bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dedicated Representation of Others in the Macaque Frontal Cortex: From Action Monitoring and Prediction to Outcome Evaluation
Authors: Ferrucci Lorenzo , Nougaret Simon , Falcone Rossella , Cirillo Rossella , Ceccarelli Francesco , Genovesio Aldo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Social neurophysiology has increasingly addressed how several aspects of self and other are distinctly represented in the brain. In social interactions, the self–other distinction is fundamental for discriminating one’s own actions, intentions, and outcomes from those that originate in the external world. In this paper, we review neurophysiological experiments using nonhuman primates that shed light on the importance of the self–other distinction, focusing mainly on the frontal cortex. We start by examining how the findings are impacted by the experimental paradigms that are used, such as the type of social partner or whether a passive or active interaction is required. Next, we describe the 2 sociocognitive systems: mirror and mentalizing. Finally, we discuss how the self–other distinction can occur in different domains to process different aspects of social information: the observation and prediction of others’ actions and the monitoring of others’ rewards.
Neutralizing Antibodies Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Variants Induced by Natural Infection or Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Chen Xinhua , Chen Zhiyuan , Azman Andrew S , Sun Ruijia , Lu Wanying , Zheng Nan , Zhou Jiaxin , Wu Qianhui , Deng Xiaowei , Zhao Zeyao , Chen Xinghui , Ge Shijia , Yang Juan , Leung Daniel T , Yu Hongjie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may pose a threat to immunity. A systematic landscape of neutralizing antibodies against emerging variants is needed. We systematically searched for studies that evaluated neutralizing antibody titers induced by previous infection or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 variants and collected individual data. We identified 106 studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Lineage B.1.351 (beta), P.1 (gamma) and B.1.617.2 (delta) significantly escaped natural infection–mediated neutralization, with an average of 4.1-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6–4.7-fold), 1.8-fold (1.4–2.4-fold), and 3.2-fold (2.4–4.1-fold) reduction in live virus neutralization assay, while neutralizing titers against B.1.1.7 (alpha) decreased slightly (1.4-fold [95% CI: 1.2–1.6-fold]). Serum from vaccinees also led to significant reductions in neutralization of B.1.351 across different platforms, with an average of 7.1-fold (95% CI: 5.5–9.0-fold) for nonreplicating vector platform, 4.1-fold (3.7–4.4-fold) for messenger RNA platform, and 2.5-fold (1.7–2.9-fold) for protein subunit platform. Neutralizing antibody levels induced by messenger RNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants were similar to, or higher, than that derived from naturally infected individuals.
COVID-19 Outbreak Associated With a Fitness Center—Minnesota, September–November 2020
Authors: Suhs Tara , Gerlach Daniel , Garfin Jacob , Lorentz Alexandra , Firestone Melanie , Sherden Meaghan , Hackman Katie , Gray Talor , Siebman Samantha , Wienkes Haley , Vilen Kelley , Wang Xiong , Como-Sabetti Kathy , Danila Richard , Smith Kirk , Medus Carlota 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Minnesota Department of Health investigated a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak at a fitness center in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Twenty-three severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections (5 employees and 18 members) were identified. An epidemiological investigation supported by whole genome sequencing demonstrated that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurred at the fitness center despite following recommended prevention strategies.
Risk factors for the occurrence of peptic esophagitis following laparoscopic Heller-Dor surgery for esophageal achalasia
Authors: Tsuboi Kazuto , Yano Fumiaki , Omura Nobuo , Hoshino Masato , Yamamoto Se-Ryung , Akimoto Shunsuke , Masuda Takahiro , Sakashita Yuki , Fukushima Naoko , Kashiwagi Hideyuki 
Published: July 2021

Summary
Peptic esophagitis can occur as a complication of laparoscopic Heller-Dor surgery (LHD) among patients with esophageal achalasia. The goal of this study was to identify the characteristics of patients who have developed peptic esophagitis following LHD surgery along with the risk factors associated with the occurrence of peptic esophagitis. Among the 447 cases consisting of esophageal achalasia patients who underwent LHD as the primary surgery, we compared the patient background, pathophysiology, symptoms, and surgical outcomes according to whether or not peptic esophagitis occurred following surgery. We also attempted to use univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the risk factors for peptic esophagitis occurring following surgery. Esophagitis following surgery was confirmed in 67 cases (15.0%). With respect to the patient backgrounds for cases in which peptic esophagitis had occurred, a significantly higher number were male patients, with a significantly high occurrence of mucosal perforation during surgery in terms of surgical outcomes, along with a high occurrence of esophageal hiatal hernias in terms of postoperative course (P = 0.045, 0.041, and 0.022, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in terms of age, BMI, disease duration, preoperative symptoms, esophageal manometric findings, esophageal barium findings, and esophageal clearance. A multivariate analysis indicated independent risk factors for the occurrence of peptic esophagitis following LHD as being male, the occurrence of mucosal perforation during surgery, and the occurrence of esophageal hiatal hernias. Peptic esophagitis occurred following LHD in 15% of cases. Independent risk factors for the occurrence of peptic esophagitis following LHD included being male, the occurrence of mucosal perforation during surgery, and the occurrence of esophageal hiatal hernias following surgery.
A Nudge to Quit? The Effect of a Change in Pension Information on Annuitisation, Labour Supply and Retirement Choices Among Older Workers
Authors: Hagen Johannes , Hallberg Daniel , Lindquist Gabriella Sjögren 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We study the effects of two exogenous modifications in the Swedish pension system application form nudging individuals towards a fixed-term payout. Meanwhile, the set of available options and the default option—life annuity—were unchanged during the period under study. We examine the effects on individuals’ payout decisions and the spillover effects on labour supply and other pensions using a difference-in-difference framework and detailed administrative data on actual payout decisions and a wide range of individual-level outcomes. Each modification increased the demand for the nudged payout by around 30 percentage points. The first modification also induced individuals to work less.
The temporal viscoelastic model of flexural isostasy for estimating the elastic thickness of the lithosphere
Authors: Eshagh Mehdi , Tenzer Robert 
Published: July 2021

SUMMARY
The (effective) elastic thickness of the lithosphere defines the strength of the lithosphere with respect to a load on it. Since the lithosphere is buoyant on a viscous mantle, its behaviour with respect to a load is not fully elastic, but rather viscoelastic. Fennoscandia is a well-known area in the world where the lithosphere has not yet reached its isostatic equilibrium due to the ongoing uplift after the last glacial period at the end of the Pleistocene. To accommodate for this changing property of the lithosphere in time, we present the flexural model of isostasy that accommodates temporal variations of the lithospheric flexure. We then define a theoretical model for computing the elastic thickness of the lithosphere based on combining the flexural and gravimetric models of isostasy. We demonstrate that differences between the elastic and viscoelastic models are not that significant in Fennoscandia. This finding is explained by a relatively young age of the glacial load when compared to the Maxwell relaxation time. The approximation of an elastic shell is then permissible in order to determine the lithospheric structure and its properties. In this way, the elastic thickness can be estimated based on combining gravimetric and flexural models of isostasy. This approach takes into consideration the topographic and ocean-floor (bathymetric) relief as well as the lithospheric structural composition and the post-glacial rebound. In addition, rheological properties of the lithosphere are taken into consideration by means of involving the Young modulus and the Poisson ratio in the model, both parameters determined from seismic velocities. The results reveal that despite changes in the Moho geometry attributed to the glacial isostatic adjustment in Fennoscandia are typically less than 1 km, the corresponding changes in the lithospheric elastic thickness could reach or even exceed ±50 km. The sensitivity analysis confirms that even small changes in input parameters could significantly modify the result (i.e. the elastic thickness estimates). The reason is that the elastic thickness estimation is an inverse problem. Consequently, small changes in input parameters can lead to large changes in the elastic thickness estimates. These findings indicate that a robust estimation of the elastic thickness by our method is possible if comprehensive information about structural and rheological properties of the lithosphere as input parameters are known with a relatively high accuracy. Otherwise, even small uncertainties in these parameters could result in large errors in the elastic thickness estimates.
Thermal conductivity of Triassic evaporites
Authors: Pauselli C , Gola G , Ranalli G , Mancinelli P , Trippetta F , Ballirano P , Verdoya M 
Published: July 2021

SUMMARY
Evaporites occur in various geological environments: sedimentary basins, orogenic belts, where they often act as tectonic decoupling layers, and as top-seals in hydrocarbon fields. In all cases, they affect the temperature distribution in the upper crust, as their thermal conductivity is relatively higher with respect to other sedimentary rocks. High heat conduction through evaporites enhances the geothermal gradient above the evaporitic layer and decreases it below, with potential consequences for surface heat flow, depth of the brittle–ductile transition and low-enthalpy geothermal exploitation. An accurate determination of their thermal conductivity is therefore necessary. We estimate the thermal conductivity of evaporitic rocks with a two-pronged method. First, an exhaustive review of the literature allows the determination of the conductivity for the main evaporitic minerals and of their variation with temperature. Secondly, in order to assess the effects of compositional variability, we select six samples of Triassic evaporites from the Apennines (from both outcrops and boreholes) and measure their mineralogical composition and thermal conductivity. The composition has a strong effect on conductivity, which goes from 5 W m–1 K–1 when anhydrite or dolomite are volumetrically predominant, to 2 W m–1 K–1 when gypsum is predominant. We also use various mixing models (where the rock conductivity is estimated from the mineralogical composition) and find sufficient agreement between measured and predicted values to justify the use of such models when direct measurements are not available. Finally, as an illustrative example of the thermal consequences of evaporites in the upper crust, we model the variations of temperature and surface heat flow caused by the occurrence of evaporitic layers of different thickness. The results show that the effects on crustal geotherms and the distribution of seismicity can be significant.
A Unifying Framework for Understanding Biological Structures and Functions Across Levels of Biological Organization
Authors: Herman M A , Aiello B R , DeLong J D , Garcia-Ruiz H , González A L , Hwang W , McBeth C , Stojković E A , Trakselis M A , Yakoby N 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The relationship between structure and function is a major constituent of the rules of life. Structures and functions occur across all levels of biological organization. Current efforts to integrate conceptual frameworks and approaches to address new and old questions promise to allow a more holistic and robust understanding of how different biological functions are achieved across levels of biological organization. Here, we provide unifying and generalizable definitions of both structure and function that can be applied across all levels of biological organization. However, we find differences in the nature of structures at the organismal level and below as compared to above the level of the organism. We term these intrinsic and emergent structures, respectively. Intrinsic structures are directly under selection, contributing to the overall performance (fitness) of the individual organism. Emergent structures involve interactions among aggregations of organisms and are not directly under selection. Given this distinction, we argue that while the functions of many intrinsic structures remain unknown, functions of emergent structures are the result of the aggregate of processes of individual organisms. We then provide a detailed and unified framework of the structure–function relationship for intrinsic structures to explore how their unknown functions can be defined. We provide examples of how these scalable definitions applied to intrinsic structures provide a framework to address questions on structure–function relationships that can be approached simultaneously from all subdisciplines of biology. We propose that this will produce a more holistic and robust understanding of how different biological functions are achieved across levels of biological organization.
Using dagR to identify minimal sufficient adjustment sets and to simulate data based on directed acyclic graphs
Authors: Breitling Lutz P , Duan Chongyang , Dragomir Anca D , Luta George 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Motivation
Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are causal diagrams that can be used to identify confounding or selection bias in observational studies, and are increasingly used in many areas of medical research. In the add-on package dagR for the statistical software R, a set of simple graphical rules was implemented to identify minimal sufficient adjustment sets or harmful adjustment.

General features
The dagR package allows an automated approach for realistic causal structures featuring numerous variables and dependencies, where a manual approach may be too tedious and error-prone. The algorithmic adherence to the graphical step-by-step approach often used in DAG theory introductory courses, together with functionalities for plotting and simulating data conforming to the causal structure of an arbitrary DAG, renders the dagR package particularly useful for both teaching purposes and methodological research.

Availability
dagR is available under the GNU general public licence (GPL-2) from within R or by download at [https://CRAN-R-project.org/package=dagR].
Case-Fatality Ratio of Enteric Fever: Estimates From Multitiered Surveillance in India
Authors: Samuel Prasanna , Njarekkattuvalappil Swathi Krishna , Kumar Dilesh , Raju Reshma , Andrews Jason R , Kang Gagandeep , John Jacob 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
The case-fatality ratio (CFR) for enteric fever is essential for estimating disease burden and calibrating measures that balance the likely health gains from interventions against social and economic costs.

Methods
We aimed to estimate the CFR for enteric fever using multiple data sources within the National Surveillance System for Enteric Fever in India. This surveillance (2017–2020) was established as a multitiered surveillance system including community cohorts (tier 1), facility-based (tier 2), and tertiary care surveillance (tier 3) for estimating the burden of enteric fever in India. The CFR was calculated after accounting for healthcare-seeking behavior for enteric fever and deaths occurring outside the hospital.

Results
A total of 1236 hospitalized patients with blood culture–confirmed enteric fever were enrolled, of which 9 fatal cases were identified, for an estimated hospitalized CFR of 0.73% (95% confidence interval [CI], .33%–1.38%). After adjusting for severity, healthcare-seeking behavior, and deaths occurring out-of-hospital, the CFR was estimated to be 0.16% (95% CI, .07%–.29%) for all enteric fevers.

Conclusions
Our estimates of the CFR are relatively lower than previously estimated, accounting for care-seeking behavior and deaths outside the hospital.
Helicobacter urease suppresses cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses through activating Myh9-dependent induction of PD-L1
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhu Xiaowen , Guo Xia , Yang Ze , Cai Qinzhen , Gu Dongmei , Luo Wei , Yuan Chunhui , Xiang Yun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
As a key virulence factor for persistent colonization, urease B subunit (UreB) is considered to be an ideal vaccine antigen against Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of UreB involved in immune microenvironment dysregulation still remain largely unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of UreB on macrophage activation and found that UreB induced PD-L1 accumulation on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Co-culture assays further revealed that UreB-induced PD-L1 expression on BMDMs significantly decreased the proliferation and secretion of cytolytic molecules (granzyme B and perforin) of splenic CD8+ T cells isolated from inactivated H. pylori-immunized mice. More importantly, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and co-immunoprecipitation techniques, it has been confirmed that myosin heavy chain 9 (Myh9) is a direct membrane receptor for UreB and is required for PD-L1 up-regulation on BMDMs. Molecular studies further demonstrated that the interaction between UreB and Myh9 decreased GCN2 autophosphorylation and enhanced the intracellular pool of amino acids, leading to the up-regulation of S6K phosphorylation, a commonly used marker for monitoring activation of mTORC1 signaling activity. Furthermore, blocking mTORC1 activation with its inhibitor Temsirolimus reversed the UreB-induced PD-L1 up-regulation and the subsequent inhibitory effects of BMDMs on activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses. Overall, our data unveil a novel immunosuppressive mechanism of UreB during H. pylori infection, which may provide valuable clues for the optimization of H. pylori vaccine.
Investigation of mechanisms responsible for decreased susceptibility of aztreonam/avibactam activity in clinical isolates of Enterobacterales collected in Europe, Asia and Latin America in 2019
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo E , Doyle Timothy B , Streit Jennifer M , Arhin Francis F , Sader Helio S , Castanheira Mariana 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
The combination aztreonam/avibactam is currently under Phase 3 trials for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria including those with MBLs.

Objectives
To investigate the resistance mechanisms in Enterobacterales exhibiting aztreonam/avibactam MICs of ≥4 mg/L.

Methods
Among 8787 Enterobacterales, 17 (0.2%) isolates exhibited an aztreonam/avibactam MIC of ≥4 mg/L. Isolates were sequenced and screened for β-lactamases. Sequences of porins, penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3) and expression levels of AmpC and AcrA were evaluated.

Results
Eleven (11/4154 isolates; 0.26%) Escherichia coli, three (3/1981; 0.15%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and three (3/628; 0.5%) Enterobacter cloacae were identified. All E. coli showed either an ‘YRIK’ or ‘YRIN’ insertion in PBP3. In general, these isolates carried blaCMY and/or blaCTX-M variants, except for one isolate from Korea that also produced NDM-5 and one isolate from Turkey that produced OXA-48. Two DHA-1-producing K. pneumoniae overexpressed acrA and had a premature stop codon in either OmpK35 or OmpK36, whereas a third K. pneumoniae carried blaPER-2 and had a premature stop codon in OmpK35. All three E. cloacae expressed AmpC at levels ≥570-fold, but sequence analysis did not reveal known amino acid alterations associated with decreased avibactam binding or increased hydrolysis of β-lactams. Minor amino acid polymorphisms within OmpC, OmpF and PBP3 were noted among the E. cloacae.

Conclusions
A small number of isolates (0.2%) met the inclusion criteria. E. coli showed altered PBP3 as the most relevant resistance mechanism, whereas K. pneumoniae had multiple resistance mechanisms. Further investigations are needed to clarify resistance in E. cloacae.
Pharmacokinetic modelling to predict risk of ototoxicity with intravenous tobramycin treatment in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dong Min , Rodriguez Anna V , Blankenship Chelsea A , McPhail Gary , Vinks Alexander A , Hunter Lisa L 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionFurther optimization of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for aminoglycosides (AGs) is urgently needed, especially in special populations such as those with cystic fibrosis (CF), &gt;50% of whom develop ototoxicity if treated with multiple courses of IV AGs. This study aimed to empirically test a pharmacokinetic (PK) model using Bayesian estimation of drug exposure in the deeper body tissues to determine feasibility for prediction of ototoxicity.Materials and methodsIV doses (n = 3645) of tobramycin and vancomycin were documented with precise timing from 38 patients with CF (aged 8–21 years), including total doses given and total exposure (cumulative AUC). Concentration results were obtained at 3 and 10 h for the central (C1) compartment. These variables were used in Bayesian estimation to predict trough levels in the secondary tissue compartments (C2 trough) and maximum concentrations (C2max). The C1 and C2 measures were then correlated with hearing levels in the extended high-frequency range.ResultsPatients with more severe hearing loss were older and had a higher number of tobramycin C2max concentrations &gt;2 mg/L than patients with normal or lesser degrees of hearing loss. These two factors together significantly predicted average high-frequency hearing level (r = 0.618, P &lt; 0.001). Traditional metrics such as C1 trough concentrations were not predictive. The relative risk for hearing loss was 5.8 times greater with six or more tobramycin courses that exceeded C2max concentrations of 3 mg/L or higher, with sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 86%.ConclusionsAdvanced PK model-informed analysis predicted ototoxicity risk in patients with CF treated with tobramycin and demonstrated high test prediction.
Expectation, Disappointment, and Exit: Evidence on Reference Point Formation from an Online Marketplace
Authors: Backus Matthew , Blake Thomas , Masterov Dimitriy , Tadelis Steven 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We study disappointment and platform exit among new bidders in an online auction marketplace. In particular, we study a hybrid auction format with a “Buy-It-Now” option, which, when executed, will abruptly end the auction and cancel any standing bids. When this happens, if the formerly leading bidder is new to the platform, then they are 6 percentage points more likely to exit the marketplace for every additional day they spent in the lead. This is rationalized by disappointment-averse bidders with outside options and rational expectations about the likelihood of winning. Our explanation is validated by three ancillary predictions: when expectations are lowered by higher competing bids, there is no effect; sensitivity of exit is declining in prior experience; and, for bidders who do not exit, time in the lead during the first experience predicts a subsequent preference for fixed-price, rather than auction, listings.