bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On maximal and minimal hypersurfaces of Fermat type
Authors: Oliveira José
Published: May 2022

Let

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

be a finite field with

q
=

p
n

q=p^n

elements. In this paper, we study the number of

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

-rational points on the affine hypersurface

X

\mathcal X

given by

a
1

x
1

d
1

+
⋯
+

a
s

x
s

d
s

=
b

a_1 x_1^{d_1}+\dots +a_s x_s^{d_s}=b

, where

b
∈

F

q
∗

b\in \mathbb {F}_q^*

. A classic well-known result of Weil yields a bound for such number of points. This paper presents necessary and sufficient conditions for the maximality and minimality of

X

\mathcal X

with respect to Weil’s bound.
Constructions of minimal Hermitian matrices related to a C*-subalgebra of 𝑀_{𝑛}(ℂ)
Authors: Zhang Ying , Jiang Lining , Han Yongheng
Published: May 2022

This paper provides a constructive method using unitary diagonalizable elements to obtain all hermitian matrices

A
A

in

M
n

(

C

)

M_n(\Bbb C)

such that

‖
A
‖
=

min

B
∈

B

‖
A
+
B
‖
,

\begin{equation*} \|A\|=\min _{B\in \mathcal {B}}\|A+B\|, \end{equation*}

where

B

\mathcal {B}

is a C*-subalgebra of

M
n

(

C

)

M_n(\Bbb C)

,

‖
⋅
‖

\|\cdot \|

denotes the operator norm. Such an

A
A

is called

B

\mathcal {B}

-minimal. Moreover, for a C*-subalgebra

B

\mathcal {B}

determined by a conditional expectation from

M
n

(

C

)

M_n(\Bbb C)

onto it, this paper constructs

⨁

i
=
1

k

B

\bigoplus _{i=1}^k\mathcal {B}

-minimal hermitian matrices in

M

k
n

(

C

)

M_{kn}(\Bbb C)

through

B

\mathcal {B}

-minimal hermitian matrices in

M
n

(

C

)

M_n(\Bbb C)

, and gets a dominated condition that the matrix

A
^

=

diag
⁡
(

A
1

,

A
2

,
⋯
,

A
k

)

\hat {A}\!=\!\operatorname {diag}(A_1,A_2,\cdots , A_k)

is

⨁

i
=
1

k

B

\bigoplus _{i=1}^k\mathcal {B}

-minimal if and only if

‖

A
^

‖
≤
‖

A
s

‖

\|\hat {A}\|\leq \|A_s\|

for some

s
∈
{
1
,
2
,
⋯
,
k
}

s\in \{1,2,\cdots ,k\}

and

A
s

A_s

is

B

\mathcal {B}

-minimal, where

A
i

(
1
≤
i
≤
k
)

A_i(1\leq i\leq k)

are hermitian matrices in

M
n

(

C

)

M_n(\Bbb C)

.
A unified approach towards the impossibility of finite time vanishing depth for incompressible free boundary flows
Authors: Geng Zhiyuan , Granero-Belinchón Rafael
Published: May 2022

In this paper we study the motion of an internal water wave and an internal wave in a porous medium. For these problems we establish that, if the free boundary and, in the case of the Euler equations, also the tangential velocity at the interface are sufficiently smooth, the depth cannot vanish in finite time. This results holds regardless of gravity and surface tension effects or, if applicable, the stratification in multiphase flows.
Decomposing groups by codimension-1 subgroups
Authors: Petrosyan Nansen
Published: May 2022

The paper is concerned with Kropholler’s conjecture on splitting a finitely generated group over a codimension-

1
1

subgroup. For a subgroup

H
H

of a group

G
G

, we introduce the notion of ‘finite splitting height’ which generalises the finite-height property. By considering the dual CAT(0) cube complex associated to a codimension-

1
1

subgroup

H
H

in

G
G

, we show that the Kropholler-Roller conjecture holds when

H
H

has finite splitting height in

G
G

. Examples of subgroups of finite height are stable subgroups or more generally strongly quasiconvex subgroups. Examples of subgroups of finite splitting height include relatively quasiconvex subgroups of relatively hyperbolic groups with virtually polycyclic peripheral subgroups. In particular, our results extend Stallings’ theorem and generalise a theorem of Sageev on decomposing a hyperbolic group by quasiconvex subgroups.
BRZ-INSENSITIVE-PALE GREEN 1 is encoded by chlorophyll biosynthesis enzyme gene that functions in the downstream of brassinosteroid signaling
Authors: Tachibana Ryo , Yamagami Ayumi , Miyagi Shino , Nakazawa Miki , Matsui Minami , Sakuta Masaaki , Tanaka Ryouichi , Asami Tadao , Nakano Takeshi
Published: May 2022

Brassinosteroids (BRs), a kind of phytohormone, have various biological activities such as promoting of plant growth, increasing of stress resistance, and chloroplast development. Though BRs have been known to have physiological effects on chloroplast, the detailed mechanism of chloroplast development and chlorophyll biosynthesis in BR signaling remains unknown. Here we identified a recessive pale green Arabidopsis mutant, Brz-insensitive-pale green1 (bpg1), which was insensitive to promoting of greening by BR biosynthesis-specific inhibitor Brz in the light. BPG1 gene encoded chlorophyll biosynthesis enzyme, 3, 8-divinyl protochlorophyllide a 8-vinyl reductase (DVR), and bpg1 accumulated divinyl chlorophylls. Chloroplast development was suppressed in bpg1. Brz dramatically increased the expression of chlorophyll biosynthesis enzyme genes, including BPG1. These results suggest that chlorophyll biosynthesis enzymes are regulated by BR signaling in the aspect of gene expression and BPG1 plays an important role in regulating of chloroplast development.
Cybersecurity service level agreements: understanding government data confidentiality requirements
Authors: Nugraha Yudhistira , Martin Andrew
Published: May 2022

Cybersecurity requirements, such as data security, are often used as evidence for the Government's relationship with external service providers to process, store and transmit sensitive government data. However, cybersecurity researchers have not profoundly studied the practical application of government data security requirements (e.g. data confidentiality) in service level agreements (SLAs) in the context of an outsourced scenario. The relationships with external service providers are usually established through SLAs as trust-enhancing instruments. However, there is a concern that existing SLAs mainly focus on the system availability and performance aspects but overlook cybersecurity requirements (e.g. data security) in SLAs. Such an understanding is essential to develop government SLA data confidentiality requirements into the formulation of security-related SLAs. We seek to provide insights by developing and conducting a grounded adaptive Delphi method (GADM) with 35 government participants through group discussions and individual sessions. The work on the Indonesian Government's data confidentiality requirements was used as a case study. This paper provides insights into three understandings of the increasing considerations of the Government's data confidentiality requirements in SLA definitions. The three perceptions of security-related SLAs are the target of protection, the data confidentiality risks and the government SLA data confidentiality requirements. Our findings play important implications for a better understanding of how to incorporate data confidentiality requirements according to perceived threats for government data classification in security-SLAs. Based on these findings, we recommend that the Government and service providers improve existing security-related SLAs and future research lines.
Bigger or long-winged male common crossbills exhibit redder carotenoid-based plumage coloration
Authors: Fernández-Eslava Blanca , Alonso Daniel , Galicia David , Arizaga Juan , Alonso-Alvarez Carlos
Published: May 2022

Carotenoid-based ornaments are often considered reliable (honest) individual condition signals because their expression implies physiological costs unaffordable for low-quality animals (handicap signals). Recently, it has been suggested that efficient cell respiration is mandatory for producing red ketocarotenoids from dietary yellow carotenoids. This implies that red colorations should be entirely unfalsifiable and independent of expression costs (index signals). In a precedent study, male common crossbills, Loxia curvirostra, showing a red plumage reported higher apparent survival than those showing yellowish-orange colors. The plumage redness in this species is due to ketocarotenoid accumulation in feathers. Here, we correlated the male plumage redness (a 4-level visual score: yellow, patchy, orange, and red) and the body morphology in more than 1,000 adult crossbills captured in 3 Iberian localities to infer the mechanisms responsible for color evolution. A principal component analysis summarized morphometry of 10 variables (beak, wing, tarsus length, etc.). The overall body size (PC1) and the length of flight feathers regarding body size (PC3) showed significant positive relationships with plumage redness. Plumage redness was barely correlated with bill shape measures, suggesting no constraint in acquiring carotenoids from pine cones. However, large body sizes or proportionally long flying feathers could help carotenoid acquisition via social competition or increased foraging ranges. Proportionally longer flight feathers might also be associated with a specific cell respiration profile that would simultaneously favor flying capacities and enzymatic transformations needed for ketocarotenoid synthesis. Such a phenotypic profile would agree with the hypothesis of ketocarotenoid-based colors acting as individual quality index signals.
Aortic valve repair versus mechanical valve replacement for root aneurysm: the CAVIAAR multicentric study
Authors: Lansac Emmanuel , Di Centa Isabelle , Danial Pichoy , Bouchot Olivier , Arnaud-Crozat Eric , Hacini Rachid , Doguet Fabien , Demaria Roland , Verhoye Jean Philippe , Jouan Jerome , Chatel Didier , Lopez Stephane , Folliguet Thierry , Leprince Pascal , Langanay Thierry , Latremouille Christian , Fayad Georges , Fleury Jean Philippe , Monin Jean Luc , Mankoubi Leila , Noghin Milena , Berrebi Alain , Pousset Sarah , Laubriet-Jazayeri Aline , Lafourcade Alexandre , Marcault Estelle , Kindo Michel , Payot Laurent , Bergoend Eric , Hoffart Cecile Jourdain , Debauchez Mathieu , Tubach Florence
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES

Despite growing evidence that aortic valve repair improves long-term patient outcomes and quality of life, aortic valves are mostly replaced. We evaluate the effect of aortic valve repair versus replacement in patients with dystrophic aortic root aneurysm up to 4 years.

METHODS

The multicentric CAVIAAR (Conservation Aortique Valvulaire dans les Insuffisances Aortiques et les Anévrismes de la Racine aortique) prospective cohort study enrolled 261 patients: 130 underwent standardized aortic valve repair (REPAIR) consisting of remodelling root repair with expansible aortic ring annuloplasty, and 131 received mechanical composite valve and graft replacement (REPLACE). Primary outcome was a composite criterion of mortality, reoperation, thromboembolic or major bleeding events, endocarditis or operating site infections, pacemaker implantation and heart failure, analysed with propensity score-weighted Cox model analysis. Secondary outcomes included major adverse valve-related events and components of primary outcome.

RESULTS

The mean age was 56.1 years, and valve was bicuspid in 115 patients (44.7%). Up to 4 years, REPAIR did not significantly differ from REPLACE in terms of primary outcome [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.66 (0.39; 1.12)] but showed significantly less valve-related deaths (HR 0.09 [0.02; 0.34]) and major bleeding events (HR 0.37 [0.16; 0.85]) without an increased risk of valve-related reoperation (HR 2.10 [0.64; 6.96]). When accounting for the occurrence of multiple events in a single patient, the REPAIR group had half the occurrence of major adverse valve-related events (HR 0.51 [0.31; 0.86]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the primary outcome did not significantly differ between the REPAIR and REPLACE groups, the trend is in favour of REPAIR by a significant reduction of valve-related deaths and major bleeding events. Long-term follow-up beyond 4 years is needed to confirm these findings.
From Hostile to Benevolent Ageism: Polarizing Attitudes Toward Older Adults in German COVID-19-Related Tweets
Authors: Døssing Mille Viktoria , Crăciun Irina Catrinel
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Previous studies have linked coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to a rise in ageism. While a growing body of research examined hostile ageism during the pandemic, benevolent ageism received less attention. Drawing on the stereotype content theory and the classic tripartite model of attitudes, the current study explored how benevolent and hostile ageism are reflected in the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of attitudes toward older adults in German COVID-19-related tweets. The study examined the most prevalent attitudes as well as changes in prevalence between the first and second lockdown period in Germany.

Research Design and Methods

Seven hundred and ninety-two German tweets concerning COVID-19 and aging were collected and coded using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis with a dominantly inductive approach. Quantitative methods were used to identify the most prevalent subthemes as well as changes in prevalence.

Results

The coding resulted in 21 subthemes. Most tweets (60.73%) contained either hostile or benevolent ageist attitudes, with benevolent ageism being more prevalent. The top 5 subthemes in terms of prevalence and reach contained several opposing attitudes, such as devaluation and opposing devaluation. The chi-square tests revealed a shift from a promotion to an evaluation of COVID-19-related policies between the 2 lockdowns.

Discussion and Implications

Results highlight social media’s polarizing effect and its potential contribution to both hostile and benevolent ageism in the context of COVID-19 in Germany. Results indicate the need to consider the adverse effects of benevolent ageism and use of chronological age as risk factor, when designing COVID-19-related policies.
Neighborhood Environment and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Older Immigrants in the United States: The Mediation Effects of Coping Resources
Authors: Wang Yi , Guo Man , Liu Jinyu , Lou Yifan , Carter Kara , Dong XinQi
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Studies have shown that neighborhood environment shapes older Americans’ aging experience and health. However, it remains largely unknown whether and how neighborhood environment influences the well-being of older Asian Immigrants. Guided by the neighborhood stress process model, this study aims to investigate (a) the associations between neighborhood environmental stressors and depression among Chinese older immigrants and (b) the potential mediation effects of intrapersonal (sense of mastery and sense of hopefulness) and interpersonal coping (social engagement) resources in such associations.

Research Design and Methods

This study analyzed data collected from 2,801 Chinese older immigrants in the greater Chicago area. Structural equation modeling with bootstrap resampling was used to fit path models on neighborhood environmental stressor, intra- and interpersonal coping resources, and depression.

Results

Findings showed that neighborhood social disintegration and physical disorder were associated with more depressive symptoms directly and indirectly via lower intra- and interpersonal coping resources. Specifically, older immigrants living in neighborhoods with greater social disintegration reported lower sense of mastery and social engagement, which in turn were associated with more depressive symptoms (partial mediation). Older immigrants living in neighborhoods with greater physical disorder reported lower sense of hopefulness and mastery, which subsequently were associated with more depressive symptoms (full mediation).

Discussion and Implications

The findings showed that neighborhood environmental stressors are risk factors for mental health of Chinese older immigrants, and coping resources may serve as pathways of the associations. The implications for future research and practice were discussed.
Implementing the Care of Persons With Dementia in Their Environments (COPE) Intervention in Community-Based Programs: Acceptability and Perceived Benefit From Care Managers’ and Interventionists’ Perspectives
Authors: Kellett Kathy , Robison Julie , McAbee-Sevick Heather , Gitlin Laura N , Verrier Piersol Catherine , Fortinsky Richard H
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Nonpharmacologic interventions have demonstrated benefits for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Few studies have evaluated their implementation in real-world settings. Using normalization process theory (NPT), an implementation science framework, this study evaluated the acceptability of the care of persons with dementia in their environments (COPE) intervention by care managers and interventionists implemented in a Medicaid and state-revenue funded home and community-based services (HCBS) program.

Research Design and Methods

NPT and data from 9 care manager focus groups (n = 61) and 2 interventionist focus groups (n = 8) were utilized to understand COPE acceptability to program care managers and interventionists. NPT’s 4 criteria, coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring, framed the research questions used to evaluate the intervention’s implementation.

Results

Care managers and interventionists demonstrated a shared understanding of COPE aims and the value of practices implemented (coherence). Training by national experts facilitated program buy-in to meet COPE goals and was demonstrated by care managers and interventionists as they used the training to broaden their program involvement (cognitive participation). Operational work done by care managers and interventionists to implement the intervention (collective action) and their shared perceptions of program benefits (reflexive monitoring) contributed to program implementation, families’ positive responses to COPE and enhanced sustainability.

Discussion and Implications

Introducing evidence-based dementia care interventions into HCBS programs strongly depends upon building shared understandings between care managers and interventionists and valuing the contributions of all stakeholders involved in delivering care innovations to people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Effects of dietary vitamin E and fat supplementation in growing-finishing swine fed to a heavy slaughter weight of 150 kg: II. Tissue fatty acid profile, vitamin E concentrations, and antioxidant capacity of plasma and tissue
Authors: Wang Ding , Jang Young Dal , Rentfrow Gregg K , Azain Michael J , Lindemann Merlin D
Published: May 2022

The study aimed to assess the effects of vitamin E (VE) supplementation and fat source on fatty acid (FA) composition, VE concentrations, and antioxidant capacity in plasma and tissues of pigs fed to a heavy slaughter weight (150 kg). A total of 64 pigs (32 barrows, 32 gilts; 28.41 ± 0.83 kg) were blocked by sex and weight, and randomly assigned to one of eight dietary treatments (n = 8 per treatment) in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. Fat sources included corn starch (CS), 5% tallow (TW), 5% distiller’s corn oil (DCO), and 5% coconut oil (CN); VE supplementation levels were 11 and 200 ppm. Five-phase diets were formulated to meet requirement estimates of NRC (2012) and fed to pigs for each period of 25 kg from 25 to 150 kg. Increasing VE supplementation level increased C16:1 (P < 0.05) content but decreased C20:0 (P < 0.05) content in backfat and belly fat, while in liver, it increased C17:0 (P < 0.05) but decreased C18:0 (P < 0.05). Compared to the pigs fed the CS diet, the pigs fed the CN diet had greater (P < 0.05) content of total saturated FA, the pigs fed the DCO diet had greater (P < 0.05) content of total polyunsaturated FA content and iodine value, and the pigs fed the TW diet had greater (P < 0.05) content of total monounsaturated FA in backfat, belly fat, and liver. Plasma VE concentrations increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing length of feeding but faster (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the CN and TW diets compared with the CS and DCO diets within the 200 ppm VE level; the pigs fed the DCO diet had the highest plasma VE concentrations (P < 0.05) from Phase 2 to Phase 5 within the 11 ppm VE level. The VE concentrations in liver and loin muscle (P < 0.05) increased with increasing dietary VE level from 11 to 200 ppm, but it was not affected by dietary fat source. There was no effect of VE supplementation and fat source on antioxidant capacity in plasma and liver except that pigs fed the DCO diet had greater liver SOD activity (P < 0.05) than the pigs fed the CN diet. In conclusion, dietary VE supplementation did not affect FA profile in backfat, belly fat, and liver consistently, while dietary FA composition with different fat sources affected much of the FA profile in backfat, belly fat, and liver. The higher level of VE supplementation increased liver and muscle VE concentrations and dietary fat sources affected plasma VE concentrations differently (P < 0.05), wherein the TW and CN diets increased the VE absorption greater than the DCO diet.
Efficacy of Silk Sericin and Jasminum grandiflorum L. Leaf Extract on Skin Injuries Induced by Burn in Mice
Authors: Ahmed Asmaa Bashir , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad , Yousaf Muhammad Shahbaz , Munir Fareeha , Ali Shaukat
Published: May 2022

Burns wounds are one of the most health-threatening problems worldwide. Sericin is a natural protein synthesized by the silkworm Bombyx mori L. It is a natural biomaterial that helps in the management of wounds by promoting the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Jasminum grandiflorum L leaves contain high mucilage content and have been used to cure various dermal wounds in ancient times. The present study was aimed to investigate the individual and synergetic effect of sericin and J. grandiflorum leaves extract on burn injury in mice. Ten-week-old mice weighing 22 g ± 5 g were randomly divided into eight groups, each group containing 10 mice. Burn injury in mice was induced by using a hot metal rod. Wounds were evaluated morphologically and histologically. In comparison with controls, 4% sericin + jasmine (S + J) expressively improved wound contraction area. Restoration of the epidermis was also faster in S + J 4% group (P ≤ .01) than in other groups. Histopathological analysis also verified the efficacy of the 4% S + J cream. It is concluded that a mixture of sericin and jasmine leaves effectively improved the healing process of skin burns.
Dysplacement and the Professionalization of the Home
Authors: Grant Annetta , Handelman Jay M
Published: May 2022

This research directs our attention to the dynamics surrounding the changing cultural understanding of the place we call home. Traditionally, the home is regarded as a place of singularization that is to be aligned with the homeowner’s unique identity. This traditional meaning has come to be confronted with a contradictory understanding of the home as a marketplace asset. Homeowners come to experience a market-reflected gaze that shuns singularization while driving homeowners to exhibit expertise in aligning their homes with marketplace standards. Professionalization of the home, through marketplace expertise and standardization, discourages personalization, leading to an experience of disorientation with the place of home. In this ethnography of the home renovation marketplace, we build on the concept of ‘dysplacement’ whereby this contradictory cultural understanding of the home disrupts the homeowner’s ability to achieve implacement. The concept of dysplacement and the corresponding place disorientation experience has the potential to enrich our theoretical understanding of place by integrating the cultural meaning of place as a domain with marketplace dynamics and individual consumer practices surrounding place.
Ketamine Regulates the Autophagy Flux and Polarization of Microglia through the HMGB1-RAGE Axis and Exerts Antidepressant Effects in Mice
Authors: Wu Meng , Zhao Lin , Wang Ye , Guo Qianqian , An Qi , Geng Jie , Zhang Changsheng , Guo Zhenggang
Published: May 2022

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Here, we explored the role of the HMGB1-RAGE pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior and microglial autophagy flux, neuroinflammation, and polarization in a mouse model. Male C57BL/6 mice were infused with LPS in the abdominal cavity to induce a depression model. They then underwent testing to assess behavior and cognition. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of the M1/M2 microglia polarization markers, HMGB1, and RAGE. Microglial activation and phenotypic transformation in the hippocampus were identified. mRFP-GFP-LC3 and Western blotting were used to detect autophagy flux in each treatment group. Finally, an LPS-induced BV2 cell model was developed to verify the involvement of the HMGB1-RAGE pathway, autophagy flux, and polarization. Ketamine improved LPS-induced depression-like behavior, inhibited the LPS-induced upregulation of HMGB1 and RAGE and the nuclear translocation of HMGB1. Moreover, ketamine reversed the blocked autophagy flux of microglia caused by LPS and regulated microglial autophagy flux through the HMGB1-RAGE pathway and microglial polarization. These results suggest that ketamine may reduce HMGB1 and RAGE accumulation in patients with depression, thereby providing a new therapeutic target for preventing and treating this disease.
Corona, Lime, Sun, Rash: A Case Report of Severe Phytophotodermatitis in an Active Duty Soldier
Authors: Carius Brandon M , Bridwell Rachel E , Hawkins Anthony
Published: May 2022

Dermatological complaints constitute a large portion of patient visits to both emergency departments and military clinics. Proper assessment to separate the benign diagnoses from life-threatening may prove challenging based on seemingly non-specific history and physical examination. Similarly, reflexive specialty consultation may delay treatment and overload the health care system. Phytophotodermatitis is caused by contact with sensitizing agents, including lime juice, which triggers localized skin reactions when exposed to ultraviolet A light. The resulting progression of erythema, edema, pain, and non-pruritic skin lesions presents a unique pattern limited to the area of initial psoralen contact. This uniquely limited pattern coupled with specific historical context provides evidence for diagnosis. We highlight the case of a 24-year- old otherwise healthy female returning from a leisure trip to Mexico with progressive worsening of erythematous bullae limited to her hands and wrists bilaterally, ultimately attributed to phytophotodermatitis from lime wedge exposure in her alcoholic beverages, commonly referred to as “Mexican Beer Hand.” Despite the severity of her initial appearance, her symptoms resolved without complication from limited supportive care.
Can Beta-D-Glucan testing as part of the diagnostic pathway for invasive fungal infection reduce anti-fungal treatment costs?
Authors: Hamilton David O , Lambe Tosin , Howard Alexander , Crossey Patricia , Hughes Jennifer , Duarte Rui , Welters Ingeborg D
Published: May 2022

We performed a cost comparison of the current diagnostic and treatment pathway for invasive fungal infection (IFI) versus a proposed pathway that incorporates Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) testing from the NHS perspective. A fungal pathogen was identified in 58/107 (54.2%) patients treated with systemic anti-fungals in the Critical Care Department. Mean therapy duration was 23 days (standard deviation [SD] = 22 days), and cost was £5590 (SD = £7410) per patient. Implementation of BDG tests in the diagnostic and treatment pathway of patients with suspected IFI could result in a mean saving of £1643 per patient should a result be returned within 2 days.

Lay Summary

Invasive fungal infection increases the risk of death in very sick people. So, treatment is started before test results are known. Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) test is faster than standard blood culture tests. We estimate that using BDG tests in how patients are diagnosed could save about £1643 per patient.
Mountain formation by repeated, inhomogeneous crustal failure in a neutron star
Authors: Kerin A D , Melatos A
Published: May 2022

The elastic crust of a neutron star fractures repeatedly as it spins down electromagnetically. An idealized, macroscopic model of inhomogeneous crustal failure is presented based on a cellular automaton with nearest-neighbour tectonic interactions involving strain redistribution and thermal dissipation. Predictions are made of the size and waiting-time distributions of failure events, as well as the rate of failure as the star spins down. The last failure event typically occurs when the star spins down to $\approx 1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of its birth frequency with implications for rotational glitch activity. Neutron stars are commonly suggested as sources of continuous gravitational waves. The output of the automaton is converted into predictions of the star’s mass ellipticity and gravitational wave strain as functions of its age, with implications for future observations with instruments such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO).
The star formation rates of QSOs
Authors: Symeonidis M , Maddox N , Jarvis M J , Michałowski M J , Andreani P , Clements D L , De Zotti G , Duivenvoorden S , Gonzalez-Nuevo J , Ibar E , Ivison R J , Leeuw L , Page M J , Shirley R , Smith M W L , Vaccari M
Published: May 2022

We examine the far-infrared (FIR) properties of a sample of 5391 optically selected QSOs in the 0.5 < z < 2.65 redshift range down to log [νLν, 2500(erg s−1)] > 44.7, using SPIRE data from Herschel-ATLAS. We split the sample in a grid of 74 luminosity–redshift bins and compute the average optical–IR spectral energy distribution (SED) in each bin. By normalizing an intrinsic active galactic nucleus (AGN) template to the AGN optical power (at 5100 Å), we decompose the total IR emission (LIR; 8–1000 µm) into an AGN (LIR, AGN) and star-forming component (LIR, SF). We find that the AGN contribution to LIR increases as a function of AGN power, manifesting as a reduction of the ‘FIR bump’ in the average QSO SEDs. We note that LIR, SF does not correlate with AGN power; the mean star formation rates (SFRs) of AGN host galaxies are a function of redshift only and they range from ∼6 M⊙ yr−1 at z ∼ 0 to a plateau of ≲ 200 M⊙ yr−1 at z ∼ 2.6. Our results indicate that the accuracy of FIR emission as a proxy for SFR decreases with increasing AGN luminosity. We show that, at any given redshift, observed trends between IR luminosity (whether monochromatic or total) and AGN power (in the optical or X-rays) can be explained by a simple model which is the sum of two components: (i) the IR emission from star formation, uncorrelated with AGN power and (ii) the IR emission from AGN, directly proportional to AGN power in the optical or X-rays.
Nucleoporin37 may play a role in early embryo development in human and mice
Authors: Peng Yawen , Shen Jiandong , Gao Yan , Dai Wangjuan , Liang Shuang , Chen Jing , Gao Li , Lin Yuting , Cai Lingbo , Qin Lianju , Cui Yugui , Liu Jiayin , Diao Feiyang
Published: May 2022

Maternal-effect genes (MEGs) play an important role in maintaining the survival and development of mammalian embryos at the cleavage stage after fertilization. Despite long-term efforts, the MEGs that regulate preimplantation embryo development remain largely unknown. Here, using Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and homozygosity mapping, we identified a potential candidate gene associated with early embryo development: nucleoporin37 (NUP37), a nucleoporin gene that encodes a member of the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and regulates nuclear pore permeability and nucleocytoplasmic transport. Moreover, we determined the temporal and spatial expression patterns of Nup37 in mouse oocytes and early embryos, and explored the role of NUP37 in oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development. Immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that YAP1 binds to TEAD4 and NUP37. Furthermore, Nup37 gene knockdown reduced the nuclear import of YAP1 and downregulated the expression of YAP1-TEAD pathway downstream genes Rrm2 and Rpl13 in early embryos. Our study provides evidence that maternal NUP37 contributes to the nuclear import of YAP1 and then activates the YAP1-TEAD pathway, a signaling pathway essential for zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Nup37 may be a key gene involved in preimplantation embryo development in mammals.
Mycobacterium abscessus Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Single-Center Experience in the United States, 2013–2018
Authors: Ebisu Yosuke , Natori Yoichiro , Rosello Gemma , Anjan Shweta , Simkins Jacques , Camargo Jose F , Morris Michele I , Martinez Octavio V , Abbo Lilian M
Published: May 2022

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen causing life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. There is a paucity of data around this topic in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.

Methods

This work was a single-center retrospective cohort study of all SOT recipients with a positive culture for M abscessus between 2013 and 2018.

Results

A total of 20 patients (55% female) met inclusion criteria, including 1 kidney recipient (5.0%), 2 liver recipients (10.0%), 12 lung recipients (60.0%), 1 heart recipient (5.0%), and 4 combined organ recipients (20.0%). The median time from SOT to infection was 100 days (range, 30–431 days). Thirteen (65.0%) patients (1 kidney, 1 heart, 7 lung, 1 liver, 1 intestine, and 2 multivisceral) were treated with a median duration of 185 antibiotic days (range, 20–523 days). Among them, M abscessus was isolated from respiratory samples in 8 and nonrespiratory samples in 5; 4 of 13 (30.8%) patients had treatment failure and 3 of 13 (23.1%) had unrelated deaths within 1 year after diagnosis. Seven patients (5 lung transplant recipients) with the organism isolated from respiratory samples were not treated as their cultures represented airway colonization or contamination; of those, 2 (28.6%) died (unrelated to infection) and 5 (71.4%) were alive without the infection after 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusions

Mycobacterium abscessus infections affect SOT recipients with a high proportion of clinical failures. However, in lung recipients, not all positive cultures correlated with infection, and without treatment some patients had good clinical outcomes. Thus, differentiating colonization from infection is important, and infection prevention measures and novel therapeutic agents are needed for SOT recipients.
COVID-19, crisis responses, and public policies: from the persistence of inequalities to the importance of policy design
Authors: Béland Daniel , He Alex Jingwei , Ramesh M
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has once again highlighted the importance of social inequalities during major crises, a reality that has clear implications for public policy. In this introductory article to the thematic issue of Policy and Society on COVID-19, inequalities, and public policies, we provide an overview of the nexus between crisis and inequality before exploring its importance for the study of policy stability and change, with a particular focus on policy design. Here, we stress the persistence of inequalities during major crises before exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to focus on these inequalities when the time comes to design policies in response to such crises. Paying close attention to the design of these policies is essential for the study of, and fight against, social inequalities in times of crisis. Both during and beyond crises, policy design should emphasize tackling with inequalities. This is the case because current design choices shape future patterns of social inequality.
Crosslinking and functionalization of acellular patches via the self-assembly of copper@tea polyphenol nanoparticles
Authors: Li Qin , Gao Yuan , Zhang Jiajun , Tang Yangfeng , Sun Yangyong , Wu Lujia , Wu Hao , Shen Meifang , Liu Xiaohong , Han Lin , Xu Zhiyun
Published: May 2022

Decellularization is a promising technique to produce natural scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. However, non-crosslinked natural scaffolds disfavor application in cardiovascular surgery due to poor biomechanics and rapid degradation. Herein, we proposed a green strategy to crosslink and functionalize acellular scaffolds via the self-assembly of copper@tea polyphenol nanoparticles (Cu@TP NPs), and the resultant nanocomposite acellular scaffolds were named as Cu@TP-dBPs. The crosslinking degree, biomechanics, denaturation temperature and resistance to enzymatic degradation of Cu@TP-dBPs were comparable to those of glutaraldehyde crosslinked decellularized bovine pericardias (Glut-dBPs). Furthermore, Cu@TP-dBPs were biocompatible and had abilities to inhibit bacterial growth and promote the formation of capillary-like networks. Subcutaneous implantation models demonstrated that Cu@TP-dBPs were free of calcification and allowed for host cell infiltration at Day 21. Cardiac patch graft models confirmed that Cu@TP-dBP patches showed improved ingrowth of functional blood vessels and remodeling of extracellular matrix at Day 60. These results suggested that Cu@TP-dBPs not only had comparable biomechanics and biostability to Glut-dBPs, but also had several advantages over Glut-dBPs in terms of anticalcification, remodeling and integration capabilities. Particularly, they were functional patches possessing antibacterial and proangiogenic activities. These material properties and biological functions made Cu@TP-dBPs a promising functional acellular patch for cardiovascular applications.
Target Enrichment and Extensive Population Sampling Help Untangle the Recent, Rapid Radiation of Oenothera Sect. Calylophus
Authors: Cooper Benjamin J , Moore Michael J , Douglas Norman A , Wagner Warren L , Johnson Matthew G , Overson Rick P , Kinosian Sylvia P , McDonnell Angela J , Levin Rachel A , Raguso Robert A , Flores Olvera Hilda , Ochoterena Helga , Fant Jeremie B , Skogen Krissa A , Wickett Norman J
Published: May 2022

Oenothera sect. Calylophus is a North American group of 13 recognized taxa in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) with an evolutionary history that may include independent origins of bee pollination, edaphic endemism, and permanent translocation heterozygosity. Like other groups that radiated relatively recently and rapidly, taxon boundaries within Oenothera sect. Calylophus have remained challenging to circumscribe. In this study, we used target enrichment, flanking noncoding regions, gene tree/species tree methods, tests for gene flow modified for target-enrichment data, and morphometric analysis to reconstruct phylogenetic hypotheses, evaluate current taxon circumscriptions, and examine character evolution in Oenothera sect. Calylophus. Because sect. Calylophus comprises a clade with a relatively restricted geographic range, we were able to extensively sample across the range of geographic, edaphic, and morphological diversity in the group. We found that the combination of exons and flanking noncoding regions led to improved support for species relationships. We reconstructed potential hybrid origins of some accessions and note that if processes such as hybridization are not taken into account, the number of inferred evolutionary transitions may be artificially inflated. We recovered strong evidence for multiple evolutionary origins of bee pollination from ancestral hawkmoth pollination, edaphic specialization on gypsum, and permanent translocation heterozygosity. This study applies newly emerging techniques alongside dense infraspecific sampling and morphological analyses to effectively reconstruct the recalcitrant history of a rapid radiation. [Gypsum endemism; Oenothera sect. Calylophus; Onagraceae; phylogenomics; pollinator shift; recent radiation; target enrichment.]
Accommodating sampling location uncertainty in continuous phylogeography
Authors: Dellicour Simon , Lemey Philippe , Suchard Marc A , Gilbert Marius , Baele Guy
Published: May 2022

Phylogeographic inference of the dispersal history of viral lineages offers key opportunities to tackle epidemiological questions about the spread of fast-evolving pathogens across human, animal and plant populations. In continuous space, i.e. when locations are specified by longitude and latitude, these reconstructions are however often limited by the availability or accessibility of precise sampling locations required for such spatially explicit analyses. We here review the different approaches that can be considered when genomic sequences are associated with a geographic area of sampling instead of precise coordinates. In particular, we describe and compare the approaches to define homogeneous and heterogeneous prior ranges of sampling coordinates.
Beyond Humility: Empowering Minoritized Learners Through Culturally Reflective Medicine
Authors: Zhou Bright , Louie Alan K.
Published: May 2022

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter and other antiracism justice movements, medical education is evolving to incorporate health equity principles for all medical students and residents, while also increasing institutional diversity recruitment of minoritized physicians. As the demographics of U.S. medical trainees shift to reflect a rapidly evolving patient population, the prevalence of culturally concordant patient–physician visits, where patients share elements of language, religion, customs, and identities with their physician, is also expected to increase. However, existing antiracist curricula are standardized to all learners and there is a dearth of cultural sensitivity training designed specifically for minoritized learners to interrogate the culturally concordant space they share with patients and mentors.

In this article, the authors propose a new model for minoritized learners’ cultural training, culturally reflective medicine (CRM) that identifies unanticipated tensions that may arise as minoritized learners bridge both White and Eurocentric professional and personal identities, examines how intersectionality can both strengthen encounters and lead to shared blind spots, and empowers minoritized physicians with tools for self- and group reflection to advocate for their communities. CRM is contextualized within the current landscape of cultural sensitivity training in medical education. The authors provide 2 clinical vignettes to demonstrate how CRM can unveil more nuanced understandings of health disparities than existing cultural training.

As institutions work toward diversity, equity, justice, and antioppression, CRM provides a novel framework for redesigning medical education that better acknowledges and incorporates the unique knowledge of minoritized learners.
Anterior Pelvic Ring Fracture Pattern Predicts Subsequent Displacement in Lateral Compression Sacral Fractures
Authors: Ellis Jonathan D. , Shah Nihar S. , Archdeacon Michael T. , Sagi H. Claude
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To determine if anterior pelvic fracture pattern in lateral compression (LC) sacral fractures correlates with subsequent displacement on examination under anesthesia (EUA) or follow-up in both nonoperative and operative cases.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Patients:

Two hundred twenty-seven skeletally mature patients with traumatic LC (OTA/AO 61B1.1, 61B2.1-2, and 61B3.1-2) pelvic ring injuries treated nonoperatively, with EUA, or with pelvic fixation were included.

Intervention:

The study intervention included retrospective review of patients' charts and radiographs.

Main Outcome Measurement:

Displacement on EUA or follow-up radiographs (both operative and nonoperative) correlated with anterior pelvic ring fracture pattern.

Results:

Independent of sacral fracture pattern (complete or incomplete), risk of subsequent displacement on EUA or at follow-up after both nonoperative and operative treatments correlated strongly with ipsilateral superior and inferior pubic rami fractures that were either comminuted (95.6%, P < 0.001) or oblique (100%, P < 0.001). Patients with transverse or lack of inferior pubic ramus fracture did not displace (0%, P < 0.001). Out of 21 LC injuries treated with posterior-only fixation, displacement at follow-up occurred in all 11 patients (100%) with comminuted and/or oblique superior and inferior pubic rami fractures. Nakatani zone I and II rami fractures correlated most with risk of subsequent displacement.

Conclusions:

Unstable anterior fracture patterns are characterized as comminuted and/or oblique fractures of ipsilateral superior and inferior pubic rami. EUA should be strongly considered in these patients to disclose occult instability, for both complete and incomplete sacral fracture patterns. Additionally, these unstable anterior fracture patterns are poor candidates for posterior-only fixation and supplemental anterior fixation should be considered. Irrespective of sacral fracture pattern (complete or incomplete), nonoperative management is successful in patients with transverse or lack of inferior pubic ramus fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Chemokine (C-C Motif) Receptor 2 Antagonist INCB3284 Reduces Fluid Requirements and Protects From Hemodynamic Decompensation During Resuscitation From Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: DeSantis Anthony J. , Weche McWayne , Enten Garrett A. , Gao Xianlong , Majetschak Matthias
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Clinical correlations suggest that systemic chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 2 release may contribute to blood pressure regulation and the development of hemodynamic instability during the early inflammatory response to traumatic-hemorrhagic shock. Thus, we investigated whether blockade of the principal CCL2 receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor (CCR) 2 affects blood pressure in normal animals, and hemodynamics and resuscitation fluid requirements in hemorrhagic shock models.

DESIGN:

Randomized prospective treatment study.

SETTING:

University laboratory.

SUBJECTS:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats.

INTERVENTIONS:

First, treatment of healthy anesthetized rats with increasing doses of INCB3284 or vehicle. Second, rats were hemorrhaged for 30 minutes, followed by treatment with the CCR2 antagonist INCB3284 (1.1 and 5.5 μmol/kg), the CCR5 antagonist Maraviroc (=control, 5.5 μmol/kg) or vehicle, and subsequent fluid resuscitation to maintain blood pressure until t = 90 minutes. Third, treatment of rats with 5 μmol/kg INCB3284 or vehicle after hemorrhage and fluid resuscitation until t = 300 minutes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

INCB3284 did not affect intrinsic function of isolated rat resistance arteries in pressure myography experiments. Blood pressure in anesthetized vehicle-treated animals continuously decreased by 0.09 ± 0.01 mm Hg/min (p < 0.001) but remained constant after INCB3284 injections. Systemic concentrations of the CCR2 agonists CCL2, CCL5, and CCL11 increased during hemorrhage and fluid resuscitation. INCB3284 dose-dependently reduced fluid requirements by 58% ± 11% in short-term experiments, whereas Maraviroc and vehicle-treated animals were indistinguishable. When resuscitation was performed until t = 300 minutes, INCB3284 reduced fluid requirements by 62% ± 6%, prevented from hemodynamic decompensation, reduced mortality from 50% with vehicle treatment to zero, and reduced overall tissue wet-weight/dry-weight ratios.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that CCR2 is involved in the regulation of normal cardiovascular function and during the cardiovascular stress response to hemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation. The present study identifies CCR2 as a drug target to reduce fluid requirements and to prevent death from hemodynamic decompensation during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock.