bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eradication of hepatitis C virus with direct‐acting antivirals improves glycemic control in diabetes: A multicenter study
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Nakahara Takashi , Kogiso Tomomi , Imajo Kento , Kessoku Takaomi , Kawaguchi Takumi , Ide Tatsuya , Kawanaka Miwa , Hyogo Hideyuki , Fujii Hideki , Ono Masafumi , Kamada Yoshihiro , Sumida Yoshio , Anzai Keizo , Shimizu Masahito , Torimura Takuji , Nakajima Atsushi , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Eguchi Yuichiro ,   Japan Study Group of NAFLD (JSG‐NAFLD)
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes insulin resistance and diabetes as extrahepatic manifestations. We aimed to analyze the effect of HCV eradication by direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents on glucose tolerance.

Methods

The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 272 patients with HCV infection who achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) was analyzed at baseline before DAA treatment, at the end of DAA therapy (ETR), and 12 weeks after therapy (Post12W).

Results

There were no significant differences in HbA1c between baseline, ETR, and Post12W in the overall patients. When the data were stratified according to the presence or absence of diabetes, median HbA1c significantly decreased from baseline (7.2%) to ETR (6.8%) and Post12W (6.8%) in the 55 patients with diabetes, whereas there were no significant changes in the patients without diabetes. Basal HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and age were independently associated with the changes in HbA1c according to multivariate analysis, and the predictive formula for changes in HbA1c was found to be ΔHbA1c (%) = 1.449–0.4* HbA1c (%) + 0.012 × Age (year). There were no changes in body mass in diabetic or nondiabetic patients. In diabetic patients taking medication, 63.4% of patients needed less medication.

Conclusions

Eradication of HCV improves glycemic control, indicated by a 0.4% decrease in HbA1c in diabetes.
A validated UHPLC‐MS/MS method for determination of TQ‐B3203 in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumor
Authors: Yang Fen , Zhou Jun , Bo Yunhai , Yin Han , Liu Xiao Hong , Li Jian
Published: December 2020

TQ‐B3203 is a new topoisomerase I inhibitor derived from camptothecin. In this paper, a simple and reliable ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for determination of TQ‐B3203 in human plasma with TQ‐B3203‐d8 used as the internal standard. Bis(p‐nitrophenyl)phosphate (2 mol/L) was added to ensure the stability of TQ‐B3203 in human plasma. Plasma samples were protein precipitated by methanol and processed samples were chromatographed on an AQUITY BEH C8 column (50 × 2.1 mm, id 1.7 μm) with acetonitrile and water (0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase. The calibration curves showed good linearity (R≥0.99) over the concentration range of 0.5–500 ng/mL. Within‐ and between‐run precision were ≤5.8% and the accuracy was within the range of −8.3 to 14.0%. This method was further successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of TQ‐B3203 in Chinese advanced solid cancer patients after administration of TQ‐B3203 liposome injection.
Liberatory Media Literacy as Protective Against Posttraumatic Stress for Emerging Adults of Color
Authors: Volpe Vanessa V. , Willis Henry A. , Joseph Patrece , Tynes Brendesha M.
Published: December 2020

Emerging adults (i.e., age 18–25 years) of color in the United States are exposed to race/ethnicity‐related traumatic events in online settings. Although an emerging literature documents the mental health consequences of such online exposures among adolescents, the association between these exposures and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains understudied in emerging adults. Furthermore, little is known about strengths‐based factors that may be protective for emerging adults of color faced with such exposures. The current study aimed to fill these gaps by examining the potential of liberatory media literacy (i.e., the ability to critically read, evaluate, support, and create media and technology that represents people of color in their full humanity) to ameliorate the association between exposure to traumatic events online and PTSD symptoms. Emerging adults of color (N = 325, Mage = 22.24, 56.0% male) were recruited to complete a self‐report online survey that assessed exposure to race/ethnicity‐related traumatic events in online settings, liberatory media literacy, and PTSD symptoms. The results of moderation analysis indicated that increased exposure to traumatic events online was associated with higher PTSD symptoms, β = .22, and that the inclusive media and technology component of liberatory media literacy was protective in this association, β = .19. However, these effects were small, f2 = .22–.23. The potential of liberatory media literacy as a strengths‐based asset for emerging adults of color are discussed. Increasing inclusive media and technology skills may be an important target for intervention.
A portable underway flow‐through sampler for rapid survey of contaminated river plumes in coastal waters
Authors: Gall Mark , Davies‐Colley Rob
Published: December 2020

Land‐sourced contaminants conveyed by rivers, particularly during flood flows, are a major source of coastal water degradation. Typically, muddy and contaminated river flood plumes are episodic and transient and therefore difficult to survey and sample. We developed a Portable Underway Flow‐Through Sampler for rapid response and survey of river flood events (PUFTS‐rapid). The sampler is highly portable, compact, quick to setup, and easy to use in small boats, for spatial mapping of surface waters during fast transects (up to 25 knots). Key components of the system include: a 12 V self‐priming pump that pulls in ambient surface water; a vortex unit to remove air bubbles, and a water quality sonde operated with a flow‐cell attachment. Sonde sensors include conductivity (salinity), temperature, turbidity, and fluorescence of dissolved organic matter. GPS position is logged, together with water quality data, by the sonde hand‐held unit. Water samples are obtained periodically from the continuous flow—for laboratory calibration and validation of sonde sensors as well as discrete analyses of contaminants. We illustrate sampler capability with survey of a muddy, contaminated flood plume from the Hutt River dispersing into Wellington Harbor, New Zealand. Although capture of turbid plumes from river floods is probably the most demanding application of PUFTS‐rapid, the sampler is expected to be valuable more broadly for coastal water quality applications, including survey of plumes from port dredging, “sea‐truthing” of remote sensing imagery, and calibration and validation of hydrodynamic models.
TH17/IL23 cytokine gene polymorphisms in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Tabatabaei‐Panah Pardis‐Sadat , Moravvej Hamideh , Aghaei Sahel , Akbari Maryam , Rajabi Sakineh , Kia Atena , Ebrahimi Elaheh , Sadaf Zahra , Atoon Alireza , Behravesh Nasim , Ludwig Ralf J. , Akbarzadeh Reza
Published: December 2020

Background

TH17/IL‐23 immune axis is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune blistering disease, characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against the components of the dermal‐epidermal junction. Animal studies and characterization of patient samples point toward a contribution of TH17 cells in BP pathogenesis. However, genetic polymorphisms in the genes of TH17/IL‐23 cytokines have not yet been well investigated in BP.

Methods

Detection of polymorphisms in IL‐17A (rs2275913 and rs3819025), IL‐17F (rs2397084 and rs763780), IL‐17RA (rs2229151), and IL‐23R (rs2201841, rs7530511, rs11209026, and rs10889677) genes were performed following the collection of blood samples and DNA extraction from BP patients and controls. Gene expression of IL‐23R was determined by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis.

Results

The prevalence of IL‐23R rs7530511 genotypes and alleles, as well as IL‐23R rs2201841 alleles, is significantly different between the BP patients and controls. While the minor C‐allele of IL‐23R rs7530511 is highly present in the patients, the G‐allele distribution of IL‐23R rs2201841 is significantly more prevalent in the control individuals compared to the BP patients. Genotypes and alleles of other SNPs in IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐17RA were similarly distributed in patients and controls.

Conclusions

No alteration was found in the gene expression between wild and polymorphic genotypes of IL‐23R (rs2201841 and rs7530511) variations, indicating they do not contribute to altering the levels of gene expression in blood. In summary, our data show that the alleles of two SNPs in IL‐23R rs2201841 and rs7530511 are associated with BP.
Improving clinical disease subtyping and future events prediction through a chest CT‐based deep learning approach
Authors: Singla Sumedha , Gong Mingming , Riley Craig , Sciurba Frank , Batmanghelich Kayhan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a deep learning (DL) approach to extract rich information from high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We develop a DL‐based model to learn a compact representation of a subject, which is predictive of COPD physiologic severity and other outcomes. Our DL model learned: (a) to extract informative regional image features from HRCT; (b) to adaptively weight these features and form an aggregate patient representation; and finally, (c) to predict several COPD outcomes. The adaptive weights correspond to the regional lung contribution to the disease. We evaluate the model on 10 300 participants from the COPDGene cohort.

Results

Our model was strongly predictive of spirometric obstruction ( =  0.67) and grouped 65.4% of subjects correctly and 89.1% within one stage of their GOLD severity stage. Our model achieved an accuracy of 41.7% and 52.8% in stratifying the population‐based on centrilobular (5‐grade) and paraseptal (3‐grade) emphysema severity score, respectively. For predicting future exacerbation, combining subjects’ representations from our model with their past exacerbation histories achieved an accuracy of 80.8% (area under the ROC curve of 0.73). For all‐cause mortality, in Cox regression analysis, we outperformed the BODE index improving the concordance metric (ours: 0.61 vs BODE: 0.56).

Conclusions

Our model independently predicted spirometric obstruction, emphysema severity, exacerbation risk, and mortality from CT imaging alone. This method has potential applicability in both research and clinical practice.
Unravelling the role of band‐offset landscape on the recombination zone dynamics in perovskite light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Jiang Le , Huang Jincheng , Luo Xi , Luo Zhongming , Zhou Dingjian , Kwok Hoi‐Sing , Xu Ping , Li Guijun
Published: December 2020

In recent years, impressive progress has been made in developing high‐performance perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with efficiencies comparable to those of traditional organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). It is convinced that the position of exciton recombination zone is crucial for the performance of the LEDs, however, the dynamics of the exciton recombination zone in PeLEDs and its influence on the performance of PeLEDs remain unclear. Herein, luminescent quantum‐dots (QDs) sensing layers with different energy band landscape and electric properties are introduced into PeLEDs as probers to investigate the position of recombination zone. Consequently, it is found that the band offset between the perovskite layer and the adjacent layer is vital to the position of recombination zone. Modulating the recombination zone towards the bulk of the emission layer helps to improve the device performance as well as the operational stability.
Structural basis of mutants of PET‐degrading enzyme from Saccharomonospora viridisAHK190 with high activity and thermal stability
Authors: Emori Miho , Numoto Nobutaka , Senga Akane , Bekker Gert‐Jan , Kamiya Narutoshi , Kobayashi Yuma , Ito Nobutoshi , Kawai Fusako , Oda Masayuki
Published: December 2020

The cutinase‐like enzyme from the thermophile Saccharomonospora viridis AHK190, Cut190, is a good candidate to depolymerize polyethylene terephthalate (PET) efficiently. We previously developed a mutant of Cut190 (S226P/R228S), which we designated as Cut190* that has both increased activity and stability and solved its crystal structure. Recently, we showed that mutation of D250C/E296C on one of the Ca2+‐binding sites resulted in a higher thermal stability while retaining its polyesterase activity. In this study, we solved the crystal structures of Cut190* mutants, Q138A/D250C‐E296C/Q123H/N202H, designated as Cut190*SS, and its inactive S176A mutant, Cut190*SS_S176A, at high resolution. The overall structures were similar to those of Cut190* and Cut190*S176A reported previously. As expected, Cys250 and Cys296 were closely located to form a disulfide bond, which would assuredly contribute to increase the stability. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments and 3D Reference Interaction Site Model calculations showed that the metal‐binding properties of the Cut190*SS series were different from those of the Cut190* series. However, our results show that binding of Ca2+ to the weak binding site, site 1, would be retained, enabling Cut190*SS to keep its ability to use Ca2+ to accelerate the conformational change from the closed (inactive) to the open (active) form. While increasing the thermal stability, Cut190*SS could still express its enzymatic function. Even after incubation at 70°C, which corresponds to the glass transition temperature of PET, the enzyme retained its activity well, implying a high applicability for industrial PET depolymerization using Cut190*SS.
Gabapentin reduces painful bladder hypersensitivity in rats with lipopolysaccharide‐induced chronic cystitis
Authors: Yoshizumi Masaru , Watanabe Chizuko , Mizoguchi Hirokazu
Published: December 2020

Although interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition causing bladder pain and urinary symptoms, effective treatments have not been established. The aim of this study was to adapt a chronic cystitis model in rats using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which reflects IC/BPS pathology, and characterize the model's histological and behavioral effects. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of an α2δ subunit ligand, gabapentin (GBP), on bladder hypersensitivity of rats with chronic cystitis. Cystitis models were created by repeated intravesical injections of LPS. In the histological examination, the LPS‐injected group had greater inflammatory response, fibrosis, and abnormally thick re‐epithelialization. In the LPS‐injected group, LPS prompted hyperalgesia in both the lower abdomen and hind paw regions after day 1 of the first injection compared with the saline‐injected controls, without any recovery for 21 days at least. During cystometry, the LPS‐injected group showed bladder hyperactivity at all times. Systemic administration of GBP reduced cystitis‐related pain due to chronic inflammation and reduced the increased frequency of voiding in the LPS‐injected group. These results suggest that repeated intravesical injections of LPS induce long‐lasting bladder inflammation, pain, and overactivity in rats, while GBP is effective in the management of those symptoms in this chronic cystitis model. The current study identifies a relatively simple method to develop an animal model for chronic cystitis and provides evidence that GBP may be an effective treatment option for patients with IC/BPS.
How artificial intelligence may help the Covid‐19 pandemic: Pitfalls and lessons for the future
Authors: Malik Yashpal Singh , Sircar Shubhankar , Bhat Sudipta , Ansari Mohd Ikram , Pande Tripti , Kumar Prashant , Mathapati Basavaraj , Balasubramanian Ganesh , Kaushik Rahul , Natesan Senthilkumar , Ezzikouri Sayeh , El Zowalaty Mohamed E. , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: December 2020

The clinical severity, rapid transmission and human losses due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) have led the World Health Organization to declare it a pandemic. Traditional epidemiological tools are being significantly complemented by recent innovations especially using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. AI‐based model systems could improve pattern recognition of disease spread in populations and predictions of outbreaks in different geographical locations. A variable and a minimal amount of data are available for the signs and symptoms of Covid‐19, allowing a composite of maximum likelihood algorithms to be employed to enhance the accuracy of disease diagnosis and to identify potential drugs. AI‐based forecasting and predictions are expected to complement traditional approaches by helping public health officials to select better response and preparedness measures against Covid‐19 cases. AI‐based approaches have helped address the key issues but a significant impact on the global healthcare industry is yet to be achieved. The capability of AI to address the challenges may make it a key player in the operation of healthcare systems in future. Here, we present an overview of the prospective applications of the AI model systems in healthcare settings during the ongoing Covid‐19 pandemic.
Monitoring ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in British forests using hyperspectral remote sensing
Authors: Chan Aland H. Y. , Barnes Chloe , Swinfield Tom , Coomes David A.
Published: December 2020

Large‐scale dieback of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is posing an immense threat to forest health in Europe, requiring effective monitoring at large scales. In this study, a pipeline was created to find ash trees and classify dieback severity using high‐resolution hyperspectral imagery of individual tree crowns (ITCs). Hyperspectral data were collected in four forest sites near Cambridge, UK, where 422 ITCs were manually delineated and labelled using field‐measurements of species and dieback severity (for ash trees). Four algorithms, namely linear discriminant analysis (LDA), principal components analysis coupled with LDA (PCA‐LDA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and random forest (RF), were used to build classification models for species and dieback severity classification. The effect of dark‐pixel filtering on classification accuracy was evaluated. The best performing models were then coupled with automatic ITC segmentation to map species and ash dieback distribution over 16.8 hectares of woodland. We calculated and partitioned the coefficient of variation (CV) of the reflected ash spectra to find variable wavebands associated with dieback. PLS‐DA and LDA were most accurate for classifying ITC species identifies (overall accuracy >90%), whereas RF was most accurate for classifying ash dieback severity (overall accuracy 77%). Dark pixel filtering further increased the accuracy of species classification (+6%), but not disease classification. The reflectances of narrow blue (415 nm), red‐edge (680 nm) and NIR (760 nm) bands had high CV across disease classes and should be included if multispectral imagery were to be used to monitor ash dieback. The study demonstrates the possibility of using remote sensing to forward epidemiological research by monitoring forest pathogens in landscape scales, which would allow temperate forest managers to control pathogen outbreaks, assess associated impacts and restore affected forests much more effectively.
Multivesicular Vesicles: Preparation and Applications
Authors: Giuliano Camila Betterelli , Cvjetan Nemanja , Ayache Jessica , Walde Peter
Published: December 2020

Multivesicular vesicles, i. e. vesicles containing internal, non‐concentrically arranged smaller vesicles, are artificial, polymolecular compartment systems, which can be prepared from naturally occurring or fully synthetic bilayer‐forming amphiphiles in aqueous solution through various guided assembly procedures. The general concepts for the preparation of such “vesicles‐inside‐vesicles” systems (also called “vesosomes”) are summarized, and the different methods used are compared. Selected applications of multivesicular vesicles in the field of drug delivery, cell‐mimicking model systems, and as versatile compartments for the investigation of confined reactions are discussed.
Everyone has the right to understand: Teaching legal rights to ESL students
Authors: Pavlenko Aneta , Hepford Elizabeth , Tavella Christina , Michalovic Sherri
Published: December 2020

In recent years, English as a second language (ESL) educators have developed a variety of online resources for addressing legal issues. The problem is that the authors’ understanding of laws and police procedures varies greatly, and so does their familiarity with relevant research, the breadth of topical coverage, and the quality of police‐themed units, discussion questions, and lesson plans. The aim of this article is to offer a research‐based approach to the integration of legal topics in ESL curricula. This discussion draws on the authors’ collective experience with public advocacy (Communication of Rights Group, 2015), research on the Miranda rights (Pavlenko, 2008; Pavlenko, Hepford, & Jarvis, 2019), and teaching the Miranda rights and other legal topics to diverse ESL populations, ranging from international college students to middle school pupils.
Zebrafish models of acute leukemias: Current models and future directions
Authors: Molina Brandon , Chavez Jasmine , Grainger Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemias (ALL) are heterogenous diseases encompassing a wide array of genetic mutations with both loss and gain of function phenotypes. Ultimately, these both result in the clonal overgrowth of blast cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and other tissues. As a consequence of this, normal hematopoietic stem cell function is severely hampered. Technologies allowing for the early detection of genetic alterations and understanding of these varied molecular pathologies have helped to advance our treatment regimens toward personalized targeted therapies. In spite of this, both AML and ALL continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in part because molecular therapies for the plethora of genetic abnormalities have not been developed. This underscores the current need for better model systems for therapy development. This article reviews the current zebrafish models of AML and ALL and discusses how novel gene editing tools can be implemented to generate better models of acute leukemias.

This article is categorized under:

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease

Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals
Variational formulation and differential quadrature finite element for freely vibrating strain gradient Kirchhoff plates
Authors: Zhang Bo , Li Heng , Kong Liulin , Zhang Xu , Feng Zhipeng
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we apply the energy variational principle to arrive at the differential equation of motion and all appropriate boundary conditions for strain gradient Kirchhoff micro‐plates. The resulting sixth‐order boundary value problem of free vibration is solved by a thirty‐six‐DOF four‐node differential quadrature plate finite element. The C2‐continuity condition of the deflection is guaranteed by devising a sixth‐order differential quadrature‐ based geometric mapping scheme that can transform the displacement parameters at Gauss‐Lobatto quadrature points into those at element nodes. The total potential energy of a generic micro‐plate element is firstly discretized in terms of nodal parameters. It is then minimized to obtain the formulation of element stiffness and mass matrices. For comparison reasons, a Hermite interpolation‐based strain gradient finite element is provided. With the help of the symbolic computation system Maple, the explicit algebraic relationship between the stiffness (or mass) matrices of two types of elements is derived. Convergence and comparison studies are conducted to show the efficacy of our element in the free vibration analysis of macro/micro‐ plates. Finally, we apply the developed method to study the size‐dependent vibration behavior of micro‐plates with uniform or stepped thickness. Numerical examples reveal that strain gradient effects can change the vibration mode shapes, not the vibration frequencies alone.
Strings in Ramond-Ramond backgrounds from the Neveu-Schwarz-Ramond formalism
Authors: Cho Minjae , Collier Scott , Yin Xi
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We treat RR flux backgrounds of type II string theory in the framework of closed superstring field theory based on the NSR formalism, focusing on two examples: (1) the pp-wave background supported by 5-form flux, and (2) AdS3 × S3 × M4 supported by mixed 3-form fluxes. In both cases, we analyze the classical string field solution perturbatively, and compute the correction to the dispersion relation of string states to quadratic order in the RR flux. In the first example, our result is in a delicate way consistent with that obtained from lightcone quantization of the Green-Schwarz string. In the second example, we will obtain numerically the mass corrections to pulsating type IIB strings in AdS3 × S3 × M4. Our results, valid at finite AdS radius, agree with previously known answers in the semiclassical limit and in the BMN limit respectively.
Possible tics diagnosed as stereotypies in patients with severe autism spectrum disorder: a video-based evaluation
Authors: Termine Cristiano , Grossi Enzo , Anelli Valentina , Derhemi Ledina , Cavanna Andrea E.
Published: December 2020

Background

The association of stereotypies and tics is not rare in children with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The differential diagnosis between stereotypies and tics in this patient population can be difficult; however, it could be clinically relevant because of treatment implications.

Methods

A total of 108 video recordings of repetitive behaviors in young patients with stereotypies in the context of ASD were reviewed by a movement disorders expert and a trainee, in order to assess the prevalence of possible co-morbid tics. The Modified Rush Videotape Rating Scale (MRVS) was used to rate tic frequency and severity.

Results

Out of 27 patients with stereotypies (24 males; mean age 14 years), 18 (67%) reported possible tics. The most frequently observed tics were eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, neck bending, staring, and throat clearing. The mean MRVS score was 5, indicating mild tic severity. The only significant difference between patients with tics and patients without tics was the total number of stereotypies, which was higher in the subgroup of patients without tics (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Expert review of video-recordings of repetitive behaviors in young patients with ASD and stereotypies suggests the possibility of a relatively high rate of co-morbid tics. These findings need to be integrated with a comprehensive clinical assessment focusing on the diagnostic re-evaluation of heterogeneous motor manifestations.
Panayiotopoulos-Syndrom – oder doch nicht?
Authors: Rüegger A. , Ramantani G.
Published: December 2020

Seltene fokal autonome Krampfanfälle sind ein typisches Merkmal des Panayiotopoulos-Syndroms, einer selbstlimitierenden fokalen Epilepsie des Kindesalters. Doch auch bei vermeintlich typischer Semiologie und EEG-Befund kann eine zerebrale Bildgebung die Verdachtsdiagnose auf den Kopf stellen.
The fractal geometry of fitness landscapes at the local optima level
Authors: Thomson Sarah L. , Ochoa Gabriela , Verel Sébastien
Published: December 2020

A local optima network (LON) encodes local optima connectivity in the fitness landscape of a combinatorial optimisation problem. Recently, LONs have been studied for their fractal dimension. Fractal dimension is a complexity index where a non-integer dimension can be assigned to a pattern. This paper investigates the fractal nature of LONs and how that nature relates to metaheuristic performance on the underlying problem. We use visual analysis, correlation analysis, and machine learning techniques to demonstrate that relationships exist and that fractal features of LONs can contribute to explaining and predicting algorithm performance. The results show that the extent of multifractality and high fractal dimensions in the LON can contribute in this way when placed in regression models with other predictors. Features are also individually correlated with search performance, and visual analysis of LONs shows insight into this relationship.
Slowly seeing the light: an integrative review on ecological light pollution as a potential threat for mollusks
Authors: Hussein Ahmed A. A. , Bloem Erik , Fodor István , Baz El-Sayed , Tadros Menerva M. , Soliman Maha F. M. , El-Shenawy Nahla S. , Koene Joris M.
Published: December 2020

Seasonal changes in the natural light condition play a pivotal role in the regulation of many biological processes in organisms. Disruption of this natural condition via the growing loss of darkness as a result of anthropogenic light pollution has been linked to species-wide shifts in behavioral and physiological traits. This review starts with a brief overview of the definition of light pollution and the most recent insights into the perception of light. We then go on to review the evidence for some adverse effects of ecological light pollution on different groups of animals and will focus on mollusks. Taken together, the available evidence suggests a critical role for light pollution as a recent, growing threat to the regulation of various biological processes in these animals, with the potential to disrupt ecosystem stability. The latter indicates that ecological light pollution is an environmental threat that needs to be taken seriously and requires further research attention.
The Ability to Look: Management of Breast Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Using Smart Ultrasound Technology
Authors: Henry-Tillman Ronda , Kabongo Mathew , Laryea Jonathan , Pinder Leeya , Bittenbinder Rebecca , Osgood Geoffrey , Hicks Maya , Hicks Michael , Parham Groesbeck
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

The vast majority of women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa present with advanced stage disease, due primarily to the lack of opportunities for early detection and treatment. As part of a larger effort to increase access to diagnostic and therapeutic services for women's cancers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we implemented a curriculum to train the local workforce and a program to build the supportive infrastructure for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer at a private sector health facility (Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital) in Kinshasa.

STUDY DESIGN:

After onsite trainings in the DRC by a US breast surgeon (RT), Congolese surgeons, general physicians, physician assistants, and nurses used the Phillips Lumify smart-phone ultrasound device to perform and interpret the results of whole breast ultrasound on symptomatic women. Surgeons were trained to perform ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy on those who met the criteria for tissue diagnosis, after which they trained nurses to do the same.

RESULTS:

Over 3 years, 5,211 patients were identified as having a breast abnormality on clinical breast examination. Ultrasound abnormalities were noted in 1,493 (27%) patients, of which 632 (42%) met the criteria for ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration. Pathology reports were available on 368 (58%) patients who underwent biopsy, of which 164 were malignant and 204 benign.

CONCLUSIONS:

We demonstrated how the “ability to look” using smart technology can be successfully used to augment clinical breast exam and triage patients for biopsy in a resource-constrained African setting.
Association of Prehospital Step 1 Vital Sign Criteria and Vital Sign Decline with Increased Emergency Department and Hospital Death
Authors: Warwick James W. , Davenport Daniel L. , Bettis Amber , Bernard Andrew C.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

This study analyzed data from the 2017 American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank to examine the effects of pre-hospital Field Triage Decision Scheme Step 1 vital sign criteria (S1C) and vital sign decline on subsequent emergency department (ED) and hospital death in emergency medical services (EMS) transported trauma victims.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patient and injury characteristics, transport time, and ED and hospital disposition were collected. S1C (respiratory rate [RR]<10, RR>29 breaths/min, systolic blood pressure [SBP]<90 mmHg, Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]<14) were recorded at the injury scene and hospital arrival. Decline was defined as a change ≥ 1 standard deviation (SD) into or within an S1C range. S1C and decline were analyzed relative to ED and hospital death using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Of 333,213 included patients, 54,849 (16.5%) met Step 1 criteria at the scene, and 21,566 (6.9%) declined en route. The ED death rate was 0.4% (n = 1,188), and the hospital death/hospice rate was 4.0% (11,624 of 287,675). Patients who met S1C at the scene or who declined were more likely to require longer hospital lengths of stay, ICU admission, and surgical intervention. S1C and decline patients had higher odds of death in both the ED (S1C odds ratio [OR] 15.1, decline OR 2.4, p values < 0.001) and hospital (S1C OR 4.8, decline OR 2.0, p values < 0.001) after adjusting for patient demographics, transport time and mode, injury severity, and injury mechanism. Each S1C and decline measure was independently predictive of death.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study quantifies the mortality risks associated with individual S1C and validates their use as an indicator for injury severity and pre-hospital triage tool.
The Financial Courts
Authors: Braithwaite Jo
Published: December 2020

In The Financial Courts, Jo Braithwaite analyses thirty years of cases involving the global derivatives markets, exploring the nature of these legal disputes and assessing their impact on financial markets and on commercial law more broadly. Weaving together this substantial body of cases with theoretical insights drawn from the growing literature on the internationalisation of financial law, Braithwaite offers readers a detailed and highly original contribution to the debate about the role of private law in international financial markets. This important work should be read by lawyers, economists and regulators in the field.
Study of Spatiotemporal Development of Global Distribution of Magnetospheric ELF/VLF Waves Using Ground‐Based and Satellite Observations, and RAM‐SCB Simulations, for the March and November 2017 Storms
Authors: Takeshita Yuhei , Shiokawa Kazuo , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Ozaki Mitsunori , Kasahara Yoshiya , Oyama Shin‐ichiro , Connors Martin , Manninen Jyrki , Jordanova Vania K. , Baishev Dmitry , Oinats Alexey , Kurkin Vladimir
Published: December 2020

Magnetospheric Extremely Low‐Frequency/Very Low‐Frequency (ELF/VLF) waves have an important role in the acceleration and loss of energetic electrons in the magnetosphere through wave‐particle interaction. It is necessary to understand the spatiotemporal development of magnetospheric ELF/VLF waves to quantitatively estimate this effect of wave‐particle interaction, a global process not yet well understood. We investigated spatiotemporal development of magnetospheric ELF/VLF waves using 6 PWING ground‐based stations at subauroral latitudes, Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace and RBSP satellites, POES/MetOp satellites, and the RAM‐SCB model, focusing on the March and November 2017 storms driven by corotating interaction regions in the solar wind. Our results show that the ELF/VLF waves are enhanced over a longitudinal extent from midnight to morning and dayside associated with substorm electron injections. In the main to early storm recovery phase, we observe continuous ELF/VLF waves from ∼0 to ∼12 MLT in the dawn sector. This wide extent seems to be caused by frequent occurrence of substorms. The wave region expands eastward in association with the drift of source electrons injected by substorms from the nightside. We also observed dayside ELF/VLF wave enhancement, possibly driven by magnetospheric compression by solar wind, over an MLT extent of at least 5 h. Ground observations tend not to observe ELF/VLF waves in the post‐midnight sector, although other methods clearly show the existence of waves. This is possibly due to Landau damping of the waves, the absence of the plasma density duct structure, and/or enhanced auroral ionization of the ionosphere in the post‐midnight sector.
Correlation Between GNSS‐TEC and Eruption Magnitude Supports the Use of Ionospheric Sensing to Complement Volcanic Hazard Assessment
Authors: Manta Fabio , Occhipinti Giovanni , Hill Emma M. , Perttu Anna , Assink Jelle , Taisne Benoit
Published: December 2020

Despite the global threat posed by large‐scale eruptions to communities, to the climate, and to the consequent impacts on the world economy, many active volcanoes still lack of adequate ground‐based instrumentation. Satellite‐based remote sensing has been used to complement volcano monitoring and risk assessment for volcanic ash, but this technique is often limited by weather conditions. In this work, we explore the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) perturbations measured by GNSS to provide additional information and complement conventional monitoring systems. To this end, we measure the GNSS TEC perturbation associated with the acoustic‐gravity waves generated by 22 volcanic explosions. We introduce a new metric—the Ionospheric Volcanic Power Index (IVPI)—to quantify the energy transferred to the ionosphere by volcanic explosions. We evaluate the IVPI against several well‐established metrics from seismic and infrasonic volcano monitoring as well as satellite remote sensing. Our results show that the IVPI successfully correlates with the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) for events larger than VEI 2. Moreover, the IVPI shows strong correlation with both the acoustic source power and the ash plume height, from which depends the style of volcanic activity. Moderate correlation between IVPI and peak ground velocity (PGV) requires further study in order to evaluate the role of different parameters (seismic magnitude, attenuation, style of faulting, crustal structure, etc.). Our results suggest that ionospheric monitoring by GNSS TEC can help to characterize volcanic eruptions, opening new exciting avenues for continuous volcano monitoring and warning systems by remote sensing.
Assessment of Tidal Range Changes in the North Sea From 1958 to 2014
Authors: Jänicke Leon , Ebener Andra , Dangendorf Sönke , Arns Arne , Schindelegger Michael , Niehüser Sebastian , Haigh Ivan D. , Woodworth Philip , Jensen Jürgen
Published: December 2020

We document an exceptional large‐spatial scale case of changes in tidal range in the North Sea, featuring pronounced trends between −2.3 mm/yr at tide gauges in the United Kingdom and up to 7 mm/yr in the German Bight between 1958 and 2014. These changes are spatially heterogeneous and driven by a superposition of local and large‐scale processes within the basin. We use principal component analysis to separate large‐scale signals appearing coherently over multiple stations from rather localized changes. We identify two leading principal components (PCs) that explain about 69% of tidal range changes in the entire North Sea including the divergent trend pattern along United Kingdom and German coastlines that reflects movement of the region’s semidiurnal amphidromic areas. By applying numerical and statistical analyses, we can assign a baroclinic (PC1) and a barotropic large‐scale signal (PC2), explaining a large part of the overall variance. A comparison between PC2 and tide gauge records along the European Atlantic coast, Iceland, and Canada shows significant correlations on time scales of less than 2 years, which points to an external and basin‐wide forcing mechanism. By contrast, PC1 dominates in the southern North Sea and originates, at least in part, from stratification changes in nearby shallow waters. In particular, from an analysis of observed density profiles, we suggest that an increased strength and duration of the summer pycnocline has stabilized the water column against turbulent dissipation and allowed for higher tidal elevations at the coast.
Complex Basement‐Involved Contractional Structures in the Pre‐Andean Basins of Northern Chile: A Review From Seismic Data
Authors: Martínez F. , Muñoz B. , López C. , González R. , Parra M. , Riquelme R.
Published: December 2020

For many years, the geometry, kinematic, and the age of the basement‐involved structures of the Pre‐Andean basins of northern Chile have been debated. Even, many tectonic models supported by surface geological data have ignored how is the continuity of these structures in the subsurface, and also their possible relation with ancient preorogenic structures, thus difficulting the understanding of the main tectonic mechanisms that acted during the Andean uplift. To solve this problem, we discussed in this study the geometry and timing of the basement‐involved contractional structures present in the Pre‐Andean basins of northern Chile. We present field and seismic evidences of different basement‐involved structural styles, including reverse faults, inverted normal faults, basement thrust ramps, and rotated and reworked basin margins, and use it them to produce three large structural cross‐sections showing the geometries and distribution of structures along the inner forearc region. The structures are interpreted to have resulted from basin inversion, which was followed by large reverse faulting accumulating 43 km in the Salar de Atacama, 10 km in the Salar de Punta Negra, and 27 km in the Salar de Pedernales. Major reverse faults are predominantly located along the western and eastern edges of the basins, whereas inverted normal faults, basement thrust ramps, and other structures are confined to the central sections. In this context, large basement thrust ramps and reverse faults are the most effective structures for generating crustal thickening. Previous analyses (U‐Pb dating) of synorogenic deposits over inverted structures and apatite fission track data from Paleozoic basement prerift rocks suggest that contraction in the region began in the Late Cretaceous‐Paleocene and continued throughout the Cenozoic; however, basement rocks experienced rapid cooling due to tectonic uplift during the Eocene. Further, the results indicate that basement‐involved contractional structures are not only generated by flat‐slab subduction processes, but also observed in other regions of northern Chile (e.g., Frontal Cordillera). Finally, we conclude that the observed structural complexity predominantly results from the initial distribution of preorogenic extensional structures.
Palladium-catalyzed dearomative allylation of indoles with cyclopropyl acetylenes: access to indolenine derivatives
Authors: Lu Chuan-Jun , Chen Yu-Ting , Wang Hong , Li Yu-Jin
Published: December 2020

A palladium catalyzed dearomative allylic alkylation of indoles with cyclopropyl acetylenes for the synthesis of indolenines with 1,3-diene motifs was developed in high regio-, and stereoselectivities.
Mass accretion rates of clusters of galaxies: CIRS and HeCS
Authors: Pizzardo M. , Di Gioia S. , Diaferio A. , De Boni C. , Serra A. L. , Geller M. J. , Sohn J. , Rines K. , Baldi M.
Published: December 2020

We use a new spherical accretion recipe tested on N-body simulations to measure the observed mass accretion rate (MAR) of 129 clusters in the Cluster Infall Regions in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (CIRS) and in the Hectospec Cluster Survey (HeCS). The observed clusters cover the redshift range of 0.01 < z < 0.30 and the mass range of ∼1014 − 1015 h−1 M⊙. Based on three-dimensional mass profiles of simulated clusters reaching beyond the virial radius, our recipe returns MARs that agree with MARs based on merger trees. We adopt this recipe to estimate the MAR of real clusters based on measurements of the mass profile out to ∼3R200. We use the caustic method to measure the mass profiles to these large radii. We demonstrate the validity of our estimates by applying the same approach to a set of mock redshift surveys of a sample of 2000 simulated clusters with a median mass of M200 = 1014 h−1 M⊙ as well as a sample of 50 simulated clusters with a median mass of M200 = 1015 h−1 M⊙: the median MARs based on the caustic mass profiles of the simulated clusters are unbiased and agree within 19% with the median MARs based on the real mass profile of the clusters. The MAR of the CIRS and HeCS clusters increases with the mass and the redshift of the accreting cluster, which is in excellent agreement with the growth of clusters in the ΛCDM model.
Low-redshift compact star-forming galaxies as analogues of high-redshift star-forming galaxies
Authors: Izotov Y. I. , Guseva N. G. , Fricke K. J. , Henkel C. , Schaerer D. , Thuan T. X.
Published: December 2020

We compare the relations among various integrated characteristics of ∼25 000 low-redshift (z≲ 1.0) compact star-forming galaxies (CSFGs) from Data Release 16 (DR16) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and of high-redshift (z≳ 1.5) star-forming galaxies (SFGs) with respect to oxygen abundances, stellar massesM⋆, far-UV absolute magnitudesMFUV, star-formation rates SFR and specific star-formation rates sSFR, Lyman-continuum photon production efficiencies (ξion), UV continuum slopesβ, [O III]λ5007/[O II]λ3727 and [Ne III]λ3868/[O II]λ3727 ratios, and emission-line equivalent widths EW([O II]λ3727), EW([O III]λ5007), and EW(Hα). We find that the relations for low-zCSFGs with high equivalent widths of the Hβemission line, EW(Hβ) ≥ 100 Å, and high-zSFGs are very similar, implying close physical properties in these two categories of galaxies. Thus, CSFGs are likely excellent proxies for the SFGs in the high-zUniverse. They also extend to galaxies with lower stellar masses, down to ∼106 M⊙, and to absolute FUV magnitudes as faint as −14 mag. Thanks to their proximity, CSFGs can be studied in much greater detail than distant SFGs. Therefore, the relations between the integrated characteristics of the large sample of CSFGs studied here can prove very useful for our understanding of high-zdwarf galaxies in future observations with large ground-based and space telescopes.
Narkolepsie im Erwachsenenalter: Definition, Ätiologie und Behandlung
Authors: Malter Michael , Neuneier Janina , Triller Annika , Kallweit Ulf
Published: December 2020

Narkolepsie ist eine Hypersomnolenz-Erkrankung, die mit einer Störung der Wach-Schlaf-Regulation einhergeht. Leitsymptome sind exzessive Tagesschläfrigkeit und Kataplexien. Zudem treten hypnagogene/hypnopompe Halluzinationen, Schlaflähmungen und gestörter Nachtschlaf auf. Es werden zwei Formen unterschieden. Bei der Narkolepsie Typ 1, früher Narkolepsie mit Kataplexie, besteht eine Hypocretin-Defizienz. Die Ursache der Narkolepsie Typ 2, früher Narkolepsie ohne Kataplexie, ist im Wesentlichen ungeklärt. Zur Diagnosestellung ist ein multimodaler Ansatz notwendig. Die Latenz zwischen Erkrankungsbeginn und Diagnosestellung in Europa beträgt im Mittel 14 Jahre. Es bestehen erhebliche Probleme in der Versorgung von Menschen mit Narkolepsie. Die in aller Regel lebenslange Behandlung der Narkolepsie umfasst sowohl nichtmedikamentöse Strategien als auch die symptomatische medikamentöse Behandlung.