bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-purity single photons obtained with moderate-NA optics from SiV center in nanodiamonds on a bullseye antenna
Authors: Waltrich Richard , Lubotzky Boaz , Abudayyeh Hamza , Steiger Elena S , Fehler Konstantin G , Lettner Niklas , Davydov Valery A , Agafonov Viatcheslav N , Rapaport Ronen , Kubanek Alexander
Published: October 2021

Coherent exchange of single photons is at the heart of applied quantum optics. The negatively-charged silicon vacancy center in diamond is among most promising sources for coherent single photons. Its large Debye–Waller factor, short lifetime and extraordinary spectral stability is unique in the field of solid-state single photon sources. However, the excitation and detection of individual centers requires high numerical aperture (NA) optics which, combined with the need for cryogenic temperatures, puts technical overhead on experimental realizations. Here, we investigate a hybrid quantum photonics platform based on silicon-vacancy center in nanodiamonds and metallic bullseye antenna to realize a coherent single-photon resource that operates efficiently down to low NA optics with an inherent resistance to misalignment.
Study on pedestal fluctuations in H-modes without large ELMs during the transition to a detached tungsten divertor in EAST
Authors: Ye Y. , Chen R. , Xu G.S. , Wang L. , Guo H.Y. , Zhou C. , Wang Y.F. , Xu J.C. , Lin X. , Wang Y.M. , Zang Q. , Duan Y.M. , Zhang L. , Liu J.B. , Wu X.Q. , Yang Q.Q. , Li G.S. , Wan B.N.
Published: October 2021

Simultaneous control of the damaging erosion induced by the transient and steady-state heat/particle fluxes on the divertor target material is one of the critical issues for next-step magnetic fusion devices. H-mode operation without large edge-localized modes has been achieved in EAST with an ITER-like tungsten divertor, while being compatible with the partial and pronounced detachment in divertor, via either ramping-up of bulk density or injection of low/high-Z impurities. The pedestal characteristics during the transition from the attached to the detached divertor and the reversed transition (detached to attached) under different detachment methods are studied in detail, where the evolution of multi fluctuating structures commonly residing in the H-mode pedestal of EAST (edge coherent mode (ECM), magnetic coherent mode (MCM) and high frequency mode (HFM)) is highlighted. In addition, the possible mechanisms that affect the behavior of these modes, such as the pedestal pressure gradient and the collisionality, have also been discussed. The radial structures of ECM, MCM and HFM are detected, for the first time, in one discharge. Relevant research may provide contribution to obtaining an integrated small/no ELM and radiative divertor scenario in the next step.
A study on shrinkage residual stresses, microstructure and mechanical properties of ASS thick pipe welded by GMAW process
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Barla Nikki Archana , Anant Ramkishor , Kumar Saxena Kuldeep
Published: October 2021

In this investigation, AISI 304LN austenitic stainless steel pipes having 25 mm thickness and 300 mm inner diameter with conventional and narrow groove were welded by continuous current gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and pulse current gas metal arc welding (P-GMAW) process. A gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process was used for the welding of the root pass. Microstructural study was carried out in fusion zone (FZ) and heat-affected zone (HAZ). A favourable microstructure characteristic was observed in the P-GMAW process. The study of transverse shrinkage and shrinkage stresses were done on the conventional groove with GMAW and P-GMAW process and narrow groove by P-GMAW process. It was found that narrow groove weld design with controlled welding parameters can reduce 45% shrinkage as compare to conventional groove, similarly 30% reduction in shrinkage stress can be achieved. The tensile properties were observed to increased, such as yield strength was improved from 260 MPa to 310 MPa and ultimate strength was improved from 510 MPa to 550 MPa in the case of narrow groove weld by the P-GMAW process.
Broadband diffraction of correlated photons from crystal superlattices
Authors: Toa Zi S D , Paterova Anna V , Krivitsky Leonid A
Published: October 2021

Sources of broadband quantum correlated photons present a valuable resource for quantum metrology, sensing, and communication. Here, we report the generation of spectrally broadband correlated photons from frequency nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a custom-designed lithium niobate superlattice. The superlattice induces a nonlinear interference between the pump, signal and idler, resulting in an experimentally observed comb-like emission spanning 0.060 μm and 1.4 μm of spectral bandwidth at 0.647 μm and 3.0 μm wavelengths, respectively. While this broad mid-infrared bandwidth is attractive to quantum metrology and sensing due to the enablement of fast spectral multiplexing for data acquisition, the comb-like structure, achieved without an input frequency comb, offers targeted frequencies for quantum communication applications. In addition to useful technological applications, our concept offers an interesting analogy between optical diffraction in quantum and classical optics.
Experimental and numerical study of underwater piezoelectric generator based on Vortex-induced Vibration
Authors: Liu Min , Xia Hui , Liu Guoqiang
Published: October 2021

Efficient energy use to be transformed into electricity for small power devices has drawn increasing attention. A piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed to convert flow energy underwater to electrical energy. The harvester consists of the connecting device, springs, base, bluff body, piezoelectric cantilever beam and displacement sensor. The output voltage is derived from the flow-solid-electric coupling equations, including a nonlinear van der Pol equation, a linear equation of structural vibration and a piezoelectric equivalent circuit. Vibration response and output performance are obtained based on the finite central difference method. The theoretical results show that the vibration frequency, amplitude and average power increase with the limited water velocity. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a proper selection of structure mass and load resistance can improve average harvested power for the available water velocity. Finally, the experimental prototype is fabricated to test piezoelectric generator performance at different water speeds, which shows good agreement with the theoretical results. This work provides a significant guide for the underwater use of piezoelectric energy harvesters.
Opinion formation on social networks with algorithmic bias: dynamics and bias imbalance
Authors: Peralta Antonio F , Kertész János , Iñiguez Gerardo
Published: October 2021

We investigate opinion dynamics and information spreading on networks under the influence of content filtering technologies. The filtering mechanism, present in many online social platforms, reduces individuals’ exposure to disagreeing opinions, producing algorithmic bias. We derive evolution equations for global opinion variables in the presence of algorithmic bias, network community structure, noise (independent behavior of individuals), and pairwise or group interactions. We consider the case where the social platform shows a predilection for one opinion over its opposite, unbalancing the dynamics in favor of that opinion. We show that if the imbalance is strong enough, it may determine the final global opinion and the dynamical behavior of the population. We find a complex phase diagram including phases of coexistence, consensus, and polarization of opinions as possible final states of the model, with phase transitions of different order between them. The fixed point structure of the equations determines the dynamics to a large extent. We focus on the time needed for convergence and conclude that this quantity varies within a wide range, showing occasionally signatures of critical slowing down and meta-stability.
A theorem about Σ¹₁ equivalence relations
Authors: Becker Howard
Published: October 2021

Any

Σ
1
1

\Sigma ^1_1

equivalence relation which is invariant under hyperarithmetic equivalence is also invariant under admissible ordinal equivalence.
KGANCDA: predicting circRNA-disease associations based on knowledge graph attention network
Authors: Lan Wei , Dong Yi , Chen Qingfeng , Zheng Ruiqing , Liu Jin , Pan Yi , Chen Yi-Ping Phoebe
Published: October 2021

Increasing evidences have proved that circRNA plays a significant role in the development of many diseases. In addition, many researches have shown that circRNA can be considered as the potential biomarker for clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease. Some computational methods have been proposed to predict circRNA-disease associations. However, the performance of these methods is limited as the sparsity of low-order interaction information. In this paper, we propose a new computational method (KGANCDA) to predict circRNA-disease associations based on knowledge graph attention network. The circRNA-disease knowledge graphs are constructed by collecting multiple relationship data among circRNA, disease, miRNA and lncRNA. Then, the knowledge graph attention network is designed to obtain embeddings of each entity by distinguishing the importance of information from neighbors. Besides the low-order neighbor information, it can also capture high-order neighbor information from multisource associations, which alleviates the problem of data sparsity. Finally, the multilayer perceptron is applied to predict the affinity score of circRNA-disease associations based on the embeddings of circRNA and disease. The experiment results show that KGANCDA outperforms than other state-of-the-art methods in 5-fold cross validation. Furthermore, the case study demonstrates that KGANCDA is an effective tool to predict potential circRNA-disease associations.
Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Patient Mood, Fatigue, Work, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Thailand: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tiankanon Kasenee , Limsrivilai Julajak , Poocharoenwanich Napapat , Phaophu Phutthaphorn , Subdee Nichcha , Kongtub Natanong , Aniwan Satimai
Published: October 2021

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become an emerging disease in Asia. The burden of disease affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), economics, and society. We compared HRQoL of IBD patients with/without active disease to that of the general population.

Methods

Consecutive patients with active disease and patients in clinical remission were prospectively recruited. For each IBD patient, an age- and sex-matched healthy control was invited. Active disease was defined as patient-reported clinical symptoms (ClinPRO) with endoscopic inflammation. All participants completed five questionnaires: (1) Short IBD Questionnaire (SIBDQ); (2) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); (3) Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue); (4) Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire (WPAI); and (5) EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level scale (EQ5D5L). Multiple regression analyses were used to assess differences in HRQoL scores between IBD patients and controls.

Results

A total of 418 participants (209 IBD, 209 controls) were included. There were 101 patients with active disease and 108 patients in clinical remission. Regarding patients with active disease compared with controls, there was a significant mean difference in scores (95% CI) of 12.3 (9.5–15.2) on the SIBDQ; 6.7 (4.7–8.8), FACIT-fatigue; 1.6 (0.6–2.7), HADS-anxiety; 1.6 (0.8–2.4), HADS-depression; 20.3% (13.0%–27.7%), work productivity impairment; and 0.089 (0.045–0.134), EQ5Q5L (P < .05, all comparisons). Regarding patients in clinical remission compared with controls, none of these mean differences achieved a minimal clinically important difference.

Conclusions

Active IBD has a negative impact on HRQoL, whereas patients in clinical remission showed no clinically significant difference from the general population on HRQoL.
Non-coding RNAs: key regulators of reprogramming, pluripotency, and cardiac cell specification with therapeutic perspective for heart regeneration
Authors: Hunkler Hannah J , Groß Sonja , Thum Thomas , Bär Christian
Published: October 2021

Myocardial infarction causes a massive loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs), which can lead to heart failure accompanied by fibrosis, stiffening of the heart, and loss of function. Heart failure causes high mortality rates and is a huge socioeconomic burden, which, based on diets and lifestyle in the developed world, is expected to increase further in the next years. At present, the only curative treatment for heart failure is heart transplantation associated with a number of limitations such as donor organ availability and transplant rejection among others. Thus, the development of cellular reprogramming and defined differentiation protocols provide exciting new possibilities for cell therapy approaches and which opened up a new era in regenerative medicine. Consequently, tremendous research efforts were undertaken to gain a detailed molecular understanding of the reprogramming processes and the in vitro differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into functional CMs for transplantation into the patient’s injured heart. In the last decade, non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs emerged as critical regulators of gene expression that were shown to fine-tune cellular processes both on the transcriptional and the post-transcriptional level. Unsurprisingly, also cellular reprogramming, pluripotency, and cardiac differentiation and maturation are regulated by non-coding RNAs. In here, we review the current knowledge on non-coding RNAs in these processes and highlight how their modulation may enhance the quality and quantity of stem cells and their derivatives for safe and efficient clinical application in patients with heart failure. In addition, we summarize the clinical cell therapy efforts undertaken thus far.
Tafamidis treatment delays structural and functional changes of the left ventricle in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rettl René , Mann Christopher , Duca Franz , Dachs Theresa-Marie , Binder Christina , Ligios Luciana Camuz , Schrutka Lore , Dalos Daniel , Koschutnik Matthias , Donà Carolina , Kammerlander Andreas , Beitzke Dietrich , Loewe Christian , Charwat-Resl Silvia , Hengstenberg Christian , Kastner Johannes , Eslam Roza Badr , Bonderman Diana
Published: October 2021

Aims

Tafamidis improves outcomes in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). However, it is not yet known whether tafamidis affects cardiac amyloid deposition and structural changes in the myocardium. We aimed to determine disease-modifying effects on myocardial amyloid progression and to identify imaging parameters that could be applied for specific therapy monitoring.

Methods and results

ATTR-CM patients underwent serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging using T1 mapping techniques to derive extracellular volume (ECV). Patients receiving tafamidis 61 mg (n = 35) or 20 mg (n = 15) once daily showed stable measurements at follow-up (FU) {61 mg: 9.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 7.0–11.0] months, 20 mg: 11.0 (IQR 8.0–18.0) months} in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF; 61 mg: 47.6% vs. 47.5%, P = 0.935; 20 mg: 52.4% vs. 52.1%, P = 0.930), LV mass index (LVMI; 61 mg: 110.2 vs. 106.2 g/m2, P = 0.304; 20 mg: 114.5 vs. 115.4 g/m2, P = 0.900), and ECV (61 mg: 47.5% vs. 47.7%, P = 0.861; 20 mg: 56.7% vs. 57.5%, P = 0.759), whereas treatment-naïve ATTR-CM patients (n = 19) had clear signs of disease progression at the end of the observation period [12.0 (IQR 10.0–21.0) months; LVEF: 53.3% vs. 45.7%, P = 0.031; LVMI: 98.9 vs. 106.9 g/m2, P = 0.027; ECV: 49.3% vs. 54.6%, P = 0.023]. Between-group comparison at FU revealed positive effects in tafamidis 61 mg-treated compared to treatment-naïve patients (LVEF: P = 0.035, LVMI: P = 0.036, ECV: P = 0.030), while those treated with 20 mg showed no difference in the above LV measurements when compared with treatment-naïve (P = 0.120, P = 0.287, P = 0.158). However, both treatment groups showed clinically beneficial effects compared to the natural course [61 mg, 6-min walk distance (6-MWD): P = 0.005, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP): P = 0.002; 20 mg, 6-MWD: P = 0.023, NT-proBNP: P = 0.003].

Conclusion

Tafamidis delays myocardial amyloid progression in ATTR-CM patients, resulting in structural, functional, and clinical benefits compared to the natural course. Serial CMR including measurement of ECV may be appropriate for disease-specific therapy monitoring.
Black and White Young Adults’ Support to Midlife Parents
Authors: Wood Kristie A , Kim Yijung K , Ng Yee T , Huo Meng , Fingerman Karen L
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Prior research suggests that midlife adults in Black and non-Hispanic White families differ in support patterns to aging parents. It is unclear whether such racial differences exist in young adulthood. We examined Black and White young adults’ support to their midlife parents and underlying mechanisms to explain within-racial group, family-level differences.

Method

Young adults (aged 18–30; Black n = 107 and White n = 351) from the Family Exchanges Study 2 reported how often they provided tangible (practical) and intangible (emotional support and advice) support to each parent. Participants also reported beliefs about obligation to support parents, rewards from helping, and parental needs.

Results

On average, Black young adults provided more tangible and intangible support than White young adults. Feelings of reward predicted why young adults in some Black and White families gave more support than those in other families. Parental needs explained tangible support in Black families and intangible support in White families. Within families, rewards and parental needs drove Black offspring to give more intangible support than their siblings, while obligation motivated White offspring.

Discussion

Consistent with support patterns evident in older adulthood, Black young adults gave more tangible and intangible support to their midlife parents compared to White young adults. Within-race support patterns were explained by different factors informed by the Multidimensional Intergenerational Support Model. Findings suggest psychological factors contribute to between- and within-racial patterns of exchanges.
TheCandida glabrataglycogen branching enzyme structure reveals unique features of branching enzymes of theSaccharomycetaceaephylum
Authors: Conchou Léa , Martin Juliette , Gonçalves Isabelle R , Galisson Frédéric , Violot Sébastien , Guillière Florence , Aghajari Nushin , Ballut Lionel
Published: October 2021

Branching enzymes (BE) are responsible for the formation of branching points at the 1,6 position in glycogen and starch, by catalyzing the cleavage of α-1,4-linkages and the subsequent transfer by introducing α-1,6-linked glucose branched points. BEs are found in the large GH13 family, eukaryotic BEs being mainly classified in the GH13_8 subfamily, GH13_9 grouping almost exclusively prokaryotic enzymes. With the aim of contributing to the understanding of the mode of recognition and action of the enzymes belonging to GH13_8, and to the understanding of features distinguishing these enzymes from those belonging to subfamily 13_9, we solved the crystal structure of the glycogen branching enzyme (GBE) from the yeast Candida glabrata, CgGBE, in ligand-free forms and in complex with a maltotriose. The structures revealed the presence of a domain already observed in Homo sapiens and Oryza sativa BEs that we named α-helical N-terminal domain, in addition to the three conserved domains found in BE. We confirmed by phylogenetic analysis that this α-helical N-terminal domain is always present in the GH13_8 enzymes suggesting that it could actually present a signature for this subfamily. We identified two binding sites in the α-helical N-terminal domain and in the carbohydrate binding module 48 (CBM48), respectively, which show a unique structural organization only present in the Saccharomycotina phylum. Our structural and phylogenetic investigation provides new insight into the structural characterization of GH13_8 GBE revealing that unique structural features only present in the Saccharomycotina phylum thereby conferring original properties to this group of enzymes.
An Overview of Analytical Methods for the Quantification of Marbofloxacin in Pharmaceutical, Biological, and Food Matrixes
Authors: da Silva Thayanara Lorrane Alves , Ferreira Raissa Gabrielle Lima , Lustosa Isadora Alves , Kogawa Ana Carolina
Published: October 2021

Background

Marbofloxacin (MAR), a second-generation fluoroquinolone, is used in veterinary medicine in the form of tablets. It has a broad spectrum of action, low toxicity, and limited development of bacterial resistance. The analytical methods available in the literature become more important since MAR in tablets does not have a monograph in official compendiums.

Objective

Our purpose is to review the methods according to the analyzed matrix and place them according to the conditions used in the scope of green analytical chemistry, in addition to discussing possible gaps and opportunities for the development of new methods.

Results

MAR, being an antimicrobial, presents both physicochemical (93%) and microbiological (7%) methods in the literature. Among the methods found, 53% are for analysis of food matrixes using preferably HPLC and TLC–MS, 27% are for analysis of biological matrixes and 20% are for analysis of pharmaceutical matrixes, and in both HPLC is preferably used.

Conclusion

Therefore, there is still a gap in the literature in relation to other analytical methods for the analysis of MAR, which are faster, such as microbiological turbidimetry, sustainable, such as miniaturized methods, and ecologically correct, such as those that do not use toxic organic solvents.

Highlights

A review of the analytical methods available in the literature for assessing the quality of MAR and MAR-based products in which the methods, as well as new opportunities for analysis according to green analytical chemistry, were described and discussed.
Soft palatal mass containing heterotopic neural tissue causing airway obstruction in a Pierre-Robin sequence patient
Authors: Allen David Z , Liu Lucy X , Turner Kelly , Greives Matthew R , Nguyen Phuong D , Roy Soham
Published: October 2021

Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS) patients frequently exhibit symptoms of airway obstruction due to multiple etiologies, predominantly from glossoptosis and tongue base obstruction. Rarely, these patients can have palatal mass and even rarer is one of neural origin. To date, there are few reports of heterotopic neural tissue causing airway obstruction in literature, and there are only two reports related to PRS. The objective of this report is to detail a PRS patient with obstructive airway symptoms that resolved after removal of a right-sided soft palatal mass containing heterotopic neural tissue. A 5-month-old boy with a past medical history of cleft palate, PRS status-post-mandibular distraction osteogenesis was hospitalized after continuing respiratory distress. Imaging showed a cystic submucosal mass that arose from the right soft palate. Trans-palatal and trans-oral approaches were applied for the removal. The patient tolerated the procedure well and his obstructive events have resolved at follow-up.
Probabilistic model for dynamic galaxy decomposition
Authors: Jagvaral Yesukhei , Campbell Duncan , Mandelbaum Rachel , Rau Markus Michael
Published: October 2021

In the era of precision cosmology and ever-improving cosmological simulations, a better understanding of different galaxy components such as bulges and discs will give us new insight into galactic formation and evolution. Based on the fact that the stellar populations of the constituent components of galaxies differ by their dynamical properties, we develop two simple models for galaxy decomposition using the TNG100 cosmological hydrodynamical simulation from the IllustrisTNG project. The first model uses a single dynamical parameter and can distinguish four components: thin disc, thick disc, counter-rotating disc, and bulge. The second model uses one more dynamical parameter, was defined in a probabilistic manner, and distinguishes two components: bulge and disc. We demonstrate the improved robustness of these models compared to a widely used method in literature involving cuts on the circularity parameter. The number fraction of disc-dominated galaxies at a given stellar mass obtained by our models agrees well with observations for masses exceeding log10(M*/M⊙) = 10. The galaxies classified as bulge-dominated by the second model are mostly red; however, the population classified as disc-dominated contains significant number of red galaxies alongside the blue population. The contributions of the different galaxy components to the total stellar mass budget exhibits similar trends with stellar mass compared to the observational data, although there is a quantitative disagreement at high and low masses. The Sérsic indices and half-mass radii for the bulge and disc components agree well with those of real galaxies.
Relativistic effects on triple black holes: Burrau’s problem revisited
Authors: Chitan A S , Mylläri A , Haque S
Published: October 2021

We explore, using numerical simulations, the influence of mass and distance on the evolution of triple black hole systems. Following in the direction of Burrau’s famous 3,4,5 problem, black holes are initially placed at the vertices of Pythagorean triangles. Numerical integration of orbits was conducted using relativistic corrections (post-Newtonian) up to the 2.5th order with ARCcode. As a descriptor of the evolution of the systems, the lifetimes, the number of two-body encounters and the number of mergers were all analysed. We found that as the mass unit of the black holes increased, there was strong positive correlation with the fraction of mergers (0.9868), strong negative correlation with the average number of two-body encounters (−0.9016), and the average lifetimes of the triple systems decayed exponentially (determination coefficient of 0.9986). Around the mass unit range of 105.5–105.6M⊙, there was a transition from escape dominated dynamics to merger dominated dynamics. However, in the mass unit range of 106–109M⊙ with 1 pc distance unit, we find that 25 per cent of cases resulted in the escape of a supermassive black hole (SMBH) which may be a cause for wandering SMBH’s found in some galaxies/galactic merger remnants.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Seyfert and star-forming galaxies
Authors: García-Bernete I , Rigopoulou D , Alonso-Herrero A , Pereira-Santaella M , Roche P F , Kerkeni B
Published: October 2021

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carbon-based molecules resulting from the union of aromatic rings and related species, which are likely responsible for strong infrared emission features. In this work, using a sample of 50 Seyfert galaxies (DL < 100 Mpc) we compare the circumnuclear (inner kpc) PAH emission of AGN to that of a control sample of star-forming galaxies (22 luminous infrared galaxies and 30 H ii galaxies), and investigate the differences between central and extended PAH emission. Using Spitzer/InfraRed Spectrograph spectral data of Seyfert and star-forming galaxies and newly developed PAH diagnostic model grids, derived from theoretical spectra, we compare the predicted and observed PAH ratios. We find that star-forming galaxies and AGN-dominated systems are located in different regions of the PAH diagnostic diagrams. This suggests that not only are the size and charge of the PAH molecules different, but also the nature and hardness of the radiation field that excite them. We find tentative evidence that PAH ratios in AGN-dominated systems are consistent with emission from larger PAH molecules (Nc > 300–400) as well as neutral species. By subtracting the spectrum of the central source from the total, we compare the PAH emission in the central versus extended region of a small sample of AGN. In contrast to the findings for the central regions of AGN-dominated systems, the PAH ratios measured in the extended regions of both type 1 and type 2 Seyfert galaxies can be explained assuming similar PAH molecular size distribution and ionized fractions of molecules to those seen in central regions of star-forming galaxies (100 < Nc < 300).
Galactic cosmic ray propagation through M dwarf planetary systems
Authors: Mesquita A L , Rodgers-Lee D , Vidotto A A , Atri D , Wood B E
Published: October 2021

Quantifying the flux of cosmic rays reaching exoplanets around M dwarfs is essential to understand their possible effects on exoplanet habitability. Here, we investigate the propagation of Galactic cosmic rays as they travel through the stellar winds (astrospheres) of five nearby M dwarfs, namely: GJ 15A, GJ 273, GJ 338B, GJ 411, and GJ 887. Our selected stars each have one or two detected exoplanets and they all have wind mass-loss rates constrained by Lyman α observations. Our simulations use a combined 1D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Alfvén-wave-driven stellar wind model and 1D cosmic ray transport model. We find that GJ 411 and GJ 887 have Galactic cosmic rays fluxes comparable with Earth’s at their habitable zones. On the other hand, GJ 15A, GJ 273, and GJ 338B receive a lower Galactic cosmic ray flux in their habitable zones. All exoplanets in our sample, with exception of GJ 15A c and GJ 411 c, have a significantly lower flux of Galactic cosmic rays than values observed at the Earth because they orbit closer-in. The fluxes found here can be further used for chemical modelling of planetary atmospheres. Finally, we calculate the radiation dose at the surface of the habitable-zone planet GJ 273 b, assuming it has an Earth-like atmosphere. This planet receives up to 209 times less 15 MeV energy cosmic ray fluxes than values observed at Earth. However, for high-energy cosmic rays (∼GeV), the difference in flux is only 2.3 times smaller, which contributes to GJ 273 b receiving a significant surface radiation dose of 0.13 mSv yr−1 (40 per cent of the annual dose on Earth’s surface).
MicroDNA levels are dependent on MMEJ, repressed by c-NHEJ pathway, and stimulated by DNA damage
Authors: Paulsen Teressa , Malapati Pumoli , Shibata Yoshiyuki , Wilson Briana , Eki Rebeka , Benamar Mouadh , Abbas Tarek , Dutta Anindya
Published: October 2021

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) are present within all eukaryotic organisms and actively contribute to gene expression changes. MicroDNA (200-1000bp) are the most abundant type of eccDNA and can amplify tRNA, microRNA, and novel si-like RNA sequences. Due to the heterogeneity of microDNA and the limited technology to directly quantify circular DNA molecules, the specific DNA repair pathways that contribute to microDNA formation have not been fully elucidated. Using a sensitive and quantitative assay that quantifies eight known abundant microDNA, we report that microDNA levels are dependent on resection after double-strand DNA break (DSB) and repair by Microhomology Mediated End Joining (MMEJ). Further, repair of DSB without resection by canonical Non-Homologous End Joining (c-NHEJ) diminishes microDNA formation. MicroDNA levels are induced locally even by a single site-directed DSB, suggesting that excision of genomic DNA by two closely spaced DSB is not necessary for microDNA formation. Consistent with all this, microDNA levels accumulate as cells undergo replication in S-phase, when DNA breaks and repair are elevated, and microDNA levels are decreased if DNA synthesis is prevented. Thus, formation of microDNA occurs during the repair of endogenous or induced DNA breaks by resection-based DNA repair pathways.
High-Throughput-Methyl-Reading (HTMR) assay: a solution based on nucleotide methyl-binding proteins enables large-scale screening for DNA/RNA methyltransferases and demethylases
Authors: Xiao Senhao , Guo Siqi , Han Jie , Sun Yanli , Wang Mingchen , Chen Yantao , Fang Xueyu , Yang Feng , Mu Yajuan , Zhang Liang , Ding Yiluan , Zhang Naixia , Jiang Hualiang , Chen Kaixian , Zhao Kehao , Luo Cheng , Chen Shijie
Published: October 2021

Epigenetic therapy has significant potential for cancer treatment. However, few small potent molecules have been identified against DNA or RNA modification regulatory proteins. Current approaches for activity detection of DNA/RNA methyltransferases and demethylases are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to subject them to high-throughput screening. Here, we developed a fluorescence polarization-based ‘High-Throughput Methyl Reading’ (HTMR) assay to implement large-scale compound screening for DNA/RNA methyltransferases and demethylases-DNMTs, TETs, ALKBH5 and METTL3/METTL14. This assay is simple to perform in a mix-and-read manner by adding the methyl-binding proteins MBD1 or YTHDF1. The proteins can be used to distinguish FAM-labelled substrates or product oligonucleotides with different methylation statuses catalyzed by enzymes. Therefore, the extent of the enzymatic reactions can be coupled with the variation of FP binding signals. Furthermore, this assay can be effectively used to conduct a cofactor competition study. Based on the assay, we identified two natural products as candidate compounds for DNMT1 and ALKBH5. In summary, this study outlines a powerful homogeneous approach for high-throughput screening and evaluating enzymatic activity for DNA/RNA methyltransferases and demethylases that is cheap, easy, quick, and highly sensitive.
Molecular mechanism of shikonin inhibiting tumor growth and potential application in cancer treatment
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Jing , Wang Jiayou , Ju Xiaoli , Zhang Heng
Published: October 2021

Shikonin is one of the major bioactive components of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. It has a good killing effect in a variety of tumor cells. Its antitumor effect involves multiple targets and pathways and has received extensive attention and study in recent years. In this review, we systematically review recent progress in determining the antitumor mechanism of shikonin and its derivatives, specifically their induction of reactive oxygen species production, inhibition of EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation, inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis and necroptosis. We also discuss the application of nanoparticles loaded with shikonin in the targeted therapy of various cancers. Finally, we suggest new strategies for the clinical application of shikonin and its derivatives.
Opioid Prescribing after Carpal Tunnel Release: Analysis from the Michigan Collaborative Hand Initiative for Quality in Surgery
Authors: Billig Jessica I. , Kotsis Sandra V. , Chung Kevin C.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Little is known regarding the national practice patterns for postoperative opioid prescribing after carpal tunnel release, which is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. The authors sought to assess the rate of opioid prescribing after carpal tunnel release and patient-, surgeon-, and practice-level predictors of opioid prescriptions after surgery.

Methods:

The authors conducted a cohort study from the Michigan Collaborative Hand Initiative for Quality in Surgery, a national consortium of nine practices with 33 surgeons who prospectively collect data for the purpose of quality improvement. Patients were included who underwent carpal tunnel release between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine practice and surgeon variation in postoperative opioid prescribing related to patient characteristics.

Results:

Of the 648 patients with 792 operative hands, 52.9 percent were prescribed a postoperative opioid. After controlling for patient, surgeon, and practice characteristics, endoscopic carpal tunnel releases were associated with a decreased odds of receiving a postoperative opioid prescription compared to open carpal tunnel releases (OR, 0.19; 95 percent CI, 0.07 to 0.52). However, 57.4 percent of the variation in opioid prescribing was explained at the practice level, and 4.1 percent of the variation was explained at the surgeon level.

Conclusions:

Practice-level prescribing patterns play a substantial role in opioid prescribing. National efforts should consider development of evidence-based opioid prescribing recommendations for carpal tunnel release that target all prescribers, including trainees and advanced practice providers. In addition, endoscopic carpal tunnel release may offer an opportunity to minimize opioid prescribing. The authors recommend that providers encourage the use of nonopioid analgesia and limit opioid prescriptions after carpal tunnel release.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Superficial Thinning of the DIEP Flap: A Safe Option to Achieve an Aesthetic Reconstructed Breast in the Obese Patient
Authors: De la Parra-Marquez Miguel , Fernandez-Riera Ricardo , Romay-Chambers Elizabeth , Escamilla Linaje Tomas
Published: October 2021

Background:

Abdominal flap–based breast reconstruction is challenging in the overweight and obese population not only because of increased donor-site complications, but also because excessive flap thickness makes inset cumbersome, requiring thinning and remodeling that frequently result in aesthetically poor outcomes.

Methods:

The authors started by studying 10 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps with angiographic computed tomography. Then, they prospectively performed 21 breast reconstructions using a superficial thinning technique reliant on a constant suprafascial vessel as the pedicle for the remaining deep fat and compared the rate of complications with their previous experience using traditional flap thinning techniques.

Results:

All samples studied showed a suprafascial division of the main perforator. Two constant branches were identified, one coursing over the Scarpa fascia and displaying a robust network of linking vessels with the subcutaneous and subdermal plexuses. That anatomical insight was used to develop a flap-thinning technique tested on 21 consecutive high–body mass index patients. A 7-year retrospective analysis (n = 164) showed no significant correlation between body mass index and incidence of complications except for a long-term upper pole step deformity that was associated with increasing body mass index (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference in complications was found comparing high–body mass index patients from the retrospective group (n = 72) with the superficial thinning group, but a highly suggestive difference (p = 0.061) was found regarding the avoidance of the step deformity using the superficial thinning technique.

Conclusion:

The presence of a constant suprafascial perforator branch makes superficial DIEP thinning a safe technique that facilitates inset and improves the reconstructed breast contour of obese patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Vocal repertoire, micro-geographical variation and within-species acoustic partitioning in a highly colonial pinniped, the Cape fur seal
Authors: Martin Mathilde , Gridley Tess , Harvey Elwen Simon , Charrier Isabelle
Published: October 2021

Communication is fundamental for the survival of animal species as signals are involved in many social interactions (mate selection, parental care, collective behaviours). The acoustic channel is an important modality used by birds and mammals to reliably exchange information among individuals. In group-living species, the propagation of vocal signals is limited due to the density of individuals and the background noise. Vocal exchanges are, therefore, challenging. This study is the first investigation into the acoustic communication system of the Cape fur seal (CFS), one of the most colonial mammals with breeding colonies of hundreds of thousands of individuals. We described the acoustic features and social function of five in-air call types from data collected at two colonies. Intra-species variations in these vocalizations highlight a potential ability to convey information about the age and/or sex of the emitter. Using two classification methods, we found that the five call types have distinguishable frequency features and occupy distinct acoustic niches indicating acoustic partitioning in the repertoire. The CFS vocalizations appear to contain characteristics advantageous for discrimination among individuals, which could enhance social interactions in their noisy and confusing acoustic environment. This study provides a basis for our understanding of the CFS acoustic communication system.
The impact of moderate heating on human bones: an infrared and neutron spectroscopy study
Authors: Marques M. P. M. , Batista de Carvalho L. A. E. , Gonçalves D. , Cunha E. , Parker S. F.
Published: October 2021

This study aims to analyse human bones exposed to low/medium temperatures (200–650°C) under experimentally controlled conditions, both oxidizing and reducing, using complementary optical and neutron vibrational spectroscopy techniques. Clear differences were observed between the aerobically and anaerobically heated bones. The organic constituents disappeared at lower temperatures for the former (
ca
300°C), while they lingered for higher temperatures in anaerobic environments (
ca
450–550°C). Unsaturated non-graphitizing carbon species (chars) were detected mainly for anaerobically heated samples, and cyanamide formation occurred only at 650°C in reducing settings. Overall, the main changes were observed from 300 to 400°C in anaerobic conditions and from 450 to 500°C in aerobic environments. The present results enabled the identification of specific spectroscopic biomarkers of the effect of moderate temperatures (less than or equal to 650°C) on human bone, thus contributing to a better characterization of forensic and archaeological skeletal remains subject to heating under distinct environmental settings. In particular, these data may provide information regarding cannibalism or ancient bone boiling and defleshing rituals.
Embryo movement is more frequent in avian brood parasites than birds with parental reproductive strategies
Authors: McClelland Stephanie C. , Reynolds Miranda , Cordall Molly , Hauber Mark E. , Goymann Wolfgang , McClean Luke A. , Hamama Silky , Lund Jess , Dixit Tanmay , Louder Matthew I. M. , Safari Ignas , Honza Marcel , Spottiswoode Claire N. , Portugal Steven J.
Published: October 2021

Movement of the embryo is essential for musculoskeletal development in vertebrates, yet little is known about whether, and why, species vary. Avian brood parasites exhibit feats of strength in early life as adaptations to exploit the hosts that rear them. We hypothesized that an increase in embryonic movement could allow brood parasites to develop the required musculature for these demands. We measured embryo movement across incubation for multiple brood-parasitic and non-parasitic bird species. Using a phylogenetically controlled analysis, we found that brood parasites exhibited significantly increased muscular movement during incubation compared to non-parasites. This suggests that increased embryo movement may facilitate the development of the stronger musculoskeletal system required for the demanding tasks undertaken by young brood parasites.
Which peer reviewers voluntarily reveal their identity to authors? Insights into the consequences of open-identities peer review
Authors: Fox Charles W.
Published: October 2021

Identifying reviewers is argued to improve the quality and fairness of peer review, but is generally disfavoured by reviewers. To gain some insight into the factors that influence when reviewers are willing to have their identity revealed, I examined which reviewers voluntarily reveal their identities to authors at the journalFunctional Ecology, at which reviewer identities are confidential unless reviewers sign their comments to authors. I found that 5.6% of reviewers signed their comments to authors. This proportion increased slightly over time, from 4.4% in 2003–2005 to 6.7% in 2013–2015. Male reviewers were 1.8 times more likely to sign their comments to authors than were female reviewers, and this difference persisted over time. Few reviewers signed all of their reviews; reviewers were more likely to sign their reviews when their rating of the manuscript was more positive, and papers that had at least one signed review were more likely to be invited for revision. Signed reviews were, on average, longer and recommended more references to authors. My analyses cannot distinguish cause and effect for the patterns observed, but my results suggest that ‘open-identities’ review, in which reviewers are not permitted to be anonymous, will probably reduce the degree to which reviewers are critical in their assessment of manuscripts and will differentially affect recruitment of male and female reviewers, negatively affecting the diversity of reviewers recruited by journals.
Life-history traits and habitat availability shape genomic diversity in birds: implications for conservation
Authors: Brüniche-Olsen Anna , Kellner Kenneth F. , Belant Jerrold L. , DeWoody J. Andrew
Published: October 2021

More than 25% of species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are threatened with extinction. Understanding how environmental and biological processes have shaped genomic diversity may inform management practices. Using 68 extant avian species, we parsed the effects of habitat availability and life-history traits on genomic diversity over time to provide a baseline for conservation efforts. We used published whole-genome sequence data to estimate overall genomic diversity as indicated by historical long-term effective population sizes (Ne) and current genomic variability (H), then used environmental niche modelling to estimate Pleistocene habitat dynamics for each species. We found thatNeandHwere positively correlated with habitat availability and related to key life-history traits (body mass and diet), suggesting the latter contribute to the overall genomic variation. We found thatHdecreased with increasing species extinction risk, suggesting thatHmay serve as a leading indicator of demographic trends related to formal IUCN conservation status in birds. Our analyses illustrate that genome-wide summary statistics estimated from sequence data reflect meaningful ecological attributes relevant to species conservation.
The evolution of the synapsid tusk: insights from dicynodont therapsid tusk histology
Authors: Whitney M. R. , Angielczyk K. D. , Peecook B. R. , Sidor C. A.
Published: October 2021

The mammalian tusk is a unique and extreme morphotype among modern vertebrate dentitions. Tusks—defined here as ever-growing incisors or canines composed of dentine—evolved independently multiple times within mammals yet have not evolved in other extant vertebrates. This suggests that there is a feature specific to mammals that facilitates the evolution of this specialized dentition. To investigate what may underpin the evolution of tusks, we histologically sampled the tusks of dicynodont therapsids: the earliest iteration of tusk evolution and the only non-mammalian synapsid clade to have acquired such a dentition. We studied the tissue composition, attachment tissues, development and replacement in 10 dicynodont taxa and show multiple developmental pathways for the adult dentitions of dicynodont tusks and tusk-like caniniforms. In a phylogenetic context, these developmental pathways reveal an evolutionary scenario for the acquisition of an ever-growing tusk—an event that occurred convergently, but only in derived members of our sample. We propose that the evolution of an ever-growing dentition, such as a tusk, is predicated on the evolution of significantly reduced tooth replacement and a permanent soft-tissue attachment. Both of these features are fixed in the dentitions of crown-group mammals, which helps to explain why tusks are restricted to this clade among extant vertebrates.