bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and External Validation of a Prognostic Tool for COVID-19 Critical Disease
Authors: Chow Daniel S. , Glavis-Bloom Justin , Soun Jennifer E. , Weinberg Brent , Loveless Theresa Berens , Xie Xiaohui , Mutasa Simukayi , Monuki Edwin , Park Jung In , Bota Daniela , Wu Jie , Thompson Leslie , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Khan Saahir , Amin Alpesh N. , Chang Peter D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) revealed significant constraints in critical care capacity. In anticipation of subsequent waves, reliable prediction of disease severity is essential for critical care capacity management and may enable earlier targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to develop and externally validate a prognostic model/clinical tool for predicting COVID-19 critical disease at presentation to medical care.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of a prognostic model for the prediction of COVID-19 critical disease where critical disease was defined as ICU admission, ventilation, and/or death. The derivation cohort was used to develop a multivariable logistic regression model. Covariates included patient comorbidities, presenting vital signs, and laboratory values. Model performance was assessed on the validation cohort by concordance statistics. The model was developed with consecutive patients with COVID-19 who presented to University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange County, California. External validation was performed with a random sample of patients with COVID-19 at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia.ResultsOf a total 3208 patients tested in the derivation cohort, 9% (299/3028) were positive for COVID-19. Clinical data including past medical history and presenting laboratory values were available for 29% (87/299) of patients (median age, 48 years [range, 21-88 years]; 64% [36/55] male). The most common comorbidities included obesity (37%, 31/87), hypertension (37%, 32/87), and diabetes (24%, 24/87). Critical disease was present in 24% (21/87). After backward stepwise selection, the following factors were associated with greatest increased risk of critical disease: number of comorbidities, body mass index, respiratory rate, white blood cell count, % lymphocytes, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, high sensitivity troponin I, ferritin, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein. Of a total of 40 patients in the validation cohort (median age, 60 years [range, 27-88 years]; 55% [22/40] male), critical disease was present in 65% (26/40). Model discrimination in the validation cohort was high (concordance statistic: 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.87-1.01). A web-based tool was developed to enable clinicians to input patient data and view likelihood of critical disease.Conclusions and RelevanceWe present a model which accurately predicted COVID-19 critical disease risk using comorbidities and presenting vital signs and laboratory values, on derivation and validation cohorts from two different institutions. If further validated on additional cohorts of patients, this model/clinical tool may provide useful prognostication of critical care needs.
Disinfection effect of pulsed xenon ultraviolet irradiation on SARS-CoV-2 and implications for environmental risk of COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Simmons Sarah , Carrion Ricardo , Alfson Kendra , Staples Hilary , Jinadatha Chetan , Jarvis William , Sampathkumar Priya , Chemaly Roy F. , Khawaja Fareed , Povroznik Mark , Jackson Stephanie , Kaye Keith S , Rodriguez Robert M. , Stibich Mark 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProlonged survival of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces and personal protective equipment (PPE) may lead to these surfaces transmitting disease to others. This article reports the effectiveness of a pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV) disinfection system in reducing the load of SARS-CoV-2 on hard surfaces and N95 respirators. Chamber slides and N95 respirator material were directly inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 and exposed to different durations of PX-UV disinfection. For hard surfaces, disinfection for 1, 2, and 5 minutes resulted in 3.53 Log10, >4.54 Log10, and >4.12 Log10 reductions in viral load, respectively. For N95 respirators, disinfection for 5 minutes resulted in >4.79 Log10 reduction in viral load. We found that PX-UV significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 on hard surfaces and N95 respirators. With the potential to rapidly disinfectant environmental surfaces and N95 respirators, PX-UV devices are a promising technology for the reduction of environmental and PPE bioburden and to enhance both HCW and patient safety by reducing the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Sex hormone and metabolic dysregulations are associated with critical illness in male Covid-19 patients
Authors: Schroeder Maria , Schaumburg Berfin , Müller Zacharias , Parplys Ann , Jarczak Dominik , Nierhaus Axel , Kloetgen Andreas , Schneider Bettina , Peschka Manuela , Stoll Fabian , Bai Tian , Jacobsen Henning , Zickler Martin , Stanelle-Bertram Stephanie , Heer Geraldine de , Renné Thomas , Meinhardt Andreas , Heeren Joerg , Aberle Jens , McHardy Alice C. , Schlüter Hartmut , Hiller Jens , Peine Sven , Kreienbrock Lothar , Klingel Karin , Kluge Stefan , Gabriel Gülsah 
Published: May 2020

SummaryMales develop more severe SARS-CoV-2 infection related disease outcome than females. Herein, sex hormones were repeatedly proposed to play an important role in Covid-19 pathophysiology and immunity. However, it is yet unclear whether sex hormones are associated with Covid-19 outcome in males and females. In this study, we analyzed sex hormones, cytokine and chemokine responses as well as performed a large profile analysis of 600 metabolites in critically-ill male and female Covid-19 patients in comparison to healthy controls and patients with coronary heart diseases as a prime Covid-19 comorbidity. We here show that dysregulated sex hormones, IFN-γ levels and unique metabolic signatures are associated with critical illness in Covid-19 patients. Both, male and female Covid-19 patients, present elevated estradiol levels which positively correlates with IFN-γ levels. Male Covid-19 patients additionally display severe testosterone and triglyceride deficiencies as compared to female patients and healthy controls. Our results suggest that male Covid-19 patients suffer from multiple metabolic disorders, which may lead to higher risk for fatal outcome. These findings will help to understand molecular pathways involved in Covid-19 pathophysiology.
A rapid review of available evidence on the serial interval and generation time of COVID-19
Authors: Griffin John , Collins Áine B. , Hunt Kevin , Casey Miriam , Evoy David Mc , Byrne Andrew W. , McAloon Conor G. , Barber Ann , Lane Elizabeth Ann , More Simon J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe serial interval is the time between symptom onsets in an infector-infectee pair. The generation time, also known as the generation interval, is the time between infection events in an infector-infectee pair. The serial interval and the generation time are key parameters for assessing the dynamics of a disease. A number of scientific papers reported information pertaining to the serial interval and/or generation time for COVID-19.ObjectivesConduct a rapid review of available evidence to advise on appropriate parameter values for serial interval and generation time in national COVID-19 transmission models for Ireland and on methodological issues relating to those parameters.MethodsA review of scientific literature was conducted covering the period between December 1, 2019 and April 27, 2020. Nineteen scientific papers were evaluated in detail from 27 papers that contained information on the serial interval and/or generation time for COVID-19.ResultsThe mean of the serial interval ranged from 3.1 to 7.5 days, based on 22 estimates, and the median from 1.9 to 6.0 days (based on 7 estimates). Only three estimates were provided for the mean of the generation time. These ranged from 3.9 to 5.2 days. One estimate of 5.0 days was provided for the median of the generation time.DiscussionThe values of the estimates for serial interval and generation time are heavily influenced by the contact rates between infectious and susceptible individuals. Mitigation measures that are introduced in a country or region are of paramount importance in this regard. The serial interval estimate of 6.6 days (95% confidence interval: 0.7 – 19.0) from the paper by Cereda et al.[10] is likely to be the most relevant to European countries. National estimates should be obtained as soon as possible.Strengths and limitations of this studyThe study provides timely information on serial interval and generation time for those involved in the development of models and in the implementation of control measures against COVID-19.This is a rapid review of available evidence in the scientific literature between December 1, 2019 and April 27, 2020 on the serial interval and/or the generation time and it contains the usual limitations associated with such a review.Eleven of the 19 papers reviewed in detail were pre-print articles.The statistical methods used in the different papers were not analysed in detail.
Epigenetic aging of classical monocytes from healthy individuals
Authors: Shchukina Irina , Bagaitkar Juhi , Shpynov Oleg , Loginicheva Ekaterina , Porter Sofia , Mogilenko Denis A. , Wolin Erica , Collins Patrick , Demidov German , Artomov Mykyta , Zaitsev Konstantin , Sidorov Sviatoslav , Camell Christina , Bambouskova Monika , Arthur Laura , Swain Amanda , Panteleeva Alexandra , Dievskii Aleksei , Kurbatsky Evgeny , Tsurinov Petr , Chernyatchik Roman , Dixit Vishwa Deep , Jovanovic Marko , Stewart Sheila A. , Daly Mark J. , Dmitriev Sergey , Oltz Eugene M. , Artyomov Maxim N. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe impact of healthy aging on molecular programming of immune cells is poorly understood. Here, we report comprehensive characterization of healthy aging in human classical monocytes, with a focus on epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic alterations, as well as the corresponding proteomic and metabolomic data for plasma, using healthy cohorts of 20 young and 20 older individuals (~27 and ~64 years old on average). For each individual, we performed eRRBS-based DNA methylation profiling, which allowed us to identify a set of age-associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) – a novel, cell-type specific signature of aging in DNA methylome. Optimized ultra-low-input ChIP-seq (ULI-ChIP-seq) data acquisition and analysis pipelines applied to 5 chromatin marks for each individual revealed lack of large-scale age-associated changes in chromatin modifications and allowed us to link hypo- and hypermethylated DMRs to distinct chromatin modification patterns. Specifically, hypermethylation events were associated with H3K27me3 in the CpG islands near promoters of lowly-expressed genes, while hypomethylated DMRs were enriched in H3K4me1 marked regions and associated with normal pattern of expression. Furthermore, hypo- and hypermethylated DMRs followed distinct functional and genetic association patterns. Hypomethylation events were associated with age-related increase of expression of the corresponding genes, providing a link between DNA methylation and age-associated transcriptional changes in primary human cells. Furthermore, these locations were also enriched in genetic regions associated by GWAS with asthma, total blood protein, hemoglobin levels and MS. On the other side, acceleration of epigenetic age in HIV and asthma stems only from changes in hypermethylated DMRs but not from hypomethylated loci.
Spurious radiation suppression in microstrip monopulse antenna
Authors: Uyguroğlu Rasime , Hnesh Allaeldien Mohamed , Sohail Muhammad , Oztoprak Abdullah Y. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to introduce a new novel microstrip monopulse comparator system to reduce the spurious radiation from the comparator and the feed network for achieving better radiation performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Two substrate layers have been used for the microstrip monopulse comparator system. The feed network and the comparator circuits are on the first substrate layer and the microstrip array antenna is on the second layer. The elements of the array antenna are novel square four-sided narrow rectangular slot antennas built on a conducting plane. A commercially available computational software, CST microwave studio, has been used for the analysis of the system.

Findings
Two substrate layers have been used for the microstrip monopulse comparator system. The feed network and the comparator circuits are on the first substrate layer and the microstrip array antenna is on the second layer. The elements of the array antenna are novel square four-sided narrow rectangular slot antennas built on a conducting plane. A commercially available computational software, CST microwave studio, has been used for the analysis of the system.

Practical implications
The system is proposed for tracking moving targets.

Originality/value
Novel slot radiators are introduced as radiating elements in this paper. The antenna arrangement shields the comparator and the feed network circuits, reducing the spurious radiation significantly.
The moderating role of Shariah supervisory board on the relationship between board effectiveness, operational risk transparency and bank performance
Authors: Neifar Souhir , Salhi Bassem , Jarboui Anis 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the effect of board effectiveness (BE) on financial performance and operational risk (OR) disclosure and the interaction effect of a bank’s Sharia Supervisory Board quality (SSB) with religious and ethical principles.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from the annual financial reports of 25 Islamic banks (IBs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries over 2008-2017. The OR disclosure, the SSB quality and BE were measured using self-developed indices. The Tawhidi string relation methodology was used to establish the circular causal model. The moderating effect of the SSB quality on the performance, OR disclosure and board structure relationship was examined using the hierarchical regression analysis.FindingsThe main finding of this study is related to the positive moderating effect of SSB quality on the relationship between performance, OR disclosure and BE. This result seems to indicate that at a high level of SSB quality, even when the performance increase the IBs engage in complying with OR disclosure to inform the stakeholders on the real situation of the bank.Practical implicationsThe finding of this research would be of great support to stakeholders and policymakers to make more pressure on IBs to improve the quality of their SSB structure and show more compliance with the governance recommendations. As an extension to this research, further study can examine other Islamic governance mechanisms such as Sharīʿah-compliant banks.Originality/valueThe present study provides a new addition to the prior literature by investigating the relationship between performance, BE, OR disclosure and the interaction effect of SSB quality. From an Islamic ethical, this research can also contribute to the growing discussion on SSB quality and performance.
Implementing 5D BIM on construction projects: contractor perspectives from the UK construction sector
Authors: Moses Tochukwu , Heesom David , Oloke David 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on primary research findings that sought to investigate and analyse salient issues on the implementation of 5D building information modelling (BIM) from the UK contractors’ perspective. Previous research and efforts have predominantly focussed on the use of technologies for cost estimation and quantity takeoff within a more traditional-led procurement, with a paucity of research focussing on how 5D BIM could facilitate costing within contractor-led procurement. This study fills this current knowledge gap and enhances the understanding of the specific costing challenges faced by contractors in contractor-led projects, leading to the development of 5D framework for use in future projects.Design/methodology/approachTo develop a fully detailed understanding of the challenges and issues being faced in this regard, a phenomenological, qualitative-based study was undertaken through interviews involving 21 participants from UK-wide construction organisations. A thematic data analytical process was applied to the data to derive key issues, and this was then used to inform the development of a 5D-BIM costing framework.FindingsMulti-disciplinary findings reveal a range of issues faced by contractors when implementing 5D BIM. These exist at strategic, operational and technological levels which require addressing successful implementation of 5D BIM on contractor-led projects adhering to Level 2 BIM standards. These findings cut across the range of stakeholders on contractor-led projects. Ultimately, the findings suggest strong commitment and leadership from organisational management are required to facilitate cost savings and generate accurate cost information.Practical implicationsThis study highlights key issues for any party seeking to effectively deploy 5D BIM on a contractor-led construction project. A considerable cultural shift towards automating and digitising cost functions virtually, stronger collaborative working relationship relative to costing in design development, construction practice, maintenance and operation is required.Originality/valueBy analysing findings from primary research data, the work concludes with the development of a 5D BIM costing framework to support contractor-led projects which can be implemented to ensure that 5D BIM is successfully implemented.
Obesity and motor vehicle deaths: a panel-data analysis
Authors: Becker Mary J. , Calkins Lindsay N. , Simmons Walter , Welki Andrew M. , Zlatoper Thomas J. 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis paper analyzes the impact of obesity on the probability of a motor vehicle fatality (highway death rate) and on its component probabilities: the probability of a fatality, given a crash (vulnerability rate) and the probability of a crash (crash rate).Design/methodology/approachUsing state-level data for 1995–2015, the paper estimates models explaining all three rates. Explanatory factors include obesity and a representative set of potential determinants.FindingsResults indicate that obesity has a statistically significant positive relationship with the highway death rate and the crash rate. Also having a statistically significant positive association with at least one of the three rates are the proportions of young and old drivers, alcohol consumption, the ratio of rural to urban vehicle miles and temperature. Factors with a statistically significant negative relationship with at least one of the rates include primary seat belt laws and precipitation. In 2016, a total of 928 traffic fatalities could have been avoided if obesity rates decreased by one percentage point.Practical implicationsSeat belts and crash dummies should be better designed to fit and represent those with higher BMIs, and education efforts to increase seat belt use should be supplemented with information about the adverse impact of obesity on highway safety.Originality/valueThis paper uses 21 years of state-level information, including socio-economic and regulation data, and contributes to the existing research on the relationship between obesity and highway safety.
Imposing tariff or implementing subsidy?
Authors: Chen Zhisong , Su Shong-Iee Ivan , Wang Huimin 
Published: May 2020

PurposeIn the context of the trade war in full swing, the global supply chain systems have experienced a serious shock and become very vulnerable. The purpose of this paper is to explore the intertwining effects between the export-supporting subsidy policy and the import-deterring tariff policy to develop better insights for trade policy-making under the intra-industry-trade (IIT) conflicts. The research results may provide the trade policy makers and international businesses with better insights in making rational trade policy and business decisions.Design/methodology/approachTwo-stage game-/bargaining-theoretical models for the dual competing international supply chains with a unilateral/bilateral tariff imposing or subsidy implementing under six different scenarios of IIT conflict are developed, analyzed and compared. On this basis, the corresponding numerical analyses are conducted to assess the impact of the tariff and subsidy policies and derive the trade policy implications and business insights.FindingsThe research results indicate that: (1) the bilateral subsidy implementing from both governments is the best policy for all stakeholders in two countries, which would lead to the highest profits, social welfare and consumer surplus than those of the other scenarios; (2) the bilateral tariff imposing of both governments is the worst policy for all stakeholders in two countries, which would lead to the lowest profits, social welfare and consumer surplus than those of the other scenarios; (3) the fair trade scenario without tariff imposing and subsidy implementing turns out to be the second-best trade policy for the governments. Under the World Trade Organization rule and fair-trade principles, the bilateral subsidy policy is not allowed in most of the cases. Thus, adopting a fair-trade policy may be the most appropriate trade policy for two trading countries.Originality/valueThe modeling approach developed for this study is original and innovative due to the following characteristics. First, based on three trade policy alternatives –fair trade,tariff imposingandsubsidy implementing– of two generic governments under IIT conflict, nine different combinations of three policy alternatives are defined. Second, excluding the symmetrical combinations, six IIT conflict scenarios under various tariff/subsidy policy pairs ranging from no conflict to high conflict are assumed for two dual competing international supply chains. Third, a novel two-stage game-/bargaining-theoretical modeling approach is applied to investigate the optimal/equilibrium decisions regarding pricing, ordering quantity and their critical economic outcomes for all possible trade policy scenarios. Fourth, this study lays down a research foundation for the future trade conflict study using a game-theoretical modeling approach.