bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discontinuation of direct oral anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation according to gender and cohabitation status: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Binding Casper , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Lee Christina Ji-Young , Lip Gregory Y H , Sindet-Pedersen Caroline , Gislason Gunnar , Bonde Anders Nissen
Published: August 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of discontinuing treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) according to cohabitation status and gender.

Methods and results

Using the Danish national registers, we identified 32 364 patients with AF aged 40–90 years undergoing treatment with DOACs. The study period was from 2013 to 2017, and patients were followed for 2 years, or until death, outcome, or emigration. The main outcome was discontinuation of DOAC treatment for at least 30 days. The absolute 2-year risk of DOAC discontinuation was highest among men living alone [35.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 37.3–34.1%]. Men living alone had a 4.6% (95% CI: 6.4–2.8%) higher absolute risk of discontinuation and a 12% [hazard ratio (HR): 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.20] higher relative risk of discontinuation compared with men living with a partner. Female patients living alone likewise had a higher absolute risk of DOAC discontinuation (2.6%, 95% CI: 4.4–0.09%) compared with female patients living with a partner, yet no statistically significant difference in relative risk. In an analysis evaluating gender, we found male gender to be associated with a significantly higher relative risk of DOAC discontinuation (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.26–1.40) compared with female gender (P-value for interaction with cohabitant status = 0.5996).

Conclusion

In this nationwide population study, male gender and living alone were associated with a higher risk of DOAC discontinuation among patients with AF.
Expression of 42 kDa chitinase of Trichoderma asperellum (Ta-CHI42) from a synthetic gene in Escherichia coli
Authors: Luong Nguyen Ngoc , Tien Nguyen Quang Duc , Huy Nguyen Xuan , Tue Nguyen Hoang , Man Le Quang , Sinh Duong Duc Hoang , Van Thanh Dang , Chi Duong Thi Kim , Hoa Phung Thi Bich , Loc Nguyen Hoang
Published: August 2021

Chitinases are enzymes that catalyze the degradation of chitin, a major component of the cell walls of pathogenic fungi and cuticles of insects, gaining increasing attention for the control of fungal pathogens and insect pests. Production of recombinant chitinase in a suitable host can result in a more pure product with less processing time and a significantly larger yield than that produced by native microorganisms. The present study aimed to express the synthetic chi42 gene (syncodChi42), which was optimized from the chi42 gene of Trichoderma asperellum SH16, in Escherichia coli to produce 42 kDa chitinase (Ta-CHI42); then determined the activity of this enzyme, characterizations and in vitro antifungal activity as well as its immunogenicity in mice. The results showed that Ta-CHI42 was overexpressed in E. coli. Analysis of the colloidal chitin hydrolytic activity of purified Ta-CHI42 on an agar plate revealed that this enzyme was in a highly active form. This is a neutral chitinase with pH stability in a range of 6–8 and has an optimum temperature of 45°C with thermal stability in a range of 25–35°C. The chitinolytic activity of Ta-CHI42 was almost completely abolished by 5 mM Zn2+ or 1% SDS, whereas it remained about haft under the effect of 1 M urea, 1% Triton X-100 or 5 mM Cu2+. Except for ions such as Mn2+ and Ca2+ at 5 mM that have enhanced chitinolytic activity; 5 mM of Na+, Fe2+ or Mg2+ ions or 1 mM EDTA negatively impacted the enzyme. Ta-CHI42 at 60 U/mL concentration strongly inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger. Analysis of western blot indicated that the polyclonal antibody against Ta-CHI42 was greatly produced in mice. It can be used to analyze the expression of the syncodChi42 gene in transgenic plants, through immunoblotting assays, for resistance to pathogenic fungi.
The “Chinese Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of the Chinese Modified Triplet Combination with Irinotecan (CPT-11), Oxaliplatin (LOHP), Continuous Infusion 5-Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin for Colorectal Cancer”
Authors: Deng Yanhong ,   Chinese Southwest Oncology Group - the Committee of Colorectal Cancer
Published: August 2021

Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in China. The FOLFOXIRI regimen, which combines 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan, is a high-intensity and highly effective chemotherapy regimen. However, the original regimen is poorly tolerated in Chinese patients. In order to promote the standardization and rational application of FOLFOXIRI regimen by clinicians in China, the “Chinese Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of the Chinese Modified Triplet Combination with Irinotecan (CPT-11), Oxaliplatin (LOHP), Continuous Infusion 5-Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin for Colorectal Cancer” was formulated by the Committee of Colorectal Cancer in Chinese Southwest Oncology Group. Based on the mechanism underlying the combined three drugs and toxicity profile, the dosage of Chinese modified FOLFOXIRI (cmFOLFOXIRI) regimen and the management of adverse reactions are proposed. This consensus recommended that the FOLFOXIRI regimen be used in neoadjuvant, conversion, and palliative therapy for colorectal cancer under specific conditions. This consensus aimed to drive the application of cmFOLFOXIRI in the field of colorectal cancer in order to bring benefits to colorectal cancer patients.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of a 900-Year-Old Human Skeleton Supports Two Past Migration Events from the Russian Far East to Northern Japan
Authors: Sato Takehiro , Adachi Noboru , Kimura Ryosuke , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Yoneda Minoru , Oota Hiroki , Tajima Atsushi , Toyoda Atsushi , Kanzawa-Kiriyama Hideaki , Matsumae Hiromi , Koganebuchi Kae , Shimizu Kentaro K , Shinoda Ken-ichi , Hanihara Tsunehiko , Weber Andrzej , Kato Hirofumi , Ishida Hajime
Published: August 2021

Recent studies on paleogenomics have reported some Paleolithic and Neolithic genomes that have provided new insights into the human population history in East and Northeast Asia. However, there remain some cases where more recent migration events need to be examined to elucidate the detailed formation process of local populations. Although the area around northern Japan is one of the regions archaeologically suggested to have been affected by migration waves after the Neolithic period, the genetic source of these migrations are still unclear. Thus, genomic data from such past migrant populations would be highly informative to clarify the detailed formation process of local populations in this region. Here, we report the genome sequence of a 900-year-old adult female (NAT002) belonging to the prehistoric Okhotsk people, who have been considered to be the past migrants to northern Japan after the Neolithic period. We found a close relationship between NAT002 and modern Lower Amur populations and past admixture events between the Amur, Jomon, and Kamchatka ancestries. The admixture dating suggested migration of Amur-related ancestry at approximately 1,600 BP, which is compatible with the archaeological evidence regarding the settlement of the Okhotsk people. Our results also imply migration of Kamchatka-related ancestry at approximately 2,000 BP. In addition, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing detected the HLA-B*40 allele, which is reported to increase the risk of arthritis, suggesting the genetic vulnerability of NAT002 to hyperostosis, which was observed around her chest clavicle.
Demographic History of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) on Hokkaido Island, Japan, Based on Whole-Genomic Sequence Analysis
Authors: Endo Yu , Osada Naoki , Mano Tsutomu , Masuda Ryuichi
Published: August 2021

Previous studies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) on Hokkaido Island, Japan, have detected three geographically distinct subpopulations representing different mitochondrial lineages and shown that gene flow between subpopulations has occurred due to male-biased dispersal. In this study, we determined whole-genomic sequences for six Hokkaido brown bears and analyzed these data along with previously published genomic sequences of 17 brown bears from other parts of the world. We found that the Hokkaido population is genetically distinct from the other populations, keeping genetic diversity higher than the endangered populations in western Europe but lower than most populations on the continents. A reconstruction of historical demography showed no increase in population size for the Hokkaido population during the Eemian interglacial period (130,000–114,000 years ago). In a phylogenetic analysis of the autosomal data, the Hokkaido population formed a clade distinct from North American and European populations, showing that it has maintained genetic diversity independently from continental populations following geographical isolation on the island. This autosomal genetic similarity contrasts with the geographically separate mitochondrial lineages on Hokkaido and indicates the occurrence of male-driven gene flow between subpopulations.
Association Between Physical Activity, Quadriceps Muscle Performance, and Biological Characteristics of Very Old Men and Women
Authors: Varesco Giorgio , Coudy-Gandilhon Cécile , Lapole Thomas , Decourt Alice , Gueugneau Marine , Barthélémy Jean-Claude , Roche Frédéric , Bechet Daniel , Féasson Léonard , Rozand Vianney
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between physical activity, knee extensors (KE) performance (ie, isometric strength and fatigability), and biological parameters (ie, muscle structural, microvascular, and metabolic properties) in healthy very old men and women. Thirty very old adults (82 ± 1 years, 15 women) performed an isometric Quadriceps Intermittent Fatigue (QIF) test for the assessment of KE maximal force, total work (index of absolute performance), and fatigability. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were collected to assess muscle fibers type and morphology, microvasculature, and enzymes activity. Correlation analyses were used to investigate the relationships between physical activity (steps/day, actimetry), KE performance, and biological data for each sex separately. Men, compared to women, showed greater total work at the QIF test (44 497 ± 8 629 Ns vs 26 946 ± 4 707 Ns; p < .001). Steps per day were correlated with total work only for women (r = 0.73, p = .011). In men, steps per day were correlated with the percentage (r = 0.57, p = .033), shape factor (r = 0.75, p = .002), and capillary tortuosity of type IIX fibers (r = 0.59, p = .035). No other relevant correlations were observed for men or women between steps per day and biological parameters. Physical activity level was positively associated with the capacity of very old women to perform a fatiguing test, but not maximal force production capacity of the KE. Physical activity of very old men was not correlated with muscle performance. We suggest that very old women could be at higher risk of autonomy loss and increasing the steps per day count could provide a sufficient stimulus for adaptations in less active women.
Frequency-dependent anisotropy due to non-orthogonal sets of mesoscale fractures in porous media
Authors: Shuai Da , Stovas Alexey , Zhao Yang , Huang Xingxing , He Lingyi
Published: August 2021

The monoclinic medium with a horizontal symmetry plane is gradually being studied for seismic anisotropy characterization. The principle goal of this paper is to investigate the effect of fracture parameters (azimuth angle, density, aspect ratio, scale) on the exact and approximate monoclinic anisotropy parameters. We derive the monoclinic porous media based on the Chapman model which accounts for the wave-induced fluid flow and give the expressions of the Thomsen-style anisotropy parameters (nine orthorhombic anisotropy parameters: VP0, VS0, ϵ1, ϵ2, γ1, γ2, δ1, δ2, δ3, three exact monoclinic parameters: ζ1, ζ2, ζ3 and three approximate monoclinic parameters: $\widetilde{\zeta _{1}}, \widetilde{\zeta _{2}}, \widetilde{\zeta _{3}}$). The dependence of Thomsen-style anisotropy parameters associated with azimuth angle between two fracture sets is analysed. The orthorhombic anisotropy parameters and monoclinic anisotropy parameters have the same period (π) on the azimuth angle between two fracture sets. The exact and approximate monoclinic anisotropy parameters responsible for the rotation of the P-wave NMO ellipse have a similar trend versus the azimuth angle, while those responsible for the rotation of the S1- and S2-wave NMO ellipses have significant discriminations. The influence of fracture density, aspect ratio, and scale on the monoclinic parameters are also analysed. The monoclinic anisotropy parameters responsible for the rotation of the P-wave NMO ellipse decrease with fracture density and aspect ratio increasing from 0 to 0.1, while those responsible for the rotation of S1- and S2-wave NMO ellipses increase with the fracture parameters. The fracture density has a bigger influence on the monoclinic anisotropy parameters than the fracture aspect ratio. When saturated with different fluids (water and CO2), the monoclinic parameters have a similar behaviour versus the azimuth angle between two fracture sets.
Key role of a structural water molecule for the specificity of 14F7—An antitumor antibody targeting the NeuGc GM3 ganglioside
Authors: Bjerregaard-Andersen Kaare , Abraha Fana , Johannesen Hedda , Oscarson Stefan , Moreno Ernesto , Krengel Ute
Published: August 2021

Tumor-associated glycolipids such as NeuGc GM3 are auspicious molecular targets in antineoplastic therapies and vaccine strategies. 14F7 is a monoclonal IgG1 with high clinical potential in cancer immunotherapy as it displays extraordinary specificity for NeuGc GM3, while it does not recognize the very similar, ubiquitous NeuAc GM3. Here we present the 2.3 Å crystal structure of the 14F7 antigen-binding domain (14F7 scFv) in complex with the NeuGc GM3 trisaccharide. Modeling analysis and previous mutagenesis data suggest that 14F7 may also bind to an alternative NeuGc GM3 conformation, not observed in the crystal structure. The most intriguing finding, however, was that a water molecule centrally placed in the complementarity-determining region directly mediates the specificity of 14F7 to NeuGc GM3. This has profound impact on the complexity of engineering in the binding site and provides an excellent example of the importance in understanding the water structure in antibody–antigen interactions.
Accounting for country- and time-specific values in the economic evaluation of health-related projects relevant to low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Lomas James , Claxton Karl , Ochalek Jessica
Published: August 2021

Economic evaluation of health-related projects requires principles and methods to address the various trade-offs that need to be made between costs and benefits, across sectors and social objectives, and over time. Existing guidelines for economic evaluation in low- and middle-income countries embed implicit assumptions about expected changes in the marginal cost per unit of health produced by the healthcare sector, the consumption value of health and the appropriate discount rates for health and consumption. Separating these evaluation parameters out requires estimates for each country over time, which have hitherto been unavailable. We present a conceptual economic evaluation framework that aims to clarify the distinct roles of these different evaluation parameters in evaluating a health-related project. Estimates for each are obtained for each country and in each time period, based on available empirical evidence. Where existing estimates are not available, for future values of the marginal cost per unit of health produced by the healthcare sector, new estimates are obtained following a practical method for obtaining projected values. The framework is applied to a simple, hypothetical, illustrative example, and the results from our preferred approach are compared against those obtained from other approaches informed by the assumptions implicit within existing guidelines. This exposes the consequences of applying such assumptions, which are not supported by available evidence, in terms of potentially sub-optimal decisions. In general, we find that applying existing guidelines as done in conventional practice likely underestimates the value of health-related projects on account of not allowing for expected growth in the marginal cost per unit of health produced by the healthcare sector.
Body Caudal Undulation Measured by Soft Sensors and Emulated by Soft Artificial Muscles
Authors: Schwab Fabian , Lunsford Elias T , Hong Taehwa , Wiesemüller Fabian , Kovac Mirko , Park Yong-Lae , Akanyeti Otar , Liao James C , Jusufi Ardian
Published: August 2021

We propose the use of bio-inspired robotics equipped with soft sensor technologies to gain a better understanding of the mechanics and control of animal movement. Soft robotic systems can be used to generate new hypotheses and uncover fundamental principles underlying animal locomotion and sensory capabilities, which could subsequently be validated using living organisms. Physical models increasingly include lateral body movements, notably back and tail bending, which are necessary for horizontal plane undulation in model systems ranging from fish to amphibians and reptiles. We present a comparative study of the use of physical modeling in conjunction with soft robotics and integrated soft and hyperelastic sensors to monitor local pressures, enabling local feedback control, and discuss issues related to understanding the mechanics and control of undulatory locomotion. A parallel approach combining live animal data with biorobotic physical modeling promises to be beneficial for gaining a better understanding of systems in motion.
Effective Kummer Theory for Elliptic Curves
Authors: Lombardo Davide , Tronto Sebastiano
Published: August 2021

Let $E$ be an elliptic curve defined over a number field $K$, let $\alpha \in E(K)$ be a point of infinite order, and let $N^{-1}\alpha $ be the set of $N$-division points of $\alpha $ in $E(\overline {K})$. We prove strong effective and uniform results for the degrees of the Kummer extensions $[K(E[N],N^{-1}\alpha ): K(E[N])]$. When $K=\mathbb Q$, and under a minimal (necessary) assumption on $\alpha $, we show that the inequality $[\mathbb Q(E[N],N^{-1}\alpha ): \mathbb Q(E[N])] \geq cN^2$ holds for a positive constant $c$ independent of both $E$ and $\alpha $.
Integrable Systems on Singular Symplectic Manifolds: From Local to Global
Authors: Cardona Robert , Miranda Eva
Published: August 2021

In this article, we consider integrable systems on manifolds endowed with symplectic structures with singularities of order one. These structures are symplectic away from a hypersurface where the symplectic volume goes either to infinity or to zero transversally, yielding either a $b$-symplectic form or a folded symplectic form. The hypersurface where the form degenerates is called critical set. We give a new impulse to the investigation of the existence of action-angle coordinates for these structures initiated in [34] and [35] by proving an action-angle theorem for folded symplectic integrable systems. Contrary to expectations, the action-angle coordinate theorem for folded symplectic manifolds cannot be presented as a cotangent lift as done for symplectic and $b$-symplectic forms in [34]. Global constructions of integrable systems are provided and obstructions for the global existence of action-angle coordinates are investigated in both scenarios. The new topological obstructions found emanate from the topology of the critical set $Z$ of the singular symplectic manifold. The existence of these obstructions in turn implies the existence of singularities for the integrable system on $Z$.
Clinical Cholera Surveillance Sensitivity in Bangladesh and Implications for Large-Scale Disease Control
Authors: Hegde Sonia T , Lee Elizabeth C , Islam Khan Ashraful , Lauer Stephen A , Islam Md Taufiqul , Rahman Bhuiyan Taufiqur , Lessler Justin , Azman Andrew S , Qadri Firdausi , Gurley Emily S
Published: August 2021

Background

A surveillance system that is sensitive to detecting high burden areas is critical for achieving widespread disease control. In 2014, Bangladesh established a nationwide, facility-based cholera surveillance system for Vibrio cholerae infection. We sought to measure the sensitivity of this surveillance system to detect cases to assess whether cholera elimination targets outlined by the Bangladesh national control plan can be adequately measured.

Methods

We overlaid maps of nationally representative annual V cholerae seroincidence onto maps of the catchment areas of facilities where confirmatory laboratory testing for cholera was conducted, and we identified its spatial complement as surveillance greyspots, areas where cases likely occur but go undetected. We assessed surveillance system sensitivity and changes to sensitivity given alternate surveillance site selection strategies.

Results

We estimated that 69% of Bangladeshis (111.7 million individuals) live in surveillance greyspots and that 23% (25.5 million) of these individuals live in areas with the highest V cholerae infection rates.

Conclusions

The cholera surveillance system in Bangladesh has the ability to monitor progress towards cholera elimination goals among 31% of the country’s population, which may be insufficient for accurately measuring progress. Increasing surveillance coverage, particularly in the highest risk areas, should be considered.
Gaps Between Continuous Measurement Methods: A Longitudinal Study of Perceived Usability
Authors: Wang Yuhui
Published: August 2021

The available continuous measurement designs for longitudinal research on perceived usability include immediate and retrospective measurement methods. The present study was conducted to examine the gap between different continuous measurement designs. Thirty users completed a longitudinal study on typesetting software. We used two measurement methods to design three stages of testing. Each stage consists of one immediate measurement and two retrospective measurements. A long-term retrospective test was also conducted and SUS questionnaire measurements were gathered. We observed significant differences in perceived usability between participants with varying quantities of event experiences (i.e. the number of times they used the system). Within short periods of time (3 days), there may be significant differences between retrospective and immediate assessments—especially when users make negative evaluations. In the 3-day period, the user’s perceived usability retrospective evaluation is also based on the most recent experience as opposed to the most unpleasant. The recency effect is lost, however, over a long-term retrospective assessment (1 month later). This study is significant for two main reasons: (i) its unique methodology and (ii) its unprecedented level of consistency between measured results and actual user experiences. We hope that the results presented here provide a workable basis for continuous measurement design in future longitudinal studies. We found that in order to secure accurate measurements, it is necessary to set limits on the measurement time and the number of uses (events).
Optimal dose and safety of molnupiravir in patients with early SARS-CoV-2: a Phase I, open-label, dose-escalating, randomized controlled study
Authors: Khoo Saye H , Fitzgerald Richard , Fletcher Thomas , Ewings Sean , Jaki Thomas , Lyon Rebecca , Downs Nichola , Walker Lauren , Tansley-Hancock Olana , Greenhalf William , Woods Christie , Reynolds Helen , Marwood Ellice , Mozgunov Pavel , Adams Emily , Bullock Katie , Holman Wayne , Bula Marcin D , Gibney Jennifer L , Saunders Geoffrey , Corkhill Andrea , Hale Colin , Thorne Kerensa , Chiong Justin , Condie Susannah , Pertinez Henry , Painter Wendy , Wrixon Emma , Johnson Lucy , Yeats Sara , Mallard Kim , Radford Mike , Fines Keira , Shaw Victoria , Owen Andrew , Lalloo David G , Jacobs Michael , Griffiths Gareth
Published: August 2021

Objectives

AGILE is a Phase Ib/IIa platform for rapidly evaluating COVID-19 treatments. In this trial (NCT04746183) we evaluated the safety and optimal dose of molnupiravir in participants with early symptomatic infection.

Methods

We undertook a dose-escalating, open-label, randomized-controlled (standard-of-care) Bayesian adaptive Phase I trial at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Clinical Research Facility. Participants (adult outpatients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within 5 days of symptom onset) were randomized 2:1 in groups of 6 participants to 300, 600 and 800 mg doses of molnupiravir orally, twice daily for 5 days or control. A dose was judged unsafe if the probability of 30% or greater dose-limiting toxicity (the primary outcome) over controls was 25% or greater. Secondary outcomes included safety, clinical progression, pharmacokinetics and virological responses.

Results

Of 103 participants screened, 18 participants were enrolled between 17 July and 30 October 2020. Molnupiravir was well tolerated at 300, 600 and 800 mg doses with no serious or severe adverse events. Overall, 4 of 4 (100%), 4 of 4 (100%) and 1 of 4 (25%) of the participants receiving 300, 600 and 800 mg molnupiravir, respectively, and 5 of 6 (83%) controls, had at least one adverse event, all of which were mild (≤grade 2). The probability of ≥30% excess toxicity over controls at 800 mg was estimated at 0.9%.

Conclusions

Molnupiravir was safe and well tolerated; a dose of 800 mg twice daily for 5 days was recommended for Phase II evaluation.
Tebipenem as an oral alternative for the treatment of typhoid caused by XDRSalmonellaTyphi
Authors: Mylona Elli , Voong Vinh Phat , Qureshi Sonia , Karkey Abhilasha , Dongol Sabina , Ha Thanh Tuyen , Walson Judd , Ballell Lluis , Fernández Álvaro Elena , Qamar Farah , Baker Stephen
Published: August 2021

Background

Antimicrobial therapy is essential for the treatment of enteric fever, the infection caused by Salmonella serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A. However, an increase in resistance to key antimicrobials and the emergence of MDR and XDR in Salmonella Typhi poses a major threat for efficacious outpatient treatments.

Objectives

We recently identified tebipenem, an oral carbapenem licensed for use for respiratory tract infections in Japan, as a potential alternative treatment for MDR/XDR Shigella spp. Here, we aimed to test the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of this drug against MDR and XDR typhoidal Salmonella.

Methods

We determined the in vitro activity of tebipenem in time–kill assays against a collection of non-XDR and XDR Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A (non-XDR) isolated in Nepal and Bangladesh. We also tested the efficacy of tebipenem in combination with other antimicrobials.

Results

We found that both XDR and non-XDR Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A are susceptible to tebipenem, exhibiting low MICs, and were killed within 8–24 h at 2–4×MIC. Additionally, tebipenem demonstrated synergy with two other antimicrobials and could efficiently induce bacterial killing.

Conclusions

Salmonella Paratyphi A and XDR Salmonella Typhi display in vitro susceptibility to the oral carbapenem tebipenem, while synergistic activity with other antimicrobials may limit the emergence of resistance. The broad-spectrum activity of this drug against MDR/XDR organisms renders tebipenem a good candidate for clinical trials.
Public-Sector Honesty and Corruption: Field Evidence from 40 Countries
Authors: Sulitzeanu-Kenan Raanan , Tepe Markus , Yair Omer
Published: August 2021

This study presents a theoretical model of honest behavior in the public sector (public-sector honesty) and its relationship with corruption. We test this model empirically by utilizing and extending a unique data set of honest behavior of public- and private-sector workers across 40 countries, gathered in a field experiment conducted by Cohn et al. (N = 17,303). We find that public-sector honesty is determined by country-level societal culture and public-sector culture; public-sector honesty predicts corruption levels, independently from the effect of incentive structures—in line with the Becker–Stigler model. We find no support for a global mean difference in honest behavior between public- and private-sector workers, alongside substantive cross-country variation in sector differences in honest behavior. The emphasis assigned to honesty of public-sector workers within each country appears to be locally determined by the prevailing public-sector culture. These results imply that beyond cross-national variation in the scope of publicness, it is very content may vary across countries. Lastly, the results of this study consistently fail to support the selection thesis, and we discuss the practical implications of this result for anticorruption policy.
Mapping accreted stars in early-type galaxies across the mass–size plane
Authors: Davison Thomas A , Norris Mark A , Leaman Ryan , Kuntschner Harald , Boecker Alina , van de Ven Glenn
Published: August 2021

Galaxy mergers are instrumental in dictating the final mass, structure, stellar populations, and kinematics of galaxies. Cosmological galaxy simulations indicate that the most massive galaxies at z = 0 are dominated by high fractions of ‘ex-situ’ stars, which formed first in distinct independent galaxies, and then subsequently merged into the host galaxy. Using spatially resolved MUSE spectroscopy we quantify and map the ex-situ stars in thirteen massive early-type galaxies. We use full spectral fitting together with semi-analytic galaxy evolution models to isolate the signatures in the galaxies’ light which are indicative of ex-situ populations. Using the large MUSE field of view we find that all galaxies display an increase in ex-situ fraction with radius, with massive and more extended galaxies showing a more rapid increase in radial ex-situ fraction (reaching values between ∼30 per cent and 100 per cent at 2 effective radii) compared to less massive and more compact sources (reaching between ∼5 per cent and 40 per cent ex-situ fraction within the same radius). These results are in line with predictions from theory and simulations which suggest ex-situ fractions should increase significantly with radius at fixed mass for the most massive galaxies.
A new post-Newtonian long-term precession model for the Earth
Authors: Tang K , Soffel M , Tao J H , Tang Z H
Published: August 2021

Long-term precession represents the secular motion of the Earth’s axis for a long time interval. In 2015, we calculated the Earth’s long-term precession in a relativistic framework. However, our previous works involving the ecliptic in the Geocentric Celestial Reference System are deficient, because the natural definition of this ecliptic is still ambiguous. To obtain a long-term precession model in accordance with general relativity, improvements are made including the following: all calculations are no longer carried out in the reference related to any ecliptic; a new hybrid integrator is designed and used for this precession model; ecliptic-independent precession parameters are calculated and provided. A detailed comparison analysis is performed to estimate the importance of various relativistic influences on the precession parameters. Valid within the interval of $\pm 1\,$Myr around J2000.0, a consistent post-Newtonian long-term precession model for the Earth has been achieved and is presented here.
Very Large Array imaging rules out precessing radio jets in three DES–SDSS-selected candidate periodic quasars
Authors: Chen Yu-Ching , Liu Xin , Liao Wei-Ting , Guo Hengxiao
Published: August 2021

Periodic quasars have been suggested as candidates for hosting binary supermassive black holes (SMBHs), although alternative scenarios remain possible to explain the optical light-curve periodicity. To test the alternative hypothesis of precessing radio jet, we present deep 6 GHz radio imaging conducted with NSF’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in its C configuration for the three candidate periodic quasars, DES J024703.24−010032.0, DES J024944.66−000036.8, and DES J025214.67−002813.7. Our targets were selected based on their optical variability using 20 yr long multicolour light curves from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The new VLA observations show that all three periodic quasars are radio-quiet with the radio loudness parameters measured to be $R\equiv f_{6\, {\rm cm}}/f_{{\rm 2500}}$ of ≲1.0–1.5 and the k-corrected luminosities νLν[6 GHz] of ≲5–21 × 1039 erg s−1. They are in stark contrast to previously known periodic quasars proposed as binary SMBH candidates such as the blazar OJ 287 and PG1302−102. Our results rule out optical emission contributed from precessing radio jets as the origin of the optical periodicity in the three DES–SDSS-selected candidate periodic quasars. Future continued optical monitoring and complementary multiwavelength observations are still needed to further test the binary SMBH hypothesis as well as other competing scenarios to explain the optical periodicity.
A holistic review of a galactic interaction
Authors: Grion Filho Douglas , Johnston Kathryn V , Poggio Eloisa , Laporte Chervin F P , Drimmel Ronald , D’Onghia Elena
Published: August 2021

Our situation as occupants of the Milky Way (MW) Galaxy, bombarded by the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy, provides an intimate view of physical processes that can lead to the dynamical heating of a galactic disc. While this evolution is instigated by Sagittarius, it is also driven by the intertwined influences of the dark matter halo and the disc itself. We analyse an N-body simulation following a Sagittarius-like galaxy interacting with a MW-like host to disentangle these different influences during the stages of a minor merger. The accelerations in the disc plane from each component are calculated for each snapshot in the simulation, and then decomposed into Fourier series on annuli. The analysis maps quantify and compare the scales of the individual contributions over space and through time: (i) accelerations due to the satellite are only important around disc passages; (ii) the influence around these passages is enhanced and extended by the distortion of the dark matter halo; (iii) the interaction drives disc asymmetries within and perpendicular to the plane and the self-gravity of these distortions increase in importance with time eventually leading to the formation of a bar. These results have interesting implications for identifying different influences within our own Galaxy. Currently, Sagittarius is close enough to a plane crossing to search for localized signatures of its effect at intermediate radii, the distortion of the MW’s dark matter halo should leave its imprint in the outer disc and the disc’s own self-consistent response is sculpting the intermediate and inner disc.
Addressing feasibility challenges to delivering intradialytic exercise interventions: a theory-informed qualitative study
Authors: Castillo Gisell , Presseau Justin , Wilson Mackenzie , Cook Charles , Field Bonnie , Garg Amit X , McIntyre Christopher , Molnar Amber O , Hogeterp Betty , Thornley Michelle , Thompson Stephanie , MacRae Jennifer M , Bohm Clara
Published: August 2021

Background

Intradialytic exercise (IDE) may improve physical function and health-related quality of life. However, incorporating IDE into standard hemodialysis care has been slow due to feasibility challenges. We conducted a multicenter qualitative feasibility study to identify potential barriers and enablers to IDE and generate potential solutions to these factors.

Methods

We conducted 43 semistructured interviews with healthcare providers and patients across 12 hospitals in Ontario, Canada. We used the Theoretical Domains Framework and directed content analysis to analyze the data.

Results

We identified eight relevant domains (knowledge, skills, beliefs about consequences, beliefs about capabilities, environmental context and resources, goals, social/professional role and identity, and social influences) represented by three overarching categories: knowledge, skills and expectations: lack of staff expertise to oversee exercise, uncertainty regarding exercise risks, benefits and patient interest, lack of knowledge regarding exercise eligibility; human, material and logistical resources: staff concerns regarding workload, perception that exercise professionals should supervise IDE, space, equipment and scheduling conflict concerns; and social dynamics of the unit: local champions and patient stories contribute to IDE sustainability. We developed a list of actionable solutions by mapping barriers and enablers to behavior change techniques. We also developed a feasibility checklist of 47 questions identifying key factors to address prior to IDE launch.

Conclusions

Evidence-based solutions to identified barriers to and enablers of IDE and a feasibility checklist may help recruit and support units, staff and patients and address key challenges to the delivery of IDE in diverse clinical and research settings.
Acidic open-cage solution containing basic cage-confined nanospaces for multipurpose catalysis
Authors: Li Kang , Wu Kai , Fan Yan-Zhong , Guo Jing , Lu Yu-Lin , Wang Yuan-Fan , Maurin Guillaume , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: August 2021

The nanoscale chemical spaces inherent in porous organic/coordination cages or solid/liquid materials have been continuously explored for their nanoconfinement effect on selective adsorption and reaction of small gas or organic molecules. Herein, we aim to rationalize the unconventional chemical reactivities motivated by the cage-confined nanospaces in aqueous solutions, where the robust yet permeable nanospaces defined by the open cages facilitate dynamic guest exchange and unusual chemical reactions. The high positive charges on [(Pd/Pt)6(RuL3)8]28+ nanocages drive imidazole–proton equilibrium to display a significantly perturbed pKa shift, creating cage-defined nanospaces in solution with distinct intrinsic basicity and extrinsic acidity. The supramolecular cage effect plays pivotal roles in elaborating robust solution nanospaces, controlling ingress-and-egress molecular processes through open-cage portals and endowing nanocages with transition-state stabilization, amphoteric reactivities and the phase transfer of insoluble molecules, thus promoting chemical transformations in unconventional ways. Consequently, a wide range of application of cage-confined catalysis with anomalous reactivities may be expected based on this kind of open-cage solution medium, which combines cage nanocavity, solution heterogeneity and liquid-phase fluidity to benefit various potential mass transfer and molecular process options.
Sources of Vaccine Hesitancy: Pregnancy, Infertility, Minority Concerns, and General Skepticism
Authors: Hsu Albert L , Johnson Traci , Phillips Lynelle , Nelson Taylor B
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic continues to evolve, with variants of concern and new surges of COVID-19 noted over the past months. The limited data and evolving recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy have led to some understandable hesitancy among pregnant individuals. On social media, misinformation and unfounded claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility are widespread, leading to vaccine skepticism among many men and women of reproductive age. The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, coupled with the unfortunate and troubled history of abuses of African Americans by the biomedical research community in the US, has also led to hesitancy and skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccines among some of our most vulnerable. The complex nature of vaccine hesitancy is evidenced by further divides between different demographic, political, age, geographical, and socioeconomic groups. Better understanding of these concerns is important in the individualized approaches to each patient.
Salicylic Acid Acts Antagonistically to Plastid Retrograde Signaling by Promoting the Accumulation of Photosynthesis-associated Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hirosawa Yoshihiro , Tada Akari , Matsuura Takakazu , Mori Izumi C , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Uehara Susumu , Ito-Inaba Yasuko , Inaba Takehito
Published: August 2021

Plastids are involved in phytohormone metabolism as well as photosynthesis. However, the mechanism by which plastid retrograde signals and phytohormones cooperatively regulate plastid biogenesis remains elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of an inhibitor and a mutation that generate biogenic plastid signals on phytohormones and vice versa. Inhibition of plastid biogenesis by norflurazon (NF) treatment and the plastid protein import2 (ppi2) mutation caused a decrease in salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). This effect can be attributed in part to the altered expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis and the metabolism of SA and JA. However, SA-dependent induction of the PATHOGENESIS-RELATED1 gene was virtually unaffected in NF-treated plants and the ppi2 mutant. Instead, the level of chlorophyll in these plants was partially restored by the exogenous application of SA. Consistent with this observation, the levels of some photosynthesis-associated proteins increased in the ppi2 and NF-treated plants in response to SA treatment. This regulation in true leaves seems to occur at the posttranscriptional level since SA treatment did not induce the expression of photosynthesis-associated genes. In salicylic acid induction deficient 2 and lesions simulating disease resistance 1 mutants, endogenous SA regulates the accumulation of photosynthesis-associated proteins through transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. These data indicate that SA acts antagonistically to the inhibition of plastid biogenesis by promoting the accumulation of photosynthesis-associated proteins in Arabidopsis, suggesting a possible link between SA and biogenic plastid signaling.
Opioid Use as a Predictor of Pain Outcomes in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with Chronic Pain: Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bushey Michael A , Wu Jingwei , Outcalt Samantha D , Krebs Erin E , Ang Dennis , Kline Matthew , Yu Zhangsheng , Bair Matthew J
Published: August 2021

Objective

Our objectives were to: 1) assess the relationship between self-reported opioid use and baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and pain outcomes; and 2) examine whether baseline opioid use moderated the intervention effect on outcomes at 9 months.

Design

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Evaluation of Stepped Care for Chronic Pain (ESCAPE) trial, which found stepped-care to be effective for chronic pain in military veterans.

Setting

A post-deployment clinic and five general medicine clinics at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center.

Subjects

In total 241 veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain; 220 with complete data at 9 months.

Methods

Examination of baseline relationships and multivariable linear regression to examine baseline opioid use as a moderator of pain-related outcomes including Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) Interference scale, and Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) at 9 months.

Results

Veterans reporting baseline opioid use (n = 80) had significantly worse RMDQ (16.0 ± 4.9 vs. 13.4 ± 4.2, P < .0001), GCPS (68.7 ± 12.0 vs. 65.0 ± 14.4, P = .049), BPI Interference (6.2 ± 2.2 vs. 5.0 ± 2.1, P < .0001), and depression (PHQ-9 12.5 ± 6.2 vs. 10.6 ± 5.7, P = .016) compared to veterans not reporting baseline opioid use. Using multivariable modeling we found that baseline opioid use moderated the intervention effect on pain-related disability (RMDQ) at 9 months (interaction Beta = −3.88, P = .0064) but not pain intensity or interference.

Conclusions

In a stepped-care trial for pain, patients reporting baseline opioid use had greater improvement in pain disability at 9 months compared to patients not reporting opioid use.
Unstable Belief Formation and Slowed Decision-making: Evidence That the Jumping-to-Conclusions Bias in Schizophrenia Is Not Linked to Impulsive Decision-making
Authors: Strube Wolfgang , Cimpianu Camelia Lucia , Ulbrich Miriam , Öztürk Ömer Faruk , Schneider-Axmann Thomas , Falkai Peter , Marshall Louise , Bestmann Sven , Hasan Alkomiet
Published: August 2021

Background

Jumping-to-conclusions (JTC) is a prominent reasoning bias in schizophrenia (SCZ). While it has been linked to not only psychopathological abnormalities (delusions and impulsive decision-making) but also unstable belief formation, its origin remains unclear. We here directly test to which extend JTC is associated with delusional ideation, impulsive decision-making, and unstable belief formation.

Methods

In total, 45 SCZ patients were compared with matched samples of 45 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 45 healthy controls (HC) as delusions and JTC also occur in other mental disorders and the general population. Participants performed a probabilistic beads task. To test the association of JTC with measures of delusions (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS]positive, PANSSpositive-factor, and Peter Delusions Inventory [PDI]), Bayesian linear regressions were computed. For the link between JTC and impulsive decision-making and unstable beliefs, we conducted between-group comparisons of “draws to decision” (DTD), “decision times” (DT), and “disconfirmatory evidence scores” (DES).

Results

Bayesian regression obtained no robust relationship between PDI and DTD (all |R2adj| ≤ .057, all P ≥ .022, all Bayes Factors [BF01] ≤ 0.046; α adj = .00833). Compared with MDD and HC, patients with SCZ needed more time to decide (significantly higher DT in ambiguous trials: all P ≤ .005, r2 ≥ .216; numerically higher DT in other trials). Further, SCZ had unstable beliefs about the correct source jar whenever unexpected changes in bead sequences (disconfirmatory evidence) occurred (compared with MDD: all P ≤ .004 and all r2 ≥ .232; compared with HC: numerically higher DES). No significant correlation was observed between DT and DTD (all P ≥ .050).

Conclusions

Our findings point toward a relationship of JTC with unstable belief formation and do not support the assumption that JTC is associated with impulsive decision-making.