bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New integrable coset sigma models
Authors: Arutyunov Gleb , Bassi Cristian , Lacroix Sylvain
Published: March 2021

Abstract

By using the general framework of affine Gaudin models, we construct a new class of integrable sigma models. They are defined on a coset of the direct product of N copies of a Lie group over some diagonal subgroup and they depend on 3N − 2 free parameters. For N = 1 the corresponding model coincides with the well-known symmetric space sigma model. Starting from the Hamiltonian formulation, we derive the Lagrangian for the N = 2 case and show that it admits a remarkably simple form in terms of the classical ℛ-matrix underlying the integrability of these models. We conjecture that a similar form of the Lagrangian holds for arbitrary N. Specifying our general construction to the case of SU(2) and N = 2, and eliminating one of the parameters, we find a new three-parametric integrable model with the manifold T1,1 as its target space. We further comment on the connection of our results with those existing in the literature.
Quenched free energy from spacetime D-branes
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We propose a useful integral representation of the quenched free energy which is applicable to any random systems. Our formula involves the generating function of multi-boundary correlators, which can be interpreted on the bulk gravity side as spacetime D-branes introduced by Marolf and Maxfield in [arXiv:2002.08950]. As an example, we apply our formalism to the Airy limit of the random matrix model and compute its quenched free energy under certain approximations of the generating function of correlators. It turns out that the resulting quenched free energy is a monotonically decreasing function of the temperature, as expected.
Measurement of the uterocervical angle for the prediction of preterm birth in symptomatic women
Authors: Wagner Philipp , Schlechtendahl Jana , Hoopmann Markus , Prodan Natalia , Abele Harald , Kagan Karl Oliver
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To examine if the uterocervical angle (UCA) can be used to predict preterm delivery in women with painful and regular uterine contractions and a cervical length of 25 mm or less.

Methods

Retrospective study at the perinatal unit of the University Hospital of Tuebingen, Germany. Women with singleton gestation and preterm contractions between 24 + 0 and 33 + 6 weeks’ gestation were included. For the UCA measurement, a line is placed from the internal os to the external os irrespective of whether the cervix is straight or curved. A second line is drawn to delineate the lower uterine segment. The angle between the two lines is the UCA measurement. The measurements were taken on stored images from our database.

Results

The study consisted of 213 singleton pregnancies. At the time of UCA measurement, median maternal and gestational age was 31.4 years and 29.7 weeks’ gestation. Median gestational age at delivery was 35.3 weeks and the corresponding birth weight 2480 g, respectively. The UCA measurement in women who delivered within 2 days, between 3–7 days and after 7 days was not helpful to distinguish between these three groups [median UCA measurements: 108.5°, 108.0° and 107.3° (Kruskal–Wallis test p = 0.576)]. Uni- and multivariate logistic multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the delivery within 2 days was only dependent on the gestational age and the cervical length at the time of presentation.

Conclusion

The measurement of UCA is not useful in predicting preterm birth in the subsequent 7 days after an episode of preterm contractions.
Vaccination of immune compromised children—an overview for physicians
Authors: Pittet Laure F. , Posfay-Barbe Klara M.
Published: March 2021

Immune compromised children are threatened by a higher risk of infections; some of these are preventable by vaccination. Primary care physicians play a fundamental role in optimising vaccination status. In this narrative review, we present the evidence on vaccine safety and immunogenicity in immune compromised children and discuss in which conditions live-attenuated vaccines can possibly be used. Vaccination schedules differ in some of these conditions, including the use of vaccines with higher antigenic contents (e.g. high-dose hepatitis B vaccine), additional vaccine doses (e.g. 2-dose schedule meningococcal vaccine), more frequent booster doses (e.g. life-long pneumococcal vaccine booster), supplementary vaccines (e.g. meningococcal B vaccine) and use of vaccines beyond the age of usual recommendation (e.g. Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine after 5 years of age). Serological monitoring is a useful tool for customizing vaccination schedule in immune compromised children, confirming adequate vaccine response and documenting seroprotection (especially against measles and varicella). Finally, verification of vaccination status of all household members can prevent them being vector of transmission of an infection to the immune compromised children. Conclusion: Intensified information strategies are needed to improve trust, rectify perceived risks and improve vaccine acceptability; primary physicians can play a critical role in the latter.

What is Known:• Physician’s awareness is key to success, since it repeatedly correlates with higher vaccination rates

What is New:• The vaccination status of immunocompromised children is rarely up-to-date• Knowing the latest vaccine recommendations is challenging, as they differ for each medical condition and change periodically• This review summarises the vaccine recommendations for children with compromised immune systems and highlights how paediatricians play a key role in coordinating their application
Long-term hospital admissions and surgical treatment of children with congenital abdominal wall defects: a population-based study
Authors: Raitio Arimatias , Syvänen Johanna , Tauriainen Asta , Hyvärinen Anna , Sankilampi Ulla , Gissler Mika , Helenius Ilkka
Published: March 2021

Congenital abdominal wall defects, namely, gastroschisis and omphalocele, are rare congenital malformations with significant morbidity. The long-term burden of these anomalies to families and health care providers has not previously been assessed. We aimed to determine the need for hospital admissions and the requirement for surgery after initial admission at birth. For our analyses, we identified all infants with either gastroschisis (n=178) or omphalocele (n=150) born between Jan 1, 1998, and Dec 31, 2014, in the Register of Congenital Malformations. The data on all hospital admissions and operations performed were acquired from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register between Jan 1, 1998, and Dec 31, 2015, and compared to data on the whole Finnish pediatric population (0.9 million) live born 1993−2008. Patients with gastroschisis and particularly those with omphalocele required hospital admissions 1.8 to 5.7 times more than the general pediatric population (p<0.0001). Surgical interventions were more common among omphalocele than gastroschisis patients (p=0.013). At the mean follow-up of 8.9 (range 1.0–18.0) years, 29% (51/178) of gastroschisis and 30% (45/150) of omphalocele patients required further abdominal surgery after discharge from the neonatal admission.

Conclusion: Patients with gastroschisis and especially those with omphalocele, are significantly more likely than the general pediatric population to require hospital care. Nevertheless, almost half of the patients can be treated without further surgery, and redo abdominal surgery is only required in a third of these children.

What is Known:• Gastroschisis and omphalocele are congenital malformations with significant morbidity• There are no reports on the long-term need for hospital admissions and surgery in these childrenWhat is New:• Patients with abdominal wall defects are significantly more likely than the general pediatric population to require hospital care• Almost half of the patients can be treated without further surgery, and abdominal redo operations are only required in a third of these children
Swallowing Outcomes Following Voice Therapy in Multiple System Atrophy with Dysphagia: Comparison of Treatment Efficacy with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Park Alyssa , Jang Su-Jeong , Kim No-Eul , Kim Tae-Hui , Sohn Young Ho , Kim HyangHee , Cho Sung-Rae
Published: March 2021

Difficulties with speech and swallowing occur in patients with Parkinsonism. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) is proven as an effective treatment for speech and swallowing function in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD). The effect of LSVT on swallowing function in multiple system atrophy-cerebellar type (MSA-C) is unknown. We sought to determine LSVT’s effect on swallowing function in MSA-C patients compared to IPD patients. LSVT-LOUD was performed on 13 patients with Parkinsonism (6 IPD and 7 MSA-C). Maximum phonation time (MPT), voice intensity, Speech Handicap Index-15 (SHI-15), Swallowing-Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), National Institutes of Health-swallowing safety scale (NIH-SSS), and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) before and after LSVT were analyzed and reevaluated three months after treatment. The IPD and MSA-C groups showed significant improvements in overall speech and swallowing measures after LSVT. In particular, pharyngeal phase score and total score of VDS improved significantly in both groups. A two-way repeated-measure ANOVA revealed a significant main effect for time in the MPT, voice intensity, NIH-SSS, pharyngeal phase score and total score of VDS, psychosocial subdomain of SHI-15, and SWAL-QOL. The MSA-C group experienced less overall improvement in swallowing function, but the two groups had an analogous pattern of improvement. In conclusion, LSVT is effective for enhancing swallowing function, particularly in the pharyngeal phase, in both IPD and MSA-C patients. This study demonstrated that LSVT elicits significant improvements in MSA-C patients. We deemed LSVT to be an effective treatment for IPD and MSA-C patients who suffer from dysphagia.
Understanding the implant performance of magnetically controlled growing spine rods: a review article
Authors: Tognini Martina , Hothi Harry , Dal Gal Elisabetta , Shafafy Masood , Nnadi Colin , Tucker Stewart , Henckel Johann , Hart Alister
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Early-Onset Scoliosis (EOS) (defined as a curvature of the spine ≥ 10° with onset before 10 years of age) if not properly treated, can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Traditionally Growing Rods (TGRs), implants fixated to the spine and extended every 6–8 months by surgery, are considered the gold standard, but Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGRs) avoid multiple surgeries. While the potential benefit of outpatient distraction procedure with MCGR is huge, concerns still remain about its risks, up to the release of a Medical Device Alert (MDA) by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advising not to implant MCGRs until further notice. The aim of this literature review is to (1) give an overview on the use of MCGRs and (2) identify what is currently understood about the surgical, implant and patient factors associated with the use of MCGRs.

Methods

Systematic literature review.

Results

Surgical factors such as use of single rod configuration or incorrect rod contouring might affect early failure of MCGRs. Patient’s older age and higher BMI are correlated with rod slippage. Wear debris and distraction mechanism failure may result from implant design and iteration.

Conclusion

Despite the complications reported, this technology still offers one of the best solutions to spine surgeons dealing with severe EOS. Lowering the complication rate by identifying risk factors for failure is possible and further studies in this direction are required. Once the risk factors are well described, some of these can be addressed enabling a safer use of MCGRs.
North Atlantic midwinter storm track suppression and the European weather response in ERA5 reanalysis
Authors: Montoya Duque Estefania , Lunkeit Frank , Blender Richard
Published: March 2021

In this study, we analyse the influence of North Atlantic midwinter storm track suppressions on European synoptic temperature and precipitation anomalies to determine the large-scale conditions relevant for the so-called Christmas thaw. We diagnose this relation in daily ERA5 reanalysis data in the spatial resolution of 0.25∘ between 1979 and 2018. To access synoptic time scales, a 3–10-day band-pass filter is applied. An index for the suppression is defined by the upper tropospheric Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) anomalies in the North Atlantic. We define the strong jet stream years as the year exceeding the 75% of the winter seasonal values at 250 hPa. In winters with strong jet activity, the storm track suppression is found, in agreement with the barotropic governor mechanism. Composites of European surface temperature and precipitation for low index values reveal weakly warmer conditions during winter (DJF) in Central Europe and the British Isles and a distinct cooling in Northern Europe. In the 1-month interval during December 15 to January 15, the warming is more pronounced. The clearest signal is the precipitation increase with a magnitude of 1 mm/day in the Mediterranean region.
NAM—help or burden? Intercultural evaluation of parental stress caused by nasoalveolar molding: a retrospective multi-center study
Authors: Roth Maximilian , Lonic Daniel , Grill Florian D. , Ritschl Lucas M. , Loeffelbein Denys J. , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Niu Lien-Shin , Pai Betty Chien-Jung , Prantl Lukas , Kehrer Andreas , Heidekrüger Paul I. , Rau Andrea , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) was developed to facilitate easier treatment and better outcomes for cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the parental burden and possible intercultural differences of this treatment modality, which is often argued to burden parents to an extraordinary amount.

Materials and methods

Standardized questionnaires (available in English, Mandarin, and German) with 15 non-specific and 14 NAM-specific items to be retrospectively answered by Likert scales by parents of unilateral CLP patients with completed NAM treatment.

Results

The parents of 117 patients from two treatment centers in Taiwan and Germany were included. A very high level of overall satisfaction was found in both countries with significant intercultural differences in prenatal parent information, feeding problems, dealing with 3rd party’s perception, and experienced personal effort.

Conclusion

NAM is an effective treatment tool for children’s CLP deformities and their caregivers in overcoming the feeling of helplessness. Intercultural differences may be due to infrastructural reasons, cultural attitudes and habits, or different public medical education.

Clinical relevance

In addition to facilitating easier surgical treatment, NAM can be seen as a powerful coping strategy for parents dealing with a CLP deformity of their child and does not seem to burden them extraordinarily.
Stereotactic cysto-ventricular catheters in craniopharyngiomas: an effective minimally invasive method to improve visual impairment and achieve long-term cyst volume reduction
Authors: Steiert Christine , Grauvogel Juergen , Roelz Roland , Demerath Theo , Schnell Daniel , Beck Juergen , Coenen Volker Arnd , Reinacher Peter Christoph
Published: March 2021

Craniopharyngiomas are typically located in the sellar region and frequently contain space-occupying cysts. They usually cause visual impairment and endocrine disorders. Due to the high potential morbidity associated with radical resection, several less invasive surgical approaches have been developed. This study investigated stereotactic-guided implantation of cysto-ventricular catheters (CVC) as a new method to reduce and control cystic components. Twelve patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas were treated with CVC in our hospital between 04/2013 and 05/2017. The clinical and radiological data were retrospectively analysed to evaluate safety aspects as well as ophthalmological and endocrine symptoms. The long-term development of tumour and cyst volumes was assessed by volumetry. The median age of our patients was 69.0 years and the median follow-up period was 41.0 months. Volumetric analyses demonstrated a mean reduction of cyst volume of 64.2% after CVC implantation. At last follow-up assessment, there was a mean reduction of cyst volume of 92.0% and total tumour volume of 85.8% after completion of radiotherapy. Visual acuity improved in 90% of affected patients, and visual field defects improved in 70% of affected patients. No patient showed ophthalmological deterioration after surgery, and endocrine disorders remained stable. Stereotactic implantation of CVC proved to be a safe minimally invasive method for the long-term reduction of cystic components with improved ophthalmological symptoms. The consequential decrease of total tumour volumes optimised conditions for adjuvant radiotherapy. Given the low surgical morbidity and the effective drainage of tumour cysts, this technique should be considered for the treatment of selected cystic craniopharyngiomas.
Top-down and bottom-up effects on zooplankton size distribution in a deep stratified lake
Authors: Braun Lisa-Marie , Brucet Sandra , Mehner Thomas
Published: March 2021

Trophic interactions in the pelagic area of lakes and the opposing effects of fish feeding (top-down) and phytoplankton biomass (bottom-up) on zooplankton communities are central topics in limnology. We hypothesized that zooplankton size distributions should be a more sensitive approach to disentangle top-down and bottom-up effects than the commonly measured zooplankton biomass. We examined zooplankton size distributions from 148 samples collected during summer months in the upper and lower pelagic layers of a deep mesotrophic lake among 13 years of sampling. Top-down effects, namely fish size and biomass, and bottom-up effects, including water temperature and total phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations, were considered. To add robustness to our analyses, we expressed the zooplankton size distributions as size spectra based on log-binning, as continuous size spectra and by the size diversity, a measure that has been developed to mimic taxonomic diversity indices. Among numerous regressions tested, significant top-down or bottom-up effects could rarely been detected. Our results indicate that the overall zooplankton size distribution was not significantly affected by fish predation and lake productivity measured as total phosphorus or chlorophyll a concentration. However, we found negative correlations between fish biomass and the preferred zooplankton prey, including Bosmina longirostris, Daphnia cucullata and nauplii in the upper depth layer. However, due to their small body size, low biomass and therefore relative small contribution to the zooplankton size distribution, predation on preferred zooplankton species did not translate into a statistically significant modification of the entire size spectrum. Consequently, the size spectrum seems to be relatively robust against predation effects, but might reflect the lake-wide energy availability and transfer efficiency in the food web.
Planning for a neighborhood and city-scale green network system in Qatar: the case of MIA Park
Authors: Furlan Raffaello , Sinclair Brian R.
Published: March 2021

In the past decade, Doha has witnessed fast-urban growth, an increased population rate, and an over-reliance on the automobile as the main mode of urban transportation. These factors caused social and environmental problems related to (1) the loss of a compact urban pattern, (2) an increased level of air pollution (3) high traffic congestions and (4) increasing landscape fragmentation. In consideration of such concerns, The State of Qatar invested large funds into the urban landscape development of Doha, as envisioned by Qatar National Vision 2030. As a result, in the past five years various parks and/or green areas, such MIA Park, a major public green space located around the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), were planned and developed within metropolitan Doha. The authors argue that this park is currently facing issues and challenges related to (1) accessibility to/from the neighboring districts, and (2) connectivity to/from the neighboring parks. Therefore, this research study aims at assessing the existing conditions of MIA Park, at considering the broader city context and, at recommending strategies for implementing MIA Park’s green network system. It approached the investigative challenge using a multi-pronged comprehensive methodology, that deployed focus groups, semi-structured interviews and a comprehensive network analysis based on graph theory. The findings, revealed through these hybrid research tactics, allowed the researchers to generate a framework to enhance accessibility and connectivity of MIA Park through a green network system, planned at inter-related neighborhood-scale and city-scale levels. While the research examines most notably a single case, it is advocated that the proposed framework represents not just an optional feature pertaining to the case in Doha, but a valuable reference for the sustainable master planning of future cities in the State of Qatar and across the GCC. The paper proffers numerous key contributions, including the critical exploration of manufactured landscapes in Doha Qatar and the delineation of broadly applicable environmental design strategies to improve the fabric and livability of cities.
Using Utilitarian Plants for Lemur Conservation
Authors: Konersmann Cathlin , Noromiarilanto Fanambinantsoa , Ratovonamana Yedidya R. , Brinkmann Katja , Jensen Kai , Kobbe Susanne , Köhl Michael , Kuebler Daniel , Lahann Petra , Steffens Kim J. E. , Ganzhorn Jörg U.
Published: March 2021

Nature and species conservation often conflict with intensive natural resource or land use. Many protected areas are too small for long-term conservation of viable vertebrate populations, especially in Madagascar, and forests are subject to exploitation for a variety of natural resources. Trying to exclude people from the use of these resources has not been successful during economic, natural, or political crises or when human population growth outruns any development effort. People need economic and other benefits, and conservation measures have to account for these needs. We compiled native and introduced tree, shrub, and herbaceous species used by both people and native vertebrates for three regions, covering the domains of the dry, transitional, and humid forest of Madagascar. We carried out semistructured interviews and group discussions in 12 different villages in each study region in November 2017. People listed 139 utilitarian plant taxa. Our literature search revealed that 72 of these plant species and 13 genera used by people, were also used by 208 different terrestrial vertebrates including 58 lemur species. Application of the Forest Landscape Restoration approach with a combination of exotic and native plant species used by both people and animals could increase the economic value of restored forest habitats for people, thus providing incentives for forest conservation. Plantations of mixed utilitarian trees and shrubs could be integrated into agricultural landscapes. Among land-living vertebrates, lemurs seem to benefit most from this approach. These measures might contribute to a successful array of biodiversity conservation in anthropogenic landscapes.
How circadian variability of the heart rate and plasma electrolytes concentration influence the cardiac electrophysiology – model-based case study
Authors: Wiśniowska Barbara , Bielecka Zofia M. , Polak Sebastian
Published: March 2021

The circadian rhythm of cardiac electrophysiology is dependent on many physiological and biochemical factors. Provided, that models describing the circadian patterns of cardiac activity and/or electrophysiology which have been verified to the acceptable level, modeling and simulation can give answers to many of heart chronotherapy questions. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of the circadian models implemented in Cardiac Safety Simulator v 2.2 (Certara, Sheffield, UK) (CSS), as well as investigate the influence ofcircadian rhythms on the simulation results in terms of cardiac safety. The simulations which were run in CSS accounted for inter-individual and intra-individual variability. Firstly, the diurnal variations in QT interval length in a healthy population were simulated accounting for heart rate (HR) circadian changes alone, or with concomitant diurnal variations of plasma ion concentrations. Next, tolterodine was chosen as an exemplary drug for PKPD modelling exercise to assess the role of circadian rhythmicity in the prediction of drug effects on QT interval. The results of the simulations were in line with clinical observations, what can serve as a verification of the circadian models implemented in CSS. Moreover, the results have suggested that the circadian variability of the electrolytes balance is the main factor influencing QT circadian pattern. The fluctuation of ion concentration increases the intra-subject variability of predicted drug-triggered QT corrected for HR (QTc) prolongation effect and, in case of modest drug effect on QTc interval length, allows to capture this effect.
The work-technology nexus and working-class environmentalism: Workerism versus capitalist noxiousness in Italy’s Long 1968
Authors: Feltrin Lorenzo , Sacchetto Devi
Published: March 2021

This article traces the trajectory of theory and praxis aroundnocivitàor noxiousness – i.e., health damage and environmental degradation – drawn by the workerist group rooted in the petrochemical complex of Porto Marghera, Venice. While Porto Maghera was an important setting for the early activism of influential theorists such as the post-workerist Antonio Negri and the autonomist feminist Mariarosa Dalla Costa, the theories produced by the workers themselves have been largely forgotten. Yet, this experience was remarkable because it involved workers employed by polluting industries denouncing in words and actions the environmental degradation caused by their companies from as early as 1968, when the workerists had a determining influence in the local factories. The Porto Marghera struggles against noxiousness contradict the widespread belief that what is today known as working-class environmentalism did not have much significance in the labour unrest of Italy’s Long 1968. The Porto Marghera group’s original contribution was based on the thesis of the inherent noxiousness of capitalist work and an antagonistic-transformative approach to capitalist technology. This led to the proposal of a counterpower able to determine “what, how, and how much to produce” on the basis of common needs encompassing the environment, pointing to the utopian prospect of struggling for a different, anti-capitalist technology, compatible with the sustainable reproduction of life on the planet.
Prediction of Spatiotemporal Evolution of Urban Traffic Emissions Based on Taxi Trajectories
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Yi , Cao Yang , Kang Yu , Xu Zhen-Yi
Published: March 2021

With the rapid increase of the amount of vehicles in urban areas, the pollution of vehicle emissions is becoming more and more serious. Precise prediction of the spatiotemporal evolution of urban traffic emissions plays a great role in urban planning and policy making. Most existing methods usually focus on estimating vehicle emissions at historical or current moments which cannot well meet the demands of future planning. Recent work has started to pay attention to the evolution of vehicle emissions at future moments using multiple attributes related to emissions, however, they are not effective and efficient enough in the combination and utilization of different inputs. To address this issue, we propose a joint framework to predict the future evolution of vehicle emissions based on the GPS trajectories of taxis with a multi-channel spatiotemporal network and the motor vehicle emission simulator (MOVES) model. Specifically, we first estimate the spatial distribution matrices with GPS trajectories through map-matching algorithms. These matrices can reflect the attributes related to the traffic status of road networks such as volume, speed and acceleration. Then, our multi-channel spatiotemporal network is used to efficiently combine three key attributes (volume, speed and acceleration) through the feature sharing mechanism and generate a precise prediction of them in the future period. Finally, we adopt an MOVES model to estimate vehicle emissions by integrating several traffic factors including the predicted traffic states, road networks and the statistical information of urban vehicles. We evaluate our model on the Xi’an taxi GPS trajectories dataset. Experiments show that our proposed network can effectively predict the temporal evolution of vehicle emissions.
Fully bio-based fiber reinforced thermoplastics can now challenge polypropylene composites
Authors: Mathijsen Django
Published: March 2021

For decades, composites have been mainly made up of petroleum-based plastics. But the priority on making our technology more sustainable has made research into bio-based materials so extensive, they are becoming viable alternatives. Natural fibers like flax can already challenge glass fiber in some applications. And the latest research is turning bio-based cellulose polymer into a matrix that can rival polypropylene. Could this be the game-changer the eco-purists have been hoping for?
Ancient Greek Lists
Authors: Kirk Athena
Published: March 2021

Ancient Greek Lists brings together catalogic texts from a variety of genres, arguing that the list form was the ancient mode of expressing value through text. Ranging from Homer's Catalogue of Ships through Attic comedy and Hellenistic poetry to temple inventories, the book draws connections among texts seldom juxtaposed, examining the ways in which lists can stand in for objects, create value, act as methods of control, and even approximate the infinite. Athena Kirk analyzes how lists come to stand as a genre in their own right, shedding light on both under-studied and well-known sources to engage scholars and students of Classical literature, ancient history, and ancient languages.
THE CENTER OF SL2 TILTING MODULES
Authors: TUBBENHAUER DANIEL , WEDRICH PAUL
Published: March 2021

In this note, we compute the centers of the categories of tilting modules for G = SL2 in prime characteristic, of tilting modules for the corresponding quantum group at a complex root of unity, and of projective GgT-modules when g = 1, 2.
Suicide and the agent–host–environment triad: leveraging surveillance sources to inform prevention
Authors: Keyes Katherine M. , Kandula Sasikiran , Olfson Mark , Gould Madelyn S. , Martínez-Alés Gonzalo , Rutherford Caroline , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: March 2021

Suicide in the US has increased in the last decade, across virtually every age and demographic group. Parallel increases have occurred in non-fatal self-harm as well. Research on suicide across the world has consistently demonstrated that suicide shares many properties with a communicable disease, including person-to-person transmission and point-source outbreaks. This essay illustrates the communicable nature of suicide through analogy to basic infectious disease principles, including evidence for transmission and vulnerability through the agent–host–environment triad. We describe how mathematical modeling, a suite of epidemiological methods, which the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into renewed focus, can and should be applied to suicide in order to understand the dynamics of transmission and to forecast emerging risk areas. We describe how new and innovative sources of data, including social media and search engine data, can be used to augment traditional suicide surveillance, as well as the opportunities and challenges for modeling suicide as a communicable disease process in an effort to guide clinical and public health suicide prevention efforts.
Reducing the risk of collision between ships in a close-quarters situation by simulating collision avoidance actions
Authors: Mohovic Djani , Mohovic Robert , Suljic Marko , Njegovan Marko
Published: March 2021

‘Close-quarters situation’ is a term used in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. As the term is not precisely defined, this paper analyses the interpretations and definitions of the term by various authors or courts, based on judicial processes and judgments. In the end, the authors suggest their own definition of the term ‘close-quarters situation’. Knowing the minimum distance from another ship and the time to the closest point of approach at which collision may still be avoided by one's own manoeuvre is information that every ship's officer needs to know. In accordance with the proposed definition of the term ‘close-quarters situation’, minimum distances between ships and time to the closest point of approach in which the ship can still take action to avoid a collision by its own manoeuvring are determined by means of simulations on a navigational simulator. A total of 168 simulations were performed with three fine-form vessel sizes and three full-form vessel sizes. Due to the extensive amount of data, the paper presents the results for one vessel only.
Weak State, Powerful Culture: The Emergence of Spanish Cultural Diplomacy, 1914–1936
Authors: Martínez del Campo Luis G.
Published: March 2021

This article explores the historical factors that allowed a weak state like Spain to have cultural influence in other European countries during the interwar period. Drawing on archival material from several countries, I argue that Spain could not promote systematically its culture in the early 1920s, but that it gained in soft power because of Western European countries’ new interest first in Spanish neutrality and then in the Latin American market. When the Spanish state developed an active cultural diplomacy in the late 1920s, it was able to derive benefit from the work that other countries had already done to promote Spanish language and culture.
Aurora-A kinase oncogenic signaling mediates TGF-β-induced triple-negative breast cancer plasticity and chemoresistance
Authors: Jalalirad Mohammad , Haddad Tufia C. , Salisbury Jeffrey L. , Radisky Derek , Zhang Minzhi , Schroeder Mark , Tuma Ann , Leof Eduard , Carter Jodi M. , Degnim Amy C. , Boughey Judy C. , Sarkaria Jann , Yu Jia , Wang Liewei , Liu Minetta C. , Zammataro Luca , Malatino Lorenzo , Galanis Evanthia , Ingle James N. , Goetz Matthew P. , D’Assoro Antonino B.
Published: March 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBCs) account for 15–20% of all breast cancers and represent the most aggressive subtype of this malignancy. Early tumor relapse and progression are linked to the enrichment of a sub-fraction of cancer cells, termed breast tumor-initiating cells (BTICs), that undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and typically exhibit a basal-like CD44high/CD24low and/or ALDH1high phenotype with critical cancer stem-like features such as high self-renewal capacity and intrinsic (de novo) resistance to standard of care chemotherapy. One of the major mechanisms responsible for the intrinsic drug resistance of BTICs is their high ALDH1 activity leading to inhibition of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrated that aurora-A kinase (AURKA) is required to mediate TGF-β-induced expression of the SNAI1 gene, enrichment of ALDH1high BTICs, self-renewal capacity, and chemoresistance in TNBC experimental models. Significantly, the combination of docetaxel (DTX) with dual TGF-β and AURKA pharmacologic targeting impaired tumor relapse and the emergence of distant metastasis. We also showed in unique chemoresistant TNBC cells isolated from patient-derived TNBC brain metastasis that dual TGF-β and AURKA pharmacologic targeting reversed cancer plasticity and enhanced the sensitivity of TNBC cells to DTX-based-chemotherapy. Taken together, these findings reveal for the first time the critical role of AURKA oncogenic signaling in mediating TGF-β-induced TNBC plasticity, chemoresistance, and tumor progression.
Inverse design of photonic meta-structure for beam collimation in on-chip sensing
Authors: Singh Robin , Nie Yuqi , Gao Mingye , Agarwal Anuradha Murthy , Anthony Brian W.
Published: March 2021

Designed or patterned structured surfaces, metasurfaces, enable the miniaturization of complex arrangements of optical elements on a plane. Most of the existing literature focuses on miniaturizing the optical detection; little attention is directed to on-chip optical excitation. In this work, we design a metasurface to create a planar integrated photonic source beam collimator for use in on-chip optofluidic sensing applications. We use an iterative inverse design approach in order to optimize the metasurface to achieve a target performance using gradient descent method. We then fabricate beam collimators and experimentally compare performance characteristics with conventional uniform binary grating-based photonic beam diffractors. The optimal design enhances the illumination power by a factor of 5. The reinforced beam is more uniform with 3 dB beam spot increased almost ~ 3 times for the same device footprint area. The design approach will be useful in on-chip applications of fluorescence imaging, Raman, and IR spectroscopy and will enable better multiplexing of light sources for high throughput biosensing.
Conservation of the glycogen metabolism pathway underlines a pivotal function of storage polysaccharides in Chlamydiae
Authors: Colpaert Matthieu , Kadouche Derifa , Ducatez Mathieu , Pillonel Trestan , Kebbi-Beghdadi Carole , Cenci Ugo , Huang Binquan , Chabi Malika , Maes Emmanuel , Coddeville Bernadette , Couderc Loïc , Touzet Hélène , Bray Fabrice , Tirtiaux Catherine , Ball Steven , Greub Gilbert , Colleoni Christophe
Published: March 2021

The order Chlamydiales includes obligate intracellular pathogens capable of infecting mammals, fishes and amoeba. Unlike other intracellular bacteria for which intracellular adaptation led to the loss of glycogen metabolism pathway, all chlamydial families maintained the nucleotide-sugar dependent glycogen metabolism pathway i.e. the GlgC-pathway with the notable exception of both Criblamydiaceae and Waddliaceae families. Through detailed genome analysis and biochemical investigations, we have shown that genome rearrangement events have resulted in a defective GlgC-pathway and more importantly we have evidenced a distinct trehalose-dependent GlgE-pathway in both Criblamydiaceae and Waddliaceae families. Altogether, this study strongly indicates that the glycogen metabolism is retained in all Chlamydiales without exception, highlighting the pivotal function of storage polysaccharides, which has been underestimated to date. We propose that glycogen degradation is a mandatory process for fueling essential metabolic pathways that ensure the survival and virulence of extracellular forms i.e. elementary bodies of Chlamydiales.
Structure of membrane diacylglycerol kinase in lipid bilayers
Authors: Li Jianping , Shen Yang , Chen Yanke , Zhang Zhengfeng , Ma Shaojie , Wan Qianfen , Tong Qiong , Glaubitz Clemens , Liu Maili , Yang Jun
Published: March 2021

Diacylglycerol kinase (DgkA) is a small integral membrane protein, responsible for the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid. Its structures reported in previous studies, determined in detergent micelles by solution NMR and in monoolein cubic phase by X-ray crystallography, differ significantly. These differences point to the need to validate these detergent-based structures in phospholipid bilayers. Here, we present a well-defined homo-trimeric structure of DgkA in phospholipid bilayers determined by magic angle spinning solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy, using an approach combining intra-, inter-molecular paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE)-derived distance restraints and CS-Rosetta calculations. The DgkA structure determined in lipid bilayers is different from the solution NMR structure. In addition, although ssNMR structure of DgkA shows a global folding similar to that determined by X-ray, these two structures differ in monomeric symmetry and dynamics. A comparative analysis of DgkA structures determined in three different detergent/lipid environments provides a meaningful demonstration of the influence of membrane mimetic environments on the structure and dynamics of membrane proteins.
APOL1 variant alleles associate with reduced risk for opportunistic infections in HIV infection
Authors: An Ping , Sezgin Efe , Kirk Gregory D. , Duggal Priya , Binns-Roemer Elizabeth , Nelson George , Limou Sophie , Van Natta Mark L. , Jabs Douglas A. , Estrella Michelle , Kopp Jeffrey B. , Winkler Cheryl A.
Published: March 2021

Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), an innate immune factor against African trypanosoma brucei, inhibits HIV-1 in vitro. The impact of APOL1 G1-G2 variants on HIV-1-associated opportunistic infections (OIs) is unknown. Here, we report findings from a metaanalysis of four HIV/AIDS prospective cohorts (ALIVE, LSOCA, MACS, and WIHS) including 2066 African American participants. Using a global test combining all four cohorts, carriage of two APOL1 variant alleles is associated with a 50% reduction in odds of OI (combined OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.33-0.76). Subgroup analysis of OI etiological categories (viral, parasitic, fungal and Mycobacterial) suggests the possibility of specific protection from fungal infections (OR 0.54. 95% CI 0.32-0.93; PBonferroni corrected = 0.08). We observe an association of APOL1 variant alleles with host protection against OI in HIV-positive individuals. The study suggests a broader role of APOL1 variant alleles in innate immunity in vivo.
Circadian regulation of night feeding and daytime detoxification in a formidable Asian pest Spodoptera litura
Authors: Zhang Jiwei , Li Shenglong , Li Wanshun , Chen Zhiwei , Guo Huizhen , Liu Jianqiu , Xu Yajing , Xiao Yingdan , Zhang Liying , Arunkumar Kallare P. , Smagghe Guy , Xia Qingyou , Goldsmith Marian R. , Takeda Makio , Mita Kazuei
Published: March 2021

Voracious feeding, trans-continental migration and insecticide resistance make Spodoptera litura among the most difficult Asian agricultural pests to control. Larvae exhibit strong circadian behavior, feeding actively at night and hiding in soil during daytime. The daily pattern of larval metabolism was reversed, with higher transcription levels of genes for digestion (amylase, protease, lipase) and detoxification (CYP450s, GSTs, COEs) in daytime than at night. To investigate the control of these processes, we annotated nine essential clock genes and analyzed their transcription patterns, followed by functional analysis of their coupling using siRNA knockdown of interlocked negative feedback system core and repressor genes (SlituClk, SlituBmal1 and SlituCwo). Based on phase relationships and overexpression in cultured cells the controlling mechanism seems to involve direct coupling of the circadian processes to E-boxes in responding promoters. Additional manipulations involving exposure to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid suggested that insecticide application must be based on chronotoxicological considerations for optimal effectiveness.
Insights on autophagosome–lysosome tethering from structural and biochemical characterization of human autophagy factor EPG5
Authors: Nam Sung-Eun , Cheung Yiu Wing Sunny , Nguyen Thanh Ngoc , Gong Michael , Chan Samuel , Lazarou Michael , Yip Calvin K.
Published: March 2021

Pivotal to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is an evolutionarily conserved degradation system that involves sequestration of cytoplasmic material into the double-membrane autophagosome and targeting of this transport vesicle to the lysosome/late endosome for degradation. EPG5 is a large-sized metazoan protein proposed to serve as a tethering factor to enforce autophagosome–lysosome/late endosome fusion specificity, and its deficiency causes a severe multisystem disorder known as Vici syndrome. Here, we show that human EPG5 (hEPG5) adopts an extended “shepherd’s staff” architecture. We find that hEPG5 binds preferentially to members of the GABARAP subfamily of human ATG8 proteins critical to autophagosome–lysosome fusion. The hEPG5–GABARAPs interaction, which is mediated by tandem LIR motifs that exhibit differential affinities, is required for hEPG5 recruitment to mitochondria during PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy. Lastly, we find that the Vici syndrome mutation Gln336Arg does not affect the hEPG5’s overall stability nor its ability to engage in interaction with the GABARAPs. Collectively, results from our studies reveal new insights into how hEPG5 recognizes mature autophagosome and establish a platform for examining the molecular effects of Vici syndrome disease mutations on hEPG5.
Mitochondrial movement during its association with chloroplasts in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Oikawa Kazusato , Imai Takuto , Thagun Chonprakun , Toyooka Kiminori , Yoshizumi Takeshi , Ishikawa Kazuya , Kodama Yutaka , Numata Keiji
Published: March 2021

Plant mitochondria move dynamically inside cells and this movement is classified into two types: directional movement, in which mitochondria travel long distances, and wiggling, in which mitochondria travel short distances. However, the underlying mechanisms and roles of both types of mitochondrial movement, especially wiggling, remain to be determined. Here, we used confocal laser-scanning microscopy to quantitatively characterize mitochondrial movement (rate and trajectory) in Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll cells. Directional movement leading to long-distance migration occurred at high speed with a low angle-change rate, whereas wiggling leading to short-distance migration occurred at low speed with a high angle-change rate. The mean square displacement (MSD) analysis could separate these two movements. Directional movement was dependent on filamentous actin (F-actin), whereas mitochondrial wiggling was not, but slightly influenced by F-actin. In mesophyll cells, mitochondria could migrate by wiggling, and most of these mitochondria associated with chloroplasts. Thus, mitochondria migrate via F-actin-independent wiggling under the influence of F-actin during their association with chloroplasts in Arabidopsis.
Recent Advances in Designed Local Electric Fields
Authors: Blyth M. T. , Coote M. L.
Published: March 2021

Remote designed local electric fields (D-LEFs) are emerging as a practical strategy for the manipulation of chemical reactivity. This chapter surveys the historical use of D-LEFs, and explores the theory and practical use of Brønsted acids and bases, metal ions, and ion-pairs as novel effectors of D-LEFs, with key concepts such as polarisation illustrated using recent theoretical and experimental case studies. Particular attention is paid to the use of D-LEFs in concert with existing catalysts and catalytic strategies, within photochemistry and excited states, and in the manipulation of regio- and diastereoselectivity. Prospective advances in the efficient use of D-LEFs are also surveyed, and the need for further experimental validation of D-LEF effects is emphasised.