bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short- and Long-term Outcomes Following Side-to-side Strictureplasty and its Modification Over the Ileocaecal Valve for Extensive Crohn’s Ileitis
Authors: Bislenghi G , Ferrante M , Sabino J , Verstockt B , Martin-Perez B , Fieuws S , Wolthuis A , Vermeire S , D’Hoore A
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Postoperative recurrence remains a challenging problem in patients with Crohn’s disease [CD]. To avoid development of short bowel syndrome, strictureplasty techniques have therefore been proposed. We evaluated short- and long-term outcomes of atypical strictureplasties in CD patients with extensive bowel involvement.

Methods

Side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty [SSIS] was performed according to the Michelassi technique or modification of this over the ileocaecal valve [mSSIS]. Ninety-day postoperative morbidity was assessed using the comprehensive complication index [CCI]. Clinical recurrence was defined as symptomatic, endoscopically or radiologically confirmed, stricture/inflammatory lesion requiring medical treatment or surgery. Surgical recurrence was defined as the need for any surgical intervention. Endoscopic remission was defined as ≤i1, according to the modified Rutgeerts score. Deep remission was defined as the combination of endoscopic remission and absence of clinical symptoms. Perioperative factors related to clinical recurrence were evaluated.

Results

A total of 52 CD patients [SSIS n = 12; mSSIS n = 40] were included. No mortality occurred. Mean CCI was 10.3 [range 0–33.7]. Median follow-up was 5.9 years [range 0.8–9.9]. Clinical recurrence [19 patients] was 29.7% and 39.6% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. Surgical recurrence [seven patients] was 2% and 14.1% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, 92% of patients kept the original strictureplasty and deep remission was observed in 25.7% of the mSSIS patients. None of the perioperative variables considered showed a significant association with clinical recurrence.

Conclusions

SSIS is safe, effective, and provides durable disease control in patients with extensive CD ileitis.
A Field-Relevant Concentration of the Insecticide Imidacloprid Affects Grooming, Locomotion, and Longevity in the Biological Control Agent Spalangia endius (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Burgess Edwin R , King B H
Published: March 2020

Foreign materials like insecticides may increase grooming in insects; and generally, grooming may be expected to reduce effects of insecticides, but this may not be the case when grooming involves the mouth and hence a risk of ingestion. To examine this, female Spalangia endius, a wasp that parasitizes filth fly pupae, were exposed to a surface coated with a low concentration of imidacloprid or not. Their mouthparts were sealed or not to determine whether sealing is a useful method for examining effects of mouth grooming. Wasps mouth-groomed more frequently while exposed to imidacloprid than when not. However, imidacloprid did not increase the number of times that a wasp groomed the rest of her body, and this was true regardless of whether or not her mouthparts were sealed. While exposed to imidacloprid, wasps spent less time locomoting only if their mouthparts were not sealed. Having been exposed to imidacloprid also decreased subsequent longevity, from 9 to 7 d. These effects of imidacloprid on grooming, locomotion, and longevity occurred despite exposure being for just 5 min and to only 2% of the amount that will be present in an area immediately after house fly baits are scattered at their recommended coverage. This is such a low amount that, with 48 h of constant exposure, mortality of these wasps is only 10%. Having mouthparts sealed decreased locomotion and longevity regardless of exposure to imidacloprid. Thus, sealing mouthparts is not useful for measuring effects of mouth grooming.
Statin dose titration patterns and subsequent major cardiovascular events in very high-risk patients: estimates from Swedish population-based registry data
Authors: Banefelt Jonas , Lindh Maria , Svensson Maria K , Eliasson Björn , Tai Ming-Hui
Published: March 2020

Aims

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of intensive statin therapy in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular (CV) events. Our objective was to examine statin titration patterns and the association between titration patterns and subsequent CV events in very high-risk patients.

Methods and results

Using Swedish national population-based registry data, we identified 192 435 patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic CV disease initiated on moderate-intensity statin therapy between 2006 and 2013. Outcomes of interest were titration to high-intensity therapy and the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) composite (myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and CV death) outcome. Cumulative incidence of MACE was assessed by titration status 1-year post-treatment initiation in patients adherent to treatment during the first year, using a 12-week cut-off from initiation to define early, delayed and no up-titration to high-intensity statins. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). In 144 498 eligible patients, early titration was associated with significantly lower risk of MACE in the subsequent 2 years compared to no up-titration (HR 0.76, P < 0.01]. Delayed up-titration was associated with a smaller reduction (HR 0.88, P = 0.08). The majority of patients did not up-titrate.

Conclusion

Early up-titration to high-intensity statins was independently associated with lower risk of subsequent CV events compared to no up-titration. Delayed up-titration was not associated with the same benefit. Despite the higher risk associated with no up-titration, few patients at very high CV risk who started treatment on moderate-intensity up-titrated to high intensity, indicating a potential need for more aggressive lipid management of these patients in clinical practice.
Customary International Law: Interpretation from Beginning to End
Authors: Chasapis Tassinis Orfeas
Published: March 2020

Does interpretation have a role to play with respect to customary international law? Common wisdom suggests that, because customary legal norms are unwritten, they need not be interpreted prior to their application. Instead, it is assumed that once one has identified such a norm, one also knows its content. This approach glosses over a series of critical questions: what interpretative choices are made when describing the practice leading to the formation of legal norm in a certain way as opposed to another? What choices are made when interpreting a given practice so as to infer norms of a general import? And what leeway is then left for interpreting norms already identified so as to clarify their meaning? Tackling these questions, this article argues that interpretation in fact can play a role at every stage in the life of custom. As such, interpretation calls us to rethink our operating assumptions about this fundamental source of international law by putting front and centre two neglected theoretical problems: custom’s inherent plasticity and the difficulty of clearly individuating its legal rules.
Prevalence and in-hospital outcomes of patients with malignancies undergoing de novo cardiac electronic device implantation in the USA
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed O , Barac Ana , Contractor Tahmeed , Silvet Helme , Arroyo Ruben Casado , Parwani Purvi , Kwok Chun Shing , Martin Glen P , Patwala Ashish , Mamas Mamas A
Published: March 2020

Aims

To study the outcomes of cancer patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation.

Methods and results

De novo CIED implantations (2004–15; n = 2 670 590) from the National Inpatient Sample were analysed for characteristics and in-hospital outcomes, stratified by presence of cancer (no cancer, historical and current cancers) and further by current cancer type (haematological, lung, breast, colon, and prostate). Current and historical cancer prevalence has increased from 3.3% to 7.8%, and 5.8% to 7.8%, respectively, between 2004 and 2015. Current cancer was associated with increased adjusted odds ratio (OR) of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [composite of all-cause mortality, thoracic and cardiac complications, and device-related infection; OR 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–1.30], all-cause mortality (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35–1.50), major bleeding (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.32–1.44), and thoracic complications (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.35–1.43). Differences in outcomes were observed according to cancer type, with significantly worse MACE, mortality and thoracic complications with lung and haematological malignancies, and increased major bleeding in colon and prostate malignancies. The risk of complications was also different according to CIED subtype.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cancer patients amongst those undergoing CIED implantation has significantly increased over 12 years. Overall, current cancers are associated with increased mortality and worse outcomes, especially in patients with lung, haematological, and colon malignancies whereas there was no evidence that historical cancer had a negative impact on outcomes.
C-reactive protein after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and its relationship with postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Olesen Oliver Juul , Vinding Naja Emborg , Østergaard Lauge , Butt Jawad H , Gislason Gunnar H , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup
Published: March 2020

Aims

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inflammation may be an important factor for the pathogenesis of POAF, and increased preoperative levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with the development of POAF. However, the relationship between postoperative CRP and POAF is less well established.

Methods and results

Patients undergoing first-time isolated CABG surgery (1 January 2000–31 December 2016) were identified using the Eastern Danish Heart Surgery Database and nationwide administrative registries. Patients with no history of atrial fibrillation and with available CRP measurements from postoperative day (POD) 4 were included. The study population was divided into quartiles based on CRP. The association between CRP levels and the odds of developing POAF was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. We included 6711 patients. The CRP intervals on POD 4 for the CRP groups (lowest to highest) were ≤90, >90 to ≤127, >127 to ≤175, and >175 mg/L, respectively. Patients in the highest CRP group were older and more often men compared with patients in the lowest CRP group [median age 67 years (P25–P75: 61–73) and 84.7% men vs. median age 64 years (P25–P75: 56–70) and 77.9% men]. In the lowest and highest CRP groups, 25% and 35% developed POAF, respectively. In adjusted analysis, the highest CRP group, compared with the lowest CRP group, was associated with greater odds of developing POAF (odds ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.54).

Conclusion

Increased postoperative CRP levels after CABG surgery was associated with the development of POAF.
Research advance in regulation of fruit quality characteristics by microRNAs
Authors: Ma Li , Shi Yan-na , Grierson Don , Chen Kun-song
Published: March 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (19–24 nucleotides in length) noncoding RNAs that have a profound effect on gene expression. By completely or almost perfectly base-pairing with their individual target mRNAs they cause mRNA cleavage or repression of translation. As important regulators, miRNAs plays an important role in the regulation of fruit quality. Extensive studies have been reported in fruits, however current studies are mostly focused on the identification of miRNAs and the prediction and validation of target genes. This review summarizes research progress on the role of miRNAs in regulating fruit ripening and senescence and quality characteristics, such as coloration, flavor metabolism, and texture for providing information for future research.
Rheology and thermal structure of the lithosphere beneath the Hawaiian Ridge inferred from gravity data and models of plate flexure
Authors: Pleus Alexandra , Ito Garrett , Wessel Paul , Frazer L Neil
Published: March 2020

We examine the rheology and thermal structure of the oceanic lithosphere, expressed in situ by plate flexure beneath the Hawaiian Ridge, where volcanoes of variable sizes have loaded seafloor of approximately the same age, and thus where the lithosphere is expected to have had an approximately uniform age-dependent thermal structure at the time of loading. Shipboard and satellite-derived gravity, as well as multibeam bathymetry data are used in models of plate flexure with curvature-dependent flexural rigidity, the strength of which is limited, in the shallow lithosphere, by brittle failure, and in the deeper lithosphere, by low-temperature plasticity (LTP). We compute relative likelihoods and posterior probabilities for four model parameters: average crustal density ρc, friction coefficient for brittle failure ${\mu _f}$, a pre-exponential weakening factor F controlling the strength of LTP and lithospheric geotherm age t. Results show that if the lithosphere temperatures were as is expected for normal (t = ) 90-Myr-old seafloor at the time of volcano loading, the rheology must be significantly weaker than expected. Specifically, weak brittle strengths (μf ≤ 0.3) show relatively high probabilities for three of the six published LTP flow laws examined. Alternatively, moderate-to-large brittle strengths (μf ≥ 0.5) require all LTP flow laws to be substantially weakened with F = 102 to > 108 or, equivalently, activation energy reduced by 10–35 per cent. In contrast, if the lithosphere has been moderately reheated by the Hawaiian hotspot, represented by geotherms for t = 50–70 Myr, then the flow laws of Evans & Goetze, Raterron et al. and Krancj et al. require little or no weakening. Such modest thermal rejuvenation is allowed by heatflow constraints, supported by regional mantle seismic tomography imaging as well as compositions of mantle xenoliths, and reconciles previously noted discrepancies between the LTP strengths of lithosphere beneath Hawaii versus that entering the Pacific subduction zones.
Inference about causation from examination of familial confounding (ICE FALCON): a model for assessing causation analogous to Mendelian randomization
Authors: Li Shuai , Bui Minh , Hopper John L
Published: March 2020

Background

We developed a method to make Inference about Causation from Examination of FAmiliaL CONfounding (ICE FALCON) using observational data for related individuals and considering changes in a pair of regression coefficients. ICE FALCON has some similarities to Mendelian randomization (MR) but uses in effect all the familial determinants of the exposure, not just those captured by measured genetic variants, and does not require genetic data nor make strong assumptions. ICE FALCON can assess tracking of a measure over time, an issue often difficult to assess using MR due to lack of a valid instrumental variable.

Methods

We describe ICE FALCON and present two empirical applications with simulations.

Results

We found evidence consistent with body mass index (BMI) having a causal effect on DNA methylation at the ABCG1 locus, the same conclusion as from MR analyses but providing about 2.5 times more information per subject. We found evidence that tracking of BMI is consistent with longitudinal causation, as well as familial confounding. The simulations supported the validity of ICE FALCON.

Conclusions

There are conceptual similarities between ICE FALCON and MR, but empirically they are giving similar conclusions with possibly more information per subject from ICE FALCON. ICE FALCON can be applied to circumstances in which MR cannot be applied, such as when there is no a priori genetic knowledge and/or data available to create a valid instrumental variable, or when the assumptions underlying MR analysis are suspect. ICE FALCON could provide insights into causality for a wide range of public health questions.
Evaluation of the effect of UGT1A1 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of oral and long-acting injectable cabotegravir
Authors: Patel Parul , Xue Zhengyu , King Karen S , Parham Laura , Ford Susan , Lou Yu , Bakshi Kalpana K , Sutton Kenneth , Margolis David , Hughes Arlene R , Spreen William R
Published: March 2020

Background

Cabotegravir is an HIV integrase inhibitor in clinical development with both oral and long-acting (LA) injectable formulations. Cabotegravir is primarily metabolized by uridine 5′-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1, a known polymorphic enzyme with functional variants that can affect drug metabolism and exposure.

Objectives

To investigate the pharmacogenetic effects of the reduced-function alleles UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*28 and/or UGT1A1*37 on steady-state pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of oral cabotegravir (30 mg/day) and intramuscular cabotegravir LA (400 mg every 4 weeks or 600 mg every 8 weeks).

Methods

Plasma cabotegravir PK was assessed in 346 UGT-genotyped participants with and without UGT1A1 functional variants across six studies (four Phase I and two Phase II) of oral cabotegravir, including 215 HIV-infected participants who received oral cabotegravir followed by cabotegravir LA. Changes from baseline in total bilirubin and ALT were assessed in one study (LATTE; NCT01641809).

Results

Statistically significant (P < 0.05) associations were observed between UGT1A1 genotype and plasma cabotegravir PK parameters, with 28%–50% increases following oral cabotegravir [plasma cabotegravir concentration at the end of the dosing interval (Ctau), 1.50-fold; AUCtau, 1.41-fold; and Cmax, 1.28-fold] and 16%–24% increases following cabotegravir LA administration (48 week Ctau, 1.24-fold; AUCtau, 1.16-fold; and Cmax, 1.18-fold) among those with low-versus-normal genetically predicted UGT1A1 activity. A statistically significant (P < 10−5) association between predicted UGT1A1 activity and maximum change in total bilirubin was also observed (2.45-fold asymptomatic increase for low versus normal) without a corresponding change in ALT.

Conclusions

This modest increase in oral and parenteral cabotegravir exposure associated with a reduced function of UGT1A1 is not considered clinically relevant based on accumulated safety data; no dose adjustment is required.
Interface 2.0 in Rules on State-Owned Enterprises: A Comparative Institutional Approach
Authors: Ding Ru
Published: March 2020

Interface mechanisms in international economic law refer to international, regional, or domestic legal instruments that resolve problems arising from differences in economic systems. The existing interface mechanism regarding disciplining state-owned enterprises (SOEs)’ activities remains unclear and has led to disputes and a divergence of views among major trading partners, most notably between the United States and China. The underlying cause is the lack of an analytical framework to understand SOEs from a comparative view that may foster consensus-building discussions. This article constructs a comparative institutional framework to understand SOEs in a variety of market economy settings, which inspires new approaches in analyzing SOE-related legal issues in international economic law. This article takes the ‘public body’ issue in the WTO and the new disciplines on SOEs as examples, demonstrating that a type of activity-based approach can be a new interface mechanism for international rules on SOEs.
Forecasting Equity Index Volatility by Measuring the Linkage among Component Stocks*
Authors: Qiu Yue , Xie Tian , Yu Jun , Zhou Qiankun
Published: March 2020

The linkage among the realized volatilities of component stocks is important when modeling and forecasting the relevant index volatility. In this article, the linkage is measured via an extended Common Correlated Effects (CCEs) approach under a panel heterogeneous autoregression model where unobserved common factors in errors are assumed. Consistency of the CCE estimator is obtained. The common factors are extracted using the principal component analysis. Empirical studies show that realized volatility models exploiting the linkage effects lead to significantly better out-of-sample forecast performance, for example, an up to 32% increase in the pseudo R2. We also conduct various forecasting exercises on the linkage variables that compare conventional regression methods with popular machine learning techniques.
Proportion of Patients in Phase I Oncology Trials Receiving Treatments That Are Ultimately Approved
Authors: Zhang Sean X , Fergusson Dean , Kimmelman Jonathan
Published: March 2020

Background

Phase I oncology trials are often regarded as a therapeutic option for patients. However, such claims have relied on surrogate measures of benefit, such as objective response.

Methods

 Using a systematic search of publications, we assessed the therapeutic value of phase I cancer trial participation by determining the probability that patients will receive active doses of treatments that eventually receive FDA approval or a National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline recommendation for their indication. ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, American Society of Clinical Oncology reports, NCCN guidelines, and Drugs@FDA were searched between May 1, 2018, and July 31, 2018. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

A total of 1000 phase I oncology trials initiated between 2005 and 2010 and enrolling 32 582 patients were randomly sampled from 3229 eligible trials on ClinicalTrials.gov. A total of 386 (1.2%) patients received a treatment that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for their malignancy at a dose delivered in the trial; including NCCN guideline recommendations, the number and proportion are 1168 (3.6%). Meta-regression showed a statistically significantly greater proportion of patients receiving a drug that was ultimately FDA approved in biomarker trials (rate ratio = 4.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53 to 13.23; P = .006) and single-indication trials (rate ratio = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.21 to 9.15; P  = .02); proportions were statistically significantly lower for combination vs monotherapy trials (rate ratio = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.68; P  = .02).

Conclusions

One in 83 patients in phase I cancer trials received a treatment that was approved for their indication at the doses received. Given published estimates of serious adverse event rates of 10%-19%, this represents low therapeutic value for phase I trial participation.
On The Etymology Of Biblical Hebrew : A Contribution to the ‘Sin Offering’ vs. ‘Purification Offering’ Debate
Authors: Lam Joseph
Published: March 2020

This article evaluates Jacob Milgrom's widely-cited argument that the Biblical Hebrew offering term , by virtue of its derivation from a *qattalt noun pattern with gemination of the second root consonant, is intrinsically connected in its semantics to the Piel of (‘to purify, purge’) — an argument often used to support a rendering of as ‘purification offering’ (instead of the traditional ‘sin offering’). This argument is untenable, not only because it is based on an outmoded approach to the Semitic noun system, but also because it fails to explain how came simultaneously to denote ‘sin’ in Biblical Hebrew. Instead, the most plausible account of the term sees the ‘sin’ meaning as primary, with the ‘offering’ usage derived via metonymy, i.e., ‘an offering that deals with ’. Also, given the explanations of the *qattal(a)t pattern in the comparative Semitic literature, (‘sin’) is best understood as an abstract substantive derived from, or viewed as a counterpart to, the *qattal noun (‘sinful’, ‘[habitual] sinner’), with perhaps a secondary association with malady — another common semantic connotation of Biblical Hebrew *qattalt.
A two-sided but significantly beamed jet in the supercritical accretion quasar IRAS F11119+3257
Authors: Yang Jun , Paragi Zsolt , An Tao , Baan Willem A , Mohan Prashanth , Liu Xiang
Published: March 2020

Highly accreting quasars are quite luminous in the X-ray and optical regimes; while, they tend to become radio quiet and have optically thin radio spectra. Among the known quasars, IRAS F11119+3257 is a supercritical accretion source because it has a bolometric luminosity slightly above the Eddington limit and extremely powerful X-ray outflows. To probe its radio structure, we investigated its radio spectrum between 0.15 and 96.15 GHz and performed very-long-baseline interferometric (VLBI) observations with the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 1.66 and 4.93 GHz. The deep EVN image at 1.66 GHz shows a two-sided jet with a projected separation about 200 pc and a very high flux density ratio of about 290. Together with the best-fitting value of the integrated spectral index of −1.31 ± 0.02 in the optically thin part, we infer that the approaching jet has an intrinsic speed at least 0.57 times of the light speed. This is a new record among the known all kinds of super-Eddington accreting sources and unlikely accelerated by the radiation pressure in a certain models. We propose a scenario in which IRAS F11119+3257 is an unusual compact symmetric object with a small jet viewing angle and a radio spectrum peaking at 0.53 ± 0.06 GHz mainly due to the synchrotron self-absorption.
Performance limits of adaptive-optics/high-contrast imagers with pyramid wavefront sensors
Authors: Correia Carlos M , Fauvarque Olivier , Bond Charlotte Z , Chambouleyron Vincent , Sauvage Jean-François , Fusco Thierry
Published: March 2020

Advanced adaptive-optics (AO) systems will likely utilize pyramid wavefront sensors (PWFSs) over the traditional Shack–Hartmann sensor in the quest for increased sensitivity, peak performance and ultimate contrast. Here, we explain and quantify the PWFS theoretical limits as a means to highlight its properties and applications. We explore forward models for the PWFS in the spatial-frequency domain: these prove useful because (i) they emanate directly from physical-optics (Fourier) diffraction theory; (ii) they provide a straightforward path to meaningful error breakdowns; (iii) they allow for reconstruction algorithms with $O (n\, \log(n))$ complexity for large-scale systems; and (iv) they tie in seamlessly with decoupled (distributed) optimal predictive dynamic control for performance and contrast optimization. All these aspects are dealt with here. We focus on recent analytical PWFS developments and demonstrate the performance using both analytic and end-to-end simulations. We anchor our estimates on observed on-sky contrast on existing systems, and then show very good agreement between analytical and Monte Carlo performance estimates on AO systems featuring the PWFS. For a potential upgrade of existing high-contrast imagers on 10-m-class telescopes with visible or near-infrared PWFSs, we show, under median conditions at Paranal, a contrast improvement (limited by chromatic and scintillation effects) of 2×–5× when just replacing the wavefront sensor at large separations close to the AO control radius where aliasing dominates, and of factors in excess of 10× by coupling distributed control with the PWFS over most of the AO control region, from small separations starting with an inner working angle of typically 1–2 λ/D to the AO correction edge (here 20 λ/D).
Modelling the stochasticity of high-redshift halo bias
Authors: Nasirudin Ainulnabilah , Iliev Ilian T , Ahn Kyungjin
Published: March 2020

A very large dynamic range with simultaneous capture of both large and small scales in the simulations of cosmic structures is required for correct modelling of many cosmological phenomena, particularly at high redshift. This is not always available, or when it is, it makes such simulations very expensive. We present a novel subgrid method for modelling low-mass ($10^5\, {\rm M}_\odot \le M_{\rm halo}\le 10^9\, {\rm M}_\odot$) haloes, which are otherwise unresolved in large-volume cosmological simulations limited in numerical resolution. In addition to the deterministic halo bias that captures the average property, we model its stochasticity that is correlated in time. We find that the instantaneous binned distribution of the number of haloes is well approximated by a lognormal distribution, with overall amplitude modulated by this ‘temporal correlation bias’. The robustness of our new scheme is tested against various statistical measures, and we find that temporally correlated stochasticity generates mock halo data that is significantly more reliable than that from temporally uncorrelated stochasticity. Our method can be applied for simulating processes that depend on both the small- and large-scale structures, especially for those that are sensitive to the evolution history of structure formation such as the process of cosmic reionization. As a sample application, we generate a mock distribution of medium-mass (108 ≤ M/M⊙ ≤ 109) haloes inside a 500 Mpc $\, h^{-1}$, 3003 grid simulation box. This mock halo catalogue bears a reasonable statistical agreement with a halo catalogue from numerically resolved haloes in a smaller box, and therefore will allow a very self-consistent sets of cosmic reionization simulations in a box large enough to generate statistically reliable data.
New observations of DW Cnc: where is the 38 min signal?
Authors: Segura Montero O , Ramírez S H , Echevarría J
Published: March 2020

We present extensive radial velocity observations of the intermediate polar DW Cnc during its 2018–2019 low state. We show that the 86 min signal associated with the orbital period is strong in our radial velocity analysis, power spectrum search, and in our Doppler tomography. However, we find that the velocity modulation associated with the 70 min beat period and the 38 min spin cycle is dramatically weaker than that previously observed. We put forward two interpretations for this change. The first is that a sudden drop into a low state detected in 2018–2019 caused an episode of low mass transfer from the companion, thus inhibiting the lighthouse effect produced by the rebound emission. The second is that this is a consequence of a rare outburst detected in 2007 by Crawford et al. (2008). We find this post-outburst hypothesis to be less likely. If the first scenario is correct, we predict that DW Cnc  will recover its intermediate polar characteristics. A new ephemeris is presented by combining Patterson et al. (2004) radial velocities with ours.
The population of galaxies that contribute to the H i mass function
Authors: Dutta Saili , Khandai Nishikanta , Dey Biprateep
Published: March 2020

We look at the contribution of different galaxy populations to the atomic hydrogen (H i) mass function (HIMF) and the H i density parameter, ΩH i, in the local Universe. Our analysis is based on a sample of 7857 H i selected galaxies selected from a volume common to the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and Arecibo Fast Legacy ALFA (40 per cent catalogue – α.40) surveys. We define different populations of galaxies in the colour (u − r)–magnitude (Mr) plane and compute the HIMF for each of them. Additionally we compute the HIMF for dark galaxies; these are undetected in SDSS and represent $\sim 2{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the total sample. We find that the luminous red population dominates the total HIMF for $\log _{10}(M_{\rm{H\,{\small I}}}h^2_{70}/M_{\odot }) \ge 10.4$. The full red population – luminous and faint – represents about $\sim 17{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the ΩH i budget, while that of the dark population is $\sim 3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. The HIMF about the knee, $\log _{10}(M_{\rm{H\,{\small I}}}h^2_{70}/M_{\odot }) \in [8,10.4]$, is dominated by the faint and luminous blue populations, the latter dominating at larger masses in this interval. Their total contribution to ΩH i is $\sim 55\!-\!70{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, the variation depending on the definition of population. The dominant populations at the low-mass end, $\log _{10}(M_{\rm{H\,{\small I}}}h^2_{70}/M_{\odot }) \le 8.0$ are the faint blue and faint bluer populations, the latter’s dominance being sensitive to its definition. The full blue (blue–bluer luminous and faint) population represents $\sim 80{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of ΩH i. A bimodal HIMF suggested by our results is however not seen since the amplitude of the HIMF of the luminous red population is small compared to that of the luminous blue population.
Reaffirmation of cosmological oscillations in the scale factor from the Pantheon compilation of 1048 Type Ia supernovae
Authors: Ringermacher H I , Mead L R
Published: March 2020

We observe damped temporal oscillations in the scale factor at a dominant frequency of ∼7 cycles/Hubble-time in the Pantheon compilation of 1048 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). The residual oscillations observed in the Pantheon data closely match and reaffirm our initial observation of oscillations from earlier SNe data (primarily SNLS3 data of Conley 2011) at 2σ confidence. The nearly identical shapes in amplitude, frequency, phase, and damping constant makes it highly likely that the signal is real. Furthermore, two-thirds of the Pantheon SNe cover different portions of the sky compared with SNLS3 strengthening this conclusion. Our model describing the oscillation, presented in an earlier paper, is a simple scalar field harmonic oscillator coupled to the Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) Friedmann equation, but carried into the present epoch. The scalar field energy density plays the role of the dark matter energy density in ΛCDM cosmology, fits well as an average, and closely matches the present dark matter density parameter, suggesting the oscillation plays a role in the dark matter sector. Temporal oscillations in the scale factor and its derivative, as described in this work, would also induce temporal oscillations of the Hubble parameter.
Tumor mutational burden predicts survival in patients with low-grade gliomas expressing mutated IDH1
Authors: Alghamri Mahmoud S , Thalla Rohit , Avvari Ruthvik P , Dabaja Ali , Taher Ayman , Zhao Lili , Ulintz Peter J , Castro Maria G , Lowenstein Pedro R
Published: March 2020

Background

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. High-Grade Gliomas have a median survival (MS) of 18 months, while Low-Grade Gliomas (LGGs) have an MS of approximately 7.3 years. Seventy-six percent of patients with LGG express mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase (mIDH) enzyme. Survival of these patients ranges from 1 to 15 years, and tumor mutational burden ranges from 0.28 to 3.85 somatic mutations/megabase per tumor. We tested the hypothesis that the tumor mutational burden would predict the survival of patients with tumors bearing mIDH.

Methods

We analyzed the effect of tumor mutational burden on patients’ survival using clinical and genomic data of 1199 glioma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas and validated our results using the Glioma Longitudinal AnalySiS consortium.

Results

High tumor mutational burden negatively correlates with the survival of patients with LGG harboring mIDH (P = .005). This effect was significant for both Oligodendroglioma (LGG-mIDH-O; MS = 2379 vs 4459 days in high vs low, respectively; P = .005) and Astrocytoma (LGG-mIDH-A; MS = 2286 vs 4412 days in high vs low respectively; P = .005). There was no differential representation of frequently mutated genes (eg, TP53, ATRX, CIC, and FUBP) in either group. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed an enrichment in Gene Ontologies related to cell cycle, DNA-damage response in high versus low tumor mutational burden. Finally, we identified 6 gene sets that predict survival for LGG-mIDH-A and LGG-mIDH-O.

Conclusions

we demonstrate that tumor mutational burden is a powerful, robust, and clinically relevant prognostic factor of MS in mIDH patients.
Unveiling the molecule–plasmon interactions in surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Yi Jun , You En-Ming , Ding Song-Yuan , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: March 2020

Nanostructure-based surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy has attracted tremendous interest as an ultrasensitive detection tool that supplies chemical-fingerprint information. The interactions between molecular vibrations and plasmons lead to not only the enhancement of spectral intensity, but also the distortion of spectral Lorentzian lineshapes into asymmetric Fano-type or more complicated lineshapes in the SEIRA spectra; this effect hampers the correct readout of vibrational frequencies and intensities for an accurate interpretation of the measured spectra and quantitative analysis. In this work, we investigate the Fano interference between molecular vibrations and plasmons based on exact electrodynamic simulations and theoretical models. We report that, even if the molecular vibrational energy is equal to the plasmon resonant energy, the molecule–nanostructure distance-dependent dipole–dipole interactions, the plasmon-mediated coherent intermolecular interactions and the decay rates of plasmons have a significant impact on the SEIRA lineshapes. This study paves the way for controllable Fano interference at the nanoscale and more studies on plasmon-dressed molecular electronic or vibrational excited states.
Pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of beriberi after gastric surgery
Authors: Wilson Robert Beaumont
Published: March 2020

Beriberi is a nutritional complication of gastric surgery, caused by deficiency of vitamin B1, or thiamine. Thiamine deficiency leads to impaired glucose metabolism, decreased delivery of oxygen by red blood cells, cardiac dysfunction, failure of neurotransmission, and neuronal death. This review describes the history and pathophysiology of beriberi as well as the relationship between beriberi and nutritional deficiencies after gastric surgery. A literature review of the history and pathophysiology of beriberi and the risk factors for thiamine deficiency, particularly after gastric resection or bariatric surgery, was performed. Recommendations for nutritional follow-up post gastric surgery are based on current national guidelines. Patients may have subclinical thiamine deficiency after upper gastrointestinal surgery, and thus beriberi may be precipitated by acute illness such as sepsis or poor dietary intake. This may occur very soon or many years after gastrectomy or bariatric surgery, even in apparently well-nourished patients. Prompt recognition and administration of supplemental thiamine can decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with beriberi. Dietary education post surgery and long-term follow-up to determine nutritional status, including vitamin and mineral assessment, is recommended for patients who undergo gastric surgery.
House Price Shocks, Credit Constraints and Household Indebtedness
Authors: Atalay Kadir , Barrett Garry F , Edwards Rebecca , Yu Chaoran
Published: March 2020

We analyse the effect of housing wealth on household indebtedness in a life-cycle framework. Exploiting longitudinal household data and temporal and geographic variation in house prices, our empirical results indicate that households respond to increases in housing wealth by significantly increasing their debt. The effect is strongest for households that are moderately leveraged, highlighting the importance of collateral constraints. Furthermore, we uncover a weaker wealth effect from house price growth for households that have faced negative shocks to income or employment. Importantly, our findings are consistent with the theoretical predictions of the life-cycle model: households increase their mortgage debt, but not their unsecured credit card debt. A novel finding is that we uncover a moderate positive wealth effect on investment loans.
Modern cryptic species and crocodylian diversity in the fossil record
Authors: Brochu Christopher A , Sumrall Colin D
Published: March 2020

Advances in molecular biology and genetics are revealing that many recognized crocodylian species are complexes of two or more cryptic species. These discoveries will have a profound impact on interpretation of the crocodyliform fossil record. Our understanding of ranges of intraspecific variation in modern crocodylian morphology may be based on multiple species and thus express both intraspecific and interspecific variation. This raises questions about our ability to recognize modern species in the fossil record, and it also indicates that specimens from disparate localities or horizons may represent not single widespread species, but multiple related species. Ranges of variation in modern species require a thorough re-evaluation, and we may have to revisit previous perceptions of past crocodyliform diversity, rates of evolution or anagenetic lineages in stratigraphic succession. These challenges will not be unique to those studying crocodyliforms and will require sophisticated approaches to variation among modern and fossil specimens.
Molecular phylogeny and morphological diversity of theNiviventer fulvescensspecies complex with emphasis on species from China
Authors: Ge Deyan , Feijó Anderson , Abramov Alexei V , Wen Zhixin , Liu Zhengjia , Cheng Jilong , Xia Lin , Lu Liang , Yang Qisen
Published: March 2020

The Niviventer fulvescens species complex (NFSC), a group of abundant and taxonomically ambiguous rodent taxa, is distributed from Southeast Asia to south-eastern China. We combined molecular and morphological datasets to clarify the species composition and variation of the NFSC. Our phylogenetic analyses, using molecular data, recovered eight genetic lineages in the NFSC, including a novel, distinct lineage from Jilong, Tibet, China, which is described as a new species, N. fengi sp. nov. The species status of N. fengi is supported by a species delimitation analysis, and it is morphologically distinguished from other members of the NFSC by its greyish dorsal fur, soft hairs covering the whole body and a hairy tail. NFSC species bearing well-developed spines are found at lower elevations. A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the NFSC within China is provided, represented by five species: N. cremoriventer, N. fulvescens, N. huang, N. mekongis comb. nov. and N. fengi. A further study of this species complex, including samples from Southeast Asia, is needed.
Epidemiology of Enterobacter cloacae strains producing a carbapenemase or metallo-beta-lactamase in Vietnamese clinical settings in 2014–2017
Authors: Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Ohmagari Norio , Phuong Truong Thai , Huy Nguyen Quang , Anh Nguyen Quoc , Van Thanh Do , Thuy Pham Thi Phuong , Kirikae Teruo , Nhung Pham Hong , Takemoto Norihiko
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Little is known about the epidemiology of

Enterobacter cloacae

strains producing a carbapenemase or metallo-beta-lactamase in Vietnamese hospitals.

Aim. This study analysed

E. cloacae

strains resistant to imipenem or meropenem that had been isolated from patients admitted to one of the largest hospitals in Vietnam in 2014–2017.

Methodology. Eighteen Vietnamese (VN) strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and their sequences compared with those of 17

E. cloacae

strains carrying a carbapenemase or metallo-beta-lactamase in the database (db strains).

Results. Although the distribution of virulence factors did not differ significantly between VN and db strains, all 18 VN isolates harboured blaNDM-1, phylogenetic analysis revealed a high clonality of the VN strains. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis suggested that the VN strains speciated relatively recently.

Conclusions. Several prevalent clones of carbapenem-resistant

E. cloacae

have circulated within Vietnamese hospitals. Adequate measures are needed to prevent their further spread.
ACE2 Expression is Increased in the Lungs of Patients with Comorbidities Associated with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Pinto Bruna G.G. , Oliveira Antonio E.R. , Singh Youvika , Jimenez Leandro , Gonçalves Andre N A. , Ogava Rodrigo L.T. , Creighton Rachel , Schatzmann Peron Jean Pierre , Nakaya Helder I.
Published: March 2020

The pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) has resulted in several thousand deaths worldwide in just a few months. Patients who died from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often had comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic obstructive lung disease. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was identified as a crucial factor that facilitates SARS-CoV2 to bind and enter host cells. To date, no study has assessed the ACE2 expression in the lungs of patients with these diseases. Here, we analyzed over 700 lung transcriptome samples of patients with comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 and found that ACE2 was highly expressed in these patients, compared to control individuals. This finding suggests that patients with such comorbidities may have higher chances of developing severe COVID-19. We also found other genes, such asRAB1A, that can be important for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung. Correlation and network analyses revealed many potential regulators of ACE2 in the human lung, including genes related to histone modifications, such as HAT1, HDAC2, and KDM5B. In fact, epigenetic marks found in ACE2 locus were compatible to with those promoted by KDM5B. Our systems biology approach offers a possible explanation for increase of COVID-19 severity in patients with certain comorbidities.
COVID-19 outbreak response: a first assessment of mobility changes in Italy following national lockdown
Authors: Pepe Emanuele , Bajardi Paolo , Gauvin Laetitia , Privitera Filippo , Lake Brennan , Cattuto Ciro , Tizzoni Michele
Published: March 2020

Italy is currently experiencing the largest COVID-19 outbreak in Europe so far, with more than 100,000 confirmed cases. Following the identification of the first infections, on February 21, 2020, national authorities have put in place an increasing number of restrictions aimed at containing the outbreak and delaying the epidemic peak. Since March 12, the whole country is under lockdown. Here we provide the first quantitative assessment of the impact of such measures on the mobility and the spatial proximity of Italians, through the analysis of a large-scale dataset on de-identified, geo-located smartphone users. With respect to pre-outbreak averages, we estimate a reduction of 50% of the total trips between Italian provinces, following the lockdown. In the same week, the average users’ radius of gyration has declined by about 50% and the average degree of the users’ proximity network has dropped by 47% at national level.
A special case of COVID-19 with long duration of viral shedding for 49 days
Authors: Tan Li , Kang Xia , Zhang Bo , Zheng Shangen , Liu Bo , Yu Tiantian , Yang Fan , Wang Qiongshu , Miao Hongming
Published: March 2020

Prolonged viral shedding is associated with severe status and poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Unexpectedly, here we report a non-severe patient with the longest duration of viral shedding. According to the investigation on the clinical and epidemiological information of this case, we concluded that this type of virus might have a low toxicity and transmissibility, but have a prolonged infective ability and was hardly to be eliminated in the body with regular therapy. However, infusion of plasma from recovered patients showed high efficiency in elimination of this virus. Our findings might shed light on the management of COVID-19.