bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Social Engagement Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Amano Takashi , Morrow-Howell Nancy , Park Sojung
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Promoting engagement in social activities may be an intervention that prevents or delays cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, little is known about social engagement among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aim to examine patterns of social engagement among people with MCI and to assess whether factors under 4 domains of the WHO’s ICF model (personal factors, environmental factors, body functions and structure, and health condition) associate with different patterns of social engagement.

Method

Data were drawn from the 2010 Health and Retirement Study. The final sample comprised 1,227 people with cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND). Latent class analysis and multinomial logistic regression were utilized.

Results

Three patterns of social engagement were identified: informal social engagement only, formal and informal social engagement, and low social engagement. Factors in each of the 4 ICF model domains were associated with the probability of class membership.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that social engagement is heterogeneous among people with CIND and that some groups of people with CIND have possibilities of engaging in more social activities, especially in formal social activities. Results also indicate that providing informal social resources may be essential for social programs designed specifically for people with CIND to promote their formal social engagement. Future study is needed to examine possible differences in outcomes across groups with similar patterns of social engagement.
Microbiome Learning Repo (ML Repo): A public repository of microbiome regression and classification tasks
Authors: Vangay Pajau , Hillmann Benjamin M , Knights Dan
Published: April 2019

The use of machine learning in high-dimensional biological applications, such as the human microbiome, has grown exponentially in recent years, but algorithm developers often lack the domain expertise required for interpretation and curation of the heterogeneous microbiome datasets. We present Microbiome Learning Repo (ML Repo, available at https://knights-lab.github.io/MLRepo/), a public, web-based repository of 33 curated classification and regression tasks from 15 published human microbiome datasets. We highlight the use of ML Repo in several use cases to demonstrate its wide application, and we expect it to be an important resource for algorithm developers.
B lymphocytes inactivation by Ibrutinib limits endometriosis progression in mice
Authors: Riccio L G C , Jeljeli M , Santulli P , Chouzenoux S , Doridot L , Nicco C , Reis F M , Abrão M S , Chapron C , Batteux F
Published: April 2019

STUDY QUESTION

What are the effects of B lymphocyte inactivation or depletion on the progression of endometriosis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Skewing activated B cells toward regulatory B cells (Bregs) by Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibition using Ibrutinib prevents endometriosis progression in mice while B cell depletion using an anti-CD20 antibody has no effect.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

A polyclonal activation of B cells and the presence of anti-endometrial autoantibodies have been described in a large proportion of women with endometriosis though their exact role in the disease mechanisms remains unclear.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This study included comparison of endometriosis progression for 21 days in control mice versus animals treated with the anti-CD20 depleting antibody or with the Btk inhibitor Ibrutinib that prevents B cell activation.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

After syngeneic endometrial transplantation, murine endometriotic lesions were compared between treated and control mice using volume, weight, ultrasonography, histology and target genes expression in lesions. Phenotyping of activated and regulatory B cells, T lymphocytes and macrophages was performed by flow cytometry on isolated spleen and peritoneal cells. Cytokines were assayed by ELISA.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Btk inhibitor Ibrutinib prevented lesion growth, reduced mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2, alpha smooth muscle actin and type I collagen in the lesions and skewed activated B cells toward Bregs in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of mice with endometriosis. In addition, the number of M2 macrophages decreased in the peritoneal cavity of Ibrutinib-treated mice compared to anti-CD20 and control mice. Depletion of B cells using an anti-CD20 antibody had no effect on activity and growth of endometriotic lesions and neither on the macrophages, compared to control mice.

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

It is still unclear whether B cell depletion by the anti-CD20 or inactivation by Ibrutinib can prevent establishment and/or progression of endometriosis in humans.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Further investigation may contribute to clarifying the role of B cell subsets in human endometriosis.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This research was supported by a grant of Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale and Paris Descartes University. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to disclose.
US Practice Patterns and Impact of Monitoring for Mucosal Inflammation After Biologic Initiation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Limketkai Berkeley N , Singh Siddharth , Jairath Vipul , Sandborn William J , Dulai Parambir S
Published: April 2019

Background

We assessed practice patterns for monitoring mucosal inflammation after biologic initiation and the association between monitoring approaches and development of disease-related complications for Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

This study used a Truven Health MarketScan (2007–2016) query for CD and UC patients initiating biologic therapy. Cumulative 24-month disease-related complications (corticosteroids, change of biologic, hospitalization, surgery) in patients undergoing proactive disease monitoring with lower endoscopy, fecal calprotectin, or cross-sectional radiographic enterography (computed tomography enterography or magnetic resonance enterography) within 6 months of biologic initiation vs no early monitoring after biologic initiation were compared. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) adjusted for propensity score were used.

Results

Within the first 24 months after biologic initiation, monitoring (proactive or reactive) was performed in 56.4% of CD patients and 67.8% of UC patients, with considerable geographic variability. Early (within 6 months) proactive monitoring was endoscopy-based (87.9%), performed in 11% of CD (n = 2195/19,899) and 12.8% of UC (n = 925/7247) patients. Compared with no early monitoring, early proactive monitoring was associated with a reduction in disease-related complications for CD (adjusted HR [aHR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.96) and UC (aHR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.97) and predominately driven by a reduction in corticosteroid use (CD: aHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77–0.90; UC: aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.87). Results were consistent across multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Early proactive monitoring of mucosal inflammation in CD and UC within 6 months of biologic initiation was associated with reduction in disease-related complications over 24 months, primarily related to reduced steroid utilization. Wide variation exists in practice patterns for monitoring of mucosal inflammation after biologic initiation.
Impacts of Fruit-Feeding Arthropod Pests on Oranges and Mandarins in California
Authors: Cass Bodil N , Hack Lindsey M , Grafton-Cardwell Elizabeth E , Rosenheim Jay A
Published: April 2019

One of the major challenges facing citrus integrated pest management (IPM) in California is the recent, sharp increase in the acreage of mandarins being planted. The current citrus IPM guidelines have been established from years of experiments and experience in oranges, with no specific guidelines for mandarins. In the absence of research into key arthropod pest effects in mandarins, the assumption that the pest management practices for oranges appropriately transfer for optimal production in mandarins has not been tested. We used a data mining or ‘ecoinformatics’ approach in which we compiled and analyzed production records collected by growers and pest control advisors to gain an overview of direct pest densities and their relationships with fruit damage for 202 commercial groves, each surveyed for 1–10 yr in the main production region of California. Pest densities were different among four commonly grown species of citrus marketed as mandarins (Citrus reticulata, C. clementina, C. unshiu, and C. tangelo) compared with the standard Citrus sinensis sweet oranges, for fork-tailed bush katydids (Scudderia furcata Brunner von Wattenwyl [Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae]), and citrus thrips (Scirtothrips citri Moulton [Thysanoptera: Thripidae]). Citrus reticulata had notably low levels of fruit damage, suggesting they have natural resistance to direct pests, especially fork-tailed bush katydids. These results suggest that mandarin-specific research and recommendations would improve citrus IPM. More broadly, this is an example of how an ecoinformatics approach can serve as a complement to traditional experimental methods to raise new and unexpected hypotheses that expand our understanding of agricultural systems.
Clearing the Air: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest Within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Authors: Dambacher Brook M R , Stilwell Matthew T , McGee Jeffrey S
Published: April 2019

Conflicts of interest (COIs) have the capacity to undermine the integrity and legitimacy of decision-making in international legal fora. The issue of COIs has recently become a contentious issue within the international negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Despite an emerging debate on COIs, key issues regarding engagement with certain non-state actors, and the reforms that could be implemented in response, remain to be systematically addressed. This article therefore examines best practice for addressing COIs in international fora to see how this might inform management of the issue within the UNFCCC. We find that protecting the integrity and legitimacy of the UNFCCC will likely require its Conference of the Parties to clearly define COIs and to adopt a process for their management. This reform will bring the UNFCCC into line with best practices in global governance and improve prospects for more effective international law on climate change.
Recruitment and Trial-Finding Apps—Time for Rules of the Road
Authors: Morain Stephanie R , Largent Emily A
Published: April 2019

The problem of insufficient recruitment to clinical oncology trials is well known. Some stakeholders view mobile apps as a solution with the potential to make recruitment more efficient, lower trial costs, support patient-centeredness, and accelerate treatment advances. Recruitment and trial-finding apps seek to disrupt the traditional approach to recruitment in several ways, including aggregating information about ongoing trials and presenting it in a user-friendly format, curating information to tailor search results to prospective participants’ interests, facilitating direct contact between prospective participants and trial sites, and, in at least one case, analyzing individuals’ tumor samples and medical records to provide tailored recommendations both for approved treatments and clinical trials. Although recruitment and trial-finding apps respond to a real need, they raise ethical concerns. Here, we outline six domains of ethical concern: review of recruitment materials, privacy and confidentiality, constrained choice and conflicts of interest, therapeutic misbranding, payment for accessing research-related information, and disruptions to care and research. We offer several suggestions and encourage additional dialogue to improve the ethical acceptability of these apps because, as third parties increasingly promise to revolutionize clinical trial recruitment by connecting patients and investigators via recruitment and trial-finding apps, we need some rules of the road.
Uncovering the Role of RNA-Binding Protein hnRNP K in B-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Gallardo Miguel , Malaney Prerna , Aitken Marisa J L , Zhang Xiaorui , Link Todd M , Shah Vrutant , Alybayev Sanzhar , Wu Meng-Han , Pageon Laura R , Ma Huaxian , Jacamo Rodrigo , Yu Li , Xu-Monette Zijun Y , Steinman Haley , Lee Hun Ju , Sarbassov Dos , Rapado Inmaculada , Barton Michelle C , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Bueso-Ramos Carlos , Young Ken H , Post Sean M
Published: April 2019

Background

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) is an RNA-binding protein that is aberrantly expressed in cancers. We and others have previously shown that reduced hnRNP K expression downmodulates tumor-suppressive programs. However, overexpression of hnRNP K is the more commonly observed clinical phenomenon, yet its functional consequences and clinical significance remain unknown.

Methods

Clinical implications of hnRNP K overexpression were examined through immunohistochemistry on samples from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who did not harbor MYC alterations (n = 75). A novel transgenic mouse model that overexpresses hnRNP K specifically in B cells was generated to directly examine the role of hnRNP K overexpression in mice (three transgenic lines). Molecular consequences of hnRNP K overexpression were determined through proteomics, formaldehyde-RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing, and biochemical assays. Therapeutic response to BET-bromodomain inhibition in the context of hnRNP K overexpression was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (n = 3 per group). All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

hnRNP K is overexpressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients without MYC genomic alterations. This overexpression is associated with dismal overall survival and progression-free survival (P < .001). Overexpression of hnRNP K in transgenic mice resulted in the development of lymphomas and reduced survival (P < .001 for all transgenic lines; Line 171[n = 30]: hazard ratio [HR] = 64.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 26.1 to 158.0; Line 173 [n = 31]: HR = 25.27, 95% CI = 10.3 to 62.1; Line 177 [n = 25]: HR = 119.5, 95% CI = 42.7 to 334.2, compared with wild-type mice). Clinical samples, mouse models, global screening assays, and biochemical studies revealed that hnRNP K’s oncogenic potential stems from its ability to posttranscriptionally and translationally regulate MYC. Consequently, Hnrnpk overexpression renders cells sensitive to BET-bromodomain-inhibition in both in vitro and transplantation models, which represents a strategy for mitigating hnRNP K-mediated c-Myc activation in patients.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that hnRNP K is a bona fide oncogene when overexpressed and represents a novel mechanism for c-Myc activation in the absence of MYC lesions.
Performance Measures of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Plus Mammography in the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program
Authors: Chiarelli Anna M , Blackmore Kristina M , Muradali Derek , Done Susan J , Majpruz Vicky , Weerasinghe Ashini , Mirea Lucia , Eisen Andrea , Rabeneck Linda , Warner Ellen
Published: April 2019

Background

The Ontario Breast Screening Program expanded in July 2011 to screen high-risk women age 30–69 years with annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital mammography. This study examined the benefits of screening with mammography and MRI by age and risk criteria.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 8782 women age 30–69 years referred to the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program from July 2011 to June 2015, with final results to December 2016. Cancer detection rates, sensitivity, and specificity of MRI and mammography combined were compared with each modality individually within risk groups stratified by age using generalized estimating equation models. Prognostic features of screen-detected breast cancers were compared by modality using Fisher exact test. All P values are two-sided.

Results

Among 20 053 screening episodes, there were 280 screen-detected breast cancers (cancer detection rate = 14.0 per 1000, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.4 to 15.7). The sensitivity of mammography was statistically significantly lower than that of MRI plus mammography (40.8%, 95% CI = 29.3% to 53.5% vs 96.0%, 95% CI = 92.2% to 98.0%, P < .001). In mutation carriers age 30–39 years, sensitivity of the combination was comparable with MRI alone (100.0% vs 96.8%, 95% CI = 79.2% to 100.0%, P = .99) but with statistically significantly decreased specificity (78.0%, 95% CI = 74.7% to 80.9% vs 86.2%, 95% CI = 83.5% to 88.5%, P < .001). In women age 50–69 years, combining MRI and mammography statistically significantly increased sensitivity compared with MRI alone (96.3%, 95% CI = 90.6% to 98.6% vs 90.9%, 95% CI = 83.6% to 95.1%, P = .02), with a small but statistically significant decrease in specificity (84.2%, 95% CI = 83.1% to 85.2% vs 90.0%, 95% CI = 89.2% to 90.9%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Screening high risk women age 30–39 years with annual MRI only may be sufficient for cancer detection and should be evaluated further, particularly for mutation carriers. Among women age 50–69 years, detection is most effective when mammography is included with annual MRI.
Universal Tumor DNA BRCA1/2 Testing of Ovarian Cancer: Prescreening PARPi Treatment and Genetic Predisposition
Authors: Vos Janet R , Fakkert Ingrid E , de Hullu Joanne A , van Altena Anne M , Sie Aisha S , Ouchene Hicham , Willems Riki W , Nagtegaal Iris D , Jongmans Marjolijn C J , Mensenkamp Arjen R , Woldringh Gwendolyn H , Bulten Johan , Leter Edward M , Kets C Marleen , Simons Michiel , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J L , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline ,   OPA Working Group, Ebisch Inge M W , de Kievit Ineke M , Laurens Nicole G , Ottevanger Nelleke , van Alphen Robbert J , Vos M Caroline , van den Wurff Anneke A M , van Kampen Roel , Mertens Helen J M M , Sastrowijoto Prapto , Engelen Mirjam J A , Lalisang Roy I , Slangen Brigitte F M , Kooreman Loes F S , Creemers Geert-Jan M , Piek Jurgen M J , Klinkhamer Paul , Jeuken Judith W M , Aalders Anette L , Aliredjo Riena P
Published: April 2019

Background

Women with epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) have a higher chance to benefit from poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) therapy if their tumor has a somatic or hereditary BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant. Current guidelines advise BRCA1/2 genetic predisposition testing for all OC patients, though this does not detect somatic variants. We assessed the feasibility of a workflow for universal tumor DNA BRCA1/2 testing of all newly diagnosed OC patients as a prescreen for PARPi treatment and cancer predisposition testing.

Methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was obtained from OC patients in seven hospitals immediately after diagnosis or primary surgery. DNA was extracted, and universal tumor BRCA1/2 testing was then performed in a single site. Diagnostic yield, uptake, referral rates for genetic predisposition testing, and experiences of patients and gynecologists were evaluated.

Results

Tumor BRCA1/2 testing was performed for 315 (77.6%) of the 406 eligible OC samples, of which 305 (96.8%) were successful. In 51 of these patients, pathogenic variants were detected (16.7%). Most patients (88.2%) went on to have a genetic predisposition test. BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants were shown to be hereditary in 56.8% and somatic in 43.2% of patients. Participating gynecologists and patients were overwhelmingly positive about the workflow.

Conclusions

Universal tumor BRCA1/2 testing in all newly diagnosed OC patients is feasible, effective, and appreciated by patients and gynecologists. Because many variants cannot be detected in DNA from blood, testing tumor DNA as the first step can double the identification rate of patients who stand to benefit most from PARP inhibitors.
Addition of Platinum Derivatives to Fluoropyrimidine-Based Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Stage II/III Rectal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hüttner Felix J , Probst Pascal , Kalkum Eva , Hackbusch Matthes , Jensen Katrin , Ulrich Alexis , Debus Jürgen , Jäger Dirk , Diener Markus K
Published: April 2019

Background

Current guidelines recommend neoadjuvant therapy for patients with stage II or III rectal cancer. The addition of platinum derivatives to fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy has been frequently investigated, but their role in this setting remains controversial.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched for randomized trials comparing chemoradiotherapy with or without platinum agents in stage II or III rectal cancer. Main outcome parameters were overall and disease-free survival, additional outcomes included pathological complete response, isolated local recurrence, distant recurrence, toxicity, and perioperative morbidity. Time-to-event data were pooled as hazard ratios (HRs) by the inverse variance method and binary outcomes as odds ratios (ORs) by the Peto method with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI). All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

Ten randomized controlled trials with data on 5599 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Platinum derivatives did not statistically significantly improve overall survival (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.05, P = .23), disease-free survival (HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.83 to 1.01, P = .07), or local recurrence (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.66 to 1.05, P = .12). However, it led to a statistically significant increase of pathological complete response (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.55, P = .002) and a statistically significant reduction of distant recurrence (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.66 to 0.92, P = .004). Benefits were accompanied by higher rates of grade 3 or 4 toxicities.

Conclusions

Intensified neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with the addition of platinum derivatives cannot be recommended routinely because it did not improve overall or disease-free survival and was associated with increased toxicity. It needs to be elucidated whether the benefits in distant recurrence and pathological complete response may be advantageous for selected high-risk patients.
Implementation of Low-Cost Obstetric Hemorrhage Simulation Training Models for Resident Education
Authors: Ramseyer Abigail M , Lutgendorf Monica A
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Simulation is beneficial training for low frequency high acuity events such as management of obstetric hemorrhage. Our objective was to evaluate perceived competency in management of obstetric and pelvic hemorrhage following training with low fidelity task trainers using inexpensive and common medical supplies.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective observational study of training residents for management of obstetric and pelvic hemorrhage using a brief didactic instruction and low-cost task trainers with inexpensive common medical supplies. Participants practiced placement of a uterine tamponade balloon, uterine packing with gauze, pelvic parachute packing and temporary abdominal closure. Following training, participants completed a self-report survey regarding perceived competency with each technique. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used to compare results before and after training.

Results

Eighteen of 23 residents completed the training and completed the survey on perceived competencies. There was a statistically significant improvement in perceived competency for all participants before and after training, with scores improving by 1.5 points for Bakri placement, from 1.94 to 3.44 (p < 0.001), improving by 1.67 points for uterine packing, from 1.78 to 3.44 (p < 0.001), improving by 1.95 for pelvic parachute packing, from 1.16 to 3.11 (p < 0.001), and improving by 1.89 for temporary abdominal closure, from 1.22 to 3.11 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Low-cost supplies and task trainers can be utilized to simulate postpartum hemorrhage and improve perceived competency in managing obstetric and pelvic hemorrhage. Similar training programs can be used in small community programs with limited resources.
A search for gravitationally lensed quasars and quasar pairs in Pan-STARRS1: spectroscopy and sources of shear in the diamond 2M1134−2103
Authors: Rusu Cristian E , Berghea Ciprian T , Fassnacht Christopher D , More Anupreeta , Seman Erica , Nelson George J , Chen Geoff C-F
Published: April 2019

We present results of a systematic search for gravitationally lensed quasars in Pan-STARRS1. Our final sample of candidates comprises of 91 systems, not including 25 rediscovered lensed quasars and quasar pairs. In the absence of spectroscopy to verify the lensing nature of the candidates, the main sources of contaminants are likely to be quasar pairs, which we consider to be a byproduct of our work, and a smaller number of quasar + star associations. Among the independently discovered quads is 2M1134−2103, for which we obtained spectroscopy for the first time, finding a redshift of 2.77 for the quasar. There is evidence for microlensing in at least one image. We perform detailed mass modelling of this system using archival imaging data, and find that the unusually large shear responsible for the diamond-like configuration can be attributed mainly to a faint companion ∼4 arcsec away, and to a galaxy group/cluster ∼30 arcsec away. We also set limits of z ∼ 0.5–1.5 on the redshift of the lensing galaxy, based on its brightness, the image separation of the lensed images, and an analysis of the observed photometric flux ratios.
Exploring the nature and synchronicity of early cluster formation in the Large Magellanic Cloud – IV. Evidence for multiple populations in Hodge 11 and NGC 2210
Authors: Gilligan Christina K , Chaboyer Brian , Cummings Jeffrey D , Mackey Dougal , Cohen Roger E , Geisler Douglas , Grocholski Aaron J , Parisi M C , Sarajedini Ata , Ventura Paolo , Villanova Sandro , Yang Soung-Chul , Wagner-Kaiser Rachel
Published: April 2019

We present a multiple population search in two old Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) Globular clusters, Hodge 11 and NGC 2210. This work uses data from the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Wide Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope from programme GO-14164 in Cycle 23. Both of these clusters exhibit a broadened main sequence with the second population representing (20 ± ∼5) per cent for NGC 2210 and (30 ± ∼5) per cent for Hodge 11. In both clusters, the smaller population is redder than the primary population, suggesting CNO variations. Hodge 11 also displays a bluer second population in the horizontal branch, which is evidence for helium enhancement. However, even though NGC 2210 shows similarities to Hodge 11 in the main sequence, there does not appear to be a second population on NGC 2210’s horizontal branch. This is the first photometric evidence that ancient LMC Globular clusters exhibit multiple stellar populations.
Tracing magnetic field with synchrotron polarization gradients: parameter study
Authors: Zhang Jian-Fu , Lazarian Alex , Ho Ka Wai , Yuen Ka Ho , Yang Bo , Hu Yue
Published: April 2019

We employ synthetic observations obtained with magnetohydrodynamic simulations to study how to trace the distribution of turbulent magnetic fields using the synchrotron polarization gradient techniques suggested by Lazarian & Yuen. Both synchrotron polarization gradients and its derivative gradients with regard to the squared wavelength λ2 are used to explore the probing ability of the technique in magnetic fields from sub- to super-Alfvénic turbulence. We focus on studies that involve multifrequency measurements in the presence of strong Faraday rotation and show the ways of how to recover the projected mean magnetic fields in the plane of the sky and the local magnetic fields within a tomographic slice. We conclude that the new techniques can successfully reconstruct the 3D magnetic field within our Milky Way and other galaxies. This paper opens an avenue for applying our new techniques to a large number of data cubes such as those from the Low-Frequency Array for radio astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array.
The age and metallicity dependence of the near-infrared magnitudes of red clump stars
Authors: Onozato Hiroki , Ita Yoshifusa , Nakada Yoshikazu , Nishiyama Shogo
Published: April 2019

Red clump (RC) stars are widely used as an excellent standard candle. To make them even better, it is important to know the dependence of their absolute magnitudes on age and metallicity. We observed star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud to fill age and metallicity parameter space, which previous work has not observationally studied. We obtained the empirical relations of the age and metallicity dependence of absolute magnitudes MJ, MH, and $M_{K_{S}}$, and colours J − H, J − KS, and H − KS of RC stars, although the coefficients have large errors. Mean near-infrared magnitudes of the RC stars in the clusters show relatively strong dependence on age for young RC stars. The J − KS and H − KS colours show the nearly constant values of 0.528 ± 0.015 and 0.047 ± 0.011, respectively, at least within the ages of 1.1–3.2 Gyr and [Fe/H] of −0.90 to −0.40 dex. We also confirmed that the population effects of observational data are in good agreement with the model prediction.
X-ray properties of two transient ULX candidates in galaxy NGC 7090
Authors: Liu Zhu , O’Brien P T , Osborne J P , Evans P A , Page K L
Published: April 2019

We report the X-ray data analysis of two transient ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs; hereafter X1 and X2) located in the nearby galaxy NGC 7090. While they were not detected in the 2004 XMM–Newton and 2005 Chandra observations, their 0.3–10 keV X-ray luminosities reached >3 × 1039 erg s−1in later XMM–Newton or Swift observations, showing increases in flux by a factor of >80 and >300 for X1 and X2, respectively. X1 showed indications of spectral variability: at the highest luminosity, its X-ray spectra can be fitted with a power law (Γ = 1.55 ± 0.15), or a multicolour disc model with $T_{\mathrm{in}}=2.07^{+0.30}_{-0.23}$ keV; the X-ray spectrum became softer ($\Gamma =2.67^{+0.69}_{-0.64}$), or cooler ($T_\mathrm{in}=0.64^{+0.28}_{-0.17}$ keV) at lower luminosity. No strong evidence for spectral variability was found for X2. Its X-ray spectra can be fitted with a simple power-law model ($\Gamma =1.61^{+0.55}_{-0.50}$), or a multicolour disc model ($1.69^{+1.17}_{-0.48}$ keV). A possible optical counterpart for X1 is revealed in HST imaging. No optical variability is found, indicating that the optical radiation may be dominated by the companion star. Future X-ray and optical observations are necessary to determine the true nature of the compact object.
Bok globule CB 17: polarization, extinction and distance
Authors: Choudhury G B , Barman A , Das H S , Medhi B J
Published: April 2019

In this article, the results obtained from a polarimetric study of Bok globule CB 17 in both optical and submillimetre wavelengths are presented. Optical polarimetric observations in the R band (λ = 630 nm, Δλ = 120 nm) were conducted with the 1.04-m Sampurnanand Telescope, Aryabhatta Research Institute of observational sciencES (ARIES), in Nainital, India on 2016 March 9, while submillimetre polarimetric data are taken from the Submillimetre Common-User bolometer array POLarimeter (SCUPOL) data archive, which has been reanalysed. The contours of Herschel1 Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) 500-μm dust continuum emission of CB 17 (typically a cometary-shaped globule) are overlaid on the Digital Sky Survey (DSS) image of CB 17 along with polarization vectors (optical and submm). The magnetic field strength at the core of the globule is estimated to be 99 μG. Using near-infrared photometric technique and Gaia data, the distance to CB 17 is found to be 253 ± 43 pc. The correlation between the various quantities of the globule is also studied. It is observed that the magnetic field in the cloud core as revealed by polarization measurements of the submillimetre dust emission is found to be almost aligned along the minor axis of the globule, which fits the magnetically regulated star formation model. A misalignment between core-scale magnetic field direction and molecular outflow direction is also found.
Inequality: A hidden cost of market power
Authors: Ennis Sean F , Gonzaga Pedro , Pike Chris
Published: April 2019

This paper explores the impact of competition on inequality by developing a new model to illustrate how higher profits from market power, and associated higher prices, could influence the distribution of wealth and income. We analyse data from eight OECD countries—Canada, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In an average country in the sample, market power increases the wealth of the richest 10 per cent by between 12 and 21 per cent for a range of reasonable assumptions about savings behaviour, while it reduces the income of the poorest 20 per cent by 11 per cent or more. The results contribute to the economic literature on the origins of inequality, suggesting that lack of competition may be one source of economic inequality.
The Ricci pinching functional on solvmanifolds
Authors: Lauret Jorge , Will Cynthia E
Published: April 2019

We study the natural functional $F=\frac {\operatorname {scal}^2}{|\operatorname {Ric}|^2}$ on the space of all non-flat left-invariant metrics on all solvable Lie groups of a given dimension $n$. As an application of properties of the beta operator, we obtain that solvsolitons are the only global maxima of $F$ restricted to the set of all left-invariant metrics on a given unimodular solvable Lie group, and beyond the unimodular case, we obtain the same result for almost-abelian Lie groups. Many other aspects of the behavior of $F$ are clarified.
A framework for coordination center responsibilities and performance in a multi-site, transdisciplinary public health research initiative
Authors: Hohl Sarah D , Knerr Sarah , Thompson Beti
Published: April 2019

Funding bodies in the USA and abroad are increasingly investing in transdisciplinary research, i.e. research conducted by investigators from different disciplines who work to create novel theoretical, methodological, and translational innovations to address a common problem. Transdisciplinary research presents additional logistical and administrative burdens, yet few models of successful coordination have been proposed or substantiated, nor have performance outcomes or indicators been established for transdisciplinary coordination. This work uses the NIH-funded Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer (TREC) Centers Initiative as a case study to put forward a working framework of transdisciplinary research coordination center (CC) responsibilities and performance indicators. We developed the framework using a sequential mixed methods study design. TREC CC functions and performance indicators were identified through key-informant interviews with CC personnel and then refined through a survey of TREC research center and funding agency investigators and staff. The framework included 23 TREC CC responsibilities that comprised five functional areas: leadership and administration, data and bioinformatics, developmental projects, education and training, and integration and self-evaluation, 10 performance outcomes and 26 corresponding performance indicators for transdisciplinary CCs. Findings revealed high levels of agreement about CC responsibilities and performance metrics across CC members and constituents. The success of multi-site, transdisciplinary research depends on effective research coordination. The functions identified in this study help clarify essential responsibilities of transdisciplinary research CCs and indicators of success of those transdisciplinary CCs. Our framework adds new dimensions to the notion of identifying and assessing CC activities that may foster transdisciplinarity.
PRACTICAL METHODS FOR INTERNAL DOSE ASSESSMENT FOR RADIOIODINE INTAKE AFTER THYROID BLOCKING: CLASSIFICATION OF DEGREE OF BLOCKAGE AND DETERMINATION OF INSENSITIVE MEASUREMENT POINT
Authors: Kwon Tae-Eun , Park MinSeok , Jung Gyu-Hwan , Chung Yoonsun , Ha Wi-Ho , Jin Young Woo
Published: April 2019

Iodine thyroid blocking (ITB) suppresses the uptake of iodine to the thyroid and reduces internal doses after radioiodine intake; however, its disturbance of thyroid biokinetics causes considerable uncertainty in the use of dosimetric data intended for assessment of unblocked normal thyroid. To more accurately assess internal dose after ITB, practical dosimetry methods were proposed that consider the ITB effect in a dosimetric manner. A method using the ratio of urine excretion to thyroid retention activity was proposed to retrospectively determine individual-specific ITB levels; bioassay functions and dose coefficients corresponding to ITB levels were calculated separately using the latest biokinetic model and fundamental data. Moreover, insensitive measurement points of time, which led to similar results regardless of ITB level, were determined based on the dose per unit content. Proposed insensitive points for inhalation of vapour forms and particulate forms, respectively, were 1.5 days and 2 days after exposure.
A NEW BACKGROUND SUBTRACTION METHOD FOR ASSESSING PUBLIC RADIATION EXPOSURE DUE TO RADON TRANSPORT FROM A URANIUM MINE
Authors: Doering Che
Published: April 2019

Environmental radon progeny concentration data for the Ranger mine in the Australian wet-dry tropics were analysed. Concentrations in air at public receptor locations correlated with wind direction and were generally higher when the wind had a southerly component. The regional setting suggested that correlations were due to geography rather than the mine. The line of best fit to the radon progeny data when plotted against angle of wind direction was used to estimate background concentrations when the wind was from the direction of the mine. This differed from the standard approach of averaging concentrations when the wind was not from the direction of the mine. Background concentrations in mine-related wind directions using the line of best fit approach were generally higher than those predicted from averaging, as mine-related wind directions included a southerly component. Estimates of mine-related doses to the public were generally lower as a result.
Whole Genome Shotgun Phylogenomics Resolves the Pattern and Timing of Swallowtail Butterfly Evolution
Authors: Allio Rémi , Scornavacca Céline , Nabholz Benoit , Clamens Anne-Laure , Sperling Felix AH , Condamine Fabien L
Published: April 2019

Evolutionary relationships have remained unresolved in many well-studied groups, even though advances in next-generation sequencing and analysis, using approaches such as transcriptomics, anchored hybrid enrichment, or ultraconserved elements, have brought systematics to the brink of whole genome phylogenomics. Recently, it has become possible to sequence the entire genomes of numerous nonbiological models in parallel at reasonable cost, particularly with shotgun sequencing. Here, we identify orthologous coding sequences from whole-genome shotgun sequences, which we then use to investigate the relevance and power of phylogenomic relationship inference and time-calibrated tree estimation. We study an iconic group of butterflies—swallowtails of the family Papilionidae—that has remained phylogenetically unresolved, with continued debate about the timing of their diversification. Low-coverage whole genomes were obtained using Illumina shotgun sequencing for all genera. Genome assembly coupled to BLAST-based orthology searches allowed extraction of 6621 orthologous protein-coding genes for 45 Papilionidae species and 16 outgroup species (with 32% missing data after cleaning phases). Supermatrix phylogenomic analyses were performed with both maximum-likelihood (IQ-TREE) and Bayesian mixture models (PhyloBayes) for amino acid sequences, which produced a fully resolved phylogeny providing new insights into controversial relationships. Species tree reconstruction from gene trees was performed with ASTRAL and SuperTriplets and recovered the same phylogeny. We estimated gene site concordant factors to complement traditional node-support measures, which strengthens the robustness of inferred phylogenies. Bayesian estimates of divergence times based on a reduced data set (760 orthologs and 12% missing data) indicate a mid-Cretaceous origin of Papilionoidea around 99.2 Ma (95% credibility interval: 68.6–142.7 Ma) and Papilionidae around 71.4 Ma (49.8–103.6 Ma), with subsequent diversification of modern lineages well after the Cretaceous-Paleogene event. These results show that shotgun sequencing of whole genomes, even when highly fragmented, represents a powerful approach to phylogenomics and molecular dating in a group that has previously been refractory to resolution.
Discriminatory rapid tests cause HIV-type misclassification—evaluation of three rapid tests using clinical samples from Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Hønge Bo Langhoff , Jespersen Sanne , Medina Candida , Té David da Silva , da Silva Zacarias José , Christiansen Mette , Kjerulff Bertram , Laursen Alex Lund , Wejse Christian , Krarup Henrik , Erikstrup Christian ,   Bissau HIV Cohort study group, Rodrigues Amabelia , da Silva David , da Silva Zacarias José , Medina Candida , Oliviera-Souto Ines , Østergaard Lars , Laursen Alex , Aaby Peter , Fomsgaard Anders , Erikstrup Christian , Hønge Bo Langhoff , Wejse Christian , Jespersen (chair) Sanne
Published: April 2019

Background

Discrimination among HIV types is important because HIV-2 is naturally resistant to some of the first-line drugs used in the treatment of HIV-1. We evaluated three assays for HIV-type discriminatory capacity: SD Bioline HIV 1/2 3.0 (Bioline), First Response HIV 1-2-0 Card Test (First Response) and Genie III HIV-1/HIV-2 (Genie III).

Methods

Based on results from the Bioline assay, samples from 239 HIV-infected patients from the Bissau HIV cohort in Guinea-Bissau were retrospectively selected for evaluation. Genie III and First Response were scored by three independent readers and compared with a reference test (INNO-LIA HIV I/II Score) confirmed by HIV RNA as well as DNA detection.

Results

The best performing test was Genie III, with an average agreement with the reference test of 93.4%, followed by First Response (86.1%) and Bioline (72.4%). First Response and Bioline were scored with a false high number of HIV-1/2 dual infections. For both First Response and Genie III, there were discrepancies among independent readers, and some tests were scored as HIV non-reactive.

Conclusions

Using these rapid tests with a suboptimal performance will presumably result in a high rate of false HIV-1/2 dual diagnoses, depriving patients of alternative treatment options in cases of treatment failure.
Integrative taxonomy of an arctic bumblebee species complex highlights a new cryptic species (Apidae: Bombus)
Authors: Martinet Baptiste , Lecocq Thomas , Brasero Nicolas , Gerard Maxence , Urbanová Klára , Valterová Irena , Gjershaug Jan Ove , Michez Denis , Rasmont Pierre
Published: April 2019

Bumblebees have been the focus of much research, but the taxonomy of many species groups is still unclear, especially for circumpolar species. Delimiting species based on multisource datasets provides a solution to overcome current systematic issues of closely related populations. Here, we use an integrative taxonomic approach based on new genetic and eco-chemical datasets to resolve the taxonomic status of Bombus lapponicus and Bombus sylvicola. Our results support the conspecific status of B. lapponicus and B. sylvicola and that the low gradual divergence around the Arctic Circle between Fennoscandia and Alaska does not imply speciation in this species complex. Therefore, based on our molecular and morphological analyses, we propose to assign them subspecific status: Bombus lapponicus lapponicus from Fennoscandia and West Siberia and Bombus lapponicus sylvicola comb. nov. from Alaska and Yukon. In addition, our analyses reveal a cryptic species in the B. lapponicus complex from Alaska, which we describe here as new: Bombus (Pyrobombus) interacti sp. nov.
Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity ofXanthomonas perforansPopulations from Tomato in North Carolina
Authors: Adhikari Pragya , Adhikari Tika B. , Timilsina Sujan , Meadows Inga , Jones Jeffrey B. , Panthee Dilip R. , Louws Frank J.
Published: April 2019

Bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas spp. is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato in North Carolina (NC). In total, 290 strains of Xanthomonas spp. from tomato in NC collected over 2 years (2015 and 2016) were analyzed for phenotypic and genetic diversity. In vitro copper and streptomycin sensitivity assays revealed that >95% (n = 290) of the strains were copper tolerant in both years, whereas 25% (n = 127) and 46% (n = 163) were streptomycin tolerant in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Using BOX repetitive element PCR assay, fingerprint patterns showed four haplotypes (H1, H2, H3, and H4) among the strains analyzed. The multiplex real-time quantitative PCR on a subset of representative strains (n = 45) targeting the highly conserved hrcN gene identified Xanthomonas strains from tomato in NC that belonged to X. perforans. Race profiling of the representative strains (n = 45) on tomato and pepper differentials confirmed that ∼9 and 91% of strains are tomato races T3 and T4, respectively. Additionally, PCR assays and sequence alignments confirmed that the copL, copA, copB (copLAB copper tolerance gene cluster), and avrXv4 genes are present in the strains analyzed. Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analyses of six genomic regions (elongation factor G [fusA], glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase A [gapA], citrate synthase [gltA], gyrase subunit B [gyrB], ABC transporter sugar permease [lacF], and GTP binding protein [lepA]) suggested that 13 and 74% of X. perforans strains from NC were genetically similar to races T3 and T4 from Florida, respectively. Our results provide insights that bacterial spot management practices in tomato should focus on deploying resistance genes to combat emerging pathogenic races of X. perforans and overcome the challenges currently posed by intense use of copper-based bactericides.
Brivaracetam for epilepsy
Authors: Hellerslia Van , Asistido Janine Mari , Iyamu Abiemwense
Published: April 2019

More than a third of patients with epilepsy cannot achieve freedom from seizures despite taking multiple medications. This article compares brivaracetam to levetiracetam, and provides guidelines for the safe and effective use of brivaracetam.
Different Materials for Plugging a Dehiscent Superior Semicircular Canal: A Comparative Histologic Study Using a Gerbil Model
Authors: Kwok Pingling , Gleich Otto , Spruss Thilo , Strutz Jürgen
Published: April 2019

Hypothesis:

The choice of the material for plugging a dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal is based on the ease of use and the success of the procedure to permanently relieve symptoms without adverse side effects.

Background:

Dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal can lead to autophony, conductive hearing loss, and vertigo. Surgical treatment by plugging the canal is a highly effective treatment of the symptoms in many patients, although, the procedure can be associated with some degree of hearing loss in more than or equal to 25% of the patients. The available data indicate that adverse effects may be more frequently observed with bone wax as compared with other materials.

Methods:

In the present study we compare the tissue reactions induced by plugging the superior semicircular canal with autologous bone pate/bone chips, muscle, fat, artificial bone wax, and teflon in the gerbil model in an attempt to identify the material leading to successful plugging with the least adverse tissue reactions.

Results:

Our data show that successful plugging was achieved in 100% of the ears by bone pate/bone chips, teflon, and bone wax while the success rate was significantly lower (<50%) following muscle and fat. The proportion of adverse tissue reactions was significantly more pronounced using bone wax as compared with teflon and bone pate/bone chips.

Conclusion:

The use of teflon or autologous bone as a material for plugging a dehiscent superior semicircular canal should be favored over bone wax, muscle, and fat.