bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Magnetite (Fe3O4)-Titania (TiO2) hybrid particle on mechanical, thermal and microwave attenuation behaviour of flexible natural rubber composite in X and Ku band frequencies
Authors: John Prabhahar M , S Julyes Jaisingh , R Arun Prakash V
Published: December 2019

This current work aims to prepare a flexible elastomeric microwave shielding composite material with good mechanical and thermal properties by dispersing Fe3O4 and titania hybrid nano-particles. The primary aim of this research work is to prepare a high strength and high thermal stable flexible natural rubber composite with higher wave attenuation coefficient against ‘X (8–12 GHz)’ and ‘Ku (12–18 GHz)’ band microwave frequencies. The Fe3O4-Titania hybrids were prepared using low energy ball milling and the hybridization effect was confirmed using transmission electron spectroscopy. The prepared Fe3O4-Titania hybrids were surface-treated using 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane via wet solution method to avoid agglomeration. The natural rubber flexible composite was made by two-roll milling with recommended process parameters. The mechanical and thermal results showed improved tensile strength, modulus and mass decomposition. The highest tensile strength of 60 MPa was observed for composite contains 1.0 vol% of Fe3O4–TiO2 particles. Similarly, the highest thermal stability of 385 °C is observed for composite contain Fe3O4–TiO2 particles. The X and Ku band microwave attenuation behaviour revealed the highest attenuation of 28.1 dB for 1.0 vol% of Fe3O4–TiO2 particle dispersed rubber composite in Ku band frequency. These mechanically toughened thermally stable and high microwave attenuation flexible composites could be used as EMI shielding material at antennae and other telecommunication devices where electromagnetic wave interference creates crucial issues.
Validity of cylindrical approximation for spherical birefringent microparticles in rotational optical tweezers
Authors: Vaippully Rahul , Gummaluri Venkata Siva , Vijayan C , Roy Basudev
Published: December 2019

Rotational manipulation of microscopic birefringent particles has conventionally been done by manoeuvring the polarization of the trapping light in optical tweezers. The torque on the particle is a sum of contributions from the linear polarization and the circular polarization, while assuming that the difference in optical path lengths between the extraordinary and the ordinary components of polarization depends upon the wavelength of light, the thickness of the particle and the birefringence. Generally, the thickness of spherical microparticles is assumed to be the diameter which renders the particle appear cylindrical. We test this hypothesis for sizes relevant towards optical tweezers manipulation. We find that for a range of particles from the Rayleigh regime to the early Mie regime, the approximation holds good.
Economy-wide effects of coastal flooding due to sea level rise: a multi-model simultaneous treatment of mitigation, adaptation, and residual impacts
Authors: Schinko Thomas , Drouet Laurent , Vrontisi Zoi , Hof Andries , Hinkel Jochen , Mochizuki Junko , Bosetti Valentina , Fragkiadakis Kostas , van Vuuren Detlef , Lincke Daniel
Published: December 2019

This article presents a multi-model assessment of the macroeconomic impacts of coastal flooding due to sea level rise and the respective economy-wide implications of adaptation measures for two greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration targets, namely the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP)2.6 and RCP4.5, and subsequent temperature increases. We combine our analysis, focusing on the global level, as well as on individual G20 countries, with the corresponding stylized RCP mitigation efforts in order to understand the implications of interactions across mitigation, adaptation and sea level rise on a macroeconomic level. Our global results indicate that until the middle of this century, differences in macroeconomic impacts between the two climatic scenarios are small, but increase substantially towards the end of the century. Moreover, direct economic impacts can be partially absorbed by substitution effects in production processes and via international trade effects until 2050. By 2100 however, we find that this dynamic no longer holds and economy-wide effects become even larger than direct impacts. The disturbances of mitigation efforts to the overall economy may in some regions and for some scenarios lead to a counterintuitive result, namely to GDP losses that are higher in RCP26 than in RCP45, despite higher direct coastal damages in the latter scenario. Within the G20, our results indicate that China, India and Canada will experience the highest macroeconomic impacts, in line with the respective direct climatic impacts, with the two first large economies undertaking the highest mitigation efforts in a cost-efficient global climate action. A sensitivity analysis of varying socioeconomic assumptions highlights the role of climate-resilient development as a crucial complement to mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Bloch functions on the unit ball of a Banach space
Authors: Miralles Alejandro
Published: December 2019

The space of Bloch functions on bounded symmetric domains is extended by considering Bloch functions

f
f

on the unit ball

B
E

B_E

of finite and infinite dimensional complex Banach spaces in two different ways: by extending the classical Bloch space considering the boundness of

(
1
−
‖
x

‖
2

)
‖

f
′

(
x
)
‖

(1-\|x\|^2) \|f’(x)\|

on

B
E

B_E

and by preserving the invariance of the correspondiing seminorm when we compose with automorphisms

φ
\varphi

of

B
E

B_E

. We study the connection between these spaces proving that they are different in general and prove that all bounded analytic functions on

B

E

B_{E}

are Bloch functions in both ways.
Endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein TMTC3 contributes to O-mannosylation of E-cadherin, cellular adherence, and embryonic gastrulation
Authors: Graham Jill B. , Sunryd Johan C. , Mathavan Ketan , Weir Emma , Larsen Ida Signe Bohse , Halim Adnan , Clausen Henrik , Cousin Hélène , Alfandari Dominque , Hebert Daniel N.
Published: December 2019

Here we characterize TMTC3 as an ER, polytopic membrane protein with C-terminal luminal-facing TPRs, and an O-mannosyltransferase of E-cadherin. O-mannosylation of cadherins by TMTC3 affects cellular adherence, E-cadherin homophilic binding, and embryonic gastrulation, helping to explain the basis of a number of TMTC3-associated disease variants.
The Effect of a Priest-Led Intervention on the Choice and Preference of Soda Beverages: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial in Catholic Parishes
Authors: Miranda J Jaime , Taype-Rondan Alvaro , Bazalar-Palacios Janina , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Ariely Dan
Published: December 2019

Background

Latin America ranks among the regions with the highest level of intake of sugary beverages in the world. Innovative strategies to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks are necessary.

Purpose

Evaluate the effect of a one-off priest-led intervention on the choice and preference of soda beverages.

Methods

We conducted a pragmatic cluster-randomized trial in Catholic parishes, paired by number of attendees, in Chimbote, Peru between March and June of 2017. The priest-led intervention, a short message about the importance of protecting one’s health, was delivered during the mass. The primary outcome was the proportion of individuals that choose a bottle of soda instead of a bottle of water immediately after the service. Cluster-level estimates were used to compare primary and secondary outcomes between intervention and control groups utilizing nonparametric tests.

Results

Six parishes were allocated to control and six to the intervention group. The proportion of soda selection at baseline was ~60% in the intervention and control groups, and ranged from 56.3% to 63.8% in Week 1, and from 62.7% to 68.2% in Week 3. The proportion of mass attendees choosing water over soda was better in the priest-led intervention group: 8.2% higher at Week 1 (95% confidence interval 1.7%–14.6%, p = .03), and 6.2% higher at 3 weeks after baseline (p = .15).

Conclusions

This study supports the proof-of-concept that a brief priest-led intervention can decrease sugary drink choice.

Clinical Trial information

ISRCTN, ISRCTN24676734. Registered 25 April 2017, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN24676734
Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Mortality From Renal Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Ran Jinjun , Yang Aimin , Sun Shengzhi , Han Lefei , Li Jinhui , Guo Fang , Zhao Shi , Yang Yang , Mason Tonya G , Chan King-Pan , Lee Ruby Siu-Yin , Qiu Hong , Tian Linwei
Published: December 2019

Numerous studies have indicated that ambient particulate matter is closely associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the evidence for its association with renal disease remains underrecognized. We aimed to estimate the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, defined as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5), and mortality from renal failure (RF) among participants in the Elderly Health Service Cohort in Hong Kong, China, from 1998 to 2010. PM2.5 concentration at the residential address of each participant was estimated based on a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate risks of overall RF and cause-specific mortality associated with PM2.5. After excluding 5,373 subjects without information on residential address or relevant covariates, we included 61,447 participants in data analyses. We identified 443 RF deaths during the 10 years of follow-up. For an interquartile-range increase in PM2.5 concentration (3.22 μg/m3), hazard ratios for RF mortality were 1.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.06, 1.43) among all cohort participants and 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.74) among patients with chronic kidney disease. Long-term exposure to atmospheric PM2.5 might be an important risk factor for RF mortality in the elderly, especially among persons with existing renal diseases.
Targeting Concentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. A Meta-analysis of Echocardiographic Studies
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Tadic Marijana , Sala Carla , Gherbesi Elisa , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

Aim

We assessed the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) subtypes (i.e., concentric and eccentric LVH) trough a meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies.

Design

The PubMed, OVID-MEDLINE, and Cochrane library databases were systematically analyzed to search full papers published from 1st January 2000 to 31st August 2019. Studies were detected by using the following terms: “obstructive sleep apnea”, “sleep disordered breathing”, “left ventricular mass”, “left ventricular geometry”, “left ventricular hypertrophy”, “echocardiography”.

Results

Meta-analysis included 1,760 patients with OSA and 1,284 non-OSA controls from 9 studies. The prevalence rates of concentric and eccentric LVH in the pooled OSA population were 24.0% (confidence interval [CI] 16.0–33.0%) and 16.0% (CI 12.0–23.0%), respectively. Meta-analysis of six studies comparing the prevalence of LVH subtypes in participants with OSA and controls showed that OSA was associated with an increased risk of both concentric (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, CI: 1.27–2.07, P < 0.0001) and eccentric (OR = 1.34, CI: 1.07–1.67, P < 0.009) LVH, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in the OSA setting concentric LVH is more frequent than eccentric LVH. From a practical perspective, in consideration of the particularly adverse prognostic significance of concentric LVH, a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation targeting LVH subtypes could improve cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with OSA.
Genet assignment and population structure analysis in a clonal forest-floor herb, Cardamine leucantha, using RAD-seq
Authors: Tsujimoto Michiaki , Araki Kiwako S , Honjo Mie N , Yasugi Masaki , Nagano Atsushi J , Akama Satoru , Hatakeyama Masaomi , Shimizu-Inatsugi Rie , Sese Jun , Shimizu Kentaro K , Kudoh Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

To study the genetic structure of clonal plant populations, genotyping and genet detection using genetic markers are necessary to assign ramets to corresponding genets. Assignment is difficult as it involves setting a robust threshold of genetic distance for genet distinction as neighbouring genets in a plant population are often genetically related. Here, we used restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) for a rhizomatous clonal herb, Cardamine leucantha [Brassicaceae] to accurately determine genet structure in a natural population. We determined a draft genome sequence of this species for the first time, which resulted in 66 617 scaffolds with N50 = 6086 bp and an estimated genome size of approximately 253 Mbp. Using genetic distances based on the RAD-seq analysis, we successfully distinguished ramets that belonged to distinct genets even from a half-sib family. We applied these methods to 372 samples of C. leucantha collected at 1-m interval grids within a 20 × 20 m plot in a natural population in Hokkaido, Japan. From these samples, we identified 61 genets with high inequality in terms of genet size and patchy distribution. Spatial autocorrelation analyses indicated significant aggregation within 7 and 4 m at ramet and genet levels, respectively. An analysis of parallel DNA microsatellite loci (simple sequence repeats) suggested that RAD-seq can provide data that allows robust genet assignment. It remains unclear whether the large genets identified here became dominant stochastically or deterministically. Precise identification of genets will assist further study and characterization of dominant genets.
Digital Street Culture Decoded: Why criminalizing drill music is Street Illiterate and Counterproductive
Authors: Ilan Jonathan
Published: December 2019

Authorities in the United Kingdom censure ‘drill rap’, the artistic expression of disadvantaged urban youth, citing its connections to serious violence. This is shown to be based on a thin, ‘street-illiterate’ understanding of the genre that ultimately rests on stereotypes of young black men as violent ‘gang’ members. In place of this misreading, a street-literate interpretation of drill is offered from a deep and nuanced analysis of YouTube videos and below the line discussions. It is demonstrated that it is inaccurate and unhelpful to view drill videos as evidence of violent crime or as attempts to glorify or precipitate it. Instead, the stylized videos and violent lyricism are shown to be forms of artistic performance that reveal an ambiguous relationship to criminality. Marginalizing the excluded further, video removals and restrictions on performance are shown to be counterproductive from a crime-reduction perspective. New developments in technology and culture can take shape around existing patterns of criminalization.
Is Piperacillin-Tazobactam Effective for the Treatment of Pyelonephritis Caused by Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Organisms?
Authors: Sharara Sima L , Amoah Joe , Pana Zoi D , Simner Patricia J , Cosgrove Sara E , Tamma Pranita D
Published: December 2019

Background

Limited data exist regarding the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) for the management of nonbacteremic pyelonephritis caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter observational study comparing clinical outcomes of adults hospitalized with ESBL-producing pyelonephritis who were receiving TZP versus carbapenems, using an inverse probability of treatment weighted propensity score analysis. Patients were eligible for inclusion if all of the following criteria were met: (1) urine cultures growing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, or Proteus mirabilis at ≥50 000 colony-forming units/mL; (2) identification of an ESBL gene; (3) pyuria (≥10 white blood cells per high powered field in the urine); and (4) dysuria and fever plus at least 1 of the following symptoms: emesis, rigors, hypotension, or flank pain.

Results

There were 186 patients included in the propensity score–weighted cohort; 45 (24%) received TZP and 141 (76%) received a carbapenem. Of these 186 patients, 27% were admitted to the intensive care unit, 48% were immunocompromised, and 45% had underlying urologic abnormalities. There were no differences between the 2 groups in the proportion of patients (20% vs 25%) with recurrent cystitis or pyelonephritis with the same ESBL-producing organism within 30 days (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, .31–1.81; P = .52). There were no differences in the resolution of clinical symptoms by Day 7 or in 30-day mortality. There was 1 (2%) patient in the TZP arm and 11 (8%) patients in the carbapenem arm who had incident carbapenem-resistant organisms isolated within 30 days (P = .09).

Conclusions

TZP may be a reasonable alternative to carbapenems for the management of ESBL-producing pyelonephritis and may mitigate the risk of emergence of carbapenem-resistant organisms, compared with carbapenem therapy.
Musical diplomacy in a divided city: the Lassus-Mayrhofer manuscripts
Authors: Eichner Barbara
Published: December 2019

Gifts of music manuscripts continued to serve an important diplomatic function well into the 16th century. This article investigates the production, content and function of two choirbooks prepared by the Benedictine monk Ambrosius Mayrhofer of St Emmeram in Regensburg, which mainly contain sacred music by Orlande de Lassus. They were dedicated to Abbot Jakob Köplin of St Ulrich and Afra in Augsburg (1568) and the city council of Regensburg (1567) respectively. The programmatic opening motet and accompanying illuminations of the Regensburg choirbook suggest that it functioned as a politically motivated gift that helped to ‘harmonize’ the frictions within a city divided by ancient rights and new religious allegiances: Regensburg was a free imperial city with a predominantly Protestant population and council, but also harboured an episcopal see and several nunneries and monasteries (among them St Emmeram), with the Catholic Dukes of Bavaria as close and powerful neighbours. Mayrhofer’s music manuscript projects a conciliatory message that was particularly timely in the late 1560s, when the permission of Eucharistic communion under both kinds (with consecrated bread and wine) offered a short-lived hope of religious compromise.
Can melodies be signs? Contrafacture and representation in two trouvère songs
Authors: Quinlan Meghan
Published: December 2019

The trouvère repertory contains over a hundred groups of contrafacta with a variety of parodic, satirical and devotional functions. This article discusses how certain cases of contrafacture can reshape the ways in which we imagine text–music relations. Through two cases—a serventois protesting the policies of King Louis IX of France, modelled on a song by Blondel de Nesle, and a contrafact of a song by the Chastelain de Coucy that comments on its own contrafaction—I argue not only for a medieval interest in melody’s representative potential, but also that this kind of representation was generated in a process similar to that of language—through repeated use in various contexts. Drawing briefly on semiotics, I suggest that these two melodies become ‘signs’ in that they represent or stand in for something else.
Rotavirus vaccination impact, Ireland, implications for vaccine confidence and screening
Authors: Burns Heather E , Collins Abigail M , Fallon Una B , Marsden Paul V , Ni Shuilleabhain Caitlin M
Published: December 2019

Background

Rotavirus vaccine efficacy is well established. However, it is important to consistently demonstrate the positive impact of vaccination programmes in order to optimize uptake rates and combat vaccine hesitancy.

Methods

Routine data were used to examine rotavirus vaccine effectiveness in Ireland, including changes in age-specific crude incidence rates (CIRs), hospitalizations and hospital length of stay. National intussusception incidence was interrogated. Vaccination status of vaccine-eligible cases of rotavirus infection was determined.

Results

Nationally, a reduction in the CIR of rotavirus infection of 77.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 57.8–88.5%, P<0.001] was observed post-inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine in the primary immunization schedule. A decrease in hospitalizations of 85.5% (95% CI 79.3–90.2%, P<0.001), 86.5% (95% CI 82.9–89.4%, P<0.001) and 78.5% (95% CI 74.7–81.9%, P<0.001) was observed in children aged <1, <2 and <5 years, respectively. Most hospitalizations occurred in infants too young to have been vaccinated. There was no significant difference in median length of stay for children hospitalized with rotavirus infection. Decreased CIRs and hospitalization rates in unvaccinated children aged between 2 and 5 years suggest community immunity. Vaccine non-protection was 0.13%. No increase in the national CIR of intussusception was observed.

Conclusions

Inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine in the Irish primary immunization schedule has resulted in a significant reduction in the burden of rotavirus infection. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern. With new vaccination programmes, risk of vaccine harms should be considered and mitigated in order to protect individuals and the integrity of the programme.
Experimental evaluations on the outdoor air-based methods for water saving and plume abatement of cooling tower
Authors: Lee Beomjoon , Roh Chul Woo , Choi Bong Soo , Wang Eunseok , Ra Ho-Sang , Cho Junhyun , Cho Jongjae , Shin Hyungki , Choi Jong Won , Lee Gilbong
Published: December 2019

Cooling towers are widely used not only for commercial and industrial purposes but also for cooling power plant. In Korea, coal-fired power plants and nuclear power plants are generally located on the coast, while most combined-power plants are located inland and use cooling towers to condense steam. The operation rate of power plants in Korea highly depends on government energy policies. In the future, it is expected that the need for cooling tower water for inland power plant will increase. Since power plant is one of the massive water-consuming facilities, methods for water saving of cooling tower should be prepared. Also, in the industrial sector, plume is constantly raising social conflicts between residents and manufactures. Basically, similar technologies can be applied to water saving and plume abatement. In this study, the performance of the condensing module (outdoor-air-condensing method) using outside air was tested first. This module has an advantage in that cooling heat source is not necessary. But an excessive increase of fan air volume is required. We tested a membrane-dehumidification method that selectively transfers water vapor by applying a membrane module. The results showed that membrane module required a large amount of energy to generate vapor pressure difference and it had a disadvantage in energy usage. Since the membrane method considered requires a high bypass airflow for higher dehumidification, it also has a disadvantage similar to that of the outdoor air module. Finally, the dehumidification/regeneration module (heat-pump method) gave the best performance in terms of water saving and plume abatement.
A Novel CO2-Based Insect Sampling Device and Associated Field Method Evaluated in a Strawberry Agroecosystem
Authors: Bick Emily , Dryden Daniel M , Nguyen Hoang Danh , Kim Heather
Published: December 2019

There is high demand for accurate insect sampling methods to inform integrated pest management strategies. Despite widespread application, existing sampling methods, such as portable aspirating and sweep netting, can result in overrepresentation of prominent pests, underrepresentation of natural enemies, and damage to plants. In this study, we test a novel device for insect sampling via anesthetization. Specifically, we test the effect of CO2 (application pressure and duration of exposure) on Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) anesthetization in the laboratory and on insect community density in a strawberry agroecosystem. Carbon dioxide application proves an effective means of anesthetization compared to negative controls, and an increase in net CO2 exposure results in a decrease in time until L. hesperus anesthetization. Field results indicate the CO2 method collects more parasitoids and thrips than a portable aspirator, and at the 50 PSI application pressure and 15-s exposure, the CO2 method results in a comparable number of pests collected as the research standard, a portable aspirator with 8-s aspiration time. Benefits of the CO2 method include minimal plant damage, highly explicit spatial and temporal data, and scalability.
Ultrasonic wave propagation characteristics for typical anisotropic failure modes of shale under uniaxial compression and real-time ultrasonic experiments
Authors: Li Yingjie , Wang Bingqian , Song Lihong , Liu Jie , Zuo Jianping , Liu Dejun
Published: December 2019

Uniaxial loading and real-time ultrasonic experiments on shales were conducted to study the progressive failure of shale and the ultrasonic propagation characteristics during loading. The results show that the variations in P-wave and S-wave velocities with stress correspond to the crack damage process for the typical anisotropic failure of shale, and that the S-wave amplitude is sensitive to the damage that arises in shale during loading. If the bedding participates relatively simply in the failure (0° and 60° inclinations), the spectrum and the main frequency shape are simple and remain basically unchanged during loading. In the cases where the failure mode is complicated by the participation of the bedding and the matrix (30° and 90° inclinations), the spectrum and the main frequency shape are complex and change dynamically with loading. These results indicate that ultrasonic dynamic parameters reflect the differences in the failure of shale.
The partial banana mapping: a robust linear method for impact probability estimation
Authors: Vavilov Dmitrii E
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a robust linear method for impact probability estimation of near-Earth asteroids with the Earth. This method is a significantly modified and improved method, which uses a special curvilinear coordinate system associated with the nominal orbit of an asteroid. One of the coordinates of this system is the mean anomaly in the osculating orbit of an asteroid. A normal distribution of errors of coordinates and velocities of this system is assumed. Because of the usage of the curvilinear coordinate system, the fact that the confidence region is curved and stretched mainly along the nominal asteroid orbit is taken into account. On the main axis of the curvilinear confidence ellipsoid the virtual asteroid, which is the closest to the Earth, is found. The part of the curvilinear confidence ellipsoid, around the found virtual asteroid, is obtained and mapped on to its target plane. The impact probability is calculated as the probability of the asteroid being in the region of the found virtual asteroid multiplied by the probability of a collision of the found virtual asteroid with the Earth. This approach is shown to give more accurate and trustworthy results than the target plane method.
Probabilities of Unranked and Ranked Anomaly Zones under Birth–Death Models
Authors: Kim Anastasiia , Rosenberg Noah A , Degnan James H
Published: December 2019

A labeled gene tree topology that is more probable than the labeled gene tree topology matching a species tree is called “anomalous.” Species trees that can generate such anomalous gene trees are said to be in the “anomaly zone.” Here, probabilities of “unranked” and “ranked” gene tree topologies under the multispecies coalescent are considered. A ranked tree depicts not only the topological relationship among gene lineages, as an unranked tree does, but also the sequence in which the lineages coalesce. In this article, we study how the parameters of a species tree simulated under a constant-rate birth–death process can affect the probability that the species tree lies in the anomaly zone. We find that with more than five taxa, it is possible for species trees to have both anomalous unranked and ranked gene trees. The probability of being in either type of anomaly zone increases with more taxa. The probability of anomalous gene trees also increases with higher speciation rates. We observe that the probabilities of unranked anomaly zones are higher and grow much faster than those of ranked anomaly zones as the speciation rate increases. Our simulation shows that the most probable ranked gene tree is likely to have the same unranked topology as the species tree. We design the software PRANC, which computes probabilities of ranked gene tree topologies given a species tree under the coalescent model.
Evolution and distribution of medullary bone: evidence from a new Early Cretaceous enantiornithine bird
Authors: Wang Min , O’Connor Jingmai K , Bailleul Alida M , Li Zhiheng
Published: December 2019

Living birds are unique among vertebrates in the formation of a female-specific bone tissue called medullary bone (MB) that is strictly associated with reproductive activity. MB is a rapidly mobilized source of calcium and phosphorus for the production of eggshell. Among living taxa, its skeletal distribution can be highly extensive such that it even exists in the ribs of some species. Due to its ephemeral nature, MB is rarely fossilized and so little is understood with regard to the origin of MB and its skeletal distribution in early taxa. Here we describe a new Early Cretaceous enantiornithine bird, Mirusavis parvus, gen. et. sp. nov., indicating that skeleton-wide distribution of MB appeared early in avian evolution. We suggest that this represents the plesiomorphic condition for the Aves and that the distribution of MB observed among extant neornithines is a product of increased pneumatization in this lineage and natural selection for more efficient distribution of MB.
The Biological Impact of Menthol on Tobacco Dependence
Authors: Wickham Robert J
Published: December 2019

In the 1920s, tobacco companies created a marketing campaign for what would one day be their most profitable series of products: mentholated tobacco cigarettes. Menthol provides the smoker with a pleasant mint flavor in addition to a cooling sensation of the mouth, throat, and lungs, giving relief from the painful irritation caused by tobacco smoke. Promising a healthier cigarette using pictures of doctors in white coats and even cartoon penguins, tobacco companies promoted these cigarettes to young, beginner smokers and those with respiratory health concerns. Today, smoking tobacco cigarettes causes one in five US Americans to die prematurely, crowning it as the leading cause of preventable death. In contrast to the dubious health claims by tobacco companies, mentholated cigarettes are in fact more addictive. Smokers of mentholated cigarettes have lower successful quit rates and in some cases are resistant to both behavioral and pharmacological treatment strategies. There is now considerable evidence, especially in the last 5 years, that suggest menthol might influence the addictive potential of nicotine-containing tobacco products via biological mechanisms. First, menthol alters the expression, stoichiometry, and function of nicotinic receptors. Second, menthol’s chemosensory properties operate to mask aversive properties of using tobacco products. Third, menthol’s chemosensory properties aid in serving as a conditioned cue that can both enhance nicotine intake and drive relapse. Fourth, menthol alters nicotine metabolism, increasing its bioavailability. This review discusses emerging evidence for these mechanisms, with an emphasis on preclinical findings that may shed light on why menthol smokers exhibit greater dependence.

Implications

Mentholated cigarettes have been shown to have greater addictive potential than their nonmentholated counterparts. Evidence is pointing toward multiple mechanisms of action by which menthol may alter tobacco dependence. Understanding menthol’s biological functions as it pertains to nicotine dependence will be helpful in crafting novel pharmacotherapies that might better serve menthol smokers. In addition, a better understanding of menthol’s pharmacology as it relates to tobacco dependence will be valuable for informing policy decisions on the regulation of mentholated cigarettes.
Clinical Implications of the CMV-Specific T-Cell Response and Local or Systemic CMV Viral Replication in Patients With Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Jung Kyung Hwa , Kim Jihun , Lee Ho-Su , Choi Jene , Jang Se Jin , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Chong Yong Pil , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong-Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Yang Suk-Kyun , Kim Sung-Han
Published: December 2019

Background

The precise role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains disputed. We evaluated the association of CMV-specific host immune responses and systemic or local viral replication with responses to systemic steroids in patients with moderate to severe UC.

Methods

Patients who were hospitalized for moderate to severe UC between April 2015 and June 2016 were enrolled. At baseline, all enrolled patients underwent CMV-specific enzyme-linked immunospot assays, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of blood and colonic tissue for CMV viral load, histopathological testing for CMV in colonic tissue by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Clinical responses to steroid therapy based on the Oxford index were assessed on day 3.

Results

Of the 80 patients evaluated, 28 (35.0%) had poor responses to steroid therapy on day 3 of intensive treatment. The presence of inclusion bodies (32.1%) and high-grade (≥3) positivity on IHC (50.0%), as well as colonic (mean 1440.4 copies/mg) and blood (mean, 3692.6 copies/mL) CMV viral load, were higher in steroid-refractory UC patients than the control group (13.5%, 1.9%, mean 429.2 copies/mg, and mean 231.2 copies/mL, respectively; P = .046, .009, .017, and .002, respectively). However, CMV-specific T-cell responses were not associated with steroid-refractory UC. Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher Mayo score (odds ratio [OR], 2.00; P = .002) and higher blood CMV viral load via qPCR analysis (OR, 3.58; P = .044) were independent risk factors for steroid-refractory UC.

Conclusions

In patients with moderate to severe UC, higher Mayo score and blood CMV expression determined by qPCR are independently associated with steroid refractoriness.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number

NCT 02439372.
Computed Tomography Guidance for Percutaneous Glycerol Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Schmidt Bradley T , Pun Conrad D , Lake Wendell B , Resnick Daniel K
Published: December 2019

Background

Percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy (PGR) is a well-described treatment for trigeminal neuralgia; however, the technique in using surface landmarks and fluoroscopy has not drastically changed since being first introduced. In this paper, we describe a protocol for PGR using computed tomography (CT) guidance based on an experience of over 7 yr and 200 patients.

Objective

To introduce an approach for PGR using CT guidance and, in doing so, demonstrate possible benefits over the traditional fluoroscopic technique.

Methods

Using a standard CT scanner, patients are placed supine with head in extension. Barium paste and a CT scout image are used to identify and plan a trajectory to the foramen ovale. A laser localization system built into the CT scanner helps to guide placement of the spinal needle into the foramen ovale. The needle position in the foramen is confirmed with a short-sequence CT scan.

Results

CT-guided PGR provides multiple benefits over standard fluoroscopy, including improved visualization of the skull base and significant reduction in radiation exposure to the surgeon and staff. Side benefits include improved procedure efficiency, definitive imaging evidence of correct needle placement, and potentially increased patient safety. We have had no significant complications in over 200 patients.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided PGR is a useful technique for treating trigeminal neuralgia based on better imaging of the skull base, better efficiency of the procedure, and elimination of radiation exposure for the surgeon and staff compared to traditional fluoroscopic based techniques.
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Landmark and Ultrasound-Guided Glossopharyngeal Nerve in Eagle Syndrome
Authors: Sundaram Shanmuga , Punj Jyotsna
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The glossopharyngeal nerve lies posterior to the internal carotid artery at the submandibular region. The primary objective of this study was to compare ultrasound-guided glossopharyngeal nerve block (UGPNB) and landmark glossopharyngeal nerve block (GPNB).

Materials & Methods

Inclusion criteria were patients with unilateral Eagle syndrome and ear pain. Group UGPNB (N = 25) received three UGPNBs at weekly intervals with 1.5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine and 20 mg of methylprednisolone. Group GPNB (N = 26) received landmark GPNB. Pain intensity was evaluated with the numerical rating scale (NRS) before every block, 30 minutes after every block, and at one, three, and five weeks after the third block. Quality of life, assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and satisfaction scores were noted.

Results

NRS scores before the second and third blocks and a week after were significantly lower in group UGPNB and comparable at weeks 3 and 5. NRS scores 30 minutes after every block were significantly decreased from the preblock values but were comparable between groups. In 68% of patients, a curvilinear probe delineated the internal carotid artery (ICA). Out-of-plane needle trajectory was required in 64% of patients. BPI and satisfaction scores were significantly better in the UGPNB group in the “block” weeks.

Conclusions

UGPNB with 1.5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine and 20 mg of methylprednisolone injected posterior to the ICA in the submandibular region provides better pain relief for at least a week compared with an extraoral landmark technique when three weekly consecutive blocks are given. In most patients, a curvilinear probe and out-of-plane needle trajectory are most suitable for ultrasound block.
Shared unfolding pathways of unrelated immunoglobulin-like β-sandwich proteins
Authors: Toofanny Rudesh D , Calhoun Sara , Jonsson Amanda L , Daggett Valerie
Published: December 2019

The Dynameomics project contains native state and unfolding simulations of 807 protein domains, where each domain is representative of a different metafold; these metafolds encompass ~97% of protein fold space. There is a long-standing question in structural biology as to whether proteins in the same fold family share the same folding/unfolding characteristics. Using molecular dynamics simulations from the Dynameomics project, we conducted a detailed study of protein unfolding/folding pathways for 5 protein domains from the immunoglobulin (Ig)-like β-sandwich metafold (the highest ranked metafold in our database). The domains have sequence similarities ranging from 4 to 15% and are all from different SCOP superfamilies, yet they share the same overall Ig-like topology. Despite having very different amino acid sequences, the dominant unfolding pathway is very similar for the 5 proteins, and the secondary structures that are peripheral to the aligned, shared core domain add variability to the unfolding pathway. Aligned residues in the core domain display consensus structure in the transition state primarily through conservation of hydrophobic positions. Commonalities in the obligate folding nucleus indicate that insights into the major events in the folding/unfolding of other domains from this metafold may be obtainable from unfolding simulations of a few representative proteins.
Intensity of spinal inflammation is associated with radiological structural damage in patients with active axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Huang Jin Xian , Chung Ho Yin , Chui Eva Tze Fung , Lee Kam Ho , Chan Shirley Chiu Wai , Tsang Helen Hoi Lun , Ng Alexandra Hoi Yan
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim was to investigate the relationship between the intensity of spinal inflammation using the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and radiographic progression in axial SpA.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of participants with axial SpA and back pain. Clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters were collected. The ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS)-CRP was determined. Radiographic progression was represented by the modified Stoke ankylosing spondylitis spine score (mSASSS). MRI with short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences were performed simultaneously. Inflammatory lesions on STIR were used for the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI indexes and as references in outlining regions of interest in ADC maps to produce mean (ADCmean) and maximal (ADCmax) ADC values. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine independent associations between ADC and radiographic progression.

Results

The 84 participants with identifiable lesions on spinal ADC maps recruited were characterized by a mean (s.d.) age of 45.01 (13.68) years, long disease duration [13.40 (11.01) years] and moderate clinical disease activity [ASDAS-CRP 2.07 (0.83)]. Multivariate regression analysis using ADCmean as the independent variable showed that age (regression coefficient [B] = 0.34; P = 0.01), male sex (B = 0.25; P = 0.04) and ADCmean (B = 0.30; P = 0.01) were positively associated with mSASSS. Multivariate regression analysis using ADCmax as the independent variable showed a tendency for ADCmax to be associated with mSASSS (B = 0.21; P = 0.07).

Conclusion

The intensity of spinal inflammation as determined by ADC is associated with radiographic progression in participants with active axial SpA.
NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS: NATIONAL TELEMETRIC NETWORK FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN GREECE
Authors: Karastergios I , Gialofas A , Karabetsos E
Published: December 2019

At the end of 2015, the operation of the National Observatory of Electromagnetic Fields (established in 2012) has started. The National Observatory of Electromagnetic Fields is a network of 500 fixed (480 broadband and 20 frequency selective) and 13 mobile (vehicle mounted frequency selective) measurement stations throughout Greece that continuously monitor the electromagnetic field levels from all kinds of antenna stations in the frequency range 100kHz–7GHz. The results of this national monitoring network, which is operated and controlled by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE), are presented through an interactive web portal (https://paratiritirioemf.eeae.gr), in which data are constantly updated with the latest station measurements. This paper presents the operational aspects and the measurement results of the first 3 years of operation (2016–2018). The measurement results revealed that all values were well below the reference levels for general public exposure, as defined by the Greek legislation.
Sensorimotor Induction of Auditory Misattribution in Early Psychosis
Authors: Salomon Roy , Progin Pierre , Griffa Alessandra , Rognini Giulio , Do Kim Q , Conus Philippe , Marchesotti Silvia , Bernasconi Fosco , Hagmann Patric , Serino Andrea , Blanke Olaf
Published: December 2019

Dysfunction of sensorimotor predictive processing is thought to underlie abnormalities in self-monitoring producing passivity symptoms in psychosis. Experimentally induced sensorimotor conflict can produce a failure in bodily self-monitoring (presence hallucination [PH]), yet it is unclear how this is related to auditory self-monitoring and psychosis symptoms. Here we show that the induction of sensorimotor conflict in early psychosis patients induces PH and impacts auditory-verbal self-monitoring. Participants manipulated a haptic robotic system inducing a bodily sensorimotor conflict. In experiment 1, the PH was measured. In experiment 2, an auditory-verbal self-monitoring task was performed during the conflict. Fifty-one participants (31 early psychosis patients, 20 matched controls) participated in the experiments. The PH was present in all participants. Psychosis patients with passivity experiences (PE+) had reduced accuracy in auditory-verbal self-other discrimination during sensorimotor stimulation, but only when sensorimotor stimulation involved a spatiotemporal conflict (F(2, 44) = 6.68, P = .002). These results show a strong link between robotically controlled alterations in sensorimotor processing and auditory misattribution in psychosis and provide evidence for the role of sensorimotor processes in altered self-monitoring in psychosis.
Connectomic Underpinnings of Working Memory Deficits in Schizophrenia: Evidence From a replication fMRI study
Authors: Yang Jie , Pu Weidan , Wu Guowei , Chen Eric , Lee Edwin , Liu Zhening , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: December 2019

Background

Working memory (WM) deficit is a key feature of schizophrenia that relates to a generalized neural inefficiency of extensive brain areas. To date, it remains unknown how these distributed regions are systemically organized at the connectome level and how the disruption of such organization brings about the WM impairment seen in schizophrenia.

Methods

We used graph theory to examine the neural efficiency of the functional connectome in different granularity in 155 patients with schizophrenia and 96 healthy controls during a WM task. These analyses were repeated in another independent dataset (81 patients and 54 controls). Linear regression analysis was used to test associations of altered graph properties, clinical symptoms, and WM accuracy in patients. A machine-learning approach was adopted to study the ability of multivariate connectome features from one dataset to discriminate patients from controls in the second dataset.

Results

Small-worldness of the whole-brain connectome was significantly increased in schizophrenia during the WM task; this increase is related to better (though subpar) WM accuracy in patients with more severe negative symptom burden. There was a shift in the degree distribution to a more homogeneous form in patients. The machine-learning approach classified a new set of patients from controls with 84.3% true-positivity rate for schizophrenia and 71.6% overall accuracy.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a putative mechanistic link between connectome topology, hub redistribution, and impaired n-back performance in schizophrenia. The task-dependent modulation of the connectome relates to, but remains inefficient in, improving the performance above par in the presence of severe negative symptoms.
Banking crises and the modern tax state
Authors: Limberg Julian
Published: December 2019

Have banking crises boosted path-breaking fiscal innovations? Drawing on the literature that deals with the impact of warfare on fiscal capacity, I argue that banking crises have facilitated the rise of progressive tax instruments by causing revenue needs and demands for fiscal fairness. I test this argument by means of event history analyses and new worldwide data on the introduction of the two main pillars of the modern tax state: the personal income tax (PIT) and the general sales tax (GST). Furthermore, I examine the adoption of PIT in the USA and Argentina. The findings stress the importance of financial and economic crises for fiscal institutions and call for a closer investigation of how non-bellicist shocks have shaped the modern state.
State Abortion Restrictions and the New Supreme Court: Women's Access to Reproductive Health Services
Authors: Reingold Rebecca B. , Gostin Lawrence O.
Published: December 2019

(Abstracted from JAMA 2019;322(1):21–22)

The US Supreme Court's landmark 1973 ruling in Roe v Wade established a privacy right to choose abortion. However, in more recent years, many judicial cases have emerged as blatant challenges to this ruling.