bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel cryoballoon ablation system for pulmonary vein isolation: multicenter assessment of efficacy and safety—ANTARCTICA study
Authors: Heeger Christian-H , Pott Alexander , Sohns Christian , Riesinger Lisa , Sommer Philipp , Gasperetti Alessio , Tondo Claudio , Fassini Gaetano , Moser Fabian , Lucas Philipp , Weinmann Karolina , Bohnen Jan-Eric , Dahme Tillman , Rillig Andreas , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Wakili Reza , Metzner Andreas , Tilz Roland R 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Aims
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) either by balloon devices or radiofrequency forms the cornerstone of invasive atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment. Although equally effective cryoballoon (CB)-based PVI offers shorter procedure duration and a better safety profile. Beside the worldwide established Arctic Front Advance system, a novel CB device, POLARx, was recently introduced. This CB incorporates unique features, which may translate into improved efficacy and safety. However, multicentre assessment of periprocedural efficacy and safety is lacking up to date.

Methods and results
A total of 317 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were included and underwent POLARx CB-based PVI in 6 centres from Germany and Italy. Acute efficacy and safety were assessed in this prospective multicenter observational study. In 317 patients [mean age: 64 ± 12 years, 209 of 317 (66%) paroxysmal AF], a total of 1256 pulmonary veins (PVs) were identified and 1252 (99,7%) PVs were successfully isolated utilizing mainly the short tip POLARx CB (82%). The mean minimal CB temperature was −57.9 ± 7°C. Real-time PVI was registered in 72% of PVs. The rate of serious adverse events was 6.0% which was significantly reduced after a learning curve of 25 cases (9.3% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.018). The rate of recurrence-free survival after mean follow-up of 226 ± 115 days including a 90-day blanking period was 86.1%.

Conclusion
In this large multicentre assessment, the novel POLARx CB shows a promising efficacy and safety profile after a short learning curve.
Prevotella merdae sp. nov., a new bacterial species isolated from human faeces
Authors: Maaloum Mossaab , Afouda Pamela , Lo Cheikh Ibrahima , Dubourg Gregory , Nguyen Thi Tien , Levasseur Anthony , Saile Rachid , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Strain Marseille-P4119T was isolated from a faecal sample of a healthy 32-year-old faecal transplant donor. The bacterium was anaerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, and did not produce spores. We studied its phenotypic characteristics and sequenced its whole genome. The major fatty acids were C15:0anteiso and C15:0iso. The final genome assembly was 3912650 bp long with a 44.4 mol% G + C content, 3094 protein-coding genes and 74 RNA genes. Strain Marseille-P4119T exhibited a 97.10% 16S rRNA sequence identity and a 29.0% dDDH with Prevotella stercorea CB35T, OrthoANI values ranged from 68.5% with Prevotella enoeca to 77.4% with Prevotella stercorea, the phylogenetically closest bacterial species with standing in nomenclature. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and genomic analyses, we propose the creation of the novel species Prevotella merdae sp. nov. The type strain is Marseille-P4119T ( = CSUR P4119T = CECT 9566T).
Comparative Genome and Evolution Analyses of an Endangered Stony Coral Species Dendrophyllia cribrosa Near Dokdo Islands in the East Sea
Authors: Kim Jungeun , Choi Jae Pil , Kim Min Sun , Jo Yejin , Min Won Gi , Woo Seonock , Yum Seungshic , Bhak Jong 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Stony corals often harbor intracellular photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae that receive dissolved inorganic nutrients. However, Dendrophyllia cribrosa is a nonsymbiotic stony coral distributed in the western Pacific. We assembled a chromosome-level D. cribrosa genome using PacBio and Hi-C technologies. The final assembly was 625 Mb, distributed on 14 chromosomes, and contained 30,493 protein-coding genes. The Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs analysis revealed a percentage of 96.8 of the metazoan genome. A comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed that D. cribrosa, which lacks symbionts, evolved to acquire cellular energy by expanding genes related to acyl-CoA metabolism and carbohydrate transporters. This species also has expanded immune-related genes involved in the receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway. In addition, we observed a specific expansion of calcification genes, such as coral acid-rich proteins and carbonic anhydrase, in D. cribrosa. This high-quality reference genome and comparative analysis provides insights into the ecology and evolution of nonsymbiotic stony corals.
Estimating Genetic Variance in Life-Span Response to Diet: Insights From Statistical Simulation
Authors: Senior Alistair M 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSeveral studies demonstrate genetic variation in response to dietary restriction (DR) by replicating treatments across isogenic lines/strains from genetic reference panels. These studies typically quantify the response to DR as an effect size, estimated for each strain separately (eg, the difference in mean life span between groups). Such “no-pooling” analyses are expected to systematically overestimate variation in response DR, principally by overlooking sampling variance. In contrast, “partial-pooling” analyses using mixed-effects models are less prone to this bias. I demonstrate these issues using simulations, which also show that partial-pooling analyses can improve replicability among studies. Regardless of the analyses used, estimates of among-strain variation will have low precision when sample sizes are small. A worked example using survival data in mice is given. Life-span studies using genetic reference panels always have to trade-off within- and among-strain replication owing to logistical challenges. The simulation presented can also be used to help design such studies through power analysis.
Large registry-based analysis of genetic predisposition to tuberculosis identifies genetic risk factors at HLA
Authors: Tervi Anniina , Junna Nella , Broberg Martin , Jones Samuel E ,   FinnGen, Partinen Markku , Pirinen Matti , Bryson Bryan , Strausz Satu , Kreivi Hanna-Riikka , Heckman Caroline A , Ollila Hanna M 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTuberculosis is a significant public health concern resulting in the death of over 1 million individuals each year worldwide. While treatment options and vaccines exist, a substantial number of infections still remain untreated or are caused by treatment resistant strains. Therefore, it is important to identify mechanisms that contribute to risk and prognosis of tuberculosis as this may provide tools to understand disease mechanisms and provide novel treatment options for those with severe infection. Our goal was to identify genetic risk factors that contribute to the risk of tuberculosis and to understand biological mechanisms and causality behind the risk of tuberculosis. A total of 1895 individuals in the FinnGen study had International Classification of Diseases-based tuberculosis diagnosis. Genome-wide association study analysis identified genetic variants with statistically significant association with tuberculosis at the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region (P &lt; 5e−8). Fine mapping of the HLA association provided evidence for one protective haplotype tagged by HLA DQB1*05:01 (P = 1.82E−06, OR = 0.81 [CI 95% 0.74–0.88]), and predisposing alleles tagged by HLA DRB1*13:02 (P = 0.00011, OR = 1.35 [CI 95% 1.16–1.57]). Furthermore, genetic correlation analysis showed association with earlier reported risk factors including smoking (P &lt; 0.05). Mendelian randomization supported smoking as a risk factor for tuberculosis (inverse-variance weighted P &lt; 0.05, OR = 1.83 [CI 95% 1.15–2.93]) with no significant evidence of pleiotropy. Our findings indicate that specific HLA alleles associate with the risk of tuberculosis. In addition, lifestyle risk factors such as smoking contribute to the risk of developing tuberculosis.
Simple open-heart surgery protocol for sickle-cell disease patients: a retrospective cohort study comparing patients undergoing mitral valve surgery
Authors: Epis Francesco , Chatenoud Liliane , Somaschini Alberto , Bitetti Ilaria , Cantarero Fulvio , Salvati Alessandro Cristian , Rocchi Daniela , Lentini Salvatore , Giovanella Elena , Portella Gina , Langer Martin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractOBJECTIVESSickle-cell disease (SCD) patients are considered to be at high risk from open-heart surgery. This study assessed the role of a simple sickling-prevention protocol.METHODSPerioperative non-specific and SCD-specific morbidity and 30-day mortality are investigated in a retrospective cohort study on patients undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery. Patients with and without SCD were compared. In the SCD cohort, a bundle of interventions was applied to limit the risk of sickling: ‘on-demand’ transfusions to keep haemoglobin levels of around 7–8 g/dl, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with higher blood flow and perfusion temperature, close monitoring of acid–base balance and oxygenation.RESULTSTwenty patients with and 40 patients without SCD were included. At baseline, only preoperative haemoglobin levels differed between cohorts (8.1 vs 11.8 g/dl, P &lt; 0.001). Solely SCD patients received preoperative transfusions (45.0%). Intraoperative transfusions were significantly larger in SCD patients during CPB (priming: 300 vs 200 ml; entire length: 600 vs 300 ml and 20 vs 10 ml/kg). SCD patients had higher perfusion temperatures during CPB (34.7 vs 33.0°C, P = 0.01) with consequently higher pharyngeal temperature, both during cooling (34.1 vs 32.3°C, P = 0.02) and rewarming (36.5 vs 36.2°C, P = 0.02). No mortality occurred, and non-SCD-specific complications were comparable between groups, but one SCD patient suffered from perioperative cerebrovascular accident with seizures, and another had evident haemolysis.CONCLUSIONSSCD patients may undergo open-heart surgery for mitral valve procedures with an acceptable risk profile. Simple but thoughtful perioperative management, embracing ‘on-demand’ transfusions and less-aggressive CPB cooling is feasible and probably efficacious.
AVNeo improves early haemodynamics in regurgitant bicuspid aortic valves compared to aortic valve repair
Authors: Prinzing Anatol , Böhm Johannes , Sideris Konstantinos , Vitanova Keti , Lange Rüdiger , Krane Markus 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Calcified or fibrotic cusps in patients with bicuspid aortic valves and aortic regurgitation complicate successful aortic valve (AV)-repair. Aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) with autologous pericardium offers an alternative treatment to prosthetic valve replacement. We compared patients with regurgitant bicuspid valves undergoing AV-repair or AVNeo.

METHODS
We retrospectively analysed patients with regurgitant bicuspid valves undergoing AV-repair or AVNeo. We focused on residual regurgitation, pressure gradients and effective orifice area, determined preoperatively and at discharge.

RESULTS
AV-repair was performed in 61 patients (mean age: 43.2 ± 11.3 years) and AVNeo in 22 (45.7 ± 14.1). Prior to the operation patients of the AV-repair group showed severe regurgitation in 38 cases (62.3%) and moderate in 23 (37.6%); in the AVNeo group, all patients exhibited severe regurgitation. Postoperatively, 57 patients (93.4%) patients had no or mild regurgitation after AV-repair and 21 (95.4%) after AVNeo. In AVNeo-patients, peak (10.6 ± 3.1 mmHg vs 22.7 ± 11 mmHg, P&lt; 0.001) and mean pressure gradients (5.9 ± 2 mmHg vs 13.8 ± 7.3 mmHg, P &lt; 0.001) were significantly lower and the orifice area significantly larger (2.9 ± 0.8 cm2 vs 1.9 ± 0.7 cm2, P &lt; 0.001) compared to repair.

CONCLUSIONS
Compared to AV-repair, patients AVNeo showed lower mean pressure gradients and larger orifice areas at discharge. The functional result was not different.
Laplace crossover and random replacement strategy boosted Harris hawks optimization: performance optimization and analysis
Authors: Yu Helong , Qiao Shimeng , Heidari Ali Asghar , El-Saleh Ayman A , Bi Chunguang , Mafarja Majdi , Cai Zhennao , Chen Huiling 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHarris hawks optimization has been a popular swarm intelligence algorithm in recent years. In order to improve the local exploitation ability of the algorithm and improve the problem of slow convergence speed, an enhanced Harris hawks optimization algorithm based on Laplace crossover and random replacement strategy is proposed. This variant uses two optimization mechanisms. Firstly, Laplace crossover is added to enhance the exploitation ability of the algorithm. At the same time, the random replacement strategy is introduced into the original algorithm, which accelerates the convergence speed. The basic functions, IEEE CEC2011 and IEEE CEC2017 functions are used for algorithms comparison, balance diversity analysis, and high-dimensional experiments to verify the superiority of the algorithm proposed in this paper. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm has the advantages of strong optimization ability, high convergence accuracy, and fast convergence speed. The algorithm has solved five engineering design problems using these advantages and can effectively deal with constraint problems.
Automatic generation of synthetic datasets from a city digital twin for use in the instance segmentation of building facades
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Fukuda Tomohiro , Yabuki Nobuyoshi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The extraction and integration of building facade data are necessary for the development of information infrastructure for urban environments. However, existing methods for parsing building facades based on semantic segmentation have difficulties in distinguishing individual instances of connected buildings. Manually collecting and annotating instances of building facades in large datasets is time-consuming and labor-intensive. With the recent development and use of city digital twins (CDTs), massive high-quality digital assets of buildings have been created. These assets make it possible to generate high-quality and cost-effective synthetic datasets that can replace real-world ones as training sets for the supervised learning-based instance segmentation of building facades. In this study, we developed a novel framework that can automatically produce synthetic datasets from a CDT. An auto-generation system for synthetic street views was built by rendering city digital assets in a game engine, while the system auto-generated the instance annotations for building facades. The hybrid dataset HSRBFIA, along with various subsets containing different proportions of synthetic and real data, were used to train deep learning models for facade instance segmentation. In our experiments, two types of synthetic data (CDT-based and virtual-based) were compared, and the results showed that the CDT synthetic data were more effective in boosting deep learning training with real-world images compared with the virtual synthetic data (no real-world counterparts). By swapping a certain portion of the real data with the proposed CDT synthetic images, the performance could almost match what is achievable when using the real-world training set.
Integrated Pest Management Programs for Pear Psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), Using Kaolin Clay and Reflective Plastic Mulch
Authors: Nottingham Louis B , Orpet Robert J , Beers Elizabeth H 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the most economically important pest of pears grown in Washington State. Standard conventional management programs involve season-long broad-spectrum insecticide sprays. Although the industry uses some tools that are not disruptive to biological control, such as kaolin clay and selective insecticides, they are additions to broad-spectrum insecticides instead of replacements. Conventional sprays suppress pear psylla through the spring and early summer; however, disruption of biological control leads to pear psylla outbreaks near harvest. In 2018 and 2019, we tested two season-long programs that used only selective approaches. The programs began with either kaolin clay or reflective plastic mulch and were followed by identical spray programs using only selective insecticides. Programs were compared with an industry standard conventional program that used numerous broad-spectrum insecticides throughout the season, and a check program with no insecticides for pear psylla. Experiments were conducted using replicated 40-tree plots in a research orchard near Wenatchee, WA with high pear psylla pressure. In both years, selective programs had similar pear psylla densities to the industry standard program and all had lower pear psylla densities and fruit injury than the check. Both selective programs had lower fruit injury than the industry standard in the first year, and similar injury to the industry standard in the second year. Our results suggest kaolin clay and reflective mulch can effectively suppress pear psylla populations and injury in the early season and support season-long selective management programs without the use of broad-spectrum insecticides.
Reconciling Relational Contracting and Hold-up: A Model of Repeated Negotiations
Authors: Goldlücke Susanne , Kranz Sebastian 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Game-theoretic analysis of relational contracts typically studies Pareto optimal equilibria. We illustrate how this equilibrium selection rules out very intuitive hold-up concerns in stochastic games with long-term decisions. The key problem is that Pareto optimal equilibria, even if satisfying renegotiation-proofness, do not reflect plausible concerns about how today’s actions affect future bargaining positions within the relationship. We propose and characterize an alternative equilibrium selection based on the notion that continuation play is repeatedly negotiated in a relationship. We illustrate with several examples how the concept naturally combines relational contracting and hold-up concerns.
Effect of flight connectivity on the introduction and evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canadian provinces and territories
Authors: Hincapie Roberto , Munoz Diego A , Ortega Nathalia , Isfeld-Kiely Harpa K , Shaw Souradet Y , Keynan Yoav , Rueda Zulma Vanessa 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health services and governments in Canada and around the world. Our research aims to evaluate the effect of domestic and international air travel patterns on the COVID-19 pandemic in Canadian provinces and territories.

Methods
Air travel data were obtained through licensed access to the ‘BlueDot Intelligence Platform’, BlueDot Inc. Daily provincial and territorial COVID-19 cases for Canada and global figures, including mortality, cases recovered and population data were downloaded from public datasets. The effects of domestic and international air travel and passenger volume on the number of local and non-local infected people in each Canadian province and territory were evaluated with a semi-Markov model. Provinces and territories are grouped into large (&gt;100 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and &gt;1 000 000 inhabitants) and small jurisdictions (≤100 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and ≤1 000 000 inhabitants).

Results
Our results show a clear decline in passenger volumes from March 2020 due to public health policies, interventions and other measures taken to limit or control the spread of COVID-19. As the measures were eased, some provinces and territories saw small increases in passenger volumes, although travel remained below pre-pandemic levels. During the early phase of disease introduction, the burden of illness is determined by the connectivity of jurisdictions. In provinces with a larger population and greater connectivity, the burden of illness is driven by case importation, although local transmission rapidly replaces imported cases as the most important driver of increasing new infections. In smaller jurisdictions, a steep increase in cases is seen after importation, leading to outbreaks within the community.

Conclusions
Historical travel volumes, combined with data on an emerging infection, are useful to understand the behaviour of an infectious agent in regions of Canada with different connectivity and population size. Historical travel information is important for public health planning and pandemic resource allocation.
RELATIONSHIPS, RIGHTS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (RE)VIEWING THE NHS CONSTITUTION FOR THE POST-PANDEMIC ‘NEW NORMAL’
Authors: Redhead Caroline A B , Fovargue Sara , Frith Lucy , Chiumento Anna , Draper Heather , Baines Paul B 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Action needs to be taken to map out the fairest way to meet the needs of all NHS stakeholders in the post-pandemic ‘new normal’. In this article, we review the NHS Constitution, looking at it from a relational perspective and suggesting that it offers a useful starting point for such a project, but that new ways of thinking are required to accommodate the significant changes the pandemic has made to the fabric of the NHS. These new ways of thinking should encompass concepts of solidarity, care, and (reciprocal) responsibility, grounded in an acceptance of the importance of relationships in society. To this end, we explore and emphasise the importance of our interconnections as NHS stakeholders and ‘re-view’ the NHS Constitution from a relational perspective, concentrating on the rights and responsibilities it describes for patients and the public as NHS stakeholders. We argue that the NHS Constitution, of which most stakeholders are probably unaware, can be used as a tool to engage us, and to catalyse conversation about how our responsibilities as NHS stakeholders should change in the post-pandemic ‘new normal’.
Numerical relativity simulations of the neutron star merger GW190425: microphysics and mass ratio effects
Authors: Camilletti Alessandro , Chiesa Leonardo , Ricigliano Giacomo , Perego Albino , Lippold Lukas Chris , Padamata Surendra , Bernuzzi Sebastiano , Radice David , Logoteta Domenico , Guercilena Federico Maria 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
GW190425 was the second gravitational wave (GW) signal compatible with a binary neutron star (BNS) merger detected by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. Since no electromagnetic counterpart was identified, whether the associated kilonova was too dim or the localization area too broad is still an open question. We simulate 28 BNS mergers with the chirp mass of GW190425 and mass ratio 1 ≤ q ≤ 1.67, using numerical-relativity simulations with finite-temperature, composition dependent equations of state (EOS) and neutrino radiation. The energy emitted in GWs is $\lesssim 0.083\mathrm{\, M_\odot }c^2$ with peak luminosity of 1.1–$2.4\times ~10^{58}/(1+q)^2\, {\rm {erg \, s^{-1}}}$. Dynamical ejecta and disc mass range between 5 × 10−6–10−3 and 10−5–$0.1 \mathrm{\, M_\odot }$, respectively. Asymmetric mergers, especially with stiff EOSs, unbind more matter and form heavier discs compared to equal mass binaries. The angular momentum of the disc is 8–$10\mathrm{\, M_\odot }~GM_{\rm {disc}}/c$ over three orders of magnitude in Mdisc. While the nucleosynthesis shows no peculiarity, the simulated kilonovae are relatively dim compared with GW170817. For distances compatible with GW190425, AB magnitudes are always dimmer than ∼20 mag for the B, r, and K bands, with brighter kilonovae associated to more asymmetric binaries and stiffer EOSs. We suggest that, even assuming a good coverage of GW190425’s sky location, the kilonova could hardly have been detected by present wide-field surveys and no firm constraints on the binary parameters or EOS can be argued from the lack of the detection.