bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar radio-frequency reflectivity and localization of FRB from solar reflection
Authors: Wang S , Katz J I
Published: November 2022

The radiation of a fast radio burst (FRB) reflects from the Moon and Sun. If a reflection is detected, the time interval between the direct and reflected signals constrains the source to a narrow arc on the sky. If both Lunar and Solar reflections are detected these two arcs intersect, narrowly confining the location on the sky. A previous paper calculated reflection by the Moon. Here, we calculate the reflectivity of the Sun in the ‘flat Sun’ approximation as a function of angle of incidence and frequency. The reflectivity is high at low frequencies ($\lessapprox 100\,$MHz) and grazing incidence (angles ⪆60°), but exceeds 0.1 for frequencies $\lessapprox 80\,$ MHz at all angles. However, the intense thermal emission of the Solar corona likely precludes detection of the Solar reflection of even MJy Galactic bursts like FRB 200428.
A blazar candidate for the Fermi source 4FGL J1848.7–0129
Authors: Luque-Escamilla Pedro L , Martí Josep , Mestre Enrique , Combi Jorge A , Albacete-Colombo Juan F
Published: November 2022

The Fermi source 4FGL J1848.7–0129 has been historically related to the globular cluster GLIMPSE-C01 since its very first detection. Although this association is widely accepted, as it appears in the most recent Fermi catalogue, it deserves to be revisited given the multiwavelength evidences and the recent discovery of variable X-ray sources in the Fermi source region. In particular, low frequency radio maps from the Giant Metre Radio Telescope in Pune (India) have been carefully inspected which, together with X-ray data re-analysis from Chandra, lead us to get a deep insight into the candidates to be associated to 4FGL J1848.7–0129. This results in the discovery of a new X-ray variable point source coincident with an unreported non-thermal radio emitter, both of them well inside the 4FGL J1848.7–0129 error ellipse. We analyse and discuss all these observational facts, and we propose now a newly discovered blazar candidate as the most promising responsible for the gamma-ray emission in the Fermi source. If confirmed, this result would set constrains on the number of millisecond pulsars in GLIMPSE-C01 or their gamma-ray emission properties.
Formation of metal-free binaries: Impact of H2 line cooling and CIE cooling
Authors: Riaz R , Schleicher D R G , Bovino S , Vanaverbeke S , Klessen Ralf S
Published: November 2022

During primordial star formation, the main cooling channel is provided by H2 and super-molecules, such as H2 or H2, at sufficiently high densities. When the latter form at $n_{\rm H}\, \ge \, 10^{14}$ cm−3, collision-induced emission (CIE) provides efficient gas cooling. We investigate how CIE cooling affects the formation of metal-free binaries comparing simulations with and without this process. Irrespective of the cooling mechanism, we find a typical protostellar mass range between 0.01 and 100 M⊙. However, models with only H2 line cooling produce a greater number of low-mass protostars that exhibit stronger variations in their radial velocities than the high-mass protostars. Similarly, in models with both H2 cooling and CIE cooling, significant variations in the radial velocities are found for protostars in the intermediate-mass range. The initial number of fragments Nmax decreases with increasing strength of turbulence. Cooling via super-molecules lets the most massive protobinaries (MMPBs) efficiently accrete mass. The maximum mass accretion rate $\dot{M}_{\rm max}$ for the MMPBs is more than an order of magnitude higher in the presence of CIE cooling than for pure H2 line cooling. As a result, compact binaries with a semimajor axis as small as 3.57 au may form through the H2– H2 cooling channel. Our results indicate that, in addition to the MMPBs, most population III (Pop. III) binaries should be in eccentric i.e. non-circular orbits. This provides an important connection to the eccentric binaries reported in previous studies, which were found to exhibit rich temporal accretion signals during their evolution.
The impact of carbon and oxygen abundances on the metal-poor initial mass function
Authors: Sharda Piyush , Amarsi Anish M , Grasha Kathryn , Krumholz Mark R , Yong David , Chiaki Gen , Roy Arpita , Nordlander Thomas
Published: November 2022

Star formation models predict that the metal-poor initial mass function (IMF) can be substantially different from that observed in the metal-rich Milky Way. This changeover occurs because metal-poor gas clouds cool inefficiently due to their lower abundance of metals and dust. However, predictions for the metal-poor IMF to date rely on assuming solar-scaled abundances, i.e. [X/O] = 0 at all [O/H]. There is now growing evidence that elements such as C and O that dominate metal line cooling in the ISM do not follow solar scaling at low metallicities. In this work, we extend models that predict the variation in the characteristic (or the peak) IMF mass as a function of metallicity using [C/O] ratios derived from observations of metal-poor Galactic stars and of H ii regions in dwarf galaxies. These data show [C/O] < 0 at subsolar [O/H], which leads to a substantially different metal-poor IMF in the metallicity range where C i and C ii cooling dominate ISM thermodynamics, resulting in an increase in the characteristic mass by a factor as large as 7. An important consequence of this difference is a shift in the location of the transition from a top- to a bottom-heavy IMF upwards by 0.5–1 dex in metallicity. Our findings indicate that the IMF is very sensitive to the assumptions around solar-scaled ISM compositions in metal-poor systems (e.g. dwarf galaxies, the Galactic halo, and metal-poor stars) that are a key focus of JWST.
Synthesis and antitumor activities of five Cu(II) complexes of bis(5-halosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine derivatives
Authors: Zhao Peishan , Chen Kaiyong , Yu Shui , Liu Dongcheng , Hu Huancheng , Liang Yuning , Chen Zilu
Published: November 2022

The development of metal complexes of Schiff base has attracted much attention due to their DNA binding properties and extensive biological activities. We reported here five copper(II) complexes [Cu(L1)] (1), [Cu(L2)] (2), [Cu(L3)] (3), [Cu2(L4)(OAc)] (4), and [Cu2(L5)(HCOO)] (5) bearing the bis-Schiff base ligands of bis(5-chlorosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L1), bis(5-chlorosalicylidene)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediamine (H2L2), bis(5-bromosalicylidene)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediamine (H2L3), bis(5-chlorosalicylidene)-2-hydroxyl-1,3-propanediamine (H3L4), and bis(5-bromosalicylidene)-2-hydroxyl-1,3-propanediamine (H3L5), respectively. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis results revealed that complexes 1–3 present mononuclear structures and complexes 4 and 5 show dinuclear structures. It was also shown that all of these complexes are stable under physiological conditions. The in vitro antitumor activities of the five complexes were evaluated. Anticancer selectivity was also found for complex 2 on different cell lines with the lowest IC50 value on Hela cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that the three mononuclear Cu(II) complexes can induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway by decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential and increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ levels. They can activate caspase-3 and caspase-9, and can also regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic protein and anti-apoptotic protein in cells. All of these results showed that complex 2 is a potential anticancer drug.
An empirical method for mitigating an excess up-scattering mass bias on the weak lensing mass estimates for shear-selected cluster samples
Authors: Hamana Takashi
Published: November 2022

An excess up-scattering mass bias on a weak lensing cluster mass estimate is a statistical bias that an observed weak lensing mass (Mobs) of a cluster of galaxies is, in a statistical sense, larger than its true mass (Mtrue) because of a higher chance of up-scattering than that of down-scattering due to random noises in a weak lensing cluster shear profile. This non-symmetric scattering probability is caused by a monotonically decreasing cluster mass function with increasing mass. We examine this bias (defined by b = Mobs/Mtrue) in weak lensing shear-selected clusters, and present an empirical method for mitigating it. In so doing, we perform the standard weak lensing mass estimate of realistic mock clusters, and find that the weak lensing mass estimate based on the standard χ2 analysis gives a statistically correct confidence intervals, but resulting best-fitting masses are biased high on average. Our correction method uses the framework of the standard Bayesian statistics with the prior of the probability distribution of the cluster mass and concentration parameter from recent empirical models. We test our correction method using mock weak lensing clusters, and find that the method works well with resulting corrected Mobs-bin averaged mass biases being close to unity within ${\sim}10\%$. We applied the correction method to weak lensing shear-selected cluster sample of Hamana, Shirasaki, and Lin (2020, PASJ, 72, 78), and present bias-corrected weak lensing cluster masses.
Shower water contributes viable nontuberculous mycobacteria to indoor air
Authors: Shen Yun , Haig Sarah-Jane , Prussin Aaron J , LiPuma John J , Marr Linsey C , Raskin Lutgarde
Published: November 2022

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are frequently present in municipal drinking water and building plumbing, and some are believed to cause respiratory tract infections through inhalation of NTM-containing aerosols generated during showering. However, the present understanding of NTM transfer from water to air is insufficient to develop NTM risk mitigation strategies. This study aimed to characterize the contribution of shower water to the abundance of viable NTM in indoor air. Shower water and indoor air samples were collected, and 16S rRNA and rpoB genes were sequenced. The sequencing results showed that running the shower impacted the bacterial community structure and NTM species composition in indoor air by transferring certain bacteria from water to air. A mass balance model combined with NTM quantification results revealed that on average 1/132 and 1/254 of NTM cells in water were transferred to air during 1 hour of showering using a rain and massage showerhead, respectively. A large fraction of the bacteria transferred from water to air were membrane-damaged, i.e. they had compromised membranes based on analysis by live/dead staining and flow cytometry. However, the damaged NTM in air were recoverable as shown by growth in a culture medium mimicking the respiratory secretions of people with cystic fibrosis, implying a potential infection risk by NTM introduced to indoor air during shower running. Among the recovered NTM, Mycobacterium mucogenicum was the dominant species as determined by rpoB gene sequencing. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for future pathogen risk management and public health protection in the built environment.
Engineering enzyme activity using an expanded amino acid alphabet
Authors: Birch-Price Zachary , Taylor Christopher J , Ortmayer Mary , Green Anthony P
Published: November 2022

Enzyme design and engineering strategies are typically constrained by the limited size of nature’s genetic alphabet, comprised of only 20 canonical amino acids. In recent years, site-selective incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) via an expanded genetic code has emerged as a powerful means of inserting new functional components into proteins, with hundreds of structurally diverse ncAAs now available. Here, we highlight how the emergence of an expanded repertoire of amino acids has opened new avenues in enzyme design and engineering. ncAAs have been used to probe complex biological mechanisms, augment enzyme function and, most ambitiously, embed new catalytic mechanisms into protein active sites that would be challenging to access within the constraints of nature’s genetic code. We predict that the studies reviewed in this article, along with further advances in genetic code expansion technology, will establish ncAA incorporation as an increasingly important tool for biocatalysis in the coming years.
The Geography of Subadvisors, Managerial Structure, and the Performance of International Equity Mutual Funds
Authors: Broman Markus , Densmore Michael , Shum Nolan Pauline
Published: November 2022

We study whether subadvising abroad provides an information advantage that improves the performance of international equity mutual funds. We find that it does not. In fact, internationally outsourced funds underperform on a risk-adjusted basis by up to 162 bps annually. The underperformance is concentrated in funds managed by single subadvisors, who are less likely to be terminated after poor performance compared to funds with multiple subadvisors. We dissect fund performance by the location of its subadvisors and find that international subadvisors underperform primarily in their local holdings. Finally, we show that the industry is nonetheless on a path toward equilibrium. (JEL G11, G12, G14, G15, G23).

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Governing Refugees in Saudi Arabia (1948–2022)
Authors: Lysa Charlotte
Published: November 2022

Saudi Arabia is a non-signatory state to the Refugee Convention, with no domestic refugee law. Its refugee population is generally not categorised as such. Based on these facts, Saudi Arabia is largely missing from the refugee studies literature in general, and the increasing scholarship on refugee protection in states not signatory to the Refugee Convention in particular. What characterises refugee governance in wealthy, non-signatory states with a largely invisible refugee population? And, how does the “Saudi approach” to refugee protection relate to those of other non-signatory states? Based on hitherto unresearched archival material, interviews, and openly available sources it argues that while there are no legal framework for governing refugees in Saudi Arabia, the state has adopted ad-hocratic policies, which nevertheless followed a certain pattern when refugee situations emerge. This ad-hocratic approach is similar to that found in other non-signatory states in the Middle East and North Africa; the state responds to particular situations based on nationality or ethno-religious affiliations, keeping refugees strictly temporary and often on opaque terms. Where the situation in Saudi Arabia differs, is in the role undertaken by UNHCR who instead of acting as a “surrogate state” takes on a lobbying and monitoring role.
Trajectories of reported sleep duration associate with early childhood cognitive development
Authors: Cai Shirong , Tham Elaine Kwang Hsia , Xu Hai-Yan , Fu Xiuju , Goh Rick Siow Mong , Gluckman Peter D , Chong Yap-Seng , Yap Fabian , Shek Lynette Pei-chi , Hoe Teoh Oon , Gooley Joshua J , Yam-Thiam Goh Daniel , Meaney Michael J , Schneider Nora , Rifkin-Graboi Anne , Broekman Birit F P
Published: November 2022

Study Objectives

Examine how different trajectories of reported sleep duration associate with early childhood cognition.

Methods

Caregiver-reported sleep duration data (n = 330) were collected using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire at 54 months. Multiple group-based day-, night-, and/or total sleep trajectories were derived—each differing in duration and variability. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III (Bayley-III) and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test- 2 (KBIT-2) were used to assess cognition at 24 and 54 months, respectively.

Results

Compared to short variable night sleep trajectory, long consistent night sleep trajectory was associated with higher scores on Bayley-III (cognition and language), while moderate/long consistent night sleep trajectories were associated with higher KBIT-2 (verbal and composite) scores. Children with a long consistent total sleep trajectory had higher Bayley-III (cognition and expressive language) and KBIT-2 (verbal and composite) scores compared to children with a short variable total sleep trajectory. Moderate consistent total sleep trajectory was associated with higher Bayley-III language and KBIT-2 verbal scores relative to the short variable total trajectory. Children with a long variable day sleep had lower Bayley-III (cognition and fine motor) and KBIT-2 (verbal and composite) scores compared to children with a short consistent day sleep trajectory.

Conclusions

Longer and more consistent night- and total sleep trajectories, and a short day sleep trajectory in early childhood were associated with better cognition at 2 and 4.5 years.
Addressing the ‘Lively Controversy’ around proprietary estoppel: Guest v Guest [2022] UKSC 27
Authors: Purewal Anita
Published: November 2022

The long-awaited Supreme Court ruling in Guest v Guest has provided a welcomed judgment on a core principle in equity and trusts law, proprietary estoppel. The leading judgment not only provides guidance on the purpose of relief for proprietary estoppel, but also provides much needed clarity on a persistently debated issue in case law, namely whether an ‘expectation-based’ or ‘reliance-based’ approach to calculating relief for proprietary estoppel should be adopted, with the judgment providing an insightful step-by-step guide for the exercise of judicial discretion in such cases to ensure appropriate and justified relief is awarded.
Uncovering cloves: characterization of volatile compounds present in clove cigarettes
Authors: Picanço João Marcelo Astolfi , Limberger Renata Pereira , Apel Miriam Anders
Published: November 2022

Indonesian clove cigarettes—called “kretek” due to the crackling sound that can be heard when the product burns—are tobacco products containing clove and the "saus", a mixture of essential oils and plant extracts whose ingredients are mostly kept in secret. It is important to determine which ingredients those are to properly assess the effects that clove cigarettes can cause. An organoleptic, qualitative and quantitative analysis was made in 9 different brands of clove cigarettes obtained in Brazil. Nicotine, eugenol, menthol, and β-caryophyllene were quantified through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The samples presented 20 different compounds, and all samples had a different combination of the compounds. Nicotine concentrations were generally higher than eugenol, and lower than nicotine concentration in a conventional cigarette. One sample had menthol even though the cigarette pack did not inform that it was a menthol product. There were traces of 2 unusual substances. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that can be used to treat bacterial infections in respiratory airways, and octodrine is an amphetaminic stimulant used in nutritional supplements, considered as a substance of doping by the World Anti-Doping Association. The presence of both substances was not tested using certified reference materials, but its possible presence raises concern about the compounds in kretek cigarettes. There should be more studies about the contents of clove cigarettes, to improve antitobacco legislations and regulations. This way it would be possible to properly inform the risks of smoking clove cigarettes and to diminish the number of tobacco users throughout the world.
Making Progress in Age Stereotype Research
Authors: Murphy Kevin R , DeNisi Angelo S
Published: November 2022

Murphy and DeNisi’s review suggested that the links between age and personnel decisions in organizations were generally weak and inconsistent and, on this basis, suggested that the effects of age stereotypes on these decisions might not be large. Fourteen papers commented on the evidence and arguments offered by Murphy and DeNisi. In our response, we comment on three broad themes running though this set of papers. First, several papers challenged the description of age effects as small and argued that age stereotypes can have negative effects and that older workers can be disadvantaged in the workplace. We fully agree but note that the size of the effects shown in our review and in the research cited by these commentaries effectively rules out the hypothesis that age stereotypes are consistently and strongly negative and that they have large effects in personnel decisions. Second, both context factors and intersectionality are suggested as potential moderators of age stereotype effects. We believe that progress in this area requires the development of specific models of these effects, and we offer examples. Third, many papers highlighted the challenges in studying age stereotype effects, in particular the failure of many studies to measure the stereotypes held by decision makers or to rule out factors unrelated to age stereotypes. We thus offer suggestions for improving age stereotype research.
Müller Muscle Conjunctival Resection: A Multicentered Prospective Analysis of Surgical Success
Authors: Leung Victoria C. , Dupuis Jessica El-Khazen , Ashraf Davin C. , Idowu Oluwatobi O. , Massicotte Erika , Vagefi M. Reza , Kersten Robert C. , Kalin-Hajdu Evan
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

This is a multicenter prospective cohort study investigating Müller muscle conjunctival resection success rates based on marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD1) and symmetry criteria. A secondary objective was to identify predictors of success.

Methods:

One hundred fifty-two patients with unilateral or bilateral blepharoptosis (229 eyelids) undergoing Müller muscle conjunctival resection were consecutively recruited from 2015 to 2020 at the Université de Montréal and University of California San Francisco. Ptosis was defined as MRD1 ≤ 2.0 mm or MRD1 > 1 mm lower than the contralateral eyelid. Patients were selected for Müller muscle conjunctival resection surgery if they demonstrated significant eyelid elevation following phenylephrine 2.5% testing. MRD1 success (operated eyelid achieving MRD1 ≥ 2.5 mm) and symmetry success (patient achieving an intereyelid MRD1 difference ≤ 1 mm) were evaluated for the patient cohort. Predictors of MRD1 and symmetry success were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results:

MRD1 success was achieved in 72.1% (n = 165) of 229 operated eyelids. Symmetry success was achieved in 75.7% (n = 115) of 152 patients. MRD1 before phenylephrine testing was the only statistically significant predictor of MRD1 success (odds ratio [OR] 2.69, p = 0.001). Symmetry following phenylephrine testing was the only variable associated with increased odds of symmetry success (OR 2.71, p = 0.024), and unilateral surgery (OR 0.21, p = 0.004), the only variable associated with reduced odds of symmetry success.

Conclusions:

Müller muscle conjunctival resection effectively achieves postoperative MRD1 and symmetry success. MRD1 before phenylephrine testing is the strongest determinant of MRD1 success. Neither a large rise in MRD1 with phenylephrine nor increasing tissue resection length adequately counterbalance the effect of a low MRD1 before phenylephrine. Unilateral surgery and the absence of symmetry following phenylephrine predict greater odds of symmetry failure.
The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Bahji Anees
Published: November 2022

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for depression. However, significant stigma from the media and the antipsychiatry movement has biased the public toward ECT, leading to underutilization, particularly among those most in need. This report reviews some of the key historical events in the rise, fall, and resurgence of ECT and how modern ECT knowledge and practice are more refined, including an improved understanding of its mechanisms of action and optimal treatment parameters.
Outcomes of a 5-Week Aquatic Physical Therapy Program for a Child With Myelomeningocele: A Case Report
Authors: Conklin Ashley , Simonds Adrienne H. , Berger Allison , Fadahunsi Tolu , Freitag Nicole , Lazaro Kayla , Thow Kelly
Published: November 2022

Background and Purpose:

Myelomeningocele (MM) is a congenital disorder resulting from insufficient closure of the spinal column, with neural tissue compromise. MM can result in multisystem deficits that may result in functional limitations. Physical therapists may use an aquatic environment as a tool in rehabilitation. The principles of water enable ease of movement and mobility. Aquatic physical therapy (APT) has led to functional improvements in children with neuromuscular disorders. However, evidence of the effect of APT on children with MM is limited. The purpose of this case report was to present the outcomes of a 5-week APT intervention for a child with MM.

Case Description:

This case was an 8-year-old girl with T8 MM with hypotonia throughout the trunk and limbs and absent motor function and sensation throughout the right lower extremity, impacting her functional mobility. She demonstrated atypical preservation of motor function and sensation throughout the left lower extremity (LLE) with fair strength. APT was implemented twice a week for half-hour sessions over 5 weeks.

Outcomes:

After 10 APT sessions, improved average gait speed measured using computerized gait analysis was documented. A change of 18.6 seconds was obtained on the Timed Up and Go Test, which far exceeds its minimal detectable change (MDC) of 1.40 seconds. LLE strength gains were obtained as measured by hand-held dynamometry. Strength gains were obtained in the LLE hip and knee extension of more than 6 lb, exceeding the MDC of 1.7 lb.

Discussion:

A 5-week APT program appeared to contribute to functional and clinical improvements in a child with atypical thoracic-level MM. APT may be considered an appropriate intervention for children with MM. Further research with larger samples of children with MM using similar APT protocols is recommended to explore generalizability of results and optimize frequency and duration of APT implementation.
Aberrant Hypermetabolism of Nasal Leiomyoma Mimicking Malignancy on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Takeda Kazuya , Iwamoto Shusuke , Yasumatsu Ryuji
Published: November 2022

Leiomyomas are benign tumors that commonly arise from the uterus. They rarely occur in the nasal cavity. Leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas are clinically similar and may be difficult to distinguish preoperatively. Although PET has been reported to be useful for evaluating uterine smooth muscle tumors, the use of PET for evaluating sinonasal leiomyoma has not yet been reported. Here, we describe the images of a patient with leiomyoma of the nasal septum in whom intense FDG uptake was noted on PET/CT.
Glycomyces amatae sp. nov., isolated from a yellow-ringed grass moth (Amata sperbius)
Authors: Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Ngaemthao Wipaporn , Pujchakarn Tawanmol , Chamroensaksri Nitcha , Niemhom Nantawan , Chunhametha Suwanee
Published: November 2022

A novel mycelium-forming actinomycete strain, designated A-F 0318T, was isolated from a yellow-ringed grass moth (Amata sperbius) collected from Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. Long chains of non-motile cylindrical spores with a smooth surface developed on aerial mycelia. The polyphasic taxonomic study suggested that strain A-F 0318Tbelonged to the genusGlycomyces. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain A-F 0318Twas closely related toGlycomyces harbinensisLL-DO5139Twith 97.94 % sequence similarity. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) based onblast, ANI based on the MUMmer algorithm and average amino acid identity values of strain A-F 0318TwithG. harbinensisLL-DO5139Twere 86.9, 89.1 and 84.24 %, respectively. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between A-F 0318Tand its closest relative,G. harbinensisLL-DO5139Twas 33.8 %. The digital G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.7 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose, xylose, glucose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-10(H4). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0and iso-C16 : 1G. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, two unknown phosphoglycolipids and one unknown phospholipid. Based on comparative analysis of genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, the novel actinomycete strain A-F 0318T(=TBRC 13612T=NBRC 115417T) represents the type strain of a novel species, for which the nameGlycomyces amataesp. nov. is proposed.
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum extract ameliorates
TNF-α-induced inflammation and insulin
resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Park Se-Eun , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Jeong In-Seon , Kim Seung
Published: November 2022

Obesity is classified as a low-grade chronic inflammatory disease.
Obesity-induced inflammation is associated with the development of insulin
resistance (IR). In this study, we investigated the effects of
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum extract (MCE) on tumor
necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced inflammation and
IR in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as well as underlying mechanisms. Lipolysis was
monitored by oil red O staining. Glucose uptake was measured by 2-deoxyglucose
(2-DG). The production of cytokines and adiponectin was evaluated using
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression was measured using
western blotting. IR was induced in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes by
treatment with TNF-α. MCE treatment decreased lipolysis
while increasing adiponectin production. MCE inhibited the production of
pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukn (IL)-6 and monocyte
chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, as well as the Nuclear
factor-κB (NF-κB)
translocation. Additionally, MCE increased glucose uptake, prevented the protein
expression of phosphorylated insulin receptor supstrate (IRS) and increased the
protein expression of Glucose Transporter Type 4 (GLUT4) in a dose-dependent
manner. These results demonstrate the potential of MCE in improving chronic
inflammation and insulin sensitivity in obesity. Therefore, MCE can be used as a
novel candidate for developing functional foods.
Comparison of physicochemical properties by different parts of
Rhus verniciflua and food properties of Rhus
verniciflua seed
Authors: Kim Su-Hwan , Huh Chang-Ki
Published: November 2022

The goal of this study was to provide basic data for various parts of
Rhus verniciflua (R. verniciflua), and
based on these data, to suggest the parts thereof that may be used as food
material along with the xylem. Analysis of the proximate compositions revealed
that the leaves contained mainly carbohydrates; the shoots crude protein; and
the stems and seeds contained mainly crude fiber. All these parts were found to
be rich in potassium and magnesium in terms of their mineral content. The total
urushiol content was the lowest in the seeds at 0.92 mg/100 g. The total
polyphenol and flavonoid content were highest in the shoots and leaves,
respectively. Physicochemical analysis indicated that the seeds may be used as a
food material, along with the xylem. According to DPPH and ABTS scavenging
activity analysis, 50% ethanol was considered appropriate as a solvent
for seed extraction. Cytotoxicity analysis of the seeds extracted with
50% ethanol confirmed that none of the components were present at
cytotoxic levels. The findings of this study provide basic information regarding
the use of R. verniciflua seeds as a food source.
Changes in the physicochemical properties of olive flounder
(Paralichthys olivaceus) fillets during storage in a
high-voltage electrostatic field-refrigeration system
Authors: Nam Jong-Woong , Oh Seong-Rip , Koh Hyong-Bum , Won Seung-Hwan , Jung Min-Jeong , Han Ah-Ram , Kim Byoung-Mok , Jun Joon-Young
Published: November 2022

The effects of a high-voltage electrostatic field-refrigeration (HVEsF) system on
the freshness of olive flounder fillets were investigated by evaluating the
changes in the physicochemical properties of the fillets for 7 days. After the
olive flounders had been euthanized, the fillets were obtained immediately and
stored under four different conditions: −1°C as a control (Con);
−1°C HVEsF system set to 3,500 V (H35); −1°C HVEsF
system set to 7,000 V (H70); and 4°C (R). During the whole storage
period, slight decreases and increases in pH were repeatedly performed in all
the groups, and bacterial growth was inhibited at −1°C. The
formation of volatile base nitrogen, trimethylamine, and hypoxanthine was
significantly lower in H70 than in Con for 7 days (p〈0.05). The cutting
strength of H70 was maintained until day 3, while that of the other groups
decreased drastically as the storage period increased. Overall, a
−1°C HVEsF system set to 7,000 V maintained the freshness of the
fillets in the initial stages of storage.
Capsaicinoid content and quality attributes of commercial red
pepper powder according to the labeled pungency levels
Authors: Ahn Donghee , Park Eunyoung , Kim Seoyeong , Ku Kyung-Hyung , Lim Jeong-Ho , Lee Jihyun
Published: November 2022

As per Korean Industrial Standards (KS), red pepper powders are classified into
five groups based on their pungency level: mild hot (<150 mg
capsaicinoid/kg), slight hot (150-300 mg capsaicinoid/kg), medium hot (300-500
mg capsaicinoid/kg), very hot (500-1,000 mg capsaicinoid/kg), and extreme hot
(>1,000 mg capsaicinoid/kg). In the Korean market, the pungency level is
voluntarily declared as labels for red pepper powders; however, whether the
labeled pungency level reflects the KS pungency level remains unknown. In this
study, we determined the total capsaicinoid content (i.e., sum of capsaicin and
dihydrocapsaicin content) of 93 red pepper powders by using high performance
liquid chromatography. Additionally, other quality attributes such as moisture
content, American Spice Trace Association (ASTA) color values, and free sugar
content were investigated. The capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and total
capsaicinoid contents ranged between 35.9-1,029.5 mg/kg, 22.4-472.3 mg/kg, and
60.7-1,402.0 mg/kg, respectively. Of the 93 red pepper samples, the labeled
pungency levels of 51% samples matched the KS pungency levels. All the
samples contained less than 15% moisture. The ASTA color values and free
sugar content ranged between 43.5-121.6% and 6.2-17.2%.
respectively. It may be recommended that red pepper powder manufacturers label
the pungency levels according to the KS pungency level.
Effect of red paprika powder on quality and oxidative stability of mayonnaise prepared with perilla oil
Authors: Lee Kyo-Yeon , Han Chae Yeon , Pyo Min Jeong , Choi Sung-Gil
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigated whether adding of red paprika powder to mayonnaise improved its quality characteristics and storage stability. The quality characteristics, antioxidant activities, and oxidative and emulsion stabilities of mayonnaise prepared with red paprika powder (RPP) at different concentrations (0.5-3%) were compared to mayonnaise without RPP. The results demonstrate that an increase in RPP concentration significantly decreases the L value of the mayonnaise, whereas its a and b values significantly increased (p⟨0.05). The pH decreased as RPP increased. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of mayonnaise were improved by adding RPP, according to the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, FRAP, and total phenolic content. The mayonnaise containing RPP had a peroxide value approximately 3.62 times lower than that of mayonnaise without RPP. The emulsion stability increased with addition of RPP between 0.5-2%; however, it decreased at, 3%. These results suggest that the addition of RPP (<2%) could improve mayonnaise quality, antioxidant activities, and storage duration.
Phenylpropanoid content of different varieties of buckwheat leaves
and their hot water extracts
Authors: Lee Jeong Jae
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study was to select the variety most suitable for producing
buckwheat juice from buckwheat leaves. We harvested six common buckwheat
varieties (USA, Japan HS4251, Daegwan, Daewon,
Daesan, and Yangjul buckwheat) before they
entered the reproductive growth period. The leaves were freeze-dried and used
for extraction. We determined the phenylpropanoid content using high performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Daegwan variety has the
highest phenylpropanoid content such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid,
epicatechin, ferulic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol. The phenylpropanoid
content in the Daegwan variety is 1,542.9
μg/g which is 1.5 times higher than other varieties.
So, it was selected as a suitable variety for producing buckwheat juice using
buckwheat leaves. Thus, buckwheat leaves of Daegwan variety
were used for extraction with hot water at 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100°C for 3
h determine the optimal extraction temperature. As a result, we found out that
the amount of rutin and total phenylpropanoids was the highest when buckwheat
leaves were extracted with hot water at 60°C. Therefore,
Daegwan variety is suitable for the development of
functional extracts using the buckwheat leaves with the highest phenylpropanoid
content.
Effect of heating time on the quality and antioxidant activity of Jerusalem artichoke tea
Authors: Hwang Eun-Sun , Shon EunMyeong
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compound component content, and antioxidant activity of Jerusalem artichoke tea. The Jerusalem artichoke was dried at 70°C for 5 h, then roasted in the oven for 2, 4, and 6 min, respectively. The control group had a moisture content of 11.92%, whereas the sample heated in the oven for 2-6 min had a rapidly declining moisture content. Oven-heated samples had higher levels of crude protein and fat than the control samples. Longer heating periods reduced the pH of the Jerusalem artichoke while increasing the sugar content and turbidity of the tea. The brightness of the tea decreased as the heating time increased, while the redness, yellowness, and browning index increased. Compared to the control group, the total polyphenols and flavonoids eluted in tea increased 1.04 to 4.34 times and 1.09 to 2.70 times, respectively, with the heating time of the Jerusalem artichoke. The elution of antioxidant substances and the antioxidant activity of the tea also was also increased with the heating duration. Therefore, the results revealed that the antioxidant content and activity of Jerusalem artichoke tea are highest when heated for approximately 6 min after removing any excess moisture.
The effect of genetically proxied IL-6 signalling on severe malaria: A Mendelian randomisation analysis
Authors: Hamilton Fergus , Mitchell Ruth , Constantinescu Andrei , Hughes David , Cunnington Aubrey , Ghazal Peter , Timpson Nicholas J
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Severe malaria remains a deadly disease for many young children in low- and middle-income countries. Levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been shown to identify cases of severe malaria and associate with severity, but it is unknown if this association is causal, or whether manipulation of IL-6 might alter outcomes in severe malaria.

Methods

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs2228145) in the IL-6 receptor (IL6R)was chosen as a genetic variant that is known to alter IL-6 signalling. We measured the association between the minor allele of this SNP (C) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of IL-6 signalling in the non-European ancestry population recruited to UK Biobank.

We then took this forward as an instrument to perform Mendelian randomisation (MR) in MalariaGEN, a large cohort study of patients with severe malaria at eleven worldwide sites. As a secondary approach, we identifiedcisprotein quantitative trait loci (cis-pQTL) forIL6Ritself and other markers of IL-6 signalling in a recently published GWAS of the plasma proteome performed in African Americans. We then performed MR using these instruments in the African MalariaGEN sites (9/11). Analyses were performed at each site, and meta-analysed using inverse variance weighting. Additional analyses were performed for specific sub-phenotypes of severe malaria: cerebral malaria and severe malarial anaemia.

Results

The minor allele (C) of rs2228145 was associated with decreased CRP across all tested continental ancestries in UK Biobank. There was no evidence of heterogeneity of effect and a large overall effect (beta -0.11 per standard deviation of normalised CRP per C allele, p = 7.55 × 10−255)

In Mendelian randomisation studies using this SNP, we did not identify an effect of decreased IL-6 signalling on severe malaria case status (Odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI 0.56 – 2.34, p = 0.713). Estimates of the association with any severe malaria sub-phenotype were similarly null although there was significant imprecision in all estimates.

Using an alternative instrument (cis-pQTLs forIL6R), which included 3 SNPS (including rs2228145), we identified the same null effect, but with greater precision (Odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 – 1.10), and no effect on any severe malaria subtypes.

Conclusions

Mendelian randomisation analyses using a SNP in the IL-6 receptor known to alter IL-6 signalling do not support a causal role for IL-6 signalling in the development of severe malaria, or any severe malaria sub-phenotype. This result suggests IL-6 may not be causal for severe outcomes in malaria, and that therapeutic manipulation of IL-6 may not be a suitable treatment for severe malaria.
Breast Cancer Trends in Chile: Incidence and Mortality Rates (2007–2018)
Authors: Madariaga Benjamín , Mondschein Susana , Torres Soledad
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and in Chile. Due to the lack of a Chilean national cancer registry, there is partial information on the status of breast cancer in the country.

Aims

To estimate breast cancer incidence and mortality rates by health care providers and region for Chilean women.

Methods

We used two public anonymized databases provided by the Department of Health Statistics and Information of the Ministry of Health: the national death and hospital discharges datasets. For calculations of incidence and mortality rates, we selected all patients whose primary diagnosis was breast cancer, according to the CDI-10 diagnostic code.

Results

We considered a cohort of 58,254 and 16,615 BC hospital discharges and deaths for the period 2007–2018. The new cases of BC increased by 43.6%, from 3,785 in 2007 to 5,435 in 2018. Total BC deaths increased by 33.6% from 1,158 to 1,547 during the same time period. Age–adjusted incidence rates were stable over time, with an average rate of 44.0 and a standard deviation of 2.2 during the study period. There were considerable differences in age–adjusted incidence rates among regions, with no clear geographical trend. Women affiliated to a private provider (ISAPRE) have an average age adjusted incidence rate of 60.6 compared to 38.8 for women affiliated with the public provider (FONASA). Age–adjusted mortality rates did not change significantly during the study period, with an average of 10.5 and a standard deviation of 0.4.

Discussion

This study shows important differences in incidence rates between private and publicly insured women, with no significant differences in mortality rates. This result suggests potential inequalities in breast cancer healthcare outcomes in Chilean women, that should be studied in greater depth. Additionally, differences in breast cancer incidence found in this study compared to incidences reported from other estimations reinforce the need of a national cancer registry that should lead to more accurate indicators regarding breast cancer magnitude in Chile.
Modelling the blood bank inventory: simple formulae for stock management in clinical settings
Authors: Vaz S. , Warren C. , Carney E. , Hands K. , Gowans D. , Davidson F. A. , Webb C. , Murray P. J.
Published: November 2022

Blood components are a perishable resource that play a crucial role in clinical medicine. The blood component inventory is managed by transfusion services, who ultimately aim to balance supply with demand so as to ensure availability whilst minimising waste. Whilst the blood component inventory problem has been the focus of theoretical approaches for over 50 years, evidence for the direct utilisation of existing models in the day-to-day management of blood stocks in clinical settings is limited. In this study we formulate a discrete mathematical model that describes the main processes in the management of a single population of red blood cells in a clinical setting: ageing, supply and demand. After time averaging the discrete model, a time-delayed integro-partial differential equation model is derived. Steady state analysis yields expressions for: a range of clinically relevant quantities (i.e. age distributions, total stock levels, wastage rates, age of transfused units); key performance indicators; and simple formulae that identify optimal restock thresholds in terms of parameters that are readily available in clinical settings. The approach is validated by testing predictions using data from a Scottish district general hospital. It is envisaged that the proposed methodology can ultimately be used to aidin situ‘rule-of-thumb’ decision making in clinical laboratory settings.
Epidemiology of RSV-A and RSV-B in Adults and Children with Medically-Attended Acute Respiratory Illness over Three Seasons
Authors: Begley Katherine M. , Leis Aleda M. , Petrie Joshua G. , Truscon Rachel , Johnson Emileigh , McSpadden Erin , Lamerato Lois E , Wei Melissa , Monto Arnold S. , Martin Emily T.
Published: November 2022

Background

RSV is a frequent cause of respiratory illness less often diagnosed outside hospital settings; thus, overall prevalence of RSV-associated illness is under-recognized. Information about presence of RSV among those with chronic conditions is especially needed with recent advances in vaccine development.

Methods

Participants prospectively enrolled in an ambulatory surveillance study of respiratory illness (MFIVE) were tested by RT-PCR for RSV and influenza. Participant and illness characteristics were collected by in-person survey and EMR review. Chronic conditions were characterized by the Multimorbidity-weighted index (MWI). Viral factors, including subtype and viral load, were compared between RSV-A and RSV-B. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to compare participant and illness characteristics between those with RSV and those with influenza. Comparisons were also made across RSV subtypes.

Results

Among 4,442 individuals enrolled in MFIVE from fall 2017 to spring 2020, 9.9% (n=441) had RSV detected. RSV+ participants with increased viral load had increased odds of illness lasting ≥ 7 days [ORadj=2.39 (95% CI: 1.03-5.51) p-value=0.04]. Adults with RSV had higher median MWI scores compared to influenza and RSV/influenza-negative (1.62, 0.40, 0.64, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings support the need for ongoing RSV surveillance, particularly in older adults and those with multimorbidity. Our findings support a recognition of multimorbidity as a significant contributor to RSV-associated MAARI among outpatient adults, with particularly notable impacts among adults under 65.