bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional 3-D lithosphere structure of the northern half of Iran by local earthquake tomography
Authors: Rezaeifar M , Kissling E
Published: September 2020

The 3-D P-wave velocity structure of the northern half of Iran crust has been determined from the local earthquake tomography using a high-quality data set of semi-automatically re-picked arrival times. The quality and quantity of these re-picked phase data allow the 3-D imaging of large parts of the northern half of Iran lithosphere between 0 and 60 km depth. Our new P-wave tomography model represents a major improvement over existing models in terms of reliability, resolution and consistency. First-order anomalies such as the crustal roots of the Zagros and Alborz Mountains are clearly resolved. In addition, several shallow smaller-scale features like the Central Iran sedimentary basin and volcanic and igneous rocks are visible in the tomographic image. Our results show deep Moho depressions beneath the Central Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges that are part of the Arabia–Iranian–Eurasia continental collision zone and locally this Moho topography agrees very well with existing models of other studies. The observed P-wave velocity structure suggests that compared to the Sanandaj-Sirjan and Zagros mountain ranges there is a minor crustal thickening beneath the Alborz mountain range and Kopeh Dagh region.
Guiding principles for quality, ethical standards and ongoing learning in implementation research: multicountry learnings from participatory action research to strengthen health systems
Authors: Ozano Kim , Dean Laura , Adekeye Oluwatosin , Bettee Anthony K , Dixon Ruth , Gideon Ntuen Uduak , Gwani Noela , Isiyaku Sunday , Kollie Karsor , Lar Luret , Oluwole Akinola , Piotrowski Helen , Siakeh Alice , Thomson Rachael , Yashiyi James , Zawolo Georgina , Theobald Sally
Published: September 2020

Global health gains can be achieved through strengthening health systems to identify and address implementation challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Participatory research, that promotes joint problem and solution finding between communities and different health systems actors, supports policy implementation analysis at all levels. Within the neglected tropical disease programmes in Liberia and Nigeria, we applied participatory action research (PAR) to address programmatic and health system bottlenecks with health systems strengthening embedded. This paper shares learning from 20 interviews with co-researchers, from national and sub-national levels and academic researchers who worked collaboratively to understand challenges, co-create solutions and advocate for policy change. Through analysis and reflections of existing PAR principles, we inductively identified five additional guiding principles for quality, ethical standards and ongoing learning within PAR projects that aim to strengthen health systems. (1) Recognize communities as units of identity and define stakeholder participation to ensure equitable engagement of all actors; (2) enable flexible action planning that builds on existing structures whilst providing opportunities for embedding change; (3) address health systems and research power differentials that can impede co-production of knowledge and solution development; (4) embed relational practices that lead to new political forms of participation and inquiry within health systems and (5) develop structures for ongoing learning at multiple levels of the health system. PAR can strengthen health systems by connecting and co-creating potentially sustainable solutions to implementation challenges. Additional research to explore how these five additional principles can support the attainment of quality and ethical standards within implementation research using a PAR framework for health systems strengthening is needed.
Framing universal health coverage in Kenya: an interpretive analysis of the 2004 Bill on National Social Health Insurance
Authors: Koon Adam D , Hawkins Benjamin , Mayhew Susannah H
Published: September 2020

In 2004, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya refused to sign a popular Bill on National Social Health Insurance into law. Drawing on innovations in framing theory, this research provides a social explanation for this decision. In addition to document review, this study involved interpretive analysis of transcripts from 50 semi-structured interviews with leading actors involved in the health financing policy process in Kenya, 2014–15. The frame-critical analysis focused on how actors engaged in (1) sensemaking, (2) naming, which includes selecting and categorizing and (3) storytelling. We demonstrated that actors' abilities to make sense of the Bill were largely influenced by their own understandings of the finer features of the Bill and the array of interest groups privy to the debate. This was reinforced by a process of naming, which selects and categorizes aspects of the Bill, including the public persona of its primary sponsor, its affordability, sustainability, technical dimensions and linkages to notions of economic liberalism. Actors used these understandings and names to tell stories of ideational warfare, which involved narrative accounts of policy resistance and betrayal. This analysis illustrates the difficulty in enacting sweeping reform measures and thus provides a basis for understanding incrementalism in Kenyan health policy.
A Delta-Opioid Receptor Gene Polymorphism Moderates the Therapeutic Response to Extended-Release Buprenorphine in Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Kranzler Henry R , Lynch Kevin G , Crist Richard C , Hartwell Emily , Le Moigne Anne , Laffont Celine M , Andorn Anne C
Published: September 2020

Background

Buprenorphine treatment is not equally effective in all patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Two retrospective studies showed that, among African Americans (AAs), rs678849, a polymorphism in the delta-opioid receptor gene, moderated the therapeutic effect of sublingual buprenorphine.

Methods

We examined rs678849 as a moderator of the response to an extended-release subcutaneous buprenorphine formulation (BUP-XR) in a 24-week OUD treatment study of 127 AAs and 327 European Americans (EAs). Participants were randomly assigned to receive: (1) BUP-XR as 2 monthly injections of 300 mg followed by either 300 mg monthly or 100 mg monthly for 4 months, or (2) monthly volume-matched placebo injections. Generalized estimating equations logistic regression analyses tested, per population group, the main and interaction effects of treatment (BUP-XR vs placebo) and genotype group (rs678849*CC vs CT/TT) on weekly urine drug screens (UDS).

Results

Among AAs, the placebo group had higher rates of opioid-positive UDS than the BUP-XR group (log odds ratio = 1.67, 95% CI = 0.36, 2.98), but no genotype by treatment effect (P = .80). Among EAs, the placebo group also showed higher rates of opioid-positive UDS than the BUP-XR group (log odds ratio = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.79) but a significant genotype by treatment interaction (χ 2(1) = 4.33, P = .04).

Conclusion

We found a moderating effect of rs678849 on the response to buprenorphine treatment of OUD in EAs, but not AAs. These findings require replication in well-powered, prospective studies of both AA and EA OUD patients treated with BUP-XR and stratified on rs678849 genotype.
On Ultraproduct Embeddings and Amenability for Tracial von Neumann Algebras
Authors: Atkinson Scott , Kunnawalkam Elayavalli Srivatsav
Published: September 2020

We define the notion of self-tracial stability for tracial von Neumann algebras and show that a tracial von Neumann algebra satisfying the Connes embedding problem (CEP) is self-tracially stable if and only if it is amenable. We then generalize a result of Jung by showing that a separable tracial von Neumann algebra that satisfies the CEP is amenable if and only if any two embeddings into $R^{\mathcal{U}}$ are ucp-conjugate. Moreover, we show that for a II$_1$ factor $N$ satisfying CEP, the space $\mathbb{H}$om$(N, \prod _{k\to \mathcal{U}}M_k)$ of unitary equivalence classes of embeddings is separable if and only $N$ is hyperfinite. This resolves a question of Popa for Connes embeddable factors. These results hold when we further ask that the pairs of embeddings commute, admitting a nontrivial action of $\textrm{Out}(N\otimes N)$ on ${\mathbb{H}}\textrm{om}(N\otimes N, \prod _{k\to \mathcal{U}}M_k)$ whenever $N$ is non-amenable. We also obtain an analogous result for commuting sofic representations of countable sofic groups.
Limit Polygons of Convex Domains in the Projective Plane
Authors: Nie Xin
Published: September 2020

For any sequence of properly convex domains in the real projective plane such that the zeros of Pick differentials have bounded multiplicity and get further and further apart, we determine all Hausdorff limit domains that one can obtain after normalizing each member of the sequence by a projective transformation. We then show that the result can be applied to convex domains generated by projective triangular reflection groups.
High Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Chelsea, Massachusetts
Authors: Naranbhai Vivek , Chang Christina C , Beltran Wilfredo F Garcia , Miller Tyler E , Astudillo Michael G , Villalba Julian A , Yang Diane , Gelfand Jeffrey , Bernstein Bradley E , Feldman Jared , Hauser Blake M , Caradonna Timothy M , Alter Galit , Murali Mandakolathur R , Jasrasaria Rashmi , Quinlan Joan , Xerras Dean C , Betancourt Joseph R , Louis David N , Schmidt Aaron G , Lennerz Jochen , Poznansky Mark C , Iafrate A John
Published: September 2020

SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing allows quantitative determination of disease prevalence, which is especially important in high-risk communities. We performed anonymized convenience sampling of 200 currently asymptomatic residents of Chelsea, the epicenter of COVID-19 illness in Massachusetts, by BioMedomics SARS-CoV-2 combined IgM-IgG point-of-care lateral flow immunoassay. The seroprevalence was 31.5% (17.5% IgM+IgG+, 9.0% IgM+IgG−, and 5.0% IgM−IgG+). Of the 200 participants, 50.5% reported no symptoms in the preceding 4 weeks, of which 24.8% (25/101) were seropositive, and 60% of these were IgM+IgG−. These data are the highest seroprevalence rates observed to date and highlight the significant burden of asymptomatic infection.
Abnormal Levels of Some Biomarkers of Immune Activation Despite Very Early Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Schnittman Samuel R , Deitchman Amelia N , Beck-Engeser Gabriele , Ahn HaeLee , York Vanessa A , Hartig Heather , Hecht Frederick M , Martin Jeffrey N , Deeks Steven G , Aweeka Francesca T , Hunt Peter W
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite early antiretroviral therapy (ART), ART-suppressed people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH) remain at higher risk for infections and infection-related cancers than the general population. The immunologic pathways that remain abnormal in this setting, potentially contributing to these complications, are unclear.

Methods

ART-suppressed PWH and HIV-negative controls, all cytomegalovirus seropositive and enriched for HIV risk factors, were sampled from an influenza vaccine responsiveness study. PWH were stratified by timing of ART initiation (within 6 months of infection [early ART] vs later) and nadir CD4+ T-cell count among later initiators. Between-group differences in kynurenine-tryptophan (KT) ratio, interferon-inducible protein 10, soluble CD14 and CD163, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, interleukin 6, and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor were assessed after confounder adjustment.

Results

Most participants (92%) were male, reflecting the demographics of early-ART initiators in San Francisco. Most biomarkers were higher among later-ART initiators. Participants in the early-ART group achieved near-normal soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, interleukin 6, and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor levels, but substantially higher KT ratio than those without HIV after confounder adjustment (P = .008). Soluble CD14, soluble CD163, and interferon-inducible protein 10 trended similarly.

Conclusions

While early-ART initiators restore near-normal levels of many inflammatory markers, the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan catabolism remains abnormally high. Because this pathway confers adaptive immune defects and predicts tuberculosis and cancer progression, this it may contribute to persistent risks of these complications in this setting.
Characterization of carbapenemase-producingSerratia marcescensand whole-genome sequencing for plasmid typing in a hospital in Madrid, Spain (2016–18)
Authors: Pérez-Viso Blanca , Hernández-García Marta , Ponce-Alonso Manuel , Morosini María Isabel , Ruiz-Garbajosa Patricia , del Campo Rosa , Cantón Rafael
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are increasingly recognized in nosocomial infections, also affecting ICU patients. We aimed to characterize the carbapenemase-producing Serratia marcescens (CPSm) isolates recovered in our hospital in Madrid (Spain) between March 2016 and December 2018.

Methods

Overall, 50 isolates from clinical and epidemiological surveillance samples were recovered from 24 patients admitted to the medical ICU and 10 non-ICU-related patients based on their phenotypic resistance. Carbapenemase characterization, antibiotic susceptibility, PFGE clonal relatedness, plasmid characterization, WGS (Illumina-NovaSeq 6000) and phylogenetic analysis were performed.

Results

A single isolate was finally considered for each patient, except for Patient 8 that was colonized by two different isolates (n = 35). Isolates were characterized as VIM-1 (n = 29) or OXA-48 producers (n = 6). Up to seven genetic lineages were found by PFGE, with dominance of two clones. Plasmid characterization confirmed that almost all CPSm carried the same ∼60 kb IncL OXA-48- or VIM-1-encoding plasmid, which was related to the globally disseminated IncL-pOXA-48a. WGS allowed plasmid reconstruction with two variants: IncL-pVIM-1 (∼65 kb) and IncL-pOXA-48 (∼62 kb). blaOXA-48–Tn1999 (∼5 kb) was the unique antibiotic resistance gene in pOXA-48, whereas pVIM-1 plasmids (∼8 kb) harboured a class 1 integron containing 5′-blaVIM-1+aacA4+dfrB1+aadA1+catB2+qacEDelta1+sul1-3′.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the dissemination of CPSm within our institution in both ICU and non-ICU environments, representing two prevalent CPSm clones, and the same IncL-pOXA-48 plasmid previously described in other Enterobacterales, but containing the blaVIM-1 gene. This also reinforces the relevance of species different from Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli in the CPE landscape and circulating lineages and plasmids in local CPE epidemiology.
Evaluating artificial intelligence in medicine: phases of clinical research
Authors: Park Yoonyoung , Jackson Gretchen Purcell , Foreman Morgan A , Gruen Daniel , Hu Jianying , Das Amar K
Published: September 2020

Increased scrutiny of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare highlights the need for real-world evaluations for effectiveness and unintended consequences. The complexity of healthcare, compounded by the user- and context-dependent nature of AI applications, calls for a multifaceted approach beyond traditional in silico evaluation of AI. We propose an interdisciplinary, phased research framework for evaluation of AI implementations in healthcare. We draw analogies to and highlight differences from the clinical trial phases for drugs and medical devices, and we present study design and methodological guidance for each stage.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Trial Execution at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Authors: Tolaney Sara M , Lydon Christine A , Li Tianyu , Dai Jiale , Standring Andrea , Legor Kristen A , Caparrotta Caryn M , Schenker Matthew P , Glazer Daniel I , Tayob Nabihah , DuBois Steven G , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Johnson Bruce E
Published: September 2020

Interventions designed to limit the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are having profound effects on the delivery of health care, but data showing the impact on oncology clinical trial enrollment, treatment, and monitoring are limited. We prospectively tracked relevant data from oncology clinical trials at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020, including the number of open trials, new patient enrollments, in-person and virtual patient visits, dispensed investigational infusions, dispensed or shipped oral investigational agents, research biopsies, and blood samples. We ascertained why patients came off trials and determined on-site clinical research staffing levels. We used 2-sided Wilcoxon rank sum tests to assess the statistical significance of the reported changes. Nearly all patients on interventional treatment trials were maintained, and new enrollments continued at just under one-half the prepandemic rate. The median number of investigational prescriptions shipped to patients increased from 0 to 74 (range = 22-107) per week from March to June 2020. The median number of telemedicine appointments increased from 0 to 107 (range = 33-267) per week from March to June 2020. Research biopsies and blood collections decreased dramatically after Dana-Farber Cancer Institute implemented COVID-19–related policies in March 2020. The number of research nurses and clinical research coordinators on site also decreased after March 2020. Substantial changes were required to safely continue clinical research during the pandemic, yet we observed no increases in serious adverse events or major violations related to drug dosing. Lessons learned from adapting research practices during COVID-19 can inform industry sponsors and governmental agencies to consider altering practices to increase operational efficiency and convenience for patients.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy using the forward-planned static-port tomotherapy for lung cancer: a novel planning technique with the newly-developed mode
Authors: Manabe Yoshihiko , Miyakawa Akifumi , Kondo Takuhito , Yamada Yuki , Hashimoto Seiji , Ishikura Satoshi , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: September 2020

With the newly-developed static-port forward-planning (FP) mode of tomotherapy, the ratio of the dose of the planning target volume (PTV) periphery to the maximum dose can be easily adjusted by modifying leaf margins when planning stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of FP plans compared to helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and helical 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) plans of SBRT for lung tumors. The three plans were created for 14 tumors in 11 patients. For 13 tumors, 60 Gy in 7.5-Gy fractions was prescribed for a minimum coverage dose of 95% of the PTV (D95). The prescribed isodose line (PIL) was intended to be 60–80% of the maximum dose. Nine angles were used for the FP plans. The median D98 and D50 of the internal target volume for FP, helical-IMRT and helical-3DCRT plans were 70.4, 71.4 and 60.5 Gy, respectively (P < 0.001), and 77.7, 75.7 and 62.3 Gy, respectively (P < 0.0001). The median PIL and the lung volume receiving ≥20 Gy (V20) were 73.4, 73.4 and 94.3%, respectively (P < 0.0001), and 4.7, 4.0 and 5.7%, respectively (P < 0.0001). These parameters were not significantly different between the FP and helical-IMRT plans. The median beam-on times were 238.6, 418.9 and 197.1 s, respectively (P < 0.0001). The FP plans reduced the beam-on time by 43% compared to the helical-IMRT plans. The dose distribution of the FP plans was comparable to that of the helical-IMRT plans. The helical-3DCRT plans could not adjust PIL to be 60–80%.
Stomatal response to isothiocyanates inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Afrin Sonya , Okuma Eiji , Tahjib-Ul-Arif Md , Jahan Md Sarwar , Nakamura Toshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Munemasa Shintaro , Murata Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2020

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induces stomatal closure accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glutathione (GSH) depletion in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, stomatal responses to three other isothiocyanates (ITCs), benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), sulforaphane (SFN), and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), were investigated in A. thaliana. All these ITCs significantly induced stomatal closure, where PEITC and BITC were most effective. The selected ITCs also induced ROS accumulation, cytosolic alkalization, and GSH depletion in guard cells. Moreover, all ITCs increased the frequency of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) spikes (transient elevation), while PEITC and BITC showed the highest frequency. There was a strong positive correlation between the number of [Ca2+]cyt spikes per guard cell and the decrease in stomatal aperture. Both cytosolic alkalization and GSH content have a positive correlation with the decrease in stomatal aperture, but ROS production did not have a significant correlation with the decrease in stomatal apertures. These results indicate that the molecules with a functional ITC group induce stomatal closure that is accompanied by GSH depletion, cytosolic alkalization, [Ca2+]cyt spikes, and ROS production, and that the former three cellular events, rather than ROS production, are highly correlated with the decrease in stomatal aperture.
High rate of gravitational waves mergers from flyby perturbations of wide black hole triples in the field
Authors: Michaely Erez , Perets Hagai B
Published: September 2020

Ultrawide triple black holes (TBHs; with an outer orbit >103 au) in the field can be considerably perturbed by flyby encounters with field stars through the excitation of their outer orbit eccentricities. We study the cumulative effect of such flybys, and show them to be conductive for the production of gravitational-wave (GW) sources. Flyby encounters with TBHs can destabilize them, leading to binary–single resonant encounters between the outer black hole (BH) and the inner binary. These encounters can result in either a prompt GW merger of two of the TBH components during the resonant phase, or the disruption of the TBH. In the latter case, a more compact binary is left behind, while the third BH is ejected. Such compact remnant binaries may still inspiral through GW emission, producing delayed GW mergers, with a significant fraction of these merging in less than a Hubble time. We find a volumetric merger rate of ∼3–10 Gpc−3 yr−1 contributed by the (former) prompt-merger TBH channel and ${\sim} 100\!-\!250\,{\rm {\rm Gpc^{-3}\,yr^{-1}}}$ contributed by the (latter) delayed-merger TBH channel. The prompt channel gives rise to eccentric mergers in the aLIGO band, while the majority of the delayed GW mergers are circularized when enter the aLIGO band. We find the total eccentric volumetric merger rate to be ∼1–10 Gpc−3 yr−1 from both channels. We expect these mergers to show no significant spin–orbit alignment, and uniform delay-time distribution.
Gaia DR2 giants in the Galactic dust – II. Application of the reddening maps and models
Authors: Gontcharov George A , Mosenkov Aleksandr V
Published: September 2020

We exploit a complete sample of 101  810 Gaia DR2 giants, selected in Paper I in the space cylinder with a radius of 700 pc around the Sun and a height of |Z| = 1800 pc, using the Gaia DR2 parallaxes, GBP and GRP photometry, and WISE W3 photometry. We explain the spatial variations of the modes of the observables GBP − GRP and GRP − W3 by the spatial variations of the corresponding reddenings described in the GM20 3D dust distribution model. Presented in this paper, GM20 is an advanced version of the model introduced by Gontcharov in 2009. GM20 proposes two intersecting dust layers, along the Galactic mid-plane and in the Gould Belt, with exponential vertical and sinusoidal longitudinal variations of the dust spatial density in each layer. The Belt layer is an ellipse, oriented nearly between the centre and anticentre of the Galaxy, and with semi-major and semi-minor axes of 600 and 146 pc, respectively. GBP − GRP and GRP − W3 give similar solutions, but different equatorial layer scale heights of 150 ± 15 and 180 ± 15 pc, respectively, and $(G_\mathrm{BP}-G_\mathrm{RP})_0=(1.14\pm 0.01)-(0.022\pm 0.010)\, |Z|$, $(G_\mathrm{RP}-W3)_0=(1.44\pm 0.01)-(0.015\pm 0.010)\, |Z|$, where Z is in kpc. We compare GM20 with several 3D reddening models and maps in their ability to predict the observed colour modes. GM20 and the 3D map by Gontcharov appear to be the best among the models and maps, respectively. However, the most reliable models and maps mainly disagree only in their estimates of low reddening, including the reddening across the whole dust layer.
A search for H2O masers in 100 active dwarf galaxies
Authors: Rosenthal M J , Zaw I
Published: September 2020

We present the results of the first dedicated survey for 22 GHz H2O maser emission in dwarf galaxies outside of the Local Group, with the aim of discovering disc masers. Studies of disc masers yield accurate and precise measurements of black hole (BH) mass, and such measurements in dwarf galaxies would be key to understanding the low-mass end of BH–galaxy coevolution. We used the Green Bank Telescope to survey 100 nearby (z ≲ 0.055) dwarf galaxies (M* ≲ 109.5 M⊙) with optical emission line ratios indicative of accretion on to a massive black hole. We detected no new masers down to a limit of ∼12 mJy (5σ). We compared the properties of our sample with those of ∼1850 known detections and non-detections in massive galaxies. We find, in agreement with previous studies, that masers are preferentially hosted by Seyferts and highly obscured, [O iii]-bright active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Our sample has fewer Seyferts, is less obscured, and is [O iii]-faint. Though the overall maser detection rate is ∼3 per cent in massive galaxies, the predicted rate for our sample, weighted by its optical properties, is ∼0.6–1.7 per cent, corresponding to a probability of making no detections of ∼20–50 per cent. We also found a slight increase in the detection rate with increased stellar mass in previously surveyed galaxies. However, further observations are required to discern whether there is an intrinsic difference between the maser fraction in active dwarf galaxies and in their massive counterparts for the same AGN properties.
The CO universe: modelling CO emission and H2 abundance in cosmological galaxy formation simulations
Authors: Inoue Shigeki , Yoshida Naoki , Yajima Hidenobu
Published: September 2020

We devise a physical model of formation and distribution of molecular gas clouds (MGCs) in galaxies. We use the model to predict the intensities of rotational transition lines of carbon monoxide (CO) and the molecular hydrogen (H2) abundance. Using the outputs of IllustrisTNG cosmological simulations, we populate MGCs of unresolved sizes in individual simulated galaxies, where the effect of the interstellar radiation field with dust attenuation is also taken into account. We then use the publicly available code despotic (Derive the Energetics and SPectra of Optically Thick Interstellar Clouds) to compute the CO line luminosities and H2 densities without assuming the CO-to-H2 conversion factor (αCO). Our method allows us to study the spatial and kinematic structures traced by CO(1–0) and higher transition lines. We compare the CO luminosities and H2 masses with recent observations of galaxies at low and high redshifts. Our model reproduces well the observed CO–luminosity function and the estimated H2 mass in the local UniverseAbout 10 per cent of molecules in the Universe reside in dwarf galaxies with stellar masses lower than 109 M⊙, but the galaxies are generally ‘CO-dark’ and have typically high αCO. Our model predicts generally lower CO line luminosities than observations at redshifts z ≳ 1–2. We argue that the difference can be explained by the highly turbulent structure suggested for the high-redshift star-forming galaxies.
Low-temperature rate constants and radiative transfer for rotational de-excitation of C5S by collision with He
Authors: Khadri F , Chefai A , Hammami K
Published: September 2020

The C5S molecule is the largest member of the series of sulphur-containing carbon chains CnS observed in space. Given the lack of data concerning this molecule, we computed rate coefficients of C5S(1Σ+) induced by collision with He. These rates are obtained for thermal temperature below 100 K by mean of a new two-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) calculated with the explicit correlated coupled cluster with single, double, and pertubative triple excitation (ccsd(t)-f12) ab initio approach and the aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. The C5S–He PES presents three minimums of −59.726, −55.355, and −36.506 cm−1 below its dissociation limit. Using this PES, the integral cross-sections are performed in the close-coupling (CC) and coupled-state (CS) quantum time independent formalisms for $E_\mathrm{ c}\le 500 \, \mathrm{ cm}^{-1}$ and J ≤ 13 (for CC) and J ≤ 50 (for CS). By averaging these cross-sections we obtained the downward rate coefficients. The new collisional data are used to simulate the excitation of C5S in the circumstellar gas. We obtain the excitation and brightness temperatures of the four lines observed towards the IRC+10216 which confirms the necessity of using radiative transfer calculations to accurately determine C5S abundance since the local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions are not fulfilled. The new collisional data should help to estimate the abundance of C5S in several interstellar regions.
Systematic parameter space study for the UHECR origin from GRBs in models with multiple internal shocks
Authors: Heinze J , Biehl D , Fedynitch A , Boncioli D , Rudolph A , Winter W
Published: September 2020

We scrutinize the paradigm that conventional long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the dominant source of the ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) within the internal shock scenario by describing UHECR spectrum and composition and by studying the predicted (source and cosmogenic) neutrino fluxes. Since it has been demonstrated that the stacking searches for astrophysical GRB neutrinos strongly constrain the parameter space in single-zone models, we focus on the dynamics of multiple collisions for which different messengers are expected to come from different regions of the same object. We propose a model that can describe both stochastic and deterministic engines, which we study in a systematic way. We find that GRBs can indeed describe the UHECRs for a wide range of different model assumptions with comparable quality albeit with the previously known problematic energy requirements; the heavy mass fraction at injection is found to be larger than 70 per cent ($95 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ CL). We demonstrate that the post-dicted (from UHECR data) neutrino fluxes from sources and UHECR propagation are indeed below the current sensitivities but will be reached by the next generation of experiments. We finally critically review the required source energetics with the specific examples found in this study.
On the origin of the eccentricity dichotomy displayed by compact super-Earths: dynamical heating by cold giants
Authors: Poon Sanson T S , Nelson Richard P
Published: September 2020

Approximately half of the planets discovered by NASA’s Kepler mission are in systems where just a single planet transits its host star, and the remaining planets are observed to be in multiplanet systems. Recent analyses have reported a dichotomy in the eccentricity distribution displayed by systems where a single planet transits compared with that displayed by the multiplanet systems. Using N-body simulations, we examine the hypothesis that this dichotomy has arisen because inner systems of super-Earths are frequently accompanied by outer systems of giant planets that can become dynamically unstable and perturb the inner systems. Our initial conditions are constructed using a subset of the known Kepler five-planet systems as templates for the inner systems, and systems of outer giant planets with masses between those of Neptune and Saturn that are centred on orbital radii 2 ≤ ap ≤ 10 au. The parameters of the outer systems are chosen so that they are always below an assumed radial velocity detection threshold of 3 m s−1. The results show an inverse relation between the mean eccentricities and the multiplicities of the systems. Performing synthetic transit observation of the final systems reveals dichotomies in both the eccentricity and multiplicity distributions that are close to being in agreement with the Kepler data. Hence, understanding the observed orbital and physical properties of the compact systems of super-Earths discovered by Kepler may require holistic modelling that couples the dynamics of both inner and outer systems of planets during and after the epoch of formation.
The environment of Lyman break analogues (ELBA) survey: star-forming galaxies in small groups
Authors: Santana-Silva L , Gonçalves T S , Basu-Zych A , Soares-Santos M , Menéndez-Delmestre K , Drlica-Wagner A , Riguccini L , Kuropatkin N P , Yanny B , Eufrasio R T
Published: September 2020

The environment of Lyman break analogues survey is an imaging survey of 33 deg2 of the southern sky. The survey was observed in u, g, r, and i bands with the Dark Energy Camera on the Blanco telescope. The main goal of this project is to investigate the environment of Lyman break analogues (LBAs) low-redshift (z ∼0.2) galaxies that are remarkably similar to typical star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 3. We explore whether the environment has any influence on the observed properties of these galaxies, providing valuable insight on the formation and evolution of galaxies over cosmic time. Using the nearest neighbour method, we measure the local density of each object ranging from small to large scales (clusters of galaxies). Comparing the environment around LBAs with that of the general galaxy population in the field, we conclude that LBAs, on average, populate denser regions at small scales, but are located in similar environment to other star-forming galaxies at larger cluster-like scales. This offers evidence that nearby encounters such as mergers may influence the star formation activity in LBAs, before infall on to larger galaxy clusters. We interpret this as an indication of galaxy pre-processing, in agreement with theoretical expectations for galaxies at z ∼ 2–3 where the gravitational interactions are more intense in early formation processes of these objects.
High-cadence observations and variable spin behaviour of magnetar Swift J1818.0−1607 after its outburst
Authors: Champion David , Cognard Ismael , Cruces Marilyn , Desvignes Gregory , Jankowski Fabian , Karuppusamy Ramesh , Keith Michael J , Kouveliotou Chryssa , Kramer Michael , Liu Kuo , Lyne Andrew G , Mickaliger Mitchell B , O’Connor Brendan , Parthasarathy Aditya , Porayko Nataliya , Rajwade Kaustubh , Stappers Ben W , Torne Pablo , van der Horst Alexander J , Weltevrede Patrick
Published: September 2020

We report on multifrequency radio observations of the new magnetar Swift J1818.0−1607, following it for more than one month with high cadence. The observations commenced less than 35 h after its registered first outburst. We obtained timing, polarization, and spectral information. Swift J1818.0−1607 has an unusually steep spectrum for a radio emitting magnetar and also has a relatively narrow and simple pulse profile. The position angle swing of the polarization is flat over the pulse profile, possibly suggesting that our line of sight grazes the edge of the emission beam. This may also explain the steep spectrum. The spin evolution shows large variation in the spin-down rate, associated with four distinct timing events over the course of our observations. Those events may be related to the appearance and disappearance of a second pulse component. The first timing event coincides with our actual observations, while we did not detect significant changes in the emission properties that could reveal further magnetospheric changes. Characteristic ages inferred from the timing measurements over the course of months vary by nearly an order of magnitude. A longer-term spin-down measurement over approximately 100 d suggests a characteristic age of about 500 yr, larger than previously reported. Though Swift J1818.0−1607 could still be one of the youngest neutron stars (and magnetars) detected so far, we caution using the characteristic age as a true-age indicator given the caveats behind its calculation.
COVID-19 and Music Therapists’ Employment, Service Delivery, Perceived Stress, and Hope: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Gaddy Sarah , Gallardo Ressa , McCluskey Shelley , Moore Leanna , Peuser Alex , Rotert Rachel , Stypulkoski Corinne , LaGasse A Blythe
Published: September 2020

In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, which impacted music therapists in terms of employment, service delivery, and mental health. However, the extent of changes within the profession was unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on the employment, service delivery, stress, and hope of music therapy professionals in the United States. Music therapists (N = 1,196) responded to a 51-item survey including questions related to employment and service delivery. The study also included the Adult Hope Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Results indicated that many music therapists experienced changes in their positions, including a decrease in client contact hours and an increase in using alternative services, such as telehealth. Changes in service hours and delivery were higher for individuals who worked in private practice than for other settings. Primary respondent concerns included being a carrier of COVID-19, being isolated from loved ones, and income loss. Compared with prior general population samples from the United States, respondents reported higher levels of hope, with a majority of respondents also reporting a high level of hope for the profession. Respondents also indicated a moderate level of perceived stress on the PSS-10. Open response comments provided additional insights into the situational stressors and feelings of hope at this time in the pandemic. The results of this study indicate that music therapists adapted to service delivery changes and continued to provide services to clients, despite the many difficulties faced during the pandemic.
Animal-APAdb: a comprehensive animal alternative polyadenylation database
Authors: Jin Weiwei , Zhu Qizhao , Yang Yanbo , Yang Wenqian , Wang Dongyang , Yang Jiajun , Niu Xiaohui , Yu Debing , Gong Jing
Published: September 2020

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an important post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism that recognizes different polyadenylation signals on transcripts, resulting in transcripts with different lengths of 3′ untranslated regions and thereby influencing a series of biological processes. Recent studies have highlighted the important roles of APA in human. However, APA profiles in other animals have not been fully recognized, and there is no database that provides comprehensive APA information for other animals except human. Here, by using the RNA sequencing data collected from public databases, we systematically characterized the APA profiles in 9244 samples of 18 species. In total, we identified 342 952 APA events with a median of 17 020 per species using the DaPars2 algorithm, and 315 691 APA events with a median of 17 953 per species using the QAPA algorithm in these 18 species, respectively. In addition, we predicted the polyadenylation sites (PAS) and motifs near PAS of these species. We further developed Animal-APAdb, a user-friendly database (http://gong_lab.hzau.edu.cn/Animal-APAdb/) for data searching, browsing and downloading. With comprehensive information of APA events in different tissues of different species, Animal-APAdb may greatly facilitate the exploration of animal APA patterns and novel mechanisms, gene expression regulation and APA evolution across tissues and species.
Vaping Restrictions: Is Priority to the Young Justified?
Authors: Magalhaes Monica
Published: September 2020

The vast majority of smokers become dependent on nicotine in youth. Preventing dependence has therefore been crucial to the recent decline in youth smoking. The advent of vaping creates an opportunity for harm reduction to existing smokers (mostly adults) but simultaneously also undermines prevention efforts by becoming a new vehicle for young people to become dependent on nicotine, creating an ethical dilemma. Restrictions to access to some vaping products enacted in response to the increase in vaping among youth observed in the United States since 2018 have arguably prioritized prevention of new cases of dependence—protecting the young—over harm reduction to already dependent adults. Can this prioritization of the young be justified? This article surveys the main bioethical arguments for prioritizing giving health benefits to the young and finds that none can justify prioritizing dependence prevention over harm reduction: any reasons for prioritizing the current cohort of young people at risk from vaping will equally apply to current adult smokers, who are overwhelmingly likely to have become nicotine-dependent in their own youth. Public health authorities’ current tendency to prioritize the young, therefore, does not seem to be ethically justified.

Implications

This article argues that commonsense reasons for prioritizing the young do not apply to the ethical dilemma surrounding restricting access to vaping products.
Reactive Oxygen Species, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Cellular Membrane Potential Are Predictors of E-Liquid Induced Cellular Toxicity
Authors: Correia-Álvarez Eva , Keating James E , Glish Gary , Tarran Robert , Sassano M Flori
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The use of flavors in electronic cigarettes appeals to adults and never-smoking youth. Consumption has rapidly increased over the last decade, and in the U.S. market alone, there are over 8000 unique flavors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun to regulate e-liquids, but many have not been tested, and their impact, both at the cellular level, and on human health remains unclear.

Methods

We tested e-liquids on the human cell line HEK293T and measured toxicity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ  m), reactive oxygen species production (ROS), and cellular membrane potential (Vm) using high-throughput screening (HTS) approaches. Our HTS efforts included single-dose and 16-point dose–response curves, which allowed testing of ≥90 commercially available e-liquids in parallel to provide a rapid assessment of cellular effects as a proof of concept for a fast, preliminary toxicity method. We also investigated the chemical composition of the flavors via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

We found that e-liquids caused a decrease in ΔΨ  m and Vm and an increase in ROS production and toxicity in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, the presence of five specific chemical components: vanillin, benzyl alcohol, acetoin, cinnamaldehyde, and methyl-cyclopentenolone, but not nicotine, were linked with the changes observed in the cellular traits studied.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that ΔΨ  m, ROS, Vm, and toxicity may be indicative of the extent of cell death upon e-liquid exposure. Further research on the effect of flavors should be prioritized to help policy makers such as the FDA to regulate e-liquid composition.

Implications

E-liquid cellular toxicity can be predicted using parameters amenable to HTS. Our data suggest that ΔΨ  m, ROS, Vm, and toxicity may be indicative of the extent of cell death upon e-liquid exposure, and this toxicity is linked to the chemical composition, that is, flavoring components. Further research on the effect of flavors should be prioritized to help policy makers such as the FDA to regulate e-liquid composition.
Regulating Libra
Authors: Zetzsche Dirk A , Buckley Ross P , Arner Douglas W
Published: September 2020

Libra is the first private cryptocurrency with the potential to change the landscape of global payment and monetary systems. Due to the scale and reach provided by its affiliation with Facebook, the question is not whether, but how, to regulate it. This article introduces the Libra project and analyses the potential responses open to regulators worldwide. We conclude that perhaps the greatest impact will come not from Libra itself, but rather from reactions to it, particularly by other BigTechs, incumbent financial institutions and governments around the world.
Burden and cost of communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutrition deficiency diseases in India
Authors: Yadav Jeetendra , Menon Geetha R , Mitra Malvika , Allarakha Shaziya , John Denny
Published: September 2020

Background

Globally 36% of deaths and 42% of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) are due to communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional disorders (CMPND). We examined the state-wise disease burden and treatment cost for these diseases in India for 2017.

Methods

DALYs for CMPND was obtained from National Disease Burden Estimate (NBE) Study and the expenditure was determined from the unit level records of persons who reported hospitalization for one or more CMPND in National Sample Survey (NSS)—75th Round.

Results

The top conditions resulting in high DALYs for India were perinatal conditions and nutritional deficiency disorders. Odisha had the highest DALY rate, while Kerala had the lowest DALY rate for CMPNDs. The out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) was highest in Chattisgarh, while percentage of households pushed to CHE was highest in Uttar Pradesh for CMPND.

Conclusion

The public healthcare facilities need to be strengthened to facilitate patients with CMPND to undergo treatment that is timely, affordable and cost-effective. Efforts should be made for optimization of strategies aimed at primary and secondary prevention of CMPND and reduce OOPE for treatment of these diseases. In addition, advocacy spreading awareness will reduce the burden and treatment expenditure for CMPNDs in India.
Clinical significance of interleukin-18 for the diagnosis and prediction of disease course in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Mizuta Mao , Shimizu Masaki , Inoue Natsumi , Ikawa Yasuhiro , Nakagishi Yasuo , Yasuoka Ryuhei , Iwata Naomi , Yachie Akihiro
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the clinical significance of serum IL-18 levels for the diagnosis of systemic JIA (s-JIA) and to predict the disease course of s-JIA.

Methods

Overall, 116 patients with s-JIA, 151 with other diseases and 20 healthy controls were analysed. Serum IL-18 levels were measured longitudinally in 41 patients with s-JIA from active phase through remission phase. Serum IL-18 levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the results were compared with clinical features and the disease course of s-JIA.

Results

The serum IL-18 level cut-off value for differentiation of s-JIA from other diseases was 4800 pg/ml. In patients with a monocyclic course, serum IL-18 levels steadily decreased during the inactive phase and low levels were sustained during remission. In contrast, in patients with a chronic course, elevated serum IL-18 levels were sustained even during the inactive phase. In patients with a polycyclic course, serum IL-18 levels were elevated during disease flares and normalized during the inactive phase. The serum IL-18 level cut-off value for diagnosis of remission in s-JIA was 595 pg/ml,

Conclusion

Serum IL-18 levels of >4800 pg/ml may be useful for differentiating between s-JIA and other diseases. Monitoring of serum IL-18 levels might be useful for predicting the disease course and assessing remission in s-JIA.