bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New entrants, incumbents, and the search for knowledge: the role of job title ambiguity in the US information and communication technology industry, 2004–2014
Authors: Zunino Diego , Cirillo Bruno , Wezel Filippo Carlo , Breschi Stefano
Published: July 2023

New entrants and incumbent firms rely on new knowledge to innovate and compete in the market. One way to acquire new knowledge is through the recruitment of new employees from competitors, a phenomenon popularly known as “poaching.” Digital labor platforms are widely used by firms for this aim. We argue that job titles represent the first and most visible public source of information about knowledge workers and thus play a key role in navigating the vast spectrum of competencies available in digital platforms. Our analyses of the career trajectories of 11,644 knowledge workers in the United States between 2004 and 2014 suggest that increases in the ambiguity of a job title claimed by an employee are negatively associated with the likelihood of the employee being hired by a new employer. This finding appears stronger in the case of transitions to incumbent firms rather than new entrants. In the concluding section of the paper, we take stock of the various analyses presented and reflect on the potential role of job titles in the strategic management of human capital.
A unified approach to maximum-norm a posteriori error estimation for second-order time discretizations of parabolic equations
Authors: Linβ Torsten , Ossadnik Martin , Radojev Goran
Published: July 2023

A class of linear parabolic equations is considered. We derive a common framework for the a posteriori error analysis of certain second-order time discretizations combined with finite element discretizations in space. In particular, we study the Crank–Nicolson method, the extrapolated Euler method, the backward differentiation formula of order 2, the Lobatto IIIC method and a two-stage SDIRK method. We use the idea of elliptic reconstructions and certain bounds for the Green’s function of the parabolic operator.
Accumulation of Immunity in Heavy-Tailed Sexual Contact Networks Shapes Mpox Outbreak Sizes
Authors: Murayama Hiroaki , Pearson Carl A B , Abbott Sam , Miura Fuminari , Jung Sung-mok , Fearon Elizabeth , Funk Sebastian , Endo Akira
Published: July 2023

Many countries affected by the global outbreak of mpox in 2022 have observed a decline in cases. Our mathematical model accounting for heavy-tailed sexual partnership distributions suggests that mpox epidemics can hit the infection-derived herd immunity threshold and begin to decline, with <1% of sexually active men who have sex with men infected regardless of interventions or behavioral changes. We consistently found that many countries and US states experienced an epidemic peak, with cumulative cases of around 0.1% to 0.5% among men who have sex with men. The observed decline in cases may not necessarily be attributable to interventions or behavioral changes primarily.
Serial Quantitation of Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Before and After Diagnosis of Pulmonary Invasive Mold Infections After Hematopoietic Cell Transplant
Authors: Heldman Madeleine R , Ahmed Asim A , Liu Winnie , Vo Alythia , Keane-Candib Jacob , Stevens-Ayers Terry , Boeckh Michael , Blauwkamp Timothy A , Fisher Cynthia E , Hill Joshua A
Published: July 2023

Background

Plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing (mcfDNA-Seq) is a noninvasive test for microbial diagnosis of invasive mold infection (IMI). The utility of mcfDNA-Seq for predicting IMI onset and the clinical implications of mcfDNA concentrations are unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively tested plasma from hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients with pulmonary IMI and ≥1 mold identified by mcfDNA-Seq in plasma collected within 14 days of clinical diagnosis. Samples collected from up to 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after IMI diagnosis were evaluated using mcfDNA-Seq.

Results

Thirty-five HCT recipients with 39 IMIs (16 Aspergillus and 23 non-Aspergillus infections) were included. Pathogenic molds were detected in 38%, 26%, 11%, and 0% of samples collected during the first, second, third, and fourth week before clinical diagnosis, respectively. In non-Aspergillus infections, median mcfDNA concentrations in samples collected within 3 days of clinical diagnosis were higher in infections with versus without extrapulmonary spread (4.3 vs 3.3 log10 molecules per microliter [mpm], P = .02), and all patients (8/8) with mcfDNA concentrations >4.0 log10 mpm died within 42 days after clinical diagnosis.

Conclusions

Plasma mcfDNA-Seq can identify pathogenic molds up to 3 weeks before clinical diagnosis of pulmonary IMI. Plasma mcfDNA concentrations may correlate with extrapulmonary spread and mortality in non-Aspergillus IMI.
Contributions of the N-terminal flanking residues of an antigenic peptide from the Japanese cedar pollen allergen Cry j 1 to the T-cell activation by HLA-DP5
Authors: Kusano Seisuke , Ueda Sho , Oryoji Daisuke , Toyoumi Aya , Hashimoto-Tane Akiko , Kishi Hiroyuki , Hamana Hiroshi , Muraguchi Atsushi , Jin Hui , Arase Hisashi , Miyadera Hiroko , Kishikawa Reiko , Yoshikai Yasunobu , Yamada Hisakata , Yamamoto Ken , Nishimura Yasuharu , Saito Takashi , Sasazuki Takehiko , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: July 2023

Cry j 1 is a major allergen present in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollens. Peptides with the core sequence of KVTVAFNQF from Cry j 1 (‘pCj1’) bind to HLA-DP5 and activate Th2 cells. In this study, we noticed that Ser and Lys at positions −2 and −3, respectively, in the N-terminal flanking (NF) region to pCj1 are conserved well in HLA-DP5-binding allergen peptides. A competitive binding assay showed that the double mutation of Ser(–2) and Lys(–3) to Glu [S(P–2)E/K(P–3)E] in a 13-residue Cry j 1 peptide (NF-pCj1) decreased its affinity for HLA-DP5 by about 2-fold. Similarly, this double mutation reduced, by about 2-fold, the amount of NF-pCj1 presented on the surface of mouse antigen-presenting dendritic cell line 1 (mDC1) cells stably expressing HLA-DP5. We established NF-pCj1-specific and HLA-DP5-restricted CD4+ T-cell clones from HLA-DP5 positive cedar pollinosis (CP) patients, and analyzed their IL-2 production due to the activation of mouse TG40 cells expressing the cloned T-cell receptor by the NF-pCj1-presenting mDC1 cells. The T-cell activation was actually decreased by the S(P–2)E/K(P–3)E mutation, corresponding to the reduction in the peptide presentation by this mutation. In contrast, the affinity of NF-pCj1·HLA-DP5 for the T-cell receptor was not affected by the S(P–2)E/K(P–3)E mutation, as analyzed by surface plasmon resonance. Considering the positional and side-chain differences of these NF residues from previously reported T-cell activating sequences, the mechanisms of enhanced T-cell activation by Ser(–2) and Lys(–3) of NF-pCj1 may be novel.
Neoclassical Realism as a Theory for Correcting Mistakes: What State X Should Do Next Tuesday
Authors: Juneau Thomas
Published: July 2023

Neoclassical realism has carved a unique niche by offering a theoretically derived and empirically rich foreign policy analysis framework. Over the years, it has branched out as a theory of mistakes (Type I), a theory of foreign policy (Type II), and a theory of international politics (Type III). This article proposes another challenge to consolidate its offer of a progressive research agenda to position it as a theory for correcting mistakes. The theory of mistakes version differentiates ideal from actual foreign policy. The ideal corresponds to foreign policy that follows the pressures and incentives of the international system; structural realism, the basis for this optimal baseline, is here viewed as a normative theory. If there is a gap between the ideal baseline and the actual outcome, then foreign policy is sub-optimal and therefore costly. According to neoclassical realists, this is the result of the intervention of domestic political processes hijacking foreign policy. It follows that pointing out how to reduce the distorting impact of these domestic variables should help steer foreign policy toward optimality. By identifying the negative consequences that follow from a sub-optimal foreign policy, a theory for correcting mistakes also opens the door to developing prescriptions to manage the inevitable fallout.
Escaping or Reinforcing Hierarchies? Norm Relations in Transitional Justice
Authors: Carvajalino Jinú , Davidović Maja
Published: July 2023

The global project of transitional justice (TJ) traditionally has been packaged in a multi-pillar model with criminal justice, truth recovery, reparations, institutional reform, and memorialization, and the norms they enshrine, seemingly presented as interventions of equivalent status at the level of policy. This article aims to enhance the theorizing on TJ as a “norm cluster” by comparatively examining the relations between the norms found in the cluster in transitional practices in Colombia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We claim that the relations between the norms of TJ are hierarchically organized, with the anti-impunity norm being positioned as normatively superior. Through an analysis of TJ processes in the two countries in the past three decades, we discuss how such a hierarchy was established, secured, and challenged. Our findings show that hierarchical relations arise primarily due to legitimacy concerns and are manifested as changes in the internal structure of the anti-impunity norm whereby its prescribed behaviors or measures, i.e., criminal trials, seek to fulfill a range of new values. We argue that, in search for ownership and legitimacy, political actors have overemphasized the role of criminal trials by increasing their “social weight” and positioned them as indispensable for achieving the values of truth, reconciliation, and non-recurrence, disturbing the internal structures and co-opting the spaces of other measures in the TJ norm cluster. Such normative superiority of anti-impunity is significant and detrimental for the TJ global project. It has resulted in other TJ mechanisms being weakened by or dependent on judicial procedures, and it has enhanced competing and revisionist truth-making while promoting a narrow understanding of accountability. Ultimately, we establish that the normative superiority of criminal justice continues to challenge the prospects of complex and comprehensive TJ and that the place of anti-impunity in the norm cluster should be rethought.
Using biological traits to assess diet selection: the case of the Pyrenean Desman
Authors: Esnaola Amaiur , Larrañaga Aitor , González-Esteban Jorge , Elosegi Arturo , Aihartza Joxerra
Published: July 2023

Traditionally, researchers have assessed diet selection by comparing consumed versus available taxa. However, taxonomic assignment is probably irrelevant for predators, who likely base their selection on characteristics including prey size, habitat, or behavior. Here, we use an aquatic insectivore, the threatened Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), as a model species to assess whether biological traits help unravel the criteria driving food and habitat preferences. We reanalyzed data from a previous taxonomy-based study of prey selection in two contrasting streams, one with excellent conservation status and the other affected by diversion for hydropower and forestry. Available and consumed prey were characterized according to nine biological traits, and diet selection was estimated by comparing availability—measured from Surber net samples, and consumption—analyzed by metabarcoding desman feces. Traits offered a biologically coherent image of diet and almost identical selection patterns in both streams, depicting a highly specialized rheophilic predator. Desmans positively selected prey with a preference for fast flow and boulder substrate, indicating their preferred riffle habitat. On the other hand, they positively selected prey with larger but not the largest potential size, living in the water column or the litter, and not inside sediments. They also chose agile prey, swimmers or prey attached to the substrate, prey with high body flexibility, and prey living exposed and clustered in groups. Overall, our results offer a picture of desman diet preference and point to biological traits as being better than taxonomic identity to describe the diet preference of consumers.
Leveraging national and global political determinants of health to promote equity in cancer care
Authors: Dee Edward Christopher , Eala Michelle Ann B , Robredo Janine Patricia G , Ramiah Duvern , Hubbard Anne , Ho Frances Dominique V , Sullivan Richard , Aggarwal Ajay , Booth Christopher M , Legaspi Gerardo D , Nguyen Paul L , Pramesh C S , Grover Surbhi
Published: July 2023

Health and politics are deeply intertwined. In the context of national and global cancer care delivery, political forces—the political determinants of health—influence every level of the cancer care continuum. We explore the “3-I” framework, which structures the upstream political forces that affect policy choices in the context of actors' interests, ideas, and institutions, to examine how political determinants of health underlie cancer disparities. Borrowing from the work of PA Hall, M-P Pomey, CJ Ho, and other thinkers, interests are the agendas of individuals and groups in power. Ideas represent beliefs or knowledge about what is or what should be. Institutions define the rules of play. We provide examples from around the world: Political interests have helped fuel the establishment of cancer centers in India and have galvanized the 2022 Cancer Moonshot in the United States. The politics of ideas underlie global disparities in cancer clinical trials—that is, in the distribution of epistemic power. Finally, historical institutions have helped perpetuate disparities related to racist and colonialist legacies. Present institutions have also been used to improve access for those in greatest need, as exemplified by the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence in Rwanda. In providing these global examples, we demonstrate how interests, ideas, and institutions influence access to cancer care across the breadth of the cancer continuum. We argue that these forces can be leveraged to promote cancer care equity nationally and globally.
Effect of madecassoside in reducing oxidative stress and blood glucose in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetes in rats
Authors: Tan Swee Ching , Rajendran Ramkumar , Bhattamisra Subrat Kumar , Krishnappa Purushotham , Davamani Fabian , Chitra Ebenezer , Ambu Stephen , Furman Brian , Candasamy Mayuren
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Madecassoside (MAD) is a triterpenoid constituent of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., an ethnomedical tropical plant, extracts of which were shown to reduce blood glucose in experimental diabetes. This study examines MAD for its anti-hyperglycaemic effects and tests the hypothesis that it reduces the blood glucose in experimentally induced diabetic rats by protecting the β-cells.

Methods

Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.v.) followed by nicotinamide (210 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)). MAD (50 mg/kg) was administered orally for 4 weeks, commencing 15 days after induction of diabetes; resveratrol (10 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, HbA1c, liver and lipid parameters were measured, along with antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde as an index of lipid peroxidation; histological and immunohistochemical studies were also undertaken.

Key findings

MAD normalized the elevated fasting blood glucose levels. This was associated with increased plasma insulin concentrations. MAD alleviated oxidative stress by improving enzymatic antioxidants and reducing lipid peroxidation. Histopathological examination showed significant recovery of islet structural degeneration and an increased area of islets. Immunohistochemical staining showed increased insulin content in islets of MAD-treated rats.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate an antidiabetic effect of MAD associated with preservation of β-cell structure and function.
Albiflorin alleviation efficacy in osteoarthritis injury using in-vivo and in-vitro models
Authors: Zhou Feng , Liu Jianfan , Xu Xuezheng , Luo Yi , Yang Shuo
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Osteoarthritis seriously affects the daily life of people. Albiflorin (AF) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions in various human diseases. This study aimed to clarify the function and mechanism of AF in osteoarthritis.

Methods

The functions of AF on rat chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in rat chondrocytes induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mechanism of AF on the IL-1β induced rat chondrocyte injury was investigated by multiple experiments in vitro. Meanwhile, the AF function in vivo was assessed using haematoxylin-eosin staining, Alcian blue, Safranin O/Fast green staining, immunohistochemical analysis and TUNEL assay.

Key findings

Functionally, AF accelerated the rat chondrocyte proliferation and repressed cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, AF reduced the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and ECM degradation in rat chondrocytes caused by IL-1β. Mechanistically, the receptor activator of the NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), an activator for the NF-κB signalling pathway, partially reversed the alleviating effect of AF on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte injury. Furthermore, the in-vitro results confirmed that AF exerted protective properties against osteoarthritis injury in vivo.

Conclusion

Albiflorin relieved osteoarthritis injury in rats by inactivating the NF-κB pathway.
Durable biventricular assist device support for 1212 days as a bridge to heart transplantation
Authors: Sharaf Omar M , Bilgili Ahmet , Ahmed Mustafa M , Bleiweis Mark S , Jeng Eric I
Published: July 2023

Experience with durable biventricular assist devices (BiVADs) as a bridge to heart transplantation (HTx) is limited, particularly in women. A 41-year-old woman with biventricular failure complicated by cardiogenic shock underwent durable concurrent BiVAD implantation and was supported for 1212 days as a bridge to HTx. During BiVAD support, she experienced bacteremia (day 1030 of support), appropriately managed with intravenous antibiotics. She is alive and well, 1479 days from BiVAD implantation and 267 days from orthotopic HTx. Strategies contributing to successful prolonged support include concurrent BiVAD implantation, aggressive cardiac rehabilitation, diet management for weight loss and frequent interval surveillance.
Kaposi sarcoma presenting as small bowel obstruction
Authors: Tian Jane , Janbey Selma , Hassanesfahani Maryam , Bhatia Shubham , Louis Martine A , Khan Noman
Published: July 2023

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade tumor of the vascular endothelium. The majority of individuals affected have advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The disease typically manifests as cutaneous lesions but reports have shown that systemic disease is not uncommon. Because gastrointestinal KS is often asymptomatic, it is likely underdiagnosed. Those with symptoms can present with vague abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting or anemia. Rarely the tumors can cause bowel obstruction or perforation. We present a case of small bowel obstruction cause by KS tumors in a young transgender male to female patient with poorly controlled AIDS, supported by literature review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
A single amino acid change led to structural and functional differentiation of PvHd1 to control flowering in switchgrass
Authors: Choi Soyeon , Prabhakar Pradeep K , Chowdhury Ratul , Pendergast Thomas H , Urbanowicz Breeanna R , Maranas Costas , Devos Katrien M
Published: July 2023

Switchgrass, a forage and bioenergy crop, occurs as two main ecotypes with different but overlapping ranges of adaptation. The two ecotypes differ in a range of characteristics, including flowering time. Flowering time determines the duration of vegetative development and therefore biomass accumulation, a key trait in bioenergy crops. No causal variants for flowering time differences between switchgrass ecotypes have, as yet, been identified. In this study, we mapped a robust flowering time quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 4K in a biparental F2 population and characterized the flowering-associated transcription factor gene PvHd1, an ortholog of CONSTANS in Arabidopsis and Heading date 1 in rice, as the underlying causal gene. Protein modeling predicted that a serine to glycine substitution at position 35 (p.S35G) in B-Box domain 1 greatly altered the global structure of the PvHd1 protein. The predicted variation in protein compactness was supported in vitro by a 4 °C shift in denaturation temperature. Overexpressing the PvHd1-p.35S allele in a late-flowering CONSTANS-null Arabidopsis mutant rescued earlier flowering, whereas PvHd1-p.35G had a reduced ability to promote flowering, demonstrating that the structural variation led to functional divergence. Our findings provide us with a tool to manipulate the timing of floral transition in switchgrass cultivars and, potentially, expand their cultivation range.
Conventional and new genetic resources for an eggplant breeding revolution
Authors: Gramazio Pietro , Alonso David , Arrones Andrea , Villanueva Gloria , Plazas Mariola , Toppino Laura , Barchi Lorenzo , Portis Ezio , Ferrante Paola , Lanteri Sergio , Rotino Giuseppe Leonardo , Giuliano Giovanni , Vilanova Santiago , Prohens Jaime
Published: July 2023

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a major vegetable crop with great potential for genetic improvement owing to its large and mostly untapped genetic diversity. It is closely related to over 500 species of Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum that belong to its primary, secondary, and tertiary genepools and exhibit a wide range of characteristics useful for eggplant breeding, including traits adaptive to climate change. Germplasm banks worldwide hold more than 19 000 accessions of eggplant and related species, most of which have yet to be evaluated. Nonetheless, eggplant breeding using the cultivated S. melongena genepool has yielded significantly improved varieties. To overcome current breeding challenges and for adaptation to climate change, a qualitative leap forward in eggplant breeding is necessary. The initial findings from introgression breeding in eggplant indicate that unleashing the diversity present in its relatives can greatly contribute to eggplant breeding. The recent creation of new genetic resources such as mutant libraries, core collections, recombinant inbred lines, and sets of introgression lines will be another crucial element and will require the support of new genomics tools and biotechnological developments. The systematic utilization of eggplant genetic resources supported by international initiatives will be critical for a much-needed eggplant breeding revolution to address the challenges posed by climate change.
An Atypical Cause of Hoarseness in a Patient With Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Gandhi Shruti M , Paal Edina , Nylen Eric S
Published: July 2023

Hoarseness due to vocal fold paresis (VFP) has a multitude of etiologies including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). During a clinical evaluation of a 58-year-old woman with long-standing hoarseness, an incidental finding of thyroid nodules was found to have VFP. Direct laryngoscopy and vocal fold biopsy confirmed the source was an inflammatory process involving the cricoarytenoid joint of the right hemilarynx. A presumptive diagnosis of SLE was made 3 years before meeting the clinical criteria of overt SLE. The VFP debut of SLE is extremely rare, and a literature review includes a handful of case reports (4 of a total of 37) since 1959. Only partial recovery of laryngeal function using glucocorticoids and Plaquenil was accomplished in the current case.
Linear and non-linear properties of the Goldreich–Schubert–Fricke instability in stellar interiors with arbitrary local radial and latitudinal differential rotation
Authors: Dymott R W , Barker A J , Jones C A , Tobias S M
Published: July 2023

We investigate the linear and non-linear properties of the Goldreich–Schubert–Fricke (GSF) instability in stellar radiative zones with arbitrary local (radial and latitudinal) differential rotation. This instability may lead to turbulence that contributes to the redistribution of angular momentum and chemical composition in stars. In our local Boussinesq model, we investigate varying the orientation of the shear with respect to the ‘effective gravity’, which we describe using the angle ϕ. We first perform an axisymmetric linear analysis to explore the effects of varying ϕ on the local stability of arbitrary differential rotations. We then explore the non-linear hydrodynamical evolution in three dimensions using a modified shearing box. The model exhibits both diffusive GSF instability and a non-diffusive instability that occurs when the Solberg-Høiland criteria are violated. We observe the non-linear development of strong zonal jets (‘layering’ in the angular momentum) with a preferred orientation in both cases, which can considerably enhance turbulent transport. By varying ϕ, we find instability with mixed radial and latitudinal shears transports angular momentum more efficiently (particularly if adiabatically unstable) than cases with purely radial shear (ϕ = 0). By exploring the dependence on box size, we find the transport properties of the GSF instability to be largely insensitive to this, implying we can meaningfully extrapolate our results to stars. However, there is no preferred length-scale for adiabatic instability, which therefore exhibits strong box-size dependence. These instabilities may contribute to the missing angular momentum transport required in red giant and subgiant stars and drive turbulence in the solar tachocline.
The cosmological star formation history from the Local Cosmological Volume of galaxies and constraints on the matter homogeneity
Authors: Haslbauer Moritz , Kroupa Pavel , Jerabkova Tereza
Published: July 2023

The Lilly–Madau plot is commonly interpreted as the history of the cosmic star formation of the Universe by showing the co-moving star formation rate density (SFRD) over cosmic time. Therefore, the Lilly–Madau plot is sensitive not only to the star formation history (SFH) but also to the number density of galaxies. Assessing the Catalogue of Neighbouring Galaxies, we reconstruct the SFHs of galaxies located in the Local Cosmological Volume (LV) based on delayed-τ and power-law SFH models. Galaxies with stellar masses of $M_{*} \gtrsim 10^{10}\, {\rm M_{\odot }}$ typically evolve according to the delayed-τ model by having first increasing followed by exponentially declining SFRs, while the majority of less massive star-forming galaxies have an almost constant or increasing SFH. Deducing the cosmic SFRD evolution of the LV reveals that the SFHs of local galaxies are inconsistent with the Lilly–Madau plot. The SFRDs of the LV are significantly lower at redshifts of $z \lesssim 3$ underestimating the Lilly–Madau peak at z = 1.86 by a factor of 2.16 ± 0.32 (delayed-τ model) and 5.90 ± 0.88 (power-law model). Assuming the delayed-τ model for galaxies with $M_{*} \ge 10^{10}\, {\rm M_{\odot }}$ and a power-law model for less massive galaxies, the SFRD is 2.22 ± 0.33 lower than measured at z = 1.86. This inconsistency between the evolution of the local and global SFRD has cosmological implications. Since the Lilly–Madau plot also constrains the cosmological matter field, the near-constancy of SFHs of LV galaxies could imply that the peak of the Lilly–Madau plot at z = 1.86 is the imprint of an ≈5 co-moving Gpc-scale inhomogeneity.
The cross-correlation of galaxies in absorption with the Lyman α forest
Authors: Pérez-Ràfols Ignasi , Pieri Matthew M , Blomqvist Michael , Morrison Sean , Som Debopam , Cuceu Andrei
Published: July 2023

We present the first clustering measurement of Strong Blended Lyman α (SBLA) absorption systems by measuring their cross-correlation with the Lyman α forest. SBLAs are a new population of absorbers detected within the Lyman α forest. We find a bias of 2.329 ± 0.057, consistent with that of Damped Lyman α absorbers (DLAs). For DLAs, we recover a bias of 2.331 ± 0.057 larger than previously reported. We also find a redshift space distortion parameter β = 0.417 ± 0.010, also consistent with the recovered value for DLAs (β = 0.416 ± 0.010). This is consistent with SBLA and DLA systems tracing different portions of the circumgalactic medium of a broadly common population of galaxies. Given these common clustering properties, we combined them to perform a cross-correlation of galaxies in absorption with the Lyα forest. We find that the BAO scale uncertainty of this new measurement is 1.75 × that of Lyα autocorrelation and 1.6 × that of the quasar cross-correlation with the Lyα forest. We note that the current preferred metal contamination model for fitting the correlation functions with respect to the Lyα forest is not realistic enough for SBLA systems, likely due to their status as high redshift precision sites of high metal enrichment. Mock spectra including SBLA systems and their associated metal absorption are required to understand this sample fully. We conclude that SBLAs have the potential to complement the standard Lyα cosmological analyses in future surveys.
On the new mechanism of planetary long-period debris formation around white dwarfs
Authors: Shestakova Lyubov I , Serebryanskiy Aleksander V
Published: July 2023

To explain the phenomenon of metal pollution of white dwarfs (WD) photospheres, we compared three main fragmentation mechanisms of small bodies (SB): tidal force, thermal destruction, and sublimation when SB fall on to WD along star-grazing orbits. The temperatures of the WDs lie in the range of 3000–15 000 K. We consider two materials, using their internal strength: crystalline ice and chondrite. We show that inside the Roche limit, ice bodies (ISB) ranging in size from 60 m to 150 km are destroyed by tidal forces. The corresponding sizes of stony bodies (SSB) range from 90 m to 130 km. Bodies of centimetre size are subject to sublimation. The thermal destruction mechanism is effective for bodies whose size lies in the interval where tidal forces and sublimation are not so effective, destroying SSBs smaller than 50 m and ISBs smaller than 1 km near stars with ${T}_\rm{eff} \le 15\, 000$ K. Such bodies are totally destroyed by thermal tensile stresses long before they reach the Roche limit. There may be observable manifestations of SB falling in the form of short-term flashes of the order of a second from SSB with sizes ≤ 100 m and WD curtaining with dust tails from ISB, causing WD dimming for a short time of the order of an hour. We conjecture that SB, moving along elongated elliptical orbits at large distances from the star, disintegrates by thermal destruction. The fragments from debris discs have nothing to do with the Roche limit.
High frequency study of FRB 20180916B using the 100-m Effelsberg radio telescope
Authors: Bethapudi S , Spitler L G , Main R A , Li D Z , Wharton R S
Published: July 2023

FRB 20180916B is a repeating fast radio burst (FRB) with an activity period of 16.33 d. In previous observations ranging from ∼150−1400 MHz, the activity window was found to be frequency dependent, with lower frequency bursts occurring later. In this work, we present the highest frequency detections of bursts from this FRB, using the 100-m Effelsberg radio telescope at 4−8 GHz. We present the results from two observing campaigns. We performed the first campaign over an entire activity period which resulted in no detections. The second campaign was done in an active window at 4−8 GHz which we predicted from our modelling of chromaticity, resulting in eight burst detections. The bursts were detected in a window of 1.35 d, 3.6 d preceding the activity peak seen by Canadian hydrogen intensity mapping experiment, suggesting the chromaticity extends to higher frequency. The detected bursts have narrower temporal widths and larger spectral widths compared to lower frequencies. All of them have flat polarization position angle sweeps and high polarization fractions. The bursts also exhibit diffractive scintillation due to the Milky Way, following a f3.90 ± 0.05 scaling, and vary significantly over time. We find that burst rate across frequency scales as f−2.6 ± 0.2. Lastly, we examine implications of the frequency dependency on the source models.
Shared Evolutionary Path in Social Microbiomes
Authors: Frazão Nelson , Gordo Isabel
Published: July 2023

Social networks can influence the ecology of gut bacteria, shaping the species composition of the gut microbiome in humans and other animals. Gut commensals evolve and can adapt at a rapid pace when colonizing healthy hosts. Here, we aimed at assessing the impact of host-to-host bacterial transmission on Escherichia coli evolution in the mammalian gut. Using an in vivo experimental evolution approach in mice, we found a transmission rate of 7% (±3% 2× standard error [2SE]) of E. coli cells per day between hosts inhabiting the same household. Consistent with the predictions of a simple population genetics model of mutation–selection–migration, the level of shared events resulting from within host evolution is greatly enhanced in cohoused mice, showing that hosts undergoing the same diet and habit are not only expected to have similar microbiome species compositions but also similar microbiome evolutionary dynamics. Furthermore, we estimated the rate of mutation accumulation of E. coli to be 3.0 × 10−3 (±0.8 × 10−3 2SE) mutations/genome/generation, irrespective of the social context of the regime. Our results reveal the impact of bacterial migration across hosts in shaping the adaptive evolution of new strains colonizing gut microbiomes.
Sex differences in the survival benefit of kidney transplantation: a retrospective cohort study using target trial emulation
Authors: Geroldinger Angelika , Strohmaier Susanne , Kammer Michael , Schilhart-Wallisch Christine , Heinze Georg , Oberbauer Rainer , Haller Maria C
Published: July 2023

Background

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for eligible patients with kidney failure who need renal replacement therapy. However, it remains unclear whether the anticipated survival benefit from kidney transplantation is different for women and men.

Methods

We included all dialysis patients recorded in the Austrian Dialysis and Transplant Registry who were waitlisted for their first kidney transplant between 2000 and 2018. In order to estimate the causal effect of kidney transplantation on 10-year restricted mean survival time, we mimicked a series of controlled clinical trials and applied inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighted sequential Cox models.

Results

This study included 4408 patients (33% female) with a mean age of 52 years. Glomerulonephritis was the most common primary renal disease both in women (27%) and men (28%). Kidney transplantation led to a gain of 2.22 years (95% CI 1.88 to 2.49) compared with dialysis over a 10-year follow-up. The effect was smaller in women (1.95 years, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.41) than in men (2.35 years, 95% CI 1.92 to 2.70) due to a better survival on dialysis. Across ages the survival benefit of transplantation over a follow-up of 10 years was smaller in younger women and men and increased with age, showing a peak for both women and men aged about 60 years.

Conclusions

There were few differences in survival benefit by transplantation between females and males. Females had better survival than males on the waitlist receiving dialysis and similar survival to males after transplantation.
Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance in kidney transplanted patients: novel insights into long-term outcomes
Authors: Meuleman Marie-Sophie , Mouyabi Steven , Gueguen Juliette , Vicca Stéphanie , Divard Gillian , Aubert Olivier , Bienaimé Frank , Arnulf Bertrand , Anglicheau Dany , Bridoux Frank , Cohen Camille
Published: July 2023

Background

Because of increased access to kidney transplantation in elderly subjects, the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance (MGUS) in kidney transplantation (KT) is growing. However, little is known about the consequences of MGUS on long-term outcomes.

Methods

We identified 70 recipients with MGUS present at transplantation (KTMG) and 114 patients with MGUS occurring after KT (DNMG), among 3059 patients who underwent a KT in two French kidney transplantation centers. We compared outcomes of KTMG with those of matched controls.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar except for an older age in KTMG compared with the DNMG group (62 vs 57 years, P = .03). Transient MGUS occurred more frequently in DNMG patients (45% vs 24%, P = .007). When compared with matched controls without MGUS, KTMG patients showed higher frequency and earlier post-transplant solid cancers (15% vs 5%, P = .04) and a trend for more bacterial infections (63% vs 48%, P = .08), without difference regarding patient and graft survival, rejection episodes or hematological complications. KTMG patients with an abnormal kappa/lambda ratio and/or severe hypogammaglobulinemia at the time of KT experienced shorter overall survival.

Conclusions

MGUS detection at the time of KT is neither associated with a higher occurrence of graft rejection, nor adversely affects graft or overall survival. MGUS should not contraindicate KT. However, MGUS at the time of KT may be associated with higher risk of early neoplastic and infectious complications and warrants prolonged surveillance. Measurement of serum free light chain should be performed before transplant to refine the risk evaluation of KTMG patients and propose personalized follow-up and immunosuppression.
Randomized phase III trial of metabolic imaging-guided dose escalation of radio-chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (SPECTRO GLIO trial)
Authors: Laprie Anne , Noel Georges , Chaltiel Leonor , Truc Gilles , Sunyach Marie-Pierre , Charissoux Marie , Magne Nicolas , Auberdiac Pierre , Biau Julian , Ken Soléakhéna , Tensaouti Fatima , Khalifa Jonathan , Sidibe Ingrid , Roux Franck-Emmanuel , Vieillevigne Laure , Catalaa Isabelle , Boetto Sergio , Uro-Coste Emmanuelle , Supiot Stéphane , Bernier Valérie , Filleron Thomas , Mounier Muriel , Poublanc Muriel , Olivier Pascale , Delord Jean-Pierre , Cohen-Jonathan-Moyal Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) systematically recurs after a standard 60 Gy radio-chemotherapy regimen. Since magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) has been shown to predict the site of relapse, we analyzed the effect of MRSI-guided dose escalation on overall survival (OS) of patients with newly diagnosed GBM.

Methods

In this multicentric prospective phase III trial, patients who had undergone biopsy or surgery for a GBM were randomly assigned to a standard dose (SD) of 60 Gy or a high dose (HD) of 60 Gy with an additional simultaneous integrated boost totaling 72 Gy to MRSI metabolic abnormalities, the tumor bed and residual contrast enhancements. Temozolomide was administered concomitantly and maintained for 6 months thereafter.

Results

One hundred and eighty patients were included in the study between March 2011 and March 2018. After a median follow-up of 43.9 months (95% CI [42.5; 45.5]), median OS was 22.6 months (95% CI [18.9; 25.4]) versus 22.2 months (95% CI [18.3; 27.8]) for HD, and median progression-free survival was 8.6 (95% CI [6.8; 10.8]) versus 7.8 months (95% CI [6.3; 8.6]), in SD versus HD, respectively. No increase in toxicity rate was observed in the study arm. The pseudoprogression rate was similar across the SD (14.4%) and HD (16.7%) groups. For O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylated patients, the median OS was 38 months (95% CI [23.2; NR]) for HD patients versus 28.5 months (95% CI [21.1; 35.7]) for SD patients.

Conclusion

The additional MRSI-guided irradiation dose totaling 72 Gy was well tolerated but did not improve OS in newly diagnosed GBM.

Trial registration

NCT01507506; registration date: December 20, 2011. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01507506?cond=NCT01507506&rank=1
Association of vitamin D and cognition in people with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: da Silva Alice D , Oliveira Julia S , de Castro Isabela C , Paiva Wanderléia C , Gomes Júnia M G , Pimenta Laura C J P
Published: July 2023

Context

There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and impaired cognitive function in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

To critically and systematically review the literature on the association between vitamin D status and cognitive performance in people with type 2 diabetes.

Data Sources

This review was conducted according to PRISMA recommendations. MEDLINE, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms “Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2”, “Cognitive Function”, and “Vitamin D”.

Data Extraction

Eight observational and 1 randomized study were included, containing data of 14 648 adult and elderly individuals (19–74 y). All extracted data were compiled, compared, and critically analyzed.

Data Analysis

There is no strong evidence that lower serum concentrations of vitamin D and vitamin D–binding protein are associated with worsening cognitive function in individuals with T2DM. Vitamin D supplementation (12 wk) improved the scores of some executive functioning tests, although there was no difference between low doses (5000 IU/wk) and high doses (50 000 IU/wk).

Conclusions

There is no high-quality evidence demonstrating an association between vitamin D status and cognitive function, or clinical benefits on cognition from vitamin D supplementation in individuals with T2DM. Future studies are needed.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021261520.
Evaluation of Hepatitis C Treatment Outcomes Among Patients Enrolled in Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy—Boston, Massachusetts, 2016–2021
Authors: Gupta Akash , Ashour Dina , Shebl Fatma M , Platt Laura , Chiosi John J , Nelson Sandra B , Ard Kevin L , Kim Arthur Y , Bassett Ingrid V
Published: July 2023

In our Boston-based outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) program between 2016 and 2021, we found that a low proportion of patients with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) were prescribed HCV treatment by their OPAT provider and few achieved sustained virologic response. Clinicians should consider concurrent HCV treatment during OPAT.
Barometers Behaving Badly II: a Critical Evaluation of Cpx-Only and Cpx-Liq Thermobarometry in Variably-Hydrous Arc Magmas
Authors: Wieser Penny E , Kent Adam J R , Till Christy B
Published: July 2023

The chemistry of erupted clinopyroxene crystals (±equilibrium liquids) have been widely used to deduce the pressures and temperatures of magma storage in volcanic arcs. However, the large number of different equations parameterizing the relationship between mineral and melt compositions and intensive variables such as pressure and temperature yield vastly different results, with implications for our interpretation of magma storage conditions. We use a new test dataset composed of the average Clinopyroxene-Liquid (Cpx-Liq) compositions from N = 543 variably hydrous experiments at crustal conditions (1 bar to 17 kbar) to assess the performance of different thermobarometers and identify the most accurate and precise expressions for application to subduction zone magmas. First, we assess different equilibrium tests, finding that comparing the measured and predicted Enstatite-Ferrosillite and KD (using Fet in both phases) are the most useful tests in arc magmas, whereas CaTs, CaTi and Jd tests have limited utility. We then apply further quality filters based on cation sums (3.95–4.05), number of analyses (N > 5) and the presence of reported H2O data in the quenched experimental glass (hereafter ‘liquid’) to obtain a filtered dataset (N = 214). We use this filtered dataset to compare calculated versus experimental pressures and temperatures for different combinations of thermobarometers. A number of Cpx-Liq thermometers perform very well when liquid H2O contents are known, although the Cpx composition contributes little to the calculated temperature relative to the liquid composition. Most Cpx-only thermometers perform very badly, greatly overestimating temperatures for hydrous experiments. These two findings demonstrate that the Cpx chemistry alone holds very little temperature information in hydrous systems.

Most Cpx-Liq and Cpx-only barometers show similar performance to one another (mostly yielding root mean square errors [RMSEs] of 2–3.5 kbar), although the best Cpx-only barometers currently outperform the best Cpx-Liq barometers. We also assess the sensitivity of different equations to melt H2O contents, which are poorly constrained in many natural systems. Overall, this work demonstrates that Cpx-based barometry on individual Cpx only provides sufficient resolution to distinguish broad storage regions in continental arcs (e.g. upper, mid, lower crust). Significant averaging of Cpx compositions from experiments reported at similar pressures can reduce RMSEs to ~1.3–1.9 kbar. We hope our findings motivate the substantial amount of experimental and analytical work that is required to obtain precise and accurate estimates of magma storage depths from Cpx ± Liq equilibrium in volcanic arcs.
Simulating evolution trajectory of ruderal weeds by computational modeling
Authors: Li Ling-Zi , Chang Tian-Gen , Kang Heng , Zhu Xin-Guang , Wang Jia-Wei
Published: July 2023

A dominant mutation in a blue light receptor gene enables ruderal weeds to overcome human disturbance through early deposition of seeds into the soil seed bank.
A robotic system for automated genetic manipulation and analysis ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Li Zihao , Fouad Anthony D , Bowlin Peter D , Fan Yuying , He Siming , Chang Meng-Chuan , Du Angelica , Teng Christopher , Kassouni Alexander , Ji Hongfei , Raizen David M , Fang-Yen Christopher
Published: July 2023

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is one of the most widely studied organisms in biology due to its small size, rapid life cycle, and manipulable genetics. Research with C. elegans depends on labor-intensive and time-consuming manual procedures, imposing a major bottleneck for many studies, especially for those involving large numbers of animals. Here, we describe a general-purpose tool, WormPicker, a robotic system capable of performing complex genetic manipulations and other tasks by imaging, phenotyping, and transferring C. elegans on standard agar media. Our system uses a motorized stage to move an imaging system and a robotic arm over an array of agar plates. Machine vision tools identify animals and assay developmental stage, morphology, sex, expression of fluorescent reporters, and other phenotypes. Based on the results of these assays, the robotic arm selectively transfers individual animals using an electrically self-sterilized wire loop, with the aid of machine vision and electrical capacitance sensing. Automated C. elegans manipulation shows reliability and throughput comparable with standard manual methods. We developed software to enable the system to autonomously carry out complex protocols. To validate the effectiveness and versatility of our methods, we used the system to perform a collection of common C. elegans procedures, including genetic crossing, genetic mapping, and genomic integration of a transgene. Our robotic system will accelerate C. elegans research and open possibilities for performing genetic and pharmacological screens that would be impractical using manual methods.
Sutured manifolds and ℓ2-Betti numbers
Authors: Herrmann Gerrit
Published: July 2023

Using the virtual fibering theorem of Agol, we show that a sutured 3-manifold $(M, R_{+},R_{-},\gamma)$ is taut if and only if the $\ell^{2}$-Betti numbers of the pair $(M,R_{-})$ are zero. As an application, we can characterize Thurston norm minimizing surfaces in a 3-manifold N with empty or toroidal boundary by the vanishing of certain $\ell^{2}$-Betti numbers.