bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotics of sample tail autocorrelations for tail-dependent time series: phase transition and visualization
Authors: Zhang Ting
Published: July 2021

In this article we develop an asymptotic theory for sample tail autocorrelations of time series data that can exhibit serial dependence in both tail and non-tail regions. Unlike with the traditional autocorrelation function, the study of tail autocorrelations requires a double asymptotic scheme to capture the tail phenomena, and our results do not impose any restrictions on the dependence structure in non-tail regions and allow processes that are not necessarily strongly mixing. The newly developed asymptotic theory reveals a previously undiscovered phase transition phenomenon, where the asymptotic behaviour of sample tail autocorrelations, including their convergence rate, can transition from one phase to another as the lag index moves past the point beyond which serial tail dependence vanishes. The phase transition discovery fills a gap in existing research on tail autocorrelations and can be used to construct the lines of significance, in analogy to the traditional autocorrelation plot, when visualizing sample tail autocorrelations to assess the existence of serial tail dependence or to identify the maximal lag of tail dependence.
Minimally invasive versus open pelvic exenterations for rectal cancer: a comparative analysis of perioperative and 3-year oncological outcomes
Authors: Kazi M , Kumar N A N , Rohila J , Sukumar V , Engineer R , Ankathi S , Desouza A , Saklani A
Published: July 2021

Background

This study compared the surgical and oncological outcomes of open and minimally invasive pelvic exenteration.

Methods

Patients who underwent pelvic exenterations for primary locally advanced rectal cancers with invasion of the urogenital organs (central and anterior disease) between August 2013 and September 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were categorized as undergoing open or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and these groups were compared for perioperative outcomes and 3-year survival (overall, recurrence-free and local relapse-free survival). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the independent influence of approach of surgery and cancer features on recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

Of the 158 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration, 97 (61.4 per cent) had open exenterations and 61 (38.6 per cent) patients had an MIS resection (44 patients (72 per cent) using laparoscopy and 17 (28 per cent) using robotic surgery). There were 96 (60.8 per cent) total pelvic exenterations and 62 (39.2 per cent) posterior pelvic exenterations. MIS exenterations had significantly longer operative times (MIS versus open: 640 mins versus 450 mins; P < 0.001) but reduced blood loss (MIS versus open: 900 ml versus 1600 ml; P < 0.001) and abdominal wound infections (MIS versus open: 8.2 versus 17.5 per cent; P = 0.020) without a difference in hospital stay (MIS versus open: 11 versus 12 days; P = 0.620). R0 resection rates and involvement of circumferential resection margins were similar (MIS versus open: 88.5 versus 91.8 per cent, P = 0.490 and 13.1 versus 8.2 per cent, P = 0.342 respectively). At a median follow-up of 29 months, there were no differences in 3-year overall survival (MIS versus open: 79.4 versus 60.2 per cent; P = 0.251), RFS (MIS versus open: 51.9 versus 47.8 per cent; P = 0.922) or local relapse-free survival (MIS versus open: 89.7 versus 75.2 per cent; P = 0.491. On multivariable analysis, approach to surgery had no bearing on RFS, and only known distant metastasis, aggressive histology and inadequate response to neoadjuvant radiation (pathological tumour regression grade greater than 3) predicted worse RFS.

Conclusion

MIS exenterations documented longer procedures but resulted in less blood loss and fewer wound infections compared with open surgeries. In the setting of an experienced centre, the hospital stay, R0 resection rates and oncological outcomes at 3 years were similar to those of open exenterations.
Opening-Up Trajectories and Economic Recovery: Lessons after the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Demirgüç-Kunt Asli , Lokshin Michael , Torre Iván
Published: July 2021

This article analyses the reopening process of countries in Europe and Central Asia after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides evidence on the effects of different reopening trajectories and their timing and speed on economic recovery. The analysis indicates that countries that adopted a gradual, staged reopening experienced stronger economic recovery compared with the countries that rushed into lifting the restrictive measures before the pandemic was under control. Postponing lifting the restrictions until after the pandemic’s peak was reached has a positive impact on economic activity. Governance also matters: a higher level of trust in government is associated with increased economic activity among countries that carried out a gradual reopening process. There is also suggestive evidence that providing people objective data on the progress of the pandemic may speed up the recovery process. (JEL codes: D14, E21, and G51).
Peritoneal dialysis–first initiative in India: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Gupta Dharna , Jyani Gaurav , Ramachandran Raja , Bahuguna Pankaj , Ameel Mohammed , Dahiya Bharat Bhushan , Kohli Harbir Singh , Prinja Shankar , Jha Vivekanand
Published: July 2021

Background

The increasing burden of kidney failure (KF) in India necessitates provision of cost-effective kidney replacement therapy (KRT). We assessed the comparative cost-effectiveness of initiating KRT with peritoneal dialysis (PD) or haemodialysis (HD) in the Indian context.

Methods

The cost and clinical effectiveness of starting KRT with either PD or HD were measured in terms of life years (LYs) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) using a mathematical Markov model. Complications such as peritonitis, vascular access–related complications and blood-borne infections were considered. Health system costs, out-of-pocket expenditures borne by patients and indirect costs were included. Two scenarios were considered: Scenario 1 (real-world scenario)—as per the current cost and utilization patterns; Scenario 2 (public programme scenario)—use in the public sector as per Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) guidelines. The lifetime costs and health outcomes among KF patients were assessed.

Results

The mean QALYs lived per KF person with PD and HD were estimated to be 3.3 and 1.6, respectively. From a societal perspective, a PD-first policy is cost-saving as compared with an HD-first policy in both Scenarios 1 and 2. If only the costs directly attributable to patient care (direct costs) are considered, the PD-first treatment policy is estimated to be cost-effective only if the price of PD consumables can be brought down to INR70/U.

Conclusions

PD as initial treatment is a cost-saving option for management of KF in India as compared with HD first. The government should negotiate the price of PD consumables under the PMNDP.
Improved Collision Detection Of MD5 Using Sufficient Condition Combination
Authors: Shen Yanzhao , Wu Ting , Wang Gaoli , Dong Xinfeng , Qian Haifeng
Published: July 2021

Counter-cryptanalysis uses cryptanalytic techniques to detect cryptanalytic attacks. It was introduced by Stevens with a collision detection algorithm that detects whether a message is one of a colliding message pair constructed using a collision attack. Later, Stevens and Shumow improved the collision detection against SHA-1 by using unavoidable conditions. However, there are no results improving collision detection against MD5 due to its weak diffusion properties. In this paper, an improved collision detection algorithm against MD5 is proposed by using the 14-bit sufficient condition combinations. This leads to the dividing the 223 classes into four sets. Each element, belonging to the first two sets, holds the same sufficient condition combination. Our new algorithm can classify 126 classes efficiently. The runtime is 28.6% of the previous collision detection method.
Transition from esophagectomy to endoscopic therapy for early esophageal cancer
Authors: Dunn Jason M , Reyhani Arasteh , Santaolalla Aida , Zylstra Janine , Gimson Eliza , Pennington Mark , Baker Cara , Kelly Mark , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Lagergren Jesper , Zeki Sebastian S , Gossage James A , Davies Andrew R
Published: July 2021

Background

To assess the outcomes of patients with early esophageal cancer and high-grade dysplasia comparing esophagectomy, the historical treatment of choice, to endoscopic eradication therapy (EET).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with early esophageal cancer/high-grade dysplasia, treated between 2000 and 2018 at a tertiary center. Primary outcomes were all-cause and disease-specific mortality assessed by multivariable Cox regression and a propensity score matching sub analysis, providing hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age, tumor grade (G1/2 vs. G3), tumor stage, and lymphovascular invasion. Secondary outcomes included complications, hospital stay, and overall costs.

Results

Among 269 patients, 133 underwent esophagectomy and 136 received EET. Adjusted survival analysis showed no difference between groups regarding all-cause mortality (HR 1.85, 95% CI 0.73, 4.72) and disease-specific mortality (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.26, 4.65). In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 0% in both groups. The surgical group had a significantly higher rate of complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥3 26.3% vs. endoscopic therapy 0.74%), longer in-patient stay (median 14 vs. 0 days endoscopic therapy) and higher hospital costs(£16 360 vs. £8786 per patient).

Conclusion

This series of patients treated during a transition period from surgery to EET, demonstrates a primary endoscopic approach does not compromise oncological outcomes with the benefit of fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs compared to surgery. It should be available as the gold standard treatment for patients with early esophageal cancer. Those with adverse prognostic features may still benefit from esophagectomy.
Global Moments and the Rise of Area Studies and Development Theory in Germany, 1914–1945
Authors: Gross Stephen G
Published: July 2021

Scholars have often portrayed development theory as a new discipline that grew out of America’s rise to global power during and after the Second World War. This article adds to the complex origin story of development theory by showing how questions of population growth in agrarian countries, poverty and unemployment, and anxieties about supply chains led German economists in the interwar years to anticipate post-1945 theories of and strategies for the economic development of ‘Third World’ countries. It argues that development theory arose not only from discrete intellectual or political trends affecting a single country, but also from broader structural processes that were changing the nature of global relations, such as world war and the increased movement of refugees. More specifically, this discipline was an imperial tool used by German elites, then later by Americans, to try to manage the effects of population growth and global interdependence in their nation’s favour by learning more about their less economically developed commercial partners. In contrast to American or British experts who saw migration as the best solution to the challenge of rural unemployment and ‘overpopulation’—a term new to the post-1919 world—German economists crafted new agrarian development schemes. They saw the development of south-eastern Europe as a way to embed these smaller states in a larger, regional German bloc.
FD-injection-based elastic wavefield separation for open and closed configurations
Authors: Thomsen Henrik R , Koene Erik F M , Robertsson Johan O A , van Manen Dirk-Jan
Published: July 2021

An important step in the processing of seismic data that are recorded at the free surface is the isolation of the primary incident wavefield from the total recorded wavefield (which is contaminated with the immediate reflections off the free surface). We present a 3-D wavefield reconstruction technique, based on numerical wavefield injection along a closed boundary, that allows us to isolate this primary wavefield from measurements at the free surface. The technique consists of injecting only the three-component particle velocity recordings acquired at the free surface into a numerical wavefield simulation, and additionally requires information about the medium properties. The result of our proposed procedure is the separation of elastic waves into their first-order incident and reflected constituents, even when the recording or injection surface has sharp corners. With the use of synthetic data it is shown that the method achieves close to numerically exact wavefield separation, provided that the true elastic model in the interior is used. In practice, the parameters for a homogeneous elastic model can be determined efficiently from the surface data itself using an optimization scheme. Finally, the wavefield separation technique is successfully applied to experimental data, with particle velocity recordings acquired along five faces of a cubic granite rock volume. In addition to characterizing materials in laboratories, the presented technique has applications in numerical modelling and in so-called immersive experimentation, where the incident field is required to immerse an elastic object in an arbitrary larger, virtual elastic environment.
Seismic anisotropy, dominant slip systems and phase transitions in the lowermost mantle
Authors: Chandler Brian Chase , Chen Li-Wei , Li Mingming , Romanowicz Barbara , Wenk Hans-Rudolf
Published: July 2021

The presence of seismic anisotropy at the base of the Earth's mantle is well established, but there is no consensus on the deformation mechanisms in lower mantle minerals that could explain it. Strong anisotropy in magnesium post-perovskite (pPv) has been invoked, but different studies disagree on the dominant slip systems at play. Here, we aim to further constrain this by implementing the most recent results from atomistic models and high-pressure deformation experiments, coupled with a realistic composition and a 3-D geodynamic model, to compare the resulting deformation-induced anisotropy with seismic observations of the lowermost mantle. We account for forward and reverse phase transitions from bridgmanite (Pv) to pPv. We find that pPv with either dominant (001) or (010) slip can both explain the seismically observed anisotropy in colder regions where downwellings turn to horizontal flow, but only a model with dominant (001) slip matches seismic observations at the root of hotter large-scale upwellings. Allowing for partial melt does not change these conclusions, while it significantly increases the strength of anisotropy and reduces shear and compressional velocities at the base of upwellings.
Transcriptome of HPβCD-treated Niemann-Pick disease type C1 cells highlights GPNMB as a biomarker for therapeutics
Authors: Rodriguez-Gil Jorge L , Baxter Laura L , Watkins-Chow Dawn E , Johnson Nicholas L , Davidson Cristin D , Carlson Steven R , Incao Arturo A ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Wallom Kerri L , Farhat Nicole Y , Platt Frances M , Dale Ryan K , Porter Forbes D , Pavan William J
Published: July 2021

The rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) arises from lysosomal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. These subcellular pathologies lead to phenotypes of hepatosplenomegaly, neurological degeneration and premature death. The timing and severity of NPC1 clinical presentation is extremely heterogeneous. This study analyzed RNA-Seq data from 42 NPC1 patient-derived, primary fibroblast cell lines to determine transcriptional changes induced by treatment with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a compound currently under investigation in clinical trials. A total of 485 HPβCD-responsive genes were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis of these genes showed significant involvement in cholesterol and lipid biosynthesis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry of the cerebellum as well as measurements of plasma from Npc1m1N null mice treated with HPβCD and adeno-associated virus gene therapy suggests that one of the identified genes, GPNMB, may serve as a useful biomarker of treatment response in NPC1 disease. Overall, this large NPC1 patient-derived dataset provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding the genomic response to HPβCD treatment.
A Gut-Specific LITAF-Like Gene in Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Involved in the Immune Response to Three Pathogens
Authors: Lei Yuyu , Li Ying , Yang Xinfeng , Zhu Xuwei , Zhang Xian , Du Jie , Liang Shimei , Li Shanshan , Duan Jianping
Published: July 2021

Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville 1855) is an important resource for silk, food, and biohealth products; however, exogenous pathogens largely affect the commercial application potential of this species. Since the gut is a key organ for the digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as for immune defense, we used comparative transcriptome analysis to screen for a gut-specific molecular tool for further functional research in A. pernyi. In total, 3,331 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the gut compared with all other pooled tissues of A. pernyi, including 1,463 upregulated genes in the gut. Among these, we further focused on a lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor (LITAF) gene because of its high gut-specific expression and the presence of a highly conserved SIMPLE-like domain, which is related to the immune response to pathogenic infections in many species. The cDNA sequence of ApLITAF was 447-bp long and contained a 243-bp open reading frame encoding an 80-amino acid protein. Immune challenge assays indicated that ApLITAF expression was significantly upregulated in the gut of A. pernyi naturally infected with nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) or fed leaves infected with the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (Migula 1895) and the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis (Ehrenberg 1835). Cell transfection showed that ApLITAF localized to the lysosome. Collectively, these results suggested that ApLITAF played a role in the immune response of A. pernyi and could facilitate the future research and breeding application in this species.
Comparing single- and mixed-species groups in fruit flies: differences in group dynamics, but not group formation
Authors: Girardeau Anna R , Foley Brad R , Saltz Julia B
Published: July 2021

Mixed-species groups describe active associations among individuals of 2 or more species at the same trophic level. Mixed-species groups are important to key ecological and evolutionary processes such as competition and predation, and research that ignores the presence of other species risks ignoring a key aspect of the environment in which social behavior is expressed and selected. Despite the defining emphasis of active formation for mixed-species groups, surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms by which mixed-species groups form. Furthermore, insects have been almost completely ignored in the study of mixed-species groups, despite their taxonomic importance and relative prominence in the study of single-species groups. Here, we measured group formation processes in Drosophila melanogaster and its sister species, Drosophila simulans. Each species was studied alone, and together, and one population of D. melanogaster was also studied both alone and with another, phenotypically distinct D. melanogaster population, in a nested-factorial design. This approach differs from typical methods of studying mixed-species groups in that we could quantitatively compare group formation between single-population, mixed-population, and mixed-species treatments. Surprisingly, we found no differences between treatments in the number, size, or composition of groups that formed, suggesting that single- and mixed-species groups form through similar mechanisms of active attraction. However, we found that mixed-species groups showed elevated interspecies male–male interactions, relative to interpopulation or intergenotype interactions in single-species groups. Our findings expand the conceptual and taxonomic study of mixed-species groups while raising new questions about the mechanisms of group formation broadly.
Systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Furuse Junji , Ueno Makoto , Ikeda Masafumi
Published: July 2021

Since sorafenib was established as the standard of care for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, various tyrosine kinase inhibitors, targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and other molecular growth factors, have been developed. Lenvatinib demonstrated non-inferiority to sorafenib in terms of the overall survival, and it has also become confirmed as another standard of care for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, various immune checkpoint inhibitors have been investigated, either as monotherapy or in combination with another agent, and superiority of the combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, in terms of the overall survival and progression-free survival, has been demonstrated over sorafenib, which is recognized as the treatment regimen of first choice for first-line systemic therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Regorafenib, cabozantinib and ramucirumab have been demonstrated to show survival benefits as second-line treatment agents for progressive disease after first-line sorafenib treatment. There are still various medical requirements in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, no evidence has been established for the selection of sequential treatment after immune checkpoint inhibitor-containing treatments, especially atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. A promising treatment for Child-Pugh class B hepatocellular carcinoma patients is also an urgent medical need that has not yet been met. Although there are some difficulties in establishing the needed evidence, well-designed clinical trials are warranted.
Evaluation of the Success of Weight Loss Programs Using the Fit for Performance Curriculum
Authors: Wonn Jessica , Khan Joetta
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Overweight and obesity rates continue to rise among U.S. Army soldiers, which impacts their overall readiness status and puts them at greater risk for musculoskeletal injury and development of chronic disease. To address the concern with obesity and ensure that Soldiers are meeting body composition standards, the Army offers Fit for Performance-Weight Loss Strategies curriculum, a program of standardized material on nutrition and physical activity presented over six 1-hour sessions. This study aimed to evaluate the success and attrition of weight loss programs using the Fit for Performance curriculum in an Army setting among TRICARE regions.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study consolidated data on participants in weight loss programs using the Fit for Performance curriculum. It examines attrition rates, weight loss, change in body mass index (BMI), factors influencing weight loss, and attrition based on geographical location. Statistical analysis was completed using R Core Team software, version 3.6.1, for t-tests, linear regression, and analysis of variance. Significance was set at P ≤ .05. This study was determined to be exempt by the Walter Reed National Military Hospital Institutional Review Board.

Results

In total, 8,336 U.S. Army soldiers (80% male, mean age = 26.2 ± 6.9 years) participated in the program. Attrition rates were high (96.4%). Those who attended 4-6 sessions lost significantly more weight than those who attended 1-3 sessions (0.72 kg [1.60 lbs], P < .001); however, weight lost was not clinically significant. Sex, age, and number of sessions attended influenced to the amount of weight lost, but only accounted for 4% of the variation. Among TRICARE regions there was a significant difference in attrition rates, with those in the Western (1.2 sessions, P < .001) and Overseas (1.6 sessions, P < .001) regions attending statistically fewer sessions than those in the Eastern region.

Conclusions

Consistent attendance in a weight loss program promotes changes in BMI, which may improve the health of the force. However, the factors influencing these changes are unclear. The results indicate opportunities to re-examine current processes and the program elements to encourage increased or complete participation and determine if program element changes are warranted for the Fit for Performance-Weight Loss Strategies Program. Attrition rates were high, indicating opportunities to research reasons for attendance and attrition in the future. Finally, these findings highlight an opportunity for educating the military leadership on the increased success with increased attendance.
Too Hot to Handle: Early Temperature Management and Unique Treatment of Hyperpyrexia in SARS-CoV2 Encephalopathy
Authors: Micci Luca , DesRosiers Taylor
Published: July 2021

A 45-year-old otherwise healthy active duty male was admitted to the medical intensive care unit for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) encephalopathy associated with hyperpyrexia. Magnetic resonance imaging findings demonstrated cytotoxic lesions primarily at the midline of the splenium of corpus callosum (CLOCC). Similar cases involving hyperpyrexia in the setting of SARS-CoV2 infection have demonstrated exceedingly high-mortality outcomes. Three mechanisms exist as to the likely underlying pathophysiology of SARS-CoV2-induced hyperpyrexia: direct brain injury, persistent immune dysregulation of cytokines, and vascular thrombosis. To date, no cases have reported imaging findings consistent with SARS-CoV2-induced brain injury leading to hyperpyrexia. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in this case, however, may finally elucidate the underlying mechanism for hyperpyrexia in this population. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in this case show diffusion restriction of the corpus callosum without evidence of any Central Nervous System (CNS) vessel abnormality. Given that hyperpyrexia has a clear association with increased mortality and morbidity in the SARS-CoV2 infected population, the decision to initiate steroids and remdesivir regardless of respiratory status was made for the concern for severe SARS-CoV2 infection as demonstrated by the CLOCC. Additional cases will be needed to assess their potential use as a radiological marker of disease burden.
Scintillation of PSR B1508+55 – the view from a 10 000-km baseline
Authors: Marthi V R , Simard D , Main R A , Pen U-L , van Kerkwijk M H , Vanderlinde K , Gupta Y , Roberts C , Quine B M
Published: July 2021

We report on the simultaneous Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and Algonquin Radio Observatory (ARO) observations at 550–750 MHz of the scintillation of PSR B1508+55, resulting in an ∼10 000-km baseline. This regime of measurement lies between the shorter few 100- to 1000-km baselines of earlier multistation observations and the much longer earth–space baselines. We measure a scintillation cross-correlation coefficient of 0.22, offset from zero time lag due to a ∼45-s traversal time of the scintillation pattern. The scintillation time of 135 s is 3× longer, ruling out isotropic as well as strictly one-dimensional scattering. Hence, the low cross-correlation coefficient is indicative of highly anisotropic but two-dimensional scattering. The common scintillation detected on the baseline is confined to low delays of ≲1μs, suggesting that this correlation may not be associated with the parabolic scintillation arc detected at the GMRT. Detection of pulsed echoes and their direct imaging with the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) by a different group enable them to measure a distance of 125 pc to the screen causing these echoes. These previous measurements, alongside our observations, lead us to propose that there are at least two scattering screens: the closer 125-pc screen causing the scintillation arc detected at GMRT, and a screen further beyond causing the scintillation detected on the GMRT-ARO baseline. We advance the hypothesis that the 125-pc screen partially resolves the speckle images on the screen beyond leading to loss of coherence in the scintillation dynamic spectrum to explain the low cross-correlation coefficient.
The two formation pathways of S0 galaxies
Authors: Deeley Simon , Drinkwater Michael J , Sweet Sarah M , Bekki Kenji , Couch Warrick J , Forbes Duncan A , Dolfi Arianna
Published: July 2021

Despite their ubiquity throughout the Universe, the formation of S0 galaxies remains uncertain. Recent observations have revealed that S0 galaxies make up a diverse population that is difficult to explain with a single formation pathway, suggesting that the picture of how these galaxies form is more complicated than originally envisioned. Here, we take advantage of the latest hydrodynamical cosmological simulations and follow up these studies with an investigation into the formation histories of S0s in IllustrisTNG. We first classify IllustrisTNG galaxies in a way that is fully consistent with the observations, and reproduce the observed photometric and environmental distributions seen for the S0 population. We then trace the formation histories of S0 galaxies back through time, identifying two main distinct pathways: those that experienced gas stripping via group infalls (37 per cent of S0s) or significant merger events (57 per cent). We find that those forming via mergers feature a transient star-forming ring, whose present-day occurrence rate matches observations. We find that these formation pathways together can reproduce the range in rotational support in observed S0s, concluding that there are two main formation pathways for S0 galaxies.
Optical emission-line spectra of symbiotic binaries
Authors: Kuuttila J , Gilfanov M
Published: July 2021

Symbiotic stars are long-period interacting binaries where the compact object, most commonly a white dwarf, is embedded in the dense stellar wind of an evolved companion star. Ultraviolet and soft X-ray emission of the accretion disc and the nuclear-burning white dwarf plays a major role in shaping the ionization balance of the surrounding wind material, giving rise to the rich line emission. In this paper, we employ two-dimensional photoionization calculations based on the cloudy code to study the ionization state of the circumbinary material in symbiotic systems and to predict their emission-line spectra. Our simulations are parametrized via the orbital parameters of the binary and the wind mass-loss rate of the donor star, while the mass accretion rate, temperature and luminosity of the white dwarf are computed self-consistently. We explore the parameter space of symbiotic binaries and compute luminosities of various astrophysically important emission lines. The line ratios are compared with traditional diagnostic diagrams used to distinguish symbiotic binaries from other types of sources, and it is shown how the binary system parameters shape these diagrams. In the significant part of the parameter space, the wind material is nearly fully ionized, except for the ‘shadow’ behind the donor star, so the white dwarf emission is typically freely escaping the system.
White dwarf–main-sequence binaries from Gaia EDR3: the unresolved 100 pc volume-limited sample
Authors: Rebassa-Mansergas A , Solano E , Jiménez-Esteban F M , Torres S , Rodrigo C , Ferrer-Burjachs A , Calcaferro L M , Althaus L G , Córsico A H
Published: July 2021

We use the data provided by the Gaia Early Data Release 3 to search for a highly complete volume-limited sample of unresolved binaries consisting of a white dwarf and a main-sequence companion (i.e. WDMS binaries) within 100 pc. We select 112 objects based on their location within the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, of which 97 are new identifications. We fit their spectral energy distributions (SED) with a two-body fitting algorithm implemented in VOSA (Virtual Observatory SED Analyser) to derive the effective temperatures, luminosities, and radii (hence surface gravities and masses) of both components. The stellar parameters are compared to those from the currently largest catalogue of close WDMS binaries, from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We find important differences between the properties of the Gaia and SDSS samples. In particular, the Gaia sample contains WDMS binaries with considerably cooler white dwarfs and main-sequence companions (some expected to be brown dwarfs). The Gaia sample also shows an important population of systems consisting of cool and extremely low-mass white dwarfs, not present in the SDSS sample. Finally, using a Monte Carlo population synthesis code, we find that the volume-limited sample of systems identified here seems to be highly complete (≃ 80 ± 9 per cent); however, it only represents ≃9 per cent of the total underlying population. The missing ≃91 per cent includes systems in which the main-sequence companions entirely dominate the SEDs. We also estimate an upper limit to the total space density of close WDMS binaries of ≃ (3.7 ± 1.9) × 10−4 pc−3.
Photometric redshifts estimation for galaxies by using FOABP-RF
Authors: Li Mengci , Gao Zhenbin , Qiu Bo , Zhang Jiannan , Mu Yonghuan , Xiang Guanjie , Zhang Yuxin
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a new combinatorial algorithm (FOABP-RF)-using Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm to enhance Back Propagation Neural Network (FOABP) and random forest (RF) to estimate photometric redshifts of galaxies. This method can improve the estimation accuracy and effectively overcome the shortcomings of artificial neural network which often falls into the local optimal point. And it is suitable for different types of galaxies. First, self-organizing feature mapping (SOM) is used to cluster samples into early-type and late-type galaxies. Then the Back Propagation neural network (BP), genetic algorithm and back propagation (GABP) neural network, particle swarm optimization algorithm combined with BP neural network (PSOBP), FOABP-RF and other latest algorithms are used to estimate the redshifts of the two types of galaxies from one to another. Finally, in the experiment, 80218 galaxies with the redshift Z < 0.8 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 13 (SDSS DR13) are used as the data set. The root mean squared error (RMSE) of early-type galaxies by FOABP-RF is 6.03, 2.41, and 1.94 per cent lower than BP, GABP, and PSOBP, respectively. And the RMSE of late-type galaxies by FOABP-RF is 6.09, 4.09, 73.37 per cent lower than BP, GABP, and PSOBP, respectively. This proves FOABP-RF is very suitable for estimating photometric redshifts.
New insight into the magnetism of degenerate stars from the analysis of a volume-limited sample of white dwarfs
Authors: Bagnulo S , Landstreet J D
Published: July 2021

Many stars evolve into magnetic white dwarfs (MWDs), and observations may help to understand when the magnetic field appears at the stellar surface, if and how it evolves during the cooling phase, and, above all, what are the mechanisms that generate it. After obtaining new spectropolarimetric observations and combining them with previous literature data, we have checked almost the entire population of about 152 WDs within 20 pc from the Sun for the presence of magnetic fields, with a sensitivity that ranges from better than 1 kG for most of the stars of spectral class DA, to 1 MG for some of the featureless white dwarfs (WDs). We find that 33 WDs of the local 20 pc volume are magnetic. Statistically, the data are consistent with the possibility that the frequency of the magnetic field occurrence is similar in stars of all spectral classes, except that in the local 20 pc volume, either DQ stars are more frequently magnetic or host much stronger fields than average. The distribution of the observed field strength ranges from 40 kG to 300 MG and is uniform per decade, in striking contrast to the field frequency distribution resulting from spectroscopic surveys. Remarkably, no fields weaker than 40 kG are found. We confirm that magnetic fields are more frequent in WDs with higher than average mass, especially in younger stars. We find a marked deficiency of MWDs younger than 0.5 Gyr, and we find that the frequency of the occurrence of the magnetic field is significantly higher in WDs that have undergone the process of core crystallization than in WDs with fully liquid core. There is no obvious evidence of field strength decay with time. We discuss the implications of our findings in relation to some of the proposals that have been put forward to explain the origin and evolution of magnetic fields in degenerate stars, in particular those that predict the presence of a dynamo acting during the crystallization phase.
Applying Critical Race Theory to Public Administration Scholarship
Authors: Riccucci Norma M
Published: July 2021

This essay addresses how critical race theory (CRT) can be applied to the field of public administration. It proposes specific areas within the field that could benefit from the application of a CRT framework. This requires a paradigmatic shift in the field, which is desirable given the high priority that the field places on social equity, the third pillar of public administration. If there is a desire to achieve social equity and justice, racism needs to be addressed and confronted directly. The Black Lives Matter movement is one example of the urgency and significance of applying theories from a variety of disciplines to the study of racism in public administration.
Distinct phenotypes of hospitalized patients with hyperkalemia by machine learning consensus clustering and associated mortality risks
Authors: Thongprayoon C , Kattah A G , Mao M A , Keddis M T , Pattharanitima P , Vallabhajosyula S , Nissaisorakarn V , Erickson S B , Dillon J J , Garovic V D , Cheungpasitporn W
Published: July 2021

Background

Hospitalized patients with hyperkalemia are heterogeneous, and cluster approaches may identify specific homogenous groups. This study aimed to cluster patients with hyperkalemia on admission using unsupervised machine learning (ML) consensus clustering approach, and to compare characteristics and outcomes among these distinct clusters.

Methods

Consensus cluster analysis was performed in 5133 hospitalized adult patients with admission hyperkalemia, based on available clinical and laboratory data. The standardized mean difference was used to identify each cluster’s key clinical features. The association of hyperkalemia clusters with hospital and 1-year mortality was assessed using logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

Three distinct clusters of hyperkalemia patients were identified using consensus cluster analysis: 1661 (32%) in cluster 1, 2455 (48%) in cluster 2 and 1017 (20%) in cluster 3. Cluster 1 was mainly characterized by older age, higher serum chloride and acute kidney injury (AKI), but lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum bicarbonate and hemoglobin. Cluster 2 was mainly characterized by higher eGFR, serum bicarbonate and hemoglobin, but lower comorbidity burden, serum potassium and AKI. Cluster 3 was mainly characterized by higher comorbidity burden, particularly diabetes and end-stage kidney disease, AKI, serum potassium, anion gap, but lower eGFR, serum sodium, chloride and bicarbonate. Hospital and 1-year mortality risk was significantly different among the three identified clusters, with highest mortality in cluster 3, followed by cluster 1 and then cluster 2.

Conclusion

In a heterogeneous cohort of hyperkalemia patients, three distinct clusters were identified using unsupervised ML. These three clusters had different clinical characteristics and outcomes.
Patient-Centered Education in Wound Management: Improving Outcomes and Adherence
Authors: Callender Lynelle F. , Johnson Arlene L. , Pignataro Rose M.
Published: July 2021

Patients with chronic wounds make daily decisions that affect healing and treatment outcomes. Patient-centered education for effective self-management decreases episodes of care and reduces health expenditures while promoting independence. Theoretical frameworks, including the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, can assist healthcare providers in identifying strategies that enhance adherence. These strategies include the use of motivational interviewing, a communication technique designed to elicit patients’ perspectives regarding treatment goals, outcome expectations, anticipated barriers, and intentions to follow provider recommendations.

GENERAL PURPOSE

To educate wound care practitioners about methods of communication that can help promote patient adherence to wound healing recommendations.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:

1. Distinguish the use of theoretical frameworks to promote patient adherence to prescribed wound healing recommendations.

2. Synthesize the principles of motivational interviewing to best encourage patients to adhere to prescribed wound healing recommendations.

3. Select the appropriate self-care strategies for patients who have nonhealing wounds.
Safety updates in novel therapeutics for pediatric rheumatic disease
Authors: Randell Rachel L. , Becker Mara L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review

Biologics and novel targeted therapeutics have transformed the management of pediatric rheumatic diseases over the past two decades; however, questions about short-term and long-term safety remain. Safety data gathered from recent clinical trials, long-term extensions of prior trials, registries, and other real-world evidence are summarized here for biologics and novel therapeutics commonly prescribed for pediatric rheumatic diseases.

Recent findings

With nearly 20 years of therapeutic experience, tumor necrosis inhibitors (TNFi) are generally well tolerated, although infections, malignancy, and development of new autoimmunity remain a concern. Risk of infections may be higher in IL-1 and IL-6 inhibitors, and lower in abatacept, compared with TNFi. Safety data for B-cell-targeted therapeutics and janus kinase inhibitors are emerging, but remain limited, especially in children.

Biologic and novel targeted therapeutics offer a promising future for children with pediatric rheumatic disease. However, long-term safety data in children remain limited for several agents. With any therapeutic option, both short-term and long-term safety concerns must be weighed against individual clinical needs when choosing the optimal treatment for each child.
Reducing Unnecessary Laboratory Utilization in the Medical ICU: A Fellow-Driven Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Conroy Megan , Homsy Elie , Johns Jennica , Patterson Kevin , Singha Arindam , Story Ryan , Finnegan Geoffrey , Shively Kevin , Faherty Kathrine , Gephart Matthew , Cape Kari , Exline Matthew C. , Ali Naeem , Besecker Beth
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Overutilization of laboratory services is now recognized as harmful to patients and wasteful. In fact, the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Choosing Wisely campaign recommends against ordering routine testing that does not answer a clinical question. Per peer benchmarking, our institution as a whole occupied an extreme outlier position at the 100th percentile for laboratory utilization. We sought to address this problem starting in our medical ICUs with a quality improvement project.

DESIGN:

Quality improvement project using the design, measure, analyze, improve, and control process. The primary endpoint was a sustained reduction in laboratory utilization. Counterbalance metrics were also followed, and these included mortality, renal replacement therapy initiation rates, stat laboratory orders, and central catheter–associated blood stream infections.

SETTING:

The medical ICU at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

PATIENTS:

All patients admitted to the medical ICU from March 2019 to March 2020.

INTERVENTIONS:

Root causes were identified and addressed with the implementation of a wide range of interventions involving a multidisciplinary team led by trainee physicians.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

There was a sustained 20% reduction in the number of tests performed per patient day, with no change in the counterbalance metrics.

CONCLUSIONS:

Trainees can affect positive change in the culture and processes at their institutions to safely reduce laboratory utilization.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Rescue Therapies
Authors: Dalton Heidi J. , Berg Robert A. , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Kochanek Patrick M. , Tisherman Samuel A. , Thiagarajan Ravi , Alexander Peta , Bartlett Robert H.
Published: July 2021

The history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the Society of Critical Care Medicine have much in common, as many of the founders of the Society of Critical Care Medicine focused on understanding and improving outcomes from cardiac arrest. We review the history, the current, and future state of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Acute Inguinal Bacterial Lymphadenitis in Infants Younger Than 1 Year of Age
Authors: Yatabe Reiko , Iio Kazuki , Uda Kazuhiro , Hataya Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

We examined 17 infants under age 1 year with inguinal bacterial lymphadenitis; 8 had a prior episode of omphalitis or an umbilical procedure, and one-third were afebrile and initially received the misdiagnosis of incarcerated hernia. Our findings suggested a possible association between inguinal bacterial lymphadenitis in infants and umbilical problems.
Association between plasma endothelial microparticles and contrast-induced nephropathy in patients underwent coronary angiography
Authors: Fu Xiaodan , Dong Jing , Wang Hongyan , Lou Dayuan , Li Xin , Mei Jiajie , Sui Zheng , Yang Qian , Niu Nan , Qu Peng
Published: July 2021

We aim to investigate the association between plasma endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and contrast-induced nephropathy of patients underwent coronary angiography.

The patients were divided into normal renal function group and renal dysfunction group based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Among the 180 cases, 117 received determination of EMP and serum creatinine after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and/or coronary angiography. The patients were divided into contrast-induced-nephropathy (CIN) group and non-CIN group. EMPs collection and determination were performed, together with biochemical analysis and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) analysis.

Spearman correlation showed that the expression of EMP was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = –0.201, P < .01). The serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), cystatin C (Cys-C), uric acid (UA) were significantly higher in CIN group than that in the non CIN group. Spearman correlation showed that the expression of EMP was positively correlated with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6, r = 0.393, P < .01). The expression of EMP was positively correlated with serum hs-CRP (r = 0.360, P < .01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), eGFR, UA, and Cys-C were correlated with the incidence of contrast induced nephropathy.

In patients with contrast-induced-nephropathy, the plasma EMPs were significantly increased after coronary angiography. The expression of plasma EMPs may play a role in the occurrence of contrast-induced-nephropathy.