bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditional spectrum record selection faithful to causative earthquake parameter distributions
Authors: Spillatura Andrea , Kohrangi Mohsen , Bazzurro Paolo , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios
Published: April 2021

In performance‐based earthquake wngineering, record selection comes into play at the interface of seismic hazard and structural analysis aiming to repair any loss of essential seismological dependencies caused by the choice of an insufficient intensity measure to be used for structural response prediction. Site‐specific selection is best exemplified by the prominent conditional spectrum (CS) approach that attempts to ensure a hazard‐consistent response prediction by involving site hazard disaggregation. Specifically, CS utilizes a target spectrum (with mean and dispersion) that, in its latest formulation, accounts for all the scenarios (in terms of magnitude, M, and closest to rupture distance, R) contributing to the hazard of the site at a given intensity level. The ground motion records, however, are selected to match this target spectrum–based solely on their spectral shape but with no explicit consideration to their underlying M‐R characteristics. The main focus of this study is to explore whether the reintroduction of M‐R criteria in the selection process preserves hidden dependencies that may otherwise be lost through a spectral‐shape‐only proxy. The proposed record selection method, termed CS‐MR, offers a simple approach to maintain a higher order of hazard consistency able to indirectly account for metrics that depend on M‐R (e.g., duration, Arias intensity) but are not captured in the response spectra. Herein the CS‐MR response prediction is favorably compared to CS and to the generalized conditional intensity measure methods that select records according to, respectively, spectral shape only and, for the case at hand, to spectral shape plus duration.
European legislation for veterinary medicines: Would a monograph system improve the environmental risk assessment?
Authors: de la Casa-Resino Irene , Haro Castuera Amparo , Casimiro Elena Ramiro , Rubio Montejano Consuelo , Carapeto García Ricardo
Published: April 2021

The environmental risk assessment (ERA) of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) has been a regulatory requirement in the European Union (EU) since 1993. However, in the last few years, the potential impact of human and veterinary medicines on the environment has become a growing concern worldwide. Indeed, the legal requirements for VMPs in the EU are changing. Regulation (EU) 2019/6, which will be applied from January 28, 2022, aims to update the regulatory framework for VMPs and replaces Directive 2001/82/EC. This paper analyzes the ability of both legislations to ensure a high level of protection of the environment while authorizing VMPs. Consideration is also given to the impact on administrative burdens in both the legislations. We conclude that the Regulation improves the Directive by reducing to a certain extent the regulatory burdens for the applicants and authorities. However, the knowledge of the environmental risks of all authorized VMPs and the consistency of the assessments remain quite similar between both legislations. Nevertheless, the new Regulation proposes to examine the feasibility and applicability of an assessment system based on the critical review of properties of the active substances (“monographs”) or other potential alternatives. With this in mind, two proposals (a basic and an enhanced approach) for developing a monograph system are presented and their main advantages and disadvantages are explored. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1274–1285. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

KEY POINTS

The environmental risk assessment (ERA) of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) performed according to the Directive 2001/82/EC does not allow the systematic review of the environmental risks of all the VMPs authorized and supposes a lack of harmonization among equal active substances. The forthcoming legislation (Regulation [EU] 2019/6) improves the Directive in terms of ERA. However, the issues related to the lack of information on the environmental risks of all the VMPs in the market and the issues related to consistency remain. Article 156 of the Regulation gives the opportunity to study the feasibility of an active substance-based review system (the so-called “monographs”) or other potential alternatives for the environmental risk assessment of VMPs. The development of a monograph system could be a good opportunity to solve the shortcomings detected in the ERA of VMPs of the current and forthcoming legislation.
A retrospective study for investigating the outcomes of endometrial cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Sakai Kensuke , Yamagami Wataru , Machida Hiroko , Ebina Yasuhiko , Kobayashi Yoichi , Tabata Tsutomu , Kaneuchi Masanori , Nagase Satoru , Enomoto Takayuki , Aoki Daisuke , Mikami Mikio
Published: April 2021

Objective

To clarify the role of radiotherapy for endometrial cancer.

Methods

Data were analyzed for 39 247 patients with endometrial cancer registered with the Gynecologic Cancer Registry of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2004 to 2011.

Results

The rates of 5‐year overall survival (5y‐OS) in the radiotherapy and surgery groups were 53.6% and 94.5% in stage I or II, and 15.5% and 67.5% in stage III or IV, respectively. The prognosis in the radiotherapy group was significantly poorer than that in the surgery group. In multivariate analysis, age, advanced stage, histological type, risk of recurrence, and initial radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors. The rates of 5y‐OS with no adjuvant therapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and adjuvant radiotherapy were 95.3%, 92.9%, and 87.1% for stage I or II, respectively, with significant differences among all groups (P < 0.001), and 60.0%, 70.4%, and 55.5% for stage III or IV, respectively, with significant differences of adjuvant chemotherapy with no adjuvant therapy (P < 0.001) and with adjuvant radiotherapy (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age, advanced stage, histological type, lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Patients treated with radiotherapy had a significantly poorer prognosis and the appropriate indication of radiotherapy for endometrial cancer requires further study.
Changes of cytokine levels and T cell surface molecules in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the association with functional cure
Authors: Xu Zhen , Lin Ji‐zong , Zeng Ying‐fu , Yang Xiao‐hua , Wu Zhe‐bin , Hu Zhao‐xia , Zhao Qi‐yi , Liu Jing , Gao Zhi‐liang
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to examine changes in levels of cytokine and T cell surface molecules in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving sequential interferon therapy following 1‐year nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) treatment. Cytokine levels were measured in 30 patients, and T cell surface molecule expression was measured in 48 patients receiving sequential interferon therapy and 24 patients only receiving NA mono‐therapy. An HBsAg titer of <0.05 IU/ml was defined as a “functional cure.” In the cured group (HBsAg < 0.05 IU/ml), a decreasing probability was observed in IFN‐γ (after Week 0), and IL‐22 and IP‐10 (after Week 12). In the non‐cured group (HBsAg ≥ 0.05 IU/ml), a probability of slightly decreasing was observed for IFN‐γ (after Week 12), and a probability of increasing IP‐10 concentration (after Week 0) was observed. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses showed significant differences in the levels of IL‐10, IL‐23, CCL‐3, IL‐1β, IL‐2, and IL‐12P70 between the two groups. In GEE analysis, there were significant differences in expressions of CD45RO+ between the cured group and the non‐cured group. The frequencies of T cells expressing Tim‐3, CD62L, and CD152 were significantly lower in the sequential interferon therapy group than in the NA mono‐therapy group. Changes in cytokine levels (IFN‐γ, IP‐10, IL‐10, IL‐23, CCL‐3, IL‐1β, IL‐2, and IL‐12P70) and T cell surface molecules (CD45RO+) may predict HBsAg seroconversion in CHB patients receiving sequential interferon therapy. The period from Weeks 12 to 24 during sequential interferon therapy may be a critical time of immune status change.
Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of nine commercial RT‐PCR kits for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Colombia
Authors: Hernández Carolina , Florez Carolina , Castañeda Sergio , Ballesteros Nathalia , Martínez David , Castillo Adriana , Muñoz Marina , Gomez Sergio , Rico Angelica , Pardo Liseth , Paniz‐Mondolfi Alberto , Ramírez Juan David
Published: April 2021

The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic has led to the design and development of multiple reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction kits aimed to facilitate the rapid scale‐up of molecular testing for massive screening. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of nine commercial kits, which showed optimal performance and high discriminatory power. However, we observed differences in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and E gene Ct Values and discuss these results in light of the influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 genetic variability and its potential impact in current molecular diagnostic assays.
Participating mechanism of a major contributing gene ysnE for auxin biosynthesis in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9
Authors: Shao Jiahui , Li Yucong , Li Zunfeng , Xu Zhihui , Xun Weibing , Zhang Nan , Feng Haichao , Miao Youzhi , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu
Published: April 2021

The phytohormone indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) has been demonstrated to contribute to the plant growth‐promoting effect of rhizobacteria, but the IAA biosynthesis pathway in rhizobacteria remains unclear. The ysnE gene, encoding a putative tryptophan acetyltransferase, has been demonstrated to be involved in and strongly contribute to IAA production in Bacillus, but the mechanism is unknown. In this study, to investigate how ysnE participates in IAA biosynthesis in the plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9, differences in the produced IAA biosynthesis intermediates between wild‐type SQR9 and ΔysnE were analyzed and compared, and the effects of different intermediate compounds on the production of IAA and the accumulation of other intermediates were also investigated. The results showed that the mutant ΔysnE produced more indole‐3‐lactic acid (ILA) and tryptamine (TAM) than the SQR9 wild‐type strain (nearly 1.6‐ and 2.1‐fold), while the production of tryptophol (TOL) was significantly decreased by 46%. When indole‐3‐pyruvic acid (IPA) served as the substrate, the concentration of ILA in the ΔysnE fermentation broth was much higher than that of the wild type, while IAA and TOL were significantly lower, and ΔysnE was lower than SQR9 in IAA and TOL with the addition of TAM. The TOL content in the ΔysnE fermentation broth was much lower than that in the wild‐type SQR9 with the addition of ILA. We suggest that ysnE may be involved in the IPA and TAM pathways and play roles in indole acetaldehyde (IAAld) synthesis from IPA and TAM and in the conversion of ILA to TOL.
Systemic versus free antibiotic delivery in preventing acute exogenous implant related infection in a rat model
Authors: Marston Scott , Mirick Mueller Gudrun , Sabin Arick , Hansen Glen T. , Lindgren Bruce , Aparicio Conrado , Armstrong Alexandra R. , Larsen Ole H. , Schmidt Andrew , Kyle Richard , Gustilo Ramon , Tsukayama Dean , Bechtold Joan , Bue Mats
Published: April 2021

We studied systemic ceftriaxone, and free/local tobramycin and doxycycline in a controlled rat model representing a generic acute exogenous joint infection. We hypothesized that evidence of infection (quantitative colony forming units [CFU], qualitative scanning electron microscopy [SEM], histopathology) (1a) would be reduced with local versus systemic antibiotic, (1b) any antibiotic would be superior to control, (2) there would be a difference among antibiotics, and (3) antibiotic would not be detectable in serum at 4‐week euthanasia. Study groups included infected and noninfected (1) control (no treatment), (2) systemic ceftriaxone (daily), (3) local tobramycin, and (4) local doxycycline (10 rats/group; power = 0.8). With IACUC approval, a reliable acute exogenous joint infection was created by slowly injecting 50‐μl, 104 CFU Staphylococcus aureus, into the distal femoral medullary canal. The antibiotic formulation was introduced locally to the femoral canal and joint space. After 4 weeks, serum, pin, bone, and synovium were obtained. CFU/ml of bone and synovium were quantified using macrotiter method. SEM imaged biofilm on the surface of the pin, histopathology identified tissue response, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry quantified plasma antibiotic. (1) Groups receiving any antibiotic reported lower CFU/ml in synovium compared with no treatment. (2) In the synovium, free/local tobramycin reduced CFU/ml to a greater extent than free/local doxycycline (p < 0.05). (3) Antibiotic in plasma after the local application was nondetectable in all groups after 4 weeks. SEM revealed no difference in biofilm on pin among all groups.
Terminal sterilization influences the efficacy of an extracellular matrix‐blood composite for treating posttraumatic osteoarthritis in the rat model
Authors: Karamchedu Naga Padmini , Fleming Braden C. , Proffen Benedikt L. , Sant Nicholas J. , Portilla Gabriela , Parola Lauren R. , Molino Janine , Murray Martha M.
Published: April 2021

The objective was to determine if an intra‐articular injection of an extracellular matrix (ECM) powder and blood composite (ECM‐B) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury would have a mitigating effect on posttraumatic osteoarthritis and if that effect would be different with terminal sterilization of the ECM powder before use. Eighty Lewis rats underwent ACL transection and were divided into four groups: (1) intra‐articular injection with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS; n = 20), (2) intra‐articular injection of ECM‐B using aseptically processed ECM (ASEPTIC; n = 20), (3) intra‐articular injection of the ECM‐busing ECM powder sterilized with 15 kGy electron beam irradiation (EBEAM; n = 20), and (4) intra‐articular injection of the ECM‐B using ECM powder sterilized with ethylene oxide (EO; n = 20). Twenty additional animals received capsulotomy only (SHAM). The animals were followed for 6 weeks and evaluations of gait, radiographs, and joint cartilage histology were performed. At 6 weeks, when compared to the SHAM group, the group treated with PBS had significantly worse gait and histologic changes, while the ASEPTIC group was not different from SHAM for either of these outcomes. When compared to the SHAM group, the EO group had similar gait outcomes, but greater histologic damage, and the EBEAM group had significantly worse gait and histological outcomes. The ECM‐B composite produced using aseptically processed ECM powder mitigated the gait and histologic changes associated with osteoarthritis after ACL transection in the rat; however, care must be taken when selecting a terminal sterilization method as this may affect the effectiveness of treatment.
Treatment of advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei using cytoreductive surgery including total gastrectomy and perioperative chemotherapy
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Chang David
Published: April 2021

Background

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a disease caused by the widespread distribution of mucinous tumor into the peritoneal space from a perforated appendiceal neoplasm.

Methods

All patients in this study had cytoreductive surgery with total gastrectomy plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. A high diverting jejunostomy was used on all patients. Patient characteristics, adverse events, and survival were accumulated prospectively.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients were available for long‐term follow‐up. In the univariate analysis, features associated with a less favorable outcome included female gender (p = 0.0127), intestinal obstruction before treatment (p = 0.00791), and prior surgical score (PSS) (p = 0.0054). In the multivariate analysis, the two significant variables were grade (p = 0.0458) and PSS (p = 0.0041). Median survival was 12 years with a 5‐, 10‐, and 20‐year survival of 76%, 58%, and 37%, respectively. There were two postoperative deaths (3.4%) and Grades 3 and 4 adverse events in 20 (34.5%) patients.

Conclusions

A 10‐year survival after cytoreductive surgery, total gastrectomy with temporary high diverting jejunostomy, and perioperative chemotherapy occurred in 58% of these patients with advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei. High‐grade disease and extensive prior surgery with a high PSS were associated with reduced benefit.
Separation and anti‐inflammatory evaluation of phytochemical constituents from Pleurospermum candollei (Apiaceae) by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with continuous sample load
Authors: Ali Iftikhar , Mu Yan , Atif Muhammad , Hussain Hidayat , Li Jinping , Li Dandan , Shabbir Muhammad , Bankeu Jean Jules Kezetas , Cui Li , Sajjad Shahida , Wang Daijie , Wang Xiao
Published: April 2021

Pleurospermum (Apiaceae) species possess a wide range of biological properties viz. analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, antimalarial, and so on. Pleurospermum candollei (DC.) Benth. Ex C. B. Clark. is reported to cure diarrhea, gastric, respiratory, stomach, abdominal, joint, and back pain problems. In addition, it is also used for both male and female infertility. The present study deals with an efficient technique using high‐speed countercurrent chromatography for separation of chemical components from the methanol extract of P. candollei. Notably, nine main compounds namely luteolin 7‐O‐glucoside (1), oxypeucedanin hydrate (2), pabulenol (3), bergapten (4), heptadecanoic acid (5), (E)‐isoelemicin (6), trans‐asarone (7), α‐linolenic acid (8), and isoimperatorin (9) were very efficiently separated and isolated in pure form. Multiple injections were applied followed by two off‐line recycling high‐speed countercurrent chromatography. The inhibitory effect of nitric oxide production of all compounds was tested in the presence of 200 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 mice macrophage cells. The results demonstrated that compounds 7 and 8 effectively inhibited nitric oxide production, with IC50 values of 28.44 and 53.18 μM, respectively. This study thus validates the traditional claim of using P. candollei. Taken together, these findings will be useful in future research to find a potential candidate with anti‐inflammatory properties.
Ultrathin Broadband Reflective Optical Limiter
Authors: Wan Chenghao , Zhang Zhen , Salman Jad , King Jonathan , Xiao Yuzhe , Yu Zhaoning , Shahsafi Alireza , Wambold Raymond , Ramanathan Shriram , Kats Mikhail A.
Published: April 2021

Optical limiters are nonlinear devices that feature decreasing transmittance with increasing incident optical intensity, and thus can protect sensitive components from high‐intensity illumination. The ideal optical limiter reflects rather than absorbs light in its active (“limiting”) state, minimizing risk of damage to the limiter itself. Previous efforts to realize reflective (rather than absorbing) limiters were based on embedding nonlinear layers into relatively thick multilayer photonic structures, resulting in substantial fabrication complexity, reduced speed and, in some instances, limited working bandwidth. In this paper, these tradeoffs are overcome by using the insulator‐to‐metal transition (IMT) in vanadium dioxide (VO2) to achieve intensity‐dependent modulation of resonant transmission through aperture antennas. Due to the large change of optical properties across the IMT, low‐quality‐factor resonators are sufficient to achieve high on–off ratios in the transmittance of the limiter. As a result, our ultrathin reflective limiter (thickness ≈1/100 of the free‐space wavelength) is broadband in terms of operating wavelength (>2 µm at 10 µm) and angle of incidence (up to ≈50° away from the normal). Our analysis of the experimental results via opto‐thermal simulations provides insight into limiter performance and is a useful guidance for further engineering efforts.
Toward an accurate estimation of wall shear stress from 4D flow magnetic resonance downstream of a severe stenosis
Authors: Corso Pascal , Walheim Jonas , Dillinger Hannes , Giannakopoulos George , Gülan Utku , Frouzakis Christos Emmanouil , Kozerke Sebastian , Holzner Markus
Published: April 2021

Purpose

First, to investigate the agreement between velocity, velocity gradient, and Reynolds stress obtained from four‐dimensional flow magnetic resonance (4D flow MRI) measurements and direct numerical simulation (DNS). Second, to propose and optimize based on DNS, 2 alternative methods for the accurate estimation of wall shear stress (WSS) when the resolution of the flow measurements is limited. Thirdly, to validate the 2 methods based on 4D flow MRI data.

Methods

In vitro 4D MRI has been conducted in a realistic rigid stenosed aorta model under a constant flow rate of 12 L/min. A DNS of transitional stenotic flow has been performed using the same geometry and boundary conditions.

Results

Time‐averaged velocity and Reynolds stresses are in good agreement between in vitro 4D MRI data and DNS (errors between 2% and 8% of the reference downsampled data). WSS estimation based on the 2 proposed methods applied to MRI data provide good agreement with DNS for slice‐averaged values (maximum error is less than 15% of the mean reference WSS for the first method and 25% for the second method). The performance of both models is not strongly sensitive to spatial resolution up to 1.5 mm voxel size. While the performance of model 1 deteriorates appreciably at low signal‐to‐noise ratios, model 2 remains robust.

Conclusions

The 2 methods for WSS magnitude give an overall better agreement than the standard approach used in the literature based on direct calculation of the velocity gradient close to the wall (relative error of 84%).
A numerical approach for heat flux estimation in thin slabs continuous casting molds using data assimilation
Authors: Morelli Umberto Emil , Barral Patricia , Quintela Peregrina , Rozza Gianluigi , Stabile Giovanni
Published: April 2021

In the present work, we consider the industrial problem of estimating in real‐time the mold‐steel heat flux in continuous casting mold. We approach this problem by first considering the mold modeling problem (direct problem). Then, we plant the heat flux estimation problem as the inverse problem of estimating a Neumann boundary condition having as data pointwise temperature measurements in the interior of the mold domain. We also consider the case of having a total heat flux measurement together with the temperature measurements. We develop two methodologies for solving this inverse problem. The first one is the traditional Alifanov's regularization, the second one exploits the parameterization of the heat flux. We develop the latter method to have an offline–online decomposition with a computationally efficient online part to be performed in real‐time. In the last part of this work, we test these methods on academic and industrial benchmarks. The results show that the parameterization method outclasses Alifanov's regularization both in performance and computational cost. Moreover, it proves to be robust with respect to the measurements noise. Finally, the tests confirm that the computational cost is suitable for real‐time estimation of the heat flux.
Cemental composites with polyurethane and recycled polyvinyl chloride: The influence of industrial waste addition on flammability
Authors: Marques Diego Valdevino , Cremona Parma Gabriel Oscar , Valezan Igor Fagundes , de Aguiar Ana Carolina , Mendonça Bruno Afonso Büchele , Cruz Junior Américo , da Silva Luciano , Soriano Corral Florentino , Sanchez Saul , Barcelos Ricardo Luis , Magnago Rachel Faverzani
Published: April 2021

In the construction industry, the large number of residues presents a challenge for recycling and the possibility of producing new materials. This study reported the effects of the addition of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) residues and cement/alumina trihydrate on the production of a fire‐resistant thermal‐acoustic insulation material. The composites were verified by scanning electron microscopy, the polyurethane (PU) cells were maintained with the addition of PVC, cement, and trihydrate alumina. The reduction in compressive strength for boards with 50% PVC waste as a replacement for the PU raw material. The boards showed the composites' conductivity coefficient was lower than that of the perforated brick and combustion deceleration up to flame extinction in the flammability test (UL94) because of the PVC/cement/alumina trihydrate. They also presented cost savings (~57%) and carbon dioxide emissions (~49%) from the raw material, contributing to developing a less predatory and socio‐environmentally responsible industry.
Registration of ‘FloRun ‘331’ ’ peanut
Authors: Tillman B. L.
Published: April 2021

‘FloRun ‘331’ ’ (Reg. no. CV‐144, PI 680624) is a high‐oleic, runner market‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. ssp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) cultivar with medium runner seed size developed by the University of Florida, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, North Florida Research and Education Center, near Marianna, FL. It was tested under the experimental designation UF15302 and was approved for release in 2016. FloRun ‘331’ has a semi‐prostrate growth habit, with a tall and prominent center stem and dark green leaves. The seed testa is tan and the seeds are smaller than seeds of ‘Georgia‐06G’ (68.8 g vs. 76.9 g per 100 seeds, P < .001). FloRun ‘331’ was released based on its pod yield and grading potential, disease resistance, and high oleic oil content. During the 3‐yr period from 2013 to 2015, at three locations, FloRun ‘331’ had higher pod yield (8,101 vs. 7,533 kg ha–1; P = .0088) than ‘Georgia‐06G’, the dominant cultivar in the southeastern United States. The total sound mature kernels grade of FloRun ‘331’ was slightly less than that of Georgia‐06G (77.1 vs. 79.9%, P < .0032. It also has the benefit of high oleic oil chemistry. with oil composed of 79.3% oleic fatty acid versus 61.3% for Georgia‐06G (P < .01). In addition, FloRun ‘331’ has very good tolerance to two major fungal diseases: late leaf spot and white mold. Therefore, it combines excellent agronomic, grade, disease, and oil chemistry traits and should be beneficial to farmers and manufacturers of peanut foods.
The challenge of accurately describing the epidemiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) based on the various current definitions of BPD
Authors: Cuevas Guaman Milenka , Dahm Paul H. , Welty Stephen E.
Published: April 2021

Despite marked improvements in the survival of extremely low birth weight preterm infants, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a prevalent morbidity. BPD has evolved pathologically and epidemiologically but the definition has failed to keep up. The majority of the definitions of BPD still use the respiratory support provided to the infants at a single timepoint. The lack of a uniform definition of BPD presently reflects the changing BPD pathogenesis and phenotype and limits defining the epidemiology. To address the epidemiology of BPD, the definition should be clarified; even the newer definitions have not been validated entirely. The definition needs to be meaningful clinically and be predictive of long‐term respiratory outcomes. We believe the definition should have a composite assessment like a score (quantitative measurement) and include the different phenotypes (qualitative measurements) so that optimally they can be applied to the different phases of BPD and at different timepoints. Furthermore, the definitions need to be easy to measure and assess so that generalizability is enhanced.
Risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis hospitalizations in children with chronic diseases
Authors: Shmueli Einat , Goldberg Ori , Mei‐Zahav Meir , Stafler Patrick , Bar‐On Ophir , Levine Hagit , Steuer Guy , Mussaffi Huda , Gendler Yulia , Blau Hannah , Prais Dario
Published: April 2021

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract disorder causing hospitalization in infants. Due to decreased hospitalization rates of premature infants following Palivizumab immune prophylaxis, the proportion of infants with chronic diseases not eligible for Palivizumab has increased.

Aim

To characterize infants hospitalized during 2014–2018 with RSV bronchiolitis, to compare between those with and without chronic conditions, and to identify risk factors for severe disease.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed demographic and clinical data of patients younger than 2 years admitted with bronchiolitis during four consecutive RSV seasons.

Results

Of 1124 hospitalizations due to RSV bronchiolitis, 244 (22%) were in infants with chronic diseases. Although 20/1124 qualified for RSV prophylaxis, only eight received immune prophylaxis. Compared to otherwise healthy infants, children with chronic diseases had longer hospitalizations, median 4.8 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.4–8.3) versus 3.7 days (IQR: 2.7–5.1), p < .001; and higher pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and readmission rates (9% vs. 4.5%, p = .007% and 3% vs. 1%, p = .055, respectively). Children with Down's syndrome comprised 2% of all hospitalizations, but 8% of PICU admissions; their median length of hospitalization was 10.7 days (IQR: 6.6–17.6). Respiratory tract malformations were present in 2% of hospitalizations, and comprised 4% of PICU admissions.

Conclusion

Among infants admitted with RSV bronchiolitis, those with chronic diseases had longer hospitalizations and higher rates of transfer to the PICU. Children with multiple comorbidities, and especially those with Down's syndrome, are at particularly high risk for severe hospitalization and may benefit from RSV immune prophylaxis.
Remote monitoring of Cydia pomonella adults among an assemblage of nontargets in sex pheromone‐kairomone‐baited smart traps
Authors: Preti Michele , Favaro Riccardo , Knight Alan Lee , Angeli Sergio
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Captures of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), in traps are used to establish action thresholds and time insecticide sprays. The need for frequent trap inspections in often remote orchards has created a niche for remote sensing smart traps. A smart trap baited with a five‐component pheromone‐kairomone blend was evaluated for codling moth monitoring among an assemblage of other nontargets in apple and pear orchards.

RESULTS

Codling moth captures did not differ between the smart trap and a standard trap when both were checked manually. However, the correlation between automatic and manual counts of codling moth in the smart traps was low, R2 = 0.66 ÷ 0.87. False‐negative identifications by the smart trap were infrequent <5%, but false‐positive identifications accounted for up to 67% of the count. These errors were primarily due to the misidentification of three moth species of fairly similar‐size to codling moth: apple clearwing moth Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkhausen), oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck), and carnation tortrix Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Hübner). Other false‐positive counts were less frequent and included the misidentifications of dipterans, other arthropods, patches of moth scales, and the double counting of some moths.

CONCLUSION

Codling moth was successfully monitored remotely with a smart trap baited with a nonselective sex pheromone‐kairomone lure, but automatic counts were inflated in some orchards due to mischaracterizations of primarily similar‐sized nontarget moths. Improved image‐identification algorithms are needed for smart traps baited with less‐selective lures and with lure sets targeting multiple species.
Characterization of the detrimental effects of type IV glandular trichomes on the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae in tomato
Authors: Blanco‐Sánchez Lidia , Planelló Rosario , Llorente Lola , Díaz‐Pendón Juan A , Ferrero Victoria , Fernández‐Muñoz Rafael , Herrero Óscar , de la Peña Eduardo
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Glandular trichomes are essential in plants' defence against pests however, the mechanisms of action are not completely understood. While there is considerable evidence of feeding and movement impairment by trichomes, the effect on other traits is less clear. We combined laboratory and greenhouse experiments with molecular analysis to understand how glandular trichomes affect the behavior, population growth, and the expression of biomarkers involved in detoxification, primary metabolism, and developmental pathways of the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae. We used two isogenic tomato lines that differ in the presence of type IV glandular trichomes and production of acylsucroses; i.e.,Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Moneymaker’ and an introgressed line from Solanum pimpinellifolium (with trichomes type IV).

RESULTS

Type IV glandular trichomes affected host selection and aphid proliferation with aphids avoiding, and showing impaired multiplication on the genotype with trichomes. The exposure to type IV glandular trichomes resulted in the overexpression of detoxication markers (i.e., Hsp70, Hsp17, Hsp10); the repression of the energetic metabolism (GAPDH), and the activation of the ecdysone pathway; all these, underlying the key adaptations and metabolic trade‐offs in aphids exposed to glandular trichomes.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the detrimental effect of glandular trichomes (type IV) on the aphid and put forward their mode of action. Given the prevalence of glandular trichomes in wild and cultivated Solanaceae; and of the investigated molecular biomarkers in insects in general, our results provide relevant mechanisms to understand the effect of trichomes not only on herbivorous insects but also on other trophic levels.
An Overview of the Thermal Erasure Mechanisms of Femtosecond Laser‐Induced Nanogratings in Silica Glass
Authors: Wang Yitao , Cavillon Maxime , Ollier Nadège , Poumellec Bertrand , Lancry Matthieu
Published: April 2021

Type II modifications induced by infrared (IR) femtosecond (fs) lasers are used in many optical devices due to their excellent thermal stability at high temperatures (typically >800 °C). The characteristic feature of type II modifications is the formation of nanogratings, which are easily detected through birefringence measurements. However, the measured birefringence is an aggregate value of multiple contributions including form birefringence, stress‐induced birefringence due to permanent volume changes, and point defects. This work investigates the thermal erasure kinetics of each one of these contributions in silica glass. Firstly, samples are irradiated with a fs‐laser using different conditions (polarization, energy). Secondly, accelerated aging experiments are conducted to evaluate the stability of the laser‐induced modifications, including defects, densification, stress field, and porous nanogratings. Finally, the aforementioned contributions to the thermal stability of the nanogratings are identified using spectroscopic techniques (Raman, Rayleigh scattering, UV–vis absorption) and electron microscopy. Moreover, porous nanogratings erasure kinetics are simulated using the Rayleigh–Plesset equation. Herein, a valuable framework in the realization of silica glass‐based optical devices operating at high temperatures (≫800 °) is provided by 1) evidencing the effect of annealing on each erasure mechanism and 2) providing information on the optical response (mainly birefringence) upon annealing.
Numerical solution of Schrodinger equation for rotating Morse potential using matrix methods with Fourier sine basis and optimization using variational Monte‐Carlo approach
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Sastri Oruganti S. K. S.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, time independent Schrodinger equation (TISE) for rotating Morse potential is solved numerically using matrix mechanics approach with Fourier sine basis, to obtain the ro‐vibrational spectra for diatomic molecules, here for HCl. Alongside, an optimization procedure for extraction of best model parameters based on variational Monte‐Carlo technique (VMC) is implemented. The first three vibrational frequencies from simulation are compared with experimental data by calculating mean‐square error, called χ2‐value. Minimizing χ2 by VMC technique is akin to extracting inverted potential based on Morse function that best fits experimental data. Finally, these optimized parameters for Morse potential, along with centrifugal term, are utilized in TISE to obtain ro‐vibrational frequencies for HCl. It has been found that mean % error obtained for ro‐vibrational lines from VMC are two orders of magnitude smaller than those obtained from best parameter fits using multiple regression analysis. The programs have been implemented in Scilab, and matrix methods results have been validated with those obtained using analytical solutions from Nikiforov–Uvarov method and asymptotic iteration method.
Dynamic changes of genome sizes and gradual gain of cell‐specific distribution of C4 enzymes during C4 evolution in genus Flaveria
Authors: Taniguchi Yukimi Y. , Gowik Udo , Kinoshita Yuto , Kishizaki Risa , Ono Naoaki , Yokota Akiho , Westhoff Peter , Munekage Yuri N.
Published: April 2021

C4 plants are believed to have evolved from C3 plants through various C3–C4 intermediate stages in which a photorespiration‐dependent CO2 concentration system known as C2 photosynthesis operates. Genes involved in the C4 cycle were thought to be recruited from orthologs present in C3 species and developed cell‐specific expression during C4 evolution. To understand the process of establishing C4 photosynthesis, we performed whole‐genome sequencing and investigated expression and mesophyll‐ or bundle‐sheath‐cell‐specific localization of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP‐malic enzyme (NADP‐ME), pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) in C3, C3–C4 intermediate, C4–like, and C4 Flaveria species. While genome sizes vary greatly, the number of predicted protein‐coding genes was similar among C3, C3–C4 intermediate, C4–like, and C4 Flaveria species. Cell‐specific localization of the PEPC, NADP‐ME, and PPDK transcripts was insignificant or weak in C3–C4 intermediate species, whereas these transcripts were expressed cell‐type specific in C4–like species. These results showed that elevation of gene expression and cell‐specific control of pre‐existing C4 cycle genes in C3 species was involved in C4 evolution. Gene expression was gradually enhanced during C4 evolution, whereas cell‐specific control was gained independently of quantitative transcriptional activation during evolution from C3–C4 intermediate to C4 photosynthesis in genus Flaveria.
Should We Provide the Bear Necessities? Climate Change, Polar Bears and the Ethics of Supplemental Feeding
Authors: Palmer Clare
Published: April 2021

This paper considers whether we have any moral responsibility to offer supplemental feeding to wild animals who have lost food access due to climate change. It takes as a particular case the situation of some individual polar bears who, over the next decade, are likely to be threatened with abrupt loss of food access due to changes in sea ice, potentially causing starvation. The paper argues that, as is implied by most positions in animal ethics, there are ethical reasons to assist individual polar bears by supplemental feeding. However, there are also good reasons to hesitate, and to consider potential harms both to bears and to other animals, as well the loss of wildness value that may be involved. From some ethical positions, the likely harms involved make euthanasia ethically preferable to supplemental feeding. But on other plausible ethical arguments, these likely harms are not decisive. We need to know more about the possible effects of supplemental feeding of polar bears. So, the paper concludes that when the first bears are threatened by abrupt loss of food access, a trial of supplementary feeding should be considered in consultation with relevant native peoples.
Understanding and Defending the Preference for Native Species
Authors: Hettinger Ned
Published: April 2021

The preference for native species, along with its concomitant antipathy toward non-natives, has been increasingly criticized as incoherent, obsolete, xenophobic, misanthropic, uncompassionate, and antithetical to conservation. This essay explores these criticisms. It articulates an ecological conception of nativeness that distinguishes non-native species both from human-introduced and from invasive species. It supports, for the most part, the criticisms that non-natives threaten biodiversity, homogenize ecological assemblages, and further humanize the planet. While prejudicial dislike of the foreign is a human failing that feeds the preference for natives, opposition to non-natives can be based on laudatory desires to protect natural dimensions of the biological world and to prevent biological impoverishment. Implications for our treatment of non-native, sentient animals are explored, as well as are questions about how to apply the native/non-native distinction to animals that share human habitats and to species affected by climate change.
The Effect of Temperature Variation on Bridges—A Literature Review
Authors: Borah Sushmita , Al-Habaibeh Amin , Kromanis Rolands
Published: April 2021

Bridges are commonly subjected to complex load scenarios in their lifetime. Understanding the response of bridges under such load scenarios is important to ensure their safety. While static and dynamic loads from vehicles and pedestrians influence the instantaneous response of bridges, studies show that thermal load from diurnal and seasonal temperature variation influences its long-term response and durability. This study addresses the effects of thermal load variation on bridges and briefly reviews methods of measuring such effects. The findings show that thermally induced deformations in bridges are of magnitude equal or larger than that induced by vehicle induced load. This study highlights the significance of measuring temperature responses of bridges for their robust structural health monitoring.
4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SCFTs and lisse W-algebras
Authors: Xie Dan , Yan Wenbin
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We continue our studies of the correspondence between 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFTs and 2d W-algebras. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between 2d lisse W-algebras and their 4d SCFT partners. The lisse W-algebra is the W-algebra whose associated Zhu’s C2 algebra is finite dimensional. As the associated variety of Zhu’s C2 algebra is identified with the Higgs branch in the 4d/2d correspondence, the lisse condition is equivalent to the absence of the Higgs branch on the 4d side. We classify 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFTs which do not admit Higgs branch, then these theories would give lisse W-algebras through the 4d/2d correspondence. In particular, we predict the existence of a large class of new non-admissible lisse W-algebras, which have not been studied before. The 4d theories corresponding to lisse W-algebra can appear in the Higgs branches of generic 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFTs, therefore they are crucial to understand the Higgs branches of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFTs.
Chronische Bauchschmerzen – Folge einer seltenen gastrointestinalen Fehlbildung?
Authors: Brinkmann J.E. , Alrefai M. , Senkal M. , Schmidt-Choudhury A. , Schmidt W. E. , Tannapfel A. , Seul R.
Published: April 2021

Es wird über eine 15-jährige Patientin mit chronischen Bauchschmerzen, Übelkeit, stuhlig riechendem Aufstoßen und Durchfällen nach dem Trinken berichtet. Endoskopisch wurden 3 gastrokolische Fisteln entdeckt. Weder laborchemisch noch histologisch ergab sich ein Hinweis auf das Vorliegen eines M. Crohn oder anderer Grunderkrankungen. Histologisch fanden sich in Schleimhautbiopsaten der größten Fistel Zeichen einer geringgradigen chronischen und floriden Gastritis. Nach Therapiebeginn mit Omeprazol kam es zur deutlichen Beschwerdebesserung. Alle Fisteln wurden in einer laparoskopischen Operation mithilfe eines Staplers durchtrennt.
Higher Order Large Gap Asymptotics at the Hard Edge for Muttalib–Borodin Ensembles
Authors: Charlier Christophe , Lenells Jonatan , Mauersberger Julian
Published: April 2021

We consider the limiting process that arises at the hard edge of Muttalib–Borodin ensembles. This point process depends on $$\theta > 0$$

θ
>
0

and has a kernel built out of Wright’s generalized Bessel functions. In a recent paper, Claeys, Girotti and Stivigny have established first and second order asymptotics for large gap probabilities in these ensembles. These asymptotics take the form $$\begin{aligned} {\mathbb {P}}(\text{ gap } \text{ on } [0,s]) = C \exp \left( -a s^{2\rho } + b s^{\rho } + c \ln s \right) (1 + o(1)) \qquad \text{ as } s \rightarrow + \infty , \end{aligned}$$

P

(

gap

on

[
0
,
s
]

)

=
C
exp

-
a

s

2
ρ

+
b

s
ρ

+
c
ln
s

(
1
+
o

(
1
)

)

as

s
→
+
∞
,

where the constants $$\rho $$
ρ
, a, and b have been derived explicitly via a differential identity in s and the analysis of a Riemann–Hilbert problem. Their method can be used to evaluate c (with more efforts), but does not allow for the evaluation of C. In this work, we obtain expressions for the constants c and C by employing a differential identity in $$\theta $$
θ
. When $$\theta $$
θ
is rational, we find that C can be expressed in terms of Barnes’ G-function. We also show that the asymptotic formula can be extended to all orders in s.
Does Liberal Prehospital and In‐Hospital Tranexamic Acid Influence Outcome in Severely Injured Patients? A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , Leenen Luke P. H.
Published: April 2021

Background

Early hemorrhage control is important in trauma‐related death prevention. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has shown to be beneficial in patients in hemorrhagic shock, although widespread adoption might result in incorrect TXA administration leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

Methods

A 7‐year prospective cohort study with consecutive trauma patients admitted to a Level‐1 Trauma Center ICU was performed to investigate administration of both pre‐ and in‐hospital TXA and its relation to morbidity and mortality. Indication for prehospital and in‐hospital TXA administration was (suspicion of) hemorrhagic shock, and/or systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 90 mmHg. Demographics, data on physiology, resuscitation and outcomes were prospectively collected.

Results

Four hundred and twenty‐two patients (71% males, median ISS 29, 95% blunt injuries) were included. Even though TXA patients were more severely injured with more deranged physiology, no differences in outcome were noted. Overall, thrombo‐embolic complication rate was 8%. In half the patients, hemorrhagic shock was the indication for prehospital TXA, whereas 79% of in‐hospital TXA was given based on suspicion of hemorrhagic shock. Thirteen percent of patients with SBP ≤ 90 mmHg in ED received no TXA at all. Based on SBP alone, 22% of prehospital TXA and 25% of in‐hospital TXA were justified.

Conclusions

Despite being more severely injured, TXA patients had similar outcome compared to patients without TXA. Thrombo‐embolic complication rate was low despite liberal use of both prehospital and in‐hospital TXA. Caution should be exercised in selecting patients for TXA, although this might be challenging based on SBP alone in patients who do not yet show signs of deranged physiology on arrival in ED.