bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P10-06 Home-based videoconference vs. face to face physical training in healthy older adults
Authors: Langeard Antoine , Bigot Lucile , Maffiuletti Nicola , Moussay Sébastien , Gauthier Antoine , Quarck Gaëlle
Published: August 2022

Background

Older adults often fail to reach the recommended amount of physical activity to prevent the age-related decline in metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and muscular function. Effective home-based physical training programs could neutralize barriers preventing older adults from being active, and administration/supervision through videoconference may be an optimal solution. The present randomized controlled trial aimed to test the non-inferiority of training program administered through videoconference against the same program administered face-to-face in healthy older adults.

Methods

Participants were randomized in a no-training control group (n = 13), a face-to-face training group (n = 15), and a videoconference training group (n = 13). The intervention groups completed the same home-based, structured, progressive and combined training program for 16 weeks, 1-hour twice a week. Pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluations included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle function measures. The non-inferiority margin was calculated by comparing the face-to-face training group to the no-training control group.

Results

Non-inferiority of videoconferencing against face-to-face training was observed for changes in body weight (p>.01), fat mass (p=.015), maximal aerobic power (p=.013), maximal heart rate (p=.034), maximal oxygen consumption (p>.01), knee extension strength (p=.044) and lower limb power (p=.019), but not for muscle mass (p=.067), handgrip strength (p=.171), trunk extension strength (p=.241) and knee flexion strength (p=.462).

Conclusion

A training program administered through videoconferencing was not inferior to the same program administered face-to-face for reducing body weight and fat mass, and for improving maximal aerobic power and oxygen consumption as well as lower limb power and knee extension strength in healthy elderly subjects. However, videoconferencing training was not as effective as face-to-face training for improving handgrip, trunk extension and knee flexion isometric strength, possibly because of a higher motivation related to the physical presence of the trainer in the face-to-face training group.
Against the hierarchy of knowledge: Georges Sorel, education and revolution
Authors: Brandom Eric
Published: August 2022

Georges Sorel’s ideas about education are key to making sense of his critique of the Third Republic. Cutting across the heated debates over classical as opposed to modern curricula, Sorel drew on a complex account of the nature of scientific knowledge to offer a sustained defense of education within the factory and on the picket line as a source of individual autonomy. Sorel’s refusal of the practices and modes of institutionalization of liberal education in his own time is a standing challenge for those who would defend liberal education today.
Response to Oswald et al.: ST6Gal1 in plasma is dispensable for IgG sialylation
Authors: Werner Anja , Nimmerjahn Falk
Published: August 2022

The presence or absence of terminal sialic acid residues in the sugar moiety attached to the Fc-domain of IgG molecules modulates IgG activity and is associated with autoimmune or infection related inflammation. In a recent paper, Oswald and colleagues suggest that IgG sialylation may occur post IgG secretion from plasma cells, which would be a major issue for therapeutic antibodies injected into patients. In contrast, we argue that previous work rather demonstrates that IgG sialylation occurs within B cells and that the experimental system used by the authors is not suitable to address this critical question.
Museum Genomics of an Agricultural Super-Pest, the Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Chrysomelidae), Provides Evidence of Adaptation from Standing Variation
Authors: Cohen Zachary P , François Olivier , Schoville Sean D
Published: August 2022

Despite extensive research on agricultural pests, our knowledge about their evolutionary history is often limited. A mechanistic understanding of the demographic changes and modes of adaptation remains an important goal, as it improves our understanding of organismal responses to environmental change and our ability to sustainably manage pest populations. Emerging genomic datasets now allow for characterization of demographic and adaptive processes, but face limits when they are drawn from contemporary samples, especially in the context of strong demographic change, repeated selection, or adaptation involving modest shifts in allele frequency at many loci. Temporal sampling, however, can improve our ability to reconstruct evolutionary events. Here, we leverage museum samples to examine whether population genomic diversity and structure has changed over time, and to identify genomic regions that appear to be under selection. We focus on the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say 1824; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which is widely regarded as a super-pest due to its rapid, and repeated, evolution to insecticides. By combining whole genome resequencing data from 78 museum samples with modern sampling, we demonstrate that CPB expanded rapidly in the 19th century, leading to a reduction in diversity and limited genetic structure from the Midwest to Northeast United States. Temporal genome scans provide extensive evidence for selection acting in resistant field populations in Wisconsin and New York, including numerous known insecticide resistance genes. We also validate these results by showing that known selective sweeps in modern populations are identified by our genome scan. Perhaps most importantly, temporal analysis indicates selection on standing genetic variation, as we find evidence for parallel evolution in the two geographical regions. Parallel evolution involves a range of phenotypic traits not previously identified as under selection in CPB, such as reproductive and morphological functional pathways that might be important for adaptation to agricultural habitats.
Design, development and multi-disciplinary investigations of aerodynamic, structural, energy and exergy factors on 1 kW horizontal-axis wind turbine
Authors: Madasamy Senthil Kumar , Raja Vijayanandh , AL-bonsrulah Hussein A Z , Al-Bahrani Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Continually increasing demand for energy, coupled with the need for clean environment, has made it mandatory to fall back on efficient conversion of energy from renewable sources. Wind energy is one of the most viable sources of renewable energy. A wind turbine blade, shaped as an airfoil with a streamlined cross-section, can be graded for its aerodynamic efficiency in terms of lift-to-drag ratio. Optimal design and analysis of blades with different airfoil sections is critical for efficient energy extraction. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to predict the aerodynamic efficiency of wind turbine blades. To set the basics right, a detailed review of aerodynamics of the 2D airfoils are undertaken: (a) NACA4412, (b) NACA23012 and (c) NACA63215 airfoils. Additionally, a numerical study on structural analysis for a 1-kW horizontal-axis wind turbine blade using finite element analysis (FEA) to assess the initial failure of NACA 63215 airfoil internal structure after optimization was conducted. In the internal structure of the blade, a single spar was included to make the structure more efficient in bending. Structural optimization resulted in bringing the weight down from an initial weight of 5.6 kg to a final design weight of 1.1 kg, i.e. a net saving of more than 4 kg. In addition stress levels in the model also improved with the failure indices turning toward unity. Optimized structural thicknesses in terms of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) layers were found within safe limits. From FEA study and based on the von Mises stress distribution on the pressure and suction sides of wind turbine blade from root to tip, the initial failure was found to occur in the overlap edge of root region when the equivalent stress reached to the ultimate stress of the tip region. It was found that a well-designed GFRPs wind turbine blade is very efficient compared with metals/alloys.
The Impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Pharmacologic Intervention Outcomes for Adults With Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Russell Samantha E , Wrobel Anna L , Skvarc David , Kavanagh Bianca E , Ashton Melanie M , Dean Olivia M , Berk Michael , Turner Alyna
Published: August 2022

Background

The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) co-occurring in people with bipolar disorder (BD) is high. People with BD and PTSD may experience different outcomes and quality of life after pharmacologic treatment than those with BD alone. This review systematically explores the impact of PTSD on pharmacologic treatment outcomes for adults with BD.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search up to November 25, 2021, using MEDLINE Complete, Embase, American Psychological Association PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify randomized and nonrandomized studies of pharmacologic interventions for adults with BD that assessed for comorbid PTSD. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool to assess the risk of bias.

Results

The search identified 5093 articles, and we reviewed 62 full-text articles. Two articles met inclusion criteria (N = 438). One article was an observational study, and the other was a randomized comparative effectiveness trial. The observational study examined lithium response rates and found higher response rates in BD alone compared with BD plus PTSD over 4 years. The randomized trial reported more severe symptoms in the BD plus PTSD group than in those with BD alone following 6 months of quetiapine treatment. There was no significant difference in the lithium treatment group at follow-up.

Conclusions

Comorbid PTSD may affect quetiapine and lithium treatment response in those with BD. Because of the high risk of bias and low quality of evidence, however, these results are preliminary. Specific studies exploring comorbid BD and PTSD are required to inform pharmacotherapy selection and guidelines appropriately. (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ID: CRD42020182540).
Interactions Between Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Replication and Major Respiratory Viruses in Human Nasal Epithelium
Authors: Pizzorno Andrés , Padey Blandine , Dulière Victoria , Mouton William , Oliva Justine , Laurent Emilie , Milesi Cedrine , Lina Bruno , Traversier Aurelien , Julien Thomas , Trouillet-Assant Sophie , Rosa-Calatrava Manuel , Terrier Olivier
Published: August 2022

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), along with extensive nonpharmacological interventions, have profoundly altered the epidemiology of major respiratory viruses. Some studies have described virus-virus interactions, particularly manifested by viral interference mechanisms at different scales. However, our knowledge of the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses remains incomplete. Here, we studied the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and several respiratory viruses (influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and human rhinovirus) in a reconstituted human epithelial airway model, exploring different scenarios affecting the sequence and timing of coinfections. We show that the virus type and sequence of infections are key factors in virus-virus interactions, the primary infection having a determinant role in the immune response to the secondary infection.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic associations with dolutegravir neuropsychiatric adverse events in an African population
Authors: Griesel Rulan , Sinxadi Phumla , Kawuma Aida , Joska John , Sokhela Simiso , Akpomiemie Godspower , Venter Francois , Denti Paolo , Haas David W , Maartens Gary
Published: August 2022

Background

Dolutegravir has been associated with neuropsychiatric adverse events (NPAEs), but relationships between dolutegravir concentrations and NPAEs are unclear.

Objectives

To determine in an African population whether a concentration–response relationship exists between dolutegravir and treatment-emergent NPAEs, and whether selected loss-of-function polymorphisms in genes encoding UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-1A1 (the major metabolizing enzyme for dolutegravir) and organic cation transporter-2 (involved in neurotransmitter transport and inhibited by dolutegravir) are associated with NPAEs.

Methods

Antiretroviral therapy-naive participants randomized to dolutegravir-based therapy in the ADVANCE study were enrolled into a pharmacokinetic sub-study. Primary outcome was change in mental health screening [modified mini screen (MMS)] and sleep quality from baseline to weeks 4, 12 and 24. Dolutegravir exposure was estimated using a population pharmacokinetic model. Polymorphisms analysed were UGT1A1 rs887829 and SLC22A2 rs316019.

Results

Data from 464 participants were available for pharmacokinetic analyses and 301 for genetic analyses. By multivariable linear regression, higher dolutegravir exposure was associated with worsening sleep quality only at week 12 [coefficient  = −0.854 (95% CI −1.703 to −0.005), P = 0.049], but with improved MMS score at weeks 12 and 24 [coefficient = −1.255 (95% CI −2.250 to −0.261), P = 0.013 and coefficient = −1.199 (95% CI −2.030 to −0.368), P = 0.005, respectively]. The UGT1A1 and SLC22A2 polymorphisms were not associated with change in MMS score or sleep quality.

Conclusions

Only at week 12 did we find evidence of a relationship between dolutegravir exposure and worsening sleep quality. However, higher dolutegravir exposure was associated with improved MMS scores, suggesting a possible beneficial effect.
Magill, the hold-up problem and dynamic competition
Authors: Simonsson Ingeborg
Published: August 2022

In Magill, the Court of Justice of the European Union concluded that broadcasters were abusing their dominant positions by blocking a would-be competitor on the television-guide market from access to TV listing information. It is submitted in this article that the subsequent reinterpretation of Magill as an essential facilities case has its weaknesses, and that the ruling can be better explained by reference to the hold-up problem and a dynamic view of competition.
Changing Immunochemistry Platforms: Thyroid Function Test Comparison and Reference Intervals Based on Clinical Needs
Authors: Pelanti Jonna , Lamberg Tea , Salopuro Titta , Pussinen Christel , Suvisaari Janne , Joutsi-Korhonen Lotta , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla , Itkonen Outi , Anttonen Mikko
Published: August 2022

Background

Diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction relies on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free tri-iodothyronine (FT3) tests against valid reference intervals (RIs). We changed the immunoassay platform from Abbott Architect to Siemens Atellica and aimed to establish Atellica RIs based on laboratory information system (LIS) patient data.

Methods

Atellica thyroid hormone immunoassays were verified against those of Architect. Real-life patient results were retrieved from LIS. A single result per patient dataset was used to establish the RIs by the indirect method.

Results

Atellica and Architect assays correlated well but Atellica showed a positive bias between 13% and 53%, the largest for FT4. Variations of the Atellica assays were ≤4%. The 95% Atellica RIs were 0.4–3.8 mU/L for TSH, 0.9–1.6 ng/dL for FT4, and 227–416 pg/dL for FT3. Considering the accumulating clinical experience with Atellica, the RIs for clinical use were adjusted as 0.5–4.0 mU/L, 0.9–1.8 ng/dL, and 169–409 pg/dL, respectively.

Conclusions

We verified thyroid hormone RIs for Atellica by the indirect method for the first time. Our model proved reliable for selecting results of presumably healthy individuals from LIS data. Critical review of the RIs with local endocrinologists is essential.
Microbial phytase reduces basal endogenous loss of calcium in pigs fed diets containing phytate phosphorus at commercial levels
Authors: Nelson Megan E , Lee Su A , Dersjant-Li Yueming , Remus Janet , Stein Hans H
Published: August 2022

The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that increasing dietary phytase reduces basal endogenous loss of Ca and increases P balance in pigs. Seventy barrows (initial body weight: 17.66 ± 1.69 kg) were allotted to seven Ca-free diets using a randomized complete block design with two blocks and five pigs per diet in each block. All diets were based on corn, potato protein concentrate, and full-fat rice bran. A positive control (PC) diet was formulated to contain P at the requirement for standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P by 11 to 25 kg pigs. Six negative control (NC) diets were formulated by reducing the provision of digestible P by 0.15% and adding 0, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 phytase units/kg diet. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates that allowed for total, but separate, collection of urine and feces. Daily feed allowance was 3.0 times the maintenance requirement for metabolizable energy and was divided into two equal meals. Diets were fed for 12 d with the first 5 d considered the adaptation period. Urine collections started on day 6 in the morning and ceased on day 10 in the morning. Fecal markers were also included in the morning meals on day 6 and day 10 and feces were collected according to the marker-to-marker procedure. Results indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter was not affected by dietary P or phytase levels. The basal endogenous loss of Ca was not affected by dietary P, but exponentially decreased (P = 0.030) as phytase level increased in the diets. Phosphorus retention (g/d) and standardized total tract digestibility of phosphorus were greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the PC diet compared with pigs fed the NC diet with no phytase. The STTD of P exponentially (P < 0.001) increased as phytase level increased in the diets, but because of the lack of Ca, retention of P (% of absorbed) linearly decreased (P = 0.006) as phytase increased. In conclusion, basal endogenous loss of Ca decreased as dietary phytase increased demonstrating that endogenous Ca can be bound to phytate in the intestinal tract of pigs. However, STTD of P increased as phytase level in the diets increased.
Reproductive biology of the palaemonid prawnMacrobrachium villosimanus(Tiwari, 1949) (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae)
Authors: Ahamed Ferdous , Barai Pingku , Ahmed Zoarder F , Ohtomi Jun
Published: August 2022

Macrobrachium villosimanus (Tiwari, 1949) is a commercial prawn found in southern Asia. There is, however, no available information on the population parameters of this species, which is an obstacle in the formulation of its sustainable management and conservation protocols. We studied for the first time its reproductive biology including, size at sexual maturity, reproductive period, egg size and volume, and brood size. Monthly samples were collected from the Andharmanik River, southern Bangladesh during December 2018 to November 2020 and only female individuals were used. All females were categorized as ovigerous and non-ovigerous based on the presence of eggs attached to the pleopods, and the developing eggs were classified into four stages. Ovarian development was also observed and classified. The size at which 50% of females were ovigerous was estimated as 13.3 mm carapace length. Occurrence of ovigerous females throughout the year indicated a prolonged spawning season with two peaks in March (minor peak) and June-December (major peak). Ovarian maturation was observed during embryogenesis, implying that females were potentially capable of multiple spawning during a reproductive period. Egg size was independent of female size but increased with development. Brood size was closely related to female size with isometric function. The findings will help to formulate sustainable management and conservation protocols of this important fishery.
Insights on the regulation of photosynthesis in pea leaves exposed to oscillating light
Authors: Lazár Dušan , Niu Yuxi , Nedbal Ladislav
Published: August 2022

Plants growing in nature often experience fluctuating irradiance. However, in the laboratory, the dynamics of photosynthesis are usually explored by instantaneously exposing dark-adapted plants to constant light and examining the dark-to-light transition, which is a poor approximation of natural phenomena. With the aim creating a better approximation, we exposed leaves of pea (Pisum sativum) to oscillating light and measured changes in the functioning of PSI and PSII, and of the proton motive force at the thylakoid membrane. We found that the dynamics depended on the oscillation period, revealing information about the underlying regulatory networks. As demonstrated for a selected oscillation period of 60 s, the regulation tries to keep the reaction centers of PSI and PSII open. We present an evaluation of the data obtained, and discuss the involvement of particular processes in the regulation of photosynthesis. The forced oscillations provided an information-rich fingerprint of complex regulatory networks. We expect future progress in understanding these networks from experiments involving chemical interventions and plant mutants, and by using mathematical modeling and systems identification and control tools.
Association between Methylene-Tetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Morocco
Authors: Baba Hanâ , Bouqdayr Meryem , Saih Asmae , Bensghir Rajaa , Ouladlahsen Ahd , Sodqi Mustapha , Marih Latifa , Zaidane Imane , Kettani Anass , Abidi Omar , Wakrim Lahcen
Published: August 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection varies substantially among individuals. One of the factors influencing viral infection is genetic variability. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism is a genetic factor that has been correlated with different types of pathologies, including HIV-1. The MTHFR gene encodes the MTHFR enzyme, an essential factor in the folate metabolic pathway and in maintaining circulating folate and methionine at constant levels, thus preventing the homocysteine accumulation. Several studies have shown the role of folate on CD4+ T lymphocyte count among HIV-1 subjects. In this case-control study we aimed to determine the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and HIV-1 infection susceptibility, AIDS development, and therapeutic outcome among Moroccans. The C677T polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by fragment length polymorphism digestion in 214 participants living with HIV-1 and 318 healthy controls. The results of the study revealed no statistically significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and HIV-1 infection (P > .05). After dividing HIV-1 subjects according to their AIDS status, no significant difference was observed between C677T polymorphism and AIDS development (P > .05). Furthermore, regarding the treatment response outcome, as measured by HIV-1 RNA viral load and CD4+ T cell counts, no statistically significant association was found with MTHFR C677T polymorphism. We conclude that, in the genetic context of the Moroccan population, MTHFR C677T polymorphism does not affect HIV-1 infection susceptibility, AIDS development, or response to treatment. However, more studies should be done to investigate both genetic and nutritional aspects for more conclusive results.
Increasing Medical Student Involvement in Research: Military Ob/Gyn HeadHunters
Authors: Boedeker David , Chatfield Lindsay , Hudson Kayla , Motoni Caddie , Kerns Nikole , Lutgendorf Monica , Shvartsman Katerina
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Our goal was to develop a successful research collaboration program, Military Ob/Gyn HeadHunters, to connect military medical students with residents, fellows, and staff physicians across the Military Health System (MHS) to foster research collaboration and mentorship.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a needs assessment of medical students from the Uniformed Services University and Health Professions Scholarship Program as well as staff physicians, residents, and fellows practicing in the MHS to better understand the barriers to initiating and conducting research within the MHS. We used the survey results to create a secure online spreadsheet to match medical students to researchers recruiting student researchers. A follow-up survey was sent to all respondents 3 months after the program launch to evaluate the program.

Results

Of the medical students who completed the needs assessment, 82.56% (n = 71/86) reported barriers in participating in research. The most common barrier was “I don’t know where to look for research opportunities.” Of the staff surveyed, 88.24% (n = 15/17) indicated that they were interested in medical student involvement in their research. However, 53.33% (n = 8/15) of the surveyed staff reported that they did not know any students who would be good candidates. Since the launch in April 2021, our 3-month follow-up survey had a response rate of 40.00% (n = 6/15) for staff and 47.06% (n = 32/68) for students. Hundred percent (n = 6/6) of faculty advertising projects recruited at least one student to join their project. 85.71% (n = 12/14) of students actively seeking participation joined a research team.

Conclusions

Our novel research collaboration program successfully connected military medical students with active researchers in the MHS. Leaders in medical education can consider adopting this framework to improve trainee participation in research.
Impact of the turnover in the high-z galaxy luminosity function on the 21-cm signal during Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionization
Authors: Zhang Zekang , Shan Huanyuan , Gu Junhua , Zheng Qian , Xu Yidong , Yue Bin , Liu Yuchen , Zhu Zhenghao , Guo Quan
Published: August 2022

The shape of the faint-end of the high-z galaxy luminosity function (LF) informs early star formation and reionization physics during the Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionization. Until recently, based on the strong gravitational lensing cluster deep surveys, the Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF) has found a potential turnover in the ultraviolet (UV) LF at $\mathit{ z}$ ∼ 6. In this paper, we analyse the contribution of extremely faint galaxies with the magnitude larger than the turnover magnitude in LF to cosmic reionization. We apply the measurement from HFF to our suppressed star formation efficiency model, including three free parameters: halo mass threshold Mt, curvature parameter β, and a UV conversion factor lUV. According to our fit of 68 per cent confidence level, the high-redshift star formation in haloes smaller than $M_t=1.82^{+2.86}_{-1.08}\times 10^{10} \, \rm M_{\odot }$ is found to be dampened. The turnover magnitude $\rm \gtrsim -13.99-2.45$, correspondingly the halo mass $\lesssim (4.57+20.03)\times 10^{9} \, \rm M_{\odot }$. We find that the absorption trough in the global 21-cm signal is sensitive to our SFE model parameters. Together with (β, lUV)  = ($2.17^{+2.42}_{-1.72}$, $9.33^{+0.43}_{-0.42} \, \rm ~erg~yr ~s^{-1}\, M_{\odot }^{-1})$, the trough locates at ∼$134^{+10}_{-17}$$\rm MHz$ with an amplitude of ∼$-237^{-6}_{+7}$$\rm mK$, compared to (106 MHz, -212 mK) in the absence of turnover. Besides, we find that the star formation of faint galaxies has also an impact on the 21-cm power spectra. The best-fitting peak power decreases by$\sim 4{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and shifts towards smaller scales from $0.88 \, h\, \rm Mpc^{-1}$ to $0.91 \, h\, \rm Mpc^{-1}$. According to our calculation, such impact is distinguishable with the forthcoming Square Kilometre Array.
Synchro-curvature emitting regions in high-energy pulsar models
Authors: Íñiguez-Pascual Daniel , Viganò Daniele , Torres Diego F
Published: August 2022

The detected high-energy pulsars’ population is growing in number, and thus, having agile and physically relevant codes to analyse it consistently is important. Here, we update our existing synchro-curvature radiation model by including a better treatment of the particle injection, particularly where the large pitch angle particles dominate the spectra, and by implementing a fast and accurate minimization technique. The latter allows a large improvement in computational cost, needed to test model enhancements, and to apply the model to a larger pulsar population. We successfully fit the sample of pulsars with X-ray and gamma-ray data. Our results indicate that, for every emitting particle, the spatial extent of their trajectory where the pitch angle is large and most of the detected X-ray radiation is produced is a small fraction of the light cylinder. We also confirm with this new approach that synchrotron radiation is not negligible for most of the gamma-ray pulsars detected. In addition, with the results obtained, we argue that J0357+3205 and J2055+2539 are MeV pulsar candidates and are suggested for exhaustive observations in this energy band.
A lensed radio jet at milliarcsecond resolution I: Bayesian comparison of parametric lens models
Authors: Powell Devon M , Vegetti Simona , McKean J P , Spingola Cristiana , Stacey Hannah R , Fassnacht Christopher D
Published: August 2022

We investigate the mass structure of a strong gravitational lens galaxy at z = 0.350, taking advantage of the milliarcsecond (mas) angular resolution of very long baseline interferometric (VLBI) observations. In the first analysis of its kind at this resolution, we jointly infer the lens model parameters and pixellated radio source surface brightness. We consider several lens models of increasing complexity, starting from an elliptical power-law density profile. We extend this model to include angular multipole structures, a separate stellar mass component, additional nearby field galaxies, and/or a generic external potential. We compare these models using their relative Bayesian log-evidence (Bayes factor). We find strong evidence for angular structure in the lens; our best model is comprised of a power-law profile plus multipole perturbations and external potential, with a Bayes factor of +14984 relative to the elliptical power-law model. It is noteworthy that the elliptical power-law mass distribution is a remarkably good fit on its own, with additional model complexity correcting the deflection angles only at the ∼5 mas level. We also consider the effects of added complexity in the lens model on time-delay cosmography and flux-ratio analyses. We find that an overly simplistic power-law ellipsoid lens model can bias the measurement of H0 by ∼3 per cent and mimic flux ratio anomalies of ∼8 per cent. Our results demonstrate the power of high-resolution VLBI observations to provide strong constraints on the inner density profiles of lens galaxies.
Estimating the atmospheric properties of 44 M dwarfs from SPIRou spectra
Authors: Cristofari P I , Donati J-F , Masseron T , Fouqué P , Moutou C , Carmona A , Artigau E , Martioli E , Hébrard G , Gaidos E , Delfosse X ,   SLS consortium
Published: August 2022

We describe advances on a method designed to derive accurate parameters of M dwarfs. Our analysis consists in comparing high-resolution infrared spectra acquired with the near-infrared spectro-polarimeter SPIRou to synthetic spectra computed from MARCS model atmospheres, in order to derive the effective temperature (Teff), surface gravity (log g), metallicity ($\rm {[M/H]}$), and alpha-enhancement ($\rm {[\alpha /Fe]}$) of 44 M dwarfs monitored within the SPIRou Legacy Survey (SLS). Relying on 12 of these stars, we calibrated our method by refining our selection of well-modelled stellar lines, and adjusted the line list parameters to improve the fit when necessary. Our retrieved Teff, log g, and $\rm {[M/H]}$ are in good agreement with literature values, with dispersions of the order of 50 K in Teff and 0.1 dex in log g and $\rm {[M/H]}$. We report that fitting $\rm {[\alpha /Fe]}$ has an impact on the derivation of the other stellar parameters, motivating us to extend our fitting procedure to this additional parameter. We find that our retrieved $\rm {[\alpha /Fe]}$ are compatible with those expected from empirical relations derived in other studies.
f(T) cosmology against the cosmographic method: A new study using mock and observational data
Authors: Sabiee M , Malekjani M , Mohammad Zadeh Jassur D
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we study the power-law f(T) model using Hubble diagrams of type Ia supernovae (SNIa), quasars (QSOs), gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and the measurements from baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO) in the framework of the cosmographic method. Using mock data for SNIa, QSOs, and GRBs generated based on the power-law f(T) model, we show whether different cosmographic methods are suitable to reconstruct the distance modulus or not. In particular, we investigate the rational PADE polynomials (3,2) and (2,2) in addition to the fourth- and fifth-order Taylor series. We show that PADE (3,2) is the best approximation that can be used in the cosmographic method to reconstruct the distance modulus at both low and high redshifts. In the context of PADE (3,2) cosmographic method, we show that the power-law f(T) model is well consistent with the real observational data from the Hubble diagrams of SNIa, QSOs, and GRBs. Moreover, we find that the combination of the Hubble diagram of SNIa and the BAO observation leads to better consistency between the model-independent cosmographic method and the power-law f(T) model. Finally, our observational constraints on the parameter of the effective equation of state of DE described by the power-law f(T) model show the phantom-like behaviour, especially when the BAO observations are included in our analysis.
Magnetic field measurements of sharp-lined Ap stars
Authors: Järvinen S P , Hubrig S , Jayaraman R , Ilyin I , Schöller M
Published: August 2022

Previous observations suggested that Ap and Bp stars exhibit a bimodal distribution of surface magnetic field strengths and that actually only few or no stars exist with magnetic dipole field strengths below 300 G down to a few Gauss. As the number of Ap and Bp stars currently known to possess weak magnetic fields is not large, it is necessary to carry out additional spectropolarimetric studies of Ap and Bp stars to prove whether the assumption of the existence of a critical value for the stability of magnetic fields is realistic. In this study, we present high-resolution HARPSpol magnetic field measurements for a sample of Ap stars with sharp spectral lines with a view to characterize the strengths of their magnetic fields. Out of the studied seven sharp-lined stars, two stars, HD 174779 and HD 203932, exhibit a rather weak longitudinal magnetic field with  = − 45 ± 3 G and  =21 ± 4 G, respectively. Additionally, TESS observations were used to test previous conclusions on the differentiation of rotation periods of Ap and Bp stars. Apart from HD 189832 and HD 203932, all other studied sharp-lined stars have long rotation periods. Since an explanation for the slow rotation of Ap stars is currently missing, additional studies of slowly rotating Ap and Bp stars are necessary to improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of Ap and Bp stars.
Trumpler 16-26: a new centrifugal magnetosphere star discovered via SDSS/APOGEE H-band spectroscopy
Authors: Chojnowski S Drew , Hubrig Swetlana , Labadie-Bartz Jonathan , Rivinius Thomas , Schöller Markus , Niemczura Ewa , Nidever David L , Stutz Amelia M , Hummel C A
Published: August 2022

We report the discovery of a new example of the rare class of highly magnetized, rapidly rotating, helium enhanced, early B stars that produce anomalously wide hydrogen emission due to a centrifugal magnetosphere (CM). The star is Trumpler 16-26, a B1.5 V member of the Trumpler 16 open cluster. A CM was initially suspected based on hydrogen Brackett series emission observed in SDSS/APOGEE H-band spectra. Similar to the other stars of this type, the emission was highly variable and at all times remarkable due to the extreme velocity separations of the double peaks (up to 1300 km s−1.) Another clue lay in the TESS light curve, which shows two irregular eclipses per cycle when phased with the likely 0.971 8115-d rotation period, similar to the behaviour of the well-known CM host star σ Ori E. To confirm a strong magnetic field and rotation-phase-locked variability, we initiated a follow-up campaign consisting of optical spectropolarimetry and spectroscopy. The associated data revealed a longitudinal magnetic field varying between −3.1 and +1.6 kG with the period found from photometry. The optical spectra confirmed rapid rotation (v sin i = 195 km s−1), surface helium enhancement, and wide, variable hydrogen emission. Tr16-26 is thus confirmed as the 20th known, the fourth most rapidly rotating, and the faintest CM host star yet discovered. With a projected dipole magnetic field strength of Bd > 11 kG, Tr16-26 is also among the most magnetic CM stars.
The giants that were born swiftly – implications of the top-heavy stellar initial mass function on the birth conditions of globular clusters
Authors: Wirth Henriette , Kroupa Pavel , Haas Jaroslav , Jerabkova Tereza , Yan Zhiqiang , Šubr Ladislav
Published: August 2022

Recent results suggest that the initial mass function (IMF) of globular clusters (GCs) is metallicity and density dependent. Here, it is studied how this variation affects the initial masses and the numbers of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) required to reproduce the observed iron spreads in GCs. The IMFs of all of the investigated GCs were top-heavy implying larger initial masses compared to previous results computed assuming an invariant canonical IMF. This leads to more CCSNe being required to explain the observed iron abundance spreads. The results imply that the more massive GCs formed at smaller Galactocentric radii, possibly suggesting in situ formation of the population II halo. The time until star formation ended within a proto-GC is computed to be 3.5–4 Myr, being slightly shorter than the 4 Myr obtained using the canonical IMF. Therefore, the impact of the IMF on the time for which IMF lasts is small.
Long-term lithium abundance signatures following planetary engulfment
Authors: Sevilla Jason , Behmard Aida , Fuller Jim
Published: August 2022

Planetary engulfment events can occur while host stars are on the main sequence. The addition of rocky planetary material during engulfment will lead to refractory abundance enhancements in the host star photosphere, but the level of enrichment and its duration will depend on mixing processes that occur within the stellar interior, such as convection, diffusion, and thermohaline mixing. We examine engulfment signatures by modelling the evolution of photospheric lithium abundances. Because lithium can be burned before or after the engulfment event, it produces unique signatures that vary with time and host star type. Using mesa stellar models, we quantify the strength and duration of these signatures following the engulfment of a 1, 10, or 100 M⊕ planetary companion with bulk Earth composition, for solar-metallicity host stars with masses ranging from 0.5 to 1.4 M⊙. We find that lithium is quickly depleted via burning in low-mass host stars ($\lesssim 0.7 \, {\rm M}_\odot$) on a time-scale of a few hundred Myrs, but significant lithium enrichment signatures can last for Gyrs in G-type stars ($\sim \! 0.9 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$). For more massive stars (1.3−1.4 M⊙), engulfment can enhance internal mixing and diffusion processes, potentially decreasing the surface lithium abundance. Our predicted signatures from exoplanet engulfment are consistent with observed lithium-rich solar-type stars and abundance enhancements in chemically inhomogeneous binary stars.
Associations of Demographics, Dependence, and Biomarkers With Transitions in Tobacco Product Use in a Cohort of Cigarette Users and Dual Users of Cigarettes and E-cigarettes
Authors: Shafie-Khorassani Fatema , Piper Megan E , Jorenby Douglas E , Baker Timothy B , Benowitz Neal L , Hayes-Birchler Todd , Meza Rafael , Brouwer Andrew F
Published: August 2022

Introduction

It is uncertain whether e-cigarettes facilitate smoking cessation in the real world. We aimed to understand whether and how transitions among cigarette, e-cigarette, and dual use are associated with sociodemographics, dependence measures, and biomarkers.

Aims and Methods

We followed 380 adult daily cigarette users and dual users every 2 months for up to 2 years. We estimated transition rates between noncurrent, cigarette-only, e-cigarette-only, and dual use states using a multistate transition model. We estimated univariable hazard ratios (HR) for demographics, dependence measures for cigarettes and e-cigarettes, biomarkers, spousal or partner behaviors, and other measures.

Results

We estimated that participants transitioned from cigarette-only to e-cigarette-only through a period of dual use. Dual users ceased smoking (transitioning to e-cigarette-only use) at a greater rate than cigarette-only users did (HR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.49, 4.02). However, of the 60% of dual users estimated to transition to single product use in 1 year, 83% would transition to cigarette-only use and only 17% to e-cigarette-only use. E-cigarette dependence measures were generally associated with reduced e-cigarette cessation rather than enhanced cigarette cessation. E-cigarette users motivated by harm or toxicity reduction or because of restrictions on where or when they could smoke had reduced rates of smoking relapse. Cigarette dependence and spousal smoking were barriers to cigarette cessation for dual users, while using e-cigarettes first in the morning, motivation to quit smoking, and sensory, social, and emotional enjoyment of e-cigarettes (secondary dependence motives) were facilitators of smoking cessation among dual users.

Conclusions

Tobacco control policy and interventions may be informed by the barriers and facilitators of product transitions.

Implications

Although e-cigarettes have the potential to promote smoking cessation, their real-world impact is uncertain. In this cohort, dual users were more likely to quit smoking than cigarette-only users, but the overall impact was small because most dual users returned to cigarette-only use. Moreover, e-cigarette dependence promoted continued dual use rather than smoking cessation. Yet, high motivation to quit smoking and the sensory, social, and emotional enjoyment of e-cigarettes facilitated smoking cessation in dual users. Better understanding the barriers and facilitators of transitions can help to develop regulations and interventions that lead to more effective use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.
In Reply
Authors: Lacouture Mario E , Patel Anisha B , Rosenberg Jonathan E , O’Donnell Peter H
Published: August 2022

This letter to the editor responds to remarks on a recently published article about dermatologic events associated with enfortumab vedotin and agrees that education on the prevention and management of such events should be a priority.
Cytokinins regulate rice lamina joint development and leaf angle
Authors: Huang Peng , Zhao Jiangzhe , Hong Jiale , Zhu Bao , Xia Shuai , Zhu Engao , Han Pingfei , Zhang Kewei
Published: August 2022

Leaf angle is determined by lamina joint inclination and is an important agronomic trait that determines plant architecture, photosynthetic efficiency, and crop yield. Cytokinins (CKs) are phytohormones involved in shaping rice (Oryza sativa L.) architecture, but their role in leaf angle remains unknown. Here, we report that CK accumulation mediated by rice CK OXIDASE/DEHYDROGENASE3 (OsCKX3) controls lamina joint development and negatively regulates leaf angle. Phenotypic analysis showed that rice osckx3 mutants had smaller leaf angles, while the overexpression lines (OsCKX3-OE) had larger leaf angles. Histological sections indicated that the leaf inclination changes in the osckx3 and OsCKX3-OE lines resulted from asymmetric proliferation of the cells and vascular bundles in the lamina joint. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR, promoter-fused β-glucuronidase expression, and subcellular localization assays indicated that OsCKX3 was highly expressed in the lamina joint, and OsCKX3-GFP fusion protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. The enzyme assays using recombinant protein OsCKX3 revealed that OsCKX3 prefers trans-zeatin (tZ) and isopentenyladenine (iP). Consistently, tZ and iP levels increased in the osckx3 mutants but decreased in the OsCKX3 overexpression lines. Interestingly, agronomic trait analysis of the rice grown in the paddy field indicated that osckx3 displayed a smaller leaf angle and enhanced primary branch number, grain size, 1,000-grain weight, and flag leaf size. Collectively, our results revealed that enhancing CK levels in the lamina joint by disrupting OsCKX3 negatively regulates leaf angle, highlighting that the CK pathway can be engineered to reduce leaf angle in rice and possibly in other cereals.
The Fibromyalgia Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Physical Therapy Study Protocol: A Multisite Embedded Pragmatic Trial
Authors: Post Andrew A , Dailey Dana L , Bayman Emine O , Chimenti Ruth L , Costigan Michele , Franck Carla , Huff Trevis , Johnson Elizabeth , Koepp Maxine , Lafontant David-Erick , McCabe Megan E , Neill-Hudson Tina , Vance Carol G T , Van Gorp Barb , Zimmerman Bridget M , Ecklund Dixie , Crofford Leslie J , Sluka Kathleen A
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a nonpharmacological intervention that provides an electrical current through the skin to produce analgesia. The primary purpose of this study is to examine if the addition of TENS to routine physical therapy improves movement-evoked pain in individuals with fibromyalgia in a physical therapy clinical setting.

Methods

Fibromyalgia TENS in Physical Therapy Study is a phase III embedded pragmatic clinical trial funded through the National Institutes of Health Helping to End Addiction Long-Term Initiative. This trial will utilize a randomized cluster design that includes more than 110 physical therapists in 24 to 30 physical therapy clinics within 6 health care systems and 7 states. Clinics will be randomized to TENS or No-TENS, stratified by health care system and clinic size. The plan is to enroll 600 participants, with all participants completing physical therapy as prescribed by their physical therapist. Participants at TENS clinics will utilize TENS for a minimum of 2-hour per day while at the physical therapy clinic and at home when active. The primary outcome is reduction in movement-evoked pain from baseline to day 60 on an 11-point numeric rating scale when participants sit and stand 5 times (Sit and Stand Test). Secondary outcomes include resting pain and fatigue, pain interference, fibromyalgia disease activity, movement-evoked fatigue, multidimensional assessment of fatigue, rapid assessment of physical activity, patient global impression of change, and common data elements shared across studies supported through the Helping to End Addiction Long-Term Initiative.

Impact

The findings from this study will provide effectiveness data on TENS for individuals with fibromyalgia for health care policymakers, clinicians, and insurers. Data from this study will also inform future pragmatic trials for nonpharmacological interventions and chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.