bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-step seismic noise reduction caused by COVID-19 induced reduction in social activity in metropolitan Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Yabe Suguru , Imanishi Kazutoshi , Nishida Kiwamu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic that started at the end of 2019 forced populations around the world to reduce social and economic activities; it is believed that this can prevent the spread of the disease. In this paper, we report an analysis of the seismic noise during such an induced social activity reduction in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Japan. Using seismic data obtained from 18 stations in the Metropolitan Seismic Observation Network (MeSO-net), a two-step seismic noise reduction was observed during the timeline of COVID-19 in Tokyo. The first noise reduction occurred at the beginning of March 2020 in the frequency band of 20–40 Hz. This corresponded with the request by the Prime Minister of Japan for a nationwide shutdown of schools. Although social activity was not reduced significantly at this juncture, local reduction of seismic wave excitation in the high-frequency band, 20–40 Hz, was recorded at some MeSO-net stations located in school properties. The second reduction of seismic noise occurred at the end of March to the beginning of April 2020 in a wider frequency band including lower frequency bands of 1–20 Hz. This timing corresponds to when the Governors of the Tokyo metropolitan area requested citizens to stay home and when the state of emergency was declared for the Tokyo metropolitan area by the government, respectively. Since then, the estimated population at train stations abruptly dropped, which suggests that social activity was severely reduced. Such large-scale changes in social activity affect the seismic noise level in low-frequency bands. The seismic noise level started to increase from the middle of May correlating with increase in population at the train stations. This suggests that social activity restarted even before the state of emergency was lifted at the end of May. The two-step seismic noise reduction observed in this study has not been reported in other cities around the world. Unexpected reduction of social activity due to COVID-19 provided a rare opportunity to investigate the characteristics of seismic noise caused by human activities.
An ultra-low magnetic field thermal demagnetizer for high-precision paleomagnetism
Authors: Qin Huafeng , Zhao Xiang , Liu Shuangchi , Paterson Greig A. , Jiang Zhaoxia , Cai Shuhui , Li Jinhua , Liu Qingsong , Zhu Rixiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Thermal demagnetization furnaces are widely used paleomagnetic facilities for progressive removal of naturally acquired magnetic remanence or the imparting of well-controlled laboratory magnetization. An ideal thermal demagnetizer should maintain “zero” magnetic field in the sample chamber during thermal treatments. However, magnetic field noises, including the residual magnetic fields of the construction material and the induced fields caused by the alternating current (AC) in the heating element are always present, which can contaminate the paleomagnetic results at the elevated temperatures or especially for the magnetically weak samples. Here, we designed a new structure of heating wire named “straight core solenoid” to develop a new demagnetization furnace with ultra-low magnetic field noise. Simulation and practical measurements show that the heating current magnetic field can be greatly reduced by using the new technology. Thermal demagnetization experiments demonstrate that the new demagnetizer can yield low noise results even for weakly magnetic samples.
High-quality brain perfusion SPECT images may be achieved with a high-speed recording using 360° CZT camera
Authors: Bordonne Manon , Chawki Mohammad B. , Marie Pierre-Yves , Zaragori Timothée , Roch Véronique , Grignon Rachel , Imbert Laetitia , Verger Antoine 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to compare brain perfusion SPECT obtained from a 360° CZT and a conventional Anger camera.

Methods
The 360° CZT camera utilizing a brain configuration, with 12 detectors surrounding the head, was compared to a 2-head Anger camera for count sensitivity and image quality on 30-min SPECT recordings from a brain phantom and from 99mTc-HMPAO brain perfusion in 2 groups of 21 patients investigated with the CZT and Anger cameras, respectively. Image reconstruction was adjusted according to image contrast for each camera.

Results
The CZT camera provided more than 2-fold increase in count sensitivity, as compared with the Anger camera, as well as (1) lower sharpness indexes, giving evidence of higher spatial resolution, for both peripheral/central brain structures, with respective median values of 5.2%/3.7% versus 2.4%/1.9% for CZT and Anger camera respectively in patients (p < 0.01), and 8.0%/6.9% versus 6.2%/3.7% on phantom; and (2) higher gray/white matter contrast on peripheral/central structures, with respective ratio median values of 1.56/1.35 versus 1.11/1.20 for CZT and Anger camera respectively in patients (p < 0.05), and 2.57/2.17 versus 1.40/1.12 on phantom; and (3) no change in noise level. Image quality, scored visually by experienced physicians, was also significantly higher on CZT than on the Anger camera (+ 80%, p < 0.01), and all these results were unchanged on the CZT images obtained with only a 15 min recording time.

Conclusion
The 360° CZT camera provides brain perfusion images of much higher quality than a conventional Anger camera, even with high-speed recordings, thus demonstrating the potential for repositioning brain perfusion SPECT to the forefront of brain imaging.
A study protocol for a predictive algorithm to assess population-based premature mortality risk: Premature Mortality Population Risk Tool (PreMPoRT)
Authors: Rosella Laura C. , O’Neill Meghan , Fisher Stacey , Hurst Mackenzie , Diemert Lori , Kornas Kathy , Hong Andy , Manuel Douglas G. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Premature mortality is an important population health indicator used to assess health system functioning and to identify areas in need of health system intervention. Predicting the future incidence of premature mortality in the population can facilitate initiatives that promote equitable health policies and effective delivery of public health services. This study protocol proposes the development and validation of the Premature Mortality Risk Prediction Tool (PreMPoRT) that will predict the incidence of premature mortality using large population-based community health surveys and multivariable modeling approaches.

Methods
PreMPoRT will be developed and validated using various training, validation, and test data sets generated from the six cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) linked to the Canadian Vital Statistics Database from 2000 to 2017. Population-level risk factor information on demographic characteristics, health behaviors, area level measures, and other health-related factors will be used to develop PreMPoRT and to predict the incidence of premature mortality, defined as death prior to age 75, over a 5-year period. Sex-specific Weibull accelerated failure time models will be developed using a Canadian provincial derivation cohort consisting of approximately 500,000 individuals, with approximately equal proportion of males and females, and about 12,000 events of premature mortality. External validation will be performed using separate linked files (CCHS cycles 2007–2008, 2009–2010, and 2011–2012) from the development cohort (CCHS cycles 2000–2001, 2003–2004, and 2005–2006) to check the robustness of the prediction model. Measures of overall predictive performance (e.g., Nagelkerke’s R2), calibration (e.g., calibration plots), and discrimination (e.g., Harrell’s concordance statistic) will be assessed, including calibration within defined subgroups of importance to knowledge users and policymakers.

Discussion
Using routinely collected risk factor information, we anticipate that PreMPoRT will produce population-based estimates of premature mortality and will be used to inform population strategies for prevention.
Management of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita of eggplant using some growth-promoting rhizobacteria and chitosan under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Elkelany Usama Samy , El-Mougy Nehal Samy , Abdel-Kader Mokhtar Mohamed 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is one of the most popular vegetable crops in Egypt. It is affected by a wide range of pests; prominent among them is root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne spp. which constitutes a major group of plant-parasitic nematodes causing great economic losses worldwide especially in Egypt.

Main body
The present investigation was performed under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the potentials of 3 growth-promoting bacteria, Azospirilum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Bacillus subtilis, as well as chitosan for the control of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita causes root-knot disease of eggplant cv. Baladi. All treatments reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the nematode population in soil and roots as well as enhanced the plant growth parameters of eggplant remarkably than the control. The applied treatments varied in their efficacy against the plant nematode infection in correspondence to the time of application. The recorded results demonstrated that maximum reduction in J2 in soil, egg mass/root, and eggs/egg masses were obtained by treating the soil with Bacillus subtilis followed by Azospirilum brasilense and Azotobacter chroococcum. Also, chitosan resulted in high reduction in root galls compared to control treatment.

Conclusion
The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Azospirilum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, and chitosan achieved efficient control to Meloidogyne incognita and consequently increase eggplant growth parameters under greenhouse conditions. The present results suggested introducing such rhizobacteria in integrated nematode management program.
Short-duration chemoprophylaxis might reduce incidence of deep vein thrombosis in Asian patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Htet Kway Swar , Tan Xin Yang , Wang Xinyu , Wang Wilson , Chua Weiliang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication that may occur after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), leading to the recommendation of routine chemoprophylaxis by international guidelines. This study aims to determine if short-duration chemoprophylaxis after TKA reduces the incidence of VTE in an Asian population.

Methods
A retrospective study of 316 patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013 was conducted. All patients received mechanical prophylaxis. One hundred seventeen patients (37%) received additional chemoprophylaxis, whereas 199 patients (63%) did not. A Doppler ultrasound (DUS) of both lower limbs was conducted for all patients within 6 days after surgery (median = 3 days) to assess for both proximal and distal DVT. Chemoprophylaxis in the form of enoxaparin (low molecular weight heparin; LMWH), aspirin, or heparin was administered until patients had a normal DUS, for a median duration of 4 days. Patients were followed up clinically for a minimum of 6 months to monitor for delayed or recurrent VTE and at least 2 years for patient-reported outcome measures.

Results
Overall, 24 patients (7.59%) developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT): three proximal and 21 distal DVTs. Twenty-three of the 24 patients were asymptomatic. Twenty of 199 patients (10.05%) with only mechanical prophylaxis developed DVT, whereas four of 117 patients (3.42%) with additional chemoprophylaxis developed DVT. Multivariate analysis showed that chemoprophylaxis use was associated with reduced incidence of DVT (odds ratio = 0.19, p value = 0.011). Other factors associated with increased DVT incidence include female gender (odds ratio = 5.45, p value = 0.034), positive history of cancer (odds ratio = 5.14, p value = 0.044), and increased length of stay in hospital (odds ratio = 1.19, p value < 0.001).

Conclusions
Our study has shown that despite the low incidence of DVT in Asian patients undergoing TKA, short-duration chemoprophylaxis might be effective in reducing the incidence of DVT. However, most DVTs observed in our study were distal and may be of limited clinical significance. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of chemoprophylaxis use on the incidence of PE and overall mortality rates among Asian patients.
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and revision total knee arthroplasty have a lower risk of venous thromboembolism disease at 30 days than primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Schneider Andrew M. , Schmitt Daniel R. , Brown Nicholas M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
While multiple studies have demonstrated a lower venous thromboembolism disease (VTED) risk for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) compared to primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), recent reports have shown that revision TKA also had a lower VTED risk compared to primary TKA, an unexpected finding because of its theoretical increased risk. Given the paucity of up-to-date comparative studies, our goal was to perform a high-powered VTED risk comparison study of UKA and revision TKA to primary TKA using recent data.

Methods
The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried between 2011 and 2018, and we identified 213,234 patients for inclusion: 191,810 primary TKA, 9294 UKA, and 12,130 revision TKA. Demographics, medical comorbidities, and possible VTE risk factors were collected. Thirty-day outcomes, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and all-cause VTED were compared between knee arthroplasty types.

Results
On multivariate analysis, UKA was significantly associated with lower rates of DVT [OR 0.44 (0.31–0.61); P < 0.001], PE [OR 0.42 (0.28–0.65); P < 0.001], and all-cause VTED [OR 0.42 (0.32–0.55); P < 0.001] when compared to primary TKA. Revision TKA was significantly associated with lower rates of PE [OR 0.62 (0.47–0.83); P = 0.002], and all-cause VTED [OR 0.82 (0.70–0.98); P = 0.029] when compared to primary TKA.

Conclusions
Utilizing recent data from a nationwide patient cohort and controlling for confounding variables, our results showed that both revision TKA and UKA had a lower risk of VTED compared to primary TKA, corroborating the results of recent investigations. Additional prospective investigations are needed to explain this unexpected result.
Addressing the challenges and relational aspects of index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents: insights from the B-GAP study in Zimbabwe
Authors: Dziva Chikwari Chido , Bernays Sarah , Dringus Stefanie , Simms Victoria , Weiss Helen A. , Sibanda Edwin , Kranzer Katharina , Ncube Gertrude , Chikodzore Rudo , Webb Karen , Chirimambowa Trevor , Sithole Kenny , Ndondo Nonhlanhla , Apollo Tsitsi , Mutseta Miriam , Ferrand Rashida A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Index-linked HIV testing, targeted at sexual contacts or children of individuals with HIV, may improve yield and efficiency. The B-GAP study evaluated index-linked testing approaches in health facility and community-based settings. This paper reports on a qualitative study to understand factors that affect uptake of index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents.

Methods
We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with caregivers who had their children tested through B-GAP and one FGD with providers who offered index-linked HIV testing to indexes. We aimed to understand enabling and inhibiting factors in the decision-making process. Translated and transcribed transcripts were read for familiarisation. Following initial coding, analytical memos were written to identify emerging key themes across the data.

Results
Our findings showed there was inadequate emphasis on paediatric HIV in routine care which had a negative impact on subsequent uptake of testing for children. Once the decision to test had been made, access to facilities was sometimes challenging and alleviated by community-based testing. A key finding was that HIV testing is not a discrete event but a process that was influenced by relationships with other family members and children themselves. These relationships raised complex issues that could prevent or delay the testing process.

Conclusion
There is a need to improve messaging on the importance of HIV testing for children and adolescents and to provide support to caregivers and their families in order to improve testing uptake. Addressing access barriers through the provision of community-based testing and implementing a family-centred approach can optimise index-linked testing.
Disambiguation of psychotherapy: a search for meaning
Authors: Castelpietra Giulio , Simon Judit , Gutiérrez-Colosía Mencía Ruiz , Rosenberg Sebastian , Salvador-Carulla Luis 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThis analysis identifies the significant problem of ambiguity, variation and vagueness in relation to the intervention described as ‘psychotherapy’. Its purpose is to raise international awareness of this problem and alternative solutions.
Wearable Respiratory Monitoring and Feedback for Chronic Pain in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Alberts Nicole M. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Flynn Jessica S. , Whitton Jillian , Gibson Todd M. , Jibb Lindsay , McDonald Aaron , Ford James , Moraveji Neema , Dear Blake F. , Krull Kevin R. , Robison Leslie L. , Stinson Jennifer N. , Armstrong Gregory T. 
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE Approximately 40% of childhood cancer survivors experience chronic pain, with many also reporting pain-related disability. Given associations established in the general population among respiration, anxiety, and pain, continuous tracking and feedback of respiration may help survivors manage pain. METHODS A feasibility, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing wearable respiratory monitoring with a control group examined feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy among survivors of childhood cancer with chronic pain who were ≥ 18 years of age, able to speak and read English, lived in the United States, and had access to a smartphone and the Internet. The primary outcomes were pain interference, pain severity, anxiety, negative affect, and perceived stress. The intervention group (n = 32) received a wearable respiratory monitor, used the device, and completed an in-application breathing exercise daily for 30 days. The control group (n = 33) received psychoeducation after completion of the study. RESULTS Almost all participants in the intervention group (n = 31 of 32) and control group (n = 32 of 33) completed the study. Of those who completed the intervention, 90.3% wore the device for ≥ 50% of the trial. Posttreatment improvement for negative affect (Cohen d = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.09 to 1.10) was significantly greater in the intervention group compared with the control group. A follow-up study (n = 24) examined acceptability and feasibility of a second-generation device among those who completed the RCT. Most survivors (81.0%) wore the device daily during the trial and 85.7% reported satisfaction with the device and the application. CONCLUSION The results of this pilot study support the acceptability and feasibility of wearable respiratory monitoring among survivors of childhood cancer. Larger randomized trials are needed to assess efficacy and maintenance of this intervention for chronic pain.
Morphogenesis is transcriptionally coupled to neurogenesis during peripheral olfactory organ development
Authors: Aguillon Raphaël , Madelaine Romain , Aguirrebengoa Marion , Guturu Harendra , Link Sandra , Dufourcq Pascale , Lecaudey Virginie , Bejerano Gill , Blader Patrick , Batut Julie 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Sense organs acquire their distinctive shapes concomitantly with the differentiation of sensory cells and neurons necessary for their function. Although our understanding of the mechanisms controlling morphogenesis and neurogenesis in these structures has grown, how these processes are coordinated remains largely unexplored. Neurogenesis in the zebrafish olfactory epithelium requires the bHLH proneural transcription factor Neurogenin 1 (Neurog1). To address whether Neurog1 also controls morphogenesis, we analysed the migratory behaviour of early olfactory neural progenitors in neurog1 mutant embryos. Our results indicate that the oriented movements of these progenitors are disrupted in this context. Morphogenesis is similarly affected by mutations in the chemokine receptor gene, cxcr4b, suggesting it is a potential Neurog1 target gene. We find that Neurog1 directly regulates cxcr4b through an E-box cluster located just upstream of the cxcr4b transcription start site. Our results suggest that proneural transcription factors, such as Neurog1, directly couple distinct aspects of nervous system development.
Recovery from Fatigue after Cycling Time Trials in Elite Endurance Athletes
Authors: Ducrocq Guillaume P. , Hureau Thomas J. , Bøgseth Tina , Meste Olivier , Blain Gregory M. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
We determined the recovery from neuromuscular fatigue in six professional (PRO) and seven moderately trained (MOD) cyclists after repeated cycling time trials of various intensities/durations.

Method
Participants performed two 1-min (1minTT) or two 10-min (10minTT) self-paced cycling time trials with 5 min of recovery in between. Central and peripheral fatigue were quantified via preexercise to postexercise (15-s through 15-min recovery) changes in voluntary activation (VA) and potentiated twitch force. VA was measured using the interpolated twitch technique, and potentiated twitch force was evoked by single (QTsingle) and paired (10-Hz (QT10) and 100-Hz (QT100)) electrical stimulations of the femoral nerve.

Results
Mean power output was 32%–72% higher during all the time trials and decreased less (−10% vs −13%) from the first to second time trial in PRO compared with MOD (P < 0.05). Conversely, exercise-induced reduction in QTsingle and QT10/QT100 was significantly lower in PRO after every time trial (P < 0.05). Recovery from fatigue from 15 s to 2 min for QTsingle and QT10/QT100 was slower in PRO after every time trial (P < 0.05). In both groups, the reduction in QTsingle was lower after the 10minTTs compared with 1minTTs (P < 0.05). Conversely, VA decreased more after the 10minTTs compared with 1minTTs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Our findings showed that excitation–contraction coupling was preserved after exercise in PRO compared with MOD. This likely contributed to the improved performance during repeated cycling time trials of various intensity/duration in PRO, despite a slower rate of recovery in its early phase. Finally, the time course of recovery from neuromuscular fatigue in PRO was dependent on the effects of prolonged low-frequency force depression.
Business Groups and Employment
Authors: Faccio Mara , O’Brien William J. 
Published: November 2020

Using a newly assembled 50-country firm-level database spanning 19 years, we document a bright side for employees of business group–affiliated firms: less pronounced fluctuations in employment than unaffiliated firms in response to macroeconomic shocks. The results are robust to a variety of tests designed to mitigate endogeneity concerns, including propensity score matching and comparisons of successful and failed group integrations, and are present in both booms and recessions. Our results are most consistent with group internal labor markets rather than several alternative explanations (internal capital markets, a lower overall sensitivity to shocks in group firms, or agency problems). This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.