bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multitask prediction of organ dysfunction in the intensive care unit using sequential subnetwork routing
Authors: Roy Subhrajit , Mincu Diana , Loreaux Eric , Mottram Anne , Protsyuk Ivan , Harris Natalie , Xue Yuan , Schrouff Jessica , Montgomery Hugh , Connell Alistair , Tomasev Nenad , Karthikesalingam Alan , Seneviratne Martin
Published: May 2021

Objective

Multitask learning (MTL) using electronic health records allows concurrent prediction of multiple endpoints. MTL has shown promise in improving model performance and training efficiency; however, it often suffers from negative transfer – impaired learning if tasks are not appropriately selected. We introduce a sequential subnetwork routing (SeqSNR) architecture that uses soft parameter sharing to find related tasks and encourage cross-learning between them.

Materials and Methods

Using the MIMIC-III (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III) dataset, we train deep neural network models to predict the onset of 6 endpoints including specific organ dysfunctions and general clinical outcomes: acute kidney injury, continuous renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive medications, mortality, and length of stay. We compare single-task (ST) models with naive multitask and SeqSNR in terms of discriminative performance and label efficiency.

Results

SeqSNR showed a modest yet statistically significant performance boost across 4 of 6 tasks compared with ST and naive multitasking. When the size of the training dataset was reduced for a given task (label efficiency), SeqSNR outperformed ST for all cases showing an average area under the precision-recall curve boost of 2.1%, 2.9%, and 2.1% for tasks using 1%, 5%, and 10% of labels, respectively.

Conclusions

The SeqSNR architecture shows superior label efficiency compared with ST and naive multitasking, suggesting utility in scenarios in which endpoint labels are difficult to ascertain.
Water Deprivation Induces Biochemical Changes Without Reduction in the Insecticidal Activity of Maize and Soybean Transgenic Plants
Authors: Silva Juliana Barroso , Mori Raphael , Marques Luiz Henrique , Santos Antonio Cesar , Nowatzki Timothy , Dahmer Mark Linden , Bing James , Gratão Priscila Lupino , Rossi Guilherme Duarte
Published: May 2021

Like conventional crops, transgenic plants expressing insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are subjected to water deprivation. However, the effects of water deprivation over the insecticidal activity of Bt plants are not well understood. We submitted Bt maize and Bt soybean to water deprivation and evaluated biochemical stress markers and the insecticidal activity of plants against target insects. Bt maize (DAS-Ø15Ø7-1 × MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3–6 × SYN-IR162-4) containing the PowerCore Ultra traits, Bt soybean (DAS-444Ø6-6 × DAS-81419-2) with the Conkesta E3 traits, and commercial non-Bt cultivars were cultivated and exposed to water deprivation in the greenhouse. Leaves were harvested for quantification of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdeyde (MDA), and total phenolics and insecticidal activity. Maize or soybean leaf disks were used to evaluate the insecticidal activity against, respectively, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) and Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) neonates. Except for Bt soybean, water deprivation increased hydrogen peroxide and MDA contents in Bt and non-Bt plants. Both biochemical markers of water deficit were observed in lower concentrations in Bt plants than in non-Bt commercial cultivars. Water deprivation did not result in changes of phenolic contents in Bt and non-Bt maize. For Bt or non-Bt soybean, phenolic contents were similar despite plants being exposed or not to water deprivation. Water deprivation did not alter substantially insect survival in non-Bt maize or non-Bt soybean. Despite water deprivation-induced biochemical changes in plants, both Bt plants maintained their insecticidal activity (100% mortality) against the target species.
Tepotinib in patients with NSCLC harbouring MET exon 14 skipping: Japanese subset analysis from the Phase II VISION study
Authors: Sakai Hiroshi , Morise Masahiro , Kato Terufumi , Matsumoto Shingo , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Kumagai Toru , Tokito Takaaki , Atagi Shinji , Kozuki Toshiyuki , Tanaka Hiroshi , Chikamori Kenichi , Shinagawa Naofumi , Takeoka Hiroaki , Bruns Rolf , Straub Josef , Schumacher Karl Maria , Paik Paul K
Published: May 2021

Background

MET exon 14 skipping is an oncogenic driver occurring in 3–4% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The MET inhibitor tepotinib has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC. Here, we present data from Japanese patients in the Phase II VISION study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of tepotinib.

Methods

In the open-label, single-arm, Phase II VISION study, patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping received oral tepotinib 500 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was objective response by independent review. Subgroup analyses of Japanese patients were preplanned.

Results

As of 1 January 2020, 19 Japanese patients received tepotinib and were evaluated for safety, 15 of whom had ≥9 months’ follow-up and were also analysed for efficacy. By independent review, objective response rate (ORR) was 60.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.3, 83.7), median duration of response was not reached (95% CI: 6.9, not estimable [ne]), and progression-free survival was 11.0 months (95% CI: 1.4, ne). ORR in patients with MET exon 14 skipping identified by liquid biopsy (n = 8) was 87.5% (95% CI: 47.3, 99.7), and by tissue biopsy (n = 12) was 50.0% (95% CI: 21.1, 78.9). Patients’ quality of life was maintained with tepotinib treatment. Among patients evaluated for safety, the most common treatment-related adverse events (any grade) were blood creatinine increase and peripheral oedema (12 and nine patients, respectively).

Conclusions

Tepotinib demonstrated robust and durable clinical efficacy in Japanese patients with advanced NSCLC harbouring MET exon 14 skipping, identified by either liquid or tissue biopsy. The main adverse events, blood creatinine increase and peripheral oedema, were manageable.
Prospective evaluation of watchful waiting for early-stage lung cancer with ground-glass opacity: a single-arm confirmatory multicenter study: Japan Clinical Oncology Group study JCOG1906 (EVERGREEN study)
Authors: Miyoshi Tomohiro , Aokage Keiju , Wakabayashi Masashi , Shimoyama Ryo , Kataoka Tomoko , Fukuda Haruhiko , Watanabe Shun-ichi
Published: May 2021

Among early-stage lung cancers that show ground-glass nodules on chest computed tomography, the lung cancer surgical study group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group previously reported that nodules of ≤2 cm with a consolidation/tumor ratio of ≤0.25 were considered radiologically non-invasive cancers with a low risk of metastasis. However, there is no consensus based on high-quality evidence about the optimal timing of surgical intervention for radiologically non-invasive cancers. In June 2020, we launched a multi-institutional, single-arm confirmatory trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of watchful waiting for patients with radiologically non-invasive lung cancer. It is planned that a total of 720 patients will be enrolled from 49 institutes over a 5-year period. The primary endpoint is 10-year overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints are 5-year OS, operation-free survival, proportion of extensive lung resection, proportion of unresectable progression, lung cancer-specific survival and adverse events.
The National Cancer Institute’s Role in Advancing Health-Care Delivery Research
Authors: Jacobsen Paul B , de Moor Janet , Doria-Rose V Paul , Geiger Ann M , Kobrin Sarah C , Sampson Annie , Smith Ashley Wilder
Published: May 2021

Improvements in cancer care delivery have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality from cancer, however, challenges to delivery of recommended care limit progress. These challenges include growing demands for care, increasing treatment complexity, inadequate care coordination, dramatic increases in costs, persistent disparities in care, and insufficient use of evidence-based guidelines. Recognizing the important role of research in understanding and addressing these challenges, the National Cancer Institute created the Healthcare Delivery Research Program (HDRP) in 2015 as a catalyst for expanding work in this area. Health-care delivery research is a multidisciplinary effort which recognizes that care delivery occurs in a multilevel system encompassing individuals, health-care systems, and communities. HDRP staff use a range of activities to fulfill the program’s mission of advancing innovative research to improve delivery of care across the cancer control continuum. In addition to developing funding opportunities, HDRP staff; support and facilitate the use of research infrastructure for conducting health-care delivery research; oversee publicly available data that can be used to evaluate patterns, costs, and patient experiences of care; contribute to development and dissemination of standardized health measurement tools for public use; and support professional development and training to build capacity within the field and grow the workforce. As HDRP enters its sixth year, we appreciate the opportunity to reflect on the program’s progress in advancing the science of health-care delivery. At the same time, we recognize the need for the program to evolve and develop additional resources and opportunities to address new and emerging challenges.
Vitexin isolated from Prosopis cineraria leaves induce apoptosis in K-562 leukemia cells via inhibition of the BCR-ABL-Ras-Raf pathway
Authors: Sarkar Monaj Kumar , Kar Amrita , Jayaraman Adithyan , Kar Mahapatra Santanu , Vadivel Vellingiri
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Leukemia is one of the severe cancer types all around the globe. Even though some chemotherapeutic drugs are available for treating leukemia, they have various side effects. As an alternative approach, herbal drugs are focused on current research to overcome leukemia. The present work was conducted to investigate the antileukemic mechanism of active phytochemical vitexin, which was isolated from ethno-medicine (Prosopis cineraria leaf) used by traditional healers of West Bengal, India.

Methods

Antiproliferative mechanisms of selected phyto-compound against K-562 cells were evaluated using cellular uptake, morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and signaling pathways analysis.

Key findings

Vitexin exhibited cytotoxicity by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (32.40%) and causing DNA fragmentation (84.15%). The western blotting study indicated inhibition of cell survival proteins (BCR, ABL, H-RAS, N-RAS, K-RAS and RAF) and expression of apoptotic proteins (p38, BAX and caspase-9) in leukemia cells upon treatment with vitexin.

Conclusions

Based on the results, presently investigated phyto-compound vitexin could be considered for developing safe and natural drugs to treat leukemia after conducting suitable preclinical and clinical trials.
Meiosis in crops: from genes to genomes
Authors: Wang Yazhong , van Rengs Willem M J , Zaidan Mohd Waznul Adly Mohd , Underwood Charles J
Published: May 2021

Meiosis is a key feature of sexual reproduction. During meiosis homologous chromosomes replicate, recombine, and randomly segregate, followed by the segregation of sister chromatids to produce haploid cells. The unique genotypes of recombinant gametes are an essential substrate for the selection of superior genotypes in natural populations and in plant breeding. In this review we summarize current knowledge on meiosis in diverse monocot and dicot crop species and provide a comprehensive resource of cloned meiotic mutants in six crop species (rice, maize, wheat, barley, tomato, and Brassica species). Generally, the functional roles of meiotic proteins are conserved between plant species, but we highlight notable differences in mutant phenotypes. The physical lengths of plant chromosomes vary greatly; for instance, wheat chromosomes are roughly one order of magnitude longer than those of rice. We explore how chromosomal distribution for crossover recombination can vary between species. We conclude that research on meiosis in crops will continue to complement that in Arabidopsis, and alongside possible applications in plant breeding will facilitate a better understanding of how the different stages of meiosis are controlled in plant species.
Keynote: Tramando la palabra / Weaving the word
Authors: Chávez Santiago Janet
Published: May 2021

The weft is a thread that is woven among the warp's yarns; these are our paper and pencil in the creation of a rug. Together, warp and weft are the bridge that unites the threads with our past and our present, and we weave the patterns of Mitla s friezes as a form of reading, or of interpreting, and of writing our ancestors, but also as a way to recount our dreams and our experiences. We weave in Zapotec. When we complete a rug, we share it with the world, and although the weave is in Zapotec, it can be interpreted in English, in Spanish, in Mixtec, or in Chatino. Digital media can be seen as a warp on which the speakers of indigenous languages have an opportunity to weave their word and to share it within their own community and beyond. Although in our times digital media and social networks are a practical part of our daily lives and of our interactions with the world, we as speakers of indigenous languages must truly appropriate these spaces, to weave our word well, in order to liberate ourselves from the a denial of the present. This DH2018 opening keynote speech is presented here in both its original Spanish and in the author's English translation
Efficiency of the oxygenic photosynthesis on Earth-like planets in the habitable zone
Authors: Covone Giovanni , Ienco Riccardo M , Cacciapuoti Luca , Inno Laura
Published: May 2021

Oxygenic photosynthesis is the most important biochemical process in Earth biosphere and likely very common on other habitable terrestrial planets, given the general availability of its input chemical ingredients and of light as source of energy. It is therefore important to evaluate the effective possibility of oxygenic photosynthesis on planets around stars as a function of their spectral type and the planet–star separation. We aim at estimating the photon flux, the exergy, and the exergetic efficiency of the radiation in the wavelength range useful for the oxygenic photosynthesis as a function of the host star effective temperature and planet–star separation. We compute analytically these quantities and compare our results with the estimates for the small sample of known Earth-like planets. We find that exergy is an increasing function of the star effective temperature, within the range 2600–7200 K. It depends both on the star–planet separation and the star effective temperature. Biospheres on exoplanets around cool stars might be generally light-limited. So far, we have not observed terrestrial planets comparable to Earth in terms of useful photon flux, exergy, and exergetic efficiency.
An uncontaminated measurement of the escaping Lyman continuum atz∼ 3
Authors: Pahl Anthony J , Shapley Alice , Steidel Charles C , Chen Yuguang , Reddy Naveen A
Published: May 2021

Observations of reionization-era analogues at z ∼ 3 are a powerful tool for constraining reionization. Rest-ultraviolet observations are particularly useful, in which both direct and indirect tracers of ionizing-photon production and escape can be observed. We analyse a sample of 124 z ∼ 3 galaxies from the Keck Lyman Continuum Spectroscopic Survey, with sensitive spectroscopic measurements of the Lyman continuum region. We present a method of removing foreground contamination from our sample using high-resolution, multiband Hubble Space Telescope imaging. We re-measure the global properties of the cleaned sample of 13 individually detected Lyman continuum sources and 107 individually undetected sources, including a sample-averaged absolute escape fraction of fesc, abs = 0.06 ± 0.01 and a sample-averaged ratio of ionizing to non-ionizing ultraviolet flux density of 〈f900/f1500〉out = 0.040 ± 0.006, corrected for attenuation from the intergalactic and circumgalactic media. Based on composite spectra, we also recover a strong positive correlation between 〈f900/f1500〉out and Lyα equivalent width (Wλ(Ly$\rm \alpha$)) and a negative correlation between 〈f900/f1500〉out and UV luminosity. As in previous work, we interpret the relationship between 〈f900/f1500〉out and Wλ(Ly$\rm \alpha$) in terms of the modulation of the escape of ionizing radiation from star-forming galaxies based on the covering fraction of neutral gas. We also use a Wλ(Ly$\rm \alpha$)-weighted 〈f900/f1500〉out to estimate an ionizing emissivity from star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 3 as ϵLyC ≃ 5.5 × 1024 erg s−1 Hz−1 Mpc−3. This estimate, evaluated using the uncontaminated sample of this work, affirms that the contribution of galaxies to the ionizing background at z ∼ 3 is comparable to that of active galactic nuclei.
Nuw CDM cosmology from the weak-lensing convergence PDF
Authors: Boyle Aoife , Uhlemann Cora , Friedrich Oliver , Barthelemy Alexandre , Codis Sandrine , Bernardeau Francis , Giocoli Carlo , Baldi Marco
Published: May 2021

Pinning down the total neutrino mass and the dark energy equation of state is a key aim for upcoming galaxy surveys. Weak lensing is a unique probe of the total matter distribution whose non-Gaussian statistics can be quantified by the one-point probability distribution function (PDF) of the lensing convergence. We calculate the convergence PDF on mildly nonlinear scales from first principles using large-deviation statistics, accounting for dark energy and the total neutrino mass. For the first time, we comprehensively validate the cosmology dependence of the convergence PDF model against large suites of simulated lensing maps, demonstrating its per cent level precision and accuracy. We show that fast simulation codes can provide highly accurate covariance matrices, which can be combined with the theoretical PDF model to perform forecasts and eliminate the need for relying on expensive N-body simulations. Our theoretical model allows us to perform the first forecast for the convergence PDF that varies the full set of ΛCDM parameters. Our Fisher forecasts establish that the constraining power of the convergence PDF compares favourably to the two-point correlation function for a Euclid-like survey area at a single source redshift. When combined with a cosmic microwave background prior from Planck, the PDF constrains both the neutrino mass Mν and the dark energy equation of state w0 more strongly than the two-point correlation function.
General-relativistic hydrodynamics of non-perfect fluids: 3+1 conservative formulation and application to viscous black hole accretion
Authors: Chabanov Michail , Rezzolla Luciano , Rischke Dirk H
Published: May 2021

We consider the relativistic hydrodynamics of non-perfect fluids with the goal of determining a formulation that is suited for numerical integration in special-relativistic and general-relativistic scenarios. To this end, we review the various formulations of relativistic second-order dissipative hydrodynamics proposed so far and present in detail a particular formulation that is fully general, causal, and can be cast into a 3+1 flux-conservative form, as the one employed in modern numerical-relativity codes. As an example, we employ a variant of this formulation restricted to a relaxation-type equation for the bulk viscosity in the general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamics code bhac. After adopting the formulation for a series of standard and non-standard tests in 1+1-dimensional special-relativistic hydrodynamics, we consider a novel general-relativistic scenario, namely, the stationary, spherically symmetric, viscous accretion on to a black hole. The newly developed solution – which can exhibit even considerable deviations from the inviscid counterpart – can be used as a testbed for numerical codes simulating non-perfect fluids on curved backgrounds.
The pyrat bay framework for exoplanet atmospheric modelling: a population study of Hubble/WFC3 transmission spectra
Authors: Cubillos Patricio E , Blecic Jasmina
Published: May 2021

We present the open-source python Radiative-transfer in a Bayesian framework (pyrat bay) framework for exoplanet atmospheric modelling, spectral synthesis, and Bayesian retrieval. The modular design of the code allows the users to generate atmospheric 1D parametric models of the temperature, abundances (in thermochemical equilibrium or constant-with-altitude), and altitude profiles (in hydrostatic equilibrium); sample ExoMol and HITRAN line-by-line cross-sections with custom resolving power and line-wing cutoff values; compute emission or transmission spectra considering cross-sections from molecular line transitions, collision-induced absorption, Rayleigh scattering, grey clouds, and alkali resonance lines; and perform Markov chain Monte Carlo atmospheric retrievals for a given transit or eclipse data set. We benchmarked the pyrat bay framework by reproducing line-by-line sampling of ExoMol cross-sections, producing transmission and emission spectra consistent with petitradtrans models, accurately retrieving the atmospheric properties of simulated transmission and emission observations generated with taurex models, and closely reproducing aura retrieval analyses of the space-based transmission spectrum of HD 209458 b. Finally, we present a retrieval analysis of a population of transiting exoplanets, focusing on those observed in transmission with the HST WFC3/G141 grism. We found that this instrument alone can confidently identify when a data set shows H2O-absorption features; however, it cannot distinguish whether a muted H2O feature is caused by clouds, high atmospheric metallicity, or low H2O abundance. Our results are consistent with previous retrieval analyses. The pyrat bay code is available at PyPI (pip install pyratbay) and conda. The code is heavily documented (https://pyratbay.readthedocs.io) and tested to provide maximum accessibility to the community and long-term development stability.
The X-ray spectral and variability properties of typical radio-loud quasars
Authors: Zhu S F , Timlin John D , Brandt W N
Published: May 2021

We present X-ray spectral and long-term variability analyses of an unbiased sample of 361 optically selected radio-loud quasars (RLQs) utilizing sensitive serendipitous X-ray data from the Chandra and XMM-Newton archives. The spectral and temporal properties of RLQs are compared with those of radio-quiet quasars (RQQs) matched in L2500Å and z. The median power-law photon index (Γ) of RLQs is $1.84_{-0.01}^{+0.01}$, which is close to that of matched RQQs ($1.90_{-0.01}^{+0.02}$). No significant correlations between Γ and radio-loudness, Lx/Lx, rqq (the X-ray luminosity over that expected from the Lx–Luv relation for RQQs), redshift, or Eddington ratio are found for our RLQs. The stacked X-ray spectra of our RLQs show strong iron-line emission and a possible Compton-reflection hump. The intrinsic X-ray variability amplitude is ≈40 per cent for RLQs on time-scales of months-to-years in the rest frame, which is somewhat smaller than for the matched RQQs (≈60 per cent) on similar time-scales, perhaps due to the larger black hole masses and lower Eddington ratios in our RLQ sample. The X-ray spectral and variability results for our RLQs generally support the idea that the X-ray emission of typical RLQs is dominated by the disc/corona, as is also indicated by a recent luminosity correlation study.
Close stellar encounters at the Galactic Centre – I. The effect on the observed stellar populations
Authors: Mastrobuono-Battisti Alessandra , Church Ross P , Davies Melvyn B
Published: May 2021

We model the effects of collisions and close encounters on the stellar populations observed in the Milky Way nuclear stellar cluster (NSC). Our analysis is based on N-body simulations in which the NSC forms by accretion of massive stellar clusters around a supermassive black hole. We attach stellar populations to our N-body particles and follow the evolution of their stars, and the rate of collisions and close encounters. The most common encounters are collisions between pairs of main-sequence (MS) stars, which lead to mergers: destructive collisions between MS stars and compact objects are rare. We find that the effects of collisions on the stellar populations are small for three reasons. First, our models possess a core that limits the maximum stellar density. Secondly, the velocity dispersion in the NSC is similar to the surface escape velocities of the stars, which minimizes the collision rate. Finally, whilst collisions between MS stars destroy bright giants by accelerating their evolution, they also create them by accelerating the evolution of lower mass stars. These two effects approximately cancel out. We also investigate whether the G2 cloud could be a fuzzball: a compact stellar core that has accreted a tenuous envelope in a close encounter with a red giant. We conclude that fuzzballs with cores below $2\, {\rm M_{\odot }}$ have thermal times-scales too short to reproduce G2. A fuzzball with a black hole core could reproduce the surface properties of G2 but the production rate of such objects in our model is low.
Peculiarities of the chemical abundance distribution in galaxies NGC 3963 and NGC 7292
Authors: Gusev A S , Dodin A V
Published: May 2021

Spectroscopic observations of 32 H ii regions in the spiral galaxy NGC 3963 and the barred irregular galaxy NGC 7292 were carried out with the 2.5-m telescope of the Caucasus Mountain Observatory of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute using the Transient Double-beam Spectrograph with a dispersion of ≈1 Å pixel−1 and a spectral resolution of ≈3 Å. These observations were used to estimate the oxygen and nitrogen abundances and the electron temperatures in H ii regions through modern strong-line methods. In general, the galaxies have oxygen and nitrogen abundances typical of stellar systems with similar luminosities, sizes, and morphology. However, we have found some peculiarities in chemical abundance distributions in both galaxies. The distorted outer segment of the southern arm of NGC 3963 shows an excess oxygen and nitrogen abundances. Chemical elements abundances in NGC 7292 are constant and do not depend on the galactocentric distance. These peculiarities can be explained in terms of external gas accretion in the case of NGC 3963 and major merging for NGC 7292.
Probing supermassive stars and massive black hole seeds through gravitational wave inspirals
Authors: Raveh Yael , Ginat Yonadav Barry , Perets Hagai B , Woods Tyrone E
Published: May 2021

We propose a novel source of gravitational wave (GW) emission: the inspirals of compact fragments inside primordial supermassive stars (SMSs). Such systems are thought to be an essential channel in the as-yet little understood formation of supermassive black holes. One model suggests that high accretion rates of 0.1–1 M⊙ yr−1 attainable in atomically cooled primordial haloes can lead to the formation of a nuclear-burning SMS. This will ultimately undergo collapse through a relativistic instability, leaving a massive black hole remnant. Recent simulations suggest that supermassive stars rarely form in isolation, and that companion stars and even black holes formed may be captured/accreted and inspiral to the SMS core due to gas dynamical friction. Here, we explore the GW emission produced from such inspirals, which could probe the formation and evolution of SMS and seeds of the first supermassive black holes. We use a semi-analytic gas-dynamical friction model of the inspirals in the SMS to characterize their properties. We find such sources could potentially be observable by upcoming space-born GW-detectors at their formation redshifts with the benefit of gravitational lensing. Mergers within closely related quasi-stars may produce a much stronger signal, though disambiguating such events from other high-z events may prove challenging.
High-T
c superconductor Fe(Se,Te) monolayer: an intrinsic, scalable and electrically tunable Majorana platform
Authors: Wu Xianxin , Liu Xin , Thomale Ronny , Liu Chao-Xing
Published: May 2021

Iron-based superconductors have been identified as a novel platform for realizing Majorana zero modes (MZMs) without heterostructures, due to their intrinsic topological properties and high-Tc superconductivity. In the two-dimensional limit, the FeTe1−xSex monolayer, a topological band inversion has recently been experimentally observed. Here, we propose to create MZMs by applying an in-plane magnetic field to the FeTe1−xSex monolayer and tuning the local chemical potential via electric gating. Owing to the anisotropic magnetic couplings on edges, an in-plane magnetic field drives the system into an intrinsic high-order topological superconductor phase with Majorana corner modes. Furthermore, MZMs can occur at the domain wall of chemical potentials at either one edge or certain type of tri-junction in the two-dimensional bulk. Our study not only reveals the FeTe1−xSex monolayer as a promising Majorana platform with scalability and electrical tunability and within reach of contemporary experimental capability, but also provides a general principle to search for realistic realization of high-order topological superconductivity.
Cretaceous basin evolution in northeast Asia: tectonic responses to the paleo-Pacific plate subduction
Authors: Meng Qing-Ren , Zhou Zhong-He , Zhu Ri-Xiang , Xu Yi-Gang , Guo Zheng-Tang
Published: May 2021

Cretaceous rift basin evolution was an important part of the tectonic history of northeast Asia in the late Mesozoic. Three types of rift basins are identified—active, passive and wide rift basins—and they developed in different regions. Passive rift basins in the eastern North China craton are thought to be the consequence of crustal stretching and passive asthenospheric upwelling. Wide rift basins in the eastern Central Asian orogen are assumed to originate from gravitational collapse of the thickened and heated orogenic crust. Active rift basins in the northern North China craton are attributed to uprising of asthenospheric materials along a lithospheric-scale tear fault. Slab tearing of the subducting paleo-Pacific plate is postulated and well explains the spatial distribution of different types of rift basins and the eastward shifting of magmatism in the northern North China craton. The Late Cretaceous witnessed a period of mild deformation and weak magmatism, which was possibly due to kinematic variation of the paleo-Pacific plate.
Puff-Resolved Analysis and Selected Quantification of Chemicals in the Gas Phase of E-Cigarettes, Heat-Not-Burn Devices, and Conventional Cigarettes Using Single-Photon Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SPI-TOFMS): A Comparative Study
Authors: Heide Jan , Adam Thomas W , Jacobs Erik , Wolter Jan-Martin , Ehlert Sven , Walte Andreas , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: May 2021

Introduction

A wide array of alternative nicotine delivery devices (ANDD) has been developed and they are often described as less harmful than combustible cigarettes. This work compares the chemical emissions of three ANDD in comparison to cigarette smoke. All the tested ANDD are characterized by not involving combustion of tobacco.

Aims and Methods

Single-photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SPI-TOFMS) is coupled to a linear smoking machine, which allows a comprehensive, online analysis of the gaseous phase of the ANDD aerosol and the conventional cigarette (CC) smoke. The following devices were investigated in this study: a tobacco cigarette with a glowing piece of coal as a heating source, an electric device for heating tobacco, and a first-generation electronic cigarette. Data obtained from a standard 2R4F research cigarette are taken as a reference.

Results

The puff-by-puff profile of all products was recorded. The ANDD show a substantial reduction or complete absence of known harmful and potentially harmful substances compared with the CC. In addition, tar substances (i.e. semivolatile and low volatile aromatic and phenolic compounds) are formed to a much lower extent. Nicotine, however, is supplied in comparable amounts except for the investigated electronic cigarette.

Conclusions

The data show that consumers switching from CC to ANDD are exposed to lower concentrations of harmful and potentially harmful substances. However, toxicological and epidemiological studies must deliver conclusive results if these reduced exposures are beneficial for users.

Implications

The comparison of puff-resolved profiles of emissions from different tobacco products, traditional and alternative, may help users switch to lower emission products. Puff-resolved comparison overcomes technical changes, use modes between products and may help in their regulation.
Simpson Grade I Removal of Tuberculum Sella Meningioma Through the Supraorbital Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Mooney Michael A , Ibn Essayed Walid , Al-Mefty Ossama
Published: May 2021

As described by Cushing
1
in the chiasmatic syndrome, tuberculum sellae meningiomas induce progressive asymmetrical, incongruous visual loss, which would lead to blindness. The surgical removal of these lesions has been rewarding in regard to visual preservation, or recovery, and has passed the test of time. Optic canal extension, in one or both canals, is a consistent feature of these tumors, and removing the tumor from the optic canals is paramount in the treatment of these lesions.
2
Despite the small target volume, radiosurgery is not applicable because of the lack of safe distance from the optic pathways. Tuberculum sella meningioma has been distinguished with good surgical outcomes and low recurrence rates; thus, Simpson grade I removal (tumor, dura, and bone invasion) confers a prospect of cure.

 Safe and successful resection of tuberculum meningiomas is achieved through the skull base supraorbital approach
3
with several critical objectives: (1) visualization of the tumor without brain retraction; (2) 270° opening of the optic canal proximally and distally for safe tumor removal; (3) preservation of the vascular supply to the optic pathways and pituitary; (4) microsurgical dissection under high magnification on a short working distance to the encased carotid and anterior cerebral arteries; (5) complete resection of involved dura and bone at the skull base, particularly laterally; and (6) a robust skull base reconstruction with a vascularized pericranial flap.
4

 We present the case of a 45-yr-old female with a tuberculum sella meningioma who underwent Simpson grade I removal with an uneventful outcome. The patient consented for surgery.

 Image at 2:59 reprinted with permission from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas. Vol 1, © LWW, 1998; Image at 9:33 public domain.
4
C1-C2 Wiring With Timed Self-Obsolescence for Complex C2 Body Fracture
Authors: Wroe William W , Budde Bradley , Hsieh Joseph C
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Fractures of C2 are typically managed nonoperatively with good rates of healing. Management decisions are complicated, however, when there are additional fractures in the axis possibly leading to increased instability. Additionally, the techniques used for treating these unstable axis fractures can have either significant complications or permanent loss of range of motion. Here, we present a novel technique for the reduction and stabilization of complex C2 body fracture.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 34-yr-old woman with a complex C2 body fracture, which included a right pars and left lateral mass fracture, presented after a water slide accident. It was felt that this fracture was both unstable and would not heal in an anatomically acceptable way so an open surgical reduction was needed. After consideration of more traditional fusion and osteosynthesis techniques, we chose to perform a C1-C2 internal stabilization with C1 sublaminar and C2 spinous process wiring. The patient was then instructed to wear a Miami J collar for 3 mo.

CONCLUSION

The outcome was favorable with good approximation and healing with preserved range of motion.
Treatment Options for Scrotal Migration of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts: Case Illustration and Systematic Review of 48 Cases
Authors: Hauser Thomas , Auer Christian , Ludwiczek Johanna , Senker Wolfgang , Rauch Philip-Rudolf , Kargl Simon , Gruber Andreas
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Scrotal migration of intact or disconnected tubing is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. While some illustrative case reports can be found in the literature, a systematic review on treatment options is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To propose the first literature-based treatment algorithm on scrotal shunt migration.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search using the keywords: “VP,” “ventriculoperitoneal,” “shunt,” and “scrotum.” We identified 36 publications with 48 cases reported including our index case.

RESULTS

Median age at presentation was 13.5 mo (3 d to 65 yr) which was 4 mo (3 d to 72 mo) after last shunt-related surgery. All patients had scrotal swelling, 39 (81%) patients presented without other symptoms, 4 (8%) had additionally local pain, and 4 (8%) patients presented with symptoms of shunt dysfunction. Treatment was surgically in all but one case where spontaneous resolution without repeat migration occurred. In 3 of 4 patients who had either subcutaneous shortening or abdominal repositioning of the shunt without hernia repair, scrotal shunt migration recurred within the following month. Whereas the surgical treatment with reposition of the migrated catheter back into the peritoneal cavity via a groin incision plus hernia repair yielded a definite treatment in all 26 performed cases, the revision rate was significantly higher in the shunt revision without hernia repair cohort (P = .0009).

CONCLUSION

Scrotal shunt migration is a rare shunt complication with good recovery when treated surgically. We recommend hernia repair in addition to either manual or surgical repositioning of migrated tubing.
The Japanese Diet
Authors: Masuyama Mikitaka
Published: May 2021

By exploring specific incidents and parliamentary practices and reviewing how parliament operates across a typical year, this chapter highlights the significance of the negotiation between parliamentary groups, explaining how the Diet rules and procedures strongly influence parliamentary behavior. Representative democracy functions through the interconnection of the legislative and electoral systems, affecting the fusion and diffusion of powers. The constitutional fusion of power underlies the whole process of lawmaking in the Diet. However, one-party dominance makes the government and opposition relations permanently asymmetrical. Unless elections allow voters to choose a government, the majoritarian control to make the ruling party accountable will not work, and legislative activities will remain mismatched with electoral competitions.
The Narrative Study of Self and Society
Authors: Marvasti Amir B. , Gubrium Jaber F.
Published: May 2021

Stories and storytelling are found everywhere, from an overall cultural presence to the narrative study of self and society. Within a tradition of sociological research stemming from the 1920s, this chapter discusses the narrative study of self and society in the context of social interaction. Three forms of narrative study and aims are distinguished—ethnographic, strategic, and conversational. Substantive topics include the interactionist research tradition, Erving Goffman’s preeminent contribution, the narrative construction of selves, society as a complex narrative environment, and narrative power and practice. We end with cautionary words about methodological, conceptual, and ethical limitations of narrative form and analysis.
Whaling and Sealing in Nineteenth-Century Australia
Authors: Gibbs Martin , Russell Lynette
Published: May 2021

The colonial industries of whaling and sealing dominated the first decades of nineteenth-century Australia. This article considers the archaeology of these maritime industries, particularly Aboriginal employment and labour. Examining both historical and precontact archaeology, we argue that the involvement of Aboriginal men and women was an extension of traditional hunting and ritual engagements. Whales and seals were sought out for food, rituals and other uses, and their harvesting involved both men and women. Although archaeological research into whaling and sealing in Australia has been relatively limited, it will prove a fruitful and revealing area, promising a nuanced understanding of Indigenous agency and colonial maritime expansion.
On Composers and Computers
Authors: Nierhaus Gerhard
Published: May 2021

The chapter describes the manifold interactions between composers and computers in the creative process. Over time, this dialogue dating back to the 1950s has transcended the paradigm of the traditional compositional process and lead to a number of interesting implications and side effects in the context of current trends in algorithmic composition, generative music, and computational creativity. It is not just the computer but also the choice of software and a specific view on the musical material that are the decisive factors in generative and analytical approaches (which are often interlinked), where strategies of musical representation and the choice of a particular mapping are of crucial importance. Finally, the chapter examines how creativity can be defined and located in this interaction between human and machine.
The Apocrypha and Apocalypticism
Authors: DiTommaso Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe apocalyptic revolution in Judaism in the period from Antiochus to Pompey left virtually no impression in the Apocryphal writings of that time. The corpus is devoid of apocalyptic texts, and no part of any Apocryphal writing is apocalyptic, despite claims to the contrary. Using the apocalyptic worldview as a diagnostic tool, this chapter examines the lack of apocalyptic speculation in the Apocryphal writings, with attention to the Additions to Esther A and F, 2 Maccabees, and Ben Sira. It then discusses the Wisdom of Solomon and 4 Ezra (2 Esdras 3-14), which were composed in the first century ce and are clearly apocalyptic. It concludes with observations on the Apocryphal writings in view of the Deuteronomic and apocalyptic worldviews, and questions on their social settings.
Wisdom Literature of the Apocrypha and Related Compositions of the Second Temple Era
Authors: Kampen John
Published: May 2021

By examining the approaches to wisdom evident in its literary production, it is possible to get a glimpse of the diversity of Second Temple Jewish viewpoints. The identification of one trajectory is an attempt to describe and evaluate certain trends that are apparent in the literature without being able to make the claim that such an attempt is exhaustive. On the basis of the evidence available in one specific trajectory, Ben Sira and Wisdom of Solomon make the closest correlations between wisdom and Torah. While not providing evidence that the Torah was valued primarily as a collection of Pentateuchal law, it is apparent why these two compositions were valued by Jewish writers for whom this became the case.
The Book of Tobit
Authors: Ego Beate
Published: May 2021

The Book of Tobit, whose main parts were written in Aramaic around 200 bce, tells the story of the healing of blind Tobit and the liberation of young Sarah from the demon Asmodaeus, who had already killed seven of her future husbands on their wedding night. Both actions are described as “healing,” which is rendered possible following the prayers of the protagonists and through the instruction of the angel Raphael. Since the angel is sent by God, medical concepts (both magical and rational) are integrated into the Yahweh religion. By framing the book with the motifs “Exile/Nineveh” and “Land/Jerusalem,” the narrative moreover implies a collective aspect. Against this backdrop, the protagonists’ individual stories may be understood as a paradigm of God’s saving action in history.
The Prayer of Manasseh
Authors: Gutman Ariel
Published: May 2021

The Prayer of Manasseh is a short penitential prayer considered apocryphal in most Christian and all Jewish traditions. It is attributed to the Judean king Manasseh in an attempt to fill the gap of a missing prayer reported in 2 Chronicles. The paper surveys the biblical background of the text, its text-historical origin stemming in the Didascalia, its special circular literary structure, its textual attestations in manuscripts and epigraphic witnesses, as well as the contexts in which it appears. The paper concludes with the examination of the question of authorship of the Prayer, showing that it is impossible to ascertain whether the author was Jewish or Christian, as well as the time and milieu in which the Prayer was composed.
Apocrypha, Genre, and Historicity
Authors: Oegema Gerbern S.
Published: May 2021

Whereas the Apocrypha have often been defined by genre and sub-genres in relation to the canonical books, a connection between genre and historical settings is difficult to establish. In terms of historical context, the Apocrypha clearly belong to and originate from the Greco-Roman period of early Judaism, but within that timeframe they can almost be said to belong to different Judaisms than to one worldview or community. Which section of an Apocryphal book refers to which specific historical setting within that historical framework often depends on the form-, redaction-, and tradition-historical method applied. The historical setting of the text is often different from that which it portrays and is rather the life setting of the author. Examining various approaches to and trends within the study of Apocalypticism and genre can shed light on approaches to genre in the Apocrypha.
Luxury, Banking, and Finance
Authors: Bonin Hubert
Published: May 2021

Luxury-specific production has expanded through upstream–downstream integration, from commodities (silk, precious metals, etc.) to processing industries and luxury houses. Banks financed companies, trade, foreign exchange, and flows of payment. They were partners for the valuation of treasuries and for the lightening of the debts of their clients. They accompanied them through the transferrals of property, within dynasties or outside. Starting in the 1980s, business bankers supported companies building capital for luxury firms: they helped them to integrate the game of financial markets, to open their capital and to ensure the dynastic transition within family companies. For managers of companies in the luxury sector, the challenge has ever been to create strong self-financing capacities in order to allow a distribution of dividends that will ensure the loyalty of family shareholders, finance investments (workshops, shop networks), and contain indebtedness. The volatility of markets and the financialisation of capitalism led investment bankers to join offensive or defensive pools when bids were launched, or to be part of the M&A teams.
Research Ethics Consultation
Authors: Danis Marion
Published: May 2021

This chapter provides a history of the development of research ethics consultation (REC) and an evaluation of its role in the conduct of research with human participants. It provides a brief overview of how and where REC is currently practiced. It also reviews and engages current debates on the appropriate methods and purpose of REC. Controversies are addressed, including the relationship of REC to research review committees, competency requirements for REC, the appropriate level of confidentiality of REC recommendations, who should have access to RECs, and handling of divergence between ethics guidance and the law. Finally, it explores the question of appropriate breadth of REC.
The Documentary Hypothesis
Authors: Schwartz Baruch J.
Published: May 2021

The Documentary Hypothesis was the most influential and widespread theory of the composition of the Pentateuch for most of the twentieth century. This essay examines the literary indicators that underlie the Documentary Hypothesis, the development of the theory, and its salient claims and features.