bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating galectin-1 delineates response to bevacizumab in melanoma patients and reprograms endothelial cell biology
Authors: Bannoud Nadia , Stupirski Juan C. , Cagnoni Alejandro J. , Hockl Pablo F. , Pérez Sáez Juan M. , García P. Alfredo , Mahmoud Yamil D. , Gambarte Tudela Julián , Scheidegger Marco A. , Marshall Andrea , Corrie Pippa G. , Middleton Mark R. , Mariño Karina V. , Girotti M. Romina , Croci Diego O. , Rabinovich Gabriel A.
Published: January 2023

Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling with bevacizumab, a humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (mAb), or with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has improved progression-free survival and, in some indications, overall survival across several types of cancers by interrupting tumor angiogenesis. However, the clinical benefit conferred by these therapies is variable, and tumors from treated patients eventually reinitiate growth. Previously we demonstrated, in mouse tumor models, that galectin-1 (Gal1), an endogenous glycan-binding protein, preserves angiogenesis in anti-VEGF–resistant tumors by co-opting the VEGF receptor (VEGFR)2 signaling pathway in the absence of VEGF. However, the relevance of these findings in clinical settings is uncertain. Here, we explored, in a cohort of melanoma patients from AVAST-M, a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled phase 3 trial of adjuvant bevacizumab versus standard surveillance, the role of circulating plasma Gal1 as part of a compensatory mechanism that orchestrates endothelial cell programs in bevacizumab-treated melanoma patients. We found that increasing Gal1 levels over time in patients in the bevacizumab arm, but not in the observation arm, significantly increased their risks of recurrence and death. Remarkably, plasma Gal1 was functionally active as it was able to reprogram endothelial cell biology, promoting migration, tubulogenesis, and VEGFR2 phosphorylation. These effects were prevented by blockade of Gal1 using a newly developed fully human anti-Gal1 neutralizing mAb. Thus, using samples from a large-scale clinical trial from stage II and III melanoma patients, we validated the clinical relevance of Gal1 as a potential mechanism of resistance to bevacizumab treatment.
Activity measurements of the radionuclides 18F, 64Cu, 99mTc and 11C for the NRC, Canada, in the ongoing comparisons BIPM.RI(II)-K4 series and KCRV update in the corresponding BIPM.RI(II)-K1 comparison
Authors: Michotte C , Nonis M , Galea R , Moore K , Gamal I El , Silva I Da
Published: January 2023

Main text

In 2017, comparisons of activity measurements of 18F, 64Cu, 99mTc and 11C using the Transfer Instrument of the International Reference System (SIRTI) took place at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC, Canada). Ampoules containing 18F, 64Cu, 99mTc and 11C solutions were measured in the SIRTI for about three half-lives (10 half-lives for 11C). The NRC standardized the activity in the ampoules by 4π(PC)β−γ anti-coincidence measurements (CIEMAT/NIST liquid scintillation counting for 11C). The comparisons, identifiers BIPM.RI(II)-K4.F-18, BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Cu-64 and BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Tc-99m are linked to the corresponding BIPM.RI(II)-K1.F-18, BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cu-64 and BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Tc-99m comparisons. The BIPM.RI(II)-K1 18F and 99mTc key comparison reference values have been updated to include the latest BIPM.RI(II)-K4 linked results and degrees of equivalence for those three comparisons have been evaluated.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Graphene-like wrapped Ni@C catalyst with magnetic recyclability for selective hydrogenation of nitro-aromatics
Authors: Tan Jin , Lan Ling , Wu Yan-ni , Qiu Song-bai
Published: January 2023

The graphene-like wrapped Ni@C catalysts were facilely synthesized by a modified sol–gel method. Nickel nitrate and citric acid (CA) were adopted as the raw materials to form sol–gel mixture. Under the circumstances, the additive CA were employed not only as a complexing agent but also as a carbon source. It is found that the calcination temperature and the mole ratios between Ni and CA are the key factors affecting the physical property and the catalytic performance of catalysts in the conversion of nitroarenes into corresponding anilines. The results show that the Ni@C-500(1:1) catalyst exhibited the best performance in the hydrogenation of o-chloronitrobenzenes (o-CNB) to o-chloroanilines (o-CAN). The yield of o-CAN was achieved at 100% when o-CNB was completely converted at 40.0 °C under 2.0 MPa H2 for 2.0 h. Furthermore, the Ni@C-500(1:1) catalyst could be separated and recovered easily after reaction by an external magnetic field. The investigated results indicate that the Ni@C-500(1:1) catalyst remained higher activity after using twelve times. More importantly, this kind of catalyst is also active for the selective hydrogenation of other nitroarenes into the corresponding anilines. This new synthetic method may pave a way for producing low-cost Ni@C catalysts on a large scale, which is attractive for industrial anilines applications.
Modulational instability of a Yukawa fluid excitation under the Quasi-localized charged approximation (QLCA) framework
Authors: Dalui Sandip , Kumar Prince , Sharma Devendra
Published: January 2023

Collective response of a strongly coupled system departs from that in continuum phase upon transition to the quasi-crystalline phase, or a Wigner lattice. The nonlinearity driven modulational instability, for example, of a quasi-crystalline dusty plasma lattice wave, is predicted to inevitably grow macroscopic envelope structures at the expense of a mesoscopic carrier wave. The modulational instability in the dimensionally extended quasi-crystalline or amorphous phase of a strongly coupled system, uniquely accessed by the quasi-localized charge approximation (QLCA) formulation, is shown to offer conditional stability over the entire range of spectral scales by prescribing a narrower instability regime. In distinction from the excitations of linear one-dimensional chain of strongly coupled dust grains, the longitudinal modes of a quasi-crystalline phase incorporated by means of a pair correlation function in the present QLCA based treatment shows the lattice excitations to be stable for arbitrarily long wavelengths beyond a finite value of screening parameter κ = a/λ
D = 0.182 at low enough temperature, where a is the inter dust separation and λ
D is the plasma Debye length. However, this unstable domain of the parameter space does grow with increase in the dust temperature which invokes the weak coupling-like effect. The present results show that in comparison to the one-dimensional chains, the dimensionally extended strongly coupled lattice are potentially stable with respect to the macroscopic amplitude modulations. Results offer a greater handle over the macroscopic structures growing from the mesoscopic fluctuations, a mechanism which underlies a variety of processes, ranging from the barrier formation in strongly coupled turbulence to the highly localized modification, induced by collective excitation, of the ultracold ions trapped in strong electromagnetic fields. The existence of the growth rate of instability as well as the maximum modulational growth rate of instability has been investigated for a wide range of values of the screening parameter.
Semiclassical trajectories in the double-slit experiment
Authors: Hernandez Hernandez Hector H , Javier Valdez Carlos R
Published: January 2023

We provide a semiclassical description of the double-slit experiment given by the momentous quantum mechanics. This formulation allows the study of quantum systems by an effective augmented Hamiltonian. The use of canonical variables enables us to comprise all the quantum information into a finite system of equations. We show the evolution of individual particles and their semiclassical trajectories, and how their collective behavior seems to reproduce the well-known quantum interference pattern. We are able to follow the individual evolution of each particle and its interaction with the effective quantum potential, showing that, contrary to the non-crossing rule present in Bohmian mechanics, particle trajectories actually cross each other in our description. By discussing the quantum-effective potential obtained, we mention possible extensions and applications to other areas.
Effect of trapping in coupled kinetic Alfven-acoustic waves in a partially degenerate plasma with quantizing magnetic field
Authors: Asam M T , Bukhari S A , Shah H A , Iqbal Zeeshan , Masood W , Kahlon L Z
Published: January 2023

Inclusion of a quantizing magnetic field in a partially degenerate plasma has interesting effects on the propagation of solitary and nonlinear periodic structures in coupled kinetic Alfven acoustic waves. In this paper, we use two-potential theory to investigate the nonlinear structures using Sagdeev potential approach and further analyze it using nonlinear dynamical methods. It is shown that the existence of solitary structure is sensitive to small temperature effects and quantizing magnetic field in a dense plasma with adiabatically trapped electrons. The work presented here is useful in understanding the low frequency wave propagation in a dense astrophysical environment like white dwarf stars and in low beta laboratory plasmas e.g. intense laser-plasma interactions.
Signal model and event reconstruction for the radio detection of inclined air showers
Authors: Schlüter F. , Huege T.
Published: January 2023

The detection of inclined air showers (zenith angles θ ≳ 65°) with kilometer-spaced radio-antenna arrays allows measuring cosmic rays at ultra-high energies (E ≲ 1020 eV). Radio and particle detector arrays provide independent measurements of the electromagnetic and muonic shower components of inclined air showers, respectively. Combined, these measurements have a large sensitivity to discriminate between air showers initiated by lighter and heavier cosmic rays.

We have developed a precise model of the two-dimensional, highly complex and asymmetric lateral radio-signal distributions of inclined air shower at ground — the “radio-emission footprints”. Our model explicitly describes the dominant geomagnetic emission with a rotationally symmetric lateral distribution function, on top of which additional effects disturb the symmetry. The asymmetries are associated with the interference between the geomagnetic and sub-dominant charge-excess emission as well as with geometrical projection effects, so-called “early-late” effects. Our fully analytic model describes the entire footprint with only two observables: the geometrical distance between the shower impact point at the ground and the shower maximum d
max, and the geomagnetic radiation energy E
geo. We demonstrate that with this model, the electromagnetic shower energy can be reconstructed by kilometer-spaced antenna arrays with an intrinsic resolution of 5% and a negligible bias.
Network controllability measures of subnetworks: implications for neurosciences
Authors: Stocker Julia Elina , Nozari Erfan , van Vugt Marieke , Jansen Andreas , Jamalabadi Hamidreza
Published: January 2023

Objective: Recent progress in network sciences has made it possible to apply key findings from control theory to the study of networks. Referred to as network control theory, this framework describes how the interactions between interconnected system elements and external energy sources, potentially constrained by different optimality criteria, result in complex network behavior. A typical example is the quantification of the functional role certain brain regions or symptoms play in shaping the temporal dynamics of brain activity or the clinical course of a disease, a property that is quantified in terms of the so-called controllability metrics. Critically though, contrary to the engineering context in which control theory was originally developed, a mathematical understanding of the network nodes and connections in neurosciences cannot be assumed. For instance, in the case of psychological systems such as those studied to understand psychiatric disorders, a potentially large set of related variables are unknown. As such, while the measures offered by network control theory would be mathematically correct, in that they can be calculated with high precision, they could have little translational values with respect to their putative role suggested by controllability metrics. It is therefore critical to understand if and how the controllability metrics estimated over subnetworks would deviate, if access to the complete set of variables, as is common in neurosciences, cannot be taken for granted. Approach: In this paper, we use a host of simulations based on synthetic as well as structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to study the potential deviation of controllability metrics in sub- compared to the full networks. Specifically, we estimate average- and modal-controllability, two of the most widely used controllability measures in neurosciences, in a large number of settings where we systematically vary network type, network size, and edge density. Main results: We find out, across all network types we test, that average and modal controllability are systematically, over- or underestimated depending on the number of nodes in the sub- and full network and the edge density. Significance: Finally, we provide formal theoretical proof that our observations generalize to any network type and discuss the ramifications of this systematic bias and potential solutions to alleviate the problem.
Breath VOC analysis and machine learning approaches for disease screening: a review
Authors: P Haripriya , Rangarajan Madhavan , Pandya Hardik J
Published: January 2023

Early disease detection is often correlated with a reduction in mortality rate and improved prognosis. Currently, techniques like biopsy and imaging that are used to screen chronic diseases are invasive, costly or inaccessible to a large population. Thus, a non-invasive disease screening technology is the need of the hour. Existing non-invasive methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry, and proton transfer reaction-mass-spectrometry are expensive. These techniques necessitate experienced operators, making them unsuitable for a large population. Various non-invasive sources are available for disease detection, of which exhaled breath is preferred as it contains different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reflect the biochemical reactions in the human body. Disease screening by exhaled breath VOC analysis can revolutionize the healthcare industry. This review focuses on exhaled breath VOC biomarkers for screening various diseases with a particular emphasis on liver diseases and head and neck cancer as examples of diseases related to metabolic disorders and diseases unrelated to metabolic disorders, respectively. Single sensor and sensor array-based (Electronic Nose) approaches for exhaled breath VOC detection are briefly described, along with the machine learning techniques used for pattern recognition.
Hybrid volatilomics in cancer diagnosis by HS-GC-FID fingerprinting
Authors: da Costa Bruno Ruiz Brandão , da Silva Ricardo Roberto , Bigão Vítor Luiz Caleffo Piva , Peria Fernanda Maris , De Martinis Bruno Spinosa
Published: January 2023

Assessing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as cancer signatures is one of the most promising techniques toward developing non-invasive, simple, and affordable diagnosis. Here, we have evaluated the feasibility of employing static headspace extraction (HS) followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) as a screening tool to discriminate between cancer patients (head and neck—HNC, n = 15; and gastrointestinal cancer—GIC, n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 37) on the basis of a non-target (fingerprinting) analysis of oral fluid and urine. We evaluated the discrimination considering a single bodily fluid and adopting the hybrid approach, in which the oral fluid and urinary VOCs profiles were combined through data fusion. We used supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis for classification, and we assessed the prediction power of the models by analyzing the values of goodness of prediction (Q2Y), area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The individual models HNC urine, HNC oral fluid, and GIC oral fluid successfully discriminated between healthy controls and positive samples (Q2Y = 0.560, 0.525, and 0.559; AUC = 0.814, 0.850, and 0.926; sensitivity = 84.8, 70.2, and 78.6%; and specificity = 82.3; 81.5; 87.5%, respectively), whereas GIC urine was not adequate (Q2Y = 0.292, AUC = 0.694, sensitivity = 66.1%, and specificity = 77.0%). Compared to the respective individual models, Q2Y for the hybrid models increased (0.623 for hybrid HNC and 0.562 for hybrid GIC). However, sensitivity was higher for HNC urine and GIC oral fluid than for hybrid HNC (75.6%) and hybrid GIC (69.8%), respectively. These results suggested that HS-GC-FID fingerprinting is suitable and holds great potential for cancer screening. Additionally, the hybrid approach tends to increase the predictive power if the individual models present suitable quality parameter values. Otherwise, it is more advantageous to use a single body fluid for analysis.
Regularity in time along the coarse scale flow for the incompressible Euler equations
Authors: Isett Philip
Published: January 2023

One of the most remarkable features of known nonstationary solutions to the incompressible Euler equations is the phenomenon known as the Taylor hypothesis, which predicts that fine scale features of the flow are advected by the mean velocity. In this work, we develop an extensive theory of time regularity for Euler weak solutions in any dimension based on quantitative realizations of this idea.

Our work provides the key estimates for showing that the particle trajectories of any Euler flow that is

C
α

C^\alpha

in the spatial variables uniformly in time are of class

C

1

/

(
1
−
α
)

C^{1/(1-\alpha )}

when

1

/

(
1
−
α
)

1/(1-\alpha )

is not an integer, whether or not the trajectories or solutions are unique. In particular, we prove the smoothness of trajectories in borderline spaces such as

v
∈

C
1

v \in C^1

or bounded vorticity in any dimension. An essential point is the existence and improved regularity of advective derivatives of high order.
Patient and Clinician Reported Outcomes of the Inframammary Incision “Short Scar Technique” in Primary Breast Augmentation
Authors: Montemurro Paolo , Cheema Mubashir , Pellegatta Tommaso , Hedén Per
Published: January 2023

Background

Breast augmentation is a common aesthetic surgery procedure and surgeons are constantly trying to develop techniques that help improve patients' outcome. One of the most important aspects is achieving a favorable scar. The “traditional” breast augmentation scar is in the inframammary fold (IMF), whereas trans-axillary and trans-umbilical approaches have been described as an attempt to move the “location” of the scar and make it less noticeable. Nonetheless, relatively little attention has been paid to improving the IMF scar, which remains the most commonly used scar for silicone implants.

Objectives

The authors have previously described a technique that uses an insertion sleeve and custom-made retractors to allow implant insertion through a shorter IMF scar. However, at the time, the authors did not evaluate the quality of the scar and patient satisfaction. In this manuscript, the authors describe patient and clinician-reported outcomes for this short scar technique.

Methods

All consecutive female patients, undergoing primary aesthetic breast augmentation with symmetric implants were included in this review.

Results

Three different scar-assessment scales demonstrated good results at 1-year postop, as well as the good correlation between patient-reported and clinician-observed scores. BREAST-Q subscale for overall satisfaction also demonstrated good overall patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Besides providing an added aesthetic value to the result of breast augmentation, a shorter scar may also appeal to patients who are concerned about the size and quality of postoperative scars and like to search for “before and after” pictures prior to scheduling consultations.

Level of Evidence: 4
LARP4B gene mutation is involved in the development of neurofibroma
Authors: Li Yue-Hua , Long Man-Mei , Dai Shun-Dong , Wang Zhi-Chao
Published: January 2023

In previous studies, the protein La-related protein 4B (LARP4B) has not been linked to neurofibroma. The gene sequencing results of our patient suggest that LARP4B may play a role in the growth of neurofibroma without the NF1 gene mutation, making the tumour size larger than that of normal neurofibroma. Exploring the role of LARP4B in the growth process of neurofibroma may help provide a new solution for clinical treatment of this tumour.
The current state of fellowship leadership in dermatology: trends in workforce demographics and scholarly productivity
Authors: Ahmad Areebah S , Mulligan Kathleen M , Zheng David X , O’Connell Katie A , Gallo Marin Benjamin , Koshelev Misha V
Published: January 2023

Interest in subspecialty training remains high for dermatology residency graduates. Fellowship program directors (FPDs) are largely responsible for fellowship organization and development. Here, we study the dermatology fellowship leadership landscape and identify notable differences in the characteristics of current dermatopathology, paediatric dermatology, and Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology FPDs.
Perioperative Low-Dose Prednisolone Treatment Has Beneficial Effects on Postoperative Recovery and Anastomotic Healing in a Murine Colitis Model
Authors: Weber Marie-Christin , Bauer Jannick , Buck Annalisa , Clees Zoé , Oertel Reinhard , Kasajima Atsuko , Reischl Stefan , Wilhelm Dirk , Friess Helmut , Neumann Philipp-Alexander
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

High-dose glucocorticoid treatment has been identified as a risk factor for anastomotic leakage in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] undergoing bowel resection surgery. By contrast, active disease during surgery is also associated with elevated morbidity. Perioperative low-dose treatment might be beneficial regarding postoperative outcomes by controlling disease activity. The present study is the first to investigate the dose-dependent effect of perioperative prednisolone therapy in a murine IBD model combining dextran sodium sulphate [DSS] colitis with intestinal anastomosis surgery.

Methods

In 84 10-week-old wild-type mice, a colorectal anastomosis was performed using a microsurgical technique. Half the animals received induction of chemical colitis with 2% DSS via drinking water prior to surgery. In both groups, one-third of the animals received daily oral administration of high-dose [0.533 mg/kg] and one-third low-dose [0.133 mg/kg] prednisolone. Evaluation was performed on postoperative days 3 and 7.

Results

While high-dose prednisolone treatment led to an increased anastomotic leakage rate in mice under colitis, low-dose prednisolone treatment limited preoperative disease activity and did not influence the leakage rate. Histological examination showed a beneficial effect of low-dose prednisolone treatment on microscopic abscess formation at the anastomotic site in DSS mice as well as an increased anastomotic healing score.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a beneficial effect of perioperative short-term low-dose prednisolone treatment on intestinal anastomotic healing in the context of colitis. Perioperative use of short-term low-dose prednisolone treatment might be beneficial in IBD patients who need to undergo surgery during active disease.
Fund management in the interwar period: UK investment trust portfolio asset allocation in the 1920s
Authors: Sotiropoulos Dimitris P , Rutterford Janette , Tori Daniele , Kyparissis Antonis
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the portfolio asset allocation of UK investment trusts between 1914 and 1928 using a unique hand-collected dataset of 41 companies, which comprises 40,875 portfolio holdings. UK investment trusts not only survived WWI without major losses but also had a remarkable performance in the 1920s, which led to a wave of new incorporations. The 1920s was a period of significant shifts in investment trust portfolio composition and our analysis examines the main reasons for this. We show that investment trust managers were able to adjust quickly to the new socioeconomic circumstances and secure high profitability for their shareholders.
The science of clinical quality registries
Authors: Parker Kirsten J , Hickman Louise D , Ferguson Caleb
Published: January 2023

Clinical quality registries can be a transformational tool to improve healthcare delivery. Clinical registries with an incorporated quality emphasis identify evidence-practice gaps, inform quality improvement, and provide foundational research data to examine and improve health-related outcomes. For registries to create an impact it is essential that clinicians and researchers understand historical context, importance, advantages, and key criticisms. This methodological paper highlights the skills and capabilities required to build and maintain a robust clinical quality registry. This includes key measures to ensure data security, quality control, ongoing operational components, and benchmarking of care outcomes.
Klotho protects chromosomal DNA from radiation-induced damage
Authors: Nakayama Shinya , Sun Jiying , Horikoshi Yasunori , Kamimura Yoshitaka , Ike Takeshi , Fujino Shu , Kinugasa Yasuha , Sasaki Kensuke , Nakashima Ayumu , Masaki Takao , Tashiro Satoshi
Published: January 2023

Klotho is an anti-aging, single-pass transmembrane protein found mainly in the kidney. Although aging is likely to be associated with DNA damage, the involvement of Klotho in protecting cells from DNA damage is still unclear.

In this study, we examined DNA damage in human kidney cells and mouse kidney tissue after ionizing radiation (IR). The depletion and overexpression of Klotho in human kidney cells reduced and increased the cell survival rates after IR, respectively. The formation of γ-H2AX foci, representing DNA damage, was significantly elevated immediately after IR in cells with Klotho depletion and decreased in cells overexpressing Klotho. These results were confirmed in mouse renal tissues after IR. Quantification of DNA damage by a comet assay revealed that the Klotho knockdown significantly increased the amount of DNA damage immediately after IR, suggesting that Klotho protects chromosomal DNA from the induction of damage, rather than facilitating DNA repair. Consistent with this notion, Klotho was detected in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the nucleus, Klotho may serve to protect chromosomal DNA from damage, leading to its anti-aging effects.
Unveiling demographic and mating strategies ofPanthera oncain the Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Fragoso Carlos Eduardo , Rampim Lilian Elaine , Quigley Howard , Buhrke Haberfeld Mario , Ayala Espíndola Wellyngton , Cabral Araújo Valquíria , Rodrigues Sartorello Leonardo , May Júnior Joares Adenilson
Published: January 2023

We conducted the first long-term and large-scale study of demographic characteristics and reproductive behavior in a wild jaguar (Panthera onca) population. Data were collected through a combination of direct observations and camera trapping on a study area that operates both as a cattle ranch and ecotourism destination. Jaguars exhibited two birth peaks: April/May and October/November, that are the end and the beginning of the wet season in the Pantanal, respectively. The average litter size was 1.43 ± 0.65. Single cubs made up a total of 65.7% of the births, and we found a slight predominance of females (1.15:1 ratio) in litters. The mean age at independence was 17.6 ± 0.98 months, with sex-biased dispersal, with all males (n = 27) leaving the natal home range and 63.6% of females exhibiting philopatry. The interbirth intervals were 21.8 ± 3.2 months and the mean age at first parturition was 31.8 ± 4.2 months. Our results estimated a lifetime reproductive success for female jaguars of 8.13 cubs. Our observations also indicate that female jaguars can display mating behavior during cub rearing or pregnancy, representing 41.4% of the consorts and copulations recorded. We speculate that this behavior has evolved as a defense against infanticide and physical harm to the female. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such behavior is described for this species. All aggressive interactions between females involved the presence of cubs, following the offspring–defense hypothesis, that lead to territoriality among females in mammals, regardless of food availability. In the face of growing threats to this apex predator, this work unveils several aspects of its natural history, representing a baseline for comparison with future research and providing critical information for population viability analysis and conservation planning in the long term.
Practical rationality in education: beyond the Hirst–Carr debate
Authors: Misawa Koichiro
Published: January 2023

Paul Hirst’s philosophical ‘conversion’ from forms of knowledge to forms of social practices was largely prompted by his radical reappraisal of the philosophical underpinnings that had validated his classic conception of liberal education. The primary motivation for Hirst’s later works was to remedy his own neglect of practical reason, whose sharp distinction from theoretical reason he acknowledged he had failed to appreciate. There is much to commend in his ‘practical’ turn. The main challenge that remains, however, is that the social practices view is something of a ‘foundationalist’ two-part picture, where overwhelming priority is given to practical reason. I appreciate the importance of the two issues Hirst puts on the table, in his debate with Wilfred Carr particularly and in his later works more generally: the issues of cultivating phronesis and of making sense of the practical character of critical-reflective activities. But I argue that addressing these issues fully requires us to recognize that neither theoretical nor practical rationality can be intelligible apart from the other. To press the point home, I review the analogous debate between Hubert Dreyfus and John McDowell over whether to accept, and how to understand, the view that rational conceptuality in a relevant sense pervades not only deliberation and propositional thinking but also perception and embodied coping skills. I conclude by briefly considering the prospect that the legacy of Hirst and recent discussions around human nature, practical rationality, and the formation of reason will interactively enrich our philosophical-educational scholarship.
Implication of E3 ligase RAD18 in UV-induced mutagenesis in human induced pluripotent stem cells and neuronal progenitor cells
Authors: Shimada Mikio , Tokumiya Takumi , Miyake Tomoko , Tsukada Kaima , Kanzaki Norie , Yanagihara Hiromi , Kobayashi Junya , Matsumoto Yoshihisa
Published: January 2023

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have the potential to differentiate to any of the other organs. The genome DNA integrity of PSCs is maintained by a high level of transcription for a number of genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear how high the frequency of genetic mutation is and how these DNA repair factors function in PSCs. In this study, we employed Sup F assay for the measurement of mutation frequency after UV-C irradiation in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as PSC models and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were derived from iPSCs as differentiated cells. iPSCs and NPCs exhibited a lower mutation frequency compared with the original skin fibroblasts. In RNA-seq analysis, iPSCs and NPCs showed a high expression of RAD18, which is involved in trans-lesion synthesis (TLS) for the emergency tolerance system during the replication process of DNA. Although RAD18 is involved in both error free and error prone TLS in somatic cells, it still remains unknown the function of RAD18 in PSCs. In this study we depleted of the RAD18 by siRNA knockdown resulted in decreased frequency of mutation in iPSCs and NPCs. Our results will provide information on the genome maintenance machinery in PSCs.
The contribution of the cervix to sexual response: an online survey study
Authors: Giovannetti Olivia , Tomalty Diane , Gilmore Shelby , Pattison Anne , Komisaruk Barry , Goldstein Sue , Hannan Johanna , Goldstein Irwin , Pukall Caroline , Adams Michael A
Published: January 2023

Background

The role of the cervix in sexual response has been poorly studied, despite previous research indicating that some women experience pleasurable sexual sensations from cervical stimulation; given previous reports of sexual issues after cervix electrocautery, it is possible that cervical injury may compromise the role of the cervix in sexual functioning.

Aim

The aims of this study were to examine locations of pleasurable sexual sensations, to identify sexual communication barriers, and to investigate if cervical procedures are associated with negative impacts on sexual function.

Methods

Women with (n = 72) and without (n = 235) a history of a gynecological procedure completed an online survey assessing demographics, medical history, sexual function (including locations of sexual pleasure and pain on diagrams), and barriers. The procedure group was divided into subgroups of those who had experienced a cervical (n = 47) or noncervical (n = 25) procedure. Chi-square analyses and t tests were conducted.

Outcomes

Outcomes included locations and ratings of pleasurable and painful sexual stimulation, as well as sexual function.

Results

Over 16% of participants reported experiencing some pleasurable sexual sensations from the cervix. The gynecological procedure group (n = 72) reported significantly higher pain in the vagina and lower rates of pleasure in their external genitals, vagina, deep vagina, anterior and posterior vaginal walls, and clitoris vs the non–gynecological procedure (n = 235) group. The gynecological procedure group and the cervical procedure subgroup (n = 47) reported significant decreases in desire, arousal, and lubrication and increased avoidance of sexual activity due to vaginal dryness. The gynecological procedure group reported significant pain with vaginal stimulation, whereas the cervical subgroup identified significant pain with cervical and clitoral stimulation.

Clinical Implications

Cervical stimulation elicits some pleasurable sexual sensations for many women, and gynecological procedures that affect the cervix are associated with pain and sexual issues; thus, health care providers should counsel patients about the possibility of related sexual concerns.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is the first to examine locations of pleasure and pain and experiences of sexual pleasure and function in participants who underwent a gynecological procedure. A hybrid measure was used to assess sexual issues, including symptoms of dysfunction.

Conclusion

Results indicate an association between cervical procedures and sexual issues, supporting the need to inform patients of this possibility following cervical procedures.
Sexual functioning beliefs, sexual satisfaction, and sexual functioning in women: a cross-sectional mediation analysis
Authors: Peixoto Maria Manuela , Lopes Júlia
Published: January 2023

Background

Sexual dysfunctional beliefs are known to be negative predictors of women’s sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction, but little is known about the role that beliefs about sexual functioning play in women’s sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction.

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediating role of sexual functioning in the relationship between women’s beliefs about sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction.

Methods

A sample of 301 women was invited to participate in a web survey about female sexuality in May 2020.

Outcomes

Participants completed the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beliefs About Sexual Functioning Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, and the Female Sexual Functioning Index.

Results

Sexual functioning was a significant mediator in the relationship between beliefs about sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women. When the dimensions of sexual functioning were considered as mediators, only sexual desire and absence of sexual pain were significant mediators in the relationship between beliefs about sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women.

Clinical Implications

Negative beliefs about sexual functioning in women are associated with poor sexual functioning and lack of sexual satisfaction. Therefore, beliefs about sexual functioning should be assessed during the intervention for women’s sexual difficulties and to increase sexual pleasure and satisfaction. In addition, special attention should be paid to women with problems with sexual desire and sexual pain when beliefs about sexual functioning are being assessed.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is one of the first attempts to explore the role of beliefs about sexual functioning in women’s sexual satisfaction and to examine the mediating role of sexual functioning. Limitations include the small sample size, the lack of a clinical sample, and the nonlongitudinal methodological approach.

Conclusion

Beliefs about sexual functioning are a negative predictor of sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women. In addition, women with sexual pain and lack of sexual desire are more likely to have lower sexual satisfaction if they have more negative beliefs about sexual functioning.
The impact of growth at elevated [CO2] on stomatal anatomy and behavior differs between wheat species and cultivars
Authors: Wall Shellie , Cockram James , Vialet-Chabrand Silvere , Van Rie Jeroen , Gallé Alexander , Lawson Tracy
Published: January 2023

The ability of plants to respond to changes in the environment is crucial to their survival and reproductive success. The impact of increasing the atmospheric CO2 concentration (a[CO2]), mediated by behavioral and developmental responses of stomata, on crop performance remains a concern under all climate change scenarios, with potential impacts on future food security. To identify possible beneficial traits that could be exploited for future breeding, phenotypic variation in morphological traits including stomatal size and density, as well as physiological responses and, critically, the effect of growth [CO2] on these traits, was assessed in six wheat relative accessions (including Aegilops tauschii, Triticum turgidum ssp. Dicoccoides, and T. turgidum ssp. dicoccon) and five elite bread wheat T. aestivum cultivars. Exploiting a range of different species and ploidy, we identified key differences in photosynthetic capacity between elite hexaploid wheat and wheat relatives. We also report differences in the speed of stomatal responses which were found to be faster in wheat relatives than in elite cultivars, a trait that could be useful for enhanced photosynthetic carbon gain and water use efficiency. Furthermore, these traits do not all appear to be influenced by elevated [CO2], and determining the underlying genetics will be critical for future breeding programmes.
Occurrence of virulence genes and methicillin-resistance inStaphylococcus aureusisolates causing subclinical bovine mastitis in Tiaret area, Algeria
Authors: Bouzidi Said , Bourabah Akila , Cheriet Sarah , Abbassi Mohamed Salah , Meliani Samia , Bouzidi Hanane
Published: January 2023

Mastitis remains the most frequent and the most expensive disease of dairy breeding. The objective of the study was to study S. aureus isolates collected from subclinical bovine mastitis in the Tiaret region, Algeria, by determining their antimicrobial susceptibility and their virulence traits. Sixty-two S. aureus isolates collected from subclinical bovine mastitis were studied by determining their antimicrobial susceptibility according to CLSI guidelines, and nine genes encoding virulence factors and resistance to methicillin and penicillin were determined by PCR. Multi-drug resistance was observed in 19 (30.64%) isolates and five (8%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), four of them harbored the mecA gene; however, the mecC gene was not detected. Out of 59 penicillin-resistant isolates, 14 harbored the blaZ gene; one of them co-harbored the mecA gene. The following virulence genes were detected: eta (n = 23; 37%), icaA (20; 32.2%), icaD (18; 29%), etb (16; 25.8%), luk E-D (14; 22.5%), and sea (6; 9.6%). The tsst-1, lukF/lukS, and luk-M genes were not detected. The occurrence of MRSA and multi-drug resistant (MDR) S. aureus isolates as well as genes encoding virulence factors playing an important role in the pathogenesis of subclinical bovine mastitis and of harmful potential to human is a cause for concern.
Eccentricity or spin precession? Distinguishing subdominant effects in gravitational-wave data
Authors: Romero-Shaw Isobel M , Gerosa Davide , Loutrel Nicholas
Published: January 2023

Eccentricity and spin precession are key observables in gravitational-wave astronomy, encoding precious information about the astrophysical formation of compact binaries together with fine details of the relativistic two-body problem. However, the two effects can mimic each other in the emitted signals, raising issues around their distinguishability. Since inferring the existence of both eccentricity and spin precession simultaneously is – at present – not possible, current state-of-the-art analyses assume that either one of the effects may be present in the data. In such a setup, what are the conditions required for a confident identification of either effect? We present simulated parameter inference studies in realistic LIGO/Virgo noise, studying events consistent with either spin precessing or eccentric binary black hole coalescences and recovering under the assumption that either of the two effects may be at play. We quantify how the distinguishability of eccentricity and spin precession increases with the number of visible orbital cycles, confirming that the signal must be sufficiently long for the two effects to be separable. The threshold depends on the injected source, with inclination, eccentricity, and effective spin playing crucial roles. In particular, for injections similar to GW190521, we find that it is impossible to confidently distinguish eccentricity from spin precession.
The Tucana dwarf spheroidal: a distant backsplash galaxy of M31?
Authors: Santos-Santos Isabel M E , Navarro Julio F , McConnachie Alan
Published: January 2023

We use the APOSTLE Local Group (LG) cosmological hydrosimulations to examine the properties of ‘backsplash’ galaxies, i.e. dwarfs that were within the virial boundaries of the Milky Way (MW) or M31 in the past, but are today outside their virial radius (r200). More than half of all dwarfs between $1\text{ and }2\, r_{200}$ of each primary are backsplash. More distant backsplash systems, i.e. those reaching distances well beyond $2\, r_{200}$, are typically close to apocentre of nearly radial orbits, and, therefore, essentially at rest relative to their primary. We use this result to investigate which LG dwarfs beyond ∼500 kpc of either primary could be a distant backsplash satellite of MW or M31. Tucana dSph, one of the few known quiescent LG field dwarfs, at dM31 ≈ 1350 kpc and dMW ≈ 880 kpc, is a promising candidate. Tucana’s radial velocity is consistent with being at rest relative to M31. Further, Tucana is located close to M33’s orbital plane around M31, and simple orbit integrations indicate that Tucana may have been ejected during an early pericentric passage of M33 ∼11 Gyr ago, a timing that approximately coincides with Tucana’s last episode of star formation. We suggest that Tucana may have been an early-infalling satellite of M31 or M33, providing a compelling explanation for its puzzling lack of gas and ongoing star formation despite its isolated nature. In this scenario, M33 should have completed some orbits around M31, a result that may help to explain the relative dearth of M33 satellite candidates identified so far.
Thermal hysteresis and front propagation in dense planetary rings
Authors: Larue Rémy , Latter Henrik , Rein Hanno
Published: January 2023

Saturn’s rings are composed of icy grains, most in the mm to m size ranges, undergoing several collisions per orbit. Their collective behaviour generates a remarkable array of structures over many orders of magnitude, much of it not well understood. On the other hand, the collisional properties and parameters of individual ring particles are poorly constrained; usually, N-body simulations and kinetic theory employ hard-sphere models with a coefficient of restitution ϵ that is constant or a decreasing function of impact speed. Due to the plastic deformation of surface regolith, however, it is likely that ϵ will be more complicated, at the very least a non-monotonic function. We undertake N-body simulations with the REBOUND code with non-monotonic ϵ laws to approximate surfaces that are friable but not sticking. Our simulations reveal that such ring models can support two thermally stable steady states for the same (dynamical) optical depth: a cold and a warm state. If the ring breaks up into radial bands of one or the other, we find that warmer states tend to migrate into the colder states via a coherent travelling front. We also find stationary ‘viscous’ fronts, which connect states of different optical depths, but the same angular momentum flux. We discuss these preliminary results and speculate on their implications for structure formation in Saturn’s B and C-rings, especially with respect to structures that appear in Cassini images but not in occultations.
Constraining cosmic inflation with observations: Prospects for 2030
Authors: Bahr-Kalus Benedict , Parkinson David , Easther Richard
Published: January 2023

The ability to test and constrain theories of cosmic inflation will advance substantially over the next decade. Key data sources include cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements and observations of the distribution of matter at low-redshift from optical, near-infrared, and 21-cm intensity surveys. A positive detection of a CMB B-mode consistent with a primordial stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB) is widely viewed as a smoking gun for an inflationary phase. Still, a null result does not exclude inflation. However, in a significant class of inflationary scenarios, a low SGWB amplitude is correlated with a more significant running, αs, in the primordial density perturbations than is seen with the simplest inflationary potentials. With this motivation, we forecast the precision with which the spectral index ns and αs can be constrained by currently envisaged observations, including CMB (Simons Observatory, CMB-S4 and LiteBIRD), optical/near infra-red (DESI and SPHEREx), and 21-cm intensity mapping (Tianlai and CHIME) surveys. We identify optimal combinations of data sets for constraining the running and show that they may yield additional and informative constraints on the overall inflationary parameter space if the SGWB remains undetected.