bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model of heat pulse induced limit-cycle-oscillations in the edge of magnetically confined plasmas
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Guo Zhibin , Zhao Kaijun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Limit-cycle-oscillation (LCO) is a ubiquitous feature in low to high confinement mode transition. We propose a double-source (heat and turbulence) prey-predator model of heat pulse induced LCOs in the edge plasmas. It is shown that the development of the radial electric field is a combined process of turbulent thermal and momentum transports. The causality relation between the turbulence intensity and the radial electric field reverses during the transport channel transfer. A numerical study reveals that the appearance of LCOs can be explained as a transition from a ‘forced’ oscillation to an ‘intrinsic’ oscillation of the edge plasmas. It is also found that there exists a critical equilibrium pressure gradient, above which the transient LCOs become stationary ones, i.e. a steady I-phase may be sustained.
Spatial-temporal aspects of continuous EEG-based neurorobotic control
Authors: Suma Daniel , Meng Jianjun , Edelman Bradley Jay , He Bin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective. The goal of this work is to identify the spatio-temporal facets of state-of-the-art electroencephalography (EEG)-based continuous neurorobotics that need to be addressed, prior to deployment in practical applications at home and in the clinic. Approach. Nine healthy human subjects participated in five sessions of one-dimensional (1D) horizontal (LR), 1D vertical (UD) and two-dimensional (2D) neural tracking from EEG. Users controlled a robotic arm and virtual cursor to continuously track a Gaussian random motion target using EEG sensorimotor rhythm modulation via motor imagery (MI) commands. Continuous control quality was analyzed in the temporal and spatial domains separately. Main results. Axis-specific errors during 2D tasks were significantly larger than during 1D counterparts. Fatigue rates were larger for control tasks with higher cognitive demand (LR, left- and right-hand MI) compared to those with lower cognitive demand (UD, both hands MI and rest). Additionally robotic arm and virtual cursor control exhibited equal tracking error during all tasks. However, further spatial error analysis of 2D control revealed a significant reduction in tracking quality that was dependent on the visual interference of the physical device. In fact, robotic arm performance was significantly greater than that of virtual cursor control when the users’ sightlines were not obstructed. Significance. This work emphasizes the need for practical interfaces to be designed around real-world tasks of increased complexity. Here, the dependence of control quality on cognitive task demand emphasizes the need for decoders that facilitate the translation of 1D task mastery to 2D control. When device footprint was accounted for, the introduction of a physical robotic arm improved control quality, likely due to increased user engagement. In general, this work demonstrates the need to consider both the physical footprint of devices, the complexity of training tasks, and the synergy of control strategies during the development of neurorobotic control.
Stationary plasma configurations in a toroidal trap with D-shaped cross section in the two-fluid MHD approximation (Morozov–Soloviev equations)
Authors: Savelyev V V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In 1974, A.I. Morozov and L.S. Soloviev derived a general set of hydrodynamic equations for two-component ideal plasma under the stationary flow conditions, as applied to the plasma acceleration problems. Under the conditions of axial symmetry, the authors managed to reduce this very complex system to a more simple form by introducing three functions of the flux (the magnetic field flux, electron flux and ion flux). This situation is reminiscent of the one that develops when obtaining the Grad–Shafranov equation: the problem of static plasma equilibrium is reduced to solving one second-order equation for the magnetic field flux function. The rest condition for the two-component plasma is usually interpreted as the condition of vanishing the mass-average plasma velocity. This condition coincides with the condition of ion immobility up to a value of the order of the electron to ion mass ratio. In this work, the Morozov–Soloviev equations will be used for the first time to study the stationary plasma configurations in the toroidal magnetic trap with the D-shaped cross section. The geometric parameters of the trap correspond to those of the two currently operating tokamaks: the JET and the JT60U.
Common Methods for Handling Missing Data in Marginal Structural Models: What Works and Why
Authors: Leyrat Clémence , Carpenter James R , Bailly Sébastien , Williamson Elizabeth J 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMarginal structural models (MSMs) are commonly used to estimate causal intervention effects in longitudinal nonrandomized studies. A common challenge when using MSMs to analyze observational studies is incomplete confounder data, where a poorly informed analysis method will lead to biased estimates of intervention effects. Despite a number of approaches described in the literature for handling missing data in MSMs, there is little guidance on what works in practice and why. We reviewed existing missing-data methods for MSMs and discussed the plausibility of their underlying assumptions. We also performed realistic simulations to quantify the bias of 5 methods used in practice: complete-case analysis, last observation carried forward, the missingness pattern approach, multiple imputation, and inverse-probability-of-missingness weighting. We considered 3 mechanisms for nonmonotone missing data encountered in research based on electronic health record data. Further illustration of the strengths and limitations of these analysis methods is provided through an application using a cohort of persons with sleep apnea: the research database of the French Observatoire Sommeil de la Fédération de Pneumologie. We recommend careful consideration of 1) the reasons for missingness, 2) whether missingness modifies the existing relationships among observed data, and 3) the scientific context and data source, to inform the choice of the appropriate method(s) for handling partially observed confounders in MSMs.
Progesterone receptor membrane components: key regulators of fetal membrane integrity
Authors: Lozovyy Violetta , Richardson Lauren , Saade George , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Pro-pregnancy hormone progesterone (P4) helps to maintain a quiescent status of uterine tissues during gestation. However, P4’s functional role in maintaining fetal membrane (amniochorion) integrity remains unclear. P4 functions through its membrane receptors (progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMCs)) as fetal membrane cells lack nuclear receptors. This study screened the differential expression of PGRMCs in the fetal membranes and tested P4–PGRMC interactions under normal and oxidative stress (OS) conditions expected that can disrupt P4–PGRMC interactions impacting fetal membrane stability resulting in parturition. Human fetal membranes were collected from term and preterm deliveries (N = 5). Immunohistochemistry and western blot localized and determined differential expression of P4 receptors. Primary amnion epithelial, mesenchymal (AMCs), and chorion cell were treated with P4 alone or co-treated (P4 + OS induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE)). Proximity ligation assay (PLA) documented P4–receptor binding, whereas P4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay documented culture supernatant levels. Immunohistology confirmed lack of nuclear progesterone receptors; however, confirmed expressions of PGRMC 1 and 2. Term labor (P = 0.01) and preterm rupture (P = 0.01) are associated with significant downregulation of PGRMC2. OS-induced differential downregulation of PGRMCs in both amnion and chorion cells (all P &lt; 0.05) and downregulates P4 release (AMCs; P = 0.01). The PLA showed preferential receptor–ligand binding in amnion and chorion cells. Co-treatment of P4 + CSE did not reverse CSE-induced effects. In conclusion, P4–PGRMCs interaction maintains fetal membranes’ functional integrity throughout pregnancy. Increased OS reduces endogenous P4 production and cell type-dependent downregulation of PGRMCs. These changes can lead to fetal membrane-specific “functional progesterone withdrawal,” contributing to the dysfunctional fetal membrane status seen at term and preterm conditions.
Hydroxychloroquine as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Workers: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Rajasingham Radha , Bangdiwala Ananta S , Nicol Melanie R , Skipper Caleb P , Pastick Katelyn A , Axelrod Margaret L , Pullen Matthew F , Nascene Alanna A , Williams Darlisha A , Engen Nicole W , Okafor Elizabeth C , Rini Brian I , Mayer Ingrid A , McDonald Emily G , Lee Todd C , Li Peter , MacKenzie Lauren J , Balko Justin M , Dunlop Stephen J , Hullsiek Katherine H , Boulware David R , Lofgren Sarah M ,   COVID PREP team, Abassi Mahsa , Balster Andrew , Collins Lindsey B , Drobot Glen , Krakower Douglas S , Lother Sylvain A , MacKay Dylan S , Meyer-Mueller Cameron , Selinsky Stephen , Solvason Dayna , Zarychanski Ryan , Zash Rebecca 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a rapidly emerging virus causing the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with no known effective prophylaxis. We investigated whether hydroxychloroquine could prevent SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers at high risk of exposure.

Methods
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of healthcare workers with ongoing exposure to persons with SARS-CoV-2, including those working in emergency departments, intensive care units, COVID-19 hospital wards, and first responders. Participants across the United States and in the Canadian province of Manitoba were randomized to hydroxychloroquine loading dose then 400 mg once or twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was confirmed or probable COVID-19–compatible illness. We measured hydroxychloroquine whole-blood concentrations.

Results
We enrolled 1483 healthcare workers, of whom 79% reported performing aerosol-generating procedures. The incidence of COVID-19 (laboratory-confirmed or symptomatic compatible illness) was 0.27 events/person-year with once-weekly and 0.28 events/person-year with twice-weekly hydroxychloroquine compared with 0.38 events/person-year with placebo. For once-weekly hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis, the hazard ratio was .72 (95% CI, .44–1.16; P = .18) and for twice-weekly was .74 (95% CI, .46–1.19; P = .22) compared with placebo. Median hydroxychloroquine concentrations in whole blood were 98 ng/mL (IQR, 82–120) with once-weekly and 200 ng/mL (IQR, 159–258) with twice-weekly dosing. Hydroxychloroquine concentrations did not differ between participants who developed COVID-19–compatible illness (154 ng/mL) versus participants without COVID-19 (133 ng/mL; P = .08).

Conclusions
Pre-exposure prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine once or twice weekly did not significantly reduce laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or COVID-19–compatible illness among healthcare workers.

Clinical Trials Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04328467.
KiMoSys 2.0: an upgraded database for submitting, storing and accessing experimental data for kinetic modeling
Authors: Mochão Hugo , Barahona Pedro , Costa Rafael S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The KiMoSys (https://kimosys.org), launched in 2014, is a public repository of published experimental data, which contains concentration data of metabolites, protein abundances and flux data. It offers a web-based interface and upload facility to share data, making it accessible in structured formats, while also integrating associated kinetic models related to the data. In addition, it also supplies tools to simplify the construction process of ODE (Ordinary Differential Equations)-based models of metabolic networks. In this release, we present an update of KiMoSys with new data and several new features, including (i) an improved web interface, (ii) a new multi-filter mechanism, (iii) introduction of data visualization tools, (iv) the addition of downloadable data in machine-readable formats, (v) an improved data submission tool, (vi) the integration of a kinetic model simulation environment and (vii) the introduction of a unique persistent identifier system. We believe that this new version will improve its role as a valuable resource for the systems biology community.
Database URL: www.kimosys.org
Evidence for an Age-Related Positivity Effect in Metacognitive Judgments
Authors: Sanders Edie C , Berry Jane M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
If older adults (OAs) are focused on emotionally meaningful goals in late life, they should demonstrate memory biases for positive stimuli over neutral and negative stimuli and, arguably, these cognitive biases should be reflected in their metacognitive judgments of learning (JOLs). To address this question, we examined age differences in metacognitive monitoring of emotionally valenced stimuli.

Method
Younger adults (YAs) and OAs (N = 85) studied positive, neutral, and negative words and made immediate JOLs, followed by a 2-alternative forced choice (2AFC) recognition memory task.

Results
Analyses of JOLs revealed evidence for a positivity effect in metacognitive judgments for OAs and an emotional salience effect in YAs. YAs recognized more words than OAs, but valence did not affect number of words recognized and did not moderate age differences in memory (p = .055). Memory monitoring as measured by resolution accuracy was equivalent in YAs and OAs. Positive affect was higher and negative affect was lower in OAs relative to YAs, lending additional evidence to the emergence of a positive orientation in older adulthood.

Discussion
These results provide intriguing and novel support for the positivity effect in the domain of metacognitive aging, adding to what is known in memory, attention, and emotion domains. Our findings fall squarely within socioemotional and metacognitive theoretical frameworks from which they were derived. We discuss research directions that might identify mechanisms by which affective states and stimuli interact to produce metacognitive outcomes in late life.
Vagueness of Patent Claim Language, Claim Construction and Patent Infringement – What a Mess!
Authors: Chakroun Nefissa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The claim drafting process, which is inherently related to inventions, is not exempt from difficulties. Prominent among these is vagueness, which can often be the chief characteristic of patent claims. This paper argues that such ambiguities may hamper the development and teaching functions of patent documents and can also distort infringement systems. It addresses legal issues related to patent claim construction, including the use of intrinsic or extrinsic evidence to clarify an ambiguous or vague claim. Confusion surrounding the use of expert testimony for determining the meaning of a claim is also highlighted. Largely based on the US law, the paper suggests ways to reduce claim ambiguity, such as the use of claim charts. Emphasis is placed on the clarity of the claims’ wording, because this acts as a safeguard against any infringement risk. In brief, constructing patent claims remains largely an unsettled and uncertain area of patent law. What really matters is the clarity of the claim language because definiteness, preciseness, conciseness and exactness are major guarantees of a patent’s validity.
An egalitarian society? Widening inequalities in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases in Australia, 2006–16
Authors: Adair Tim , Lopez Alan D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The recent slowdown in life expectancy increase in Australia has occurred concurrently with widening socioeconomic and geographical inequalities in all-cause mortality risk. We analysed whether, and to what extent, mortality inequalities among specific non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Australia at ages 35–74 years widened during 2006–16.

Methods
Registered deaths that occurred during 2006–16 in Australia were analysed. Inequalities were measured by area socioeconomic quintile [ranging from Q1 (lowest) to Q5 (highest)] and remoteness (major cities, inner regional, outer regional/remote/very remote). Age-standardized death rates (ASDR) for 35–74 years were calculated and smoothed over time.

Results
NCD mortality inequalities by area socioeconomic quintile widened; the ratio of Q1 to Q5 ASDR for males increased from 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91–2.01] in 2011 to 2.08 (2.03–2.13) in 2016, and for females from 1.78 (1.73–1.84) to 1.96 (1.90–2.02). Moreover, Q1 NCD ASDRs did not clearly decline from 2011 to 2016. CVD mortality inequalities were wider than for all NCDs. There were particularly large increases in smoking-related mortality inequalities. In 2016, mortality inequalities were especially high for chronic respiratory diseases, alcohol-related causes and diabetes. NCD mortality rates outside major cities were higher than within major cities, and these differences widened during 2006–16. Higher mortality rates in inner regional areas than in major cities were explained by socioeconomic factors.

Conclusions
Widening of inequalities in premature mortality rates is a major public health issue in Australia in the context of slowing mortality decline. Inequalities are partly explained by major risk factors for CVDs and NCDs: being overweight or obese, lack of exercise, poor diet and smoking. There is a need for urgent policy responses that consider socioeconomic disadvantage.
Travellers returning from the island of Zanzibar colonized with MDREscherichia colistrains: assessing the impact of local people and other sources
Authors: Moser Aline I , Kuenzli Esther , Büdel Thomas , Campos-Madueno Edgar I , Bernasconi Odette J , DeCrom-Beer Susan , Jakopp Barbara , Mohammed Ali Haji , Hassan Nadir Khatib , Fehr Jan , Zinsstag Jakob , Hatz Christoph , Endimiani Andrea 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesMany travellers to low-income countries return home colonized at the intestinal level with extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant (ESC-R) and/or colistin-resistant (CST-R) Escherichia coli (Ec) strains. However, nothing is known about the local sources responsible for the transmission of these pathogens to the travellers.MethodsWe compared the ESC-R- and CST-R-Ec strains found in the pre- (n = 23) and post-trip (n = 37) rectal swabs of 37 travellers from Switzerland to Zanzibar with those (i) contemporarily isolated from local people, poultry, retailed chicken meat (n = 31), and (ii) from other sources studied in the recent past (n = 47). WGS and core-genome analyses were implemented.ResultsTwenty-four travellers returned colonized with ESC-R- (n = 29) and/or CST-R- (n = 8) Ec strains. Almost all ESC-R-Ec were CTX-M-15 producers and belonged to heterogeneous STs/core-genome STs (cgSTs), while mcr-positive strains were not found. Based on the strains’ STs/cgSTs, only 20 subjects were colonized with ESC-R- and/or CST-R-Ec that were not present in their gut before the journey. Single nucleotide variant (SNV) analysis showed that three of these 20 travellers carried ESC-R-Ec (ST3489, ST3580, ST361) identical (0–20 SNVs) to those found in local people, chicken meat, or poultry. Three further subjects carried ESC-R-Ec (ST394, ST648, ST5173) identical or highly related (15–55 SNVs) to those previously reported in local people, fish, or water.ConclusionsThis is the first known study comparing the ESC-R- and/or CST-R-Ec strains obtained from travellers and local sources using solid molecular methods. We showed that for at least one-third of the returning travellers the acquired antibiotic-resistant Ec had a corresponding strain among resident people, food, animal and/or environmental sources.
Turkish Court of Appeal finds likelihood of confusion based on a common weak element
Authors: Doğan Alkan Güldeniz , C¸ıtak Ayşenur 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Yıldız Holding Anonim Şirketi v İbrahim Aslanyavrusu (2020) 11th Chamber of Turkish Court of Appeals Merit No: 2019/3006 E., No: 2020/841 K., 03 February 2020
The Anatomy and Physiology of Teaming in Cancer Care Delivery: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Verhoeven Dana C , Chollette Veronica , Lazzara Elizabeth H , Shuffler Marissa L , Osarogiagbon Raymond U , Weaver Sallie J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Care coordination challenges for patients with cancer continue to grow as expanding treatment options, multimodality treatment regimens, and an aging population with comorbid conditions intensify demands for multidisciplinary cancer care. Effective teamwork is a critical yet understudied cornerstone of coordinated cancer care delivery. For example, comprehensive lung cancer care involves a clinical “team of teams”—or clinical multiteam system (MTS)—coordinating decisions and care across specialties, providers, and settings. The teamwork processes within and between these teams lay the foundation for coordinated care. Although the need to work as a team and coordinate across disciplinary, organizational, and geographic boundaries increases, evidence identifying and improving the teamwork processes underlying care coordination and delivery among the multiple teams involved remains sparse. This commentary synthesizes MTS structure characteristics and teamwork processes into a conceptual framework called the cancer MTS framework to advance future cancer care delivery research addressing evidence gaps in care coordination. Included constructs were identified from published frameworks, discussions at the 2016 National Cancer Institute-American Society of Clinical Oncology Teams in Cancer Care Workshop, and expert input. A case example in lung cancer provided practical grounding for framework refinement. The cancer MTS framework identifies team structure variables and teamwork processes affecting cancer care delivery, related outcomes, and contextual variables hypothesized to influence coordination within and between the multiple clinical teams involved. We discuss how the framework might be used to identify care delivery research gaps, develop hypothesis-driven research examining clinical team functioning, and support conceptual coherence across studies examining teamwork and care coordination and their impact on cancer outcomes.