bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of artificial neural network and predictor screening method for downscaling climatic parameters
Authors: Rouzegari N , Nourani V , Molajou A 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this paper, artificial neural network (ANN) was used for downscaling the outputs of general circulation models (GCMs) to evaluate changes in precipitation and mean temperature for a future period in Urmia at the north-west of Iran. MIROC-ESM-CHEM from IPCC AR5 was selected as an acceptable model based on correlation coefficient (CC) values, which is calculated between precipitation of GCM models and precipitation data prepared by Urmia Meteorological Organization for 1951-2000. As a first step, the most important parameters of the MIROC-ESM-CHEM were selected before the downscaling process by ANN in the base period (1951-2000). Afterward, the future projections of precipitation and mean temperature during 2020-2060 were applied using ANN-based simulation according to the CC method. By comparing the results, the MIROC-ESM-CHEM showed a 2.01% increase under RCP4.5 and a 0.16% decrease under RCP8.5 in annual precipitation. Also, the temperature projection outputs showed the annual mean temperature would increase in the future period in this area, and it is likely to get warmer.
Hybrid analytical finite element method for dielectric response of PE/TiO2 nanodielectric materials
Authors: Zazoum Bouchaib 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
An accurate three-dimensional (3D) model was developed using hybrid analytical finite element method (H-FEM) for the simulation of frequency-domain dielectric response of low-density polyethylene (PE) filled with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The input values of dielectric permittivity of nanoparticle and interphase were calculated analytically using the mixture model and adjusted by an optimization procedure. The effective permittivity of PE/TiO2 nanocomposites was then modelled by COMSOL Multiphysics. The model output results agreement with the experimental values indicate that the developed H-FEM 3D model is suitable for use in solving dielectric response problems of different nanodielectric materials in frequency domain. Furthermore, the simulation results also offer further understanding into the effect of the nanoparticle interphase on the final dielectric properties of the nanodielectric materials.
Electrical modification of a composite electrode for room temperature operable polyethylene oxide-based lithium polymer batteries
Authors: Rajagopalan Balasubramaniyan , Kim Min , Kim Do Youb , Suk Jungdon , Kim Dong Wook , Kang Yongku 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Lithium polymer batteries (LPBs) are considered to be the most promising alternatives to current lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which have been known to exhibit certain safety issues. However, the relatively poor electrochemical performances of LPBs hinder their practical usage, particularly at high C-rates, moderate temperatures, and/or with high loading densities. Therefore, this study analyzes the use of a novel composite electrode for manufacturing room-temperature operable LPBs with high loading densities. Rapid decay in the rate capabilities of LPBs at high C-rates is found to be attributable to the increased electrical resistance in an electrode. To account for this, this study modified the composite electrode with various conducting fillers. Subsequently, the effect of the type and content of the conducting fillers on the performance of LPBs was systematically investigated using the composite electrode. The incorporation of the conducting fillers in the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) composite electrode was found to effectively reduce the electrical resistance and consequently improve the electrochemical performance of LPBs. Furthermore, LFP composite electrodes with a mixture of structurally different graphene (G) and carbon nanotube (CNT) (1 wt%) were observed to demonstrate synergistic effects on improving the electrochemical performance of LPBs. The results obtained in this study elucidate that the facilitated electrical conduction within a composite electrode is critically important for the performance of LPBs and the expedited diffusion of Li+.
Identifying disease-causing mutations with privacy protection
Authors: Akgün Mete , Ünal Ali Burak , Ergüner Bekir , Pfeifer Nico , Kohlbacher Oliver 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Motivation
The use of genome data for diagnosis and treatment is becoming increasingly common. Researchers need access to as many genomes as possible to interpret the patient genome, to obtain some statistical patterns and to reveal disease–gene relationships. The sensitive information contained in the genome data and the high risk of re-identification increase the privacy and security concerns associated with sharing such data. In this article, we present an approach to identify disease-associated variants and genes while ensuring patient privacy. The proposed method uses secure multi-party computation to find disease-causing mutations under specific inheritance models without sacrificing the privacy of individuals. It discloses only variants or genes obtained as a result of the analysis. Thus, the vast majority of patient data can be kept private.

Results
Our prototype implementation performs analyses on thousands of genomic data in milliseconds, and the runtime scales logarithmically with the number of patients. We present the first inheritance model (recessive, dominant and compound heterozygous) based privacy-preserving analyses of genomic data to find disease-causing mutations. Furthermore, we re-implement the privacy-preserving methods (MAX, SETDIFF and INTERSECTION) proposed in a previous study. Our MAX, SETDIFF and INTERSECTION implementations are 2.5, 1122 and 341 times faster than the corresponding operations of the state-of-the-art protocol, respectively.

Availability and implementation
https://gitlab.com/DIFUTURE/privacy-preserving-genomic-diagnosis.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Caregiver Identity in Context: Consequences of Identity Threat From Siblings
Authors: Rurka Marissa , Jill Suitor J , Gilligan Megan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesAlthough siblings represent central members of the networks of caregivers and their parents, there has been limited attention to how siblings affect one another’s well-being during caregiving. In this article, we draw from theories of identity and stress to examine the impact that siblings have on caregivers’ psychological well-being. Specifically, we employ a mixed-methods approach to explore whether caregivers’ perceptions that their siblings are critical of the care they provide their mother are associated with higher depressive symptoms and the mechanisms underlying this association.MethodsUsing quantitative data collected from 404 caregivers nested within 231 families as part of the Within-Family Differences Study, we conduct mediation analyses to examine whether perceived sibling criticisms are associated with caregivers’ depressive symptoms (a) directly and/or (b) indirectly through sibling tension. We then analyze qualitative data collected from the same caregivers to gain insight into the processes underlying statistical associations.ResultsQuantitative analyses revealed that there was no direct relationship between perceived sibling criticisms and depressive symptoms; there was, however, an indirect relationship such that perceived sibling criticisms were associated with greater sibling tension, which in turn was associated with higher depressive symptoms. These quantitative findings were corroborated by qualitative analyses, which demonstrated that, in an effort to mitigate the negative impact of sibling criticisms, caregivers often employed strategies that may have fueled sibling tension.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate how identity processes, as well as the family networks in which caregiving takes place, shape the experiences and consequences of parent care.
Abuse of Dominant Position and Cease-and-Desist Agreements: Risks to Brazilian Competition Policy Arising from the Atypical Case of Petrobras’ Refineries
Authors: Cabral Mário André Machado 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper aims to analyze how the Brazilian competition authority, Cade, deals with cease-and-desist agreements involving abuse of dominant position. The focus is a recent abuse-of-dominant-position case. Cade and the Brazilian state-owned oil and gas company, Petrobras, negotiated a cease-and-desist agreement establishing as remedy the divestment of eight out of 13 Petrobras’ refineries. The hypothesis is that the case was atypical in the light of Cade’s own case law. The paper assesses the Petrobras’ case and compares it to Cade’s case law (2012-2019) concerning cease-and-desist agreements relating to the abuse of a dominant position. The results of the study confirm the atypicality of the case. It demonstrates that the case causes risks to Brazilian competition policy. The paper is divided as follows: after an introduction, the first section discusses abuse of dominant position in Brazil, especially the cases that concluded with cease-and-desist agreements; the second section describes the case related to Petrobras’ oil refinery assets; the third section verifies whether the case may be considered atypical; the fourth section debates the legal and policy risks arising from the case; the final section contains some concluding remarks.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Laboratory Utilization
Authors: Durant Thomas J S , Peaper David R , Ferguson David , Schulz Wade L 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was formally characterized as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since that time, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented demand for healthcare resources. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in laboratory test utilization in the setting of increasing local incidence of COVID-19.

Methods
We performed a retrospective assessment of laboratory test order and specimen container utilization at a single, urban tertiary care medical center. Data were extracted from the laboratory information system database over a 10-week period, spanning the primordial inflection of COVID-19 incidence in our region. Total testing volumes were calculated during the first 2 and last 2 weeks of the observation period and used as reference points to examine the absolute and relative differences in test order volume between the prepandemic and COVID-19 surge periods.

Results
Between February 2, 2020, and April 11, 2020, there were 873 397 tests ordered and final verified. The in-house SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate for admitted patients in the last week of the observation period was 30.8%. Significant increases in workload were observed in the send-out laboratory section and for COVID-19 diagnosis (PCR) and management-related testing. Otherwise, there was a net decrease in overall demand across nearly all laboratory sections. Increases in testing were noted for tests related to COVID-19 management. Viral transport media and citrated blue top containers demonstrated increases in utilization.

Conclusion
Increasing local incidence of COVID-19 had a profound impact on laboratory operations. While volume increases were seen for laboratory tests related to COVID-19 diagnostics and management, including some with limited evidence to support their use, overall testing volumes decreased substantially. During events such as COVID-19, monitoring of such patterns can help inform laboratory management, staffing, and test stewardship recommendations for managing resource and supply availability.
Clostridioides difficile Infections in Inpatient Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Cohort Study Evaluating Risk Factors and Associated Outcomes
Authors: Willis Daniel N , Huang Frederick S , Elward Alexis M , Wu Ningying , Magnusen Brianna , Dubberke Erik R , Hayashi Robert J 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant source of morbidity in pediatric cancer patients. Few reports to date have evaluated risk factors and short-term outcomes for this population.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated pediatric oncology admissions at St Louis Children’s Hospital from 2009 to 2018. All inpatient cases of diagnosed initial CDI were identified. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of CDI and associated risk factors, including coadmission with another patient with CDI, and to evaluate short-term outcomes including length of stay and delays in subsequent scheduled chemotherapy.

Results
Review of 6567 admissions from 952 patients revealed 109 CDI cases (11.4% of patients). Patients with leukemia or lymphoma, compared to those with solid tumors, were more likely to have CDI (odds ratio [OR], 3 [95% CI, 1.4–6.6], and 3 [95% CI, 1.3–6.8], respectively). Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) was also a risk factor (OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.7–7.4]). Prior antibiotic exposure independently increased the risk for CDI (OR, 3.0 [95% CI, 1.8–4.8]). Concurrent admission with another patient with CDI also significantly increased the risk (OR, 84.7 [95% CI, 10.5–681.8]). In contrast to previous reports, exposure to acid-suppressing medications decreased the risk for CDI (OR, 0.5 [95% CI, .3–.7]). CDI was associated with increased length of stay (mean difference, 8 days [95% CI, 4.6–11.4]) and prolonged delays for subsequent chemotherapy (mean difference, 1.4 days [95% CI, .1–2.7]).

Conclusions
CDI in pediatric oncology patients significantly prolongs hospitalization and delays chemotherapy treatment plans. Interventions to control CDI will improve the care of pediatric oncology patients.
Laparoscopic treatment of idiopathic jejuno-jejunal intussusception in an adult
Authors: Lovisetto Federico , Caneparo Andrea , Zonta Sandro 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Here we present the case of a 29-year-old female patient who underwent to laparoscopic reduction of idhiopatic jejuno-jenunal intussusception, a very rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults. Laparoscopic exploration represents the best approach in adults. Unfortunately, manoeuvres of laparoscopic reduction are difficult and conversion to laparotomy is often needed.
Vetting the optical transient candidates detected by the GWAC network using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Turpin Damien , Ganet M , Antier S , Bertin E , Xin L P , Leroy N , Wu C , Xu Y , Han X H , Cai H B , Li H L , Lu X M , Feng Q C , Wei J Y 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
The observation of the transient sky through a multitude of astrophysical messengers has led to several scientific breakthroughs in the last two decades, thanks to the fast evolution of the observational techniques and strategies employed by the astronomers. Now, it requires to be able to coordinate multiwavelength and multimessenger follow-up campaigns with instruments both in space and on ground jointly capable of scanning a large fraction of the sky with a high-imaging cadency and duty cycle. In the optical domain, the key challenge of the wide field-of-view telescopes covering tens to hundreds of square degrees is to deal with the detection, identification, and classification of hundreds to thousands of optical transient (OT) candidates every night in a reasonable amount of time. In the last decade, new automated tools based on machine learning approaches have been developed to perform those tasks with a low computing time and a high classification efficiency. In this paper, we present an efficient classification method using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to discard many common types of bogus falsely detected in astrophysical images in the optical domain. We designed this tool to improve the performances of the OT detection pipeline of the Ground Wide field Angle Cameras (GWAC) telescopes, a network of robotic telescopes aiming at monitoring the OT sky down to R = 16 with a 15 s imaging cadency. We applied our trained CNN classifier on a sample of 1472 GWAC OT candidates detected by the real-time detection pipeline.
Gene Loss Predictably Drives Evolutionary Adaptation
Authors: Helsen Jana , Voordeckers Karin , Vanderwaeren Laura , Santermans Toon , Tsontaki Maria , Verstrepen Kevin J , Jelier Rob 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Loss of gene function is common throughout evolution, even though it often leads to reduced fitness. In this study, we systematically evaluated how an organism adapts after deleting genes that are important for growth under oxidative stress. By evolving, sequencing, and phenotyping over 200 yeast lineages, we found that gene loss can enhance an organism’s capacity to evolve and adapt. Although gene loss often led to an immediate decrease in fitness, many mutants rapidly acquired suppressor mutations that restored fitness. Depending on the strain’s genotype, some ultimately even attained higher fitness levels than similarly adapted wild-type cells. Further, cells with deletions in different modules of the genetic network followed distinct and predictable mutational trajectories. Finally, losing highly connected genes increased evolvability by facilitating the emergence of a more diverse array of phenotypes after adaptation. Together, our findings show that loss of specific parts of a genetic network can facilitate adaptation by opening alternative evolutionary paths.
Assessment of Right Heart Function during Extracorporeal Therapy by Modified Thermodilution in a Porcine Model
Authors: Bachmann Kaspar F. , Zwicker Lena , Nettelbeck Kay , Casoni Daniela , Heinisch Paul Phillipp , Jenni Hansjörg , Haenggi Matthias , Berger David 
Published: July 2020

Background
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy is a growing treatment modality for acute cardiorespiratory failure. Cardiac output monitoring during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy remains challenging. This study aims to validate a new thermodilution technique during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy using a pig model.

Methods
Sixteen healthy pigs were centrally cannulated for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and precision flow probes for blood flow assessment were placed on the pulmonary artery. After chest closure, cold boluses of 0.9% saline solution were injected into the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit, right atrium, and right ventricle at different extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flows (4, 3, 2, 1 l/min). Rapid response thermistors in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit and pulmonary artery recorded the temperature change. After calculating catheter constants, the distributions of injection volumes passing each circuit were assessed and enabled calculation of pulmonary blood flow. Analysis of the exponential temperature decay allowed assessment of right ventricular function.

Results
Calculated blood flow correlated well with measured blood flow (r
2 = 0.74, P < 0.001). Bias was −6 ml/min [95% CI ± 48 ml/min] with clinically acceptable limits of agreement (668 ml/min [95% CI ± 166 ml/min]). Percentage error varied with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation blood flow reductions, yielding an overall percentage error of 32.1% and a percentage error of 24.3% at low extracorporeal membrane oxygenation blood flows. Right ventricular ejection fraction was 17 [14 to 20.0]%. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow reductions increased end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes with reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance. Central venous pressure and right ventricular ejection fractions remained unchanged. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes correlated highly (r
2 = 0.98, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Adapted thermodilution allows reliable assessment of cardiac output and right ventricular behavior. During veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning, the right ventricle dilates even with stable function, possibly because of increased venous return.

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Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tinnitus: Promising Results of a Blinded, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study
Authors: Ciminelli Patricia , Machado Sergio , Palmeira Manoela , Coutinho Evandro Silva Freire , Sender David , Nardi Antonio Egidio 
Published: July 2020

Objectives:
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in ears or head without corresponding external stimulus. Despite the great amount of literature concerning tinnitus treatment, there are still no evidence-based established treatments for curing or for effectively reducing tinnitus intensity. Sham-controlled studies revealed beneficial effects using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Still, results show moderate, temporary improvement and high individual variability. Subcallosal area (ventral and dorsomedial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices) has been implicated in tinnitus pathophysiology. Our objective is to evaluate the use of bilateral, high frequency, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) rTMS in treatment of chronic subjective tinnitus.

Design:
Randomized placebo-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial. Twenty sessions of bilateral, 10 Hz rTMS at 120% of resting motor threshold of extensor hallucis longus were applied over the DMPFC. Fourteen patients underwent sham rTMS and 15 were submitted to active stimulation. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), visual analog scale, and tinnitus loudness matching were obtained at baseline and on follow-up visits. The impact of intervention on outcome measures was evaluated using mixed-effects restricted maximum likelihood regression model for longitudinal data.

Results:
A difference of 11.53 points in the THI score was found, favoring the intervention group (p = 0.05). The difference for tinnitus loudness matching was of 4.46 dB also favoring the intervention group (p = 0.09).

Conclusions:
Tinnitus treatment with high frequency, bilateral, DMPFC rTMS was effective in reducing tinnitus severity measured by THI and matched tinnitus loudness when compared to sham stimulation.
Antibody–drug conjugates in breast cancer: the chemotherapy of the future?
Authors: Nicolò Eleonora , Zagami Paola , Curigliano Giuseppe 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) represent an interesting new class of anticancer agents, capable of exploiting the specificity of monoclonal antibodies toward cellular-antigens for a targeted release of potent cytotoxic drugs, with a potential increased activity and reduced toxicity compared with traditional chemotherapies. The aim of this article is to review the efficacy and safety of ADCs in breast cancer.

Recent findings
Following the approval of T-DM1 both in early and advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, novel anti-HER2 ADCs have been investigated. Some of these compounds, such as the recently FDA-approved trastuzumab deruxtecan, have shown relevant activity in T-DM1-pretreated patients, possibly thanks to the so-called bystander effect, namely the ability to exert cytotoxic activity also against antigen-negative cells. Such feature allows to overcome the HER2 intratumoral heterogeneity in breast cancer and could explain in the preliminary activity demonstrated also in HER2-low breast cancers. However, several ADCs targeting other cancer-associated antigens than HER2 are under development, representing a promising strategy for the treatment of triple-negative tumors, exemplified by the encouraging results of sacituzumab govitecan.

Summary
ADCs are innovative and effective therapeutic drugs in breast cancer. Research efforts are ongoing to identify novel targets and combination with other treatment modalities, particularly with immunotherapy, to further improve patients’ outcomes.