bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral and Geochemistry Study of Lower Kutai Basin Coal East Kalimantan
Authors: Winarno Agus , Hendra Amijaya D. , Harijoko Agung
Published: December 2019

This study aims to determine the type of mineral and geochemical character of low rank coal. The coal samples were located at Indominco Mandiri Coal Mine KW 01PB0435 in East Kutai District, East Kalimantan. This area of research is entered into the Lower Kutai Basin, where in this basin there are two formations containing coal, namely Pulaubalang and Balikpapan Formation. The methods used are X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), proximate, and ultimate coal analysis. The results of this study based on X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis of coal contents are clays minerals (kaolinite, illite), quartz, carbonates (calcite and dolomite), sulphides (pyrite and chalcopyrite) and oxides (rutile and goethite). While geochemically coal has a calorific value of 6052.6 cal./gr. (Subbitumionus A Coal), moisture 13.3% (adb), ash 4.0% (adb), volatile matter 41.5% (adb), fixed carbon 41.2% (adb), and sulfur content 1.77% (adb).
Reservoir Characterization and Volumetric Calculation of Hydrocarbons Reserves in “RRD” Field, Layer Z.2260 Talang Akar Fomation, North West Java Basin
Authors: Rahmandani Rizki , Eka Nurcahya Budi , Meidiana Tania , Dwi Alfianto Agung
Published: December 2019

“RRD” field is one of the hydrocarbon prospects in North West Java Basin. One of the potential oil reserves in this field was found on Talang Akar Formation Z.2260 layer and indicated by the presence of oil show on drill steam test data. Physical parameters such as acoustic impedance, porosity and hydrocarbon saturation are essential to determine the distribution of reservoir layer. Acoustic impedance can distinguish the reservoir and non-reservoir zone, while porosity and hydrocarbon saturation can be used in the calculation of oil reserves on the layer Z.2260. Model Based Inversion was performed to find out the lithology distribution determined by acoustic impedance. Porosity distribution was identified using crosspiot acoustic impedance and porosity analysis while hydrocarbon saturation distribution was determined using cokriging geostatistical analysis. The result shows the existence of sandstone reservoir with acoustic impedance values ranging from 8500-10.000 (m/s)(g/cc) that spreads over 2 zones in the research area of anticline zone A and R. Sandstone with such acoustic impedance range has a porosity value of 8-12% and hydrocarbon saturation 25-50%. The reservoir zone A has value 0,201 (MMbbl) as well as R area 1,689 (MMbbl).
Early Miocene Carbonate “G-0” Distribution Analysis Using Spectral Inversion
Authors: Mukti K H , Alfianto A D , Pranidhana O A , Annisa B , Dhea R N , Dwijatmiko B , Pramudito D , Hartantyo E
Published: December 2019

“KHM” structure is one of PT. Pertamina EP oil producing field in Subang, North West Java Basin. One of the hydrocarbon producers of this structure is located in thin bedded Early Miocene carbonate reservoir which in Upper Cibulakan Formation. The thin bedded reservoir becomes a challenge because the post stack time migration seismic resolution can’t resolve the each layer. To distinguish and delineates the reservoir’s lateral continuity needed spectral decomposition analysis. This analysis obtained 3 best frequencies to acquire a better imaging which known as tuning cube, they are 15 Hz, 20 Hz, and 25 Hz . Furthermore, these frequencies were blended to get spectral decomposition volume. The volumes have same frequency and amplitude with post stack time migration seismic data, so it can be used for further interpretation. To predict the distribution and depositional facies of Early Miocene carbonate, performed seismic interpretation by using model based acoustic impedance inversion on spectral decomposition volume and porosity analysis. The result of this study suggest the lateral distribution of Early Miocene carbonate can be characterized. Acoustic impedance zone that associated with porous carbonate have ranges values of 8050 - 9800 gr/cc ml. This is supported by petrophysics analysis that generates porosity values of 7.4 - 13.9 % in this zone. The relationship of both analysis based on the correlation of well, known that porous carbonate was deposited on a shelf margin facies.
Structural properties of quotient surfaces of a Hecke group
Authors: Farooq K.
Published: December 2019

We study the properties of the surface

Σ
q

\Sigma _q

, which is a

2
q

2q

-fold cover of

H

/

G
q

\mathbb H/G_q

, where

G
q

G_q

is a Hecke group and

q
q

is an integer greater than

3
3

. We have slightly different situations for the even and odd values of

q
q

. For odd values of

q
q

the surface

Σ
q

\Sigma _q

is a

q
−
1

2

\frac {q-1}{2}

genus surface with a cusp, whereas, for even values it is a

q
−
2

2

\frac {q-2}{2}

genus surface with two cusps. We prove that there exist

g
g

embedded tori with a hole on

Σ
q

\Sigma _q

, where

g
=

q
−
1

2

g=\frac {q-1}{2}

when

q
q

is an odd integer and

g
=

q
−
2

2

g=\frac {q-2}{2}

when

q
q

is even, with

g
g

boundary geodesics at different heights. These boundary geodesics are the separating geodesics intersecting each other transversally. We also prove that the surface

Σ
q

\Sigma _q

is a hyper-elliptic surface for every integer

q
>
3

q>3

.
Accurate prediction of protein beta-aggregation with generalized statistical potentials
Authors: Orlando Gabriele , Silva Alexandra , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra , Raimondi Daniele , Vranken Wim
Published: December 2019

Motivation

Protein beta-aggregation is an important but poorly understood phenomena involved in diseases as well as in beneficial physiological processes. However, while this task has been investigated for over 50 years, very little is known about its mechanisms of action. Moreover, the identification of regions involved in aggregation is still an open problem and the state-of-the-art methods are often inadequate in real case applications.

Results

In this article we present AgMata, an unsupervised tool for the identification of such regions from amino acidic sequence based on a generalized definition of statistical potentials that includes biophysical information. The tool outperforms the state-of-the-art methods on two different benchmarks. As case-study, we applied our tool to human ataxin-3, a protein involved in Machado–Joseph disease. Interestingly, AgMata identifies aggregation-prone residues that share the very same structural environment. Additionally, it successfully predicts the outcome of in vitro mutagenesis experiments, identifying point mutations that lead to an alteration of the aggregation propensity of the wild-type ataxin-3.

Availability and implementation

A python implementation of the tool is available at https://bitbucket.org/bio2byte/agmata.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
popSTR2 enables clinical and population-scale genotyping of microsatellites
Authors: Kristmundsdottir Snædis , Eggertsson Hannes P , Arnadottir Gudny A , Halldorsson Bjarni V
Published: December 2019

popSTR2 is an update and augmentation of our previous work ‘popSTR: a population-based microsatellite genotyper’. To make genotyping sensitive to inter-sample differences, we supply a kernel to estimate sample-specific slippage rates. For clinical sequencing purposes, a panel of known pathogenic repeat expansions is provided along with a script that scans and flags for manual inspection markers indicative of a pathogenic expansion. Like its predecessor, popSTR2 allows for joint genotyping of samples at a population scale. We now provide a binning method that makes the microsatellite genotypes more amenable to analysis within standard association pipelines and can increase association power.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/DecodeGenetics/popSTR.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A note on the accuracy of adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature
Authors: Jin Shaobo , Andersson Björn
Published: December 2019

Numerical quadrature methods are needed for many models in order to approximate integrals in the likelihood function. In this note, we correct the error rate given by Liu & Pierce (1994) for integrals approximated with adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature and show that the approximation is less accurate than previously thought. We discuss the relationship between the error rates of adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature and Laplace approximation, and provide a theoretical explanation of simulation results obtained in previous studies regarding the accuracy of adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature.
The Organization of the Human Corpus Callosum Estimated by Intrinsic Functional Connectivity with White-Matter Functional Networks
Authors: Wang Pan , Meng Chun , Yuan Rui , Wang Jianlin , Yang Hang , Zhang Tao , Zaborszky Laszlo , Alvarez Tara L , Liao Wei , Luo Cheng , Chen Huafu , Biswal Bharat B
Published: December 2019

The corpus callosum is the commissural bridge of white-matter bundles important for the human brain functions. Previous studies have analyzed the structural links between cortical gray-matter networks and subregions of corpus callosum. While meaningful white-matter functional networks (WM-FNs) were recently reported, how these networks functionally link with distinct subregions of corpus callosum remained unknown. The current study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of the Human Connectome Project test–retest data to identify 10 cerebral WM-FNs in 119 healthy subjects and then parcellated the corpus callosum into distinct subregions based on the functional connectivity between each callosal voxel and above networks. Our results demonstrated the reproducible identification of WM-FNs and their links with known gray-matter functional networks across two runs. Furthermore, we identified reliably parcellated subregions of the corpus callosum, which might be involved in primary and higher order functional systems by functionally connecting with WM-FNs. The current study extended our knowledge about the white-matter functional signals to the intrinsic functional organization of human corpus callosum, which could help researchers understand the neural substrates underlying normal interhemispheric functional connectivity as well as dysfunctions in various mental disorders.
Baseline and stress-induced corticosterone levels across birds and reptiles do not reflect urbanization levels
Authors: Injaian Allison S , Francis Clinton D , Ouyang Jenny Q , Dominoni Davide M , Donald Jeremy W , Fuxjager Matthew J , Goymann Wolfgang , Hau Michaela , Husak Jerry F , Johnson Michele A , Kircher Bonnie K , Knapp Rosemary , Martin Lynn B , Miller Eliot T , Schoenle Laura A , Williams Tony D , Vitousek Maren N
Published: December 2019

Rates of human-induced environmental change continue increasing with human population size, potentially altering animal physiology and negatively affecting wildlife. Researchers often use glucocorticoid concentrations (hormones that can be associated with stressors) to gauge the impact of anthropogenic factors (e.g. urbanization, noise and light pollution). Yet, no general relationships between human-induced environmental change and glucocorticoids have emerged. Given the number of recent studies reporting baseline and stress-induced corticosterone (the primary glucocorticoid in birds and reptiles) concentrations worldwide, it is now possible to conduct large-scale comparative analyses to test for general associations between disturbance and baseline and stress-induced corticosterone across species. Additionally, we can control for factors that may influence context, such as life history stage, environmental conditions and urban adaptability of a species. Here, we take a phylogenetically informed approach and use data from HormoneBase to test if baseline and stress-induced corticosterone are valid indicators of exposure to human footprint index, human population density, anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night in birds and reptiles. Our results show a negative relationship between anthropogenic noise and baseline corticosterone for birds characterized as urban avoiders. While our results potentially indicate that urban avoiders are more sensitive to noise than other species, overall our study suggests that the relationship between human-induced environmental change and corticosterone varies across species and contexts; we found no general relationship between human impacts and baseline and stress-induced corticosterone in birds, nor baseline corticosterone in reptiles. Therefore, it should not be assumed that high or low levels of exposure to human-induced environmental change are associated with high or low corticosterone levels, respectively, or that closely related species, or even individuals, will respond similarly. Moving forward, measuring alternative physiological traits alongside reproductive success, health and survival may provide context to better understand the potential negative effects of human-induced environmental change.
The schoolboys’ revenge: how the golden line entered classical scholarship
Authors: Mayer Kenneth
Published: December 2019

The golden line, a Latin versification exercise in British classrooms since at least 1612, appears to have no basis in the classical tradition. It was resisted by the academy for decades — if not centuries. Then, as Latin versification ceded its central role in schools and universities, resistance withered. New generations of scholars had never encountered the golden line as a composition exercise, and they saw instead the golden line as a critical tool for interpreting Latin poetry. After the 1950s, the golden line spread to Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, and beyond. A classroom exercise helped shape scholarship worldwide. Yet the golden line is an even more striking example of scholarship from below, because it thrived due to its documented appeal to the students who identified and composed them. From the 1600s until today, students have expressed pride and joy in identifying and composing golden lines. Student preferences often shape pedagogical canons and classroom practice, but the golden line went still further. Today, Latinists worldwide analyse poets of the classical canon by counting and discussing their golden lines. Student preferences for a school exercise have changed not only pedagogy but scholarly practice.
Factors associated with under-5 mortality in three disadvantaged East African districts
Authors: Agho Kingsley E , Ezeh Osita K , Ferdous Akhi J , Mbugua Irene , Kamara Joseph K
Published: December 2019

Background

The high rate of avoidable child mortality in disadvantaged communities in Africa is an important health problem. This article examines factors associated with mortality in children <5 y of age in three disadvantaged East African districts.

Methods

Pooled cross-sectional data on 9270 live singleton births from rural districts in Rwanda (Gicumbi), Uganda (Kitgum) and Tanzania (Kilindi) were analysed using logistic regression generalized linear latent and mixed models to adjust for clustering and sampling weights. Mortality outcomes were neonatal (0–30 d), post-neonatal (1–11 months), infant (0–11 months), child (1–4 y) and under-5 y (0–4 y).

Results

The odds of post-neonatal and infant mortality were lower among children delivered by a health professional (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.62 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.47–0.81] for post-neonatal; AOR 0.60 [95% CI 0.46–0.79] for infant), mothers who had four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy (AOR 0.66 [95% CI 0.51–0.85]) and mothers who initiated breastfeeding within 1 h after birth (AOR 0.60 [95% CI 0.47–0.78]). Neonates not exclusively breastfed had higher mortality (AOR 3.88 [95% CI 1.58–9.52]). Children who lived >6 h away from the nearest health centre (6–23 h: AOR 1.66 [95% CI 1.4–2.0] and ≥24 h: AOR 1.43 [95% CI 1.26–1.72]) reported higher mortality rates in children <5 y of age.

Conclusions

Interventions for reducing deaths in children ≤5 y of age in disadvantaged East African communities should be strengthened to target communities >6 h away from health centres and mothers who received inadequate ANC visits during pregnancy.
Urgent call for a global enforcement of the public sharing of health emergencies data: lesson learned from serious arboviral disease epidemics in Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Ayman
Published: December 2019

One crucial element of the timely detection and identification of the causative agent(s) of a health emergency is access to live and historical data about the health risks in the area of concern. Therefore, sharing data on health emergencies is essential to the early investigation and detection teams. Although, theoretically, there is a global agreement on sharing data rapidly, in practice this is not always the case, particularly in developing countries such as Sudan, where there is continuous failure in making epidemics-related data publicly available. An alternative model for information and data sharing is suggested.
Temperature and pH-Dependent Stability of Mitragyna Alkaloids
Authors: Basiliere Stephanie , Kerrigan Sarah
Published: December 2019

Mitragynine (MG) is the principal psychoactive alkaloid in kratom. The drug produces a variety of dose-dependent effects that appeal to recreational drug users and individuals seeking therapeutic benefits in the absence of medical supervision. In light of documented intoxications, hospitalizations and fatalities, MG and other alkaloids from Mitragyna speciosa are of growing importance to the forensic toxicology community. However, the chemical stability of these compounds has not been thoroughly described. In this report, the stability of MG, 7-hydroxymitragynine (MG-OH), speciociliatine (SC), speciogynine (SG) and paynantheine (PY) are investigated. Short-term stability of the Mitragyna alkaloids was determined over a range of pH (2–10) and temperature (4–80°C) over 8 hours. Liquid chromatography--quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to estimate half-lives and identify degradation products where possible. The stability of MG and other alkaloids was highly dependent on pH and temperature. All of the Mitragyna alkaloids studied were acid labile. Under alkaline conditions, MG undergoes chemical hydrolysis of the methyl ester to produce 16-carboxymitragynine. MG-OH was the most unstable alkaloid studied, with significant drug loss at 8 hours experienced at temperatures of 40°C and above. No significant drug losses were observed for MG in aqueous solution (pH 2–10) at 4, 20 or 40°C. Diastereoisomers of MG (SC and SG) demonstrated even greater stability. These findings are discussed within the context of the identification of Mitragyna alkaloids in toxicological specimens.
Clinicopathologic Features of Diencephalic Neuronal and Glioneuronal Tumors
Authors: Ho Cheng-Ying , Bornhorst Miriam , Almira-Suarez M Isabel , Donev Kliment , Grafe Marjorie , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Rodriguez Fausto J
Published: December 2019

Neuronal/mixed glioneuronal tumors are central nervous system neoplasms composed of neoplastic neuronal cell components or a mixture of glial and neuronal elements. They occur in cerebral hemispheres, posterior fossa, and spinal cord. Compared with other tumors at these locations, diencephalic neuronal/glioneuronal tumors are very rare and therefore not well characterized. We hereby performed clinicopathologic evaluation on 10 neuronal/glioneuronal tumors arising from the diencephalic region. Morphologically, these tumors resemble their histologic counterparts in other locations, except that lymphocytic infiltrates and microcalcifications are more common than Rosenthal fibers or eosinophilic granular bodies. The BRAFV600 mutation rate is 75%. Given the high percentage of samples being small biopsy specimens, the subtle histologic features and molecular findings greatly aided in establishing the pathologic diagnosis in several cases. At a median follow-up of 42 months, 71% of the tumors demonstrated radiological recurrence or progression, with median progression-free survival of 18 months. Recurrence/progression is observed in tumors across different histologic subtypes, necessitating additional therapies in 56% of the cases. Despite their bland histology, diencephalic neuronal/glioneuronal tumors are not clinically indolent. Their frequent recurrences warrant a close follow-up, and the prevalent BRAF mutation makes MAPK pathway inhibition a plausible treatment option when conventional therapies fail.
Caregiver–Child Discrepancies in Reports of Child Emotional Symptoms in Pediatric Chronic Pain
Authors: Martin Sarah R , Zeltzer Lonnie K , Seidman Laura C , Allyn Katherine E , Payne Laura A
Published: December 2019

Objective

Pediatric chronic pain evaluation includes self-reports and/or caregiver proxy-reports across biopsychosocial domains. Limited data exist on the effects of caregiver–child discrepancies in pediatric pain assessment. In children with chronic pain, we examined associations among discrepancies in caregiver–child reports of child anxiety and depressive symptoms and child functional impairment.

Methods

Participants were 202 children (Mage=14.49 ± 2.38 years; 68.8% female) with chronic pain and their caregivers (95.5% female). Children and caregivers completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) and RCADS-Parent, respectively. Children also completed the Functional Disability Inventory. Mean difference tests examined caregiver–child discrepancies. Moderation analyses examined whether associations between child self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms and functional impairment varied as a function of caregiver proxy-report.

Results

Children reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms compared with their caregivers’ proxy-reports (Z = −4.83, p < .001). Both informants’ reports of child anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with child functional impairment (rs = .44, rs = .30, p < .001). Caregiver proxy-report moderated associations between child-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms and functional impairment (B = −0.007, p = .003). When caregiver proxy-report was low, child self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms were positively related to functional impairment (B = 0.28, SE = 0.07, 95% CI [0.15, 0.41], p < .001).

Conclusions

Discrepant caregiver–child perceptions of child anxiety and depressive symptoms may be associated with functioning in children with chronic pain, especially when caregivers report less child internalizing symptoms. These findings highlight the need for further examination of the effects of caregiver–child discrepancies on pediatric chronic pain outcomes and may indicate targets for intervention.
High-stakes innovation: When collaboration in teams enhances (or undermines) innovation in professional service firms
Authors: Cromwell Johnathan R , Gardner Heidi K
Published: December 2019

Professionals need to develop increasingly innovative solutions to complex problems, which are often cocreated through client–professional collaborations, but this demand creates a theoretical and practical tension. On the one hand, professionals need to establish long-standing relationships with clients so they can deeply understand their client’s business and develop more effective solutions. On the other hand, such strong relationships can breed similar perspectives that undermine their ability to develop more innovative ideas. To resolve this conflict, we introduce a new contextual condition to the literature that is fundamentally associated with innovation in organizations—the stakes of an innovation project—and develop theory explaining how it creates conditions under which familiarity either enhances or undermines innovation in teams. Using a mixed-method approach to study an innovation contest held in the legal industry, we found that under lower-stakes conditions, collaboration in new teams was positively associated with innovation and produced significantly more innovative outcomes than collaboration in long-standing teams. But under higher-stakes conditions, these effects reversed. When exploring the mechanisms underlying our results, we found that familiarity was valuable for innovation under higher-stakes conditions primarily because teams with shared perspectives took greater risks on more innovative ideas during the selection stage of the innovation process.
CHILES VI: H i and H α observations for z < 0.1 galaxies; probing H i spin alignment with filaments in the cosmic web
Authors: Blue Bird J , Davis J , Luber N , van Gorkom J H , Wilcots E , Pisano D J , Gim H B , Momjian E , Fernandez X , Hess K M , Lucero D , Dodson R , Vinsen K , Popping A , Chung A , Kreckel K , van der Hulst J M , Yun M
Published: December 2019

We present neutral hydrogen (H i) and ionized hydrogen (H α) observations of 10 galaxies out to a redshift of 0.1. The H i observations are from the first epoch (178 h) of the COSMOS H i Large Extragalactic Survey (CHILES). Our sample is H i biased and consists of 10 late-type galaxies with H i masses that range from 1.8 × 107 M⊙ to 1.1 × 1010 M⊙. We find that although the majority of galaxies show irregularities in the morphology and kinematics, they generally follow the scaling relations found in larger samples. We find that the H i and H α velocities reach the flat part of the rotation curve. We identify the large-scale structure in the nearby CHILES volume using DisPerSE with the spectroscopic catalogue from SDSS. We explore the gaseous properties of the galaxies as a function of location in the cosmic web. We also compare the angular momentum vector (spin) of the galaxies to the orientation of the nearest cosmic web filament. Our results show that galaxy spins tend to be aligned with cosmic web filaments and show a hint of a transition mass associated with the spin angle alignment.
Testing for calibration systematics in the EDGES low-band data using Bayesian model selection
Authors: Sims Peter H , Pober Jonathan C
Published: December 2019

Cosmic Dawn (CD), when the first stars and proto-galaxies began to form, is commonly expected to be accompanied by an absorption signature at radio frequencies. This feature arises as Lyman α photons emitted by these first luminous objects couple the 21 cm excitation temperature of intergalactic hydrogen gas to its kinetic temperature, driving it into absorption relative to the cosmic microwave background. The detailed properties of this absorption profile encode powerful information about the physics of CD. Recently, Bowman et al. analysed data from the EDGES low-band radio antenna and found an unexpectedly deep absorption profile centred at 78 MHz, which could be a detection of this signature. Their specific analysis fit their measurements using a polynomial foreground model, a flattened Gaussian absorption profile, and a white noise model; we argue that a more accurate model, that includes a detailed noise model and accounting for the effects of plausible calibration errors, is essential for describing the EDGES data set. We perform a Bayesian evidence-based comparison of models of the EDGES low-band data set and find that those incorporating these additional components are decisively preferred. The subset of the best-fitting models of the data that include a global signal favours an amplitude consistent with standard cosmological assumptions (A < 209 mK). However, there is not strong evidence to favour models of the data including a global 21 cm signal over those without one. Ultimately, we find that the derivation of robust constraints on astrophysics from the data is limited by the presence of systematics.
Developing a unified pipeline for large-scale structure data analysis with angular power spectra – II. A case study for magnification bias and radio continuum surveys
Authors: Tanidis Konstantinos , Camera Stefano , Parkinson David
Published: December 2019

Following on our purpose of developing a unified pipeline for large-scale structure data analysis with angular power spectra, we now include the weak lensing effect of magnification bias on galaxy clustering in a publicly available, modular parameter estimation code. We thus forecast constraints on the parameters of the concordance cosmological model, dark energy, and modified gravity theories from galaxy clustering tomographic angular power spectra. We find that a correct modelling of magnification is crucial not to bias the parameter estimation, especially in the case of deep galaxy surveys. Our case study adopts specifications of the Evolutionary Map of the Universe, which is a full-sky, deep radio-continuum survey, expected to probe the Universe up to redshift z ∼ 6. We assume the Limber approximation, and include magnification bias on top of density fluctuations and redshift-space distortions. By restricting our analysis to the regime where the Limber approximation holds true, we significantly minimize the computational time needed, compared to that of the exact calculation. We also show that there is a trend for more biased parameter estimates from neglecting magnification when the redshift bins are very wide. We conclude that this result implies a strong dependence on the lensing contribution, which is an integrated effect and becomes dominant when wide redshift bins are considered. Finally, we note that instead of being considered a contaminant, magnification bias encodes important cosmological information, and its inclusion leads to an alleviation of its degeneracy between the galaxy bias and the amplitude normalization of the matter fluctuations.
Hybridization-mediated off-target effects of splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Scharner Juergen , Ma Wai Kit , Zhang Qian , Lin Kuan-Ting , Rigo Frank , Bennett C Frank , Krainer Adrian R
Published: December 2019

Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which bind specific RNA-target sequences and modulate pre-mRNA splicing by sterically blocking the binding of splicing factors to the pre-mRNA, are a promising therapeutic modality to treat a range of genetic diseases. ASOs are typically 15–25 nt long and considered to be highly specific towards their intended target sequence, typically elements that control exon definition and/or splice-site recognition. However, whether or not splice-modulating ASOs also induce hybridization-dependent mis-splicing of unintended targets has not been systematically studied. Here, we tested the in vitro effects of splice-modulating ASOs on 108 potential off-targets predicted on the basis of sequence complementarity, and identified 17 mis-splicing events for one of the ASOs tested. Based on analysis of data from two overlapping ASO sequences, we conclude that off-target effects are difficult to predict, and the choice of ASO chemistry influences the extent of off-target activity. The off-target events caused by the uniformly modified ASOs tested in this study were significantly reduced with mixed-chemistry ASOs of the same sequence. Furthermore, using shorter ASOs, combining two ASOs, and delivering ASOs by free uptake also reduced off-target activity. Finally, ASOs with strategically placed mismatches can be used to reduce unwanted off-target splicing events.
Explaining central bank trust in an inflation-targeting country: the case of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Authors: Hayo Bernd , Neumeier Florian
Published: December 2019

Employing data from a representative population survey conducted in New Zealand in 2016, this paper examines factors that influence, or are at least associated with, public trust in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). The large number of specifically designed questions allows the study of the relationship between six groups of variables and RBNZ trust: (i) economic situation, (ii) monetary policy knowledge, (iii) non-specific trust, (iv) interest and information search, (v) politicians and government, and (vi) socio-demographic indicators. Using ordered logit models, we find that respondents who put more trust in RBNZ are financially satisfied, have more objective and subjective knowledge about the RBNZ, have higher trust in government institutions, are interested in the RBNZ, are older, and are self-employed. The reverse impact is found for those who do not acquire information about the RBNZ and believe that politicians foster the long-term well-being of their country. Institutional trust has the greatest economic impact.
Persistent Systemic Microbial Translocation, Inflammation, and Intestinal Damage During Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Oliva Alessandra , Aversano Lucia , De Angelis Massimiliano , Mascellino Maria Teresa , Miele Maria Claudia , Morelli Sergio , Battaglia Riccardo , Iera Jessica , Bruno Giovanni , Corazziari Enrico Stefano , Ciardi Maria Rosa , Venditti Mario , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Vullo Vincenzo
Published: December 2019

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) might be complicated by the development of nosocomial bloodstream infection (n-BSI). Based on the hypothesis that alteration of the normal gut integrity is present during CDI, we evaluated markers of microbial translocation, inflammation, and intestinal damage in patients with CDI.

Methods

Patients with documented CDI were enrolled in the study. For each subject, plasma samples were collected at T0 and T1 (before and after CDI therapy, respectively), and the following markers were evaluated: lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB), EndoCab IgM, interleukin-6, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP). Samples from nonhospitalized healthy controls were also included. The study population was divided into BSI+/BSI- and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) +/FMT- groups, according to the development of n-BSI and the receipt of FMT, respectively.

Results

Overall, 45 subjects were included; 8 (17.7%) developed primary n-BSI. Markers of microbial translocation and intestinal damage significantly decreased between T0 and T1, however, without reaching values similar to controls (P < .0001). Compared with BSI-, a persistent high level of microbial translocation in the BSI+ group was observed. In the FMT+ group, markers of microbial translocation and inflammation at T1 tended to reach control values.

Conclusions

CDI is associated with high levels of microbial translocation, inflammation, and intestinal damage, which are still present at clinical resolution of CDI. The role of residual mucosal perturbation and persistence of intestinal cell damage in the development of n-BSI following CDI, as well as the possible effect of FMT in the restoration of mucosal integrity, should be further investigated.
Robotic Orthogonal Implantation of Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) Depth Electrodes in the Mesial Temporal Lobe: Case Series
Authors: Chan Alvin Y , Tran Diem Kieu , Paff Michelle R , Urgun Kamran , Hsu Frank P K , Vadera Sumeet
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is a closed-loop neurostimulation modality for treating intractable epilepsy in patients who are not candidates for resection. In the past, implantation of depth electrodes was done through a transoccipital approach that transverses the hippocampus. There have been no descriptions of orthogonal approaches to RNS electrode placement.

OBJECTIVE

To describe our initial experience with placing RNS depth electrodes using an orthogonal approach to target the short axis of the mesial temporal lobe.

METHODS

Presurgical work-up included magnetic resonance imaging, video electroencephalography, and neuropsychological testing. During the procedure, patients were placed with their heads in a neutral position. Electrodes were placed via stereotactic robotic assistance using a unilateral orthogonal approach targeting the amygdala or hippocampus. Patients who underwent RNS electrode implantation via orthogonal approach were identified. Multiple variables were collected, including age, disease onset, complications, follow-up, semiology, and seizure reduction.

RESULTS

There were 8 patients who underwent RNS electrode placement with orthogonal approach. The mean age and follow-up were 44.8 and 1.2 yr, respectively. There were 4 patients with at least 1-yr follow-up. Of them, 1 was seizure free and 2 experienced over 50% reduction in seizures. There were no complications associated with electrode implantation.

CONCLUSION

The initial experience using an orthogonal approach for depth electrode placement for RNS implantation was described. The potential advantages may include better safety, accuracy, and positioning in comparison to a transoccipital approach.
Comparing Costs of Living across World Cities
Authors: Nakamura Shohei , Harati Rawaa , Lall Somik V , Dikhanov Yuri M , Hamadeh Nada , Oliver William Vigil , Rissanen Marko Olavi , Yamanaka Mizuki
Published: December 2019

This paper compares costs of living across world cities. The International Comparison Program (ICP) reports price levels across world economies in its calculation of purchasing power parity through an extensive scale of price data collection and rigorous methodology. While the price levels are reported only at the national level, some modification makes it possible to compare the cost of living across a group of world cities. In addition, various agencies report costs of living rankings for world cities on a regular basis, and some of them, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s World Cost of Living Survey, systematically collect a wide variety of items from a host of cities, even covering low-income countries. This article's application of the ICP method to the EIU price data yields an overall reasonable result: richer cities have higher price levels, and the rankings of cities based on their price levels are similar when using the ICP and EIU data. Nevertheless, the results based on the EIU data differ from the ICP data relatively widely in some nonfood items and among cities with low price levels. This result highlights important issues regarding the data and methodology required to measure costs of living for development purposes.
Systemic estradiol levels with low-dose vaginal estrogens
Authors: Santen Richard J. , Mirkin Sebastian , Bernick Brian , Constantine Ginger D.
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

To critically evaluate published systemic estradiol levels during use of low-dose vaginal estrogens considering detection method and estrogen dose; describe challenges with accurately measuring estradiol; and determine the normal estradiol level range in postmenopausal women.

Methods:

PubMed was searched for studies reporting systemic estradiol levels with lower-dose vaginal estrogens (≤25 μg estradiol or 0.3 mg conjugated equine estrogens). Estradiol levels at baseline and during treatment, area under the curve, and maximum estradiol concentrations were summarized by dose within assay type. A proposed range of systemic estradiol in normal, untreated, postmenopausal women was estimated by conservatively pooling means and standard deviations from published studies.

Results:

Mean basal estradiol levels were 3.1 to 4.9 pg/mL using liquid or gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC or GC/MS/MS) with a range of undetectable to 10.5 pg/mL using radioimmunoassay. Systemic estradiol levels with vaginal estrogens reflected their doses as measured with LC or GC/MS/MS in different studies: 7.1 to 9.1 pg/mL and 16.7 to 22.7 pg/mL with a 25-μg softgel capsule insert and a tablet insert, respectively; 4.6 to 7.4 pg/mL and 6.6 to 14.8 pg/mL with a 10-μg softgel capsule and a tablet insert, respectively; and 3.6 to 3.9 pg/mL with a 4-μg softgel capsule insert. A mean systemic estradiol concentration ranging from undetectable to 10.7 pg/mL is proposed as an estimate for basal estradiol levels in normal, untreated, postmenopausal women. Systemic estradiol absorption may be influenced by the placement of estradiol higher (as with an applicator) versus lower (as without an applicator) in the vagina, as estradiol transport to the uterus would be more likely further away than closer to the introitus.

Conclusion:

Serum estradiol concentrations were generally lower when measured with more specific and sensitive assays. Estradiol absorption was dose-dependent, and may be influenced by dose, formulation, and positioning in the vagina. Very low systemic estradiol absorption with low/ultralow-dose vaginal estrogens may potentially decrease any adverse events that may be associated with higher doses of vaginal estrogens used for treating moderate to severe VVA due to less estradiol exposure.
Effect of Eyelid Treatments on Bacterial Load and Lipase Activity in Relation to Contact Lens Discomfort
Authors: Siddireddy Jaya Sowjanya , Vijay Ajay K. , Tan Jacqueline , Willcox Mark
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of microblepharon exfoliation on the number of eyelid bacteria and their lipase activity and the relationship of these to contact lens discomfort.

Methods:

Thirty experienced contact lens wearers had their eyelid margin physiology, tear properties, and comfort scores assessed. The number, type, and frequency of lower eyelid margin bacteria, and their lipase activity, were measured. Eyelids were treated with a foam cleanser or microblepharon exfoliation. Clinical and microbiological tests were repeated at each visit. Changes and correlations were examined.

Results:

Symptomatic lens wearers had a higher ratio for the number and frequency of gram-positive rods and cocci. Microblepharon exfoliation reduced the number and ratio of gram-positive rods to cocci from baseline for symptomatic wearers that lasted 7 to 10 days after treatment (P<0.05). Numbers of bacteria, the ratio of rods to cocci, and lipase activity correlated with lash contamination (r≥0.385; P≤0.046) and anterior blepharitis (r≥0.359; P≤0.048). Bacterial lipase correlated with meibomian gland secretions (r=0.422; P=0.038) and the tear evaporation rate (r=0.479; P=0.022). Microblepharon exfoliation produced a significant reduction in CLDEQ-8 scores and converted 10 symptomatic into asymptomatic lens wearers.

Conclusions:

There was dysbiosis in the lid microbiome of symptomatic lens wearers. Microblepharon exfoliation reduced the number, frequency of isolation, and ratio of gram-positive rods and cocci. Bacterial numbers and their lipase production correlated with changes to clinical signs and symptoms. Symptomatic lens wearers could be converted to asymptomatic lens wearers after microblepharon exfoliation.
The Impact of Bilateral Subepithelial Corneal Infiltrates on Tear Film After Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Arici Ceyhun , Sultan Pinar , Mergen Burak , Buttanri Bulent , Dogan Cezmi
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of corneal subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) on tear film function and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after persistent epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) and to compare the findings with controls.

Methods:

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 38 patients with EKC and 42 healthy volunteers were enrolled. While patients with SEIs after EKC made up groups 1a (first involved eye) and 1b (second involved eye), healthy controls made up group 2. Best-corrected visual acuity, corneal subepithelial infiltrate scoring (CSIS), Fantes score, tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores were measured. The Oxford grading system was used to score corneal staining.

Results:

The mean Fantes score was 1.8±0.8 for group 1a and 1.3±1.1 for group 1b (P=0.03). The mean CSIS was 2.9±1.3 for group 1a and 1.9±1.7 for group 1b (P=0.005). But there was no significant difference in terms of the mean BCVA, TBUT, Schirmer, OSDI, and Oxford grading (P=0.66, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, and 1.0, respectively) between group 1a and group 1b. The mean BCVA, TBUT, Schirmer, and OSDI values were worse in group 1a and group 1b in comparison to group 2 (P=0.001).

Conclusions:

We showed that the first involved eyes of patients with SEIs may be affected more significantly, but this difference may not have a clinical reflection on the difference in tear film functions between two eyes. However, compared with the healthy eyes, tear film function and BCVA were equally compromised in both eyes of the patients with SEIs irrelevant to the involved eye.
Collaborative Care Across the Acute and Subacute Continuum Facilitated by Physical Therapy in the Emergency Department
Authors: Seip John , Drinkwine Peter
Published: December 2019

Background:

Research has supported the use of physical therapy services within emergency departments (EDs) in relation to fall reduction, reduced readmissions, and positive patient satisfaction. While the evidence supports the use of physical therapy services in the ED, other authors fail to provide examples of what collaboration looks like at the personal, professional, and patient levels. This case report is unique in that it describes the effects of collaborative care across the acute and subacute continuum starting at the initial ED presentation.

Case Report:

A medically complex patient with multiple medical comorbidities and mobility deficits presenting from the home environment was evaluated by a physical therapist in the ED. The evaluation consisted of musculoskeletal and mobility assessments, as well as assistance with discharge planning. This early collaboration resulted in a streamlined workup of the patient's orthopedic problems, a positive patient experience, and a positive outcome without readmission. This patient's entire workup, rehabilitation, and safe home discharge with improved home access and quality of life occurred in the span of 6 days.

Conclusion:

This case describes a medically complex patient with high risk for readmission. A model of collaborative care was used by consulting a physical therapist in the ED to help address these problems, which resulted in a positive outcome. The patient reported satisfaction with his care and did not return to the hospital for mobility-related impairments. The patient and his wife/caregiver also reported improvements in quality of life because of his rehabilitation and improved mobility. All of this occurred over a short span of 6 days. The authors hope that this case will lead to further discussion and research concerning the potential positive effects of early collaborative care between providers and staff physical therapists in the ED setting.