bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Social Distancing Rules During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Logistic Regression Analysis
Authors: Hills Stephen James , Eraso Yolanda 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: On March 23, 2020, the government of the United Kingdom told the British people to stay home, an unprecedented request designed to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and stop the National Health Service from being overwhelmed. Methods: This study undertook a cross-sectional design to survey a convenience sample of 681 residents of North London on their social distancing behaviours, demographics, housing situation, politics, psychology and social support using an online questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to measure the associations between these explanatory factors and non-adherence to all social distancing rules and intentional non-adherence to social distancing rules.Results: The majority (92.8%) of participants did not adhere to all social distancing rules and nearly half (48.6%) engaged in intentional non-adherence of rules. The odds of not adhering to all social distancing rules increased if a participant was not identified as highly vulnerable to COVID-19 [OR=4.5], had lower control over others’ distancing [OR=.724], had lower control over responsibilities for which coming into contact with others was unavoidable [OR=.642], and if social distancing behaviours were reported after lockdown was first relaxed [OR=.261]. The odds of intentionally not adhering to social distancing rules increased if a participant had a lower intention to socially distance [OR=.468], had lower control over others’ distancing [OR=.829], had a doctoral degree compared to a master’s degree [OR=.332], a professional qualification [OR=.307], a bachelor’s degree [OR=.361] or work-related qualification [OR=.174], voted for the UK Government compared to not voting for the Government [OR=.461], perceived higher normative pressure from neighbours [OR=1.121] and had greater support from friends [OR=1.465]. Conclusions: Non-adherence to all social distancing rules had a stronger association with vulnerability to COVID-19 and control over social distancing, whereas intentional non-adherence had a stronger association with intention and anti-social psychological factors. It is recommended that people living in high-risk environments, such as those living in houses of multiple occupancy, should be specially supported to not have to leave their home, that public health messaging should emphasise shared responsibility and public consciousness and that there should be greater policing, larger fines and more direct issuing of fines.
Vital signs effectively predict non-hypoglycaemia in patients with altered mental status in pre-hospital settings: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Mizu Daisuke , Matsuoka Yoshinori , Huh Ji Young , Ariyoshi Koichi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundBlood glucose (BG) measurement by paramedics for patients with altered mental status is recommended as pre-hospital care in Japan. Therefore, paramedics prioritise BG measurement over transport to hospital even in emergency conditions such as hypotension or hypoxaemia. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between BG levels and vital signs, and to evaluate whether vital signs are effective in determining the necessity of BG measurement in pre-hospital settings. MethodsWe extracted data of patients who had BG measurements performed by paramedics in Kobe City from April 2015 to March 2019. We retrospectively investigated patient age, sex, presence of hypoglycaemia (BG level < 50 mg/dL) and vital signs. If a patient did not have hypoglycaemia and was transported to the Kobe City Medical Centre General Hospital, a final diagnosis was obtained. Patients aged below 15 years, and those with BG measurement errors, missing vital sign data, or a Japan Coma Scale 0 and I-digit codes were excluded. The χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsOf the 1,791 patients, 1,242 were eligible for analysis (mean age, 71.9 years; 805 [58%] male). Hypoglycaemia was observed in 324 patients (26.1%). Of the 918 non-hypoglycaemic patients, 253 (27.6%) were transported to our hospital and stroke was the most common final diagnosis (61 patients [24.1%]). The non-hypoglycaemic group had more elderly patients than the hypoglycaemic group (median 73 vs. 76 years; P < 0.01). A significant difference in each vital sign were noted between hypoglycaemic and non-hypoglycaemic groups, with body temperature showing the highest difference between groups (area under the curve, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.74). Furthermore, in cases with systolic blood pressure being over 100 mmHg and body temperature being 38°C or less, it was highly unlikely that hypoglycaemia caused impaired consciousness (likelihood ratio 0.12 and 0.16; 95% CI 0.05-0.25 and 0.06-0.35, respectively). ConclusionWhen considering pre-hospital hypoglycaemia assessment, vital signs are an effective index. If patients have significant hypotension or high fever, paramedics should consider immediate transport rather than BG measurement.
The Association of Treatment Facility Type With the Survival of Brain Metastases Patients Regardless of the Primary Site Cancer
Authors: AMIN SABER Ali , Baine Michael , Meza Jane , Lin Chi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. Cancer patients with brain metastases (BMs) require multidisciplinary care, and treatment facility may play a role. This study aimed to investigate the impact of receiving treatment at academic centers on the overall survival (OS) of cancer patients with brain metastases (BMs) regardless of the primary cancer site.Methods. This retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) included patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer, other types of lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, and renal cancer and had brain metastases at the time of diagnosis. The data were extracted from the de-identified file of the NCDB, a joint program of the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society. The Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age of diagnosis, race, sex, place of living, income, education, primary tumor type, year of diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation therapy (RT), and surgery of the primary cancer site was used to determine treatment facility-associated hazard ratios (HR) for survival. Overall survival was the primary outcome which was analyzed with multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. Results. A total of 93,633 patients were analyzed, among whom 31,579/93,633 (34.09%) were treated at academic centers. Based on the log-rank analysis, patients who received treatment at an academic facility had significantly improved median OS (6.18, CI: 6.05-6.31 vs. 4.57, CI: 4.50-4.63; p <0.001) months compared to patients who were treated at non-academic facilities. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, receiving treatment at an academic facility was associated with significantly improved OS (HR: 0.85, CI: 0.84-0.87; p <0.001) compared to the non-academic facility. Conclusions. In this extensive analysis of the NCDB, receiving treatment at academic centers was associated with significantly improved OS compared to treatment at non-academic centers.
An Assessment and Mapping of Coastal Flooding in Niger-Delta; a case study of Bonny, Okrika and Ogu/Bolo of Rivers State
Authors: Agu Christian Chijioke , Ibrahim Asma 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This research looks at the assessment and mapping of coastal flooding in Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, staring at the three local governments (Bonny, Okrika, and Ogu/Bolo) in Rivers State that lies at intervals the shores of Atlantic Ocean. Result: At the analysis it was found that most of the study areas lies at the creek and with the steady rise of the sea level, as a result of increase in temperature, most of the study area will have steady occurrence of flooding. Conclusion: Adaptation measures like dike construction, maintenance of natural dune systems, protection of coastal ecosystems, planting of vegetation around the coastal areas and different flood proofing and accommodation activities should be put in place to checkmate flooding in those areas.
Using characterization techniques for determining the history of a 2 millennia old kettle made of bronze alloyed with iron
Authors: Kotlar Marta , Matijaković Nives , Desnica Vladan , Marusic Katarina 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
A bronze kettle dating from the 1st to 2nd Century was found in a riverbed of the Kupa river in Croatia. After excavation it spent another 50 years in a depot of a museum in atmospheric conditions prior to starting the conservation treatment and our studies. A study on the surface layers development was performed to determine the history of the object. This study is a demonstration of how such analysis can be used to reconstruct what the object went through during its life span.It was determined that the kettle is made of low-tin bronze, called mild bronze, with addition of iron, aluminum, calcium and nickel. Using iron for alloying copper is unusual since pure iron is generally not added to bronze, thus the presented case is a rare subject. Presence of cassiterite SnO2 showed that the kettle was used for preparing food on open fire prior to ending up in the river. While being in the riverbed malachite formed on the kettle. After longer exposure to the river Si-oxides and CaCO3 formed on the surface of the kettle, over malachite. It was shown that the kettle probably had a ferrous alloy handle which degraded and disappeared in time. After excavation, the kettle came again in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere and developed additional surface layers over the malachite layer.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Mortality in ICU Patients: An Analysis of MIMIC-III Database
Authors: Wu Xie , Su Zhanhao , Luo Qipeng , Li Yinan , Wang Hongbai , Liu Qiao , Yan Fuxia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Identifying high-risk patients in intensive care unit (ICU) is very important because of the high mortality rate. Existing scoring systems are numerous but lack effective inflammatory markers. Our objective was to identify and evaluate a low-cost, easily accessible and effective inflammatory marker that can predict mortality in ICU patients.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. We first divided the patients into the survival group and the death group based on in-hospital mortality. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to find the best inflammatory marker (i.e. neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, NLR). We then re-divided the patients into three groups based on NLR levels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate the association between NLR and mortality. The area under the curve (AUC), Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) were used to assess whether the incorporate of NLR can improve the predictive power of existing predictive model. Results: A total of 21,822 patients were included in this study, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 14.43%. Among all inflammatory marker in routine blood test results, NLR had the best predictive ability, with a median (interquartile range) NLR of 5.40 (2.95, 10.46) in the survival group and 8.32 (4.25, 14.75) in the death group. We then re-divided the patients into low (≤1), medium (1-6) and high (≥6) groups based on NLR levels. Compared with the median NLR group, the in-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher in the low (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64 to 2.66) and high (OR=1.64; 95%CI, 1.50-1.80) NLR groups. The addition of NLR to Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) improved the AUC from 0.789 to 0.798 (P<0.001), with NRI of 16.64% (P<0.001) and IDI of 0.27% (P<0.001).Conclusion: NLR is a good predictor of mortality in ICU patients, both low and high levels of NLR are associated with elevated mortality rate. The inclusion of NLR might improve the predictive power of SAPS II.
Surprisingly Long Lifetime of Methacrolein Oxide, an Isoprene Derived Criegee Intermediate, Under Humid Conditions
Authors: Lin Yen-Hsiu , Yin Cangtao , Takahashi Kaito , Jr-Min Jim 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Ozonolysis of isoprene, the most abundant alkene in the atmosphere, produces three distinct Criegee intermediates (CIs): CH2OO, methyl vinyl ketone oxide (MVKO) and methacrolein oxide (MACRO). Here we investigated the UV-visible spectroscopy and reaction kinetics of thermalized MACRO. An extremely fast reaction of anti-MACRO with SO2 has been found with a rate coefficient of (1.5±0.4)x10−10 cm3 s−1 at 298 K (150−500 Torr), which is ca. 4 times the value for syn-MVKO. However, the reaction of anti-MACRO with H2O has been observed to be quite slow with a rate coefficient of (8±6)x10−17 cm3 s−1 at 298 K (300 to 500 Torr), which is smaller than literature values by 1 or 2 orders of magnitude. Our results indicate that anti-MACRO has an atmospheric lifetime much longer than previously thought, resulting in a much higher steady-state concentration. Owing to larger reaction rate coefficient, the impact of anti-MACRO on the oxidation of atmospheric SO2 would be substantial, even larger than that of syn-MVKO.
Beta-cells from patients with COVID-19 and from isolated human islets exhibit ACE2, DPP4, and TMPRSS2 expression, viral infiltration and necroptotic cell death
Authors: Steenblock Charlotte , Richter Stefanie , Berger Ilona , Barovic Marko , Schmid Janine , Schubert Undine , Jarzebska Natalia , von Mässenhausen Anne , Linkermann Andreas , Schürmann Annette , Pablik Jessica , Evert Katja , Rodionov Roman , Semenova Natalia , Zinslering Vsevolod , Gainetdinov Raul , Baretton Gustavo , Lindemann Dirk , Solimena Michaele , Ludwig Barbara , Bornstein Stefan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Here we report a possible mechanistic link between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and diabetes. In addition to its known role on the respiratory system, the human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to affect the endocrine system including the pancreas 1-4. It has been suggested that the virus can induce type 1 diabetes 5-8. Therefore, we isolated human pancreatic islets and examined the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the protease TMPRSS2, known to be important for SARS-CoV-2 entry 9. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of an alternative entry receptor, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4 also known as CD26) 10. We found all three proteins expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and confirmed that beta-cells are permissive to infection with SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. Additionally, we performed a comprehensive analysis of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and DPP4 expression in pancreata of 10 patients who died of COVID-19. We report significant variation between the samples and detected the highest levels of ACE2 and DPP4 expression in patients exhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infiltration shown by confocal microscopy, RNAscope and electron microscopy. Furthermore, necroptotic cell death was observed in beta-cells of the COVID-19 patients. Taken together, these data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 viral infection of pancreatic beta-cells may trigger necroptosis and islet impairment.
Phosphate Sequestration from Aqueous Solutions Using a Zeolite in the Zinc form.
Authors: Loayza Lenin , Guaya Diana 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This work evaluated the ability of a modified zeolite to adsorb phosphates in aqueous solution. The zeolite used for this study was a modified faujasite impregnated with zinc chloride (Z-Zn) on its surface. The experiments were carried out in different stages. Adsorption was performed at different pH of the solution and the zeolitized material was found to be favorable for phosphate adsorption. The adsorption kinetics occurred after 240 minutes and reach the equilbrium, determining chemisorption reactions with a fit of the particular diffusion model (Dp) and pseudo second order, the Langmuir model was best adjusted through the isotherms. The adsorption and desorption process occurs best in the presence of HCl, the formation of residual phosphorous in the fractionation stage evidenced that the highest percentage was bound to metals such as Fe and Al.
Population turnover facilitates cultural selection for efficiency
Authors: Chimento Michael , Alarcon-Nieto Gustavo , Aplin Lucy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Selection for more efficient socially learned behaviors over alternatives is crucial for cumulative cultural evolution, yet our understanding of such cultural selection in animals is limited. We performed a cultural diffusion experiment using 18 populations of wild-caught great tits (Parus major) to ask whether more efficient innovations are subsequently selected for, and whether this process is affected by turnover. We show that gradual replacement of individuals greatly increases the probability that a more efficient behavior will invade a population's cultural repertoire, out-competing an established inefficient behavior. Turnover does not increase innovation rates, but instead increases adoption rates, as immigrants are more susceptible to novel, efficient behaviors. An agent based model further supported our results by demonstrating that this effect holds across populations of different types of learners. Altogether, these results provide strong evidence for cultural selection for efficiency in animals, and highlight the importance of population turnover for this process.
Hepatocyte Ploidy in Cats with and Without Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Johnston Andrea N. , Post Jacqueline , Langohr Ingeborg M. , Webster Cynthia R.L. , Mottram Peter , Liu Chin-Chi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDomestic cats rarely develop hepatocellular carcinoma. The reason for the low prevalence is unknown. Reductions in hepatocellular ploidy have been associated with hepatic carcinogenesis. Recent work in mice has shown that livers with more polyploid hepatocytes are protected against the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocyte ploidy in the domestic cat has not been evaluated. We hypothesized that ploidy would be reduced in peri-tumoral and neoplastic hepatocytes compared to normal feline hepatocytes. Using integrated fluorescence microscopy, we quantified the spectra of ploidy in hepatocellular carcinoma and healthy control tissue from paraffin embedded tissue sections. Results Feline hepatocytes are predominantly mononuclear and the number of nuclei per hepatocyte did not differ significantly between groups. Normal cats have a greater number of tetraploid hepatocytes than cats with hepatocellular carcinoma.ConclusionsTotal hepatocellular polyploidy in normal cat liver is consistent with values reported in humans, yet cellular ploidy (nuclei per cell) is greater in humans than in cats. Tetraploid cat hepatocytes are predominantly mononuclear.
Improving Access to Medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases in Rural Primary Care: Results from a Cluster Randomised Trial in a District in South India
Authors: Pati Manoj Kumar , Bhojani Upendra , Elias Maya Annie , Srini Prashanth Nuggehalli 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA large proportion of non-communicable diseases (NCD) are treatable within primary health care (PHC) settings in a cost-effective manner; however, dependence on PHCs for NCD care is comparatively low in India. The Access to Medicines (ATM) study examined the effect of a community-level and health service level package of interventions on improving availability of generic medicines at PHCs and decreasing expenditure on medicines.Method A baseline-endline quantitative experimental approach was used to assess effectiveness of the intervention (18 months) implemented across all 39 rural PHCs of three sub-districts of Tumkur district in southern Karnataka, India. Intervention consisted of three arms with A & B consisting of package of interventions aimed at health service delivery optimization within PHC, and strengthening community platforms respectively; C was the control arm. A cluster randomised household survey was used to understand health seeking behaviour, access and out-of-pocket expenditure (OOP) on key anti-diabetic and anti-hypertension medicines; similarly, facility surveys across these PHCs were conducted to assess availability of medicines. Primary outcomes of the study are mean number of days of availability of medicines, mean number of patients obtained medicines from PHC, OOP expenses and mean number of days for which medicines were procured.Result Below 50% of patients only sought care from PHCs in intervention arms and around 30% who visited got patient health records. Mean number of days of key NCD medicines availability at home did not show statistically significant differences across study arms. There was overall increase in mean days of availability of key NCD medicines at PHCs across all study arms. Although there was an overall decrease in OOP on NCD medicines and increase in number of patents visiting PHC for NCD medicines between intervention arms and control from baseline to endline the difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionThe intervention effects were not uniform within the study groups. Depending on local context some PHCs were able to overcome health system barriers better than the others. Health service interventions at PHC and community level could be hindered by wider health system challenges beyond control of localized study interventions.Trial RegistrationTrial registration number CTRI/2015/03/005640. Retrospectively Enrolled
An Energy-Efficient Human Activity Recognition System Based on Smartphones
Authors: Shi Junhao , Zuo Decheng , Zhang Zhan , Pan Daohua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Smartphone-based human activity recognition has become a considerable research field as a subdomains of pattern recognition and pervasive computing. With the increasing popularity of smartphones, HAR has prominent applications in number of fields such as health care, education, entertainment and etc. Smart devices have a huge advantage in convenience as the main acquisition and processing equipment, but the battery life of smartphone and other resources are limited for long-duration tasks. In this paper, we propose a lightweight HAR system. The system realizes HAR algorithm with deep learning algorithm. Beyond that, we introduce a clustering-center based pre-classification strategy to reduce the call frequency of the DL model. Meanwhile, we add a sampling frequency control mechanism to the inertial sensor. The goal of the whole system is to achieve low power consumption and time delay. According to the final experiment results, the energy consumption reduces about 49% and time delay reduces about 55% while the overall recognition accuracy only suffers about 10% reduction.