bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting late ICaL to close the window to ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Gonano Luis A. , Mattiazzi Alicia
Published: October 2021

This commentary is on the paper by Angelini et al. Here, we set the original paper in the context of triggered arrhythmias, particularly early after depolarizations (EADs), emphasizing the importance of pharmacologically inhibiting late Ca2+ current to prevent EADs without affecting myocardial contractility.
Enhanced anomalous Nernst effects in ferromagnetic materials driven by Weyl nodes
Authors: Samathrakis Ilias , Long Teng , Zhang Zeying , Singh Harish K , Zhang Hongbin
Published: October 2021

Based on high-throughput (HTP) first-principles calculations, we evaluated the anomalous Hall and anomalous Nernst conductivities of 266 transition-metal-based ferromagnetic compounds. Detailed analysis based on the symmetries and Berry curvatures reveals that the origin of singular-like behavior of anomalous Hall/Nernst conductivities can be mostly attributed to the appearance of Weyl nodes or nodal lines located in the proximity of the Fermi energy, which can be further tailored by external stimuli such as biaxial strains and magnetic fields. Moreover, such calculations are enabled by the automated construction of Wannier functions with a success rate of 92%, which paves the way to perform accurate HTP evaluation of the physical properties such as the transport properties using the Wannier interpolation.
Protection and safety of a repeated dosage of KI for iodine thyroid blocking during pregnancy
Authors: Gaouaoui-Azouaou Hayat , L’Homme Bruno , Benadjaoud Mohamed Amine , Sache-Aloui Amandine , Granger Romain , Voyer Frederic , Lestaevel Philippe , Gruel Gaëtan , Caire-Maurisier François , Crambes Caroline , Dare-Doyen Stephanie , Benderitter Marc , Souidi Maâmar
Published: October 2021

In case of nuclear power plant accidents resulting in the release of radioactive iodine (131I) in large amounts, a single intake of stable iodine is recommended in order to prevent 131I fixation to the thyroid gland. However, in situations of prolonged exposure to 131I (e.g. Fukushima-Daiichi natural and nuclear disaster), repetitive administration of iodine may be necessary to ensure adequate protection, with acceptable safety in vulnerable populations including pregnant women. Here we conducted toxicological studies on adult rats progeny following prolonged exposure to potassium iodide (KI) in utero. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with 1 mg kg d−1 KI or saline water for 2 or 4 d either between gestation days gestational day (GD) GD 9–12, or GD13–16. Plasma samples from the progeny were tested 30 d post-weaning for clinical biochemistry, thyroid hormones, and anti-thyroid antibody levels. Thyroid and brain were collected for gene expression analysis. The hormonal status was similar for the mothers in all experimental conditions. In the offspring, while thyroid-stimulating hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody levels were similar in all groups, a significant increase of FT3 and FT4 levels was observed in GD9–GD10 and in GD13–GD14 animals treated for 2 d, respectively. In addition, FT4 levels were mildly decreased in 4 d treated GD13–16 individuals. Moreover, a significant decrease in the expression level of thyroid genes involved in iodide metabolism, TPO and apical iodide transporter, was observed in GD13–GD14 animals treated for 2 d. We conclude that repeated KI administration for 2–4 d during gestation did not induce strong thyroid toxicity.
Mobility of dislocations in FeNiCrCoCu high entropy alloys
Authors: Shen Yixi , Spearot Douglas E
Published: October 2021

Dislocations in high entropy alloys (HEAs) are wavy and have natural pinning points due to the variable chemical and energetic landscape surrounding the dislocation core. This can influence the critical shear stress necessary to initiate dislocation motion and the details associated with sustained dislocation glide. The objective of this work is to determine the relationship between Schmid shear stress and dislocation velocity in single phase FCC FeNiCrCoCu HEAs using molecular dynamics simulations, with comparisons made to dislocation motion in homogeneous Ni and Cu. Simulations are performed for four different dislocation character angles: 0° (screw), 30°, 60° and 90° (edge). Several key differences are reported, compared to what is previously known about dislocation motion in homogeneous FCC metals. For example, the drag coefficient B in the phonon damping regime for HEAs has a nonlinear dependence on temperature, whereas this dependence is linear in Ni. Mobility relationships between different types of dislocations common in homogeneous FCC metals, such as the velocity of screw and 60° dislocations being lower than edge and 30° dislocations at the same shear stress, do not necessarily hold in HEAs. Dislocation waviness is measured and is found to correlate with the ability of dislocations to glide under an applied shear stress, including the temperature dependence of the drag coefficient B. These results confirm that the influence of HEA chemical complexity on dislocation motion is important and this data can be used to guide development of analytical or empirical models for dislocation mobility in HEAs.
Monte Carlo calculation of detector perturbation and quality correction factors in a 1.5 T magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy small photon beams
Authors: Cervantes Yunuen , Duchaine Jasmine , Billas Ilias , Duane Simon , Bouchard Hugo
Published: October 2021

Objective. With future advances in magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiation therapy, small photon beams are expected to be included regularly in clinical treatments. This study provides physical insights on detector dose-response to multiple megavoltage photon beam sizes coupled to magnetic fields and determines optimal orientations for measurements. Approach. Monte Carlo simulations determine small-cavity detector (solid-state: PTW60012 and PTW60019, ionization chambers: PTW31010, PTW31021, and PTW31022) dose-responses in water to an Elekta Unity 7 MV FFF photon beam. Investigations are performed for field widths between 0.25 and 10 cm in four detector axis orientations with respect to the 1.5 T magnetic field and the photon beam. The magnetic field effect on the overall perturbation factor (P
MC) accounting for the extracameral components, atomic composition, and density is quantified in each orientation. The density (P

ρ
) and volume averaging (P
vol) perturbation factors and quality correction factors (

k

Q

B

,
Q

f

B

,
f

) accounting for the magnetic field are also calculated in each orientation. Main results. Results show that P
vol remains the most significant perturbation both with and without magnetic fields. In most cases, the magnetic field effect on P
vol is 1% or less. The magnetic field effect on P

ρ
is more significant on ionization chambers than on solid-state detectors. This effect increases up to 1.564 ± 0.001 with decreasing field size for chambers. On the contrary, the magnetic field effect on the extracameral perturbation factor is higher on solid-state detectors than on ionization chambers. For chambers, the magnetic field effect on P
MC is only significant for field widths <1 cm, while, for solid-state detectors, this effect exhibits different trends with orientation, indicating that the beam incident angle and geometry play a crucial role. Significance. Solid-state detectors’ dose-response is strongly affected by the magnetic field in all orientations. The magnetic field impact on ionization chamber response increases with decreasing field size. In general, ionization chambers yield

k

Q

B

,
Q

f

B

,
f

closer to unity, especially in orientations where the chamber axis is parallel to the magnetic field.
Behavior of high current density pulsed magnetron discharge with a graphite target
Authors: Morel Erwan , Rozier Yoann , Ballages Charles , Bazinette Remy , Forchard Thomas , Creusot Christophe , Girodet Alain , Minea Tiberiu
Published: October 2021

Conventional magnetron discharge with a graphite target is a technology used worldwide to deposit thin films for a large range of applications. In the last decade, the high current density sputtering regime stands out as a very interesting alternative allowing the tailoring of coating properties. The peak power density normalized to the target area can exceed 107 W m−2, leading to an important ionization of the sputtered atoms. In this paper we focused on the electrical characterization of a magnetized plasma operated at average gas pressure (5 Pa; Ar and He) with a graphite target. A cross-correlation with a high-speed gated camera and optical emission spectroscopy measurements of the plasma evolution is also given. The analysis of the plasma–surface interaction zone on the target unveiled the physical mechanisms associated with the high current density range (1.8–32.5 A cm−2), corresponding to several regimes of discharge. For graphite, it will be demonstrated that the gas rarefaction induced by the vapor wind is negligible due to its low sputtering yield. Thus, the gas recycling is the dominant mechanism sustaining the discharge, even for the higher discharge current regime when a spot is present. Spokes and other instabilities were also identified and are discussed.
Transport of electrons and propagation of the negative ionisation fronts in indium vapour
Authors: Dujko S , Atić J , Bošnjaković D , White R D , Stokes P , Hamilton K R , Zatsarinny O , Bartschat K , Rabasović M S , Šević D , Marinković B P , Fursa D V , Bray I , McEachran R P , Blanco F , García G , Jones D B , Campbell L , Brunger M J
Published: October 2021

We study the transport of electrons and propagation of the negative ionisation fronts in indium vapour. Electron swarm transport properties are calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation technique over a wide range of reduced electric fields E/N (where E is the electric field and N is the gas number density) and indium vapour temperatures in hydrodynamic conditions, and under non-hydrodynamic conditions in an idealised steady-state Townsend (SST) setup. As many indium atoms are in the first

(

5

s

2

5
p

)

2

P

3
/
2

metastable state at vapour temperatures of a few thousand Kelvin, the initial Monte Carlo code was extended and generalized to consider the spatial relaxation and the transport of electrons in an idealised SST experiment, in the presence of thermal motion of the host-gas atoms and superelastic collisions. We observe a significant sensitivity of the spatial relaxation of the electrons on the indium vapour temperature and the initial conditions used to release electrons from the cathode into the space between the electrodes. The calculated electron transport coefficients are used as input for the classical fluid model, to investigate the inception and propagation of negative ionisation fronts in indium vapour at various E/N and vapour temperatures. We calculate the electron density, electric field, and velocity of ionisation fronts as a function of E/N and indium vapour temperature. The presence of indium atoms in the first

(

5

s

2

5
p

)

2

P

3
/
2

metastable state significantly affects the characteristics of the negative ionisation fronts. The transition from an avalanche into a negative ionisation front occurs faster with increasing indium vapour temperature, due to enhanced ionisation and more efficient production of electrons at higher vapour temperatures. For lower values of E/N, the electron density behind the streamer front, where the electric field is screened, does not decay as one might expect for atomic gases, but it could be increased due to the accumulation of low-energy electrons that are capable of initiating ionisation in the streamer interior.
Electrical evolution of W and WC Schottky contacts on 4H-SiC at different annealing temperatures
Authors: Vivona Marilena , Bellocchi Gabriele , Lo Nigro Raffaella , Rascunà Simone , Roccaforte Fabrizio
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate the electrical evolution of tungsten (W) and tungsten carbide (WC) Schottky contacts on 4H-SiC subjected to thermal treatments at different annealing temperatures from 475 °C to 700 °C. For each annealing temperature, the uniformity of the Schottky barrier height (ΦB) and ideality factor (n) was monitored by current–voltage (I–V) measurements in forward bias, performed over sets of equivalent diodes. Good values of n (below 1.05) were found for both contacts up to thermal annealing at 700 °C. On the other hand, the barrier of the two contacts behaves differently. For the W/4H-SiC diode, the ΦB increases with the annealing temperature (from 1.14 eV at 475 °C to 1.25 eV at 700 °C), whereas the Schottky barrier in WC/4H-SiC features a slight reduction already with thermal annealing at 475 °C, remaining almost constant at around 1.06 eV up to annealing at 700 °C. A deeper characterization was performed on the 700 °C-annealed contacts by studying the temperature-dependence of the Schottky parameters by current–voltage–temperature (I–V–T) characterization. The ΦB and n behaviour with temperature indicates the presence of a nanoscale lateral inhomogeneity for both Schottky contacts, which can be described by Tung’s model. Finally, the temperature-dependence of the reverse characteristics could be described by the thermionic field emission model, accounting for the temperature dependent barrier height determined from forward characterization.
Radiation damage and defect dynamics in 2D WS2: a low-voltage scanning transmission electron microscopy study
Authors: de Graaf Sytze , Kooi Bart J
Published: October 2021

Modern low-voltage scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEMs) have been invaluable for the atomic scale characterization of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Nevertheless, the observation of intrinsic structures of semiconducting and insulating 2D materials with 60 kV-microscopes has remained problematic due to electron radiation damage. In recent years, ultralow-voltage microscopes have been developed with the prospects of minimizing radiation damage of such 2D materials, however, to date only ultralow-voltage TEM investigations of semiconducting and insulating 2D materials have been reported, but similar results using STEM, despite being more widely adopted, are still missing. Here we report a quantitative analysis of radiation damage and beam-induced defect dynamics in semiconducting 2D WS2 during 30 kV and 60 kV-STEM imaging, particularly by recording atomic resolution electrostatic potential movies using integrated differential phase contrast to visualize both the light sulfur and heavy tungsten atoms. Our results demonstrate that electron radiation damage of 2D WS2 aggravates by a factor of two when halving the electron beam energy from 60 keV to 30 keV, from which we conclude electronic excitation and ionization to be the dominant mechanism inducing defects and damage during low-voltage STEM imaging of semiconducting 2D materials.
Effect of megapore particles packing on dielectric barrier discharge, O3 generation and benzene degradation
Authors: SHANG Kefeng , CAO Wudi , HUAN Weiwei , JIANG Nan , LU Na , LI Jie
Published: October 2021

Recently, packed-bed discharge plasma technologies have been widely studied for treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), due to the good performance in improving the degradation and mineralization of VOCs. In this paper, a coaxial cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge reactor packed with porous material of micron-sized pores was used for degradation of benzene, and the discharge characteristics and ozone generation characteristics were studied. When the discharge length was 12 cm and the filling length was 5 cm, the packed particles in the discharge area significantly increased the number of micro-discharges, and the current amplitude and density increased with the pore size of packed particles, but the discharge power and ozone concentration showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The discharge power and ozone production reached the maximum when the size of pore former was 75 μm, correspondingly, the degradation efficiency of benzene was the highest.
An environmental monitoring network for quantum gas experiments and devices
Authors: Barrett T J , Evans W , Gadge A , Bhumbra S , Sleegers S , Shah R , Fekete J , Oručević F , Krüger P
Published: October 2021

Quantum technology is approaching a level of maturity, recently demonstrated in space-borne experiments and in-field measurements, which would allow for adoption by non-specialist users. Parallel advancements made in microprocessor-based electronics and database software can be combined to create robust, versatile and modular experimental monitoring systems. Here, we describe a monitoring network used across a number of cold atom laboratories with a shared laser system. The ability to diagnose malfunction, unexpected or unintended behavior and passively collect data for key experimental parameters, such as vacuum chamber pressure, laser beam power, or resistances of important conductors, significantly reduces debugging time. This allows for efficient control over a number of experiments and remote control when access is limited.
High dimensional quantum network coding based on prediction mechanism over the butterfly network
Authors: Pan Xingbo , Chen Xiubo , Xu Gang , Li Zongpeng , Yang Yixian
Published: October 2021

The high-dimensional quantum system greatly improve the quantum channel capacity and information storage space, and achieve high-dimensional quantum information transmission, which enhance the speed of quantum computing and quantum information processing. In this paper, a high-dimensional quantum teleportation protocol without information loss is proposed. We consider pre-sharing a high-dimensional non-maximum entangled state as a quantum channel between sender and receiver. By adding auxiliary particle and performing high-dimensional local operations, it is possible to achieve high-dimensional quantum teleportation without information loss. Simultaneously, we apply the protocol to butterfly network, and propose a novel high-dimensional quantum network coding based on prediction mechanism. In our scheme, we use Z-{|0⟩, |1⟩} basis to predict the transmission of high dimensional states over the butterfly network. When the prediction is successful, the deterministic transmission of high-dimensional quantum states can be realized over the butterfly network. Our scheme greatly saves the usage of quantum and classical channels, which improves the utilization efficiency of both channels.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Stored-Product Insect Pest Distributions and Implications for Pest Management in Processing and Storage Facilities
Authors: Gerken Alison R , Campbell James F
Published: October 2021

Insect infestations can result in a damaged or destroyed product, costing producers and retailers millions of dollars annually. Postharvest insects move through space searching for mates, food, and shelter. Movement of product, sanitation activities, and insecticide applications also drive their spatial distribution patterns. Determining spatial distributions and population density of insects provides important information to develop targeted and cost-effective management programs. Monitoring data collected using traps to capture insect pests have provided information under a range of conditions: in bins of grain, grain elevator silos and their immediate environment, milling and processing facilities, commercial warehouses, and retail stores. In evaluating available data, we identified key influences that may be leveraged to increase the impacts of future monitoring schemes. Species-specific locations of infestation were common among stored product insect pests and seasonal variation was highly influential in population growth patterns. Competition among different species also drives spatial and temporal distributions and overlap among species is rare. Vertical distribution of insects was common in bins, elevators, and silos. More insects were often found in the receiving and storage areas of mills and processing facilities and insects often migrated into facilities from surrounding natural reservoirs. Previously stored grain and spillage can also harbor insect populations, which also reinforces the need for sanitation in and around stored grain products. Continued monitoring research will provide information to develop predictive tools which will use behavioral patterns to further our understanding of these insect pests within these unique facilities and circumstances.
Commentary
Authors: Michaels Walter Benn
Published: October 2021

This essay argues that current Americanist literary history is in the main committed to a political liberalism that is unjust and a set of theoretical positions that are mistaken. It suggests that, in limited ways, alternatives are possible. The alternatives are limited because our responsibilities as teachers more or less automatically commit us to propping up the ruling class. They are possible because the conditions of academic writing still leave room for a distinction between the best that is known or thought and what someone is prepared to pay for.

When Karl Marx said that philosophers have only interpreted the world and that the point was to change it, he should have added that historians have only understood the past; the point is to forget it.
A scoping review of system-level mechanisms to prevent children being in out-of-home care
Authors: Stabler Lorna , Evans Rhiannon , Scourfield Jonathan , Morgan Fiona , Weightman Alison , Willis Simone , Searchfield Lydia , Meindl Mel , Wood Sophie , Nurmatov Ulugbek , Kemp Alison , Forrester Donald , Brand Sarah L
Published: October 2021

Identifying which approaches can effectively reduce the need for out-of-home care for children is critically important. Despite the proliferation of different interventions and approaches globally, evidence summaries on this topic are limited. This study is a scoping review using a realist framework to explore what research evidence exists about reducing the number of children and young people in care. Searches of databases and websites were used to identify studies evaluating intervention effect on at least one of the following outcomes: reduction in initial entry to care; increase in family reunification post care. Data extracted from papers included type of study, outcome, type and level of intervention, effect, mechanism and moderator, implementation issues and economic (EMMIE) considerations. Data were coded by: primary outcome; level of intervention (community, policy, organisation, family or child); and type of evidence, using the realist EMMIE framework. This is the first example of a scoping review on any topic using this framework. Evaluated interventions were grouped and analysed according to system-level mechanism. We present the spread of evidence across system-level mechanisms and an overview of how each system-level mechanism might reduce the number of children in care. Implications and gaps are identified.
Nailfold Capillaroscopy as a Biomarker in the Evaluation of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kurowski Jacob A , Patel Sonal R , Wechsler Joshua B , Izaguirre Marisa R , Morgan Gabrielle A , Pachman Lauren M , Brown Jeffrey B
Published: October 2021

Background

Noninvasive screening and disease monitoring are an unmet need in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a validated technique for microvascular surveillance in rheumatologic diseases. NFC uses magnified photography to examine nail bed capillaries called end row loops (ERL). We aimed to identify variations in NFC in pediatric IBD patients and their associations with disease activity.

Methods

Pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) and healthy controls were recruited. NFC was performed on patients with newly diagnosed IBD prior to initiating therapy, patients with established IBD, and controls. ERLs were quantified along with a 3mm distance on 8 nailfolds. Serum biomarker levels of disease activity and symptoms activity indexes were correlated with average ERL density digits on both hands. Statistics were performed using chi-squared, ANOVA, and linear regression.

Results

Fifty-one IBD patients and 16 controls were recruited. ERL density was significantly decreased in IBD (Control: 19.2 ERL/3mm vs UC: 15.6 ERL/3mm vs CD: 15.4 ERL/3mm; P < .0001). ERL density was lower in UC patients with lower albumin levels (P = .02, r2 = 0.29).The change in ERL density over time predicted the change in pediatric CD activity index among CD patients (P = .048, r2 = 0.58) with treatment.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate ERL density is reduced in IBD compared to controls. Lower albumin levels correlated with lower ERL density in UC. In newly diagnosed CD, ERL density increases over time as disease activity improves with therapy. NFC may be a feasible biomarker of disease activity and utilized for monitoring IBD.
Modeling Temperature-Dependent Development Rate of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Fed on Two Alternative Diets
Authors: Yazdanpanah Shima , Fathipour Yaghoub , Riahi Elham , Zalucki Myron P
Published: October 2021

Developmental time of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) fed on cattail and almond pollen was determined under laboratory conditions at nine constant temperatures: 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 32, 35 and 38°C. No development was observed at 10°C. The lower temperature threshold (T0) was estimated to be 10. 97 and 10. 29°C for the almond and cattail pollen, respectively, using the Ikemoto linear model. Thermal constant (K) for pre-adult development of N. cucumeris was 112.8 and 123.5 DD fed on almond and cattail pollen, respectively, using the Ikemoto linear model. The interaction between diet and temperature had a significant effect on the developmental rate of N. cucumeris. The nonlinear Pradhan-Taylor, Janisch/Kontodimas, Briere-1, and Janisch/Rochat models best described the developmental rate of pre-adult stages of N. cucumeris. The estimated Tfast by Pradhan-Taylor model was 31.9 and 33.9°C when fed on almond and cattail pollen, respectively, which was similar to the observed shortest developmental time at 32°C. Our results revealed that N. cucumeris could develop over a wide temperature range (15–35°C), which is a desirable characteristic for a biocontrol agent in biological control programs.
Successful mitral valve-in-ring repair of mitral annuloplasty ring dehiscence causing severe mitral regurgitation: a case report
Authors: Sharma Harish , Nadir M Adnan , Steeds Richard P , Doshi Sagar N
Published: October 2021

Background

Annuloplasty failure caused by ring dehiscence can lead to trans-ring and para-ring mitral regurgitation (MR). Transcatheter treatments are available for patients at prohibitive risk of surgery. In patients unsuitable for edge-to-edge repair, valve-in-ring (ViR) transcatheter mitral valve (MV) implantation has been described to treat trans-ring or para-ring jets but not both concurrently.

Case summary

A 78-year-old male presented with severe MR due to dehiscence of a 34 mm Edwards Physio II mitral annuloplasty ring. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed two jets of regurgitation; trans-ring and para-ring. Repair was successfully undertaken with a ViR procedure (29 mm S3 Edwards Lifesciences).

Discussion

Patients with failure of MV annuloplasty with trans-ring and para-ring regurgitation can be safely and effectively treated by ViR transcatheter MV implantation.
Early discharge on postoperative day 1 following lobectomy for stage I non-small-cell lung cancer is safe in high-volume surgical centres: a national cancer database analysis
Authors: Drawbert Hans E , Hey Matthew T , Tarrazzi Francisco , Block Mark , Razi Syed S
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Shortening hospital length of stay after lobectomy for stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a challenge, and the literature regarding factors associated with safe early discharge is limited. We sought to evaluate the safety of postoperative day (POD) 1 discharge after lobectomy and its correlation with institutional caseload using the National Cancer Database, jointly sponsored by the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society.

METHODS

We identified patients with stage I NSCLC (tumour ≤4 cm, clinical N0, M0) in the National Cancer Database who underwent lobectomy from 2010 to 2015. Hospital surgical volume was assigned based on total surgical volume for lung cancer. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: POD 1 discharge [length of stay (LOS) ≤ 1] and the standard discharge (LOS > 1). Outcome variables were compared in propensity matched cohorts, and the multivariable regression model was created to assess factors associated with LOS ≤ 1 and the occurrence of adverse events (unplanned readmissions, 30- and 90-day deaths).

RESULTS

A total of 52 830 patients underwent lobectomy for stage I NSCLC across 1231 treating facilities; 3879 (7.3%) patients were discharged on day 1 (LOS ≤ 1), whereas 48 951 (92.7%) were discharged after day 1 (LOS > 1). Factors associated with LOS ≤ 1 included male sex, higher socioeconomic status, right middle lobectomy, minimally invasive surgery and high-volume centres. The risk of adverse events was higher for LOS ≤ 1 in low [odds ratio (OR): 1.913, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.448–2.527; P < 0.001] and median quartiles (OR: 2.258; 95% CI 1.881–2.711; P < 0.001), but equivalent in high-volume centres (OR: 0.871, 95% CI 0.556–1.364; P = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

The safety and efficacy of early discharge on POD 1 following lobectomy are associated with lung cancer surgical volume. Implementation of ‘enhanced recovery’ protocols is likely related to safe early discharges from high-volume centres.
The organ in Jewish culture during the long Renaissance
Authors: Frühauf Tina
Published: October 2021

Between the 1400s and about 1700, the organ firmly manifested itself in Jewish culture by becoming a subject in the writings of Jewish authors who experienced or envisioned the instrument in specific contexts; it became an object in iconography and materialized in synagogues. These occurrences all link to distinct places in Europe—northern Italy, the Rhine region of Germany and Bohemia. The differing meanings and interpretations of the organ—perceived as an instrument tied to the church, explored through the lens of music theory, and as imagined Jewish antiquity and the otherworld—suggest that the Jewish fascination with the instrument goes hand in hand with a certain kind of imagination, sometimes to the extent of fantasy, often with an oblique glance at non-Jewish practices. During its watershed moments in the long Renaissance, the organ in Jewish culture ultimately reveals notable convergences of European culture and religious and non-religious customs unique to Judaism, documenting the intersection of the different life worlds of early modern Europe.
Coronary flow reserve and cardiovascular outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kelshiker Mihir A , Seligman Henry , Howard James P , Rahman Haseeb , Foley Michael , Nowbar Alexandra N , Rajkumar Christopher A , Shun-Shin Matthew J , Ahmad Yousif , Sen Sayan , Al-Lamee Rasha , Petraco Ricardo ,   Coronary Flow Outcomes reviewing committee, Cole Graham , Hoole Stephen P , Morris Paul D , Rigo Fausto , Francis Darrel P , Mayet Jamil
Published: October 2021

Aims

This meta-analysis aims to quantify the association of reduced coronary flow with all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) across a broad range of patient groups and pathologies.

Methods and results

We systematically identified all studies between 1 January 2000 and 1 August 2020, where coronary flow was measured and clinical outcomes were reported. The endpoints were all-cause mortality and MACE. Estimates of effect were calculated from published hazard ratios (HRs) using a random-effects model. Seventy-nine studies with a total of 59 740 subjects were included. Abnormal coronary flow reserve (CFR) was associated with a higher incidence of all-cause mortality [HR: 3.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.39–5.97] and a higher incidence of MACE (HR 3.42, 95% CI: 2.92–3.99). Each 0.1 unit reduction in CFR was associated with a proportional increase in mortality (per 0.1 CFR unit HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04–1.29) and MACE (per 0.1 CFR unit HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04–1.11). In patients with isolated coronary microvascular dysfunction, an abnormal CFR was associated with a higher incidence of mortality (HR: 5.44, 95% CI: 3.78–7.83) and MACE (HR: 3.56, 95% CI: 2.14–5.90). Abnormal CFR was also associated with a higher incidence of MACE in patients with acute coronary syndromes (HR: 3.76, 95% CI: 2.35–6.00), heart failure (HR: 6.38, 95% CI: 1.95–20.90), heart transplant (HR: 3.32, 95% CI: 2.34–4.71), and diabetes mellitus (HR: 7.47, 95% CI: 3.37–16.55).

Conclusion

Reduced coronary flow is strongly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACE across a wide range of pathological processes. This finding supports recent recommendations that coronary flow should be measured more routinely in clinical practice, to target aggressive vascular risk modification for individuals at higher risk.
Chromosome Level Genome Assembly and Annotation of Highly Invasive Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)
Authors: Ramachandran Dhanushya , Huebner Cynthia D , Daly Mark , Haimovitz Jasmine , Swale Thomas , Barrett Craig F
Published: October 2021

The invasive Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) affects a wide range of ecosystems and threatens biodiversity across the eastern USA. However, the mechanisms underlying rapid adaptation, plasticity, and epigenetics in the invasive range are largely unknown. We present a chromosome-level assembly for M. vimineum to investigate genome dynamics, evolution, adaptation, and the genomics of phenotypic plasticity. We generated a 1.12-Gb genome with scaffold N50 length of 53.44 Mb respectively, taking a de novo assembly approach that combined PacBio and Dovetail Genomics Omni-C sequencing. The assembly contains 23 pseudochromosomes, representing 99.96% of the genome. BUSCO assessment indicated that 80.3% of Poales gene groups are present in the assembly. The genome is predicted to contain 39,604 protein-coding genes, of which 26,288 are functionally annotated. Furthermore, 66.68% of the genome is repetitive, of which unclassified (35.63%) and long-terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons (26.90%) are predominant. Similar to other grasses, Gypsy (41.07%) and Copia (32%) are the most abundant LTR-retrotransposon families. The majority of LTR-retrotransposons are derived from a significant expansion in the past 1–2 Myr, suggesting the presence of relatively young LTR-retrotransposon lineages. We find corroborating evidence from Ks plots for a stiltgrass-specific duplication event, distinct from the more ancient grass-specific duplication event. The assembly and annotation of M. vimineum will serve as an essential genomic resource facilitating studies of the invasion process, the history and consequences of polyploidy in grasses, and provides a crucial tool for natural resource managers.
Covid-19—A game changer for medical education? Reflections from England
Authors: Vaux Emma , Moss Fiona
Published: October 2021

The COVID 19 pandemic has not only been a massive disruptor of the delivery of health care but has also disrupted the education of many health care professionals including doctors in postgraduate training programmes. Supporting these individuals and getting their training on track is clearly a priority for educators. But the impact of the pandemic has created opportunities and exposed some important questions for health care education. Some of the ways these may be harnessed and used to expedite the modernisation of medical education are explored in this paper.
Ties That Bias in International Conflict: A Spatial Approach to Dyadic Dependence from Alliance Ties and Inbetweenness
Authors: Gartzke Erik A , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede
Published: October 2021

Much of international behavior is linked spatially and temporally. Yet, analyses of interstate interactions generally either assume independence among units or resort to technical solutions to dependence that “throw away” relevant information. We detail a more informative and satisfying approach to modeling spatial dependence from extra-dyadic linkages in alliance ties and geographical proximity as specific pathways of conflict contagion. Beyond deterrence, the purpose of alliances is to draw other parties into dyadic contests, but most existing research on conflict onset generally only considers alliance ties within an individual dyad or external intervention in the same dispute. We develop new measures on third- and fourth-party alliance ties, demonstrating direct and indirect spatial effects of alliances on conflict onset. Similarly, ongoing contests can spread geographically, but dyads in some locations are much more at risk for conflict onset than others. We provide a new theory of geographic “inbetweenness” in conflict and show that dyads involving specific locations and ties to the ongoing conflict are much more likely to see dispute onset, even accounting for other purely dyadic factors. Beyond the intrinsic interest in the impacts of extra-dyadic position and alliances on conflict, our spatial approach can be applied more broadly to other extra-dyadic ties.
Pancreas Islet Cell-Specific Antibody Detection by ELISA
Authors: Van Aelst Sophie , Gillard Pieter , Weets Ilse , Dillaerts Doreen , Billen Jaak , Mathieu Chantal , Bossuyt Xavier
Published: October 2021

Background

Islet cell-specific autoantibodies are useful to classify diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of commercially available ELISAs to detect autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-kDa isoform (GADA), tyrosine phosphatase-related islet antigen 2 (IA-2A), zinc transporter protein 8 (ZnT8A), and insulin (IAA). The performance of ELISA was compared to the performance of RIA.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 76 newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (median age 27 years, female/male: 0.65) and 131 disease controls (median age 45 years, female/male: 0.60). The ELISAs were from Medipan. RIAs were in-house methods from the Belgian Diabetes Registry or from Medipan or DIASource.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were, respectively, 97% and 97% for GADA, 61% and 99% for IA-2A, 1% and 96% for IAA, and 70% and 98% for ZnT8A. The likelihood ratio for type 1 diabetes increased with increasing antibody levels for GADA, IA-2A, and ZnT8A measured by ELISA. The positive predictive value of double positivity for either GADA, IA-2A, or ZnT8A was 100%.

Conclusions

The ELISAs to detect GADA, IA-2A, and ZnT8A have good performance characteristics. Combining autoantibody assays and taking into account antibody levels improves the interpretation of autoantibody testing.
Natural language inference for curation of structured clinical registries from unstructured text
Authors: Percha Bethany , Pisapati Kereeti , Gao Cynthia , Schmidt Hank
Published: October 2021

Objective

Clinical registries—structured databases of demographic, diagnosis, and treatment information—play vital roles in retrospective studies, operational planning, and assessment of patient eligibility for research, including clinical trials. Registry curation, a manual and time-intensive process, is always costly and often impossible for rare or underfunded diseases. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility of natural language inference (NLI) as a scalable solution for registry curation.

Materials and Methods

We applied five state-of-the-art, pretrained, deep learning-based NLI models to clinical, laboratory, and pathology notes to infer information about 43 different breast oncology registry fields. Model inferences were evaluated against a manually curated, 7439 patient breast oncology research database.

Results

NLI models showed considerable variation in performance, both within and across fields. One model, ALBERT, outperformed the others (BART, RoBERTa, XLNet, and ELECTRA) on 22 out of 43 fields. A detailed error analysis revealed that incorrect inferences primarily arose through models' tendency to misinterpret historical findings, as well as confusion based on abbreviations and subtle term variants common in clinical text.

Discussion and Conclusion

Traditional natural language processing methods require specially annotated training sets or the construction of a separate model for each registry field. In contrast, a single pretrained NLI model can curate dozens of different fields simultaneously. Surprisingly, NLI methods remain unexplored in the clinical domain outside the realm of shared tasks and benchmarks. Modern NLI models could increase the efficiency of registry curation, even when applied “out of the box” with no additional training.
The effect of injectable vitamin C and road transit duration on inflammation, muscle fatigue, and performance in pre-conditioned beef steer calves
Authors: Beenken Aubree M , Deters Erin L , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: October 2021

This study examined the effects of injectable vitamin C (VC) before transport and duration of transit on feedlot performance, inflammation, and muscle fatigue in cattle. One hundred thirty-two Angus-cross steers (393 ± 4 kg) were stratified by body weight (BW) to a 2 × 2 factorial of intramuscular injection (INJ; 20 mL/steer): VC (250 mg sodium ascorbate/mL) or saline (SAL) and road transit duration (DUR): 18 h (18-h; 1,770 km) or 8 h (8-h; 727 km). On day 0, steers were weighed and given INJ of VC or SAL immediately before transport. Upon return (day 1), BW and blood were collected before steers returned to pens equipped with GrowSafe bunks. Steers were weighed on days 0, 1, 7, 15, 30, 31, 54, and 55. Data were analyzed via ProcMixed of SAS (experimental unit = steer; 32 to 34 steers/treatment) with fixed effects of INJ, DUR, and the interaction. Blood was collected on days −5, 1, 2, 3, and 7 (n = 9 steers/treatment); blood parameters were analyzed as repeated measures with the repeated effect of day. Area under the curve (AUC) for plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was calculated using R. Final BW was greater for 8 h compared to 18 h (P = 0.05) with no effect of INJ or interaction (P ≥ 0.51). Dry matter intake (DMI) from days 1 to 7 was greater for VC-8, intermediate for VC-18 and SAL-18, and least for SAL-8 (P = 0.02). Overall, DMI tended to be greatest for SAL-18, intermediate for VC-18 and VC-8, and least for SAL-8 (P = 0.08). Days 7 to 31 gain:feed (G:F) was greatest for VC-18 compared to other treatments (INJ × DUR, P = 0.05), and there was no effect of treatment on overall G:F (P ≥ 0. 19). There was no INJ or INJ × DAY (P ≥ 0.17) effect on serum lactate, haptoglobin, or non-esterified fatty acid. However, these blood parameters were greater on day 1 for 18 h compared to 8 h, and both treatments returned to near baseline by day 3 (DUR × DAY, P < 0.01). Plasma ascorbate concentrations on day 1 were greater for VC compared to SAL and returned to baseline by day 2 (INJ × DAY, P < 0.01). Plasma FRAP AUC from days −5 to 3 was greatest for VC-18, intermediate for VC-8 and SAL-8, and least for SAL-18 (INJ × DAY, P = 0.02). This suggests an antioxidant prior to long-haul transit positively influenced antioxidant capacity; however, VC did not improve overall post-transit performance. Although longer transit duration increased indicators of muscle fatigue and inflammation, post-transit performance was not appreciably different between transit durations.
Resurfacing in Facial Burn Sequelae Using Parascapular Free Flap: A Long-Term Experience
Authors: Kalra Gurdyal Singh , Kalra Sushrut , Gupta Samarth
Published: October 2021

It is difficult to treat large postburn sequelae (scars and defects) over the face. Available methods include skin grafts, local flaps, tissue expansion, and free flaps. These surgical options should be chosen wisely, depending on individual patient requirements and the area involved. In patients with large postburn scars and defects in which the surrounding tissue is also involved, use of free tissue transfer is extremely useful. A retrospective analysis was done between 2011 and 2019 of 52 cases with extensive facial burn deformities in whom secondary reconstruction was done with free parascapular flap cover in our department. Outcome was assessed by a direct questionnaire. There was no complete flap loss in the series. Two cases were re-explored for venous insufficiency and suffered partial marginal necrosis. Twenty patients had to undergo further debulking procedure. Forty-seven patients were satisfied by the final outcome. Postburn facial deformities are difficult to treat; in many cases, there are no local options, and tissue from different regions is to be used for reconstruction. Free parascapular flaps can be used as an effective method in such cases with a high level of patient satisfaction.
Comparative Population Growth of the Khapra Beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and the Warehouse Beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) on Wheat and Rice
Authors: Lampiri Evagelia , Baliota Georgia V , Morrison William R , Domingue Michael J , Athanassiou Christos G
Published: October 2021

We evaluated the relative population growth of two stored-product insect species in the genus Trogoderma, the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), and the warehouse beetle, Trogoderma variabile Ballion (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). Ten adults of each species were placed in vials containing wheat or paddy rice. These tests were performed at 27 and 32°C and the number of adults in the vials were counted after 35 and 70 days. For all the time intervals and temperatures of both species on wheat, the resulting larval abundances were similar, with the exception of 27°C at 70 days where more T. variabile larvae developed. At the higher temperature, both species had similar population growth on rice. However, the success was mixed at 27°C with T. granarium having a greater abundance after 35 days, while T. variabile dominated after 70 days. Frass production in both commodities was usually similar for the two species, but greater frass production occurred by T. variabile on wheat after 70 days at 27°C, while T. granarium produced more frass on rice after 35 days at 32°C. Both species nearly always caused equivalent commodity damage. Our research suggests that under ideal conditions these two closely, but very differently treated species in commerce from the genus Trogoderma have comparable population growth, and cause similar damage on wheat and rice.
The influence of social context on pinyon mouse (Peromyscus truei) vocalizations
Authors: Kobrina Anastasiya , Letowt Mariah E , Pasch Bret
Published: October 2021

Mice in the diverse genus Peromyscus are emerging as important models in the study of acoustic communication. However, reports on vocal repertoires exist for only 8 of the 56 currently recognized species. Descriptions of acoustic content and context are necessary to facilitate comparative studies. In this study, we present the first recordings of wild-captured pinyon mice (Peromyscus truei) in the laboratory in different social contexts. Similar to other Peromyscus species, pinyon mice produced four general types of vocalizations, including sustained vocalizations (SVs), barks, simple sweeps, and complex sweeps. SVs were produced primarily by females in social isolation, highlighting the potential significance of SVs in female advertisement behavior. While agonistic barks were rare, simple and complex sweeps were reliably produced in response to olfactory cues from same- and opposite-sex mice, and in paired contexts. Opposite-sex pairs produced significantly more complex sweeps than same-sex pairs, consistent with the well-supported function of sweeps in coordinating close-distance interactions. In addition, females produced sweeps with lower peak frequencies following separation from their social partner, indicative of a sex-specific mechanism to facilitate advertisement to potential mates and competitors. Together, our findings highlight the importance of social context in rodent vocal production, the significance of female vocal behavior, and the continued need to sample understudied species to better understand similarities and differences in rodent communication systems.