bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic response study of ordinary and isolated bridges crossing strike‐slip fault rupture zones
Authors: Yang Shuo , Mavroeidis George P. , Tsopelas Panos
Published: June 2021

This article presents a comprehensive parametric study of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges crossing strike‐slip faults by performing nonlinear response history analysis using actual near‐fault ground‐motion records and by varying the fault crossing angle, fault crossing location, pier height, span length, seismic excitation polarity, and number of ground‐motion components. The considered ground motions include three records from major earthquakes with their peak ground displacements and pulse periods being considerably larger in the fault‐parallel component than in the fault‐normal component and one record from a strong earthquake with comparable peak ground displacements and pulse periods in both components. The analysis results indicate that fault crossing angle and fault crossing location significantly affect the displacement demands, the distributions of peak displacement responses at piers and abutments, and the deformed shapes of both ordinary and seismically isolated bridges. The most advantageous scenario is generally obtained at a fault crossing angle of 90° and a fault crossing location at the middle span of the bridge. In addition, the variation trends of isolation displacement demands and pier drift demands of seismically isolated bridges with fault crossing angle and fault crossing location appear to depend primarily on earthquake magnitude. Based on the limited number of considered records, it is also observed that utilizing only the fault‐parallel ground‐motion component is generally sufficient for the seismic analysis of bridges crossing strike‐slip faults, with the exception of seismically isolated bridges subjected to records from smaller earthquakes. Furthermore, the effect of seismic excitation polarity on the displacement demands of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges may be significant depending on the fault crossing angle. Finally, pier height and span length are found to have an insignificant effect on the displacement demands of bridges crossing strike‐slip faults.
Risk assessment on the CCUS project using risk breakdown structure methodology: A case study on Jilin oilfield CO2‐EOR Hei‐79 block
Authors: Lv Hongying , Wang Luochun , Liu Guizhen , Lou Ziyang , Pang Lingyun , Cai Bofeng , Li Qi
Published: June 2021

The risk potential matrix method can be used as a reference for the optimization of the traditional risk matrix in geological CO2 storage. This study used monitoring data for environmentally sensitive receptors in the Jilin Oilfield CO2‐enhanced oil recovery (CO2‐EOR) Hei‐79 block in conjunction with a hazard event store to create an updated risk assessment of CO2 capture, use, and storage (CCUS) as a guide for risk management. The assessment built upon the overall project operation status to evaluate six and five sub‐categories of hazard and sensitivity, respectively. The environmental sensitivity threshold integrated ecosystems and secondary geological disasters to amplify potential risks. The results of the risk assessment of the CO2‐EOR Hei‐79 block in the Jilin Oilfield showed that despite an overall risk level of Ⅱ, the hazard level resulted in an unacceptable increase in overall risk. Formations are usually stimulated by fracturing in Jilin Oilfield, particularly for oil and gas production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Astrocyte‐selective STAT3 knockdown rescues methamphetamine withdrawal‐disrupted spatial memory in mice via restoring the astrocytic capacity of glutamate clearance in dCA1
Authors: Shi Pengbo , Li Zhaosu , He Teng , Li Nanqin , Xu Xing , Yu Peiyao , Lu Xue , Nie Jiaxun , Liu Dekang , Cai Qinglong , Guan Yun , Ge Feifei , Wang Jun , Guan Xiaowei
Published: June 2021

Methamphetamine (METH) is a common abused drug. METH‐triggered glutamate (Glu) levels in dorsal CA1 (dCA1) could partially explain the etiology of METH‐caused abnormal memory, but the synaptic mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that METH withdrawal disrupted spatial memory in mice, accompanied by the increases in Glu levels and postsynaptic neuronal activities at dCA1 synapses. METH withdrawal weakened the capacity of Glu clearance in astrocytes, as indicated by increasing the A1‐like astrocytes and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p‐STAT3), decreasing the Glu transporter 1(GLT‐1, also known as EAAT2 or SLC1A2), Glu‐aspartate‐transporter (GLAST also known as EAAT1 or SLC1A3) and astrocytic glutamine synthase (GS), but failed to affect the presynaptic Glu release from dCA3 within dCA1. Moreover, we identified that in vitro A1‐like astrocytes exhibited an increased STAT3 activation and the impaired capacity of Glu clearance. Most importantly, selective knockdown of astrocytic STAT3 in vivo in dCA1 restored the astrocytic capacity of Glu clearance, normalized Glu levels at dCA1 synapses, and finally rescued METH withdrawal‐disrupted spatial memory in mice. Thus, astrocytic Glu clearance system, especially STAT3, serves as a novel target for future therapies against METH neurotoxicity.
Obeticholic Acid Decreases Intestinal Content of Enterococcus in Rats With Cirrhosis and Ascites
Authors: Yan Kathleen , Hung Adelina , Parmer Caitlin , Yang Hui , Jain Dhanpat , Lim Bentley , Goodman Andrew L. , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe
Published: June 2021

The intestinal microbiome and bacterial translocation (BT), the passage of microorganisms from the gut lumen to mesenteric lymph nodes and other extra‐intestinal sites, are main mechanisms implicated in liver injury and further decompensation in patients with cirrhosis. We hypothesized that obeticholic acid (OCA), a semisynthetic bile acid, would change the microbiome composition and reduce bacterial translocation in experimental cirrhosis. Rats with cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride inhalation (a nonseptic model) with ascites present for at least 7 days were randomized to receive a 14‐day course of OCA at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day (n = 34) or placebo (n = 34). Stool was collected at days 1 (randomization), 8, and 14 (sacrifice) for analysis of intestinal microbiome using the V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Bacteriological cultures of mesenteric lymph nodes, blood, and ascites were performed at end of study. Twenty‐four animals in each group reached the end of study. Compared with placebo, rats treated with OCA had decreased relative abundance of Enterococcus in both ileum content (P = 0.02) and in stool (P < 0.001). BT from pathogenic bacteria was not different between groups. At end of treatment, rats on OCA had a significantly lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (266 vs. 369 IU/L; P < 0.01) and higher serum albumin (0.9 vs. 0.7 g/dL; P < 0.01) than rats on placebo. Conclusion: Although OCA did not appear to reduce BT by pathogenic bacteria, the reduction in intestinal content of Enterococcus, which has been associated with hepatocyte death, in OCA‐treated animals is consistent with our observed improvements in AST and in liver function, as evidenced by higher serum albumin.
Investigating the midpoint of a two‐point method for predicting advance and infiltration in surface irrigation*
Authors: Panahi Amir , Seyedzadeh Amin , Maroufpoor Eisa
Published: June 2021

This study used the location of the average advance time (method 1) and the mean infiltration opportunity time (method 2) as the midpoint of the two‐point method for determining “power advance” and Kostiakov–Lewis infiltration parameters. Experiments were carried out in three border‐irrigated fields. The results showed that calibration of the power advance equation obtained by the Elliot and Walker method had high accuracy, with an average relative error of 11.3% in the time to complete the advance phase. The root mean square deviation (dRMS) index used by Elliot and Walker showed that method 1, with an average dRMS value of 15.7 min, has the lowest dRMS, which estimates the advance time with mean dRMS values of 5.1 and 1.8 min less than the proposed method 2 and the method of Elliot and Walker, respectively. Furthermore, using all methods, the Kostiakov–Lewis infiltration equation parameters were determined. In estimating infiltration depth, method 1 had the highest accuracy with a minimum relative error of 0%, a maximum relative error of 8.7%, and an average relative error of 3.8%. Based on both the dRMS index and the accuracy of the infiltration equation, method 1 had a higher accuracy.
SEQCROW: AChimeraXbundle to facilitate quantum chemical applications to complex molecular systems
Authors: Schaefer Anthony J. , Ingman Victoria M. , Wheeler Steven E.
Published: June 2021

We describe a bundle for UCSF ChimeraX called SEQCROW that provides advanced structure editing capabilities and quantum chemistry utilities designed for complex organic and organometallic compounds. SEQCROW includes graphical presets and bond editing tools that facilitate the generation of publication‐quality molecular structure figures while also allowing users to build molecular structures quickly and efficiently by mapping new ligands onto existing organometallic complexes as well as adding rings and substituents. Other capabilities include the ability to visualize vibrational modes and simulated IR spectra, to compute and visualize molecular descriptors including percent buried volume, ligand cone angles, and Sterimol parameters, to process thermochemical corrections from quantum mechanical computations, to generate input files for ORCA, Psi4, and Gaussian, and to run and manage computational jobs.
Cardiorespiratory findings in epilepsy: A recent review on outcomes and pathophysiology
Authors: Akyüz Enes , Üner Arda Kaan , Köklü Betül , Arulsamy Alina , Shaikh Mohd. Farooq
Published: June 2021

Epilepsy is a debilitating disorder of uncontrollable recurrent seizures that occurs as a result of imbalances in the brain excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signals, that could stem from a range of functional and structural neuronal impairments. Globally, nearly 70 million people are negatively impacted by epilepsy and its comorbidities. One such comorbidity is the effect epilepsy has on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which plays a role in the control of blood circulation, respiration and gastrointestinal function. These epilepsy‐induced impairments in the circulatory and respiratory systems may contribute toward sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Although, various hypotheses have been proposed regarding the role of epilepsy on ANS, the linking pathological mechanism still remains unclear. Channelopathies and seizure‐induced damages in ANS‐control brain structures were some of the causal/pathological candidates of cardiorespiratory comorbidities in epilepsy patients, especially in those who were drug resistant. However, emerging preclinical research suggest that neurotransmitter/receptor dysfunction and synaptic changes in the ANS may also contribute to the epilepsy‐related autonomic disorders. Thus, pathological mechanisms of cardiorespiratory dysfunction should be elucidated by considering the modifications in anatomy and physiology of the autonomic system caused by seizures. In this regard, we present a comprehensive review of the current literature, both clinical and preclinical animal studies, on the cardiorespiratory findings in epilepsy and elucidate the possible pathological mechanisms of these findings, in hopes to prevent SUDEP especially in patients who are drug resistant.
Folate metabolic profiling and expression of folate metabolism‐related genes during panicle development in foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv)
Authors: Hou Siyu , Man Xiaxia , Lian Boying , Ma Guifang , Sun Zhaoxia , Han Lida , Yan Lufei , Gao Hao , Du Wei , Wang Xinfang , Zhang Yijuan , Li Hongying , Han Yuanhuai
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Foxtail millet grain has higher folate content than other cereal crops. However, the folate metabolite content and the expression patterns of folate metabolite‐related genes are unknown.

RESULTS

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to investigate 12 folate metabolites in a foxtail millet panicle. The content of total folate and derivatives gradually decreased during panicle development. Polyglutamate 5‐formyl‐tetrahydrofolate was the major form. Twenty‐eight genes involved in the folate metabolic pathway were identified through bioinformatic analysis. These genes in Setaria italica, S. viridis and Zea mays showed genomic collinearity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the folate‐related genes were closely related among the C4 plants compared to C3 plants. The gene expressions were then studied at three panicle development stages. The gene expression patterns were classified into two groups, namely SiADCL1 and SiGGH as two key enzymes, which are responsible for folate synthesis and degradation; their expression levels were highest at the early panicle development stage, up to 179.11‐ and 163.88‐fold, respectively. Their expression levels had a similar downward trend during panicle development and were significantly positively correlated with the concentration of total folate and folate derivatives. However, SiSHMT3 expression levels were significantly negatively correlated with total folate concentration.

CONCLUSION

Besides being the major determinants of folate and folate derivatives accumulation, SiADCL1 and SiGGH expression levels are key limiting factors in the foxtail millet panicle. Therefore, SiADCL1 and SiGGH expression levels can be targeted in genetic modification studies to improve folate content in foxtail millet seeds in the future. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The Surgical Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess: A Retrospective Analysis in 584 Patients
Authors: Hahn Janina , Barth Ina , Wigand Marlene C. , Mayer Benjamin , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Greve Jens
Published: June 2021

Objectives

There are three surgical treatment options for patients with peritonsillar abscess (PTA): needle aspiration, incision and drainage (ID), and abscess tonsillectomy (ATE). The updated German national guideline (2015) included changes in the treatment of PTA. The indication for tonsillectomy (TE) in patients became more stringent and preference was given to ID in certain cases.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective systematic analysis of patient data using the in‐house electronic patient records and considered a 4‐year period from 2014 to 2017. About 584 patients were identified. Our aim was to analyze the influence of the updated guideline on clinical practice.

Results

236 of 584 patients (40.4%) underwent ATE with contralateral TE. In 225 patients (38.5%), unilateral ATE was performed. Mean surgery time was significantly shortened when only unilateral ATE was performed. Concerning postoperative bleeding, we noted a tendency toward a lower incidence after ATE in comparison to ATE with contralateral TE. Less than 1% of patients who underwent ATE had to be revised surgically due to postoperative hemorrhage. After the revision of the guideline, unilateral ATE and ID were conducted more frequently.

Conclusion

These results support that ATE in an inpatient setting is a considerably safe and effective primary therapeutic option. ID represents a favorable treatment option for patients with PTA and comorbidities, nevertheless, patient compliance is required and insufficient drainage or recurrence of PTA may occur. The revision of the guideline had a significant impact on the choice of interventions (P < .001), which is reflected by the increased number of unilateral ATE.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2706–2712, 2021
The use of mass spectrometry in a proteome‐centered multiomics study of human pituitary adenomas
Authors: Li Na , Desiderio Dominic M. , Zhan Xianquan
Published: June 2021

A pituitary adenoma (PA) is a common intracranial neoplasm, and is a complex, chronic, and whole‐body disease with multicausing factors, multiprocesses, and multiconsequences. It is very difficult to clarify molecular mechanism and treat PAs from the single‐factor strategy model. The rapid development of multiomics and systems biology changed the paradigms from a traditional single‐factor strategy to a multiparameter systematic strategy for effective management of PAs. A series of molecular alterations at the genome, transcriptome, proteome, peptidome, metabolome, and radiome levels are involved in pituitary tumorigenesis, and mutually associate into a complex molecular network system. Also, the center of multiomics is moving from structural genomics to phenomics, including proteomics and metabolomics in the medical sciences. Mass spectrometry (MS) has been extensively used in phenomics studies of human PAs to clarify molecular mechanisms, and to discover biomarkers and therapeutic targets/drugs. MS‐based proteomics and proteoform studies play central roles in the multiomics strategy of PAs. This article reviews the status of multiomics, multiomics‐based molecular pathway networks, molecular pathway network‐based pattern biomarkers and therapeutic targets/drugs, and future perspectives for personalized, predeictive, and preventive (3P) medicine in PAs.
Effect of Vitamin B2‐Deficient Diet on Hydroxyproline‐ or Obesity‐Induced Hyperoxaluria in Mice
Authors: Uebanso Takashi , Suyama Mai , Shimohata Takaaki , Mawatari Kazuaki , Takahashi Akira
Published: June 2021

Scope

Hyperoxaluria is a major cause of kidney stone disease. Around half of the oxalate in mammals is supplied from the diet and the other half is endogenously synthesized from glyoxylate. Reduction of hepatic glycolate oxidase (GO) activity is one approach to reduce endogenous production of oxalate. However, there are currently few effective dietary approaches to reduce hepatic GO activity.

Methods and Results

In the present study, it is investigated whether restriction of dietary vitamin B2 (VB2) can reduce hepatic GO activity and oxalate excretion in mice with hyperoxaluria induce by hydroxyproline (Hyp) or obesity. It is found that VB2 restriction significantly reduces hepatic GO activity in both the Hyp‐ and obesity‐induced model of hyperoxaluria in mice. However, VB2 restriction reduces urinary oxalate excretion only in the Hyp‐treated mice and not the obese mice. This difference could be due to the contribution of endogenous oxalate production that manifests as increased hepatic GO activity in Hyp‐treated mice but not obese mice.

Conclusion

Together these results suggest that VB2 restriction could be a new dietary approach to improve hyperoxaluria when endogenous production of oxalate is increased.
Internal migrants' charitable giving to hometowns in China: The effect of community embeddedness
Authors: Zhang Dong , Yang Yongjiao
Published: June 2021

Charitable giving from rural–urban migrants to their hometowns would help reverse ‘rural decline’ in China. Drawing on data from the 2018 China Labor‐force Dynamics Survey, this study discusses the relationship between migrants' structural embeddedness with their hometowns and their giving to public causes there. As the findings show, the deeper embedded the migrants, the more likely they were to donate. Social status compensation and moral constraint, as identified in previous studies, were confirmed in this research as the key drivers of migrant giving. Interestingly, this study found that the lower the degree of hometown embeddedness, the stronger the social status compensation effect, whereas the effect of moral constraint was powerful merely for those highly embedded with hometowns. These findings were also applicable to migrants with diverse types of embeddedness overall. This study contributes to the field of population research by adopting the structural perspective of spatial relationships regarding migrants' behaviours based on the theory of field and embeddedness. It has important implications for rural revitalisation in China as well as for philanthropy study worldwide.
Effects of purslane supplementation on C‐reactive protein levels and biomarkers of oxidative stress as marks for metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhu Ying , Huang Yubing , Santos Heitor O. , de Oliveira Caio V. C. , Zhou Hui , Tang Nie
Published: June 2021

The antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) are known in preclinical studies but further examination is needed to expand their potential into the clinical scenario. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials were performed to elucidate the effects of purslane supplementation on C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and biomarkers of oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome, its related complications, and other diseases. PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Embase were the databases searched. Heterogeneity was examined using the I‐squared (I2) statistic, in which the source of heterogeneity was determined if the I2‐value was >50%. After all the screening processes, 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed. Following purslane supplementation, CRP levels decreased significantly (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −0.33 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.66, −0.004, p = .047) but with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 87.4%, p = .001). Purslane supplementation did not significantly change serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: −0.353 μm/L; 95% CI: −0.920, 0.213; I2 = 50.7%), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 0.090 mm/L, 95% CI: −0.081, 0.262; I2 = 47.1%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (WMD: 6.54 U/ml, 95% CI: −22.150, 35.236; I2 = 70.7%). Thus, this meta‐analysis showed a positive effect of purslane supplementation as a tool to decrease CRP levels, but not to MDA, TAC, and SOD levels.
Application of a new computer‐assisted robotic visualization system in cochlear implantation—Proof of concept
Authors: Riepl Ricarda , Greve Jens , Schild Leon R. , Böhm Felix , Goldberg‐Bockhorn Eva , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Schuler Patrick J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Over the last decades conventional cochlear implant (CI) surgery has remained essentially unchanged. Nevertheless, alternative implantation techniques to further improve patient outcomes such as endaural implantation or robot‐assisted surgery have been proposed in recent years. However, none of these have gained acceptance in clinical routine, thus confirming a demand for new developments.

Methods

Cochlear implant surgery was performed in two mastoid bones obtained from body donors using a novel hands‐free exoscope. Advantages and disadvantages of the system were evaluated.

Results

In all cases, implantation of the electrode was feasible. The system allowed for hands‐free movement and adjustment of the exoscope by the head‐mounted display. Network connectivity of the system leaves room for improvement.

Conclusion

The RoboticScope is an innovative tool and can be used supportively in conventional CI surgery in the experimental setting. Although operating the device requires a certain learning curve, the usability is intuitive for every ear surgeon.
Optimizing number of spots and cluster size of a high‐throughput communication satellite payload
Authors: Sharifi‐Moghaddam Elham , Ahmadi Arash
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the number of spots and cluster size of a high‐throughput satellite (HTS) is optimized by minimizing the satellite mass in the conceptual design phase. An innovative procedure for deriving the total mass of the payload and relevant power supply subsystem as a function of the number of spots and cluster size is presented. For estimating the size and electrical power consumption, the general block diagram of an HTS payload is planned. A direct radiating phased array as the multiple‐beam antenna is used, and its synthesis technique is described briefly. Accordingly, the number of subarrays and elements in each subarray as functions of the number of spots are derived in the presence of orthogonal beams while neglecting the grating lobes. A block diagram for the new generation HTS payloads with digital signal processors for beam forming and data regeneration is presented. The procedure for determining the number of spots and cluster size is extended to the new generation very HTSs with 100 s Gbps link capacity. Conceptual design examples of HTSs with microwave beam forming network and transparent transponder in C‐band, Ka‐band, and for very HTSs with digital beam forming network and regenerative transponder in Ka‐band are provided.
A practical response adaptive block randomization (RABR) design with analytic type I error protection
Authors: Zhan Tianyu , Cui Lu , Geng Ziqian , Zhang Lanju , Gu Yihua , Chan Ivan S.F.
Published: June 2021

Response adaptive randomization (RAR) is appealing from methodological, ethical, and pragmatic perspectives in the sense that subjects are more likely to be randomized to better performing treatment groups based on accumulating data. However, applications of RAR in confirmatory drug clinical trials with multiple active arms are limited largely due to its complexity, and lack of control of randomization ratios to different treatment groups. To address the aforementioned issues, we propose a Response Adaptive Block Randomization (RABR) design allowing arbitrarily prespecified randomization ratios for the control and high‐performing groups to meet clinical trial objectives. We show the validity of the conventional unweighted test in RABR with a controlled type I error rate based on the weighted combination test for sample size adaptive design invoking no large sample approximation. The advantages of the proposed RABR in terms of robustly reaching target final sample size to meet regulatory requirements and increasing statistical power as compared with the popular Doubly Adaptive Biased Coin Design are demonstrated by statistical simulations and a practical clinical trial design example.
Examination of mechanical properties and microstructure of alkali activated slag and slag‐metakaolin blends exposed to high temperatures
Authors: Akçaözoğlu Semiha , Çiflikli Murat , Bozkaya Ömer , Atiş Cengiz Duran , Ulu Cüneyt
Published: June 2021

This paper reports an experimental study of the influence of elevated temperature on alkali activated slag (AAS) and slag‐metakaolin (MK) systems. The residual compressive and flexural tensile strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and porosity and water absorption ratios of AAS and AAS‐MK composites after subjected to elevated temperatures of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000°C were investigated. Two different procedures were applied for cooling the specimens. The changes in the microstructure of the composites after subjected to high temperature were examined with scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction. Test results reveal that depending on the increasing temperature, the residual compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and UPV values of the specimens decreased, and porosity and water absorption ratios increased. The minimum strength results of AAS and AAS‐MK specimens were observed at 800 and 600°C, respectively. In particular, there have been significant changes in the internal structure of AAS and AAS‐MK specimens exposed to 1000°C and new reaction products were observed. Test results have shown that AAS specimens are a new alternative that can be developed for use in environments exposed to high temperatures. Since this new composite contains only slag binder and slag aggregate, it can be an economical product that use fully recycled material and these properties can increase the application areas of environmentally friendly material.
Antiviral treatment associated with reduced risk of clinical Alzheimer's disease—A nested case‐control study
Authors: Hemmingsson Eva‐Stina , Hjelmare Ellen , Weidung Bodil , Olsson Jan , Josefsson Maria , Adolfsson Rolf , Nyberg Lars , Elgh Fredrik , Lövheim Hugo
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In this nested case‐control study, we investigated if antiviral treatment given prior to onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) could influence incident AD.

Methods

From a large population‐based cohort study in northern Sweden, 262 individuals that later developed AD were compared to a non‐AD matched control group with respect to prescriptions of herpes antiviral treatment. All included subjects were herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) carriers and the matching criteria were age, sex, apolipoprotein E genotype (ε4 allele carriership), and study sample start year.

Results

Among those who developed AD, 6 prescriptions of antivirals were found, compared to 20 among matched controls. Adjusted for length of follow‐up, a conditional logistic regression indicated a difference in the risk for AD development between groups (odds ratio for AD with an antiviral prescription 0.287,P = .018).

Discussion

Antiviral treatment might possibly reduce the risk for later development of HSV1‐associated AD.
Double field theory and geometric quantisation
Authors: Alfonsi Luigi , Berman David S.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We examine various properties of double field theory and the doubled string sigma model in the context of geometric quantisation. In particular we look at T-duality as the symplectic transformation related to an alternative choice of polarisation in the construction of the quantum bundle for the string. Following this perspective we adopt a variety of techniques from geometric quantisation to study the doubled space. One application is the construction of the “double coherent state” that provides the shortest distance in any duality frame and a “stringy deformed” Fourier transform.
Methodological Notes on Modelling Reconstructions After Literary Architecture
Authors: Colonnese Fabio
Published: June 2021

The manifold relationships between text and image are investigated by analysing attempts at a three-dimensional reconstruction of the Palace of Love and Venus described in Giovan Battista Marino’s Adonis. From text analysis and iconographical precedents to free-hand sketching and three-dimensional modelling, the article describes the progressive translation of some verses of the poem into a consistent system of drawings and models, which, besides revealing some hidden features of text, addresses the implicit limits of the ineffable quality of Marino’s literary space.
Correction to: Anatomic reduction of the sacroiliac joint in unstable pelvic ring injuries and its correlation with functional outcome
Authors: Jäckle Katharina , Spering Christopher , Seitz Mark-Tilmann , Höller Sebastian , Meier Marc-Pascal , Hahn Franziska Melanie , Acharya Mehool R. , Lehmann Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-021-01698-w
Erratum zu: Die Weiterbildungssituation in der HNO-Heilkunde in Deutschland
Authors: Linke J. , Eichhorn T. , Kemper M. , Zahnert T. , Neudert M.
Published: June 2021

Ein Erratum zu dieser Publikation wurde veröffentlicht: 10.1007/s00106-020-00838-9
Correction to: The antioxidant Trolox restores mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca2+-stimulated ATP production in human complex I deficiency
Authors: Distelmaier Felix , Visch Henk-Jan , Smeitink Jan A. M. , Mayatepek Ertan , Koopman Werner J. H. , Willems Peter H. G. M.
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00109-021-02057-3
Correction to: Masur–Veech volumes and intersection theory on moduli spaces of Abelian differentials
Authors: Chen Dawei , Möller Martin , Sauvaget Adrien , Zagier Don
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00222-020-00969-4
Correction to: Assessment of oral health in older adults by non-dental professional caregivers—development and validation of a photograph-supported oral health–related section for the interRAI suite of instruments
Authors: Krausch-Hofmann Stefanie , Tran Trung Dung , Janssens Barbara , Declerck Dominique , Lesaffre Emmanuel , de Almeida Mello Johanna , Declercq Anja , De Lepeleire Jan , Duyck Joke
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00784-020-03725-3
Survival on railway tracks of Geranium robertianum—a glyphosate-tolerant plant
Authors: Bemowska-Kałabun Olga , Bogucka Agnieszka , Wiłkomirski Bogusław , Wierzbicka Małgorzata
Published: June 2021

Geranium robertianum is a herbaceous plant that prefers shady and fertile forest habitats. However, it also occurs on railway tracks, where there are difficult conditions for plant growth and regular herbicide spraying (in high concentrations, twice a year). One of the most commonly used herbicides in railway areas is glyphosate. The effect of the glyphosate on the G. robertianum plants found on railway tracks and in nearby forests in north-eastern Poland was checked. The aim of the study was to explain how G. robertianum can survive on railway tracks despite spraying with the glyphosate. Increased tolerance to the glyphosate of the G. robertianum plants from track populations was demonstrated compared to the plants from forest populations that had not previously been in contact with the herbicide. After 35 days after treatment with the herbicide, 75% of the plants from the observed forest populations withered, while only 38% did from the track populations. Ultrastructure of plant leaf cells from forest populations was strongly disturbed, which was not observed in plants from track populations. It was also shown that plants from track populations accumulated more glyphosate and AMPA in their tissues than plants from forest populations. The obtained results indicate that long-term use of herbicides may cause formation of biotypes of plants resistant to a given herbicide. This fact explains the possibility of G. robertianum occurring on railway tracks, despite spraying with the glyphosate. It is also a manifestation of microevolutionary processes.
The glutathione S-transferase (PxGST2L) may contribute to the detoxification metabolism of chlorantraniliprole in Plutella xylostella(L.)
Authors: Yin Fei , Lin Qingsheng , Wang Xiaoxiang , Li Zhenyu , Feng Xia , Shabbir Muhammad Zeeshan
Published: June 2021

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.), is an economic pest of cruciferous plants worldwide, which causes great economic loss to cruciferous plants production. However, the pest has developed resistance to insecticides. One of such insecticides is chlorantraniliprole. The study of the mechanisms underlying resistance is key for the effective management of resistance. In this study, a comparative proteomics approach was used to isolate and identify various proteins that differed between chlorantraniliprole-susceptible and -resistant strains of P. xylostella. Eleven proteins were significantly different and were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. Metabolism-related proteins accounted for the highest proportion among the eleven different proteins. The function of the PxGST2L protein was validated by RNAi. Knockdown of PxGST2L reduced the GST activity and increased the toxicity of chlorantraniliprole to the diamondback moth. The resistance ratio of diamondback moth to chlorantraniliprole was reduced from 1029 to 505. The results indicated that PxGST2L is partly responsible for chlorantraniliprole insecticide resistance in DBM. Our finding contributes to the understanding of the mechanism underlying resistance to chlorantraniliprole in the DBM, to develop effective resistance management tactics.
Estimating the asymptomatic proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population: Analysis of nationwide serosurvey data in the Netherlands
Authors: McDonald Scott A. , Miura Fuminari , Vos Eric R. A. , van Boven Michiel , de Melker Hester E. , van der Klis Fiona R. M. , van Binnendijk Rob S. , den Hartog Gerco , Wallinga Jacco
Published: June 2021

Background

The proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive persons who are asymptomatic—and whether this proportion is age-dependent—are still open research questions. Because an unknown proportion of reported symptoms among SARS-CoV-2 positives will be attributable to another infection or affliction, the observed, or 'crude' proportion without symptoms may underestimate the proportion of persons without symptoms that are caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Based on two rounds of a large population-based serological study comprising test results on seropositivity and self-reported symptom history conducted in April/May and June/July 2020 in the Netherlands (n = 7517), we estimated the proportion of reported symptoms among those persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 that is attributable to this infection, where the set of relevant symptoms fulfills the ECDC case definition of COVID-19, using inferential methods for the attributable risk (AR). Generalised additive regression modelling was used to estimate the age-dependent relative risk (RR) of reported symptoms, and the AR and asymptomatic proportion (AP) were calculated from the fitted RR.

Results

Using age-aggregated data, the 'crude' AP was 37% but the model-estimated AP was 65% (95% CI 63–68%). The estimated AP varied with age, from 74% (95% CI 65–90%) for < 20 years, to 61% (95% CI 57–65%) for the 50–59 years age-group.

Conclusion

Whereas the 'crude' AP represents a lower bound for the proportion of persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 without COVID-19 symptoms, the AP as estimated via an attributable risk approach represents an upper bound. Age-specific AP estimates can inform the implementation of public health actions such as targetted virological testing and therefore enhance containment strategies.
Economic uncertainty and suicide in the United States
Authors: Vandoros Sotiris , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have found an association between recessions and increased rates of suicide. In the present study we widened the focus to examine the association between economic uncertainty and suicides. We used monthly suicide data from the US at the State level from 2000 to 2017 and combined them with the monthly economic uncertainty index. We followed a panel data econometric approach to study the association between economic uncertainty and suicide, controlling for unemployment and other indicators. Economic uncertainty is positively associated with suicide when controlling for unemployment [coeff: 8.026; 95% CI: 3.692–12.360] or for a wider range of economic and demographic characteristics [coeff: 7.478; 95% CI: 3.333–11.623]. An increase in the uncertainty index by one percent is associated with an additional 11–24.4 additional monthly suicides in the US. Economic uncertainty is likely to act as a trigger, which underlines the impulsive nature of some suicides. This highlights the importance of providing access to suicide prevention interventions (e.g. hotlines) during periods of economic uncertainty.
Different approaches to quantify years of life lost from COVID-19
Authors: Ferenci Tamás
Published: June 2021

The burden of an epidemic is often characterized by death counts, but this can be misleading as it fails to acknowledge the age of the deceased patients. Years of life lost is therefore widely used as a more relevant metric, however, such calculations in the context of COVID-19 are all biased upwards: patients dying from COVID-19 are typically multimorbid, having far worse life expectation than the general population. These questions are quantitatively investigated using a unique Hungarian dataset that contains individual patient level data on comorbidities for all COVID-19 deaths in the country. To account for the comorbidities of the patients, a parametric survival model using 11 important long-term conditions was used to estimate a more realistic years of life lost. As of 12 May, 2021, Hungary reported a total of 27,837 deaths from COVID-19 in patients above 50 years of age. The usual calculation indicates 10.5 years of life lost for each death, which decreases to 9.2 years per death after adjusting for 11 comorbidities. The expected number of years lost implied by the life table, reflecting the mortality of a developed country just before the pandemic is 11.1 years. The years of life lost due to COVID-19 in Hungary is therefore 12% or 1.3 years per death lower when accounting for the comorbidities and is below its expected value, but how this should be interpreted is still a matter of debate. Further research is warranted on how to optimally integrate this information into epidemiologic risk assessments during a pandemic.
Managing admission and discharge processes in intensive care units
Authors: Bai Jie , Fügener Andreas , Gönsch Jochen , Brunner Jens O. , Blobner Manfred
Published: June 2021

The intensive care unit (ICU) is one of the most crucial and expensive resources in a health care system. While high fixed costs usually lead to tight capacities, shortages have severe consequences. Thus, various challenging issues exist: When should an ICU admit or reject arriving patients in general? Should ICUs always be able to admit critical patients or rather focus on high utilization? On an operational level, both admission control of arriving patients and demand-driven early discharge of currently residing patients are decision variables and should be considered simultaneously. This paper discusses the trade-off between medical and monetary goals when managing intensive care units by modeling the problem as a Markov decision process. Intuitive, myopic rule mimicking decision-making in practice is applied as a benchmark. In a numerical study based on real-world data, we demonstrate that the medical results deteriorate dramatically when focusing on monetary goals only, and vice versa. Using our model, we illustrate the trade-off along an efficiency frontier that accounts for all combinations of medical and monetary goals. Coming from a solution that optimizes monetary costs, a significant reduction of expected mortality can be achieved at little additional monetary cost.
Restoration of Legacy Parallelism: Transforming Pthreads into Farm and Pipeline Patterns
Authors: Janjic Vladimir , Brown Christopher , Barwell Adam D.
Published: June 2021

Parallel patterns are a high-level programming paradigm that enables non-experts in parallelism to develop structured parallel programs that are maintainable, adaptive, and portable whilst achieving good performance on a variety of parallel systems. However, there still exists a large base of legacy-parallel code developed using ad-hoc methods and incorporating low-level parallel/concurrency libraries such as pthreads without any parallel patterns in the fundamental design. This code would benefit from being restructured and rewritten into pattern-based code. However, the process of rewriting the code is laborious and error-prone, due to typical concurrency and pthreading code being closely intertwined throughout the business logic of the program. In this paper, we present a new software restoration methodology, to transform legacy-parallel programs implemented using pthreads into structured farm and pipeline patterned equivalents. We demonstrate our restoration technique on a number of benchmarks, allowing the introduction of patterned farm and pipeline parallelism in the resulting code; we record improvements in cyclomatic complexity and speedups on a number of representative benchmarks.
Hampering the early aggregation of PrP-E200K protein by charge-based inhibitors: a computational study
Authors: Agamennone Mariangela , Storchi Loriano , Marrone Alessandro , Paciotti Roberto
Published: June 2021

A multilayered computational workflow was designed to identify a druggable binding site on the surface of the E200K pathogenic mutant of the human prion protein, and to investigate the effect of the binding of small molecules in the inhibition of the early aggregation of this protein. At this purpose, we developed an efficient computational tool to scan the molecular interaction properties of a whole MD trajectory, thus leading to the characterization of plausible binding regions on the surface of PrP-E200K. These structural data were then employed to drive structure-based virtual screening and fragment-based approaches to the seeking of small molecular binders of the PrP-E200K. Six promising compounds were identified, and their binding stabilities were assessed by MD simulations. Therefore, analyses of the molecular electrostatic potential similarity between the bound complexes and unbound protein evidenced their potential activity as charged-based inhibitors of the PrP-E200K early aggregation.
Preserving Colias myrmidone in European cultural landscapes: requirements for the successful development from egg to higher larval stages at a Natura 2000 site in Romania
Authors: Nippen Pauline , Dolek Matthias , Loos Jacqueline
Published: June 2021

The endangered and declining butterfly speciesColias myrmidoneis sensitive to land-use changes and vulnerable in its immature stages. The requirements for its larval habitats are still largely unknown, which hinders appropriate management in protected areas. We examined the relation between the larval development ofC. myrmidoneand environmental variables at a Natura 2000 site in Romania. Individuals that reached higher larval stages had a higher cover of litter as well as a lower cover of forbs around their host plants than individuals that died in early larval stages or as eggs. Surviving individuals had less other host plants in their surrounding and were found on larger host plants. Surviving individuals were found further away from the tip of their hosts than individuals that were lost due to grazing. The grazing regime is of particular importance to ensure the successful development ofC. myrmidonefrom egg to higher larval stages. There seems to be a trade-off between positions at the tip of the shoot with palatable leaves and positions further down that protect against grazing. Especially sheep grazing may cause high direct mortality. The higher amount of litter around surviving larvae indicates a better survival when the grazing pressure is very low, but still present to keep the habitat open. However, occasional heavy grazing events may reduce the cover of forbs.

Implications for insect conservation

The designation of the investigated Natura 2000 site offers a great opportunity to implement the insights on larval development ofC. myrmidoneinto a management plan, which can support low-intensity grazing regimes preferably with cattle.
Holocene paleoclimate inferred from stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) values in Sphagnum cellulose, Mohos peat bog, Romania
Authors: Túri Marianna , Hubay Katalin , Molnár Mihály , Braun Mihály , László Elemér , Futó István , Palcsu László
Published: June 2021

We measured stable isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) inSphagnumcellulose that was extracted from a long peat core drilled in the ombrotrophic Mohos peat bog, Ciomadul Mountain, Romania. The 10-m-long peat profile spans the period from 11,800 cal yr BP to present. The δ18O and δ13C data indicate there were several cooling events and warm periods in the area of the Mohos peat bog during the Holocene. The 8.2-ka cold event, however, was not detected using δ18O and δ13C values. Response of the peat bog to changing environmental conditions was inferred using data on organic matter accumulation, independent of the stable isotope results. All cool periods during the Holocene, whether of short or long duration, were identified as times of reduced organic matter accumulation rate. Similarly, dry periods were also correlated with reduced accumulation rates of organic matter.
Correction to: miR-429 inhibits cells growth and invasion and regulates EMT-related marker genes by targeting Onecut2 in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Sun Yingnan , Shen Shourong , Liu Xiaoping , Tang Hailin , Wang Zeyou , Yu Zhibin , Li Xiayu , Wu Minghua
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-021-04185-3