bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of thermal cameras compared to spotlights for counts of arid zone mammals across a range of ambient temperatures
Authors: McGregor Hugh , Moseby Katherine , Johnson Christopher N. , Legge Sarah
Published: March 2021

Effective monitoring of mammal species is critical to their management. Thermal cameras may enable more accurate detection of nocturnal mammals than visual observation with the aid of spotlights. We aimed to measure improvements in detection provided by thermal cameras, and to determine how these improvements depended on ambient temperatures and mammal species. We monitored small to medium sized mammals in central Australia, including small rodents, bettongs, bilbies, European rabbits, and feral cats. We conducted 20 vehicle-based camera transects using both a spotlight and thermal camera under ambient temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C. Thermal cameras resulted in more detections of small rodents and medium sized mammals. There was no increased benefit for feral cats, likely due to their prominent eyeshine. We found a strong relationship between increased detections using thermal cameras and environmental temperature: thermal cameras detected 30% more animals than conventional spotlighting at approximately 15°C, but produced few additional detections above 30°C. Spotlighting may be more versatile as it can be used in a greater range of ambient temperatures, but thermal cameras are more accurate than visual surveys at low temperatures, and can be used to benchmark spotlight surveys.
Urban fringe dweller: the European red fox (
Authors: O’Connor Julie M. , Srivastava Sanjeev K. , Brunton Elizabeth A. , Burnett Scott E.
Published: March 2021

The spatial ecology of the European red fox in urban environments has not been widely studied in Australia. The spatial organisation and habitat selection of red foxes in coastal south-east Queensland was investigated using the GPS data from 17 collared foxes from seven putative fox families. Home range and core activity areas were calculated using 95% (KDE95) and 50% (KDE50) kernel density estimates respectively. Mean KDE95 home range size was 198 ha, and the mean core (KDE50) use area was 34 ha. Habitat selection, based on four broad habitat classes – Beach, Dunes, Urban and Green Space – was assessed using compositional analyses. At both 2nd order (study site) and 3rd order (home range) habitat selection, urban space was overwhelmingly the least preferred habitat in the study area despite being the most extensive habitat type. The unusual findings of this study contribute to a broader understanding of the ecology of this previously unstudied fox population.
Progesterone receptor isoform B regulates theOxtr-Plcl2-Trpc3pathway to suppress uterine contractility
Authors: Peavey Mary C. , Wu San-Pin , Li Rong , Liu Jian , Emery Olivia M. , Wang Tianyuan , Zhou Lecong , Wetendorf Margeaux , Yallampalli Chandra , Gibbons William E. , Lydon John P. , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: March 2021

Significance

Preterm birth affects 10 to 12% of all pregnancies and is the primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, while prolonged labor increases the risks of infection, uterine rupture, and neonatal distress. Progesterone suppresses uterine contractions. As humans maintain high levels of progesterone throughout parturition, a “functional progesterone withdrawal” hypothesis suggests that switching between myometrial PGR-A and PGR-B isoform activities is crucial for transitioning into the parturition mode. Our mouse models provide evidence in support of this hypothesis. These findings also demonstrate a significant difference in downstream transcriptomic landscapes between the two PGR isoforms. Therefore, this work opens a venue to investigate the PGR isoform interacting signaling for parturition control, providing a possible pathway for developing clinical therapies.
Saving versus deleting thoughts affects focal and lateral attitude change (Guardar vs. eliminar los pensamientos influye en los cambios actitudinales focales y laterals)
Authors: Bohner Gerd , Boege Ronja M. J. , Glaser Tina , Klempel Lea , Linne Roman
Published: March 2021

Thought handling may affect the subsequent use of thoughts in evaluative judgements. Thus, a person’s attitudes are more influenced by thoughts about the attitude object when the person has saved (versus deleted) a representation of these thoughts. We examined if thought handling would affect not only focal attitude change but also lateral attitude change. Students ( N = 200) listed positive thoughts about a focal object and later either saved or deleted a representation of their thoughts. Then their explicit and implicit attitudes towards the focal object, a lateral (= related) object and an unrelated object were assessed. Results showed that explicit focal attitudes were affected more by thoughts in the save conditions than in the delete conditions. These effects generalized to explicit lateral attitudes but not to explicit unrelated attitudes. Thought (handling) effects on implicit attitudes were generally weak. We discuss the results in terms of a self-validation approach and the lateral attitude change model.
Equations to Prescribe Bicycle Saddle Height based on Desired Joint Kinematics and Bicycle Geometry
Authors: Gatti Anthony A. , Keir Peter J. , Noseworthy Michael D. , Beauchamp Marla K. , Maly Monica R.
Published: March 2021

Overuse knee injuries are common in bicycling and are often attributed to poor bicycle‐fit. Bicycle‐fit for knee health focuses on setting saddle height to elicit a minimum knee flexion angle of 25‐40°. Equations to predict saddle height include a single input, resulting in a likely suboptimal bicycle‐fit. The purpose of this work was to develop an equation to predict saddle height from anthropometrics, bicycle geometry, and user‐defined joint kinematics.

Methods: Forty healthy adults (17 women, 23 men; mean (SD): 28.6 (7.2) years; 24.2 (2.6) kg/m2) participated. Kinematic analyses were conducted for 18 three‐minute bicycling bouts including all combinations of 3 horizontal and 3 vertical saddle positions, and 2 crank arm lengths. For both minimum and maximum knee flexion, predictors were identified using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and final models were fit using linear regression. Secondary analyses determined if saddle height equations were sex dependent.

Results: The equation to predict saddle position from minimum knee flexion angle (R2=0.97; root mean squared error (RMSE) = 1.15 cm) was: Saddle height (cm) = 7.41 + 0.82(inseam cm) – 0.1(minimum knee flexion °) + 0.003(inseam cm)(seat tube angle °). The maximum knee flexion equation (R2=0.97; RMSE=1.15 cm) was: Saddle height (cm) = 41.63 + 0.78(inseam cm) – 0.25(maximum knee flexion °) + 0.002(inseam cm)(seat tube angle °). The saddle height equations were not dependent on sex.

Conclusions: These equations provide a novel, practical strategy for bicycle‐fit that accounts for rider anthropometrics, bicycle geometry and user‐defined kinematics.

Highlights

This work developed simple equations to prescribed bicycle saddle height that elicits desired knee kinematics.

Separate equations are presented for prescribing minimum or maximum knee flexion angle.

Equations can be generalized to riders of both sexes, and a breadth of anthropometrics and ages.
Ultrafast laser in fabrication of micro hemispherical resonators with quality factor over millions
Authors: Shi Yan , Lu Kun , Li Bin , Chen Yimo , Xi Xiang , Wu Yulie , Wu Xuezhong , Xiao Dingbang
Published: March 2021

Fused silica (FS) micro hemispherical resonators have attracted considerable interest for application in high-performance sensors. Manufacturing of resonators with extremely high quality factor and acceptable cost is currently the main challenge. Here, we demonstrate the application of ultrafast laser in manufacturing of three-dimensional (3D) FS micro hemispherical resonators with unrestricted edge shapes. The 3D FS structures fabricated from micro glassblowing are detached from substrates by direct laser ablation with amplification tines, which is useful for improving the performance of the resonators. Resonators fabricated from direct laser ablation are experimentally characterized, exhibiting quality factors over millions via electrostatically characterization. This is the first time that ultrafast lasers are exploited in the manufacturing of mechanical resonators, while obtaining satisfactory performance. Effective integration of the laser ablation into current devices will greatly improve the fabrication ability, generating important implications for future micro electronic devices.
Micromagnetic study for optimum performance of isotropic Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposite bulk magnets
Authors: Kim C S , Ding S L , O Y J , Zha L , Yun C , Yang W Y , Han J Z , Liu S Q , Du H L , Wang C S , Yang J B
Published: March 2021

The nanocomposite magnets attract great interest in the study of high-performance magnets. Here, the micromagnetic simulations have been performed to investigate the effects of various microstructural factors such as grain geometry, grain size, and volume fraction on the performance of a soft-in-hard-matrix nanostructured Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe isotropic magnet. It is found that there is very little dependence of remanence on the geometry of the soft phase. The coercivity decreases with increasing the soft grain size, whereas it has a variation tendency depending on the size of hard grain size. In contrast to a significant role of soft-sphere geometry in anisotropic nanocomposites (Skomski et al 2013 IEEE Trans. Magn. 49 3215), the energy product of the soft-sphere system simulated here is slightly increased (

⩽

8 kJ m−3), compared with that of the soft-cylinder system. In the meantime, a significant enhancement in energy product with increasing the soft grain size is observed only when the hard grain size is less than 15 nm. Our simulation predicts the highest energy product of 347 kJ m−3 with a hard grain size of 5 nm and a soft-sphere size of 12.4 nm (30 vol% of the soft phase). It is shown that the effective magnetocrystalline anisotropy is responsible for the variation in coercivity, based on its quantitative evaluation for the soft-sphere system.
Effective impedance of two-dimensional metal with retardation effect
Authors: Ukhtary M. Shoufie , Saito Riichiro
Published: March 2021

Optical absorption with retardation effect is discussed for two-dimensional (2D) metal. The absorption is given by the induced Joule heat in the metal and it is proportional to Re(σ)/|ɛ|2 in which σ and ɛ denote conductivity and dielectric function, respectively. Here, we investigate the effective impedance in both retarded and non-retarded regions of surface plasmon by discussing the response of the current density to the electric fields. The absorption formula Re(σ)/|ɛ|2 is compared with the formula Re(σ/ɛ) that is commonly used for the absorption in carbon nanotube. We show that Re(σ/ɛ) is equal to Re(σ)/|ɛ|2 only in the non-retarded region. The physical reason for Re(σ/ɛ) ≠ Re(σ)/|ɛ|2 in the retarded region is that the induced current density is not out-of-phase with the induced electric field, which is explained by the effective impedance for both regions. The opposite response of the current to the induced electric field distinguishes the retarded and non-retarded regions. The calculated optical absorption spectra by Re(σ)/|ɛ|2 reproduce the absorption spectra by solving the Maxwell equation as a function of the angular frequency of light or incident angle relative to the 2D surface, which makes Re(σ)/|ɛ|2 a general representation of absorption.
Next-generation ingestible devices: sensing, locomotion and navigation
Authors: Alsunaydih Fahad N , Yuce Mehmet R
Published: March 2021

There is significant interest in exploring the human body’s internal activities and measuring important parameters to understand, treat and diagnose the digestive system environment and related diseases. Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is widely used for gastrointestinal (GI) tract exploration due to its effectiveness as it provides no pain and is totally tolerated by the patient. Current ingestible sensing technology provides a valuable diagnostic tool to establish a platform for monitoring the physiological and biological activities inside the human body. It is also used for visualizing the GI tract to observe abnormalities by recording the internal cavity while moving. However, the capsule endoscopy is still passive, and there is no successful locomotion method to control its mobility through the whole GI tract. Drug delivery, localization of abnormalities, cost reduction and time consumption are improvements that can be gained from having active ingestible WCEs. In this article, the current technological developments of ingestible devices including sensing, locomotion and navigation are discussed and compared. The main features required to implement next-generation active WCEs are explored. The methods are evaluated in terms of the most important features such as safety, velocity, complexity of design, control, and power consumption.
Interpretation of the Galactic gamma-ray excess with the dark matter indicated by 8Be and 4He anomalous transitions *
Authors: Jia Lian-Bao , Li Tong
Published: March 2021

The long-standing Galactic center gamma-ray excess could be explained by GeV dark matter (DM) annihilation, but the DM interpretation seems to conflict with recent joint limits from different astronomical scale observations such as dwarf spheroidal galaxies, the Milky Way halo, and galaxy groups/clusters. Motivated by 8Be and 4He anomalous transitions with possible new interactions mediated by a vector boson X, we consider a small fraction of DM mainly annihilating into a pair of on-shell vector bosons

followed by

in this paper. The Galactic center gamma-ray excess is explained by this DM cascade annihilation. The gamma rays are mainly from inverse Compton scattering emission, and the DM cascade annihilation could be compatible with joint astrophysical limits and meanwhile be allowed by AMS-02 positron observation. The direct detection of this model is also discussed.
Main Results of the 27th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology (VTT2020)
Authors: Kostrin D K , Martsinukov S A , Potrakhov N N
Published: March 2021

In this preface the main results of the 27th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology (VTT2020) that was held on 27–29 October 2020 in Saint Petersburg, Russia are discussed.

From 27 to 29 October 2020, the 27th International Conference on Vacuum Technique and Technology was held in the virtual form at the Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”. The Conference was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” named after V I Ulyanov (Lenin), All-Russian Research Institute of Metrology named after D I Mendeleev, Institute of Problems of Mechanical Engineering of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Scientific and Technical Vacuum Society named after Academician S A Vekshinskiy, Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, Euro-Asian Cooperation of National Metrology Institutes (COOMET), National Metrology Institute (TUBITAK UME, Turkey).

List of Images, Organizing Committee, Program Committee, Members, are available in this pdf.
Calculation and design of a technological module for formation of island thin films and nanostructures in vacuum
Authors: Isaeva A A , Andreasyan O G
Published: March 2021

The application areas of island thin films are considered, and the relevance of their application is presented. The choice of the method for formation island thin films and nanostructures is justified. A design of the thermal evaporation module is proposed and its documentation is developed. The use of it will allow to form continuous and island coatings. Variants for placing the module in the laboratory equipment - MVTU-11-1MS are considered. The analysis of the evaporator configurations was carried out and the type of evaporator – «tape» evaporator, was selected. The necessary calculations are presented: evaporator resistance (2,31 mOm) and thermal calculation (1200 K, 20), – this contributed the design of the module and the materials selection of its components.
Magnetron with sandwich target for solid composite film deposition Mo
x
Cr1–x
N
Authors: Kozin A A , Shapovalov V I , Shestakov D S , Rudakov A V , Shabalin A E , Pavlov V A
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider a technological magnetron equipped with a sandwich target designed for the synthesis of Mo
x
Cr1–x
N composite films with a continuous change in the stoichiometric coefficient x, which provides a smooth change in hardness. In this paper, the relationship between the stoichiometric coefficient x and the geometric factor equal to the relative total area of the slots in the external target is established. It is established that the proposed magnetron with a sandwich target makes it possible to synthesize Mo
x
Cr1–x
N solid composite films with a continuous change in the stoichiometric coefficient x, which provides a smooth change in the hardness from 18 to 33 GPA. In this case, the stoichiometric coefficient can be controlled in the range 0 < x < 0.3, varying the area of the slots in the range 0 < α < 0.5 for the specified values of the discharge current density and nitrogen consumption.
Reactive magnetron sputtering of TiN-Pb coatings using two metal targets
Authors: Lozovan A A , Lyakhovetsky M A , Pavlov Yu S , Kostrin D K
Published: March 2021

One of the promising areas of application of the magnetron co-sputtering method using two separate targets in a reactive atmosphere is to increase the tribological properties of friction pairs by applying composite solid lubricant coatings consisting of a solid matrix and a soft lubricant. In this paper, we study the dependence of the parameters of TiN-Pb coatings obtained by co-spraying of separate Ti and Pb targets in a mixture of Ar and N gases on pressure. The factors that have a significant impact on the process of coating deposition were also determined.
Thermal stability of the hypereutectic silumin structure subjected to a pulsed electron beam treatment
Authors: Petrikova E A , Ivanov Yu F , Teresov A D , Rygina M E
Published: March 2021

Hypereutectic silumins have many positive properties - low density, high specific strength and corrosion resistance. They are non-magnetic, retain their strength at low, up to cryogenic temperatures, have a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient, high modulus of elasticity, increased wear resistance in friction pairs, etc. The structure of hypereutectic silumin is formed by a plastic eutectic matrix and brittle primary silicon crystals larger than 100 urn, and also contains crystals of aluminides of iron, copper, titanium and zirconium. Silumin of hypereutectic (18 wt% Si) composition was modified by irradiating the specimens by an intense pulsed electron beam. It was found that irradiation of hypereutectic silumin with an electron beam leads to a significant decrease in the number of micropores, the formation of a structure of high-speed cellular crystallization.
Low-frequency plasma oscillations in transient conditions of an accelerator with an anode layer
Authors: Thu Aung Soe , Marakhtanov M K , Khokhlov Yu A
Published: March 2021

The results are the research of oscillations discharge voltage and ion current of an accelerator with an anode layer (AAL), working without a cathode-compensator. The ion beam flows into the region, occupied by a volume charge and created by its own particles of the beam. Oscillogram received the oscillations of the plasma discharges (AAL) from this operating mode. This mode called the transient mode. Based on the analysis of the obtained oscillograms, an explanation of the reason for the development of oscillations. The effect of power supply voltage ripple is established (AAL) on the development of oscillations discharge voltage and current of the ion beam in the transient (unstable) mode of the single-stage ion accelerator with an anode layer (AAL), working without a cathode-compensator.
Standard absolute pressure transducers MIDA-SA-15-S for vacuum equipment
Authors: Vaskov Y A , Savchenko E G , Stuchebnikov V M
Published: March 2021

High-precision digital (RS485 / Modbus) absolute pressure transducer based on “silicon on sapphire” structures for vacuum technology is presented.
Effects of extreme temperature on China’s tea production
Authors: Yan Yulin , Jeong Sujong , Park Chang-Eui , Mueller Nathaniel D , Piao Shilong , Park Hoonyoung , Joo Jaewon , Chen Xing , Wang Xuhui , Liu Junguo , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: March 2021

The production of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze), the world’s second most consumed beverage, is susceptible to extreme weather events. However, our understanding about the impacts of extreme temperatures and climate change on tea yields remains fairly limited. Here we quantify the historical and predict future fluctuations in tea yield caused by extreme temperatures in China, the largest tea producing country. We found that both heat and cold extremes were associated with significantly reduced tea yields. In the present climate, dominating cold extremes influence more than half of China’s tea production, with a maximum of 56.3% reduced annual production. In the near future, we predict positive net impacts of climate change on tea yield in all study regions at both the 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming levels. Climate warming may diminish the negative impacts of cold extremes to 14%, especially at the current most affected northern tea growing regions (>28° N). However, new areas of yield reduction by intensified heat extremes will emerge, up to 14%–26% yield losses estimated at the Yangtze River (∼30° N) and southern China (<∼25° N) regions. Although the Paris Agreement targets limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, we expect up to 11%–24% heat-induced yield loss in Chongqing, Hunan, Anhui, and Zhejiang. Increasing heat extremes pose the most challenging changes for tea production in China. Therefore, addressing the regional difference of extreme temperature shifts is urgent for adapting tea production to climate change.
Material ratio curve of 3D surface topography of additively manufactured parts: an attempt to characterise open surface pores
Authors: Lou S , Zhu Z , Zeng W , Majewski C , Scott P J , Jiang X
Published: March 2021

Surface topography of additively manufactured components often contains 3D features, e.g. particles, open surface pores. X-ray computed topography can capture these features, allowing measurement data to be used for 3D surface texture characterisation. On the basis of the newly developed 3D surface texture parameters, this paper investigates material ratio curves of the surfaces produced by additive manufacturing processes, i.e. selective laser melting and high speed sintering. The material ratio curves of these surfaces vary in their shapes, depending on the specific process and associated process parameters, as well as surface orientations. Re-entrant topography features can result in recess shapes on the material ratio curve at the surface heights where these features locate. This unique characteristic makes the material ratio curve an effective analysis tool to differentiate various AM surface topographies, allowing surface texture to be linked with process control and functional assessment. Furthermore,

V
v
v

(valley void volume) is identified as a useful volume parameter to characterise the open surface pores of AM surfaces. The material ratio

M
r
2

for the determination of

V
v
v

is discussed with the consideration of three options to address the open surface pores. The secant scanning approach proposed by ISO 13565-2 and the manual set ratio at the first sharp drop of the material ratio curve were found to be able to achieve reasonable results for the AM open surface pore characterisation.
Guiding magnetic liquid metal for flexible circuit
Authors: Zhang Chengjun , Yang Qing , Yong Jiale , Shan Chao , Zhang Jingzhou , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: March 2021

Liquid metal (LM) has potential applications in flexible electronics due to its high electrical conductivity and high flexibility. However, common methods of printing LM circuits on soft substrates lack controllability, precision, and the ability to repair a damaged circuit. In this paper, we propose a method that uses a magnetic field to guide a magnetic LM (MLM) droplet to print and repair a flexible LM circuit on a femtosecond (fs) laser-patterned silicone surface. After mixing magnetic iron (Fe) particles into LM, the movement of the resultant MLM droplet could be controlled by a magnetic field. A patterned structure composed of the untreated flat domain and the LM-repellent rough microstructure produced by fs laser ablation was prepared on the silicone substrate. As an MLM droplet was guided onto the designed pattern, a soft LM circuit with smooth, uniform, and high-precision LM lines was obtained. Interestingly, the MLM droplet could also be guided to repair the circuit broken LM lines, and the repaired circuit maintained its original electrical properties. A flexible tensile sensor was prepared based on the printed LM circuit, which detected the bending degree of a finger.
Temperature-Controlled Monopolar Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Submental Skin Laxity: A Prospective Study
Authors: Turer David M , James Isaac B , DiBernardo Barry E
Published: March 2021

Background

Laxity of the submental area is a common cosmetic complaint of the aging population.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of a temperature-controlled, minimally invasive percutaneous monopolar radiofrequency device to improve dermal laxity and achieve lift.

Methods

A total of 72 subjects (35-65 years old) with mild to moderate skin laxity in the submental area were included in this single-center prospective study. All subjects received 1 treatment at baseline with an average subdermal temperature of 63°C. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with at least a 20-mm2 decrease in surface area at Day 90 based on 3-dimensional photography. Secondary endpoints included skin elasticity measured by Cutometer, assessment by a blinded physician panel from 2-dimensional photographs, and physician- and subject-reported outcomes.

Results

At Day 90, 72.1% (95% CI: 62.2%-84.0%; P < 0.001) of subjects achieved at least a 20-mm2 lift of the submental area. All Cutometer-measured skin elasticity values (R2, R5, R7) showed significant improvement by 180 days. The independent panel graded 74.2% of subjects as “improved” at 90 days (95% CI: 62.0%-84.2%; P < 0.001). The treatment was well tolerated, and only 1 possibly related serious adverse event was reported (pharyngeal inflammation).

Conclusions

Treatment with temperature-controlled monopolar radiofrequency alone is a safe and effective treatment to achieve submental lift for at least 6 months.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Effect of Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, and Operative Time on Abdominal Body Contouring Outcomes
Authors: Vasilakis Vasileios , Lisiecki Jeffrey L , Kortesis Bill G , Bharti Gaurav , Hunstad Joseph P
Published: March 2021

Background

Abdominal body contouring procedures are associated with the highest rates of complications among all aesthetic procedures. Patient selection and optimization of surgical variables are crucial in reducing morbidity and complications.

Objectives

The purpose of this single-institution study was to assess complication rates, and to evaluate BMI, operative time, and history of bariatric surgery as individual risk factors in abdominal body contouring surgery.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent abdominoplasty, circumferential lower body lift, fleur-de-lis panniculectomy (FDL), and circumferential FDL between August 2014 and February 2020. Endpoints were the incidence of venous thromboembolism, bleeding events, seroma, infection, wound complications, and reoperations. Univariate statistical analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Covariates in the multivariate logistic regression were BMI, procedure time, and history of bariatric surgery.

Results

A total of 632 patients were included in the study. Univariate analysis revealed that longer procedure time was associated with infection (P = 0.0008), seroma (P = 0.002), necrosis/dehiscence (P = 0.01), and reoperation (P = 0.002). These associations persisted following multivariate analyses. There was a trend toward history of bariatric surgery being associated with minor reoperation (P = 0.054). No significant increase in the incidence of major reoperation was found in association with overweight or obese patient habitus, history of bariatric surgery, or prolonged procedure time. BMI was not found to be an individual risk factor for morbidity in this patient population.

Conclusions

In abdominal body contouring surgery, surgery lasting longer than 6 hours is associated with higher incidence of seroma and infectious complications, as well as higher rates of minor reoperation.

Level of Evidence: 4
BART3D: inferring transcriptional regulators associated with differential chromatin interactions from Hi-C data
Authors: Wang Zhenjia , Zhang Yifan , Zang Chongzhi
Published: March 2021

Identification of functional transcriptional regulators (TRs) associated with chromatin interactions is an important problem in studies of 3-dimensional genome organization and gene regulation. Direct inference of TR binding has been limited by the resolution of Hi-C data. Here, we present BART3D, a computational method for inferring TRs associated with genome-wide differential chromatin interactions by comparing Hi-C maps from two states, leveraging public ChIP-seq data for human and mouse. We demonstrate that BART3D can detect relevant TRs from dynamic Hi-C profiles with TR perturbation or cell differentiation. BART3D can be a useful tool in 3D genome data analysis and functional genomics research.

Availability and implementation

BART3D is implemented in Python and the source code is available at https://github.com/zanglab/bart3d.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Prognosis of cancer survivors: estimation based on differential equations
Authors: Ryalen Pål C , Møller Bjørn , Laache Christoffer H , Stensrud Mats J , Røysland Kjetil
Published: March 2021

We present a method for estimating several prognosis parameters for cancer survivors. The method utilizes the fact that these parameters solve differential equations driven by cumulative hazards. By expressing the parameters as solutions to differential equations, we develop generic estimators that are easy to implement with standard statistical software. We explicitly describe the estimators for prognosis parameters that are often employed in practice, but also for parameters that, to our knowledge, have not been used to evaluate prognosis. We then apply these parameters to assess the prognosis of five common cancers in Norway.
The different phenotypes of COPD
Authors: Yousuf Ahmed , McAuley Hamish , Elneima Omer , Brightling Christopher E
Published: March 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To improve the health status and reduce symptom burden, it is important to identify a group of patients with similar characteristics and prognosis, called clinical phenotypes. Herein we shall review the different phenotypes of COPD.

Sources of data

Keywords (COPD, phenotype, acute exacerbation) search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar.

Areas of agreement

Those with raised blood eosinophil counts respond better to steroid therapy at stable state and exacerbation.

Areas of controversy

There is no universally accepted blood eosinophil cut-off value that will indicate favourable response to corticosteroids and potentially for future biologic therapy.

Growing points

There is an urgent need for further therapeutic options for COPD patients with non-eosinophilic inflammation.

Areas timely for developing research

Well-designed COPD trials with identification of phenotypes for more personalization of the treatment of COPD.
Queens remate despite traumatic mating in stingless bees
Authors: Veiga Jamille Costa , Ruiz Gustavo Rodrigo Sanches , Carvalho-Zilse Gislene Almeida , Menezes Cristiano , Contrera Felipe Andrés León
Published: March 2021

Males can control female reproduction using genital plugs to impede access by rivals. In social bees, ants, and wasps, plugging may involve traumatic mating, with females being harmed. In stingless bees, chances are that plugs may promote ovarian activan, and are thought to ensure single mating—a general tendency among the social Hymenoptera. However, understanding on relationships between mating plugs, traumatic mating, and mating systems in stingless bees remains limited. To address this, we (1) compared mated queens of 7 Neotropical species to understand the patterns of copulatory marks in females and (2) compared pre- and post-mating genitalia of males and females in Melipona fasciculata to depict plug functional morphology. Data revealed an unprecedented consequence of mating in stingless bees: the characteristic marks left by mating plugs on female abdomens and the inferences that can be made from them. To our surprise, in 1 species M. fasciculata we found that queens retain the plug long after mating, and may carry it for the rest of their lives. All the other 6 species retained the plug for only a short period. Remated queens were only found in M. seminigra, whose multiple copulatory marks match previous findings of polyandry in this species. Our study shows that queens can remate, and suggests that male genital morphology may determine in part the time persistence of plugs. We conclude that traumatic mating plugs do not fully prevent remating in stingless bees and that mating systems are not uniform in this group. Nonetheless, exceptional cases of facultative polyandry in social insects—for example, when mating plugs fail—may confirm a general tendency for single mating in close link with efficient mating plugs.
Telomere shortening is associated with corticosterone stress response in adult barn swallows
Authors: Costanzo Alessandra , Ambrosini Roberto , Parolini Marco , Caprioli Manuela , Secomandi Simona , Rubolini Diego , Fusani Leonida , Canoine Virginie
Published: March 2021

When vertebrates face stressful events, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is activated, generating a rapid increase in circulating glucocorticoid (GC) stress hormones followed by a return to baseline levels. However, repeated activation of HPA axis may lead to increase in oxidative stress. One target of oxidative stress is telomeres, nucleoprotein complexes at the end of chromosomes that shorten at each cell division. The susceptibility of telomeres to oxidizing molecules has led to the hypothesis that increased GC levels boost telomere shortening, but studies on this link are scanty. We studied if, in barn swallows Hirundo rustica, changes in adult erythrocyte telomere length between 2 consecutive breeding seasons are related to corticosterone (CORT) (the main avian GC) stress response induced by a standard capture-restraint protocol. Within-individual telomere length did not significantly change between consecutive breeding seasons. Second-year individuals showed the highest increase in circulating CORT concentrations following restraint. Moreover, we found a decline in female stress response along the breeding season. In addition, telomere shortening covaried with the stress response: a delayed activation of the negative feedback loop terminating the stress response was associated with greater telomere attrition. Hence, among-individual variation in stress response may affect telomere dynamics.
Collapse of the endemic lizardPodarcis pityusensison the island of Ibiza mediated by an invasive snake
Authors: Montes Elba , Kraus Fred , Chergui Brahim , Pleguezuelos Juan M
Published: March 2021

The invasive snake Hemorrhois hippocrepis colonized the island of Ibiza (Balearic Islands) in 2003 as stowaways inside trunks of olive trees imported for gardening. It has quickly spread since 2010, posing a threat to the island’s only remaining endemic vertebrate, the Ibiza wall lizard Podarcis pityusensis. We map the yearly expansion rate of the snake and estimate via transect surveys how severely it affects the distribution and abundance of the endemic lizard. As well, we surveyed 9 of 30 small lizard populations on islets surrounding Ibiza that have been isolated since the Last Glacial Maximum. Snakes had invaded 49% of Ibiza’s land area by 2018, and censuses show a critical contrast in lizard abundance between areas with and without snakes; almost all censuses in areas without snakes show lizard presence whereas nearly all censuses in areas with H. hippocrepis lack lizard sightings. Moreover, at least one subspecies previously thriving on one of the offshore islets has become extinct, and there have been several snakes recorded swimming between Ibiza and the surrounding islets. Therefore, lizard populations have been dramatically reduced or have vanished within the range of the snake, and our results quantitatively support upgrading this species’ threat level for extinction. This study can inform to programs to manage invasive snake populations and to conservation actions to recover the endemic lizard.
Contrast echocardiography facilitates appropriate management of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and suspected right ventricular masses: case series
Authors: Botrous Christina , Bioh Gabriel , Patel Ashish , Hampson Reinette , Senior Roxy
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with a coagulopathy with high incidence of venous thrombo-embolism. However, bleeding risk is also significant, causing difficulty in initiating and adjusting anticoagulation therapy in case of suspected thrombi. Cardiac masses can be challenging to be identified properly in the context of this disease. The use of bedside contrast echocardiography (CE) can be of a great value in this situation decreasing procedure-related risk and allowing proper diagnosis and management of a cardiac mass.

Cases summary

We present two cases who were admitted with severe COVID-19 infection. Both cases had additional risk factors for hypercoagulability. Un-enhanced echocardiography was performed and revealed right ventricular (RV) dysfunction with a suspected RV mass. The use of bedside CE could confirm a RV thrombus in the first case and exclude it in the second case. Hence, anticoagulation therapy could be adjusted accordingly in both patients.

Discussion

Coronavirus disease 2019 infection is associated with peripheral thrombo-embolism and cardiac thrombi. Given the critical condition of many patients affected by COVID-19, imaging for thrombo-embolic events is often restricted. With the use of bedside CE, cardiac masses may be correctly identified, aiding proper adjustment of anticoagulation therapy.
Case report: iatrogenic left ventricular outflow tract to right atrium fistula after trans-femoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation associated with asymmetric septal hypertrophy
Authors: Al Ayouby Ahmad , Gilard Martine , Hebert Thomas , Didier Romain
Published: March 2021

Background 

The transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is becoming a leading treatment option for symptomatic aortic stenosis for patients in all surgical risk categories. Recognition and management of potential complications are essential to ensure patient life and comfort. We present here a case report of a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) to right atrium (RA) fistula which is an extremely rare complication after TAVI.

Case summary 

An 85-year-old man with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and non-obstructive asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) underwent a transfemoral TAVI. Soon after the procedure, he developed chest pain and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. A transthoracic echocardiography followed by a transoesophageal echocardiography showed a small pseudo-aneurysm with a fistulous tract between the LVOT and the RA. This was confirmed by a contrast computed tomography scan of the heart. The patient remained asymptomatic throughout the rest of hospitalization. He was treated with diuretics and discharged home. One month follow-up showed increase in the width, jet size, and gradient of the fistula but the patient remained asymptomatic. The decision by Heart team was to closely monitor him for symptoms since the fistula is difficult to access percutaneously.

Discussion 

We report a unique case of an LVOT to RA fistula in the setting of ASH that occurred post-TAVI. Alcohol septal ablation was proposed pre-TAVI for patients having septal thickening >15 mm and dynamic obstruction. Treatment options for iatrogenic fistula vary from symptomatic treatment to percutaneous or surgical closure.
Fulminant cardiac sarcoidosis resembling giant cell myocarditis: a case report
Authors: Jiang Ginger Y , Cai Qizhe , Grandin E Wilson , Sabe Marwa A
Published: March 2021

Background

Severe cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) can share clinical and histopathologic features with giant cell myocarditis (GCM).

Case summary

A 56-year-old female presented with 1 week of exertional chest pressure and dyspnoea. Echocardiogram demonstrated extensive regional dysfunction with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 38%. Cardiac catheterization revealed no obstructive coronary artery disease and cardiac index 1.5 L/min/m2. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated diffuse late gadolinium enhancement. Positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) (FDG-PET) computed tomography showed FDG uptake in the anteroseptal and anterior wall and no extracardiac activity. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) demonstrated fragments of endocardial fibrosis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate including histiocytic giant cells, which could be due to CS or GCM. She was initially treated for GCM with high dose steroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. Repeat EMB was pursued and demonstrated multiple granulomas with sharp demarcation from adjacent uninvolved myocardium consistent with CS. A dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed, and immunosuppression was changed to prednisone alone with plan for infliximab.

Discussion

This case illustrates a rare presentation of fulminant isolated CS. Endomyocardial biopsy with sufficient tissue was critical to establish a diagnosis and initiate appropriate immunosuppression.
Immunoglobulin G4-related masses surrounding coronary arteries: a case report
Authors: Nakamura Takuya , Goryo Yutaka , Isojima Takuya , Kawata Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

Background

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition with high serum IgG4 levels affecting various organs, such as the pancreas, lacrimal and salivary glands, thyroid, kidney, and lung. Typical cardiovascular manifestations of IgG4-RD include periaortitis, coronary arteritis, and pericarditis. However, reports of IgG4-RD associated with coronary arteritis are rare. Here, we report a case of IgG4-related masses surrounding the coronary arteries.

Case summary

A 59-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of mediastinal masses detected by computed tomography (CT). Coronary CT angiography revealed masses surrounding the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending coronary artery. An elevated serum level of IgG4 and histological findings led to the diagnosis of IgG4-related coronary arteritis with mass formation. Coronary angiography showed numerous feeding arteries to the masses, which were demonstrated as multiple microchannels in the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images.

Discussion

IgG4-RD involving the cardiovascular system has been reported. However, coronary artery disease associated with IgG4-RD is very rare, and the mechanism of mass formation in IgG4-related coronary arteritis is unclear. In our case, within the cardiovascular system, IgG4-RD was limited to the coronary arteries, suggesting that the affected coronary arteries may provide the necessary blood supply to the mass, thus, aiding its growth. These findings were supported by the images from coronary angiography and IVUS.
Concept of myocardial fatigue in reversible severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction from afterload mismatch: a case series
Authors: Tran Patrick , Joshi Mithilesh , Banerjee Prithwish
Published: March 2021

Background 

There is already extensive literature on the natural history of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and aortic stenosis (AS). Once these patients develop severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) despite guideline-directed therapy for heart failure (HF), it is often thought to be end-stage from irreversible adverse remodelling. Our case series challenges this traditional paradigm. A more holistic model that factors in the interactions between the ventricle and vasculature is required. Based on a novel hypothetical concept of myocardial fatigue, we propose that occasionally LVSD is not an inherent myocardial or valvular disease but a consequence of an arterial afterload mismatch. By addressing this, the ventricle may recover and contract efficiently in unison with the arterial system.

Case summary 

We present two cases of severe LVSD in a young lady with long-standing essential hypertension and a gentleman with stable severe AS. Both patients were already established on HF medications. After optimizing their blood pressure control, repeat echocardiography revealed normalization of left ventricular ejection fraction within 3 months, along with a demonstrable improvement in ventricular–arterial coupling and for AS, a reduction in valvular-arterial impedance.

Discussion 

Just as Frank–Starling’s law was discovered by initially drawing analogies to skeletal muscle behaviour, it is biologically plausible that cardiac fatigue can occur in the setting of afterload mismatch. The chance of recovery rests upon early recognition before it transitions to irreversible myocardial damage. Only by testing new emerging theories of HF can we galvanize original research and find new avenues to understanding this complex syndrome.