bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magneto-optical trapping using planar optics
Authors: McGehee William R , Zhu Wenqi , Barker Daniel S , Westly Daron , Yulaev Alexander , Klimov Nikolai , Agrawal Amit , Eckel Stephen , Aksyuk Vladimir , McClelland Jabez J
Published: January 2021

Laser-cooled atoms are a key technology for many calibration-free measurement platforms—including clocks, gyroscopes, and gravimeters—and are a promising system for quantum networking and quantum computing. The optics and vacuum hardware required to prepare these gases are often bulky and not amenable to large-volume manufacturing, limiting the practical realization of devices benefiting from the properties of cold atoms. Planar, lithographically produced optics including photonic integrated circuits, optical metasurfaces (MSs), and gratings offer a pathway to develop chip-scale, manufacturable devices utilizing cold atoms. As a demonstration of this technology, we have realized laser cooling of atomic Rb in a grating-type magneto-optical trap (MOT) using planar optics for beam launching, beam shaping, and polarization control. Efficient use of available light is accomplished using MS-enabled beam shaping, and the performance of the planar optics MOT is competitive with Gaussian-beam illuminated grating MOTs.
Driven dust vortex characteristics in plasma with external transverse and weak magnetic field
Authors: Laishram Modhuchandra
Published: January 2021

The two-dimensional hydrodynamic model for bounded dust flow dynamics in plasma is extended for analysis of driven vortex characteristics in presence of external transverse and weak magnetic field (B) in a planner setup and parametric regimes motivated by recent magnetized dusty plasma (MDP) experiments. This analysis has shown that shear in the B can produce a sheared internal field (E

a
) in between electrons and ions due to the E × B and ∇B ×
B
-drifts that cause rotation of dust cloud levitated in the plasma. The flow solution demonstrates that neutral pressure decides the dominance between the ions-drag and the E

a
-force. The shear ions-drag generates an anti-clockwise circular vortical structure, whereas the shear E

a
-force is very localized and gives rise to a clockwise D-shaped elliptical structure which turns into a meridional structure with decreasing B. Effect of the strength of B, shear mode numbers, and the sheath field are analyzed within the weak MDP regime, showing noticeable changes in the flow structure and its momentum. In the regime of high pressure and lower B, the E

a
-force becomes comparable or dominant over the ion drag and peculiar counter-rotating vortex pairs are developed in the domain. Further, when the B is flipped by 1800-degree, both the drivers act together and give rise to a single strong meridional structure, showing the importance of B-direction in MDP systems. Similar elliptical/meridional structures reported in several MDP experiments and relevant natural driven-dissipative flow systems are discussed.
GelMA/bioactive silica nanocomposite bioinks for stem cell osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Tavares Márcia T , Gaspar Vítor M , Monteiro Maria V , S Farinha José Paulo , Baleizão Carlos , Mano João F
Published: January 2021

Leveraging 3D bioprinting for processing stem cell-laden biomaterials has unlocked a tremendous potential for fabricating living 3D constructs for bone tissue engineering. Even though several bioinks developed to date display suitable physicochemical properties for stem cell seeding and proliferation, they generally lack the nanosized minerals present in native bone bioarchitecture. To enable the bottom-up fabrication of biomimetic 3D constructs for bioinstructing stem cells pro-osteogenic differentiation, herein we developed multi-bioactive nanocomposite bioinks that combine the organic and inorganic building blocks of bone. For the organic component gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), a photocrosslinkable denaturated collagen derivative used for 3D bioprinting was selected due to its rheological properties display of cell adhesion moieties to which bone tissue precursors such as human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) can attach to. The inorganic building block was formulated by incorporating mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with calcium, phosphate and dexamethasone (MSNCaPDex), which previously proven to induce osteogenic differentiation. The newly formulated photocrosslinkable nanocomposite GelMA bioink incorporating MSNCaPDex nanoparticles and laden with hBM-MSCs was successfully processed into a 3D bioprintable construct with structural fidelity, and well dispersed nanoparticles throughout the hydrogel matrix. These nanocomposite constructs could induce the deposition of apatite in vitro, thus showing attractive bioactivity properties. Viability and differentiation studies showed that hBM-MSCs remained viable and exhibited osteogenic differentiation biomarkers when incorporated in GelMA/MSNCaPDex constructs and without requiring further biochemical, nor mechanical stimuli. Overall, our nanocomposite bioink has demonstrated excellent processability via extrusion bioprinting into osteogenic constructs with potential application in bone tissue repair and regeneration.
Rayleigh-Sommerfeld scalar diffraction by apertures moving at relativistic speeds
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rhitabrata , Bhattacharyya Saugata , Biswas Shyamal
Published: January 2021

We have analytically obtained the theoretical results for Rayleigh-Sommerfeld (R-S) scalar diffraction by apertures such as single-slit, double-slit, grating, and circular apertures, moving at relativistic speeds with velocities perpendicular to the direction of incidence. We also have studied diffraction by the single slit of an oscillatory shutter. Significantly, our study probes the relativistic transverse Doppler effect on the intensity pattern of the diffracted field.
Effects of cathode rotation and substrate materials on electrodeposited CoMnP thick films
Authors: Wu Chun-Wei , Lin Chiao-Chi , Chin Tsung-Shune , Chang Jen-Yuan , Sung Cheng-Kuo
Published: January 2021

In this study, rotating-cathode electrodeposition was performed to deposit 30 μm thick CoMnP films on various substrate materials at room temperature. The electrodeposition configuration and parameters realized a constant current efficiency of about 95%, which was under activation control rather than mass-transport control. Compositional analysis indicated that the deposited thick films were Co-rich with a Co content 92–95 wt.%, regardless of deposition parameters. X-ray diffraction revealed that cathode rotation physically altered the preferred orientation of Co crystallites. The texture of Co crystallites changed with the cathode rotational speed from distinct hexagonal close-packed (HCP) (002) to a heterogeneous phase mixture of HCP (110) and face-centered cubic (FCC) (220). The substrate materials physicochemically affected the relationship between rotational speed and microstructural evolution. The microstructural texture changed nonlinearly with the cathode rotational speed when the films were deposited on catalytic substrate materials, suggesting a substantial influence of the substrate activation nature. Due to magnetocrystalline anisotropy, the resultant films exhibited hard magnetic properties while depositing at the optimal cathode rotational speed. Stationary-cathode electrodeposition resulted in rough CoMnP films with Co grains of 8–18 nm and high Mn content. These films exhibited unique in-plane magnetic properties compared with the films deposited with electrolyte agitation. This study is the first to investigate the combined effects of cathode rotational speed and the activation nature of substrates on the growth behavior of electrodeposited Co-rich CoMnP thick films. The results can be extended to electrodeposition of other Co-based alloys, such as CoP, CoNiP, CoWP, CoPtP, and CoNiMnP.
‘Getting back to normality seems as big of a step as going into lockdown’: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with early to middle stage dementia
Authors: Talbot Catherine V , Briggs Pam
Published: January 2021

People with dementia can experience shrinkage of their social worlds, leading to a loss of independence, control and reduced well-being. We used ‘the shrinking world’ theory to examine how the COVID 19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people with early to middle stage dementia and what longer-term impacts may result. Interviews were conducted with 19 people with dementia and a thematic analysis generated five themes: the forgotten person with dementia, confusion over government guidance, deterioration of cognitive function, loss of meaning and social isolation, safety of the lockdown bubble. The findings suggest that the pandemic has accelerated the ‘shrinking world’ effect and created tension in how people with dementia perceive the outside world. Participants felt safe and secure in lockdown but also missed the social interaction, cognitive stimulation and meaningful activities that took place outdoors. As time in lockdown continued, these individuals experienced a loss of confidence and were anxious about their ability to re-engage in the everyday practises that allow them to participate in society. We recommend ways in which the government, communities and organisations might counteract some of the harms posed by this shrinking world.
Cognitive impairment and altered cerebral glucose metabolism in the subacute stage of COVID-19
Authors: Hosp Jonas A , Dressing Andrea , Blazhenets Ganna , Bormann Tobias , Rau Alexander , Schwabenland Marius , Thurow Johannes , Wagner Dirk , Waller Cornelius , Niesen Wolf D , Frings Lars , Urbach Horst , Prinz Marco , Weiller Cornelius , Schroeter Nils , Meyer Philipp T
Published: January 2021

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, neurological symptoms increasingly moved into the focus of interest. In this prospective cohort study, we assessed neurological and cognitive symptoms in hospitalized coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients and aimed to determine their neuronal correlates. Patients with reverse transcription-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection who required inpatient treatment primarily because of non-neurological complications were screened between 20 April 2020 and 12 May 2020. Patients (age > 18 years) were included in our cohort when presenting with at least one new neurological symptom (defined as impaired gustation and/or olfaction, performance < 26 points on a Montreal Cognitive Assessment and/or pathological findings on clinical neurological examination). Patients with ≥2 new symptoms were eligible for further diagnostics using comprehensive neuropsychological tests, cerebral MRI and 18fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET as soon as infectivity was no longer present. Exclusion criteria were: premorbid diagnosis of cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative diseases or intensive care unit treatment. Of 41 COVID-19 inpatients screened, 29 patients (65.2 ± 14.4 years; 38% female) in the subacute stage of disease were included in the register. Most frequently, gustation and olfaction were disturbed in 29/29 and 25/29 patients, respectively. Montreal Cognitive Assessment performance was impaired in 18/26 patients (mean score 21.8/30) with emphasis on frontoparietal cognitive functions. This was confirmed by detailed neuropsychological testing in 15 patients. 18FDG PET revealed pathological results in 10/15 patients with predominant frontoparietal hypometabolism. This pattern was confirmed by comparison with a control sample using voxel-wise principal components analysis, which showed a high correlation (R2 = 0.62) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment performance. Post-mortem examination of one patient revealed white matter microglia activation but no signs of neuroinflammation. Neocortical dysfunction accompanied by cognitive decline was detected in a relevant fraction of patients with subacute COVID-19 initially requiring inpatient treatment. This is of major rehabilitative and socioeconomic relevance.
Low-carbohydrate diets and the risk of pancreatic cancer: a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhong Guo-Chao , Li Qu-Jin , Yang Peng-Fei , Wang Yun-Bing , Hao Fa-Bao , Wang Kang , Hu Jie-Jun , Wu Jing-Jing
Published: January 2021

Low-carbohydrate diets have become a popular approach for weight loss in recent years. However, whether low-carbohydrate diets are associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer remains to be elucidated. Hence, we examined the association of low-carbohydrate diets with the risk of pancreatic cancer in a US population. A population-based cohort of 95 962 individuals was identified. A low-carbohydrate-diet score was calculated to quantify adherence to this dietary pattern, with higher scores indicating greater adherence. Cox regression was used to calculate risk estimate for the association of the low-carbohydrate-diet score with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Subgroup analysis was used to identify the potential effect modifiers. After an average follow-up of 8.87 years (875856.9 person-years), we documented a total of 351 pancreatic cancer cases. In the fully adjusted model, the highest versus the lowest quartiles of the overall low-carbohydrate-diet score were found to be associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer (hazard ratioquartile 4 versus 1: 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.45, 0.82; Ptrend < 0.001). Subgroup analysis found that the inverse association of low-carbohydrate diets with the risk of pancreatic cancer was more pronounced in individuals aged ≥65 years than in those aged <65 years (Pinteraction = 0.015). Similar results were obtained for animal and vegetable low-carbohydrate-diet scores. In conclusion, low-carbohydrate diets, regardless of the type of protein and fat, are associated with a lower risk of pancreatic cancer in the US population, suggesting that adherence to low-carbohydrate diets may be beneficial for pancreatic cancer prevention. Future studies should validate our findings in other populations.
Right ventricular functional recovery depends on timing of pulmonary valve replacement in tetralogy of Fallot: a video kinematic study
Authors: Rozzi Giacomo , Lo Muzio Francesco Paolo , Fassina Lorenzo , Rossi Stefano , Statello Rosario , Sandrini Camilla , Laricchiuta Maira , Faggian Giuseppe , Miragoli Michele , Luciani Giovanni Battista
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES

Indications for and timing of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) after tetralogy of Fallot repair are controversial. Among magnetic resonance imaging indices proposed to time valve replacement, a right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume index greater than 160 ml/m2 is often used. Recent evidence suggests that this value may still identify patients with irreversible RV dysfunction, thus hindering recovery. Our goal was to define, using intraoperative video kinematic evaluation, whether a relationship exists between timing of PVR and early functional recovery after surgery.

METHODS

Between November 2016 and November 2018, a total of 12 consecutive patients aged 27.1 ± 19.1 years underwent PVR on average 22.2 ± 13.3 years after tetralogy of Fallot repair. Mean RV end-diastolic volume evident on the magnetic resonance images was 136.9 ± 35.7 ml/m2. Intraoperative cardiac kinematics were assessed by video kinematic evaluation via a high-speed camera acquiring videos at 200 fps before and after valve replacement.

RESULTS

Patients presenting with RV end-diastolic volume <147 ml/m2 were significantly younger (11.2 ± 5.0 vs 38.4 ± 17.0; P = 0.005) and had a shorter time interval to valve replacement (11.0 ± 5.2 vs 30.1 ± 11.3; P = 0.03). The entire population showed a moderate correlation among energy expenditure, cardiac fatigue, perimeter of contraction and preoperative RV end-diastolic volume index. Both groups showed a reduction in all kinematic parameters after PVR, but those with end-diastolic volume >147 ml/m2 showed an unpredictable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Video kinematic evaluation provides insight into intraoperative RV recovery in patients with tetralogy of Fallot undergoing PVR. Accordingly, functional recovery can be expected in patients with preoperative end-diastolic volume <147 ml/m2.
Comparative transcriptome of compatible and incompatible interaction of Erysiphe pisi and garden pea reveals putative defense and pathogenicity factors
Authors: Bhosle Sheetal M , Makandar Ragiba
Published: January 2021

Comparative transcriptome analysis of Erysiphe pisi-infected pea (Pisum sativum) genotypes JI-2480 (resistant) and Arkel (susceptible) at 72 hours post-inoculation (hpi) was carried to detect molecular components involved in compatible and incompatible interactions. Differential gene expression was observed in Arkel and JI-2480 genotype at 72 hpi with E. pisi isolate (Ep01) using EdgeR software. Out of 32 217 transcripts, 2755 transcripts showed significantly altered gene expression in case of plants while 530 were related to E. pisi (P < 0.05). The higher transcript number of differentially expressed genes demonstrated peak activity of pathogenicity genes in plants at 72 hpi. Glycolysis was observed to be the major pathway for energy source during fungal growth. Differential gene expression of plant transcripts revealed significant expression of putative receptor and regulatory sequences involved in defense in the resistant, JI-2480 compared to susceptible, Arkel genotype. Expression of genes involved in defense and hormonal signaling, genes related to hypersensitive response, reactive oxygen species and phenylpropanoid pathway in JI-2480 indicated their crucial role in disease resistance against E. pisi. Down-regulation of transcription factors like-WRKY-28 and up-regulation of several putative pattern recognition receptors in JI-2480 compared to Arkel also suggested activation of host-mediated defense responses against E. pisi in pea.
The low level of O antigen in Salmonella enterica Paratyphi A is due to inefficiency of the glycosyltransferase WbaV
Authors: Liu Michael A , Kidambi Aditi , Reeves Peter R
Published: January 2021

The group A O antigen is the major surface polysaccharide of Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A (SPA), and the focal point for most current vaccine development efforts. The SPA O-antigen repeat (O unit) is structurally similar to the group D1 O unit of S. enterica serovar Typhi, differing only in the presence of a terminal side-branch paratose (Par) in place of tyvelose (Tyv), both of which are attached by the glycosyltransferase WbaV. The two O-antigen gene clusters are also highly similar, but with a loss-of-function mutation in the group A tyv gene and the tandem amplification of wbaV in most SPA strains. In this study, we show that SPA strains consistently produce less O antigen than their group D1 counterparts and use an artificial group A strain (D1 Δtyv) to show this is due to inefficient Par attachment by WbaV. We also demonstrate that group A O-antigen production can be increased by overexpression of the wbaV gene in both the D1 Δtyv strain and two multi-wbaV SPA strains. These findings should be broadly applicable in ongoing vaccine development pipelines, where efficient isolation and purification of large quantities of O antigen is of critical importance.
Transcription Profiling of CulturedAcropora digitiferaAdult Cells Reveals the Existence of Ancestral Genome Regulatory Modules Underlying Pluripotency and Cell Differentiation in Cnidaria
Authors: Reyes-Bermudez Alejandro , Hidaka Michio , Mikheyev Alexander
Published: January 2021

Due to their pluripotent nature and unlimited cell renewal, stem cells have been proposed as an ideal material for establishing long-term cnidarian cell cultures. However, the lack of unifying principles associated with “stemness” across the phylum complicates stem cells’ identification and isolation. Here, we for the first time report gene expression profiles for cultured coral cells, focusing on regulatory gene networks underlying pluripotency and differentiation. Cultures were initiated from Acropora digitifera tip fragments, the fastest growing tissue in Acropora. Overall, in vitro transcription resembled early larvae, overexpressing orthologs of premetazoan and Hydra stem cell markers, and transcripts with roles in cell division, migration, and differentiation. Our results suggest the presence of pluripotent cell types in cultures and indicate the existence of ancestral genome regulatory modules underlying pluripotency and cell differentiation in cnidaria. Cultured cells appear to be synthesizing protein, differentiating, and proliferating.
The critical importance of community health workers as first responders to COVID-19 in USA
Authors: Rahman Rahbel , Ross Abigail , Pinto Rogério
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 has served to exacerbate existing health disparities and inequities, most—if not all—of which can be traced to the social determinants of health (SDOH) that affect specific populations and communities. Essential to health and health systems long before, community health workers are experts in addressing SDOH in community-based settings; however, they have yet to be mobilized as part of the COVID-19 response both in the US and internationally. We use data from our mixed-methods study with supervisors (n=6), Executive Directors (EDs) (n=7), and CHWs (n=90) to describe the critical role that CHWs can play to assist in response to COVID-19 using New York State's (NYS) as a case example. Building on these findings, we raise specific CHW workforce issues and propose recommendations for how to mobilize this workforce in national pandemic response efforts.
Women have a higher resection rate for lung cancer and improved survival after surgery
Authors: Lautamäki Anna , Gunn Jarmo , Sipilä Jussi , Rautava Päivi , Sihvo Eero , Kytö Ville
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES

Surgery is the standard treatment in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer and select cases of small-cell lung cancer, but gender differences in its use and outcome are poorly known. Gender differences in surgical resection rates and long-term survival after lung cancer surgery were therefore investigated.

METHODS

In Finland, 3524 patients underwent resection for primary lung cancer during 2004–2014. Surgical rate and mortality data were retrospectively retrieved from 3 nationwide compulsory registries. Survival was studied by comparing propensity-matched cohorts. Median follow-up was 8.6 years.

RESULTS

Surgery rate was higher in women (15.9% vs 12.3% in men, P < 0.0001). Overall survival was 85.3% 1 year, 51.4% 5 years, 33.4% 10 years and 24.2% at 14 years from surgery. In matched groups, survival after resection was better in women after 1 year (91.3% vs 83.3%), 5 years (60.2% vs 48.6%), 10 years (43.7% vs 27.9%) and 14 years (29.0% vs 21.1%) after surgery [hazard ratio (HR) 0.66; confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.75; P < 0.0001]. Of all first-year survivors, 39.1% were alive 10 years and 28.3% 14 years after surgery. Among these matched first-year survivors, women had higher 14-year survival (36.9% vs 25.3%; HR 0.75; CI 0.65–0.87; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is performed for lung cancer more often in women. Women have more favourable short- and long-term outcome after lung cancer surgery. Gender discrepancy in survival continues to increase beyond the first year after surgery.
Healthcare handoffs among lay caregivers
Authors: Chastain Janet , Kumar Anil R , Nathan-Roberts Dan
Published: January 2021

Background

Much of home healthcare is also performed by informal caregivers. This paper seeks to add understanding to the home healthcare field, specifically studying care handoffs between informal caregivers. This study included 16 trained and 20 lay participants to determine differences due to expertise. This comparison is useful because there is a lot of published research on healthcare handoff happenings involving healthcare professionals, and the results indicate how much of the published research can be applied to care handoffs between informal caregivers.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to identify differences between lay and professional caregivers when there is uncertainty in a caregiving handoff from their fellow caregiver.

Methods

The study design included between-group analysis of Expertise (layman and expert) and within-group analysis of Task Difficulty and Communication Modality. Dependent variables included willingness to ask for help, confidence in handoff instructions, confidence in the ability to complete tasks and task accuracy. Both Expertise groups were given the same four scenarios in a repeated measures study design.

Results

The findings suggest statistically significant differences in how informal caregivers respond to unclear handoff instructions, where lay participants were more confident in understanding instructions, more confident in executing the tasks, less willing to ask for help and also less able to spot and resolve conflicting information compared to trained participants. Lower performance in resolving conflicting information was exhibited by the lay participants. However, when comparing with the syringes that were prepared correctly, it was observed that the accuracy of those prepared syringes was higher for lay participants than for trained participants.

Conclusion

It was anticipated that lay participants would be more willing to ask for help due to lack of subject matter expertise and trained participants would be more confident in completing tasks due to their superior subject matter expertise, but the opposite was true in both cases. It was also anticipated that lay and trained participants would be equally confident of the instructions given by their fellow caregiver, yet trained participants were less confident. The results from this study have impacts on the design of instructions (often by formal caregivers) for informal caregivers.
Weaving Worlds:Cosmopraxisas Relational Sensibility
Authors: Tickner Arlene B , Querejazu Amaya
Published: January 2021

Relationality has become a popular term for addressing diversity, complexity, interconnectedness, and planetary crisis in many academic fields, including international relations (IR). This article shows that fully embracing relationality calls for a distinct set of tools that are discernable in cosmopraxis, an ontological stance derived from Andean thinking that upholds interdependence and co-becoming, being-feeling-knowing-doing, and both-and logics as key principles of existence. Following a discussion of the “relational turn” in academic debates within and beyond IR, we develop our understanding of deep relationality and explain how cosmopraxis works to awaken the relational sensibilities we deem key to broadening and invigorating the study of worldly affairs. Throughout the article, we make use of stories about weaving, a key metaphor of entanglement and interconnection, but also a concrete practice that embodies the principles of cosmopraxis to illustrate our main arguments.
Quantitation and Validation of 34 Fentanyl Analogs from Liver Tissue Using a QuEChERS Extraction and LC–MS-MS Analysis
Authors: Cox Joseph , Mathison Kylea , Ott Colby , DelTondo Joseph , Kraner James C , DeCaprio Anthony P , Arroyo-Mora Luis E
Published: January 2021

Since 2013, drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs) have increased from 3,105 to 31,335 in 2018. Postmortem toxicological analysis in fentanyl-related overdose deaths is complicated by the high potency of the drug, often resulting in low analyte concentrations and associations with toxicity, multidrug use, novelty of emerging fentanyl analogs and postmortem redistribution. Objectives for this study include the development of a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction and subsequent liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry--mass spectrometry analysis, validation of the method following the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board (ASB) standard 036 requirements and application to authentic liver specimens for 34 analytes including fentanyl, metabolites and fentanyl analogs. The bias for all 34 fentanyl analogs did not exceed ±10% for any of the low, medium or high concentrations and the %CV did not exceed 20%. No interferences were identified. All 34 analytes were within the criteria for acceptable percent ionization suppression or enhancement with the low concentration ranging from −10.2% to 23.7% and the high concentration ranging from −7.1% to 11.0%. Liver specimens from 22 authentic postmortem cases were extracted and analyzed with all samples being positive for at least one target analyte from the 34 compounds. Of the 22 samples, 17 contained fentanyl and metabolites plus at least one fentanyl analog. The highest concentration for a fentanyl analog was 541.4 μg/kg of para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl (FIBF). The concentrations for fentanyl (n = 20) ranged between 3.6 and 164.9 μg/kg with a mean of 54.7 μg/kg. The fentanyl analog that was most encountered was methoxyacetyl fentanyl (n = 11) with a range of 0.2–4.6 μg/kg and a mean of 1.3 μg/kg. The QuEChERS extraction was fully validated using the ASB Standard 036 requirements for fentanyl, metabolites and fentanyl analogs in liver tissue.
Evaluating Sugarcane Aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Population Dynamics, Feeding Injury, and Grain Yield Among Commercial Sorghum Varieties in Alabama
Authors: Pekarcik Adrian J , Jacobson Alana L
Published: January 2021

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), emerged as a severe pest of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.), in Texas and Louisiana in 2013 and currently threatens nearly all sorghum production in the United States. Proper management of populations is critical as sugarcane aphid has a high reproductive potential and can rapidly damage plants, resulting in extensive yield losses. The overall objective of this work was to investigate sugarcane aphid population dynamics, and subsequent sorghum injury and grain yield on commercially available grain sorghum varieties in Alabama. This research includes three-site years of data that show variation in plant injury, physiological maturity, and yields among varieties tested. Although performance of each variety was variable among locations, potentially due to abiotic factors, four varieties including DKS 37-07, 1G588, 1G855, and 83P17 exhibited characteristics consistent with resistance and corroborates reports of resistance from other states.
Price of medicines in a small market country: a comparative approach
Authors: Kochova Emilija , Szijj Janis Vella , Azzopardi Lilian M
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Affordability and availability of medicinal products depend on governmental policies, healthcare budgets and pricing. Pharmaceutical price regulation can improve the accessibility and affordability of essential medicinal products. In Europe, medicinal product prices are assigned individually by each country. The study aimed to compare prices of medicinal products indicated for cardiovascular (n = 18) and respiratory disease (n = 9) available for retail in community pharmacies in five European countries.

Methods

Unit dose medicinal product prices in North Macedonia, Malta, Slovenia, Greece and the UK were compared.

Key findings

Malta had the highest unit dose prices for the majority (n = 11) of medicinal products used for cardiovascular disease and the majority (n = 8) of the medicinal products indicated for respiratory disease.

Conclusion

Variation in prices of commonly dispensed medicinal products exists. Having a more thorough knowledge about the prices of medicines in different countries can contribute to making policies that will ultimately make medicines more affordable and accessible to patients.
X-ray analysis of SDSS J165202.60+172852.4, an obscured quasar with outflows at peak galaxy formation epoch
Authors: Ishikawa Yuzo , Goulding Andy D , Zakamska Nadia L , Hamann Fred , Vayner Andrey , Veilleux Sylvain , Wylezalek Dominika
Published: January 2021

We report on deep XMM–Newton and NuSTAR observations of the high redshift, z = 2.94, extremely red quasar (ERQ), SDSS J165202.60+172852.4, with known galactic ionized outflows detected via spatially resolved [O iii] emission lines. X-ray observations allow us to directly probe the accretion disc luminosity and the geometry and scale of the circumnuclear obscuration. We fit the spectra from the XMM–Newton/EPIC and NuSTAR detectors with a physically motivated torus model and constrain the source to exhibit a near Compton-thick column density of NH = (1.02$^{+0.76}_{-0.41}$) × 1024 cm−2, a near edge-on geometry with the line-of-sight inclination angle of θi = 85°, and a scattering fraction of fsc ∼ 3  per cent. The absorption-corrected, intrinsic 2–10 keV X-ray luminosity of L2–10= (1.4$^{+1}_{-1}$) × 1045 erg s−1 reveals a powerful quasar that is not intrinsically X-ray weak, consistent with observed trends in other ERQs. We also estimate the physical properties of the obscuration, although highly uncertain: the warm ionized scattering density of ne ∼ 7.5 × (102–103) cm−3 and the obscuration mass of $M_{\rm obsc} \sim 1.7\times (10^4\!-\!10^6)\,{\rm M}_{\odot}$. As previously suggested with shallower X-ray observations, optical and infrared selection of ERQ has proved effective in finding obscured quasars with powerful outflow signatures. Our observations provide an in-depth view into the X-ray properties of ERQs and support the conclusions of severely photon-limited studies of obscured quasar populations at high redshifts.
A machine learning approach for classification of accretion states of black hole binaries
Authors: Sreehari H , Nandi Anuj
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we employ Machine Learning algorithms on multimission observations for the classification of accretion states of outbursting black hole X-ray binaries for the first time. Archival data from RXTE, Swift, MAXI, and AstroSat observatories are used to generate the hardness intensity diagrams (HIDs) for outbursts of the sources XTE J1859+226 (1999 outburst), GX 339−4 (2002, 2004, 2007, and 2010 outbursts), IGR J17091−3624 (2016 outburst), and MAXI J1535−571 (2017 outburst). Based on variation of X-ray flux, hardness ratios, presence of various types of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), photon indices, and disc temperature, we apply clustering algorithms like K-Means clustering and Hierarchical clustering to classify the accretion states (clusters) of each outburst. As multiple parameters are involved in the classification process, we show that clustering algorithms club together the observations of similar characteristics more efficiently than the ‘standard’ method of classification. We also infer that K-Means clustering provides more reliable results than Hierarchical clustering. We demonstrate the importance of the classification based on machine learning by comparing it with results from ‘standard’ classification.
How ‘cold’ are the stellar discs of superthin galaxies?
Authors: Aditya K , Banerjee Arunima
Published: January 2021

Superthin galaxies are a class of bulgeless, low surface brightness galaxies with strikingly high values of planar-to-vertical axes ratio $\rm (b/a\gt 10\!-\!20)$, possibly indicating the presence of an ultracold stellar disc. Using the multicomponent galactic disc model of gravitationally coupled stars and gas in the force field of the dark matter halo as well as the stellar dynamical code AGAMA (Action-based Galaxy Modelling Architecture), we determine the vertical velocity dispersion of stars and gas as a function of galactocentric radius for five superthin galaxies (UGC 7321, IC 5249, FGC 1540, IC2233, and UGC00711) using observed stellar and atomic hydrogen (H i) scale heights as constraints, using a Markov chain Monte Carlo Method. We find that the central vertical velocity dispersion for the stellar disc in the optical band varies between σ0s ∼ 10.2−18.4 $\rm {kms}\,^{-1}$ and falls off with an exponential scale length of 2.6–3.2 Rd where Rd is the exponential stellar disc scale length. Interestingly, in the 3.6 μm, the same, averaged over the two components of the stellar disc, varies between 5.9 and 11.8 $\rm {kms}\,^{-1}$, both of which confirm the presence of ‘ultracold’ stellar discs in superthin galaxies. Interestingly, the global median of the multicomponent disc dynamical stability parameter QN of our sample superthins is found to be 5 ± 1.5, which higher than the global median value of 2.2 ± 0.6 for a sample of spiral galaxies.
Drifts of the marginally stable burning frequency in the X-ray binaries 4U 1608–52 and Aql X–1
Authors: Mancuso G C , Altamirano D , Méndez M , Lyu M , Combi J A
Published: January 2021

We detect millihertz quasi-periodic oscillations (mHz QPOs) using the Rossi X-ray Time Explorer (RXTE) from the atoll neutron-star (NS) low-mass X-ray binaries 4U 1608–52 and Aql X–1. From the analysis of all RXTE observations of 4U 1608–52 and Aql X–1, we find mHz QPOs with a significance level >3σ in 49 and 47 observations, respectively. The QPO frequency is constrained between ∼4.2 and 13.4 mHz. These types of mHz QPOs have been interpreted as being the result of marginally stable nuclear burning of He on the NS surface. We also report the discovery of a downward frequency drift in three observations of 4U 1608–52, making it the third source that shows this behaviour. We only find strong evidence of frequency drift in one occasion in Aql X–1, probably because the observations were too short to measure a significant drift. Finally, the mHz QPOs are mainly detected when both sources are in the soft or intermediate states; the cases that show frequency drift only occur when the sources are in intermediate states. Our results are consistent with the phenomenology observed for the NS systems 4U 1636–53 and EXO 0748–676, suggesting that all four sources can reach the conditions for marginally stable burning of He on the NS surface. These conditions depend on the source state in the same manner in all four systems.
Predictors of outcome in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma
Authors: Dono Antonio , Lopez-Rivera Victor , Chandra Ankush , Lewis Cole T , Abdelkhaleq Rania , Sheth Sunil A , Ballester Leomar Y , Esquenazi Yoshua
Published: January 2021

Background

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXA) are circumscribed gliomas that typically have a favorable prognosis. Limited studies have revealed factors affecting survival outcomes in PXA. Here, we analyzed the largest PXA dataset in the literature and identify factors associated with outcomes.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 Registries database, we identified histologically confirmed PXA patients between 1994 and 2016. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

In total, 470 patients were diagnosed with PXA (males = 53%; median age = 23 years [14-39 years]), the majority were Caucasian (n = 367; 78%). The estimated mean OS was 193 months [95% CI: 179-206]. Multivariate analysis revealed that greater age at diagnosis (≥39 years) (3.78 [2.16-6.59], P < .0001), larger tumor size (≥30 mm) (1.97 [1.05-3.71], P = .034), and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) (2.20 [1.31-3.69], P = .003) were independent predictors of poor OS. Pediatric PXA patients had improved survival outcomes compared to their adult counterparts, in which chemotherapy (CT) was associated with worse OS. Meanwhile, in adults, females and patients with temporal lobe tumors had an improved survival; conversely, tumor size ≥30 mm and postoperative RT were associated with poor OS.

Conclusions

In PXA, older age and larger tumor size at diagnosis are risk factors for poor OS, while pediatric patients have remarkably improved survival. Postoperative RT and CT appear to be ineffective treatment strategies while achieving GTR confer an improved survival in male patients and remains the cornerstone of treatment. These findings can help optimize PXA treatment while minimizing side effects. However, further studies of PXAs with molecular characterization are needed.
Health Care Providers’ Testing Practices for Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis in Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia—United States, 2020
Authors: Benedict Kaitlin , Li Yiman , Molinari Noelle Angelique M , Jackson Brendan R
Published: January 2021

Laboratory testing is required to distinguish coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis from other types of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In this nationwide survey of 1258 health care providers, only 3.7% reported frequently testing CAP patients for coccidioidomycosis and 2.8% for histoplasmosis. These diseases are likely underdiagnosed, and increased awareness is needed.
Use of Telomere Fingerprinting to Identify Clonal Lineages ofColletotrichum fioriniaein Kentucky Mixed-Fruit Orchards
Authors: Eaton Madison J. , Gauthier Nicole A. , Vaillancourt Lisa J.
Published: January 2021

Multiple species in the fungal genus Colletotrichum cause anthracnose fruit rot diseases that are responsible for major yield losses of as much as 100%. Individual species of Colletotrichum typically have broad host ranges and can infect multiple fruit species. Colletotrichum fioriniae causes anthracnose fruit rots of apples, blueberries, and strawberries in Kentucky orchards where these fruits grow in close proximity. This raises the possibility of cross-infection, which may have significant management implications. The potential occurrence of cross-infection was investigated by using telomere fingerprinting to identify C. fioriniae clones in several mixed-fruit orchards. Telomere fingerprints were highly polymorphic among a test group of C. fioriniae strains and effectively defined clonal lineages. Fingerprints were compared among apple, blueberry, and strawberry isolates of C. fioriniae from three different orchards and similarity matrices were calculated to build phylograms for each orchard group. Multiple clonal lineages of C. fioriniae were identified within each orchard on the same fruit host. Related lineages were found among isolates from different hosts, but the results did not provide direct evidence for cross-infection of different fruit species by the same clones. Recovery of the same clonal lineages within orchards across multiple years suggested that local dispersal was important in pathogen population structure and that C. fioriniae strains persisted within orchards over time. Isolates from blueberry were less diverse than isolates from apple, perhaps related to more intensive anthracnose management protocols on apple versus blueberry. Telomere fingerprinting is a valuable tool for understanding population dynamics of Colletotrichum fruit rot fungi.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Alternaria spp. Isolated from European Pears
Authors: DeShields Joseph B. , KC Achala N.
Published: January 2021

In a recent survey of post-harvest rot pathogens in European pear in Southern Oregon, Alternaria spp. were frequently isolated from orchard samples of pear flowers and fruits. Morphological differences were observed within the isolated cultures. A preliminary NCBI BLAST search analysis using sequences of the ATPase locus across 94 isolates of Alternaria spp. obtained from pear fruit rots revealed three major Alternaria sections: sect. Alternata, sect. Infectoriae, and sect. Ulocladioides. Thirteen isolates were selected based on their genetic and morphological diversity across three Alternaria sections and were subjected to multilocus phylogenetic analysis using sequences from plasma membrane ATPase, calmodulin, and Alt a1 loci. Within sect. Alternata, four Alternaria arborescens isolates and one A. destruens isolate were identified; within sections Infectoriae and Ulocladioides, one A. rosae isolate and two A. botrytis isolates were identified, respectively. The remaining five isolates could not be identified based on the available sequences for the three loci used in this study. In addition to the phylogenetic analysis, pathogenicity assays revealed differential responses to these isolates on four pear cultivars: Anjou, Bartlett, Comice, and Bosc. Inoculation of isolates within Alternaria sect. Alternata resulted in fruit lesions across all cultivars, with Bosc pear being significantly susceptible (P < 0.0001). Isolates within Alternaria sect. Ulocladioides caused rots on Anjou and Bosc pears, while isolates within Alternaria sect. Infectoriae developed rots on Bosc pear only. This study suggests that there is differential susceptibility of pear cultivars to Alternaria rots, and the severity of post-harvest rot depends on the type of Alternaria spp. and cultivar predominant in a region.
Impact of socio-economic traditions on current tobacco and tea addictions (Siberia 17th to 20th century)
Authors: Macé Matthias , Richeval Camille , Romanova Liubomira , Gérard Patrice , Duchesne Sylvie , Cannet Catherine , Boyarskikh Irina , Gérault Annie , Zvénigorosky Vincent , Nikolaeva Darya , Stepanoff Charles , Allorge Delphine , Debrenne Michele , Ludes Bertrand , Alexeev Anatoly , Gaulier Jean-Michel , Crubézy Eric
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate how tobacco and tea spread among virgin populations and how the first addictions have subsequently influenced the behavior of present-day populations.

Design

Retrospective observational study using data from frozen burials and levels of theobromine, theophylline, caffeine, nicotine, and cotinine measured in hair samples from frozen bodies of autochthonous people. Confrontation of the results with new ethnobotanical, historical and cultural data from the past and with present day epidemiological data from the same region.

Setting

Eastern Siberia (Yakutia) from the contact with Europeans (17th century) to the assimilation of people into Russian society (19th century).

Participants

47 frozen bodies of autochthonous people from eastern Siberia and a review of present-day populations from Yakutia

Intervention

Levels of theobromine, theophylline, caffeine, nicotine, and cotinine were measured in hair samples. Along with the collection of cultural data associated with the bodies, potential comorbidities were investigated.

Main outcome measure

We combined LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS tools for toxicological investigations in hair and we assessed the association between xenobiotic concentrations and geography using several permutation-based methods to infer the economic circuits of tobacco and tea. Comparison of the results obtained with ethno-botanical analyses allowed to identify the products from which the metabolites were derived.

Results

Hair levels of theobromine, theophylline and caffeine vary with the type of beverage consumed: green, black or local herbal teas. At the beginning of our study period, a few heavy consumers of tobacco were found among light or passive consumers. Tobacco-related co-morbidities began to be recorded one century after contact with Europeans. Heavy tea users were only found from the 19th century and the heaviest users of the two substances date from this century. After the first contact, teas were widely consumed as beverages and medicines but also for shamanic reasons. Economic factors, fashion and social and family contacts seem to have played a decisive role in tobacco consumption very early on.

Conclusion

Epidemiological characteristics of present-day Yakutia suggest that the high prevalence of smokers and tea consumers, the prevalence of female smokers and tobacco use in the north, find their origins in the diffusion phenomena of the 18th and 19th century. Behavioral evolution governed the process of substance integration and was determinant for the continuity of use of these substances over a long period of time.