bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tunable frequency selective surface integrated high isolation MIMO antenna for THz applications
Authors: Ashvanth Balu
Published: October 2022

A novel tunable triple stop band frequency selective surface (FSS) is designed and integrated with the multiple inputs multiple outputs (MIMO) antenna as an isolation structure to verify its validity. The proposed FSS renders excellent isolation characteristics for the reported MIMO system which is verified from the ECC and DG plot. In FSS, the graphene materials are attached at the end of three stubs to realize tuning over the respective bands. The center frequency of the attained triple bands shows an obvious shift from 2.2 to 2.4 THz, 3.15 to 3.5 THz, and 4.6 to 4.9 THz on increasing the chemical potential of graphene from 0 to 1.5 eV. The tuning range can be enhanced by further increasing the applied potential and hence its service might extend to multi or wideband MIMO systems. The proposed FSS unit cell achieves miniaturization to the level of 0.17
λ
o. The validity of the proposed FSS is tested with a linear array MIMO antenna. The designed MIMO antenna consists of two linear array antennas separated by 40 μm with each linear array is made up of three individual antenna elements. The introduction of FSS between the linear arrays provides the minimum isolation of 30 dB. The presented highly isolated linear array MIMO antenna realizes maximum efficiency and gain of 83%, 12.2 dBi respectively. The FSS unit cell structure is modeled and their electromagnetic characteristics are simulated by the 3D electromagnetic simulator CST Studio Suite. The auto meshing technology and frequency domain solver are used to acquire S-parameter. This wearable antenna is a significant component in tracking and monitoring systems including the miniaturized multiband antennas exhibiting stable radiation characteristics during bending, stretching, and crumpling conditions to suit military applications. Nowadays, wearable antennas are being designed for military applications by perfectly matching the industry requirements such as thin, low profile, lightweight, low maintenance, robust, conformal, easy integration into clothing without affecting the movement of the soldier.
𝚤Hall algebra of the projective line and 𝑞-Onsager algebra
Authors: Lu Ming , Ruan Shiquan , Wang Weiqiang
Published: October 2022

Theı\imathHall algebra of the projective line is by definition the twisted semi-derived Ringel-Hall algebra of the category of11-periodic complexes of coherent sheaves on the projective line. Thisı\imathHall algebra is shown to realize the universalqq-Onsager algebra (i.e.,ı\imathquantum group of split affineA1A_1type) in its Drinfeld type presentation. Theı\imathHall algebra of the Kronecker quiver was known earlier to realize the same algebra in its Serre type presentation. We then establish a derived equivalence which induces an isomorphism of these twoı\imathHall algebras, explaining the isomorphism of theqq-Onsager algebra under the two presentations.
Kähler-Ricci flow for deformed complex structures
Authors: Tian Gang , Zhang Liang , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: October 2022

Let

(
M
,

J
0

)

(M,J_0)

be a Fano manifold which admits a Kähler-Ricci soliton, we analyze the behavior of Kähler-Ricci flow near this soliton as we deform the complex structure

J
0

J_0

. First, we will establish an inequality of Lojasiewicz’s type for Perelman’s entropy along the Kähler-Ricci flow. Then we prove the convergence of Kähler-Ricci flow when the complex structure associated to the initial value lies in the kernel

Z
Z

or negative part of the second variation operator of Perelman’s entropy. As applications, we solve the Yau-Tian-Donaldson conjecture for the existence of Kähler-Ricci solitons in the moduli space of complex structures near

J
0

J_0

, and we show that the kernel

Z
Z

corresponds to the local moduli space of Fano manifolds which are modified

K
K

-semistable. We also prove a uniqueness theorem for Kähler-Ricci solitons.
Poisson approximation and Weibull asymptotics in the geometry of numbers
Authors: Björklund Michael , Gorodnik Alexander
Published: October 2022

Minkowski’s First Theorem and Dirichlet’s Approximation Theorem provide upper bounds on certain minima taken over lattice points contained in domains of Euclidean spaces. We study the distribution of such minima and show, under some technical conditions, that they exhibit Weibull asymptotics with respect to different natural measures on the space of unimodular lattices in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

. This follows from very general Poisson approximation results for shrinking targets which should be of independent interest. Furthermore, we show in the appendix that the logarithm laws of Kleinbock-Margulis [Invent. Math. 138 (1999), pp. 451–494], Khinchin and Gallagher [J. London Math. Soc. 37 (1962), pp. 387–390] can be deduced from our distributional results.
Asymptotics of singular values for quantum derivatives
Authors: Frank Rupert , Sukochev Fedor , Zanin Dmitriy
Published: October 2022

We obtain Weyl type asymptotics for the quantised derivative

\dj \mkern 1muf of a function

f
f

from the homgeneous Sobolev space

W
˙

d
1

(

R

d

)

\dot {W}^1_d(\mathbb {R}^d)

on

R

d

.

\mathbb {R}^d.

The asymptotic coefficient

‖
∇
f

‖

L
d

(

R

d

)

\|\nabla f\|_{L_d(\mathbb R^d)}

is equivalent to the norm of

\dj \mkern 1muf in the principal ideal

L

d
,
∞

,

\mathcal {L}_{d,\infty },

thus, providing a non-asymptotic, uniform bound on the spectrum of

\dj \mkern 1muf. Our methods are based on the

C

∗

C^{\ast }

-algebraic notion of the principal symbol mapping on

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

, as developed recently by the last two authors and collaborators.
Agent-based modeling predicts RAC1 is critical for ovarian cancer metastasis
Authors: Rivera Melanie , Toledo-Jacobo Leslie , Romero Elsa , Oprea Tudor I. , Moses Melanie E. , Hudson Laurie G. , Wandinger-Ness Angela , Grimes Martha M.
Published: October 2022

Manipulation of Rac1 expression and agent-based modeling pinpoint rate-limiting step(s) in ovarian metastasis. More rapid adhesion and intravasation with Rac1 overexpression predict higher tumor cell numbers in a shorter period of time reaching distant sites. Tumor cell crowding along blood vessels reduced cell numbers.
Insect Gap Junctions Could Be a Potential Target for Pest Management
Authors: Sharma Prem Chand , Negi Nitika , Thakur Himanshu , Battu Jabez Raju , Turnbull Matthew
Published: October 2022

Gap junctions are integral membrane proteins that play a role in cell-to-cell communication. They are coded by the functional genes called connexins in chordates and innexins in invertebrates. However, recently pannexins were also found in mammalian genomes, which are homologous to insect innexins. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) has different functions ranging from their role in ontogenesis to the transfer of intracellular signal molecules and minimizing the adverse effects of xenobiotics by dilution and steady-state catabolism. Perturbations of these gap junctions are known to promote cancers besides, and many tumor inducers reduce the functioning of these gap junctions. Insect gap junctions play a crucial role in the development of insects and perhaps might be one of the reasons for the success of insects on terrestrial habitats. Majority of the work on innexins was done on Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae), and its innexins regulate size of the central nervous system, embryonic gut formation, metamorphosis, and the fertility of germ lines in the reproductive system. There are several insecticides like cyclodienes, organochlorines, phenypyrazoles, synthetic pyrethroids, avermectins, milbemycins, oxadiazines, semicarbazones, meta-diamides, isoxazolines which target ion channels in the insects, but there is no evidence that supports the possible toxic effects of insecticides on insect gap junctions. In this review, we discuss the importance of insect gap junctions and how they could be a potential target for chemical pest management.
Novel Therapies on the Horizon of Hypertension Management
Authors: Blazek Olivia , Bakris George L
Published: October 2022

Background

The rates of uncontrolled hypertension, along with downstream cardiovascular outcomes, has been worsening in this country. Despite the plethora of antihypertensive medications on the market, the prevalence of resistant hypertension (RH) is estimated to be 13.7%. Therefore in addition to increased clinical education and focus on lifestyle management of hypertension and medication compliance, new therapies are needed to address this rise in hypertension.

Methods

A systematic review of the available medical literature was performed to identify emerging treatment options for RH.

Results

Six different pharmacologic classes and 2 procedural interventions were identified as being appropriate for review in this paper. The pharmacologic classes to be explored are non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, aminopeptidase A inhibitors, dual endothelin antagonists, aldosterone synthetase inhibitors, atrial natriuretic peptide inhibitors, and attenuators of hepatic angiotensinogen. Discussion of procedural interventions to lower blood pressure will focus on renal denervation and devices that increase carotid baroreceptor activity.

Conclusions

Promising medication and procedural interventions are being developed and studied to expand our treatment arsenal for patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension and RH.
Parental methylation mediates how progeny respond to environments of parents and of progeny themselves
Authors: Morgan Britany L , Donohue Kathleen
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Environments experienced by both parents and offspring influence progeny traits, but the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the balance of parental vs. progeny control of progeny phenotypes are not known. We tested whether DNA methylation in parents and/or progeny mediates responses to environmental cues experienced in both generations.

Methods

Using Arabidopsis thaliana, we manipulated parental and progeny DNA methylation both chemically, via 5-azacytidine, and genetically, via mutants of methyltransferase genes, then measured progeny germination responses to simulated canopy shade in parental and progeny generations.

Key Results

We first found that germination of offspring responded to parental but not seed demethylation. We further found that parental demethylation reversed the parental effect of canopy in seeds with low (Cvi-1) to intermediate (Col) dormancy, but it obliterated the parental effect in seeds with high dormancy (Cvi-0). Demethylation did so by either suppressing germination of seeds matured under white-light (Cvi-1) or under canopy (Cvi-0), or by increasing the germination of seeds matured under canopy (Col). Disruption of parental methylation also prevented seeds from responding to their own light environment in one genotype (Cvi-0, most dormant), but it enabled seeds to respond to their own environment in another genotype (Cvi-1, least dormant). Using mutant genotypes, we found that both CG and non-CG DNA methylation were involved in parental effects on seed germination.

Conclusions

Parental methylation state influences seed germination more strongly than does the progeny’s own methylation state, and it influences how seeds respond to environments of parents and progeny in a genotype-specific manner.
Transcriptome-wide modulation bySargassum vulgareandAcanthophora spiciferaextracts results in a prime-triggered plant signalling cascade in tomato and sweet pepper
Authors: Ali Omar , Ramsubhag Adesh , Jayaraman Jayaraj
Published: October 2022

Seaweed extracts (SWEs) are becoming integrated into crop production systems due to their multiple beneficial effects including growth promotion and induction of defence mechanisms. However, the comprehensive molecular mechanisms of these effects are yet to be elucidated. The current study investigated the transcriptomic changes induced by SWEs derived from Sargassum vulgare and Acanthophora spicifera on tomato and sweet pepper plants. Tomato and sweet pepper plants were subjected to foliar treatment with alkaline extracts prepared from the above seaweeds. Transcriptome changes in the plants were assessed 72 h after treatments using RNA sequencing. The treated plants were also analysed for defence enzyme activities, nutrient composition and phytohormonal profiles. The results showed the significant enrichment of genes associated with several growth and defence processes including photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, plant–pathogen interaction, secondary metabolite metabolism, MAPK signalling and amino acid biosynthesis. Activities of defence enzymes were also significantly increased in SWE-treated plants. Plant nutrient profiling showed significant increases in calcium, potassium, nitrogen, sulphur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc and phosphorous levels in SWE-treated plants. Furthermore, the levels of auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins were also significantly increased in the treated plants. The severity of bacterial leaf spot and early blight incidence in plants treated with SWE was significantly reduced, in addition to other effects like an increase in chlorophyll content, plant growth, and fruit yield. The results demonstrated the complex effect of S. vulgare and A. spicifera extracts on the plants’ transcriptome and provided evidence of a strong role of these extracts in increasing plant growth responses while priming the plants against pathogenic attack simultaneously. The current study contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SWEs in plants and helps their usage as a viable organic input for sustainable crop production.
Preoperative planning using virtual reality for percutaneous transseptal valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement: a case report
Authors: Castellanos Jorge M , Barbery Daniela , Yefimov Alex , Dang Phuong N
Published: October 2022

Background

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been implemented as a pre-procedural planning tool for cardiovascular interventions to enable detailed evaluation of patient anatomy from different vantage points. Here, we employed a VR platform to preoperatively plan for percutaneous valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral replacement (ViV-TMVR) in a prohibitive surgical candidate.

Case summary

An 85-year-old male with a history of two prior sternotomies for bioprosthetic aortic valve (AV) and mitral valve (MV) 31 mm Medtronic Mosaic bioprosthesis presented with severe mitral regurgitation from a degenerative bioprosthetic MV. The patient was deemed a prohibitive surgical candidate for a third sternotomy and instead was recommended a percutaneous transseptal ViV-TMVR. An electrocardiogram-gated chest computed tomography (CT) provided a neo-left-ventricular outflow tract (neo-LVOT) of 1.89 cm2. This CT was reconstructed to create a 360° VR (360VR) model. A 29 mm SAPIEN three bioprosthetic valve, selected based on the already implanted MV, was placed inside the bioprosthetic MV and analysed in VR at different angles to ensure it would not obstruct the LVOT. The neo-LVOT measured in VR was 3.02 cm2, which would allow for sufficient blood flow without significant obstruction from the new SAPIEN three bioprosthetic valve. The patient tolerated the procedure well.

Discussion

This case demonstrates the utility of VR as a pre-procedural planning tool for interventional cardiology procedures. Preoperative planning in VR alleviated concerns regarding obstruction of the neo-LVOT and helped confirm safe implantation by clearly showing the three-dimensional spatial relationship between the implants and surrounding patient anatomy.
Short-term efficacy of caries resin infiltration during treatment with orthodontic fixed appliances. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wierichs Richard Johannes , Bourouni Sotiria , Kalimeri Elena , Gkourtsogianni Sofia , Meyer-Lueckel Hendrik , Kloukos Dimitrios
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Objective of this trial was to assess the masking results in initial caries lesions (ICL) that were resin infiltrated during fixed orthodontic treatment in comparison to contralateral teeth that were fluoridated only.

Trial design

A randomized, controlled, split-mouth trial.

Methods

Adolescent patients (age range: 12–18 years) with fixed orthodontic appliances who had developed ICL [ICDAS 1 or 2 (International Caries Detection and Assessment System)] during orthodontic treatment were consecutively recruited and randomly assigned to either resin infiltration (Icon) with up to 3 etching procedures (Inf) or to a fluoride varnish (Tiefenfluorid) (FV). Both interventions were performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Outcome assessors were blinded to the applied intervention. Primary and secondary outcomes included the evaluation of the appearance of the ICL before (T0) and 1 week after (T1) treatment by digital photographs (ΔE), laser fluorescence readings (DD), and ICDAS scores.

Blinding

Due to the treatment nature neither the operators nor the patients could be blinded. However, outcome assessors and the statistician were blinded.

Results

Fifteen patients (9 female) with 60 ICL were included (mean age: 14.6 years). At baseline FV and Inf did not differ significantly in ΔE (median ΔE0,T (25th/75th percentiles):10.7(9.1/20.9): ΔE0,I:13.4(10.3/18.5); P = 0.469), DD (P = 0.867) and ICDAS (P = 0.521). One-week after treatment (T1) ΔE values (P < 0.001), DD values (P < 0.001), and ICDAS scores (P = 0.014) for Inf were significantly reduced, whereas ΔE values (P = 0.125) and ICDAS scores (P = 0.073) for FV remained unchanged.

Limitation

Natural remineralizing in the standard interventional control group cannot be observed yet, since up to 6 months are needed to naturally remineralize ICL.

Conclusions

Based on our short-term data, resin infiltration effectively masked ICL during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Fluoridation was not able to immediately improve the visual appearance of ICL. Further longer-term assessment should focus not only on the aesthetic outcome, but also on the caries inhibitory effect of resin infiltration during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00011797).
Genomics of sexual cell fate transdifferentiation in the mouse gonad
Authors: Murphy Mark W , Gearhart Micah D , Wheeler Andrew , Bardwell Vivian J , Zarkower David
Published: October 2022

Sex determination in mammals hinges on a cell fate decision in the fetal bipotential gonad between formation of male Sertoli cells or female granulosa cells. While this decision normally is permanent, loss of key cell fate regulators such as the transcription factors Dmrt1 and Foxl2 can cause postnatal transdifferentiation from Sertoli to granulosa-like (Dmrt1) or vice versa (Foxl2). Here, we examine the mechanism of male-to-female transdifferentiation in mice carrying either a null mutation of Dmrt1 or a point mutation, R111G, that alters the DNA-binding motif and causes human XY gonadal dysgenesis and sex reversal. We first define genes misexpressed during transdifferentiation and then show that female transcriptional regulators driving transdifferentiation in the mutant XY gonad (ESR2, LRH1, FOXL2) bind chromatin sites related to those normally bound in the XX ovary. We next define gene expression changes and abnormal chromatin compartments at the onset of transdifferentiation that may help destabilize cell fate and initiate the transdifferentiation process. We model the R111G mutation in mice and show that it causes dominant gonadal dysgenesis, analogous to its human phenotype but less severe. We show that R111G partially feminizes the testicular transcriptome and causes dominant disruption of DMRT1 binding specificity in vivo. These data help illuminate how transdifferentiation occurs when sexual cell fate maintenance is disrupted and identify chromatin sites and transcripts that may play key roles in the transdifferentiation process.
Getting Over Past Mistakes: Prospective and Retrospective Regret in Older Adults
Authors: Huang Yi , Pat Narun , Kok Bing Cai , Chai Jingwen , Feng Lei , Yu Rongjun
Published: October 2022

Objective

A considerable number of older people who hold powerful positions in governments and corporate are actively engaged in making decisions that have a far-reaching impact on the community. Some of them have to make decisions on behalf of others, and sometimes, the outcomes of their decisions for others are unfavorable. We experience retrospective regret when the obtained outcome turns out to be less attractive than the counterfactual one. We also actively make choices to avoid regretful outcomes if we prospectively anticipate the regret. In the current study, we investigated how older adults experience regret and how they make choices to avoid potential regret, in the context of making decisions for themselves and on behalf of others.

Method

Sixty younger and 60 older participants performed a gambling task in which two types of regret were independently measured: prospective (planning to avoid regret during decision making) and retrospective (feeling of regret following the comparison of alternative outcomes).

Results

Our results showed that compared to younger adults, the older adults were less sensitive to regret-inducing outcomes, whereas they demonstrated comparable ability in using prospective regret to guide decisions, regardless of whether they made decisions for themselves or on behalf of others.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that although older adults experience blunted regret, their ability to avoid future regret to guide subsequent choices remains unimpaired. Our research has implications for understanding how older adults cope with regret.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma in situ
Authors: Ando Kohei , Morohoshi Takao , Tsuura Yukio , Masuda Munetaka
Published: October 2022

Although the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma at an in situ stage was traditionally challenging, it is now possible owing to advances in molecular biological methods such as P16 fluorescence in situ hybridization or BRCA1-associated protein 1 immunohistochemistry. Here, we report the first case, to our knowledge, of total parietal pleurectomy for mesothelioma in situ. Future follow-up and accumulation of cases are necessary to determine whether total parietal pleurectomy could be applied as a treatment for mesothelioma in situ or not.
Solute transport with Michaelis–Menten kinetics forin vitrocell culture
Authors: Hyndman Lauren , McKee Sean , McGinty Sean
Published: October 2022

A traditional method of in vitro cell culture involves a monolayer of cells at the base of a petri dish filled with culture medium. While the primary role of the culture medium is to supply nutrients to the cells, drug or other solutes may be added, depending on the purpose of the experiment. Metabolism by cells of oxygen, nutrients and drug is typically governed by Michaelis–Menten (M-M) kinetics. In this paper, a mathematical model of solute transport with M-M kinetics is developed. Upon non-dimensionalization, the reaction/diffusion system is re-characterized in terms of Volterra integral equations, where a parameter $\beta $, the ratio of the initial solute concentration to the M-M constant, proves important: $\beta \ll 1$ is relevant to drug metabolism for the liver, whereas $\beta \gg 1$ is more appropriate in the case of oxygen metabolism. Regular perturbation expansions for both cases are obtained. A small-time expansion and steady-state solution are also presented. All results are compared against the numerical solution of the Volterra integral equations, and excellent agreement is found. The utility of the model and analytical solutions are discussed in the context of assisting experimental researchers to better understand the environment within in vitro cell culture experiments.
Ballots Instead of Bullets? The Effect of the Voting Rights Act on Political Violence
Authors: Lacroix Jean
Published: October 2022

The extension of voting rights epitomizes the construction of modern democracies. This paper empirically investigates the effect of such an enfranchisement on political violence in the context of the US Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, which forbade discrimination in voting. The formula the VRA used to determine the counties it applied to generated both geographic and temporal local discontinuities in enfranchisement. This paper’s empirical strategy takes advantage of these features by comparing the evolution of political violence in geographically close covered and non-covered counties. Difference-in-differences estimates indicate that VRA coverage halved the incidence and the onset of political violence. Additional empirical evidence implies that voting became the new institutionalized way to state political preferences. Indeed, VRA coverage mostly decreased electoral and small-scale strategic violence. This result is not explained by disaggrievement. Extensions suggest that new strategies of political action may explain a decrease in violence after enfranchisement.
Cancer risk in patients with diverticular disease: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ma Wenjie , Walker Marjorie M , Thuresson Marcus , Roelstraete Bjorn , Sköldberg Filip , Olén Ola , Strate Lisa L , Chan Andrew T , Ludvigsson Jonas F
Published: October 2022

Background

There are little data on diverticular disease and cancer development other than colorectal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a population-based, matched cohort study with linkage of nationwide registers to the Epidemiology Strengthened by histoPathology Reports in Sweden histopathology cohort. We included 75 704 patients with a diagnosis of diverticular disease and colorectal histopathology and 313 480 reference individuals from the general population matched on age, sex, calendar year, and county. Cox proportional hazards models estimated multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for associations between diverticular disease and overall cancer and specific cancers.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 6 years, we documented 12 846 incident cancers among patients with diverticular disease and 43 354 incident cancers among reference individuals from the general population. Compared with reference individuals, patients with diverticular disease had statistically significantly increased overall cancer incidence (24.5 vs 18.1 per 1000 person-years), equivalent to 1 extra cancer case in 16 individuals with diverticular disease followed-up for 10 years. After adjusting for covariates, having a diagnosis of diverticular disease was associated with a 33% increased risk of overall cancer (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31 to 1.36). The risk increases also persisted compared with siblings as secondary comparators (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.21 to 1.32). Patients with diverticular disease also had an increased risk of specific cancers, including colon cancer (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.60 to 1.82), liver cancer (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.41 to 2.10), pancreatic cancer (HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.42 to 1.84), and lung cancer (HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.39 to 1.61). The increase in colorectal cancer risk was primarily restricted to the first year of follow-up, and especially early cancer stages.

Conclusions

Patients with diverticular disease who have colorectal histopathology have an increased risk of overall incident cancer.
Implementation and Patient Outcomes of a Pediatric COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Program
Authors: Blind Jill E , Sapko Matt , Killough Alex , Thornton Hannah , Watson Joshua R
Published: October 2022

Background

The severity and reach of the COVID-19 pandemic drove the development of various therapeutic approaches to combat SARS-CoV-2, including several neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies. A January 2021 pediatric consensus statement opposed routine use and recommended individualized risk assessments when considering COVID-19 mAb therapies in children and adolescents due to limited data. This report describes the implementation of a mAb referral process and the clinical outcomes of patients who received a mAb infusion in a pediatric hospital.

Methods

We developed a tiered allocation system based on underlying medical conditions and incorporated it into a standardized COVID-19 mAb referral and approval process. Demographics and clinical data were collected on all patients who received mAb therapy for treatment or post-exposure prophylaxis. Data recorded included sociodemographics, qualifying underlying medical conditions, clinical manifestations of infection, and overall course of treatment and disease.

Results

A total of 182 patients ≤21 years old received a COVID-19 mAb infusion between November 27, 2020 and January 26, 2022. Patient age ranged from 10 months to 21 years, with a median age of 15 years. In total, 7 patients (4%) had suspected adverse reactions during the infusion, and 15 (8%) patients required a COVID-19-related visit within 30 days of the mAb infusion.

Conclusions

A tiered allocation process may provide the framework for the stratification and efficient distribution of mAb therapies. Future research must focus on the efficacy of these therapies in the pediatric population, standardized therapeutic prioritization, and the optimal timeframe for mAb delivery to prevent progression to severe disease.
‘Scholars at Risk’ in Germany: Forced Migration and Agency in Forced Migration Decision-Making
Authors: Yarar Betül , Karakaşoğlu Yasemin
Published: October 2022

The recent migration waves from countries ruled by leaders with autocratic tendencies or under war regimes included also the forced migration of academics who have become targets of widening severe attacks against academic-scientific values, institutions, and students/scholars (GCP EA). Based on empirical research, this paper studies the forced migration of scholars from such countries to Germany after 2015. While putting theoretical concepts deriving from distinct study fields (such as forced migration and exile studies) into a dialog, the paper perceives the migration of these scholars as forced due to risks they encountered in their home countries. It also addresses the complexity of their forced migration as a multidimensional and relational process involving various structural and subjective push-pull drives. In line with the empirical data and post-structuralist theories on migration and forced migration, the paper pursues the following theses: Risks and responses against risks are varied and involve the agency of migrants. Although forced migration is a regulated process concerning migration regimes and laws, it calls for the performance/agency of exiled scholars and other actors’ governing activities. As a complex and transformative process, forced migration results in different exilic positions. It is not a predetermined linear process in time and space, but a process with unexpected outcomes, since it entails the ongoing struggle of exiled scholars over/through their academic and social networks and capitals, which function as mediating-pulling drivers.
Orbital stability of proposed NY virginis exoplanets
Authors: Mai Xinyu , Mutel Robert L
Published: October 2022

Er et al. (2021) recently proposed a two-planet solution to account for eclipse timing variations (ETVs) observed from the sdB binary NY Virginis. We tested the proposed planetary system for orbit stability using both numerical simulations and chaotic behaviour analysis. The best-fit orbits, as well as those with parameters varying by the published uncertainty range in each parameter, were unstable on a time-scale much less than the presumed lifetime of the PCEB phase (∼100 Myr). Suggesting that the proposed circumbinary companions fail to provide a complete explanation for the observed ETVs.
Constraining Type Ia supernovae via their distances from spiral arms
Authors: Karapetyan Arpine G
Published: October 2022

We present an analysis of the distribution of 77 supernovae (SNe) Ia relative to spiral arms of their Sab–Scd host galaxies, using our original measurements of the SN distances from the nearby arms, and study their light-curve decline rates (Δm15). For the galaxies with prominent spiral arms, we show that the Δm15 values of SNe Ia, which are located on the arms, are typically smaller (slower declining) than those of interarm SNe Ia (faster declining). We demonstrate that the SN Ia distances from the spiral arms and their galactocentric radii are correlated: before and after the average corotation radius, SNe Ia are located near the inner and outer edges (shock fronts) of spiral arms, respectively. For the first time, we find a significant correlation between the Δm15 values and SN distances from the shock fronts of the arms (progenitor birthplace), which is explained in the frameworks of sub-Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf explosion models and density wave theory, where, respectively, the Δm15 parameter and SN distance from the shock front are appropriate progenitor population age (lifetime) indicators.
Closing the gap: a new phylogeny and classification of the chemosymbiotic bivalve family Lucinidae with molecular evidence for 73% of living genera
Authors: Taylor John D , Glover Emily A , Yuen Benedict , Williams Suzanne T
Published: October 2022

New molecular phylogenies of the chemosymbiotic bivalve family Lucinidae, using 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cytochrome b genes, include species from genera not previously analysed. Notable additions from Myrteinae are sequences from Rostrilucina, Solelucina and Taylorina species, species of Ustalucina, Gonimyrtea from Leucosphaerinae and additional species of Ctena, Codakia, Lucinoma and Divalucina from Codakiinae. New sequences of Lucininae include the type species of Parvilucina (P. tenuisculpta), Liralucina, Falsolucinoma, Easmithia, Jallenia, Radiolucina and Cardiolucina as well as samples of Loripes orbiculatus from multiple localities. Five major clades, defined as subfamilies, are recognized: Pegophyseminae, Myrteinae, Leucosphaerinae, Codakiinae and Lucininae. Two branches, Fimbriinae and Monitilorinae, are represented by single species. Pegophyseminae are an extremely long-branched group with a sister-group relationship to Leucosphaerinae, while Codakiinae are a sister clade to the Lucininae. In various gene trees, the position of Myrteinae is unstable in relation to Pegophyseminae + Leucosphaerinae, Monitilorinae and Fimbriinae. The Myrteinae are not well resolved, with an ambiguous correlation of molecular and morphological characters. Codakiinae now include Divalucina cumingi, shown to be related to Lucinoma rather than Divaricella and Divalinga of the Lucininae. Leucosphaerinae are a well-supported clade but morphologically disparate, with the positions of Gonimyrtea and Callucina unresolved. Several molecularly distinct subclades are recognized within the Lucininae, especially the Lucinisca, Loripes and Parvilucina groups. Parvilucina species are paraphyletic with P. tenuisculpta, the type species, distinct from the western Atlantic species. Codakia, Ctena and Pegophysema have pan-tropical distributions with former connections disrupted by vicariant events of the closure of the eastern Tethyan and Central American Seaways. Species of Radiolucina, Pleurolucina and Lucinisca are present on either side of the Isthmus of Panama. A new classification of the 96 living lucinid genera is presented, providing a framework for future studies of systematics, ecology, biogeography and bacterial symbioses.
Efficacy and safety of anti-TNF multivalent NANOBODY® compound ‘ozoralizumab’ without methotrexate co-administration in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A 52-week result of phase III, randomised, open-label trial (NATSUZORA trial)
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiya , Kawanishi Masafumi , Nakanishi Megumi , Yamasaki Hironori , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The aim is to assess the efficacy and safety of a 52-week subcutaneous ozoralizumab treatment at 30 and 80 mg without methotrexate (MTX) in active rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

This randomised, open-label, multicentre phase III trial randomly allocated 140 patients in 2:1 ratio as subcutaneous ozoralizumab at 30 or 80 mg every 4 weeks for 52 weeks without MTX.

Results

Both groups administered ozoralizumab at 30 and 80 mg showed good clinical improvement. The American College of Rheumatology response rates were high at Week 24 and maintained through 52 weeks. The ozoralizumab groups also showed good improvement in other end points, and improvements observed from Week 1 were maintained through 52 weeks. Improvements in many efficacy assessments were similar between doses. No deaths were reported, and serious adverse events occurred in a total of 20 patients in the ozoralizumab groups. Increased antidrug antibodies were observed in approximately 40% of patients in the ozoralizumab groups, and 27.7% of the patients in the 30 mg group were neutralising antibody-positive.

Conclusions

Ozoralizumab, at 30 and 80 mg, demonstrated significant therapeutic effects without MTX, and the efficacy was maintained for 52 weeks with active rheumatoid arthritis. Ozoralizumab showed an acceptable tolerability profile over 52 weeks.
CovInter: interaction data between coronavirus RNAs and host proteins
Authors: Amahong Kuerbannisha , Zhang Wei , Zhou Ying , Zhang Song , Yin Jiayi , Li Fengcheng , Xu Hongquan , Yan Tianci , Yue Zixuan , Liu Yuhong , Hou Tingjun , Qiu Yunqing , Tao Lin , Han Lianyi , Zhu Feng
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus has brought about three massive outbreaks in the past two decades. Each step of its life cycle invariably depends on the interactions among virus and host molecules. The interaction between virus RNA and host protein (IVRHP) is unique compared to other virus–host molecular interactions and represents not only an attempt by viruses to promote their translation/replication, but also the host's endeavor to combat viral pathogenicity. In other words, there is an urgent need to develop a database for providing such IVRHP data. In this study, a new database was therefore constructed to describe the interactions between coronavirus RNAs and host proteins (CovInter). This database is unique in (a) unambiguously characterizing the interactions between virus RNA and host protein, (b) comprehensively providing experimentally validated biological function for hundreds of host proteins key in viral infection and (c) systematically quantifying the differential expression patterns (before and after infection) of these key proteins. Given the devastating and persistent threat of coronaviruses, CovInter is highly expected to fill the gap in the whole process of the ‘molecular arms race’ between viruses and their hosts, which will then aid in the discovery of new antiviral therapies. It's now free and publicly accessible at: https://idrblab.org/covinter/
DDX17 is required for efficient DSB repair at DNA:RNA hybrid deficient loci
Authors: Bader Aldo S , Luessing Janna , Hawley Ben R , Skalka George L , Lu Wei-Ting , Lowndes Noel F , Bushell Martin
Published: October 2022

Proteins with RNA-binding activity are increasingly being implicated in DNA damage responses (DDR). Additionally, DNA:RNA-hybrids are rapidly generated around DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and are essential for effective repair. Here, using a meta-analysis of proteomic data, we identify novel DNA repair proteins and characterise a novel role for DDX17 in DNA repair. We found DDX17 to be required for both cell survival and DNA repair in response to numerous agents that induce DSBs. Analysis of DSB repair factor recruitment to damage sites suggested a role for DDX17 early in the DSB ubiquitin cascade. Genome-wide mapping of R-loops revealed that while DDX17 promotes the formation of DNA:RNA-hybrids around DSB sites, this role is specific to loci that have low levels of pre-existing hybrids. We propose that DDX17 facilitates DSB repair at loci that are inefficient at forming DNA:RNA-hybrids by catalysing the formation of DSB-induced hybrids, thereby allowing propagation of the damage response.
TFSyntax: a database of transcription factors binding syntax in mammalian genomes
Authors: Zhao Yongbing
Published: October 2022

In mammals, transcriptional factors (TFs) drive gene expression by binding to regulatory elements in a cooperative manner. Deciphering the rules of such cooperation is crucial to obtain a full understanding of cellular homeostasis and development. Although this is a long-standing topic, there is no comprehensive database for biologists to access the syntax of TF binding sites. Here we present TFSyntax (https://tfsyntax.zhaopage.com), a database focusing on the arrangement of TF binding sites. TFSyntax maps the binding motif of 1299 human TFs and 890 mouse TFs across 382 cells and tissues, representing the most comprehensive TF binding map to date. In addition to location, TFSyntax defines motif positional preference, density and colocalization within accessible elements. Powered by a series of functional modules based on web interface, users can freely search, browse, analyze, and download data of interest. With comprehensive characterization of TF binding syntax across distinct tissues and cell types, TFSyntax represents a valuable resource and platform for studying the mechanism of transcriptional regulation and exploring how regulatory DNA variants cause disease.
Implementation of Telemedicine Infectious Diseases Consultation in a Rural Hospital Using the Active Implementation Framework
Authors: Burnham Jason P , Fritz Stephanie A , Colditz Graham A
Published: October 2022

In this pilot study, guided by the Active Implementation Framework, telemedicine infectious diseases consultation was provided to hospitalized inpatients at a rural Missouri hospital. Measured outcomes included the implementation outcomes of feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and fidelity, as well as clinical outcomes of readmissions and death.
The Value of Phenotypic Precision Medicine in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hawkey Nathan M , Broderick Amanda , George Daniel J , Sartor Oliver , Armstrong Andrew J
Published: October 2022

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. For patients who develop metastatic disease, tissue-based and circulating-tumor–based molecular and genomic biomarkers have emerged as a means of improving outcomes through the application of precision medicine. However, the benefit is limited to a minority of patients. An additional approach to further characterize the biology of advanced prostate cancer is through the use of phenotypic precision medicine, or the identification and targeting of phenotypic features of an individual patient’s cancer. In this review article, we will discuss the background, potential clinical benefits, and limitations of genomic and phenotypic precision medicine in prostate cancer. We will also highlight how the emergence of image-based phenotypic medicine may lead to greater characterization of advanced prostate cancer disease burden and more individualized treatment approaches in patients.
Mutation-Agnostic Detection of Colorectal Cancer Using Liquid Biopsy-Based Methylation-Specific Signatures
Authors: Gouda Mohamed A , Duose Dzifa Y , Lapin Morten , Zalles Stephanie , Huang Helen J , Xi Yuanxin , Zheng Xiaofeng , Aldesoky Amira I , Alhanafy Alshimaa M , Shehata Mohamed A , Wang Jing , Kopetz Scott , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Wistuba Ignacio I , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Janku Filip
Published: October 2022

Detection of methylation patterns in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can offer a novel approach for cancer diagnostics given the unique signature for each tumor type. We developed a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay targeting 32 CpG sites to detect colorectal cancer-specific ctDNA. NGS was performed on bisulfite-converted libraries and status dichotomization was done using median methylation ratios at all targets. We included plasma samples from patients with metastatic colorectal (n = 20) and non-colorectal cancers (n = 8); and healthy volunteers (n = 4). Median methylation ratio was higher in colorectal cancer compared with non-colorectal cancers (P = .001) and normal donors (P = .005). The assay detected ctDNA in 85% of patients with colorectal cancer at a specificity of 92%. Notably, we were able to detect methylated ctDNA in 75% of patients in whom ctDNA was not detected by other methods. Detection of methylated ctDNA was associated with shorter median progression-free survival compared to non-detection (8 weeks versus 54 weeks; P = .027).
Transition to ripening in tomato requires hormone-controlled genetic reprogramming initiated in gel tissue
Authors: Chirinos Ximena , Ying Shiyu , Rodrigues Maria Aurineide , Maza Elie , Djari Anis , Hu Guojian , Liu Mingchun , Purgatto Eduardo , Fournier Sylvie , Regad Farid , Bouzayen Mondher , Pirrello Julien
Published: October 2022

Ripening is the last stage of the developmental program in fleshy fruits. During this phase, fruits become edible and acquire their unique sensory qualities and post-harvest potential. Although our knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate fruit ripening has improved considerably over the past decades, the processes that trigger the transition to ripening remain poorly deciphered. While transcriptomic profiling of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit ripening to date has mainly focused on the changes occurring in pericarp tissues between the Mature Green and Breaker stages, our study addresses the changes between the Early Mature Green and Late Mature Green stages in the gel and pericarp separately. The data showed that the shift from an inability to initiate ripening to the capacity to undergo full ripening requires extensive transcriptomic reprogramming that takes place first in the locular tissues before extending to the pericarp. Genome-wide transcriptomic profiling revealed the wide diversity of transcription factor (TF) families engaged in the global reprogramming of gene expression and identified those specifically regulated at the Mature Green stage in the gel but not in the pericarp, thereby providing potential targets toward deciphering the initial factors and events that trigger the transition to ripening. The study also uncovered an extensive reformed homeostasis for most plant hormones, highlighting the multihormonal control of ripening initiation. Our data unveil the antagonistic roles of ethylene and auxin during the onset of ripening and show that auxin treatment delays fruit ripening via impairing the expression of genes required for System-2 autocatalytic ethylene production that is essential for climacteric ripening. This study unveils the detailed features of the transcriptomic reprogramming associated with the transition to ripening of tomato fruit and shows that the first changes occur in the locular gel before extending to pericarp and that a reformed auxin homeostasis is essential for the ripening to proceed.