bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of geometric model simplifications on wave propagation—application to ground motion simulation in the lower Var valley basin (France)
Authors: Anquez Pierre , Glinsky Nathalie , Cupillard Paul , Caumon Guillaume
Published: October 2021

The numerical simulation of seismic wave propagation in realistic heterogeneous media, as sedimentary basins, is a key element of seismic hazard estimation. Many numerical methods in two dimensions are based on unstructured triangular meshes and explicit time schemes. However, the presence of thin layers and tangential stratigraphic contacts in sedimentary basins entails poorly shaped mesh elements: some triangle heights are extremely small compared to the edge lengths, which requires small time steps in the simulations and thus leads to prohibitive computation times. We compare manual and automatic geological model simplification techniques to modify problematic areas of the domain, so as to improve the quality of the triangulated mesh. We modify the shape and the connectivity between rock units in the basin, with the objective to reduce the computation time without significantly changing the physical response of the geological medium. These simplification techniques are applied in an investigation of site effects in the lower Var valley, a densely urbanized area located near the city of Nice (southeast of France). Numerical simulations of plane wave propagation in a heterogeneous 2-D profile are carried out with a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method. Five simplified meshes are generated and the impacts of the simplifications are analysed in comparison to the reference model. We compare the time solutions and the transfer functions obtained on the surface of the basin. The results show that the simplification procedures, in particular automatic modifications of the model, yield a significant performance gain, with a ratio higher than 55, while having a negligible impact on the ground motion response.
An analysis of core–mantle boundary Stoneley mode sensitivity and sources of uncertainty
Authors: Robson Alexander , Lau Harriet C P , Koelemeijer Paula , Romanowicz Barbara
Published: October 2021

Stoneley modes are a special subset of normal modes whose energy is confined along the core–mantle boundary (CMB). As such, they offer a unique glimpse into Earth structure at the base of the mantle. They are often observed through coupling with mantle modes due to rotation, ellipticity and lateral heterogeneity, though they can be detected without such coupling. In this study, we explore the relative sensitivities of seismic spectra of two low-frequency Stoneley modes to several factors, taking as reference the fully coupled computation up to 3 mHz in model S20RTS. The factors considered are (i) theoretical, by exploring the extent to which various coupling approximations can accurately reproduce reference spectra and (ii) model-based, by exploring how various Earth parameters such as CMB topography, attenuation and S- and P-wave structures, and the seismic source solution may influence the spectra. We find that mode-pair coupling is insufficiently accurate, but coupling modes within a range of ±0.1 mHz produces acceptable spectra, compared to full coupling. This has important implications for splitting function measurements, which are computed under the assumption of isolated modes or at best, mode-pair or group coupling. We find that uncertainties in the P-wave velocity mantle model dominate compared to other model parameters. In addition, we also test several hypothetical models of mantle density structure against real data. These tests indicate that, with the low-frequency Stoneley mode spectral data considered here, it is difficult to make any firm statement on whether the large-low-shear-velocity-provinces are denser or lighter than their surroundings. We conclude that better constraints on long wavelength elastic mantle structure, particularly P-wave velocity, need to be obtained, before making further statements on deep mantle density heterogeneity. In particular, a dense anomaly confined to a thin layer at the base of the mantle (less than ∼100–200 km) may not be resolvable using the two Stoneley modes tested here, while the ability of higher frequency Stoneley modes to resolve it requires further investigations.
Boyden’s triad: the past, present and future
Authors: Zhang Min , Mao Ning , Wu Qingchen , Tie Hongtao , Ge Mingjian
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

The B3 downwards-shifting malformation was first proposed by Boyden in 1950. Here, we report 14 cases of this malformation in the right lung and the first case of segmentectomy for this malformation.

METHODS

All patients with pulmonary lesions underwent three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) between January 2019 and January 2020, prior to surgery. A consecutive 2356 patients were included, and 14 cases of this malformation were identified; bronchovascular patterns were analysed in each patient.

RESULTS

The incidence of this malformation was 0.6%. It was further divided into 3 types: over downwards-shift, partial downwards-shift and normal downwards-shift. The normal downwards-shift type was the most common (8/14), where B3 shifted downwards completely to merge with B4 + 5. In the partial downwards-shift (5/14), only part of the B3 shifted. In the over downwards-shift type (1/14), both B3 and B1b shifted downwards. A bifurcated right upper lobe （RUL) bronchus (B1 defective) was observed in 3 cases. The incidence of V1a, V1b, V2a, V2b, V2c, V3a, V3b and V3c was 100% (14/14). The incidence rates of A1, A3a and A3b were 100% (14/14). The incidence of A2 rec and A2 asc was 92.9% (13/14) and 71.4% (10/14), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The B3 downwards-shifting malformation or ‘Boyden’s triad’ is a rare anomaly. Anatomical exploration of this malformation is important for surgery.
Behavioural Compliance Theory
Authors: Peat Daniel , Fikfak Veronika , van der Zee Eva
Published: October 2021

Following in the wake of its social science siblings, international law scholarship is experiencing a ‘behavioural turn’. One particularly fruitful area in which to explore the utility of behavioural insights is compliance. The contributions to the present symposium represent some of the first efforts to explore how psychological influences may shape the compliance decision-making process and to study the theoretical and practical advantages offered by pursuing a behavioural analysis of compliance. This essay addresses several cross-cutting issues of importance. First, it outlines the epistemological stance that is implicit in behavioural approaches to compliance. It draws a parallel with economic theory, suggesting that the persistent dominance of rational choice theory in that field belies a teleological difference between international law and economics. The essay then turns to suggest how psychological influences both interact with and build on the material and normative considerations that are posited in existing theories to determine actors’ compliance-related behaviour. It continues to address the limitations of adopting a behavioural approach to compliance, from both a methodological and normative point of view. The final section provides a brief introduction to the pieces included in this symposium and outlines avenues for future research.
prose: a python framework for modular astronomical images processing
Authors: Garcia Lionel J , Timmermans Mathilde , Pozuelos Francisco J , Ducrot Elsa , Gillon Michaël , Delrez Laetitia , Wells Robert D , Jehin Emmanuël
Published: October 2021

To reduce and analyse astronomical images, astronomers can rely on a wide range of libraries providing low-level implementations of legacy algorithms. However, combining these routines into robust and functional pipelines requires a major effort that often ends up in instrument-specific and poorly maintainable tools, yielding products that suffer from a low level of reproducibility and portability. In this context, we present prose, a python framework to build modular and maintainable image processing pipelines. Built for astronomy, it is instrument-agnostic and allows the construction of pipelines using a wide range of building blocks, pre-implemented or user-defined. With this architecture, our package provides basic tools to deal with common tasks, such as automatic reduction and photometric extraction. To demonstrate its potential, we use its default photometric pipeline to process 26 TESS candidates follow-up observations and compare their products to the ones obtained with AstroImageJ, the reference software for such endeavours. We show that prose produces light curves with lower white and red noise while requiring less user interactions and offering richer functionalities for reporting.
Regulation of star formation by large-scale gravitoturbulence
Authors: Nusser Adi , Silk Joseph
Published: October 2021

A simple model for star formation based on supernova (SN) feedback and gravitational heating via the collapse of perturbations in gravitationally unstable discs reproduces the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation between the star formation rate (SFR) per unit area, ΣSFR, and the gas surface density, Σg, remarkably well. The gas velocity dispersion, σg, is derived self-consistently in conjunction with ΣSFR and is found to match the observations. Gravitational instability triggers ‘gravitoturbulence’ at the scale of the least stable perturbation mode, boosting σg at $\Sigma _{g}\gtrsim \, \Sigma _{g}^\textrm {thr}=50\, {\rm M}_\odot \, {\rm pc}^{-2}$, and contributing to the pressure needed to carry the disc weight vertically. ΣSFR is reduced to the observed level at $\Sigma _{g}\gtrsim \, \Sigma _{g}^\textrm {thr}$, whereas at lower surface densities, SN feedback is the prevailing energy source. Our proposed star formation recipes require efficiencies of the order of 1 per cent, and the Toomre parameter, Q, for the joint gaseous and stellar disc is predicted to be close to the critical value for marginal stability for $\Sigma _{g}\lesssim \, \Sigma _{g}^\textrm {thr}$, spreading to lower values and larger gas velocity dispersion at higher Σg.
SatGen – II. Assessing the impact of a disc potential on subhalo populations
Authors: Green Sheridan B , van den Bosch Frank C , Jiang Fangzhou
Published: October 2021

The demographics of dark matter substructure depend sensitively on the nature of dark matter. Optimally leveraging this probe requires accurate theoretical predictions regarding the abundance of subhaloes. These predictions are hampered by artificial disruption in numerical simulations, by large halo-to-halo variance, and by the fact that the results depend on the baryonic physics of galaxy formation. In particular, numerical simulations have shown that the formation of a central disc can drastically reduce the abundance of substructure compared to a dark matter-only simulation, which has been attributed to enhanced destruction of substructure due to disc shocking. We examine the impact of discs on substructure using the semi-analytical subhalo model SatGen, which accurately models the tidal evolution of substructure free of the numerical disruption that still hampers N-body simulations. Using a sample of 10 000 merger trees of Milky Way-like haloes, we study the demographics of subhaloes that are evolved under a range of composite halo–disc potentials with unprecedented statistical power. We find that the overall subhalo abundance is relatively insensitive to properties of the disc aside from its total mass. For a disc that contains 5 per cent of Mvir, the mean subhalo abundance within rvir is suppressed by ${\lesssim }10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ relative to the no-disc case, a difference that is dwarfed by halo-to-halo variance. For the same disc mass, the abundance of subhaloes within 50 kpc is reduced by ${\sim }30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We argue that the disc mainly drives excess mass-loss for subhaloes with small pericentric radii and that the impact of disc shocking is negligible.
The density distributions of cosmic structures: impact of the local environment on weak-lensing convergence
Authors: Ema Sonia Akter , Hossen Md Rasel , Bolejko Krzysztof , Lewis Geraint F
Published: October 2021

Whilst the underlying assumption of the Friedman-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmological model is that matter is homogeneously distributed throughout the universe, gravitational influences over the life of the universe have resulted in mass clustered on a range of scales. Hence we expect that, in our inhomogeneous Universe, the view of an observer will be influenced by the location and local environment. Here, we analyse the one-point probability distribution functions and angular power spectra of weak-lensing (WL) convergence and magnification numerically to investigate the influence of our local environment on WL statistics in relativistic N-body simulations. To achieve this, we numerically solve the null geodesic equations which describe the propagation of light bundles backwards in time from today, and develop a ray-tracing algorithm, and from these calculate various WL properties. Our findings demonstrate how cosmological observations of large-scale structure through WL can be impacted by the locality of the observer. We also calculate the constraints on the cosmological parameters as a function of redshift from the theoretical and numerical study of the angular power spectrum of WL convergence. This study concludes the minimal redshift for the constraint on the parameter Ωm (H0) is $z$ ∼ 0.2 ($z$ ∼ 0.6) beyond which the local environment’s effect is negligible and the data from WL surveys are more meaningful above that redshift. The outcomes of this study will have direct consequences for future surveys, where per cent-level-precision is necessary.
Accurate expression quantification from nanopore direct RNA sequencing with NanoCount
Authors: Gleeson Josie , Leger Adrien , Prawer Yair D J , Lane Tracy A , Harrison Paul J , Haerty Wilfried , Clark Michael B
Published: October 2021

Accurately quantifying gene and isoform expression changes is essential to understanding cell functions, differentiation and disease. Sequencing full-length native RNAs using long-read direct RNA sequencing (DRS) has the potential to overcome many limitations of short and long-read sequencing methods that require RNA fragmentation, cDNA synthesis or PCR. However, there are a lack of tools specifically designed for DRS and its ability to identify differential expression in complex organisms is poorly characterised. We developed NanoCount for fast, accurate transcript isoform quantification in DRS and demonstrate it outperforms similar methods. Using synthetic controls and human SH-SY5Y cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, we show that DRS accurately quantifies RNA expression and identifies differential expression of genes and isoforms. Differential expression of 231 genes, 333 isoforms, plus 27 isoform switches were detected between undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and samples clustered by differentiation state at the gene and isoform level. Genes upregulated in neuron-like cells were associated with neurogenesis. NanoCount quantification of thousands of novel isoforms discovered with DRS likewise enabled identification of their differential expression. Our results demonstrate enhanced DRS isoform quantification with NanoCount and establish the ability of DRS to identify biologically relevant differential expression of genes and isoforms.
MarkovHC: Markov hierarchical clustering for the topological structure of high-dimensional single-cell omics data with transition pathway and critical point detection
Authors: Wang Zhenyi , Zhong Yanjie , Ye Zhaofeng , Zeng Lang , Chen Yang , Shi Minglei , Yuan Zhiyuan , Zhou Qiming , Qian Minping , Zhang Michael Q
Published: October 2021

Clustering cells and depicting the lineage relationship among cell subpopulations are fundamental tasks in single-cell omics studies. However, existing analytical methods face challenges in stratifying cells, tracking cellular trajectories, and identifying critical points of cell transitions. To overcome these, we proposed a novel Markov hierarchical clustering algorithm (MarkovHC), a topological clustering method that leverages the metastability of exponentially perturbed Markov chains for systematically reconstructing the cellular landscape. Briefly, MarkovHC starts with local connectivity and density derived from the input and outputs a hierarchical structure for the data. We firstly benchmarked MarkovHC on five simulated datasets and ten public single-cell datasets with known labels. Then, we used MarkovHC to investigate the multi-level architectures and transition processes during human embryo preimplantation development and gastric cancer procession. MarkovHC found heterogeneous cell states and sub-cell types in lineage-specific progenitor cells and revealed the most possible transition paths and critical points in the cellular processes. These results demonstrated MarkovHC’s effectiveness in facilitating the stratification of cells, identification of cell populations, and characterization of cellular trajectories and critical points.
Efficient DNA interrogation of SpCas9 governed by its electrostatic interaction with DNA beyond the PAM and protospacer
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Ziting , Wang Fangzhu , Zhang Siqi , Chen Hongyu , Gu Xueying , Wen Fengcai , Jin Jiachuan , Zhang Xia , Huang Xingxu , Shen Bin , Sun Bo
Published: October 2021

Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9), a programmable RNA-guided DNA endonuclease, has been widely repurposed for biological and medical applications. Critical interactions between SpCas9 and DNA confer the high specificity of the enzyme in genome engineering. Here, we unveil that an essential SpCas9–DNA interaction located beyond the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) is realized through electrostatic forces between four positively charged lysines among SpCas9 residues 1151–1156 and the negatively charged DNA backbone. Modulating this interaction by substituting lysines with amino acids that have distinct charges revealed a strong dependence of DNA target binding and cleavage activities of SpCas9 on the charge. Moreover, the SpCas9 mutants show markedly distinguishable DNA interaction sites beyond the PAM compared with wild-type SpCas9. Functionally, this interaction governs DNA sampling and participates in protospacer DNA unwinding during DNA interrogation. Overall, a mechanistic and functional understanding of this vital interaction explains how SpCas9 carries out efficient DNA interrogation.
The Racial and Economic Foundations of Municipal Redistricting
Authors: Vargas Robert , Cano Christina , Del Toro Paola , Fenaughty Brian
Published: October 2021

How do local governments resist internal pressure for social change? This study explores this question by examining the role of redistricting. Using digitized ward maps from Chicago, Milwaukee, and St Louis from the 1800s to the present, this study applied mixed methods to systematically explore and understand the movement of districts over time. We discovered that local governments used redistricting for racially and economically motivated social control. Specifically, findings illuminated four practices aimed at regulating or resisting elected officials advocating for racial justice or equity: 1) suppressive redistricting, 2) disciplinary redistricting, 3) remunerative redistricting, and 4) transactional redistricting. These findings advance theories of racialized space and the racialized state by uncovering additional ways that governments regulate or suppress movements for racial equity or justice from within.
Factors Associated with the Development, Progression, and Outcome of Dupuytren Disease Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Geoghegan Luke , Man Julian , Jain Abhilash , Price Andrew , Gibbons Elizabeth , Jerosch-Herold Christina , Sidey-Gibbons Chris , Rodrigues Jeremy N.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The factors typically considered to be associated with Dupuytren disease have been described, such as those in the “Dupuytren diathesis.” However, the quality of studies describing them has not been appraised. This systematic review aimed to analyze the evidence for all factors investigated for potential association with the development, progression, outcome of treatment, or recurrence of Dupuytren disease.

Methods:

A systematic review of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases was conducted using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses–compliant methodology up to September of 2019. Articles were screened in duplicate. Prognostic studies were quality assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Study tool.

Results:

This study identified 2301 records; 51 met full inclusion criteria reporting data related to 54,491 patients with Dupuytren disease. In total, 46 candidate factors associated with the development of Dupuytren disease were identified. There was inconsistent evidence between the association of Dupuytren disease and the presence of “classic” diathesis factors. The quality of included studies varied, and the generalizability of studies was low. There was little evidence describing the factors associated with functional outcome.

Conclusions:

This systematic review challenges conventional notions of diathesis factors. Traditional diathesis factors are associated with disease development and recurrence, although they are not significantly associated with poor outcome following intervention based on the current evidence.
Successful Double DIEP Syngeneic Transplantation across Monozygotic Twins for Total Back Reconstruction
Authors: Selber Jesse C. , Kameni Lionel , Torres Keila , Mericli Alex , Chu Carrie , Schaverien Mark , Largo Rene , Butler Charles , Gaber Osama
Published: October 2021

Background:

A 56-year-old woman presented with an extensive sarcoma requiring nearly total back resection. She had limited donor sites for reconstruction because of a previous laparotomy, but presented with a significantly larger, identical twin. Cancer has traditionally been considered a contraindication for vascularized composite allotransplantation; however, immunosuppression is potentially avoidable between monozygotic twins.

Methods:

A preoperative genetic workup revealed 10/10 human leukocyte antigen homozygosity. Despite substantial phenotypic divergence in size and facial features, the sisters were genotypically identical. A two-stage, double deep inferior epigastric perforator transplant was planned for delayed reconstruction. At the first stage following the resection, an arteriovenous loop was performed to provide recipient vasculature to the back. At a second stage, the transplantation was performed. In addition, bilateral lumbar artery perforator flaps were created to reduce the length of the defect. Intraoperative steroid bolus and a short taper alone were used for immunosuppression.

Results:

The resection resulted in a 22 × 29-cm specimen down to the spine. After a 4-day interval for permanent pathologic evaluation, the transplant was successfully transferred between twins. Two arteries and six veins were anastomosed to establish perfusion. Postoperatively, there have been no episodes of rejection or flap compromise at last follow-up (>36 months).

Conclusions:

This case represents one of the few vascularized composite allotransplantations between monozygotic twins, and the only reported successful vascularized composite allotransplantation for a recurrent cancer diagnosis. Oncologic safety depended on 100 percent histocompatibility to avoid immunosuppression. Limited patient donor sites precluded total autologous coverage, and a substantial size discrepancy between the twins favored a transplant.
Novel Strategies for Evaluating and Improving Plastic Surgery Applicant Selection
Authors: Graziano Francis D. , Mavrommatis Maria , Shay Paul L. , Ingargiola Michael J. , Sanati-Mehrizy Paymon , Henderson Peter W. , Fang Frank , Taub Peter J.
Published: October 2021

Residency applicant evaluation and selection is a critical part of developing and maintaining a high-quality plastic surgery residency program. Currently, many programs rely on objective measures such as the United States Medical Licensing Exam scores, number of research publications, grade point average, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society status, or a combination of these objective metrics. However, there is a growing body of literature suggesting that the current means of residency applicant evaluation and selection may not be the best predictive factors of future resident success. The aim of this study was to identify nontraditional means of evaluating plastic surgery residency candidates and discuss how these means have been implemented at the authors’ institution. After reviewing industry hiring practices, the authors propose that standardized interviewing and personality testing can help evaluate some of the previously intangible parts of an applicant that may play a role in teamwork, commitment, and dedication to patient care.
HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins proteolytic cleavage protects infected cells from ADCC mediated by plasma from infected individuals
Authors: Prévost Jérémie , Medjahed Halima , Vézina Dani , Chen Hung-Ching , Hahn Beatrice H , Smith Amos B. , Finzi Andrés
Published: October 2021

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum as a trimeric gp160 precursor, which requires proteolytic cleavage by a cellular furin protease to mediate virus-cell fusion. Env is conformationally flexible, but controls its transition from the unbound “closed” conformation (State 1) to downstream CD4-bound conformations (States 2/3), which are required for fusion. In particular, HIV-1 has evolved several mechanisms that reduce the premature “opening” of Env which exposes highly conserved epitopes recognized by non-neutralizing antibodies (nnAbs) capable of mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Env cleavage decreases its conformational transitions favoring the adoption of the “closed” conformation. Here we altered the gp160 furin cleavage site to impair Env cleavage and to examine its impact on ADCC responses mediated by plasma from HIV-1-infected individuals. We found that infected primary CD4+ T cells expressing uncleaved, but not wildtype, Env are efficiently recognized by nnAbs and become highly susceptible to ADCC responses mediated by plasma from HIV-1-infected individuals. Thus, HIV-1 limits the exposure of uncleaved Env at the surface of HIV-1-infected cells at least in part to escape ADCC responses.
Predictor for local government social media use in Indonesia
Authors: Purbokusumo Yuyun , Santoso Anang Dwi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to test the impact of technological acceptance and trust toward e-government (TTEG), as well as perceived risk (PR) on the attitude toward using (AT) and the actual use (AU) of social media. This study also intends to examine the theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model by adding two variables, namely, TTEG and PR.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 125 social media officers (SMO) were asked to fill out the questionnaire. To analyze the data, the researcher used the partial least square method using WarpPLS 6.0.

Findings

The findings of this study indicated that perceived ease of use (PEOU) has a positive and significant impact on perceived usefulness (PU). In addition, while PEOU, PU and TTEG influence AT significantly and positively, this research found that PR has no impact on AT. Furthermore, the authors also confirmed the positive and significant influence on AT, TTEG and AU. Meanwhile, PR has a significant and negative effect on AU.

Research limitations/implications

This study first used non-probability sampling and as a consequence, that result could not be generalized. Another limitation is that this study used self-perceptual measures.

Practical implications

The study found that PR and TTEG are essential factors for increasing the use of social media by local government. Therefore, policymakers must create regional regulations to reduce risk and increase the trust of SMO. In addition, this study found that technology acceptance also had an effect on increasing activity on social media. For this reason, training in the use of social media is needed for SMO to increase the quality of content produced and citizen engagement.

Originality/value

Previous research has tried to look at the population’s characteristics, education levels, internet penetration and economic potential. Unfortunately, these studies did not highlight the capabilities of human resources, which in this case were the SMO.
A novel system-level modeling and design approach for high performance single-loop sigma-delta (∑Δ) modulators
Authors: Vamsee Krishna S. , Sudhakara Reddy P. , Chandra Mohan Reddy S.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper attempted a novel approach for system-level modeling and simulation of sigma-delta modulator for low-frequency CMOS integrated analog to digital interfaces. Comparative analysis of various architectures topologies, circuit implementation techniques are described with analytical procedure for effective selection of topologies for targeted specifications.

Design/methodology/approach

Virtual instruments are presented in labview environment to analyze the correlation of circuit-level non-ideal effects with key design parameters over sampling ratio, coarse quantizer bits and loop filter order. A fourth-order single-loop sigma-delta modulator is designed and verified in MATLAB simulink environment with careful selection of integrator weights to meet stable desired performance.

Findings

The proposed designed achieved SNDR of 122 dB and 20 bit resolution satisfying high-resolution requirements of low-frequency biomedical signal processing applications. Even though the simulation performed at behavioral level, the results obtained are considered as accurate, by including all non-ideal and non-linear circuit errors in simulation process.

Originality/value

Virtual instruments using labview environment used to analyze the correlation of circuit-level non-ideal effects with key design parameters over sampling ratio, coarse quantizer bits and loop filter order for accurate design.
“Pints or half‐pints”: Gender, functional democratization, and the consumption of drink in Ireland
Authors: Connolly John
Published: October 2021

This paper examines the relationship between the gender power balance, changes in the consumption of alcohol and changing social interdependences. The empirical setting is Ireland circa 1900 up to the present. Drawing from the works of Norbert Elias, I explain how a lessening of the power inequality between men and women was more moderate and limited up to the 1960s. The effect of this was that emancipatory changes around drinking were mainly confined to women from specific social cohorts. As the reduction in gender power inequality accelerated post 1960 it initially increased tensions between the genders, reflected in new power struggles over the social spaces in which drinking occurred and in the type of glass one should drink from. Despite the emergence of less unequal power relations, men continued to have a model setting function in relation to alcohol consumption. A central contention of the paper is the need to give greater consideration to the nature of social interdependences for they can generate a lessening of power inequalities for some social cohorts while failing to generate such a dynamic for other similar social groups.
Overall dynamic body acceleration measures activity differently on large versus small aquatic animals
Authors: Martín López Lucía Martina , Aguilar de Soto Natacha , Madsen Peter T. , Johnson Mark
Published: October 2021

Acceleration‐based proxies for activity and energy expenditure are widely used in bio‐logging studies of animal movement and locomotion to explore biomechanical strategies, energetic costs of behaviour, habitat use and the impact of anthropogenic disturbance. The foremost such proxy is overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) along with variants VeDBA and PDBA. This technique, which involves summing the magnitude of high‐pass‐filtered acceleration signals (the so‐called dynamic acceleration) over a reference interval, has been applied to animals as diverse as shags, lobsters, humans and whales. The relationship between ODBA and energy use has been tested empirically on animals small enough to house in laboratory facilities and arguments have been offered for why the method should be generally applicable; however, validations on larger animals are scant.

Here, we examine how body size impacts ODBA and its variants under steady locomotion in large aquatic animals, using cetaceans as model species. To do this, we first develop a simplified mathematical model for the acceleration signals that would be measured by a tag on a swimming animal. We then test this model with empirical data gathered using bio‐logging tags on whale species spanning 1.3 m harbour porpoises to 12‐m sperm whales.

We show that the motions measured by ODBA can be fundamentally different in small versus large aquatic animals. Whereas dynamic acceleration in small animals is predominantly due to specific acceleration (i.e. actual accelerative motions generated by muscle action), in larger aquatic animals, body rotations (i.e. cyclical angular displacements associated with swimming) can dominate the measured acceleration.

As body rotations do not necessarily increase in magnitude as swimming speed increases, ODBA may underestimate the relative cost of behaviours or responses to disturbance in large aquatic animals. This does not lessen the value of ODBA for small animals, but it raises a caution against uncritical use on larger animals. For large aquatic animals, activity proxies that specifically remove body rotations using gyroscopes or magnetometers may provide more consistent estimates of energy use although these methods are yet to be validated.
Stringent immigration enforcement and responses of the immigrant‐intensive sector: Evidence from E‐Verify adoption in Arizona
Authors: Luo Tianyuan , Kostandini Genti
Published: October 2021

This article examines the impact of the 2008 Legal Arizona Workers Act on farm wage, production mix, farm capital use, and agricultural innovation using the synthetic control method. The findings indicate that the law significantly reduced farm worker population in Arizona. Farm wage is not affected by the decreased supply of farm labor because farms in Arizona reduced labor‐intensive crop production. The agricultural sector does not increase the use of farm capital and experiences a decrease in profits. Moreover, this study finds no impact on agricultural patents and research funding in Arizona.
Joint modelling and simulation of M‐protein dynamics and progression‐free survival for alternative isatuximab dosing with pomalidomide/dexamethasone
Authors: Thai Hoai‐Thu , Gaudel Nadia , Cerou Marc , Ayral Geraldine , Fau Jean‐Baptiste , Sebastien Bernard , van de Velde Helgi , Semiond Dorothée , Veyrat‐Follet Christine
Published: October 2021

Aims

Addition of isatuximab (Isa) to pomalidomide/dexamethasone (Pd) significantly improved progression‐free survival (PFS) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We aimed to characterize the relationship between serum M‐protein kinetics and PFS in the phase 3 ICARIA‐MM trial (NCT02990338), and to evaluate an alternative dosing regimen of Isa by simulation.

Methods

Data from the ICARIA‐MM trial comparing Isa 10 mg/kg weekly for 4 weeks then every 2 weeks (QW‐Q2W) in combination with Pd versus Pd in 256 evaluable RRMM patients were used. A joint model of serum M‐protein dynamics and PFS was developed. Trial simulations were then performed to evaluate whether efficacy is maintained after switching to a monthly dosing regimen.

Results

The model identified instantaneous changes (slope) in serum M‐protein as the best on‐treatment predictor for PFS and baseline patient characteristics impacting serum M‐protein kinetics (albumin and β2‐microglobulin on baseline levels, non‐IgG type on growth rate) and PFS (presence of plasmacytomas). Trial simulations demonstrated that switching to a monthly Isa regimen at 6 months would shorten median PFS by 2.3 weeks and induce 42.3% patients to progress earlier.

Conclusions

Trial simulations supported selection of the approved Isa 10 mg/kg QW‐Q2W regimen and showed that switching to a monthly regimen after 6 months may reduce clinical benefit in the overall population. However, patients with good prognostic characteristics and with a stable, very good partial response may switch to a monthly regimen after 6 months without compromising the risk of disease progression. This hypothesis will be tested in a prospective clinical trial.
Transfer of chemicals to a secondary container, from the introduction of new labelling regulation to COVID‐19 lockdown: A retrospective analysis of exposure calls to the Poison Control Centre of Rome, Italy, 2017–2020
Authors: Milella Michele Stanislaw , Grassi Maria Caterina , Gasbarri Alessia , Mezzanotte Valeria , Pugliese Francesco , Vivino Gabriella
Published: October 2021

The transfer of a chemical product from its original container to an unlabelled secondary container by consumers is a potential health hazard that may result in unintentional exposures and intoxications. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of prevalence of exposures to transferred products in Italy from year 2017, when the new European labelling regulation for chemicals became fully operative, to 2020, year of the coronavirus 19 disease first outbreak. Calls to the Poison Control Centre (PCC) of Policlinico Umberto I Hospital ‐ Sapienza University of Rome were analysed retrospectively for characteristics, clinical presentation and circumstances related to the event. We registered 198 cases of interest. There was a reduction in cases from 2017 (4.9%) to 2019 (2.2%), followed by an increased prevalence in 2020 (4.2%) mainly due to the months “post‐lockdown.” The transferred product was very frequently diluted, and an empty drinking bottle was usually used as secondary container. Exposures were mostly of minor severity, and no deaths occurred. The study highlights the importance of PCCs data in the evaluation of the hazard communication to users through labels and advises for public campaigns to promote safe behaviours during future lockdowns to prevent exposures at a later period.
High PTX3 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Carreras Joaquim , Kikuti Yara Yukie , Hiraiwa Shinichiro , Miyaoka Masashi , Tomita Sakura , Ikoma Haruka , Ito Atsushi , Kondo Yusuke , Itoh Johbu , Roncador Giovanna , Martinez Antonio , Colomo Lluis , Hamoudi Rifat , Ando Kiyoshi , Nakamura Naoya
Published: October 2021

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with a poor prognosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). As macrophages are heterogeneous, the immune polarization and their pathological role warrant further study. We characterized the microenvironment of DLBCL by immunohistochemistry in a training set of 132 cases, which included 10 Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded small RNA (EBER)‐positive and five high‐grade B‐cell lymphomas, with gene expression profiling in a representative subset of 37 cases. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma had a differential infiltration of TAMs. The high infiltration of CD68 (pan‐macrophages), CD16 (M1‐like), CD163, pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and interleukin (IL)‐10‐positive macrophages (M2c‐like) and low infiltration of FOXP3‐positive regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) correlated with poor survival. Activated B cell‐like DLBCL was associated with high CD16, CD163, PTX3, and IL‐10, and EBER‐positive DLBCL with high CD163 and PTX3. Programmed cell death‐ligand 1 positively correlated with CD16, CD163, IL‐10, and RGS1. In a multivariate analysis of overall survival, PTX3 and International Prognostic Index were identified as the most relevant variables. The gene expression analysis showed upregulation of genes involved in innate and adaptive immune responses and macrophage and Toll‐like receptor pathways in high PTX3 cases. The prognostic relevance of PTX3 was confirmed in a validation set of 159 cases. Finally, in a series from Europe and North America (GSE10846, R‐CHOP‐like treatment, n = 233) high gene expression of PTX3 correlated with poor survival, and moderately with CSF1R, CD16, MITF, CD163, MYC, and RGS1. Therefore, the high infiltration of M2c‐like immune regulatory macrophages and low infiltration of FOXP3‐positive Tregs is associated with a poor prognosis in DLBCL, for which PTX3 is a new prognostic biomarker.
Chronic intermittent intravenous immunoglobulin in heart transplant recipients with elevated donor‐specific antibody levels
Authors: Yopes Margot , Fanek Tala , Fuselier Byron , Gaine Maureen , Jackson Ruslana , Mabasa Angelo , Kim Andrea , Jennings Douglas L , Clerkin Kevin , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Habal Marlena , Latif Farhana , Restaino Susan , Lee Sun Hi , Farr Maryjane , Colombo Paolo , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir
Published: October 2021

Donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) are associated with antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) and poor patient survival. In heart transplant, the efficacy of intermittent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in reducing de novo DSA levels and treating AMR has not been characterized. We retrospectively studied a cohort of 19 patients receiving intermittent IVIg for elevated DSA and examined changes in DSA levels and graft function. Intermittent IVIg infusions were generally safe and well tolerated. Overall, 23 of 62 total DSA (37%) were undetectable after treatment, 21 DSA (34%) had MFI decrease by more than 25%, and 18 (29%) had MFI decrease by less than 25% or increase. The average change in MFI was ‐51% ± 71% (P < .001). Despite reductions in DSA, among the six patients (32%) with biopsy‐confirmed AMR, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased in five (83%) and cardiac index (CI) decreased in three (50%). Conversely, LVEF increased in 91% and CI increased in 70% of biopsy‐negative patients. All six AMR patients were readmitted during treatment, four for confirmed or suspected rejection. IVIg infusions may stabilize the allograft in patients with elevated DSA and negative biopsies, but once AMR has developed does not appear to improve allograft function despite decreasing DSA levels.
Coastal communities, blue economy and the climate crisis: Framing just disruptions
Authors: Morrissey John
Published: October 2021

Current framing of the blue economy is problematic and deficient in a number of key aspects, specifically in terms of how resilience and justice are currently understood and applied in blue economy discourse. A more holistic and comprehensive understanding and framing of what a sustainable blue economy is, is required to avoid perpetuation of the ecological and social problems of conventional economic growth. New understandings of blue economy which place justice, resilience, and sustainability centrally are required if the blue economy concept is to retain credibility in the context of ongoing climate disruptions, socio‐economic challenges, and the progressive degradation of coastal ecosystems. The blue economy needs to represent a practical, real‐world solution to these issues for coastal communities striving for sustainability. While ideas of ‘just transition’ have been afforded considerable attention in the literature, here the argument is forwarded for a ‘just disruptions’ approach, underpinned by presentation of a novel framework. The ‘just disruptions’ framework posits that rights‐based and capabilities‐based approaches to justice, including principles of distributive and procedural justice, be applied to inform adaptive and resilience focused responses in coastal zones. Applying these principles in practice, the realities of space, place, scale, and power relations need to be acknowledged and more deliberately considered. Such a framing is urgently required to firmly ground debates on blue growth and blue economy in the imperatives of resilience, and social and ecological sustainability.
Group education on the low FODMAP diet improves gastrointestinal symptoms but neither anxiety or depression in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Chan Michele Mun Hei , Zarate‐Lopez Natalia , Martin Lee
Published: October 2021

Background

The low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet is an effective dietitian‐led treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). An increasing demand of IBS patient referrals has warranted group FODMAP education led by specialist dietitians. Psychological co‐morbidities are common in IBS, although how the low FODMAP diet influences psychological outcomes is not understood. The present study aimed to evaluate symptom related outcomes of the diet following group education and assess its effect on psychological profiles.

Methods

An observational, prospective study was conducted in 55 IBS patients who attended FODMAP Restriction and FODMAP Reintroduction group sessions. Data were collected at baseline and follow‐up after FODMAP Restriction and analysed using descriptive and McNemar's tests. Primary outcome was evaluated by IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS‐SSS). Secondary psychological outcomes included anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and risk of eating disorder questionnaire (SCOFF).

Results

After FODMAP Restriction, 27 of 55 (54%) patients reported clinically relevant symptom improvement, as defined by a reduction in the IBS‐SSS ≥50 points, whereas no differences were recorded in the proportion of patients identified with clinical anxiety (p = 1.000) or clinical depression (p = 0.375). Positively, no increased risk of an eating disorder was observed.

Conclusions

The present study provides data supporting the efficacy of the low FODMAP diet in IBS patients who attended dietitian led group education settings in tertiary care. Clinically significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms were observed, although with no impact on clinical levels of anxiety, depression or the risk of an eating disorder.
Multiannual trends of toxic and potentially toxic microalgae (Ostreopsis cf. ovata, Prorocentrum lima, and Coolia monotis) in Sfax coasts (North of Gabes Gulf, Tunisia)
Authors: Malika Moncer , Mounir Ben Brahim , Mabrouka Mahfoudhi , Lamia Dammak Walha , Malika Bel Hassen , Asma Hamza
Published: October 2021

During the last decades, microalgae communities have presented significant changes in their structure and taxa composition along the Mediterranean littoral shallow waters. Despite numerous studies conducted to characterize these changes at various levels, it has always been very difficult to disentangle the effects of physicochemical factors from the meteorological ones. The main purpose of this work was to evaluate possible changes, over a 17‐year scale (1997–2013), in diversity and abundance of three toxic and potentially toxic microalgae related to changes in environmental parameters on Sfax coasts, a pole of shellfish production in Tunisia. In this 17‐year span, a chronological series of data showed that a clear disparity from one year to another was observed in the abundance of studied species. The distribution of these species has been subjected to a seasonal cycle. The studied microalgae, especially Prorocentrum lima, seem to have significant relationships with many physicochemical and meteorological parameters.