bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical model on effects of tunnelling towards single piles under zoned of influence
Authors: Abuallan F M , Jusoh S N , Sohaie H , Marto A , Mohamad H , Rahim Afikah
Published: May 2021

Tunnel excavation usually will causes soil redistribution and settlement. Hence, for urban areas where large building used pile for foundation, tunnelling might affect the pile integrity. Engineers pose great role in order to correctly estimating the stress changes onto pile structures. It is particularly vital to estimate the tunnelling effects when new tunnels are to be built near an existing pile. Therefore, this paper presents a physical modelling to investigate the tunnel-pile-soil interaction. Sand box test with pile and tunnel model was developed to imitate the field condition. The laboratory testing conducted with constant parameter tunnel cover to tunnel diameter ratio of 2.5 with pile to tunnel distance of 1.5 of tunnel diameter. Two rate of tunnel excavation were carried out. Laboratory tests determined the longitudinal and transverse ground surface settlement induced by tunnelling, as well as the movement and induced bending moment on a single pile foundation. For validation, initial results were compared with previous findings and shows an agreement. Further test then conducted with higher tunnelling speed. With higher speed, it was found that surface settlements, pile movements and bending moment are more affected.
Formation of corundum-rich alumina coatings on low-carbon steel by plasma electrolytic oxidation
Authors: Simchen F , Masoud-Nia N , Mehner T , Lampke T
Published: May 2021

The plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is an innovative method for providing light metals and their alloys with protective ceramic surfaces. However, for iron-based materials, the process requires very high current densities and results in the formation of coatings which consist of less stable iron compounds. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to design a PEO procedure on low-carbon steel at moderate current densities, which allows for the formation of ceramic coatings whose chemical composition is dominated by the electrolyte constituents. The electrolyte used was based on aluminate and preselected by systematic electrochemical passivation experiments. The PEO treatment was monitored by electrical and optical process diagnostics. As a result of this, it was possible to obtain alumina layers of 80 micrometers in thickness, with a high corundum content of approximately 50 to 90%, after 37 minutes of treatment time, at a current density below 25 A/dm2 on C8C-steel. However, the coating’s microstructure was inhomogeneous and showed poor substrate bonding. Based on the results of the experimental work, explanatory approaches were provided and a course of action is suggested for counteracting these problems.
Simulation of thermally sprayed coating properties considering the splat boundaries
Authors: Bobzin K , Wietheger W , Heinemann H , Wolf F
Published: May 2021

The properties of thermally sprayed coatings depend heavily on the solidification process during the impact on the substrate. The simulation of the coating build-up is of essential importance in order to understand the processes behind it. The main objective of his study is the development of a coating build-up model to predict the properties e.g. thermal conductivity of plasma sprayed coatings. Therefore, a CFD simulation based on a VOF approach coupled with the momentum source method is applied. 3D-simuations of the impact of multiple alumina particles are performed to observe the coating build-up. Subsequently, the result is transferred to another model to calculate the coatings thermal conductivity. Since the resolution of the mesh does not allow a proper representation of the air gap at the splat boundaries between two solidified particles, a new function is developed to cover such phenomena. This function enables a broader representation of the splat boundaries and an adjustment of the coating properties in these areas. To validate this function, multiple simulations with different particle temperatures and velocities are calculated. Likewise, different assumptions for the thermal conductivity values in the gap are investigated. The results of the calculated properties correspond with experimental values.
High-temperature wear behaviour of borided Inconel 718 HVOF coatings
Authors: Löbel M , Lindner T , Hanisch N , Lampke T
Published: May 2021

Increasing demands on component performance and efficiency require continuous development efforts in existing material systems and concepts. In addition to the specific material properties, economic aspects have to be taken into account. Thermochemical treatments of iron-and nickel-base alloys allow for a distinct improvement of hardness and wear resistance. The process of boriding enables the highest hardness values and the formation of thermally stable precipitates. Especially nickel-base alloys are suitable for high temperature applications. An economic application of these alloys can be achieved by applying coating technologies and limiting the material usage to the surface. High-velocity oxygen fuel thermal spraying of the nickel-base alloy Inconel 718 and subsequent powder-pack boriding is conducted. Furthermore, the influence of a solution annealing step prior to the boriding process is investigated with the motivation to achieve a homogenisation of the coating. A successful diffusion enrichment and the formation of a precipitation layer could be achieved. The investigation of the resulting properties revealed a distinct increase of hardness and an improvement of wear resistance tested under reciprocating conditions in a wide temperature range.
Sustainable conversion of waste corn oil into biofuel over different forms of synthetic muscovite based K+/Na+ sodalite as basic catalysts; characterization and mechanism
Authors: Abukhadra Mostafa R , Adlii Alyaa , Bin Jumah May N , Othman Sarah I , Alruhaimi Reem Saleh , Salama Yasser F , Allam Ahmed A
Published: May 2021

Novel types of sodalite enriched in both K+ and Na+ ions were synthesized from muscovite at different time intervals (24 h (SD-24), 48 (SD-48), and 72 h (SD-72)). The samples displayed changes in their morphologies and observable increment in the surface area, total basicity, and ion exchange capacity with increasing the synthesis period. The samples were used as potential basic catalysts in the transesterification of the waste products of corn oil. The produced sodalite sample after 48 h (SD-48) achieved the best catalytic activity and the best biodiesel yield (95.4%). This yield was obtained after 120 min at 70 °C using 16:1 methanol-to corn oil molar ratio and 4 wt., % SD-48 loading. The achieved yields by SD-24 and SD-72 are 84.7% and 90.5%, respectively. The higher activity of SD-48 (95.4%) than SD-24 (84.7%) related to its high surface area and total basicity. The lower activity of SD-72 (90.5%) than SD-48 (95.4%) related to its very high ion exchange capacity which increases the saponification reactions in the existence of K+ and Na+ ions at high concentrations. The used SD-48 catalyst shows significant regeneration belongings and reused in five cycles producing valuable biodiesel yields. Technically, the resulted biodiesel from the waste product of corn oil over SD-48 is of acceptable international qualification which prompts the large-scale use of the catalyst.
Semi-supervised peak calling with SPAN and JBR genome browser
Authors: Shpynov Oleg , Dievskii Aleksei , Chernyatchik Roman , Tsurinov Petr , Artyomov Maxim N
Published: May 2021

The widespread application of ChIP-seq led to a growing need for consistent analysis of multiple epigenetics profiles, for instance, in human studies where multiple replicates are a common element of design. Such multi-samples experimental designs introduced analytical and computational challenges. For example, when peak calling is done independently for each sample, small differences in signal strength/quality lead to a very different number of peaks for individual samples, making group-level analysis difficult. On the other side, when samples are pooled together for joint analysis, individual-level statistical differences are averaged out. Recently, we have demonstrated that a semi-supervised peak calling approach (SPAN) allows for robust analysis of multiple epigenetic profiles while preserving individual sample statistics. Here, we present this approach’s implementation, centered around the JBR genome browser, a stand-alone tool that allows for accessible and streamlined annotation, analysis and visualization. Specifically, JBR supports graphical interactive manual region selection and annotation, thereby addressing supervised learning’s key procedural challenge. Furthermore, JBR includes the capability for peak optimization, i.e. calibration of sample-specific peak calling parameters by leveraging manual annotation. This procedure can be applied to a broad range of ChIP-seq datasets of different quality and chromatin accessibility ATAC-seq, including single-cell experiments. JBR was designed for efficient data processing, resulting in fast viewing and analysis of multiple replicates, up to thousands of tracks. Accelerated execution and integrated semi-supervised peak calling make JBR and SPAN next-generation visualization and analysis tools for multi-sample epigenetic data.

Availability and implementation

SPAN and JBR run on Linux, Mac OS and Windows, and is freely available at https://research.jetbrains.org/groups/biolabs/tools/span-peak-analyzer and https://research.jetbrains.org/groups/biolabs/tools/jbr-genome-browser.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Updating beliefs beyond the here-and-now: the counter-factual self in anosognosia for hemiplegia
Authors: Kirsch Louise P , Mathys Christoph , Papadaki Christina , Talelli Penelope , Friston Karl , Moro Valentina , Fotopoulou Aikaterini
Published: May 2021

The syndrome of anosognosia for hemiplegia, or the lack of awareness for one’s paralysis following right hemisphere stroke, can provide unique insights into the neurocognitive mechanisms of self-awareness. Yet it remains unclear whether anosognosia for hemiplegia is a modality-specific deficit of sensorimotor monitoring, or whether domain-general processes of attention and belief-updating converge to cause anosognosia for hemiplegia. Using a Bayesian learning framework, we formalized and empirically investigated the hypothesis that failures to update anosognosic beliefs can be explained by abnormalities in the relative uncertainty (i.e. precision) ascribed to prior beliefs versus sensory information in different contexts. We designed a new motor belief-updating task that manipulated both the temporal (prospective and retrospective) and spatial (hemispace most affected by inattention and hemispace less affected by inattention) conditions in which beliefs had to be updated, and we validated its sensitivity to anosognosia for hemiplegia in 26 patients with right hemisphere stroke. We then computed and empirically tested two different Bayesian predictors of prospective beliefs using two proxies for precision in anosognosia for hemiplegia patients: (i) standardized, neuropsychological measures of objective attention abilities, i.e. visuospatial neglect scores and (ii) subjective uncertainty reports, i.e. confidence ratings. Our results suggest that while neglect does not affect local, sensorimotor error monitoring, it does seem to affect the degree to which observed errors are used to update more general, prospective beliefs about counterfactual motor abilities in anosognosia for hemiplegia. Difficulties in such ‘counterfactual’ belief-updating were associated with disruptions in tracts of the ventral attentional network (i.e. superior longitudinal fasciculus connecting the temporo-parietal junction and ventral frontal cortex) and associated lesions to the insula, inferior parietal cortex and superior temporal regions. These results suggest that self-awareness extends beyond local, retrospective monitoring, requiring also salience-based, convergence of beliefs about the self that go beyond the ‘here-and-now’ of sensorimotor experience.
Generative lesion pattern decomposition of cognitive impairment after stroke
Authors: Bonkhoff Anna K , Lim Jae-Sung , Bae Hee-Joon , Weaver Nick A , Kuijf Hugo J , Biesbroek J Matthijs , Rost Natalia S , Bzdok Danilo
Published: May 2021

Cognitive impairment is a frequent and disabling sequela of stroke. There is however incomplete understanding of how lesion topographies in the left and right cerebral hemisphere brain interact to cause distinct cognitive deficits. We integrated machine learning and Bayesian hierarchical modelling to enable a hemisphere-aware analysis of 1080 acute ischaemic stroke patients with deep profiling ∼3 months after stroke. We show the relevance of the left hemisphere in the prediction of language and memory assessments and relevance of the right hemisphere in the prediction of visuospatial functioning. Global cognitive impairments were equally well predicted by lesion topographies from both sides. Damage to the hippocampal and occipital regions on the left was particularly informative about lost naming and memory functions, while damage to these regions on the right was linked to lost visuospatial functioning. Global cognitive impairment was predominantly linked to lesioned tissue in the supramarginal and angular gyrus, the post-central gyrus as well as the lateral occipital and opercular cortices of the left hemisphere. Hence, our analysis strategy uncovered that lesion patterns with unique hemispheric distributions are characteristic of how cognitive capacity is lost due to ischaemic brain tissue damage.
Seventeen years of misdiagnosis in rare dyslipidaemia: a case report of sitosterolaemia in a young female
Authors: Frederiksen Tanja Charlotte , Mortensen Martin Bødtker , Kanstrup Helle Lynge
Published: May 2021

Background 

Sitosterolaemia is a rare, autosomal recessive dyslipidaemia with increased absorption of dietary plant sterol and often presents with hypercholesterolaemia, xanthomas, and haematologic manifestations. If left untreated, sitosterolaemia can lead to high symptomatic burden and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Case summary 

We describe a case of a young female who initially presented at 4 years of age with classic manifestations of sitosterolaemia. She was misdiagnosed and treated for both juvenile arthritis and later familial hypercholesterolaemia until adulthood, when venous blood samples showed significantly elevated concentrations of plant sterols. DNA analyses showed that the patient was homozygous for a mutation in the ABCG5 gene, [c.1336C>T, p.(Arg446*)], which is known to be associated with sitosterolaemia.

Discussion 

Sitosterolaemia presents with multiple manifestations, which can initially be misinterpreted leading to prolonged misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis is key in order to relieve symptoms and prevent CAD.
Radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in a patient with dextrocardia and interruption of the inferior vena cava: a case report
Authors: Hu Xiaofeng , Wu Shaohui , Qin Mu , Jiang Weifeng , Liu Xu
Published: May 2021

Background

Dextrocardia with interruption of the inferior vena cava (I-IVC) is a very rare anatomical variant. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with this anatomical variant is challenging for electrophysiologists. This case report presents a safe, effective, and radiation-free approach for high-power ablation of AF via a superior transseptal approach in patients with dextrocardia and I-IVC.

Case summary

A 57-year-old man with paroxysmal AF with dextrocardia and I-IVC with azygos continuation was referred to our hospital for radiofrequency (RF) ablation. It was evident that transseptal puncture and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) would be impossible using an IVC approach via the femoral vein. Therefore, we decided to perform left atrium (LA) ablation via the superior vena cava approach. A phased array intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter was inserted in the right femoral vein. Three-dimensional (3D) anatomical reconstruction of LA, right atrium (RA), and coronary sinus (CS) ostium were performed using ICE with azygos vein and RA imaging. Navigation-enabled electrodes were inserted into annotated CS on cardiac 3D ICE image. The left internal jugular vein was accessed using an SL1 transseptal sheath and Brockenbrough needle. Transseptal puncture was performed under ICE with an RF-assisted approach. We accomplished ablation index guided high-power pulmonary vein isolation using a bi-directional guiding sheath with visualization capabilities and a surround flow contact force-sensing catheter. No complications occurred during or after the procedure.

Discussion

With the application of multitude of newer technologies, we can accomplish safe, effective, and fluoroscopy-free RF ablation of AF using the superior approach in patients with complex anomaly.
Domestic Violence in Residential Care Facilities in New South Wales, Australia: A Text Mining Study
Authors: Withall Adrienne , Karystianis George , Duncan Dayna , Hwang Ye In , Kidane Amanuel Hagos , Butler Tony
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

The police are often the first to attend domestic violence events in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, recording related details as structured information (e.g., date of the event, type of incident, premises type) and text narratives which contain important information (e.g., mental health status, abuse types) for victims and perpetrators. This study examined the characteristics of victims and persons of interest (POIs) suspected and/or charged with perpetrating a domestic violence-related crime in residential care facilities.

Research Design and Methods

The study employed a text mining method that extracted key information from 700 police-recorded domestic violence events in NSW residential care facilities.

Results

Victims were mostly female (65.4%) and older adults (median age 80.3). POIs were predominantly male (67.0%) and were younger than the victims (median age 57.0). While low rates of mental illnesses were recorded (29.1% in victims; 17.4% in POIs), “dementia” was the most common condition among POIs (55.7%) and victims (73.0%). “Physical abuse” was the most common abuse type (80.2%) with “bruising” the most common injury (36.8%). The most common relationship between perpetrator and victim was “carer” (76.6%).

Discussion and Implications

These findings highlight the opportunity provided by police text-based data to offer insights into elder abuse within residential care facilities.
Are competing-risk models superior to standard Cox models for predicting cardiovascular risk in older adults? Analysis of a whole-of-country primary prevention cohort aged ≥65 years
Authors: Cooper Hannah , Wells Sue , Mehta Suneela
Published: May 2021

Background

Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and deaths from non-CVD causes, which may preclude a CVD event, increase with age. We evaluated whether accounting for the competing risk of non-CVD death improves the performance of CVD risk-prediction equations in older adults.

Methods

All New Zealanders aged ≥65 years in 2012 without a prior CVD hospitalization were identified by anonymized linkage of eight routinely collected national health data sets. Sex-specific equations estimating the 5-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal CVD event were constructed using standard Cox and Fine-Gray (competing-risk) approaches. The pre-specified predictors were: age, ethnicity, deprivation level, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and baseline preventive pharmacotherapy. Model performance was evaluated by assessing calibration and discrimination in the overall cohort and in ethnic and age-specific subgroups.

Results

Among 360 443 people aged ≥65 years with 1 615 412 person-years of follow-up, 14.6% of men and 12.1% of women had a first CVD event, whereas 8.5% of men and 7.6% of women died from a non-CVD cause. Standard Cox models overestimated the mean predicted the 5-year CVD risk by ∼1% overall and by 5-6% in the highest risk deciles. The mean predicted CVD risk from the Fine-Gray models approximated the observed risk overall, although slight underestimation occurred in some subgroups. Discrimination was similar for both models.

Conclusions

In a whole-of-country primary prevention cohort aged ≥65 years, standard Cox models overestimated the 5-year CVD risk whereas the Fine-Gray models were generally better calibrated. New CVD risk equations that take competing risks into account should be considered for older people.
Phylogeny, Phenology, and Foraging Breadth ofAshmeadiella(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Murray Elizabeth A , Evanhoe Laurelin , Bossert Silas , Geber Monica A , Griswold Terry , McCoshum Shaun M
Published: May 2021

Ashmeadiella Cockerell (Megachilidae: Osmiini) is a bee genus endemic to North America, with greatest richness in arid and Mediterranean regions of the southwestern United States. Species relationships of Ashmeadiella were last analyzed in the 1950s, when Robert Sokal and Charles Michener developed a novel statistical clustering method for classification called numerical taxonomy. To revisit the taxonomic groups they established, we built a molecular phylogeny including all five subgenera. Furthermore, we assembled life history data to lay the foundation for future conservation programs for these bees. We chose three aspects of bee biology that can inform conservation strategies: documenting periods of the year adult bees are flying, assembling data for the flowers each species visits, and compiling the localities and ecoregions where each species is reported. Our results suggest that some Ashmeadiella species may need to be synonymized and that the subgenera should be revised due to non-monophyly. We therefore propose synonymizing the subgenera Cubitognatha and Chilosima with Arogochila. Biological data from published collection records reveal that adult flight periods range from a few months to 11 mo; most species utilize floral resources from multiple plant families; and, over half of the species have ranges extending into the Mojave Desert.
Furthering the Dialogue Between Religious Studies and Theology: An Apophatic Approach as a Heuristic Tool for Methodological Agnosticism
Authors: Tolstaya Katya , Bestebreurtje Frank
Published: May 2021

Debates on the relation between theology and religious studies ultimately revolve around epistemological questions: What are the respective limits of religious and academic knowledge and reasoning, and along what boundaries can they meet? This contribution argues that the “reality of religion” is the shared subject matter of these disciplines. For methodological purposes, a distinction is made between two poles: the “transcendent frame” of theology, which defines the reality of religion with reference to transcendence, and the “immanent frame” of religious studies, which defines the reality of religion with reference to the empirical or immanent and in which transcendence is “bracketed.” A qualified methodological agnosticism that considers the bounds of knowledge can further the dialogue between theology and religious studies on the status of transcendence. The theological apophatic method, which departs from a sense of not-knowing and the limits of human knowledge, can serve as a heuristic tool.
Validation of a Large Custom-Designed Pharmacogenomics Panel on an Array Genotyping Platform
Authors: Tang Nga Yeung , Pei Xun , George David , House Larry , Danahey Keith , Lipschultz Elizabeth , Ratain Mark J , O’Donnell Peter H , Yeo Kiang-Teck J , van Wijk Xander M R
Published: May 2021

Background

Pharmacogenomics has the potential to improve patient outcomes through predicting drug response. We designed and evaluated the analytical performance of a custom OpenArray® pharmacogenomics panel targeting 478 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs).

Methods

Forty Coriell Institute cell line (CCL) DNA samples and DNA isolated from 28 whole-blood samples were used for accuracy evaluation. Genotyping calls were compared to at least 1 reference method: next-generation sequencing, Sequenom MassARRAY®, or Sanger sequencing. For precision evaluation, 23 CCL samples were analyzed 3 times and reproducibility of the assays was assessed. For sensitivity evaluation, 6 CCL samples and 5 whole-blood DNA samples were analyzed at DNA concentrations of 10 ng/µL and 50 ng/µL, and their reproducibility and genotyping call rates were compared.

Results

For 443 variants, all samples assayed had concordant calls with at least 1 reference genotype and also demonstrated reproducibility. However, 6 of these 443 variants showed an unsatisfactory performance, such as low PCR amplification or insufficient separation of genotypes in scatter plots. Call rates were comparable between 50 ng/µL DNA (99.6%) and 10 ng/µL (99.2%). Use of 10 ng/µL DNA resulted in an incorrect call for a single sample for a single variant. Thus, as recommended by the manufacturer, 50 ng/µL is the preferred concentration for patient genotyping.

Conclusions

We evaluated a custom-designed pharmacogenomics panel and found that it reliably interrogated 437 variants. Clinically actionable results from selected variants on this panel are currently used in clinical studies employing pharmacogenomics for clinical decision-making.
1,1-Difluoroethane Forensic Aspects for the Toxicologist and Pathologist
Authors: Tiscione Nicholas B , Rohrig Timothy P
Published: May 2021

1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE) is a halogenated hydrocarbon that is commonly used as a propellant in air duster products. Herein, the pharmacology of DFE was reviewed, and questions relevant to medicolegal investigations were addressed. Particular emphasis was given to detection time in biological specimens and the range, onset and duration of effects. DFE may be abused as an inhalant and is rapidly absorbed through the lungs. Onset of central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects is within seconds and the duration may only last minutes. The effects may lead to impairment of human performance, including confusion, lethargy, impaired judgment, loss of motor coordination and loss of consciousness. Death may result even after the first use. With heavy use or in combination with other CNS depressants, extended periods of drowsiness or loss of consciousness may be observed with an increased risk of a fatal event. A majority of impaired driving investigations where DFE was identified included a collision demonstrating the significant impact its use may have on traffic safety. When DFE is identified alone, without other drugs that cause CNS impairment, the effects may not be observable minutes after the crash, making identification of its use difficult. Although concentrations dissipate rapidly, DFE has been detected in blood specimens collected up to 3 hours after the driving incident. Two studies on passive exposure presented herein demonstrated that it is unlikely to detect DFE above concentrations of ∼2.6 µg/mL in blood or urine due to even extreme unintentional exposure. Alternative specimens such as brain, lung and tracheal air should be considered in some postmortem investigations. DFE has been identified in blood specimens from postmortem cases at concentrations from 0.14 to 460 µg/mL and in impaired driving cases from 0.16 to 140 µg/mL.
Early Wound Repair Versus Later Scar Repair in Children with Treadmill Hand Friction Burns
Authors: Zhou Rong , Qiu Lin , Xiao Jun , Mao Xiaobo , Yuan Xingang
Published: May 2021

The incidence of pediatric treadmill hand friction burns has been increasing every year. The injuries are deeper than thermal hand burns, the optimal treatment remains unclear. This was a retrospective study of children who received surgery for treadmill hand friction burns from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, in a single burn center. A total of 22 children were surveyed. The patients were naturally divided into two groups: the wound repair group (13 patients), which was admitted early to the hospital after injury and received debridement and vacuum sealing drainage initially, and a full-thickness skin graft later; and the scar repair group (nine patients), in which a scar contracture developed as a result of wound healing and received scar release and skin grafting later. The Modified Michigan Hand Questionnaire score in the wound repair group was 116.31 ± 10.55, and the corresponding score in the scar repair group was 117.56 ± 8.85 (p > .05), no statistically significant difference. The Vancouver Scar Scale score in the wound repair group was 4.15 ± 1.21, and the corresponding score in the scar repair group was 7.22 ± 1.09 (p < .05). Parents were satisfied with the postoperative appearance and function of the hand. None in the two groups required secondary surgery. If the burns are deep second degree, third degree, or infected, early debridement, vacuum sealing drainage initially, and a full-thickness skin graft can obviously relieve pediatric pain, shorten the course of the disease, and restore the function of the hand as soon as possible.
Association of Medicaid Expansion With Cancer Stage and Disparities in Newly Diagnosed Young Adults
Authors: Ji Xu , Castellino Sharon M , Mertens Ann C , Zhao Jingxuan , Nogueira Leticia , Jemal Ahmedin , Yabroff K Robin , Han Xuesong
Published: May 2021

Background

Young adults (YAs) experience higher uninsurance rates and more advanced stage at cancer diagnosis than older counterparts. We examined the association of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion with insurance coverage and stage at diagnosis among YAs newly diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Database, we identified 309 413 YAs aged 18-39 years who received a first cancer diagnosis in 2011-2016. Outcomes included percentages of YAs without health insurance at diagnosis, with stage I (early-stage) diagnoses, and with stage IV (advanced-stage) diagnoses. We conducted difference-in-difference (DD) analyses to examine outcomes before and after states implemented Medicaid expansion compared with nonexpansion states. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

The percentage of uninsured YAs decreased more in expansion than nonexpansion states (adjusted DD = −1.0 percentage points [ppt], 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.4 to −0.7 ppt, P < .001). The overall percentage of stage I diagnoses increased (adjusted DD = 1.4 ppt, 95% CI = 0.6 to 2.2 ppt, P < .001) in expansion compared with nonexpansion states, with greater improvement among YAs in rural areas (adjusted DD = 7.2 ppt, 95% CI = 0.2 to 14.3 ppt, P = .045) than metropolitan areas (adjusted DD = 1.3 ppt, 95% CI = 0.4 to 2.2 ppt, P = .004) and among non-Hispanic Black patients (adjusted DD = 2.2 ppt, 95% CI = −0.03 to 4.4 ppt, P = .05) than non-Hispanic White patients (adjusted DD = 1.4 ppt, 95% CI = 0.4 to 2.3 ppt, P = .008). Despite the non-statistically significant change in stage IV diagnoses overall, the percentage declined more (adjusted DD = −1.2 ppt, 95% CI = −2.2 to −0.2 ppt, P = .02) among melanoma patients in expansion relative to nonexpansion states.

Conclusions

We provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, on the association of Medicaid expansion with shifts to early-stage cancer at diagnosis and a narrowing of rural-urban and Black-White disparities in YA cancer patients.
An invading annual plant benefits less from soil biota and has reduced competitive power with a resident grass
Authors: Luo Xi , Larios Loralee , D’Antonio Carla , Xu Xiaohong , Guo Hui
Published: May 2021

Aims

Interactions between plants and their soil biota, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in particular, may play a vital role in the establishment and the range expansion of exotic plants in new environments. However, whether there are post-introduction shifts in dependence on AMF and how dependency interacts with competition remains poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted a common garden greenhouse experiment to examine how native (USA) and invasive (China) populations of the plant species Plantago virginica, respond to soil biota, and whether these responses change in the presence of a competitor.

Important Findings

We found that while native populations consistently had a higher AMF colonization rate and benefited from AMF in both biomass and seed production, invasive populations received less benefit from AMF, and even showed reduced biomass with AMF in the presence of a competitor. This low mycorrhizal dependency in invasive populations correlated with greater suppression by an indigenous competitor for the invader. The different responses of the invasive and native populations to AMF suggest that alteration of mycorrhizal dependency has occurred during the invasion of P. virginica into China. Our findings suggest that this reduced dependency incurs a cost during interspecific competition.
Investigation of Possible Nosocomial-Associated Invasive Group B Streptococcus Disease Using Whole-Genome Sequencing: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Lukhele Sindiswa T , Kwatra Gaurav , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal , Dangor Ziyaad , Madhi Shabir A
Published: May 2021

We investigated possible nosocomial transmission of 3 invasive cases of Group B Streptococcus serotype III disease in newborns delivered in the same facility. All cases were of the same sequence type and clonal complex. Genomic variation was detected within the core genome and capsular region, indicating different sources of acquisition.
In pursuit of a better world: crop improvement and the CGIAR
Authors: Kholová Jana , Urban Milan Oldřich , Cock James , Arcos Jairo , Arnaud Elizabeth , Aytekin Destan , Azevedo Vania , Barnes Andrew P , Ceccarelli Salvatore , Chavarriaga Paul , Cobb Joshua N , Connor David , Cooper Mark , Craufurd Peter , Debouck Daniel , Fungo Robert , Grando Stefania , Hammer Graeme L , Jara Carlos E , Messina Charlie , Mosquera Gloria , Nchanji Eileen , Ng Eng Hwa , Prager Steven , Sankaran Sindhujan , Selvaraj Michael , Tardieu François , Thornton Philip , Valdes-Gutierrez Sandra P , van Etten Jacob , Wenzl Peter , Xu Yunbi
Published: May 2021

The CGIAR crop improvement (CI) programs, unlike commercial CI programs, which are mainly geared to profit though meeting farmers’ needs, are charged with meeting multiple objectives with target populations that include both farmers and the community at large. We compiled the opinions from >30 experts in the private and public sector on key strategies, methodologies, and activities that could the help CGIAR meet the challenges of providing farmers with improved varieties while simultaneously meeting the goals of: (i) nutrition, health, and food security; (ii) poverty reduction, livelihoods, and jobs; (iii) gender equality, youth, and inclusion; (iv) climate adaptation and mitigation; and (v) environmental health and biodiversity. We review the crop improvement processes starting with crop choice, moving through to breeding objectives, production of potential new varieties, selection, and finally adoption by farmers. The importance of multidisciplinary teams working towards common objectives is stressed as a key factor to success. The role of the distinct disciplines, actors, and their interactions throughout the process from crop choice through to adoption by farmers is discussed and illustrated.
Tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase-dependent and -independent regulation of root development and signaling by PSK LRR receptor kinases in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kaufmann Christine , Stührwohldt Nils , Sauter Margret
Published: May 2021

Tyrosine-sulfated peptides are key regulators of plant growth and development. The disulfated pentapeptide phytosulfokine (PSK) mediates growth via leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases, PSKR1 and PSKR2. PSK receptors (PSKRs) are part of a response module at the plasma membrane that mediates short-term growth responses, but downstream signaling of transcriptional regulation remains unexplored. In Arabidopsis, tyrosine sulfation is catalyzed by a single-copy gene (TPST; encoding tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase). We performed a microarray-based transcriptome analysis in the tpst-1 mutant background that lacks sulfated peptides to identify PSK-regulated genes and genes that are regulated by other sulfated peptides. Of the 169 PSK-regulated genes, several had functions in root growth and development, in agreement with shorter roots and a higher lateral root density in tpst-1. Further, tpst-1 roots developed higher numbers of root hairs, and PSK induced expression of WEREWOLF (WER), its paralog MYB DOMAIN PROTEIN 23 (MYB23), and At1g66800 that maintain non-hair cell fate. The tpst-1 pskr1-3 pskr2-1 mutant showed even shorter roots, and higher lateral root and root hair density than tpst-1, revealing unexpected synergistic effects of ligand and PSKR deficiencies. While residual activities may exist, overexpression of PSKR1 in the tpst-1 background induced root growth, suggesting that PSKR1 may be active in the absence of sulfated ligands.
A note on the asymptotic expressiveness of ZF and ZFC
Authors: Bendkowski Maciej
Published: May 2021

We investigate the asymptotic densities of theorems provable in Zermelo–Fraenkel set theory zf and its extension zfc including the axiom of choice. Assuming a canonical De Bruijn representation of formulae, we construct asymptotically large sets of sentences unprovable within zf, yet provable in zfc. Furthermore, we link the asymptotic density of zfc theorems with the provable consistency of zfc itself. Consequently, if zfc is consistent, it is not possible to refute the existence of the asymptotic density of zfc theorems within zfc. Both these results address a recent question by Zaionc regarding the asymptotic equivalence of zf and zfc.
A search for optical laser emission from Proxima Centauri
Authors: Marcy G W
Published: May 2021

A search for laser light from Proxima Centauri was performed, including 107 high-resolution, optical spectra obtained between 2004 and 2019 with the HARPS spectrometer. The search for laser light involved rejecting sharp peaks in the spectrum from stellar flares, fluorescent city lights, and elementary particles that directly hit the CCD detector. The search revealed unexpected spectral ‘combs’ found at equally spaced frequencies, which were not known to the observer nor to the builder of the spectrometer. But they came from stray, optical ghosts of light originating with an interferometric etalon filter and its light source at the telescope. Future observers must be aware of this contamination. The 107 spectra of Proxima Centauri show no evidence of any laser emission nor technological signatures of any type. Of special interest are 29 spectra obtained between March and July 2019 when the candidate technological radio signal, BLC1, was captured by Breakthrough Listen. This search would have revealed laser light from Proxima Centauri pointed toward Earth if the laser had a power at least 20 to 120 kilowatts (depending on wavelength) and was positioned within the 1.3 au field of view, assuming a benchmark laser launcher having a 10-m aperture. Smaller lasers would also have been detected, but would require more power.
Hot planets around cool stars – two short-period mini-Neptunes transiting the late K-dwarf TOI-1260
Authors: Georgieva I Y , Persson C M , Barragán O , Nowak G , Fridlund M , Locci D , Palle E , Luque R , Carleo I , Gandolfi D , Kane S R , Korth J , Stassun K G , Livingston J , Matthews E C , Collins K A , Howell S B , Serrano L M , Albrecht S , Bieryla A , Brasseur C E , Ciardi D , Cochran W D , Colon K D , Crossfield I J M , Csizmadia Sz , Deeg H J , Esposito M , Furlan E , Gan T , Goffo E , Gonzales E , Grziwa S , Guenther E W , Guerra P , Hirano T , Jenkins J M , Jensen E L N , Kabáth P , Knudstrup E , Lam K W F , Latham D W , Levine A M , Matson R A , McDermott S , Osborne H L M , Paegert M , Quinn S N , Redfield S , Ricker G R , Schlieder J E , Scott N J , Seager S , Smith A M S , Tenenbaum P , Twicken J D , Vanderspek R , Van Eylen V , Winn J N
Published: May 2021

We present the discovery and characterization of two sub-Neptunes in close orbits, as well as a tentative outer planet of a similar size, orbiting TOI-1260 – a low metallicity K6 V dwarf star. Photometry from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS) yields radii of Rb = 2.33 ± 0.10 and Rc = 2.82 ± 0.15 R⊕, and periods of 3.13 and 7.49 d for TOI-1260 b and TOI-1260 c, respectively. We combined the TESS data with a series of ground-based follow-up observations to characterize the planetary system. From HARPS-N high-precision radial velocities we obtain Mb = $8.6 _{ - 1.5 } ^ { + 1.4 }$ and Mc = $11.8 _{ - 3.2 } ^ { + 3.4 }$ M⊕. The star is moderately active with a complex activity pattern, which necessitated the use of Gaussian process regression for both the light-curve detrending and the radial velocity modelling, in the latter case guided by suitable activity indicators. We successfully disentangle the stellar-induced signal from the planetary signals, underlining the importance and usefulness of the Gaussian process approach. We test the system’s stability against atmospheric photoevaporation and find that the TOI-1260 planets are classic examples of the structure and composition ambiguity typical for the 2–3 R⊕ range.
Ionization correction factors and dust depletion patterns in giant H ii regions
Authors: Amayo A , Delgado-Inglada G , Stasińska G
Published: May 2021

We provide new ionization correction factors (ICFs) for carbon, nitrogen, neon, sulfur, chlorine, and argon in giant H ii regions. The ICFs were computed using the most representative photoionization models from a large initial grid. The models were selected using an observational sample of 985 giant H ii regions (GHR) in spiral galaxies and blue compact galaxies (BCG). The observational sample was also used to assign a weight to each model describing how well it agrees with observations in the [O iii]/H β versus [N ii]/H α diagram. In addition to the ICFs we provide, for the first time, analytical expressions for their formal uncertainties. We use our ICFs to compute the abundances of nitrogen, neon, sulfur, and argon in our samples. Our abundances are robust within the adopted framework, but may require revision in the case of important changes in atomic data or in the spectral energy distribution of the ionizing radiation in H ii regions. Considering the abundance patterns we obtained for the BCG sample (abundances for the GHR sample are less reliable) we find that oxygen is depleted into dust grains at a rate increasing with metallicity and reaching 0.12 dex at solar abundances. The discussion of possible depletion of sulfur and argon requires considering recent Type Ia Supernova yields, which are still uncertain.
Red Be stars in the Magellanic Clouds?
Authors: Vieira Katherine , García-Varela Alejandro , Sabogal Beatriz , Rímulo Leandro Rocha , Hernández Jesús
Published: May 2021

We revisit the subject of Be candidate stars towards the Magellanic Clouds, previously studied by the authors using SPM4 proper motions. We obtain Gaia DR2 parallaxes and proper motions for 2357 and 994 LMC and SMC Be candidates, respectively. Parallaxes and proper motions versus colour V − I easily reveal the presence of the redder galactic contaminant foreground, as concluded in our previous work, but this time we do find a few red Be candidates consistent with being true Magellanic objects. A membership assessment to each Magellanic Cloud is done for each Be candidate, based on the distribution of their parallaxes and proper motions. From a compilation of published catalogues of spectroscopically confirmed emission line stars,we find that 41 (LMC) and 56 (SMC) of the Be candidates have shown the Hα line in emission. Near-infrared IRSF JHKs magnitudes are obtained for about 70 per cent of the Be candidates with Gaia DR2 astrometric data. Mid-infrared SAGE IRAC 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 $\mu$m magnitudes are obtained for about 85 per cent as well. After discarding possible Herbig Ae/Be stars, one LMC and three SMC B emission line confirmed stars show significantly redder optical, near- and mid-infrared colours than what has been typically measured for Classical Be stars – they are called red Be stars. Taking into account that classical Be stars do not show these red colours, further studies about these four stars are needed in order to establish their true nature and explain the observed red excess.
CNVxplorer: a web tool to assist clinical interpretation of CNVs in rare disease patients
Authors: Requena Francisco , Abdallah Hamza Hadj , García Alejandro , Nitschké Patrick , Romana Sergi , Malan Valérie , Rausell Antonio
Published: May 2021

Copy Number Variants (CNVs) are an important cause of rare diseases. Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization tests yield a ∼12% diagnostic rate, with ∼8% of patients presenting CNVs of unknown significance. CNVs interpretation is particularly challenging on genomic regions outside of those overlapping with previously reported structural variants or disease-associated genes. Recent studies showed that a more comprehensive evaluation of CNV features, leveraging both coding and non-coding impacts, can significantly improve diagnostic rates. However, currently available CNV interpretation tools are mostly gene-centric or provide only non-interactive annotations difficult to assess in the clinical practice. Here, we present CNVxplorer, a web server suited for the functional assessment of CNVs in a clinical diagnostic setting. CNVxplorer mines a comprehensive set of clinical, genomic, and epigenomic features associated with CNVs. It provides sequence constraint metrics, impact on regulatory elements and topologically associating domains, as well as expression patterns. Analyses offered cover (a) agreement with patient phenotypes; (b) visualizations of associations among genes, regulatory elements and transcription factors; (c) enrichment on functional and pathway annotations and (d) co-occurrence of terms across PubMed publications related to the query CNVs. A flexible evaluation workflow allows dynamic re-interrogation in clinical sessions. CNVxplorer is publicly available at http://cnvxplorer.com.
Accelerator-based BNCT for patients with recurrent glioblastoma: a multicenter phase II study
Authors: Kawabata Shinji , Suzuki Minoru , Hirose Katsumi , Tanaka Hiroki , Kato Takahiro , Goto Hiromi , Narita Yoshitaka , Miyatake Shin-Ichi
Published: May 2021

Background

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) utilizes tumor-selective particle radiation. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of accelerator-based BNCT (AB-BNCT) using a cyclotron-based neutron generator (BNCT 30) and 10B-boronophenylalanine (SPM-011) in patients with recurrent malignant glioma (MG) (primarily glioblastoma [GB]).

Methods

This multi-institutional, open-label, phase II clinical trial involved 27 recurrent MG cases, including 24 GB cases, who were enrolled from February 2016 to June 2018. The study was conducted using the abovementioned AB-BNCT system, with 500 mg/kg SPM-011 (study code: JG002). The patients were bevacizumab-naïve and had recurrent MG after standard treatment. The primary endpoint was the 1-year survival rate, and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results were compared to those of a previous Japanese domestic bevacizumab trial for recurrent GB (JO22506).

Results

The 1-year survival rate and median OS of the recurrent GB cases in this trial were 79.2% (95% CI: 57.0–90.8) and 18.9 months (95% CI: 12.9–not estimable), respectively, whereas those of JO22506 were 34.5% (90% CI: 20.0–49.0) and 10.5 months (95% CI: 8.2–12.4), respectively. The median PFS was 0.9 months (95% CI: 0.8–1.0) by the RANO criteria. The most prominent adverse event was brain edema. Twenty-one of 27 cases were treated with bevacizumab following progressive disease.

Conclusions

AB-BNCT demonstrated acceptable safety and prolonged survival for recurrent MG. AB-BNCT may increase the risk of brain edema due to re-irradiation for recurrent MG; however, this appears to be controlled well with bevacizumab.