bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1 GeV proton damage in β-Ga2O3
Authors: Polyakov A. Y. , Shchemerov I. V. , Vasilev A. A. , Kochkova A. I. , Smirnov N. B. , Chernykh A. V. , Yakimov E. B. , Lagov P. B. , Pavlov Yu. S. , Ivanov E. M. , Gorbatkova O. G. , Drenin A. S. , Letovaltseva M. E. , Xian Minghan , Ren Fan , Kim Jihyun , Pearton S. J.
Published: November 2021

The changes of electrical properties and deep trap spectra induced in n-type β-Ga2O3 by 1 GeV protons with a fluence of 4 × 1013 cm−2 were studied. The carrier removal rates were ∼100 cm−1 at this energy. For comparison, for 20 MeV proton irradiation at comparable fluences (5–10 × 1014 cm−2), the removal rate was ∼400 cm−1 for donor concentrations of 3 × 1016 cm−3 and ∼100 cm−1 for concentrations of <1016 cm−3. These removal rates were in stark contrast with modeling results that predicted the introduction rates of vacancies to be two orders of magnitude higher for 20 MeV protons. Measurements of deep electron and hole traps densities by deep level transient spectroscopy with electrical or optical injection (DLTS or ODLTS), and capacitance–voltage profiling under monochromatic light illumination showed that the 1 GeV proton irradiation resulted in the introduction of deep donors E2*(Ec-0.75 eV) and E3 (Ec-1 eV) and deep acceptors with optical ionization threshold near 2.3 eV producing a feature near 250 K in ODLTS and 3.1 eV with related ODLTS feature near 450 K. The total concentration of all deep traps was much lower than that necessary to explain the observed decrease in net donor density upon irradiation. The donor densities showed a nonuniform distribution in proton irradiated films with the concentration greatly decreased toward the surface. Possible reasons for the observed performance are discussed.
Plasma properties conditioned by the magnetic throat location in a helicon plasma device
Authors: Vinci Alfio E. , Mazouffre Stéphane
Published: November 2021

Measurements are taken using a helicon plasma device to analyze the spatial distribution of plasma properties as the throat of the magnetic nozzle is axially shifted with respect to the antenna center. Krypton plasma is generated in the sub-kilowatt range and probed using a suite of diagnostics including a rf-compensated Langmuir probe, a planar probe, and laser-induced fluorescence. It is found that larger ion currents and increased plasma confinement are achieved when the throat of the magnetic nozzle is located downstream the antenna center, at a distance that equals or exceeds two times the antenna length. The ions, although being accelerated, retain subsonic velocities even beyond the magnetic throat.
The onset of convection in liquid with the free surface cooled from above: Influence of the surface behavior on the size and formation time of critical perturbations
Authors: Pushtaev A. V. , Vinnichenko N. A. , Plaksina Yu. Yu. , Uvarov A. V.
Published: November 2021

The onset of convection in an initially homogeneous liquid layer cooled from above is investigated by means of a non-normal approach. This method is based on the analysis of the temporal evolution of small perturbations. The most amplified perturbation and the moment, when convection can be observed, are determined. Experimental measurements are performed for a layer of distilled water cooled by evaporation. Instantaneous surface temperature fields are obtained using infrared thermography. The effect of the surface mobility on the size and onset time of convective cells is examined. The comparison of experimental results with numerical simulations for different boundary conditions reveals the presence of a film of adsorbed contaminants on the surface of distilled water, which corresponds to the no-slip condition. In the presence of the film, boundary conditions for cooling from above and heating from below become the same, and the obtained results agree with the experimental data available for a liquid layer with a heated bottom. As the layer depth increases, the onset time and the average horizontal wavenumber of convective cells become independent from the layer depth. The condition for the transition to a deep water approximation is determined by the surface heat flux and thermophysical parameters of the liquid.
Phylogenetic position of the genera
Authors: Zeng Xiang , Xu Haiyang , Gu Jingxiao , Mao Benyong , Chen Zhilin , Huang Yuan , Huang Jianhua
Published: November 2021

Many taxa in the Acrididae have controversial phylogenetic positions. A typical example of such controversies is the phylogenetic positions of the genera Caryandoides, Paratoacris, Fer and Longchuanacris, as well as some other related taxa, which were placed in Oxyinae by some authors, but were considered members of the subfamily Catantopinae by others. In this study, the complete mitogenomes of nine species were sequenced using next-generation sequencing, the characteristics of the newly sequenced mitogenomes are presented briefly, and the phylogeny of the Oxyinae and Catantopinae are reconstructed using a selected dataset of mitogenome sequences under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference frameworks. The results show that the four controversial genera were consistently assigned to the subfamily Oxyinae rather than Catantopinae in all phylogenetic trees deduced from different datasets under different frameworks, and this finding is entirely consistent with their morphological characters. Therefore, it is more appropriate to place them in Oxyinae rather than Catantopinae. In addition, the results from our analysis also confirm the membership of the genus Apalacris in Coptacrinae rather than Catantopinae, and indicate the uncertainty in the phylogenetic position of the genus Traulia, and a more in-depth study is necessary to resolve the relationship of Traulia with other catantopine groups or Coptacrinae.
Partnership status, living arrangements, and changes in sexual behaviour and satisfaction during the COVID-19 lockdown: insights from an observational, cross-sectional online survey in Singapore
Authors: Tan Rayner Kay Jin , O’Hara Caitlin Alsandria , Kumar Navin
Published: November 2021

Background The SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus disease 2019; COVID-19) pandemic and its concomitant movement control measures have had a profound impact on the world. In spite of its potential impact on sexual health, there is a lack of research on how the pandemic and its movement control measures have impacted sexual wellbeing among Singaporeans. Methods This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2020. Participants were recruited through an online survey instrument promoted through social media. Respondents self-reported their sexual behaviours and levels of sexual satisfaction prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic movement control measures. Results We recruited a total of 562 participants, of whom 338 (60.1%) ever had a sexual experience. Singles (n = 106, 31.4%) and those not living with their partners (n = 115, 34.0%) reported a greater decrease in partnered sexual activities but a greater increase in individual sexual activities such as masturbation, sending and receiving nudes and watching pornography, relative to those who were living with their partners (n = 117, 34.6%). Multivariable analyses indicated that relative to singles, those who were not living with their partners were more likely to experience a decrease in sexual satisfaction (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.42, 95% CI [1.07, 1.90]), whereas those who were living with their partners were less likely to experience a decrease in sexual satisfaction (aPR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.25, 0.81]). Conclusions Interventions may focus on enhancing sexual wellness by educating on and supporting individual or partnered sexual activities that may vary along the lines of partnership status and living arrangements during the implementation of movement control measures.
Evidence for a Northern Hemispheric trigger of the 100,000-y glacial cyclicity
Authors: Yehudai Maayan , Kim Joohee , Pena Leopoldo D. , Jaume-Seguí Maria , Knudson Karla P. , Bolge Louise , Malinverno Alberto , Bickert Torsten , Goldstein Steven L.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Causes of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT) from 41- to 100-ky interglacial–glacial cyclicity are debated because it occurred without changes in solar forcing, thus indicating internal climatic drivers. This study reconstructs the deep Atlantic Ocean water-mass structure through the MPT using neodymium isotopes and distinguishes Northern and Southern Hemisphere precursors. North Atlantic results document changes in glacial erosion/weathering preceding the cyclicity shift, including a major erosional episode just before a global ocean circulation weakening between ∽950–860 ka. The findings indicate changes in Northern Hemispheric ice sheets prior to that weakening were central in shaping the cyclicity shift and the post-MPT glacial climate, whereby removal of weathered material exposed crystalline bedrock, resulting in increased bedrock–ice friction that facilitated larger ice sheets.
Discovery of nondiazotrophic
Trichodesmium
species abundant and widespread in the open ocean
Authors: Delmont Tom O.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Past studies have depicted
Trichodesmium
as a diazotrophic genus. This genus contributes significantly to nitrogen fixation in ocean surface waters under the form of large filaments and colonies. As a result of this unusual lifestyle,
Trichodesmium
is not abundant in the bacterial cellular size fraction most microbial ecologists have focused on with metagenomics thus far, and not a single environmental genome was recovered. Using large cellular size fractions of
Tara
Oceans, we have recovered environmental genomes of
Trichodesmium
and revealed a fundamental aspect of this genus: the existence of species that lost the ability to fix nitrogen (along with other critical functional traits associated with nitrogen fixation) yet are abundant and widespread on the surface of the oceans.
Rational prioritization strategy allows the design of macrolide derivatives that overcome antibiotic resistance
Authors: König Gerhard , Sokkar Pandian , Pryk Niclas , Heinrich Sascha , Möller David , Cimicata Giuseppe , Matzov Donna , Dietze Pascal , Thiel Walter , Bashan Anat , Bandow Julia Elisabeth , Zuegg Johannes , Yonath Ada , Schulz Frank , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa
Published: November 2021

Significance

Due to the development of resistance against commonly used antibiotics, new derivatives that avoid resistance mechanisms need to be developed. To address this problem, a rational prioritization strategy is outlined for macrolide antibiotics. Candidates are screened based on their solubility, membrane permeability, and binding affinity using a tiered optimization approach of free energy simulations and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. After prioritization by computational methods, the best candidates are evaluated experimentally. The strategy creates a targeted substance library that is highly enriched in compounds with antibacterial activity. This allows for faster iterations in the development of new antibiotic derivatives.
Ubiquitin ligase MARCH5 localizes to peroxisomes to regulate pexophagy
Authors: Zheng Jun , Chen Xi , Liu Qiang , Zhong Guisheng , Zhuang Min
Published: November 2021

Mitochondria and peroxisomes are independent but functionally closely related organelles. A few proteins have been characterized as dual-organelle locating proteins with distinct or similar roles on mitochondria and peroxisomes. MARCH5 is a mitochondria-associated ubiquitin ligase best known for its regulatory role in mitochondria quality control, fission, and fusion. Here, we used a proximity tagging system, PUP-IT, and identified new interacting proteins of MARCH5. Our data uncover that MARCH5 is a dual-organelle locating protein that interacts with several peroxisomal proteins. PEX19 binds the transmembrane region on MARCH5 and targets it to peroxisomes. On peroxisomes, MARCH5 binds and mediates the ubiquitination of PMP70. Furthermore, we find PMP70 ubiquitination and pexophagy induced by mTOR inhibition are blocked in the absence of MARCH5. Our study suggests novel roles of MARCH5 on peroxisomes.
Charge carrier mediation and ferromagnetism induced in MnBi6Te10 magnetic topological insulators by antimony doping
Authors: Xie Hangkai , Fei Fucong , Fang Fenzhen , Chen Bo , Guo Jingwen , Du Yu , Qi Wuyi , Pei Yufan , Wang Tianqi , Naveed Muhammad , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Minhao , Wang Xuefeng , Song Fengqi
Published: November 2021

A new kind of intrinsic magnetic topological insulator (MTI) MnBi2Te4 family has shed light on the observation of novel topological quantum effects such as the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE). However, strong anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) coupling and high carrier concentration in the bulk hinder practical applications. In closely related materials MnBi4Te7 and MnBi6Te10, the interlayer magnetic coupling is greatly suppressed by Bi2Te3 layer intercalation. However, AFM is still the ground state in these compounds. Here, by magnetic and transport measurements, we demonstrate that a Sb substitutional dopant plays a dual role in MnBi6Te10, which can not only adjust the charge carrier type and concentration, but also induces the solid into a ferromagnetic (FM) ground state. The AFM ground state region, which is also close to the charge neutral point, can be found in the phase diagram of Mn(Sb
x
Bi1−x
)6Te10 when x ∼ 0.25. An intrinsic FM-MTI candidate is thus demonstrated, which may take us a step closer to realizing a high-quality and high-temperature QAHE and related topological quantum effects in the future.
Double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the analysis of plasma-facing components
Authors: Oelmann J , Wüst E , Sergienko G , Brezinsek S
Published: November 2021

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is applied successfully for plasma-wall interaction studies in several fusion devices and post-mortem analyses of plasma-facing materials. However, the quantitative as well as qualitative analysis of low hydrogen isotope contents in tungsten plasma-facing components is still challenging. A promising approach to increase the optical signal in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is to apply a second laser pulse to the laser-produced plasma. We present two setups for post mortem plasma-facing component analyses using different laser pulse properties and different excitation geometries. The enhancement factors and changes in spectral line shapes for double pulse compared to single pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy are presented.
Combined analyses of the antiproton production from cosmic-ray interactions and its possible dark matter origin
Authors: De La Torre Luque Pedro
Published: November 2021

Recent cosmic-ray (CR) studies have claimed the possibility of an excess on the antiproton flux over the predicted models at around 10 GeV, which can be the signature of dark matter annihilating into hadronic final states that subsequently form antiprotons. However, this excess is subject to many uncertainties related to the evaluation of the antiproton spectrum produced from spallation interactions of CRs. In this work, we implement a combined Markov-Chain Monte Carlo analysis of the secondary ratios of B, Be and Li and the antiproton-to-proton ratio (p̅/p), while also including nuisance parameters to consider the uncertainties related to the spallation cross sections. This study allows us to constrain the Galactic halo height and the rest of propagation parameters, evaluate the impact of cross sections uncertainties in the determination of the antiproton spectrum and test the origin of the excess of antiprotons. In this way, we provide a set of propagation parameters and scale factors for renormalizing the cross sections parametrizations that allow us to reproduce all the ratios of B, Be, Li and p̅ simultaneously.

We show that the energy dependence of the p̅/p ratio is compatible with a pure secondary origin. In particular, we find that the energy dependence of the evaluated p̅/p spectrum matches that observed from AMS-02 data at energies above ∼3 GeV, although there is still a constant ∼10% excess of p̅ over our prediction. We discuss that this discrepancy is more likely explained from a ∼10% scaling in the cross sections of antiproton production, rather than a component of dark matter leading to antiprotons. In particular, we find that the best-fit WIMP mass (∼300 GeV) needed to explain the discrepancy lies above the constraints from most indirect searches of dark matter and the resultant fit is poorer than with a cross sections scaling.
3D printed ultra-fast photothermal responsive shape memory hydrogel for microrobots
Authors: Zhan Ziheng , Chen Lei , Duan Huigao , Chen Yiqin , He Min , Wang Zhaolong
Published: November 2021

Hydrogels with stimuli-responsive capabilities are gaining more and more attention nowadays with prospective applications in biomedical engineering, bioelectronics, microrobot, etc. We develop a photothermal responsive hydrogel based on N-isopropylacrylamide that achieved a fast and reversible deformation manipulated only by near-infrared (NIR) light. The hydrogel was fabricated by the projection micro stereolithography based 3D printing technique, which can rapidly prototype complex 3D structures. Furthermore, with the variation of the grayscale while manufacturing the hydrogel, the deformation of the hydrogel structure can be freely tuned within a few seconds by losing and absorbing water through adjusting the intensity and the irradiation direction of the NIR light, showing a potential application in ultra-fast object grabbing and transportation. The present study provides a new method for designing ultrafast photothermal responsive hydrogel based microrobot working in water.
Irregular LIPSS produced on metals by single linearly polarized femtosecond laser
Authors: Zhang Dongshi , Liu Ruijie , Li Zhuguo
Published: November 2021

Currently, supra-wavelength periodic surface structures (SWPSS) are only achievable on silica dielectrics and silicon by femtosecond (fs) laser ablation, while triangular and rhombic laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are achievable by circularly polarized or linear cross-polarized femtosecond laser. This is the first work to demonstrate the possibility of generating SWPSS on Sn and triangular and rhombic LIPSS on W, Mo, Ta, and Nb using a single linearly polarized femtosecond laser. We discovered, for the first time, SWPSS patches with each possessing its own orientation, which are completely independent of the light polarization direction, thus, breaking the traditional rules. Increasing the laser power enlarges SWPSS periods from 4–6 μm to 15–25 μm. We report a maximal period of 25 μm, which is the largest period ever reported for SWPSS, ∼10 and ∼4 times the maximal periods (2.4 μm/6.5 μm) of SWPSS ever achieved by fs and ns laser ablation, respectively. The formation of triangular and rhombic LIPSS does not depend on the laser (power) or processing (scan interval and scan methodology) parameters but strongly depends on the material composition and is unachievable on other metals, such as Sn, Al, Ti, Zn, and Zr. This paper proposes and discusses possible mechanisms for molten droplet generation/spread/solidification, Marangoni convection flow for SWPSS formation, and linear-to-circular polarization transition for triangular and rhombic LIPSS formation. Reflectance and iridescence of as-prepared SWPSS and LIPSS are characterized. It was found that besides insufficient ablation on W, the iridescence density of Ta-, Mo-, Nb-LIPSS follows the sequence of melting temperatures: Ta > Mo > Nb, which indicates that the melting temperature of metals may affect the regularity of LIPSS. This work may inspire significant interest in further enriching the diversity of LIPSS and SWPSS.
Investigation of an electrostatically actuated imperfect circular microplate under transverse pressure for pressure sensor applications
Authors: Das Mainakh , Bhushan Anand
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we present static and dynamic analysis of an electrostatically actuated imperfect circular microplate under transverse pressure. In modelling of the microplate, we have included both von Kármán geometric and electrostatic force nonlinearities in the development of the equation of motion. The equation of motion has been solved using Galerkin based reduced order modelling technique. The developed reduced order model has been first validated by comparing it with finite element simulation results. Further, the effects of imperfection as initial curvature and uniform transverse pressure have been investigated on the static and dynamic characteristics of the electrostatically actuated circular microplate. We have also investigated the effects of imperfection and applied DC voltage on the pressure sensitivity of the circular microplate. We have found that both imperfection and electrostatic load are responsible for appreciable variations in sensitivity. This detailed investigation is useful to design an imperfect micro pressure sensor.
Efficacy and Outcomes of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nicholson Maribeth R , Alexander Erin , Ballal Sonia , Davidovics Zev , Docktor Michael , Dole Michael , Gisser Jonathan M , Goyal Alka , Hourigan Suchitra K , Jensen M Kyle , Kaplan Jess L , Kellermayer Richard , Kelsen Judith R , Kennedy Melissa A , Khanna Sahil , Knackstedt Elizabeth D , Lentine Jennifer , Lewis Jeffery D , Michail Sonia , Mitchell Paul D , Oliva-Hemker Maria , Patton Tiffany , Queliza Karen , Sidhu Sarah , Solomon Aliza B , Suskind David L , Weatherly Madison , Werlin Steven , de Zoeten Edwin F , Kahn Stacy A ,   North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Faecal Microbiota Transplantation Special Interest Group, Aktay Nur , Asbah Imad , Bartlett Mark , Bassett Mikelle , Brumbaugh David , Caicedo Luis , Chawla Anu , Conrad Maire , Dykes Chelly Dana , Grzywacz Kelly , Gulati Ajay , Gurram Bhaskar , Hellman Jenny , Kastl Art , Mallon Danny , Pai Nikhil , Pasternak Brad , Patel Ashish S , Prozialeck Josh , Reilly Norelle , Russell George , Singh Namita , Small-Harary Lesley , Sood Shilpa , Stumphy Jessica , Sullivan Jill , Syed Sabeen , Titgemeyer Cebie , Townsend Pete , Zheng Yuhua
Published: November 2021

Background

Children with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] are disproportionally affected by recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection [rCDI]. Although faecal microbiota transplantation [FMT] has been used with good efficacy in adults with IBD, little is known about outcomes associated with FMT in paediatric IBD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of FMT at 20 paediatric centres in the USA from March 2012 to March 2020. Children with and without IBD were compared with determined differences in the efficacy of FMT for rCDI. In addition, children with IBD with and without a successful outcome were compared with determined predictors of success. Safety data and IBD-specific outcomes were obtained.

Results

A total of 396 paediatric patients, including 148 with IBD, were included. Children with IBD were no less likely to have a successful first FMT then the non-IBD affected cohort [76% vs 81%, p = 0.17]. Among children with IBD, patients were more likely to have a successful FMT if they received FMT with fresh stool [p = 0.03], were without diarrhoea prior to FMT [p = 0.03], or had a shorter time from rCDI diagnosis until FMT [p = 0.04]. Children with a failed FMT were more likely to have clinically active IBD post-FMT [p = 0.002] and 19 [13%] patients had an IBD-related hospitalisation in the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Based on the findings from this large US multicentre cohort, the efficacy of FMT for the treatment of rCDI did not differ in children with IBD. Failed FMT among children with IBD was possibly related to the presence of clinically active IBD.
Hyperacute simultaneous cardiocerebral infarction related to floating thrombus in the ascending aorta: a case report
Authors: Issa Ranny , Gallissot Felix , Cochet Alexandre , Cottin Yves
Published: November 2021

Background

Ascending aortic thrombus has been reported in several case reports, often revealed by peripheral embolization, but very few revealed by cardiocerebral infarction. Moreover, there is no defined treatment strategy.

Case summary

An 83-year-old woman was admitted to our intensive care unit for concurrent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute stroke, both with the presence of an embolism. Imaging revealed a floating thrombus in the ascending aorta. The thrombus resolved after anticoagulant therapy was administered, and there was no subsequent embolism recurrence.

Discussion

Floating thrombus in the ascending aorta is an unusual cause of AMI. The main mechanisms of thrombus formation include erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque, but it can also form without tissue abnormality with the probable implication of Virchow’s triad. However, the precise mechanism for thrombogenesis remains unknown. In patients with a low surgical risk, we should consider surgical treatment, especially as anticoagulant therapy does not appear to reduce the risk of arterial embolization. Thrombolysis and endovascular interventions have also proven effective in certain cases. Overall, in patients with high surgical risk, decision will have to be made on a case-by-case basis.

Keywords

Acute myocardial infarction • Embolic stroke • Coronary embolism • Ascending aorta thrombus • Floating thrombus • Case report
A case report of RASA1-associated inherited lymphoedema with recurrent life-threatening lymphangitis
Authors: Westphal Dominik S , Bergmann Katharina , Martens Eimo , Ibrahim Tareq
Published: November 2021

Background

Most cases of lymphoedema are secondary to other causes, while cases of primary lymphoedema, in particular that of congenital origin, are uncommon. Limited genetic disorders are so far known to be associated with lymphatic malformation including mutations in RASA1. This clinical case highlights the possible complications of RASA1-associated lymphatic malformation in a female suffering from recurrent life-threatening septic lymphangitis.

Case summary

A 23-year-old female patient presented with congenital lymphoedema of the lower right extremity. At the age of eight, she first suffered from an episode of lymphangitis. Thereafter, she developed recurrent episodes of lymphangitis predominately occurring during menstruation and culminating into severe and life-threatening septicaemias. Due to the menstrual association, endometriosis was suspected but could not be confirmed. Furthermore, angiography could not detect any sign of arteriovenous fistula. Single-Photon-Emission-Computed-Tomography confirmed absent major lymphatics of the right leg with severely impaired and prolonged dermal lymphatic backflow. Genetic testing identified a disease-causing variant in the RASA1 gene.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first case of recurrent septic lymphangitis with close relation to menstruation in a female with RASA1-associated lymphatic malformation. Due to the possible de novo or somatic origin of a pathogenic variant, a genetic disease should be considered in spite of an unremarkable family history or a localized lymphoedema. Although there is no curative therapy available yet, the knowledge of the underlying genetic defect is important for interdisciplinary patient care and might be crucial for individual molecular therapies in the future.
Tricuspid regurgitation management: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations
Authors: Ricci Fabrizio , Bufano Gabriella , Galusko Victor , Sekar Baskar , Benedetto Umberto , Awad Wael I , Di Mauro Michele , Gallina Sabina , Ionescu Adrian , Badano Luigi , Khanji Mohammed Y
Published: November 2021

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a highly prevalent condition and an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes. Multiple clinical guidelines exist for the diagnosis and management of TR, but the recommendations may sometimes vary. We systematically reviewed high-quality guidelines with a specific focus on areas of agreement, disagreement, and gaps in evidence. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (1 January 2011 to 30 August 2021), the Guidelines International Network International, Guideline Library, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Library for Health Guidelines Finder, Canadian Medical Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Infobase, Google Scholar, and websites of relevant organizations for contemporary guidelines that were rigorously developed (as assessed by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool). Three guidelines were finally retained. There was consensus on a TR grading system, recognition of isolated functional TR associated with atrial fibrillation, and indications for valve surgery in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic patients, primary vs. secondary TR, and isolated TR forms. Discrepancies exist in the role of biomarkers, complementary multimodality imaging, exercise echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing for risk stratification and clinical decision-making of progressive TR and asymptomatic severe TR, management of atrial functional TR, and choice of transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI). Risk-based thresholds for quantitative TR grading, robust risk score models for TR surgery, surveillance intervals, population-based screening programmes, TTVI indications, and consensus on endpoint definitions are lacking.
Sudden endograft collapse due to type B aortic dissection after open conversion of endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Ito Tsutomu , Shimizu Hideyuki
Published: November 2021

A 58-year-old man was admitted for sudden numbness of the right leg and abdominal pain 6 months following late open conversion for endotension after endovascular aortic repair. Computed tomography demonstrated residual endograft collapse due to Stanford type B dissection. Emergent right axillobifemoral bypass was performed to perfuse the lower extremities. We performed subsequent total arch replacement with secondary thoracic endovascular aortic repair.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Impact and the Unmet Need for Antiviral Treatment in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Stockdale Alexander J , Meiring James E , Shawa Isaac T , Thindwa Deus , Silungwe Niza M , Mbewe Maurice , Kachala Rabson , Kreuels Benno , Patel Pratiksha , Patel Priyanka , Henrion Marc Y R , Bar-Zeev Naor , Swarthout Todd D , Heyderman Robert S , Gordon Stephen B , Maria Geretti Anna , Gordon Melita A
Published: November 2021

Background

Hepatitis B is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. To reduce mortality, antiviral treatment programs are needed. We estimated prevalence, vaccine impact, and need for antiviral treatment in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

We conducted a household study in 2016–2018. We selected individuals from a census using random sampling and estimated age-sex-standardized hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence. Impact of infant hepatitis B vaccination was estimated by binomial log-linear regression comparing individuals born before and after vaccine implementation. In HBsAg-positive adults, eligibility for antiviral therapy was assessed.

Results

Of 97386 censused individuals, 6073 (median age 18 years; 56.7% female) were sampled. HBsAg seroprevalence was 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3%–6.1%) among adults and 0.3% (95% CI, .1%–.6%) among children born after vaccine introduction. Estimated vaccine impact was 95.8% (95% CI, 70.3%–99.4%). Of HBsAg-positive adults, 26% were HIV-positive. Among HIV-negative individuals, 3%, 6%, and 9% were eligible for hepatitis B treatment by WHO, European, and American hepatology association criteria, respectively.

Conclusions

Infant HBV vaccination has been highly effective in reducing HBsAg prevalence in urban Malawi. Up to 9% of HBsAg-positive HIV-negative adults are eligible, but have an unmet need, for antiviral therapy.
Length of a sexually selected ornament-armament in fiddler crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Ocypodidae): One way, over deep time and space
Authors: Levinton Jeffrey S , Weissburg Marc
Published: November 2021

Using three data sources, we measured claw lengths of the extremely large major claws of 70 species of fiddler crabs, spread over four major biogeographic regions and all 11 genera, as a function of carapace length. Despite a diversity of biogeography, body size, type of sexual signaling and mating behavior, and details of claw morphology, all species groupings follow the same linear relationship. No subgroupings could be determined, by region, among diverse genera, by ancestral-derived status, or by data source. Major claw size is known to be implicated in female selection of mates, which might be expected to diversify claw lengths among species and genera, as might differences in combat might be expected to diversify claw length, as it does in other claw traits. The constancy suggests a possible functional constraint on major claw length across the fiddler crabs, which is to be determined. Efficient folding of the claw as the male rapidly retreats into a burrow, or a protection of the carapace from frontal attack by predators or combatants in an initial aggressive encounter might select for this pervasive relationship. Tests are suggested. The sexually selected major claw is more variable than the naturally selected minor claw, but this difference in variability could be attributed partially to regeneration of the major cheliped and even variation in shape. A surprising similar trend of closing force index for the major claw exists for a large number of species spread throughout the genera and major regions occupied by fiddler crabs, but a considerable variation exists in a variety of functional traits. Thus, the constancy of length relationship stands out distinctly from a considerable background variation in form. As a sexually selected trait, the claw length constancy begs for an explanation.
Insulated nest boxes provide thermal refuges for wildlife in urban bushland during summer heatwaves
Authors: Honey Reannan , McLean Chris , Murray Brad R , Webb Jonathan K
Published: November 2021

In urban bushland, the installation of nest boxes is widely used to compensate for the loss of natural tree hollows. However, current nest box designs may not provide thermal refuges for wildlife during summer heatwaves, particularly if internal temperatures exceed the upper critical temperatures of wildlife. We investigated whether the addition of roofing insulation to nest boxes deployed for sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) in urban bushland would reduce internal nest box temperatures during summer heatwaves. We measured temperatures of 44 insulated and 47 uninsulated nest boxes during one of the hottest summers on record (2018–2019) in the Lake Macquarie region of NSW, Australia, a period during which several prolonged heatwaves occurred. Over the 90-day study, maximum temperatures were, on average, 3.1°C lower in insulated boxes than in uninsulated boxes. The addition of insulation significantly lowered nest box temperatures regardless of aspect (north or south facing) or day of measurement. Temperatures exceeded the upper critical temperature (35.1°C) of gliders more frequently in uninsulated nest boxes (28% of days) than in insulated nest boxes (8% days). Although the addition of insulation to nest boxes lowered their internal temperatures, during heatwaves spanning 23 days, nest box temperatures exceeded the upper critical temperatures of gliders on 58% and 23% of days in uninsulated and insulated nest boxes respectively. These findings underscore the importance of retaining natural hollows in urban bushland to provide thermally suitable refuges for wildlife during extreme heat events.
The Zwicky Transient Facility Type Ia supernova survey: first data release and results
Authors: Dhawan S , Goobar A , Smith M , Johansson J , Rigault M , Nordin J , Biswas R , Goldstein D , Nugent P , Kim Y-L , Miller A A , Graham M J , Medford M , Kasliwal M M , Kulkarni S R , Duev Dmitry A , Bellm E , Rosnet P , Riddle R , Sollerman J
Published: November 2021

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in the nearby Hubble flow are excellent distance indicators in cosmology. The Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) has observed a large sample of SNe from an untargeted, rolling survey, reaching 20.8, 20.6, and 20.3 mag in g r, and i band, respectively. With an FoV of 47 deg2, ZTF discovered > 3000 SNe Ia in a little over 2.5 yr. Here, we report on the sample of 761 spectroscopically classified SNe Ia from the first year of operations (DR1). The sample has a median redshift $\bar{z} =$ 0.057, nearly a factor of 2 higher than the current low-z sample. Our sample has a total of 934 spectra, of which 632 were obtained with the robotic SEDm on Palomar P60. We assess the potential for precision cosmology for a total of 305 SNe with redshifts from host galaxy spectra. The sample is already comparable in size to the entire combined literature low-z anchor sample. The median first detection is 13.5 d before maximum light, about 10 d earlier than the median in the literature. Furthermore, six SNe from our sample are at DL < 80 Mpc, for which host galaxy distances can be obtained in the JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE era, such that we have calibrator and Hubble flow SNe observed with the same instrument. In the entire duration of ZTF-I, we have observed nearly 50 SNe for which we can obtain calibrator distances, key for per cent level distance scale measurements.
No One Dies Alone
Authors: DePolo Marcia , Kennedy Tonia R.
Published: November 2021

No One Dies Alone is a hospital-based volunteer program that provides a caring human presence at the end of life for patients when nurses cannot remain at the bedside. No One Dies Alone volunteers offer peace of mind for families who can know their loved ones will not die alone. Volunteers live out the second greatest commandment of loving your neighbor as yourself by providing a calming presence, voice, touch, support, and validation of feelings. A case study illustrates the value of a volunteer's presence.
Recognizing and Managing Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in the Emergency Department
Authors: Nguyen Quoc-Bao D. , Vu Mai-Anh N. , Hebert Adelaide A.
Published: November 2021

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a superficial blistering disorder caused by exfoliative toxin-releasing strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial toxins are released hematogenously, and after a prodromal fever and exquisite tenderness of skin, patients present with tender erythroderma and flaccid bullae with subsequent superficial generalized exfoliation. The head-to-toe directed exfoliation lasts up to 10 to 14 days without scarring after proper treatment. Children younger than 6 years are predominantly affected because of their lack of toxin-neutralizing antibodies and the immature renal system's inability to excrete the causative exotoxins. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and essential primary skin lesions used to diagnose staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome are summarized for the pediatric emergency medicine physician.
Identification of approximate symmetries in biological development
Authors: Gandhi Punit , Ciocanel Maria-Veronica , Niklas Karl , Dawes Adriana T.
Published: November 2021

Virtually all forms of life, from single-cell eukaryotes to complex, highly differentiated multicellular organisms, exhibit a property referred to as symmetry. However, precise measures of symmetry are often difficult to formulate and apply in a meaningful way to biological systems, where symmetries and asymmetries can be dynamic and transient, or be visually apparent but not reliably quantifiable using standard measures from mathematics and physics. Here, we present and illustrate a novel measure that draws on concepts from information theory to quantify the degree of symmetry, enabling the identification of approximate symmetries that may be present in a pattern or a biological image. We apply the measure to rotation, reflection and translation symmetries in patterns produced by a Turing model, as well as natural objects (algae, flowers and leaves). This method of symmetry quantification is unbiased and rigorous, and requires minimal manual processing compared to alternative measures. The proposed method is therefore a useful tool for comparison and identification of symmetries in biological systems, with potential future applications to symmetries that arise during development, as observedin vivoor as produced by mathematical models.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing’s theory of morphogenesis’.
Unified framework for localized patterns in reaction–diffusion systems; the Gray–Scott and Gierer–Meinhardt cases
Authors: Al Saadi Fahad , Champneys Alan
Published: November 2021

A recent study of canonical activator-inhibitor Schnakenberg-like models posed on an infinite line is extended to include models, such as Gray–Scott, with bistability of homogeneous equilibria. A homotopy is studied that takes a Schnakenberg-like glycolysis model to the Gray–Scott model. Numerical continuation is used to understand the complete sequence of transitions to two-parameter bifurcation diagrams within the localized pattern parameter regime as the homotopy parameter varies. Several distinct codimension-two bifurcations are discovered including cusp and quadruple zero points for homogeneous steady states, a degenerate heteroclinic connection and a change in connectedness of the homoclinic snaking structure. The analysis is repeated for the Gierer–Meinhardt system, which lies outside the canonical framework. Similar transitions are found under homotopy between bifurcation diagrams for the case where there is a constant feed in the active field, to it being in the inactive field. Wider implications of the results are discussed for other pattern-formation systems arising as models of natural phenomena.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing’s theory of morphogenesis’.
Pattern formation from spatially heterogeneous reaction–diffusion systems
Authors: Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: November 2021

First proposed by Turing in 1952, the eponymous Turing instability and Turing pattern remain key tools for the modern study of diffusion-driven pattern formation. In spatially homogeneous Turing systems, one or a few linear Turing modes dominate, resulting in organized patterns (peaks in one dimension; spots, stripes, labyrinths in two dimensions) which repeats in space. For a variety of reasons, there has been increasing interest in understanding irregular patterns, with spatial heterogeneity in the underlying reaction–diffusion system identified as one route to obtaining irregular patterns. We study pattern formation from reaction–diffusion systems which involve spatial heterogeneity, by way of both analytical and numerical techniques. We first extend the classical Turing instability analysis to track the evolution of linear Turing modes and the nascent pattern, resulting in a more general instability criterion which can be applied to spatially heterogeneous systems. We also calculate nonlinear mode coefficients, employing these to understand how each spatial mode influences the long-time evolution of a pattern. Unlike for the standard spatially homogeneous Turing systems, spatially heterogeneous systems may involve many Turing modes of different wavelengths interacting simultaneously, with resulting patterns exhibiting a high degree of variation over space. We provide a number of examples of spatial heterogeneity in reaction–diffusion systems, both mathematical (space-varying diffusion parameters and reaction kinetics, mixed boundary conditions, space-varying base states) and physical (curved anisotropic domains, apical growth of space domains, chemicalsimmersed within a flow or a thermal gradient), providing a qualitative understanding of how spatial heterogeneity can be used to modify classical Turing patterns.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing’s theory of morphogenesis’.
Rapid growth atypical mycobacteria infection associated with growth hormone injections: a case report
Authors: Cardozo Lomaquiz Christian David , Frontanilla Tamara , Scavone Natalia , Fretes Alba , Torales Nathalia , Pereira María Elena , Mino de Kaspar Herminia , Ortiz Xavier , Henning Renate
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Infections caused by fast growing mycobacteria have increased markedly worldwide. They are normally associated with trauma, surgery or cosmetic interventions. Paraguay has a deficit in sanitary control including clinics, private practices, and aesthetic centres. This situation is accompanied by the easy access to drugs, which leads to the performance of exclusively medical aesthetic procedures by people without professional knowledge or training.

Case report. A 26-year-old female patient comes to a medical consultation with pain and bruising in the abdominal area with more than 3 months of progression, without fever or apparent cause. Later, she confessed to the application of subcutaneous injections of ‘growth hormones’ at the gym. Excisional biopsy of the lesions was carried out for anatomopathological and microbiological studies. In addition, the use of polymerase chain reaction analysis was indicated because of the strong suspicion of an atypical mycobacterial infection. The Ziehl-Neelsen staining was negative for BAAR, and the PAS-Hematoxylin negative for fungal elements. When performing the culture, the growth of atypical mycobacteria was observed on chocolate and blood agar medium culture. Through the polymerase chain reaction study, it was possible to identify the atypical mycobacterium as ‘Mycobacterium abscessus’.

Conclusion. The irresponsible application of medications by people without professional authorization or biosafety precautions can lead to the development atypical infections that are difficult to diagnose and treat. This situation could lead to serious complications and even death.
Chryseobacterium panacisoli sp. nov., isolated from ginseng-cultivation soil with ginsenoside-converting activity
Authors: Keum Dong Ho , Yeon Jun Mo , Yun Chan-Seok , Lee Soon Youl , Im Wan-Taek
Published: November 2021

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain Gsoil 183T, was isolated from ginseng-cultivation soil sampled in Pocheon Province, Republic of Korea. This bacterium was characterized to determine its taxonomic position by using a polyphasic approach. Strain Gsoil 183T grew at 10–37 °C and at pH 5.0–9.0 on tryptic soy agar. Strain Gsoil 183T had β-glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to convert ginsenoside Rb1 (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to F2. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, strain Gsoil 183T clustered with species of the genus

Chryseobacterium

and appeared to be closely related to

Chryseobacterium sediminis

LMG 28695T (99.1 % sequence similarity),

Chryseobacterium lactis

NCTC 11390T (98.6%),

Chryseobacterium rhizoplanae

LMG 28481T (98.6%),

Chryseobacterium oncorhynchi

CCUG 60105T (98.5%),

Chryseobacterium viscerum

CCUG 60103T (98.4%) and

Chryseobacterium joostei

DSM 16927T (98.3%). Menaquinone MK-6 was the predominant respiratory quinone and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0-3OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω6c and/or C16 : 1
 ω7c). The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, six unidentified glycolipids, five unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 36.6 mol%. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization between strain Gsoil 183T and the type strains of

C. sediminis

,

C. lactis

,

C. rhizoplanae

,

C. oncorhynchi

,

C. viscerum

and

C. joostei

resulted in values below 70 %. Strain Gsoil 183T could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the recognized species of the genus

Chryseobacterium

. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Chryseobacterium panacisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 183T (=KACC 15033T=LMG 23397T)