bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of gut microbiota in hepatitis B disease progression and treatment
Authors: Chen Bryan , Huang Harry , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: August 2021

Current therapeutic interventions can only suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication or reduce complications without a cure. Therefore, further development of new treatment methods is critical for the global eradication of HBV. Accumulating evidence suggests that the liver and gut share an interconnected relationship referred to as the ‘Gut‐Liver Axis’, where exchanges happen bi‐directionally. The gut itself is the host to a unique microbiota profile which has metabolic, immunological, neurological and nutritional functions. Gut microbiota is not only constantly intersecting with the liver but also associated with hepatic injury when dysbiosis occurs. In recent years, there has been increased interest in gut microbiota and its implications on liver disease treatment. Progress has been made in understanding the complex relationship between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and gut microbiota. New investigative techniques such as colony‐free sequencing enabled new perspectives into this field. Mouse models and human studies revealed that HBV infection is associated with significant alteration of gut microbiota, which differ depending on the stage of CHB disease progression. Different mechanisms of the hepatic injury from gut microbiota dysbiosis have also been proposed based on findings of increased intestinal permeability to toxins, disruption of normal bacterial metabolism, and colonization of the gut by oral microbiota. New treatment methods targeting gut microbiota in CHB, such as probiotics and faecal microbiota transplant, have also gained promising results in recent years. The current review recapitulated the most recent investigations into the relationship between gut microbiota and CHB to provide research directions towards the new therapeutic target of CHB.
Prevalence of hepatitis E infection among adults with concurrent chronic liver disease
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Cheung Ramsey , Gish Robert G. , Chitnis Amit S.
Published: August 2021

While hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can increase the risk of liver decompensation and death in patients with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD), prevalence of HEV in this cohort is not well reported. Using data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we aim to evaluate seroprevalence of HEV IgG among adults with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). HEV IgG seroprevalence between groups was evaluated with chi‐square testing, and adjusted multivariate logistic regression models evaluated for predictors of seropositivity for HEV IgG. Seroprevalence of HEV IgG was 6.58% in ALD, 8.66% in HCV, 8.81% in NAFLD and 19.86% in HBV. We observed increasing HEV IgG seroprevalence over time in our study period, and in 2015–2018, seroprevalence was highest among the individuals with HCV (10.00%) and HBV (30.30%). Older age and being born outside of the United States were associated with seropositivity for HEV IgG in ALD, NAFLD, HBV, and for HCV, older age and being at or below poverty level were associated with seroprevalence for HEV IgG. In conclusion, we observed a relatively high prevalence of HEV among adults with CLD. These data highlight the need for greater awareness and education about the role of HEV in patients with underlying CLD, improving HEV test diagnostics, and revisiting the discussion about the potential role of HEV vaccines in CLD patients who are at higher risk of decompensation and death from acute HEV infection.
Disseminated invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus felis in a cat
Authors: Cormack Catherine A. , Donahoe Shannon L. , Talbot Jessica J. , Beatty Julia A. , Barrs Vanessa R.
Published: August 2021

A 2‐year‐old male desexed Ragdoll cat with a 1‐year history of sneezing and nasal discharge presented with a large subcutaneous cervical mass, identified as the right medial retropharyngeal lymph node on computed tomography (CT). A right orbital mass, destructive sino‐nasal cavity disease and multiple pulmonary nodules were also identified. Aspergillus felis was cultured from the lymph node. After treatment with posaconazole and liposomal amphotericin B the lymph node enlargement and orbital mass resolved but left frontal sinus involvement and pulmonary lesions persisted despite additional caspofungin therapy. The cat was euthanized 14 months after diagnosis with dysphagia and chronic progressive exophthalmos. A meningeal granuloma with intravascular fungal hyphae was identified at post‐mortem and A felis was cultured from the left frontal sinus and a right retrobulbar fungal granuloma. This case demonstrates that disseminated disease is a possible sequel to invasive fungal rhinosinusitis caused by A felis in cats.
Eighteenth‐century queer studies, revisited
Authors: Chow Jeremy
Published: August 2021

This review essays opens with concerns over “crisis” that have spurred widespread panic about the state and future of the humanities. Crisis, I suggest, is the rallying call for new directions in and reinvention of 18th‐century queer studies. By advocating for recuperative histories wherein crisis is a motivational force that pushes 18th‐century queer studies to be further self‐reflexive and intersectional, I examine three potent trends and their portents for 18th‐century studies: masculinity studies, the nexus of queer and disability studies, and trans studies. I close with a continued call for examinations of queerness and race as they might enlighten the long 18th century. This article ultimately surveys current terrains of 18th‐century queer studies and its commitments to evolve inclusively, dynamically, and unapologetically.
Evaluation of mobile phone‐based Positive Deviance/Hearth child undernutrition program in Cambodia
Authors: Young Melissa F. , Baik Diane , Reinsma Kathryn , Gosdin Lucas , Rogers Hannah Paige , Oy Sreymom , Invong Wuddhika , Hen Heang , Ouk Sopheap , Chhorvann Chhea
Published: August 2021

Child undernutrition in Cambodia is a persistent public health problem requiring low‐cost and scalable solutions. Rising cellphone use in low‐resource settings represents an opportunity to replace in‐person counselling visits with phone calls; however, questions remain on relative effectiveness. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of two options for delivering a World Vision infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counselling programme: (1) traditional Positive Deviance/Hearth (PDH) programme with in‐person visits or (2) PDH with Interactive Voice Calling (PDH‐IVC) which integrates phone calls to replace 62.5% of face‐to‐face interaction between caregivers and volunteers, compared to the standard of care (SOC). We conducted a longitudinal cluster‐randomised controlled trial in 361 children 6–23 months. We used an adjusted difference‐in‐difference approach using baseline, midline (3 months) and endline (12 months) surveys to evaluate the impact on child growth among the three groups. At baseline, nearly a third of children were underweight, and over half were food insecure. At midline the PDH group and the PDH‐IVC groups had improved weight‐for‐age z‐scores (0.13 DID, p = 0.011; 0.13 DID, p = 0.02, respectively) and weight‐for‐height z‐score (0.16 DID, p = 0.038; 0.24 DID, p = 0.002), relative to SOC. There were no differences in child height‐for‐age z‐scores. At endline, the impact was sustained only in the PDH‐IVC group for weight‐for‐age z‐score (0.14 DID, p = 0.049), and the prevalence of underweight declined by 12.8 percentage points (p = 0.036), relative to SOC. Integration of phone‐based IYCF counselling is a potentially promising solution to reduce the burden of in‐person visits; however, the modest improvements suggest the need to combine it with other strategies to improve child nutrition.
Runs of homozygosity in killer whale genomes provide a global record of demographic histories
Authors: Foote Andrew D. , Hooper Rebecca , Alexander Alana , Baird Robin W. , Baker Charles Scott , Ballance Lisa , Barlow Jay , Brownlow Andrew , Collins Tim , Constantine Rochelle , Dalla Rosa Luciano , Davison Nicholas J. , Durban John W. , Esteban Ruth , Excoffier Laurent , Martin Sarah L. Fordyce , Forney Karin A. , Gerrodette Tim , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Guinet Christophe , Hanson M. Bradley , Li Songhai , Martin Michael D. , Robertson Kelly M. , Samarra Filipa I. P. , de Stephanis Renaud , Tavares Sara B. , Tixier Paul , Totterdell John A. , Wade Paul , Wolf Jochen B. W. , Fan Guangyi , Zhang Yaolei , Morin Phillip A.
Published: August 2021

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) occur when offspring inherit haplotypes that are identical by descent from each parent. Length distributions of ROH are informative about population history; specifically, the probability of inbreeding mediated by mating system and/or population demography. Here, we investigated whether variation in killer whale (Orcinus orca) demographic history is reflected in genome‐wide heterozygosity and ROH length distributions, using a global data set of 26 genomes representative of geographic and ecotypic variation in this species, and two F1 admixed individuals with Pacific‐Atlantic parentage. We first reconstructed demographic history for each population as changes in effective population size through time using the pairwise sequential Markovian coalescent (PSMC) method. We found a subset of populations declined in effective population size during the Late Pleistocene, while others had more stable demography. Genomes inferred to have undergone ancestral declines in effective population size, were autozygous at hundreds of short ROH (<1 Mb), reflecting high background relatedness due to coalescence of haplotypes deep within the pedigree. In contrast, longer and therefore younger ROH (>1.5 Mb) were found in low latitude populations, and populations of known conservation concern. These include a Scottish killer whale, for which 37.8% of the autosomes were comprised of ROH >1.5 Mb in length. The fate of this population, in which only two adult males have been sighted in the past five years, and zero fecundity over the last two decades, may be inextricably linked to its demographic history and consequential inbreeding depression.
Objective changes in astigmatism during accommodation
Authors: Lara‐Lacárcel Francisco , Marín‐Franch Iván , Fernández‐Sánchez Vicente , Riquelme‐Nicolás Resurrección , López‐Gil Norberto
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Previous studies have shown small but clinically significant changes in the power and axis of astigmatism when the eye accommodates. Monocular objective measurements of the eye during accommodation, when the object approaches the eye without convergence, also reveal small astigmatic changes. Moreover, it is known that the eye exhibits ocular cyclotorsion at different gaze angles. Since accommodation and convergence normally occur simultaneously, we studied the change in the magnitude and axis of astigmatism during accommodation for different convergence angles.

Methods

The left eye of 15 subjects between 20 and 49 years old (mean 28.5 ± 9.7 years) having ≤1.5 D astigmatism was evaluated. Measurements were made using a Shack‐Hartmann aberrometer for an accommodation range of +0.50 D to −10 D in 0.50 D steps, and for four monocular convergence demands: 0°, 5°, 10° and 15°. Statistical analysis used power vectors to quantify the change in cylinder power and axis for each accommodation and convergence demand with age.

Results

Jackson cross‐cylinder component J45 did not change during accommodation for all vergences tested. However, J0 changed by an average of −0.02 D per dioptre of accommodation (D/Dacc) for convergence demands of 0°, 5° and 10° and −0.03 D/Dacc for the 15° demand. This corresponds to an average cylinder power change of −0.05 D/Dacc for convergences of 0°, 5° and 10° and −0.08 D/Dacc for 15° of convergence. The cylinder axis always changed towards 90° (against‐the‐rule), and age did not play a significant role.

Conclusions

Except for accommodation demands >4 D, we did not find a clinically significant change in astigmatism for convergence angles up to 15º. The small changes in cylinder power and axis may be due to shifts in the position of the crystalline lens during accommodation.
Psychometric evaluation of the German version of the Brief Reflective Functioning Interview
Authors: Andreas Sylke , Plümer Paul , Reichholf Katharina , Dehoust Maria , Schulz Holger , Müllauer Pia , Rudden Marie G. , Senft Birgit , Gaugeler Richard , Hayden Markus
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To measure mentalization in a feasible manner, various instruments have been designed in recent years. The Brief Reflective Functioning Interview (BRFI) is a short interview that is based on the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). The aim of both studies was to examine the psychometric properties of the German version of the BRFI and to compare them to those of the AAI.

Methods

In Study 1, we examined 60 students using the BRFI and the AAI. In Study 2, the validity of the BRFI was examined using a mixed sample of students and patients (N = 149). Trained coders evaluated the Reflective Functioning Scale (RFS) for the BRFI and the AAI.

Results

We found a significant positive correlation between the RFS total scores of the BRFI and those of the AAI. In addition, both interviews showed excellent internal consistency. We could also show that persons with mental disorders exhibit lower levels of RF score than mentally stable individuals. Women had higher RF scores in the BRFI than men in both samples. Persons whose mentalization capacity was rated below average in either the BRFI or the AAI also reported significantly lower mentalization ability in the self‐assessment (p < .01).

Conclusions

Our results revealed that the RFS scores measured by the BRFI are highly comparable to those measured by the AAI. Our findings support the results of previous studies, suggesting that the BRFI is a reliable, valid and easy‐to‐administer alternative to the AAI.

Practitioner points

The German version of the Brief Reflective Functioning Interview (BRFI) proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of reflective functioning that is shorter in terms of time to complete and the evaluation process than the measurement via the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI).

Reflective functioning is negatively associated with psychopathology.
SET DOMAIN GROUP 721 protein functions in saline–alkaline stress tolerance in the model rice variety Kitaake
Authors: Liu Yutong , Chen Xi , Xue Shangyong , Quan Taiyong , Cui Di , Han Longzhi , Cong Weixuan , Li Mengting , Yun Dae‐Jin , Liu Bao , Xu Zheng‐Yi
Published: August 2021

To isolate the genetic locus responsible for saline–alkaline stress tolerance, we developed a high‐throughput activation tagging‐based T‐DNA insertion mutagenesis method using the model rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety Kitaake. One of the activation‐tagged insertion lines, activation tagging 7 (AC7), showed increased tolerance to saline–alkaline stress. This phenotype resulted from the overexpression of a gene that encodes a SET DOMAIN GROUP 721 protein with H3K4 methyltransferase activity. Transgenic plants overexpressing OsSDG721 showed saline–alkaline stress‐tolerant phenotypes, along with increased leaf angle, advanced heading and ripening dates. By contrast, ossdg721 loss‐of‐function mutants showed increased sensitivity to saline–alkaline stress characterized by decreased survival rates and reduction in plant height, grain size, grain weight and leaf angle. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis of wild‐type Kitaake and ossdg721 mutants indicated that OsSDG721 positively regulates the expression level of HIGH‐AFFINITY POTASSIUM (K+) TRANSPORTER1;5 (OsHKT1;5), which encodes a Na+‐selective transporter that maintains K+/Na+ homeostasis under salt stress. Furthermore, we showed that OsSDG721 binds to and deposits the H3K4me3 mark in the promoter and coding region of OsHKT1;5, thereby upregulating OsHKT1;5 expression under saline–alkaline stress. Overall, by generating Kitaake activation‐tagging pools, we established that the H3K4 methyltransferase OsSDG721 enhances saline–alkaline stress tolerance in rice.
The NF‐Y‐PYR module integrates the abscisic acid signal pathway to regulate plant stress tolerance
Authors: Yu Tai‐Fei , Liu Ying , Fu Jin‐Dong , Ma Jian , Fang Zheng‐Wu , Chen Jun , Zheng Lei , Lu Zhi‐Wei , Zhou Yong‐Bin , Chen Ming , Xu Zhao‐Shi , Ma You‐Zhi
Published: August 2021

Drought and salt stresses impose major constraints on soybean production worldwide. However, improving agronomically valuable soybean traits under drought conditions can be challenging due to trait complexity and multiple factors that influence yield. Here, we identified a nuclear factor Y C subunit (NF‐YC) family transcription factor member, GmNF‐YC14, which formed a heterotrimer with GmNF‐YA16 and GmNF‐YB2 to activate the GmPYR1‐mediated abscisic acid (ABA) signalling pathway to regulate stress tolerance in soybean. Notably, we found that CRISPR/Cas9‐generated GmNF‐YC14 knockout mutants were more sensitive to drought than wild‐type soybean plants. Furthermore, field trials showed that overexpression of GmNF‐YC14 or GmPYR1 could increase yield per plant, grain plumpness, and stem base circumference, thus indicating improved adaptation of soybean plants to drought conditions. Taken together, our findings expand the known functional scope of the NF‐Y transcription factor functions and raise important questions about the integration of ABA signalling pathways in plants. Moreover, GmNF‐YC14 and GmPYR1 have potential for application in the improvement of drought tolerance in soybean plants.
Effects of cultivar resistance and fungicide application on stem canker of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and potential interseasonal transmission of Leptosphaeria spp. inoculum
Authors: Fortune James A. , Qi Aiming , Ritchie Faye , Karandeni Dewage Chinthani S. , Fitt Bruce D. L. , Huang Yong‐Ju
Published: August 2021

Phoma stem canker is a damaging disease of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) that causes annual yield losses to UK oilseed rape growers worth approximately £100 million, despite the use of fungicides. In the UK, oilseed rape is sown in August/September and harvested in the following July. The disease epidemics are initiated by ascospores released from Leptosphaeria spp. pseudothecia (ascocarps) on stem stubble in the autumn/winter. Control of this disease is reliant on the use of cultivars with “field resistance” and azole fungicides. This study investigated the effects of cultivar resistance and application of the fungicide prothioconazole on the severity of stem canker before harvest and the subsequent production of pseudothecia on the infected stubble under natural conditions in the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, and 2019/2020 cropping seasons. The application of prothioconazole and cultivar resistance decreased the severity of phoma stem canker before harvest, and the subsequent production of Leptosphaeria spp. pseudothecia on stubble in terms of pseudothecial density. Results showed that stems with less severe stem cankers produced fewer mature pseudothecia of Leptosphaeria spp. on the infected stubble. This investigation suggests that the most sustainable and effective integrated control strategy for phoma stem canker in seasons with low quantities of inoculum is to use cultivars with medium or good field resistance and apply only one spray of prothioconazole when required.
Effects of chloroplast–cytoplasm exchange and lateral mass transfer on slow induction of chlorophyll fluorescence in Characeae
Authors: Bulychev Alexander A. , Cherkashin Alexander A. , Shapiguzov Stepan Yu. , Alova Anna V.
Published: August 2021

Rapid cytoplasmic streaming in characean algae mediates communications between remote cell regions exposed to uneven irradiance. The metabolites exported from brightly illuminated chloroplasts spread along the internode with the liquid flow and cause transient changes in chlorophyll fluorescence at cell areas that are exposed to dim light or placed shortly in darkness. The largest distance to which the photometabolites can be transported has not yet been determined. Neither is it known if lateral transport has an influence on the induction of chlorophyll fluorescence. In this study, the relations between spatial connectivity of anchored chloroplasts in characean internodes and fluorescence induction curves were examined. Connectivity between remote cell parts was pronounced upon illumination of a cell spot at a distance up to 10 mm from the area of fluorescence measurement, provided the spot was located upstream in the cytoplasmic flow. Spatial interactions between distant cell sites were also manifested in strikingly different slow stages of fluorescence induction caused by narrow‐ and wide‐field illumination. Cytochalasin D, cooling of bath solution, and inactivation of light‐dependent envelope transporters were used to disturb cyclosis‐mediated spatial interactions. Although fluorescence induction curves induced by narrow‐ and wide‐field illumination differed greatly under control conditions, they became similar after the inhibition of cyclosis with cytochalasin D. The results indicate that cytoplasmic streaming not only drives the lateral translocation of photometabolites but also promotes the export of reducing power from illuminated chloroplasts due to flushing the chloroplast surface and keeping sharp concentration gradients.
Analysis of community‐owned mutual insurers' prospects of development in CEE countries: Outlining research agenda
Authors: Krišto Jakša , Talonen Antti , Pauković Hrvoje
Published: August 2021

The aim of the article is to discuss the development of prospects of mutual insurers in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries and outline a possible research agenda for understanding their development direction in these countries. This has been achieved by exploring and identifying reasons behind community‐owned mutual insurers' underdevelopment and potential for future development through analysis of 24 interviews that included representatives from three stakeholder groups: supervisory authorities, insurance industry associations, and academics. Respondents were located in eight CEE countries: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania. Results of the study explaining mutual insurers' current underdevelopment and the potential for future development form four categories: citizens as consumers; mutual insurer's organizational characteristics and management; the impact of regulation; and society at large. Based on the results, in the article, we envision and point out several research approaches, perspectives of development, and directions that should be considered further by the scholars in the future.
Optimal investment in human capital under migration uncertainty
Authors: Siyahhan Baran , Ghoddusi Hamed
Published: August 2021

This paper develops a model of optimal education investment under uncertainty for an agent with an emigration option. We distinguish between local (country‐specific) and global human capital and analyze the role of migration opportunities in human capital accumulation of different types. The analysis shows that human capital accumulation depends on the level of uncertainty and the transferability of human capital across countries. Allowing for human capital investment in the destination country and easier transferability of both local and global human capital exacerbate brain drain.
Tectonically dominant surface denudation and topography in the Himalaya: Evidence from coupling between bedrock channel and valley hillslope topographies
Authors: Wang An , Wang Guocan , Cao Kai , Yuan Xiaoping , Shen Tianyi , Wei Jiangwei
Published: August 2021

The Himalaya, a leading example of active mountains, is jointly shaped by intense tectonics, extreme climate and surface denudation. However, the causal relationship among these agents remains controversial. In this work, by an integrated analysis of bedrock channels and valley hillslopes using process‐based models, we discover 3D‐linear correlations in logarithmic space among precipitation‐estimated stream discharge, channel gradients and valley hillslope gradients. This finding indicates that channel incision and hillslope denudation are dynamically coupled in sculpting the erosional topography in tectonically active domains of the Himalaya. The channel‐hillslope coupling provides an independent approach to quantify key parameters of erosional models. Surface denudation indices simulated along streams and in drainage basins present a regular arrangement of high‐ and low‐denudation zones across the Himalaya, which coincides well with available thermochronological and structural data and thereby supports a tectonic dominance on surface denudation rates and topography over medium‐long timescale.
Chuvas Intensas na Região Sudeste do Brasil: Aspectos Climáticos
Authors: Moura Dagoberto Sobreira de , Abreu Ivan Pereira de
Published: August 2021

Using the monthly rainfall of the period between 1970 and 1980, caught from the metheorological stations from South east of Brazil, the mean deviation normalized was determinated, established by the precipitation of a hundred and fifteen stations. After that, it was applied an analysis of the main components from the selected months (august and december), and was defined, with the daily precipitation values, the number of significatives eigenvectors on the region, trying a caracterization of the rainy and dry months.
Uma Seção Tipo para o Limite Cretáceo-Terciário
Authors: Brito Ignacio Machado
Published: August 2021

Resumo
Elasmobrânquios do Meso-Cenozóico Brasileiro
Authors: Brito Paulo M.
Published: August 2021

No presente trabalho, tentaremos dar um enfoque mais atual na posição taxonómica dos seláquios do Mesozoico e Cenozóico com base na nova classificação proposta por varios autores. Trataremos também do estado de conhecimento atual des te grupo no Brasil, dando um breve histórico e procurando dar uma classificação geral mais moderna para os taxa propostos para os depósitos fossilíferos brasileiros.
Aplicações de técnicas geofísicas na parte emersa da Baía de Guanabara: uma revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Rocha Paula Lucia Ferrucio da
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the application of the geophysical techniques on two investigations around of Baía de Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro. The first one was carried out in the area of the Petroflex, a petrochemical industry, located at Campos Elíseos area in the bank of the bay and the second one at Ilha do Fundão, one of the island slocated in Guanabara bay. According to Anjos et al.. (2001) the research at Petroflex area was part of the company Social Project: "Conheça seu Manguezal" (Knowing your mangrove). For this research the geophysical survey was applied within the industrial park in order to identify solid waste contamination (rubber, plastic and metal barrels). The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technique was used with the RAMAC/MALA equipment. The study area consists of clay and sands deposited in marine conditions, which are frequently contaminated by salt water. In general, the GPR results obtained in both media, clay material and sediments saturated with salt water are not satisfactory. However the results obtained in the Petroflex area were good. The stratigraphic sequence in the area is the following, from top to bottom: The first bed is a clay landfill, the second bed is formed by dark marine clay, and the third bed is composed of fine-grained sand with marine shells. The surveys originated sections with average depths of 14 m and average velocity of 70 m/Âµs. The results showed two physical discontinuities within the second bed (marine clay), which possibly represent a Pleistocene platform exposition, described in the literature as Guanabariana Regression. It was also possible to identify anomalies within the first bed (clay landfill) represented by signal attenuation, and the others identify waste deposits, where the presence of buried drums was verified. Such work has demonstrated the success of GPR applicability even to clay soil contaminated by salt water. The Ilha do Fundão where the second investigation took place, according to Rocha et al. (1998) is the result of an artificial embankment of a former small archipelago, built in the early 1950's. The aim of this work was to identify, by means of a geoelectric survey, the cores of the original islands. Normally, structures near the seacoast cannot be detected through geoelectric measurements. This is due to the presence of salt water in sediments. However, in the Ilha do Fundão case, the high electric conductivity sediments have a lens shaped with small thickness and correspond to the embankments. This circumstance allows the detection of deep layers and resistive nuclei. Results were obtained from vertical electric soundings using Schlumberger configuration with a maximum aperture (ab/2) of 100 m. The original data was published in Rocha et al. (1998).
Analytical and Computational Fluid Dynamics Models of Wells Turbines for Oscillating Water Column Systems
Authors: Ciappi L. , Stebel M. , Smolka J. , Cappietti L. , Manfrida G.
Published: August 2021

The sea is an important renewable energy resource for its extension and the power conveyed by waves, currents, tides, and thermal gradients. Amongst these physical phenomena, sea waves are the source with the highest energy density and may contribute to fulfilling the global increase of power demand. Despite the potential of sea waves, their harnessing is still a technological challenge. Oscillating water column systems operating with Wells turbines represent one of the most straightforward and reliable solutions for the optimal exploitation of this resource. An analytical model and computational fluid dynamics models were developed to evaluate the functioning of monoplane isolated Wells turbines. For the former modeling typology, a blade element momentum code relying on the actuator disk theory was applied, considering the rotor as a set of airfoils. For the latter modeling typology, a three-dimensional multi-block technique was implemented to create the computational domain with a fully mapped mesh composed of hexahedral elements. The employment of circumferential periodic boundary conditions allowed for the reduction of computational power and time. The models use Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) or u-RANS schemes with a multiple reference frame approach or the u-RANS formulation with a sliding mesh approach. The achieved results were compared with analytical and experimental literature data for validation. All the developed models showed good agreement. The analytical model is suitable for a fast prediction of the turbine operation on a wide set of configurations during the first design stages, while the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are indicated for the further investigation of the selected configurations.
Subsynaptic positioning of AMPARs by LRRTM2 controls synaptic strength
Authors: Ramsey Austin M. , Tang Ai-Hui , LeGates Tara A. , Gou Xu-Zhuo , Carbone Beatrice E. , Thompson Scott M. , Biederer Thomas , Blanpied Thomas A.
Published: August 2021

The nanoscale distribution of AMPA receptors is under rapid control by adhesion proteins and helps regulate their activation.
Self-contained soft electrofluidic actuators
Authors: Tang Wei , Lin Yangqiao , Zhang Chao , Liang Yuwen , Wang Jinrong , Wang Wei , Ji Chen , Zhou Maoying , Yang Huayong , Zou Jun
Published: August 2021

Self-contained soft electrofluidic actuators display excellent performance in portability, rapid response, and actuation.
Organic and conservation agriculture promote ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Wittwer Raphaël A. , Bender S. Franz , Hartman Kyle , Hydbom Sofia , Lima Ruy A. A. , Loaiza Viviana , Nemecek Thomas , Oehl Fritz , Olsson Pål Axel , Petchey Owen , Prechsl Ulrich E. , Schlaeppi Klaus , Scholten Thomas , Seitz Steffen , Six Johan , van der Heijden Marcel G. A.
Published: August 2021

Considering agroecosystem multifunctionality is essential for designing sustainable cropping systems.
Predicting and characterizing a cancer dependency map of tumors with deep learning
Authors: Chiu Yu-Chiao , Zheng Siyuan , Wang Li-Ju , Iskra Brian S. , Rao Manjeet K. , Houghton Peter J. , Huang Yufei , Chen Yidong
Published: August 2021

A novel deep learning method links in vitro CRISPR screens to the context of cancer genomics and translates to individual tumors.
Gene therapy with AR isoform 2 rescues spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy phenotype by modulating AR transcriptional activity
Authors: Lim Wooi F. , Forouhan Mitra , Roberts Thomas C. , Dabney Jesse , Ellerington Ruth , Speciale Alfina A. , Manzano Raquel , Lieto Maria , Sangha Gavinda , Banerjee Subhashis , Conceição Mariana , Cravo Lara , Biscans Annabelle , Roux Loïc , Pourshafie Naemeh , Grunseich Christopher , Duguez Stephanie , Khvorova Anastasia , Pennuto Maria , Cortes Constanza J. , La Spada Albert R. , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Wood Matthew J.A. , Rinaldi Carlo
Published: August 2021

AR isoform 2–encoded variant acts as a transcriptional modulator of AR genomic activity and is a target for therapy for SBMA.
Coalescing upper-crust detachment faults as a major structural style in the Great Basin: Evidence from the White Pine and Horse Ranges, east-central Nevada, USA
Authors: Francis Robert D. , Holk Gregory J. , Lacy Tor B. , Walker Charles T.
Published: August 2021

Determining the origin and evolution of basin-and-range geomorphology and structure in the western United States is a fundamental problem with global implications for continental tectonics. Has the extensional tectonic development of the Great Basin been dominated by steeply dipping (horst and graben) faulting or detachment faulting? The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence that attenuation due to multiple coalescing detachment faults has been a significant or dominant upper-crustal process in at least some areas of the Great Basin.

We present mapping at a scale of 1:3000 and seismic refraction profiling of an area at the discontinuity between the White Pine and Horse Ranges, east-central Nevada, USA, which indicate the existence of a detachment rooted in an argillaceous ductile unit. This fault, which we call the Currant Gap detachment, coalesces with the previously mapped regional White Pine detachment. Our data suggest that the Currant Summit strike-slip fault at the surface, previously proposed to explain a nearly 2500 m east-west surface offset between the two ranges, likely does not exist. If a discontinuity exists at depth, it could be manifested at the surface by the undulating topography of the two coalescing detachments. On the other hand, offset domal uplifts in the two ranges would obviate the need for any lateral discontinuity at depth to explain the observed surface features.

Our previous mapping of the White Pine detachment showed that it extends over the White Pine, Horse, and Grant Ranges and into Railroad Valley (total of 3000 km2). Accordingly, we propose a model of stacked, coalescing detachments above the metamorphic infrastructure; these detachments are regional and thus account for most of the basin-range relief and upper-crust extension in this area. An essential feature of our model is that these detachments are rooted in ductile units. Detachments that have been observed in brittle units could have initiated at a time when elevated temperatures or fluid flow enhanced the ductility of the rocks. The Currant Gap and White Pine detachments exhibit distinctive types of fluid-genetic silicified rocks. Study of such rocks in fault contacts could provide insights into the initiation and early history of detachment faulting as well as the migration of fluids, including petroleum.
Two-step obduction of the Porvenir serpentinites: A cryptic Devonian suture in SW Iberian Massif (Ossa-Morena Complex)
Authors: Fernández* Rubén Díez , Matas Jerónimo , Arenas Ricardo , Martín-Parra Luis Miguel , Martínez Sonia Sánchez , Novo-Fernández Irene , Rojo-Pérez Esther
Published: August 2021

The Porvenir serpentinites are an ~600-m-thick body of meta-peridotites exposed in SW Iberia (Variscan Orogen). The serpentinites occur as a horse within a Carboniferous, out-of-sequence thrust system (Espiel thrust). This thrust juxtaposes the serpentinites and peri-Gondwanan strata onto younger peri-Gondwanan strata, with the serpentinites occupying an intermediate position. Reconstruction of the pre-Espiel thrust structure results in a vertical juxtaposition of terranes: Cambrian strata below, Porvenir serpentinites in the middle, and the strata at the footwall to the Espiel thrust culminating the tectonic pile. The reconstructed tectonic pile accounts for yet another major thrusting event, since a section of upper mantle (Porvenir serpentinites) was sandwiched between two tectonic slices of continental crust (a suture zone sensu lato). The primary lower plate to the suture is now overlying the upper plate due to the Espiel thrust. Lochkovian strata in the upper plate and the Devonian, NE-verging folds in the lower plate suggest SW-directed accretion of the lower plate during the Devonian, i.e., Laurussia-directed underthrusting for the closure of a Devonian intra-Gondwana basin. Obduction of the Porvenir serpentinites was a two-step process: one connected to the development of a Devonian suture zone, and another related to out-of-sequence thrusting that cut the suture zone and brought upward a tectonic slice of upper mantle rocks hosted in that suture. The primary Laurussia-dipping geometry inferred for this partially obducted suture zone fits the geometry, kinematics, and timing of the Late Devonian suture zone exposed in NW Iberia and may represent the continuation of such suture into SW Iberia.
New tectonic model and division of the Ubendian-Usagaran Belt, Tanzania: A review and in-situ dating of eclogites
Authors: Boniface* Nelson , Tsujimori Tatsuki
Published: August 2021

Records of high-pressure/low-temperature (HP-LT) metamorphic interfaces are not common in Precambrian orogens. It should be noted that the association of HP-LT metamorphic interfaces and strongly deformed ocean plate stratigraphy that form accretionary prisms between trenches and magmatic arcs are recognized as hallmark signatures of modern plate tectonics. In East Africa (Tanzania), the Paleoproterozoic Ubendian-Usagaran Belt records a HP-LT metamorphic interface that we consider as a centerpiece in reviewing the description of tectonic units of the Ubendian-Usagaran Belt and defining a new tectonic model. Our new U-Pb zircon age and the interpretations from existing data reveal an age between 1920 and 1890 Ma from the kyanite bearing eclogites. This establishment adds to the information of already known HP-LT metamorphic events at 2000 Ma, 1890–1860 Ma, and 590–520 Ma from the Ubendian-Usagaran Belt. Arc–back-arc signatures from eclogites imply that their mafic protoliths were probably eroded from arc basalt above a subduction zone and were channeled into a subduction zone as mélanges and got metamorphosed. The Ubendian-Usagaran events also record rifting, arc and back-arc magmatism, collisional, and hydrothermal events that preceded or followed HP-LT tectonic events. Our new tectonic subdivision of the Ubendian Belt is described as: (1) the western Ubendian Corridor, mainly composed of two Proterozoic suture zones (subduction at 2000, 1920–1890, Ma and 590–500 Ma) in the Ufipa and Nyika Terranes; (2) the central Ubendian Corridor, predominated by metamorphosed mafic-ultramafic rocks in the Ubende, Mbozi, and Upangwa Terranes that include the 1890–1860 Ma eclogites with mid-ocean ridge basalt affinity in the Ubende Terrane; and (3) the eastern Ubendian Corridor (the Katuma and Lupa Terranes), characterized by reworked Archean crust.
Petrotectonic origin of mafic eclogites from the Maksyutov subduction complex, south Ural Mountains, Russia
Authors: Fedkin Valentin V. , Burlick Theodore D. , Leech* Mary L. , Shchipansky Andrey A. , Valizer Peter M. , Ernst W.G.
Published: August 2021

The Maksyutov complex is a mid- to late-Paleozoic high- to ultrahigh-pressure (HP-UHP) eclogite-bearing subduction zone terrane in the south Ural Mountains. Previous reports of radial fractures emanating from quartz inclusions in garnet, omphacite, and glaucophane, cuboid graphite pseudomorphs after matrix diamond, and microdiamond aggregates preserved in garnet identified by Raman spectroscopy indicate that parts of the complex were subjected to physical conditions of ~600 °C and >2.8 GPa for coesite-bearing rocks, and >3.2 GPa for diamond-bearing rocks. Peak UHP eclogite-facies metamorphism took place at ca. 385 Ma, and rocks were exhumed through retrograde blueschist-facies conditions by ca. 360 Ma. Bulk analyses of 18 rocks reflect the presence of mid-oceanic-ridge basalt (MORB), oceanic-island basalt (OIB), and island-arc tholeiite (IAT) basaltic and andesitic series plus their metasomatized equivalents. To more fully constrain the petrotectonic evolution of the complex, we computed isochemical phase equilibria models for representative metabasites in the system Na2O-CaO-K2O-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O-TiO2 based on our new bulk-rock X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data. Both conventional Fe-Mg exchange thermometry and phase equilibrium modeling result in higher peak equilibrium temperatures than were previously reported for the complex. Pseudosection analysis provides minimum P-T conditions of 650–675 °C and 2.4–2.6 GPa for peak assemblages of the least retrogressed Maksyutov eclogites, whereas Fe-Mg exchange thermometry yields temperatures of 750 ± 25 °C for a pressure of 2.5 GPa. We interpret our new P-T data to reflect a thermal maximum reached by the eclogites on their initial decompression-exhumation stage, that defines a metamorphic field gradient; the relict coesite and microdiamond aggregates previously reported testify to pressure maxima that define an earlier prograde subduction zone gradient. The eclogitic Maksyutov complex marks underflow of the paleo-Asian oceanic plate and does not represent subduction of the Siberian cratonal margin.
Geological and seismic evidence for the tectonic evolution of the NE Oman continental margin and Gulf of Oman
Authors: Levell Bruce , Searle Michael , White Adrian , Kedar Lauren , Droste Henk , Van Steenwinkel Mia
Published: August 2021

Late Cretaceous obduction of the Semail ophiolite and underlying thrust sheets of Neo-Tethyan oceanic sediments onto the submerged continental margin of Oman involved thin-skinned SW-vergent thrusting above a thick Guadalupian–Cenomanian shelf-carbonate sequence. A flexural foreland basin (Muti and Aruma Basin) developed due to the thrust loading. Newly available seismic reflection data, tied to wells in the Gulf of Oman, suggest indirectly that the trailing edge of the Semail Ophiolite is not rooted in the Gulf of Oman crust but is truncated by an ENE-dipping extensional fault parallel to the coastline. This fault is inferred to separate the Semail ophiolite to the SW from in situ oceanic Gulf of Oman crust to the NE. It forms the basin margin to a “hinterland” basin formed atop the Gulf of Oman crust, in which 5 km of Late Cretaceous deep-water mudstones accumulated together with 4 km of Miocene and younger deep-water mudstones and sandstones. Syndepositional folding included Paleocene–Eocene folds on N-S axes, and Paleocene to Oligocene growth faults with roll-over anticlines, along the basin flank. Pliocene compression formed, or tightened, box folds whose axes parallel the modern coast with local south-vergent thrusts and reversal of the growth faults. This Pliocene compression resulted in large-scale buckling of the Cenozoic section, truncated above by an intra-Pliocene unconformity. A spectacular 60-km-long, Eocene(?) to Recent, low-angle, extensional, gravitational fault, down-throws the upper basin fill to the north. The inferred basement of the hinterland basin is in situ Late Cretaceous oceanic lithosphere that is subducting northwards beneath the Makran accretionary prism.
Rapid arousal from anaesthesia after reversal of deep rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block with sugammadex in a neuroradiological procedure
Authors: Giuffrida Matteo , Ledingham Nicola Susan , Machi Paolo , Czarnetzki Christoph Andreas
Published: August 2021

We describe the case of a 42-year-old man undergoing elective embolisation of an arteriovenous malformation at the level of the right posterior cerebral artery under propofol anaesthesia. We used the SedLine Brain Function Monitor (Masimo) to titrate the anaesthetic depth with propofol. At the end of the procedure, the patient aroused from anaesthesia very rapidly after the reversal of deep neuromuscular block with sugammadex, despite still significant calculated doses of propofol at the effect site. This rapid arousal was monitored using the SedLine Brain Function Monitor.
Large mural thrombus in the distal arch of the aorta without atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Uddin Mohammed M , Soudan Mohamad Amer , Sebastian Joseph , Mir Tanveer , Ashraf Said , Afonso Luis
Published: August 2021

Aortic mural thrombus (AMT) is an uncommon cause of arterial thromboembolism. It is very rare in patients without significant cardiovascular risk factors. Many aetiologies can cause AMT, but there are no clear guidelines for the evaluation and treatment. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman without arteriosclerotic disease who was admitted to the hospital with peripheral embolisation from the mural thrombus in the distal arch of the aorta. Therapy with systemic anticoagulation resulted in complete resolution without necessitating any surgical or endovascular interventions. There were no reported recurrence or complications of the intra-aortic thrombus within 1-year surveillance imaging study.
Midostaurin-induced Sweet syndrome in a patient with FLT3-ITD-positive AML
Authors: Alkassis Samer , Rizwan Aliza , Daoud Lina , Chi Jie
Published: August 2021

Sweet syndrome (SS), also referred as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is an inflammatory process characterised by the abrupt appearance of erythematous papules or nodules with predominant neutrophilic infiltration in the dermis. Fever and neutrophilia are common presenting features. However, extracellular manifestations, including ocular and musculoskeletal, may occur. SS is divided into three subtypes: classical (or idiopathic), malignancy associated and drug induced. Medication-induced subtype accounts for up to 26% of cases. In recent years, emerging evidence has showed that SS may also occur in neutropenic patients who underwent induction for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The identification of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene mutation in approximately 30% of patients with AML has promoted the targeted therapy with FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD) inhibitors. Midostaurin, a recently Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for FLT3-ITD-positive AML, was reported once as cause for SS. We report a midostaurin-induced SS with neutropenia in a patient following induction chemotherapy of AML
Tendoachilles reconstruction and overlying skin cover with a peroneus brevis flap
Authors: Lamba Shashank , Gohil Amish Jayantilal , Singh Karampreet , Gupta Ashish Kumar
Published: August 2021

We report a post-traumatic case of tendoachilles injury with an overlying skin defect. Following debridement, tendon reconstruction was done by using vascularised peroneus brevis musculotendinous unit and proximal part of the same muscle provided the skin cover. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. At 2 years follow-up, he had a near-normal gait. The main advantage of this flap is not being only a local flap but also providing a vascularised tendon.