bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avleddha: an example of Griko in popular music
Authors: Souli Dafni , Dilucca Maddalena
Published: February 2021

This paper is part of a wider study about a corpus of songs, collected in the three different languages spoken in Salento (Puglia- South Italy): Italian (with regional variety), Griko and Salentino dialect. We analyze all the discography (texts and music of songs) of Avleddha, one of the most famous popular bands, founded in the early ‘90s in the Grecìa Salentina. This corpus is compared to other 80 songs, that includes English, Italian and popular music. We use Principal Component Analysis and techniques of sound analysis (spectrograms) we demonstrate that songs of the four bands are well separated from a point of view of complexity of the texts and music. The aim of this study is to characterize Avleddha’s music with reference to the other group of songs. We show that it is closer to the tradition of Salento popular music, but is able to maintain an original fingerprint, that makes it unique in its field. In this research the description of language systems at morphosyntactic level is not present, but we present a novel quantitative approach to reveal features both generic and specific in corpora of popular music.
Synthetic observables for electron-capture supernovae and low-mass core collapse supernovae
Authors: Kozyreva Alexandra , Baklanov Petr , Jones Samuel , Stockinger Georg , Janka Hans-Thomas
Published: February 2021

Stars in the mass range from 8 M⊙ to 10 M⊙ are expected to produce one of two types of supernovae (SNe), either electron-capture supernovae (ECSNe) or core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe), depending on their previous evolution. Either of the associated progenitors retain extended and massive hydrogen-rich envelopes and the observables of these SNe are, therefore, expected to be similar. In this study, we explore the differences in these two types of SNe. Specifically, we investigate three different progenitor models: a solar-metallicity ECSN progenitor with an initial mass of 8.8 M⊙, a zero-metallicity progenitor with 9.6 M⊙, and a solar-metallicity progenitor with 9 M⊙, carrying out radiative transfer simulations for these progenitors. We present the resulting light curves for these models. The models exhibit very low photospheric velocity variations of about 2000 km s−1; therefore, this may serve as a convenient indicator of low-mass SNe. The ECSN has very unique light curves in broad-bands, especially the U band, and does not resemble any currently observed SN. This ECSN progenitor being part of a binary will lose its envelope for which reason the light curve becomes short and undetectable. The SN from the 9.6 M⊙ progenitor exhibits also quite an unusual light curve, explained by the absence of metals in the initial composition. The artificially iron-polluted 9.6 M⊙ model demonstrates light curves closer to normal SNe IIP. The SN from the 9 M⊙ progenitor remains the best candidate for so-called low-luminosity SNe IIP like SN 1999br and SN 2005cs.
Host-star and exoplanet compositions: a pilot study using a wide binary with a polluted white dwarf
Authors: Bonsor Amy , Jofré Paula , Shorttle Oliver , Rogers Laura K , Xu(许偲艺) Siyi , Melis Carl
Published: February 2021

Planets and stars ultimately form out of the collapse of the same cloud of gas. Whilst planets, and planetary bodies, readily loose volatiles, a common hypothesis is that they retain the same refractory composition as their host star. This is true within the Solar system. The refractory composition of chondritic meteorites, Earth, and other rocky planetary bodies are consistent with solar, within the observational errors. This work aims to investigate whether this hypothesis holds for exoplanetary systems. If true, the internal structure of observed rocky exoplanets can be better constrained using their host star abundances. In this paper, we analyse the abundances of the K-dwarf, G200-40, and compare them to its polluted white dwarf companion, WD 1425+540. The white dwarf has accreted planetary material, most probably a Kuiper belt-like object, from an outer planetary system surviving the star’s evolution to the white dwarf phase. Given that binary pairs are chemically homogeneous, we use the binary companion, G200-40, as a proxy for the composition of the progenitor to WD 1425+540. We show that the elemental abundances of the companion star and the planetary material accreted by WD 1425+540 are consistent with the hypothesis that planet and host-stars have the same true abundances, taking into account the observational errors.
Hot graphite dust in the inner regime of NGC 4151
Authors: Swain Subhashree , Shalima P , Latha K V P , B S Swamy Krishna
Published: February 2021

We model the near-infrared (NIR) spectral energy distribution (SED) of NGC 4151 with a 3D radiative transfer skirt code, using which torus only (TO) and ring and torus (RAT) scenarios are studied. In the RAT models, a graphite ring-like structure (clumpy or smooth) is incorporated between the torus and the accretion disc. We vary the inclination angle (i), inner radius (of the torus and the ring, Rin,t and Rin,r, respectively), torus half-opening angle (σ), optical depth ($\tau _{9.7, \rm t}$ of the torus and $\tau _{9.7, \rm r}$ of the ring), and the dust clump size (Rclump). We perform a statistical analysis of the parameter space and find that all the models are able to explain the flat NIR SED of NGC 4151 with minor differences in the derived parameters. For the TO model, we get Rin,t = 0.1 pc, σ = 30°, i = 53°, $\tau _{9.7, \rm t} = 10$, and the clumpsize, Rclump = 0.4 pc. For the smooth RAT model, $R_{\rm in, \rm r} = 0.04$ pc and $\tau _{9.7, \rm total}$ = 11 and for the clumpy RAT model, Rin,r = 0.04 pc/0.06 pc and $\tau _{9.7, \rm total} = 20$. The Rin,t from the TO model does not agree with the NIR observations (∼0.04 pc). Hence, the most likely scenario is that a hot graphite ring is located at a distance 0.04 pc from the centre, composed of a smooth/clumpy distribution of dust followed by a dusty torus at 0.1 pc with interstellar medium type of grains.
Extended fast action minimization method: application to SDSS-DR12 combined sample
Authors: Sarpa E , Veropalumbo A , Schimd C , Branchini E , Matarrese S
Published: February 2021

We present the first application of the extended Fast Action Minimization method (eFAM) to a real data set, the SDSS-DR12 Combined Sample, to reconstruct galaxies orbits back-in-time, their two-point correlation function (2PCF) in real-space, and enhance the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) peak. For this purpose, we introduce a new implementation of eFAM that accounts for selection effects, survey footprint, and galaxy bias. We use the reconstructed BAO peak to measure the angular diameter distance, $D_\mathrm{A}(z)r^\mathrm{fid}_\mathrm{s}/r_\mathrm{s}$, and the Hubble parameter, $H(z)r_\mathrm{s}/r^\mathrm{fid}_\mathrm{s}$, normalized to the sound horizon scale for a fiducial cosmology $r^\mathrm{fid}_\mathrm{s}$, at the mean redshift of the sample z = 0.38, obtaining $D_\mathrm{A}(z=0.38)r^\mathrm{fid}_\mathrm{s}/r_\mathrm{s}=1090\pm 29$(Mpc)−1, and $H(z=0.38)r_\mathrm{s}/r^\mathrm{fid}_\mathrm{s}=83\pm 3$(km s−1 Mpc−1), in agreement with previous measurements on the same data set. The validation tests, performed using 400 publicly available SDSS-DR12 mock catalogues, reveal that eFAM performs well in reconstructing the 2PCF down to separations of ∼25h−1Mpc, i.e. well into the non-linear regime. Besides, eFAM successfully removes the anisotropies due to redshift-space distortion (RSD) at all redshifts including that of the survey, allowing us to decrease the number of free parameters in the model and fit the full-shape of the back-in-time reconstructed 2PCF well beyond the BAO peak. Recovering the real-space 2PCF, eFAM improves the precision on the estimates of the fitting parameters. When compared with the no-reconstruction case, eFAM reduces the uncertainty of the Alcock-Paczynski distortion parameters α⊥ and α∥ of about 40 per cent and that on the non-linear damping scale Σ∥ of about 70 per cent. These results show that eFAM can be successfully applied to existing redshift galaxy catalogues and should be considered as a reconstruction tool for next-generation surveys alternative to popular methods based on the Zel’dovich approximation.
Polarimetric and photometric observations of CB54, with analysis of four other dark clouds
Authors: Sen A K , Il’in V B , Prokopjeva M S , Gupta R
Published: February 2021

We present the results of our BVR-band photometric and R-band polarimetric observations of ∼40 stars in the periphery of the dark cloud CB54. From different photometric data, we estimate E(B − V) and E(J − H). After involving data from other sources, we discuss the extinction variations towards CB54. We reveal two main dust layers: a foreground, E(B − V) ≈ 0.1 mag, at ∼200 pc and an extended layer, $E(B-V) \gtrsim 0.3$ mag, at ∼1.5 kpc. CB54 belongs to the latter. Based on these results, we consider the reason for the random polarization map that we have observed for CB54. We find that the foreground is characterized by low polarization ($P \lesssim 0.5$ per cent) and a magnetic field parallel to the Galactic plane. The extended layer shows high polarization (P up to 5–7 per cent). We suggest that the field in this layer is nearly perpendicular to the Galactic plane and both layers are essentially inhomogeneous. This allows us to explain the randomness of polarization vectors around CB54 generally. The data – primarily observed by us in this work for CB54, by A. K. Sen and colleagues in previous works for three dark clouds CB3, CB25 and CB39, and by other authors for a region including the B1 cloud – are analysed to explore any correlation between polarization, the near-infrared, E(J − H), and optical, E(B − V), excesses, and the distance to the background stars. If polarization and extinction are caused by the same set of dust particles, we should expect good correlations. However, we find that, for all the clouds, the correlations are not strong.
Simulation of 10 830 Å absorption with a 3D hydrodynamic model reveals the solar He abundance in upper atmosphere of WASP-107b
Authors: Khodachenko M L , Shaikhislamov I F , Fossati L , Lammer H , Rumenskikh M S , Berezutsky A G , Miroshnichenko I B , Efimof M A
Published: February 2021

Transmission spectroscopy of WASP-107b revealed 7–8 per cent absorption at the position of metastable He i triplet at 10 830 Å in the velocity range of [−20; 10] km s−1. This absorption is stronger than that measured in other exoplanets. With a dedicated 3D self-consistent hydrodynamic multifluid model, we simulated the expanding upper atmosphere of WASP-107b and reproduced within the observations accuracy the measured He i absorption profiles, constraining the stellar X-ray and UV radiation (XUV) flux to 6–10 erg cm−2 s−1 at 1 au, and the upper atmosphere helium abundance He/H to 0.075–0.15. The radiation pressure acting on the metastable He i atoms was shown to be an important factor influencing the absorption profiles. Its effect is counterbalanced by the collisional depopulation of the He i metastable state. Altogether, the observed He i absorption in WASP-107b can be interpreted with the expected reasonable parameters of the stellar–planetary system and appropriate account of the electron and atom impact processes.
Segmentation, Phrasing, and Meter in Hip-Hop Music
Authors: Duinker Ben
Published: February 2021

This article proposes a theory of flow (the rapped vocals of hip-hop music) segmentation, phrasing, and meter that considers the way linguistic, syntactic, articulative, and corporeal aspects of rapping engage with vocal rhythm and its grouping structures. While flow is organized into phrases, hip-hop beats (the sampled or instrumental accompaniment) typically express a periodic, looped, highly repetitive metric structure against which these flow phrases operate. The patterns of metric alignment and non-alignment generated between flow and beat layers imbue hip-hop music with nuanced variety, especially at sub-sectional formal levels.
Precision medicine in immunoglobulin A nephropathy: still a journey ahead
Authors: Seikrit Claudia , Rauen Thomas , Stamellou Eleni , Floege Jürgen
Published: February 2021

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease worldwide and since its first description extensive research has identified a number of key central pathogenetic contributors, including genetic, immunological and environmental factors. Along with its multifaceted pathophysiology, the clinical presentation of IgAN varies, ranging from mild forms with only minor urinary findings and preserved renal function to cases that rapidly progress to end-stage renal disease. Because of this, early identification of patients at risk for a progressive course is urgently needed. The search for valid and easily accessible biomarkers showed urinary Dickkopf-3 as a promising candidate to predict the course of kidney function. In addition, a recently established IgAN risk prediction tool derived from an international cohort of IgAN patients allows estimation of the risk of a 50% loss of kidney function over several years upon diagnosis. This might serve as a significant tool to individually predict the course of renal function by combining biometric, clinical, histological and treatment information at the time of diagnosis. Today there is no doubt that a comprehensive supportive treatment regimen is the main pillar for all IgAN patients. The value of an additional immunosuppressive treatment in IgAN patients at risk for disease progression is less clear. Early risk stratification and individualized therapies would be desirable for IgAN patients to facilitate the choice of treatment strategies, which is still a matter of ongoing discussion.
Are Guidelines Important? Results of a Prospective Quality Improvement Lumbar Fusion Project
Authors: Harrop James , Emes Alexandra , Chitale Ameet , Wu Chengyuan , Al Saiegh Fadi , Stricsek Geoffrey , Gonzalez Glenn A , Jallo Jack , Heller Josh , Hines Kevin , Philipp Lucas , Thalheimer Sara , Prasad Srinivas K , Montenegro Thiago S , Fatema Umma , Sharan Ashwini
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

United States (U.S.) healthcare is a volume-based inefficient delivery system. Value requires the consideration of quality, which is lacking in most healthcare disciplines.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether patients who met specific evidence-based medicine (EBM)-based criteria preoperatively for lumbar fusion would achieve higher rates of achieving the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) than those who did not meet the EBM indications.

METHODS

All elective lumbar fusion cases, March 2018 to August 2019, were prospectively evaluated and categorized based on EBM guidelines for surgical indications. The MCID was defined as a reduction of ≥5 points in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Multiple logistic regression identified multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of EBM concordance.

RESULTS

A total of 325 lumbar fusion patients were entered with 6-mo follow-up data available for 309 patients (95%). The median preoperative ODI score was 24.4 with median 6-mo improvement of 7.0 points (P < .0001). Based on ODI scores, 79.6% (246/309) improved, 3.8% (12/309) had no change, and 16% (51/309) worsened. A total of 191 patients had ODI improvement reaching the MCID. 93.2% (288/309) cases were EBM concordant, while 6.7% (21/309) were not.

In multivariate analysis, EBM concordance (P = .0338), lower preoperative ODI (P < .001), lower ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) (P = .0056), and primary surgeries (P = .0004) were significantly associated with improved functional outcome. EBM concordance conferred a 3.04 (95% CI 1.10-8.40) times greater odds of achieving MCID in ODI at 6 mo (P = .0322), adjusting for other factors.

CONCLUSION

This analysis provides validation of EBM guideline criteria to establish optimal patient outcomes. The EBM concordant patients had a greater than 3 times improved outcome compared to those not meeting EBM fusion criteria.
A Novel Intraoperative Brain Mapping Integrated Task-Presentation Platform
Authors: Hameed N U Farrukh , Zhao Zehao , Zhang Jie , Bu Linghao , Zhou Yuyao , Jin Lei , Bai Hongmin , Li Weiping , Tang Jie , Lu Junfeng , Wu Jinsong , Mao Ying
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

To be efficient, intraoperative task-presentation systems must accurately present various language and cognitive tasks to patients undergoing awake surgery, and record behavioral data without compromising convenience of surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To present an integrated brain mapping task-presentation system we developed and evaluate its effectiveness in intraoperative task presentation.

METHODS

The Brain Mapping Interactive Stimulation System (Brain MISS) is a flexible task presentation system that adjusts for patient comfort, needs of the surgeon, and operating team, with multivideo recording for patients’ behavior. A total of 48 patients from 3 centers underwent intraoperative language task test during awake brain surgery with the Brain MISS. Each patient was assigned 5 questions each on picture naming, reading, and listening comprehension before and during awake surgeries. The accuracy of intraoperative stimulus-response (without electrical stimulation) was recorded. The Brain MISS was to be considered effective, if the lower limit of 95% CI of patients’ intraoperative response was ≥80% and also if the accuracy of intraoperative response of all patients was statistically higher than 80%.

RESULTS

All patients successfully underwent intraoperative assessment with the Brain MISS. The overall accuracy of stimulus response was 95.8% (95% CI 90.18%-100.00%), with the lower limit being higher than 80% and the response accuracy also significantly being higher than 80% in all patients (P = .006).

CONCLUSION

The Brain MISS is a portable and effective system for presenting and streamlining complicated language and cognitive tasks during awake surgery. It can also record standardized patient response data for neuroscientific research.
Minimally Invasive Techniques for Iliac Bolt Placement: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hamilton Travis , Macki Mohamed , Zervos Thomas M , Chang Victor
Published: February 2021

As the popularity of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) continues to grow, novel techniques are needed to meet the demands of multisegment fixation for advanced spinal diseases. In one such example, iliac bolts are often required to anchor large fusion constructs, but MIS technical notes are missing from the literature.

 A 67-yr-old female presented with a symptomatic coronal deformity: preoperative pelvic incidence = 47°, pelvic tilt = 19°, and lumbar lordosis = 29°, sagittal vertical axis = +5.4 cm with 30° of scoliosis. The operative plan included T10-ilium fusion with transforaminal interbody grafts at L2-3, L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. The intraoperative video is of minimally invasive placement of iliac bolts using the O-Arm Surgical Imaging System (Medtronic®). The patient consented to the procedure.

 A mini-open exposure that remains above the fascial planes allows for multilevel instrumentation with appropriate decompression at the interbody segments. After the placement of the pedicle screws under image-guidance, the direction is turned to the minimally invasive iliac bolts. Following the trajectory described in the standard open approach,
1
the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) is identified with the navigation probe, which will guide the Bovie cautery through the fascia. This opening assists in the trajectory of the navigated-awl tap toward the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Next, 8.5 mm x 90 mm iliac screws were placed in the cannulated bone under navigation. After intraoperative image confirmation of screw placement, the contoured rods are threaded under the fascia. The setscrews lock the rod in position. MIS approaches obviate cross-linking the rods, rendering pelvic fixation more facile.

 This technique allows for minimal dissection of the posterior pelvic soft tissue while maintaining adequate fixation.
A Case Series of the Use of Piezosurgery Instrument for Minimally Invasive Metopic Suturectomy
Authors: McGahan Ben G , Dhaliwal Joravar , Pearson Gregory D , Khansa Ibrahim , Drapeau Annie I
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Minimal invasive suturectomy is one of the many surgical approaches to treat isolated single suture craniosynostosis. This approach can be technically challenging in metopic craniosynostosis given the narrow corridor and steep angle of the forehead. New instruments such as the Piezosurgery device (Mectron) have the potential to improve the ability to safely perform minimal invasive surgery in metopic craniosynostosis.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Piezosurgery technology in minimal invasive suturectomy for nonsyndromic metopic suture craniosynostosis and to describe our technique.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all the single metopic suturectomies performed at our single institution from March 2018 to November 2019. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were collected to assess the safety of Piezosurgery.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 12 patients with an average of 95.25 d old and an average weight of 6.2 kg. A total of 91.7% were male, and 91.7% were Caucasian. There were no intraoperative or postoperative Piezosurgery device-related complications in the entire cohort.

CONCLUSION

The use of the Piezosurgery instrument was safe in this cohort of minimal invasive metopic suturectomy. This device has greatly increased the ease of this procedure in our hands.
Profilin promotes formin-mediated actin filament assembly and vesicle transport during polarity formation in pollen
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Yi , Ren Haiyun
Published: February 2021

Pollen germination is critical for the reproduction of flowering plants. Formin-dependent actin polymerization plays vital roles in vesicle trafficking and polarity establishment during this process. However, how formin-mediated actin assembly is regulated in vivo remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the function of reproductive profilin 4 and 5 (PRF4 and PRF5) in polarity establishment during pollen germination in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our data showed that the actin filament content was reduced in the prf4 prf5 double mutant and substantially increased in both PRF4- and PRF5-overexpressing pollen grains. By contrast, the positive effect of profilin in promoting actin polymerization was abolished in a formin mutant, atfh5. In addition, the interaction between Arabidopsis formin homology 5 (AtFH5) and actin filaments was attenuated and the trafficking of AtFH5-labeled vesicles was slowed in prf4 prf5 pollen grains. Formation of the collar-like structure at the germination pore was also defective in prf4 prf5 pollen grains as the fast assembly of actin filaments was impaired. Together, our results suggest that PRF4 and PRF5 regulate vesicle trafficking and polarity establishment during pollen germination by promoting AtFH5-mediated actin polymerization and enhancing the interaction between AtFH5 and actin filaments.
Paretic and Nonparetic Step Tests Are Noninterchangeable in Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thilarajah Shamala , Bower Kelly J , Williams Gavin , Clark Ross A , Tan Dawn , Pua Yong-Hao
Published: February 2021

Objective

The step test (ST) is a common clinical assessment of dynamic balance among survivors of stroke. The ST assesses a person’s ability to place their paretic (paretic ST) or nonparetic (nonparetic ST) foot rapidly and repeatedly on and off a standardized block while standing. No study has formally explored if the 2 tests are interchangeable. Our study aimed to: (1) differentiate the correlates of paretic and nonparetic ST, and (2) compare their associations with physical function and falls.

Methods

Eighty-one survivors of stroke were consecutively recruited from inpatient rehabilitation units (n = 4) and were assessed within 1 week prior to discharge. In addition to the ST, a handheld dynamometer and computerized posturography were used to measure lower limb muscle strength and standing balance, respectively. Self-selected gait speed and Timed Up and Go test were also assessed as measures of physical function. Falls data were monitored for 12 months post discharge using monthly calendars. Multivariable regression analyses were used to differentiate (1) the correlates of paretic and nonparetic STs, and (2) their associations with physical function and falls.

Results

The median score for the paretic and nonparetic STs were 8 and 9 steps, respectively. Paretic ankle plantar-flexor and dorsiflexor strength were the strongest correlates of nonparetic ST, whereas both paretic ankle and knee extensor strength were the strongest correlates of paretic ST. In multivariable analyses adjusting for each other, both STs were independently associated with gait speed and Timed Up and Go scores. Paretic ST (odds ratio = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.62) was a stronger predictor than nonparetic ST (odds ratio = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.78) in predicting future falls.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that the paretic and nonparetic STs are noninterchangeable. ST scores should be assessed separately to achieve a more complete interpretation.

Impact

To our knowledge, this study is the first to objectively evaluate the similarities and differences between paretic and nonparetic STs. This information may refine the use and interpretation of the 2 STs for survivors of stroke.
A Nationwide Cohort Study of Nonrandom Mating in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Greve Aja Neergaard , Uher Rudolf , Als Thomas Damm , Jepsen Jens Richardt Møllegaard , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Gantriis Ditte Lou , Ohland Jessica , Burton Birgitte Klee , Ellersgaard Ditte , Christiani Camilla Jerlang , Spang Katrine S , Hemager Nicoline , Plessen Kerstin J , Thorup Anne A E , Bliksted Vibeke , Nordentoft Merete , Mors Ole
Published: February 2021

Nonrandom mating in parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder increases the population-level genetic variance among the offspring generation and creates familial (risk) environments likely to be shaped by specific conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of mental disorder and levels of cognitive and social functioning in individuals who have children by partners with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder compared to controls. The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study VIA 7 is a population-based cohort study conducted in Denmark between 2013 and 2016. This study focus on parents diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 150) or bipolar disorder (n = 100) and control parents (n = 182), as well as their partners without schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (n = 440). We used linear mixed-effect models, and main outcomes were mental disorders, intelligence, processing speed, verbal working memory, and social functioning. We found that parents having children by a partner with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder more often fulfilled the criteria for a mental disorder and had poorer social functioning compared to parents having children by a partner without schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Furthermore, parents having children by a partner with schizophrenia performed poorer on processing speed compared to parents in the control group. The presence of nonrandom mating found in this study has implications for our understanding of familial transmission of these disorders and our findings should be considered in future investigations of potential risk factors for children with a parent with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Rest–activity functioning is related to white matter microarchitecture and modifiable risk factors in older adults at-risk for dementia
Authors: Palmer Jake R , Duffy Shantel L , Meares Susanne , Pye Jonathon , Calamante Fernando , Cespedes Marcela , Hickie Ian B , Naismith Sharon L
Published: February 2021

Study Objectives

Growing evidence demonstrates pronounced alterations in rest–activity functioning in older adults at-risk for dementia. White matter degeneration, poor cardiometabolic functioning, and depression have also been linked to a greater risk of decline; however, limited studies have examined the white matter in relation to rest–activity functioning in at-risk older adults.

Methods

We investigated associations between nonparametric actigraphy measures and white matter microarchitecture using whole-brain fixel-based analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging in older adults (aged 50 years or older) at-risk for cognitive decline and dementia. The fixel-based metrics assessed were fiber density, fiber cross-section, and combined fiber-density, and cross-section. Interactions between rest–activity functioning and known clinical risk factors, specifically body mass index (BMI), vascular risk factors, depressive symptoms and self-reported exercise, and their association with white matter properties were then investigated.

Results

Sixty-seven older adults were included (mean = 65.78 years, SD = 7.89). Lower relative amplitude, poorer 24-h synchronization and earlier onset of the least active 5-h period were associated with reductions in markers of white matter atrophy in widespread regions, including cortico-subcortical and cortical association pathways. Preliminary evidence was also found indicating more pronounced white matter alterations in those with lower amplitude and higher BMI (β = 0.25, 95% CI [0.05, 0.46]), poorer 24-h synchronization and more vascular risk factors (β = 0.17, 95% CI [–0.02, 0.36]) and earlier onset of inactivity and greater depressive symptoms (β = 0.17, 95% CI [0.03, 0.30]).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the complex interplay between rest–activity rhythms, white matter, and clinical risk factors in individuals at-risk for dementia that should be considered in future studies.
Quantification of cooling effects on basic tissue measurements and exposed cross-sectional brain area of cadaver heads from market pigs
Authors: Anderson Karly N , Albers Sarah E , Allen Kaysie J , Bishop Katherine D , Greco Brian J , Huber Christina M , Kirk Ashlynn A , Olsen Hannah , Vogel Kurt D
Published: February 2021

The objective of this project was to determine the impact of cooling on the soft tissue thickness, cranial thickness, and cross-sectional brain area of cadaver heads from market pigs. Documenting the effect of cooling on tissue dimensions of swine heads is valuable and important for future investigations of physical stunning and euthanasia methods that use cadaver heads. Scalded and dehaired cadaver heads with intact jowls were sourced from market pigs stunned with CO2 gas. After transport to the data collection location, a penetrating captive bolt (PCB) shot (Jarvis Model PAS—Type P 0.25R Caliber Captive Bolt Pistol with Medium Rod Assembly and Blue Powder Cartridges) was applied in the frontal position. Following PCB application, each head (n = 36) underwent an UNCHILLED treatment followed by CHILLED treatment. The UNCHILLED treatment involved images collected immediately after splitting each head along the bolt path, and the CHILLED treatment involved images of the same heads after storage in a walk-in cooler for 24 h at 2 to 4°C. All measurements for each treatment were collected from images of the heads on the plane of the bolt path immediately prior to and immediately after the refrigeration treatment. Measurements were performed by two observers. Across all measurements, mean interobserver coefficient of variation was 11.3 ± 0.6%. The soft tissue caudal to the bolt path was different (P = 0.0120) between treatments (CHILLED: 6.4 ± 0.2 mm; UNCHILLED: 7.2 ± 0.2 mm). The soft tissue thickness rostral to the bolt path was different (P = 0.0378) between treatments (CHILLED: 5.5 ± 0.2 mm; UNCHILLED: 6.1 ± 0.2 mm). Cranial thickness caudal to the bolt path was not different (P = 0.8659; CHILLED: 18.1 ± 0.6 mm; UNCHILLED: 18.3 ± 0.6 mm), nor was there a significant difference (P = 0.2593) in cranial thickness rostral to the bolt path between treatments (CHILLED: 16.2 ± 0.6 mm; UNCHILLED: 15.2 ± 0.6 mm). Cross-sectional brain area did not differ (P = 0.0737; CHILLED: 3633.4 ± 44.1 mm; UNCHILLED: 3519.9 ± 44.1 mm). A correction factor of 1.12 was determined from this study for cases where estimation of UNCHILLED soft tissue thickness from CHILLED soft tissue thickness is necessary.
Effect of bioactive proteins on gait kinematics and systemic inflammatory markers in mature horses
Authors: Fikes K K , Coverdale J A , Leatherwood J L , Campbell J M , Welsh T H , Hartz C J , Goehring M , Millican A A , Bradbery A N , Wickersham T A
Published: February 2021

Twenty-seven mature Quarter horses were used in a randomized design to determine the effects of bioactive protein supplementation on gait kinematics and systemic inflammatory markers in a 34-d trial. Treatments consisted of oral doses of 230 g/d of pelleted supplements containing 0 g (CON; n = 9), 40 g of bioactive protein (40BP; n = 9; LIFELINE, APC, LLC, Ankeny, IA), and 80 g of bioactive protein (80BP; n = 9) daily. Horses were fed a commercial concentrate at 0.5% BW (as-fed) and received ad libitum coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay daily. On day 33, horses consistent in exercise (CON, n = 6; 40BP, n = 8; 80BP, n = 7) participated in a trailering and riding challenge. Kinematic gait analysis was performed on day 0 for use as a covariate, and on day 14, 28, and 34 to allow for the determination of potential time and dosage effects. Video footage was collected and analyzed using gait analysis software (EquineTec, Monroe, GA) for the determination of stride length (SL) and range of motion (ROM). Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture on days 0, 14, 28, and 34 for determination of systemic expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. A trend towards treatment × time interaction was observed in ROM of the knee at the walk (P = 0.10), due to the increasing ROM for 40BP and 80BP as time increased and decreasing ROM for CON. A treatment × time interaction was observed (P < 0.01) for hock ROM at a walk resulting from CON and 80BP decreasing from day 14 to 28 with 40BP increasing, while from day 28 to 34 ROM at a walk decreased for 40BP and increased for 80BP. The main effect of treatment on hock ROM at the walk was quadratic (P < 0.01) and characterized by higher ROM values for 40BP compared to CON or 80BP. Dietary treatment lengthened (P = 0.04) SL of the hind limb at the walk for 40BP and 80BP compared to CON on both days 14 and 28. A significant treatment × time interaction was observed in the expression of IL-1β (P < 0.01) and can be explained by lower concentrations of IL-1β for 80BP on day 34 compared to the other treatments, with 40BP being intermediate and CON being the highest. Increased articular ROM with decreased expression of IL-1β may indicate potential anti-inflammatory effects of 80 g/d of bioactive proteins.
Maintaining continuity of nutrient intake after weaning. I. Review of pre-weaning strategies
Authors: Wensley Madie R , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T , DeRouchey Joel M , McKilligan Denny
Published: February 2021

Weaning is a crucial phase of swine production marked by a multitude of biological and environmental stressors, which have a significant impact on immediate postweaning behavior and feed intake (FI). During this time, the piglet’s gastrointestinal (GI) system is also undergoing extensive epithelial, immune, and nervous system development. In this review, our objective is to describe the different preweaning strategies that can be used to minimize nutrient intake disruption and improve FI in the immediate postweaning period. Reducing nutrient disruption postweaning can be accomplished through the implementation of management and nutritional strategies. Research consistently demonstrates that weaning older, more developmentally mature pigs helps prevent many of the adverse GI effects associated with weaning stress. Providing creep feed to pigs during lactation is another reliable strategy that has been shown to increase immediate postweaning FI by acclimating pigs to solid feed prior to weaning. Likewise, socialization by allowing pigs to mix before weaning improves social skills, minimizing mixing stress, and aggression-related injury immediately postweaning. Supplemental milk replacer has also been shown to elicit a positive response in preweaning growth performance, which may help to reduce preweaning mortality. While socialization and milk replacer are acknowledged to ease the weaning transition, these strategies have not been widely adopted due to labor and application challenges. Additionally, the cost of milk replacer and logistics of retrofitting farrowing houses to accommodate litter socialization have limited adaptation. Further exploration of maternal nutrition strategies, particularly fetal imprinting, is needed to better understand the implications of perinatal learning. Other areas for future research include, combining environmental enrichment with feeding strategies, such as large destructible pellets or play feeders, as well as determining at what time point producers should start socializing pigs before weaning. While more research is needed to develop strategic preweaning management programs, many of the strategies presented in this review provide opportunities for producers to minimize nutrient intake disruption by preventing feed neophobia, reducing stress, and easing the wean pig transition.
Fidelity and factors influencing implementation ofHealthy Me, Healthy: process evaluation of a social marketing campaign for diet and physical activity behaviors of children in childcare
Authors: Luecking Courtney T , Vaughn Amber E , Burney Regan , Hennink-Kaminski Heidi , Hales Derek , Ward Dianne S
Published: February 2021

The effectiveness of interventions targeting children's eating and physical activity behaviors through childcare settings is inconsistent. To enhance public health impact, it is imperative to evaluate fidelity of implementing complex interventions in real-world settings. This study evaluated fidelity and contextual factors influencing implementation of Healthy Me, Healthy We (HMHW). HMHW was an 8-month social marketing campaign delivered through childcare to support children's healthy eating and physical activity. HMHW required two levels of implementation support (research team and childcare providers) and two levels of campaign delivery (childcare providers and parents). Process evaluation was conducted among childcare centers in the intervention group (n=48) of the cluster-randomized control trial. Measures included attendance logs, self-report surveys, observation checklists, field notes, and semi-structured interviews. A 35-item fidelity index was created to assess fidelity of implementation support and campaign delivery. The fidelity with which HMHW was implemented by childcare providers and parents was low (mean 17.4 out of 35) and decreased between childcare providers and parents. Childcare providers had high acceptability of the program and individual components (80 – 93%). Only half of parents felt intervention components were acceptable. Frequently cited barriers to implementation by childcare providers included time constraints, parent engagement, staff turnover, and restrictive policies. The lack of observable effect of HMHW on children's dietary or physical activity behaviors may be due to inadequate implementation at multiple levels. Different or additional strategies are necessary to support implementation of multilevel interventions, particularly when individuals are expected to deliver intervention components and support others in doing so.
Genomic Exploration of Bacillus thuringiensis MORWBS1.1, Candidate Biocontrol Agent, Predicts Genes for Biosynthesis of Zwittermicin, 4,5-DOPA Dioxygenase Extradiol, and Quercetin 2,3-Dioxygenase
Authors: Adeniji Adetomiwa A. , Ayangbenro Ayansina S. , Babalola Olubukola O.
Published: February 2021

Many strains from Bacillus thuringiensis are known for their genomic robustness and antimicrobial potentials. As a result, the quest for their biotechnological applications, especially in the agroindustry (e.g., as biopesticides), has increased over the years. This study documents the genome sequencing and probing of a Fusarium antagonist (B. thuringiensis strain MORWBS1.1) with possible biopesticidal metabolite producing capacity from South Africa. Based on in vitro evaluation and in silico antiSMASH investigation, B. thuringiensis strain MORWBS1.1 exhibited distinctive genomic properties that could be further exploited for in planta and food additive production purposes.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
The Influence of Copper Homeostasis Genes copA and copB on Xylella fastidiosa Virulence Is Affected by Sap Copper Concentration
Authors: Ge Qing , Cobine Paul A. , De La Fuente Leonardo
Published: February 2021

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-limited plant pathogenic bacterium that causes diseases worldwide in crops such as grape, citrus, and olive. Although copper (Cu)-containing compounds are not used for management of X. fastidiosa-caused diseases, they are widely used in X. fastidiosa hosts in vineyards and orchards. The accumulation of Cu in soils and, therefore, plant saps, could be a challenge for X. fastidiosa survival. Here, the molecular basis of Cu homeostasis was studied in relation to virulence. Although homologous Cu-related genes copA (X. fastidiosa loci PD0100) and copB (PD0101) have been characterized in other bacteria, their functions differ among bacterial species. In vitro, both copA and copB mutants were more sensitive to Cu than the wild-type (WT) strain. Interestingly, the copA mutant was more sensitive to Cu shock, while the copB mutant was more sensitive to chronic Cu treatments. In tobacco greenhouse experiments with normal watering, both mutants reduced virulence compared with WT. But when Cu was added as a drench treatment, both copA and copB mutants had increased disease severity approximately 20 and 50% compared with mutants without Cu added, respectively, which were significantly higher than the approximately 5% observed for WT under the same conditions. These results indicate that the pathogen’s Cu homeostasis affects virulence and is influenced by Cu concentration in the environment. Understanding Cu homeostasis in X. fastidiosa will help discern the outcome of Cu treatments and the adaptation of this pathogen to the xylem of plants that have been exposed to high Cu concentrations because of agricultural practices.
Computed Tomography–Based Measurements of the Cochlear Duct: Implications for Cochlear Implant Pitch Tuning
Authors: Jiam Nicole T. , Gilbert Melanie , Mo Jonathan , Jiradejvong Patpong , Limb Charles J.
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To determine the sources of variability for cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements for the purposes of fine-tuning cochlear implants (CI) and to propose a set of standardized landmarks for computed tomography (CT) pitch mapping.

Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study involving 21 CI users at a tertiary referral center. The intervention involved flat-panel CT image acquisition and secondary reconstructions of CIs in vivo. The main outcome measures were CDL measurements, CI electrode localization measurements, and frequency calculations.

Results:

Direct CT-based measurements of CI and intracochlear landmarks are methodologically valid, with a percentage of error of 1.0% ± 0.9%. Round window (RW) position markers (anterior edge, center, or posterior edge) and bony canal wall localization markers (medial edge, duct center, or lateral edge) significantly impact CDL calculations [F(2, 78) = 9.9, p < 0.001 and F(2, 78) = 1806, p < 0.001, respectively]. These pitch distortions could be as large as 11 semitones. When using predefined anatomical landmarks, there was still a difference between researchers [F(2, 78) = 12.5; p < 0.001], but the average variability of electrode location was reduced to differences of 1.6 semitones (from 11 semitones.

Conclusions:

A lack of standardization regarding RW and bony canal wall landmarks results in great CDL measurement variability and distorted pitch map calculations. We propose using the posterior edge of the RW and lateral bony wall as standardized anatomical parameters for CDL calculations in CI users to improve pitch map calculations. More accurate and precise pitch maps may improve CI-associated pitch outcomes.
Comparison of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Outcome in Treating Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum Through En Bloc Versus Piecemeal Laminectomy
Authors: Zheng Chaojun , Nie Cong , Zhu Yu , Tang Susu , Jin Xiang , Lyu Feizhou , Jiang Jianyuan , Ma Xiaosheng
Published: February 2021

Study Design.

A retrospective cohort analysis.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of piecemeal versus en bloc laminectomies on spinal cord in thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum (TOLF) through intraoperative changes of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs).

Summary of Background Data.

Surgical treatment is indicated for symptomatic TOLF, and both piecemeal and en bloc laminectomies are commonly used methods. However, few studies compared both intraoperative interference and prognostic impact of these two laminectomies on spinal cord in TOLF patients.

Methods.

MEPs were recorded from abductor hallucis (AH) and tibialis anterior, and SEPs were performed on tibial nerve in 55 TOLF patients (piecemeal vs. en bloc: 23 vs. 32). Patients were categorized based on MEP/SEP improvement, deterioration, and no change, and MEP/SEP improvement rates were measured in the improvement group. Additionally, all patients were assessed by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores, Ashworth scores, and modified Japanese Orthopedic association (mJOA) scores before and after operation.

Results.

The incidences of both MEP/SEP improvement and deterioration were similar between the two laminectomy groups (P > 0.05), and no significant difference is noted in both MEP and SEP amplitudes between the baseline and different critical manipulations in both laminectomy groups (P > 0.05). In the improvement group, patients receiving en bloc laminectomy exhibited increased improvement rates of both MEPs in bilateral AH and left-side SEPs compared to piecemeal laminectomy (P < 0.05). Clinically, all functional scales clearly improved in both laminectomy groups after operation (P < 0.05), and postoperative 1-year mJOA improvement rates were highly correlated with MEP improvement rates (P < 0.05).

Conclusion.

Intraoperative changes of MEPs and SEPs potentially provide a valid method for quantitatively evaluating the safety of different intraoperative manipulations and their prognostic impacts on spinal cord. Both laminectomies are safe and effective methods to treat TOLF, and en bloc laminectomy may cause relatively better spinal cord functional recovery.

Level of Evidence: 3