bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new way to test the Cosmological Principle: measuring our peculiar velocity and the large-scale anisotropy independently
Authors: Nadolny Tobias , Durrer Ruth , Kunz Martin , Padmanabhan Hamsa
Published: November 2021

We present a novel approach to disentangle two key contributions to the largest-scale anisotropy of the galaxy distribution: (i) the intrinsic dipole due to clustering and anisotropic geometry, and (ii) the kinematic dipole due to our peculiar velocity. Including the redshift and angular size of galaxies, in addition to their fluxes and positions allows us to measure both the direction and amplitude of our velocity independently of the intrinsic dipole of the source distribution.
We find that this new approach applied to future galaxy surveys (LSST and Euclid) and a SKA radio continuum survey will allow to measure our velocity (β = v/c) with a relative error in the amplitude σ(β)/β ∼ (1.3–4.5)% and in direction, θβ ∼ 0.9°–3.9°, well beyond what can be achieved
when analysing only the number count dipole.
We also find that galaxy surveys are able to measure the intrinsic large-scale anisotropy with a relative uncertainty of ≲5% (measurement error, not including cosmic variance).
Our method enables two simultaneous tests of the Cosmological Principle: comparing the observations of our peculiar velocity with the CMB dipole, and testing for a significant intrinsic anisotropy on large scales which would indicate effects beyond the standard cosmological model.
Multi-wavelength spectroscopic probes: prospects for primordial non-Gaussianity and relativistic effects
Authors: Viljoen Jan-Albert , Fonseca José , Maartens Roy
Published: November 2021

Next-generation cosmological surveys will observe larger cosmic volumes than ever before, enabling us to access information on the primordial Universe, as well as on relativistic effects. We consider forthcoming 21cm intensity mapping surveys (SKAO) and optical galaxy surveys (DESI and Euclid), combining the information via multi-tracer cross-correlations that suppress cosmic variance on ultra-large scales.
In order to fully incorporate wide-angle effects and redshift-bin cross-correlations, together with lensing magnification and other relativistic effects, we use the angular power spectra, Cℓ
(zi
,zj
). Applying a Fisher analysis, we forecast the expected precision on f
NL and the detectability of lensing and other relativistic effects. We find that the full combination of two pairs of 21cm and galaxy surveys, one pair at low redshift and one at high redshift, could deliver σ(f
NL) ∼ 1.5, detect the Doppler effect with a signal-to-noise ratio ∼8 and measure the lensing convergence contribution at ∼2% precision. In a companion paper, we show that the best-fit values of f
NL and of standard cosmological parameters are significantly biased if the lensing contribution neglected.
Warming up cold inflation
Authors: DeRocco William , Graham Peter W. , Kalia Saarik
Published: November 2021

The axion is a well-motivated candidate for the inflaton, as the radiative corrections that spoil many single-field models are avoided by virtue of its shift symmetry. However, axions generically couple to gauge sectors.
As the axion slow-rolls during inflation, this coupling can cause the production of a non-diluting thermal bath, a situation known as “warm inflation”. This thermal bath can dramatically alter inflationary dynamics and observable predictions.
In this paper, we demonstrate that a thermal bath can form for a wide variety of initial conditions.
Furthermore, we find that axion inflation becomes warm over a large range of couplings, and explicitly map the parameter space for two axion inflation potentials.
We show that in large regions of parameter space, axion inflation models once assumed to be safely “cold” are in fact warm, and must be reevaluated in this context.
High-NA optical edge detection via optimized multilayer films
Authors: Xue Wenjin , Miller Owen D
Published: November 2021

There has been a significant effort to design nanophotonic structures that process images at the speed of light. A prototypical example is in edge detection, where photonic-crystal-, metasurface-, and plasmon-based designs have been proposed and in some cases experimentally demonstrated. In this work, we show that multilayer optical interference coatings can achieve visible-frequency edge detection in transmission with high numerical aperture, two-dimensional image formation, and straightforward fabrication techniques, unique among all nanophotonic approaches. We show that the conventional Laplacian-based transmission spectrum may not be ideal once the scattering physics of real designs is considered, and show that better performance can be attained with alternative spatial filter functions. Our designs, comprising alternating layers of Si and SiO2 with total thicknesses of only

≈

1

 

μ

m

, demonstrate the possibility for optimized multilayer films to achieve state-of-the-art edge detection, and, more broadly, analog optical implementations of linear operators.
Faradaic efficiency in protonic-ceramic electrolysis cells
Authors: Zhu Huayang , Ricote Sandrine , Kee Robert J
Published: November 2021

Proton-conducting ceramics (e.g. doped barium zirconates or cerates) are typically mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs). The electronic conduction, typically in the form of positively charged small polarons or electron holes, leads to ‘electronic leakage.’ In an ideal steam-electrolysis cell, one gas-phase H2 molecule is produced from every two electrons delivered from an external power source. In other words, such ideal behavior achieves 100% faradaic efficiency. However, the electronic flux associated with MIEC membranes contributes to reduced faradaic efficiency. The present paper develops a model that predicts the behavior of faradaic efficiency as a function of electrolysis-cell operating conditions. Although the model framework is more general, the paper focuses on the behavior of a cell based upon a BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.1Yb0.1O

3
−
δ

(BCZYYb) membrane. The study predicts the effects of operating conditions, including temperature, pressure, and gas compositions.
Damage location sensing in carbon fiber composites using extrusion printed electronics
Authors: Idris Mohamad Kannan , Naderi Paria , Melenka Garrett W , Grau Gerd
Published: November 2021

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) uses sensors in advanced engineering structures to evaluate integrity and detect damage or deformation affecting structural performance, e.g. cracks, holes, or corrosion. Carbon fiber (CF) textile composites are commonly used to reinforce structures such as aircraft, vehicles, or bridges due to their high tensile strength to weight ratio, chemical resistance, and thermal and electrical conductivity. Printing electronics on textiles is a scalable manufacturing technology combining the physical properties of textile materials with the added functionality of electronic elements making them self-sensing. Extrusion printing is a contactless digital printing method to print electrical conductors and passive circuit elements. This paper proposes to combine conventional CF composite manufacturing processes with printed conductors to create self-sensing CF textile composites. Damage is sensed by measuring resistance changes in a CF sheet. Contacts are extrusion printed directly on woven CF sheets using silver flake ink. A multiplexed Kelvin Double Bridge circuit is the read-out interface. This allows small resistance changes due to damage to be measured in a four-point configuration. The circuit is connected to the printed contacts on the CF sheet through multiplexers to detect damage in different locations. This 2D digital sensor can detect the location and size of damage holes for SHM. The resolution of the sensor is controlled by the location and spacing of the silver electrodes, which were studied experimentally and by simulation. The resolution is 26 mm in the current direction and 16 mm in the orthogonal direction. The threshold of detectable damage is 4 mm2. Simulation of the sensor as an isotropic 2D conductor shows good agreement with experimental results for the orthotropic fabric. The resultant sensing device could be integrated into many composite structures as one of its layers or simply printed on the surface to create smart structures.
Critical Digital Archives: A Review from Archival Studies
Authors: Carbajal Itza A. , Caswell Michelle
Published: November 2021

Given the blurring of boundaries between historians and archivists in the digital realm, this article urges historians to pay more attention to discussions surrounding digital records and archival practices emerging from critical archival studies. More specifically, this article identifies and summarizes seven key themes and corresponding debates about digital records in contemporary archival studies scholarship: (1) materiality, (2) appraisal, (3) context, (4) use, (5) scale, (6) relationships, and (7) sustainability. A deeper knowledge of digital archival theory and practice—how records came to be in digital archives, the infrastructures that maintain them, and the tools necessary to provide access to and context for them—is not ancillary to historical work, but provides important context to do digital history better.
Influence of Certification on a Pathology Laboratory Professional’s Career Mobility
Authors: Chiou Paul Z , Jia Yuane
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Competency in managing laboratory careers is important for retaining and ensuring a well-trained laboratory workforce. The objective of this study was to identify predictors for career advancement in pathology laboratories—specifically, whether the number of certifications obtained affects career mobility beyond what is accounted for with personality, gender, experience, and tenure.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from nonphysician laboratory professionals were collected through a web-based survey tool. These data were examined in the context of a binary logistic regression model to assess how well independent variables predict career advancement.

Results

We included 170 responses in the analysis. According to the statistical model, the odds of career advancement is significant—70% higher for every additional certification a laboratory profession obtains (P = .018), with other predictors being equal. Moreover, technologists with an outgoing personality (ie, extroverts) are 178% more likely to be promoted from entry-level positions than are introverts (P = .045), all else being equal. The number of years the employee has been with the laboratory (tenure) also contributes significantly to promotion (P = .012). Surprisingly, gender and industry experience do not contribute significantly to laboratory mobility and advancement, after accounting for the other variables.

Conclusions

Laboratories should provide incentives for obtaining certifications as a way to improve quality and retain workforce talent.
Local linear graphon estimation using covariates
Authors: Chandna S , Olhede S C , Wolfe P J
Published: November 2021

We consider local linear estimation of the graphon function, which determines probabilities of pairwise edges between nodes in an unlabelled network. Real-world networks are typically characterized by node heterogeneity, with different nodes exhibiting different degrees of interaction. Existing approaches to graphon estimation are limited to local constant approximations, and are not designed to estimate heterogeneity across the full network. In this paper, we show how continuous node covariates can be employed to estimate heterogeneity in the network via a local linear graphon estimator. We derive the bias and variance of an oracle-based local linear graphon estimator, and thus obtain the mean integrated squared error optimal bandwidth rule. We also provide a plug-in bandwidth selection procedure that makes local linear estimation for unlabelled networks practically feasible. The finite-sample performance of our approach is investigated in a simulation study, and the method is applied to a school friendship network and an email network to illustrate its advantages over existing methods.
Direct neural evidence for the contrastive roles of the complementary learning systems in adult acquisition of native vocabulary
Authors: Gore Katherine R , Woollams Anna M , Bruehl Stefanie , Halai Ajay D , Lambon Ralph Matthew A
Published: November 2021

The Complementary Learning Systems (CLS) theory provides a powerful framework for considering the acquisition, consolidation, and generalization of new knowledge. We tested this proposed neural division of labor in adults through an investigation of the consolidation and long-term retention of newly learned native vocabulary with post-learning functional neuroimaging. Newly learned items were compared with two conditions: 1) previously known items to highlight the similarities and differences with established vocabulary and 2) unknown/untrained items to provide a control for non-specific perceptual and motor speech output. Consistent with the CLS, retrieval of newly learned items was supported by a combination of regions associated with episodic memory (including left hippocampus) and the language-semantic areas that support established vocabulary (left inferior frontal gyrus and left anterior temporal lobe). Furthermore, there was a shifting division of labor across these two networks in line with the items’ consolidation status; faster naming was associated with more activation of language-semantic areas and lesser activation of episodic memory regions. Hippocampal activity during naming predicted more than half the variation in naming retention 6 months later.
PDK1 regulates the lengthening of G1 phase to balance RGC proliferation and differentiation during cortical neurogenesis
Authors: Han Xiaoning , Wei Yongjie , Ba Ru , Sun Lijuan , Zhao Chunjie
Published: November 2021

During cortical development, the balance between progenitor self-renewal and neurogenesis is critical for determining the size/morphology of the cortex. A fundamental feature of the developing cortex is an increase in the length of G1 phase in RGCs over the course of neurogenesis, which is a key determinant of progenitor fate choice. How the G1 length is temporally regulated remains unclear. Here, Pdk1, a member of the AGC kinase family, was conditionally disrupted by crossing an Emx1-Cre mouse line with a Pdk1fl/fl line. The loss of Pdk1 led to a shorter cell cycle accompanied by increased RGC proliferation specifically at late rather than early/middle neurogenic stages, which was attributed to impaired lengthening of G1 phase. Coincidently, apical-to-basal interkinetic nuclear migration was accelerated in Pdk1 cKO cortices. Consequently, we detected an increased neuronal output at P0. We further showed the significant upregulation of the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 and its activator Myc in the cKO cortices relative to those of control animals. Overall, we have identified a novel role for PDK1 in cortical neurogenesis. PDK1 functions as an upstream regulator of the Myc-cyclin D1 pathway to control the lengthening of G1 phase and the balance between RGC proliferation and differentiation.
Association of plasma interleukin-6 with infarct size, reperfusion injury, and adverse remodelling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Tiller Christina , Reindl Martin , Holzknecht Magdalena , Lechner Ivan , Schwaiger Johannes , Brenner Christoph , Mayr Agnes , Klug Gert , Bauer Axel , Metzler Bernhard , Reinstadler Sebastian J
Published: November 2021

Aims 

Little is known about the clinical relevance of interleukin (IL)-6 in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study examined the possible associations of plasma IL-6 concentrations with infarct size (IS), reperfusion injury and adverse left ventricular remodelling (LVR), in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and results

We prospectively included 170 consecutive STEMI patients (median age 57 years, 14% women) treated with primary PCI between 2017 and 2019. Blood samples for biomarker analyses including IL-6 were collected on Day 2. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), IS, and reperfusion injury [microvascular obstruction (MVO) and intramyocardial haemorrhage (IMH)] were determined using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging on Day 4. Left ventricular remodelling was defined as ≥10% increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume from baseline to 4 months CMR follow-up. Patients with IL-6 concentrations ≥median (17 ng/L) showed a significantly lower LVEF (43% vs. 52%, P < 0.001), larger IS (22% vs. 13%, P < 0.001), larger MVO (1.9% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001), and more frequent IMH (52% vs. 18%, P < 0.001). Left ventricular remodelling was more common in patients with IL-6 ≥ median (24% vs. 9%, P = 0.005). In both linear and binary multivariable regression analyses, IL-6 remained independently associated with lower LVEF [odds ratio (OR): 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.42, P = 0.002], larger IS (OR: 5.29, 95% CI 1.52–18.40, P = 0.009), larger MVO (OR: 5.20, 95% CI 1.30–20.85, P = 0.020), with presence of IMH (OR: 3.73, 95% CI 1.27–10.99, P = 0.017), and adverse LVR (OR: 2.72, 95% 1.06–6.98, P = 0.038).

Conclusions 

High concentrations of circulating plasma IL-6 on Day 2 after STEMI were independently associated with worse myocardial function, larger infarct extent, more severe reperfusion injury, and a higher likelihood for LVR, suggesting IL-6 as a useful biomarker of more serious outcome and potential therapeutic target.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04113356;NCT04113356.
Prognostic relevance of magnesium alterations in patients with a myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction: insights from the EPHESUS trial
Authors: Martens Pieter , Ferreira João Pedro , Vincent John , Abreu Paula , Busselen Martijn , Mullens Wilfried , Tang Wai Hong Wilson , Böhm Michael , Pitt Bertram , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick
Published: November 2021

Aims

Magnesium changes are common in myocardial infarction (MI) complicated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and/or heart failure (HF). The relation between serum magnesium and clinical outcomes is insufficiently elucidated in this population.

Methods and results

The EPHESUS trial randomized 6632 patients to either eplerenone or placebo. Hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia were defined as a serum magnesium <0.66 and >1.10 mmol/L, respectively. Linear mixed models and time-dependent Cox regression analysis were used to determine the effect of eplerenone on magnesium changes and the prognostic importance of magnesium. The co-primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and a composite of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and CV hospitalization. A total of 5371 patients had a post-baseline magnesium measurement. At baseline, 231 (4.3%) patients had hypomagnesemia and 271 (5.0%) patients had hypermagnesemia. During a median follow-up of 16 months, 682 (13%) developed hypomagnesemia and 512 (9.5%) hypermagnesemia. Eplerenone treatment did not result in a different magnesium level during follow-up (P = 0.14). After covariate adjustment hypo- and hypermagnesemia were not associated with a higher risk of CV events. Magnesium levels did not modulate the effect of a high potassium (>5 mmol/L) or low potassium (<4 mmol/L) on the clinical outcome. Baseline magnesium levels did not influence the treatment effect of eplerenone (P-interaction > 0.1 for all primary and secondary endpoints).

Conclusion

In patients with MI complicated by LVSD or HF, magnesium alterations were not associated with clinical outcomes nor did they influence the effect of eplerenone. Serum magnesium did not modulate the effect of potassium changes on clinical outcome or the treatment effect of eplerenone.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT00232180.
Bone turnover markers in gingival crevicular fluid and blood serum of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances
Authors: Kloukos Dimitrios , Mavrogonatou Eleni , Kletsas Dimitris , Makras Polyzois , Koukos George , Stavropoulos Andreas , Katsaros Christos
Published: November 2021

Aim

Bone remodelling can be followed through the bone turnover markers (BTMs). Aim of the present study was to record the fluctuation of an osteoclastic and an osteoblastic BTM [C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and N-terminal pro-peptide of type I pro-collagen (PINP), respectively] in both the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the serum of orthodontic patients before and after the initial application of orthodontic forces.

Materials and methods

Twenty-one Caucasian patients were prospectively evaluated. GCF and blood samples were collected in order to measure the selected biomarkers by ELISA at three time-points: exactly before, 5 days, and 14 days after bonding of the appliances. Standardized sample handling and patient preparation procedures were adopted in order to reduce pre-analytical variability.

Results

GCF and serum CTX levels were found to be independent of age, although higher in the serum of female subjects. PINP levels were found higher in the serum of patients ≥25 years old, as well as in the GCF of males. A positive correlation between serum and GCF baseline PINP levels was observed.

Limitations

The effect of orthodontic treatment on bone remodelling might not be absolutely representative of the local bone microenvironment as the levels of the specific BTMs where measured within the GCF of the lower front teeth.

Conclusions

This is the first time PINP and CTX have been evaluated in the GCF and serum of orthodontic patients with fixed appliances. No statistically significant alterations of CTX and PINP levels in the GCF and the serum of patients were recorded over time during the initial stages of orthodontic treatment.
Development and validation of a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and current practices of primary healthcare physicians regarding road injury prevention in older adults
Authors: Jiménez-Mejías Eladio , Rivera-Izquierdo Mario , Miguel Martín-delosReyes Luis , Martínez-Ruiz Virginia , Molina-Soberanes Daniel , Rosa Sánchez-Pérez María , Lardelli-Claret Pablo
Published: November 2021

Background

Older adults present high risk of involvement in road crashes. Preventive interventions conducted by their primary healthcare physicians (PHPC) could reduce this public health issue.

Objective

The objective of this study was to design and validate a self-administered questionnaire that measures the knowledge, attitudes, and current practices (CP) of PHCP in Spain regarding the prevention of road injuries in older adults.

Methods

One thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven PHCP completed a questionnaire piloted previously in an expert panel and two convenience samples of physicians. It comprised 78 items grouped in five sections and was mainly focused on exploring three constructs: knowledge, attitudes, and CP. Exploratory factor analysis was used to obtain evidence of internal structure validity. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s α coefficient. Correlation coefficients for the scores constructed for each of the extracted factors were calculated to assess convergent and discriminant validity.

Results

Factor analysis extracted four factors each for the knowledge and attitudes constructs, and three factors for the CP construct, which explained more than 55% of the variance in each construct. Except for two factors of the knowledge construct regarding existing health problems associated to the risk of involvement in road crashes, the clustering pattern of all other items across the remaining nine factors was consistent and in agreement with previous knowledge. Cronbach’s α values were greater than 0.7 for all constructs.

Conclusions

Our questionnaire appears to be valid enough to assess the attitudes, CP, and medication-related knowledge of PHCP in Spain regarding the prevention of road injuries in older adults.
BiallelicANKS6mutations cause late-onset ciliopathy with chronic kidney disease through YAP dysregulation
Authors: Schwarz Hannah , Popp Bernt , Airik Rannar , Torabi Nasrin , Knaup Karl X , Stoeckert Johanna , Wiech Thorsten , Amann Kerstin , Reis André , Schiffer Mario , Wiesener Michael S , Schueler Markus
Published: November 2021

Nephronophthisis-related ciliopathies (NPHP-RC) comprises a group of inherited kidney diseases, caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins localizing to primary cilia. NPHP-RC represents one of the most frequent monogenic causes of renal failure within the first three decades of life, but its molecular disease mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we identified biallelic ANKS6 mutations in two affected siblings with late-onset chronic kidney disease by whole-exome sequencing. We employed patient-derived fibroblasts generating an in vitro model to study the precise biological impact of distinct human ANKS6 mutations, completed by immunohistochemistry studies on renal biopsy samples. Functional studies using patient-derived cells showed an impaired integrity of the ciliary inversin compartment with reduced cilia length. Further analyses demonstrated that ANKS6 deficiency leads to a dysregulation of Hippo-signaling through nuclear yes-associated protein (YAP) imbalance and disrupted ciliary localization of YAP. In addition, an altered transcriptional activity of canonical Wnt target genes and altered expression of non-phosphorylated (active) β-catenin and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β were observed. Upon ciliation, ANKS6 deficiency revealed a deranged subcellular localization and expression of components of the endocytic recycling compartment. Our results demonstrate that ANKS6 plays a key role in regulating the Hippo pathway, and ANKS6 deficiency is linked to dysregulation of signaling pathways. Our study provides molecular clues in understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of NPHP-RC and may offer new therapeutic targets.
Loss of α-actinin-3 confers protection from eccentric contraction damage in fast-twitch EDL muscles from aged mdx dystrophic mice by reducing pathological fibre branching
Authors: Kiriaev Leonit , Houweling Peter J , North Kathryn N , Head Stewart I
Published: November 2021

The common null polymorphism (R577X) in the ACTN3 gene is present in over 1.5 billion people worldwide and results in the absence of the protein α-actinin-3 from the Z-discs of fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibres. We have previously reported that this polymorphism is a modifier of dystrophin-deficient Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. To investigate the mechanism underlying this, we use a double knockout (dk)Actn3KO/mdx (dKO) mouse model, which lacks both dystrophin and sarcomere α-actinin-3. We used dKO mice and mdx dystrophic mice at 12 months (aged) to investigate the correlation between morphological changes to the fast-twitch dKO EDL and the reduction in force deficit produced by an in vitro eccentric contraction protocol. In the aged dKO mouse, we found a marked reduction in fibre branching complexity that correlated with protection from eccentric contraction induced force deficit. Complex branches in the aged dKO EDL fibres (28%) were substantially reduced compared to aged mdx EDL fibres (68%), and this correlates with a graded force loss over three eccentric contractions for dKO muscles (~36% after first contraction, ~66% overall) compared to an abrupt drop in mdx upon the first eccentric contraction (~75% after first contraction, ~89% after three contractions). In dKO, protection from eccentric contraction damage was linked with a doubling of SERCA1 pump density the EDL. We propose that the increased oxidative metabolism of fast-twitch glycolytic fibres characteristic of the null polymorphism (R577X) and increase in SR Ca2+ pump proteins reduces muscle fibre branching and decreases susceptibility to eccentric injury in the dystrophinopathies.
Empirical research in comparative constitutional law: The cool kid on the block or all smoke and mirrors?
Authors: Petersen Niels , Chatziathanasiou Konstantin
Published: November 2021

In recent years, we have observed an explosion of empirical research in the field of comparative constitutional law. This contribution seeks to evaluate the current state of affairs. We analyze select studies from four different areas: the consequences of and the reasons for constitutional design choices, as well as the diffusion and the effectiveness of constitutional rights. We find that the empirical identification strategies of many of the analyzed studies have significant weaknesses, and inspire only limited confidence in their results. Nevertheless, we argue that empirical research in comparative constitutional law is of fundamental importance. It not only draws our attention to issues that would otherwise elude our view, but also gives us a chance to refine the methodology in order to develop better strategies to answer some of the decisive questions preoccupying comparative constitutional law scholarship.
Birthweight, gestational age and familial confounding in sex differences in infant mortality: a matched co-twin control study of Brazilian male-female twin pairs identified by population data linkage
Authors: Calais-Ferreira Lucas , Barreto Marcos E , Mendonça Everton , Dite Gillian S , Hickey Martha , Ferreira Paulo H , Scurrah Katrina J , Hopper John L
Published: November 2021

Background

In infancy, males are at higher risk of dying than females. Birthweight and gestational age are potential confounders or mediators but are also familial and correlated, posing epidemiological challenges that can be addressed by studying male-female twin pairs.

Methods

We studied 28 558 male-female twin pairs born in Brazil between 2012 and 2016, by linking their birth and death records. Using a co-twin control study matched for gestational age and familial factors, we applied logistic regression with random effects (to account for paired data) to study the association between male sex and infant death, adjusting for: birthweight, within- and between-pair effects of birthweight, birth order and gestational age, including interactions. The main outcome was infant mortality (0–365 days) stratified by neonatal (early and late) and postneonatal deaths.

Results

Males were 100 g heavier and more at risk of infant death than their female co-twins before [odds ratio (OR)  = 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.49, P = 0.001] and after (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.39–1.83, P <0.001) adjusting for birthweight and birth order. When adjusting for birthweight within-pair difference and mean separately, the OR attenuated to 1.40 (95% CI: 1.21–1.61, P <0.001), with evidence of familial confounding (likelihood ratio test, P <0.001). We found evidence of interaction (P = 0.001) between male sex and gestational age for early neonatal death.

Conclusions

After matching for gestational age and familial factors by design and controlling for birthweight and birth order, males remain at greater risk of infant death than their female co-twins. Birthweight’s role as a confounder can be partially explained by familial factors.
Strong replica symmetry for high-dimensional disordered log-concave Gibbs measures
Authors: Barbier Jean , Panchenko Dmitry , Sáenz Manuel
Published: November 2021

We consider a generic class of log-concave, possibly random, (Gibbs) measures. We prove the concentration of an infinite family of order parameters called multioverlaps. Because they completely parametrize the quenched Gibbs measure of the system, this implies a simple representation of the asymptotic Gibbs measures, as well as the decoupling of the variables in a strong sense. These results may prove themselves useful in several contexts. In particular in machine learning and high-dimensional inference, log-concave measures appear in convex empirical risk minimization, maximum a-posteriori inference or M-estimation. We believe that they may be applicable in establishing some type of ‘replica symmetric formulas’ for the free energy, inference or generalization error in such settings.
Neighborhood deprivation increases the risk of Post-induction cesarean delivery
Authors: Meeker Jessica R , Burris Heather H , Bai Ray , Levine Lisa D , Boland Mary Regina
Published: November 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to measure the association between neighborhood deprivation and cesarean delivery following labor induction among people delivering at term (≥37 weeks of gestation).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of people ≥37 weeks of gestation, with a live, singleton gestation, who underwent labor induction from 2010 to 2017 at Penn Medicine. We excluded people with a prior cesarean delivery and those with missing geocoding information. Our primary exposure was a nationally validated Area Deprivation Index with scores ranging from 1 to 100 (least to most deprived). We used a generalized linear mixed model to calculate the odds of postinduction cesarean delivery among people in 4 equally-spaced levels of neighborhood deprivation. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis with residential mobility.

Results

Our cohort contained 8672 people receiving an induction at Penn Medicine. After adjustment for confounders, we found that people living in the most deprived neighborhoods were at a 29% increased risk of post–induction cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.57) compared to the least deprived. In a sensitivity analysis, including residential mobility seemed to magnify the effect sizes of the association between neighborhood deprivation and postinduction cesarean delivery, but this information was only available for a subset of people.

Conclusions

People living in neighborhoods with higher deprivation had higher odds of postinduction cesarean delivery compared to people living in less deprived neighborhoods. This work represents an important first step in understanding the impact of disadvantaged neighborhoods on adverse delivery outcomes.
Minimize makespan of permutation flowshop using pointer network
Authors: Cho Young In , Nam So Hyun , Cho Ki Young , Yoon Hee Chang , Woo Jong Hun
Published: November 2021

During the shipbuilding process, a block assembly line suffers a bottleneck when the largest amount of material is processed. Therefore, scheduling optimization is important for the productivity. Currently, sequence of inbound products is controlled by determining the input sequence using a heuristic or metaheuristic approach. However, the metaheuristic algorithm has limitations in that the computation time increases exponentially as the number of input objects increases, and separate optimization calculations are required for every problem. Also, the heuristic such as dispatching algorithm has the limitation of the exploring the problem domain. Therefore, this study tries a reinforcement learning algorithm based on a pointer network to overcome these limitations. Reinforcement learning with pointer network is found to be suitable for permutation flowshop problem, including input-order optimization. A trained neural network is applied without re-learning, even if the number of inputs is changed. The trained model shows the meaningful results compared with the heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms in makespan and computation time. The trained model outperforms the heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms within a limited range of permutation flowshop problem.
Parents’ Experiences of Childhood Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Davies Jenny , O’Connor Moira , Halkett Georgia K B , Kelada Lauren , Gottardo Nicholas G
Published: November 2021

Introduction

COVID-19 has had far-reaching impacts including changes in work, travel, social structures, education, and healthcare.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of children receiving treatment for cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Parents whose children were currently in treatment for childhood cancer or had completed treatment in the previous 12 months, participated in semi-structured interviews, face-to-face or via teleconferencing. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

The sample consisted of 34 participants (17 fathers and 17 mothers) from all states across Australia. Median age 37.5 years (range 29–51, years, SD = 6.3). Five main themes were identified: “Welcome to the Club”; “Remote Work and Study”; “Silver Linings”; “The Loneliest Experience” with three sub-themes “Immediate Family”; “Friends”; and “Overseas Family” and “Lack of Support” with two sub-themes: “Community Support” and “Organized Support.”

Conclusion

These findings revealed contrasting experiences of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For parents whose children were neutropenic, the pandemic provided benefits in increased community understanding of infection control. Parents also reflected that the movement to remote work made it easier to earn an income. In contrast, some parents observed that restrictions on visitors and family intensified feelings of isolation. Parents also described how the COVID-19 reduced access to support services. These findings contribute to an understanding of the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on families of children with cancer.
The chicken or the egg? A case of sympathetic staphylococcal empyema thoracis and splenic abscess
Authors: Kutywayo Kudzayi H , Thekkudan Joyce , Chowdhry Mohammed Fiyaz
Published: November 2021

Multicavitary abscesses are uncommon in immunocompetent individuals. Splenic abscesses being relatively uncommon with an incidence of 0.1–0.7% in quoted series [ 1]. Commonly reported cases are secondary infective endocarditis. To have both a splenic abscess and empyema concurrently is rare. We describe a case of a patient with a large left-sided empyema thoracis and concurrent splenic abscess.
Embolization of the internal maxillary artery via open retrograde superficial temporal artery approach
Authors: Miller Lauren E , Mohan Suresh , Essayed Walid I , Sukumaran Madhav , Mirshahi Shervin , Rabinov James D , Du Rose , Rettig Eleni M
Published: November 2021

Sentinel bleeds in head and neck cancer patients present as an ominous symptom often necessitating urgent endovascular embolization. However, this approach can be complicated in patients who have previously undergone head and neck cancer ablation and reconstruction, thus altering the standard arterial vascular supply. Herein we describe an innovative method of internal maxillary artery (IMA) access in a patient with a sentinel bleed who previously underwent proximal external carotid artery (ECA) rerouting for free flap reconstruction. The open retrograde superficial temporal artery approach for IMA embolization is minimally invasive and effective and should be considered for head and neck cancer patients at risk of hemorrhage from distal ECA branches without a proximal ECA embolization option.
Benign rib tumors: a case series from tertiary care Centre of Nepal and review of literature
Authors: Jaiswal Lokesh Shekher , Neupane Durga
Published: November 2021

Rib tumors are rare. They can present with wide varieties of symptoms and differentiating benign from malignant lesions is challenging. A careful history and supporting investigations can help to reach the definite diagnosis. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice with excellent prognosis. A total of four patients were operated for the management of rib tumors over a period of 5 years at our institution. All four were benign lesions and included simple bone cyst, fibrous dysplasia with aneurysmal bone cyst, aneurysmal bone cyst and enchondroma. There were three male and one female. None of them is having recurrence till now. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for benign rib tumors as it provides diagnostic and curative treatment.
Split down the middle: studying arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbioses using split-root assays
Authors: Kafle Arjun , Frank Hannah E R , Rose Benjamin D , Garcia Kevin
Published: November 2021

Most land plants symbiotically interact with soil-borne fungi to ensure nutrient acquisition and tolerance to various environmental stressors. Among these symbioses, arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal associations can be found in a large proportion of plants, including many crops. Split-root assays are widely used in plant research to study local and systemic signaling responses triggered by local treatments, including nutrient availability, interaction with soil microbes, or abiotic stresses. However, split-root approaches have only been occasionally used to tackle these questions with regard to mycorrhizal symbioses. This review compiles and discusses split-root assays developed to study arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbioses, with a particular emphasis on colonization by multiple beneficial symbionts, systemic resistance induced by mycorrhizal fungi, water and nutrient transport from fungi to colonized plants, and host photosynthate allocation from the host to fungal symbionts. In addition, we highlight how the use of split-root assays could result in a better understanding of mycorrhizal symbioses, particularly for a broader range of essential nutrients, and for multipartite interactions.
Molluskan Dorsal–Ventral Patterning Relying on BMP2/4 and Chordin Provides Insights into Spiralian Development and Evolution
Authors: Tan Sujian , Huan Pin , Liu Baozhong
Published: November 2021

Although a conserved mechanism relying on BMP2/4 and Chordin is suggested for animal dorsal–ventral (DV) patterning, this mechanism has not been reported in spiralians, one of the three major clades of bilaterians. Studies on limited spiralian representatives have suggested markedly diverse DV patterning mechanisms, a considerable number of which no longer deploy BMP signaling. Here, we showed that BMP2/4 and Chordin regulate DV patterning in the mollusk Lottia goshimai, which was predicted in spiralians but not previously reported. In the context of the diverse reports in spiralians, it conversely represents a relatively unusual case. We showed that BMP2/4 and Chordin coordinate to mediate signaling from the D-quadrant organizer to induce the DV axis, and Chordin relays the symmetry-breaking information from the organizer. Further investigations on L. goshimai embryos with impaired DV patterning suggested roles of BMP signaling in regulating the behavior of the blastopore and the organization of the nervous system. These findings provide insights into the evolution of animal DV patterning and the unique development mode of spiralians driven by the D-quadrant organizer.
FusionGDB 2.0: fusion gene annotation updates aided by deep learning
Authors: Kim Pora , Tan Hua , Liu Jiajia , Lee Haeseung , Jung Hyesoo , Kumar Himanshu , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: November 2021

A knowledgebase of the systematic functional annotation of fusion genes is critical for understanding genomic breakage context and developing therapeutic strategies. FusionGDB is a unique functional annotation database of human fusion genes and has been widely used for studies with diverse aims. In this study, we report fusion gene annotation updates aided by deep learning (FusionGDB 2.0) available at https://compbio.uth.edu/FusionGDB2/. FusionGDB 2.0 has substantial updates of contents such as up-to-date human fusion genes, fusion gene breakage tendency score with FusionAI deep learning model based on 20 kb DNA sequence around BP, investigation of overlapping between fusion breakpoints with 44 human genomic features across five cellular role's categories, transcribed chimeric sequence and following open reading frame analysis with coding potential based on deep learning approach with Ribo-seq read features, and rigorous investigation of the protein feature retention of individual fusion partner genes in the protein level. Among ∼102k fusion genes, about 15k kept their ORF as In-frames, which is two times compared to the previous version, FusionGDB. FusionGDB 2.0 will be used as the reference knowledgebase of fusion gene annotations. FusionGDB 2.0 provides eight categories of annotations and it will be helpful for diverse human genomic studies.
Maize Golden2-like transcription factors boost rice chloroplast
development, photosynthesis, and grain yield
Authors: Yeh Su-Ying , Lin Hsin-Hung , Chang Yao-Ming , Chang Yu-Lun , Chang Chao-Kang , Huang Yi-Cin , Ho Yi-Wen , Lin Chu-Yin , Zheng Jun-Ze , Jane Wann-Neng , Ng Chun-Yeung , Lu Mei-Yeh , Lai I-Ling , To Kin-Ying , Li Wen-Hsiung , Ku Maurice S B
Published: November 2021

Chloroplasts are the sites for photosynthesis, and two Golden2-like factors act as transcriptional activators of chloroplast development in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). Rice OsGLK1 and OsGLK2 are orthologous to maize ZmGLK1 (ZmG1) and ZmGLK2 (ZmG2), respectively. However, while rice OsGLK1 and OsGLK2 act redundantly to regulate chloroplast development in mesophyll cells, maize ZmG1 and ZmG2 are functionally specialized and expressed in different cell-specific manners. To boost rice chloroplast development and photosynthesis, we generated transgenic rice plants overexpressing ZmG1 and ZmG2, individually or simultaneously, with constitutive promoters (pZmUbi::ZmG1 and p35S::ZmG2) or maize promoters (pZmG1::ZmG1, pZmG2::ZmG2, and pZmG1::ZmG1/pZmG2::ZmG2). Both ZmG1 and ZmG2 genes were highly expressed in transgenic rice leaves. Moreover, ZmG1 and ZmG2 showed coordinated expression in pZmG1::ZmG1/pZmG2::ZmG2 plants. All Golden2-like (GLK) transgenic plants had higher chlorophyll and protein contents, Rubisco activities and photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area in flag leaves. However, the highest grain yields occurred when maize promoters were used; pZmG1::ZmG1, pZmG2::ZmG2, and pZmG1::ZmG1/pZmG2::ZmG2 transgenic plants showed increases in grain yield by 51%, 47%, and 70%, respectively. In contrast, the pZmUbi::ZmG1 plant produced smaller seeds without yield increases. Transcriptome analysis indicated that maize GLKs act as master regulators promoting the expression of both photosynthesis-related and stress-responsive regulatory genes in both rice shoot and root. Thus, by promoting these important functions under the control of their own promoters, maize GLK1 and GLK2 genes together dramatically improved rice photosynthetic performance and productivity. A similar approach can potentially improve the productivity of many other crops.
How to Catch a Falsifier
Authors: Schwanhäuser Silvia , Sakshaug Joseph W , Kosyakova Yuliya
Published: November 2021

Deviant interviewer behavior is a potential hazard of interviewer-administered surveys, with interviewers fabricating entire interviews as the most severe form. Various statistical methods (e.g., cluster analysis) have been proposed to detect falsifiers. These methods often rely on falsification indicators aiming to measure differences between real and falsified data. However, due to a lack of real-world data, empirical evaluations and comparisons of different statistical methods and falsification indicators are scarce. Using a large-scale nationally representative refugee survey in Germany with known fraudulent interviews, this study tests, evaluates, and compares statistical methods for identifying falsified data. We investigate the use of new and existing falsification indicators as well as multivariate detection methods for combining them. Additionally, we introduce a new and easy-to-use multivariate detection method that overcomes practical limitations of previous methods. We find that the vast majority of used falsification indicators successfully measure differences between falsifiers and nonfalsifiers, with the newly proposed falsification indicators outperforming some existing indicators. Furthermore, different multivariate detection methods perform similarly well in detecting the falsifiers.