bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whence ‘honeste vive’?
Authors: Davies Luke J.
Published: July 2020

Kant's characterisation of honeste vive as an unenforceable duty of right owed to oneself poses two systematic problems: it conflicts with Kant's claims that (a) duties of right concern the external relation between distinct individuals and (b) duties of right are externally enforceable. Both of these claims speak against the possibility of a duty of right to oneself. This article addresses this interpretative problem. Regarding (a) I suggest that while honeste vive is a duty owed to oneself, the content of the duty concerns one's interaction with others. Regarding (b) I maintain that honeste vive is a general duty of right, and such duties are not externally enforceable. This view both allows for an understanding of the structure of obligation in the Doctrine of Right as a whole and forces us to reconsider two central aspects of Kant's concept of right—namely, that all rights are externally enforceable and owed to others. Not only does honeste vive belong to the Doctrine of Right but understanding the way in which it does can illuminate the significance and scope of duties belonging to Kant's political philosophy.
A systematic review and critical appraisal of metagenomic and culture studies in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Williams Samuel C. , Frew John W. , Krueger James G.
Published: July 2020

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with still largely unknown pathogenesis. While infectious organisms have been identified in lesions of the disease since the 1980s, questions remain over the role that bacteria and microbiome play. Recent studies using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and larger culture‐based studies have begun to paint a clearer picture of the microbial world of HS. With this systematic review, we summarize all the work that has been done to date in HS bacteriology, analyse potential pitfalls and limitations of the current studies, and address future directions of investigation. This systematic review attempted to collate and analyse all bacteriology studies done to date. This review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (1670769) performed in line with the PRISMA checklist. Twenty two studies were identified comprising 862 individual HS patients for culture studies and 206 HS patients for 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies. Methodology tended to be varied, with different sampling, culturing and sequencing methods as well as amount of analysis and stratification of patients. Bacteria identified as elevated in HS lesions in sequencing studies as well as grown from HS lesions in culture studies are identified and discussed. These primarily included the anerobic Gram‐negative bacilli Prevotella, Porphyromonas and Fusibacterium, the Gram‐positive bacilli Corynebacterium, and the Gram‐positive cocci Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Parvimonas. Potential interactions, as well as work in other disease models with related bacteria are also discussed. Areas of further investigation include in vitro studies of interactions between bacteria and keratinocytes, gut and oral microbiome studies and deep sequencing studies for virulence and phage factors.
Twelve weeks of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir all‐oral regimen for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 2 infection: Integrated analysis of three clinical trials
Authors: Asahina Yasuhiro , Liu Chun‐Jen , Gane Edward , Itoh Yoshito , Kawada Norifumi , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Youn Jin , Wang Chen‐Yu , Llewellyn Joe , Matsuda Takuma , Gaggar Anuj , Mo Hongmei , Dvory‐Sobol Hadas , Crans Gerald , Chuang Wan‐Long , Chen Pei‐Jer , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: July 2020

Aim

The combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) has been approved for the treatment of various hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes across many countries. This article presents an integrated analysis of three prospective phase II/III trials in the Asia‐Pacific region to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 12 weeks of LDV/SOF in HCV genotype 2 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.

Methods

A total of 200 patients were included in the integrated analysis. The primary end‐point was the rate of sustained virologic response for 12 weeks after the end of therapy (SVR12), analyzed by fibrosis stage, treatment history, HCV genotype subtype, and presence of baseline resistance‐associated substitutions (RAS). Safety was evaluated by adverse events and laboratory abnormalities.

Results

Twelve weeks of treatment with LDV/SOF was associated with high SVR12 rates (overall 98%) in patients with genotype 2 HCV, irrespective of fibrosis stage, treatment history, genotype 2 subtype, and presence of baseline non‐structural protein 5A resistance‐associated substitution (NS5A RAS), and LDV/SOF was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Twelve weeks of treatment with LDV/SOF provides a highly effective and safe treatment for patients with genotype 2 HCV, including those with advanced fibrosis. As a ribavirin‐free and protease inhibitor‐free regimen with minimal on‐treatment monitoring requirements, LDV/SOF can potentially play a crucial role in achieving the WHO's goal of HCV elimination.
U–Pb ages of granitoids around the Kofu basin: Implications for the Neogene geotectonic evolution of the South Fossa Magna region, central Japan
Authors: Sawaki Yusuke , Asanuma Hisashi , Abe Mariko , Hirata Takafumi
Published: July 2020

The Japanese archipelago underwent two arc–arc collisions during the Neogene. Southwest Honshu arc collided with the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana arc and the northeast Honshu arc collided with the Chishima arc. The complicated geological structure of the South Fossa Magna region has been attributed to the collision between the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana arc and the southwest Honshu arc. Understanding the geotectonic evolution of this tectonically active region is crucial for delineating the Neogene tectonics of the Japanese archipelago. Many intrusive granitoids occur around the Kofu basin, in the South Fossa Magna region. Although the igneous ages of these granitoids have been mainly estimated through biotite and hornblende K–Ar dating, here, we perform U–Pb dating of zircon to determine the igneous ages more precisely. In most cases, the secondary post‐magmatic overprint on the zircon U–Pb system was minor. Based on our results, we identify four groups of U–Pb ages: ca 15.5 Ma, ca 13 Ma, ca 10.5 Ma, and ca 4 Ma. The Tsuburai pluton belongs to the first group, and its age suggests that the granite formation within the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana arc dates back to at least 15.5 Ma. The granitoids of the second group intruded into the boundary between the Honshu arc and the ancient Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana arc, suggesting that the arc–arc collision started by ca 13 Ma. As in the case of the Kaikomagatake pluton, the Chino pluton likely corresponds to a granodiorite formed in a rear‐arc setting in parallel with the other granodiorites of the third group. The U–Pb age of the Kogarasu pluton, which belongs to the fourth group, is the same as those of the Tanzawa tonalitic plutons. This might support a syncollisional rapid granitic magma formation in the South Fossa Magna region.
Validation of the Australian version of the Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Management instrument
Authors: Wembenyui Colette , Douglas Clint , Bonner Ann
Published: July 2020

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the modified Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Management instrument in an English‐speaking population.

Background

There is growing evidence that self‐management behaviours can improve outcomes for people with chronic kidney disease. However, there are few suitable instruments available.

Design

The study was cross sectional, with a test–retest protocol.

Method

Adults with chronic kidney disease attending a primary health care between June and December 2015 completed the Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Management instrument. Construct validity was determined using exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency and test–retest reliability using Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation. For convergent validity, the relationships between knowledge, self‐efficacy and self‐management were investigated.

Results

The Australian version of the Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Management instrument has 17 items grouped into four factors: self‐integration, seeking social support, adherence to lifestyle modification and problem solving. The instrument demonstrated good reliability. Self‐efficacy was positively correlated with self‐management scores, although there was no correlation between chronic kidney disease knowledge and self‐management.

Conclusions

The Australian version of the Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Management instrument was found to be a valid and reliable patient‐reported outcome measure. It can be used in clinical practice to support self‐management, as well as future research.
Are randomized controlled trials being conducted with the right justification?
Authors: Walters Corbin , Torgerson Trevor , Fladie Ian , Clifton Angela , Meyer Chase , Vassar Matt
Published: July 2020

Objective

It has been estimated that much of health research may be wasted, resulting in billions of dollars in wasteful research spending worldwide each year. Given the increased use of randomized trials and their influence on medicine, one method to combat research waste is to conduct randomized clinical trials (RCTs) only when a systematic review (SR) suggests more data are needed or when no previous SRs are identified. Here, we analyzed RCTs to determine whether SRs were cited as justification for conducting a trial.

Methods

We analyzed phase III RCTs published between 2016 and 2018 in New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, and JAMA. We performed duplicate and independent data extraction to ensure the accuracy and validity of our data. For each trial, we extracted whether SRs were cited as justification for conducting the clinical trial.

Results

We examined 637 RCTs that cited 728 SRs. Overall, 38.1% (243/637) of RCTs cited an SR as either verbatim (6.9%, 44/637) or inferred (31.2%, 199/637) for trial justification. The 79 remaining RCTs cited SRs in other ways. Approximately, 49.5% (315/637) of RCTs did not cite a SR.

Conclusions

Less than half of the analyzed clinical trials cited a SRs as the basis for undertaking the trial. We believe trialists should be required to present relevant SRs to an ethics or peer review committee demonstrating an unmet need prior to initiating a trial. Eliminating research waste is both a scientific and ethical responsibility.
The impact of gender on the clinical presentation, management, and surgical outcomes of patients with native‐joint septic arthritis
Authors: Nissim Lior , Lieber Sarah B. , Naffaa Mohammad E. , Fowler Mary Louise , Shmerling Robert H. , Paz Ziv
Published: July 2020

Rationale, aims and objectives

Approximately 20 000 cases of septic arthritis (SA) occur in the U.S. yearly. We examined whether gender‐related differences exist in the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with native joint septic arthritis (NJSA).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of medical files of patients aged 18 years and older admitted between 1998 and 2015 to a single tertiary care hospital and diagnosed with NJSA. All study subjects had positive synovial fluid or blood cultures and each was managed surgically. Patients’ charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentations, microbiology profiles, management, and outcomes. Cases of osteomyelitis, septic bursitis, prosthetic joint, and culture‐negative SA were excluded.

Results

Of 324 NJSA patients, those who were female (n = 130; 40.1%) were significantly older at presentation than males (mean age: 63.6 vs 58.3; P = .006). Prior joint pathology was more common amongst females, including osteoarthritis (20.8% vs 12.9%; P = .04) and rheumatoid arthritis (10% vs 3.6%; P = .03). Female patients had a higher frequency of hip involvement (17.7% vs 10.8%; P = .05). No differences were observed in clinical presentations, culture results, medical management, or outcomes between genders.

Conclusions

Compared to men, women with NJSA presented at an older age and had more prior joint pathology and a higher frequency of hip involvement. These differences, however, had no significant impact on the clinical presentation, medical management, or outcomes of NJSA.
UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS AND LONG‐TERM CHILD OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Dietrichson Jens , Lykke Kristiansen Ida , Viinholt Bjørn A.
Published: July 2020

What are the long‐term effects of universal preschool programs on child outcomes? We review 26 studies using natural experiments to estimate the effects of universal preschool programs for children aged 0–6 years on child outcomes measured from third grade to adulthood. Studies comparing universal preschool with a mix of parental, family, and private modes of care show mixed effects on test scores and on measures related to health, well‐being, and behavior. All estimates for outcomes related to adequate primary and secondary school progression, years of schooling, highest degree completed, employment, and earnings indicate beneficial average effects of universal preschool programs. Three of the included studies calculate benefits‐to‐costs ratios and find ratios clearly above one. Universal preschool tends to be more beneficial for children with low socioeconomic status and there are not consistently different effects for boys or girls. Only three studies compare two alternative types of universal preschool programs in terms of long‐term outcomes.
Correlates and genetics of self‐reported sleep and awake bruxism in a nationwide twin cohort
Authors: Ahlberg Jari , Piirtola Maarit , Lobbezoo Frank , Manfredini Daniele , Korhonen Tellervo , Aarab Ghizlane , Hublin Christer , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: July 2020

Background

Sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB) have been considered different entities, although co‐occurrence between them has been shown. While genetic factors have a marked influence on phenotypic variance in liability to SB, this remains unclear for AB.

Aim

To examine the degree of co‐occurrence of SB and AB, and whether they have common correlates and also twin similarity of SB and AB bruxism traits by zygosity and sex.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to all twins born 1945‐1957 in Finland in 2012 (n = 11 766). Age and sex adjusted logistic regression models were used. Twin similarity was assessed using polychoric correlations, and crosstwin‐crosstrait correlations were computed.

Results

The response rate was 72% (n = 8410). Any SB was reported by 14.8% and ≥ 3 nights weekly by 5.0%. Percentages for any AB were 18.4% and 6.3%, respectively. There was substantial co‐occurrence (29.5%) between SB and AB, and several shared correlates were found. For SB, the polychoric intra‐class correlation was 0.366 in monozygotic (MZ) and 0.200 in dizygotic (DZ) pairs, without gender difference. A twofold crosstwin‐crosstrait correlation was observed in MZ twins compared to DZ twins.

Conclusions

The risk factor profiles of SB and AB were largely but not entirely similar. The higher correlation in MZ than in DZ pairs suggests the influence of genetic factors on both SB and AB. The higher crosstwin‐crosstrait correlation in MZ than in DZ pairs suggests some degree of genetic influences shared by SB and AB.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of olanzapine and risperidone in schizophrenic patients in the Indian healthcare settings of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Praveena Yeddula , Sandhya Karanam Hema , Ram G Manoj , K C Bhuvan , Harinadha Baba Kudipudi , Shaik Karimulla
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The prevalence of schizophrenia in Andhra Pradesh, India is 279, and the crude disability-adjusted life year is 177 per 100 thousand people. It is one of the major mental health problems of the state. However, there is a dearth of information regarding the pharmacoeconomics of schizophrenia treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of the two most commonly used drugs olanzapine and risperidone for schizophrenia.

Methods

A prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital (Department of psychiatry) for a period of 1 year among 124 schizophrenia patients. The data were collected in a specially designed patient data form, and the cost and effectiveness of the treatment were evaluated. Then, the ICER for olanzapine 71 and risperidone 53 users were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was run creating a model to identify uncertainties and its effect on the results.

Key findings

The mean cost per patient for olanzapine was 89.96 USD, and risperidone was 85.56 USD for 8 weeks from the start of the treatment. The incremental effects and value of the treatment score with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for olanzapine (27.33) were greater than that of risperidone (20.38). The cost (USD) per PANSS reduction for olanzapine was 3.29 and risperidone was 4.20. The overall incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of olanzapine compared to risperidone was 0.63 USD/PANSS.

Conclusion

The results showed that olanzapine was a cost-effective drug and an alternative to risperidone in the Indian healthcare settings. With further revision and validation, the cost-effectiveness outcome of olanzapine and risperidone can be used to inform any comprehensive healthcare financing mechanism in Indian healthcare settings.
Financial Performance of Hospitals in the Appalachian Region Under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and Hospital Value‐Based Purchasing Program
Authors: Karim Saleema A. , Nevola Adrienne , Morris Michael E. , Tilford J. Mick , Chen Hsueh‐Fen
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The Hospital Readmission and Reduction Program (HRRP) and Hospital Value‐Based Purchasing Program (HVBP) propose to improve quality of patient care by either rewarding or penalizing hospitals through inpatient reimbursement. This study analyzes the effect of both programs on profitability of hospitals located in the Appalachian Region (AR) compared to hospitals in Appalachian states and the rest of the United States.

Methods

This study used a retrospective research design with a longitudinal unbalanced panel dataset from 2008 to 2015. Hospitals participating in both HRRP and HVBP during this time frame were included in the study. A difference‐in‐difference model with hospital‐level fixed effects, controlling for hospital and market characteristics, was used to determine effects of both programs on profitability of hospitals serving the AR, Appalachian states, and the rest of the United States.

Findings

After implementation of HRRP and HVBP, only hospitals located in Appalachian states experienced a significant decrease in operating margin (−1.14 percentage points). Unexpectedly, during the same time period, total margin increased significantly for hospitals located in the AR (1.05 percentage points), Appalachian states (1.71 percentage points), and the rest of the United States (2.38 percentage points).

Conclusions

HRRP and HVBP financially incentivize hospitals to focus efforts on improving patient care. The programs may not have the anticipated results. Increases in total margin for all hospitals during the study period indicate access to nonpatient revenues, offsetting the financial penalties from both programs. This revenue source may undermine the program's objectives of delivering value and achieving quality outcomes.
Robust empirical likelihood for time series
Authors: Chen Kun , Huang Rui
Published: July 2020

This article introduces a robust frequency domain empirical likelihood inference procedure for the parametric component in the spectral densities of stationary processes. We construct the empirical likelihood function by using a new spectral estimating function to achieve robustness against contamination in the spectral density. Simulation studies demonstrate the good performance of the proposed robust frequency domain empirical likelihood method, which produces more accurate confidence regions than the ordinary empirical likelihood counterpart.
Effect of combinations of morphine, dexmedetomidine and maropitant on the electroencephalogram in response to acute electrical stimulation in anaesthetized dogs
Authors: Karna Sandeep Raj , Chambers Paul , Johnson Craig B. , Singh Preet , Stewart Lauren A. , Lopez‐Villalobos Nicolas , Kongara Kavitha
Published: July 2020

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of combinations of morphine, dexmedetomidine and maropitant in preventing the changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) indices of nociception in anaesthetized dogs subjected to a noxious electrical stimulus. In a crossover study, eight healthy adult dogs were randomly allocated to four groups: Mor: morphine 0.6 mg/kg; Dex + Mor: morphine 0.3 mg/kg + dexmedetomidine 5 μg/kg; Maro + Mor: morphine 0.3 mg/kg + maropitant 1 mg/kg; and Dex + Maro + Mor: morphine 0.2 mg/kg + dexmedetomidine 3 μg/kg + maropitant 0.7 mg/kg. Following intramuscular administration of test drugs in a minimal anaesthesia model, a supramaximal electrical stimulus (50 V at 50 Hz for 2 s) was applied and the EEG data were recorded. There were significant increases (p < .05) in the poststimulus median frequency (F50) only in groups Mor and Maro + Mor. Dex + Mor group had a significantly lower change in F50 and F95 compared to all other treatment groups. There was no correlation of the changes in EEG frequencies with blood plasma concentration of the drugs during and after noxious stimulation. Combination of dexmedetomidine and morphine was most effective in abolishing the changes in EEG indices in response to a noxious stimulus indicating a supra‐additive interaction between these two drugs.
Discordant knowing: A puzzle about insight in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Taylor Evan
Published: July 2020

This article discusses a puzzle arising from the phenomenon of insight in obsessive–compulsive disorder. “Insight” refers to an awareness or understanding of obsessive thoughts as false or irrational. I argue that a natural and plausible way of characterizing insight in OCD conflicts with several different possible explanations of the epistemic attitude underlying insight‐directed obsessive thought. After laying out the puzzle for five proposed explanations of obsessive thought and then discussing several possible ways that the puzzle might be avoided, I close the article by arguing that we can avoid the puzzle by adopting a new positive view of insight‐directed obsessive thought.
Sufis, Yogīs, and genealogies of “Islamic yoga”: Broaching religio‐cultural encounters in premodern eastern India
Authors: Mukherjee Soumen
Published: July 2020

This essay examines the state of recent scholarship on religio‐cultural encounters in premodern eastern India with a particular focus on the conceptual category of “Islamic yoga.” At one level, it acknowledges the importance of the discrete nature of religio‐cultural forces that constitute the cumulative achievement of meticulous scholarly engagements from the vantage points of different fields. Ironically, these complexities are frequently overlooked in the overwhelming, and ever so growing corpus of quasi‐academic and popular literature on yoga that have more successfully captured attention and imagination. Part of this is, however, traceable to Orientalist and subsequent scholarship preoccupied with the project of religious standardization. At another level, it suggests that the refreshing move away from a homogenised narrative of yoga in scholarly circles is a most welcome development not least because it brings into sharp relief the historically rooted complexities of these wider religio‐cultural encounters over the past few centuries which are at odds with the modern fad for pigeon‐holed identities. While mapping the broad contours of recent scholarship in this field, the essay draws attention especially to the yoga body as site of religio‐cultural encounters and to the issues of internal nuances and regional variations with a particular reference to eastern India. Finally, it also parenthetically refers to the salience of medieval and early modern literature, especially vernacular literature vis‐à‐vis high Sanskrit or Persian sources. In the process, the essay both identifies the key strands as well as possible new directions in scholarship in the field.
Geomorphology of a modern carbonate slope system and associated sedimentary processes: Example of the giant Great Abaco Canyon, Bahamas
Authors: Recouvreur Audrey , Fabregas Natacha , Mulder Thierry , Hanquiez Vincent , Fauquembergue Kelly , Tournadour Elsa , Gillet Hervé , Borgomano Jean , Poli Emmanuelle , Kucharski Jean‐Baptiste , Wilk Stanislas
Published: July 2020

The large acoustic data set acquired during the Carambar cruises is composed of high resolution bathymetry, backscatter data and very‐high resolution seismic lines which allow for an overview of the morphology and sediment transfer processes from the shallow upper slope to the abyssal plain of a modern carbonate system: the north‐eastern slope of the Little Bahama Bank. Surficial distribution of the acoustic facies and echofacies reflects a wide variety of sedimentary processes along and across the slope. The western sector of the Little Bahama Bank is dominated by depositional processes whereas its eastern sector, which is incised in the lower slope by giant canyons, is affected by erosion and bypass processes. Datasets suggest that currents play an important role both in along‐slope sedimentary processes and in the abyssal plain. The Antilles Current appears to affect a large part of the middle and lower slopes. The absence of sizeable present‐day channel/levée complexes or lobes at the mouth of the canyon – revealed by the bathymetric map – indicates that the southward flowing Deep Western Boundary Current influences modern abyssal sediment deposition. Based on depositional processes and indicators of canyon maturity observed in facies distribution, the current study proposes that differential subsidence affects the eastern versus western part of the bank. The morphology of the Great Abaco Canyon and Little Abaco Canyon, which extend parallel to the platform, and the Little Bahama Bank slope appears to be related to the Great Abaco Fracture Zone.
The discovery of the HLA‐DQB1*02:02:13 allele, found in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Vianna Romulo , Secco Danielle , Santos Angela , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: July 2020

Identification of the HLA‐DQB1*02:02:13 that differs from HLA‐DQB1*02:02:01:01 by a synonymous substitution in exon 2.
Gestión del conocimiento en el marco de la innovación en la Facultad de Ciencias Juridicas de la Universidad de Manizales: Auditoria de conocimiento
Authors: González Carreño Camilo , Montoya Escobar Mónica Cecilia
Published: July 2020

El aporte a la optimización de la gestión del conocimiento en el Programa de Derecho de la Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas de la Universidad de Manizales, emerge como interés primordial en este estudio y puede evidenciarse a través de la formulación de un plan de acción diseñado por los autores, luego de determinar el estado de la gestión del conocimiento de dicho programa mediante la implementación de una metodología de auditoría del conocimiento basada en el enfoque de los procesos clave de la organización. Se desarrolla bajo un enfoque empírico-analítico, cuyo nivel de análisis se identificó en dos momentos: descriptivo y propositivo, este último consistió en el plan de acción como aporte a la planeación estratégica. El plan de acción está compuesto de acciones de mejora ubicadas estratégicamente de acuerdo a los procesos de la gestión del conocimiento: adquisición, difusión y aplicación, pero también enmarcadas en la innovación educativa. El surgimiento de las acciones de mejora se dio a partir de las brechas de conocimiento existentes y detectadas. Su análisis con ánimo propositivo, permitió con este estudio, contribuir a la planificación estratégica del programa con miras a sostener los estándares de calidad misional  con los que se identifica.
A Simple Frequency Range Selector to Reduce the Unstable Behavior of Active Vibration Isolation
Authors: La Viet Duc
Published: July 2020

In an active vibration isolation system using velocity feedback, the phase–lead due to high-pass filter and the phase–lag due to time delay limit the controller gain. This paper extends and applies a simple frequency range selector to increase the critical control gain. The selector uses the isolated mass's acceleration, velocity, and displacement and is tuned by two knobs. Our proposed approach has simple static switching law, suppresses both low and high frequency control, and does not add additional phase–lead or phase–lag. A simple expression of the effective gain is presented to give insight into the influence of two tuning knobs. Numerical simulations and a simple experiment are performed to illustrate the controller's effectiveness under harmonic and random disturbances.
Single Robust Proportional-Derivative Control for Friction Compensation in Fast and Precise Motion Systems With Actuator Constraint
Authors: Zheng Chunhong , Su Yuxin , Mercorelli Paolo
Published: July 2020

This paper revisits the problem of global asymptotic positioning of uncertain motion systems subject to actuator constraint and friction. A simple model-free saturated control is proposed by incorporating a relay term driven by position error into proportional-derivative (PD) methodology. Lyapunov's direct method is employed to prove global asymptotic positioning stability. The appealing advantages of the proposed approach are that it is conceived within the framework of saturated PD (SPD) control methodology with intuitive structure and absence of modeling parameter and embeds the whole control action within a single saturation function. Benefitted from these advantages, the proposed approach omits the complicated discrimination of the terms that shall be bounded in several saturation functions of the commonly used design and permits easy implementation with an improved performance. An additive feature is that the proposed control has the ability to ensure that the actuator constraint is not breached and assures global asymptotic positioning stability in the presence of unknown friction. Numerical simulations and experimental validations demonstrate the effectiveness and improved performance of the proposed approach. The proposed approach provides a model-free solution for fast transient and high-precision steady-state positioning of uncertain motion systems subject to unknown friction and actuator constraint.
A colorful chemotherapy agent could be made less toxic
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: July 2020

Safer forms of doxorubicin, which kill tumor cells without damaging DNA, could spare hearts of cancer patients.
Improbable oasis
Authors: Ortega Rodrigo Pérez
Published: July 2020

Pools in the Mexican desert are a hot spot of microbial diversity—and a window into early life.
Scale-free ferroelectricity induced by flat phonon bands in HfO
2
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jae , Lee Minseong , Lee Kyoungjun , Jo Jinhyeong , Yang Hyemi , Kim Yungyeom , Chae Seung Chul , Waghmare Umesh , Lee Jun Hee
Published: July 2020

The atomic-scale structure of hafnium oxide explains ferroelectric properties for very thin films.
C(sp
3
)–H functionalizations of light hydrocarbons using decatungstate photocatalysis in flow
Authors: Laudadio Gabriele , Deng Yuchao , van der Wal Klaas , Ravelli Davide , Nuño Manuel , Fagnoni Maurizio , Guthrie Duncan , Sun Yuhan , Noël Timothy
Published: July 2020

Using hydrocarbons as reagents

Adding small alkyl groups to complex molecules usually relies on alkyl halide reagents. Laudadio
et al.
now report a convenient method to add ethane and propane directly across conjugated olefins with no prefunctionalization or byproducts (see the Perspective by Oksdath-Mansilla). The C–H bond scission in this hydroalkylation is accomplished by a decatungstate photocatalyst that also acts as a hydrogen atom transfer agent to complete the process. The reaction, optimized under flow conditions, works with methane as well, albeit with lower efficiency.

Science
, this issue p.
92
; see also p.
34
Shutting down RNA-targeting CRISPR
Authors: Barrangou Rodolphe , Sontheimer Erik J.
Published: July 2020

The discovery of an anti-CRISPR reveals viral escape from CRISPR immunity
Surviving the trauma of COVID-19
Authors: Silver Roxane Cohen
Published: July 2020

As a psychological scientist who investigates how individuals and communities respond to collective traumas, I study human resilience in a range of situations—from earthquakes and hurricanes to mass violence and war. Shortly after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, I sat in the White House Office of Homeland Security discussing community resilience. Although the threat to society seemed real and continuing, national leaders were anxious to get people back on airplanes and into high-rise office buildings. In retrospect, the nation proved to be quite resilient: The threat of terrorism was never eliminated, but industries and urban centers continued to thrive. Decades later, the United States and world face another threat, equally amorphous and extremely deadly. In months, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected over 10 million people, killed over 125,000 Americans, and led to more than 500,000 deaths worldwide. A vaccine for COVID-19 is perhaps a year away. What does psychological science tell us about how individuals are responding—and will respond—as the pandemic waxes and wanes? What will the postpandemic “normal” look like? Will our society prove to be resilient?
Recommended physical activity and all cause and cause specific mortality in US adults: prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Min , Veeranki Sreenivas P , Magnussen Costan G , Xi Bo
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the association between recommended physical activity according to the 2018 physical activity guidelines for Americans and all cause and cause specific mortality using a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Design

Population based cohort study.

Setting

National Health Interview Survey (1997-2014) with linkage to the National Death Index records to 31 December 2015.

Participants

479 856 adults aged 18 years or older.

Exposures

Participant self-reports of the amount of leisure time spent in aerobic physical activity and muscle strengthening activity each week were combined and categorised into four groups: insufficient activity, aerobic activity only, muscle strengthening only, and both aerobic and muscle strengthening activities according to the physical activity guidelines.

Main outcome measures

All cause mortality and cause specific mortality (cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory tract diseases, accidents and injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus, influenza and pneumonia, and nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or nephrosis) obtained from the National Death Index records.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.75 years, 59 819 adults died from all causes, 13 509 from cardiovascular disease, 14 375 from cancer, 3188 from chronic lower respiratory tract diseases, 2477 from accidents and injuries, 1470 from Alzheimer’s disease, 1803 from diabetes mellitus, 1135 from influenza and pneumonia, and 1129 from nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or nephrosis. Compared with those who did not meet the physical activity guidelines (n=268 193), those who engaged in recommended muscle strengthening activity (n=21 428; hazard ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.85 to 0.94) or aerobic activity (n=113 851; 0.71, 0.69 to 0.72) were found to be at reduced risk of all cause mortality; and even larger survival benefits were found in those engaged in both activities (n=76 384; 0.60, 0.57 to 0.62). In addition, similar patterns were reported for cause specific mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory tract diseases.

Conclusions

Adults who engage in leisure time aerobic and muscle strengthening activities at levels recommended by the 2018 physical activity guidelines for Americans show greatly reduced risk of all cause and cause specific mortality. These data suggest that the physical activity levels recommended in the guidelines are associated with important survival benefits.
Food insecurity as a risk factor for preterm birth: a prospective facility-based cohort study in rural Haiti
Authors: Richterman Aaron , Raymonville Maxi , Hossain Azfar , Millien Christophe , Joseph Jean Paul , Jerome Gregory , Franke Molly F , Ivers Louise C
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Haiti has an estimated neonatal mortality rate of 32/1000 live births, the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Preterm birth and being born small for gestational age (SGA) are major causes of adverse neonatal outcomes worldwide. To reduce preterm birth and infants born SGA, it is important to understand which women are most at risk and how risk varies within countries. There are few studies estimating the prevalence and risk factors for these conditions in Haiti, particularly in rural regions.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of pregnant women at a rural tertiary care centre in Haiti from May to December 2017. We collected data during interviews and from the medical record. We built multivariable models to identify risk factors for preterm birth and being born SGA among women who had a facility-based delivery.

Results

1089 pregnant women delivered at the hospital and were included in this analysis. Median gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks (IQR 36–40). In multivariable analyses, risk factors for preterm birth included maternal age <20 years (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.76, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.72) and >34 years (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.11) and severe hunger in the household (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.26). Risk factors for SGA were age >34 years (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.59), twin pregnancy (AOR 3.28, 95% CI 1.20 to 8.95) and first pregnancy (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.23). Number of prior abortions was associated with reduced risk for SGA (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.97).

Conclusions

Food insecurity as a risk factor for preterm birth stands out as an important addition to the understanding of the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This association highlights a potentially important intervention target to improve birth outcomes and suggests that food support has an important role to play for pregnant women who are food insecure in low-income settings.
Protocol for a multinational risk-stratified randomised controlled trial in paediatric Crohn’s disease: methotrexate versus azathioprine or adalimumab for maintaining remission in patients at low or high risk for aggressive disease course
Authors: Harris Rachel E , Aloi Marina , de Ridder Lissy , Croft Nicholas M , Koletzko Sibylle , Levine Arie , Turner Dan , Veereman Gigi , Neyt Mattias , Bigot Laetitia , Ruemmele Frank M , Russell Richard K
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Immunomodulators such as thiopurines (azathioprine (AZA)/6-mercaptopurine (6MP)), methotrexate (MTX) and biologics such as adalimumab (ADA) are well established for maintenance of remission within paediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). It remains unclear, however, which maintenance medication should be used first line in specific patient groups.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of maintenance therapies in newly diagnosed CD based on stratification into high and low-risk groups for severe CD evolution; MTX versus AZA/6MP in low-risk and MTX versus ADA in high-risk patients. Primary end point: sustained remission at 12 months (weighted paediatric CD activity index ≤12.5 and C reactive protein ≤1.5 fold upper limit) without relapse or ongoing requirement for exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN)/steroids 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

Methods and analysis

REDUCE-RISK in CD is an international multicentre open-label prospective randomised controlled trial funded by EU within the Horizon2020 framework (grant number 668023). Eligible patients (aged 6–17 years, new-onset disease receiving steroids or EEN for induction of remission for luminal ± perianal CD are stratified into low and high-risk groups based on phenotype and response to induction therapy. Participants are randomised to one of two treatment arms within their risk group: low-risk patients to weekly subcutaneous MTX or daily oral AZA/6MP, and high-risk patients to weekly subcutaneous MTX or fortnightly ADA. Patients are followed up for 12 months at prespecified intervals. Electronic case report forms are completed prospectively. The study aims to recruit 312 participants (176 low risk; 136 high risk).

Ethics and dissemination

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (NCT02852694), authorisation and approval from local ethics committees have been obtained prior to recruitment. Individual informed consent will be obtained prior to participation in the study. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal with open access.

Trial registration number

NCT02852694; Pre-results.
On the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with viral infections including COVID-19
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Reuther Judith , Scheel Christina H , Becker Jürgen Christian
Published: July 2020

The present review summarizes up-to-date evidence addressing the frequently discussed clinical controversies regarding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients with viral infections, including AIDS, hepatitis B and C, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, influenza, and COVID-19. In detail, we provide available information on (1) safety regarding the risk of new infections, (2) effects on the outcome of pre-existing infections, (3) whether immunosuppressive drugs used to treat ICI-related adverse events affect the risk of infection or virulence of pre-existing infections, (4) whether the use of vaccines in ICI-treated patients is considered safe, and (5) whether there are beneficial effects of ICIs that even qualify them as a therapeutic approach for these viral infections.
Blockchain Use Cases for Inclusive FinTech: Scalability, Privacy, and Trust Distribution
Authors: Lee David Kuo Chuen , Lim Caroline Seow Ling
Published: July 2020

Few blockchain centric projects have gone beyond their white paper or proofs-of-concept. While many have fallen below expectations and failed to address the fundamental issues of scalability, privacy, and trust distribution, there are a few “imperfect” projects that are making an impact on society. We describe the lessons learned from three projects and highlight their “improvisions” in achieving their vision of serving the underserved, and identify areas of possible improvements. Our research has shown that mass adoption of blockchain technology will accelerate in financial industry and supply chain with private permissioned blockchains, but these e-inclusion projects using “Inclusive” Blockchain will take a longer time with OnChain/OffChain complexities. A long-term view is needed to build a Noah’s Ark as the rush to build the Tower of Babel to harness short term gain may not bring net benefits to the economy and society.
(ECS 236th) Particle Size and Morphology of Carbon Dioxide Reduction Electrocatalysts Fabricated by Pulse/Pulse-Reverse Electrodeposition
Authors: Skinn Brian , Leonard McLain , WANG DAN , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: July 2020

A variety of techniques for management of carbon dioxide emissions from power generation facilities and other industrial sites have been under active investigation for decades, in an effort to mitigate the environmental impacts of these releases. Once such approach is electrochemical reduction, which treats the waste CO2 as a source material for the production of value-added materials. Currently, the most promising form factor for this electrocatalytic application appears to be a stack-based system, where catalyst is immobilized on porous media that is interfaced with a liquid or solid electrolyte, and the reactant carbon dioxide is delivered to the active region by gaseous diffusion, which is orders of magnitude faster that diffusion though aqueous media. Various carbonaceous reduction products can be created depending on the composition, size, and microstructure of the catalyst particles, including formic acid/formate, carbon monoxide, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. In general, smaller catalyst particles, ideally in the nanoparticulate (<< 1 μm) range, tend to yield superior catalytic performance, due to a combination of factors such as a higher density of exposed grain boundaries and a higher fraction of exposed crystalline facets that are uncommon in particles of micron size or larger.This talk will survey recent work illustrating the ability of pulse/pulse-reverse electrodeposition processes to tune the size of particles applied to gas-diffusion electrode substrates, with a primary focus on two single-metal catalyst materials relevant to carbon dioxide electroreduction: tin and copper. The former is a catalyst primarily for formic acid production, while the latter is unique among single-metal catalysts as the only element known to date to produce significant amounts of hydrocarbons and/or alcohols. Particle morphology and representative particle size will be discussed as a function of pulsed electrodeposition waveform parameters, with the goal of highlighting overarching trends across the waveform space.
Atypical Presentation of COVID-19 Leading to ARDS
Authors: Williams Aquino , Alquran Lance , Khan Ummi , Bambrick-Santoyo Gabriela , Goveas Roveena
Published: July 2020

A 60-year-old male was brought into the emergency department by EMS after he was found unresponsive by his neighbors. He was initially admitted to the hospital for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation secondary to pneumonia. However, due to a sudden, rapidly progressing course of events, the patient was evaluated for COVID-19.
New Applications in Gas Geochemistry
Authors: Italiano Francesco , Solecki Andrzej , Martinelli Giovanni , Wang Yunpeng , Zheng Guodong
Published: July 2020

Gases present in the Earth crust are important in various branches of human activities. Hydrocarbons are a significant energy resource, helium is applied in many high-tech instruments, and studies of crustal gas dynamics provide insight in the geodynamic processes and help monitor seismic and volcanic hazards. Quantitative analysis of methane and CO2 migration is important for climate change studies. Some of them are toxic (H2S, CO2, CO); radon is responsible for the major part of human radiation dose. The development of analytical techniques in gas geochemistry creates opportunities of applying this science in numerous fields. Noble gases, hydrocarbons, CO2, N2, H2, CO, and Hg vapor are measured by advanced methods in various environments and matrices including fluid inclusions. Following the “Geochemical Applications of Noble Gases”(2009), “Frontiers in Gas Geochemistry” (2013), and “Progress in the Application of Gas Geochemistry to Geothermal, Tectonic and Magmatic Studies” (2017) published as special issues of Chemical Geology and “Gas geochemistry: From conventional to unconventional domains” (2018) published as a special issue of Marine and Petroleum Geology, this volume continues the tradition of publishing papers reflecting the diversity in scope and application of gas geochemistry.