bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of ecosystem-protected permafrost under changing boreal forest structures
Authors: Stuenzi Simone M , Boike Julia , Gädeke Anne , Herzschuh Ulrike , Kruse Stefan , Pestryakova Luidmila A , Westermann Sebastian , Langer Moritz
Published: July 2021

Boreal forests efficiently insulate underlying permafrost. The magnitude of this insulation effect is dependent on forest density and composition. A change therein modifies the energy and water fluxes within and below the canopy. The direct influence of climatic change on forests and the indirect effect through a change in permafrost dynamics lead to extensive ecosystem shifts such as a change in composition or density, which will, in turn, affect permafrost persistence. We derive future scenarios of forest density and plant functional type composition by analyzing future projections provided by the dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ-GUESS) under global warming scenarios. We apply a detailed permafrost-multilayer canopy model to study the spatial impact-variability of simulated future scenarios of forest densities and compositions for study sites throughout eastern Siberia. Our results show that a change in forest density has a clear effect on the ground surface temperatures (GST) and the maximum active layer thickness (ALT) at all sites, but the direction depends on local climate conditions. At two sites, higher forest density leads to a significant decrease in GSTs in the snow-free period, while leading to an increase at the warmest site. Complete forest loss leads to a deepening of the ALT up to 0.33 m and higher GSTs of over 8 ∘C independently of local climatic conditions. Forest loss can induce both, active layer wetting up to four times or drying by 50%, depending on precipitation and soil type. Deciduous-dominated canopies reveal lower GSTs compared to evergreen stands, which will play an important factor in the spreading of evergreen taxa and permafrost persistence under warming conditions. Our study highlights that changing density and composition will significantly modify the thermal and hydrological state of the underlying permafrost. The induced soil changes will likely affect key forest functions such as the carbon pools and related feedback mechanisms such as swamping, droughts, fires, or forest loss.
Strain-induced doping and zero line mode at the fold of twisted Bernal-stacked bilayer graphene
Authors: Hong Sung Ju , Xiao Xiao , Wulferding Dirk , Belke Christopher , Lemmens Peter , Haug Rolf J
Published: July 2021

The folding of Bernal-stacked bilayer graphene leads to electronic devices that can be understood as combinations of a twisted double-bilayer graphene and a fold. In magnetotransport experiments contributions of the two different parts can be identified. For the twisted double-bilayer graphene Landau fan diagrams with satellite fans depending on twist angle are observed. The fold gives rise to a local minimum in conductance which does not shift with applied perpendicular magnetic field. Regardless of twist angle the fold favors electron doping attributed to compressive strain at the kink geometry. The curvature of the folded structure provides for a systematic explanation, which is also in agreement with the observed correlation between twist angle and interlayer distance. Finally, the appearance of the topological zero line mode formed at the fold is discussed.
Void content reduction of composites with sensor-aided injection strategy in liquid composite molding process
Authors: He Pengfei , Zhao Wenbin , Yang Bin , Wang Jihui , Ni Aiqing , Li Shuxin
Published: July 2021

Void is one of the critical issues affecting the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Aiming at the composite parts formed by Liquid Composite Molding, this develops a sensor-aided injection strategy, including a real-time online monitoring module and a sensor-aided injection system, which realizes continuous detection of resin flow and the automatic injection flow rate adjustment to minimize void content. Flow front profile continuously recorded by the monitoring module in resin flow direction is reconstructed in real-time. It provides a digital representation of the saturation state of the fibrous preform, which is referred to Digital Process Twin (DPT) in present work. The local flow front velocity is then extracted from the DPT, thus the sensor-aided injection system can maintain the flow front velocity at a optimal level, regardless of the cross-sectional geometry. Experimental investigation confirms the representative of DPT to actual flow. Characterization of void content by micro-computed tomography shows that the proposed sensor-aided injection strategy not only effectively decreases the void content from 0.32%, 0.34%, and 0.79% to 0.18%, 0.18%, and 0.19%, but also significantly improves the part quality consistency. Furthermore, to the best knowledge of the authors, This work is the first to use micro CT to investigate the effect of velocity on void content from the mesoscopic and microscopic scales, although the topic has been widely investigated theoretically.
Magnetic biochar particles prepared by ion cross-linking to remove phosphate from water
Authors: He Qiuping , Zhang Keqiang , Luo Yanli , Wang Feng
Published: July 2021

In this study, the ionic cross-linking method was used to synchronize the granulation and magnetization of biochar powder. A precursor of Ca/Mg modified, tobacco stalk biochar combined with sodium alginate as the functional monomer, CaCl2 solution as the cross-linking agent, and a Fe3O4 magnetic fluid dopant were used to prepare magnetic biochar particles (EMCSB3), which were easy to separate and recover. The adsorption performance of phosphate by these EMCSB3 was explored. The Langmuir model fitted adsorption capacity of phosphate on the EMCSB3 was 8.93 mgP g−1, which was comparable to other materials at the same concentration. The process of phosphate adsorption by magnetic particles followed a pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption mechanism was chemisorption. EMCSB3 was suitable for use in environments with pH ≤ 8, the best dosage was 6.67 g l−1, and its removal rate was maintained at about 85%. Phosphate adsorption was greatly affected by coexisting CO3
2−. This study provides a technical approach for the granulation and magnetization of powdered biochar and improves its feasibility of use.
Towards low loss non-volatile phase change materials in mid index waveguides
Authors: Faneca Joaquin , Zeimpekis Ioannis , Ilie S T , Bucio Thalía Domínguez , Grabska Katarzyna , Hewak Daniel W , Gardes Frederic Y
Published: July 2021

Photonic integrated circuits currently use platform intrinsic thermo-optic and electro-optic effects to implement dynamic functions such as switching, modulation and other processing. Currently, there is a drive to implement field programmable photonic circuits, a need which is only magnified by new neuromorphic and quantum computing applications. The most promising non-volatile photonic components employ phase change materials such as GST and GSST, which had their origin in electronic memory. However, in the optical domain, these compounds introduce significant losses potentially preventing a large number of applications. Here, we evaluate the use of two newly introduced low loss phase change materials, Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3, on a silicon nitride photonic platform for future implementation in neuromorphic computing. We focus the study on Mach–Zehnder interferometers that operate at the O and C bands to demonstrate the performance of the system. Our measurements show an insertion loss below 0.04 dB μm−1 for Sb2S3 and lower than 0.09 dB μm−1 for Sb2Se3 cladded devices for both amorphous and crystalline phases. The effective refractive index contrast for Sb2S3 on SiNx was measured to be 0.05 at 1310 nm and 0.02 at 1550 nm, whereas for Sb2Se3, it was 0.03 at 1310 nm and 0.05 at 1550 nm highlighting the performance of the integrated device.
Introduction to the Special Section: New Directions in Obesity and Eating Research
Authors: Mann Traci
Published: July 2021

T his article provides an overview to a special section highlighting new directions in obesity research. It includes research on gene by environment interactions, interventions to enhance health equity among specific at-risk populations, and work using creative stimuli and constructs.
Characterizing and Comparing Emissions of Dust, Respirable Crystalline Silica, and Volatile Organic Compounds from Natural and Artificial Stones
Authors: Hall Samantha , Stacey Peter , Pengelly Ian , Stagg Stephen , Saunders John , Hambling Susan
Published: July 2021

The frequency of cases of accelerated silicosis associated with exposure to dust from processing artificial stones is rapidly increasing globally. Artificial stones are increasingly popular materials, commonly used to fabricate kitchen and bathroom worktops. Artificial stones can contain very high levels of crystalline silica, hence cutting and polishing them without adequate exposure controls represents a significant health risk. The aim of this research was to determine any differences in the emission profiles of dust generated from artificial and natural stones when cutting and polishing. For artificial stones containing resins, the nature of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during processing was also investigated. A selection of stones (two natural, two artificial containing resin, and one artificial sintered) were cut and polished inside a large dust tunnel to characterize the emissions produced. The inhalable, thoracic, and respirable mass concentrations of emissions were measured gravimetrically and the amount of crystalline silica in different size fractions was determined by X-ray diffraction. Emissions were viewed using scanning electron microscopy and the particle size distribution was measured using a wide range aerosol spectrometer. VOCs emitted when cutting resin-artificial stones were also sampled. The mass of dust emitted when cutting stones was higher than that emitted when polishing. For each process, the mass of dust generated was similar whether the stone was artificial or natural. The percentage of crystalline silica in bulk stone is likely to be a reasonable, or conservative, estimate of that in stone dust generated by cutting or polishing. Larger particles were produced when cutting compared with when polishing. For each process, normalized particle size distributions were similar whether the stone was artificial or natural. VOCs were released when cutting resin-artificial stones. The higher the level of silica in the bulk material, the higher the level of silica in any dust emissions produced when processing the stone. When working with new stones containing higher levels of silica, existing control measures may need to be adapted and improved in order to achieve adequate control.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Workers in Northern Italy
Authors: Airoldi Chiara , Calcagno Andrea , Di Perri Giovanni , Valinotto Rosanna , Gallo Lucia , Locana Elisabetta , Trunfio Mattia , Patrucco Filippo , Vineis Paolo , Faggiano Fabrizio
Published: July 2021

Background

The spread of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among active workers is poor known. The aim of our study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) among a convenience sample of workers and to identify high-risk job sectors during the first pandemic way.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among workers tested for SARS-CoV-2 between 28 March and 7 August 2020, recorded by a private healthcare center located in North-West Italy. Association among seroprevalence and demographic and occupational variables was evaluated using chi square test and the seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

We collected the results for 23568 serological tests from a sample of 22708 workers from about 1000 companies. Median age was 45 years and about 60% of subjects were male. The overall seroprevalence was 4.97% [95%CI 4.69–5.25]. No statistical difference was found among gender while seroprevalence was associated with subjects’ age, geographical location, and occupational sector. Significantly higher values of positivity were observed for the logistics sector (31.3%), weaving factory (12.6%), nursing homes (9.8%), and chemical industry (6.9%) workers. However, we observed some clusters of cases in single companies independently from the sector.

Then, a detailed focus on 940 food workers shown a seroprevalence of 5.21% [95%CI 3.79–6.63] and subjects who self-reported COVID-19 symptoms and who worked during lockdown had a higher probability of being infected (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Data obtained might be useful for future public health decision; more than occupation sector, it seems that failure on prevention system in single companies increase the SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
A novel framework integrating AI model and enzymological experiments promotes identification of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitors and activity-based probe
Authors: Hu Fan , Wang Lei , Hu Yishen , Wang Dongqi , Wang Weijie , Jiang Jianbing , Li Nan , Yin Peng
Published: July 2021

The identification of protein–ligand interaction plays a key role in biochemical research and drug discovery. Although deep learning has recently shown great promise in discovering new drugs, there remains a gap between deep learning-based and experimental approaches. Here, we propose a novel framework, named AIMEE, integrating AI model and enzymological experiments, to identify inhibitors against 3CL protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), which has taken a significant toll on people across the globe. From a bioactive chemical library, we have conducted two rounds of experiments and identified six novel inhibitors with a hit rate of 29.41%, and four of them showed an IC50 value <3 μM. Moreover, we explored the interpretability of the central model in AIMEE, mapping the deep learning extracted features to the domain knowledge of chemical properties. Based on this knowledge, a commercially available compound was selected and was proven to be an activity-based probe of 3CLpro. This work highlights the great potential of combining deep learning models and biochemical experiments for intelligent iteration and for expanding the boundaries of drug discovery. The code and data are available at https://github.com/SIAT-code/AIMEE.
Age-Dependent Contribution of Domain-General Networks to Semantic Cognition
Authors: Martin Sandra , Saur Dorothee , Hartwigsen Gesa
Published: July 2021

Aging is characterized by a decline of cognitive control. In semantic cognition, this leads to the paradox that older adults usually show poorer task performance than young adults despite their greater semantic knowledge. So far, the underlying neural changes of these behavioral differences are poorly understood. In the current neuroimaging study, we investigated the interaction of domain-specific and domain-general networks during verbal semantic fluency in young and older adults. Across age groups, task processing was characterized by a strong positive integration within the multiple-demand as well as between the multiple-demand and the default mode network during semantic fluency. However, the behavioral relevance of strengthened connectivity differed between groups: While within-network functional connectivity in both networks predicted greater efficiency in semantic fluency in young adults, it was associated with slower performance in older adults. Moreover, only young adults profited from connectivity between networks for their semantic memory performance. Our results suggest that the functional coupling of usually anticorrelated networks is critical for successful task processing, independent of age, when access to semantic memory is required. Furthermore, our findings lend novel support to the notion of reduced efficiency in the aging brain due to neural dedifferentiation in semantic cognition.
Hippocampal-Medial Prefrontal Event Segmentation and Integration Contribute to Episodic Memory Formation
Authors: Liu Wei , Shi Yingjie , Cousins James N , Kohn Nils , Fernández Guillén
Published: July 2021

How do we encode our continuous life experiences for later retrieval? Theories of event segmentation and integration suggest that the hippocampus binds separately represented events into an ordered narrative. Using a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) movie watching-recall dataset, we quantified two types of neural similarities (i.e., “activation pattern” similarity and within-region voxel-based “connectivity pattern” similarity) between separate events during movie watching and related them to subsequent retrieval of events as well as retrieval of sequential order. We demonstrated that compared with forgotten events, successfully remembered events were associated with distinct “activation patterns” in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. In contrast, similar “connectivity pattern” between events were associated with memory formation and were also relevant for retaining events in the correct order. We applied the same approaches to an independent movie watching fMRI dataset as validation and highlighted again the role of hippocampal activation pattern and connectivity pattern in memory formation. We propose that distinct activation patterns represent neural segmentation of events, while similar connectivity patterns encode context information and, therefore, integrate events into a narrative. Our results provide novel evidence for the role of hippocampal-medial prefrontal event segmentation and integration in episodic memory formation of real-life experience.
The Toronto IBD Global Endoscopic Reporting [TIGER] Score: A Single, Easy to Use Endoscopic Score for Both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Zittan E , Steinhart A H , Aran H , Milgrom R , Gralnek I M , Zelber-Sagi S , Silverberg M S
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

We constructed the Toronto IBD Global Endoscopic Reporting [TIGER] score for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. The aim of our study was to develop and validate the TIGER score against faecal calprotectin [FC], C-reactive protein [CRP], and IBD Disk.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed among 113 adult patients (60 Crohn’s disease [CD] and 53 ulcerative colitis [UC]). In the development and usability phase, blinded IBD experts reviewed and graded ileocolonoscopy videos. In the validity phase the TIGER score was compared with: [1] the Simple endoscopic Score for CD [SES-CD] and the Mayo endoscopic score in CD and UC, respectively; [2] FC and CRP; and [3] IBD Disk.

Results

Inter-observer reliability of the TIGER score per segment between reviewers was excellent: interclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.94 [95% CI: 0.92–0.96]. For CD patients, overall agreement per segment between SES-CD and TIGER was 91% [95% CI: 84–95] with kappa coefficient 0.77 [95% CI: 0.63–0.91]. There was a significant correlation between TIGER and CRP [p <0.0083], and TIGER and FC [p <0.0001]. In addition, there was significant correlation between TIGER and IBD Disk [p <0.0001]. For UC patients, overall agreement per segment between Mayo endoscopic score and TIGER was 84% [95% CI: 74%-90%] and kappa coefficient 0.60 [95% CI: 0.42–0.808]. There was a significant correlation between TIGER and FC [p <0.0001]. There was a significant correlation between TIGER and IBD Disk [p <0.0001].

Conclusions

The TIGER score is a reliable and simple novel endoscopic score that can be used for both CD and UC patients and captures full endoscopic disease burden.
Pathogenesis of Microscopic Colitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zabana Yamile , Tontini Gian , Hultgren-Hörnquist Elisabeth , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Latella Giovanni , Østvik Ann Elisabeth , Marlicz Wojciech , D’Amato Mauro , Arias Angel , Miehlke Stephan , Münch Andreas , Fernández-Bañares Fernando , Lucendo Alfredo J
Published: July 2021

Background

Whereas the exact aetiology of microscopic colitis [MC] remains unknown, a dysregulated immune response to luminal factors or medications is the most accepted pathogenesis hypothesis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the pathogenesis of MC. We applied the Joanna Briggs Institute methodologies and the PRISMA statement for the reporting of systematic reviews [PROSPERO Trial Identifier: CRD42020145008]. Populations, Exposure of interest, and Outcome [PEO] questions were used to explore the following topics in MC: 1] intestinal luminal factors; 2] autoimmunity; 3] innate immunity; 4] adaptive immunity; 5] extracellular matrix; 6] genetic risk factors; and 7] mechanism of diarrhoea. A search was done in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to February 2020. A narrative description was performed explaining the findings for each aspect of MC aetiopathogenesis.

Results

Thirty-eight documents provided evidence for PEO1, 100 for PEO2, 72 for PEO3 and 4, 38 for PEO5, 20 for PEO6, and 23 for PEO7. The majority of documents were cohorts, case reports, and case series, with a few case-control and some experimental studies. Consistency among data provided by different studies was considered to support pathogenetic hypotheses. MC is a multifactorial disease believed to involve innate and adaptive immune responses to luminal factors, genetic risk, autoimmunity, and extracellular matrix alterations, all contributing by varied mechanisms to watery diarrhoea.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic review on the aetiology of MC supporting the notion that MC is a multifactorial disease. However, high-profile studies are lacking, and most evidence derives from small heterogeneous studies.
Trimethyllysine predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in community-dwelling adults and patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Bjørnestad Espen Ø , Dhar Indu , Svingen Gard F T , Pedersen Eva R , Svenningsson Mads M , Tell Grethe S , Ueland Per M , Ørn Stein , Sulo Gerhard , Laaksonen Reijo , Nygård Ottar
Published: July 2021

Aims

Trimethyllysine (TML) is involved in carnitine synthesis, serves as a precursor of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD). We prospectively examined circulating TML as a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in community-dwelling adults and patients with CHD.

Methods and results

By Cox regression modelling, risk associations were examined in 6393 subjects in the community-based Hordaland Health Study (HUSK). A replication study was conducted among 4117 patients with suspected stable angina pectoris in the Western Norway Coronary Angiography Cohort (WECAC). During a mean follow-up of 10.5 years in the HUSK-cohort, 884 (13.8%) subjects died, of whom 287 from cardiovascular causes. After multivariable adjustments for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] for all-cause mortality comparing the 4th vs. 1st TML-quartile was 1.66 (1.31–2.10, P < 0.001). Particularly strong associations were observed for cardiovascular mortality [HR (95% CI) 2.04 (1.32–3.15, P = 0.001)]. Corresponding risk-estimates in the WECAC (mean follow-up of 9.8 years) were 1.35 [1.10–1.66, P = 0.004] for all-cause and 1.45 [1.06–1.98, P = 0.02] for cardiovascular mortality. Significant correlations between plasma TML and TMAO were observed in both cohorts (rs ≥ 0.42, P < 0.001); however, additional adjustments for TMAO did not materially influence the risk associations, and no effect modification by TMAO was found.

Conclusions

Elevated TML-levels were associated with increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality both in subjects with and without established CHD.
The effect of high-intensity interval training on exercise capacity in post-myocardial infarction patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Yuan , Kumar Bundhun Pravesh , Yuan Zhang-Li , Chen Meng-Hua
Published: July 2021

Aims

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has been recommended a treatment for patients with cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, it remains controversial which exercise characteristics are most beneficial for post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in these patients.

Methods and results

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Wanfang Dataset (from the earliest date available to February 2021) for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that evaluated the effects of HIIT on post-MI patients. Studies were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data synthesis was performed with R software version 4.0.1. Eight studies met the study criteria, including 387 patients. Compared to the control group [moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and/or routine physical activity], HIIT significantly improved peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) [mean difference = 3.83 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval (CI) (3.25, 4.41), P < 0.01]. No significant difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, peak and resting heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and the quality of life was found between HIIT group and control group. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 weeks. The incidence of adverse events was similar between groups [risk difference = 0.01, 95% CI (-0.02, 0.04), P = 0.53].

Conclusion

Compared with MICT and routine physical activity, HIIT could significantly improve exercise capacity in post-MI patients, and appears to be safe.
Characterization of atrial fibrillation in real-world patients: testing the 4S-AF scheme in the Spanish and French cohorts of the EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry
Authors: Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Piot Olivier , Roldán-Rabadán Inmaculada , Denis Arnaud , Anguita Manuel , Mansourati Jacques , Pérez-Cabeza Alejandro , Marijon Eloi , García-Seara Javier , Leclercq Christophe , García-Bolao Ignacio , Lellouche Nicolas , Potpara Tatjana , Boriani Giuseppe , Fauchier Laurent , Lip Gregory Y H , Marín Francisco
Published: July 2021

Aims

The 4S-AF scheme [Stroke risk, Symptom severity, Severity of atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, Substrate severity] has recently been described as a novel approach to in-depth characterization of AF. We aim to determine if the 4S-AF scheme would be useful for AF characterization and provides prognostic information in real-world AF patients.

Methods and results

The Spanish and French cohorts of the EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry were included. The baseline 4S-AF scheme was calculated and related to the primary management strategy (rhythm or rate control). Follow-up was performed at 1-year with all-cause mortality and the composite of ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause death, as primary endpoints. A total of 1479 patients [36.9% females, median age 72 interquartile range (IQR 64–80) years] were included. The median 4S-AF scheme score was 5 (IQR 4–7). The 4S-AF scheme, as continuous and as categorical, was associated with the management strategy decided for the patient (both P < 0.001). The predictive performances of the 4S-AF scheme for the actual management strategy were appropriate in its continuous [c-index 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–0.80] and categorical (c-index 0.75, 95% CI 0.72–0.78) forms. Cox regression analyses showed that ‘red category’ classified patients in the 4S-AF scheme had a higher risk of all-cause death (aHR 1.75, 95% CI 1.02–2.99) and composite outcomes (aHR 1.60, 95% CI 1.05–2.44).

Conclusion

Characterization of AF by using the 4S-AF scheme may aid in identifying AF patients that would be managed by rhythm or rate control and could also help in identifying high-risk AF patients for worse clinical outcomes in a ‘real-world’ setting.
Metabolic Adaptations to Marine Environments: Molecular Diversity and Evolution of Ovothiol Biosynthesis in Bacteria
Authors: Brancaccio Mariarita , Tangherlini Michael , Danovaro Roberto , Castellano Immacolata
Published: July 2021

Ovothiols are sulfur-containing amino acids synthesized by marine invertebrates, protozoans, and bacteria. They act as pleiotropic molecules in signaling and protection against oxidative stress. The discovery of ovothiol biosynthetic enzymes, sulfoxide synthase OvoA and β-lyase OvoB, paves the way for a systematic investigation of ovothiol distribution and molecular diversification in nature. In this work, we conducted genomic and metagenomics data mining to investigate the distribution and diversification of ovothiol biosynthetic enzymes in Bacteria. We identified the bacteria endowed with this secondary metabolic pathway, described their taxonomy, habitat and biotic interactions in order to provide insight into their adaptation to specific environments. We report that OvoA and OvoB are mostly encountered in marine aerobic Proteobacteria, some of them establishing symbiotic or parasitic relationships with other organisms. We identified a horizontal gene transfer event of OvoB from Bacteroidetes living in symbiosis with Hydrozoa. Our search within the Ocean Gene Atlas revealed the occurrence of ovothiol biosynthetic genes in Proteobacteria living in a wide range of pelagic and highly oxygenated environments. Finally, we tracked the evolutionary history of ovothiol biosynthesis from marine bacteria to unicellular eukaryotes and metazoans. Our analysis provides new conceptual elements to unravel the evolutionary and ecological significance of ovothiol biosynthesis.
Charting a New Frontier Integrating Mathematical Modeling in Complex Biological Systems from Molecules to Ecosystems
Authors: White Katharine A , McEntire Kira D , Buan Nicole R , Robinson Lecia , Barbar Elisar
Published: July 2021

Advances in quantitative biology data collection and analysis across scales (molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological) have transformed how we understand, categorize, and predict complex biological systems. This surge of quantitative data creates an opportunity to apply, develop, and evaluate mathematical models of biological systems and explore novel methods of analysis. Simultaneously, thanks to increased computational power, mathematicians, engineers and physical scientists have developed sophisticated models of biological systems at different scales. Novel modeling schemes can offer deeper understanding of principles in biology, but there is still a disconnect between modeling and experimental biology that limits our ability to fully realize the integration of mathematical modeling and biology. In this work, we explore the urgent need to expand the use of existing mathematical models across biological scales, develop models that are robust to biological heterogeneity, harness feedback loops within the iterative modeling process, and nurture a cultural shift towards interdisciplinary and cross-field interactions. Better integration of biological experimentation and robust mathematical modeling will transform our ability to understand and predict complex biological systems.
Fragmented QRS complex may predict long-term mortality after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Panç Cafer , Güler Arda , Doğan Arda Can , Gülmez Recep , Güner Ahmet , Çelik Ömer
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES

Fragmented QRS (fQRS), related to myocardial fibrosis, is an important prognostic marker of cardiovascular events and mortality. Aortic stenosis (AS), the most frequent valvular heart disease in developed countries, causes myocardial fibrosis due to ventricular pressure overload. The current study aimed to investigate whether fQRS is associated with long-term mortality after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe AS.

METHODS

A total of 289 patients who underwent SAVR for severe AS between May 2009 and January 2020 with interpretable electrocardiogram were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of fQRS. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used to detect cumulative survival rates. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the predictors of all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

fQRS occurred in 126 (43.5%) patients. A total of 59 (20.4%) patients died over a follow-up period of 54 ± 32 months. All-cause mortality was higher in the fQRS group (23 [14.1%] vs 36 [28.6], log-rank test P = 0.002) in the long term. The presence of fQRS [hazard ratio (HR): 1.802, confidence interval (CI): 1.035–3.135, P = 0.037], electrocardiographic left ventricular strain (HR: 1.836, CI: 1.036–3.254, P = 0.038) and history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (HR: 3.130, CI: 1.528–6.412, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality in the multivariable Cox regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

fQRS is associated with a 1.8-fold increase in long-term mortality in patients undergoing isolated SAVR for severe AS. Detecting fQRS in electrocardiograms may provide prognostic information about the long-term outcomes.
Characterization of Beauville’s Numbers via Hodge Theory
Authors: Li Muxi , Sheng Mao
Published: July 2021

We provide a new Hodge theoretical characterization of the set of complex numbers that arises from the complete list, due to A. Beauville, of semistable families of elliptic curves over ${\mathbb {P}}^1$ with four singular fibers. The characterization is approached via a detailed analysis of the periodicity of the uniformizing Higgs bundle attached to ${\mathbb {P}}^1$ minus four points over the field of complex numbers.
Improving primary care access to respirologists using eConsult
Authors: Leduc Jean-Grégoire , Keely Erin , Liddy Clare , Afkham Amir , Marovac Misha , Guglani Sheena
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients and primary care providers (PCPs) can experience frustration about poor access to specialist care. The Champlain Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation (BASETM) is a secure online platform that allows PCPs to ask a clinical question to 142 different specialty groups. The specialist is expected to respond within 7 days.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of the Champlain BASETM respirology eConsults from January 2017 to December 2018. The eConsults were categorized by types of questions asked by the referring provider and by the clinical content of the referral. Specialists’ response time and time spent answering the clinical question were analyzed. Referring providers’ close-out surveys were reviewed to assess the impact of the respirology eConsult service on traditional referral rates and clinical course of action.

Results

Of the 26 679 cases submitted to the Champlain BASE TM eConsult service, 268 were respirology cases (1%). 91% were sent by family physicians and 9% by nurse practitioners. The median time to respond by specialists was 0.8 days, and the median time billed by specialists was 20 min. The most common topics were pulmonary nodules and masses (16.4%), cough (10.4%), infective problems (8.6%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8.6%) and dyspnea Not Yet Diagnosed (NYD) (7.8%). The most common types of questions asked by PCP were related to investigations warranted (43.1% of cases), general management (17.5%), monitoring (12.6%), need for a respirology referral (12.3%) and drug of choice (6.3%). In 23% of cases, the PCP indicated they were planning to refer the patient for an in-person consultation but no longer needed to after receiving the eConsult advice (avoided referrals). On the other hand, in 13% of cases, the PCP was not going to refer but did after the eConsult (prompted referrals). The eConsult led to a new or additional clinical course of action by the PCP in 49% of cases. In 51% of cases, the PCP suggested the clinical topic would be well suited to a CME event.

Conclusions

Participation in eConsult services can improve timely access to respirologists while potentially avoiding clinic visits and significantly impacting referring PCPs clinical course of action. Using the most common clinical topics and types of questions for CME planning should be considered. Future research may include a cost analysis and provider perspectives on the role of eConsult in respirology care.
Who with whom? Untangling the effect of high-skilled immigration on innovation*
Authors: Wigger Christoph
Published: July 2021

I analyze how high-skilled immigration affects native, immigrant and collaborative innovation, using an IV approach that exploits exogenous variation in push factors of migration across origin regions and over time. The overall impact of high-skilled immigration on innovation is positive and substantial. High-skilled immigrants from developed regions of the world and with a PhD contribute by innovating themselves, enhancing native-immigrant and international collaborations, and spurring native innovation. I show that the latter effect is likely driven by the access to immigrants’ origin specific knowledge. In contrast, while there is no evidence for a significant direct contribution of high-skilled immigrants from less developed regions and without a PhD to innovation, they contribute indirectly, by stimulating native innovation.
Context-Dependent Effect of Dietary Phytochemicals on Honey Bees Exposed to a Pesticide, Thiamethoxam
Authors: Arathi H S  , Bernklau Elisa
Published: July 2021

Honey bees continue to face challenges relating to the degradation of natural flowering habitats that limit their access to diverse floral resources. While it is known that nectar and pollen provide macronutrients, flowers also contain secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) that impart benefits including increased longevity, improved gut microbiome abundance, and pathogen tolerance. Our study aims to understand the role of phytochemicals in pesticide tolerance when worker bees were fed with sublethal doses (1 ppb and 10 ppb) of thiamethoxam (TMX), a neonicotinoid, in 20% (w/v) sugar solution supplemented with 25 ppm of phytochemicals—caffeine, kaempferol, gallic acid, or p-coumaric acid, previously shown to have beneficial impacts on bee health. The effect of phytochemical supplementation during pesticide exposure was context-dependent. With 1 ppb TMX, phytochemical supplementation increased longevity but at 10 ppb TMX, longevity was reduced suggesting a negative synergistic effect. Phytochemicals mixed with 1 ppb TMX increased mortality in bees of the forager-age group but with 10 ppb TMX, mortality of the inhive-age group increased, implying the possibility of accumulation effect in lower sublethal doses. Given that the phytochemical composition of pollen and nectar varies between plant species, we suggest that the negative impacts of agrochemicals on honey bees could vary based on the phytochemicals in pollen and nectar of that crop, and hence the effects may vary across crops. Analyzing the phytochemical composition for individual crops may be a necessary first step prior to determining the appropriate dosage of agrochemicals so that harm to bees Apis mellifera L. is minimized while crop pests are effectively controlled.
Psychiatric genetic essentialism and stigma in child custody proceedings: public views
Authors: Sabatello Maya , Chao Audrey , Insel Beverly J , Corbeil Thomas , Link Bruce G , Appelbaum Paul S
Published: July 2021

The introduction of behavioral, including psychiatric, genetic information in American courts has gained traction but raises concerns of undue influence on judicial outcomes. We conducted a vignette-based survey of a nationally representative sample of US adults to assess how evidence about a parent’s psychiatric genetic makeup and explicit and implicit stigmatizing beliefs about psychiatric conditions may affect key decisions in child custody proceedings. Psychiatric genetic evidence did not affect public perspectives on custody decisions, but it increased the genetic essentialist understanding of psychiatric conditions (regardless of a diagnosis). Explicit stigma was associated with a preference to deny parents with a (or with an alleged) psychiatric condition joint custody. Our newly created Implicit Association Test identified an association between psychiatric conditions and perceived bad parenting. Research to identify effective interventions and educational programs to address genetic essentialism and to reduce bias against people, including parents, with psychiatric conditions is urgently needed.
Lipidomics reveals association of circulating lipids with body mass index and outcomes in IgA nephropathy patients
Authors: Deng Yueyi , Wu Qingqing , Chen Wanjia , Zhu Li , Liu Wangyi , Xia Fangying , Sun Liang , Lin Xu , Zeng Rong
Published: July 2021

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which are commonly accompanied by dyslipidemia. Obesity is also associated with dyslipidemia and risk of CKD, but the relation of the dyslipidemia patterns with obesity and disease progression in IgAN patients remains unknown. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the combined treatment with corticosteroids and TCM have been shown to be of benefit for IgAN patients, but predictive markers for guiding these treatments are lacking. Here, we quantified 545 lipid species in the plasma from 196 participants, including 140 IgAN patients and 56 healthy volunteers, and revealed an altered plasma lipidome in IgAN patients as compared to healthy participants. Association analysis showed that a subgroup of glycerides, particularly triacylglycerols (TGs) containing docosahexaenoic acid, were positively associated with high body mass index (BMI) in under- or normal-weight IgAN patients, while several free fatty acids and sphingomyelins were positively associated with high BMI in overweight or obese IgAN patients. Further, our study suggested that elevated levels of eight lipids, mainly TG species containing linolenic acid, were independent risk factors for IgAN progression and also reported the prospective association of circulating lipids with treatment outcomes in IgAN. Taken together, our findings may not only help to achieve precision medicine but also provide a knowledge base for dietary intervention in the treatment of IgAN.
LATE Neuropathologic Changes with Little or No Alzheimer Disease is Common and is Associated with Cognitive Impairment but Not Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Nelson Peter T
Published: July 2021

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic changes (LATE-NC) often occur in aged brains that also contain appreciable Alzheimer disease neuropathologic changes (ADNC). Question has arisen as to whether LATE-NC can occur independently of ADNC. We evaluated data from the University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center autopsy cohort (383 included subjects) to address 2 questions: (i) Is LATE-NC seen in the absence of ADNC, outside of persons who had the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) clinical syndrome? and (ii) is LATE-NC associated with cognitive impairment across the full spectrum of ADNC severity? In the present study, the pathologic combination of LATE-NC (Stage >1) and low/no ADNC was common: 8.9% (34/383) of all subjects (including demented and non-demented individuals) showed this combination. There were no FTLD-TDP cases to be included from the community-based cohort. Across a broad range of ADNC severity, the presence of LATE-NC was associated with impaired cognition but was never associated with a FTD clinical syndrome.
Adult WHO grade II ependymomas: is Ki67 a sex-specific proliferation marker?
Authors: Baig Mirza Asfand , Lavrador José Pedro , Mancuso-Marcello Marco , Acharya Shami , Boardman Timothy Martyn , Bodi Istvan , Gullan Richard , Vergani Francesco , Bhangoo Ranj , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: July 2021

Ki67 is a marker for proliferation of a given cell population. Low expression of Ki67 may be associated with a favourable outcome. We investigate how the proliferation index correlates with the location, morphology and behaviour of WHO grade II ependymomas with a single-centre cohort study of adult patients admitted for surgery of WHO grade II ependymomas between 2008 and 2018.

Seventeen patients were included, seven had supratentorial and 10 had infratentorial tumours. Three patients died and eight had recurrent disease. Age, gender, location, extent of resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and histological markers were not associated with tumour progression. Both unadjusted and adjusted analysis confirmed a higher Ki67 index in male patients. Sensitivity analysis further supported the correlation between Ki67 and male gender.

Ki67 may be sex specific but does not seem to correlate with survival and time to recurrence in this series.
Robot-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for severe incomplete interlober fissure
Authors: Okazaki Mikio , Suzawa Ken , Shien Kazuhiko , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Otani Shinji , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Yamane Masaomi , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: July 2021

An incomplete interlobar fissure makes thoracoscopic lobectomy difficult and is predictive of morbidity after thoracoscopic lobectomy. This report demonstrates the robot-assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) lobectomy technique for patients with severe incomplete interlobar fissures. A fissureless approach was chosen for pulmonary resection. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) was used to detect the interlobar line after transection of the bronchus, pulmonary artery and vein. Interlobar fissure was identified and divided by robotic staplers. This combined technique using ICG and fissureless lobectomy made RATS lobectomy safe for patients with severe incomplete interlobar fissures.
Bacterial meningitis related to air travel: Who is at risk?
Authors: Guillem Lluïsa , García-Roulston Kevin , Cabellos Carmen
Published: July 2021

Changes in aircraft cabin pressure may result in bacterial meningitis in passengers with particular risk factors. The participation of multiple factors stands out, such as barotrauma, ear nose throat bacteria and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. As this is a neglected topic in aviation medicine, a synopsis of cases observed and previously published is presented.
Cosmology beyond BAO from the 3D distribution of the Lyman-α forest
Authors: Cuceu Andrei , Font-Ribera Andreu , Joachimi Benjamin , Nadathur Seshadri
Published: July 2021

We propose a new method for fitting the full-shape of the Lyman-α (Ly α) forest 3D correlation function in order to measure the Alcock-Paczynski (AP) effect. Our method preserves the robustness of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) analyses, while also providing extra cosmological information from a broader range of scales. We compute idealized forecasts for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) using the Ly α autocorrelation and its cross-correlation with quasars, and show how this type of analysis improves cosmological constraints. The DESI Ly α BAO analysis is expected to measure H(zeff)rd and DM(zeff)/rd with a precision of $\sim 0.9{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, where H is the Hubble parameter, rd is the comoving BAO scale, DM is the comoving angular diameter distance, and the effective redshift of the measurement is zeff ≃ 2.3. By fitting the AP parameter from the full shape of the two correlations, we show that we can obtain a precision of $\sim 0.5-0.6{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ on each of H(zeff)rd and DM(zeff)/rd. Furthermore, we show that a joint full-shape analysis of the Ly α auto and cross-correlation with quasars can measure the linear growth rate times the amplitude of matter fluctuations in spheres of 8 h−1Mpc, fσ8(zeff). Such an analysis could provide the first ever measurement of fσ8(zeff) at redshift zeff > 2. By combining this with the quasar autocorrelation in a joint analysis of the three high-redshift two-point correlation functions, we show that DESI could be able to measure fσ8(zeff ≃ 2.3) with a precision of $5-12{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, depending on the smallest scale fitted.