bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Promotion: A Creative Promotional Framework on Consumers’ Social Network Value
Authors: Gao Haibing , Zhao Huazhong , Tan Yinliang (Ricky) , Lin Ya (Lisa) , Wei Lai
Published: July 2020

Red packets have symbolized happiness and good luck in Asian culture for centuries. An emerging number of online merchants in Asia are adopting social red packets as a promotion strategy. Social red packets not only digitalize traditional coupons to be readily transferred within consumer social networks but also can reallocate the promotional rewards based on consumers’ social network value rather than their personal value to the firm. In this study, we conceptualize social red packets as an implementation of the social promotion framework, where consumers with higher social network value receive better promotional rewards. Leveraging a unique dataset from an online retailing platform, our vector auto‐regression (VAR) analysis reveals that: (1) under the social red packet design, consumers with higher social network value (who are connected to more new consumers or frequent consumers) will enjoy better promotional rewards; and (2) in order to receive better promotion rewards, consumers under the social red packet design are encouraged to voluntarily enhance their social network value (e.g., by recruiting more new customers or cultivating more frequent consumers). Moreover, we identify several critical characteristics of focal consumers and their social networks that can moderate the effectiveness of social red packets. Our findings provide important managerial insights for online retailing platforms on how to design effective social promotion strategies.
Affective temperament traits may explain high expressed emotion in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dogan Bilge , Ozmen Simel , Memis Cagdas Oyku , Sair Ahmet , Akyol Ali , Sevincok Levent
Published: July 2020

Background

The negative interactions between Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and their caregivers may provoke criticism, hostility, and emotional overinvolvement that characterise highly expressed emotion (EE) attitudes. In this study, we hypothesised that affective temperament traits of AD caregivers are related to their high EE levels independent from other patient and caregiver characteristics.

Methods

Eighty AD patients were assessed through Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), and Mini‐Mental State Examination. Expressed Emotion Scale (EES), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego auto‐questionnaire, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied to the caregivers. The high (n = 41) and low EE caregivers (n = 39) were compared with respect to some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients and caregivers, and affective temperament traits of caregivers. The associations of caregiver EES scores with multiple variables related to patients and caregivers were examined by Pearson correlation tests. We performed multiple linear regression analysis to determine the possible predictors of total EES scores.

Results

High EE caregivers had significantly higher depressive, cyclothymic, and anxious temperament traits than in low EE subjects. A weak positive correlation was found between the total EES scores and Personal Care scores of CDR. Home and hobbies subscale scores of CDR had a moderately significant positive correlation with total EES scores. There was also moderate significant positive correlations between total EE scores and depressive, cyclothymic, anxious, and irritable temperament traits. Linear regression analysis indicated that depressive temperament significantly predicted the high levels of caregiver EE.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that caregivers’ depressive temperament is predominantly related to their EE levels even after controlling for the severity of AD, and lower educational level of caregivers. Our results may provide evidence that high EE might be a reflection of caregivers’ depressive temperament traits, in accordance with the trait hypothesis.
Education and wage inequality before and during the fiscal crisis: A quantile regression analysis for Greece 2006–2016
Authors: Chletsos Michael , Roupakias Stelios
Published: July 2020

The Greek labor market has undergone dramatic changes during the past 10 years. Wage inequality, especially at the bottom end of the earnings distribution, increased sharply. Simultaneously, and despite a massive emigration wave of mainly highly educated employees, the ratio of skilled to unskilled labor has further increased. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between education and the dispersion of male earnings, using Labor Force Survey data, for the years 2006 and 2016. We address both unobserved heterogeneity and potential endogeneity by using an instrumental variables estimator, designed for quantile regression modeling. Our best estimates suggest that the returns to education are higher at lower quantiles in the pre‐crisis period, while the opposite holds true in the post‐crisis period. It is shown that within‐group inequality, mainly among university graduates, has played a major role in these developments. Interestingly, our findings appear to be, in part, driven by changing returns to education across quantiles in the public sector. Increased demand for skilled workers, heterogeneous returns to education across different fields of study, and “ability” are proposed as potential underlying mechanisms.
A proposed treatment for pathogenic enveloped viruses having high rates of mutation or replication
Authors: Roe Kevin
Published: July 2020

Several enveloped viruses, particularly some RNA viruses, have high rates of mutation or replication, which can make them virulent pathogens in humans and other mammals. A proposed treatment could use synthesized proteins to mask pathogenic viral surface proteins to quickly induce an immune attack on specific enveloped viruses by using existing immune cells. One treatment could inject dual‐protein ligand masks into patients' bloodstreams to mask pathogenic surface proteins used to infect mammalian cells. The mammalian immune system already uses an analogous, more complex structure called a pentraxin to neutralize some pathogens by connecting their surface proteins to immune cells. And several types of antiviral peptides have already experimentally demonstrated effectiveness in blocking various viral pathogen infections. These treatments offer advantages, especially for currently untreatable viral pathogens. Furthermore, using dual‐protein ligands and the antigenic memory of some sub‐populations of NK cells would also allow the creation of defacto vaccines based on a host's NK cells, instead of vaccines utilizing CD4 and CD8 α:β T cells, which are limited by the requirement of MHC presentation of the target antigens to α:β T cells. Targeted NK cell vaccines could attack host cells latently or actively infected by intracellular pathogens, even host cells having pathogen downregulated MHC antigen presentation. Eight postulates concerning the effects of pathogen mutation, or change in phenotype from genetic recombination or rearrangement, and replication rates on pathogen vs host dominance are also listed, which should be applicable to viral and non‐viral pathogens.
Resistance and Response: Latinos and Conservative Radio Advertisements1
Authors: Wielhouwer Peter W.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This exploratory research examines whether the opinions of Latinos on policy issues are subject to persuasion via radio advertisements. Zaller's resistance and response axioms frame hypotheses about effects among partisans and cross‐pressured partisans. This experiment was conducted as part of an effort by a conservative political group to assess its strategic messaging toward Latinos.

Methods

An online experiment with Spanish‐fluent Latino‐American citizens asked participants to listen to radio ads developed by a conservative foundation for the purpose of persuading Latinos to consider conservative or Republican policies.

Results

The effects of the ads were mostly limited. Democrats and independents were resistant to the messages; Conservative Republicans were responsive to a partisan school choice ad, while Republicans generally tended to be responsive to abortion ads.

Conclusions

Conservative organizations attempting to influence the Latino polity ought to develop messages that emphasize the community effects of policy outcomes, rather than emphasizing individualist or moralistic themes. Resources may be better allocated to persuading ideologically conflicted Republicans, but the results are tentative and need replication.
For the Sciences They Are A‐Changin’: A Response to Commentaries on Núñez et al.’s (2019) “What Happened to Cognitive Science?”
Authors: Núñez Rafael , Allen Michael , Gao Richard , Miller Rigoli Carson , Relaford‐Doyle Josephine , Semenuks Arturs
Published: July 2020

A recent issue of Topics in Cognitive Science featured 11 thoughtful commentaries responding to our article “What happened to cognitive science?” (Núñez et al., 2019). Here, we identify several themes that arose in those commentaries and respond to each. Crucial to understanding our original article is the fundamental distinction between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary endeavors: Cognitive science began (and has stayed) as multidisciplinary but has failed to move on to form a cohesive interdisciplinary field. We clarify and elaborate our original argument and reiterate the importance of a data‐driven evaluation of the current status of the field, which exhibits a marked disciplinary imbalance, a lack of a coherent conceptual core, and a striking absence of a consistent curriculum in the institutions that grant degrees in this domain. Half a century after the creation of cognitive science, it may now be a good time to revisit goals and visions for how to best approach the ever‐fascinating scientific study of the mind(s).
Use of three‐dimensionally printed β‐tricalcium phosphate synthetic bone graft combined with recombinant human bone morphogenic protein‐2 to treat a severe radial atrophic nonunion in a Yorkshire terrier
Authors: Franch Jordi , Barba Albert , Rappe Katrin , Maazouz Yassine , Ginebra Maria‐Pau
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe a novel surgical approach to treat a critical‐sized bone defect due to severe, radial atrophic nonunion in a miniature dog.

Study design

Case report

Animal

A 1‐year‐old Yorkshire terrier with a critical‐sized left radial defect after failed internal fixation of a transverse radial fracture.

Methods

Computed tomographic (CT) images of the radius were imported for three‐dimensional (3D) printing of a custom‐designed synthetic 3D‐printed β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) scaffold. The radius was exposed, and the β‐TCP scaffold was press‐fitted in the bone gap underneath the plate. Recombinant human bone morphogenic protein‐2 (RhBMP‐2) collagen sponges were squeezed to soak the scaffold with growth factor and then placed on both sides of the synthetic graft. Two additional cortical screws were also placed prior to routine closure of the surgical site.

Results

Radiographic examination was consistent with complete healing of the radius defect 4 months after surgery. The bone plate was removed 10 months after surgery. According to CT examination 18 months after surgery, there was no evidence of the synthetic graft; instead, complete corticalization of the affected area was noted. Complete functional recovery was observed until the last clinical follow‐up 36 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Screw fixation and use of a 3D‐printed ceramic scaffold augmented with rhBMP‐2 resulted in excellent bone regeneration of the nonunion and full recovery of a miniature breed dog.

Clinical significance

The therapeutic approach used in this dog could be considered as an option for treatment of large‐bone defects in veterinary orthopedics, especially for defects affecting the distal radius of miniature dogs.
English‐medium policy and English conversational patterns in the UAE
Authors: van den Hoven Melanie , Carroll Kevin S.
Published: July 2020

English‐medium policies in the Arabian Gulf have generated interest in the development of a Gulf variety of English. This study, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), uses ethnographic methods and current understandings of translanguaging and English language variation (García & Wei, 2014; Mahboob, 2014; Pakir, 1991, 2004), to describe a range of conversational patterns supported by English in – and around – a higher educational context. The findings offer descriptions of the complex and diverse ways of using and modifying English alongside Arabic. This paper uses participants’ voices to describe five modes of conversational activity in this EMI setting. The different modes described by the participants highlight the linguistic complexities of students’ language use and challenges prevalent assumptions of a singular variety of Gulf English. The authors ultimately argue that translanguaging is the most appropriate lens to explain the fluid nature of students’ language use.
Onset of Natural Convection in a Porous Layer Confined by an Elliptic or Semi-Elliptic Box Using the Ritz Method
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: July 2020

Using an efficient Ritz method, the thermoconvective stability of a bottom-heated porous layer in vertical elliptic and semi-elliptic enclosures with adiabatic side walls is studied. The stability mosaics for the critical Rayleigh number and the preferred modes are determined for various aspect ratios.
Perfectionism and Self-Perception Profile Comparisons on Burnout and Life Satisfaction in Aesthetic Performers
Authors: Raedeke Thomas D. , Blom Victoria , Kenttä Göran
Published: July 2020

This study evaluated the relationship of perfectionism and self-perceptions with burnout and life satisfaction in aesthetic performers (N = 254) recruited in Sweden. Cluster analysis revealed four groups:perfectionistic with maladaptive self-perceptions, perfectionistic (parent-driven) with maladaptive self-perceptions, achievement-oriented with adaptive self-perceptions, and nonperfectionistic with adaptive self-perceptions.Performers in both maladaptive clusters reported characteristics suggesting they were perfectionistic compared to their peers. They also reported relatively high contingent self-worth and low basic self-esteem. In contrast, those in thenonperfectionistic with adaptive self-perceptionscluster scored relatively low on perfectionism and reported relatively high basic self-esteem and low contingent self-worth. The performers in theachievement-oriented with adaptive self-perceptionscluster reported average scores across most variables, moderately high personal standards, and higher basic self-esteem compared with contingent self-worth. Overall, performers in both maladaptive clusters reported the highest burnout and lowest life satisfaction. Study findings underscore the importance of perfectionism and self-perceptions when considering burnout and life satisfaction.
Paired EMI-HIMU hotspots in the South Atlantic—Starting plume heads trigger compositionally distinct secondary plumes?
Authors: Homrighausen S. , Hoernle K. , Zhou H. , Geldmacher J. , Wartho J-A. , Hauff F. , Werner R. , Jung S. , Morgan J. P.
Published: July 2020

Initiation of Tristan-Gough and Shona EMI plumes triggers secondary HIMU plumes, generating overlapping EMI-HIMU hotspot tracks.
Spin stress contribution to the lattice dynamics of FePt
Authors: von Reppert A. , Willig L. , Pudell J.-E. , Zeuschner S. P. , Sellge G. , Ganss F. , Hellwig O. , Arregi J. A. , Uhlíř V. , Crut A. , Bargheer M.
Published: July 2020

Two-pulse laser excitation of FePt nanolayers distinguishes ultrafast stresses of magnetic excitations from the Poisson effect.
IRONSperm: Sperm-templated soft magnetic microrobots
Authors: Magdanz Veronika , Khalil Islam S. M. , Simmchen Juliane , Furtado Guilherme P. , Mohanty Sumit , Gebauer Johannes , Xu Haifeng , Klingner Anke , Aziz Azaam , Medina-Sánchez Mariana , Schmidt Oliver G. , Misra Sarthak
Published: July 2020

IRONSperms are microrobots templated by sperm cells, powered by magnetic fields, loaded with drugs, and localized by ultrasound.
Molecular and functional architecture of the mouse photoreceptor network
Authors: Jin Nange , Zhang Zhijing , Keung Joyce , Youn Sean B. , Ishibashi Munenori , Tian Lian-Ming , Marshak David W. , Solessio Eduardo , Umino Yumiko , Fahrenfort Iris , Kiyama Takae , Mao Chai-An , You Yanan , Wei Haichao , Wu Jiaqian , Postma Friso , Paul David L. , Massey Stephen C. , Ribelayga Christophe P.
Published: July 2020

Genetic dissection and paired recordings reveal the prevalence of connexin36-mediated rod/cone coupling in the mouse retina.
Ester dance reaction on the aromatic ring
Authors: Matsushita Kaoru , Takise Ryosuke , Muto Kei , Yamaguchi Junichiro
Published: July 2020

Ester groups on an aromatic ring can be translocated from one carbon atom to another, leading to an unprecedented “ester dance.”
Tip-induced flipping of droplets on Janus pillars: From local reconfiguration to global transport
Authors: Feng Shile , Delannoy Joachim , Malod Antoine , Zheng Huanxi , Quéré David , Wang Zuankai
Published: July 2020

Tip-induced flipping achieves fast and efficient transport of fog droplets without the need of external energy.
Full-color active-matrix organic light-emitting diode display on human skin based on a large-area MoS
2
backplane
Authors: Choi Minwoo , Bae Sa-Rang , Hu Luhing , Hoang Anh Tuan , Kim Soo Young , Ahn Jong-Hyun
Published: July 2020

The consistent and controlled functioning of a large-area full-color OLED display with a MoS
2
backplane was demonstrated.
Dynamic metal-polymer interaction for the design of chemoselective and long-lived hydrogenation catalysts
Authors: Lee Songhyun , Shin Seung-Jae , Baek Hoyong , Choi Yeonwoo , Hyun Kyunglim , Seo Myungeun , Kim Kyunam , Koh Dong-Yeun , Kim Hyungjun , Choi Minkee
Published: July 2020

Dynamic interaction between Pd and polyphenylene sulfide enables the design of selective and long-lived hydrogenation catalyst.
Cyclin-dependent–like kinase 5 is required for pain signaling in human sensory neurons and mouse models
Authors: La Montanara Paolo , Hervera Arnau , Baltussen Lucas L. , Hutson Thomas H. , Palmisano Ilaria , De Virgiliis Francesco , Kong Guiping , Chadwick Jessica , Gao Yunan , Bartus Katalin , Majid Qasim A. , Gorgoraptis Nikos , Wong Kingsley , Downs Jenny , Pizzorusso Tommaso , Ultanir Sila K. , Leonard Helen , Yu Hongwei , Millar David S. , Istvan Nagy , Mazarakis Nicholas D. , Di Giovanni Simone
Published: July 2020

CDKL5 controls nociception in human neurons and murine models of CDKL5 deficiency disorder via CaMKII-dependent mechanisms.
PRMT5 control of cGAS/STING and NLRC5 pathways defines melanoma response to antitumor immunity
Authors: Kim Hyungsoo , Kim Heejung , Feng Yongmei , Li Yan , Tamiya Hironari , Tocci Stefania , Ronai Ze’ev A.
Published: July 2020

PRMT5 expression in melanoma suppresses inflammation and antigen presentation, suggesting that its inhibition could potentiate immunotherapy.
Clearing the path for gene therapy
Authors: György Bence
Published: July 2020

Degrading antibodies allows gene transfer in the presence of anti-AAV antibodies.
Do dendritic cells hold the key to regulating cancer antitumor immunity?
Authors: Ileana-Dumbrava Ecaterina
Published: July 2020

PD-L1 blockage on dendritic cells, but not macrophages, may enhance antitumor or CD8
+
T cell responses leading to greater tumor growth inhibition.
Polymyxin-Induced Cell Death of Human Macrophage-Like THP-1 and Neutrophil-Like HL-60 Cells Associated with the Activation of Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Fathalla Ahmed M. , Chow Seong H. , Naderer Thomas , Zhou Qi Tony , Velkov Tony , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Li Jian
Published: July 2020

Innate immunity is crucial for the host to defend against infections, and understanding the effect of polymyxins on innate immunity is important for optimizing their clinical use. In this study, we investigated the potential toxicity of polymyxins on human macrophage-like THP-1 and neutrophil-like HL-60 cells. Differentiated THP-1 human macrophages (THP-1-dMs) and HL-60 human neutrophils (HL-60-dNs) were employed. Flow cytometry was used to measure the concentration-dependent effects (100 to 2,500 μM for THP-1-dMs and 5 to 2,500 μM for HL-60-dNs) and time-dependent effects (1,000 μM for THP-1-dMs and 300 μM for HL-60-dNs) of polymyxin B over 24 h.
A Multimethod, Multicountry Evaluation of Breakpoints for Bedaquiline Resistance Determination
Authors: Ismail Nazir Ahmed , Aono Akio , Borroni Emanuele , Cirillo Daniela Maria , Desmaretz Christel , Hasan Rumina , Mitarai Satoshi , Shakoor Sadia , Torrea Gabriela , Kaniga Koné , Omar Shaheed V.
Published: July 2020

Criteria defining bedaquiline resistance for tuberculosis have been proposed addressing an emerging concern. We evaluated bedaquiline phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) criteria using drug-resistant tuberculosis clinical isolates tested at five reference laboratories. Isolates were tested at the proposed bedaquiline MGIT960 and 7H11 agar proportion (AP) critical concentrations and also at higher dilutions. The epidemiological cutoff value for the broth microdilution (BMD) plates (frozen and dry) was investigated.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Activity of High-Dose Ivermectin and Chloroquine against the Liver Stage of Plasmodium cynomolgi Infection in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Vanachayangkul Pattaraporn , Im-erbsin Rawiwan , Tungtaeng Anchalee , Kodchakorn Chanikarn , Roth Alison , Adams John , Chaisatit Chaiyaporn , Saingam Piyaporn , Sciotti Richard J. , Reichard Gregory A. , Nolan Christina K. , Pybus Brandon S. , Black Chad C. , Lugo-Roman Luis A. , Wegner Matthew D. , Smith Philip L. , Wojnarski Mariusz , Vesely Brian A. , Kobylinski Kevin C.
Published: July 2020

Previously, ivermectin (1 to 10 mg/kg of body weight) was shown to inhibit the liver-stage development of
Plasmodium berghei
in orally dosed mice. Here, ivermectin showed inhibition of the
in vitro
development of
Plasmodium cynomolgi
schizonts (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
], 10.42 μM) and hypnozoites (IC
50
, 29.24 μM) in primary macaque hepatocytes when administered as a high dose prophylactically but not when administered in radical cure mode.
Caspofungin Weight-Based Dosing Supported by a Population Pharmacokinetic Model in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Märtson Anne-Grete , van der Elst Kim C. M. , Veringa Anette , Zijlstra Jan G. , Beishuizen Albertus , van der Werf Tjip S. , Kosterink Jos G. W. , Neely Michael , Alffenaar Jan-Willem
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and to determine a dosing regimen for caspofungin in critically ill patients. Nine blood samples were drawn per dosing occasion. Fifteen patients with (suspected) invasive candidiasis had one dosing occasion and five had two dosing occasions, measured on day 3 (±1) of treatment. Pmetrics was used for population pharmacokinetic modeling and probability of target attainment (PTA). A target 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) value of 98 mg·h/liter was used as an efficacy parameter.
Complete Coding Sequences of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Strains Isolated from Cutaneous Lesions in Namibian Cattle during 2016 Outbreaks
Authors: Di Felice Elisabetta , Pinoni Chiara , Khaiseb Siegfried , Camma Cesare , Capobianco Dondona Andrea , Polci Andrea , Molini Umberto , Monaco Federica
Published: July 2020

Between September and October 2016, an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) was monitored in the Okakarara veterinary district of Namibia. The complete coding sequences were obtained for LSD virus isolates from skin nodules from two symptomatic animals.
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium innocuum Strain LC-LUMC-CI-001, Isolated from a Patient with Recurrent Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Authors: Cherny K. E. , Ozer E. A. , Kochan T. J. , Johnson S. , Kociolek L. K.
Published: July 2020

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Clostridium innocuum
strain LC-LUMC-CI-001. As recently as 2018,
C. innocuum
was generally considered a benign gastrointestinal microorganism. This strain was isolated from the stool of a patient with recurrent
Clostridioides difficile
infection-like illnesses.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of a
Black Queen Cell Virus
Isolate from Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) in Italy
Authors: Abou Kubaa Raied , Giampetruzzi Annalisa , Addante Rocco , Saponari Maria
Published: July 2020

In this study, we documented the complete coding genome sequence of a
Black queen cell virus
(BQCV) isolate from honey bees in Italy. This genome sequence illustrates a high similarity with other BQCV isolates reported worldwide and could provide insights into BQCV genome phylogeny and divergence.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas nitrititolerans Strain AGROB37, Isolated from a Sheep Dairy Farm in New Zealand
Authors: Gupta Tanushree B. , Jauregui Ruy , Risson Alexis N. , Brightwell Gale , Maclean Paul
Published: July 2020

We report the draft genome sequence of a new
Pseudomonas nitrititolerans
strain, AGROB37, isolated from a sheep dairy farm environment in New Zealand. The genome is 4.19 Mbp long, with a GC content of 63.2%. The genome sequence was found to be closely related to that of the type strain
Pseudomonas nitrititolerans
GL14.
Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals the Genome Sequence of
Pea Early Browning Virus
from a 29-Year-Old Faba Bean Sample
Authors: Maina S. , Zheng L. , King S. , McQueen V. L. , Norton S. L. , Rodoni B.
Published: July 2020

Pea early browning virus
(PEBV) is transmitted by soil-inhabiting trichodorid nematodes and via seeds. The transcriptome sequencing method, followed by
de novo
assembly, revealed the PEBV Libyan isolate LyV66-91 genome. Its RNA1 resembled that of UK isolate SP5 with 93.91% nucleotide identity, and its RNA2 had 63.32% nucleotide identity to that of Dutch isolate E116.
Acute lupus pneumonitis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cantero Chloé , Vongthilath Rechana , Plojoux Jérôme
Published: July 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem autoimmune disease with wide-ranging pleuropulmonary manifestations. Acute lupus pneumonitis is one of its uncommon complications. We report a 36-year-old woman with acute lupus pneumonitis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical, biological, radiological and functional improvements were noticed with the administration of steroids, hydroxychloroquine and immunoglobulin.
Acute immune thrombocytopaenic purpura in a patient with COVID-19 and decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Artru Florent , Alberio Lorenzo , Moradpour Darius , Stalder Grégoire
Published: July 2020

We report on a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and decompensated cirrhosis who experienced a favourable outcome of severe immune thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP) after administration of intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose dexamethasone. The present case suggests that it is reasonable to evoke ITP in case of profound thrombocytopaenia in a patient with COVID-19.
Impact of the herpes zoster vaccination programme on hospitalised and general practice consulted herpes zoster in the 5 years after its introduction in England: a population-based study
Authors: Andrews Nick , Stowe Julia , Kuyumdzhieva Galena , Sile Bersabeh , Yonova Ivelina , de Lusignan Simon , Ramsay Mary , Amirthalingam Gayatri
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess the impact of herpes zoster vaccination in the 5 years after introduction for 70- to 79-year-olds in England in September 2013.

Design

Population based ecological impact assessment.

Setting

Hospitals covering the whole English population for the period 2008 to 2018 and 293 general practices (GP) for the period 2005 to 2018, in England.

Participants

Over the period the population contributed 117·5 million person-years for hospitalisation events and 6.96 million person-years for GP events in individuals aged 60 to 89.

Interventions

Live attenuated herpes zoster vaccination (Zostavax), first used on 1st September 2013, in 70- and 79-year-olds with continued use in new 70 year-olds and with a staged catch-up of those aged 71 to 78 years in 2013.

Outcome measures

Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) consultation and hospitalisation rates in age-cohorts according to vaccine eligibility. Incidence rate ratios in age-cohorts eligible for vaccination compared with those non-eligible were calculated by Poisson regression. This was used to estimate prevented cases and, along with vaccine coverage, to estimate vaccine effectiveness.

Results

Large and prolonged reductions in herpes zoster and PHN consultations and hospitalisations were observed in the 5 years post-implementation. For example, in 79 year-olds first eligible in 2013, the incidence rate ratio for consultations 5 years later was 0·65 (95% CI: 0·52 to 0·81). Over the whole period an estimated 40 500 fewer zoster consultations and 1840 fewer zoster hospitalisations occurred because of the vaccination programme. These reductions were consistent with effectiveness in the routine cohorts (vaccinated aged 70) of between 37% (for hospitalised zoster) and 75% (for PHN consultations) and, in catch up cohorts (vaccinated aged 78 to 79) of between 49% (for hospitalised PHN) and 66% (for PHN consultations).

Conclusion

Given the clear and sustained impact of herpes zoster vaccination over the 5-year period since introduction, optimising vaccination coverage is important to attain maximum benefit.
A prospective observational study of why people are medically evacuated from offshore installations in the North Sea
Authors: Waje-Andreassen Anne , Østerås Øyvind , Brattebø Guttorm
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Few studies have described evacuations due to medical emergencies from the offshore installations in the North Sea, though efficient medical service is essential for the industrial activities in this area. The major oil- and gas-producing companies’ search and rescue (SAR) service is responsible for medical evacuations. Using a prospective approach, we describe the characteristics of patients evacuated by SAR.

Design and setting

A prospective observational study of the offshore primary care provided by SAR in the North Sea.

Methods

Patients were identified by linking flight information from air transport services in 2015/2016 and the company’s medical record system. Standardised forms filled out by SAR nurses during the evacuation were also analysed. In-hospital information was obtained retrospectively from Haukeland University Hospital’s information system.

Results

A total of 381 persons (88% men) were evacuated during the study period. Twenty-seven per cent of missions were due to chest pain and 18% due to trauma. The mean age was 46.0 years. Severity scores were higher for cases due to medical conditions compared with trauma, but the scores were relatively low compared with onshore emergency missions. The busiest months were May, July and December. Weekends were the busiest days.

Conclusion

Three times as many evacuations from offshore installations are performed due to acute illness than trauma, and cardiac problems are the most common. Although most patients are not severely physiologically deranged, the study documents a need for competent SAR services 24 hours a day year-round. Training and certification should be tailored for the SAR service, as the offshore health service structure and geography differs from the structure onshore.
Liver injury is independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Lui Grace Chung-Yan , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Chow Viola Chi-Ying , Ho Tracy Hang-Yee , Li Timothy Chun-Man , Tse Yee-Kit , Hui David Shu-Cheong , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Wong Grace Lai-Hung
Published: July 2020

Objective

Data on serial liver biochemistries of patients infected by different human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are lacking. The impact of liver injury on adverse clinical outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients remains unclear.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from a territory-wide database in Hong Kong. COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and other HCoV patients were identified by diagnosis codes and/or virological results. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation was defined as ALT/AST ≥2 × upper limit of normal (ie, 80 U/L). The primary end point was a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of invasive mechanical ventilation and/or death.

Results

We identified 1040 COVID-19 patients (mean age 38 years, 54% men), 1670 SARS patients (mean age 44 years, 44% men) and 675 other HCoV patients (mean age 20 years, 57% men). ALT/AST elevation occurred in 50.3% SARS patients, 22.5% COVID-19 patients and 36.0% other HCoV patients. For COVID-19 patients, 53 (5.1%) were admitted to ICU, 22 (2.1%) received invasive mechanical ventilation and 4 (0.4%) died. ALT/AST elevation was independently associated with primary end point (adjusted OR (aOR) 7.92, 95% CI 4.14 to 15.14, p<0.001) after adjusted for albumin, diabetes and hypertension. Use of lopinavir–ritonavir ±ribavirin + interferon beta (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.13, p=0.006) and corticosteroids (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 2.14 to 7.16, p<0.001) was independently associated with ALT/AST elevation.

Conclusion

ALT/AST elevation was common and independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Use of lopinavir–ritonavir, with or without ribavirin, interferon beta and/or corticosteroids was independently associated with ALT/AST elevation.
Suicide, overdose and worker exit in a cohort of Michigan autoworkers
Authors: Eisen Ellen A , Chen Kevin T , Elser Holly , Picciotto Sally , Riddell Corinne A , Combs Mary A , Dufault Suzanne M , Goldman-Mellor Sidra , Cohen Joshua
Published: July 2020

Background

In recent decades, suicide and fatal overdose rates have increased in the US, particularly for working-age adults with no college education. The coincident decline in manufacturing has limited stable employment options for this population. Erosion of the Michigan automobile industry provides a striking case study.

Methods

We used individual-level data from a retrospective cohort study of 26 804 autoworkers in the United Autoworkers-General Motors cohort, using employment records from 1970 to 1994 and mortality follow-up from 1970 to 2015. We estimated HRs for suicide or fatal overdose in relation to leaving work, measured as active or inactive employment status and age at worker exit.

Results

There were 257 deaths due to either suicide (n=202) or overdose (n=55); all but 21 events occurred after leaving work. The hazard rate for suicide was 16.1 times higher for inactive versus active workers (95% CI 9.8 to 26.5). HRs for suicide were elevated for all younger age groups relative to those leaving work after age 55. Those 30–39 years old at exit had the highest HR for suicide, 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.0). When overdose was included, the rate increased by twofold for both 19- to 29-year-olds and 30- to 39-year-olds at exit. Risks remained elevated when follow-up was restricted to 5 years after exit.

Conclusions

Autoworkers who left work had a higher risk of suicide or overdose than active employees. Those who left before retirement age had higher rates than those who left after, suggesting that leaving work early may increase the risk.
Proteomic changes in intracranial blood during human ischemic stroke
Authors: Maglinger Benton , Frank Jacqueline A , McLouth Christopher J , Trout Amanda L , Roberts Jill Marie , Grupke Stephen , Turchan-Cholewo Jadwiga , Stowe Ann M , Fraser Justin F , Pennypacker Keith R
Published: July 2020

Background

Since 2015, mechanical thrombectomy has been the standard treatment for emergent large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke.

Objective

To investigate, using the previously published Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC) protocol (clinicaltrials.govNCT03153683), how the protein expression of a patient’s intracranial blood during ischemic stroke compares with the protein expression of their systemic arterial blood in order to better understand and treat stroke.

Methods

Plasma samples from 25 subjects underwent proteomic analysis, where intracranial protein expression was compared with systemic protein levels. Data including sex, comorbidities, infarct volume, and infarct time were included for each subject.

Results

A majority of important proteins had a lower expression in intracranial blood than in systemic arterial blood. Proteins with the most significant changes in expression were: endopeptidase at −0.26 (p<0.0001), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) at −0.26 (p=0.0005), uromodulin (UMOD) at −0.14 (p=0.002), ficolin-2 (FCN2) at −0.46 (p=0.005), C-C motif chemokine 19 (CCL19) at −0.51 (p<0.0001), C-C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20) at −0.40 (p<0.0001), fibroblast growth factor 21 at −0.37 (p=0.0002), and C-C motif chemokine (CCL23) at −0.43 (p=0.0003).

Conclusions

Evaluation of proteomic changes in the intravascular space of a cerebral infarct in progress in human subjects suggested that changes in proteins such PLTP, fetuin-B (FETUB), and FCN2 may be involved in atherosclerotic changes, and chemokines such as CCL23 are known to play a role in the Th2 autoimmune response. These data provide a scientific springboard for identifying clinically relevant biomarkers for diagnosis/prognosis, and targets for much needed neuroprotective/neuroreparative pharmacotherapies.
Microscopic reaction process of cement with asphalt emulsion and its influence on macroscopic properties of binder
Authors: Tian Xiaoge , Yuan Huitong , Wang Xiaofei , Sun Xuqiang , Zhang Zhijun
Published: July 2020

This research aimed at studying the reaction process between cement and asphalt emulsion from a microscopic view and the variations of macroscopic properties with cured time. The microstructure of cement asphalt emulsion (CAE) with a mass ratio of cement to asphalt (C/A) of 0.6 was scanned with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and its functional groups were measured with Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) after being cured for 7 days. Six CAEs with different C/A ratios were prepared and cured for different days, then DSR tests and beam bend rheometer (BBR) tests were conducted to evaluate their macroscopic performance. The results indicated that emulsion residue was relatively porous. Hydration reaction occurred between cement and water secreted by demulsification of asphalt emulsion, hydrates would gradually fill the voids. Asphalt and hydrates were interrelated into a cross-linking structure. As the rigidity of hydrates increased with cured time, the rutting resistance of CAE was improved, but its low-temperature performance and fatigue resistance were reduced.
In vivo protective effects of upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein against cartilage degeneration in a monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis model
Authors: Okuyan Hamza Malik , Terzi Menderes Yusuf , Karaboğa İhsan , Doğan Serdar , Kalacı Aydıner
Published: July 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease affecting the majority of over 65 year old people and characterized by cartilage degeneration, subchondral abnormal changes, and inflammation. Despite the enormous socioeconomic burden caused by OA, currently, there is no effective therapy against it. Upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix associated protein (UCMA) is a vitamin K dependent protein and has a critical role in pathophysiological conditions associated with bone and cartilage. However, there is no research on the protective role of intra-articular UCMA treatment in OA pathogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic role of UCMA in an in vivo model of OA. We report for the first time that intra-articular UCMA injection ameliorated cartilage degeneration in a monosodium iodoacetate induced OA rat model. Furthermore, the OA-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B and bone morphogenetic protein 2 signals was attenuated by UCMA. Our results indicated that UCMA decreased cartilage oligomeric matrix protein levels but did not affect interleukin 6, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant status levels in the serum. In conclusion, UCMA exhibited a therapeutic potential in the treatment of OA. This protective effect of UCMA is possibly achieved by reducing the aggrecanase activity and the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Role of guiding center in Landau level system and mechanical and pseudo orbital angular momenta
Authors: Kitadono Yoshio , Wakamatsu Masashi , Zou Liping , Zhang Pengming
Published: July 2020

There is an interesting but not-so-popular quantity called pseudo orbital angular momentum (OAM) in the Landau-level system, besides the well-known canonical and mechanical OAMs. The pseudo OAM can be regarded as a gauge-invariant extension of the canonical OAM, which is formally gauge invariant and reduces to the canonical OAM in a certain gauge. Since both of the pseudo OAM and the mechanical OAM are gauge invariant, it is impossible to judge which of those is superior to the other solely from the gauge principle. However, these two OAMs have totally different physical meanings. The mechanical OAM shows manifest observability and clear correspondence with the classical OAM of the cyclotron motion. On the other hand, we demonstrate that the standard canonical OAM as well as the pseudo OAM in the Landau problem is the concept which crucially depend on the choice of the origin of the coordinate system. We try to reveal the relation between the pseudo OAM and the mechanical OAM as well as their observability by paying special attention to the role of guiding-center operator in the Landau problem.
Investigation of 〈100〉-oriented etching pattern on diamond coated with Ni and Cu
Authors: Cui Naiyuan , Wang Fei , Ding Hanyuan , Guo Lei
Published: July 2020

Diamond etching of [Formula: see text] orientation is processed in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber using H2 as reactive gas. Etching process happens on diamond substrates using a variety of etch mask materials including copper and nickel. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) show different kinds of diamond etching pattern of two mask materials. It is observed that the etching pit of copper is tetrahedron, while the etching pit of nickel is step structure. This indicates diverse etching mechanism of diamond etched by different metal. Observing the surface etching topography of diamond and analyzing the etching mechanism of different metal can help study the growth of diamond by CVD and controllable etching of diamond.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PAINFUL OS SUBFIBULARE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Shah Kunal A. , Shah Ajay C.
Published: July 2020

Separated ossicle at the tip of lateral malleolus, a rare condition called os subfibulare, sometimes is a cause of ankle pain. There are two theories regarding the origin of os subfibulare. One theory proposes that it is caused by an avulsion fracture attributable to pull of the anterior talofibular ligament, whereas the other theory proposes that it is the result of an accessory ossification center. Accessory bones may be stable or may sustain injuries and become avulsed. Most cases have described the surgical treatment of avulsion fractures with excision of the fragment and anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction. We describe a rare case of a symptomatic Os subfibulare caused by an accessory ossification center in a 27-year-old female with no previous history of trauma. Surgical excision was done without ligament reconstruction and the symptoms resolved completely after the surgery and there was no residual ankle instability.
OPTION PRICING IN MARKETS WITH INFORMED TRADERS
Authors: Hu Yuan , Shirvani Abootaleb , Stoyanov Stoyan , Kim Young Shin , Fabozzi Frank J. , Rachev Svetlozar T.
Published: July 2020

The objective of this paper is to introduce the theory of option pricing for markets with informed traders within the framework of dynamic asset pricing theory. We introduce new models for option pricing for informed traders in complete markets, where we consider traders with information on the stock price direction and stock return mean. The Black–Scholes–Merton option pricing theory is extended for markets with informed traders, where price processes are following continuous-diffusions. By doing so, the discontinuity puzzle in option pricing is resolved. Using market option data, we estimate the implied surface of the probability for a stock upturn, the implied mean stock return surface, and implied trader information intensity surface.
The Lateral Torsional Buckling Behavior of Laminated Glass Beams
Authors: Huang Xiaokun , Cui Mingzhe , Liu Qiang , Nie Jianguo
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the lateral torsional buckling (LTB) behavior of multi-layered long-span laminated glass (LG) beams is investigated through full-scale model test and numerical simulation. In the test program, the LG beams consisting of up to four glass plies and spanning 5000[Formula: see text]mm are constructed and tested. The load-displacement curves and development of strain in glass plies are recorded, based on which the deformation and stress state of buckled LG beams are analyzed, and the strength checking criterion is provided. The test results are also used to determine the shape and amplitude of initial imperfection through statistical analysis and to validate a numerical model based on the finite element method (FEM). Parametric analysis based on the FEM model is then conducted to investigate influential factors on the LTB resistance of LG beams, among which the influence of shape and amplitude of initial imperfection is emphasized. For the LTB design of LG beams, the applicability of existing formula to determine the critical buckling moment through effective stiffnesses is evaluated for multi-layered LG beams with the test and numerical results. Finally, the design buckling curves adopting the Ayrton–Perry formula (APF) are proposed and validated for LG beams categorized with glass type and load duration.
Effects of Si Doping on the Structural, Electronic and Optical Properties of Barium Chalcogenide BaS: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Absike H. , Labrim H. , Hartiti B. , Ez-Zahraouy H.
Published: July 2020

In this work, the structural, electronic and optical properties of Si-doped barium chalcogenide [barium sulfide (BaS)] with different Si concentrations ([Formula: see text]) are investigated by the first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). The band structures, charge densities and complex dielectric functions of the pure as well as Si-doped BaS were presented and analyzed in detail using TB-mBJ approach by WIEN2k package. It is found that silicon concentration can control the bandgap by reducing it to values around 1.4[Formula: see text]eV and 1.6[Formula: see text]eV for 12.5% and 6.25% of Si-doped BaS, respectively. The electron charge density indicates the ionic bonding between silicon and sulfur atoms due to the high electronegativity between them. In fact, the results show that the absorption peaks of Si-doped BaS are enhanced compared with pure BaS. These results suggest that the Ba[Formula: see text]SixS original structure displays excellent physical properties thereby revealing that it is a promising material in advanced optoelectronic and solar cell applications.