bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Doppler vibrometry-based characterization of bending waves by rotating viscoelastic panel materials applied in wallboard systems
Authors: Xiang Ning , Miller III Max
Published: December 2020

A low-cost, thin-panel form of viscoelastic materials has found potential applications as constrained damping layers integrated into gypsum wallboards. The standardized chamber-based random-incident tests demonstrate drastically increased sound transmission losses without significantly increasing the board thickness and weight when the viscoelastic thin panels are integrated into gypsum wallboards in sandwich structure. For better understanding of their excellent effect as constrained damping layers, this work applies a laser Doppler vibrometer-based method in characterizing bending wave properties of the viscoelastic panel materials. The method involves a time-domain broadband measurement technique which correlates impulse responses taken at two points radially away from a bending wave source. Using reasonable sample sizes, boundary reflections will still obscure measurement results, particularly towards low frequencies. By rotating the panel under test, the coherence of direct wave pulses measured equidistant from the source and the lack thereof disturbing boundary reflections enables largely removing the undesirable reflections. In this way the direct wave pulses can be extracted by angular averaging and windowing in the time-domain. This paper discusses experimental investigations on the characterization method of bending wave properties using a laser Doppler vibrometer.
Measurement of low frequency impact insulation
Authors: Dong Wayland , Lo Verde John , Girdhar Sunit
Published: December 2020

The measurement of low-frequency impact sound (below 100 Hz) in rooms is critical to determining human response and acceptability of floor ceilings [LoVerde and Dong, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 141, 428–440 (2017)]. Measurement uncertainties generally increase at lower frequencies, and a lack of precision is a general problem that ratings of low-frequency noise must overcome. Impact noise uncertainties at low frequencies are reviewed. The effect on measurement uncertainty of changes to the measurement procedure (such as fixed versus roving microphones, measurement duration, microphone position, number of tapping machine locations, etc.) is studied, with emphasis on the uncertainties in the 50–80 Hz third-octave bands. The measurement uncertainty will be related to the precision desired to accurately relate to human reaction.
Evaluation of laboratory low-frequency impact noise data
Authors: Skoug Ryan L.
Published: December 2020

Acoustic consultants and manufacturers of sound isolation products are becoming increasingly concerned about low-frequency footfall noise transmission through floor/ceiling assemblies in multi-family buildings. While the typical IIC rating only evaluates impact noise down to the 100 Hz 1/3 octave band frequency, some product manufacturers are beginning to evaluate impact sound isolation down to the 50 Hz, or even 20 Hz frequency. In this presentation, we will review low-frequency impact noise laboratory test results produced with both the standard tapping machine and the Tachibana impact ball, comparing the results to each other, possible criteria, and expected outcomes.
From sensory neuroethology to science diplomacy and policy: Unexpected passions and rewards
Authors: Hildebrand John G.
Published: December 2020

For 46 years, my research focused on the neurobiology and behavior of arthropodsã particularly insects and crustaceans. During most of that time, my goal was to understand neurobiological mechanisms through which information about behaviorally significant olfactory stimuli is encoded, processed, and integrated with inputs of other modalities in the insect brain and to learn how those natural chemical stimuli trigger and control specific, adaptive behaviors. But I am here not to talk about olfaction in an acoustical sciences forum, but rather to contribute to honoring my long-standing friend and colleague, Peter Narins. I will speak about the work I have been doing since 2014, as the Foreign Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences, one of the five elected officers of the NAS. To put my work in context, I will consider the origins of the NAS and other national science academies; the purposes and activities of the NAS; and its international scope and endeavors. Finally, from my current perspective, I will celebrate certain renowned achievements of our honoree.
In honor of Peter Narin's retirement: Frogs and morse code operators
Authors: Schmiedt Richard A.
Published: December 2020

Acoustic communication between animals runs the gamut of simple to complex in its dynamic time and frequency structure. Narrow bandwidth codes are often used in noisy environments wherein simple filters can be used to recover the signal under poor signal to noise ratios. Tree frogs in the genus Eleutherodactylus use essentially single and double tones to attract mates in very noisy environments with many males calling mostly silent females. Over the last 40 years, Peter Narins has been studying these simple frog codes. He has shown that these frogs have evolved behaviors to avoid acoustic interference with their neighbors, both in time (by call suppression) and by changing their dominant frequencies across species. Radio amateurs using Morse code mimic frog behavior when trying to communicate with highly desired, weak-signal DX (distant) stations, where many strong signals are calling simultaneously. In this scenario, termed a “DX Pileup,” the calling operators use strategies similar to those of frogs to successfully contact the DX station. Peter (K2IXQ) has been an avid radio amateur for most of his life, using Morse code to chase DX around the world. Clearly, there is an overlap between his scientific research and his personal hobby.
An example usage of a reflectance-based fiber-optic hydrophone in a high pressure field
Authors: Howard Sam
Published: December 2020

Building upon recent work on the calibration of reflectance-based fiber-optic hydrophones [1], a measurement example is presented wherein a 1.45 MHz F/1 100mm diameter source is characterized at varying levels of driving voltage, up to free-field acoustic pressure amplitudes of 80.0 MPa (peak-compression) and 13.6 MPa (peak rarefaction) with harmonic content beyond 150 MHz. The method of calibration and correction for nonlinear effects are reviewed and discussed, as are consideration of mechanical effects such as cavitation and fiber-deflection due to radiation force. [1] S. Howard and C. Zanelli, “Validation of reflectance-based fiber-optic hydrophones, International Congress on Acoustics, Aachen, Germany, 2019
Numerical study of the effect of pressure amplitude and frequency on secondary acoustic radiation force between two polystyrene particles in water
Authors: Dashti Cole Azadeh , Muller Marie
Published: December 2020

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels emulate the behavior of natural platelets, promoting wound healing. Our previous studies suggested that ultrasound stimulation of these synthetic platelets further enhances wound healing, by increasing particle displacement and deformation. It is necessary to understand and model the interaction between ultrasound and these particles. We hypothesize that the acoustic radiation force may play a role. Two types of radiation force are considered: a primary radiation force caused by the external acoustic field, and a secondary radiation force resulting from scattering between particles. We present a parametric numerical study of the interaction between polystyrene beads (similar to the synthetic platelets) and an acoustic field, to investigate the effect of magnitude, frequency and bandwidth of excitation field on particle response. This is done via the numerical modeling of the primary and secondary radiation forces using 2-D and 3-D FEM. The 3-D simulations capture the re-scattering effects between the particles. One particle is placed at the origin of the coordinate system (scatterer) and a second particle (probe) is placed in the nodal and anti-nodal pressure planes. The numerical results show a good agreement with the governing theoretical equations proposed by Silva and Bruus, suggesting the relevance of the radiation force hypothesis.
Computational modeling of ultrasound pressures in acoustofluidic channels for enhanced sonoporation
Authors: Centner Connor , Holton Chris , Yaddanapudi Kavitha , Roussel Thomas , Kopechek Jonathan A.
Published: December 2020

Acoustofluidic devices are in development for high-precision cell manipulation and molecular loading applications. In this study, experimental results were compared with computational modeling to characterize the ultrasound pressures within acoustofluidic channels. Acoustofluidic devices were fabricated by integrating PZT transducers into PDMS chips. Viability of Jurkat T cells was measured with MTT assays after acoustofluidic treatment at different ultrasound frequencies between 4.970 and 5.030 MHz. A computational model was implemented using a layered resonator approach to characterize the acoustic pressure profiles within the fluidic channels. The computational results revealed distinct frequencies at which the ultrasound pressures within the channels increased by several orders of magnitude due to constructive interference. Experimental results indicated a significant frequency-dependent difference in cell viability after acoustofluidic treatment (ANOVA p-value = 0.02, n = 10/condition). Cell viability was lowest at 5.000 MHz (51 ± 10%) compared to other frequencies tested. This trend was consistent with the predicted acoustic pressures within the channels based on the computational model. These results indicate that computational modeling of acoustic pressures within the fluidic channels at specific frequencies can yield important insights for acoustofluidic cell processing applications.
CT-based simulation of ultrasound propagation and cavitation in the human body for the assessment of acoustic therapy monitoring in high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Maeda Kazuki
Published: December 2020

In situ control of therapy parameters based on real time monitoring of ablation targets is a promising strategy to improve the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). In this work, we present an approach to evaluate the accuracy of acoustic monitoring techniques using computational fluid dynamics simulation. In the numerical setup, computed tomography images are used to model anatomical structures that can scatter and dissipate therapy waves in the body of the patient, including fat, bone, tissues, and organs. An in-house, compressible flow solver is used to simulate ultrasound generation from a transducer, nonlinear focusing of the wave toward therapy targets in the body, and backscattering toward the body surface. The simulation also captures excitation of cavitation bubbles in the focal region and their influence on the pressure fields in the body. Sensing and processing of the scattered signals provide for acoustic monitoring. For demonstration, we apply this approach to HIFU-based lithotripsy that uses burst waves with a focal pressure of O(1) MPa and frequency of O(100) kHz. Accuracies of acoustic monitoring are compared for various sensing and signal processing methods in quantifying the effects of anatomical structures and cavitation on ultrasound irradiation into targeted kidney stones. Finally, we discuss the use of these numerical experiments for control and optimization of therapy parameters. [Work supported by NIH P01-DK043881.]
Experimental test of extrapolated acoustic output using single-element transducers
Authors: Stiles Timothy A. , Sparks Clayton
Published: December 2020

To ensure the continued safety of diagnostic ultrasound, accurate measurements of the acoustic output from clinical devices are necessary. The effects of nonlinear propagation can cause the current derating method to substantially underestimate relevant values in tissue. One suggested method to overcome this is to measure acoustic output parameters at low levels and extrapolate to values at full output. Tissue mimicking material were produced from concentrated milk. The samples had low scatter but speed of sound, attenuation, and nonlinear parameter B/A consistent with nonfatty soft tissues. Measurements of acoustic output from single element transducers were conducted at a wide variety of transmit levels in both water and through a path consisting mostly of tissue mimicking material. Results of peak rarefactional pressure and MI/MIE using tissue mimicking material at high pressure levels were consistent with extrapolated derated values from low level measurements in water. This agreement was true for the six measured transducers, which spanned a range of center frequencies from 2.0 MHz to 15.0 MHz. These results indicate that it may be possible to use low level transmit pulses in water, derate the measured values, and extrapolate those results to the higher pressure levels typically used in diagnostic ultrasonography.
System formulation of the nonlinear relaxing wave equation for high-order finite-difference approaches
Authors: Pinton Gianmarco
Published: December 2020

Finite difference solutions of the wave equation can describe the propagation of waves in heterogeneous media. High-order finite-difference approaches have been used extensively for long-range propagation for seismological applications. For ultrasound imaging, therapy, and neuromodulation, the description of ultrasound propagation must also include attenuation, dispersion, and nonlinearity. Describing these physical phenomena with high-order, stencils has been a persistent challenge. Here we develop a formulation of the nonlinear, attenuating, dispersing, wave equation in system form that is ideally suited for a wide variety of high-order finite-difference stencils. Relaxation functions are modeled in the wave equation by stretching the velocity and pressure variables into a new relaxed coordinate system that describes attenuation, dispersion, and perfectly matched layers using a single formalism. The final system of equations, composed only of first-order derivatives, allows for the implementation of sophisticated stencils. Then, a high-order finite-difference solution of these equations is presented. Solutions of wave propagation are demonstrated for ultrasound imaging applications for deep human abdominal imaging and compared to experimental measurements showing that the numerical method accurately captures the speckle statistics, aberration strength, reverberation strength, and coherence properties. Applications are demonstrated for transcranial neuromodulation, array design, super-resolution, and machine learning.
Factors for validation of measurement-based simulations
Authors: Sinden David , Rajagopal Srinath , Miloro Piero , Zeqiri Bajram
Published: December 2020

In many instances of therapeutic ultrasound it is preferable to produce near-field measurement-based simulations rather than perform direct measurements. For example, simulation from near-field measurements may have lower uncertainties than direct measurements at higher pressures; the entire field can be inspected and differing material properties can be modelled rather than make repeated measurements. However, to properly validate an approach there needs to be an understanding of uncertainties in data acquisition, the limitations of the governing equations and errors from the numerical methods employed. These are not independent, and are primarily determined by a combination of three factors: duration, intensity and inhomogeneity. Criteria for characterizing each factor are presented and consequent procedures outlined. Measurements should consider burst length, positioning from transducer, spatial spacing, required resolution and averaging. From measurements, phase unwrapping and interpolation methods, pseudo-continuous wave approximations, as well as sparse and low-rank methods for data completion or identification of outliers, can be used to characterized the transducer as an initial source condition in an appropriate governing equation. This should consider transmission losses and reflections, frequency-dependent attenuation relations, shock-capturing and -fitting schemes, absorbing boundary conditions and the characterization of source terms for thermal simulations.
A soft-computational method for imaging nonlinear mechanical properties of tissue-like media using ultrasound
Authors: Wang Yiliang , Hoerig Cameron , Ghaboussi Jamshid , Insana Michael
Published: December 2020

The Autoprogressive (AutoP) Method is a data-driven technique for estimating stress-strain maps from force-displacement measurements. It separately inputs the quasi-static compression force applied to tissues by an ultrasound transducer and the corresponding displacements estimated from a speckle tracking routine into two finite-element algorithms (FEAs) connected through one mesh. The FEAs are associated to each other through neural network constitutive models (NNCMs) that iteratively learn a non-parametric mapping from strain to stress. After training, the stress-strain relationship learned by a NNCM can be compared to known constitutive models to estimate material properties of soft tissues. Here, we apply Veronda-Westmann constitutive model (VWCM) to the fully trained AutoP results to yield images of shear moduli and the nonlinear parameter. We tested AutoP on data acquired from homogeneous, nonlinear, tissue-like media under conditions for which the VWCM applied. Comparing data-driven AutoP results with model-based estimates, we validated the approach. AutoP was then applied to heterogeneous phantoms with inclusions made of linear-elastic materials embedded in nonlinear-elastic backgrounds, where mechanical properties of both media were independently verified. Images of the shear modulus and nonlinear parameter under a wide range of quasi-static loads show that AutoP has great potential for imaging nonlinear tissues in vivo.
Mud
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: December 2020

An exploration of one of Earth's most ubiquitous substances.
Growth spurt for height genetics
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: December 2020

By tallying thousands of genetic variants, researchers account for height's remaining "missing heritability."
Technology Feature | Telemedicine takes center stage in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Marin Allison
Published: December 2020

Telemedicine comes in many shapes and sizes and offers many advantages over the traditional healthcare visit, but until recently, it was largely underutilized. The COVID-19 pandemic quickly changed that—only time will tell if telemedicine's new popularity will last.
Deep conservation of the enhancer regulatory code in animals
Authors: Wong Emily S. , Zheng Dawei , Tan Siew Z. , Bower Neil I. , Garside Victoria , Vanwalleghem Gilles , Gaiti Federico , Scott Ethan , Hogan Benjamin M. , Kikuchi Kazu , McGlinn Edwina , Francois Mathias , Degnan Bernard M.
Published: December 2020

Enhancer function, from sponges to humans

Identifying the function of enhancers, DNA regions that help to regulate gene expression and evolve rapidly, has been difficult. This area of research has been hampered by the difficultly in identifying functional conservation. Wong
et al.
now show that despite low sequence conservation, enhancer function is strongly conserved through the animal kingdom (see the Perspective by Harmston). Transgenic expression of sponge enhancers in zebrafish and mice demonstrates that these sequences can drive cell type–specific gene expression across species. These results suggest an unexpectedly deep level of conservation of gene regulation across the animal kingdom maintained over the course of metazoan evolution.

Science
, this issue p.
eaax8137
; see also p.
657
Past climates inform our future
Authors: Tierney Jessica E. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Montañez Isabel P. , Bhattacharya Tripti , Feng Ran , Ford Heather L. , Hönisch Bärbel , Inglis Gordon N. , Petersen Sierra V. , Sagoo Navjit , Tabor Clay R. , Thirumalai Kaustubh , Zhu Jiang , Burls Natalie J. , Foster Gavin L. , Goddéris Yves , Huber Brian T. , Ivany Linda C. , Kirtland Turner Sandra , Lunt Daniel J. , McElwain Jennifer C. , Mills Benjamin J. W. , Otto-Bliesner Bette L. , Ridgwell Andy , Zhang Yi Ge
Published: December 2020

The future in the past

A major cause of uncertainties in climate projections is our imprecise knowledge of how much warming should occur as a result of a given increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Paleoclimate records have the potential to help us sharpen that understanding because they record such a wide variety of environmental conditions. Tierney
et al.
review the recent advances in data collection, statistics, and modeling that might help us better understand how rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide will affect future climate.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay3701
Neutrophil extracellular traps target senescent vasculature for tissue remodeling in retinopathy
Authors: Binet François , Cagnone Gael , Crespo-Garcia Sergio , Hata Masayuki , Neault Mathieu , Dejda Agnieszka , Wilson Ariel M. , Buscarlet Manuel , Mawambo Gaelle Tagne , Howard Joel P. , Diaz-Marin Roberto , Parinot Celia , Guber Vera , Pilon Frédérique , Juneau Rachel , Laflamme Rémi , Sawchyn Christina , Boulay Karine , Leclerc Severine , Abu-Thuraia Afnan , Côté Jean-François , Andelfinger Gregor , Rezende Flavio A. , Sennlaub Florian , Joyal Jean-Sébastien , Mallette Frédérick A. , Sapieha Przemyslaw
Published: December 2020

Remodeling senescent blood vessels

The retina is a thin layer of nervous tissue at the back of the eye that transforms light into neuronal signals. The retina is essential for vision and is supported by networks of blood vessels. In diabetic retinopathy, a common cause of vision loss, these microvessels degenerate and regrow in an aberrant manner. Such degeneration and regrowth can compromise the functioning of retinal nerve cells. Binet
et al.
observed that, after rapid proliferation, vascular endothelial cells in diseased blood vessels engaged molecular pathways linked to cellular senescence (see the Perspective by Podrez and Byzova). Senescent vascular units summoned an inflammatory response in which neutrophils extruded neutrophil extracellular traps onto diseased vessels to remodel them. This endogenous repair mechanism promoted the elimination of senescent blood vessels and could lead to beneficial vascular remodeling.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay5356
; see also p.
919
Large-area low-noise flexible organic photodiodes for detecting faint visible light
Authors: Fuentes-Hernandez Canek , Chou Wen-Fang , Khan Talha M. , Diniz Larissa , Lukens Julia , Larrain Felipe A. , Rodriguez-Toro Victor A. , Kippelen Bernard
Published: December 2020

Low-noise organic photodetectors

Although the high performance and low cost of visible light silicon photodetectors suffice for most applications, their small size and rigid nature are not optimal for applications such as wearable sensors. Organic photodetectors can be flexible and large in area but are often noisy. Fuentes-Hernandez
et al.
found that optimized choices of the semiconductor and electrode materials that improve diode characteristics enable organic photodetectors that can detect low light levels with low noise.

Science
, this issue p.
698
SOSTDC1-producing follicular helper T cells promote regulatory follicular T cell differentiation
Authors: Wu Xin , Wang Yun , Huang Rui , Gai Qujing , Liu Haofei , Shi Meimei , Zhang Xiang , Zuo Yonglin , Chen Longjuan , Zhao Qiwen , Shi Yu , Wang Fengchao , Yan Xiaowei , Lu Huiping , Xu Senlin , Yao Xiaohong , Chen Lin , Zhang Xia , Tian Qiang , Yang Ziyan , Zhong Bo , Dong Chen , Wang Yan , Bian Xiu-Wu , Liu Xindong
Published: December 2020

SOSTDC1 for germinal center regulation

T follicular helper (T
FH
) cells are CD4
+
T cells that facilitate B cell antibody production and B cell memory responses in the germinal centers (GCs) of lymphoid organs. These activities are in turn restrained by T follicular regulatory (T
FR
) cells, a population of T cells with unclear origins. Wu
et al.
now demonstrate that a subpopulation of T
FH
cells and fibroblastic reticular cells both produce sclerostin domain-containing protein 1 (SOSTDC1), which drives T
FR
cell generation by inhibiting Wnt–β-catenin signaling. In mice lacking the gene
Sostdc1
, T
FR
cell numbers were substantially decreased and GC responses were enhanced. These insights into T
FR
cell biology and GC regulation may have important implications for autoantibody-mediated diseases and the future development of vaccines and therapies for autoimmune disease.

Science
, this issue p.
984
Global food system emissions could preclude achieving the 1.5° and 2°C climate change targets
Authors: Clark Michael A. , Domingo Nina G. G. , Colgan Kimberly , Thakrar Sumil K. , Tilman David , Lynch John , Azevedo Inês L. , Hill Jason D.
Published: December 2020

Thought for food

To have any hope of meeting the central goal of the Paris Agreement, which is to limit global warming to 2°C or less, our carbon emissions must be reduced considerably, including those coming from agriculture. Clark
et al.
show that even if fossil fuel emissions were eliminated immediately, emissions from the global food system alone would make it impossible to limit warming to 1.5°C and difficult even to realize the 2°C target. Thus, major changes in how food is produced are needed if we want to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Science
, this issue p.
705
Attosecond spectroscopy of liquid water
Authors: Jordan Inga , Huppert Martin , Rattenbacher Dominik , Peper Michael , Jelovina Denis , Perry Conaill , von Conta Aaron , Schild Axel , Wörner Hans Jakob
Published: December 2020

Attosecond science in liquid phase

Many physical properties of liquid water remain unresolved due to the very fast dynamics involved in the liquid phase. Using attosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, Jordan
et al.
found that photoemission of electrons from water in the liquid phase shows a time delay of about 50 to 70 attoseconds compared with photoemission from the gas phase. This difference was attributed to solvation effects and was validated by analysis of various contributions to the measured delays and by using theoretical simulations in water clusters of different sizes.

Science
, this issue p.
974
Species protection will take more than rule reversal
Authors: Li Ya-Wei , Roman Joe , Wilcove David S. , Male Timothy , Doremus Holly
Published: December 2020

Key improvements are needed for implementation of the Endangered Species Act
Acid-addicted cells
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2020

PRL3 enables cells to tolerate acidic pH and promotes metastasis by stimulating TRPML-dependent lysosome exocytosis.
The Global and Local Distribution of RNA Structure throughout the SARS-CoV-2 Genome
Authors: Tavares Rafael de Cesaris Araujo , Mahadeshwar Gandhar , Wan Han , Huston Nicholas C. , Pyle Anna Marie
Published: December 2020

The RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 is among the largest and most complex viral genomes, yet its RNA structural features remain relatively unexplored. Since RNA elements guide function in most RNA viruses, and they represent potential drug targets, it is essential to chart the architectural features of SARS-CoV-2 and pinpoint regions that merit focused study.
Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Diversity in Cotton Rhizosphere Soil in Alwar, India
Authors: Singh Rajeshwar Pratap , Johri Atul Kumar , Dua Meenakshi
Published: December 2020

Cotton is an important cash crop for both the Indian economy and rural livelihoods. In the present study, metagenomic analysis is used to characterize microbial diversity in cotton rhizosphere soil from the Alwar district, located in the semiarid northeast region of the state of Rajasthan in India.
Draft Genome Sequences of Lysostaphin-Resistant (K07-204) and Lysostaphin-Susceptible (K07-561) Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 72 Strains Isolated from Patients in South Korea
Authors: Batool Nayab , Ko Kwan Soo , Chaurasia Akhilesh Kumar , Kim Kyeong Kyu
Published: December 2020

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
sequence type 72 (ST72) is prevalent in South Korea and has shown resistance to multiple antimicrobials. ST72 isolates display different levels of resistance to the antistaphylococcal lysostaphin. Draft genome sequencing of ST72 human isolates exhibiting lysostaphin resistance or susceptibility was performed to better understand the mechanism of lysostaphin resistance using subtractive genomics.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequence of
Rhodobacteraceae
Bacterium Strain Clear-D3, Assembled from a
Dolichospermum
Consortium from Clear Lake, California
Authors: Cheng Chuankai , Florea Kyra M. , Webb Eric A. , Thrash J. Cameron
Published: December 2020

Here, we report the metagenome-assembled genome sequence of a
Rhodobacteraceae
bacterium strain, Clear-D3, that was reconstructed from a cyanobacterial enrichment from a eutrophic lake. The draft genome sequence shows evidence of an anoxygenic photoautotrophic lifestyle. Other potential capabilities include aerobic heterotrophy, flagellar motility, chemotaxis, and utilization of complex C-P compounds.
Influence of pre-existing structure on pluton emplacement and geomorphology: The Merrimac plutons, northern Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Authors: Langenheim V.E. , al. et
Published: December 2020

Figures 2–5, 7–9, and 13 are interactive. For Figures 2–5,
9, and 13, use the radio buttons to toggle between different maps. For Figure
7, use the radio buttons to toggle between age range variations and
uncertainties for different samples in each pluton. For Figure 8, use the radio
buttons to toggle between zircon trace element compositions of different
plutons.
Clinical profile and outcome of early surgery in neonatal-onset glaucoma presenting over a 5-year period
Authors: Kaushik Sushmita , Dhingra Deepika , Arora Atul , Singh Mini P , Kaur Savleen , Joshi Gunjan , Snehi Sagarika , Gupta Gaurav , Pandav Surinder Singh
Published: December 2020

Background

Neonatal-onset glaucoma (NOG) is a severe form of childhood glaucoma and is not always due to primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). Due to advances in neonatal care, the incidence of NOG is rising, but it remains an under-reported entity. The objective of the paper was to study the clinical profiles, surgical and visual outcomes of NOG at least 1 year following early surgery.

Methods

Prospective interventional cohort study at a tertiary care referral centre. Babies with NOG, who presented between January 2013 and December 2017, had a history suggestive of disease onset within 1 month of birth, and underwent surgery by 3 months of age, were prospectively enrolled. Those who completed a 1-year follow-up after surgery were analysed.

Results

94 eyes of 53 babies were analysed. 35 (66%) had PCG. Neonatal congenital ectropion uveae, congenital rubella syndrome, Peter’s anomaly and Sturge-Weber syndrome comprised the non-PCG group. The mean age at presentation and surgery was 24.8±21.9, and 36.7±29.9 days. Additional glaucoma surgery was required in 43 of the 94 eyes (45.7%). PCG had significantly better outcomes than other glaucomas at all time points. 28.3% of eyes had good vision (LogMar (0–0.5)), 34.7% had moderate visual impairment (LogMar 0.7–1.0) and 16% were blind (LogMar <1.62) .

Conclusion

Our study shows that NOG does not always have a dismal prognosis. A small but significant proportion could have other underlying conditions than PCG. Timely surgery and rigorous amblyopia therapy resulted in good outcomes in terms of intraocular pressure control and vision in this cohort.
Association of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and birth weight among term births: a cross-sectional study in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Kana Musa Abubakar , Safiyan Halima , Yusuf Hauwau Evelyn , Musa Abu Saleh Mohammad , Richards-Barber Marie , Harmon Quaker E , London Stephanie J
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine the association of prenatal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) with birth weight as a continuous variable among term births in a Nigerian population.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Mother–child pairs recruited when their newborns were brought for BCG or other vaccines shortly after birth at the Child Welfare Clinic of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria.

Participants

293 women with term birth infants.

Main exposure and outcome measures

Emotional, physical and sexual IPV were measured postnatally by interview using the Conflict Tactics Scale. Birth weight in grams was the main outcome measure. Linear regression, with adjustment for covariates, was used to estimate associations between birth weight and exposure to the presence, and frequency, of IPV.

Results

Sixty-seven per cent of mothers experienced at least one of the three forms of IPV during pregnancy. Relative to the 33% of women with no prenatal exposure to any form of IPV, we observed a reduction in birth weight of 94 g (95% CI: −202 to 15) for prenatal exposure to emotional IPV, 162 g (95% CI −267 to −58) for physical IPV and 139 g (95% CI −248 to −30) for sexual IPV. The combination of all three forms of IPV was associated with a 223 g reduction in birth weight (95% CI −368 to −77). Increasing occurrences of each of the three types of IPV were associated with greater reductions in birth weight. For physical IPV, relative to no exposure to any form of IPV, birth weight was lower by 112 g (95% CI −219 to −4) with 1–5 instances and 380 g (95% CI −553 to −206) for >5 instances over the pregnancy.

Conclusions

Maternal exposure to IPV was associated with shifting of the birth weight distribution among term newborns. A dose–response relationship was observed between frequency of IPV and birth weight.
Improving the quality of routine maternal and newborn data captured in primary health facilities in Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria: a before-and-after study
Authors: Bhattacharya Antoinette Alas , Allen Elizabeth , Umar Nasir , Audu Ahmed , Felix Habila , Schellenberg Joanna , Marchant Tanya
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Primary objective: to assess nine data quality metrics for 14 maternal and newborn health data elements, following implementation of an integrated, district-focused data quality intervention. Secondary objective: to consider whether assessing the data quality metrics beyond completeness and accuracy of facility reporting offered new insight into reviewing routine data quality.

Design

Before-and-after study design.

Setting

Primary health facilities in Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria.

Participants

Monitoring and evaluation officers and maternal, newborn and child health coordinators for state-level and all 11 local government areas (district-equivalent) overseeing 492 primary care facilities offering maternal and newborn care services.

Intervention

Between April 2017 and December 2018, we implemented an integrated data quality intervention which included: introduction of job aids and regular self-assessment of data quality, peer-review and feedback, learning workshops, work planning for improvement, and ongoing support through social media.

Outcome measures

9 metrics for the data quality dimensions of completeness and timeliness, internal consistency of reported data, and external consistency.

Results

The data quality intervention was associated with improvements in seven of nine data quality metrics assessed including availability and timeliness of reporting, completeness of data elements, accuracy of facility reporting, consistency between related data elements, and frequency of outliers reported. Improvement differed by data element type, with content of care and commodity-related data improving more than contact-related data. Increases in the consistency between related data elements demonstrated improved internal consistency within and across facility documentation.

Conclusions

An integrated district-focused data quality intervention—including regular self-assessment of data quality, peer-review and feedback, learning workshops, work planning for improvement, and ongoing support through social media—can increase the completeness, accuracy and internal consistency of facility-based routine data.
Understanding what women want: eliciting preference for delivery health facility in a rural subcounty in Kenya, a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Oluoch-Aridi Jackline , Adam Mary B , Wafula Francis , Kokwaro Gilbert
Published: December 2020

Objective

To identify what women want in a delivery health facility and how they rank the attributes that influence the choice of a place of delivery.

Design

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to elicit rural women’s preferences for choice of delivery health facility. Data were analysed using a conditional logit model to evaluate the relative importance of the selected attributes. A mixed multinomial model evaluated how interactions with sociodemographic variables influence the choice of the selected attributes.

Setting

Six health facilities in a rural subcounty.

Participants

Women aged 18–49 years who had delivered within 6 weeks.

Primary outcome

The DCE required women to select from hypothetical health facility A or B or opt-out alternative.

Results

A total of 474 participants were sampled, 466 participants completed the survey (response rate 98%). The attribute with the strongest association with health facility preference was having a kind and supportive healthcare worker (β=1.184, p<0.001), second availability of medical equipment and drug supplies (β=1.073, p<0.001) and third quality of clinical services (β=0.826, p<0.001). Distance, availability of referral services and costs were ranked fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively (β=0.457, p<0.001; β=0.266, p<0.001; and β=0.000018, p<0.001). The opt-out alternative ranked last suggesting a disutility for home delivery (β=−0.849, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The most highly valued attribute was a process indicator of quality of care followed by technical indicators. Policymakers need to consider women’s preferences to inform strategies that are person centred and lead to improvements in quality of care during delivery.
Mapping the evidence regarding school-to-work/university transition and health inequalities among young adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Matos Fialho Paula Mayara , Dragano Nico , Reuter Marvin , Metzendorf Maria-Inti , Richter Bernd , Hoffmann Stephanie , Diehl Katharina , Wachtler Benjamin , Sundmacher L , Herke Max , Pischke Claudia
Published: December 2020

Introduction

School-to-work/university transition is a sensitive period that can have a substantial impact on health and health behaviour over the life course. There is some indication that health and health behaviour is socially patterned in the age span of individuals in this transition (16–24 years) and that there are differences by socioeconomic position (SEP). However, evidence regarding this phenomenon has not been systematically mapped. In addition, little is known about the role of institutional characteristics (eg, of universities, workplaces) in the development of health and possible inequalities in health during this transition. Hence, the first objective of this scoping review is to systematically map the existing evidence regarding health and health behaviours (and possible health inequalities, for example, differences by SEP) in the age group of 16–24 years and during school-to-work transition noted in Germany and abroad. The second objective is to summarise the evidence on the potential effects of contextual and compositional characteristics of specific institutions entered during this life stage on health and health behaviours. Third, indicators and measures of these characteristics will be summarised.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically map the evidence on health inequalities during school-to-work-transitions among young adults (aged 16–24 years), following the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. The literature search is performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, International Labour Organization and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, using a predetermined search strategy. Articles published between January 2000 and February 2020 in English or German are considered for the review. The selection process follows a two-step approach: (1) screening of titles and abstracts, and (2) screening of full texts, both steps by two independent reviewers. Any discrepancies in the selection process are resolved by a third researcher. Data extraction will be performed using a customised data extraction sheet. The results will be presented in tabular and narrative form.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and presented at international conferences and project workshops.
British Thoracic Society survey of rehabilitation to support recovery of the post-COVID-19 population
Authors: Singh Sally J , Barradell Amy C , Greening Neil J , Bolton Charlotte , Jenkins Gisli , Preston Louise , Hurst John R
Published: December 2020

Objective

A proportion of those recovering from COVID-19 are likely to have significant and ongoing symptoms, functional impairment and psychological disturbances. There is an immediate need to develop a safe and efficient discharge process and recovery programme. Established rehabilitation programmes are well placed to deliver a programme for this group but will most likely need to be adapted for the post-COVID-19 population. The purpose of this survey was to rapidly identify the components of a post-COVID-19 rehabilitation assessment and elements of a successful rehabilitation programme that would be required to deliver a comprehensive service for those post-COVID-19 to inform service delivery.

Design

A survey comprising a series of closed questions and a free-text comment box allowing for a qualitative analysis.

Setting

Online survey.

Participants

Multiprofessional clinicians across specialties were invited to take part.

Results

1031 participants responded from a broad range of specialties. There was overwhelming support for an early posthospital discharge recovery programme to advise patients about the management of fatigue (95% agreed/strongly agreed), breathlessness (94%) and mood disturbances (including symptoms of anxiety and depression, 92%). At the time point of 6–8 weeks, an assessment was considered important, focusing on a broad range of possible symptoms and supporting a return to work. Recommendations for the intervention described a holistic programme focusing on symptom management, return of function and return to employment. The free-text comments added depth to the survey and the need ‘not to reinvent the wheel’ but rather adapt well-established rehabilitation services to individually tailor needs-based care with continued learning for service development.

Conclusion

The responses indicate a huge interest and the urgent need to establish a programme to support and mitigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 by optimising and individualising existing rehabilitation programmes.
Impact of a Pharmacist-included Mobile Geriatrics team intervention on potentially inappropriate drug prescribing: protocol for a prospective feasibility study (PharMoG study)
Authors: Pagès Arnaud , Roland Christel , Qassemi Soraya , Abdeljalil Anne-Bahia , Houles Mathieu , Romain Marjolaine , Toulza Olivier , Belloc Audrey , McCambridge Cécile , Voisin Thierry , Cestac Philippe , Juillard-Condat Blandine
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Research has shown that potentially inappropriate drug prescription (PIDP) is highly prevalent in older people. The presence of PIDPs is associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a PHARmacist-included MObile Geriatrics (PharMoG) team intervention on PIDPs in older patients hospitalised in the medical, surgical and emergency departments of a university hospital.

Methods and analysis

The PharMoG study is a prospective, interventional, single-centre feasibility study describing the impact of a PharMoG team on PIDPs in older hospitalised patients. Pharmacist intervention will be a treatment optimisation (clinical medication review) based on a combination of explicit and implicit criteria to detect PIDPs. The primary outcome is the acceptance rate of the mobile team’s proposed treatment optimisations related to PIDPs, measured at the patient’s discharge from the department. This pharmacist will work in cooperation with the physician of the mobile geriatric team. After the intervention of the mobile geriatric team, the proposals for improving therapy will be sent to the hospital medical team caring for the patient and to the patient’s attending physician. The patient will be followed for 3 months after discharge from the hospital.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the South-West and Overseas Territories II Ethics Committee. Oral consent must be obtained prior to participation, either from the patient or from the patient’s representative (trusted person and/or a family member). The results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04151797.
Variation in model performance by data cleanliness and classification methods in the prediction of 30-day ICU mortality, a US nationwide retrospective cohort and simulation study
Authors: Iwashyna Theodore J , Ma Cheng , Wang Xiao Qing , Seelye Sarah , Zhu Ji , Waljee Akbar K
Published: December 2020

Objective

There has been a proliferation of approaches to statistical methods and missing data imputation as electronic health records become more plentiful; however, the relative performance on real-world problems is unclear.

Materials and methods

Using 355 823 intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisations at over 100 hospitals in the nationwide Veterans Health Administration system (2014–2017), we systematically varied three approaches: how we extracted and cleaned physiologic variables; how we handled missing data (using mean value imputation, random forest, extremely randomised trees (extra-trees regression), ridge regression, normal value imputation and case-wise deletion) and how we computed risk (using logistic regression, random forest and neural networks). We applied these approaches in a 70% development sample and tested the results in an independent 30% testing sample. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to quantify model discrimination.

Results

In 355 823 ICU stays, there were 34 867 deaths (9.8%) within 30 days of admission. The highest AUROCs obtained for each primary classification method were very similar: 0.83 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.83) to 0.85 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.85). Likewise, there was relatively little variation within classification method by the missing value imputation method used—except when casewise deletion was applied for missing data.

Conclusion

Variation in discrimination was seen as a function of data cleanliness, with logistic regression suffering the most loss of discrimination in the least clean data. Losses in discrimination were not present in random forest and neural networks even in naively extracted data. Data from a large nationwide health system revealed interactions between missing data imputation techniques, data cleanliness and classification methods for predicting 30-day mortality.