bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovering the Voice in Our Techno-Social World: On the Phone
Authors: Errera Kelly
Published: August 2021

Recovering the Voice in Our Techno-Social World: On the Phone serves as an exemplar and timely work that calls attention to several consequences of our techno-social world, most notably, the loss of voice. Eicher-Catt argues that the field of human communication study is largely preoccupied with the textual and visual realms of communication, and thereby neglects the vibrant medium of the voice. Upon review, Recovering the Voice proves to be an innovative and detailed call of attention to the auditory, sonorous voice in a world of technology, new media, and cyberspace. The book’s clear and persuasive exigency points to a re-enchantment with the voice in a world that seems to be becoming more and more voiceless.
Impairment of mitophagy and autophagy accompanies calcific aortic valve stenosis favouring cell death and the severity of disease
Authors: Morciano Giampaolo , Patergnani Simone , Pedriali Gaia , Cimaglia Paolo , Mikus Elisa , Calvi Simone , Albertini Alberto , Giorgi Carlotta , Campo Gianluca , Ferrari Roberto , Pinton Paolo
Published: August 2021

Aims

In the last 15 years, some observations tried to shed light on the dysregulation of the cellular self-digestion process in calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS), but the results obtained remain still controversial. This work is aimed to definitively establish the trend of autophagy in patients affected by CAVS, to analyse the putative involvement of other determinants, which impact on the mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and to explore possible avenues for pharmacological interventions in the treatment of CAVS.

Methods and results

This observational study, performed exclusively in ex vivo human samples (cells and serum), by using biochemical approaches and correlations with clinical data, describes new biological features of the calcified valve in terms of mitochondrial dysfunctions. In detail, we unveiled a significant deficiency in mitochondrial respiration and in ATP production coupled to increase production of lactates. In addition, mitochondrial population in the pathologic group is aged with significant alterations in biogenesis and mitophagy pathways. We are also reporting an updated view about autophagy accompanying the calcification process and advanced stages of the disease. We provided evidence for a rapamycin-based therapeutic strategy to revert the calcified phenotype to the wild type one.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the CAVS phenotype is featured by defects in mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and that autophagy is not activated enough to counteract cell death and sustain cell functions. Thus, boosting autophagy and mitophagy from short- to long-term reverts quite all pathological phenotypes.
Cyber legalism: why it fails and what to do about it
Authors: Kello Lucas
Published: August 2021

Western nations face a glaring punishment problem in the cyber domain. Repeatedly, other nations assail their political and economic interests. Repeatedly, Western leaders warn about the gravity of such actions. And yet repeatedly, the victims failed to punish to deter the offenders. This article examines why and how this situation arose and what to do about it. The Western approach to cyber conflict prevention emphasizes the centrality of existing international law and norms. The legal and normative framework is not adequate for this purpose, however, because it does not provide sufficient grounds to credibly respond to actions falling short of war. Consequently, the Western approach has failed spectacularly. It fails to grasp a central truth about contemporary security affairs: much of modern interstate rivalry fits neither the destructive criteria of war nor the acceptable boundaries of peaceful rivalry. Rather, it is unpeace, or mid-spectrum rivalry that is more damaging than traditional peacetime activity, but not physically violent like war. Nations use cyberspace to achieve some of the political and strategic objectives of war without firing a single gun. The lack of an effective Western response betrays not tolerance of aggression but a failure to devise a response strategy commensurate with the legal and doctrinal ambiguities of unpeace. Existing law and norms are a source of the problem, not its solution. An interim solution must be found instead in the development of new doctrine—in a consequentialist strategy that affects adversaries’ material interests to deter actions which international law and security strategy do not ordinarily recognize as deserving a strong response.
Novel insights into the athlete’s heart: is myocardial work the new champion of systolic function?
Authors: Tokodi Márton , Oláh Attila , Fábián Alexandra , Lakatos Bálint Károly , Hizoh István , Ruppert Mihály , Sayour Alex Ali , Barta Bálint András , Kiss Orsolya , Sydó Nóra , Csulak Emese , Ladányi Zsuzsanna , Merkely Béla , Kovács Attila , Radovits Tamás
Published: August 2021

Aims

We sought to investigate the correlation between speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE)-derived myocardial work (MW) and invasively measured contractility in a rat model of athlete's heart. We also assessed MW in elite athletes and explored its association with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)-derived aerobic capacity.

Methods and results

Sixteen rats underwent a 12-week swim training program and were compared to controls (n = 16). STE was performed to assess global longitudinal strain (GLS), which was followed by invasive pressure-volume analysis to measure contractility [slope of end-systolic pressure–volume relationship (ESPVR)]. Global MW index (GMWI) was calculated from GLS curves and left ventricular (LV) pressure recordings. In the human investigations, 20 elite swimmers and 20 healthy sedentary controls were enrolled. GMWI was calculated through the simultaneous evaluation of GLS and non-invasively approximated LV pressure curves at rest. All subjects underwent CPET to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2/kg). Exercised rats exhibited higher values of GLS, GMWI, and ESPVR than controls (−20.9 ± 1.7 vs. −17.6 ± 1.9%, 2745 ± 280 vs. 2119 ± 272 mmHg·%, 3.72 ± 0.72 vs. 2.61 ± 0.40 mmHg/μL, all PExercise < 0.001). GMWI correlated robustly with ESPVR (r = 0.764, P < 0.001). In humans, regular exercise training was associated with decreased GLS (−17.6 ± 1.5 vs. −18.8 ± 0.9%, PExercise = 0.002) but increased values of GMWI at rest (1899 ± 136 vs. 1755 ± 234 mmHg·%, PExercise = 0.025). GMWI exhibited a positive correlation with VO2/kg (r = 0.527, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

GMWI precisely reflected LV contractility in a rat model of exercise-induced LV hypertrophy and captured the supernormal systolic performance in human athletes even at rest. Our findings endorse the utilization of MW analysis in the evaluation of the athlete’s heart.
Using alternative teaching and learning approaches to deliver clinical microbiology during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Joshi Lovleen Tina
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has had significant impacts upon higher education teaching. Clinical microbiology teaching is primarily focused on a combination of practical skill development and didactic delivery of content. In the pandemic, the absence of in-person teaching has led to educators adapting in-person content for online platforms and delivery. This commentary covers alternative innovative and engaging teaching approaches to deliver clinical microbiology content during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exploring new netting material for fishing: the low light level of a luminous netting negatively influences species separation in trawls
Authors: Karlsen Junita Diana , Melli Valentina , Krag Ludvig Ahm
Published: August 2021

We tested if a newly developed luminous netting, VISIONET, could change the vertical behaviour of six commercially important species in a Nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus) trawl fishery. We inserted a V-shaped piece of VISIONET ascending on each side of the tapered section just ahead of a divided codend. The length-based effect on the vertical separation of fishes and Nephrops was quantified, and we evaluated if the presence of VISIONET had the potential to increase the fish capture in the upper compartment. Contrary to our expectation, gadoids entered the lower compartment more frequently than in the control trawl. This was similar to that previously found when applying green LED lights in the tapered section, however opposite for haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). The flatfishes did not respond. Large Nephrops significantly increased their preference for the lower compartment. Our results show that low intensity light is sufficient to alter the vertical distribution of both fishes and Nephrops. Responses of fishes to different variables, including light intensities, need to be studied in more detail to understand the underlying mechanisms and to ultimately reduce unwanted catch more efficiently. Luminous netting can be integrated in any given trawl design and does not require batteries or electronics.
Visual Portrayals of People in Need: The Impact of Refugee Depictions, Compassion, and Support for Humanitarian Aid
Authors: Dumitrescu Delia , Bucy Erik P
Published: August 2021

As conflicts flare around the world, images of refugees have become a familiar presence in Western media. Drawing on existing accounts of visual influence, this analysis explores how (un)sympathetic refugee portrayals in news accounts affect distant viewers’ compassion responses and refugee policy attitudes. The study reports the results of three survey experiments, in Sweden, the United States, and the UK, involving 25 unique images and over 4,500 combined respondents. Building on previous work on Moral Foundations Theory, we find the manifest vulnerability of depicted refugees to be an important influence on how visual portrayals evoke sympathy and impact conservatives’ (but not liberals’) compassion responses. Once activated, compassion is found to mediate the effect of refugee portrayals on right-wing support for refugee aid.
Lebanese pharmacy core competencies framework: tool validation for self-declared assessment
Authors: Hajj Aline , Hallit Souheil , Sacre Hala , Akel Marwan , Zeenny Rony M , Salameh Pascale
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, the official pharmacists’ association in Lebanon, had suggested a core competencies framework based on global and international frameworks and adapted to the local context. The objective of this study was to validate the structure of this comprehensive set of competencies in the Lebanese context of pharmacy practice.

Methods

The framework structure was assessed through multiple factor analyses, correlational and reliability measures of self-declared assessment, based on a cross-sectional survey of practising pharmacists.

Key findings

The framework had adequate structural validity and reliability: all measured coefficients were of appropriate magnitude. Behaviours adequately loaded on competencies, and competencies adequately loaded on domains and the entire framework. The exploratory factor analysis showed an adequate distribution of competencies in domains. Domains were also inter-correlated, without over-correlation.

Conclusions

Our results are an essential step towards standardizing pharmacy competencies in Lebanon and show that the Lebanese core competencies framework developed by the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon is structurally valid and reliable, although not yet applied in the Lebanese educational system. This tool would be helpful to assess the minimum competencies of pharmacists upon and after graduation.
A review of remdesivir for COVID-19 in pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Jorgensen Sarah C J , Davis Matthew R , Lapinsky Stephen E
Published: August 2021

Mounting evidence suggests that pregnant people have an elevated risk of severe COVID-19-related complications compared with their non-pregnant counterparts, underscoring the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies. However, despite progress in innovative and flexible trial designs during the COVID-19 pandemic, regressive policies excluding pregnant and breastfeeding people from biomedical research persist. Remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral, was the first drug licensed for the treatment of COVID-19, based on data showing it reduced the time to recovery in hospitalized patients. Pregnant and breastfeeding people were specifically excluded from all clinical trials of remdesivir in COVID-19, but data are accumulating from post-marketing registries, compassionate use programmes and case series/reports. In this review we synthesize these data and highlight key knowledge gaps to help inform clinical decision-making about its use in pregnancy and lactation.
Attitude of Saudi Plastic Surgery Residents Toward Pursuing Burn Practice
Authors: Arab Khalid A , Alfaqeeh Faisal A , Alowais Fahad A
Published: August 2021

Burn injuries comprise the most common accidents worldwide. The delivery of burn care has been adversely affected by the absence of effective burn management and aesthetic services. This study attempts to address the attitude of Saudi residents of plastic surgery toward obtaining a burn fellowship and to examine the factors that might influence their decisions in this regard. An online survey was sent to 39 plastic surgery residents in Saudi Arabia including levels from PGY 1 to 6 in the academic year of 2019. The questionnaire was used to demonstrate interest, knowledge, and major factors influencing or discouraging residents from choosing Burn as a subspecialty in their future career. Residents responded to knowledge questions on a scale of 3 (below average/average/above average). The response rate was 84%. Thirty-three residents completed the questionnaire. The age group was between 30 and 34 years. Only 27% of the respondents expressing interest in burn practice. The main factors that make the plastic surgery resident avoid pursuing burn fellowship were multiple operations sessions, lifestyle, financial outcome, and emotional aspects. On the other hand, the paucity of burn surgeons and being involved in the humanitarian mission were attracting factors. Most of the residents believe that burn must be obligatory and continue to be part of all plastic surgery training programs (100%). In Saudi Arabia, the relative paucity of specialist mentors on plastic surgery programs may limit residents’ exposure to subspecialties such as burn during plastic surgery rotational experiences. The findings from this survey may help plastic surgery program directors or burn surgeons, in particular, to find out strategies to attract future trainees.
The aminoshikimic acid pathway in bacteria as source of precursors for the synthesis of antibacterial and antiviral compounds
Authors: Escalante Adelfo , Mendoza-Flores Rubén , Gosset Guillermo , Bolívar Francisco
Published: August 2021

The aminoshikimic acid (ASA) pathway comprises a series of reactions resulting in the synthesis of 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid (AHBA), present in bacteria such as Amycolatopsis mediterranei and Streptomyces. AHBA is the precursor for synthesizing the mC7N units, the characteristic structural component of ansamycins and mitomycins antibiotics, compounds with important antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Furthermore, aminoshikimic acid, another relevant intermediate of the ASA pathway, is an attractive candidate for a precursor for oseltamivir phosphate synthesis, the most potent anti-influenza neuraminidase inhibitor treatment of both seasonal and pandemic influenza. This review discusses the relevance of the key intermediate AHBA as a scaffold molecule to synthesize diverse ansamycins and mitomycins. We describe the structure and control of the expression of the model biosynthetic cluster rif in A. mediterranei to synthesize ansamycins and review several current pharmaceutical applications of these molecules. Additionally, we discuss some relevant strategies developed for overproducing these chemicals, focusing on the relevance of the ASA pathway intermediates kanosamine, AHAB, and ASA.
Prospect patents and CRISPR; rivalry and ethical licensing in a semi-commons environment
Authors: Panagopoulos Andreas , Sideri Katerina
Published: August 2021

The prospect theory of patents views patents as a tool for the development and commercialization of inventions. Prospect patents rely on broad control of technology so that rivalry between competing products is diminished thus avoiding waste of common-pool resources. The theory has been widely criticized but in this article we argue that it does not address the realities of an economy where many innovations are created by universities. Although university patents on inventions such as new gene-editing tools fit squarely in the definition of prospect patents, they may still allow rivalry to resurface at the commercialization stage. This rivalry is not between competing firms; it is between competing visions of the prospect: ‘the university’s vision versus the licensees.’ We use as a case study the CRISPR-Cas9 technology invented by universities and commercialized by licensees. We employ patent landscape analysis showing that CRISPR-Cas9’s prospects comply with the characteristics of prospect patents and, above all, diminish rivalry at the commercialization stage. As the lack of competition leads to excessive treatment prices, tensions arise because the licensee understands CRISPR-Cas9 as a revenue-generating prospect, whereas the university views it as a technology requiring broad distribution. Such discerning visions can breed rivalry between licensor and licensee despite broad patent rights. In addressing this we turn to the literature on semi-commons, which implies an environment where private rights of exclusion such as prospect patents work with ethical licenses and a domain of resources open for reuse to foster innovation. We argue that in this environment, universities can emerge as important actors in the regulatory enterprise through additional ex post licensing. To this end, we propose a market-based solution in the form of a license allowing for patent re-licensing if the licensee fails to address a predefined demand for the final product.
Curcumae Radix: a review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology
Authors: Ao Mingyue , Li Xing , Liao Yujiao , Zhang Chunling , Fan Shunming , Hu Changjiang , Chen Zhimin , Yu Lingying
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Curcumae Radix, the medicinal part is radix, commonly called as Yujin (Chinese:郁金), is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for its high medicinal value and health benefits. Curcumae Radix has been used to treat conditions such as syndrome of heat disease and unconsciousness, epilepsy and internal stagnation of phlegm, qi stagnation and blood stasis, dysmenorrhoea, jaundice, cholelithiasis caused by dampness heat of liver and gallbladder. This review aims to summarize the botany, traditional usages, processing, phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology and toxicology of Curcumae Radix to better understand its therapeutic potential.

Key findings

So far, a variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Curcumae Radix, mainly including volatile oil and diphenylheptanes. Modern research shows that the extracts and compounds from Curcumae Radix possess wide-ranging pharmacological effects, including anti-tumour, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-thrombosis, as well as effects on the nervous system and others.

Curcumae Radix holds an important position in traditional system of medicine. It is cost-effective and an important plant with curative application in contemporary medicine. However, further in-depth studies are also needed to determine the medical uses of this plant and its chemical constituents, pharmacological activity, quality control and toxicology.
Synthetic breath-hold CT generation from free-breathing CT: a novel deep learning approach to predict cardiac dose reduction in deep-inspiration breath-hold radiotherapy
Authors: Koide Yutaro , Shimizu Hidetoshi , Wakabayashi Kohei , Kitagawa Tomoki , Aoyama Takahiro , Miyauchi Risei , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Kodaira Takeshi
Published: August 2021

Deep-inspiration breath-hold radiotherapy (DIBH-RT) to reduce the cardiac dose irradiation is widely used but some patients experience little or no reduction. We constructed and compared two prediction models to evaluate the usefulness of our new synthetic DIBH-CT (sCT) model. Ninety-four left-sided breast cancer patients (training cohort: n = 64, test cohort: n = 30) underwent both free-breathing and DIBH planning. The U-Net-based sCT generation model was developed to create the sCT treatment plan. A linear prediction model was constructed for comparison by selecting anatomical predictors of past literature. The primary prediction outcome is the mean heart dose (MHD) reduction, and the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were calculated. Moreover, we evaluated the heart and lungs contours’ similarity and Hounsfield unit (HU) difference between both images. The median MHD reduction was 1.14 Gy in DIBH plans and 1.09 Gy in sCT plans (P = 0.96). The sCT model achieved better performance than the linear model (R2: 0.972 vs 0.450, RMSE: 0.120 vs 0.551, MAE: 0.087 vs 0.412). The organ contours were similar between DIBH-CT and sCT: the median Dice (DSC) and Jaccard similarity coefficients (JSC) were 0.912 and 0.838 for the heart and 0.910 and 0.834 for the lungs. The HU difference in the soft-tissue region was smaller than in the air or bone. In conclusion, our new model can generate the affected CT by breath-holding, resulting in high performance and well-visualized prediction, which may have many potential uses in radiation oncology.
Ureteral intussusception: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Aljuhayman Ahmed , Alothman Ali , Bin Hamri Saeed
Published: August 2021

Ureterorenoscopy (URS) is a minimal invasive procedure used for diagnosis and management of the upper urinary tract. Due to the vast advancement in URS technologies, the efficacy and safety greatly improved with lower complication rates. Intussusception is a rare complication of URS. We report a case of iatrogenic ureteral intussusception that was managed with ileal interposition.
Benchmarking hall-induced magnetoacoustic to Alfvén mode conversion in the solar chromosphere
Authors: Raboonik Abbas , Cally Paul S
Published: August 2021

A 2.5D numerical model of magnetoacoustic-Alfvén linear mode conversions in the partially ionized low solar atmosphere induced by the Hall effect is surveyed, varying magnetic field strength and inclination, and wave frequency and horizontal wavenumber. It is found that only the magnetic component of wave energy is subject to Hall-mediated conversions to Alfvén wave-energy via a process of polarization rotation. This strongly boosts direct mode conversion between slow magnetoacoustic and Alfvén waves in the quiet low chromosphere, even at mHz frequencies. However, fast waves there, which are predominantly acoustic in nature, are only subject to Hall-induced conversion via an indirect two-step process: (i) a geometry-induced fast–slow transformation near the Alfvén-acoustic equipartition height zeq; and (ii) Hall-rotation of the fast wave in z > zeq. Thus, for the two-stage process to yield upgoing Alfvén waves, zeq must lie below or within the Hall-effective window 0 ≲ z ≲ 700 km. Magnetic field strengths over 100 G are required to achieve this. Since the potency of this Hall effect varies inversely with the field strength but directly with the wave frequency, only frequencies above about 100 mHz are significantly affected by the two-stage process. Increasing magnetic field inclination θ generally strengthens the Hall convertibility, but the horizontal wavenumber kx has little effect. The direct and indirect Hall mechanisms both have implications for the ability of MHD waves excited at the photosphere to reach the upper chromosphere, and by implication the corona.
The impact of non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic processes on discs, outflows, counter-rotation, and magnetic walls during the early stages of star formation
Authors: Wurster James , Bate Matthew R , Bonnell Ian A
Published: August 2021

Non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes – namely Ohmic resistivity, ambipolar diffusion, and the Hall effect – modify the early stages of the star formation process and the surrounding environment. Collectively, they have been shown to promote disc formation and promote or hinder outflows. But which non-ideal process has the greatest impact? Using three-dimensional smoothed particle radiation non-ideal MHD simulations, we model the gravitational collapse of a rotating, magnetized cloud through the first hydrostatic core phase to shortly after the formation of the stellar core. We investigate the impact of each process individually and collectively. Including any non-ideal process decreases the maximum magnetic field strength by at least an order of magnitude during the first core phase compared to using ideal MHD, and promotes the formation of a magnetic wall. When the magnetic field and rotation vectors are anti-aligned and the Hall effect is included, rotationally supported discs of r ≳ 20 au form; when only the Hall effect is included and the vectors are aligned, a counter-rotating pseudo-disc forms that is not rotationally supported. Rotationally supported discs of r ≲ 4 au form if only Ohmic resistivity or ambipolar diffusion are included. The Hall effect suppresses first core outflows when the vectors are anti-aligned and suppresses stellar core outflows independent of alignment. Ohmic resistivity and ambipolar diffusion each promote first core outflows and delay the launching of stellar core outflows. Although each non-ideal process influences star formation, these results suggest that the Hall effect has the greatest influence.
Chandra observations of nova KT Eridani in outburst
Authors: Pei Songpeng , Orio Marina , Ness Jan-Uwe , Ospina Nataly
Published: August 2021

We analyze here four observations of nova KT Eri (Nova Eri 2009) done with the Chandra High-Resolution Camera Spectrometer (HRC-S) and the Low-Energy Transmission Grating (LETG) in 2010, from day 71 until day 159 after the optical maximum, in the luminous supersoft X-ray phase. The spectrum presents many absorption features with a large range of velocity, from a few hundred km s−1 to 3100 km s−1 in the same observation, and a few prominent emission features, generally redshifted by more than 2000 km s−1. Although the uncertainty on the distance and the WD luminosity from the approximate fit do not let us rule out a larger absolute luminosity than our best estimate of ≃5 × 1037 erg s−1, it is likely that we observed only up to ≃40 per cent of the surface of the white dwarf, which may have been partially hidden by clumpy ejecta. Our fit with atmospheric models indicates a massive white dwarf in the 1.15–1.25 M⊙ range. A thermal spectrum originating in the ejecta appears to be superimposed on the white dwarf spectrum. It is complex, has more than one component, and may be due to a mixture of photoionized and shock-ionized outflowing material. We confirm that the ≃35-s oscillation that was reported earlier was detected in the last observation done on day 159 of the outburst.
Stark broadening of Zn II spectral lines
Authors: Dimitrijević Milan S , Christova Magdalena D , Milovanović Nenad , Sahal-Bréchot Sylvie
Published: August 2021

Stark broadening parameters, full widths at half intensity maximum, and shifts for 34 multiplets of singly charged zinc ion have been calculated using the impact semiclassical perturbation formalism. Stark broadening parameters due to collisions with electrons, protons, and helium ions have been obtained for a grid of electron densities and temperatures. The obtained results have been used to demonstrate the influence of Stark broadening mechanism on spectral lines of Zn II in stellar atmospheres.
The star-melt python package for emission-line analysis of YSOs
Authors: Campbell-White Justyn , Sicilia-Aguilar Aurora , Manara Carlo F , Matsumura Soko , Fang Min , Frasca Antonio , Roccatagliata Veronica
Published: August 2021

We introduce the star-melt  python package that we developed to facilitate the analysis of time-resolved emission-line spectroscopy of young stellar objects. star-melt automatically extracts, identifies, and fits emission lines. We summarize our analysis methods that utilizes the time domain of high-resolution stellar spectra to investigate variability in the line profiles and corresponding emitting regions. This allows us to probe the innermost disc and accretion structures of YSOs. Local temperatures and densities can be determined using Boltzmann statistics, the Saha equation, and the Sobolev large velocity gradient approximation. star-melt allows for new results to be obtained from archival data, as well as facilitating timely analysis of new data as it is obtained. We present the results of applying star-melt to three YSOs, using spectra from UVES, XSHOOTER, FEROS, HARPS, and ESPaDOnS. We demonstrate what can be achieved for data with disparate time sampling, for stars with different inclinations and variability types. For EX Lupi, we confirm the presence of a localized and stable stellar-surface hotspot associated with the footprint of the accretion column. For GQ Lupi A, we find that the maximum infall rate from an accretion column is correlated with lines produced in the lowest temperatures. For CVSO109. we investigate the rapid temporal variability of a redshifted emission wing, indicative of rotating and infalling material in the inner disc. Our results show that star-melt is a useful tool for such analysis, as well as other applications for emission lines.
Stability of the protoneutron stars towards black hole formation
Authors: Sotani Hajime , Sumiyoshi Kohsuke
Published: August 2021

We examine the protoneutron star (PNS) stability in this study by solving the radial oscillation equations. For this purpose, we adopt the numerical results of a massive PNS towards the black hole formation obtained by spherically symmetric numerical simulations for a core-collapse supernova with general relativistic neutrino-radiation hydrodynamics. We find that the PNSs are basically stable in their evolution against the radial perturbations, while the PNS finally becomes unstable before the apparent horizon appears inside the PNS. We also examine the gravitational wave frequencies from the PNS with the relativistic Cowling approximation. Then, we derive the empirical formula for the f-mode frequency, which weakly depends on the PNS models. This kind of universality tells us the PNS property, which is a combination of the PNS mass and radius in this study, once one would observe the f-mode gravitational waves.
Standard stellar luminosities: what are typical and limiting accuracies in the era after Gaia?
Authors: Eker Z , Soydugan F , Bilir S , Bakış V
Published: August 2021

Methods of obtaining stellar luminosities (L) have been revised and a new concept, standard stellar luminosity, has been defined. In this paper, we study three methods: (i) a direct method from radii and effective temperatures; (ii) a method using a mass–luminosity relation (MLR); and (iii) a method requiring a bolometric correction. If the unique bolometric correction (BC) of a star extracted from a flux ratio (fV/fBol) obtained from the observed spectrum with sufficient spectral coverage and resolution are used, the third method is estimated to provide an uncertainty (ΔL/L) typically at a low percentage, which could be as accurate as 1 per cent, perhaps more. The typical and limiting uncertainties of the predicted L of the three methods were compared. The secondary methods, which require either a pre-determined non-unique BC or MLR, were found to provide less accurate luminosities than the direct method, which could provide stellar luminosities with a typical accuracy of 8.2–12.2 per cent while its estimated limiting accuracy is 2.5 per cent.
An induced-fit de novo initiation mechanism suggested by a pestivirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Authors: Zhang Bu-Yu , Liu Weichi , Jia Hengxia , Lu Guoliang , Gong Peng
Published: August 2021

Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) play central roles in the genome replication and transcription processes of RNA viruses. RdRPs initiate RNA synthesis either in primer-dependent or de novo mechanism, with the latter often assisted by a ‘priming element’ (PE) within the RdRP thumb domain. However, RdRP PEs exhibit high-level structural diversity, making it difficult to reconcile their conserved function in de novo initiation. Here we determined a 3.1-Å crystal structure of the Flaviviridae classical swine fever virus (CSFV) RdRP with a relative complete PE. Structure-based mutagenesis in combination with enzymology data further highlights the importance of a glycine residue (G671) and the participation of residues 665–680 in RdRP initiation. When compared with other representative Flaviviridae RdRPs, CSFV RdRP PE is structurally distinct but consistent in terminal initiation preference. Taken together, our work suggests that a conformational change in CSFV RdRP PE is necessary to fulfill de novo initiation, and similar ‘induced-fit’ mechanisms may be commonly taken by PE-containing de novo viral RdRPs.
Correlates of Tobacco and Nicotine Use Among Transgender and Gender Diverse People: A Systematic Review Guided by the Minority Stress Model
Authors: Wolford-Clevenger Caitlin , Hill Samantha V , Cropsey Karen
Published: August 2021

Introduction

ransgender and gender diverse (TGD) people have a higher prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use compared to their cisgender peers.

Aims and Methods

Using the minority stress model as a guide, we conducted a systematic review of correlates of tobacco and nicotine use among TGD people. We reviewed the literature from Pubmed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL between April 1, 1995 and April 20, 2021. Article inclusion criteria were the following: written in English, reported empirical data, sampled exclusively or reported separate outcomes for transgender/gender diverse people, and reported correlates of tobacco or nicotine use, broadly defined. The first and second authors reviewed the articles retrieved from the search and from gray literature (relevant listserv solicitations) for inclusion. They then reviewed references of any included articles for additional candidate articles.Results: This resulted in 35 articles for review, which were synthesized in a qualitative fashion. The overall quality of the articles was fair, with the articles ranging from poor to fair quality and using primarily cross-sectional design and survey methods.

Conclusions

Overall, the literature demonstrated external minority stressors were mostly researched (and supported) correlates of tobacco and nicotine use among TGD people. There is a critical need for higher quality research, such as longitudinal or experimental designs, to improve our understanding and prevention of tobacco and nicotine use in this population.

Implications

This systematic review used the minority stress model as a guide to understand correlates of tobacco and nicotine use among transgender and gender diverse people. Literature of fair quality demonstrated that external minority stressors were the most researched and supported correlates of tobacco and nicotine use within the framework of the minority stress model. This review demonstrated a critical need for higher quality research, such as longitudinal or experimental designs, to improve our understanding and prevention of tobacco and nicotine use in this population. Preliminary findings from the limited literature highlight factors that may be relevant to target with this population, including general/environmental stressors and external minority stressors such as discrimination.
New Zealand Smokers’ Perceptions of Tobacco Endgame Measures: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Barbalich Ivana , Gartner Coral , Edwards Richard , Hoek Janet
Published: August 2021

Introduction

New Zealand’s equity-focused endgame goal (Smokefree 2025) aims to reduce smoking prevalence to minimal levels (ie, <5%) in all population groups by 2025. Inadequate progress has stimulated discussion of innovative measures to reduce prevalence; because few studies have explored how marginalized groups perceive these measures, we addressed this knowledge gap.

Aims and Methods

In November and December 2020, we conducted 20 in-depth interviews with people who smoked daily, were aged between 21 and 53, earned less than the median income (NZD33 900), and had marginal or inadequate income sufficiency. We explored participants’ smoking history and used an elicitation exercise to probe their views on smokefree policies, including potential endgame measures. We used qualitative descriptive analysis and reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data.

Results

Participants favored increasing personal support to quit and reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes, but generally opposed tobacco excise tax increases and paying people to quit. While many privileged their right to “choose,” some recognized that stronger policies could restore the loss of agency addiction caused. Participants felt smoking’s powerful addictiveness remained poorly understood, and called for smoking to be recognized and treated as an addiction.

Conclusions

Several participants supported intensifying existing measures or introducing new measures. However, their use of tobacco industry rhetoric to frame smoking as a choice they had made could inadvertently reinforce the stigma they experienced. Reframing cigarettes as an addictive product engineered by a deceptive industry, may make it easier for participants to access the expanded support and compassion they sought.

Implications

Policy measures, such as reducing the nicotine level in cigarettes, could support endgame goals; however, greater public understanding of addiction is needed to reduce stigma, support self-efficacy, and foster smoking cessation. Industry denormalization campaigns could challenge views of smoking as a personal choice, decrease self-blame among people who smoke, and present endgame goals as likely to enhance agency.
Cross-country spillovers of national financial markets and the effectiveness of ECB policies during the euro-area crisis
Authors: Gibson Heather D , Hall Stephen G , GeFang Deborah , Petroulas Pavlos , Tavlas George S
Published: August 2021

We investigate spillover effects between sovereign ratings and sovereign spreads for five euro-area countries—Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain—using monthly data over the period of January 2000 through June 2019. We extend previous work in two ways. First, using spatial estimation, we model and quantify the spillover effects on ratings and spreads among countries. Secondly, we assess the effectiveness of European Central Bank (ECB) policies on spreads and ratings. We find significant feedback effects among countries. Consistent with the view that forward-looking agents typically respond to credible announcements right away, our results suggest that then-ECB President Draghi’s July 2012 speech was pivotal, and was supported by the ECB’s January 2015 announcement that it would undertake asset purchases.
The impact of statins on coronary atherosclerosis progression and long-term cardiovascular disease risk in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Karpouzas George A , Ormseth Sarah R , Hernandez Elizabeth , Budoff Matthew J
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate whether statins lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in RA and if tentative benefits are related to changes in coronary plaque burden or composition.

Methods

In an observational cohort study, 150 patients without CVD underwent coronary atherosclerosis evaluation (total, noncalcified, partially and fully calcified plaque) with CT angiography. Prespecified cardiovascular events including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, revascularization, stroke, claudication and heart failure were prospectively recorded. Change in plaque burden and composition was re-assessed in 102 patients within 6.9 (0.3) years.

Results

Time-varying statin therapy, modeled using inverse probability treatment and censoring weights, did not significantly attenuate CVD risk in RA overall [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.39 (95% CI: 0.15, 1.07), P =0.067]. However, statins associated with lower CVD risk in patients with baseline CRP > 0.5 mg/dl [adjusted OR = 0.09 (95%CI: 0.03, 0.30), P <0.001] but not in those with CRP < 0.5 mg/dl (P-interaction = 0.023), after controlling for Framingham-CVD score and time-varying bDMARD use. In patients treated with statin >50% of follow-up time, CRP did not associate with new plaque formation [adjusted OR = 0.42 (95% CI: 0.09, 1.94)], in contrast to statin-naïve [adjusted OR = 1.89 (95% CI:1.41, 2.54)] and statin-treated <50% time [adjusted-OR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.95), P-interaction = 0.029]. Statin therapy >50% follow-up time predicted dissipation [adjusted-OR = 5.84 (95% CI: 1.29, 26.55)] and calcification of prevalent noncalcified lesions [adjusted-OR = 4.16 (95% CI: 1.11, 15.54)], as well as new calcified plaque formation in segments without baseline plaque [adjusted-OR = 2.84 (95% CI:1.09, 7.41)].

Conclusion

Statin therapy associated with lower long-term cardiovascular risk in RA patients with higher inflammation. Moreover, statin therapy modified the impact of inflammation on new coronary plaque formation and predicted both regression and calcification of prevalent noncalcified lesions.
Power and Procedure: Gaining Legitimacy in the Workplace
Authors: Hegtvedt Karen A , Johnson Cathryn , Gibson Ryan , Hawks Kate , Hayward Jennifer L
Published: August 2021

To ensure effectiveness in reaching organizational goals, authorities must gain legitimacy (i.e., the support and approval of their subordinates). This study uniquely brings together an identity-based approach, stressing an authority’s use of fair decision-making procedures, a resource-based approach, highlighting an authority’s use of power in a benevolent fashion, and the status of the authority (represented by workplace experience) as sources of legitimacy. We argue that assessments of the nature of the authority’s behaviors and experience—whether they enhance interactional justice and/or engender trust, thereby signaling positive social relationships—mediate the direct effects of the sources. Adult study participants (404 males, 403 females) read one of eight vignettes in which we factorially combined two levels of each proposed antecedent. Questionnaire items measured perceived interactional justice, trust, and legitimacy. Results from structural equation modeling show that procedural justice, benevolent power use, and the authority’s workplace experience exert positive effects on the perceived legitimacy of the manager and on assessments of interactional justice and trust, which ultimately mediate the direct pathways to legitimacy. These findings highlight the nature of actions important to helping members of groups not typically holding positions of authority (e.g., women and minorities) to gain legitimacy and ensure effectiveness.
Assessment of Clonal Expansion Using CarcSeq Measurement of Lung Cancer Driver Mutations and Correlation With Mouse Strain- and Sex-Related Incidence of Spontaneous Lung Neoplasia
Authors: Harris Kelly L , McKim Karen L , Myers Meagan B , Gong Binsheng , Xu Joshua , Parsons Barbara L
Published: August 2021

Quantification of variation in levels of spontaneously occurring cancer driver mutations (CDMs) was developed to assess clonal expansion and predict future risk of neoplasm development. Specifically, an error-corrected next-generation sequencing method, CarcSeq, and a mouse CarcSeq panel (analogous to human and rat panels) were developed and used to quantify low-frequency mutations in a panel of amplicons enriched in hotspot CDMs. Mutations in a subset of panel amplicons, Braf, Egfr, Kras, Stk11, and Tp53, were related to incidence of lung neoplasms at 2 years. This was achieved by correlating median absolute deviation (MAD) from the overall median mutant fraction (MF) measured in the lung DNA of 16-week-old male and female, B6C3F1 and CD-1 mice (10 mice/sex/strain) with percentages of spontaneous alveolar/bronchioloalveolar adenomas and carcinomas reported in bioassay control groups. A total of 1586 mouse lung mutants with MFs >1 × 10−4 were recovered. The ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous mutations was used to assess the proportion of recovered mutations conferring a positive selective advantage. The greatest ratio was observed in what is considered the most lung tumor-sensitive model examined, male B6C3F1 mice. Of the recurrent, nonsynonymous mouse mutations recovered, 55.5% have been reported in human tumors, with many located in or around the mouse equivalent of human cancer hotspot codons. MAD for the same subset of amplicons measured in normal human lung DNA samples showed a correlation of moderate strength and borderline significance with age (a cancer risk factor), as well as age-related cumulative lung cancer risk, suggesting MAD may inform species extrapolation.
The coverage of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination in Nigeria: Does the place of delivery matter?
Authors: Olakunde Babayemi O , Adeyinka Daniel A , Olakunde Olubunmi A , Ogundipe Temitayo , Oladunni Filani , Ezeanolue Echezona E
Published: August 2021

Background

Hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD) vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in Nigeria. While evidence suggests that institutional delivery is associated with the uptake of HepB-BD vaccine, little is known about how the uptake differs by facility ownership (public or private). This study examined the HepB-BD vaccination coverage by place of delivery in Nigeria.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of data on 6143 children aged 12–23 mo obtained from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. We assessed the association between HepB-BD vaccination and the place of delivery using logistic regression models.

Results

About 53% of the children received the HepB-BD vaccine. Approximately 77, 83 and 33% of those delivered at a public health facility, private health facility and at home received the HepB-BD vaccine, respectively. After controlling for child- and maternal-level factors, the odds of receiving HepB-BD vaccine were significantly lower in children delivered at a private health facility (adjusted OR [aOR]=0.77, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.99) or at home (aOR=0.48, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.63). Wealth index and region of residence were significantly associated with the receipt of HepB-BD vaccination in all three places of delivery.

Conclusions

Children are less likely to receive the HepB-BD vaccine if they are delivered at a private health facility or at home. There is a need for private health sector engagement for immunization service delivery and innovative community-based interventions to reach the children delivered at home.