bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On generalized compressible fluid systems on an evolving surface with a boundary
Authors: Koba Hajime
Published: February 2023

We consider compressible fluid flow on an evolving surface with a smooth boundary from an energetic point of view. We employ both an energetic variational approach and the first law of thermodynamics to make mathematical models for compressible fluid flow on the evolving surface. Moreover, we investigate the boundary conditions in co-normal direction for our fluid systems to study the conservation and energy laws of the systems.
Hybrid bounds for the sup-norm of automorphic forms in higher rank
Authors: Toma Radu
Published: February 2023

LetAAbe a central division algebra of prime degreeppoverQ\mathbb {Q}. We obtain subconvex hybrid bounds, uniform in both the eigenvalue and the discriminant, for the sup-norm of Hecke-Maaß forms on the compact quotients ofSLp⁡(R)/SO⁡(p)\operatorname {SL}_p(\mathbb {R})/\operatorname {SO}(p)by unit groups of orders inAA. The exponents in the bounds are explicit and polynomial inpp. We also prove subconvex hybrid bounds in the case of certain Eichler-type orders in division algebras of arbitrary odd degree.
Cell cycle oscillations driven by two interlinked bistable switches
Authors: Parra-Rivas Pedro , Ruiz-Reynés Daniel , Gelens Lendert
Published: February 2023

Regular transitions between interphase and mitosis during the cell cycle are driven by changes in the activity of the enzymatic protein complex cyclin B with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1). At the most basic level, this cell cycle oscillator is driven by negative feedback: active cyclin B-Cdk1 activates the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome, which triggers the degradation of cyclin B. Such cell cycle oscillations occur fast and periodically in the early embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis, where several positive-feedback loops leading to bistable switches in parts of the regulatory network have been experimentally identified. Here, cell cycle oscillator models are built to show how single and multiple bistable switches in parts of the underlying regulatory network change the properties of the oscillations and how they can confer robustness to the oscillator.
Differential nuclear import regulates nuclear RNA inheritance following mitosis
Authors: Blower Michael D. , Wang Wei , Sharp Judith A.
Published: February 2023

The authors investigate inheritance of nuclear RNA by G1 cells following mitosis. They find that multiple pathways regulate differential inheritance of nuclear RNAs.
Phylogeography of the Altai weasel (Carnivora: Mustelidae:Mustela altaica) based on an analysis of mitochondrial control-region haplotypes
Authors: Suzuki Nodoka , Abramov Alexei V , Amaike Yosuke , Nishita Yoshinori , Masuda Ryuichi
Published: February 2023

The phylogeography of the Altai weasel (Mustela altaica) based on mitochondrial control-region sequences was investigated using samples from individuals obtained widely across the species range, including Central Asia, Tibet and southern Siberia. Thirty-four haplotypes were identified among 53 individuals from 32 localities. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree for haplotypes showed two major clades, clades I and II. Clade I contained haplotypes from northern Eurasia, including the continental Far East, Altai Mountains and eastern Kazakhstan. Clade II comprised two subclades: group IIa, with haplotypes from around the Pamir Mountains, and the poorly supported group IIb, with haplotypes from the Tibetan Plateau. High haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity for clade I suggest that the range of M. altaica expanded over a relatively short period in northern Eurasia. High haplotype and nucleotide diversity for clade II indicate a longer-term, more stable population resulting from geographical isolation of individuals on the Tibetan Plateau by surrounding mountain ranges. Our study suggests that the ancestral population of M. altaica migrated into Tibet from the outside and has diversified in Tibet, seemingly not supporting the ‘out-of-Tibet’ hypothesis; however, we could not completely refute this hypothesis because an individual having a group IIb haplotype was detected in Mongolia.
The rise in thick melanomas: can early detection reduce the burden?
Authors: Olsen Catherine M , Pandeya Nirmala , Whiteman David C
Published: February 2023

We sought to describe trends in the incidence of invasive melanoma by histological subtype and thickness in two populations with different approaches to the early detection of melanoma (the US White population and Queensland, Australia). The incidence of thick melanoma (> 4.00 mm) increased over the period 1999–2018 at a faster rate than thinner melanomas in both populations, and the increase was driven primarily by increases in melanoma of the nodular subtype. Thin melanomas (< 1.00 mm) were overwhelmingly of the superficial spreading subtype, whereas thick melanomas (> 4.00 mm) were dominated by nodular melanomas.
Generalized haemorrhagic vesicular eruption in a 75-year-old woman
Authors: Beatty Paula , Murphy Lisa , McGrath Sally , Redmond Maeve , O’Kane Marina
Published: February 2023

We present the case of a 75-year-old woman presenting with an acute onset generalized bullous dermatosis.
Reproduction for Private Use and for Purposes that Are Directly or Indirectly Non-Commercial – The Incorporation of EU Law in Greece
Authors: Venieris Iakovos
Published: February 2023

Article 5(2)(b) of Directive 2001/29/EC (InfoSoc Directive) has been interpreted by several judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), but there are some discrepancies in national court judgments. Greek case law, collating the private with the public use, is an example. This paper introduces the reader to the meaning of private use as framed by Art. 5(2)(b) of the Directive and approaches the legal issues from the angle of case law of CJEU in comparison to Greek national law and Greek national case law. This opinion seeks to highlight the slight divergence of national Greek case law from the case law of CJEU despite the fact that the Greek legal system has incorporated the InfoSoc Directive.
Ranbp1modulates morphogenesis of the craniofacial midline in mouse models of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Paronett Elizabeth M , Bryan Corey A , Maynard Megan E , Goroff Julia A , Meechan Daniel W , LaMantia Anthony-Samuel , Maynard Thomas M
Published: February 2023

Facial dysmorphology is a hallmark of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). Nearly all affected individuals have facial features characteristic of the syndrome: a vertically long face with broad nasal bridge, narrow palpebral fissures and mild micrognathia, sometimes accompanied by facial skeletal and oropharyngeal anomalies. Despite the frequency of craniofacial dysmorphology due to 22q11.2 deletion, there is still incomplete understanding of the contribution of individual 22q11 genes to craniofacial and oropharyngeal development. We asked whether homozygous or heterozygous loss of function of single 22q11 genes compromises craniofacial and/or oropharyngeal morphogenesis related to these 22q11DS phenotypes. We found that Ranbp1, a 22q11DS gene that mediates nucleocytoplasmic protein trafficking, is a dosage-dependent modulator of craniofacial development. Ranbp1−/− embryos have variably penetrant facial phenotypes, including altered facial morphology and cleft palate. This 22q11DS-related dysmorphology is particularly evident in the midline of the facial skeleton, as evidenced by a robustly quantifiable dysmorphology of the vomer, an unpaired facial midline bone. 22q11DS-related oropharyngeal phenotypes reflect Ranbp1 function in both the cranial neural crest and cranial ectoderm based upon tissue-selective Ranbp1 deletion. Analyses of genetic interaction show that Ranbp1 mutation disrupts BMP signaling-dependent midline gene expression and BMP-mediated craniofacial and cranial skeletal morphogenesis. Finally, midline defects that parallel those in Ranbp1 mutant mice are observed at similar frequencies in the LgDel 22q112DS mouse model. Apparently, Ranbp1 is a modulator of craniofacial development, and in the context of broader 22q11 deletion, Ranbp1 mutant phenotypes mirror key aspects of 22q11DS midline facial anomalies.
Spectral Changes of EEG Following a 6-Week Low-Dose Oral Ketamine Treatment in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality
Authors: Anijärv T E , Can A T , Gallay C C , Forsyth G A , Dutton M , Mitchell J S , Hermens D F , Lagopoulos J
Published: February 2023

Background

Ketamine has considerable therapeutic potential in alleviating major depressive disorder and chronic suicidality. However, the clinical diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders requires more robust diagnostic criteria. Electroencephalography (EEG) has shown promise in classifying depressive and suicidal patients from healthy individuals. The present study aimed to identify changes in the spectral properties of EEG in patients with major depressive disorder and chronic suicidality after completing the 6-week Oral Ketamine Trial on Suicidality with follow-up occurring 4 weeks after final ketamine treatment and determine associations between EEG spectral output and clinical symptoms.

Methods

Participants (n = 25) had 4-minute eyes closed resting state EEG recorded at frontal, temporal, centro-parietal, and occipital regions. Spectral analysis was performed with Welch’s power spectrum density method, and the power of 4 distinct frequency bands was analyzed: theta, alpha, low-beta, and high-beta. Correlation analyses between changes in clinical symptoms and spectral power were conducted using Spearman’s ranked correlation.

Results

Between pre- and posttreatment, only centro-parietal alpha power decreased. Between posttreatment and follow-up, centro-parietal alpha increased again in addition to increases in temporal alpha, centro-parietal and temporal theta, and occipital low-beta and decreases in occipital theta and temporal low-beta. Additionally, the decrease of occipital theta positively correlated with clinical subscales for depression and stress.

Conclusions

EEG spectral analysis revealed significant changes in theta, alpha, and low-beta frequency bands. Alpha band showed initial changes after treatment; however, this trended back toward baseline levels after the treatment cessation. In contrast, theta and low-beta showed significant power changes only after the treatment had ended.
Human Papillomavirus Intermittence and Risk Factors Associated With First Detections and Redetections in the Ludwig-McGill Cohort Study of Adult Women
Authors: Malagón Talía , Trottier Helen , El-Zein Mariam , Villa Luisa L , Franco Eduardo L ,   Ludwig-McGill Cohort Study, Paulo Sao , Baggio Maria Luiza , Galan Lenice , Sobrinho João Simão , Mann Prado José Carlos , Termini Lara , Costa Maria Cecília , Miyamura Romulo , Trevisan Andrea , Thomann Patricia , Candeias João , Sichero Laura , Rahal Paula , Ruiz Antonio , Kaiano Jane , Santos Monica , Savio Patricia , Maciag Paulo , Rabachini Tatiana , Ferreira Silvaneide , Villa Luisa , El-Zein Mariam , Rousseau Marie-Claude , Mahmud Salaheddin , Schlecht Nicolas , Trottier Helen , Richardson Harriet , Ferenczy Alex , Rohan Thomas , Chevarie-Davis Myriam , Louvanto Karolina , Tota Joseph , Shaw Eileen , Ramanakumar Agnihotram , Duarte Eliane , Kulaga Sophie , Robitaille Juliette , Franco Eduardo
Published: February 2023

Background

We assessed the incidence and risk factors for first detection and redetection with the same human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype, and prevalence of cytological lesions during HPV redetections.

Methods

The Ludwig-McGill cohort study followed women aged 18–60 years from São Paulo, Brazil in 1993–1997 for up to 10 years. Women provided cervical samples for cytology testing and HPV DNA testing at each visit. A redetection was defined as a recurring genotype-specific HPV positive result after 1 or more intervening negative visits. Predictors of genotype-specific redetection were assessed using adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with Cox regression modeling.

Results

In total, 2184 women contributed 2368 incident HPV genotype-specific first detections and 308 genotype-specific redetections over a median follow-up of 6.5 years. The cumulative incidence of redetection with the same genotype was 6.6% at 1 year and 14.8% at 5 years after the loss of positivity of the first detection. Neither age (aHR 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], .54–1.47 for ≥45 years vs < 25 years) nor new sexual partner acquisition (aHR 0.98; 95% CI, .70–1.35) were statistically associated with genotype-specific redetection. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion prevalence was similar during first HPV detections (2.9%) and redetection (3.2%).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest many HPV redetections were likely reactivations of latent recurring infections.
Investigation of admission serum creatinine as a predictor of hospital length of stay in triple-vaccinated COVID-19 inpatients
Authors: Rouka Erasmia , Livanou Eleni , Sinis Sotirios , Dimeas Ilias , Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Papagiannis Dimitrios , Malli Foteini , Kotsiou Ourania , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I
Published: February 2023

Background

This study assessed the association between admission kidney function and the duration of hospitalization in triple-vaccinated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients during the omicron surge in Larissa, central Greece.

Methods

Regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of kidney function biomarkers on hospital length of stay (LoS) within a dataset from a cohort of 51 subjects.

Results

Sex- and age-adjusted admission serum creatinine was associated with hospital LoS (p=0.034).

Conclusions

Serum creatinine concentration on admission should be further evaluated as a possible clinical predictor of hospital LoS among triple-vaccinated COVID-19 inpatients both at the country and global level.
A carbapenem-focused antimicrobial stewardship programme implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in a setting of high endemicity for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Spernovasilis Nikolaos , Kritsotakis Evangelos I , Mathioudaki Anna , Vouidaski Alexandra , Spanias Christos , Petrodaskalaki Maria , Ioannou Petros , Chamilos Georgios , Kofteridis Diamantis P
Published: February 2023

Background

Background

Greece is among the countries characterized by high rates of antimicrobial resistance and high consumption of antibiotics, including carbapenems.

Objectives

To measure the impact of a carbapenem-focused antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) on the antibiotic consumption and patient outcomes in a Greek tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A quasi-experimental, before–after study, comparing a 12 month pre-intervention period with a 12 month intervention period in which a carbapenem-focused ASP was implemented.

Results

A total of 1268 patients were enrolled. The proportion of admitted patients who received carbapenems decreased from 4.1% (842 of 20 629) to 2.3% (426 of 18 245) (−1.8%; P < 0.001). A decrease of −4.9 DDD/100 patient-days (PD) (95% CI −7.3 to −2.6; P = 0.007) in carbapenem use and an increase in the use of piperacillin/tazobactam [+2.1 DDD/100 PD (95% CI 1.0–3.3; P = 0.010)] were observed. Thirty-day mortality following initiation of carbapenem treatment and all-cause in-hospital mortality remained unaltered after ASP implementation. In contrast, length of hospital stay increased (median 17.0 versus 19.0 days; P < 0.001), while the risk of infection-related readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge decreased (24.6% versus 16.8%; P = 0.007). In the post-implementation period, acceptance of the ASP intervention was associated with lower daily hazard of in-hospital death [cause-specific HR (csHR) 0.49; 95% CI 0.30–0.80], lower odds of 30 day mortality (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.18–0.70) and higher rate of treatment success (csHR 2.45; 95% CI 1.59–3.77).

Conclusions

Implementing and maintaining a carbapenem-focused ASP is feasible, effective and safe in settings with high rates of antimicrobial resistance, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Stability of Synthetic Cathinones and the Study of Potential Intake Biomarkers in the Biological Material from a Case of 3-CMC Poisoning
Authors: Romańczuk Agnieszka , Rojek Sebastian , Synowiec Kamil , Maciów-Głąb Martyna , Kula Karol , Rzepecka-Woźniak Ewa
Published: February 2023

The objective of the present study was to identify the metabolites of synthetic cathinone (SC), 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC), and to select a potential intake biomarker for this compound. The basis of the experiment was the analysis of blood and urine samples from a case of fatal poisoning with this substance. We also evaluated the stability of 3-CMC and the selected potential biomarker, the dihydro-3-CMC metabolite, depending on the time elapsed since the autopsy as well as the storage conditions of the biological material. Studies have shown that 3-CMC shows low stability in the biological material. However, acidification of the biological material or storage at low temperatures has a great impact on maintaining its stability. It is crucial to monitor the presence of the dihydro-3-CMC metabolite in the biological material during analysis, which showed high stability under all of the given storage conditions. SCs might not be detected in the biological material and, if they are, the determined concentrations at the time of testing may not correspond to the actual concentrations at the time of the event or death. Consequently, the interpretation of the results obtained for 3-CMC and dihydro-3-CMC in terms of assessing their toxicity and possible cause of death is difficult. The area of research into the search for other intake biomarkers of unstable halogen derivatives of SCs remains open.
Geographic Variation in Survival and Growth of Atlantic White-Cedar (Chamaecyparis Thyoides [L.] B.S.P.): Implications for Artificial Regeneration of a Declining Species
Authors: Olson Matthew , Lubas Andrew , Mylecraine Kristin
Published: February 2023

Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides [L.] B.S.P.; AWC), a wetland tree species native to the eastern United States, is declining rangewide. This decline has stimulated interest in restoring AWC in parts of its range. However, restoration could benefit from more research on this species, especially that focus on where to source seedlings for artificial reforestation. This study presents results out to years 18–20 from a southern New Jersey common garden established in the early 2000s as part of the first rangewide provenance planting of AWC. The goal of this research was to expand our understanding of intraspecific variation in AWC linked to the geographic origin of genetic sources. Results indicated that genotype performance was linked to their geographic origin and that local sources were among the top performers when taking all metrics into consideration (e.g., survival, height, basal area). Top-performing provenances were sourced within plus or minus two decimal degrees latitude of the planting site. Although local sources remain suitable for artificial regeneration of this species in southern New Jersey, nearby southern sources could be deployed to achieve out-planting success and conservation of this imperiled species in a warming climate. We hope this work will inform AWC restoration efforts and bring visibility to this declining wetland species.
Imperatorin derivative OW1, a new vasoactive compound, attenuates cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting Nox1-mediated oxidative stress
Authors: Zhou Nan , Yong Suyun , Shi Xianpeng , Zhang Peng , Wang Jianhua
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the structural remodelling of vascular segments and vascular beds. We identified a new imperatorin derivative, OW1, which has significant effects on vasodilation and inhibits vascular remodelling in hypertensive rats. In this study, we investigated whether OW1 inhibits vascular cell proliferation and migration by attenuating Nox1-ROS signalling.

Methods

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with OW1 (1, 3 and 10 µmol/L) for 24 h incubation, and it has been analysed for proliferation and peroxidation levels. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Noxs) were measured by RT-PCR and western blot. Furthermore, Nox1-ROS-MAPK/MMP mediated cell proliferation was detected by western blot.

Key findings

Ang II-induced increases in the levels of peroxidation and Noxs in VSMCs were also inhibited by OW1. OW1 attenuates cell proliferation and migration through the MAPK pathway and MMPs. OW1 treatment had no significant effects on cell migration, ROS levels, or the expression of phosphorylated MAPKs in VSMCs when Nox1 was knocked down. OW1 reduced ROS levels and expression of phosphorylated MAPKs in NIH3T3 cells with a Nox1 overexpression plasmid.

Conclusion

OW1 may inhibit vascular remodelling by downregulating the Nox1-ROS-MAPK/MMP signalling pathway.
Cutibacterium acnesin breast implants: an underestimated bacterial infection and review of the literature
Authors: Hanna Sam , Manuel Shauna , Baker Jenalle , Diab Jason , Clement Zackariah
Published: February 2023

The role of bacteria and breast implant illness is an emerging area of interest for surgeons and clinicians. The most common cause of surgical readmission remains post-operative infectious complications. Cutibacterium acnes is an anaerobic, gram-positive organism that is part of the normal human microbiota. In certain circumstances, it may cause chronic infections and capsular contractures in breast implant-related complications. This case series outlines patients with bilateral capsular contractures and growth of C. acnes. The patients were managed surgically with the removal of bilateral breast implants with en bloc capsulectomy and oral antibiotics without complications. This report will outline the pathology of C. acnes, association with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma and review of the literature.
Sexual well-being in patients with early-stage breast cancer at 1- and 2-year follow-up
Authors: Huberts Anouk S , Clarijs Marloes E , Pastoor Hester , van Rosmalen Mandy , Koppert Linetta B
Published: February 2023

Background

Sexual well-being (SWB) is an important aspect of overall quality of life and should therefore be considered when measuring the effect of breast cancer on daily life.

Aim

To identify positive and negative predictive factors associated with change in SWB 1 year after diagnosis (T12; hereafter, ∆SWB) and whether SWB changes the year after.

Methods

All data were derived from an online patient-reported outcome measure that included patients aged >18 years who were treated for breast cancer between October 2015 and March 2022 at the Erasmus University Medical Center. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the association between demographic- and disease-specific variables and change in SWB between time of diagnoses (T0) and one year after (T12) (∆SWB). For defining the clinical relevance of ∆SWB, patients were divided into 3 groups based on their SWB score at T12: decreased, stable, and improved. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test the difference in SWB between T12 and T24 (2 years after diagnosis) in all 3 groups.

Outcomes

Outcomes included the associations between demographic- and disease-specific variables and ∆SWB (T0 vs T12) and change in SWB the year after (T12 vs T24).

Results

An overall 204 patients were included, with a mean age of 51.7 years (SD, 12.8) and a mean SWB score of 64.3 (SD, 20.9) at T0. Body mass index >30 kg/m2 at T0 had a significant negative association (β = −8.369, P = .019) with ∆SWB. Reconstruction (β = 20.136, P < .001) and mastectomy (β = 11.157, P < .001) had a significant positive association with ∆SWB vs lumpectomy. Change in psychological well-being had a significant positive relation to ∆SWB (β = 0.349, P < .001). Patients with decreased SWB at T12 did not improve the year after (P = .376).

Clinical Implications

By identifying the variables that are associated with decreased SWB during the trajectory of breast cancer treatment and by defining the clinical relevance of decreased SWB, patient groups can be targeted and offered extra support.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is one of the first to analyze the development of SWB, instead of sexual function, over time in patients with breast cancer, and it uses data over a longer period. However, only one-third of the patients responded to the SWB domains at both time points.

Conclusion

Type of operation, body mass index >30, and change in psychological well-being were associated with ∆SWB. Patients with decreased SWB 1 year after diagnosis tended not to improve or normalize the year after, indicating that intervention is needed to restore SWB in this specific group.
The woody plant-degrading pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae effector LtCre1 targets the grapevine sugar-signaling protein VvRHIP1 to suppress host immunity
Authors: Xing Qikai , Zhou Xiangui , Cao Yang , Peng Junbo , Zhang Wei , Wang Xuncheng , Wu Jiahong , Li Xinghong , Yan Jiye
Published: February 2023

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a causal agent of Botryosphaeria dieback, which seriously threatens grapevine production worldwide. Plant pathogens secrete diverse effectors to suppress host immune responses and promote the progression of infection, but the mechanisms underlying the manipulation of host immunity by L. theobromae effectors are poorly understood. In this study, we characterized LtCre1, which encodes a L. theobromae effector that suppresses BAX-triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. RNAi-silencing and overexpression of LtCre1 in L. theobromae showed impaired and increased virulence, respectively, and ectopic expression in N. benthamiana increased susceptibility. These results suggest that LtCre1 is as an essential virulence factor for L. theobromae. Protein–protein interaction studies revealed that LtCre1 interacts with grapevine RGS1-HXK1-interacting protein 1 (VvRHIP1). Ectopic overexpression of VvRHIP1 in N. benthamiana reduced infection, suggesting that VvRHIP1 enhances plant immunity against L. theobromae. LtCre1 was found to disrupt the formation of the VvRHIP1–VvRGS1 complex and to participate in regulating the plant sugar-signaling pathway. Thus, our results suggest that L. theobromae LtCre1 targets the grapevine VvRHIP1 protein to manipulate the sugar-signaling pathway by disrupting the association of the VvRHIP1–VvRGS1 complex.
A survey for variable young stars with small telescopes: VI – Analysis of the outbursting Be stars NSW 284, gaia 19eyy, and VES 263
Authors: Froebrich Dirk , Hillenbrand Lynne A , Herbert Carys , De Kishalay , Eislöffel Jochen , Campbell-White Justyn , Kahar Ruhee , Hambsch Franz-Josef , Urtly Thomas , Popowicz Adam , Bernacki Krzysztof , Malcher Andrzej , Lasota Slawomir , Fiolka Jerzy , Jozwik-Wabik Piotr , Dubois Franky , Logie Ludwig , Rau Steve , Phillips Mark , Fleming George , Farfán Rafael Gonzalez , Alfaro Francisco C Soldán , Nelson Tim , Futcher Stephen R L , Rolfe Samantha M , Campbell David A , Vale Tony , Devine Pat , Moździerski Dawid , Mikołajczyk Przemysław J , Eggenstein Heinz-Bernd , Rodriguez Diego , Walton Ivan L , Vanaverbeke Siegfried , Merrikin Barry , Öğmen Yenal , Perez Alex Escartin , Aimar Mario Morales , Piehler Georg , Dover Lord , Patel Aashini L , Miller Niall , Finch Jack , Hankins Matt , Moore Anna M , Travouillon Tony , Szczepanski Marek
Published: February 2023

This paper is one in a series reporting results from small telescope observations of variable young stars. Here, we study the repeating outbursts of three likely Be stars based on long-term optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared photometry for all three objects, along with follow-up spectra for two of the three. The sources are characterized as rare, truly regularly outbursting Be stars. We interpret the photometric data within a framework for modelling light-curve morphology, and find that the models correctly predict the burst shapes, including their larger amplitudes and later peaks towards longer wavelengths. We are thus able to infer the start and end times of mass loading into the circumstellar discs of these stars. The disc sizes are typically 3 – 6 times the areas of the central star. The disc temperatures are ∼40 per cent, and the disc luminosities are ∼10 per cent of those of the central Be star, respectively. The available spectroscopy is consistent with inside-out evolution of the disc. Higher excitation lines have larger velocity widths in their double-horned shaped emission profiles. Our observations and analysis support the decretion disc model for outbursting Be stars.
Non-perturbative investigation of low-eccentricity exterior mean motion resonances
Authors: Malhotra Renu , Chen Zherui
Published: February 2023

Mean motion resonances are important in the analysis and understanding of the dynamics of planetary systems. While perturbative approaches have been dominant in many previous studies, recent non-perturbative approaches have revealed novel properties in the low-eccentricity regime for interior mean motion resonances of Jupiter in the fundamental model of the circular planar restricted three-body model. Here, we extend the non-perturbative investigation to exterior mean motion resonances in the low-eccentricity regime (up to about 0.1) and for perturber mass in the range of ∼5 × 10−5 to 1 × 10−3 (in units of the central mass). Our results demonstrate that first-order exterior resonances have two branches at low eccentricity as well as low-eccentricity bridges connecting neighbouring first-order resonances. With increasing perturber mass, higher order resonances dissolve into chaos, whereas low-order resonances persist with larger widths in their radial extent but smaller azimuthal widths. For low-order resonances, we also detect secondary resonances arising from small-integer commensurabilities between resonant librations and the synodic frequency. These secondary resonances contribute significantly to generating the chaotic sea that typically occurs near mean motion resonances of higher mass perturbers.
Intermediate-mass black holes: finding of episodic, large-scale, and powerful jet activity in a dwarf galaxy
Authors: Yang Jun , Paragi Zsolt , Frey Sándor , Gurvits Leonid I , Liao Mai , Liu Xiang , Cui Lang , Yang Xiaolong , Chen Wen , Varenius Eskil , Conway John E , Chen Rurong , Chang Ning
Published: February 2023

Dwarf galaxies are characterized by a very low luminosity and low mass. Because of significant accretion and ejection activity of massive black holes, some dwarf galaxies also host low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs). In a few dwarf AGNs, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations have found faint non-thermal radio emission. SDSS J090613.77+561015.2 is a dwarf AGN owning an intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) with a mass of $M_\mathrm{BH} = 3.6^{+5.9}_{-2.3}\times 10^5 \mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$ and showing a rarely seen two-component radio structure in its radio nucleus. To further probe their nature, i.e. the IMBH jet activity, we performed additional deep observations with the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 1.66 and 4.99 GHz. We find the more diffuse emission regions and structure details. These new EVN imaging results allow us to reveal a two-sided jet morphology with a size up to about 150 mas (projected length ∼140 pc) and a radio luminosity of about 3 × 1038 erg s−1. The peak feature has an optically thin radio spectrum and thus more likely represents a relatively young ejecta instead of a jet base. The EVN study on SDSS J090613.77+561015.2 demonstrates the existence of episodic, relatively large-scale, and powerful IMBH jet activity in dwarf AGNs. Moreover, we collected a small sample of VLBI-detected dwarf AGNs and investigated their connections with normal AGNs. We notice that these radio sources in the dwarf AGNs tend to have steep spectra and small linear sizes, and possibly represent ejecta from scaled-down episodic jet activity.
Reactive Cu2+-peptide intermediates revealed by kinetic studies gain relevance by matching time windows in copper metallomics
Authors: Kotuniak Radosław , Bal Wojciech
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this essay is to propose that metallomic studies in the area of extracellular copper transport are incomplete without the explicit consideration of kinetics of Cu2+ion binding and exchange reactions. The kinetic data should be interpreted in the context of time constraints imposed by specific physiological processes. Examples from experimental studies of Cu2+ ion interactions with amino-terminal copper and nickel binding site/N-terminal site motifs are used to demonstrate that duration and periodicity of such processes as bloodstream transport or neurotransmission promote the reaction intermediates to the role of physiological effectors. The unexpectedly long lifetimes of intermediate complexes lead to their accumulation and novel reactivities. The emerging ideas are discussed in the context of other research areas in metallomics.
Impact of National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration Tobacco Research Funding: A Bibliometrics Analyses
Authors: Sharma Kriti , Moyer Jonathan , Liggins Charlene , Garcia-Cazarin Mary , Mandal Rachel J , Wanke Kay L , Meissner Helen I
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Conduct bibliometric analyses documenting the output of National Institutes of Health (NIH) tobacco-related and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tobacco regulatory science (FDA-TRS) research portfolios.

Aims and Methods

PubMed identifiers for publications between 2015 and 2020 citing tobacco funding by NIH and/or FDA were imported into NIH iCite generating measures of productivity and influence, including number of citations, journal, relative citation ratios (RCR), and comparison of research influence across Web of Science (WoS) disciplines. Coauthorship and measures of centrality among and between NIH and FDA-supported investigators gauged collaboration.

Results

Between FY 2015 and 2020, 8160 publications cited funding from NIH tobacco-related grants, 1776 cited FDA-TRS grants and 496 cited Common funding (ie, both NIH and FDA-TRS funding). The proportion of publications citing NIH grants declined while those citing FDA-TRS or Common funding rose significantly. Publications citing Common funding showed the highest influence (mean RCR = 2.52). Publications citing FDA-TRS funding displayed higher median RCRs than publications citing NIH funding in most WoS categories. Higher translational progress was estimated over time for FDA-TRS and Common publications compared to NIH publications. Authors citing Common funding scored highest across all collaboration measures.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the high bibliometric output of tobacco research overall. The rise in publications citing FDA-TRS and Common likely reflects increased funding for TRS research. Higher RCRs across WoS subject categories and trends towards human translation among FDA-TRS and Common publications indicate focus on research to inform regulation. This analysis suggests that FDA support for TRS has expanded the field of tobacco control resulting in sustained productivity, influence, and collaboration.

Implications

This paper is the first effort to better describe the impact of tobacco research resulting from the addition of FDA funding for TRS in the past decade. The analysis provides impetus for further investigation into the publication topics and their focus which would offer insight into the specific evidence generated on tobacco control and regulation.
Pediatric sport and exercise medicine: Eight things clinicians and patients should question
Authors: Houghton Kristin , Persson Erika , Purcell Laura
Published: February 2023

Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) is the national voice for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in Canada. A small working group created by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine developed a list of pediatric sport and exercise (SEM) recommendations based on existing research, experience, and common practice patterns. These recommendations identify tests and treatments commonly used in pediatric musculoskeletal assessments that are not supported by evidence and could expose patients to harm. Iterative feedback from key stakeholders informed the final list. The final list comprises eight recommendations including imaging recommendations for Osgood Schlatter’s disease, shoulder and knee injuries, back pain, scoliosis, spondylolysis, distal radial buckle fractures, minor head injury/concussion, and management of chronic pain syndromes. Adopting these CWC pediatric SEM recommendations as part of routine practice may optimize care and minimize unnecessary investigations and treatments.
Advances in understanding cold tolerance in grapevine
Authors: Ren Chong , Fan Peige , Li Shaohua , Liang Zhenchang
Published: February 2023

Grapevine (Vitis ssp.) is a deciduous perennial fruit crop, and the canes and buds of grapevine should withstand low temperatures (LTs) annually during winter. However, the widely cultivated Vitis vinifera is cold-sensitive and cannot survive the severe winter in regions with extremely LTs, such as viticulture regions in northern China. By contrast, a few wild Vitis species like V. amurensis and V. riparia exhibit excellent freezing tolerance. However, the mechanisms underlying grapevine cold tolerance remain largely unknown. In recent years, much progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms, owing to the advances in sequencing and molecular biotechnology. Assembly of grapevine genomes together with resequencing and transcriptome data enable researchers to conduct genomic and transcriptomic analyses in various grapevine genotypes and populations to explore genetic variations involved in cold tolerance. In addition, a number of pivotal genes have been identified and functionally characterized. In this review, we summarize recent major advances in physiological and molecular analyses of cold tolerance in grapevine and put forward questions in this field. We also discuss the strategies for improving the tolerance of grapevine to cold stress. Understanding grapevine cold tolerance will facilitate the development of grapevines for adaption to global climate change.
Reducing feed-food competition with direct payments? An ex-ante assessment of economic and environmental impacts
Authors: Bystricky Maria , Bretscher Daniel , Schori Fredy , Mack Gabriele
Published: February 2023

Worldwide, feed-food competition for arable land is of rising concern. Swiss agricultural policy wants to promote grass-based cattle feeding through a voluntary direct payment program that is currently being revised. The current version of the program requires a minimum share of 75–85 per cent grass-based feed in the yearly rations for ruminants. The revision suggests financial compensation for using concentrates with limited crude protein (CP) content at different levels (18 per cent, 12 per cent, or 0 per cent CP) without limiting the amount of concentrates. In a multimodel approach, we investigated the adoption rate of the new program, and its effect on feed-food competition and environmental indicators at the national scale for Switzerland. We found that the less strict the requirements are regarding the protein content of concentrate feeds, the more cattle farmers will adopt the new program for protein-reduced concentrate feeding. We further found that, compared to the current version of the program, the revised program could have the opposite or none of the intended effects regarding feed-food competition and environmental indicators. Only banning the use of concentrates altogether moves the environmental indicators in the intended direction for the farms participating in the program. This study shows that ex-ante evaluations are important to expose ineffectual policy measures and improve their design before introducing new direct payment programs.
Sleep of mothers, fathers, and infants: a longitudinal study from pregnancy through 12 months
Authors: Horwitz Avel , Bar-Shachar Yael , Ran-Peled Dar , Finkelstein Omer , Ben-Zion Hamutal , Bar-Kalifa Eran , Meiri Gal , Tikotzky Liat
Published: February 2023

Study Objectives

This study assessed and compared mothers’ and fathers’ sleep trajectories from pregnancy and throughout the first year of the infant’s life. We also examined associations between maternal, paternal, and infant sleep.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-two couples were recruited for the study during pregnancy. Data were collected during pregnancy and at 4, 8, and 12 months postpartum. Maternal, paternal, and infant sleep were monitored at home for seven nights, using actigraphy, sleep diaries, and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Results

Mothers showed more impaired sleep quality than fathers, at all assessments, whereas fathers had shorter sleep duration. Based on the ISI, about 70% of mothers and 50% of fathers showed at least subclinical insomnia at the different assessments. Trajectory analyses (controlling for feeding method and sleeping arrangements) demonstrated a significant deterioration in diary-based and actigraphy sleep quality for both parents, from pregnancy to 4 months. Both parents and infants had an increase in sleep quality from 4 to 12 months, though some parental sleep variables showed a quadratic pattern with a decrease in sleep quality at 8 months. Statistically significant triadic associations at the different assessments were found between mothers’, fathers’, and infants’ sleep. Maternal and infant sleep measures were more strongly correlated than paternal and infant sleep.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of considering the family context of sleep, by demonstrating similarities and differences in the changes that sleep undergoes in new mothers and fathers and by showing how sleep is interrelated between all family members.
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: a narrative review from a technological perspective
Authors: Gnarra Oriella , Wulf Marie-Angela , Schäfer Carolin , Nef Tobias , Bassetti Claudio L A
Published: February 2023

Study objectives

Isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is a parasomnia characterized by dream enactment. It represents a prodromal state of α-synucleinopathies, like Parkinson’s disease. In recent years, biomarkers of increased risk of phenoconversion from iRBD to overt α-synucleinopathies have been identified. Currently, diagnosis and monitoring rely on self-reported reports and polysomnography (PSG) performed in the sleep lab, which is limited in availability and cost-intensive. Wearable technologies and computerized algorithms may provide comfortable and cost-efficient means to not only improve the identification of patients with iRBD but also to monitor risk factors of phenoconversion. In this work, we review studies using these technologies to identify iRBD or monitor phenoconversion biomarkers.

Methods

A review of articles published until May 31, 2022 using the Medline database was performed. We included only papers in which participants with RBD were part of the study population. The selected papers were divided into four sessions: actigraphy, gait analysis systems, computerized algorithms, and novel technologies.

Results

In total, 25 articles were included in the review. Actigraphy, wearable accelerometers, pressure mats, smartphones, tablets, and algorithms based on PSG signals were used to identify RBD and monitor the phenoconversion. Rest–activity patterns, core body temperature, gait, and sleep parameters were able to identify the different stages of the disease.

Conclusions

These tools may complement current diagnostic systems in the future, providing objective ambulatory data obtained comfortably and inexpensively. Consequently, screening for iRBD and follow-up will be more accessible for the concerned patient cohort.
The duration of caffeine treatment plays an essential role in its effect on sleep and circadian rhythm
Authors: Segu Aishwarya , Kannan Nisha N
Published: February 2023

Sleep is regulated by the homeostatic system and the circadian clock. Caffeine intake promotes wakefulness in Drosophila. In humans, caffeine is consumed on a daily basis and hence it is important to understand the effect of prolonged caffeine intake on both circadian and homeostatic regulation of sleep. Furthermore, sleep changes with age and the impact of caffeine on age-dependent sleep fragmentation are yet to be understood. Hence in the present study, we examined the effect of short exposure to caffeine on homeostatic sleep and age-dependent sleep fragmentation in Drosophila. We further assessed the effect of prolonged exposure to caffeine on homeostatic sleep and circadian clock. The results of our study showed that short exposure to caffeine reduces sleep and food intake in mature flies. It also enhances sleep fragmentation with increasing age. However, we have not assessed the effect of caffeine on food intake in older flies. On the other hand, prolonged caffeine exposure did not exert any significant effect on the duration of sleep and food intake in mature flies. Nevertheless, prolonged caffeine ingestion decreased the morning and evening anticipatory activity in these flies indicating that it affects the circadian rhythm. These flies also exhibited phase delay in the clock gene timeless transcript oscillation and exhibited either behavioral arrhythmicity or a longer free-running period under constant darkness. In summary, the results of our studies showed that short exposure to caffeine increases the sleep fragmentation with age whereas prolonged caffeine exposure disrupts the circadian clock.
New Phylogenetic Markov Models for Inapplicable Morphological Characters
Authors: Tarasov Sergei
Published: February 2023

This article proposes new Markov models for phylogenetic inference with anatomically dependent (inapplicable) morphological characters. The proposed models can explicitly model an anatomical dependency in which one or several characters are allowed to evolve only within a specific state of the hierarchically upstream character. The new models come up in two main types depending on the type of character hierarchy. The functions for constructing custom character hierarchies are provided in the R package rphenoscate. The performance of the new models is assessed using theory and simulations. This article provides practical recommendations for using the new models in Bayesian phylogenetic inference with RevBayes. [Bayesian; inapplicable characters; likelihood; Markov models; morphology; parsimony; RevBayes.]
Availability analysis of private cloud safety computer platform based on the Markov process
Authors: Fu Limin , Wen Jiakun
Published: February 2023

To ensure the correctness of train control system design and development, the ways of simulation, test and formalization were compared. According to the safe critical attribute of train control system, the characters related to system safety were propounded such as real time, hybrid, distribution (concurrence) and reactivity, and the specific formal methods associated with every character were introduced in details. The analysis and classification of the methods were done based on their mathematical basis and applications, and their advantages and disadvantages were given.Analysis result indicates that every method has determinate limitations, which is determined by the essences of model checking and theory proving. It is pointed out that the presentation of new method, the expansion of existing methods and the integration of many methods will be the development trend of formalization in train control system.