bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct genomic landscape of Chinese pediatric acute myeloid leukemia impacts clinical risk classification
Authors: Liu Ting , Rao Jianan , Hu Wenting , Cui Bowen , Cai Jiaoyang , Liu Yuhan , Sun Huiying , Chen Xiaoxiao , Tang Yanjing , Chen Jing , Wang Xiang , Wang Han , Qian Wubin , Mao Binchen , Guo Sheng , Wang Ronghua , Liu Yu , Shen Shuhong
Published: March 2022

Studies have revealed key genomic aberrations in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on Western populations. It is unknown to what extent the current genomic findings represent populations with different ethnic backgrounds. Here we present the genomic landscape of driver alterations of Chinese pediatric AML and discover previously undescribed genomic aberrations, including the XPO1-TNRC18 fusion. Comprehensively comparing between the Chinese and Western AML cohorts reveal a substantially distinct genomic alteration profile. For example, Chinese AML patients more commonly exhibit mutations in KIT and CSF3R, and less frequently mutated of genes in the RAS signaling pathway. These differences in mutation frequencies lead to the detection of previously uncharacterized co-occurring mutation pairs. Importantly, the distinct driver profile is clinical relevant. We propose a refined prognosis risk classification model which better reflected the adverse event risk for Chinese AML patients. These results emphasize the importance of genetic background in precision medicine.
‘Citizens’ Attitudes Under Covid19’, a cross-country panel survey of public opinion in 11 advanced democracies
Authors: Brouard Sylvain , Foucault Martial , Michel Elie , Becher Michael , Vasilopoulos Pavlos , Bono Pierre-Henri , Sormani Nicolas
Published: March 2022

This article introduces data collected in the Citizens’ Attitudes Under Covid-19 Project (CAUCP), which surveyed public opinion throughout the Covid-19 pandemic in 11 democracies between March and December 2020. In this paper, we present a unique cross-country panel survey of citizens’ attitudes and behaviors during a worldwide unprecedented health, governance, and economic crisis. This dataset investigates the behavioral and attitudinal consequences of multifaceted Covid19 crisis across time and contexts. In this paper, we describe the design of the CAUCP and the descriptive features of the dataset; we also present promising research prospects.
The first 3D analysis of the sphenoid morphogenesis during the human embryonic period
Authors: Utsunomiya Natsuko , Katsube Motoki , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Yoneyama Akio , Morimoto Naoki , Yamada Shigehito
Published: March 2022

The sphenoid has a complicated shape, and its morphogenesis during early development remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the detailed morphogenesis of the sphenoid and to visualize it three-dimensionally using histological section (HS) and phase-contrast X-ray CT (PCX-CT). We examined 65 specimens using HS and 57 specimens using PCX-CT, and summarized the initial morphogenesis of the sphenoid during Carnegie stage (CS) 17 to 23. The 3D models reconstructed using PCX-CT demonstrated that some neural foramina have the common process of "neuro-advanced" formation and revealed that shape change in the anterior sphenoid lasts longer than that of the posterior sphenoid, implying that the anterior sphenoid may have plasticity to produce morphological variations in the human face. Moreover, we measured the cranial base angle (CBA) in an accurate midsagittal section acquired using PCX-CT and found that the CBA against CS was largest at CS21. Meanwhile, CBA against body length showed no striking peak, suggesting that the angulation during the embryonic period may be related to any developmental events along the progress of stages rather than to a simple body enlargement. Our study elucidated the normal growth of the embryonic sphenoid, which has implications for the development and evolution of the human cranium.
Using machine learning to uncover the relation between age and life satisfaction
Authors: Kaiser Micha , Otterbach Steffen , Sousa-Poza Alfonso
Published: March 2022

This study applies a machine learning (ML) approach to around 400,000 observations from the German Socio-Economic Panel to assess the relation between life satisfaction and age. We show that with our ML-based approach it is possible to isolate the effect of age on life satisfaction across the lifecycle without explicitly parameterizing the complex relationship between age and other covariates—this complex relation is taken into account by a feedforward neural network. Our results show a clear U-shape relation between age and life satisfaction across the lifespan, with a minimum at around 50 years of age.
Speed-accuracy tradeoffs influence the main sequence of saccadic eye movements
Authors: Guadron Leslie , van Opstal A. John , Goossens Jeroen
Published: March 2022

Several studies have proposed that an optimal speed-accuracy tradeoff underlies the stereotyped relationship between amplitude, duration and peak velocity of saccades (main sequence). To test this theory, we asked 8 participants to make saccades to Gaussian-blurred spots and manipulated the task’s accuracy constraints by varying target size (1, 3, and 5°). The largest targets indeed yielded more endpoint scatter (and lower gains) than the smallest targets, although this effect subsided with target eccentricity. The main sequence depended on several interacting factors: saccade latency, saccade gain and target size. Early saccades, which were faster than amplitude-matched late saccades, followed the target-size dependency one would expect from a speed-accuracy tradeoff process. They had higher peak velocities and shorter durations for larger targets than for smaller targets. For late saccades, however, the opposite was found. Deviations from the main sequence also covaried with saccade gain, in line with the idea that motor noise underlies part of the endpoint variability. Thus, our data provide partial evidence that the saccadic system weighs the detrimental effects of motor noise on saccade accuracy against movement duration and speed, but other factors also modulate the kinematics. We discuss the possible involvement of parallel saccade pathways to account for our findings.
Structural and mechanistic basis for redox sensing by the cyanobacterial transcription regulator RexT
Authors: Li Bin , Jo Minshik , Liu Jianxin , Tian Jiayi , Canfield Robert , Bridwell-Rabb Jennifer
Published: March 2022

Organisms have a myriad of strategies for sensing, responding to, and combating reactive oxygen species, which are unavoidable consequences of aerobic life. In the heterocystous cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. PCC 7120, one such strategy is the use of an ArsR-SmtB transcriptional regulator RexT that senses H2O2 and upregulates expression of thioredoxin to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Different from many other members of the ArsR-SmtB family which bind metal ions, RexT has been proposed to use disulfide bond formation as a trigger to bind and release DNA. Here, we present high-resolution crystal structures of RexT in the reduced and H2O2-treated states. These structures reveal that RexT showcases the ArsR-SmtB winged-helix-turn-helix fold and forms a vicinal disulfide bond to orchestrate a response to H2O2. The importance of the disulfide-forming Cys residues was corroborated using site-directed mutagenesis, mass spectrometry, and H2O2-consumption assays. Furthermore, an entrance channel for H2O2 was identified and key residues implicated in H2O2 activation were pinpointed. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of the ArsR-SmtB family indicates that the vicinal disulfide “redox switch” is a unique feature of cyanobacteria in the Nostocales order, presenting an interesting case where an ArsR-SmtB protein scaffold has been evolved to showcase peroxidatic activity and facilitate redox-based regulation.
Highly efficient and selective electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production on Co-O-C active centers on graphene oxide
Authors: Zhang Bin-Wei , Zheng Tao , Wang Yun-Xiao , Du Yi , Chu Sheng-Qi , Xia Zhenhai , Amal Rose , Dou Shi-Xue , Dai Liming
Published: March 2022

Electrochemical oxygen reduction provides an eco-friendly synthetic route to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a widely used green chemical. However, the kinetically sluggish and low-selectivity oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key challenge to electrochemical production of H2O2 for practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate that single cobalt atoms anchored on oxygen functionalized graphene oxide form Co-O-C@GO active centres (abbreviated as Co1@GO for simplicity) that act as an efficient and durable electrocatalyst for H2O2 production. This Co1@GO electrocatalyst shows excellent electrochemical performance in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH, exhibiting high reactivity with an onset potential of 0.91 V and H2O2 production of 1.0 mg cm−2 h−1 while affording high selectivity of 81.4% for H2O2. Our combined experimental observations and theoretical calculations indicate that the high reactivity and selectivity of Co1@GO for H2O2 electrogeneration arises from a synergistic effect between the O-bonded single Co atoms and adjacent oxygen functional groups (C-O bonds) of the GO present in the Co-O-C active centres.
Homophily impacts the success of vaccine roll-outs
Authors: Burgio Giulio , Steinegger Benjamin , Arenas Alex
Published: March 2022

Physical contacts do not occur randomly, rather, individuals with similar socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics are more likely to interact among them, a phenomenon known as homophily. Concurrently, the same characteristics correlate with the adoption of prophylactic tools. As a result, the latter do not unfold homogeneously in a population, affecting their ability to control the spread of infectious diseases. Focusing on the case of vaccines, we reveal that, provided an imperfect vaccine efficacy, three different dynamical regimes exist as a function of the mixing rate between vaccinated and not vaccinated individuals. Specifically, depending on the epidemic pressure, vaccine coverage and efficacy, we find the final attack rate to decrease, increase or vary non monotonously with respect to the mixing rate. We corroborate the phenomenology through Monte Carlo simulations on a temporal real-world contact network. Besides vaccines, our findings hold for any prophylactic tool that reduces but not suppress the probability of transmission, indicating a universal mechanism in spreading dynamics.
Switching to the cyclic pentose phosphate pathway powers the oxidative burst in activated neutrophils
Authors: Britt Emily C. , Lika Jorgo , Giese Morgan A. , Schoen Taylor J. , Seim Gretchen L. , Huang Zhengping , Lee Pui Y. , Huttenlocher Anna , Fan Jing
Published: March 2022

Neutrophils are cells at the frontline of innate immunity that can quickly activate effector functions to eliminate pathogens upon stimulation. However, little is known about the metabolic adaptations that power these functions. Here we show rapid metabolic alterations in neutrophils upon activation, particularly drastic reconfiguration around the pentose phosphate pathway, which is specifically and quantitatively coupled to an oxidative burst. During this oxidative burst, neutrophils switch from glycolysis-dominant metabolism to a unique metabolic mode termed ‘pentose cycle’, where all glucose-6-phosphate is diverted into oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and net flux through upper glycolysis is reversed to allow substantial recycling of pentose phosphates. This reconfiguration maximizes NADPH yield to fuel superoxide production via NADPH oxidase. Disruptions of pentose cycle greatly suppress oxidative burst, the release of neutrophil extracellular traps and pathogen killing by neutrophils. Together, these results demonstrate the remarkable metabolic flexibility of neutrophils, which is essential for their functions as the first responders in innate immunity.
Correction: ‘Stateful’ threshold switching for neuromorphic learning
Authors: Zhong Zhijian , Jiang Zhiguo , Huang Jianning , Gao Fangliang , Hu Wei , Zhang Yong , Chen Xinman
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘‘Stateful’ threshold switching for neuromorphic learning’ by Zhijian Zhong et al., Nanoscale, 2022, DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05502j.
Open-tubular capillary electrochromatography with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin imprinted polymers: hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as a coating for enantioseparation
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liang Lingling , Miao Yanqing , Yang Yang , Bao Xin , Liu Chunye
Published: March 2022

A hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) imprinted coating based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) for open tubular electrochromatography was prepared.
Steered polymorphic nanodomains in TiO2 to boost visible-light photocatalytic oxidation
Authors: Zhang Zeju , Niu Mang , Li Wei , Ding Chenfeng , Xie Peitao , Li Yongxin , Chen Lili , Lan Xiaopeng , Liu Chunlei , Yan Xiaodong , Fu Xuewei , Liu Yaochun , Liu Yuan , Cao Dapeng , Dai Jingjie , Hong Xiaofen , Liu Chunzhao
Published: March 2022

A novel TiO2-based composite material composed of in situ generated biomimetic polymorphic nanodomains including carbon nitride (C3N4) and (001)-/(101)-faceted anatase nanocrystals is reported.
Hybrid composite of Nafion with surface-modified electrospun polybenzoxazine (PBz) fibers via ozonation as fillers for proton conducting membranes of fuel cells
Authors: Parreño Ronaldo P. , Beltran Arnel B.
Published: March 2022

Nafion compatibility in the preparation of hybrid composites with electrospun Polybenzoxazine (PBz) surface-modified fibers via ozonation by evaluating the effects on the surface and structure of the composite.
Rapid diagnosis of COVID-19vianano-biosensor-implemented biomedical utilization: a systematic review
Authors: Harun-Ur-Rashid Mohammad , Foyez Tahmina , Jahan Israt , Pal Kaushik , Imran Abu Bin
Published: March 2022

This review will focus on the rapid, selective, accurate, easy, affordable, versatile, and point-of-care diagnosis of COVID-19 using electrochemical, optical, magnetic, aptameric, and plasmonic nano-biosensors.
Applications of cell- and tissue-specific ‘omics to improve plant productivity
Authors: Hurgobin Bhavna , Lewsey Mathew G.
Published: March 2022

The individual tissues and cell types of plants each have characteristic properties that contribute to the function of the plant as a whole. These are reflected by unique patterns of gene expression, protein and metabolite content, which enable cell-type-specific patterns of growth, development and physiology. Gene regulatory networks act within the cell types to govern the production and activity of these components. For the broader organism to grow and reproduce successfully, cell-type-specific activity must also function within the context of surrounding cell types, which is achieved by coordination of signalling pathways. We can investigate how gene regulatory networks are constructed and function using integrative ‘omics technologies. Historically such experiments in plant biological research have been performed at the bulk tissue level, to organ resolution at best. In this review, we describe recent advances in cell- and tissue-specific ‘omics technologies that allow investigation at much improved resolution. We discuss the advantages of these approaches for fundamental and translational plant biology, illustrated through the examples of specialised metabolism in medicinal plants and seed germination. We also discuss the challenges that must be overcome for such approaches to be adopted widely by the community.
A model for non‐ideal retrodirective channels in non‐line‐of‐sight geometry
Authors: Alhassoun Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Backscatter radio communication typically has less reliability than conventional radio links, hindering adaptation. Retrodirective arrays have been shown to enhance the link with gain and a recently‐observed resistance to small‐scale fading. However, the statistical advantages of retrodirective backscatter channels have only been theoretically studied for ideal, infinite arrays. This article studies practical finite retrodirective arrays and the performance of these channels using the bit‐error‐rate metric. This work shows that a significant improvement in the channel reliability can be achieved even with the modest retrodirective antenna arrays with a few individual elements.
Taming mode collapse in generative adversarial networks using cooperative realness discriminators
Authors: Mu Jinzhen , Chen Chunyan , Zhu Wenshan , Li Shuang , Zhou Yan
Published: March 2022

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are able to produce realistic images. However, GANs may suffer mode collapse in their output data distribution. Here, we theoretically and empirically justify generalizing the GAN framework to multiple discriminators with one generator for improving generative performance. First, a comprehensive perspective is adopted to understand why mode collapse occurs. Second, an array of cooperative realness discriminators is introduced into the GAN framework to combat mode collapse and explore discriminator roles ranging from a formidable adversary to a forgiving teacher. Third, two types of simple yet effective regularization are proposed for generating realistic and diverse images. Experiments on various datasets show the effectiveness of the GAN compared to previous methods in alleviating mode collapse and improving the quality of the generated samples.
The 700 ks Chandra Spiderweb Field
Authors: Tozzi P. , Pentericci L. , Gilli R. , Pannella M. , Fiore F. , Miley G. , Nonino M. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Strazzullo V. , Anderson C. S. , Borgani S. , Calabrò A. , Carilli C. , Dannerbauer H. , Di Mascolo L. , Feruglio C. , Gobat R. , Jin S. , Liu A. , Mroczkowski T. , Norman C. , Rasia E. , Rosati P. , Saro A.
Published: March 2022

Aims. We present an analysis of the 700 ks Chandra ACIS-S observation of the field around the radio galaxy J1140-2629 (the Spiderweb Galaxy) at z = 2.156, focusing on the nuclear activity in the associated large-scale environment.

Methods. We identified unresolved X-ray sources in the field down to flux limits of 1.3 × 10−16 and 3.9 × 10−16 erg s−1 cm−2 in the soft (0.5–2.0 keV) and hard (2–10 keV) band, respectively. We searched for counterparts in the optical, near-infrared, and submillimeter catalogs available in the literature to identify X-ray sources belonging to the protocluster and derived their X-ray properties.

Results. We detect 107 X-ray unresolved sources within 5 arcmin (corresponding to 2.5 Mpc) of J1140-2629, among which 13 have optical counterparts with spectroscopic redshift 2.11 < z < 2.20, and 1 source has a photometric redshift consistent with this range. The X-ray-emitting protocluster members are distributed approximately over a ∼3.2 × 1.3 Mpc2 rectangular region. An X-ray spectral analysis for all the sources within the protocluster shows that their intrinsic spectral slope is consistent with an average ⟨Γ⟩∼1.84 ± 0.04. Excluding the Spiderweb Galaxy, the best-fit intrinsic absorption for five protocluster X-ray members is NH > 1023 cm−2, while another six have upper limits of the order of a few times 1022 cm−2. Two sources can only be fitted with very flat Γ ≤ 1, and are therefore considered Compton-thick candidates. The 0.5–10 keV rest-frame luminosities of the 11 Compton-thin protocluster members corrected for intrinsic absorption are greater than 2  ×  1043 erg s−1. These values are typical for the bright end of a Seyfert-like distribution and significantly greater than X-ray luminosities expected from star formation activity. The X-ray luminosity function of the AGN in the volume associated to the Spiderweb protocluster in the range 1043 < LX < 1044.5 erg s−1 is at least ten times higher than that in the field at the same redshift and significantly flatter, implying an increasing excess at the bright end. The X-ray AGN fraction is measured to be 25.5  ±  4.5% of the spectroscopically confirmed members in the stellar mass range log(M*/M⊙) > 10.5. This value corresponds to an enhancement factor of 6.0−3.0+9.0 for the nuclear activity with L0.5 − 10 keV > 4 × 1043 erg s−1 with respect to the COSMOS field at comparable redshifts and stellar mass range.

Conclusions. We conclude that the galaxy population in the Spiderweb protocluster is characterized by enhanced X-ray nuclear activity triggered by environmental effects on megaparsec scales.
Réguler la dimension autodestructrice de Soi
Authors: Panichelli Christophe , Hayez Jean-Yves
Published: March 2022

Dans cet article, nous exposons deux modes d’intervention destinées à permettre au patient de mieux réguler certaines attitudes autodestructrices. Nous les utilisons à l’occasion et à temps partiel, à partir de 15-16 ans, dans des psychothérapies plus vastes et plus traditionnelles, où l’écoute joue un rôle majeur. La première consiste pour le patient à combattre directement, via exercices appropriés, un symptôme autodestructeur : par exemple, une rumination anxieuse chez un grand stressé. La seconde consiste en un défi subtil qui convainc le patient de l’absurdité de son symptôme, par exemple, via une utilisation judicieuse de l’humour. Toutes deux visent à remettre le patient en position d’acteur en lui faisant prendre conscience de son potentiel pour réguler ces modes de pensées et comportements contre-productifs, en déclenchant une réaction de saine rébellion contre eux et en réactivant sa créativité. Leurs indications sont analysées en fonction de différents paramètres propres au patient et au diagnostic clinique.
Rechtliches rund um die osteopathische Praxis – Praxisnachfolge
Authors: Wagner-Burkard Sylke
Published: March 2022

Bei Aufgabe oder Übergabe der Praxis gilt es, auf folgende Gegebenheiten zu achten: Bei der Aufgabe müssen nicht nur die Mietverträge, sondern auch die Arbeitsverträge gekündigt und zudem
die Patienten frühzeitig informiert werden. Bei der Übergabe an einen Nachfolger sind die Praxiswertermittlung und die Möglichkeiten einer evtl. schrittweisen Übergabe zentrale Punkte. In
beiden Fällen sind die Haftungs- und Archivierungspflichten zu befolgen.
Profession Pflege attraktiver machen
Authors: Kasper Nico
Published: March 2022

Es gibt verschiedene Gestaltungsfelder, in denen die Profession Pflege strategisch mitwirken kann und soll. Doch wie kann der Weg zu einer Pflegestrategie beschritten werden? Es führen bekanntlich viele Wege nach Rom – aber die nachfolgend aufgezählten sollten auf jeden Fall begangen werden.
Localization of clinical research
Authors: Richards Anna
Published: March 2022

Clinical research using human participants to further medical knowledge has been at the forefront in 2021.
Clinical research studying the efficacy of treatments can be categorised in two broad categories as ‘observational studies’ or
‘clinical trials’. Written from the perspective of a localization project manager at Vitaccess, which conducts global digital
research for biopharmaceutical companies, this paper discusses five core challenges that impact the localization of such a study
launched in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Japan, the UK, the US and Canada, conducted via a smartphone app. The
localization project manager role provides a bridge between translators, revisers, ethics bodies, authors, legal, and medical
reviewers, enabling oversight to keep the balance between launching the study globally and enabling each country to have the
content and structure tailored to their cultural and linguistic expectations through localization.

The main challenges in localizing a real-world evidence study is the complexity and volume of ethical, legal, and
medical feedback required for the content of the study, which is further complicated by the need to target different countries and
languages. Subjectivity and variance in the feedback per country also pose difficulties. International harmonisation of ethical,
medical, and legal reviews of such global studies could streamline the process.
Learning a foreign language in immersion and second language acquisition contexts – students’ multilingual experiences with French in Ireland
Authors: Markey Michael
Published: March 2022

This article looks at how bilingual students harness previous language experience when learning a new language. Research generally affirms that higher second language proficiency is linked to higher levels of proficiency in subsequent language learning and greater use of previously acquired language skills. In the Irish context, however, the varied nature of acquiring/learning languages and perceptions of linguistic distance potentially hinder students in mobilizing their experience with English and Irish when learning foreign languages at school. The study presented here examines how bilingual language experience can be harnessed through analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from English-medium and Irish-medium secondary school students in Ireland, focusing on how they identify and deploy elements of this experience when learning French via the elaboration of strategies and use of metalinguistic awareness. Beyond measures of proficiency, findings show the need for pedagogical tools that allow students to fully exploit their previous language experience.
Phonetic cue competition within multiple phonological contrasts
Authors: Schertz Jessamyn , Kang Yoonjung
Published: March 2022

This work examines Seoul Korean listeners’ perception of the five Korean sibilants: affricates /c′, c,
ch/ and fricatives /s′, s/. Natural productions of the consonants were manipulated to vary orthogonally along
several phonetic parameters relevant to the place/manner contrast ((denti)alveolar fricative vs. (palato)alveolar affricate) and
the laryngeal contrast (fortis vs. lenis vs. aspirated). Of particular interest was listeners’ representation of /s/, whose
laryngeal status is ambiguous. All manipulated parameters (baseline consonant and vowel affiliation, fundamental frequency at
vowel onset, frication duration, and aspiration duration) influenced categorization, with consonant and vowel spectral information
playing the primary role in distinguishing most sibilants. However, f0, a laryngeal cue, trumped place and manner cues in
affricate vs. fricative classification, highlighting the increasing importance of f0 in Korean segmental phonology.
Problematising ASEAN language policy
Authors: Lee Huan Yik , Hamid M. Obaidul , Hardy Ian
Published: March 2022

In a world where linguistic and cultural diversity is increasingly celebrated, opting for English as the sole working language, as stipulated in the ASEAN Charter, on pragmatic grounds, has made ASEAN an interesting case study from the language policy and planning (LPP) perspective. ASEAN’s LPP can be understood as the manifestation of the principles of the ‘ASEAN Way’, i.e., quiet diplomacy, non-interference, and flexible consensus. Drawing on an analysis of the three overarching principles of the ASEAN Way and with reference to the ASEAN Charter, this paper problematises the ASEAN Way of LPP, arguing that a monolingual and essentialist approach to LPP might be both insufficient and inappropriate, and calls for an ecology-of-languages paradigm for ASEAN LPP. It invites readers to reimagine language policy that is more inclusive, democratic and socially equitable – one that reflects the sociolinguistic diversity of Southeast Asia and the Association.
On the stability of the compacton waves for the degenerate KdV and NLS models
Authors: Hakkaev Sevdzhan , Ramadan Abba , Stefanov Atanas
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we consider the degenerate semi-linear Schrödinger and Korteweg-de Vries equations in one spatial dimension. We construct special solutions of the two models, namely standing wave solutions of NLS and traveling waves, which turn out to have compact support, compactons. We show that the compactons are unique bell-shaped solutions of the corresponding PDEs and for appropriate variational problems as well. We provide a complete spectral characterization of such waves, for all values of

p
p

. Namely, we show that all waves are spectrally stable for

2
>
p
≤
8

2>p\leq 8

, while a single mode instability occurs for

p
>
8

p>8

. This extends previous work of Germain, Harrop-Griffiths and Marzuola [Quart. Appl. Math. 78 (2020), pp. 1–32] who have previously established orbital stability for some specific waves, in the range

p
>
8

p>8

.
Hammer it out: shifts in habitat are associated with changes in fin and body shape in the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini)
Authors: Sternes Phillip C , Higham Timothy E
Published: March 2022

Major shifts in habitat often occur during life history and can have significant impacts on the morphology and function of an animal; however, little is known about how such ecological changes influence the locomotor system of large aquatic vertebrates. Scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) are large sharks found in warm temperate and tropical waters. Smaller scalloped hammerheads are generally found in near-shore habitats, but as they grow larger, individuals spend time in deep-water, pelagic habitats. We measured a number of morphological traits of scalloped hammerheads, ranging from 32 to 130 cm, to determine whether there are allometric changes in morphology in association with this shift in habitat. We found that head morphology, caudal fin area and lateral span scaled with negative allometry, whereas the lengths of their pectoral, dorsal and caudal fins, and their pectoral and caudal fin aspect ratios, scaled with positive allometry. Furthermore, the largest shark in our dataset exhibited an optimal body fineness ratio for locomotor efficiency. This suggests that the changes in ecology have profound influences on the functional morphology of scalloped hammerheads. We discuss how these drastic morphological changes relate to potential changes in scalloped hammerhead swimming function and performance.
Diversification of South American Vespertilionidae (Chiroptera) is not constrained by evolutionary priority effects
Authors: Imlau-Cardoso Rafael , Maestri Renan , Duarte Leandro , Ramos Pereira Maria João
Published: March 2022

According to diversity-dependent diversification (DDD) theory, diversification slows down as niches are gradually filled by cladogenesis. A corollary of DDD is to assume a richness ceiling, a contentious topic for continental clades. Evolutionary priority effect is a related phenomenon whereby secondary colonizers have their diversification constrained owing to pre-emption of niches by incumbent groups. South American aerial insectivorous bats are composed of incumbent, non-Vespertilionidae groups (SA non-vesper) and the later immigrant Vespertilionidae (SA vesper). We investigated whether DDD and priority effects explain SA vesper diversification history, while also comparing it with North/Central American vespertilionids (NA vesper), an incumbent lineage in that region. Diversification analysis supported a single regime of diversification rates across all groups, with little decrease through time. Geographical state diversification of vespertilionids selected a best-fitting model with different speciation rates for NA endemics, SA endemics and widespread species, but equal extinction. The model presented higher speciation for SA endemics over NA endemics. Thus, DDD and priority effects are inconsistent with the diversification of South American aerial insectivorous bats. We discuss how SA vesper are comparatively depauperate, probably because of a shorter evolutionary history and/or cryptic diversity when compared with NA vesper, instead of niche conservatism.
Aldosterone and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Parksook Wasita W , Williams Gordon H
Published: March 2022

Aldosterone’s role in the kidney and its pathophysiologic actions in hypertension are well known. However, its role or that of its receptor [minieralocorticoid receptor (MR)] in other cardiovascular (CV) disease are less well described. To identify their potential roles in six CV conditions (heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, stroke, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis), we assessed these associations in the following four areas: (i) mechanistic studies in rodents and humans; (ii) pre-clinical studies of MR antagonists; (iii) clinical trials of MR antagonists; and (iv) genetics. The data were acquired from an online search of the National Library of Medicine using the PubMed search engine from January 2011 through June 2021. There were 3702 publications identified with 200 publications meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data strongly supported an association between heart failure and dysregulated aldosterone/MR. This association is not surprising given aldosterone/MR’s prominent role in regulating sodium/volume homeostasis. Atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction are also associated with dysregulated aldosterone/MR, but less strongly. For the most part, the data were insufficient to determine whether there was a relationship between atherosclerosis, stroke, or thrombosis and aldosterone/MR dysregulation. This review clearly documented an expanding role for aldosterone/MR’s dysregulation in CV diseases beyond hypertension. How expansive it might be is limited by the currently available data. It is anticipated that with an increased focus on aldosterone/MR’s potential roles in these diseases, additional clinical and pre-clinical data will clarify these relationships, thereby, opening approaches to use modulators of aldosterone/MR’s action to more precisely treat these CV conditions.
Platelet P2Y12 inhibiting therapy in adjunct to vascular dose of rivaroxaban or aspirin: a pharmacodynamic study of dual pathway inhibition vs. dual antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Galli Mattia , Franchi Francesco , Rollini Fabiana , Been Latonya , Jaoude Patrick Abou , Rivas Andrea , Zhou Xuan , Jia Sida , Maaliki Naji , Lee Chang Hoon , Pineda Andres M , Suryadevara Siva , Soffer Daniel , Zenni Martin M , Geisler Tobias , Jennings Lisa K , Bass Theodore A , Angiolillo Dominick J
Published: March 2022

Aims

Dual pathway inhibition (DPI) by adding a vascular dose of rivaroxaban to a single antiplatelet agent has emerged as a promising antithrombotic strategy. However, in most studies the antiplatelet agent of choice used in adjunct to a vascular dose of rivaroxaban was aspirin, and data on a P2Y12 inhibitor and how this DPI regimen compares with standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are limited.

Methods and results

This investigation was a substudy analysis conducted in selected cohorts of patients with stable atherosclerotic disease enrolled from a larger prospective, open-label, parallel-group pharmacodynamic (PD) study. We analysed data from 40 patients treated with either clopidogrel- or ticagrelor-based DAPT first, and clopidogrel- or ticagrelor-based DPI thereafter. PD measures explored key pathways involved in thrombus formation and included markers of (1) P2Y12 reactivity, (2) platelet-mediated global thrombogenicity, (3) cyclooxygenase-1 activity, (4) thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation, (5) tissue factor (TF)-induced platelet aggregation, and (6) thrombin generation. Compared with DAPT, on a background of the same P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel or ticagrelor), DPI was associated with reduced thrombin generation, increased markers of cyclooxygenase-1 activity and TRAP-induced platelet aggregation, and no differences in markers of P2Y12 signalling, platelet-mediated global thrombogenicity, and TF-induced platelet aggregation. In an analysis according to P2Y12 inhibitor type, ticagrelor reduced markers of platelet-mediated global thrombogenicity, P2Y12 signalling, and rates of high platelet reactivity compared with clopidogrel.

Conclusion

Compared with DAPT with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor, the use of a P2Y12 inhibitor in adjunct to a vascular dose of rivaroxaban as part of a DPI strategy is associated with similar effects on platelet-mediated global thrombogenicity but reduced thrombin generation. A DPI strategy with ticagrelor is associated with enhanced antithrombotic efficacy, the clinical implications of which warrant larger scale investigations.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03718429.
Treatment Response in Pediatric Pulmonary Tuberculosis—A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Copelyn Julie , Eley Brian , Cox Helen , Workman Lesley , Dheda Keertan , Nicol Mark P , Zar Heather J
Published: March 2022

Background

Data are limited on the resolution of symptoms and signs in children treated for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and whether this resolution differs from children with other lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

Methods

A prospective study of children ≤ 15 years presenting with features suggestive of PTB was performed. Clinical, microbiological, and radiological investigations were done at enrollment. Symptoms and clinical features were measured 1, 3, and 6 months after enrollment. Participants were categorized into 3 groups based on National Institutes of Health consensus definitions: confirmed PTB, unconfirmed PTB, and unlikely PTB (children with other LRTIs). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to investigate predictors of persistence of symptoms or signs.

Results

Among 2019 participants, there were 427 (21%) confirmed, 810 (40%) unconfirmed, and 782 (39%) with unlikely PTB. Of 1693/2008 (84%) with cough and 1157/1997 (58%) with loss of appetite at baseline, persistence at 3 months was reported in 24/1222 (2%) and 23/886 (3%), respectively. Of 934/1884 (50%) with tachypnoea and 947/1999 (47%) with abnormal auscultatory findings at baseline, persistence at 3 months occurred in 410/723 (57%) and 216/778 (28%), respectively. HIV infection and abnormal baseline chest radiography were associated with persistence of symptoms or signs at month 3 (adjusted odds ration [aOR] 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.1, 2.3] and aOR 2.3; 95% CI: [1.5, 3.3], respectively]. The resolution of symptoms and signs was similar across categories.

Conclusions

Symptoms resolved rapidly in most children with PTB, but signs resolved more slowly. The pattern and resolution of symptoms or signs did not distinguish children with PTB from those with other LRTIs.
Probing recycled carbonate in the lower mantle
Authors: Chen Li-Hui , Wang Xiao-Jun , Liu Sheng-Ao
Published: March 2022

Whether surficial carbonates can be carried into the Earth's lower mantle is key to global deep carbon cycles but remains poorly understood. New clues from magnesium and zinc isotopic systematics on rocks from deep-rooted mantle plumes are presented and discussed in this Perspective.
Outcomes in Temporary ICUs Versus Conventional ICUs: An Observational Cohort of Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19–Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Jimenez Jose Victor , Olivas-Martinez Antonio , Rios-Olais Fausto Alfredo , Ayala-Aguillón Frida , Gil- López Fernando , Leal-Villarreal Mario Andrés de Jesús , Rodríguez-Crespo Juan José , Jasso-Molina Juan C. , Enamorado-Cerna Linda , Dardón-Fierro Francisco Eduardo , Martínez-Guerra Bernardo A. , Román-Montes Carla Marina , Alvarado-Avila Pedro E. , Juárez-Meneses Noé Alonso , Morales-Paredes Luis Alberto , Chávez-Suárez Adriana , Gutierrez-Espinoza Irving Rene , Najera-Ortíz María Paula , Martínez-Becerril Marina , Gonzalez-Lara María Fernanda , Ponce de León-Garduño Alfredo , Baltazar-Torres José Ángel , Rivero-Sigarroa Eduardo , Dominguez-Cherit Guillermo , Hyzy Robert C. , Kershenobich David , Sifuentes-Osornio José
Published: March 2022

IMPORTANCE:

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of temporary ICUs have been established worldwide. The outcomes and management of mechanically ventilated patients in these areas remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate mortality and management of mechanically ventilated patients in temporary ICUs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:

Observational cohort study in a single-institution academic center. We included all adult patients with severe COVID-19 hospitalized in temporary and conventional ICUs for invasive mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory distress syndrome from March 23, 2020, to April 5, 2021.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

To determine if management in temporary ICUs increased 30-day in-hospital mortality compared with conventional ICUs. Ventilator-free days, ICU-free days (both at 28 d), hospital length of stay, and ICU readmission were also assessed.

RESULTS:

We included 776 patients (326 conventional and 450 temporary ICUs). Thirty-day in-hospital unadjusted mortality (28.8% conventional vs 36.0% temporary, log-rank test p = 0.023) was higher in temporary ICUs. After controlling for potential confounders, hospitalization in temporary ICUs was an independent risk factor associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.4; CI, 1.06–1.83; p = 0.016).There were no differences in ICU-free days at 28 days (6; IQR, 0–16 vs 2; IQR, 0–15; p = 0.5) or ventilator-free days at 28 days (8; IQR, 0–16 vs 5; IQR, 0–15; p = 0.6). We observed higher reintubation (18% vs 12%; p = 0.029) and readmission (5% vs 1.6%; p = 0.004) rates in conventional ICUs despite higher use of postextubation noninvasive mechanical ventilation (13% vs 8%; p = 0.025). Use of lung-protective ventilation (87% vs 85%; p = 0.5), prone positioning (76% vs 79%; p = 0.4), neuromuscular blockade (96% vs 98%; p = 0.4), and COVID-19 pharmacologic treatment was similar.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

We observed a higher 30-day in-hospital mortality in temporary ICUs. Although both areas had high adherence to evidence-based management, hospitalization in temporary ICUs was an independent risk factor associated with mortality.
Efficacy of Combined Hiatal Hernia Repair and Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication for Giant Paraoesophageal Hernias: Technique and Early Results
Authors: Gergen Anna K. , Wagh Mihir S. , Menard-Katcher Paul , Pratap Akshay
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Data is limited on hybrid transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) and hiatal hernia repair in giant paraoesophageal hernia (GPEH). We aimed to assess the safety, patient satisfaction, and symptom resolution following a hybrid paraoesophageal hernia (PEH) repair and TIF in patients with GPEH.

Patients and Methods:

All single-session hybrid TIF combined with minimally invasive PEH repair performed between February 2020 and June 2021 were evaluated. Procedures were performed in the operating room under general anesthesia with robotic or laparoscopic PEH repair followed by TIF.

Results:

Twelve patients underwent combined surgical hiatal hernia repair and TIF. Primary presenting symptoms included heartburn (75.0%), dysphagia (41.7%), and chronic anemia from Cameron’s ulcers (16.7%). The mean hernia defect size was 5.0 cm (range 3.0 to 6.0 cm). Hiatal hernia repairs were performed robotically in 7 patients and laparoscopically in 5 patients. The total mean operative time was 254 minutes (range: 180 to 390 min). One patient reported postoperative dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilation postdischarge with a resolution of symptoms. No gas-bloat symptoms were reported. All patients reported complete resolution of presenting symptoms at the time of follow-up. Postoperative mean follow-up for 4 patients at 6 months with upper endoscopy and pH testing showed an intact valve with no evidence of esophagitis or acid reflux.

Conclusions:

In our experience, hybrid hiatal hernia repair and TIF is a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with GPEH. This hybrid procedure allows for more expeditious completion of the repair and results in lower rates of postfundoplication dysphagia and gas-bloat. Furthermore, this approach requires a less extensive surgical dissection on the greater curvature of the stomach, thereby minimizing the risk of vagal nerve injury and bleeding from the short gastric vessels.
How Should Acute T-cell Mediated Rejection of Kidney Transplants Be Treated: Importance of Follow-up Biopsy
Authors: Aziz Fahad , Parajuli Sandesh , Garg Neetika , Mohamed Maha , Zhong Weixiong , Djamali Arjang , Mandelbrot Didier
Published: March 2022

Background.

Limited published data exist to guide patient monitoring after the treatment of T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) of kidney allografts.

Methods.

We reviewed the kidney function and histological outcomes after treatment of 163 first episodes of biopsy-proven TCMR between January 1‚ 2015‚ and July 31‚ 2020.

Results.

Of the 146 patients treated with steroid pulse alone, complete histological response was seen in 83% of patients with borderline rejection, 82.5% with grade 1A, 67% with grade 1B, and 50% with grade IIA. Of the 17 patients treated with steroids plus antithymocyte globulin, the complete histological response rate was 100% with grade 1A, 75% with grade 1B, 100% with grade IIA, and 57% with grade IIB. Among the patients with complete response as assessed by kidney function, 14% only had a partial or no response histologically. Among patients with no kidney function response, 68% had a complete response histologically.

Conclusion.

We thus find that responses based on kidney function alone do not correlate well with histological responses. If further treatment had been based solely on changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate, a significant number of patients would have been subsequently undertreated or overtreated. These results support the use of protocol follow-up biopsies after the treatment of TCMR.
Clinical Validation of a Plasma Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Assay to Detect Allograft Rejection and Injury in Lung Transplant
Authors: Rosenheck Justin P. , Ross David J. , Botros Mena , Wong Alexander , Sternberg Jonathan , Chen Yen-An , Liang Nathan , Baer Amy , Ahmed Ebad , Swenerton Ryan , Zimmermann Bernhard G. , Fehringer Gordon , Demko Zachary P. , Olymbios Michael , Billings Paul R. , Keller Brian C.
Published: March 2022

Background.

Lung transplant patients are vulnerable to various forms of allograft injury, whether from acute rejection (AR) (encompassing acute cellular rejection [ACR] and antibody-mediated rejection [AMR]), chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), or infection (INFXN). Previous research indicates that donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a promising noninvasive biomarker for the detection of AR and allograft injury. Our aim was to validate a clinical plasma dd-cfDNA assay for detection of AR and other allograft injury and to confirm and expand on dd-cfDNA and allograft injury associations observed in previous studies.

Methods.

We measured dd-cfDNA fraction using a novel single-nucleotide polymorphism-based assay in prospectively collected plasma samples paired with clinical-pathologic diagnoses. dd-cfDNA fraction was compared across clinical-pathologic cohorts: stable, ACR, AMR, isolated lymphocytic bronchiolitis, CLAD/neutrophilic-responsive allograft dysfunction (NRAD), and INFXN. Performance characteristics were calculated for AR and combined allograft injury (AR + CLAD/NRAD + INFXN) versus the stable cohort.

Results.

The study included 195 samples from 103 patients. Median dd-cfDNA fraction was significantly higher for ACR (1.43%, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.67%–2.32%, P = 5 × 10−6), AMR (2.50%, IQR: 2.06%–3.79%, P = 2 × 10−5), INFXN (0.74%, IQR: 0.46%–1.38%, P = 0.02), and CLAD/NRAD (1.60%, IQR: 0.57%–2.60%, P = 1.4 × 10−4) versus the stable cohort. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for AR versus stable was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-0.98). Using a ≥1% dd-cfDNA fraction threshold, sensitivity for AR was 89.1% (95% CI: 76.2%-100.0%), specificity 82.9% (95% CI: 73.3%-92.4%), positive predictive value, 51.9% (95% CI: 37.5%-66.3%), and negative predictive value, 97.3% (95% CI: 94.3%-100%). For combined allograft injury area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.66-0.85), sensitivity 59.9% (95% CI: 46.0%-73.9%), specificity 83.9% (95% CI: 74.1%-93.7%), positive predictive value, 43.6% (95% CI: 27.6%-59.6%), and negative predictive value, 91.0% (95% CI: 87.9%-94.0%).

Conclusions.

These results indicate that our dd-cfDNA assay detects AR and other allograft injury. dd-cfDNA monitoring, accompanied by standard clinical assessments, represents a valuable precision tool to support lung transplant health and is appropriate for further assessment in a prospective randomized-controlled study.