bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients with non-idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss show hearing improvement more often than patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Thielker Jovanna , Heuschkel Anne , Boeger Daniel , Buentzel Jens , Esser Dirk , Hoffmann Kerstin , Jecker Peter , Mueller Andreas , Radtke Gerald , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: March 2021

Introduction

To compare inpatient treated patients with idiopathic (ISSNHL) and non-idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (NISSNHL) regarding frequency, hearing loss, treatment and outcome.

Methods

All 574 inpatient patients (51% male, median age: 60 years) with ISSNHL and NISSNHL, who were treated in federal state Thuringia in 2011 and 2012, were included retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.

Results

ISSNHL was diagnosed in 490 patients (85%), NISSNHL in 84 patients (15%). 49% of these cases had hearing loss due to acute otitis media, 37% through varicella-zoster infection or Lyme disease, 10% through Menière disease and 7% due to other reasons. Patients with ISSNHL and NISSNHL showed no difference between age, gender, side of hearing loss, presence of tinnitus or vertigo and their comorbidities. 45% of patients with ISSNHL and 62% with NISSNHL had an outpatient treatment prior to inpatient treatment (p < 0.001). The mean interval between onset of hearing loss to inpatient treatment was shorter in ISSNHL (7.7 days) than in NISSNHL (8.9 days;p = 0.02). The initial hearing loss of the three most affected frequencies in pure-tone average (3PTAmax) scaled 72.9 dBHL ± 31.3 dBHL in ISSNHL and 67.4 dBHL ± 30.5 dBHL in NISSNHL. In the case of acute otitis media, 3PTAmax (59.7 dBHL ± 24.6 dBHL) was lower than in the case of varicella-zoster infection or Lyme disease (80.11 dBHL ± 34.19 dBHL;p = 0.015). Mean absolute hearing gain (Δ3PTAmaxabs) was 8.1 dB ± 18.8 dB in patients with ISSNHL, and not different in NISSNHL patients with 10.2 dB ± 17.6 dB. A Δ3PTAmaxabs ≥ 10 dB was reached in 34.3% of the patients with ISSNHL and to a significantly higher rate of 48.8% in NISSNHL patients (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

ISSNHL and NISSNHL show no relevant baseline differences. ISSNHL tends to have a higher initial hearing loss. NISSHNL shows a better outcome than ISSNHL.
Nothing but hot air?—On the molecular ballistic analysis of backspatter generated by and the hazard potential of blank guns
Authors: Euteneuer Jan , Gosch Annica , Courts Cornelius
Published: March 2021

Blank cartridge guns are prevalent especially in countries with laws restricting access to conventional firearms, and it is a common misconception that these weapons are harmless and only used as toys or for intimidation. However, although their harming potential is well-documented by numerous reports of accidents, suicides, and homicides, a systematic molecular biological investigation of traces generated by shots from blank cartridges at biological targets has not been done so far. Herein, we investigate the occurrence and analyzability of backspatter generated by shots of different types of blank cartridge guns firing different types of blank ammunition at ballistic gelatin model cubes doped with human blood and radiological contrast agent soaked into a spongious matrix and covered with three different variants of skin simulants. All skin simulants were penetrated, and backspatter was created in 100% of the shots in amounts sufficient for forensic short tandem repeat (STR) typing that resulted in the correct identification of the respective blood donor. Visible backspatter was documented on the muzzle and/or inside the barrel in all cases, and in 75% of cases also on the outer surfaces and on the shooter’s hand(s). Wound cavities were measured and ranged between 1 and 4.5 cm in depth. Discussing our findings, we provide recommendations for finding, recovering, and analyzing trace material from blank guns, and we demonstrate the considerable hazard potential of these devices, which is further emphasized by the presentation of a comprehensive overview of the pertinent literature on injuries inflicted by blank guns.
Sufficient conditions for hyperbolicity and consistency of the dynamic equations for fluid-saturated solids
Authors: Osinov Vladimir A.
Published: March 2021

Previous studies showed that the dynamic equations for a porous fluid-saturated solid may lose hyperbolicity and thus render the boundary-value problem ill-posed while the equations for the same but dry solid remain hyperbolic. This paper presents sufficient conditions for hyperbolicity in both dry and saturated states. Fluid-saturated solids are described by two different systems of equations depending on whether the permeability is zero or nonzero (locally undrained and drained conditions, respectively). The paper also introduces a notion of wave speed consistency between the two systems as a necessary condition which must be satisfied in order for the solution in the locally drained case to tend to the undrained solution as the permeability tends to zero. It is shown that the symmetry and positive definiteness of the acoustic tensor of the skeleton guarantee both hyperbolicity and the wave speed consistency of the equations.
Evaluation of a worldwide EQA scheme for complex clonality analysis of clinical lymphoproliferative cases demonstrates a learning effect
Authors: Keppens Cleo , Boone Elke , Gameiro Paula , Tack Véronique , Moreau Elisabeth , Hodges Elizabeth , Evans Paul , Brüggemann Monika , Carter Ian , Lenze Dido , Sarasquete Maria Eugenia , Möbs Markus , Liu Hongxiang , Dequeker Elisabeth M. C. , Groenen Patricia J. T. A.
Published: March 2021

Clonality analysis of immunoglobulin (IG) or T-cell receptor (TR) gene rearrangements is routine practice to assist diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies. Participation in external quality assessment (EQA) aids laboratories in identifying systematic shortcomings. The aim of this study was to evaluate laboratories’ improvement in IG/TR analysis and interpretation during five EQA rounds between 2014 and 2018. Each year, participants received a total of five cases for IG and five cases for TR testing. Paper-based cases were included for analysis of the final molecular conclusion that should be interpreted based on the integration of the individual PCR results. Wet cases were distributed for analysis of their routine protocol as well as evaluation of the final molecular conclusion. In total, 94.9% (506/533) of wet tests and 97.9% (829/847) of paper tests were correctly analyzed for IG, and 96.8% (507/524) wet tests and 93.2% (765/821) paper tests were correctly analyzed for TR. Analysis scores significantly improved when laboratories participated to more EQA rounds (p=0.001). Overall performance was significantly lower (p=0.008) for non-EuroClonality laboratories (95% for IG and 93% for TR) compared to EuroClonality laboratories (99% for IG and 97% for TR). The difference was not related to the EQA scheme year, anatomic origin of the sample, or final clinical diagnosis. This evaluation showed that repeated EQA participation helps to reduce performance differences between laboratories (EuroClonality versus non-EuroClonality) and between sample types (paper versus wet). The difficulties in interpreting oligoclonal cases highlighted the need for continued education by meetings and EQA schemes.
The perspectives of mapping and monitoring of the sense of self in neurosurgical patients
Authors: Schaller Karl , Iannotti Giannina Rita , Orepic Pavo , Betka Sophie , Haemmerli Julien , Boex Colette , Alcoba-Banqueri Sixto , Garin Dorian F. A. , Herbelin Bruno , Park Hyeong-Dong , Michel Christoph M. , Blanke Olaf
Published: March 2021

Surgical treatment of tumors, epileptic foci or of vascular origin, requires a detailed individual pre-surgical workup and intra-operative surveillance of brain functions to minimize the risk of post-surgical neurological deficits and decline of quality of life. Most attention is attributed to language, motor functions, and perception. However, higher cognitive functions such as social cognition, personality, and the sense of self may be affected by brain surgery. To date, the precise localization and the network patterns of brain regions involved in such functions are not yet fully understood, making the assessment of risks of related post-surgical deficits difficult. It is in the interest of neurosurgeons to understand with which neural systems related to selfhood and personality they are interfering during surgery. Recent neuroscience research using virtual reality and clinical observations suggest that the insular cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and temporo-parietal junction are important components of a neural system dedicated to self-consciousness based on multisensory bodily processing, including exteroceptive and interoceptive cues (bodily self-consciousness (BSC)). Here, we argue that combined extra- and intra-operative approaches using targeted cognitive testing, functional imaging and EEG, virtual reality, combined with multisensory stimulations, may contribute to the assessment of the BSC and related cognitive aspects. Although the usefulness of particular biomarkers, such as cardiac and respiratory signals linked to virtual reality, and of heartbeat evoked potentials as a surrogate marker for intactness of multisensory integration for intra-operative monitoring has to be proved, systemic and automatized testing of BSC in neurosurgical patients will improve future surgical outcome.
Perioperative predictors of early surgical revision and flap-related complications after microvascular free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstructions: a retrospective observational series
Authors: Burkhard John-Patrik , Pfister Jelena , Giger Roland , Huber Markus , Lädrach Claudia , Waser Manuel , Olariu Radu , Engel Dominique , Löffel Lukas M. , Schaller Benoît , Wuethrich Patrick Y.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of perioperative fluid management and administration of vasopressors on early surgical revision and flap-related complications in free tissue transfer.

Materials and methods

Intraoperative amount of fluid and of vasopressors, relevant perioperative parameters, and comorbidities were recorded in 131 patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction and compared with early surgical complications, defined as interventions requiring surgery after a flap-related complication, and/or other surgical problems in the operating room within 30 days after initial surgery. The relationship between perioperative variables for each revision category was determined using an optimized multiple logistic regression.

Results

The administration of diuretics (p=0.001) as a treatment for perioperative fluid overload and the type of flap (p=0.019) was associated with a higher risk of early surgical revisions. Perioperative fluid overload (p=0.039) is significantly related to flap-related complications. We found no effect of intraoperative administration of vasopressors on early surgical revisions (p=0.8) or on flap-related complications (norepinephrine p=0.6, dobutamine p=0.5).

Conclusion

Perioperative fluid overload is associated with higher risks of early surgical revision and flap-related complications. In contrast, the administration of vasopressors seemed to have no effect on either surgical revision rate or flap-related complications.

Clinical relevance

In patients receiving microvascular reconstructions, a balanced fluid administration perioperatively and a targeted use of vasopressors should be the necessary strategy to reduce the complication rates in head and neck surgery.
Complications of cranioplasty in relationship to traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shepetovsky David , Mezzini Gianluca , Magrassi Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

Despite being a common procedure, cranioplasty (CP) is associated with a variety of serious, at times lethal, complications. This study explored the relationship between the initial injury leading to decompressive craniectomy (DC) and the rates and types of complications after subsequent CP. It specifically compared between traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and patients undergoing CP after DC for other indications.

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases using PRISMA guidelines was performed to include case-control studies, cohorts, and clinical trials reporting complication data for CP after DC. Information about the patients’ characteristics and the rates of overall and specific complications in TBI and non-TBI patients was extracted, summarized, and analyzed.

A total of 59 studies, including the authors’ institutional experience, encompassing 9264 patients (4671 TBI vs. 4593 non-TBI) met the inclusion criteria; this total also included 149 cases from our institutional series. The results of the analysis of the published series are shown both with and without our series 23 studies reported overall complications, 40 reported infections, 10 reported new-onset seizures, 13 reported bone flap resorption (BFR), 5 reported post-CP hydrocephalus, 10 reported intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and 8 reported extra-axial fluid collections (EFC). TBI was associated with increased odds of BFR (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, p < 0.01) and infection (OR 1.38, p = 0.02). No difference was detected in the odds of overall complications, seizures, hydrocephalus, ICH, or EFC.

Awareness of increased risks of BFR and infection after CP in TBI patients promotes the implementation of new strategies to prevent these complications especially in this category of patients.
Quantitative Precipitate Classification and Grain Boundary Property Control in Co/Ni-Base Superalloys
Authors: McAuliffe T. P. , Bantounas I. , Reynolds L. R. , Foden A. , Hardy M. C. , Britton T. B. , Dye D.
Published: March 2021

A correlative approach is employed to simultaneously assess structure and chemistry of (carbide and boride) precipitates in a set of novel Co/Ni-base superalloys. Structure is derived from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) with pattern template matching, and chemistry obtained with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It is found that the principal carbide in these alloys is Mo and W rich with the M6C structure. An M2B boride also exhibiting Mo and W segregation is observed at B levels above approximately 0.085 at. pct. These phases are challenging to distinguish in an SEM with chemical information (EDS or backscatter Z-contrast) alone, without the structural information provided by EBSD. Only correlative chemical and structural fingerprinting is necessary and sufficient to fully define a phase. The identified phases are dissimilar to those predicted using ThermoCalc. We additionally perform an assessment of the grain boundary serratability in these alloys, and observe that significant amplitude is only obtained in the absence of pinning intergranular precipitates.
Development and Validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Onion
Authors: Rämö Sari , Haapalainen Minna , Latvala Satu
Published: March 2021

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) of onion is a serious disease problem worldwide. The Fusarium species causing FBR can also produce mycotoxins that are potentially harmful to humans and animals. In this study, a multiple reaction monitoring technique with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (MRM UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for onion matrix to study Fusarium mycotoxins in the harvested onions. This study was focused on fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 (FB1, FB2, and FB3), beauvericin (BEA), and moniliformin (MON), which are the main mycotoxins produced by Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium proliferatum. In the in-house validated protocol, the onion samples were extracted with methanol:water (3:1) using magnetic stirring for 15 min. FBs and BEA were determined directly from the filtered extracts, whereas MON required sample concentration prior to analysis. No cleanup of extracts was needed prior to analysis. The target mycotoxins were separated on an Acquity UPLC system BEH C18 column with gradient elution. Mycotoxins were identified and quantified using 13C-FB1 as internal standard. Minor matrix effect was compensated using multi-point matrix-matched calibration curves with uninfected onion sample. For the mycotoxins studied, a good linearity was obtained (R2 ≥ 0.99) and the recoveries were in the range of 67–122%, with the highest standard deviation for MON, 22%. The limits of quantification were from 2.5 to 10 ng g−1 in onion matrix. The method was successfully employed for the analysis of mycotoxins in harvested onions showing FBR symptoms and found to be infected with F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum.
Effective source rock selection and oil–source correlation in the Western Slope of the northern Songliao Basin, China
Authors: Bi He , Li Peng , Jiang Yun , Fan Jing-Jing , Chen Xiao-Yue
Published: March 2021

This study considers the Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation, Yaojia Formation, and the first member of the Nenjiang Formation in the Western Slope of the northern Songliao Basin. Dark mudstone with high abundances of organic matter of Gulong and Qijia sags are considered to be significant source rocks in the study area. To evaluate their development characteristics, differences and effectiveness, geochemical parameters are analyzed. One-dimensional basin modeling and hydrocarbon evolution are also applied to discuss the effectiveness of source rocks. Through the biomarker characteristics, the source–source, oil–oil, and oil–source correlations are assessed and the sources of crude oils in different rock units are determined. Based on the results, Gulong and Qijia source rocks have different organic matter primarily detrived from mixed sources and plankton, respectively. Gulong source rock has higher thermal evolution degree than Qijia source rock. The biomarker parameters of the source rocks are compared with 31 crude oil samples. The studied crude oils can be divided into two groups. The oil–source correlations show that group I oils from Qing II–III, Yao I, and Yao II–III members were probably derived from Gulong source rock and that only group II oils from Nen I member were derived from Qijia source rock.
The Anti-cancer Effect of Olea europaea L. Products: a Review
Authors: Antoniou Chrystalla , Hull Jonathon
Published: March 2021

Purpose of Review

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has featured as a significant part of medicinal history, used to treat a variety of ailments within folk medicine. The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive products, is testament to Olea europaeas positive effects on health, associated with reduced incidences of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to summarise the current literature regarding the therapeutic potential of Olea europaea products in cancer, detailing the possible compounds responsible for its chemotherapeutic effects.

Recent Findings

Much of the existing research has focused on the use of cell culture models of disease, demonstrating Olea europaea extracts, and specific compounds within these extracts, have efficacy in a range of in vitro and in vivo cancer models. The source of Olea europaeas cytotoxicity is yet to be fully defined; however, compounds such as oleuropein and verbascoside have independent cytotoxic effects on animal models of cancer.

Initial results from animal models are promising but need to be translated to a clinical setting. Treatments utilising these compounds are likely to be well tolerated and represent a promising direction for future research.
Adverse cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotypes are associated with greater likelihood of incident coronavirus disease 2019: findings from the UK Biobank
Authors: Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , McCracken Celeste , Cooper Jackie , Fung Kenneth , Paiva José M. , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Rauseo Elisa , Biasiolli Luca , Raman Betty , Piechnik Stefan K. , Neubauer Stefan , Munroe Patricia B. , Harvey Nicholas C. , Petersen Steffen E.
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately affects older people. Observational studies suggest indolent cardiovascular involvement after recovery from acute COVID-19. However, these findings may reflect pre-existing cardiac phenotypes.

Aims

We tested the association of baseline cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotypes with incident COVID-19.

Methods

We studied UK Biobank participants with CMR imaging and COVID-19 testing. We considered left and right ventricular (LV, RV) volumes, ejection fractions, and stroke volumes, LV mass, LV strain, native T1, aortic distensibility, and arterial stiffness index. COVID-19 test results were obtained from Public Health England. Co-morbidities were ascertained from self-report and hospital episode statistics (HES). Critical care admission and death were from HES and death register records. We investigated the association of each cardiovascular measure with COVID-19 test result in multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and prior myocardial infarction.

Results

We studied 310 participants (n = 70 positive). Median age was 63.8 [57.5, 72.1] years; 51.0% (n = 158) were male. 78.7% (n = 244) were tested in hospital, 3.5% (n = 11) required critical care admission, and 6.1% (n = 19) died. In fully adjusted models, smaller LV/RV end-diastolic volumes, smaller LV stroke volume, and poorer global longitudinal strain were associated with significantly higher odds of COVID-19 positivity.

Discussion

We demonstrate association of pre-existing adverse CMR phenotypes with greater odds of COVID-19 positivity independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

Observational reports of cardiovascular involvement after COVID-19 may, at least partly, reflect pre-existing cardiac status rather than COVID-19 induced alterations.
Can theory of mind of healthy older adults living in a nursing home be improved? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cavallini Elena , Ceccato Irene , Bertoglio Silvana , Francescani Andrea , Vigato Federico , Ianes Aladar Bruno , Lecce Serena
Published: March 2021

Background

Research in nursing homes mainly focused on interventions for residents affected by cognitive decline. Few studies have considered healthy older adults living in nursing homes, and this research targeted cognitive functioning.

Aims

To evaluate whether socio-cognitive abilities can be improved by means of a theory of mind (ToM) training conducted by nursing home’s operators.

Methods

Results

Results revealed that older adults benefitted from the ToM intervention in both practiced and non-practiced tasks, while the control group showed no change from pre- to post-test evaluation. Analyses on errors scores indicated that the ToM intervention led to a reduction of both excessive mentalizing and absence of mental states inference.

Discussion

The conversation-based ToM intervention proved to be effective in improving socio-cognitive skills in cognitively healthy nursing home residents. Notably, older adults were able to transfer the skills acquired during the training to new material.

Conclusions

Promoting healthy resident’s ToM ability could positively impact on their social cognition, consequently increasing their quality of life. Our findings showed that the intervention can be feasibly managed by health care assistants within the residential context.
Contemporaneous financial intermediation
Authors: Merz Markus
Published: March 2021

Digital innovations in banking and payments recently have garnered a great deal of attention. Specifically, distributed ledger technology (DLT) has the potential to fundamentally change the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the financial sector. DLT is a novel and fast-evolving approach to record and share data, e.g., payment transactions, among members of a decentralized network. Using transaction cost theory, the paper examines how DLT will change the cross-border payment infrastructure. DLT can reduce the overall transaction costs potentially resulting in the disappearance of correspondent banks.
Does Teen Triple P Affect Parenting and the Social and Emotional Behaviours of Teenagers? A Study of the Positive Parenting Programme in the Netherlands
Authors: Steketee Majone , Jonkman Harrie , Naber Pauline , Distelbrink Marjolijn
Published: March 2021

Triple P is a parenting programme used in the youth healthcare practice of many Dutch municipalities to support parents in raising their children. According to international research, this Australian intervention is effective for parents with children up to the age of 12. It shows positive effects on parenting skills and on the reduction of both parents' child-rearing stress and their children's behavioural and emotional problems. Our study examined the effectiveness of Teen Triple P level 4: a training programme for parents of teenagers aged 10–16. The programme included five group sessions of 1.5–2 h each, as well as three individual (phone) consultations. Through a matching procedure, 103 parents who participated in Teen Triple P were compared in a quasi-experimental study with 397 parents in a control group. Compared with the control group, parents who received the Teen Triple P training reported a significant improvement in their parental practice. Now, they are more involved with their child, more responsive to the needs of the children, and they report fewer parent–child conflicts. Some positive differences in behavioural problems among adolescents, as reported by their parents, could be found among the experimental group. These findings remained the same at the follow-up.
The Archaeology of a Landslide: Unravelling the Azores Earthquake Disaster of 1522 and its Consequences
Authors: Gerrard Christopher , Forlin Paolo , Froude Melanie , Petley David , Gutiérrez Alejandra , Treasure Edward , Milek Karen , Oliveira N'zinga
Published: March 2021

The multidisciplinary research described here shows how archaeologists can help reconstruct past seismic episodes and understand the subsequent relief operation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction processes. In October 1522, a major earthquake and landslide struck the then capital of the Azores, Vila Franca do Campo, 1500 km from the European mainland. Damage was extensive, destroying key monuments, affecting most of the inhabited area, and leaving few survivors among the early colonists. The results from twenty-six archaeological trenches, geological and geoarchaeological investigations, and documentary analysis are reviewed here. Distinctive archaeological deposits are identified and explained, using the high density of artefacts and the erosional contact between the landslide and the pre-1522 palaeosol to reconstruct the episode in detail.
Effect of external magnetic field on lane formation in driven pair-ion plasmas
Authors: Baruah Swati , Sarma U. , Ganesh R.
Published: March 2021

Lane formation dynamics in externally driven pair-ion plasma (PIP) particles is studied in the presence of external magnetic field using Langevin dynamics (LD) simulation. The phase diagram obtained distinguishing the no-lane and lane states is systematically determined from a study of various Coulomb coupling parameter values. A peculiar lane formation-disintegration parameter space is identified; lane formation area extended to a wide range of Coulomb coupling parameter values is observed before disappearing to a mixed phase. The different phases are identified by calculating the order parameter. This and the critical parameters are calculated directly from LD simulation. The critical electric field strength value above which the lanes are formed distinctly is obtained, and it is observed that in the presence of the external magnetic field, the PIP system requires a higher value of the electric field strength to enter into the lane formation state than that in the absence of the magnetic field. We further find out the critical value of electric field frequency beyond which the system exhibits a transition back to the disordered state and this critical frequency is found as an increasing function of the electric field strength in the presence of an external magnetic field. The movement of the lanes is also observed in a direction perpendicular to that of the applied electric and magnetic field directions, which reveals the existence of the electric field drift in the system under study. We also use an oblique force field as the external driving force, both in the presence and absence of the external magnetic field. The application of this oblique force changes the orientation of the lane structures for different applied oblique angle values.
Latent cause inference during extinction learning in trauma-exposed individuals with and without PTSD
Authors: Norbury Agnes , Brinkman Hannah , Kowalchyk Mary , Monti Elisa , Pietrzak Robert H. , Schiller Daniela , Feder Adriana
Published: March 2021

Background

Problems in learning that sights, sounds, or situations that were once associated with danger have become safe (extinction learning) may explain why some individuals suffer prolonged psychological distress following traumatic experiences. Although simple learning models have been unable to provide a convincing account of why this learning fails, it has recently been proposed that this may be explained by individual differences in beliefs about the causal structure of the environment.

Methods

Here, we tested two competing hypotheses as to how differences in causal inference might be related to trauma-related psychopathology, using extinction learning data collected from clinically well-characterised individuals with varying degrees of post-traumatic stress (N = 56). Model parameters describing individual differences in causal inference were related to multiple post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptom dimensions via network analysis.

Results

Individuals with more severe PTSD were more likely to assign observations from conditioning and extinction stages to a single underlying cause. Specifically, greater re-experiencing symptom severity was associated with a lower likelihood of inferring that multiple causes were active in the environment.

Conclusions

We interpret these results as providing evidence of a primary deficit in discriminative learning in participants with more severe PTSD. Specifically, a tendency to attribute a greater diversity of stimulus configurations to the same underlying cause resulted in greater uncertainty about stimulus-outcome associations, impeding learning both that certain stimuli were safe, and that certain stimuli were no longer dangerous. In the future, better understanding of the role of causal inference in trauma-related psychopathology may help refine cognitive therapies for these disorders.
Projections of Poisson cut-outs in the Heisenberg group and the visual 3-sphere
Authors: DUFLOUX LAURENT , SUOMALA VILLE
Published: March 2021

We study projectional properties of Poisson cut-out setsEin non-Euclidean spaces. In the first Heisenbeg group\[\mathbb{H} = \mathbb{C} \times \mathbb{R}\], endowed with the Korányi metric, we show that the Hausdorff dimension of the vertical projection\[\pi (E)\](projection along the center of\[\mathbb{H}\]) almost surely equals\[\min \{ 2,{\dim _\operatorname{H} }(E)\} \]and that\[\pi (E)\]has non-empty interior if\[{\dim _{\text{H}}}(E) > 2\]. As a corollary, this allows us to determine the Hausdorff dimension ofEwith respect to the Euclidean metric in terms of its Heisenberg Hausdorff dimension\[{\dim _{\text{H}}}(E)\].

We also study projections in the one-point compactification of the Heisenberg group, that is, the 3-sphere\[{{\text{S}}^3}\]endowed with the visual metricdobtained by identifying\[{{\text{S}}^3}\]with the boundary of the complex hyperbolic plane. In\[{{\text{S}}^3}\], we prove a projection result that holds simultaneously for all radial projections (projections along so called “chains”). This shows that the Poisson cut-outs in\[{{\text{S}}^3}\]satisfy a strong version of the Marstrand’s projection theorem, without any exceptional directions.
Evaluation of equity-linked products in the presence of policyholder surrender option using risk-control strategies
Authors: Gaillardetz Patrice , Hachem Saeb , Moghtadai Mehran
Published: March 2021

Throughout the past couple of decades, the surge in the sale of equity-linked products has led to many discussions on the evaluation and risk management of surrender options embedded in these products. However, most studies treat such options as American/Bermudian style options. In this article, a different approach is presented where only a portion of the policyholders react optimally due to the belief that not all policyholders are rational. Through this method, a probability of surrender is obtained based on the option moneyness and the product is partially hedged using local risk-control strategies. This partial hedging approach is versatile since few assumptions are required for the financial framework. To compare the different surrender assumptions, the initial capital requirement for an equity-linked product is obtained under a regime-switching equity model. Numerical examples illustrate the dynamics and efficiency of this hedging approach.
The Breathing Plasmasphere: Erosion and Refilling
Authors: Gallagher D. L. , Comfort R. H. , Katus R. M. , Sandel B. R. , Fung S. F. , Adrian M. L.
Published: March 2021

Global observations of He+ ions from the Imager for Magnetopause‐to‐Aurora Global Exploration mission Extreme Ultraviolet Imager are used to examine the dynamics of plasmasphere content using integrated mass through times of erosion and refilling for . Perhaps the most basic and important attributes of the plasmasphere are its mass and spatial distribution. However, our understanding is often constrained by the method of measurement. Storm‐time loss of plasmasphere content is a kind of exhalation where plasma is lost. Refilling or inhalation into the body of the plasmasphere occurs during the following calm. Using a follow‐the‐mass approach, storm‐time plasmasphere loss for is found to range from 32% to 62% during three events. Plasma lost inside the average eroded plasmapause boundary ranges from 22% to 42% and outside from 35% to 72%. Following the start of refilling, the innermost L‐shells show the lowest observed refilling rates. Mass refilling rates at higher L‐shells rise to a maximum observed ∼6 Mt/day near L = 4.5 that is less at higher L‐shells (Mt/d = 1,000 kg/day). More variability and higher refilling rates are found during lower solar activity. The mass content of the plasmasphere between L = 1.5 and 3.0 was also followed for 54 days when it exhibited eight “breathes.” Using this analogy, only the first inhale/exhale is “deep.” The remaining carry forward the consequences of past and continued activity that prevents full recovery. There appears to be a month‐long declining trend in the mass of the inner plasmasphere during the last two thirds of this time.
Data‐Driven Modeling of Atomic Oxygen Airglow over a Period of Three Solar Cycles
Authors: Mackovjak Š. , Varga M. , Hrivňak S. , Palkoci O. , Didebulidze G. G.
Published: March 2021

The Earth's upper atmosphere is a dynamic environment that is continuously affected by space weather from above and atmospheric processes from below. An effective way to observe this interface region is the monitoring of airglow. Since the 1950s, airglow emissions have been systematically measured by ground‐based photometers in specific wavelength bands during the nighttime. The availability of the calibrated data from over 30 years of photometric airglow measurements at Abastumani in Georgia (41.75° N, 42.82° E), at wavelengths of 557.7 and 630.0 nm, enable us to investigate if a data‐driven model based on advanced machine learning techniques can be successfully employed for modeling airglow intensities. A regression task was performed using the time series of space weather indices and thermosphere‐ionosphere parameters. We have found that the developed data‐driven model has good consistency with the commonly used GLOW airglow model and also captures airglow variations caused by cycles of solar activity and changes of the seasons. This enables us to visualize the green and red airglow variations over a period of three solar cycles with a one‐hour time resolution.
Activated sludge models at the crossroad of artificial intelligence—A perspective on advancing process modeling
Authors: Sin Gürkan , Al Resul
Published: March 2021

The introduction of Activated Sludge Models No. 1 (ASM1) in the early 1980s has led to a decade-long experience in applying these models and demonstrating their maturity for the wastewater treatment plants’ design and operation. However, these models have reached their limits concerning complexity and application accuracy. A case in point is that despite many extensions of the ASMs proposed to describe N2O production dynamics in the activated sludge plants, these models remain too complicated and yet to be validated. This perspective paper presents a new vision to advance process modeling by explicitly integrating the information about the microbial community as measured by molecular data in activated sludge models. In this new research area, we propose to harness the synergy between the rich molecular data from advanced gene sequencing technology with its integration through artificial intelligence with process engineering models. This is an interdisciplinary research area enabling the two separate disciplines, namely environmental biotechnology, to join forces and work together with the modeling and engineering community to perform new understanding and model-based engineering for sustainable WWTPs of the future.
Socioeconomic and physical health status changes after visual impairment in Korea using difference-in-difference estimations
Authors: Kim Hyero , Koo Heejo , Han Euna
Published: March 2021

This study analyzed the impact of visual impairment on socioeconomic and physical health status and its heterogeneity by severity of visual impairment. We used nationally representative cohort data based on Korean national health insurance claims (2002–2013), which were extracted for 11,030 persons (2206 visually impaired, 8824 control). This was restructured as monthly data for each person (person-month). Multivariate and ordered logistic regressions were conducted, and the pre-impairment status between the visually impaired and non-visually impaired people was adjusted by difference-in-difference (DiD) estimation. Focusing on medical aid (a public healthcare service assistance program for people who cannot afford health insurance premiums), the DiD estimate showed that the likelihood of receiving aid was higher among visually impaired compared with non-impaired people. Mildly and severely visually impaired people were more likely to be medical aid recipients than their counterparts. The severely visually impaired group was more likely to be unemployed. The visually impaired group were less likely to have no comorbidity. Our findings show that the socioeconomic and physical health status of visually impaired people is more likely to deteriorate than that of their non-visually impaired counterparts following onset of impairment.
Pre-therapeutic efficacy of the CDK inhibitor dinaciclib in medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Buzzetti Marta , Morlando Sonia , Solomos Dimitrios , Mehmood Ammara , Cox Alexander W. I. , Chiesa Mattia , D’Alessandra Yuri , Garofalo Michela , Topham Caroline H. , Di Leva Gianpiero
Published: March 2021

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common aggressive paediatric brain tumour and, despite the recent progress in the treatments of MB patients, there is still an urgent need of complementary or alternative therapeutic options for MB infants. Cyclin Dependent Kinase inhibitors (CDKi) are at the front-line of novel targeted treatments for multiple cancers and the CDK4/6 specific inhibitor palbociclib has been pre-clinically identified as an effective option for MB cells. Herein, we identified the pan-CDKi dinaciclib as a promising alternative to palbociclib for the suppression of MB cells proliferation. We present evidence supporting dinaciclib’s ability to inhibit MB cells in vitro proliferation at considerably lower doses than palbociclib. Sequencing data and pathway analysis suggested that dinaciclib is a potent cell death inducer in MB cells. We found that dinaciclib-triggered apoptosis is triggered by CDK9 inhibition and the resultant reduction in RNA pol II phosphorylation, which leads to the downregulation of the oncogenic marker MYC, and the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. Specifically, we demonstrated that MCL-1 is a key apoptotic mediator for MB cells and co-treatment of dinaciclib with BH3 mimetics boosts the therapeutic efficacy of dinaciclib. Together, these findings highlight the potential of multi-CDK inhibition by dinaciclib as an alternative option to CDK4/6 specific inhibition, frequently associated with drug resistance in patients.
Spatial distribution patterns of soil total phosphorus influenced by climatic factors in China’s forest ecosystems
Authors: Zhu Jie , Wu Anchi , Zhou Guoyi
Published: March 2021

Phosphorus (P) is an important element in terrestrial ecosystems and plays a critical role in soil quality and ecosystem productivity. Soil total P distributions have undergone large spatial changes as a result of centuries of climate change. It is necessary to study the characteristics of the horizontal and vertical distributions of soil total P and its influencing factors. In particular, the influence of climatic factors on the spatial distribution of soil total P in China’s forest ecosystems remain relatively unknown. Here, we conducted an intensive field investigation in different forest ecosystems in China to assess the effect of climatic factors on soil total P concentration and distribution. The results showed that soil total P concentration significantly decreased with increasing soil depth. The spatial distribution of soil total P increased with increasing latitude and elevation gradient but decreased with increasing longitude gradient. Random forest models and linear regression analyses showed that the explanation rate of bioclimatic factors and their relationship with soil total P concentration gradually decreased with increasing soil depths. Variance partitioning analysis demonstrated that the most important factor affecting soil total P distribution was the combined effect of temperature and precipitation factor, and the single effect of temperature factors had a higher explanation rate compare with the single effect of precipitation factors. This work provides a new farmework for the geographic distribution pattern of soil total P and the impact of climate variability on P distribution in forest ecosystems.
Genetic and phenotypic diversity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Japanese inpatients in the early 1980s
Authors: Zuo Hui , Uehara Yuki , Lu Yujie , Sasaki Takashi , Hiramatsu Keiichi
Published: March 2021

To trace the linkage between Japanese healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) strains in the early 1980s and the 2000s onward, we performed molecular characterizations using mainly whole-genome sequencing. Among the 194 S. aureus strains isolated, 20 mecA-positive MRSA (10.3%), 8 mecA-negative MRSA (4.1%) and 3 mecA-positive methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) (1.5%) strains were identified. The most frequent sequence type (ST) was ST30 (n = 11), followed by ST5 (n = 8), ST81 (n = 4), and ST247 (n = 3). Rates of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types I, II, and IV composed 65.2%, 13.0%, and 17.4% of isolates, respectively. Notably, 73.3% of SCCmec type I strains were susceptible to imipenem unlike SCCmec type II strains (0%). ST30-SCCmec I (n = 7) and ST5-SCCmec I (n = 5) predominated, whereas only two strains exhibited imipenem-resistance and were tst-positive ST5-SCCmec II, which is the current Japanese HA-MRSA genotype. All ST30 strains shared the common ancestor strain 55/2053, which caused the global pandemic of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive MSSA in Europe and the United States in the 1950s. Conspicuously more heterogeneous, the population of HA-MRSA clones observed in the 1980s, including the ST30-SCCmec I clone, has shifted to the current homogeneous population of imipenem-resistant ST5-SCCmec II clones, probably due to the introduction of new antimicrobials.
Kyphoplasty with intravertebral reduction devices associated with better height restoration and greater kyphosis correction than kyphoplasty with balloons
Authors: Chiang Chi-Jung , Huang Jin-Wei , Chen Shu-Mei , Lin Jiann-Her
Published: March 2021

Kyphoplasty (KP) with intravertebral reduction devices (IRD) was reported to be associated with better radiological outcomes than KP with balloons (BK) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). However, the mechanical factors that contribute to the radiological benefits of IRDs require further investigation. To probe the mechanical factors, this retrospective matched cohort study was designed, including the older patients with painful OVCFs and treated with KP. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes between KP with an IRD and BK, where vertebral body height and kyphotic angle of the cemented vertebrae were measured pre- and postoperatively; clinical outcomes were collected by telephone interviews. The restoration and maintenance ratio suggested that IRDs were associated with favorable effects long-term wise in anterior to middle vertebral body and kyphosis than BK in patients. The gathered results concluded the radiological benefits of IRD regarding both its efficient restoration and maintenance in vertebrae.
Association between medication adherence and intrapatient variability in tacrolimus concentration among stable kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Ko Hyunmin , Kim Hyo Kee , Chung Chris , Han Ahram , Min Seung-Kee , Ha Jongwon , Min Sangil
Published: March 2021

This study analyzed the association between medication adherence and the intrapatient variability (IPV) of tacrolimus concentrations among kidney transplant recipients through a post hoc analysis of the dataset from a recently conducted randomized controlled trial. Among 138 patients enrolled in the original trial, 92 patients with ≥ 5 months of medication event monitoring system (MEMS) use and ≥ 4 tacrolimus trough values were included in this post hoc analysis. The variability of tacrolimus trough levels was calculated using coefficient variation (CV) and mean absolute deviation. Adherence was assessed using MEMS and self-report via the Basal Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale. There were no statistically significant differences in the CV [median 16.5% [interquartile range 11.6–25.5%] and 16.0% [11.5–23.5%], respectively, P = .602] between the nonadherent (n = 59) and adherent groups (n = 33). There was also no significant correlation between the CV and adherence detected by MEMS (taking adherence, ρ = − 0.067, P = .527; dosing adherence, ρ = − 0.098, P = .352; timing adherence, ρ = − 0.113, P = .284). Similarly, adherence measured by self-report did not significantly affect the IPV (P = .452). In this post hoc analysis, nonadherent behavior, measured through electronic monitoring or self-report, did not affect the IPV.