bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hunting for exoplanets via magnetic star–planet interactions: geometrical considerations for radio emission
Authors: Kavanagh Robert D , Vedantham Harish K
Published: July 2023

Recent low-frequency radio observations suggest that some nearby M dwarfs could be interacting magnetically with undetected close-in planets, powering the emission via the electron cyclotron maser (ECM) instability. Confirmation of such a scenario could reveal the presence of close-in planets around M dwarfs, which are typically difficult to detect via other methods. ECM emission is beamed, and is generally only visible for brief windows depending on the underlying system geometry. Due to this, detection may be favoured at certain orbital phases, or from systems with specific geometric configurations. In this work, we develop a geometric model to explore these two ideas. Our model produces the visibility of the induced emission as a function of time, based on a set of key parameters that characterize magnetic star–planet interactions. Utilizing our model, we find that the orbital phases where emission appears are highly dependent on the underlying parameters, and does not generally appear at the quadrature points in the orbit as is seen for the Jupiter–Io interaction. Then using non-informative priors on the system geometry, we show that untargeted radio surveys are biased towards detecting emission from systems with planets in near face-on orbits. While transiting exoplanets are still likely to be detectable, they are less likely to be seen than those in near face-on orbits. Our forward model serves to be a powerful tool for both interpreting and appropriately scheduling radio observations of exoplanetary systems, as well as inverting the system geometry from observations.
Smoking Cessation Pharmacotherapy Efficacy in Comorbid Medical Populations: Secondary Analysis of the Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study (EAGLES) Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rojewski Alana M , Palmer Amanda M , Baker Nathaniel L , Toll Benjamin A
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study sought to compare medication efficacy in participants with medical comorbidities who smoke in the Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study (EAGLES) trial, a double-blind, triple-dummy, placebo- and active-controlled randomized controlled trial.

Aims and Methods

Participants were from the U.S. cohort of the main trial and randomized (1:1:1:1) to varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patch, or placebo for 12 weeks with follow-up through week 24. Medical comorbidity data were derived from the baseline medical screening questionnaire and categorized into four subgroups (cardiac, respiratory, vascular, and diabetes). Within each comorbidity, generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the association between treatment and continuous abstinence rates from weeks 9–12 to 9–24. Similar models were used to test the effect of number of comorbidities on abstinence.

Results

Varenicline resulted in the highest week 12 abstinence rates across all pharmacotherapies and compared to placebo in all comorbidity subgroups: Cardiac (40.0% vs. 3.6%; odds ratios [OR] = 23.3 [5.1–107.1]), respiratory (24.7% vs. 12.8%; OR = 2.2 [1.3–3.8]), vascular (29.1% vs. 10.4%; OR = 3.6 [2.3–5.7]), and diabetes (30.9% vs. 8.3%; OR = 6.5 [2.3–19.0]). This was maintained at week 24 for those with cardiac (23.3% vs. 1.8%; OR = 21.7 [2.7–178.2]), vascular (18.9% vs. 7.1%; OR = 3.1 [1.8–5.3]), and diabetes (20.6% vs. 4.2%; OR = 8.4 [2.1–33.7]) comorbidities. Treatment contrasts within some comorbidity subgroups revealed superior efficacy of varenicline over other pharmacotherapies. All pharmacotherapies increased the odds of abstinence regardless of number of comorbidities.

Conclusions

Varenicline is the most efficacious option for patients with manageable cardiac, respiratory, vascular, and diabetes conditions to quit smoking, supporting recent clinical practice guidelines that recommend varenicline as first-line pharmacotherapy. Bupropion and NRT demonstrated efficacy for some comorbidity subgroups.

Implications

This secondary analysis of the EAGLES trial demonstrated that varenicline is the most efficacious option for patients with cardiac, respiratory, vascular, and diabetes diagnoses to quit smoking. This demonstration of varenicline efficacy among individuals with comorbid medical conditions supports recent clinical practice guidelines that recommend varenicline as a first-line pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.
The Artefactual Branch Effect and Phylogenetic Conflict: Species Delimitation with Gene Flow in Mangrove Pit Vipers (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus-erythrurus Complex)
Authors: Chan Kin Onn , Mulcahy Daniel G , Anuar Shahrul
Published: July 2023

Mangrove pit vipers of the Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus-erythrurus complex are the only species of viper known to naturally inhabit mangroves. Despite serving integral ecological functions in mangrove ecosystems, the evolutionary history, distribution, and species boundaries of mangrove pit vipers remain poorly understood, partly due to overlapping distributions, confusing phenotypic variations, and the lack of focused studies. Here, we present the first genomic study on mangrove pit vipers and introduce a robust hypothesis-driven species delimitation framework that considers gene flow and phylogenetic uncertainty in conjunction with a novel application of a new class of speciation-based delimitation model implemented through the program Delineate. Our results showed that gene flow produced phylogenetic conflict in our focal species and substantiates the artefactual branch effect where highly admixed populations appear as divergent nonmonophyletic lineages arranged in a stepwise manner at the basal position of clades. Despite the confounding effects of gene flow, we were able to obtain unequivocal support for the recognition of a new species based on the intersection and congruence of multiple lines of evidence. This study demonstrates that an integrative hypothesis-driven approach predicated on the consideration of multiple plausible evolutionary histories, population structure/differentiation, gene flow, and the implementation of a speciation-based delimitation model can effectively delimit species in the presence of gene flow and phylogenetic conflict.
Evaluation of a ruminally protected blend of pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12 on finishing steer growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, carcass trait responses, and liver abscess prevalence and severity
Authors: Ribeiro Thiago Lauro Maia , Francis Forest L , Heldt Jeff S , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the influence that a ruminally-protected B-vitamin (RPBV) blend (containing vitamin B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) had on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, carcass trait responses, and liver abscess severity and prevalence in beef steers fed a finishing diet. Steers (n = 246; initial shrunk body weight [BW] = 411 ± 25.8 kg) from two different sources, were used in a 126-d RCBD experiment. Within 48 h after arrival, steers were individually weighed and allotted to 1 of 24 pens (n = 8 to 12 steers; 8 pens per treatment) and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) No RPBV; (2) RPBV1 at 1 g/steer d−1; 3) RPBV2 at 2 g/steer d−1. During the first 14 d, cattle received two transition diets with increasing concentrate. From days 15 to 126, cattle were fed the final diet containing 53% dry-rolled corn; 23% corn silage; 20% MDGS; and 4% suspended supplement. On the first 28 d, steers of RPBV1 had a greater average daily gain (ADG) and better feed conversion (G:F), both by 9% (quadratic effect, P ≤ 0.02). However, cumulatively, no differences (P ≥ 0.13) among treatments were found for dry-matter intake (DMI), live final BW, ADG, or G:F. Carcass-adjusted final BW, ADG, and G:F were not influenced by treatment (P ≥ 0.59). Additionally, carcass weight, dressing percentage, marbling score, kidney–pelvic–heart fat, or BW at 28% empty body fat did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.11). Ribeye area (REA) was altered (quadratic effect, P = 0.02) by treatment; steers from RPBV1 had decreased REA compared to others. Additionally, calculated yield grade (YG) and calculated retail yield (RY) were altered (quadratic effect, P ≤ 0.01) by treatment; steers from RPBV1 had increased YG and decreased RY compared to others. Estimated empty body fatness tended (P = 0.06) to be greater from steers-fed RPBV compared to control. Overall USDA YG distribution was altered by dietary treatment (P = 0.01). The proportions of YG1 and YG5 carcasses were unaffected by treatment, but there was a shift in the proportion of carcasses that graded YG2, YG3, and YG4 among treatments. Distribution of USDA Quality Grade was not altered by treatment (P = 0.53). No treatment differences in liver abscess incidence or severity were observed (P = 0.13). The use of RPBV altered carcass muscularity and rib fat accumulation affecting the overall YG distribution. However, RPBV did not appreciably influence any cumulative growth performance measures or liver abscess outcome.
The push-pull factor model and its implications for the retention of international students in the host country
Authors: Nikou Shahrokh , Luukkonen Monika
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Due to high demand for international talents and skilful workforces, many countries around the world, especially the ageing populations are now looking for new ways and strategies to attract more international talent. Drawing on push-pull factor theory, integrated with theory of reasoned action (TRA), this research examines international students' intention to stay or to leave the host country after completion of the students' studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model has been proposed and evaluated aimed at understanding the factors that influence the decision-making of international students studying in Finland. Data were collected from a sample of 292 international students in Finland and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and examine the relationships between various constructs in the model.

Findings

The SEM results show that several factors influence students' decision to stay or leave the host country after graduation. Aspects related to host country, institutional and economic factors and social influence (norms) directly impact students' attitude towards staying. In addition, attitude towards staying not only has a direct impact on the intention to stay, but also mediates the relationship between different pulling factors and students' intention to stay in the host country. Moreover, challenges and barriers (such as local language, challenge of finding employment and challenge of assimilating into the community or making friends) have a negative impact on the decision to stay in the host country.

Originality/value

This study uses push-pull theory in the Finnish context, contributing to the growing body of literature on international education policies and practices. The findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to supporting international students, one that considers the students' unique needs and experiences in the host country and provides the students with the necessary resources and support to succeed.
An exploratory study of the relationships between Lean practices and team performance in higher education
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Moyano-Fuentes José , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Marçal Diego Russowsky
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the causal relationship between Lean practices and team performance. Specifically, the authors tried to demonstrate which practices act as enablers of continuous improvement and waste elimination and what is their impact on team performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Southern Brazil. The authors obtained a sample of 785 respondents. The data analysis procedures involved confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling.

Findings

The results of the research provided support for the positive influence of continuous improvement on waste elimination and of these two practices on team performance. In addition, empirical support was obtained for the effect of leadership support, employee involvement and internal process customers on continuous improvement.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection was carried out online, so we were not able to maintain full control of the research respondents. This research generates relevant insights for decision-makers in the HEI environment, especially concerning Lean practices and team performance. The effects analyzed are even more relevant given the pandemic context.

Practical implications

This study shows how some higher education Lean practices can positively affect continuous improvement and better team performance. The results raise important insights for decision-makers to offer better higher education public services, especially given the context and changes imposed by the pandemic situation.

Originality/value

This paper initiates the discussion about enablers of continuous improvement and waste elimination in HEI and demonstrates their impact on team performance.
Mingling business and politics in China – Does it build value? The relationship between political connection and firm performance
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Dong Longzhu , Nahm Abraham
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how business executives' political connections are associated with government subsidies and strategic change, and how they, in turn, influence firm performance, measured by return on assets (ROA) and market share.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using the large firm-level dataset provided by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China for the period 2003–2013. This is one of the most comprehensive datasets of Chinese manufacturing companies and includes 321,722 firms on average per year, which spans over 37 industries.

Findings

The authors found that political connections, measured by senior executives' membership in the National People's Congress of China (NPC), were positively associated with government subsidies but were not associated with strategic change. Also, government subsidies, as the underlying mechanism, mediated the relationships between NPC membership and firm performance but strategic change did not.

Research limitations/implications

By examining the possible mediators between corporate political strategies and firm performance, the authors confirmed the thought that the impact of political connections on firm performance is a complex phenomenon and goes beyond a simple direct effect. However, future research could explore other mediators in this relationship.

Originality/value

While the direct relationship between political connections and firm performance has been examined in management literature, the results are mixed. For the first time, the authors addressed the gap and opened the “black box” – the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. This study's findings contribute to the literature on corporate political activity, strategic change, and their influences on firm performance.
A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of elderly individuals with chronic wounds
Authors: Abdalrahim Asem , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Mohammad Khitam , Al-Amer Rasmieh , Al Omari Omar , Ayed Ahmad , Al-Dwaikat Tariq , Oweidat Islam , Khatatbeh Haitham , Alsaraireh Mahmoud , ALbashtawy Sa'ad , Al Dameery Khloud
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the lived experience of people with a chronic non-healing wound and to explore what it means to live with a chronic wound.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive phenomenological study design was adopted to explore the living experience of person with chronic wound. A sample of 15 individuals of both genders was selected using a purposive sampling technique. To collect data, in-depth interviews were conducted, and all the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the seven-step process described by Colaizzi (1978).

Findings

The findings were organized into 6 themes clusters and 12 themes. The six themes clusters were limiting mobility; receiving care; explaining causes of wounds; contending with chronic illnesses; adapting and mal-adapting; and economic burden of the wound.

Research limitations/implications

Chronic wound had a profound impact on participants’ lives by affecting their activities of daily living, their mobility, their income and their personal relationships.

Originality/value

Understanding the lived experiences of people with chronic wounds is crucial for health-care providers, including nurses. Investigating the chronic wound experience has become even more pressing given the projected increase in the number of elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. In Jordan, for example, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is 17.1%, and it is projected to increase by 2050.
What explains the gender gap in unpaid housework and care work in India?
Authors: Janiso Athary , Shukla Prakash Kumar , Reddy A Bheemeshwar
Published: July 2023

Motivation

Although women continue to bear an unequal burden when it comes to unpaid housework and care work regardless of the level of economic progress, a systematic analysis of the gender gap in terms of the time allocated to these responsibilities has not been carried out in the context of India so far, primarily due to the lack of national‐level data.

Purpose

This article measures how the burden of unpaid housework and care work is shared between men and women and investigates the factors associated with the allocation of time.

Methods and approach

We use the first nationally representative Time Use Survey (2019) data of India and employ Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition analysis to explain the gender gap in unpaid housework and care work.

Findings

After accounting for individual characteristics and household factors, the regression analysis shows that women spend a little over three hours more per day on unpaid housework and 20 minutes more on unpaid care work than men. The decomposition analysis reveals that the differences in socioeconomic and demographic factors between men and women only contribute a small part of the average gender gap in unpaid housework and care work. In other words, most of the gap in unpaid work at home between men and women in India can be attributed to structural factors, including inadequate infrastructural support and social programmes to alleviate the burden of housework and childcare, as well as the prevalence of unobserved gender norms and practices that pin the responsibility of unpaid housework and care work on women.

Policy implications

To achieve equitable distribution of unpaid work between women and men, there is a need to provide more opportunities for women to participate in remunerative paid employment. Infrastructural support and policies that can reduce the burden of time spent by women in day‐to‐day unpaid housework and care activities are crucial to reduce the gender gap.
Is reflectance confocal microscopy useful in the differential diagnosis of extra facial lentigo maligna? A retrospective multicentric case–control study
Authors: Licata Gaetano , Brancaccio Gabriella , Ronchi Andrea , Borsari Stefania , Longo Caterina , Piana Simonetta , Cinotti Elisa , Dragotto Martina , Rubegni Pietro , Argenziano Giuseppe , Moscarella Elvira
Published: July 2023

Background

Extra facial lentigo maligna (EF‐LM) arises outside the head and neck area. EF‐LM presents the classic histological features of lentigo maligna. The dermoscopic aspects of EF‐LM have been poorly studied.

Objective

The primary aims of our study were to analyse and describe the clinical, dermoscopic and confocal microscopy features of a series of histologically confirmed EF‐LM.

Method

We conducted a retrospective and multicentric study. From our database, we selected 48 cases of thin melanomas on photodamaged skin with histological features of EF‐LM of which clinical, dermoscopic and confocal microscopy images were available, and a control group of 45 lesions, that can be subjected to differential diagnosis such as solar lentigo, lichenoid keratosis, seborrheic keratosis and melanocytic nevi, of which dermoscopic and confocal microscope images were available.

Results

Extra facial lentigo maligna had a higher prevalence of lentigo‐like pigment patterns, angulated lines and zigzag structures. At confocal microscopy, LM‐EF cases showed a higher prevalence of pagetoid spreading, round cells, dendritic cells in the epidermis, atypical cells at the dermo‐epidermal junction, dendritic cells at the junction, meshwork pattern and elastosis. Our study shows that reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 97% for the differential diagnosis of this type of melanoma.

Conclusions

Extra facial lentigo maligna does not have the classic dermoscopic features of superficial spreading melanoma, the most observed dermoscopic criteria are angulated lines and lentigo‐like pigment patterns without lentigo‐like border. RCM can be a valuable imaging tool for the evaluation of all those suspicion skin lesions at dermoscopy highlighting cellular atypia suggestive for melanoma.
Circ_0001955 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating MiR‐29a‐3p/NKIRAS2 axis to activate the nuclear factor‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhou Xia , Qiu Guoqin , Yang Yang , Bao Wuan , Zhang Danhong , Du Xianghui
Published: July 2023

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of various tumors. Nevertheless, the function of circ_0001955 in NSCLC progression has not been explored yet. This study aims to explore the functions of circ_0001955 in NSCLC and investigate its regulatory molecular mechanism. First, we determined that circ_0001955 was upregulated in NSCLC cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that knockdown of circ_0001955 restrained cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo experiments further proved the suppressive effect of circ_0001955 silence on tumor growth. Mechanism assays revealed that circ_0001955 enhanced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) inhibitor interacting Ras‐like protein 2 (NKIRAS2) expression by sponging microRNA‐29a‐3p (miR‐29a‐3p). Upregulation of NKIRAS2 led to the deceased level of IκBβ but increased levels of nuclear p65, thus activating the NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, Circ_0001955 activates the NF‐κB pathway to promote NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion by regulating miR‐29a‐3p/NKIRAS2 axis.
Introducing corrugated surfaces in electrostatic problems via a perturbative approach
Authors: Costa Alexandre P. , Queiroz Lucas , Nogueira Edson C. M. , Alves Danilo T.
Published: July 2023

In electromagnetism courses, students often solve Poisson's equation for a point charge in the presence of an infinitely large perfectly conducting planar surface, usually by the method of images. However, no surface is perfectly flat; so at some level, corrugations must be introduced to model the real world. Clinton et al. [Phys. Rev. B 31, 7540 (1985)] solved the problem, including corrugations, using a perturbative calculation of the corresponding Green's function. We provide a detailed pedagogical review of this calculation and extend it in order to solve for the electrostatic potential of a corrugated neutral conducting cylinder in the presence of a uniform electric field. These calculations can be used as pedagogical examples of this perturbative approach in electromagnetism courses.
An alternative way to solve the small oscillations problem
Authors: Hojman Sergio A.
Published: July 2023

An alternative approach to the n-dimensional small oscillations problem is presented. This method is based on the finding of n new independent constants of motion to get the n eigenfrequencies and the n normal coordinates of the problem. These constants of motion exist and may be explicitly constructed for any small oscillations problem. Three examples are presented. One of them involves solving a five-dimensional small oscillations problem whose solution is usually obtained by finding the roots of a quintic algebraic equation. The approach constructed here is especially suited to deal with high-dimensional problems. Applications to small oscillations as well as to high-degree algebraic equation solutions are discussed.
Cosmological horizons
Authors: Re Fiorentin Michele , Re Fiorentin Stefano
Published: July 2023

The recently unveiled deep-field images from the James Webb Space Telescope have renewed interest in what we can and cannot see of the universe. Answering these questions requires understanding the so-called “cosmological horizons” and the “Hubble sphere.” Here, we review the topic of cosmological horizons in a form that university physics teachers can use in their lessons, using the latest data about the so-called standard “Lambda cold dark matter” (ΛCDM) model. Graphical representations are plotted in terms of both conformal and proper coordinates as an aid to understand the propagation of light in the expanding universe at various epochs.
SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 6 from Alpha to Omicron: evolution of a transmembrane protein
Authors: Feng Shuchen , O'Brien Amornrat , Chen Da-Yuan , Saeed Mohsan , Baker Susan C.
Published: July 2023

We recently reported that mutations in both the spike glycoprotein and nonstructural protein 6 (nsp6) were associated with attenuation of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 variant. While mutations in spike allow evasion of neutralizing antibodies and promote specific modes of viral entry, the role of nsp6 mutations in pathogenesis is less clear. Nsp6 is essential for modifying the endoplasmic reticulum and generating double-membrane vesicles, the site of viral RNA replication. To investigate the evolution of nsp6, we evaluated 91,596 high-confidence human SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences across 19 variants and lineages. While nsp6 of early variants of concern, such as Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, carried a triple amino acid deletion (106–108, termed ΔSGF), the Delta, Epsilon, and Mu lineages retained the ancestral nsp6 sequence. For nsp6 in the emerging Omicron variants, we report a transition from an amino acid 105–107 ΔLSG deletion in BA.1 to increased dominance of the ΔSGF in BA.2 and subsequent lineages. Our findings indicate that deletion within nsp6 was independently selected in multiple lineages of SARS-CoV-2, both early and late in the pandemic. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses in bats and pangolins revealed nsp6 sequences similar to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus, indicating that the deletion in nsp6 may be an adaptation to replication in humans. Analysis of nsp6 sequences from multiple coronaviruses predicts a multipass transmembrane protein with a conserved C-terminal domain. Monitoring and evaluating changes in nsp6 and other nonstructural proteins will contribute to our understanding of factors associated with the attenuation of pandemic coronaviruses.

IMPORTANCE

There is an ongoing need to evaluate genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 for effects on transmission and pathogenesis. We recently reported an unexpected role for replicase component nsp6, in addition to changes in spike, in the attenuation of Omicron BA.1. In this commentary, we document a triple-amino-acid deletion in a predicted lumenal domain of nsp6 that was found in multiple, independent variants of SARS-CoV-2, including all recent Omicron lineages. Furthermore, we modeled the predicted structure of nsp6, implicating a multipass transmembrane architecture as conserved in members of the
Coronaviridae
family. This information can guide future studies investigating the role of nsp6 in the pathogenesis of existing and emerging coronaviruses.
Factors associated with use of opioid rescue medication after surgery
Authors: Meier Isabell M , Eikemo Marie , Trøstheim Martin , Buen Kaja , Jensen Eira , Gurandsrud Karlsen Siri , Reme Silje E , Berna Chantal , Leknes Siri , Ernst Gernot
Published: July 2023

Background

Opioid exposure after surgery increases risk of persistent opioid use. Here, we characterize at-home use of opioid rescue medication during 1–2 days after outpatient surgery (N=270) in a postoperative opioid-sparing context at a Norwegian hospital.

Methods

The postsurgical pain management plan included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and up to six pills of 5 mg oxycodone as rescue analgesics. In this observational study we assessed risk factors for taking rescue opioids after surgery, by comparing patients who did, with those who did not.

Results

Only 35% (N=228) of patients reported taking rescue opioids 1–2 days after discharge. Patients taking rescue opioids after surgery (opioid-takers) differed from non-takers by prevalence of preoperative chronic pain (>3 months; 74% vs 48%), higher pain severity and interference before and after surgery, reporting lower ability to cope with postsurgical pain, higher nervousness about the surgery, being younger, and having received more opioid analgesics in the recovery room. Exploratory predictive modeling identified opioid administration in the recovery room as the most important predictor of at-home rescue medication use. Follow-up after >4 months indicated low acute pain levels (mean±SD = 1.1±1.8), with only four patients (2%, N=217) reporting opioid analgesic use.

Conclusion

Factors related to at-home rescue medication use closely mirrored known risk factors for persistent opioid use after surgery, such as prior chronic pain, prior substance use, affective disturbances, and pain severity before surgery. These findings are potential targets in patient-centered care. Nevertheless, and reassuringly, findings are consistent with the idea that opioid-sparing postsurgical care can prevent large-scale chronic opioid use.
Microwave-assisted citrate extraction (MaCE) as an alternative to autoclave citrate extraction (ACE) of a soil protein fraction
Authors: Wu Qianyi , Congreves Kate A. , Farrell Richard E.
Published: July 2023

Soil protein is an important indicator of soil health and for soil health assessments is usually determined using autoclaved citrate extraction (ACE) followed by protein quantification using the Bradford or bicinchoninic acid assay. Here, we investigated an alternative extraction process using microwave-assisted citrate extraction. We show that protein yield increases as the extraction time increases, but that yields comparable to those obtained using the standard ACE method can be obtained with an extraction time as short as 15 min. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of microwave-assisted extraction being used to determine this soil protein pool.
Dissociation rates and recombination likelihood of bottomonium states in heavy-ion collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV
Authors: Abdulsalam Abdulla , Ilahi Mohsin , Alabbasi Lana , Kassim Rafeeda
Published: July 2023

In the medium of relativistic heavy-ion collisions, dissociation of the quarkonium and its survival have been studied to understand the properties of Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP). The coupled rates of dissociation and recombination reactions in QGP are commonly solved with the Boltzmann transport equation in which the formation and dissociation reactions compete with each other. Since the dissociation of newly formed bound-states is not accounted in the Boltzmann equation, a framework of decoupled rates is developed to assess the combined effect of gluon-induced dissociation and recombination (though it is small for [Formula: see text]) together with color screening on bottomonium production in heavy-ion collisions at center of mass energy [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV. To calculate the recombination rates, we have employed an effective method of Bateman solution which ensures the correlated effect between the recombination and the dissociation of the newly combined bottomonium in the QGP medium. The modifications of bottomonium have been estimated in an inflating QGP with the constraints matching with the dynamics of [Formula: see text] collision events at LHC.
Fermion localization mechanisms in f(T,𝒯 )-brane
Authors: Moreira A. R. P.
Published: July 2023

In this work, we investigate two mechanisms for locating fermions on the brane in a modified teleparallel gravity [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the torsion scalar and [Formula: see text] is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. The first mechanism is a Yukawa-type minimal coupling between the fermion and the background scalar field. The second mechanism is a nonminimal coupling between the fermion and the torsion. The geometric coupling presents a greater sensitivity to the influence of torsion and to the trace of the energy–momentum tensor.
Acute and Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity Study of the Aqueous Extracts from the Leafy Stem and Fruit of Pedalium murex D.Royen EX.L in Wistar Rats
Authors: Dossou-Agoin Gérard Bessan , Sangaré-Oumar Maxime Machioud , Sacramento Téniola Isabelle , Sindété Mariette , Hougbénou-Houngla Egnon Jacques , Tossavi Nounagnon Darius , Azonbakin Simon , Gbankoto Adam
Published: July 2023

Background. Pedalium murex (P. murex) is used in folk medicine for treatment of male infertility. However, scientific data on its safety are limited. Objective. This study was carried out to assess the acute and repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity of the aqueous extracts from P. murex leafy stem and fruit in Wistar rats. Methods. The acute toxicity test was performed according to the line 423 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 3). The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were given at a single dose, 5000 mg/kg of each extract. The repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity was performed according to the line 407 of the OECD guidelines. 35 rats divided into 7 groups of 5 male rats each were daily treated for 28 days with each extract at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. The in-life parameters were recorded during the follow-up. At the end of this study, organ weights, hematology, biochemistry, and histology parameters were analyzed. Results. In the acute oral toxicity test, there was no morbidity or mortality related to the treatments. Both extracts belong therefore to category 5 of the globally harmonized system (GHS) of classification. In the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity test, both extracts did not alter animal’s behavior. However, both extract administration led to proteinuria and renal damages. Conclusion. P. murex leafy stem and fruit aqueous extracts exhibited potential nephrotoxicity. Therefore, care should be taken when they are used over an extended period.
Table S7 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Differentially expressed genes between LG, HG, and PDAC samples per region.
Table S16 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Top regulons in LG NKX6-2 positive and negative IPMN spots predicted with SCENIC.
Table S15 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Predicted NKX6-2 targets and transcription factors associated with NKX6-2 expression evaluated by GENIE3.
Table S14 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Genes included in the GIP signature with their corresponding GSEA gene sets and enrichment scores.
Table S10 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Quantification of cell phenotypes in the IPMN microenvironment based on COMET data.
Supporting methods from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Additional details of the Lunaphore COMET protocol and assay information.
Supplementary_Table5 from Effectors Enabling Adaptation to Mitochondrial Complex I Loss in Hürthle Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gopal Raj K. , Vantaku Venkata R. , Panda Apekshya , Reimer Bryn , Rath Sneha , To Tsz-Leung , Fisch Adam S. , Cetinbas Murat , Livneh Maia , Calcaterra Michael J. , Gigliotti Benjamin J. , Pierce Kerry A. , Clish Clary B. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Sadow Peter M. , Wirth Lori J. , Daniels Gilbert H. , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Calvo Sarah E. , Parangi Sareh , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table5 provides the CRISPR screen results
Data from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas are bona fide precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The most common subtype of IPMNs harbors a gastric foveolar-type epithelium, and these low-grade mucinous neoplasms are harbingers of IPMNs with high-grade dysplasia and cancer. The molecular underpinning of gastric differentiation in IPMNs is unknown, although identifying drivers of this indolent phenotype might enable opportunities for intercepting progression to high-grade IPMN and cancer. We conducted spatial transcriptomics on a cohort of IPMNs, followed by orthogonal and cross-species validation studies, which established the transcription factor NKX6-2 as a key determinant of gastric cell identity in low-grade IPMNs. Loss of NKX6-2 expression is a consistent feature of IPMN progression, while reexpression of Nkx6-2 in murine IPMN lines recapitulates the aforementioned gastric transcriptional program and glandular morphology. Our study identifies NKX6-2 as a previously unknown transcription factor driving indolent gastric differentiation in IPMN pathogenesis.
Significance:
Identification of the molecular features driving IPMN development and differentiation is critical to prevent cancer progression and enhance risk stratification. We used spatial profiling to characterize the epithelium and microenvironment of IPMN, which revealed a previously unknown link between NKX6-2 and gastric differentiation, the latter associated with indolent biological potential.
TABLE 1 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Bullet list of considerations to develop a biomarker panel
Table S5 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table S5 shows the canonical marker genes, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and gene modules scores used to annotate the T-cell UMAP clusters
Supplementary Tables S1-S4 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Table S1: Patient characteristics (n=10)

Table S2: Sequential IHC panel information

Table S3: Secondary HRP Round Considerations

Table S4: Comprehensive database information for mIHC panel development
Table S3 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table S3 shows the sample availability, usage and TIL expansion potentials.
Figure S9 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Figure S9 shows the correlation of overlapping clonotypes between the REP TILs and pre-REP TILs.
FIGURE 7 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Analysis of plasmablast neighborhood. Schematic of the main steps of the analysis pipeline (A). Frequency distribution of the distance between plasmablasts and the indicated immune cell types (B). Micrographs showing two representative fields rich in plasmablast–plasmacytoid dendritic cell contacts (C). Low-magnification view of hematoxylin-stained lymph node superimposed with locations of plasmablasts (green dots) and either (D): plasmacytoid dendritic cells, sinusoidal macrophages, and granulocytes (red dots). Scale bar: 1,000 μm (10x; Supplementary Movie S1). Cell segmentation of hematoxylin-stained tissue. Example of segmented cells in the subcapsular region, showing both small round nuclei in lymphocyte-rich areas (B-cell follicle, top left) and elongated nuclei in macrophage-rich areas (subcapsular sinus, middle).
FIGURE 5 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Appropriate selection of secondary antibodies is critical to avoid cross-reactivity. Schematic of a cross-reaction (A) and practical examples (B and C). Using a rabbit anti-goat secondary reagent in the first round of a cycle will result in cross-reactivity with a secondary reagent that is goat anti-rabbit (round 3) likely because of cross-binding between the reagents. If only one of the secondary reagents can bind the other, no cross-reactivity is observed (middle). Pseudocolored overlays (C) show cross-reaction (right) or absence thereof (left). Scale bar: 100 μm (10X).
Figure S3 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Figure S3 shows representative gating strategies for the immune subset populations and T-cell subtypes for the healthy kidney, tumor, pre-REP TIL and REP TIL samples.
FIGURE 4 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Two-step peroxidase blocking avoids signal carryover. Patient samples were stained with CD20 in cycle 1 round 2 (A and E), and subsequently stained with CD66b in cycle 1 round 3. Appropriate signal was detected in one patient sample (F), but carryover was detected in the other (B). The AEC substrate was removed, and samples were blocked twice with endogenous peroxidase block, and developed again with AEC to ensure complete removal of signal (C and G). Slides were then restained with CD66b, and the appropriate secondary HRP polymer. Upon AEC visualization, CD66b signal was recovered (D) and the same CD66b staining pattern was observed in the sample with no carryover (H). Same section is shown in A–D and in E–H. Scale bar: 100 μm (10X).
FIGURE 3 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Polymeric secondary reagents outperformed traditional secondary antibodies. Primary antibodies used were rabbit anti-human CD11c (A, B) and rabbit anti-human Tbet (C, D). Detection using a donkey anti-rabbit HRP antibody (A, C) showed dimmer staining as compared with detection using a horse (B) or goat (D) anti-rabbit HRP polymer. Subcapsular region is shown in both A and B. Same section is shown in C and D. Scale bar: 100 μm (10X).