bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method Validation of Seven Synthetic Cathinones by LC–MS-MS Analysis and the Prevalence of N-Ethylpentylone in Postmortem Casework
Authors: Giachetti Alexander D , Kahl Joseph H , Zaney M Elizabeth , Hime George W , Boland Diane M
Published: December 2020

N-ethylpentylone (NEP, ephylone, bk-EBDP) was the most prevalent synthetic cathinone detected by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Toxicology Laboratory from 2016 to 2018. There is limited information regarding the toxicity of NEP; however, the few published reports suggest that NEP can cause serious toxic effects and sudden death. The purpose of this publication is to describe a validated liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) method for seven synthetic cathinones (methylone, ethylone, butylone, dibutylone, alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), pentylone and NEP) and to present a detailed summary regarding the presence of NEP in postmortem casework at the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department. Postmortem iliac blood, serum, liver and brain specimens were prepared by solid-phase extraction with analysis by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry. Analyte linearity was established from 0.01 to 0.5 mg/L on a six-point calibration curve. A total of 101 NEP quantitations were performed using this method. Concentrations in postmortem case samples ranged from 0.01 to 2.7 mg/L. Iliac blood concentrations averaged 0.312 mg/L with a median of 0.137 mg/L (n = 72) across all causes and manners of death. Approximately half of the cases were homicides in which the decedent was the victim of gunshot wounds or stabbing. Two of the three highest concentration cases of NEP (2.7 and 1.7 mg/L) involved 38-year-old white males who were tasered by police prior to death. The psychostimulant effect of NEP may result in an excited delirium and/or hallucinogenic state. The concentration of NEP detected in accidental intoxication and polydrug cases overlapped with those attributed to other causes, including homicides and police-involved deaths.
An Effective Cold Storage Method for Stockpiling Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Eggs for Field Surveys and Laboratory Rearing of Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)
Authors: Wong Warren H L , Walz Matt A , Oscienny Angela B , Sherwood Jade L , Abram Paul K
Published: December 2020

An effective stockpiling method for egg masses of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys [Stål]; Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) would be useful for rearing and field studies of its egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). The current method of stockpiling H. halys egg masses at subzero temperatures has lethal and sublethal fitness consequences for T. japonicus. Our goal was to test the efficacy of refrigeration as an alternative method for stockpiling H. halys eggs. We show that parasitoid emergence from egg masses refrigerated at 8°C for up to two months before parasitism is higher than from frozen egg masses. In addition, 8°C cold storage usually had minimal or no sublethal fitness effects on emerging T. japonicus. Only after two months of host egg refrigeration did the emergence of T. japonicus begin to decrease significantly (by ~10% relative to untreated viable egg masses), whereas egg masses previously frozen at −80°C had a ~59% reduction in parasitoid emergence after 14 d of storage. Refrigerated egg masses that were subsequently exposed to a range of field-realistic average temperatures were still suitable for T. japonicus parasitism after 7 d. Our results demonstrate that refrigeration at 8°C, while resulting in complete mortality of H. halys embryos after 10 d, are more suitable for T. japonicus parasitism than those stored at −80°C. The quantity and quality of H. halys eggs that can be stockpiled with this method could facilitate T. japonicus laboratory colony maintenance, field monitoring, and releases.
Responses of Native and Non-native Bark and Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to Different Chemical Attractants: Insights From the USDA Forest Service Early Detection and Rapid Response Program Data Analysis
Authors: Hartshorn Jess A , Coyle David R , Rabaglia Robert J
Published: December 2020

More than 60 non-native bark and ambrosia beetle species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are established in North America and several have had severe negative impacts on ecosystems. Non-native scolytines can introduce fungi which may cause vascular wilts and compete with native fungi and lead to reductions in native species through host reduction. The Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program was created by the USDA Forest Service in 2007 to detect non-native bark and ambrosia beetles and provide a baseline for tracking populations over time. This program has led to new collection records and increased communication among agencies to delimit non-native scolytine populations and perform appropriate management. Although insect responses to different lure types vary, it is unknown how different lures compare in attracting bark and ambrosia beetles. Our goal was to examine how lure combinations used in the EDRR program affect captures of bark and ambrosia beetle communities and to determine the most effective combination of lures for targeting non-native scolytines. The highest proportion of non-native scolytines was captured with ethanol, as was the greatest total number of species, and the most diverse beetle community. Traps with Ips (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) lures captured the highest proportion of native scolytines but the lowest total number of total species and was also the least diverse. Communities of scolytines differed significantly among lures, states, and years. While ethanol is an appropriate lure for generalist trapping and targeting a wide range of non-native bark and ambrosia beetles, more targeted lures are needed for monitoring certain species of non-natives.
Rapid on-site evaluation of touch imprints of biopsies improves the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy for endoscopically nonvisible malignancy: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Hansheng , Ren Tao , Wang Xiao , Wei Na , Luo Guoshi , Li Dan , Chen Qin , You Hui , Wang Jiankun , Wang Meifang
Published: December 2020

Objective

Rapid on-site evaluation has long been used for transbronchial needle aspiration or fine-needle aspiration to evaluate the adequacy of biopsy materials for the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions. However, research on rapid on-site evaluation combined with transbronchial forceps biopsy in the diagnosis of lung carcinoma is rarely reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the value of rapid on-site evaluation during transbronchial forceps biopsy for endoscopically visible (tumor, infiltrative and necrotic) or nonvisible (compressive, nonspecific and normal) malignancy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed between January 2015 and January 2019 in Taihe Hospital with 1216 lung cancer patients who underwent bronchoscopy procedures, and these patients were allocated into the rapid on-site evaluation group and non-rapid on-site evaluation group, depending on the timing of the procedure. According to endoscopic features, bronchoscopic appearance was described as endoscopically visible malignancy (tumor, infiltrative and necrotic) and endoscopically nonvisible malignancy (compressive, nonspecific and normal). The diagnostic yield was compared, and the concordance between the rapid on-site evaluation results and the final histology was analyzed.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the diagnostic yield between the rapid on-site evaluation and non-rapid on-site evaluation groups for endoscopically nonvisible malignancy (74.3% vs. 51.7%, P < 0.05). However, we found no significant improvement in terms of diagnostic yield for endoscopically visible malignancy (95.2% vs. 91.2%, P > 0.05). The rapid on-site evaluation results showed high-level concordance with histology in the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma, with kappa values of 0.749 (P < 0.05), 0.728 (P < 0.05) and 0.940 (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrated that the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy for endoscopically nonvisible malignancy (compressive, nonspecific and normal) was significantly improved when rapid on-site evaluation was implemented. In addition, the rapid on-site evaluation results had high-level concordance with the final histological diagnosis.
Nitrogen addition affects plant biomass allocation but not allometric relationships among different organs across the globe
Authors: Yue Kai , Fornara Dario A , Li Wang , Ni Xiangyin , Peng Yan , Liao Shu , Tan Siyi , Wang Dingyi , Wu Fuzhong , Yang Yusheng
Published: December 2020

Aims

Biomass allocation to different organs is a fundamental plant ecophysiological process to better respond to changing environments; yet, it remains poorly understood how patterns of biomass allocation respond to nitrogen (N) additions across terrestrial ecosystems worldwide.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis using 5474 pairwise observations from 333 articles to assess how N addition affected plant biomass and biomass allocation among different organs. We also tested the ‘ratio-based optimal partitioning’ vs. the ‘isometric allocation’ hypotheses to explain potential N addition effects on biomass allocation.

Important Findings

We found that (i) N addition significantly increased whole plant biomass and the biomass of different organs, but decreased root:shoot ratio (RS) and root mass fraction (RMF) while no effects of N addition on leaf mass fraction and stem mass fraction at the global scale; (ii) the effects of N addition on ratio-based biomass allocation were mediated by individual or interactive effects of moderator variables such as experimental conditions, plant functional types, latitudes and rates of N addition and (iii) N addition did not affect allometric relationships among different organs, suggesting that decreases in RS and RMF may result from isometric allocation patterns following increases in whole plant biomass. Despite alteration of ratio-based biomass allocation between root and shoot by N addition, the unaffected allometric scaling relationships among different organs (including root vs. shoot) suggest that plant biomass allocation patterns are more appropriately explained by the isometric allocation hypothesis rather than the optimal partitioning hypothesis. Our findings contribute to better understand N-induced effects on allometric relationships of terrestrial plants, and suggest that these ecophysiological responses should be incorporated into models that aim to predict how terrestrial ecosystems may respond to enhanced N deposition under future global change scenarios.
Dosimetric comparison between volumetric modulated arc therapy planning techniques for prostate cancer in the presence of intrafractional organ deformation
Authors: Varnava Maria , Sumida Iori , Oda Michio , Kurosu Keita , Isohashi Fumiaki , Seo Yuji , Otani Keisuke , Ogawa Kazuhiko
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare single-arc (SA) and double-arc (DA) treatment plans, which are planning techniques often used in prostate cancer volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), in the presence of intrafractional deformation (ID) to determine which technique is superior in terms of target dose coverage and sparing of the organs at risk (OARs). SA and DA plans were created for 27 patients with localized prostate cancer. ID was introduced to the clinical target volume (CTV), rectum and bladder to obtain blurred dose distributions using an in-house software. ID was based on the motion probability function of each structure voxel and the intrafractional motion of the respective organs. From the resultant blurred dose distributions of SA and DA plans, various parameters, including the tumor control probability, normal tissue complication probability, homogeneity index, conformity index, modulation complexity score for VMAT, dose–volume indices and monitor units (MUs), were evaluated to compare the two techniques. Statistical analysis showed that most CTV and rectum parameters were significantly larger for SA plans than for DA plans (P < 0.05). Furthermore, SA plans had fewer MUs and were less complex (P < 0.05). The significant differences observed had no clinical significance, indicating that both plans are comparable in terms of target and OAR dosimetry when ID is considered. The use of SA plans is recommended for prostate cancer VMAT because they can be delivered in shorter treatment times than DA plans, and therefore benefit the patients.
Trajectories of peer relationship problems and emotional symptoms in children 5 years after a nuclear disaster: Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Itagaki Shuntaro , Takebayashi Yoshitake , Murakami Michio , Harigane Mayumi , Maeda Masaharu , Mizuki Rie , Oikawa Yuichi , Goto Saori , Momoi Maho , Miura Itaru , Ohira Tetsuya , Oe Misari , Yabe Hirooki , Yasumura Seiji , Kamiya Kenji
Published: December 2020

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) accident, which occurred in March 2011, is having long-term effects on children. About 3 years after the accident, we identified three patterns of peer relationship problems and four patterns of emotional symptoms using group-based trajectory modeling. As a result, we reported that different factors might be related to very severe trajectories of peer relationship problems and emotional symptoms. In this study, we used five waves of data from fiscal year (FY) 2011 to FY2015 from the Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey, a detailed survey of the Fukushima Health Management Survey started in FY2011. We analyzed 7013 residents within the government-designated evacuation zone (aged 6–12 years old as of 11 March 2011) with responses to all items of psychological distress in at least one wave from FY2011 and FY2015. We planned this study to describe the trajectories of peer relationship problems and emotional symptoms in children and to examine potential risks and protective factors over the 5 years following the NPS accident. We identified four patterns of peer relationship problems and five patterns of emotional symptoms using latent class growth analysis. For peer relationship problems, male sex, experiencing the NPS explosion and lack of exercise habits were associated with the severe trajectory group. For emotional symptoms, experiencing the NPS explosion, experiencing the tsunami disaster and lack of exercise habits were associated with the severe trajectory group. Exercise habits are very important for the mental health of evacuees after a nuclear disaster.
Diminished or inversed dose-rate effect on clonogenic ability in Ku-deficient rodent cells
Authors: Tsuchiya Hisayo , Shimada Mikio , Tsukada Kaima , Meng Qingmei , Kobayashi Junya , Matsumoto Yoshihisa
Published: December 2020

The biological effects of ionizing radiation, especially those of sparsely ionizing radiations like X-ray and γ-ray, are generally reduced as the dose rate is reduced. This phenomenon is known as ‘the dose-rate effect’. The dose-rate effect is considered to be due to the repair of DNA damage during irradiation but the precise mechanisms for the dose-rate effect remain to be clarified. Ku70, Ku86 and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) are thought to comprise the sensor for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). In this study, we measured the clonogenic ability of Ku70-, Ku86- or DNA-PKcs-deficient rodent cells, in parallel with respective control cells, in response to high dose-rate (HDR) and low dose-rate (LDR) γ-ray radiation (~0.9 and ~1 mGy/min, respectively). Control cells and murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) from a severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mouse, which is DNA-PKcs-deficient, showed higher cell survival after LDR irradiation than after HDR irradiation at the same dose. On the other hand, MEF from Ku70−/− mice exhibited lower clonogenic cell survival after LDR irradiation than after HDR irradiation. XR-V15B and xrs-5 cells, which are Ku86-deficient, exhibited mostly identical clonogenic cell survival after LDR and HDR irradiation. Thus, the dose-rate effect in terms of clonogenic cell survival is diminished or even inversed in Ku-deficient rodent cells. These observations indicate the involvement of Ku in the dose-rate effect.
Evaluation of the redox state in mouse organs following radon inhalation
Authors: Kataoka Takahiro , Kanzaki Norie , Sakoda Akihiro , Shuto Hina , Yano Junki , Naoe Shota , Tanaka Hiroshi , Hanamoto Katsumi , Terato Hiroaki , Mitsunobu Fumihiro , Yamaoka Kiyonori
Published: December 2020

Radon inhalation activates antioxidative functions in mouse organs, thereby contributing to inhibition of oxidative stress-induced damage. However, the specific redox state of each organ after radon inhalation has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the redox state of various organs in mice following radon inhalation at concentrations of 2 or 20 kBq/m3 for 1, 3 or 10 days. Scatter plots were used to evaluate the relationship between antioxidative function and oxidative stress by principal component analysis (PCA) of data from control mice subjected to sham inhalation. The results of principal component (PC) 1 showed that the liver and kidney had high antioxidant capacity; the results of PC2 showed that the brain, pancreas and stomach had low antioxidant capacities and low lipid peroxide (LPO) content, whereas the lungs, heart, small intestine and large intestine had high LPO content but low antioxidant capacities. Furthermore, using the PCA of each obtained cluster, we observed altered correlation coefficients related to glutathione, hydrogen peroxide and LPO for all groups following radon inhalation. Correlation coefficients related to superoxide dismutase in organs with a low antioxidant capacity were also changed. These findings suggested that radon inhalation could alter the redox state in organs; however, its characteristics were dependent on the total antioxidant capacity of the organs as well as the radon concentration and inhalation time. The insights obtained from this study could be useful for developing therapeutic strategies targeting individual organs.
Relationship between physical activity/exercise habits and the frequency of new onset of lifestyle-related diseases after the Great East Japan Earthquake among residents in Fukushima: the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Hayashi Fumikazu , Ohira Tetsuya , Okazaki Kanako , Nakano Hironori , Sakai Akira , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Shimabukuro Michio , Takahashi Atsushi , Kazama Junichiro , Yasumura Seiji , Hashimoto Shigeatsu , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Kobashi Gen , Ohto Hitoshi , Kamiya Kenji ,   for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Published: December 2020

The effect of exercise habits on the increased incidence of lifestyle-related diseases among residents of the evacuation area in Fukushima Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake is not well characterized. This study examined the influence of exercise habits on the frequency of new onset of lifestyle-related diseases in the aftermath of the earthquake using data from the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS). Of the 32 289 individuals (14 004 men and 18 285 women) aged 40–90 years who underwent one or more health examinations in both 2011–12 and 2014–15, those who knew whether they had any lifestyle diseases and who responded to a questionnaire about their exercise and physical activity habits were included (dyslipidemia, 8017; hypertension, 7173; and diabetes mellitus, 13140 individuals). The association between the frequency of new onset of lifestyle-related diseases in 2014–15 and the presence or absence of persistent exercise and physical activity habits (active lifestyle) was examined using the FHMS data. The frequency of new onset of dyslipidemia was significantly lower in the active lifestyle group than in the sedentary lifestyle group (P = 0.008). On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the presence of active lifestyle, obesity and the experience of evacuation showed a significant association with new onset of dyslipidemia, independent of age, sex or follow-up period. Thus maintaining physical activity and exercise habits may help prevent the new onset of dyslipidemia among residents of the evacuation area in the Fukushima Prefecture after the earthquake.
Infected port-a-cath leading to subpectoral and sterno-manubrial abscess
Authors: Lee Andy Chao Hsuan , Podbielski Francis J
Published: December 2020

Sterno-manubrium and subpectoral abscess have been rarely reported in literature. If the diagnosis and treatment are not properly performed, a soft tissue abscess can cause serious complications such as sepsis or even death. Therefore, awareness of such conditions is essential for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Here, we report a case of sterno-manubrial and subpectoral abscess with significant destruction of cartilage due to extension from an infected subclavian porta-a-cath. Our management started with intravenous antibiotic therapy initially; however, due to lack of clinical resolution, incision and drainage followed by serial debridements were performed, highlighting importance of awareness of uncommon presentation.
Comparative Analysis of the Development of Energy Mixes in the United Kingdom and Brazil
Authors: Venturi Luis , Vastella Ferreira de Melo Alexandre , Fregoneze Ana Claudia
Published: December 2020

This research focuses on drawing a comparison between how the UK and Brazil have managed their energy mixes since the oil crisis of the 1970s to the present time. The analysis is based on four variables: diversification, power, sustainability and efficiency. The main hypothesis assumes that the evolution of energy mixes is more related to the available natural resources and the physical features of both countries than to political decisions. Technically, we used official data organized into graphs and charts for the decades of 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2017. The preliminary results showed that in both countries, all the variables changed positively, but the efficiency has been higher in the UK since the British GDP increases with the increasingly drop in energy production. Therefore, these preliminary results showed that the hypothesis better explained the Brazilian context than the British context.
Enhancing the productivity of ryegrass at elevated CO2 is dependent on tillering and leaf area development rather than leaf-level photosynthesis
Authors: Yiotis Charilaos , McElwain Jennifer C , Osborne Bruce A
Published: December 2020

Whilst a range of strategies have been proposed for enhancing crop productivity, many recent studies have focused primarily on enhancing leaf photosynthesis under current atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Given that the atmospheric CO2 concentration is likely to increase significantly in the foreseeable future, an alternative/complementary strategy might be to exploit any variability in the enhancement of growth/yield and photosynthesis at higher CO2 concentrations. To explore this, we investigated the responses of a diverse range of wild and cultivated ryegrass genotypes, with contrasting geographical origins, to ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations and examined what genetically tractable plant trait(s) might be targeted by plant breeders for future yield enhancements. We found substantial ~7-fold intraspecific variations in biomass productivity among the different genotypes at both CO2 levels, which were related primarily to differences in tillering/leaf area, with only small differences due to leaf photosynthesis. Interestingly, the ranking of genotypes in terms of their response to both CO2 concentrations was similar. However, as expected, estimates of whole-plant photosynthesis were strongly correlated with plant productivity. Our results suggest that greater yield gains under elevated CO2 are likely through the exploitation of genetic differences in tillering and leaf area rather than focusing solely on improving leaf photosynthesis.
The dynamic magnetosphere of Swift J1818.0–1607
Authors: Lower M E , Johnston S , Shannon R M , Bailes M , Camilo F
Published: December 2020

Radio-loud magnetars display a wide variety of radio-pulse phenomenology seldom seen among the population of rotation-powered pulsars. Spectropolarimetry of the radio pulses from these objects has the potential to place constraints on their magnetic topology and unveil clues about the magnetar radio emission mechanism. Here, we report on eight observations of the magnetar Swift J1818.0–1607 taken with the Parkes Ultra-Wideband Low receiver covering a wide frequency range from 0.7 to 4 GHz over a period of 5 months. The magnetar exhibits significant temporal profile evolution over this period, including the emergence of a new profile component with an inverted spectrum, two distinct types of radio emission mode switching, detected during two separate observations, and the appearance and disappearance of multiple polarization modes. These various phenomena are likely a result of ongoing reconfiguration of the plasma content and electric currents within the magnetosphere. Geometric fits to the linearly polarized position angle indicate we are viewing the magnetar at an angle of ∼99○ from the spin axis, and its magnetic and rotation axes are misaligned by ∼112○. While conducting these fits, we found the position angle swing had reversed direction on MJD 59062 compared to observations taken 15 d earlier and 12 d later. We speculate this phenomena may be evidence the radio emission from this magnetar originates from magnetic field lines associated with two co-located magnetic poles that are connected by a coronal loop.
the threehundred: the structure and properties of cosmic filaments in the outskirts of galaxy clusters
Authors: Rost Agustin , Kuchner Ulrike , Welker Charlotte , Pearce Frazer , Stasyszyn Federico , Gray Meghan , Cui Weiguang , Dave Romeel , Knebe Alexander , Yepes Gustavo , Rasia Elena
Published: December 2020

Galaxy cluster outskirts are described by complex velocity fields induced by diffuse material collapsing towards filaments, gas, and galaxies falling into clusters, and gas shock processes triggered by substructures. A simple scenario that describes the large-scale tidal fields of the cosmic web is not able to fully account for this variety, nor for the differences between gas and collisionless dark matter. We have studied the filamentary structure in zoom-in resimulations centred on 324 clusters from the threehundred project, focusing on differences between dark and baryonic matter. This paper describes the properties of filaments around clusters out to five R200, based on the diffuse filament medium where haloes had been removed. For this, we stack the remaining particles of all simulated volumes to calculate the average profiles of dark matter and gas filaments. We find that filaments increase their thickness closer to nodes and detect signatures of gas turbulence at a distance of ${\sim}2 \rm {{{~h^{-1}\,{\rm Mpc}}}}$ from the cluster. These are absent in dark matter. Both gas and dark matter collapse towards filament spines at a rate of ${\sim}200 \,\rm {km ~ s^{-1}\, h^{-1}}$. We see that gas preferentially enters the cluster as part of filaments, and leaves the cluster centre outside filaments. We further see evidence for an accretion shock just outside the cluster. For dark matter, this preference is less obvious. We argue that this difference is related to the turbulent environment. This indicates that filaments act as highways to fuel the inner regions of clusters with gas and galaxies.
H α fluxes and extinction distances for planetary nebulae in the IPHAS survey of the northern galactic plane
Authors: Dharmawardena Thavisha E , Barlow M J , Drew J E , Seales A , Sale S E , Jones D , Mampaso A , Parker Q A , Sabin L , Wesson R
Published: December 2020

We report H α filter photometry for 197 Northern hemisphere planetary nebulae (PNe) obtained using imaging data from the IPHAS survey. H α+[N ii] fluxes were measured for 46 confirmed or possible PNe discovered by the IPHAS survey and for 151 previously catalogued PNe that fell within the area of the northern Galactic Plane surveyed by IPHAS. After correcting for [N ii] emission admitted by the IPHAS H α filter, the resulting H α fluxes were combined with published radio free–free fluxes and H β fluxes, in order to estimate mean optical extinctions to 143 PNe using ratios involving their integrated Balmer line fluxes and their extinction-free radio fluxes. Distances to the PNe were then estimated using three different 3D interstellar dust extinction mapping methods, including the IPHAS-based h-mead algorithm of Sale (2014). These methods were used to plot dust extinction versus distance relationships for the lines of sight to the PNe; the intercepts with the derived dust optical extinctions allowed distances to the PNe to be inferred. For 17 of the PNe in our sample reliable GaiaDR2 distances were available and these have been compared with the distances derived using three different extinction mapping algorithms as well as with distances from the nebular radius versus H α surface brightness relation of Frew et al. (2016). That relation and the h-mead extinction mapping algorithm yielded the closest agreement with the Gaia DR2 distances.
FASS: a turbulence profiler based on a fast, low-noise camera
Authors: Guesalaga A , Ayancán B , Sarazin M , Wilson R W , Perera S , Le Louarn M
Published: December 2020

The measurement of the atmospheric optical turbulence with a new scintillation profiler is described and demonstrated. The instrument, FASS (Full Aperture Scintillation Sensor), uses new fast and low-noise detectors to record and process sequences of scintillation images. Statistical processing of these data is based on the calculation of power spectra of intensity in annular pupil zones over the angular coordinate. The angular power spectra are used to measure the optical turbulence intensity of 14 layers located at logarithmically-spaced distances from 0.3 km to 25 km. The reference functions relating turbulence strength to the angular power spectra are computed by numerical simulation. Measurement of the ground-later turbulence and total seeing with FASS is possible when the detector is conjugated to a negative (below ground) distance. Results of measurement campaigns at Paranal are reported, documenting a good agreement of turbulence profiles measured by FASS with two other instruments, SCIDAR and MASS.
Constraints on precipitation-limited hot haloes from massive galaxies to galaxy clusters
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Voit G M , Nath Biman B
Published: December 2020

We present constraints on a simple analytical model for hot diffuse halo gas, derived from a fit spanning two orders of magnitude in halo mass ($M_{500} \sim 10^{12.5}\!-\!10^{14.5} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$). The model is motivated by the observed prevalence of a precipitation limit, and its main free parameter is the central ratio of gas cooling time-scale to free-fall time-scale (tcool/tff). We use integrated X-ray and thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich observations of the environments around massive galaxies, galaxy groups, and clusters, averaged in halo mass bins, and obtain the best-fitting model parameters. We find tcool/tff ∼ 50–110, depending on the model extrapolation beyond the halo virial radius and possibly on biases present in the data sets used in the fitting analysis. The model adequately describes the entire mass range, except for intermediate mass haloes ($M_{500} \sim 10^{13.5} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$) that systematically fall below the model predictions. However, the best fits for tcool/tff substantially exceed the values typically derived from X-ray observations of individual systems (tcool/tff ∼ 10–30). We consider several explanations for those discrepancies, including X-ray selection biases and a potential anticorrelation between X-ray luminosity and the central galaxy’s stellar mass.
Demonstrating the Tapered Gridded Estimator (TGE) for the Cosmological HI 21-cm Power Spectrum using 150 MHz GMRT observations
Authors: Pal Srijita , Bharadwaj Somnath , Ghosh Abhik , Choudhuri Samir
Published: December 2020

We apply the Tapered Gridded Estimator (TGE) for estimating the cosmological 21-cm power spectrum from 150 MHz GMRT observations which corresponds to the neutral hydrogen (HI) at redshift z = 8.28. Here TGE is used to measure the Multi-frequency Angular Power Spectrum (MAPS) Cℓ(Δν) first, from which we estimate the 21-cm power spectrum P(k⊥, k∥). The data here are much too small for a detection, and the aim is to demonstrate the capabilities of the estimator. We find that the estimated power spectrum is consistent with the expected foreground and noise behaviour. This demonstrates that this estimator correctly estimates the noise bias and subtracts this out to yield an unbiased estimate of the power spectrum. More than $47\%$ of the frequency channels had to be discarded from the data owing to radio-frequency interference, however the estimated power spectrum does not show any artifacts due to missing channels. Finally, we show that it is possible to suppress the foreground contribution by tapering the sky response at large angular separations from the phase center. We combine the k modes within a rectangular region in the ‘EoR window’ to obtain the spherically binned averaged dimensionless power spectra Δ2(k) along with the statistical error σ associated with the measured Δ2(k). The lowest k-bin yields Δ2(k) = (61.47)2 K2 at k = 1.59 Mpc−1, with σ = (27.40)2 K2. We obtain a 2 σ upper limit of (72.66)2 K2 on the mean squared HI 21-cm brightness temperature fluctuations at k = 1.59 Mpc−1.
The initial properties of young star clusters in M83
Authors: Webb Jeremy J , Sills Alison
Published: December 2020

The initial sizes and masses of massive star clusters provide information about the cluster formation process and also determine how cluster populations are modified and destroyed, which have implications for using clusters as tracers of galaxy assembly. Young massive cluster populations are often assumed to be unchanged since cluster formation; therefore, their distributions of masses and radii are used as the initial values. However, the first few hundred million years of cluster evolution does change both cluster mass and cluster radius, through both internal and external processes. In this paper, we use a large suite of N-body cluster simulations in an appropriate tidal field to determine the best initial mass and initial size distributions of young clusters in the nearby galaxy M83. We find that the initial masses follow a power-law distribution with a slope of −2.7 ± 0.4 , and the half-mass radii follow a lognormal distribution with a mean of 2.57 ± 0.04 pc and a dispersion of 1.59 ± 0.01 pc. The corresponding initial projected half-light radius function has a mean of 2.7 ± 0.3 pc and a dispersion of 1.7 ± 0.2 pc. The evolution of the initial mass and size distribution functions is consistent with mass-loss and expansion due to stellar evolution, independent of the external tidal field and the cluster’s initial density profile. Observed cluster sizes and masses should not be used as the initial values, even when clusters are only a few hundred million years old.
Recovery of kidney function in patients treated with maintenance dialysis—a report from the ERA-EDTA Registry
Authors: Jakulj Lily , Kramer Anneke , Åsberg Anders , de Meester Johan , Santiuste de Pablos Carmen , Helve Jaakko , Hemmelder Marc H , Hertig Alexandre , Arici Mustafa , Bell Samira , Mercadal Lucile , Diaz-Corte Carmen , Palsson Runolfur , Benitez Sanchez Manuel , Kerschbaum Julia , Collart Frederic , Massy Ziad A , Jager Kitty J , Noordzij Marlies
Published: December 2020

Background

Literature on recovery of kidney function (RKF) in patients with end-stage kidney disease treated with maintenance dialysis (i.e. >90 days) is limited. We assessed the incidence of RKF and its associated characteristics in a European cohort of dialysis patients.

Methods

We included adult patients from the European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry who started maintenance dialysis in 1997–2016. Sustained RKF was defined as permanent discontinuation of dialysis. Temporary discontinuation of ≥30 days (non-sustained RKF) was also evaluated. Factors associated with RKF adjusted for potential confounders were studied using Cox regression analyses.

Results

RKF occurred in 7657 (1.8%) of 440 996 patients, of whom 71% experienced sustained RKF. Approximately 90% of all recoveries occurred within the first 2 years after Day 91 of dialysis. Of patients with non-sustained RKF, 39% restarted kidney replacement therapy within 1 year. Sustained RKF was strongly associated with the following underlying kidney diseases (as registered by the treating physician): tubular necrosis (irreversible) or cortical necrosis {adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 20.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.9–23.1]}, systemic sclerosis [aHR 18.5 (95% CI 13.8–24.7)] and haemolytic uremic syndrome [aHR 17.3 (95% CI 13.9–21.6)]. Weaker associations were found for haemodialysis as a first dialysis modality [aHR 1.5 (95% CI 1.4–1.6)] and dialysis initiation at an older age [aHR 1.8 (95% CI 1.6–2.0)] or in a more recent time period [aHR 2.4 (95% CI 2.1–2.7)].

Conclusions

Definitive discontinuation of maintenance dialysis is a rare and not necessarily an early event. Certain clinical characteristics, but mostly the type of underlying kidney disease, are associated with a higher likelihood of RKF.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage Volume Reduction and Timing of Intervention Versus Functional Benefit and Survival in the MISTIE III and STICH Trials
Authors: Polster Sean P , Carrión-Penagos Julián , Lyne Seán B , Gregson Barbara A , Cao Ying , Thompson Richard E , Stadnik Agnieszka , Girard Romuald , Money Patricia Lynn , Lane Karen , McBee Nichol , Ziai Wendy , Mould W Andrew , Iqbal Ahmed , Metcalfe Stephen , Hao Yi , Dodd Robert , Carlson Andrew P , Camarata Paul J , Caron Jean-Louis , Harrigan Mark R , Zuccarello Mario , Mendelow A David , Hanley Daniel F , Awad Issam A ,   on behalf of the MISTIE III and STICH I and II investigators
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The extent of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) removal conferred survival and functional benefits in the minimally invasive surgery with thrombolysis in intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation (MISTIE) III trial. It is unclear whether this similarly impacts outcome with craniotomy (open surgery) or whether timing from ictus to intervention influences outcome with either procedure.

OBJECTIVE

To compare volume evacuation and timing of surgery in relation to outcomes in the MISTIE III and STICH (Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage) trials.

METHODS

Postoperative scans were performed in STICH II, but not in STICH I; therefore, surgical MISTIE III cases with lobar hemorrhages (n = 84) were compared to STICH II all lobar cases (n = 259) for volumetric analyses. All MISTIE III surgical patients (n = 240) were compared to both STICH I and II (n = 722) surgical patients for timing analyses. These were investigated using cubic spline modeling and multivariate risk adjustment.

RESULTS

End-of-treatment ICH volume ≤28.8 mL in MISTIE III and ≤30.0 mL in STICH II had increased probability of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0 to 3 at 180 d (P = .01 and P = .003, respectively). The effect in the MISTIE cohort remained significant after multivariate risk adjustments. Earlier surgery within 62 h of ictus had a lower probability of achieving an mRS 0 to 3 at 180 d with STICH I and II (P = .0004), but not with MISTIE III. This remained significant with multivariate risk adjustments. There was no impact of timing until intervention on mortality up to 47 h with either procedure.

CONCLUSION

Thresholds of ICH removal influenced outcome with both procedures to a similar extent. There was a similar likelihood of achieving a good outcome with both procedures within a broad therapeutic time window.
Is Dupuytren’s disease an occupational illness?
Authors: Murínová L , Perečinský S , Jančová A , Murín P , Legáth Ľ
Published: December 2020

Background

There is growing evidence for the risk of Dupuytren’s disease (DD) from occupational exposure. For workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibrations (HTVs) and heavy manual work (HMW) who develop the disease, the inclusion of DD in hand-arm vibration syndrome and diseases of skeletal muscle overload could be beneficial for compensation purposes.

Aims

To assess the risk of DD in workers exposed to HTVs and HMW, and to evaluate the length of exposure times that may significantly affect the development of DD.

Methods

This study included male workers in Košice, Slovak Republic. Participants were divided into three groups: those exposed to HTVs, those exposed to HMW and controls. We evaluated the association between DD and HTVs, HMW, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, epilepsy, smoking and alcohol consumption for all groups. We also compared the length of exposure time to HTV and HMW between workers with and without DD.

Results

The sample was comprised of 515 men, with 13% suffering from DD. Significant associations were found between DD and HTVs (OR 4.59 [95% CI 2.05–10.32]) and HMV (OR 3.10 [95% CI 1.21–7.91]). Highly significant associations were found between DD and older ages and alcohol consumption as well. No associations were found for the other variables. Exposure times greater than 15 years significantly increased the risk for DD (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study confirms a significant association between DD and both HTVs and HMW after long exposures. We suggest that DD should be considered as an occupational disease.
Recoverability of Damages for Non-pecuniary Losses Deriving from Breach of Contract
Authors: Zlatev Zlatin
Published: December 2020

This is the first article that identifies contracts whose breach could cause non-pecuniary losses. It argues that in all cases where the outcome of the promised performance leads to something other than an enhancement of the promisee’s financial standing, the breach will cause him non-pecuniary losses. This proposition provides greater consistency in the law of contract damages. It provides a powerful argument against the existing notion of partial recovery of non-pecuniary losses and replaces it with a more principled and comprehensive approach that is more closely aligned with the general conceptual framework of contemporary contract law. If the principles identified in the present article are applied, all damages, including those for non-pecuniary losses, will be recoverable when the promisee’s performance interest is not satisfied.
Combined Petrosal Approach for Resection of a Large Trigeminal Schwannoma With Meckel's Cave Involvement—Part II: Microsurgical Approach and Tumor Resection: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Liu James K
Published: December 2020

This video is the second part of a 2-part video presentation demonstrating the microsurgical technique of a combined petrosal approach for resection of a large trigeminal schwannoma in a 54-yr-old woman involving multiple cranial fossae extending anteriorly into Meckel's cave. The patient presented with long-standing worsening headache and facial tingling and numbness. After discussing the benefits and risks of the surgery as well as the alternative management strategies, the patient decided to proceed with surgery and informed consent was obtained. The surgery was performed in a single stage. The technical nuances of anterior and posterior (retrolabyrinthine) petrosectomy are demonstrated and discussed. Microsurgical resection of the tumor is also demonstrated emphasizing the important steps of dural opening, arachnoid dissection, identification and preservation of cranial nerves, and exploration of Meckel's cave. Use of endoscopic-assistance for visualization of the cerebellopontine angle and neurovascular structures is also demonstrated.

 Table in video reprinted by permission from Copyright Clearance Center: Springer Nature, Acta Neurochirurgica, Frontotemporal epidural approach to trigeminal neurinomas, Dolenc VV, Copyright 1994.
Interaction between the MtDELLA–MtGAF1 Complex and MtARF3 Mediates Transcriptional Control of MtGA3ox1 to Elaborate Leaf Margin Formation in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wen Lizhu , Kong Yiming , Wang Hongfeng , Xu Yiteng , Lu Zhichao , Zhang Jing , Wang Minmin , Wang Xiao , Han Lu , Zhou Chuanen
Published: December 2020

The molecular mechanisms underlying the diversity of leaf shapes have been of great interest to researchers. Leaf shape depends on the pattern of serrations and the degree of indentation of leaf margins. Multiple transcription factors and hormone signaling pathways are involved in this process. In this study, we characterized the developmental roles of SMALL AND SERRATED LEAF (SSL) by analyzing a recessive mutant in the model legume Medicago truncatula. An ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana GA3-oxidase 1 (GA3ox1), MtGA3ox1/SSL, is required for GA biosynthesis. Loss of function in MtGA3ox1 results in the small plant and lateral organs. The prominent phenotype of the mtga3ox1 mutant is a more pronounced leaf margin, indicating the critical role of GA level in leaf margin formation. Moreover, 35S:MtDELLA2ΔDELLA and 35S:MtARF3 transgenic plants display leaves with a deeply wavy margin, which resembles those of mtga3ox1. Further investigations show that MtGA3ox1 is under the control of MtDELLA1/2/3–MtGAF1 complex-dependent feedback regulation. Further, MtARF3 behaves as a competitive inhibitor of MtDELLA2/3–MtGAF1 complexes to repress the expression of MtGA3ox1 indirectly. These findings suggest that GA feedback regulatory circuits play a fundamental role in leaf margin formation, in which the posttranslational interaction between transcription factors functions as an additional feature.
Willingness to Share yet Maintain Influence: A Cross-Sectional Study on Attitudes in Sweden to the Use of Electronic Health Data
Authors: Belfrage Sara , Lynöe Niels , Helgesson Gert
Published: December 2020

We have investigated attitudes towards the use of health data among the Swedish population by analyzing data from a survey answered by 1645 persons. Health data are potentially useful for a variety of purposes. Yet information about health remains sensitive. A balance therefore has to be struck between these opposing considerations in a number of contexts. The attitudes among those whose data is concerned will influence the perceived legitimacy of policies regulating health data use. We aimed to investigate what views are held by the general public, and what aspects matter for the willingness to let one’s data be used not only for one’s own care but also for other purposes. We found that while there is a broad willingness to let one’s data be used, the possibility to influence that use is considered important. The study also indicated that when respondents are required to balance different interests, priority is typically given to compulsory schemes ensuring that data are available where needed, rather than voluntary participation and data protection. The policy implications to be drawn from this are not self-evident, however, since the fact that a majority has a certain attitude does not by itself determine the most adequate policy.