bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECCO Position Paper: Harmonization of the Approach to Ulcerative Colitis Histopathology
Authors: Magro Fernando , Doherty Glen , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Svrcek Magali , Borralho Paula , Walsh Alissa , Carneiro Fatima , Rosini Francesca , de Hertogh Gert , Biedermann Luc , Pouillon Lieven , Scharl Michael , Tripathi Monika , Danese Silvio , Villanacci Vincenzo , Feakins Roger
Published: June 2020

Currently, the main targets of drug therapy for ulcerative colitis [UC] are endoscopic and clinical remission. However, there is active discussion about the additional advantages of including histological remission as a target. Accumulating evidence indicates that microscopic activity persists in endoscopically quiescent UC, that histological changes may lag behind clinical remission after treatment, and that absence of histological activity predicts lower rates of relapse, hospitalization, surgery and subsequent neoplasia.

Obtaining useful information from mucosal biopsies in this setting depends on accurate and consistent evaluation of histological features. However, there is no standardization of biopsy procedures, histological sample processing technique or histological scoring systems, and there is no agreement on the definitions of histological remission, response or activity. Accordingly, a consensus expert panel convened by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] reviewed the literature and agreed a number of position statements regarding harmonization of UC histopathology. The objective was to provide evidence-based guidance for the standardization and harmonization of procedures, definitions and scoring systems for histology in UC, and to reach expert consensus where possible.

We propose the absence of intraepithelial neutrophils, erosion and ulceration as a minimum requirement for the definition of histological remission. For randomized control trials we recommend the use of the Robarts histopathology index [RHI] or the Nancy index [NI]. For observational studies or in clinical practice we recommend the use of the NI. To predict the risk of future neoplasia in UC, cumulative histological scores over time are more useful than single scores.
Two-way exclusion restrictions in models with heterogeneous treatment
effects
Authors: Liu Shenglong , Mourifié Ismael , Wan Yuanyuan
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we propose a novel method to identify the conditional average treatment effect partial derivative (CATE-PD) in an environment in which the treatment is endogenous, the treatment effect is heterogeneous, the candidate 'instrumental variables' can be correlated with latent errors, and the treatment selection does not need to be (weakly) monotone. We show that CATE-PD is point-identified under mild conditions if two-way exclusion restrictions exist: (a) an outcome-exclusive variable, which affects the treatment but is excluded from the potential outcome equation, and (b) a treatment-exclusive variable, which affects the potential outcome but is excluded from the selection equation. We also propose an asymptotically normal two-step estimator and illustrate our method by investigating how the return to education varies across regions at different levels of development in China.
A novel PCR-clamping assay reducing plant host DNA amplification significantly improves prokaryotic endo-microbiome community characterization
Authors: Lefèvre Emilie , Gardner Courtney M , Gunsch Claudia K
Published: June 2020

Due to the sequence homology between the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and plant chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA, the taxonomic characterization of plant microbiome using amplicon-based high throughput sequencing often results in the overwhelming presence of plant-affiliated reads, preventing the thorough description of plant-associated microbial communities. In this work we developed a PCR blocking primer assay targeting the taxonomically informative V5-V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene in order to reduce plant DNA co-amplification, and increase diversity coverage of associated prokaryotic communities. Evaluation of our assay on the characterization of the prokaryotic endophytic communities of Zea mays, Pinus taeda and Spartina alternifora leaves led to significantly reducing the proportion of plant reads, yielded 20 times more prokaryotic reads and tripled the number of detected OTUs compared to a commonly used V5-V6 PCR protocol. To expand the application of our PCR-clamping assay across a wider taxonomic spectrum of plant hosts, we additionally provide an alignment of chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA sequences encompassing more than 200 terrestrial plant families as a supporting tool for customizing our blocking primers.
Y-Chromosome Variation in Southern African Khoe-San Populations Based on Whole-Genome Sequences
Authors: Naidoo Thijessen , Xu Jingzi , Vicente Mário , Malmström Helena , Soodyall Himla , Jakobsson Mattias , Schlebusch Carina M
Published: June 2020

Although the human Y chromosome has effectively shown utility in uncovering facets of human evolution and population histories, the ascertainment bias present in early Y-chromosome variant data sets limited the accuracy of diversity and TMRCA estimates obtained from them. The advent of next-generation sequencing, however, has removed this bias and allowed for the discovery of thousands of new variants for use in improving the Y-chromosome phylogeny and computing estimates that are more accurate. Here, we describe the high-coverage sequencing of the whole Y chromosome in a data set of 19 male Khoe-San individuals in comparison with existing whole Y-chromosome sequence data. Due to the increased resolution, we potentially resolve the source of haplogroup B-P70 in the Khoe-San, and reconcile recently published haplogroup A-M51 data with the most recent version of the ISOGG Y-chromosome phylogeny. Our results also improve the positioning of tentatively placed new branches of the ISOGG Y-chromosome phylogeny. The distribution of major Y-chromosome haplogroups in the Khoe-San and other African groups coincide with the emerging picture of African demographic history; with E-M2 linked to the agriculturalist Bantu expansion, E-M35 linked to pastoralist eastern African migrations, B-M112 linked to earlier east-south gene flow, A-M14 linked to shared ancestry with central African rainforest hunter-gatherers, and A-M51 potentially unique to the Khoe-San.
Implementation of physical education policies in elementary and middle schools in Mexico
Authors: G.-Olvera Armando , Pacheco-Miranda Selene , Orozco Núñez Emanuel , Aguilar-Farias Nicolás , López Fernández Iván , Jáuregui Alejandra
Published: June 2020

School-based physical education (PE) is part of a whole-of-school approach to promote physical activity and its benefits for health. However, there are important gaps between the design and implementation of PE policies. This study aimed to describe the implementation fidelity and feasibility of school-based PE policies in Mexico. Data on implementation fidelity and feasibility was collected using semi-structured interviews (n = 17) and focus groups (n = 11) with high- (n = 7) and local-level (n = 122) stakeholders. We conducted a qualitative and triangulation content analysis. Feedback sessions were carried out with some participants. Barriers for implementation fidelity and feasibility of PE policies included inconsistencies in the time allocated to PE across schools and regions in the country; inconsistencies between teachers’ planning of PE classes and the actual class; a wide diversity of professional profiles among PE teachers; a limited number of PE professors, materials and facilities. To address these situations, some PE teachers were able to modify lesson plans and to design PE materials made from recycled materials. In conclusion, the current way in which school-based PE policies are being implemented in Mexico hinder PE from playing a major role in promoting physical activity among children and adolescents.
The effect of maternal antibiotic use in sows on intestinal development in offspring
Authors: de Greeff Astrid , Schokker Dirkjan , Roubos-van den Hil Petra , Ramaekers Peter , Vastenhouw Stephanie A , Harders Frank , Bossers Alex , Smits Mari A , Rebel Johanna M J
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a maternal antibiotic administration during the last week of gestation on the early life intestinal development in neonatal piglets. Colonization of the gut with bacteria starts during birth and plays a major role in the intestinal and immunological development of the intestine. We demonstrate that maternal interventions induced changes in the sows (n = 6 to 8 per treatment) fecal microbiota diversity around birth (P < 0.001, day 1). Whole-genome microarray analysis in small intestinal samples of 1-d old piglets (n = 6 to 8 per treatment) showed significantly expressed genes (Padj < 0.05) which were involved in processes of tight junction formation and immunoglobulin production. Furthermore, when performing morphometry analysis, the number of goblet cells in jejunum was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in piglets from amoxicillin administered sows compared with the respective control piglets. Both significantly expressed genes (Padj < 0.05) and significant morphometry data (jejunum P < 0.05 and ileum P < 0.01) indicate that the crypts of piglets from amoxicillin administered sows deepen around weaning (day 26) as an effect of the amoxicillin administration in sows. The latter might imply that the intestinal development of piglets was delayed by maternal antibiotic administration. Taken together, these results show that maternally oral antibiotic administration changes in early life can affect intestinal development of the offspring piglets for a period of at least 5 wk after the maternal antibiotic administration was finished. These results show that modulation of the neonatal intestine is possible by maternal interventions.
The Epidemiology of Burn Injuries in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Almarghoub Mohammed A , Alotaibi Ahmed S , Alyamani Anas , Alfaqeeh Faisal A , Almehaid Faisal F , Al-Qattan Mohammad M , Kattan Abdullah E
Published: June 2020

Burns are potentially catastrophic injuries that disproportionately affect non-Western countries. We summarize results on the epidemiology of burn injuries in Saudi Arabia of all eligible papers through 2019, specifically evaluating the age and gender of patients, the location and mechanism of injury, burn size and severity, and outcomes. Between July 5 and July 10, 2019, a comprehensive literature review was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. For this search, “Saudi Arabia,” coupled with the search terms “burn,” “thermal burn,” “flame burn,” “chemical burn,” “electrical burn,” and “contact burn” to identify all abstracts potentially relating to the topic of interest. Eleven studies, encompassing 3308 patients, met eligibility criteria. Younger children (variably defined as ≤10–12) accounted for 52% of all burns. Males outnumbered females by an overall ratio of 1.42:1. About 83% of burns occurred at homes. Scald injuries accounted for 62.4% of injuries, followed by flame-induced burns (28.7%), electrical burns (3.3%), and chemical burns (2.8%). Pertaining to burn extent and severity, 80% to 100% of the burns were limited to <40% total body surface area, while roughly 60% were second-degree burns. Most patients remain in the hospital for 1 to 4 weeks. The overall mortality across studies including patients of all ages was 6.9%, while just 0.76% in the two studies restricted to pediatric patients. Scald injuries involving young children comprise the lion’s share of burn injuries in Saudi Arabia. Increased public awareness is necessary to reduce the incidence and severity of these potentially catastrophic injuries.
User interface for in-vehicle systems with on-wheel finger spreading gestures and head-up displays
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Yoon Se-One
Published: June 2020

Interacting with an in-vehicle system through a central console is known to induce visual and biomechanical distractions, thereby delaying the danger recognition and response times of the driver and significantly increasing the risk of an accident. To address this problem, various hand gestures have been developed. Although such gestures can reduce visual demand, they are limited in number, lack passive feedback, and can be vague and imprecise, difficult to understand and remember, and culture-bound. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel on-wheel finger spreading gestural interface combined with a head-up display (HUD) allowing the user to choose a menu displayed in the HUD with a gesture. This interface displays audio and air conditioning functions on the central console of a HUD and enables their control using a specific number of fingers while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. We compared the effectiveness of the newly proposed hybrid interface against a traditional tactile interface for a central console using objective measurements and subjective evaluations regarding both the vehicle and driver behaviour. A total of 32 subjects were recruited to conduct experiments on a driving simulator equipped with the proposed interface under various scenarios. The results showed that the proposed interface was approximately 20% faster in emergency response than the traditional interface, whereas its performance in maintaining vehicle speed and lane was not significantly different from that of the traditional one.
Familism, Self-Esteem, and Weight-Specific Quality of Life Among Latinx Adolescents With Obesity
Authors: Arévalo Avalos Marvyn R , Ayers Stephanie L , Patrick Donald L , Jager Justin , Castro Felipe González , Konopken Yolanda P , Olson Micah L , Keller Colleen S , Soltero Erica G , Williams Allison N , Shaibi Gabriel Q
Published: June 2020

Objective

Obesity is a critical public health condition affecting Latinx adolescents and contributes to health disparities across the lifespan. Childhood and adolescent obesity is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and decreased self-esteem. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of cultural (e.g., familism) and psychosocial (e.g., self-esteem) factors as predictors of weight-specific QoL among Latinx adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Baseline data from 160 Latinx adolescents (ages 14–16 years) with obesity (BMI > 95th percentile for age and sex) who were recruited for a diabetes prevention intervention were used. Structural equation modeling tested the relationships between four latent constructs (familism, positive self-esteem, self-deprecation, and weight-specific QoL).

Results

The model tested paths from familism to positive self-esteem, self-deprecation, and weight-specific QoL, and paths from positive self-esteem and self-deprecation to weight-specific QoL. Higher familism was positively associated with positive self-esteem but not self-deprecation. In turn, positive self-esteem was positively associated with higher weight-specific QoL, whereas self-deprecation was negatively associated. Furthermore, there was an indirect effect of familism on QoL via positive self-esteem.

Conclusions

These data shed light into specific cultural and psychosocial constructs that influence QoL among Latinx adolescents with obesity. This study suggests that familism and positive self-esteem can operate as protective factors associated with higher weight-specific QoL in Latinx adolescents with obesity; whereas self-deprecation may operate as a risk factor for lower weight-specific QoL.
Coagulopathy in COVID-19 infection: a case of acute upper limb ischemia
Authors: Galanis Nikiforos , Stavraka Chara , Agathangelidis Filon , Petsatodis Evangelos , Giankoulof Christos , Givissis Panagiotis
Published: June 2020

Coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis have been recently identified as sequelae of severe infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report a case of severe coagulopathy manifesting with right upper limb arterial and deep vein thrombosis in an 80-year-old male patient with severe COVID-19 associated pneumonia. He clinically deteriorated and received care in the intensive care unit where he was intubated. At that point, his coagulation laboratory tests were deranged, and he eventually developed dry gangrene in his right thumb and index finger, as well as a deep venous thromboembolism in his right axillary vein. Despite receiving treatment dose anticoagulation and undergoing arterial embolectomy, revascularization was unsuccessful. Amputation of the right arm at the level of the elbow was considered, but the patient died from respiratory failure.
Duodenal perforation after percutaneous fluid drainage, a rare event: a case report
Authors: Moyón Miguel A , Molina Gabriel A , Crisanto Braulio Aaron , Moyón F Xavier , Cárdenas Andrés , Buenaño Ricardo A , Gallegos Santiago E , Espinoza Sindy Mishel
Published: June 2020

Duodenal perforations can be caused by surgical instruments during operations. These injuries can go initially unnoticed and lead to problematic complications. While uncommon, bowel perforation after percutaneous fluid drainage can severely impact the patient’s outcome. These can occur from equipment used for image-guided percutaneous drainage, a technique that has changed the way surgeons handle postoperative fluid collections and has become daily practice. Prompt recognition and timely treatment of these types of complications can minimize the consequences of this dreaded scenario. We present the case of a 29-year-old male, for whom an intra-abdominal collection was detected after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CT-guided percutaneous drainage was performed, during which the catheter inadvertently punctured the duodenum. Surgical consultation was required and, since the patient remained asymptomatic, conservative management of the duodenal perforation was accomplished without complications. On follow-ups, the patient is doing well.
An outbreak of blister beetle dermatitis in travellers
Authors: Gobbi Federico , Buonfrate Dora , Riccardi Niccolò , Moro Lucia , Angheben Andrea
Published: June 2020

We report an outbreak of Paederus dermatitis in tourists from Zanzibar. This is characterized by linear and round skin lesions with burning and itching sensation, caused by the toxin pederin released by beetles. Contact with beetle very often goes unnoticed. Rarely observed in travellers, Paederus dermatitis is easily misdiagnosed.
Illuminating a tadpole’s metamorphosis II: observing the ongoing transformation with ALMA
Authors: Reiter Megan , Guzmán Andrés E , Haworth Thomas J , Klaassen Pamela D , McLeod Anna F , Garay Guido , Mottram Joseph C
Published: June 2020

We present new Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations of the tadpole, a small globule in the Carina Nebula that hosts the HH 900 jet+outflow system. Our data include 12CO, 13CO, C18O J=2–1, 13CO, C18O J=3–2, and serendipitous detections of DCN J=3–2 and CS J=7–6. With angular resolution comparable to the Hubble Space Telescope, our data reveal for the first time the bipolar molecular outflow in CO, seen only inside the globule, that is launched from the previously unseen jet-driving protostar (the HH 900 YSO). The biconical morphology joins smoothly with the externally irradiated outflow seen in ionized gas tracers outside the globule, tracing the overall morphology of a jet-driven molecular outflow. Continuum emission at the location of the HH 900 YSO appears to be slightly flattened perpendicular to outflow axis. Model fits to the continuum have a best-fitting spectral index of ∼2, suggesting cold dust and the onset of grain growth. In position–velocity space, 13CO and C18O gas kinematics trace a C-shaped morphology, similar to infall profiles seen in other sources, although the global dynamical behaviour of the gas remains unclear. Line profiles of the CO isotopologues display features consistent with externally heated gas. We estimate a globule mass of ∼1.9 M⊙, indicating a remaining lifetime of ∼4 Myr, assuming a constant photoevaporation rate. This long globule lifetime will shield the disc from external irradiation perhaps prolonging its life and enabling planet formation in regions where discs are typically rapidly destroyed.
Neptune’s ring arcs confined by coorbital satellites: dust orbital evolution through solar radiation
Authors: Giuliatti Winter S M , Madeira G , Sfair R
Published: June 2020

Here, we report the results of a set of numerical simulations of the system formed by Neptune, Galatea, dust ring particles, and hypothetical co-orbital satellites. This dynamical system depicts a recent confinement mechanism formed by four co-orbital satellites being responsible for the azimuthal confinement of the arcs. After the numerical simulations, the particles were divided into four groups: particles that stay in the arcs, transient particles, particles that leave the arcs, and particles that collide with the co-orbital satellites. Our results showed that the lifetime of the smaller particles is 50 yr at most. After 100 yr, about $20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the total amount of larger particles are still present in the arcs. From our numerical simulations, the particles should be present in all arcs after 30 yr. Analysis of the dust production ruled out the hypothesis that small satellites close to or in the arc structure could be its source.
Primordial magnetic fields during the cosmic dawn in light of EDGES 21-cm signal
Authors: Bera Ankita , Datta Kanan K , Samui Saumyadip
Published: June 2020

We study prospects of constraining the primordial magnetic field (PMF) and its evolution during the dark ages and cosmic dawn in light of EDGES 21-cm signal. Our analysis has been carried out on a ‘colder IGM’ background which is one of the promising avenues to interpret the EDGES signal. We consider the dark matter-baryon interactions for the excess cooling. We find that the colder IGM suppresses both the residual free electron fraction and the coupling coefficient between the ionized and neutral components. The Compton heating also gets affected in colder IGM background. Consequently, the IGM heating rate due to the PMF enhances compared to the standard scenario. Thus, a significant fraction of the magnetic energy, for $B_0 \lesssim 0.5 \, {\rm nG}$, gets transferred to the IGM and the magnetic field decays at much faster rate compared to the simple (1 + z)2 scaling during the dark ages and cosmic dawn. This low PMF is an unlikely candidate for explaining the rise of the EDGES absorption signal at lower redshift. We also see that the PMF and DM-baryon interaction together introduces a plateau like feature in the redshift evolution of the IGM temperature. We find that the upper limit on the PMF depends on the underlying DM-baryon interaction. Higher PMF can be allowed when the interaction cross-section is higher and/or the DM particle mass is lower. Our study shows that the PMF with B0 up to ${\sim}0.4 \, {\rm nG}$, which is ruled out in the standard model, can be allowed if DM-baryon interaction with suitable cross-section and DM mass are considered.
General relativistic hydrodynamics on a moving-mesh I: static space–times
Authors: Chang Philip , Etienne Zachariah B
Published: June 2020

We present the moving-mesh general relativistic hydrodynamics solver for static space–times as implemented in the code, MANGA. Our implementation builds on the architectures of MANGA and the numerical relativity python package NRPy+. We review the general algorithm to solve these equations and, in particular, detail the time-stepping; Riemann solution across moving faces; conversion between primitive and conservative variables; validation and correction of hydrodynamic variables; and mapping of the metric to a Voronoi moving-mesh grid. We present test results for the numerical integration of an unmagnetized Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff star for 24 dynamical times. We demonstrate that at a resolution of 106 mesh generating points, the star is stable and its central density drifts downwards by 2 per cent over this time-scale. At a lower resolution, the central density drift increases in a manner consistent with the adopted second-order spatial reconstruction scheme. These results agree well with the exact solutions, and we find the error behaviour to be similar to Eulerian codes with second-order spatial reconstruction. We also demonstrate that the new code recovers the fundamental mode frequency for the same TOV star but with its initial pressure depleted by 10 per cent.
High-redshift long gamma-ray bursts Hubble diagram as a test of basic cosmological relations
Authors: Shirokov S I , Sokolov I V , Lovyagin N Yu , Amati L , Baryshev Yu V , Sokolov V V , Gorokhov V L
Published: June 2020

We examine the prospects of the high-redshift long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) Hubble diagram as a test of the basic cosmological principles. Analysis of the Hubble diagram allows us to test several fundamental cosmological principles using the directly observed flux–distance–redshift relation. Modern LGRBs data together with the correlation between the spectral peak energy and the isotropic equivalent radiated energy (the so-called Amati relation) can be used for construction of the Hubble diagram at the model-independent level. We emphasize observational selection effects, which inevitably exist and distort the theoretically predicted relations. An example is the weak and strong gravitational lensing bias effect for high-redshift LGRB in the presence of limited observational sensitivity (Malmquist bias). After bias correction, there is a tendency to vacuum-dominated models with $\Omega _\Lambda \rightarrow 0.9$, Ωm → 0.1. Forthcoming gamma-ray observations by the Transient High-Energy Sky and Early Universe Surveyor (THESEUS) space mission together with ground- and space-based multimessenger facilities will allow us to improve essentially the restrictions on alternative basic principles of cosmological models.
H0LiCOW – XIII. A 2.4 per cent measurement of H0 from lensed quasars: 5.3σ tension between early- and late-Universe probes
Authors: Wong Kenneth C , Suyu Sherry H , Chen Geoff C-F , Rusu Cristian E , Millon Martin , Sluse Dominique , Bonvin Vivien , Fassnacht Christopher D , Taubenberger Stefan , Auger Matthew W , Birrer Simon , Chan James H H , Courbin Frederic , Hilbert Stefan , Tihhonova Olga , Treu Tommaso , Agnello Adriano , Ding Xuheng , Jee Inh , Komatsu Eiichiro , Shajib Anowar J , Sonnenfeld Alessandro , Blandford Roger D , Koopmans Léon V E , Marshall Philip J , Meylan Georges
Published: June 2020

We present a measurement of the Hubble constant (H0) and other cosmological parameters from a joint analysis of six gravitationally lensed quasars with measured time delays. All lenses except the first are analysed blindly with respect to the cosmological parameters. In a flat Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmology, we find $H_{0} = 73.3_{-1.8}^{+1.7}~\mathrm{km~s^{-1}~Mpc^{-1}}$, a $2.4{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ precision measurement, in agreement with local measurements of H0 from type Ia supernovae calibrated by the distance ladder, but in 3.1σ tension with Planck observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). This method is completely independent of both the supernovae and CMB analyses. A combination of time-delay cosmography and the distance ladder results is in 5.3σ tension with Planck CMB determinations of H0 in flat ΛCDM. We compute Bayes factors to verify that all lenses give statistically consistent results, showing that we are not underestimating our uncertainties and are able to control our systematics. We explore extensions to flat ΛCDM using constraints from time-delay cosmography alone, as well as combinations with other cosmological probes, including CMB observations from Planck, baryon acoustic oscillations, and type Ia supernovae. Time-delay cosmography improves the precision of the other probes, demonstrating the strong complementarity. Allowing for spatial curvature does not resolve the tension with Planck. Using the distance constraints from time-delay cosmography to anchor the type Ia supernova distance scale, we reduce the sensitivity of our H0 inference to cosmological model assumptions. For six different cosmological models, our combined inference on H0 ranges from ∼73 to 78 km s−1 Mpc−1, which is consistent with the local distance ladder constraints.
Unusually powerful flare activity of the H2O maser feature near a velocity of −60 km s−1 in W49N
Authors: Volvach A E , Volvach L N , Larionov M G
Published: June 2020

Water maser monitoring observations of W49N were carried out with the 22-m Simeiz radio telescope from 2017 May to 2020 February. A series of flares near a high-velocity spectral feature at −60 km s−1 was detected, including a very short duration flare (less than a month) that was very powerful (at its maximum, it reached a flux density of 77 kJy). This flare occurred on top of a less powerful, but longer-lasting flare. A correlation is revealed between the exponential growth of the flux density and the decrease in the linewidth, which is characteristic of the behaviour of a maser in an unsaturated state. In connection with flare phenomena in the framework of the model of close binary massive star systems (CMSSs), we consider the possibility of detecting gravitational waves from CMSSs in the regions of active star formation.
Positive Predictive Values of 2 Algorithms for Identifying Patients with Intravenous Drug Use–Associated Endocarditis Using Administrative Data
Authors: Kobayashi Takaaki , Beck Brice , Miller Aaron , Polgreen Philip , O’Shea Amy M J , Ohl Michael E
Published: June 2020

Background

Prior studies have used International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnosis codes in administrative data to identify patients with infective endocarditis (IE) associated with intravenous drug use (IVDU). Little is known about the accuracy of ICD codes for IVDU-IE.

Methods

We used 2 previously described algorithms to identify patients with potential IVDU-IE admitted to 125 Veterans Administration hospitals from January 2010 through December 2018. Algorithm A identified patients with concurrent ICD-9/10 codes for IE and drug use during the same admission. Algorithm B identified patients with drug use coded either during the IE admission or during outpatient or other visits within 6 months of admission. We reviewed 400 randomly selected patient charts to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of each algorithm for clinical documentation of IE, any drug use, IVDU, and IVDU-IE, respectively.

Results

Algorithm A identified 788 patients, and B identified 1314 patients, a 68% increase. PPVs were high for clinical documentation of diagnoses of IE (86.5% for A and 82.6% for B) and any drug use (99.0% and 96.3%). PPVs were lower for documented IVDU (74.5% and 64.1%) and combined diagnoses of IVDU-IE (65.0% and 55.2%), partly because of a lack of ICD codes specific to IVDU. Among patients identified by algorithm B but not A, 72% had clinical documentation of drug use during the IE admission, indicating a failure of algorithm A to capture cases due to incomplete recording of inpatient ICD codes for drug use.

Conclusions

There is need for improved algorithms for IVDU-IE surveillance during the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Proteasomal Degradation of Proteins Is Important for the Proper Transcriptional Response to Sulfur Deficiency Conditions in Plants
Authors: Wawrzyńska Anna , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: June 2020

Plants are continuously exposed to different abiotic and biotic stresses; therefore, to protect themselves, they depend on the fast reprogramming of large gene repertoires to prioritize the expression of a given stress-induced gene set over normal cellular household genes. The activity of the proteasome, a large proteolytic complex that degrades proteins, is vital to coordinate the expression of such genes. Proteins are labeled for degradation by the action of E3 ligases that site-specifically alter their substrates by adding chains of ubiquitin. Recent publications have revealed an extensive role of ubiquitination in the utilization of nutrients. This study presents the transcriptomic profiles of sulfur-deficient rosettes and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana rpt2a mutant with proteasomal malfunction. We found that genes connected with sulfur metabolism are regulated to the lesser extent in rpt2a mutant while genes encoding transfer RNAs and small nucleolar RNAs are highly upregulated. Several genes encoding E3 ligases are specifically regulated by sulfur deficiency. Furthermore, we show that a key transcription factor of sulfur deficiency response, Sulfur LIMitation1, undergoes proteasomal degradation and is able to interact with F-box protein, EBF1.
Molecular and Physiological Alterations in Chickpea under Elevated CO2 Concentrations
Authors: Palit Paramita , Ghosh Raju , Tolani Priya , Tarafdar Avijit , Chitikineni Annapurna , Bajaj Prasad , Sharma Mamta , Kudapa Himabindu , Varshney Rajeev K
Published: June 2020

The present study reports profiling of the elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration responsive global transcriptome in chickpea, along with a combinatorial approach for exploring interlinks between physiological and transcriptional changes, important for the climate change scenario. Various physiological parameters were recorded in two chickpea cultivars (JG 11 and KAK 2) grown in open top chambers under ambient [380 parts per million (ppm)] and two stressed/elevated CO2 concentrations (550 and 700 ppm), at different stages of plant growth. The elevated CO2 concentrations altered shoot and root length, nodulation (number of nodules), total chlorophyll content and nitrogen balance index, significantly. RNA-Seq from 12 tissues representing vegetative and reproductive growth stages of both cultivars under ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations identified 18,644 differentially expressed genes including 9,687 transcription factors (TF). The differential regulations in genes, gene networks and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) -derived expression dynamics of stress-responsive TFs were observed in both cultivars studied. A total of 138 pathways, mainly involved in sugar/starch metabolism, chlorophyll and secondary metabolites biosynthesis, deciphered the crosstalk operating behind the responses of chickpea to elevated CO2 concentration.
The Participation Dividend of Taxation: How Citizens in Congo Engage More with the State When it Tries to Tax Them*
Authors: Weigel Jonathan L
Published: June 2020

This article provides evidence from a fragile state that citizens demand more of a voice in the government when it tries to tax them. I examine a field experiment randomizing property tax collection across 356 neighborhoods of a large Congolese city. The tax campaign was the first time most citizens had been registered by the state or asked to pay formal taxes. It raised property tax compliance from 0.1% in control to 11.6% in treatment. It also increased political participation by about 5 percentage points (31%): citizens in taxed neighborhoods were more likely to attend town hall meetings hosted by the government or submit evaluations of its performance. To participate in these ways, the average citizen incurred costs equal to their daily household income, and treated citizens spent 43% more than control. Treated citizens also positively updated about the provincial government, perceiving more revenue, less leakage, and a greater responsibility to provide public goods. The results suggest that broadening the tax base has a “participation dividend,” a key idea in historical accounts of the emergence of inclusive governance in early modern Europe and a common justification for donor support of tax programs in weak states.
Common neural and transcriptional correlates of inhibitory control underlie emotion regulation and memory control
Authors: Liu Wei , Peeters Nancy , Fernández Guillén , Kohn Nils
Published: June 2020

Inhibitory control is crucial for regulating emotions and may also enable memory control. However, evidence for their shared neurobiological correlates is limited. Here, we report meta-analyses of neuroimaging studies on emotion regulation, or memory control and link neural commonalities to transcriptional commonalities using the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA). Based on 95 functional magnetic resonance imaging studies, we reveal a role of the right inferior parietal lobule embedded in a frontal–parietal–insular network during emotion regulation and memory control, which is similarly recruited during response inhibition. These co-activation patterns also overlap with the networks associated with ‘inhibition’, ‘cognitive control’ and ‘working memory’ when consulting the Neurosynth. Using the AHBA, we demonstrate that emotion regulation- and memory control-related brain activity patterns are associated with transcriptional profiles of a specific set of ‘inhibition-related’ genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of these ‘inhibition-related’ genes reveal associations with the neuronal transmission and risk for major psychiatric disorders as well as seizures and alcoholic dependence. In summary, this study identified a neural network and a set of genes associated with inhibitory control across emotion regulation and memory control. These findings facilitate our understanding of the neurobiological correlates of inhibitory control and may contribute to the development of brain stimulation and pharmacological interventions.
Expert-level automated sleep staging of long-term scalp electroencephalography recordings using deep learning
Authors: Abou Jaoude Maurice , Sun Haoqi , Pellerin Kyle R , Pavlova Milena , Sarkis Rani A , Cash Sydney S , Westover M Brandon , Lam Alice D
Published: June 2020

Study Objectives

Develop a high-performing, automated sleep scoring algorithm that can be applied to long-term scalp electroencephalography (EEG) recordings.

Methods

Using a clinical dataset of polysomnograms from 6,431 patients (MGH–PSG dataset), we trained a deep neural network to classify sleep stages based on scalp EEG data. The algorithm consists of a convolutional neural network for feature extraction, followed by a recurrent neural network that extracts temporal dependencies of sleep stages. The algorithm’s inputs are four scalp EEG bipolar channels (F3-C3, C3-O1, F4-C4, and C4-O2), which can be derived from any standard PSG or scalp EEG recording. We initially trained the algorithm on the MGH–PSG dataset and used transfer learning to fine-tune it on a dataset of long-term (24–72 h) scalp EEG recordings from 112 patients (scalpEEG dataset).

Results

The algorithm achieved a Cohen’s kappa of 0.74 on the MGH–PSG holdout testing set and cross-validated Cohen’s kappa of 0.78 after optimization on the scalpEEG dataset. The algorithm also performed well on two publicly available PSG datasets, demonstrating high generalizability. Performance on all datasets was comparable to the inter-rater agreement of human sleep staging experts (Cohen’s kappa ~ 0.75 ± 0.11). The algorithm’s performance on long-term scalp EEGs was robust over a wide age range and across common EEG background abnormalities.

Conclusion

We developed a deep learning algorithm that achieves human expert level sleep staging performance on long-term scalp EEG recordings. This algorithm, which we have made publicly available, greatly facilitates the use of large long-term EEG clinical datasets for sleep-related research.
An integrated review of automation and robotic technologies for structural prefabrication and construction
Authors: Chea Cheav Por , Bai Yu , Pan Xuebei , Arashpour Mehrdad , Xie Yunpeng
Published: June 2020

Building construction has developed from the use of primitive tools to that of machinery, with a tendency toward automation. Automation of processes and robotics can improve efficiency, accuracy and safety in construction. On the other hand, structural prefabrication for construction is increasingly being adopted worldwide to enhance productivity and to alleviate the environmental impact of conventional construction processes. The combination and application of automation and prefabrication technologies may therefore introduce new developments to the construction industry. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of automation technology for structural prefabrication and construction, including recent developments, challenges and future trends. Five stages following the sequence of construction are proposed: design, construction management, robotic manufacturing, autonomous transportation and automatic structural assembly. The paper concludes that the widespread use of automation technology is preferable to structural prefabrication for construction, and that the design for robotic construction introduced through connection innovations may be beneficial as a means of avoiding complex operations and thus improving the efficiency of robotic assembly processes.
A Novel Approach to the Design and Analysis of Field Experiments to Study Variation in the Tolerance and Resistance of Cultivars to Root Lesion Nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.)
Authors: Reeves Karyn L. , Forknall Clayton R. , Kelly Alison M. , Owen Kirsty J. , Fanning Joshua , Hollaway Grant J. , Loughman Robert
Published: June 2020

The root lesion nematode (RLN) species Pratylenchus thornei and P. neglectus are widely distributed within cropping regions of Australia and have been shown to limit grain production. Field experiments conducted to compare the performance of cultivars in the presence of RLNs investigate management options for growers by identifying cultivars with resistance, by limiting nematode reproduction, and tolerance, by yielding well in the presence of nematodes. A novel experimental design approach for RLN experiments is proposed where the observed RLN density, measured prior to sowing, is used to condition the randomization of cultivars to field plots. This approach ensured that all cultivars were exposed to consistent ranges of RLN in order to derive valid assessments of relative cultivar tolerance and resistance. Using data from a field experiment designed using the conditioned randomization approach and conducted in Formartin, Australia, the analysis of tolerance and resistance was undertaken in a linear mixed model framework. Yield response curves were derived using a random regression approach and curves modeling change in RLN densities between sowing and harvest were derived using splines to account for nonlinearity. Groups of cultivars sharing similar resistance levels could be identified. A comparison of slopes of yield response curves of cultivars belonging to the same resistance class identified differing tolerance levels for cultivars with equivalent exposures to both presowing and postharvest RLN densities. As such, the proposed design and analysis approach allowed tolerance to be assessed independently of resistance.
Will the Current COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Long-term Cannabis Buying Practices?
Authors: Groshkova Teodora , Stoian Tiberiu , Cunningham Andrew , Griffiths Paul , Singleton Nicola , Sedefov Roumen
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic and the response to have resulted in an increase in sales activity levels on darknet markets during the first 3 months of 2020, mainly related to cannabis products. One key question is whether more people will become used to this form of purchasing their drugs and will they continue with it post COVID-19 lockdown. As one-to-one encrypted communication services or social media apps are increasingly being used, monitoring and interdiction will become much more challenging.
Associations Among Sleep Disturbance, Pain Catastrophizing, and Pain Intensity for Methadone-maintained Patients With Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Pain
Authors: Ponce Martinez Caridad , Edwards Karlyn A. , Roos Corey R. , Beitel Mark , Eller Anthony , Barry Declan T.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

This study examined the cross-sectional associations among pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and sleep disturbance among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) and reporting co-occurring chronic pain.

Materials and Methods:

Participants were 89 individuals with OUD and chronic pain drawn from a larger cross-sectional study of 164 MMT patients who completed a battery of self-report measures. The authors conducted 6 mediation models to test all possible pathways (ie, each variable tested as an independent variable, mediator, or dependent variable).

Results:

The only significant mediation effect was an indirect effect of sleep disturbance on pain intensity through pain catastrophizing. That is, greater sleep disturbance was associated with greater pain catastrophizing, which in turn was associated with greater pain intensity.

Discussion:

Altogether, findings suggest that the sleep disturbance to pain catastrophizing to pain intensity pathway may be a key mechanistic pathway exacerbating pain issues among MMT patients with OUD and chronic pain. These results suggest that interventions targeting sleep disturbance may be warranted among MMT patients with OUD and chronic pain. Future work in this area with longitudinal data is warranted.
Awake Craniotomy Under 3-Tesla Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Retrospective Descriptive Report and Canadian Institutional Experience
Authors: Chowdhury Tumul , Zeiler Frederick A. , Singh Narinder , Gray Kristen D.R. , Qadri Ali , Beiko Jason , Cappellani Ronald B. , West Michael
Published: June 2020

Background:

The role of high-field 3-Tesla intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (I-MRI) during awake craniotomy (AC) has not been extensively studied. We report the feasibility and safety of AC during 3-Tesla I-MRI.

Methods:

This retrospective descriptive report compared 3 groups: AC with minimal sedation and I-MRI; I-MRI-guided craniotomy under general anesthesia (GA), and; AC without I-MRI. Perioperative factors, surgical, anesthetic and radiologic complications, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were recorded.

Results:

Overall, 85 patients are included in this report. Five of 23 patients (22%) who underwent AC with I-MRI had anesthetic complications (nausea/vomiting and conversion to GA) compared with 3 of 40 (8%) who underwent I-MRI-guided craniotomy under GA (nausea/vomiting during extubation, and arrhythmia). Intraoperative surgical complications (seizures and speech deficits) occurred in 5 patients (22%) who underwent AC and I-MRI, excessive intraoperative bleeding occurred in 2 patients (5%) who had I-MRI-guided craniotomy under GA, and 4 of 22 (18%) patients who underwent AC without I-MRI experienced neurological complications (seizures, motor deficits, and transient loss of consciousness). Eight patients (20%) who had I-MRI with GA had postoperative complications, largely neurological. The duration of surgery and anesthesia were shortest in the group of patients receiving AC without I-MRI. Seventy-three percent of the patients in this group had residual tumor postoperatively compared with 44% and 38% in those having I-MRI with AC or GA, respectively. Patients who underwent I-MRI-guided craniotomy with GA had the highest morbidity (8%) at hospital discharge.

Conclusions:

Our institutional experience suggests that AC under 3-Tesla I-MRI could be an option for glioma resection, although firm conclusions cannot be drawn given the limited and heterogenous nature of our data. Future multicenter trials comparing anesthetic and imaging modalities for glioma resection are recommended.