bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Validation of the MEMP Salmonella Assay: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 042002
Authors: Lonczynski Thomas , Cowin Laura 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
The Molecular Environmental Monitoring Program (MEMP) Salmonella Assay is a quick and reliable method for detecting Salmonella species in environmental samples. The assay incorporates a real-time PCR approach to identifying Salmonella cells expressed from the swab sample. The assay does not require an enrichment step, leading to much faster time to a negative result.

Objective
This report details the method validation study to validate the MEMP using environmental surface swabs for stainless steel, plastic, rubber, ceramic tile, and sealed concrete.

Method
Matrix studies, inclusivity/exclusivity, product consistency and stability, and robustness testing were conducted to assess the method’s performance. In the matrix studies, this method was compared to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Chapter 5 for environmental surface sponges and swabs.

Results
Inclusivity/exclusivity testing showed that this assay was able to detect all 100 Salmonella strains tested while excluding the 30 non-Salmonella species. There were no statistically significant differences found between the candidate and reference methods. Small variations in critical test parameters (volume of extraction reagent and volume of extracted DNA sample) did not adversely affect the assay’s performance, and stability testing indicated consistent results for at least one year.

Conclusions
The data presented in this report show that the candidate method performed as well as the reference method; therefore, it can be used in place of the reference method for detecting Salmonella species.

Highlights
The MEMP Salmonella Assay is the first and only AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM approved for detecting Salmonella on surfaces without enrichment.
A computational simulation model for assessing social performance of BIM implementations in construction projects
Authors: Zoghi Milad , Lee Donghoon , Kim Sungjin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The construction industry has been adopting building information modeling (BIM) to enhance project and social performance. However, it is difficult to address and assess how integrating BIM into construction can support improving social performance. Thus, this study developed a system dynamics (SD) model to evaluate the social performance of BIM-integrated construction management. The proposed model aims to demonstrate the dynamic behavior of social indicators in construction and their interrelationships. The developed model was simulated under the different scenarios by different levels of BIM implementations. As a result, levels 2 and 3 of BIM implementation can enhance social performance by 26% and 45%, respectively. This study is limited to develop the SD model and assessing the performance without the vaildation through case study. However, this study can contribute to developing the simulation model to address how the BIM can affect the social performance in the construction industry.
Microbial engineering to produce fatty alcohols and alkanes
Authors: Sharma Ashima , Yazdani Syed Shams 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Owing to their high energy density and composition, fatty acid-derived chemicals possess a wide range of applications such as biofuels, biomaterials, and other biochemical, and as a consequence, the global annual demand for products has surpassed 2 million tons. With the exhausting petroleum reservoirs and emerging environmental concerns on using petroleum feedstock, it has become indispensable to shift to a renewable-based industry. With the advancement in the field of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, the use of microbes as factories for the production of fatty acid-derived chemicals is becoming a promising alternative approach for the production of these derivatives. Numerous metabolic approaches have been developed for conditioning the microbes to improve existing or develop new methodologies capable of efficient oleochemical production. However, there still exist several limitations that need to be addressed for the commercial viability of the microbial cell factory production. Though substantial advancement has been made toward successfully producing these fatty acids derived chemicals, a considerable amount of work needs to be done for improving the titers. In the present review, we aim to address the roadblocks impeding the heterologous production, the engineering pathway strategies implemented across the range of microbes in a detailed manner, and the commercial readiness of these molecules of immense application.
Proton pump inhibitor use and appropriateness analysis: a snapshot from a secondary care hospital
Authors: Damji Sukaina Salim , Rabbani Syed Arman , Rao Padma G M , Butt Ain-ur Rashid 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become one of the most frequently prescribed drugs since their introduction 30 years ago. Effectiveness and safety profile of PPIs has led to their overutilization and has exposed patients to a number of potential risks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of PPIs in a secondary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods
This prospective observational drug-utilization study was conducted in patients receiving treatment with PPIs and admitted to internal medicine wards of the study site. Electronic patient case records were reviewed and data on PPI prescribing was collected and analysed. Appropriateness of PPI use was assessed as per international guidelines.

Key findings
Out of 172 patients enrolled, 53.5% were females with median age of 57 years (34.3, 71.0). Four different PPIs were prescribed to study patients, pantoprazole (86.6%), esomeprazole (5.8%), rabeprazole (4.1%) and omeprazole (3.5%). Ninety-two (53.5%) patients were prescribed intravenous PPI, whereas 80 (46.5%) patients were given PPI in oral form. Overall, 103 (59.9%) patients had inappropriate PPI prescriptions. Of these inappropriate prescriptions, 22 patients had no clear indication for PPI use and for 16 patients; PPIs were indicated for stress ulcer prophylaxis in low-risk category. Corticosteroid use [odds ratio (OR): 4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–15.46; P = 0.023] was significantly associated with greater odds of inappropriate PPI use.

Conclusions
We report a high prevalence of inappropriate PPI prescribing among the hospitalized patients in our study. Inappropriate PPI prescribing is a concerning issue and collective efforts should be made to check and minimize the same.
Perceived Stress, Personality Traits, and State of Victim’s Consciousness: Impact on Tourniquet Application Time and Effectiveness
Authors: Mulet Marin , Vuillemin Quentin , Lachaux Jordan , Trousselard Marion , Ferrer Marie-Hélène 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
One of the main avoidable causes of combat-related injury death is extremity hemorrhage. Even with regular training, failure to properly apply a tourniquet is common. In this study, we sought to assess if rescuer’s stress and personality traits, along with victim’s state of consciousness, had a role to explain tourniquet application failure.

Materials and Methods
Eighty-seven soldiers completed a sociodemographic and personality questionnaire (perceived stress, active altruism, mindfulness, and empathy) during a forward combat casualty care course. Then, they underwent a leg hemorrhage simulation on a randomly conscious or unconscious victim. Tourniquet application time and effectiveness (using popliteal artery Doppler) were recorded.

Results
Tourniquet application effective rate was 37% and soldiers with higher levels of perceived stress were at greater risk of failure, especially on a conscious victim. Participants who deployed overseas and those who have undergone combat rescue training were significantly quicker to apply a tourniquet. Altruist and empathetic caregivers were slower to apply the tourniquet while mindful ones were faster.

Conclusions
Combat-related injuries, even simulated, not only involve the rescuer’s technical skills but also their ability to deal with stressful external stimuli. Tourniquet application speed seems to be influenced by perceived stress and personality traits of the rescuers. Frequent failures justify repeated training, and one way to pursue improvement could be to develop a personalized pedagogy adapting to the needs of the students according to their current skillset but also their perceived stress and personality determinants. In the pedagogical process (planning, goal setting, teaching, and evaluating), the state of consciousness of the victim seems to be a parameter that needs to be accounted for, but further studies are required to accurately describe its influence.
Using Shell models to investigate clumping in the wind of the O7Iaf + supergiant AzV83
Authors: Flores Brian L , Hillier D John 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Hot massive stars exhibit strong stellar winds that enrich the surrounding interstellar medium and affect the stars’ evolution. However, the winds are inhomogeneous (clumped) and are difficult to model in radiative transfer codes. To produce more realistic spectra, many codes use a volume-filling factor (VFF) approach to incorporate the effects of clumping. While this approach is convenient, it is simplistic. We introduce an alternative approach to incorporate clumping by assuming the wind is composed of dense spherical shells. Using this approach in the radiative transfer code cmfgen, we produce synthetic spectra for AzV83, an O7Iaf + supergiant located in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The spectrum of AzV83 is rich in both photospheric and wind features, making it an ideal candidate with which to investigate the physical characteristics of stellar winds. Synthetic spectra are compared to the star’s observed spectrum to better characterize the influence of clumped winds on spectral features, and to better understand the limitations of the VFF approach. The approach using spherical shells yields similar wind parameters to those obtained using the VFF approach although a slightly higher mass-loss rate is required to fit Hα. As expected, the interclump medium in the model with shells allows the high ionization resonance transitions of N v and O vi to be fitted using LX-ray/LBol ≈ 10−7, which is typically observed for O stars, and which is a factor of 10 lower than needed with the VFF approach.
Chemical analysis of the bulge globular cluster NGC 6553
Authors: Montecinos Carolina , Villanova S , Muñoz C , Cortés C C 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Globular clusters are among the oldest objects in the Galaxy, thus their researchers are key to understanding the processes of evolution and formation that the galaxy has experienced in early stages. Spectroscopic studies allow us to carry out detailed analysis on the chemical composition of globular clusters. The aim of our research is to perform a detailed analysis of chemical abundances to a sample of stars of the bulge globular cluster NGC 6553, in order to determine chemical patterns that allow us to appreciate the phenomenon of Multiple Population in one of the most metal-rich Globular Clusters in the Galaxy. This analysis is being carried out with data obtained by FLAMES/GIRAFFE spectrograph, VVV survey and DR2 of Gaia mission. We analysed 20 red horizontal branch stars, being the first extensive spectroscopic abundance analysis for this cluster and measured 8 chemical elements (O, Na, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, and Ni), deriving a mean iron content of [Fe/H] = −0.10 ± 0.01 and a mean of [α/Fe] = 0.21 ± 0.02, considering Mg, Si, Ca, and Ti (errors on the mean). We found a significant spread in the content of Na but a small or negligible in O. We did not find an intrinsic variation in the content of α and iron-peak elements, showing a good agreement with the trend of the bulge field stars, suggesting a similar origin and evolution.
The evolution of the galaxy stellar-mass function over the last 12 billion years from a combination of ground-based and HST surveys
Authors: McLeod D J , McLure R J , Dunlop J S , Cullen F , Carnall A C , Duncan K 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We present a new determination of the galaxy stellar-mass function (GSMF) over the redshift interval 0.25 ≤ z ≤ 3.75, derived from a combination of ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging surveys. Based on a near-IR-selected galaxy sample selected over a raw survey area of 3 deg2 and spanning ≥4 dex in stellar mass, we fit the GSMF with both single and double Schechter functions, carefully accounting for Eddington bias to derive both observed and intrinsic parameter values. We find that a double Schechter function is a better fit to the GSMF at all redshifts, although the single and double Schechter function fits are statistically indistinguishable by z = 3.25. We find no evidence for significant evolution in M⋆, with the intrinsic value consistent with $\log _{10}(M^{\star }/\hbox{$\rm \, M_{\odot }$})=10.55\pm {0.1}$ over the full redshift range. Overall, our determination of the GSMF is in good agreement with recent simulation results, although differences persist at the highest stellar masses. Splitting our sample according to location on the UVJ plane, we find that the star-forming GSMF can be adequately described by a single Schechter function over the full redshift range, and has not evolved significantly since z ≃ 2.5. In contrast, both the normalization and the functional form of the passive GSMF evolve dramatically with redshift, switching from a single to a double Schechter function at z ≤ 1.5. As a result, we find that while passive galaxies dominate the integrated stellar-mass density at z ≤ 0.75, they only contribute ≲10 per cent by z ≃ 3. Finally, we provide a simple parametrization that provides an accurate estimate of the GSMF, both observed and intrinsic, at any redshift within the range 0 ≤ z ≤ 4.
Discovery of Novel Herpes Simplexviruses in Wild Gorillas, Bonobos, and Chimpanzees Supports Zoonotic Origin of HSV-2
Authors: Wertheim Joel O. , Hostager Reilly , Ryu Diane , Merkel Kevin , Angedakin Samuel , Arandjelovic Mimi , Ayimisin Emmanuel Ayuk , Babweteera Fred , Bessone Mattia , Brun-Jeffery Kathryn J. , Dieguez Paula , Eckardt Winnie , Fruth Barbara , Herbinger Ilka , Jones Sorrel , Kuehl Hjalmar , Langergraber Kevin E. , Lee Kevin , Madinda Nadege F. , Metzger Sonja , Ormsby Lucy Jayne , Robbins Martha M. , Sommer Volker , Stoinski Tara , Wessling Erin G. , Wittig Roman M. , Yuh Yisa Ginath , Leendertz Fabian H. , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Viruses closely related to human pathogens can reveal the origins of human infectious diseases. Human herpes simplexvirus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are hypothesized to have arisen via host-virus codivergence and cross-species transmission. We report the discovery of novel herpes simplexviruses during a large-scale screening of fecal samples from wild gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that, contrary to expectation, simplexviruses from these African apes are all more closely related to HSV-2 than to HSV-1. Molecular clock-based hypothesis testing suggests the divergence between HSV-1 and the African great ape simplexviruses likely represents a codivergence event between humans and gorillas. The simplexviruses infecting African great apes subsequently experienced multiple cross-species transmission events over the past 3 My, the most recent of which occurred between humans and bonobos around 1 Ma. These findings revise our understanding of the origins of human herpes simplexviruses and suggest that HSV-2 is one of the earliest zoonotic pathogens.
Experimental Resurrection of Ancestral Mammalian CPEB3 Ribozymes Reveals Deep Functional Conservation
Authors: Bendixsen Devin P. , Pollock Tanner B. , Peri Gianluca , Hayden Eric J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Self-cleaving ribozymes are genetic elements found in all domains of life, but their evolution remains poorly understood. A ribozyme located in the second intron of the cytoplasmic polyadenylation binding protein 3 gene (CPEB3) shows high sequence conservation in mammals, but little is known about the functional conservation of self-cleaving ribozyme activity across the mammalian tree of life or during the course of mammalian evolution. Here, we use a phylogenetic approach to design a mutational library and a deep sequencing assay to evaluate the in vitro self-cleavage activity of numerous extant and resurrected CPEB3 ribozymes that span over 100 My of mammalian evolution. We found that the predicted sequence at the divergence of placentals and marsupials is highly active, and this activity has been conserved in most lineages. A reduction in ribozyme activity appears to have occurred multiple different times throughout the mammalian tree of life. The in vitro activity data allow an evaluation of the predicted mutational pathways leading to extant ribozyme as well as the mutational landscape surrounding these ribozymes. The results demonstrate that in addition to sequence conservation, the self-cleavage activity of the CPEB3 ribozyme has persisted over millions of years of mammalian evolution.
MRI-based radiomics for prognosis of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: an international study
Authors: Tam Lydia T , Yeom Kristen W , Wright Jason N , Jaju Alok , Radmanesh Alireza , Han Michelle , Toescu Sebastian , Maleki Maryam , Chen Eric , Campion Andrew , Lai Hollie A , Eghbal Azam A , Oztekin Ozgur , Mankad Kshitij , Hargrave Darren , Jacques Thomas S , Goetti Robert , Lober Robert M , Cheshier Samuel H , Napel Sandy , Said Mourad , Aquilina Kristian , Ho Chang Y , Monje Michelle , Vitanza Nicholas A , Mattonen Sarah A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are lethal pediatric brain tumors. Presently, MRI is the mainstay of disease diagnosis and surveillance. We identify clinically significant computational features from MRI and create a prognostic machine learning model.

Methods
We isolated tumor volumes of T1-post-contrast (T1) and T2-weighted (T2) MRIs from 177 treatment-naïve DIPG patients from an international cohort for model training and testing. The Quantitative Image Feature Pipeline and PyRadiomics was used for feature extraction. Ten-fold cross-validation of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression selected optimal features to predict overall survival in the training dataset and tested in the independent testing dataset. We analyzed model performance using clinical variables (age at diagnosis and sex) only, radiomics only, and radiomics plus clinical variables.

Results
All selected features were intensity and texture-based on the wavelet-filtered images (3 T1 gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture features, T2 GLCM texture feature, and T2 first-order mean). This multivariable Cox model demonstrated a concordance of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.61–0.74) in the training dataset, significantly outperforming the clinical-only model (C = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.49–0.64]). Adding clinical features to radiomics slightly improved performance (C = 0.70 [95% CI: 0.64–0.77]). The combined radiomics and clinical model was validated in the independent testing dataset (C = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.51–0.67], Noether’s test P = .02).

Conclusions
In this international study, we demonstrate the use of radiomic signatures to create a machine learning model for DIPG prognostication. Standardized, quantitative approaches that objectively measure DIPG changes, including computational MRI evaluation, could offer new approaches to assessing tumor phenotype and serve a future role for optimizing clinical trial eligibility and tumor surveillance.
The Japanese Constitution
Authors: McElwain Kenneth Mori 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Constitution of Japan is the oldest unamended supreme law in the world. This chapter examines the determinants of constitutional stability and its implications for Japanese politics. First, cross-national constitutional data shows that the COJ is uncommonly short, leaving many details regarding political institutions to be determined by law. This makes it possible to alter institutional rules through regular legislation, lessening the structural need for constitutional amendments. Second, strong disagreements among elites and citizens have insulated the COJ from polarizing reforms. While a supermajority of legislators support amendments in principle, there is no consensus on which provisions to amend or whether to prioritize them above bread-and-butter socioeconomic issues. Public opinion is similarly divided, but the most consistent support is for progressive priorities, such as adding new rights to privacy and the environment, rather than for conservative targets desired by the LDP, particularly Article 9.
Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party
Authors: Nemoto Kuniaki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article has two main purposes. First, it offers a critical meta-review of the literature on the recent evolution of the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) party organization, by focusing on two of the LDP’s most entrenched institutions: factionalism and the policymaking process through the Policy Affairs Research Council (PARC). Although some scholars predicted that some of their functions—such as the posts allocation norm and the decentralized policymaking norm—may not disappear at least for a while, the article argues that these norms should be inefficient in theory. With the electoral reform to a party-centered system, the cabinet now needs to appoint able and loyal agents free from factions and formulate and implement programmatic public policy in a top-down manner. Second, in light of these theoretical predictions, it offers a critical evaluation of the LDP under Shinzō Abe’s second administration. A tentative conclusion that can be drawn from anecdotal evidence is that the LDP now looks different from the old LDP before the 1990s. Rather than using traditional, pre-reform governing styles, Abe’s second administration appeared to be adept at adapting to the new institutional environment.
Freedom and Spontaneity in the Creative Process: Lessons from Experimental Music
Authors: Bernstein David W. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This chapter focuses on composers who explored freedom and spontaneity in the creative process as alternatives to compositional systems with various formal rules and constraints. John Cage used chance operations and indeterminacy to compose music that allowed listeners unlimited interpretative freedom. Pauline Oliveros designed human/machine interfaces that created feedback resembling human intuitive and spontaneous interactivity. David Tudor created “live” electronic music in its most literal sense with idiosyncratic sound systems that produced sounds that took on a “life of their own.” Frederic Rzewski viewed spontaneous music as a transcendent and transformative creative process available to both musicians and non-musicians. Roscoe Mitchell developed composition/improvisation hybrids that challenge traditionally held assumptions about musical works in the Western canon. Embracing freedom and spontaneity as aesthetic values made it possible for these composers to challenge the dominant political ideology and its social conventions.