bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrahypothalamic oxytocin neurons drive stress-induced social vigilance and avoidance
Authors: Duque-Wilckens Natalia , Torres Lisette Y. , Yokoyama Sae , Minie Vanessa A. , Tran Amy M. , Petkova Stela P. , Hao Rebecca , Ramos-Maciel Stephanie , Rios Roberto A. , Jackson Kenneth , Flores-Ramirez Francisco J. , Garcia-Carachure Israel , Pesavento Patricia A. , Iñiguez Sergio D. , Grinevich Valery , Trainor Brian C.
Published: October 2020

Significance

The neuropeptide oxytocin is an important regulator of social behavior and is widely considered to reduce anxiety-related behaviors. However, growing evidence suggests that sometimes oxytocin increases anxiety. How can the same molecule have such different effects on behavior? Here we provide evidence that oxytocin produced outside of the hypothalamus is necessary and sufficient for stress-induced social anxiety behaviors. This suggests that the diverse effects of oxytocin on anxiety-related behaviors are mediated by circuit-specific oxytocin action.
Bird populations and species lost to Late Quaternary environmental change and human impact in the Bahamas
Authors: Steadman David W. , Franklin Janet
Published: October 2020

Significance

Among the 90 resident species of landbirds known from Bahamian fossils, 62 species (69%) have different distributions today from in the recent past, ranging from single-island extirpations to global extinction. Placing the modern bird communities in a deeper time perspective shows how dynamic geographic ranges are through time, including providing explanations for illogical modern distributions and apparent endemism in the Caribbean. The fragmented existing Bahamian bird communities have withstood 1,000 y of human impact, and thus represent species with some resiliency. They nevertheless face an uncertain future because the factors that have fueled extirpations and extinctions through time are still at play.
Mutational landscape and clinical outcome of patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia and rearrangements involving 11q23/
KMT2A
Authors: Bill Marius , Mrózek Krzysztof , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Walker Christopher J. , Nicolet Deedra , Papaioannou Dimitrios , Blachly James S. , Orwick Shelley , Carroll Andrew J. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Powell Bayard L. , Stone Richard M. , de la Chapelle Albert , Byrd John C. , Bloomfield Clara D.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Balanced rearrangements involving 11q23/
KMT2A
are among the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We analyzed the mutational status of 81 genes, clinical features and outcomes of patients with recurring 11q23/
KMT2A
rearrangements. We found that mutations in genes of the RAS pathway were most frequent, and that there were differences in mutation patterns among patients with different 11q23/
KMT2A
rearrangements. Outcomes of patients age <60 y with t(9;11)(p22;q23)/
KMT2A
-
MLLT3
, currently classified in the intermediate-risk group of the 2017 European LeukemiaNet classification, were superior to outcomes of intermediate-risk patients without t(9;11). Older patients with t(9;11) and patients with other 11q23/
KMT2A
rearrangements had poor outcomes. Our study improves understanding of the mutational landscape and clinical implications for AML patients with 11q23/
KMT2A
rearrangements.
Genomic diversity generated by a transposable element burst in a rice recombinant inbred population
Authors: Chen Jinfeng , Lu Lu , Robb Sofia M. C. , Collin Matthew , Okumoto Yutaka , Stajich Jason E. , Wessler Susan R.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Transposable elements (TEs) represent the largest component of the genomes of higher eukaryotes. Among this component are some TEs that have attained very high copy numbers, with hundreds, even thousands, of elements. By documenting the spread of
mPing
elements throughout the genomes of a rice population, we demonstrate that such bursts of amplification generate functionally relevant genomic variations upon which selection can act. Specifically, continued
mPing
amplification increases the number of tightly linked elements that, in turn, increases the frequency of structural variations that appear to be derived from aberrant transposition events. The significance of this finding is that it provides a TE-mediated mechanism that may generate much of the structural variation represented by pan-genomes in plants and other organisms.
Mapping the temperature-dependent and network site-specific onset of spectral diffusion at the surface of a water cluster cage
Authors: Yang Nan , Edington Sean C. , Choi Tae Hoon , Henderson Elva V. , Heindel Joseph P. , Xantheas Sotiris S. , Jordan Kenneth D. , Johnson Mark A.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Water’s vibrational spectrum is dynamic: The OH oscillator frequency changes spontaneously within a diffuse envelope on an ultrafast timescale. Here, we explore the mechanics that drive this “spectral diffusion” at the molecular level by following the time-dependent frequency of single OH oscillators, each embedded in a cage of 20 deuterated water molecules, as a function of temperature. These cages are isolated in the gas phase and incorporate a single, isotopically labeled OH group that can occupy many spectroscopically distinct sites. The rates of spontaneous change in the OH frequency reflect the pathways for migration of the isotopic label among these sites, which occurs on a remarkably long (approximately millisecond) timescale at the onset of large-amplitude motion near 100 K.
Racist morbidities: a conjunctural analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Murji Karim , Picker Giovanni
Published: October 2020

This article outlines an argument about the morbid character of racism in the time of COVID-19. Drawing on Antonio Gramsci's famous characterisation of the crisis as an ‘interregnum’ in which various ‘morbid phenomena’ appear, we suggest that one of the main underpinning logics of the current crisis could be thought of in terms of racist morbidities. Framing the article within Stuart Hall's reading of Gramsci and David Theo Goldberg's understanding of the postracial, we discuss two empirical cases: the disproportionate morbid effects of the pandemic on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in the UK – that we name ‘political morbidities’, and the Moscow municipality's measures addressing migrant workers during the pandemic – that we name ‘socio-spatial morbidities’. The COVID-19 crisis, we conclude, seems to elicit racist morbidities in post-racial guises.
Casimir effect in conformally flat spacetimes
Authors: Markowicz Bartosz , Dębski Kacper , Kolanowski Maciej , Kamiński Wojciech , Dragan Andrzej
Published: October 2020

We discuss several approaches to determine the Casimir force in inertial frames of reference in different dimensions. On an example of a simple model involving mirrors in Rindler spacetime we show that Casimir’s and Lifschitz’s methods are inequivalent and only the latter provides the correct force in other spacetime geometries. For conformally coupled fields we derive the Casimir force in conformally flat spacetimes utilizing an anomaly and provide explicit examples in the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (k = 0) models.
Mesoscopic entanglement through central–potential interactions
Authors: Qvarfort Sofia , Bose Sougato , Serafini Alessio
Published: October 2020

The generation and detection of entanglement between mesoscopic systems would have major fundamental and applicative implications. In this work, we demonstrate the utility of continuous variable tools to evaluate the Gaussian entanglement arising between two homogeneous levitated nanobeads interacting through a central potential. We compute the entanglement for the steady state and determine the measurement precision required to detect the entanglement in the laboratory.
Controllability of ferrofluids’ dielectric spectrum by means of external electric forces
Authors: Rajnak Michal , Dolnik Bystrik , Krempasky Jakub , Cimbala Roman , Parekh Kinnari , Upadhyay Ramesh , Paulovicova Katarina , Kopcansky Peter , Timko Milan
Published: October 2020

A broadband dielectric response of ferrofluids can be effectively controlled by application of an external magnetic field. The interaction of magnetic nanoparticles with magnetic forces and the resulting structural changes in the ferrofluids may tune their dielectric spectra. In this paper, we present an experimental study on the controllability of a dielectric spectrum of Mn-Zn ferrite transformer oil-based ferrofluid by means of a static electric field generated by a direct current (DC) bias voltage. Two experimental configurations of the DC bias voltage are applied. The spectrum of a complex permittivity measured in the frequency range from 1 mHz up to 200 kHz is firstly studied under an internal DC bias voltage applied on the electrodes of a measuring capacitor. Then, the sensitivity of the dielectric spectrum to the external DC bias voltage applied on an external pair of electrodes outside the measuring capacitor is investigated. It is found that the increasing internal DC bias voltage significantly shifts the whole dielectric spectrum to lower frequencies and gives rise to higher permittivity values. The external DC bias voltage is remarkably less capable of such tuning. The obtained dielectric spectra are described by a fitting function composed of Havriliak–Negami and conductivity terms. The fitting parameters are compared in the analysis of the two DC bias voltage effects. An interfacial polarization on the nanoparticles is considered to dominate the dielectric spectrum. The aggregation of nanoparticles due to the induced electric polarization and the acting electric forces is discussed as a primary reason of the changes in the dielectric spectra. The DC bias voltage-tunable dielectric spectrum thus complements the controllability of ferrofluids by external forces and may open a new avenue of research and applications in electrical engineering.
Magnon-polaritons in graphene/gyromagnetic slab heterostructures
Authors: Vasconcelos M S , Cottam M G , Anselmo D H A L
Published: October 2020

We present a theoretical study for the surface magnon-polaritons in structures formed by graphene layer(s) on an insulating gyromagnetic medium (that can be either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic) surrounded by vacuum. We consider different doping levels to vary the Fermi energies in the graphene, including both semi-infinite and slab magnetic samples. Our results reveal a strong influence, exerted by the presence of graphene, on the surface magnon-polariton modes. The effects include control of the group velocities for the modes as the Fermi energies of the graphene sheet are varied, modified nonreciprocal and reciprocal mode propagation properties depending on the type of magnetic material, and distinct localization properties for the emerging surface modes.
Multi-frequency fusion ultrasonic tomography for gas–liquid two-phase distribution imaging
Authors: Liu Hao , Tan Chao , Dong Feng
Published: October 2020

Industrial ultrasonic tomography (UT) possesses a unique advantage in gas–liquid two-phase distribution measurement and has received broad attention over the past decades. Focusing on a liquid-dominated gas-inclusion distribution reconstruction, we propose the strategy of multi-frequency fusion UT (MFFUT), which comprehensively models the transmission attenuation and self-adaptive fusion of multi-frequency reconstruction images through processing the measurement data with a frequency-dependent forward model and a metric-weighted fusion algorithm. Significant improvements to edge/shape preservation and artifact suppression are observed in both simulative and experimental reconstruction results. Quantitatively, the proposed strategy has a lower relative error and a higher correlation coefficient than any single frequency reconstruction method within all major categories of the reconstruction algorithm and under all inclusion complexities. Accordingly, the MFFUT strategy is proved to provide more accurate gas bubble distribution measurement in industrial processes.
A systematic approach towards biomimicry of nanopatterned cicada wings on titanium using electron beam lithography
Authors: Shahali Hesam , Hasan Jafar , Cheng Han-Hao , Ramarishna Seeram , Yarlagadda Prasad KDV
Published: October 2020

The interaction of bacteria on nanopatterned surfaces has caught attention since the discovery of the bactericidal property of cicada wing surfaces. While many studies focused on the inspiration of such surfaces, nanolithography-based techniques are seldom used due to the difficulties in fabricating highly dense (number of pillars per unit area), geometrical nanostructured surfaces. Here we present a systematic modelling approach for optimising the electron beam lithography parameters in order to fabricate biomimicked nanopillars of varying patterned geometries. Monte Carlo simulation was applied to optimize the beam energy and pattern design prior to the experimental study. We optimized the processing parameters such as exposure factor, write field size, pitch, the different types and thicknesses of the PMMA resist used, and the shape of the feature (circle or a dot) for the fabrication of nanopillars to achieve the best lift-off with repeatable result. Our simulation and experimental results showed that a circle design with a voltage of 30 kV and 602 nm thickness of PMMA 495 A4 as base layers and 65 nm of PMMA 950 A2 as top layer achieves the best results. The antibacterial activity was also validated on the representative fabricated titanium nanopillar surface. The surface with a base diameter of 94.4 nm, spike diameter of 12.6 nm, height of 115.6 nm, density of 43/μm2, aspect ratio of 2.16 and centre to centre distance of 165.8 nm was the optimum surface for antibacterial activity. Such a systematic design approach for fabrication of insect wing-mimicked closely packed nanopillars have not been investigated before which provides an excellent platform for biomedical Ti implants.
A numerical study on laboratory plasma dynamics validated by low current x-pinch experiments
Authors: Koundourakis G , Skoulakis A , Kaselouris E , Fitilis I , Clark E L , Chatzakis J , Bakarezos M , Vlahakis N , Papadogiannis N A , Dimitriou V , Tatarakis M
Published: October 2020

The computational study of x-pinch plasmas driven by pulsed power generators demands the development of advanced numerical models and simulation schemes, able to enlighten the experiments. The capabilities of PLUTO code are here extended to enable the investigation of low current produced x-pinch plasmas. The numerical modules of the code used and modified are presented and discussed. The simulations results are compared to experiments, carried out on a table-top pulsed power plasma generator implemented in a mode of producing a peak current of ∼45 kA with a rise time (10%–90%) of 50 ns, loaded with Tungsten wires. The structural evolution of plasma density is studied and its influence on the magnetic field is analyzed with the help of the new simulation data. The simulated areal mass density is compared with the experimentally measured dense opaque region to enlighten the dense plasma evolution. In addition, the measured areal electron density is compared to the simulation results. Moreover, the new simulation data offer valuable insights to the main jet formation mechanisms, which are further analyzed and discussed in relation to the influence of the
J
×
B
force and the momentum.
Kinetic effects in parallel electron energy transport channels in the scrape-off layer
Authors: Mijin S , Militello F , Newton S , Omotani J , Kingham R J
Published: October 2020

We present an analysis of parallel electron energy transport in the scrape-off layer (SOL), considering the convective and conductive channels, as well as the radiation and neutral inelastic energy transfer channels involving atomic deuterium. Kinetic effects in both equilibria and conductive transients are explored by utilizing the capability of the SOL-KiT code to treat electrons as either a fluid or kinetically. We find kinetic effects in multiple channels, with an emphasis on those occurring during the investigated conductive transients. Energetic electron effects in the heat flux, as well as a modification of ionization rates of up to 40% compared to Maxwellian rates during perturbations in detached conditions, are reported and discussed.
3.3 µm interband-cascade resonant-cavity light-emitting diode with narrow spectral emission linewidth
Authors: Díaz-Thomas D A , Stepanenko O , Bahriz M , Calvez S , Batte T , Paranthoen C , Patriarche G , Tournié E , Baranov A N , Almuneau G , Levallois C , Cerutti L
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate an interband cascade resonant cavity light emitting diode (IC-RCLED) operating near 3.3 µm at room temperature. The device is composed of a Sb-based type-II interband-cascade active zone enclosed between two distributed Bragg mirrors (DBR). The bottom high reflective DBR is composed of GaSb/AlAsSb quarter-wave layers. A metamorphic III-As region is grown after the active zone to benefit from the AlOx technology for efficient electro-optical confinement. The structure is finished with a top ZnS/Ge dielectric DBR. The devices with oxide aperture ranging from 5 µm to 35 µm were studied in the continuous wave regime. The fabricated IC-RCLEDs operated up to 80 °C (set-up limited) and exhibited narrow emission spectra with a full width half maximum of 21 nm, which is 20 times smaller compared with conventional IC-LEDs. The narrow emission line and its weak temperature dependence make the fabricated devices very attractive for low cost gas sensors.
Development and Understanding of Nb3Sn films for radiofrequency applications through a sample-host 9-cell cavity
Authors: Spina T , Tennis B M , Lee J , Seidman D N , Posen S
Published: October 2020

Nb3Sn is a promising advanced material under development for superconducting radiofrequency cavities. Past efforts have been focused primarily on small development-scale cavities, but large, often multi-celled cavities, are needed for particle accelerator applications. In this work, we report on successful Nb3Sn coatings on Nb in a 1 m-long 9-cell Nb sample-host cavity at Fermilab. The geometry of the first coating with only one Sn source made it possible to study the influence of Sn flux on the microstructure. Based on these results, we postulate a connection between recently observed anomalously large thin grains and uncovered niobium spots observed in the past by other authors (Trenikhina et al 2018 Supercond. Sci. Technol.
32 015004). A phenomenological model to explain how these anomalously large grains could form is proposed. This model is invoked to provide possible explanations for literature results from several groups and to guide key process parameters to achieve uniform vapor-diffusion coatings, when applied to complex structures as the multi-cell cavity under study.
Manipulating 1-dimensional skyrmion motion by the external magnetic field gradient
Authors: Cho Jaehun , Tamura Eiiti , Liu Chaozhe , Miki Soma , You Chun-Yeol , Kim June-Seo , Nomura Hikaru , Goto Minori , Nakatani Ryoichi , Suzuki Yoshishige
Published: October 2020

We have investigated an approximated analytic form of the one-dimensional motion of skyrmions accelerated by a gradient of the external magnetic field. We find excellent agreement between the analytical calculations and micromagnetic simulations when the skyrmion size is large. The skyrmion motion is related to not only the skyrmion size but also the skyrmion wall width. We also have performed the numerical calculation without approximation in comparison. The numerical calculation results are entirely in agreement with those of micromagnetic simulation for all the skyrmion size. These results introduce an efficient control of skyrmions to next-generation spintronic devices.
A lattice model on the rate of in vivo site-specific DNA-protein interactions
Authors: Murugan R
Published: October 2020

We develop a lattice model of site-specific DNA-protein interactions under in vivo conditions where DNA is modelled as a self-avoiding random walk that is embedded in a cubic lattice box resembling the living cell. The protein molecule searches for its cognate site on DNA via a combination of three dimensional (3D) and one dimensional (1D) random walks. Hopping and intersegmental transfers occur depending on the conformational state of DNA. Results show that the search acceleration ratio (= search time in pure 3D route/search time in 3D and 1D routes) asymptotically increases towards a limiting value as the dilution factor of DNA (= volume of the cell/the volume of DNA) tends towards infinity. When the dilution ratio is low, then hopping and intersegmental transfers significantly enhance the search efficiency over pure sliding. At high dilution ratio, hopping does not enhance the search efficiency much since under such situation DNA will be in a relaxed conformation that favors only sliding. In the absence of hopping and intersegmental transfers, there exists an optimum sliding time at which the search acceleration ratio attains a maximum in line with the current theoretical results. However, existence of such optimum sliding length disappears in the presence of hopping. When the DNA is confined in a small volume inside the cell resembling a natural cell system, then there exists an optimum dilution and compression ratios (= total cell volume/volume in which DNA is confined) at which the search acceleration factor attains a maximum especially in the presence of hopping and intersegmental transfers. These optimum values are consistent with the values observed in the Escherichia coli cell system. In the absence of confinement of DNA, position of the specific binding site on the genomic DNA significantly influences the search acceleration. However, such position dependent changes in the search acceleration ratio will be nullified in the presence of hopping and intersegmental transfers especially when the DNA is confined in a small volume that is embedded in an outer cell.
Band power modulation through intracranial EEG stimulation and its cross-session consistency
Authors: Papasavvas Christoforos A , Schroeder Gabrielle M , Diehl Beate , Baier Gerold , Taylor Peter N , Wang Yujiang
Published: October 2020

Objective. Direct electrical stimulation of the brain through intracranial electrodes is currently used to probe the epileptic brain as part of pre-surgical evaluation, and it is also being considered for therapeutic treatments through neuromodulation. In order to effectively modulate neural activity, a given neuromodulation design must elicit similar responses throughout the course of treatment. However, it is unknown whether intracranial electrical stimulation responses are consistent across sessions. The objective of this study was to investigate the within-subject, cross-session consistency of the electrophysiological effect of electrical stimulation delivered through intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG). Approach. We analysed data from 79 epilepsy patients implanted with iEEG who underwent brain stimulation as part of a memory experiment. We quantified the effect of stimulation in terms of band power modulation and compared this effect from session to session. As a reference, we made the same measurements during baseline periods. Main results. In most sessions, the effect of stimulation on band power could not be distinguished from baseline fluctuations of band power. Stimulation effect was consistent in a third of the session pairs, while the rest had a consistency measure not exceeding the baseline standards. Cross-session consistency was highly correlated with the degree of band power increase, and it also tended to be higher when the baseline conditions were more similar between sessions. Significance. These findings can inform our practices for designing neuromodulation with greater efficacy when using direct electrical brain stimulation as a therapeutic treatment.
The future-climate, current-policy framework: towards an approach linking climate science to sector policy development
Authors: Evans Barbara E , Rowell David P , Semazzi Frederick H M
Published: October 2020

That global climate is being altered by human activities is well-established; for specific locations, however, the details of how and when many aspects of the changes will become manifest remains somewhat uncertain. For many policy makers there is a gap between recognising a long-term change and implementing short-term practical responses; therefore many countries are failing to implement changes needed for long-term adaptation. Traditional planning approaches are often closely aligned with near- term political cycles and perform poorly in terms of prioritising interventions that address multi-decadal climate impacts. We propose a novel approach that builds on adaptive planning and lessons from the business sector. The Future-Climate, Current-Policy (FCCP) Framework is based on plausible medium-term future climate scenarios, linked ‘backwards’ to identify short-term ‘no regrets’ actions. The approach was designed by a team of climate scientists and policy practitioners in East Africa and tested in national and regional fora. Initial trials of the FCCP Framework has proved it to be popular and effective as a way of linking climate science with policy. Its use shows promise as a way of initiating discussions that can enable long-term climate change information to feed effectively into the policy and planning process.
Inertias of entanglement witnesses
Authors: Shen Yi , Chen Lin , Zhao Li-Jun
Published: October 2020

Entanglement witnesses (EWs) are a fundamental tool for the detection of entanglement. We study the inertias of EWs, i.e., the triplet of the numbers of negative, zero, and positive eigenvalues respectively. We focus on the EWs constructed by the partial transposition of states with non-positive partial transposes. We provide a method to generate more inertias from a given inertia by the relevance between inertias. Based on that we exhaust all the inertias for EWs in each qubit–qudit system. We apply our results to propose a separability criterion in terms of the rank of the partial transpose of state. We also connect our results to tripartite genuinely entangled states and the classification of states with non-positive partial transposes. Additionally, the inertias of EWs constructed by X-states are clarified.
Nonlinear control of polarization rotation of hybrid-order vector vortex beams
Authors: Luo Dajin , Hu Huajie , Pan Churong , Zhang Yingxin , Qin Yan , Chen Haixia , Wei Dong , Gao Hong , Li Fuli
Published: October 2020

Vector vortex beams are widely concerned for their application prospects in various fields. Here we study the polarization rotation of hybrid-order vector vortex beam (HVVB) in hot atomic vapor both theoretically and experimentally. In this work, the HVVB is experimentally generated by combining two q-plates with a polarization beam splitter, and this method is verified by analyzing Jones vector based on the orthogonal circular polarization basis. We have experimentally investigated the polarization rotation of HVVB during the propagation in free space and atomic media. In free space, the polarization rotation characterized by rotation of horizontal components of the beams, has a limitation due to the effect of Gouy phase. In contrast, the polarization rotation angle in atomic media can break through this limitation due to the non-linearity and can be controlled by adjusting the relevant atomic parameters. The experimental results can be simulated by the theoretical model about cross-phase modulation of vector beams in a two-level atomic system.
A primal-dual optimization strategy for elliptic partial differential equations
Authors: Zosso Dominique , Osting Braxton
Published: October 2020

We consider a class of elliptic partial differential equations (PDE) that can be understood as the Euler–Lagrange equations of an associated convex optimization problem. Discretizing this optimization problem, we present a strategy for a numerical solution that is based on the popular primal-dual hybrid gradients (PDHG) approach: we reformulate the optimization as a saddle-point problem with a dual variable addressing the quadratic term, introduce the PDHG optimization steps, and analytically eliminate the dual variable. The resulting scheme resembles explicit gradient descent; however, the eliminated dual variable shows up as a boosting term that substantially accelerates the scheme. We introduce the proposed strategy for a simple Laplace problem and then illustrate the technique on a variety of more complicated and relevant PDE, both on Cartesian domains and graphs. The proposed numerical method is easily implementable, computationally efficient, and applicable to relevant computing tasks across science and engineering.
Non-Beverage Alcohol Consumption In Izhevsk: 15 Years Later
Authors: Korotayev Andrey , Khaltourina Daria , Shishkina Alisa , Issaev Leonid
Published: October 2020

Aims

Non-beverage alcohol was a major cause of preventable mortality of working-age males in Izhevsk (Russia) in 2003–2004. The Russian government has since taken measures to reduce availability of non-beverage alcohol. Yet, some types of non-beverage alcohol still remain available for consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the availability and sources of non-beverage alcohol in Udmurtia.

Methods

A survey of adults on the streets of Izhevsk and its environs was performed on workdays to assess non-beverage drinking patterns in 2018. The questionnaire included questions about socio-demographic status and alcohol use, including non-beverage alcohol consumption and drinking patterns.

Results

One hundred and sixty-eight people were questioned, of whom, 28% reported consuming non-beverage alcohol. Non-beverage alcohol consumers were more likely to be single, unemployed or retired, younger or older than 19–29 years, have lower educational status and income, have hangovers and drink moonshine.

Conclusion

Non-beverage alcohol consumption still took place at Izhevsk, a typical Russian city, in 2018, and its availability was still high. Untaxed and cheap medicinal non-beverage alcohol consumption seems to have become the major source of non-beverage alcohol consumption. Further regulation of non-beverage alcohol may be required in Russia.
Intraspecific trait variability shapes leaf trait response to altered fire regimes
Authors: Mitchell Rachel M , Ames Greg M , Wright Justin P
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Understanding impacts of altered disturbance regimes on community structure and function is a key goal for community ecology. Functional traits link species composition to ecosystem functioning. Changes in the distribution of functional traits at community scales in response to disturbance can be driven not only by shifts in species composition, but also by shifts in intraspecific trait values. Understanding the relative importance of these two processes has important implications for predicting community responses to altered disturbance regimes.

Methods

We experimentally manipulated fire return intervals in replicated blocks of a fire-adapted, longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem in North Carolina, USA and measured specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and compositional responses along a lowland to upland gradient over a 4 year period. Plots were burned between zero and four times. Using a trait-based approach, we simulate hypothetical scenarios which allow species presence, abundance or trait values to vary over time and compare these with observed traits to understand the relative contributions of each of these three processes to observed trait patterns at the study site. We addressed the following questions. (1) How do changes in the fire regime affect community composition, structure and community-level trait responses? (2) Are these effects consistent across a gradient of fire intensity? (3) What are the relative contributions of species turnover, changes in abundance and changes in intraspecific trait values to observed changes in community-weighted mean (CWM) traits in response to altered fire regime?

Key Results

We found strong evidence that altered fire return interval impacted understorey plant communities. The number of fires a plot experienced significantly affected the magnitude of its compositional change and shifted the ecotone boundary separating shrub-dominated lowland areas from grass-dominated upland areas, with suppression sites (0 burns) experiencing an upland shift and annual burn sites a lowland shift. We found significant effects of burn regimes on the CWM of SLA, and that observed shifts in both SLA and LDMC were driven primarily by intraspecific changes in trait values.

Conclusions

In a fire-adapted ecosystem, increased fire frequency altered community composition and structure of the ecosystem through changes in the position of the shrub line. We also found that plant traits responded directionally to increased fire frequency, with SLA decreasing in response to fire frequency across the environmental gradient. For both SLA and LDMC, nearly all of the observed changes in CWM traits were driven by intraspecific variation.
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Review of Epidemiology and Prevalence Assessment in Europe
Authors: Santanelli di Pompeo Fabio , Sorotos Michail , Clemens Mark W , Firmani Guido ,   European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS) Committee on Device Safety and Development, Athanasopoulos E , Arctander K , Berenguer B , Bozikov K , Cardoso A , Nord Å Edsander , Filip C , Georgeskou Romania A , Heitman C , Kaarela O , Kolenda M , Hamdi M , Lantieri L , Lumenta D , Mercer N , Ruegg E , Santanelli di Pompeo F , Stanec Z , Van Der Hulst R , Vranckx J J
Published: October 2020

Background

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) epidemiologic studies focus on incidence and risk estimates.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to perform a thorough literature review, and to provide an accurate estimate of BIA-ALCL prevalence in Europe.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases to identify publications reporting BIA-ALCL epidemiology. Research was conducted between November 2019 and August 2020. European prevalence was assessed as the ratio between pathology-confirmed cases and breast implant–bearing individuals. The Committee on Device Safety and Development (CDSD) collected data from national plastic surgery societies, health authorities, and disease-specific registries to calculate the numerator. The denominator was estimated by combining European demographic data with scientific reports.

Results

Our research identified 507 articles: 106 were excluded for not being relevant to BIA-ALCL. From the remaining 401 articles, we selected 35 that discussed epidemiology and 12 reviews. The CDSD reported 420 cases in Europe, with an overall prevalence of 1:13,745 cases in the 28 member states of the European Union (EU-28). Countries where specific measures have been implemented to tackle BIA-ALCL account for 61% of the EU-28 population and actively reported 382 cases with an overall prevalence of 1:9121.

Conclusion

Countries where specific measures have been implemented show a higher prevalence of BIA-ALCL compared with the European mean, suggesting that these countries have improved the detection of the condition and reduced underreporting, which affects the numerator value. Other nations should adopt projections based on these measures to avoid underestimating how widespread BIA-ALCL is.

Level of Evidence: 4
Evidence-based Guideline for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Vancomycin: 2020 Update by the Division of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Chinese Pharmacological Society
Authors: He Na , Su Shan , Ye Zhikang , Du Guanhua , He Bei , Li Dakui , Liu Youning , Yang Kehu , Zhang Xianglin , Zhang Yingyuan , Chen Xiao , Chen Yaolong , Chen Zhigang , Dong Yalin , Du Guang , Gu Jian , Guo Daihong , Guo Ruichen , Hu Xin , Jiao Zheng , Li Huande , Liu Gaolin , Li Zhiping , Lv Yuan , Lu Wei , Miao Liyan , Qu Jieming , Sun Tieying , Tong Rongsheng , Wang Li , Wang Minggui , Wang Rui , Wen Aidong , Wu Jiuhong , Wu Xin’an , Xu Yingchun , Yang Yong , Yang Fan , Zhan Siyan , Zhang Bikui , Zhang Chao , Zhang Huizhi , Zhang Jie , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jun , Zhang Wenting , Zhao Libo , Zhao Limei , Zhao Rongsheng , Zhao Wei , Zhao Zhigang , Zhou Wei , Zeng Xian-Tao , Zhai Suodi
Published: October 2020

Background

Clinical practice guidelines or recommendations often require timely and regular updating as new evidence emerges, because this can alter the risk-benefit trade-off. The scientific process of developing and updating guidelines accompanied by adequate implementation can improve outcomes. To promote better management of patients receiving vancomycin therapy, we updated the guideline for the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of vancomycin published in 2015.

Methods

Our updated recommendations complied with standards for developing trustworthy guidelines, including timeliness and rigor of the updating process, as well as the use of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We also followed the methodology handbook published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the Spanish National Health System.

Results

We partially updated the 2015 guideline. Apart from adults, the updated guideline also focuses on pediatric patients and neonates requiring intravenous vancomycin therapy. The guideline recommendations involve a broadened range of patients requiring TDM, modified index of TDM (both 24-hour area under the curve and trough concentration), addition regarding the necessity and timing of repeated TDM, and initial dose for specific subpopulations. Overall, 1 recommendation was deleted and 3 recommendations were modified. Eleven new recommendations were added, and no recommendation was made for 2 clinical questions.

Conclusions

We updated an evidence-based guideline regarding the TDM of vancomycin using a rigorous and multidisciplinary approach. The updated guideline provides more comprehensive recommendations to inform rational and optimized vancomycin use and is thus of greater applicability.
Deep Learning in Age-invariant Face Recognition: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Ali Nouman , Ratyal Naeem Iqbal , Usman Muhammad , Butt Faisal Mehmood , Riaz Imran , Musaddiq Usman , Aziz Baig Mirza Jabbar , Baig Shahbaz , Ahmad Salaria Umair
Published: October 2020

This paper presents comparative evaluation of an application of deep convolutional neural networks (dCNNs) to age invariant face recognition. To this end, we use four distinct dCNN models, the AlexNet, VGGNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet. We assess their performance to recognize face images across aging variations, firstly by fine-tuning the models and secondly using them as face feature extractor. We also suggest a novel synthesized aging augmentation technique suitable for age-invariant face recognition using dCNNs. The face recognition experiments are conducted on three challenging FG-NET, MORPH and LAG aging datasets, and results are benchmarked with a simple CNN. The comparative study allows us to answer (i) when and why transfer learning or feature extraction strategies are useful in age-invariant face recognition scenarios, (ii) the potential of aging synthesized augmentation to increase accuracy and (iii) the choice of appropriate feature normalization and distance metrics to be used with deeply learned features. The extensive experiments, and valuable insights presented in this study can be extended to the design of effective age-invariant face recognition algorithms.
Robust Detection of Copy-Move Forgery Based on Wavelet Decomposition and Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Kashyap Abhishek , Suresh B , Gupta Hariom
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, the whole world is covered with the revolution of digital information so that digital data are easy to transfer, access and process. Modern image processing tools are used to create forged images; by using these tools, forgers introduced forged region in the original image to spread the rumor in the public. Now there is a challenge for the forensic department to prove the authenticity of the original image. So there is required a new efficient copy-move tamper detection method. To fulfill this requirement, a new computational efficient method for copy-move forgery detection using firefly algorithm is proposed.
TNAP as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular calcification: a discussion of its pleiotropic functions in the body
Authors: Goettsch Claudia , Strzelecka-Kiliszek Agnieszka , Bessueille Laurence , Quillard Thibaut , Mechtouff Laura , Pikula Slawomir , Canet-Soulas Emmanuelle , Luis Millan Jose , Fonta Caroline , Magne David
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular calcification (CVC) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It develops in several diseases and locations, such as in the tunica intima in atherosclerosis plaques, in the tunica media in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and in aortic valves. In spite of the wide occurrence of CVC and its detrimental effects on cardiovascular diseases (CVD), no treatment is yet available. Most of CVC involve mechanisms similar to those occurring during endochondral and/or intramembranous ossification. Logically, since tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is the key-enzyme responsible for skeletal/dental mineralization, it is a promising target to limit CVC. Tools have recently been developed to inhibit its activity and preclinical studies conducted in animal models of vascular calcification already provided promising results. Nevertheless, as its name indicates, TNAP is ubiquitous and recent data indicate that it dephosphorylates different substrates in vivo to participate in other important physiological functions besides mineralization. For instance, TNAP is involved in the metabolism of pyridoxal phosphate and the production of neurotransmitters. TNAP has also been described as an anti-inflammatory enzyme able to dephosphorylate adenosine nucleotides and lipopolysaccharide. A better understanding of the full spectrum of TNAP’s functions is needed to better characterize the effects of TNAP inhibition in diseases associated with CVC. In this review, after a brief description of the different types of CVC, we describe the newly uncovered additional functions of TNAP and discuss the expected consequences of its systemic inhibition in vivo.
Serum potassium as a predictor of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with increasing comorbidity burden
Authors: Tafesse Eskinder , Hurst Michael , Sugrue Daniel , Hoskin Louise , Badora Karolina , Qin Lei , James Glen , McEwan Phil
Published: October 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to establish whether patients with multiple comorbidities may be at elevated risk of hyperkalaemia (HK), a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance, and the associated adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective, observational cohort study using UK primary and secondary care data. Adult patients with at least one of: resistant hypertension, chronic kidney disease stage 3+, dialysis, heart failure (HF), and diabetes, were eligible for inclusion. According to their diagnoses, patients were grouped into overlapping cohorts that were updated as multimorbidity progressed. Outcomes of interest were incident HK, all-cause mortality (ACM), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). A total of 673 686 patients met the eligibility criteria, 36.3% of whom developed multimorbidity during the study period. A consistent U-shaped association was observed between serum K+ level and adjusted incidence of ACM and MACE. Hyperkalaemia was progressively more common with increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Relative to a CCI <3, scores of ≥3 to <6, and ≥6 were associated with 2.9- and 6.2-fold increases, respectively, in crude HK (serum K+ ≥5.0 mmol/L) incidence rate. In all condition-based cohorts except for HF, there was a clear correlation between increasing CCI and the risk of ACM and MACE associated with hypokalaemia and HK.

Conclusion

Patients with a higher CCI are at an increased risk of developing HK and appear more prone to adverse clinical outcomes associated with abnormal serum K+ levels, warranting additional routine clinical monitoring.
Cueurs desolez: Josquin, La Rue and a lament for Anne de Foix
Authors: Macey Patrick
Published: October 2020

Two different courtiers are mourned in laments with similar texts that begin ‘Cueurs desolez’. One is a complete rondeau that appears anonymously in a chansonnier of Margaret of Austria, and Pierre de La Rue is the probable composer. The other musical setting is ascribed to Josquin, which provides only the text of a rondeau refrain. The complete text survives in a poetry collection prepared at the French royal court around 1510, Lille, Bibliothèque Municipale, Ms. 402. The full text reveals an acrostic on the family title of Anne de Foix (d.1506), and the rondeau is apparently a lament for her. Josquin is unlikely as the composer, but the newly identified dedicatee sheds fresh light on chronology for the two laments. The study offers a brief survey of acrostics in chanson poetry, and examines particular cases of acrostics and word play in the chansons of Dionisius Prioris. The latter is proposed as a possible composer of the lament for Anne de Foix.
Mechanistic insights into cardiovascular protection for omega-3 fatty acids and their bioactive lipid metabolites
Authors: O’Connell Timothy D , Mason Richard Preston , Budoff Matthew J , Navar Ann Marie , Shearer Gregory C
Published: October 2020

Patients with well-controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but persistent high triglycerides, remain at increased risk for cardiovascular events as evidenced by multiple genetic and epidemiologic studies, as well as recent clinical outcome trials. While many trials of low-dose ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have shown mixed results to reduce cardiovascular events, recent trials with high-dose ω3-PUFAs have reignited interest in ω3-PUFAs, particularly EPA, in cardiovascular disease (CVD). REDUCE-IT demonstrated that high-dose EPA (4 g/day icosapent-ethyl) reduced a composite of clinical events by 25% in statin-treated patients with established CVD or diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors. Outcome trials in similar statin-treated patients using DHA-containing high-dose ω3 formulations have not yet shown the benefits of EPA alone. However, there are data to show that high-dose ω3-PUFAs in patients with acute myocardial infarction had reduced left ventricular remodelling, non-infarct myocardial fibrosis, and systemic inflammation. ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, along with their metabolites, such as oxylipins and other lipid mediators, have complex effects on the cardiovascular system. Together they target free fatty acid receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in various tissues to modulate inflammation and lipid metabolism. Here, we review these multifactorial mechanisms of ω3-PUFAs in view of recent clinical findings. These findings indicate physico-chemical and biological diversity among ω3-PUFAs that influence tissue distributions as well as disparate effects on membrane organization, rates of lipid oxidation, as well as various receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways and effects on gene expression.