bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the mechanics of MQXFB—the low-beta quadrupole for the HL-LHC
Authors: Takala E , Bianchi L , Lackner F , Ferracin P , Izquierdo Bermudez S , Pulikowski D
Published: July 2021

The High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Project target is to reach an integrated luminosity of the LHC of 3000 fb−1, corresponding to a factor 10 increase in collisions with respect to the current accelerator. One of the main components is the superconducting quadrupole called MQXF. It is based on Nb3Sn technology and has a 150 mm single aperture with a field gradient of 132.6 T m−1. The MQXF magnets are currently in preseries production in a joint collaboration between CERN and the US-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project. The first prototype magnet based on 7 m-long coils (MQXFBP1) was assembled and preloaded in 2019. The testing and disassembly was done in 2020. The coils were equipped with optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. Some of the FBG values exhibited strain jumps during preload and their signals were lost during cool-down. The magnet did not reach the nominal current, quenching at 15.15 kA. At the time of writing three MQXFB magnets have been preloaded from which the second prototype is soon to be tested. The objective of this paper is to analyze the mechanical behavior of MQXFB magnets in the light of current knowledge, thanks to earlier short model experiments, as well as describe in detail the process of assembly and preload. We synthesize the mechanical theory of preload and present new considerations on symmetric/asymmetric bladder-key operations and their effects. An extensive comparison between long and short model magnets is presented. In our analysis and FE modeling we take into account the measured coil sizes that vary over position. We introduce a novel technique that allows preload homogenization over the length of the magnet after preload has been done. We analyze the role of the stainless steel shell and show its mechanical behavior. Finally, the relevant data at cold is presented and analyzed.
Quasiclassical theory of non-adiabatic tunneling in nanocontacts induced by phase-controlled ultrashort light pulses
Authors: Kim Sangwon , Schmude Tobias , Burkard Guido , Moskalenko Andrey S
Published: July 2021

We theoretically investigate tunneling through free-space or dielectric nanogaps between metallic nanocontacts driven by ultrashort ultrabroadband light pulses. For this purpose we develop a time-dependent quasiclassical theory being especially suitable to describe the tunneling process in the non-adiabatic regime, when tunneling can be significantly influenced by photon absorption as the electron moves in the classically forbidden region. Firstly, the case of driving by an ideal half-cycle pulse is studied. For different distances between the contacts, we analyze the main solutions having the form of a quasiclassical wave packet of the tunneling electron and an evanescent wave of the electron density. For each of these solutions the resulting tunneling probability is determined with the exponential accuracy inherent to the method. We identify a crossover between two tunneling regimes corresponding to both solutions in dependence on the field strength and intercontact distance that can be observed in the corresponding behaviour of the tunneling probability. Secondly, considering realistic temporal profiles of few-femtosecond pulses, we demonstrate that the preferred direction of the electron transport through the nanogap can be controlled by changing the carrier-envelope phase of the pulse, in agreement with recent experimental findings and numerical simulations. We find analytical expressions for the tunneling probability, determining the resulting charge transfer in dependence on the pulse parameters. Further, we determine temporal shifts of the outgoing electron trajectories with respect to the peaks of the laser field as a function of the pulse phase and illustrate when the non-adiabatical character of the tunneling process is particularly important.
Experimental verification of the Landau–Lifshitz equation
Authors: Nielsen C F , Justesen J B , Sørensen A H , Uggerhøj U I , Holtzapple R
Published: July 2021

The Landau–Lifshitz (LL) equation has been proposed as the classical equation to describe the dynamics of a charged particle in a strong electromagnetic field when influenced by radiation reaction. Until recently, there has been no clear experimental verification. However, aligned crystals have remedied the situation: here, as in Nielsen et al CERN NA63 Collaboration (2020 Phys. Rev. D
102 052004), we report on a quantitative experimental test of the LL equation by measuring the emission spectra of electrons and positrons penetrating aligned single crystals. The recorded spectra are in remarkable agreement with simulations based on the LL equation of motion with moderate quantum corrections for recoil and, in the case of electrons in axially aligned crystals, spin and reduced radiation intensity.
GW190521 formation scenarios via relativistic accretion
Authors: Cruz-Osorio Alejandro , Lora-Clavijo Fabio D. , Herdeiro Carlos
Published: July 2021

The recent gravitational wave transient GW190521 has been interpreted by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration (LVC) as sourced by a binary black hole (BH) merger. According to the LVC parameter estimation, at least one of these progenitors falls into the so-called pair-instability supernova mass gap. This raises the important question of how and when these progenitors formed.
In this paper we use an accretion model with super-Eddington mass accretion rate obtained from General Relativity hydrodynamics simulations to analyse the scenario wherein the GW190521 original progenitors (OPs) formed at lower masses (and spins) and grew to their estimated LVC parameters by relativistic accretion. We consider that the environment wherein the binary is immersed has density gradients as well as a dependence on the Mach number of the gas. Taking the LVC parameter estimation at z = 0.82 as the endpoint of the accretion evolution, we estimate the initial masses and spins of the OPs at three different red-shifts z = 100, 50, and 20. We found three distinct possible types of OPs: (i) 10-4
M
☉ - 3 M
☉ almost non-rotating (with Kerr spin parameter a
☆ < 10-2) primordial BHs; (ii) 3M
☉ - 40M
☉ slowly rotating (10-2 < a
☆ < 0.5) stellar mass BHs; (iii) 40M
☉ - 70M
☉ BHs with a moderate spin parameter a
☆ ∼ 0.5, which could originate from the collapse of high mass Pop III stars. The mass spread is due to varying the density gradient and the relativistic Mach number of the cosmic plasma; the variation of the masses due to the origin at different red-shifts, on the other hand, is negligible, ∼ 2%.
For high Mach number scenarios, the BHs have low mass and spin accretion rates, leading to OPs with masses and spins close to the GW190521 LVC estimated values.
We have also compared our results with previous studies where the Newtonian accretion model was used, finding relativistic corrections of ∼ 13% for the OPs masses. In particular, the relativistic model leads to smaller initial masses.
Catchment processes can amplify the effect of increasing rainfall variability
Authors: Müller Marc F , Roche Kevin R , Dralle David N
Published: July 2021

By filtering the incoming climate signal when producing streamflow, river basins can attenuate—or amplify—projected increases in rainfall variability. A common perception is that river systems dampen rainfall variability by averaging spatial and temporal variations in their watersheds. However, by analyzing 671 watersheds throughout the United States, we find that many catchments actually amplify the coefficient of variation of rainfall, and that these catchments also likely amplify changes in rainfall variability. Based on catchment-scale water balance principles, we relate that faculty to the interplay between two fundamental hydrological processes: water uptake by vegetation and the storage and subsequent release of water as discharge. By increasing plant water uptake, warmer temperatures might exacerbate the amplifying effect of catchments. More variable precipitations associated with a warmer climate are therefore expected to lead to even more variable river flows—a significant potential challenge for river transportation, ecosystem sustainability and water supply reliability.
On toric geometry and K-stability of Fano varieties
Authors: Kaloghiros Anne-Sophie , Petracci Andrea
Published: July 2021

We present some applications of the deformation theory of toric Fano varieties to K-(semi/poly)stability of Fano varieties. First, we present two examples of K-polystable toric Fano

3
3

-fold with obstructed deformations. In one case, the K-moduli spaces and stacks are reducible near the closed point associated to the toric Fano

3
3

-fold, while in the other they are non-reduced near the closed point associated to the toric Fano

3
3

-fold. Second, we study K-stability of the general members of two deformation families of smooth Fano

3
3

-folds by building degenerations to K-polystable toric Fano

3
3

-folds.
Acute sarcopenia changes following hospitalization: influence of pre-admission care dependency level
Authors: De Spiegeleer Anton , Kahya Hasan , Sanchez-Rodriguez Dolores , Piotrowicz Karolina , Surquin Murielle , Marco Ester , Detremerie Celine , Hussein Dhurgham , Hope Suzy , Dallmeier Dhayana , Decker Genia , Hrnciarikova Dana , Czesak Joanna , Toscano-Rico Miguel , Meza-Valderrama Delky , Bahat Gülistan , Descamps Amélie , Wynendaele Evelien , Elewaut Dirk , Vankova Hana , Landi Francesco , Benoit Florence , Gasowski Jerzy , Van Den Noortgate Nele
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Hospitalization is associated with acute changes in sarcopenia status in older people, but the influencing factors are not fully understood. Pre-admission care dependency level as a risk factor has not yet been investigated.

Objective

Evaluate if pre-admission care dependency level is an independent predictor of sarcopenia changes following hospitalization.

Setting and subjects

Data came from the Sarcopenia 9+ EAMA Project, a European prospective multi-centre study. For this study, 227 hospitalised older people were included from four different hospitals in Belgium, Spain and Poland, between 18 February 2019 and 5 September 2020.

Methods

Sarcopenia status at admission and discharge were calculated using a combined score (desirability value) based on muscle mass (calf circumference), strength (grip) and function (walking speed). Ratio of admission to discharge status was the outcome (desirability ratio; 1.00 meaning no difference). Predictor variable was the pre-admission care dependency level, classified into three groups: independent older people living at home, dependent older people living at home and older people living in a care home. Linear regression models were applied, considering potential confounders.

Results

Mean desirability ratio for dependent older people living at home (‘middle dependent group’) was lower (0.89) compared to independent older people (0.98; regression coefficient −0.09 [95% CI −0.16, −0.02]) and care home patients (1.05; −0.16 [95% CI −0.01, −0.31]). Adjusting for potential confounders or using another statistical approach did not affect the main results.

Conclusion

Dependent older people living at home were at higher risk of deterioration in sarcopenia status following hospitalization. In-depth studies investigating causes and potential interventions of these findings are needed.
DMIL-IsoFun: predicting isoform function using deep multi-instance learning
Authors: Yu Guoxian , Zhou Guangjie , Zhang Xiangliang , Domeniconi Carlotta , Guo Maozu
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Alternative splicing creates the considerable proteomic diversity and complexity on relatively limited genome. Proteoforms translated from alternatively spliced isoforms of a gene actually execute the biological functions of this gene, which reflect the functional knowledge of genes at a finer granular level. Recently, some computational approaches have been proposed to differentiate isoform functions using sequence and expression data. However, their performance is far from being desirable, mainly due to the imbalance and lack of annotations at isoform-level, and the difficulty of modeling gene–isoform relations.

Result

We propose a deep multi-instance learning-based framework (DMIL-IsoFun) to differentiate the functions of isoforms. DMIL-IsoFun firstly introduces a multi-instance learning convolution neural network trained with isoform sequences and gene-level annotations to extract the feature vectors and initialize the annotations of isoforms, and then uses a class-imbalance Graph Convolution Network to refine the annotations of individual isoforms based on the isoform co-expression network and extracted features. Extensive experimental results show that DMIL-IsoFun improves the Smin and Fmax of state-of-the-art solutions by at least 29.6% and 40.8%. The effectiveness of DMIL-IsoFun is further confirmed on a testbed of human multiple-isoform genes, and maize isoforms related with photosynthesis.

Availability and implementation

The code and data are available at http://www.sdu-idea.cn/codes.php?name=DMIL-Isofun.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis are at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnoea: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Ma Kevin Sheng-Kai , Illescas Ralda Monica Maria , Veeravalli John Jims , Wang Li-Tzu , Thota Eshwar , Huang Jing-Yang , Kao Chia-Tze , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Resnick Cory M
Published: July 2021

Background and objectives

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), an autoimmune disease, has been proposed to be comorbid with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We aimed at testing the hypothesis that patients with JIA may presented with high risk of OSA in a cohort study.

Subjects and methods

This is a cohort study including patients with JIA from 1999 to 2013 identified from a longitudinal health registry. A matched non-JIA control group was also included. The primary outcome variable was presence of OSA. A Cox proportional hazard model was developed to estimate the risk of OSA in patients with JIA. A cumulative probability model was adopted to assess the time-dependent effect of JIA on OSA development, implying a causal link of the association.

Results

A total of 2791 patients with JIA were included, and 11 164 individuals without JIA were selected as matched controls. A total of 95 included subjects had OSA: 31 in the JIA group and 64 in the control group. Patients with JIA were more likely to have OSA compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR = 1.922, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.244–2.970). The incidence of developing OSA was particularly high among patients with JIA-associated deformity that presented at age 18–30 years (aHR = 1.993, 95% CI = 1.277–3.113) and males (aHR = 1.786, 95% CI = 1.097–2.906). The risk of developing OSA increased over 60 months (aHR = 2.523, 95% CI = 1.322–4.815) of follow-up after the JIA diagnosis.

Conclusions

Patients with JIA have a significantly increased risk of developing OSA compared with matched individuals without JIA.
Retrieving 2-D laterally varying structures from multistation surface wave dispersion curves using multiscale window analysis
Authors: Hu Shufan , Zhao Yonghui , Socco Laura Valentina , Ge Shuangcheng
Published: July 2021

The analysis of multistation surface wave records is of increasing popularity in imaging the structure of the Earth due to its robustness on dispersion measurement. Since the representation of multistation surface wave dispersion curves (DCs) is uncertain in laterally varying media, average information beneath the receiver array is assumed to be obtained by inverting the dispersion curves with a horizontally layered model. To retrieve a more realistic 2-D laterally varying structure, we present a multiscale window analysis of surface waves (MWASW) method for analysing 2-D active-source surface wave data. The MWASW method is based on the use of a forward algorithm for calculating the theoretical DCs over 2-D models and multisize spatial windows for estimating the dispersion data. The forward algorithm calculates the theoretical dispersion considering the lateral variation beneath the receiver array; hence, the estimated DC is not treated as representative of the average properties but as data containing the lateral variation information. By inverting the dispersion data extracted from different spatial windows, the subsurface information at different depth ranges and lateral extensions are integrated to produce a shear wave velocity model. The dispersion curves analysed from smaller spatial windows retrieve the shallow structure with a higher lateral resolution, whereas the phase velocity data from larger spatial windows provide average information with a greater depth. We test the effectiveness of the MWASW method using three synthetic examples and two field data sets. Both results show the improved lateral resolution of the S-wave velocity structure retrieved with the MWASW method compared to the traditional multistation method in which the local horizontally layered model is adopted.
COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plans from 106 countries: a review from a health systems resilience perspective
Authors: Mustafa Saqif , Zhang Yu , Zibwowa Zandile , Seifeldin Redda , Ako-Egbe Louis , McDarby Geraldine , Kelley Edward , Saikat Sohel
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has exposed long-standing fragmentation in health systems strengthening efforts for health security and universal health coverage while these objectives are largely interdependent and complementary. In this prevailing background, we reviewed countries’ COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plans (CPRPs) to assess the extent of integration of non-COVID-19 essential health service continuity considerations alongside emergency response activities. We searched for COVID-19 planning documents from governments and ministries of health, World Health Organization (WHO) country offices and United Nations (UN) country teams. We developed document review protocols using global guidance from the WHO and UN and the health systems resilience literature. After screening, we analysed 154 CPRPs from 106 countries. The majority of plans had a high degree of alignment with pillars of emergency response such as surveillance (99%), laboratory systems (96%) and COVID-19-specific case management (97%). Less than half considered maintaining essential health services (47%); 41% designated a mechanism for health system–wide participation in emergency planning; 34% considered subnational service delivery; 95% contained infection prevention and control (IPC) activities and 29% considered quality of care; and 24% were budgeted for and 7% contained monitoring and evaluation of essential health services. To improve, ongoing and future emergency planning should proactively include proportionate activities, resources and monitoring for essential health services to reduce excess mortality and morbidity. Specifically, this entails strengthening subnational health services with local stakeholder engagement in planning; ensuring a dedicated focus in emergency operations structures to maintain health systems resilience for non-emergency health services; considering all domains of quality in health services along with IPC; and building resilient monitoring capacity for timely and reliable tracking of health systems functionality including service utilization and health outcomes. An integrated approach to planning should be pursued as health systems recover from COVID-19 disruptions and take actions to build back better.
Effective therapeutic strategies in a preclinical mouse model of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease
Authors: Nuevo-Tapioles Cristina , Santacatterina Fulvio , Sánchez-Garrido Brenda , de Arenas Cristina Núñez , Robledo-Bérgamo Adrián , Martínez-Valero Paula , Cantarero Lara , Pardo Beatriz , Hoenicka Janet , Murphy Michael P , Satrústegui Jorgina , Palau Francesc , Cuezva José M
Published: July 2021

Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a neuropathy that lacks effective therapy. CMT patients show degeneration of peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and loss of proprioception. Loss of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation proteins and enzymes of the antioxidant response accompany degeneration of nerves in skin biopsies of CMT patients. Herein, we followed a drug-repurposing approach to find drugs in a Food and Drug Administration-approved library that could prevent development of CMT disease in the Gdap1-null mouse model. We found that the antibiotic florfenicol is a mitochondrial uncoupler that prevents the production of reactive oxygen species and activates respiration in human GDAP1-knockdown neuroblastoma cells and in dorsal root ganglion neurons of Gdap1-null mice. Treatment of CMT-affected Gdap1-null mice with florfenicol has no beneficial effect in the course of the disease. However, administration of florfenicol, or the antioxidant MitoQ, to pre-symptomatic GDAP1-null mice prevented weight gain and ameliorated the motor coordination deficiencies that developed in the Gdap1-null mice. Interestingly, both florfenicol and MitoQ halted the decay in mitochondrial and redox proteins in sciatic nerves of Gdap1-null mice, supporting that oxidative damage is implicated in the etiology of the neuropathy. These findings support the development of clinical trials for translation of these drugs for treatment of CMT patients.
Pricing in make-to-order firms with a lead time-dependent cost
Authors: Cai Xiaoli , Li Jun
Published: July 2021

The existing literature on make-to-order firms typically supposes that the unit production cost is a constant. In contrast, in this study, this cost is a variable that depends on the lead time. Under this assumption, we investigate the pricing problem for both a monopoly firm and two competing firms. Specifically, we develop a queueing-game-theoretic model to capture the interaction between customers and the firm’s manager and further solve the pricing problem. The results illustrate that, for a monopoly firm, there exists a service rate threshold, and for two homogeneous firms, there is a unique symmetric equilibrium. However, for two heterogeneous firms, the equilibrium may not exist, and if it does, it may not be unique. In this case, the equilibrium is characterized analytically if it is unique and explored numerically if not. Finally, a specific cost function is adopted to analyse the sensitivity of the optimal decisions. When the firms have this variable cost, compared with those with constant unit production cost, customers’ waiting time might be shorter, and the competition between firms might be fiercer. Also, for these firms, increasing the service rate or decreasing the cost parameter does not always help to increase their market share or profit.
Engineering and standardization of posttranscriptional biocircuitry inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McCarthy John
Published: July 2021

This short review considers to what extent posttranscriptional steps of gene expression can provide the basis for novel control mechanisms and procedures in synthetic biology and biotechnology. The term biocircuitry is used here to refer to functionally connected components comprising DNA, RNA or proteins. The review begins with an overview of the diversity of devices being developed and then considers the challenges presented by trying to engineer more scaled-up systems. While the engineering of RNA-based and protein-based circuitry poses new challenges, the resulting ‘toolsets’ of components and novel mechanisms of operation will open up multiple new opportunities for synthetic biology. However, agreed procedures for standardization will need to be placed at the heart of this expanding field if the full potential benefits are to be realized.
Determining fundamental parameters of detached double-lined eclipsing binary systems via a statistically robust machine learning method
Authors: Remple Bryce A , Angelou George C , Weiss Achim
Published: July 2021

The parameter space for modelling stellar systems is vast and complicated. To find best-fitting models for a star one needs a statistically robust way of exploring this space. We present a new machine-learning approach to predict the modelling parameters for detached double-lined eclipsing binary systems, including the system age, based on observable quantities. Our method allows for the estimation of the importance of several physical effects which are included in a parametrized form in stellar models, such as convective core overshoot or stellar spot coverage. The method yields probability distribution functions for the predicted parameters which take into account the statistical and, to a certain extent, the systematic errors which is very difficult to do using other methods. We employ two different approaches to investigate the two components of the system either independently or in a combined manner. Furthermore, two different grids are used as training data. We apply the method to 26 selected objects and test the predicted best solutions with an on-the-fly optimization routine which generates full hydrostatic models. While we do encounter failures of the predictions, our method can serve as a rapid estimate for stellar ages of detached eclipsing binaries taking full account of the uncertainties in the observables.
SN 2019hcc: a Type II supernova displaying early O ii lines
Authors: Parrag Eleonora , Inserra Cosimo , Schulze Steve , Anderson Joseph , Chen Ting-Wan , Leloudas Giorgios , Galbany Lluis , Gutiérrez Claudia P , Hiramatsu Daichi , Kankare Erkki , Müller-Bravo Tomás E , Nicholl Matt , Pignata Giuliano , Cartier Regis , Gromadzki Mariusz , Kozyreva Alexandra , Rau Arne , Burke Jamison , Howell D Andrew , McCully Curtis , Pellegrino Craig
Published: July 2021

We present optical spectroscopy together with ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared photometry of SN 2019hcc, which resides in a host galaxy at redshift 0.044, displaying a sub-solar metallicity. The supernova spectrum near peak epoch shows a ‘w’ shape at around 4000 Å which is usually associated with O ii lines and is typical of Type I superluminous supernovae. SN 2019hcc post-peak spectra show a well-developed H α P-Cygni profile from 19 d past maximum and its light curve, in terms of its absolute peak luminosity and evolution, resembles that of a fast-declining Hydrogen-rich supernova (SN IIL). The object does not show any unambiguous sign of interaction as there is no evidence of narrow lines in the spectra or undulations in the light curve. Our tardis spectral modelling of the first spectrum shows that carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (CNO) at 19 000 K reproduce the ‘w’ shape and suggests that a combination of non-thermally excited CNO and metal lines at 8000 K could reproduce the feature seen at 4000 Å. The Bolometric light-curve modelling reveals that SN 2019hcc could be fit with a magnetar model, showing a relatively strong magnetic field (B > 3 × 1014 G), which matches the peak luminosity and rise time without powering up the light curve to superluminous luminosities. The high-energy photons produced by the magnetar would then be responsible for the detected O ii lines. As a consequence, SN 2019hcc shows that a ‘w’ shape profile at around 4000 Å, usually attributed to O ii, is not only shown in superluminous supernovae and hence it should not be treated as the sole evidence of the belonging to such a supernova type.
Core promoter activity contributes to chromatin-based regulation of internal cryptic promoters
Authors: Lee Bo Bae , Woo Hyeonju , Lee Min Kyung , Youn SeoJung , Lee Sumin , Roe Jae-Seok , Lee Soo Young , Kim TaeSoo
Published: July 2021

During RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) transcription, the chromatin structure undergoes dynamic changes, including opening and closing of the nucleosome to enhance transcription elongation and fidelity. These changes are mediated by transcription elongation factors, including Spt6, the FACT complex, and the Set2-Rpd3S HDAC pathway. These factors not only contribute to RNA Pol II elongation, reset the repressive chromatin structures after RNA Pol II has passed, thereby inhibiting aberrant transcription initiation from the internal cryptic promoters within gene bodies. Notably, the internal cryptic promoters of infrequently transcribed genes are sensitive to such chromatin-based regulation but those of hyperactive genes are not. To determine why, the weak core promoters of genes that generate cryptic transcripts in cells lacking transcription elongation factors (e.g. STE11) were replaced with those from more active genes. Interestingly, as core promoter activity increased, activation of internal cryptic promoter dropped. This associated with loss of active histone modifications at the internal cryptic promoter. Moreover, environmental changes and transcription elongation factor mutations that downregulated the core promoters of highly active genes concomitantly increased their cryptic transcription. We therefore propose that the chromatin-based regulation of internal cryptic promoters is mediated by core promoter strength as well as transcription elongation factors.
Does the Modified Arrhenius Model Reliably Predict Area of Tissue Ablation After Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Pediatric Lesional Epilepsy?
Authors: Cobourn Kelsey D , Qadir Imazul , Fayed Islam , Alexander Hepzibha , Oluigbo Chima O
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Commercial magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) systems utilize a generalized Arrhenius model to estimate the area of tissue damage based on the power and time of ablation. However, the reliability of these estimates in Vivo remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy and precision of the thermal damage estimate (TDE) calculated by commercially available MRgLITT systems using the generalized Arrhenius model.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing MRgLITT for lesional epilepsy was performed. The area of each lesion was measured on both TDE and intraoperative postablation, postcontrast T1 magnetic resonance images using ImageJ. Lesions requiring multiple ablations were excluded. The strength of the correlation between TDE and postlesioning measurements was assessed via linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 32 lesions were identified in 19 patients. After exclusion, 13 pairs were available for analysis. Linear regression demonstrated a strong correlation between estimated and actual ablation areas (R2 = .97, P < .00001). The TDE underestimated the area of ablation by an average of 3.92% overall (standard error (SE) = 4.57%), but this varied depending on the type of pathologic tissue involved. TDE accuracy and precision were highest in tubers (n = 3), with average underestimation of 2.33% (SE = 0.33%). TDE underestimated the lesioning of the single hypothalamic hamartoma in our series by 52%. In periventricular nodular heterotopias, TDE overestimated ablation areas by an average of 13% (n = 2).

CONCLUSION

TDE reliability is variably consistent across tissue types, particularly in smaller or periventricular lesions. Further investigation is needed to understand the accuracy of this emerging minimally invasive technique.
Volatility-of-Volatility Risk in Asset Pricing
Authors: Chen Te-Feng , Chordia Tarun , Chung San-Lin , Lin Ji-Chai
Published: July 2021

This paper develops a general equilibrium model and provides empirical support that the market volatility-of-volatility (VOV) predicts market returns and drives the time-varying volatility risk. In asset pricing tests with the market, volatility, and VOV as factors, the risk premium on VOV is statistically and economically significant and robust. Market and volatility risks are not priced in unconditional models, but, consistent with theory, their factor loadings, conditional on VOV, are priced. The pricing impact of VOV strengthens during market crashes, suggesting that VOV is particularly relevant during market turmoil, when investors demand increased compensation for VOV risk. (JEL G11, G12, G13)
Negative overgeneralization is associated with anxiety and mechanisms of pattern completion in peripubertal youth
Authors: McMakin Dana L , Kimbler Adam , Tustison Nicholas J , Pettit Jeremy W , Mattfeld Aaron T
Published: July 2021

This study examines neural mechanisms of negative overgeneralization, the increased likelihood of generalizing negative information, in peri-puberty. Theories suggest that weak pattern separation [overlapping representations are made distinct, indexed by dentate gyrus/ cornu ammonis (CA)3 hippocampal subfield activation] underlies negative overgeneralization. We alternatively propose that neuro-maturational changes that favor pattern completion (cues reinstate stored representations, indexed by CA1 activation) are modulated by circuitry involved in emotional responding [amygdala, medial prefrontal cortices (mPFC)] to drive negative overgeneralization. Youth (n = 34, 9–14 years) recruited from community and clinic settings participated in an emotional mnemonic similarity task while undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. At study, participants indicated the valence of images; at test, participants made recognition memory judgments. Critical lure stimuli, which were similar to images at study, were presented at test, and errors (‘false alarms’) to negative relative to neutral stimuli reflected negative overgeneralization. Negative overgeneralization was related to greater and more similar patterns of activation in CA1 and both dorsal mPFC (dmPFC)and ventral mPFC (vmPFC) for negative relative to neutral stimuli. At study, amygdala exhibited greater functional coupling with CA1 and dmPFC during negative items that were later generalized. Negative overgeneralization is rooted in amygdala and mPFC modulation at encoding and pattern completion at retrieval.
Neurological Soft Signs Are Associated With Altered White Matter in Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Viher Petra Verena , Stegmayer Katharina , Bracht Tobias , Federspiel Andrea , Bohlhalter Stephan , Strik Werner , Wiest Roland , Walther Sebastian
Published: July 2021

Neurological soft signs (NSS) are related to grey matter and functional brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. Studies in healthy subjects suggest, that NSS are also linked to white matter. However, the association between NSS and white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated, if NSS are related to white matter alterations in patients with schizophrenia. The total sample included 42 healthy controls and 41 patients with schizophrenia. We used the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES), and we acquired diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging to assess white matter on a voxel-wise between subject statistic. In patients with schizophrenia, linear associations between NES with fractional anisotropy (FA), radial, axial, and mean diffusivity were analyzed with tract-based spatial statistics while controlling for age, medication dose, the severity of the disease, and motion. The main pattern of results in patients showed a positive association of NES with all diffusion measures except FA in important motor pathways: the corticospinal tract, internal capsule, superior longitudinal fascicle, thalamocortical radiations and corpus callosum. In addition, exploratory tractography analysis revealed an association of the right aslant with NES in patients. These results suggest that specific white matter alterations, that is, increased diffusivity might contribute to NSS in patients with schizophrenia.
Signaled night awakening and its association with social information processing and socio-emotional development across the first two years
Authors: Mäkelä Tiina E , Kylliäinen Anneli , Saarenpää-Heikkilä Outi , Paavonen E Juulia , Paunio Tiina , Leppänen Jukka M , Peltola Mikko J
Published: July 2021

Study Objectives

Night awakening is common in infancy, and some infants continue to have signaled night awakenings throughout early childhood. However, the influence of signaled night awakening on children’s social development is less explored. In the present study, longitudinal associations between signaled night awakening, social information processing, and socio-emotional development were measured within the CHILD-SLEEP birth cohort in two groups formed based on parent-reported night awakenings.

Methods

At 8 months, there were 77 infants in the waking group (≥3 awakenings) and 69 infants in the nonwaking group (≤1 awakening). At 8 and 24 months, social information processing was measured as children’s attention to neutral and emotional faces, and at 24 months, parent-reported socio-emotional behavior was measured with the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) questionnaire.

Results

The two groups showed different patterns of attention to emotional faces. The waking group had a more pronounced attentional bias to fearful versus happy faces, whereas in the nonwaking group, attention to fearful and happy faces did not differ. In addition, at 24 months, the waking group had more dysregulation problems and lower social competence than the nonwaking group, but no clear differences in internalizing or externalizing problems were found.

Conclusions

Our results contribute to the literature by showing that during the first 2 years of life, signaled night awakening is associated with social information processing and socio-emotional behavior.
Comparison of Phytophthora sojae Populations in Iowa and Nebraska to Identify Effective Rps Genes for Phytophthora Stem and Root Rot Management
Authors: Matthiesen Rashelle L. , Schmidt Clarice , Garnica Vinicius C. , Giesler Loren J. , Robertson Alison E.
Published: July 2021

Phytophthora stem and root rot (PSRR) of soybean, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora sojae, is prevalent in Iowa and Nebraska. Reducing losses to PSRR primarily relies on growing cultivars with specific resistance (Rps) genes. Predominant genes used in commercial soybean cultivars include Rps 1a, Rps 1c, Rps 1k, and Rps 3a. Knowing which Rps gene to deploy depends on knowledge of which genes are effective against the pathogen. From 2016 to 2018, 326 isolates of P. sojae from were recovered from fields in Iowa and Nebraska and classified into pathotypes based on their virulence on 15 soybean genotypes. A total of 15 and 10 pathotypes were identified in Iowa and Nebraska, respectively. Almost all isolates were virulent on Rps 1a, and over 70% of isolates were virulent on Rps 1c and Rps 1k. Only 2.3% of isolates from Iowa were virulent on Rps 3a. Among commercial soybean cultivars tested in the Illinois Soybean Variety trials from 2010 to 2020, Rps 1c was always the most frequently reported gene, followed by Rps 1k. In contrast, Rps 1a and Rps 3a were present in less than 10% and less than 5% of the cultivars tested, respectively. Because many of the P. sojae isolates in our study were virulent on Rps 1a, Rps 1c, and Rps 1k, soybean cultivars with these genes are unlikely to provide protection against PSRR unless they have a high level of partial resistance.
An Accreditation Program to Produce Native Plant Nursery Stock Free of Phytophthora for Use in Habitat Restoration
Authors: Swiecki Tedmund J. , Bernhardt Elizabeth A. , Frankel Susan J. , Benner Diana , Hillman Janell
Published: July 2021

Widespread Phytophthora infections have been discovered in nursery stock used in California restoration plantings. In response, Nursery Phytophthora Best Management Practices (NPBMPs) designed to exclude Phytophthora from nursery plants were developed to address the need for clean planting stock in restoration projects. A pilot program to implement the systematic use of the NPBMPs, Accreditation to Improve Restoration (AIR), was developed and started in 2018. As of 2020, 13 northern California restoration nurseries have been evaluated, and five have met all the program requirements. In 564 tests conducted over 4 years with a sensitive leachate baiting protocol, no Phytophthora was detected from over 20,000 nursery plants produced in compliance with the NPBMPs. In comparison, Phytophthora was detected in 25% of tests conducted on partially compliant stock and in 71% of tests from nurseries following few or no NPBMPs. The AIR pilot program has demonstrated that container stock free of detectable Phytophthora can be reliably produced by adhering to an integrated program of clean nursery production practices. To obtain Phytophthora-free plants for habitat restoration, informed clients were willing to pay increased costs required to produce NPBMP-compliant nursery stock.
Improving the Toolbox to Manage Phytophthora Diseases of Strawberry: Searching for Chemical Alternatives
Authors: Marin Marcus V. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: July 2021

Florida strawberry production is affected by two economically important Phytophthora diseases, Phytophthora crown rot (PhCR) and leather rot (LR), caused primarily by Phytophthora cactorum and P. nicotianae. Although products are available, chemical control is limited to mefenoxam, phosphites, and azoxystrobin, and resistance to mefenoxam and azoxystrobin has been reported. Both in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of eight different chemical classes on controlling PhCR and LR of strawberry. The fungicides mandipropamid, fluopicolide, oxathiapiprolin, and cymoxanil completely inhibited mycelial growth of both species at 1 µg/ml. The same fungicides controlled LR and PhCR caused by P. cactorum, in detached fruit and greenhouse trials, respectively, including mefenoxam-resistant isolates. However, for PhCR caused by P. nicotianae, only oxathiapiprolin and cymoxanil were effective in controlling the disease. Cyazofamid, fluazinam, propamocarb, and tebuconazole did not control PhCR caused by either Phytophthora spp. Except for tebuconazole, all fungicides tested reduced incidence of LR caused by P. cactorum in the detached fruit assay; in contrast, fluazinam, cyazofamid, and propamocarb had no effect on P. nicotianae. This study identifies four fungicides that could potentially be registered to manage both PhCR and LR of strawberry. The registration of additional fungicides with different modes of action would allow fruit and nursery growers to alternate products to reduce fungicide resistance risk.
Common Phytophthora sojae Pathotypes Occurring in South Dakota
Authors: Chowdhury Rawnaq N. , Tande Connie , Byamukama Emmanuel
Published: July 2021

Phytophthora root and stem rot, caused by Phytophthora sojae, is an important disease of soybean (Glycine max L.) in South Dakota. Because P. sojae populations are highly diverse and resistance genes deployed in commercial soybean varieties often fail to protect against this pathogen, this study was initiated to determine P. sojae pathotypes occurring in South Dakota. A total of 216 P. sojae isolates were baited from soil collected from 422 soybean fields in 2013 to 2015 and 2017. The pathotype of each isolate was determined by inoculating 10 seedlings of 13 standard soybean P. sojae differential lines using the hypocotyl inoculation technique. Of the 171 pathotyped isolates, 47 unique pathotypes were identified. The virulence complexity of isolates ranged from virulence on one Rps gene (Rps7) to virulence on 13 Rps genes, and mean complexity was 5.2. Harosoy (Rps7), Harlon (Rps1a), Williams 79 (Rps1c), Williams 82 (Rps1k), and Harosoy 13XX (Rps1b) were susceptible to 98, 80, 78, 73, and 72% of the isolates, respectively. These results highlight the highly diverse P. sojae pathotypes in South Dakota and the likely Rps genes to be ineffective in commercial soybean varieties.
Effective Downy Mildew Management in Basil Using Resistant Varieties, Environment Modifications, and Fungicides
Authors: Patel Jaimin S. , Wyenandt Christian A. , McGrath Margaret T.
Published: July 2021

Considerable progress has been made in managing Peronospora belbahrii, an oomycete pathogen that causes basil downy mildew, since 2007, when it was first detected in the United States. Conventional fungicides have been registered and shown effective against P. belbahrii in replicated experiments in recent years. Unfortunately, because of their specific modes of action and P. belbahrii biology, some are at risk for resistance development, which has been documented outside the United States. Sweet basil varieties have been developed and commercialized, with most exhibiting good to high levels of resistance to basil downy mildew. Knowledge about conditions favorable for infection and disease development has resulted in the identification of cultural practices for managing basil downy mildew in the greenhouse. Practices being implemented include fans to move leaves, thus preventing water deposition and decreasing relative humidity, lighting at night to mitigate sporulation, and temperature modification to suppress disease development. Although downy mildew can be more effectively managed today, growers still experience losses, particularly when conditions are highly favorable for disease development. None of the organic fungicides or programs tested have provided adequate control for susceptible varieties, and limited testing has been done on resistant varieties to date. This review aims to summarize effective basil downy mildew management tools, in particular downy mildew-resistant varieties, environment modifications, and fungicide applications.
A Diagnostic Guide for Volutella Blight Affecting Buxaceae
Authors: Yang Xiao , Castroagudín Vanina L. , Daughtrey Margery L. , Loyd Andrew L. , Weiland Jerry E. , Shishkoff Nina , Baysal-Gurel Fulya , Santamaria Luisa , Salgado-Salazar Catalina , LaMondia James A. , Crouch Jo Anne , Luster Douglas G.
Published: July 2021

Volutella blight is a common disease of species in the plant family Buxaceae, specifically boxwood, pachysandra, and sarcococca. Even though the disease has been consistently found over the past 150 years in all continents except for Antarctica, there are numerous complications in its etiology, signs and symptoms, and taxonomy, morphology, isolation, and preservation methods of its causal pathogens. For example, one of the two pathogens causing Volutella blight on boxwood, Pseudonectria buxi, has gone by at least 25 names including Volutella buxi and P. rousseliana, since its original description in 1815. The other Volutella blight pathogen on boxwood, P. foliicola, was not described until 2015. Although Coccinonectria pachysandricola, previously named as V. pachysandricola, has been known as a pathogen of pachysandra since 1944, it is only recently found in 2019 that the same pathogen can infect sarcococca. In this diagnostic guide, we provide a comprehensive review on the taxonomy, symptoms, host range, distribution, isolation, identification, storage, and pathogenicity test of the Volutella blight disease and these three causal pathogens. New data, such as previously unreported perithecial morphological characters of P. buxi and a unique sporodochia-forming pattern of C. pachysandricola, are also provided in this guide. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of diagnostic traits of three major fungal diseases on boxwood, namely, Volutella blight, boxwood blight, and boxwood dieback, is included. This guide aims at providing integrated information to aid the diagnosis of Volutella blight and facilitating new research to advance our knowledge of this old but under-studied disease.