bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinematic simulations as a subgrid-scale model for particle motion: a priori LES of homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Rajek Michał , Pozorski Jacek 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this work we investigated the impact of filtering and subgrid-scale modeling on particle settling velocity and collision-related statistics in a turbulent flow. To reduce the complexity of this task we first studied the motion of inertial particles in the low-pass filtered homogeneous and isotropic turbulence, which was subsequently enriched with the subgrid-scale velocity components obtained from a frozen high-pass filtered velocity field. Particular emphasis has been put on the radial distribution function and the radial relative velocity of nearly touching particles both in the presence or absence of the gravitational settling. These statistics are the key input parameters to the kinematic collision kernel which is of crucial importance in determining the collision rate of inertial particles in a turbulent flow. Furthermore, kinematic simulations were selected as a means of enhancing the fluid velocity at particle locations. We analyzed a wide range of Stokes numbers, i.e. a measure of particle inertia, and, in contrast to scientific premises found in the literature, we observed no improvement of particle statistics when the low-pass filtered fluid velocity was enriched with both a synthetic or spectrally-filtered small-scale structures. We discuss the shortages of any frozen-velocity-based subgrid-scale model in predicting both single- and two-point particle statistics. We also indicate that in some cases, particularly concerning the collision rate of particles suspended in homogeneous and isotropic turbulence, subgrid-scale contribution in the particle equation of motion can be neglected.
Machine characterization and central axis depth dose data of a superficial x-ray radiotherapy unit
Authors: Xiong Zhenyu , Zhong Yuncheng , Banks Thomas I. , Reynolds Robert , Chiu Tsuicheng , Tan Jun , Zhang You , Parsons David , Yan Yulong , Godley Andrew , Stojadinovic Strahinja 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to present data from the clinical commissioning of an Xstrahl 150 x-ray unit used for superficial radiotherapy, Methods. Commissioning tasks included vendor acceptance tests, timer reproducibility, linearity and end-effect measurements, half-value layer (HVL) measurements, inverse square law verification, head-leakage measurements, and beam output calibration. In addition, percent depth dose (PDD) curves were determined for different combinations of filter/kV settings and applicators. Automated PDD water phantom scans were performed utilizing four contemporary detectors: a microDiamond detector, a microSilicon detector, an EDGE detector, and a PinPoint ionization chamber. The measured PDD data were compared to the published values in BJR Supplement 25, Results. The x-ray unit’s mechanical, safety, and radiation characteristics were within vendor-stated specifications. Across sixty commissioned x-ray beams, the PDDs determined in water using solid state detectors were in excellent agreement with the BJR 25 data. For the lower (<100 kVp) and medium-energy (≥100 kVp) superficial beams the average agreement was within [−3.6,+0.4]% and [−3.7,+1.4]% range, respectively. For the high-energy superficial (low-energy orthovoltage) x-rays at 150 kVp, the average difference for the largest 20 × 20 cm2 collimator was (−0.7 ± 1.0)%, Conclusions. This study presents machine characterization data collected for clinical use of a superficial x-ray unit. Special focus was placed on utilizing contemporary detectors and techniques for the relative PDD measurements using a motorized water phantom. The results in this study confirm that the aggregate values published in the BJR 25 report still serve as a valid benchmark when comparing data from site-specific measurements, or the reference data for clinical utilization without such measurements, Advances in knowledge. This paper presents comprehensive data from the acceptance and commissioning of a modern kilovoltage superficial x-ray radiotherapy machine. Comparisons between the PDD data measured in this study using different detectors and BJR 25 data are highlighted.
Survival after hemithyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy in non-high-risk differentiated thyroid cancer: population-based analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Wong Carlos K H , Chan Wendy W L , Au Ivan C H , Tang Eric H M , Lang Brian H H 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
The extent of thyroid surgery remains controversial for differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) that measure more than 1 cm but are not considered high risk. This study aimed to compare survival outcomes between hemithyroidectomy (HT) and total thyroidectomy (TT) in non-high-risk DTCs.

Methods
A population-based retrospective cohort of patients with non-high-risk DTCs more than 1 cm undergoing HT or TT between 1997 and 2017 in a territory with 41 public hospitals and clinics serving a population of 7 million was analysed. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for patient demographics and clinical parameters were used to compare the overall, disease-specific, and recurrence-free survival between TT and HT. Risks of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

Results
A total of 4771 patients (HT, 1368; TT, 3403) underwent thyroid surgery as a primary treatment. Median (range) follow-up was 117 (range: 72–179) months. Patients in the TT and HT groups had comparable risks of overall survival (HR 0.87; 95 per cent c.i. 0.73 to 1.04; P = 0.119) and disease-specific survival (HR 0.85; 95 per cent c.i. 0.52 to 1.40; P = 0.518). The TT group had better recurrence-free survival (HR 0.37; 95 per cent c.i. 0.26 to 0.52; P &lt; 0.001) than the HT group. The temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism rates in TT group were 14.96 per cent and 7.49 per cent respectively; none were reported in the HT group.

Conclusions
Despite the comparable overall and disease-specific survivals, TT was associated with better recurrence-free survival than HT in a 10-year follow-up. This was at the expense of higher surgical morbidity rate in TT.
DUT enhances drug resistance to proteasome inhibitors via promoting mitochondrial function in multiple myeloma
Authors: Wang Yafei , Gao Shuang , Chen Lin , Liu Su , Ma Jing , Cao Zeng , Li Qian 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Acquired chemoresistance to proteasome inhibitors (PIs), such as bortezomib (BTZ), becomes an intractable obstacle in the management of multiple myeloma (MM) in the clinic, but the underlying mechanisms are still not well elucidated. In the current study, we established bortezomib-resistant (BR) myeloma cells and performed stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) assay to screen profiled protein expression. The level of deoxyuridine triphosphatase (DUT), an important enzyme of nucleotide metabolism, increased in the BR MM cells. Retrospective analysis indicated patients with higher DUT expression had poorer responses to PI-based treatment and clinical outcomes. DUT knockdown by RNAi effectively minimized BTZ resistance in MM cells. Moreover, DUT knockdown was accompanied with the downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), contributing to decelerating cell growth, as well as augmented apoptosis due to bortezomib treatment. In contrast, DUT overexpression in parental MM.1S and LP-1 cells enhanced BTZ resistance. Furthermore, acquired resistance to BTZ could trigger the modulation of mitochondrial metabolism and function, as evidenced by elevated expression of genes associated with mitochondrial metabolism, as well as altered oxygen consumption rate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in BR MM cells. DUT inhibition partially attenuated mitochondrial modulation, and instead favored an early impairment of mitochondrial integrity upon BTZ exposure so as to restrict MM progression and overcome drug resistance to BTZ treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we unveiled previously unrecognized effects of DUT on acquired drug resistance of MM, thus manipulating DUT may be efficacious for sensitizing MM cells to PIs.
Use of Statistical Process Control Methods for Early Detection of Healthcare Facility–Associated Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Outbreaks: A Single-Center Pilot Study
Authors: Baker Arthur W , Maged Ahmed , Haridy Salah , Stout Jason E , Seidelman Jessica L , Lewis Sarah S , Anderson Deverick J 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens increasingly implicated in healthcare facility–associated (HCFA) infections and outbreaks. We analyzed the performance of statistical process control (SPC) methods in detecting HCFA NTM outbreaks.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 3 NTM outbreaks that occurred from 2013 to 2016 at a tertiary care hospital. The outbreaks consisted of pulmonary Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) acquisition, cardiac surgery–associated extrapulmonary MABC infection, and a bronchoscopy-associated pseudo-outbreak of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). We analyzed monthly case rates of unique patients who had positive respiratory cultures for MABC, non-respiratory cultures for MABC, and bronchoalveolar lavage cultures for MAC, respectively. For each outbreak, we used these rates to construct a pilot moving average (MA) SPC chart with a rolling baseline window. We also explored the performance of numerous alternative control charts, including exponentially weighted MA, Shewhart, and cumulative sum charts.

Results
The pilot MA chart detected each outbreak within 2 months of outbreak onset, preceding actual outbreak detection by an average of 6 months. Over a combined 117 months of pre-outbreak and post-outbreak surveillance, no false-positive SPC signals occurred (specificity, 100%). Prospective use of this chart for NTM surveillance could have prevented an estimated 108 cases of NTM. Six high-performing alternative charts detected all outbreaks during the month of onset, with specificities ranging from 85.7% to 94.9%.

Conclusions
SPC methods have potential to substantially improve HCFA NTM surveillance, promoting early outbreak detection and prevention of NTM infections. Additional study is needed to determine the best application of SPC for prospective HCFA NTM surveillance in other settings.
How Many People Use Sign Language? A National Health Survey-Based Estimate
Authors: Mitchell Ross E , Young Travas A 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAn empirical estimate of how many deaf and hard-of-hearing persons use sign language in the USA was obtained a half-century ago, but no study has measured how many people sign regardless of deafness. This study estimated the number of deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing adult signers. Concatenation of the 2010–2018 National Health Interview Surveys was required to provide sufficient sample size. Unadjusted and age-by-sex-adjusted sign language use prevalence across the range of hearing acuity was estimated. Adult sign language use was substantial (2.80%), with its rate of use greater for women than men and younger adults than older adults. As a group, deaf respondents had a far higher rate of sign language use than any other hearing acuity group. This study provides the first empirical estimate of adult sign language use generally, and the first update of any sign language use estimate in a half-century.
Dual antiplatelet therapy duration after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with indication to oral anticoagulant therapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Montalto Claudio , Costa Francesco , Leonardi Sergio , Micari Antonio , Oreglia Jacopo A , Vranckx Pascal , Capodanno Davide , ten Berg Jurriën , Lopes Renato D , Valgimigli Marco 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimsOptimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with concomitant indication to oral anticoagulation (OAC) is still debated.Methods and resultsA systematic review was performed on electronic databases to search for randomized controlled trials comparing an abbreviated or prolonged (≥3 months) DAPT regimen in patients with OAC and they were analysed in the framework of standard and network meta-analyses. Co-primary endpoints were major or clinically relevant non-major bleedings (MCRB) and major bleeding, while the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was the key safety endpoint. Five studies and 7 665 patients (abbreviated DAPT n = 3 843; prolonged DAPT n = 3 822) were included. Both MCRB and major bleeding were lower with abbreviated DAPT [risk ratio (RR) 0.69 (0.52–0.91); P = 0.01 and 0.70 (0.52–0.95); P = 0.01, respectively] while MACE [RR: 0.96 (0.70–1.33); P = 0.6], all-cause death, cardiovascular death, stent thrombosis, or myocardial infarction did not differ. Network meta-analysis showed that peri-procedural DAPT had the highest probability to prevent MCRB and major bleeding (97.1 and 92.0% respectively) when compared with both short (4–6 weeks) and longer (≥3 months) DAPT regimens. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regressions showed consistency in different clinical scenarios and suggested a larger bleeding reduction with P2Y12 inhibitors vs. aspirin after DAPT discontinuation.ConclusionIn patients undergoing PCI with concomitant OAC indication, an abbreviated DAPT regimen reduced MCRB and major bleeding without increasing MACE or other ischaemic events. Peri-procedural DAPT and P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after DAPT withdrawal appear to be the best strategies to optimize the bleeding and ischaemic risk tradeoff.Trial registration. PROSPERO CRD284001
Back to the roots: defining the core microbiome of Sorghum bicolor in agricultural field soils from the centre of origin
Authors: Abera Sewunet , Shimels Mahdere , Tessema Taye , Raaijmakers Jos M , Dini-Andreote Francisco 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Sorghum is a major staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa with yields severely impacted by biotic and abiotic factors. Here, we analysed the taxonomic diversity and biogeographical distribution of bacterial taxa of 48 agricultural fields along a transect of approximately 2000 km across the Ethiopian sorghum belt, the centre of origin of sorghum. The ultimate goal is to identify—yet-unexplored—beneficial plant–microbe associations. Based on bulk soil bacterial communities and DArT-SNP analyses of 59 sorghum accessions, we selected three microbiologically distinct field soils and 12 sorghum genotypes, including commercial varieties, wild relatives, and farmer-preferred landraces. The results showed a core rhizosphere microbiome of 2125 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), belonging to eight bacterial families consistently found across the three soil types and the 12 sorghum genotypes. Integration of the rhizosphere bacterial community analysis with DArT-SNP sorghum genotyping revealed the association of differentially abundant ASVs with sorghum genotypic traits, including the distinct recruitment of Pseudomonadaceae by the stay-green, drought-tolerant, and wild sorghum genotypes. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the core and accessory bacterial taxa in the sorghum rhizosphere in the centre of origin, setting a baseline for targeted isolation and functional characterization of putative beneficial rhizobacteria.
Unravelling the genetic potential for hydrocarbon degradation in the sediment microbiome of Antarctic islands
Authors: Silva Jéssica B , Centurion Victor B , Duarte Alysson W F , Galazzi Rodrigo M , Arruda Marco A Z , Sartoratto Adilson , Rosa Luiz H , Oliveira Valéria M 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHydrocarbons may have a natural or anthropogenic origin and serve as a source of carbon and energy for microorganisms in Antarctic soils. Herein, 16S rRNA gene and shotgun sequencing were employed to characterize taxonomic diversity and genetic potential for hydrocarbon degradation of the microbiome from sediments of sites located in two Antarctic islands subjected to different temperatures, geochemical compositions, and levels of presumed anthropogenic impact, named: Crater Lake/Deception Island (pristine area), Whalers Bay and Fumarole Bay/Deception Island (anthropogenic-impacted area), and Hannah Point/Livingston Island (anthropogenic-impacted area). Hydrocarbon concentrations were measured for further correlation analyses with biological data. The majority of the hydrocarbon-degrading genes were affiliated to the most abundant bacterial groups of the microbiome: Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. KEGG annotation revealed 125 catabolic genes related to aromatic hydrocarbon (styrene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, naphthalene, and polycyclic hydrocarbons) and aliphatic (alkanes and cycloalkanes) pathways. Only aliphatic hydrocarbons, in low concentrations, were detected in all areas, thus not characterizing the areas under study as anthropogenically impacted or nonimpacted. The high richness and abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading genes suggest that the genetic potential of the microbiome from Antarctic sediments for hydrocarbon degradation is driven by natural hydrocarbon occurrence.
Capsaicin-Induced Endocytosis of Endogenous Presynaptic CaV2.2 in DRG-Spinal Cord Co-Cultures Inhibits Presynaptic Function
Authors: Ramgoolam Krishma H , Dolphin Annette C 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The N-type calcium channel, CaV2.2 is key to neurotransmission from the primary afferent terminals of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to their postsynaptic targets in the spinal cord. In this study, we have utilized CaV2.2_HA knock-in mice, because the exofacial epitope tag in CaV2.2_HA enables accurate detection and localization of endogenous CaV2.2. CaV2.2_HA knock-in mice were used as a source of DRGs to exclusively study the presynaptic expression of N-type calcium channels in co-cultures between DRG neurons and wild-type spinal cord neurons. CaV2.2_HA is strongly expressed on the cell surface, particularly in TRPV1-positive small and medium DRG neurons. Super-resolution images of the presynaptic terminals revealed an increase in CaV2.2_HA expression and increased association with the postsynaptic marker Homer over time in vitro. Brief application of the TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin, resulted in a significant down-regulation of cell surface CaV2.2_HA expression in DRG neuron somata. At their presynaptic terminals, capsaicin caused a reduction in CaV2.2_HA proximity to and co-localization with the active zone marker RIM 1/2, as well as a lower contribution of N-type channels to single action potential-mediated Ca2+ influx. The mechanism of this down-regulation of CaV2.2_HA involves a Rab11a-dependent trafficking process, since dominant-negative Rab11a (S25N) occludes the effect of capsaicin on presynaptic CaV2.2_HA expression, and also prevents the effect of capsaicin on action potential-induced Ca2+ influx. Taken together, these data suggest that capsaicin causes a decrease in cell surface CaV2.2_HA expression in DRG terminals via a Rab11a-dependent endosomal trafficking pathway.
Structure of the Kathmandu basin inferred from microtremor measurements: a preliminary study
Authors: Pettenati Franco , Maharjan Dev Khumar , Paudyal Sarmila , Sandron Denis , Wagle Sharad , Cravos Claudio , Giorgi Massimo , Shrestha Surya Narayan 
Published: November 2022

SUMMARY
This research aims at characterizing the deep sedimentary basin of Kathmandu (Nepal) from microtremor measurements, by using two surveys carried out in November 2015 and November 2018. The data collected are sufficient for a qualitative investigation of the seismic response of such a complex basin. The measurements were undertaken in the framework of a collaboration between the NSET (National Society for Earthquake Technology, Nepal) and the OGS (National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Italy). During the two campaigns, a series of passive seismic surveys were made, taking into consideration both single broad-band sensors and arrays. The 2015 study initially focused on the Lalitpur area (southern part of Kathmandu) and was later extended to the northern and more urbanized area of the capital city of Nepal. The 2018 survey focused on estimating the S-wave velocity field of the entire stratigraphic sequence by array and a repetition of some Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) measurements close to two boreholes with reliable stratigraphy. Two inversion methods, using the data from the seismic arrays, were useful to infer the S-wave velocity profiles of the shallower layers and to interpret some HVSRs. The outcome is a map of the periods of single station data representing the seismic response of the basin. Comparing these results with the strong motion data of the Gorkha 2015 main shock, we confirm that the longer periods are not only the effects of the earthquake source, but also of the local response of the basin itself.
Predictors of Clinical Remission to Placebo in Clinical Trials of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Wong Emily C L , Dulai Parambir S , Marshall John K , Jairath Vipul , Reinisch Walter , Narula Neeraj 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
In placebo-controlled clinical trials for Crohn’s disease (CD), some placebo-treated patients demonstrate improvement. However, it is unclear what factors contribute to placebo response and remission.

Methods
This was a post hoc analysis of 3 placebo-controlled clinical trial programs (GEMINI-2, UNITI-1/2, and CLASSIC-1) of moderate-severe CD evaluating the efficacy of vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and adalimumab. Baseline predictors of clinical remission at the end of induction (week 4/6), defined as Crohn’s Disease Activity Index &lt;150 were evaluated among placebo-treated patients. Clinical response (decrease in Crohn’s Disease Activity Index ≥100 points from baseline) at the end of induction was also evaluated. Univariate analyses were performed and predictors with P &lt; .10 were included in multivariable analyses.

Results
A total of 683 patients (148 from GEMINI-2, 470 from UNITI-1/2, and 65 from CLASSIC-1) treated with placebo were included. Of the predictors evaluated, C-reactive protein &lt;5 mg/L (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.67; P = .035), albumin &gt;40 g/L (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05-2.93; P = .023), and disease duration &lt;5 years (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.05-2.75; P = .032) were included in the multivariable model for clinical remission. Disease duration &lt;5 years was the only variable that retained significance on multivariable analysis (adjusted OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.02-2.73; P = .040). For clinical response, isolated ileal disease and disease duration &lt;1 year were included in the multivariable model, of which only the latter retained significance (adjusted OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.04-3.24; P = .035).

Conclusions
Strategies that reduce placebo response rates in clinical trials of CD should be considered, including stratification or exclusion of subjects by disease duration and mild disease severity as measured by objective biomarkers.