bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discriminating lineages of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis using quantitative PCR
Authors: Ghosh Pria N. , Verster Ruhan , Sewell Thomas R. , O’Hanlon Simon J. , Brookes Lola M. , Rieux Adrien , Garner Trenton W. J. , Weldon Ché , Fisher Matthew C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe ability to detect and monitor infectious disease in a phylogenetically informative manner is critical for their management. Phylogenetically informative diagnostic tests enable patterns of pathogen introduction or changes in the distribution of genotypes to be measured, enabling research into the ecology of the pathogen. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a causative agent of chytridiomycosis in amphibian populations, emerged worldwide in the 21st century and is composed of six lineages which are display varying levels of virulence in their hosts. Research into the distribution, ecology and pathogenicity of these lineages has been hampered by an inability to type lineage efficiently. Here, we describe a lineage‐specific TaqMan qPCR assay that differentiates the two lineages of Bd most commonly associated with chytridiomycosis: BdGPL and BdCAPE. We demonstrate how this assay can be used for the surveillance of wild populations of amphibians in Southern Africa using skin swabs, tissue samples and cultured isolates.
Locating large insects using automated VHF radio telemetry with a multi‐antennae array
Authors: Fisher Kelsey Elizabeth , Dixon Phil M. , Han Gang , Adelman James Stephen , Bradbury Steven P. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We describe an automated radio telemetry system (ARTS) designed for estimating the location of 0.50 g butterflies which was constructed with commercially available materials. Previously described systems were not designed to estimate fine‐scale locations of large insects within approximately 200 m2 study areas.

The ARTS consists of four receiving stations. Each receiving station has four 3‐element, directional Yagi antennae (separated by 60) connected to an automated receiver that records detected power sequentially from each antenna. To develop and evaluate the ARTS performance, four receiving stations were installed in the corners of 4 and 6.25‐ha square fields with varying heights of vegetative cover. The location of a 0.22 g transmitter was estimated with a statistical method implementing both distance‐and angle‐power relationships. Calibrated model parameters were based on power detected from transmitters at known locations. Using independently collected data, model performance was evaluated based on estimated locations of a georeferenced stationary transmitter, a moving transmitter with a known georeferenced path and a transmitter attached to a monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus. Estimated locations were calculated as frequently as every 5 s, which is at least 12 times greater than the sampling frequency previously reported for tracking insects.

When sufficient power data were received, the median estimated locations of a transmitter attached to an investigator's hat were <16 m from the true location. The median effective radius of the 95% confidence ellipse was 18.3 m for stationary targets and 15.9 m for a moving transmitter. Greater error in location estimation was expected when the transmitter was attached to a monarch butterfly due to interference from vegetation and variability in antenna orientation and transmitter height. As such, the median distance between the estimated and true locations was 72 m. After applying a correction for the effect of vegetation, median location error was reduced by 12 m.

While our ARTS has likely reached the limit of current technology, the system is still a substantial methodological advancement for locating butterflies. Our efforts should provide a benchmark as technology improves.
Comparing rivers to lakes: Implications for drowning prevention
Authors: Peden Amy E. , Willcox‐Pidgeon Stacey M. , Scarr Justin P. , Franklin Richard C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo contrast unintentional fatal drowning in rivers with lakes to determine appropriateness for application of existing river drowning prevention strategies.DesignA total population retrospective cross‐sectional analysis using coronial data.SettingAustralia, 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2018.ParticipantsChildren and adults (n = 342) who died from unintentional drowning in a river or lake.Main outcome measuresIncidence, crude fatality rates, relative risk (95% confidence interval) and chi‐square tests of independence for risk factors for unintentional fatal drowning. Subset analysis of land management for lake drowning locations.ResultsFour‐fifths (82%) occurred in rivers. Lake drowning was more likely among 0‐ to 17‐year‐olds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and when swimming or using watercraft. River drowning most commonly occurred following a fall into water and with alcohol involvement. Drowning risk in very remote areas was elevated for both lakes (relative risk = 18.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.61‐209.44) and rivers (relative risk = 15.89; 95% confidence interval: 5.56‐45.37) compared to major cities. Those responsible for land and water management at lakes were primarily local government (59%), water authorities (32%) and parks and wildlife authorities (7%).ConclusionsIn contrast to a focus on adults and alcohol in existing river drowning prevention strategies, lake interventions must target children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recreational lake users. Fatal drowning rates are high for remote rivers and lakes, necessitating focused effort. There are opportunities to embed drowning prevention strategies within land and water management plans. Lake drowning prevention requires broader engagement with land and water managers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ten‐year outcomes of the first ‘one‐stop haematuria clinic’ in an Australian public hospital
Authors: Reynolds Bradley R. , McCombie Steve , Botha Erica , Hawks Cynthia , Brown Matthew , Hayne Dickon 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundUrgent assessment of haematuria is critical to exclude malignancy. The utilization of haematuria clinics in Australia remains in its infancy. It is hoped that the streamlined investigative service will achieve earlier diagnosis of urological malignancy and subsequently decrease morbidity and mortality. We report the 10‐year prospectively collected outcomes from Australia's first dedicated one‐stop haematuria clinic (OSHC).MethodsSince its commencement in May 2008 through to July 2018, all consecutive patients assessed in the OSHC were included in the analysis. Data collected included demographics, presentation, wait times, investigation, assessment, initial treatment, referral and histopathology.ResultsA total of 3008 patients were seen in the OSHC with non‐visible haematuria (1024, 34%) and visible haematuria (1984, 66%). Three hundred and twenty‐seven (10.9%) patients were diagnosed with urothelial malignancy. In all, 306 (10.2%) patients had lower tract disease and 21 (0.7%) had upper tract disease. Urothelial cases were compiled of 123 (37.6%) Ta LG, 39 (11.9%) Ta HG, 21 (6.4%) Tis, 67 (20.5%) T1 and 77 (23.6%) T2–4. Urothelial malignancy was diagnosed more often in males (odds ratio (OR) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35–2.25), older patients elder than 60 years (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.47–2.64) and patients with visible haematuria (OR 5.42, 95% CI 3.73–7.86). In all, 53.4% of patients were discharged after a single visit to the OSHC.ConclusionThe OSHC has served as an effective tool for rapid, streamlined assessment of patients presenting with haematuria. This model of care has been subsequently adopted by numerous public centres across Australia. Current funding structures present a barrier to this excellent approach for rapid access diagnostics.
Design and experimental evaluation of an automated catheter operating system
Authors: Norouzi‐Ghazbi Somayeh , Mehrkish Ali , Abdulhafiz Ibrahim , Abbasi‐Hashemi Taha , Mahdi Anas , Janabi‐Sharifi Farrokh 
Published: November 2020

AbstractManual catheter‐based interventions (CBIs) suffer from exposure of the interventionalists to X‐ray, and dependence of their performance on the expertise and fatigue level of the interventionalists. Robot‐assisted catheterization systems (RACS) have been introduced in recent years to improve the efficiency of CBIs; however, using them is still associated with some difficulties such as set‐up dependency to a specific type of intervention instrument, not being portable, and offering limited options of operation modes. The objective of this research is to develop a new RACS to address these shortcomings. We propose Althea II as an improvement for our previously introduced RACS, Althea I. Althea II is designed for both research purposes and clinical applications including catheter‐based cardiovascular interventions. Althea II benefits from a novel structural design leading to a significantly reduced weight and making the device inclusive for a broader range of intervention instruments. Also, a tip detection algorithm is developed and integrated into the graphical user interface (GUI) to enable image‐based navigation, and accordingly, fully automatic navigation. Althea II has improved the outcome of catheter‐based interventions by increased accuracy and precision of the intervention. The system can navigate the catheter tip to a designated target with an accuracy higher than 90% in both velocity and positioning mode. The device is associated with an upgraded GUI equipped with a strong tip detection algorithm with an accuracy of 0.05 mm. Moreover, Althea II gains from a quicker assembly time (20 minutes, which equals five times faster). The independency from specific catheters, several modes of function, an imaged‐based feedback control, portability, and a remote function should allow operation even from beginners and reduce X‐ray exposure. The preliminary research studies verified the accuracy and repeatability of Althea II, demonstrated the feasibility and applicability of using the set‐up in multiple applications, and highlighted the improved set‐up capabilities over the currently available RACS.
Comparative assessment of biomechanics induced by hinge knee prostheses with two different motion axial system
Authors: Zhang Jing‐yu , Zhang Hao‐ran , Tian Dong‐mu , Wang Feng , Ren Zhi‐peng , Hu Yong‐cheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe aimed to evaluate the biomechanical contact characteristics of rotating hinge knee (RHK) prostheses with different motion axial systems. We performed finite element (FE) analyses to investigate and compare the peak contact stress and contact location on tibial insert and bushing during a gait cycle. The biaxial (BA) system and spherical center axial (SA) system RHK prostheses were included in this study. The comparisons between experimental tests and FE analyses were performed to verify the validation of FE models. Decreased ISO loadings were then applied to the validated FE models to investigate the peak contact stress and contact location on tibial insert and bushing. The contact areas obtained from experimental tests and FE analyses were in a good agreement. The peak contact stresses on tibial insert and bushing of BA prosthesis were higher than those of SA prosthesis. The contact locations on the superior surface of tibial insert in SA and BA prostheses were at the middle‐posterior and posterior side, while those on the rotating axial surface were at the medial and lateral sides, respectively. This study indicate that the tibial insert and bushing of an SA prosthesis have lower peak contact stresses and better contact locations than those of a BA prosthesis during a gait cycle, which may decrease the risk of long‐term complications of RHK prostheses. Future studies should be performed to confirm the relationship between the contact characteristics and wear in RHK prostheses.
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor nilotinib inhibits SARS‐CoV‐2 in vitro
Authors: Cagno Valeria , Magliocco Gaelle , Tapparel Caroline , Daali Youssef 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSince the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) at the end of 2019, no vaccine has been approved to counter this infection and the available treatments are mainly directed against the immune pathology caused by the infection. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is currently causing a worldwide pandemic, pointing the urgent need for effective treatment. In such emergency, drug repurposing presents the best option for a rapid antiviral response. We assess here the in vitro activity of nilotinib, imatinib and dasatinib, three Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors, against SARS‐CoV‐2. Although the last two compounds do not show antiviral efficacy, we observe inhibition with nilotinib in Vero‐E6 cells and Calu‐3 cells with EC50s of 1.44 μM and 3.06 μM, respectively. These values are close to the mean peak concentration of nilotinib observed at steady state in serum, making this compound a potential candidate for treatment of COVID‐19 in vivo.
Detailed Rigid Body Simulation with Extended Position Based Dynamics
Authors: Müller Matthias , Macklin Miles , Chentanez Nuttapong , Jeschke Stefan , Kim Tae‐Yong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present a rigid body simulation method that can resolve small temporal and spatial details by using a quasi explicit integration scheme that is unconditionally stable. Traditional rigid body simulators linearize constraints because they operate on the velocity level or solve the equations of motion implicitly thereby freezing the constraint directions for multiple iterations. Our method always works with the most recent constraint directions. This allows us to trace high speed motion of objects colliding against curved geometry, to reduce the number of constraints, to increase the robustness of the simulation, and to simplify the formulation of the solver. In this paper we provide all the details to implement a fully fledged rigid body solver that handles contacts, a variety of joint types and the interaction with soft objects.
Treatment choice in single‐sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss. A prospective, multicentre cohort study on 155 patients
Authors: Marx Mathieu , Mosnier Isabelle , Vincent Christophe , Bonne Nicolas‐Xavier , Bakhos David , Lescanne Emmanuel , Flament Jonathan , Bernardeschi Daniele , Sterkers Olivier , Fraysse Bernard , Lepage Benoit , Godey Benoit , Schmerber Sébastien , Uziel Alain , Mondain Michel , Venail Frédéric , Deguine Olivier 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the treatment choice in a cohort of subjects with single‐sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). To assess the reliability of the treatment trials.DesignIn this national, multicentre, prospective study, the choice of subjects was made after two consecutive trials of Contralateral Routing Of the Signal (CROS) hearing aids and a Bone Conduction Device (BCD) on a headband. Subjects could proceed with one of these two options, opt for cochlear implantation or decline all treatments.SettingSeven tertiary university hospitals.ParticipantsOne hundred fifty‐five subjects with SSD or AHL fulfilling the candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation, with or without associated tinnitus.Main outcome measuresAfter the two trials, the number of subjects choosing each option was described. Repeated assessments of both generic and auditory‐specific quality of life were conducted, as well as hearing assessments (speech recognition in noise and horizontal localization).ResultsCROS was chosen by 75 subjects, followed by cochlear implantation (n = 51), BCD (n = 18) and abstention (n = 11). Patients who opted for cochlear implantation had a poorer quality of life (P = .03). The improvement of quality of life indices after each trial was significantly associated with the final treatment choice (P = .008 for generic indices, P = .002 for auditory‐specific indices). The follow‐up showed that this improvement had been overestimated in the CROS group, with a long‐term retention rate of 52.5%.ConclusionsMore than one third of SSD/AHL subjects are unsatisfied after CROS and BCD trials. Repeated quality of life assessments help counselling the patient for his/her treatment choice.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of empagliflozin versus sitagliptin as second‐line therapy for treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes in the United States
Authors: Reifsnider Odette , Kansal Anuraag , Pimple Pratik , Aponte‐Ribero Valerie , Brand Sarah , Shetty Sharash 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo estimate the cost‐effectiveness of sequential addition of empagliflozin versus sitagliptin after metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with or without cardiovascular disease (CVD) from the perspective of the US healthcare payer.MethodsAn individual simulation model predicted lifetime diabetes‐related complications, using UKPDS‐OM2 equations in patients without CVD, and EMPA‐REG OUTCOME equations in patients with CVD. Additional US‐based sources informed inputs for population characteristics, adverse events, non‐CV death, treatment escalation, quality of life and costs. Costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were discounted 3.0% annually.ResultsThe incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for second‐line empagliflozin versus sitagliptin in the overall T2D population was $6967/QALY. Empagliflozin led to longer CVD‐free survival (0.07 years) and an 11% reduction in CV death in patients with CVD compared with sitagliptin. Empagliflozin resulted in greater benefits with greater costs in patients with versus without baseline CVD, yielding ICERs of $3589/QALY versus $12 577/QALY, respectively. Results were consistent across a range of deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses and scenarios.ConclusionCompared with sitagliptin, empagliflozin was cost‐effective (at $50 000/QALY US threshold) as a second‐line treatment to metformin for T2D patients with or without CVD in the United States. Our findings lend additional support for more widespread adoption of guidelines by healthcare decision‐makers for T2D treatment.
Myocardial strain pattern progress in patients with Coarctation of the Aorta undergoing aortic stenting
Authors: Aragão Natalia Freitas de Deus Vale , Borgo Juliana Nicchio Valentim , Jesus Carlos Alberto de , Davoglio Tathiane , Armstrong Anderson da Costa , Barretto Rodrigo Bellio de Mattos , Le Bihan David , Assef Jorge Eduardo , Pedra Carlos Augusto Cardoso , Pedra Simone Rolim Fernandes Fontes 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and AimVentricular function evaluation in coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has become more sophisticated and precise with speckle tracking, revealing subclinical changes. However, CoA stenting treatment effects in on myocardial strain are still controversial. This study aimed to estimate the extent to which changes in left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) occur in patients with CoA who undergo stenting.MethodsThe study included 21 patients with CoA (median age: 15 years [8–39]) and 21 healthy individuals matched by age and gender. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed 1 day before, 6 months, and 1 year after stenting. Correlations between LV GLS and arm‐leg gradient, isthmus gradient on echocardiogram, age at intervention, left ventricular mass, and ejection fraction were tested.ResultsBefore treatment, patients with CoA had lower LV GLS than the control group (−18.4% ± 1.96 vs −21.5% ± 1.37; P < .01), showing significant increase to −19.4% ± 2.1 at 6 months and −20.7% ± 2.19 at 1 year, P < .001. Only 28.5% (6 patients) had preserved GLS before treatment, improving to 80.9% (17 patients) in 1 year. The only variable correlated with low LV GLS values before treatment was age at intervention (Spearman's index = −0.571; P = .007).ConclusionPercutaneous therapy showed significant LV GLS improvement 12 months after aortic stenting. Older patients have lower GLS, suggesting that early intervention may have positive effects on preservation of LV systolic function.
The external wealth of Arab nations: Structure, trends, and policy implications
Authors: Mohieldin Mahmoud , Rostom Ahmed , Zaki Chahir 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe paper makes two contributions. First, it analyzes net foreign assets (NFA) and liabilities in selected Arab countries. Second, the paper examines the effects of policy variables that affect the accumulation of NFA and its components, analyzing how the existence of a sovereign wealth fund (SWF), the country's exchange rate regime, and the development of its financial system affect its NFA. The main findings show that the presence of a SWF is positively and significantly associated with foreign direct investment in Arab countries. While financial development matters, intermediate exchange rate regimes are associated to more uncertainty compared to fixed or flexible ones. Our results remain robust even we control for the endogeneity between SWF and NFA components.
The Call for Intellectual Diversity on Campuses and the Problem of Willful Ignorance
Authors: Applebaum Barbara 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe call for intellectual diversity on college campuses reemerges every few years, fueled by objections to the political imbalance or the liberal slant that conservative commentators claim is characteristic of higher education today. In this article, Barbara Applebaum sets out to add to the debate around intellectual diversity in higher education by addressing it through the lens of epistemic injustice, in general, and, more specifically, willful ignorance. She begins by summarizing the scholarship around epistemic injustice and then provides conceptual resources that are popular on social media to help explain the experience of marginalized knowers. Next, Applebaum demonstrates that unless willful ignorance is taken seriously, these conceptual resources remain unintelligible to dominantly situated knowers. She follows this with a review of some of the scholarship on epistemic injustice and the remedies for this problem proposed in it. Through applying insights gleaned from this scholarship to the call for intellectual diversity, Applebaum concludes that if the call for intellectual diversity is to lead to greater understanding among those who disagree on issues of injustice, it is necessary to confront the problem of willful ignorance in a serious and sustained way.
A Problem with the Bookmark Procedure's Correction for Guessing
Authors: Baldwin Peter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn the Bookmark standard‐setting procedure, panelists are instructed to consider what examinees know rather than what they might attain by guessing; however, because examinees sometimes do guess, the procedure includes a correction for guessing. Like other corrections for guessing, the Bookmark's correction assumes that examinees either know the correct answer or guess. It is widely known that this assumption is not typically met in practice and while there may be applications that are robust to its violation, the Bookmark procedure is not one of them. Analytical results show that when this assumption is not met, the Bookmark procedure overcorrects and expected cut score estimates will be too high (stringent).