bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum particle across Grushin singularity
*
Authors: Gallone Matteo , Michelangeli Alessandro
Published: March 2021

A class of models is considered for a quantum particle constrained on degenerate Riemannian manifolds known as Grushin cylinders, and moving freely subject only to the underlying geometry: the corresponding spectral and scattering analysis is developed in detail in view of the phenomenon of transmission across the singularity that separates the two half-cylinders. Whereas the classical counterpart always consists of a particle falling in finite time along the geodesics onto the metric’s singularity locus, the quantum models may display geometric confinement, or on the opposite partial transmission and reflection. All the local realisations of the free (Laplace–Beltrami) quantum Hamiltonian are examined as non-equivalent protocols of transmission/reflection and the structure of their spectrum is characterised, including when applicable their ground state and positivity. Besides, the stationary scattering analysis is developed and transmission and reflection coefficients are calculated. This allows to comprehend the distinguished status of the so-called ‘bridging’ transmission protocol previously identified in the literature, which we recover and study within our systematic analysis.
Microscopic experimental analysis on weatherability of roof insulation materials under multi field coupling environment
Authors: Ding Yang , Dong Jing-Liang , Yang Tong-Lin , Wang Zhong-Ping , Zhou Shuang-Xi , Wei Yong-Qi , She An-Ming
Published: March 2021

The weatherability of insulation materials directly affects its thermal insulation performance, so it is necessary to carry out the weatherability experiments for insulation materials. In this paper, three kinds of insulation materials, that is, polyurethane (PUR), foam concrete (FC) and vacuum insulation panel (VIP) are chosen to analyze their thermal conductivity under different kinds of weatherability experiments. For the different kinds of weatherability experiments, the experiments of damp-heat, freeze-thaw, high-low temperature and wet-dry are designed to analyze the thermal conductivity of the insulation materials and the microstructure of insulation materials. The experimental results show that thermal conductivity of FC has a downward trend under the damp-heat experiment, and the thermal conductivity of FC has increased in other experiments. The thermal conductivity of PUR increases in all weatherability experiments, but the thermal conductivity of VIP does not change in all weatherability experiments.
A 3D printed phantom to assess MRI geometric distortion
Authors: Ramachandran Prabhakar , Noble Christopher , Langton Christian , Perrett Ben , Cox Joshua , Chapman Mike , McGill George
Published: March 2021

Geometric distortions in magnetic resonance can introduce significant uncertainties into applications such as radiotherapy treatment planning and need to be assessed as part of a comprehensive quality assurance program. We report the design, fabrication, and imaging of a custom 3D printed unibody MR distortion phantom along with quantitative image analysis. Methods: The internal cavity of the phantom is an orthogonal three-dimensional planar lattice, composed of 3 mm diameter rods spaced equidistantly at a 20 mm centre-centre offset repeating along the X, Y, and Z axes. The phantom featured an overall length of 308.5 mm, a width of 246 mm, and a height of 264 mm with lines on the external surface for phantom positioning matched to external lasers. The MR phantom was 3D printed in Nylon-12 using an advancement on traditional selective laser sintering (SLS) (HP Jet Fusion 3D—4200 machine). The phantom was scanned on a Toshiba Aquilion CT scanner to check the integrity of the 3D print and correct for any resultant issues. The phantom was then filled with NiSO4 solution and scanned on a 3T PET-MR Siemens scanner for selected T1 and T2 sequences, from which distortion vectors were generated and analysed using in-house software written in Python. Results: All deviations of the node positions from the print design were less than 1 mm, with an average displacement of 0.228 mm. The majority of the deviations were smaller than the 0.692 mm pixel size for this dataset. Conclusion: A customised 3D printed MRI-phantom was successfully printed and tested for assessing geometric distortion on MRI scanners. 3D printed phantoms can be considered for clinics wishing to assess geometric distortions under specific conditions, but require resources for design, fabrication, commissioning, and verification.
‘Delight’ as Biden elected US president
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: March 2021

Joe Biden has already begun to initiate a science-driven agenda but faces challenges to unite a divided Congress, as Peter Gwynne reports
Asteroid sample-return mission takes a step towards Earth
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: March 2021

NASA’s $1bn OSIRIS-REx craft successfully collected samples from the asteroid Bennu in late October and is now on its way back to Earth.
Second cable failure calls time on Arecibo Observatory
Authors: Kruesi Liz
Published: March 2021

Officials at the US National Science Foundation have decided to decommission the iconic Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico after a second cable failure caused fresh damage to the telescope’s metal platform, which is suspended above the 305 m-wide reflecting radio dish.
A universal theory of matter and mind
Authors: Commissariat Tushna
Published: March 2021

Physicist and author Paul Halpern explores intuition and other themes in his latest popular-science book, Synchronicity: the Epic Quest to Understand the Quantum Nature of Cause and Effect.
ngsComposer: an automated pipeline for empirically based NGS data quality filtering
Authors: Kuster Ryan D , Yencho G Craig , Olukolu Bode A
Published: March 2021

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables massively parallel acquisition of large-scale omics data; however, objective data quality filtering parameters are lacking. Although a useful metric, evidence reveals that platform-generated Phred values overestimate per-base quality scores. We have developed novel and empirically based algorithms that streamline NGS data quality filtering. The pipeline leverages known sequence motifs to enable empirical estimation of error rates, detection of erroneous base calls and removal of contaminating adapter sequence. The performance of motif-based error detection and quality filtering were further validated with read compression rates as an unbiased metric. Elevated error rates at read ends, where known motifs lie, tracked with propagation of erroneous base calls. Barcode swapping, an inherent problem with pooled libraries, was also effectively mitigated. The ngsComposer pipeline is suitable for various NGS protocols and platforms due to the universal concepts on which the algorithms are based.
Prediction of 90-day mortality after surgery for colorectal cancer using standardized nationwide quality-assurance data
Authors: Vogelsang R P , Bojesen R D , Hoelmich E R , Orhan A , Buzquurz F , Cai L , Grube C , Zahid J A , Allakhverdiiev E , Raskov H H , Drakos I , Derian N , Ryan P B , Rijnbeek P R , Gögenur I
Published: March 2021

Background

Personalized risk assessment provides opportunities for tailoring treatment, optimizing healthcare resources and improving outcome. The aim of this study was to develop a 90-day mortality-risk prediction model for identification of high- and low-risk patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

This was a nationwide cohort study using records from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database that included all patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2015. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression prediction model was developed using 121 pre- and intraoperative variables and internally validated in a hold-out test data set. The accuracy of the model was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration.

Results

In total, 49 607 patients were registered in the database. After exclusion of 16 680 individuals, 32 927 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, 1754 (5.3 per cent) deaths were recorded. Targeting high-risk individuals, the model identified 5.5 per cent of all patients facing a risk of 90-day mortality exceeding 35 per cent, corresponding to a 6.7 times greater risk than the average population. Targeting low-risk individuals, the model identified 20.9 per cent of patients facing a risk less than 0.3 per cent, corresponding to a 17.7 times lower risk compared with the average population. The model exhibited discriminatory power with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 85.3 per cent (95 per cent c.i. 83.6 to 87.0) and excellent calibration with a Brier score of 0.04 and 32 per cent average precision.

Conclusion

Pre- and intraoperative data, as captured in national health registries, can be used to predict 90-day mortality accurately after colorectal cancer surgery.
Improving the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist sign-out
Authors: Tully P A , Ng B , McGagh D , Meehan N , Khachane A , Higgs J , Newman M , Morgan L , David E , McCulloch P
Published: March 2021

Background

The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist has been shown to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is evidence to suggest that sign-out is the most poorly performed phase of the checklist as it coincides with a period of high workload for team members. This study aimed to see whether modification of this process might result in greater compliance.

Methods

A controlled longitudinal (before and after) study was performed to evaluate the effect of a modified checklist sign-out on compliance in a single surgical department. Checklist quality was evaluated by measurement of checklist completion, active participation, and team member presence. Workload assessment was performed to identify the optimal moment for the sign-out process. The sign-out process was modified through an iterative multidisciplinary approach, informed by results from the workload assessment. Feedback was obtained through staff surveys.

Results

A total of 185 operations were used, with an intervention group in vascular surgery and a control group in orthopaedics. The optimal timing for sign-out was identified as after final wound closure. The modified sign-out process improved active participation of team members (21 of 34 versus 31 of 34; P = 0.010). In the control group, complete compliance improved (48 of 76 versus 30 of 41; P = 0.041). However, active participation decreased (53 of 76 versus 19 of 41; P = 0.022). No differences were noted between groups in team member presence. Eighteen of 21 staff questioned viewed the modifications positively.

Conclusion

The optimal sign-out timing was identified as immediately after final wound closure prior to undraping the patient.
Development and design of the Hantavirus registry - HantaReg - for epidemiological studies, outbreaks and clinical studies on hantavirus disease
Authors: Koehler Felix C , Blomberg Linda , Brehm Thomas Theo , Büttner Stefan , Cornely Oliver A , Degen Olaf , Di Cristanziano Veronica , Dolff Sebastian , Eberwein Lukas , Hoxha Elion , Hoyer-Allo K Johanna R , Rudolf Sarah , Späth Martin R , Wanken Manuel , Müller Roman-Ulrich , Burst Volker
Published: March 2021

Background

Frequent outbreaks around the globe and endemic appearance in different parts of the world emphasize the substantial risk of hantavirus diseases. Increasing incidence rates, trends of changing distribution of hantavirus species and new insights into clinical courses of hantavirus diseases call for multinational surveillance. Furthermore, evidence-based guidelines for the management of hantavirus diseases and scoring systems, which allow stratification of patients into risk categories, are lacking.

Methods

Hantavirus registry (HantaReg) is a novel registry platform facilitating multinational research of hantavirus-caused diseases, such as haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). HantaReg provides an electronic case report form and uses the General Data Protection Regulation compliant platform clinicalsurveys.net, which can be accessed from any internet browser in the world. Having a modular structure, the registry platform is designed to display or hide questions and items according to the documented case (e.g. patient with HFRS versus HCPS) to facilitate fast, but standardized, data entry. Information categories documented in HantaReg are demographics, pre-existing diseases, clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as outcome.

Conclusions

HantaReg is a novel, ready-to-use platform for clinical and epidemiological studies on hantavirus diseases and facilitates the documentation of the disease course associated with hantavirus infections. HantaReg is expected to promote international collaboration and contributes to improving patient care through the analysis of diagnostic and treatment pathways for hantavirus diseases, providing evidence for robust treatment recommendations. Moreover, HantaReg enables the development of prognosis-indicating scoring systems for patients with hantavirus disease.
Certolizumab Trough Levels and Antibodies in Crohn Disease: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Ramos Guilherme Piovezani , Al-Bawardy Badr , Braga Neto Manuel Bonfim , Bledsoe Adam C , Quinn Kevin P , Heron Valérie , Willrich Maria Alice V , Johnson Amanda , Chedid Victor G , Coelho-Prabhu Nayantara , Kisiel John B , Papadakis Konstantinos A , Pardi Darrell , Kane Sunanda , Tremaine William J , Raffals Laura , Bruining David H , Faubion William A , Harmsen William S , Loftus Edward V
Published: March 2021

Background

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) has been successfully used for the treatment of Crohn disease (CD); however, real-world data regarding the utility of CZP trough levels (CTLs) are lacking. We aimed to correlate CTL with CD outcomes and to determine frequency of CZP antibodies.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of all CD patients on maintenance CZP with CTL obtained between 2016 and 2019. Outcomes included: median CTL, presence of anti-CZP antibodies, biochemical response (BR), clinical response (CR), radiologic response (RR), radiologic healing (RH), and mucosal healing (MH).

Results

Seventy-seven CD patients were included. Median CTL was 18.9 µg/mL (interquartile range, 7.6–35.4). Twenty-three patients (27.3%) had positive antibody levels, with lower median CTL compared to patients with no antibodies (0.0 vs 29.8; P < 0.0001). Median CTL levels were higher in patients with vs without CR (30.4 vs 10.3 µg/mL; P = 0.0015) and RR (29.6 vs 5.8 µg/mL; P = 0.006). CZP dosing at least every 2 weeks was associated with higher odds of achieving MH (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–9.97). CTL resulted in change in clinical management in 62.7% of cases and presence of CMZ antibodies was associated with an odds ratio of 5.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.57–21.73) of change in management. Receiver operating characteristic curve and quartile analysis suggested that CTL >19 µg/mL is associated with increased rates of CR and RR.

Conclusions

Higher CTL was significantly associated with CR and RR. The rate of CZP antibodies was 27.3%. Our data suggest maintenance CTL of ≥19 µg/mL should be achieved in order to optimize outcomes in clinical practice.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes in childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Marston Nicholas A , Han Larry , Olivotto Iacopo , Day Sharlene M , Ashley Euan A , Michels Michelle , Pereira Alexandre C , Ingles Jodie , Semsarian Christopher , Jacoby Daniel , Colan Steven D , Rossano Joseph W , Wittekind Samuel G , Ware James S , Saberi Sara , Helms Adam S , Ho Carolyn Y
Published: March 2021

Aims

Childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is far less common than adult-onset disease, thus natural history is not well characterized. We aim to describe the characteristics and outcomes of childhood-onset HCM.

Methods and results

We performed an observational cohort study of 7677 HCM patients from the Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry (SHaRe). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients were stratified by age at diagnosis [<1 year (infancy), 1–18 years (childhood), >18 years (adulthood)] and assessed for composite endpoints reflecting heart failure (HF), life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF), and an overall composite that also included stroke and death. Stratifying by age of diagnosis, 184 (2.4%) patients were diagnosed in infancy; 1128 (14.7%) in childhood; and 6365 (82.9%) in adulthood. Childhood-onset HCM patients had an ∼2%/year event rate for the overall composite endpoint, with ventricular arrhythmias representing the most common event in the 1st decade following baseline visit, but HF and AF becoming more common by the end of the 2nd decade. Sarcomeric variants were more common in childhood-onset HCM (63%) and carried a worse prognosis than non-sarcomeric disease, including a greater than two-fold increased risk of HF [HRadj 2.39 (1.36–4.20), P = 0.003] and 67% increased risk of the overall composite outcome [HRadj 1.67 (1.16–2.41), P = 0.006]. When compared with adult-onset HCM, childhood-onset was 36% more likely to develop life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias [HRadj 1.36 (1.03–1.80)] and twice as likely to require transplant or ventricular assist device [HRadj 1.99 (1.23–3.23)].

Conclusion

Patients with childhood-onset HCM are more likely to have sarcomeric disease, carry a higher risk of life-threatening ventricular arrythmias, and have greater need for advanced HF therapies. These findings provide insight into the natural history of disease and can help inform clinical risk stratification.
Long-term survival following upgrade compared with de novo cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation: a single-centre, high-volume experience
Authors: Schwertner Walter Richard , Behon Anett , Merkel Eperke Dóra , Tokodi Márton , Kovács Attila , Zima Endre , Osztheimer István , Molnár Levente , Király Ákos , Papp Roland , Gellér László , Kuthi Luca , Veres Boglárka , Kosztin Annamária , Merkely Béla
Published: March 2021

Aims

Patients with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator are often considered for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, limited comprehensive data are available regarding their long-term outcomes.

Methods and results

Our retrospective registry included 2524 patients [1977 (78%) de novo, 547 (22%) upgrade patients] with mild to severe symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, and QRS ≥ 130ms. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation (HTX), or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation; secondary endpoints were death from any cause and post-procedural complications. In our cohort, upgrade patients were older [71 (65–77) vs. 67 (59–73) years; P < 0.001], were less frequently females (20% vs. 27%; P = 0.002) and had more comorbidities than de novo patients. During the median follow-up time of 3.7 years, 1091 (55%) de novo and 342 (63%) upgrade patients reached the primary endpoint. In univariable analysis, upgrade patients exhibited a higher risk of mortality/HTX/LVAD than the de novo group [hazard ratio (HR): 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23–1.61; P < 0.001]. However, this difference disappeared after adjusting for covariates (adjusted HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.86–1.48; P = 0.402), or propensity score matching (propensity score-matched HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.95–1.29; P = 0.215). From device-related complications, lead dysfunction (3.1% vs. 1%; P < 0.001) and pocket infections (3.7% vs. 1.8%; P = 0.014) were more frequent in the upgrade group compared to de novo patients.

Conclusion

In our retrospective analysis, upgrade patients had a higher risk of all-cause mortality than de novo patients, which might be attributable to their more significant comorbidity burden. The occurrence of lead dysfunction and pocket infections was more frequent in the upgrade group.
Broad phenotypic alterations and potential dysfunction of lymphocytes in individuals clinically recovered from COVID-19
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Zhong Maohua , Zhang Ejuan , Hong Ke , Yang Qingyu , Zhou Dihan , Xia Jianbo , Chen Yao-Qing , Sun Mingbo , Zhao Bali , Xiang Jie , Liu Ying , Han Yang , Xu Mengxin , Zhou Xi , Huang Chaolin , Shang You , Yan Huimin
Published: March 2021

Although millions of patients have clinically recovered from COVID-19, little is known about the immune status of lymphocytes in these individuals. In this study, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a clinically recovered (CR) cohort were comparatively analyzed with those of an age- and sex-matched healthy donor cohort. We found that CD8+ T cells in the CR cohort had higher numbers of effector T cells and effector memory T cells but lower Tc1 (IFN-γ+), Tc2 (IL-4+), and Tc17 (IL-17A+) cell frequencies. The CD4+ T cells of the CR cohort were decreased in frequency, especially the central memory T cell subset. Moreover, CD4+ T cells in the CR cohort showed lower programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression and had lower frequencies of Th1 (IFN-γ+), Th2 (IL-4+), Th17 (IL-17A+), and circulating follicular helper T (CXCR5+PD-1+) cells. Accordingly, the proportion of isotype-switched memory B cells (IgM−CD20hi) among B cells in the CR cohort showed a significantly lower proportion, although the level of the activation marker CD71 was elevated. For CD3−HLA-DR− lymphocytes in the CR cohort, in addition to lower levels of IFN-γ, granzyme B and T-bet, the correlation between T-bet and IFN-γ was not observed. Additionally, by taking into account the number of days after discharge, all the phenotypes associated with reduced function did not show a tendency toward recovery within 4‒11 weeks. The remarkable phenotypic alterations in lymphocytes in the CR cohort suggest that  severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection profoundly affects lymphocytes and potentially results in dysfunction even after clinical recovery.
Families With Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders During COVID-19: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Lau Lydia Siew Tiang , Tan Jia Xuan , Ng Esperanza Debby , Aishworiya Ramkumar
Published: March 2021

Objective

Prolonged home isolation may lead to long-term negative consequences for both children and caregivers’ psychological wellbeing, especially in families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to identify challenges faced by caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to consolidate parenting interventions and guidelines.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and LitCovid. All article types published between December 2019 and November 2020 which reported on intervention guidelines and experiences of families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Qualitative themes, quantitative data, and article summaries were charted, and a thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Twenty-nine articles were included in the review. Three themes were generated: (a) behavioral issues and health concerns, (b) disruptions of lifelines and daily routines, and (c) existing programs, models, and guidelines to support families. Additionally, a list of caregiver strategies such as scheduling regular online consultations, maintaining online therapy, educating a child on COVID-19, and preventive behaviors, creating a structured daily schedule and reinforcement system, and selecting child-appropriate activities was consolidated.

Conclusion

This review revealed a lack of evidence-based studies and articles on children with other neurodevelopmental disorders apart from autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It also places emphasis on the importance of telehealth services as major lifelines to parents during this pandemic and urges healthcare organizations to provide funding to increase telehealth services to afflicted families.
Projected two- and three-point statistics: forecasts and mitigation of non-linear RSDs
Authors: Leicht Oliver , Baldauf Tobias , Fergusson James , Shellard Paul
Published: March 2021

The combination of two- and three-point clustering statistics of galaxies and the underlying matter distribution has the potential to break degeneracies between cosmological parameters and nuisance parameters and can lead to significantly tighter constraints on parameters describing the composition of the Universe and the dynamics of inflation. Here, we investigate the relation between biases in the estimated parameters and inaccurate modelling of non-linear redshift-space distortions for the power spectrum and bispectrum of projected galaxy density fields and lensing convergence. Non-linear redshift-space distortions are one of the leading systematic uncertainties in galaxy clustering. Projections along the line of sight suppress radial modes and are thus allowing a trade-off between biases due to non-linear redshift-space distortions and statistical uncertainties. We investigate this bias-error trade-off for a CMASS-like survey with a varying number of redshift bins. Improved modelling of the non-linear redshift-space distortions allows the recovery of more radial information when controlling for biases. Not modelling non-linear redshift-space distortions inflates error bars for almost all parameters by $20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. The information loss for the amplitude of local non-Gaussianities is smaller, since it is best constrained from large scales. In addition, we show empirically that one can recover more than 99 per cent of the 3D power spectrum information if the depth of the tomographic bins is reduced to 10  h−1 Mpc.
Modelling magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium in magnetars with applications to continuous gravitational wave production
Authors: Frederick S G , Thompson K L , Kuchera M P
Published: March 2021

Possessing the strongest magnetic fields in our Universe, magnetars mark an extremum of physical phenomena. The strength of their magnetic fields is sufficient to deform the shape of the stellar body, and when the rotational and magnetic axes are not aligned, these deformations lead to the production of gravitational waves (GWs) via a time-varying quadrupole moment. Such gravitational radiation differs from signals presently detectable by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. These signals are continuous rather than the momentary ‘chirp’ waveforms produced by binary systems during the phases of inspiral, merger, and ringdown. Here, we construct a computational model for magnetar stellar structure with strong internal magnetic fields. We implement an n = 1 polytropic equation of state (EOS) and adopt a mixed poloidal and toroidal magnetic field model constrained by the choice of EOS. We utilize fiducial values for magnetar magnetic field strength and various stellar physical attributes. Via computational simulation, we measure the deformation of magnetar stellar structure to determine upper bounds on the strength of continuous GWs formed as a result of these deformations inducing non-axisymmetric rotation. We compute predictions of upper limit GW strain values for sources in the McGill Magnetar Catalog, an index of all detected magnetars.
An early peak in the radio light curve of short-duration gamma-ray burst 200826A
Authors: Rhodes Lauren , Fender Rob , Williams David R A , Mooley Kunal
Published: March 2021

We present the results of radio observations from the eMERLIN telescope combined with X-ray data from Swift for the short-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) 200826A, located at a redshift of 0.71. The radio light curve shows evidence of a sharp rise, a peak around 4–5 d post-burst, followed by a relatively steep decline. We provide two possible interpretations based on the time at which the light curve reached its peak. (1) If the light curve peaks earlier, the peak is produced by the synchrotron self-absorption frequency moving through the radio band, resulting from the forward shock propagating into a wind medium and (2) if the light curve peaks later, the turnover in the light curve is caused by a jet break. In the former case we find a minimum equipartition energy of ∼3 × 1047 erg and bulk Lorentz factor of ∼5, while in the latter case we estimate the jet opening angle of ∼9–16°. Due to the lack of data, it is impossible to determine which is the correct interpretation, however due to its relative simplicity and consistency with other multiwavelength observations which hint at the possibility that GRB 200826A is in fact a long GRB, we prefer the scenario one over scenario two.
Increased isolation mass for pebble accreting planetary cores in pressure maxima of protoplanetary discs
Authors: Sándor Zs , Regály Zs
Published: March 2021

The growth of a pebble accreting planetary core is stopped when reaching its isolation mass that is due to a pressure maximum emerging at the outer edge of the gap opened in gas. This pressure maximum traps the inward drifting pebbles stopping the accretion of solids on to the core. On the other hand, a large amount of pebbles ($\sim \! 100\, {\mathrm{ M}}_\oplus$) should flow through the orbit of the core until reaching its isolation mass. The efficiency of pebble accretion increases if the core grows in a dust trap of the protoplanetary disc. Dust traps are observed as ring-like structures by ALMA suggesting the existence of global pressure maxima in discs that can also act as planet migration traps. This work aims to reveal how large a planetary core can grow in such a pressure maximum by pebble accretion. In our hydrodynamic simulations, pebbles are treated as a pressureless fluid mutually coupled to the gas via drag force. Our results show that in a global pressure maximum the pebble isolation mass for a planetary core is significantly larger than in discs with power-law surface density profile. An increased isolation mass shortens the formation time of giant planets.
Limited Predictability of Amino Acid Substitutions in Seasonal Influenza Viruses
Authors: Barrat-Charlaix Pierre , Huddleston John , Bedford Trevor , Neher Richard A.
Published: March 2021

Seasonal influenza viruses repeatedly infect humans in part because they rapidly change their antigenic properties and evade host immune responses, necessitating frequent updates of the vaccine composition. Accurate predictions of strains circulating in the future could therefore improve the vaccine match. Here, we studied the predictability of frequency dynamics and fixation of amino acid substitutions. Current frequency was the strongest predictor of eventual fixation, as expected in neutral evolution. Other properties, such as occurrence in previously characterized epitopes or high Local Branching Index (LBI) had little predictive power. Parallel evolution was found to be moderately predictive of fixation. Although the LBI had little power to predict frequency dynamics, it was still successful at picking strains representative of future populations. The latter is due to a tendency of the LBI to be high for consensus-like sequences that are closer to the future than the average sequence. Simulations of models of adapting populations, in contrast, show clear signals of predictability. This indicates that the evolution of influenza HA and NA, while driven by strong selection pressure to change, is poorly described by common models of directional selection such as traveling fitness waves.
Alzheimer’s disease and gut microbiota: does trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) play a role?
Authors: Arrona Cardoza Pablo , Spillane Micheil B , Morales Marroquin Elisa
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory and cognitive function. Clinical evidence has put into question our current understanding of AD development, propelling researchers to look into further avenues. Gut microbiota has emerged as a potential player in AD pathophysiology. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, can have negative effects on the gut microbiota and thus host health. A Western-type diet has been highlighted as a risk factor for both gut microbiota alteration as well as AD development. The gut-derived trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been previously implied in the development of cardiovascular diseases with recent evidence suggesting a plausible role of TMAO in AD development. Therefore, the main goal of the present review is to provide the reader with potential mechanisms of action through which consumption of a Western-type diet could increase AD risk, by acting through microbiota-produced TMAO. Although a link between TMAO and AD is far from definitive, this review will serve as a call for research into this new area of research.
Peer Effects in Corporate Governance Practices: Evidence from Universal Demand Laws
Authors: Foroughi Pouyan , Marcus Alan J , Nguyen Vinh , Tehranian Hassan
Published: March 2021

Firms in the same networks tend to have similar corporate governance practices. However, disentangling peer effects, where governance practices propagate from one firm to another, from selection effects, where firms with similar preferences self-select into linked groups, is difficult to do. Studying board-interlocked firms, we utilize the staggered adoption of universal demand laws across states to identify and estimate causal peer effects in governance policies. We find support for the existence of peer effects in the adoption of antitakeover provisions. The impact of universal demand laws on the governance experience of interlocking directors likely explains these effects.
MEASUREMENT OF SKIN DOSE AND RADIATION-INDUCED CHANGES IN SKIN MICROCIRCULATION IN CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION PERCUTANEOUS CARDIAC INTERVENTIONS (CTO-PCI)
Authors: Tesselaar Erik , Macková Petra , Pagonis Christos , Saers Samuel , Ahle Margareta , Sandborg Michael
Published: March 2021

Skin injuries may occur when radiation doses to the skin exceed 2 Gy. This study aimed to measure changes in skin microcirculation in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions (CTO-PCI). In 14 patients, peak skin dose (PSD) was estimated with radiographic films and skin microcirculation was assessed with laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), before, 1 day after the intervention, and 4–6 weeks later. The mean PSD was 1.8 ± 0.9 Gy. Peak skin microcirculation increased by 12% from 45 ± 6 PU before to 50 ± 9 PU 1 day after the intervention (p = 0.01), and returned to 46 ± 8 PU after 4–6 weeks (p = 0.15). There was no significant correlation between PSD and the change in perfusion, neither 1 day (r = −0.13, p = 0.69) nor 4–6 weeks after the intervention (r = 0.33, p = 0.35). These results suggest that there are no radiation-induced microvascular changes in the skin after CTO-PCI at skin doses below 2 Gy.
The Effect of Cartoon Watching and Distraction Card on Physiologic Parameters and Fear Levels During Inhalation Therapy in Children: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Durak Hülya , Uysal Gülzade
Published: March 2021

Objective

The study was conducted as a randomized controlled study to investigate the effect of cartoon watching and distraction cards on physiologic parameters and fear levels in children with acute bronchitis in the emergency department.

Methods

Ninety-nine children with acute bronchitis aged 3–6 years were randomized in the emergency department. The study was conducted with three groups: cartoon group, distraction card group, and the control group. Data were collected using a follow-up form and the Children’s Fear Scale.

Results

The difference between the mean pulse rates of the groups evaluated by an observer nurse was found to be statistically significant. The pulse rates of the cartoon and distraction card groups were lower than in the control group during inhalation therapy (p < 0.05). The difference between the mean fear scores in the cartoon and control groups as evaluated by the observer nurse and the accompanying parent was found to be statistically significant during after inhalation therapy (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

It was observed that watching cartoons during inhalation therapy was more effective in reducing the level of fear in children that distraction card.
Colletotrichum fioriniae and Colletotrichum godetiae Causing Postharvest Bitter Rot of Apple in South Tyrol (Northern Italy)
Authors: Carneiro Greice Amaral , Baric Sanja
Published: March 2021

South Tyrol (northern Italy) harbors one of the largest interconnected apple farming areas in Europe, contributing approximately 10% to the apple production of the European Union. Despite the availability of sophisticated storage facilities, postharvest diseases occur, one of which is bitter rot of apple. In Europe, this postharvest disease is mainly caused by the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex. This study aimed to characterize the Colletotrichum spp. isolated from decayed apple fruit collected in 2018 and 2019 in South Tyrol. The characterization of Colletotrichum spp. was accomplished based on multilocus DNA sequences of four different genomic regions—actin (ACT), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), histone H3 (HIS3), and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region—as well as morphological and pathogenicity assessment. A phylogenetic analysis based on multilocus DNA sequences showed that the isolates obtained from apples with symptoms of bitter rot belonged to the species Colletotrichum godetiae and Colletotrichum fioriniae, which are part of the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex. A third species isolated from apples belonging to the same species complex, Colletotrichum salicis, was described in this area. Moreover, the Colletotrichum isolates found in this study proved to be virulent on Cripps Pink, Golden Delicious, and Roho 3615/Evelina. To the best of our knowledge, C. godetiae and C. fioriniae have so far never been mentioned as postharvest pathogens of apple in Italy, although the reanalysis of samples collected in the past indicates that these pathogens have been occurring in Italy for at least a decade. So far, bitter rot seems to play a minor role as a postharvest disease in South Tyrol, but it was disproportionately represented on a few scab-resistant apple cultivars, which are increasingly planted in organically managed orchards. Considering that the expansion of organic apple production and the conversion to new potentially Colletotrichum-susceptible cultivars will continue, the present study represents an important contribution toward a better understanding of bitter rot in this geographic area.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Plasmodiophora brassicae in Its Environment: Effects of Temperature and Light on Resting Spore Survival in Soil
Authors: Zahr Kher , Sarkes Alian , Yang Yalong , Ahmed Hafiz , Zhou Qixing , Feindel David , Harding Michael W. , Feng Jie
Published: March 2021

Clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is an important disease on cruciferous crops worldwide. Management of clubroot is challenging, largely because of the millions of resting spores produced within an infected root that can survive dormant in the soil for many years. This study was conducted to investigate some of the environmental conditions that may affect the survival of resting spores in the soil. Soil samples containing clubroot resting spores (1 × 107 spores/g soil) were stored at various temperatures for 2 years. Additionally, other samples were buried in soil or kept on the soil surface in the field. The content of P. brassicae DNA and the numbers of viable spores in the samples were assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and pathogenicity bioassays, respectively. The results indicated that 4°C, 20°C, and being buried in the soil were more conductive conditions for spore survival than −20°C, 30°C, and at the soil surface. Most (99.99%) of the spores kept on the soil surface were nonviable, suggesting a negative effect of light on spore viability. Additional experiments confirmed the negative effect of ultraviolet light on spore viability because spores receiving 2 and 3 h ultraviolet light exhibited lower disease potential and contained less DNA content than the nontreated control. Finally, this work confirmed that DNA-based quantification methods such as qPCR can be poor predictors of P. brassicae disease potential because of the presence and persistence of DNA from dead spores.
Revisiting the Concept of Othering
Authors: Jacob Jean Daniel , Gagnon Marilou , Perron Amélie , Canales Mary K.
Published: March 2021

The various ways in which nurses relate and interact with patients, who are considered marginal, vulnerable, and in some ways “different,” tend to revolve around the concept of othering. To date, much attention has been given to the immediate situation in which othering may take place, both in terms of process (occurring within interactions) and outcomes (exclusion and marginalization). Drawing on current literature from feminist studies and critical theory, we have drawn attention to broader historical, political, cultural, and social factors that come to shape nurse-patient relationships and propose a new dimension to the concept: structural othering.
There Is No Increase in Perioperative Mortality After Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Octogenarians: Results From the Swedish National Registry for Tumors in the Pancreatic and Periampullary Region
Authors: Johansen Karin U. , Lundgren Linda M. , Gasslander Thomas R. , Sandström Per , Björnsson Bergthor
Published: March 2021

Objective:

The aim of this observational study was to compare postoperative mortality and complications between octogenarians and younger patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Summary Background Data:

With the growing elderly population and improved operative and postoperative results, PD is performed more frequently in octogenarians. Despite recent studies, it is uncertain whether elderly patients experience worse postoperative outcomes than younger patients.

Methods:

All patients registered in the Swedish National Registry for tumors in the pancreatic and periampullary region from 2010 to 2018 who underwent PD were included in the analysis.

Results:

Out of 13,936 patients included in the registry, 2793 patients underwent PD and were divided into the following age groups: <70 (n = 1508), 70–79 (n = 1137), and ≥80 (n = 148) years old. There was no significant difference in in-hospital, 30- or 90-day mortality among groups. The 2 older groups had a higher rate of medical and some surgical complications but not a significantly higher rate of complications ≥IIIa according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. The 2 older groups had lower body mass index, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores, lower smoking rates, and a higher rate of preoperative biliary drainage than the <70-year-old group (all P < 0.001). The operation time was shorter in the oldest group.

Conclusions:

Despite the worse preoperative condition of octogenarians than younger patients, short-term mortality and serious complications were not increased. The shorter operation time, however, may indicate that patients in the oldest group were more strictly selected. With careful preoperative consideration, especially regarding cardiovascular morbidity, more octogenarians can potentially be safely offered PD.
Definitions of Computer-Assisted Surgery and Intervention, Image-Guided Surgery and Intervention, Hybrid Operating Room, and Guidance Systems
Authors: Giménez Mariano , Gallix Benôit , Costamagna Guido , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Moche Michael , Wakabayashi Go , Bale Reto , Swanström Lee , Futterer Jürgen , Geller David , Verde Juan M. , García Vazquez Alain , Boškoski Ivo , Golse Nicolas , Müller-Stich Beat , Dallemagne Bernard , Falkenberg Mårten , Jonas Sven , Riediger Carina , Diana Michele , Kvarnström Niklas , Odisio Bruno C. , Serra Edgardo , Overduin Christiaan , Palermo Mariano , Mutter Didier , Perretta Silvana , Pessaux Patrick , Soler Luc , Hostettler Alexandre , Collins Toby , Cotin Stéphane , Kostrzewa Michael , Alzaga Amilcar , Smith Martin , Marescaux Jacques
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To develop consensus definitions of image-guided surgery, computer-assisted surgery, hybrid operating room, and surgical navigation systems.

Summary Background Data:

The use of minimally invasive procedures has increased tremendously over the past 2 decades, but terminology related to image-guided minimally invasive procedures has not been standardized, which is a barrier to clear communication.

Methods:

Experts in image-guided techniques and specialized engineers were invited to engage in a systematic process to develop consensus definitions of the key terms listed above. The process was designed following review of common consensus-development methodologies and included participation in 4 online surveys and a post-surveys face-to-face panel meeting held in Strasbourg, France.

Results:

The experts settled on the terms computer-assisted surgery and intervention, image-guided surgery and intervention, hybrid operating room, and guidance systems and agreed-upon definitions of these terms, with rates of consensus of more than 80% for each term. The methodology used proved to be a compelling strategy to overcome the current difficulties related to data growth rates and technological convergence in this field.

Conclusions:

Our multidisciplinary collaborative approach resulted in consensus definitions that may improve communication, knowledge transfer, collaboration, and research in the rapidly changing field of image-guided minimally invasive techniques.
The Effect of Cervical Paravertebral Extensor Degeneration on Sagittal Alignment and Functional Status of Cervical Spine in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Yang Peng , Wen Bingtao , Ge Rile , Liu Xin , Tan Lei , Zhong Jun , Jin Kaiji , Chen Zhongqiang
Published: March 2021

Study Design:

This was a cross-sectional study.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess cervical paravertebral extensor degeneration in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and its impact on the sagittal parameters and functional status of the cervical spine.

Summary of Background Data:

Paravertebral extensor degeneration is well-studied in CSM; however, the effect of extensor degeneration on the sagittal balance and functional status of the cervical spine is unclear.

Materials and Methods:

We enrolled 52 CSM patients (CSM group) and 52 age-matched and sex-matched healthy adults (control group). The C2–C7 and C0–C2 Cobb angles (CAs), C7 slope, T1 slope, cervical arc cord distance, cervical tilt (CERT), cranial tilt (CRAT), and C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. The cross-sectional areas of the deep extensors (DEA), superficial extensors (SEA), and cervical vertebral body (VBA) of C4–C7 were measured. DEA/VBA and SEA/VBA were used to quantify the extensor volume. We analyzed the fatty infiltration ratio of the deep (DFIR) and superficial extensors (SFIR). The Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores of the CSM group were calculated.

Results:

The DEA/VBA was significantly lower and the DFIR and SFIR were significantly higher in the CSM group. The C4 DEA/VBA correlated with the C2–C7 SVA, C2–C7 CA, CERT, and the Neck Disability Index and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores (r=−0.608, 0.291, 0.335,−0.649, and 0.409, respectively). The DEA/VBA of C5 correlated with the cervical arc cord distance and CRAT (r=−0.350 and −0.356, respectively). The C4 DFIR correlated with the C2–C7 SVA, C2–C7 CA, and the Visual Analog Scale (r=0.286, −0.297, and 0.429, respectively). The SFIR of C7 correlated with the T1 slope and C7 slope (r=0.368 and 0.319, respectively).

Conclusions:

Paravertebral extensor degeneration negatively impacts the sagittal sequence and functional status of the cervical spine in CSM patients. Our study provides an insight into understanding the significance of cervical muscular degeneration in CSM patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.