bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation analysis and experimental research on the safety distance of UAV inspection on transmission lines
Authors: Mao Xiaopo , Xiang Bin , Liu Zhuang , Tu Suge
Published: February 2022

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection has become one of the main means of daily operation and maintenance of overhead transmission lines. Since the key components of the UAV inspection system are composed of electronic components, it relies on data communication to realize data link transmission. In the actual operation process, the complex electromagnetic field environment has an obvious impact on its control and communication performance, especially when inspecting near the DC line. In this paper, combined with the research on the safety assurance technology of UAV inspection operations, the electromagnetic field simulation model of the UAV inspection operation on DC transmission lines is established. The electromagnetic field distribution around the wire is analyzed when the UAV is at different inspection distances, and the influence range and degree of the DC electromagnetic field on UAV inspection system are obtained. A true test platform for the inspection safety distance of the ±500 kV line UAV inspection was built, and the inspection safety distance test and research of the small rotary-wing UAV with a typical size, structure, and material was carried out. Through the test, when the current of the transmission line is 3 kA, the minimum safety distance of the UAV inspection operation of the ±500 kV DC transmission line straight tower is 3 m, and the distance is corrected in combination with the current. The research results of this paper can provide technical support for the inspection operation of small multi-rotor UAVs on ±500 kV transmission lines.
Sensor-based detection of parturition in beef cattle grazing in an extensive landscape: a case study using a commercial GNSS collar
Authors: Williams T. M. , Costa D. F. A. , Wilson C. S. , Chang A. , Manning J. , Swain D. , Trotter M. G.
Published: February 2022

Context Neonate management remains a key issue in extensive beef production systems where producers are faced with substantial environmental and management challenges that limit their ability to monitor and manage livestock in a timely manner. Parturition is a critical event and can affect the calf health and survival, particularly in the perinatal period (up to 48 h after birth). As such, monitoring parturition using precision livestock technologies may provide producers with additional tools to manage their cattle and mitigate the impacts of neonatal mortality in extensive beef systems. Aims The purpose of this study was to determine whether data from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) collar could be used to detect parturition events in extensively grazed beef cattle. Methods Forty-eight Bos taurus cows (583.5 kg body weight ± 9.25 s.e.m.) were allocated to a 28 ha paddock between 8 January 2021 and 6 March 2021 during the calving season. Thirty of the animals were fitted with GNSS-equipped collars (Smart Paddock, Vic., Australia) that captured data at 10 min intervals. Parturition events were recorded daily by visual observation. Collected data were used to calculate key predictive features related to calving behaviour. Derived features were compared and assessed for changes in the period surrounding parturition. Key results Increases were observed in distance to nearest neighbour and to herd aggregate features, and decreases were observed in paddock utilisation and distance travelled features in the lead-up to calving (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of animals within a 20 m radius decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the lead up to parturition, supporting known isolation behaviours. Conclusions With further development of predictive algorithms, on-animal sensors may be valuable in the prediction of calving events in extensive beef production systems. Implications Remote management and monitoring with on-animal sensor technologies, such as GNSS collars and tags, will provide producers with an additional means of monitoring their animals, while overcoming many of the management challenges associated with extensive grazing operations.
Asturian and Asturian Spanish at the syntax-phonology interface
Authors: Villa-García Julio , Sánchez-Llana Hugo
Published: February 2022

A number of movement-related phenomena from Asturian as well as from the Spanish spoken in the Principality of Asturias are amenable to accounts where the Pronounce-Highest-Copy requirement in Phonetic Form can be overridden if convergence so demands. Therefore, the evidence adduced here supports the view that the requirements imposed by the Phonetic Form component may take precedence over purely syntactic requirements. In this connection, we argue for a novel analysis of the enclitic-proclitic contrast in Asturian and Asturian Spanish in finite and non-finite contexts, alongside extensions to other constructions, which add to the ample stock of phenomena supporting the rather successful Copy Theory of Movement.
Semantic anchoring
Authors: Fernández-Rubiera Francisco J.
Published: February 2022

In Asturian, and differently from its western Iberian neighbors (i.e., Galician and European Portuguese), enclisis (or postverbal clitics) is also attested in embedded contexts. This syntactic structure is shown to give rise to a [+epistemic] reading of the content in the embedded clause, an interpretation that may be anchored either to the speaker, to the matrix subject, or to an intermediate subject. Following previous work, I show that both the different clitic patterns attested and the [±epistemic] anchoring these patterns give rise to can receive a principled account under the analysis entertained. In turn, this chapter contributes to further our understanding of how syntax works in parallel with semantics to derive these syntactic structures and their interpretation.
Are Asturian clitics distinctly distinct?
Authors: Lorenzo Guillermo
Published: February 2022

This chapter is focused on an idiosyncratic feature of Asturian in the context of other neighboring Romance languages. In all these languages, the regular clitic forms for the third person dative and the third person accusative cannot cluster together; as a consequence, one or the other must be replaced by another item or they must fuse into a single form. In Asturian, however, clitics remain the same in that context. This chapter explores the thesis that such a state of affairs is due to the fact that the Asturian dative clitics incorporate the properties of a locative and justifies it historically.
Negation in Asturian
Authors: San-Segundo-Cachero Rosabel
Published: February 2022

The discourse markers in modern Asturian non and nun are not just two variants of the same unit of negation, as has been traditionally thought. Rather, they are lexical items that codify different types of polarity and express different types of negation. The present analysis will show that non is a peripheral independent C-unit that expresses relative polarity and is used to refute a previous utterance (metalinguistic negation). Nun, on the other hand, is an ambiguous negative marker: not only does it codifies negative polarity in ΣP and legitimises negative polarity items (sentential negation); it is also linked to ascending intonation, can activate the  value of relative polarity in C, and refutes a previous statement.
When data challenges theory
Authors: Garassino Davide , Jacob Daniel
Published: February 2022

This article provides a comprehensive survey on current research
on information structure so as to clarify some ‘paradoxical’ effects
stemming from the tension between data and theory. Paradoxes are here
defined as unexpected data in light of certain assumptions held in
mainstream literature. More specifically, we explore two possible sources of
paradoxes: certain features of the experimental design and, above all,
inadequate discourse models. Mainly considering dislocation and cleft
sentences in French and Italian we suggest that some apparent paradoxes
(such as non-focalizing clefts or dislocation expressing focus-related
functions) can be conceived of as the effect of general pragmatic mechanisms
and rhetorical strategies exploited by speakers. We also claim that these
effects can be better understood through explicit models of discourse.
Remarks on information structure marking asymmetries
Authors: Masia Viviana
Published: February 2022

Asymmetries in topic-focus marking have extensively been
discussed in recent typological contention, with a view to finding
an interlinguistically viable definition of information structure
units (Lazard 1994, Zimmermann & Onea 2011,
Matić & Wedgwood
2013). In this paper I will address Zimmermann & Onea’s (2011) universal
outline of focus as information unit indicating the presence of
alternatives which are relevant for the interpretation of a
sentence. To this view I will oppose an epistemically grounded
profile of topic and focus according to which these two information
units encode evidential meanings in conversation. Notably, it is
argued that while focus encodes a meaning of
individual evidentiality, topic bears a meaning
of mutual evidentiality (Hintz & Hintz 2017).
Alternatives to information structure
Authors: Matić Dejan
Published: February 2022

The paper questions the assumption that information
structure is a necessary component of communication. It is shown
that there is no language-independent evidence that communication is
based on regular alternation of presupposed and focused information,
and that sentences necessarily convey information about topics. The
argumentation to this effect is circular and based on contextual
determinism and reification of interpretative effects. If we dispose
of these fallacies, the need to posit a separate
information-structural level of meaning disappears. This opens up a
competely new research paradigm in discourse organisation which
takes into account the practically infinite variability of natural
languages, psycholinguistic evidence, social and
information-transmitting nature of communication, and many other
factors.
The curious case of the rare focus movement in French
Authors: Larrivée Pierre
Published: February 2022

The existence of the left-periphery accounts for the
availability of Hanging Topics, Dislocations, and Focus across
languages. However, cross-linguistic persistence does not exclude
differential rates of realization. Focus movement seems common in
Italian (Bianchi 2013); it
is rare in French, and restricted to only some of its varieties. The
reason for the low rate of Focus movement in French relates to its
competition with clefts. This is accounted for by the
language’s prosodic constraints. French demonstrably disfavors
pre-verbal stress, which discourages pre-verbal Focus movement, and
favors the post-verbal focused phrase of clefts. Structural
properties of languages account for the variable currency of
cross-linguistically stable configurations.
Translation as a source of pragmatic interference?
Authors: Garassino Davide
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we pursue two main (interconnected) goals,
relying on a comparable and parallel corpus of French and Italian
cleft sentences. First, we assess the most typical formal and
functional properties of clefts in these languages, while also
considering variation due to the different types of data. Second, we
verify the presence of interference in the translation of clefts
from French into Italian. Translators’ choices mostly align with
information-structural patterns found in original Italian texts, but
word-for-word translation styles can increase the frequency of
less-common cleft types in Italian, such as Broad Focus and
Information Focus clefts. However, odd or infelicitous pragmatic
effects arise only in very few cases.
Simulation of antihydrogen deexcitation in neutral atom traps for improved trapping and cooling
Authors: Malbrunot C , Wolz T , Nowak L , Comparat D
Published: February 2022

We present results of simulations highlighting the performance of a cooling mechanism in a magnetic trap tailored for excited Rydberg atoms (or molecules) with high magnetic moment. Unlike previous work, the cooling is achieved through fast stimulated decay of inter-manifold transitions which optimizes the scheme. This mechanism is relevant to experiments with trapped antihydrogen atoms for which the trapping fraction is currently low. We find several-fold enhancements of the number of atoms trapped in the configurations probed.
Demonstration of synaptic characteristics of polycrystalline-silicon ferroelectric thin-film transistor for application of neuromorphic computing
Authors: Ma William Cheng-Yu , Su Chun-Jung , Lee Yao-Jen , Kao Kuo-Hsing , Chang Ting-Hsuan , Chang Jui-Che , Wu Pin-Hua , Yen Cheng-Lun , Lin Ju-Heng
Published: February 2022

In this work, the synaptic characteristics together with 5 bits (32 states) operation based on polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) ferroelectric thin-film transistor (FeTFT) with HfZrO
x
gate dielectric are demonstrated for the first time. A 1.2 V threshold voltage shift of memory window is obtained. The impacts of pulse time on the potentiation and depression states are studied by a modulation scheme with incremental pulse voltages. The potentiation and depression rates of the conductance (G
d) states of FeTFTs are found to be asymmetric and become more severe when increasing the pulse time. In order to realize high recognition rate and accuracy of neuromorphic computing, low asymmetric nonlinearity of potentiation (

α

p

) and depression (

α

d

) of poly-Si FeTFTs can be achieved with the reduction of operation voltage. Low asymmetry

α

p

−

α

d

= 0.71 and high G
d ratio ∼40 of FeTFTs are obtained based on the small pulse time of 50 ns and low average potentiation/depression voltages of 2.63/–2.69 V. When the pulse time is increased from 50 to 150 ns, the average potentiation/depression voltages can be further reduced to ∼1.59/–1.69 V for low asymmetry

α

p

−

α

d

= 0.25 due to the enhanced G
d potentiation and depression rates, and the G
d ratio is also reduced to 9.96 with the reduction of potentiation/depression voltages. The small pulse time and potentiation/depression voltages of FeTFTs are responsible for the polarization switching of the ferroelectric layer following the minor operation-loop. Compared to the depression state, it leads to more stable retention and endurance behavior of the potentiation state due to the different depolarization electric fields.
Corrigendum: Polarized QED cascades (2021 New J. Phys.
23 053025)
Authors: Seipt Daniel , Ridgers Christopher P , Del Sorbo Dario , Thomas Alec G R
Published: February 2022

In the published version of the paper we made a sign error in the calculation of the direction of the magnetic field in the rest frame of the particles, which affects the definition of the spin-up direction in the collision operators. Correcting this does not affect the main claims of the paper: (i) the reduction of the cascade growth rate, (ii) the polarization of high-energy particles being opposite to Sokolov–Ternov theory, and (iii) an excess or a shortage of particle production in the early stages of cascade development in photon seeded cascades depending on the photon polarization.
Solar energy as an early just transition opportunity for coal-bearing states in India
Authors: Malik Aman , Bertram Christoph
Published: February 2022

Continued investment in coal embroils regions in coal lock-ins, creating dependence and vested interests around coal and thereby limiting the speed and potential to switch to cleaner energy. In India, four states contribute 70% of coal production, with regions surrounding mines also housing significant operating and under-construction coal power stations. On the other hand, states in the west and south of India dominate current and near-term renewable energy capacity growth, broadly following patterns of highest resource potentials. We show that following current policies, by the end of the decade, coal-bearing states will likely sink deeper into carbon lock-ins, while the rest of the country, especially western and southern states could become increasingly decarbonised. Even in decarbonisation scenarios, gains from job and value creation in the clean energy sector might primarily take place away from existing coal regions, raising equity concerns, and ultimately putting the political feasibility of such a scenario in question. We suggest that policies aiming at higher renewable installations (mostly solar due to better potentials) in coal-bearing states, although not a one-to-one panacea, could provide an early break from lock-ins and into a just transition. This may, however, require a dedicated program and imply a small mark-up in power system costs. They would, however, help for medium-term diversification and job creation in all regions which will be key for assuring political support for the transition.
Single-molecule and -particle spectroscopy in Leiden: absorption, scattering and fluorescence
Authors: Adhikari Subhasis , Orrit Michel
Published: February 2022

Detection of single molecules or particles avoids ensemble averaging and thus is able to provide a very local heterogeneous information which is not available from an ensemble measurement. Single molecules or particles can be detected based on their three characteristic optical properties, absorption, scattering and fluorescence/photoluminescence, in addition to their label-free detection. This short review focuses on our group’s research towards understanding and imaging the above three kinds of optical signals from single molecules and particles.
Quantum solvability of noisy linear problems by divide-and-conquer strategy
Authors: Song Wooyeong , Lim Youngrong , Jeong Kabgyun , Ji Yun-Seong , Lee Jinhyoung , Kim Jaewan , Kim M S , Bang Jeongho
Published: February 2022

Noisy linear problems have been studied in various science and engineering disciplines. A class of ‘hard’ noisy linear problems can be formulated as follows: Given a matrix

A

^

and a vector b constructed using a finite set of samples, a hidden vector or structure involved in b is obtained by solving a noise-corrupted linear equation

A

^

x
≈
b
+
η

, where
η
is a noise vector that cannot be identified. For solving such a noisy linear problem, we consider a quantum algorithm based on a divide-and-conquer strategy, wherein a large core process is divided into smaller subprocesses. The algorithm appropriately reduces both the computational complexities and size of a quantum sample. More specifically, if a quantum computer can access a particular reduced form of the quantum samples, polynomial quantum-sample and time complexities are achieved in the main computation. The size of a quantum sample and its executing system can be reduced, e.g., from exponential to sub-exponential with respect to the problem length, which is better than other results we are aware. We analyse the noise model conditions for such a quantum advantage, and show when the divide-and-conquer strategy can be beneficial for quantum noisy linear problems.
The Material of Policing: Budgets, Personnel and the United States’ Misdemeanour Arrest Decline
Authors: Beck Brenden , Holder Eaven , Novak Abigail , Kaplan Jacob
Published: February 2022

What accounts for the steady decline in misdemeanour arrest rates in the United States following their peak in the mid-1990s? This article links the fluctuation in low-level law enforcement to changes in the budget and staffing resources cities devoted to policing. This materialist explanation contrasts with accounts that emphasize policy changes like the adoption of community policing. Dynamic panel regression analyses of 940 municipalities indicate low-level arrest rates declined most in places that reduced their police expenditure and personnel, net of crime and other controls. The adoption of community policing was unrelated to misdemeanour arrests. Findings suggest lawmakers should consider how increasing police budgets or police force sizes will likely be accompanied by increases in misdemeanour arrests and their attendant harms.
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 Second Doses and Boosters for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection and SARS-CoV-2–Related Hospitalizations: A Statewide Report From the Minnesota Electronic Health Record Consortium
Authors: Drawz Paul E , DeSilva Malini , Bodurtha Peter , Vazquez Benitez Gabriela , Murray Anne , Chamberlain Alanna M , Dudley R Adams , Waring Stephen , Kharbanda Anupam B , Murphy Daniel , Muscoplat Miriam Halstead , Melendez Victor , Margolis Karen L , McFarling Lynn , Lupu Roxana , Winkelman Tyler N A , Johnson Steven G
Published: February 2022

Using vaccine data combined with electronic health records, we report that mRNA boosters provide greater protection than a 2-dose regimen against SARS-CoV-2 infection and related hospitalizations. The benefit of a booster was more evident in the elderly and those with comorbidities.
Rapid Control of Hospital-Based Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron Clusters Through Daily Testing and Universal Use of N95 Respirators
Authors: Baker Meghan A , Rhee Chanu , Tucker Robert , Badwaik Amy , Coughlin Cassie , Holtzman Meghan A , Hsieh Candace , Maguire Angela , Mermel Blaeser Elizabeth , Seetharaman Saranya , Solem Ofelia , Vaidya Vineeta , Klompas Michael
Published: February 2022

The highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant increases risk for nosocomial transmission despite universal masking, admission testing, and symptom screening. We report large increases in hospital-onset infections and 2 unit-based clusters. The clusters rapidly abated after instituting universal N95 respirators and daily testing. Broader use of these strategies may prevent nosocomial transmissions.
Domestic Dynamics and China’s Engagement in Global Renewable Energy Governance
Authors: Yao Lixia
Published: February 2022

China’s transformation into the world’s largest energy consumer constitutes one of the most profound changes to the global energy system in recent years. In providing the low-carbon technology sector with financial assistance and technical solutions aimed at developing clean energy across the world, China has proactively contributed to global energy governance. China’s emergence as a global leader in renewable energy development and emissions reduction, therefore, carries positive implications for its future role in global renewable energy governance. In seeking to understand the structure and trends of China’s domestic renewable energy governance, this study analyses what role China can and will play in the global sphere. Specifically, by examining how its domestic renewable energy context shapes its global approach in this regard, the study analyses two aspects of China’s engagement in global renewable energy governance: the institutional aspect and the market aspect. The study concludes by making recommendations as to how China may play a more positive and active role in global renewable energy governance.
Segmentectomy versus wedge resection for radiological solid predominant and low metabolic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kagimoto Atsushi , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Mimae Takahiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

The prognosis of segmentectomy and wedge resection for solid predominant early-stage non-small cell lung cancer with low metabolic activity is unclear.

METHODS

This study aimed to assess patients who underwent segmentectomy or wedge resection with curative intent for clinically node-negative non-small cell lung cancer presenting as a solid predominant tumour (consolidation tumour ratio >50%) with a whole size ≤3 cm and [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose accumulation weaker than that of the mediastinum tissue (Deauville score, 1 or 2) on positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The cumulative incidence of recurrence (CIR) was compared using the Gray method, and the predictive factor of CIR was analysed using the Fine and Gray method.

RESULTS

Of 140 patients included in this study, 93 (66.4%) underwent segmentectomy and 47 (33.6%) underwent wedge resection. No significant difference in the clinical stage was found between the 2 groups. The CIR was higher with wedge resection than with segmentectomy (P = 0.004). Recurrence after wedge resection was noted in 4 (8.5%) patients, 2 of whom had a recurrent site containing lung parenchyma of the preserved lobe and hilum lymph node, which would have been resected if segmentectomy had been performed. In the multivariable analysis for CIR using inverse probability of treatment weighting and the procedure, wedge resection was a significantly worse predictive factor (hazard ratio, 12.280; P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Segmentectomy rather than wedge resection should be considered for solid predominant, small-size non-small cell lung cancer even if [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose accumulation is low.
Gross Morphology of Diseased Tissues in Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Molecular Characterization of an Associated Microsporidian
Authors: Rivers Adam R , Grodowitz Michael J , Miles Godfrey P , Allen Margaret L , Elliott Brad , Weaver Mark , Bon Marie-Claude , Rojas M Guadalupe , Morales-Ramos Juan
Published: February 2022

Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), commonly known in the U.S. as the southern green stink bug (SGSB), is a cosmopolitan, highly polyphagous feeder that causes severe damage to a wide range of agronomically important crops such as fruit, vegetable, grain, tobacco, and cotton, throughout much of the United States, and is a global pest of considerable ecological, agricultural, and economical interest. During dissection of female Nz. viridula, conspicuous black and brown spots or lesions were observed on various internal organs. To determine the cause of these spots or lesions, tissues of fat body, spermatheca, ovaries, and ovulated eggs were collected from healthy and infected individuals. The gross morphology of the spots was characterized, and the microorganisms associated with the infection were identified by amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of the small subunit rRNA gene. The presence of a microsporidian pathogen Nosema maddoxi, Becnel, Solter, Hajek, Huang, Sanscrainte, & Estep (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) which has been observed on other species of stink bug, was evidenced for the first time. The characterization of the gross morphology of this associated microsporidian may enable more rapid determination of microsporidia infection in stink bug colonies and field populations.
Japanese Newspaper Portrayals of Refugees—A Frame Analysis from 1985 to 2017
Authors: Cheng John W , Fraser Nicholas A R
Published: February 2022

Several studies of western countries link negative media stereotyping of refugees to support for restrictive policies. However, less is known about Japan, an Asian country that has been widely criticized for its strict refugee policy. Our study addresses this gap by exploring, first, trends in Japanese news media coverage of different refugee populations and second, whether left-leaning news outlets cover refugees differently than right-leaning ones. Using quantitative deductive frame analysis of 3372 Japanese newspaper articles published between 1985 and 2017, we find that despite some consistency in the frequency with which certain frames appear, media coverage reflects contextual differences of specific refugee populations. The results also show that Japanese newspapers generally use sympathetic frames at higher frequencies than negative ones and left-leaning newspapers cover refugees more often and more sympathetically than right-leaning newspapers. Our findings suggest that there may be no direct linkage between negative media coverage and strict policies in host countries with small and less publicly visible refugee populations, such as Japan.
When the Government Comes to the Neighbourhood: Everyday Regulations and Syrian Refugees’ Encounters with Local State Authorities
Authors: Irgil Ezgi
Published: February 2022

How do refugees perceive the regulations of government officials in their neighbourhoods? To answer this question, I introduce the concept of everyday regulations and define it as all practices, formal and informal, implemented by local authorities to manage, organise, and control refugees’ daily lives within neighbourhood spaces. I support my concept with an empirical analysis based on 40 semi-structured interviews with Syrian shop owners and shop workers in Bursa, Turkey, conducted in September and October 2019. I analyse perceptions related to two types of everyday regulations: (1) Syrian shop visits by the municipal police (Zabıta) and (2) handouts distributed in the neighbourhood by the provincial directorate of security (Emniyet Müdürlüğü). My findings reveal that Syrian shop owners perceive everyday regulations as both discriminatory and acceptable. Those with discriminatory perceptions assess these regulations in terms of exclusionary treatment by local authorities, while those whose perceptions label encounters with government officials as acceptable associate these interactions with learning Turkey’s customs and laws. By detailing the differences in refugees’ perceptions of local refugee governance, this study unveils potential explanations for why some local refugee policies are perceived better than others.
Subungual hematomas after mRNA Covid-19 vaccine administration
Authors: Murillo Jorge , Torres Jaime R , Leal Vanessa
Published: February 2022

Large bilateral subungual haemorrhages and hematomas were observed in an adult woman after receiving the second dose of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Improvement was achieved after a course of prednisone. Unusual, rare cutaneous adverse effects are likely to be increasingly noticed as the accelerated massive worldwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign intensifies.
Surveillance imaging frequency in adult patients with lower-grade (WHO Grade 2 and 3) gliomas
Authors: Jo Jasmin , van den Bent Martin J , Nabors Burt , Wen Patrick Y , Schiff David
Published: February 2022

With improved outcome following aggressive treatment in patients with grade 2 and 3 IDH-mutant (IDHmt), 1p/19q codeleted oligodendroglioma and IDHmt, non-codeleted astrocytoma, prolonged surveillance is desirable for early detection of tumor growth and malignant transformation. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines provide imaging follow-up recommendations based on molecular classification of lower-grade gliomas, although individualized imaging guidelines based on treatments received and after tumor recurrence are not clearly specified. Other available guidelines have yet to incorporate the molecular biomarkers that inform the WHO classification of gliomas, and in some cases do not adequately consider current knowledge on IDHmt glioma growth rate and recurrence patterns. Moreover, these guidelines also do not provide specific recommendations for concerning clinical symptoms or radiographic findings warranting imaging studies out of prespecified intervals. Focusing on molecularly defined grade 2 and 3 IDHmt astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, we review current knowledge of tumor growth rates and time to tumor progression for each tumor type and propose a range of recommended MRI surveillance intervals for both the newly diagnosed and recurrent tumor setting. Additionally, we summarize situations in which imaging is advisable outside of these intervals.
Potential Risk Factors of Smokeless Tobacco Consumption Among Adolescents in South India
Authors: Kulkarni Muralidhar M , Kamath Veena G , Kamath Asha , Lewis Sarah , Bogdanovica Ilze , Bains Manpreet , Cranwell Jo , Fogarty Andrew , Arora Monika , Nazar Gaurang P , Ballal Kirthinath , Naik Ashwath K , Bhagawath Rohith , Britton John
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Although most of the disease burden internationally is due to tobacco smoking, smokeless tobacco (SLT) use contributed to an estimated 76 000 deaths in 2017. We have studied the potential risk factors for SLT use among adolescents in South India.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of all students in grades 6–8 in schools in the Udupi district of Karnataka State ascertained SLT use status and potential determinants of SLT uptake. Ever SLT use was defined as any reported consumption of any SLT products, currently or at any time in the past. Independent effects on ever SLT use status were estimated using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Of 46 706 students from 914 participating schools, 39 282 (84.1%) provided questionnaire responses sufficiently complete for analysis. Ever SLT use was reported by 775 (2.0%) participants and in a mutually adjusted model was significantly related to age, male sex, family use, or friend’s use of SLT, low socioeconomic status, high rebelliousness, and low self-esteem. After controlling for these effects, the odds of ever-SLT use were significantly higher among students who had least awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use (odds ratio 3.7, 95% confidence interval [2.9, 4.7]) and significantly lower among those not exposed to tobacco advertising (odds ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval [0.5, 0.8]).

Conclusions

The prevalence of SLT use among children in Karnataka is relatively low when compared with other studies in India. The significant potential risk factors of SLT use include low awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco control policies and exposure to tobacco advertising.

Implications

The prevalence of SLT use among school going adolescents in South India is relatively low. The potential risk factors for SLT use among adolescents in southern India are similar to those for smoked tobacco. It includes age, male gender, family or friend’s use of SLT, low socioeconomic status, high rebelliousness, low self-esteem, exposure to tobacco advertisement and least awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and of tobacco control policies. The present study lays emphasis regarding creating awareness about tobacco harms and control policies for further reducing tobacco use among adolescents.
The relationship between breastfeeding and motor development in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hernández-Luengo Monserrat , Álvarez-Bueno Celia , Martínez-Hortelano José Alberto , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Notario-Pacheco Blanca
Published: February 2022

Context

The importance and benefits of breastfeeding in children are well recognized, and it may improve motor development. Motor skills are fundamental to childhood development. Although some studies report a positive association between breastfeeding and motor development in children, others have suggested that these differences could be influenced by confounding variables.

Objective

To estimate the degree to which breastfeeding duration and exclusivity is associated with motor development in children. Thus, a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis was conducted.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to June 2021.

Data Extraction

The most adjusted relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) reported by included studies were used. The “breastfeeding duration” category defined by each study was used as the reference category. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed based on the duration of breastfeeding.

Data Analysis

Eighteen published studies were included in the systematic review and 14 studies in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the effect size (ES) for exclusively breastfed vs never breastfed children was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.41, I2 = 90.3%), and the ES for children breastfed for any length vs never breastfed children was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.10, I2 = 88.0%). The remaining groups studied did not show significant differences in outcomes.

Conclusions

Although our data suggest that breastfeeding may improve motor development in children, more studies are needed because publication bias has been detected. Nevertheless, our results support the promotion of breastfeeding.
Arabidopsis apoplastic fluid contains sRNA- and circular RNA–protein complexes that are located outside extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zand Karimi Hana , Baldrich Patricia , Rutter Brian D , Borniego Lucía , Zajt Kamil K , Meyers Blake C , Innes Roger W
Published: February 2022

Previously, we have shown that apoplastic wash fluid (AWF) purified from Arabidopsis leaves contains small RNAs (sRNAs). To investigate whether these sRNAs are encapsulated inside extracellular vesicles (EVs), we treated EVs isolated from Arabidopsis leaves with the protease trypsin and RNase A, which should degrade RNAs located outside EVs but not those located inside. These analyses revealed that apoplastic RNAs are mostly located outside and are associated with proteins. Further analyses of these extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) revealed that they include both sRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), including circular RNAs (circRNAs). We also found that exRNAs are highly enriched in the posttranscriptional modification N6-methyladenine (m6A). Consistent with this, we identified a putative m6A-binding protein in AWF, GLYCINE-RICH RNA-BINDING PROTEIN 7 (GRP7), as well as the sRNA-binding protein ARGONAUTE2 (AGO2). These two proteins coimmunoprecipitated with lncRNAs, including circRNAs. Mutation of GRP7 or AGO2 caused changes in both the sRNA and lncRNA content of AWF, suggesting that these proteins contribute to the secretion and/or stabilization of exRNAs. We propose that exRNAs located outside of EVs mediate host-induced gene silencing, rather than RNA located inside EVs.
Shielding the oil reserves: the scutellum as a source of chemical defenses
Authors: Murphy Katherine M , Poretsky Elly , Liu Huijun , Micic Nikola , Nyhuis Annika , Bohlmann Joerg , Schmelz Eric A , Zerbe Philipp , Huffaker Alisa , Bjarnholt Nanna
Published: February 2022

The cereal scutellum is a hub for diverse specialized defense metabolism and pathway discovery.
Comparing Work Readiness for Nursing Students Enrolled in a Concept-Based Versus Medical-Based Curriculum
Authors: Byrne Paula , Connor Susan
Published: February 2022

Between 2015 and 2018, nurse faculty replaced a medical-based curriculum with a concept-based curriculum. NCLEX®-RN pass rates and a nontraditional program quality indicator assessed the association of different curricula on four dimensions of work readiness. Three cohorts of senior baccalaureate nursing students (N = 199), who enrolled in either the medical-based curriculum or the concept-based curriculum, completed the Walker et al. Work Readiness Survey for Graduate Nurses. Survey results revealed significant differences between the curriculum types but no differences in NCLEX-RN pass rates. Using nontraditional quality indicators may identify best practices that foster student readiness for practice.
Multi-laboratory evaluation of the Illumina iSeq platform for whole genome sequencing of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Listeria
Authors: Mitchell Patrick K. , Wang Leyi , Stanhope Bryce J. , Cronk Brittany D. , Anderson Renee , Mohan Shipra , Zhou Lijuan , Sanchez Susan , Bartlett Paula , Maddox Carol , DeShambo Vanessa , Mani Rinosh , Hengesbach Lindsy M. , Gresch Sarah , Wright Katie , Mor Sunil , Zhang Shuping , Shen Zhenyu , Yan Lifang , Mackey Rebecca , Franklin-Guild Rebecca , Zhang Yan , Prarat Melanie , Shiplett Katherine , Ramachandran Akhilesh , Narayanan Sai , Sanders Justin , Hunkapiller Andree A. , Lahmers Kevin , Carbonello Amanda A. , Aulik Nicole , Lim Ailam , Cooper Jennifer , Jones Angelica , Guag Jake , Nemser Sarah M. , Tyson Gregory H. , Timme Ruth , Strain Errol , Reimschuessel Renate , Ceric Olgica , Goodman Laura B.
Published: February 2022

There is a growing need for public health and veterinary laboratories to perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and protecting the safety of people and animals. With the availability of smaller and more affordable sequencing platforms coupled with well-defined bioinformatic protocols, the technological capability to incorporate this technique for real-time surveillance and genomic epidemiology has greatly expanded. There is a need, however, to ensure that data are of high quality. The goal of this study was to assess the utility of a small benchtop sequencing platform using a multi-laboratory verification approach. Thirteen laboratories were provided the same equipment, reagents, protocols and bacterial reference strains. The Illumina DNA Prep and Nextera XT library preparation kits were compared, and 2×150 bp iSeq i100 chemistry was used for sequencing. Analyses comparing the sequences produced from this study with closed genomes from the provided strains were performed using open-source programs. A detailed, step-by-step protocol is publicly available via protocols.io (https://www.protocols.io/view/iseq-bacterial-wgs-protocol-bij8kcrw). The throughput for this method is approximately 4–6 bacterial isolates per sequencing run (20–26 Mb total load). The Illumina DNA Prep library preparation kit produced high-quality assemblies and nearly complete AMR gene annotations. The Prep method produced more consistent coverage compared to XT, and when coverage benchmarks were met, nearly all AMR, virulence and subtyping gene targets were correctly identified. Because it reduces the technical and financial barriers to generating WGS data, the iSeq platform is a viable option for small laboratories interested in genomic surveillance of microbial pathogens.
Genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Prevotella species isolated from chronic lung disease airways
Authors: Webb Kasey A. , Olagoke Olusola , Baird Timothy , Neill Jane , Pham Amy , Wells Timothy J. , Ramsay Kay A. , Bell Scott C. , Sarovich Derek S. , Price Erin P.
Published: February 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are characterized by increasingly frequent acute pulmonary exacerbations that reduce life quality and length. Human airways are home to a rich polymicrobial environment, which includes members of the obligately anaerobic genus

Prevotella

. Despite their commonness, surprisingly little is known about the prevalence, role, genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) potential of

Prevotella

species and strains in healthy and diseased airways. Here, we used comparative genomics to develop a real-time PCR assay to permit rapid

Prevotella

species identification and quantification from cultures and clinical specimens. Assay specificity was validated across a panel of

Prevotella

and non-

Prevotella

species, followed by PCR screening of CF and COPD respiratory-derived cultures. Next, 35 PCR-positive isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Of eight identified

Prevotella

species,

P. histicola

,

P. melaninogenica

,

P. nanceiensis

,

P. salivae

and

P. denticola

overlapped between participant cohorts. Phylogenomic analysis revealed considerable interhost but limited intrahost diversity, suggesting patient-specific lineages in the lower airways, probably from oral cavity aspirations. Correlation of phenotypic AMR profiles with AMR genes identified excellent correlation between tetQ presence and decreased doxycycline susceptibility, and ermF presence and decreased azithromycin susceptibility and clindamycin resistance. AMR rates were higher in the CF isolates, reflecting greater antibiotic use in this cohort. All tested

Prevotella

isolates were tobramycin-resistant, providing a potential selection method to improve

Prevotella

culture retrieval rates. Our addition of 35 airway-derived

Prevotella

genomes to public databases will enhance ongoing efforts to unravel the role of this diverse and enigmatic genus in both diseased and healthy lungs.
Genetic and mutational analysis of virulence traits and their modulation in an environmental toxigenic Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 strain, VCE232
Authors: Biswas Quoelee , Purohit Ayushi , Kumar Ashok , Rakshit Dipayan , Maiti Diganta , Das Bhabatosh , Bhadra Rupak K.
Published: February 2022

Vibrio choleraeO1 and O139 isolates deploy cholera toxin (CT) and toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) to cause the diarrhoeal disease cholera. ThectxABandtcpAgenes encoding CT and TCP are part of two acquired genetic elements, the CTX phage andVibriopathogenicity island-1 (VPI-1), respectively. ToxR and ToxT proteins are the key regulators of virulence genes ofV. choleraeO1 and O139.V. choleraeisolates belonging to serogroups other than O1/O139, called non-O1/non-O139, are usually devoid of virulence-related elements and are non-pathogenic. Here, we have analysed the available whole genome sequence of an environmental toxigenicV. choleraenon-O1/non-O139 strain, VCE232, carrying the CTX phage and VPI-1. Extensive bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses indicated high similarity of the VCE232 genome sequence with the genome ofV. choleraeO1 strains, including organization of the VPI-1 locus,ctxAB, tcpAandtoxTgenes, and promoters. We established that the VCE232 strain produces an optimal amount of CT at 30 °C under AKI conditions. To investigate the role of ToxT and ToxR in the regulation of virulence factors, we constructed ΔtoxT, ΔtoxRand ΔtoxTΔtoxRdeletion mutants of VCE232. Extensive genetic analyses of these mutants indicated that thetoxTandtoxRgenes of VCE232 are crucial for CT and TCP production. However, unlike O1 isolates, the presence of eithertoxTortoxRgene is sufficient for optimal CT production in VCE232. In addition, the VCE232 ΔtoxRmutant showed differential regulation of the major outer membrane proteins, OmpT and OmpU. This is the first attempt to explore the regulation of expression of major virulence genes and regulators in an environmental toxigenicV. choleraenon-O1/non-O139 strain.
Doxycycline for the prevention of progression of COVID-19 to severe disease requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission: a randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel group trial (DOXPREVENT.ICU)
Authors: Dhar Raja , Kirkpatrick John , Gilbert Laura , Khanna Arjun , Modi Mahavir Madhavdas , Chawla Rakesh K. , Dalal Sonia , Maturu Venkata Nagarjuna , Stern Marcel , Keppler Oliver , Djukanović Ratko , Gadola Stephan
Published: February 2022

Background

After admission to hospital, COVID-19 progresses in a substantial proportion of patients to critical disease that requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Methods

In a pragmatic, non-blinded trial, 387 patients aged 40-90 years were randomised to receive treatment with SoC plus doxycycline (n=192) or SoC only (n=195). The primary outcome was the need for ICU admission as judged by the attending physicians. Three types of analyses were carried out for the primary outcome: “Intention to treat” (ITT) based on randomisation; “Per protocol” (PP), excluding patients not treated according to randomisation; and “As treated” (AT), based on actual treatment received. The trial was undertaken in six hospitals in India with high-quality ICU facilities. An online application serving as the electronic case report form was developed to enable screening, randomisation and collection of outcomes data.

Results

Adherence to treatment per protocol was 95.1%. Among all 387 participants, 77 (19.9%) developed critical disease needing ICU admission. In all three primary outcome analyses, doxycycline was associated with a relative risk reduction (RRR) and absolute risk reduction (ARR): ITT 31.6% RRR, 7.4% ARR (P=0.063); PP 40.7% RRR, 9.6% ARR (P=0.017); AT 43.2% RRR, 10.8% ARR (P=0.007), with numbers needed to treat (NTT) of 13.4 (ITT), 10.4 (PP), and 9.3 (AT), respectively. Doxycycline was well tolerated with not a single patient stopping treatment due to adverse events.

Conclusions

In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, doxycycline, a safe, inexpensive, and widely available antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the need for ICU admission when added to SoC.