bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity in verbal associations is linked to semantic control
Authors: Krieger-Redwood Katya , Steward Anna , Gao Zhiyao , Wang Xiuyi , Halai Ajay , Smallwood Jonathan , Jefferies Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

Although memory is known to play a key role in creativity, previous studies have not isolated the critical component processes and networks. We asked participants to generate links between words that ranged from strongly related to completely unrelated in long-term memory, delineating the neurocognitive processes that underpin more unusual versus stereotypical patterns of retrieval. More creative responses to strongly associated word-pairs were associated with greater engagement of episodic memory: in highly familiar situations, semantic, and episodic stores converge on the same information enabling participants to form a personal link between items. This pattern of retrieval was associated with greater engagement of core default mode network (DMN). In contrast, more creative responses to weakly associated word-pairs were associated with the controlled retrieval of less dominant semantic information and greater recruitment of the semantic control network, which overlaps with the dorsomedial subsystem of DMN. Although both controlled semantic and episodic patterns of retrieval are associated with activation within DMN, these processes show little overlap in activation. These findings demonstrate that controlled aspects of semantic cognition play an important role in verbal creativity.
Disinformation as a context-bound phenomenon: toward a conceptual clarification integrating actors, intentions and techniques of creation and dissemination
Authors: Hameleers Michael
Published: October 2022

Although disinformation has become a popular concept, we lack an integrative conceptualization that connects the actors, intentions and techniques underlying deceptive information. In this article, we conceptualize disinformation as a context-bound deliberate act for which actors covertly deceive recipients by de-contextualizing, manipulating or fabricating information to maximize utility with the (targeted) outcome of misleading recipients. This conceptualization embeds fragmented accounts of disinformation in a networked and participatory information logic, and offers a comprehensive account of the conditions under which different actors may decide to deceive, how they deceive, and what they aim to achieve by deceiving recipients. Our conceptualization may inform (machine-learning) techniques to detect disinformation and interventions that aim to trigger suspicion by breaking through the truth-default state.
Differences in predator-avoidance behavior between two invasive gobies and their native competitors
Authors: Augustyniak Mateusz , Kołacka Kalina , Kobak Jarosław , Hliwa Piotr , Kłosiński Piotr , Poznańska-Kakareko Małgorzata , Jermacz Łukasz , Kakareko Tomasz
Published: October 2022

Globally, fish are frequently introduced beyond their native range. Some, like Ponto-Caspian gobies, are becoming invasive, achieving high colonization rates and constituting frequent prey for native predators. However, little is known about the effectiveness of antipredator behaviors of the invaders, which may shape their role in the invaded community and contribute to the invasion success. We compared antipredator behaviors of invasive gobies and native fish species after their detection by the predator, when the danger becomes direct. We studied 2 fish pairs, each consisting of an invasive and native species co-occurring in the environment and belonging to the same prey guild: (1) the racer goby Babka gymnotrachelus versus European bullhead Cottus gobio, (2) the monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis versus gudgeon Gobio gobio, facing a naïve predator (the Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis). We analyzed behaviors of single prey individuals (escaping, staying in shelter, and activity) and single predators (activity, searching, following, capturing, and latency to prey consumption). In the predator presence, the bullhead was less active and more often managed to escape after capture than the racer goby. The gudgeon escaped before the capture more often than the monkey goby. The predator succeeded later with the bullhead compared to racer goby, whereas no differences in ingestion time occurred between the gudgeon and monkey goby. The results suggest that, in terms of hunting effort of native predators, the invasive gobies are equivalent to or more profitable prey than their native analogs, which can facilitate the integration of the gobies into local food webs.
ASL Developmental Trends Among Deaf Children, Ages Birth to Five
Authors: Hernandez Brianna , Allen Thomas E , Morere Donna A
Published: October 2022

Language development is an important facet of early life. Deaf children may have exposure to various languages and communication modalities, including spoken and visual. Previous research has documented the rate of growth of English skills among young deaf children, but no studies have investigated the rate of ASL acquisition. The current paper examines young deaf children’s acquisition of ASL skills, the rate of growth over time, and factors impacting levels and growth rates. Seventy-three children ages birth to 5 were rated three times using the Visual Communication and Sign Language Checklist and given a scaled score at each rating. An average monthly gain score was calculated for each participant. The presence of a deaf parent, use of ASL at home, use of cochlear implant(s), whether the child was born deaf, and age of initial diagnosis were analyzed for their impact on the level of ASL skill and rate of growth. Results indicated that the use of ASL in the home has a significant positive effect on deaf children’s ASL skill level. Additionally, children with lower initial ratings showed higher rates of growth than those with higher initial ratings, especially among school-aged children. The paper discusses implications and directions for future studies.
Pre-treatment differential correlation of gene expression and response to topical steroids in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Dellon Evan S , Tsai Yihsuan S , Coffey Alisha R , Bodwin Kelly , Sninsky Jared A , Mosso Carson N , He Tianshe M , O’Connor Kevin A , Selitsky Sara R , Nobel Andrew B , Parker Joel S
Published: October 2022

Few predictors of response to topical corticosteroid (tCS) treatment have been identified in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to determine whether baseline gene expression predicts histologic response to tCS treatment for EoE. We analyzed prospectively collected samples from incident EoE cases who were treated with tCS for 8 weeks in a development cohort (prospective study) or in an independent validation cohort (clinical trial). Whole transcriptome RNA expression was determined from a baseline (pre-treatment) RNA-later preserved esophageal biopsy. Baseline expression was compared between histologic responders (<15 eos/hpf) and non-responders (≥15 eos/hpf), and differential correlation was used to assess baseline gene expression by response status. In 87 EoE cases analyzed in the development set, there were no differentially expressed genes associated with treatment response (at false discovery rate = 0.1). However, differential correlation identified a module of 22 genes with statistically significantly high pairwise correlation in non-responders (mean correlation coefficient = 0.7) compared to low correlation in responders (coefficient = 0.3). When this 22-gene module was applied to the 89 EoE cases in the independent cohort, it was not validated to predict tCS response at the 15 eos/hpf threshold (mean correlation coefficient = 0.32 in responders and 0.25 in nonresponders). Exploration of other thresholds also did not validate any modules. Though we identified a 22 gene differential correlation module measured pre-treatment that was strongly associated with subsequent histologic response to tCS in EoE, this was not validated in an independent population. Alternative methods to predict steroid response should be explored.
Transcriptome and genome analysis to identify C2H2 genes participating in low-temperature conditioning-alleviated postharvest chilling injury of peach fruit
Authors: Zheng Yaqin , Liu Zhenning , Wang Hui , Zhang Wenna , Li Shuaijie , Xu Meng
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This work intended to identify candidate C2H2 genes participating in low-temperature conditioning (LTC)-alleviated postharvest chilling injury of peach fruit.

Materials and Methods

For LTC treatment, fruit were pre-stored at 10 °C for 5 d and then transferred to 0 °C storage. Fruit firmness was measured by a hardness tester. H2O2 content was determined by luminosity measurement model using a multifunctional enzyme labeler. Identification of C2H2 family members was performed by HMMSCAN according to peach genome. The cis-acting element of gene promoters was analyzed using the Plant CARE website. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed by the WGCNA package in the BMK Cloud platform.

Results

LTC treatment decreased flesh browning rate and H2O2 production of ‘Beijing No. 9’ peach. Transcription factor identification of differentially expressed genes in 0 °C and the LTC treatment indicated that peach C2H2 participated in the regulation of chilling injury. A total of 47 C2H2 genes were identified based on peach genome. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), phylogenetic analysis and promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed that ZFP21 was involved in the regulation of LTC-alleviated chilling injury in peach. WGCNA and dual luciferase assay suggested that ZFP21 participated in LTC-alleviated chilling injury by downregulating the expression of reactive oxygen species-related genes Rboh.

Conclusions

Our investigation, based on genome and RNA-seq, revealed that ZFP21 was involved in LTC treatment-alleviated chilling injury of peach fruit. This work is useful for the identification of peach cold tolerance-related genes and the study of C2H2 family in peach.
Seabird and seal responses to the physical environment and to spatio-temporal variation in the distribution and abundance of Antarctic krill at South Georgia, with implications for local fisheries management
Authors: Trathan P N , Fielding S , Warwick-Evans V , Freer J , Perry F
Published: October 2022

We used 22 years of seasonally and spatially consistent monitoring data to explore marine predator–prey numerical response relationships. Specifically, we tested whether indices of offspring performance (e.g. offspring mass near the time of their independence and/or growth rate) from three Antarctic krill-dependent predators, showed positive relationships with estimates of krill density, determined using fishery-independent acoustic surveys undertaken towards the middle of the predator breeding season. Results showed that indices of predator reproductive performance had little relationship with krill density. In most years, average krill densities were higher on-shelf than off-shelf, potentially providing ecological buffering for predators provisioning offspring. Interestingly, positive response relationships were evident between predator offspring mass and the spatial distribution of krill, measured using indices that represent levels of inequality (patchiness) in krill distribution. These relationships were strongest using indices that reflected the off-shelf krill spatial distribution. We found that krill density and predator offspring mass were also both negatively influenced by sea surface temperature and the Southern Annular Mode, indicating that the environment exerts strong control over ecosystem processes. Finally, we consider the relevance of our results to the ecological framework used by managers responsible for setting catch limits for the regional fishery for krill.
An Inventory and Index for Political Apologies
Authors: Smith Nick
Published: October 2022

This paper builds on previous research to provide a Political Apology Inventory and also a Political Apology Index to measure political apologies across various elements. This inventory and index are meant to assist those offering apologies as well as those receiving and evaluating meanings provided by specific political apologies.
Quantitative evaluation of the rotational stiffness of rail cracks based on the reflection of guided waves
Authors: Liu Pingxin , Liu Shitao , Yu Chengxi , Gu Limin , Zhou Yu , Zhao Chunyu , Huang Zhenyu
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes an approach to identify the equivalent rotational stiffness of rail cracks based on the reflection of guided waves. The identified rotational stiffness can be adopted to detect the crack and evaluate the safety of the rail. The quasi-bending guided waves propagating in the rail head and web are found and chosen as the detecting guided waves. Considering these guided waves, the relationship between the dynamic parameters of cracks and the power reflection coefficients are deduced theoretically. Cracks are modelled and their rotational stiffness concerning geometric parameters is evaluated. Simulation results indicate that the depth and width of cracks result in a significant decrease of rotational stiffness. Field experiments showed that discontinuities over a long distance can be detected by the selected guided waves in the rail head and web with relative errors less than 1 per cent in 100 metres. And artificial cracks were made to validate the proposed method for rail crack evaluation.
Exogenous enzymes, meal size, and meal frequency: effect on ileal and total tract digestibility of carbohydrates, and energy and fiber degradation in growing pigs fed a wheat-barley grain-based high-fiber diet
Authors: Chassé Élisabeth , Vangsøe Cecilie Toft , Bach Knudsen Knud Erik , Guay Frédéric , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre
Published: October 2022

When conducting a digestibility trial, pigs are usually fed only twice a day with a restricted feed intake which is not representative of the feeding conditions in a commercial farm. This study aimed to determine the effects of meal size and frequency, and exogenous enzymes (xylanase and phytase) on the digestibility of a high-fiber diet using porcine in vivo and in vitro approaches. Pigs (n = 6) were fitted with a T cannula, and each received all treatments using a 6 × 6 Latin square experimental design. The diets were supplemented (Enz) or not with a combination of xylanase and phytase and distributed into three feeding programs: one received two meals per day that met three times the maintenance energy requirement (2M), one received the same quantity of feed in eight meals (8M), and another received an amount that met five times the maintenance energy requirements in eight meals (8M+). For in vitro experiment, the degradability of fiber with or without xylanase supplementation only was determined. Enzyme supplementation increased apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, starch, and degradation of insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (I-NSP) in all in vivo treatments (P < 0.05). The 2M compared with 8M increased the AID of starch and total tract digestibility of organic matter and I-NSP (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation decreased the content of insoluble arabinoxylan (P < 0.05) and increased arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (P < 0.05) in the in vivo ileal digesta and in vitro incubation. The results of this study confirm degradation by xylanase of the fiber fraction at the ileal level, which resulted in less fermentation of fiber in the large intestine. However, number and size of meals had little influence on feed digestibility. The consequences of shifting fiber fermentation more towards the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract need further investigation. The in vitro model provided a confirmation of the action of xylanase on the degradation of non-starch polysaccharides.
New insights into the novel sequences of the chicken pan-genome by liquid chip
Authors: Wang Fei , Guo Yingwei , Liu Zhenyu , Wang Qiao , Jiang Yu , Zhao Guiping
Published: October 2022

Increasing evidence indicates that the missing sequences and genes in the chicken reference genome are involved in many crucial biological pathways, including metabolism and immunity. The low detection rate of novel sequences by resequencing hindered the acquisition of these sequences and the exploration of the relationship between new genes and economic traits. To improve the capture ratio of novel sequences, a 48K liquid chip including 25K from the reference sequence and 23K from the novel sequence was designed. The assay was tested on a panel of 218 animals from 5 chicken breeds. The average capture ratio of the reference sequence was 99.55%, and the average sequencing depth of the target sites was approximately 187X, indicating a good performance and successful application of liquid chips in farm animals. For the target region in the novel sequence, the average capture ratio was 33.15% and the average sequencing depth of target sites was approximately 60X, both of which were higher than that of resequencing. However, the different capture ratios and capture regions among varieties and individuals proved the difficulty of capturing these regions with complex structures. After genotyping, GWAS showed variations in novel sequences potentially relevant to immune-related traits. For example, a SNP close to the differentiation of lymphocyte-related gene IGHV3-23-like was associated with the H/L ratio. These results suggest that targeted capture sequencing is a preferred method to capture these sequences with complex structures and genes potentially associated with immune-related traits.
Periodicity in Cryptocurrency Volatility and Liquidity
Authors: Hansen Peter Reinhard , Kim Chan , Kimbrough Wade
Published: October 2022

We study recurrent patterns in volatility and volume for major cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ether, using data from two centralized exchanges (CEXs; Coinbase Pro and Binance) and a decentralized exchange (DEX; Uniswap V2). We find systematic patterns in both volatility and volume across day-of-the-week, hour-of-the-day, and within the hour. These patterns have grown stronger over the years and are presumably related to algorithmic trading and funding times in futures markets. We also document that price formation mainly takes place on the CEXs while price adjustments on the DEXs can be sluggish.
On the Role of Focus-Sensitivity for a Typology of Presupposition Triggers
Authors: Göbel Alexander
Published: October 2022

This paper presents two experiments comparing presupposition triggers that differ with respect to Focus-sensitivity. The hypothesis was that Focus-sensitive (+focus) triggers require a linguistic antecedent in the discourse model, whereas presuppositions of triggers lacking Focus-sensitivity (–focus) are satisfied as entailments of the Common Ground. Each experiment tested a distinct prediction of this hypothesis, namely (i) being subject to salience, operationalized relative to the QUD, and (ii) global accommodation difficulty. Experiment 1 compared too as a +focus trigger and again as a –focus trigger in short dialogues and manipulated the presence or absence of material intervening between the target sentence containing the trigger and the utterance satisfying its presupposition. Intervening material led to a decrease in ratings as well as longer full sentence reading times of the target sentence for too but not again, in line with the prediction. Experiment 2 compared four trigger pairs that differed in Focus-sensitivity relative to presuppositionless control in a rating study in contexts that did not explicitly satisfy their presupposition. As predicted, +focus triggers showed a larger decrease in ratings than –focus triggers. The picture that emerges from these results is that the same kind of meaning - presuppositions - can be grounded in different aspects of the context in relation to an independent property of the trigger - Focus-sensitivity - which directly affects the discourse behavior of a trigger. The paper concludes with a discussion of some implications of the findings for linguistic theory, in particular anaphoricity.
A diagnostic, test-accuracy study to evaluate the ability of the Eye Guide Visual Tracking System and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale to diagnose mild TBI and predict protracted recovery
Authors: Fernandez Laura Lucia , Griswold Dylan P , Fariyike Bunmi , Aristizabal Sarita , Perez Brian , Rubiano Andres M
Published: October 2022

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and 100–300 individuals per every 100 000 seek medical care for mTBI annually. The Eye Guide is a portable device that evaluates oculomotor function. This device has promising potential to detect trauma-related neurological deficits that are otherwise undetected by a non-contrast computed tomography scan, the current gold standard. However, to our knowledge, a study has yet to be conducted that evaluates its ability to detect mTBIs specifically. By contrast, the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) is a 22-item, self-reported symptom survey that has become one of the most trusted tools in evaluating mTBI-related sequelae. Although this scale has been well validated in adolescent athletes, there is a notable lack of studies defining its clinical utility in adults with non-sports-related trauma. Patients with mTBI are expected to have detectable alterations in the PCSS score and the Eye Guide visual tracing. Thus, this study aims to determine each tool’s diagnostic accuracy in detecting mTBI and prognostic accuracy in predicting a protracted recovery in our patient population. Additionally, for both tools, we seek to establish cut-off values for future clinical decision-making in non-athlete, adult populations. A prospective, observational cohort test-accuracy study will be conducted in two clinics that form part of the ValleSalud Clinic Network in Cali, Colombia. Both are Level III referral trauma centers. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of both the Eye Guide and PCSS tests in diagnosing mTBI and predicting protracted recovery will serve as primary outcomes of the study. Additionally, the area under the curve analyses will be undertaken to determine the optimal sensitivity and specificity cut-offs for each test. The ground truth labels will be the diagnosis of mTBI by neurological examination as evaluated by an experienced neurosurgeon and recovery at 1 month post-injury according to the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale. This study will follow the principles set forth by the Declaration of Helsinki.
Seen through Deep Time: Occult Clairvoyance and Palaeoscientific Imagination
Authors: Fallon Richard
Published: October 2022

Dating from the middle of the nineteenth century, prominent paranormal researchers in Britain and the United States began to claim that they could see through time. Using clairvoyant powers, they proposed to solve the mysteries of geology and palaeontology, not least by filling in the missing links in the evolution of life. This article explores the literary outputs of these figures, with an especial focus on the Anglo-American ‘psychometers’ William and Elizabeth Denton and selected members of the Theosophical Society, including Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. I argue that clairvoyants’ narratives of exploration in the prehistoric past were heavily indebted not just to the technical concepts of mainstream palaeoscience, but also to the figurative language and visual iconography used by palaeoscientists and science writers, including their metaphors of necromancy and visual spectacle. The vivid language of Victorian palaeoscience, crafted to see the unseeable events of prehistory, has been studied in depth by students of literature and science; recently, literary scholars have paid increasing attention to the imaginative prose of occult science writing. I bring these bodies of scholarship together, contesting that Romantic conceptions of science motivated paranormal researchers to literalize the figurative language of time-travel deployed by more orthodox palaeoscientists. Examining the work of the Dentons, Blavatsky, and others, I show that that the vivid literature of palaeoscience inspired a realm where practitioners on the fringes of elite science could make bold if precarious claims, instilling individual agency into the abysm of deep time.
Excretion of triacylglycerol as a matrix lipid facilitating apoplastic accumulation of a lipophilic metabolite shikonin
Authors: Tatsumi Kanade , Ichino Takuji , Isaka Natsumi , Sugiyama Akifumi , Moriyoshi Eiko , Okazaki Yozo , Higashi Yasuhiro , Kajikawa Masataka , Tsuji Yoshinori , Fukuzawa Hideya , Toyooka Kiminori , Sato Mayuko , Ichi Ikuyo , Shimomura Koichiro , Ohta Hiroyuki , Saito Kazuki , Yazaki Kazufumi
Published: October 2022

Plants produce a large variety of lipophilic metabolites, many of which are secreted by cells and accumulated in apoplasts. These compounds often play a role to protect plants from environmental stresses. However, little is known about how these lipophilic compounds are secreted into apoplastic spaces. In this study, we used shikonin-producing cultured cells of Lithospermum erythrorhizon as an experimental model system to analyze the secretion of lipophilic metabolites, taking advantage of its high production rate and the clear inducibility in culture. Shikonin derivatives are lipophilic red naphthoquinone compounds that accumulate exclusively in apoplastic spaces of these cells and also in the root epidermis of intact plants. Microscopic analysis showed that shikonin is accumulated in the form of numerous particles on the cell wall. Lipidomic analysis showed that L. erythrorhizon cultured cells secrete an appreciable portion of triacylglycerol (24–38% of total triacylglycerol), composed predominantly of saturated fatty acids. Moreover, in vitro reconstitution assay showed that triacylglycerol encapsulates shikonin derivatives with phospholipids to form lipid droplet-like structures. These findings suggest a novel role for triacylglycerol as a matrix lipid, a molecular component involved in the secretion of specialized lipophilic metabolites.
Intraday Changes and Clinical Applications of Thyroid Function Biomarkers in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Hua-Li , Zhou Chao-Qiong , He Da-Hai , Wu Feng , Li Hong-Chuan , Xie Qian-Rong , Luo Yu , Kong Li-Rui
Published: October 2022

Objective

We evaluated the intraday changes of thyroid function biomarkers in healthy subjects to help clinicians diagnose thyroid diseases in appropriate timing.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 31 subjects at 0:00, 4:00, 8:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00 on the sampling day and analyzed for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4). The intraday concentration changes were analyzed using Friedman’s 2-way analysis of variance by ranks.

Results

The concentrations of TSH, T3, T4, FT3, and FT4 in males were significantly higher than those in females (P < .01). The obvious peak circadian rhythm of TSH was observed at 0:00 AM with gradual decline thereafter, whereas other biomarkers showed no rhythmic changes.

Conclusion

Sex differences should be considered in interpreting thyroid function tests. It is important to select the sampling time according to the clinician’s diagnostic needs, especially at night when TSH secretion peaks.
An Adjusted Process to Improve Efficiency and Efficacy of Adsorption Procedures to Resolve Warm Autoantibody Cases
Authors: Hukill Matthew
Published: October 2022

Objective

The presence of warm autoantibodies in patient plasma  typically causes extended delays in patient care due to panreactive antibody identification tests. Adsorption is the primary method for resolution. A modified adsorption procedure was devised with the intent to minimize delays, and the aim of the study was to evaluate its efficacy.

Methods

To evaluate the in-house developed (experimental) adsorption method, specimens were tested in parallel with the standard adsorption method described in the AABB Technical Manual, 20th edition. Specimens selected demonstrated panreactivity at the submitting facility and contained adequate volume for parallel adsorption studies.

Results

Ninety specimens were tested with both methods. Ninety specimens achieved complete adsorption with the experimental method and 88 specimens achieved complete adsorption with the standard method. Two underlying alloantibodies, which have been reported to cause hemolytic transfusion reactions and potential renal graft rejection, were detected using the experimental method that the standard method failed to detect.

Conclusion

The experimental method demonstrated a significant reduction in rounds of adsorption required to resolve warm autoantibody reactivity, enhanced antibody detection ability with adsorbed plasma, and more cost-effective outcomes compared to the standard method. A follow-up study is planned to assess whether the incubation time can be decreased with the experimental method to further improve the efficiency of the method without sacrificing efficacy.
The GALAH survey: chemical clocks
Authors: Hayden Michael R , Sharma Sanjib , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Spina Lorenzo , Buder Sven , Ciucă Ioana , Asplund Martin , Casey Andrew R , De Silva Gayandhi M , D’Orazi Valentina , Freeman Ken C , Kos Janez , Lewis Geraint F , Lin Jane , Lind Karin , Martell Sarah L , Schlesinger Katharine J , Simpson Jeffrey D , Zucker Daniel B , Zwitter Tomaž , Chen Boquan , Čotar Klemen , Feuillet Diane , Horner Jonti , Joyce Meridith , Nordlander Thomas , Stello Dennis , Tepper-Garcia Thor , Ting Yuan-sen , Wang Purmortal , Wittenmyer Rob , Wyse Rosemary
Published: October 2022

We present the first large-scale study that demonstrates how ages can be determined for large samples of stars through Galactic chemical evolution. Previous studies found that the elemental abundances of a star correlate directly with its age and metallicity. Using this knowledge, we derive ages for 214 577 stars in GALAH DR3 using only overall metallicities and chemical abundances. Stellar ages are estimated via the machine learning algorithm XGBoost for stars belonging to the Milky Way disc with metallicities in the range −1 < [Fe/H] < 0.5, using main-sequence turn-off stars as our training set. We find that stellar ages for the bulk of GALAH DR3 are precise to 1–2 Gyr using this method. With these ages, we replicate many recent results on the age-kinematic trends of the nearby disc, including the solar neighbourhood’s age–velocity dispersion relationship and the larger global velocity dispersion relations of the disc found using Gaia and GALAH. These results show that chemical abundance variations at a given birth radius are small, and that strong chemical tagging of stars directly to birth clusters may prove difficult with our current elemental abundance precision. Our results highlight the need to measure abundances for as many nucleosynthetic production sites as possible in order to estimate reliable ages from chemistry. Our methods open a new door into studies of the kinematic structure and evolution of the disc, as ages may potentially be estimated to a precision of 1–2 Gyr for a large fraction of stars in existing spectroscopic surveys.
Simulating the magnetorotational instability on a moving mesh with the shearing box approximation
Authors: Zier Oliver , Springel Volker
Published: October 2022

The magnetorotational instability (MRI) is an important process in sufficiently ionized accretion discs, as it can create turbulence that acts as an effective viscosity, mediating angular momentum transport. Due to its local nature, it is often analysed in the shearing box approximation with Eulerian methods, which otherwise would suffer from large advection errors in global disc simulations. In this work, we report on an extensive study that applies the quasi-Lagrangian, moving-mesh code arepo, combined with the Dedner cleaning scheme to control deviations from $\nabla \cdot \boldsymbol B=0$, to the problem of magnetized flows in shearing boxes. We find that we can resolve the analytical linear growth rate of the MRI with mean background magnetic field well. In the zero net flux case, there is a threshold value for the strength of the divergence cleaning above which the turbulence eventually dies out, and in contrast to previous Eulerian simulations, the strength of the MRI does not decrease with increasing resolution. In boxes with larger vertical aspect ratio we find a mean-field dynamo, as well as an active shear current effect that can sustain MRI turbulence for at least 200 orbits. In stratified simulations, we obtain an active αω dynamo and the characteristic butterfly diagram. Our results compare well with previous results obtained with static grid codes such as athena. We thus conclude that arepo represents an attractive approach for global disc simulations due to its quasi-Lagrangian nature, and for shearing box simulations with large density variations due to its continuously adaptive resolution.
Optical variability, rotation period, and inclination angle of the M9.5 dwarf BRI 0021−0214
Authors: Dulaimi S , Golden A , Boyle R P , Butler R F
Published: October 2022

We report I-band photometric observations of the radio-detected M9.5 dwarf BRI 0021−0214, obtained with the Galway Ultra Fast Imager on the 1.8 m Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) at Mt. Graham International Observatory, Arizona. In total, 19 h of observations over a 73 d baseline were obtained. BRI 0021−0214 was shown to exhibit modulated emission with a period of 3.052 ± 0.004 h with a mean amplitude variability of 0.0044 mag. When combined with rotational velocity data obtained from previous work, our newly discovered rotation period gives an inclination angle of 51.7$^{+5.0}_{-4.5}$ deg for the rotation axis of BRI 0021-0214 relative to our line of sight. Previous studies have reported that the most plausible cause for optical variability from this dwarf is a consequence of suspended co-rotating dust clouds in its atmosphere. However, reports of enhanced Hα and intermittent coherent radio emission suggest the possibility of auroral activity in its magnetosphere. Further, more coordinated multiwavlength observations of this dwarf could fully resolve the nature of this elusive rapid-rotator object’s observational properties.
Ribosomal DNA Instability as a Potential Cause of Karyotype Evolution
Authors: Li Duojia , Gandhi Dhyey , Kumon Tomohiro , Yamashita Yukiko M
Published: October 2022

Karyotype refers to the configuration of the genome into a set of chromosomes. The karyotype difference between species is expected to impede various biological processes, such as chromosome segregation and meiotic chromosome pairing, potentially contributing to incompatibility. Karyotypes can rapidly change between closely related species and even among populations of the same species. However, the forces driving karyotype evolution are poorly understood. Here we describe a unique karyotype of a Drosophila melanogaster strain isolated from the Seychelles archipelago. This strain has lost the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus on the X chromosome. Because the Y chromosome is the only other rDNA-bearing chromosome, all females carry at least one Y chromosome as the source of rDNA. Interestingly, we found that the strain also carries a truncated Y chromosome (YS) that is stably maintained in the population despite its inability to support male fertility. Our modeling and cytological analysis suggest that the Y chromosome has a larger negative impact on female fitness than the YS chromosome. Moreover, we generated an independent strain that lacks X rDNA and has a karyotype of XXY females and XY males. This strain quickly evolved multiple karyotypes: two new truncated Y chromosomes (similar to YS), as well as two independent X chromosome fusions that contain the Y-derived rDNA fragment, eliminating females’ dependence on the Y chromosome. Considering that Robertsonian fusions frequently occur at rDNA loci in humans, we propose that rDNA loci instability may be one of driving forces of karyotype evolution.
Nitrogen-dependent binding of the transcription factor PBF1 contributes to the balance of protein and carbohydrate storage in maize endosperm
Authors: Ning Lihua , Wang Yuancong , Shi Xi , Zhou Ling , Ge Min , Liang Shuaiqiang , Wu Yibo , Zhang Tifu , Zhao Han
Published: October 2022

Fluctuations in nitrogen (N) availability influence protein and starch levels in maize (Zea mays) seeds, yet the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, we report that N limitation impacted the expression of many key genes in N and carbon (C) metabolism in the developing endosperm of maize. Notably, the promoter regions of those genes were enriched for P-box sequences, the binding motif of the transcription factor prolamin-box binding factor 1 (PBF1). Loss of PBF1 altered accumulation of starch and proteins in endosperm. Under different N conditions, PBF1 protein levels remained stable but PBF1 bound different sets of target genes, especially genes related to the biosynthesis and accumulation of N and C storage products. Upon N-starvation, the absence of PBF1 from the promoters of some zein genes coincided with their reduced expression, suggesting that PBF1 promotes zein accumulation in the endosperm. In addition, PBF1 repressed the expression of sugary1 (Su1) and starch branching enzyme 2b (Sbe2b) under normal N supply, suggesting that, under N-deficiency, PBF1 redirects the flow of C skeletons for zein toward the formation of C compounds. Overall, our study demonstrates that PBF1 modulates C and N metabolism during endosperm development in an N-dependent manner.
MIF is a common genetic determinant of COVID-19 symptomatic infection and severity
Authors: Shin J J , Fan W , Par-Young J , Piecychna M , Leng L , Israni-Winger K , Qing H , Gu J , Zhao H , Schulz W L , Unlu S , Kuster J , Young G , Liu J , Ko A I , Baeza Garcia A , Sauler M , Wisnewski A V , Young L , Orduña A , Wang A , Ocskay K , Garcia-Blesa A , Hegyi P , Armstrong M E , Mitchell P D , Bernardo D , Garami A , Kang I , Bucala R
Published: October 2022

Background

Genetic predisposition to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may contribute to its morbidity and mortality. Because cytokines play an important role in multiple phases of infection, we examined whether commonly occurring, functional polymorphisms in macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are associated with COVID-19 infection or disease severity.

Aim

To determine associations of common functional polymorphisms in MIF with symptomatic COVID-19 or its severity.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study utilized 1171 patients with COVID-19 from three tertiary medical centers in the USA, Hungary and Spain, together with a group of 637 pre-pandemic, healthy control subjects. Functional MIF promoter alleles (-794 CATT5-8,rs5844572), serum MIF and soluble MIF receptor levels, and available clinical characteristics were measured and correlated with COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization. Experimental mice genetically engineered to express human high- or low-expression MIF alleles were studied for response to coronavirus infection.

Results

In patients with COVID-19, there was a lower frequency of the high-expression MIF CATT7 allele when compared to healthy controls [11% vs. 19%, odds ratio (OR) 0.54 [0.41–0.72], P < 0.0001]. Among inpatients with COVID-19 (n = 805), there was a higher frequency of the MIF CATT7 allele compared to outpatients (n = 187) (12% vs. 5%, OR 2.87 [1.42–5.78], P = 0.002). Inpatients presented with higher serum MIF levels when compared to outpatients or uninfected healthy controls (87 ng/ml vs. 35 ng/ml vs. 29 ng/ml, P < 0.001, respectively). Among inpatients, circulating MIF concentrations correlated with admission ferritin (r = 0.19, P = 0.01) and maximum CRP (r = 0.16, P = 0.03) levels. Mice with a human high-expression MIF allele showed more severe disease than those with a low-expression MIF allele.

Conclusions

In this multinational retrospective study of 1171 subjects with COVID-19, the commonly occurring -794 CATT7MIF allele is associated with reduced susceptibility to symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection but increased disease progression as assessed by hospitalization. These findings affirm the importance of the high-expression CATT7MIF allele, which occurs in 19% of the population, in different stages of COVID-19 infection.
TrkA+ Neurons Induce Pathologic Regeneration After Soft Tissue Trauma
Authors: Cherief Masnsen , Negri Stefano , Qin Qizhi , Pagani Chase A , Lee Seungyong , Yang Yunzhi Peter , Clemens Thomas L , Levi Benjamin , James Aaron W
Published: October 2022

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a dynamic, complex pathologic process that often occurs after severe polytrauma trauma, resulting in an abnormal mesenchymal stem cell differentiation leading to ectopic bone growth in soft-tissues including tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The abnormal bone structure and location induce pain and loss of mobility. Recently, we observed that NGF (Nerve growth factor)-responsive TrkA (Tropomyosin receptor kinase A)-expressing nerves invade sites of soft-tissue trauma, and this is a necessary feature for heterotopic bone formation at sites of injury. Here, we assayed the effects of the partial TrkA agonist Gambogic amide (GA) in peritendinous heterotopic bone after extremity trauma. Mice underwent HO induction using the burn/tenotomy model with or without systemic treatment with GA, followed by an examination of the injury site via radiographic imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Single-cell RNA Sequencing confirmed an increase in neurotrophin signaling activity after HO-inducing extremity trauma. Next, TrkA agonism led to injury site hyper-innervation, more brisk expression of cartilage antigens within the injured tendon, and a shift from FGF to TGFβ signaling activity among injury site cells. Nine weeks after injury, this culminated in higher overall levels of heterotopic bone among GA-treated animals. In summary, these studies further link injury site hyper-innervation with increased vascular ingrowth and ultimately heterotopic bone after trauma. In the future, modulation of TrkA signaling may represent a potent means to prevent the trauma-induced heterotopic bone formation and improve tissue regeneration.
Amoxicillin did not Reduce Modic Change Oedema in Patients with Chronic Low Back pain - subgroup Analyses of a Randomised Trial (the AIM study)
Authors: Kristoffersen Per Martin , Vetti Nils , Grøvle Lars , Brox Jens Ivar , Haugli Bråten Lars Christian , Grotle Margreth , Julsrud Haugen Anne , Rolfsen Mads Peder , Froholdt Anne , Skouen Jan Sture , Lutro Olav , Marchand Gunn Hege , Anke Audny , Zwart John-Anker , Storheim Kjersti , Assmus Jörg , Espeland Ansgar
Published: October 2022

Study Design.

Exploratory subgroup analyses of a randomised trial (Antibiotics In Modic changes (AIM) study).

Objective.

To assess the effect of amoxicillin versus placebo in reducing Modic change (MC) oedema in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Summary of Background Data.

The AIM study showed a small, clinically insignificant effect of amoxicillin on pain-related disability in patients with chronic LBP and MC type 1 (oedema type) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods.

A total of 180 patients were randomised to receive 100 days of amoxicillin or placebo. MC oedema was assessed on MRI at baseline and one-year follow-up. Per-protocol analyses were conducted in subgroups with MC oedema on short tau inversion recovery (STIR) or T1/T2-weighted MRI at baseline. MC oedema reductions (yes/no) in STIR and T1/T2-series were analysed separately. The effect of amoxicillin in reducing MC oedema was analysed using logistic regression adjusted for prior disc surgery. To assess the effect of amoxicillin versus placebo within the group with the most abundant MC oedema on STIR at baseline (‘STIR3’ group), we added age, STIR3 (yes/no), and STIR3×treatment group (interaction term) as independent variables and compared the marginal means (probabilities of oedema reduction).

Results.

Compared to placebo, amoxicillin did not reduce MC oedema on STIR (volume/intensity) in the total sample with oedema on STIR at baseline (odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) [0.5, 2.0]; n=141) or within the STIR3 group (probability of oedema reduction 0.69, 95%CI [0.47, 0.92] with amoxicillin and 0.61, 95%CI [0.43, 0.80] with placebo; n=41). Compared with placebo, amoxicillin did not reduce MC oedema in T1/T2-series (volume of the type 1 part of MCs) (odds ratio 1.0, 95%CI [0.5, 2.3], n=104). Oedema declined in >50% of patients in both treatment groups.

Conclusions.

From baseline to one-year follow-up, amoxicillin did not reduce MC oedema compared with placebo.

Level of Evidence.

Level 2.
Current laser therapy options for endoscopic treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Zollinger Benjamin W. , Shoen Ezra J. , Gresham Charles F. , Whalen Michael J.
Published: October 2022

Endoscopic management via retrograde ureteroscopic laser ablation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has become the preferred treatment modality for low-risk tumors. The most popular ablative lasers over the past 15–20 years have been the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) and neodymium (Nd:YAG) lasers, but recently the thulium (Th:YAG) laser has emerged as a potential alternative. This review compares the mechanism of action, physiological properties and effects, and oncologic outcomes of Ho:YAG/Nd:YAG lasers versus the Th:YAG laser for UTUC treatment. Potential advantages of the Th:YAG laser over existing technologies are outlined, followed by a discussion of emerging laser technologies in UTUC management.
Recruitment of Temporal Aqueous Outflow Channels After Bent Needle Ab-Interno Goniectomy Demonstrated by Aqueous Angiography
Authors: Dada Tanuj , Bukke Anand Naik , Huang Alex S. , Sharma Namrata , Verma Saurabh
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

To demonstrate the utility of operating on the temporal trabecular meshwork with in vivo-aqueous angiography demonstrating new aqueous outflow channels.

Method:

In a patient with primary open angle glaucoma, nuclear sclerosis, and medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure, Indocyanine green aqueous angiography (0.5%) was performed to visualize baseline functional aqueous outflow channels. This was followed by 30 degrees bent needle ab-interno goniectomy in the temporal quadrant, where no aqueous outflow channels were initially visualized. Aqueous angiography was repeated using 2% fluorescein to visualize aqueous outflow channels after bent needle ab-interno goniectomy.

Results:

Prebent needle ab-interno goniectomy, aqueous angiography revealed functional outflow channels in the nasal quadrant although none were visible in the temporal quadrant. Postbent needle ab-interno goniectomy in temporal quadrant aqueous angiography demonstrated 2 new aqueous outflow channels.

Conclusion:

In a patient with open angle glaucoma, following temporal quadrant ab-interno goniectomy, the recruitment of aqueous outflow channels was demonstrated using aqueous angiography.