bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the synthesis of hBN crystals to their use as nanosheets in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Maestre Camille , Li Yangdi , Garnier Vincent , Steyer Philippe , Roux Sébastien , Plaud Alexandre , Loiseau Annick , Barjon Julien , Ren Lei , Robert Cedric , Han Bo , Marie Xavier , Journet Catherine , Toury Berangere
Published: May 2022

In the wide world of 2D materials, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) holds a special place due to its excellent characteristics. In addition to its thermal, chemical and mechanical stability, hBN demonstrates high thermal conductivity, low compressibility, and wide band gap around 6 eV, making it a promising candidate for many groundbreaking applications and more specifically in van der Waals heterostructures. Millimeters scale hBN crystals are obtained through a disruptive dual method (polymer derived ceramics (PDC)/pressure-controlled sintering (PCS)) consisting in a complementary coupling of the PDC route and a PCS process. In addition to their excellent chemical and crystalline quality, these crystals exhibit a free exciton lifetime of 0.43 ns, as determined by time-resolved cathodoluminescence measurements, confirming their interesting optical properties. To go further in applicative fields, hBN crystals are then exfoliated, and resulting boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are used to encapsulate transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Such van der Waals heterostructures are tested by optical spectroscopy. BNNSs do not luminesce in the emission spectral range of TMDs and the photoluminescence width of the exciton at 4 K is in the range 2–3 meV. All these results demonstrate that these BNNSs are of high quality and relevant for future opto-electronic applications.
Purification of fluid catalytic cracking slurry oil at room temperature using ceramic membrane
Authors: Han Changye , Luo Yongde , Li Kun , Jin Jiang , Zhang Hua
Published: May 2022

The catalyst particles were removed from fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) slurry oil by two-step separation processing. FCC slurry oil was mixed with water and surfactant to make the lower viscosity emulsion. The catalyst particles were removed from the emulsion using the modified hydrophobic ceramic membrane (0.1 μm) and then the water was filtered out from oil/water emulsion using an unmodified hydrophilic ceramic membrane (0.05 μm) at room temperature. The separation efficiency of catalyst particles and emulsion reached 99.9% and the oil/water separation efficiency also reached 99.9%. FCC slurry oil was effectively purified at room temperature by a two-step treatment.
Aesthetic Experience and Intellectual Pursuits
Authors: Schellekens Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

The main aim of this paper is to examine the practice of describing intellectual pursuits in aesthetic terms, and to investigate whether this practice can be accounted for in the framework of a standard conception of aesthetic experience. Following a discussion of some historical approaches, the paper proposes a way of conceiving of aesthetic experience as both epistemically motivating and epistemically inventive. It is argued that the aesthetics of intellectual pursuits should be considered as central rather than marginal to our philosophical accounts of aesthetic experience, and that our views about the relation between the aesthetic and cognitive domains should be reconfigured accordingly.
Linearized maximum rank correlation estimation
Authors: Shen Guohao , Chen Kani , Huang Jian , Lin Yuanyuan
Published: May 2022

We propose a linearized maximum rank correlation estimator for the single-index model. Unlike the existing maximum rank correlation and other rank-based methods, the proposed estimator has a closed-form expression, making it appealing in theory and computation. The proposed estimator is robust to outliers in the response and its construction does not need knowledge of the unknown link function or the error distribution. Under mild conditions, it is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal when the predictors satisfy the linearity of the expectation assumption. A more general class of estimators is also studied. Inference procedures based on the plug-in rule or random weighting resampling are employed for variance estimation. The proposed method can be easily modified to accommodate censored data. It can also be extended to deal with high-dimensional data combined with a penalty function. Extensive simulation studies provide strong evidence that the proposed method works well in various practical situations. Its application is illustrated with the Beijing PM 2.5 dataset.
The Political Economy of Crime: Did Universal Credit Increase Crime Rates?
Authors: Tiratelli Matteo , Bradford Ben , Yesberg Julia
Published: May 2022

Interest in the political economy of crime goes back to sociology’s founding fathers, but the nature of the relationship between restrictive social security systems and crime remains contested. This paper exploits exogenous variation in the introduction of Universal Credit (UC) to local areas across England and Wales to address this question. We first use fixed effects models, with a range of controls, to show that as UC enrolments increase in a given area, so does the crime rate. We then use interrupted time series analysis to show that, despite UC being rolled out at different times in different places, its introduction in each local area coincides with a positive shift in the trend in crime. These findings hold for total crime, property crime and violent crime. Borrowing from Strain Theory and Routine Activities Theory, we suggest that changes to the pool of motivated offenders may help to explain these correlations.
A Cross-sectional Study of Patients With Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis and Normal Chest Radiographs — What Characteristics Were Associated With Sputum Culture Positivity?
Authors: Le Victoria , Pascopella Lisa , Westenhouse Janice , Barry Pennan
Published: May 2022

Background

Recognizing pulmonary involvement in tuberculosis (TB) patients is necessary to prevent TB transmission. We describe frequency and characteristics of patients with extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), normal chest radiographs, and positive sputum culture.

Methods

We analyzed data of patients ≥15 years of age with EPTB reported to the California TB registry during 2011–2017 with cultured sputum and normal chest radiographs using generalized linear modeling to estimate prevalence ratios associated with positive sputum culture. Demographic, behavioral, clinical characteristics, and testing were compared for patients with positive and negative sputum culture.

Results

Of 1635 patients with EPTB and normal chest radiographs, 937 (57%) had sputum culture performed, and 127 (13%) patients had positive results for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Patients with positive results were more likely to: be male, experience homelessness, use substances, have HIV, and have >1 disease site. Among 85 patients with HIV co-infection, 54% had positive culture results compared with 9.5% among 852 patients without HIV co-infection. Patients with EPTB in more than 1 site were also more likely to have a positive sputum culture.

Conclusions

Culturing sputum from patients with EPTB identified pulmonary cases not detected by chest radiograph, particularly among patients with HIV or >1 disease site.
New aspects in cardiorenal syndrome and HFpEF
Authors: Méndez Ana Belén , Azancot Maria Antonieta , Olivella Aleix , Soler María José
Published: May 2022

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex disease in which the heart and kidneys are simultaneously affected, and subsequently, the malfunction of one organ promotes the deterioration of the other. Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the most common form of HF. The pathophysiology of CRS is not well known and several mechanisms have been proposed. An elevation of central venous pressure seems to be one of the key points to consider, among others such as an increase in intraabdominal pressure. Several diagnostic tools have been identified to establish the diagnosis of CRS in patients with HFpEF. Currently, the availability of biomarkers of renal and cardiac injury, the use of pulmonary ultrasound, the monitoring of the size of the inferior vena cava and the study of the renal venous pattern offer a new dimension in accurately diagnosing and quantifying organ damage in CRS. Beyond the symptomatic treatment of congestion, until recently specific therapeutic tools for patients with CRS and HFpEF were not available. Interestingly, the development of new drugs such as the angiotensin/neprilysin inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors offer new therapeutic strategies with potential benefits in reduction of cardiorenal adverse outcomes in this population. Randomized clinical trials that focus on patients with HFpEF are currently ongoing to delineate optimal new treatments that may be able to modify their prognosis. In addition, multidisciplinary teamwork (nephrologist, cardiologist and nurse) is expected to decrease the number of visits and the rate of hospitalizations, with a subsequent patient benefit.
School Social Work Practice in Charter Schools: Current Trends and Future Considerations
Authors: Badillo-Diaz Marina Angela
Published: May 2022

Since the establishment of the first charter school in 1991, over 7,000 charter schools have opened across the United States. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that are exempt from some of the local or state regulation and serve as alternatives to the more traditional public and private schools for many children and families. As charter schools proliferate across the United States, so does the number of school social workers employed by them. Even though school social work practice can vary widely across location, type of school setting, state educational policies, and contractual mandates, there is minimal research and limited information about school social work practices in charter schools. This article examines social work practice in the context of charter schools to provide charter school social workers with insight and information tailored to their unique school settings. The article will also review the history of the charter school movement and the impact of current charter school policies on social worker roles and interventions. Suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Vitamin D-induced LL-37 modulates innate immune responses of human primary macrophages during DENV-2 infection
Authors: Castillo Jorge Andrés , Giraldo Diana Marcela , Smit Jolanda M , Rodenhuis-Zybert Izabela A , Urcuqui-Inchima Silvio
Published: May 2022

Epidemics of dengue, an acute and potentially severe disease caused by mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV), pose a major challenge to clinicians and health care services across the sub(tropics). Severe disease onset is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response to the virus, and there are currently no drugs to alleviate disease symptoms. LL-37 is a potent antimicrobial peptide with a wide range of immunoregulatory properties. In this study, we assessed the effect of LL-37 on DENV-2-induced responses in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). We show that simultaneous exposure of exogenous LL-37 and DENV-2 resulted in reduced replication of the virus in MDMs, while the addition of LL-37 postexposure to DENV-2 did not. Interestingly, the latter condition reduced the production of IL-6 and increased the expression of genes involved in virus sensing and antiviral response. Finally, we demonstrate that low endogenous levels and limited production of LL-37 in MDMs in response to DENV-2 infection can be increased by differentiating MDMs in the presence of Vitamin D (VitD3). Taken together, this study demonstrates that in addition to its antimicrobial properties, LL-37 has immunomodulatory properties in the curse of DENV infection and its production can be increased by VitD3.
Level of job satisfaction among pharmacists in public and private health sectors in Zambia: a preliminary study
Authors: Mukosha Moses , Zingani Ellah , Kalungia Aubrey C , Mwila Chiluba , Mwanza James , Mweetwa Billy , Mwalungali Gunet , Chigunta Michael , Kaonga Patrick , Akapelwa Tumelo M , Munkombwe Derick
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Low job satisfaction levels among pharmacists are associated with poor motivation and performance in the workplace. However, in Zambia, the job satisfaction levels of pharmacists remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this article was to explore levels of job satisfaction among pharmacists from the public and private health sectors in Zambia.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among Zambian pharmacists between April and August 2019. We used a previously validated self-administered questionnaire to measure job satisfaction. We sent out 200 questionnaires, of which 156 (78.0%) were returned. Bivariate analysis and an adjusted general linear regression model were fitted to determine factors affecting job satisfaction levels.

Key findings

Among 156 respondents, 46 (29.5%) were males, 114 (73.1%) and worked in the public sector. Overall, the mean job satisfaction score of the responding pharmacists was 3.05 (SD = 0.64) (on a scale of 1–5). Job satisfaction scores were significantly lower for pharmacists working in the public health sectors (regression coefficient (β), −0.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.59 to −0.10), adjusting for age, sex and income. Income was independently associated with levels of job satisfaction.

Conclusions

Overall, pharmacists in Zambia were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their job. Nevertheless, pharmacists working in the private sector were more likely to report higher job satisfaction levels than those in the public sector. Therefore, the present study findings could contribute to developing and refining rational criteria to increase job satisfaction in pharmacy settings.
Cross-Neutralizing Activity Against Omicron Could Be Obtained in SARS-CoV-2 Convalescent Patients Who Received Two Doses of mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Kurahashi Yukiya , Furukawa Koichi , Sutandhio Silvia , Tjan Lidya Handayani , Iwata Sachiyo , Sano Shigeru , Tohma Yoshiki , Ohkita Hiroyuki , Nakamura Sachiko , Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Arii Jun , Kiriu Tatsunori , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Nagano Tatsuya , Nishimura Yoshihiro , Mori Yasuko
Published: May 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant omicron is now under investigation. We evaluated cross-neutralizing activity against omicron in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent patients (n = 23) who had received 2 doses of an mRNA vaccination (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273). Intriguingly, after the second vaccination, the neutralizing antibody titers of subjects against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron, all became seropositive, and significant fold-increases (21.1–52.0) were seen regardless of the disease severity. Our findings thus demonstrate that 2 doses of mRNA vaccination to SARS-CoV-2 convalescent patients can induce cross-neutralizing activity against omicron.
Association Between Cytomegalovirus Infection and Tuberculosis Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Kua Kok Pim , Chongmelaxme Bunchai , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: May 2022

Background

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide from an infectious disease. This review aimed to investigate the association between prior cytomegalovirus infection and tuberculosis disease.

Methods

Six bibliographic databases were searched from their respective inception to 31 December 2021. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Of 5476 identified articles, 15 satisfied the inclusion criteria with a total sample size of 38 618 patients. Pooled findings showed that individuals with cytomegalovirus infection had a higher risk of tuberculosis disease compared to those not infected with cytomegalovirus (odds ratio [OR], 3.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18–4.70). Age was the only covariate that exerted a significant effect on the result of the association. Meta-analysis of risk estimates reported in individual studies showed a marked and significant correlation of cytomegalovirus infection with active tuberculosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.34–4.51; adjusted OR, 1.14; 95% CI, .71–1.57). A clear dose-response relation was inferred between the levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies and the risks of tuberculosis events (OR for high levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies, 4.07; OR for medium levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies, 3.58).

Conclusions

The results suggest an elevated risk of tuberculosis disease among individuals with a prior cytomegalovirus infection.
Get Your Science Out of Here: When Does Invoking Science in the Marketing of Consumer Products Backfire?
Authors: Philipp-Muller Aviva , Costello John P , Reczek Rebecca Walker
Published: May 2022

In this research, we propose that although consumers view the scientific process as competent, they also perceive it as cold. Across 10 experimental studies, we demonstrate that these lay beliefs impact consumers’ reactions to marketers touting the science behind their brands. Specifically, since hedonic attributes are associated with warmth, the coldness associated with science is conceptually disfluent with the anticipated warmth of hedonic products and attributes, reducing product valuation. In contrast, when products are positioned as utilitarian, invoking science in marketing appeals has a positive effect, as the perceived competence of the scientific process is more compatible with the competence associated with utilitarian products. We further demonstrate that when the necessity of science to create a hedonic product is made salient and thus more fluent, this backfire effect is attenuated. Finally, we identify three theoretically and practically relevant individual differences (endorsement of the lay belief, trust in scientists, and whether the consumer works in a STEM field) that moderate the backfire effect of pairing science with hedonically positioned products.
What IsNe, Anyway?
Authors: Waples Robin S
Published: May 2022

Few doubt that effective population size (Ne) is one of the most important parameters in evolutionary biology, but how many can say they really understand the concept? Ne is the evolutionary analog of the number of individuals (or adults) in the population, N. Whereas ecological consequences of population size depend on N, evolutionary consequences (rates of loss of genetic diversity and increase in inbreeding; relative effectiveness of selection) depend on Ne. Formal definitions typically relate effective size to a key population genetic parameter, such as loss of heterozygosity or variance in allele frequency. However, for practical application to real populations, it is more useful to define Ne in terms of 3 demographic parameters: number of potential parents (adult N), and mean and variance in offspring number. Defined this way, Ne determines the rate of random genetic drift across the entire genome in the offspring generation. Other evolutionary forces (mutation, migration, selection)—together with factors such as variation in recombination rate—can also affect genetic variation, and this leads to heterogeneity across the genome in observed rates of genetic change. For some, it has been convenient to interpret this heterogeneity in terms of heterogeneity in Ne, but unfortunately, this has muddled the concepts of genetic drift and effective population size. A commonly repeated misconception is that Ne is the number of parents that actually contribute genes to the next generation (NP). In reality, NP can be smaller or larger than Ne, and the NP/Ne ratio depends on the sex ratio, the mean and variance in offspring number, and whether inbreeding or variance Ne is of interest.
Gallbladder cancer presenting as hemobilia on capsule endoscopy
Authors: Scarola Samantha , Sibia Udai S , Gibson Glen
Published: May 2022

Gallbladder adenocarcinoma is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy and is associated with a poor prognosis. These malignancies are most often discovered incidentally in $\sim$1% of all cholecystectomy procedures. We report an 80-year-old male patient with iron deficiency anemia, who underwent an unremarkable endoscopy and colonoscopy, and was subsequently found to have hemobilia discovered on capsule endoscopy. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a space-occupying process involving the posterior wall of the gallbladder. The patient underwent an unremarkable laparoscopic cholecystectomy with final pathology revealing a well-differentiated, 8 cm intracystic papillary neoplasm with high-grade dysplasia involving the majority of the gallbladder, with focally invasive adenocarcinoma invading the muscular layer of the gallbladder wall. Postoperative staging work-up revealed no evidence of metastatic disease. Patient then underwent a radical resection of segments 4B/5 of the gallbladder fossa and lymph node resection of the porta hepatis. Final pathology revealed Stage I adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder (T1bNxM0).
Real and Imagined Encounters in the Social History of Surveillance: Soviet Migrants and the Petrov Affair
Authors: Nilsson Ebony
Published: May 2022

Soviet intelligence officer Vladimir Petrov’s defection to the West in 1954 was Australia’s first Cold War spy scandal, quickly dubbed the “Petrov Affair.” It was followed by a Royal Commission investigating Soviet espionage, during which the cover of Michael Bialoguski, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s main agent in the Petrov operation, was blown. Bialoguski, a Polish refugee, had been targeting not just Petrov but the pro-Soviet migrant community, infiltrating their lives over a period of six years. This article uses the Petrov Affair as a vantage point to examine pro-Soviet migrants’ experiences of Cold War surveillance in Australia. Soviet migrants arrived in the West with prior experience of ubiquitous security states and anticipated that they would be monitored. But for those involved with pro-Soviet groups like Sydney’s Russian Social Club, brushes with intelligence were not only expected but often desired. They had both real and imagined encounters with surveillance, and imagined encounters shaped their experiences and perceptions of the security state just as actual ones did. A social history of the surveillance of pro-Soviet migrants complicates our understanding of the effects of surveillance and of its panoptic qualities. It also reveals the Australian security state as mutually constituted—not just by the state itself, but by the personalities, perceptions, transnational experiences, and social worlds of its subjects.
Is the Unequal Treatment of Maternal and Paternal Liability Under the Congenital Disabilities (Civil Liability) Act 1976 Justified?
Authors: Bowden Catherine E
Published: May 2022

Under the Congenital Disabilities (Civil Liability) Act 1976 (CDCLA) a child born disabled as a result of an occurrence prior to its birth can bring a claim against the individual responsible for that occurrence. Significantly, mothers are exempt from liability (except in relation to negligent driving) but fathers are not. Since the CDCLA came into force in 1976, there have been significant shifts in the landscape in which it operates: a more gender-neutral model of parenting; transmission of an infection to a sexual partner can be a criminal offence; and growing evidence regarding the impact of prenatal events. In addition, there is a trend for presenting prenatal harm as a problem of individual behaviour. This article presents a timely consideration of the potential for parental liability under the CDCLA and asks whether restricting the exemption of parental liability to mothers but not fathers can be justified. It is argued that the reasons for unequal parental liability in relation to gestational harm are not sufficient to justify restricting the broad exemption to mothers but not fathers and a change in the law is required to bring the CDCLA up to date with advances in the criminal law, society, and medical science.
A disturbing FABLE of mergers, feedback, turbulence, and mass biases in simulated galaxy clusters
Authors: Bennett Jake S , Sijacki Debora
Published: May 2022

The use of galaxy clusters as cosmological probes often relies on understanding the properties and evolution of the intracluster medium (ICM). However, the ICM is a complex plasma, regularly stirred by mergers and feedback, with non-negligible bulk and turbulent motions and a non-thermal pressure component, making it difficult to construct a coherent and comprehensive picture. To this end, we use the fable simulations to investigate how the hydrostatic mass bias is affected by mergers, turbulence, and feedback. Following in detail a single, massive cluster we find the bias varies significantly over cosmic time, rarely staying at the average value found at a particular epoch. Variations of the bias at a given radius are contemporaneous with periods where outflows dominate the mass flux, either due to mergers or interestingly, at high redshift, AGN feedback. The z = 0 ensemble median mass bias in fable is ∼13 per cent at R500 and ∼15 per cent at R200, but with a large scatter in individual values. In halo central regions, we see an increase in temperature and a decrease in non-thermal pressure support with cosmic time as turbulence thermalizes, leading to a reduction in the mass bias within $\sim \!0.2 \, R_\mathrm{200}$. When using a fitted pressure profile, instead of the simulation data, to estimate the bias, we find there can be significant differences, particularly at larger radii and higher redshift. We therefore caution over the use of such fits in future work when comparing with the next generation of X-ray and SZ observations.
The large-scale 21-cm power spectrum from reionization
Authors: Georgiev Ivelin , Mellema Garrelt , Giri Sambit K , Mondal Rajesh
Published: May 2022

Radio interferometers, such as the Low-Frequency Array and the future Square Kilometre Array, are attempting to measure the spherically averaged 21-cm power spectrum from the epoch of reionization. Understanding of the dominant physical processes which influence the power spectrum at each length-scale is therefore crucial for interpreting any future detection. We study a decomposition of the 21-cm power spectrum and quantify the evolution of its constituent terms for a set of numerical and semi-numerical simulations of a volume of (714 Mpc)3, focusing on large scales with k ≲ 0.3 Mpc−1. We find that after ∼10 per cent of the universe has been ionized, the 21-cm power spectrum follows the power spectrum of neutral hydrogen fluctuations, which itself beyond a certain scale follows the matter power spectrum. Hence the signal has a two-regime form where the large-scale signal is a biased version of the cosmological density field, and the small-scale power spectrum is determined by the astrophysics of reionization. We construct a bias parameter to investigate the relation between the large-scale 21-cm signal and the cosmological density field. We find that the transition scale between the scale-independent and scale-dependent bias regimes is directly related to the value of the mean free path of ionizing photons (λMFP), and is characterised by the empirical formula ktrans ≈ 2/λMFP. Furthermore, we show that the numerical implementation of the mean free path effect has a significant impact on the shape of this transition. Most notably, the transition is more gradual if the mean free path effect is implemented as an absorption process rather than as a barrier.
The number of transits per epoch for transiting misaligned circumbinary planets
Authors: Chen Zirui , Kipping David
Published: May 2022

The growing catalogue of circumbinary planets strengthens the notion that planets form in a diverse range of conditions across the cosmos. Transiting circumbinary planets yield especially important insights and many examples are now known, in broadly coplanar obits with respect to their binary. Studies of circumbinary discs suggest misaligned transiting examples could also plausibly exist, but their existence would exacerbate the already challenging feat of automatic detection. In this work, we synthesize populations of such planets and consider the number of transits per epoch they produce, forming integer sequences. For isotropic distributions, such sequences will appear foreign to conventional expectation, rarely (∼1 per cent) producing the signature double-transits we have come to expect for circumbinaries, instead producing sparse sequences dominated by zero-transit epochs (∼80 per cent). Despite their strangeness, we demonstrate that these sequences will be non-random and that the two preceding epochs predict the next to high accuracy. Additionally, we show that even when clustering the transits into grouped epochs, they often appear unphysical if erroneously assuming a single star, due to the missing epochs. Crucially, missing epochs mean highly isotropic populations can trick the observer into assigning the wrong period in up to a quarter of cases, adding further confusion. Finally, we show that the transit sequences encode the inclination distribution and demonstrate a simple inference method that successfully matches the injected truth. Our work highlights how the simple act of flagging transits can be used to provide an initial, vetting-level analysis of misaligned transiting circumbinary planets.
How long can luminous blue variables sleep? A long-term photometric variability and spectral study of the Galactic candidate luminous blue variable MN 112
Authors: Maryeva O V , Karpov S V , Kniazev A Y , Gvaramadze V V
Published: May 2022

Luminous blue variables (LBVs) are massive stars that show strong spectral and photometric variability. The questions of what evolutionary stages they represent and what exactly drives their instability are still open, and thus it is important to understand whether LBVs without significant ongoing activity exist, and for how long such dormant LBVs may ‘sleep’. In this paper we investigate the long-term variability properties of the LBV candidate MN 112, by combining its optical and infrared spectral data covering 12 years with photometric data covering nearly a century, as acquired from both modern time-domain sky surveys and historical photographic plates. We analyse the spectra, derive the physical properties of the star by modelling its atmosphere, and use a new distance estimate from Gaia data release 3 (DR3) to determine the position of MN 112 both inside the Galaxy and in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. The distance estimation has almost doubled in comparison with Gaia DR2. Because of this, MN 112 moved to upper part of the diagram, and according to our modelling it lies on an evolutionary track for a star with initial mass $M_*=70~\rm M_\odot$ near the Humphreys–Davidson limit. Given the absence of any significant variability, we conclude that the star is a dormant LBV that has now been inactive for at least a century.
Brain metastases: A Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) consensus review on current management and future directions
Authors: Aizer Ayal A , Lamba Nayan , Ahluwalia Manmeet S , Aldape Kenneth , Boire Adrienne , Brastianos Priscilla K , Brown Paul D , Camidge D Ross , Chiang Veronica L , Davies Michael A , Hu Leland S , Huang Raymond Y , Kaufmann Timothy , Kumthekar Priya , Lam Keng , Lee Eudocia Q , Lin Nancy U , Mehta Minesh , Parsons Michael , Reardon David A , Sheehan Jason , Soffietti Riccardo , Tawbi Hussein , Weller Michael , Wen Patrick Y
Published: May 2022

Brain metastases occur commonly in patients with advanced solid malignancies. Yet, less is known about brain metastases than cancer-related entities of similar incidence. Advances in oncologic care have heightened the importance of intracranial management. Here, in this consensus review supported by the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), we review the landscape of brain metastases with particular attention to management approaches and ongoing efforts with potential to shape future paradigms of care. Each coauthor carried an area of expertise within the field of brain metastases and initially composed, edited, or reviewed their specific subsection of interest. After each subsection was accordingly written, multiple drafts of the manuscript were circulated to the entire list of authors for group discussion and feedback. The hope is that the these consensus guidelines will accelerate progress in the understanding and management of patients with brain metastases, and highlight key areas in need of further exploration that will lead to dedicated trials and other research investigations designed to advance the field.
Early Changes in Puffing Intensity When Exclusively Using Open-Label Very Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes
Authors: White Cassidy M , Watson Clifford , Bravo Cardenas Roberto , Ngac Phuong , Valentin-Blasini Liza , Blount Benjamin C , Koopmeiners Joseph S , Denlinger-Apte Rachel L , Pacek Lauren R , Benowitz Neal L , Hatsukami Dorothy K , Donny Eric C , Carpenter Matthew J , Smith Tracy T
Published: May 2022

Introduction

In response to reducing cigarette nicotine content, people who smoke could attempt to compensate by using more cigarettes or by puffing on individual cigarettes with greater intensity. Such behaviors may be especially likely under conditions where normal nicotine content (NNC) cigarettes are not readily accessible. The current within-subject, residential study investigated whether puffing intensity increased with very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarette use, relative to NNC cigarette use, when no other nicotine products were available.

Aims and Methods

Sixteen adults who smoke daily completed two four-night hotel stays in Charleston, South Carolina (United States) in 2018 during which only NNC or only VLNC cigarettes were accessible. We collected the filters from all smoked cigarettes and measured the deposited solanesol to estimate mouth-level nicotine delivery per cigarette. These estimates were averaged within and across participants, per each 24-h period. We then compared the ratio of participant-smoked VLNC and NNC cigarette mouth-level nicotine with the ratio yielded by cigarette smoking machines (when puffing intensity is constant).

Results

Average mouth-level nicotine estimates from cigarettes smoked during the hotel stays indicate participants puffed VLNC cigarettes with greater intensity than NNC cigarettes in each respective 24-h period. However, this effect diminished over time (p < .001). Specifically, VLNC puffing intensity was 40.0% (95% CI: 29.9, 53.0) greater than NNC puffing intensity in the first period, and 16.1% (95% CI: 6.9, 26.0) greater in the fourth period.

Conclusion

Average puffing intensity per cigarette was elevated with exclusive VLNC cigarette use, but the extent of this effect declined across four days.

Implications

In an environment where no other sources of nicotine are available, people who smoke daily may initially attempt to compensate for cigarette nicotine reduction by puffing on individual cigarettes with greater intensity. Ultimately, the compensatory behavior changes required to achieve usual nicotine intake from VLNC cigarettes are drastic and unrealistic. Accordingly, people are unlikely to sustain attempts to compensate for very low cigarette nicotine content.
The HD-Zip transcription factor SlHB15A regulates abscission by modulating jasmonoyl-isoleucine biosynthesis
Authors: Liu Xianfeng , Cheng Lina , Li Ruizhen , Cai Yue , Wang Xiaoyang , Fu Xin , Dong Xiufen , Qi Mingfang , Jiang Cai-Zhong , Xu Tao , Li Tianlai
Published: May 2022

Plant organ abscission, a process that is important for development and reproductive success, is inhibited by the phytohormone auxin and promoted by another phytohormone, jasmonic acid (JA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antagonistic effects of auxin and JA in organ abscission are unknown. We identified a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) class III homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor, HOMEOBOX15A (SlHB15A), which was highly expressed in the flower pedicel abscission zone and induced by auxin. Knocking out SlHB15A using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 technology significantly accelerated abscission. In contrast, overexpression of microRNA166-resistant SlHB15A (mSlHB15A) delayed abscission. RNA sequencing and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analyses showed that knocking out SlHB15A altered the expression of genes related to JA biosynthesis and signaling. Furthermore, functional analysis indicated that SlHB15A regulates abscission by depressing JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) levels through inhabiting the expression of JASMONATE-RESISTANT1 (SlJAR1), a gene involved in JA-Ile biosynthesis, which could induce abscission-dependent and abscission-independent ethylene signaling. SlHB15A bound directly to the SlJAR1 promoter to silence SlJAR1, thus delaying abscission. We also found that flower removal enhanced JA-Ile content and that application of JA-Ile severely impaired the inhibitory effects of auxin on abscission. These results indicated that SlHB15A mediates the antagonistic effect of auxin and JA-Ile during tomato pedicel abscission, while auxin inhibits abscission through the SlHB15A–SlJAR1 module.
Hierarchical Symptom Components in Early Psychosis
Authors: Longenecker Julia M , Haas Gretchen L , Salisbury Dean F
Published: May 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Quantitative models of psychopathology can empirically guide subclassification of heterogeneous clinical presentations such as psychosis; they are particularly well-equipped to capture the nuanced symptomatology observed in first-episode psychosis. As well, components may be better aligned with biological variables. The current study sought to confirm and extend knowledge of the hierarchical structure of psychosis symptoms in first-episode psychosis. Based on past hierarchical work, we hypothesized that a 4 component level would be most closely associated with longitudinal disability.

Study Design

Participants with early-stage psychosis (N = 370) underwent clinical assessment with the scale for the assessment of positive symptoms (SAPS), scale for assessment of negative symptoms (SANS), and global assessment scale(GAS). A subset was assessed at 6 months (N = 221) and 1 year (N = 207). Hierarchical symptom components were extracted at 12 levels. The predictive utility of the components for global functioning was tested.

Study Results

As predicted, the 4-component model (reality distortion, thought disorder, inexpressivity, apathy/asociality) provided a superior prediction of functioning over other levels of the hierarchy. Baseline apathy/asociality longitudinally predicted functioning beyond the shared variance of the components at 6 months (b = −4.83, t(216) = −5.37, p < .001, R2adj = 0.12) and 1-year (b = −4.49, t(202) = −4.38, p < .001, R2adj = 0.09).

Conclusions

The hierarchical structure of psychotic symptomatology and its external validity have been robustly established in independent, longitudinal first-episode psychosis samples. The established model incorporates multiple levels of granularity that can be flexibly applied based on the level that offers the greatest predictive utility for external validators.
Porcine Pluripotent Stem Cells Established from LCDM Medium with Characteristics Differ from Human and Mouse Extended Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Yu Zhuoran , Zhou Sihan , Liu Minli , Chen Lijun , Zhang Xue , Yang Xu , Cui Hongdi , Jiang Chaoqian , Lv Yanjiao , Yan Tingsheng , Kong Qingran , Liu Zhonghua
Published: May 2022

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have unlimited self-renewal and multifunctional development potential in vitro. Porcine PSCs are highly desirable due to the conserved characteristics between pigs and humans. Extended PSCs (EPSCs) are additionally capable of differentiating into embryonic (Em) and extraembryonic (E×Em) parts. Here, we employed the LCDM culture system (consisting of human LIF, CHIR99021, (S)-(+)-dimethindene maleate, and minocycline hydrochloride), which can establish EPSCs from humans and mice, to derive and maintain stable porcine PSCs (pLCDM) from in vivo blastocysts. Transcriptome analysis revealed the unique molecular characteristics of pLCDMs compared with early-stage embryos. Meanwhile, the parallels and differences in the transcriptome features among pLCDMs, human EPSCs, and mouse EPSCs were carefully analyzed and evaluated. Most noteworthy, the trophoblast lineage differentiation tendency of pLCDMs was clarified by inducing trophoblast-like cells and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) in vitro. Further research found that 2 of the small molecules in LCDM culture system, (S)-(+)-dimethindene maleate (DiM) and minocycline hydrochloride (MiH), probably play a crucial role in promoting trophoblast lineage differentiation potential of pLCDMs.
Differences in the Levels of ProBDNF and Mature BDNF in A549 and H1299 Human Lung Cancer Cell Media
Authors: Coleman Kai‐ling E. , Al Khashali Hind , Ray Ravel , Atali Sarah , Dorandish Sadaf , Guthrie Jeffrey , Heyl Deborah , Evans Hedeel G.
Published: May 2022

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has been linked to various steps involved in carcinogenesis and shown to promote tumorigenesis. Here, we explore the relative abundance of pro‐brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) and mature BDNF (mBDNF) in A549 (p53 wild‐type) and H1299 (p53‐null) lung cancer cell media. Higher proBDNF levels were detected in the media of A549 cells than in H1299 cell media. Using inhibitors, we show that the levels of proBDNF and mBDNF in the media are likely regulated by PI3K, AKT, and NFκB. However, MMP2/9 inhibition resulted in the largest change in these levels. Blocking p53 function in A549 cells led to increased mBDNF and decreased proBDNF, suggesting a role for p53 in regulating these levels. The ratio of proBDNF/mBDNF increased in the media of both cell lines upon knockdown of MMP9 but was not affected by MMP2 knockdown. Downregulation of either MMP2 or MMP9 by siRNA showed that MMP9 siRNA treatment of either A549 or H1299 cells resulted in decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis, an effect diminished upon the same treatment with media immunodepleted of proBDNF, suggesting that MMP9 plays a role in regulating the cytotoxic effects induced by proBDNF in lung cancer cells.
Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy on Tendinopathies: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pham Hieu , Baloy Rodiel K.
Published: May 2022

Background

Active individuals may become afflicted by degeneration of tendon protein collagen. This phenomenon, termed tendinopathy, manifests with pain, swelling, and loss of function. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a proposed modality for the management of pain and inflammation associated with tendinopathies.

Purpose

This literature review aims to look at the state of evidence among previously conducted randomized controlled trials (RCT) examining the effects of LLLT on tendinopathies in humans.

Methods and Data Extraction

Systematic literature searches for randomized controlled trials between 2011‐2021 were performed in the databases of PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Medline between July 7 to 23, 2021. A total of three randomized controlled trials (full text available, PEDro score > 6, met search criteria, and conducted in the past 10 years) with a total of 132 subjects met quality guidelines using the PEDro scale.

Results

A total of 171 articles were screened, and three studies with a total population of n=132 were included. With heterogeneity in frequency, dosage, and volume of treatment prescription, no meta‐analysis was conducted. Majority of the RCT’s did not meet PEDro quality guidelines (6 of 10 total points). Of the three studies that met criteria, there were statistically significant improvements reported in terms of pain and function in 2 of the 3 studies (n=92). On the other hand, no notable clinically significant effects were found in 1 of the studies (n=40). The results suggest that in the management of tendinopathies, the use of LLLT has some clinically significant effect on pain and functional outcomes.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This review of current randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews presented limited evidence for LLLT for tendinopathies. While the use of LLLT may improve pain and functional outcome, improving the quality of RCT’s, their methodology, and dosing and prescription guidelines are suggested.
iTRAQ proteomics of sentinel lymph nodes for the identification of extra cellular matrix protein signatures that can flag metastasis in early breast cancer
Authors: Hariprasad Gururao , Pathania Sheetal , Bandyopadhyay Sabyasachi , Mishra Piyush R. , Mathur Sandeep , Hari Smriti
Published: May 2022

Background

Breast cancer patients who present in the early stage of disease are affected by metastasis to the axillary group of lymph nodes. The first among this group that is affected is called as sentinel lymph node, and metastasis to this lymph node is crucial for the staging of cancer and the quality of surgical intervention. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) that is currently used to assess lymph node metastasis is neither sensitive, nor specific, is time‐consuming, thereby necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers that can flag sentinel lymph node metastasis.

Methods

This study was conducted after approval was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee (Ref. No. IECPG‐ 27/23.01.2019, RT‐03/28.02.2019). Breast cancer patients were screened, and those with early stage were recruited in the study. Surgical resection of the breast was followed by identification of sentinel lymph nodes by methylene fluorescent technique. Histo‐pathology of fresh frozen section biopsy was used as the gold standard to assign the clinical phenotypes of metastatic (SLNM+) and non‐metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNM‐). Discovery phase of the experiment included isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) technique comprising of six comparative experiments coupled with mass spectrometric analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD027668. Validation was done by ELISA and protein concentrations were used to estimate the ROC for computing diagnostic parameters. Pathway analysis and gene ontology analysis was done to understand the relevance of the differentially expressed proteins in this study.

Results

Based on MS/MS spectra there were 7510 differentially expressed proteins comparing SLNB + and SLNB ‐. Nineteen proteins up‐regulated, and eight proteins that were down regulated in SLNB+ as compared to SLNB‐. ELISA confirmed the up‐regulation of caveolin 1, collagen α‐1, desmin, fibrillin‐1, and microfibrillar associated glycoprotein 4 in metastatic, as compared to non‐metastatic lymph nodes. These proteins are known to be integral in tumorogenesis, cell proliferation, invasion, cell survival and anti‐apoptosis. These proteins have 80%‐100%, of sensitivity and specificity to differentiate the two clinical phenotypes.

Conclusion

Identified protein biomarkers have requisite diagnostic parameters to be developed as a translational tool to assess the status of sentinel lymph nodes during mastectomy procedure to guide surgical therapy of axillary lymph nodes in early breast oncology.