bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Drug Delivery Carrier of Nifedipine Using Biodegradable Microcapsule Polymer from Poly (D,L-Lactic Acid) and Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Lestari P P , Budianto E
Published: January 2021

Biodegradable microcapsules as a controlled drug delivery carrier of Nifedipine was prepared from poly (D,L-lactic acid) (D,L-PLA) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). Nifedipine works by blocking the amount of calcium that goes to cells in the heart and blood vessels. Nifedipine is used in the treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension. The microcapsules was formed by using o/w emulsification method. The core of microcapsules consist of polyblend of D,L-PLA and PEG. D,L-PLA and PEG are dissolved into dichloromethane than emulsified with nifedipine and dispersed into water to form microcapsules. PEG with different molecular weights can affect pore formation in microcapsules. This study was observed the appearance of microcapsules when using PEG with different molecular weights of PEG and the dissolution at the various composition ratio of D,L-PLA:PEG. The best composition are shown in the variation composition of D,L-PLA (10) : PEG 400 (90) with a dissolution value of 22.83% while variations in the composition of D,L-PLA (10) : PEG 4000 (90) had a dissolution value of 10.43%. The use of PEG with a smaller molecular weight will form better pores in the microcapsule and make the drug dissolution value better than the use of PEG with a larger molecular weight.
Ordering kinetics and steady state of self-propelled particles with random-bond disorder
Authors: Singh Jay Prakash , Pattanayak Sudipta , Mishra Shradha
Published: January 2021

In this study, we introduce a minimal model for a collection of polar self-propelled particles (SPPs) on a two-dimensional substrate where each particle has a different ability to interact with its neighbors. The SPPs interact through a short-range alignment interaction and interaction strength of each particle is obtained from a uniform distribution. Moreover, the volume exclusion among the SPPs is taken care of by introducing a repulsive interaction among them. We characterise the ordered steady state and kinetics of the system for different strengths of the disorder. We find that the presence of the disorder does not destroy the usual long-range ordering in the system. To our surprise, we note that the density clustering is enhanced in the presence of the disorder. Moreover, the disorder leads to the formation of a random network of different interaction strengths, which makes the alignment weaker and it results in the slower dynamics. Hence, the disorder leads to more cohesion among the particles. Furthermore, we note that the kinetics of the ordered state remains unaffected in the presence of the disorder. Size of orientationally ordered domains and density clusters grow with time with dynamic growth exponents z
o ∼ 2 and z

ρ
∼ 4, respectively.
Investigation of Mach number effects on flow over a flat plate at Reynolds number of 1.0 × 104 by schlieren visualization
Authors: Kusama Kensuke , Nagata Takayuki , Anyoji Masayuki , Nonomura Taku , Asai Keisuke
Published: January 2021

Flow over a flat plate with a 5% thickness ratio is investigated by schlieren visualization in compressible low-Reynolds-number conditions. The results show that flow separates at the leading-edge and laminar separation-bubble forms. The position of the maximum root mean square of the schlieren image which is related to the position of the vortex shedding moves downstream as a Mach number increases. Furthermore, the two-dimensional structure of generated vortices is maintained up to the trailing edge at the Mach number of 0.66. The frequency analysis of the time-series intensity value of the schlieren images also shows that the flow is stabilized with increasing the Mach number. The position of the end of the pressure plateau region matches the position where the root-mean-square value of the intensity image becomes a maximum due to vortex shedding.
High performance Pb+2 detection using CVD-produced high quality multilayer reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Sarmiento Viviana , Lockett Malcolm , Sumbarda-Ramos Emigdia Guadalupe , Vázquez-Mena Oscar
Published: January 2021

Detection of heavy metals such as Pb+2 is critical due to their high toxicity as even trace amounts of them pose a serious detrimental risk to human health. Pb2+ is one of the major toxic and persistent pollutants generated from industry and commonly found in soil, drinking water, and aquatic environments. Due to its high-mobility and one-atom thickness, graphene (Gr) based materials have shown great potential for chemical sensors of heavy metals. Recently, a novel conductive reduced-GO obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD-rMGO) showed improved layering structure and conductivity over conventional rGO based on chemically exfoliated flakes. Herein, utilizing this novel rGO obtained from chemical vapor deposition, we showed improved Pb2+ detection using both electrochemical and conductivity sensing. For electrochemical sensing, a CVD-rMGO film is used as working electrode and cyclic voltammetry is used to detect Pb+2 ions accumulated on the CVD-rMGO, obtaining a sensitivity of 4.6 nA nM−1cm−2 and a calculated limit of detection of 0.21 nM. For electrical sensing, the drain current through a CVD-rMGO was monitored as the film as exposed to different concentrations of Pb+2, reaching an estimated limit of detection of 0.101 nM. This work shows that high-quality reduced graphene oxide produced by chemical vapor deposition can serve as a basis enable high-sensitivity detectors of Pb2+.
Silicon carbide single-photon sources: challenges and prospects
Authors: Castelletto Stefania
Published: January 2021

The search for an ideal single-photon source (SPS) with superior emission properties is still at the core of many research efforts in optical quantum technologies and the criteria identifying a perfect SPS are now well outlined in various roadmaps established to develop future quantum communication networks. While many efforts have been placed into optimizing quantum dots in hybrid nanophotonic structures, these sources are limited by low-temperature operation and characterized by not yet facile and scalable engineering processes. Alternative material platforms have emerged to address room temperature operation and more achievable scalability and control. One of these platforms is silicon carbide (SiC). In this perspective, we first provide a very broad timelined introduction on last 30 years’ efforts developing SPSs, and then we provide a general outline of recent improvements in uncovering and evolving room-temperature SPSs in SiC viewed in a broader context. We will focus on some specific color centers or intra-bandgap defects and discuss challenges in their further expected development into scalable and robust integrated photonic platforms for nonlinear integrated photonics and spin–photon entanglement generation and distribution. A general comparison with other emerging platforms for SPS is also provided to identify comparative achievements, prospects, and challenges.
Docosahexanoic acid signals through the Nrf2–Nqo1 pathway to maintain redox balance and promote neurite outgrowth
Authors: Drolet Jennifer , Buchner-Duby Brodie , Stykel Morgan G. , Coackley Carla , Kang Jing X. , Ma David W. L. , Ryan Scott D.
Published: January 2021

Investigations into the effect of DHA on activation of the antioxidant response shows that DHA promotes axodendritic development through Nrf2-mediated induction of NQO1.
Television Adaptation in the Age of Media Convergence: Chinese Intellectual Property Shows and the Case of All Is Well
Authors: Wu Shuxi
Published: January 2021

This article formally introduces the ‘intellectual property show’ concept currently inciting heated discussions among Chinese media studies scholars into English-language academia. Intellectual property show, a Chinese term generally referring to television shows adapted from internet fiction (and to a secondary extent, video games), explicitly suggests an adaptation form and logic particular to an environment characterized by converging media and digital transformations of cultural production. Using the 2019 Chinese hit show All is Well, adapted from an internet novel with the same name, I approach intellectual property show as a media artefact situated at the volatile convergence of political demand, business interest, and new media affordances through adopting an integrative approach to contemporary adaptations in China. By attending to both the material context of production and the media text itself, I join the current explorations in adaptation studies for methods that answer the why and how of adaptation.
Influence of Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders on Cognitive and Symptom Profiles: Considerations for Baseline Sport Concussion Assessment
Authors: Maietta Julia E , Kuwabara Hana C , Cross Chad L , Flood Sarah M , Kinsora Thomas F , Ross Staci R , Allen Daniel N
Published: January 2021

Objective

The presence of neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders (LD) have demonstrated effects on Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) performance. No current research has directly examined whether autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has similar effects. The current study compared ImPACT cognitive and symptom profiles in athletes with self-reported ASD to other NDs and healthy controls using case-control matching.

Method

The current study compared ImPACT baselines of high school athletes with ASD to athletes with other NDs (ADHD, LD, and co-occurring ADHD/LD) and healthy controls on cognitive composites and symptom reporting. Participants included 435 athletes (87 controls, 87 with ASD, 87 with ADHD, 87 with LD, and 87 with ADHD/LD) selected from a larger naturalistic sample. Athletes were matched to the ASD group based on age, sex, and sport using randomized case-matched selection from the larger database.

Results

Results revealed that athletes with ASD performed more poorly than healthy controls on the Visual Motor Speed composite. No differences were found for Post-concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) domain scores. Differences in cognitive and symptom profiles among the athletes with other NDs were also found.

Conclusions

Results elucidate patterns of baseline performance for athletes with ASD, demonstrating that there may not be significant differences between ASD and healthy controls on four of the five ImPACT composites, and no symptom reporting differences. Cognitive and symptom differences found for other NDs should be considered when interpreting baseline performance and for making return-to-play decisions in the absence of baseline assessment.
Rehabilitation and dynamic security in the Italian prison: challenges in transforming prison officers’ roles
Authors: Santorso Simone
Published: January 2021

Drawing on prison officers’ accounts, this article addresses the extent to which the implementation of dynamic security and open cell regime has been successful in reforming Italian prisons. The article, based on a semi-ethnographic research in two prisons, sheds light on how the prison officers’ cope with the new rehabilitation-oriented role. The uniformed staff’s perceptions and experiences of the new regime are analysed, with a focus on the symbolic order produced over the rehabilitation and the effect of the complexity of the prison’s setting. Along with deepening understandings about the humanization of prison security, this article explores how the prison officers’ role and attitudes might impact and shape the idea of rehabilitation.
On Human Dignity and Social Work
Authors: Borowski Allan
Published: January 2021

Human dignity is a key value found in the profession’s code of ethics. It demands that clients be treated respectfully. However, there are different understandings of what dignity means and, in turn, requires of social workers in their efforts to engender respect. This article reviews several understandings of dignity and their practice implications. It also explores understandings of indignity and their implications for avoiding treating clients in an undignified manner. Finally, the paper considers dignity as the foundation of human rights and illustrates some practice implications. The intent of the article is to strengthen social workers’ understandings of this contested concept and thereby raise their consciousness of how, provided they are careful about its application, it can inform their morally significant work.
Relationship-Based Practice in Therapeutic Residential Care: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Kor Kenny , Fernandez Elizabeth , Spangaro Jo
Published: January 2021

This article draws on the lived experiences and perspectives of young people and practitioners in therapeutic residential care to examine what constitutes relationship-based practice. Eight young people and twenty-six practitioners across three residential care services in Australia participated in this qualitative study. Framework analysis identifies that personalised engagement, a delicate balance between care and control, and perseverance through turbulent times are conducive to relationship-based practice in therapeutic residential care. Relationship-based practice is also found to be employed in a unique historical and relational context that demands mindful navigation through three specific professional boundary issues including self-disclosure, over-identification and physical contact. Against this context, relationship-based practice in therapeutic residential care is considered a ‘double-edged sword’, offering practitioners copious opportunities to build connections with young people in informal environments whilst needing to mitigate multiple ethical ambiguities. Implications for practice include the need to safeguard the ‘do no harm’ priority whilst resisting defensive or detached practice. Contextualising relationship-based practice within an ethical practice framework to embed ethics work in day-to-day practice becomes paramount.
Simultaneous Determination of Chloroquine and Pyrimethamine with Cetirizine in an Active Form and Human Serum by RP-HPLC
Authors: Shamshad Hina , Sayqal Ali , Zeb Jahan , Mirza Agha Zeeshan
Published: January 2021

A simple, accurate and precise RP-HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of chloroquine, pyrimethamine and cetirizine hydrochloride concentrations in bulk drug and human serum. The assay was performed using a mobile phase of methanol: water (70:30) at pH of 2.8 ± 0.05 on the Purospher C-18 column with UV detection at 230 nm and rosuvastatin used as an internal standard. The retention times observed for chloroquine, pyrimethamine and cetirizine hydrochloride were 3.5, 2.5 and 5.5 minutes, respectively. The method was found to be specific for the assayed drugs showing a linear response in the concentration range of 1–100 μg mL−1 with coefficients of determination values of (r = 0.999). The method was developed and validated according to ICH guidelines. The method was used to monitor the serum samples and was found to be sensitive for therapeutic purposes, showing the potential to be a useful tool for routine analysis in laboratories.
Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA): 2020 Guideline on Diagnosis and Management of Babesiosis
Authors: Krause Peter J , Auwaerter Paul G , Bannuru Raveendhara R , Branda John A , Falck-Ytter Yngve T , Lantos Paul M , Lavergne Valéry , Meissner H Cody , Osani Mikala C , Rips Jane Glazer , Sood Sunil K , Vannier Edouard , Vaysbrot Elizaveta E , Wormser Gary P
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based guidance for the most effective strategies for the diagnosis and management of babesiosis. The diagnosis and treatment of co-infection with babesiosis and Lyme disease will be addressed in a separate Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guideline [1]. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of human granulocytic anaplasmosis can be found in the recent rickettsial disease guideline developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [2]. The target audience for the babesiosis guideline includes primary care physicians and specialists caring for this condition, such as infectious diseases specialists, emergency physicians, intensivists, internists, pediatricians, hematologists, and transfusion medicine specialists.
Excessive oozing through the fabric of the branched Cryolife-Jotec Evita Open NEO hybrid prosthesis
Authors: Czerny Martin , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Murana Giacomo , Pacini Davide
Published: January 2021

We report 3 cases of excessive oozing after aortic arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk technique through the fabric of the branched Cryolife-Jotec Evita Open NEO hybrid prosthesis. After weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, protamine administration as well as standard substitution of plasmatic and cellular coagulation adjusted to thrombelastometry, excessive oozing persisted leading to a complicated postoperative course in all 3 patients.
The effects of showering in 48–72 h after coronary artery bypass graft surgery through median sternotomy on wound infection, pain, comfort, and satisfaction: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gök Fadime , Demir Korkmaz Fatma , Emrecan Bilgin
Published: January 2021

Aims 

Time of showering after surgery is still a controversial issue for surgical patients and health professionals. We evaluated the effects of showering in 48–72 h after median sternotomy on sternal wound infections, pain due to sternotomy, patient comfort, and satisfaction levels.

Methods and results 

The study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Fifty-one patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to the shower (n = 26) or non-shower group (n = 25). The patients in the shower group (intervention group) showered in the first 48–72 h after surgery and the patients in the non-shower group (control group) were not allowed to shower until their chest tube sutures were removed. They were instructed to shower on the next day after removal of the chest tube sutures. The rate of sternal wound infections was significantly lower in the shower group (n = 2, 7.7%) than in the non-shower group patients (n = 8, 32.0%; P = 0.038). A logistic regression analysis showed that early post-operative showering was protective and significantly reduced the risk of sternal wound infections independently of other variables [odds ratio (OR): 0.177; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.033–0.940; P = 0.042]. The pain severity score was significantly lower in the shower group patients. Also, comfort and satisfaction scores were significantly higher in this group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion 

Early showering after sternotomy was found to be protective against sternal wound infections and had a positive effect on pain, comfort, and satisfaction.

Trial registration 

Clinical Trials.gov registration number NCT04250961 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04250961).
An arsRB resistance operon confers tolerance to arsenite in the environmental isolate Terribacillus sp. AE2B 122
Authors: Escobar-Niño Almudena , Sánchez-Barrionuevo Leyre , Torres-Torres José Miguel , Clemente Rafael , Gutiérrez Gabriel , Mellado Encarnación , Cánovas David
Published: January 2021

Terribacillus sp. AE2B 122 is an environmental strain isolated from olive-oil agroindustry wastes. This strain displays resistance to arsenic, one of the most ubiquitous carcinogens found in nature. Terribacillus sp. AE2B 122 possesses an unusual ars operon, consisting of the transcriptional regulator (arsR) and arsenite efflux pump (arsB) but no adjacent arsenate reductase (arsC) locus. Expression of arsR and arsB was induced when Terribacillus was exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of arsenate. Heterologous expression of the arsB homologue in Escherichia coli  ∆arsRBC demonstrated that it conferred resistance to arsenite and reduced the accumulation of arsenic inside the cells. Two members of the arsC-like family (Te3384 and Te2854) found in the Terribacillus genome were not induced by arsenic, but their heterologous expression in E. coli ∆arsC and ∆arsRBC increased the accumulation of arsenic in both strains. We found that both Te3384 and Te2854 slightly increased resistance to arsenate in E. coli ∆arsC and ∆arsRBC, possibly by chelation of arsenic or by increasing the resistance to oxidative stress. Finally, arsenic speciation assays suggest that Terribacillus is incapable of arsenate reduction, in agreement with the lack of an arsC homologue in the genome.
Avian Breeding Season Diversity and Community Composition in Camden White Gum and Slash Pine Plantations
Authors: Messick Elizabeth J , Comer Christopher E , Blazier Michael A , Wigley T Bently
Published: January 2021

In the southern United States, some landowners have established plantations of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) and are managing them on short rotations (<15 years) to provide wood for fiber and other potential uses. Establishment of short-rotation woody crops dominated by nonnative species has implications for resident fauna in the United States that are largely unknown. We compared avifauna abundance, diversity, and community composition in newly established Camden white gum (Eucalyptus benthamii) plantations with slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations of the same age and height (one to two and six to seven years old, respectively) in southwestern Louisiana, USA. Species richness, diversity, and community composition in newly established eucalyptus plantations and six- to seven-year-old pines were similar. More birds were observed, and bird detections varied less in eucalyptus plantations. Indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) and other shrub-associated species were detected more often in eucalyptus stands. In contrast, species that inhabit herbaceous-dominated communities, such as eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), or that were associated with a dense graminoid community (e.g., Bachman’s sparrow [Peucaea aestivalis]) were detected less often in eucalyptus. Overall, breeding bird communities in eucalyptus plantations one to two years postestablishment differed little from plantations dominated by slash pine.
Temporal evolution of a shear-type rock fracture process zone (FPZ) along continuous, sequential and spontaneously well-separated laboratory instabilities—from intact rock to thick gouged fault
Authors: Xiong Qiquan , Lin Qing , Hampton Jesse C
Published: January 2021

The development of shear-type fault analogues from intact rock at the laboratory scale provides a unique opportunity for investigating tectonic-scale phenomena through the lens of geophysics. The transition from rock fracture creation to laboratory fault slip must exist. We observe three spontaneously temporally well-separated mechanical instabilities attributed to the continuous evolution of a shear-type rock fracture between two artificial flaws. Their separation is validated with rapid mechanical stress drops and stabilizations, periodical acoustic emission (AE) behaviours (AE event number and AE moment release rate) and b-value drops. One instability occurs near the stress peak and corresponds to fracture incipience where fault development is mostly identified via optical observations; the other two instabilities are in the post-stress-peak domain and correspond to the fault nucleation and slip stages, respectively, with distinguishable AE releases from the fault region. The macroscale fracture has been created at the moment of rapid-stress drop for the second instability; off-fault damage, increasing gouge powder generation and slip acceleration can be identified within the fault slip stage. AE behaviour throughout fault nucleation shows a reversal of the Omori–Utsu (O–U) law. AEs attributed to the fault slip display regular O–U law decay and the distinction between the AE behaviour for fault nucleation and fault slip is pronounced. These observations and analyses can provide further understanding on the analogue relationship between a laboratory loading-induced fault and a natural fault.
Increasing the precision of the daily egg production method; 2020’s remix of a 1980’s classic
Authors: Ward Timothy M , Grammer Gretchen L , Ivey Alex R , Smart Jonathan J , McGarvey Richard
Published: January 2021

This paper reviews application of the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) to sardine (Sardinops sagax) off southern Australia between 1995 and 2019. Coefficients of variation (CVs) of estimates of spawning biomass (SB) were reduced from 23–59% to 8–12% by: (i) estimating mean daily egg production (P0), spawning fraction (S), and sex ratio (R) from all historical data rather than annually; and (ii) combining batch fecundity (F) and female weight (W) into a single parameter, relative fecundity (F′ = F^/W). Total daily egg production was estimated most precisely from annual estimates of spawning area (A) and estimates of P0 obtained from historical data. Both S and R were estimated most precisely from historical data. Estimating W and F from historical data did not increase precision. F′ had lower CVs than both W and F, and was stable across years and a wide range of W. Findings demonstrate that A can be converted into a precise estimates of SB using estimates of P0, S, R, and F′ obtained from historical data. However, the possibility that DEPM parameters may change in the future cannot be discounted. Future monitoring should include annual estimation of P0 and periodic (e.g. 3–5 years) re-estimation of adult parameters.
Revival and recent advancements in the spatial fishery models originally conceived by Sidney Holt and Ray Beverton
Authors: Goethel Daniel R , Cadrin Steven X
Published: January 2021

Sidney Holt and Ray Beverton are primarily recognized for developing the basis of demographic stock assessment modelling, but their enduring legacy continues to influence and guide advancements in many fields of fisheries science. Although largely forgotten, their contributions to spatial modelling laid the foundation for a variety of applications in aquatic and terrestrial populations. Spatial modelling approaches are rapidly evolving beyond even the visionary scope of Beverton and Holt due to advancements in understanding of spatial population structure, collection of spatially explicit data, and statistical parameter estimation. A review of Beverton and Holt’s original movement models demonstrates that understanding the origins and basic underlying assumptions can help ensure that current models are consistent with fundamental principles. Additionally, recent simulation studies show that conforming to or revising spatial model assumptions is essential for accurate estimation. As fisheries science transitions to more complex spatial stock assessment models, understanding their conceptual development and the lessons learned by our predecessors is essential for proper model specification and application.
Adventitial cystic disease of the femoral vein accompanied by deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Kunimoto Hideki , Honda Kentaro , Nakamura Ryo , Nishimura Yoshiharu
Published: January 2021

Adventitial cystic disease of the femoral vein is an extremely rare condition; therefore, diagnosis, treatments, surgical approaches and long-term prognosis are not well defined. We report the case of a 67-year-old man with femoral vein adventitial cystic disease complicated with deep vein thrombosis. He presented with right leg oedema. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the femoral vein, and deep vein thrombosis was not detected at the time. However, venous return disorder worsened due to the mass causing a deep vein thrombosis in the femoral vein, and anticoagulation therapy with edoxaban was administered. Subsequently, deep vein thrombosis in the femoral vein disappeared, but remained in the lower calf. The mass and femoral vein were completely resected and reconstructed with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. No recurrence was observed over 3 years and 3 months.
Gargantuan internal carotid artery aneurysm—a surgical challenge
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh Kumar , Pitchai Shivanesan , Nair Harishankar Ramachandran , Vineeth Kumar P M
Published: January 2021

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are a rarely reported entity. Here, we describe an unusually large internal carotid artery aneurysm in a 76-year-old female, with progressive enlargement and history of thromboembolic event. She was managed successfully with an open repair and common carotid artery to internal carotid artery bypass.
Prospective association between dietary pesticide exposure profiles and postmenopausal breast-cancer risk in the NutriNet-Santé cohort
Authors: Rebouillat Pauline , Vidal Rodolphe , Cravedi Jean-Pierre , Taupier-Letage Bruno , Debrauwer Laurent , Gamet-Payrastre Laurence , Touvier Mathilde , Deschasaux-Tanguy Mélanie , Latino-Martel Paule , Hercberg Serge , Lairon Denis , Baudry Julia , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle
Published: January 2021

Background

Some pesticides, used in large quantities in current agricultural practices all over Europe, are suspected of adverse effects on human reproductive health (breast and prostate cancers), through mechanisms of endocrine disruption and possible carcinogenic properties, as observed in agricultural settings. However, evidence on dietary pesticide exposure and breast cancer (BC) is lacking for the general population. We aimed to assess the associations between dietary exposure to pesticides and BC risk among postmenopausal women of the NutriNet-Santé cohort.

Methods

In 2014, participants completed a self-administered semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire distinguishing conventional and organic foods. Exposures to 25 active substances used in EU plant-protection products were estimated using a pesticide-residue database accounting for farming practices, from Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Stuttgart, Germany. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), adapted for data with excess zeros, was used to establish exposure profiles. The four extracted NMF components’ quintiles were introduced into Cox models estimating hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), adjusted for known confounding factors.

Results

A total of 13 149 postmenopausal women were included in the analysis (169 BC cases, median follow-up = 4.83 years). Negative associations between Component 3, reflecting low exposure to synthetic pesticides, and postmenopausal BC risk were found [HRQ5 = 0.57; 95% CI (0.34; 0.93), p-trend = 0.006]. Positive association between Component 1 score (highly correlated to chlorpyrifos, imazalil, malathion, thiabendazole) and postmenopausal BC risk was found specifically among overweight and obese women [HRQ5 = 4.13; 95% CI (1.50; 11.44), p-trend = 0.006]. No associations were detected for the other components.

Conclusion

These associations suggest a potential role of dietary pesticide exposure on BC risk. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms and confirm these results in other populations.
Circulating Cytokine and Chemokine Profiles ofTrypanosoma cruzi-Infected Women During Pregnancy and Its Association With Congenital Transmission
Authors: Volta Bibiana J , Bustos Patricia L , González Carolina , Natale María Ailén , Perrone Alina E , Milduberger Natalia , Laucella Susana A , Bua Jacqueline
Published: January 2021

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, can be transmitted to the offspring of infected women, which constitutes an epidemiologically significant parasite transmission route in nonendemic areas. It is relevant to evaluate differentially expressed factors in T. cruzi-infected pregnant women as potential markers of Chagas congenital transmission.

Methods

Circulating levels of 12 cytokines and chemokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or cytometric bead array in T. cruzi-infected and uninfected pregnant women in their second trimester of pregnancy and control groups of T. cruzi-infected and uninfected nonpregnant women.

Results

Trypanosoma cruzi-infected women showed a proinflammatory Th1-biased profile, with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-12p70, IL-15, and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG). Uninfected pregnant women presented a biased response towards Th2/Th17/Treg profiles, with increased plasma levels of IL-5, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A, and IL-10. Finally, we identified that high parasitemia together with low levels of TNF-α, IL-15, and IL-17, low TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, and high IL-12p70 levels are factors associated with an increased probability of Chagas congenital transmission.

Conclusions

Trypanosoma cruzi-infected pregnant women who did not transmit the infection to their babies exhibited a distinct proinflammatory cytokine profile that might serve as a potential predictive marker of congenital transmission.
Molecular Epidemiology of Measles in California, United States—2019
Authors: Probert William S , Glenn-Finer Rosie , Espinosa Alex , Yen Cynthia , Stockman Lauren , Harriman Kathleen , Hacker Jill K
Published: January 2021

In 2019, the United States (US) experienced the highest number of measles importations and cases in the postelimination era. More than a quarter of imported cases entered the US through California. Measles surveillance efforts in California resulted in the identification of 26 importations, 6 outbreaks, and 72 cases in 2019. Only genotype B3 and D8 measles strains were detected. Genotype-specific differences were noted in the incidence of vaccine failures, hospitalizations, and severe complications among cases. A targeted whole genome sequencing approach provided higher-resolution discrimination between epidemiologically linked and sporadically introduced strains than conventional N450 sequencing. Our report underscores the importance of ensuring appropriate measles vaccination status, especially prior to international travel to measles-endemic regions, and highlights the value of a strong measles surveillance system in minimizing outbreaks and preserving measles elimination status in the US.
Imputation Procedures in Surveys Using Nonparametric and Machine Learning Methods: An Empirical Comparison
Authors: Dagdoug Mehdi , Goga Camelia , Haziza David
Published: January 2021

Nonparametric and machine learning methods are flexible methods for obtaining accurate predictions. Nowadays, data sets with a large number of predictors and complex structures are fairly common. In the presence of item nonresponse, nonparametric and machine learning procedures may thus provide a useful alternative to traditional imputation procedures for deriving a set of imputed values used next for the estimation of study parameters defined as solution of population estimating equation. In this paper, we conduct an extensive empirical investigation that compares a number of imputation procedures in terms of bias and efficiency in a wide variety of settings, including high-dimensional data sets. The results suggest that a number of machine learning procedures perform very well in terms of bias and efficiency.
A preliminary study about gravitational wave radiation and cosmic heat death
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Qian Qiyue , Guo Yiqing , Wang Xin , Li Xiao-Dong
Published: January 2021

We study the role of gravitational waves (GW) in the heat death of the Universe. Due to the GW emission, in a very long period, dynamical systems in the universe suffer from persistent mechanical energy dissipation, evolving to a state of universal rest and death. With N-body simulations, we adopt a simple yet representative scheme to calculate the energy loss due to the GW emission. For current dark matter systems with mass ∼1012−1015 M⊙, we estimate their GW emission time-scale as ∼1019−1025 yr. This time-scale is significantly larger than any baryon processes in the Universe, but still ∼1080 times shorter than that of the Hawking radiation. We stress that our analysis could be invalid due to many unknowns such as the dynamical chaos, the quadrupole momentum of haloes, the angular momentum loss, the dynamic friction, the central black hole accretion, the dark matter decays or annihilations, the property of dark energy, and the future evolution of the Universe.
Orbital misalignment of the super-Earth π Men c with the spin of its star
Authors: Kunovac Hodžić Vedad , Triaud Amaury H M J , Cegla Heather M , Chaplin William J , Davies Guy R
Published: January 2021

Planet–planet scattering events can leave an observable trace of a planet’s migration history in the form of orbital misalignment with respect to the stellar spin axis, which is measurable from spectroscopic time-series taken during transit. We present high-resolution spectroscopic transits observed with ESPRESSO of the close-in super-Earth π Men c. The system also contains an outer giant planet on a wide, eccentric orbit, recently found to be inclined with respect to the inner planetary orbit. These characteristics are reminiscent of past dynamical interactions. We successfully retrieve the planet-occulted light during transit, and find evidence that the orbit of π Men c is moderately misaligned with the stellar spin axis with λ = − 24${_{.}^{\circ}}$0 ± 4${_{.}^{\circ}}$1 ($\psi = {26{_{.}^{\circ}} 9}^{+5{_{.}^{\circ}}8 }_{-4{_{.}^{\circ}}7 }$). This is consistent with the super-Earth π Men c having followed a high-eccentricity migration followed by tidal circularization, and hints that super-Earths can form at large distances from their star. We also detect clear signatures of solar-like oscillations within our ESPRESSO radial velocity time series, where we reach a radial velocity precision of ∼20 cm s−1. We model the oscillations using Gaussian processes (GPs) and retrieve a frequency of maximum oscillation, $\nu _\mathrm{max}{} = 2771^{+65}_{-60}\, \mu \mathrm{Hz}$. These oscillations make it challenging to detect the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect using traditional methods. We are, however, successful using the reloaded Rossiter–McLaughlin approach. Finally, in the appendix, we also present physical parameters and ephemerides for π Men c from a GP transit analysis of the full Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Cycle 1 data.
Combination of cluster number counts and two-point correlations: validation on mock Dark Energy Survey
Authors: To Chun-Hao , Krause Elisabeth , Rozo Eduardo , Wu Hao-Yi , Gruen Daniel , DeRose Joseph , Rykoff Eli , Wechsler Risa H , Becker Matthew , Costanzi Matteo , Eifler Tim , da Silva Pereira Maria Elidaiana , Kokron Nickolas ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: January 2021

We present a method of combining cluster abundances and large-scale two-point correlations, namely galaxy clustering, galaxy–cluster cross-correlations, cluster autocorrelations, and cluster lensing. This data vector yields comparable cosmological constraints to traditional analyses that rely on small-scale cluster lensing for mass calibration. We use cosmological survey simulations designed to resemble the Dark Energy Survey Year 1 (DES-Y1) data to validate the analytical covariance matrix and the parameter inferences. The posterior distribution from the analysis of simulations is statistically consistent with the absence of systematic biases detectable at the precision of the DES-Y1 experiment. We compare the χ2 values in simulations to their expectation and find no significant difference. The robustness of our results against a variety of systematic effects is verified using a simulated likelihood analysis of DES-Y1-like data vectors. This work presents the first-ever end-to-end validation of a cluster abundance cosmological analysis on galaxy catalogue level simulations.
The physics of gas phase metallicity gradients in galaxies
Authors: Sharda Piyush , Krumholz Mark R , Wisnioski Emily , Forbes John C , Federrath Christoph , Acharyya Ayan
Published: January 2021

We present a new model for the evolution of gas phase metallicity gradients in galaxies from first principles. We show that metallicity gradients depend on four ratios that collectively describe the metal equilibration time-scale, production, transport, consumption, and loss. Our model finds that most galaxy metallicity gradients are in equilibrium at all redshifts. When normalized by metal diffusion, metallicity gradients are governed by the competition between radial advection, metal production, and accretion of metal-poor gas from the cosmic web. The model naturally explains the varying gradients measured in local spirals, local dwarfs, and high-redshift star-forming galaxies. We use the model to study the cosmic evolution of gradients across redshift, showing that the gradient in Milky Way-like galaxies has steepened over time, in good agreement with both observations and simulations. We also predict the evolution of metallicity gradients with redshift in galaxy samples constructed using both matched stellar masses and matched abundances. Our model shows that massive galaxies transition from the advection-dominated to the accretion-dominated regime from high to low redshifts, which mirrors the transition from gravity-driven to star formation feedback-driven turbulence. Lastly, we show that gradients in local ultraluminous infrared galaxies (major mergers) and inverted gradients seen both in the local and high-redshift galaxies may not be in equilibrium. In subsequent papers in this series, we show that the model also explains the observed relationship between galaxy mass and metallicity gradients, and between metallicity gradients and galaxy kinematics.
Light-curve properties of SN 2017fgc and HV SNe Ia
Authors: Burgaz Umut , Maeda Keiichi , Kalomeni Belinda , Kawabata Miho , Yamanaka Masayuki , Kawabata Koji S , Kawahara Naoki , Nakaoka Tatsuya
Published: January 2021

Photometric and spectroscopic observations of Type Ia supernova (SN) 2017fgc, which cover the period from −12 to + 137 d since the B-band maximum are presented. SN 2017fgc is a photometrically normal SN Ia with the luminosity decline rate, Δm15(B)true  = 1.10 ± 0.10 mag. Spectroscopically, it belongs to the high-velocity (HV) SNe Ia group, with the Si ii λ6355 velocity near the B-band maximum estimated to be 15 200 ± 480 km s−1. At the epochs around the near-infrared secondary peak, the R and I bands show an excess of ∼0.2-mag level compared to the light curves of the normal velocity (NV) SNe Ia. Further inspection of the samples of HV and NV SNe Ia indicates that the excess is a generic feature among HV SNe Ia, different from NV SNe Ia. There is also a hint that the excess is seen in the V band, both in SN 2017fgc and other HV SNe Ia, which behaves like a less prominent shoulder in the light curve. The excess is not obvious in the B band (and unknown in the U band), and the colour is consistent with the fiducial SN colour. This might indicate that the excess is attributed to the bolometric luminosity, not in the colour. This excess is less likely caused by external effects, like an echo or change in reddening but could be due to an ionization effect, which reflects an intrinsic, either distinct or continuous, difference in the ejecta properties between HV and NV SNe Ia.
Capture rate of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) in binary star systems
Authors: Hassani Ebrahim , Ebadi Hossein , Pazhouhesh Reza , Hosseinirad Mohammad
Published: January 2021

The distribution of dark matter (DM) inside galaxies is not uniform. Near the central regions, its density is the highest. Then, it is logical to suppose that, inside galaxies, DM affects the physics of stars in central regions more than outer regions. Besides, current stellar evolutionary models did not consider DM effects in their assumptions. To consider DM effects, at first one must estimate how much DM a star contains. The capture rate (CR) of DM particles by individual stars was investigated already in the literature. In this work, we discuss how CR can be affected when stars are members of binary star systems (BSSs; instead of studying them individually). When a star is a member of a BSS, its speed changes periodically due to the elliptical motion around its companion star. In this work, we investigated CR by BSSs in different BSS configurations. In the end, we discussed observational signatures that can be attributed to the DM effects in BSSs.
SUMOylation of YTHDF2 promotes mRNA degradation and cancer progression by increasing its binding affinity with m6A-modified mRNAs
Authors: Hou Guofang , Zhao Xian , Li Lian , Yang Qianqian , Liu Xiaojia , Huang Caihu , Lu Runhui , Chen Ran , Wang Yanli , Jiang Bin , Yu Jianxiu
Published: January 2021

N 6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification within diverse RNAs including mRNAs and lncRNAs and is regulated by a reversible process with important biological functions. Human YTH domain family 2 (YTHDF2) selectively recognized m6A-RNAs to regulate degradation. However, the possible regulation of YTHDF2 by protein post-translational modification remains unknown. Here, we show that YTHDF2 is SUMOylated in vivo and in vitro at the major site of K571, which can be induced by hypoxia while reduced by oxidative stress and SUMOylation inhibitors. SUMOylation of YTHDF2 has little impact on its ubiquitination and localization, but significantly increases its binding affinity of m6A-modified mRNAs and subsequently results in deregulated gene expressions which accounts for cancer progression. Moreover, Disease-free survival analysis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma derived from TCGA dataset reveals that higher expression of YTHDF2 together with higher expression of SUMO1 predicts poor prognosis. Our works uncover a new regulatory mechanism for YTHDF2 recognition of m6A-RNAs and highlight the importance of YTHDF2 SUMOylation in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation and cancer progression.
Analysing the yeast complexome—the Complex Portal rising to the challenge
Authors: Meldal Birgit H M , Pons Carles , Perfetto Livia , Del-Toro Noemi , Wong Edith , Aloy Patrick , Hermjakob Henning , Orchard Sandra , Porras Pablo
Published: January 2021

The EMBL-EBI Complex Portal is a knowledgebase of macromolecular complexes providing persistent stable identifiers. Entries are linked to literature evidence and provide details of complex membership, function, structure and complex-specific Gene Ontology annotations. Data are freely available and downloadable in HUPO-PSI community standards and missing entries can be requested for curation. In collaboration with Saccharomyces Genome Database and UniProt, the yeast complexome, a compendium of all known heteromeric assemblies from the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was curated. This expansion of knowledge and scope has led to a 50% increase in curated complexes compared to the previously published dataset, CYC2008. The yeast complexome is used as a reference resource for the analysis of complexes from large-scale experiments. Our analysis showed that genes coding for proteins in complexes tend to have more genetic interactions, are co-expressed with more genes, are more multifunctional, localize more often in the nucleus, and are more often involved in nucleic acid-related metabolic processes and processes where large machineries are the predominant functional drivers. A comparison to genetic interactions showed that about 40% of expanded co-complex pairs also have genetic interactions, suggesting strong functional links between complex members.