bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The East Asian Paradox: An Updated Position Statement on the Challenges to the Current Antithrombotic Strategy in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kim Hyun Kuk , Tantry Udaya S. , Smith Sidney C. , Jeong Myung Ho , Park Seung-Jung , Kim Moo Hyun , Lim Do-Sun , Shin Eun-Seok , Park Duk-Woo , Huo Yong , Chen Shao-Liang , Bo Zheng , Goto Shinya , Kimura Takeshi , Yasuda Satoshi , Chen Wen-Jone , Chan Mark , Aradi Daniel , Geisler Tobias , Gorog Diana A. , Sibbing Dirk , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Gurbel Paul A. , Jeong Young-Hoon
Published: November 2020

East Asian patients have reduced anti-ischemic benefits and increased bleeding risk during antithrombotic therapies compared with Caucasian patients. As potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (e.g., ticagrelor and prasugrel) and direct oral anticoagulants are commonly used in current daily practice, the unique risk–benefit trade-off in East Asians has been a topic of emerging interest. In this article, we propose updated evidence and future directions of antithrombotic treatment in East Asian patients.
A Review on Safety and Outcomes of Mucous Fistula Refeeding in Neonates
Authors: Ghattaura Harmit , Borooah Manobi , Jester Ingo
Published: November 2020

Introduction The utility of mucous fistula refeeding (MFR) in neonates with short bowel syndrome is widely debated. Our purpose is to review MFR and outline methods, reported complications, and clinical outcomes (survival, weight gain, dependence on parenteral nutrition [PN], and time to enteral autonomy).

Materials and Methods We performed a MEDLINE literature search and reference review from January 1980 to May 2020 for terms (“mucous fistula re-feeding” or “enteral re-feeding”) and neonates. We included studies that utilized conventional MFR in the neonatal period. Non-English language articles were excluded.

Results We identified 11 relevant articles. Internationally, there was no consensus on methods of MFR. A total of 197 neonates underwent MFR. Within a single study, four neonates developed major complications; however, the procedure was well tolerated without major complications in 10 of the 11 studies. A mortality of nine patients during MFR highlights the burden of disease within the study population; however, of these, only one was directly attributable to MFR. Minor complications were seldom quantified. Three studies demonstrated a higher rate of weight gain and shorter PN support versus controls. Neonates who underwent MFR had lower chance of anastomotic leak and quicker progression to full feed after reversal versus controls. The influence of microorganisms in MFR was only investigated in one study.

Conclusion Current evidence suggests benefits of MFR; however, an international consensus is yet to be reached on the optimal method. A large prospective study investigating the influence of MFR on the enteric system is required.
Double Trouble: A Rare Association between Chronic Total Occlusion of the Left Main Coronary Artery and Colonic Malignancy
Authors: Sarojadevi Ashida Thulaseedharan , Arasappa Arunkumar , Eugin Priscilla Rubavathy , Ramaraj Krishna Prabu , Fernando Anto Mariadoss
Published: November 2020

Emerging evidence has shown an association between cardiovascular (CV) disease and cancer due to shared risk factors and biological mechanisms especially chronic inflammation. The objective of this case report is to highlight the association between these two lethal diseases and the challenges in the management of coronary artery disease in patients with coexisting malignancy.

A 65-year-old nonsmoker, nondiabetic, and normotensive male presented with a history of abdominal pain and significant weight loss. Colonoscopy and biopsy showed adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon, and he was planned for right hemicolectomy. Electrocardiogram exercise stress test performed as a part of preoperative evaluation was strongly positive. Coronary angiography was suggestive of Chronic total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. Though the syntax score was intermediate, coronary artery bypass grafting was decided as the revascularization strategy as he needed early surgery for the colonic malignancy. A month later, he underwent right hemicolectomy.

Clinicians should be aware of the association between CV disease and cancer as they are likely to face similar situations where both coexist. Understanding the connections between heart disease and cancer will help to formulate combined preventive guidelines.
Effects of demand control on the complex dynamics of electric power system blackouts
Authors: Carreras Benjamin A. , Tchawou Tchuisseu Eder Batista , Reynolds-Barredo José M. , Gomila Damià , Colet Pere
Published: November 2020

The propagation of failures and blackouts in electric networks is a complex problem. Typical models, such as the ORNL-PSerc-Alaska (OPA), are based on a combination of fast and slow dynamics. The first describes the cascading failures while the second describes the grid evolution through line and generation upgrades as well as demand growth, all taking place in time scales from days to years. The growing integration of renewable energy sources, whose power fluctuates in time scales from seconds to hours, together with the increase in demand, which also presents fast fluctuations, requires the incorporation of distributed methods of control in the demand side to avoid the high cost of ordinary control in conventional power plants. In this work, we extend the OPA model to include fluctuations in the demand at time scales of the order of minutes, intraday demand variations, and the effect of demand control. We find that demand control effectively reduces the number of blackouts without increasing the probability of large-scale events.
Analysis of multipactor in a rectangular waveguide using Spark3D software
Authors: Sugai T. , Shaw Z. , Dickens J. , Neuber A.
Published: November 2020

Multipactor is a resonant nonlinear electron multiplication effect that may occur in high power microwave devices at very low pressures, such as those operating in particle accelerators and satellite subsystems. In this research, multipactor of a rectangular waveguide was analyzed using the commercially available, numerical simulation software “Spark3D.” The electromagnetic wave in the simulation was a TE10 mode-2.85 GHz wave of varying power, fed into the impedance transformer waveguide. At the lowest threshold, multipactor is generated in the minimum height region in the impedance transformer and nowhere else. More precisely, the multipacting electrons have a continuous energy distribution since the emitted secondary electrons carry a random initial velocity distribution. We observed that there are cases where the impact electron energy decreases despite an increase in power due to growing non-resonance of the microwave field and electron oscillations, resulting in not only two threshold points where secondary emission yield (SEY) = 1 but several more. As a consequence, it was uncovered that when the average SEY in the highest field region is close to or less than one, multipactor may be caused in a lower field region where the SEY is effectively higher than one. The numerical results are compared with data from the experiment. While there is some deviation between the thresholds obtained from Spark3D and the experiment, the results at higher power levels are consistent with the experiment in the view of the SEY for each power level.
Theoretical analysis of the transition from field emission to space-charge-limited emission in liquids and gases
Authors: Lang Sarah A. , Darr Adam M. , Garner Allen L.
Published: November 2020

Discharge formation and breakdown in liquids have critical implications for water purification, medicine, and combustion, thereby motivating characterization of liquid behavior under high voltages. While several experiments with dielectric liquids have demonstrated that current transitions from Fowler–Nordheim (FN) scaling for field emission to Mott–Gurney (MG) scaling for space-charge-limited emission (SCLE) with increasing voltage, there is no common model linking electron emission from the liquid to gas phase. We show that applying a theory unifying FN, MG, and the Child–Langmuir law (CL) for SCLE at vacuum as a function of electron mobility and gap distance [Darr et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 114, 014103 (2019)] yields excellent agreement with dielectric liquid emission experiments [Dotoku et al., J. Chem. Phys. 69, 1121 (1978)]. Specifically, current follows FN scaling at lower voltages before space charge contributions dominate, although none of the dielectric liquids considered achieve MG scaling in the experimental regime of interest. Considering a higher mobility representative of a vapor in the theory demonstrates the feasibility of achieving CL scaling for the gaps of the size considered experimentally at reasonably achievable applied voltages. Increasing the gap distance by an order of magnitude eliminates the contribution of space charge; decreasing gap distance by an order of magnitude causes a transition to MG. The implications of these results on electron emission in liquids and during a phase change to vapor and gas will be discussed.
Probing the dye–semiconductor interface in dye-sensitized NiO solar cells
Authors: Potts Nathan T. Z. , Sloboda Tamara , Wächtler Maria , Wahyuono Ruri Agung , D’Annibale Valeria , Dietzek Benjamin , Cappel Ute B. , Gibson Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2020

The development of p-type dye-sensitized solar cells (p-DSSCs) offers an opportunity to assemble tandem photoelectrochemical solar cells with higher efficiencies than TiO2-based photoanodes, pioneered by O’Regan and Grätzel [Nature 353, 737–740 (1991)]. This paper describes an investigation into the behavior at the interfaces in p-DSSCs, using a series of BODIPY dyes, BOD1-3. The three dyes have different structural and electronic properties, which lead to different performances in p-DSSCs. We have applied photoelectron spectroscopy and transient absorption spectroscopy to rationalize these differences. The results show that the electronic orbitals of the dyes are appropriately aligned with the valence band of the NiO semiconductor to promote light-induced charge transfer, but charge-recombination is too fast for efficient dye regeneration by the electrolyte. We attribute this fast recombination, which limits the efficiency of the solar cells, to the electronic structure of the dye and the presence of Ni3+ recombination sites at the NiO surface.
Effects of fuel injection angle on mixing performance of scramjet pylon-cavity flameholder
Authors: Oamjee Aryadutt , Sadanandan Rajesh
Published: November 2020

A numerical investigation on the effects of fuel injection angle on various mixing parameters within a pylon-cavity aided supersonic combustor flameholder under non-reactive flow conditions is performed. The computational model based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations for compressed real gas is solved by a coupled, implicit, second-order upwind solver with a two-equation Menter’s shear stress transport turbulence model. The steady simulations are experimentally validated using wall pressure data, two-dimensional (2D) velocity field, and fuel mass fraction. Three distinct fuel injection locations at the cavity floor are used for sonic hydrogen fuel injection at 90° and 45° injection angles, with a crossflow Mach number of 2.2. The results show deeper fuel jet penetration capability for the transverse injection when compared to an angled injection, whereas better mixing capability is observed for the latter. The fuel jet vortex pairs formed due to the interaction of the surrounding cavity flow with the barrel shock play a vital role in the mixing mechanisms. The lower pressure regions due to the barrel shock result in the formation of a secondary fuel jet vortex pair. The Kelvin–Helmholtz instability observed between the counter-rotating vortex pairs results in the formation of smaller eddies, which enhance the fuel dispersion and transport.
Excited-state dynamics of CH2I2 and CH2IBr studied with UV-pump VUV-probe momentum-resolved photoion spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Yusong , Rozgonyi Tamás , Marquetand Philipp , Weinacht Thomas
Published: November 2020

We perform time-resolved ionization spectroscopy measurements of the excited state dynamics of CH2I2 and CH2IBr following photoexcitation in the deep UV. The fragment ions produced by ionization with a vacuum-ultraviolet probe pulse are measured with velocity map imaging, and the momentum resolved yields are compared with trajectory surface hopping calculations of the measurement observable. Together with recent time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy measurements of the same dynamics, these results provide a detailed picture of the coupled electronic and nuclear dynamics involved. Our measurements highlight the non-adiabatic coupling between electronic states, which leads to notable differences in the dissociation dynamics for the two molecules.
Non-specular scattering of carriers from surface defects in thin metal interconnects
Authors: Konar Aniruddha , Shinde Prashant P. , Pandian Shanthi , Adiga Shashishekar P. , Subramanya Mayya K. , Cho Yeonchoo , Shin Hyeon-Jin , Park Seongjun
Published: November 2020

Non-specular scattering of carriers, despite being one of the key contributors to metal film resistivity, is conveniently characterized by a single parameter p (referred to as specularity parameter) in the literature without providing a means to separate out relative contributions of surface defects to it. In this work, we report a theoretical formalism to predict contributions to (non-specular) reflection (scattering) of carriers from different types of chemical and structural defects on the film surface. Establishing specular reflection as a special case of the more generalized reflection from the surface, we show that elastic scatterings contribute to the non-specular reflections by randomizing the forward momentum along the transport direction. We predict density and angle-dependent specularity coefficient for various types of defects and show that large angle reflections tend to be non-specular in the presence of isotropic surface defects. Using this formalism, we predict the probability of specular reflection for technologically relevant metal–metal and metal–insulator interfaces. Calculated specularity coefficients are in agreement with values obtained from experimental measurements. Our methodology will help in designing next generation interconnects and engineering the interfaces with minimal diffuse reflection.
Dynamical kernels for optical excitations
Authors: Authier Juliette , Loos Pierre-François
Published: November 2020

We discuss the physical properties and accuracy of three distinct dynamical (i.e., frequency-dependent) kernels for the computation of optical excitations within linear response theory: (i) an a priori built kernel inspired by the dressed time-dependent density-functional theory kernel proposed by Maitra et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 120, 5932 (2004)], (ii) the dynamical kernel stemming from the Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) formalism derived originally by Strinati [Riv. Nuovo Cimento 11, 1–86 (1988)], and (iii) the second-order BSE kernel derived by Zhang et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 139, 154109 (2013)]. The principal take-home message of the present paper is that dynamical kernels can provide, thanks to their frequency-dependent nature, additional excitations that can be associated with higher-order excitations (such as the infamous double excitations), an unappreciated feature of dynamical quantities. We also analyze, for each kernel, the appearance of spurious excitations originating from the approximate nature of the kernels, as first evidenced by Romaniello et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 130, 044108 (2009)]. Using a simple two-level model, prototypical examples of valence, charge-transfer, and Rydberg excited states are considered.
Polarity and charge redistribution induced emergent interfacial ferromagnetism in non-magnetic LaNiO3/SrMnO3 superlattices
Authors: Ji Huihui , Yan Zhi , Zhou Guowei , Wang Xiaojiao , Zhang Jun , Li Zhiqin , Kang Penghua , Xu Xiaohong
Published: November 2020

Artificial heterostructures composed of strongly correlated oxides can host many up-and-coming phenomena. The interfacial ferromagnetism can be observed at the interface of paramagnetic LaNiO3 (LNO) and G-type antiferromagnetic SrMnO3 (SMO). Through the macroscopic magnetic and transport measurements and the microscopic x-ray magnetic circular dichroism signals, the obvious interfacial ferromagnetic behavior exhibited in the thicker superlattices. Using x-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, the polar mismatch-induced charge redistribution in Ni and Mn ions accurately demonstrates the dependence on the varying thickness of LNO/SMO superlattices. These results suggest that the ferromagnetic double-exchange interaction of Mn3+–Mn4+ increases and the ferromagnetic super-exchange interaction of Ni2+–Mn4+ decreases with the increasing thickness of LNO/SMO superlattices. Consequently, the obvious ferromagnetic behavior in the thicker superlattices is induced by the double-exchange interaction. For the thinner LNO/SMO superlattice, the interfacial super-exchange ferromagnetic state is offset by the double-exchange ferromagnetism. This is the crucial reason behind the fact that ferromagnetism is hard to exist in the prior LNO/SMO superlattices. Our findings highlight the intrinsic mechanism responsible for the interfacial ferromagnetism and the significance of understanding polar mismatch at the interface of heterostructures.
Sensitive Detection of Argonaute2 by Triple-Helix Molecular Switch Reaction and Pyrene Excimer Switching
Authors: Liao Xianjiu , Pan Jianbin , Zhang Xiaolu , Tang Qianli
Published: November 2020

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for silencing target genes in a variety of cells and has great therapeutic potential. It is triggered by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and by an RNA-binding protein (argonaute, Ago). In this manuscript, we designed a simple fluorescence sensor strategy for sensitive detection of argonaute2 (Ago2) based on the base pairing principle of Watson–Crick and Hoogsteen and the pyrene excimer switch. The sensing platform has extremely high sensitivity and a detection limit of 0.1nM. It can be used to detect endogenous Ago2 in cancer cells and has great potential in clinical diagnosis and biomedical research.
Reduced thermal tolerance in a coral carrying CRISPR-induced mutations in the gene for a heat-shock transcription factor
Authors: Cleves Phillip A. , Tinoco Amanda I. , Bradford Jacob , Perrin Dimitri , Bay Line K. , Pringle John R.
Published: November 2020

Significance

Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots of great ecological, economic, and aesthetic importance. Their global decline due to climate change and other stressors has increased the urgency of understanding the molecular bases of corals’ responses to stress. Analyses of coral genomes and gene-expression patterns have identified many genes that may be important in stress resistance, but rigorous testing of their function will require the analysis of appropriate mutants. Here, we used CRISPR technology to show that mutational loss of a putative regulator of gene expression in response to heat stress indeed produced a loss of heat tolerance. Such use of CRISPR to generate mutations in corals should illuminate many aspects of coral biology and, thus, help to guide conservation efforts.
Stac protein regulates release of neuropeptides
Authors: Hsu I-Uen , Linsley Jeremy W. , Zhang Xiaoli , Varineau Jade E. , Berkhoudt Drew A. , Reid Lilly E. , Lum Miranda C. , Orzel Allison M. , Leflein Ari , Xu Haoxing , Collins Catherine A. , Hume Richard I. , Levitan Edwin S. , Kuwada John Y.
Published: November 2020

Significance

Many neurons release neuropeptides as well as classical neurotransmitters. Neuropeptides often regulate neural circuits controlling behaviors such as emotional behaviors. However, how neuropeptide release is regulated is not well-understood. We identified aDrosophilagene,Dstac, that is similar to a vertebrate gene that regulates voltage-dependent calcium channels in skeletal muscles and found that it is active in muscles and a subset of neurons, including motor neurons. Using live imaging, electrophysiology, and genetic manipulations, we found that Dstac localizes to motor synapses with muscles and regulates the voltage response of calcium channels and the release of neuropeptides. Since Stac proteins are found in neurons in the vertebrate CNS, they may also be regulators of neuropeptide release in the vertebrate brain.
Observation of non-Hermitian topology and its bulk–edge correspondence in an active mechanical metamaterial
Authors: Ghatak Ananya , Brandenbourger Martin , van Wezel Jasper , Coulais Corentin
Published: November 2020

Significance

In recent years, the mathematical concept of topology has been used to predict and harness the propagation of waves such as light or sound in materials. However, these advances have so far been realized in idealized scenarios, where waves do not attenuate. In this research, we demonstrate that topological properties of a mechanical system can predict the localization of waves in realistic settings where the energy can grow and/or decay. These findings may lead to strategies to manipulate waves in unprecedented fashions, for applications in vibration damping, energy harvesting, and sensing technologies.
Basic colour terms in Modern Greek: Twelve terms including two blues
Authors: Coventry Kenny , Mitsakis Christos , Davies Ian , Jover Julio Lillo , Androulaki †Anna , Gômez-Pestaña Natalia
Published: November 2020

We describe an investigation of Modern Greek colour terms intended to establish its set of basic colour terms (BCTs). Pilot work suggested that Greek had terms for each of the Berlin & Kay (1969) eleven ‘universal categories’. These terms, plus [γalázjo] “light blue”, were the most frequent terms in Greek texts. Four naming studies with varying stimuli (Munsell, Color-aid and NCS), lighting (daylight, illuminant C and fluorescent), instructions (no restriction on terms or only essential terms), and informants (bilingual Greek-English students and monolingual Greek speakers from Crete) were carried out. Measures of basicness included frequency, consistency and consensus of use, naming time and ‘necessity’. The results supported the analysis of texts, suggesting that Greek has twelve BCTs, including two terms for blue. The ranges of the two blue terms differ mainly in lightness, and this division is similar to the equivalent divisions in Russian and Turkish. However, the positions of the best examples vary across the three languages presenting difficulties for a common account of the origins of the additional term. The use of BCTs was reasonably stable across variations in methods, stimuli, lighting and informants, suggesting that field studies with limited control over these variables may nevertheless be able to identify BCTs.
A Grammar Inclusion Hypothesis of child language variation
Authors: Tzakosta Marina , Revithiadou Anthi
Published: November 2020

This paper examines variation in language development based on production data from three Greek-speaking children. Variation suggests that children employ more than one grammar during the acquisition process. This naturally raises the question of how ‘unwanted’ grammars gradually give way to the one that relates to the adult/target grammar. To account for variation, we implement partial ordering (Anttila 1997a, 1997b) to Tzakosta’s (2004) Multiple Parallel Grammars model of language development. More specifically, we propose that, in the intermediate stage of acquisition, constraint permutation of the initial Markedness » Faithfulness ranking leads to grammar explosion. We view the resulting grammars as partial orders that contain sets of totally ranked grammars (subgrammars). The pivotal claim is that only those subgrammars that are typologically closer to the target one will eventually survive. This is stated as the Grammar Inclusion Hypothesis. The theoretical gain of the proposed model is that it provides a principled basis to define developmental paths and also to distinguish between smart and non-smart paths. The latter are partial orders that do not contain the target grammar as a total order and hence are doomed to extinction. The former, on the other hand, are partial orders that contain at least one total order that relates to the target grammar and, crucially, connect the running state of acquisition with the end state of language development. Our hypothesis finds empirical support by both inter-child and intra-child language acquisition data.
Centriole-independent mitotic spindle assembly relies on the PCNT–CDK5RAP2 pericentriolar matrix
Authors: Watanabe Sadanori , Meitinger Franz , Shiau Andrew K. , Oegema Karen , Desai Arshad
Published: November 2020

Centrosomes, composed of centrioles that recruit a pericentriolar material (PCM) matrix assembled from PCNT and CDK5RAP2, catalyze mitotic spindle assembly. Here, we inhibit centriole formation and/or remove PCNT–CDK5RAP2 in RPE1 cells to address their relative contributions to spindle formation. While CDK5RAP2 and PCNT are normally dispensable for spindle formation, they become essential when centrioles are absent. Acentriolar spindle assembly is accompanied by the formation of foci containing PCNT and CDK5RAP2 via a microtubule and Polo-like kinase 1–dependent process. Foci formation and spindle assembly require PCNT-CDK5RAP2–dependent matrix assembly and the ability of CDK5RAP2 to recruit γ-tubulin complexes. Thus, the PCM matrix can self-organize independently of centrioles to generate microtubules for spindle assembly; conversely, an alternative centriole-anchored mechanism supports spindle assembly when the PCM matrix is absent. Extension to three cancer cell lines revealed similar results in HeLa cells, whereas DLD1 and U2OS cells could assemble spindles in the absence of centrioles and PCNT-CDK5RAP2, suggesting cell type variation in spindle assembly mechanisms.
Breather solutions of the cubic Klein–Gordon equation
Authors: Scheider Dominic
Published: November 2020

We obtain real-valued, time-periodic and radially symmetric solutions of the cubic Klein–Gordon equation

∂

t

2

U
−
Δ
U
+

m

2

U
=
Γ

(

x

)

U

3

on

R
×

R

3

,

which are weakly localized in space. Various families of such ‘breather’ solutions are shown to bifurcate from any given nontrivial stationary solution. The construction of weakly localized breathers in three space dimensions is, to the author’s knowledge, a new concept and based on the reformulation of the cubic Klein–Gordon equation as a system of coupled nonlinear Helmholtz equations involving suitable conditions on the far field behavior.
Porcine lung phantom-based validation of estimated 4D-MRI using orthogonal cine imaging for low-field MR-Linacs
Authors: Rabe Moritz , Paganelli Chiara , Riboldi Marco , Bondesson David , Jörg Schneider Moritz , Chmielewski Thomas , Baroni Guido , Dinkel Julien , Reiner Michael , Landry Guillaume , Parodi Katia , Belka Claus , Kamp Florian , Kurz Christopher
Published: November 2020

Real-time motion monitoring of lung tumors with low-field magnetic resonance imaging-guided linear accelerators (MR-Linacs) is currently limited to sagittal 2D cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To provide input data for improved intrafractional and interfractional adaptive radiotherapy, the 4D anatomy has to be inferred from data with lower dimensionality. The purpose of this study was to experimentally validate a previously proposed propagation method that provides continuous time-resolved estimated 4D-MRI based on orthogonal cine MRI for a low-field MR-Linac. Ex vivo porcine lungs were injected with artificial nodules and mounted in a dedicated phantom that allows for the simulation of periodic and reproducible breathing motion. The phantom was scanned with a research version of a commercial 0.35 T MR-Linac. Respiratory-correlated 4D-MRI were reconstructed and served as ground truth images. Series of interleaved orthogonal slices in sagittal and coronal orientation, intersecting the injected targets, were acquired at 7.3 Hz. Estimated 4D-MRI at 3.65 Hz were created in post-processing using the propagation method and compared to the ground truth 4D-MRI. Eight datasets at different breathing frequencies and motion amplitudes were acquired for three porcine lungs. The overall median (95

t
h

percentile) deviation between ground truth and estimated deformation vector fields was 2.3 mm (5.7 mm), corresponding to 0.7 (1.6) times the in-plane imaging resolution (3.5 × 3.5 mm2). Median (95

t
h

percentile) estimated nodule position errors were 1.5 mm (3.8 mm) for nodules intersected by orthogonal slices and 2.1 mm (7.1 mm) for nodules located more than 2 cm away from either of the orthogonal slices. The estimation error depended on the breathing phase, the motion amplitude and the location of the estimated position with respect to the orthogonal slices. By using the propagation method, the 4D motion within the porcine lung phantom could be accurately and robustly estimated. The method could provide valuable information for treatment planning, real-time motion monitoring, treatment adaptation, and post-treatment evaluation of MR-guided radiotherapy treatments.
Impact of Male-Origin Microchimerism on Cardiovascular Disease in Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hallum Sara , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Sehested Thomas Steen Gyldenstierne , Jakobsen Marianne Antonius , Tjønneland Anne , Kamper-Jørgensen Mads
Published: November 2020

Increasing parity is associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke in women. This is probably attributable to biological responses of pregnancy. Male cells of presumed fetal origin are commonly present in women years after pregnancy—a phenomenon termed male-origin microchimerism (MOM). In this study, we investigated whether MOM was associated with risk of IHD and ischemic stroke in women. We evaluated the association between MOM and ischemic events in a cohort of 766 Danish women enrolled in the Diet, Cancer and Health cohort during 1993–1997 when aged 50–64 years. Of these women, 545 (71.2%) tested positive for MOM through targeting of the Y chromosome (DYS14 DNA sequence) in their blood. Multiple Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We found that MOM was associated with a significantly reduced rate of IHD (hazard ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval: 0.23, 0.83) but not ischemic stroke (hazard ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.46, 1.41). Our findings show that microchimerism positivity is associated with a lower rate of later IHD development in women. Although the underlying mechanisms are presently unknown, MOM may be relevant in women’s cardiovascular health. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Male fairy-wrens produce and maintain vibrant breeding colors irrespective of individual quality
Authors: McQueen Alexandra , Delhey Kaspar , Barzan Flavia R , Naimo Annalise C , Peters Anne
Published: November 2020

Conspicuous colors may signal individual quality if high-quality individuals produce more elaborate colors or have a greater capacity to invest in color maintenance. We investigate these hypotheses using repeated within-individual observations and experimentally induced color production in a wild bird, the superb fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus). Male superb fairy-wrens undergo an annual molt from brown, nonbreeding plumage to an ultraviolet-blue and black breeding plumage. Color maintenance is especially relevant for this species because structural, ultraviolet-blue plumage colors are particularly susceptible to fading. Further, only the most sexually attractive males molt to breeding plumage early (before spring) and thereby keep their colors for an extended time before the breeding season. Our results show that (i) sexually attractive, early-molting males do not have higher quality breeding colors and (ii) breeding colors are not impacted by experimentally inducing males to molt early and while in low body condition. We found that (iii) breeding colors do not fade but remain consistent or become more saturated within individuals over time. Despite this, (iv) males do not spend more time preening while in breeding plumage. Instead, males keep their colors in pristine condition by re-molting parts of their breeding plumage throughout the breeding season, suggesting an alternative, potential cost of maintaining ornamental colors. We conclude that variation in structural breeding colors is unlikely to indicate individual quality in superb fairy-wrens.
A review on viral data sources and search systems for perspective mitigation of COVID-19
Authors: Bernasconi Anna , Canakoglu Arif , Masseroli Marco , Pinoli Pietro , Ceri Stefano
Published: November 2020

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease, the research community is producing unprecedented efforts dedicated to better understand and mitigate the effects of the pandemic. In this context, we review the data integration efforts required for accessing and searching genome sequences and metadata of SARS-CoV2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease, which have been deposited into the most important repositories of viral sequences. Organizations that were already present in the virus domain are now dedicating special interest to the emergence of COVID-19 pandemics, by emphasizing specific SARS-CoV2 data and services. At the same time, novel organizations and resources were born in this critical period to serve specifically the purposes of COVID-19 mitigation while setting the research ground for contrasting possible future pandemics. Accessibility and integration of viral sequence data, possibly in conjunction with the human host genotype and clinical data, are paramount to better understand the COVID-19 disease and mitigate its effects. Few examples of host-pathogen integrated datasets exist so far, but we expect them to grow together with the knowledge of COVID-19 disease; once such datasets will be available, useful integrative surveillance mechanisms can be put in place by observing how common variants distribute in time and space, relating them to the phenotypic impact evidenced in the literature.
Improving gene network inference with graph wavelets and making insights about ageing-associated regulatory changes in lungs
Authors: Mishra Shreya , Srivastava Divyanshu , Kumar Vibhor
Published: November 2020

Using gene-regulatory-networks-based approach for single-cell expression profiles can reveal unprecedented details about the effects of external and internal factors. However, noise and batch effect in sparse single-cell expression profiles can hamper correct estimation of dependencies among genes and regulatory changes. Here, we devise a conceptually different method using graphwavelet filters for improving gene network (GWNet)-based analysis of the transcriptome. Our approach improved the performance of several gene network-inference methods. Most Importantly, GWNet improved consistency in the prediction of gene regulatory network using single-cell transcriptome even in the presence of batch effect. The consistency of predicted gene network enabled reliable estimates of changes in the influence of genes not highlighted by differential-expression analysis. Applying GWNet on the single-cell transcriptome profile of lung cells, revealed biologically relevant changes in the influence of pathways and master regulators due to ageing. Surprisingly, the regulatory influence of ageing on pneumocytes type II cells showed noticeable similarity with patterns due to the effect of novel coronavirus infection in human lung.
The Camphor War of 1868: Anglo-Chinese Relations and Imperial Realignments within East Asia
Authors: Po Ronald C
Published: November 2020

The most totemic nineteenth-century military conflict between Britain and China was the First Opium War; the least memorable, perhaps, was the brief Camphor War of 1868, which broke out twenty-nine years later in Taiwan. As in the First Opium War, the Qing was defeated in the Camphor War as a result of Britain’s clear technological edge over China. Yet this was more than a minor military skirmish: it was an encounter that indicates the eagerness of the Qing to reposition itself in the global arena, both politically and economically. The Camphor War reminds us that the ‘clash of empires’ was very much part of a process of global consumption and commercialisation, which forced the Qing court for the first time to grapple with defending its natural resources and its existing monopoly over an established market. By tracing the social and material history of camphor, we can also see how demand for this commodity set the gears of the Qing, the British and the American empires into motion. The Camphor War was not concerned with a territorial dispute or the opening of a port city; its essential interest lies in revealing how, in the post-Opium age, competition between the Qing Empire and foreign powers could revolve around access to, and control over, a truly global commodity.
The interpretation of CHA2DS2-VASc score components in clinical practice: a joint survey by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) Scientific Initiatives Committee, the EHRA Young Electrophysiologists, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals, and the European Society of Cardiology Council on Stroke
Authors: Zhang Juqian , Lenarczyk Radoslaw , Marin Francisco , Malaczynska-Rajpold Katarzyna , Kosiuk Jedrzej , Doehner Wolfram , Van Gelder Isabelle C , Lee Geraldine , Hendriks Jeroen M , Lip Gregory Y H , Potpara Tatjana S
Published: November 2020

This European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) Scientific Initiatives Committee, EHRA Young Electrophysiologists, Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals, and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Council on Stroke joint survey aimed to assess the interpretation of the CHA2DS2-VASc score components and preferred resources for calculating the score. Of 439 respondents, most were general cardiologists (46.7%) or electrophysiologists (EPs) (42.1%). The overall adherence to the ESC-defined scoring criteria was good. Most variation was observed in the interpretation of the significance of left ventricular ejection fraction and brain natriuretic peptide in the scoring for the ‘C’ component, as well as the ‘one-off high reading of blood pressure’ to score on the ‘H’ component. Greater confidence was expressed in scoring the ‘H’ component (72.3%) compared with the ‘C’ (46.2%) and ‘V’ (45.9%) components. Respondents mainly relied on their recall for the scoring of CHA2DS2-VASc score (64.2%). The three most favoured referencing resources varied among different professionals, with pharmacists and physicians relying mainly on memory or web/mobile app, whereas nurses favoured using a web/mobile app followed by memory or guidelines/protocol. In conclusion, this survey revealed overall good adherence to the correct definition of each component in scoring of the ‘C’, ‘H’, and ‘V’ elements of the CHA2DS2-VASc score, although the variation in their interpretations warrants further clarifications. The preferred referencing resources to calculate the score varied among different healthcare professionals. Guideline education to healthcare professionals and updated and unified online/mobile scoring tools are suggested to improve the accuracy in scoring the CHA2DS2-VASc score.
Supersingular O’Grady Varieties of Dimension Six
Authors: Fu Lie , Li Zhiyuan , Zou Haitao
Published: November 2020

O’Grady constructed a 6-dimensional irreducible holomorphic symplectic variety by taking a crepant resolution of some moduli space of stable sheaves on an abelian surface. In this paper, we naturally extend O’Grady’s construction to fields of positive characteristic $p\neq 2$, called OG6 varieties. Assuming $p\geq 3$, we show that a supersingular OG6 variety is unirational, its rational cohomology group is generated by algebraic classes, and its rational Chow motive is of Tate type. These results confirm in this case the generalized Artin–Shioda conjecture, the supersingular Tate conjecture and the supersingular Bloch conjecture proposed in our previous work, in analogy with the theory of supersingular K3 surfaces.
Refocusing Human Microbiota Research in Infectious and Immune-mediated Diseases: Advancing to the Next Stage
Authors: Giovanni Maria Y , Schneider Johanna S , Calder Thomas , Fauci Anthony S
Published: November 2020

Changes in the microbiota are associated with disease susceptibility, immune system development, and responses to treatment. Refocusing research to elucidate the causal links between the human microbiota and infectious and immune-mediated diseases will be critical to harnessing its power to prevent, diagnose, and treat such diseases.
Second-line injectable drugs for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis: better the devil we know?
Authors: Tahseen Sabira , Van Deun Armand , de Jong Bouke C , Decroo Tom
Published: November 2020

In its 2020 guidelines for the treatment of rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB), the WHO recommends all-oral fluoroquinolone-based regimens, with bedaquiline replacing the second-line injectable drugs (SLIDs). SLIDs were used for their strong acquired resistance-preventing activity. Data from three cohorts showed acquired bedaquiline resistance ranging between 2.5% and 30.8%, with no protection from a SLID in most cases. If bedaquiline resistance is that easily acquired, it will fail to protect fluoroquinolones and other drugs from acquiring resistance. Until evidence on resistance-preventing activity shows that SLIDs can safely be replaced, we call for more prudent use of the few potent second-line TB drugs available. Studies on new treatment regimens need to prioritize the prevention of acquired resistance along with treatment success. Meanwhile, reducing the dosing of SLIDs to thrice weekly from Day 1, and their replacement for any degree of audiometry abnormalities before or during treatment will largely avoid serious ototoxicity.
The Nigeria–Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development—a model for a successful joint development agreement
Authors: Eze Nicholas Chinedu
Published: November 2020

This work analyses the concrete application of Articles 74 and 83 of UNCLOS, 1982 which enjoins states to find a resolution to their maritime boundary disputes. It uses the Nigeria–Sao Tome and Principe model of joint development agreement to achieve this by critiquing the important provisions of the agreement. It demonstrates that amicable maritime disputes resolution for resources ownership and control can be achieved by negotiations and agreements. This is authoritative third-party authorities like the ICJ and international arbitral institutions. And pending a more permanent delimitation and resolution, cooperative resources development would emerge and possibly thrive.
The rice LRR-like1 protein YELLOW AND PREMATURE DWARF 1 is involved in leaf senescence induced by high light
Authors: Chen Dongdong , Qiu Zhennan , He Lei , Hou Linlin , Li Man , Zhang Guangheng , Wang Xiaoqi , Chen Guang , Hu Jiang , Gao Zhenyu , Dong Guojun , Ren Deyong , Shen Lan , Zhang Qiang , Guo Longbiao , Qian Qian , Zeng Dali , Zhu Li
Published: November 2020

Senescence in plants is induced by endogenous physiological changes and exogenous stresses. In this study, we isolated two alleles of a novel rice (Oryza sativa) mutant, yellow and premature dwarf 1 (ypd1). The ypd1 mutants exhibited a yellow and dwarf phenotype from germination, and premature senescence starting at tillering. Moreover, the ypd1 mutants were sensitive to high light, which accelerated cell death and senescence. Consistent with their yellow phenotype, the ypd1 mutants had abnormal chloroplasts and lower levels of photosynthetic pigments. TUNEL assays together with histochemical staining demonstrated that ypd1 mutants showed cell death and that they accumulated reactive oxygen species. The ypd1 mutants also showed increased expression of genes associated with senescence. Map-based cloning revealed a G→A substitution in exon 6 (ypd1-1) and exon 13 (ypd1-2) of LOC_Os06g13050 that affected splicing and caused premature termination of the encoded protein. YPD1 was found to be preferentially expressed in the leaf and it encodes a LRR-like1 protein. Complementation, overexpression, and targeted deletion confirmed that the mutations in YPD1 caused the ypd1 phenotype. YPD1 was localized on the chloroplast membrane. Our results thus demonstrate that the novel rice LRR-like1 protein YPD1 affects chloroplast development and leaf senescence.
A Methodology for Estimating the Cost of Educating Military Physicians at the Uniformed Services University
Authors: Luan William Patrick , Bishop James , Lindly Jamie , Prugh George , John Sarah K
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The Department of Defense (DoD) operates a large, multi-channeled physician accession pipeline to maintain a professional workforce of over 10,000 active duty physicians. The Uniformed Services University (USU) operates the nation’s only federal medical school providing trained doctors to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service. Although the school serves an essential purpose, policymakers question the cost of operating the University’s medical school. One challenge is to develop reproducible and transparent costing methods that can be used to evaluate the University’s value and efficiency.

Methods

This work proposes a replicable methodology for estimating the cost per student-year at USU. Using detailed data from USU encompassing facility use, budgeting and expenditures, and faculty and student rosters, we break out and attribute costs to the University’s component schools. Using faculty and staff time-use surveys, we further break out education-related personnel costs from other University activities such as research and service. We can then calculate the School of Medicine’s annual cost to educate a uniformed physician.

Results

In Fiscal Year 2017, it cost the DoD approximately $253,000 per year (more than $1 million dollars total over a 4-year curriculum) to directly educate a physician though the USU School of Medicine. Data from the following Fiscal Year show that education costs grew a modest 2.1% per student-year.

Conclusions

This work provides a foundational framework and approach to estimate the costs of accessioning a physician at USU. This methodology can be replicated for subsequent value analyses of physician accession and retention as budgetary pressures change to match the DoD operating environment. Uniformed Services University’s costs should be periodically reassessed against those of alternative accession sources.