bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gradual type theory
Authors: NEW MAX S. , LICATA DANIEL R. , AHMED AMAL
Published: October 2021

Gradually typed languages are designed to support both dynamically typed and statically typed programming styles while preserving the benefits of each. Sound gradually typed languages dynamically check types at runtime at the boundary between statically typed and dynamically typed modules. However, there is much disagreement in the gradual typing literature over how to enforce complex types such as tuples, lists, functions and objects. In this paper, we propose a new perspective on the design of runtime gradual type enforcement: runtime type casts exist precisely to ensure the correctness of certain type-based refactorings and optimizations. For instance, for simple types, a language designer might desire that beta-eta equality is valid. We show that this perspective is useful by demonstrating that a cast semantics can be derived from beta-eta equality. We do this by providing an axiomatic account program equivalence in a gradual cast calculus in a logic we callgradual type theory(GTT). Based on Levy’s call-by-push-value, GTT allows us to axiomatize both call-by-value and call-by-name gradual languages. We then show that we can derive the behavior of casts for simple types from the corresponding eta equality principle and the assumption that the language satisfies a property calledgraduality, also known as the dynamic gradual guarantee. Since we can derive the semantics from the assumption of eta equality, we also receive a useful contrapositive: any observably different cast semantics that satisfies gradualitymustviolate the eta equality. We show the consistency and applicability of our axiomatic theory by proving that a contract-based implementation using the lazy cast semantics gives a logical relations model of our type theory, where equivalence in GTT implies contextual equivalence of the programs. Since GTT also axiomatizes the dynamic gradual guarantee, our model also establishes this central theorem of gradual typing. The model is parameterized by the implementation of the dynamic types, and so gives a family of implementations that validate type-based optimization and the gradual guarantee.
On Correctness and Completeness of annQueens Program
Authors: DRABENT WŁODZIMIERZ
Published: October 2021

Thom Frühwirth presented a short, elegant, and efficient Prolog program for thenqueens problem. However, the program may be seen as rather tricky and one may not be convinced about its correctness. This paper explains the program in a declarative way and provides proofs of its correctness and completeness. The specification and the proofs are declarative, that is they abstract from any operational semantics. The specification is approximate, it is unnecessary to describe the program’s semantics exactly. Despite the program works on non-ground terms, this work employs the standard semantics, based on logical consequence and Herbrand interpretations. Another purpose of the paper is to present an example of precise declarative reasoning about the semantics of a logic program.
Criticizing Phallocentrism in Interwar Britain: Psychoanalyst Sylvia M. Payne's Kleinian Challenge to Freud
Authors: Shapira Michal
Published: October 2021

Sylvia M. Payne was one of the first women to practice psychoanalysis in Britain. Though she became president of the British Psychoanalytical Society, not a single scholarly work is dedicated to Payne's intellectual ideas—a substantial historical lacuna, especially when compared with the research on Ernest Jones, one of Sigmund Freud's early disciples and the president who preceded her. This essay presents the first exploration of her early work. It focuses on her belonging to a group of British analysts who challenged Sigmund Freud's thinking on sexual difference. The full scope of this challenge, I argue, as it emerged in interwar Britain, has remained unexamined until today. Adding to the scholarship on the prominent and lesser-known roles of women in psychoanalysis, the article shows that Payne made significant contributions to the field; she also developed the work of Melanie Klein, on whom we also need more research. The study describes the life and work of a woman who has been neglected in the historiography of twentieth-century intellectual history. It engages with broader methodological questions of how to define the political, historical role of female psychoanalysts of her generation.
Economic Migration: On What Terms?
Authors: Stilz Anna
Published: October 2021

I investigate whether wealthy democratic states should liberalize economic migration and, if so, on what terms. Is it permissible for the state to restrict economic migration as a form of labor market protection? If so, under what conditions? If not, why not? I argue that even granting that states have a right to control their borders and to prioritize the interests of their inhabitants, there is good reason to liberalize permanent low-skilled migration, so long as this is paired with appropriate social policies.
State responsibility for community defence groups gone rogue
Authors: Arman Jemma
Published: October 2021

In situations of national crisis, it is not uncommon to see community members join together to provide security services to their communities, gap-filling or supplementing the security services of the State. These “community defence groups” perform many roles, from operating checkpoints and conducting surveillance missions to patrolling roads and even participating in combined combat operations with the State. Unfortunately, while many community defence groups perform an important service for their community, some have been accused of serious human rights abuses or even war crimes. This article examines the circumstances in which a State might be responsible in relation to wrongful acts of community defence groups operating within their territory.

Each community defence group differs in its structure, its activities and its relationship with the State. As such, any assessment of the potential responsibility of the State will depend upon the particulars of each group and its operations. The contribution of this article is to provide a framework for assessing State responsibility in relation to community defence groups. It does so by examining the potential attribution of acts of the community defence group to the State, applying secondary rules of State responsibility. In addition, it also considers the potential responsibilities of the State under primary rules of international law, namely international humanitarian law and international human rights law, in circumstances where the primary wrongful act is not attributable to the State.
Extrinsic Anisotropy of Two‐Phase Newtonian Aggregates: Fabric Characterization and Parameterization
Authors: de Montserrat Albert , Faccenda Manuele , Pennacchioni Giorgio
Published: October 2021

Rocks of the Earth's crust and mantle commonly consist of different minerals with contrasting mechanical properties. During progressive, high‐temperature (ductile) deformation, these rocks develop extrinsic mechanical anisotropy linked to strain partitioning between different minerals, amount of accumulated strain, and bulk strain geometry. Extrinsic anisotropy plays an important role in a wide range of geodynamic processes up to the scale of mantle convection. However, the evolution of grain‐ and rock‐scale fabrics causing this anisotropy cannot be directly simulated in large‐scale numerical simulations. For two‐phase aggregates–a good rheological approximation of most Earth's rocks–we propose a method to indirectly approximate the extrinsic viscous anisotropy by combining (a) 3D mechanical models of rock fabrics, and (b) analytical effective medium theories. Our results confirm that weak inclusions induce substantial weakening by forming a network of weak thin layers with limited lateral connectivity. Consequently, even when the inclusion phase is extremely weak, structural weakening is not larger than 30–60%, less than in previous estimates. On the other hand, the presence of strong inclusions does not have a profound impact on the effective strength of the aggregate, and lineated fabrics only develop at relatively low viscosity contrasts. When rigid inclusions become clogged, however, the aggregate viscosity can increase over the theoretical upper bound. We show that the modeled grain‐scale fabrics can be parameterized as a function of the bulk deformation and material phase properties and combined with analytical solutions to approximate the anisotropic viscous tensor.
Secondary Inorganic Ions Characteristics in PM2.5 Along Offshore and Coastal Areas of the Megacity Shanghai
Authors: Sun Jianfeng , Chen Hui , Mao Jingbo , Zhao Junri , Zhang Yan , Wang Lin , Wang Xinke , Ouyang Huiling , Tang Xu , George Christian , Chen Jianmin
Published: October 2021

Secondary inorganic ions are important constituents of PM2.5 that play an important role in global climate change through direct and indirect radiative forcing. To investigate the influence of ship emissions on coastal cities, we launched a cruise ship campaign offshore of the East China Sea (ECS) and two field observation sites in the megacity of Shanghai using 1‐hr time‐resolved water‐soluble ion chromatography from June 3 to June 27, 2017. Three main secondary inorganic soluble ions in the atmosphere of the ECS, that is, non‐sea‐salt sulfate (nss‐SO42−), NO3− and NH4+, were 8.87, 4.94, and 4.65 μg m−3, respectively. While their values at the Pudong (PD) station in urban Shanghai were 6.33, 9.47, and 4.74 μg m−3 and at the Dianshanhu (DSH) station in suburban Shanghai were 7.33, 10.01, and 6.78 μg m−3, respectively. Nss‐SO42− was dominant in the PM2.5 in the atmosphere of the ECS (nss‐SO42−/NO3− = 1.8), and mainly distributed near the Zhoushan Islands of the ECS. This indicated significant contributions from ship emissions. Based on the Community Multiscale Air Quality model, two main sources of nss‐SO42− were identified: emissions and horizontal transport. These comprised over 90% of the nss‐SO42−. The influence of ship emissions reached up to 31.6% of the total nss‐SO42− alongside the cruise ship and near coastal parking ports in the Yangtze River Delta area, suggesting that more attention should be paid to ship emissions.
A Framework for Navigating Requests for Nondisclosure in Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Brown Michelle R. , Sunnquist Madison , Schneider Lauren M.
Published: October 2021

Background: The treatment courses of youth with complex, chronic, and/or life-threatening illnesses are often punctuated with many consequential decision points, particularly when new information related to diagnosis or prognosis is revealed. These junctures may prompt disagreements between and within families and medical teams related to the appropriate amount and type of information to share with the child. When the beliefs held by clinicians and families about information disclosure diverge, pediatric psychologists may be consulted to facilitate collaborative conversations and promote shared decision-making. Objective: Decision-making regarding disclosure is often complex and nuanced. This article sought to synthesize literature on factors that influence disclosure in order to offer a unified model through which pediatric psychologists could guide these discussions. Method: The current article reviews relevant literature through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s (1994) Ecological Systems Framework. A detailed case vignette is used to illustrate the application of this framework to disclosure decisions. Conclusion: The framework presented in this article is offered as a guide for liaising with families and treatment teams, promoting enhanced understanding of divergent viewpoints, and facilitating collaborative conversations about the amount and type of information to share (or not to share) with the child.

Implications for Impact Statement

Individuals hold varied beliefs regarding the disclosure of diagnosis and/or prognosis to pediatric patients, and these differences can contribute to increased stress and conflict among family members and providers. This article proposes a framework to guide psychologists in navigating requests for nondisclosure.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Palliative Care, End-of-Life, and Bereavement: Integrating Psychology Into Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Thompson Amanda L. , Kentor Rachel A.
Published: October 2021

Objective: While most pediatric palliative care (PPC) teams do not yet routinely include psychology, roles for pediatric psychologists in PPC are expanding. The goals of this Special Issue are to promote awareness of the breadth and depth of PPC, highlight the diverse and growing roles for psychologists as PPC clinicians, scientists, educators, and advocates, and showcase the latest interdisciplinary PPC research. Method: The nine articles in this collection describe key PPC concepts and research approaches, the value of the interdisciplinary team in PPC, the impact of child illness and child loss on caregivers, needs of grieving families, ethical challenges in PPC and at end-of-life, and disparities among underrepresented and historically marginalized populations. Results: The series of articles curated for this Special Issue illustrate the many contributions psychologists offer to the field of PPC. Conclusion: PPC-specific training and development of core competencies are necessary pathways to improve future integration of pediatric psychologists in pediatric care delivery, research, and advocacy.

Implications for Impact Statement

Psychologists are being increasingly recognized as offering unique and valuable contributions to the field of pediatric palliative care (PPC) as clinicians, researchers, educators, and advocates. This Special Issue has been curated to be helpful to trainees, PPC psychologists, and non-PPC psychologists alike, as well as our interdisciplinary PPC team members, as we strive to further establish our discipline as integral to the PPC field.
Visualising the heart of chaos
Authors: Lambert Nicholas J. , Schwefel Harald G. L.
Published: October 2021

The intra-cavity electro-magnetic field distribution in a microdisk resonator can be visualised by inducing a phase shift via a scanning probe beam.
Sulfur cycling and host-virus interactions in Aquificales-dominated biofilms from Yellowstone’s hottest ecosystems
Authors: McKay Luke J , Nigro Olivia D , Dlakić Mensur , Luttrell Karen M , Rusch Douglas B , Fields Matthew W , Inskeep William P
Published: October 2021

Modern linkages among magmatic, geochemical, and geobiological processes provide clues about the importance of thermophiles in the origin of biogeochemical cycles. The aim of this study was to identify the primary chemoautotrophs and host–virus interactions involved in microbial colonization and biogeochemical cycling at sublacustrine, vapor-dominated vents that represent the hottest measured ecosystems in Yellowstone National Park (~140 °C). Filamentous microbial communities exposed to extreme thermal and geochemical gradients were sampled using a remotely operated vehicle and subjected to random metagenome sequencing and microscopic analyses. Sulfurihydrogenibium (phylum Aquificae) was the predominant lineage (up to 84% relative abundance) detected at vents that discharged high levels of dissolved H2, H2S, and CO2. Metabolic analyses indicated carbon fixation by Sulfurihydrogenibium spp. was powered by the oxidation of reduced sulfur and H2, which provides organic carbon for heterotrophic community members. Highly variable Sulfurihydrogenibium genomes suggested the importance of intra-population diversity under extreme environmental and viral pressures. Numerous lytic viruses (primarily unclassified taxa) were associated with diverse archaea and bacteria in the vent community. Five circular dsDNA uncultivated virus genomes (UViGs) of ~40 kbp length were linked to the Sulfurihydrogenibium metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) by CRISPR spacer matches. Four UViGs contained consistent genome architecture and formed a monophyletic cluster with the recently proposed Pyrovirus genus within the Caudovirales. Sulfurihydrogenibium spp. also contained CRISPR arrays linked to plasmid DNA with genes for a novel type IV filament system and a highly expressed β-barrel porin. A diverse suite of transcribed secretion systems was consistent with direct microscopic analyses, which revealed an extensive extracellular matrix likely critical to community structure and function. We hypothesize these attributes are fundamental to the establishment and survival of microbial communities in highly turbulent, extreme-gradient environments.
Increased locomotor activity via regulation of GABAergic signalling in foxp2 mutant zebrafish—implications for neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Lüffe Teresa M. , D’Orazio Andrea , Bauer Moritz , Gioga Zoi , Schoeffler Victoria , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Romanos Marcel , Drepper Carsten , Lillesaar Christina
Published: October 2021

Recent advances in the genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have identified the transcription factor FOXP2 as one of numerous risk genes, e.g. in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). FOXP2 function is suggested to be involved in GABAergic signalling and numerous studies demonstrate that GABAergic function is altered in NDDs, thus disrupting the excitation/inhibition balance. Interestingly, GABAergic signalling components, including glutamate-decarboxylase 1 (Gad1) and GABA receptors, are putative transcriptional targets of FOXP2. However, the specific role of FOXP2 in the pathomechanism of NDDs remains elusive. Here we test the hypothesis that Foxp2 affects behavioural dimensions via GABAergic signalling using zebrafish as model organism. We demonstrate that foxp2 is expressed by a subset of GABAergic neurons located in brain regions involved in motor functions, including the subpallium, posterior tuberculum, thalamus and medulla oblongata. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing we generated a novel foxp2 zebrafish loss-of-function mutant that exhibits increased locomotor activity. Further, genetic and/or pharmacological disruption of Gad1 or GABA-A receptors causes increased locomotor activity, resembling the phenotype of foxp2 mutants. Application of muscimol, a GABA-A receptor agonist, rescues the hyperactive phenotype induced by the foxp2 loss-of-function. By reverse translation of the therapeutic effect on hyperactive behaviour exerted by methylphenidate, we note that application of methylphenidate evokes different responses in wildtype compared to foxp2 or gad1b loss-of-function animals. Together, our findings support the hypothesis that foxp2 regulates locomotor activity via GABAergic signalling. This provides one targetable mechanism, which may contribute to behavioural phenotypes commonly observed in NDDs.
Cannabis labelling is associated with genetic variation in terpene synthase genes
Authors: Watts Sophie , McElroy Michel , Migicovsky Zoë , Maassen Hugo , van Velzen Robin , Myles Sean
Published: October 2021

Analysis of over 100 Cannabis samples quantified for terpene and cannabinoid content and genotyped for over 100,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms indicated that Sativa- and Indica-labelled samples were genetically indistinct on a genome-wide scale. Instead, we found that Cannabis labelling was associated with variation in a small number of terpenes whose concentrations are controlled by genetic variation at tandem arrays of terpene synthase genes.
A six-metabolite panel as potential blood-based biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Klatt Stephan , Doecke James D. , Roberts Anne , Boughton Berin A. , Masters Colin L. , Horne Malcolm , Roberts Blaine R.
Published: October 2021

Characterisation and diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (iPD) is a current challenge that hampers both clinical assessment and clinical trial development with the potential inclusion of non-PD cases. Here, we used a targeted mass spectrometry approach to quantify 38 metabolites extracted from the serum of 231 individuals. This cohort is currently one of the largest metabolomic studies including iPD patients, drug-naïve iPD, healthy controls and patients with Alzheimer’s disease as a disease-specific control group. We identified six metabolites (3-hydroxykynurenine, aspartate, beta-alanine, homoserine, ornithine (Orn) and tyrosine) that are significantly altered between iPD patients and control participants. A multivariate model to predict iPD from controls had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.905, with an accuracy of 86.2%. This panel of metabolites may serve as a potential prognostic or diagnostic assay for clinical trial prescreening, or for aiding in diagnosing pathological disease in the clinic.
Development of a new poly-ε-caprolactone with low melting point for creating a thermoset mask used in radiation therapy
Authors: Aoyama Takahiro , Uto Koichiro , Shimizu Hidetoshi , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Kitagawa Tomoki , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Suzuki Kojiro , Kodaira Takeshi
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to develop a poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) material that has a low melting point while maintaining the deformation ability. The new PCL (abbreviated as 4b45/2b20) was fabricated by mixing two types of PCL with different molecular weights, numbers of branches, and physical properties. To investigate the melting point, crystallization temperature, elastic modulus, and elongation at break for 4b45/2b20 and three commercially available masks, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tests were performed. The melting point of 4b45/2b20 was 46.0 °C, and that of the commercially available masks was approximately 56.0 °C (55.7 °C–56.5 °C). The elastic modulus at 60 °C of 4b45/2b20 was significantly lower than the commercially available masks (1.1 ± 0.3 MPa and 46.3 ± 5.4 MPa, p = 0.0357). In addition, the elongation at break of 4b45/2b20 were significantly larger than the commercially available masks (275.2 ± 25.0% and 216.0 ± 15.2%, p = 0.0347). The crystallization temperature of 4b45/2b20 (22.1 °C) was clinically acceptable and no significant difference was found in the elastic modulus at 23 °C (253.7 ± 24.3 MPa and 282.0 ± 44.3 MPa, p = 0.4). As a shape memory-based thermoset material, 4b45/2b20 has a low melting point and large deformation ability. In addition, the crystallization temperature and strength are within the clinically acceptable standards. Because masks made using the new PCL material are formed with less pressure on the face than commercially available masks, it is a promising material for making a radiotherapy mask that can reduce the burden on patients.
Precision management of pollination services to blueberry crops
Authors: Cavigliasso P. , Negri P. , Viel M. , Graziani M. M. , Challiol C. , Bello F. , Saez A.
Published: October 2021

While the cultivated area of pollinator-dependent crops is increasing, pollinator availability is decreasing, leading to problems in many agroecosystems. For this reason, pollinator-dependent crop growers often rent beehives to support their pollination requirements to sustain fruit productivity. However, the efficiency of those pollination systems has not been extensively studied. Here, we compared the effect of “precision” pollination (i.e., application of pesticides coordinated with growers, audit of hives, dietary supplementation and individual distribution of hives) with conventional practices (i.e., pesticides applications without coordination with growers and no audit of hives, low maintenance of hives and hives distributed in large groups) on the mean level of pollination and fruit production and quality in blueberry crops. In nine blueberry fields, we measured bee visitation rate to flowers, fruit set, fruit firmness and fruit weight. On average, precision-pollinated plots had 70% more bee visits to flowers and produced 13% more fruits that were 12% heavier and 12% firmer than those obtained through conventional practices. These results showed that pollination efficiency could be improved if key management related to bee strength, distribution and health care are taken into account. Due to these results, we encourage growers and beekeepers to include precision pollination practices to both increase the productivity of blueberry fields and the wellbeing of honey bees within agroecosystems.
Novel scaffold based graphene oxide doped electrospun iota carrageenan/polyvinyl alcohol for wound healing and pathogen reduction: in-vitro and in-vivo study
Authors: Gouda Marwa H. , Ali Safaa M. , Othman Sarah Samir , A. Abd Al-Aziz Samia , Abu-Serie Marwa M. , Elsokary Noha A. , Elessawy Noha A.
Published: October 2021

Wound healing is a complicated multicellular process that involves several kinds of cells including macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes and platelets that are leading to their differentiation towards an anti-inflammatory response for producing several chemokines, cytokine and growth factors. In this study, electrospun nanofiber scaffold named (MNS) is composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/iota carrageenan (IC) and doped with partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO) that is successfully synthesized for wound healing and skin repair. The fabricated MNS was tested in case of infection and un-infection with E. coli and Staphylococcus and in both of the presence and in the absence of yeast as a natural nutritional supplement. Numerous biochemical parameters including total protein, albumin, urea and LDH, and hematological parameters were evaluated. Results revealed that the MNS was proved to be effective on most of the measured parameters and had exhibited efficient antibacterial inhibition activity. Whereas it can be used as an effective antimicrobial agent in wound healing, however, histopathological findings confirmed that the MNS caused re-epithelialization and the presence of yeast induced hair follicles growth and subsequently it may be used to hide formed head wound scar.
Transplantation of fecal microbiota from patients with inflammatory bowel disease and depression alters immune response and behavior in recipient mice
Authors: Jang Hyo-Min , Kim Jeon-Kyung , Joo Min-Kyung , Shin Yoon-Jung , Lee Chang Kyun , Kim Hyo-Jong , Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: October 2021

Gut dysbiosis is closely associated with the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psychiatric disorder. Here, to understand the difference of gut microbiota composition and physiological effect between IBD patients with (IBD/D+) or without depression (IBD/D−), we analyzed the fecal microbiota composition of patients with IBD with (/D+) or without depression (/D−) and healthy volunteers (HVs) and examined the effects of these fecal microbiota transplantations (FMTs) on the occurrence of systemic inflammation and anxiety/depression in mice. FMTs from patients with IBD/D+or IBD/D−caused IBD-like colitis in the transplanted mice: they increased the myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1β and IL-6 expression, and NF-κB+/CD11c+cell population in the colon. Transplantation of the IBD/D+patient feces (IBD/D+-F) caused IBD-like colitis more strongly than that of IBD/D−-F. FMTs from patients with IBD/D+also caused anxiety-/depression-like behaviors, increased the NF-κB+/Iba1+and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+/Iba1+cell populations, and decreased the BDNF+/NeuN+cell population in the hippocampus. They increased LPS levels in the blood. FMTs from patients with IBD/D−caused anxiety-like, but not depression-like, behaviors. α-/β-diversities and composition of gut microbiota in IBD-F were different from those of HV feces (HV-F). TheEnterobacteriaceaeandEnterococcaceaepopulations and LPS levels were higher in the IBD-F than in the HV-F. TheEnterococcaceaepopulation was higher in IBD/D+-F vs. IBD/D−-F. However, the transplantation of HV-F into mice previously transplanted with IBD/D+-F significantly reduced depression-like behaviors, NF-κB+/Iba1+and LPS+/Iba1+cell populations in the hippocampus, LPS levels in the feces and blood, and IL-1β expression in the colon. These findings suggest that the outbreak of depression/anxiety may be dependent on the systemic inflammation with a leaky gut through the gut dysbiosis-attributable overproduction of bacterial LPS and suppression of tight junction protein expression in patients with IBD.
The effects of antithrombotic therapy on head trauma and its management
Authors: Koiso Takao , Goto Masayuki , Terakado Toshitsugu , Komatsu Yoji , Matsumaru Yuji , Ishikawa Eichi
Published: October 2021

The number of patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) that are taking antithrombotics (ATs), antiplatelets (APs) and/or anticoagulants (ACs), has increased, but the influence of it for outcome remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate an influence of AT for tICH. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with tICH treated between 2012 and 2019, and analyzed demographics, neurological status, clinical course, radiological findings, and outcome data. A total of 393 patients with tICH were included; 117 were on AT therapy (group A) and 276 were not (group B). Fifty-one (43.6%) and 159 (57.6%) patients in groups A and B, respectively, exhibited mRS of 0–2 at discharge (p = 0.0113). Mortality at 30 days was significantly higher in group A than in group B (25.6% vs 16.3%, p = 0.0356). Multivariate analysis revealed that higher age (OR 32.7, p < 0.0001), female gender (OR 0.56, p = 0.0285), pre-injury vitamin K antagonist (VKA; OR 0.42, p = 0.0297), and hematoma enlargement (OR 0.27, p < 0.0001) were associated with unfavorable outcome. AP and direct oral anticoagulant were not. Hematoma enlargement was significantly higher in AC-users than in non-users. Pre-injury VKA was at high risk of poor prognosis for patients with tICH. To improve outcomes, the management of VKA seems to be important.
Risk factors and outcomes for failure of biological reconstruction after resection of primary malignant bone tumors in the extremities
Authors: Wisanuyotin Taweechok , Paholpak Permsak , Sirichativapee Winai , Kosuwon Weerachai
Published: October 2021

Biological reconstruction is widely used to reconstruct bone defects after resection of bone tumors in the extremities. This study aimed to identify risk factors for failure and to compare outcomes of the allograft, nonvascularized autograft, and recycled frozen autograft reconstruction after resection of primary malignant bone tumors in the extremities. A retrospective study was performed at a single center between January 1994 and December 2017. Ninety patients with primary malignant bone tumors of the extremities were treated with tumor resection and reconstruction using one of three bone graft methods: nonvascularized autograft (n = 27), allograft (n = 34), and recycled frozen autograft (n = 29). The median time for follow-up was 59.2 months (range 24–240.6 months). Overall failure of biological reconstruction occurred in 53 of 90 patients (58.9%). The allograft group had the highest complication rates (n = 21, 61.8%), followed by the recycled frozen autograft (n = 17, 58.6%) and nonvascularized autograft (n = 15, 55. 6%) groups. There was no statistically significant difference among these three groups (p = 0.89). The mean MSTS score was 22.6 ± 3.4 in the nonvascularized autograft group, 23.4 ± 2.6 in the allograft group, and 24.1 ± 3.3 in the recycled frozen autograft group. There was no significant difference among the groups (p = 0.24). After bivariate and multivariable analyses, patient age, sex, tumor location, graft length, methods, and type of reconstruction had no effects on the failure of biological reconstruction. Biological reconstruction using allograft, nonvascularized autograft, and recycled frozen autograft provide favorable functional outcomes despite high complication rates. This comparative study found no significant difference in functional outcomes or complication rates among the different types of reconstruction.
Use of ticagrelor and the risks of pneumonia and pneumonia-specific death in patients with non-acute coronary syndrome conditions: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Feng Qi , Tsoi Man Fung , Fei Yue , Cheung Ching Lung , Cheung Bernard M. Y.
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have shown that ticagrelor reduced risk of pneumonia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared to clopidogrel, however, its effect in patients with non-ACS cardiovascular diseases remains uncertain. The aim was to investigate the effect of ticagrelor on pneumonia and pneumonia-specific death compared to clopidogrel in non-ACS patients in Hong Kong. This was a population-based cohort study. We included consecutive patients using ticagrelor or clopidogrel admitted for non-ACS conditions in Hong Kong public hospitals from March 2012 to September 2019. Patients using both drugs were excluded. The outcomes of interest were incident pneumonia, all-cause death, and pneumonia-specific death. Multivariable survival analysis models were used to estimate the effects [hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)]. Propensity score matching, adjustment and weighting were performed as sensitivity analyses. In total, 90,154 patients were included (mean age 70.66 years, males 61.7%). The majority of them (97.2%) used clopidogrel. Ticagrelor was associated with a lower risk of incident pneumonia [0.59 (0.46–0.75)], all-cause death [0.83 (0.73–0.93)] and pneumonia-specific death [0.49 (0.36–0.67)]. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Ticagrelor was associated with lower risk of all-cause death, pneumonia-specific death, and incident pneumonia in patients with non-ACS cardiovascular conditions, consistent with previous evidence in patients with ACS. This additional effect of anti-pneumonia should be considered when choosing a proper P2Y12 inhibitor for patients with high risk of pneumonia.
Equivalence between positive and negative refractive index materials in electrostatic cloaks
Authors: Li Xingcai , Wang Juan , Zhang Jinghong
Published: October 2021

We investigate, both theoretically and numerically, the equivalence relationship between the positive and negative refraction index dielectric materials in electrostatic invisibility cloak. We have derived an analytical formula that enables fast calculate the corresponding positive dielectric constant from the negative refraction index material. The numerical results show that the negative refraction index material can be replaced by the positive refractive index materials in the static field cloak. This offers some new viewpoints for designing new sensing systems and devices in physics, colloid science, and engineering applications.
Insect wing 3D printing
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Nagai Hiroto , Suto Kai , Ogawa Naoki , Seong Young ah , Tachi Tomohiro , Niiyama Ryuma , Kawahara Yoshihiro
Published: October 2021

Insects have acquired various types of wings over their course of evolution and have become the most successful terrestrial animals. Consequently, the essence of their excellent environmental adaptability and locomotive ability should be clarified; a simple and versatile method to artificially reproduce the complex structure and various functions of these innumerable types of wings is necessary. This study presents a simple integral forming method for an insect-wing-type composite structure by 3D printing wing frames directly onto thin films. The artificial venation generation algorithm based on the centroidal Voronoi diagram, which can be observed in the wings of dragonflies, was used to design the complex mechanical properties of artificial wings. Furthermore, we implemented two representative functions found in actual insect wings: folding and coupling. The proposed crease pattern design software developed based on a beetle hindwing enables the 3D printing of foldable wings of any shape. In coupling-type wings, the forewing and hindwing are connected to form a single large wing during flight; these wings can be stored compactly by disconnecting and stacking them like cicada wings.
Early prediction of developing spontaneous activity in cultured neuronal networks
Authors: Cabrera-Garcia David , Warm Davide , de la Fuente Pablo , Fernández-Sánchez M. Teresa , Novelli Antonello , Villanueva-Balsera Joaquín M.
Published: October 2021

Synchronization and bursting activity are intrinsic electrophysiological properties of in vivo and in vitro neural networks. During early development, cortical cultures exhibit a wide repertoire of synchronous bursting dynamics whose characterization may help to understand the parameters governing the transition from immature to mature networks. Here we used machine learning techniques to characterize and predict the developing spontaneous activity in mouse cortical neurons on microelectrode arrays (MEAs) during the first three weeks in vitro. Network activity at three stages of early development was defined by 18 electrophysiological features of spikes, bursts, synchrony, and connectivity. The variability of neuronal network activity during early development was investigated by applying k-means and self-organizing map (SOM) clustering analysis to features of bursts and synchrony. These electrophysiological features were predicted at the third week in vitro with high accuracy from those at earlier times using three machine learning models: Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines, Support Vector Machines, and Random Forest. Our results indicate that initial patterns of electrical activity during the first week in vitro may already predetermine the final development of the neuronal network activity. The methodological approach used here may be applied to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the complex dynamics of spontaneous activity in developing neuronal cultures.
A new digital evaluation protocol applied in a retrospective analysis of periodontal plastic surgery of gingival recessions
Authors: Marques Tiago , Santos N. M. , Fialho Joana , Montero J. , Correia A.
Published: October 2021

This research aimed to develop a new digital evaluation protocol to objectively quantify the volumetric changes of root coverage periodontal plastic surgery when combined with connective tissue graft. Consecutive patients with Cairo recession type 1 (RT1) or Cairo recession type 2 (RT2) were treated. Accurate study models obtained at baseline and follow-ups were optically scanned. Healing dynamics were measured by calculating volume differences between time points. Nineteen patients were treated between December 2014 and January 2019. At 3-month follow-up, root coverage was 95.6% (± 14.5%) with tunnel and connective tissue graft (TUN + CTG) technique, and 88.9% (± 20.5%) with the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access and connective tissue graft (VISTA + CTG) technique. Recession decreased 1.33 (± 0.86) mm and 1.42 (± 0.92) mm, respectively (p = 0.337). At 6-month follow-up, root coverage was 96.5% (± 10.4%) with the TUN + CTG and 93.9% (± 10.3%) with the VISTA + CTG. Recession decreased 1.35 (± 0.85) mm and 1.45 (± 0.82) mm, respectively (p = 0.455). Complete root coverage was achieved in 86.7% (± 0.4%) with TUN + CTG and 70.6% (± 0.5%) with VISTA + CTG. No statistically significant differences were found between techniques. The digital protocol presented proved to be a non-invasive technique for accurate measurements of clinical outcomes. Both techniques reduce gingival recessions, with no statistically significant differences.
Deforestation is the turning point for the spreading of a weedy epiphyte: an IBM approach
Authors: Chaves Cleber Juliano Neves , Leal Bárbara Simões Santos , Rossatto Davi Rodrigo , Berger Uta , Palma-Silva Clarisse
Published: October 2021

The rapid spread of many weeds into intensely disturbed landscapes is boosted by clonal growth and self-fertilization strategies, which conversely increases the genetic structure of populations. Here, we use empirical and modeling approaches to evaluate the spreading dynamics ofTillandsia recurvata(L.) L. populations, a common epiphytic weed with self-reproduction and clonal growth widespread in dry forests and deforested landscapes in the American continent. We introduce the TRec model, an individual-based approach to simulate the spreading ofT. recurvataover time and across landscapes subjected to abrupt changes in tree density with the parameters adjusted according to the empirical genetic data based on microsatellites genotypes. Simulations with this model showed that the strong spatial genetic structure observed from empirical data inT. recurvatacan be explained by a rapid increase in abundance and gene flow followed by stabilization after ca. 25 years. TRec model’s results also indicate that deforestation is a turning point for the rapid increase in both individual abundance and gene flow amongT. recurvatasubpopulations occurring in formerly dense forests. Active reforestation can, in turn, reverse such a scenario, although with a milder intensity. The genetic-based study suggests that anthropogenic changes in landscapes may strongly affect the population dynamics of species with ‘weedy’ traits.
Optimal strategy to certify quantum nonlocality
Authors: Gómez S. , Uzcátegui D. , Machuca I. , Gómez E. S. , Walborn S. P. , Lima G. , Goyeneche D.
Published: October 2021

Certification of quantum nonlocality plays a central role in practical applications like device-independent quantum cryptography and random number generation protocols. These applications entail the challenging problem of certifying quantum nonlocality, something that is hard to achieve when the target quantum state is only weakly entangled, or when the source of errors is high, e.g. when photons propagate through the atmosphere or a long optical fiber. Here we introduce a technique to find a Bell inequality with the largest possible gap between the quantum prediction and the classical local hidden variable limit for a given set of measurement frequencies. Our method represents an efficient strategy to certify quantum nonlocal correlations from experimental data without requiring extra measurements, in the sense that there is no Bell inequality with a larger gap than the one provided. Furthermore, we also reduce the photodetector efficiency required to close the detection loophole. We illustrate our technique by improving the detection of quantum nonlocality from experimental data obtained with weakly entangled photons.
Integrin activation is an essential component of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Simons Peter , Rinaldi Derek A. , Bondu Virginie , Kell Alison M. , Bradfute Steven , Lidke Diane S. , Buranda Tione
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on binding its spike (S) protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S protein expresses an RGD motif, suggesting that integrins may be co-receptors. Here, we UV-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and fluorescently labeled the envelope membrane with octadecyl rhodamine B (R18) to explore the role of integrin activation in mediating cell entry and productive infection. We used flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to show that SARS-CoV-2R18particles engage basal-state integrins. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Mn2+, which induces integrin extension, enhances cell entry of SARS-CoV-2R18. We also show that one class of integrin antagonist, which binds to the αI MIDAS site and stabilizes the inactive, closed conformation, selectively inhibits the engagement of SARS-CoV-2R18with basal state integrins, but is ineffective against Mn2+-activated integrins. RGD-integrin antagonists inhibited SARS-CoV-2R18binding regardless of integrin activation status. Integrins transmit signals bidirectionally: 'inside-out' signaling primes the ligand-binding function of integrins via a talin-dependent mechanism, and 'outside-in' signaling occurs downstream of integrin binding to macromolecular ligands. Outside-in signaling is mediated by Gα13. Using cell-permeable peptide inhibitors of talin and Gα13binding to the cytoplasmic tail of an integrin's β subunit, we demonstrate that talin-mediated signaling is essential for productive infection.
The feasibility of deep learning-based synthetic contrast-enhanced CT from nonenhanced CT in emergency department patients with acute abdominal pain
Authors: Kim Se Woo , Kim Jung Hoon , Kwak Suha , Seo Minkyo , Ryoo Changhyun , Shin Cheong-Il , Jang Siwon , Cho Jungheum , Kim Young-Hoon , Jeon Kyutae
Published: October 2021

Our objective was to investigate the feasibility of deep learning-based synthetic contrast-enhanced CT (DL-SCE-CT) from nonenhanced CT (NECT) in patients who visited the emergency department (ED) with acute abdominal pain (AAP). We trained an algorithm generating DL-SCE-CT using NECT with paired precontrast/postcontrast images. For clinical application, 353 patients from three institutions who visited the ED with AAP were included. Six reviewers (experienced radiologists, ER1-3; training radiologists, TR1-3) made diagnostic and disposition decisions using NECT alone and then with NECT and DL-SCE-CT together. The radiologists’ confidence in decisions was graded using a 5-point scale. The diagnostic accuracy using DL-SCE-CT improved in three radiologists (50%, P = 0.023, 0.012, < 0.001, especially in 2/3 of TRs). The confidence of diagnosis and disposition improved significantly in five radiologists (83.3%, P < 0.001). Particularly, in subgroups with underlying malignancy and miscellaneous medical conditions (MMCs) and in CT-negative cases, more radiologists reported increased confidence in diagnosis (83.3% [5/6], 100.0% [6/6], and 83.3% [5/6], respectively) and disposition (66.7% [4/6], 83.3% [5/6] and 100% [6/6], respectively). In conclusion, DL-SCE-CT enhances the accuracy and confidence of diagnosis and disposition regarding patients with AAP in the ED, especially for less experienced radiologists, in CT-negative cases, and in certain disease subgroups with underlying malignancy and MMCs.
Intact context memory performance in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Justus Sidni A. , Powell Patrick S. , Duarte Audrey
Published: October 2021

Research on memory in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) finds increased difficulty encoding contextual associations in episodic memory and suggests executive dysfunction (e.g., selective attention, cognitive flexibility) and deficient metacognitive monitoring as potential contributing factors. Findings from our lab suggest that age-related impairments in selective attention contribute to those in context memory accuracy and older adults tended to show dependence in context memory accuracy between relevant and irrelevant context details (i.e., hyper-binding). Using an aging framework, we tested the effects of selective attention on context memory in a sample of 23 adults with ASD and 23 typically developed adults. Participants studied grayscale objects flanked by two types of contexts (color, scene) on opposing sides and were told to attend to only one object-context relationship, ignoring the other context. At test, participants made object and context recognition decisions and judgment of confidence decisions allowing for an evaluation of context memory performance, hyper-binding, and metacognitive performance for context judgments in a single task. Results showed that adults with ASD performed similarly to typically developed adults on all measures. These findings suggest that context memory performance is not always disrupted in adults with ASD, even when demands on selective attention are high. We discuss the need for continued research to evaluate episodic memory in a wider variety of adults with ASD.