillo Emily , Simion Alina , Speer Karen , Alicie Bethany , Krantz Briana , Carillo Donna , Adams Laura , Drennan Amelia , Orga Jan , Peterson Lynn , Halasa Natasha , McHenry Rendi , Guevara Pulido Claudia , Murthy Kempapura , Bounds Kelsey , Zunie Tnelda , Clipper Lydia , Ghamande Shekhar , White Heath , Raiyani Chandni , Chang Kevin , Rao Arundhati , Mutnal Manohar , Arroliga Alejandro , Patricia Nowalk Mary , Balasubramani K G , Eng Heather , Saul Sean G , Hughes Kailey , Wheeler Nicole , Stiefel Lori , Yassin Mohamed , Williams John V
Published: December 2020

Background

Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality and stresses hospital resources during periods of increased circulation. We evaluated the effectiveness of the 2019–2020 influenza vaccine against influenza-associated hospitalization in the United States.

Methods

We included adults hospitalized with acute respiratory illness at 14 hospitals and tested for influenza viruses by reserve-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated by comparing the odds of current-season influenza vaccination in test-positive influenza cases vs test-negative controls, adjusting for confounders. VE was stratified by age and major circulating influenza types along with A(H1N1)pdm09 genetic subgroups.

Results

A total of 3116 participants were included, including 18% (n = 553) influenza-positive cases. Median age was 63 years. Sixty-seven percent (n = 2079) received vaccination. Overall adjusted VE against influenza viruses was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27%–52%). VE against A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses was 40% (95% CI, 24%–53%) and 33% against B viruses (95% CI, 0–56%). Of the 2 major A(H1N1)pdm09 subgroups (representing 90% of sequenced H1N1 viruses), VE against one group (5A + 187A,189E) was 59% (95% CI, 34%–75%) whereas no VE was observed against the other group (5A + 156K) (–1% [95% CI, –61% to 37%]).

Conclusions

In a primarily older population, influenza vaccination was associated with a 41% reduction in risk of hospitalized influenza illness.
Multi-method versus single method appraisal of clinical quality indicators for the emergency medical services
Authors: Howard Ian , Cameron Peter , Castrén Maaret , Wallis Lee , Lindström Veronica
Published: December 2020

Background

Quality Indicator (QI) appraisal protocol is a novel methodology that combines multiple appraisal methods to comprehensively assess the ‘appropriateness’ of QIs for a particular healthcare setting. However, they remain inadequately explored compared to the single appraisal method approach.

Objectives

To describe and test a multi-method QI appraisal protocol versus the single method approach, against a series of QIs previously identified as potentially relevant to the prehospital emergency care setting.

Methods

An appraisal protocol was developed consisting of two categorical-based appraisal methods, combined with the qualitative analysis of the discussion generated during the consensus application of each method. The output of the protocol was assessed and compared with the application and output of each method. Inter-rater reliability (IRR) of each particular method was evaluated prior to group consensus rating. Variation in the number of non-valid QIs and the proportion of non-valid QIs identified between each method and the protocol were compared and assessed.

Results

There was mixed IRR of the individual methods. There was similarly low-to-moderate correlation of the results obtained between the particular methods (Spearman’s rank correlation = 0.42, P < 0.001). From a series of 104 QIs, 11 non-valid QIs were identified that were shared between the individual methods. A further 19 non-valid QIs were identified and not shared by each method, highlighting the benefits of a multi-method approach. The outcomes were additionally evident in the group discussion analysis, which in and of itself added further input that would not have otherwise been captured by the individual methods alone.

Conclusion

The utilization of a multi-method appraisal protocol offers multiple benefits, when compared to the single appraisal approach, and can provide the confidence that the outcomes of the appraisal will ensure a strong foundation on which the QI framework can be successfully implemented.
Household transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Marimuthu Kalisvar , Mo Yin , Ling Moi Lin , Hernandez-Koutoucheva Anastasia , Fenlon Shannon N , Bertrand Denis , Lye David Chien , Ang Brenda Sze Peng , Perencevich Eli , Ng Oon Tek , Cooper Ben S , Nagarajan Niranjan , Chen Swaine L , Barkham Timothy
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To estimate the transmission rate of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in households with recently hospitalized CPE carriers.

Methods

We conducted a prospective case-ascertained cohort study. We identified the presence of CPE in stool samples from index subjects, household contacts and companion animals and environmental samples at regular intervals. Linked transmissions were identified by WGS. A Markov model was constructed to estimate the household transmission potential of CPE.

Results

Ten recently hospitalized index patients and 14 household contacts were included. There were seven households with one contact, two households with two contacts, and one household with three contacts. Index patients were colonized with blaOXA-48-like (n = 4), blaKPC-2 (n = 3), blaIMP (n = 2), and blaNDM-1 (n = 1), distributed among divergent species of Enterobacteriaceae. After a cumulative follow-up time of 9.0 years, three family members (21.4%, 3/14) acquired four different types of CPE in the community (hazard rate of 0.22/year). The probability of CPE transmission from an index patient to a household contact was 10% (95% CI 4%–26%).

Conclusions

We observed limited transmission of CPE from an index patient to household contacts. Larger studies are needed to understand the factors associated with household transmission of CPE and identify preventive strategies.
Breast Cancer Screening and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Smetherman Dana H
Published: December 2020

The novel SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on breast radiology practices. Initially, nonessential imaging studies, including screening mammography, were curtailed and even temporarily halted when lockdowns were instituted in many parts of the United States. As a result, imaging volumes plummeted while health care institutions worked to ensure safety measures were in place to protect patients and personnel. As COVID-19 infection levels started to stabilize in some areas, breast radiology practices sought guidance from national organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and radiology specialty societies, to develop strategies for patients to safely return for screening mammograms and other outpatient imaging studies. Postponement of breast cancer screening has led to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment that could negatively affect patient outcomes for years to come. In order to continue to provide necessary imaging services, breast radiologists will need to face and overcome ongoing practical challenges related to the pandemic, such as negative financial impacts on practices and patients, the need for modifications in delivery of imaging services and trainee education, and differences in the health care system as a whole, including the shift to telehealth for clinical care. Nonetheless, despite the disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, the need for breast radiology procedures, including breast cancer screening, remains strong.
Coinfection by Two Begomoviruses Aggravates Plant Symptoms But Does Not Influence the Performance and Preference of Insect Vector Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Ban Feixue , Zhong Yuwei , Pan Lilong , Mao Lijuan , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Yinquan
Published: December 2020

In nature, a plant can be infected by multiple viruses simultaneously. However, the effects of coinfection on plant–vector interactions are less well studied. Two begomoviruses of the family Geminiviridae, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV), occur sympatrically in China. Each of them is reported to increase the performance of whitefly vector via manipulation of plant traits. In this study, we examined the effects of coinfection by the two viruses TYLCV and TYLCCNV on plant–whitefly interactions, compared to that infected by a single virus. We found that plants infected by two viruses showed aggravated symptoms but the performance and preference of whiteflies were not altered significantly compared to singly-infected plants. Coinfection suppressed the transcription of genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway in plants, but showed no significant difference to single-virus infected plants. These findings suggest that although TYLCV and TYLCCNV may synergistically induce plant symptoms, they did not manipulate synergistically plant-mediated responses to the insect vector.