bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel synthesis of highly stable palladium nanoparticles and their application in the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Abdullah Fuad Othman , Behrouzi Leila , Kaboudin Babak
Published: August 2021

Herein, a mild and efficient method for synthesis of highly stable palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on Aristolochia Olivieri (AO) extract as a support and reducing agent is described. Investigation of catalytically activity of obtained catalyst (AO@PdNPs) was performed for the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds. Of note are the functional group tolerance, fast rate, and the ability to apply a scope of nitro compounds (up to 30). The synthesized catalyst was characterized with UV−visible spectra, FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, AAS, FT-IR, and TEM techniques. The corresponding amine product was obtained excellent to high yields. The catalytic activity of AO@ PdNPs for the hydrogenation of 4-methyl-2-nitroaniline and 4-methoxy-2-nitroaniline was pursued by UV-visible spectroscopy which presented excellent activity of catalyst.
Graph convolutional networks applied to unstructured flow field data
Authors: Ogoke Francis , Meidani Kazem , Hashemi Amirreza , Farimani Amir Barati
Published: August 2021

Many scientific and engineering processes produce spatially unstructured data. However, most data-driven models require a feature matrix that enforces both a set number and order of features for each sample. They thus cannot be easily constructed for an unstructured dataset. Therefore, a graph based data-driven model to perform inference on fields defined on an unstructured mesh, using a graph convolutional neural network (GCNN) is presented. The ability of the method to predict global properties from spatially irregular measurements with high accuracy is demonstrated by predicting the drag force associated with laminar flow around airfoils from scattered velocity measurements. The network can infer from field samples at different resolutions, and is invariant to the order in which the measurements within each sample are presented. The GCNN method, using inductive convolutional layers and adaptive pooling, is able to predict this quantity with a validation R
2 above 0.98, and a Normalized Mean Squared Error below 0.01, without relying on spatial structure.
Synthesis and microstructure of Al2O3 aerogel composite induced by different transition/lanthanide metal ions
Authors: Gao Bingying , Cao Jinyao , Yan Yin , Li Xiazhang , Liu Wenjie , Mao Huihui , Zuo Shixiang , Yao Chao , Mao Linqiang
Published: August 2021

The study of the influence of different substances introduced on the same matrix will provide a good guide for the construction of materials with good properties. A series of transitions/lanthanides metal ions doped or co-doped Al2O3 aerogel materials with three-dimensional nano porous structure were fabricated by a simple and facile modified sol-gel method. The effect of different transitions/lanthanides metal ions on the microstructure, textural properties, and luminescence properties of Al2O3 aerogels were investigated. By co-doping the Al2O3 aerogel matrix with Eu3+ and Tb3+, we fabricated Al2O3 aerogel luminescent materials with tunable color emissions under UV excitation. The characterization results showed that the microscopic morphology of these aerogels induced by transitions/lanthanides metal ions were obviously different. Interestingly, Al2O3-Eu/Tb (III) and Al2O3-Tb/Ce (III) aerogels exhibited a special flower-like structure. It is hoped that our work will offer some efforts for the preparation of functional materials with excellent properties.
Perichondrial Attached Diced Cartilage (PADC), a Novel Graft Material for Nasal Augmentation: 10 Years of Experience
Authors: Kazemi Ashtiani Abbas , Moghimi Mohammad Reza , Hafezi Farhad
Published: August 2021

Background

Achieving dorsal augmentation with onlay grafts presents several challenges. Visibility and warping of grafted cartilages can ruin an otherwise successful operation. A shortage of septal cartilage and rib donor site morbidity compound the problems associated with this procedure.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to find an autologous material for dorsal nasal augmentation that does not disperse upon implementation. This material also should have minimal resorption, resist warping, and not require a wrapping membrane.

Methods

In 30 patients, concha cartilage of the ear with attached perichondrium and fascia were removed. The concha cartilage was diced while it was attached to the posterior soft tissue. The purpose was to develop graft material for dorsal augmentation.

Results

In an average of 19.56 months follow-up, no sign of resorption, infection, inflammation, volume loss, or displacement of the grafted material was observed. Aesthetically the results were acceptable and most of the patients were satisfied with the outcome.

Conclusions

Perichondrial attached diced cartilage is a new material for the rhinoplasty surgeon to apply in different onlay nasal augmentation procedures in the unduly reduced nasal dorsum. This technique transforms uneven, peculiarly shaped concha cartilage into a flexible, versatile, and durable material. The donor site is in the surgical field and easy to access.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Safety of Operating on Breasts With a History of Prior Reduction Mammoplasty: Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Angiogenesis
Authors: Park Joseph Kyu-hyung , Park Seokwon , Heo Chan Yeong , Jeong Jae Hoon , Yun Bola , Myung Yujin
Published: August 2021

Background

The vascularity of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is altered after reduction mammoplasty, increasing the risk of complications after repeat reduction or nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate angiogenesis of the NAC via serial analysis of magnetic resonance images.

Methods

Magnetic resonance images of breasts after reduction mammoplasty were analyzed for 35 patients (39 breasts) from 3-dimensional reconstructions of maximum-intensity projection images. All veins terminating at the NAC were classified as internal mammary, anterior intercostal, or lateral thoracic in origin. The vein with the largest diameter was considered the dominant vein. Images were classified based on the time since reduction: <6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 24 months, >2 years.

Results

The average number of veins increased over time: 1.17 (<6 months), 1.56 (6-12 months), 1.64 (12-24 months), 1.73 (>2 years). Within 6 months, the pedicle was the only vein. Veins from other sources began to appear at 6 to 12 months. In most patients, at least 2 veins were available after 1 year. After 1 year, the internal mammary vein was the most common dominant vein regardless of the pedicle used.

Conclusions

Repeat reduction mammoplasty or nipple-sparing mastectomy should be performed ≥1 year following the initial procedure. After 1 year, the superior or superomedial pedicle may represent the safest option when the previous pedicle is unknown.
Vaginal mucus in mice: developmental and gene expression features of epithelial mucous cells during pregnancy
Authors: Sugiyama Makoto , Machida Nao , Yasunaga Arata , Terai Nanako , Fukasawa Hanae , Ono Hisaya K , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Nishiyama Keita , Hashimoto Osamu , Kurusu Shiro , Yoshioka Kazuki
Published: August 2021

The vagina is the site of copulation and serves as the birth canal. It also provides protection against external pathogens. In mice, due to the absence of cervical glands, the vaginal epithelium is the main producer of vaginal mucus. The development and differentiation of vaginal epithelium-constituting cells and the molecular characteristics of vaginal mucus have not been thoroughly examined. Here, we characterized vaginal mucous cell development and the expression of mucus-related factors in pregnant mice. The vaginal mucous epithelium layer thickened and became multilayered after Day 12 of pregnancy and secreted increasing amounts of mucus until early postpartum. Using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy, we found supra-basal mucous cells as probable candidates for precursor cells. In vaginal mucous cells, the expression of TFF1, a stabilizer of mucus, was high, and some members of mucins and antimicrobial peptides (MUC5B and DEFB1) were expressed in a stage-dependent manner. In summary, this study presents the partial characterization of vaginal epithelial mucous cell lineage and expression of genes encoding several peptide substances that may affect vaginal tissue homeostasis and mucosal immunity during pregnancy and parturition.
Stop that! It’s not Tourette’s but a new type of mass sociogenic illness
Authors: Müller-Vahl Kirsten R , Pisarenko Anna , Jakubovski Ewgeni , Fremer Carolin
Published: August 2021

We report the first outbreak of a new type of mass sociogenic illness that in contrast to all previously reported episodes is spread solely via social media. Accordingly, we suggest the more specific term ‘mass social media-induced illness’.

In Germany, the current outbreak of mass social media-induced illness is initiated by a ‘virtual’ index case, who is the second most successful YouTube creator in Germany and enjoys enormous popularity among young people. Affected teenagers present with similar or identical functional ‘Tourette-like’ behaviours, which can be clearly differentiated from tics in Tourette syndrome.

Functional ‘Tourette-like’ symptoms can be regarded as the ‘modern’ form of the well-known motor variant of mass sociogenic illness. Moreover, they can be viewed as the 21st century expression of a culture-bound stress reaction of our post-modern society emphasizing the uniqueness of individuals and valuing their alleged exceptionality, thus promoting attention-seeking behaviours and aggravating the permanent identity crisis of modern man. We wish to raise awareness of the current global Tourette-like mass social media-induced illness outbreak. A large number of young people across different countries are affected, with considerable impact on health care systems and society as a whole, since spread via social media is no longer restricted to specific locations such as local communities or school environments spread via social media is no longer restricted to specific locations such as schools or towns.
Optimal Timing of Remdesivir Initiation in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Administered With Dexamethasone
Authors: Wong Carlos K H , Lau Kristy T K , Au Ivan C H , Xiong Xi , Chung Matthew S H , Lau Eric H Y , Cowling Benjamin J
Published: August 2021

Background

Evidence is lacking about any additional benefits of introducing remdesivir on top of dexamethasone, and the optimal timing of initiation.

Methods

In a territory-wide cohort of 10 445 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients from Hong Kong who were hospitalized between 21 January 2020 and 31 January 2021, 1544 had received dexamethasone during hospitalization. The exposure group consisted of patients who had initiated remdesivir prior to dexamethasone (n = 93) or co-initiated the 2 drugs simultaneously (n = 373), whereas the nonexposure group included patients who were given remdesivir after dexamethasone (n = 149) or those without remdesivir use (n = 929). Multiple imputation and inverse probability of treatment weighting for propensity score were applied and hazard ratios (HRs) of event outcomes were estimated using Cox regression models.

Results

Time to clinical improvement (HR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.49; P = .032) and positive IgG antibody (HR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02–1.46; P = .029) were significantly shorter in the exposure group than that of nonexposure. The exposure group had a shorter hospital length of stay by 2.65 days among survivors, lower WHO clinical progression scale scores from 5 days of follow-up onwards, and lower risks of in-hospital death (HR = .59; 95% CI, .36–.98; P = .042) and composite outcomes; and without experiencing an increased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Differences in the cumulative direct medical costs between groups were no longer significant from 17 days of follow-up onwards.

Conclusions

Initiation of remdesivir prior to or simultaneously with dexamethasone was associated with significantly shorter time to clinical improvement and positive IgG antibody, lower risk of in-hospital death, in addition to shorter length of hospital stay in patients with moderate COVID-19.
Changes of Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids Profiles in Pregnancy in Relation to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Lingjun , Zhu Yeyi , Wu Jing , Hinkle Stefanie N , Tobias Deirdre K , Ma Ronald C W , Weir Natalie L , Tsai Michael Y , Zhang Cuilin
Published: August 2021

Background

Plasma phospholipid fatty acids (FAs) in early and mid-pregnancy have been prospectively related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. Yet, changes of FAs following GDM diagnosis and treatment and their implications for glucose metabolism and control remain understudied.

Methods

From the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies–Singleton Cohort of 2802 pregnant women, we ascertained 85 GDM cases using the Carpenter and Coustan criteria and 85 non-GDM controls after exclusion. Using plasma collected before (23–31 weeks) and after GDM diagnosis (33–39 weeks), we quantified 25 saturated, poly- and monounsaturated FAs levels. We estimated the fold change of FAs before and after GDM diagnosis, using multiple linear mixed models adjusting for confounders.

Results

Eight FAs showed significant fold changes from the baseline values (23–31 weeks) among GDM cases as compared to women without GDM. Five FAs showed reduced fold changes [myristic acid (14:0): β: −0.22 (95% CI: −0.30, −0.14), palmitic acid (16:0): β: −0.02 (95% CI: −0.04, −0.01), cis-palmitoleic acid (16:1n7): β: −0.15 (95% CI: −0.24, −0.05), alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n3): β: −0.19 (95% CI: −0.31, −0.07], and dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid (20:3n6): β:−0.16; 95% CI: −0.21, −0.11)], whereas 3 showed increases [heptadecanoic acid (17:0): β: 0.17 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.22), cis-vaccenic acid (18:1n7): β: 0.06 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.10), and arachidonic acid (20:4n6): β: 0.10 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.13)].

Conclusions

Our study identified 8 FAs with unique patterns of change before and after GDM diagnosis that differed significantly between women with and without GDM. Our findings may shed light on the role of FA metabolism in the pathophysiology and disease management and progression of GDM.

Clinical Trial Registry

NCT00912132
Circulating Cell-Free DNA Yield and Circulating-Tumor DNA Quantity from Liquid Biopsies of 12 139 Cancer Patients
Authors: Huang Richard S P , Xiao Jinpeng , Pavlick Dean C , Guo Cui , Yang Lei , Jin Dexter X , Fendler Bernard , Severson Eric , Killian Jonathan Keith , Hiemenz Matthew , Duncan Daniel , Lin Douglas I , Dennis Lucas , Aiyer Aparna , Gjoerup Ole , Oxnard Geoff , Venstrom Jeffrey , Elvin Julia , Ramkissoon Shakti H , Ross Jeffrey S
Published: August 2021

Background

The amounts of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) present in peripheral blood liquid biopsies can vary due to preanalytic/analytic variables. In this study, we examined the impact of patient age, sex, stage, and tumor type on cfDNA yield, ctDNA fraction, and estimated ctDNA quantity from a large cohort of clinical liquid biopsy samples.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 12 139 consecutive samples received for liquid biopsy (FoundationOne® Liquid) clinical testing.

Results

Significant differences in both cfDNA yield and estimated ctDNA quantity were observed based on the underlying tumor type that initiated the liquid biopsy analysis and the stage of the patient (P < 0.001). In addition, significant differences in ctDNA quantity were present based in both the patient age and sex (P < 0.001). Importantly, we saw a significantly higher success rate of issuing a clinically useful report in patients with higher levels of cfDNA yield and ctDNA quantity (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this study, we show that ctDNA quantity varied significantly based on patient age, sex, stage, and tumor type, which could offer an explanation as to why certain liquid biopsy specimens are more likely to fail sequencing or provide clinically meaningful results. In addition, this could affect future clinical decisions on the blood sample volumes required to allow successful liquid biopsy testing.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata Sieb. et Zucc.) reveals conserved chromosomal segments in woody rosids
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Nishio Sogo , Terakami Shingo , Botta Roberto , Marinoni Daniela Torello , Isobe Sachiko
Published: August 2021

Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata Sieb. et Zucc.), unlike other Castanea species, is resistant to most diseases and wasps. However, genomic data of Japanese chestnut that could be used to determine its biotic stress resistance mechanisms have not been reported to date. In this study, we employed long-read sequencing and genetic mapping to generate genome sequences of Japanese chestnut at the chromosome level. Long reads (47.7 Gb; 71.6× genome coverage) were assembled into 781 contigs, with a total length of 721.2 Mb and a contig N50 length of 1.6 Mb. Genome sequences were anchored to the chestnut genetic map, comprising 14,973 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and covering 1,807.8 cM map distance, to establish a chromosome-level genome assembly (683.8 Mb), with 69,980 potential protein-encoding genes and 425.5 Mb repetitive sequences. Furthermore, comparative genome structure analysis revealed that Japanese chestnut shares conserved chromosomal segments with woody plants, but not with herbaceous plants, of rosids. Overall, the genome sequence data of Japanese chestnut generated in this study is expected to enhance not only its genetics and genomics but also the evolutionary genomics of woody rosids.
Helmet continuous positive airway pressure vs. high flow nasal cannula oxygen in acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Osman Adi , Via Gabriele , Sallehuddin Roslanuddin Mohd , Ahmad Azma Haryaty , Fei Sow Kai , Azil Azlizawati , Mojoli Francesco , Fong Chan Pei , Tavazzi Guido
Published: August 2021

Aims 

Non-invasive ventilation represents an established treatment for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPO) although no data regarding the best ventilatory strategy are available. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of helmet CPAP (hCPAP) and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in the early treatment of ACPO.

Methods and results 

Single-centre randomized controlled trial of patients admitted to the emergency department due to ACPO with hypoxemia and dyspnoea on face mask oxygen therapy. Patients were randomly assigned with a 1:1 ratio to receive hCPAP or HFNC and FiO2 set to achieve an arterial oxygen saturation >94%. The primary outcome was a reduction in respiratory rate; secondary outcomes included changes in heart rate, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, Heart rate, Acidosis, Consciousness, Oxygenation, and Respiratory rate (HACOR) score, Dyspnoea Scale, and intubation rate. Data were collected before hCPAP/HFNC placement and after 1 h of treatment. Amongst 188 patients randomized, hCPAP was more effective than HFNC in reducing respiratory rate [−12 (95% CI; 11–13) vs. −9 (95% CI; 8–10), P < 0.001] and was associated with greater heart rate reduction [−20 (95% CI; 17–23) vs. −15 (95% CI; 12–18), P = 0.042], P/F ratio improvement [+149 (95% CI; 135–163) vs. +120 (95% CI; 107–132), P = 0.003] as well as in HACOR scores [6 (0–12) vs. 4 (2–9), P < 0.001] and Dyspnoea Scale [4 (1–7) vs. 3.5 (1–6), P = 0.003]. No differences in intubation rate were noted (P = 0.321).

Conclusion 

Amongst patients with ACPO, hCPAP resulted in a greater short-term improvement in respiratory and hemodynamic parameters as compared with HFNC.

Trial registration 

Clinical trial submission: NMRR-17-1839-36966 (IIR). Registry name: Medical Research and Ethics Committee of Malaysia Ministry of Health. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04005092. URL registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04005092.
Climate variability, innovation and firm performance: evidence from the European agricultural sector
Authors: Auci Sabrina , Barbieri Nicolò , Coromaldi Manuela , Michetti Melania
Published: August 2021

It is generally accepted that adaptation to climate variability requires a technological advancement strategy. However, the innovation process has received little explicit consideration in this framework. We employ a panel endogenous switching regression model to explore whether and to what extent climate variability affects firm performance through the ability to induce the development of adaptation innovations in key resource-based sectors in Europe during the period 2007–2017. Our findings confirm that the knowledge generation process at the heart of climate change adaptation technologies enhances firm performance, especially for firms in the aquaculture and fishing sub-sectors in northern European countries.
Screening and discrimination of optimal prognostic genes for pancreatic cancer based on a prognostic prediction model
Authors: Chen Zhiqin , Song Haifei , Zeng Xiaochen , Quan Ming , Gao Yong
Published: August 2021

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor because patients are usually asymptomatic in the early stage and the early diagnostic rate is low. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify potential prognosis-related genes in pancreatic cancer to improve diagnosis and the outcome of patients. The mRNA expression profile data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and GSE79668, GSE62452, and GSE28735 datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus were downloaded. The prognosis-relevant genes and clinical factors were analyzed using Cox regression analysis and the optimal gene sets were screened using the Cox proportional model. Next, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between risk grouping and patient prognosis. Finally, an optimal gene-based prognosis prediction model was constructed and validated using a test dataset to discriminate the model accuracy and reliability. The results showed that 325 expression variable genes were identified, and 48 prognosis-relevant genes and three clinical factors, including lymph node stage (pathologic N), new tumor, and targeted molecular therapy were preliminarily obtained. In addition, a gene set containing 16 optimal genes was identified and included FABP6, MAL, KIF19, and REG4, which were significantly associated with the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, a prognosis prediction model was constructed and validated to be relatively accurate and reliable. In conclusion, a gene set consisting of 16 prognosis-related genes was identified and a prognosis prediction model was constructed, which is expected to be applicable in the clinical diagnosis and treatment guidance of pancreatic cancer in the future.
Proteoglycan 4 (lubricin) is a highly sialylated glycoprotein associated with cardiac valve damage in animal models of infective endocarditis
Authors: Solakyildirim Kemal , Li Yi , Bayer Arnold S , Sullam Paul M , Xiong Yan Q , Lebrilla Carlito B , Bensing Barbara A
Published: August 2021

Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are primary colonizers of tooth surfaces and are generally associated with oral health, but can also cause infective endocarditis (IE). These species express “Siglec-like” adhesins that bind sialylated glycans on host glycoproteins, which can aid the formation of infected platelet–fibrin thrombi (vegetations) on cardiac valve surfaces. We previously determined that the ability of S. gordonii to bind sialyl T-antigen (sTa) increased pathogenicity, relative to recognition of sialylated core 2 O-glycan structures, in an animal model of IE. However, it is unclear when and where the sTa structure is displayed, and which sTa-modified host factors promote valve colonization. In this study, we identified sialylated glycoproteins in the aortic valve vegetations and plasma of rat and rabbit models of this disease. Glycoproteins that display sTa vs. core 2 O-glycan structures were identified by using recombinant forms of the streptococcal Siglec-like adhesins for lectin blotting and affinity capture, and the O-linked glycans were profiled by mass spectrometry. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), also known as lubricin, was a major carrier of sTa in the infected vegetations. Moreover, plasma PRG4 levels were significantly higher in animals with damaged or infected valves, as compared with healthy animals. The combined results demonstrate that, in addition to platelet GPIbα, PRG4 is a highly sialylated mucin-like glycoprotein found in aortic valve vegetations and may contribute to the persistence of oral streptococci in this protected endovascular niche. Moreover, plasma PRG4 could serve as a biomarker for endocardial injury and infection.
Trehalose-deficient Acinetobacter baumannii exhibits reduced virulence by losing capsular polysaccharide and altering membrane integrity
Authors: Crippen Clay S , Glushka John , Vinogradov Evgeny , Szymanski Christine M
Published: August 2021

Acinetobacter baumannii has become a leading cause of bacterial nosocomial infections, in part, due to its ability to resist desiccation, disinfection and antibiotics. Several factors contribute to the tenacity and virulence of this pathogen, including production of a broad range of surface glycoconjugates, secretory systems and efflux pumps. We became interested in examining the importance of trehalose in A. baumannii after comparing intact bacterial cells by high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance and by noting high levels of this disaccharide, obscuring all other resonances in the spectrum. Since this was observed under normal growth conditions, we speculated that trehalose must serve additional functions beyond osmolyte homeostasis. Using the virulent isolate A. baumannii AB5075 and mutants in the trehalose synthesis pathway, osmoregulatory trehalose synthesis proteins A and B (△otsA and △otsB), we found that the trehalose-deficient △otsA showed increased sensitivity to desiccation, colistin, serum complement and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, while trehalose-6-phosphate producing △otsB behaved similar to the wild-type. The △otsA mutant also demonstrated increased membrane permeability and loss of capsular polysaccharide. These findings demonstrate that trehalose deficiency leads to loss of virulence in A. baumannii AB5075.
Wave Asymptotics for Waveguides and Manifolds with Infinite Cylindrical Ends
Authors: Christiansen T J , Datchev K
Published: August 2021

We describe wave decay rates associated to embedded resonances and spectral thresholds for waveguides and manifolds with infinite cylindrical ends. We show that if the cut-off resolvent is polynomially bounded at high energies, as is the case in certain favorable geometries, then there is an associated asymptotic expansion, up to a $O(t^{-k_0})$ remainder, of solutions of the wave equation on compact sets as $t \to \infty $. In the most general such case we have $k_0=1$, and under an additional assumption on the infinite ends we have $k_0 = \infty $. If we localize the solutions to the wave equation in frequency as well as in space, then our results hold for quite general waveguides and manifolds with infinite cylindrical ends. To treat problems with and without boundary in a unified way, we introduce a black box framework analogous to the Euclidean one of Sjöstrand and Zworski. We study the resolvent, generalized eigenfunctions, spectral measure, and spectral thresholds in this framework, providing a new approach to some mostly well-known results in the scattering theory of manifolds with cylindrical ends.
Albanese Maps and Fundamental Groups of Varieties With Many Rational Points Over Function Fields
Authors: Javanpeykar Ariyan , Rousseau Erwan
Published: August 2021

We investigate properties of the Albanese map and the fundamental group of a complex projective variety with many rational points over some function field and prove that every linear quotient of the fundamental group of such a variety is virtually abelian, as well as that its Albanese map is surjective, has connected fibres, and has no multiple fibres in codimension one.
Population pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in maternal and umbilical cord plasma, and simulated exposure in term neonates
Authors: Elkayal Omar , Allegaert Karel , Spriet Isabel , Smits Anne , Seghaye Marie-Christine , Charlier Corinne , Dreesen Erwin
Published: August 2021

Background

Intra-partum cefazolin is used to prevent group B Streptococcus (GBS) vertical transmission in mothers allergic to penicillin without a history of anaphylaxis.

Objectives

To investigate the maternal cefazolin dose–exposure relationship and subsequent maternal and neonatal target attainment at delivery.

Methods

Data were obtained from 24 healthy, GBS-colonized pregnant women (20–41 years), undergoing vaginal delivery (gestational age ≥37 weeks). During labour, all women received a 2 g cefazolin IV infusion. Eight hours later, eight women received another 1 g in the event of delayed (>8 h) delivery. Next to maternal plasma concentrations (up to 10 per dosing interval, until delivery), venous and arterial umbilical cord concentrations were determined at delivery. Target attainment in maternal/neonatal plasma was set at 1 mg/L for 60% of the dosing interval (unbound cefazolin, worst-case clinical breakpoint). A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model was built (NONMEM 7.4). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01295606.

Results

At delivery, maternal blood and arterial umbilical cord unbound cefazolin concentrations were >1 mg/L in 23/24 (95.8%) and 11/12 (91.7%), respectively. The popPK of cefazolin in pregnant women was described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. Two additional compartments described the venous and arterial umbilical cord concentration data. Cefazolin target attainment was adequate in the studied cohort, where delivery occurred no later than 6.5 h after either the first or the second dose. PopPK simulations showed adequate maternal and umbilical cord exposure for 12 h following the first dose.

Conclusions

PopPK simulations showed that standard pre-delivery maternal cefazolin dosing provided adequate target attainment up to the time of delivery.
Comparative Analyses of Three Point-of-Care Urine Drug Test Devices’ Performance Characteristics for Use in Ambulatory Clinic Settings
Authors: Waggoner Derek C , Delaney Sarah R , Korpi-Steiner Nichole L
Published: August 2021

Background

Urine drug testing (UDT) is a standard practice used for monitoring controlled and illicit substances in ambulatory care patients. Point-of-care (POC) UDTs are useful tools that allow for drug identification within minutes, providing rapid and objective diagnostic assistance for clinicians. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of 3 different POC UDT devices compared to reference methods.

Methods

A total of 106 residual urine specimens were collected to evaluate the 3 POC UDT devices: the Profile®-V MEDTOX Scan® drugs of abuse test, Quidel Triage® TOX Drug screen, and Quidel Triage Rapid OXY-BUP-MDMA panel. Device performance was assessed by their ability to identify drug classes/compounds compared to manufacturer and reference method (mass spectrometry) cutoffs.

Results

The results from quantitative mass spectrometry showed that 77% (84/106) of the samples were positive for one or more drugs. Each device had variable performance across each drug class. Overall, the specificity of the Profile-V MEDTOX Scan test was 90.1%, while the Quidel Triage TOX Drug Screen and Rapid OXY-BUP-MDMA devices had specificities of 89.0% and 50.0% using their respective manufacturer-stated cutoffs. Overall sensitivity was determined to be 98.6%, 97.0%, and 100% for the Profile-V MEDTOX Scan, Quidel Triage TOX Drug Screen, and Rapid OXY-BUP-MDMA, respectively.

Conclusions

Of the 3 POC UDT devices evaluated, the Profile-V MEDTOX Scan demonstrated the best overall sensitivity and specificity compared to reference methods. False positive and negative results are possible with UDTs, ultimately the best device may depend on patient population and drugs of interest.
Robust K-means algorithm with weighted window for seismic facies analysis
Authors: Song Chengyun , Li Lin , Li Lingxuan , Li Kunhong
Published: August 2021

Seismic facies analysis can generate a map to describe the spatial distribution characteristics of reservoirs, and therefore plays a critical role in seismic interpretation. To analyse the characteristics of the horizon of interest, it is usually necessary to extract seismic waveforms along the target horizon using a selected time window. The inaccuracy of horizon interpretation often produces some inconsistent phases and leads to inaccurate classification. Therefore, the developed adaptive phase K-means algorithm proposed a sliding time window to extract seismic waveforms. However, setting the maximum offset of the sliding window is difficult in a real data application. A value that is too large may cause the cross-layer problem, whereas a value that is too small reduces the flexibility of the algorithm. To address this disadvantage, this paper proposes a robust K-means (R-K-means) algorithm with a Gaussian-weighted sliding window for seismic waveform classification. The used weights punish those windows distant from the interpretation horizon in the objective function, consequently producing a smaller range of horizon adjustments even when using relatively large maximum offsets and benefitting the generation of stable and reliable seismic facies maps. The application of real seismic data from the F3 block proves the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Morphological components detection for super-depth-of-field bio-micrograph based on deep learning
Authors: Du Xiaohui , Wang Xiangzhou , Xu Fan , Zhang Jing , Huo Yibo , Ni Guangmin , Hao Ruqian , Liu Juanxiu , Liu Lin
Published: August 2021

Accompanied with the clinical routine examination demand increase sharply, the efficiency and accuracy are the first priority. However, automatic classification and localization of cells in microscopic images in super depth of Field (SDoF) system remains great challenges. In this paper, we advance an object detection algorithm for cells in the SDoF micrograph based on Retinanet model. Compared with the current mainstream algorithm, the mean average precision (mAP) index is significantly improved. In the experiment of leucorrhea samples and fecal samples, mAP indexes are 83.1% and 88.1%, respectively, with an average increase of 10%. The object detection model proposed in this paper can be applied to feces and leucorrhea detection equipment, and significantly improve the detection efficiency and accuracy.
Masses and compositions of three small planets orbiting the nearby M dwarf L231-32 (TOI-270) and the M dwarf radius valley
Authors: Van Eylen V , Astudillo-Defru N , Bonfils X , Livingston J , Hirano T , Luque R , Lam K W F , Justesen A B , Winn J N , Gandolfi D , Nowak G , Palle E , Albrecht S , Dai F , Estrada B Campos , Owen J E , Foreman-Mackey D , Fridlund M , Korth J , Mathur S , Forveille T , Mikal-Evans T , Osborne H L M , Ho C S K , Almenara J M , Artigau E , Barragán O , Barros S C C , Bouchy F , Cabrera J , Caldwell D A , Charbonneau D , Chaturvedi P , Cochran W D , Csizmadia S , Damasso M , Delfosse X , De Medeiros J R , Díaz R F , Doyon R , Esposito M , Fűrész G , Figueira P , Georgieva I , Goffo E , Grziwa S , Guenther E , Hatzes A P , Jenkins J M , Kabath P , Knudstrup E , Latham D W , Lavie B , Lovis C , Mennickent R E , Mullally S E , Murgas F , Narita N , Pepe F A , Persson C M , Redfield S , Ricker G R , Santos N C , Seager S , Serrano L M , Smith A M S , Mascareño A Suárez , Subjak J , Twicken J D , Udry S , Vanderspek R , Osorio M R Zapatero
Published: August 2021

We report on precise Doppler measurements of L231-32 (TOI-270), a nearby M dwarf (d = 22 pc, M⋆ = 0.39 M⊙, R⋆ = 0.38 R⊙), which hosts three transiting planets that were recently discovered using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The three planets are 1.2, 2.4, and 2.1 times the size of Earth and have orbital periods of 3.4, 5.7, and 11.4 days. We obtained 29 high-resolution optical spectra with the newly commissioned Echelle Spectrograph for Rocky Exoplanet and Stable Spectroscopic Observations (ESPRESSO) and 58 spectra using the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS). From these observations, we find the masses of the planets to be 1.58 ± 0.26, 6.15 ± 0.37, and 4.78 ± 0.43 M⊕, respectively. The combination of radius and mass measurements suggests that the innermost planet has a rocky composition similar to that of Earth, while the outer two planets have lower densities. Thus, the inner planet and the outer planets are on opposite sides of the ‘radius valley’ — a region in the radius-period diagram with relatively few members, which has been interpreted as a consequence of atmospheric photo-evaporation. We place these findings into the context of other small close-in planets orbiting M dwarf stars, and use support vector machines to determine the location and slope of the M dwarf (Teff < 4000 K) radius valley as a function of orbital period. We compare the location of the M dwarf radius valley to the radius valley observed for FGK stars, and find that its location is a good match to photo-evaporation and core-powered mass loss models. Finally, we show that planets below the M dwarf radius valley have compositions consistent with stripped rocky cores, whereas most planets above have a lower density consistent with the presence of a H-He atmosphere.
The origins of low-luminosity supernovae: the case of SN 2016bkv
Authors: Deckers Maxime , Groh Jose H , Boian Ioana , Farrell Eoin J
Published: August 2021

We investigate the low-luminosity supernova SN 2016bkv and its peculiar early-time interaction. For that, we compute radiative transfer models using the cmfgen code. Because SN 2016bkv shows signs of interaction with material expelled by its progenitor, it offers a great opportunity to constrain the uncertain evolutionary channels leading to low-luminosity supernovae. Our models indicate that the progenitor had a mass-loss rate of (6.0 ± 2.0) × 10−4$\mathit {\rm M}_{\odot }\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$(assuming a velocity of 150 ${\rm km\, s^{-1}}$). The surface abundances of the progenitor are consistent with solar contents of He and CNO. If SN 2016bkv’s progenitor evolved as a single star, it was an odd red supergiant that did not undergo the expected dredge up for some reason. We propose that the progenitor more likely evolved through binary interaction. One possibility is that the primary star accreted unprocessed material from a companion and avoided further rotational and convective mixing until the SN explosion. Another possibility is a merger with a lower mass star, with the primary remaining with low N abundance until core collapse. Given the available merger models, we can only put a loose constraint on the pre-explosion mass around 10–20 $\mathit {\rm M}_{\odot }$, with lower values being favoured based on previous observational constraints from the nebular phase.
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) regulates DNA replication origin firing and interacts with Rif1 in Xenopus
Authors: Ciardo Diletta , Haccard Olivier , Narassimprakash Hemalatha , Cornu David , Guerrera Ida Chiara , Goldar Arach , Marheineke Kathrin
Published: August 2021

The activation of eukaryotic DNA replication origins needs to be strictly controlled at multiple steps in order to faithfully duplicate the genome and to maintain its stability. How the checkpoint recovery and adaptation protein Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) regulates the firing of replication origins during non-challenged S phase remained an open question. Using DNA fiber analysis, we show that immunodepletion of Plk1 in the Xenopus in vitro system decreases replication fork density and initiation frequency. Numerical analyses suggest that Plk1 reduces the overall probability and synchrony of origin firing. We used quantitative chromatin proteomics and co-immunoprecipitations to demonstrate that Plk1 interacts with firing factors MTBP/Treslin/TopBP1 as well as with Rif1, a known regulator of replication timing. Phosphopeptide analysis by LC/MS/MS shows that the C-terminal domain of Rif1, which is necessary for its repressive action on origins through protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), can be phosphorylated in vitro by Plk1 on S2058 in its PP1 binding site. The phosphomimetic S2058D mutant interrupts the Rif1-PP1 interaction and modulates DNA replication. Collectively, our study provides molecular insights into how Plk1 regulates the spatio-temporal replication program and suggests that Plk1 controls origin activation at the level of large chromatin domains in vertebrates.
An emerging picture of FANCJ’s role in G4 resolution to facilitate DNA replication
Authors: Brosh Robert M , Wu Yuliang
Published: August 2021

A well-accepted hallmark of cancer is genomic instability, which drives tumorigenesis. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular defects that destabilize chromosomal integrity is paramount to cancer diagnosis, treatment and cure. DNA repair and the replication stress response are overarching paradigms for maintenance of genomic stability, but the devil is in the details. ATP-dependent helicases serve to unwind DNA so it is replicated, transcribed, recombined and repaired efficiently through coordination with other nucleic acid binding and metabolizing proteins. Alternatively folded DNA structures deviating from the conventional anti-parallel double helix pose serious challenges to normal genomic transactions. Accumulating evidence suggests that G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is problematic for replication. Although there are multiple human DNA helicases that can resolve G4 in vitro, it is debated which helicases are truly important to resolve such structures in vivo. Recent advances have begun to elucidate the principal helicase actors, particularly in cellular DNA replication. FANCJ, a DNA helicase implicated in cancer and the chromosomal instability disorder Fanconi Anemia, takes center stage in G4 resolution to allow smooth DNA replication. We will discuss FANCJ’s role with its protein partner RPA to remove G4 obstacles during DNA synthesis, highlighting very recent advances and implications for cancer therapy.
Metal-organic frameworks bonded with metal N-heterocyclic carbenes for efficient catalysis
Authors: He Chang , Liang Jun , Zou Yu-Huang , Yi Jun-Dong , Huang Yuan-Biao , Cao Rong
Published: August 2021

Metal N-heterocyclic carbenes (M-NHCs) on the pore walls of a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) can be used as active sites for efficient organic catalysis. Traditional approaches that need strong alkaline reagents or insoluble Ag2O are not, however, suitable for the incorporation of NHCs on the backbones of MOFs because such reagents could destroy their frameworks or result in low reactivity. Accordingly, development of facile strategies toward functional MOFs with covalently bound M-NHCs for catalysis is needed. Herein, we describe the development of a general and facile approach to preparing MOFs with covalently linked active M-NHC (M = Pd, Ir) single-site catalysts by using a soluble Ag salt AgOC(CF3)3 as the source and subsequent transmetalation. The well-defined M-NHC-MOF (M = Pd, Ir) catalysts obtained in this way have shown excellent catalytic activity and stability in Suzuki reactions and hydrogen transfer reactions. This provides a general and facile strategy for anchoring functional M-NHC single-site catalysts onto functionalized MOFs for different reactions.
Ten Years of Diphtheria Toxin Testing and Toxigenic Cutaneous Diphtheria Investigations in Alberta, Canada: A Highly Vaccinated Population
Authors: Marshall Natalie C , Baxi Maulik , MacDonald Clayton , Jacobs Angela , Sikora Christopher A , Tyrrell Gregory J
Published: August 2021

Background

Respiratory diphtheria is a potentially fatal toxin-mediated disease that is rare among highly vaccinated populations. Cutaneous infections with toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae are most commonly linked to travel to an endemic region. Corynebacterium ulcerans has emerged as a predominant, locally acquired cause of respiratory and cutaneous diphtheria in Western Europe. Recently, public health agencies from several highly vaccinated regions expanded their guidelines to investigate toxigenic cutaneous diphtheria regardless of travel history. With relatively unknown epidemiology of C diphtheriae in North America, and increasing diphtheria toxin testing over the last decade, this change could lead to substantial increases in public health investigations with unclear benefits.

Methods

This study examined the diagnostic and public health benefits of toxigenic cutaneous diphtheria investigations in the highly vaccinated population of Alberta, Canada, where travel history is not required for cutaneous diphtheria investigations. All C diphtheriae isolates collected between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed for specimen source, toxigenicity, biovar, and associated clinical and public health data.

Results

Of these, 5% of C diphtheriae isolates were toxigenic and 82% were isolated from cutaneous sites. Three cases of toxigenic cutaneous disease were identified, none from patients with recent travel. Contact tracing identified asymptomatic C diphtheriae colonization among 0%–26% of close contacts, with identical isolate profiles among colonized contacts and primary cases.

Conclusions

Cutaneous diphtheria in nonendemic regions warrants public health investigation regardless of travel history and overall vaccination levels. This study underscores the importance of including C ulcerans in public health guidelines to assess the overall prevalence and epidemiology of toxigenic corynebacteria.
Shewing How Wrath Began
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

When Louis Trevelyan was twenty–four years old, he had all the world before him where to choose; and, among other things, he chose to go to the Mandarin Islands,* and there fell in love with Emily Rowley, the daughter of Sir Marmaduke,...
Shewing How the Quarrel Progressed Again
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

ON one Sunday morning, when the month of May was nearly over, Hugh Stanbury met Colonel Osborne in Curzon Street, not many yards from Trevelyan’s door. Colonel Osborne had just come from the house, and Stanbury was going to it. Hugh had not spoken to...
The Clock House at Nuncombe Putney
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

IT was not till a fortnight had passed after the transaction recorded in the last chapter, that Mrs. Trevelyan and Nora Rowley first heard the proposition that they should go to live at Nuncombe Putney. From bad to worse the quarrel between the...
What They Said About it in the Close
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

WHEN Miss Stanbury, in the Close at Exeter, was first told of the arrangement that had been made at Nuncombe Putney, she said some very hard words as to the thing that had been done. She was quite sure that Mrs. Trevelyan was no better...
The Stanbury Correspondence
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

HALF an hour after the proper time, when the others had finished their tea and bread and butter, Nora Rowley came down among them pale as a ghost. Her sister had gone to her while she was dressing, but she had declared that she would...
Shewing how Colonel Osborne Went to Cockchaffington
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

TOGETHER with Miss Stanbury’s first letter to her sister-in-law a letter had also been delivered to Mrs. Trevelyan. Nora Rowley, as her sister had left the room with this in her hand, had expressed her opinion that it had come from Trevelyan; but it had...
Mr. Trevelyan’s Letter to his Wife
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

TREVELYAN, when he was left alone, sat for above a couple of hours contemplating the misery of his position, and endeavouring to teach himself by thinking what ought to be his future conduct. It never occurred to him during these thoughts that it would be...