bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dorsal Preservation Surgery: A Novel Modification for Dorsal Shaping and Hump Reduction
Authors: Tuncel Umut , Kurt Alper , Saban Yves
Published: March 2022

Background

A new technique for dorsal preservation rhinoplasty that minimizes recurrent hump deformity is introduced.

Objectives

The authors sought to present a novel dorsal roof flap (DRF) technique for modifying the nasal hump and dorsum while reducing morbidity.

Methods

Twenty-two primary and 3 secondary rhinoplasty patients had 1 of 2 types of nasal DRF depending on hump composition. A triangular roof flap was created utilizing 2 incisions from W-point to lateral Keystone junction in cartilaginous humps (cartilaginous DRF) and to the nasion in osseocartilaginous humps (osseocartilaginous DRF). Then, septal strip excisions were conducted to lower the profile followed by nasal base narrowing. The DRF was then lowered to the desired profile line, any excess lateral wall height trimmed, and the DRF sutured to the upper lateral cartilages. Preoperative and postoperative nasolabial and nasoglabellar angles were measured on the photos.

Results

Mean follow-up was 10.3 (standard deviation, 4.41) months (range, 6-20 months). A total 22 humps were V-shape and 3 were S-shape. The composition of the hump was cartilaginous in 5 cases, bone in 7 cases, and combined in 13 cases. A cartilaginous DRF was utilized for the 5 cases with a cartilaginous hump and osseocartilaginous DRF was employed in the other 20 cases. There were no complications observed in the follow-up period and thus no revisions.

Conclusions

The DRF technique allows preservation of the nasal dorsum and elimination of the dorsal hump while minimizing hump recurrence.

Level of Evidence: 4
RabbitV: fast detection of viruses and microorganisms in sequencing data on multi-core architectures
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chang Qixin , Yin Zekun , Xu Xiaoming , Wei Yanjie , Schmidt Bertil , Liu Weiguo
Published: March 2022

Motivation

Detection and identification of viruses and microorganisms in sequencing data plays an important role in pathogen diagnosis and research. However, existing tools for this problem often suffer from high runtimes and memory consumption.

Results

We present RabbitV, a tool for rapid detection of viruses and microorganisms in Illumina sequencing datasets based on fast identification of unique k-mers. It can exploit the power of modern multi-core CPUs by using multi-threading, vectorization and fast data parsing. Experiments show that RabbitV outperforms fastv by a factor of at least 42.5 and 14.4 in unique k-mer generation (RabbitUniq) and pathogen identification (RabbitV), respectively. Furthermore, RabbitV is able to detect COVID-19 from 40 samples of sequencing data (255 GB in FASTQ format) in only 320 s.

Availability and implementation

RabbitUniq and RabbitV are available at https://github.com/RabbitBio/RabbitUniq and https://github.com/RabbitBio/RabbitV.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
S100B inhibition protects from chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Barros Catarina , Barateiro Andreia , Neto Alexandre , Soromenho Beatriz , Basto Afonso P. , Mateus Joana M. , Xapelli Sara , Sebastião Ana M. , Brites Dora , Graça Luís , Fernandes Adelaide
Published: March 2022

Studies have correlated excessive S100B, a small inflammatory molecule, with demyelination and associated inflammatory processes occurring in multiple sclerosis. The relevance of S100B in multiple sclerosis pathology brought an emerging curiosity highlighting its use as a potential therapeutic target to reduce damage during the multiple sclerosis course, namely during inflammatory relapses. We examined the relevance of S100B and further investigated the potential of S100B-neutralizing small-molecule pentamidine in chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. S100B depletion had beneficial pathological outcomes and based on promising results of a variety of S100B blockade strategies in an ex vivo demyelinating model, we choose pentamidine to assay its role in the in vivo experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We report that pentamidine prevents more aggressive clinical symptoms and improves recovery of chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Blockade of S100B by pentamidine protects against oligodendrogenesis impairment and neuroinflammation by reducing astrocyte reactivity and microglia pro-inflammatory phenotype. Pentamidine also increased regulatory T cell density in the spinal cord suggesting an additional immunomodulatory action. These results showed the relevance of S100B as a main driver of neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and identified an uncharacterized mode of action of pentamidine, strengthening the possibility to use this drug as an anti-inflammatory and remyelinating therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis.
MRI tracking of human Wharton’s jelly stem cells seeded onto acellular dermal matrix labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in burn wounds
Authors: Mehrabani Davood , Nazempour Mehra , Mehdinavaz-Aghdam Rouhollah , Hashemi Seyedeh-Sara , Jalli Reza , Moghadam Mahdi Saeedi , Zare Shahrokh , Jamhiri Iman , Moayedi Javad , Karimi-Busheri Feridoun
Published: March 2022

Background

In vivo cell tracking after transplantation in regenerative medicine remains an unmet challenge and limits current understanding of the wound healing mechanism through cell-based therapies. This study investigated tracking of human Wharton’s jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) seeded onto an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in burn injury.

Method

The hWJSCs were characterized and assessed for growth kinetics. A total of 30 rats were enrolled in three equal groups. Group 1 underwent scald burn injury left without treatment, the group 2 was treated by an ADM that was prepared from cosmetic surgery skin samples and the group 3 received hWJSCs labeled with SPIONs seeded onto an ADM. Tensile strength was evaluated before and after interventions, real time PCR assessed apoptosis, and Prussian blue staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MRI were used for the tracking of labeled cells.

Results

The hWJSCs exhibited mesenchymal stem cell properties. Population doubling time was 40.1 hours. SPIONs did not show any toxic effect. The hWJSCs seeded onto an ADM decreased Bax and increased Bcl-2 gene expression. Internalization of SPIONs within hWJSCs was confirmed by Prussian blue staining, SEM and MRI until day 21. There was a significant difference between the Young’s moduli of normal skin and the group receiving hWJSCs seeded onto an ADM. Histological observations and SEM imaging confirmed that MRI is an accurate method to track SPION-labeled hWJSCs in vivo.

Conclusions

This study showed that SPION labeling coupled with MRI can be used to further understand the fate of stem cells after transplantation in a burn model.
Large pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm after CardioMEMS implantation: a case report
Authors: Garg Tushar , Raikhelkar Jayant , Gilkeson Robert , Tavri Sidhartha
Published: March 2022

Background

CardioMEMS heart failure (HF) system is an implantable wireless pressure sensor that is placed in a branch of the pulmonary artery (PA) for remote monitoring of PA pressures in patients with HF. Pulmonary artery injury/haemoptysis can occur during the sensor placement.

Case summary

An 80-year-old male patient with HF with reduced ejection fraction (20%) underwent CardioMEMS HF system implantation for recurrent shortness of breath. He developed haemoptysis and dyspnoea during the procedure, which was managed with furosemide. The patient’s computerized tomographic angiography showed a 3.4 cm pseudoaneurysm with active extravasation from the superior segmental branch of the left PA due to injury during device placement. The decision to embolize the pseudoaneurysm was made after a multi-disciplinary team meeting and discussion with the patient. The embolization procedure was carried out successfully with the final left pulmonary angiogram showed complete stasis and no further filling of the pseudoaneurysm sac.

Discussion

The incidence of mortality in patients with PA injury from CardioMEMS devices is high, and therefore prompt diagnosis and management are critical. Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon and present with haemoptysis. Transcatheter embolization has been shown to be a practical, effective, and safe therapeutic option in stable patients.
A case report of a long-term survivor after inadvertent ligation of the left pulmonary artery during intended ductal ligation
Authors: Zeng Qi-xian , Liu Zhihong , Xi Qun-Ying , Xiong Changming
Published: March 2022

Background

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can close on its own during childhood. Patent ductus arteriosus with left pulmonary artery (LPA) occlusion is rare. Here, we describe possible aetiologies of this condition and treatment strategies based on recent guidelines.

Case summary

A 35-year-old man experienced shortness of breath for 20 years. Physical examination revealed pitting oedema, digital clubbing, and bi-phasic murmur along the left sternal border at the 2nd and 3rd intercostal space. Congenital heart disease was suspected. Echocardiography revealed a severely dilated pulmonary trunk and PDA; however, the LPA was not visible. The patient has undergone PDA ligation surgery >30 years ago, which may have caused accidental LPA ligation; however, extreme elevation of pulmonary pressure led to increased difficulties in performing LPA reconstruction and PDA division. Therefore, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) initial combination therapy with parenteral prostanoids was prescribed. The patient’s condition improved gradually.

Discussion

Inadvertent ligation of the LPA instead of PDA is a rare and usually fatal complication during ductal ligation. Patients who survive this catastrophic complication usually develop the progressive pulmonary vascular disease with increased pulmonary pressure and impaired lung parenchyma resulting in right heart and respiratory failure. Early and regular follow-up with cardiac imaging studies is important to diagnose this complication. Reconstruction of the ligated LPA and PDA late in the disease course is difficult due to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Initial PAH combination therapy may be valuable for relieving the patients’ symptoms at that stage. Heart and lung transplantation can also be considered in suitable patients.
A case report of a novel mutation in lamin A/C gene related with risk of sudden death
Authors: Sanchez Vallejo Carlos Andres , Rodriguez Ariza Carlos Daniel , Restrepo Urbina Jose Alfredo , Callegari Osorio Santiago
Published: March 2022

Background

Lamin A/C-associated heart disease is a group of clinical entities characterized by a mutation in the LMNA gene. Multiple cardiac phenotypes have been described, including a higher risk of sudden death.

Case summary

A 23-year-old asymptomatic patient with an extensive history of heart disease in the family consulted the clinic. He had a genetic test performed when he was born revealing a new frameshift mutation in the LMNA gene. Numerous cardiac function tests were ordered, which initially were normal. After a year of follow-up, Holter monitoring was positive for episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). Because of the risk factors and higher likelihood of sudden death, a decision was made to offer an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD), which was performed without complications. The patient continues the follow-up with cardiology and electrophysiology consisting of yearly cardiac imaging and device recordings.

Discussion

Lamins are nuclear proteins involved in various cellular processes in myocardial cells. Therefore, mutations are associated with wide phenotypic alterations. The mutation described here was not previously reported in the literature. In the face of an undescribed mutation, the decision to use an ICD for primary prevention of sudden death is challenging. Because of the episodes of NSVT and a higher likelihood of risk of sudden death due to male sex and first-degree atrioventricular block, the decision to use an ICD was made for this patient, with no complications.
Divergent regulatory roles of NuRD chromatin remodeling complex subunits GATAD2 and CHD4 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Golden Nicole L , Foley Michaela K , Kim Guisbert Karen S , Guisbert Eric
Published: March 2022

During proteotoxic stress, a pathway known as the heat shock response is induced to maintain protein-folding homeostasis or proteostasis. Previously, we identified the Caenorhabditis elegans GATAD2 ortholog, dcp-66, as a novel regulator of the heat shock response. Here, we extend these findings to show that dcp-66 positively regulates the heat shock response at the cellular, molecular, and organismal levels. As GATAD2 is a subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase chromatin remodeling complex, we examined other nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase subunits and found that the let-418 (CHD4) nucleosome repositioning core also regulates the heat shock response. However, let-418 acts as a negative regulator of the heat shock response, in contrast to positive regulation by dcp-66. The divergent effects of these two nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase subunits extend to the regulation of other stress responses including oxidative, genotoxic, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, a transcriptomic approach reveals additional divergently regulated pathways, including innate immunity and embryogenesis. Taken together, this work establishes new insights into the role of nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase subunits in organismal physiology. We incorporate these findings into a molecular model whereby different mechanisms of recruitment to promoters can result in the divergent effects of nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase subunits.
Analysis of incidental findings in Qatar genome participants reveals novel functional variants in LMNA and DSP
Authors: Elfatih Amal , Da’as Sahar I , Abdelrahman Doua , Mbarek Hamdi , Mohammed Idris , Hasan Waseem , Fakhro Khalid A ,   for the The Qatar Genome Program Research Consortium, Ismail Said I , Al-Muftah Wadha , Badji Radja , Mbarek Hamdi , Darwish Dima , Fadl Tasnim , Yasin Heba , Ennaifar Maryem , Abdel-latif Rania , Alkuwari Fatima , Alvi Muhammad , Al Sarraj Yasser , Saad Chadi , Althani Asmaa , Fthenou Eleni , Qafoud Fatima , Alkhayat Eiman , Afifi Nahla , Tomei Sara , Liu Wei , Lorenz Stephan , Syed Najeeb , Almabrazi Hakeem , Rehaman Vempalli Fazulur , Temanni Ramzi , Abu Saqri Tariq , Husen Khatib Mohammed , Hamza Mehshad , Abu Zaid Tariq , El Khouly Ahmed , Pathare Tushar , Poolat Shafeeq , Al-Ali Rashid , Albagha Omar M E , Al-Khodor Souhaila , Alshafai Mashael , Badii Ramin , Chouchane Lotfi , Estivill Xavier , Fakhro Khalid A , Mbarek Hamdi , Mokrab Younes , Puthen Jithesh V , Suhre Karsten , Tatari Zohreh , Estivill Xavier , Mifsud Borbala
Published: March 2022

In order to report clinically actionable incidental findings in genetic testing, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommended the evaluation of variants in 59 genes associated with highly penetrant mutations. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data on medically actionable rare variants in these genes in Arab populations. We used whole genome sequencing data from 6045 participants from the Qatar Genome Programme and integrated it with phenotypic data collected by the Qatar Biobank. We identified novel putative pathogenic variants in the 59 ACMG genes by filtering previously unrecorded variants based on computational prediction of pathogenicity, variant rarity and segregation evidence. We assessed the phenotypic associations of candidate variants in genes linked to cardiovascular diseases. Finally, we used a zebrafish knockdown and synthetic human mRNA co-injection assay to functionally characterize two of these novel variants. We assessed the zebrafish cardiac function in terms of heart rate, rhythm and hemodynamics, as well as the heart structure. We identified 52 492 novel variants, which have not been reported in global and disease-specific databases. A total of 74 novel variants were selected with potentially pathogenic effect. We prioritized two novel cardiovascular variants, DSP c.1841A > G (p.Asp614Gly) and LMNA c.326 T > G (p.Val109Gly) for functional characterization. Our results showed that both variants resulted in abnormal zebrafish heart rate, rhythm and structure. This study highlights medically actionable variants that are specific to the Middle Eastern Qatari population.
Missed Opportunities: Participation of NGOs in Advisory Proceedings of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Authors: D’Amour Bizimana Jean
Published: March 2022

This article scrutinizes the participation of NGOs in advisory proceedings of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Contrary to its regional counterparts, the Court allows NGOs to petition for advisory opinions. In addition, NGOs can contribute to its advisory proceedings as amici curiae. Surprisingly, the Court has only delivered two advisory opinions requested by an NGO within the last 15 years. Moreover, the rate of amici interventions by NGOs in this Court’s advisory cases has been exceptionally infrequent. This article views that the less productive use of ACtHPR’s advisory function by NGOs is a loss to the African human rights system and is attributable not only to the Court itself but also to NGOs and State parties to the ACtHPR. It also holds that amici NGOs have been very instrumental to advisory proceedings and having greater participation of amici NGOs would provide concrete benefits to the proceedings.
The Influence of Oxytocin and Prolactin During a First Episode of Psychosis: The Implication of Sex Differences, Clinical Features, and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Hidalgo-Figueroa María , Salazar Alejandro , Romero-López-Alberca Cristina , MacDowell Karina S , García-Bueno Borja , Bioque Miquel , Bernardo Miquel , Parellada Mara , González-Pinto Ana , García Portilla María Paz , Lobo Antonio , Rodriguez-Jimenez Roberto , Berrocoso Esther , Leza Juan C ,   FLAMM-PEPs study,   CIBERSAM
Published: March 2022

Background

Approximately 3% of the population suffers a first episode of psychosis (FEP), and a high percentage of these patients subsequently relapse. Because the clinical course following a FEP is hard to predict, it is of interest to identify cognitive and biological markers that will help improve the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of such events and to define new therapeutic targets. Here we analyzed the plasma oxytocin and prolactin levels during an FEP, assessing their correlation with clinical and cognitive features.

Methods

The oxytocin and prolactin in plasma was measured in 120 FEP patients and 106 healthy controls, all of whom were subjected to a clinical and neuropsychological assessment. Most patients were under antipsychotics. Statistical analyses aimed to identify factors associated with the FEP and to search for associations between the variables. This study is preliminary and exploratory because the P-values were not corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results

FEP patients had less oxytocin, more prolactin, and a poor premorbid IQ, and they performed worse in sustained attention. Male patients with higher prolactin levels experienced more severe psychotic symptoms and required higher doses of antipsychotics. Low oxytocin was associated with poor sustained attention in women, whereas low oxytocin and high prolactin in men correlated with better performance in sustained attention.

Conclusion

Low oxytocin, high prolactin, and poor premorbid IQ and sustained attention are factors associated with an FEP, representing potential therapeutic targets in these patients. These biological factors and cognitive domains might play an important role during a FEP, which could help us to develop new strategies that improve the outcomes of this disorder and that should perhaps be gender specific.
Pediatric sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in the electronic health record
Authors: Goldhammer Hilary , Grasso Chris , Katz-Wise Sabra L , Thomson Katharine , Gordon Allegra R , Keuroghlian Alex S
Published: March 2022

The systematic documentation of sexual orientation and gender identity data in electronic health records can improve patient-centered care and help to identify and address health disparities affecting sexual and gender minority populations. Although there are existing guidelines for sexual orientation and gender identity data among adult patients, there are not yet standard recommendations for pediatric patients. In this article, we discuss methods that pediatric primary care organizations can use to collect and document sexual orientation and gender identity information with children and adolescents in electronic health records. These recommendations take into consideration children’s developmental stages, the role of caregivers, and the need to protect the privacy of this information. We also focus on the current limitations of electronic health records in capturing the nuances of sexual and gender minority identities and make suggestions for addressing these limitations.
The (fuzzy) digital divide: the effect of universal broadband on firm performance
Authors: DeStefano Timothy , Kneller Richard , Timmis Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Differences in access to high-speed broadband between urban and rural locations are known as the ‘digital divide’. Governments around the world have committed to spending considerable amounts of money to alleviate disparities in broadband infrastructure. However, to date, there is limited causal evidence for broadband and firm performance with even less of an understanding on whether the effects are distinct between firms located in urban versus rural localities. In this article, we exploit geographical discontinuities in broadband availability across the UK to capture the causal effects on firms on both sides of this divide. We find for both urban and rural firms that broadband causes an increase in their size, but not labor productivity. In addition, we find evidence that these size effects are strongest for urban firms, but for both urban and rural firms, the effects are concentrated in knowledge-intensive industries.
Determination of the Discriminating Concentration Towards Permethrin for Surveying Resistance in Amblyomma americanum
Authors: Kaplan Z D , Richardson E A , Taylor C E , Kaufman P E , Weeks E N I
Published: March 2022

Amblyomma americanum Linnaeus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is ubiquitously present throughout the southeastern United States and is capable of vectoring several pathogens. White-tailed deer are the main host for adult A. americanum. However, this tick species is a generalist that will feed on most vertebrates, including humans, deer, livestock, and pets. Management of this species can be challenging due to a lack of cost-effective strategies. Acaricides are often utilized, however, this may lead to pesticide resistance. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) larval packet test (LPT) was performed on susceptible A. americanum to determine the lethal concentration (LC) and discriminating concentration (DC) values for permethrin. The FAO LPT was used at these pre-established values to compare levels of resistance in ticks collected from a captive deer farm and wild areas representing high and low permethrin exposure settings, respectively. Resistance ratios (RR) calculated from the LC values for the ticks collected from farmed and wild deer ranged between 1 and 2. A. americanum collected from farmed and wild deer were not found to be resistant, however, some samples had slightly elevated RRs as compared to the susceptible laboratory strain, which may suggest tolerance development. Although the A. americanum sampled in this study were not resistant to permethrin, the DC calculated in this study will allow for rapid evaluation of resistance in a permethrin resistance monitoring program such that alternate management strategies can be adopted if resistance is detected.
Association of Genetic Ancestry With Terminal Duct Lobular Unit Involution Among Healthy Women
Authors: Sung Hyuna , Koka Hela , Marino Natascia , Pfeiffer Ruth M , Cora Renata , Figueroa Jonine D , Sherman Mark E , Gierach Gretchen L , Yang Xiaohong R
Published: March 2022

Reduced age-related terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU) involution has been linked to increased breast cancer risk and triple-negative breast cancer. Associations of TDLU involution levels with race and ethnicity remain incompletely explored. Herein, we examined the association between genetic ancestry and TDLU involution in normal breast tissue donated by 2014 healthy women in the United States. Women of African ancestry were more likely than European women to have increased TDLU counts (odds ratio [OR]trend = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 to 1.74), acini counts per TDLU (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.06 to 2.03), and median TDLU span (ORtrend = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.91), indicating lower involution, whereas East Asian descendants were associated with decreased TDLU counts (ORtrend = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.78) after controlling for potential confounders. These associations are consistent with the racial variations in incidence rates of triple-negative breast cancer in the United States and suggest opportunities for future work examining whether TDLU involution may mediate the racial differences in subtype-specific breast cancer risk.
Diversity, phylogeny, and adaptation of bryophytes: insights from genomic and transcriptomic data
Authors: Wang Qing-Hua , Zhang Jian , Liu Yang , Jia Yu , Jiao Yuan-Nian , Xu Bo , Chen Zhi-Duan
Published: March 2022

Bryophytes including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts are among the earliest land plants, and occupy a crucial phylogenetic position to aid in the understanding of plant terrestrialization. Despite their small size and simple structure, bryophytes are the second largest group of extant land plants. They live ubiquitously in various habitats and are highly diversified, with adaptive strategies to modern ecosystems on Earth. More and more genomes and transcriptomes have been assembled to address fundamental questions in plant biology. Here, we review recent advances in bryophytes associated with diversity, phylogeny, and ecological adaptation. Phylogenomic studies have provided increasing supports for the monophyly of bryophytes, with hornworts sister to the Setaphyta clade including liverworts and mosses. Further comparative genomic analyses revealed that multiple whole-genome duplications might have contributed to the species richness and morphological diversity in mosses. We highlight that the biological changes through gene gain or neofunctionalization that primarily evolved in bryophytes have facilitated the adaptation to early land environments; among the strategies to adapt to modern ecosystems in bryophytes, desiccation tolerance is the most remarkable. More genomic information for bryophytes would shed light on key mechanisms for the ecological success of these ‘dwarfs’ in the plant kingdom.
In Other Words
Authors: Fuks Abraham
Published: March 2022

Words both describe and shape our reality. When the aging of the population is labeled the gray tsunami, the prospect evokes fear and casts the elderly as an unwanted burden. We cannot eliminate figurative speech; therefore, this chapter examines alternative metaphors to those that are aggressive and warlike and, in many instances, deleterious to patients. These include the concepts of flows and harmonies from traditional Chinese medicine and equilibrium, balance, and homeostasis based on Western physiology. In the latter framing, illness is a condition of dystasis with stories of chaos, and health is resilience and the ability to return to a new equilibrium, a tale of restitution. A common metaphor in clinical settings is the journey or narrative of quest in which patients may choose to be passengers or navigators. The chapter underlines the duty of the physician to accompany the patient and ensure safe conduct on the voyage that may venture onto uncharted paths.
Wide-band spectral variability of peaked spectrum sources
Authors: Ross K , Hurley-Walker N , Seymour N , Callingham J R , Galvin T J , Johnston-Hollitt M
Published: March 2022

Characterizing spectral variability of radio sources is a technique that offers the ability to determine the astrophysics of the intervening media, source structure, emission, and absorption processes. We present broadband (0.072–10 GHz) spectral variability of 15 peaked-spectrum (PS) sources with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). These 15 PS sources were observed quasi-contemporaneously with ATCA and the MWA four to six times during 2020 with approximately a monthly cadence. Variability was not detected at 1–10 GHz frequencies but 13 of the 15 targets show significant variability with the MWA at megahertz frequencies. We conclude the majority of variability seen at megahertz frequencies is due to refractive interstellar scintillation of a compact component ∼25 mas across. We also identify four PS sources that show a change in their spectral shape at megahertz frequencies. Three of these sources are consistent with a variable optical depth from an inhomogeneous free–free absorbing cloud around the source. One PS source with a variable spectral shape at megahertz frequencies is consistent with an ejection travelling along the jet. We present spectral variability as a method for determining the physical origins of observed variability and for providing further evidence to support absorption models for PS sources where spectral modelling alone is insufficient.
Angular momentum transport and thermal stabilization of optically thin, advective accretion flows through large-scale magnetic fields
Authors: Datta Sudeb Ranjan , Mondal Tushar , Mukhopadhyay Banibrata
Published: March 2022

Outward transport of angular momentum, as well as viscous and thermal stability, are the necessary criteria for the formation of an accretion disc and to radiate steadily. Turbulent motions originating from magneto-rotational instability or hydrodynamic instability can do the required transport. We explore the effect of a large-scale magnetic field (LSMF) over the turbulent transport in an optically thin advective accretion disc. In this work, turbulent transport is represented through the usual Shakura–Sunyaev α-viscosity. The evolution of the magnetic field and other variables is found by solving vertically integrated height-averaged magnetohydrodynamic equations. Depending on its configuration, the LSMF can support or oppose α in outward transport of angular momentum. Once outward transport of angular momentum is assured, i.e. formation of the disc is confirmed through the combined effect of α-viscosity and the LSMF, we explore the impact of the LSMF in thermally stabilizing the disc. As found earlier, we also find that the advection of heat energy becomes zero or negative with an increasing accretion rate. That is why, at or above a critical accretion rate, the optically thin advective disc becomes thermally unstable. We show, however, that with the addition of a strong enough magnetic field, the disc regains its thermal stability and Joule heating turns out to play the key role in that. Throughout our analysis, the plasma-β (βm) remains within the range of 5–103, which does not impose any restriction in the simultaneous operation of the LSMF and the turbulent transport.
Super-Eddington accretion of the first Galactic ultra-luminous X-ray pulsar Swift J0243.6+6124
Authors: Liu Jiren , Jenke Peter A , Ji Long , Zhang Shuang-Nan , Zhang Shu , Ge Mingyu , Liao Jinyuan , Li Xiaobo , Song Liming
Published: March 2022

We present a detailed timing study of the pulse profile of Swift J0243.6+6124 with Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) and Fermi/GBM (Gamma-ray Burst Monitor) data during its 2017 giant outburst. The double-peak profile at luminosity above 5 × 1038 erg s−1 is found to be 0.25 phase offset from that below 1.5 × 1038erg s−1, which strongly supports for a transition from a pencil beam to a fan beam, and thus for the formation of shock dominated accretion column. During the rising stage of the high double-peak regime, the faint peak got saturated in 10–100 keV band above a luminosity of Lt ∼ 1.3 × 1039erg s−1, which is coincident with sudden spectral changes of both the main and faint peaks. They imply a sudden change of emission pattern around Lt. The spin-up rate ($\dot{\nu }$) is linearly correlated with luminosity (L) below Lt, consistent with the prediction of a radiation pressure dominated disc. The $\dot{\nu }-L$ relation flattens above Lt, indicating a less efficient transfer of angular momentum and a change of accretion disc geometry above Lt. It is likely due to irradiation of the disc by the central accretion column and indicates significant radiation feedback well before the inner disc radius reaching the spherization radius.
CHANG-ES XXIX: the sub-kpc nuclear bubble of NGC 4438
Authors: Li Jiang-Tao , Wang Q Daniel , Wiegert Theresa , Bregman Joel N , Beck Rainer , Damas-Segovia Ancor , Irwin Judith A , Ji Li , Stein Yelena , Sun Wei , Yang Yang
Published: March 2022

Active galactic nucleus (AGN) bubbles could play an important role in accelerating high-energy cosmic rays (CRs) and galactic feedback. Only in nearby galaxies could we have high enough angular resolution in multiwavelengths to study the sub-kpc environment of the AGN, where the bubbles are produced and strongly interact with the surrounding interstellar medium. In this paper, we present the latest Chandra observations of the Virgo cluster galaxy NGC 4438, which hosts multiscale bubbles detected in various bands. The galaxy also has low current star formation activity, so these bubbles are evidently produced by the AGN rather than a starburst. We present spatially resolved spectral analysis of the Chandra data of the ∼3 arcsec × 5 arcsec (${\sim} 200{\rm ~pc}\times 350\rm ~pc$) nuclear bubble of NGC 4438. The power-law tail in the X-ray spectra can be most naturally explained as synchrotron emission from high-energy CR leptons. The hot gas temperature increases, while the overall contribution of the non-thermal X-ray emission decreases with the vertical distance from the galactic plane. We calculate the synchrotron cooling time-scale of the CR leptons responsible for the non-thermal hard X-ray emission to be only a few tens to a few hundreds of years. The thermal pressure of the hot gas is about three times the magnetic pressure, but the current data cannot rule out the possibility that they are still in pressure balance. The spatially resolved spectroscopy presented in this paper may have important constraints on how the AGN accelerates CRs and drives outflows. We also discover a transient X-ray source only ∼5 arcsec from the nucleus of NGC 4438. The source was not detected in 2002 and 2008, but became quite X-ray bright in 2020 March, with an average 0.5–7 keV luminosity of ${\sim} 10^{39}\rm ~erg~s^{-1}$.
The hardness–intensity correlation of photospheric emission from a structured jet for gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Song Xin-Ying , Meng Yan-Zhi
Published: March 2022

For many gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), hardness–intensity correlation (HIC) can be described by a power-law function, Ep ∝ Fκ, where Ep is the peak energy of νFν spectrum, and F is the instantaneous energy flux. In this paper, HIC of the non-dissipative photospheric emission from a structured jet is studied in different regimes. An intermediate photosphere, which contains both of unsaturated and saturated emissions is introduced, and we find positive κ < 1/4 in this case. The same conclusion could be generalized to the photospheric emission from a hybrid jet without magnetic dissipations, or that with sub-photospheric magnetic dissipations and fully thermalized. This may imply that the contribution peaking at ∼1/2 in the distribution of observed κ are mainly from the prompt emission of GRBs with synchrotron origin. Besides, emissions of the intermediate photosphere could give a smaller low-energy photon index α than that in the unsaturated regime, and naturally reproduce anticorrelation in α − Ep in a GRB pulse.
Chemical composition of a palomar 12 blue straggler
Authors: Pasquini L , Bonifacio P , Pulone L , Modigliani A , Brocato E , Sbordone L , Randich S , Cupani G
Published: March 2022

With the equivalent area of a 16-m telescope, ESPRESSO in 4UT mode allows to inaugurate high resolution spectroscopy for solar-type stars belonging to extragalactic globular clusters. We determine the chemical composition of an extragalactic blue straggler (BS). The star has a G magnitude of 19.01 and belongs to the globular cluster Pal12, that is associated to the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. Abundances are computed by using high resolution spectroscopy and LTE analysis. Two 50 min ESPRESSO spectra, co-added, provide a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼25 with a resolving power R∼70 000. This allows us to measure with good precision abundance of several (13) elements. Li could help to distinguish between formation models of BS; we are able to set a 3σ upper limit of Li = 3.1, which is still too high to discriminate between competing models. The abundances we retrieve for the BS are compatible with those of giant stars of Pal 12 published in literature, re-analysed by us using the same procedure and line list. Small differences are present that can be ascribed to NLTE effects, but for Mg the BS shows a large under-abundance. The most likely explanation is that the BS atmosphere is dominated by gas processed through the Mg-Al cycle, but we have no suitable Al or Na lines to confirm this hypothesis. We show that ESPRESSO with 4UT can be used to derive precise abundances for solar-type stars fainter than magnitude 19. At these magnitudes a proper sky subtraction is needed and in crowded field the targets must be chosen with utmost care, to avoid contamination of the sky fibre from nearby stars.
The stellar ‘Snake’ – I. Whole structure and properties
Authors: Wang Fan , Tian Haijun , Qiu Dan , Xu Qi , Fang Min , Tian Hao , Di Li , Bird Sarah A , Shi Jianrong , Fu Xiaoting , Liu Gaochao , Cui Sheng , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2022

To complement our previous discovery of the young snake-like structure in the solar neighbourhood and reveal the structure’s full extent, we build two samples of stars within the Snake and its surrounding territory from Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3). With the friends-of-friends algorithm, we identify 2694 and 9052 Snake member candidates from the two samples. 13 open clusters are embedded in these member candidates. By combining the spectroscopic data from multiple surveys, we investigate the comprehensive properties of the candidates and find that they are very likely to belong to one sizable structure, since most of the components are well bridged in their spatial distributions, and follow a single stellar population with an age of 30–40 Myr and solar metallicity. This sizable structure is best explained as hierarchically primordial, and probably formed from a filamentary giant molecular cloud with unique formation history in localized regions. To analyse the dynamics of the Snake, we divide the structure into four groups according to their tangential velocities. We detect anisotropic expansion rates of the groups along different axes, and find that the average expansion age ($\bar{\tau }\simeq 33$ Myr) is highly consistent with the age of the Snake along the length of the structure (X-direction). With over 10 000 member stars, the Snake is an ideal laboratory to study nearby coeval stellar formation, stellar physics, and environmental evolution over a large spatial extent.
Programmable cleavage of linear double-stranded DNA by combined action of Argonaute CbAgo from Clostridium butyricum and nuclease deficient RecBC helicase from E. coli
Authors: Vaiskunaite Rita , Vainauskas Jogirdas , Morris Janna J L , Potapov Vladimir , Bitinaite Jurate
Published: March 2022

Prokaryotic Argonautes (pAgos) use small nucleic acids as specificity guides to cleave single-stranded DNA at complementary sequences. DNA targeting function of pAgos creates attractive opportunities for DNA manipulations that require programmable DNA cleavage. Currently, the use of mesophilic pAgos as programmable endonucleases is hampered by their limited action on double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). We demonstrate here that efficient cleavage of linear dsDNA by mesophilic Argonaute CbAgo from Clostridium butyricum can be activated in vitro via the DNA strand unwinding activity of nuclease deficient mutant of RecBC DNA helicase from Escherichia coli (referred to as RecBexo–C). Properties of CbAgo and characteristics of simultaneous cleavage of DNA strands in concurrence with DNA strand unwinding by RecBexo–C were thoroughly explored using 0.03–25 kb dsDNAs. When combined with RecBexo–C, CbAgo could cleave targets located 11–12.5 kb from the ends of linear dsDNA at 37°C. Our study demonstrates that CbAgo with RecBexo–C can be programmed to generate DNA fragments with custom-designed single-stranded overhangs suitable for ligation with compatible DNA fragments. The combination of CbAgo and RecBexo–C represents the most efficient mesophilic DNA-guided DNA-cleaving programmable endonuclease for in vitro use in diagnostic and synthetic biology methods that require sequence-specific nicking/cleavage of linear dsDNA at any desired location.
Modeling-Based Response-Guided DAA Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C to Identify Individuals for Shortening Treatment Duration
Authors: Goyal Ashish , Churkin Alex , Barash Danny , Cotler Scott J , Shlomai Amir , Etzion Ohad , Dahari Harel
Published: March 2022

Shortening duration of direct-acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C could provide cost savings, reduce medication exposure, and foster adherence and treatment completion in special populations. The current analysis indicates that measuring hepatitis C virus at baseline and on days 7 and 14 of therapy can identify patients for shortening therapy duration.
Introduction
Authors: Angle Stephen C.
Published: March 2022

This chapter argues that Confucianism’s teachings about how to live continue to resonate everywhere there are parents, children, and families; everywhere people feel stirrings of compassion for others, but sometimes selfishly ignore them; everywhere people wonder about how to interact with their environment. In some cases, such as modern funerals, the Confucians can help us make sense of what we are already doing; in others, they encourage us to live our lives differently and better. It explores the ways in which Confucianism can be thought of as both a religion and as a philosophy. The Confucian tradition has undergone many changes as it has evolved over the centuries, and that process continues down to the present.
The History of Confucianism
Authors: Angle Stephen C.
Published: March 2022

This chapter summarizes the history of Confucianism, focusing on the five Confucian philosophers who are the book’s main heroes: Kongzi, Mengzi, Xunzi, Zhu Xi, Wang Yangming. It emphasizes that for all of them, personal moral growth and broader social harmony are mutually supporting goals. It notes the fact that all five were men, alludes to later discussion of gender issues, and argues that their teaching are relevant universally—not just in traditionally Confucian cultures. The chapter briefly explores the different sorts of textual sources on which we rely for our knowledge of their teachings and explains the difference between Classical Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism, and Modern (or “New”) Confucianism.
Cultivate Your Sprouts
Authors: Angle Stephen C.
Published: March 2022

This chapter examines Confucian theories of human nature, focusing on Mengzi’s theory of the four sprouts (alarm and commiseration, disdain, deference, and approval and disapproval) and the more general idea that we have a deep, positive orientation. It needs to be cultivated but we do have a starting point. Xunzi is right to be worried about what results from leaving things to develop on their own, but our starting point is not as bare and directionless as he thinks, as modern science also agrees. Like the plants on which the metaphor is based, our moral sprouts need to be cultivated and so grow into a specific kind of maturity. Without such cultivation, we humans would remain morally immature.
Listen to the Right Music
Authors: Angle Stephen C.
Published: March 2022

This chapter examines how it is that music affects us, especially in its ability to unite and sustain community. Because of its power, music is an important part of cultivating a good Confucian life, but also a potential danger that can lead one astray. The chapter argues that Confucians both can and should embrace certain kinds of changes to our music. For music to unite and shape us in healthy ways, it must draw upon the cultures of the diverse members of contemporary communities, while at the same time expressing values at the heart of Confucianism. For a modern American, this means that Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” is exemplary Confucian music-making.
Commitment
Authors: Angle Stephen C.
Published: March 2022

This chapter explains what it is to have a Confucian “commitment”—specifically, a commitment to “learning”—and why this is valuable. By comparing and contrasting Confucian approaches to commitment with the efforts of members of Alcoholics Anonymous to sustain their commitment to abstain from drinking, the chapter brings out the role played by rituals and fellowship in commitments. Commitments are related to the question of where the motivation to improve comes from, and to the idea of having “faith” in something. The chapter therefore also explores the religious dimensions of a Confucian life. Real commitments, it shows, are not to be just one-off actions, but life-long undertakings.
Enlightenment and Sagehood
Authors: Angle Stephen C.
Published: March 2022

This chapter begins by looking at personality ideals that we see both in ancient Greece and in Christian thinking: in these cases, achieving the ideal depends on a rupture with everyday life. In contrast, the task of this chapter is to show that sagehood is a desirable and achievable goal, even though few, if any, people will actually reach the state of being a full “sage.” In part, this conclusion depends on demonstrating the limitations of Susan Wolf’s idea of “moral saint,” which is related to its narrow focus on a particular idea of “morality.” Confucian sagehood, in contrast, is a personality ideal that pays inclusive attention to all sorts of values. The road toward sagehood may include “enlightenment” experiences, but sagehood itself is not a radically different state from non-sagehood.
Progressive Confucianism
Authors: Angle Stephen C.
Published: March 2022

This chapter answers five questions: 1. Is it legitimate to draw, willy-nilly, on the disparate range of Confucian thinkers that this book does? 2. Does the focus on living a Confucian life that the book adopts downplay the role of textual scholarship that really should lie at the core of what it is to be a Confucian? 3. Does the book flatten out or “disenchant” the Confucian tradition in a way that drains it of meaning? 4. If Confucianism is taken in the “inclusive” direction that this book advocates, instead of being as elitist as it was historically, do we lose its most valuable insights? 5. Is this just a hodgepodge of Western ideas dressed up in Chinese clothing? The chapter answers in four steps, focusing first on what it is to carry on the tradition of Confucianism, next on issues surrounding metaphysics and “enchantment,” then on why inclusion makes better sense of Confucian values than elitist exclusion, and finally on the worry about “Western” ideas.