bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The wide-binary origin of the Pluto–Charon system
Authors: Rozner Mor , Grishin Evgeni , Perets Hagai B
Published: August 2020

The Pluto–Charon binary system is the best studied representative of the binary Kuiper-belt population. Its origins are vital to understanding the formation of other Kuiper-belt objects (KBO) and binaries and the evolution of the outer Solar system. The Pluto–Charon system is believed to form following a giant impact between two massive KBOs at relatively low velocities. However, the likelihood of a random direct collision between two of the most massive KBOs is low and is further constrained by the requirement of a low-velocity collision, making this a potentially fine-tuned scenario. Here, we expand our previous studies and suggest that the proto-Pluto–Charon system was formed as a highly inclined wide-binary, which was then driven through secular/quasi-secular evolution into a direct impact. Since wide-binaries are ubiquitous in the Kuiper belt with many expected to be highly inclined, our scenario is expected to be robust. We use analytic tools and few-body simulations of the triple Sun–(proto-)Pluto–Charon system to show that a large parameter space of initial conditions leads to such collisions. The velocity of such an impact is the escape velocity of a bound system, which naturally explains the low-velocity impact. The dynamical evolution and the origins of the Pluto–Charon system could therefore be traced to similar secular origins as those of other binaries and contact-binaries (e.g. Arrokoth) and suggest that they play a key role in the evolution of KBOs.
SMASHing the low surface brightness SMC
Authors: Massana Pol , Noël Noelia E D , Nidever David L , Erkal Denis , de Boer Thomas J L , Choi Yumi , Majewski Steven R , Olsen Knut , Monachesi Antonela , Gallart Carme , Marel Roeland P van der , Ruiz-Lara Tomás , Zaritsky Dennis , Martin Nicolas F , Muñoz Ricardo R , Cioni Maria-Rosa L , Bell Cameron P M , Bell Eric F , Stringfellow Guy S , Belokurov Vasily , Monelli Matteo , Walker Alistair R , Martínez-Delgado David , Vivas A Katherina , Conn Blair C
Published: August 2020

The periphery of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) can unlock important information regarding galaxy formation and evolution in interacting systems. Here, we present a detailed study of the extended stellar structure of the SMC using deep colour–magnitude diagrams, obtained as part of the Survey of the MAgellanic Stellar History (SMASH). Special care was taken in the decontamination of our data from Milky Way (MW) foreground stars, including from foreground globular clusters NGC 362 and 47 Tuc. We derived the SMC surface brightness using a ‘conservative’ approach from which we calculated the general parameters of the SMC, finding a staggered surface brightness profile. We also traced the fainter outskirts by constructing a stellar density profile. This approach, based on stellar counts of the oldest main-sequence turn-off stars, uncovered a tidally disrupted stellar feature that reaches as far out as 12 deg from the SMC centre. We also serendipitously found a faint feature of unknown origin located at ∼14 deg from the centre of the SMC and that we tentatively associated with a more distant structure. We compared our results to in-house simulations of a 1 × 109 M⊙ SMC, finding that its elliptical shape can be explained by its tidal disruption under the combined presence of the MW and the Large Magellanic Cloud. Finally, we found that the older stellar populations show a smooth profile while the younger component presents a jump in the density followed by a flat profile, confirming the heavily disturbed nature of the SMC.
Hunting for the host galaxy groups of binary black holes and the application in constraining Hubble constant
Authors: Yu Jiming , Wang Yu , Zhao Wen , Lu Youjun
Published: August 2020

The discovery of gravitational-wave (GW) signals, produced by the coalescence of stellar-mass binary black holes (SBBHs), opens a new window to study the astrophysical origins and dynamical evolutions of compact binaries. In addition, these GW events can be treated as the standard sirens to constrain various cosmological parameters. Both issues require the host identification for these GW events, with help of the spatial resolution of GW detector networks. In this paper, we investigate the capabilities of various detector networks for identifying the SBBHs’ host galaxy groups, rather than their host galaxies, which can overcome the influence of galaxies’ proper motions in dark matter haloes for measuring the cosmological parameters. In our analysis, the group catalogue of SDSS DR7 with redshift z ∈ (0.01, 0.1) is considered as an example of the application. We find that for the second-generation (2G) detector network, the host galaxy groups of around (0.7–6.9) SBBHs can be identified per year assuming all sources are $30\!-\!30\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ binaries, and that all five detectors in the network are in lock 100 per cent of the time. For the 3G detector network, this number becomes (3.9–40.0) yr−1. We also investigate the potential constraint on the Hubble constant H0 by these GW events, if their redshift information is extracted from the candidates of host galaxy groups. We find that, by 5-yr full time observations, 2G detector network is expected to give a constraint of $\Delta H_0/H_0\sim (1{{\ \rm per\ cent}},\ 4{{\ \rm per\ cent}})$, which can be more than two order smaller if considering the 3G detector network.
The OH Megamaser galaxy IRAS11506−3851: an AGN and star formation revealed by multiwavelength observations
Authors: Hekatelyne C , Riffel Rogemar A , Storchi-Bergmann Thaisa , Kharb Preeti , Robinson Andrew , Sales Dinalva , Cassanta Claudia M
Published: August 2020

We present Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) Integral Field Unit (IFU), Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and Very Large Array (VLA) observations of the OH Megamaser (OHM) galaxy IRAS 11506−3851. The HST images reveal an isolated spiral galaxy and the combination with the GMOS-IFU flux distributions and VLA data allow us to identify a partial ring of star-forming regions surrounding the nucleus with a radius of ≈ 500 pc. While this ring shows starburst excitation and low velocity dispersion, the region internal to the ring shows higher excitation and velocity dispersion values, with values increasing towards its borders at ≈ 240 pc from the nucleus, resembling a projected bubble. The enhanced excitation and velocity dispersion of this bubble surrounds a 8.5-GHz radio emission structure, supporting its origin in a faint active galactic nucleus (AGN) that is mostly shocking the surrounding gas via a plasma ejection seen in radio at the present stage. This is the fourth of the 5 OHM galaxies we have studied so far (from our sample of 15 OHM) for which GMOS-IFU data indicate the presence of a previously unknown faint AGN at the nucleus, consistent with the hypothesis that OHM galaxies harbour recently triggered AGN.
The SEDIGISM survey: molecular clouds in the inner Galaxy
Authors: Duarte-Cabral A , Colombo D , Urquhart J S , Ginsburg A , Russeil D , Schuller F , Anderson L D , Barnes P J , Beltrán M T , Beuther H , Bontemps S , Bronfman L , Csengeri T , Dobbs C L , Eden D , Giannetti A , Kauffmann J , Mattern M , Medina S-N X , Menten K M , Lee M-Y , Pettitt A R , Riener M , Rigby A J , Traficante A , Veena V S , Wienen M , Wyrowski F , Agurto C , Azagra F , Cesaroni R , Finger R , Gonzalez E , Henning T , Hernandez A K , Kainulainen J , Leurini S , Lopez S , Mac-Auliffe F , Mazumdar P , Molinari S , Motte F , Muller E , Nguyen-Luong Q , Parra R , Perez-Beaupuits J-P , Montenegro-Montes F M , Moore T J T , Ragan S E , Sánchez-Monge A , Sanna A , Schilke P , Schisano E , Schneider N , Suri S , Testi L , Torstensson K , Venegas P , Wang K , Zavagno A
Published: August 2020

We use the 13CO (2–1) emission from the SEDIGISM (Structure, Excitation, and Dynamics of the Inner Galactic InterStellar Medium) high-resolution spectral-line survey of the inner Galaxy, to extract the molecular cloud population with a large dynamic range in spatial scales, using the Spectral Clustering for Interstellar Molecular Emission Segmentation (scimes) algorithm. This work compiles a cloud catalogue with a total of 10 663 molecular clouds, 10 300 of which we were able to assign distances and compute physical properties. We study some of the global properties of clouds using a science sample, consisting of 6664 well-resolved sources and for which the distance estimates are reliable. In particular, we compare the scaling relations retrieved from SEDIGISM to those of other surveys, and we explore the properties of clouds with and without high-mass star formation. Our results suggest that there is no single global property of a cloud that determines its ability to form massive stars, although we find combined trends of increasing mass, size, surface density, and velocity dispersion for the sub-sample of clouds with ongoing high-mass star formation. We then isolate the most extreme clouds in the SEDIGISM sample (i.e. clouds in the tails of the distributions) to look at their overall Galactic distribution, in search for hints of environmental effects. We find that, for most properties, the Galactic distribution of the most extreme clouds is only marginally different to that of the global cloud population. The Galactic distribution of the largest clouds, the turbulent clouds and the high-mass star-forming clouds are those that deviate most significantly from the global cloud population. We also find that the least dynamically active clouds (with low velocity dispersion or low virial parameter) are situated further afield, mostly in the least populated areas. However, we suspect that part of these trends may be affected by some observational biases (such as completeness and survey limitations), and thus require further follow up work in order to be confirmed.
Tidal forces from the wake of dynamical friction: warps, lopsidedness, and kinematic misalignment
Authors: Kipper Rain , Benito María , Tenjes Peeter , Tempel Elmo , de Propris Roberto
Published: August 2020

A galaxy moving through a background of dark matter particles induces an overdensity of these particles or a wake behind it. The back reaction of this wake on the galaxy is a force field that can be decomposed into an effective deceleration (called dynamical friction) and a tidal field. In this paper, we determine the tidal forces, thus generated on the galaxy, and the resulting observables, which are shown to be warps, lopsidedness, and/or kinematic-photometric position angle misalignments. We estimate the magnitude of the tidal-like effects needed to reproduce the observed warp and lopsidedness on the isolated galaxy IC 2487. Within a realistic range of dark matter distribution properties, the observed, warped, and lopsided kinematical properties of IC 2487 are possible to reproduce (the background medium of dark matter particles has a velocity dispersion of $\lesssim 80\, {\rm km\, s^{-1}}$ and the density $10^4{\!-\!}10^5\, {\rm M_\odot \, kpc^{-3}}$, more likely at the lower end). We conclude that the proposed mechanism can generate warps, lopsidedness, and misalignments observed in isolated galaxies or galaxies in loose groups. The method can be used also to constrain dark matter spatial and velocity distribution properties.
Modelling the atmosphere of lava planet K2-141b: implications for low- and high-resolution spectroscopy
Authors: Nguyen T Giang , Cowan Nicolas B , Banerjee Agnibha , Moores John E
Published: August 2020

Transit searches have uncovered Earth-size planets orbiting so close to their host star that their surface should be molten, so-called lava planets. We present idealized simulations of the atmosphere of lava planet K2-141b and calculate the return flow of material via circulation in the magma ocean. We then compare how pure Na, SiO, or SiO2 atmospheres would impact future observations. The more volatile Na atmosphere is thickest followed by SiO and SiO2, as expected. Despite its low vapour pressure, we find that a SiO2 atmosphere is easier to observe via transit spectroscopy due to its greater scale height near the day–night terminator and the planetary radial velocity and acceleration are very high, facilitating high dispersion spectroscopy. The special geometry that arises from very small orbits allows for a wide range of limb observations for K2-141b. After determining the magma ocean depth, we infer that the ocean circulation required for SiO steady-state flow is only 10−4 m s−1, while the equivalent return flow for Na is several orders of magnitude greater. This suggests that a steady-state Na atmosphere cannot be sustained and that the surface will evolve over time.
A new calibration method of sub-halo orbital evolution for semi-analytic models
Authors: Yang Shengqi , Du Xiaolong , Benson Andrew J , Pullen Anthony R , Peter Annika H G
Published: August 2020

Understanding the non-linear dynamics of satellite haloes (a.k.a. ‘sub-haloes’) is important for predicting the abundance and distribution of dark matter sub-structures and satellite galaxies, and for distinguishing among microphysical dark matter models using observations. Typically, modelling these dynamics requires large N-body simulations with high resolution. Semi-analytic models can provide a more efficient way to describe the key physical processes such as dynamical friction, tidal mass loss, and tidal heating, with only a few free parameters. In this work, we present a fast Markov chain Monte Carlo fitting approach to explore the parameter space of such a sub-halo non-linear evolution model. We use the dynamical models described in an earlier work and calibrate the models to two sets of high-resolution cold dark matter N-body simulations, ELVIS and Caterpillar. Compared to previous calibrations that used manual parameter tuning, our approach provides a more robust way to determine the best-fitting parameters and their posterior probabilities. We find that jointly fitting for the sub-halo mass and maximum velocity functions can break the degeneracy between tidal stripping and tidal heating parameters, as well as providing better constraints on the strength of dynamical friction. We show that our semi-analytic simulation can accurately reproduce N-body simulations statistics, and that the calibration results for the two sets of N-body simulations agree at 95 per cent confidence level. Dynamical models calibrated in this work will be important for future dark matter sub-structure studies.
X-ray photolysis of CH3COCH3 ice: implications for the radiation effects of compact objects towards astrophysical ices
Authors: Carvalho G A , Pilling S
Published: August 2020

In this study, we employed broad-band X-rays (6–2000 eV) to irradiate the frozen acetone CH3COCH3, at the temperature of 12 K, with different photon fluences up to 2.7 × 1018 photons cm−2. Here, we consider acetone as a representative complex organic molecule (COM) present on interstellar ice grains. The experiments were conduced at the Brazilian Synchrotron facility (LNLS/CNPEN) employing infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to monitor chemical changes induced by radiation in the ice sample. We determined the effective destruction cross-section of the acetone molecule and the effective formation cross-section for daughter species. Chemical equilibrium, obtained for fluence 2 × 1018 photons cm−2, and molecular abundances at this stage were determined, which also includes the estimates for the abundance of unknown molecules, produced but not detected, in the ice. Time-scales for ices, at hypothetical snow line distances, to reach chemical equilibrium around several compact and main-sequence X-ray sources are given. We estimate time-scales of 18 d, 3.6 and 1.8 months, 1.4 × 109–6 × 1011 yr, 600 and 1.2 × 107 yr, and 107 yr, for the Sun at 5 au, for O/B stars at 5 au, for white dwarfs at 1 LY, for the Crab pulsar at 2.25 LY, for Vela pulsar at 2.25 LY, and for Sagittarius A* at 3 LY, respectively. This study improves our current understanding about radiation effects on the chemistry of frozen material, in particular, focusing for the first time, the effects of X-rays produced by compact objects in their eventual surrounding ices.
The TOI-763 system: sub-Neptunes orbiting a Sun-like star
Authors: Fridlund M , Livingston J , Gandolfi D , Persson C M , Lam K W F , Stassun K G , Hellier C , Korth J , Hatzes A P , Malavolta L , Luque R , Redfield S , Guenther E W , Albrecht S , Barragan O , Benatti S , Bouma L , Cabrera J , Cochran W D , Csizmadia S , Dai F , Deeg H J , Esposito M , Georgieva I , Grziwa S , González Cuesta L , Hirano T , Jenkins J M , Kabath P , Knudstrup E , Latham D W , Mathur S , Mullally S E , Narita N , Nowak G , Olofsson A O H , Palle E , Pätzold M , Pompei E , Rauer H , Ricker G , Rodler F , Seager S , Serrano L M , Smith A M S , Spina L , Subjak J , Tenenbaum P , Ting E B , Vanderburg A , Vanderspek R , Van Eylen V , Villanueva S , Winn J N
Published: August 2020

We report the discovery of a planetary system orbiting TOI-763(aka CD-39 7945), a V = 10.2, high proper motion G-type dwarf star that was photometrically monitored by the TESS space mission in Sector 10. We obtain and model the stellar spectrum and find an object slightly smaller than the Sun, and somewhat older, but with a similar metallicity. Two planet candidates were found in the light curve to be transiting the star. Combining TESS transit photometry with HARPS high-precision radial velocity (RV) follow-up measurements confirm the planetary nature of these transit signals. We determine masses, radii, and bulk densities of these two planets. A third planet candidate was discovered serendipitously in the RV data. The inner transiting planet, TOI-763 b, has an orbital period of Pb  =  5.6 d, a mass of Mb  =  9.8 ± 0.8 M⊕, and a radius of Rb  =  2.37 ± 0.10 R⊕. The second transiting planet, TOI-763 c, has an orbital period of Pc  =  12.3 d, a mass of Mc  =  9.3 ± 1.0 M⊕, and a radius of Rc  =  2.87 ± 0.11 R⊕. We find the outermost planet candidate to orbit the star with a period of ∼48 d. If confirmed as a planet, it would have a minimum mass of Md  =  9.5 ± 1.6 M⊕. We investigated the TESS light curve in order to search for a mono transit by planet d without success. We discuss the importance and implications of this planetary system in terms of the geometrical arrangements of planets orbiting G-type stars.
Strengthening the bounds on the r-mode amplitude with X-ray observations of millisecond pulsars
Authors: Boztepe Tuğba , Göğüş Ersin , Güver Tolga , Schwenzer Kai
Published: August 2020

R-mode oscillations have been shown to have a significant potential to constrain the composition of fast spinning neutron stars. Due to their high rotation rates, millisecond pulsars (MSPs) provide a unique platform to constrain the properties of such oscillations, if their surface temperatures can be inferred. We present the results of our investigations of archival X-ray data of a number of MSPs, as well as recent XMM–Newton observations of PSR J1810+1744 and PSR J2241−5236. Using the neutron star atmosphere model and taking into account various uncertainties, we present new bounds on the surface temperature of these sources. Thereby, we significantly strengthen previous bounds on the amplitude of the r-mode oscillations in MSPs and find rigorous values as low as α ≲ 3 × 10−9. This is by now about three orders of magnitude below what standard saturation mechanisms in neutron stars could provide, which requires very strong dissipation in the interior, strongly pointing towards a structurally complex or exotic composition of these sources. At such low temperatures, sources could even be outside of the instability region, and taking into account the various uncertainties, we obtain for an observed surface temperature a simple frequency bound below which r-modes are excluded in slower spinning pulsars.
Identifying the radiative components responsible for quasi-periodic oscillations of black hole systems
Authors: Garg Akash , Misra Ranjeev , Sen Somasri
Published: August 2020

While the dynamical origin of the variability observed in Galactic black hole systems, such as quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), is still a matter of debate, insight into the radiative components responsible for such behaviour can be obtained by studying their energy-dependent temporal behaviour. In particular, one needs to ascertain which variations of the parameters of the best-fitting time-averaged spectral components reproduce the observed energy-dependent fractional rms and time-lags. However, to obtain meaningful interpretation, the standard spectral component parameters have to be recast to physically relevant ones. Then, the energy-dependent temporal variations that their fluctuations will cause, needs to be predicted and compared with observations. In this work, we describe a generic method to do this and apply the technique to the ∼3–4 Hz QPOs observed in the black hole system GRS 1915+105 as observed by AstroSat where the time-averaged spectra can be represented by emission from a truncated disc and hot thermal Comptonizing coronae in the inner regions. We find that the QPOs and their harmonic can be explained in terms of correlated local accretion rate variations in the disc, the truncated disc radius, the optical depth and the heating rate of the coronae with time-delays between them. We highlight the potential of such techniques to unravel the radiative process responsible for variability using high-quality spectral and temporal data from AstroSat and NICER.
A recent major merger tale for the closest giant elliptical galaxy Centaurus A
Authors: Wang Jianling , Hammer Francois , Rejkuba Marina , Crnojević Denija , Yang Yanbin
Published: August 2020

We have used hydrodynamical simulations to model the formation of the closest giant elliptical galaxy Centaurus A. We find that a single major merger event with a mass ratio of up to 1.5, and which has happened ∼2 Gyr ago, is able to reproduce many of its properties, including galaxy kinematics, the inner gas disc, stellar halo ages and metallicities, and numerous faint features observed in the halo. The elongated halo shape is mostly made of progenitor residuals deposited by the merger, which also contribute to stellar shells observed in the Centaurus A halo. The current model also reproduces the measured planetary nebula line-of-sight velocity and their velocity dispersion. Models with a small mass ratio and relatively low gas fraction result in a de Vaucouleurs profile distribution, which is consistent with observations and model expectations. A recent merger left imprints in the age distribution that are consistent with the young stellar and globular cluster populations (2–4 Gyr) found within the halo. We conclude that even if not all properties of Centaurus A have been accurately reproduced, a recent major merger has likely occurred to form the Centaurus A galaxy as we observe it at present day.
Evidence for a Causal Relationship Between Academic Achievement and Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S , Ohlsson Henrik , Fagan Abigail A , Lichtenstein Paul , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Academic achievement (AA) is associated with smoking rates. Can we determine the degree to which this relationship is likely a causal one?

Methods

We predict smoking in male conscripts (mean age 18.2) assessed from 1984 to 1991 (N = 233 248) and pregnant females (mean age 27.7) receiving prenatal care 1972–1990 (N = 494 995) from AA assessed in all students at 16. Instrumental variable (IV) analyses used the instrument month-of-birth as in each school year, older children have high AA. Co-relative analyses used AA-smoking associations in the population, cousins and siblings to predict the AA-smoking relationship in MZ twins, thereby controlling for familial confounding.

Results

In males, higher AA was associated with a substantial decrease in risk for smoking (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence intervals [CIs]] per standard deviation [SD] = 0.41 [0.40–0.41]) while the parallel figures obtain from our IV and co-relative analyses were 0.47 (0.39–0.57) and 0.51 (0.43–0.60), respectively. In females, these figures for pre-pregnancy smoking were, respectively, 0.39 (0.39–0.39), 0.50 (0.46–0.54) and 0.54 (0.51–0.58). Results for heavy versus light smoking suggested a causal effect but were inconsistent across methods. However, among females smoking prior to pregnancy, AA predicted a reduced risk for continued smoking with ORs for uncontrolled, IV, and co-relative analyses equaling, respectively, were 0.54 (0.53–0.55) 0.68 (0.56–0.82) and 0.78 (0.66–0.91), respectively.

Conclusions

Two different methods produced consistent evidence that higher AA has a causal effect on reducing smoking rates and increasing cessation rates in smoking pregnant females. Improving AA may result in meaningful gains in population health through reduced smoking.

Implications

This study provides consistent evidence across two different methods that high AA is causally related to reduced rates of smoking and increasing rates of smoking cessation among pregnant women. Our results suggest that interventions that improve educational achievement in adolescence would reduce tobacco consumption, thereby improving public health.
Repeated Injections of Low-Dose Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in Healthy Humans Maintain Muscle Pain and Facilitate Ischemic Contraction–Evoked Pain
Authors: Sørensen Line Bay , Gazerani Parisa , Sluka Kathleen A , Graven-Nielsen Thomas
Published: August 2020

Objective

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for generating and potentiating pain responses. This double-blinded crossover study assessed NGF-evoked pain in healthy humans after repeated NGF injections in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle compared with control injections of isotonic saline.

Subjects

Twenty healthy subjects participated in two experimental phases; each consisted of seven sessions over 21 days.

Methods

At day 0, day 2, and day 4, a low-dose NGF (1 µg) was injected. Data on daily self-reported muscle pain (using a Likert scale) were collected. Data on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), pain evoked by nonischemic and ischemic muscle contractions (using a numerical rating scale [NRS]), pressure pain detection (PDT), and pain tolerance thresholds (PTTs) to cuff algometry were recorded before day 0 and at 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, and 21 days after the first injection. Temporal summation of pain (TSP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) were recorded to assess central pain mechanisms.

Results

Likert scores remained elevated for 9 days after NGF injection (P<0.05). PPTs at the TA muscle were decreased at day 1 until day 7 after NGF injection compared with day 0 (P=0.05). In subjects presenting with NGF-induced muscle hyperalgesia, pain NRS scores evoked by nonischemic contractions were higher after NGF injection at day 4 and day 7 (P<0.04) compared with the control condition. At all time points, higher pain NRS scores were found with ischemic compared with nonischemic contractions (P<0.05). The pain NRS after ischemic contractions was elevated following prolonged NGF hyperalgesia at day 7 compared with the control condition and day 0 (P<0.04). The PDT, PTT, TSP, and CPM remained unchanged during the period of NGF-induced hyperalgesia.

Conclusions

Repeated low-dose NGF injections maintain muscle pain and potentiate pain evoked by ischemic contractions during prolonged NGF hyperalgesia.
Interactions between Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and the Police: The Fears of Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals
Authors: Wallace Danielle , Herbert Jessica , Tyler David , McGee-Hassrick Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

Using data from a survey of parents, guardians, caregivers, and professionals, we couple qualitative coding with descriptive statistics to show how common it is for respondents to fear future police contact for the individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the respondents’ lives and what inspires that fear. Nearly, 60% of respondents were reported being fearful of future police contact. Respondents characterized their fear in the following ways: the potential for police officers to misunderstand behaviours common amongst individuals with ASD generally and see those behaviours as non-compliance, ineffective, or difficult communication with minimally individuals with ASD and the emergence of aggressive behaviours from individuals with ASD during police contact. Respondents also expressed concern about the potential for police misuse of force. We conclude by discussing the ramifications of fear of police contact for police training as well as parents, caregivers, and individuals with ASD.
Expectations, Effectiveness, Trust, and Cooperation: Public Attitudes towards the Israel Police during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Perry Gali , Jonathan-Zamir Tal
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the work of police agencies worldwide. Within a short period of time, the police were assigned new responsibilities and were required to change their priorities and focus on enforcing unusual emergency orders. These new tasks, as well as the emergency atmosphere and its socio-psychological implications, raise a series of questions about public expectations from and trust in the police during the pandemic period. In this article, we report the views of majority communities in Israel (non-Orthodox Jews), as expressed in a survey carried out in the midst of the pandemic. We find that this population supports police enforcement of the new orders and trusts them to do so with integrity, believes the police have been successful in this arena, and is willing to report violations of emergency regulations. Overall, responses indicate more favourable attitudes towards the police, echoing previous findings on policing emergencies.
Years of life lost associated with COVID-19 deaths in the United States
Authors: Quast Troy , Andel Ross , Gregory Sean , Storch Eric A
Published: August 2020

Background

The mortality effects of COVID-19 are a critical aspect of the disease’s impact. Years of life lost (YLLs) can provide greater insight than the number of deaths by conveying the shortfall in life expectancy and thus the age profile of the decedents.

Methods

We employed data regarding COVID-19 deaths in the USA by jurisdiction, gender and age group for the period 1 February 2020 through 11 July 2020. We used actuarial life expectancy tables by gender and age to estimate YLLs.

Results

We estimated roughly 1.2 million YLLs due to COVID-19 deaths. The YLLs for the top six jurisdictions exceeded those for the remaining 43. On a per-capita basis, female YLLs were generally higher than male YLLs throughout the country.

Conclusions

Our estimates offer new insight into the effects of COVID-19. Our findings of heterogenous rates of YLLs by geography and gender highlight variation in the magnitude of the pandemic’s effects that may inform effective policy responses.
Efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety of subcutaneous versus intravenous CT-P13 in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized phase I/III trial
Authors: Westhovens Rene , Wiland Piotr , Zawadzki Marek , Ivanova Delina , Kasay Alfredo Berrocal , El-Khouri Elias Chalouhi , Balázs Éva , Shevchuk Sergii , Eliseeva Larisa , Stanislavchuk Mykola , Yatsyshyn Roman , Hrycaj Paweł , Jaworski Janusz , Zhdan Vyacheslav , Trefler Jakub , Shesternya Pavel , Lee Sang Joon , Kim Sung Hyun , Suh Jee Hye , Lee Seul Gi , Han Noo Ri , Yoo Dae Hyun
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess non-inferiority of s.c. to i.v. CT-P13 in RA.

Methods

Patients with active RA and inadequate response to MTX participated in this phase I/III double-blind study at 76 sites. Patients received CT-P13 i.v. 3 mg/kg [week (W) 0 and W2] before randomization (1:1) at W6 to CT-P13 s.c. via pre-filled syringe (PFS) 120 mg biweekly until W28, or CT-P13 i.v. 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks until W22. Randomization was stratified by country, W2 serum CRP and W6 body weight. From W30, all patients received CT-P13 s.c. In a usability sub-study, patients received CT-P13 s.c. via auto-injector (W46–54) then PFS (W56–64). The primary endpoint was change (decrease) from baseline in disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28)-CRP at W22 (non-inferiority margin: −0.6).

Results

Of 357 patients enrolled, 343 were randomized to CT-P13 s.c. (n = 167) or CT-P13 i.v. (n = 176) at W6. The least-squares mean change (decrease) from baseline (standard error) in DAS28-CRP at W22 was 2.21 (0.22) for CT-P13 s.c. (n = 162) and 1.94 (0.21) for CT-P13 i.v. [n = 168; difference 0.27 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.52)], establishing non-inferiority. Efficacy findings were similar between arms at W54. Safety was similar between arms throughout: 92 (54.8%; CT-P13 s.c.) and 117 (66.9%; CT-P13 i.v.) patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (from W6). There were no treatment-related deaths or new safety findings. Usability was similar for CT-P13 s.c. via auto-injector or PFS.

Conclusion

CT-P13 s.c. was non-inferior to CT-P13 i.v. in active RA. The convenience of s.c. administration could benefit patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03147248.
Assessing and Minimizing the Development and Spread of Fire Blight Following Mechanical Thinning and Pruning in Apple Orchards
Authors: Wallis Anna E. , Miranda-Sazo Mario R. , Cox Kerik D.
Published: August 2020

The adoption of mechanical thinning and pruning in commercial apple orchards has been limited largely by the risk of development and spread of fire blight. This devastating disease, caused by the bacterial pathogen Erwinia amylovora, may be transmitted by mechanical injury such as pruning, especially under warm, moist conditions conducive to bacterial growth, infection, and disease development. However, risk may be mitigated by avoiding highest-risk times and applying a bactericide, such as streptomycin, after mechanical thinning or pruning. In ‘Gala’ and ‘Idared’ orchards, we evaluated the risk of fire blight development and spread after mechanical thinning early in bloom (20% bloom), when seasonal temperatures are cooler and there are few open flowers available for infection. In both orchards, we also evaluated the spread and development of fire blight by mechanical pruning in July and in August, before and after terminal bud set, when shoot growth is slowed and the tree is less susceptible to infection. We also assessed the potential efficacy of a streptomycin or Bacillus subtilis biopesticide application after mechanical thinning and pruning to mitigate the spread of fire blight. In the ‘Gala’ orchard, disease never developed beyond the inoculated tree after thinning or pruning, which was unexpected for this highly susceptible cultivar. In the ‘Idared’ orchard, incidence of blossom or shoot blight from the point source, represented as relative area under the disease progress curve, was rarely different for trees that underwent mechanical thinning or mechanical pruning compared with untreated trees, and it was often reduced or eliminated when the antibiotic streptomycin or the B. subtilis biopesticide was applied within 24 h of mechanical thinning or pruning. For both thinning and pruning, incidence of fire blight dropped off quickly beyond the inoculated tree in the ‘Idared’ orchard and generally was not observed in trees beyond 10 to 15 m from the inoculated point source or predicted beyond 10 m by exponential and power law models fit to the disease progress curves. The results of this work demonstrate the low risk for fire blight development and spread by mechanical thinning and pruning when practiced under low-risk conditions—early in bloom for mechanical thinning and after terminal bud set (in August) for mechanical pruning—especially when paired with a subsequent bactericide application. This study demonstrates the safe use of mechanical thinning and pruning in commercial apple production, corroborated by anecdotal evidence from apple growers in western New York State.
Preliminary analysis of distinct clinical and biologic features of bone metastases in melanoma
Authors: Wilson Melissa A. , Zhong Judy , Johannet Paul , Lee Yesung , Masub Natasha , Wechter Todd , Moran Una , Berman Russell S. , Shapiro Richard L. , Weber Jeffrey , Pavlick Anna , Osman Iman
Published: August 2020

Melanoma disseminates to the skeletal system where it is then difficult to treat. Yet, there remains limited research investigating metastatic bone disease (MBD) in melanoma. Here, we evaluate whether there are distinct clinicopathologic variables at the time of primary melanoma diagnosis that predispose metastases to engraft bone, and we test the hypothesis that patients with MBD have different responses to treatment. Cutaneous melanoma patients enrolled in a prospective database were studied. Individuals with metastatic melanoma and bone metastases (M-Bone) were compared to those with metastatic disease but no M-Bone. Of the 463 (42.7%) patients, 198 with unresectable metastatic melanoma had M-Bone and 98 developed bone metastasis (bone mets) as first site. Progression-free survival and overall survival were significantly worse in patients with M-Bone compared to those without M-Bone (P < 0.001) independent of treatment modalities, and in patients whose melanoma spread to bone first, compared to those who developed first mets elsewhere (P < 0.001). Interestingly, patients with bone mets presented with primary tumors that had more tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (P < 0.001) and less often a nodular histologic subtype compared to patients without M-Bone (P < 0.001). Our data suggest that melanoma bone metastasis is a distinct clinical and biological entity that cannot be explained by generalized metastatic phenotype in all patients. The observed dichotomy between more favorable primary histopathologic characteristics and a grave overall prognosis requires more studies to elucidate the molecular processes by which melanomas infiltrate bone and to build a mechanistic understanding of how melanoma bone metastases yield such detrimental outcomes.
DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE TO GLUCOCORTICOID IMMUNOSUPPRESSION OF TWO DISTINCT INFLAMMATORY SIGNS ASSOCIATED WITH PUNCTATE INNER CHOROIDOPATHY
Authors: Abdelhakim Aliaa H. , Yannuzzi Lawrence A. , Freund K. Bailey , Jung Jesse J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To describe the differential response of two distinct inflammatory signs occurring in eyes with punctate inner choroidopathy.

Methods:

Retrospective, observational case series using multimodal imaging.

Results:

Four eyes of 4 myopic female patients (mean age of 35 years, range 31–42 years) presenting with retinal manifestations of punctate inner choroidopathy. All study eyes had 2 distinct signs of active disease: 1) acute focal hyperreflective lesions splitting the retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch membrane complex on optical coherence tomography which appeared hypoautofluorescent on fundus autofluorescence and 2) more diffuse areas of outer retinal disruption limited to the ellipsoid zone and interdigitation zone on optical coherence tomography and corresponding to hyperautofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence. All patients were treated with oral prednisone and demonstrated prompt regression of the retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch membrane complex lesions with a concurrent, paradoxical centrifugal expansion of outer retinal disruption. The outer retinal disruption eventually resolved in all eyes (mean time of 6 weeks, range 4–10 weeks).

Conclusion:

In patients with punctate inner choroidopathy, two distinct inflammatory signs observed with multimodal imaging display a differential response to systemic corticosteroids. Although focal inflammatory lesions splitting the retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch membrane complex seem to respond rapidly, the more diffuse, transient outer retinal disruption shows little response. This difference in treatment response may reflect different immunological phenomena with independent natural history.
Serum biomarker CD163 predicts overall survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fei Qinglin , Pan Yu , Yu Xingxing , Lin Ronggui , Lin Xianchao , Huang Heguagn
Published: August 2020

The serum soluble CD163 (sCD163) is elevated in patients with inflammatory disease and several types of cancer. However, the prognostic value of serum sCD163 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not yet been investigated. In this study, serum level of sCD163 was measured by using the peripheral blood of 54 patients with PDAC, 20 patients with benign tumor of pancreas, and 30 healthy volunteers (healthy controls). The association between serum sCD163 level and overall survival was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and areas under the curve (AUC) were compared to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, including CA 19-9, CEA, CA 125, CA 153, and serum sCD163 level. Serum sCD163 level of patients with PDAC was significantly higher than patients with benign tumor (P = .002) and health controls (P < .001). Using ROC curves, we found that the AUC values of serum sCD163 were higher than those of CA 125 and CA 153, but lower than those of CA 19-9 and CEA. Serum sCD163 was negatively correlated with lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR; r = −0.428, P = .001). In addition, the prognosis of PDAC patients with sCD163 ≥ median was worse than sCD163 < median by using univariate analysis (P = .027). Further, multivariate analysis showed that higher level of serum sCD163 was still associated with poorer overall survival (P = .020). In conclusion, the serum sCD163 has the potential as a new promising parameter to predict the prognosis in PDAC patients.
Fulminant Wilson Disease in Children
Authors: Proost Renee , Cassiman David , Levtchenko Elena , Morava‐Kozicz Eva , Neirynck Jef , Witters Peter
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

Since 2005, a New Wilson Index (NWI) ≥11 is used as a predictor of death without transplantation in fulminant Wilson disease (WD). Plasma exchange is advocated as a new treatment modality.

Methods:

We present a patient with fulminant WD treated with plasma exchange. All published cases applying plasma exchange for fulminant WD were reviewed systematically.

Results:

A 14‐year‐old girl presented with hemolysis and fulminant liver failure. She had no encephalopathy; NWI was 14. As a bridge to transplantation plasma exchange was started immediately. Complete remission was achieved with plasma exchange and later chelation therapy with D‐penicillamine. She is now at 3‐year transplant‐free survival. Literature review identified 37 patients presenting with fulminant WD and NWI ≥11 who were treated with plasma exchange. Seventeen of these patients (ie, 46%) recovered without transplantation.

Conclusions:

Multiple case reports and case series demonstrate transplant free survival after plasma exchange and subsequent chelation therapy, despite a NWI ≥11. Plasma exchange affects the clinical course and is a therapeutic option in children and young adults presenting with fulminant WD.
The Gut Microbiome and the Triple Environmental Hit Concept of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Kellermayer Richard , Zilbauer Matthias
Published: August 2020

The incidence of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have significantly increased in recent decades implicating environmental effects. The developmental origin of disease concept provides a theoretical framework by which the complex interplay between environmental factors and host cells, particularly during vulnerable time periods, ultimately cause disease, such as IBD. Epigenetics has been proposed as the underlying mechanism within this concept, turning environmental triggers into stable changes of cellular function. Adding further to the complexity of IBD is the gut microbiome, which is equally responsive to the environment, and can impact host cell function, where recent findings underscore the stochastic and individualized nature of such effects. We review the microbiome literature through a novel triple environmental hit concept (priming, modulation, and trigger) of IBD pathogenesis. We propose that there are at least 3 distinct stages during an individual's lifespan where random/stochastic events driven by environmental influences are necessary for ultimately developing IBD. By this means, we speculate that microbiome-directed therapeutics carry potential for individualized prevention and dynamic treatment of IBD.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Among Lupus Patients
Authors: Arora Shilpa , Nika Ailda , Sequeira Winston , Block Joel A. , Jolly Meenakshi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Pneumococcal vaccination (PV) is indicated for the elderly (age ≥65 years) and those with chronic disease or who are immunosuppressed. We aimed to study the rate and predictors of recommendation/receipt of 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in immunosuppressed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

Data were obtained through self-report questionnaires and medical chart review of 150 SLE patients. Information on rheumatologist recommendation or receipt of PPSV23 in the preceding 5 years was collected if self-reported in a questionnaire or documented in the medical chart. Chart review was also done to collect data on patient demographics, physician characteristics (if patients had a primary care physician and rheumatologist's SLE patient volume), and the disease characteristics of SLE. Comparisons using χ2 or t tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted for predictors of recommendation/receipt of PV.

Results

The mean (SD) age was 47.4 (15.9) years; 90% were women. Sixty-five of 94 eligible patients for PV (based on immunosuppressive medications use or age) had been either recommended or administered PPSV23. On univariate logistic regression analysis, age, duration of disease, current use of hydroxychloroquine or mycophenolate, and rheumatologist's SLE patient volume were significant correlates of recommendation/receipt of PPSV23. However, on multivariate analysis, the only significant predictor was rheumatologist's SLE patient volume after adjusting for the above correlates such that with every 50 patients increase in SLE patient clinic volume, the odds of recommendation/receipt of PPSV23 increased by 2.37 times.

Conclusions

The volume of lupus patients that rheumatologists see is strongly associated with the likelihood that their SLE patients will have PPSV23 recommended and delivered, suggesting a volume outcome relationship.