bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cracking susceptibility of maraging parts manufactured by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing: Study on the powder characteristics and baseplate preheating influence
Authors: Gil E. , Mancisidor A. M. , Iturrioz A. , Garciandia F. , San Sebastian M.
Published: May 2023

Maraging steel 300 processed by laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) is widely used for manufacturing inserts and moulds with conformal cooling channels. For such applications, high fracture toughness and strength are required to withstand thermal fatigue and any defect like pores, lack of fusion and cracks should be avoided so that the durability of the mould is not reduced. Maraging steel is prone to be cracked due to thermal gradients which arise during PBF-LB/M. Moreover, it was recently observed that slight variations in composition led to the crack's presence, which implied lower mechanical properties. In this study, two powder batches, from the same powder producer, were employed with the same processing parameters. The effect of small changes in minor elements composition of the powder batch on cracking was studied and the preheating temperature was varied to significantly reduce the crack density. The presence of cracks significantly reduced the ductility of the parts.
Dissolution controlled grain growth in Nickel Alloy UDIMET 720Li
Authors: Meshram Manish Purushottam , Fabijanic Daniel , Singh Rajkumar P. , Barnett Matthew R.
Published: May 2023

The present paper examines the mechanisms for simultaneous manipulation of grain size and γ′ dissolution leading to the microstructure that balance creep and fatigue properties in UDIMET 720Li. For sub (near) solvus heat treatments, grain growth and γ′ dissolution occur simultaneously. Grain size following heat treatment is determined largely by the primary γ′ particle dispersion, via Zener-Smith pinning. Remarkably, grain growth occurs only as a result of precipitate dissolution. The resulting grain size is dictated by a combination of initial particle dispersion in the as-received material and heat treatment temperature. It is likely to hold so long as the initial grain size is close to the Zener-Smith limit and where the kinetics of grain growth and dissolution share similar rates.
Light-Induced Phonon-Mediated Magnetization in Monolayer MoS2
Authors: Zhang Shengjie , Pei Yufei , Hu Shiqi , Wu Na , Chen Da-Qiang , Lian Chao , Meng Sheng
Published: May 2023

Light-induced ultrafast spin dynamics in materials is of great importance for developments of spintronics and magnetic storage technology. Recent progresses include ultrafast demagnetization, magnetic switching, and magnetic phase transitions, while the ultrafast generation of magnetism is hardly achieved. Here, a strong light-induced magnetization (up to 0.86μ
B per formula unit) is identified in non-magnetic monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). With the state-of-the-art time-dependent density functional theory simulations, we demonstrate that the out-of-plane magnetization can be induced by circularly polarized laser, where chiral phonons play a vital role. The phonons strongly modulate spin-orbital interactions and promote electronic transitions between the two conduction band states, achieving an effective magnetic field ∼ 380 T. Our study provides important insights into the ultrafast magnetization and spin-phonon coupling dynamics, facilitating effective light-controlled valleytronics and magnetism.
A family of solutions of the time–space fractional longitudinal wave equation
Authors: Liu Jian-Gen , Feng Yi-Ying
Published: May 2023

In this article, we have studied a nonlinear time–space fractional longitudinal wave equation in the context of the conformable fractional derivative. Through the soliton ansatz method and a direct integration approach with the symmetry condition, new soliton and solitary wave solutions are derived. Furthermore, the existing conditions of these obtained solutions are also given in this text. These new results add to the existing literature. We believe that they can provide a new window into the understanding of this model.
Breather, lump, and interaction solutions to a nonlocal KP system
Authors: Zhu Quanyong , Xu Lijun , Fei Jinxi , Wu Huiling , Ma Zhengyi
Published: May 2023

A new high-dimensional two-place Alice–Bob-Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (AB-KP) equation is proposed by applying the Alice–Bob-Bob–Alice principle and shifted-parity, delayed time reversal, charge conjugation (

P

ˆ

s

T

ˆ

d

C

ˆ

) principle to the usual KP equation. Based on the dependent variable transformation, the bilinear form of the AB-KP system is constructed. Explicit trigonometric-hyperbolic, rational and rational-hyperbolic solutions are presented by taking advantage of the Hirota bilinear method. The obtained breather, lump, and interaction solutions enrich the solution structure of nonlocal nonlinear systems. The three-dimensional graphs of these nonlinear wave solutions are demonstrated by choosing the specific parameters.
Intertextual Outlawry: Robin Hood and Race inWe Need to Talk About Kevin
Authors: Hogue Jason
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the presence of Robin Hood as a key figure in Lionel Shriver’s novel We Need to Talk About Kevin and its film adaptation, directed by Lynne Ramsay. I argue that the film emphasizes Kevin’s ‘whiteness’ in the way that it adapts the Robin Hood material from Shriver’s novel, embellishing his role in the story and complicating his affiliation with the teenage killer by tapping into Robin Hood’s status in popular visual culture; in so doing, the film critiques America’s ‘copycat’ appropriation of a similar strategy used by earlier nationalist writers in Britain. In the scene that depicts a Robin Hood children’s book, Ramsay superimposes multiple Robin Hood texts into one, polyphonically performing the Bakhtinian concept of dialogism. Therefore, despite the fact that Kevin appropriates Robin Hood for his own evil ends, Ramsay dialogically inserts multiple voicings from the Robin Hood tradition to speak against a hegemonic backdrop of white masculinity (mis)informed by racist discourses affirming Anglo-Saxonist ideas of white heritage.
1-year functional outcomes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for older adults with pre-existing long-term care needs
Authors: Ohbe Hiroyuki , Nakajima Mikio , Miyamoto Yuki , Shibahashi Keita , Matsui Hiroki , Yasunaga Hideo , Sasabuchi Yusuke
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the 1-year functional outcomes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adults aged ≥65 years with pre-existing long-term care needs.

Methods

This population-based cohort study was conducted in Tochigi Prefecture, one of 47 prefectures in Japan. We used medical and long-term care administrative databases, which included data on functional and cognitive impairment that were assessed with the nationally standardised care-needs certification system. Among individuals aged ≥65 years registered between June 2014 and February 2018, patients who underwent CPR were identified. The primary outcome was mortality and care needs at 1 year after CPR. The outcome was stratified by pre-existing care needs before CPR based on the total daily estimated care minutes: no care needs, support levels 1 and 2 and care-needs level 1 (estimated care time 25–49 min), care-needs levels 2 and 3 (50–89 min) and care-needs levels 4 and 5 (≥90 min).

Results

Among 594,092 eligible individuals, 5,086 (0.9%) underwent CPR. The 1-year mortalities after CPR in patients with no care needs, support levels 1 and 2 and care-needs level 1, care-needs levels 2 and 3 and care-needs levels 4 and 5 were 94.6% (n = 2,207/2,332), 96.1% (n = 736/766), 94.5% (n = 930/984) and 95.9% (n = 963/1,004), respectively. Among survivors, most patients had no change in care needs before and at 1 year after CPR. There was no significant association between pre-existing functional and cognitive impairment and 1-year mortality and care needs after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers need to discuss poor survival outcomes after CPR with all older adults and their families in shared decision making.
Managing comorbid cognitive impairment and hearing loss in older adults: a UK survey of audiology and memory services
Authors: Omar Rohani , Kuo Louise , Costafreda Sergi G , Hall Amanda , Forbes Marina , O’Brien John T , Schilder Anne G M
Published: May 2023

Background

midlife hearing loss is a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Addressing comorbid hearing loss and cognitive impairment in services for older adults may offer opportunities to reduce dementia risk.

Objective

to explore current practice and views amongst UK professionals regarding hearing assessment and care in memory clinics and cognitive assessment and care in hearing aid clinics.

Methods

national survey study. Between July 2021 and March 2022, we distributed the online survey link via email and via QR codes at conferences to professionals working in National Health Service (NHS) memory services and audiologists working in NHS and private adult audiology services. We present descriptive statistics.

Results

135 professionals working in NHS memory services and 156 audiologists (68% NHS, 32% private sector) responded. Of those working in memory services, 79% estimate that >25% of their patients have significant hearing difficulties; 98% think it useful to ask about hearing difficulties and 91% do so; 56% think it useful to perform a hearing test in clinic but only 4% do so. Of audiologists, 36% estimate that >25% of their older adult patients have significant memory problems; 90% think it useful to perform cognitive assessments, but only 4% do so. Main barriers cited are lack of training, time and resources.

Conclusions

although professionals working in memory and audiology services felt addressing this comorbidity would be useful, current practice varies and does not generally address it. These results inform future research into operational solutions to integrating memory and audiology services.
Managing the risks of an asbestos bulk storage facility at a research institute
Authors: Ntlailane Lebogang , Sebola Lerato , Singo Dikeledi , Nthoke Tebogo , Mizan Gabriel
Published: May 2023

The South African National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), formerly the Pneumoconiosis Research Unit, has previously milled about 544 kg of anthophyllite, crocidolite, amosite and chrysotile asbestos fibre materials. This endeavour came about in an attempt to address a recommendation, made by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), to make asbestos standard reference samples available for research. Some of these reference samples, as well as the bulk, unprocessed materials are still within the care of the NIOH and can be obtained for the purpose of Public Health research under strict terms and conditions. Considering the hazardous nature of asbestos and regulated prohibitions imposed on this mineral, the NIOH asbestos storage facility is being subjected to various occupational and environmental control measures to ensure that any potential fibre release, and subsequent risk of exposure, are prevented.
Impact of student-selected pairing on collaborative task engagement
Authors: Tsoi Sze Ching , Aubrey Scott
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the impact of student-selected pairs on emotional engagement and language-learning opportunities generated during collaborative tasks. Sixteen learners of English at a Hong Kong secondary school performed collaborative tasks in two pairing arrangements: student-selected pairing and teacher-assigned pairing (mixed proficiency). Data sources include transcripts of task interactions, a self-selection questionnaire that assessed learners’ criteria for selecting a partner, and a post-task emotional engagement questionnaire. The results revealed that learners’ choice of partner was primarily based on friendship, and that, compared to the teacher-assigned pairing arrangement, self-selection led to elevated levels of enjoyment. However, neither arrangement had an overall advantage in terms of generating language-related discussions. A qualitative analysis of task interactions revealed that student-selected pairs more frequently used the L1 to elaborate and resolve English language issues, but the friendship nature of these collaborations also led to more frequent off-task discussions, limiting their language learning opportunities.
Rumour, slander and propaganda in fifteenth-century Scottish politics
Authors: McKelvie Gordon
Published: May 2023

Early modernists have recognized the importance of propaganda and public opinion in Scotland after the development of print culture and the Reformation. Consequently, there is an impression that these sixteenth-century developments were new features of political life. Yet the role of rumour and slander in the political culture of fifteenth-century Scotland has gone unnoticed, despite numerous references in the contemporary records. Several acts of political violence throughout the century were followed by attempts by the crown, and its opponents, to present a coherent narrative of events. These competing narratives were the impetus for the development of propaganda in fifteenth-century Scotland.
Prescribed-time stabilization of uncertain heat equation with Dirichlet boundary control
Authors: Wei Chengzhou , Li Junmin
Published: May 2023

This paper designs a Dirichlet boundary controller to stabilize a heat equation with boundary disturbance within a prescribed finite time independent of initial conditions. We first use boundary measurements and time-varying gain to construct a disturbance estimator that estimates the disturbance itself and the system state within a prescribed time. We then design the estimation-based prescribed time boundary controller by the backstepping transformation with a time-varying kernel. The control gain proposed here diverges as the time approaches the prescribed time. Nevertheless, we can demonstrate the controller’s boundedness and the system’s prescribed time stability. A simulation example illustrates the theoretical result.
When can forward stable algorithms be composed stably?
Authors: Beltrán Carlos , Noferini Vanni , Vannieuwenhoven Nick
Published: May 2023

We state some widely satisfied hypotheses, depending only on two functions $g$ and $h$, under which the composition of a forward stable algorithm for $g$ and a forward stable algorithm for $h$ is a forward stable algorithm for the composition $g \circ h$. We show that the failure of these conditions can potentially lead to unstable algorithms. Finally, we list a number of examples to illustrate the new concepts and the usability of the results.
Serum Metabolomic Profiles for Distinguishing Lung Cancer From Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Identification of Rapid and Noninvasive Biomarker
Authors: Chen Siyu , Li Chunyan , Qin Zhonghua , Song Lili , Zhang Shiyuan , Sun Chongxiang , Zhuang Pengwei , Wang Yuming , Yang Bin , Ning Li , Li Yubo
Published: May 2023

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and lung cancer (LC) have similar clinical symptoms and atypical imaging findings, which are easily misdiagnosed. There is an urgent need for a noninvasive and accurate biomarker to distinguish LC from PTB.

Methods

A total of 694 subjects were enrolled and divided into discovery set (n = 122), identification set (n = 214), and validation set (n = 358). Metabolites were identified by multivariate and univariate analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of biomarkers.

Results

Seven metabolites were identified and validated. Phenylalanylphenylalanine for distinguishing LC from PTB yielded an area under the curve of 0.89, sensitivity of 71%, and specificity of 92%. It also showed good diagnostic abilities in discovery set and identification set. Compared with that in healthy volunteers (median [interquartile range], 1.57 [1.01, 2.34] μg/mL), it was elevated in LC (4.76 [2.74, 7.08] μg/mL; ratio of median, [ROM] = 3.03, P < .01) and reduced in PTB (1.06 [0.51, 2.09] μg/mL; ROM = 0.68, P < .05).

Conclusions

The metabolomic profile of LC and PTB was described and a key biomarker identified. We produced a rapid and noninvasive method to supplement existing clinical diagnostic examinations for distinguishing LC from PTB.
Altered physical phenotypes of leukemia cells that survive chemotherapy treatment
Authors: Ly Chau , Ogana Heather , Kim Hye Na , Hurwitz Samantha , Deeds Eric J , Kim Yong-Mi , Rowat Amy C
Published: May 2023

The recurrence of cancer following chemotherapy treatment is a major cause of death across solid and hematologic cancers. In B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), relapse after initial chemotherapy treatment leads to poor patient outcomes. Here we test the hypothesis that chemotherapy-treated versus control B-ALL cells can be characterized based on cellular physical phenotypes. To quantify physical phenotypes of chemotherapy-treated leukemia cells, we use cells derived from B-ALL patients that are treated for 7 days with a standard multidrug chemotherapy regimen of vincristine, dexamethasone, and L-asparaginase (VDL). We conduct physical phenotyping of VDL-treated versus control cells by tracking the sequential deformations of single cells as they flow through a series of micron-scale constrictions in a microfluidic device; we call this method Quantitative Cyclical Deformability Cytometry. Using automated image analysis, we extract time-dependent features of deforming cells including cell size and transit time (TT) with single-cell resolution. Our findings show that VDL-treated B-ALL cells have faster TTs and transit velocity than control cells, indicating that VDL-treated cells are more deformable. We then test how effectively physical phenotypes can predict the presence of VDL-treated cells in mixed populations of VDL-treated and control cells using machine learning approaches. We find that TT measurements across a series of sequential constrictions can enhance the classification accuracy of VDL-treated cells in mixed populations using a variety of classifiers. Our findings suggest the predictive power of cell physical phenotyping as a complementary prognostic tool to detect the presence of cells that survive chemotherapy treatment. Ultimately such complementary physical phenotyping approaches could guide treatment strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Insight box Cancer cells that survive chemotherapy treatment are major contributors to patient relapse, but the ability to predict recurrence remains a challenge. Here we investigate the physical properties of leukemia cells that survive treatment with chemotherapy drugs by deforming individual cells through a series of micron-scale constrictions in a microfluidic channel. Our findings reveal that leukemia cells that survive chemotherapy treatment are more deformable than control cells. We further show that machine learning algorithms applied to physical phenotyping data can predict the presence of cells that survive chemotherapy treatment in a mixed population. Such an integrated approach using physical phenotyping and machine learning could be valuable to guide patient treatments.
Marking Radical Aesthetics in the Time of Racial Capitalism
Authors: Gržinić Marina
Published: May 2023

This article examines colonialism, the regime of whiteness, and feminism; it sketches possible genealogies of theories and practices in order to design an aesthetic of radicality or a radical aesthetic that is insurgent and defiant, based on histories and knowledge. We know that aesthetics is a colonial formation that historically and currently privileges the white European bourgeois who could speculate on the beautiful and the good, while genocidal practices and slave trade were carried out from European soil in other parts of the world. Similarly, the Shoah, the still unthinkable genocide that happened on European soil in the twentieth century and shaped the European present, is still, at its base, covered by rhetorically empty constructions of aesthetic perception, practices, and theories. A radical aesthetics must realign all these categories, not only with a cynical gesture of inversion but to situate them categorically and ethically elsewhere.
Characterization of the number of spot samples required for quantification of gas fluxes and metabolic heat production from grazing beef cows using a GreenFeed
Authors: Dressler Elizabeth A , Bormann Jennifer M , Weaber Robert L , Rolf Megan M
Published: May 2023

Enteric fermentation from cattle results in greenhouse gas production that is an environmental concern and also an energetic loss. Several methods exist to quantify gas fluxes; however, an open circuit gas quantification system (OCGQS) allows for unencumbered quantification of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) from grazing cattle. While previous literature has proven the accuracy of an OCGQS, little work has been done to establish the minimum number of spot samples required to best evaluate an individual grazing animal’s gas fluxes and metabolic heat production. A GreenFeed system (C-Lock Inc.) was used to collect at least 100 spot samples each from 17 grazing cows. The mean gas fluxes and metabolic heat production were computed starting from the first 10 visits (forward) and increasing by increments of 10 until an animal had 100 visits. Mean gas fluxes and metabolic heat production were also computed starting from visit 100 (reverse) in increments of 10 using the same approach. Pearson and Spearman correlations were computed between the full 100 visits and each shortened visit interval. A large increase in correlations were seen between 30 and 40 visits. Thus, mean forward and reverse gas fluxes and metabolic heat production were also computed starting at 30 visits and increasing by 2 until 40 visits. The minimum number of spot samples was determined when correlations with the full 100 visits were greater than 0.95. The results indicated that the minimum numbers of spot samples needed for accurate quantification of CH4, CO2, and O2 gas fluxes are 38, 40, and 40, respectively. Metabolic heat production can be calculated using gas fluxes collected by the OCGQS with 36 spot samples. Practically, calculation of metabolic heat production will require 40 spot samples because the component gases for metabolic heat calculation require up to 40 spot samples. Published literature from nongrazing (confined) environments recommended a similar number of total spot samples. Large variation existed around the average number of spot samples for an animal per day, therefore a wide range of test durations may be needed to meet the same number of spot samples in different populations. For this reason, protocols for the OCGQS should be based on the total number of spot samples, rather than a test duration.
The prevalence of Wolbachia in multiple cockroach species and its implication for urban insect management
Authors: Oladipupo Seun O , Laidoudi Younes , Beckmann John F , Hu Xing Ping , Appel Arthur G
Published: May 2023

Cockroach management relies heavily on the use of conventional insecticides in urban settings, which no longer provide the anticipated level of control. Knowledge of cockroach endosymbionts, like Wolbachia, might provide novel avenues for control. Therefore, we screened 16 cockroach species belonging to 3 families (Ectobiidae, Blattidae, and Blaberidae) for the presence of Wolbachia. We mapped the evolution of Wolbachia-cockroach relationships based on maximum likelihood phylogeny and phylogenetic species clustering on a multi-loci sequence dataset (i.e., coxA, virD4, hcpA, and gatB) of Wolbachia genes. We confirmed the previous report of Wolbachia in 1 Ectobiid species; Supella longipalpa (Fab.), and detected the presence of Wolbachia in 2 Ectobiid species; Balta notulata (Stål) and Pseudomops septentrionalis Hebard, and 1 Blaberid species; Gromphadorhina portentosa (Schaum). All cockroach-associated Wolbachia herein detected were clustered with the ancestor of F clade Wolbachia of Cimex lectularius L. (bed bugs). Since Wolbachia provision C. lectularius with biotin vitamins that confer reproductive fitness, we screened the cockroach-associated Wolbachia for the presence of biotin genes. In toto, our results reveal 2 important findings: (i) Wolbachia is relatively uncommon among cockroach species infecting about 25% of species investigated, and (ii) cockroach-associated Wolbachia have biotin genes that likely provide nutritional benefits to their hosts. Thus, we discuss the potential of exploring Wolbachia as a tool for urban insect management.
Genomic resources for Asian (Elephas maximus) and African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) conservation and health research
Authors: Prado Natalia A , Armstrong Ellie E , Brown Janine L , Goldenberg Shifra Z , Leimgruber Peter , Pearson Virginia R , Maldonado Jesús E , Campana Michael G
Published: May 2023

We provide novel genomic resources to help understand the genomic traits involved in elephant health and to aid conservation efforts. We sequence 11 elephant genomes (5 African savannah, 6 Asian) from North American zoos, including 9 de novo assemblies. We estimate elephant germline mutation rates and reconstruct demographic histories. Finally, we provide an in-solution capture assay to genotype Asian elephants. This assay is suitable for analyzing degraded museum and noninvasive samples, such as feces and hair. The elephant genomic resources we present here should allow for more detailed and uniform studies in the future to aid elephant conservation efforts and disease research.
Functional Zoning by Site Index to Balance Multiple Objectives for Pine in Southern US Family Forests
Authors: Resch Bradley S , Himes Austin , Grado Stephen C , Grala Robert K , Kanieski da Silva Bruno
Published: May 2023

Family forests comprise a significant portion of total forest land area in the southern United States and their owners frequently have multiple, competing objectives. This research evaluated the effectiveness of functional zoning based on site index on forest sizes relevant to family forest owners. A total of fifty family forests were randomly selected from twenty-five counties in the East Texas Pineywoods region. Timber production and northern bobwhite habitat (Colinus virginianus) habitat were used as proxies for competing objectives. It was found that 80% of family forest parcels had sufficient site index heterogeneity to benefit from functional zoning. For forest parcels that could benefit from functional zoning, the benefit in terms of increased land expectation value (LEV) was not found to be dependent on parcel size. On average, this approach increased the LEV $32/ac at a 3% discount rate, $16/ac at 5%, and $9/ac at 7%. This zoning approach supports multiple objectives while minimizing the economic impact of the nonrevenue objectives.
The Shared Stewardship Strategy in the Southern United States: Lessons Learned
Authors: Kee Destin , Abrams Jesse , Aldworth Tyler , Schultz Courtney , Kooistra Chad , Huber-Stearns Heidi
Published: May 2023

The USDA Forest Service (Forest Service)’s Shared Stewardship strategy, announced initially in 2018, is built on a vision of advancing federal partnerships with states and other entities to better accomplish shared forest management priorities at the landscape scale. Early implementation of the strategy provides a glimpse into how these partnership dynamics differ both among states and among geographic and jurisdictional regions. Building on a prior assessment of early Shared Stewardship implementation in the western states, this Brief Communication article provides insights from a parallel analysis in the Southern Region (Region 8) of the Forest Service. Our results highlight the fact that informal relationships and ways of doing business can be as important as formal policies in shaping the ways that federal, state, and other entities work together in practice.
Giant perineal epidermoid cyst in adult man: a rare case report and review of literature
Authors: Kimolo Mathias , Mbwambo Orgeness Jasper , Seif Mshangama , Mbwambo Jasper Said , Mremi Alex , Mteta Alfred Kien , Bright Frank , Ngowi Bartholomeo Nicholaus
Published: May 2023

An epidermoid cyst is a common benign cutaneous mass that mostly occurs on the neck, face and trunk. The majority of epidermoid cysts are small and asymptomatic with the giant perineal epidermal cyst being rare and more liable to develop complications such as malignant transformation. The treatment of an epidermal cyst involves total excision of the cyst along with its wall to prevent recurrence. We present an unusual case of a giant perineal epidermal cyst in a 52-year-old male.
Pleomorphic adenoma in tonsil
Authors: Skylis Robert Reis , de Souza Gabriela Bueno , de Almeida Ricardo Camillo , Dedivitis Rogério Aparecido
Published: May 2023

Salivary tumors that involve the tonsil are rare, representing 0.5% of salivary neoplasms. Most tumors arise from the parotid glands. Rare studies have been reported in the literature regarding pleomorphic adenomas affecting the tonsil. Patients are usually asymptomatic and present with a slow-growing, mobile and painless mass. Radiological examinations are usually unable to differentiate benign from malignant tumors in most cases. There is low recurrence with complete excision of the tumor. The prognosis is excellent except in the rare cases of malignant transformation. This report describes the management of a case of pleomorphic adenoma affecting the palatine tonsils and the difficulty regarding the histopathological diagnosis.
Protein oxidation increases SAMHD1 binding ssDNA via its regulatory site
Authors: Simermeyer Theresa L , Batalis Stephanie , Rogers LeAnn C , Zalesak Owen J , Hollis Thomas
Published: May 2023

SAMHD1 dNTP hydrolase activity places it at the crossroad of several important biological pathways, such as viral restriction, cell cycle regulation, and innate immunity. Recently, a dNTPase independent function for SAMHD1 in homologous recombination (HR) of DNA double-strand breaks has been identified. SAMHD1 function and activity is regulated by several post-translational modifications, including protein oxidation. Here, we showed that oxidation of SAMHD1 increases ssDNA binding affinity and occurs in a cell cycle-dependent manner during S phase consistent with a role in HR. We determined the structure of oxidized SAMHD1 in complex with ssDNA. The enzyme binds ssDNA at the regulatory sites at the dimer interface. We propose a mechanism that oxidation of SAMHD1 acts as a functional switch to toggle between dNTPase activity and DNA binding.
The THO complex counteracts TERRA R-loop-mediated telomere fragility in telomerase+ cells and telomeric recombination in ALT+ cells
Authors: Fernandes Rita Valador , Lingner Joachim
Published: May 2023

Telomeres are the nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes. Telomeres are transcribed into long non-coding Telomeric Repeat-Containing RNA (TERRA), whose functions rely on its ability to associate with telomeric chromatin. The conserved THO complex (THOC) was previously identified at human telomeres. It links transcription with RNA processing, decreasing the accumulation of co-transcriptional DNA:RNA hybrids throughout the genome. Here, we explore the role of THOC at human telomeres, as a regulator of TERRA localization to chromosome ends. We show that THOC counteracts TERRA association with telomeres via R-loops formed co-transcriptionally and also post-transcriptionally, in trans. We demonstrate that THOC binds nucleoplasmic TERRA, and that RNaseH1 loss, which increases telomeric R-loops, promotes THOC occupancy at telomeres. Additionally, we show that THOC counteracts lagging and mainly leading strand telomere fragility, suggesting that TERRA R-loops can interfere with replication fork progression. Finally, we observed that THOC suppresses telomeric sister-chromatid exchange and C-circle accumulation in ALT cancer cells, which maintain telomeres by recombination. Altogether, our findings reveal crucial roles of THOC in telomeric homeostasis through the co- and post-transcriptional regulation of TERRA R-loops.
Gene knockout inference with variational graph autoencoder learning single-cell gene regulatory networks
Authors: Yang Yongjian , Li Guanxun , Zhong Yan , Xu Qian , Chen Bo-Jia , Lin Yu-Te , Chapkin Robert S , Cai James J
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we introduce Gene Knockout Inference (GenKI), a virtual knockout (KO) tool for gene function prediction using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data in the absence of KO samples when only wild-type (WT) samples are available. Without using any information from real KO samples, GenKI is designed to capture shifting patterns in gene regulation caused by the KO perturbation in an unsupervised manner and provide a robust and scalable framework for gene function studies. To achieve this goal, GenKI adapts a variational graph autoencoder (VGAE) model to learn latent representations of genes and interactions between genes from the input WT scRNA-seq data and a derived single-cell gene regulatory network (scGRN). The virtual KO data is then generated by computationally removing all edges of the KO gene—the gene to be knocked out for functional study—from the scGRN. The differences between WT and virtual KO data are discerned by using their corresponding latent parameters derived from the trained VGAE model. Our simulations show that GenKI accurately approximates the perturbation profiles upon gene KO and outperforms the state-of-the-art under a series of evaluation conditions. Using publicly available scRNA-seq data sets, we demonstrate that GenKI recapitulates discoveries of real-animal KO experiments and accurately predicts cell type-specific functions of KO genes. Thus, GenKI provides an in-silico alternative to KO experiments that may partially replace the need for genetically modified animals or other genetically perturbed systems.
eEF2 diphthamide modification restrains spurious frameshifting to maintain translational fidelity
Authors: Shin Byung-Sik , Ivanov Ivaylo P , Kim Joo-Ran , Cao Chune , Kinzy Terri G , Dever Thomas E
Published: May 2023

Diphthamide (DPH), a conserved amino acid modification on eukaryotic translation elongation factor eEF2, is synthesized via a complex, multi-enzyme pathway. While DPH is non-essential for cell viability and its function has not been resolved, diphtheria and other bacterial toxins ADP-ribosylate DPH to inhibit translation. Characterizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants that lack DPH or show synthetic growth defects in the absence of DPH, we show that loss of DPH increases resistance to the fungal translation inhibitor sordarin and increases –1 ribosomal frameshifting at non-programmed sites during normal translation elongation and at viral programmed frameshifting sites. Ribosome profiling of yeast and mammalian cells lacking DPH reveals increased ribosomal drop-off during elongation, and removal of out-of-frame stop codons restores ribosomal processivity on the ultralong yeast MDN1 mRNA. Finally, we show that ADP-ribosylation of DPH impairs the productive binding of eEF2 to elongating ribosomes. Our results reveal that loss of DPH impairs the fidelity of translocation during translation elongation resulting in increased rates of ribosomal frameshifting throughout elongation and leading to premature termination at out-of-frame stop codons. We propose that the costly, yet non-essential, DPH modification has been conserved through evolution to maintain translational fidelity despite being a target for inactivation by bacterial toxins.
NOVA1 prevents overactivation of the unfolded protein response and facilitates chromatin access during human white adipogenesis
Authors: Yang Zhigang , Dong Ping , Cao Jiankun , Lin Na , Ma Shize , Cao Rui , Cai Lei , Wang Lei , Cao Changchang , Xue Yuanchao , Pan Jing , Li Xiu , Wang Kang , Liu Qiwei , Li Chen , Gong Fuxing , Fu Xin , Xiao Ran
Published: May 2023

The molecular mechanism underlying white adipogenesis in humans has not been fully elucidated beyond the transcriptional level. Here, we found that the RNA-binding protein NOVA1 is required for the adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. By thoroughly exploring the interactions between NOVA1 and its binding RNA, we proved that NOVA1 deficiency resulted in the aberrant splicing of DNAJC10 with an in-frame premature stop codon, reduced DNAJC10 expression at the protein level and hyperactivation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Moreover, NOVA1 knockdown abrogated the down-regulation of NCOR2 during adipogenesis and up-regulated the 47b+ splicing isoform, which led to decreased chromatin accessibility at the loci of lipid metabolism genes. Interestingly, these effects on human adipogenesis could not be recapitulated in mice. Further analysis of multispecies genomes and transcriptomes indicated that NOVA1-targeted RNA splicing is evolutionarily regulated. Our findings provide evidence for human-specific roles of NOVA1 in coordinating splicing and cell organelle functions during white adipogenesis.
The prognostic impact of subclonal IDH1 mutation in grade 2–4 astrocytomas
Authors: Vij Meenakshi , Yokoda Raquel T , Rashidipour Omid , Tran Ivy , Vasudevaraja Varshini , Snuderl Matija , Yong Raymund L , Cobb William S , Umphlett Melissa , Walker Jamie M , Tsankova Nadejda M , Richardson Timothy E
Published: May 2023

Background

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are thought to represent an early oncogenic event in glioma evolution, found with high penetrance across tumor cells; however, in rare cases, IDH mutation may exist only in a small subset of the total tumor cells (subclonal IDH mutation).

Methods

We present 2 institutional cases with subclonal IDH1 R132H mutation. In addition, 2 large publicly available cohorts of IDH-mutant astrocytomas were mined for cases harboring subclonal IDH mutations (defined as tumor cell fraction with IDH mutation ≤0.67) and the clinical and molecular features of these subclonal cases were compared to clonal IDH-mutant astrocytomas.

Results

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) performed on 2 institutional World Health Organization grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytomas revealed only a minority of tumor cells in each case with IDH1 R132H mutant protein, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed remarkably low IDH1 variant allele frequencies compared to other pathogenic mutations, including TP53 and/or ATRX. DNA methylation classified the first tumor as high-grade IDH-mutant astrocytoma with high confidence (0.98 scores). In the publicly available datasets, subclonal IDH mutation was present in 3.9% of IDH-mutant astrocytomas (18/466 tumors). Compared to clonal IDH-mutant astrocytomas (n = 156), subclonal cases demonstrated worse overall survival in grades 3 (P = .0106) and 4 (P = .0184).

Conclusions

While rare, subclonal IDH1 mutations are present in a subset of IDH-mutant astrocytomas of all grades, which may lead to a mismatch between IHC results and genetic/epigenetic classification. These findings suggest a possible prognostic role of IDH mutation subclonality, and highlight the potential clinical utility of quantitative IDH1 mutation evaluation by IHC and NGS.
Derivation and External Validation of a Clinical Prediction Model for Viral Diarrhea Etiology in Bangladesh
Authors: Garbern Stephanie Chow , Islam Md Taufiqul , Islam Kamrul , Ahmed Sharia M , Brintz Ben J , Khan Ashraful Islam , Taniuchi Mami , Platts-Mills James A , Qadri Firdausi , Leung Daniel T
Published: May 2023

Background

Antibiotics are commonly overused for diarrheal illness in many low- and middle-income countries, partly due to a lack of diagnostics to identify viral cases, in which antibiotics are not beneficial. This study aimed to develop clinical prediction models to predict risk of viral-only diarrhea across all ages, using routinely collected demographic and clinical variables.

Methods

We used a derivation dataset from 10 hospitals across Bangladesh and a separate validation dataset from the icddr,b Dhaka Hospital. The primary outcome was viral-only etiology determined by stool quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit and externally validated; discrimination was quantified using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration assessed using calibration plots.

Results

Viral-only diarrhea was common in all age groups (<1 year, 41.4%; 18–55 years, 17.7%). A forward stepwise model had AUC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], .80–.84) while a simplified model with age, abdominal pain, and bloody stool had AUC of 0.81 (95% CI, .78–.82). In external validation, the models performed adequately although less robustly (AUC, 0.72 [95% CI, .70–.74]).

Conclusions

Prediction models consisting of 3 routinely collected variables can accurately predict viral-only diarrhea in patients of all ages in Bangladesh and may help support efforts to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.
Humans feel too special for machines to score their morals
Authors: Purcell Zoe A , Bonnefon Jean-François
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to create sophisticated social and moral scoring systems—enabling people and organizations to form judgments of others at scale. However, it also poses significant ethical challenges and is, subsequently, the subject of wide debate. As these technologies are developed and governing bodies face regulatory decisions, it is crucial that we understand the attraction or resistance that people have for AI moral scoring. Across four experiments, we show that the acceptability of moral scoring by AI is related to expectations about the quality of those scores, but that expectations about quality are compromised by people's tendency to see themselves as morally peculiar. We demonstrate that people overestimate the peculiarity of their moral profile, believe that AI will neglect this peculiarity, and resist for this reason the introduction of moral scoring by AI.
Toward the remote monitoring of armed conflicts
Authors: Sticher Valerie , Wegner Jan D , Pfeifle Birke
Published: May 2023

The war in Ukraine has pushed the role of satellite imagery in armed conflicts into the spotlight. For a long time, satellite images were primarily used for military and intelligence purposes, but today they permeate every aspect of armed conflicts. Their importance in influencing the course of armed conflicts will further grow as progress in deep learning makes automated analysis progressively possible. This article assesses the state of the research working toward the remote monitoring of armed conflicts and highlights opportunities to increase the positive societal impact of future research efforts. First, we map the existing literature, categorizing studies in terms of conflict events that are covered, conflict context and scope, techniques, and types of satellite imagery used to identify conflict events. Second, we discuss how these choices affect opportunities to develop applications for human rights, humanitarian, and peacekeeping actors. Third, we provide an outlook, assessing promising paths forward. While much focus has been on high spatial resolution imagery, we demonstrate why research on freely available satellite images with moderate spatial but high temporal resolution can lead to more scalable and transferable options. We argue that research on such images should be prioritized, as it will have a greater positive impact on society, and we discuss what types of applications may soon become feasible through such research. We call for concerted efforts to compile a large dataset of nonsensitive conflict events to accelerate research toward the remote monitoring of armed conflicts and for interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure conflict-sensitive monitoring solutions.
Attribution and Explanation in Relativism
Authors: Rattan Gurpreet
Published: May 2023

Is relativism a coherent thesis? The paper argues for a new view of relativism that opposes both classic and contemporary views. On this view, the thesis of relativism is coherent even if the key notions in the standard apparatus of relativism—of alternative conceptual schemes, relative truth, perspectival content—are all incoherent. The view defended here highlights issues about attitude attribution and explanation in formulating the thesis of relativism and it proposes a surprising connection between relativism and nonsense. The paper argues further that the thesis of relativism, so understood, is coherent, by considering different accounts of the semantics of attitude attributions in their application to the attribution of nonsensical thinking.
Role of the Inspiratory Muscles on Functional Performance From Critical Care to Hospital Discharge and Beyond in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Formiga Magno F , Dosbaba Filip , Hartman Martin , Batalik Ladislav , Senkyr Vojtech , Radkovcova Ivana , Richter Svatopluk , Brat Kristian , Cahalin Lawrence P
Published: May 2023

Objective

The role of inspiratory muscle performance in functional performance in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to perform a longitudinal examination of inspiratory and functional performance from intensive care unit (ICU) discharge (ICUD) to hospital discharge (HD) and symptoms at HD and 1 month after HD in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Thirty patients (19 men, 11 women) with COVID-19 were included. Examination of inspiratory muscle performance at ICUD and HD was performed with an electronic manometer, which provided the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and several other inspiratory measures. Examination of dyspnea and functional performance was performed at ICUD and HD with the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale and the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSST), respectively.

Results

The mean age was 71 (SD = 11) years, the mean length of ICU stay was 9 (SD = 6) days, and the mean length of hospital stay was 26 (SD = 16) days. Most of the patients were diagnosed with severe COVID-19 (76.7%) and had a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4.4 (SD = 1.9), reflecting high comorbidity. The mean MIP of the entire cohort increased minimally from ICUD to HD (from 36 [SD = 21] to 40 [SD = 20] cm H2O), reflecting predicted values for men and women at ICUD and HD of 46 (25%) to 51 (23%) and 37 (24%) to 37 (20%), respectively. The 1MSTS score increased significantly from ICUD to HD (9.9 [SD = 7.1] vs 17.7 [SD = 11.1]) for the entire cohort but remained far below population-based reference values (2.5th percentile) for the majority of patients at ICUD and HD. At ICUD, MIP was found to be a significant predictor of a favorable change in 1MSTS performance (β = 0.308; odds ratio = 1.36) at HD.

Conclusion

A significant reduction in inspiratory and functional performance exists in patients with COVID-19 at both ICUD and HD, with a greater MIP at ICUD being a significant predictor of a greater 1MSTS score at HD.

Impact

This study shows that inspiratory muscle training may be an important adjunct after COVID-19.
Radioiodine therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in a public reference hospital in Brazil: an experience report
Authors: Fontes Lídia F , Pujatti Priscilla B , da Silva Jorge W E , Costa Célia H , Palhota Cláudia , de Oliveira Antônio P , de Mello Rossana C R
Published: May 2023

COVID-2019 has resulted in an emerging respiratory infection that has spread as a pandemic since January 2020. Nuclear Medicine Services and its workers experienced a dramatic change in their clinical routine. They were required to adjust protocols for this new health condition. Regarding radioiodine therapy (RIT), initial orientations were to postpone treatments. In Brazil, National Nuclear Energy Commission prepared guidelines. It authorized RIT to employ activities over 1850 MBq in an outpatient setting on an exceptional basis. This study reports the RIT experience of a Brazilian hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, intending to evaluate the applicability of outpatient treatment employing over 1850 MBq of I-131 on a large scale. During referred period, 106 patients at our service had an indication for RIT, of which 58 agreed to participate in the research and provided informed consent. Majority of patients did not meet the minimum requirements for outpatient treatment using doses > 1850 MBq.