bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A (Zero-Knowledge) Vector Commitment with Sum Binding and its Applications
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhou Fucai , Xu Jian , Xu Zifeng
Published: September 2019

Vector commitment (VC) schemes allow committing to an ordered sequence of ${q}$ values ${(m_1,\cdots ,m_q)}$ in such a way that one can later open the commitment at specific positions. However, the existing VC schemes suffer from two substantial shortcomings that limit their use: (i) the commitments cannot be opened except at some specific positions, and (ii) their security only captures position-binding but offers no privacy: the client may learn additional information about the committed sequence through the proofs and the commitments. To resolve these problems, we first extend VC to a more expressive primitive called VC with sum binding (VCS), in which the commitment can also be opened to the sum of all elements in the committed sequence. VCS additionally satisfies the security of sum binding, which guarantees that the commitment cannot be opened to different sums. To enhance its privacy, we extend VCS to zero-knowledge VCS (ZKVCS), in which commitments and proofs constructed during the protocol execution leak nothing about the committed sequence. We formalize this new property by a standard real/ideal experiment. Meanwhile, the detailed performance analyses and simulations show that our proposed schemes are more practical. Finally, we introduce a novel notion of (zero-knowledge) verifiable database supporting sum and show how to construct it from our (ZK)VCS scheme.
Understanding Pretend Emotions in Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Authors: Sidera Francesc , Morgan Gary , Serrat Elisabet
Published: September 2019

Children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) and born to hearing parents have delays in their social-cognitive development and in particular in their theory of mind (ToM). These delays are often attributed to the difficulties they encounter in acquiring age-appropriate linguistic and communicative skills. The present study asks whether this developmental delay extends to problems with understanding pretend emotions and if linguistic difficulties are related to this area. A total of 173 children (82 DHH and 91 hearing) between 3 and 8 years of age received a set of emotion and language measures. Results showed that children who are DHH were delayed in understanding pretend emotions, and this was strongly related to their difficulties with expressive vocabulary and pragmatics. In summary, children who are DHH and have experienced reduced access to language and communicative interaction have a restricted understanding of the communicative intentions of emotional expressions. These delays may have implications for their social relationships with surrounding family and other children.
Genetics of Adaptation of the Ascomycetous Fungus Podospora anserina to Submerged Cultivation
Authors: Kudryavtseva Olga A , Safina Ksenia R , Vakhrusheva Olga A , Logacheva Maria D , Penin Aleksey A , Neretina Tatiana V , Moskalenko Viktoria N , Glagoleva Elena S , Bazykin Georgii A , Kondrashov Alexey S
Published: September 2019

Podospora anserina is a model ascomycetous fungus which shows pronounced phenotypic senescence when grown on solid medium but possesses unlimited lifespan under submerged cultivation. In order to study the genetic aspects of adaptation of P. anserina to submerged cultivation, we initiated a long-term evolution experiment. In the course of the first 4 years of the experiment, 125 single-nucleotide substitutions and 23 short indels were fixed in eight independently evolving populations. Six proteins that affect fungal growth and development evolved in more than one population; in particular, in the G-protein alpha subunit FadA, new alleles fixed in seven out of eight experimental populations, and these fixations affected just four amino acid sites, which is an unprecedented level of parallelism in experimental evolution. Parallel evolution at the level of genes and pathways, an excess of nonsense and missense substitutions, and an elevated conservation of proteins and their sites where the changes occurred suggest that many of the observed fixations were adaptive and driven by positive selection.
Genome sequence of the Chinese white wax scale insect Ericerus pela: the first draft genome for the Coccidae family of scale insects
Authors: Yang Pu , Yu Shuhui , Hao Junjun , Liu Wei , Zhao Zunling , Zhu Zengrong , Sun Tao , Wang Xueqing , Song Qisheng
Published: September 2019

Background

The Chinese white wax scale insect, Ericerus pela, is best known for producing wax, which has been widely used in candle production, casting, Chinese medicine, and wax printing products for thousands of years. The secretion of wax, and other unusual features of scale insects, is thought to be an adaptation to their change from an ancestral ground-dwelling lifestyle to a sedentary lifestyle on the higher parts of plants. As well as helping to improve its economic value, studies of E. pela might also help to explain the adaptation of scale insects. However, no genomic data are currently available for E. pela.

Findings

To assemble the E. pela genome, 303.92 Gb of data were generated using Illumina and Pacific Biosciences sequencing, producing 277.22 Gb of clean data for assembly. The assembled genome size was 0.66 Gb, with 1,979 scaffolds and a scaffold N50 of 735 kb. The guanine + cytosine content was 33.80%. A total of 12,022 protein-coding genes were predicted, with a mean coding sequence length of 1,370 bp. Twenty-six fatty acyl-CoA reductase genes and 35 acyltransferase genes were identified. Evolutionary analysis revealed that E. pela and aphids formed a sister group and split ∼241.1 million years ago. There were 214 expanded gene families and 2,219 contracted gene families in E. pela.

Conclusion

We present the first genome sequence from the Coccidae family. These results will help to increase our understanding of the evolution of unique features in scale insects, and provide important genetic information for further research.
The changing patterns of access overtime to the renal replacement therapy programme in Thailand
Authors: Thammatacharee Noppakun , Mills Anne , Nitsch Dorothea , Lumpaopong Adisorn
Published: September 2019

Based on projected numbers, approximately only 50% of those requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) receive it. Many patients who require RRT live in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to examine the changing pattern over time of entry into the RRT programme in Thailand following RRT’s inclusion in the Universal Coverage Scheme. This study was an ecological study using the age-period-cohort analysis to look at dialysis registration and kidney transplant trends during RRT programme implementation. Data from 2008 to 2016 of patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were obtained from the National Health Security Office. The study found that the numbers of new patients with ESRD, aged 20–69, registered with the dialysis programme increased over time. For patients aged 20–40 years, the dialysis programme took up to 400 new patients for every 1000 new ESRD diagnoses. For kidney transplant, the rates increased slowly. The kidney transplant programme could at best treat only around 50 cases for every 1000 new ESRD diagnoses in patients aged 20–30 years. Findings of this study highlighted the importance of promoting strategies to reduce the increasing number of patients with kidney disease, to consider conservative therapy for older/frail patients, and to improve access to kidney transplantation and live-donation.
A strategic tool to improve long-term health outcomes in clinical practice: SHOR driver and association diagram
Authors: Ogink Helena , Ringqvist Anna-Karin , Bergqvist Liselotte , Nordin Tobias , Nordenson Anita , Mårdby Ann-Charlotte
Published: September 2019

Quality problem or issue

An over-arching principle of healthcare governance in Sweden is to achieve as much health for as many patients as possible given the available resources. With high life expectancy and increased years lived with non-communicable diseases, more effective interventions in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases are needed in order to ensure high-quality healthcare.

Initial assessment

Few publications have described a generic and resource-effective method of implementing the perspective of health outcomes in relation to costs in a clinical Swedish university hospital context. To fill this gap, a generic method was developed at Sahlgrenska University hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Choice of solution

A System-based driver and association diagram of Health Outcomes in relation to available Resources (SHOR) was developed. The SHOR driver and association diagram comprised different perspectives: health, patient, process, research and cost perspectives. It enabled the translation from long-term health outcomes to applications in clinical practice.

Implementation

Three patient groups exemplify the use and implementation of the method of SHOR association and driver diagram; bipolar disorder (psychiatry), primiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour, (obstetric care) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (somatic care).

Evaluation

The SHOR driver and association diagram enabled a structure to monitor and support quality development towards maximised health outcomes in relation to available resources and associated total costs for a specific patient group.

Lessons learned

This method has connected clinical practice, management and research and has been used for both strategic and operational purposes.
Bending the quality curve
Authors: Braithwaite Jeffrey , Clay-Williams Robyn , Taylor Natalie , Ting Hsuen P , Winata Teresa , Arnolda Gaston , Sunol Rosa , Gröne Oliver , Wagner Cordula , Klazinga Niek S , Donaldson Liam , Dowton S Bruce
Published: September 2019

With this paper, we initiate the Supplement on Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia (DUQuA). DUQuA is an at-scale, cross-sectional research programme examining the quality activities in 32 large hospitals across Australia. It is based on, with suitable modifications and extensions, the Deepening our Understanding of Quality improvement in Europe (DUQuE) research programme, also published as a Supplement in this Journal, in 2014. First, we briefly discuss key data about Australia, the health of its population and its health system. Then, to provide context for the work, we discuss previous activities on the quality of care and improvement leading up to the DUQuA studies. Next, we present a selection of key interventional studies and policy and institutional initiatives to date. Finally, we conclude by outlining, in brief, the aims and scope of the articles that follow in the Supplement. This first article acts as a framing vehicle for the DUQuA studies as a whole. Aggregated, the series of papers collectively attempts an answer to the questions: what is the relationship between quality strategies, both hospital-wide and at department level? and what are the relationships between the way care is organised, and the actual quality of care as delivered? Papers in the Supplement deal with a multiplicity of issues including: how the DUQuA investigators made progress over time, what the results mean in context, the scales designed or modified along the way for measuring the quality of care, methodological considerations and provision of lessons learnt for the benefit of future researchers.
Using accreditation surveyors to conduct health services research: a qualitative, comparative study in Australia
Authors: Winata Teresa , Clay-Williams Robyn , Taylor Natalie , Hogden Emily , Hibbert Peter , Austin Elizabeth , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: September 2019

Objective

Healthcare accreditation surveyors are well positioned to gain access to hospitals and apply their existing data collection skills to research. Consequently, we contracted and trained a surveyor cohort to collect research data for the Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia (DUQuA) project. The aim of this study is to explore and compare surveyors’ perceptions and experiences in collecting quality and safety data for accreditation and for health services research.

Design

A qualitative, comparative study.

Setting and Participants

Ten surveyors participated in semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed and coded using Nvivo11. Interview transcripts of participants were analysed thematically and separately, providing an opportunity for comparison and for identifying common themes and subthemes.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Topics addressed data collection for healthcare accreditation and research, including preparation and training, structure, organization, attitudes and behaviours of staff and perceptions of their role.

Results

Five themes and ten subthemes emerged from the interviews: (1) overlapping facilitators for accreditation and research data collection, (2) accreditation-specific facilitators, (3) overlapping barriers for accreditation and research data collection, (4) research data collection-specific barriers and (5) needs and recommendations. Subthemes were (1.1) preparation and training availability, (1.2) prior knowledge and experiences; (2.1) ease of access, (2.2) high staff engagement, (3.1) time, (4.1) poor access and structure, (4.2) lack of staff engagement, (4.3) organizational changes; (5.1) short-notice accreditation and (5.2) preparation for future research.

Conclusions

Although hospital accreditation and research activities require different approaches to data collection, we found that suitably trained accreditation surveyors were able to perform both activities effectively. The barriers surveyors encountered when collecting data for research provide insight into the challenges that may be faced when visiting hospitals for short-notice accreditation.
Some Aspects of the Biology of Trichopria anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), a Resident Parasitoid Attacking Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Brazil
Authors: Vieira Júlia Gabriela Aleixo , Krüger Alexandra Peter , Scheuneumann Tiago , Morais Maíra Chagas , Speriogin Hugo Julio , Garcia Flávio Roberto Mello , Nava Dori Edson , Bernardi Daniel
Published: September 2019

Spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), is an economic pest of thin-skinned fruit crops. Its control has commonly been carried out through chemical methods. However, given the need to develop safer and environmentally friendly management alternatives, the pupal endoparasitoid Trichopria anastrephae Lima stands out as a potential biological control agent. However, the lack of information on the mass rearing of this parasitoid limits its use. Thus, the objective of our study was to provide information that is useful for rearing T. anastrephae using D. suzukii as a host. The effects of pupal age, exposure time, and pupal density on the parasitism rate were examined, as was the effect of honey provision for extending adult parasitoid longevity. Exposing 15 12-h-old pupae per female for 24 h resulted in higher parasitism rates and a greater number of emerged parasitoids. Males and females of T. anastrephae fed with pure honey (100%) or honey diluted to 50% in water lived longer compared to those fed 10% honey, no food, or only water.
‘Crystal Macrosetae’: Novel Scales and Bristles in Male Arctiine Moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) Filled with Crystallizing Material
Authors: Boppré Michael , Fischer Ottmar W , Freitag Hannes , Kiesel Anita
Published: September 2019

Scales, exoskeletal features characteristic of the Lepidoptera, occur in enormous structural and functional diversity. They cover the wing membranes and other body parts and give butterflies and moths their often stunning appearance. Generally, the patterns made by scales are visual signals for intra- and interspecific communication. In males, scales and/or bristles also make up the androconial organs, which emit volatile signals during courtship. Here, a structurally and putative functionally novel type of scales and bristles is reported: ‘crystal macrosetae’. These lack trabeculae and windows, are made up by a very thin and flexible envelope only and contain crystallizing material. In ‘crystal scales’, there is a flat surface ornamentation of modified ridges, while ‘crystal bristles’ often show large protrusions. Crystal macrosetae usually cannot be reliably recognized without destruction. Apparently, they serve as containers for large amounts of material that is viscous in living moths, highly hygroscopic, crystallizes when specimens dry up, and can be visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Crystal macrosetae occur in males only, always associated with or making up androconial organs located on various parts of the body, and have numerous forms with diverse surface ornamentation across many species and genera. The newly identified structures and the discovery of crystallizing material in scales and bristles raise many questions and could shed new light on ontogenetic development of macrosetae, and on the biology and physiology as well as the evolution and systematics of Arctiinae. There is evidence that crystal macrosetae occur in other moths too.
Does Partisan Conflict Lead to Increased Bureaucratic Policymaking? Evidence from the American States
Authors: Boushey Graeme T , McGrath Robert J
Published: September 2019

Scholars of American politics debate the consequences of polarized and divided government on lawmaking but have largely neglected the impact of institutional conflict on the policy outputs of the bureaucracy. We argue that lawmaking gridlock creates opportunities and demands for governors and civil servants to pursue policy goals through rulemaking. To explore these dynamics, we draw upon a comprehensive dataset of over 150,000 proposed and adopted rules issued by US state agencies from 1994 through 2009 and compare differences in rulemaking output within states across periods of divided and unified party control. We find that policy conflict (measured by the presence of a party divided legislature) leads to a 3%–7% increase in the number of proposed and adopted rules. We then explore how variation in state powers of legislative oversight affect rulemaking, and find that these effects are concentrated in governments with weaker powers of legislative review. Our research speaks to debates in the literature regarding the nature of bureaucratic policymaking and highlights practical consequences of legislative gridlock and partisan polarization.
Collegiality as political work: Professions in today’s world of organizations
Authors: Denis Jean-Louis , Veronesi Gianluca , Régis Catherine , Germain Sabrina
Published: September 2019

Collegiality is frequently portrayed as an inherent characteristic of professions, associated with normative expectations autonomously determined and regulated among peers. However, in advanced modernity other modes of governance responding to societal expectations and increasing state reliance on professional expertise often appear in tension with conditions of collegiality. This article argues that collegiality is not an immutable and inherent characteristic of the governance of professional work and organizations; rather, it is the result of the ability of a profession to operationalize the normative, relational, and structural requirements of collegiality at work. This article builds on different streams of scholarship to present a dynamic approach to collegiality based on political work by professionals to protect, maintain, and reformulate collegiality as a core set of principles governing work. Productive resistance and co-production are explored for their contribution to collegiality in this context, enabling accommodation between professions and organizations to achieve collective objectives and serving as a vector of change and adaptation of professional work in contemporary organizations. Engagement in co-production influences the ability to materialize collegiality at work, just as the maintenance and transformation of collegiality will operate in a context where professions participate and negotiate compromises with others legitimate modes of governance. Our arguments build on recent studies and hypotheses concerning the interface of professions and organizations to reveal the political work that underlies the affirmation and re-affirmation of collegiality as a mode of governance of work based on resistance and co-production.
Effective aspects of Bernoulli randomness
Authors: Porter Christopher P
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we study Bernoulli random sequences, i.e. sequences that are Martin-Löf random with respect to a Bernoulli measure $\mu _p$ for some $p\in [0,1]$, where we allow for the possibility that $p$ is noncomputable. We focus in particular on the case in which the underlying Bernoulli parameter $p$ is proper (i.e. Martin-Löf random with respect to some computable measure). We show for every Bernoulli parameter $p$, if there is a sequence that is both proper and Martin-Löf random with respect to $\mu _p$, then $p$ itself must be proper, and explore further consequences of this result. We also study the Turing degrees of Bernoulli random sequences, showing, for instance, that the Turing degrees containing a Bernoulli random sequence do not coincide with the Turing degrees containing a Martin-Löf random sequence. Lastly, we consider several possible approaches to characterizing blind Bernoulli randomness, where the corresponding Martin-Löf tests do not have access to the Bernoulli parameter $p$, and show that these fail to characterize blind Bernoulli randomness.
A solution to the proplyd lifetime problem
Authors: Winter Andrew J , Clarke Cathie J , Rosotti Giovanni P , Hacar Alvaro , Alexander Richard
Published: September 2019

Protoplanetary discs (PPDs) in the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC) are irradiated by UV fields from the massive star θ1C. This drives thermal winds, inducing mass-loss rates of up to $\dot{M}_\mathrm{wind}\sim 10^{-7}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ yr−1 in the ‘proplyds’ (ionized PPDs) close to the centre. For the mean age of the ONC and reasonable initial PPD masses, such mass-loss rates imply that discs should have been dispersed. However, $\sim 80{\,{\rm {per\, cent}}}$ of stars still exhibit a near-infrared excess, suggesting that significant circumstellar mass remains. This ‘proplyd lifetime problem’ has persisted since the discovery of photoevaporating discs in the core of the ONC by O’Dell & Wen (1994). In this work, we demonstrate how an extended period of star formation can solve this problem. Coupling N-body calculations and a viscous disc evolution model, we obtain high disc fractions at the present day. This is partly due to the migration of older stars outwards, and younger stars inwards such that the most strongly irradiated PPDs are also the youngest. We show how the disc mass distribution can be used to test the recent claims in the literature for multiple stellar populations in the ONC. Our model also explains the recent finding that host mass and PPD mass are only weakly correlated, in contrast with other regions of similar age. We conclude that the status of the ONC as the archetype for understanding the influence of environment on planet formation is undeserved; the complex star formation history (involving star formation episodes within ∼0.8 Myr of the present day) results in confusing signatures in the PPD population.
The role of magnetic field geometry in the evolution of neutron star merger accretion discs
Authors: Christie I M , Lalakos A , Tchekhovskoy A , Fernández R , Foucart F , Quataert E , Kasen D
Published: September 2019

Neutron star mergers are unique laboratories of accretion, ejection, and r-process nucleosynthesis. We used 3D general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations to study the role of the post-merger magnetic geometry in the evolution of merger remnant discs around stationary Kerr black holes. Our simulations fully capture mass accretion, ejection, and jet production, owing to their exceptionally long duration exceeding 4 s. Poloidal post-merger magnetic field configurations produce jets with energies Ejet ∼ (4–30) × 1050 erg, isotropic equivalent energies Eiso ∼ (4–20) × 1052 erg, opening angles θjet ∼ 6–13°, and durations tj ≲ 1 s. Accompanying the production of jets is the ejection of $f_\mathrm{ej}\sim 30\!-\!40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the post-merger disc mass, continuing out to times >1 s. We discover that a more natural, purely toroidal post-merger magnetic field geometry generates large-scale poloidal magnetic flux of alternating polarity and striped jets. The first stripe, of $E_\mathrm{jet}\simeq 2\times 10^{48}\, \mathrm{erg}$, Eiso ∼ 1051 erg, θjet ∼ 3.5–5°, and tj ∼ 0.1 s, is followed by ≳4 s of striped jet activity with $f_\mathrm{ej}\simeq 27{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. The dissipation of such stripes could power the short-duration gamma-ray burst (sGRB) prompt emission. Our simulated jet energies and durations span the range of sGRBs. We find that although the blue kilonova component is initially hidden from view by the red component, it expands faster, outruns the red component, and becomes visible to off-axis observers. In comparison to GW 170817/GRB 170817A, our simulations underpredict the mass of the blue relative to red component by a factor of few. Including the dynamical ejecta and neutrino absorption may reduce this tension.
KiDS + GAMA: constraints on horndeski gravity from combined large-scale structure probes
Authors: Spurio Mancini A , Köhlinger F , Joachimi B , Pettorino V , Schäfer B M , Reischke R , van Uitert E , Brieden S , Archidiacono M , Lesgourgues J
Published: September 2019

We present constraints on Horndeski gravity from a combined analysis of cosmic shear, galaxy–galaxy lensing and galaxy clustering from $450\, \mathrm{deg}^2$ of the Kilo-Degree Survey and the Galaxy And Mass Assembly survey.The Horndeski class of dark energy/modified gravity models includes the majority of universally coupled extensions to ΛCDM with one scalar field in addition to the metric. We study the functions of time that fully describe the evolution of linear perturbations in Horndeski gravity. Our results are compatible throughout with a ΛCDM model. By imposing gravitational wave constraints, we fix the tensor speed excess to zero and consider a subset of models including, e.g. quintessence and f(R) theories. Assuming proportionality of the Horndeski functions αB and αM (kinetic braiding and the Planck mass run rate, respectively) to the dark energy density fraction ΩDE(a) = 1 − Ωm(a), we find for the proportionality coefficients $\hat{\alpha }_\mathrm{ B} = 0.20_{-0.33}^{+0.20} \,$ and $\, \hat{\alpha }_\mathrm{ M} = 0.25_{-0.29}^{+0.19}$. Our value of $S_8 \equiv \sigma _8 \sqrt{\Omega _{\mathrm{m}}/0.3}$ is in better agreement with the Planck estimate when measured in the enlarged Horndeski parameter space than in a pure ΛCDM scenario. In our joint three-probe analysis, we report a downward shift of the S8 best-fitting value from the Planck measurement of $\Delta S_8 = 0.016_{-0.046}^{+0.048}$ in Horndeski gravity, compared to $\Delta S_8 = 0.059_{-0.039}^{+0.040}$ in ΛCDM. Our constraints are robust to the modelling uncertainty of the non-linear matter power spectrum in Horndeski gravity. Our likelihood code for multiprobe analysis in both ΛCDM and Horndeski gravity is publicly available at https://github.com/alessiospuriomancini/KiDSHorndeski.
Analytical modelling of period spacings across the HR diagram
Authors: Cunha M S , Avelino P P , Christensen-Dalsgaard J , Stello D , Vrard M , Jiang C , Mosser B
Published: September 2019

The characterization of stellar cores may be accomplished through the modelling of asteroseismic data from stars exhibiting either gravity-mode or mixed-mode pulsations, potentially shedding light on the physical processes responsible for the production, mixing, and segregation of chemical elements. In this work, we validate against model data an analytical expression for the period spacing that will facilitate the inference of the properties of stellar cores, including the detection and characterization of buoyancy glitches (strong chemical gradients). This asymptotically based analytical expression is tested both in models with and without buoyancy glitches. It does not assume that glitches are small and, consequently, predicts non-sinusoidal glitch-induced period-spacing variations, as often seen in model and real data. We show that the glitch position and width inferred from the fitting of the analytical expression to model data consisting of pure gravity modes are in close agreement (typically better than 7 ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ relative difference) with the properties measured directly from the stellar models. In the case of fitting mixed-mode model data, the same expression is shown to reproduce well the numerical results, when the glitch properties are known a priori. In addition, the fits performed to mixed-mode model data reveal a frequency dependence of the coupling coefficient, q, for a moderate-luminosity red-giant-branch model star. Finally, we find that fitting the analytical expression to the mixed-mode period spacings may provide a way to infer the frequencies of the pure acoustic dipole modes that would exist if no coupling took place between acoustic and gravity waves.
flareon: a fast computation of Ly α escape fractions and line profiles
Authors: Gurung-López Siddhartha , Orsi Álvaro A , Bonoli Silvia
Published: September 2019

We present flareon (Fast Lyman α Radiative Escape from Outflowing Neutral gas), a public python package that delivers fast and accurate $\rm {Ly}\,\alpha$ escape fractions and line profiles over a wide range of outflow geometries and properties. The code incorporates different algorithms, such as interpolation and machine learning to predict $\rm {Ly}\,\alpha$ line properties from a pre-computed grid of outflow configurations based on the outputs of a Monte Carlo radiative transfer code. Here we describe the algorithm, discuss its performance and illustrate some of its many applications. Most notably, flareon can be used to infer the physical properties of the outflowing medium from an observed $\rm {Ly}\,\alpha$ line profile, including the escape fraction, or it can be run over millions of objects in a galaxy formation model to simulate the escape of $\rm {Ly}\,\alpha$ photons in a cosmological volume.
Type IIb supernova progenitors by fatal common envelope evolution
Authors: Lohev Noam , Sabach Efrat , Gilkis Avishai , Soker Noam
Published: September 2019

From stellar evolution simulations (using mesa) we conclude that the fatal common envelope evolution (CEE) channel for the formation of Type IIb core collapse supernova (SN IIb) progenitors can indeed account for some SNe IIb. In the fatal CEE channel for SNe IIb a low mass main sequence secondary star inspirals inside the giant envelope of the massive primary star and removes most of the giant envelope before it merges with the giant core. The key ingredient of the scenario studied here is that the tidally destroyed secondary star forms a new giant envelope. The mass-loss process in a wind during the evolution from the merger process until core collapse, i.e., until the explosion, leaves little hydrogen mass at explosion as inferred from observations of SNe IIb. In the case of a massive primary star with a zero age main sequence mass of MZAMS = 16M⊙ that during its giant phase swallows a main sequence star of mass M2 = 0.5M⊙, we find at explosion a hydrogen mass of MH ≃ 0.02–0.09M⊙, depending on the rotation we assume. We find similar values for MZAMS = 12M⊙.
Optical, J and K light curves of XTE J1118+480 = KV UMa: the mass of the black hole and the spectrum of the non-stellar component
Authors: Cherepashchuk A M , Katysheva N A , Khruzina T S , Shugarov S Yu , Tatarnikov A M , Bogomazov A I
Published: September 2019

Optical, J and K photometric observations of the KV UMa black hole X-ray nova in its quiescent state obtained in 2017–2018 are presented. A significant flickering within light curves was not detected, although the average brightness of the system faded by ≈0.1m over 350 d. Changes in the average brightness were not accompanied with an increase or decrease in the flickering. From the modelling of five light curves the inclination of the KV UMa orbit and the black hole mass were obtained: i = 74 ± 4°, $M_\mathrm{BH}=(7.06\rm {-}7.24)\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, depending on the mass ratio used. The non-stellar component of the spectrum in the range λ = 6400–22 000 Å can be fitted by a power law Fλ ∼ λα, α ≈ −1.8. The accretion disc orientation angle changed from one epoch to another. The model with spots on the star was inadequate. Evolutionary calculations using the scenario machine code were performed for low-mass X-ray binaries, with a recently discovered anomalously rapid decrease of the orbital period taken into account. We show that the observed decrease can be consistent with the magnetic stellar wind of the optical companion, whose magnetic field was increased during the common-envelope stage. Several constraints on evolutionary scenario parameters were developed.
Flow Diversion for Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms in Pediatric Patients: Multicenter Case Series
Authors: Cherian Jacob , Srinivasan Visish , Froehler Michael T , Grossberg Jonathan A , Cawley C Michael , Hanel Ricardo A , Puri Ajit , Dumont Travis , Ducruet Andrew F , Albuquerque Felipe , Arthur Adam , Cheema Ahmed , Spiotta Alejandro , Anadani Mohammad , Lopes Demetrius , Saied Ahmed , Kim Louis , Kelly Cory M , Chen Peng Roc , Mocco J , De Leacy Reade , Powers Ciarán J , Grandhi Ramesh , Fargen Kyle M , Chen Stephen R , Johnson Jeremiah N , Lam Sandi , Kan Peter
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Though the Pipeline Embolization Device (Medtronic) is approved for use in adults 22 yr and older, the high efficacy and long-term durability of the device is attractive for treatment of intracranial aneurysms in younger patients who often have aneurysms less amenable to traditional endovascular treatments.

OBJECTIVE

To report technical, angiographic, and clinical outcomes in patients aged 21 or below undergoing flow-diversion treatment for intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Retrospective review across 16 institutions identified 39 patients aged 21 or below undergoing 46 treatment sessions with Pipeline Embolization Device placement between 2012 and 2018. A total of 50 intracranial aneurysms were treated. Details regarding patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, treatment considerations, clinical outcomes, and aneurysm occlusion were obtained and analyzed in a multicenter database.

RESULTS

A total of 70% of patients were male. Nonsaccular morphology was seen in half of identified aneurysms. Six aneurysms were giant, and five patients were treated acutely after ruptured presentation. Eight patients were younger than 10 yr of age. Complete aneurysm occlusion was seen in 74% of treated aneurysms. Three aneurysms (6%) were retreated. A total of 83% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale scores of ≤2 at last clinical follow-up. There were 2 early mortalities (4.3%) in the immediate postprocedure period because of rerupture of a treated ruptured aneurysm. No recanalization of a previously occluded aneurysm was observed.

CONCLUSION

Flow-diversion treatment is a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms in patients younger than 22 yr. Rates of complete aneurysm occlusion and adverse events are comparable for rates seen in older patients.
Microsurgical Clipping Techniques and Outcomes for Paraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Kamide Tomoya , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Tabani Halima , Safaee Michael , Lawton Michael T
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Microsurgical clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms presents unique technical challenges because of the anatomical complexity of the paraclinoid region.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze microsurgical clipping techniques, complications, and outcomes associated with paraclinoid aneurysms, with a focus on clip selection and clipping technique according to aneurysm location.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2016, 231 unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms from 216 patients were treated using microsurgical clipping. We retrospectively reviewed patient records to analyze clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 80 aneurysms (34.6%) were treated with simple clipping. Among them, fenestrated clips were used with superior hypophyseal artery (SHA) aneurysms, but curved clips were used with most other aneurysms. A total of 151 aneurysms (65.6%) were treated using multiple clips, including tandem clipping for ophthalmic artery (OphA) aneurysms, tandem angled-fenestrated clipping for SHA and ventral carotid aneurysms, stacked clipping for dorsal carotid aneurysms, and various techniques for clinoidal segment/carotid cave aneurysms. Postoperative angiography was performed in 214 aneurysms (92.6%), and complete obliteration was confirmed in 195 aneurysms (91.1%). Using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), overall functional outcome was good (mRS 0-2) in 99.6% of patients, although 30 cases (13.0%) showed new postoperative visual deficits.

CONCLUSION

Surgical clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms is an excellent treatment modality with good clinical outcomes and acceptable complication rates, particularly in centers with large experience in the microsurgical management of cerebrovascular disorders. Appropriate clip selection and clipping techniques are required to perform complete and safe clipping.
Hereditary systemic autoinflammatory diseases and Schnitzler’s syndrome
Authors: Kacar Mark , Pathak Shelly , Savic Sinisa
Published: September 2019

The systemic autoinflammatory diseases are disorders of the innate immune system distinguished by severe inflammation resulting from dysregulation of the innate immune system. Hereditary fever syndromes, such as FMF, TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes and mevalonate kinase deficiency, were the first group of systemic autoinflammatory diseases for which a genetic basis was established, between 1999 and 2001. Currently according to the latest report of the international union of immunological societies, 37 separate monogenic disorders were classified as autoinflammatory. In addition to the abovementioned monogenic conditions, we describe Schnitzler’s syndrome, a well-defined, acquired autoinflammatory condition without a clear genetic basis. For the purposes of this review, we discuss several conditions defined by the latest consensus process as systemic autoinflammatory diseases. We focus on those disorders where recent studies have contributed to further phenotypic characterization or had an impact on clinical management.
Novel motif is capable of determining CCR and CCR-like proteins based on the divergence of CCRs in plants
Authors: Chao Nan , Jiang Wen-Ting , Wang Xue-Chun , Jiang Xiang-Ning , Gai Ying
Published: September 2019

Cinnamoyl-coenzyme A reductases (CCRs) have been reported as key enzymes involved in monolignol biosynthesis. In this study, a motif-aware workflow based on a new signature motif effectively distinguished CCRs from CCR-like proteins. The divergence of CCRs and CCR-like sequences in Populus tomentosa Carr, Panicum virgatum L, Oryza sativa L and Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron suggests that NWYCY is not efficient for CCR recognition. The novel motif H202(X)2K205 (CCR-SBM or CCR substrate binding motif) was introduced to distinguish between CCRs and CCR-like proteins. The site-directed mutant R205K in Os(I)CCR-like and H202 in PtoCCR7 resulted in the rescue and loss of activity, respectively, further validating the fact that CCR-SBM is critical for maintaining CCR activity. The molecular docking using feruloyl-cinnamoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) as the ligand and binary PhCCR-NADP structures as receptors indicated an interaction between H202 and K205 with CoA moiety. The genuine CCRs and CCR-like proteins from several angiosperms and gymnosperms were screened using a motif-aware workflow and were validated using a biochemical assay. Our results suggest that the motif-aware workflow is efficient and effective for the identification of CCRs and CCR-like proteins in land plants and can be used as a more accurate way of identifying genuine CCRs among land plants.
Widespread QoI Fungicide Resistance Revealed Among Corynespora cassiicola Tomato Isolates in Florida
Authors: MacKenzie Keevan J. , Xavier Katia V. , Wen Aimin , Timilsina Sujan , Adkison Heather M. , Dufault Nicholas S. , Vallad Gary E.
Published: September 2019

Target spot of tomato caused by Corynespora cassiicola is one of the most economically destructive diseases of tomato in Florida. A collection of 123 isolates from eight counties in Florida were evaluated for sensitivity to azoxystrobin and fenamidone based on mycelial growth inhibition (MGI), spore germination (SG), detached leaflet assays (DLAs), and sequence-based analysis of the cytochrome b gene (cytb). Cleavage of cytb by restriction enzyme (Fnu4HI) revealed the presence of a mutation conferring a glycine (G) to alanine (A) mutation at amino acid position 143 (G143A) in approximately 90% of the population, correlating with quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) resistance based on MGI (<40% at 5 μg/ml), SG (<50% at 1 and 10 μg/ml), and DLA (<10% severity reduction). The mutation conferring a phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) substitution at position 129 (F129L) was confirmed in moderately resistant isolates (#9, #19, and #74) based on MGI (40 to 50% at 5 μg/ml), SG (<50% at 1 μg/ml and >50% at 10 μg/ml), and DLA (>10% and <43% severity reduction) for both QoI fungicides, whereas sensitive isolates (#1, #4, #7, #28, #29, #46, #61, #74, #75, #76, #91, #95, and #118) based on MGI (>50% at 5 μg/ml), SG (>50% at 1 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml), and DLA (>50% severity reduction) correlated to non-mutation-containing isolates or those with a silent mutation. This study indicates that QoI resistance among C. cassiicola isolates from tomato is widespread in Florida and validates rapid screening methods using MGI or molecular assays to identify resistant isolates in future studies.
Bacteriome and Mycobiome in Nicotiana tabacum Fields Affected by Black Shank Disease
Authors: Chen Xiaoyulong , He Baoyu , Yang Hong , Cernava Tomislav
Published: September 2019

Phytophthora nicotianae is a widespread cause of black shank disease of tobacco plants and causes substantial harvest losses in all major cultivation areas. The oomycete primarily affects plant roots and the stem, where it leads to a progressing decay of the diseased tissues. In this resource announcement, we provide two complementary datasets comprising 16S gene fragment amplicons (bacteriome) and ITS1 region amplicons (mycobiome) that were sequenced on an Illumina-based platform. Soil samples were obtained from disease-affected fields in Guizhou province (China) and include control samples from adhering fields without previous disease incidence. Both datasets were acquired at a high sequencing depth and accompanied by detailed metadata, which facilitate their implementation in comparative studies. The resource announcement provides a basis for disease-specific biomarker detection and correlation studies that include the microbiome.
A Double Mutation in the Conserved Motifs of the Helper Component Protease of Papaya Leaf Distortion Mosaic Virus for the Generation of a Cross-Protective Attenuated Strain
Authors: Tuo Decai , Zhou Peng , Zhao Guangyuan , Yan Pu , Tan Dong , Li Xiaoying , Shen Wentao
Published: September 2019

Potyviral helper component protease (HC-Pro), as a major determinant of symptom expression in susceptible plants, is a likely target candidate in the production of attenuated strains for cross-protection. In this study, single or double mutations of Lys (K) to Glu (E) in the Lys-Ile-Thr-Cys motif and Arg (R) to Ile (I) in the Phe-Arg-Asn-Lys motif of the HC-Pro from the severe papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus strain DF (PLDMV-DF) reduced symptom expression and virus accumulation in infected papaya (Carica papaya) plants. The papaya plants infected with the attenuated double mutant of PLDMV-EI presented as symptomless. PLDMV-EI provided effective protection against PLDMV-DF infection in three papaya cultivars and had no effect on plant growth and development. Our result showed that PLDMV-EI is a promising mild strain for the practical use of cross-protection in the field.
Choosing Words Wisely: Residents’ Use of Rhetorical Appeals in Conversations About Unnecessary Tests
Authors: Tseng Eric K. , Mukerji Geetha , Weinerman Adina , Fuller Jonathan , McLeod Anne , Wong Brian M. , Kuper Ayelet , Stroud Lynfa S.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To characterize how residents employ rhetorical appeals (i.e., the strategic use of communication to achieve specifiable goals) when discussing unnecessary diagnostic tests with patients.

Method

In 2015, senior hematology residents from 10 Canadian universities participating in a national formative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) completed a resource stewardship communication station. In this communication scenario, a standardized patient (SP) portrayed a patient requesting unnecessary thrombophilia testing following early pregnancy loss. The authors performed a thematic analysis of audio transcripts using a qualitative description approach to identify residents’ rhetorical appeals to logic (rational appeals), credibility, and emotion.

Results

For persuasive communication, residents (n = 27) relied primarily on rational appeals that fit into 3 categories (with themes) focused on medical evidence (poor utility, professional guidelines and recommendations), avoidance of harm (insurance implications, unnecessary or potentially harmful interventions, patient anxiety), and reassurance to patient (normalizing, clinical pretest probability, criteria for reconsidering testing). Appeals to credibility and emotion were rarely used.

Conclusions

In an OSCE setting, residents relied predominantly on rational appeals when engaging SPs in conversations about unnecessary tests. These observations yield insights into how recent emphasis within residency education on appropriate test utilization may manifest when residents put recommendations into practice in conversations with patients. This study’s framework of rational appeals may be helpful in designing communication curricula about unnecessary testing. Future studies should explore rhetoric about unnecessary testing in the clinical environment, strategies to teach and coach residents leading these conversations, and patients’ preferences and responses to different appeals.
Taking Students as They Should Be: Restoring Trust in Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Slavin Stuart , Smith Gregory
Published: September 2019

A recently published editorial focused on trust in the relationship between teacher and learner; in this Invited Commentary, the authors examine trust between administrators, course directors, curriculum committees, and medical students, exploring the ways that a lack of trust may be manifest, how this impacts students, and how trust can be built in undergraduate medical education (UME).

The hierarchical and paternalistic culture in medical education can skew curricular and policy decisions in the direction of distrust of students, leading to overscheduling and overprogramming of students through much of UME and to inflexible policies and procedures. Students may feel unheard or disrespected by some administrators and course directors when asking for changes, particularly when advocating for reductions in workload or increased flexibility. The collective impact of this lack of trust appears substantial, leaving many students with feelings of frustration, resentment, and cynicism.

Trust can be built, and efforts to do so have little associated cost. Administrators and course directors need to demonstrate respect, compassion, flexibility, and trust in students. Trust is built on relationships, and administrators should avoid isolation and engage meaningfully with students. Efforts should be made to reduce overscheduling of students so that they have more opportunity to pursue activities in which they can find meaning. Flexibility in scheduling of mandatory sessions and exams should be introduced wherever possible. If we take these collective steps, students will be more likely to find a path to becoming the doctors they are capable of becoming.