bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação das relações do ambiente versus a prática de atividade física em municípios de pequeno porte.
Authors: Rosa Leonardo de Ross , Bronca Ricardo , Pavi Rodolfo , Pedó Felipe , Tiggemann Carlos Leandro , StÃ¼lp Simone
Published: July 2020

As taxas de desenvolvimento das últimas décadas mostram o transporte, que faz aumentar o consumo de energias não renováveis, como elemento estratégico. Este consumo contribui fortemente para a elevação de níveis de emissão de dióxido de carbono (CO2), um prejuízo para o ambiente. A substituição do transporte motorizado por deslocamentos ativos contribuem para a melhora da saúde da população, para a redução de custos com tratamentos em saúde e são potenciais para redução de emissões de gases poluentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação entre atividade física (AF) e ambiente em três municípios de pequeno no Vale do Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul. Fizeram parte da análise 109 idosos em Roca Sales, 253 adultos em Muçum e 203 adultos em Lajeado. Como instrumentos foram utilizados o questionário internacional de atividade física (IPAQ) versão curta para adultos e versão longa adaptada para idosos e a Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS), versão adaptada. Os resultados apresentaram associação positiva significativa para melhores níveis de AF, sendo que os escores de qualidade de calçadas para idosos (p=0,030) de Roca Sales; de acessibilidade e conveniência (p=0,040), apoio social (p=0,014), segurança no trânsito (p=0,015) e animal de estimação (p=0,028) dentre os adultos de Muçum e apenas de apoio social (p=0,046) e segurança geral (p=0,035) para os adultos de Lajeado. Por meio dos resultados, pode-se inferir que maiores densidades populacionais podem favorecer um deslocamento ativo por conta de maior facilidade de acesso a pontos de interesse, assim como por melhores níveis de segurança e melhor qualidade de calçadas. No entanto, maiores densidades também concentram mais veículos individuais e menos segurança. Cidades menores tem no menor acesso um problema para o transporte ativo, mas conferem melhores condições nos demais itens, trazendo melhores possibilidades para a substituição do transporte motorizado pelo ativo fisicamente, potencializando a redução de emissões. Entende-se que estudos individualizados, levando em consideração as especificidades de cada município devam ser realizados por não ficarem evidentes similaridades que potencializem o deslocamento ativo.
Uso de embalagem plástica e comestível para conservação de goiaba sob diferentes condições de armazenamento
Authors: Freitas Júnior Francisco Gilvan Borges Ferreira , Santos Marina Pacheco , Moura Monik Silva de , Duarte Luma Guimarães , Macedo Karla Bianca da Costa , Silva Marcelo de Sousa da , Almeida Edmilson Igor Bernardo , Neves Junior Augusto César Vieira , Araújo José Ribamar Gusmão , Oliveira Leonardo Bernardes Taverny de
Published: July 2020

O Brasil está entre os dez maiores produtores mundiais de goiaba, porém também se destaca como um dos países que mais perdem ou desperdiçam alimentos após a colheita, o que interfere em indicadores socioeconômicos e ambientais. No Maranhão há estimativas de até 16% de perdas pós-colheita para esta fruta, cujas principais causas são desordens fisiológicas. No intuito de apresentar alternativas de baixo custo, para melhorias na conservação de goiaba ‘Paluma’, objetivou-se analisar a eficiência da embalagem plástica e/ou revestimento comestível, sob diferentes ambientes de armazenamento. As goiabas foram adquiridas na CEASA de São Luís (MA) e o experimento foi realizado em parcela sub-subdividida no tempo, com quatro revestimentos (saco hermético, revestimento comestível, revestimento comestível + saco hermético, sem embalagem), dois tipos de armazenamento (ambiente e refrigerado) e cinco épocas de avaliação (3, 6, 9, 12 e 15 dias). As análises consistiram em diâmetro longitudinal, perda de massa fresca, firmeza, massa de sementes, acidez total titulável e sólidos solúveis totais. Recomenda-se o uso de saco hermético para aumento da vida útil pós-colheita de goiaba ‘Paluma’, pois esta embalagem apresenta eficiência na manutenção de importantes atributos de qualidade, como a massa fresca, firmeza, diâmetro, acidez e teor de sólidos solúveis. O que pode reduzir perdas quantitativas, qualitativas e aumentar a aceitação comercial da fruta, mesmo em condições não refrigeradas.
Análise da sustentabilidade Ibiapaba no Ceará-Brasil em base ex post do planejamento regional
Authors: Barros Cristiane Saboia , Barden Júlia Elisabete , Santos Ruan Carlos dos
Published: July 2020

Este artigo objetiva demonstrar como as prioridades definidas nos planos de desenvolvimento foram contempladas nas dimensões da sustentabilidade em uma avaliação ex post. O locus da pesquisa é região da Ibiapaba, composta por nove municípios e teve por base os planos de desenvolvimento ao longo de 37 anos. Metodologicamente traz a abordagem exploratória e descritiva, qualitativa, com coleta de dados secundários e documental, o processamento da análise do planejamento regional se deu pelo IRAMUTEQ®. Os resultados apresentam os termos destados nas ocorrências: território f133, saúde f101 e turismo f95. A dimensão social foi prioritária, com demandas por saúde e educação. As dimensões ambientais veem os recursos naturais em prol da dimensão econômica no turismo e produção rural. A dimensão territorial preconiza a unidicação regional. Considera-se que oito dimensões da sustentabilidade foram definidas nos planos desenvolvimento da Ibiapaba, sendo que nem todas estão em cada plano. Como também os nove municípios são citados nos planos, porém nem todos são contemplanos em cada um deles. Ipu não é entendido como participante do território. Tianguá é o município sede regional, com distância econômica dos demais municípios.
Strong Stability for the Wulff Inequality with a Crystalline Norm
Authors: Figalli Alessio , Zhang Yi Ru‐Ya
Published: July 2020

Let K be a convex polyhedron and ℱ its Wulff energy, and let denote the set of convex polyhedra close to K whose faces are parallel to those of K. We show that, for sufficiently small ε, all ε‐minimizers belong to

As a consequence of this result we obtain the following sharp stability inequality for crystalline norms: There exist γ = γ(K, n) > 0 and σ = σ(K, n) > 0 such that, whenever ∣E ∣  =  ∣ K∣ and ∣EΔK ∣  ≤ σ, thenurn:x-wiley:00103640:media:cpa21928:cpa21928-math-0003

In other words, the Wulff energy ℱ grows very fast (with power 1) away from The set appearing in the formula above can be informally thought as a sort of “projection” of E onto

Another corollary of our result is a very strong rigidity result for crystals: For crystalline surface tensions, minimizers of ℱ(E) + ∫Eg with small mass are polyhedra with sides parallel to the those of K. In other words, for small mass, the potential energy cannot destroy the crystalline structure of minimizers. This extends to arbitrary dimensions a two‐dimensional result obtained in [9]. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
High‐rate uncoded space‐time labelling diversity with low‐complexity detection
Authors: Patel Sulaiman Saleem , Quazi Tahmid , Xu Hongjun
Published: July 2020

Uncoded space‐time labelling diversity (USTLD) is a recent scheme that improved the error performance compared to conventional multiple‐input, multiple‐output systems. Thus far, USTLD has suffered from limited achievable data rates, as the original model uses only two transmit antennas. This motivates for the work in this paper, where the USTLD model is extended to allow for any desired number of transmit antennas. An analytical bound for the average bit error probability of this high‐rate USTLD (HR‐USTLD) system is derived. This expression is verified using the results of Monte Carlo simulations, which show a tight fit in the high signal‐to‐noise ratio region. The increased data rates associated with larger transmit antenna arrays in HR‐USTLD systems come at the cost of increased detection complexity. Therefore, this paper studies the application of low‐complexity detection algorithms based on the popular QR decomposition technique and proposes a new algorithm specifically designed for HR‐USTLD systems. Analysis of this algorithm in terms of accuracy and computational complexity is also provided and benchmarked against maximum‐likelihood detection (MLD). It is shown that the proposed algorithm achieves near‐MLD accuracy, while reducing complexity by 79.75% and 92.53% for the respective 4 × 4 16QAM and 4 × 5 16PSK HR‐USTLD systems investigated.
A transparent robust quasi‐isotropic circularly polarized antenna for Cub‐Sat and outdoor wireless
Authors: Dashti Ardakani Mansoor , Tabatabaefar Marzie
Published: July 2020

In this article, a highly robust antenna is proposed for omnidirectional circular polarized communications in harsh environments at 2.45 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical frequency band. Circular polarization is realized by utilizing a combination of two magnetic and electric dipoles. The proposed antenna is based on a transparent structure and covered by a quarter wavelength thick layer of plexiglass to achieve desired robustness and visible light transparency. Meanwhile, because of the high transparency of the glass, it can integrate with solar cells to simultaneously propagate signals and harvest energy. The average gain and bandwidth of the antenna are 1.7 dBic and 300 MHz, respectively. The antenna's axial ratio is achieved less than 3 dB within the bandwidth, showing circular polarization behavior. The proposed compact antenna is numerically and experimentally analyzed and the results have a great agreement. In another viewpoint, the structure delivers promising possibilities to improve the propagating and radiating properties, which bring in significant advantages for real‐world multifunctional applications.
Aberrant expression of miRNA‐192‐5p contributes to N,N‐dimethylformamide‐induced hepatic apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhu Wei , Liu Ziqi , Liu Ye , Chang Chong , Jiang Hongmei , Li Ruobi , Xiao Yongmei , Chen Wen , Hu Qiansheng , Wang Qing
Published: July 2020

Excessive exposure to N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) can lead to occupational liver poisoning in workers; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully clarified. The importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in chemical‐induced hepatotoxicity has been demonstrated. To determine whether miRNAs are also involved in DMF‐induced hepatotoxicity, we systematically analyzed the miRNA expression profiles in DMF‐treated (75 and 150 mm) HL‐7702 liver cells and controls by high‐throughput sequencing. Among the altered miRNAs, miR‐192‐5p was the most significantly upregulated in HL‐7702 cells after DMF exposure and was involved in DMF‐mediated cell apoptosis. By contrast, suppression of miR‐192‐5p in HL‐7702 cells attenuated the apoptosis induced by DMF. Furthermore, the anti‐apoptotic gene (NIN1/RPN12 binding protein 1 homolog [NOB1]) was predicted to be a potential miR‐192‐5p target according to bioinformatics analysis. The direct interaction between miR‐192‐5p and NOB1 was confirmed by the dual‐luciferase activity assay in HEK293FT cells. Overexpression of miR‐192‐5p efficiently reduced NOB1 mRNA and protein expression in HL‐7702 cells. Alteration in NOB1 expression influenced DMF‐induced hepatotoxicity by affecting hepatic apoptosis. In addition, the inverse correlation between miR‐192‐5p expression levels and NOB1 expression was further confirmed in DMF‐exposed mouse liver tissue samples. These observations demonstrated that promotion of apoptosis from the suppression of NOB1 by miR‐192‐5p overexpression was responsible for the DMF‐induced hepatotoxicity. This work provides the molecular mechanism at the miRNA level for hepatic apoptosis induced by DMF.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma as a posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a renal transplant patient: A case report
Authors: Alabdulbaqi Manar , Toupin Melissa , Berardi Philip , McCurdy Arleigh
Published: July 2020

We report a case of a 45‐year‐old female who developed an ALK‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) 9 years after renal transplant. The patient underwent a cadaveric renal transplant for diabetic nephropathy, and presented 9 years later with fever and multiorgan dysfunction. The initial CT scans showed multiple enlarged supra‐ and infradiaphrgamatic lymph nodes. A CT‐guided core needle biopsy of a retroperitoneal lymph node revealed ALK positive ALCL. She received six cycles of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, etoposide, and prednisone, and has been in remission for over 3 years. Monomorphic T‐cell posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is an established but rare entity of PTLD and generally carries poor prognosis. This is a case report of a late PTLD with pathology reporting an aggressive T‐cell lymphoma that has been successfully treated with multiagent chemotherapy.
A novel organic‐inorganic flame retardant of ammonium polyphosphate chemically coated by Schiff base‐containing branched polysiloxane for polyamide 6
Authors: Fan Shuo , Sun Yanlu , Wang Xueli , Yu Jianyong , Wu Dequn , Li Faxue
Published: July 2020

A novel organic‐inorganic flame retardant (SP‐APP) was first designed by coating ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with Schiff base‐containing branched polysiloxane via ion exchange reaction and dehydration‐condensation. High water resistance and charring capacity of the SP‐APP greatly overcame the poor water resistance of APP and endowed polyamide 6 (PA6) with excellent flame retardancy and anti‐dripping. The prepared PA6/SP‐APP composite with 12 wt% of SP‐APP reached the highest limited oxygen index (LOI) of 32.5% and passed V‐0 rating of UL‐94 test with non‐dripping, while PA6 and PA6/APP with 12 wt% of APP failed to pass the UL‐94 test. A sharp reduction of 50.9% in peak heat release rate (PHRR) and 29.4% in total heat release (THR) was found for PA6/SP‐APP in contrast with PA6. The working mechanism of SP‐APP in enhancing the flame retardancy of PA6 was also explored intensively and the synergistic effects of catalytic degradation of APP, self‐crosslinking behavior of Schiff base structure and thermo‐oxidative degradation of branched polysiloxane contributed to the improvement of flame retardancy of PA6/SP‐APP.
Acceptability and feasibility of a parent‐targeted dietary intervention in young survivors of childhood cancer: “Reboot”
Authors: Touyz Lauren M. , Cohen Jennifer , Garnett Sarah P. , Grech Allison M. , Gohil Paayal , Cohn Richard J. , Wakefield Claire E.
Published: July 2020

Background

Assess the acceptability and feasibility of delivering Reboot, a telephone dietary intervention to parents of pediatric cancer survivors. The research question asks whether tailored dietary support is acceptable and feasible to deliver to parents of young cancer survivors who have recently completed cancer treatment?

Procedure

Pre‐post study. Nineteen parents of pediatric cancer survivors (aged 2‐13 years) in remission, who had received cancer treatment at a tertiary children's hospital, less than 5 years prior to the intervention. Participants received four weekly 45‐min telephone sessions led by a psychologist or dietitian and one postintervention booster session 6 weeks later. Sessions addressed strategies to increase children's vegetable and fruit intake.

Results

Of the 19 parents who started the intervention, 14 completed all sessions within 8 weeks and 12 completed the booster session within 10 weeks. The mean session duration was 47 min. All participants reported that Reboot increased their confidence and knowledge about promoting healthy eating habits to their child.

Conclusions

Reboot is an acceptable intervention in young cancer survivors aimed at increasing vegetable and fruit intake after cancer treatment. Implications for cancer survivors: The results from the Reboot pilot provides preliminary evidence that a targeted intervention to improve the diets of childhood cancer survivors may be feasible with future modification.
Progressive resistance exercise for improving pain and disability in chronic neck pain: A case series
Authors: Cox Laura G. W. , Savur Karina T. , De Nardis Robert J. , Iles Ross A.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Chronic neck pain is known to be associated with neck muscle weakness. However, many strengthening programs do not target multi‐directional weakness in a functional position. Specialised assessment and treatment technology that is able to strengthen the neck muscles in an upright position may be used to achieve this. There is little research available on the efficacy of neck‐specific progressive resistance exercise interventions in patients with chronic neck pain; therefore, this study aimed to determine whether this style of program led to a change in pain and disability, and to investigate the relationship between neck strength, pain and disability.

Methods

Secondary analysis of participants with chronic neck pain who completed a minimum of nine sessions of a neck‐specific progressive resistance program at a physiotherapy clinic between the years of 2002 and 2018. Outcomes were the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numerical Rating Scale of Pain (NRS) and multi‐directional neck strength (flexion, extension and lateral flexion – pounds). Data were analysed through paired samples t‐tests and backwards stepwise multiple linear regression models.

Results

A total of 127 participants were eligible for inclusion. All neck strength measures, NDI scores and NRS scores showed significant improvements after the nine sessions (all p < .0001). Significant predictors of NDI were symptom duration (β = −0.023, p = .009) and NRS score (β = 4.879, p < .000). Significant predictors of NRS were symptom duration (β = 0.004, p = .005), NDI score (β = 0.105, p < .000), extension strength (β = −0.950, p = .012) and gender (β = 0.777 [male =1, female = 0], p = .029).

Conclusion

This study showed that a neck‐specific progressive resistance exercise intervention led to significant improvement in neck strength, pain and disability in a clinical population. However, caution should be taken when interpreting results due to a lack of comparison group and the variation in treatment given and, therefore, further higher‐quality research should be undertaken to confirm these findings.
$$ T\overline{T} $$ deformed YM2 on general backgrounds from an integral transformation
Authors: Ireland Aurora , Shyam Vasudev
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We consider the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation of two dimensional Yang-Mills theory on general curved backgrounds. We compute the deformed partition function through an integral transformation over frame fields weighted by a Gaussian kernel. We show that this partition function satisfies a flow equation which has been derived previously in the literature, which now holds on general backgrounds. We connect ambiguities associated to first derivative terms in the flow equation to the normalization of the functional integral over frame fields. We then compute the entanglement entropy for a general state in the theory. The connection to the string theoretic description of the theory is also investigated.
Tender evaluation through efficiency analysis for public construction contracts
Authors: Niewerth Stefan , Vogt Peter , Thewes Markus
Published: July 2020

Given the European Public Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU, policymakers have ordered the inclusion of various criteria, such as the price, life-cycle costs, environmental, and social aspects, in the evaluation of tenders for public construction projects. Consequently, the relevance of non-monetary award criteria has gained significant value. However, the established evaluation formulas, which are used to obtain the best value for money procurement, have resulted in legal disputes. The existing evaluation formulas exhibit mathematical weaknesses, wherein scoring indices do not express economic efficiency adequately. Thus, a conflict is observed between the political requirement of non-monetary award criteria and their evaluation by contracting authorities. To overcome such dilemma, an extensive literature review is conducted. Specifically, this study explores the essential problems of existing evaluation formulas and develops a more reliable method. The technique from the field of efficiency analysis, i.e., Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), is adopted in this study. For contract awarding, the DEA is extended by introducing a decision theoretical framework. For public procurement, the proposed method combines two advantages. First, the proposed method ensures the derivation of a robust tender ranking given that with respect to clients’ preferences, irrelevant and insufficiently tailored tenders do not influence the scoring. Second, the proposed method supports the intention of policy makers to promote public goals, such as sustainable aspects. By disclosing the strengths and weaknesses of bidders with respect to their competitors, all bidders can obtain a precise overview of their performance regarding the award criteria. In sum, the proposed method allows a targeted improvement of certain criteria values in future tenders and consequently leads to an enhancement of public goals.
The Clinical Conundrum of Managing Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Alrohimi Anas , Purdy Kaylynn , Alqarni Mustafa , Alotaibi Ghazi , Blevins Gregg , Butcher Ken , Rempel Jeremy , Wu Cynthia , Sun Haowei Linda , Khan Khurshid
Published: July 2020

Guidelines are lacking for management of acute ischemic stroke and stroke prevention in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Our aim is to highlight the dilemma inherent in managing patients with both significant bleeding and thrombotic risk factors. In this review, we present two patients with history of ITP who presented with acute ischemic stroke and received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), a rare management strategy in this patient population. In addition, we identified 27 case reports of ischemic stroke in patients with ITP; none of them received tPA or EVT. Furthermore, there are 92 patients with significant thrombocytopenia with no available data regarding the cause of thrombocytopenia, who were acutely treated with tPA or EVT. Conclusive evidence cannot be determined based on these limited number of cases. Future multicenter prospective cohort studies in patients with ITP are needed to provide better evidence-based treatment plans. At present, treatment of acute ischemic stroke in patients with ITP requires close collaboration between hematology and vascular neurology experts to find a balance between the benefit and risk of hemorrhagic complications.
Associations between responses to voices, distress and appraisals during daily life: an ecological validation of the cognitive behavioural model
Authors: Fielding-Smith Sarah F. , Greenwood Kathryn E. , Wichers Marieke , Peters Emmanuelle , Hayward Mark
Published: July 2020

Background

Cognitive models propose that behavioural responses to voices maintain distress by preventing disconfirmation of negative beliefs about voices. We used Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) to examine the hypothesized maintenance role of behavioural responses during daily life.

Method

Thirty-one outpatients with frequent voices completed a smartphone-based ESM questionnaire 10 times a day over 9 days, assessing voice-related distress; resistance and compliance responses to voices; voice characteristics (intensity and negative content); appraisals of voice dominance, uncontrollability and intrusiveness.

Results

In line with predictions, behavioural responses were associated with voice appraisals (dominance and uncontrollability), but not voice characteristics. Greater resistance and compliance were reported in moments of increased voice distress, but these associations did not persist after controlling for concurrent voice appraisals and characteristics. Voice distress was predicted by appraisals, and, unexpectedly, also by voice characteristics. As predicted, compliance and resistance were related to increases in distress at subsequent timepoints, whilst antecedent voice appraisals and characteristics had no such effect. Compliance, but not resistance, additionally predicted subsequent increases in voice uncontrollability. In both cases, the reverse models showed no association, indicating directional effects of responses on subsequent distress, and of compliance on uncontrollability appraisals.

Conclusions

These results provide support for the cognitive model by suggesting that momentary behavioural and emotional responses to voices are associated with concurrent negative voice appraisals. Findings suggest that behavioural responses may be driven by voice appraisals, rather than directly by distress, and may in turn maintain voice appraisals and associated distress during the course of daily life.
SPONTANEOUS OR PROGRAMMATIC? LAND OCCUPATIONS DURING SPAIN'S SECOND REPUBLIC (1931–1936)
Authors: Domènech Jordi , Martinelli Pablo
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the spatial deployment of temporary settlements in Extremadura in 1932-1933 and 1936. The literature has stressed the role of bottom-up forces driving settlements in 1933 and 1936, perhaps making land reform in Extremadura an interesting case study of local collective action-driving policy implementation in a developing economy. Contrary to this view, we argue that there was an equal or more important role of the top-down, programmatic design of land occupations, which explains a large share of the spatial and temporal variation of expropriations and settlements.
Analyzing the Ethical Implications of Research Using Leaked Data
Authors: Boustead Anne E. , Herr Trey
Published: July 2020

Although information made public after a data breach can provide insight into difficult research questions, use of these data raises ethical questions not directly addressed by current ethical guidelines. This article develops a framework for identifying and managing risks to human subjects when conducting research involving leaked data. We contend that researchers who seek to use leaked data should identify and address ethical challenges by considering the process through which the data were originally released into the public domain.
Multimethod Assessement of Time-Stable and Time-Variable Interindividual Differences
Authors: Holtmann Jana , Koch Tobias , Bohn Johannes , Eid Michael
Published: July 2020

Abstract. The dynamic development of interindividual differences and the temporal interplay between different personality constructs are of major interest to many researchers in the field of personality psychology. Furthermore, the collection of multiple rater-perspectives complementing classical self-report measures in psychological assessment is increasingly applied also in longitudinal research. Nevertheless, models to analyze longitudinal multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data are scarce. A new Latent State-Trait (LST) Graded Response Model for the analysis of longitudinal MTMM data with ordered categorical response variables is introduced. The model combines advantages of LST theory and MTMM models for different types of raters (interchangeable and structurally different) with an Item Response Theory (IRT) approach. The model allows researchers to analyze the stability and variability of personality constructs, discriminant and convergent validity, as well as rater effects on the item-level. Model application and interpretation are illustrated using subjective well-being data of young adults. Results of an extensive simulation study indicate that the model can be accurately estimated with Bayesian statistics with at least 3 measurement occasions and more than 250 target persons rated by at least 5 interchangeable raters under moderate degrees of convergent validity.
Genome-wide blood DNA methylation analysis in patients with delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Kim Bong Jun , Kim Youngmi , Youn Dong Hyuk , Park Jeong Jin , Rhim Jong Kook , Kim Heung Cheol , Kang Keunsoo , Jeon Jin Pyeong
Published: July 2020

Little is known about the epigenetic changes associated with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) pathogenesis after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, we investigated genome-wide DNA methylation profiles specifically associated with DCI, which is a major contributor to poor clinical outcomes. An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were conducted in 40 SAH patients (DCI, n = 13; non-DCI, n = 27). A replication study using bisulfite modification and methylation-specific PCR was further performed in 36 patients (DCI, n = 12; non-DCI, n = 24). The relative degree of methylation was described as the median and 25th–75th percentile. No significant differences in clinical characteristics between DCI and non-DCI groups were observed. Among the top 10 differentially methylated genes analyzed via EWAS, two aberrantly methylated CpG sites of cg00441765 (INSR gene) and cg11464053 (CDHR5 gene) were associated with decreased mRNA expression (2−ΔCt). They include INSR [0.00020 (0.00012–0.00030) in DCI vs. 0.00050 (0.00030–0.00068) in non-DCI] and CDHR5 [0.114 (0.053–0.143) in DCI vs. 0.170 (0.110–0.212) in non-DCI]. Compared with non-DCI cases, patients with DCI exhibited an increased degree of methylation in the replication study: INSR, 0.855 (0.779–0.913) in DCI vs. 0.582 (0.565–0.689) in non-DCI; CDHR5, 0.786 (0.708–0.904) in DCI vs. 0.632 (0.610–0.679) in non-DCI. Hypermethylation of two novel genes, INSR and CDHR5 may serve as a biomarker for early detection of DCI following SAH.
Rethinking animal models of sepsis – working towards improved clinical translation whilst integrating the 3Rs
Authors: Nandi Manasi , Jackson Simon K. , Macrae Duncan , Shankar-Hari Manu , Tremoleda Jordi L. , Lilley Elliot
Published: July 2020

Sepsis is a major worldwide healthcare issue with unmet clinical need. Despite extensive animal research in this area, successful clinical translation has been largely unsuccessful.

We propose one reason for this is that, sometimes, the experimental question is misdirected or unrealistic expectations are being made of the animal model.

As sepsis models can lead to a rapid and substantial suffering – it is essential that we continually review experimental approaches and undertake a full harm:benefit impact assessment for each study. In some instances, this may require refinement of existing sepsis models. In other cases, it may be replacement to a different experimental system altogether, answering a mechanistic question whilst aligning with the principles of reduction, refinement and replacement (3Rs).

We discuss making better use of patient data to identify potentially useful therapeutic targets which can subsequently be validated in preclinical systems. This may be achieved through greater use of construct validity models, from which mechanistic conclusions are drawn. We argue that such models could provide equally useful scientific data as face validity models, but with an improved 3Rs impact. Indeed, construct validity models may not require sepsis to be modelled, per se. We propose that approaches that could support and refine clinical translation of research findings, whilst reducing the overall welfare burden on research animals.
The Emerging Importance of High-Resolution Manometry in the Evaluation and Treatment of Deglutition in Infants, Children, and Adults: New Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Davidson Kate , O'Rourke Ashli , Fortunato John E. , Jadcherla Sudarshan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Diagnostic precision and prolonged testing before, during, and after deglutition is lacking across the age spectrum. Conventional clinical evaluation and radiologic methods are widely used but are reliant on human perception, carrying the risk of subjectivity. High-resolution manometry (HRM) is an emerging clinical and research tool and has the capability to objectively measure the dynamics, kinetics, regulatory, and correlation aspects of deglutition.

Method

We review the basics of manometry and the methods, metrics, and applications of this technology across the age spectrum. The goal is to aid in the translation of HRM from research tool to clinical use by the speech-language pathologist in the development of better global plans to understand normal and abnormal deglutition.

Results

HRM is an easily adaptable precise diagnostic tool that can be used to examine deglutition phases and abnormalities across the age spectrum from neonates to nonagenarians and can be a valuable adjunct to specialty evaluation of persistent deglutition disorders.

Conclusion

New opportunities will emerge upon further research for larger-scale translation once normative data and recognition of biomarkers of abnormality are ascertained.
Shifting Tides Toward a Proactive Patient-Centered Approach in Dysphagia Management of Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Rogus-Pulia Nicole M. , Plowman Emily K.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Persons with neurodegenerative disease frequently develop comorbid dysphagia as part of their disease process. Current “reactive” approaches to dysphagia management address dysphagia once it manifests clinically and consist of compensatory approaches. The purpose of this article is to propose a paradigm shift in dysphagia management of patients with neurodegenerative disease from a “reactive to proactive” approach by highlighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and dementia as case examples.

Method

The authors present several areas of special consideration for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) treating dysphagia in patients with neurodegenerative disease. The drawbacks of historical “reactive” approaches to dysphagia management are described. Concepts of functional reserve for swallowing and homeostenosis are discussed. A “proactive” patient-centered paradigm of care for these patients is proposed with evidence to support its importance. A rationale for use of this approach in patients with ALS and dementia is provided with strategies for implementation.

Results

When treating dysphagia in patients with neurodegenerative disease, SLPs must balance a variety of factors in their decision making, including disease severity and expected progression, cultural considerations, goals of care, patient empowerment, and caregiver support. Reactive approaches to dysphagia management in these populations are problematic in that they disempower patients by focusing on use of compensatory techniques (e.g., diet modification, postural changes, feeding tube placement). Proactive approaches that employ rehabilitative interventions to increase functional reserve, such as resistance training, may result in improvement or maintenance of swallowing function longer into disease progression. An interdisciplinary team with early SLP involvement is necessary.

Conclusions

SLPs play a critical role in the management of dysphagia in patients with neurodegenerative disease and should be integrated early in the care of these patients. By focusing on a proactive patient-centered approach, patients with neurodegenerative conditions, such as ALS and dementia, will experience improved quality of life and health outcomes for a longer time.
Asymptotic behavior of acoustic waves scattered by very small obstacles
Authors: Barucq Hélène , Diaz Julien , Mattesi Vanessa , Tordeux Sebastien
Published: July 2020

The direct numerical simulation of the acoustic wave scattering created by very small obstacles is very expensive, especially in three dimensions and even more so in time domain. The use of asymptotic models is very efficient and the purpose of this work is to provide a rigorous justification of a new asymptotic model for low-cost numerical simulations. This model is based on asymptotic near-field and far-field developments that are then matched by a key procedure that we describe and demonstrate. We show that it is enough to focus on the regular part of the wave field to rigorously establish the complete asymptotic expansion. For that purpose, we provide an error estimate which is set in the whole space, including the transition region separating the near-field from the far-field area. The proof of convergence is established through Kondratiev’s seminal work on the Laplace equation and involves the Mellin transform. Numerical experiments including multiple scattering illustrate the efficiency of the resulting numerical method by delivering some comparisons with solutions computed with a finite element software.
Intraarticular Osteoid Osteoma: MRI Characteristics and Clinical Presentation Before and After Radiofrequency Ablation Compared to Extraarticular Osteoid Osteoma
Authors: Germann Thomas , Weber Marc-André , Lehner Burkhard , Kintzele Laurent , Burkholder Iris , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Rehnitz Christoph
Published: July 2020

Purpose To determine MRI characteristics and the clinical presentation of intraarticular osteoid osteomas (OO) before and after treatment with CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) compared with extraarticular osteoid osteomas.

Materials and Methods In a retrospective study, n = 21 patients with an intraarticular OO were matched with a control group of n = 21 patients with an extraarticular OO at a comparable anatomical position. All patients underwent CT-guided RFA and preinterventional MRI. In n = 31 cases, follow-up MR imaging was available. MR images were analyzed for morphologic features: effusion and synovitis, bone marrow edema (BME), soft tissue edema, periosteal reaction as well as T1 / T2 signal and contrast enhancement of the nidus. Recorded clinical parameters included the initial diagnosis, the course of pain symptoms after RFA and the incidence of complications.

Results The nidus was detectable in all patients on MRI. BME had the highest sensitivity in both intra- and extraarticular OO (100 %). Effusion and synovitis were only observed in the intraarticular OO group (n = 21) with a perfect sensitivity and specificity (100 %) and a high negative predictive value (85 %). Soft tissue edema was significantly more present in patients with intraarticular OO (p = 0.0143). No significant differences were present regarding periosteal reaction, T1/T2 signal and contrast enhancement of the nidus (p > 0.05). BME, contrast enhancement, soft tissue edema, periosteal reaction, effusion and synovitis, if preexisting, always decreased after RFA. In 66.7 % of patients with intraarticular OO, a false initial diagnosis was made (extraarticular: 19 %). All patients were free of pain after intervention. Complications following the RFA procedure did not occur.

Conclusion MRI demonstrates the nidus and thus the OO in all cases regardless of the location. The characteristic MRI morphology of an intraarticular OO includes synovitis and joint effusion, which are always present and differentiate with perfect sensitivity/specificity from an extraarticular OO. In both intra- and extraarticular OOs pathologic MRI changes at least decreased or completely normalized and the clinical results after RFA were excellent.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
A comparison of eggshell mineral composition between cage and free-range eggs via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Dao H. T. , Swick R. A. , Nguyen T. V. , Hunt P. W. , Hine B. C. , Lisle L. , Ruhnke I.
Published: July 2020

Context In Australia and many other countries, free-range eggs can be sold at significantly higher prices than cage eggs. Mislabelling cage eggs as free-range eggs and vice versa has been documented, and has a significant impact on consumer trust and egg consumption. The development of methods to identify eggs produced from different production systems is necessary to satisfy consumer demand. Aims The objective of this study was to determine whether eggshell mineral composition could be used as a way to differentiate eggs originating from each production system. Our hypothesis was that birds with access to soil would have higher levels of trace minerals in shells. Methods Eggs were randomly collected from six commercial caged and six commercial free-range flocks in Australia. Twelve eggshell samples from each flock were analysed for mineral composition (Ca, P, Mg, Na, Al, B, Cu, Mn, Fe, K, S and Zn) by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Key results The results showed that free-range eggshells contained significantly higher contents of macro-minerals (P, Mg and Na) but lower contents of micro-minerals (Cu, Fe, K, S and Mn) than the cage eggshells (P < 0.05). For all minerals measured, a high variability was noted within and between production systems. Conclusions Analysis of eggshell mineral composition may not be effective for determining the origin of eggs. Implications Systematic studies of the bird’s environment, including analysis of mineral composition in diets, pastures, soil and drinking water are required for comprehensive evaluation of the influences of production systems of laying hens on mineral composition of eggs and eggshells.
The NanoAOD event data format in CMS
Authors: Peruzzi Marco , Petrucciani Giovanni , Rizzi Andrea
Published: July 2020

NanoAOD is an event data format that has recently been commissioned by the CMS Collaboration. It only includes high level physics object information and is about 20 times more compact than the MiniAOD format. NanoAOD can be easily customised for development activities and supports automated data analysis workflows. The current status and perspectives of NanoAOD design and implementation are reviewed.
Deep generative models for fast shower simulation in ATLAS
Authors: Ghosh Aishik
Published: July 2020

The need for large scale and high fidelity simulated samples for the ATLAS experiment motivates the development of new simulation techniques. Building on the recent success of deep learning algorithms at interpolation as well as image generation, Variational Auto-Encoders and Generative Adversarial Networks are investigated for modeling the response of the electromagnetic calorimeter for photons in a central calorimeter region over a range of energies. The synthesized showers are compared to showers from a full detector simulation using Geant4. This study demonstrates the potential of using such algorithms for fast calorimeter simulation for the ATLAS experiment in the future.
Machine Learning approach to boosting neutral particles identifcation in the LHCb calorimeter
Authors: Boldyrev A , Chekalina V , Ratnikov F
Published: July 2020

We present a new approach to identifcation of boosted neutral particles using Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL) of the LHCb detector. The identifcation of photons and neutral pions is currently based on the geometric parameters which characterise the expected shape of energy deposition in the calorimeter. This allows to distinguish single photons in the electromagnetic calorimeter from overlapping photons produced from high momentum π0 decays. The novel approach proposed here is based on applying machine learning techniques to primary calorimeter information, that are energies collected in individual cells around the energy cluster. This method allows to improve separation performance of photons and neutral pions and has no signifcant energy dependence.
Machine Learning for Muon Identification at LHCb
Authors: Kazeev N
Published: July 2020

Particle identification is a key ingredient of most of LHCb results. Muon identification in particular is used at every stage of the LHCb trigger. The objective of the muon identification is to distinguish muons from charged hadrons under strict timing constraints. For this task, we use a state-of-the-art gradient boosting algorithm trained with real background-subtracted data. In this proceedings we present the algorithm along with the evaluation of its performance on signal and background rejection.
Road to glory or highway to hell? Global road access and climate change mitigation
Authors: Wenz Leonie , Weddige Ulf , Jakob Michael , Steckel Jan Christoph
Published: July 2020

Transportation infrastructure is considered a key factor for economic development and poverty alleviation. The United Nations have explicitly included the provision of transport infrastructure access, e.g. through all-season road access, in their Sustainable Development Goal agenda (SDGs, target 9.1). Yet, little is known about the number of people lacking access to roads worldwide, the costs of closing existing access gaps and the implications of additional roads for other sustainability concerns such as climate change mitigation (SDG-13). Here we quantify, for 250 countries and territories, the percentage of population without road access in 2 km. We find that infrastructure investments required to provide quasi-universal road access are about USD 3 trillion. We estimate that the associated cumulative CO2 emissions from construction work and additional traffic until the end of the century amount to roughly 16 Gt. Our geographically explicit global analysis provides a starting point for refined regional studies and for the quantification of further environmental and social implications of SDG-9.1.
Towards a web service for rapid landslide mapping based on Copernicus data
Authors: Albrecht F , Hölbling D , Weinke E
Published: July 2020

Timely available landslide information is highly valuable for organizing emergency response activities and infrastructure restoration. The collection process for landslide information can benefit from the use of Earth observation (EO) data because they are capable of sensing potentially affected areas quickly and comprehensively. Challenges for an EO-based rapid landslide mapping service lie in developing a reliable and fast information provision process and in appropriate integration of landslide information products in the workflows and working environment of first responders. Our gap analysis for a developed pre-operational web service for EO-based landslide mapping identified a need to implement new components to meet these requirements. These comprise better linkage to the Copernicus data hub, increasing the degree of automation in the landslide information extraction process with machine learning technologies, and improving and testing user interaction with the service.
Long-term influence of anthropogenic activities in the coastal ecosystems in China
Authors: Chu Lixia , Oloo Francis , Blaschke Thomas
Published: July 2020

In China, human activities like reclamation have increased at the unprecedented speed in the coastal areas in the last few decades. These activities can support economic development and also can reduce the benefits that could be accrued from the coastal ecosystems. Assessing and monitoring of the human-induced changes in the coastal areas requires efficient and multi-variate analysis of long-term earth observation data from different sources. In this research, we quantify the potential linkage between anthropogenic footprints and coastal vegetation change and also with changes in land surface temperature. The computation is implemented in Google Earth Engine (GEE), and the results from this work highlight the potential hot and cold spots of human-induced degradation of coastal ecosystems.