bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DSCR1 upregulation enhances dural meningeal lymphatic drainage to attenuate amyloid pathology of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Choi Chiyeol , Park Jiwon , Kim Hyerin , Chang Karen T , Park Jiyoung , Min Kyung‐Tai
Published: July 2021

Highly developed meningeal lymphatics remove waste products from the brain. Disruption of meningeal lymphatic vessels in a mouse model of amyloid pathology (5XFAD) accelerates the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the meninges and brain, and causes learning and memory deficits, suggesting that clearance of toxic wastes by lymphatic vessels plays a key role in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discovered that DSCR1 (Down syndrome critical region 1, known also as RCAN1, regulator of calcineurin 1) facilitates the drainage of waste products by increasing the coverage of dorsal meningeal lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, upregulation of DSCR1 in 5XFAD mice diminishes Aβ pathology in the brain and improves memory defects. Surgical ligation of cervical lymphatic vessels afferent to dcLN blocks the beneficial effects of DSCR1 on Aβ accumulation and cognitive function. Interestingly, intracerebroventricular delivery of AAV1‐DSCR1 to 5XFAD mice is sufficient to rebuild the meningeal lymphatic system and re‐establish cognitive performance. Collectively, our data indicate that DSCR1 facilitates the growth of dorsal meningeal lymphatics to improve drainage efficiency and protect against Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies, further highlighting that improving meningeal lymphatic function is a feasible treatment strategy for AD. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcription factors: Bridge between cell signaling and gene regulation
Authors: Weidemüller Paula , Kholmatov Maksim , Petsalaki Evangelia , Zaugg Judith B.
Published: July 2021

Transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators of intrinsic cellular processes, such as differentiation and development, and of the cellular response to external perturbation through signaling pathways. In this review we focus on the role of TFs as a link between signaling pathways and gene regulation. Cell signaling tends to result in the modulation of a set of TFs that then lead to changes in the cell's transcriptional program. We highlight the molecular layers at which TF activity can be measured and the associated technical and conceptual challenges. These layers include post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of the TF, regulation of TF binding to DNA through chromatin accessibility and epigenetics, and expression of target genes. We highlight that a large number of TFs are understudied in both signaling and gene regulation studies, and that our knowledge about known TF targets has a strong literature bias. We argue that TFs serve as a perfect bridge between the fields of gene regulation and signaling, and that separating these fields hinders our understanding of cell functions. Multi‐omics approaches that measure multiple dimensions of TF activity are ideally suited to study the interplay of cell signaling and gene regulation using TFs as the anchor to link the two fields.
Detection and monitoring of bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): review of the underlying science, existing products and future prospects
Authors: Crawley Sydney E , Borden John H
Published: July 2021

Bed bugs,Cimex lectulariusL. andC. hemipterus(F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites of humans. Since the resurgence of bed bugs in the late 1990s there has been a corresponding emphasis on development and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs to manage infestations. One critical requirement of IPM is the ability to detect and monitor the target pest. We outline and describe the majority of all known existing devices and technologies developed for bed bug detection and monitoring as well as much of the underlying science. Almost 40 detection and monitoring products have flooded the marketplace, but for various reasons, including price, size, complexity and lack of independent scientific evaluation, they have not been widely adopted for IPM in structures. One product, the ClimbUp® Insect Interceptor, has nine competitors that utilize a similar design. This review also discloses many other technologies and products that are either too expensive or too impractical for use as either consumer or industrial products. We conclude that there is a critical need for inexpensive and effective detection and monitoring traps and lures suitable for widespread adoption by the urban pest control industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Frequency of processed kaolin application to prevent Diaphorina citri infestation and dispersal in flushing citrus orchards
Authors: Miranda Marcelo Pedreira , Eduardo Wellington Ivo , Tomaseto Arthur Fernando , Volpe Haroldo Xavier Linhares , Bachmann Luciano
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Processed kaolin is a promising tactic that can be utilized for managing Diaphorina citri Kuwayama infestation. However, the frequency of kaolin application to protect citrus trees during flushing remains undetermined. The objective of this study was to ascertain the frequency of kaolin application (2%) required to reduce D. citri infestation and dispersal in flushing citrus orchards and to measure the spectral reflectance of kaolin‐sprayed leaves.

RESULTS

Trees sprayed with kaolin at 7‐ and 14‐day intervals showed an 80% psyllid reduction compared to untreated trees. In addition, there was lower psyllid dispersal in the kaolin‐sprayed plots. Spectral measurements (wavelengths between 320 and 700 nm) showed an increased reflectance of 35.4% (adaxial leaf side) and 21.9% (abaxial leaf side) in mature leaves, and 9% (adaxial leaf side) and 2.2% (abaxial leaf side) in kaolin‐sprayed immature leaves compared to untreated trees.

CONCLUSION

Application of kaolin (2%) at 7‐ and 14‐day intervals can be an important and sustainable tool for reducing D. citri infestation and dispersal in flushing citrus orchards. The reduced D. citri population in plots with both kaolin application intervals may be related to the visual effect (whitish aspect) and increased light reflectance in citrus trees, which are probably the main mechanisms by which kaolin interferes on D. citri host finding behavior. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of dupilumab in adult and adolescent patients with asthma
Authors: Zhang Li , Gao Yue , Li Meng , Xu Christine , Davis John D. , Kanamaluru Vanaja , Lu Qiang
Published: July 2021

A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using data from healthy subjects and patients with moderate‐to‐severe asthma receiving intravenous or subcutaneous dupilumab doses. A total of nine phase I to phase III studies were pooled (202 healthy subjects and 1912 patients with asthma including 68 adolescents) in the model development. The best model was a two‐compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear Michaelis–Menten elimination with first order absorption. The PK parameter estimates were distribution volume of central compartment 2.76 L, linear elimination rate 0.0418 1/day, and subcutaneous bioavailability 60.9%. Pharmacokinetics (PK) properties of dupilumab in patients with asthma were determined to be comparable to those of healthy subjects and patients with atopic dermatitis. Only body weight exerts a notable effect explaining between‐subject variability in dupilumab PK, but dose adjustment for weight is not warranted based on results from clinical studies. There is no PK difference between adolescent and adult patients with asthma after correction for body weight.
Single assistant versus dual assistant robotic surgery for robot‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy using da Vinci Xi or X
Authors: Ito Hiroe , Yanagida Satoshi , Toyonaga Yoichiro , Yamashita Hideyuki , Ohori Makoto , Isaka Keiichi
Published: July 2021

Background

To verify the usefulness of single assistant robotic surgery (SA‐RS) using da Vinci Xi or X performed for total hysterectomy.

Methods

The SA‐RS group (S‐group) includes surgeries in which the surgeon performed all surgical operations other than that of the uterine manipulator, while the dual assistant robotic surgery group (D‐group) includes surgeries performed by the surgeon with two assistants. In S‐group, the forceps and camera were replaced during surgery in cases of a large uterus with limited range of motion of the instrument. A comparative study of patient background, intraoperative and postoperative results and surgery‐related cost was performed between the two groups.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the two groups. On the contrary, S‐group showed a significant reduction in preparation time and wound closure time, and a savings of $768.

Conclusion

SA‐RS for total hysterectomy was possible, which is excellent in terms of cost, esthetics, and manpower.
Multimodality‐based knee joint modelling method with bone and cartilage structures for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Jiahe , Yuan Fuzhen , Shen Yu , Wang Junchen
Published: July 2021

Objective

We propose a robust and accurate knee joint modelling method with bone and cartilage structures to enable accurate surgical guidance for knee surgery.

Methods

A multimodality registration strategy is proposed to fuse magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) images of the femur and tibia separately to remove spatial inconsistency caused by knee bending in CT/MR scans. Automatic segmentation of the femur, tibia and cartilages is carried out with region of interest clustering and intensity analysis based on the multimodal fusion of images.

Results

Experimental results show that the registration error is 1.13 ± 0.30 mm. The Dice similarity coefficient values of the proposed segmentation method of the femur, tibia, femoral and tibial cartilages are 0.969, 0.966, 0.910 and 0.872, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of multimodality‐based registration and segmentation methods for knee joint modelling. The proposed method can provide users with 3D anatomical models of the femur, tibia, and cartilages with few human inputs.
Board gender diversity and corporate labor investment efficiency
Authors: Sun Xu , Zhang Tianming
Published: July 2021

We investigate whether board gender diversity affects firms' labor investment efficiency. We find that more gender‐diverse boards (higher representation of female directors) lead to less deviations in net hiring from the optimal level of labor investment predicted by economic fundamentals (i.e., more efficient investment in labor). The impact of board gender diversity on labor investment efficiency is robust to using alternative measures of board gender diversity and labor investment efficiency, controlling for unobservable variables, and addressing potential endogeneity concerns using propensity score matching and difference‐in‐differences approach. Additional subsample analyses suggest that the relation between female directors and labor investment efficiency is stronger in firms with weak monitoring, male CEO, and low managerial ability. Our findings provide support for the role and effectiveness of female directors in disciplining managerial opportunism and strengthening corporate governance.
Labor unemployment insurance and accounting conservatism
Authors: Liu Yixin , Wan Huishan , Zhang Yilei
Published: July 2021

We use state‐level increases in unemployment insurance (UI) benefits as exogenous shocks to unemployment risk to examine its effect on accounting conservatism. Employing difference‐in‐differences analyses, we find an increase in accounting conservatism after UI benefit increases. Our findings support the employee perception management hypothesis, which argues that in order to mitigate labor costs associated with worker turnover, firms have incentives to manage employees’ perceived job security through less conservative accounting. When UI laws reduce workers’ separation costs, employer firms have less incentives to manage employees’ perception, attributing to the positive relation between UI benefits and accounting conservatism. Subsample tests show that this effect is driven by labor‐intensive firms as well as firms with higher risk. Overall, our paper suggests that labor market frictions have a significant impact on firm's accounting reporting policies.
What shapes CSR performance? Evidence from the changing enforceability of non‐compete agreements in the United States
Authors: Hrazdil Karel , Kim Jeong‐Bon , Li Xin
Published: July 2021

Using a unique setting of exogenous variations in non‐compete agreement (NCA) enforceability in the United States, we investigate whether companies strategically engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices to retain employees. Using a difference‐in‐differences design, we find that an increase in the enforceability of NCAs deteriorates CSR performance. Cross‐sectional tests indicate that peer pressure affects CSR performance interactively with enforceability of NCAs. These findings demonstrate the unintended consequences of regulation and are consistent with the notion that firms strategically engage in CSR practices to retain employees, thereby reducing knowledge spillover associated with employee mobility.
Introduction to the special issue on labor and corporate finance
Authors: Mauer David C.
Published: July 2021

Introduction to the special issue on labor and corporate finance.
Optimal design of cluster randomized trials allowing unequal allocation of clusters and unequal cluster size between arms
Authors: Copas Andrew J. , Hooper Richard
Published: July 2021

There are sometimes cost, scientific, or logistical reasons to allocate individuals unequally in an individually randomized trial. In cluster randomized trials we can allocate clusters unequally and/or allow different cluster size between trial arms. We consider parallel group designs with a continuous outcome, and optimal designs that require the smallest number of individuals to be measured given the number of clusters. Previous authors have derived the optimal allocation ratio for clusters under different variance and/or intracluster correlations (ICCs) between arms, allowing different but prespecified cluster sizes by arm. We derive closed‐form expressions to identify the optimal proportions of clusters and of individuals measured for each arm, thereby defining optimal cluster sizes, when cluster size can be chosen freely. When ICCs differ between arms but the variance is equal, the optimal design allocates more than half the clusters to the arm with the higher ICC, but (typically only slightly) less than half the individuals and hence a smaller cluster size. We also describe optimal design under constraints on the number of clusters or cluster size in one or both arms. This methodology allows trialists to consider a range for the number of clusters in the trial and for each to identify the optimal design. Except if there is clear prior evidence for the ICC and variance by arm, a range of values will need to be considered. Researchers should choose a design with adequate power across the range, while also keeping enough clusters in each arm to permit the intended analysis method.
The diagnostic accuracy of using a predictive equation for liver volume derived from simple sonographic measurements in the determination of hepatomegaly
Authors: Childs Jessie T. , Thoirs Kerry A. , Esterman Adrian , Lamb Kate
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Ultrasound is a safe and inexpensive way to image the adult liver. Recently a valid and reliable equation was developed to determine the size of the adult liver using three simple ultrasound measurements. An upper limit of normal using this equation of 2223 cm3 has been reported. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of this cut off to determine hepatomegaly.

Methods

A low‐risk and a high‐risk group participant group were recruited, each with 30 participants. Each participant had a liver ultrasound and liver volume calculated from the equation and an MRI where liver volume was calculated. The ultrasound volume equation using a hepatomegaly cut off 2223 cm3, was compared to the reference standard of MRI volume using a hepatomegaly cut off of 2185 cm3 as reported by Kromrey et al.

Results

The ultrasound demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.9% (CI 58.7–99.7), a specificity of 97.9% (CI 89.1–99.9), a positive predictive value of 90.9 (CI 58.7–98.6) and a negative predictive value of 97.9% (CI 88.1–99.7).

Conclusion

Liver volume calculated by using three linear ultrasound measurements in an equation, and an upper limit of 2223 cm3, has high diagnostic accuracy to determine hepatomegaly.
Slanted Blades Optimizing Grain Texture and Work Hardening of Non‐Oriented Electrical Steel in Stress Coverages during Shearing and Blanking Processes
Authors: Zhao Zhiyang , Song Renbo , Wang Yuqi , Wang Yongjin , Hu Chunyang , Zhang Yingchao
Published: July 2021

The texture deterioration and work hardening in nonoriented electrical steel during the necessary shearing and blanking process are relaxed and avoided by the slanted blades, which possess certain angles with sheets at the transverse direction of blades. The conditions of collapse edges and excrescent burrs are ameliorated conveniently with the new technical idea. At the stress coverage by the shearing process, the deformed grains rotate from the original γ (<111>//ND) fiber texture toward the near‐{001} texture, which benefits the dominant advantage of the favorable textures and the improvements in magnetic performances. According to the investigation, adopting the single‐slanted blade with 45° with a flat backplate for blanking sheets into sections or complex shapes shows low hardened coverage, small sheared zones without extensive fault zones on the sheared planes, and significant texture optimization in deformed grains. This investigation benefits the shearing and blanking methods for optimizing cutter layouts.
Predictive model for slenderness limit of circular RC columns confined with FRP wraps
Authors: Arabshahi Alireza , Tavakkolizadeh Mohammadreza
Published: July 2021

Application of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) for retrofitting and rehabilitation of concrete structures is a common method. The main role of FRP confinement for reinforced concrete (RC) columns is to increase the ultimate strength and strain of confined concrete core and therefore improve in the load carrying capacity of the columns. However, it is possible that a previously short column fails due to buckling after the application of FRP confinement. In other words, the enhanced compressive strength of a retrofitted column may go beyond its buckling load. Therefore, a design criterion to predict this condition is necessary for the designers in the preliminary and final stages of the design. In this paper, a predictive model is proposed to determine the slenderness limit of FRP‐confined circular RC columns. The suggested relation was derived using one of the accurate design‐oriented strength models for FRP‐confined concrete columns as well as analytically derived buckling equations. The effect of hybrid FRP confinement is also incorporated in the suggested slenderness limit. Moreover, a parametric study was performed on the suggested model to specify most influential parameters. The accuracy of the proposed relation was evaluated using a database of experimental results collected from previous studies. The results of the evaluations demonstrated acceptable accuracy of the proposed relation in predicting behavior and failure mode of FRP‐confined RC columns.
Exposure to citrinin induces DNA damage, autophagy, and mitochondria dysfunction during first cleavage of mouse embryos
Authors: Huang Yi‐Lin , Pan Wen‐Lin , Cai Wen‐Wu , Ju Jia‐Qian , Sun Shao‐Chen
Published: July 2021

Citrinin (CTN) is a mycotoxin, which is isolated from Penicillium citrinum and widely existed in the contaminated feeds. It is reported that CTN is toxic to heart, liver, and reproductive system. Previous studies indicated that CTN induced apoptosis in oocytes and embryos. In this study, we reported the potential causes of CTN on embryo development. Our results showed that 40 μM CTN exposure significantly reduced the first cleavage of mouse embryos, showing with the low rate of 2‐cell embryos. We found that CTN induced DNA damage, showing the higher positive γH2A.X signals. Autophagy was occurred since more LC3 positive autophagosomes were found in the cytoplasm. This could be confirmed by the enhanced lysosome function, since higher accumulated lysosome distribution were found and LAMP2 was also increased under CTN exposure. Besides, we showed that mitochondria distribution was disturbed, indicating that CTN could disrupt mitochondria function, which could be the possible reason for the oxidative stress and apoptosis in CTN‐exposed embryos. In conclusion, our study showed that CTN exposure had adverse effects on the early embryo development during first cleavage through its effects on the induction of DNA damage, autophagy, and mitochondria dysfunction.
Higher-dimensional invariants in 6D super Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Buyucli Serafim , Ivanov Evgeny
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We exploit the 6D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 1) harmonic superspace approaches to construct the full set of the maximally supersymmetric on-shell invariants of the canonical dimension d = 12 in 6D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 1) supersymmetric Yang-Mills (SYM) theory. Both single- and double-trace invariants are derived. Only four single-trace and two double-trace invariants prove to be independent. The invariants constructed can provide the possible counterterms of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 1) SYM theory at four-loop order, where the first double-trace divergences are expected to appear. We explicitly exhibit the gauge sector of all invariants in terms of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) gauge superfields and find the absence of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 1) supercompletion of the F6 term in the abelian limit.
Fitting the $$ Zb\overline{b} $$ vertex in the two-Higgs-doublet model and in the three-Higgs-doublet model
Authors: Jurčiukonis Darius , Lavoura Luís
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We investigate the new contributions to the parameters gL and gR of the $$ Zb\overline{b} $$
Zb

b
¯

vertex in a multi-Higgs-doublet model (MHDM). We emphasize that those contributions generally worsen the fit of those parameters to the experimental data. We propose a solution to this problem, wherein gR has the opposite sign from the one predicted by the Standard Model; this solution, though, necessitates light scalars and large Yukawa couplings in the MHDM.
Lifshitz hydrodynamics at generic z from a moving black brane
Authors: Rajagopal Aruna , Thorlacius Larus
Published: July 2021

Abstract

A Lifshitz black brane at generic dynamical critical exponent z > 1, with non-zero linear momentum along the boundary, provides a holographic dual description of a non-equilibrium steady state in a quantum critical fluid, with Lifshitz scale invariance but without boost symmetry. We consider moving Lifshitz branes in Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton gravity and obtain the non-relativistic stress tensor complex of the dual field theory via a suitable holographic renormalisation procedure. The resulting black brane hydrodynamics and thermodynamics are a concrete holographic realization of a Lifshitz perfect fluid with a generic dynamical critical exponent.
Duality for Outer $$L^p_\mu (\ell ^r)$$ Spaces and Relation to Tent Spaces
Authors: Fraccaroli Marco
Published: July 2021

We study the outer $$L^p$$

L
p

spaces introduced by Do and Thiele on sets endowed with a measure and an outer measure. We prove that, in the case of finite sets, for $$1< p \leqslant \infty , 1 \leqslant r < \infty $$

1
<
p
⩽
∞
,
1
⩽
r
<
∞

or $$p=r \in \{ 1, \infty \}$$

p
=
r
∈
{
1
,
∞
}

, the outer $$L^p_\mu (\ell ^r)$$

L
μ
p

(

ℓ
r

)

quasi-norms are equivalent to norms up to multiplicative constants uniformly in the cardinality of the set. This is obtained by showing the expected duality properties between the corresponding outer $$L^p_\mu (\ell ^r)$$

L
μ
p

(

ℓ
r

)

spaces uniformly in the cardinality of the set. Moreover, for $$p=1, 1 < r \leqslant \infty $$

p
=
1
,
1
<
r
⩽
∞

, we exhibit a counterexample to the uniformity in the cardinality of the finite set. We also show that in the upper half space setting the desired properties hold true in the full range $$1 \leqslant p,r \leqslant \infty $$

1
⩽
p
,
r
⩽
∞

. These results are obtained via greedy decompositions of functions in the outer $$L^p_\mu (\ell ^r)$$

L
μ
p

(

ℓ
r

)

spaces. As a consequence, we establish the equivalence between the classical tent spaces $$T^p_r$$

T
r
p

and the outer $$L^p_\mu (\ell ^r)$$

L
μ
p

(

ℓ
r

)

spaces in the upper half space. Finally, we give a full classification of weak and strong type estimates for a class of embedding maps to the upper half space with a fractional scale factor for functions on $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

.
Systems toxicology study reveals reduced impact of heated tobacco product aerosol extract relative to cigarette smoke on premature aging and exacerbation effects in aged aortic cells in vitro
Authors: Poussin Carine , van der Toorn Marco , Scheuner Sophie , Piault Romain , Kondylis Athanasios , Savioz Rebecca , Dulize Rémi , Peric Dariusz , Guedj Emmanuel , Maranzano Fabio , Merg Celine , Morelli Moran , Egesipe Anne-Laure , Johne Stéphanie , Majeed Shoaib , Pak Claudius , Schneider Thomas , Schlage Walter K. , Ivanov Nikolai V. , Peitsch Manuel C. , Hoeng Julia
Published: July 2021

Aging and smoking are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Our in vitro study compared, in the context of aging, the effects of the aerosol of Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS; an electrically heated tobacco product) and 3R4F reference cigarette smoke (CS) on processes that contribute to vascular pathomechanisms leading to CVD. Young and old human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMC) were exposed to various concentrations of aqueous extracts (AE) from 3R4F CS [0.014–0.22 puffs/mL] or THS aerosol [0.11–1.76 puffs/mL] for 24 h. Key markers were measured by high-content imaging, transcriptomics profiling and multianalyte profiling. In our study, in vitro aging increased senescence, DNA damage, and inflammation and decreased proliferation in the HAoSMCs. At higher concentrations of 3R4F AE, young HAoSMCs behaved similarly to aged cells, while old HAoSMCs showed additional DNA damage and apoptosis effects. At 3R4F AE concentrations with the maximum effect, the THS AE showed no significant effect in young or old HAoSMCs. It required an approximately ten-fold higher concentration of THS AE to induce effects similar to those observed with 3R4F. These effects were independent of nicotine, which did not show a significant effect on HAoSMCs at any tested concentration. Our results show that 3R4F AE accelerates aging in young HAoSMCs and exacerbates the aging effect in old HAoSMCs in vitro, consistent with CS-related contributions to the risk of CVD. Relative to 3R4F AE, the THS AE showed a significantly reduced impact on HAoSMCs, suggesting its lower risk for vascular SMC-associated pathomechanisms leading to CVD.
Acute alcohol intoxication and the cocktail party problem: do “mocktails” help or hinder?
Authors: Harvey Alistair J. , Beaman C. Philip
Published: July 2021

Rationale

To test the notion that alcohol impairs auditory attentional control by reducing the listener’s cognitive capacity.

Objectives

We examined the effect of alcohol consumption and working memory span on dichotic speech shadowing and the cocktail party effect—the ability to focus on one of many simultaneous speakers yet still detect mention of one’s name amidst the background speech. Alcohol was expected either to increase name detection, by weakening the inhibition of irrelevant speech, or reduce name detection, by restricting auditory attention on to the primary input channel. Low-span participants were expected to show larger drug impairments than high-span counterparts.

Methods

On completion of the working memory span task, participants (n = 81) were randomly assigned to an alcohol or placebo beverage treatment. After alcohol absorption, they shadowed speech presented to one ear while ignoring the synchronised speech of a different speaker presented to the other. Each participant’s first name was covertly embedded in to-be-ignored speech.

Results

The “cocktail party effect” was not affected by alcohol or working memory span, though low-span participants made more shadowing errors and recalled fewer words from the primary channel than high-span counterparts. Bayes factors support a null effect of alcohol on the cocktail party phenomenon, on shadowing errors and on memory for either shadowed or ignored speech.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that an alcoholic beverage producing a moderate level of intoxication (M BAC ≈ 0.08%) neither enhances nor impairs the cocktail party effect.
Calmodulin Antagonist W-7 Enhances Intermediate Conductance Ca2+- Sensitive Basolateral Potassium Channel (IKCa) Activity in Human Colonic Crypts
Authors: Bowley Kate A. , Sandle Geoffrey I.
Published: July 2021

Intermediate conductance potassium (IKCa) channels are exquisitively Ca2+ sensitive, intracellular Ca2+ regulating channel activity by complexing with calmodulin (CaM), which is bound to the cytosolic carboxyl tail. Although CaM antagonists might be expected to decrease IKCa channel activity, the effect of W-7 in human T lymphocytes are conflicting. We therefore evaluated the effect of W-7 on basolateral IKCa channels in human colonic crypt cells. Intact crypts obtained from normal human colonic biopsies by Ca2+ chelation were used for patch clamp studies of basolateral IKCa channels in the cell-attached configuration. IKCa channel activity was studied when the bath Ca2+ concentration was changed from 1.2 mmol/L to 100 μmol/L and back to 1.2 mmol/L, as well as from 100 μmol/L to 1.2 mmol/L and back to 100 μmol/L, both in the absence and presence of 25 μmol/L W-7. Decreasing bath Ca2+ from 1.2 mmol/L to 100 μmol/L decreased IKCa channel activity reversibly in the absence of W-7, whereas there was a uniformly high level of channel activity at both bath Ca2+ concentrations in the presence of W-7. In separate experiments, increasing bath Ca2+ from 100 μmol/L to 1.2 mmol/L increased IKCa channel activity reversibly in the absence of W-7, whereas there was again a uniformly high level of channel activity at both bath Ca2+ concentrations in the presence of W-7. We, therefore, propose that W-7 has a specific stimulatory effect on basolateral IKCa channel activity, despite its ability to inhibit Ca2+/CaM-mediated, IKCa channel-dependent Cl− secretion in human colonic epithelial cells.

Graphic Abstract
Novel lichen-dominated hypolithic communities in the Namib Desert
Authors: de los Ríos Asunción , Garrido-Benavent Isaac , Limón Alicia , Cason Errol D. , Maggs-Kölling Gillian , Cowan Don , Valverde Angel
Published: July 2021

The ventral surfaces of translucent rocks from hot desert pavements often harbor hypolithic microbial communities, which are mostly dominated by cyanobacteria. The Namib Desert fog belt supports extensive hypolithic colonization of quartz rocks, which are also colonized by lichens on their dorsal surfaces. Here, we aim to evaluate whether lichens colonize the ventral surface of the rocks (i.e., show hypolithic lifestyle) and compare the bacterial composition of these coastal hypolithic communities with those found inland. Fungal DNA barcoding and fungal and bacterial Illumina metabarcoding were combined with electron microscopy to characterize the composition and spatial structure of hypolithic communities from two (coastal and inland) areas in the Namib Desert. We report, for the first time, the structure and composition of lichen-dominated hypolithic communities found in the coastal zone of the Namib Desert with extensive epilithic lichen cover. Lichen modified areoles with inverted morphology of the genus Stellarangia (three lineages) and Buellia (two lineages) were the main components of these hypolithic communities. Some of these lineages were also found in epilithic habitats. These lichen-dominated hypolithic communities differed in structural organization and bacterial community composition from those found in inland areas. The hypolithic lichen colonization characterized here seems not to be an extension of epilithic or biological soil crust lichen growths but the result of specific sublithic microenvironmental conditions. Moisture derived from fog and dew could be the main driver of this unique colonization.
Ovarian Metastasis from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Habib Joseph R. , Pasha Shamsher , Khan Subhan , Kinny‐Köster Benedict , Shoucair Sami , Thompson Elizabeth D. , Yu Jun , Lafaro Kelly , Burkhart Richard A. , Burns William R. , Ronnett Brigitte M. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Hruban Ralph H. , He Jin , Fishman Elliot K. , Javed Ammar A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a high propensity for systemic dissemination. Ovarian metastases are rare and poorly described.

Methods

We identified PDAC cases with ovarian metastasis from a prospectively maintained registry. We reported on the association between outcomes and clinicopathologic factors. Recurrence‐free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Twelve patients with PDAC and synchronous or metachronous ovarian metastases were identified. Nine patients (75%) underwent pancreatectomy for localized PDAC and developed metachronous ovarian recurrence. The median OS for all patients was 25.4 (IQR:15.4–82.9) months. For the nine patients with metachronous ovarian metastasis, the median RFS and OS were 14.2 (IQR:7.2–58.3) and 44.6 (IQR:18.6–82.9) months, respectively. Nodal disease, poor grade, vascular invasion in the pancreatic primary, and bilateral ovarian disease tended to confer worse outcomes.

Conclusion

Patients with resected PDAC and ovarian recurrence tend to have a comparable disease course to more common patterns of recurrence. Primaries with nodal disease, poorer grade, vascular invasion, and bilateral ovarian disease were indicative of more aggressive disease biology. The ideal management remains largely unknown, and future collaborative efforts should optimize therapeutic strategies.
Plant Hormone Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis of Dwarf and Wild-type Banana
Authors: Deng Biao , Wang Xuan , Long Xing , Fang Ren , Zhou Shuangyun , Zhang Ji , Peng Xiaolu , An Zhenyu , Huang Weixiong , Tang Wenzhong , Gao Yining , Yao Jinyan
Published: July 2021

Gibberellin (GA), auxin (IAA) and brassinosteroid (BR) are indispensable in the process of plant growth and development. Currently, research on the regulatory mechanism of phytohormones in banana dwarfism is mainly focused on GA, and few studies are focused on IAA and BR. In this study, we measured the contents of endogenous GA, IAA and BR and compared the transcriptomes of wild-type Williams banana and its dwarf mutant across five successive growth periods. We investigated the relationship between hormones and banana dwarfism and explored differential gene expression through transcriptome analysis, thus revealing the possible metabolic regulatory mechanism. We inferred a complex regulatory network of banana dwarfing. In terms of endogenous hormone levels, GA and IAA had significant effects on banana dwarfing, while BR had little effect. The key gene in GA biosynthesis of is GA2ox, and the key genes in IAA biosynthesis are TDC and YUCCA. The differential expression of these genes might be the main factor affecting hormone levels and plant height. In terms of hormone signal transduction, DELLA and AUX/IAA repressor proteins were the core regulators of GA and IAA, respectively. They inhibited the process of signal transduction and had feedback regulation on hormone levels. Finally, the transporter protein PIN, AUX1/LAX protein family and ABCB subfamily played supplementary roles in the transport of IAA. These results provide new insights into GA and IAA regulation of banana growth and a reliable foundation for the improvement of dwarf varieties.
Complications and mortality after catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: risk in VT ablation (RIVA) score
Authors: Mathew Shibu , Fink Thomas , Feickert Sebastian , Inaba Osamu , Hashiguchi Naotaka , Schlüter Michael , Wohlmuth Peter , Wissner Erik , Tilz Roland Richard , Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Rottner Laura , Reissmann Bruno , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas , Maurer Tilman , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Ouyang Feifan
Published: July 2021

Aims

Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) has proven to be an effective therapeutic option for secondary arrhythmia prophylaxis. We sought to assess the procedural efficacy, safety and in-hospital mortality of a large patient cohort with and without structural heart disease undergoing VA ablation.

Methods

A total of 1417 patients (804 patients with structural heart disease) undergoing 1792 endo- and epicardial procedures were analyzed. Multivariable risk factor analysis for occurrence of major complications and intrahospital mortality was obtained and a score to allow preprocedural risk assessment for patients undergoing VA ablation procedures was established.

Results

Major complication occurred in 4.4% of all procedures and significantly more often in patients with structural heart disease than in structurally normal hearts (6.0 vs. 1.8%). The frequency of these periprocedural complications was significantly different between procedures with sole right ventricular and a combination of RV and LV access (0.5 vs. 3.1%). The most common complication was cardiac tamponade in 46 cases (3.0%). Intrahospital death was observed in 32 patients (1.8%). Logistic regression model revealed presence of ischemic heart disease, epicardial ablation, presence of oral anticoagulation or dual antiplatelet therapy as independent risk factors for the occurrence of complications or intrahospital death, while a history of previous heart surgery was an independent predictor with a decreased risk. Based on this analysis a risk score incorporating 5 standard variables was established to predict the occurrence of complications and intrahospital mortality.

Conclusions

Safety of VA catheter ablation mainly relies on patient baseline characteristics and the type of access into the ventricles or epicardial space.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba
Authors: Castillo-Cuenca Julio César , Martínez-Moreno Álvaro , Diaz-Cao José Manuel , Entrena-García Angel , Fraga Jorge , Arias Pedro Casanova , Almería Sonia , García-Bocanegra Ignacio
Published: July 2021

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.
»Bemitleide dich mal nicht selbst!«
Authors: Sievers Luisa , Singer Susanne
Published: July 2021

Gewalterfahrungen in der Kindheit und Jugend werden möglicherweise psychisch so verarbeitet, dass das Gegenüber später in einer spezifischen Weise auf die Betroffenen reagiert. Wir untersuchten dies anhand der Frage, ob sich Reaktionen (Assoziationen) auf Berichte an den Gutachter dahingehend unterscheiden, ob der Patient Gewalterfahrungen in der Kindheit oder Jugend in der Herkunftsfamilie gemacht hat oder nicht. Es wurden 22 pseudonymisierte Berichte an den Gutachter im Rahmen des Antragsverfahrens auf Kostenübernahme von Psychotherapie von zwei Untersucherinnen qualitativ analysiert. Die Analyse erfolgte über die Qualitative Inhaltsanalyse nach Mühlfeld.

Beim Vergleich der deduktiv entwickelten Kategoriensysteme konnten im Hinblick auf die Reaktionsmuster Parallelen, aber auch mehrere Differenzen zwischen den beiden Patientengruppen festgestellt werden. Als Reaktionsmuster auf Patienten mit Gewalterfahrung zeigten sich Sprachlosigkeit, Tod oder Sich-verstecken-Wollen, was sich so bei der anderen Gruppe nicht fand. Parallelen ergaben sich unter anderem bei Reaktionsmustern von Zartheit, Ekel oder Relativierung von Leid. Bei Berichten über Patienten ohne Gewalterfahrung kam es zu einer größeren emotionalen Varianz in den Reaktionsmustern.

Die gefundenen Reaktionsmuster stimmen nur teilweise mit Angaben der Literatur zu „typischen“ Gegenübertragungsreaktionen auf traumatisierte Patienten überein. Die geringere emotionale Varianz gegenüber Berichten von Patienten mit Gewalterfahrungen könnte ein empirischer Beleg für deren geringere Symbolisierungsfähigkeiten sein.
Methodik zur Bestimmung von optimalen Messpunkten bei der strukturdynamischen Vermessung elektrischer Maschinen
Authors: Franck Marius , Mönninghoff Sebastian , Butterweck Daniel , Hameyer Kay
Published: July 2021

Experimentelle Modalanalysen von Komponenten und Baugruppen elektrischer Maschinen, die eine Modellkorrelation erlauben, sind sehr zeitaufwändig. Eine gezielte Planung ist deshalb essenziell. Die Platzierung von Mess- und Anregungspunkten kann einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Güte der Messergebnisse und der extrahierten Parameter haben. In dieser Arbeit werden Verfahren zur modellbasierten Messpunktidentifikation analysiert und weiterentwickelt. Mit dem weiterentwickelten Verfahren ist es erstmals möglich für gesamte Baugruppen von elektrischen Maschinen potenzielle Messpunkte automatisiert zu identifizieren. Es werden Ergebnisse mit ersten Messungen abgeglichen und analysiert.
Physician–patient communication affects patient satisfaction in treatment decision-making: a structural equation modelling analysis of a web-based survey in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Ishikawa Hirono , Nakayama Takeo , Honzawa Yusuke , Maemoto Atsuo , Hirai Fumihito , Ueno Fumiaki , Sato Noriko , Susuta Yutaka , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: July 2021

Background

The relationship of bidirectional sharing of information between physicians and patients to patient satisfaction with treatment decision-making for ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been examined. Here, we conducted a web-based survey to evaluate this relationship.

Methods

Patients aged ≥ 20 years with UC were recruited from the IBD Patient Panel and Japanese IBD Patient Association. Patients completed our web-based survey between 11 May and 1 June 2020. The main outcomes were patient satisfaction (assessed by the Decision Regret Scale) and patient trust in physicians (assessed by the Trust in Physician Scale).

Results

In this study (n = 457), a structural equation modelling analysis showed that physician-to-patient and patient-to-physician information significantly affected patient satisfaction with treatment decision-making (standardised path coefficient: 0.426 and 0.135, respectively) and patient trust in physicians (0.587 and 0.158, respectively). Notably, physician-to-patient information had a greater impact. For patient satisfaction with treatment decision-making and patient trust in physicians, information on “disease” (indirect effect: 0.342 and 0.471, respectively), “treatment” (0.335 and 0.461, respectively), and “endoscopy” (0.295 and 0.407, respectively) was particularly important, and the level of this information was adequate or almost adequate. Patient-to-physician information on “anxiety and distress” (0.116 and 0.136, respectively), “intention and desire for treatment” (0.113 and 0.132, respectively), and “future expectations of life” (0.104 and 0.121, respectively) were also important for patient satisfaction with treatment decision-making and patient trust in physicians, but these concerns were not adequately communicated.

Conclusions

Adequate physician–patient communication, especially physician-to-patient information, enhanced patient satisfaction with treatment decision-making for UC.
Observations on soil-atmosphere interactions after long-term monitoring at two sample sites subjected to shallow landslides
Authors: Bordoni M. , Bittelli M. , Valentino R. , Vivaldi V. , Meisina C.
Published: July 2021

Soil-atmosphere interaction has implications in different scientific research contexts and is increasingly investigated through field measurements. This paper reports a detailed description of interaction between shallow soil and atmosphere at two test sites in Oltrepò Pavese area (Northern Italy). The two test sites are in the same climatic area but are characterised by different geological features. In fact, the first objective is to compare the behaviour of two different soils, namely a clayey-sandy silt (CL) and a silty clay (CH), under similar meteorological events. Soil-atmosphere interaction is studied on the basis of long-term (about 87 and 42 months for the two test sites, respectively) monitoring data of both volumetric water content and soil water potential, recorded at different depths along two vertical soil profiles in the first two metres from ground level. Field measurements, together with meteorological data such as precipitation and air temperature, allow for clear identification of the seasonal fluctuations of unsaturated soil hydraulic properties. To infer detailed information, the recorded data were processed and relationships between soil water potential and water content were investigated. Different time spans, from several months to a few days, even including single rainy events, are considered to show the hydraulic soil behaviour. The hysteretic cycles of water content with respect to soil water potential and non-equilibrium flow are highlighted. In particular, the measured soil water potential is in the range of 0–800 kPa and of 0–1500 kPa for the CL and CH soil, respectively. At both sites, the observed hysteretic cycles are more frequent in the hot season (summer) than in the cold season (winter) and tend to reduce with depth. The experimental results are compared with the soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs) to assess whether and to what extent the SWCCs are reliable in modelling the hydraulic behaviour of partially saturated soils, under atmospheric forcing, at least in the considered climatic contexts.