bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dense ceramics based on solid solutions
Authors: Ulyanova A V , Senina M O , Lemeshev D O
Published: June 2021

The work compiled the main results of research devoted to the production of high-density nonporous ceramics, namely ceramics based on aluminum-magnesium spinel (AMS). The article discusses questions about the role of reducing the sintering temperature, increasing the performance of the material. A promising solution to these issues is the introduction of modifying additives. Various additives and their mechanism are considered. Particular attention is paid to solid solution-forming agents. The basic laws of the interaction of sintering additives that do not react with the basic compound are described. Possible schemes for the formation of a solid solution for yttrium and gallium oxides are presented. The economic component of the raw materials used is also considered. It was determined that the most advantageous is the use of gallium oxide as an additive, and the diagrams of state of gallium oxide are also given. It has been revealed that the method of introducing the additive on the example of introducing gallium oxide plays an important role in improving the properties of ceramics based on aluminum-magnesium spinel.
Methods of synthesis of yttrium-aluminum granate powders for producing transparent ceramics
Authors: Protasov A S , Senina M O , Lemeshev D O
Published: June 2021

The work examines the latest research on the synthesis of ceramic powders based on yttrium-aluminum garnet. The advantages and disadvantages of various methods are given. The work highlights the achievements and results achieved by researchers in this field at the moment.
Testing the methodology for evaluating the accuracy of the 3d printing
Authors: Davydov R , Polyakov N , Korenchenkova D , Chulkin S , Rud’ V , Krasnoscshekov V
Published: June 2021

The spread of 3d printing in the industry has led to the need to determine the accuracy of reproducible dimensions on a 3d printer. Precision manufacturing of parts is essential in the manufacture of products. The hardware manufacturer provides the user with information on the positioning accuracy of the 3d printer, but this could be a marketing statement. Also, it is very important to know the accuracy of a 3d printer after its upgrade or under the influence of various external factors (ambient temperature, vibrations) inherent in the location of the printer. The purpose of this work was to check the accuracy of a 3d printer and to develop a methodology for assessing the accuracy of a 3d printer by printing a sample product. As a result of the work done, it was found that by measuring various samples of products, it is possible to determine the quality of accuracy for certain structural elements and the average coefficient of accuracy of products. It was also found that the study of a sample product allows us to determine most of the factors affecting the accuracy of manufacturing products.
Study of Biological Properties in in Vivo Experiments OF TI-29NB-13TA-4.6ZR Alloy Samples with a Polymer Coating
Authors: Baikin A S , Sevostyanova T M , Alexandrova A G , Berezina N V , Sergienko K V , Konushkin S V , Baranov E E , Nasakina E O , Kolmakov A G
Published: June 2021

This paper shows the technology of creating a composite material from a Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr mass% alloy, which does not contain toxic elements, with a polymer coating based on PLA. Primary in vivo studies were carried out to confirm the non-toxicity of the obtained material and the prospects for further studies.
Biomechanical compatibility study of a nickel-free medical TiNbZr shape memory alloy
Authors: Nasakina E O , Konushkin S V , Sudarchikova M A , Novikova D A , Sergiyenko K V , Kolmakova A A , Mikhailova A V , Shatova L A , Kolmakov A G , Sevostyanov M A
Published: June 2021

Biomechanical compatibility of a Ti-(20-30) Nb-5Zr shape memory alloy was studied. The tensile strength study was carried out. The best properties are observed for the Ti-28Nb-5Zr composition with a wire diameter of 1200 μm, adapted to work in a living organism. The dependence of the change in strength and plasticity on the annealing temperature exhibits minimal extrema. The best characteristics are noted at 800 °C.
Biocompatibility study of a nickel-free medical TiNbZr shape memory alloy
Authors: Nasakina E O , Konushkin S V , Sudarchikova M A , Novikova D A , Sergiyenko K V , Baikin A S , Konushkin S V , Baranov E E , Kaplan M A , Kolmakov A G , Sevostyanov M A
Published: June 2021

Biocompatibility of a Ti-(20-30) Nb-5Zr shape memory alloy was studied in vitro in standard cell medium. The number of cells, the mitotic index, the number of dead cells were estimated. All samples were biocompatible in vitro. Mitochondrial activity and good cell survival were observed. The Ti-28Nb-5Zr alloy has the best characteristics.
Use of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with biologically active substances for pre-harvest plant protection from pathogens (a review)
Authors: Popletaeva S B , Arslanova L R
Published: June 2021

Chitosan is a biopolymer that readily forms nanoparticles, with or without additional biologically active substances loaded into them. Chitosan nanoparticles can include hydrophobic or hydrophilic compounds, metal ions, compounds poorly soluble in water, etc. Chitosan is biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic to plants, humans and animals. It also stimulates plant immunity and enhances crop yields. Because of that properties, there are some works about chitosan nanoparticles loaded with biologically active substances for plant protection. The major advantages of these nanoparticles are: good solubility in water, large surface for interaction with the pathogen, possibility of gradual release of active substances, protection of active substances from damage, easy entrance of the nanoparticles into plant cells.

In this review current research works about use of chitosan nanoparticles that are loaded with active substances for pre-harvest plant protection are summarized.
Development of the intelligent lighting control system using Wi-Fi technology
Authors: Briushinin A A , Gureeva I M , Savin D D , Diuldin M V
Published: June 2021

The article considers the use of an intelligent lighting control system as one of the ways to reduce the negative impact of electromagnetic radiation in the visible range on the human visual organs. The developed algorithm of the system determines the most optimal value of the voltage on the lighting elements based on the comparison of the data on the value of illumination in different areas of the room, providing not only a comfortable environment for the eyes in the workplace, but also an electric energy saving of at least 15 %.
Development of an ecological lighting device to reduce the growth time of agricultural plants in greenhouses
Authors: Cheremisin A V , Gureeva I M , Briushinin A A , Savin D D , Mozhayko A A
Published: June 2021

The use of LEDs in lamps is promising for effective plant growth. Plant growth lamps are designed to create artificial lighting for agricultural crops. This work is devoted to the creation of a smart LED lamp with the ability to adjust the spectral composition of radiation depending on the stage of growth and the type of plant. A number of experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of various radiation parameters on the growth characteristics of dill, parsley, green onion and cucumber seeds. The optimal radiation parameters that contribute to the acceleration of the selected model plants growth were identified. Based on the results obtained, a multi-wavelength LED lamp with an adjustable radiation composition, including blue 440 nm and red 660 nm LEDs, was developed. In the lamp, the possibility of changing the spectral composition of radiation at different stages of growth was realized. Therefore, it is possible to change the light parameters in accordance with the obtained data on the development of crops.
Testing of thickness homogeneity of Si crystal membranes using GaAs Timepix detector
Authors: Zápražný Z. , Zaťko B. , Korytár D. , Gál N. , Jergel M. , Halahovets Y. , Ferrari C.
Published: June 2021

Silicon (Si) membranes were prepared using high precision advance nanomachining technology utilizing single point diamond turning (SPDT). We showed that SPDT allowed to produce membranes with a surface undulation down to 500 nm over diameter of 7800 μm which corresponds to a high accuracy of the surface profile. We used X-ray digital radiography based on absorption contrast for a non-destructive measurement of the thickness distribution within a thin Si crystal membrane. The semi-insulating Gallium Arsenide (SI GaAs) pixel detector bump-bonded to the Timepix readout chip was used as a highly efficient single photon counting X-ray imaging detector. Comparison of thickness values obtained by the SI GaAs Timepix detector with values obtained with a surface stand-type micrometer gauge showed comparable results and the thickness variation within the membrane was clearly detected with a standard deviation down to 8.4 μm. The thickness resolution down to 5 μm over distances of 4–8 mm was achieved in selected areas of the sample.
The Strip SiPM: a study of single photon time resolution
Authors: Doroud K. , Kim D.W. , Kwon K.H. , Liu Z. , Min B.G. , Williams M.C.S. , Zichichi A.
Published: June 2021

The Strip Silicon PhotoMultiplier (SiPM) allows a photosensitive area to be created that has excellent time resolution coupled to good position resolution. However, as the SiPM is made larger it becomes more difficult to extract the signal produced by a single photon; we thus are using the NINO ASIC as the front-end amplifier. The NINO ASIC dissipates 40 mW of heat per channel. SiPMs are sensitive to temperature; increasing the temperature leads to higher noise and a higher breakdown voltage. For the best timing performance the front-end electronics should be mounted as close to the SiPM as possible; however if, for example, the front-end electronics are mounted on the backside of the SiPM, it would be very difficult to control the temperature of the SiPM. Given this, we chose to mount the NINO ASIC on the printed circuit board (PCB) away from the strip SiPM so that a cooling system can be added. We present here the performance of an array of 16 strip SiPMs readout by 4 NINO ASICs coupled by ∼5 cm of PCB track length. The performance has been evaluated by the measurement of the Single Photon Time Resolution (SPTR) and also the position resolution along the strip determined from the time difference of the signals at each end.
Ambient temperature and hospitalizations for acute kidney injury in Queensland, Australia, 1995–2016
Authors: Lu Peng , Xia Guoxin , Tong Shilu , Bell Michelle , Li Shanshan , Guo Yuming
Published: June 2021

To examine the associations between ambient temperature and hospitalizations for acute kidney injury (AKI) in Queensland, Australia, 1995–2016. Data were collected on a total of 34 379 hospitalizations for AKI from Queensland between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2016. Meteorological data were downloaded from the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science. We assessed the temperature-AKI relationship using a time-stratified case-crossover design fitted with conditional quasi-Poisson regression model and time-varying distributed lag non-linear model. Stratified analyses were performed by age, sex, climate zone and socioeconomic group. Both cold and hot temperatures were associated with hospitalizations for AKI. There were stronger temperature-AKI associations among women than men. Cold effects were only positive in the ⩾70 years age group. Hot effects were stronger in the ⩽59 years age group than in the >60 years age group. In different climate zone areas, cold effects decreased with increasing local mean temperatures, while hot effects increased. In different socio-economic status groups, hot effects were stronger in the poor areas than the affluent areas. From 1995 to 2016, the magnitude of associations between cold temperature and hospitalizations for AKI decreased, while the hot effect increased. The associations between hot temperature and hospitalizations for AKI become stronger, while the magnitude of cold effect decreased from 1995 to 2016. This trend may accelerate over the coming decades, which warrants further research. More attention is needed toward susceptible population including women, people ⩾70 years, and the people living in hot climate zones and in low socioeconomic status areas.
Interlayer and interfacial stress transfer in hBN nanosheets
Authors: Wang Weimiao , Li Zheling , Marsden Alex J , Bissett Mark A , Young Robert J
Published: June 2021

Stress transfer has been investigated for exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets (BNNSs) through the use of Raman spectroscopy. Single BNNSs of different thicknesses of up to 100 nm (300 layers) were deposited upon a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate and deformed in unixial tension. The Raman spectra from the BNNSs were relatively weak compared to graphene, but the in-plane E2g Raman mode (the G band) could be distinguished from the spectrum of the PMMA substrate. It was found that G band down-shifted during tensile deformation and that the rate of band shift per unit strain decreased as the thickness of the BNNSs increased, as is found for multi-layer graphene. The efficiency of internal stress transfer between the different hBN layers was found to be of the order of 99% compared to 60%–80% for graphene, as a result of the stronger bonding between the hBN layers in the BNNSs. The reduction in bandshift rate can be related to the effective Young’s modulus of the 2D material in a nanocomposites and the findings show that it would be expected that even 100 layer BNNSs should have a Young’s modulus of more than half that of hBN monolayer. Interfacial stress transfer between a single hBN nanosheet and the PMMA substrate has been evaluated using shear lag theory. It is found that the interfacial shear stress between the BNNS and the substrate is of the order of 10 MPa, a factor of around 4 higher than that for a graphene monolayer. These findings imply that BNNSs should give better mechanical reinforcement than graphene in polymer-based nanocomposites as a result of good internal interlayer stress transfer within the nanosheets and better interfacial stress transfer to the polymer matrix.
An experimental assisted mathematical modeling to study the desorption capacity of the clay based solid desiccant
Authors: Parthiban Mohanram , Chenrayan Venkatesh , Venkatachalam Chandraprabhu , Shahapurkar Kiran , Bekele Addisu
Published: June 2021

Since the moisture present in the vegetables and fruits are initially more, they are endangered to spoil quickly. The ability of the desiccant materials to absorb moisture can be used for drying. By incorporating desiccants in the drying process, drying can also be carried out during no sunshine periods. The absorbed moisture can be desorbed by passing hot air stream through the desiccants. A cylindrical desiccant mould with varying diameters of concentric holes, comprising of vermiculite (20%), bentonite (60%), cement (10%) and calcium chloride (10%) has been prepared. The sizes of the concentric holes were made in three different diameters as 6, 12 and 18 mm. Different mass flow rates and temperatures were followed to conduct the experiment as per Box- Benhen design. The ANOVA analysis was performed to arrive the percentage of contribution of influence over the desorption. Various indicators including the percentage of error between measured and predicted responses were employed to uphold the accuracy of the proposed mathematical model. The extensive statistical study reveals that the 6 mm of hole diameter, 0.003 Kg m−2s of mass flow rate and 60 °C temperature are the optimal parameters for the solid desiccant to regenerate effectively.
The Development of a COVID-19 Control Measures Risk Matrix for Occupational Hygiene Protective Measures
Authors: Williams Kelvin , Cherrie John W , Dobbie John , Agius Raymond M
Published: June 2021

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) COVID-19 Working Group developed a control banding matrix to provide guidance for employers and others to help assess the risks of COVID-19 infection during the pandemic. The matrix was based on occupational hygiene principles and the judgement of the occupational health practitioners involved; since objective data on workers’ exposure were unavailable. Users of the matrix identify one of five exposure categories based on generic job descriptions and example occupations, and these categories are linked to generic guidance on interventions at source, on the exposure pathway and for individual workers. The risk matrix was published on the BOHS website and the guidance has been downloaded more than 2000 times. The matrix has had limited evaluation for reliability, but the data suggest that the highest exposure ranked jobs were associated with higher age-standardized mortality in Britain during the pandemic. However, there was considerable variability in exposure assignments between assessors, which underlines the need for the control guidance to be precautionary. The BOHS calls on academic researchers to undertake further work to validate the reliability of the tool.
Using Big Data to Assess Legitimacy of Plastic Surgery Information on Social Media
Authors: Chartier Christian , Lee Justine C , Borschel Gregory , Chandawarkar Akash
Published: June 2021

Background

The proliferation of social media in plastic surgery poses significant difficulties for the public in determining legitimacy of information. This work proposes a system based on social network analysis (SNA) to assess the legitimacy of information contributors within a plastic surgery community.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to quantify the centrality of individual or group accounts on plastic surgery social media by means of a model based on academic plastic surgery and a single social media outlet.

Methods

To develop the model, a high-fidelity, active, and legitimate source account in academic plastic surgery (@psrc1955, Plastic Surgery Research Council) appearing only on Instagram (Facebook, Menlo Park, CA) was chosen. All follower-followed relationships were then recorded, and Gephi (https://gephi.org/) was used to compute 5 different centrality metrics for each contributor within the network.

Results

In total, 64,737 unique users and 116,439 unique follower-followed relationships were identified within the academic plastic surgery community. Among the metrics assessed, the in-degree centrality metric is the gold standard for SNA, hence this metric was designated as the centrality factor. Stratification of 1000 accounts by centrality factor demonstrated that all of the top 40 accounts were affiliated with a plastic surgery residency program, a board-certified academic plastic surgeon, a professional society, or a peer-reviewed journal. None of the accounts in the top decile belonged to a non–plastic surgeon or non-physician; however, this increased significantly beyond the 50th percentile.

Conclusions

A data-driven approach was able to identify and successfully vet a core group of interconnected accounts within a single plastic surgery subcommunity for the purposes of determining legitimate sources of information.
NaViA: a program for the visual analysis of complex mass spectra
Authors: Quetschlich Daniel , Esser Tim K , Newport Thomas D , Fiorentino Francesco , Shutin Denis , Chen Siyun , Davis Rachel , Lovera Silvia , Liko Idlir , Stansfeld Phillip J , Robinson Carol V
Published: June 2021

Motivation

Native mass spectrometry is now a well-established method for the investigation of protein complexes, specifically their subunit stoichiometry and ligand binding properties. Recent advances allowing the analysis of complex mixtures lead to an increasing diversity and complexity in the spectra obtained. These spectra can be time-consuming to tackle through manual assignment and challenging for automated approaches.

Results

Native Mass Spectrometry Visual Analyser is a web-based tool to augment the manual process of peak assignment. In addition to matching masses to the stoichiometry of its component subunits, it allows raw data processing, assignment and annotation and permits mass spectra to be shared with their respective interpretation.

Availability and implementation

NaViA is open-source and can be accessed online under https://navia.ms. The source code and documentation can be accessed at https://github.com/d-que/navia, under the BSD 2-Clause licence.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
RápidoPGS: a rapid polygenic score calculator for summary GWAS data without a test dataset
Authors: Reales Guillermo , Vigorito Elena , Kelemen Martin , Wallace Chris
Published: June 2021

Motivation

Polygenic scores (PGS) aim to genetically predict complex traits at an individual level. PGS are typically trained on genome-wide association summary statistics and require an independent test dataset to tune parameters. More recent methods allow parameters to be tuned on the training data, removing the need for independent test data, but approaches are computationally intensive. Based on fine-mapping principles, we present RápidoPGS, a flexible and fast method to compute PGS requiring summary-level Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets only, with little computational requirements and no test data required for parameter tuning.

Results

We show that RápidoPGS performs slightly less well than two out of three other widely used PGS methods (LDpred2, PRScs and SBayesR) for case–control datasets, with median r2 difference: -0.0092, -0.0042 and 0.0064, respectively, but up to 17 000-fold faster with reduced computational requirements. RápidoPGS is implemented in R and can work with user-supplied summary statistics or download them from the GWAS catalog.

Availability and implementation

Our method is available with a GPL license as an R package from CRAN and GitHub.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
3Dscript.server: true server-side 3D animation of microscopy images using a natural language-based syntax
Authors: Schmid Benjamin , Tripal Philipp , Winter Zoltán , Palmisano Ralph
Published: June 2021

Creating 3D animations from microscopy data is computationally expensive and requires high-end hardware. We therefore developed 3Dscript.server, a 3D animation software that runs as a service on dedicated, shared workstations. Using 3Dscript as the underlying rendering engine, it offers unique features not found in existing software: rendering is performed completely server-side. The target animation is specified on the client without the rendering engine, eliminating any hardware requirements client-side. Still, defining an animation is intuitive due to 3Dscript’s natural language-based animation description. We implemented a new OMERO web app to utilize 3Dscript.server directly from the OMERO web interface; a Fiji client to use 3Dscript.server from Fiji for integration into image processing pipelines; and batch scripts to run 3Dscript.server on compute clusters for large-scale visualization projects.

Availability and implementation

Source code and documentation is available at https://github.com/bene51/omero_3Dscript, https://github.com/bene51/3Dscript.server and https://github.com/bene51/3Dscript.cluster.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Potential optimization of focused ultrasound capsulotomy for obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Germann Jürgen , Elias Gavin J B , Neudorfer Clemens , Boutet Alexandre , Chow Clement T , Wong Emily H Y , Parmar Roohie , Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Loh Aaron , Giacobbe Peter , Kim Se Joo , Jung Hyun Ho , Bhat Venkat , Kucharczyk Walter , Chang Jin Woo , Lozano Andres M
Published: June 2021

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a debilitating and often refractory psychiatric disorder. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound is a novel, minimally invasive neuromodulatory technique that has shown promise in treating this condition.

We investigated the relationship between lesion location and long-term outcome in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder treated with focused ultrasound to discern the optimal lesion location and elucidate the efficacious network underlying symptom alleviation. Postoperative images of 11 patients who underwent focused ultrasound capsulotomy were used to correlate lesion characteristics with symptom improvement at 1-year follow-up. Normative resting-state functional MRI and normative diffusion MRI-based tractography analyses were used to determine the networks associated with successful lesions. Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder treated with inferior thalamic peduncle deep brain stimulation (n = 5) and lesions from the literature implicated in obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 18) were used for external validation. Successful long-term relief of obsessive-compulsive disorder was associated with lesions that included a specific area in the dorsal anterior limb of the internal capsule.

Normative resting-state functional MRI analysis showed that lesion engagement of areas 24 and 46 was significantly associated with clinical outcomes (R = 0.79, P = 0.004). The key role of areas 24 and 46 was confirmed by (i) normative diffusion MRI-based tractography analysis, showing that streamlines associated with better outcome projected to these areas; (ii) association of these areas with outcomes in patients receiving inferior thalamic peduncle deep brain stimulation (R = 0.83, P = 0.003); and (iii) the connectedness of these areas to obsessive-compulsive disorder-causing lesions, as identified using literature-based lesion network mapping.

These results provide considerations for target improvement, outlining the specific area of the internal capsule critical for successful magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound outcome and demonstrating that discrete frontal areas are involved in symptom relief. This could help refine focused ultrasound treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder and provide a network-based rationale for potential alternative targets.
Neuromodulation of Visual Cortex Reduces the Intensity of Intrusive Memories
Authors: Herz Noa , Bar-Haim Yair , Tavor Ido , Tik Niv , Sharon Haggai , Holmes Emily A , Censor Nitzan
Published: June 2021

Aversive events can be reexperienced as involuntary and spontaneous mental images of the event. Given that the vividness of retrieved mental images is coupled with elevated visual activation, we tested whether neuromodulation of the visual cortex would reduce the frequency and negative emotional intensity of intrusive memories. Intrusive memories of a viewed trauma film and their accompanied emotional intensity were recorded throughout 5 days. Functional connectivity, measured with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging prior to film viewing, was used as predictive marker for intrusions-related negative emotional intensity. Results indicated that an interaction between the visual network and emotion processing areas predicted intrusions’ emotional intensity. To test the causal influence of early visual cortex activity on intrusions’ emotional intensity, participants’ memory of the film was reactivated by brief reminders 1 day following film viewing, followed by inhibitory 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over early visual cortex. Results showed that visual cortex inhibitory stimulation reduced the emotional intensity of later intrusions, while leaving intrusion frequency and explicit visual memory intact. Current findings suggest that early visual areas constitute a central node influencing the emotional intensity of intrusive memories for negative events. Potential neuroscience-driven intervention targets designed to downregulate the emotional intensity of intrusive memories are discussed.
Mr Prebisch on the asymmetric Gold Standard
Authors: Libman Emiliano
Published: June 2021

Prebisch is responsible for three significant but often ignored contributions to international macroeconomics. First, Prebisch characterised the Gold Standard as an unstable and asymmetric system, which worked for peripheral countries only when there was a balance of payments surplus. Second, Prebisch considered that the increasing importance of the US economy was the main reason for the collapse of the Gold Standard and the Great Depression, and rejected explanations based on the inflexibility of wages and prices. Third, and as response to the abovementioned issues, Prebisch implemented several policies in Argentina during the 1930s, lifting the country out of the crisis. These theoretical insights and the policy prescriptions predated significant contributions by eminent scholars and proved to be successful during the last decades.
Clinical impact of low coverage in whole-exome genetic testing in the assessment of familial arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Costa Sarah , Pons Elisa , Medeiros-Domingo Argelia , Saguner Ardan M
Published: June 2021

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited condition, with approximately 60% of patients carrying a possibly disease-causing genetic variant. Known desmosomal genes account for about 50% of those variants. We herein report a family with ARVC in which a pathogenic desmosomal variant was missed because of the initial genetic testing method.

Case summary

A 54-year-old man diagnosed with ARVC underwent genetic cascade screening for a heterozygous titin variant (TTN: c.26542C>T), detected in his phenotypically affected sister. He did not harbour this TTN variant. Moreover, reclassification of this variant based on the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) 2015 criteria showed it to be likely benign. Upon genetic re-screening with a dedicated cardiomyopathy panel a heterozygous missense variant in desmoglein-2 (DSG2: c.152G>C) was found. His sister’s DNA was re-analysed and the same DSG2 variant was detected, and classified as LP (likely pathogenic) by current literature.

Discussion

The initial genetic screening tool used in the patient’s sister (whole-exome sequencing, WES) failed to detect the likely causative desmosomal variant in our family. While WES represents a good tool in searching for novel genes in Trio Analysis, it has a low DNA coverage in important regions (mean 10×) of known ARVC-associated genes. We therefore propose using smaller panels with better coverage in the clinical setting, such as Trusight-cardio (mean DNA coverage 100–300×) as an initial genetic screening method.
Rapidly progressive aortic stenosis treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with Fabry disease: a case report
Authors: Saccheri María C , Cianciulli Tomás F , Blanco Federico L , Blanco Rodrigo I
Published: June 2021

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare lysosomal storage disease, caused by mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). Cardiac involvement is one of the main causes of death and it is characterized by progressive concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which in most cases is symmetric. Mild thickening of the left-sided valves is seen in as many as a quarter of patients. Severe aortic stenosis is an extremely rare disorder in FD.

Case summary

In this report, we describe the case of a 57-year-old male, who was diagnosed with a cardiac variant of FD 10 years ago. Since the patient had severe LVH, he was started on enzyme replacement therapy when he was 47 years old with an intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg of agalsidase alpha every 14 days. The patient remained stable and asymptomatic for 9 years, until he presented with dyspnoea in New York Heart Association functional class II–III and severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area: 0.97 cm2) together with severe systolic dysfunction [ejection fraction (EF): 29%]. Because of the patient’s comorbidities and high surgical risk, he underwent successful transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). At 2 months following TAVI, the patient was asymptomatic and, in spite of his Fabry cardiomyopathy, the EF had increased to 45%.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature to demonstrate a rapid progression of aortic stenosis with severe impairment of left ventricular function and worsening in functional class in a patient with FD, who following TAVI improved his EF, with disappearance of symptoms and ventricular arrhythmias.
Iatrogenic perforation of a pulmonary artery side branch—a case report
Authors: Leick Juergen , Leinen Stefan , Friedrich Ivar , Werner Nikos
Published: June 2021

Background

The use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) continues to be important for the diagnosis and therapeutic control of severe heart failure and in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. One of the most feared complications of this examination is perforation of a pulmonary artery with an estimated incidence of 0.031–0.05% and mortality rates of up to 70%.

Case summary

We report on an 80-year-old female patient who experienced a perforation of a pulmonary artery branch during the work-up of pulmonary arterial hypertension by PAC. Immediately after the perforation, haemodynamic shock developed rapidly, necessitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Occlusion of the pulmonary artery branch with a semicompliant balloon was applied immediately. After 40 min of occlusion, the bleeding persisted, and endovascular coil implantation was performed. Subsequently, the bleeding stopped, and the haemodynamics stabilized. After treatment, the patient was discharged home without any significant sequelae.

Discussion

Treatment options in pulmonary artery perforation are limited, especially if the patient is inoperable and if balloon occlusion fails. Based on our results, endovascular coil embolization can be considered a therapeutic option.
Highly differentiated soil bacterial communities in Victoria Land macro-areas (Antarctica)
Authors: Severgnini Marco , Canini Fabiana , Consolandi Clarissa , Camboni Tania , Paolo D'Acqui Luigi , Mascalchi Cristina , Ventura Stefano , Zucconi Laura
Published: June 2021

Ice-free areas of Victoria Land, in Antarctica, are characterized by different terrestrial ecosystems, that are dominated by microorganisms supporting highly adapted communities. Despite the unique conditions of these ecosystems, reports on their bacterial diversity are still fragmentary. From this perspective, 60 samples from 14 localities were analyzed. These localities were distributed in coastal sites with differently developed biological soil crusts, inner sites in the McMurdo Dry Valleys with soils lacking of plant coverage, and a site called Icarus Camp, with a crust developed on a thin locally weathered substrate of the underlying parent granitic-rock. Bacterial diversity was studied through 16S rRNA metabarcoding sequencing. Communities diversity, composition and the abundance and composition of different taxonomic groups were correlated to soil physicochemical characteristics. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria dominated these communities. Most phyla were mainly driven by soil granulometry, an often disregarded parameter and other abiotic parameters. Bacterial composition differed greatly among the three macrohabitats, each having a distinct bacterial profile. Communities within the two main habitats (coastal and inner ones) were well differentiated from each other as well, therefore depending on site-specific physicochemical characteristics. A core community of the whole samples was observed, mainly represented by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
Racial Segregation and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in the United States: Findings From the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study
Authors: Jang Joy Bohyun , Hicken Margaret T , Mullins Megan , Esposito Michael , Sol Ketlyne , Manly Jennifer J , Judd Suzanne , Wadley Virginia , Clarke Philippa J
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Residential segregation is one of the fundamental features of health disparities in the United States. Yet little research has examined how living in segregated metropolitan areas is related to cognitive function and cognitive decline with age. We examined the association between segregation at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level and trajectories of age-related cognitive function.

Method

Using data from Black and White older adults in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study (n = 18,913), we employed linear growth curve models to examine how living in racially segregated MSAs at baseline, measured by the degree of non-Hispanic Black (NHB) isolation and NHB dissimilarity, was associated with trajectories of age-related cognitive function and how the associations varied by race and education.

Results

Living in MSAs with greater levels of isolation was associated with lower cognitive function (b = −0.093, p < .05) but was not associated with rates of change in cognitive decline with age. No effects of living in isolated MSAs were found for those with at least a high school education, but older adults with less than a high school education had lower cognitive function in MSAs with greater isolation (b = −0.274, p < .05). The degree of dissimilarity was not associated with cognitive function. The association between segregation and cognitive function did not vary by race.

Discussion

Metropolitan segregation was associated with lower cognitive function among older adults, especially for those with lower education living in racially isolated MSAs. This suggests complex associations between individual socioeconomic status, place, and cognitive health.
Memorandum concerning Joseph Priestley
Authors: Jones Daniel A
Published: June 2021

A previously unpublished memorandum on the life of Dr. Joseph Priestley written by Priestley’s former student, Benjamin Vaughan. Vaughan, who participated in the negotiations of the Treaty of Paris and served as a member of parliament, recounts the academic accomplishments, research interests and character of one of England’s most famous eighteenth-century polymaths. Vaughan’s reflections provide a first-hand account of the personal nature of Priestley, who helped fuel the scientific discoveries of the Enlightenment, including experiments that led to the discovery of oxygen. The original manuscript is available in the Benjamin Vaughan papers at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia.
Oceanographic structure and seasonal variation contribute to high heterogeneity in mesozooplankton over small spatial scales
Authors: Brandão Manoela C , Comtet Thierry , Pouline Patrick , Cailliau Caroline , Blanchet-Aurigny Aline , Sourisseau Marc , Siano Raffaele , Memery Laurent , Viard Frédérique , Nunes Flávia
Published: June 2021

The coastal oceans can be highly variable, especially near ocean fronts. The Ushant Front is the dominant oceanographic feature in the Iroise Sea (NE Atlantic) during summer, separating warm stratified offshore waters from cool vertically-mixed nearshore waters. Mesozooplankton community structure was investigated over an annual cycle to examine relationships with oceanographic conditions. DNA metabarcoding of COI and 18S genes was used in communities from six sites along two cross-shelf transects. Taxonomic assignments of 380 and 296 OTUs (COI and 18S, respectively) identified 21 classes across 13 phyla. Meroplankton relative abundances peaked in spring and summer, particularly for polychaete and decapod larvae, respectively, corresponding to the reproductive periods of these taxa. Meroplankton was most affected by season, while holoplankton varied most by shelf position. Copepods with a mixed feeding strategy were associated with the most offshore sites, especially in the presence of the front, while filter-feeding or carnivorous copepods were associated with nearshore sites. In sum, mesozooplankton communities in well-mixed coastal waters were distinct from those found in the Ushant Front (high thermal stratification and chlorophyll-a). Furthermore, the benthic compartment, through its partial life cycle in the water column, contributed to high heterogeneity in planktonic communities over short temporal and spatial scales.
The limited usefulness of the proportionality principle
Authors: Chang Yun-chien , Dai Xin
Published: June 2021

The proportionality principle is used in constitutional law and administrative law worldwide. We argue that this doctrinal method is theoretically flawed and often practically not useful. Our major arguments are that, first, the proportionality principle is an ill-suited tool for legislative and administrative decision-making, because it is, in essence, an incomplete form of cost-benefit analysis, as it systematically ignores certain costs and benefits. Welfare-maximizing measures, as a result, may fail to pass the test of proportionality analysis. Second, representative of legal scholars’ efforts to theorize proportionality, the German theorist Robert Alexy’s influential Paretian formulation of the proportionality principle makes it either toothless or fatal. Alexy’s weight formula is not useful in comparing multiple means. Third, the use of the proportionality principle for constitutional review by courts may create an undesirable ex ante effect and may fall prey to its inherent loss aversion which cannot be easily avoided through re-framing.
Time is of the essence: where can we improve care in acute aortic dissection?
Authors: Saha Shekhar , Fabry Thomas G , Buech Joscha , Ali Ahmad , Joskowiak Dominik , Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Hagl Christian , Pichlmaier Maximilian , Peterss Sven
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVES

In acute aortic dissection type A various components of the diagnostic and logistic pathways may affect the time to definitive treatment. This study aimed to characterize these components and to identify factors delaying the optimal management within our institutional referral network.

METHODS

Between January 2017 and January 2020, 96 consecutive patients with classical aortic dissection type A were admitted (28%) or referred (72%) to our tertiary care centre and analysed retrospectively. Data are presented as medians (25th–75th quartile).

RESULTS

Median age was 66 years (56–74), 63% were male. Most of the patients were primarily admitted to a cardiology department (40%), whereas about a fourth were admitted to departments for internal medicine (26%) and general surgery (27%). The median interval from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission was 2.1 (1–4.4) h. From admission to confirmed diagnosis it took 2.1 (0.6–9.5) h and the median interval from confirmed diagnosis to admission at our specialized tertiary care aortic centre was 1.5 (0.9–2.4) h. Following admission to our centre, 1.1 (0.5–1.9) h passed until the induction of anaesthesia and 0.8 (0.0–1.1) h until the start of surgery. The total interval from the onset of symptoms to the start of surgery was 7.6 h (5.1–12.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The marked variability of the time from symptoms to diagnosis at any medical facility demonstrates the importance of awareness in the optimization of the treatment of acute aortic dissection type A.
The Misogyny of Authoritarians in Contemporary Democracies
Authors: Kaul Nitasha
Published: June 2021

Contemporary democracy in multiple countries has been under assault from what has been variously called right-wing populism, authoritarian populism, cultural majoritarianism, new nativism, new nationalism, quasi-fascism, and neo-fascism. While the authoritarian behaviors of several electorally legitimated leaders in these countries have been in focus, their misogyny is seen as merely an incidental part of their personality. This article highlights the centrality of misogyny in legitimating the political goals and regimes of a set of leaders in contemporary democracies—Trump, Modi, Bolsonaro, Duterte, and Erdogan (all but Trump are still in power)—in countries from across Global North/South, non-West/West, with mixed populations and different majority religions. The argument proceeds as follows. First, I clarify the conceptualization of misogyny and explain why it matters. Second, I demonstrate the substantive misogyny of political leaders who are/have been heads of hegemonic right-wing political projects in five contemporary democracies (Trumpism, Modification, Bolsonarismo, Dutertismo, and Erdoganism). Third, I put forward three systematic ways in which misogyny works as an effective political strategy for these projects, by enabling a certain politics of identity to demonize opponents as feminine/inferior/anti-national, scavenging upon progressive ideas (rather than rejecting them) and distorting them, and sustaining and defending a militarized masculinist approach to policy and delegitimizing challenges to it. This article, thus, contributes to the literature on how masculinity, misogyny, and gender norms more broadly intersect with political legitimacy, by arguing for understanding the analytic centrality of misogyny to the exercise of political power in multiple global projects.
Antimicrobial guidelines in clinical practice: incorporating the ethical perspective
Authors: Lambregts Merel , Rump Babette , Ropers Fabienne , Sijbom Martijn , Petrignani Mariska , Visser Leo , de Vries Martine , de Boer Mark
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Guidelines on antimicrobial therapy are subject to periodic revision to anticipate changes in the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance and new scientific knowledge. Changing a policy to a broader spectrum has important consequences on both the individual patient level (e.g. effectiveness, toxicity) and population level (e.g. emerging resistance, costs). By combining both clinical data evaluation and an ethical analysis, we aim to propose a comprehensive framework to guide antibiotic policy dilemmas.

Methods

A preliminary framework for decision-making on antimicrobial policy was constructed based on existing literature and panel discussions. Antibiotic policy themes were translated into specific elements that were fitted into this framework. The adapted framework was evaluated in two moral deliberation groups. The moral deliberation sessions were analysed using ATLAS.ti statistical software to categorize arguments and evaluate completeness of the final framework.

Results

The final framework outlines the process of data evaluation, ethical deliberation and decision-making. The first phase is a factual data exploration. In the second phase, perspectives are weighed and the policy of moral preference is formulated. Judgments are made on three levels: the individual patient, the patient population and society. In the final phase, feasibility, implementation and re-evaluation are addressed.

Conclusions

The proposed framework facilitates decision-making on antibiotic policy by structuring existing data, identifying knowledge gaps, explicating ethical considerations and balancing interests of the individual and current and future generations.
Optimal Public Investment in Resource-Rich Low-Income Countries
Authors: Algozhina Aliya
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have found that resource-rich low-income countries are better off investing their resource revenues domestically rather than saving them abroad in a sovereign wealth fund (SWF). This paper finds an optimal rule-based policy of accumulating public capital and its associated public investment path in a perfect foresight general equilibrium model. The model has several specific features different from the existing frameworks: the policy rule for public capital is introduced. Public investment is inefficient and has its absorptive capacity constraint costs. External savings clear the government budget. There is a variable share of resource revenues to accumulate the SWF, and the natural resource sector is assumed to be capital-intensive with its foreign direct investment shock. Based on calibration for African countries, the study finds that the front-loaded public investment path is optimal given an initial one-period resource windfall, public investment inefficiency and absorptive capacity constraints in the economies. This result also holds under less productive public capital and more patient households, while a scenario of no resource windfall produces the welfare loss due to a steady increase in consumption tax to finance public investment.