bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical study of the cross vapor stream effect on falling film hydrodynamics over a horizontal tube
Authors: Zhao Chuang-Yao , Li Qiong-Tao , Qi Di , Feng Zeng-Xi , Jiang Jun-Min
Published: June 2022

Falling film technology has been widely applied in various industrial processes, but vapor shearing effects cause significant problems. The mechanism by which vapor affects the hydrodynamics of a falling film has not yet been fully understood, particularly for cross vapor streams. In this paper, a three-dimensional model is developed to investigate the hydrodynamics of a falling film on a horizontal tube with a cross vapor stream. The results indicate that (1) there are valley and peak zones during the spreading of the liquid film; (2) the effect of cross vapor flow on the hydrodynamics of the falling film depends on the film flow rate, the cross vapor velocity, and the position on the tube; (3) with increasing vapor velocity, the peripheral film thickness increases on both the upwind and downwind sides for values of z* (the dimensionless axial coordinate) from 0 to 0.1, while decreasing on the upwind side but increasing on the downwind side for values of z* from 0.2 to 0.5; and (4) under the action of the cross vapor stream, liquid film offset occurs, characterized by the formation of new stagnation and detachment zones on the downwind side of the tube.
Contribution of initial bubble radius distribution to weakly nonlinear waves with a long wavelength in bubbly liquids
Authors: Kanagawa Tetsuya , Ishitsuka Reona , Arai Shuya , Ayukai Takahiro
Published: June 2022

In this study, the weakly nonlinear propagation of plane progressive pressure waves in an initially quiescent liquid was theoretically investigated. This liquid contains several small uniformly distributed spherical polydisperse gas bubbles. The polydispersity considered here represents various types of initial bubble radii, and the liquid contains multiple bubbles, each with an initial radius. Using the method of multiple scales, we first derived the Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers (KdVB) equation with a correction term as a nonlinear wave equation. This equation describes the long-range wave propagation with weak nonlinearity, low frequency, and long wavelength in the polydisperse bubbly liquid using the basic equations in a two-fluid model. The utilization of the two-fluid model incorporates the dependence of an initial void fraction on each coefficient in the nonlinear, dissipation, and dispersion terms in the KdVB equation. Furthermore, unlike previous studies on waves in polydisperse bubbly liquids, we achieved the formulation without assuming an explicit form of the polydispersity function. Consequently, we discovered the contribution of polydispersity to the various effects of wave propagation, that is, the nonlinear, dissipation, and dispersion effects. In particular, the dispersion effect of the waves was found to be strongly influenced by polydispersity.
Trajectories of physical functioning among US adults with cognitive impairment
Authors: Zang Emma , Shi Yu , Wang Xueqing , Wu Bei , Fried Terri R
Published: June 2022

Background

physical functioning impairment is common among persons with cognitive impairment, but little is known about physical functioning trajectories across the US population or how trajectories may differ among persons with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Objective

to examine trajectories of physical functioning among persons with MCI and dementia in the USA.

Design

we used data from the National Health and Aging Trends study (NHATS) 2011–18. Physical functioning was assessed using the NHATS Expanded Short Physical Performance Battery.

Participants

the 661 individuals with MCI and 980 individuals with dementia were included in this study.

Methods

we applied group-based trajectory models to identify latent groups and estimate their trajectories. Multinomial logistic regressions were applied to examine relationships between sociodemographic and health characteristics and trajectory group memberships.

Results

both MCI- and dementia-specific trajectories differed at baseline levels and declined at varying rates across groups. Approximately, 78.43% of persons with MCI were in trajectories with a moderate rate of decline, with only 9.75% in a trajectory with good physical function and 11.82% with poor physical function without as much change over time. Among persons with dementia, approximately 81.4% experienced moderate or fast declines, and 18.52% with virtually no functional ability remained at this same low level. Worse physical functioning trajectories were found among persons who were females, Blacks, with at least four comorbidities, and among persons who had a low socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

persons with both dementia and MCI experienced steady declines in physical functioning. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have worse physical functioning trajectories.
Molecular basis and functional development of enzymes related to amino acid metabolism
Authors: Yoshimura Tohru
Published: June 2022

Enzymology, the study of enzyme structures and reaction mechanisms can be considered a classical discipline. However, enzymes cannot be freely designed to catalyze desired reactions yet, and enzymology is by no means a complete science. I have long studied the reaction mechanisms of enzymes related to amino acid metabolism, such as aminotransferases and racemases, which depend on pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, a coenzyme form of vitamin B6. During these studies, I have often been reminded that enzymatic reactions are extremely sophisticated processes based on chemical principles and enzyme structures, and have often been amazed at the evolutionary mechanisms that bestowed them with such structures. In this review, I described the reaction mechanism of various pyridoxal enzymes especially related to d-amino acids metabolism, whose roles in mammals have recently attracted attention. I hope to convey some of the significance and interest in enzymology through this review.
Variational Bayes for high-dimensional proportional hazards models with applications within gene expression
Authors: Komodromos Michael , Aboagye Eric O , Evangelou Marina , Filippi Sarah , Ray Kolyan
Published: June 2022

Motivation

Few Bayesian methods for analyzing high-dimensional sparse survival data provide scalable variable selection, effect estimation and uncertainty quantification. Such methods often either sacrifice uncertainty quantification by computing maximum a posteriori estimates, or quantify the uncertainty at high (unscalable) computational expense.

Results

We bridge this gap and develop an interpretable and scalable Bayesian proportional hazards model for prediction and variable selection, referred to as sparse variational Bayes. Our method, based on a mean-field variational approximation, overcomes the high computational cost of Markov chain Monte Carlo, whilst retaining useful features, providing a posterior distribution for the parameters and offering a natural mechanism for variable selection via posterior inclusion probabilities. The performance of our proposed method is assessed via extensive simulations and compared against other state-of-the-art Bayesian variable selection methods, demonstrating comparable or better performance. Finally, we demonstrate how the proposed method can be used for variable selection on two transcriptomic datasets with censored survival outcomes, and how the uncertainty quantification offered by our method can be used to provide an interpretable assessment of patient risk.

Availability and implementation

our method has been implemented as a freely available R package survival.svb (https://github.com/mkomod/survival.svb).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The association of obesity-related traits on COVID-19 severity and hospitalization is affected by socio-economic status: a multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cabrera-Mendoza Brenda , Wendt Frank R , Pathak Gita A , De Angelis Flavio , De Lillo Antonella , Koller Dora , Polimanti Renato
Published: June 2022

Background

Due to its large impact on human health, socio-economic status (SES) could at least partially influence the established association between obesity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. To estimate the independent effect of body size and SES on the clinical manifestations of COVID-19, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods

Applying two-sample MR approaches, we evaluated the effects of body mass index (BMI, n = 322 154), waist circumference (WC, n = 234 069), hip circumference (n = 213 019) and waist–hip ratio (n = 210 088) with respect to three COVID-19 outcomes: severe respiratory COVID-19 (cases = 8779, controls = 1 000 875), hospitalized COVID-19 (cases = 17 992, controls = 1 810 493) and COVID-19 infection (cases = 87 870, controls = 2 210 804). Applying a multivariable MR (MVMR) approach, we estimated the effect of these anthropometric traits on COVID-19 outcomes accounting for the effect of SES assessed as household income (n = 286 301).

Results

BMI and WC were associated with severe respiratory COVID-19 [BMI: odds ratio (OR) = 1.51, CI = 1.24–1.84, P = 3.01e-05; WC: OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.15–1.91, P = 0.0019] and hospitalized COVID-19 (BMI: OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.32–1.72, P = 8.83e-10; WC: OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.20–1.67, P = 3.72e-05). Conversely, income was associated with lower odds of severe respiratory (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53–0.93, P = 0.015) and hospitalized COVID-19 (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.66–0.92, P = 0.003). MVMR analyses showed that the effect of these obesity-related traits on increasing the odds of COVID-19 negative outcomes becomes null when accounting for income. Conversely, the association of income with lower odds of COVID-19 negative outcomes is not affected when including the anthropometric traits in the multivariable model.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that SES contributes to the effect of obesity-related traits on COVID-19 severity and hospitalization.
Economic Lawfare: The Logic and Dynamics of Using Law to Exercise Economic Power
Authors: Ferguson Victor A
Published: June 2022

Unprecedented economic interdependence and the extensive legalization of international commerce have created unique opportunities for states to exercise power in world politics. Yet, while international relations (IR) scholars have revealed much about how interdependence conditions the ability of states to leverage economic relationships to influence other actors, the equivalent role of law has received less systematic attention. This article explains the logic and dynamics that inform how, why, and under what conditions states may use law as a sword or shield in the realm of international commerce. Drawing upon the IR literature on economic statecraft and the international law literature on lawfare, the article conceptualizes “economic lawfare” and uses it to elucidate how law may shape the use of economic power. It outlines a typology of pathways through which economic lawfare can be employed and their associated opportunities and constraints, before presenting a simple model of key dynamics that shape their use. That model's plausibility is probed and the pathways are empirically illustrated in two case studies of recent episodes in which the Chinese government has sought to manipulate international commerce for strategic purposes. The article clarifies the distinction between legal and nonlegal instruments of economic statecraft, offers a theoretically explicit account of key mechanisms through which law may condition the use of economic power, and provides new conceptual foundations for emerging research on how institutions shape the ability of states to intervene in markets to achieve strategic objectives.
Correcting for base-population differences and unknown parent groups in single-step genomic predictions of Norwegian Red cattle
Authors: Belay Tesfaye K , Eikje Leiv S , Gjuvsland Arne B , Nordbø Øyvind , Tribout Thierry , Meuwissen Theo
Published: June 2022

Bias and inflation in genomic evaluation with the single-step methods have been reported in several studies. Incompatibility between the base-populations of the pedigree-based and the genomic relationship matrix (G) could be a reason for these biases. Inappropriate ways of accounting for missing parents could be another reason for biases in genetic evaluations with or without genomic information. To handle these problems, we fitted and evaluated a fixed covariate (J) that contains ones for genotyped animals and zeros for unrelated non-genotyped animals, or pedigree-based regression coefficients for related non-genotyped animals. We also evaluated alternative ways of fitting the J covariate together with genetic groups on biases and stability of breeding value estimates, and of including it into G as a random effect. In a whole vs. partial data set comparison, four scenarios were investigated for the partial data: genotypes missing, phenotypes missing, both genotypes and phenotypes missing, and pedigree missing. Fitting J either as fixed or random reduced level-bias and inflation and increased stability of genomic predictions as compared to the basic model where neither J nor genetic groups were fitted. In most models, genomic predictions were largely biased for scenarios with missing genotype and phenotype information. The biases were reduced for models which combined group and J effects. Models with these corrected group covariates performed better than the recently published model where genetic groups were encapsulated and fitted as random via the Quaas and Pollak transformation. In our Norwegian Red cattle data, a model which combined group and J regression coefficients was preferred because it showed least bias and highest stability of genomic predictions across the scenarios.
Increased Hospitalization for IBD Patients Seen in the ER During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Malhi Gurpreet , Minhas Gurjot , Chambers Jason , Mikail Maria , Khanna Reena , Wilson Aze
Published: June 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of many health care systems shifted in order to prioritize and allocate resources toward treating those affected by COVID-19. What this has meant for other patient populations remains unclear. We aimed to determine if there have been changes to acute care access for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in IBD patients seen during (March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020) and before (March 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019) the COVID-19 pandemic. IBD-related emergency room (ER) access, hospitalization, inpatient care and follow-up and post-discharge ER access were assessed.

Results

A total of 1229 participants were included. A higher proportion of patients accessed ER during the pandemic (44.6% versus 37.2%, P = 0.0097). A higher proportion of hospitalizations resulted from IBD-related ER visits during the pandemic period (41.6% versus 32.4%, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.94, P = 0.0047), though length of stay was shorter (7.13 ± 8.95 days versus 10.11 ± 17.19 days, P = 0.015) and use of rescue infliximab was less. No change was seen in inpatient surgical intervention. Despite similar proportions of follow-up appointments post-hospital discharge (pre-pandemic, 77.9% versus pandemic, 78.3%), more ER visits occurred in the first 30 days following hospitalization for patients in the pandemic cohort (24.4% versus 11.1%, P = 0.0015).

Conclusion

These data highlight the need for ER services and hospitalization amongst IBD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that a return to pre-pandemic IBD care infrastructure is needed to mitigate the need for acute care access.
Diagnostic intra-articular injection with provocative functional testing predicts patient-reported outcomes following hip arthroscopy: a prospective investigation
Authors: Haws Brittany E , Condidorio Chad G , Adler Kelly L , Giordano Brian D
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative diagnostic intra-articular injections with formal provocative post-injection functional testing on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following hip arthroscopy. Patients aged 14–40 with suspected labral pathology and/or femoroacetabular impingement were prospectively enrolled. Patients received a diagnostic intra-articular anesthetic injection then completed a battery of provocative physical function (PF) tests and were asked to rate the percentage of pain improvement. Patients completed PRO surveys preoperatively and up to 2 years postoperatively. PROs were compared between positive and negative injection response groups. Ninety-six patients received a diagnostic injection with provocative functional testing and subsequently underwent hip arthroscopy, 74 reported a positive injection response (≥75% improvement) and 22 reported a negative injection response (<75% improvement). The average postoperative follow-up was 12 months. Both groups experienced significant improvement in PROs postoperatively. A positive injection response was associated with greater improvements in hip outcome score, Non-Arthritic Hip Score, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference and PROMIS PF at final follow-up compared to a negative injection response. Similar improvements in modified Harris Hip Score, Visual Analog Scale hip pain and PROMIS depression were experienced between groups. These results indicate that diagnostic intra-articular hip anesthetic injection with provocative functional testing may be a valuable predictor of pain and PF following hip arthroscopy. However, patients with negative injection responses still experienced significant clinical improvement in their postoperative outcomes. As such, a negative injection response should not preclude patients from being surgical candidates, but their outcomes may be less predictable.
Implementing the Right of People with Disabilities to Participate in Cultural Life across Five European Countries: Narratives and Counternarratives
Authors: Ferri Delia , Leahy Ann , Šubic Neža , Urzel Léa
Published: June 2022

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a ground-breaking treaty that constitutes persons with disabilities as holders of rights and active members of society, and encompasses civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Article 30 of the Convention provides for the right of persons with disabilities to participate in cultural life. The importance of this provision lies in its detailed normative content, and also in that it sheds a light on the need for appropriate policies and practices that enhance cultural participation of persons with disabilities. By investigating the extent to which Article 30 of the Convention has been implemented across five European states (Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden), this article identifies common narratives and counternarratives related to the realization of the right to participate in cultural life. It adopts a socio-legal approach and a blended methodology combining desk-based and empirical research. It contrasts official narratives, which highlight good practices and steps taken to improve access to culture, with counternarratives that reveal a fragmentary approach to cultural participation of persons with disabilities, persisting barriers, limited recognition of artists with disabilities, and the perpetuation of stigma and stereotypes.
Self-Management in Youth With Spina Bifida: Associations With Parent Factors in the Context of a Summer Camp Intervention
Authors: Driscoll Colleen F Bechtel , Holmbeck Grayson N
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between parent factors and self-management for youth with spina bifida (SB).

Methods

Participants were 89 camper–parent dyads recruited for a summer camp program for youth with SB (Myouthage = 12.2 years); 48 of these families participated across 2 years. Campers and parents completed assessments at Time 1 (pre-camp) and Time 3 (post-camp) for one or two summers. Parents reported on demographics, their own adjustment, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, and youth condition-related responsibility and task mastery. Youth also reported on condition-related responsibility. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses and multilevel modeling were used to examine relationships between parent factors and youth self-management.

Results

Parents’ expectations for future goal attainment were positively associated with camper responsibility and task mastery, and these associations were moderated by camper age (only significant for older campers). When examining changes over one summer, parental expectations for the future were significantly associated with changes in campers’ condition-related task mastery. When examining trajectories across summers, parental perception of child vulnerability was negatively associated with the slope of condition-related responsibility and parents’ expectations for future goal attainment were positively associated with the slope of task mastery.

Conclusions

Parent perceptions and behaviors may be important targets for assessment and intervention when promoting condition-related independence for youth with SB.
Vaccine-Strain Varicella Virus Transmitted to a Term Infant Following Maternal Postpartum Vaccination
Authors: Saringkarisate Kornkanok , Len Kyra A , Melish Marian E , Prothero Bryscen K , Ching Natascha
Published: June 2022

Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by Varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) adopted the routine administration of varicella vaccine to varicella non-immune mothers postpartum before leaving the facility per the Advisory Committee in Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation of Varicella prevention. While the vaccine is well-tolerated, a live attenuated vaccine has the potential to cause clinical symptoms and complications, including rash. Secondary transmission of the vaccine virus from healthy persons is rare. Only 13 confirmed cases of secondary transmission from 11 immunocompetent vaccine recipients have been reported. We report the confirmed case of extensive neonatal varicella disease in a neonate after exposure to a vaccine varicella rash that developed after maternal postpartum vaccination.
Friends as Family: Using Composite Psychotherapy Case Material to Explore the Importance of Friendships for Unaccompanied Adolescent Refugees Coping with the Challenges of Resettlement in Ireland
Authors: Hoare Rachel
Published: June 2022

Given the absence of family support and the depth of shared experiences, friendships for unaccompanied adolescent refugees often take on ‘suffused’ functions which blur the boundaries between conventional friendship and family roles. This study explores the ways in which such friendships help unaccompanied adolescent refugees to cope with the migration journey and the challenges of resettlement in Ireland. Innovative composite case material was constructed from my reflections on my psychotherapy work with 33 unaccompanied adolescent refugees (engaging in an average of 16 sessions each), as recorded in a reflective clinical journal and portrayed in eco-map photographs between 2016 and 2020. Reflexive and polytextual thematic analysis identified four themes, which captured the deep emotional and experiential bonds of these friendships, their importance in helping these young people to cope with the stressors of resettlement, perceptions of friends as proxy family, and the importance of God as a friend.
Modified-release nicotinamide for the treatment of hyperphosphataemia in haemodialysis patients: 52-week efficacy and safety results of the phase 3 randomized controlled NOPHOS trial
Authors: Ketteler Markus , Wiecek Andrzej , Rosenkranz Alexander R , Ose Claudia , Rekowski Jan , Lorenz Horst , Hellmann Burkhard , Karus Michael , Ruhmann Michaela , Ammer Richard
Published: June 2022

Background

We previously reported that modified-release nicotinamide (NAMR) was superior to placebo in reducing serum phosphate concentrations over 12 weeks in a large cohort of haemodialysis patients with hyperphosphataemia. Here we report outcomes after 52 weeks of treatment.

Methods

NOPHOS was a phase 3, international, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial with a parallel group design. NAMR (250–1500 mg/day) was investigated in comparison to placebo as an add-on therapy to an individual therapy with approved phosphate binders.

Results

In the intention-to-treat population (NAMR: n = 539; placebo: n = 183), serum phosphate was significantly lower in the NAMR group compared with the placebo group at week 24 (5.40 ± 1.55 versus 5.79 ± 1.37 mg/dl, P < .001) with a mean difference of −0.39 mg/dl [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.66 to −0.13], but was comparable between the groups at week 52 [mean difference −0.08 (95% CI −0.36–0.20)]. In the completer population (n = 358), statistical significance in favour of NAMR was reached at weeks 24 and 52. The treatment effect was reduced in patients with high baseline serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) compared with patients with low baseline serum iPTH. Compliant patients in the NAMR group had a more pronounced and sustained reduction in serum phosphate than non-compliant patients. NAMR treatment was associated with a significantly increased risk of thrombocytopenia, pruritus, anaemia, and diarrhoea. Herpes zoster occurred exclusively in patients randomized to NAMR.

Conclusions

NAMR combined with phosphate binders significantly reduced serum phosphate over the first 24 weeks of treatment, but the treatment effect was not maintained up to week 52. Non-compliance may have contributed to reduced long-term efficacy. Several newly identified safety signals warrant further evaluation.
Safety of intra-arterial chemotherapy with or without osmotic blood–brain barrier disruption for the treatment of patients with brain tumors
Authors: Uluc Kutluay , Ambady Prakash , McIntyre Matthew K , Tabb John Philip , Kersch Cymon N , Nerison Caleb S , Huddleston Amy , Liu Jesse J , Dogan Aclan , Priest Ryan A , Fu Rongwei , Prola Netto Joao , Siler Dominic A , Muldoon Leslie L , Gahramanov Seymur , Neuwelt Edward A
Published: June 2022

Background

Intra-arterial administration of chemotherapy with or without osmotic blood–brain barrier disruption enhances delivery of therapeutic agents to brain tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of these procedures.

Methods

Retrospectively collected data from a prospective database of consecutive patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors who received intra-arterial chemotherapy without osmotic blood–brain barrier disruption (IA) or intra-arterial chemotherapy with osmotic blood–brain barrier disruption (IA/OBBBD) at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) between December 1997 and November 2018 is reported. Chemotherapy-related complications are detailed per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) guidelines. Procedure-related complications are grouped as major and minor.

Results

4939 procedures (1102 IA; 3837 IA/OBBBD) were performed on 436 patients with various pathologies (primary central nervous system lymphoma [26.4%], glioblastoma [18.1%], and oligodendroglioma [14.7%]). Major procedure-related complications (IA: 12, 1%; IA/OBBBD: 27, 0.7%; P = .292) occurred in 39 procedures including 3 arterial dissections requiring intervention, 21 symptomatic strokes, 3 myocardial infarctions, 6 cervical cord injuries, and 6 deaths within 3 days. Minor procedure-related complications occurred in 330 procedures (IA: 41, 3.7%; IA/OBBBD: 289, 7.5%; P = .001). Chemotherapy-related complications with a CTCAE attribution and grade higher than 3 was seen in 359 (82.3%) patients.

Conclusions

We provide safety and tolerability data from the largest cohort of consecutive patients who received IA or IA/OBBBD. Our data demonstrate that IA or IA/OBBBD safely enhance drug delivery to brain tumors and brain around the tumor.
Critical Actors in a Dominant-Party Parliament? Representing Marginalised Communities in Singapore
Authors: Ng Yi Ming , Yew Joel , Oliver Steven
Published: June 2022

Who speaks for marginalised communities in dominant-party parliaments, where electoral accountability is weak? While existing work demonstrates the persistent salience of a legislator’s personal identity in such settings, we build on recent ‘critical actor’ theory to argue for factors beyond identity-based selection to explain why representatives might speak for marginalised communities. To this end, we use a mixed-methods approach to analyse the representation of six marginal communities in Singapore’s dominant-party system. A quantitative content analysis of all 8246 parliamentary questions filed from 2011 to 2020 shows that in addition to representative gender and ethnics identities, prior careers and political tenure also influence marginal community representation. In-depth interviews with seven Member of Parliament help identify precise mechanisms for such representation, including shared experience, career-derived awareness, political freshness and representative philosophies. That said, not all marginalised communities are well-represented, reflecting constraints on individual legislator-driven representation amidst broader party electoral strategies in non-competitive systems.
Exploring the cosmic dawn and epoch of reionization with the 21 cm line
Authors: Shimabukuro Hayato , Hasegawa Kenji , Kuchinomachi Akira , Yajima Hidenobu , Yoshiura Shintaro
Published: June 2022

The dark age of the Universe, when no luminous object existed, ended with the birth of the first stars, galaxies, and black holes. This epoch is called cosmic dawn. Cosmic reionization is the major transition of the intergalactic medium in the Universe driven by ionizing photons emitted from luminous objects. Although the epoch through the dark ages to reionization is a milestone in the Universe, our knowledge of it is not yet sufficient. The cosmic 21 cm signal, which is emitted from neutral hydrogen, is expected to open a new window into this epoch. In this review paper, we first introduce the basic physics of the 21 cm line and how the first stars impact on the 21 cm line signal. Next, we briefly summarize how we extract astrophysical information from the 21 cm line signal by means of statistical and machine-learning approaches. We also discuss the synergy between the 21 cm line signal and other emission lines. Finally, we summarize the current status of 21 cm experiments.
A hybrid type of chromatic acclimation regulated by the dual green/red photosensory systems in cyanobacteria
Authors: Otsu Takuto , Eki Toshihiko , Hirose Yuu
Published: June 2022

Cyanobacteria are phototrophic bacteria that perform oxygenic photosynthesis. They use a supermolecular light-harvesting antenna complex, the phycobilisome (PBS), to capture and transfer light energy to photosynthetic reaction centers. Certain cyanobacteria alter the absorption maxima and/or overall structure of their PBSs in response to the ambient light wavelength—a process called chromatic acclimation (CA). One of the most well-known CA types is the response to green and red light, which is controlled by either the RcaEFC or CcaSR photosensory system. Here, we characterized a hybrid type of CA in the cyanobacterium Pleurocapsa sp. Pasteur Culture Collection (PCC) 7319 that uses both RcaEFC and CcaSR systems. In vivo spectroscopy suggested that strain PCC 7319 alters the relative composition of green-absorbing phycoerythrin and red-absorbing phycocyanin in the PBS. RNA sequencing and promoter motif analyses suggested that the RcaEFC system induces a gene operon for phycocyanin under red light, whereas the CcaSR system induces a rod-membrane linker gene under green light. Induction of the phycoerythrin genes under green light may be regulated through a yet unidentified photosensory system called the Cgi system. Spectroscopy analyses of the isolated PBSs suggested that hemidiscoidal and rod-shaped PBSs enriched with phycoerythrin were produced under green light, whereas only hemidiscoidal PBSs enriched with phycocyanin were produced under red light. PCC 7319 uses the RcaEFC and CcaSR systems to regulate absorption of green or red light (CA3) and the amount of rod-shaped PBSs (CA1), respectively. Cyanobacteria can thus flexibly combine diverse CA types to acclimate to different light environments.
13CO2 labeling kinetics in maize reveal impaired efficiency of C4 photosynthesis under low irradiance
Authors: Medeiros David B , Ishihara Hirofumi , Guenther Manuela , Rosado de Souza Laise , Fernie Alisdair R , Stitt Mark , Arrivault Stéphanie
Published: June 2022

C4 photosynthesis allows faster photosynthetic rates and higher water and nitrogen use efficiency than C3 photosynthesis, but at the cost of lower quantum yield due to the energy requirement of its biochemical carbon concentration mechanism. It has also been suspected that its operation may be impaired in low irradiance. To investigate fluxes under moderate and low irradiance, maize (Zea mays) was grown at 550 µmol photons m−2 s−l and 13CO2 pulse-labeling was performed at growth irradiance or several hours after transfer to 160 µmol photons m−2 s−1. Analysis by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry provided information about pool size and labeling kinetics for 32 metabolites and allowed estimation of flux at many steps in C4 photosynthesis. The results highlighted several sources of inefficiency in low light. These included excess flux at phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, restriction of decarboxylation by NADP-malic enzyme, and a shift to increased CO2 incorporation into aspartate, less effective use of metabolite pools to drive intercellular shuttles, and higher relative and absolute rates of photorespiration. The latter provides evidence for a lower bundle sheath CO2 concentration in low irradiance, implying that operation of the CO2 concentration mechanism is impaired in this condition. The analyses also revealed rapid exchange of carbon between the Calvin–Benson cycle and the CO2-concentration shuttle, which allows rapid adjustment of the balance between CO2 concentration and assimilation, and accumulation of large amounts of photorespiratory intermediates in low light that provides a major carbon reservoir to build up C4 metabolite pools when irradiance increases.
A genomic meta-analysis of clinical variables and their association with intrinsic molecular subsets in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Franks Jennifer M , Toledo Diana M , Martyanov Viktor , Wang Yue , Huang Suiyuan , Wood Tammara A , Spino Cathie , Chung Lorinda , Denton Christopher P , Derrett-Smith Emma , Gordon Jessica K , Spiera Robert , Domsic Robyn , Hinchcliff Monique , Khanna Dinesh , Whitfield Michael L
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Four intrinsic molecular subsets (inflammatory, fibroproliferative, limited, normal-like) have previously been identified in SSc and are characterized by unique gene expression signatures and pathways. The intrinsic subsets have been linked to improvement with specific therapies. Here, we investigated associations between baseline demographics and intrinsic molecular subsets in a meta-analysis of published datasets.

Methods

Publicly available gene expression data from skin biopsies of 311 SSc patients measured by DNA microarray were classified into the intrinsic molecular subsets. RNA-sequencing data from 84 participants from the ASSET trial were used as a validation cohort. Baseline clinical demographics and intrinsic molecular subsets were tested for statistically significant associations.

Results

Males were more likely to be classified in the fibroproliferative subset (P = 0.0046). SSc patients who identified as African American/Black were 2.5 times more likely to be classified as fibroproliferative compared with White/Caucasian patients (P = 0.0378). ASSET participants sera positive for anti-RNA pol I and RNA pol III autoantibodies were enriched in the inflammatory subset (P = 5.8 × 10−5, P = 9.3 × 10−5, respectively), while anti-Scl-70 was enriched in the fibroproliferative subset. Mean modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) was statistically higher in the inflammatory and fibroproliferative subsets compared with normal-like (P = 0.0027). The average disease duration for inflammatory subset was less than fibroproliferative and normal-like intrinsic subsets (P = 8.8 × 10−4).

Conclusions

We identified multiple statistically significant differences in baseline demographics between the intrinsic subsets that may represent underlying features of disease pathogenesis (e.g. chronological stages of fibrosis) and have implications for treatments that are more likely to work in certain SSc populations.
Preserved Unconscious Processing in Schizophrenia: The Case of Motivation
Authors: Berkovitch Lucie , Gaillard Raphaël , Abdel-Ahad Pierre , Smadja Sarah , Gauthier Claire , Attali David , Beaucamps Hadrien , Plaze Marion , Pessiglione Mathias , Vinckier Fabien
Published: June 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Motivation deficit is a hallmark of schizophrenia that has a strong impact on their daily life. An alteration of reward processing has been repeatedly highlighted in schizophrenia, but to what extent it involves a deficient amplification of reward representation through conscious processing remains unclear. Indeed, patients with schizophrenia exhibit a disruption of conscious processing, whereas unconscious processing appears to be largely preserved.

Study Design

To further explore the nature of motivational deficit in schizophrenia and the implication of consciousness disruption in this symptom, we used a masking paradigm testing motivation both under conscious and unconscious conditions in patients with schizophrenia (n = 31) and healthy controls (n = 32). Participants were exposed to conscious or subliminal coin pictures representing money at stake and were subsequently asked to perform an effort-task by squeezing a handgrip as hard as possible to win this reward.

Study Results

We observed a preserved effect of unconscious monetary rewards on force production in both groups, without any significant difference between them. By contrast, in the conscious condition, patients with schizophrenia were less sensitive to rewards than controls. Our results confirm that unconscious incentives have effects on exerted forces in the general population, and demonstrate that patients with schizophrenia exhibit a dissociation between an impaired conscious motivation and a preserved unconscious motivation.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the existence of several steps in motivational processes that can be differentially affected and might have implication for patient care.
Charity trustees: governance duties and conflicts of interest
Authors: Langford Rosemary Teele , Anderson Malcolm
Published: June 2022

This article reports the results of an extensive survey of charity trustees in England and Wales in relation to governance duties and conflicts of interest. The results help discern trustees’ understanding of, and confidence with, their governance duties, their enthusiasm for practical assistance with these duties, the strength of their conflict management procedures, as well as compliance motivations and perceived barriers to enhanced governance and compliance. This in turn assists in critical evaluation of the effectiveness of the governance and regulatory system of charities in England and Wales.
In which department should forages be taught?
Authors: Redmon Larry , Wickersham Tryon , Rouquette Monte
Published: June 2022

Forages as a discipline and forage workers in general are declining nationwide. Why is this? Could it be the department in which forage courses are taught? This paper will take a brief look at the history of forage/livestock grazing research, who currently teaches a forage course and where forages are currently taught at various land grant institutions. Finally, the question and a potential answer is provided regarding where might the forage discipline be taught to increase their exposure to undergraduate students.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections and COVID-19
Authors: Shoemaker Marni E. , Huynh Linda M. , Smith Cory M. , Mustad Vikkie A. , Duarte Maria O. , Cramer Joel T.
Published: June 2022

Little is known about potential protective factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), referred to as COVID-19. Suboptimal vitamin D status is a risk factor for immune dysfunction, respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and viral infections. Supplementation of vitamin D (2000–4000 IU) has decreased incidence and complications from RTIs, respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia and may be beneficial in high-risk populations. Given the possible link between low vitamin D status and RTIs, such as COVID-19, this review examined whether vitamin D supplementation can be supported as a nutritional strategy for reducing risk of infection, complications, and mortality from COVID-19 and found that the relationship between vitamin D and RTIs warrants further exploration.
Challenges to Provision of Adequate Medical Nutrition Therapy in a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient Fed in the Prone Position
Authors: Brown Terry , Touger-Decker Riva , Roberts Susan , Reed Diane , Matarese Laura
Published: June 2022

Adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may experience enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance. They often require mechanical ventilation and other specialized management including prone positioning. There is a controversy as to whether patients fed in prone position experience more EN intolerance than when they are in supine position. This narrative review synthesizes the literature published between 2001 and 2021 in adults with ARDS who are fed EN while in the prone position to determine safety and tolerance. A case of an adult patient with Down syndrome who developed ARDS due to COVID-19 and required EN while in prone position is presented.
COVID-19 and Nutrition
Authors: Detopoulou Paraskevi , Tsouma Christina , Papamikos Vassilios
Published: June 2022

Medical nutrition therapy may have a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the spread of misinformation, the present review organizes and summarizes nutrition recommendations regarding COVID-19, serving as a reference guide for health professionals. Nineteen official recommendations were included of international, US, Asian, European, Canadian, and Australian origin on (i) lactation, (ii) nutrition during quarantine, (iii) nutrition in high-risk groups, (iv) nutrition for recovery at home, and (v) nutrition in hospital. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and the role of hydration and the adoption of a healthy diet during quarantine are emphasized. Older people and/or people with comorbidities should be checked for malnutrition and follow a healthy diet. For patients recovering at home, hydration, protein, and energy intake should be ensured. For hospitalized patients, early feeding with a priority on enteral route is recommended.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Iron-Deficiency Anemia Among Jordanian Women
Authors: Al-Qerem Walid , Jarab Anan S. , Qarqaz Raghda , Ling Jonathan , Al Hayek Mohammad
Published: June 2022

This is a cross-sectional Web-based study that aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the Jordanian women toward iron-deficiency anemia. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire via multipurpose Facebook groups. In total, 4110 women completed the questionnaire. Of these, 15.9% had never heard of iron-deficiency anemia. The KAP scores were calculated for the remaining 3457 participants and variables that influenced these scores were determined. The factors that influenced KAP scores were monthly income and education/working field (P < .01). There was a positive association between age and attitude score. The results indicate that there is a need to improve Jordanian women's KAP toward iron-deficiency anemia.
Comparison of an Online Dietary Assessment Tool (the “Boden Food Plate”) With 24-Hour Dietary Recalls
Authors: Bessell Erica , Meroni Alice , Jualim Nyssa , Fuller Nicholas R.
Published: June 2022

We compared the “Boden Food Plate,” an online dietary assessment tool, with 24-hour recalls. Forty-two adults with body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or more completed 2 to 3 days' intake on the “Boden Food Plate” and 2 dietitian-administered 24-hour recalls. The mean differences between the 2 methods for energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients were predominantly not statistically significant. Moderate to high correlation was observed between the 2 methods, with the exception of protein and iron intakes. Bland-Altman plots for energy, carbohydrates, fat, and protein indicated wide limits of agreement between the 2 methods. The “Boden Food Plate” is comparable with 24-hour recall but with wide limits of agreement.
Is socioeconomic status associated with risk of childhood type 1 diabetes? A comprehensive review
Authors: Ruiz Paz Lopez-Doriga , Stene Lars C.
Published: June 2022

Aims

Studies of social inequality in risk of type 1 diabetes seems inconsistent. The present review aimed to comprehensively review relevant literature and describe what has been reported on socioeconomic status or parental occupation and risk of type 1 diabetes in children.

Methods

We searched for publications between January 1, 1970, and November 30, 2021. We focused on the most recent and/or informative publication in case of multiple publications from the same data source and referred to these as primary studies.

Results

Our search identified 69 publications with relevant data. We identified eight primary cohort studies with individual-level data, which we considered the highest quality of evidence. Furthermore, we identified 13 primary case-control studies and 14 semi-ecological studies with area-level socioeconomic status variables which provide weaker quality of evidence. Four of eight primary cohort studies contained data on maternal education, showing non-linear associations with type 1 diabetes that were not consistent across studies. There were no consistent patterns on the association of parental occupation and childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.

Conclusions

There is a need for more high-quality studies, but the existing literature does not suggest a major and consistent role of socioeconomic status in the risk of type 1 diabetes.

Novelty statement

“What is already known?”

- Socioeconomic status has been associated with a variety of exposures, but the influence on type 1 diabetes risk is unclear.

“What this study has found?”

- Our searches identified eight high-quality and several lower quality studies, mostly using socioeconomic status as a confounder. There was no consistent association between socioeconomic status and risk of childhood type 1 diabetes. No conclusions could be drawn for specific parental occupations.

“What are the implications of the study?”

-

While there is a need for more high-quality studies, the existing literature does not suggest a major and consistent role of socioeconomic status in the risk of type 1 diabetes.