bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UHPLC for quality evaluation of genuine and illegal medicines containing sildenafil citrate and tadalafil
Authors: Reis Naialy Fernandes Araújo , Silva Luiz Felipe Gomes , Souza Mateus Araújo Castro e , Fialho Sílvia Ligório , Souza Moreira Carolina Paula , Oliveira Andrade Marcus Vinicius , Paula Washington Xavier , Gloria Maria Beatriz Abreu , Pianetti Gerson Antônio , Fernandes Christian
Published: September 2020

One of the highest incidences of illegal drug products is related to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, used in treatment of erectile dysfunction, including those containing sildenafil citrate and tadalafil. In this context, comprehensive evaluation of the quality of genuine and illegal medicines was performed. A simple and rapid ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-UV) method to quantify sildenafil and tadalafil in the presence of six degradation products was developed and validated. Sildenafil and tadalafil were submitted to forced degradation. The separation was carried out on a Kinetex C18 (50 × 2.1 mm; 1.7 μm) column with mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and aqueous triethylamine solution. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 14–126 μg mL−1 for sildenafil citrate and 4–36 μg mL−1 for tadalafil and the method proved to be selective, precise, accurate and robust. Sildenafil degraded in oxidative media, whereas tadalafil degraded in acidic, alkaline and oxidative environment. The chemical structures and the mechanisms for the formation of the main degradation products were proposed by UHPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The UHPLC-UV method was applied in the pharmaceutical analysis of genuine and seized medicines. Some of them did not meet quality standards, mainly due to contents below specifications and the large variation on contents between units within a batch.
Impact of white blood cell count on clinical outcomes in patients treated with aspirin-free ticagrelor monotherapy after percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the GLOBAL LEADERS trial
Authors: Ono Masafumi , Tomaniak Mariusz , Koenig Wolfgang , Khamis Ramzi , de Silva Ranil , Chichareon Ply , Kawashima Hideyuki , Hara Hironori , Gao Chao , Wang Rutao , Huber Kurt , Vrolix Mathias , Jasionowicz Pawel , Wykrzykowska Joanna J , Piek Jan J , Jüni Peter , Hamm Christian , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Windecker Stephan , Onuma Yoshinobu , Storey Robert F , Serruys Patrick W
Published: September 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor monotherapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) stratified according to the baseline white blood cell (WBC) count.

Methods and results

This is a post hoc analysis of the GLOBAL LEADERS trial, a multi-centre, open-label, randomized all-comer trial in patients undergoing PCI, comparing the experimental strategy (23-month ticagrelor monotherapy following 1-month dual anti-platelet therapy [DAPT]) with the reference strategy (12-month aspirin monotherapy following 12-month DAPT). Patients were stratified into two WBC groups, either < or ≥median WBC count of 7.8 × 109 cells/L (lower or higher WBC group, respectively). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or new Q-wave myocardial infarction at 2 years. Of 14 576 patients included in the present study, 7212 patients (49.5%) were classified as the lower WBC group, who had a significantly lower risk of both ischaemic and bleeding outcomes at 2 years. At 2 years, the experimental strategy was associated with a significant lower incidence of the primary endpoint compared with the reference strategy in the lower WBC group [2.8% vs. 4.2%; hazard ratio (HR): 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52–0.86] but not in the higher WBC group (4.8% vs. 4.7%; HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.82–1.25; Pinteraction=0.013). There were no significant differences in the risks of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 or 5 bleeding between two anti-platelet strategies regardless of the WBC groups.

Conclusion

Increased WBC counts, which may reflect degree of inflammation, at the time of index procedure may attenuate the anti-ischaemic benefits of ticagrelor monotherapy observed in patients with lower WBC counts.
Eternal rest, perpetual light and the Last Judgement: Antoine Brumel’s Dies irae in the early Requiem tradition
Authors: Rothenberg David J
Published: September 2020

Antoine Brumel’s Missa pro defunctis is one of the earliest polyphonic Requiem settings, and the first by several decades to include the sequence, Dies irae. Whereas most chants in the Mass for the Dead were set c.1500 to the low-pitched, highly consonant polyphony that denoted mourning and penitence at the time, the Dies irae is a musical portrayal of the Last Judgement that might seem to demand more vivid polyphonic treatment. And yet Brumel’s setting, a grand alternatim movement, responds more to the formal regularity of the chant than to its text, which describes a terrifying scene much like what is seen in contemporaneous visual depictions of the Last Judgement. Indeed, Brumel’s most striking rhetorical moment comes not in the frightening early verses of the sequence but in its concluding plea to Christ that the dead be granted peace. Analysis of Brumel’s Dies irae in the context of his Missa pro defunctis, therefore, shows that early Requiem compositions, even at their most terrifying, serve first and foremost as functional pleas to God that the deceased be granted eternal rest and perpetual light.
Significance of post-pacing intervals shorter than tachycardia cycle length for successful catheter ablation of atypical flutter
Authors: Dall’Aglio Pietro Bernardo , Johner Nicolas , Namdar Mehdi , Shah Dipen C
Published: September 2020

Aims

During entrainment mapping of macro-reentrant tachycardias, the time difference (dPPI) between post-pacing interval (PPI) and tachycardia cycle length (TCL) is thought to be a function of the distance of the pacing site to the re-entry circuit and dPPI < 30 ms is considered within the re-entry circuit. This study assessed the importance of PPI < TCL as a successful target for atypical flutter ablation.

Methods and results

A total of 177 ablation procedures were investigated. Surface electrocardiograms (ECGs) were evaluated and combined activation and entrainment mapping were performed to choose ablation sites. Each entrainment sequence immediately preceding static radiofrequency delivery at the same site was analysed. A total of 545 entrainment sequences were analysed. dPPI < 0 ms was observed in 45.3% (247/545) sequences. Ablation resulted in tachycardia termination more often at sites with dPPI < 0 (27.8% vs. 14.5%, P < 0.001) and with a progressively increasingly inverse correlation between dPPI duration and ablation success [odds ratio (OR): 0.974; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.960–0.988; P < 0.001]. Tachycardia termination or cycle length prolongation also occurred more often at sites with dPPI < 0 (50.6% vs. 33.2%, P < 0.001) and with a similar inverse correlation with dPPI duration (OR: 0.972; 95% CI 0.960–0.984; P < 0.001). Twelve-lead synchronous isoelectric intervals were observed in 64.4% (163/253) flutter ECGs and were associated with a dPPI < 0 (75.3% vs. 55.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

When combined with activation mapping, a negative dPPI is a more effective parameter for identifying a target for successful ablation compared to a dPPI = 0–30 ms. Its occurrence is associated with a critical small narrow slow-conducting isthmus at the target site.
Selective Gene Loss of Visual and Olfactory Guanylyl Cyclase Genes Following the Two Rounds of Vertebrate-Specific Whole-Genome Duplications
Authors: Gesemann Matthias , Neuhauss Stephan C F
Published: September 2020

Photoreceptors convey visual information and come in two flavors; dim-light and bright-light dedicated rod and cones. Both cell types feature highly specialized phototransduction cascades that convert photonic energy into intracellular signals. Although a substantial amount of phototransduction gene ohnologs are expressed either in rods or cones, visual guanylyl cyclases (GCs) involved in the calcium (Ca2+) dependent feedback regulation of phototransduction are neither rod nor cone specific. The co-existence of visual GCs in both photoreceptor types suggests that specialization of these ohnologs occurred despite their overlapping expression.

Here, we analyze gene retention and inactivation patterns of vertebrate visual and closely related olfactory GCs following two rounds (2R) of vertebrate-specific whole-genome duplication events (2R WGD). Although eutherians generally use two visual and one olfactory GC, independent inactivation occurred in some lineages. Sauropsids (birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles) generally have only one visual GC (GC-E). Additionally, turtles (testodes) also lost the olfactory GC (GC-D). Pseudogenization in mammals occurred in specific species/families likely according to functional needs (i.e., many species with reduced vision only have GC-E). Likewise, some species not relying on scent marks lack GC-D, the olfactory GC enzyme. Interestingly, in the case of fish, no species can be found with fewer than three (two visual and one olfactory) genes and the teleost-specific 3R WGD can increase this number to up to five. This suggests that vision in fish now requires at least two visual GCs.
Dancing With Dementia: Exploring the Embodied Dimensions of Creativity and Social Engagement
Authors: Kontos Pia , Grigorovich Alisa , Kosurko An , Bar Rachel J , Herron Rachel V , Menec Verena H , Skinner Mark W
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Dance is increasingly being implemented in residential long-term care to improve health and function. However, little research has explored the potential of dance to enhance social inclusion by supporting embodied self-expression, creativity, and social engagement of persons living with dementia and their families.

Research Design and Methods

This was a qualitative sequential multiphase study of Sharing Dance Seniors, a dance program that includes a suite of remotely streamed dance sessions that are delivered weekly to participants in long-term care and community settings. Our analysis focused on the participation of 67 persons living with dementia and 15 family carers in residential long-term care homes in Manitoba, Canada. Data included participant observation, video recordings, focus groups, and interviews; all data were analyzed thematically.

Results

We identified 2 themes: playfulness and sociability. Playfulness refers to the ways that the participants let go of what is “real” and became immersed in the narrative of a particular dance, often adding their own style. Sociability captures the ways in which the narrative approach of the Sharing Dance Seniors program encourages connectivity/intersubjectivity between participants and their community; participants co-constructed and collaboratively animated the narrative of the dances.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings highlight the playful and imaginative nature of how persons living with dementia engage with dance and demonstrate how this has the potential to challenge the stigma associated with dementia and support social inclusion. This underscores the urgent need to make dance programs such as Sharing Dance Seniors more widely accessible to persons living with dementia everywhere.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Avidity Responses in COVID-19 Patients and Convalescent Plasma Donors
Authors: Benner Sarah E , Patel Eshan U , Laeyendecker Oliver , Pekosz Andrew , Littlefield Kirsten , Eby Yolanda , Fernandez Reinaldo E , Miller Jernelle , Kirby Charles S , Keruly Morgan , Klock Ethan , Baker Owen R , Schmidt Haley A , Shrestha Ruchee , Burgess Imani , Bonny Tania S , Clarke William , Caturegli Patrizio , Sullivan David , Shoham Shmuel , Quinn Thomas C , Bloch Evan M , Casadevall Arturo , Tobian Aaron A R , Redd Andrew D
Published: September 2020

Background

Convalescent plasma therapy is a leading treatment for conferring temporary immunity to COVID-19–susceptible individuals or for use as post-exposure prophylaxis. However, not all recovered patients develop adequate antibody titers for donation and the relationship between avidity and neutralizing titers is currently not well understood.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid IgG titers and avidity were measured in a longitudinal cohort of COVID-19 hospitalized patients (n = 16 individuals) and a cross-sectional sample of convalescent plasma donors (n = 130). Epidemiologic correlates of avidity were examined in donors by linear regression. The association of avidity and a high neutralizing titer (NT) were also assessed in donors using modified Poisson regression.

Results

Antibody avidity increased over duration of infection and remained elevated. In convalescent plasma donors, higher levels of anti-spike avidity were associated with older age, male sex, and hospitalization. Higher NTs had a stronger positive correlation with anti-spike IgG avidity (Spearman ρ = 0.386; P < .001) than with anti-nucleocapsid IgG avidity (Spearman ρ = 0.211; P = .026). Increasing levels of anti-spike IgG avidity were associated with high NT (≥160) (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.58 [95% confidence interval = 1.19–2.12]), independent of age, sex, and hospitalization.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 antibody avidity correlated with duration of infection and higher neutralizing titers, suggesting a potential alternative screening parameter for identifying optimal convalescent plasma donors.
Correlation between compensated patient claims and 30-day mortality
Authors: Skyrud Katrine Damgaard , Bukholm Ida Rashida Khan
Published: September 2020

Objective

To test if compensation claims from patients (reported to the Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation) are correlated with the existing quality indicator of 30-day mortality (based on data from Norwegian Patient Registry). This correlation has not been previously evaluated.

Design

The association between patient claims and 30-day mortality at hospital trust level was assessed by the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Setting

The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation is a governmental agency under the Ministry of Health and Care Services and deals with patient-reported complaints about incorrect treatment in the public and private healthcare services. Patient-reported claims may be an indicator of healthcare quality, as 30-day mortality.

Participants

All 19 Norwegian hospital trusts.

Interventions

: None.

Main outcome measure

Patient claims rates, 30-day mortality and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

Both number of deaths within 30 days and number of claims have declined over time. High correlation (0.77, P < 0.001) was found between number of deaths within 30 days and the total number of claims. In addition, an even stronger association was found with approved claims, with a correlation coefficient of 0.83 (P < 0.001). Moreover, adjusted 30-day mortality was significantly correlated with the patient-claim rate using number of bed-days as denominator, but not when using number of discharges.

Conclusions

The results from the present study indicate an association between compensation claims from patients and 30-day mortality, suggesting that both parameters reflect the latent quality of care for the hospital trusts, but they may capture different aspects of care.
Michelangelo Gualandi (1793–1887) and the National Gallery: an unofficial ‘Travelling Agent’ for Sir Charles Eastlake
Authors: Avery-Quash Susanna , Mazzaferro Giovanni
Published: September 2020

Over one hundred letters between the Bolognese art agent, archivist and local historian Michelangelo Gualandi (1793–1887) and Sir Charles Eastlake (1793–1865), first director of the National Gallery, London, have recently been discovered in the University Library at Frankfurt. The correspondence charts the pair’s relationship during Eastlake’s decade in office from 1855 and demonstrates the diverse ways in which Gualandi assisted Eastlake, from sourcing books and undertaking archival research to helping to purchase pictures for the National Gallery and Eastlake’s own private collection. It also presents new data concerning the paintings that eluded them and the state of the international art market in the middle of the nineteenth century. We contend that their collaboration-cum-friendship deserves greater recognition and, given the extent of his assistance, that Gualandi might justifiably be repositioned within the gallery’s institutional history as, in many ways, a figure comparable in importance to Otto Mündler, the gallery’s official Travelling Agent.
Orthogonal Learning Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Kadavy Tomas , Senkerik Roman , Pluhacek Michal , Viktorin Adam
Published: September 2020

The primary aim of this original work is to provide a more in-depth insight into the relations between control parameters adjustments, learning techniques, inner swarm dynamics and possible hybridization strategies for popular swarm metaheuristic Firefly Algorithm (FA). In this paper, a proven method, orthogonal learning, is fused with FA, specifically with its hybrid modification Firefly Particle Swarm Optimization (FFPSO). The parameters of the proposed Orthogonal Learning Firefly Algorithm are also initially thoroughly explored and tuned. The performance of the developed algorithm is examined and compared with canonical FA and above-mentioned FFPSO. Comparisons have been conducted on well-known CEC 2017 benchmark functions, and the results have been evaluated for statistical significance using the Friedman rank test.
Extensions in graph normal form
Authors: Walicki Michał
Published: September 2020

Graph normal form, introduced earlier for propositional logic, is shown to be a normal form also for first-order logic. It allows to view syntax of theories as digraphs, while their semantics as kernels of these digraphs. Graphs are particularly well suited for studying circularity, and we provide some general means for verifying that circular or apparently circular extensions are conservative. Traditional syntactic means of ensuring conservativity, like definitional extensions or positive occurrences guaranteeing exsitence of fixed points, emerge as special cases.
A subterranean ecosystem-engineering rodent influences plant emergence and reproductive strategy in a high-altitude cold desert
Authors: Borghi Carlos E , Rodríguez Navas Alicia , Andino Natalia
Published: September 2020

Plant emergence from seed banks and from asexual reproduction could be strongly influenced by environmental and biological factors. Among environmental factors, animal disturbances deserve special consideration. In this study we test the hypothesis that disturbances resulting from the burrowing activity of Ctenomys affect plant emergence (sexual and asexual) in the south of the cold Puna desert. Richness and abundance of seedlings and sprouts growing in areas disturbed or undisturbed by Ctenomys were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the vegetative season. In general terms, the activity of Ctenomys does not affect richness of emerging species, but does have a significant influence on the type of emergence. Analyses between areas revealed that seedling emergence was significantly higher than sprout emergence in areas showing Ctenomys activity, whereas no significant differences were found between types of emergence in undisturbed areas. Although vegetative emergence was important, plant emergence from seeds appears to be relevant to the recolonization of areas disturbed by Ctenomys.
Advances in cryo-EM and ED with a cold-field emission beam and energy filtration —Refinements of the CRYO ARM 300 system in RIKEN SPring-8 center—
Authors: Maki-Yonekura Saori , Hamaguchi Tasuku , Naitow Hisashi , Takaba Kiyofumi , Yonekura Koji
Published: September 2020

We have designed and evaluated a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) system for higher-resolution single particle analysis and high-precision electron 3D crystallography. The system comprises a JEOL CRYO ARM 300 electron microscope—the first machine of this model—and a direct detection device camera, a scintillator-coupled camera, GPU clusters connected with a camera control computer and software for automated-data collection and efficient and accurate operation. The microscope provides parallel illumination of a highly coherent 300-kV electron beam to a sample from a cold-field emission gun and filters out energy-loss electrons through the sample with an in-column energy filter. The gun and filter are highly effective in improving imaging and diffraction, respectively, and have provided high quality data since July 2018. We here report on the characteristics of the cryo-EM system, updates, our progress and future plan for running such cryo-EM machines in RIKEN SPring-8 Center.
Transport of intensity equation method and its applications
Authors: Mitome Masanori
Published: September 2020

A phase retrieval technique based on a transport of intensity equation (TIE) is one of the defocus series reconstruction techniques in microscopy. Since it does not require any dedicated devices like a biprism, and only three defocus images are enough to retrieve phase information, it has been applied to observe magnetic fields, magnetic domains, electrostatic potentials and strains. It is also used to improve image resolution by correcting spherical aberration. This technique is simple and easy to use, but some artifacts often appear in the retrieved phase map. One should pay careful attention to the experimental conditions and the algorithms and boundary conditions used to solve the TIE. This paper reviews the principle of the TIE method, the algorithms used to solve it and application results in materials science.
Time dependence of advection-dominated accretion flow around a rotating compact object
Authors: Habibi Fahimeh
Published: September 2020

Time evolution of advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) around a rotating compact object is presented. The time-dependent equations of fluid including the Coriolis force along with the centrifugal and pressure gradient forces are derived. In this research, it is assumed that angular momentum transport is due to viscous turbulence and the α-prescription is used for the kinematic coefficient of viscosity. Moreover, the general relativistic effects are neglected. In order to solve the equations, we have used a self-similar solution. The solutions show that the behaviour of the physical quantities in a dynamical ADAF is different from that for a steady accretion flow. Our results indicate that the physical quantities are dependent of rotation parameter which is defined as the ratio of the intrinsic angular velocity of the central body to the angular velocity of disc. Also, the effect of rotation parameter on these quantities is different for co and counter-rotating flows. The solution shows that by increasing the rotation parameter a, inflow–outflow region approaches the central object for co-rotating flow and moves outwards for counter-rotating flow. We find that when flow is fully advection dominated (f → 1), the entire gas has positive Bernoulli function. Also, we suggest that the Bernoulli function becomes more positive when the effect of rotation on the structure of disc decreases.
A PSF-based Approach to TESS High quality data Of Stellar clusters (PATHOS) – III. Exploring the properties of young associations through their variables, dippers, and candidate exoplanets
Authors: Nardiello D
Published: September 2020

Young associations in star-forming regions are stellar systems that allow us to understand the mechanisms that characterize the stars in their early life and what happens around them. In particular, the analysis of the discs and of the exoplanets around young stars allows us to know the key processes that prevail in their evolution and understand the properties of the exoplanets orbiting older stars. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission is giving us the opportunity to extract and analyse the light curves of association members with high accuracy, but the crowding that affects these regions makes difficult the light curve extraction. In the PATHOS project, cutting-edge tools are used to extract high-precision light curves and identify variable stars and transiting exoplanets in open clusters and associations. In this work, I analysed the light curves of stars in five young (≲10 Myr) associations, searching for variables and candidate exoplanets. Using the rotational periods of the association members, I constrained the ages of the five stellar systems (∼2–10 Myr). I searched for dippers, and I investigated the properties of the dust that forms the circumstellar discs. Finally, I searched for transiting signals, finding six strong candidate exoplanets. No candidates with radius RP ≲ 0.9 RJ have been detected, in agreement with the expectations. The frequency of giant planets resulted to be ∼2–3 per cent, higher than that expected for field stars (≲ 1 per cent); the low statistic makes this conclusion not strong, and new investigations on young objects are mandatory to confirm this result.
Formation of C4H4 from photolysis of icy C2H2 with 175 nm at 60 K
Authors: Lo Jen-Iu , Peng Yu-Chain , Chou Sheng-Lung , Lu Hsiao-Chi , Cheng Bing-Ming
Published: September 2020

The absorption spectrum of solid acetylene (C2H2) at 10 K was measured in wavelength range 107–250 nm with UV light from a synchrotron source. Based on the absorption spectrum, we irradiated at 175 nm the icy acetylene at 60 K; the results yielded a new set of IR absorption lines with similar temporal profiles of production during the photolysis periods. From icy 12C2H2, these new features were recorded at 3276.8, 1598.7, 963.0, 936.3, and 671.3 cm−1, which are assigned to modes ν1, ν6, ν14, ν15, and ν11 (mixing with ν17), respectively, of vinylacetylene (C4H4) based on the results of 13C- and D-isotopic experiments and quantum-chemical calculations. These calculations using density-functional theory (B3LYP/6–311++G**) predict vibrational wavenumbers and IR intensities of vinylacetylene that agree satisfactorily with our experimental results. This work enhances our understanding of the photochemistry of icy acetylene in cold astronomical environments; for instance, the present result can be applied directly to the photochemical processes on Titan's surface.
Radial variation of the stellar mass functions in the globular clusters M15 and M30: clues of a non-standard IMF?
Authors: Cadelano M , Dalessandro E , Webb J J , Vesperini E , Lattanzio D , Beccari G , Gomez M , Monaco L
Published: September 2020

We exploit a combination of high-resolution Hubble Space Telescope and wide-field ESO-VLT observations to study the slope of the global mass function (αG) and its radial variation (α(r)) in the two dense, massive and post core-collapse globular clusters M15 and M30. The available data set samples the clusters’ main sequence down to ∼0.2 M⊙ and the photometric completeness allows the study of the mass function between 0.40 M⊙ and 0.75 M⊙ from the central regions out to their tidal radii. We find that both clusters show a very similar variation in α(r) as a function of clustercentric distance. They both exhibit a very steep variation in α(r) in the central regions, which then attains almost constant values in the outskirts. Such a behaviour can be interpreted as the result of long-term dynamical evolution of the systems driven by mass-segregation and mass-loss processes. We compare these results with a set of direct N-body simulations and find that they are only able to reproduce the observed values of α(r) and αG at dynamical ages (t/trh) significantly larger than those derived from the observed properties of both clusters. We investigate possible physical mechanisms responsible for such a discrepancy and argue that both clusters might be born with a non-standard (flatter/bottom-lighter) initial mass function.
Testing dark energy models with a new sample of strong-lensing systems
Authors: Amante Mario H , Magaña Juan , Motta V , García-Aspeitia Miguel A , Verdugo Tomás
Published: September 2020

Inspired by a new compilation of strong-lensing systems, which consist of 204 points in the redshift range 0.0625 < zl < 0.958 for the lens and 0.196 < zs < 3.595 for the source, we constrain three models that generate a late cosmic acceleration: the ω-cold dark matter model, the Chevallier–Polarski–Linder, and the Jassal–Bagla–Padmanabhan parametrizations. Our compilation contains only those systems with early-type galaxies acting as lenses, with spectroscopically measured stellar velocity dispersions, estimated Einstein radius, and both the lens and source redshifts. We assume an axially symmetric mass distribution in the lens equation, using a correction to alleviate differences between the measured velocity dispersion (σ) and the dark matter halo velocity dispersion (σDM) as well as other systematic errors that may affect the measurements. We have considered different subsamples to constrain the cosmological parameters of each model. Additionally, we generate a mock data of SLS to asses the impact of the chosen mass profile on the accuracy of Einstein radius estimation. Our results show that cosmological constraints are very sensitive to the selected data: Some cases show convergence problems in the estimation of cosmological parameters (e.g. systems with observed distance ratio Dobs < 0.5), others show high values for the χ2 function (e.g. systems with a lens equation Dobs > 1 or high velocity dispersion σ > 276 km s−1). However, we obtained a fiduciary sample with 143 systems, which improves the constraints on each tested cosmological model.
Virtual Music Therapy: Developing New Approaches to Service Delivery
Authors: Knott David , Block Seneca
Published: September 2020

As the global Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic transforms our society, music therapists must adapt service delivery models that ensure client safety. Given the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities and lack of personal protective equipment in many settings, music therapists are faced with the need to shift delivery models in order to provide safe and relevant services. Telehealth is one solution to these current service delivery challenges. Music therapists possess a depth of practice-based knowledge and understanding of client populations, which enables them to develop virtual services, matching both the clinicians’ and clients’ technical capabilities. Developed during the initial wave of COVID-19 infections in the United States, this article describes the coauthors’ three-tiered scaffold model intended to support the program development and deployment of virtual music therapy (VMT) services. The model describes an approach to developing VMT services that directs the clinician’s goals of care in formats that are accessible, appropriate, and best meet the patient/client’s needs and abilities. The severity and lasting nature of this worldwide health crisis and its disruption of traditional service delivery models require clinicians and researchers to develop the most effective uses of VMT while considering its limits with regard to clinical populations and need areas.
CALCULATION OF CONVERSION COEFFICIENTS FOR VOXELIZED PHANTOMS FOR CRITICALITY ACCIDENT DOSIMETRY
Authors: Chevallier M-A , Pontier J B , Morin H , Duluc M , Evo S , Letang E , Trompier F
Published: September 2020

In the event of a criticality accident, not only the maximal doses received by the victims must be determined but it is also crucial to evaluate the doses to the different organs. With a neutron component, morphology is a key parameter in the organ dose calculation. As the simulation tools can be time consuming to proceed, especially if morphology is taken into account, for all the victims, it may be very useful to have a database of conversion coefficients that allow to obtain the organ doses from the dose measured in the dosemeter for different kinds of morphology. In this paper, we present a study performed to evaluate such conversion coefficients using voxelized anthropomorphic phantoms. These coefficients take into account two crucial parameters having an impact on the dose at the organs: the orientation of the victim in the radiation field and the morphology, that is to say the body mass index of the different victims.
Governing Marginality: Coercion and Care in Probation
Authors: Phelps Michelle S , Ruhland Ebony L
Published: September 2020

While the scale and consequences of mass incarceration in the United States have been well-documented over the past two decades, sociologists have focused less attention on mass probation and the expansion of community supervision. Originally designed as a rehabilitative alternative to imprisonment, probation represents the largest form of penal control and a critical intersection between criminal justice and welfare—two systems that govern citizens at the margins. We analyze qualitative data from over 100 focus groups conducted in 2016-2017 with adults on probation and probation officers in several jurisdictions across the country to show the enmeshing of coercion and care in probation. Drawing on the concept of carceral citizenship, we detail the duties, burdens, and perverse benefits of supervision across four domains: relationships with probation officers, access to services and programs, time and financial constrictions, and the threat of revocation (or incarceration for non-compliance). We argue that probation provides barebones welfare services for some of the most vulnerable adults, while also imposing the unique harms of a criminal record, burdens of supervision, and risk of incarceration.
Validation of a PNA Clamping Method for Reducing Host DNA Amplification and Increasing Eukaryotic Diversity in Rhizosphere Microbiome Studies
Authors: Taerum Stephen J. , Steven Blaire , Gage Daniel J. , Triplett Lindsay R.
Published: September 2020

Protists and microscopic animals are important but poorly understood determinants of plant health. Plant-associated eukaryotes could be surveyed by high-throughput sequencing of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes but the abundance of plant DNA in rhizosphere samples makes 18S rRNA gene amplification with universal primers unfeasible. Here, we applied a pipeline to generate peptide nucleic acid (PNA) clamps to suppress the amplification of maize host DNA during 18S rRNA gene library preparation. PNA clamps targeting the V4 and V9 hypervariable regions of the 18S rRNA gene of maize were designed and evaluated in silico, and the performance of the V9 targeting clamp PoacV9_01 was evaluated in vitro. PoacV9_01 suppressed the amplification of five crop species in quantitative PCR assays. In an 18S rRNA gene sequencing survey of the rhizosphere of maize, PoacV9_01 reduced the relative abundance of plant reads from 65 to 0.6%, while drastically increasing the number and diversity of animal, fungal, and protist reads detected. Thus, PoacV9_01 can be used to facilitate the study of eukaryotes present in grass phytobiomes. In addition, the pipeline developed here can be used to develop PNA clamps that target other plant species.
Characterization of Fungal Species Associated with Ascochyta Blight of Dry Pea in Montana and North America and Development of a Differential Medium for Their Detection
Authors: Owati Ayodeji , Agindotan Bright , Burrows Mary
Published: September 2020

Montana leads the production of dry pea in the United States. About 530,000 acres were planted to pea in 2019, accounting for 48% of the total national production ( USDA-NASS 2019 ). A predominant foliar disease of dry pea in Montana is Ascochyta blight, which is caused by multiple fungal pathogens including Didymella pisi, Peyronellaea pinodes, and Peyronellaea pinodella. D. pisi is the predominant pathogen causing Ascochyta blight of dry pea in Montana. Recently, an anticipated shift in pathogen composition has been observed in northeastern Montana from D. pisi to P. pinodes. Also, a Phoma sp. was found associated with infected dry pea seeds and included in this study. To characterize these fungi, we evaluated the effects of temperature (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) on mycelial growth rate and sporulation. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth and sporulation was either 20 or 25°C depending on the species. Analysis of variance supported that at all evaluated temperatures, Phoma sp. had the highest growth rate and produced more spores than the other species (P value < 0.001). In pathogenicity assays, P. pinodes caused more severe disease than the other species when inoculated on pea plants (cv. Carousel, P value ≤ 0.001). The Phoma sp. was not pathogenic. Peameal agar (PMA) was developed as a diagnostic tool for these pathogens. On PMA, the fungal species showed different mycelial morphology, which was used to visually discriminate them. Results from this study will be used as a base to understand the adaptability, pathogenicity and aggressiveness, and current status and changes in the population composition of fungal species causing Ascochyta blight of dry pea in Montana and North America.
Comparison of Fractional Picosecond 1064-nm Laser and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser for Treating Atrophic Acne Scars: A Randomized Split-Face Trial
Authors: Sirithanabadeekul Punyaphat , Tantrapornpong Ploypailin , Rattakul Bheeratida , Sutthipisal Nalinee , Thanasarnaksorn Wilai
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

To date, no studies have compared the fractional picosecond 1064-nm laser (FxPico) and fractional carbon dioxide laser (FxCO2) for the treatment of acne scars.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety between FxPico and FxCO2 for treating facial atrophic acne scars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five Asian patients with mild to moderate atrophic acne scars underwent single sessions of randomized split-face treatment with FxPico and FxCO2. Clinical efficacy was assessed by photographs, skin imaging analysis, and patient satisfaction. The adverse events were recorded on every visit. Skin biopsies were performed immediately and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The physician improvement scores for skin texture and atrophy significantly increased on the FxPico sides, but no significant difference was observed between FxPico and FxCO2. Skin imaging also showed significant improvement on both sides for scar volume. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was not reported on FxPico sides, whereas 6 patients (24%) experienced mild PIH on FxCO2 sides. Immediate post-FxPico skin biopsy revealed laser-induced optical breakdown with photoacoustic columns. Collagen and elastic fibers increased at 3 months after both treatments.

CONCLUSION

FxPico was as effective as FxCO2 in treating atrophic acne scars, correlating with evidence of tissue remodeling with more safety profiles.
Pivoting During a Pandemic
Authors: Lal M. Maureen
Published: September 2020

When the coronavirus hit the United States earlier this year, hospitals across the country were forced to quickly convert to crisis mode. Overnight, health systems transformed clinical and administrative operations to care for rising numbers of COVID-19 patients. Now, as the country slowly reopens and we move back to “normal,” hospitals again face a major reboot to regroup and recover. Those that meet this challenge successfully will survive. Many others will not. This month's Magnet® Perspectives column examines how Magnet hospitals are uniquely positioned to ride the waves and manage the chaos. What are the components that helped them adapt and adjust when COVID-19 struck, and how are those elements facilitating response and recovery? The column also looks at how the Magnet Recognition Program® itself responded to challenges posed by the coronavirus and altered some of its long-standing processes to meet customer needs.
Mitigating the Adverse Effects of 12-Hour Shifts
Authors: Keys Yolanda
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore perspectives of nurse leaders regarding strategies to mitigate the job demands of 12-hour shift work and learn their views regarding the role of breaks in offsetting the cognitive and physical demands of acute care nurses working 12-hour shifts.

BACKGROUND

The strain of long shifts can result in adverse outcomes for nurses, organizations, and patients.

METHODS

A modified, 3-round, e-Delphi solicited input from nurse leaders. First, qualitative information about support and resources to mitigate the adverse effects of 12-hour shifts was collected, and then 2 subsequent rounds used consensus identification and item ranking to develop recommendations.

RESULTS

Findings reinforce that job demands of 12-hour shifts can be mitigated via staffing practices, quiet break spaces, and the opportunity to work with familiar patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations from this work may enhance patient safety, positive organizational outcomes, and a resilient and sustainable nursing workforce.
Eric A. Barnard. 2 July 1927—23 May 2018
Authors: Anne Stephenson F.
Published: September 2020

Eric Barnard was a protein biochemist who played a leading role in the delineation of the molecular components of neuromuscular transmission and the emergence of molecular neuroscience as a scientific discipline. He began his career at King's College London, moving to the State University of Buffalo, New York, in 1965 before returning to Imperial College, London, in 1975. In 1985 he became the Director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Molecular Neurobiology Unit in Cambridge. Upon retirement from the MRC, he moved to the Royal Free Hospital in London where he continued as Director of Molecular Neurobiology, but in 1998 returned to the University of Cambridge (Department of Pharmacology) as Emeritus Professor. In 2014, at the age of 86, he finally retired from active research. Although Eric was elected FRS for his early pioneering work on the protein chemistry of enzymes and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, his seminal contribution, initiated during his time at Imperial, was the application of molecular biological methods to the study of many neurotransmitter receptors. With Ricardo Miledi FRS (and later David Brown FRS and colleagues), he developed the
Xenopus
oocyte system for the expression of receptors from total tissue mRNA. His was the first group to clone a neurotransmitter receptor subunit cDNA, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α subunit of
Torpedo marmorata
. This was followed by purification and subsequent cloning of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
A
receptor subunit cDNAs. This achievement, driven by Eric and aided by his collaborator Peter Seeburg, led to the discovery of the ligand-gated ion channel superfamily, the discovery of neurotransmitter receptor heterogeneity, and the development of concepts of receptor families and superfamilies. His pioneering work was pivotal for the foundation of modern central nervous system drug discovery.
SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein topology in eukaryotic membranes
Authors: Duart Gerard , García-Murria Mª Jesús , Grau Brayan , Acosta-Cáceres José M. , Martínez-Gil Luis , Mingarro Ismael
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus E protein is a small membrane protein found in the virus envelope. Different coronavirus E proteins share striking biochemical and functional similarities, but sequence conservation is limited. In this report, we studied the E protein topology from the new SARS-CoV-2 virus both in microsomal membranes and in mammalian cells. Experimental data reveal that E protein is a single-spanning membrane protein with the N-terminus being translocated across the membrane, while the C-terminus is exposed to the cytoplasmic side (Nt
lum
/Ct
cyt
). The defined membrane protein topology of SARS-CoV-2 E protein may provide a useful framework to understand its interaction with other viral and host components and contribute to establish the basis to tackle the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
Convalescent plasma in the management of moderate COVID-19 in India: An open-label parallel-arm phase II multicentre randomized controlled trial (PLACID Trial)
Authors: Agarwal Anup , Mukherjee Aparna , Kumar Gunjan , Chatterjee Pranab , Bhatnagar Tarun , Malhotra Pankaj ,   PLACID Trial Collaborators
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Convalescent plasma (CP) as a passive source of neutralizing antibodies and immunomodulators is a century-old therapeutic option used for the management of viral diseases. We investigated its effectiveness for the treatment of COVID-19.

Design

Open-label, parallel-arm, phase II, multicentre, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Thirty-nine public and private hospitals across India.

Participants

Hospitalized, moderately ill confirmed COVID-19 patients (PaO2/FiO2: 200-300 or respiratory rate > 24/min and SpO2 ≤ 93% on room air).

Intervention

Participants were randomized to either control (best standard of care (BSC)) or intervention (CP + BSC) arm. Two doses of 200 mL CP was transfused 24 hours apart in the intervention arm.

Main Outcome Measure

Composite of progression to severe disease (PaO2/FiO2< 100) or all-cause mortality at 28 days post-enrolment.

Results

Between 22ndApril to 14thJuly 2020, 464 participants were enrolled; 235 and 229 in intervention and control arm, respectively. Composite primary outcome was achieved in 44 (18.7%) participants in the intervention arm and 41 (17.9%) in the control arm [aOR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.77]. Mortality was documented in 34 (13.6%) and 31 (14.6%) participants in intervention and control arm, respectively [aOR) 1.06 95% CI: −0.61 to 1.83].

Interpretation

CP was not associated with reduction in mortality or progression to severe COVID-19. This trial has high generalizability and approximates real-life setting of CP therapy in settings with limited laboratory capacity. A priori measurement of neutralizing antibody titres in donors and participants may further clarify the role of CP in management of COVID-19.

Trial registration

The trial was registered with Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI); CTRI/2020/04/024775.
Modelling the transmission of infectious diseases inside hospital bays: implications for Covid-19
Authors: Martos David Moreno , Parcell Benjamin J. , Eftimie Raluca
Published: September 2020

Healthcare associated transmission of viral infections is a major problem that has significant economic costs and can lead to loss of life. Infections with the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus have been shown to have a high prevalence in hospitals around the world. The spread of this virus might be impacted by the density of patients inside hospital bays. To investigate this aspect, in this study we consider a mathematical modelling and computational approach to describe the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among hospitalised patients. We focus on 4-bed bays and 6-bed bays, which are commonly used to accommodate various non-Covid-19 patients in many hospitals across UK. We use this mathematical model to investigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections among patients in non-Covid bays, in the context of various scenarios: changes in the number of contacts with infected patients and staff, having symptomatic vs. asymptomatic patients, removing infected individuals from these hospital bays once they are known to be infected, and the role of periodic testing of hospitalised patients. Our results show that 4-bed bays reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 compared to 6-bed bays. Moreover, we show that the position of a new (not infected) patient in specific beds in a 6-bed bay might also slow the spread of the disease. Finally, we propose that regular SARS-CoV-2 testing of hospitalised patients would allow appropriate placement of infected patients in specific (Covid-only) hospital bays.