bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying longitudinal-growth patterns from infancy to childhood: a study comparing multiple clustering techniques
Authors: Massara Paraskevi , Keown-Stoneman Charles DG , Erdman Lauren , Ohuma Eric O , Bourdon Celine , Maguire Jonathon L , Comelli Elena M , Birken Catherine , Bandsma Robert HJ
Published: February 2021

Background

Most studies on children evaluate longitudinal growth as an important health indicator. Different methods have been used to detect growth patterns across childhood, but with no comparison between them to evaluate result consistency. We explored the variation in growth patterns as detected by different clustering and latent class modelling techniques. Moreover, we investigated how the characteristics/features (e.g. slope, tempo, velocity) of longitudinal growth influence pattern detection.

Methods

We studied 1134 children from The Applied Research Group for Kids cohort with longitudinal-growth measurements [height, weight, body mass index (BMI)] available from birth until 12 years of age. Growth patterns were identified by latent class mixed models (LCMM) and time-series clustering (TSC) using various algorithms and distance measures. Time-invariant features were extracted from all growth measures. A random forest classifier was used to predict the identified growth patterns for each growth measure using the extracted features.

Results

Overall, 72 TSC configurations were tested. For BMI, we identified three growth patterns by both TSC and LCMM. The clustering agreement was 58% between LCMM and TS clusters, whereas it varied between 30.8% and 93.3% within the TSC configurations. The extracted features (n = 67) predicted the identified patterns for each growth measure with accuracy of 82%–89%. Specific feature categories were identified as the most important predictors for patterns of all tested growth measures.

Conclusion

Growth-pattern detection is affected by the method employed. This can impact on comparisons across different populations or associations between growth patterns and health outcomes. Growth features can be reliably used as predictors of growth patterns.
Research-Relevant Background Lesions and Conditions in Common Avian and Aquatic Species
Authors: Mangus Lisa M , França Monique S , Shivaprasad H L , Wolf Jeffrey C
Published: February 2021

Non-mammalian vertebrates including birds, fish, and amphibians have a long history of contributing to ground-breaking scientific discoveries. Because these species offer several experimental advantages over higher vertebrates and share extensive anatomic and genetic homology with their mammalian counterparts, they remain popular animal models in a variety of fields such as developmental biology, physiology, toxicology, drug discovery, immunology, toxicology, and infectious disease. As with all animal models, familiarity with the anatomy, physiology, and spontaneous diseases of these species is necessary for ensuring animal welfare, as well as accurate interpretation and reporting of study findings. Working with avian and aquatic species can be especially challenging in this respect due to their rich diversity and array of unique adaptations. Here, we provide an overview of the research-relevant anatomic features, non-infectious conditions, and infectious diseases that impact research colonies of birds and aquatic animals, including fish and Xenopus species.
Non-acyclic SL2-representations of Twist Knots, -3-Dehn Surgeries, and L-functions
Authors: Tange Ryoto , Tran Anh T , Ueki Jun
Published: February 2021

We study irreducible $\mathop{\textrm{SL}}\nolimits _2$-representations of twist knots. We first determine all non-acyclic $\mathop{\textrm{SL}}\nolimits _2({\mathbb{C}})$-representations, which turn out to lie on a line denoted as $x=y$ in ${\mathbb{R}}^2$. Our main tools are character variety, Reidemeister torsion, and Chebyshev polynomials. We also verify a certain common tangent property, which yields a result on $L$-functions, that is, the orders of the knot modules associated to the universal deformations. Secondly, we prove that a representation is on the line $x=y$ if and only if it factors through the $-3$-Dehn surgery, and is non-acyclic if and only if the image of a certain element is of order 3. Finally, we study absolutely irreducible non-acyclic representations $\overline{\rho }$ over a finite field with characteristic $p>2$, to concretely determine all non-trivial $L$-functions $L_{{\boldsymbol{\rho }}}$ of the universal deformations over complete discrete valuation rings. We show among other things that $L_{{\boldsymbol{\rho }}}$  $\dot{=}$  $k_n(x)^2$ holds for a certain series $k_n(x)$ of polynomials.
Irreducible Components of the Global Nilpotent Cone
Authors: Bozec Tristan
Published: February 2021

This paper gives a combinatorial description of the set of irreducible components of the semistable locus of the global nilpotent cone, in genus $\ge 2$.
Farey Sequences for Thin Groups
Authors: Lutsko Christopher
Published: February 2021

The Farey sequence is the set of rational numbers with bounded denominator. We introduce the concept of a generalized Farey sequence. While these sequences arise naturally in the study of discrete and thin subgroups, they can be used to study interesting number theoretic sequences—for example rationals whose continued fraction partial quotients are subject to congruence conditions. We show that these sequences equidistribute and the gap distribution converges and answer an associated problem in Diophantine approximation. Moreover, for one example, we derive an explicit formula for the gap distribution. For this example, we construct the analogue of the Gauss measure, which is ergodic for the Gauss map. This allows us to prove a theorem about the associated Gauss–Kuzmin statistics.
Nilpotent Higgs Bundles and the Hodge Metric on the Calabi–Yau Moduli
Authors: Li Qiongling
Published: February 2021

We study an algebraic inequality for nilpotent matrices and show some interesting geometric applications: (i) obtaining topological information for nilpotent polystable Higgs bundles over a compact Riemann surface; (ii) obtaining a sharp upper bound of the holomorphic sectional curvatures of the period domain and the Hodge metric on the Calabi–Yau moduli.
Effects of protein source and lipid supplementation on conservation and feed value of total mixed ration silages for finishing beef cattle
Authors: Lazzari Gustavo , Poppi Amanda C O , Machado Juliana , Bueno Antonio V I , Gomes Ana L M , Jobim Clóves C , Daniel João L P
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to examine the conservation process and feed value of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. In exp. 1, we evaluated the fermentation pattern and aerobic stability of TMR silages containing different protein and lipid supplementations. In exp. 2, we compared the performance of finishing beef heifers fed those TMR silages. In both experiments, treatments were as follows: ensiled TMR with urea (U); ensiled TMR without a protein supplement at ensiling, but soybean meal supplemented at feeding to balance diet crude protein (CP) in exp. 2 (SMnf; where the acronym nf indicates nonfermented); ensiled TMR with soybean meal (SM); and ensiled TMR with rolled soybean grain (SG). Thirty-two Nellore heifers (313 ± 8.8 kg shrunk body weight [SBW]) were blocked by initial SBW, housed in individual pens, and enrolled in exp. 2 for 82 d. In exp. 1, treatment without a protein supplement (SMnf) had a lower content of CP, soluble CP, NH3-N, pH, and Clostridium count compared with U (P ≤ 0.03). Lactic acid concentrations tended to be reduced for SMnf compared with U (P = 0.09). Ethanol concentration was reduced in SG compared with SM (P < 0.01). 1,2-Propanediol concentration was increased in SMnf compared with U (P < 0.01), reduced in SM compared with SMnf (P = 0.02), and increased in SG compared with SM (P = 0.02). Dry matter (DM) loss during fermentation was low and similar among treatments (~3.7%). All silages remained stable during 10 d of aerobic exposure after feed out. Considering fermentation traits, such as pH (≤4.72), NH3-N (<10% of N, except for U treatment), butyric acid (<0.05 % DM), and DM losses (<3.70% DM), all silages can be considered well conserved. In exp. 2, diets were isonitrogenous because soybean meal was added to SMnf before feeding. Compared with SM, cattle fed SG made more meals per day (P = 0.04) and tended to have a decreased intermeal interval (P = 0.09). DM intake, average daily gain, final SBW, hot carcass weight, Biceps femoris fat thickness, and serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were increased for SG compared with SM (P ≤ 0.05). In brief, TMR silages exhibited an adequate fermentation pattern and high aerobic stability. The supplementation of true protein did not improve animal performance, whereas the addition of soybean grain as a lipid source improved the performance of finishing cattle fed TMR silages.
Institutional Experience Using a Treatment Algorithm for Electrical Injury
Authors: Nisar Saira , Keyloun John W , Kolachana Sindhura , McLawhorn Melissa M , Moffatt Lauren T , Travis Taryn E , Shupp Jeffrey W , Johnson Laura S
Published: February 2021

Electrical injury has low incidence but is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Variability in diagnosis and management among clinicians can lead to unnecessary testing. This study examines the utility of an electrical injury treatment algorithm by comparing the incidence of testing done on a cohort of patients before and after implementation. Demographics, injury characteristics, and treatment information were collected for patients arriving to a regional burn center with the diagnosis of electrical injury from January 2013 to September 2018. Results were compared for patients admitted before and after the implementation of an electrical injury treatment algorithm in July 2015. There were 56 patients in the pre-algorithm cohort and 38 in the post-algorithm cohort who were of similar demographics. The proportion of creatine kinase (82% vs 47%, P < .0006), troponin (79% vs 34%, P < .0001), and urinary myoglobin (80% vs 45%, P < .0007) testing in the pre-algorithm cohort was significantly higher compared to post-algorithm cohort. There were more days of telemetry monitoring (median [IQR], 1 [1–5] vs 1 [1-1] days, P = .009) and greater ICU length of stays (4 [1–5] vs 1 [1-1] days, P = .009), prior to algorithm implementation. There were no significant differences in total hospital lengths of stay, incidence of ICU admissions, in-hospital mortality, or 30-day readmissions. This study demonstrates an electrical injury evaluation and treatment algorithm suggests a mode of triage to cardiac monitoring and hospital admission where necessary. Use of this algorithm allowed for reduction in testing and health care costs without increasing mortality or readmission rates.
Airfoil profile reconstruction from unorganized noisy point cloud data
Authors: Ghorbani Hamid , Khameneifar Farbod
Published: February 2021

Airfoil blades are typically inspected in sections to verify their conformance to the geometric tolerances specified on their nominal design. To maintain the accuracy of geometric error evaluation, in particular, for the position and orientation errors of the airfoil sections, sectional airfoil profiles should be reconstructed from the inspection data points. This paper presents a new method to automatically reconstruct the airfoil profile from unorganized noisy sectional data points of 3D scanned blades. A three-step airfoil profile reconstruction approach is presented. First, the algorithm thins the scattered set of sectional data points by projecting them onto the local curves fitted to them. For this purpose, a recursive weighted local least-squares scheme is proposed to fit local curves within the measurement uncertainty constraint of inspection data. Then, to order the thinned set of data points, the profile polygon is generated and imperfect nodes are modified by evaluation of the angular deviation of edges. Finally, a closed nonperiodic B-spline curve is fitted to the thinned and ordered set of data points to construct the smooth airfoil profile. A series of case studies have been carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed airfoil profile reconstruction method. Implementation results have demonstrated that the proposed method is accurate and robust to noise. In addition to blade inspection, other applications such as repair and adaptive machining of aero-engine blades can equally benefit from the proposed method for automatic airfoil profile reconstruction.
Islam from the Inside Out: ʿAyn al-Quḍāt Hamadānī’s Reconception of Islam as Vector
Authors: Boylston Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Against the backdrop of recent work on how ‘Islam’ should be understood as a scholarly category, this article focuses in on one particularly striking insider definition of Islam: ‘Islam is whatever takes a man to God, and infidelity (kufr) is whatever prevents a man from the Way of God’. Articulated by the sixth/twelfth century Sufi ʿAyn al-Quḍāt Hamadānī, who was executed on charges of heresy in 526/1131, this definition works as a key component in its author’s critical and constructive projects. Whilst forming part of a vociferous critique of interpretations of Islam as presented by the scholars of jurisprudence and theology, the definition also plays a central role in ʿAyn al-Quḍāt’s reconceptualization of Islam as the dynamic and ever-changing Way to God, rather than a set of fixed doctrines and practices. In this article, I interpret this definition in light of ʿAyn al-Quḍāt’s complex, multifaceted and highly original theory of religious difference, which I suggest provides a theoretical framework in which it becomes evident that ʿAyn al-Quḍāt meant his definition to be taken literally.
Legal provisions for enforcing social distancing to guard against COVID-19: the case of Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Janice Y C , Lee Shui-Shan
Published: February 2021

The implementation of social distancing measures through legal regulations to contain an epidemiologic outbreak has received little research attention. We reviewed and synthesized data on epidemiology, mobility trends and enforcement activities in the first 5 months of the COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong to examine the effectiveness of the newly enacted social distancing regulations. Data collected showed reduced patronage of retail and recreational activities during the epidemic. The regulations’ enforcement could be inferred from the increase in the number of inspections, verbal warnings given to operators of scheduled premises and to people in public gatherings, but which rarely led to prosecutions. In parallel, the number of reported COVID-19 cases became stabilized. Our analyses suggested that public compliance with social distancing regulations could be maintained through promotional efforts without enforcement by prosecution. The adverse impacts of prolonged social distancing on the economy and citizens’ social and psychological well-being were, however, of concern.
Planned Early Dispute Resolution Systems and Elements: Experiences and the Promise of Technology
Authors: Nigmatullina Dilyara
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted global business communities. Experts predict a tsunami of disputes. In this unprecedented situation, rational, cost-effective and quick dispute resolution is no more an option but a need. This need may be met by Planned Early Dispute Resolution (PEDR) and technological tools. Although the uptake of both has been slow so far, the current crisis may act as a catalyst for their more extensive use. This article starts with an overview of PEDR by addressing its definition, models, elements and use, among other aspects. It then investigates actual experiences of companies with PEDR systems and elements and discusses the effect that the companies’ shift to PEDR has on law firms. The article concludes by exploring how PEDR systems can benefit from the use of technological tools and how the interaction between technology and dispute resolution can contribute to shaping the future of the legal profession.
Influencing Factors of Loneliness Among Hmong Older Adults in the Premigration, Displacement, and Postmigration Phases
Authors: Vang Cindy , Thor Pa , Sieng Michael
Published: February 2021

Minimal research has simultaneously explored the premigration, displacement, and postmigration experiences of loneliness among older adults with a refugee history. Drawing from a constructivist grounded theory study guided by an intersectionality framework, this study aimed to explore the factors influencing loneliness in these three phases among Hmong older adults with a refugee background. Interviews were conducted with 17 Hmong older adults aged 65 and older residing in Northern California. Findings revealed the influencing factors emerging from systems of oppression grounded within the social, political, and cultural context of each phase. Influencing factors of loneliness were identified as betrayal, familial loss, instability, war violence, loss of social status, isolation, diminishing filial piety, language barrier, declining health, and lack of purpose. This study highlights the need for more research, practice, and policy focused on the context of the refugee experience to gain a greater insight into their loneliness experiences.
Spatio-temporal control of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis by inducible complementation of a cinnamate 4-hydroxylase mutant
Authors: Kim Jeong Im , Hidalgo-Shrestha Christopher , Bonawitz Nicholas D , Franke Rochus B , Chapple Clint
Published: February 2021

Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) is a cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase that catalyzes the second step of the general phenylpropanoid pathway. Arabidopsis reduced epidermal fluorescence 3 (ref3) mutants, which carry hypomorphic mutations in C4H, exhibit global alterations in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and have developmental abnormalities including dwarfing. Here we report the characterization of a conditional Arabidopsis C4H line (ref3-2pOpC4H), in which wild-type C4H is expressed in the ref3-2 background. Expression of C4H in plants with well-developed primary inflorescence stems resulted in restoration of fertility and the production of substantial amounts of lignin, revealing that the developmental window for lignification is remarkably plastic. Following induction of C4H expression in ref3-2pOpC4H, we observed rapid and significant reductions in the levels of numerous metabolites, including several benzoyl and cinnamoyl esters and amino acid conjugates. These atypical conjugates were quickly replaced with their sinapoylated equivalents, suggesting that phenolic esters are subjected to substantial amounts of turnover in wild-type plants. Furthermore, using localized application of dexamethasone to ref3-2pOpC4H, we show that phenylpropanoids are not transported appreciably from their site of synthesis. Finally, we identified a defective Casparian strip diffusion barrier in the ref3-2 mutant root endodermis, which is restored by induction of C4H expression.
Revisiting Sylvia Plath’s and Anne Sexton’s confessional poetry: Analyzing stylistic differences and evolution of poetic voice(s) through computational text analysis
Authors: Lee Shin Haeng , Tak Jin-Young , Kwak Eun Joo , Kim Seonghoon , Lim Tae Yun
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a new approach to reading the ‘Confessional Poetry’ of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton by combining quantitative text analysis methods with a qualitative literary interpretation. We investigate the meanings of stylistic differences between Plath’s and Sexton’s poems and highlight their differences in using pronouns and related sentiment words. Our data-focused research demonstrates that Plath employs rather fragmented and schizophrenic styles, as well as poetic voices with word choices that present dynamic and volatile emotions. On the other hand, Sexton’s poetic voice is causal, homogeneous, and relatively stable, focusing a lot on domestic issues and the symbolic function of father. To illustrate this, three computational methods are used: (1) linking pronoun uses in each poet’s work to sentiment words (Figs 1 and 2), (2) a topic-model analysis to compare Plath’s and Sexton’s works to see how the themes of poetry are manifested by the different patterns of word use, the so-called topics, and their co-occurrences in the poems (Figs 3 and 4), and (3) a diachronic analysis of each poet’s works (using the topic model) to identify the thematic changes (Figs 5 and 6). The methods commonly testify one of the widely accepted ideas regarding Plath’s and Sexton’s confessional poems. Plath often breaks with the boundary of the ego, I, through complex reciprocity between I and other pronoun groups, while Sexton evokes the presence of the poet through more stable and less kinetic voices of the authorial I. Plath’s and Sexton’s works have long been regarded as the passive products of biological reductionism due to the traditional way of understanding the confessional genre. The aim of this paper, however, is to redefine the meaning of confessional genre, proposing that the truthfulness of the poetic voice I cannot be seperated from the stylistic issues in poetic language.
An optical observational cluster mass function at z ∼ 1 with the ORELSE survey
Authors: Hung D , Lemaux B C , Gal R R , Tomczak A R , Lubin L M , Cucciati O , Pelliccia D , Shen L , Le Fèvre O , Zamorani G , Wu P-F , Kocevski D D , Fassnacht C D , Squires G K
Published: February 2021

We present a new mass function of galaxy clusters and groups using optical/near-infrared (NIR) wavelength spectroscopic and photometric data from the Observations of Redshift Evolution in Large-Scale Environments (ORELSE) survey. At z ∼ 1, cluster mass function studies are rare regardless of wavelength and have never been attempted from an optical/NIR perspective. This work serves as a proof of concept that z ∼ 1 cluster mass functions are achievable without supplemental X-ray or Sunyaev-Zel’dovich data. Measurements of the cluster mass function provide important contraints on cosmological parameters and are complementary to other probes. With ORELSE, a new cluster finding technique based on Voronoi tessellation Monte Carlo (VMC) mapping, and rigorous purity and completeness testing, we have obtained ∼240 galaxy overdensity candidates in the redshift range 0.55 < z < 1.37 at a mass range of 13.6 < log (M/M⊙) < 14.8. This mass range is comparable to existing optical cluster mass function studies for the local universe. Our candidate numbers vary based on the choice of multiple input parameters related to detection and characterization in our cluster finding algorithm, which we incorporated into the mass function analysis through a Monte Carlo scheme. We find cosmological constraints on the matter density, Ωm, and the amplitude of fluctuations, σ8, of $\Omega _{m} = 0.250^{+0.104}_{-0.099}$ and $\sigma _{8} = 1.150^{+0.260}_{-0.163}$. While our Ωm value is close to concordance, our σ8 value is ∼2σ higher because of the inflated observed number densities compared to theoretical mass function models owing to how our survey targeted overdense regions. With Euclid and several other large, unbiased optical surveys on the horizon, VMC mapping will enable optical/NIR cluster cosmology at redshifts much higher than what has been possible before.
How can LISA probe a population of GW190425-like binary neutron stars in the Milky Way?
Authors: Korol Valeriya , Safarzadeh Mohammadtaher
Published: February 2021

The nature of GW190425, a presumed binary neutron star (BNS) merger detected by the LIGO/Virgo Scientific Collaboration (LVC) with a total mass of $3.4^{+0.3}_{-0.1}$ M⊙, remains a mystery. With such a large total mass, GW190425 stands at five standard deviations away from the total mass distribution of Galactic BNSs of 2.66 ± 0.12 M⊙. LVC suggested that this system could be a BNS formed from a fast-merging channel rendering its non-detection at radio wavelengths due to selection effects. BNSs with orbital periods less than a few hours – progenitors of LIGO/Virgo mergers – are prime target candidates for the future Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). If GW190425-like binaries exist in the Milky Way, LISA will detect them within the volume of our Galaxy and will measure their chirp masses to better than 10 per cent for those binaries with gravitational wave frequencies larger than 2 mHz. This work explores how we can probe a population of Galactic GW190425-like BNSs with LISA and investigate their origin. We assume that the Milky Way’s BNS population consists of two distinct subpopulations: a fraction w1 that follows the observed Galactic BNS chirp mass distribution and w2 that resembles chirp mass of GW190425. We show that LISA’s accuracy on recovering the fraction of GW190425-like binaries depends on the BNS merger rate. For the merger rates reported in the literature, $21{-}212\,$ Myr−1, the error on the recovered fractions varies between ∼30 and 5 per cent.
A search for radio afterglows from gamma-ray bursts with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder
Authors: Leung James K , Murphy Tara , Ghirlanda Giancarlo , Kaplan David L , Lenc Emil , Dobie Dougal , Banfield Julie , Hale Catherine , Hotan Aidan , McConnell David , Moss Vanessa A , Pritchard Joshua , Raja Wasim , Stewart Adam J , Whiting Matthew
Published: February 2021

We present a search for radio afterglows from long gamma-ray bursts using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). Our search used the Rapid ASKAP Continuum Survey, covering the entire celestial sphere south of declination +41○, and three epochs of the Variables and Slow Transients Pilot Survey (Phase 1), covering ∼5000 square degrees per epoch. The observations we used from these surveys spanned a nine-month period from 2019 April 21 to 2020 January 11. We cross-matched radio sources found in these surveys with 779 well-localized (to ≤15 arcsec) long gamma-ray bursts occurring after 2004 and determined whether the associations were more likely afterglow- or host-related through the analysis of optical images. In our search, we detected one radio afterglow candidate associated with GRB 171205A, a local low-luminosity gamma-ray burst with a supernova counterpart SN 2017iuk, in an ASKAP observation 511 d post-burst. We confirmed this detection with further observations of the radio afterglow using the Australia Telescope Compact Array at 859 and 884 d post-burst. Combining this data with archival data from early-time radio observations, we showed the evolution of the radio spectral energy distribution alone could reveal clear signatures of a wind-like circumburst medium for the burst. Finally, we derived semi-analytical estimates for the microphysical shock parameters of the burst: electron power-law index p = 2.84, normalized wind-density parameter A* = 3, fractional energy in electrons ϵe = 0.3, and fractional energy in magnetic fields ϵB = 0.0002.
Characterization of V-type asteroids orbiting in the middle and outer main belt
Authors: Migliorini Alessandra , De Sanctis M C , Michtchenko T A , Lazzaro D , Barbieri M , Mesa D , Lazzarin M , La Forgia F
Published: February 2021

We present new spectral observations using ground-based telescopes of 23 putative V-type asteroids, selected according to colour surveys in the visible from the Moving Objects Catalogue of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and near-infrared from the Moving Objects VISTA catalogue. 10 asteroids are orbiting in the middle main belt, while five in the outer part of the main asteroid belt. For the observed asteroids, we assign a taxonomical classification and confirm the basaltic nature for 16 of them. The high-quality spectra in the UV range, obtained with the X-Shooter spectrograph at ESO, allowed the identification of the Fe2+ forbidden transition of pyroxene for 10 asteroids. This band is centred at 506.5 nm, and it is diagnostic of the Ca-content in the pyroxene form. We determined a low Fe-content composition for asteroids (2452) Lyot, (5758) Brunini, (7675) Gorizia, (9197) Endo, (22308) 1990 UO4, (36118) 1999 RE135, (66905) 1999 VC160, and (189597) 2000 WG119, and a composition more rich in Fe for asteroids (75661) 2000 AB79 and (93620) 2000 UQ70. We also present a dynamical investigation of V-type asteroids in the middle and outer main belt. The principal finding of these simulations is that the middle and outer V-types are more likely to be associated with some families, which were considered as possibly originated from the break up of a partially or totally differentiated parent body by diverse studies. This reinforces the hypothesis that the identified V-type in the region were not originated from (4) Vesta and that the number of differentiated objects in the middle and outer main belt must have been much larger than previously assumed.
Twin stars as tracers of binary evolution in the Kepler era
Authors: Bulut Sara , Hoyman Barış , Dervişoğlu Ahmet , Özdarcan Orkun , Çakırlı Ömür
Published: February 2021

We present results of the combined photometric and spectroscopic analysis of four systems that are eclipsing binaries with a twin component (mass ratio q ≃ 1). These are exceptional tools to provide information for probing the internal structure of stars. None of the systems were previously recognized as twin binaries. We used a number of high-resolution optical spectra to calculate the radial velocities and later combined them with photometry to derive orbital parameters. Temperatures and metallicities of systems were estimated from high-resolution spectra. For each binary, we obtained a full set of orbital and physical parameters, reaching precision below 3 per cent in masses and radii for whole pairs. By comparing our results with PARSEC and MIST isochrones, we assess the distance, age, and evolutionary status of the researched objects. The primary and/or secondary stars of EPIC 216075815 and EPIC 202843107 are one of the cases where asteroseismic parameters of δ Sct and γ Dor pulsators were confirmed by an independent method and rare examples of the twin-eclipsing binaries therefore the following analyses and results concern the pulsating nature of the components.
Binary-driven stellar rotation evolution at the main-sequence turn-off in star clusters
Authors: Sun Weijia , de Grijs Richard , Deng Licai , Albrow Michael D
Published: February 2021

The impact of stellar rotation on the morphology of star cluster colour–magnitude diagrams is widely acknowledged. However, the physics driving the distribution of the equatorial rotation velocities of main-sequence turn-off stars is as yet poorly understood. Using Gaia Data Release 2 photometry and new Southern African Large Telescope medium-resolution spectroscopy, we analyse the intermediate-age ($\sim 1\text{-}{\rm Gyr}$-old) Galactic open clusters NGC 3960, NGC 6134, and IC 4756 and develop a novel method to derive their stellar rotation distributions based on SYCLIST stellar rotation models. Combined with literature data for the open clusters NGC 5822 and NGC 2818, we find a tight correlation between the number ratio of slow rotators and the clusters’ binary fractions. The blue-main-sequence stars in at least two of our clusters are more centrally concentrated than their red-main-sequence counterparts. The origin of the equatorial stellar rotation distribution and its evolution remains as yet unidentified. However, the observed correlation in our open cluster sample suggests a binary-driven formation mechanism.
A Hi–C data-integrated model elucidatesE. colichromosome’s multiscale organization at various replication stages
Authors: Wasim Abdul , Gupta Ankit , Mondal Jagannath
Published: February 2021

The chromosome of Escherichia coli is riddled with multi-faceted complexity. The emergence of chromosome conformation capture techniques are providing newer ways to explore chromosome organization. Here we combine a beads-on-a-spring polymer-based framework with recently reported Hi–C data for E. coli chromosome, in rich growth condition, to develop a comprehensive model of its chromosome at 5 kb resolution. The investigation focuses on a range of diverse chromosome architectures of E. coli at various replication states corresponding to a collection of cells, individually present in different stages of cell cycle. The Hi–C data-integrated model captures the self-organization of E. coli chromosome into multiple macrodomains within a ring-like architecture. The model demonstrates that the position of oriC is dependent on architecture and replication state of chromosomes. The distance profiles extracted from the model reconcile fluorescence microscopy and DNA-recombination assay experiments. Investigations into writhe of the chromosome model reveal that it adopts helix-like conformation with no net chirality, earlier hypothesized in experiments. A genome-wide radius of gyration map captures multiple chromosomal interaction domains and identifies the precise locations of rrn operons in the chromosome. We show that a model devoid of Hi–C encoded information would fail to recapitulate most genomic features unique to E. coli.
Sequence-independent RNA sensing and DNA targeting by a split domain CRISPR–Cas12a gRNA switch
Authors: Collins Scott P , Rostain William , Liao Chunyu , Beisel Chase L
Published: February 2021

CRISPR technologies increasingly require spatiotemporal and dosage control of nuclease activity. One promising strategy involves linking nuclease activity to a cell's transcriptional state by engineering guide RNAs (gRNAs) to function only after complexing with a ‘trigger’ RNA. However, standard gRNA switch designs do not allow independent selection of trigger and guide sequences, limiting gRNA switch application. Here, we demonstrate the modular design of Cas12a gRNA switches that decouples selection of these sequences. The 5′ end of the Cas12a gRNA is fused to two distinct and non-overlapping domains: one base pairs with the gRNA repeat, blocking formation of a hairpin required for Cas12a recognition; the other hybridizes to the RNA trigger, stimulating refolding of the gRNA repeat and subsequent gRNA-dependent Cas12a activity. Using a cell-free transcription-translation system and Escherichia coli, we show that designed gRNA switches can respond to different triggers and target different DNA sequences. Modulating the length and composition of the sensory domain altered gRNA switch performance. Finally, gRNA switches could be designed to sense endogenous RNAs expressed only under specific growth conditions, rendering Cas12a targeting activity dependent on cellular metabolism and stress. Our design framework thus further enables tethering of CRISPR activities to cellular states.
Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Regusci Alessia , Lava Sebastiano A G , Milani Gregorio P , Bianchetti Mario G , Simonetti Giacomo D , Vanoni Federica
Published: February 2021

Background

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is defined as the occurrence of tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) and uveitis in the absence of other systemic diseases. The most comprehensive review on this condition was published in 2001.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature for cases of TINU syndrome. MEDLINE and Embase databases were screened. Full-length articles or letters reporting cases with both TIN and uveitis were selected. We investigated differences between males and females and paediatric and adult cases. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) development.

Results

A total of 233 articles reporting 592 TINU cases were retained for the analysis. The median age of the included subjects was 17 years (interquartile range 13–46) with a female predominance (65%). Uveitis most frequently (52%) followed renal disease and was mostly anterior (65%) and bilateral (88%). Children tended to have more ocular relapses, while they were slightly less likely than adults to suffer from acute kidney injury and to develop CKD. Adult age as well as posterior or panuveitis were associated with an increased risk of developing CKD.

Conclusions

TINU affects both children and adults, with some differences between these two categories. Adult age and the presence of a posterior uveitis or panuveitis appear to be associated with the development of CKD.
SNX14 deficiency-induced defective axonal mitochondrial transport in Purkinje cells underlies cerebellar ataxia and can be reversed by valproate
Authors: Zhang Hongfeng , Hong Yujuan , Yang Weijie , Wang Ruimin , Yao Ting , Wang Jian , Liu Ke , Yuan Huilong , Xu Chaoqun , Zhou Yuanyuan , Li Guanxian , Zhang Lishan , Luo Hong , Zhang Xian , Du Dan , Sun Hao , Zheng Qiuyang , Zhang Yun-Wu , Zhao Yingjun , Zhou Ying , Xu Huaxi , Wang Xin
Published: February 2021

Loss-of-function mutations in sorting nexin 14 (SNX14) cause autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia 20, which is a form of early-onset cerebellar ataxia that lacks molecular mechanisms and mouse models. We generated Snx14-deficient mouse models and observed severe motor deficits and cell-autonomous Purkinje cell degeneration. SNX14 deficiency disrupted microtubule organization and mitochondrial transport in axons by destabilizing the microtubule-severing enzyme spastin, which is implicated in dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia with cerebellar ataxia, and compromised axonal integrity and mitochondrial function. Axonal transport disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction further led to degeneration of high-energy-demanding Purkinje cells, which resulted in the pathogenesis of cerebellar ataxia. The antiepileptic drug valproate ameliorated motor deficits and cerebellar degeneration in Snx14-deficient mice via the restoration of mitochondrial transport and function in Purkinje cells. Our study revealed an unprecedented role for SNX14-dependent axonal transport in cerebellar ataxia, demonstrated the convergence of SNX14 and spastin in mitochondrial dysfunction, and suggested valproate as a potential therapeutic agent.
Emergence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Drug Resistance During the 3-Month World Health Organization-Recommended Enhanced Adherence Counseling Period in the CART-1 Cohort Study
Authors: Brown Jennifer A , Mbunkah Herbert A , Lejone Thabo I , Ringera Isaac , Cheleboi Molisana , Klimkait Thomas , Metzner Karin J , Günthard Huldrych F , Labhardt Niklaus D , Kouyos Roger D , Tschumi Nadine
Published: February 2021

Background

In resource-limited settings, the World Health Organization recommends enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) for individuals with an unsuppressed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 viral load (VL) and to remeasure VL after 3 months to avoid unnecessary regimen switches. In cases in which this follow-up VL remains unsuppressed, a regimen switch is indicated. We aimed to assess levels of HIV-1 drug resistance before and after the EAC period among people with ongoing viremia (≥80 c/mL) after EAC.

Methods

We included adult participants of the CART-1 cohort study conducted in Lesotho who had a VL ≥80 c/mL after EAC. Paired plasma samples (before and after EAC) were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. We assessed the prevalence of resistance-associated mutations and viral susceptibility scores to each participant’s antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen (range, 0–3; 3 indicates complete susceptibility).

Results

Among 93 participants taking nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-based ART with an initial VL ≥1000 copies/mL who received a follow-up VL test after EAC, 76 still had a VL ≥80 copies/mL after EAC, and paired samples were available for 57 of 76. The number of individuals without full susceptibility to any drug in their regimen increased from 31 of 57 (54.4%) before to 36 of 57 (63.2%) after EAC. Median susceptibility scores dropped from 0.5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.25–) to 0.25 (IQR = 0.25–1) during the EAC period (P = .16).

Conclusions

Despite high levels of resistance before EAC, we observed a slight decline in susceptibility scores after EAC. The risk of further accumulation of resistance during EAC has to be balanced against the benefit of avoiding unnecessary switches in those with spontaneous resuppression after EAC.
Comparative Transcriptomics of Lowland Rice Varieties Uncovers Novel Candidate Genes for Adaptive Iron Excess Tolerance
Authors: Kar Saradia , Mai Hans-Jörg , Khalouf Hadeel , Ben Abdallah Heithem , Flachbart Samantha , Fink-Straube Claudia , Bräutigam Andrea , Xiong Guosheng , Shang Lianguang , Panda Sanjib Kumar , Bauer Petra
Published: February 2021

Iron (Fe) toxicity is a major challenge for plant cultivation in acidic waterlogged soil environments, where lowland rice is a major staple food crop. Only few studies have addressed the molecular characterization of excess Fe tolerance in rice, and these highlight different mechanisms for Fe tolerance. Out of 16 lowland rice varieties, we identified a pair of contrasting lines, Fe-tolerant Lachit and -susceptible Hacha. The two lines differed in their physiological and morphological responses to excess Fe, including leaf growth, leaf rolling, reactive oxygen species generation and Fe and metal contents. These responses were likely due to genetic origin as they were mirrored by differential gene expression patterns, obtained through RNA sequencing, and corresponding gene ontology term enrichment in tolerant vs. susceptible lines. Thirty-five genes of the metal homeostasis category, mainly root expressed, showed differential transcriptomic profiles suggestive of an induced tolerance mechanism. Twenty-two out of these 35 metal homeostasis genes were present in selection sweep genomic regions, in breeding signatures, and/or differentiated during rice domestication. These findings suggest that Fe excess tolerance is an important trait in the domestication of lowland rice, and the identified genes may further serve to design the targeted Fe tolerance breeding of rice crops.
The NAD Kinase Slr0400 Functions as a Growth Repressor in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Ishikawa Yuuma , Cassan Cedric , Kadeer Aikeranmu , Yuasa Koki , Sato Nozomu , Sonoike Kintake  , Kaneko Yasuko , Miyagi Atsuko , Takahashi Hiroko , Ishikawa Toshiki , Yamaguchi Masatoshi , Nishiyama Yoshitaka , Hihara Yukako , Gibon Yves , Kawai-Yamada Maki
Published: February 2021

NADP+, the phosphorylated form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), plays an essential role in many cellular processes. NAD kinase (NADK), which is conserved in all living organisms, catalyzes the phosphorylation of NAD+ to NADP+. However, the physiological role of phosphorylation of NAD+ to NADP+ in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis remains unclear. In this study, we report that slr0400, an NADK-encoding gene in Synechocystis, functions as a growth repressor under light-activated heterotrophic growth conditions and light and dark cycle conditions in the presence of glucose. We show, via characterization of NAD(P)(H) content and enzyme activity, that NAD+ accumulation in slr0400-deficient mutant results in the unsuppressed activity of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes. In determining whether Slr0400 functions as a typical NADK, we found that constitutive expression of slr0400 in an Arabidopsis nadk2-mutant background complements the pale-green phenotype. Moreover, to determine the physiological background behind the growth advantage of mutants lacking slr04000, we investigated the photobleaching phenotype of slr0400-deficient mutant under high-light conditions. Photosynthetic analysis found in the slr0400-deficient mutant resulted from malfunctions in the Photosystem II (PSII) photosynthetic machinery. Overall, our results suggest that NADP(H)/NAD(H) maintenance by slr0400 plays a significant role in modulating glycolysis and the TCA cycle to repress the growth rate and maintain the photosynthetic capacity.
Nabiximols in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Dykukha Igor , Malessa Rolf , Essner Ute , Überall Michael A
Published: February 2021

Objective

Pooled analysis of nabiximols and placebo in randomized controlled studies (RCTs) of chronic neuropathic pain.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify double-blind placebo-controlled RCTs of nabiximols for chronic neuropathic pain. The clinical endpoint of interest was change from baseline in mean pain score on 11-point numerical rating scales. Mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD, Hedges’ g) were calculated using fixed effect (FE) and random effects (RE) models. Strength of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2).

Results

Nine RCTs with 1289 participants were included. Quality of evidence (GRADE) was moderate. One study had a high risk of bias (RoB 2) and five had some concerns. For the pooled endpoint of change from baseline in mean pain score, nabiximols was superior to placebo, with a MD of −0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −.59 to −.21; FE, P < .0001) or −0.44 (95% CI: −.70 to −.19; RE, P = .0006). A SMD of −0.21 (95% CI: −.32 to −.10; FE) or −0.26 (95% CI: −.42 to −.10; RE) indicated an incremental benefit over background analgesia. Results in favor of nabiximols were maintained in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Nabiximols was superior to placebo for reduction of chronic neuropathic pain, with a small effect size. Larger RCTs designed to assess the effect of nabiximols in neuropathic pain are required to reach more definitive conclusions.
Probabilistic Proofs, Lottery Propositions, and Mathematical Knowledge
Authors: Hamami Yacin
Published: February 2021

In mathematics, any form of probabilistic proof obtained through the application of a probabilistic method is not considered as a legitimate way of gaining mathematical knowledge. In a series of papers, Don Fallis has defended the thesis that there are no epistemic reasons justifying mathematicians’ rejection of probabilistic proofs. This paper identifies such an epistemic reason. More specifically, it is argued here that if one adopts a conception of mathematical knowledge in which an epistemic subject can know a mathematical proposition based solely on a probabilistic proof, one is then forced to admit that such an epistemic subject can know several lottery propositions based solely on probabilistic evidence. Insofar as knowledge of lottery propositions on the basis of probabilistic evidence alone is denied by the vast majority of epistemologists, it is concluded that this constitutes an epistemic reason for rejecting probabilistic proofs as a means of acquiring mathematical knowledge.