bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary projection defects and decomposition
Authors: Klos Fabian , Roggenkamp Daniel
Published: March 2021

Abstract

As put forward in [1] topological quantum field theories can be projected using so-called projection defects. The projected theory and its correlation functions can be completely realized within the unprojected one. An interesting example is the case of topological quantum field theories associated to IR fixed points of renormalization group flows, which by this method can be realized inside the theories associated to the UV. In this note we show that projection defects in triangulated defect categories (such as defects in 2d topologically twisted $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 2) theories) always come with complementary projection defects, and that the unprojected theory decomposes into the theories associated to the two projection defects. We demonstrate this in the context of Landau-Ginzburg orbifold theories.
Discrete and higher-form symmetries in SCFTs from wrapped M5-branes
Authors: Bah Ibrahima , Bonetti Federico , Minasian Ruben
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We analyze topological mass terms of BF type arising in supersymmetric M-theory compactifications to AdS5. These describe spontaneously broken higher-form gauge symmetries in the bulk. Different choices of boundary conditions for the BF terms yield dual field theories with distinct global discrete symmetries. We discuss in detail these symmetries and their ’t Hooft anomalies for 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs arising from M5-branes wrapped on a Riemann surface without punctures, including theories from M5-branes at a ℤ2 orbifold singularity. The anomaly polynomial is computed via inflow and contains background fields for discrete global 0-, 1-, and 2-form symmetries and continuous 0-form symmetries, as well as axionic background fields. The latter are properly interpreted in the context of anomalies in the space of coupling constants.
Niraparib with androgen receptor-axis-targeted therapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: safety and pharmacokinetic results from a phase 1b study (BEDIVERE)
Authors: Saad Fred , Chi Kim N. , Shore Neal D. , Graff Julie N. , Posadas Edwin M. , Lattouf Jean-Baptiste , Espina Byron M. , Zhu Eugene , Yu Alex , Hazra Anasuya , De Meulder Marc , Mamidi Rao N. V. S. , Bradic Branislav , Francis Peter , Hayreh Vinny , Rezazadeh Kalebasty Arash
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess the safety and pharmacokinetics and determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of niraparib with apalutamide or abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods

BEDIVERE was a multicenter, open-label, phase 1b study of niraparib 200 or 300 mg/day with apalutamide 240 mg or AAP (abiraterone acetate 1000 mg; prednisone 10 mg). Patients with mCRPC were previously treated with ≥ 2 lines of systemic therapy, including ≥ 1 androgen receptor-axis-targeted therapy for prostate cancer.

Results

Thirty-three patients were enrolled (niraparib-apalutamide, 6; niraparib-AAP, 27). No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported when combinations included niraparib 200 mg; five patients receiving niraparib 300 mg experienced DLTs [niraparib-apalutamide, 2/3 patients (66.7%); niraparib-AAP, 3/8 patients (37.5%)]. Although data are limited, niraparib exposures were lower when given with apalutamide compared with historical niraparib monotherapy exposures in patients with solid tumors. Because of the higher incidence of DLTs, the niraparib–apalutamide combination and niraparib 300 mg combination with AAP were not further evaluated. Niraparib 200 mg was selected as the RP2D with AAP. Of 19 patients receiving niraparib 200 mg with AAP, 12 (63.2%) had grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events, the most common being thrombocytopenia (26.3%) and hypertension (21.1%). Five patients (26.3%) had adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions

These results support the choice of niraparib 200 mg as the RP2D with AAP. The niraparib–AAP combination was tolerable in patients with mCRPC, with no new safety signals. An ongoing phase 3 study is further assessing this combination in patients with mCRPC.

Trial registration no.

NCT02924766 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
99mTc internal contaminations measurements among nuclear medicine medical personnel during ventilation – perfusion SPECT lung scans
Authors: Borkowska E. , Brudecki K. , Kostkiewicz M. , Gorzkiewicz K. , Misiak R. , Nalichowska E. , Miszczyk J. , Mróz T.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents results of measurements of 99mTc activity concentration in air and nuclear medical personnel blood during ventilation–perfusion SPECT lung scans. 99mTc activity measurements were conducted at the Nuclear Medicine Department, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow. Technicians and nurses who perform examinations were equipped with personal aspirators enabling air sampling to determine the radiation exposure at their workplaces. Measurements allowed to evaluate the concentration of 99mTc in 14 air samples and it ranged from 7800 ± 600 to 10,000 ± 1000 Bq m−3 for air samples collected by technicians and from 390 ± 30 to 600 ± 40 Bq m−3 for air samples collected by nurses. In addition 99mTc concentrations in blood of medical personnel were determined in 24 samples. For technicians the maximum 99mTc blood concentration levels reached 920 ± 70 Bq L−1 and 1300 ± 100 Bq L−1. In the case of nurses, the maximum estimated activity concentrations were about ten times lower, namely 71 ± 7 Bq L−1 and 39 ± 3 Bq L−1. Although the intakes appear to be relatively high, the resulting annual effective doses are about 34 µSv for technicians and only 2 µSv for nurses.
The influence of chest X-ray results on antibiotic prescription for childhood pneumonia in the emergency department
Authors: van de Maat Josephine S. , Garcia Perez Daniella , Driessen Gertjan J. A. , van Wermeskerken Anne-Marie , Smit Frank J. , Noordzij Jeroen G. , Tramper-Stranders Gerdien , Obihara Charlie C. , Punt Jeanine , Moll Henriette A. , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of chest X-ray (CXR) results on antibiotic prescription in children suspected of lower respiratory tract infections (RTI) in the emergency department (ED). We performed a secondary analysis of a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized trial of children aged 1 month to 5 years with fever and cough/dyspnoea in 8 EDs in the Netherlands (2016–2018), including a 1-week follow-up. We analysed the observational data of the pre-intervention period, using multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the influence of CXR result on antibiotic prescription. We included 597 children (median age 17 months [IQR 9–30, 61% male). CXR was performed in 109/597 (18%) of children (range across hospitals 9 to 50%); 52/109 (48%) showed focal infiltrates. Children who underwent CXR were more likely to receive antibiotics, also when adjusted for clinical signs and symptoms, hospital and CXR result (OR 7.25 [95% CI 2.48–21.2]). Abnormalities on CXR were not significantly associated with antibiotic prescription.

Conclusion: Performance of CXR was independently associated with more antibiotic prescription, regardless of its results. The limited influence of CXR results on antibiotic prescription highlights the inferior role of CXR on treatment decisions for suspected lower RTI in the ED.What is Known:• Chest X-ray (CXR) has a high inter-observer variability and cannot distinguish between bacterial or viral pneumonia.• Current guidelines recommend against routine use of CXR in children with uncomplicated respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in the outpatient setting.What is New:• CXR is still frequently performed in non-complex children suspected of lower RTIs in the emergency department• CXR performance was independently associated with more antibiotic prescriptions, regardless of its results, highlighting the inferior role of chest X-rays in treatment decisions.
Oral health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure and left ventricular assist devices—results of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Schmalz Gerhard , Binner Christian , Eisner Mirjam , Wagner Justus , Rast Josephine , Kottmann Tanja , Haak Rainer , Lehmann Sven , Borger Michael A. , Garbade Jens , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and heart failure (HF).

Material and methods

Seventy-four patients with LVAD were recruited from University Department for Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Germany. A group of 72 patients with HF was composed by matching (age, gender, smoking). The German short form of oral health impact profile (OHIP G14) was applied. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured by short form 36 survey (SF-36). Dental conditions (decayed-, missing- and filled-teeth [DMF-T]), remaining teeth and periodontal findings were assessed. Statistics: t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square or Fisher test, linear regression.

Results

Age, gender, smoking, underlying disease, co-morbidities and oral findings were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). OHIP G14 sum score was 3.53 ± 6.82 (LVAD) and 2.92 ± 5.35 (HF; p = 0.70), respectively. The scales SF-36 physical functioning (p = 0.05) and SF-36 social functioning (p < 0.01) were worse in LVAD. In the LVAD group, the DMF-T and remaining teeth negatively correlated with OHIP G14 sum score (p < 0.01). In HF patients, positive correlations were found between OHIP G14 and D-T (p < 0.01) and remaining teeth (p = 0.04). Moreover, DMF-T (p = 0.03) and remaining molars/premolars (p = 0.02) were negatively correlated with SF-36 scales in HF.

Conclusions

Oral health and OHRQoL was comparable between LVAD and HF; thereby, OHRQoL reflected the clinical oral status.

Clinical relevance

Dental care, with beginning in early stage of HF, should be fostered to preserve teeth and support quality of life before and after LVAD implantation.
Calvarial lesions: overview of imaging features and neurosurgical management
Authors: Nasi-Kordhishti Isabella , Hempel Johann-Martin , Ebner Florian Heinrich , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: March 2021

Calvarial lesions are rare and can present as a variety of different diseases. The lesions can be palpable on the skin and cause local pain and paraesthesia and, depending on the location, neurological deficits can also occur. This research aims to present an overview of typical imaging features as well as neurosurgical management. We examined the charts of patients who underwent surgery on a calvarial lesion in our department between 2004 and 2017 (n=133). Retrospectively, the pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were analyzed with morphological and histological findings and compared with each other. Pain, swelling, cosmetically disturbing, and neurological deficits were the main complaints. Seventy-seven lesions were limited to the bone, while another 56 lesions showed an infiltrating growth in the adjacent tissue. Depending on the clinical signs and suspected diagnosis, a biopsy, a partial removal, or a complete resection was performed. Histiocytosis (n=20), meningiomas (n=20), metastases (n=19), and osteomas (n=16) were the most common lesions. Fibrous dysplasia (n=6) and intraosseous hemangioma (n=9) were less common; other lesions were present only in isolated cases. Imaging features may suggest the lesion to be benign or malignant, but the diagnosis can be only confirmed by histological examination. The surgical strategy depends on the complaints, location of the lesion, and suspected diagnosis. Adjuvant treatment should be initiated according to the histological findings.
On the Best Constant Problem for a Class of Mixed-Norm Hardy Inequalities
Authors: Lai Baofeng , Wang Runqiu
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we obtain the best constant and the equality condition for a class of mixed-norm Hardy inequalities when the weight is a power function. By building and solving the corresponding Euler equation, we look for the best constant and the optimal function. One of the main ingredients is to introduce two key auxiliary functions so that the corresponding equalities are derived.
Incidence rates and contemporary trends in primary urethral cancer
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Nocera Luigi , Collà Ruvolo Claudia , Würnschimmel Christoph , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Tilki Derya , Mandel Philipp , Becker Andreas , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K. H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

We assessed contemporary incidence rates and trends of primary urethral cancer.

Methods

We identified urethral cancer patients within Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry (SEER, 2004–2016). Age-standardized incidence rates per 1,000,000 (ASR) were calculated. Log linear regression analyses were used to compute average annual percent change (AAPC).

Results

From 2004 to 2016, 1907 patients with urethral cancer were diagnosed (ASR 1.69; AAPC: -0.98%, p = 0.3). ASR rates were higher in males than in females (2.70 vs. 0.55), respectively and did not change over the time (both p = 0.3). Highest incidence rates were recorded in respectively ≥75 (0.77), 55–74 (0.71) and ≤54 (0.19) years of age categories, in that order. African Americans exhibited highest incidence rate (3.33) followed by Caucasians (1.72), other race groups (1.57) and Hispanics (1.57), in that order. A significant decrease occurred over time in Hispanics, but not in other race groups. In African Americans, male and female sex-stratified incidence rates were higher than in any other race group. Urothelial histological subtype exhibited highest incidence rate (0.92), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (0.41), adenocarcinoma (0.29) and other histologies (0.20). In stage stratified analyses, T1N0M0 stage exhibited highest incidence rate. However, it decreased over time (−3.00%, p = 0.02) in favor of T1-4N1-2M0 stage (+ 2.11%, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Urethral cancer is rare. Its incidence rates are highest in males, elderly patients, African Americans and in urothelial histological subtype. Most urethral cancer cases are T1N0M0, but over time, the incidence of T1N0M0 decreased in favor of T1-4N1-2M0.
Influence of Twin-Roll Casting Speed on Microstructural Homogeneity, Centerline Segregation, and Surface Quality of Three Different Mg Alloys
Authors: Victoria-Hernández J. , Kurz G. , Bohlen J. , Yi S. , Letzig D.
Published: March 2021

In this work, the influence of twin-roll casting (TRC) speed on the microstructure of the through-thickness uniformity, centerline segregation, and surface quality of three wrought Mg alloys was investigated. The microstructural features of the AZ31, ZX11, and ZWK200 alloys produced at TRC speeds ranging from 1.8 m/min to 2.2 m/min (for the AZ31 and ZWK200), and 1.5–2.5 m/min (for the ZX11 alloy) were analyzed. There were clear differences in the microstructure uniformity depending on the alloy composition. Columnar grains coexisting with globular grains were found in the AZ31 and ZX11 alloys, whereas the ZWK200 alloy showed a homogeneous fine-grained microstructure characterized by a weaker texture even at the highest TRC speed used. While there is a tendency to reduce the centerline segregation as the TRC speed is decreased during casting of the AZ31 alloy, the formation of this defect cannot be prevented in the ZX11 and ZWK200 alloys by only varying the TRC speed.
The Role of Patient Support Groups in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Kolarova Teodora , Bouvier Catherine
Published: March 2021

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to establish the role patient support groups play in NENs.

Recent Findings

Published data on the role and work done by these groups is extremely sparse, so the review references publications in the wider cancer advocacy context. For the purposes of the review, a survey was carried out among the members of a global umbrella organization to ascertain the level of activities undertaken in support of the NEN patient community.

The concept of “support groups” has changed significantly, as these groups have evolved from patient peer-to-peer support provision to a strategic focus on improving awareness and education among all stakeholders, generating patient evidence to influence policies for access to optimal diagnostics, treatment, and care, and setting the research agenda. Today, NEN patient organizations have an instrumental role of catalysts of change across the healthcare spectrum—especially relevant in a setting of less common and not well-understood diseases, where clear pathways and guidelines are still a challenge.
Spreading of performance fluctuations on real-world project networks
Authors: Pozzana Iacopo , Ellinas Christos , Kalogridis Georgios , Sakellariou Konstantinos
Published: March 2021

Understanding the role of individual nodes is a key challenge in the study of spreading processes on networks. In this work we propose a novel metric, the reachability-heterogeneity (RH), to quantify the contribution of each node to the robustness of the network against a spreading process. We then introduce a dataset consisting of four large engineering projects described by their activity networks, including records of the performance of each activity, i.e., whether it was timely delivered or delayed; such data, describing the spreading of performance fluctuations across activities, can be used as a reliable ground truth for the study of spreading phenomena on networks. We test the validity of the RH metric on these project networks, and discover that nodes scoring low in RH tend to consistently perform better. We also compare RH and seven other node metrics, showing that the former is highly interdependent with activity performance. Given the context agnostic nature of RH, our results, based on real-world data, signify the role that network structure plays with respect to overall project performance.
Combined application of biochar with fertilizer promotes nitrogen uptake in maize by increasing nitrogen retention in soil
Authors: Peng Jing , Han Xiaori , Li Na , Chen Kun , Yang Jinfeng , Zhan Xiumei , Luo Peiyu , Liu Ning
Published: March 2021

Combined application of biochar with fertilizers has been used to increase soil fertility and crop yield. However, the coupling mechanisms through which biochar improves crop yield at field scale and the time span over which biochar affects carbon and nitrogen transformation and crop yield are still little known. In this study, a long-term field trial (2013–2019) was performed in brown soil planting maize. Six treatments were designed: CK—control; NPK—application of chemical fertilizers; C1PK—low biochar without nitrogen fertilizer; C1NPK, C2NPK and C3NPK—biochar at 1.5, 3 and 6 t ha−1, respectively, combined with chemical fertilizers. Results showed that the δ15N value in the topsoil of 0–20 cm layer in the C3NPK treatment reached a peak of 291 ‰ at the third year (2018), and demonstrated a peak of 402 ‰ in the NPK treatment in the initial isotope trial in 2016. Synchronously, SOC was not affected until the third to fourth year after biochar addition, and resulted in a significant increase in total N of 2.4 kg N ha−1 in 2019 in C3NPK treatment. During the entire experiment, the 15N recovery rates of 74–80% were observed highest in the C2NPK and C3NPK treatments, resulting in an annual increase in yields significantly. The lowest subsoil δ15N values ranged from 66‰ to 107‰, and the 15N residual rate would take 70 years for a complete decay to 0.001% in the C3NPK. Our findings suggest that biochar compound fertilizers can increase C stability and N retention in soil and improve N uptake by maize, while the loss of N was minimized. Biochars, therefore, may have an important potential for improving the agroecosystem and ecological balance.

Graphic abstract
Winter activity of boreal bats
Authors: Blomberg Anna S. , Vasko Ville , Meierhofer Melissa B. , Johnson Joseph S. , Eeva Tapio , Lilley Thomas M.
Published: March 2021

Natural hibernation sites used by bats in areas that lack cave features have long remained unresolved. To investigate hibernation site selection and winter activity of boreal bats, we recorded bat calls using passive acoustic monitoring at 16 sites in South-Western Finland. These sites included four rock outcrops with crevices and cave features, three glacial erratics or boulder fields, three ancient shores, three root cellars and three control sites where we did not expect bats to be overwintering. Our results revealed echolocation calls of Eptesicus nilssonii, Plecotus auritus and Myotis sp. We recorded significantly more activity near rock outcrops compared to other habitats, excluding root cellars. We also found that ambient temperature had a positive effect on bat activity and found evidence that P. auritus may be using low barometric pressure as a proxy for suitable foraging conditions during the winter. Our results suggest that rock outcrops may be more important to bats than previously acknowledged, highlighting the need to take these sites in account in planning of conservation measures. Furthermore, our findings underline the suitability of using acoustic monitoring in homing on hibernation sites that are not otherwise accessible.
Can multidrug-resistant organisms become resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light following serial exposures? Characterization of post-UV genomic changes using whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Choi Hosoon , Chatterjee Piyali , Hwang Munok , Stock Eileen M. , Lukey Janell S. , Zeber John E. , Jinadatha Chetan
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

No-touch disinfection systems like xenon- or mercury-based ultraviolet (UV) are now commonly being used for hospital room disinfection. However, serial exposure to UV light can potentially lead to the development of bacterial resistance. We sought to determine whether UV resistance develops due to serial exposure to UV light using 3 epidemiologically important multidrug-resistant microbial strains.

Methods:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenemase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) and metallo-β-lactamase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (MBL) were serially exposed to 25 growth-irradiation cycles of UV produced by a xenon-based UV (Xe-UV) lamp for 5 minutes or a mercury-based UV (Hg-UV) lamp for 10 minutes. After each UV exposure cycle, the surviving colony-forming units (CFUs) were measured and compared with the initial inoculum of each cycle for each strain, respectively.

Results:

In each cycle, ˜1–10 million of MRSA, KPC, and MBL were used to test the effect of UV irradiation. Postexposure colony counts remained low (3–100 colonies) throughout the 25 serial exposures to both xenon- and mercury-based UV. The log-kill rate after each exposure showed no changes following UV disinfection by Xe-UV. The MRSA log-kill rate increased after repeated exposure to Hg-UV unlike KPC and MBL K. pneumoniae, which did not change. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses performed on these 3 strains demonstrated no significant genetic changes after multiple UV irradiation cycles.

Conclusions:

Exposure of multidrug-resistant bacteria to UV produced from 2 different UV sources did not engender UV resistance after 25 serial exposures, as demonstrated by WGS analysis; thus, UV disinfection is unlikely to generate UV-resistant hospital flora.
Production and perception of the Pin-Penmerger
Authors: Austen Martha
Published: March 2021

This study presents the first US-wide survey of thepin-penmerger since Labov, Ash & Boberg (2006). Production and perception data were collected from 277 speakers from across the country, with perception-only data from an additional 94 speakers; these data largely replicated previous findings about the social and geographic distribution of the merger. An examination of production and perception data together showed that near merger—in which speakers cannothearthe difference betweenpinandpenwords, yet pronounce them differently—was relatively common, although this phenomenon has received little attention in the literature on the merger. Additionally, an investigation of how merged speakers phonetically realized their mergedpin-penvowel revealed that, in contrast to previous findings, speakers were equally as likely to merge to [ɛ] (tw[ɛ]nfortwin) as they were to [i] (h[i]nforhen). However, there was no apparent social or geographic patterning to this phonetic realization.
Metabolic and nutritional responses of Nile tilapia juveniles to dietary methionine sources
Authors: Teodósio Rita , Engrola Sofia , Cabano Miguel , Colen Rita , Masagounder Karthik , Aragão Cláudia
Published: March 2021

Commercial diets for tilapia juveniles contain high levels of plant protein sources. Soybean meal has been utilised due to its high protein content; however, soy-based diets are limited in methionine (Met) and require its supplementation to fulfil fish requirements. dl-Methinone (dl-Met) and Ca bis-methionine hydroxyl analogue (MHA-Ca) are synthetic Met sources supplemented in aquafeeds, which may differ in biological efficiency due to structural differences. The present study evaluated the effect of both methionine sources on metabolism and growth of Nile tilapia. A growth trial was performed using three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, containing plant ingredients as protein sources: DLM and MHA diets were supplemented on equimolar levels of Met, while REF diet was not supplemented. Hepatic free Met and one-carbon metabolites were determined in fish fed for 57 d. Metabolism of dl-Met and MHA was analysed by an in vivo time-course trial using 14C-labelled tracers. Only dl-Met supplementation significantly increased final body weight and improved feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios compared with the REF diet. Our findings indicate that Met in DLM fed fish follows the transsulphuration pathway, while in fish fed MHA and REF diets it is remethylated. The in vivo trial revealed that 14C-dl-Met is absorbed faster and more retained than 14C-MHA, resulting in a greater availability of free Met in the tissues when fish is fed with DLM diet. Our study indicates that dietary dl-Met supplementation improves growth performance and N retention, and that Met absorption and utilisation are influenced by the dietary source in tilapia juveniles.
Strain-partitioned dextral transpression in the Great Boundary Fault Zone around Chittaurgarh, NW Indian Shield
Authors: Srivastava Deepak C. , Goswami Ajanta , Sahay Amit
Published: March 2021

Delimiting the Aravalli mountain range in the east, the Great Boundary Fault (GBF) occurs as a crustal-scale tectonic lineament in the NW Indian Shield. The structural and tectonic characteristics of the GBF are, as yet, not well-understood. We attempt to fill this gap by using a combination of satellite image processing, high-resolution outcrop mapping and structural analysis around Chittaurgarh. The study area exposes the core and damage zone of the GBF. Three successive phases of folding, F1, F2 and F3, are associated with deformation in the GBF. The large-scale structural characteristics of the GBF core are: (i) a non-coaxial refolding of F1 folds by F2 folds; and (ii) the parallelism between the GBF and F2 axial traces. In addition, numerous metre-scale ductile shear zones cut through the rocks in the GBF core. The damage zone is characterized by the large-scale F1 folds and the mesoscopic-scale strike-slip faults, thrusts and brittle-ductile shear zones. Several lines of evidence, such as the inconsistent overprinting relationship between the strike-slip faults and thrusts, the occurrence of en échelon folds and the palaeostress directions suggest that the GBF is a dextral transpression fault zone. Structural geometry and kinematic indicators imply a wrench- and contraction-dominated deformation in the core and damage zone, respectively. We infer that the GBF is a strain-partitioned dextral transpression zone.
Essential oils fromOcimum basilicumcultivars: analysis of their composition and determination of the effect of the major compounds onHaemonchus contortuseggs
Authors: Sousa A.I.P. , Silva C.R. , Costa-Júnior H.N. , Silva N.C.S. , Pinto J.A.O. , Blank A.F. , Soares A.M.S. , Costa-Júnior L.M.
Published: March 2021

The continuous use of synthetic anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) has resulted in the increased resistance, which is why alternative methods are being sought, such as the use of natural products. Plant essential oils (EOs) have been considered as potential products for the control of GINs. However, the chemical composition and, consequently, the biological activity of EOs vary in different plant cultivars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of EOs from cultivars ofOcimum basilicumL. and that of their major constituents againstHaemonchus contortus.The EOs from 16 cultivars as well the pure compound linalool, methyl chavicol, citral and eugenol were used in the assessment of the inhibition ofH. contortusegg hatch. In addition, the composition of three cultivars was simulated using a combination of the two major compounds from each. The EOs from different cultivars showed mean Inhibition Concentration (IC50) varying from 0.56 to 2.22 mg/mL. The cultivar with the highest egg-hatch inhibition, Napoletano, is constituted mainly of linalool and methyl chavicol. Among the individual compounds tested, citral was the most effective (IC500.30 mg/mL). The best combination of compounds was obtained with 11% eugenol plus 64% linalool (IC500.44 mg/mL), simulating the Italian Large Leaf (Richters) cultivar. We conclude that different cultivars ofO. basilicumshow different anthelmintic potential, with cultivars containing linalool and methyl chavicol being the most promising; and that citral or methyl chavicol isolated should also be considered for the development of new anthelmintic formulations.
High rate of loss to follow-up and virological non-suppression in HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy highlights the need to improve quality of care in South Africa
Authors: van Liere Geneviève A. F. S. , Lilian Rivka , Dunlop Jackie , Tait Carol , Rees Kate , Mabitsi Moya , Ranoto Lucy , Struthers Helen E. , McIntyre James A. , Peters Remco P. H.
Published: March 2021

Provision of high-quality care and ensuring retention of children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are essential to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated morbidity and mortality. Virological non-suppression (≥1000 viral copies/ml) is an indication of suboptimal HIV care and support. This retrospective cohort study included ART-naïve children who initiated first-line ART between July 2015 and August 2017 in Johannesburg and rural Mopani district. Of 2739 children started on ART, 29.5% (807/2739) were lost to care at the point of analysis in August 2018. Among retained children, overall virological non-suppression was 30.2% (469/1554). Virological non-suppression was associated with higher loss to care 30.3% (229/755) compared with suppressed children (9.7%, 136/1399, P < 0.001). Receiving treatment in Mopani was associated with virological non-suppression in children under 5 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.4), 5–9 years (aOR 1.8 (1.1–3.0)) and 10–14 years (aOR 1.9 (1.2–2.8)). Virological non-suppression was associated with lower CD4 count in children 5–9 years (aOR 2.1 (1.1–4.1)) and 10–14 years (aOR 2.1 (1.2–3.8)). Additional factors included a shorter time on ART (<5 years aOR 1.8–3.7 (1.3–8.2)), and male gender (5–9 years, aOR1.5 (1.01–2.3)), and receiving cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (10–14 years aOR 2.0 (1.2–3.6)). In conclusion, virological non-suppression is a factor of subsequent programme loss in both regions, and factors affecting the quality of care need to be addressed to achieve the third UNAIDS 90 in paediatric HIV.
Everyday Executive Function and Self-Awareness in Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum
Authors: Mangum Ryan W. , Miller Justin S. , Brown Warren S. , Nolty Anne A.T. , Paul Lynn K.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) is associated with a range of cognitive deficits, including mild to moderate problems in higher order executive functions evident in neuropsychological assessments. Previous research has also suggested a lack of self-awareness in persons with AgCC.

Method:

We investigated daily executive functioning and self-awareness in 36 individuals with AgCC by analyzing self-ratings on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), as well as ratings on the same instrument from close relatives. Discrepancies between self- and informant-ratings were compared to the normative sample and exploratory analyses examined possible moderating effects of participant and informant characteristics.

Results:

Significant deficiencies were found in the Behavioral Regulation and Metacognitive indices for both the self and informant results, with elevated frequency of metacognition scores in the borderline to clinical range. Informants also endorsed elevated frequency of borderline to clinically significant behavioral regulation scores. The proportion of AgCC participants whose self-ratings indicated less metacognitive impairment than informant-ratings was greater than in the normative sample. Self-ratings of behavioral regulation impairment decreased with age and informant-ratings of metacognition were higher in males than females.

Conclusions:

These findings provide evidence that individuals with AgCC experience mild to moderate executive functioning problems in everyday behavior which are observed by others. Results also suggest a lack of self-understanding or insight into the severity of these problems in the individuals with AgCC, particularly with respect to their metacognitive functioning.
Environmental incentives facing private information
Authors: Wirl Franz
Published: March 2021

Environmental incentives are characterized by two distinct features: (1) a benefit-cost trade-off; and (2) private information about the trade-off. This suggests a degree of freedom of where to attach the private information, either to the benefit or the costs, as long as these choices imply the same behavior absent incentives (‘observation equivalent’). However, we show that different observation equivalent specifications can lead to different incentives. This is demonstrated for two cases: rainforest protection and contributions to a public good. Therefore, the choice of a private information parameter must be justified against observation equivalent alternatives.
Abnormal Activities of Tropical Cyclones in 2019 Over the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Moon M. , Ha K.‐J.
Published: March 2021

Approximately, 25.6 tropical cyclones (TCs) occur in the western North Pacific (WNP) each year, of which 3.4 TCs affect the Korean Peninsula (KP). In 2019, a record of seven TCs affected the KP. We investigated and elucidated the favorable conditions influencing the TCs approaching the KP using the Weather Research and Forecasting model version 4.0 (WRFv4). The cold Maritime Continent‐warm WNP sea surface temperature (SST) was found to be a major factor. The effect of the SST gradient was examined for one representative case using WRFv4 with varying SST anomalies. This study suggests that the SST gradient‐induced change in the circulation over the Maritime Continent is a main factor causing the TCs to approach the KP.
Summer Air Temperature for the Greater Yellowstone Ecoregion (770–2019 CE) Over 1,250 Years
Authors: Heeter Karen J. , Rochner Maegen L. , Harley Grant L.
Published: March 2021

Projected warming of global surface air temperatures will further exacerbate droughts, wildfires, and other agents of ecosystem stress. We use latewood blue intensity from high‐elevation Picea engelmannii to reconstruct late‐summer maximum air temperature for the Greater Yellowstone Ecoregion (GYE) spanning 770–2019 CE. Using a robust regression model (r2 = 0.60), the 1,250‐year reconstruction reveals 2016 as the single‐warmest year and the warming trend since ca. 2000 as the most intense. The Medieval Climate Anomaly contained the highest‐ranking warm event (1050–1070 CE) and was characterized by substantial multidecadal variability rather than a period of prolonged, homogeneous warming. We document regional expression of past warm and cool events, such as an anomalously warm period spanning the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries, and the Maunder and Dalton minima of the Little Ice Age. Summer temperature variability across the GYE shows multicentennial agreement with trends in solar irradiance, volcanic activity, snowpack, and other regional‐to‐hemispheric temperature records.
Changes in the brain structural connectome after a prospective randomized clinical trial of lithium and quetiapine treatment in youth with bipolar disorder
Authors: Lei Du , Li Wenbin , Tallman Maxwell J. , Patino L. Rodrigo , McNamara Robert K. , Strawn Jeffrey R. , Klein Christina C. , Nery Fabiano G. , Fleck David E. , Qin Kun , Ai Yuan , Yang Jing , Zhang Wenjing , Lui Su , Gong Qiyong , Adler Caleb M. , Sweeney John A. , DelBello Melissa P.
Published: March 2021

The goals of the current study were to determine whether topological organization of brain structural networks is altered in youth with bipolar disorder, whether such alterations predict treatment outcomes, and whether they are normalized by treatment. Youth with bipolar disorder were randomized to double-blind treatment with quetiapine or lithium and assessed weekly. High-resolution MRI images were collected from children and adolescents with bipolar disorder who were experiencing a mixed or manic episode (n = 100) and healthy youth (n = 63). Brain networks were constructed based on the similarity of morphological features across regions and analyzed using graph theory approaches. We tested for pretreatment anatomical differences between bipolar and healthy youth and for changes in neuroanatomic network metrics following treatment in the youth with bipolar disorder. Youth with bipolar disorder showed significantly increased clustering coefficient (Cp) (p = 0.009) and characteristic path length (Lp) (p = 0.04) at baseline, and altered nodal centralities in insula, inferior frontal gyrus, and supplementary motor area. Cp, Lp, and nodal centrality of the insula exhibited normalization in patients following treatment. Changes in these neuroanatomic parameters were correlated with improvement in manic symptoms but did not differ between the two drug therapies. Baseline structural network matrices significantly differentiated medication responders and non-responders with 80% accuracy. These findings demonstrate that both global and nodal structural network features are altered in early course bipolar disorder, and that pretreatment alterations in neuroanatomic features predicted treatment outcome and were reduced by treatment. Similar connectome normalization with lithium and quetiapine suggests that the connectome changes are a downstream effect of both therapies that is related to their clinical efficacy.
Genome-wide gene-environment interactions in neuroticism: an exploratory study across 25 environments
Authors: Werme Josefin , van der Sluis Sophie , Posthuma Danielle , de Leeuw Christiaan A.
Published: March 2021

Gene-environment interactions (GxE) are often suggested to play an important role in the aetiology of psychiatric phenotypes, yet so far, only a handful of genome-wide environment interaction studies (GWEIS) of psychiatric phenotypes have been conducted. Representing the most comprehensive effort of its kind to date, we used data from the UK Biobank to perform a series of GWEIS for neuroticism across 25 broadly conceptualised environmental risk factors (trauma, social support, drug use, physical health). We investigated interactions on the level of SNPs, genes, and gene-sets, and computed interaction-based polygenic risk scores (PRS) to predict neuroticism in an independent sample subset (N = 10,000). We found that the predictive ability of the interaction-based PRSs did not significantly improve beyond that of a traditional PRS based on SNP main effects from GWAS, but detected one variant and two gene-sets showing significant interaction signal after correction for the number of analysed environments. This study illustrates the possibilities and limitations of a comprehensive GWEIS in currently available sample sizes.
The release of toxic oligomers from α-synuclein fibrils induces dysfunction in neuronal cells
Authors: Cascella Roberta , Chen Serene W. , Bigi Alessandra , Camino José D. , Xu Catherine K. , Dobson Christopher M. , Chiti Fabrizio , Cremades Nunilo , Cecchi Cristina
Published: March 2021

The self-assembly of α-synuclein (αS) into intraneuronal inclusion bodies is a key characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. To define the nature of the species giving rise to neuronal damage, we have investigated the mechanism of action of the main αS populations that have been observed to form progressively during fibril growth. The αS fibrils release soluble prefibrillar oligomeric species with cross-β structure and solvent-exposed hydrophobic clusters. αS prefibrillar oligomers are efficient in crossing and permeabilize neuronal membranes, causing cellular insults. Short fibrils are more neurotoxic than long fibrils due to the higher proportion of fibrillar ends, resulting in a rapid release of oligomers. The kinetics of released αS oligomers match the observed kinetics of toxicity in cellular systems. In addition to previous evidence that αS fibrils can spread in different brain areas, our in vitro results reveal that αS fibrils can also release oligomeric species responsible for an immediate dysfunction of the neurons in the vicinity of these species.
Learned spectral decoloring enables photoacoustic oximetry
Authors: Gröhl Janek , Kirchner Thomas , Adler Tim J. , Hacker Lina , Holzwarth Niklas , Hernández-Aguilera Adrián , Herrera Mildred A. , Santos Edgar , Bohndiek Sarah E. , Maier-Hein Lena
Published: March 2021

The ability of photoacoustic imaging to measure functional tissue properties, such as blood oxygenation sO$$_2$$

2

, enables a wide variety of possible applications. sO$$_2$$

2

can be computed from the ratio of oxyhemoglobin HbO$$_2$$

2

and deoxyhemoglobin Hb, which can be distuinguished by multispectral photoacoustic imaging due to their distinct wavelength-dependent absorption. However, current methods for estimating sO$$_2$$

2

yield inaccurate results in realistic settings, due to the unknown and wavelength-dependent influence of the light fluence on the signal. In this work, we propose learned spectral decoloring to enable blood oxygenation measurements to be inferred from multispectral photoacoustic imaging. The method computes sO$$_2$$

2

pixel-wise, directly from initial pressure spectra $$S_{\text {p}_0}(\lambda , \mathbf {x})$$

S

p
0

(
λ
,
x
)

, which represent initial pressure values at a fixed spatial location $$\mathbf {x}$$
x
over all recorded wavelengths $$\lambda$$
λ
. The method is compared to linear unmixing approaches, as well as pO$$_2$$

2

and blood gas analysis reference measurements. Experimental results suggest that the proposed method is able to obtain sO$$_2$$

2

estimates from multispectral photoacoustic measurements in silico, in vitro, and in vivo.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection of preoperatively diagnosed non-circumferential T1a-muscularis mucosae or T1b-submucosa 1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Namikawa Ken , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Yoshimizu Shoichi , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Tokai Yoshitaka , Horiuchi Yusuke , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Fujisaki Junko
Published: March 2021

In Japan, preoperatively diagnosed T1a-muscularis mucosae or T1b-submucosa 1 (MM/SM1) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a relative indication for endoscopic resection (ER). We evaluated long-term outcomes in patients after ER for non-circumferential ESCC with a preoperative diagnosis of MM/SM1 invasion. We retrospectively reviewed 66 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of non-circumferential MM/SM1 ESCC endoscopically resected between 2010 and 2015. Patients were divided into low- (adequate follow-up) and high-risk (requiring additional treatment) groups for lymph node metastasis according to risk factors (submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion, or droplet infiltration) and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Pathological invasion to T1a-lamina propria mucosa, MM/SM1, and T1b-SM2 was seen in 22, 38, and 6 lesions, respectively. Overall, 71.2% patients were classified into the “adequate follow-up” group. Of these, only one patient had a lymph node recurrence, which was successfully treated by additional therapy. The remaining 28.8% patients were classified into the “requiring additional treatment” group, where no recurrences were observed after additional treatments. After a median follow-up of 58.6 months, no deaths happened due to ESCC. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 93.6% and 88.7%, respectively. ER is a valid initial treatment for non-circumferential ESCC with preoperatively diagnosed MM/SM1 invasion.
Optical signatures of radiofrequency ablation in biological tissues
Authors: Lanka Pranav , Francis Kalloor Joseph , Kruit Hindrik , Farina Andrea , Cubeddu Rinaldo , Sekar Sanathana Konugolu Venkata , Manohar Srirang , Pifferi Antonio
Published: March 2021

Accurate monitoring of treatment is crucial in minimally-invasive radiofrequency ablation in oncology and cardiovascular disease. We investigated alterations in optical properties of ex-vivo bovine tissues of the liver, heart, muscle, and brain, undergoing the treatment. Time-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy was used, which enabled us to disentangle and quantify absorption and reduced scattering spectra. In addition to the well-known global (1) decrease in absorption, and (2) increase in reduced scattering, we uncovered new features based on sensitive detection of spectral changes. These absorption spectrum features are: (3) emergence of a peak around 840 nm, (4) redshift of the 760 nm deoxyhemoglobin peak, and (5) blueshift of the 970 nm water peak. Treatment temperatures above 100 °C led to (6) increased absorption at shorter wavelengths, and (7) further decrease in reduced scattering. This optical behavior provides new insights into tissue response to thermal treatment and sets the stage for optical monitoring of radiofrequency ablation.
Metabolomics analysis of follicular fluid coupled with oocyte aspiration reveals importance of glucocorticoids in primate periovulatory follicle competency
Authors: Ravisankar Sweta , Hanna Carol B. , Brooks Kelsey E. , Murphy Melinda J. , Redmayne Nash , Ryu Junghyun , Kinchen Jason M. , Chavez Shawn L. , Hennebold Jon D.
Published: March 2021

Gonadotropin administration during infertility treatment stimulates the growth and development of multiple ovarian follicles, yielding heterogeneous oocytes with variable capacity for fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst formation. To determine how the intrafollicular environment affects oocyte competency, 74 individual rhesus macaque follicles were aspirated and the corresponding oocytes classified as failed to cleave, cleaved but arrested prior to blastulation, or those that formed blastocysts following in vitro fertilization. Metabolomics analysis of the follicular fluid (FF) identified 60 unique metabolites that were significantly different between embryo classifications, of which a notable increase in the intrafollicular ratio of cortisol to cortisone was observed in the blastocyst group. Immunolocalization of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR, NR3C1) revealed translocation from the cytoplasm to nucleus with oocyte maturation in vitro and, correlation to intrafollicular expression of the 11-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases that interconvert these glucocorticoids was detected upon an ovulatory stimulus in vivo. While NR3C1 knockdown in oocytes had no effect on their maturation or fertilization, expansion of the associated cumulus granulosa cells was inhibited. Our findings indicate an important role for NR3C1 in the regulation of follicular processes via paracrine signaling. Further studies are required to define the means through which the FF cortisol:cortisone ratio determines oocyte competency.