bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) plus darunavir/cobicistat in heavily antiretroviral-experienced, virologically suppressed HIV-infected adults receiving complex regimens
Authors: Podzamczer Daniel , Imaz Arkaitz , Lopez-Lirola Ana , Knobel Hernando , Masiá Mar , Fanciulli Chiara , Hernández Cristina , Lagarde María , Gutierrez Angela , Curran Adrià , Morano Luis , Montero-Alonso Marta , Troya Jesús , Rigo Raúl , Casadellà María , Navarro-Alcaraz Antonio , Ardila Fernando , Parera Mariona , Bernal Enrique , Echeverria Patricia , Estrada Vicente , Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen , Macias Juan , Prieto Paula , Portilla Joaquín , Valencia Eulalia , Vivancos María Jesús , Rivero Antonio
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two-pill regimen bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) plus darunavir/cobicistat as a switching strategy in heavily treatment-experienced people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods

Multicentre, prospective, single-arm pilot clinical trial. Participants were virologically suppressed adults receiving a stable antiretroviral regimen of at least three pills from at least three drug families due to previous virological failures and/or toxicities with no documented resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors or darunavir (≥15 points, Stanford). Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed at 0, 4, 12, 24, 36 and 48 weeks. HIV-1 proviral DNA was amplified and sequenced by Illumina at baseline. Plasma bictegravir concentrations were determined in 22 patients using UHPLC-MS/MS. The primary study endpoint was viral load (VL)< 50 copies/mL at Week 48 (ITT).

Results

We enrolled 63 participants (92% men) with median baseline CD4 count of 515 cells/mm3 (IQR: 334.5–734.5), 24 years on ART (IQR: 15.9–27.8). The median number of pills was 4 (range: 3–10). At baseline, proviral DNA was amplified in 39 participants: 33/39 had resistance mutations. Three participants discontinued owing to toxicity. At 48 weeks, 95% had VL < 50 copies/mL by ITT and 100% by PP analysis. A modest increase was observed in the bictegravir plasma concentration, and a significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed only at Week 4, probably related to interaction with renal transporters.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that BIC/FTC/TAF + darunavir/cobicistat is an effective, well-tolerated regimen that may improve convenience and, potentially, long-term success in stable heavily pre-treated PLWH.
Quantification of Free Immunoglobulin Light Chains in Urine
Authors: Singh Gurmukh , Cotter Thomas , Ye Mon May , Xu Hongyan , Bollag Roni J
Published: September 2023

Background

The serum-free immunoglobulin light chain assay has been recommended as a screening test for monoclonal gammopathy. We evaluated the usefulness of urine free immunoglobulin light concentration for selection of specimens for immunofixation electrophoresis.

Methods

Using kits from The Binding Site for Freelite ®, we validated examination of urine for measuring free κ and λ light chains. The results of urine free light chain concentrations were evaluated to ascertain if the results could be used to reduce the number of specimens requiring urine protein immunofixation electrophoresis.

Results

In the 515 specimens examined, there was no evidence of monoclonal gammopathy or history of monoclonal gammopathy in 331. Monoclonal κ or λ light chains were detectable in 42 and 30 specimens, respectively. There was history of κ or λ chain associated monoclonal gammopathy in 62 and 50 patients, respectively. In the 38 monoclonal κ positive urine specimens, with light chain data, κ/λ ratio was >5.83 in all specimens. In 27 specimens positive for monoclonal λ light chains, with light chain data, the urine λ/κ ratio was > 0.17 in 24 of 27 specimens and > 0.041 in all specimens. In patients without monoclonal gammopathy all specimens had a κ/λ ratio of >5.83 or λ/κ ratio >0.17.

Conclusions

The Freelite ® assay from The Binding Site is suitable for quantification of free light chains in urine. In patients with known history of monoclonal gammopathy, urine immunofixation electrophoresis may be omitted in specimens with κ/λ ratio of <5.83 for κ associated lesions and λ/κ ratio of <0.041 for λ associated lesions. However, the results do not support using this test for first-time urine testing for monoclonal light chains as it is not predictive of positive result, nor does it exclude a monoclonal light chain in urine.
Optimizing usability of a mobile health intervention for Spanish-speaking Latinx people with HIV through user-centered design: a post-implementation study
Authors: Petros De Guex Kristen , Flickinger Tabor E , Mayevsky Lisa , Zaveri Hannah , Goncalves Michael , Reed Helen , Pesina Lazaro , Dillingham Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Objective

Latinx people comprise 30% of all new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the United States and face many challenges to accessing and engaging with HIV care. To bridge these gaps in care, a Spanish-language mobile health (mHealth) intervention known as ConexionesPositivas (CP) was adapted from an established English-language platform called PositiveLinks (PL) to help improve engagement in care and reduce viral nonsuppression among its users. We aimed to determine how CP can address the challenges that Latinx people with HIV (PWH) in the United States face.

Materials and methods

We conducted a post-implementation study of the CP mHealth platform, guided by principles of user-centered design. We enrolled 20 Spanish-speaking CP users in the study, who completed the previously validated System Usability Scale (SUS) and semistructured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and translated for analysis. We performed thematic coding of interview transcripts in Dedoose.

Results

The SUS composite score was 75, which is within the range of good usability. Four categories of themes were identified in the interviews: client context, strengths of CP, barriers to use and dislikes, and suggestions to improve CP. Positive impacts included encouraging self-monitoring of medication adherence, mood and stress, connection to professional care, and development of a support system for PWH.

Discussion

While CP is an effective and easy-to-use application, participants expressed a desire for improved personalization and interactivity, which will guide further iteration.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of tailoring mHealth interventions to improve equity of access, especially for populations with limited English proficiency.
Evolution of Pantomime in Dyadic Interaction. A Motion Capture Study
Authors: Placiński Marek , Żywiczyński Przemysław , Matzinger Theresa , Sibierska Marta , Boruta-Żywiczyńska Monika , Szala Anna , Wacewicz Sławomir
Published: September 2023

Due to the robust iconic potential of visual representations, gestural, and pantomimic hypotheses of language origins are well suited to provide solutions to the bootstrapping problem: how to begin communicating when no signs yet exist. However, the one-off, unstandardised nature of improvised gestures and pantomimes implies substantial costs in terms of time, cognitive effort, and replication fidelity. Hence, gestural and pantomimic hypotheses point to pressures for efficiency that would streamline the originally unwieldy embodied representations into forms that are progressively reduced, take up less space and time, and are less costly to produce. Pantomimic theories of language origins are especially interesting from this perspective since they put a spotlight on the transition from whole-body pantomimes into manual-only gestures. These processes, which we refer to as reduction and manual specialisation, have been virtually unaddressed with direct measurement. We report an experiment in which participants used whole-body pantomimes to communicate a set of transitive actions. Motion-capture technology was used to measure the kinematic characteristics of participants’ movements. In line with the prediction of pantomimic hypotheses of language origins, we saw an increase in the ratio of hand and arm movements versus the movements of other bodily articulators, suggesting a gradual transition from more costly whole-body pantomime to more economic manual gesture. We also found that with successive rounds of interaction, the volume of participants’ movements and the path travelled by their bodily articulators decreased.
Navigating knowledges: Community health workers as liminal professionals
Authors: Golden Annis G , Bencherki Nicolas
Published: September 2023

Community health workers (CHWs) occupy a liminal position in two senses: they are situated between the communities they come from and serve, and the health and social service professionals with whom they connect patients; and also between two forms of knowledge. In interacting with health and social service institutions, they draw on the ‘technical knowledge’ that dominates these settings. However, they must also draw on ‘communicative knowledge’, which is the situated and embodied knowledge needed to gain the trust of their community peers and to carry their voice, but which is often relegated to a secondary position. In this US-based study, we analyze interviews with CHWs, their supervisors, and advocates of their work, to better understand how CHWs mobilize discursive resources to combine these two forms of knowledge and, in doing so, constitute their liminal position as an essential asset. Our findings support valuing CHWs’ incorporation within healthcare teams, so that health and social service professionals can directly interact with CHWs’ situated and embodied knowledge of patients.
OsTCP19 coordinates inhibition of lignin biosynthesis and promotion of cellulose biosynthesis to modify lodging resistance in rice
Authors: Lv Siwei , Lin Zengshun , Shen Junhui , Luo Laifu , Xu Qingguo , Li Laigeng , Gui Jinshan
Published: September 2023

Lignin and cellulose are two essential elements of plant secondary cell walls that shape the mechanical characteristics of the culm to prevent lodging. However, how the regulation of the lignin and cellulose composition is combined to achieve optimal mechanical characteristics is unclear. Here, we show that increasing OsTCP19 expression in rice coordinately repressed lignin biosynthesis and promoted cellulose biosynthesis, resulting in enhanced lodging resistance. In contrast, repression of OsTCP19 coordinately promoted lignin biosynthesis and inhibited cellulose biosynthesis, leading to greater susceptibility to lodging. We found that OsTCP19 binds to the promoters of both MYB108 and MYB103L to increase their expression, with the former being responsible for repressing lignin biosynthesis and the latter for promoting cellulose biosynthesis. Moreover, up-regulation of OsTCP19 in fibers improved grain yield and lodging resistance. Thus, our results identify the OsTCP19-OsMYB108/OsMYB103L module as a key regulator of lignin and cellulose production in rice, and open up the possibility for precisely manipulating lignin–cellulose composition to improve culm mechanical properties for lodging resistance.
Links between optical and X-ray light in Scorpius X-1
Authors: Igl Alexander B , Hynes R I , Britt C T , O’Brien K S , Mikles V J
Published: September 2023

We observed the low-mass X-ray binary Sco X-1 for 12 nights simultaneously using the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer and the Otto Struve Telescope at McDonald Observatory at 1-s time-resolution. This is among the most comprehensive simultaneous X-Ray/optical data sets of Sco X-1. Evidence of reprocessing was observed in the form of nine positive, near-zero lag peaks in the cross-correlation function, eight of which were relatively small, and took the shape of piecewise exponential functions. These peaks were initially identified by eye, after which a computational identification scheme was developed to confirm their significance. Based on their short lags (less than 4 s), as well as their occurrence on the flaring branch (FB) and soft apex, the small cross-correlation features are likely to be caused by reprocessing off the outer disc, although the companion could still make a contribution to their tails. The Z track was parameterized using a rank number scheme so that the system’s location on the track could be numerically defined. Plotting the results against the optical reveals an increasing step function when moving from the horizontal branch to the normal branch (NB) to the FB, with differential optical levels at ∼0.47, ∼0.57, and ∼1.1, respectively. An additional correlation between Z track location and the optical was found on the upper FB. An optical intensity histogram reveals a transition region between the NB and FB with only intermediate fluxes.
Time-dependent global simulations of a thin accretion disc: the effects of magnetically driven winds on thermal instability
Authors: Zhao Yu , Yang Xiao-Hong , Xue Li , Li Shuang-Liang
Published: September 2023

According to the standard thin disc theory, it is predicted that the radiation-pressure-dominated inner region of a thin disc is thermally unstable, while observations suggest that it is common for a thin disc of more than 0.01 Eddington luminosity to be in a thermally stable state. Previous studies have suggested that magnetically driven winds have the potential to suppress instability. In this work, we implement one-dimensional global simulations of the thin accretion disc to study the effects of magnetically driven winds on thermal instability. The winds play a role in transferring the angular momentum of the disc and cooling the disc. When the mass outflow rate of winds is low, the important role of winds is to transfer the angular momentum and then shorten the outburst period. When the winds have a high mass outflow rate, they can calm down the thermal instability. We also explore the parameter space of the magnetic field strength and the mass loading parameter.
Towards a holistic magnetic braking model from the evolution of cataclysmic variables to stellar spin-down – I: the spin-down of fully convective M-dwarfs
Authors: Sarkar Arnab , Yungelson Lev , Tout Christopher A
Published: September 2023

We extend a magnetic braking (MB) model, which has been used earlier to address the evolution of cataclysmic variables, to address the spin period Pspin evolution of fully convective M-dwarf (FCMD) stars. The MB mechanism is an α–Ω dynamo, which leads to stellar winds that carry away angular momentum. We model our MB torque such that the FCMDs experience an MB torque, approximately scaling as $P_\mathrm{spin}^{-1}$ at shorter periods, before transitioning into a Skumanich-type MB torque, scaling as $P_\mathrm{spin}^{-3}$. We also implement a parametrized reduction in the wind mass-loss owing to the entrapment of winds in dead zones. We choose a set of initial conditions and vary the two free parameters in our model to find a good match of our spin trajectories with open clusters containing FCMDs such as NGC2547, Pleiades, NGC2516, and Praesepe. We find that our model can explain the long spin periods of field stars and that a spread in spin distribution persists till over 3 Gyr. An advantage of our model is in relating physically motivated estimations of the magnetic field strength and stellar wind to properties of the stellar dynamo, which other models often remain agnostic about. We track the spin dependence of the wind mass-losses, Alfvén radii, and surface magnetic fields and find good agreement with observations. We discuss the implications of our results on the effect of the host FCMD on any orbiting exoplanets and our plans to extend this model to explain solar-like stars in the future.
Decoding the age–chemical structure of the Milky Way disc: an application of copulas and elicitable maps
Authors: Patil Aarya A , Bovy Jo , Jaimungal Sebastian , Frankel Neige , Leung Henry W
Published: September 2023

In the Milky Way, the distribution of stars in the [α/Fe] versus [Fe/H] and [Fe/H] versus age planes holds essential information about the history of star formation, accretion, and dynamical evolution of the Galactic disc. We investigate these planes by applying novel statistical methods called copulas and elicitable maps to the ages and abundances of red giants in the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment survey. We find that the high- and low-α disc stars have a clean separation in copula space and use this to provide an automated separation of the α sequences using a purely statistical approach. This separation reveals that the high-α disc ends at the same [α/Fe] and age at high [Fe/H] as the low-[Fe/H] start of the low-α disc, thus supporting a sequential formation scenario for the high- and low-α discs. We then combine copulas with elicitable maps to precisely obtain the correlation between stellar age τ and metallicity [Fe/H] conditional on Galactocentric radius R and height z in the range 0 < R < 20 kpc and |z| < 2 kpc. The resulting trends in the age–metallicity correlation with radius, height, and [α/Fe] demonstrate a ≈0 correlation wherever kinematically cold orbits dominate, while the naively expected negative correlation is present where kinematically hot orbits dominate. This is consistent with the effects of spiral-driven radial migration, which must be strong enough to completely flatten the age–metallicity structure of the low-α disc.
Exploring the potential of Twinkle to unveil the nature of LTT 1445 Ab
Authors: Phillips Caprice L , Wang Ji , Edwards Billy , Martínez Romy Rodríguez , Asnodkar Anusha Pai , Gaudi B Scott
Published: September 2023

We explore the prospects for Twinkle to determine the atmospheric composition of the nearby terrestrial-like planet LTT 1445 Ab, including the possibility of detecting the potential biosignature ammonia (NH3). At a distance of 6.9 pc, this system is the second closest known transiting system and will be observed through transmission spectroscopy with the upcoming Twinkle mission. Although LTT 1445 Ab has been suggested to be a candidate for a Hycean world, constraints on the interior composition based on its mass and radius suggests that the planet lacks a substantial water layer, and thus the proposed Hycean scenario is disfavoured. We use PETITRADTRANS and a Twinkle simulator to simulate transmission spectra for the more likely scenario of a cold Haber world for which NH3 is considered to be a biosignature. We study the detectability under different scenarios: varying hydrogen fraction, concentration of ammonia, and cloud coverage. We find that ammonia can be detected at an ∼3σ level for optimal (non-cloudy) conditions with 25 transits and a volume mixing ration of 4.0 ppm of NH3. We provide examples of retrieval analysis to constrain potential NH3 and H2O in the atmosphere. Our study illustrates the potential of Twinkle to characterize atmospheres of potentially habitable exoplanets.
The Unified Cluster Catalogue: towards a comprehensive and homogeneous data base of stellar clusters
Authors: Perren Gabriel I , Pera María S , Navone Hugo D , Vázquez Rubén A
Published: September 2023

We introduce the Unified Cluster Catalogue, the largest catalogue of stellar clusters currently listing nearly 14 000 objects. In this initial release, it exclusively contains Milky Way open clusters, with plans to include other objects in future updates. Each cluster is processed using a novel probability membership algorithm, which incorporates the coordinates, parallax, proper motions, and their associated uncertainties for each star into the probability assignment process. We employ Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3) up to a G magnitude of 20, resulting in the identification of over a million probable members. The catalogue is accompanied by a publicly accessible website designed to simplify the search and data exploration of stellar clusters. The website can be accessed at https://ucc.ar.
Impact of internal structure on aggregate collisions
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Rahul , Planes María Belén , Millán Emmanuel N , Bringa Eduardo M , Urbassek Herbert M
Published: September 2023

Granular-mechanics simulations are used to study collisions between granular aggregates. We compare the collision outcomes for three different types of aggregate: (i) aggregates constructed by a ballistic particle–cluster aggregation (BPCA) process, and two homogeneous spherical aggregates which differ by their grain coordination. All aggregates contain the same number of grains and (central) filling factor. We find that BPCA aggregates have a slightly decreased growth velocity for central impacts. After scaling the collision velocities to the growth velocity for central impact and the impact parameter to the gyration radius, our collision results show a remarkable degree of agreement for the aggregates studied. Also, the collision-induced compaction as well as the size of fluctuations during the collision process are identical for all aggregate types. Even at glancing collisions, the larger extension and rough surface of BPCA aggregates do not cause major changes as compared to homogeneous aggregates with a well-defined and smooth surface. However, monomer ejection during the collision is enhanced for BPCA aggregates. This study thus shows that details of the internal aggregate structure are of little importance in collisions of granular aggregates, except for grain ejection.
Estimation of the diffusion time in a triaxial galactic potential
Authors: Cincotta P M , Giordano C M
Published: September 2023

In this work we apply the Shannon entropy based method to derive a diffusion or instability time in a triaxial model resembling an elliptical galaxy. We succeed in getting an accurate time-scale for diffusion using this novel technique after adopting a particular initial starting space, the one defined by the unperturbed integrals of the system. Comparisons with other standard techniques, such as a least-squares fit on the variance evolution of the integrals and the straight numerical integrations of the equations of motion, are included. The physical results provided in this effort reveal that the role of chaotic motion in triaxial galactic models is almost irrelevant in galactic time-scales, in agreement with previous qualitative approaches to this issue.
A high fidelity Milky Way simulation with Kraken, Gaia-Enceladus, and Sequoia analogues: clues to their accretion histories
Authors: García-Bethencourt Guacimara , Brook Chris B , Grand Robert J J , Kawata Daisuke
Published: September 2023

Within a simulated Milky Way-like galaxy, we identify and analyse analogues of the Gaia-Enceladus (GE), Kraken, and Sequoia mergers that each matches remarkably well observational results, including in velocity and chemical abundance space, and their distributions in the jz-Energy plane. The Kraken analogue is the earliest merger and has the highest total mass ratio. Consistent with previous studies, it is chemically indistinguishable from old in situ stars at the time of its accretion. The GE and Sequoia analogue events accrete at similar times in our simulation, both along filaments but from opposite sides of the main galaxy. The mean stellar ages of the GE and Sequoia analogues are both similar and, from our simulation results, we see that they can be separate entities and still naturally reproduce the observed properties of their stellar remnants at the present day, including the significant retrograde velocities of the Sequoia analogue remnant stars and the difference in the tracks of the two galaxies through chemical abundance space. Our results provide supporting information about the properties of these three merger events, and show for the first time that they can all be reproduced with a fully cosmological simulation, providing a possible self-consistent evolutionary pathway for the Milky Way’s formation.
Effects of magnetic diffusivity on the tears mode instability in the flares of the SGR A*
Authors: Zhao Tian-Le , Yuan Ye-Fei
Published: September 2023

We investigate the effects of the magnetic diffusivity on the tears mode instability during the process of magnetic reconnection in the accretion flow around Sgr A* via 2D simulation. It is believed that the magnetic diffusivity plays an important role during the magnetic reconnection, so the temperature-dependent diffusivity ηTD is applied in this work. For comparison, the case with constant diffusivity ηC is also studied. In our simulations, there are many plasmoids formed due to the magnetic reconnection, and these plasmoids consequently merge many times. It is found that the temperature-dependent diffusivity will cause more frequent merger of the plasmoids. Because of the turbulence of the current sheet, the temperature distribution is non-uniform, so at the secondary X-points with the different temperature, a lot of plasmoids form and merge to become larger plasmoids. Then the larger plasmoids merge to become a huge plasmoid. In the case of the constant magnetic diffusion, the plasmoid merge less frequently than in the case of the temperature-dependent diffusivity. The huge plasmoid forms and then moves up from the current sheet in both cases. In the case with the temperature-dependent diffusivity, the huge plasmoids oscillate and deform for a long time. This phenomenon is not obvious in the case of the constant diffusivity; in this case the huge plasmoids form and then move out from the upper boundary of the simulation area without oscillation and deformation.
The return of GOLUM: improving distributed joint parameter estimation for strongly lensed gravitational waves
Authors: Janquart Justin , Haris K , Hannuksela Otto A , Van Den Broeck Chris
Published: September 2023

Owing to the forecasted improved sensitivity of ground-based gravitational-wave detectors, new research avenues will become accessible. This is the case for gravitational-wave strong lensing, predicted with a non-negligible observation rate in the coming years. However, because one needs to investigate all the event pairs in the data, searches for strongly lensed gravitational waves are often computationally heavy, and one faces high false-alarm rates. In this paper, we present upgrades made to the golum software, making it more reliable while increasing its speed by re-casting the look-up table, imposing a sample control, and implementing symmetric runs on the two lensed images. We show how the recovered posteriors have improved coverage of the parameter space and how we increase the pipeline’s stability. Finally, we show the results obtained by performing a joint analysis of all the events reported until the GWTC-3 catalogue, finding similar conclusions to the ones presented in the literature.
Inverse-Compton cooling of thermal plasma in colliding-wind binaries
Authors: Mackey Jonathan , Jones Thomas A K , Brose Robert , Grassitelli Luca , Reville Brian , Mathew Arun
Published: September 2023

The inverse-Compton effect (IC) is a widely recognized cooling mechanism for both relativistic and thermal electrons in various astrophysical environments, including the intergalactic medium and X-ray emitting plasmas. Its effect on thermal electrons is, however, frequently overlooked in theoretical and numerical models of colliding-wind binaries (CWB). In this article, we provide a comprehensive investigation of the impact of IC cooling in CWBs, presenting general results for when the photon fields of the stars dominate the cooling of the thermal plasma and when shocks at the stagnation point are expected to be radiative. Our analysis shows that IC cooling is the primary cooling process for the shocked-wind layer over a significant portion of the relevant parameter space, particularly in eccentric systems with large wind-momentum ratios, e.g. those containing a Wolf–Rayet and O-type star. Using the binary system WR 140 as a case study, we demonstrate that IC cooling leads to a strongly radiative shocked wind near periastron, which may otherwise remain adiabatic if only collisional cooling was considered. Our results are further supported by 2D and 3D simulations of wind–wind collisions. Specifically, 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations of WR 140 show a significant decrease in hard-X-ray emission around periastron, in agreement with observations but in contrast to equivalent simulations that omit IC cooling. A novel method is proposed for constraining mass-loss rates of both stars in eccentric binaries where the wind-collision zone switches from adiabatic to radiative approaching periastron. IC scattering is an important cooling process in the thermal plasma of CWBs.
Exploring the correlation between Hα-to-UV ratio and burstiness for typical star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 2
Authors: Rezaee Saeed , Reddy Naveen A , Topping Michael W , Shivaei Irene , Shapley Alice E , Fetherolf Tara , Kriek Mariska , Coil Alison , Mobasher Bahram , Siana Brian , Du Xinnan , Khostovan Ali Ahmad , Weldon Andrew , Emami Najmeh , Chartab Nima
Published: September 2023

The $\rm {H}\alpha$-to-UV luminosity ratio ($L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$) is often used to probe bursty star formation histories (SFHs) of star-forming galaxies and it is important to validate it against other proxies for burstiness. To address this issue, we present a statistical analysis of the resolved distribution of star formation rate surface density (ΣSFR) as well as stellar age and their correlations with the globally measured $L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$ for a sample of 310 star-forming galaxies in two redshift bins of 1.37 < z < 1.70 and 2.09 < z < 2.61 observed by the MOSFIRE Deep Evolution Field (MOSDEF) survey. We use the multiwaveband CANDELS/3D-HST imaging of MOSDEF galaxies to construct ΣSFR and stellar age maps. We analyse the composite rest-frame far-ultraviolet spectra of a subsample of MOSFIRE Deep Evolution Field (MOSDEF) targets obtained by the Keck Low Resolution Imager and Spectrometer (LRIS), which includes 124 star-forming galaxies (MOSDEF-LRIS) at redshifts 1.4 < z < 2.6, to examine the average stellar population properties, and the strength of age-sensitive far-ultraviolet spectral features in bins of $L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$. Our results show no significant evidence that individual galaxies with higher $L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$ are undergoing a burst of star formation based on the resolved distribution of ΣSFR of individual star-forming galaxies. We segregate the sample into subsets with low and high $L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$. The high-$L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$ subset exhibits, on average, an age of $\log [\rm {Age/yr}]$ = 8.0, compared to $\log [\rm {Age/yr}]$ = 8.4 for the low-$L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$ galaxies, though the difference in age is significant at only the 2σ level. Furthermore, we find no variation in the strengths of Si iv λλ1393, 1402 and C iv λλ1548, 1550 P-Cygni features from massive stars between the two subsamples, suggesting that the high-$L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$ galaxies are not preferentially undergoing a burst compared to galaxies with lower $L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$. On the other hand, we find that the high-$L(\text{H}\alpha)/L(\rm UV)$ galaxies exhibit, on average, more intense He ii λ1640 emission, which may possibly suggest the presence of a higher abundance of high-mass X-ray binaries.
In vitro maturation of NiSOD reveals a role for cytoplasmic histidine in processing and metalation
Authors: Basak Priyanka , Cabelli Diane E , Chivers Peter T , Farquhar Erik R , Maroney Michael J
Published: September 2023

The importance of cellular low molecular weight ligands in metalloenzyme maturation is largely unexplored. Maturation of NiSOD requires post-translational N-terminal processing of the proenzyme, SodN, by its cognate protease, SodX. Here we provide evidence for the participation of L-histidine in the protease-dependent maturation of nickel-dependent superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) from Streptomyces coelicolor. In vitro studies using purified proteins cloned from S. coelicolor and overexpressed in E. coli support a model where a ternary complex formed between the substrate (SodN), the protease (SodX) and L-Histidine creates a novel Ni-binding site that is capable of the N-terminal processing of SodN and specifically incorporates Ni into the apo-NiSOD product. Thus, L-Histidine serves many of the functions associated with a metallochaperone or, conversely, eliminates the need for a metallochaperone in NiSOD maturation.
Metallothionein-3 and carbonic anhydrase metalation properties with Zn(II) and Cd(II) change as a result of protein–protein interactions
Authors: Yuan Amelia T , Stillman Martin J
Published: September 2023

Metallothioneins (MT) are regulators of the metals Zn(II) and Cu(I) and act as antioxidants in many organisms, including in humans. Isoform 3 (MT3) is expressed constitutively in central nervous tissue and has been shown to have additional biological functions, including the inhibition of neuronal growth, the regulation of apoptosis, and cytoskeleton modulation. To facilitate these functions, protein–protein interactions likely occur. These interactions may then impact the metalation status of the MT and the recipient metalloprotein. Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and circular dichroism spectroscopy, we report that the interaction between the zinc metalloenzyme, carbonic anhydrase (CA), and MT3, impacts the metalation profiles of both apo-MT3 and apo-CA with Cd(II) and Zn(II). We observe two phases in the metalation of the apo-CA, the first of which is associated with an increased binding affinity of apo-CA for Cd/Zn(II) and the second pathway is associated with apo-CA metalated without a change in binding affinity. The weak interactions that result in this change of binding affinity are not detectable as a protein complex in the ESI–mass spectral data or in the circular dichroism spectra. These unusual metalation properties of apo-CA in the presence of apo-MT3 are evidence of the effects of protein–protein interactions. With adjustment to take into account the interaction of both proteins, we report the complete Cd(II) and Zn(II) binding constants of MT3 under physiological conditions, as well as the pH dependence of these binding pathways.
Identifying Novel Motivation Phase-Specific Cessation Targets for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in the United States
Authors: Nemeth Julianna M , Glasser Allison M , Macisco Joseph , Hinton Alice , Wermert Amy , Patterson Joanne G , Sucaldito Ana , Gilson Carra , Kemble Hannah , Garbsch Ellen , Caponi Jacob
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Of youth experiencing homelessness (YEH; 14–24 years old), 70%+ smoke combustible, commercial tobacco. Though many have tried to quit, most use ineffective methods. Drop-in centers for YEH are opportune places to link YEH to evidence-based treatment. Using the Phase-Based Model (PBM) for Cessation Research, the aim of this study was to identify “Motivation” phase-specific challenges impacting YEH’s willingness to make a quit attempt—the goal of this cessation phase.

Aims and Methods

Surveys were interview administered with 96 past-week combusted tobacco users accessing drop-in services. Regression models were fit to confirm hypothesized challenges impacting YEH’s willingness to quit.

Results

Moderate nicotine dependence was noted—a key Motivation phase cessation mechanism targeted—and was associated with population challenges including, but not limited to, replacing food with tobacco, accidental oxygen-deprivation events, and smoking to socialize. While 67.1% of participants made a past-year quit attempt, 45.8% expressed 30-day quit interest. Dimensions of coping with housing were associated with quit attempts and quit interest. Quit attempts were also associated with nicotine dependence, working, and smoking to socialize. Whereas, quit interest was associated with less endorsement of smoking to regulate affect and more endorsement to avoid danger.

Conclusions

Though common challenges targeted in Motivation phase cessation exist among YEH, other challenges may also need to be addressed to promote quitting.

Implications

Future research in optimizing evidence-based cessation access for YEH through drop-in centers may consider addressing the challenges of housing, food security, social context, violence, and neurotrauma sequela to bolster YEH willingness to make a quit attempt.
Textile architecture for composite materials: back to basics
Authors: Rawal Amit , Majumdar Abhijit , Kumar Vijay
Published: September 2023

In the last several decades, textile-reinforced composites have emerged as a unique class of materials offering intricate features, reduced fabrication costs, introduced multiaxial reinforcement, and enhanced damaged tolerance. Despite these benefits, textile-reinforced composites face challenges as predicting their performance often relies on heuristics and past experiences without gaining insights into the underlying structure of the textile material and its constituents. This tutorial-based mini-review aims to delve into the fundamentals of textile architecture in the context of textile-reinforced composites and provide an overview of their significant physical and structural features that influence the performance characteristics of textile-reinforced composites.
Rose long noncoding RNA lncWD83 promotes flowering by modulating ubiquitination of the floral repressor RcMYC2L
Authors: Yeqing Chen , Jun Lu , Weinan Wang , Chunguo Fan , Guozhen Yuan , Jingjing Sun , Jinyi Liu , Changquan Wang
Published: September 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various signaling pathways in vascular plants. However, the crosstalk between lncRNAs and E3 ubiquitin ligases has been barely reported. In this study, we demonstrate that the lncRNA lncWD83 from rose (Rosa chinensis) ‘Old blush’ activates flowering by modulating the ubiquitination of the floral repressor MYC2 LIKE (RcMYC2L). Flowering was substantially delayed in rose by virus-induced gene silencing of lncWD83. In an in vitro pull-down assay, lncWD83 associated with PLANT U-BOX PROTEIN 11 (PUB11), a U-box-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase. Seedlings with knocked down RcPUB11 transcripts phenocopied the later-flowering phenotype of lncWD83-silenced seedlings. RcMYC2L physically interacted with RcPUB11 and was ubiquitinated in an RcPUB11-dependent manner in vitro. Accordingly, silencing RcMYC2L fully reversed the later-flowering phenotype resulting from RcPUB11 knockdown. Furthermore, RcMYC2L bound to G-box-related motifs in the FLOWERING LOCUS T (RcFT) promoter and repressed its transcription. However, RcPUB11 alleviated this repression of RcFT expression via proteasomal degradation of RcMYC2L, and lncWD83 enhanced this degradation by associating with RcPUB11. Therefore, lncWD83 promotes flowering by modulating the ubiquitination of the floral repressor RcMYC2L in rose plants. These findings reveal a distinct regulatory mechanism for an lncRNA in facilitating ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis to regulate rose flowering.
PHOTOLYASE/BLUE LIGHT RECEPTOR2 regulates chrysanthemum flowering by compensating for gibberellin perception
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liu Wenwen , Aiwaili Palinuer , Zhang Han , Xu Yanjie , Gu Zhaoyu , Gao Junping , Hong Bo
Published: September 2023

The gibberellins (GAs) receptor GA INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1) plays a central role in GA signal perception and transduction. The typical photoperiodic plant chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) only flowers when grown in short-day photoperiods. In addition, chrysanthemum flowering is also controlled by the aging pathway, but whether and how GAs participate in photoperiod- and age-dependent regulation of flowering remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that photoperiod affects CmGID1B expression in response to GAs and developmental age. Moreover, we identified PHOTOLYASE/BLUE LIGHT RECEPTOR2, an atypical photocleavage synthase, as a CRYPTOCHROME-INTERACTING bHLH1 interactor with which it forms a complex in response to short days to activate CmGID1B transcription. Knocking down CmGID1B raised endogenous bioactive GA contents and GA signal perception, in turn modulating the expression of the aging-related genes MicroRNA156 and SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE3. We propose that exposure to short days accelerates the juvenile-to-adult transition by increasing endogenous GA contents and response to GAs, leading to entry into floral transformation.
The rice NUCLEAR FACTOR-YA5 and MICRORNA169a module promotes nitrogen utilization during nitrogen deficiency
Authors: Seo Jun Sung , Kim Sung Hwan , Shim Jae Sung , Um Taeyoung , Oh Nuri , Park Taehyeon , Kim Youn Shic , Oh Se-Jun , Kim Ju-Kon
Published: September 2023

Nitrogen (N) is essential for plant growth and development. Therefore, understanding its utilization is essential for improving crop productivity. However, much remains to be learned about plant N sensing and signaling. Here, rice (Oryza sativa) NUCLEAR FACTOR-YA5 (OsNF-YA5) expression was tightly regulated by N status and induced under N-deficient conditions. Overexpression (OE) of OsNF-YA5 in rice resulted in increased chlorophyll levels and delayed senescence compared to control plants under normal N conditions. Agronomic traits were significantly improved in OE plants and impaired in knockout mutants under N-deficient conditions. Using a dexamethasone-inducible system, we identified the putative targets of OsNF-YA5 that include amino acid, nitrate/peptide transporters, and NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1.1A (OsNRT1.1A), which functions as a key transporter in rice. OsNF-YA5 directly enhanced OsNRT1.1A expression and N uptake rate under N-deficient conditions. Besides, overexpression of OsNF-YA5 also enhanced the expression of GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE 1/2 (GS1/2) and GLUTAMINE OXOGLUTARATE AMINOTRANSFERASE 1/2 (GOGAT1/2), increasing free amino acid contents under N-deficient conditions. Osa-miR169a expression showed an opposite pattern with OsNF-YA5 depending on N status. Further analysis revealed that osa-miR169a negatively regulates OsNF-YA5 expression and N utilization, demonstrating that an OsNF-YA5/osa-miR169a module tightly regulates rice N utilization for adaptation to N status.
Progressive pulmonary fibrosis and its impact on survival in systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Morrisroe Kathleen , Hansen Dylan , Stevens Wendy , Ross Laura , Sahhar Joanne , Ngian Gene-Siew , Hill Catherine L , Host Lauren , Walker Jennifer , Proudman Susanna , Nikpour Mandana
Published: September 2023

Objective

To describe the frequency of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) in an incident cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) and its impact on survival.

Methods

Incident ILD was defined as the new development of characteristic fibrotic changes on chest HRCT scan. PPF was defined as per the 2022 American Thoracic Society. Determinants of PPF were identified using generalised estimating equations. Impact on survival was analysed using accelerated failure time regression modelling.

Results

Of our incident SSc-ILD cases, 38.8% (n = 180) experienced PPF within a 12-month period after ILD diagnosis. Determinants of PPF included older age (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00–1.03, P = 0.011), dcSSc (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.25, P = 0.024) and SSc-specific antibodies (anticentomere antibody OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.29–0.91, P = 0.021 and anti-Scl-70 antibody OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.01–2.09, P = 0.043). Raised CRP was numerically associated with PPF but did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.29, 95%CI 0.99–1.68, P = 0.064) nor did GORD or dysphagia (OR 1.18, 95%CI 0.57–2.42, P = 0.658 and OR 1.17, 95%CI 0.57–2.40, P = 0.664, respectively). The presence of PPF significantly impacted survival in SSc-ILD (hazard ratio 2.66, 95%CI 1.59–4.41, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PPF occurred in a third of our incident SSc-ILD cohort; however, its occurrence was significantly associated with mortality indicating an at-risk group who may be suitable for earlier introduction of immunosuppressive and/or antifibrotic therapy.
Can efficacy and safety data from clinical trials of rituximab in RA be extrapolated? Insights from 1984 patients from the AIR-PR Registry
Authors: Nguyen Yann , Mariette Xavier , Gottenberg Jacques E , Iudici Michele , Morel Jacques , Vittecoq Olivier , Constantin Arnaud , Flipo Rene-Marc , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Sibilia Jean , Ravaud Philippe , Porcher Raphaël , Seror Raphaèle
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To investigate whether the efficacy and safety data from drug-registration trials can be extrapolated to real-life RA patients receiving RTX.

Methods

The ‘AutoImmunity and Rituximab’ (AIR-PR) registry is a French multicentre, prospective cohort of RA patients treated with RTX in a real-life setting. We compared treatment responses at 12 months and serious adverse events (AEs) between eligible and non-eligible patients, by retrieving the eligibility criteria of the three rituximab-registration trials. We determined critical eligibility criteria and modelled the benefit–risk ratio according to the number of fulfilled critical eligibility criteria.

Results

Among 1984 RA patients, only 9–12% fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Non-eligible patients had fewer EULAR responses at 12 months (40.3% vs 46.9%, P = 0.044). Critical inclusion criteria included swollen joints count ≥4, tender joints count ≥4, CRP ≥15 mg/l and RF positivity. Critical exclusion criteria were age >80 years, RA-associated systemic diseases, ACR functional class IV, DMARD other than MTX and prednisone >10 mg/day. Only 20.8% fulfilled those critical eligibility criteria. During the first year, serious AEs occurred for 182 (9.2%) patients (70.3% serious infections) and patients with ≥1 critical exclusion criterion were at higher risk (hazard ratio 3.03; 95% CI 2.25–4.06; for ≥3 criteria vs 0). The incremental risk–benefit ratio decreased with the number of unmet critical inclusion criteria and of fulfilled exclusion criteria.

Conclusion

Few real-life RA patients were eligible for the drug-registration trials. Non-eligible patients had lower chance of response, and higher risk of serious AEs. Efficacy and safety data obtained from those trials may not be generalizable to RA patients receiving RTX in real-world clinical practice.
Application of Organoids in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Wu Yinghua , Ye Wenrui , Gao Yong , Yi Zhenjie , Chen Zhuohui , Qu Chunrun , Huang Jing , Liu Fangkun , Liu Zhixiong
Published: September 2023

Regenerative medicine mainly relies on heterologous transplantation, often hindered by sample availability and ethical issues. Furthermore, patients are required to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent adverse side effects. Stem cell-derived 3D-organoid culture has provided new alternatives for transplantation and regenerative medicine. Scholars have combined organoids with tissue engineering technology to improve reproducibility, the accuracy of constitution and throughput, and genetic correction to achieve a more personalized therapy. Here, we review the available applications of organoids in regenerative medicine and the current challenges concerning this field.