bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of radiotherapy in pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Cao Ling , Wu Hong-Fen , Zhao Ling , Bai Yan , Jiang Zhi-lan , Yang Wan-Ju , Liu Shi-xin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the survival advantage of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Patients with pulmonary LCNEC were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset between January 2004 and December 2013. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis with 1:1 was used to ensure well-balanced characteristics of all comparison groups. A total of 1480 eligible cases were identified, with a median follow-up time of 11 months (0–131 months). After PSM, 980 patients were classified in no radiotherapy (No RT) and radiotherapy (RT) groups (n = 490 each). Patients in the RT group harbored significantly higher 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates compared to those in the No RT group (both P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, RT was an independent favorable prognostic factor of OS as well as CSS in multivariate analysis, both before [OS: hazard ratio (HR) 0.840, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.739–0.954, P = 0.007; CSS: HR 0.847, 95% CI 0.741–0.967, P = 0.014] and after (OS: HR 0.854, 95% CI 0.736–0.970, P = 0.016; CSS: HR 0.848, 95% CI 0.735–0.978, P = 0.023) PSM. In subgroup analysis, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage II and III, tumor size 5-10 cm, patients who underwent no surgery, or patients who received chemotherapy could significantly benefit from RT (all P &lt; 0.05). To sum up, our findings suggested that RT could prolong the survival of patients with pulmonary LCNEC, especially those with stage II and III, tumor size 5-10 cm, those with no surgery, or those who received chemotherapy.
Pneumatic-aorta: an unusual aetiology for stroke
Authors: Mazhar Khurum , Narain Aditya , Mohamed Saifullah , Patel Akshay J , Abid Qamar , Bouras George 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The following report describes a case in which air in the aorta led to stroke from cerebral emboli in a patient with distal oesophageal cancer. The patient presented with clinical features of a right-sided stroke. Computed tomography scans revealed air in the ascending aorta and brachiocephalic artery as a result of an oesophago-atrial fistula. The patient deteriorated and died soon after hospital admission despite conservative measures successfully dissipating the air. When encountered, emergent treatment of the underlying cause should be addressed but the outcome remains poor.
The class II KNOX transcription factors KNAT3 and KNAT7 synergistically regulate monolignol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Qin Wenqi , Yin Qi , Chen Jiajun , Zhao Xianhai , Yue Fengxia , He Junbo , Yang Linjie , Liu Lijun , Zeng Qingyin , Lu Fachuang , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Wu Ai-Min 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The function of the transcription factor KNOTTED ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA7 (KNAT7) is still unclear since it appears to be either a negative or a positive regulator for secondary cell wall deposition with its loss-of-function mutant displaying thicker interfascicular and xylary fiber cell walls but thinner vessel cell walls in inflorescence stems. To explore the exact function of KNAT7, class II KNOTTED1-LIKE HOMEOBOX (KNOX II) genes in Arabidopsis including KNAT3, KNAT4, and KNAT5 were studied together. By chimeric repressor technology, we found that both KNAT3 and KNAT7 repressors exhibited a similar dwarf phenotype. Both KNAT3 and KNAT7 genes were expressed in the inflorescence stems and the knat3 knat7 double mutant exhibited a dwarf phenotype similar to the repressor lines. A stem cross-section of knat3 knat7 displayed an enhanced irregular xylem phenotype as compared with the single mutants, and its cell wall thickness in xylem vessels and interfascicular fibers was significantly reduced. Analysis of cell wall chemical composition revealed that syringyl lignin was significantly decreased while guaiacyl lignin was increased in the knat3 knat7 double mutant. Coincidently, the knat3 knat7 transcriptome showed that most lignin pathway genes were activated, whereas the syringyl lignin-related gene Ferulate 5-Hydroxylase (F5H) was down-regulated. Protein interaction analysis revealed that KNAT3 and KNAT7 can form a heterodimer, and KNAT3, but not KNAT7, can interact with the key secondary cell wall formation transcription factors NST1/2, which suggests that the KNAT3–NST1/2 heterodimer complex regulates F5H to promote syringyl lignin synthesis. These results indicate that KNAT3 and KNAT7 synergistically work together to promote secondary cell wall biosynthesis.
Melatonin synthesis enzymes interact with ascorbate peroxidase to protect against oxidative stress in cassava
Authors: Bai Yujing , Guo Jingru , Reiter Russel J , Wei Yunxie , Shi Haitao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Melatonin is an important indole amine hormone in animals and plants. The enzymes that catalyse melatonin synthesis positively regulate plant stress responses through modulation of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the relationship between melatonin biosynthetic enzymes and ROS-scavenging enzymes has not been characterized. In this study, we demonstrate that two enzymes of the melatonin synthesis pathway in Manihot esculenta (MeTDC2 and MeASMT2) directly interact with ascorbate peroxidase (MeAPX2) in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Notably, in the presence of MeTDC2 and MeASMT2, MeAPX2 showed significantly higher activity and antioxidant capacity than the purified MeAPX2 protein alone. These findings indicate that MeTDC2–MeAPX2 and MeASMT2–MeAPX2 interactions both activate APX activity and increase antioxidant capacity. In addition, the combination of MeTDC2, MeASMT2, and MeAPX2 conferred improved resistance to hydrogen peroxide in Escherichia coli. Moreover, this combination also positively regulates oxidative stress tolerance in cassava. Taken together, these findings not only reveal a direct interaction between MeTDC2, MeASMT2, and MeAPX2, but also highlight the importance of this interaction in regulating redox homoeostasis and stress tolerance in cassava.
Weighing in on black hole binaries with bpass: LB-1 does not contain a 70 M⊙ black hole
Authors: Eldridge J J , Stanway E R , Breivik K , Casey A R , Steeghs D T H , Stevance H F 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
The recent identification of a candidate very massive (70 M⊙) black hole (BH) is at odds with our current understanding of stellar winds and pair-instability supernovae. We investigate alternate explanations for this system by searching the bpass v2.2 stellar and population synthesis models for those that match the observed properties of the system. We find binary evolution models that match the LB-1 system, at the reported Gaia distance, with more moderate BH masses of 4–7 M⊙. We also examine the suggestion that the binary motion may have led to an incorrect distance determination by Gaia. We find that the Gaia distance is accurate and that the binary system is consistent with the observation at this distance. Consequently, it is highly improbable that the BH in this system has the extreme mass originally suggested. Instead, it is more likely to be representative of the typical BH binary population expected in our Galaxy.
The Lx–Luv–Lradio relation and corona–disc–jet connection in optically selected radio-loud quasars
Authors: Zhu (朱世甫) S F , Brandt W N , Luo (罗斌) B , Wu (武剑锋) Jianfeng , Xue (薛永泉) Y Q , Yang (杨光) G 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Radio-loud quasars (RLQs) are more X-ray luminous than predicted by the X-ray–optical/UV relation (i.e. $L_\mathrm{x}\propto L_\mathrm{uv}^\gamma$) for radio-quiet quasars (RQQs). The excess X-ray emission depends on the radio-loudness parameter (R) and radio spectral slope (αr). We construct a uniform sample of 729 optically selected RLQs with high fractions of X-ray detections and αr measurements. We find that steep-spectrum radio quasars (SSRQs; αr ≤ −0.5) follow a quantitatively similar $L_\mathrm{x}\propto L_\mathrm{uv}^{\gamma }$ relation as that for RQQs, suggesting a common coronal origin for the X-ray emission of both SSRQs and RQQs. However, the corresponding intercept of SSRQs is larger than that for RQQs and increases with R, suggesting a connection between the radio jets and the configuration of the accretion flow. Flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs; αr &gt; −0.5) are generally more X-ray luminous than SSRQs at given Luv and R, likely involving more physical processes. The emergent picture is different from that commonly assumed where the excess X-ray emission of RLQs is attributed to the jets. We thus perform model selection to compare critically these different interpretations, which prefers the coronal scenario with a corona–jet connection. A distinct jet component is likely important for only a small portion of FSRQs. The corona–jet, disc–corona, and disc–jet connections of RLQs are likely driven by independent physical processes. Furthermore, the corona–jet connection implies that small-scale processes in the vicinity of supermassive black holes, probably associated with the magnetic flux/topology instead of black hole spin, are controlling the radio-loudness of quasars.
Stellar mass primordial black holes as cold dark matter
Authors: Sobrinho J L G , Augusto P 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Primordial black holes (PBHs) might have formed in the early Universe due to the collapse of density fluctuations. PBHs may act as the sources for some of the gravitational waves recently observed. We explored the formation scenarios of PBHs of stellar mass, taking into account the possible influence of the QCD phase transition, for which we considered three different models: crossover model, bag model, and lattice fit model. For the fluctuations, we considered a running-tilt power-law spectrum; when these cross the ∼10−9–10−1 s Universe horizon they originate 0.05–500 M⊙ PBHs that could (i) provide a population of stellar mass PBHs similar to the ones present on the binaries associated with all-known gravitational wave sources and (ii) constitute a broad-mass spectrum accounting for ${\sim}76{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of all cold dark matter in the Universe.
archi: pipeline for light curve extraction of CHEOPS background stars
Authors: Silva André M , Sousa Sérgio G , Santos Nuno , Demangeon Olivier D S , Silva Pedro , Hoyer S , Guterman P , Deleuil Magali , Ehrenreich David 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
High precision time-series photometry from space is being used for a number of scientific cases. In this context, the recently launched CHaracterizing ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS) (ESA) mission promises to bring 20 ppm precision over an exposure time of 6 h, when targeting nearby bright stars, having in mind the detailed characterization of exoplanetary systems through transit measurements. However, the official CHEOPS (ESA) mission pipeline only provides photometry for the main target (the central star in the field). In order to explore the potential of CHEOPS photometry for all stars in the field, in this paper, we present archi, an additional open-source pipeline module1 to analyse the background stars present in the image. As archi uses the official data reduction pipeline data as input, it is not meant to be used as an independent tool to process raw CHEOPS data but, instead, to be used as an add-on to the official pipeline. We test archi using CHEOPS simulated images, and show that photometry of background stars in CHEOPS images is only slightly degraded (by a factor of 2–3) with respect to the main target. This opens a potential for the use of CHEOPS to produce photometric time-series of several close-by targets at once, as well as to use different stars in the image to calibrate systematic errors. We also show one clear scientific application where the study of the companion light curve can be important for the understanding of the contamination on the main target.
Detection of hybrid Pyganodon grandis and P. lacustris (Bivalvia: Unionidae) using F- and M-type mitochondrial DNA sequences and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Beauchamp Kate C , Beyett Tyler W , Scott Mariah W , Zanatta David T 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTPyganodon grandis and P. lacustris, widespread and common species in North America, are known to co-occur across parts of their distributions. These mussels are genetically distinguishable with a sequence divergence between 9% and 13% for the mitochondrial (mt) DNA barcoding region, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), which is well beyond thresholds for distinct species. The objectives of this study were to (1) confirm the presence of two genetically distinct species (P. grandis and P. lacustris) in Font Lake and Lake Geneserath on Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan, (2) identify hybrids using mitogenotype mismatch and (3) compare species and populations morphometrically. Of the 212 specimens sequenced, 146 (68.9%) were found to be heteroplasmic, with successful amplifications of both maternally (F-type, from mantle tissue) and paternally (M-type, from gonad tissue) inherited mt DNA sequences. Mismatches in species identity of the F- and M-type COI sequences were found in 22 specimens (15.1% of heteroplasmic specimens), with these being considered putative hybrids. Geometric morphometric analyses of shell shape reliably differentiated specimens by species (identified using COI sequences) and between lakes, correctly assigning 97.4% of homoplasmic and heteroplasmic specimens with matching mitogenomes to both species and lake of origin. The shape of putative hybrids generally resembled those of the F-type mt DNA sequence that was recovered. This study confirms that hybridization does occur between sympatric Pyganodon species. Additionally, our results reemphasize the value of modern morphometric techniques for distinguishing among species and populations with overlapping morphological variability.
DICER regulates the expression of major satellite repeat transcripts and meiotic chromosome segregation during spermatogenesis
Authors: Yadav Ram Prakash , Mäkelä Juho-Antti , Hyssälä Hanna , Cisneros-Montalvo Sheyla , Kotaja Noora 
Published: May 2020

AbstractConstitutive heterochromatin at the pericentric regions of chromosomes undergoes dynamic changes in its epigenetic and spatial organization during spermatogenesis. Accurate control of pericentric heterochromatin is required for meiotic cell divisions and production of fertile and epigenetically intact spermatozoa. In this study, we demonstrate that pericentric heterochromatin is expressed during mouse spermatogenesis to produce major satellite repeat (MSR) transcripts. We show that the endonuclease DICER localizes to the pericentric heterochromatin in the testis. Furthermore, DICER forms complexes with MSR transcripts, and their processing into small RNAs is compromised in Dicer1 knockout mice leading to an elevated level of MSR transcripts in meiotic cells. We also show that defective MSR forward transcript processing in Dicer1 cKO germ cells is accompanied with reduced recruitment of SUV39H2 and H3K9me3 to the pericentric heterochromatin and meiotic chromosome missegregation. Altogether, our results indicate that the physiological role of DICER in maintenance of male fertility extends to the regulation of pericentric heterochromatin through direct targeting of MSR transcripts.
COVID-19 and the UK labour market
Authors: Mayhew Ken , Anand Paul 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This article considers policy responses to the COVID-19 crisis as they affect the labour market, how these policies are evolving and some of the design issues they face. The concentration is on the UK, but other countries are also discussed for comparative purposes. The Job Retention Scheme is a successful innovation to keep temporarily stopped workers attached to their employers. However, since economic recovery will be slow, it is not sustainable in its current form. A sustained rise in unemployment is inevitable and alternative policies to mitigate this and the dangers of scarring are discussed. The structure of output will change, as therefore will the composition of jobs. A comprehensive active manpower policy will be needed to efficiently match job seekers to available jobs. The young are likely to suffer disproportionately from the recession and this makes it essential to introduce radical policies to boost work-based training and to enhance the contribution made by further and higher education institutions.
Heat Sensing and Lipid Reprograming as a Signaling Switch for Heat Stress Responses in Wheat
Authors: Abdelrahman Mostafa , Ishii Takayoshi , El-Sayed Magdi , Tran Lam-Son Phan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Temperature is an essential physical factor that affects the plant life cycle. Almost all plant species have evolved a robust signal transduction system that enables them to sense changes in the surrounding temperature, relay this message and accordingly adjust their metabolism and cellular functions to avoid heat stress-related damage. Wheat (Triticum aestivum), being a cool-season crop, is very sensitive to heat stress. Any increase in the ambient temperature, especially at the reproductive and grain-filling stages, can cause a drastic loss in wheat yield. Heat stress causes lipid peroxidation due to oxidative stress, resulting in the damage of thylakoid membranes and the disruption of their function, which ultimately decreases photosynthesis and crop yield. The cell membrane/plasma membrane plays prominent roles as an interface system that perceives and translates the changes in environmental signals into intracellular responses. Thus, membrane lipid composition is a critical factor in heat stress tolerance or susceptibility in wheat. In this review, we elucidate the possible involvement of calcium influx as an early heat stress-responsive mechanism in wheat plants. In addition, the physiological implications underlying the changes in lipid metabolism under high-temperature stress in wheat and other plant species will be discussed. In-depth knowledge about wheat lipid reprograming can help develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties and provide approaches to solve the impact of global climate change.
INTRAORAL DENTAL X-RAY RADIOGRAPHY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: STUDY FOR REVISING DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVEL VALUE
Authors: Praskalo Jovica , Beganović Adnan , Milanović Jovana , Stanković Koviljka 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This paper presents the study that would allow a revision of the currently valid diagnostic reference level in intraoral dental X-ray radiography in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study was conducted for six procedures that are used to capture incisor, premolar and molar teeth, of both maxilla and mandible, in adults. Measurements were performed on 41 intraoral X-ray devices, 20 of which were systems with digital image receptor and 21 film-based X-ray systems. In this study, incident air kerma (Ki) and air kerma-area product (PKA) were used as patient dose descriptors. The third quartile (Q3) of the measured incident air-kerma values was used to compare with the current national diagnostic reference level (DRL) for intraoral dental procedures. The obtained results of Q3 for both types of devices, with film-based and digital image receptors, have shown that the third quartile values are lower (3.5 and 1.2 mGy, respectively) than the current national DRL (7.0 mGy). Hence, new data can be used to re-establish the diagnostic reference levels in intraoral dental X-ray examinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Public procurement and innovation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Kundu Oishee , James Andrew D , Rigby John 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPublic procurement and innovation is the subject of a growing body of literature. This article systematically reviews the existing research, documenting its evolution and highlighting dominant and overlooked themes. We find a dramatic increase in the number of journal publications on this topic since 2008, the existence of thematic communities within the literature, and a focus on empirical work. We analysed keywords and abstracts to identify the broad boundaries of research on public procurement and innovation as well as particular areas of focus in the literature. We found a variety of terms used to describe the application of public procurement as an innovation policy tool and a variety of thematic interests and theoretical foundations. We argue that this makes it challenging to consolidate the research on the topic. From a policy perspective, the geographical context of research is overwhelmingly concentrated in OECD and EU countries.
Pediculosis Affects Mexican Children from Different Socioeconomic Status Equally: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sánchez-Casas Rosa M , Fernández-Salas Ildefonso , Laguna-Aguilar Maricela , Rodríguez-Rojas Jorge J , Medina-Ponce Marcia L , Díaz-González Esteban E 
Published: May 2020

SUMMARY
The prevalence of pediculosis in Mexican children was studied in San Nicolas and Tapachula, Mexico. A cross-sectional study included 888 students between six and 12 years old from two urban communities with an unequal socioeconomic status between September 2015 and March 2016. A Pearson χ2 and multivariate logistic analysis were carried out to associate risk factors to pediculosis. The overall prevalence of pediculosis from both localities was 23.9%. The female gender; long and medium hair; living with someone infested; previously infested by head lice and curling hair were variables linked to a significantly higher prevalence of pediculosis (p &lt; 0.01). Nevertheless, no significant differences were observed in the age groups, localities and socioeconomic status for human lice infection. Socioeconomic variables such as numbers of inhabitants, floors of house, beds and rooms; and parents’ qualification did not show a significative association for pediculosis. Health education in schools is needed for pediculosis prevention and remove the stigmatization of this disease related to poverty.
Focused ultrasound excites neurons via mechanosensitive calcium accumulation and ion channel amplification
Authors: Yoo Sangjin , Mittelstein David R. , Hurt Robert , Lacroix Jerome , Shapiro Mikhail G. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTUltrasonic neuromodulation has the unique potential to provide non-invasive control of neural activity in deep brain regions with high spatial precision and without chemical or genetic modification. However, the biomolecular and cellular mechanisms by which focused ultrasound excites mammalian neurons have remained unclear, posing significant challenges for the use of this technology in research and potential clinical applications. Here, we show that focused ultrasound excites neurons through a primarily mechanical mechanism mediated by specific calcium-selective mechanosensitive ion channels. The activation of these channels results in a gradual build-up of calcium, which is amplified by calcium- and voltage-gated channels, generating a burst firing response. Cavitation, temperature changes, large-scale deformation, and synaptic transmission are not required for this excitation to occur. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of specific ion channels leads to reduced responses to ultrasound, while over-expressing these channels results in stronger ultrasonic stimulation. These findings provide a critical missing explanation for the effect of ultrasound on neurons and facilitate the further development of ultrasonic neuromodulation and sonogenetics as unique tools for neuroscience research.