bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New zones of corruption risk in higher education because of the manipulation of digital technologies
Authors: Khvedelidze Teimuraz , Toleubekova Bakhitzhan , Saylibaeva Zhanel
Published: June 2022

The problems of combating corruption in the system of higher education have not been studied enough. The authors of earlier studies considered the problems of corruption based on traditional ideas about the zones of corruption risk, methods of recognizing signs of corruption, and their subject composition. Digital technologies being introduced into management and control impact the circumstances that contribute to the commission of corruption offenses at the university. The subject composition of offenses, the methods of their commission and concealment of traces, and the zones of corruption risks have changed because of digitalization. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need to apply alternative approaches to the formation of a university anti-corruption policy. Corruption risk zones have moved from the department to services that ensure the introduction and application of digital technologies in the educational and scientific processes. Using previous methods of combating corruption in digitalization does not give the expected effect. The authors used formal-logical, comparative-legal, statistical, and other methods in the article.
Conceptual levels of the managing of gender conflicts in the field of education in the framework of sustainable development of society
Authors: Boichenko Mykhailo , Shevchenko Zoya , Rylova Olha , Karpenko Ivan , Guzhva Alla
Published: June 2022

The resolution of gender conflicts should not be their cessation, but their management in order to obtain socially beneficial consequences of these conflicts. Such a conceptual understanding of the potential benefits of gender conflicts provides an alternative to understanding gender conflicts as inevitably destructive and harmful to society. The distinction between levels of gender conflict should not be made in order to institutionally suppress them, as has been the case in traditional society. Distinguishing the levels of gender conflict in a democratic society should be based on a conceptual vision of the possibility of exploiting the potential of multiple social identities of individuals, as well as managing gender conflicts through their explication and understanding. The UN Agenda 2030 program sets constructive goals – the goals of sustainable development, including the development of gender relations. However, the institutional means of achieving these goals must be subject to an adequate conceptual approach to understanding the essence of gender relations. This understanding is ensured by proper gender education.
One-Pot Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfonamides using an Iron- and Copper-Catalyzed Aryl C–H Amidation Process
Authors: Sutherland Andrew , Waddell Lachlan J. N. , Henry Martyn C. , Mostafa Mohamed A. B.
Published: June 2022

A one-pot, two-stage synthesis of diaryl sulfonamides using sequential iron and copper catalysis is developed. Regioselective para-iodination of activated arenes by the super Lewis acid, iron triflimide and N-iodosuccinimide (NIS), is followed by a copper(I)-catalyzed N-arylation reaction. The process is found to be applicable for the coupling of a range of anisoles, anilines and acetanilides with primary sulfonamides and is used for the one-pot synthesis of biologically important compounds.
Anchoring endoscopic mucosal resection versus conventional endoscopic mucosal resection for large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oh Chang Kyo , Cho Young-Seok , Lee Sung Hak , Lee Bo-In
Published: June 2022

Background Colorectal polyps > 10 mm in size are often incompletely resected. Anchoring-endoscopic mucosal resection (A-EMR) is the technique of making a small incision at the oral side of the polyp using a snare tip after submucosal injection to avoid slippage during ensnaring. This study was performed to evaluate whether A-EMR could increase the complete resection rate for large colorectal polyps compared with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (C-EMR).

Methods Polyps with sizes of 10–25 mm were randomly allocated to either the A-EMR or the C-EMR groups.

Results 105 and 106 polyps were resected using A-EMR and C-EMR, respectively. In the intention-to-treat population, the complete resection rate was 89.5 % in the A-EMR group and 74.5 % in the C-EMR group (relative risk [RR] 1.20, 95 %CI 1.04 to 1.38; P = 0.01). The en bloc resection rates for the A-EMR and C-EMR groups were 92.4 % vs. 76.4 % (RR 1.21, 95 %CI 1.06 to 1.37; P = 0.005) and R0 resection rates were 77.1 % vs. 64.2 % (RR 1.18, 95 %CI 0.98 to 1.42; P = 0.07), respectively. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) total procedure time was 3.2 (2.6–4.1) minutes in the A-EMR group and 3.0 (2.2–4.6) minutes in the C-EMR group (median difference 0.2 minutes, 95 %CI −0.22 to 0.73; P = 0.25). There was one episode of delayed bleeding and one perforation in the C-EMR group.

Conclusions A-EMR was superior to C-EMR for the complete resection of large colorectal polyps. A-EMR can be considered one of the standard methods for the removal of colorectal polyps of 10 mm or more in size.
Phase space partition with Koopman analysis
Authors: Zhang Cong , Li Haipeng , Lan Yueheng
Published: June 2022

Symbolic dynamics is a powerful tool to describe topological features of a nonlinear system, where the required partition, however, remains a challenge for some time due to the complications involved in determining the partition boundaries. In this article, we show that it is possible to carry out interesting symbolic partitions for chaotic maps based on properly constructed eigenfunctions of the finite-dimensional approximation of the Koopman operator. The partition boundaries overlap with the extrema of these eigenfunctions, the accuracy of which is improved by including more basis functions in the numerical computation. The validity of this scheme is demonstrated in well-known 1D and 2D maps.
A virtual velocity-based integrated navigation method for strapdown inertial navigation system and Doppler velocity log coupled with unknown current
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Liu Xixiang , Wu Xiaoqiang , Sheng Guangrun , Huang Yongjiang
Published: June 2022

The integration of the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) and Doppler velocity log (DVL) has become a basic navigation solution for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). However, DVL cannot obtain the velocity relative to the ground when the distance between the AUV and seabed is over the operating range, which occurs often when AUVs are sailing in the middle layer of the ocean. When the DVL velocity relative to the current is used for an integrated filter, the unknown current velocity is coupled with the measured velocity error, which decreases the positioning accuracy. To address this problem, the effect of unknown coupled current velocity is analyzed from the perspective of filter observability, and an integrated SINS/DVL/virtual velocity navigation method is proposed. The virtual velocity based on the velocity variation extracted from the inertial measurement unit and DVL is constructed and used as an aided measurement for the Kalman filter. With the help of virtual velocity, the current velocity can be easily decoupled from measured SINS velocity error. The results of simulation and experiments demonstrated that the proposed method can effectively improve both the convergence speed and accuracy of velocity error compared with the classical method with SINS/DVL integration and, thus, significantly improve the positioning accuracy.
Investigation of the Schoch effect based on acoustic collective surface oscillation
Authors: Feng Huiping , Yao Yuanwei , Zhang Xin , Wu Fugen , Cao Yafei
Published: June 2022

In this research, the Schoch effect of periodic addition of a rectangular acoustic grating system on the structures of Helmholtz resonators is investigated. The results reveal that positive and negative Schoch shifts can be obtained in the investigation system. The phase of the effective refractive index of the resonator changes by π rad at the resonance frequency when positive Schoch shifts occur. However, it is the phase of the resonator's reflectance coefficient and not the effective refractive index that varies by 2π rad at the resonant frequency when a negative Schoch shift occurs. The findings also show that the system's resonance frequencies can be adjusted by changing the parameters of the structure. When the effective refractive index of the structure is close to or equal to zero, the corresponding frequency is the resonance frequency. At this frequency, the Schoch effect and a significant acoustic collective surface oscillation are observed.
Substrate-supported nano-objects with high vibrational quality factors
Authors: Crut Aurélien
Published: June 2022

Recent optical time-resolved experiments on single supported nano-objects (gold nanodisks with various diameter over thickness ratios) have demonstrated a marked enhancement of their vibrational quality factors for specific nano-object morphologies, resulting from the near-suppression of radiative vibrational damping associated with the emission of acoustic waves in the nano-object environment. This paper clarifies the origin of this phenomenon, which is ascribed to the creation of a “quasi-bound state in the continuum” vibrational mode by radiative coupling between two nano-object modes whose frequencies become close for specific nano-object shapes. The symmetry breaking induced by the presence of a substrate, which limits nanodisk acoustic emission to a half-space, is shown to play an essential role in enabling such radiative coupling. The impact of the acoustic mismatch between the nano-object and the substrate is explored, and it is shown that a moderate acoustic mismatch can still enable the creation of near-localized vibrational modes with high radiative quality factors, while allowing radiative coupling effects to occur over a broad range of nano-object geometries. Although this paper focuses on the situation of a substrate-supported gold nanodisk, which has already been the object of experimental investigations, the effects that it describes are general and constitute a promising approach to enhance the vibrational quality factors of nano-objects.
Open volume defects in ultra-thin TiO2 layers embedded in VMCO-like samples studied with positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Khanam Afrina , Slotte Jonatan , Tuomisto Filip , Subhechha Subhali , Popovici Mihaela , Kar Gouri Sankar
Published: June 2022

Positron annihilation signals from VMCO-like samples grown by atomic layer deposition at different temperatures are utilized for the characterization of differences in open volume defects in TiN/TiO2/a-Si heterostructures. Doppler and coincidence Doppler mode of positron annihilation spectroscopy combined with a monoenergetic positron beam were used for this study. Differences observed in the Doppler parameters indicate differences in the positron trapping states of the TiO2 epilayers grown at different temperatures. Furthermore, the coincidence-Doppler results show that these differences cannot be due to intermixing of the TiO2 and a-Si layers and formation of thin SiO2 layers at the interface during the growth process. The results indicate that the amount of open volume defects in the TiO2 layer of the VMCO-structure seems to increase with an increase in the growth temperature.
Acoustic superscatterer enables remote mitigation of underwater source radiation
Authors: Bai Yue , Wang Xiaole , Luo Xudong , Huang Zhenyu
Published: June 2022

We propose a contactless and non-closed strategy to mitigate the sound radiated from an underwater source. The problem is formulated as the interaction of the source with different cross-sectional shapes (including ideal zero-cross-section sources, circular-cross-section rods, and rectangular-cross-section rods) and the acoustic superscatterer treated as a concentric cylindrical structure. The acoustic superscatterer consisting of an internal core and a coating made of the double-negative acoustic metamaterial with specific constitutive parameters relies on the coating to virtually magnify its internal core, thus yielding intense multiple scattering with the source. According to the transformation media theory and the method of images, the complete landscape has been presented theoretically and numerically of the remote mitigation of underwater source radiation via an acoustic superscatterer. We demonstrate that by appropriately placing the acoustic superscatterer nearby the source, it can achieve the omnidirectional radiation mitigation stemming from the coherent extinction mechanism. A possible scheme for the practical realization of the acoustic superscatterer is also discussed. This work may facilitate the design and application of remotely placed meta-devices for the manipulation of underwater acoustic waves.
Superconductivity in Kagome Metal YRu3Si2 with Strong Electron Correlations
Authors: Gong Chunsheng , Tian Shangjie , Tu Zhijun , Yin Qiangwei , Fu Yang , Luo Ruitao , Lei Hechang
Published: June 2022

We report the detailed physical properties of YRu3Si2 with the Ru kagome lattice at normal and superconducting states. The results of resistivity and magnetization show that YRu3Si2 is a type-II bulk superconductor with T
c ∼ 3.0 K. The specific heat measurement further suggests that this superconductivity could originate from the weak or moderate electron-phonon coupling. On the other hand, both large Kadawaki–Woods ratio and Wilson ratio indicate that there is a strong electron correlation effect in this system, which may have a connection with the featured flat band of kagome lattice.
Comparative analysis of the sensitivity of nanometallic thin film thermometers
Authors: Scott Ethan A , Carow Anna , Pete Douglas , Harris C Thomas
Published: June 2022

Thin film platinum resistive thermometers are conventionally applied for resistance thermometry techniques due to their stability and proven measurement accuracy. Depending upon the required thermometer thickness and temperature measurement, however, performance benefits can be realized through the application of alternative nanometallic thin films. Herein, a comparative experimental analysis is provided on the performance of nanometallic thin film thermometers most relevant to microelectronics and thermal sensing applications: Al, Au, Cu, and Pt. Sensitivity is assessed through the temperature coefficient of resistance, measured over a range of 10–300 K for thicknesses nominally spanning 25–200 nm. The interplay of electron scattering sources, which give rise to the temperature-dependent TCR properties for each metal, are analyzed in the framework of a Mayadas–Shatzkes based model. Despite the prevalence of evaporated Pt thin film thermometers, Au and Cu films fabricated in a similar manner may provide enhanced sensitivity depending upon thickness. These results may serve as a guide as the movement toward smaller measurement platforms necessitates the use of smaller, thinner metallic resistance thermometers.
How does light facilitate vitamin C biosynthesis in leaves?
Authors: Maruta Takanori
Published: June 2022

Plants store ascorbate in high concentrations, particularly in their leaves. Ascorbate is an excellent antioxidant that acts as an indispensable photoprotectant. The d-mannose/l-galactose pathway is responsible for ascorbate biosynthesis in plants. Light facilitates ascorbate biosynthesis in a light intensity-dependent manner to enhance ascorbate pool size in leaves, and photosynthesis is required for this process. Light- and photosynthesis-dependent activation of the rate-limiting enzyme GDP-l-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) plays a critical role in ascorbate pool size regulation. In addition, the tight regulation of ascorbate biosynthesis by ascorbate itself has been proposed. Ascorbate represses GGP translation in a dose-dependent manner through the upstream open reading frame in the 5′-untranslated regions of the gene, which may compete with the light-dependent activation of ascorbate biosynthesis. This review focuses on ascorbate biosynthesis based on past and latest findings and critically discusses how light activates this process.
Controversies in the Management of Central Nervous System Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Thompson George R , Ampel Neil M , Blair Janis E , Donovan Fariba , Fierer Joshua , Galgiani John N , Heidari Arash , Johnson Royce , Shatsky Stanley A , Uchiyama Christopher M , Stevens David A
Published: June 2022

Central nervous system infection with Coccidioides spp. is fatal if untreated and complications occur even when therapy is directed by experienced clinicians. We convened a panel of clinicians experienced in the management of coccidioidal meningitis to summarize current controversies and provide consensus for the management of this difficult infection.
Unmasking Pneumococcal Carriage in a High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevalence Population in two Community Cohorts in South Africa, 2016–2018: The PHIRST Study
Authors: Carrim Maimuna , Tempia Stefano , Thindwa Deus , Martinson Neil A , Kahn Kathleen , Flasche Stefan , Hellferscee Orienka , Treurnicht Florette K , McMorrow Meredith L , Moyes Jocelyn , Mkhencele Thulisa , Mathunjwa Azwifarwi , Kleynhans Jackie , Lebina Limakatso , Mothlaoleng Katlego , Wafawanaka Floidy , Gómez-Olivé Francesc Xavier , Cohen Cheryl , von Gottberg Anne , Wolter Nicole ,   for the PHIRST group
Published: June 2022

Background

Longitudinal pneumococcus colonization data in high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence settings following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction are limited.

Methods

In 327 randomly selected households, 1684 individuals were enrolled and followed-up for 6 to 10 months during 2016 through 2018 from 2 communities. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected twice weekly and tested for pneumococcus using quantitative lytA real-time polymerase chain reaction. A Markov model was fitted to the data to define the start and end of an episode of colonization. We assessed factors associated with colonization using logistic regression.

Results

During the study period, 98% (1655/1684) of participants were colonized with pneumococcus at least once. Younger age (<5 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 14.1; 95% confidence [CI], 1.8–111.3, and 5–24 years: aOR, 4.8, 95% CI, 1.9–11.9, compared with 25–44 years) and HIV infection (aOR, 10.1; 95% CI, 1.3–77.1) were associated with increased odds of colonization. Children aged <5 years had fewer colonization episodes (median, 9) than individuals ≥5 years (median, 18; P < .001) but had a longer episode duration (<5 years: 35.5 days; interquartile range, 17–88) vs. ≥5 years: 5.5 days (4–12). High pneumococcal loads were associated with age (<1 year: aOR 25.4; 95% CI, 7.4–87.6; 1–4 years: aOR 13.5, 95% CI 8.3–22.9; 5–14 years: aOR 3.1, 95% CI, 2.1–4.4 vs. 45–65 year old patients) and HIV infection (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.4).

Conclusions

We observed high levels of pneumococcus colonization across all age groups. Children and people with HIV were more likely to be colonized and had higher pneumococcal loads. Carriage duration decreased with age highlighting that children remain important in pneumococcal transmission.
Multimode dispersion measurement of surface waves extracted by multicomponent ambient noise cross-correlation functions
Authors: Takagi Ryota , Nishida Kiwamu
Published: June 2022

Cross-correlation functions of ambient seismic noise sometimes show multimode characteristics of surface waves, especially in observations in sedimentary areas and ocean areas. Multimode dispersion curves are useful for improving the depth resolution of subsurface imaging; nevertheless, measuring the multimode dispersion curves is not easy. Multimode interference of surface waves makes the cross-correlation functions complicated even without lateral heterogeneity of the subsurface structure, and the complex waveforms may result in unphysical dispersion measurement. We developed a method to determine multimode phase velocity dispersion curves based on the fitting of the synthetic cross-spectra to observed ones. The phase velocity in the synthetic cross-spectra is modelled as the function of a 1-D velocity structure, which achieves the measurement of physically realizable dispersion curves. The 1-D structures do not necessarily represent the Earth structure directly but act as model parameters of the dispersion curves within station pairs. The cross-spectral fitting has two steps, that is, array-based and single-pair fittings. The first step estimates the amplitude of each surface wave mode and the reference 1-D structure from the cross-spectral data within an array. The second step estimates the pair-dependent dispersion curves from the cross-spectra of a single station pair using the modal amplitudes and the reference structure estimated by the first step. The dispersion measurement based on the cross-spectral fitting can work even at short distances where the multimode inference is significant in the time-domain cross-correlation functions. We applied this method to synthetic and field data in seafloor observations. The synthetic and field applications show that the simultaneous use of multicomponent cross-correlation functions is effective to determine multimode dispersion curves. The multimode phase velocity dispersion curves in the ocean area are estimated stably even though the signal-to-noise ratio of cross-correlation functions is not high. The pair-dependent multimode dispersion curves estimated by the present method can serve as robust input data for high-resolution surface wave tomography.
3-D modelling and analysis of superparamagnetic effects in ATEM based on the FDFD
Authors: Ji Yanju , Liu Huaishi , Yu Yibing , Zhao Xuejiao
Published: June 2022

Superparamagnetic (SPM) effects lead to 1/t power-law delay approximately during the middle and late periods of transient electromagnetic responses. Ignoring SPM effects can produce large errors and cause incorrect data interpretation. Furthermore, because of the non-linearity of the Chikazumi magnetic susceptibility model, it is difficult to discretize the model in the time domain. Therefore, developing an algorithm for 3-D modelling of SPM effects in the time domain directly is difficult. In view of the above problems, we propose a 3-D modelling method of SPM effects for airborne transient electromagnetic (ATEM) data. We also introduce the widely used Chikazumi magnetic susceptibility model into the finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) method. According to the mapping relations between the magnetic field intensity and the magnetic permeability on the grid after discretization, we re-establish the scientific matrix of the magnetic permeability. And we adopt arithmetic averaging of the two adjacent cubes’ magnetic permeability as the magnetic permeability in boundary, which is a different setting method with the electrical conductivity. The 3-D modelling of SPM effects is successfully realized, and its maximum relative error is less than 7 per cent. We subsequently analyse the intrinsic properties of the abnormal magnetic medium, as well as the effect of the SPM unit's parameters, such as the depth, thickness, electrical conductivity, zero-frequency magnetic susceptibility, and the height of the receiver, on the response. Then, we calculate the SPM responses of 3-D magnetic bodies and analyse the influence of magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity on magnetite responses. The present study can provide theoretical guidance for ATEM detection in magnetic media and lay a foundation for 3-D inversion of SPM effects.
Sensitivity kernels for transmission fibre optics
Authors: Fichtner Andreas , Bogris Adonis , Bowden Daniel , Lentas Konstantinos , Melis Nikolaos S , Nikas Thomas , Simos Christos , Simos Iraklis , Smolinski Krystyna
Published: June 2022

Fibre-optic sensing based on transmission offer an alternative to scattering-based distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The ability to interrogate fibres that are thousands of kilometres long opens opportunities for studies of remote regions, including ocean basins. However, by averaging deformation along the fibre, transmission systems produce integrated instead of distributed measurements. They defy traditional interpretations in terms of simple seismic phases, thereby inherently requiring a full-waveform approach. For this, we develop a formalism to calculate sensitivity kernels of transmitted optical phase changes with respect to (Earth) structure using optical phase delay measurements. We demonstrate that transmission-based sensing can effectively provide distributed measurements when optical phase delays are analysed in different time windows. The extent to which a potentially useful sensitivity coverage can be achieved depends on the fibre geometry, and specifically on its local curvature. This work establishes a theoretical foundation for tomographic inversions and experimental design using transmission-based optical sensing.
Associations between declining antibiotic use in primary care in Scotland and hospitalization with infection and patient satisfaction: longitudinal population study
Authors: Guthrie Isobel , Malcolm William , Nogueira Rita , Sneddon Jacqueline , Seaton R Andrew , Marwick Charis A
Published: June 2022

Background

Reducing antibiotic use is central to antimicrobial stewardship, but may have unintended consequences.

Objectives

To examine associations between size of decline in antibiotic prescriptions in general practices and (i) rate of hospitalization for infection and (ii) patient satisfaction.

Methods

Routine data analysis for all general practices in Scotland, quarter one 2012 (Q1 2012) to quarter one 2018 (Q1 2018). Practices were grouped into quartiles of rate of change in prescribing and changes in rates of hospitalization were compared across groups. For satisfaction analysis, associations between practice-level patient satisfaction in 2017–18 (Scottish Health and Care Experience Survey) and prior change in antibiotic prescription were examined.

Results

Antibiotic prescriptions overall fell from 194.1 prescriptions/1000 patients in Q1 2012 to 165.3 in Q1 2018 (14.9% reduction). The first quartile of practices had a non-significant increase in prescriptions [change per quarter = 0.22 (95% CI −0.42 to 0.86) prescriptions/1000 patients], compared with large reductions in the other three groups, largest in quartile four: −2.95 (95% CI −3.66 to −2.24) prescriptions/1000 patients/quarter (29.7% reduction overall). In all quartiles, hospitalizations with infection increased. The increase was smallest in quartile four (the biggest reduction in prescriptions) and highest in quartile one (no significant change in prescriptions): 2.18 (95% CI 1.18 to 3.19) versus 3.68 (95% CI 2.64 to 4.73) admissions/100 000 patients/quarter, respectively [difference = − 1.50 (95% CI −2.91 to −0.10)]. There was no statistically significant association between change in antibiotic prescriptions and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Very large reductions in antibiotic prescriptions in Scottish general practices have not been associated with increases in hospitalization with infection or changes in patient satisfaction.
Monetary Policy and Sovereign Debt Sustainability
Authors: Hurtado Samuel , Nuño Galo , Thomas Carlos
Published: June 2022

We analyze the consequences of monetary policy for sovereign debt sustainability and welfare in a model of a small open economy where the government issues long-term nominal debt without a commitment not to default on it or erode its real value through (costly) inflation. Inflation is a form of partial default, one that is more state-contingent than outright default. This reduces the government’s incentives to default outright and hence enlarges the repayment region, compared to a regime in which debt cannot be inflated away. Moreover, inflation delivers sizable welfare gains in situations of sovereign debt stress, in which its benefits as a debt-stabilizing tool are larger. Over the longer run, however, the welfare gains from inflation are more modest, because the inflationary bias leads the government to create inflation also in situations in which it is less useful for debt-stabilization purposes.
Density wakes driving dynamical friction in cored potentials
Authors: Kaur Karamveer , Stone Nicholas C
Published: June 2022

Dynamical friction is often modelled with reasonable accuracy by the widely used Chandrasekhar formula. However, in some circumstances, Chandrasekhar’s local and uniform approximations can break down severely. An astrophysically important example is the ‘core stalling’ phenomenon seen in N-body simulations of massive perturber inspiralling into the near-harmonic potential of a stellar system’s constant-density core (and possibly also in direct observations of dwarf galaxies with globular clusters). In this paper, we use the linearized collisionless Boltzmann equation to calculate the global response of a cored galaxy to the presence of a massive perturber. We evaluate the density deformation, or wake, due to the perturber and study its geometrical structure to better understand the phenomenon of core stalling. We also evaluate the dynamical friction torque acting on perturber from the Lynden-Bell–Kalnajs (LBK) formula. In agreement with past work, we find that the dynamical friction force arising from corotating resonances is greatly weakened, relative to the Chandrasekhar formula, inside a constant-density core. In contrast to past work, however, we find that a population of previously neglected high-order and non-corotating resonances sustain a minimum level of frictional torque at $\sim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the torque from Chandrasekhar formula. This suggests that complete core stalling likely requires phenomena beyond the LBK approach; we discuss several possible explanations. Additionally, to study core stalling for multiple perturbers, we investigate approximate secular dynamical interactions (akin to Lidov–Kozai dynamics) between two perturbers orbiting a cored stellar system and derive a criterion for instability arising due to their close encounters.
Hard-X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei – II. Spectral energy distributions in the 5–45 GHz domain
Authors: Panessa Francesca , Chiaraluce Elia , Bruni Gabriele , Dallacasa Daniele , Laor Ari , Baldi Ranieri D , Behar Ehud , McHardy Ian , Tombesi Francesco , Vagnetti Fausto
Published: June 2022

A wide-frequency radio study of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is crucial to evaluate the intervening radiative mechanisms responsible for the observed emission and relate them with the underlying accretion physics. We present wide-frequency (5–45 GHz), high-sensitivity (few $\mathrm{{\mu }Jy\, beam^{-1}}$), (sub)-kpc Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) observations of a sample of 30 nearby ($0.003\, \le \, z\, \le \, 0.3$) AGN detected by the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL)/Imager on Board the INTEGRAL Satellite (IBIS) at hard X-ray. We find a high detection fraction of radio emission at all frequencies, i.e. ≥95 per cent at 5, 10, and 15 GHz and ≥80 per cent at 22 and 45 GHz. Two sources out of 30 remain undetected at our high sensitivities. The nuclear radio morphology is predominantly compact, sometimes accompanied by extended jet-like structures, or more complex features. The radio spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the radio cores appear either as single or as a broken power law, a minority of them exhibit a peaked component. The spectral slopes are either flat/inverted or steep, up to a break/peak or over the whole range. The sample mean SED shows a flat slope up to 15 GHz that steepens between 15 and 22 GHz and becomes again flat above 22 GHz. Significant radio–X-ray correlations are observed at all frequencies. About half of the sample features extended emission, clearly resolved by the JVLA, indicating low-power jets or large-scale outflows. The unresolved cores, which often dominate the radio power, may be of jet, outflow, and/or coronal origin, depending on the observed frequency.
Phase I trial of adjuvant mature autologous dendritic cell/allogeneic tumor lysate vaccines in combination with temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Parney Ian F , Anderson S Keith , Gustafson Michael P , Steinmetz Susan , Peterson Timothy E , Kroneman Trynda N , Raghunathan Aditya , O’Neill Brian P , Buckner Jan C , Solseth Mary , Dietz Allan B
Published: June 2022

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) has poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines are promising, but widespread clinical use has not been achieved, possibly reflecting manufacturing issues of antigen choice and DC potency. We previously optimized vaccine manufacture utilizing allogeneic human GBM tumor cell lysate and potent, mature autologous DCs. Here, we report a phase I study using this optimized DC vaccine in combination with standard therapy.

Methods

Following surgical resection and radiation with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ), newly diagnosed adult GBM patients received intradermal DC vaccines plus TMZ. Primary endpoints were safety and feasibility. Immune and treatment responses were recorded.

Results

Twenty-one patients were enrolled in this study. One progressed between leukapheresis and vaccine manufacture. Twenty patients received treatment per protocol. Vaccine doses (≥15) were generated following a single leukapheresis for each patient. No dose-limiting vaccine toxicities were encountered. One patient had symptomatic, histologically proven pseudoprogression. Median progression-free survival was 9.7 months. Median overall survival was 19 months. Overall survival was 25% at 2 years and 10% at 4 years. One patient remains progression-free 5 years after enrollment. Specific CD8 T-cell responses for the tumor-associated antigen gp100 were seen post-vaccination. Patients entered the trial with a leukocyte deficit compared to healthy donors which partly normalized over the course of therapy.

Conclusions

This vaccine platform is safe and highly feasible in combination with standard therapy for newly diagnosed patients. Imaging, histological, survival, and immunological data suggest a positive biological response to therapy that warrants further investigation.
Evolution of Crassulacean acid metabolism in response to the environment: past, present, and future
Authors: Heyduk Karolina
Published: June 2022

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a mode of photosynthesis that evolved in response to decreasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere some 20 million years ago. An elevated ratio of O2 relative to CO2 caused many plants to face increasing stress from photorespiration, a process exacerbated for plants living under high temperatures or in water-limited environments. Today, our climate is again rapidly changing and plants’ ability to cope with and adapt to these novel environments is critical for their success. This review focuses on CAM plant responses to abiotic stressors likely to dominate in our changing climate: increasing CO2 levels, increasing temperatures, and greater variability in drought. Empirical studies that have assessed CAM responses are reviewed, though notably these are concentrated in relatively few CAM lineages. Other aspects of CAM biology, including the effects of abiotic stress on the light reactions and the role of leaf succulence, are also considered in the context of climate change. Finally, more recent studies using genomic techniques are discussed to link physiological changes in CAM plants with the underlying molecular mechanism. Together, the body of work reviewed suggests that CAM plants will continue to thrive in certain environments under elevated CO2. However, how CO2 interacts with other environmental factors, how those interactions affect CAM plants, and whether all CAM plants will be equally affected remain outstanding questions regarding the evolution of CAM on a changing planet.
Interplay between ARABIDOPSIS Gβ and WRKY transcription factors differentiates environmental stress responses
Authors: Boonyaves Kulaporn , Wu Ting-Ying , Dong Yating , Urano Daisuke
Published: June 2022

Different environmental stresses often evoke similar physiological disorders such as growth retardation; however, specific consequences reported among individual stresses indicate potential mechanisms to distinguish different stress types in plants. Here, we examined mechanisms to differentiate between stress types in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Gene expression patterns recapitulating several abiotic stress responses suggested abscisic acid (ABA) as a mediator of the common stress response, while stress type-specific responses were related to metabolic adaptations. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses identified Arabidopsis Gβ (AGB1) mediating the common stress-responsive genes and primary metabolisms under nitrogen excess. AGB1 regulated the expressions of multiple WRKY transcription factors. Gene Ontology and mutant analyses revealed different roles among WRKYs: WRKY40 is involved in ABA and common stress responses, while WRKY75 regulates metabolic processes. The AGB1–WRKY signaling module controlled developmental plasticity in roots under nitrogen excess. Signal transmission from AGB1 to a selective set of WRKYs would be essential to evoke unique responses to different types of stresses.
Low-intensity scheduled morning exercise for adolescents with a late chronotype: a novel treatment to advance circadian phase?
Authors: Lang Christin , Richardson Cele , Short Michelle A , Gradisar Michael
Published: June 2022

Study Objectives

During adolescence, an interplay between biological and environmental factors leads to constrained sleep duration and timing. The high prevalence of sleep deprivation during this developmental period is a public health concern, given the value of restorative sleep for mental, emotional, and physical health. One of the primary contributing factors is the normative delay of the circadian rhythm. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a gradually advanced morning exercise schedule (30 min shift each day) completed for 45 min on 5 consecutive mornings, on the circadian phase and daytime functioning of adolescents with a late chronotype, compared with a sedentary control group.

Methods

A total of 18 physically inactive male adolescents aged 15–18 years spent 6 nights at the sleep laboratory. The morning procedure included either 45 min walking on a treadmill or sedentary activities in dim light. Saliva dim light melatonin onset, evening sleepiness, and daytime functioning were assessed during the first and last night of laboratory attendance.

Results

The morning exercise group had a significantly advanced (earlier) circadian phase (27.5 min ± 32.0), while sedentary activity resulted in a phase delay (−34.3 min ± 53.2). Morning exercise also led to higher evening sleepiness in the earlier hours of the night, but not at bedtime. Mood measures improved slightly in both study conditions.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the phase-advancing effect of low-intensity morning exercise among this population. Future studies are needed to test the transference of these laboratory findings to adolescents’ real life.
Strong Resistance to Early and Late Leaf Spot in Peanut-Compatible Wild-Derived Induced Allotetraploids
Authors: Gonzales Maricel , Kemerait Robert , Bertioli David , Leal-Bertioli Soraya
Published: June 2022

Early (ELS) and late leaf spots (LLS) are two of the most destructive diseases in peanut (Arachis hypogaea). They can cause severe plant defoliation and tremendous yield loss in the absence of fungicide applications. The high costs of fungicides, their potential for deleterious effects on the environment, the tightening of regulations, and the development of fungicide resistance call for additional management strategies to mitigate both diseases. The use of resistant cultivars is an economical way to manage these diseases, but there are limited sources of leaf spot resistance available in cultivated peanuts. Wild peanut species are excellent sources of resistance, but because of the ploidy level, they do not produce fertile progeny when crossed with peanut. To circumvent this, induced allotetraploids were developed so that resistance traits can be introgressed from wild species into peanut. Here we screened 13 induced allotetraploids (BatDur1, BatDur2, BatSten1, GregSten1, IpaCor1, IpaCor2, IpaDur1, IpaDur2, IpaDur3, IpaVillo1, MagDur1, MagSten1, and ValSten1) against ELS and LLS using a detached leaf bioassay to characterize various components of resistance and identify genotypes that can be used for breeding. Strong associations were detected between the measured components of disease resistance (r = 0.91 to 1.0; P < 0.001) and between ELS and LLS bioassays (r = 0.81 to 0.91; P < 0.001). Induced allotetraploids, particularly those derived from A. stenosperma, exhibited fewer and smaller lesions with limited sporulation and reductions in disease progression in both bioassays. Interestingly, allotetraploids derived from the B-genome peanut progenitor A. ipaënsis were almost as susceptible as cultivated genotypes. The overall results reveal several sources of foliar disease resistance that can be used in breeding programs for ELS and LLS resistance.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
A Network Meta-Analysis and GRADE Assessment of the Effect of Preoperative Oral Antibiotics with and Without Mechanical Bowel Preparation on Surgical Site Infection Rate in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Jalalzadeh Hasti , Wolfhagen Niels , Harmsen Wouter J. , Griekspoor Mitchel , Boermeester Marja A.
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To compare the effect of different methods of bowel preparation on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI), anastomotic leakage (AL), and mortality in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Background:

Recent guidelines advise mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics (MBP-OA) for the prevention of SSI in colorectal surgery. Recent trials suggest oral antibiotics (OA) alone may be sufficient.

Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched from inception until 10-08-2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing multiple methods of bowel preparation (mechanical bowel preparation [MBP], OA, MBP-OA, or no preparation) with regards to clinical outcomes such as incidence of SSI, AL, and mortality rates. A frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the network effects of the different treatment options.

Results:

We included 48 studies with 13,611 patients. Compared to no preparation, combined direct and indirect network estimates showed a relative risk (RR) for SSI of 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–0.72) for MBP-OA, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.49–0.95) for OA, and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.87–1.26) for MBP. The RR for MBP-OA compared to OA was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.60–1.19); in sensitivity analysis of mainly laparoscopic procedures this effect of MBP-OA was more profound (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31–0.99).

Conclusions:

This network meta-analysis of RCTs finds that both mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics and oral antibiotics alone are comparably effective in the prevention of SSI. The evidence is uncertain about the relative benefit of MBP-OA compared to OA alone. Therefore, it seems justified to use either of the 2 for the prevention of SSI in colorectal surgery.
Malignant pleural disease: a pragmatic guide to diagnosis
Authors: Chang Christopher H. , Ost David E.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

The diagnosis of malignant pleural disease is important in the care of patients with cancer. However, a one-size-fits-all approach to diagnosis may lead to delays in care as the sensitivity of each biopsy modality varies and can be dependent on the tumor type. We review current literature on pleural biopsy techniques and propose a diagnostic algorithm for suspected malignant pleural disease.

Recent findings

Recent literature has shown that the sensitivity of pleural fluid cytology varies based on tumor type resulting in a limited value of repeated thoracenteses in many cases. Furthermore, the ability to test for molecular biomarkers on pleural fluid samples has contributed to the recommendations to send large volumes of pleural fluid for analysis. Studies have also supported the consideration of medical thoracoscopy earlier in the diagnostic work-up of malignant pleural disease.

The decision to repeat a diagnostic thoracentesis when suspecting malignant pleural effusions should take into account the primary tumor type. Open pleural biopsy with medical thoracoscopy has been shown to be a relatively safe diagnostic modality with high sensitivity and should be considered in patients with a nondiagnostic thoracentesis.
Impact of night orthotic managements on gastroc-soleus complex tightness in pediatric with flexible flatfoot: Systematic review
Authors: Payehdar Sahar , Taheri Alireza , Tahririan Mohammadali
Published: June 2022

Background:

Equinus generally is linked to many foot and ankle pathologies. A reasonably convincing relationship was found between isolated gastrocnemius or Achilles contracture and the flatfoot deformity. Achilles' tightness in flatfoot children can lead to future pain and disability, which makes it more important than other types of flatfeet. Findings in the literature suggest stretching and orthotic management as a conservative treatment for this compound disorder.

Objective:

This review aimed to examine the impact of orthotic managements on gastroc-soleus complex tightness in pediatric with flexible flatfoot.

Study design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science) was performed to find relevant articles. The level of evidence and quality was identified using Downs and Black (1998). This review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Results:

Three hundred fifty-seven studies were found by searching electronic databases. After removing duplicate documents, 190 documents remained. Three other articles were identified from the screened of related references. During title/abstract screening, 193 studies were excluded and no study was selected for full consideration for the present review.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, no study assessed the impact of orthotic management on gastroc-soleus complex tightness in children with flexible flatfoot. These devices have been proposed in spastic and nonspastic patients. Hence, researches that show whether these devices can be effective on gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon tightness in flatfoot children or not will be worthwhile.