bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient activation of tumoral DNA damage tolerance pathway coupled with immune checkpoint blockade exerts durable tumor regression in mouse melanoma
Authors: Zhuo Ming , Gorgun Falih M. , Tyler Douglas S. , Englander Ella W.
Published: October 2020

Major advances in cancer therapy rely on engagement of the patient’s immune system and suppression of mechanisms that impede the antitumor immune response. Among the most notable is immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy that releases immune cells from suppression. Although ICB has had significant success particularly in melanoma, it eradicates tumors in subsets of patients and sequencing data across different cancers suggest that tumors with high mutational loads are more likely to respond to ICB. This is consistent with the premise that greater tumoral mutational loads contribute to formation of neoantigens that spur the body’s antitumor immune response. Prompted by strong evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of neoantigens in the context of ICB, we have developed a mouse melanoma combination treatment, where intratumoral administration of DNA‐damaging drug transiently activates intrinsic mutagenic DNA damage tolerance pathway and improves success rates of ICB. Using the YUMM1.7 cells melanoma model, we demonstrate that intratumoral delivery of cisplatin activates translesion synthesis DNA polymerases‐catalyzed DNA synthesis on damaged DNA, which when coupled with ICB regimen, elicits durable tumor regression. We expect that this new combination protocol affords insights with clinical relevance that will help expand the range of patients who benefit from ICB therapy.
Autologous thrombin preparations: Biocompatibility and growth factor release
Authors: Matuska Andrea M. , Klimovich Marina L. , Anz Adam W. , Podesta Luga , Chapman John R.
Published: October 2020

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been investigated to promote wound healing in a variety of tissues. Thrombin, another essential component of wound healing, is sometimes combined with PRP to generate a fibrin clot in order to retain the sample at the delivery site and to stimulate growth factor release. Using a fully autologous approach, autologous serum (AS) with thrombin activity can be prepared using a one‐step procedure by supplementing with ethanol (E+AS) to prolong room temperature stability or prepared ethanol free (E−AS) by utilizing a two‐step procedure to prolong stability. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential wound healing mechanisms of these two preparations using commercially available devices. A variety of tests were conducted to assess biocompatibility and growth factor release from PRP at various ratios. It was found that E−AS contained greater leukocyte viability in the product (97.1 ± 2.0% compared to 41.8 ± 11.5%), supported greater bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation (3.7× vs 0.8× at a 1:4 ratio and 3.6× vs 1.6× at a 1:10 ratio), and stimulated release of growth factors and cytokines from PRP to a greater extent than E+AS. Of the 36 growth factors and cytokines evaluated, release of 27 of them were significantly reduced by the presence of ethanol in at least one of the tested configurations. It is concluded that the high concentrations of ethanol needed to stabilize point of care autologous thrombin preparations could be detrimental to normal wound healing processes.
Material Strength: A Rational Nonequilibrium Energy Model for Complex Loadings
Authors: Wang Biao
Published: October 2020

The failure of materials with some sort of loading is a well-known natural phenomenon, and the reliable prediction of the failure of materials is the most important issue for many different kinds of engineering materials based on safety considerations. Classical strength theories with complex loadings are based on some sort of postulations or assumptions, and they are intrinsically empirical criteria. Due to their simplicity, classical strength theories are still widely used in engineering, and they are very easy to incorporate into any finite element code. Recently, a new methodology was proposed by the author. Instead of establishing empirical models, the material failure process was modeled as a nonequilibrium process. Then, the strength criterion was established with the rational stability analysis for the failure process. In this study, the author tried to use this idea to develop a rational thermodynamic strength theory and to make the theory easy to use in engineering, similar to the classical strength criteria. It was found that the predictions of the rational energy strength theory were very reasonable compared to the experimental data even if no postulation was taken. Through the analysis, it seemed that the strength problem could be efficiently tackled using the rational nonequilibrium energy model instead of using some sort of empirical assumptions or models.
Effect of N2/H2 plasma on the growth of InN thin films on sapphire by hollow-cathode plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition
Authors: Alevli Mustafa , Gungor Nese
Published: October 2020

In this work, we have studied the influence of N2/H2 plasma gas flow rates on the hollow-cathode plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (HCPA-ALD) growth of indium nitride (InN) films. The influence of N2/H2 plasma gas flow rates on crystallinity, lattice distortion, phonon properties, and bandgap was analyzed. We found that the strain can be relieved fully or partially through the incorporation of H2 in plasma. We present Raman scattering measurements on HCPA-ALD grown InN films. We found that the E2-high phonon relaxation time increases with decreasing H2 plasma flow. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography measurements revealed high surface roughness for InN films deposited with N2/H2. The spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis revealed that InN surface layers are thick and contain large void structures with the incorporation of H2 in N2 plasma. Combining the AFM surface morphology analysis with spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis, we propose a possible surface reaction mechanism for hydrogen incorporation on an InN surface. A clear shift of the absorption edge and a decrease in the absorption coefficient were observed when H2 was introduced into N2 flow. These results may provide a useful guide for understanding the HCPA-ALD growth mechanism of InN and In-rich nitrides.
Integrating Equity: Curricular Development and Student Experiences in an Intermediate-Level College Physics Major Course
Authors: Dalton Chaelee , Hudgings Janice
Published: October 2020

When Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts asked in the 2016 affirmative action case Fisher v. University of Texas, “what unique perspective does a minority student bring to the physics classroom?” the Equity and Inclusion in Physics and Astronomy group replied by rejecting the premise of the question itself. Instead, they asked why diversity and the presence of minority students need to be justified when de facto segregation and the presence of White students is assumed to be the status quo. This question and its response point to an ongoing challenge: despite decades of effort to diversify the field of physics, national and institution-specific research continues to demonstrate that Students of Color, White women, and other minoritized students experience feelings of disbelonging and unwelcoming or hostile climates in physics classrooms. Instead, these classrooms remain largely centered on the experiences and needs of the historic majority: White male students. In this work, we describe the implementation and assessment of a semester-long, pro-equity curriculum integrated into an intermediate-level physics course aimed at disrupting these structural barriers.
Teaching Electricity and Magnetism Using Kinesthetic Learning Activities
Authors: Richards AJ
Published: October 2020

As students learn physics, they are often required to reason about the behavior of macroscopic and microscopic phenomena, and to synthesize prior knowledge from several different areas of physics to construct understanding of new ideas. This can be a tremendously difficult cognitive task for novice students, especially when the unfamiliar phenomena described are potentially microscopic or abstract. Therefore, it can be very helpful for physics instructors to develop and employ pedagogical techniques that help students to visualize and to reason productively about these concepts. A particularly effective strategy uses kinesthetic learning activities (KLAs).
Hyperspectral infrared microscopy with visible light
Authors: Paterova Anna V. , Maniam Sivakumar M. , Yang Hongzhi , Grenci Gianluca , Krivitsky Leonid A.
Published: October 2020

A microscope with correlated photons reveals infrared images via detection of visible light.
Transnasal endoscopic resection of Epstein-Barr virus–associated cavernous sinus tumour
Authors: Yokoyama Daiki , Horiguchi Kentaro , Higuchi Yoshinori , Hashiba Jun
Published: October 2020

Epstein-Barr virus–associated smooth muscle tumour (EBV-SMT) is a rare disease occurring in immunosuppressed patients, such as those with AIDS, post-transplantation immunodeficiency and congenital immunodeficiency. Intracranial EBV-SMT after solid organ transplantation has been reported. However, intracranial lesions after bone marrow transplantation are extremely rare. We report the case of a 47-year-old man with a history of acute myeloid leukaemia and bone marrow transplantation. He had symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, and MRI revealed a left cavernous sinus tumour. He started taking oral gabapentin, but his symptoms did not improve. We performed transnasal endoscopic surgery. Postoperative MRI showed complete removal of the cavernous sinus lesion. Pathological examination showed spindle-shaped cells positive for smooth muscle markers and EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridisation. EBV-SMT was pathologically diagnosed. His symptoms improved after surgery. No tumour recurrence was noted on follow-up MRI after 15 months without adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy.
A review of the clinical applications of drug delivery systems for the treatment of ocular anterior segment inflammation
Authors: Wong Chee Wai , Metselaar Josbert M , Storm Gert , Wong Tina T
Published: October 2020

Ocular anterior segment inflammation is a medical problem that is seen in cases of cataract surgery and non-infectious anterior uveitis. Inadequately treated anterior segment inflammation can lead to sight-threatening conditions such as corneal oedema, glaucoma and cystoid macular oedema. The mainstay of treatment for anterior segment inflammation is topical steroid eye-drops. However, several drawbacks limit the critical value of this treatment, including low bioavailability, poor patient compliance, relatively difficult administration manner and risk of blurring of vision and ocular irritation. A drug delivery system (DDS) that can provide increased bioavailability and sustained delivery while being specifically targeted towards inflamed ocular tissue can potentially replace daily eye-drops as the gold standard for management of anterior segment inflammation. The various DDS for anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of anterior segment inflammation are listed and summarised in this review, with a focus on commercially available products and those in clinical trials. Dextenza, INVELTYS, Dexycu and Bromsite are examples of DDS that have enjoyed success in clinical trials leading to FDA approval. Nanoparticles and ocular iontophoresis form the next wave of DDS that have the potential to replace topical steroids eye-drops as the treatment of choice for anterior segment inflammation. With the current relentless pace of ophthalmic drug delivery research, the pursuit of a new standard of treatment that eliminates the problems of low bioavailability and patient compliance may soon be realised.
Eye bank versus surgeon prepared DMEK tissues: influence on adhesion and re-bubbling rate
Authors: Romano Vito , Kazaili Ahmed , Pagano Luca , Gadhvi Kunal Ajit , Titley Mitchell , Steger Bernhard , Fernández-Vega-Cueto Luis , Meana Alvaro , Merayo-Lloves Jesus , Diego Ponzin , Akhtar Riaz , Levis Hannah J , Ferrari Stefano , Kaye Stephen B , Parekh Mohit
Published: October 2020

Aim

To investigate the difference in adhesion and rebubbling rate between eye bank and surgeon prepared Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) tissues.

Methods

Laboratory and clinical retrospective comparative interventional case series. Research corneal tissues were obtained for laboratory investigation. The clinical study involved patients with endothelial dysfunction who underwent DMEK surgery and tamponade with air. Tissues were stripped using a standard DMEK stripping technique (SCUBA) and shipped as prestripped or loaded in a 2.2 intra-ocular lens cartridge with endothelium facing inwards (preloaded) before transporting from the eye bank to the surgeon. For surgeon prepared tissues, all the grafts were stripped in the theatre and transplanted or stripped in the laboratory and tested immediately. Adhesion force and elastic modulus were measured in the centre and mid-periphery in a laboratory ex vivo investigation using atomic force microscopy, while rebubbling rates were recorded in the clinical study.

Results

There was no difference in endothelial cell viability between surgeon or eye bank prepared tissue. Surgeon-stripped DMEK grafts in the laboratory investigation showed significantly higher elastic modulus and adhesion force compared to prestripped and preloaded tissues (p<0.0001). In the clinical data, rebubbling rates of 48%, 40% and 15% were observed in preloaded, prestripped and surgeon-stripped DMEK grafts, respectively. Rebubbling rates were significantly associated with combined cataract surgery (p=0.009) and with time from harvesting the graft to the surgery (p=0.02).

Conclusions

Decreased adhesion forces and elastic modulus in eye bank prepared tissues may contribute to increased rebubbling rates.
Inner retinal thickening affects microperimetry thresholds in the presence of photoreceptor thinning in patients with RPGR retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Jolly Jasleen Kaur , Menghini Moreno , Johal Piers A , Buckley Thomas M W , Bridge Holly , Maclaren Robert E
Published: October 2020

Background

Loss of photoreceptors cause degeneration in areas of the retina beyond the photoreceptors. The pattern of changes has implications for disease monitoring and measurement of functional changes. The aim of the study was to study the changes in inner retinal structure associated with photoreceptor disease, and the impact of these on microperimetry threshold.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and microperimetry tests collected between 2013 and 2019. 22 eyes with RPGR retinitis pigmentosa completed both OCT imaging and microperimetry assessment. 18 control eyes underwent OCT imaging. Photoreceptor layer and inner retinal thickness calculated for different eccentric areas were obtained. The relationship between the photoreceptor layer and inner retinal thickness, and microperimetry threshold was explored.

Results

Central 1° photoreceptor layer and inner retinal thickness were 96±34 and 139±75 μm in RPGR patients, and 139±15 and 62±14 μm in controls. Photoreceptor layer thickness differed between patient and control groups across increasing visual field areas (p<0.01, Kruskal-Wallis 1-way ANOVA), whereas the inner retinal thickness significantly differed between groups for the central 1° and 3° only. Microperimetry thresholds were explained by a combination of photoreceptor thickness (coefficient 0.15, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.18) and inner retinal thickness (coefficient 0.05, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.06).

Conclusion

OCT shows evidence of remodelling in the inner retinal layers secondary to photoreceptor disease. This appears to have an impact on microperimetry threshold measurements.
Exploring the factors motivating continued Lay First Responder participation in Uganda: a mixed-methods, 3-year follow-up
Authors: Delaney Peter G , Eisner Zachary J , Blackwell T Scott , Ssekalo Ibrahim , Kazungu Rauben , Lee Yang Jae , Scott John W , Raghavendran Krishnan
Published: October 2020

Background

The WHO recommends training lay first responders (LFRs) as the first step towards establishing emergency medical services (EMS) in low-income and middle-income countries. Understanding social and financial benefits associated with responder involvement is essential for LFR programme continuity and may inform sustainable development.

Methods

A mixed-methods follow-up study was conducted in July 2019 with 239 motorcycle taxi drivers, including 115 (75%) of 154 initial participants in a Ugandan LFR course from July 2016, to evaluate LFR training on participants. Semi-structured interviews and surveys were administered to samples of initial participants to assess social and economic implications of training, and non-trained motorcycle taxi drivers to gauge interest in LFR training. Themes were determined on a per-question basis and coded by extracting keywords from each response until thematic saturation was achieved.

Results

Three years post-course, initial participants reported new knowledge and skills, the ability to help others, and confidence gain as the main benefits motivating continued programme involvement. Participant outlook was unanimously positive and 96.5% (111/115) of initial participants surveyed used skills since training. Many reported sensing an identity change, now identifying as first responders in addition to motorcycle taxi drivers. Drivers reported they believe this led to greater respect from the Ugandan public and a prevailing belief that they are responsible transportation providers, increasing subsequent customer acquisition. Motorcycle taxi drivers who participated in the course reported a median weekly income value that is 24.39% higher than non-trained motorcycle taxi counterparts (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

A simultaneous delivery of sustained social and perceived financial benefits to LFRs are likely to motivate continued voluntary participation. These benefits appear to be a potential mechanism that may be leveraged to contribute to the sustainability of future LFR programmes to deliver basic prehospital emergency care in resource-limited settings.
MicroRNAs as regulators, biomarkers and therapeutic targets in liver diseases
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , He Yong , Mackowiak Bryan , Gao Bin
Published: October 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to specific mRNA targets and promoting their degradation and/or translational inhibition. miRNAs regulate both physiological and pathological liver functions. Altered expression of miRNAs is associated with liver metabolism dysregulation, liver injury, liver fibrosis and tumour development, making miRNAs attractive therapeutic strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. Here, we review recent advances regarding the regulation and function of miRNAs in liver diseases with a major focus on miRNAs that are specifically expressed or enriched in hepatocytes (miR-122, miR-194/192), neutrophils (miR-223), hepatic stellate cells (miR-29), immune cells (miR-155) and in circulation (miR-21). The functions and target genes of these miRNAs are emphasised in alcohol-associated liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well liver fibrosis and liver failure. We touch on the roles of miRNAs in intercellular communication between hepatocytes and other types of cells via extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. We provide perspective on the application of miRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of liver diseases and discuss the challenges in miRNA-based therapy for liver diseases. Further investigation of miRNAs in the liver will help us better understand the pathogeneses of liver diseases and may identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver diseases in the future.
Imagining the postantibiotic future: the visual culture of a global health threat
Authors: Irwin Rachel
Published: October 2020

This article is concerned with the visual culture of global health data using antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as an example. I explore how public health data and knowledge are repackaged into visualisations and presented in four contemporary genres: the animation, the TED Talk, the documentary and the satire programme. I focus on how different actors describe a world in which there are no or few antibiotics that are effective against bacterial infections. I examine the form, content and style of the visual cultural of AMR, examining how these genres tell a story of impending apocalypse while also trying to advert it. This is a form of story-telling based around the if/then structure: we are told that if we do not take certain actions today, then we will face a postantibiotic future with certain, often catastrophic, consequences. Within this if/then structure, there are various aims and objectives: the goal may be preventing further spread of AMR, building awareness or pushing for certain policy or funding decisions. These stories also serve to place or deflect blame, on animals, occupations, patients, industries and others and to highlight risks and consequences. These examples share similarities in the forms of story-telling and narrative, and in the use of specific data sources and other images. By using several Swedish examples, I demonstrate how global data are reinterpreted for a national audience. Overall, I argue that while the convergence of a dominant narrative indicates scientific consensus, this consensus also stifles our collective imagination in finding new solutions to the problem. Finally, I also use the example of AMR to discuss the need for a broader social science and humanities engagement with the visual culture of global health data.
The progress of type II persisters of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to a non-culturable state during prolonged exposure to antibiotic stress with revival being aided through acid-shock treatment and provision of methyl pyruvate
Authors: Chen Heather , Green Andrew , Martz Kailey , Wu Xueyang , Alzahrani Abdulhakeem , Warriner Keith
Published: October 2020

Persisters are a form of dormancy in bacteria that provide temporary resistance to antibiotics. The following reports on the formation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 E318 type II persisters from a protracted (8 days) challenge with ampicillin. Escherichia coli O157:H7 followed a multiphasic die-off pattern with an initial rapid decline (Phase I) of susceptible cells that transitioned to a slower rate representing tolerant cells (Phase II). After 24 h post-antibiotic challenge, the E. coli O157:H7 levels remained relatively constant at 2 log CFU/mL (Phase III), but became non-culturable within 8-days (Phase IV). The revival of persisters in Phase III could be achieved by the removal of antibiotic stress, although those in Phase IV required an extended incubation period or application of acid-shock. The carbon utilization profile of persister cells was less diverse compared with non-persisters, with only methyl pyruvate being utilized from the range tested. Inclusion of methyl pyruvate in tryptic soy agar revived non-cultural persisters, presumably by stimulating metabolism. The results suggest that persisters could be subdivided into culturable or non-culturable cells, with the former representing a transition state to the latter. The study provided insights into how to revive cells from dormancy to aid enumeration and control.
Spectrum of fully-heavy tetraquarks from a diquark+antidiquark perspective
Authors: Bedolla M. A. , Ferretti J. , Roberts C. D. , Santopinto E.
Published: October 2020

Using a relativized diquark model Hamiltonian, we calculate the masses of $$J^{PC}=0^{++}$$

J

PC

=

0

+
+

ground-state tetraquarks in the following systems: $$b s {\bar{b}} {\bar{s}}$$

b
s

b

¯

s

¯

, $$bb {\bar{n}} {\bar{n}}$$

b
b

n

¯

n

¯

($$n=u, d$$

n
=
u
,
d

), $$bb {\bar{s}} {\bar{s}}$$

b
b

s

¯

s

¯

, $$cc{\bar{c}} {\bar{c}}$$

c
c

c

¯

c

¯

, $$b b {\bar{b}} {\bar{b}}$$

b
b

b

¯

b

¯

, $$b c{\bar{b}} {\bar{c}}$$

b
c

b

¯

c

¯

and $$b b {\bar{c}} {\bar{c}}$$

b
b

c

¯

c

¯

. We also compute extensive spectra for the fully-heavy quark flavour combinations. Finally, as a test of the diquark model approach, we compute the masses of fully-heavy baryons in the diquark model. Our results may be compared soon to the forthcoming experimental data for fully-heavy three-quark systems.
Gravitational wave spectra from strongly supercooled phase transitions
Authors: Lewicki Marek , Vaskonen Ville
Published: October 2020

We study gravitational wave (GW) production in strongly supercooled cosmological phase transitions, taking particular care of models featuring a complex scalar field with a U(1) symmetric potential. We perform lattice simulations of two-bubble collisions to properly model the scalar field gradients, and compute the GW spectrum sourced by them using the thin-wall approximation in many-bubble simulations. We find that in the U(1) symmetric case the low-frequency spectrum is $$\propto \omega $$

∝
ω

whereas for a real scalar field it is $$\propto \omega ^3$$

∝

ω
3

. In both cases the spectrum decays as $$\omega ^{-2}$$

ω

-
2

at high frequencies.
Casimir force induced by electromagnetic wave polarization in Kerr, Gödel and Bianchi–I spacetimes
Authors: Asenjo Felipe A. , Hojman Sergio A.
Published: October 2020

Electromagnetic waves propagation on either rotating or anisotropic spacetime backgrounds (such as Kerr and Gödel metrics, or Bianchi–I metric) produce a reduction of the magnitude of Casimir forces between plates. These curved spacetimes behave as chiral or birefringent materials producing dispersion of electromagnetic waves, in such a way that right– and left–circularly polarized light waves propagate with different phase velocities. Results are explicitly calculated for discussed cases. The difference on the wavevectors of the two polarized electromagnetic waves produces an abatement of a Casimir force which depends on the interaction between the polarization of electromagnetic waves and the properties of the spacetime.
Investigation of Structural Voltage Stability in Tunisian Distribution Networks Integrating Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant
Authors: Saidi Abdelaziz Salah
Published: October 2020

This research shows a structural voltage stability analysis of a distribution network incorporating large-scale solar photovoltaic power plant. Detailed modeling of the transmission network and photovoltaic systems is presented and a differential-algebraic equations model is developed. The resulting system state and load-flow Jacobian matrix are reorganized according to the type of the bus system in place of the standard injected complex power equations arrangement. The interactions among system buses for loading tests and solar photovoltaic power penetration are structurally scrutinized. Two-bus bifurcations are revealed to be a predecessor to system voltage collapse. The investigation is carried out by using bifurcation diagrams of photovoltaic generation margin, load-flow analysis, short-circuits, photovoltaic farm disconnections and loading conditions. Furthermore, evaluation of voltage stability reveals that the dynamic component of the voltage strongly depends on fault short-circuit capacity of the power system at the bus, where, the solar system is integrated. The overall result, which encompasses the views from the presented transmission network integration studies, is a positive outcome for future grid integration of solar photovoltaic in the Tunisian system. Tunisia’s utilities policies on integration of solar photovoltaic in distribution network is expected to benefit from the results of the presented study. Moreover, given the huge potential and need for solar photovoltaic penetration into the transmission network, the presented comprehensive analysis will be a valuable guide for evaluating and improving the performances of national transmission networks of other countries too.
The Impact of Sarbanes–Oxley and Dodd–Frank Legislation on Loan Loss Provisioning in US Banks
Authors: McKee Gregory , Kagan Albert
Published: October 2020

The Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 and the 2010 Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (DFA) were passed to address weaknesses in the internal control environment of the firm. Elements of these Acts reduce risky behavior of financial institutions by reducing informational asymmetry with borrowers. An important element of managing earnings quality in financial institutions is the loss provision, an annual expense set aside for uncollected loan and lease payments. These Acts affect the selection of loss provision expense levels in distinct ways. Using a dataset of community bank financial information observed between 1998 and 2017, it is shown that banks experience a complementary effect between SOX and DFA on loss provision expenses. Improved governance procedures to establish policy responses to nonperforming loans result in reduced expenses, whereas reduced information asymmetry tends to enhance a moral hazard effect. These results show that incentives for firm growth, income, capital, and loan specialization under the SOX and DFA regulatory environments complicate the loan risk management process.
THE VALUE OF TREADMILL EXERCISE TEST PARAMETERS TO PREDICT THE MARATHON PERFORMANCE OF YOUNG AND MIDDLE-AGED RECREATIONAL ATHLETES IN CHINA
Authors: SHEN SONG-CUI , XU YING-JIA , FU WEN-XIA , LI YAN-JIE , HUANG JING-JUAN , CHEN LI-XIU , LI WEN-ZHAO , PAN YI-CHAO , LI RUO-GU , JU PENG-LIANG
Published: October 2020

Objectives: This study will evaluate the results of parameters measured during a treadmill exercise test to predict marathon performances. Methods: We studied 171 Chinese recreational athletes who participated in marathons or half-marathons (42.2[Formula: see text]k or 21.1[Formula: see text]k, respectively) between October 2016 and December 2017. The participants completed a survey that included questions about demographics and training, and they underwent a treadmill exercise test according to the Bruce protocol. The number of years in training, mean weekly hours of training, mean weekly training volume, and performance time in subsequent marathon events were recorded and analyzed in this study. Results: The total exercise times achieved on the treadmill test were significantly longer for men compared to women ([Formula: see text]). The performance times in the half-marathons were significantly shorter for men compared to women ([Formula: see text]). Training volume was the only independent predictor of total exercise time on the treadmill and performance time in marathons and half-marathons (all [Formula: see text]). The value of the total exercise time on the treadmill to predict performance times in half-marathons ([Formula: see text]) was superior to full marathons ([Formula: see text]) and significantly better in study subjects aged 30–39 years ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and 40–49 years ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) compared to study subjects aged 20–29 years and 50–59 years. The percentage of decrease in the maximal heart rate (MHR) at the end of one minute of recovery time was negatively correlated with performance times in marathons. Conclusions: The total exercise time achieved during an exhaustive treadmill exercise test and percentage of decrease in the MHR at the end of one minute of recovery time are accessible parameters that can help athletes manage their expectations and adjust their training plans. A large study that includes additional countries is needed to confirm the value of treadmill exercise test results for predicting marathon performance.
The Edradour Field, Block 206/4a, UK Atlantic Margin
Authors: Clark J. , Mazzuchelli D. , Rowlands M. , Jebara N. , Parry C.
Published: October 2020

The Edradour Field, located in Licence P1453 on Block 206/4a of the Faroe–Shetland Basin, was put on production in August 2017. It lies
c.
50 km NW of the Shetland Islands in a water depth of
c.
300 m, and consists of one subsea well that produces gas condensate from the Albian Black Sail Member of the Commodore Formation. It is part of a joint development scheme along with the Glenlivet Field that sees the commingled multiphase production transported to the Shetland Gas Plant via tieback to the pre-existing Laggan–Tormore flowlines. The Edradour single well development has reserves of 21 MMboe from a gas initially-in-place of 142 bcf. It is operated by Total E&P UK Ltd under the P1453 licence with Ineos E&P (UK) Ltd and SSE E&P UK Ltd as partners.
The Rubie Field, Block 15/28b, UK North Sea
Authors: Tegerdine Graham
Published: October 2020

The Rubie Field is located within the Outer Moray Firth in Block 15/28b, towards the eastern end of the Renee Ridge and 6 km east of the Renee Field. The block was awarded to a BNOC-operated group following the 7th Licensing Round in 1980. The 15/28b-4 discovery was drilled by Britoil in 1985, encountering hydrocarbons at two stratigraphic levels within the Paleocene Andrew Sandstone unit and Eocene Cromarty Sandstone Member reservoirs. No further appraisal was undertaken prior to a late 1997 Annex B submission for a joint Renee and Rubie Field development by new operator, Phillips Petroleum. The Rubie development plan comprised a single 6000 ft Andrew Sandstone horizontal producer which was completed in March 1999 and tested at an initial rate of 9700 bopd and 1.65 MMscfgd. Export of fluids was via a 6 km-long pipeline to the Renee Field manifold and then onwards to the host facility in the Ivanhoe–Rob Roy fields. Rubie was brought on stream on 29 May 1999. Abandonment was originally scheduled for end 2006, but field-life extension initiatives deferred cessation of production (COP) to March 2009. Cumulative Andrew Sandstone production at COP was 11.5 MMbbl and the oil recovery factor 50%, based on a final mapped oil-in-place of 23 MMbbl.
The Kilmar Field, Block 43/22a, UK North Sea
Authors: Milner P. A. , Whailing P. J. , Ridings J. , Gill J.
Published: October 2020

The Kilmar Field, part of the Tors complex (Kilmar and Garrow fields), was discovered in 1992 and is located on the northern margins of the Southern North Sea Basin. Gas is produced from Namurian sandstones, at a depth of 11 000 ft, from a 25 km
2
closure at the Base Permian level. The reservoir was deposited as a series of stacked channel sandstones in a fluvio-deltaic setting. Seismic imaging of intra-Carboniferous strata is limited, so mapping of individual bodies of sandstone is not achievable. The development philosophy has been to maximize the drilled lengths of specific reservoir units and to contact multiple sandstone bodies by drilling long, high-angle, multi-bore production wells. The sandstones are of low to medium porosity and permeability, supplemented by connection through a fracture network. At project sanction in 2005, the combined gas-in-place resource in Kilmar was estimated to be 311 bcf and a total of 75 bcf gas recovery from three wells was forecast. Cumulative gas production to date is 69 bcf. Whilst the gas-in-place has changed little, the distribution has changed between segments. The recovery factor for the field is 24%. Infill drilling opportunities have been identified but are gas price dependent.
The Jasmine Field, Blocks 30/06 and 30/07a, UK North Sea
Authors: Lawrence H. M. , Armstrong L. E. , Ashton K. , Jones A. D. , Mearns I. E.
Published: October 2020

The high-pressure–high-temperature Jasmine Field lies 270 km east of Aberdeen in the UK Central North Sea and forms part of Chrysaor’s J-Area. Hydrocarbons were discovered at Jasmine in 2006, in Middle–Late Triassic fluvial sandstones of the Joanne Sandstone Member of the Skagerrak Formation. Appraisal proved a greater than 2000 ft hydrocarbon column and, in 2010, the Jasmine Field development was sanctioned. Five development wells were pre-drilled between 2010 and 2013, and the field was brought on line in November 2013, after which one further appraisal and three additional production wells were drilled. Jasmine infrastructure comprises an accommodation platform and a wellhead platform tied back to a riser platform adjacent to the Judy processing and export facility.

Rapid early pressure depletion, a highly layered fluvial reservoir, structural complexity and variable fluid types present significant challenges for both static and dynamic modelling. Following production start-up, acquisition of new post-production reservoir pressure and flow data, and incorporation of allocated well production data, have been used to address these modelling challenges, and to provide encouragement for future infill and near-field exploration drilling opportunities.
The Humbly Grove, Herriard and Hester's Copse fields, UK Onshore
Authors: Gluyas J. G. , De-Paola N. , Imber J. , Jezierski T. M. , Jones R. R. , Jordan P. , McCaffrey K. J. W. , Nielsen S. , Pongthunya P. , Satterley A. , Sowter A. , Wilkinson M. , Moors A.
Published: October 2020

The Humbly Grove Field has, for the UK, a unique development history. It was discovered as an oilfield in May 1980 and produced as an oilfield until 2000 along with small satellite fields Herriard (developed) and Hester's Copse (not developed). Peak production of 2219 bopd was achieved during July 1986 but, by October 1988, the rate had fallen to around 1000 bopd, a rate that was more or less maintained until October 1995 after which the production fell rapidly. At this point the decision was taken to reconfigure the field as a gas storage facility. Significant renewed pressure depletion occurred between 2000 and 2005, following which first cushion and then storage gas was injected into two reservoirs: the Middle Jurassic, Great Oolite Group and the uppermost Triassic, Rhaetian Westbury Formation. Gas storage operations commenced in 2005 and the reservoirs have undergone cyclical gas injection and gas withdrawal since that date. The cyclical injection of gas and re-pressuring of the Great Oolite reservoir causes mobile oil to be swept towards dedicated oil production wells. This operates effectively as an enhanced oil recovery scheme. The co-produced liquid hydrocarbons provide a valuable secondary income stream for the field.
The Stella Field, Block 30/6a, UK North Sea
Authors: Wright Simon , Bramald James , Brett David , Dingwall Scott , Horsburgh John , Ritchie Angus
Published: October 2020

The Stella Field is located in UKCS Block 30/6a,
c.
230 km SE of Aberdeen. Stella Field is a four-way, dip-closed and salt-cored dome with a 600 ft gas-condensate column underlain by a 250 ft oil column within the 5–30 ft thick Paleocene Andrew Sandstone Member. Oil is also present in the underlying chalk reservoirs of the Danian Ekofisk and Maastrichtian Tor formations. Following the discovery of the field in 1979 there have been three phases of appraisal followed by the recent development, with first oil in February 2017.

The field development has been challenging as the 38-year gap between discovery and first oil illustrates. Principal challenges have included structural undulations and radial faulting combined with a thin primary reservoir, variation in hydrocarbon, compartmentalization and depletion relating to producing fields. These issues have been reviewed following the latest drilling results and ideas on the petroleum geology updated.

Block 30/6a, containing the Stella Field, was originally awarded to Shell/Esso in the first Licensing Round in 1964 as part of multi-block licence P011. The current Stella P.011 licence holders are Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited (operator) with 54.66%, Dyas UK Limited with 25.34% and Petrofac GSA Limited with 20%.
The Hewett Field, Blocks 48/28a, 48/29a, 48/30a, 52/4a and 52/5a, UK North Sea
Authors: Hook J. A.
Published: October 2020

The Hewett Field has been in production for some 50 years. Unusually for a Southern North Sea field in the UK Sector, there has been production from several different reservoirs and almost entirely from intervals younger than the principal Leman Sandstone Formation (LSF) reservoir in the basin. Some of these reservoirs are particular to the Hewett area. This reflects the location of the field at the basin margin bound by the Dowsing Fault Zone, which has influenced structural evolution, deposition and the migration of hydrocarbons. The principal reservoirs are the Permo-Triassic Hewett Sandstone (Lower Bunter), Triassic Bunter Sandstone Formation (BSF) (Upper Bunter) and Permian Zechsteinkalk Formation. There has also been minor production from the Permian Plattendolomit Formation and the LSF. Sour gas is present in the BSF only. Several phases of field development are recognized, ultimately comprising three wellhead platforms with production from 35 wells. Gas is exported onshore to Bacton, where the sour gas was also processed. Peak production was in 1976 and
c.
3.5 tcf of gas has been recovered. Hewett has also provided the hub for six satellite fields which have produced a further 0.9 tcf of gas. It is expected that the asset will cease production in 2020.
The Hewett Field satellites: Big Dotty, Little Dotty, Deborah, Della, Dawn and Delilah, Blocks 48/29a, 48/30a, UK North Sea
Authors: Hook J. A.
Published: October 2020

Six satellite fields have been developed through the Hewett Field facilities: Big Dotty, Little Dotty, Deborah, Della, Dawn and Delilah. Little Dotty has produced from both the Leman Sandstone Formation (LSF) and Bunter Sandstone Formation (BSF) whilst the other satellites are exclusively LSF developments. The LSF reservoir quality exhibits a marked contrast across the Dowsing Fault Zone, which separates the inboard satellites to the SW from the outboard satellites to the NE. The inboard satellites, Big Dotty, Little Dotty and Dawn, display the best reservoir quality, reflecting their lesser depth of maximum burial. These fields share a strong aquifer, exhibited a rapid water-cut development and are now shut-in. The greater depth of maximum burial experienced by the outboard satellites, Deborah, Della and Delilah, is reflected in poorer reservoir quality along with weaker aquifers that are also more compartmentalized. These remain in production and will achieve higher recovery factors. Big Dotty was developed from a wellhead platform whereas the other fields were developed as subsea tie-backs. Collectively, these satellite fields have produced some 0.9 tcf of gas, playing an important strategic role in offsetting the production decline in the Hewett Field and extending the life of the asset.
User Concerns & Tradeoffs in Technology-facilitated COVID-19 Response
Authors: Redmiles Elissa M.
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world in late 2019 and early 2020. As the pandemic spread, technologists joined forces with public health officials to develop apps to support COVID-19 response. Yet, for these technological solutions to benefit public health, users must be willing to adopt these apps. This article details a framework of inputs to a user’s decision to adopt a COVID-19 contact-tracing app or other COVID-19 technology along four major axes: technology benefits, solution accuracy, privacy considerations, and mobile-related costs. This framework is empirically validated via both the literature and a demographically-representative survey of 1,000 Americans.
Responsible, Automated Data Gathering for Timely Citizen Dashboard Provision During a Global Pandemic (COVID-19)
Authors: Röddiger Tobias , Beigl Michael , Dörner Dominik , Budde Matthias
Published: October 2020

Creating a public understanding of the dynamics of a pandemic, such as COVID-19, is vital for introducing restrictive regulations. Gathering diverse data responsibly and sharing it with experts and citizens in a timely manner is challenging. This article reviews methodologies of COVID-19 dashboard design and discusses both technical and non-technical challenges associated. Advice and lessons learned from building a citizen-focused, automated county-precision dashboard for Germany are shared. Within four months, the web-based tool had 5 million unique visitors and 70 million sessions. Three developers set up the basic version in less than one week. Early on, data was screen scraped. An iterative process improved timeliness by adding more fine-grained data sources. A collaborative online table editor enabled near real-time corrections. Alerting was setup for errors, and statistics apply for sanity checking. Static site generation and a content delivery network help to serve large user loads in a timely manner. The flexible design allowed to iteratively integrate more complex statistics based on expert knowledge built on top of the collected data and secondary data sources such as ICU beds and citizen movement.
Using Demographic Pattern Analysis to Predict COVID-19 Fatalities on the US County Level
Authors: Mueller Klaus , Papenhausen Eric
Published: October 2020

Unlike pandemics in the past, COVID-19 has hit us in the midst of the information age. We have built vast capabilities to collect and store data of any kind that can be analyzed in myriad ways to help us mitigate the impact of this catastrophic disease. Specifically for COVID-19, data analysis can help local governments to plan the allocation of testing kits, testing stations, and primary care units, and it can help them in setting guidelines for residents, such as the need for social distancing, the use of face masks, and when to open local businesses that enable human contact. Further, it can also lead to a better understanding of pandemics in general and so inform policy makers on the regional and national level. All of this can save both cost and lives. In this article, we show the results of an ongoing study we conducted using a prominent regularly updated dataset. We used a pattern mining engine we developed to find specific characteristics of US counties that appear to expose them to higher COVID-19 mortality. Furthermore, we also show that these characteristics can be used to predict future COVID-19 mortality.
Projecting the Short-Term Trend of COVID-19 in Iraq
Authors: Aldeer Murtadha , Hilli Ahmed Al , Ismail Issam S.
Published: October 2020

The novel coronavirus that causes the now well-known COVID-19 illness has affected the whole world as the number of daily reported cases has exceeded 250,000. The spread trend of the virus across the globe has varied from one country to another, mainly because of each government’s response. In this article, we discuss the statistics of the cases in Iraq and provide a projection model based on the current situation and government interventions. Using daily reported cases data from February 24, 2020--July 31, 2020, we report 6-week-ahead projections of daily cases, critical cases, and deaths. Specifically, we propose a simple machine learning-based model based on Gaussian Process regression to project the future trend of COVID-19 in Iraq. This work aims to aid the Iraqi government by providing a statistical tool to provide future estimates of the suspected and death cases resulting from COVID-19 and make strategic decisions.