bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Outcomes after Abdominoperineal Resection with Sacrectomy and Soft Tissue Reconstruction: Lessons Learned
Authors: Manrique Oscar J. , Rajesh Aashish , Asaad Malke , Bakri Karim , Tran Nho V. , Houdek Matthew T. , Dozois Eric J. , Rose Peter S.
Published: September 2019

Background Abdominoperineal resection (APR), which involves resection of the rectum, anal canal, and perianal skin, results in a large dead space in the pelvis, devascularized tissues, and high bacterial loads. This predisposes to wound complications, especially in the setting of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Additional sacral resection further compounds these effects. We aimed to assess perineal wound outcomes and complications in patients who underwent flap reconstruction for APR with sacrectomy (APRS) at our institution.

Methods We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent flap reconstruction for APRS over a 20-year period (1999–2018). Medical comorbidities, details of the surgical procedure, and major and minor wound complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results Forty-six patients underwent flap reconstruction following APRS—28 (60%) for colorectal cancer, 8 (17%) for sacral chordoma, and 10 diagnosed with other malignant histologies. Rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap reconstruction was used in 42 patients (91%). The median time to the first major perineal complication was 111 days (interquartile range: 22–660 days). Half of our cohort (n = 23) experienced a major perineal complication. No significant differences were found in major or minor perineal or abdominal wall complications between RAM flap and other flaps. APR with high sacrectomy was performed in 27 patients (59%) and was associated with significantly increased full-thickness dehiscence in the perineal region when compared with APR with low sacrectomy, 33 versus 0%, respectively (p = 0.0076). Complete flap loss occurred in one patient.

Conclusion The RAM flap was the workhorse flap for pelvic reconstruction following APRS in our cohort. Wound complications are common following APRS. High sacrectomy is associated with higher incidence of complications compared with low sacrectomy. Optimal surgical planning and patient counseling is fundamental to improve current surgical outcomes.
Statistical mechanics of the periodic Benjamin–Ono equation
Authors: Blower Gordon , Brett Caroline , Doust Ian
Published: September 2019

The periodic Benjamin–Ono equation is an autonomous Hamiltonian system with a Gibbs measure on L2(T). This paper shows that the Gibbs measures on bounded balls of L2 satisfy some logarithmic Sobolev inequalities. The space of n-soliton solutions of the periodic Benjamin–Ono equation, as discovered by Case, is a Hamiltonian system with an invariant Gibbs measure. As n → ∞, these Gibbs measures exhibit a concentration of measure phenomenon. Case introduced soliton solutions that are parameterized by atomic measures in the complex plane. The limiting distributions of these measures give the density of a compressible gas that satisfies the isentropic Euler equations.
Frequency-switchable polarity-inverted BAW resonators based on electric-field-induced piezoelectric PMN-PT/PZT epitaxial film stacks
Authors: Shimidzu Takahiro , Yanagitani Takahiko
Published: September 2019

Spontaneous polarization of tetragonal ferroelectrics cannot be inverted unless the applied electric field is greater than the coercive field. In the case of the cubic phase, on the other hand, polarization and piezoelectricity can be induced merely by applying an electric field. In this study, we proposed polarity-inverted cubic/tetragonal multilayer film resonators which allow switching between the fundamental and high-order mode resonances through the independent control of the polarization of the cubic layer. Frequency switching in bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators based on all-epitaxial cubic 0.95Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN)-0.05PbTiO3 (PTO)/tetragonal Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) bilayer film stacks is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. Under a negative voltage application, which is less than the coercive field of the tetragonal PZT layers, a fundamental mode resonance (327 MHz) is observed, whereas a second-mode resonance (779 MHz) is observed under a positive voltage application in BAW resonators. A theoretical simulation based on Mason’s equivalent circuit model, taking account of the polarity-inverted bilayer structure, shows good agreement with the experimental results.
Electrostatic potential mapping at ferroelectric domain walls by low-temperature photoemission electron microscopy
Authors: Schaab J. , Shapovalov K. , Schoenherr P. , Hackl J. , Khan M. I. , Hentschel M. , Yan Z. , Bourret E. , Schneider C. M. , Nemsák S. , Stengel M. , Cano A. , Meier D.
Published: September 2019

Low-temperature X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM) is used to measure the electric potential at domain walls in improper ferroelectric Er0.99Ca0.01MnO3. By combining X-PEEM with scanning probe microscopy and theory, we develop a model that relates the detected X-PEEM contrast to the emergence of uncompensated bound charges, explaining the image formation based on intrinsic electronic domain-wall properties. In contrast to previously applied low-temperature electrostatic force microscopy (EFM), X-PEEM readily distinguishes between positive and negative bound charges at domain walls. Our study introduces an X-PEEM-based approach for low-temperature electrostatic potential mapping, facilitating nanoscale spatial resolution and data acquisition times on the order of 0.1–1 s.
MOCVD epitaxy of
β
-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films on (010) Ga2O3 substrates and N-type doping
Authors: Anhar Uddin Bhuiyan A F M , Feng Zixuan , Johnson Jared M. , Chen Zhaoying , Huang Hsien-Lien , Hwang Jinwoo , Zhao Hongping
Published: September 2019

(010) β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films were grown on (010) β-Ga2O3 substrates via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition with up to 40% Al incorporation by systematic tuning of the Trimethylaluminum (TMAl)/triethylgallium molar flow rate ratio and growth temperature. High crystalline quality with pure β-phase (AlxGa1−x)2O3 was achieved for films with Al composition x < 27%, while a higher Al composition induced phase segregation which was observed via X-ray diffraction spectra. Al incorporation was highly dependent on the growth temperature, chamber pressure, oxygen partial pressure, and TMAl molar flow rate. Atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging demonstrated a high crystalline quality β-(Al0.15Ga0.85)2O3 film with an epitaxial interface. High resolution STEM imaging of (AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 superlattice (SL) structures revealed superior crystalline quality for the 23% Al composition. When the Al composition reaches 40%, the SL structure maintained the β-phase, but the interfaces became rough with inhomogeneous Al distribution. N-type doping using Si in β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films with the Al composition up to 33.4% was demonstrated.
Laser formation of luminescence bubble microstructures in polymer films
Authors: Rybaltovskiy A.O. , Akovantseva A.A. , Burdukovskiy V.F. , Krotova L.I. , Minaev N.V. , Timashev P.S. , Holhoev B.Ch. , Yusupov V.I.
Published: September 2019

The results of laser-induced formation of luminescent structures on the surface of poly-2.2’-n-oxydiphenylene-5.5’-bis-benzimidazole films, obtained by the coating method from a formic acid solution, are presented. The structures are formed using cw 405-nm laser radiation with intensities of 102 – 104 W cm–2. It is shown (using methods of optical, atomic-force, and electron microscopy) that the structures formed on the surface are microbubble foam-like aggregations. Their formation is modelled as a sequence of the following processes: release of formic acid molecules, their condensation on matrix defects in the surface layer, and explosive boiling as a result of heating this layer of polymer film by the laser beam. The luminescence of these structures is due to the weakening of the concentration quenching from closely spaced luminescence centres in benzimidazole cycles during their emergence to the surface and the increase in the distance between them due to the extension on bubble aggregates on the surface.
Analysis of spectroscopic information for detecting methane emissions on local paths using CO and He – Ne lasers
Authors: Voitsekhovskaya O.K. , Kashirskii D.E. , Shefer O.V.
Published: September 2019

Measuring the concentration of methane in the atmosphere is demonstrated to be very important, since an increase in methane content enhances the greenhouse effect. It is shown that the error in assessing the concentration of CH4 depends on many factors, including the reliability of the parameters of the spectral absorption lines of gases, the accuracy of determining the concentration, the measurement error, etc. The spectroscopic information necessary to detect sources of high methane concentration in the atmosphere using CO and He – Ne lasers is analysed.
Propagation of surface waves along a dielectric layer in a photorefractive crystal with a diffusion mechanism for the nonlinearity formation
Authors: Savotchenko S.E.
Published: September 2019

It is shown that TM-polarised surface waves, which exhibit a different character of their attenuation, can propagate along a dielectric layer separating photorefractive crystals with a diffusion mechanism of the nonlinearity formation. The wave profiles can be symmetric and antisymmetric with respect to the centre of the three-layer structure. For all considered wave types, dispersion equations are derived. The dependences of the propagation constant on the characteristics of the layered structure are found for long-wavelength surface waves in an explicit analytical form, and the conditions for their existence are revealed. The influence of the temperature and thickness of the dielectric layer on the propagation regimes of surface waves and their characteristics is analysed.
Nd3+: YAG laser based on the4F3/2→4I13/2secondary transition with a phase-conjugate electro-optically Q-switched open multiloop cavity
Authors: Ershkov M.N. , Solokhin S.A. , Smetanin S.N. , Gavrilov A.V. , Fedin A.V.
Published: September 2019

Lasing on the4F3/2→4I13/2secondary transition (λ= 1.34 μm) in a Nd3+: YAG laser with phase conjugation by four-wave mixing directly in the active laser medium was experimentally studied in the regime of electro-opticQ-switching of an open multiloop cavity. The use of an electro-opticQ-switch with a controllable delay of its opening made it possible to increase the amplitude and temporal stabilities of the output laser parameters. The maximum laser pulse energy was 100 mJ at a pulse duration of 120 ns. The phase-conjugate radiation divergence was 0.8 mrad at beam quality. Nonlinear optical conversion of 1.34 μm laser radiation to visible radiation was achieved experimentally. Second and third harmonic generation at wavelengths of 0.67 and 0.446 μm with conversion efficiencies of 25 % and 8 %, respectively, was demonstrated.
Laser photoionisation selectivity of 177Lu radionuclide for medical applications
Authors: Ageeva I.V. , D’yachkov A.B. , Gorkunov A.A. , Labozin A.V. , Mironov S.M. , Panchenko V.Ya. , Firsov V.A. , Tsvetkov G.O. , Tsvetkova E.G.
Published: September 2019

We consider the selectivity obtained by laser photoionisation of the 177Lu radioisotope according to the three-stage

scheme from the viewpoint of the task of isolating the radionuclide for medical use. The selectivity attained through various photoionisation channels and the impact of multiphoton processes and the laser radiation spectrum on the photoionisation selectivity are investigated.
SRS converter – compressor of femtosecond ytterbium laser pulses
Authors: Konyashchenko A.V. , Losev L.L. , Pazyuk V.S.
Published: September 2019

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) conversion of femtosecond pulses of an ytterbium laser at a wavelength of 1.03 μm is performed in compressed hydrogen under conditions of nonlinear phase modulation. Temporal compression of frequency-chirped Stokes pulses is carried out, as a result of which 400-fs laser pulses are converted into 27-fs Stokes pulses with a wavelength of 1.8 μm. An average Stokes power of 0.6 W is implemented at an average laser power of 6.3 W and a pulse repetition rate of 20 kHz.
Selective inhibition of low-affinity memory CD8+ T cells by corticosteroids
Authors: Tokunaga Akihiro , Sugiyama Daisuke , Maeda Yuka , Warner Allison Betof , Panageas Katherine S. , Ito Sachiko , Togashi Yosuke , Sakai Chika , Wolchok Jedd D. , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi
Published: September 2019

Patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) sometimes experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs), requiring immuno-suppressive drugs such as corticosteroids despite the possibility that immunosuppression may impair the antitumor effects of ICB. Here, we address the dilemma of using corticosteroids for the treatment of irAEs induced by ICB. ICB augments neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses, resulting in tumor regression. In our model, simultaneous, but not late, administration of corticosteroids impaired antitumor responses with reduction of CD8+ T cell proliferation. Secondary challenge using tumors with/without the neoantigen showed selective progression in tumors lacking the neoantigen when corticosteroids were administered. Corticosteroids decreased low- but not high-affinity memory T cells by suppressing fatty acid metabolism essential for memory T cells. In a small cohort of human melanoma patients, overall survival was shorter after treatment with CTLA-4 blockade in patients who received early corticosteroids or had low tumor mutation burden. Together, low-affinity memory T cells are dominantly suppressed by corticosteroids, necessitating careful and thoughtful corticosteroid use.
Laser-induced acceleration of Helium ions from unpolarized gas jets
Authors: Engin Ilhan , Chitgar Zahra M , Deppert Oliver , Lucchio Laura Di , Engels Ralf , Fedorets Pavel , Frydrych Simon , Gibbon Paul , Kleinschmidt Annika , Lehrach Andreas , Maier Rudolf , Prasuhn Dieter , Roth Markus , Schlüter Friederike , Schneider Claus M , Stöhlker Thomas , Strathmann Katharina , Büscher Markus
Published: September 2019

In order to develop a laser-driven spin-polarized 3He-ion beam source available for nuclear-physics experiments as well as for the investigation of polarized nuclear fusion, several challenges have to be overcome. Apart from the provision of a properly polarized 3He gas-jet target, one of the biggest milestones is the demonstration of the general feasibility of laser-induced ion acceleration out of gas-jet targets. Of particular importance is the knowledge about the main ion-emission angles as well as the achievable ion-energy spectra (dependent on the optimal set of laser and target parameters). We report on the results of such a feasibility study performed at PHELIX, GSI Darmstadt. Both 3He- and 4He-gas jets (n
gas ∼ 1019 cm−3) were illuminated with high-intensity laser pulses,

I

L

∼

(

10

19

W

cm

−
2

)

. The main ion-emission angles could be identified (±90° with respect to the laser-propagation direction) and the ion-energy spectra for all ion species could be extracted: for the optimal laser and target parameters, the high-energy cut-offs for He

2
+
,
1
+

ions were 4.65 MeV (with a normalized energy uncertainty of

Δ




−
1

=
0.033

) and 3.27 MeV (

Δ




−
1

=
0.055

), respectively.
The effect of target thickness on the efficiency of high-order harmonics generated from laser-driven overdense plasma target
Authors: Xu Xinrong , Qiao Bin , Yu Tongpu , Yin Yan , Zhuo Hongbin , Liu Ke , Xie Duan , Zou Debin , Wang Weiquan
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we analytically and numerically studied the impact of the target thickness on the efficiency of laser-plasma based high-order harmonics generation (HHG). The optimal parametric region is acquired where the laser normalized amplitude a
0, the target density n

e
and thickness d
0 satisfy the relation:

a

0

n

c

/

2
π

n

e

≤

d

0

/

λ
≤

a

0

n

c

/

π

n

e

for

n

e

≫

a

0

n

c

. In this region, the laser can partially penetrate the target, leading to efficient acceleration of the target. Meanwhile, the target is thick enough to oscillate along the rising edge of the laser without being broken, which guarantees the occurrence of HHG. Both one-dimensional and two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation results verify our optimal target thickness theory, and a single attosecond pulse with I = 3.0 × 1020 W cm−2 is generated under the driving of 8.6 × 1020 W cm−2 , which is several hundred times more intense than that from a thick target.
Power narrowing: counteracting Doppler broadening in two-color transitions
Authors: Finkelstein Ran , Lahad Ohr , Michel Ohad , Davidson Omri , Poem Eilon , Firstenberg Ofer
Published: September 2019

Doppler broadening in thermal ensembles degrades the absorption cross-section and the coherence time of collective excitations. In two photon transitions, it is common to assume that this problem becomes worse with larger wavelength mismatch. Here we identify an opposite mechanism, where such wavelength mismatch leads to cancellation of Doppler broadening via the counteracting effects of velocity-dependent light-shifts and Doppler shifts. We show that this effect is general, common to both absorption and transparency resonances, and favorably scales with wavelength mismatch. We experimentally confirm the enhancement of transitions for different low-lying orbitals in rubidium atoms and use calculations to extrapolate to high-lying Rydberg orbitals. These calculations predict a dramatic enhancement of up to 20-fold increase in absorption, even in the presence of large homogeneous broadening. More general configurations, where an auxiliary dressing field is used to counteract Doppler broadening, are also discussed and experimentally demonstrated. The mechanism we study can be applied as well for rephasing of spin waves and increasing the coherence time of quantum memories.
Compact and green urban development—towards a framework to assess urban development for a high-density metropolis
Authors: Fan Peilei , Lee Ying-Chieh , Ouyang Zutao , Huang Shu-Li
Published: September 2019

This paper proposes a framework for measuring compactness and urban green accessibility in a high-density transit-oriented metropolis and uses Taipei City and its surrounding outskirts, New Taipei City, as a case to illustrate the measurement framework. Two indices, urban compactness index (UCI) and urban green accessibility index (UGAI), are developed to illustrate various aspects of a sustainable urban built environment, with UCI including density of residents and commercial activities, land use mix, street connectivity, access to center/subcenters, and access to transit stops, and UGAI measuring access to public urban green spaces. We found that while great spatial variations exist among different parts, our study area has a distinguished polycentric pattern of UCI index with three distinct clusters around the center and sub-centers illustrating higher index values in 2015. When compared to UCI, UGAI has a similar polycentric but more dispersed spatial pattern, as well as linear patterns along river corridors. We found that most areas of medium or high UCI values are located in areas of either plan-induced or plan-expanded development. UCI values in areas of plan-expanded development are generally higher than that of areas of plan-induced development. UCI and UGAI are spatially correlated to a certain extent. We found that most centers and one particular subcenter have high UCI and UGAI, moving towards both compactness and good green accessibility. Two subcenters with high UCI and low UGAI, i.e. Banqiao and Yonghe, call for planning to provide green spaces for residents living in these rising subcenters. UCI and UGAI can be applied and used to assess compact and green urban development of other cities and they are particularly useful to dense urban environment of large cities in Europe and Asia.
Late Paleozoic tectonics of the Junggar-Altai–Sayan Foldbelt
Authors: Buslov M M , Cai K , Abildaeva M A
Published: September 2019

This paper presents new tectonic model for the Late Palaeozoic evolution of the Jungar-Altai–Sayan Fold Belt in the context of large-amplitude (hundreds to several thousands of kilometres) strike-slip movement along regional NW-trending fault zones. These include the following regional fault zones: Chara, Irtysh, Northeast, Charysh–Terekta and Kurai-Teletsk, as well as the thrusts associated with them kinematically:Tangbale-Kolameili,Mayile, Barleik–Hongguleleng, Kaim, North Sayan thrust fault and Kurtushuba.
Geodynamic conditions of formation of sedimentary basins of South Kazakhstan (Shu-Sarysu, Pre-Balkhash, Ili)
Authors: Tulemissova Z S , Buslov M M , Bekmukhametova Z A
Published: September 2019

The features of geological and geodynamic formation of promising oil and gas basins of Southern Kazakhstan (Shu-Sarysu, Pre-Balkhash-Ili) are considered and the geological evolution of these basins is described, which is associated with the conditions of stable subsidence throughout the late Paleozoic-Mesozoic-Cainazoic. A model of the deep structure of the main structural units of Southern Kazakhstan (folded paleozoid base) and a cover of sedimentary basins along the profile of “Turkestan“are offered. As a result of interpreting geophysical data in the crustal section along the traverse of the profile, numerous gently sloping reflectors are described at depths from several kilometers to the Mohorovicic boundary. These reflecting planes in the regional section form a system of detachments that are associated with a system of gentle over thrusts and interformational disruptions, forming a system of intermittent packets of tectonic lenses folded by dynamometamorphic and metamorphic rocks. The position in the section of these tectonic lenses is an expression of the tectonic stratification of the earth’s crust. The characteristic of the main tectonic elements of this region (suture, accretion prisms, intraplate complexes, collision thrusts and shifts, etc.) is given. As initial reconstructions, various paleogeographic, paleotectonic and geodynamic constructions were used.
X-ray diffraction study and luminescence of agates of Southern Siberia
Authors: Zvyagintseva E , Korneva A , Boroznovskaya N , Nebera T
Published: September 2019

Central part of Kuznetsk Basin is known in the narrow circle of researchers as one of the regions of Siberia where agate mineralization is widespread. In spite of rather wide distribution of these quartz-chalcedony aggregates, still there are some unresolved issues about their origin. In this context it may be informative to use such methods as luminescence analysis and estimation of crystallinity indexes of minerals which constitute agates. Layer-by-layer X-ray diffraction study of minerals which make up distinct layers of agates and onyxes allowed identifying three minerals alternating: chalcedony, quartz and (less frequently) cristobalite. Calculation of crystallinity indexes of all of the layers with use of X-ray diffraction analysis helped to find changes of proportion between two states of silica – high-molecular (polymerized) and monomeric. X-ray luminescence analysis results confirmed this finding. Authors suppose that monomeric state is particularly related to high value of crystallinity index and presence of defects which are responsible for short-wavelength luminescence (280 nm).
Positioning Social Justice: Reclaiming Social Work’s Organising Value
Authors: Postan-Aizik Dassi , Shdaimah Corey S , Strier Roni
Published: September 2019

This article explores the value of social justice as a shared ethical ground for social workers worldwide. Constructions and interpretations of social justice are deeply affected by different perspectives, contested positions and unequal power dynamics. As societies become ever more diversified, these may hinder the centrality of social justice as a core value. Drawing on data collected from participants in a binational interprofessional seminar on social justice in multi-cultural societies, this qualitative study is based on interviews and visual analysis with 16 American and 15 Israeli social workers and social work students. Findings suggest that social justice remains a core value although it is both an organising and disorganising, unifying and dividing concept. The study explores the positive contribution of positionality to help gain a broader understanding of social justice and navigate challenges in implementation, practice and education in diverse and conflicted settings. Practical implications for social work practice and education are discussed.
Modulation of smoke-induced DNA and microRNA alterations in mouse lung by licofelone, a triple COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitor
Authors: Izzotti Alberto , Balansky Roumen , Micale Rosanna T , Pulliero Alessandra , La Maestra Sebastiano , De Flora Silvio
Published: September 2019

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis process and, in particular, in smoking-related carcinogenesis. Therefore, anti-inflammatory agents provide an interesting perspective in the prevention of smoking-associated cancers. Among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), licofelone is a triple inhibitor of both cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) and of 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX) that has shown some encouraging results in cancer prevention models. We previously showed that the dietary administration of licofelone, starting after weanling, to Swiss H mice exposed for 4 months to mainstream cigarette smoke since birth attenuated preneoplastic lesions of inflammatory nature in both lung and urinary tract, and had some effects on the yield of lung tumors at 7.5 months of age. The present study aimed at evaluating the early modulation by licofelone of pulmonary DNA and RNA alterations either in smoke-free or smoke-exposed H mice after 10 weeks of exposure. Licofelone protected the mice from the smoke-induced loss of body weight and significantly attenuated smoke-induced nucleotide alterations by decreasing the levels of bulky DNA adducts and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in mouse lung. Moreover, the drug counteracted dysregulation by smoke of several pulmonary microRNAs involved in stress response, inflammation, apoptosis, and oncogene suppression. However, even in smoke-free mice administration of the drug had significant effects on a broad panel of microRNAs and, as assessed in a subset of mice used in a parallel cancer chemoprevention study, licofelone even enhanced the smoke-induced systemic genotoxic damage after 4 months of exposure. Therefore, caution should be paid when administering licofelone to smokers for long periods.
Temporal Characteristics of Priming of Attention Shifts Are Mirrored by BOLD Response Patterns in the Frontoparietal Attention Network
Authors: Brinkhuis Manje A B , Kristjánsson Árni , Harvey Ben M , Brascamp Jan W
Published: September 2019

Priming of attention shifts involves the reduction in search RTs that occurs when target location or target features repeat. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural basis of such attentional priming, specifically focusing on its temporal characteristics over trial sequences. We first replicated earlier findings by showing that repetition of target color and of target location from the immediately preceding trial both result in reduced blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals in a cortical network that encompasses occipital, parietal, and frontal cortices: lag-1 repetition suppression. While such lag-1 suppression can have a number of explanations, behaviorally, the influence of attentional priming extends further, with the influence of past search trials gradually decaying across multiple subsequent trials. Our results reveal that the same regions within the frontoparietal network that show lag-1 suppression, also show longer term BOLD reductions that diminish over the course of several trial presentations, keeping pace with the decaying behavioral influence of past target properties across trials. This distinct parallel between the across-trial patterns of cortical BOLD and search RT reductions, provides strong evidence that these cortical areas play a key role in attentional priming.
Integrated care: enhancing transition from renal replacement therapy options to home haemodialysis
Authors: Slon Roblero Maria Fernanda , Borman Natalie , Bajo Rubio Maria Auxiliadora
Published: September 2019

Transition is an intrinsic process in the life of a patient with kidney disease and should be planned and anticipated when possible. A single therapy option might not be adequate across a patient’s entire lifespan and many patients will require a switch in their treatment modality to adapt the treatment to their clinical and psychosocial needs. There are several reasons behind changing a patient’s treatment modality, and the consequences of each decision should be evaluated, considering both short- and long-term benefits and risks. Dialysis modality transition is not only to allow for technical optimization or improved patient survival, the patient’s experience associated with the transition should also be taken into account. Transition should not be considered as treatment failure, but rather as an expected progression in the patient’s treatment options.
Information technology outsourcing and firm productivity: eliminating bias from selective missingness in the dependent variable
Authors: Breunig Christoph , Kummer Michael , Ohnemus Joerg , Viete Steffen
Published: September 2019

Missing values are a major problem in all econometric applications based on survey data. A standard approach assumes data are missing at random and uses imputation methods or even listwise deletion. This approach is justified if item nonresponse does not depend on the potentially missing variables’ realization. However, assuming missingness at random may introduce bias if nonresponse is, in fact, selective. Relevant applications range from financial or strategic firm-level data to individual-level data on income or privacy-sensitive behaviors. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to deal with selective item nonresponse in the model’s dependent variable. Our approach is based on instrumental variables that affect selection only through a partially observed outcome variable. In addition, we allow for endogenous regressors. We establish identification of the structural parameter and propose a simple two-step estimation procedure for it. Our estimator is consistent and robust against biases that would prevail when assuming missingness at random. We implement the estimation procedure using firm-level survey data and a binary instrumental variable to estimate the effect of outsourcing on productivity.
Acute manganese treatment restores defective autophagic cargo loading in Huntington’s disease cell lines
Authors: Bryan Miles R , O’Brien Michael T , Nordham Kristen D , Rose Daniel I R , Foshage Audra M , Joshi Piyush , Nitin Rachana , Uhouse Michael A , Di Pardo Alba , Zhang Ziyan , Maglione Vittorio , Aschner Michael , Bowman Aaron B
Published: September 2019

The molecular etiology linking the pathogenic mutations in the Huntingtin (Htt) gene with Huntington’s disease (HD) is unknown. Prior work suggests a role for Htt in neuronal autophagic function and mutant HTT protein disrupts autophagic cargo loading. Reductions in the bioavailability of the essential metal manganese (Mn) are seen in models of HD. Excess cellular Mn impacts autophagic function, but the target and molecular basis of these changes are unknown. Thus, we sought to determine if changes in cellular Mn status impact autophagic processes in a wild-type or mutant Htt-dependent manner. We report that the HD genotype is associated with reduced Mn-induced autophagy and that acute Mn exposure increases autophagosome induction/formation. To determine if a deficit in bioavailable Mn is mechanistically linked to the autophagy-related HD cellular phenotypes, we examined autophagosomes by electron microscopy. We observed that a 24 h 100 uM Mn restoration treatment protocol attenuated an established HD ‘cargo-recognition failure’ in the STHdh HD model cells by increasing the percentage of filled autophagosomes. Mn restoration had no effect on HTT aggregate number, but a 72 h co-treatment with chloroquine (CQ) in GFP-72Q-expressing HEK293 cells increased the number of visible aggregates in a dose-dependent manner. As CQ prevents autophagic degradation this indicates that Mn restoration in HD cell models facilitates incorporation of aggregates into autophagosomes. Together, these findings suggest that defective Mn homeostasis in HD models is upstream of the impaired autophagic flux and provide proof-of-principle support for increasing bioavailable Mn in HD to restore autophagic function and promote aggregate clearance.
Analysis and description of burrow structure in four species of freshwater crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacoidea: Cambaridae) using photogrammetry to recreate casts as 3D models
Authors: Florey Cassidy L , Moore Paul A
Published: September 2019

Freshwater crayfishes use burrows for predator avoidance, desiccation prevention, foraging, and brood care. Based on their burrow ecology, crayfishes can be categorized as tertiary, secondary, or primary burrowers, with primary burrowers being semi-terrestrial and highly dependent on burrows for survival; secondary and tertiary burrowers have decreased burrow dependence and complexity. There has been limited investigation into the specifics of burrow structure. We investigated the factors that influence the structure of crayfish burrows including habitat structure and crayfish through the use of burrow casting and photogrammetry to recreate casts as 3D models. Examined species include the primary burrowing Lacunicambarus aff. diogenesGirard, 1852 and Creaserinus fodiens (Cottle, 1863), and the tertiary burrowing Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852) and Faxonius propinquus (Girard, 1852). Crayfish burrows (N = 17) were filled with polyester resin and cured burrow casts were excavated, and photogrammetry was used to recreate casts as 3D models. Burrow depth, number and widths of openings, number and widths of chambers, and number of ancillary tunnels were recorded. Differences in burrow features were analyzed by field site/habitat and crayfish species using stepwise linear regression, MANOVAs, and multiple factor analysis (MFA). From stepwise linear regression, “species” was a better predictor than “habitat of burrow structure.” Burrows constructed by L. aff. diogenes were significantly larger and have more chambers than burrows constructed by the other species examined; burrows of C. fodiens were significantly deeper than those of tertiary burrowers. Each species also created a stereotyped burrow shape. The morphometric differences between burrows of primary and tertiary species illustrate the relevance of these informal classifications. Differences between primary and tertiary species may be related to the species social behavior and ecology.
Using Ancestry-Informative SNPs to Quantify Introgression of European Alleles into North American Red Foxes
Authors: Kuo Yi Hung , Vanderzwan Stevi L , Kasprowicz Adrienne E , Sacks Benjamin N
Published: September 2019

A recent study demonstrated that British red foxes introduced to the mid-Atlantic coastal plain (ACP) of the eastern United States during the late 18th century successfully interbred with indigenous American red foxes despite half a million year’s divergence. However, a large disparity in frequency of European mitochondria (27%) versus Y chromosomes (1%) left unclear the magnitude of genetic exchange. We sought to quantify genomic introgression using 35 autosomal and 5 X-chromosome ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) in conjunction with diagnostic Y chromosome single nucleotide polymorphism (Y-SNP) markers to characterize the modern state of red foxes in the eastern United States and to gain insight into the potential role of reproductive barriers. European admixture was highest in the ACP and apparently restricted to the central eastern United States. We estimated only slightly (and nonsignificantly) European ancestry in autosomal than X-chromosome markers. European ancestry from autosomal and X-chromosome markers (36.4%) was higher than the corresponding mitochondrial (mt) DNA estimate (26.4%) in the ACP. Only 1 of 124 males (<1%) in the ACP had European Y chromosomes, which was similar to the neighboring regions, in which 2 of 99 (2%) males carried a European Y chromosome (the same haplotype). Although we could not rule out drift as the cause of low European Y-chromosome frequency, results were also consistent with F1 male infertility. In the future, more extensive genomic sequencing will enable a more thorough investigation of possible barrier genes on the X chromosome as well as throughout the genome.
A Gaia view of the two OB associations Cygnus OB2 and Carina OB1: the signature of their formation process
Authors: Lim Beomdu , Nazé Yaël , Gosset Eric , Rauw Gregor
Published: September 2019

OB associations are the prime star-forming sites in galaxies. However, the detailed formation process of such stellar systems still remains a mystery. In this context, identifying the presence of substructures may help in tracing the footprints of their formation process. Here, we present a kinematic study of the two massive OB associations Cygnus OB2 and Carina OB1 using the precise astrometry from the Gaia Data Release 2 and radial velocities. From the parallaxes of stars, these OB associations are confirmed to be genuine stellar systems. Both Cygnus OB2 and Carina OB1 are composed of a few dense clusters and a halo which have different kinematic properties: the clusters occupy regions of 5–8 parsecs in diameter and display small dispersions in proper motion, while the haloes spread over tens of parsecs with two to three times larger dispersions in proper motion. This is reminiscent of the so-called line width–size relation of molecular clouds related to turbulence. Considering that the kinematics and structural features were inherited from those of their natal clouds would then imply that the formation of OB associations may result from structure formation driven by supersonic turbulence, rather than from the dynamical evolution of individual embedded clusters.
WASP-180Ab: Doppler tomography of a hot Jupiter orbiting the primary star in a visual binary
Authors: Temple L Y , Hellier C , Anderson D R , Barkaoui K , Bouchy F , Brown D J A , Burdanov A , Collier Cameron A , Delrez L , Ducrot E , Evans D , Gillon M , Jehin E , Lendl M , Maxted P F L , McCormac J , Murray C , Nielsen L D , Pepe F , Pollacco D , Queloz D , Ségransan D , Smalley B , Thompson S , Triaud A H M J , Turner O D , Udry S , West R G , Zouhair B
Published: September 2019

We report the discovery and characterization of WASP-180Ab, a hot Jupiter confirmed by the detection of its Doppler shadow and by measuring its mass using radial velocities. We find the 0.9  ±  0.1 MJup, 1.24  ±  0.04 RJup planet to be in a misaligned, retrograde orbit around an F7 star with Teff  =  6500 K and a moderate rotation speed of vsin i⋆  =  19.9 km s−1. The host star is the primary of a V  =  10.7 binary, where a secondary separated by ∼5 arcsec (∼1200 au) contributes ∼ 30 per cent of the light. WASP-180Ab therefore adds to a small sample of transiting hot Jupiters known in binary systems. A 4.6-d modulation seen in the WASP data is likely to be the rotational modulation of the companion star, WASP-180B.
Alliance of Genome Resources Portal: unified model organism research platform
Authors:   The Alliance of Genome Resources Consortium, Agapite Julie , Albou Laurent-Philippe , Aleksander Suzi , Argasinska Joanna , Arnaboldi Valerio , Attrill Helen , Bello Susan M , Blake Judith A , Blodgett Olin , Bradford Yvonne M , Bult Carol J , Cain Scott , Calvi Brian R , Carbon Seth , Chan Juancarlos , Chen Wen J , Cherry J Michael , Cho Jaehyoung , Christie Karen R , Crosby Madeline A , Pons Jeff De , Dolan Mary E , Santos Gilberto dos , Dunn Barbara , Dunn Nathan , Eagle Anne , Ebert Dustin , Engel Stacia R , Fashena David , Frazer Ken , Gao Sibyl , Gondwe Felix , Goodman Josh , Gramates L Sian , Grove Christian A , Harris Todd , Harrison Marie-Claire , Howe Douglas G , Howe Kevin L , Jha Sagar , Kadin James A , Kaufman Thomas C , Kalita Patrick , Karra Kalpana , Kishore Ranjana , Laulederkind Stan , Lee Raymond , MacPherson Kevin A , Marygold Steven J , Matthews Beverley , Millburn Gillian , Miyasato Stuart , Moxon Sierra , Mueller Hans-Michael , Mungall Christopher , Muruganujan Anushya , Mushayahama Tremayne , Nash Robert S , Ng Patrick , Paulini Michael , Perrimon Norbert , Pich Christian , Raciti Daniela , Richardson Joel E , Russell Matthew , Gelbart Susan Russo , Ruzicka Leyla , Schaper Kevin , Shimoyama Mary , Simison Matt , Smith Cynthia , Shaw David R , Shrivatsav Ajay , Skrzypek Marek , Smith Jennifer R , Sternberg Paul W , Tabone Christopher J , Thomas Paul D , Thota Jyothi , Toro Sabrina , Tomczuk Monika , Tutaj Marek , Tutaj Monika , Urbano Jose-Maria , Auken Kimberly Van , Slyke Ceri E Van , Wang Shur-Jen , Weng Shuai , Westerfield Monte , Williams Gary , Wong Edith D , Wright Adam , Yook Karen
Published: September 2019

The Alliance of Genome Resources (Alliance) is a consortium of the major model organism databases and the Gene Ontology that is guided by the vision of facilitating exploration of related genes in human and well-studied model organisms by providing a highly integrated and comprehensive platform that enables researchers to leverage the extensive body of genetic and genomic studies in these organisms. Initiated in 2016, the Alliance is building a central portal (www.alliancegenome.org) for access to data for the primary model organisms along with gene ontology data and human data. All data types represented in the Alliance portal (e.g. genomic data and phenotype descriptions) have common data models and workflows for curation. All data are open and freely available via a variety of mechanisms. Long-term plans for the Alliance project include a focus on coverage of additional model organisms including those without dedicated curation communities, and the inclusion of new data types with a particular focus on providing data and tools for the non-model-organism researcher that support enhanced discovery about human health and disease. Here we review current progress and present immediate plans for this new bioinformatics resource.
The effect of brain metastasis location on clinical outcomes: A review of the literature
Authors: Kancharla Pragnan , Ivanov Alexander , Chan Susie , Ashamalla Hani , Huang Raymond Y , Yanagihara Ted K
Published: September 2019

It is common clinical practice to consider the location of a brain metastasis when making decisions regarding local therapies and, in some scenarios, estimating clinical outcomes, such as local disease control and patient survival. However, the location of a brain metastasis is not included in any validated prognostic nomogram and it is unclear if this is due to a lack of a relationship or a lack of support from published data. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature focusing on studies that have investigated a relationship between brain metastasis location and clinical outcomes, including patient survival. The vast majority of reports anatomically categorized brain metastases as supratentorial or infratentorial whereas some reports also considered other subdivisions of the brain, including different lobes or with particular areas defined as eloquent cortex. Results were variable across studies, with some finding a relationship between metastasis location and survival, but the majority finding either no relationship or a weak correlation that was not significant in the context of multivariable analysis. Here, we highlight the key findings and limitations of many studies, including how neurosurgical resection might influence the relative importance of metastasis location and in what ways future analyses may improve anatomical categorization and resection status.
The Put It Out Project (POP) Facebook Intervention for Young Sexual and Gender Minority Smokers: Outcomes of a Pilot, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Vogel Erin A , Ramo Danielle E , Meacham Meredith C , Prochaska Judith J , Delucchi Kevin L , Humfleet Gary L
Published: September 2019

Introduction

This trial investigated whether a Facebook smoking cessation intervention culturally tailored to young sexual and gender minority (SGM) smokers (versus non-tailored) would increase smoking abstinence.

Methods

Participants were 165 SGM young adult US smokers (age 18–25) recruited from Facebook in April 2018 and randomized to an SGM-tailored (POP; N = 84) or non-tailored (TSP-SGM; N = 81) intervention. Interventions delivered weekly live counseling sessions and 90 daily Facebook posts to participants in Facebook groups. Primary analyses compared POP and TSP-SGM on biochemically verified smoking abstinence (yes/no; primary outcome), self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence (yes/no), reduction in cigarettes per week by 50+% from baseline (yes/no), making a quit attempt during treatment (yes/no), and stage of change (precontemplation/contemplation vs. preparation/action). Supplemental analyses compared POP to two historical control groups.

Results

POP participants were more likely than TSP-SGM participants to report smoking abstinence at 3 (23.8% vs. 12.3%; OR = 2.50; p = .03) and 6 months (34.5% vs. 12.3%; OR = 4.06; p < .001) and reduction in smoking at 3 months (52.4% vs. 39.5%; OR = 2.11; p = .03). Biochemically verified smoking abstinence did not significantly differ between POP and TSP-SGM at 3 (OR = 2.00; p = .33) or 6 months (OR = 3.12; p = .08), potentially due to challenges with remote biochemical verification. In supplemental analyses, POP participants were more likely to report abstinence at 3 (OR = 6.82, p = .01) and 6 (OR = 2.75, p = .03) months and reduced smoking at 3 months (OR = 2.72, p = .01) than participants who received a referral to Smokefree.gov.

Conclusions

This pilot study provides preliminary support for the effectiveness of a Facebook smoking cessation intervention tailored to SGM young adults.

Implications

SGM individuals have disproportionately high smoking prevalence. It is unclear whether smoking cessation interventions culturally tailored to the SGM community are more effective than non-tailored interventions. This pilot trial found preliminary evidence that an SGM-tailored Facebook smoking cessation intervention increased reported abstinence from smoking, compared to a non-tailored intervention.

Trial Registration

NCT03259360.
Integrated mRNA, MicroRNA Transcriptome and Degradome Analyses Provide Insights into Stamen Development in Moso Bamboo
Authors: Cheng Zhanchao , Hou Dan , Ge Wei , Li Xiangyu , Xie Lihua , Zheng Huifang , Cai Miaomiao , Liu Jun , Gao Jian
Published: September 2019

A flower is an essential organ for sexual reproduction in flowering plants, which has been extensively studied in model plants. In this study, we used transcriptomic, small RNA and degradome analyses to characterize key microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets in floral organs of moso bamboo. In total, we identified 13,051 differentially expressed genes and 109 known miRNAs from 26 miRNA families. We aligned the miRNAs to known miRNA databases and revealed some conserved as well as novel miRNAs. Sixteen conserved miRNAs were specifically and highly expressed in stamens, including miRNA159 and miRNA166. In situ hybridization shows that miRNA159 plays a key role in the regulation of stamen development, and the expression levels of its targets PheMYB98 and PheMYB42 were low. Furthermore, Phe-MIRNA159 partially recovers phenotypes of mir159ab double mutant. Overexpression of Phe-MIR159 could cause failure in anther dehisce, and the mature pollens could not be dispersed and further reduce fertility in Arabidopsis. Semi-thin section result shows that anther endothelial layer of Phe-MIRNA159 overexpressing lines is lack of secondary thickening, resulting in limited force for anther opening. Phe-miR159 may regulate the expression of genes related to secondary thickening through negative regulation of AtMYB33, affecting the anther dehiscence. Taken together, this study provides insights regarding molecular networks underlying floral organs development of moso bamboo.