bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potency density tensor inversion of complex body waveforms with time-adaptive smoothing constraint
Authors: Yamashita Shinji , Yagi Yuji , Okuwaki Ryo , Shimizu Kousuke , Agata Ryoichiro , Fukahata Yukitoshi
Published: May 2022

Large earthquakes are often accompanied by complex fault rupture, but it has been difficult to reliably estimate such a complex rupture process with conventional waveform analysis tools due to modelling errors originating from limited accuracy of the fault geometry. Recently, a potency density tensor inversion method has been developed to solve this problem; allowing any types of faulting mechanism on an assumed model plane, the method replaces the modelling error of fault orientation with that of fault location, which is insensitive in teleseismic waveforms with low spatial resolution. The method has successfully unveiled earthquake source processes with geometrically complex fault rupture. However, the method imposes the same intensity of smoothing constraint on all the basis slip components irrespective of possible changes of slip direction during the rupture. This leads to excessive smoothing to a slip component with large amplitude, which results in obscuring the rupture process. In this study, we propose a time-adaptive smoothing constraint that dynamically adjusts the smoothness intensity inversely proportional to the amplitude for each basis slip function. Through a numerical experiment assigning an input model involving a drastic change in the focal mechanism (reverse, strike-slip and normal faulting) during the rupture, we find that the time-adaptive smoothing constraint solves the problem of excessive smoothing to the dominant slip component, and the spatiotemporally non-uniform rupture episodes with different focal mechanisms are successfully reproduced. To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the time-adaptive smoothing constraint, we apply the method to the teleseismic body waves of the 2002 Denali fault and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquakes, which involve complex fault ruptures with changing focal mechanisms. We find that the developed method well captures the focal mechanism transition in space and time from reverse to strike-slip faulting during the ruptures of the 2002 Denali fault and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquakes. Even though these source models are built using only the teleseismic P waveforms with simple model fault geometry that is represented by a horizontal rectangular plane, they well explain the complex observed waveforms and agree with characteristics of source processes obtained in previous studies using seismic and geodetic data as well as field surveys. The potency density tensor inversion method with time-adaptive smoothing constraint is a powerful tool to analyse earthquake rupture processes with complex fault geometries involving different faulting types.
Representations of Shifted Quantum Affine Algebras
Authors: Hernandez David
Published: May 2022

We develop the representation theory of shifted quantum affine algebras $\mathcal {U}_\mu (\hat {\mathfrak {g}})$ and of their truncations, which appeared in the study of quantized K-theoretic Coulomb branches of 3d $N = 4$ SUSY quiver gauge theories. Our approach is based on novel techniques, which are new in the cases of shifted Yangians or ordinary quantum affine algebras as well: realization in terms of asymptotical subalgebras of the quantum affine algebra $\mathcal {U}_q(\hat {\mathfrak {g}})$, induction and restriction functors to the category $\mathcal {O}$ of representations of the Borel subalgebra $\mathcal {U}_q(\hat {\mathfrak {b}})$ of $\mathcal {U}_q(\hat {\mathfrak {g}})$, relations between truncations and Baxter polynomiality in quantum integrable models, and parametrization of simple modules via Langlands dual interpolation. We first introduce the category $\mathcal {O}_\mu $ of representations of $\mathcal {U}_\mu (\hat {\mathfrak {g}})$ and we classify its simple objects. Then we establish the existence of fusion products and we get a ring structure on the sum of the Grothendieck groups $K_0(\mathcal {O}_\mu )$. We classify simple finite-dimensional representations of $\mathcal {U}_\mu (\hat {\mathfrak {g}})$ and we obtain a cluster algebra structure on the Grothendieck ring of finite-dimensional representations. We prove a truncation has only a finite number of simple representations and we introduce a related partial ordering on simple modules. Eventually, we state a conjecture on the parametrization of simple modules of a non-simply-laced truncation in terms of the Langlands dual Lie algebra. We have several evidences, including a general result for simple finite-dimensional representations.
Philanthropic Foundations as Agents of Justice in Global Sustainability Governance
Authors: Kalfagianni Agni
Published: May 2022

Private philanthropic foundations—nongovernmental, nonprofit organizations with assets provided by donors for socially useful purposes—have become key political actors in global sustainability governance. Their collective efforts amount to over USD 112 billion for the implementation of the United Nations (UNs)’s ambitious plan to deliver on seventeen interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This corresponds to about a quarter of governmental contribution through official development assistance for the same purposes. Many of these foundations implicitly or explicitly aim to foster global justice, through, for example, empowering women, reducing inequalities, and promoting democracy. They thus act as justice agents shaping the substance and practice of justice in global sustainability governance. But what does this direction of private money into supporting global justice norms really mean? This question deserves scrutiny, especially against a context of diverse and contested meanings of justice and because philanthropy—beyond an act of giving—is often an exercise of power. Using critical discourse analysis of texts produced by selected foundations that are key funders of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda, this paper examines how private foundations frame global justice and with what implications for sustainability governance.
Analysis of Factors Contributing to the Occurrence of Systemic Toxicity in Patients with Hydrofluoric Acid Skin Exposure Injury: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of 125 Clinical Cases from 1979 to 2020
Authors: Kim Myeong-sik , Shin Heejun , Kim Hanbit , Choi Sung-Woo , Eun Kim Ji , You Lee Han , Eun Moon Ji
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors contributing to the occurrence of systemic toxicity in patients injured after skin exposure to hydrofluoric acid (HFA) and to present guidelines for active treatment intervention based on this analysis. Data were acquired from EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane library for individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis. Key searching terms included calcium gluconate (CAG), hydrofluoric acid, and case. This research consisted of case studies published between 1979 and 2020. Systemic toxicity was set as the main outcome. Data sets from 50 case studies (N = 125 participants) were analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses of IPD found significant association effect of the total body surface area (TBSA) burned, indicating systemic toxicity [Regression coefficient estimate, 0.82; SE, 0.41; Odds ratio, 2.28; [95% confidence interval, 1.03–5.06], and p = 0.0424]. The optimal cutoff point (sensitivity; specificity) of the receiver operating characteristic curve of the total body surface area (TBSA) burned for contributing occurrence of systemic toxicity was 2.38(0.875; 0.959). IPD meta-analysis indicates that existing evidence supports the positive proportional association of the TBSA burned for systemic toxicity. If the TBSA burned (%) in patients exposed to hydrofluoric acid is greater than 2.38, early aggressive treatment intervention, including decontamination and various CAG application, should be recommended as the guideline.
Essential Oils in Urban Insect Management—A Review
Authors: Oladipupo S O , Hu X P , Appel A G
Published: May 2022

The allures of city life have culminated in the rise of urban populations resulting in conditions that promote the establishment of certain insect pests. Globally, the public health significance of these urban insect pests is enormous, ranging from billions of dollars to loss of lives. Most chemical insecticides no longer provide the anticipated level of control, and significant insecticide resistance has been reported. Therefore, there has been a spike in interest for alternatives to conventional insecticides. Among them, natural products from plants such as essential oils (EOs) and essential oil components (EOCs) have enjoyed the most attention owing to widespread reports of efficacy and toxicity even against insecticide-resistant urban insects. Yet, there is no comprehensive synthesis on the extent and impact of the management of urban insects using EOs or EOCs. Such a review is highly relevant since it provides a means to assess the extent of progress made, shortfalls, limitations, and prospects. More so, we hope it can be used to make informed decisions and develop relevant policies reliably. We present the ranges of insecticidal effects of EOs, EOCs, and commercially available EO-based products from laboratory and field studies. Finally, we discuss the gaps in our knowledge and prospects for the sustainable use of EOs.
Trophic processes constrain seasonal ungulate distributions at two scales in an East African savanna
Authors: James Nicholas L , Bond Monica L , Ozgul Arpat , Lee Derek E
Published: May 2022

Habitat selection is a dynamic biological process where species respond to spatiotemporal variation in resource availability. The resulting distribution patterns can be detected as presence–absence or heterogeneity in abundance and indicate habitat preferences based on environmental correlations at multiple scales. Variation in habitat selection by ungulates is constrained by trade-offs in top-down and bottom-up trophic processes arising from differences in forage requirements, water dependency, anthropogenic effects, and predation avoidance, and mediated by physiological (feeding guild) and morphological (body size) factors. We conducted distance sampling over 7 years in the Tarangire Ecosystem (TE) of northern Tanzania for six resident ungulate species: Kirk’s dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii), Grant’s gazelle (Nanger granti), Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii), Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi), impala (Aepyceros melampus), and common waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), and tested hypotheses related to effects of top-down and bottom-up processes on ungulate presence and abundance. We modeled ecological correlates against two distributional responses to understand which environmental factors constrained these ungulate species at different scales; (i) presence–absence observations modeled in a logistic regression to assess habitat selection at an ecosystem scale; (ii) local abundances from presence-only observations modeled using a negative binomial distribution for finer-scale selection. Browser and grazer species in the TE selected suitable habitat proximal to rivers and avoided the Combretum–Azanza woody plant assemblage. Browsers and grazers also showed strong preference for habitat with more dense cover of preferred forage species, and abundance was influenced by the presence of specific forage species with significant seasonal variation. Mixed feeders were more heterogeneous in habitat suitability implying that broader diets allow avoidance of areas with high human activity. Small-bodied and dehydration-sensitive species selected areas near rivers and seasonal tributaries. Seasonal habitat selection was more pronounced among mixed feeders. Conservation strategies based on spatially and seasonally explicit resource selection studies such as ours can minimize impacts to biodiversity by protecting vital resources to ungulates through all seasons of the year.
Spatial resolution in secondary-electron microscopy
Authors: Egerton R F , Zhu Y
Published: May 2022

We first review the significance of resolution and contrast in electron microscopy and the effect of the electron optics on these two quantities. We then outline the physics of the generation of secondary electrons (SEs) and their transport and emission from the surface of a specimen. Contrast and resolution are discussed for different kinds of SE imaging in scanning electron microscope (SEM) and scanning-transmission microscope instruments, with some emphasis on the observation of individual atoms and atomic columns in a thin specimen. The possibility of achieving atomic resolution from a bulk specimen at SEM energies is also considered.
Validation of the FENCE Risk Groups for Prediction of Febrile Neutropenia With First-Cycle Chemotherapy
Authors: Zatarah Razan , Faqeer Nour , Quraan Tasnim , Mahmoud Aseel , Matalka Lujain , Abu Khadija Lana , Kamal Aya , Rimawi Dalia
Published: May 2022

Background

The FEbrile Neutropenia after ChEmotherapy (FENCE) score was developed to estimate the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) at first cycle of chemotherapy but has not been externally validated. We aimed to validate the FENCE score based on its risk groups in patients treated at a comprehensive cancer center.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of treatment-naïve adult patients with solid tumors and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who received first-cycle chemotherapy between January and November 2019. Patients were followed until the second cycle of chemotherapy to identify any FN events (neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L with fever ≥38.2°C). The FENCE score was determined and patients classified as low, intermediate, high, and very high risk. The discriminatory ability of classifying patients into FENCE risk groups was calculated as the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and incidence rate ratios within each FENCE risk group.

Results

FN was documented during the first cycle of chemotherapy in 45 of the 918 patients included (5%). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58 to 0.73). Compared with the low-risk group (n = 285), the incidence rate ratio of developing FN was 1.58 (95% CI = 0.54 to 5.21), 3.16 (95% CI = 1.09 to 10.25), and 3.93 (95% CI = 1.46 to 12.27) in the intermediate (n = 293), high (n = 162), and very high (n = 178) risk groups, respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, classifying patients into FENCE risk groups demonstrated moderate discriminatory ability for predicting FN. Further validation in multicenter studies is necessary to determine its generalizability.
Cultures Count
Authors: Stuart Heather , Sartorius Norman
Published: May 2022

At its essence, mental illness–related stigma is a cultural phenomenon, created by such factors as shared beliefs, values, and expectations about what constitutes normal, abnormal, and mentally disordered behavior. Stigma has been generally described as being universal. Yet, more recent research shows that it can vary considerably by time and place. Mental illnesses take on a particular significance in relation to local beliefs and norms, and associated stigma may be substantially modified or even eliminated as a result. This chapter reviews historical and cultural perspectives of mental illness and its related stigma. While stigma has been highly prevalent, and often severe, there have been times and places where stigmatization has not been the dominant reaction to people exhibiting mentally disordered behaviors. Cultures can act as both a stigmatizing and destigmatizing force.
Stigma and Substance Abuse
Authors: Stuart Heather , Sartorius Norman
Published: May 2022

A wide range of substances have been stigmatized, including tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs (such as opioids), and illicit drugs. Public health officials want to stigmatize substances to limit their use, while at the same time they work to destigmatize people with drug dependencies to promote help-seeking and greater social acceptance. Particularly in the case of tobacco use, public health officials wielded a heavy hand in marginalizing and de-normalizing smoking. This chapter considers the stigma surrounding drug use, including opioid use and alcohol use. Because substances are stigmatized differentially, alcohol and other substances are not collapsed into a single group, as is often the case. Stigma of substance use in non-Western cultures, substances used in religious ceremonies, and substance use among women are also examined. The chapter closes with approaches to stigma reduction.
Summary and Reflections
Authors: Stuart Heather , Sartorius Norman
Published: May 2022

This chapter summarizes some of the most important lessons learned from past research and practice. It highlights key approaches to successful stigma reduction, both the principles and practices. It reflects on successful anti-stigma programming and considers novel ways of operating. The state of the art in anti-stigma programming described in the first edition of this book (Paradigms Lost) is contrasted to what we know today (Paradigms Found). Future challenges and opportunities are highlighted.
‘The mystery and school house of nature’
Authors: Compston Alastair
Published: May 2022

Chapter 4, ‘The mystery and school house of nature: bibliography and the works of Thomas Willis’, explains that there is no published bibliography of the works of Thomas Willis. Copies known to Willis’s contemporaries, and those which remained in the family until the nineteenth century are identified. The process of imposition, printing, stop press alteration, folding and distribution of sheets, and binding are described. From this follows discussion of bibliographical description relating to separate editions and issues, and the state of individual leaves. The bibliographical method used in the book is explained: classification, title page(s), collation, type, contents, headlines, catchwords, frontispiece, portrait, printers’ ornaments, decorated initials, plates, and the copy used for detailed description. The chapter concludes with a short title list of 103 copies containing various combinations of the fourteen treatises printed in Latin, English, or Dutch across the period of interest (1659–1721). {143 words}
‘To understand all things but itself’
Authors: Compston Alastair
Published: May 2022

Chapter 9: ‘To understand all things but itself: De anima brutorum (1672–1674)’ provides a detailed bibliography, using the system described in chapter 4, of ten copies of Willis’s fifth published book in which is included one treatise in two parts: 11. De anima brutorum. Described by Willis in referring to his treatises on ‘neurologie’ as the ‘crown of the work’, this book is significant for additions to anatomy, including comparative studies, and his observations on mind and brain in health and disease. These descriptions are preceded by a narrative highlighting the main bibliographic issues that characterize the various editions, states, and issues of these copies. Of these, some are already known but others newly identified. {116 words}
Introduction
Authors: Zakrzewska Joanna M. , Nurmikko Turo
Published: May 2022

Chapter 1 summarizes the contents of the book to which 37 international authors have contributed. It provides a short summary of each chapter. These include historical material, epidemiology, overall diagnosis, and assessment of facial pain. The diagnosis and the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, both medical and surgical, are provided in a number of chapters. Other conditions causing facial pain are covered. The psychological impacts of these pains are discussed and patients provide their views on how they can be supported. Trigeminal neuralgia is also visualized through photographic images created by patients. Future challenges and research areas that need to be addressed through international collaborations are discussed in a separate chapter. Key general references are provided.
Other cranial neuralgias
Authors: O’Neill Francis , Nurmikko Turo
Published: May 2022

Less common, less recognized, and often misdiagnosed cranial neuralgias and neuropathies include occipital neuralgia, auriculotemporal neuralgia, great auricular neuralgia, and superior laryngeal neuralgia. Pain is due to compression by muscles, fascia, arteries, bony abnormalities, or tumours at one of multiple potential sites during the course of the nerve involved. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown but nothing suggests they are substantially different from those of other peripheral neuralgias. Diagnosis is clinical, based on the quality and location of pain, pain provocation, and effect of nerve blocks. The main differential diagnosis is with major cranial neuralgias while non-neuropathic pain conditions, such as temporomandibular disorder and referred pain from cervical structures, must also be considered. Nerve blocks are useful for precise diagnosis and—as a series of injections—for therapy. Neuroablative and decompressive procedures are reserved for refractory cases.
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias
Authors: Bahra Anish , Amer Mohammed A. , Thomas Pravin , Fuccaro Matteo , Lambru Giorgio
Published: May 2022

Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are a group of primary headache disorders that share clinical and pathophysiological features. They are characterized by attacks of strictly unilateral head pain and ipsilateral autonomic features, resulting from excessive activity in the peripheral trigeminal system and its central connections, an augmented trigeminovascular reflex, prominent parasympathetic output, and sympathetic deficit. The four disorders—cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA), and hemicrania continua—are clinically distinguished on the basis of attack duration and frequency, with the attacks becoming shorter and more frequent from cluster headache to SUNHA. Hemicrania continua and paroxysmal hemicrania are diagnosed by their complete response to indomethacin. Hemicrania continua stands apart from other TACs with its continuous nature of pain and severe exacerbations. Treatment strategies across the four TACs differ considerably both for acute attacks and prophylaxis.
Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Zakrzewska Joanna M. , Cheshire William P. , Nurmikko Turo
Published: May 2022

The greatest challenges to the management of trigeminal neuralgia and other cranial neuralgias result from gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms generating and maintaining the symptoms, patient assessment, methods for measuring outcomes, lack of adequately powered controlled trials, and inherent limitations of drug and surgical treatments. There are in vitro and in vivo experimental models that remain underused in the field. Human genetic tests have identified candidate genes in trigeminal neuralgia families. Imaging methods, especially diffusion tensor imaging and some neurophysiological tests, can be used to phenotype patients at group level. Large-scale pivotal controlled trials are needed to better understand the relative effectiveness of pharmacological and surgical interventions. Disease-specific registries maintained by multiple centres are recommended that help to standardize and improve patient management. More study is needed to understand patient decision-making processes and the role of patient support groups.
Type Ia supernova ejecta–donor interaction: explosion model comparison
Authors: McCutcheon C , Zeng Y , Liu Z-W , Izzard R G , Pan K-C , Chen H-L , Han Z
Published: May 2022

In the single-degenerate scenario of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), the interaction between high-speed ejected material and the donor star in a binary system is expected to lead to mass being stripped from the donor. A series of multidimensional hydrodynamical simulations of ejecta–donor interaction have been performed in previous studies most of which adopt either a simplified analytical model or the W7 model to represent a normal SN Ia explosion. Whether different explosion mechanisms can significantly affect the results of ejecta–donor interaction is still unclear. In this work, we simulate hydrodynamical ejecta interactions with a main-sequence (MS) donor star in two dimensions for two near-Chandrasekhar-mass explosion models of SNe Ia, the W7 and N100 models. We find that about 0.30 and $0.37\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ of hydrogen-rich material are stripped from a $2.5\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ donor star in a 2 d orbit by the SN Ia explosion in simulations with the W7 deflagration and N100 delayed-detonation explosion model, respectively. The donor star receives a kick of about 74 and $86\, \mathrm{km}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}$, respectively, in each case. The modal velocity, about $500\, \mathrm{km}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}$, of stripped hydrogen-rich material in the N100 model is faster than the W7 model, with modal velocity of about $350\, \mathrm{km\, s^{-1}}$, by a factor 1.4. Based on our results, we conclude that the choice of near-Chandrasekhar-mass explosion model for normal SNe Ia seems to not significantly alter the ejecta–donor interaction for a given MS donor model, at least in 2D.
Balancing turbulent heating with radiative cooling in blazars
Authors: Davis Zachary , Rueda-Becerril Jesús M , Giannios Dimitrios
Published: May 2022

Recently, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations have shown that relativistic turbulence in collisionless plasmas can result in an equilibrium particle distribution function where turbulent heating is balanced by radiative cooling of electrons. Strongly magnetized plasmas are characterized by higher energy peaks and broader particle distributions. In relativistically moving astrophysical jets, it is believed that the flow is launched Poynting flux dominated and that the resulting magnetic instabilities may create a turbulent environment inside the jet, i.e. the regime of relativistic turbulence. In this paper, we extend previous PIC simulation results to larger values of plasma magnetization by linearly extrapolating the diffusion and advection coefficients relevant for the turbulent plasmas under consideration. We use these results to build a single-zone turbulent jet model that is based on the global parameters of the blazar emission region, and consistently calculate the particle distribution and the resulting emission spectra. We then test our model by comparing its predictions with the broad-band quiescent emission spectra of a dozen blazars. Our results show good agreement with observations of low synchrotron peaked (LSP) sources and find that LSPs are moderately Poynting flux dominated with magnetization 1 ≲ σ ≲ 5, have bulk Lorentz factor Γj ∼ 10–30, and that the turbulent region is located at the edge, or just beyond the broad-line region (BLR). The turbulence is found to be driven at an area comparable to the jet cross-section.
Detection of a quasi-periodic oscillation in the optical light curve of the remarkable blazar AO 0235+164
Authors: Roy Abhradeep , Chitnis Varsha R , Gupta Alok C , Wiita Paul J , Romero Gustavo E , Cellone Sergio A , Chatterjee Anshu , Combi Jorge A , Raiteri Claudia M , Sarkar Arkadipta , Villata Massimo
Published: May 2022

We present a long term optical R band light-curve analysis of the gravitationally lensed blazar AO 0235+164 in the time span 1982–2019. Several methods of analysis lead to the result that there is a periodicity of ∼8.13 yr present in these data. In addition, each of these five major flares are apparently double-peaked, with the secondary peak following the primary one by ∼2 yr. Along with the well-known system, OJ 287, our finding constitutes one of the most secure cases of long-term quasi-periodic optical behaviour in a blazar ever found. A binary supermassive black hole system appears to provide a good explanation for these results.
Understanding the physical state of hot plasma formed through stellar wind collision in WR140 using high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Miyamoto Asca , Sugawara Yasuharu , Maeda Yoshitomo , Ishida Manabu , Hamaguchi Kenji , Corcoran Michael , Russell Christopher M P , Moffat Anthony F J
Published: May 2022

We analyse a series of XMM–Newton RGS data of the binary Wolf–Rayet star WR140 that encompasses one entire orbit. We find that the RGS detects X-rays from optically thin thermal plasma only during orbital phases when the companion O star is on the near side of the WR star. Although such X-rays are believed to be emitted from the shock cone formed through collision of the stellar winds, temperature and density profiles of the plasma along the cone have not been measured observationally. We find that the temperature of the plasma producing Ne emission lines is 0.4–0.8 keV, using the intensity ratio of Kα lines from He-like and H-like Ne. We also find, at orbital phases 0.816 and 0.912, that the electron number density in the Ne line-emission site is approximately 1012 cm−3 from the observed intensity ratios f/r and i/r of the He-like triplet. We calculated the shock cone shape analytically, and identify the distance of the Ne line-emission site from the shock stagnation point to be 0.9–8.9 × 1013 cm using the observed ratio of the line-of-sight velocity and its dispersion. This means that we will be able to obtain the temperature and density profiles along the shock cone with emission lines from other elements. We find that the photoexcitation rate by the O star is only 1.3–16.4 per cent of that of the collisional excitation at orbital phase 0.816. This implies that our assumption that the plasma is collisionally excited is reasonable, at least at this orbital phase.
Linking chromospheric activity and magnetic field properties for late-type dwarf stars
Authors: Brown E L , Jeffers S V , Marsden S C , Morin J , Boro Saikia S , Petit P , Jardine M M , See V , Vidotto A A , Mengel M W , Dahlkemper M N , the BCool Collaboration
Published: May 2022

Spectropolarimetric data allow for simultaneous monitoring of stellar chromospheric $\log {R^{\prime }_{\rm {HK}}}$ activity and the surface-averaged longitudinal magnetic field, Bl, giving the opportunity to probe the relationship between large-scale stellar magnetic fields and chromospheric manifestations of magnetism. We present $\log {R^{\prime }_{\rm {HK}}}$ and/or Bl measurements for 954 mid-F to mid-M stars derived from spectropolarimetric observations contained within the PolarBase database. Our magnetically active sample complements previous stellar activity surveys that focus on inactive planet-search targets. We find a positive correlation between mean $\log {R^{\prime }_{\rm {HK}}}$ and mean log |Bl|, but for G stars the relationship may undergo a change between $\log {R^{\prime }_{\rm {HK}}}\sim -4.4$ and −4.8. The mean $\log {R^{\prime }_{\rm {HK}}}$ shows a similar change with respect to the $\log {R^{\prime }_{\rm {HK}}}$ variability amplitude for intermediately active G stars. We also combine our results with archival chromospheric activity data and published observations of large-scale magnetic field geometries derived using Zeeman–Doppler Imaging. The chromospheric activity data indicate a slight under-density of late-F to early-K stars with $-4.75\le \log {R^{\prime }_{\rm HK}}\le -4.5$. This is not as prominent as the original Vaughan–Preston gap, and we do not detect similar under-populated regions in the distributions of the mean |Bl|, or the Bl and $\log {R^{\prime }_{\rm HK}}$ variability amplitudes. Chromospheric activity, activity variability, and toroidal field strength decrease on the main sequence as rotation slows. For G stars, the disappearance of dominant toroidal fields occurs at a similar chromospheric activity level as the change in the relationships between chromospheric activity, activity variability, and mean field strength.
Uterine-specific SIRT1 deficiency confers premature uterine aging and impairs invasion and spacing of blastocyst, and stromal cell decidualization, in mice
Authors: Cummings Magdalina J , Yu Hongyao , Paudel Sudikshya , Hu Guang , Li Xiaoling , Hemberger Myriam , Wang Xiaoqiu
Published: May 2022

A distinct age-related alteration in the uterine environment has recently been identified as a prevalent cause of the reproductive decline in older female mice. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie age-associated uterine adaptability to pregnancy are not known. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a multifunctional NAD+-dependent deacetylase that regulates cell viability, senescence and inflammation during aging, is reduced in aged decidua. Thus, we hypothesize that SIRT1 plays a critical role in uterine adaptability to pregnancy and that uterine-specific ablation of Sirt1 gene accelerates premature uterine aging. Female mice with uterine ablation of Sirt1 gene using progesterone receptor Cre (PgrCre) exhibit subfertility and signs of premature uterine aging. These Sirt1-deficient mothers showed decreases in litter size from their 1st pregnancy and became sterile (25.1 ± 2.5 weeks of age) after giving birth to the third litter. We report that uterine-specific Sirt1 deficiency impairs invasion and spacing of blastocysts, and stromal cell decidualization, leading to abnormal placentation. We found that these problems traced back to the very early stages of hormonal priming of the uterus. During the window of receptivity, Sirt1 deficiency compromises uterine epithelial–stromal crosstalk, whereby estrogen, progesterone and Indian hedgehog signaling pathways are dysregulated, hampering stromal cell priming for decidualization. Uterine transcriptomic analyses also link these causes to perturbations of histone proteins and epigenetic modifiers, as well as adrenomedullin signaling, hyaluronic acid metabolism, and cell senescence. Strikingly, our results also identified genes with significant overlaps with the transcriptome of uteri from aged mice and transcriptomes related to master regulators of decidualization (e.g. Foxo1, Wnt4, Sox17, Bmp2, Egfr and Nr2f2). Our results also implicate accelerated deposition of aging-related fibrillar Type I and III collagens in Sirt1-deficient uteri. Collectively, SIRT1 is an important age-related regulator of invasion and spacing of blastocysts, as well as decidualization of stromal cells.
AlphaKnot: server to analyze entanglement in structures predicted by AlphaFold methods
Authors: Niemyska Wanda , Rubach Pawel , Gren Bartosz A , Nguyen Mai Lan , Garstka Wojciech , Bruno da Silva Fernando , Rawdon Eric J , Sulkowska Joanna I
Published: May 2022

AlphaKnot is a server that measures entanglement in AlphaFold-solved protein models while considering pLDDT confidence values. AlphaKnot has two main functions: (i) providing researchers with a webserver for analyzing knotting in their own AlphaFold predictions and (ii) providing a database of knotting in AlphaFold predictions from the 21 proteomes for which models have been published prior to 2022. The knotting is defined in a probabilistic fashion. The knotting complexity of proteins is presented in the form of a matrix diagram which shows users the knot type for the entire polypeptide chain and for each of its subchains. The dominant knot types as well as the computed locations of the knot cores (i.e. minimal portions of protein backbones that form a given knot type) are shown for each protein structure. Based mainly on the pLDDT confidence values, entanglements are classified as Knots, Unsure, and Artifacts. The database portion of the server can be used, for example, to examine protein geometry and entanglement-function correlations, as a reference set for protein modeling, and for facilitating evolutional studies. The AlphaKnot server can be found at https://alphaknot.cent.uw.edu.pl/.
Characteristics of children ≤36 months of age with DIPG: A report from the international DIPG registry
Authors: Bartlett Allison L , Lane Adam , Chaney Brooklyn , Escorza Nancy Yanez , Black Katie , Cochrane Anne , Minturn Jane , Bartels Ute , Warren Kathy , Hansford Jordan , Ziegler David , Diez Blanca , Goldman Stewart , Packer Roger , Kieran Mark , DeWire-Schottmiller Mariko , Erker Craig , Monje-Deisseroth Michelle , Wagner Lars , Koschmann Carl , Dorris Kathleen , Shih Chie-Schin , Hassall Tim , Samson Yvan , Fisher Paul , Wang Stacie S , Tsui Karen , Sevlever Gustavo , Zhu Xiaoting , Dexheimer Phillip , Asher Anthony , Fuller Christine , Drissi Rachid , Jones Blaise , Leach James , Fouladi Maryam
Published: May 2022

Background

Children ≤36 months with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) have increased long-term survival (LTS, overall survival (OS) ≥24 months). Understanding distinguishing characteristics in this population is critical to improving outcomes.

Methods

Patients ≤36 months at diagnosis enrolled on the International DIPG Registry (IDIPGR) with central imaging confirmation were included. Presentation, clinical course, imaging, pathology and molecular findings were analyzed.

Results

Among 1183 patients in IDIPGR, 40 were eligible (median age: 29 months). Median OS was 15 months. Twelve patients (30%) were LTS, 3 (7.5%) very long-term survivors ≥5 years. Among 8 untreated patients, median OS was 2 months. Patients enrolled in the registry but excluded from our study by central radiology review or tissue diagnosis had median OS of 7 months. All but 1 LTS received radiation. Among 32 treated patients, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 68.8%, 31.2%, 15.6% and 12.5%, respectively. LTS had longer duration of presenting symptoms (P = .018). No imaging features were predictive of outcome. Tissue and genomic data were available in 18 (45%) and 10 patients, respectively. Among 9 with known H3K27M status, 6 had a mutation.

Conclusions

Children ≤36 months demonstrated significantly more LTS, with an improved median OS of 15 months; 92% of LTS received radiation. Median OS in untreated children was 2 months, compared to 17 months for treated children. LTS had longer duration of symptoms. Excluded patients demonstrated a lower OS, contradicting the hypothesis that children ≤36 months with DIPG show improved outcomes due to misdiagnosis.
Efficacy and safety of extended adjuvant temozolomide compared to standard adjuvant temozolomide in glioblastoma: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gupta Tejpal , Talukdar Riddhijyoti , Kannan Sadhana , Dasgupta Archya , Chatterjee Abhishek , Patil Vijay
Published: May 2022

Background

This study was designed to compare outcomes of extended adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) vs standard adjuvant TMZ following radiotherapy (RT) plus concurrent TMZ in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with Cochrane methodology. Only prospective clinical trials randomly assigning adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma after concurrent RT/TMZ to 6 cycles of adjuvant TMZ (control arm) or extended (>6 cycles) adjuvant TMZ (experimental arm) were eligible. Primary outcome of interest was overall survival, while progression-free survival and toxicity were secondary endpoints. Hazard ratio (HR) for progression and death with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed for individual primary study and pooled using random-effects model. Toxicity was defined as proportion of patients with ≥grade 3 hematologic toxicity and expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. Any P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Systematic literature review identified five randomized controlled trials comparing standard (6 cycles) vs extended (>6 cycles) adjuvant TMZ in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Outcome data could be extracted from 358 patients from four primary studies. Extended adjuvant TMZ was not associated with statistically significant reduction in the risk of progression (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.61-1.10; P = .18) or death (HR = 0.87, 95% CI:0.60-1.27; P = .48) compared to standard adjuvant TMZ. Grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity though somewhat higher with extended adjuvant TMZ, was not significantly different between the two arms (RR = 2.01, 95% CI: 0.83-4.87; P = .12).

Conclusions

There is low-certainty evidence that extended adjuvant TMZ is not associated with significant survival benefit or increased hematologic toxicity in unselected patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma compared to standard adjuvant TMZ.
Effectiveness of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccines in Preventing Infection, Hospital Admission, and Death: A Historical Cohort Study Using Iranian Registration Data During Vaccination Program
Authors: Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Heiran Alireza , Bagheri Lankarani Kamran , Serati Mohammadreza , Habibi Mohammad , Eilami Owrang , Heiran Fatemeh , Moghadami Mohsen
Published: May 2022

Background

There are some concerns about the effectiveness of the inactivated and vector-based vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in real-world settings with the emergence of new mutations, especially variants of concern. Data derived from administrative repositories during mass vaccination campaigns or programs are of interest to study vaccine effectiveness.

Methods

Using 4-repository administrative data linkage, we conducted a historical cohort study on a target population of 1 882 148 inhabitants aged at least 18 years residing in southern Iran.

Results

We estimated a 71.9% [95% confidence interval [CI], 70.7%–73.1%], 81.5% [95% CI, 79.5%–83.4%], 67.5% [95% CI, 59.5%–75.6%], and 86.4% [95% CI, 84.1%–88.8%] hospital admission reduction for those who received the full vaccination schedule of BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm), ChAdOx1-S/nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222, Oxford-AstraZeneca), rAd26-rAd5 (Gam-COVID-Vac, Sputnik V), and BIV1-CovIran (COVIran Barekat) vaccines, respectively. A high reduction in mortality (at least 85%) was observed in all age subgroups of the fully immunized population.

Conclusions

The pragmatic implementation of a vaccination plan including all available vaccine options in the Iranian population was associated with a significant reduction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detected infections as well as hospital admissions and deaths associated with COVID-19.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Neutralization After Messenger RNA Vaccination and Variant Breakthrough Infection
Authors: Gaebler Christian , DaSilva Justin , Bednarski Eva , Muecksch Frauke , Schmidt Fabian , Weisblum Yiska , Millard Katrina G , Turroja Martina , Cho Alice , Wang Zijun , Caskey Marina , Nussenzweig Michel C , Bieniasz Paul D , Hatziioannou Theodora
Published: May 2022

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants that have greater transmissibility and resistance to neutralizing antibodies has increased the incidence of breakthrough infections. We show that breakthrough infection increases neutralizing antibody titers to varying degrees depending on the nature of the breakthrough variant and the number of vaccine doses previously administered. Omicron breakthrough infection resulted in neutralizing antibody titers that were the highest across all groups, particularly against Omicron.
The Protective Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination on Postacute Sequelae of COVID-19: A Multicenter Study From a Large National Health Research Network
Authors: Zisis Sokratis N , Durieux Jared C , Mouchati Christian , Perez Jamie A , McComsey Grace A
Published: May 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been proven to decrease the severity of acute-phase infection; however, little is known about their effect on postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).

Methods

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and minimum age of 18 years with 3-month follow-up postdiagnosis between 21 September 2020 and 14 December 2021 were identified from the TriNetX Research Network platform. The primary outcomes consisted of new-onset or persistent symptoms, new-onset diagnoses, and death and were compared between vaccine and no-vaccine groups.

Results

At baseline, 1 578 719 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were identified and 1.6% (n = 25 225) completed vaccination. After matching, there were no differences (P > .05) in demographics or preexisting comorbidities. At 28 days following COVID-19 diagnosis, the incidence of hypertension was 13.52 per 1000, diabetes was 5.98 per 1000, thyroid disease was 3.80 per 1000, heart disease was 15.41 per 1000, and mental disorders was 14.77 per 1000 in the vaccine cohort. At 90 days following COVID-19 diagnosis, the relative risk of hypertension was 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI], .26–.42), diabetes was 0.28 (95% CI, .20–.38), heart disease was 0.35 (95% CI, .29–.44), and death was 0.21 (95% CI, .16–.27). Differences in both 28- and 90-day risk between the vaccine and no-vaccine cohorts were observed for each outcome, and there was enough evidence (P < .05) to suggest that these differences were attributed to the vaccine.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that COVID-19 vaccine is protective against PASC symptoms, new onset of health conditions, and mortality.
Impact of Clinical Decision Support System Implementation at a Community Hospital With an Existing Tele-Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Authors: Khadem Tina M , Ergen Howard J , Salata Heather J , Andrzejewski Christina , McCreary Erin K , Abdel Massih Rima C , Bariola J Ryan
Published: May 2022

Background

Lack of on-site antimicrobial stewardship expertise is a barrier to establishing successful programs. Tele-antimicrobial stewardship programs (TASPs) utilizing a clinical decision support system (CDSS) can address these challenges.

Methods

This interrupted time series study reports the impact of CDSS implementation (February 2020) within an existing TASP on antimicrobial usage in a community hospital. Segmented regression analysis was used to assess differences in antimicrobial usage from January 2018 through December 2021. Pre- and post-CDSS frequencies of intravenous vs oral antimicrobials, time to optimal therapy (TTOT), pharmacist efficiency (number of documented interventions per month), and percentage of hospitalized patients receiving antimicrobials were compared with descriptive statistics.

Results

Implementation of a CDSS into an existing TASP was associated with an immediate 11% reduction in antimicrobial usage (level change, P < .0001). Antimicrobial usage was already trending down by 0.25% per month (pre-CDSS slope, P < .0001) and continued to trend down at a similar rate after implementation (post-CDSS slope, P = .0129). Frequency of use of select oral agents increased from 38% to 57%. Median TTOT was 1 day faster (2.9 days pre-CDSS vs 1.9 days post-CDSS). On average, pharmacists documented 2.2-fold more interventions per month (198 vs 90) and patients received 1.03 fewer days of antimicrobials per admission post-CDSS.

Conclusions

Implementation of a CDSS within an established TASP at a community hospital resulted in decreased antimicrobial usage, higher rates of oral usage, faster TTOT, and improved pharmacist efficiency.
Clinical Features and Duration of Viral Shedding in Individuals With SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Infection
Authors: Jang Young R , Kim Jeong-Min , Rhee Jee E , Kim Dongju , Lee Nam-Joo , Lee Hyeokjin , Kim Jong-Hun , Kim Eun-Jin , Kim Jin Y
Published: May 2022

We analyzed the duration of infectivity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant by viral culture of respiratory samples collected daily from isolated patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The culture positivity rate of the Omicron variant was higher than that of the Delta variant within 8 days after symptom onset.