bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithium ion batteries cathode material: V2O5
Authors: Yuan Baohe , Yuan Xiang , Zhang Binger , An Zheng , Luo Shijun , Chen Lulu
Published: August 2021

Among all the known electrode materials, vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) has high reversible capacity. It is a very valuable material for research of the complexity, rich structure and morphology. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as poor cycle stability, low discharge voltage, low conductivity and Li+ diffusion coefficient. In this regard, researchers have carried out a lot of research, such as using various methods to improve the nanostructures, introducing heterostructures, introducing point defects or cation doping in the crystal structure, etc. The electrochemical performance of V2O5 has been significantly improved in reversible capacity, high-rate capacity and long-term cycle stability. In this paper, V2O5 based nanostructure with different chemical composition are briefly introduced, and it covers V2O5 nanomaterials with different morphology, including 1D nanorods, nanobelts, nanotubes, 2D leaf like nanosheets and other nanosheets, and 3D hollow structures, porous nanostructures, porous eggshell microsphere structures. The composite nanomaterials of V2O5 and different carbonaceous supports are also introduced. Finally, the V2O5 composite materials doped with cations are discussed. The electrochemical performance of V2O5 based electrode can be improved effectively by obtaining appropriate nanostructure and optimized chemical composition.
Theoretical study on the mechanism for the excited-state double proton transfer process of an asymmetric Schiff base ligand
Authors: Wang Zhengran , Zhou Qiao , Cao Bifa , Li Bo , Zhu Lixia , Zhang Xinglei , Yin Hang , Shi Ying
Published: August 2021

Excited-state double proton transfer (ESDPT) in the 1-[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-hydrazonomethyl]-naphthalen-2-ol (HYDRAVH2) ligand was studied by the density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory method. The analysis of frontier molecular orbitals, infrared spectra, and non-covalent interactions have cross-validated that the asymmetric structure has an influence on the proton transfer, which makes the proton transfer ability of the two hydrogen protons different. The potential energy surfaces in both S0 and S1 states were scanned with varying O–H bond lengths. The results of potential energy surface analysis adequately proved that the HYDRAVH2 can undergo the ESDPT process in the S1 state and the double proton transfer process is a stepwise proton transfer mechanism. Our work can pave the way towards the design and synthesis of new molecules.
A DFT/TD-DFT study of effect of different substituent on ESIPT fluorescence features of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-4-chloromethylthiazole derivatives
Authors: Su Shen-Yang , Liang Xiu-Ning , Fang Hua
Published: August 2021

Based on density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), the effects of substituent on the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process and photophysical properties of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-4-chloromethylthiazole (HCT) are studied. The electron-donating group (CH3, OH) and electron-withdrawing group (CF3, CHO) are introduced to analyze the changes of intramolecular H-bond, the frontier molecular orbitals, the absorption/fluorescence spectra, and the energy barrier of ESIPT process. The calculation results indicate that electron-donating group strengthens the intramolecular H-bond in the S1 state, and leads to an easier ESIPT process. The electron-withdrawing group weakens the corresponding H-bond and makes ESIPT process a little harder. Different substituents also affect the photophysical properties of HCT. The electron-withdrawing group (CF3, CHO) has a little effect on electronic spectra. The electron-donating group (CH3, OH) red-shifts both the absorption and fluorescence emission peaks of HCT, respectively, which causes the Stokes shift to increase.
Universality of delay-time averages for financial time series: analytical results, computer simulations, and analysis of historical stock-market prices
Authors: Ritschel Stefan , Cherstvy Andrey G , Metzler Ralf
Published: August 2021

We analyze historical data of stock-market prices for multiple financial indices using the concept of delay-time averaging for the financial time series (FTS). The region of validity of our recent theoretical predictions [Cherstvy A Get al2017New J. Phys.19063045] for the standard and delayed time-averaged mean-squared ‘displacements’ (TAMSDs) of the historical FTS is extended to all lag times. As the first novel element, we perform extensive computer simulations of the stochastic differential equation describing geometric Brownian motion (GBM) which demonstrate a quantitative agreement with the analytical long-term price-evolution predictions in terms of the delayed TAMSD (for all stock-market indices in crisis-free times). Secondly, we present a robust procedure of determination of the model parameters of GBM via fitting the features of the price-evolution dynamics in the FTS for stocks and cryptocurrencies. The employed concept of single-trajectory-based time averaging can serve as a predictive tool (proxy) for a mathematically based assessment and rationalization of probabilistic trends in the evolution of stock-market prices.
Prescription Patterns for the Use of Antihypertensive Drugs for Primary Prevention Among Patients With Hypertension in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jiao Tianze , Platt Robert W , Douros Antonios , Filion Kristian B
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Several antihypertensive drugs are available for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, existing evidence on prescription patterns was primarily generated among patients at high CVD risk with short-term follow-up, and failed to capture impacts of time and patient characteristics. Our objective was therefore to describe longitudinal prescription patterns for antihypertensive drugs for the primary prevention of CVD among patients with arterial hypertension in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, included 660,545 patients with hypertension who initiated an antihypertensive drug between 1998 and 2018. Antihypertensive treatments were measured by drug class and described overall and in subgroups, focusing on first-line therapy (first antihypertensive drug(s) recorded after a diagnosis of hypertension) and second-line therapy (antihypertensive drug(s) prescribed as part of a treatment change following first-line therapy).

RESULTS

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (29.0%), thiazide diuretics (22.1%), and calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) (21.0%) were the most prescribed first-line therapies. ACE inhibitors have been increasingly prescribed as first-line therapy since 2001. Men were more likely to be prescribed ACE inhibitors than women (43.5% vs. 32.1%; difference: 11.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.0%–11.8%), and Black patients were more likely to be prescribed CCBs than White patients (63.6% vs. 37.0%; difference: 26.6%; 95% CI, 24.8%–28.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Antihypertensive prescription patterns for the primary prevention of CVD among patients with hypertension are consistent with treatment guidelines that were in place during the study period, providing reassurance regarding the use of evidence-based prescribing.
Hierarchical Bayesian models of transcriptional and translational regulation processes with delays
Authors: Cortez Mark Jayson , Hong Hyukpyo , Choi Boseung , Kim Jae Kyoung , Josić Krešimir
Published: August 2021

Motivation

Simultaneous recordings of gene network dynamics across large populations have revealed that cell characteristics vary considerably even in clonal lines. Inferring the variability of parameters that determine gene dynamics is key to understanding cellular behavior. However, this is complicated by the fact that the outcomes and effects of many reactions are not observable directly. Unobserved reactions can be replaced with time delays to reduce model dimensionality and simplify inference. However, the resulting models are non-Markovian, and require the development of new inference techniques.

Results

We propose a non-Markovian, hierarchical Bayesian inference framework for quantifying the variability of cellular processes within and across cells in a population. We illustrate our approach using a delayed birth–death process. In general, a distributed delay model, rather than a popular fixed delay model, is needed for inference, even if only mean reaction delays are of interest. Using in silico and experimental data we show that the proposed hierarchical framework is robust and leads to improved estimates compared to its non-hierarchical counterpart. We apply our method to data obtained using time-lapse microscopy and infer the parameters that describe the dynamics of protein production at the single cell and population level. The mean delays in protein production are larger than previously reported, have a coefficient of variation of around 0.2 across the population, and are not strongly correlated with protein production or growth rates.

Availability and implementation

Accompanying code in Python is available at https://github.com/mvcortez/Bayesian-Inference.

Contact

kresimir.josic@gmail.com or jaekkim@kaist.ac.kr or cbskust@korea.ac.kr

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Humoral immunity in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction: from B cells to antibodies
Authors: Porsch Florentina , Mallat Ziad , Binder Christoph J
Published: August 2021

Immune mechanisms are critically involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations. Associations of specific antibody levels and defined B-cell subsets with cardiovascular disease activity in humans as well as mounting evidence from preclinical models demonstrate a role of B cells and humoral immunity in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These include all aspects of B-cell immunity, the generation of antigen-specific antibodies, antigen presentation and co-stimulation of T cells, as well as production of cytokines. Through their impact on adaptive and innate immune responses and the regulation of many other immune cells, B cells mediate both protective and detrimental effects in cardiovascular disease. Several antigens derived from (oxidized) lipoproteins, the vascular wall and classical autoantigens have been identified. The unique antibody responses they trigger and their relationship with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are reviewed. In particular, we focus on the different effector functions of specific IgM, IgG, and IgE antibodies and the cellular responses they trigger and highlight potential strategies to target B-cell functions for therapy.
Pharmacodynamic effect of bempedoic acid and statin combinations: predictions from a dose–response model
Authors: Jadhav Satyawan B , Crass Ryan L , Chapel Sunny , Kerschnitzki Michael , Sasiela William J , Emery Maurice G , Amore Benny M , Barrett P Hugh R , Watts Gerald F , Catapano Alberico L
Published: August 2021

Aims

Many patients are unable to achieve guideline-recommended LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, despite taking maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapy. Bempedoic acid, a competitive inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase, significantly lowers LDL-C with or without background statin therapy in diverse populations. Because pharmacodynamic interaction between statins and bempedoic acid is complex, a dose–response model was developed to predict LDL-C pharmacodynamics following administration of statins combined with bempedoic acid.

Methods and results

Bempedoic acid and statin dosing and LDL-C data were pooled from 14 phase 1–3 clinical studies. Dose–response models were developed for bempedoic acid monotherapy and bempedoic acid–statin combinations using previously published statin parameters. Simulations were performed using these models to predict change in LDL-C levels following treatment with bempedoic acid combined with clinically relevant doses of atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin. Dose–response models predicted that combining bempedoic acid with the lowest statin dose of commonly used statins would achieve a similar degree of LDL-C lowering as quadrupling that statin dose; for example, the predicted LDL-C lowering was 54% with atorvastatin 80 mg compared with 54% with atorvastatin 20 mg + bempedoic acid 180 mg, and 42% with simvastatin 40 mg compared with 46% with simvastatin 10 mg + bempedoic acid 180 mg.

Conclusion

These findings suggest bempedoic acid combined with lower statin doses offers similar LDL-C lowering compared with statin monotherapy at higher doses, potentially sparing patients requiring additional lipid-lowering therapies from the adverse events associated with higher statin doses.
Health Outcomes Management Evaluation—A National Analysis of Dutch Heart Care
Authors: van der Nat Paul B , Derks Lineke , van Veghel Dennis
Published: August 2021

Aims

A group of heart centres in the Netherlands have been at the forefront internationally to implement the principles of value-based healthcare. This study aims to give an up-to-date assessment of outcome-based quality improvement in 2020 at a national level in Dutch heart care.

Methods and results

Physicians and healthcare professionals for each participating hospital filled out a questionnaire with 26 detailed questions on quality improvement and organization of care. In total, 20 hospitals participated; 11 heart centres with thoracic surgery and 9 without thoracic surgery. Results show that outcome reports are actively used within the heart centres to support quality improvement initiatives. In 50% of the centres, apart from physicians, also nurses and hospital management are involved. For 60% of the heart centres, outcome measurement is embedded in strategy and annual plans. The stage of development of supporting IT infrastructure (outcome measurement in the Electronic Health Record and dashboards) is very diverse. A wide range of different learning strategies supports outcome-based quality improvement.

Conclusion

Health outcomes have become a relevant element in quality improvement and organization of Dutch heart centres. Earlier research shows that in 2012–2016 heart centres focused mainly on measuring outcomes. Now in 2020, heart centres are more able to actually use the acquired insights based on these measurements to initiate improvement projects. The diversity in how this is done indicates that this field is still strongly developing and shows potential for heart centres to share best practices in the implementation of value-based healthcare.
Communication is key: extracellular vesicles as mediators of infection and defence during host–microbe interactions in animals and plants
Authors: U. Stotz Henrik , Brotherton Dominik , Inal Jameel
Published: August 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are now understood to be ubiquitous mediators of cellular communication. In this review, we suggest that EVs have evolved into a highly regulated system of communication with complex functions including export of wastes, toxins and nutrients, targeted delivery of immune effectors and vectors of RNA silencing. Eukaryotic EVs come in different shapes and sizes and have been classified according to their biogenesis and size distributions. Small EVs (or exosomes) are released through fusion of endosome-derived multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. Medium EVs (or microvesicles) bud off the plasma membrane as a form of exocytosis. Finally, large EVs (or apoptotic bodies) are produced as a result of the apoptotic process. This review considers EV secretion and uptake in four eukaryotic kingdoms, three of which produce cell walls. The impacts cell walls have on EVs in plants and fungi are discussed, as are roles of fungal EVs in virulence. Contributions of plant EVs to development and innate immunity are presented. Compelling cases are sporophytic self-incompatibility and cellular invasion by haustorium-forming filamentous pathogens. The involvement of EVs in all of these eukaryotic processes is reconciled considering their evolutionary history.
The relations between the corner frequency, seismic moment and source dynamic parameters derived from the spontaneous rupture of a circular fault
Authors: Wen Jian , Xu Jiankuan , Chen Xiaofei
Published: August 2021

The stress drop is an important dynamic source parameter for understanding the physics of source processes. The estimation of stress drops for moderate and small earthquakes is based on measurements of the corner frequency ${f_c}$, the seismic moment ${M_0}$ and a specific theoretical model of rupture behaviour. To date, several theoretical rupture models have been used. However, different models cause considerable differences in the estimated stress drop, even in an idealized scenario of circular earthquake rupture. Moreover, most of these models are either kinematic or quasi-dynamic models. Compared with previous models, we use the boundary integral equation method to simulate spontaneous dynamic rupture in a homogeneous elastic full space and then investigate the relations between the corner frequency, seismic moment and source dynamic parameters. Spontaneous ruptures include two states: runaway ruptures, in which the rupture does not stop without a barrier, and self-arresting ruptures, in which the rupture can stop itself after nucleation. The scaling relationships between ${f_c}$, ${M_0}$ and the dynamic parameters for runaway ruptures are different from those for self-arresting ruptures. There are obvious boundaries in those scaling relations that distinguish runaway ruptures from self-arresting ruptures. Because the stress drop varies during the rupture and the rupture shape is not circular, Eshelby's analytical solution may be inaccurate for spontaneous dynamic ruptures. For runaway ruptures, the relations between the corner frequency and dynamic parameters coincide with those in the previous kinematic or quasi-dynamic models. For self-arresting ruptures, the scaling relationships are opposite to those for runaway ruptures. Moreover, the relation between ${f_c}$ and ${M_0}$ for a spontaneous dynamic rupture depends on three factors: the dynamic rupture state, the background stress and the nucleation zone size. The scaling between ${f_c}$ and ${M_0}$ is ${f_c} \propto {M_0^{ - n}}$, where n is larger than 0. Earthquakes with the same dimensionless dynamic parameters but different nucleation zone sizes are self-similar and follow a ${f_c} \propto {M_0^{ - 1/3}}$ scaling law. However, if the nucleation zone size does not change, the relation between ${f_c}$ and ${M_0}$ shows a clear departure from self-similarity due to the rupture state or background stress.
Sensitivity of SK(K)S and ScS phases to heterogeneous anisotropy in the lowermost mantle from global wavefield simulations
Authors: Wolf Jonathan , Long Maureen D , Leng Kuangdai , Nissen-Meyer Tarje
Published: August 2021

Observations of seismic anisotropy at the base of the mantle are abundant. Given recent progress in understanding how deformation relates to anisotropy in lowermost mantle minerals at the relevant pressure and temperature conditions, these observations can be used to test specific geodynamic scenarios, and have the potential to reveal patterns of flow at the base of the mantle. For example, several recent studies have sought to reproduce measurements of shear wave splitting due to D″ anisotropy using models that invoke specific flow and texture development geometries. A major limitation in such studies, however, is that the forward modelling is nearly always carried out using a ray theoretical framework, and finite-frequency wave propagation effects are not considered. Here we present a series of numerical wave propagation simulation experiments that explore the finite-frequency sensitivity of SKS, SKKS and ScS phases to laterally varying anisotropy at the base of the mantle. We build on previous work that developed forward modelling capabilities for anisotropic lowermost mantle models using the AxiSEM3D spectral element solver, which can handle arbitrary anisotropic geometries. This approach enables us to compute seismograms for relatively short periods (∼4 s) for models that include fully 3-D anisotropy at moderate computational cost. We generate synthetic waveforms for a suite of anisotropic models with increasing complexity. We first test a variety of candidate elastic tensors in laterally homogeneous models to understand how different lowermost mantle elasticity scenarios express themselves in shear wave splitting measurements. We then consider a series of laterally heterogeneous models of increasing complexity, exploring how splitting behaviour varies across the edges of anisotropic blocks and investigating the minimum sizes of anisotropic heterogeneities that can be reliably detected using SKS, SKKS and ScS splitting. Finally, we apply our modelling strategy to a previously published observational study of anisotropy at the base of the mantle beneath Iceland. Our results show that while ray theory is often a suitable approximation for predicting splitting, particularly for SK(K)S phases, full-wave effects on splitting due to lowermost mantle anisotropy can be considerable in some circumstances. Our simulations illuminate some of the challenges inherent in reliably detecting deep mantle anisotropy using body wave phases, and point to new strategies for interpreting SKS, SKKS and ScS waveforms that take full advantage of newly available computational techniques in seismology.
Opposing effects of plant growth regulators via clonal integration on apical and basal performance in alligator weed
Authors: Qi Shanshan , Rutherford Susan , He Furong , Dong Bi-Cheng , Zhu Bin , Dai Zhicong , Fu Weiguo , Mao Hanping , Du Daolin
Published: August 2021

Invasive plants are a major threat to biodiversity and may adversely affect food security. Clonal integration enables the sharing of resources between connected ramets and can enhance plant performance in many invasive species. However, few studies have examined the role of clonal integration when weeds are exposed to plant growth regulators (PGRs). PGRs are used extensively in agriculture and may affect nearby weeds through soil leaching, erosion and runoff. Our aim was to investigate the effects of clonal integration on growth in a noxious weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed), in response to two PGRs frequently used in agriculture, gibberellins (GAs) and paclobutrazol (PAC). Ramets of A. philoxeroides were propagated in the greenhouse, and treated with PGRs. PGRs were applied to the older ramets (i.e. ‘basal’ part), with half of the plants having the stems between the apical (younger) and basal parts left connected, while the remaining plants had the stems between the two parts severed. Following the growing period, plants were measured for growth traits. We found that GA and PAC had contrasting effects on plant growth. GA significantly promoted above-ground growth of the apical ramets via clonal integration. Alternatively, PAC inhibited above-ground growth in the basal and apical parts, and enhanced below-ground growth of the basal and apical ramets through clonal integration. Our results highlight how clonal integration can promote growth in A. philoxeroides following the application of PGRs, which is likely an important mechanism for this species to invade new environments.
Dark Energy Survey year 3 results: covariance modelling and its impact on parameter estimation and quality of fit
Authors: Friedrich O , Andrade-Oliveira F , Camacho H , Alves O , Rosenfeld R , Sanchez J , Fang X , Eifler T F , Krause E , Chang C , Omori Y , Amon A , Baxter E , Elvin-Poole J , Huterer D , Porredon A , Prat J , Terra V , Troja A , Alarcon A , Bechtol K , Bernstein G M , Buchs R , Campos A , Carnero Rosell A , Carrasco Kind M , Cawthon R , Choi A , Cordero J , Crocce M , Davis C , DeRose J , Diehl H T , Dodelson S , Doux C , Drlica-Wagner A , Elsner F , Everett S , Fosalba P , Gatti M , Giannini G , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Harrison I , Hartley W G , Jain B , Jarvis M , MacCrann N , McCullough J , Muir J , Myles J , Pandey S , Raveri M , Roodman A , Rodriguez-Monroy M , Rykoff E S , Samuroff S , Sánchez C , Secco L F , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Sheldon E , Troxel M A , Weaverdyck N , Yanny B , Aguena M , Avila S , Bacon D , Bertin E , Bhargava S , Brooks D , Burke D L , Carretero J , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , Pereira M E S , De Vicente J , Desai S , Evrard A E , Ferrero I , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Gerdes D W , Giannantonio T , Gschwend J , Gutierrez G , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , James D J , Kuehn K , Lahav O , Lima M , Maia M A G , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Morgan R , Palmese A , Paz-Chinchón F , Plazas A A , Sanchez E , Scarpine V , Serrano S , Soares-Santos M , Smith M , Suchyta E , Tarle G , Thomas D , To C , Varga T N , Weller J , Wilkinson R D ,   DES Collaboration
Published: August 2021

We describe and test the fiducial covariance matrix model for the combined two-point function analysis of the Dark Energy Survey Year 3 (DES-Y3) data set. Using a variety of new ansatzes for covariance modelling and testing, we validate the assumptions and approximations of this model. These include the assumption of Gaussian likelihood, the trispectrum contribution to the covariance, the impact of evaluating the model at a wrong set of parameters, the impact of masking and survey geometry, deviations from Poissonian shot noise, galaxy weighting schemes, and other sub-dominant effects. We find that our covariance model is robust and that its approximations have little impact on goodness of fit and parameter estimation. The largest impact on best-fitting figure-of-merit arises from the so-called fsky approximation for dealing with finite survey area, which on average increases the χ2 between maximum posterior model and measurement by $3.7{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ (Δχ2 ≈ 18.9). Standard methods to go beyond this approximation fail for DES-Y3, but we derive an approximate scheme to deal with these features. For parameter estimation, our ignorance of the exact parameters at which to evaluate our covariance model causes the dominant effect. We find that it increases the scatter of maximum posterior values for Ωm and σ8 by about $3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and for the dark energy equation-of-state parameter by about $5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$.
Discovery and characterization of five new eclipsing AM CVn systems
Authors: van Roestel J , Kupfer T , Green M J , Wong T L S , Bildsten L , Burdge K , Prince T , Marsh T R , Szkody P , Fremling C , Graham M J , Dhillon V S , Littlefair S P , Bellm E C , Coughlin M , Duev D A , Goldstein D A , Laher R R , Rusholme B , Riddle R , Dekany R , Kulkarni S R
Published: August 2021

AM CVn systems are ultra-compact, hydrogen-depleted, and helium-rich, accreting binaries with degenerate or semidegenerate donors. We report the discovery of five new eclipsing AM CVn systems with orbital periods of 61.5, 55.5, 53.3, 37.4, and 35.4 min. These systems were discovered by searching for deep eclipses in the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) light curves of white dwarfs selected using Gaia parallaxes. We obtained phase-resolved spectroscopy to confirm that all systems are AM CVn binaries, and we obtained high-speed photometry to confirm the eclipse and characterize the systems. The spectra show double-peaked H e lines but also show metals, including K and Zn, elements that have never been detected in AM CVn systems before. By modelling the high-speed photometry, we measured the mass and radius of the donor star, potentially constraining the evolutionary channel that formed these AM CVn systems. We determined that the average mass of the accreting white dwarf is ≈0.8 M⊙, and that the white dwarfs in long-period systems are hotter than predicted by recently updated theoretical models. The donors have a high entropy and are a factor of ≈2 more massive compared to zero-entropy donors at the same orbital period. The large donor radius is most consistent with H e-star progenitors, although the observed spectral features seem to contradict this. The discovery of five new eclipsing AM CVn systems is consistent with the known observed AM CVn space density and estimated ZTF recovery efficiency.
Dark matter density profiles in dwarf galaxies: linking Jeans modelling systematics and observation
Authors: Chang Laura J , Necib Lina
Published: August 2021

The distribution of dark matter in dwarf galaxies can have important implications on our understanding of galaxy formation as well as the particle physics properties of dark matter. However, accurately characterizing the dark matter content of dwarf galaxies is challenging due to limited data and complex dynamics that are difficult to accurately model. In this paper, we apply spherical Jeans modelling to simulated stellar kinematic data of spherical, isotropic dwarf galaxies with the goal of identifying the future observational directions that can improve the accuracy of the inferred dark matter distributions in the Milky Way dwarf galaxies. We explore how the dark matter inference is affected by the location and number of observed stars as well as the line-of-sight velocity measurement errors. We use mock observation to demonstrate the difficulty in constraining the inner core/cusp of the dark matter distribution with data sets of fewer than 10 000 stars. We also demonstrate the need for additional measurements to make robust estimates of the expected dark matter annihilation signal strength. For the purpose of deriving robust indirect detection constraints, we identify Ursa Major II, Ursa Minor, and Draco as the systems that would most benefit from additional stars being observed.
The structure of the Milky Way based on unWISE 3.4 μm integrated photometry
Authors: Mosenkov Aleksandr V , Savchenko Sergey S , Smirnov Anton A , Camps Peter
Published: August 2021

We present a detailed analysis of the Galaxy structure using an unWISE wide-field image at $3.4\,\mu$m. We perform a 3D photometric decomposition of the Milky Way taking into account (i) the projection of the Galaxy on the celestial sphere and (ii) that the observer is located within the Galaxy at the solar radius. We consider a large set of photometric models starting with a pure disc model and ending with a complex model that consists of thin and thick discs plus a boxy-peanut-shaped bulge. In our final model, we incorporate many observed features of the Milky Way, such as the disc flaring and warping, several overdensities in the plane, and the dust extinction. The model of the bulge with the corresponding X-shape structure is obtained from N-body simulations of a Milky Way-like galaxy. This allows us to retrieve the parameters of the aforementioned stellar components, estimate their contribution to the total Galaxy luminosity, and constrain the position angle of the bar. The mass of the thick disc in our models is estimated to be 0.4–1.3 of that for the thin disc. The results of our decomposition can be directly compared to those obtained for external galaxies via multicomponent photometric decomposition.
Stellar dynamics in the periodic cube
Authors: Magorrian John
Published: August 2021

We use the problem of dynamical friction within the periodic cube to illustrate the application of perturbation theory in stellar dynamics, testing its predictions against measurements from N-body simulations. Our development is based on the explicitly time-dependent Volterra integral equation for the cube’s linear response, which avoids the subtleties encountered in analyses based on complex frequency. We obtain an expression for the self-consistent response of the cube to steady stirring by an external perturber. From this, we show how to obtain the familiar Chandrasekhar dynamical friction formula and construct an elementary derivation of the Lenard–Balescu equation for the secular quasi-linear evolution of an isolated cube composed of N equal-mass stars. We present an alternative expression for the (real-frequency) van Kampen modes of the cube and show explicitly how to decompose any linear perturbation of the cube into a superposition of such modes.
Awareness, management, and practice patterns of pediatric NAFLD by primary care physicians
Authors: Lee-Kim Victoria , Morkem Rachael , Barber David , Flemming Jennifer A , Kehar Mohit
Published: August 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children. Primary-care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in identifying patients requiring specialist referral. In this study, we aim to determine PCPs’ practice patterns for paediatric NAFLD, as knowledge gaps have been reported for adult NAFLD.

Methods

A survey was sent to 60 PCPs in the Eastern Ontario Network from July 2019 to January 2020.

Results

Thirty-seven (62%) PCPs responded to the survey. Twenty-one incorrectly considered the prevalence of paediatric NAFLD to be ≤10%. The majority (35/36) cared for less than five paediatric NAFLD patients. Thirty-four (92%) were only ‘slightly familiar’ or ‘not familiar at all’ with paediatric NAFLD. Only one PCP routinely screens for NAFLD. Only one PCP was aware of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) clinical guidelines for paediatric NAFLD. Twenty-five (68%) correctly selected lifestyle modifications as a treatment option. Lack of confidence in the knowledge of NAFLD was the most common barrier for managing paediatric cases.

Conclusion

The majority of PCPs are not screening for paediatric NAFLD and are not familiar with its clinical spectrum, citing a lack of knowledge regarding NAFLD as the greatest barrier. This may cause delays in diagnosis and a presentation with advanced fibrosis at the time of specialist referral. Dissemination and implementation of clinical guidelines have the potential to improve knowledge and screening rates for NAFLD in children at the primary-care level.
DISCO: Species Tree Inference using Multicopy Gene Family Tree Decomposition
Authors: Willson James , Roddur Mrinmoy Saha , Liu Baqiao , Zaharias Paul , Warnow Tandy
Published: August 2021

Species tree inference from gene family trees is a significant problem in computational biology. However, gene tree heterogeneity, which can be caused by several factors including gene duplication and loss, makes the estimation of species trees very challenging. While there have been several species tree estimation methods introduced in recent years to specifically address gene tree heterogeneity due to gene duplication and loss (such as DupTree, FastMulRFS, ASTRAL-Pro, and SpeciesRax), many incur high cost in terms of both running time and memory. We introduce a new approach, DISCO, that decomposes the multi-copy gene family trees into many single copy trees, which allows for methods previously designed for species tree inference in a single copy gene tree context to be used. We prove that using DISCO with ASTRAL (i.e., ASTRAL-DISCO) is statistically consistent under the GDL model, provided that ASTRAL-Pro correctly roots and tags each gene family tree. We evaluate DISCO paired with different methods for estimating species trees from single copy genes (e.g., ASTRAL, ASTRID, and IQ-TREE) under a wide range of model conditions, and establish that high accuracy can be obtained even when ASTRAL-Pro is not able to correctly roots and tags the gene family trees. We also compare results using MI, an alternative decomposition strategy from Yang Y. and Smith S.A. (2014), and find that DISCO provides better accuracy, most likely as a result of covering more of the gene family tree leafset in the output decomposition. [Concatenation analysis; gene duplication and loss; species tree inference; summary method.]
Hersch and Elihu Lauterpacht and the relevance of private law sources for international law: from theory to practice against the background of international law's evolution and the adoption of the Unidroit Principles
Authors: Steingruber Andrea Marco
Published: August 2021

Private law sources in international law were a main object of study of Sir Hersch Lauterpacht, who is considered one of the greatest international lawyers of the last century. In his time, the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law’s Principles of International Commercial Contracts (PICC) did not exist. The first version of the PICC was only published in 1994, more than three decades after his death. In the year 2000, the disputing parties of an investment treaty arbitration case concluded before a tribunal chaired by his son, Sir Elihu Lauterpacht, a settlement agreement dated 20 March 2000, which would later be embodied in an International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Additional Facility arbitral award issued by the tribunal on 18 September 2000, where they incorporated slightly modified PICC provisions. The present article will argue that private law sources are still important in certain areas of international law, such as investment arbitration. In investment arbitration, they are not only important in presence of contracts but they can also arguably be useful for the interpretation of treaties. Investment tribunals have indeed recognized the importance of the PICC for both the interpretation of contracts (transnational agreements) and the interpretation of treaties (international agreements).
DMRT1gene disruption alone induces incomplete gonad feminization in chicken
Authors: Lee Hong Jo , Seo Minseok , Choi Hee Jung , Rengaraj Deivendran , Jung Kyung Min , Park Jin Se , Lee Kyung Youn , Kim Young Min , Park Kyung Je , Han Soo Taek , Lee Kyu Hyuk , Yao Humphrey Hung‐Chang , Han Jae Yong
Published: August 2021

Compared with the well‐described XY sex determination system in mammals, the avian ZW sex determination system is poorly understood. Knockdown and overexpression studies identified doublesex and mab‐3‐related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) as the testis‐determining gene in chicken. However, the detailed effects ofDMRT1gene disruption from embryonic to adult development are not clear. Herein, we have generatedDMRT1‐disrupted chickens using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats‐associated protein 9 system, followed by an analysis of physiological, hormonal, and molecular changes in the genome‐modified chickens. In the early stages of male chicken development, disruption ofDMRT1induced gonad feminization with extensive physiological and molecular changes; however, functional feminine reproductivity could not be implemented with disturbed hormone synthesis. Subsequent RNA‐sequencing analysis of theDMRT1‐disrupted chicken gonads revealed gene networks, including several novel genes linearly and non‐linearly associated withDMRT1, which are involved in gonad feminization. By comparing the gonads of wild type with the genome‐modified chickens, a set of genes were identified that is involved in the ZW sex determination system independent ofDMRT1. Our results extend beyond the Z‐dosage hypothesis to provide further information about the avian ZW sex determination system and epigenetic effects of gonad feminization.
Reviewing acute hip fractures in adults
Authors: Barry Meagan L. , Maday Kristopher R.
Published: August 2021

Hip fractures are considered a significant public health issue, representing a substantial burden on our healthcare system and society. They are one of the leading causes of disability among older adults, especially women. Globally, an estimated 18% of women and 6% of men will be affected by hip fractures at some time in life. Hip fractures are a major cause of long-term disability among older adults and more significant than mortality, as only 60% of patients regain their preinjury level of mobility. This has detrimental effects on quality of life and activities of daily living, imposing a level of dependence that has personal, social, and systemic consequences.
An adult presentation of a childhood disease
Authors: Manley David P.
Published: August 2021

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common childhood disease that can cause more severe symptoms and complications in infected adults, including myocarditis, meningitis, and encephalitis. This article describes the presentation and management of an adult with hand, foot, and mouth disease.
The effect of team-based care practice on productivity for family physicians
Authors: Willis Joel , Cawley James F.
Published: August 2021

About 60% of family physician practices employ PAs and/or NPs but gaps exist in the knowledge of the clinical effects on physician-PA and physician-NP teams. This review summarizes and comments on the significance of a recent report from the American Board of Family Medicine that compares the scope of practice of family physicians for family physicians practicing with either a PA, NP, or both.
The Etiology of Pneumonia in HIV-uninfected South African Children
Authors: Moore David P. , Baillie Vicky L. , Mudau Azwifarwi , Wadula Jeannette , Adams Tanja , Mangera Shafeeka , Verwey Charl , Prosperi Christine , Higdon Melissa M. , Haddix Meredith , Hammitt Laura L. , Feikin Daniel R. , O’Brien Katherine L. , Deloria Knoll Maria , Murdoch David R. , Simões Eric A.F. , Madhi Shabir A.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Pneumonia is the major contributor to under 5 childhood mortality globally. We evaluated the etiology of pneumonia amongst HIV-uninfected South African children enrolled into the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health case-control study.

Methods:

Cases, 1–59 months of age hospitalized with World Health Organization clinically defined severe/very severe pneumonia, were frequency-matched by age and season to community controls. Nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal swabs were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction for 33 respiratory pathogens, and whole blood was tested for pneumococcal autolysin. Cases were also tested forMycobacterium tuberculosis. Population etiologic fractions (EF) of pneumonia with radiologic evidence of consolidation/infiltrate were derived for each pathogen through Bayesian analysis.

Results:

Of the 805 HIV-uninfected cases enrolled based on clinical criteria, radiologically confirmed pneumonia was evident in 165 HIV-exposed, -uninfected, and 246 HIV-unexposed children. In HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed children, respiratory syncytial virus was the most important pathogen with EFs of 31.6% [95% credible interval (CrI), 24.8%–38.8%] and 36.4% (95% CrI, 30.5%–43.1%), respectively.M. tuberculosiscontributed EFs of 11.6% (95% CrI, 6.1%–18.8%) in HIV-exposed and 8.3% (95% CrI, 4.5%–13.8%) in HIV-unexposed children, including an EF of 16.3% (95% CrI, 6.1%–33.3%) in HIV-exposed children ≥12 months of age. Bacteremia (3.0% vs. 1.6%) and case fatality risk (3.6% vs. 3.7%) were similar in HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed children.

Conclusions:

Vaccination strategies targeting respiratory syncytial virus should be prioritized for prevention of pneumonia in children. Furthermore, interventions are required to address the high burden of tuberculosis in the pathogenesis of acute community-acquired pneumonia in settings such as ours.
A New Era in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Golpanian Rachel Shireen , Gonzalez Juan M. , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: August 2021

Atopic dermatitis is a notoriously itchy condition that has profound effects on patient quality of life. The pathophysiology of this disease involves immune dysregulation, genetics, and environmental triggers contributing to barrier dysfunction characteristic of this disease. With advances in knowledge of atopic dermatitis pathophysiology, novel drugs have changed the lives of many patients. Furthermore, as dermatologic diseases are often a large component of primary care, it is important for the nurse practitioner to be aware of updates in management. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review on the treatment of atopic dermatitis including novel therapies.
Expression of Cathepsins B, D, and G in Hypertrophic Port-wine Stain
Authors: Koh Sabrina P. , Brasch Helen D. , Patel Josie , Bockett Nicholas , Paterson Erin , Davis Paul F. , Tan Swee T.
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Cathepsins B, D, and G are expressed in vascular anomalies, fibroproliferative conditions, and malignancies. We investigated expression of these cathepsins and their localization to the embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like population in hypertrophic port-wine stain (hPWS).

Methods:

Immunohistochemical staining for cathepsins B, D, and G was performed on 15 hPWS tissue samples. Immunofluorescence dual staining investigated localization of the cathepsins with endothelial marker CD31, ESC markers OCT4 and SOX2, and mast cell markers chymase and tryptase on 2 hPWS tissue samples. Protein and transcript expression were investigated by western blotting and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction on 6 tissue samples and 3 hPWS-derived primary cell lines, respectively. Enzymatic activity assays of cathepsins B and D were performed on 6 tissue samples.

Results:

Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of cathepsins B and D on the endothelium and media of lesional vessels and cells within the stroma. Cathepsin G was expressed in the stroma. Immunofluorescence staining showed localization of cathepsins B and D to the OCT4+/SOX2+ population, and cathepsin G to mast cells, in hPWS. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated transcript expression of all 3 cathepsins in hPWS tissues and cathepsins B and D in cell lines. Protein expression and enzymatic activity of cathepsins B and D was confirmed by western blotting and enzymatic activity assays, respectively.

Conclusion:

Cathepsins B and D are expressed by the ESC-like population on the endothelium and media of the lesional vessels and stroma, and cathepsin G is expressed by mast cells in hPWS. Functional investigations are needed to fully elucidate the functional role of these cathepsins in hPWS.
Incidence of Concussion and Time to Return-to-Play in the National Rugby League
Authors: Iverson Grant L. , Gardner Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

To examine the rates of concussion and recovery time over the course of 2 seasons of the National Rugby League (NRL).

Design:

Descriptive cohort study.

Setting:

The NRL match play concussion injury surveillance system.

Participants:

All NRL players who participated in the 2017 and 2018 season.

Main Outcome Measures:

The (1) frequency of sideline injury surveillance identified head impact events in real-time during the games, (2) frequency of head injury assessments conducted by the medical staff, (3) frequency of medically diagnosed concussions, (4) number of days to medical clearance to return-to-play, and (5) number of games missed after concussion.

Main Results:

There were 472 head injury assessments conducted during the games and 149 medically diagnosed concussions over the course of 2 NRL seasons (1 concussion every 2.70 games). The median number of days until medical clearance was 6 (M = 6.85, SD = 8.03, interquartile range = 4-7; range = 0-79 days). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of days to be medically cleared to return to full contact or match play between seasons (U = 3517.00, P = 0.001), and the percentage of players medically cleared to return-to-play at 5 days after injury was 60.6% in 2017 and 27.6% in 2018. Most players (87.9%) did not miss a game after injury.

Conclusions:

There is approximately one concussion sustained for every 3 games in the NRL. Most players are medically cleared to return-to-play in 4 to 7 days.