bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote health diagnosis and monitoring in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Behar Joachim A , Liu Chengyu , Kotzen Kevin , Tsutsui Kenta , Corino Valentina D A , Singh Janmajay , Pimentel Marco A F , Warrick Philip , Zaunseder Sebastian , Andreotti Fernando , Sebag David , Kopanitsa Georgy , McSharry Patrick E , Karlen Walter , Karmakar Chandan , Clifford Gari D
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is rapidly spreading across the globe. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requires early detection and monitoring, within a clinical environment for critical cases and remotely for mild cases, with a large spectrum of symptoms. The fear of contamination in clinical environments has led to a dramatic reduction in on-site referrals for routine care. There has also been a perceived need to continuously monitor non-severe COVID-19 patients, either from their quarantine site at home, or dedicated quarantine locations (e.g. hotels). In particular, facilitating contact tracing with proximity and location tracing apps was adopted in many countries very rapidly. Thus, the pandemic has driven incentives to innovate and enhance or create new routes for providing healthcare services at distance. In particular, this has created a dramatic impetus to find innovative ways to remotely and effectively monitor patient health status. In this paper, we present a review of remote health monitoring initiatives taken in 20 states during the time of the pandemic. We emphasize in the discussion particular aspects that are common ground for the reviewed states, in particular the future impact of the pandemic on remote health monitoring and consideration on data privacy.
Optical fibre sensing for fast hotspot detection in SFCLs
Authors: Akbar Arooj , Yang Zhisheng , Wang Sheng , Thévenaz Luc , Dutoit Bertrand
Published: September 2020

The health monitoring of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCL) is important for their large-scale exploitation in HVDC grids protection. The intrinsic non-homogeneity of critical current along the superconductor length can cause localized points of heating, called hotspots, in the SFCL device which can lead to device damage. In this paper we propose to use an extremely simple and cost-effective technique based on all-fibre Mach-Zehnder interferometers for hotspot detection in SFCLs, where the measurement arm of the interferometer is integrated with the SFCL and the reference arm remains in ambient. The system only consists of a laser, two optical fibre couplers and a photo detector. By studying the acquired interference patterns, even singular hotspots within the entire conductor length, can be informed in few milli-seconds, which is the fastest and most sensitive demonstration to the best of our knowledge that meets the SFCL requirement for fast hotspot detection.
Dynamic charge state distributions of 5 MeV Xe20+ ions penetrating through gaseous argon target
Authors: Wang Z , Cheng R , Xue F B , Chen Y H , Lei Y , Wang Y Y , Zhou Z X , Su M G , Yang J , Dong C Z
Published: September 2020

Dynamic distribution of charge state of highly charged 131Xe20+ (Z = 54) ions penetrating through the different areal density of gaseous argon target are measured, with the energy of 5 MeV (38.2 keV/u). Two individual stages of charge state are observed: pre-equilibrium stage, where the distribution moves toward the lower charge state with increasing the density of target; equilibrium stage, where the average charge state remains constant as 3.5. The experimental average charge states are compared with the theoretical predictions by the semi-empirical formulas and the classical-trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) respectively. A strong dependence of the average charge on energy loss of projectiles is observed too.
Fabrication and modeling of recessed traces for silicon-based neural microelectrodes
Authors: Nolta Nicholas F , Ghelich Pejman , Ersöz Alpaslan , Han Martin
Published: September 2020

Objective. Chronically-implanted neural microelectrodes are powerful tools for neuroscience research and emerging clinical applications, but their usefulness is limited by their tendency to fail after months in vivo. One failure mode is the degradation of insulation materials that protect the conductive traces from the saline environment. Approach. Studies have shown that material degradation is accelerated by mechanical stresses, which tend to concentrate on raised topographies such as conducting traces. Therefore, to avoid raised topographies, we developed a fabrication technique that recesses (buries) the traces in dry-etched, self-aligned trenches. Main results. The fabrication technique produced flatness within approximately 15 nm. Finite element modeling showed that the recessed geometry would be expected to reduce intrinsic stress concentrations in the insulation layers. Finally, in vitro electrochemical tests confirmed that recessed traces had robust recording and stimulation capabilities that were comparable to an established non-recessed device design. Significance. Our recessed trace fabrication technique requires no extra masks, is easy to integrate with existing processes, and is likely to improve the long-term performance of implantable neural devices.
Enhancement of photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic hydrogen evolution over sensitized Ag/TiO2
Authors: Almazroai Layla S
Published: September 2020

Photocatalysis is a promising technique for the production of hydrogen gas (H2), which has high energy capacity. Investigations into raising the quantum yield of H2 have considered the process itself and the compositions of the photocatalysts used. In particular, sensitization of semiconductors or their doping with metals has had a remarkable impact on the alternative energy industry. Dyes have great absorbance power under visible wavelengths, which overcomes a key limitation of TiO2 as a semiconductor. In this research, cyanine derivatives connected with Ag/TiO2 were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, and optical spectroscopy. The nanomaterials (48–88 nm) that were prepared had high crystallinity, and they were shifted to a region of sunlight radiation rich in photons, thereby enhancing the production of hydrogen. The improvement was more than by three-fold after 6 h. In addition, the combined light and ultrasound radiation yielded spectacular results, around six-fold of what was accomplished in the presence of light alone. Sonophotocatalysis has proven to be good for ensuring that particles do not aggregate during radiation and thus continue to produce abundant reactive oxidative species.
Optimised enhancement scheme for low contrast underwater images
Authors: Amusa K A , Adewusi A , Erinosho T C , Solana V O
Published: September 2020

Images acquired in underwater environments are usually affected by light absorption and scattering. These are the two phenomena that reduce the clarity of images that are captured in these environments. These factors cause low contrast and anamorphic colour diffusion. To tackle these issues, we propose an optimized low contrast enhancement scheme. The main thrust of this paper borders on enhancement of underwater image contrast by preserving the brightness level. The approach is termed Fuzzy-Histogram Equalisation Optimised for Brightness Preservation (FHEOBP) technique, where a combination of fuzzy and classical histogram equalisation techniques is employed towards the enhancement of the contrast of images from underwater scene. The scheme is optimized using teaching-learning-based optimisation technique that is built into the algorithm. The proposed FHEOBP filter shows improved performance over Local Histogram Equalisation (LHE) and Global Histogram Equalisation (GHE) as it has a higher luminance distortion index value than those of LHE and GHE. This translates into a better image details preservation. In fact, the computed luminance distortion indices for optimised FHEOBP are 16.4%, 28.3% and 20.1%, respectively higher than those of the corresponding GHE, in the same test images utilised for performance evaluation. Between the optimised and non-optimised FHEOBP, luminance distortion figures of optimised FHEOBP are 8%, 6.8% and 9.8% higher than those of the equivalent non-optimised FHEOBP in the test image data set.
Is bad brain worse than no brain? Salvaging the cerebral cortex in epilepsy
Authors: Federico Paolo , Wiebe Samuel
Published: September 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Resective surgery prevents progressive cortical thinning in temporal lobe epilepsy’, by Galovic et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa284).
Gating Patterns to Proprioceptive Stimulation in Various Cortical Areas: An MEG Study in Children and Adults using Spatial ICA
Authors: Vallinoja Jaakko , Jaatela Julia , Nurmi Timo , Piitulainen Harri
Published: September 2020

Proprioceptive paired-stimulus paradigm was used for 30 children (10–17 years) and 21 adult (25–45 years) volunteers in magnetoencephalography (MEG). Their right index finger was moved twice with 500-ms interval every 4 ± 25 s (repeated 100 times) using a pneumatic-movement actuator. Spatial-independent component analysis (ICA) was applied to identify stimulus-related components from MEG cortical responses. Clustering was used to identify spatiotemporally consistent components across subjects. We found a consistent primary response in the primary somatosensory (SI) cortex with similar gating ratios of 0.72 and 0.69 for the children and adults, respectively. Secondary responses with similar transient gating behavior were centered bilaterally in proximity of the lateral sulcus. Delayed and prolonged responses with strong gating were found in the frontal and parietal cortices possibly corresponding to larger processing network of somatosensory afference. No significant correlation between age and gating ratio was found. We confirmed that cortical gating to proprioceptive stimuli is comparable to other somatosensory and auditory domains, and between children and adults. Gating occurred broadly beyond SI cortex. Spatial ICA revealed several consistent response patterns in various cortical regions which would have been challenging to detect with more commonly applied equivalent current dipole or distributed source estimates.
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events During Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Are Serotype Dependent
Authors: Africano Hector F , Serrano-Mayorga Cristian C , Ramirez-Valbuena Paula C , Bustos Ingrid G , Bastidas Alirio , Vargas Hernan A , Gómez Sandra , Rodriguez Alejandro , Orihuela Carlos J , Reyes Luis F
Published: September 2020

Background

Up to 30% of patients admitted to hospitals with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) experience major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) including new/worsening heart failure, new/worsening arrhythmia, and/or myocardial infarction. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is the most frequently isolated bacterial pathogen among community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients and the only etiological agent linked independently to MACE. Nevertheless, no clinical data exist identifying which serotypes of Spn are principally responsible for MACE.

Methods

This was an observational multicenter retrospective study conducted through the Public Health Secretary of Bogotá, Colombia. We included patients with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of IPD with record of pneumococcal serotyping and clinical information between 2012 and 2019. Spn were serotyped using the quellung method by the National Center of Microbiology. MACE were determined by a retrospective chart review.

Results

The prevalence of MACE was 23% (71/310) in IPD patients and 28% (53/181) in patients admitted for CAP. The most prevalent S. pneumoniae serotype identified in our study was the 19A, responsible for the 13% (42/310) of IPD in our cohort, of which 21% (9/42) presented MACE. Serotypes independently associated with MACE in IPD patients were serotype 3 (odds ratio [OR] 1, 48; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.21–2.27]; P = .013) and serotype 9n (OR 1.29; 95% CI [1.08–2.24]; P = .020). Bacteremia occurred in 87% of patients with MACE. Moreover, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein were elevated in patients with MACE versus in non-MACE patients (mean [standard deviation], 138 [145] vs 73 [106], P = .01).

Conclusions

MACE are common during IPD with serotype 3 and 9n independently of frequency.
Strategies to improve outcomes for acute type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion
Authors: Gomibuchi Toshihito , Seto Tatsuichiro , Naito Kazuki , Chino Shuji , Mikoshiba Toru , Komatsu Masaki , Tanaka Haruki , Ichimura Hajime , Yamamoto Takateru , Nakahara Ko , Ohashi Noburo , Fuke Megumi , Wada Yuko , Okada Kenji
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify predictors of postoperative permanent neurological deficits (PNDs) and evaluate the early management of cerebral perfusion in patients undergoing surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion.

METHODS

Between October 2009 and September 2018, a total of 197 patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic replacement. Of these, 42 (21.3%) patients had an imaging cerebral malperfusion (ICM). ICM was assessed preoperatively, which also revealed whether dissected supra-aortic branch vessels were occluded or narrowed by a thrombosed false lumen. After September 2017, early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization were performed in cases with ICM.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality rates for cases with ICM were 4.8% (2/42). Before September 2017, PND were observed in 6 patients (54.5%) with preoperative neurological symptoms (n = 11), and 7 patients (33.3%) without neurological symptoms (n = 21) in patients with ICM. Occlusion or severe stenosis of supra-aortic branch vessels (odds ratio, 7.66; P < 0.001), regardless of preoperative clinical neurological symptoms, was a risk factor for PND. After September 2017, 7 of 10 patients with ICM underwent early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization. PND did not occur in any of these 7 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Occlusion or severe stenosis of supra-aortic branch vessels is a predictor of PND risk in patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization may reduce the risk of neurological complications in patients with ICM, with or without neurological symptoms.
Functions of small RNAs in Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group of lactic acid bacteria using fragment analysis
Authors: Nakashima Yuki , Shiiyama Narumi , Urabe Taihei , Yamashita Hideji , Yasuda Shin , Igoshi Keiji , Kinoshita Hideki
Published: September 2020

Small RNAs (sRNA) are non-cording RNAs composed of 50∼400 nt responsible for coordinating the adaption of Escherichia coli and other bacteria to changing environmental conditions, including pH and temperature. However, the role of sRNAs in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has not yet been clarified. In this study, we used the Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group to evaluate the function of sRNAs in LAB, using RNA sequencing in the exponential growth phase and stationary phase to map and analyze sRNA fragments, which were categorized as Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactobacillus paracasei. We evaluated the role of sRNAs in nutrient synthesis for cell growth in exponential growth phase and in protein and biofilm biosynthesis for cell body durability. During exponential growth, the sRNA fragments were found to be involved in the stress response in Pediococcus pentosaceus and in environmental adaption in Lactobacillus paracasei. The results suggest that the function of sRNA can be characterized from sRNA fragments using RNA sequencing during the exponential growth and stationary phases in Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group.
Development and Validation of 2 Composite Aging Measures Using Routine Clinical Biomarkers in the Chinese Population: Analyses From 2 Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Liu Zuyun
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to: (i) develop 2 composite aging measures in the Chinese population using 2 recent advanced algorithms (the Klemera and Doubal method and Mahalanobis distance); and (ii) validate the 2 measures by examining their associations with mortality and disease counts.

Methods

Based on data from the China Nutrition and Health Survey (CHNS) 2009 wave (N = 8119, aged 20–79 years, 53.5% women), a nationwide prospective cohort study of the Chinese population, we developed Klemera and Doubal method-biological age (KDM-BA) and physiological dysregulation (PD, derived from Mahalanobis distance) using 12 biomarkers. For the validation analysis, we used Cox proportional hazard regression models (for mortality) and linear, Poisson, and logistic regression models (for disease counts) to examine the associations. We replicated the validation analysis in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, N = 9304, aged 45–99 years, 53.4% women).

Results

Both aging measures were predictive of mortality after accounting for age and gender (KDM-BA, per 1-year, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 1.19; PD, per 1-SD, HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.33, 1.69). With few exceptions, these mortality predictions were robust across stratifications by age, gender, education, and health behaviors. The 2 aging measures were associated with disease counts both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. These results were generally replicable in CHARLS although 4 biomarkers were not available.

Conclusions

We successfully developed and validated 2 composite aging measures—KDM-BA and PD, which have great potentials for applications in early identifications and preventions of aging and aging-related diseases in China.
Multigenerational Households During Childhood and Trajectories of Cognitive Functioning Among U.S. Older Adults
Authors: Lee Haena , Ryan Lindsay H , Ofstedal Mary Beth , Smith Jacqui
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Family structure in childhood influences early brain development and cognitive performance in adulthood. Much less is known about its long-term impact on later-life cognitive functioning. We extend the two-generation family structure approach to investigate the potential contribution of living with grandparents in multigenerational households to differences in cognitive functioning at older ages.

Methods

Data were drawn from 9 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (1998–2014) merged with newly collected childhood family history data. Five types of family structure were assessed: two-parent households, two-parent households with grandparents, single-parent households, single-parent households with grandparents, and grandparent-headed households. Growth curve models were used to estimate trajectories of cognitive functioning over time.

Results

Childhood family structure was significantly associated with level of cognitive functioning, but not to rate of cognitive decline. Relative to those from two-parent households, individuals who grew up in multigenerational households showed higher levels of cognitive functioning, including those living with a single parent and grandparents. Those who lived with a single parent alone were the most disadvantaged. The effects of these multigenerational households persisted net of childhood and adulthood socioeconomic status and health outcomes.

Discussion

Grandparent coresidence may cultivate a socially enriched home environment, providing resources and protection for early cognitive development that could persist throughout life. Multigenerational living arrangements are likely to increase as the contemporary population ages. More research needs to be done to understand the impact of these living arrangements on future generations’ brain health and cognitive aging.
Elevated Risk of Cognitive Impairment Among Older Sexual Minorities: Do Health Conditions, Health Behaviors, and Social Connections Matter?
Authors: Hsieh Ning , Liu Hui , Lai Wen-Hua
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Little research has examined cognitive health disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual populations. Further, most extant studies rely on subjective measures of cognitive functioning and non-probability samples. This study uses a performance-based cognitive screening tool and a nationally representative sample of older Americans to examine the disparity in cognitive impairment by sexual orientation and the potential mechanisms producing this disparity.

Research Design and Methods

Using data from the 2015–2016 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 3,567), we analyzed respondents’ scores on the survey-adapted Montreal Cognitive Assessment. We estimated ordinal logit regressions to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and cognitive impairment and used the Karlson–Holm–Breen method to assess how mental and physical conditions, health behaviors, and social connections mediate this relationship.

Results

The prevalence of cognitive impairment is significantly higher among sexual minority older adults than among heterosexual older adults when sociodemographic factors are adjusted for. Depressive symptoms explain some of this prevalence gap. Although anxiety symptoms, physical comorbidity, health behaviors, and social connections may contribute to cognitive impairment, they do not explain the cognitive disparity by sexual orientation.

Discussion and Implications

The findings indicate that depressive symptoms are an important link between minority sexual orientation and cognitive impairment and highlight the importance of studying other potential mechanisms that we could not explore in this study. Future research should further investigate how minority stress processes may unfold to accelerate cognitive decline among sexual minorities over the life course.
A novel mouse model for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy due to antiquitin deficiency
Authors: Al-Shekaili Hilal H , Petkau Terri L , Pena Izabella , Lengyell Tess C , Verhoeven-Duif Nanda M , Ciapaite Jolita , Bosma Marjolein , van Faassen Martijn , Kema Ido P , Horvath Gabriella , Ross Colin , Simpson Elizabeth M , Friedman Jan M , van Karnebeek Clara , Leavitt Blair R
Published: September 2020

Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene leading to blockade of the lysine catabolism pathway. PDE is characterized by recurrent seizures that are resistant to conventional anticonvulsant treatment but are well-controlled by pyridoxine (PN). Most PDE patients also suffer from neurodevelopmental deficits despite adequate seizure control with PN. To investigate potential pathophysiological mechanisms associated with ALDH7A1 deficiency, we generated a transgenic mouse strain with constitutive genetic ablation of Aldh7a1. We undertook extensive biochemical characterization of Aldh7a1-KO mice consuming a low lysine/high PN diet. Results showed that KO mice accumulated high concentrations of upstream lysine metabolites including ∆1-piperideine-6-carboxylic acid (P6C), α-aminoadipic semialdehyde (α-AASA) and pipecolic acid both in brain and liver tissues, similar to the biochemical picture in ALDH7A1-deficient patients. We also observed preliminary evidence of a widely deranged amino acid profile and increased levels of methionine sulfoxide, an oxidative stress biomarker, in the brains of KO mice, suggesting that increased oxidative stress may be a novel pathobiochemical mechanism in ALDH7A1 deficiency. KO mice lacked epileptic seizures when fed a low lysine/high PN diet. Switching mice to a high lysine/low PN diet led to vigorous seizures and a quick death in KO mice. Treatment with PN controlled seizures and improved survival of high-lysine/low PN fed KO mice. This study expands the spectrum of biochemical abnormalities that may be associated with ALDH7A1 deficiency and provides a proof-of-concept for the utility of the model to study PDE pathophysiology and to test new therapeutics.
Dynamic and steady-state analysis of steam reforming of methane to hydrogen in a reformer for electric-powered unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Kosa Ergin
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen-fueled combustion systems are becoming popular in recent years. Methane is one of the significant hydrogen supplier in nature. Thus, in the study, the natural gas-fueled reactor-assisted solid oxide fuel-cell system is configured to provide a current to load the battery to turn the propeller of an unmanned aerial vehicle in the large-scale hydrogen-onboard system. The methane-fueled reactor has not been studied under a large-scale case in literature yet. To investigate the amount of products, this paper presents about the steam-reforming performance of natural gas in steady state and transient in the reactor. The influence of vital parameters such as steam/carbon, gas feed temperatures, the amount of heat transferred to the reactor in methane steam reforming for a plug flow reactor, and a continuous stirred tank-type reactor is investigated respectively. Methane conversion, yield of hydrogen gas and H2 gas generation for different medium conditions along the reactor are studied on by using the COMSOL Multiphysics program. The steady-state and time-dependent characteristics of the steam reforming of natural gas are focused on. The high conversion ratio of methane gas is obtained by ranking the steam/carbon ratio. The released hydrogen gas molar flow rate is increasing according to the reactor volume. The achieved power provided by produced gas of H2 is 97 hp supplying the thrust force for an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Design of tunnel drier for the non-centrifugal sugar industry
Authors: Raj S P , Srinivas M , Sravya B , O'Donovan T S , Reddy K S
Published: September 2020

The quality and shelf-life of NCS (non-centrifugal sugar) mainly depend on the moisture content present in it. NCS formed by the current practice of open sun drying contains moisture substantially greater than the acceptable level of 3%. This paper presents the work undertaken to design a tunnel dryer to achieve the required moisture content of granular NCS for various load conditions. An experimental investigation was conducted on a laboratory-scale dryer to achieve the required moisture content for various loads. This experimental data was compared with the output of two drying models and a validated one that could be used to design an industrial-scale dryer. For various load conditions on each tray and dryer exit temperature, nine different cases were determined. The number of trucks, drying time, and energy requirements were computed using the validated theoretical model. A tunnel dryer with a length, height and width of 18, 1.2 and 1 m respectively and 18 trucks with 24 trays on each truck is shown to be dry 1 tone of NCS based on the minimum energy requirement of 176.49 MJ, and a drying time of 68 min.
38406501359372282063949 and All That: Monodromy of Fano Problems
Authors: Hashimoto Sachi , Kadets Borys
Published: September 2020

A Fano problem is an enumerative problem of counting $r$-dimensional linear subspaces on a complete intersection in ${\mathbb{P}}^n$ over a field of arbitrary characteristic, whenever the corresponding Fano scheme is finite. A classical example is enumerating lines on a cubic surface. We study the monodromy of finite Fano schemes $F_{r}(X)$ as the complete intersection $X$ varies. We prove that the monodromy group is either symmetric or alternating in most cases. In the exceptional cases, the monodromy group is one of the Weyl groups $W(E_6)$ or $W(D_k)$.
Healthcare cyber-attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic: an urgent threat to global health
Authors: Muthuppalaniappan Menaka , Stevenson Kerrie
Published: September 2020

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in widespread disruption to the healthcare industry. Alongside complex issues relating to ensuring sufficient healthcare capacity and resourcing, healthcare organizations and universities are now also facing heightened cyber-security threats in the midst of the pandemic. Since the outbreak began, various healthcare providers and academic institutions across the world have been targeted in a variety of complex and coordinatized cyber-attacks. International and national regulatory bodies have stressed the urgent need for healthcare providers and universities to protect themselves against cyber-attacks during COVID-19, recognizing that a growing number of cyber-criminals are seeking to capitalize on the vulnerabilities of the healthcare sector during this period. This includes a desire to steal intellectual property such as data relating to COVID-19 vaccine development, modelling and experimental therapeutics. It is therefore essential that healthcare providers and universities ensure they are informed, protected and prepared to respond to any cyber-threat. This article outlines key COVID-19 cyber-security principles for both healthcare organizations and academic institutions.
Reducing electronic health record-related burnout in providers through a personalized efficiency improvement program
Authors: Lourie Eli M , Utidjian Levon Haig , Ricci Maria F , Webster Linda , Young Carola , Grenfell Stephanie M
Published: September 2020

Objective

To give providers a better understanding of how to use the electronic health record (EHR), improve efficiency, and reduce burnout.

Materials and Methods

All ambulatory providers were offered at least 1 one-on-one session with an “optimizer” focusing on filling gaps in EHR knowledge and lack of customization. Success was measured using pre- and post-surveys that consisted of validated tools and homegrown questions. Only participants who returned both surveys were included in our calculations.

Results

Out of 1155 eligible providers, 1010 participated in optimization sessions. Pre-survey return rate was 90% (1034/1155) and post-survey was 54% (541/1010). 451 participants completed both surveys. After completing their optimization sessions, respondents reported a 26% improvement in mean knowledge of EHR functionality (P < .01), a 19% increase in the mean efficiency in the EHR (P < .01), and a 17% decrease in mean after-hours EHR usage (P < .01). Of the 401 providers asked to rate their burnout, 32% reported feelings of burnout in the pre-survey compared to 23% in the post-survey (P < .01). Providers were also likely to recommend colleagues participate in the program, with a Net Promoter Score of 41.

Discussion

It is possible to improve provider efficiency and feelings of burnout with a personalized optimization program. We ascribe these improvements to the one-on-one nature of our program which provides both training as well as addressing the feeling of isolation many providers feel after implementation.

Conclusion

It is possible to reduce burnout in ambulatory providers with personalized retraining designed to improve efficiency and knowledge of the EHR.
Nearly Exact Bayesian Estimation of Non-linear No-Arbitrage Term-Structure Models
Authors: Pericoli Marcello , Taboga Marco
Published: September 2020

We propose a general method for the Bayesian estimation of a very broad class of non-linear no-arbitrage term-structure models. The main innovation we introduce is a computationally efficient method, based on deep learning techniques, for approximating no-arbitrage model-implied bond yields to any desired degree of accuracy. Once the pricing function is approximated, the posterior distribution of model parameters and unobservable state variables can be estimated by standard Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. As an illustrative example, we apply the proposed techniques to the estimation of a shadow-rate model with a time-varying lower bound and unspanned macroeconomic factors.
Lens opacity prevalence among the residents in high natural background radiation area in Yangjiang, China
Authors: Su Yinping , Wang Yan , Yoshinaga Shinji , Zhu Weiguo , Tokonami Shinji , Zou Jianming , Tan Guangxiang , Tsuji Mayumi , Akiba Suminori , Sun Quanfu
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk and threshold doses of lens opacity among residents exposed to low-dose radiation. Residents aged ≥45 years were recruited from a high natural background radiation (HNBR) area in Yangjiang City and a control area selected from nearby Enping City. Lens opacities (LOPs) were classified according to the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III system. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on lifestyles, migration and medical history. Life-time cumulative doses were estimated using gender, age, occupancy factors and environmental radiation doses received indoors and outdoors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the dose response and determine thresholds. In the HNBR area, among 479 study participants, 101 (21.1%), 245(51.1%) and 23 cases (4.8%), respectively, of cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular (PSC) LOPs were found. In the control area, those types of LOPs were identified among 58 cases (12.6%), 206 cases (51.2%) and 6 cases (1.3%) of 462 examinees, respectively. Cumulative eye lens dose was estimated to be 189.5 ± 36.5 mGy in the HNBR area. Logistic analyses gave odds ratios at 100 mGy of 1.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.60], 0.81 (95% CI 0.64–1.01) and 1.73 (95% CI 1.05–2.85) for cortical, nuclear and PSC LOPs, respectively. For cortical LOPs, a logistic analysis with a threshold dose gave a threshold estimate of 140 mGy (90% CI 110–160 mGy). The results indicated that population exposed to life-time, low-dose-rate environmental radiation was at an elevated risk of cortical and PSC LOPs. A statistically significant threshold dose was obtained for cortical LOPs and no threshold dose for PSC LOPs.
High time to prioritize rabies prevention—a new paradigm
Authors: Steffen Robert , Hamer Davidson H
Published: September 2020

Almost 500 patients consulted a GeoSentinel clinic annually for post-exposure prophylaxis after a potential rabies exposure as compared to approximately 20 for hepatitis A and 40 for typhoid fever. Travellers’ response after potential rabies exposure is alarmingly inadequate. Thus, rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis should now become the #1 travel vaccine intervention.
Sensing when the wall comes tumbling down
Authors: Brummell David A
Published: September 2020

This article comments on:

Paniagua C, Ric-Varas P, Garcia-Gago JA, López-Casado G, Blanco-Portales R, Muñoz-Blanco J, Schückel J, Knox JP, Matas AJ, Quesada MA, Posé S, Mercado JA. 2020. Elucidating the role of polygalacturonase genes in strawberry fruit softening. Journal of Experimental Botany 71, 7103–7117.
Physical properties and evolution of (sub-)millimetre-selected galaxies in the galaxy formation simulation shark
Authors: Lagos Claudia del P , da Cunha Elisabete , Robotham Aaron S G , Obreschkow Danail , Valentino Francesco , Fujimoto Seiji , Magdis Georgios E , Tobar Rodrigo
Published: September 2020

We thoroughly explore the properties of (sub)-millimetre (mm) selected galaxies (SMGs) in the shark semi-analytic model of galaxy formation. Compared to observations, the predicted number counts at wavelengths (λ) 0.6–2 mm and redshift distributions at 0.1–2 mm, agree well. At the bright end (≳1 mJy), shark galaxies are a mix of mergers and disc instabilities. These galaxies display a stacked far-ultraviolet (FUV)-to-far-infrared (FIR) spectrum that agrees well with observations. We predict that current optical/NIR surveys are deep enough to detect bright (>1 mJy) λ = 0.85–2 mm-selected galaxies at z ≲ 5, but too shallow to detect counterparts at higher redshift. A James Webb Space Telescope 10 000s survey should detect all counterparts for galaxies with S0.85mm ≳ 0.01 mJy. We predict SMG’s disks contribute significantly (negligibly) to the rest-frame UV (IR). We investigate the 0 ≤ z ≤ 6 evolution of the intrinsic properties of >1 mJy λ = 0.85–2 mm-selected galaxies finding their: (i) stellar masses are $\gt 10^{10.2}\rm \, M_{\odot }$, with the 2 mm ones tracing the most massive galaxies ($\gt 10^{11}\rm \, M_{\odot }$); (ii) specific star formation rates (SFR) are mildly (≈3–10 times) above the main sequence (MS); (iii) host halo masses are $\gtrsim 10^{12.3}\, \rm M_{\odot }$, with 2 mm galaxies tracing the most massive haloes (protoclusters); (iv) SMGs have lower dust masses ($\approx 10^{8}\, \rm M_{\odot }$), higher dust temperatures (≈40–45 K) and higher rest-frame V-band attenuation (>1.5) than MS galaxies; (v) sizes decrease with redshift, from 4 kpc at z = 1 to ≲1 kpc at z = 4; and (vi) the carbon monoxide line spectra of S0.85mm ≳ 1 mJy sources peak at 4 → 3. Finally, we study the contribution of SMGs to the molecular gas and cosmic SFR density at 0 ≤ z ≤ 10, finding that >1 mJy sources make a negligible contribution at z ≳ 3 and 5, respectively, suggesting current observations have unveiled the majority of the SF at 0 ≤ z ≤ 10.
Dynamical mass inference of galaxy clusters with neural flows
Authors: Kodi Ramanah Doogesh , Wojtak Radosław , Ansari Zoe , Gall Christa , Hjorth Jens
Published: September 2020

We present an algorithm for inferring the dynamical mass of galaxy clusters directly from their respective phase-space distributions, that is, the observed line-of-sight velocities and projected distances of galaxies from the cluster centre. Our method employs normalizing flows, a deep neural network capable of learning arbitrary high-dimensional probability distributions, and inherently accounts, to an adequate extent, for the presence of interloper galaxies which are not bounded to a given cluster, the primary contaminant of dynamical mass measurements. We validate and showcase the performance of our neural flow approach to robustly infer the dynamical mass of clusters from a realistic mock cluster catalogue. A key aspect of our novel algorithm is that it yields the probability density function of the mass of a particular cluster, thereby providing a principled way of quantifying uncertainties, in contrast to conventional machine learning (ML) approaches. The neural network mass predictions, when applied to a contaminated catalogue with interlopers, have a mean overall logarithmic residual scatter of 0.028 dex, with a lognormal scatter of 0.126 dex, which goes down to 0.089 dex for clusters in the intermediate- to high-mass range. This is an improvement by nearly a factor of 4 relative to the classical cluster mass scaling relation with the velocity dispersion, and outperforms recently proposed ML approaches. We also apply our neural flow mass estimator to a compilation of galaxy observations of some well-studied clusters with robust dynamical mass estimates, further substantiating the efficacy of our algorithm.
Visualization of uracils created by APOBEC3A using UdgX shows colocalization with RPA at stalled replication forks
Authors: Stewart Jessica A , Schauer Grant , Bhagwat Ashok S
Published: September 2020

The AID/APOBEC enzymes deaminate cytosines in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and play key roles in innate and adaptive immunity. The resulting uracils cause mutations and strand breaks that inactivate viruses and diversify antibody repertoire. Mutational evidence suggests that two members of this family, APOBEC3A (A3A) and APOBEC3B, deaminate cytosines in the lagging-strand template during replication. To obtain direct evidence for the presence of these uracils, we engineered a protein that covalently links to DNA at uracils, UdgX, for mammalian expression and immunohistochemistry. We show that UdgX strongly prefers uracils in ssDNA over those in U•G or U:A pairs, and localizes to nuclei in a dispersed form. When A3A is expressed in these cells, UdgX tends to form foci. The treatment of cells with cisplatin, which blocks replication, causes a significant increase in UdgX foci. Furthermore, this protein- and hence the uracils created by A3A- colocalize with replication protein A (RPA), but not with A3A. Using purified proteins, we confirm that RPA inhibits A3A by binding ssDNA, but despite its overexpression following cisplatin treatment, RPA is unable to fully protect ssDNA created by cisplatin adducts. This suggests that cisplatin treatment of cells expressing APOBEC3A should cause accumulation of APOBEC signature mutations.
Genetic Events and Signaling Mechanisms Underlying Schwann Cell Fate in Development and Cancer
Authors: Vasudevan Harish N , Lucas Calixto-Hope G , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E , Theodosopoulos Philip V , Raleigh David R
Published: September 2020

In this review, we describe Schwann cell development from embryonic neural crest cells to terminally differentiated myelinated and nonmyelinated mature Schwann cells. We focus on the genetic drivers and signaling mechanisms mediating decisions to proliferate versus differentiate during Schwann cell development, highlighting pathways that overlap with Schwann cell development and are dysregulated in tumorigenesis. We conclude by considering how our knowledge of the events underlying Schwann cell development and mouse models of schwannoma, neurofibroma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor can inform novel therapeutic strategies for patients with cancers derived from Schwann cell lineages.
A Distinct Phylogenetic Cluster of Indian Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Isolates
Authors: Banu Sofia , Jolly Bani , Mukherjee Payel , Singh Priya , Khan Shagufta , Zaveri Lamuk , Shambhavi Sakshi , Gaur Namami , Reddy Shashikala , Kaveri K , Srinivasan Sivasubramanian , Gopal Dhinakar Raj , Siva Archana Bharadwaj , Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Tallapaka Karthik Bharadwaj , Mishra Rakesh K , Scaria Vinod , Sowpati Divya Tej
Published: September 2020

Background

From an isolated epidemic, coronavirus disease 2019 has now emerged as a global pandemic. The availability of genomes in the public domain after the epidemic provides a unique opportunity to understand the evolution and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus across the globe.

Methods

We performed whole-genome sequencing of 303 Indian isolates, and we analyzed them in the context of publicly available data from India.

Results

We describe a distinct phylogenetic cluster (Clade I/A3i) of SARS-CoV-2 genomes from India, which encompasses 22% of all genomes deposited in the public domain from India. Globally, approximately 2% of genomes, which to date could not be mapped to any distinct known cluster, fall within this clade.

Conclusions

The cluster is characterized by a core set of 4 genetic variants and has a nucleotide substitution rate of 1.1 × 10–3 variants per site per year, which is lower than the prevalent A2a cluster. Epidemiological assessments suggest that the common ancestor emerged at the end of January 2020 and possibly resulted in an outbreak followed by countrywide spread. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study characterizing this cluster of SARS-CoV-2 in India.
Crystallization and Segregation of Syenite in Shallow Mafic Sills: Insights from the San Rafael Subvolcanic Field, Utah
Authors: Germa Aurelie , Koebli Danielle , Wetmore Paul , Atlas Zachary , Arias Austin , Savov Ivan P , Diez Mikel , Greaves Vanessa , Gallant Elisabeth
Published: September 2020

Exposed plumbing systems provide important insight into crystallization and differentiation in shallow sills beneath volcanic fields. We use whole rock major element, trace element and radiogenic isotopic compositions, along with mineral geochemical data on 125 samples to examine the conditions of melt differentiation in shallow sills from the exposed 4-Ma-old San Rafael subvolcanic field (SRVF), Utah. The field consists of ∼2000 dikes, 12 sills and 63 well preserved volcanic conduits. Intrusive rocks consist of mainly fine-grained trachybasalts and coarse-grained syenites, which are alkaline, comagmatic and enriched in Ba, Sr and LREE. Within sills, syenite is found as veins, lenses, and sheets totally enveloped by the basalt. The SRVF intrusions have geochemical signatures of both enriched sub-continental lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle sources. We estimate partial melting occurred between 1·2 and 1·9 GPa (50–70 km), with mantle potential temperatures in the range 1260–1326 ± 25°C, consistent with those estimated for volcanic rocks erupted on the Colorado Plateau. Geobarometry results based on clinopyroxene chemistry indicate that (1) basalt crystallized during ascent from at least 40 km deep with limited lithospheric storage, and (2) syenites crystallized only in the sills, ∼1 km below the surface. San Rafael mafic magma was emplaced in sills and started to crystallize inward from the sill margins. Densities of basalt and syenite at solidus temperatures are 2·6 and 2·4 g/cc, respectively, with similar viscosities of ∼150 Pa s. Petrographic observations and physical properties suggest that syenite can be physically separated from basalt by crystal compaction and segregation of the tephrophonolitic residual liquid out of the basaltic crystal mush after reaching 30–45% of crystallization. Each individual sill is 10–50 m thick and would have solidified fairly rapidly (1–30 years), the same order of magnitude as the duration of common monogenetic eruptions. Our estimates imply that differentiation in individual shallow sills may occur during the course of an eruption whose style may vary from effusive to explosive by tapping different magma compositions. Our study shows that basaltic magmas have the potential to differentiate to volatile-rich magma in shallow intrusive systems, which may increase explosivity.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with the COVID-19 among slum dwellers resided in Dhaka City: a Bangladeshi interview-based survey
Authors: Islam Saiful , Emran Galib Ishraq , Rahman Estiar , Banik Rajon , Sikder Tajuddin , Smith Lee , Hossain Sahadat
Published: September 2020

Background

The emergent COVID-19 has impacted unprecedentedly to all classes of people. Slum-dwellers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are currently poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the KAP toward COVID-19 among slum dwellers resided in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross-sectional offline survey was carried out enrolling 406 slum dwellers (53.2% male; mean age = 44.9 years [SD = 12.1]; age range = 18–85 years) between August and September, 2020. The face to face interview was conducted to collect data from six selected slum areas in Dhaka City using convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of informed consent along with questions concerning observational checklists, socio-demographics and KAP.

Results

A sizeable minority were observed without wearing face masks during the survey periods (18.2%) and a vast portion (97.5%) without any hand protection. The mean scores of KAP were 6.1 ± 2.6 (out of 17), 12.3 ± 1.7 (out of 14) and 9.8 ± 1.6 (out of 12), respectively. Moreover, the KAP were strongly and positively correlated with each other.

Conclusions

The findings revealed that the majority of slum dwellers in Bangladesh have limited knowledge of COVID-19. Poor practices (i.e. face mask and hand protection) were directly observed during the survey. The findings suggest the immediate implementation of health education programs and adequate interventions.