bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional petrography of the Tucson meteorite
Authors: Friedrich Jon M. , Weisberg Michael K. , Malecek Lucille C. , Nehru C. E.
Published: October 2021

We use X‐ray microtomography (µCT) and digital data extraction techniques for the three‐dimensional (3‐D) petrographic investigation of the Tucson meteorite. Our results show that the silicate‐free metal regions in Tucson exist as discrete objects surrounded by a continuous silicate‐containing metal “matrix.” Volumetric measurements of the silicate‐free metal regions in Tucson demonstrate that they are akin to the sizes of metallic nodules found in CBa chondrites. Silicate‐free metal regions have bladed or prolate shapes. Nonmetallic minerals in Tucson are predominately equant or prolate in shape. Nonmetallic mineral grains and silicate‐free metal regions in Tucson share a common orientation and are part of a petrofabric composed of a lineation. Any foliation in Tucson is weakly developed. We interpret the petrofabric as being the result of a single event on the Tucson parent body, during which Tucson experienced shearing forces. Our 3‐D petrographic investigation supports the idea that Tucson is an unusual member of the CR chondrite clan.
Firm‐level aggregate corruption and competition: The role of telecommunications infrastructure
Authors: Donou‐Adonsou Ficawoyi , Pradhan Gyan , Basnet Hem C.
Published: October 2021

This study examines the relationship between competition and corruption in the presence of enhanced telecommunications infrastructure. We use firm‐level aggregate data provided by the World Bank Enterprise Surveys and collected between 2006 and 2018. Our fixed‐effects results are two‐fold. First, the number of competing firms increases corruption in developing countries. This result is consistent with the previous literature on the competition‐corruption nexus. Second, corruption decreases as the number of competing firms increases in countries with better information and communication technology endowment. Our results are robust to controlling for endogeneity via the two‐step, feasible efficient generalized method of moments and suggest that e‐governance may help to reduce firm‐level corruption in a competitive environment. Given the negative impact of corruption on investment and growth, developing countries should aim at adopting and using more telecommunications infrastructure, along with the traditional approaches of combatting corruption that are based on enforcing rules of law or building stronger institutions, just to name a few, to boost investment and economic growth.
Optimized ultraviolet grayscale process for high vertical resolution applied to spectral imagers
Authors: Gerges Nadine , Petit-Etienne Camille , Panabière Marie , Boussey Jumana , Ferrec Yann , Gourgon Cécile
Published: October 2021

NanoCarb is a miniature Fourier transform imaging spectrometer dedicated to the measurement of atmospheric CO2 and CH4. The key element of NanoCarb is an array of Fabry–Perot microinterferometers having a stepcase shape. Lateral dimensions and height of each step depend on the used material, the focusing lenses, and the targeted optical path difference to be measured. In this paper, we developed a grayscale lithography process for a large surface patterning with high vertical resolution. This process is combined with plasma etching to transfer the as-obtained resist patterns into the silicon substrate. This method is an efficient and quick way for the realization of such arrays into silicon. A low contrast resist (ma-P1225G) was used for better control of the step height, and we investigated the effect of two annealing processes on the contrast curve slope: the soft bake and the postexposure bake. Therefore, combining the two processes leads to a 20 nm step height resolution in resist and 50 nm in silicon.
Biogenic formation of amorphous carbon by anaerobic methanotrophs and select methanogens
Authors: Allen Kylie D. , Wegener Gunter , Matthew Sublett D. , Bodnar Robert J. , Feng Xu , Wendt Jenny , White Robert H.
Published: October 2021

Anaerobic methanotrophs and methanogens synthesize amorphous carbon.
REV-ERB nuclear receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus control circadian period and restrict diet-induced obesity
Authors: Adlanmerini Marine , Krusen Brianna M. , Nguyen Hoang C. B. , Teng Clare W. , Woodie Lauren N. , Tackenberg Michael C. , Geisler Caroline E. , Gaisinsky Jane , Peed Lindsey C. , Carpenter Bryce J. , Hayes Matthew R. , Lazar Mitchell A.
Published: October 2021

Loss of SCN REV-ERBs alters oscillator period but does not render the clock arrhythmic.
Alloantigen-specific type 1 regulatory T cells suppress through CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathways and persist long-term in patients
Authors: Chen Pauline P. , Cepika Alma-Martina , Agarwal-Hashmi Rajni , Saini Gopin , Uyeda Molly J. , Louis David M. , Cieniewicz Brandon , Narula Mansi , Amaya Hernandez Laura C. , Harre Nicholas , Xu Liwen , Thomas Benjamin Craig , Ji Xuhuai , Shiraz Parveen , Tate Keri M. , Margittai Dana , Bhatia Neehar , Meyer Everett , Bertaina Alice , Davis Mark M. , Bacchetta Rosa , Roncarolo Maria Grazia
Published: October 2021

Type 1 regulatory T cells suppress alloreactive immune cells after adoptive transfer in a CTLA-4 and PD-1–mediated manner.
A Novel Actinobacterial Cutinase Containing a Noncatalytic Polymer-Binding Domain
Authors: Abokitse Kofi , Grosse Stephan , Leisch Hannes , Corbeil Christopher R. , Perrin-Sarazin Florence , Lau Peter C. K.
Published: October 2021

To date, only a limited number of cutinases have been isolated and characterized from nature, the majority being sourced from phytopathogenic fungi and thermophilic bacteria. The significance of our research relates to the identification and characterization of a unique member of microbial cutinases, named KrCUT, that was derived from the genome of the Gram-positiveKineococcus radiotoleransSRS30216, a highly radiation-resistant actinobacterium.
Evaluation of Genomic Sequence-Based Growth Rate Methods for Synchronized
Synechococcus
Cultures
Authors: Carroll Julia , Van Oostende Nicolas , Ward Bess B.
Published: October 2021

Small but abundant, cyanobacterial strains such as the photosynthetic
Synechococcus
spp. are important because they contribute significantly to primary productivity in the ocean. These bacteria generate oxygen and provide biologically available carbon, which is essential for organisms at higher trophic levels.
Intrabody-Induced Cell Death by Targeting the T. brucei Cytoskeletal Protein
Tb
BILBO1
Authors: Broster Reix Christine E. , Ramanantsalama Miharisoa Rijatiana , Di Primo Carmelo , Minder Laëtitia , Bonhivers Mélanie , Dacheux Denis , Robinson Derrick R.
Published: October 2021

Trypanosoma brucei
belongs to a group of important zoonotic parasites. We investigated how these organisms develop their cytoskeleton (the internal skeleton that controls cell shape) and focused on an essential protein (BILBO1) first described in
T. brucei
.
Microbial Community Composition during a Bloom of Purple Bacteria in Intertidal Sediments in Vigo (Northwest Spain)
Authors: Froján M. , Arbones B. , Garrido J. L. , Rodríguez F.
Published: October 2021

Urban beaches are valuable recreational areas particularly vulnerable to human disturbance. In these areas, the intertidal sediments harbor a diverse community of microorganisms, including virus, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Synthesis and Properties of Dichlorovinyl Derivatives of Tetrazoles
Authors: Myznikov L. V. , Vorona S. V. , Lyakhov A. S. , Ivashkevich L. S. , Zevatskii Yu. E.
Published: October 2021

1-Substituted 1H-tetrazole-5-thiols and 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles easily reacted with trichloroethylene to form the corresponding S- and N-dichlorovinyl derivatives, respectively. In the case of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles, the reaction led to a mixture of 1- and 2-dichlorovinyltetrazoles. 5-Substituted-2-dichlorovinyltetrazoles are characterized by low thermal stability, but easily enter into the polymerization reaction.
Innovating the conservative management of isolated cervical aplasia
Authors: Pires Rafaela , Neves Ana Raquel , Geraldes Fernanda , Águas Fernanda
Published: October 2021

Isolated cervical aplasia (ESHRE/ESGE U0C4V0) is a rare condition with an incidence of approximately 1:100,000 births.

This congenital malformation of the female genital tract represents an impairment of the outflow tract and is an inevitable cause of infertility. Patients usually present with pelvic pain or haematometra and surgical treatment is needed. Conservative management is the first line of approach, allowing for future fertility. However, complications are not negligible. Choosing the best surgical technique remains controversial as few follow-up studies have been published.

We describe a case report of isolated cervical aplasia diagnosed in a 16-year-old patient, managed by a canalisation procedure using a Foley catheter. Following failure of this approach, a levonorgestrel intrauterine system was inserted, which remained efficient after 4 years.

This case adds to the few reports of success in the management of this challenging clinical entity and might guide clinicians to avoid non-conservative approaches in young patients.
Cohort study of intervened functionally univentricular heart in England and Wales (2000–2018)
Authors: Hadjicosta Elena , Franklin Rodney , Seale Anna , Stumper Oliver , Tsang Victor , Anderson David R , Pagel Christina , Crowe Sonya , Espuny Pujol Ferran , Ridout Deborah , Brown Kate L
Published: October 2021

Objective

Given the paucity of long-term outcome data for complex congenital heart disease (CHD), we aimed to describe the treatment pathways and survival for patients who started interventions for functionally univentricular heart (FUH) conditions, excluding hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using all procedure records from the National Congenital Heart Diseases Audit for children born in 2000–2018. The primary outcome was mortality, ascertained from the Office for National Statistics in 2020.

Results

Of 53 615 patients, 1557 had FUH: 55.9% were boys and 67.4% were of White ethnic groups. The largest diagnostic categories were tricuspid atresia (28.9%), double inlet left ventricle (21.0%) and unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) (15.2%). The ages at staged surgery were: initial palliation 11.5 (IQR 5.5–43.5) days, cavopulmonary shunt 9.2 (IQR 6.0–17.1) months and Fontan 56.2 (IQR 45.5–70.3) months. The median follow-up time was 10.8 (IQR 7.0–14.9) years and the 1, 5 and 10-year survival rates after initial palliation were 83.6% (95% CI 81.7% to 85.4%), 79.4% (95% CI 77.3% to 81.4%) and 77.2% (95% CI 75.0% to 79.2%), respectively. Higher hazards were present for unbalanced AVSD HR 2.75 (95% CI 1.82 to 4.17), atrial isomerism HR 1.75 (95% CI 1.14 to 2.70) and low weight HR 1.65 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.41), critical illness HR 2.30 (95% CI 1.67 to 3.18) or acquired comorbidities HR 2.71 (95% CI 1.82 to 4.04) at initial palliation.

Conclusion

Although treatment pathways for FUH are complex and variable, nearly 8 out of 10 children survived to 10 years. Longer-term analyses of outcome based on diagnosis (rather than procedure) can inform parents, patients and clinicians, driving practice improvements for complex CHD.
Azimuthal anisotropy of strange and multi-strange hadrons in U+U collisions at sNN = 193GeV at STAR
Authors: Bairathi Vipul
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we present systematic measurements of azimuthal anisotropy for strange hadrons ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) and multi-strange hadrons ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text]) in U[Formula: see text]U collisions at [Formula: see text] GeV using the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Flow coefficients ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are presented as a function of transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) for minimum bias and three different centrality intervals. The [Formula: see text] sub-event plane method is used to obtain the results. These measurements are compared with the published results from Au[Formula: see text]Au collisions at [Formula: see text] GeV. Number of Constituent Quark (NCQ) scaling of the measured flow coefficients in U[Formula: see text]U collisions is discussed. We also present the ratio of [Formula: see text] scaled by the participant eccentricity ([Formula: see text]) to explore system size dependence and collectivity in U[Formula: see text]U collisions. The measured flow coefficients are compared with hydrodynamic and transport model calculations.
Effect of doping in multiferroic BFO: A review
Authors: Preethi A. Joana , Ragam M.
Published: October 2021

Bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanostructures and thin films have gained attraction as suitable candidates for energy storage and energy conversion due to their high energy storage efficiency, temperature stability and low dielectric loss. Electrical properties of such multiferroic materials are tailored by ferroelectric and ferromagnetic constituents and have opened up amazing avenues in electrochemical supercapacitor and photovoltaic applications. Dopants play a significant role in optimizing the magnetic and dielectric properties of such materials owing to suitable applications. This review highlights the scientific advancements reported in BFO nanostructures for energy applications by optimizing their magnetic and dielectric properties. This paper starts with a brief introduction of BFO and a discussion on the effects of various dopants by different synthesis techniques, and their effects on the magnetic and dielectric properties are also portrayed. Eventually, this review summarizes the various doping effects, which paves way for future research on this multiferroic material.
Decision Support System for Hyperspectral Remote-Sensing Data of Yellow River Estuary, China
Authors: Ping Wang , Fu Jie , Qiao Wenyu , Yasir Muhammad , Hui Sheng , Hossain Md Sakaouth , Nazir Shah
Published: October 2021

There are many wetland resources in the area where the Yellow River enters the sea. This area has good ecological and economic value. Therefore, wetlands are precious resources. The accuracy of traditional wetland classification methods is low (for example, based on the support machine method). In order to explore ways to improve the accuracy of wetland classification, this paper selected the wetland at the mouth of the Yellow River as the study area. And, we used the hyperspectral data of “Zhuhai No. 1” as the research data. Then, we used the logarithmic transformation method to enhance the spectral characteristics of remote-sensing images. Finally, we used Markov random field method (MRF) and support vector machine method (SVM) to finely classify the wetlands in the Yellow River estuary area. We used these experiments to explore wetland classification methods for hyperspectral data. The results showed that the settings of the coupling coefficient and the initial value in the Markov model had a greater impact on the classification results. We found that the best result was when the initial classification number is 50 and the coupling coefficient is 0.5. Compared with the SVM classification method, the overall classification accuracy of our proposed method was improved by 3.9672%, and the Kappa coefficient was improved by 0.042.
Application Strategies of Cloud Computing Intelligent Optimization Algorithms in English Translation Major Teaching
Authors: Zhang Wanfang , Yin Hexiao
Published: October 2021

With the development of social economy, English is still the main language of global communication, and China’s demand for English translators is also higher and higher. In college education, English translation is a very popular and important subject. Although the teaching mode is constantly changing, it still lags behind the speed of social and economic development. Traditional English translation teaching has many disadvantages in teaching theory and methods. This paper discusses the problems existing in translation teaching for English majors and then puts forward a new teaching mode of educational multiattitude resources, to really improve the quality of translation teaching for English majors. The resource pool of cloud computing is composed of a large number of resource nodes with different performances, but as the number of users gradually grows, the demand also increases. How to efficiently allocate large-scale cloud tasks to limited resource nodes and to achieve load balancing is an important issue that needs to be studied in cloud computing. This paper first uses the literature method, in-depth study of the theoretical development, and application bottleneck of education multiposture teaching mode at the same time to understand the problems existing in the current English translation teaching and design a new teaching mode for experimental application research and finally analyzes the comparison of the English translation ability of the control group and the experimental group without teaching method. After a period of experiment, the average score of the control group is 70.53, and the average score of the experimental group is 75.89. It can be seen that the average score of the experimental group is about 5 points higher than that of the control group; this shows that the intelligent optimization algorithm of cloud computing is combined with translation teaching that can improve the students’ overall English translation level to a certain extent and is more conducive to the students’ comprehensive mastery of knowledge.
Endometriosis Surgery during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brazilian Single Institution Experience
Authors: Crispi Claudio Peixoto , Crispi Claudio Peixoto , de Almeida Nogueira Eduardo , Balthar Pietro Cardoso , Guerra Camilla Gabriely Souza , de Freitas Fonseca Marlon
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Early in the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home guidelines, there were public health orders that elective surgeries be deferred to prioritize hospital beds for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Besides, several reasons led to the postponement of consultations, diagnostic tests, and elective therapeutic procedures. As a result, some women with endometriosis faced chronification of their pain and decreased prospects for pregnancy. The aim of this study was to describe individual responses to minimally invasive complete excision of endometriosis through 40 days of follow-up of women whose endometriosis was considered severe enough to proceed with surgery during the fourth, fifth, and sixth months of constraints imposed by the pandemic. Preventive strategies and safety measures employed to protect patients and staff from acquiring or transmitting Coronavirus infection are presented. Case Presentation. This case series report enrolled 11 consecutive Brazilian women (ages 22 to 47 y) who underwent minimally invasive surgical treatment of endometriosis between June 26 and August 17, 2020. Cases of endometriosis requiring more urgent surgery were promptly identified and considered individually. The strict safety measures were well accepted by patients. No women developed any flu-like or COVID-19-related symptoms (cough, dyspnea, fever, or anosmia) in the 40 days of postoperative follow-up. One of the most praised measures reported by patients was the routine testing of the patient, the person who would accompany her in the hospital, and all medical staff and employees. Discussion. It is feasible to safely perform elective endometriosis surgery in selected cases during a pandemic.
Freeze-Thaw Effects on Stability of Open Pit Slope in High-Altitude and Cold Regions
Authors: Hong Yong , Shao Zhushan , Shi Guangbin , Dou Yong , Wang Weiqin , Zhang Wen
Published: October 2021

The cycle of the freeze-thaw action must be taken into account in the stability analysis of an open pit slope in the high-altitude and cold regions, because the natural process of freeze-thaw poses a significant effect on mechanical properties of the rock mass. To achieve this purpose, a linear relationship between the geological strength index (GSI) and the Tianshan slope rock mass rating (TSMR) system is established considering the effect of the freeze-thaw action by introducing a freeze-thaw correction coefficient δ. The GSI value is modified for rock mass in high-altitude and cold regions. The improved Hoek-Brown criterion considers the influences of the freeze-thaw action and steep and gentle slopes. The research outcome is applied in the No. 4 minefield open pit coal mine in the Muli mining area. Numerical calculations are performed by inputting rock mass mechanical parameters obtained in traditional and modified criterions, to discuss the influences of the freeze-thaw action on the stabilities of both the present mining slope and the final slope at the end of the designed mining. The results show that the safety factors of the original slope are 2.33 and 1.67, respectively, while after the modification, they are 2.14 and 1.61, respectively. In terms of the No. 4 minefield open pit coal mine, the slope stability meets the design requirement, although taking the freeze-thaw cycle into account.
Tipologia das mineralizações e química mineral do depósito de Pb‑(Zn) Ranchão, zona interna da Faixa Paraguai, Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Souza Hugo Rafael Silva e , Garcia Pedro Maciel de Paula , Barboza Elzio da Silva , Pinho Francisco Egídio Cavalcante
Published: October 2021

Localizado cerca de 50 km a sudeste da cidade de Cuiabá, o depósito de Pb-(Zn) Ranchão é hospedado por metadiamictitos neoproterozoicos do Grupo Cuiabá (Formação Coxipó, Membro Mata-Mata), zona interna da Faixa Paraguai. As rochas hospedeiras encontram-se intensamente deformadas e foram submetidas a metamorfismo regional na fácies xisto verde e de contato (fácies hornblenda hornfels), resultante da intrusão do Granito São Vicente, de idade cambriana. Este trabalho apresenta a caracterização geológica, petrográfica e de química mineral das mineralizações plumbo-zincíferas do depósito Ranchão, visando compreender os processos metalogenéticos responsáveis pelas concentrações de sulfetos. As zonas mineralizadas, compostas majoritariamente de galena, pirita e esfalerita, ocorrem como brechas, veios e disseminações. Os sulfetos estão associados a alterações hidrotermais das rochas hospedeiras, uma precoce, pré-mineralização (com quartzo-sericita e calcita), e outra tardia, pós-mineralização (com calcita e clorita). As maiores concentrações de minério seguem estruturas com orientação N60-70W e N80-85W, correspondentes às zonas de falhas que contêm o minério brechado. Cálculos geotermométricos indicam temperaturas entre 120 e 190°C para os fluidos hidrotermais tardi a epigenéticos, responsáveis pela formação da clorita. Os dados obtidos do depósito apontam para uma mineralização associada a um sistema meso a epitermal, que afetou diamictitos, previamente convertidos em hornfels pelo contato com o Granito São Vicente. Esses resultados representam uma perspectiva para prospecção de mineralizações similares na Baixada Cuiabana e em outras faixas metassedimentares dobradas com características similares.
Mapeamento geológico-geofísico da região de Mococa, Bacia Sedimentar do Paraná, estado de São Paulo
Authors: Rosa Pedro Lian Tito , Hartmann Gelvam André , Lima Bruno Fadel Barbosa
Published: October 2021

O estado de São Paulo apresenta alta complexidade litoestrutural e seu mapeamento é relativamente recente e, em muitos trechos, de pouco detalhe. Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal aprimorar a qualidade dos mapas geológicos anteriores da região de Mococa, São Paulo, com base em levantamentos geológicos e geofísicos (susceptibilidade magnética — SM e gamaespectrometria de potássio — K, urânio — U e tório — Th). Para isso, foram realizadas em campo observações geológicas e medidas da SM e de gamaespectrometria em 189 pontos de amostragem. Os resultados geofísicos, aliados às observações de campo, possibilitaram a elaboração de um mapa geológico, em escala 1:100.000. Esse mapa delimita cinco litologias principais: arenitos e diamictitos, diabásios, siltitos avermelhados, argilitos ricos em K e aluviões recentes. Comparando com o conhecimento geológico da região, essas unidades referem-se, respectivamente: à Formação Aquidauana, à Formação Serra Geral, à Formação Tatuí, à Formação Corumbataí e a Aluviões Quaternários. A comparação dos resultados com os mapas geológicos do estado de São Paulo já existentes indica que os diabásios, que antes ocupavam cerca de 3,1% da área, passaram a ocupar 22,3% por meio do mapa de maior detalhe. A compilação dos valores de SM e de concentração de K, eU e eTh permitiu reavaliar o volume e a distribuição das seguintes unidades: Formação Aquidauana, Formação Tatuí, Formação Corumbataí, Formação Serra Geral e Aluviões Quaternários dos rios Pardo e Canoas. O estudo, portanto, contribuiu para o entendimento de um trecho setentrional da borda leste da Bacia Sedimentar do Paraná, onde os estratos repousam inclinados sobre o embasamento cristalino Pré-Cambriano.
ASCOD Phenotyping of Stroke With Anterior Large Vessel Occlusion Treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Fontaine Louis , Sibon Igor , Raposo Nicolas , Albucher Jean-François , Mazighi Michael , Rousseau Vanessa , Darcourt Jean , Thalamas Claire , Drif Amel , Sommet Agnes , Viguier Alain , Guenego Adrien , Januel Anne-Christine , Calvière Lionel , Menegon Patrice , Bonneville Fabrice , Tourdias Thomas , Albers Gregory W. , Cognard Christophe , Olivot Jean-Marc , Christensen Soren , Mlynash Michael , Chollet François , Barbieux Marianne , Michelozzi Caterina , Tall Philippe , Caparros François , Pouzet Brigitte , Calvas Fabienne , Galitzki Monique , Renou Pauline , Rouanet François , Berge Jerome , Marnat Gauthier , Lucas Ludovic , Coignon Cyrielle , Sagnier Sharmila , Debruxelle Sabrina , Ledure Sylvain
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:

Determining the mechanism of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke is of major importance to initiate a tailored secondary prevention strategy. We investigated using the atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, cardiac source, other cause, dissection (ASCOD) classification the distribution of the causes of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke treated by mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods:

This was a predefined substudy of the FRAME (French Acute Multimodal Imaging to Select Patient for Mechanical Thrombectomy). Each patient underwent a systematic etiological workup including brain and vascular imaging, electrocardiogram monitoring lasting at least 24 hours and routine blood tests. Stroke mechanisms were systematically evaluated using the atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, cardiac source, other cause, dissection grading system at 3 months. We defined single potential cause by one cause graded 1 in a single domain, possible cause as a cause graded 1 or 2 regardless of overlap, and no identified cause without grade 1 nor 2 causes.

Results:

A total of 215 patients (mean age 70±14; 50% male) were included. A single potential cause was identified in 148 (69%). Cardio-embolism (53%) was the most frequent, followed by atherosclerosis (9%), dissection (5%) and other causes (1%). Atrial fibrillation accounted for 88% of C1. Overlap between grade 1 causes was uncommon (3%). Possible causes were identified in 168 patients (83%) and 16 (7%) had no cause identified after the initial evaluation.

Conclusions:

Cardio-embolism, especially atrial fibrillation, was the major cause of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke. This finding emphasizes the yield of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection in those patients.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03045146.
The Potential of Co-benefits to Spur Subnational Carbon Pricing in North America: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Stevens Daniela
Published: October 2021

We only partially understand the rise of subnational North American governments as carbon-pricing pioneers because fewer than half of the jurisdictions that consider a carbon-pricing policy (CPP) implement one. This article contributes to the literature on CPPs that relies on political economy dynamics and power relations to explain not only policy outcomes but also the lack thereof. Using a qualitative comparative analysis of fifty-four cases, the article shows that subnational governments that have officially considered a CPP tend to implement it if the visible and local co-benefits of mitigation help them bear the political and economic costs of pricing emissions. Findings also show that the regulation of industries with high risk of carbon leakage does not automatically preclude the enactment of CPPs and that the scope of the policy may be more decisive for implementation.
Imagine Your Crossed Hands as Uncrossed: Visual Imagery Impacts the Crossed-Hands Deficit
Authors: Lorentz Lisa , Unwalla Kaian , Shore David I.
Published: October 2021

Successful interaction with our environment requires accurate tactile localization. Although we seem to localize tactile stimuli effortlessly, the processes underlying this ability are complex. This is evidenced by the crossed-hands deficit, in which tactile localization performance suffers when the hands are crossed. The deficit results from the conflict between an internal reference frame, based in somatotopic coordinates, and an external reference frame, based in external spatial coordinates. Previous evidence in favour of the integration model employed manipulations to the external reference frame (e.g., blindfolding participants), which reduced the deficit by reducing conflict between the two reference frames. The present study extends this finding by asking blindfolded participants to visually imagine their crossed arms as uncrossed. This imagery manipulation further decreased the magnitude of the crossed-hands deficit by bringing information in the two reference frames into alignment. This imagery manipulation differentially affected males and females, which was consistent with the previously observed sex difference in this effect: females tend to show a larger crossed-hands deficit than males and females were more impacted by the imagery manipulation. Results are discussed in terms of the integration model of the crossed-hands deficit.
Development and validation of the disease - specific problems questionnaire for patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dehghani Ali
Published: October 2021

Background

Patients with multiple sclerosis face numerous problems during their lifetime. A self-report measurement of disease - specific problems is required to be developed for patients with multiple sclerosis based on different cultural factors. Accordingly, this can advance our understanding on the disease-specific problems for care planning as well as improving coping ways and quality of life. This study aimed to develop and validate the scale of disease-specific problems of Multiple Sclerosis.

Methods

This was an exploratory sequential mixed method study conducted in three phases. Correspondingly, in the first phase, the concept of disease-specific problems was defined using the content analysis approach in patients with MS. In the second phase, the item pool was generated from the findings of the first phase, and in the third phase, psychometric properties of the scale, including face, content, and construct validity and reliability, were evaluated.

Results

After examining both validity and reliability, 28 items were developed in the final questionnaire. As well, by performing the factor analysis, five factors were revealed as follows: physical problems, psychological problems, emotional problems, family problems, and socio-economic problems. Internal consistency and stability of the questionnaire were calculated as 0.82 and 0.90, respectively, indicating an excellent reliability.

Conclusion

The 28-item questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of level of disease - specific problems in Iranian people with MS.
Association of identification of facility and transportation for childbirth with institutional delivery in high priority districts of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Rajvanshi Divya , Anthony John , Namasivayam Vasanthakumar , Dehury Bidyadhar , Banadakoppa Manjappa Ramesh , Prakash Ravi , Chintada Dhanunjaya Rao , Khare Shagun , Avery Lisa , Crockett Maryanne , Isac Shajy , Becker Marissa , Blanchard James , Halli Shiva
Published: October 2021

Background

Timely and skilled care is key to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Birth preparedness involves preparation for safe childbirth during the antenatal period to reach the appropriate health facility for ensuring safe delivery. Hence, understanding the factors associated with birth preparedness and its significance for safe delivery is essential. This paper aims to assess the levels of birth preparedness, its determinants and association with institutional deliveries in High Priority Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between June–October 2018 in the rural areas of 25 high priority districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. Simple random sampling was used to select 40 blocks among 294 blocks in 25 districts and 2646 primary sampling units within the selected blocks. The survey interviewed 9458 women who had a delivery 2 months prior to the survey. Descriptive statistics were included to characterize the study population. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the determinants of birth preparedness and to examine the association of birth preparedness with institutional delivery.

Results

Among the 9458 respondents, 61.8% had birth preparedness (both facility and transportation identified) and 79.1% delivered in a health facility. Women in other caste category (aOR = 1.24, CI 1.06–1.45) and those with 10 or more years of education (aOR = 1.68, CI 1.46–1.92) were more likely to have birth preparedness. Antenatal care (ANC) service uptake related factors like early registration for ANC (aOR = 1.14, CI 1.04–1.25) and three or more front line worker contacts (aOR = 1.61, CI 1.46–1.79) were also found to be significantly associated with birth preparedness. The adjusted multivariate model showed that those who identified both facility and transport were seven times more likely to undergo delivery in a health facility (aOR = 7.00, CI 6.07–8.08).

Conclusion

The results indicate the need for focussing on marginalized groups for improving birth preparedness. Increasing ANC registration in the first trimester of pregnancy, improving frontline worker contact, and optimum utilization of antenatal care check-ups for effective counselling on birth preparedness along with system level improvements could improve birth preparedness and consequently institutional delivery rates in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Obstetrician involvement in planned midwife-led births: a cohort study in an obstetric department of a University Hospital in Switzerland
Authors: Morr Ann-Katrin , Malah Nicole , Messer Andrea Manuela , Etter Annina , Mueller Martin , Raio Luigi , Surbek Daniel
Published: October 2021

Background

Healthy women with low risk singleton pregnancies are offered a midwife-led birth model at our department. Exclusion criteria for midwife-led births include a range of abnormalities in medical history and during the course of pregnancy. In case of complications before, during or after labor and birth, an obstetrician is involved. The purpose of this study was 1) to evaluate the frequency of and reasons for secondary obstetrician involvement in planned midwife-led births and 2) to assess the maternal and neonatal outcome.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of planned midwife-led births during a 14 years period (2006-2019). Evaluation included a comparison between midwife-led births with or without secondary obstetrician involvement, regarding maternal characteristics, birth mode, and maternal and neonatal outcome. Statistical analysis was performed by unpaired t-tests and Chi-square tests.

Results

In total, there were 532 intended midwife-led births between 2006 and 2019 (2.6% of all births during this time-period at the department). Among these, 302 (57%) women had spontaneous vaginal births as midwife-led births. In the remaining 230 (43%) births, obstetricians were involved: 62% of women with obstetrician involvement had spontaneous vaginal births, 25% instrumental vaginal births and 13% caesarean sections. Overall, the caesarean section rate was 5.6% in the whole cohort of women with intended midwife-led births. Reasons for obstetrician involvement primarily included necessity for labor induction, abnormal fetal heart rate monitoring, thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged first or second stage of labor, desire for epidural analgesia, obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, retention of placenta and postpartum hemorrhage. There was a significantly higher rate of primiparous women in the group with obstetrician involvement. Arterial umbilical cord pH < 7.10 occurred significantly more often in the group with obstetrician involvement, while 5′ Apgar score < 7 did not differ significantly. The overall transfer rate of newborns to neonatal intensive care unit was low (1.3%).

Conclusion

A midwife-led birth in our setting is a safe alternative to a primarily obstetrician-led birth, provided that selection criteria are being followed and prompt obstetrician involvement is available in case of abnormal course of labor and birth or postpartum complications.
Depth-dependent variability of biological nitrogen fixation and diazotrophic communities in mangrove sediments
Authors: Luo Zhiwen , Zhong Qiuping , Han Xingguo , Hu Ruiwen , Liu Xingyu , Xu Wenjun , Wu Yongjie , Huang Weiming , Zhou Zhengyuan , Zhuang Wei , Yan Qingyun , He Zhili , Wang Cheng
Published: October 2021

Background

Nitrogen-fixing prokaryotes (diazotrophs) contribute substantially to nitrogen input in mangrove sediments, and their structure and nitrogen fixation rate (NFR) are significantly controlled by environmental conditions. Despite the well-known studies on diazotrophs in surficial sediments, the diversity, structure, and ecological functions of diazotrophic communities along environmental gradients of mangrove sediment across different depths are largely unknown. Here, we investigated how biological nitrogen fixation varied with the depth of mangrove sediments from the perspectives of both NFR and diazotrophic communities.

Results

Through acetylene reduction assay, nifH gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, we found that the NFR increased but the diversity of diazotrophic communities decreased with the depth of mangrove sediments. The structure of diazotrophic communities at different depths was largely driven by salinity and exhibited a clear divergence at the partitioning depth of 50 cm. Among diazotrophic genera correlated with NFR, Agrobacterium and Azotobacter were specifically enriched at 50–100 cm sediments, while Anaeromyxobacter, Rubrivivax, Methylocystis, Dickeya, and Methylomonas were more abundant at 0–50 cm. Consistent with the higher NFR, metagenomic analysis demonstrated the elevated abundance of nitrogen fixation genes (nifH/D/K) in deep sediments, where nitrification genes (amoA/B/C) and denitrification genes (nirK and norB) became less abundant. Three metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of diazotrophs from deep mangrove sediments indicated their facultatively anaerobic and mixotrophic lifestyles as they contained genes for low-oxygen-dependent metabolism, hydrogenotrophic respiration, carbon fixation, and pyruvate fermentation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the depth-dependent variability of biological nitrogen fixation in terms of NFR and diazotrophic communities, which to a certain extent relieves the degree of nitrogen limitation in deep mangrove sediments.
Valorization of spent coffee grounds as the specialty material for dullness and aging of skin treatments
Authors: Kanlayavattanakul Mayuree , Lourith Nattaya , Chaikul Puxvadee
Published: October 2021

Background

Coffee beans contain oil with health benefits from fatty acids. The unprocessed and processed coffee beans are mostly identical in coffee oil quality and are substantively supplied for certain industries. However, the cost-effective valorization of specialty ingredients from spent coffee grounds for cosmetics is sparely presented. Linoleic acid-rich spent coffee oil, as a specialty material for skin lightening and antiaging cosmetics, is objectively to be presented.

Results

Spent coffee oils were prepared by different methods. The most cost-effective material with a high extraction yield, linoleic acid content and unsaturated/saturated fatty acid (UFA/SFA) ratio (13.21  ±  0.25, 32.09% and 0.97) was modified. The modified oil was boosted in linoleic acid (77.20% or 140.57% improvement) and the UFA/SFA ratio (33.12). The physicochemical properties of the oil were applicable for cosmetics as per its safety profiles in B16F10 melanoma and normal human skin fibroblast cells. The oil significantly better inhibited cellular melanogenesis than kojic and linoleic acids (p  <  0.01), with prominent tyrosinase and TRP-2 inhibitions. The cellular antioxidant activity of the oil was comparable to those of ascorbic and linoleic acids. The collagen stimulating efficacy of the oil was significantly better than that of ascorbic but comparable to that of linoleic acid as indicated by the MMP-2 inhibitory activities (p  <  0.01 and p  <  0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The oil is a specialty material for skin brightening and skin wrinkle reduction/skin elasticity improvement products. A successive circular bioeconomy of spent coffee ground waste in a more profitable cosmetic industry is indicated.

Graphic abstract
Tyrosinase@HKUST-1: a super stable biocatalyst efficient for catecholic product synthesis
Authors: Lü Xiao-Feng , Feng Chao-Yun , Li Shuangfei , Liu Guo-Hao , Yang Zhen
Published: October 2021

Although metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been considered as promising matrices for enzyme immobilization, HKUST-1, constructed from copper acetate (CuAc2) and benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC), has rarely been explored for this application. In this study, mushroom tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) was immobilized in the form of tyrosinase@HKUST-1 following a simple reaction procedure by mixing BTC with the enzyme prior to addition of CuAc2. The resultant biocatalyst was characterized in both structural features and catalytic properties. Upon incorporation into the HKUST-1 frameworks, the enzyme gained a prominent enhancement in stability against pH, temperature and storage: When incubated at 50 °C and pH 6.0, tyrosinase@HKUST-1 presented a half-life of 32.6 h, which is 77-fold and over tenfold higher than that of the free enzyme and its other immobilization forms, respectively; and the catalyst fully maintained its activity for at least 2 months when stored at 30 °C. The applicability of this new biocatalyst was demonstrated by employing it as catalyst for regioselectiveortho-hydroxylation reactions to produce catecholic products with huge pharmacological effects, i.e., hydroxytyrosol andl-DOPA, with excellent yields and productivities. This study has thus offered a facile immobilization method to prepare a novel biocatalyst with super stability, and tyrosinase@HKUST-1 so formed from crude mushroom extract provides an efficient catalyst which can be applied to the production of catecholic products with health benefits.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical Validity of a Prognostic Gene Expression Cluster-Based Model in Human Papillomavirus–Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Cavalieri Stefano , Serafini Mara S. , Carenzo Andrea , Canevari Silvana , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Leemans C. René , Nauta Irene H. , Hoebers Frank , van den Hout Mari F. C. M. , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Ardighieri Laura , Poli Tito , Quattrone Pasquale , Locati Laura D. , Licitra Lisa , De Cecco Loris
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE

Under common therapeutic regimens, the prognosis of human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive squamous oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPCs) is more favorable than HPV-negative OPCs. However, the prognosis of some tumors is dismal, and validated prognostic factors are missing in clinical practice. The present work aimed to validate the prognostic significance of our published three-cluster model and to compare its prognostic value with those of the 8th edition of the tumor-node-metastasis staging system (TNM8) and published signatures and clustering models.

METHODS

Patients with HPV DNA-positive OPCs with locoregionally advanced nonmetastatic disease treated with curative intent (BD2Decide observational study, NCT02832102 ) were considered as validation cohort. Patients were treated in seven European centers, with expertise in the multidisciplinary management of patients with head and neck cancer. The median follow-up was 46.2 months (95% CI, 41.2 to 50), and data collection was concluded in September 2019. The primary end point of this study was overall survival (OS). Three-clustering models and seven prognostic signatures were compared with our three-cluster model.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 235 patients. The three-cluster model confirmed its prognostic value. Two-year OS in each cluster was 100% in the low-risk cluster, 96.6% in the intermediate-risk cluster, and 86.3% in the high-risk cluster ( P = .00074). For the high-risk cluster, we observed an area under the curve = 0.832 for 2-year OS, significantly outperforming TNM 8th edition (area under the curve = 0.596), and functional and biological differences were identified for each cluster.

CONCLUSION

The rigorous clinical selection of the cases included in this study confirmed the robustness of our three-cluster model in HPV-positive OPCs. The prognostic value was found to be independent and superior compared with TNM8. The next step includes the translation of the three-cluster model in clinical practice. This could open the way to future exploration of already available therapies in HPV-positive OPCs tailoring de-escalation or intensification according to the three-cluster model.
Incentive Constrained Risk Sharing, Segmentation, and Asset Pricing
Authors: Biais Bruno , Hombert Johan , Weill Pierre-Olivier
Published: October 2021

Incentive problems make securities’ payoffs imperfectly pledgeable, limiting agents’ ability to issue liabilities. We analyze the equilibrium consequences of such endogenous incompleteness in a dynamic exchange economy. Because markets are endogenously incomplete, agents have different intertemporal marginal rates of substitution, so that they value assets differently. Consequently, agents hold different portfolios. This leads to endogenous markets segmentation, which we characterize with optimal transport methods. Moreover, there is a basis going always in the same direction: the price of a security is lower than that of replicating portfolios of long positions. Finally, equilibrium expected returns are concave in factor loadings. (JEL D51, D52, G11, G12)