bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proficient L2 readers do not have a risky reading strategy
Authors: Fernandez Leigh B. , Xheladini Agnesa , Allen Shanley E. M.
Published: March 2023

Proficient first-language (L1) readers of alphabetic languages that are read left-to-right typically have a perceptual span of 3–4 characters to the left and 14–15 characters to the right of the foveal fixation. Given that second-language (L2) processing requires more cognitive resources, we hypothesize that L2ers will have a smaller perceptual span than L1ers, and may rely on a compensatory risky reading strategy with a more symmetrical perceptual span similar to that seen in older L1 adults. Here, we test the size and symmetry of the perceptual span in German L1/English L2ers reading in English. We manipulate the amount of information available (3,6,9 characters-left/3,9,15 characters-right) during reading, and also account for the influence of English skills. Results show that L2ers benefit from an increase of window size from 3 to 6 characters to the left, and from 3 to 9 characters to the right, with higher-skilled L2ers further benefiting from an increase to 15 characters to the right. Contrary to our hypothesis, proficient L2ers exhibit an asymmetric perceptual span similar to college-aged L1ers and do not employ a compensatory risky reading strategy. This suggests that L1 and L2 language processing are not qualitatively different, but are rather modulated by individual differences.
Rotatable anisotropy in exchange bias bilayer and stripe domains films with uniaxial anisotropy
Authors: Pan Lining , Wang Wenfeng , Gao Yu , Zhou Tingting , Zhuang Xueheng , Man Qikui
Published: March 2023

We report the rotatable anisotropy in three magnetic film systems, including in-plane magnetized FeNi film, FeNi/FeMn bilayer and FeNi stripe domains (SDs) structure film. Omnidirectional ferromagnetic resonance driven by rotatable anisotropy can be achieved in these films. We have found that the in-plane magnetized FeNi films have a negligible rotatable anisotropy of about 1 ∼ 2 Oe. Rotatable anisotropy fields of 6.1 Oe and 5.5 Oe are found for isotropic and anisotropic FeNi/FeMn bilayers, which comes from the exchange coupling at the interface of FM and AFM layer. This magnitude is smaller than the value found in thick FeNi film where a big rotatable anisotropy field of 87 Oe is present stemming from its domain structure. In addition, the uniaxial anisotropy could tailor the resonance frequency from 0.78 and 2.28 GHz for in-plane magnetized FeNi thin film, and 1.3 to 2.4 GHz for FeNi SDs films. Furthermore, a conclusion that a uniaxial anisotropy has no influence on rotatable anisotropy in three magnetic films systems, was yielded.
Pseudospectral method for solving the fractional one-dimensional Dirac operator using Chebyshev cardinal functions
Authors: Shahriari Mohammad , Nemati Saray Behzad , Mohammadalipour Bahareh , Saeidian Shahpoor
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a numerical method is introduced to find the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Caputo fractional Dirac operator. To this end, the problem reduces to a Volterra integral equation with a weakly singular kernel. Then, the pseudospectral method based on Chebyshev cardinal functions is used to solve the obtained Volterra integral equation. By introducing the operational matrix of the fractional integral operator for cardinal Chebyshev functions, the Volterra integral equation is reduced to an algebraic system. To obtain the approximation of the eigenvalues, it is sufficient to find the roots of the characteristic function of the algebraic system. Then, the convergence of the method is proved. To demonstrate the ability and accuracy of the method some numerical examples are solved.
On the quadruple Beltrami fields in thermally relativistic electron-positron-ion plasma
Authors: Shazad Usman , Iqbal M
Published: March 2023

A thermally relativistic electron-positron-ion (EPI) plasma self-organizes into a quadruple Beltrami (QB) field. The QB field, which is the combination of four Beltrami fields, is described by four scale parameters. These scale parameters are often either real or both real and complex in nature. The values of the scale parameters are determined by Beltrami parameters, relativistic temperatures, and the densities of plasma species. It is demonstrated that all the scale parameters become real at higher relativistic temperatures and ion densities, which naturally lead to paramagnetic structures. It is also shown that the scale separation in the QB state provides the possibility of field and flow generation in such thermally relativistic plasmas. The present study may have implications for space, astrophysical and laboratory plasmas.
Dry wear characteristics of TC21 titanium alloy at elevated temperatures
Authors: Chen Haixin , Sun Gang , Zhang Shigang , An Jian
Published: March 2023

TC21 alloy is a new type of high damage tolerance titanium-based alloy, but its elevated-temperature wear characteristics such as wear mechanism and wear transition are still unknown. In present study, dry wear tests of TC21 alloy were carried out at experimental temperatures of 20 °C–300 °C under various applied loads. Volumetric wear rate was plotted against experimental temperature under each applied load to exhibit its variation trend and mild-severe wear transition. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine worn surface morphologies. Confocal scanning laser microcopy and Vickers microhardness tester were utilized for characterizing the friction-affected microstructure and mechanical property in the subsurfaces. Four wear mechanisms, namely abrasion, adhesion, mild surface deformation and severe surface deformation, were observed. Severe surface deformation was found responsible for severe wear behavior, and it was aroused by the near-surface softening originating from dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The severe wear transition temperature was found to be decreased linearly with increasing applied load. By linearly fitting the relation between applied load and transition temperature, a critical surface temperature of 399.4 °C for severe wear transition is estimated, and it is further deduced to be the critical temperature for DRX realization of surface material during sliding.
Boron nitride quantum dots modified carbon-defects ultra-thin porous carbon nitride: double channels and quantum size effects facilitate photogenerated carrier migration and exciton dissociation
Authors: Huang Chugeng , Wu Dandan , Jiang Guojian
Published: March 2023

Graphite carbon nitride possesses great promise for visible photocatalysis, but the bulk carbon nitride prepared from nitrogen-rich precursors such as melamine has inherent drawbacks such as retarded photogenerated carrier migration and exciton effects, which limit its application. Herein, we constructed a novel Boron nitride quantum dots modified carbon-defects ultra-thin porous carbon nitride (BNQDs/Vc-UPCN). The double channels were constructed by carbon-defects structure and Boron nitride quantum effect to overcome its inherent drawbacks and applied to the photodegradation of common persistent organic pollutants (methylene blue). The structure, porosity, elemental composition, optical properties, photoelectrochemical properties, and photocatalytic properties of the prepared BNQDs/Vc-UPCN composites were investigated using various characterization methods. Meanwhile, the results of radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance characterization demonstrated that BNQDs/Vc-UPCN promote molecular oxygen activation more than Vc-UPCN did. In terms of degradation effect, the best sample (BC-1) is 10 times more effective than the initial sample (BCN). This study proposes an effective mechanism for constructing novel visible-light-driven photocatalysts using carbon-defects ultra-thin structures and quantum dots, which can be used for the treatment of organic pollutants.
Nucleoporin 98 mislocalization is a common feature in primary tauopathies
Authors: Nag Niharika , Tripathi Timir
Published: March 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Altered localization of nucleoporin 98 in primary tauopathies’ by Dickson et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcac334).
Nodular plaques and a pancreatic mass in an infant
Authors: Patel Mitesh , Tewari Angela , Philippidou Marianna , Williamson Emilia
Published: March 2023

This case highlights a rare presentation of nodular plaques in a neonate, with systemic involvement.
Literary City Limits: Cognitive Mapping in Contemporary Marseille
Authors: Kelly Michael G
Published: March 2023

Marseille can be thought to constitute a singular urban complex – both marginal and transitional – within a broader French territorial imaginary and political discourse. Proposing successive readings of literary works by Emmanuel Loi (Marseille amor, 2013), Sabrina Calvo (Sous la colline, 2015) and Maylis de Kerangal (Corniche Kennedy, 2008), this article examines how such works mobilize aspects of this singularity in the development of striking and occasionally ambivalent utopian problematics, reframing the city with respect to a set of vectors (both temporal and spatial) that expose the subject to the troubling horizons of both individual and collective agency. The article reflects on the specific parameters of a ‘space of possibility’ in the urban context under discussion. Moving from this localized problematic, it argues for a version of cognitive mapping that incorporates varieties of affective disposition key to the relations of reason and emotion in a utopian perspective: melancholy, curiosity and disobedience.
Social experience and pheromone receptor activity reprogram gene expression in sensory neurons
Authors: Deanhardt Bryson , Duan Qichen , Du Chengcheng , Soeder Charles , Morlote Alec , Garg Deeya , Saha Aishani , Jones Corbin D , Volkan Pelin Cayirlioglu
Published: March 2023

Social experience and pheromone signaling in olfactory neurons affect neuronal responses and male courtship behaviors in Drosophila. We previously showed that social experience and pheromone signaling modulate chromatin around behavioral switch gene fruitless, which encodes a transcription factor necessary and sufficient for male sexual behaviors. Fruitless drives social experience-dependent modulation of courtship behaviors and physiological sensory neuron responses to pheromone; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this modulation of neural responses remain less clear. To identify the molecular mechanisms driving social experience-dependent changes in neuronal responses, we performed RNA-seq from antennal samples of mutants in pheromone receptors and fruitless, as well as grouped or isolated wild-type males. Genes affecting neuronal physiology and function, such as neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, ion and membrane transporters, and odorant binding proteins are differentially regulated by social context and pheromone signaling. While we found that loss of pheromone detection only has small effects on differential promoter and exon usage within fruitless gene, many of the differentially regulated genes have Fruitless binding sites or are bound by Fruitless in the nervous system. Recent studies showed that social experience and juvenile hormone signaling co-regulate fruitless chromatin to modify pheromone responses in olfactory neurons. Interestingly, genes involved in juvenile hormone metabolism are also misregulated in different social contexts and mutant backgrounds. Our results suggest that modulation of neuronal activity and behaviors in response to social experience and pheromone signaling likely arise due to large-scale changes in transcriptional programs for neuronal function downstream of behavioral switch gene function.
Effects of Controlled Supramaximal High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Global Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Umeå HIT Study—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Simonsson Emma , Levik Sandström Sofi , Hedlund Mattias , Holmberg Henrik , Johansson Bengt , Lindelöf Nina , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Rosendahl Erik
Published: March 2023

Background

This study examined the effects of regulated and controlled supramaximal high-intensity interval training (HIT) adapted for older adults, compared to moderate-intensity training (MIT), on cardiorespiratory fitness; cognitive, cardiovascular, and muscular function; and quality of life.

Methods

Sixty-eight nonexercising older adults (66–79 years, 44% males) were randomized to 3 months of twice-weekly HIT (20-minute session including 10 × 6-second intervals) or MIT (40-minute session including 3 × 8-minute intervals) on stationary bicycles in an ordinary gym setting. Individualized target intensity was watt controlled with a standardized pedaling cadence and individual adjustment of the resistance load. Primary outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇o2peak) and global cognitive function (unit-weighted composite).

Results

V̇o2peak increased significantly (mean 1.38 mL/kg/min, 95% CI [0.77, 1.98]), with no between-group difference (mean difference 0.05 [−1.17, 1.25]). Global cognition did not improve (0.02 [−0.05, 0.09]), nor differed between groups (0.11 [−0.03, 0.24]). Significant between-group differences in change were observed for working memory (0.32 [0.01, 0.64]), and maximal isometric knee extensor muscle strength (0.07 N·m/kg [0.003, 0.137]), both in favor of HIT. Irrespective of the group, there was a negative change in episodic memory (−0.15 [−0.28, −0.02]), a positive change in visuospatial ability (0.26 [0.08, 0.44]), and a decrease in systolic (−2.09 mmHg [−3.54, −0.64]) and diastolic (−1.27 mmHg [−2.31, −0.25]) blood pressure.

Conclusions

In nonexercising older adults, 3 months of watt-controlled supramaximal HIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular function to a similar extent as MIT, despite half the training time. In favor of HIT, there was an improvement in muscular function and a potential domain-specific effect on working memory.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT03765385
Dual Functionality in Later Life
Authors: Ferraro Kenneth F , Bauldry Shawn , Sauerteig-Rolston Madison R , Thomas Patricia A
Published: March 2023

Gerontologists have long shown interest in both longevity and quality of life during later life, but considerable debate has ensued as scholars sought to integrate the two. Drawing from research on the topics of exceptional longevity, successful aging, and active life expectancy, we propose the concept of dual functionality to examine how humans reach advanced ages while maintaining physical and cognitive function. Dual functionality refers to being free of both physical and cognitive impairment. The loss of dual functionality challenges social networks to respond to the functional loss and is a harbinger of additional losses. Evidence of change in the percent of the older population maintaining dual functionality would be helpful for evaluating public health policies to aid quality of life during later life. This article is based on the first author’s Robert W. Kleemeier Award Lecture at The Gerontological Society of America 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting.
Resequencing of a Pekin duck breeding population provides insights into the genomic response to short-term artificial selection
Authors: Yu Simeng , Liu Zihua , Li Ming , Zhou Dongke , Hua Ping , Cheng Hong , Fan Wenlei , Xu Yaxi , Liu Dapeng , Liang Suyun , Zhang Yunsheng , Xie Ming , Tang Jing , Jiang Yu , Hou Shuisheng , Zhou Zhengkui
Published: March 2023

Background

Short-term, intense artificial selection drives fast phenotypic changes in domestic animals and leaves imprints on their genomes. However, the genetic basis of this selection response is poorly understood. To better address this, we employed the Pekin duck Z2 pure line, in which the breast muscle weight was increased nearly 3-fold after 10 generations of breeding. We denovo assembled a high-quality reference genome of a female Pekin duck of this line (GCA_003850225.1) and identified 8.60 million genetic variants in 119 individuals among 10 generations of the breeding population.

Results

We identified 53 selected regions between the first and tenth generations, and 93.8% of the identified variations were enriched in regulatory and noncoding regions. Integrating the selection signatures and genome-wide association approach, we found that 2 regions covering 0.36 Mb containing UTP25 and FBRSL1 were most likely to contribute to breast muscle weight improvement. The major allele frequencies of these 2 loci increased gradually with each generation following the same trend. Additionally, we found that a copy number variation region containing the entire EXOC4 gene could explain 1.9% of the variance in breast muscle weight, indicating that the nervous system may play a role in economic trait improvement.

Conclusions

Our study not only provides insights into genomic dynamics under intense artificial selection but also provides resources for genomics-enabled improvements in duck breeding.
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) wing images: a tool for identification and conservation
Authors: Oleksa Andrzej , Căuia Eliza , Siceanu Adrian , Puškadija Zlatko , Kovačić Marin , Pinto M Alice , Rodrigues Pedro João , Hatjina Fani , Charistos Leonidas , Bouga Maria , Prešern Janez , Kandemir İrfan , Rašić Slađan , Kusza Szilvia , Tofilski Adam
Published: March 2023

Background

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an ecologically and economically important species that provides pollination services to natural and agricultural systems. The biodiversity of the honey bee in parts of its native range is endangered by migratory beekeeping and commercial breeding. In consequence, some honey bee populations that are well adapted to the local environment are threatened with extinction. A crucial step for the protection of honey bee biodiversity is reliable differentiation between native and nonnative bees. One of the methods that can be used for this is the geometric morphometrics of wings. This method is fast, is low cost, and does not require expensive equipment. Therefore, it can be easily used by both scientists and beekeepers. However, wing geometric morphometrics is challenging due to the lack of reference data that can be reliably used for comparisons between different geographic regions.

Findings

Here, we provide an unprecedented collection of 26,481 honey bee wing images representing 1,725 samples from 13 European countries. The wing images are accompanied by the coordinates of 19 landmarks and the geographic coordinates of the sampling locations. We present an R script that describes the workflow for analyzing the data and identifying an unknown sample. We compared the data with available reference samples for lineage and found general agreement with them.

Conclusions

The extensive collection of wing images available on the Zenodo website can be used to identify the geographic origin of unknown samples and therefore assist in the monitoring and conservation of honey bee biodiversity in Europe.
Building Cetacean Locomotor Muscles throughout Ontogeny to Support High-Performance Swimming into Adulthood
Authors: Noren S R
Published: March 2023

Synopsis

The demands on the locomotor muscles at birth are different for cetaceans than terrestrial mammals. Cetacean muscles do not need to support postural costs as the neonate transitions from the womb because water’s buoyant force supports body weight. Rather, neonatal cetacean muscles must sustain locomotion under hypoxic conditions as the neonate accompanies its mother swimming underwater. Despite disparate demands at birth, cetaceans like terrestrial mammals require postnatal development to attain mature musculature. Neonatal cetaceans have a low proportion of muscle mass, and their locomotor muscles have lower mitochondrial density, myoglobin content (Mb), and buffering capacity than those found in the adult locomotor muscle. For example, the locomotor muscle of the neonatal bottlenose dolphin has only 10 and 65% of the Mb and buffering capacity, respectively, found in the adult locomotor muscle. The maturation period required to achieve mature Mb and buffering capacity in the locomotor muscle varies across cetacean species from 0.75 to 4 and 1.17 to 3.4 years, respectively. The truncated nursing interval of harbor porpoises and sub-ice travel of beluga whales may be drivers for faster muscle maturation in these species. Despite these postnatal changes in the locomotor muscle, ontogenetic changes in locomotor muscle fiber type seem to be rare in cetaceans. Regardless, the underdeveloped aerobic and anaerobic capacities of the locomotor muscle of immature dolphins result in diminished thrusting capability and swim performance. Size-specific stroke amplitudes (23–26% of body length) of 0–3-month-old dolphins are significantly smaller than those of >10-month-olds (29–30% of body length), and 0–1-month-olds only achieve 37 and 52% of the mean and maximum swim speed of adults, respectively. Until swim performance improves with muscle maturation, young cetaceans are precluded from achieving their pod’s swim speeds, which could have demographic consequences when fleeing anthropogenic disturbances.
Oridonin inhibits Hela cell proliferation via downregulation of glutathione metabolism: a new insight from metabolomics
Authors: Wang Weijia , Zhang Nan
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aims to elucidate Oridonin' s inhibitory mechanism to cervical cancer using metabolomics methods and pharmacological assays.

Methods

Network pharmacology and KEGG pathway analysis are used to identify overlapped targets and involved metabolic pathways. UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics analysis is used to determine altered metabolites after Oridonin treatment. Other bioassays are also employed to uncover the changes in critical molecules that are highly related to altered metabolites.

Key findings

Seventy-five overlapped targets are identified between Oridonin and cervical cancer. Twenty-one metabolites involved in tricarboxylic acid cycle glutathione metabolism, branched-chain amino acid metabolism and so on changes significantly after Oridonin treatment. Oridonin treatment significantly reduces the content of cysteine and inhibit the catalytic activity of glutamine–cysteine ligase subunit, a rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of glutathione. As a result, the content of glutathione is also reduced. The antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 which uses glutathione as a cofactor, is inactivated, resulting in a burst release of reactive oxygen species. The ATP content is also significantly reduced in Hela cells after Oridonin treatment.

Conclusions

This study finds that Oridonin treatment induces Hela cell apoptosis possibly via inhibition of the glutathione metabolism.
Safe for Whom? A Human Security Perspective on Nigeria as a ‘Safe Country of Origin’
Authors: Creed Xander , Kaşlı Zeynep , Jaysundara-Smits Shyamika
Published: March 2023

There has been a proliferation of readmission agreements and voluntary return programmes between the EU, its members and third countries, in which non-state actors play an increasing role. Based on the case of return to Nigeria, this article develops a discursive account of human security conditions in Nigeria to identify the changes and continuities over time in the diverse representations of what constitutes conditions suitable for a safe, dignified return. Our study shows that discourses in favour of return to Nigeria, despite nuances and shifts over time, have remained predominantly and persistently focused on economic, political, individual and community security and entirely overlook the growing challenges of food and environmental (in)security—hence failing to fully consider conditions constituting ‘safe return’ or nonrefoulement. Our findings challenge what is discursively constructed as ‘safe’ in return policies and practices and suggest that durable policy solutions require paying attention to multidimensional human security conditions.
Testing dark energy models with gamma-ray bursts calibrated from the observationalH(z) data through a Gaussian process
Authors: Li Zihao , Zhang Bin , Liang Nan
Published: March 2023

We use a cosmology-independent method to calibrate gamma-ray burst (GRB) from the observational Hubble data (OHD) with the cosmic chronometer method. By using Gaussian process to reconstruct OHD, we calibrate the Amati relation (Ep–Eiso) to construct a GRB Hubble diagram with the A118 data set, and constrain dark energy models in a flat space with the Markov chain Monte Carlo numerical method. With the cosmology-independent GRBs at 1.4 < z ≤ 8.2 in the A118 data set and the Pantheon sample of Type Ia supernovae at 0.01 < z ≤ 2.3, we obtained Ωm = $0.379^{+0.033}_{-0.024}$, h = $0.701^{+0.0035}_{-0.0035}$, w = $-1.25^{+0.14}_{-0.12}$, and wa = $-0.84^{+0.81}_{-0.38}$ for the flat Chevallier–Polarski–Linder model at the 1σ confidence level. We find no significant evidence supporting deviations from the standard Lambda cold dark matter model.
Massive prompt cusps: a new signature of warm dark matter
Authors: Delos M Sten
Published: March 2023

Every dark matter halo and subhalo is expected to have a prompt ρ ∝ r−1.5 central density cusp, which is a relic of its condensation out of the smooth mass distribution of the early Universe. The sizes of these prompt cusps are linked to the scales of the peaks in the initial density field from which they formed. In warm dark matter (WDM) models, the smoothing scale set by free streaming of the dark matter can result in prompt cusps with masses of order 107 M⊙. We show that WDM models with particle masses ranging from 2 to 6 keV predict prompt cusps that could detectably alter the observed kinematics of Local Group dwarf galaxies. Thus, prompt cusps present a viable new probe of WDM. A prompt cusp’s properties are highly sensitive to when it formed, so prospects can be improved with a better understanding of when the haloes of the Local Group dwarfs originally formed. Tidal stripping can also affect prompt cusps, so constraints on satellite galaxy orbits can further tighten WDM inferences.
FuzPred: a web server for the sequence-based prediction of the context-dependent binding modes of proteins
Authors: Hatos Andras , Teixeira João M C , Barrera-Vilarmau Susana , Horvath Attila , Tosatto Silvio C E , Vendruscolo Michele , Fuxreiter Monika
Published: March 2023

Proteins form complex interactions in the cellular environment to carry out their functions. They exhibit a wide range of binding modes depending on the cellular conditions, which result in a variety of ordered or disordered assemblies. To help rationalise the binding behavior of proteins, the FuzPred server predicts their sequence-based binding modes without specifying their binding partners. The binding mode defines whether the bound state is formed through a disorder-to-order transition resulting in a well-defined conformation, or through a disorder-to-disorder transition where the binding partners remain conformationally heterogeneous. To account for the context-dependent nature of the binding modes, the FuzPred method also estimates the multiplicity of binding modes, the likelihood of sampling multiple binding modes. Protein regions with a high multiplicity of binding modes may serve as regulatory sites or hot-spots for structural transitions in the assembly. To facilitate the interpretation of the predictions, protein regions with different interaction behaviors can be visualised on protein structures generated by AlphaFold. The FuzPred web server (https://fuzpred.bio.unipd.it) thus offers insights into the structural and dynamical changes of proteins upon interactions and contributes to development of structure-function relationships under a variety of cellular conditions.
Cytomegalovirus Infections in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Solid Malignancies
Authors: Anastasopoulou Amalia , Samarkos Michael , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis , Vourlakou Christina , Ziogas Dimitrios C , Avramopoulos Pantelis , Kouzis Panagiotis , Haanen John , Gogas Helen
Published: March 2023

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease has been repeatedly reported in patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and most commonly involves patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In the current study, we present a patient with melanoma who developed CMV gastritis during treatment with pembrolizumab in the absence of irAEs and without previous or current immunosuppression. Moreover, we review the literature regarding CMV infection/disease in patients treated with ICIs for solid malignancies. We present the currently available data on the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings, and histologic features and highlight the potential differences among cases complicating R/R irAEs versus those occurring in patients who are immunosuppression naive. Finally, we discuss the currently available data regarding potential useful diagnostic tools as well as the management of these patients.
Longitudinal Neutralizing and Functional Antibody Responses to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants Following Messenger RNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination
Authors: Chen Xuemin , Ciric Caroline , Gibson Theda , Anderson Larry J , Anderson Evan J , Rostad Christina A
Published: March 2023

In this longitudinal prospective cohort of healthy adults in the United States, we found that coronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA primary series and booster vaccinations elicited high titers of broadly cross-reactive neutralizing and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity antibodies, which gradually waned over 6 months, particularly against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants. These data support the indication for a subsequent booster vaccination.
Development of seven-beam optics using dielectric lenses for a new 72–116 GHz receiver in the Nobeyama 45 m telescope
Authors: Yamasaki Yasumasa , Hasegawa Yutaka , Yoneyama Sho , Kawashita Sana , Chinen Tsubasa , Masui Sho , Nosohara Chiaki , Sun Heyang , Dakie Shuto , Kameyama Akira , Fujitomo Ikko , Nishikawa Yuma , Ogawa Hideo , Tatematsu Ken’ichi , Nishimura Atsushi , Miyazawa Chieko , Takahashi Toshikazu , Maekawa Jun , Gonzalez Alvaro , Kojima Takafumi , Imada Hiroaki , Kaneko Keiko , Sakai Ryo , Sakai Takeshi , Onishi Toshikazu
Published: March 2023

We developed a new seven-beam heterodyne receiver “7BEE” in the 72–116 GHz band for the Nobeyama 45 m telescope to investigate the early stage of star formation by deriving the deuterium fraction of dense cores. The optics for the receiver employs wideband corrugated horns covering the 72–116 GHz band and dielectric lenses to couple the incoming radiation from the antenna on to the feeds. One of the important aspects in the lens design is the anti-reflection (AR) structure to mitigate the reflections on the lens surfaces. Triangular grooves, which gradually change the effective refractive index from air to dielectric, were adopted as a basic AR design since the return loss can be in the order of 20 dB or better. The main goal of this study is to compare the radio frequency (RF) characteristics of the lenses with different patterns and sizes of AR grooving structures. We confirmed that concentric grooves degraded beam symmetry, cross-polarization characteristics, and aperture efficiency due to the birefringence of the grooves, which gave rise to wavefront distortions. Straight grooves of two different gap widths, 1.2 mm and 1.7 mm, were compared and showed similar good performance in terms of beam patterns and noise contribution. However, the latter showed a few percent higher aperture efficiency. Therefore, the straight grooves with 1.7 mm gap width were adopted as the AR structure of our lens.
Genome Sequences of Four Isolates of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, the Causal Agent of Black Rot
Authors: Yu Fangwei , Zhang Wei , Wang Shenyun , Yu Li , Fei Zhangjun , Li Jianbin
Published: March 2023

Black rot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris ( Xcc) poses a threat to cruciferous crops worldwide. Here, we report the genome sequences of four Xcc isolates, which were assembled using a combination of Nanopore long-read and MGISEQ-2000 short-read sequences. The assembled genomes of the isolates collected in Dingxi (Gansu Province), Ji'nan (Shandong Province), and Yixing (Jiangsu Province) are 5,127,125, 5,124,023, and 5,088,826 bp in size, respectively, and harbor 4,683, 4,680, and 4,608 protein-coding genes, respectively, whereas the isolate collected in Tianjin (Tianjin Municipality) has a chromosome of 5,131,420 bp and a plasmid of 38,762 bp, harboring 4,684 and 48 protein-coding genes, respectively. These genome data provide valuable resources for studies that will enrich our understanding of genomic evolution and genetic diversity of Xcc isolates and the molecular basis of Xcc-host interactions, thereby assisting the development of novel strategies for effectively controlling the disease caused by Xcc.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 and Variants in Pregnancy
Authors: Feng Qiaoli , Cui Qianwen , Xiao Zhansong , Liu Zengyou , Fan Shangrong
Published: March 2023

Pregnancy is a physiological state that predisposes women to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, a disease that can cause adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease is known to vary by viral strain; however, evidence for the effects of this virus in pregnant women has yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we describe maternal and perinatal outcomes, vaccination, and vertical transmission, among pregnant women infected with the different SARS-CoV-2 variants identified to date. We also summarize existing evidence for maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with specific information relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our analysis showed that Omicron infection was associated with fewer severe maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes while the Delta variant was associated with worse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal deaths arising from COVID-19 were found to be rare (<1.0%), irrespective of whether the virus was a wild-type strain or a variant. Severe maternal morbidity was more frequent for the Delta variant (10.3%), followed by the Alpha (4.7%), wild-type (4.5%), and Omicron (2.9%) variants. The rates of stillbirth were 0.8%, 4.1%, 3.1%, and 2.3%, respectively, in pregnancies infected with the wild-type strain, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants, respectively. Preterm birth and admission to neonatal intensive care units were more common for cases with the Delta infection (19.0% and 18.62%, respectively), while risks were similar for those infected with the wild-type (14.7% and 11.2%, respectively), Alpha (14.9% and 13.1%), and Omicron variants (13.2% and 13.8%, respectively). As COVID-19 remains a global pandemic, and new SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge, research relating to the specific impact of new variants on pregnant women needs to be expanded.
Medications for alcohol use disorder improve survival in patients with hazardous drinking and alcohol-associated cirrhosis
Authors: Rabiee Anahita , Mahmud Nadim , Falker Caroline , Garcia-Tsao Guadalupe , Taddei Tamar , Kaplan David E.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) are highly effective in achieving and maintaining abstinence in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Our aim was to evaluate the effect of MAUD on all-cause mortality in patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis and active alcohol use.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis and high-risk alcohol use disorder in the Veterans Outcomes and Costs Associated with Liver Disease (VOCAL) database. Propensity score matching for exposure to MAUD (acamprosate or naltrexone) within a year after cirrhosis diagnosis was performed to account for potential confounders, and the association between MAUD and all-cause mortality was subsequently evaluated using Cox regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 9131 patients were included, of whom 886 (9.7%) were exposed to MAUD (naltrexone: 520, acamprosate: 307, both medications: 59). The duration of MAUD exposure was >3 months in 345 patients (39%). The strongest positive predictor of MAUD prescription was an inpatient diagnosis code for AUD, followed by a concurrent diagnosis of depression; the strongest negative predictor was a history of cirrhosis decompensation. After propensity score matching (866 patients in each group) with excellent covariate balance (absolute standardized mean differences <0.1), MAUD exposure was associated with improved survival, with an HR of 0.80 relative to no MAUD exposure (95% CI: 0.67–0.97, p = 0.024).

Conclusion:

MAUD are underutilized in patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis with high-risk alcohol use behavior but are associated with improved survival after adjustment for confounders such as the severity of liver disease, age, and engagement in the healthcare system.
Artificial intelligence-based text generators in hepatology: ChatGPT is just the beginning
Authors: Ge Jin , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: March 2023

Since its release as a “research preview” in November 2022, ChatGPT, the conversational interface to the Generative Pretrained Transformer 3 large language model built by OpenAI, has garnered significant publicity for its ability to generate detailed responses to a variety of questions. ChatGPT and other large language models generate sentences and paragraphs in response to word patterns in training data that they have previously seen. By allowing users to communicate with an artificial intelligence model in a human-like way, however, ChatGPT has crossed the technological adoption barrier into the mainstream. Existing examples of ChatGPT use-cases, such as negotiating bills, debugging programing code, and writing essays, indicate that ChatGPT and similar models have the potential to have profound (and yet unknown) impacts on clinical research and practice in hepatology. In this special article, we discuss the general background and potential pitfalls of ChatGPT and associated technologies—and then we explore its uses in hepatology with specific examples.
Evaluation of Static and Dynamic Pupillary Functions in Early-Stage Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Bayraktar Serdar , Hondur Gözde , Şekeroğlu Mehmet Ali , Şen Emine
Published: March 2023

Précis:

The dynamic parameters of the pupil, evaluated with an automated pupillometry device, differ in newly diagnosed early-stage primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients compared with healthy individuals, and this may guide us in early diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma.

Introduction and Aim:

To quantitatively determine static and dynamic pupillary functions in treatment-naive, newly diagnosed early-stage POAG patients and compare them with healthy controls.

Methods:

Forty eye of forty subjects with early POAG were compared with 71 eye of 71 age- matched and sex-matched healthy controls in terms of static and dynamic pupillary functions in this prospective and cross-sectional study. Static and dynamic pupillary functions were obtained with an automated pupillometry device. Static pupillometry parameters are pupil diameter (mm) in high photopic (100 cd/m2), low photopic (10 cd/m2), mesopic (1 cd/m2), and scotopic (0.1 cd/m2) light conditions. Dynamic pupillometry parameters are resting diameter (mm), amplitude (mm), latency (ms), duration (ms), and velocity (mm/s) of pupil contraction and dilation. Measured data were evaluated and compared with t test for independent groups.

Results:

Duration of pupil contraction was lower, (P=0.04) latency of pupil dilation time was longer, (P=0.03) duration of pupil dilation was shorter (P=0.04) and velocity of pupil dilation was lower (P=0.02) in the POAG group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of static pupillometry characteristics and the resting pupil diameter (P>0.05 for all values).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that dynamic pupillary light responses may be affected in early-stage POAG compared with the normal population. Longitudinal studies with larger series are needed to better understand the quantitative changes in dynamic pupillometry functions in early-stage POAG.
Patterns and prognostic values of programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration in small cell carcinoma of the esophagus: a retrospective analysis of 34 years of National Cancer Center data in China
Authors: Zhang Chaoqi , Zhang Guochao , Xue Liyan , Zhang Zhihui , Zeng Qingpeng , Wu Peng , Wang Lide , Yang Zhaoyang , Zheng Bo , Tan Fengwei , Xue Qi , Gao Shugeng , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: March 2023

Background:

Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) is an extremely rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy with a strikingly poor prognosis. Given the great clinical successes of checkpoint immunotherapies, we explored the expression profile and clinical significance of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and CD8+ T cell in SCCE for the first time.

Materials and methods:

Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and tumor cells in postoperative, whole tumor sections from 147 SCCE patients were stained for PD-LI expression. We also evaluated each patient’s Combined Positive Score (CPS). Multiplex immunofluorescence staining (CD3, CD20, CD68, and PD-L1) was introduced to clarify the location of PD-L1. CD8 density was analyzed by digital imaging and analysis of entire slides. Clinical outcomes were tested for correlations with both PD-L1 expression and CD8 density.

Results:

No patients had PD-L1 expressed in their tumor cells. PD-L1+ expression in TIICs was detected in 65 patients (44.2%) and 42 (28.6%) exhibited CPS positivity. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that most of the PD-L1 was expressed on the CD68+ monocytes/macrophages. PD-L1 expression in the TIICs and CPS was found to be correlated with paraffin block age, tumor length, macroscopic type, T stage, and increased overall survival (OS). Expression of PD-L1 in TIICs showed significantly prolonged relapse-free survival (RFS). Increasing CD8 densities were associated with increased PD-L1 expression (P
trend<0.0001). Multivariate regression confirmed that PD-L1 in TIICs and CD8 states were independent predictors of OS, and CD8 status were found to be independently predictive of RFS. A stratification based on PD-L1 and CD8 status was also significantly associated with both OS and RFS.

Conclusion:

Expression of PD-L1 was only detected in TIICs from approximately half of the patients with SCCEs. In SCCEs, PD-L1 and CD8 status are novel prognostic biomarkers and may inform the implementation of risk-related therapeutic strategies. SCCEs with higher CD8 infiltration also had higher expression of PD-L1, suggesting the development of resistance against adaptive immunity. These findings support the assertion that PD-L1/programmed cell death 1 inhibitors should be investigated in this rare malignancy.
Management of autoimmune factor XIII deficiency in a frail, elderly patient
Authors: Kaneko Masahiro , Ishimaru Naoto , Nakajima Takahiro , Kanzawa Yohei , Seto Hiroyuki , Kinami Saori , Osaki Tsukasa , Souri Masayoshi , Ichinose Akitada
Published: March 2023

Autoimmune factor XIII/13 deficiency (aFXIII deficiency) is a rare hemorrhagic disorder, for which typical guideline-directed treatment is aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Approximately 20% of patients are over 80 years old; however, and optimum management of such patients has not reached consensus. Our elderly patient had massive intramuscular hematoma, and aFXIII deficiency was diagnosed. The patient opted against aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, so he was managed with conservative treatment only. Thorough survey of other correctable causes of bleeding and anemia is also required in similar cases. Our patient's serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor use and multivitamin deficiency (vitamin C, B12 and folic acid) were revealed to be aggravating factors. Fall prevention and muscular stress prevention are also important in elderly patients. Our patient had two relapses of bleeding within 6 months, which were improved spontaneously by bed rest without factor XIII replacement therapy or blood transfusion. Conservative management may be preferred for frail and elderly patients with aFXIII deficiency when they opt against standard therapy.
Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in Pediatric Crohn Disease: An IBD Porto Group Study
Authors: Ledder Oren , Viala Jérôme , Serban Daniela Elena , Urlep Darja , De Ridder Lissy , Martinelli Massimo , Romano Claudio , Church Peter , Griffiths Chris , Oliva Salvatore , Basude Dharam , Sharma Shishu , Thomson Mike
Published: March 2023

Objective/Background:

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) has been shown to be effective and safe in adults with stricturing Crohn disease (CD) yet pediatric data is sparse. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of EBD in stricturing pediatric CD.

Methods:

International collaboration included 11 centers from Europe, Canada, and Israel. Recorded data included patient demographics, stricture features, clinical outcomes, procedural adverse events, and need for surgery. Primary outcome was surgery-free over 12 months and secondary outcomes were clinical response and adverse events.

Results:

Eighty-eight dilatations were performed over 64 dilatation series in 53 patients. Mean age at CD diagnosis was 11.1 (±4.0) years, stricture length 4 cm [interquartile range (IQR) 2.8–5], and bowel wall thickness 7 mm (IQR 5.3–8). Twelve of 64 (19%) patients underwent surgery in the year following the dilatation series, at a median of 89 days (IQR 24–120; range 0–264) following EBD. Seven of 64 (11%) had subsequent unplanned EBD over the year, of whom two eventually underwent surgical resection. Two of 88 (2%) perforations were recorded, 1 of whom was managed surgically, and 5 patients had minor adverse events managed conservatively. There was a significant improvement in all clinical measures following EBD with weighted pediatric CD activity index-defined remission increasing from 13% at baseline to 44%, 46%, and 61%, and absence of obstructive symptoms in 55%, 53%, and 64% of patients at week 2, 8, and 24 respectively.

Conclusions:

In this largest study of EBD in pediatric stricturing CD to date, we demonstrated that EBD is effective in relieving symptoms and avoiding surgery. Adverse events rates were low and consistent with adult data.