bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Think Family, Think Relationship: Factors Influencing Stronger Professional Relationships with Parents Diagnosed with a Mental Illness. A Qualitative Study
Authors: Grant A , Devaney J , Davidson G , Lagdon S , Duffy J
Published: February 2021

This qualitative study explored how professionals and parents with mental illness experience their relationships with each other, what aspects of interaction promote a constructive relationship and the role of wider organisational and systemic factors. A purposive sample of 30 adult mental health and children’s services professionals, and 21 parents completed semi-structured interviews. Professionals’ transparent, non-judgemental, empathetic and positive approach and ability to form partnerships and to share power with parents were keys in building trusting relationships with them. Professionals’ capacity to use limited self-disclosure of their own personal experiences (i.e. parenting) enabled them to develop constructive relationships with parents. Equally, important was parents’ willingness to form partnerships with professionals and to accept a whole family approach to service delivery. Professionals’ limited understanding of mental illness and focus on administration hindered their relationships with parents. An understanding of what constitutes a constructive relationship between professionals and parents and how it develops may help professionals to reflect upon how they engage parents and to do it well. It may also assist organisations to develop the necessary structures and resources to create the conditions for promoting constructive engagement between professionals and parents.
Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Activity Promotes Synaptogenesis in the Hippocampus
Authors: Salamian Ahmad , Legutko Diana , Nowicka Klaudia , Badyra Bogna , Kaźmierska-Grębowska Paulina , Caban Bartosz , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Kaczmarek Leszek , Beroun Anna
Published: February 2021

Information coding in the hippocampus relies on the interplay between various neuronal ensembles. We discovered that the application of a cholinergic agonist, carbachol (Cch), which triggers oscillatory activity in the gamma range, induces the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)—an enzyme necessary for the maintenance of synaptic plasticity. Using electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal organotypic slices, we show that Cch potentiates the frequency of miniature inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs and mEPSCs, respectively) in CA1 neurons and this effect is MMP-9 dependent. Interestingly, though MMP-9 inhibition prevents the potentiation of inhibitory events, it further boosts the frequency of excitatory mEPSCs. Such enhancement of the frequency of excitatory events is a result of increased synaptogenesis onto CA1 neurons. Thus, the function of MMP-9 in cholinergically induced plasticity in the hippocampus is to maintain the fine-tuned balance between the excitatory and the inhibitory synaptic transmission.
Beta-Alanine and Tris-(hydroxyl methyl) Aminomethane as Peak Modifiers in the Development of RP–HPLC Methods Using Aceclofenac and Haloperidol Hydrochloride as Exemplar Drugs
Authors: Peraman Ramalingam , Chiranjeevi Pokuri , Reddy Yerrigamreddy Padmanabha , Kumar Kondreddy Vinod , Vasantharaju S G , Nagappan Krishnaveni
Published: February 2021

In the present analytical approach, beta-alanine (ALA) and tris-(hydroxyl methyl) aminomethane (TRIS) were investigated as peak modifiers due to their water solubility and their possible peak modifying a property. These reagents were tested for their efficacy on the elution of aceclofenac (ACF) and haloperidol hydrochloride (HLC) from C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μ) equipped with a photodiode array detector. The test reagents were investigated at 0.25 ± 0.05% concentration with a varying % aqueous composition on elution efficacy of HLC and ACF. The added ALA/TRIS in the mobile phase significantly (P < 0.05) improvised the symmetrical elution of HLC with 3-fold theoretical plates increase (P < 0.05) and 10-fold reduced capacity factor as compared to the control run. For ACF, the shoulder effect observed for ACF peak was eliminated. The optimized mobile phase was a combination of acetonitrile and water containing 0.25% beta-alanine/TRIS (pH 3.5 with ortho-phosphoric acid) at the ratio of 70:30 and 60:40% v/v, respectively, for ACF and HLC. The method was validated as per ICHQ2 guidelines. The column performance was tested for reproducibility in non-peak modifier applications and revealed a null effect on the column, thus these agents are relatively less toxic to HPLC columns.
Reassortant Cache Valley Virus Associated With Acute Febrile, Nonneurologic Illness, Missouri
Authors: Baker Molly , Hughes Holly R , Naqvi S Hasan , Yates Karen , Velez Jason O , McGuirk Sophia , Schroder Barb , Lambert Amy J , Kosoy Olga I , Pue Howard , Turabelidze George , Staples J Erin
Published: February 2021

An adult male from Missouri sought care for fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. He had leukopenia and thrombocytopenia and was treated for a presumed tickborne illness. His condition deteriorated with respiratory and renal failure, lactic acidosis, and hypotension. Next-generation sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified a reassortant Cache Valley virus.
Potential of eHealth smart technology in optimization and monitoring of heart failure treatment in adults with systemic right ventricular failure
Authors: Nederend Marieke , Zandstra Tjitske E , Kiès Philippine , Jongbloed Monique R M , Vliegen Hubert W , Treskes Roderick W , Schalij Martin J , Atsma Douwe E , Egorova Anastasia D
Published: February 2021

Aims

Patients with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) in the context of transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after atrial switch or congenitally corrected TGA are prone to heart failure and arrhythmias. This study evaluated feasibility, patient adherence, and satisfaction of a smart technology-based care pathway for heart failure treatment optimization in these patients.

Methods and results

Patients with symptomatic sRV failure eligible for initiation of sacubitril/valsartan were provided with four smartphone compatible devices (blood pressure monitor, weight scale, step counter, and rhythm monitor) and were managed according to a smart technology-based care pathway. Biweekly sacubitril/valsartan titration visits were replaced by electronical visits, patients were advised to continue measurements at least weekly after titration. Data of 24 consecutive sRV patients (median age 47 years, 50% female) who participated in the smart technology-based care pathway were analysed. Median home-hospital distance was 65 km (maximum 227 km). Most patients (20, 83.3%) submitted weekly measurements; 100% submitted prior to electronical visits. Titration conventionally occurs during a hospital visit. By implementing eHealth smart technology, 68 such trips to hospital were replaced by virtual visits facilitated by remote monitoring. An eHealth questionnaire was completed by 22 patients (92%), and 96% expressed satisfaction. After titration, 30 instances of remote adjustment of heart failure medication in addition to scheduled outpatient clinic visits occurred, one (4%) heart failure admission followed, despite ambulant adjustments. Five patients (21%) sent in rhythm registrations (n = 17), of these 77% showed sinus rhythm, whereas supraventricular tachycardia was detected in the remaining four registrations.

Conclusion

These data suggest that implementation of a smart technology-based care pathway for optimization of medical treatment sRV failure is feasible with high measurement adherence and patient satisfaction.
Epidemiological transitions in human evolution and the richness of viruses, helminths, and protozoa
Authors: Amoroso Caroline R , Nunn Charles L
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives

In absolute terms, humans are extremely highly parasitized compared to other primates. This may reflect that humans are outliers in traits correlated with parasite richness: population density, geographic range area, and study effort. The high degree of parasitism could also reflect amplified disease risk associated with agriculture and urbanization. Alternatively, controlling for other variables, cultural and psychological adaptations could have reduced parasitism in humans over evolutionary time.

Methodology

We predicted the number of parasites that would infect a nonhuman primate with human phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic position, and then compared observed parasitism of humans in eight geopolitical countries to the predicted distributions. The analyses incorporated study effort, phylogeny, and drivers of parasitism in 33 primate species.

Results

Analyses of individual countries were not supportive of either hypothesis. When analyzed collectively, however, human populations showed consistently lower than expected richness of protozoa and helminths, but higher richness of viruses. Thus, human evolutionary innovations and new parasite exposures may have impacted groups of parasites in different ways, with support for both hypotheses in the overall analysis.

Conclusions and implications

The high level of parasitism observed in humans only applies to viruses, and was not extreme in any of our tests of individual countries. In contrast, we find consistent reductions in protozoa and helminths across countries, suggesting reduced parasitism by these groups during human evolution. We propose that hygienic and technological advances might have extinguished fecal-orally or indirectly transmitted parasites like helminths, whereas higher human densities and host-shifting potential of viruses have supported increased virus richness.

Lay Summary

Vastly more parasite species infect humans than any other primate host. Controlling for factors that influence parasite richness, such as the intensity of study effort and body mass, we find that humans may have more viruses, but fewer helminths and protozoa, than expected based on evolutionary analyses of parasitism in other primates.
PIP2 Improves Cerebral Blood Flow in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mughal Amreen , Harraz Osama F , Gonzales Albert L , Hill-Eubanks David , Nelson Mark T
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia and a substantial healthcare burden. Despite this, few treatment options are available for controlling AD symptoms. Notably, neuronal activity-dependent increases in cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF; functional hyperemia) are attenuated in AD patients, but the associated pathological mechanisms are not fully understood at the molecular level. A fundamental mechanism underlying functional hyperemia is activation of capillary endothelial inward-rectifying K+ (Kir2.1) channels by neuronally derived potassium (K+), which evokes a retrograde capillary-to-arteriole electrical signal that dilates upstream arterioles, increasing blood delivery to downstream active regions. Here, using a mouse model of familial AD (5xFAD), we tested whether this impairment in functional hyperemia is attributable to reduced activity of capillary Kir2.1 channels. In vivo CBF measurements revealed significant reductions in whisker stimulation (WS)-induced and K+-induced hyperemic responses in 5xFAD mice compared with age-matched controls. Notably, measurements of whole-cell currents in freshly isolated 5xFAD capillary endothelial cells showed that Kir2.1 current density was profoundly reduced, suggesting a defect in Kir2.1 function. Because Kir2.1 activity absolutely depends on binding of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to the channel, we hypothesized that capillary Kir2.1 channel impairment could be corrected by exogenously supplying PIP2. As predicted, a PIP2 analog restored Kir2.1 current density to control levels. More importantly, systemic administration of PIP2 restored K+-induced CBF increases and WS-induced functional hyperemic responses in 5xFAD mice. Collectively, these data provide evidence that PIP2-mediated restoration of capillary endothelial Kir2.1 function improves neurovascular coupling and CBF in the setting of AD.
Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: short-term efficacy of sutureless compared with stented bioprostheses
Authors: Paparella Domenico , Santarpino Giuseppe , Moscarelli Marco , Guida Pietro , De Santis Adriano , Fattouch Khalil , Martinelli Luigi , Coppola Roberto , Mikus Elisa , Albertini Alberto , Del Giglio Mauro , Gregorini Renato , Speziale Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

Sutureless aortic valve prostheses have been introduced to facilitate the implant process, speed up the operating time and improve haemodynamic performance. The goal of this study was to assess the potential advantages of using sutureless prostheses during minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in a large multicentre population.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2019, a total of 3402 patients in 11 hospitals underwent isolated aortic valve replacement with minimal access approaches using a bioprosthesis. A total of 475 patients received sutureless valves; 2927 received standard valves. The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day deaths. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of major complications following procedures performed with sutureless or standard bioprostheses. Propensity matched comparisons was performed based on a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The annual number of sutureless valve implants increased over the years. The matching procedure paired 430 sutureless with 860 standard aortic valve replacements. A total of 0.7% and 2.1% patients with sutureless and standard prostheses, respectively, died within 30 days (P = 0.076). Cross-clamp times [48 (40–62) vs 63 min (48–74); P = 0.001] and need for blood transfusions (27.4% vs 33.5%; P = 0.022) were lower in patients with sutureless valves. No difference in permanent pacemaker insertions was observed in the overall population (3.3% vs 4.4% in the standard and sutureless groups; P = 0.221) and in the matched groups (3.6% vs 4.7% in the standard and sutureless groups; P = 0.364).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of sutureless prostheses is advantageous and facilitates the adoption of a minimally invasive approach, reducing cardiac arrest time and the number of blood transfusions. No increased risk of permanent pacemaker insertion was observed.
Invisible Images and Indeterminacy: Why We Need a Multi-stage Account of Photography
Authors: Wilson Dawn M
Published: February 2021

Some photographs show determinate features of a scene because the photographed scene had those features. This dependency relation is, rightly, a consensus in philosophy of photography. I seek to refute many long-established theories of photography by arguing that they are incompatible with this commitment. In Section II, I classify accounts of photography as either single-stage or multi-stage. In Section III, I analyze the historical basis for single-stage accounts. In Section IV, I explain why the single-stage view led scientists to postulate “latent” photographic images as a technical phenomenon in early chemical photography. In Section V, I discredit the notion of an invisible latent image in chemical photography and, in Section VI, extend this objection to the legacy of the latent image in digital photography. In Section VII, I appeal to the dependency relation to explain why the notion of a latent image makes the single-stage account untenable. Finally, I use the multi-stage account to advance debate about “new” versus “orthodox” theories of photography.
Population simulations of COVID-19 outbreaks provide tools for risk assessment and continuity planning
Authors: Peng Bo , Pettit Rowland W , Amos Christopher I
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We developed COVID-19 Outbreak Simulator (https://ictr.github.io/covid19-outbreak-simulator/) to quantitatively estimate the effectiveness of preventative and interventive measures to prevent and battle COVID-19 outbreaks for specific populations.

Materials and methods

Our simulator simulates the entire course of infection and transmission of the virus among individuals in heterogeneous populations, subject to operations and influences, such as quarantine, testing, social distancing, and community infection. It provides command-line and Jupyter notebook interfaces and a plugin system for user-defined operations.

Results

The simulator provides quantitative estimates for COVID-19 outbreaks in a variety of scenarios and assists the development of public health policies, risk-reduction operations, and emergency response plans.

Discussion

Our simulator is powerful, flexible, and customizable, although successful applications require realistic estimation and robustness analysis of population-specific parameters.

Conclusion

Risk assessment and continuity planning for COVID-19 outbreaks are crucial for the continued operation of many organizations. Our simulator will be continuously expanded to meet this need.
Dermacentor variabilis is the Predominant Dermacentor spp. (Acari: Ixodidae) Feeding on Dogs and Cats Throughout the United States
Authors: Duncan Kathryn T , Saleh Meriam N , Sundstrom Kellee D , Little Susan E
Published: February 2021

Throughout North America, Dermacentor spp. ticks are often found feeding on animals and humans, and are known to transmit pathogens, including the Rocky Mountain spotted fever agent. To better define the identity and distribution of Dermacentor spp. removed from dogs and cats in the United States, ticks submitted from 1,457 dogs (n = 2,924 ticks) and 137 cats (n = 209 ticks) from veterinary practices in 44/50 states from February 2018-January 2020 were identified morphologically (n = 3,133); the identity of ticks from regions where Dermacentor andersoni (Stiles) have been reported, and a subset of ticks from other regions, were confirmed molecularly through amplification and sequencing of the ITS2 region and a 16S rRNA gene fragment. Of the ticks submitted, 99.3% (3,112/3,133) were Dermacentor variabilis (Say), 0.4% (12/3,133) were D. andersoni, and 0.3% (9/3,133) were Dermacentor albipictus (Packard). While translocation of pets prior to tick removal cannot be discounted, the majority (106/122; 87%) of Dermacentor spp. ticks removed from dogs and cats in six Rocky Mountain states (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado) were D. variabilis, suggesting this species may be more widespread in the western United States than is currently recognized, or that D. andersoni, if still common in the region, preferentially feeds on hosts other than dogs and cats. Together, these data support the interpretation that D. variabilis is the predominant Dermacentor species found on pets throughout the United States, a finding that may reflect recent shifts in tick distribution.
Understanding Mosquito Surveillance Data for Analytic Efforts: A Case Study
Authors: Brown Heidi E , Sedda Luigi , Sumner Chris , Stefanakos Elene , Ruberto Irene , Roach Matthew
Published: February 2021

Mosquito surveillance data can be used for predicting mosquito distribution and dynamics as they relate to human disease. Often these data are collected by independent agencies and aggregated to state and national level portals to characterize broad spatial and temporal dynamics. These larger repositories may also share the data for use in mosquito and/or disease prediction and forecasting models. Assumed, but not always confirmed, is consistency of data across agencies. Subtle differences in reporting may be important for development and the eventual interpretation of predictive models. Using mosquito vector surveillance data from Arizona as a case study, we found differences among agencies in how trapping practices were reported. Inconsistencies in reporting may interfere with quantitative comparisons if the user has only cursory familiarity with mosquito surveillance data. Some inconsistencies can be overcome if they are explicit in the metadata while others may yield biased estimates if they are not changed in how data are recorded. Sharing of metadata and collaboration between modelers and vector control agencies is necessary for improving the quality of the estimations. Efforts to improve sharing, displaying, and comparing vector data from multiple agencies are underway, but existing data must be used with caution.
An efficient approach to reliability-based topology optimization for the structural lightweight design of planar continuum structures
Authors: Yin Fangfang , Dang Kaifang , Yang Weimin , Ding Yumei , Xie Pengcheng
Published: February 2021

In order to solve the application restrictions of deterministic-based topology optimization methods arising from the omission of uncertainty factors in practice, and to realize the calculation cost control of reliability-based topology optimization. In consideration of the current reliability-based topology optimization methods of continuum structures mainly based on performance indexes model with a power filter function. An efficient probabilistic reliability-based topology optimization model that regards mass and displacement as an objective function and constraint is established based on the first-order reliability method and a modified economic indexes model with a composite exponential filter function in this study. The topology optimization results obtained by different models are discussed in relation to optimal structure and convergence efficiency. Through numerical examples, it can be seen that the optimal layouts obtained by reliability-based models have an increased amount of material and more support structures, which reveals the necessity of considering uncertainty in lightweight design. In addition, the reliability-based modified model not only can obtain lighter optimal structures compared with traditional economic indexes models in most circumstances, but also has a significant advantage in convergence efficiency, with an average increase of 44.59% and 64.76% compared with the other two reliability-based models. Furthermore, the impact of the reliability index on the results is explored, which verifies the validity of the established model. This study provides a theoretical reference for lightweight or innovative feature-integrated design in engineering applications.
Biotic homogenization or riparian refugia? Urban and wild land snail assemblages along a subtropical precipitation gradient
Authors: Perez Kathryn E , Najev Briante S Lewis , Christoffersen Bradley , Nekola Jeffrey C
Published: February 2021

A noted impact of urbanization is the tendency for biotic homogenization, or the increase of similarity of geographically disparate communities. On the other hand, some urban habitats harbor biodiversity native to their region, a role potentially important in xeric landscapes, with irrigation increasing the coverage and availability of mesic habitats in an otherwise water-limited landscape. We assessed the relative importance of urban yards as agents of biotic homogenization or riparian refugia by characterizing community composition of Tamaulipan thornforest land snail assemblages across a pronounced precipitation gradient in far south Texas, USA. We quantified α- and β-diversity and assessed whether the land snail fauna of urban yards are more similar to each other across a precipitation gradient than they are to their wild counterparts, as well as determined the significance of moisture in driving Tamaulipan thornforest β-diversity, both in terms of turnover (changing species composition) and nestedness (species loss). Sites with both the wild and wet conditions had the highest values of species richness and abundance. Urban land snail communities were significantly homogenized, outweighing the influence of the precipitation gradient. We did not find urban yards served as a refuge for native, moisture-dependent, riparian snails. Our analyses find that turnover, not nestedness, is the largest contributor to β-diversity in these assemblages. Studies of urbanization should address regional spatial scales to quantify how urbanization modifies regional biodiversity arising from background environmental gradients. Such an approach could lead to improved understanding of how large metroplex areas could be used to maintain and even promote biodiversity.
Preoperative Psychological Assessment and Weight Loss Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery Patients at a Military Treatment Facility: A Retrospective Profile Analysis
Authors: Walter Fawn A , Hoyt Tim , Martinez Heidi , Dziura Joanna
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Research on effectiveness of preoperative psychological measures as predictors of weight loss success and weight regain following bariatric surgery has been inconsistent. Despite mixed findings, preoperative psychological assessment instruments are used routinely, including in military medical facilities. Health concerns associated with obesity potentially impact military family readiness, with accompanying utilization of medical resources. Examining psychological factors associated with successful bariatric surgery outcomes may help to optimize care.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective, observational study sought to identify characteristic elevations on two recommended preoperative psychological assessment instruments for bariatric surgery candidates: the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD). Additionally, profile analysis was performed on assessment scales based on groupings of whether or not patients (N = 194) met their ideal BMI over a 60-month period. The Institutional Review Board at Madigan Army Medical Center approved this study protocol.

Results

Means and standard deviations for PAI and the MBMD are presented for this sample of benefits-eligible patients in the military health system. Measures between bariatric outcome groups were not significantly different, but characteristic elevations for bariatric surgery candidates overall were identified.

Conclusion

The average elevations of scales were not above clinical cutoff, but still indicate characteristic trends in patients undergoing surgery at an MTF. These scales may be important to attend to with bariatric surgery candidates, especially scales which are related to psychopathology, treatment prognosis, and treatment management. Study results about scale elevations on preoperative psychological assessment instruments may help patients better manage bariatric surgery and can lead to enhanced warfighter readiness and decreased utilization of healthcare resources. Future work should examine postoperative behavioral and psychological factors, as the adjustment to lifestyle limitations of bariatric surgery is substantial.
The completed SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: 1000 multi-tracer mock catalogues with redshift evolution and systematics for galaxies and quasars of the final data release
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Chuang Chia-Hsun , Bautista Julian , de Mattia Arnaud , Raichoor Anand , Ross Ashley J , Hou Jiamin , Neveux Richard , Tao Charling , Burtin Etienne , Dawson Kyle S , de la Torre Sylvain , Gil-Marín Héctor , Kneib Jean-Paul , Percival Will J , Rossi Graziano , Tamone Amélie , Tinker Jeremy L , Zhao Gong-Bo , Alam Shadab , Mueller Eva-Maria
Published: February 2021

We produce 1000 realizations of synthetic clustering catalogues for each type of the tracers used for the baryon acoustic oscillation and redshift space distortion analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys-iv extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey final data release (eBOSS DR16), covering the redshift range from 0.6 to 2.2, to provide reliable estimates of covariance matrices and test the robustness of the analysis pipeline with respect to observational systematics. By extending the Zel’dovich approximation density field with an effective tracer bias model calibrated with the clustering measurements from the observational data, we accurately reproduce the two- and three-point clustering statistics of the eBOSS DR16 tracers, including their cross-correlations in redshift space with very low computational costs. In addition, we include the gravitational evolution of structures and sample selection biases at different redshifts, as well as various photometric and spectroscopic systematic effects. The agreements on the auto-clustering statistics between the data and mocks are generally within $1\, \sigma$ variances inferred from the mocks, for scales down to a few $h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$ in configuration space, and up to $0.3\, h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$ in Fourier space. For the cross correlations between different tracers, the same level of consistency presents in configuration space, while there are only discrepancies in Fourier space for scales above $0.15\, h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$. The accurate reproduction of the data clustering statistics permits reliable covariances for multi-tracer analysis.
The influence of photo-induced processes and charge transfer on carbon and oxygen in the lower solar atmosphere
Authors: Dufresne R P , Del Zanna G , Badnell N R
Published: February 2021

To predict line emission in the solar atmosphere requires models that are fundamentally different depending on whether the emission is from the chromosphere or the corona. At some point between the two regions, there must be a change between the two modelling regimes. Recent extensions to the coronal modelling for carbon and oxygen lines in the solar transition region have shown improvements in the emission of singly and doubly charged ions, along with Li-like ions. However, discrepancies still remain, particularly for singly charged ions and intercombination lines. The aim of this work is to explore additional atomic processes that could further alter the charge-state distribution and the level populations within ions, in order to resolve some of the discrepancies. To this end, excitation and ionization caused by both the radiation field and by atom–ion collisions have been included, along with recombination through charge transfer. The modelling is carried out using conditions which would be present in the quiet Sun. This allows an assessment of the part atomic processes play in changing coronal modelling, separately from dynamic and transient events taking place in the plasma. The effect the processes have on the fractional ion populations are presented, as well as the change in level populations brought about by the new excitation mechanisms. Contribution functions of selected lines from low-charge states are also shown, to demonstrate the extent to which line emission in the lower atmosphere could be affected by the new modelling.
DNA methylation-based signatures classify sporadic pituitary tumors according to clinicopathological features
Authors: Mosella Maritza S , Sabedot Thais S , Silva Tiago C , Malta Tathiane M , Dezem Felipe Segato , Asmaro Karam P , Wells Michael , Mukherjee Abir , Poisson Laila M , Snyder James , deCarvalho Ana C , Walbert Tobias , Aho Todd , Kalkanis Steven , Elias Paula C , Antonini Sonir R , Rock Jack , Noushmehr Houtan , Castro Margaret , Castro Ana Valeria
Published: February 2021

Background

Distinct genome-wide methylation patterns cluster pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) into molecular groups associated with specific clinicopathological features. Here we aim to identify, characterize, and validate methylation signatures that objectively classify PitNET into clinicopathological groups.

Methods

Combining in-house and publicly available data, we conducted an analysis of the methylome profile of a comprehensive cohort of 177 tumors (Panpit cohort) and 20 nontumor specimens from the pituitary gland. We also retrieved methylome data from an independent PitNET cohort (N = 86) to validate our findings.

Results

We identified three methylation clusters associated with adenohypophyseal cell lineages and functional status using an unsupervised approach. Differentially methylated probes (DMP) significantly distinguished the Panpit clusters and accurately assigned the samples of the validation cohort to their corresponding lineage and functional subtypes memberships. The DMPs were annotated in regulatory regions enriched with enhancer elements, associated with pathways and genes involved in pituitary cell identity, function, tumorigenesis, and invasiveness. Some DMPs correlated with genes with prognostic and therapeutic values in other intra- or extracranial tumors.

Conclusions

We identified and validated methylation signatures, mainly annotated in enhancer regions that distinguished PitNETs by distinct adenohypophyseal cell lineages and functional status. These signatures provide the groundwork to develop an unbiased approach to classifying PitNETs according to the most recent classification recommended by the 2017 WHO and to explore their biological and clinical relevance in these tumors.
COVID-19 Mitigation With Appropriate Safety Measures in an Essential Workplace: Lessons for Opening Work Settings in the United States During COVID-19
Authors: Haigh Karen Z , Gandhi Monica
Published: February 2021

Background

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Essential workplaces remained open during COVID-19, but few US-based settings detail outcomes.

Methods

Mercury Systems is a US-based manufacturing company that remained open during COVID-19. NPIs—distancing, masking, hand hygiene, ventilation—were successively deployed from March to August 2020. The company expanded sick leave, asked employees to report work outages from illness, and administered employee satisfaction surveys. Three sites in Arizona, Southern California, and New Hampshire administered testing campaigns via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasal swabs in late July to early August for all employees at work or at home self-isolating due to symptoms. Descriptive statistics summarized findings.

Results

Among 586 employees at 3 sites, only 1.5% employees developed severe illness over the study duration. Testing campaigns revealed 44 with positive PCR results at a cycle threshold (CT) <37 (likely infectious) and 61 with a CT ≥37 (low-level viral load). True positivity rates were consistent with community prevalence at the time: 1.1% in New Hampshire, 6.2% in California, 12.9% in Arizona. Of all employees with positive tests, 99% were asymptomatic. Employee surveys showed high satisfaction.

Conclusions

In a multisite US company that instituted NPIs for COVID-19 mitigation, the proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections on surveillance testing was high (99%). Although surges in community transmission were seen in 2 sites during the study, employee prevalence reflected community prevalence, despite daily workplace presence. This study demonstrates that NPIs likely mitigate severe COVID-19 illness, that PCR tests should incorporate CT values, and that expanded sick leave likely encourages self-isolation, suggesting strategies for work re-openings.
Challenging Biased Hiring Algorithms
Authors: Kelly-Lyth Aislinn
Published: February 2021

Many employers now use complex algorithms to assess job applications. These algorithms can have discriminatory effects for women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and other legally protected groups. This article evaluates the application of UK law to the use of such algorithms, and finds that equality and data protection laws seek to balance the harms of these tools against the benefits of their use. The article then considers the application of these laws in practice, and finds that the opacity of automated hiring poses a significant challenge to enforcement. The article suggests that a ‘transparent recruitment scheme’ should therefore be introduced, which would incentivise the publication of equality metrics contained in employers’ data protection impact assessments. This scheme should be a collaborative effort between the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Vascularized Bone Grafts for Spinal Fusion—Part 1: The Iliac Crest
Authors: Reece Edward M , Davis Matthew J , Wagner Ryan D , Abu-Ghname Amjed , Cruz Alex , Kaung Geoffrey , Verla Terence , Winocour Sebastian , Ropper Alexander E
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Iliac crest autograft has been the gold standard for harvest of fusion materials in spine surgery. The benefits of a vascularized version of this bone graft—including delivery of stem cells, ability to deliver antibiotics to the fusion bed, and relative ease of harvest—make this technique superior to free bone transfer in the achievement of augmented spinal fusion.

OBJECTIVE

To present a brief summary of similar existing concepts before describing the novel technique of this vascularized posterior iliac crest bone graft.

METHODS

Vascularized posterior iliac crest bone graft can be harvested from the same midline lumbar incision used for thoracolumbar spinal fusion, through lateral dissection around the paraspinals to the iliac crest. Recipient sites in the posterolateral bony spinal gutters may be as rostral as T12 and caudal as the sacrum. The ability to cover multiple lumbar levels can be achieved with desired lengths of the donor iliac crest.

RESULTS

Over 14 vascularized iliac crest bone grafts have been performed to augment lumbar fusion for salvage after pseudoarthrosis. Operative time and bleeding are reduced compared to free flap procedures, and no patients have experienced any complications related to these grafts. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography has been utilized in a novel way to ensure the vascularity of the bone graft prior to arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION

While long-term follow-up will be required to fully characterize fusion rates and patient morbidity, this innovative surgical option augments spinal fusion in patients with, or at increased risk for, pseudoarthrosis.
Improvement of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase thermostability by introducing a disulfide bridge in the ribonuclease H region
Authors: Narukawa Yutaro , Kandabashi Mako , Li Tongyang , Baba Misato , Hara Haruka , Kojima Kenji , Iida Kei , Hiyama Takayoshi , Yokoe Sho , Yamazaki Tomomi , Takita Teisuke , Yasukawa Kiyoshi
Published: February 2021

Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase (RT) is widely used in research and clinical diagnosis. Improvement of MMLV RT thermostability has been an important topic of research for increasing the efficiency of cDNA synthesis. In this study, we attempted to increase MMLV RT thermostability by introducing a disulfide bridge in its RNase H region using site-directed mutagenesis. Five variants were designed, focusing on the distance between the two residues to be mutated into cysteine. The variants were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. A551C/T662C was determined to be the most thermostable variant.
Renormalization group theory of the generalized multi-vertex sine-Gordon model
Authors: Yanagisawa Takashi
Published: February 2021

We investigate the renormalization group theory of the generalized multi-vertex sine-Gordon model by employing the dimensional regularization method and also the Wilson renormalization group method. The vertex interaction is given by $\cos(k_j\cdot \phi)$, where $k_j$ ($j=1,2,\ldots,M$) are momentum vectors and $\phi$ is an $N$-component scalar field. The beta functions are calculated for the sine-Gordon model with multiple cosine interactions. The second-order correction in the renormalization procedure is given by the two-point scattering amplitude for tachyon scattering. We show that new vertex interaction with the momentum vector $k_{\ell}$ is generated from two vertex interactions with vectors $k_i$ and $k_j$ when $k_i$ and $k_j$ meet the condition $k_{\ell}=k_i\pm k_j$, called the triangle condition. A further condition $k_i\cdot k_j=\pm 1/2$ is required within the dimensional regularization method. The renormalization group equations form a set of closed equations when $\{k_j\}$ form an equilateral triangle for $N=2$ or a regular tetrahedron for $N=3$. The Wilsonian renormalization group method gives qualitatively the same result for beta functions.
Informational Herding, Optimal Experimentation, and Contrarianism
Authors: Smith Lones , Sørensen Peter Norman , Tian Jianrong
Published: February 2021

In the standard herding model, privately informed individuals sequentially see prior actions and then act. An identical action herd eventually starts and public beliefs tend to “cascade sets” where social learning stops. What behaviour is socially efficient when actions ignore informational externalities? We characterize the outcome that maximizes the discounted sum of utilities. Our four key findings are: (1) cascade sets shrink but do not vanish, and herding should occur but less readily as greater weight is attached to posterity. (2) An optimal mechanism rewards individuals mimicked by their successor. (3) Cascades cannot start after period one under a signal log-concavity condition. (4) Given this condition, efficient behaviour is contrarian, leaning against the myopically more popular actions in every period. We make two technical contributions: as value functions with learning are not smooth, we use monotone comparative statics under uncertainty to deduce optimal dynamic behaviour. We also adapt dynamic pivot mechanisms to Bayesian learning.
TINY REBEL BREWING CO LTD’S TRADE MARK APPLICATIONAppointed Person (Trade Marks)Prof. Ruth Annand: 16 August 2019BL O/482/19; [2019] R.P.C. 25
Authors:   Appointed Person (Trade Marks)
Published: February 2021

H1 Trade marks – Opposition proceedings – Device marks – TROPICANA – Comparison of goods – Whether beers similar to fruit juices – Comparison of marks – Dominant element – Descriptiveness – Acquired distinctive character – Conceptual differences – Assessment of likelihood of confusion – Passing off – Appeal to Appointed Person
Eicosapenaenoic Acid (EPA) Supplementation Regulates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation in Diet Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Albracht‐Schulte Kembra , Ramalingam Latha , Kalupahana Nishan , Brocard Cecile , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima
Published: February 2021

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects more than 70% of obese patients. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are potent hypotriglyceridemic agents. Our lab has previously reported that EPA prevented and reversed high fat (HF) diet‐induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis as indicated by reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation. However, the mechanisms mediating these effects of EPA are not completely understood. To address this question, liver samples were obtained from C57BL/6J mice fed HF diet, either with EPA (HF‐EPA) or without (HF). EPA supplementation revealed significant decreases in genes related to fatty acid synthesis, such as fatty acid synthase, and increases in expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha, suggesting a switch of liver metabolism from an anabolic lipogenic state to an oxidizing state. Moreover, several anti‐inflammatory markers were also up‐regulated with EPA supplementation, while pro‐inflammatory markers were reduced. We further tested direct effects of EPA in the liver in cultured HepG2 hepatoma cells. Our results show similar metabolic changes when HepG2 cells were treated with EPA. In summary, our data indicate that EPA regulates expression of lipid and inflammation‐related genes, independent of obesity. Detailed mechanistic studies are ongoing. Regardless, these findings may provide additional rationale for EPA supplementation for patients with fatty liver.
Endosome Independent ‐ Vesicular Transport and Targeting of the Leishmania RNA Import Complex to Mammalian Mitochondria in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: MUKHERJEE JOYITA , MAHATO Biraj , KOLEY SANDIP , ADHYA SAMIT
Published: February 2021

The multi subunit RNA Import Complex (RIC) from the protozoal parasite Leishmania tropica is taken up by mammalian cells and trafficked to mitochondria, with functional RNA delivered to the matrix by an unknown mechanism. By live cell imaging of siRNA mediated knockdown cells we showed that intracellular vesicular transport of the ribonuclear protein complex is dependent on caveolin1, dynamin2 and filaminA but independent of components of the endosomal pathway such as EEA1, Rab5 or Rab7. Moreover, mitochondrial targeting was dependent on TOM20 and TOM22, two components of the outer membrane machinery. By immuno‐selection we could distinguish two types of RNA loaded cytoplasmic vesicles, one containing caveolar components and the other lacking them. In vitro, transfer of RNP from the caveolin negative transport vesicles to mitochondria was dependent on ATP and on TOM22. RIC was transferred to TOM20 deficient mitochondrial membrane but the RNA was not imported into the matrix. These results imply that (1) endosomes are not involved in RIC trafficking and novel interactions between vesicle associated RIC and (2) TOM20 and TOM22 are required for transfer and positioning of RIC on the mitochondrial surface.

Supported By: Project Bend of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Ref: Mukherjee, J. (2014). Vesicular transport of a ribonucleoprotein to mitochondria. Biology Open, doi: 10.1242/​bio.20149076.
Canthal and Cephalic and Indexes of Children with Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease in Port‐Harcourt
Authors: Ligha Aloysius
Published: February 2021

This research was conducted in view of the importance of anthropmetric indices of the head and face in forensic medicine, surgery, paediatrics and medical imaging. this study was put forward to determine some of the effects of chronic diseases on head and face of children with homozygous sickle cell disease. A comparative study on canthal and cephalic indexes were carried on 100 patients, 54 male and 46 females who are homozygous for sickle cell anaemia, who attended the sickle cell clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between the ages of 3‐17years. The same was done for 500 growing children, 291 males and 209 females between 3‐17years. The head length, head breadth, inner and outer canthal distances were measured. the results showed a mean cephalic index value of 79.89± 0.87 for the normal growing children while that of the sickle cell children was 79.54± 2.14 which is not statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean canthal index for healthy children was 35.16±1.01 as against 37.28±1.65 for sickle cell children, which is statistically significant. This result determined the possible effects of chronic diseases such as sickle cell anaemia on the diversity of head and face shapes in children.
Monitoring on the 4‐Hexylresorcinol in various shrimp and crab meat products
Authors: Kim Jae‐Min , Kim Young‐Hyun , Lee Jong Seok , Gang Seong‐Ran , Lee Ok‐Hwan
Published: February 2021

4‐Hexylresorcinol, one of the Generally Recognized Safe (GRAS) food additives, has been used as an antioxidant to prevent from melanosis (black spot) in some crustacean including shrimp and crab shell. It is authorized with maximum residue levels of 2 mg/kg in European Union, of 1.0 mg/kg in China and Canada but unauthorized in Korea. In our previous study, we developed a sensitive and simple analytical method to identify 4‐hexylresorcinol using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD) and with mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). Therefore, this study was to demonstrate the effective application of the established analytical method on real various food samples such as uncooked frozen shrimps, cooked frozen shrimps, and crab meats. Our results show that all of the tested samples were not detected with the 4‐hexylresorcinol. The data from this study will be valuable source for data base construction of science‐based satefy and management for the 4‐hexylresorcinol in foods.