bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociable online integration processes in visual working memory
Authors: Balaban Halely , Drew Trafton , Luria Roy
Published: October 2023

Visual working memory has severe capacity limits, creating a bottleneck for active processing. A key way of mitigating this limitation is by chunking, i.e. compressing several pieces of information into one visual working memory representation. However, despite decades of research, chunking efficiency remains debated because of mixed evidence. We propose that there are actually 2 integration mechanisms: Grouping combines several objects to one representation, and object-unification merges the parts of a single object. Critically, we argue that the fundamental distinction between the 2 processes is their differential use of the pointer system, the indexing process connecting visual working memory representations with perception. In grouping, the objects that are represented together still maintain independent pointers, making integration costly but highly flexible. Conversely, object-unification fuses the pointers as well as the representations, with the single pointer producing highly efficient integration but blocking direct access to individual parts. We manipulated integration cues via task-irrelevant movement, and monitored visual working memory’s online electrophysiological marker. Uniquely colored objects were flexibly grouped and ungrouped via independent pointers (experiment 1). If objects turned uniformly black, object-integration could not be undone (experiment 2), requiring visual working memory to reset before re-individuation. This demonstrates 2 integration levels (representational-merging versus pointer-compression) and establishes the dissociation between visual working memory representations and their underlying pointers.
Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing in Immunocompromised Patients With Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Bergin Stephen P , Chemaly Roy F , Dadwal Sanjeet S , Hill Joshua A , Lee Yeon Joo , Haidar Ghady , Luk Alfred , Drelick Alexander , Chin-Hong Peter V , Benamu Esther , Khawaja Fareed , Nanayakkara Deepa , Papanicolaou Genovefa A , Small Catherine Butkus , Fung Monica , Barron Michelle A , Davis Thomas , McClain Micah T , Maziarz Eileen K , Madut Deng B , Bedoya Armando D , Gilstrap Daniel L , Todd Jamie L , Barkauskas Christina E , Bigelow Robert , Leimberger Jeffrey D , Tsalik Ephraim L , Wolf Olivia , Mughar Mona , Hollemon Desiree , Duttagupta Radha , Lupu Daniel S , Bercovici Sivan , Perkins Bradley A , Blauwkamp Timothy A , Fowler Vance G , Holland Thomas L
Published: October 2023

Background

Pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality, yet a causative pathogen is identified in a minority of cases. Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing may improve diagnostic yield in immunocompromised patients with pneumonia.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter, observational study of immunocompromised adults undergoing bronchoscopy to establish a pneumonia etiology, plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing was compared to standardized usual care testing. Pneumonia etiology was adjudicated by a blinded independent committee. The primary outcome, additive diagnostic value, was assessed in the Per Protocol population (patients with complete testing results and no major protocol deviations) and defined as the percent of patients with an etiology of pneumonia exclusively identified by plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing. Clinical additive diagnostic value was assessed in the Per Protocol subgroup with negative usual care testing.

Results

Of 257 patients, 173 met Per Protocol criteria. A pneumonia etiology was identified by usual care in 52/173 (30.1%), plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing in 49/173 (28.3%) and the combination of both in 73/173 (42.2%) patients. Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing exclusively identified an etiology of pneumonia in 21/173 patients (additive diagnostic value 12.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7% to 18.0%, P < .001). In the Per Protocol subgroup with negative usual care testing, plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing identified a pneumonia etiology in 21/121 patients (clinical additive diagnostic value 17.4%, 95% CI, 11.1% to 25.3%).

Conclusions

Non-invasive plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing significantly increased diagnostic yield in immunocompromised patients with pneumonia undergoing bronchoscopy and extensive microbiologic and molecular testing.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04047719.
The Need for a Criminal Division of the High Court?
Authors: Ormerod David
Published: October 2023

It seems to be assumed by some that ‘crime is easy’. Not the commission of it, nor the securing of ill-gotten gains from it, but the study, practice, and judging of it. In this paper, I challenge what might be a significant consequence of such an assumption—the systemic impacts on the appointment and deployment of High Court judges and the structure of the High Court. I argue that criminal judging at both first instance and on appeal is distinctive and demands a cadre of expert judges. I explore two core criminal roles performed by High Court Judges—one as a first-instance trial judge trying the most serious offence of murder, and the other sitting in an appellate capacity reviewing applications for leave to appeal from the Crown Court. This leads me to conclude that the current system of recruitment to the King’s Bench Division (KBD) of the High Court fails to guarantee that all KBD judges who sit in crime have the ideal level of expertise in criminal judging to equip them for that role. In turn, this prompts consideration of a range of solutions including, most radically, a proposal for the creation of a Criminal Division of the High Court, and the benefits that might offer.
Left bundle branch pacing with and without anodal capture: impact on ventricular activation pattern and acute haemodynamics
Authors: Ali Nadine , Saqi Khulat , Arnold Ahran D , Miyazawa Alejandra A , Keene Daniel , Chow Ji-Jian , Little Ian , Peters Nicholas S , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Qureshi Norman , Ng Fu Siong , Linton Nick W F , Lefroy David C , Francis Darrel P , Boon Lim Phang , Tanner Mark A , Muthumala Amal , Agarwal Girija , Shun-Shin Matthew J , Cole Graham D , Whinnett Zachary I
Published: October 2023

Aims

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) can deliver physiological left ventricular activation, but typically at the cost of delayed right ventricular (RV) activation. Right ventricular activation can be advanced through anodal capture, but there is uncertainty regarding the mechanism by which this is achieved, and it is not known whether this produces haemodynamic benefit.

Methods and results

We recruited patients with LBBP leads in whom anodal capture eliminated the terminal R-wave in lead V1. Ventricular activation pattern, timing, and high-precision acute haemodynamic response were studied during LBBP with and without anodal capture. We recruited 21 patients with a mean age of 67 years, of whom 14 were males. We measured electrocardiogram timings and haemodynamics in all patients, and in 16, we also performed non-invasive mapping. Ventricular epicardial propagation maps demonstrated that RV septal myocardial capture, rather than right bundle capture, was the mechanism for earlier RV activation. With anodal capture, QRS duration and total ventricular activation times were shorter (116 ± 12 vs. 129 ± 14 ms, P < 0.01 and 83 ± 18 vs. 90 ± 15 ms, P = 0.01). This required higher outputs (3.6 ± 1.9 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 V, P < 0.01) but without additional haemodynamic benefit (mean difference −0.2 ± 3.8 mmHg compared with pacing without anodal capture, P = 0.2).

Conclusion

Left bundle branch pacing with anodal capture advances RV activation by stimulating the RV septal myocardium. However, this requires higher outputs and does not improve acute haemodynamics. Aiming for anodal capture may therefore not be necessary.
The Copyrightability of Works of Applied Art in China ‒ Case Note of Guiding Case No. 157 by the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Rentsch Rudolf A , Zingg Raphael
Published: October 2023

With comparatively new copyright laws, China’s courts are still crystalizing the standards of copyrightability. In recent years, case law has particularly clarified that works of applied art qualify for copyright protection, but the enforcement of such claims was long deemed risky in practice due to the uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the protection requirements.

Guiding Case No. 157 of the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China demonstrates a newfound consistency in the application of copyright protection standards to works of applied art. Doctrinally, the case law analysis highlights that Chinese courts have merged two distinct copyrightability requirements, originality and aesthetics, settling for that which we call a threshold of ‘original aesthetics’.

Practitioners litigating international portfolios should be aware of the potential to successfully enforce copyright claims over works of applied art in China. The doctrinal delineation between originality and aesthetics is of importance not only within the scope of academic research, but also serves trial attorneys when pleading copyright infringement cases.
Perspectives for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Lubaki Jean-Pierre Fina , Francis Joel Msafiri , Omole Olufemi Babatunde
Published: October 2023

Glycaemic control is a significant problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the perspectives associated with glycaemic control are not fully known as previous studies rarely explored patients’ perspectives and lived experiences. This qualitative study described the perspectives regarding glycaemic control among persons with type 2 diabetes in Kinshasa, DRC. A total of 23 participants were purposively selected in seven health centres in Kinshasa. In-depth interviews were used for data collection. The study used a phenomenology approach, and deductive, constructionist and thematic analysis. Data analysis was performed using the MAXQDA 2022. Five themes were identified as perspectives for glycaemic control in Kinshasa: financial constraints, limited social and relational support, difficulties with lifestyle changes, beliefs and practices about diabetes and ability to adapt for caring for the illness. Themes were integrated using social cognitive theory. Participants expressed that they were unable to achieve better glycaemic control due to financial constraints, limited social and relational support and difficulty in changing their lifestyle. Their beliefs and practices about diabetes also constituted a barrier. Our results showed that lack of adequate funding is a major determinant of glycaemic control and therefore it is crucial to integrate a consistent and reliable funding system for care of people living with diabetes. Persons with diabetes must be empowered to successfully adapt to the requirements of diabetes care. In this process, support for people living with type 2 diabetes is also essential and should involve their families as well as healthcare providers.
Human Rights
Authors: Goodhart Michael
Published: October 2023

Human Rights: Theory and Practice provides in-depth theoretical content and features coverage of human rights issues in practice, with a wide range of case studies showing true-to-life examples from around the world. This fourth edition brings the text up to date with new readings centred on recent and relevant issues. It is an interdisciplinary examination of human rights, rather than strictly political science-centric. The first part of the book looks at theory and includes chapters on the philosophical foundations of human rights, international law, politics, and feminist approaches to human rights. There are also chapters that cover imperialism, social life, and performative practice. The second part looks at practice. Here chapters cover genocide, humanitarian intervention, transitional justice, and treaties and enforcement. There are also chapters on political democracy and state repression, migration, refugees, the environment, indigenous rights, and language sovereignty. This part also looks at social movements, issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, religion, and the human right to water. The final chapter in the second part examines the SDGs and economic rights.
Blueberry and cranberry pangenomes as a resource for future genetic studies and breeding efforts
Authors: Yocca Alan E , Platts Adrian , Alger Elizabeth , Teresi Scott , Mengist Molla F , Benevenuto Juliana , Ferrão Luis Felipe V , Jacobs MacKenzie , Babinski Michal , Magallanes-Lundback Maria , Bayer Philipp , Golicz Agnieszka , Humann Jodi L , Main Dorrie , Espley Richard V , Chagné David , Albert Nick W , Montanari Sara , Vorsa Nicholi , Polashock James , Díaz-Garcia Luis , Zalapa Juan , Bassil Nahla V , Munoz Patricio R , Iorizzo Massimo , Edger Patrick P
Published: October 2023

Domestication of cranberry and blueberry began in the United States in the early 1800s and 1900s, respectively, and in part owing to their flavors and health-promoting benefits are now cultivated and consumed worldwide. The industry continues to face a wide variety of production challenges (e.g. disease pressures), as well as a demand for higher-yielding cultivars with improved fruit quality characteristics. Unfortunately, molecular tools to help guide breeding efforts for these species have been relatively limited compared with those for other high-value crops. Here, we describe the construction and analysis of the first pangenome for both blueberry and cranberry. Our analysis of these pangenomes revealed both crops exhibit great genetic diversity, including the presence–absence variation of 48.4% genes in highbush blueberry and 47.0% genes in cranberry. Auxiliary genes, those not shared by all cultivars, are significantly enriched with molecular functions associated with disease resistance and the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites, including compounds previously associated with improving fruit quality traits. The discovery of thousands of genes, not present in the previous reference genomes for blueberry and cranberry, will serve as the basis of future research and as potential targets for future breeding efforts. The pangenome, as a multiple-sequence alignment, as well as individual annotated genomes, are publicly available for analysis on the Genome Database for Vaccinium—a curated and integrated web-based relational database. Lastly, the core-gene predictions from the pangenomes will serve useful to develop a community genotyping platform to guide future molecular breeding efforts across the family.
Joint maintenance and spare-parts inventory models: a review and discussion of practical stock-keeping rules
Authors: Scarf Phil , Syntetos Aris , Teunter Ruud
Published: October 2023

Accepted by: M. Zied Babai

It is natural to coordinate spare-parts inventory planning and maintenance. However, work in the former area often neglects part utilization, and work in the latter neglects the fact that effective execution of maintenance schedules is conditioned to the availability of the necessary spare parts. This paper is a call for further integration between the two areas, and to that end, we review the literature on mathematical modelling and analysis of inventory-maintenance-planning. We are not the first to address this issue (though we take a fresh perspective to the problem), but we are the first to complement such review with a discussion of simple stock keeping rules that may be used effectively in practice. We identify a growing gap between modelling and application, between theory and practice, which justifies the presentation of these simple stock keeping rules for the joint planning of inventory and maintenance. Thus, our work should be of interest not only to researchers who are looking for promising avenues for future research but also to practitioners who are seeking to improve inventory-maintenance operations.
The Dimension of Harmonic Measure on Some AD-Regular Flat Sets of Fractional Dimension
Authors: Tolsa Xavier
Published: October 2023

In this paper, it is shown that if $E\subset {{\mathbb {R}}}^{n+1}$ is an $s$-AD regular compact set, with $s\in [n-\frac 12,n)$, and $E$ is contained in a hyperplane or, more generally, in an $n$-dimensional $C^{1}$ manifold, then the Hausdorff dimension of the harmonic measure for the domain ${{\mathbb {R}}}^{n+1}\setminus E$ is strictly smaller than $s$, that is, than the Hausdorff dimension of $E$.
Dichotomy and Measures on Limit Sets of Anosov Groups
Authors: Lee Minju , Oh Hee
Published: October 2023

Let $G$ be a connected semisimple real algebraic group. For a Zariski dense Anosov subgroup $\Gamma <G$, we show that a $\Gamma $-conformal measure is supported on the limit set of $\Gamma $ if and only if its dimension is $\Gamma $-critical. This implies the uniqueness of a $\Gamma $-conformal measure for each critical dimension, answering the question posed in our earlier paper with Edwards [13]. We obtain this by proving a higher rank analogue of the Hopf–Tsuji–Sullivan dichotomy for the maximal diagonal action. Other applications include an analogue of the Ahlfors measure conjecture for Anosov subgroups.
Quillen Metrics and Branched Coverings
Authors: Ma Xiaonan
Published: October 2023

We give a formula to compare the Quillen metrics associated to a branched covering from holomorphic line bundles.
Diverging Maternal and Cord Antibody Functions From SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination in Pregnancy
Authors: Adhikari Emily H , Lu Pei , Kang Ye Jin , McDonald Ann R , Pruszynski Jessica E , Bates Timothy A , McBride Savannah K , Trank-Greene Mila , Tafesse Fikadu G , Lu Lenette L
Published: October 2023

Maternal immunity impacts the infant, but how is unclear. To understand the implications of the immune exposures of vaccination and infection in pregnancy for neonatal immunity, we evaluated antibody functions in paired peripheral maternal and cord blood. We compared those who in pregnancy received mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, were infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the combination. We found that vaccination enriched a subset of neutralizing activities and Fc effector functions that was driven by IgG1 and was minimally impacted by antibody glycosylation in maternal blood. In paired cord blood, maternal vaccination also enhanced IgG1. However, Fc effector functions compared to neutralizing activities were preferentially transferred. Moreover, changes in IgG posttranslational glycosylation contributed more to cord than peripheral maternal blood antibody functional potency. These differences were enhanced with the combination of vaccination and infection as compared to either alone. Thus, Fc effector functions and antibody glycosylation highlight underexplored maternal opportunities to safeguard newborns.
Taking ideas and words seriously: explaining the institutionalization of the Lancang-Mekong cooperation
Authors: Gong Xue , Li Mingjiang
Published: October 2023

This article explores the role of China’s ideational and discursive power in shaping the interest perceptions of target states and in determining the formation of a new institution. Using the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) as a case study, this article illustrates how China framed the idea of institutionalization, and how such idea was proposed, articulated, deliberated, and accepted in the interactions with partner countries. Relying on a collection and coding of over 700 Chinese official texts on the LMC and extensive interviews, we analyze how the Chinese authorities have used ideas and discourses to garner support from states in the Mekong region for the establishment of the institution. This article demonstrates that China’s ideational and discursive power helps generate three outcomes: preference denying, preference cultivating, and preference empowering. Such Chinese power has helped align Mekong countries’ interest perceptions with China’s expectations in three ways: transforming water security into developmental issues, accepting Chinese proposals through tactical persuasion, and constraining alternative policies.
Physical modeling of complex lithofacies volcanic edifices and seismic characteristics
Authors: Zhang Da , Qi Yinghan , Xing Tingdong , Guo Zhiqi , Cao Lei
Published: October 2023

The Songnan fault basin contains a significant distribution of basaltic volcanic rock structures, and serves as one of the primary types of reservoir in the area. Volcanic formations exhibit notable distinctions when compared to conventional oil and gas reservoirs, and the precise seismic response mechanism of these formations remains uncertain. Hence, it is imperative to investigate the seismic response mechanism of volcanic formations to enhance the geophysical characterization capability of oil and gas reservoirs composed of igneous rock. The seismic physical simulation model method is used to obtain dependable data for investigating the seismic response mechanisms of volcanic structures. This is achieved by constructing intricate physical models of rocks and volcanic structures. Our team focused on the development of materials and processes for accurately modeling various rock and volcanic structures, and we successfully designed and produced a three-dimensional physical model representing volcanic structures in the Chaganhua area. Furthermore, we conducted thorough data acquisition and analysis to examine the seismic response characteristics and sensitive properties of different geological bodies. We improved the accuracy of identifying different lithofacies of volcanic rocks by extracting different seismic attributes. This study presents a reliable approach for elucidating the seismic response mechanism of intricate rock and volcanic formations. It can also serve as a valuable resource for processing and interpreting seismic data in the specific study region. The conclusion that weak seismic reflection signals in volcanic rocks are effective signals rather than noise could be more conducive to accurate analysis and description of volcanic structures.
Comparison of pre-operative and post-operative radiotherapy in patients with localized myxoid liposarcoma
Authors: Masunaga Tomoya , Tsukamoto Shinji , Honoki Kanya , Fujii Hiromasa , Kido Akira , Akahane Manabu , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mavrogenis Andreas F , Errani Costantino , Kawai Akira
Published: October 2023

Background

Myxoid liposarcoma is more radiosensitive than other soft tissue sarcomas, and radiotherapy has been reported to reduce tumour size. This study was performed to compare the rates of local recurrence, survival and wound complications between pre- and post-operative radiotherapy for localized myxoid liposarcoma.

Methods

From the Japanese Nationwide Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry database, 200 patients with localized myxoid liposarcoma who received pre- (range, 30–56 Gy) or post-operative (range, 45–70 Gy) radiotherapy and surgery were included in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for background differences between patients who received pre- and post-operative radiotherapy.

Results

Local recurrence occurred in five (5.0%) and nine (9.0%) patients in the pre- and post-operative radiotherapy groups, respectively (both n = 100). The median follow-up time from diagnosis was 40.5 months (IQR, 26.3–74). Univariate analysis showed a similar risk of local recurrence between the pre- and post-operative radiotherapy groups (5-year local recurrence-free survival 94.9% [95% CI 87.0–98.1] vs. 89.0% [95% CI 79.6–94.3]; P = 0.167). Disease-specific survival was similar between the pre- and post-operative radiotherapy groups (5-year disease-specific survival 88.1% [95% CI 75.5–94.6] vs. 88.4% [95% CI 77.3–94.5]; P = 0.900). The incidence of wound complications was similar between the pre- and post-operative radiotherapy groups (7.0% vs. 12.0%; P = 0.228).

Conclusions

There was no difference in local recurrence, survival or incidence of wound complications between pre- and post-operative radiotherapy for localized myxoid liposarcoma. Therefore, pre-operative radiotherapy for myxoid liposarcoma provides clinical results equivalent to post-operative radiotherapy.
Oral Reading Traditions and Scriptural Hermeneutics: The Exegetical Significance of the Pausal Systems in the Hebrew Bible and the Qurʾān
Authors: Moqbel Tareq
Published: October 2023

The oral reading traditions of the Hebrew Bible and the Qurʾān have a number of affinities. Recent literature shows that these parallels include orthoepic features, the pluriformity of the oral reading traditions, as well as the representation of non-standard oral traditions in written form. The present article takes this comparative effort one step forward. It explores how pauses influence the exegesis of the Hebrew Bible and the Qurʾān. That is, it examines the impact of the Masoretic pausal accent signs and the pausal suggestions in the Quranic waqf and ibtidāʾ (pausing and beginning) literature on exegesis. Examining several case studies, the article points out parallels in the ways both reading traditions employ pauses in exegesis. Without denying the differences between the two systems, some of which are highlighted in the article, it is found that both seem to operate in conceptually similar ways.
Experimental branching fractions, transition probabilities, and oscillator strengths of La i
Authors: Shang Xue , Zhou Chunxiao
Published: October 2023

Experimental branching fractions of 65 lines in La i were measured based on grating spectroscopy of a lanthanum hollow cathode lamp. Combining these branching fractions with previous energy lifetimes measured using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (TR-LIF) spectroscopy, absolute transition probabilities, and oscillator strengths were determined for 34 lines belonging to transitions 4f5d6s–5d6s2, 4f5d6s–5d3, 5d26p–5d6s2, 5d27p–5d26s, and for 31 lines associated with uncertain configurations due to dramatic configuration interaction mixings. These fundamental atomic data will help make atomic models more realistic and provide useful parameters for future astrophysical spectral analysis.
Study of X-ray spectral and timing properties of astronomical sources using low-cost stratospheric balloons
Authors: Sikdar Rupnath , Chakrabarti Sandip K , Bhowmick Debashis
Published: October 2023

Astronomical objects, such as the Sun, accreting matter around black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, etc. are known to emit X-rays and gamma-rays. Some of these sources, such as highly magnetized neutron stars, show periodic pulsations. Even accreting matter around black holes and neutron stars shows timing properties including quasi-periodic oscillations. In this paper, we use the data of low-cost, lightweight, high-altitude (∼42 km) small, stratospheric balloon-borne missions of the Indian Centre for Space Physics. We measure the intensity of the secondary cosmic rays, the radiation fluxes, and the spectra of persistent X-ray sources or transient events such as solar flares and gamma-ray bursts, apart from routine weather parameters. In this study, we present the source detection method without an onboard pointing system and the temporal and spectral behaviour of the quiet Sun. We also analyse the data containing Crab in the field of view to find the pulsation of the Crab pulsar. During the analysis of the source detection and spectrum of the solar X-rays, we calculate the detector’s background radiation (mainly secondary cosmic rays) using physical assumptions and also take care of the atmospheric absorption effects. Finally, we show the source detection processes for the strong sources such as the Sun, Crab, and Cyg X-1, obtaining the quiet Sun’s spectrum. Among the interesting timing properties, we present the result for the Crab pulsar and find the well-known ∼33 Hz pulsations whenever our instrument pointed to the Crab.
Evolutionary tracks of massive stars with different rotation and metallicity in neutrino H–R diagram
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhu Chunhua , Liu Helei , Guo Sufen , Lü Guoliang
Published: October 2023

Neutrino losses play a crucial role in the evolution of massive stars. We study the neutrino luminosity of stars ranging from 20 to 90 $\rm M_{\odot }$ from Zero Age Main Sequence to Fe Core Collapse (FeCC) with different rotation and metallicity in a neutrino Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. In our simulations, we consider $\rm \omega /\omega _{crit}= 0$ and 0.7 to represent non-rotation and high rotation, respectively, and set the metallicities to 0.014, 0.001, and 0.0001. During hydrogen burning stages, neutrino luminosity primarily originates from CNO cycle, and increases with higher stellar mass while decreasing with increasing metallicity. For the high metallicity models (Z = 0.014) during the helium burning stage, the reduction of the hydrogen envelope caused by a larger mass loss rate leads to a gradual decrease in neutrino luminosity. The rapid rotation results in extra mixing inside massive stars, which increases the neutrino luminosity during main sequence, while decreases the neutrino luminosity during helium burning phase. Simultaneously, the rapid rotation also increases CO core mass, which enhances the neutrino luminosity during C and O burning phase. We also investigate the effect of neutrino magnetic moment (NMM) on the massive stars. We find that the energy loss caused by the NMM does not have effects on the evolutionary destiny of massive stars, and it does not significant change the compactness at the time of FeCC.
The precursor structure in relativistic shocks
Authors: Skuratovsky Barel , Lyubarsky Yuri , Piran Tsvi
Published: October 2023

We present a common unifying macroscopic framework for precursors in relativistic shock waves. These precursors transfer energy and momentum from the hot downstream to the cold upstream, modifying the shock structure. It was shown that in a steady state, there is a maximal fraction of the downstream energy flux that the precursor can carry. We show here that at this critical value, the shock disappears, and the flow passes through a sonic point. This behaviour resembles the classical Newtonian Rayleigh flow problem. At the critical value, the transition is unstable as perturbations in the upstream accumulate at the sonic point. Thus, if such a point is reached, the shock structure is drastically modified, and the flow becomes turbulent.
Antifocal Anaphoras in Hip-Hop Vocals
Authors: Ohriner Mitchell
Published: October 2023

This article examines the pitch content of the delivery of anaphoric lyrics in hip-hop. Anaphoric lyrics consist of lines with a reiterated beginning and a novel ending. Because new information is presented at the ends of lines, the “linguistic focus” of the line is at the end. Therefore, from the standpoint of intonational phonetics, pitch height would tend to rise to highlight the new information. However, from the standpoint of hip-hop delivery, lines tend to descend toward the end. Using a corpus approach, I document a general tendency toward “focally consistent” delivery in which pitch height supports new information. Then, I explore the afforded meanings of “antifocal” delivery—delivery in which the repeated text is pitched higher—in examples from B-Real, the poet Najee Omar, and Kendrick Lamar. I hope that these examples will attract other scholars to view vocal performances simultaneously through lenses of intonational phonology and music analysis and, further, that correspondences between pitch contours and principles of phonology might prove useful as singing, reciting, and rapping increasingly coexist under the banner of “hip-hop.”
Histone Variant H3.3 Controls Arabidopsis Fertility by Regulating Male Gamete Development
Authors: Liu Kunpeng , Yin Chunmei , Ye Wenjing , Ma Min , Wang Yuanda , Wang Pan , Fang Yuda
Published: October 2023

Reprograming of chromatin structures and changes in gene expression are critical for plant male gamete development, and epigenetic marks play an important role in these processes. Histone variant H3.3 is abundant in euchromatin and is largely associated with transcriptional activation. The precise function of H3.3 in gamete development remains unclear in plants. Here, we report that H3.3 is abundantly expressed in Arabidopsis anthers and its knockout mutant h3.3–1 is sterile due to male sterility. Transcriptome analysis of young inflorescence has identified 2348 genes downregulated in h3.3–1 mutant, among which 1087 target genes are directly bound by H3.3, especially at their 3ʹ ends. As a group, this set of H3.3 targets is enriched in the reproduction-associated processes including male gamete generation, pollen sperm cell differentiation and pollen tube growth. The function of H3.3 in male gamete development is dependent on the Anti-Silencing Factor 1A/1B (ASF1A/1B)-Histone regulator A (HIRA)-mediated pathway. Our results suggest that ASF1A/1B-HIRA-mediated H3.3 deposition at its direct targets for transcription activation forms the regulatory networks responsible for male gamete development.
Diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications: The role of microRNAs
Authors: Macvanin Mirjana T. , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a complex cluster of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia caused by inadequate insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or excessive glucagon secretion. If not correctly treated, the prolonged effects of DM-associated metabolic perturbations lead to systemic vascular complications and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the principal cause of mortality among patients with DM. Given the increase in the global prevalence of diabetes, novel diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are necessary for its effective identification and treatment. Recent findings point to an important role of microRNA (miRNAs) in DM initiation and progression, as well as the occurrence of associated cardiovascular complications. miRNAs are short, highly conserved, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that contribute to the maintenance of physiological homeostasis through the regulation of crucial processes such as metabolism, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. The increased availability of high-throughput methodologies for identifying and characterizing non-coding RNAs has led to considerable interest in miRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents for DM. In this review, we first comprehensively detail the regulatory miRNAs involved in the pathophysiology of DM and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCMP). Subsequently, we summarize findings regarding the utility of several of these miRNAs as potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for DM and DM-associated CVD. Finally, we evaluate the potential of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for treating DM and DCMP in the clinical setting.
The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Ferroptosis in the Treatment of Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathies and Heart Failure
Authors: Cantrell Aubrey C. , Zeng Heng , Chen Jian-Xiong
Published: October 2023

Ferroptosis is a form of iron-regulated cell death implicated in a wide array of diseases, including heart failure, hypertension, and numerous cardiomyopathies. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with several of these same disease states. However, the role of the mitochondrion in ferroptotic cell death remains debated. As a major regulator of cellular iron levels, the mitochondria may very well play a crucial role in the mechanisms behind ferroptosis, but at this point, this has not been adequately defined. Emerging evidence from our laboratory and others indicates a critical role of mitochondrial Sirtuin 3, a deacetylase linked with longevity and protection against numerous conditions, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we provide a brief overview of the potential roles of Sirtuin 3 in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and its contribution to the mitochondrial cardiomyopathy of Friedreich's ataxia and diabetic cardiomyopathy. We also discuss the current knowledge of the involvement of ferroptosis and the mitochondria in these and other cardiovascular disease states, including doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy, and provide insight into areas requiring further investigation.
Eye and Orbital Anatomy in Metopic Synostosis
Authors: Gaillard Linda , Puppels Anna E. , Dremmen Marjolein H.G. , Loudon Sjoukje E. , Mathijssen Irene M.J.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Metopic synostosis patients have a high prevalence of orthoptic anomalies, including hyperopia, astigmatism, and amblyopia. We hypothesized altered orbital anatomy contributes to suboptimal visual outcomes by adversely affecting eye anatomy and growth from early life onward. Therefore, we aimed to investigate eye and orbital anatomy in metopic synostosis.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study in nonsyndromic metopic synostosis patients (n = 134, median age 0.43 years [IQR 0.45]) with nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis patients (n = 134, median age 0.27 years [IQR 0.23]) as controls. Primary analyses focused on eye dimensions (axial length, width, and globe height) and orbital dimensions, correcting for sex and age. Measurements were obtained from preoperative computed tomography scans.

Results:

Axial length and width in metopic synostosis patients did not differ from sagittal synostosis patients, but globe height was significantly smaller (P = 0.0002). Lateral wall interorbital length, lateral orbital wall length, anterior medial interorbital length, and maximal medial interorbital length were significantly smaller, and anterior vertical orbital height and maximal vertical orbital height were significantly larger (P < 0.001). The central orbital axis and interorbital angle were significantly narrower, and medial-to-lateral orbital wall angle was wider (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Metopic synostosis patients have more shallow, wider, and higher orbits. Eye dimensions are similar in sagittal synostosis patients, although globe height was smaller. Altered orbital and eye dimensions in metopic synostosis probably have a causal relation with an unknown order of development. How these dimensions relate to future orthoptic anomalies (eg, refractive error) needs further investigation.
ZNT1 and Zn2+ control TLR4 and PD-L1 endocytosis in macrophages to improve chemotherapy efficacy against liver tumor
Authors: Yang Dan , Tian Taikun , Li Xiaojing , Zhang Baokai , Qi Linlin , Zhang Fang , Han Mingshun , Wang Shuang , Xiao Jun , Gou Yingying , Zhang Raorao , Liu Qiaojie , Su Sheng , Liu Jiahui , Huang Xiaowu , Gao Qiang , Hui Lijian , Tang Huiru , Chen Yuncong , Wang Hongyan , Wei Bin
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims:

HCC is closely associated with inflammation and immune modulation, and combined chemotherapy with other strategies is under extensive investigation to achieve better efficacy. HCC is accompanied by zinc (Zn) deficiency. This study aims to understand how Zn could affect macrophage function and its application for HCC therapy.

Approach and Results:

Zn2+ and the Zn transporter 1 (ZNT1, solute carrier family 30 member 1) were markedly reduced in intrahepatic macrophages from patients with HCC and from mouse liver tumors. Lower ZNT1 expression was associated with higher IL-6 production and shorter survival time in patients with HCC. Critically, ZNT1 regulated endosomal Zn2+ levels for endocytosis of toll-like receptor 4 and programmed cell death ligand 1, thereby decreasing macrophage-induced inflammation and immunosuppression to protect from liver tumors. Myeloid-specific deletion of ZNT1 in mice increased chronic inflammation, liver fibrosis, tumor numbers, and size. Notably, Zn supplementation could reduce inflammation and surface programmed cell death ligand 1 expression in macrophages with the increased CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, which synergized the antitumor efficacy of Sorafenib/Lenvatinib.

Conclusions:

Our study proposes a new concept that ZNT1 and Zn regulate endosome endocytosis to maintain surface receptors, and Zn supplements might be synergized with chemotherapy to treat inflammation-associated tumors, especially those containing programmed cell death ligand 1+ myeloid cells.
Early adoption of laparoscopic liver surgery in Poland: A national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hołówko Wacław , Serednicki Wojciech , Bartkowiak Mateusz , Wysocki Michał , Domurat Marian , Mielko Jerzy , Pierściński Stanisław , Hogendorf Piotr , Masior Łukasz , Kalinowski Piotr , Wierdak Mateusz , Frączek Mariusz , Tarasik Aleksander , Wróblewski Tadeusz , Budzyński Andrzej , Pędziwiatr Michał , Grąt Michał
Published: October 2023

Background:

The need for safe and efficient dissemination of minimally invasive approach in liver surgery is among the current challenges for hepatobiliary surgeons. After the stage of innovators and pioneers, the following countries should adopt a laparoscopic approach. The aim of this study was to assess the national experience and trend in implementing laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in Poland.

Materials and Methods:

A national registry of LLR performed in Poland was established in June 2020. All LLR cases performed before were included retrospectively, followed by prospectively collected new cases. Baseline characteristics, preoperative and intraoperative data, short-term results and long-term follow-up were recorded.

Results:

Since 2010 up to the end of 2022 there were 718 LLRs performed in Poland. The national rate of laparoscopic approach has gradually increased since 2017 (P<0.001), reaching the rate of 11.7% in 2022. There were 443 (61.7%), 107 (14.9%) and 168 (23.4%) LLRs performed in accordance to increasing grades of difficulty. The move towards more demanding cases had an increasing trend over the years (P<0.001). Total intraoperative adverse event and postoperative severe complications rates were estimated for 13.5% (n=97) and 6.7% (n=48), respectively. 30-day reoperation, readmission and postoperative mortality rates were 3.6% (n=26), 2.8% (n=20) and 0.8% (n=6), respectively. While the R0 resection margin was assessed in 643 (89.6%) cases, the total textbook outcomes (TO) were achieved in 525 (74.5%) cases. Overcoming the learning curve of 60 LLRs, resulted in an increasing TO rate from 72.3% to 80.6% (P=0.024).

Conclusion:

It is the first national analysis of a laparoscopic approach in liver surgery in Poland. An increasing trend of minimizing invasiveness in liver resection has been observed. Responsible selection of cases in accordance with difficulty may provide results within global benchmark values and textbook outcomes already during the learning curve.
Desmoglein-2 and COVID-19 complications: insights into its role as a biomarker, pathogenesis and clinical implications
Authors: Uchechukwu Chidiebere F. , Anyaduba Uchechukwu Love , Udekwu Chukwuemeka Chinedum , Orababa Oluwatosin Qawiyy , Kade Ayomikun Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) has emerged as a potential biomarker for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications, particularly cardiac and cardiovascular involvement. The expression of DSG2 in lung tissues has been detected at elevated levels, and circulating DSG2 levels correlate with COVID-19 severity. DSG2 may contribute to myocardial injury, cardiac dysfunction and vascular endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19. Monitoring DSG2 levels could aid in risk stratification, early detection and prognostication of COVID-19 complications. However, further research is required to validate DSG2 as a biomarker. Such research will aim to elucidate its precise role in pathogenesis, establishing standardized assays for its measurement and possibly identifying therapeutic targets.
Cheminformatics analysis of multi-target structure-activity landscape of environmental chemicals binding to human endocrine receptors
Authors: Baskaran Shanmuga Priya , Sahoo Ajaya Kumar , Chivukula Nikhil , Kumar Kishan , Samal Areejit
Published: October 2023

In human exposome, environmental chemicals can target, and disrupt different endocrine axes, ultimately leading to several endocrine disorders. Such chemicals, termed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can promiscuously bind to different endocrine receptors and lead to varying biological endpoints. Thus, understanding the complexity in molecule-receptor binding of environmental chemicals can aid in the development of robust toxicity predictors. Towards this, the ToxCast project has generated the largest resource on the chemical-receptor activity data for environmental chemicals that were screened across various endocrine receptors. However, the heterogeneity in the multi-target structure-activity landscape of such chemicals is not yet explored. In this study, we systematically curated the chemicals targeting 8 human endocrine receptors, their activity values and biological endpoints from the ToxCast chemical library. We employed dual-activity difference and triple-activity difference maps to identify single-, dual-, and triple-target cliffs across different target combinations. We annotated the identified activity cliffs through matched molecular pair (MMP) based approach, and observed that a small fraction of activity cliffs form MMPs. Further, we structurally classified the activity cliffs and observed that R-group cliffs form the highest fraction among the cliffs identified in various target combinations. Finally, we leveraged the mechanism of action (MOA) annotations to analyze structure-mechanism relationships, identified strong MOA-cliffs and weak MOA-cliffs, for each of the 8 endocrine receptors. Overall, insights from this first study analyzing the structure-activity landscape of environmental chemicals targeting multiple human endocrine receptors, will likely contribute towards the development of better toxicity prediction models for characterizing the human chemical exposome.
A wave of minorde novoDNA methylation initiates in mouse 8-cell embryos and co-regulates imprinted X- chromosome inactivation with H3K27me3
Authors: Yue Yuan , Fu Wei , Yang Qianying , Zhang Chao , Wang Wenjuan , Chu Meiqiang , Lyu Qingji , Tang Yawen , Cui Jian , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhenni , Tian Jianhui , An Lei
Published: October 2023

DNA methylation is extensively reprogrammed during early stage of mammalian development and is essential for normal embryogenesis. It is well established that mouse embryos acquire genome-wide DNA methylation during implantation, referred to asde novoDNA methylation, from globally hypomethylated blastocysts. However, the fact that the mainde novoDNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) is initially expressed as early as the 8-cell stage, contradicts the current knowledge about timing of initiation ofde novoDNA methylation. Here, we reported that a previously overlooked minor wave ofde novoDNA methylation initially occurs during the transition from the 8-cell to blastocyst stage, before the well-known large-scalede novoDNA methylation during implantation. Functional analyses indicated that minorde novoDNA methylation regulates proliferation, lineage differentiation and metabolic homeostasis of preimplantation embryos, and is critical for embryonic developmental potential and pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, bioinformatic and functional analyses indicated that minorde novoDNA methylation preferentially occurs on the X chromosome and co-regulates imprinted X-chromosome inactivation via the interaction between DNMT3B and polycomb repressive complexes 2 core components during blastocyst formation. Thus, our study updates the current knowledge of embryonicde novoDNA methylation, thereby providing a novel insight of early embryonic epigenetic reprogramming.

Summary statement

A minor wave ofde novoDNA methylation has been initiated prior to blastocyst formation, but not during the implantation period, and co-regulates imprinted X-chromosome inactivation.