bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNIFORM-IN-SUBMODEL BOUNDS FOR LINEAR REGRESSION IN A MODEL-FREE FRAMEWORK
Authors: Kuchibhotla Arun K. , Brown Lawrence D. , Buja Andreas , George Edward I. , Zhao Linda
Published: June 2021

For the last two decades, high-dimensional data and methods have proliferated throughout the literature. Yet, the classical technique of linear regression has not lost its usefulness in applications. In fact, many high-dimensional estimation techniques can be seen as variable selection that leads to a smaller set of variables (a “submodel”) where classical linear regression applies. We analyze linear regression estimators resulting from model selection by proving estimation error and linear representation bounds uniformly over sets of submodels. Based on deterministic inequalities, our results provide “good” rates when applied to both independent and dependent data. These results are useful in meaningfully interpreting the linear regression estimator obtained after exploring and reducing the variables and also in justifying post-model-selection inference. All results are derived under no model assumptions and are nonasymptotic in nature.
NONPARAMETRIC SIGNIFICANCE TESTING IN MEASUREMENT ERROR MODELS
Authors: Dong Hao , Taylor Luke
Published: June 2021

We develop the first nonparametric significance test for regression models with classical measurement error in the regressors. In particular, a Cramér-von Mises test and a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for the null hypothesis

$E\left [Y|X^{*},Z^{*}\right ]=E\left [Y|X^{*}\right ]$
are proposed when only noisy measurements of

$X^{*}$
and

$Z^{*}$
are available. The asymptotic null distributions of the test statistics are derived, and a bootstrap method is implemented to obtain the critical values. Despite the test statistics being constructed using deconvolution estimators, we show that the test can detect a sequence of local alternatives converging to the null at the

$\sqrt {n}$
-rate. We also highlight the finite sample performance of the test through a Monte Carlo study.
Minimizing Crinkling of Soft Specimens Using Holey Gold Films on Molybdenum Grids for Cryogenic Electron Microscopy
Authors: Jiang Xi , Xuan Sunting , Zuckermann Ronald N. , Glaeser Robert M. , Downing Kenneth H. , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: June 2021

We introduce a novel composite holey gold support that prevents cryo-crinkling and reduces beam-induced motion of soft specimens, building on the previously introduced all-gold support. The composite holey gold support for high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy of soft crystalline membranes was fabricated in two steps. In the first step, a holey gold film was transferred on top of a molybdenum grid. In the second step, a continuous thin carbon film was transferred onto the holey gold film. This support (Au/Mo grid) was used to image crystalline synthetic polymer membranes. The low thermal expansion of Mo is not only expected to avoid cryo-crinkling of the membrane when the grids are cooled to cryogenic temperatures, but it may also act to reduce whatever crinkling existed even before cooling. The Au/Mo grid exhibits excellent performance with specimens tilted to 45°. This is demonstrated by quantifying beam-induced motion and differences in local defocus values. In addition, images of specimens on the Au/Mo grids that are tilted at 45° show high-resolution information of the crystalline membranes that, after lattice-unbending, extends beyond 1.5 Å in the direction perpendicular to the tilt axis.
The “Indo-Pacific”: Intellectual Origins and International Visions in Global Contexts
Authors: Li Hansong
Published: June 2021

As the “Indo-Pacific” concept gains currency in public discourses on foreign policy, it remains poorly understood as an idea, due to inadequate surveys of its intellectual origins and international visions in global contexts. This article studies Karl Haushofer's theory of the “Indo-Pacific” as an organic and integral space primed for political consciousness. Haushofer not only laid the oceanographic foundation of the “Indo-Pacific” with novel evidence in marine sciences, ethnography, and philology, but also legitimated it as a social and political space. Mindful of Germany's geopolitical predicament in the interwar period and informed by sources in indology and sinology, Haushofer envisaged the political resurrection of South, East, and Southeast Asia against colonial domination, and conceived the “Indo-Pacific” vision for remaking the international order.
Atmospheric Carbon and Transport – America (ACT‐America) Data Sets: Description, Management, and Delivery
Authors: Wei Y. , Shrestha R. , Pal S. , Gerken T. , Feng S. , McNelis J. , Singh D. , Thornton M. M. , Boyer A. G. , Shook M. A. , Chen G. , Baier B. C. , Barkley Z. R. , Barrick J. D. , Bennett J. R. , Browell E. V. , Campbell J. F. , Campbell L. J. , Choi Y. , Collins J. , Dobler J. , Eckl M. , Fiehn A. , Fried A. , Digangi J. P. , Barton‐Grimley R. , Halliday H. , Klausner T. , Kooi S. , Kostinek J. , Lauvaux T. , Lin B. , McGill M. J. , Meadows B. , Miles N. L. , Nehrir A. R. , Nowak J. B. , Obland M. , O’Dell C. , Fao R. M. P. , Richardson S. J. , Richter D. , Roiger A. , Sweeney C. , Walega J. , Weibring P. , Williams C. A. , Yang M. M. , Zhou Y. , Davis K. J.
Published: June 2021

The ACT‐America project is a NASA Earth Venture Suborbital‐2 mission designed to study the transport and fluxes of greenhouse gases. The open and freely available ACT‐America data sets provide airborne in situ measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide, methane, trace gases, aerosols, clouds, and meteorological properties, airborne remote sensing measurements of aerosol backscatter, atmospheric boundary layer height and columnar content of atmospheric carbon dioxide, tower‐based measurements, and modeled atmospheric mole fractions and regional carbon fluxes of greenhouse gases over the Central and Eastern United States. We conducted 121 research flights during five campaigns in four seasons during 2016–2019 over three regions of the US (Mid‐Atlantic, Midwest and South) using two NASA research aircraft (B‐200 and C‐130). We performed three flight patterns (fair weather, frontal crossings, and OCO‐2 underflights) and collected more than 1,140 h of airborne measurements via level‐leg flights in the atmospheric boundary layer, lower, and upper free troposphere and vertical profiles spanning these altitudes. We also merged various airborne in situ measurements onto a common standard sampling interval, which brings coherence to the data, creates geolocated data products, and makes it much easier for the users to perform holistic analysis of the ACT‐America data products. Here, we report on detailed information of data sets collected, the workflow for data sets including storage and processing of the quality controlled and quality assured harmonized observations, and their archival and formatting for users. Finally, we provide some important information on the dissemination of data products including metadata and highlights of applications of ACT‐America data sets.
CMIP5 Intermodel Relationships in the Baseline Southern Ocean Climate System and With Future Projections
Authors: Kajtar Jules B. , Santoso Agus , Collins Matthew , Taschetto Andréa S. , England Matthew H. , Frankcombe Leela M.
Published: June 2021

Climate models exhibit a broad range in the simulated properties of the climate system. In the early historical period, the absolute global mean surface air temperature in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 5 (CMIP5) models spans a range of ∼12°C – 15°C. Other climate variables may be linked to global mean temperature, and so accurate representation of the baseline climate state is crucial for meaningful future climate projections. In CMIP5 baseline climate states, statistically significant intermodel correlations between Southern Ocean surface temperature, outgoing shortwave radiation, cloudiness, the position of the mid‐latitude eddy‐driven jet, and Antarctic sea ice area are found. The baseline temperature relationships extend to projected future changes in the same set of variables, impacting on the projected global mean surface temperature change. Models with initially cooler Southern Ocean tend to exhibit more global warming, and vice versa for initially warmer models. These relationships arise due to a “capacity for change”. For example, cold‐biased models tend to have more cloud cover, sea ice, and equatorward jet initially, and thus a greater capacity to lose cloud cover and sea ice, and for the jet to shift poleward under global warming. A first look at emerging data from CMIP6 reveals a shift of the relationship from the Southern Ocean towards the Antarctic region, possibly due to reductions in Southern Ocean biases, such as in westerly wind representation.
Mendelian randomisation for psychiatry: how does it work, and what can it tell us?
Authors: Wootton Robyn E. , Jones Hannah J. , Sallis Hannah M.
Published: June 2021

The successful prevention of mental illness relies upon the identification of causal, modifiable risk factors. However, observational evidence exploring such risk factors often produces contradictory results and randomised control trials are often expensive, time-consuming or unethical to conduct. Mendelian randomisation (MR) is a complementary approach that uses naturally occurring genetic variation to identify possible causal effects between a risk factor and an outcome in a time-efficient and low-cost manner. MR utilises genetic variants as instrumental variables for the risk factor of interest. MR studies are becoming more frequent in the field of psychiatry, warranting a reflection upon both the possibilities and the pitfalls. In this Perspective, we consider several limitations of the MR method that are of particular relevance to psychiatry. We also present new MR methods that have exciting applications to questions of mental illness. While we believe that MR can make an important contribution to the field of psychiatry, we also wish to emphasise the importance of clear causal questions, thorough sensitivity analyses, and triangulation with other forms of evidence.
Classification challenges of the 2019 revised International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI)
Authors: Kirshblum Steven , Schmidt Read Mary , Rupp Rüdiger
Published: June 2021

Study design

Retrospective review of ISNCSCI datasets.

Objectives

To discuss the correct classification of ISNCSCI datasets considered as challenging.

Setting

International expert collaboration.

Methods

The International Standards Committee of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) receives challenging case scenarios regarding the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Among those cases received, sample cases representing different categories of typical classification difficulties were identified by members of the International Standards committee.

Results

From the cases received, five sample cases were identified as representative for publication. These cases are related to the correct classification in the presence of non-SCI related conditions, the determination of motor zones of partial preservation in regions with no myotomes to test, the classification of the ASIA Impairment Scale in patients with substantial motor function below the motor level but no sacral sparing, the inclusion of non-key muscle functions in the classification of sensory incomplete individuals, and the correct classification of individuals with an amputation.

Conclusion

Presenting cases with challenging classifications, along with responses and explanations, will serve spinal cord injury professionals to better understand and utilize the ISNCSCI classification. As the ISNCSCI endorsed by ASIA and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) evolves over time, such resources are important to clarify inquiries from the spinal cord injury community and to understand the rationale for revisions.
Beach sand oil spills select for generalist microbial populations
Authors: Heritier-Robbins Patrick , Karthikeyan Smruthi , Hatt Janet K , Kim Minjae , Huettel Markus , Kostka Joel E , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T , Rodriguez-R Luis M
Published: June 2021

The specialization-disturbance hypothesis predicts that, in the event of a disturbance, generalists are favored, while specialists are selected against. This hypothesis has not been rigorously tested in microbial systems and it remains unclear to what extent it could explain microbial community succession patterns following perturbations. Previous field observations of Pensacola Beach sands that were impacted by the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill provided evidence in support of the specialization-disturbance hypothesis. However, ecological drift as well as uncounted environmental fluctuations (e.g., storms) could not be ruled out as confounding factors driving these field results. In this study, the specialization-disturbance hypothesis was tested on beach sands, disturbed by DWH crude oil, ex situ in closed laboratory advective-flow chambers that mimic in situ conditions in saturated beach sediments. The chambers were inoculated with weathered DWH oil and unamended chambers served as controls. The time series of shotgun metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence data from a two-month long incubation showed that functional diversity significantly increased while taxonomic diversity significantly declined, indicating a decrease in specialist taxa. Thus, results from this laboratory study corroborate field observations, providing verification that the specialization-disturbance hypothesis can explain microbial succession patterns in crude oil impacted beach sands.
Haploinsufficiency of the schizophrenia and autism risk gene Cyfip1 causes abnormal postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis through microglial and Arp2/3 mediated actin dependent mechanisms
Authors: Haan Niels , Westacott Laura J. , Carter Jenny , Owen Michael J. , Gray William P. , Hall Jeremy , Wilkinson Lawrence S.
Published: June 2021

Genetic risk factors can significantly increase chances of developing psychiatric disorders, but the underlying biological processes through which this risk is effected remain largely unknown. Here we show that haploinsufficiency of Cyfip1, a candidate risk gene present in the pathogenic 15q11.2(BP1–BP2) deletion may impact on psychopathology via abnormalities in cell survival and migration of newborn neurons during postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis. We demonstrate that haploinsufficiency of Cyfip1 leads to increased numbers of adult-born hippocampal neurons due to reduced apoptosis, without altering proliferation. We show this is due to a cell autonomous failure of microglia to induce apoptosis through the secretion of the appropriate factors, a previously undescribed mechanism. Furthermore, we show an abnormal migration of adult-born neurons due to altered Arp2/3 mediated actin dynamics. Together, our findings throw new light on how the genetic risk candidate Cyfip1 may influence the hippocampus, a brain region with strong evidence for involvement in psychopathology.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for AML patients with RUNX1 mutation in first complete remission: a study on behalf of the acute leukemia working party of the EBMT
Authors: Waidhauser Johanna , Labopin Myriam , Esteve Jordi , Kröger Nicolaus , Cornelissen Jan , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Van Gorkom Gwendolyn , Finke Jürgen , Rovira Montserrat , Schaap Nicolaas , Petersen Eefke , Beelen Dietrich , Bunjes Donald , Savani Bipin , Schmid Christoph , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad ,   on behalf of the Acute Leukemia Working Party of EBMT
Published: June 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia with runt-related transcription factor 1 gene mutation (RUNX1+ AML) is associated with inferior response rates and outcome after conventional chemotherapy. We performed a retrospective, registry-based analysis to elucidate the prognostic value of RUNX1 mutation after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). All consecutive adults undergoing alloSCT for AML in first complete remission (CR1) between 2013 and 2019 with complete information on conventional cytogenetics and RUNX1 mutational status were included. Endpoints of interest were cumulative relapse incidence, non-relapse mortality, overall and leukemia-free survival (OS/LFS), and GvHD-free/relapse-free survival. A total of 674 patients (183 RUNX1+, 491 RUNX1−) were identified, with >85% presenting as de novo AML. Median follow-up was 16.4 (RUNX1+) and 21.9 (RUNX1−) months. Survival rates showed no difference between RUNX1+ and RUNX1− patients either in univariate or multivariate analysis (2-year OS: 67.7 vs. 66.1%, p = 0.7; 2-year LFS: 61.1 vs. 60.8%, p = 0.62). Multivariate analysis identified age, donor type and poor cytogenetics as risk factors for inferior outcome. Among patients with RUNX+ AML, older age, reduced intensity conditioning and minimal residual disease at alloSCT predicted inferior outcome. Our data provide evidence that the negative influence of RUNX1 mutations in patients with AML can be overcome by transplantation in CR1.
Essential role of the histone lysine demethylase KDM4A in the biology of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)
Authors: Lapidot Moshe , Case Abigail E. , Weisberg Ellen L. , Meng Chengcheng , Walker Sarah R. , Garg Swati , Ni Wei , Podar Klaus , Hung Yin P. , Carrasco Ruben D. , Knott Aine , Gokhale Prafulla C. , Sharma Sunil , Pozhitkov Alex , Kulkarni Prakash , Frank David A. , Salgia Ravi , Griffin James D. , Saladi Srinivas V. , Bueno Raphael , Sattler Martin
Published: June 2021

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive cancer with a dismal prognosis. There is increasing interest in targeting chromatin regulatory pathways in difficult-to-treat cancers. In preliminary studies, we found that KDM4A (lysine-specific histone demethylase 4) was overexpressed in MPM.

Methods

KDM4A protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry or immunoblotting. Functional inhibition of KDM4A by targeted knockdown and small molecule drugs was correlated to cell growth using cell lines and a xenograft mouse model. Gene expression profiling was performed to identify KDM4A-dependent signature pathways.

Results

Levels of KDM4A were found to be significantly elevated in MPM patients compared to normal mesothelial tissue. Inhibiting the enzyme activity efficiently reduced cell growth in vitro and reduced tumour growth in vivo. KDM4A inhibitor-induced apoptosis was further enhanced by the BH3 mimetic navitoclax. KDM4A expression was associated with pathways involved in cell growth and DNA repair. Interestingly, inhibitors of the DNA damage and replication checkpoint regulators CHK1 (prexasertib) and WEE1 (adavosertib) within the DNA double-strand break repair pathway, cooperated in the inhibition of cell growth.

Conclusions

The results establish a novel and essential role for KDM4A in growth in preclinical models of MPM and identify potential therapeutic approaches to target KDM4A-dependent vulnerabilities.
Mixed methods process evaluation of my breathing matters, a digital intervention to support self-management of asthma
Authors: Greenwell Kate , Ainsworth Ben , Bruton Anne , Murray Elizabeth , Russell Daniel , Thomas Mike , Yardley Lucy
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to explore user engagement with ‘My Breathing Matters’, a digital self-management intervention for asthma, and identify factors that may influence engagement. In a mixed methods design, adults with asthma allocated to the intervention arm of a feasibility trial (n = 44) participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 18) and a satisfaction questionnaire (n = 36) to explore their views and experiences of the intervention. Usage data highlighted that key intervention content was delivered to most users. The majority of questionnaire respondents (78%;n = 28) reported they would recommend the intervention to friends and family. Interviewees expressed positive views of the intervention and experienced several benefits, mainly improved asthma control, medication use, and breathing technique. Factors that may influence user engagement were identified, including perceptions of asthma control, current self-management practices, and appeal of the target behaviours and behaviour change techniques. Findings suggested My Breathing Matters was acceptable and engaging to participants, and it was used as intended.
An early Devonian flora from the Baviaanskloof Formation (Table Mountain Group) of South Africa
Authors: Gess Robert W. , Prestianni Cyrille
Published: June 2021

Newly discovered early plant bearing lenses from the Baviaanskloof Formation at Impofu Dam in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa provide evidence for one of the most diverse Late Silurian to Early Devonian assemblages known to date. This work represents the first account of this flora. Fifteen taxa are presented, including eleven diagnosed to existing genera, of which eight may be reasonably diagnosed to existing species including several species of the genus Cooksonia. Three new taxa, Krommia parvapila, Elandia itshoba and Mtshaelo kougaensis are described. This flora is furthermore remarkable for the large number of complete or sub-complete specimens allowing good understanding of earliest plant architecture. The assemblage bears the greatest resemblance to Early Lochkovian assemblages from the Parana Basin of Brazil and the Anglo Welsh basin. Biostratigraphic constraints on the dating of the Baviaanskloof Formation are provided by this flora, which represents the oldest known from Africa.
Disorganization of intercalated discs in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ito Yukinobu , Yoshida Makoto , Masuda Hirotake , Maeda Daichi , Kudo-Asabe Yukitsugu , Umakoshi Michinobu , Nanjo Hiroshi , Goto Akiteru
Published: June 2021

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary myocardial disease, the pathology of which is left ventricular or biventricular dilation and impaired myocardial contractility. The clinical and pathological diagnosis of DCM is difficult, and other cardiac diseases must be ruled out. Several studies have reported pathological findings that are characteristic of DCM, including cardiomyocyte atrophy, nuclear pleomorphism, and interstitial fibrosis, but none of these findings are DCM-specific. In this study, we examined the morphological differences in the intercalated discs (ICDs) between three groups of patients, a DCM group, a chronic heart failure group, and a control group. A total of 22 autopsy cases, including five DCM cases, nine CHF cases and eight control cases, were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Pathology at Akita University, Japan. The morphological differences were examined using multiple methods: macroscopic examination, light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and gene expression analyses. We observed disorganized ICDs, clearly illustrated by N-cadherin immunostaining in the DCM group. “Reduction of N-cadherin immunostaining intensity” and “ICD scattering” was DCM-specific. The results suggest that disorganized ICDs contribute to the development of DCM, and that N-cadherin immunostaining is useful for determining the presence of disorganized ICDs and for the pathological diagnosis of DCM.
Tripartite entropic uncertainty relation under phase decoherence
Authors: Abdelghany R. A. , Mohamed A.-B. A. , Tammam M. , Kuo Watson , Eleuch H.
Published: June 2021

We formulate the tripartite entropic uncertainty relation and predict its lower bound in a three-qubit Heisenberg XXZ spin chain when measuring an arbitrary pair of incompatible observables on one qubit while the other two are served as quantum memories. Our study reveals that the entanglement between the nearest neighbors plays an important role in reducing the uncertainty in measurement outcomes. In addition we have shown that the Dolatkhah’s lower bound (Phys Rev A 102(5):052227, 2020) is tighter than that of Ming (Phys Rev A 102(01):012206, 2020) and their dynamics under phase decoherence depends on the choice of the observable pair. In the absence of phase decoherence, Ming’s lower bound is time-invariant regardless the chosen observable pair, while Dolatkhah’s lower bound is perfectly identical with the tripartite uncertainty with a specific choice of pair.
Phlogopite-pargasite coexistence in an oxygen reduced spinel-peridotite ambient
Authors: Bonadiman Costanza , Brombin Valentina , Andreozzi Giovanni B. , Benna Piera , Coltorti Massimo , Curetti Nadia , Faccini Barbara , Merli Marcello , Pelorosso Beatrice , Stagno Vincenzo , Tesauro Magdala , Pavese Alessandro
Published: June 2021

The occurrence of phlogopite and amphibole in mantle ultramafic rocks is widely accepted as the modal effect of metasomatism in the upper mantle. However, their simultaneous formation during metasomatic events and the related sub-solidus equilibrium with the peridotite has not been extensively studied. In this work, we discuss the geochemical conditions at which the pargasite-phlogopite assemblage becomes stable, through the investigation of two mantle xenoliths from Mount Leura (Victoria State, Australia) that bear phlogopite and the phlogopite + amphibole (pargasite) pair disseminated in a harzburgite matrix. Combining a mineralogical study and thermodynamic modelling, we predict that the P–T locus of the equilibrium reaction pargasite + forsterite = Na-phlogopite + 2 diopside + spinel, over the range 1.3–3.0 GPa/540–1500 K, yields a negative Clapeyron slope of -0.003 GPa K–1 (on average). The intersection of the P–T locus of supposed equilibrium with the new mantle geotherm calculated in this work allowed us to state that the Mount Leura xenoliths achieved equilibrium at 2.3 GPa /1190 K, that represents a plausible depth of ~ 70 km. Metasomatic K-Na-OH rich fluids stabilize hydrous phases. This has been modelled by the following equilibrium equation: 2 (K,Na)-phlogopite + forsterite = 7/2 enstatite + spinel + fluid (components: Na2O,K2O,H2O). Using quantum-mechanics, semi-empirical potentials, lattice dynamics and observed thermo-elastic data, we concluded that K-Na-OH rich fluids are not effective metasomatic agents to convey alkali species across the upper mantle, as the fluids are highly reactive with the ultramafic system and favour the rapid formation of phlogopite and amphibole. In addition, oxygen fugacity estimates of the Mount Leura mantle xenoliths [Δ(FMQ) = –1.97 ± 0.35; –1.83 ± 0.36] indicate a more reducing mantle environment than what is expected from the occurrence of phlogopite and amphibole in spinel-bearing peridotites. This is accounted for by our model of full molecular dissociation of the fluid and incorporation of the O-H-K-Na species into (OH)-K-Na-bearing mineral phases (phlogopite and amphibole), that leads to a peridotite metasomatized ambient characterized by reduced oxygen fugacity.
Hemorrhagic stroke treated by transcranial neuroendoscopic approach
Authors: Cai Qiang , Li Zhiyang , Wang Wenju , Ji Baowei , Liu Junhui , Chen Zhibiao , Chen Qianxue , Mao Shanping
Published: June 2021

Hemorrhagic stroke (HS) is usually treated under microscopy, but recently, an increasing number of cases have been treated under neuroendoscopy. The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of a transcranial neuroendoscopic approach for HS. Based on etiology and clinical features, 203 HS patients were classified into two groups, with 100 patients in the primary HS (PHS) group and 103 patients in the secondary HS (SHS) group. All patients were treated either by full neuroendoscopy (FNE) or by neuroendoscopy combined with microsurgery (ECM). Outcomes were assessed according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at discharge, and the rate of good plus excellent results was recorded as the GE rate to assess the treatment effect. All 203 patients underwent surgery successfully, with 165 patients who underwent FNE and 38 patients who underwent ECM. No patients died within 3 days after surgery, and the surgery-related mortality rate was 0%, but a total of 4 patients died by discharge, and the overall mortality rate was 1.97%. A total of 133 patients showed an excellent result and 16 showed a good result, for a total GE rate of 73%. Neuroendoscopy can provide excellent illumination, clear visualization, and multiangle views in HS. The transcranial neuroendoscopic approach is feasible and safe for both PHS and SHS and is very effective for hematoma evacuation. However, some aneurysms and most arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas require ECM.
2D inversion of electrical resistivity investigation of contaminant plume around a dumpsite near Onitsha expressway in southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ugbor Charles Chibueze , Ikwuagwu Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Ogboke Osim Jethro
Published: June 2021

The study tries to utilize vertical electrical sounding (VES) and 2D resistivity tomography to evaluate the region of influence of the leachate plume on the groundwater around a dumpsite at Onitsha expressway, southeastern Nigeria. The borehole log data were acquired and their respective geoposition logged with Garmin GPS device. In addition, four 1D (VES) soundings and 2D electrical profile data were acquired in the field utilizing the Schlumberger and Wenner profiles respectively. Petrozenith PZ-03 Resistivity meter was used to acquire the electrical data, while RES2DINV and WinResist software were used to interpret the 2D and 1D data respectively. The resulting geoelectic layers were correlated with the borehole logs and were interpreted according to their resistivity distribution. Results of the 2D inversion at profiles 1 and 3 showed low resistivity zones indicating influence from the leachate plume. Profiles 2 and 4 gave low resistivity zone within 14.6 and 44.3 Ωm from surface to between 0.375 and 3.60 m depths indicating influence from leachate plume. Likewise, profiles 1 and 3, which penetrated groundwater, also showed very low resistivity with resistivity ranging from 3.12 to 8.7 Ωm, from surface to few meters depths. This indicates that it has been polluted by the leachate. In contrast, Profiles 2 and 4, from the 2D inversion, has no leachate influence on the groundwater. The VES result showed that the depth to the water table at location 1, 2, 3 and 4 are 21.7 m, 17.9 m, 15.9 m and 12.2 m respectively, with the leachate plume flowing in the southeast direction in line with the groundwater flow direction.
Role of thromboelastography in the evaluation of septic shock patients with normal prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time
Authors: Kim Sang-Min , Kim Sang-Il , Yu Gina , Kim June-Sung , Hong Seok In , Chae Bora , Shin Yo Sep , Kim Youn-Jung , Jang Seongsoo , Kim Won Young
Published: June 2021

Coagulopathy is frequent in septic shock and plays a key role in multiple organ dysfunction. The aim of this study is to investigate application values of thromboelastography (TEG) for outcome in septic shock patients with a normal value of prothrombin time (PT) and active partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Prospective observational study using 1298 consecutive septic shock patients with TEG at admission was conducted at the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital in South Korea between 2016 and 2019. After excluding overt-disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) defined by scoring system, we included patients with a normal value of international normalized ratio ≤ 1.3 and aPTT ≤ 34 s. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. 893 patients were included and 129 patients with overt DIC were excluded. Of the 764 remaining patients, 414 (54.2%) patients showed normal PT and aPTT (28-day mortality rate, 11.4%). TEG values such as reaction time, kinetic time (K), alpha angle (α), maximum amplitude (MA) and lysis index (LY 30) showed no significant mean difference between the survivor and non-survivor groups. However, hypocoagulable TEG values such as α < 53° (12.0% vs. 23.4%; p = 0.039), and MA < 50 mm (6.3% vs. 21.3%; p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the non-survived group. In multivariate analysis, hypocoagulable state (defined as K > 3 and α < 53 and MA < 50) was independent factors associated with increased risk of death (OR 4.882 [95% CI, 1.698–14.035]; p = 0.003). In conclusion, septic shock patients with normal PT and aPTT can be associated with impaired TEG profile, such as hypocoagulability, associated with increased mortality.
Analytic comparison between three high-throughput commercial SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays reveals minor discrepancies in a high-incidence population
Authors: Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Dargham Soha R. , Shurrab Farah , Al-Sadeq Duaa W. , Al-Jighefee Hadeel , Chemaitelly Hiam , Al Kanaani Zaina , Al Khal Abdullatif , Al Kuwari Einas , Coyle Peter , Jeremijenko Andrew , Kaleeckal Anvar Hassan , Latif Ali Nizar , Shaik Riyazuddin Mohammad , Rahim Hanan F. Abdul , Yassine Hadi M. , Al Kuwari Mohamed G. , Qotba Hamda , Al Romaihi Hamad Eid , Tang Patrick , Bertollini Roberto , Al-Thani Mohamed H. , Althani Asmaa A. , Abu-Raddad Laith J.
Published: June 2021

Performance of three automated commercial serological IgG-based assays was investigated for assessing SARS-CoV-2 “ever” (past or current) infection in a population-based sample in a high exposure setting. PCR and serological testing was performed on 394 individuals. SARS-CoV-2-IgG seroprevalence was 42.9% (95% CI 38.1–47.8%), 40.6% (95% CI 35.9–45.5%), and 42.4% (95% CI 37.6–47.3%) using the CL-900i, VidasIII, and Elecsys assays, respectively. Between the three assays, overall, positive, and negative percent agreements ranged between 93.2–95.7%, 89.3–92.8%, and 93.8–97.8%, respectively; Cohen’s kappa statistic ranged from 0.86 to 0.91; and 35 specimens (8.9%) showed discordant results. Among all individuals, 12.5% (95% CI 9.6–16.1%) had current infection, as assessed by PCR. Of these, only 34.7% (95% CI 22.9–48.7%) were seropositive by at least one assay. A total of 216 individuals (54.8%; 95% CI 49.9–59.7%) had evidence of ever infection using antibody testing and/or PCR during or prior to this study. Of these, only 78.2%, 74.1%, and 77.3% were seropositive in the CL-900i, VidasIII, and Elecsys assays, respectively. All three assays had comparable performance and excellent agreement, but missed at least 20% of individuals with past or current infection. Commercial antibody assays can substantially underestimate ever infection, more so when infection rates are high.
S-Equol mitigates motivational deficits and dysregulation associated with HIV-1
Authors: McLaurin Kristen A. , Bertrand Sarah J. , Illenberger Jessica M. , Harrod Steven B. , Mactutus Charles F. , Booze Rosemarie M.
Published: June 2021

Motivational deficits (e.g., apathy) and dysregulation (e.g., addiction) in HIV-1 seropositive individuals, despite treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy, necessitates the development of innovative adjunctive therapeutics. S-Equol (SE), a selective estrogen receptor β agonist, has been implicated as a neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative therapeutic for HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND); its therapeutic utility for motivational alterations, however, has yet to be systematically evaluated. Thus, HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) and control animals were treated with either a daily oral dose of SE (0.2 mg) or vehicle and assessed in a series of tasks to evaluate goal-directed and drug-seeking behavior. First, at the genotypic level, motivational deficits in HIV-1 Tg rats treated with vehicle were characterized by a diminished reinforcing efficacy of, and sensitivity to, sucrose. Motivational dysregulation was evidenced by enhanced drug-seeking for cocaine relative to control animals treated with vehicle. Second, treatment with SE ameliorated both motivational deficits and dysregulation in HIV-1 Tg rats. Following a history of cocaine self-administration, HIV-1 Tg animals treated with vehicle exhibited lower levels of dendritic branching and a shift towards longer dendritic spines with decreased head diameter. Treatment with SE, however, led to long-term enhancements in dendritic spine morphology in HIV-1 Tg animals supporting a potential underlying basis by which SE exerts its therapeutic effects. Taken together, SE restored motivated behavior in the HIV-1 Tg rat, expanding the potential clinical utility of SE to include both neurocognitive and affective alterations.
Association of maternal sleep before and during pregnancy with sleep and developmental problems in 1-year-old infants
Authors: Nakahara Kazushige , Michikawa Takehiro , Morokuma Seiichi , Ogawa Masanobu , Kato Kiyoko , Sanefuji Masafumi , Shibata Eiji , Tsuji Mayumi , Shimono Masayuki , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Ohga Shouichi , Kusuhara Koichi ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the association of maternal sleep before and during pregnancy with sleeping and developmental problems in 1-year-old infants. We used data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which registered 103,062 pregnancies between 2011 and 2014. Participants were asked about their sleep habits prior to and during pregnancy. Follow-up assessments were conducted to evaluate the sleep habits and developmental progress of their children at the age of 1 year. Development during infancy was evaluated using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Maternal short sleep and late bedtime before and during pregnancy increased occurrence of offspring’s sleeping disturbances. For example, infants whose mothers slept for less than 6 h prior to pregnancy tended to be awake for more than 1 h (risk ratio [RR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–1.66), sleep less than 8 h during the night (RR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.44–1.79), and fall asleep at 22:00 or later (RR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.26–1.40). Only subjective assessments of maternal sleep quality during pregnancy, such as very deep sleep and feeling very good when waking up, were inversely associated with abnormal ASQ scores in 1-year-old infants.
Second harmonic generation light quantifies the ratio of type III to total (I + III) collagen in a bundle of collagen fiber
Authors: Sugita Shukei , Suzumura Takuya , Nakamura Akinobu , Tsukiji Shinya , Ujihara Yoshihiro , Nakamura Masanori
Published: June 2021

The ratio of type III to type I collagen is important for properly maintaining functions of organs and cells. We propose a method to quantify the ratio of type III to total (type I + III) collagen (λIII) in a given collagen fiber bundle using second harmonic generation (SHG) light. First, the relationship between SHG light intensity and the λIII of collagen gels was examined, and the slope (k1) and SHG light intensity at 0% type III collagen (k2) were determined. Second, the SHG light intensity of a 100% type I collagen fiber bundle and its diameter (D) were measured, and the slope (k3) of the relationship was determined. The λIII in a collagen fiber bundle was estimated from these constants (k1-3) and SHG light intensity. We applied this method to collagen fiber bundles isolated from the media and adventitia of porcine thoracic aortas, and obtained λIII = 84.7% ± 13.8% and λIII = 17.5% ± 15.2%, respectively. These values concurred with those obtained with a typical quantification method using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The findings demonstrated that the method proposed is useful to quantify the ratio of type III to total collagen in a collagen fiber bundle.
The entropy of chaotic transitions of EEG phase growth in bipolar disorder with lithium carbonate
Authors: Demirer Rüştü Murat , Kesebir Sermin
Published: June 2021

The application of chaos measures the association of EEG signals which allows for differentiating pre and post-medicated epochs for bipolar patients. We propose a new approach on chaos necessary for proof of EEG metastability. Shannon entropies of concealed patterns of Schwarzian derivatives from absolute instantaneous frequency transformations of EEG signals after Hilbert transform are compared and found significantly statistically different between pre and post-medication periods when fitted to von Bertalanffy’s functions. Schwarzian dynamics measures was compared at first baseline and then at the end of the first hour of one dose 300 mg lithium carbonate intake for the same subject in depressive patients. With an application of Schwarzian derivative on the prediction of von Bertalanffy’s models, integration and segregation of phase growth orbits of neural oscillations can be understood as an influence of chaos on the mixing of frequencies. A phase growth constant parameter was performed to determine the bifurcation parameter of von Bertalanffy’s model at each given non-overlapped EEG segment. Schwarzian derivative was sometimes very close positive near the origin but stayed negative for most of the number of segments. Lithium carbonate changed the chaotic invariants of the EEG Schwarzian dynamics and removed sharp boundaries in the bipolar spectrum.
ALS-linked FUS mutants affect the localization of U7 snRNP and replication-dependent histone gene expression in human cells
Authors: Gadgil Ankur , Walczak Agnieszka , Stępień Agata , Mechtersheimer Jonas , Nishimura Agnes Lumi , Shaw Christopher E. , Ruepp Marc-David , Raczyńska Katarzyna Dorota
Published: June 2021

Genes encoding replication-dependent histones lack introns, and the mRNAs produced are a unique class of RNA polymerase II transcripts in eukaryotic cells that do not end in a polyadenylated tail. Mature mRNAs are thus formed by a single endonucleolytic cleavage that releases the pre-mRNA from the DNA and is the only processing event necessary. U7 snRNP is one of the key factors that determines the cleavage site within the 3ʹUTR of replication-dependent histone pre-mRNAs. We have previously showed that the FUS protein interacts with U7 snRNA/snRNP and regulates the expression of histone genes by stimulating transcription and 3ʹ end maturation. Mutations in the FUS gene first identified in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) lead to the accumulation of the FUS protein in cytoplasmic inclusions. Here, we report that mutations in FUS lead to disruption of the transcriptional activity of FUS and mislocalization of U7 snRNA/snRNP in cytoplasmic aggregates in cellular models and primary neurons. As a consequence, decreased transcriptional efficiency and aberrant 3ʹ end processing of histone pre-mRNAs were observed. This study highlights for the first time the deregulation of replication-dependent histone gene expression and its involvement in ALS.
Saharan dust and giant quartz particle transport towards Iceland
Authors: Varga György , Dagsson-Waldhauserová Pavla , Gresina Fruzsina , Helgadottir Agusta
Published: June 2021

Mineral dust emissions from Saharan sources have an impact on the atmospheric environment and sedimentary units in distant regions. Here, we present the first systematic observations of long-range Saharan dust transport towards Iceland. Fifteen Saharan dust episodes were identified to have occurred between 2008 and 2020 based on aerosol optical depth data, backward trajectories and numerical models. Icelandic samples from the local dust sources were compared with deposited dust from two severe Saharan dust events in terms of their granulometric and mineralogical characteristics. The episodes were associated with enhanced meridional atmospheric flow patterns driven by unusual meandering jets. Strong winds were able to carry large Saharan quartz particles (> 100 µm) towards Iceland. Our results confirm the atmospheric pathways of Saharan dust towards the Arctic, and identify new northward meridional long-ranged transport of giant dust particles from the Sahara, including the first evidence of their deposition in Iceland as previously predicted by models.
Author Correction: Evaluation of HPV16 E7 expression in head and neck carcinoma cell lines and clinical specimens
Authors: Kitamura Koji , Nimura Keisuke , Ito Rie , Saga Kotaro , Inohara Hidenori , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Thermo-osmotic pressure and resistance to mass transport in a vapor-gap membrane
Authors: Rauter Michael T. , Schnell Sondre K. , Hafskjold Bjørn , Kjelstrup Signe
Published: June 2021

A Soret equilibrium across a vapor-gap membrane was generated and transfer coefficients were computed using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.
Functionalization of melamine foam surface and its non-halogen flame-retardant silicone materials
Authors: Guo Junyi , Guo Nan , Du Zhongjie , Zhang Chen , Zou Wei
Published: June 2021

The VTMO–APTES–PAA–MF/SI with excellent flame retardant properties was obtained through a step-by-step chemical surface modification method for melamine foam (MF).
Effects of different ways of using visualizations on high school students’ electrochemistry conceptual understanding and motivation towards chemistry learning
Authors: Lin Chia-Yin , Wu Hsin-Kai
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of different ways to use visualizations on high school students’ electrochemistry conceptual understanding and motivation towards chemistry learning. Expanding upon a model-based learning approach (Khan, 2007), we adopted a VGEM sequence (View, Generate, Evaluate, and Modify) to create three instructional conditions. All conditions involved the viewing, evaluating, and modifying phases, whereas there were variations in the generating phase: (1) finishing worksheets (V group), (2) generating drawings (VD group), and (3) generating animations (VA group). Three intact classes with 109 eleventh graders from a public high school were randomly assigned to the three groups. A test of conceptual understanding was used as the pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest to assess respectively initial understanding, changes, and retention of understanding up to 6 weeks later. A questionnaire to measure students’ motivation to learn chemistry was administered before and after the instruction. Statistical results of the within-group comparisons revealed that all three instructional conditions could support students to develop a significantly better conceptual understanding of electrochemistry and that in the three groups, students’ understanding was retained after 6 weeks. Regarding the overall motivation before and after the instruction, only the VA group showed motivational benefits for chemistry learning. Furthermore, the between-group comparisons indicated no significant differences between the means of the three groups in the posttest and delayed posttest, and suggested that the three groups developed and retained a similar level of conceptual understanding after the instruction. Similarly, different uses of visualizations made no difference to students’ chemistry learning motivation. This study advances the understanding of how to develop effective instructional activities with visualizations for chemistry learning, and suggests possible conceptual and motivational benefits of viewing and generating visualizations.
Chiral detection by induced surface-enhanced Raman optical activity
Authors: Das Moumita , Gangopadhyay Debraj , Šebestík Jaroslav , Habartová Lucie , Michal Pavel , Kapitán Josef , Bouř Petr
Published: June 2021

The “sergeants-and-soldiers” principle is used for chiral detection through surface-enhanced Raman optical activity.
Monitoring excited-state relaxation in a molecular marker in live cells–a case study on astaxanthin
Authors: Yang Tingxiang , Chettri Avinash , Radwan Basseem , Matuszyk Ewelina , Baranska Malgorzata , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: June 2021

Small molecules are frequently used as dyes, labels and markers to visualize and probe biophysical processes within cells.
2,6-Dibromogallates as a new building block for controlling π-stacking, network formation and mirror symmetry breaking
Authors: Kwon Ohjin , Cai Xiaoqian , Saeed Azhar , Liu Feng , Poppe Silvio , Tschierske Carsten
Published: June 2021

Bromination of the gallate unit changes the π-stacking mode, widens LC ranges and favors mirror symmetry broken triple networks over double networks.