bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New species of deep-sea squat lobsters (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheoidea) from Guadeloupe, French West Indies, unveiled through integrative taxonomy
Authors: Rodríguez-Flores Paula C , Macpherson Enrique , Machordom Annie
Published: November 2021

During two deep-sea expeditions off the island of Guadeloupe, French West Indies, several specimens belonging to MunidaLeach, 1820 and MunidopsisWhiteaves, 1874 (Galatheoidea) were collected. Further study, integrating morphological and molecular data, indicated that some of the specimens belonged to three undescribed species, one to Munida and two to Munidopsis. Munida anteaen. sp. is morphologically closely related to the Atlantic species M. microphthalma A. Milne-Edwards, 1880. Both species can be easily distinguished morphologically and represent independent evolutionary lineages. The closest relative to Munidopsis balconin. sp. is M. glabraPequegnat & Williams, 1995 from the Gulf of Mexico. They can be distinguished by the armature of the carapace and pereiopods, among other differences. Munidopsis pholidotan. sp. is sister to M. squamosa (A. Milne-Edwards, 1880) and both are considered cryptic species, distinguished only by molecular characters and subtle morphological differences like the number of epipodites. Our phylogenetic results show some monophyletic groups within Munidopsis and Munida, and the existence of morphological convergences.
Research policy in supportive care and palliative care for cancer dyspnea
Authors: Matsuda Yoshinobu , Yamaguchi Takashi , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Ishiki Hiroto , Usui Yuko , Kako Jun , Suzuki Kozue , Matsunuma Ryo , Mori Masanori , Watanabe Hiroaki , Zenda Sadamoto
Published: November 2021

Background

Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom in patients with cancer. To improve its management, multicenter confirmatory studies are necessary. Research policy would be useful in conducting these studies. Here, we propose a new research policy for the management of dyspnea in patients with cancer.

Methods

The first draft was developed by a policy working group of 11 specialists in the field of supportive care or palliative care for dyspnea. Then, a provisional draft was developed after review by a research support group (the Japanese Supportive, Palliative and Psychosocial Care Study Group) and five Japanese scientific societies (Japanese Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine, Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Japanese Society of Clinical Oncology), and receipt of public comments.

Results

The policy includes the following components of research policy on dyspnea: (i) definition of dyspnea, (ii) scale for assessment of dyspnea, (iii) reason for dyspnea or factors associated with dyspnea and (iv) treatment effectiveness outcomes/adverse events. The final policy (Ver1.0) was completed on 1 March 2021.

Conclusions

This policy could help researchers plan and conduct studies on the management of cancer dyspnea.
BREVIPEDICELLUSandERECTAcontrol the expression ofAtPRX17to prevent Arabidopsis callus browning
Authors: Xie Junyan , Qi Bin , Mou Chenghong , Wang Lihua , Jiao Yuwei , Dou Yanhui , Zheng Huiqiong
Published: November 2021

Efficient in vitro callus generation is required for tissue culture propagation, a process that allows for plant regeneration and transgenic breeding for desired phenotypes. Identifying genes and regulatory elements that prevent impaired callus growth and callus browning is essential for the development of in vitro callus systems. Here, we show that the BREVIPEDICELLUS and ERECTA pathways in Arabidopsis calli converge to prevent callus browning, and positively regulate the expression of the isoperoxidase gene AtPRX17 in rapidly growing calli. Loss-of-function mutations in both BREVIPEDICELLUS and ERECTA resulted in markedly increased callus browning. Transgenic lines expressing 35S pro::AtPRX17 in the bp-5 er105 double mutant background fully rescued this phenotypic abnormality. Using in vivo (chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR and transient expression) and in vitro (electrophoretic mobility shift assays) assays, we observed that the BREVIPEDICELLUS protein binds directly to the upstream sequence of AtPRX17 to promote its transcription during callus growth. ERECTA is a ubiquitous factor required for cell proliferation and growth. We show that ERECTA positively regulates the expression of the transcription factor WRKY6, which directly binds to a separate site on the AtPRX17 promoter, further increasing its expression. Our data reveal an important molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of peroxidase isozyme expression to reduce Arabidopsis callus browning.
Distances, extinctions, and stellar parameters for stars in SkyMapper DR3
Authors: Lin Jane , Casagrande Luca , Asplund Martin
Published: November 2021

We present a Bayesian isochrone fitting machinery to derive distances, extinctions, and stellar parameters (Teff, log g, and $\rm [Fe/H]$) for stars in the SkyMapper data release 3 (DR3) survey. We complement the latter with photometry from Gaia, 2MASS, and AllWISE, in addition to priors on parallaxes and interstellar extinction. We find our results to be in agreement with smaller samples of literature values derived using spectroscopic/photometric method, with typical uncertainties of order 130 K in effective temperature and 0.2 dex in surface gravity and metallicity. We demonstrate the quality of our stellar parameters by benchmarking our results against various spectroscopic surveys. We highlight the potential that SkyMapper bears for stellar population studies showing how we are able to clearly differentiate metallicities along the Gaia red (∼−0.4 dex) and blue (∼−1.1 dex) sequences using both dwarf and giant stars.
AbacusHOD: a highly efficient extended multitracer HOD framework and its application to BOSS and eBOSS data
Authors: Yuan Sihan , Garrison Lehman H , Hadzhiyska Boryana , Bose Sownak , Eisenstein Daniel J
Published: November 2021

We introduce the AbacusHOD model and present two applications of AbacusHOD and the AbacusSummit simulations to observations. AbacusHOD is a Halo Occupation Distribution (HOD) framework written in Python that is particle-based, multitracer, highly generalized, and highly efficient. It is designed specifically with multitracer/cosmology analyses for next-generation large-scale structure surveys in mind, and takes advantage of the volume and precision offered by the new state-of-the-art AbacusSummit cosmological simulations. The model is also highly customizable and should be broadly applicable to any upcoming surveys and a diverse range of cosmological analyses. In this paper, we demonstrate the capabilities of the AbacusHOD framework through two example applications. The first example demonstrates the high efficiency and the large HOD extension feature set through an analysis of full-shape redshift-space clustering of BOSS galaxies at intermediate to small scales ($\lt 30\, h^{-1}$ Mpc), assessing the necessity of introducing secondary galaxy biases (assembly bias). We find strong evidence for using halo environment instead of concentration to trace secondary galaxy bias, a result which also leads to a moderate reduction in the ‘lensing is low’ tension. The second example demonstrates the multitracer capabilities of the AbacusHOD package through an analysis of the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey cross-correlation measurements between three different galaxy tracers: luminous red galaxies, emission-line galaxies, and quasi-stellar objects. We expect the AbacusHOD framework, in combination with the AbacusSummit simulation suite, to play an important role in a simulation-based analysis of the upcoming Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument data sets.
The acoustic resonant drag instability with a spectrum of grain sizes
Authors: Squire Jonathan , Moroianu Stefania , Hopkins Philip F
Published: November 2021

We study the linear growth and non-linear saturation of the ‘acoustic Resonant Drag Instability’ (RDI) when the dust grains, which drive the instability, have a wide, continuous spectrum of different sizes. This physics is generally applicable to dusty winds driven by radiation pressure, such as occurs around red-giant stars, star-forming regions, or active galactic nuclei. Depending on the physical size of the grains compared to the wavelength of the radiation field that drives the wind, two qualitatively different regimes emerge. In the case of grains that are larger than the radiation’s wavelength – termed the constant-drift regime – the grain’s equilibrium drift velocity through the gas is approximately independent of grain size, leading to strong correlations between differently sized grains that persist well into the saturated non-linear turbulence. For grains that are smaller than the radiation’s wavelength – termed the non-constant-drift regime – the linear instability grows more slowly than the single-grain-size RDI and only the larger grains exhibit RDI-like behaviour in the saturated state. A detailed study of grain clumping and grain–grain collisions shows that outflows in the constant-drift regime may be effective sites for grain growth through collisions, with large collision rates but low collision velocities.
Towards a universal model for the density profiles of dark matter haloes
Authors: Brown Shaun T , McCarthy Ian G , Stafford Sam G , Font Andreea S
Published: November 2021

It is well established from cosmological simulations that dark matter (DM) haloes are not precisely self-similar and an additional parameter, beyond their concentration, is required to accurately describe their spherically averaged mass density profiles. We present, for the first time, a model to consistently predict both halo concentration, c, and this additional ‘shape’ parameter, α, for a halo of given mass and redshift for a specified cosmology. Following recent studies, we recast the dependence on mass, redshift, and cosmology to a dependence on ‘peak height’. We show that, when adopting the standard definition of peak height, which employs the so-called spherical top hat (STH) window function, the concentration–peak height relation has a strong residual dependence on cosmology (i.e. it is not uniquely determined by peak height), whereas the α–peak height relation is approximately universal when employing the STH window function. Given the freedom in the choice of window function, we explore a simple modification of the STH function, constraining its form so that it produces universal relations for concentration and α as a function of peak height using a large suite of cosmological simulations. It is found that universal relations for the two density profile parameters can indeed be derived and that these parameters are set by the linear power spectrum, P(k), filtered on different scales. We show that the results of this work generalize to any (reasonable) combination of P(k) and background expansion history, H($z$), resulting in accurate predictions of the density profiles of DM haloes for a wide range of cosmologies.
The steady-state hydrodynamics of a long-lived disc: planetary system architecture and prospects of observing a circumplanetary disc shadow in V4046 Sgr
Authors: Weber Philipp , Casassus Simon , Pérez Sebastián
Published: November 2021

Recent imaging of the disc around the V4046 Sgr spectroscopic binary revealed concentric regions of dust rings and gaps. The object’s proximity and expected equilibrated state due to its old age (>20 Myr) make it a superb testbed for hydrodynamical studies in direct comparison to observations. We employ two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of gas and multiple dust species to test whether the observed structure conforms with the presence of giant planets embedded in the disc. We then perform radiative transfer (RT) calculations of sky images, which we filter for the telescope response for comparison with near-infrared (NIR) and millimetre observations. We find that the existing data are in excellent agreement with a flared disc and the presence of two giant planets, at $9$ and $20\, {\rm au}$, respectively. The different ring widths are recovered by diffusion-balanced dust trapping within the gas pressure maxima. In our RT model, the diffusion in vertical direction is reduced in comparison to the radial value by a factor of 5 to recover the spectral energy distribution. Further, we report a previously unaddressed, azimuthally confined intensity decrement on the bright inner ring in the NIR scattered light observation. Our model shows that this decrement can be explained by a shadow cast by a circumplanetary disc around the same giant planet that creates the inner cavity in the hydrodynamical simulations. We examine the shape of the intensity indentation and discuss the potential characterization of a giant planet and its associated disc by its projected shadow in scattered light observations.
High-resolution ALMA observations of V4046 Sgr: a circumbinary disc with a thin ring
Authors: Martinez–Brunner Rafael , Casassus Simon , Pérez Sebastián , Hales Antonio , Weber Philipp , Cárcamo Miguel , Arce-Tord Carla , Cieza Lucas , Garufi Antonio , Marino Sebastián , Zurlo Alice
Published: November 2021

The nearby V4046 Sgr spectroscopic binary hosts a gas-rich disc known for its wide cavity and dusty ring. We present high resolution (∼20 mas or 1.4 au) ALMA observations of the 1.3 mm continuum of V4046 Sgr which, combined with SPHERE–IRDIS polarised images and a well-sampled spectral energy distribution (SED), allow us to propose a physical model using radiative transfer predictions. The ALMA data reveal a thin ring at a radius of 13.15 ± 0.42 au (Ring13), with a radial width of 2.46 ± 0.56 au. Ring13 is surrounded by a ∼10 au-wide gap, and it is flanked by a mm-bright outer ring (Ring24) with a sharp inner edge at 24 au. Between 25 and ∼35 au the brightness of Ring24 is relatively flat and then breaks into a steep tail that reaches out to ∼60 au. In addition, central emission is detected close to the star which we interpret as a tight circumbinary ring made of dust grains with a lower size limit of 0.8 mm at 1.1 au. In order to reproduce the SED, the model also requires an inner ring at ∼5 au (Ring5) composed mainly of small dust grains, hiding under the IRDIS coronagraph, and surrounding the inner circumbinary disc. The surprisingly thin Ring13 is nonetheless roughly 10 times wider than its expected vertical extent. The strong near-far disc asymmetry at 1.65 $\rm{\mu m}$ points at a very forward-scattering phase function, and requires grain radii of no less than 0.4 $\rm{\mu m}$.
On the rise times in FU Orionis events
Authors: Borchert Elisabeth M A , Price Daniel J , Pinte Christophe , Cuello Nicolás
Published: November 2021

We examine whether stellar flyby simulations can initiate FU Orionis outbursts using 3D hydrodynamics simulations coupled to live Monte Carlo radiative transfer. We find that a flyby where the secondary penetrates the circumprimary disc triggers a 1–2 yr rise in the mass accretion rate to 10−4 M⊙ yr−1 that remains high (≳10−5 M⊙ yr−1) for more than a hundred years, similar to the outburst observed in FU Ori. Importantly, we find that the less massive star becomes the dominant accretor, as observed.
Structural basis of DNA methylation-dependent site selectivity of the Epstein–Barr virus lytic switch protein ZEBRA/Zta/BZLF1
Authors: Bernaudat Florent , Gustems Montse , Günther Johannes , Oliva Mizar F , Buschle Alexander , Göbel Christine , Pagniez Priscilla , Lupo Julien , Signor Luca , Müller Christoph W , Morand Patrice , Sattler Michael , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang , Petosa Carlo
Published: November 2021

In infected cells, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) alternates between latency and lytic replication. The viral bZIP transcription factor ZEBRA (Zta, BZLF1) regulates this cycle by binding to two classes of ZEBRA response elements (ZREs): CpG-free motifs resembling the consensus AP-1 site recognized by cellular bZIP proteins and CpG-containing motifs that are selectively bound by ZEBRA upon cytosine methylation. We report structural and mutational analysis of ZEBRA bound to a CpG-methylated ZRE (meZRE) from a viral lytic promoter. ZEBRA recognizes the CpG methylation marks through a ZEBRA-specific serine and a methylcytosine-arginine-guanine triad resembling that found in canonical methyl-CpG binding proteins. ZEBRA preferentially binds the meZRE over the AP-1 site but mutating the ZEBRA-specific serine to alanine inverts this selectivity and abrogates viral replication. Our findings elucidate a DNA methylation-dependent switch in ZEBRA’s transactivation function that enables ZEBRA to bind AP-1 sites and promote viral latency early during infection and subsequently, under appropriate conditions, to trigger EBV lytic replication by binding meZREs.
Fractal construction of constrained code words for DNA storage systems
Authors: Löchel Hannah F , Welzel Marius , Hattab Georges , Hauschild Anne-Christin , Heider Dominik
Published: November 2021

The use of complex biological molecules to solve computational problems is an emerging field at the interface between biology and computer science. There are two main categories in which biological molecules, especially DNA, are investigated as alternatives to silicon-based computer technologies. One is to use DNA as a storage medium, and the other is to use DNA for computing. Both strategies come with certain constraints. In the current study, we present a novel approach derived from chaos game representation for DNA to generate DNA code words that fulfill user-defined constraints, namely GC content, homopolymers, and undesired motifs, and thus, can be used to build codes for reliable DNA storage systems.
Magnetic field-induced non-linear transport in HfTe5
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Yang Jinshan , Yan Zhongbo , Yuan Xiang , Liu Yanwen , Zhao Minhao , Suslov Alexey , Zhang Jinglei , Pi Li , Wang Zhong , Xiu Faxian
Published: November 2021

The interplay of electron correlations and topological phases gives rise to various exotic phenomena including fractionalization, excitonic instability and axionic excitation. Recently discovered transition-metal pentatellurides can reach the ultra-quantum limit in low magnetic fields and serve as good candidates for achieving such a combination. Here, we report evidence of density wave and metal-insulator transition in HfTe5 induced by intense magnetic fields. Using the non-linear transport technique, we detect a distinct non-linear conduction behavior in the longitudinal resistivity within the a–c plane, corresponding to the formation of a density wave induced by magnetic fields. In high fields, the onset of non-linear conduction in the Hall resistivity indicates an impurity-pinned magnetic freeze-out as the possible origin of the insulating behavior. These frozen electrons can be gradually reactivated into mobile states above a threshold of electric field. This experimental evidence calls for further investigation into the underlying mechanism of the bulk quantum Hall effect and field-induced phase transitions in pentatellurides.
Silicosis: enlarged cervical lymph nodes, pericardial effusion and lung abnormalities
Authors: Li H , Cao M , Feng A , Cai H
Published: November 2021

Silicosis is an occupational lung parenchymal disease caused by inhaling silica. It requires differentiation from a malignant tumour and granulomatous disease. We describe the case of a woman with silicosis who exhibited enlargement of bilateral cervical lymph nodes, pericardial effusion and lung abnormalities. She was diagnosed with silicosis based on histological examination of a resected cervical lymph node, lung tissue biopsy and history of silica exposure. She underwent glucocorticoid therapy during hospitalization. The lung abnormalities, enlarged cervical lymph nodes and pericardial effusion were ameliorated by glucocorticoid therapy, but she relapsed shortly thereafter. In conclusion, silicosis with cervical lymph node enlargement and pericardial effusion is rare and should be differentiated from a malignant tumour and granulomatous disease. Some patients may respond well to steroids in the short term.
Reimagining Illocutionary Force
Authors: McDonald Lucy
Published: November 2021

Speech act theorists tend to hold that the illocutionary force of an utterance is determined by one interlocutor alone: either the speaker or the hearer. Yet experience tells us that the force of our utterances is not determined unilaterally. Rather, communication often feels collaborative. In this paper, I develop and defend a collaborative theory of illocutionary force, according to which the illocutionary force of an utterance is determined by an agreement reached by the speaker and the hearer. This theory, which builds upon linguistic and sociological work on adjacency pairs and conversational interaction, can accommodate the complexity of speaker intentions (which may be disjunctive, indeterminate, and/or inconsistent over time), and renders speech act theory more compatible with theories of common ground.
Predictors of excess body weight concurrently affecting mother–child pairs: a 6 year follow-up
Authors: Czarnobay Sandra Ana , Kroll Caroline , Corrêa Cecília Burigo , Mastroeni Silmara S B S , Mastroeni Marco F
Published: November 2021

Background

We examined the predictors of excess body weight (EBW) concurrently affecting mother–child pairs after delivery during 6 years of follow-up.

Methods

Prospective cohort study conducted on 435 mother–child pairs. Data were collected at four time points: at birth in the maternity hospital; 1–2 years old, 4–5 years old and 6 years old at the participant’s home. Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the predictors of maternal–child EBW: mothers with excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and large-for-gestational age (LGA) baby (>90th percentile) at baseline and mothers with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 and a child > 85th percentile.

Results

The adjusted analysis showed that the risk of mother–child pairs concurrently having EBW increased with increasing pre-pregnancy BMI (RR = 2.4 and RR = 3.3 for pre-pregnancy BMI 25–30 and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively, P < 0.01). Excessive GWG and LGA infants were also significant predictors of EBW concurrently affecting mother–child pairs (RR = 2.2 and RR = 2.3, respectively, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Excessive pre-pregnancy BMI, excessive GWG and LGA status were strong predictors of EBW concurrently affecting mother–child pairs over 6 years of follow-up. Public policies must be established primarily before/during pregnancy to avoid an EBW cycle in the same family over the years.
Explaining Refugee Employment Declines: Structural Shortcomings in Federal Resettlement Support
Authors: Kreisberg A Nicole , de Graauw Els , Gleeson Shannon
Published: November 2021

In the United States, the integration experiences of immigrants depend partly on whether they are recognized as refugees or economic migrants. Unlike economic migrants, refugees receive federal resources to help find employment, raising important questions about the role of such government support in migrants’ labor market integration. Our analysis of nationally representative data from the New Immigrant Survey shows that despite early access to government-funded employment services, refugees actually experience employment declines the longer they live in the United States. Drawing on 61 interviews with resettlement experts in refugee-serving organizations across the country, we highlight three interrelated structural weaknesses in the federal refugee resettlement process that help account for these employment declines: (1) retrenched resettlement funding, (2) a logic of self-sufficiency prioritizing rapid employment in generally undesirable and unstable jobs, and (3) siloed networks of refugee-serving organizations. Our findings have important implications for immigrant integration, the welfare state, and the ways that nonprofit organizations shape inequality.
Multiple origins of moss-inhabiting flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): molecular phylogeny, overview of genera and a new genus from Africa
Authors: Damaška Albert František , Konstantinov Alexander , Fikáček Martin
Published: November 2021

Flea beetles (Alticini) are a diverse lineage of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with the majority of genera living on vascular plants. However, several genera are associated with mosses or leaf litter, as an alternative strategy, often accompanied by changes in morphology and biology. Here, we present the first comprehensive DNA-based phylogenetic analysis of Alticini including 13 moss-inhabiting genera. We show that moss-association is a common phenomenon in Alticini; based on our ancestral-state mapping, we reveal at least nine independent origins of moss-inhabiting, and four independent origins of leaf-litter-inhabiting life-strategy. Our findings illustrate that both cryptic strategies induce parallel evolution of similar ecomorphological adaptations, such as flight loss and a convex body shape. An overview of known moss-inhabiting flea beetle genera is also provided. We describe Benedictoides munclingeri gen. et sp. nov. from the cloud forests of Mount Cameroon, the first flea beetle genus clearly assigned to the moss-inhabiting strategy from tropical Africa. Additionally, our phylogeny provides new insights into the relationships among various flea beetle genera. We estimate six main clades grouping the majority of studied genera, and propose several new generic groups. Along with our phylogenetic results, we discuss moss-inhabiting flea beetle evolution and perspectives of their systematics.
Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring and Postoperative Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Murphy Glenn S. , Brull Sorin J.
Published: November 2021

Over the past five decades, quantitative neuromuscular monitoring devices have been used to examine the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular block in international clinical practices, and to determine their role in reducing the risk of residual neuromuscular block and associated adverse clinical outcomes. Several clinical trials and a recent meta-analysis have documented that the intraoperative application of quantitative monitoring significantly reduces the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade in the operating room and postanesthesia care unit. In addition, emerging data show that quantitative monitoring minimizes the risk of adverse clinical events, such as unplanned postoperative reintubations, hypoxemia, and postoperative episodes of airway obstruction associated with incomplete neuromuscular recovery, and may improve postoperative respiratory outcomes. Several international anesthesia societies have recommended that quantitative monitoring be performed whenever a neuromuscular blocking agent is administered. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to determine the potential benefits of quantitative monitoring in the perioperative setting.
Effects of Radiation on the Bone Strength of Spinal Vertebrae in Rats
Authors: Igarashi Takashi , Demura Satoru , Kato Satoshi , Shinmura Kazuya , Yokogawa Noriaki , Yonezawa Noritaka , Shimizu Takaki , Oku Norihiro , Murakami Hideki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

Study Design.

A controlled laboratory study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to examine bone damage caused by irradiation to spinal vertebrae in rats.

Summary of Background Data.

Radiotherapy is widely used in the treatment of malignant spine tumors. However, a few studies have reported vertebral fractures following radiotherapy as an adverse reaction. There are no reports on irradiation- induced changes in bone fragility, mechanical and structural changes focusing on the spine, and the mechanism of irradiation-induced bone osteoporosis.

Methods.

Eighty-four female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to the 20 Gy irradiated or the nonirradiated (control) group. The lumbar vertebrae were irradiated with an external focal radiation dose of 20 Gy. Biomechanical, structural, and histological analyses were performed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after irradiation. Structural analysis and bone density measurement of vertebral trabecular bone were performed by μCT. Histopathological evaluation was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining.

Results.

The bone strength at 2 weeks after irradiation (311 ± 23 N) was 22% lower than that before irradiation (398 ± 34 N) (P < 0.05). The trabecular spacing increased, and trabecular connectivity and width decreased significantly in the irradiated group compared with those in the non-irradiated group. The three-dimensional structure model became coarse, and the trabecular structure continued to thin and disrupt after irradiation. There was no significant change in the bone mineral density in both groups.

Conclusion.

A decrease in bone strength was observed 2 weeks after irradiation. Bone mineral density remained unaltered, whereas the microstructure of trabecular bone changed, suggesting bone damage by irradiation.

Level of Evidence: N/A
The Functional Rating Index
Authors: Menke James Michael
Published: November 2021

Study Design.

The 2001 Functional Rating Index (FRI) was not developed under today's standard psychometric analysis. The original data of 108 cases were re-analyzed using Rasch item response theory. In 2015, 2 alternative forms were administered to an additional 140 patients for establishing and perhaps improving its psychometric characteristics.

Objective.

To evaluate the FRI with item response theory.

Summary of Background Data.

The 2001 FRI data showed internal agreement among items and weak item-total correlation items. The FRI's true reliability and validity were never established.

Methods.

The original 2001 FRI 108 and two new versions with 140 respondents with back pain were compared by Rasch analysis for unidimensionality, local independence, monotonicity, and differential item functioning.

Results.

All three versions exhibited more than the requisite single latent construct. The original Form 2001 had two items that were non-monotonic, four with differential item functioning (DIF), five with poor infit, and four with poor outfit. Form B had five nonmonotonic items, five had DIF, three had poor infit, and three had poor outfit. Form C had only monotonic items, one item with DIF, three items with poor infit, and two with poor outfit.

Conclusion.

The original FRI and alternative forms all fail failed crucial psychometric tests and fail to accurately measure more than one latent construct. It is thus unfit as a pain, function, and disability assessment. Only reducing the number of Likert choices improved the test. Other back pain assessments should be used instead, and all surveys would benefit from periodic item responses to adjust to shifts in grammar and meaning.

Level of Evidence: 3
Nursing Strategies to Safeguard COVID-19 Patients From Harm in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Shiner Darcy , Bock Bethany , Simpson Crystal , Skorupski Timothy
Published: November 2021

The aim of this article is to identify quality improvement nursing strategies that have been implemented to safeguard COVID-19 patients from harm while being cared for in the intensive care unit (ICU). This article incorporates a literature review on the experiences of nurses working at a large urban teaching hospital in the areas of critical care, quality, safety, and regulatory. As leaders in the delivery of health care, nurses have always pioneered innovative ways to deliver care despite difficult circumstances. COVID-19 is a novel viral disease with many unknowns, and it required nurses to integrate innovative approaches with evidence-based practice in order to meet the needs of the patient and to ensure patient safety. While in the critical care setting, COVID-19 patients are at an increased risk for various hospital-acquired injuries, threats to personal safety, and decline in mental health. Through ingenuity and adaptability, successful nursing strategies have been identified in the delivery of quality, evidence-based nursing care to safeguard the vulnerable COVID-19 patient population from harm while in the ICU.
COVID-19
Authors: Kim Son Chae , Rankin Larry
Published: November 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers experienced much higher symptoms of anxiety or depression than during the prepandemic period. As coping mechanisms, high resilience, spirituality, and satisfaction with family functioning were associated with 2- to 3-fold lower odds of anxiety or depression. Health care organizations may consider implementing evidence-based and practical supportive measures to help health care workers maintain good mental health during and after the pandemic.
Factors Influencing University Students' Acceptance to Undertake the COVID-19 Vaccine in Jordan
Authors: AL-Sagarat Ahmad Yahya , Al Hadid Lourance A. , Al Barmawi Marwa , Al-Khawaldeh Omar
Published: November 2021

Vaccines are effective measures that can mitigate the high burden of diseases. However, vaccine refusal poses serious challenges for achieving coverage for population immunity. With the availability of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, limited information is available about the university students' acceptability and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. This article reports study findings regarding factors that influence university students' decision of acceptability to the COVID-19 vaccine in Jordan. Results highlight the continued need for clear and consistent information about the vaccine by health care decision-makers and university administrations.
Primary Cutaneous Epithelioid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma Harboring RANBP2-ALK Fusion: Report of an Exceptional Case
Authors: Gadeyne Laura , Creytens David , Dekeyser Sam , Van der Meulen Joni , Haspeslagh Marc
Published: November 2021

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are rare soft tissue neoplasms with an uncertain biological behavior, derived from fibroblastic and myofibroblastic cells. In rare cases, a peculiar epithelioid phenotypic variant of this tumor is encountered, named epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS). EIMS has overlapping features with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor but has been correlated with a more aggressive clinical course, a characteristic nuclear membrane or perinuclear anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) immunostaining pattern and a very specific RANBP2-ALK fusion. To date, EIMS has been reported almost exclusively in the abdominal and pelvic cavity, with the exception of some intrathoracic cases. Herein, we present the first case of primary cutaneous EIMS, confirmed by molecular analysis showing the diagnostic RANBP2-ALK fusion.
The Role of Notch Signaling in Genetic Reticular Pigmentary Disorders
Authors: Jia Wei-Xue , Luo Ling-Ling , Li Wen-Rui , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Cheng Ping , Li Cheng-Rang
Published: November 2021

Notch signaling is an essential conserved mechanism through local cell interactions. It regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic, influencing organ formation and morphogenesis. Notch signaling plays a vital role in both development of melanocyte during embryogenesis and maintenance of melanocyte stem cells. POFUT1, POGLUT1, ADAM10, presenilin enhancer-2, and nicastrin genes are pathogenic genes of genetic reticular pigmentation diseases Dowling-Degos disease, reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura, and acne inversa with pigment abnormalities separately. And they are all vital genes in Notch signaling pathway. This group of pigmentary diseases have similarities and overlaps in clinical manifestations and pathological characteristics. We review the essential role of Notch signaling in genetic reticular pigmentary disorders, and discuss the underlying mechanisms behind dysfunction of melanocyte induced by gene mutations in Notch signaling.
Self-Perceived Stress Is Associated With Chest Pain and Personality in Patients With Refractory Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Bouchoucha Michel , Devroede Ghislain , Deutsch David , Airinei Gheorghe , Sabate Jean-Marc , Benamouzig Robert
Published: November 2021

Stressful events are frequently associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). This study aims to determine if the severity of self-perceived stress is associated with specific FGID and personality characteristics in 822 patients with FGID who have filled a Rome III questionnaire, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2), and a 10-point Likert scale for self-perceived stress. According to stress severity, the patients were divided into three groups: low (<4; n = 183), moderate (4–6; n = 283), and severe stress (>6; n = 356). Female sex was more frequent in the severe stress group than in the low stress group (p = 0.001). Stress severity was strongly correlated with the two MMPI-2 posttraumatic stress scales. Clinically, chest pain was more frequently reported by severe stress patients than moderate stress patients. MMPI-2 clinical scales vary significantly according to the severity of stress, and “mild stress” patients have increased hysteria and depression scales and showed a higher frequency of irritable bowel syndrome–diarrhea. This study shows that severe stress severity is associated with a higher frequency of noncardiac chest pain and correlated with most personality items.
“Now Everybody Is Thinking About Things Like That.” Young Adult Cancer Survivors Reimagining Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ghazal Lauren V. , Santacroce Sheila J. , Merriman John D. , Dickson Victoria Vaughan
Published: November 2021

Background

Diagnosed between ages 20 and 39 years, young adult (YA) cancer survivors have faced disruption to their lives well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Often seen as an at-risk population within cancer survivors, YAs experience the demands of a serious illness, such as cancer, alongside meeting the typical milestones of young adulthood and often have worse quality of life than their noncancer peers. There is a need to further study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific populations, including YA cancer survivors (YACS), as it relates to work.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore working YACS’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify facets of cancer survivorship that researchers can use to explore COVID-19 survivorship further.

Methods

Secondary thematic analysis of 40 semistructured, qualitative interviews conducted through Zoom audio during the COVID-19 pandemic. YA hematologic cancer survivors were recruited through social media; they were eligible if they had completed active therapy, were within 5 years of their diagnosis, and working at the time of diagnosis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic content analysis.

Results

Themes surrounded COVID-19’s influence on working YACS’ experiences, with the overarching theme: “From solo to shared experience: A change in awareness and understanding.” A subtheme was “Lesson reaffirmed: Reimagining the work environment.”

Discussion

The consequences of COVID-19 on the overall quality of life for YACS are multilevel. Establishing the evidence for effective interventions to support YACS in the workplace, whether physical or virtual, is critically needed. Research is needed on YACS’ risk and resilience factors that could ultimately impact future health and quality of life.
COVID-19 Restrictions and Maternal Experience and Infant Feeding
Authors: Mohd Shukri Nurul Husna , Gan Wan Ying , Zalbahar Nurzalinda , Tusimin Maiza , Mohamad Nasri Nuruljannah
Published: November 2021

Background

The Movement Control Order (MCO), also known as the partial lockdown, was introduced in Malaysia in March 2020 to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, changing many public sector protocols and regulations. This may have implications for neonatal and maternity care and services, especially among new mothers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the postnatal experiences and feeding practices between mothers who gave birth before MCO (B-MCO) and during MCO (D-MCO).

Method

One thousand fifty-one mothers with an infant under 18 months in Malaysia completed an online survey between July 2020 and October 2020. The survey advertisement was disseminated online via various social media platforms.

Results

More D-MCO mothers faced a significant effect on the ability to pay rent/mortgage, with their spouses facing a higher impact on employment. D-MCO mothers were more likely to have changed their birth plans, perceived insufficient breastfeeding support, and experienced changes in postnatal services since MCO. In contrast, more B-MCO mothers had stopped breastfeeding during the MCO and started complementary feeding earlier than planned. Many mothers reported feeling down and lonely and having trouble sleeping and a poor appetite. D-MCO mothers had more time to focus on their health, whereas B-MCO mothers spent more time outdoors.

Discussion

MCO affected mothers’ livelihood and postnatal experiences, potentially causing emotional distress. Hence, improved breastfeeding support, particularly at birth, is recommended, as is routine mental health screening during the postnatal checkup. Furthermore, because online contact was readily accessible during the pandemic, the efficacy of online breastfeeding support should be evaluated.
Orthognathic Surgery in Invisalign Patients
Authors: Zhang Weisheng , Yang Hongyu
Published: November 2021

Orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery is frequently necessary to effectively manage patients suffering from severe craniofacial deformities. Brackets and wires are conventionally utilized for intraoperative splint stabilization in conventional orthognathic surgery, but such an approach is not applicable for patients undergoing treatment using clear aligners (the Invisalign system). The purpose of this article is to discuss the relative advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of using the Invisalign system when treating severe skeletal crossbite relative to cases treated using conventional braces. The case of this article described a 19-year-old male with skeletal class III crossbite undergoing planned Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO). For this patient, pre- and post-surgical orthodontics were conducted using an Invisalign system, with the interim and final splints being fixed to eight 8 mm mini-screws. Overall, this article reveals that the Invisalign system can be effectively employed for orthodontic treatment in combination with orthognathic surgery.
Utility of Dual Monitoring of the Lower Cranial Nerve Motor-Evoked Potentials Threshold Level Criterion to Predict Swallowing Function in Skull Base and Brainstem Surgery
Authors: Chen Liang-Peng , Wang Ming-Ran , Wang Rong , Li Da , Zhang Li-Wei , Wu Zhen , Zhang Jun-Ting , Qiao Hui , Wang Liang
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Evaluate the value of bilateral final/baseline threshold level changes of lower cranial nerve MEPs in postoperative swallowing function deterioration prediction.

Methods:

Bilateral lower cranial nerve motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded in 51 patients who underwent treatment for skull base and brainstem tumors. Corkscrew-like electrodes were positione 2 cm below C3/C4 and Cz. The MEPs were recorded from different muscle groups, including the posterior pharyngeal wall muscle, tongue muscle, genioglossus muscle, and cricothyroid muscle through paired needle electrodes. Swallowing function was assessed clinically using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability score before and after the procedure at 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months.

Results:

Bilateral final/baseline threshold level increases in lower cranial nerve MEPs under the dual monitoring were significantly correlated with postoperative swallowing function deterioration (r = 0.660 at 7 days, r = 0.735 at 1 month, and r = 0.717 at 3 months; p < 0.05). Bilateral final/baseline threshold level changes of more than 20% were recorded in 23 of the 51 patients, with 21 patients experiencing swallowing function deterioration postoperatively. The other 28 patients had bilateral threshold level changes of less than 20%, with 26 patients maintaining or improving their swallowing function, and 12 of those patients presented transient deterioration of swallowing function in the early postoperative period.

Conclusions:

Dual monitoring of lower cranial nerves and their different muscle groups MEPs was a safe and effective way to predict postoperative swallowing function. An increase in bilateral final/baseline threshold level change of more than 20% was predictive of permanent swallowing deterioration, especially in patients with poor swallowing function preoperatively.
Why do we pick similar mates, or do we?
Authors: Versluys Tom M. M. , Mas-Sandoval Alex , Flintham Ewan O. , Savolainen Vincent
Published: November 2021

Humans often mate with those resembling themselves, a phenomenon described as positive assortative mating (PAM). The causes of this attract broad interest, but there is little agreement on the topic. This may be because empirical studies and reviews sometimes focus on just a few explanations, often based on disciplinary conventions. This review presents an interdisciplinary conceptual framework on the causes of PAM in humans, drawing on human and non-human biology, the social sciences, and the humanities. Viewing causality holistically, we first discuss the proximate causes (i.e. the ‘how’) of PAM, considering three mechanisms: stratification, convergence and mate choice. We also outline methods to control for confounders when studying mate choice. We then discuss ultimate explanations (i.e. ‘the why’) for PAM, including adaptive and non-adaptive processes. We conclude by suggesting a focus on interdisciplinarity in future research.
Visual design intuition: predicting dynamic properties of beams from raw cross-section images
Authors: Wyder Philippe M. , Lipson Hod
Published: November 2021

In this work we aim to mimic the human ability to acquire the intuition to estimate the performance of a design from visual inspection and experience alone. We study the ability of convolutional neural networks to predict static and dynamic properties of cantilever beams directly from their raw cross-section images. Using pixels as the only input, the resulting models learn to predict beam properties such as volume maximum deflection and eigenfrequencies with 4.54% and 1.43% mean average percentage error, respectively, compared with the finite-element analysis (FEA) approach. Training these models does not require prior knowledge of theory or relevant geometric properties, but rather relies solely on simulated or empirical data, thereby making predictions based on ‘experience’ as opposed to theoretical knowledge. Since this approach is over 1000 times faster than FEA, it can be adopted to create surrogate models that could speed up the preliminary optimization studies where numerous consecutive evaluations of similar geometries are required. We suggest that this modelling approach would aid in addressing challenging optimization problems involving complex structures and physical phenomena for which theoretical models are unavailable.
Transcatheter aortic valve thrombosis: a review of potential mechanisms
Authors: Raghav Vrishank , Midha Prem , Sharma Rahul , Babaliaros Vasilis , Yoganathan Ajit
Published: November 2021

Transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) thrombosis has been recognized as a significant problem that sometimes occurs as early as within 30 days after valve implantation, leading to increased concerns of stroke and long-term valve durability. In this article, a critical summary of the relevant literature on identifying potential mechanisms of TAV thrombosis from the perspective of the well-known Virchow's triad, which comprises blood flow, foreign materials and blood biochemistry, is presented. Blood flow mechanisms have been the primary focus thus far, with a general consensus on the flow mechanisms with respect to haemodynamic conditions, the influence of TAV placement and expansion and the influence of coronary flow. Less attention has been paid to the influence of blood biochemistry and foreign materials (and related endothelial damage), with little consensus among studies with regards to platelet and/or microparticle levels post-TAV implantation. Finally, we discuss the future outlook for research with unanswered scientific questions.