bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From lenticulars to blue compact dwarfs: the stellar mass fraction is regulated by disc gravitational instability
Authors: Romeo Alessandro B , Agertz Oscar , Renaud Florent 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
The stellar-to-halo mass relation (SHMR) is not only one of the main sources of information we have on the connection between galaxies and their dark matter haloes, but also an important indicator of the performance of galaxy formation models. Here, we use one of the largest sample of galaxies with both high-quality rotation curves and near-infrared surface photometry, and perform a detailed comparative analysis of the SHMR. Our analysis shows that there are significant statistical differences between popular forms of the SHMR, and illustrates the predictive power of a new physically motivated scaling relation, which connects the stellar mass fraction (M⋆/Mh) to the stellar specific angular momentum (j⋆) and the stellar radial velocity dispersion (σ⋆) via disc gravitational instability. Making use of such a relation, we demonstrate (i) how challenging it is to reproduce the efficiency of galaxy formation even for state-of-the-art cosmological hydrodynamical simulations, and (ii) that the evolution of the stellar mass fraction is regulated by disc gravitational instability: when M⋆/Mh varies, j⋆ and σ⋆ also vary as predicted by our scaling relation, thus erasing the memory of such evolution. This implies that the process of disc gravitational instability is intriguingly uniform across disc galaxies of all morphological types: from lenticulars to blue compact dwarfs. In particular, the cosmic variance of Toomre’s Q is 0.2 dex, a universal value for both stars and atomic gas.
Extracting galaxy merger time-scales II: a new fitting formula
Authors: Poulton R J J , Power C , Robotham A S G , Elahi P J , Lagos C D P 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
Predicting the merger time-scale (τmerge) of merging dark matter haloes, based on their orbital parameters and the structural properties of their hosts, is a fundamental problem in gravitational dynamics that has important consequences for our understanding of cosmological structure formation and galaxy formation. Previous models predicting τmerge have shown varying degrees of success when compared to the results of cosmological N-body simulations. We build on this previous work and propose a new model for τmerge that draws on insights derived from these simulations. We find that published predictions can provide reasonable estimates for τmerge based on orbital properties at infall, but tend to underpredict τmerge inside the host virial radius (R200) because tidal stripping is neglected, and overpredict it outside R200 because the host mass is underestimated. Furthermore, we find that models that account for orbital angular momentum via the circular radius Rcirc underpredict (overpredict) τmerge for bound (unbound) systems. By fitting for the dependence of τmerge on various orbital and host halo properties, we derive an improved model for τmerge that can be applied to a merging halo at any point in its orbit. Finally, we discuss briefly the implications of our new model for τmerge for semi-analytical galaxy formation modelling.
RNAi technology targeting the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion breakpoint: an opportunity for precision medicine
Authors: Parker Kerrigan Brittany C , Ledbetter Daniel , Kronowitz Matthew , Phillips Lynette , Gumin Joy , Hossain Anwar , Yang Jing , Mendt Mayela , Singh Sanjay , Cogdell David , Ene Chibawanye , Shpall Elizabeth , Lang Frederick F 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Fusion genes form as a result of abnormal chromosomal rearrangements linking previously separate genes into one transcript. The FGFR3-TACC3 fusion gene (F3-T3) has been shown to drive gliomagenesis in glioblastoma (GBM), a cancer that is notoriously resistant to therapy. However, successful targeting of F3-T3 via small molecular inhibitors has not revealed robust therapeutic responses, and specific targeting of F3-T3 has not been achieved heretofore. Here, we demonstrate that depleting F3-T3 using custom siRNA to the fusion breakpoint junction results in successful inhibition of F3-T3+ GBMs, and that exosomes can successfully deliver these siRNAs.

Methods
We engineered 10 unique siRNAs (iF3T3) that specifically spanned the most common F3-T3 breakpoint with varying degrees of overlap, and assayed depletion by qPCR and immunoblotting. Cell viability assays were performed. Mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes (UC-MSC) were electroporated with iF3T3, added to cells, and F3-T3 depletion measured by qPCR.

Results
We verified that depleting F3-T3 using shRNA to FGFR3 resulted in decreased cell viability and improved survival in glioma-bearing mice. We then demonstrated that 7/10 iF3T3 depleted F3-T3, and importantly, did not affect levels of wild-type (WT) FGFR3 or TACC3. iF3T3 decreased cell viability in both F3T3+ GBM and bladder cancer cell lines. UC-MSC exosomes successfully delivered iF3T3 in vitro, resulting in F3-T3 depletion.

Conclusion
Targeting F3-T3 using siRNAs specific to the fusion breakpoint is capable of eradicating F3T3+ cancers without toxicity related to inhibition of WT FGFR3 or TACC3, and UC-MSC exosomes may be a plausible vehicle to deliver iF3T3.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Novel Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Locus Conferring Susceptibility to Cryptococcosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected South Africans
Authors: Kannambath Shichina , Jarvis Joseph N , Wake Rachel M , Longley Nicky , Loyse Angela , Matzaraki Vicky , Aguirre-Gamboa Raúl , Wijmenga Cisca , Doyle Ronan , Paximadis Maria , Tiemessen Caroline T , Kumar Vinod , Pittman Alan , Meintjes Graeme , Harrison Thomas S , Netea Mihai G , Bicanic Tihana 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Cryptococcus is the most common cause of meningitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Africans. Despite universal exposure, only 5%–10% of patients with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and profound CD4+ T-cell depletion develop disseminated cryptococcosis: host genetic factors may play a role. Prior targeted immunogenetic studies in cryptococcosis have comprised few Africans.

Methods
We analyzed genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data from 524 patients of African descent: 243 cases (advanced HIV with cryptococcal antigenemia and/or cryptococcal meningitis) and 281 controls (advanced HIV, no history of cryptococcosis, negative serum cryptococcal antigen).

Results
Six loci upstream of the colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) gene, encoding macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were associated with susceptibility to cryptococcosis at P &lt; 10–6 and remained significantly associated in a second South African cohort (83 cases; 128 controls). Meta-analysis of the genotyped CSF1 SNP rs1999713 showed an odds ratio for cryptococcosis susceptibility of 0.53 (95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.66; P = 5.96 × 10−8). Ex vivo functional validation and transcriptomic studies confirmed the importance of macrophage activation by M-CSF in host defence against Cryptococcus in HIV-infected patients and healthy, ethnically matched controls.

Conclusions
This first genome-wide association study of susceptibility to cryptococcosis has identified novel and immunologically relevant susceptibility loci, which may help define novel strategies for prevention or immunotherapy of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.
One-Relator Maximal Pro-p Galois Groups and the Koszulity Conjectures
Authors: Quadrelli Claudio 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Let p be a prime number and let ${\mathbb{K}}$ be a field containing a root of 1 of order p. If the absolute Galois group $G_{\mathbb{K}}$ satisfies $\dim\, H^1(G_{\mathbb{K}},\mathbb{F}_p)\lt\infty$ and $\dim\, H^{\,2}(G_{\mathbb{K}},\mathbb{F}_p)=1$, we show that L. Positselski’s and T. Weigel’s Koszulity conjectures are true for ${\mathbb{K}}$. Also, under the above hypothesis, we show that the $\mathbb{F}_p$-cohomology algebra of $G_{\mathbb{K}}$ is the quadratic dual of the graded algebra ${\rm gr}_\bullet\mathbb{F}_p[G_{\mathbb{K}}]$, induced by the powers of the augmentation ideal of the group algebra $\mathbb{F}_p[G_{\mathbb{K}}]$, and these two algebras decompose as products of elementary quadratic algebras. Finally, we propose a refinement of the Koszulity conjectures, analogous to I. Efrat’s elementary type conjecture.
Restricted Mean Value Theorems and the Metric Theory of Restricted Weyl Sums
Authors: Chen Changhao , Shparlinski Igor E 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe study the behaviour of Weyl sums on a subset ${\mathcal X}\subseteq [0,1)^d$ with a natural measure µ on ${\mathcal X}$. For certain measure spaces $({\mathcal X}, \mu),$ we obtain non-trivial bounds for the mean values of the Weyl sums, and for µ-almost all points of ${\mathcal X}$ the Weyl sums satisfy the square root cancellation law. Moreover, we characterize the size of the exceptional sets in terms of Hausdorff dimension.Finally, we derive variants of the Vinogradov mean value theorem averaging over measure spaces $({\mathcal X}, \mu)$. We obtain general results, which we refine for some special spaces ${\mathcal X}$ such as spheres, moment curves and line segments.
Orbitofrontal-Striatal Structural Alterations Linked to Negative Symptoms at Different Stages of the Schizophrenia Spectrum
Authors: Kirschner Matthias , Schmidt André , Hodzic-Santor Benazir , Burrer Achim , Manoliu Andrei , Zeighami Yashar , Yau Yvonne , Abbasi Nooshin , Maatz Anke , Habermeyer Benedikt , Abivardi Aslan , Avram Mihai , Brandl Felix , Sorg Christian , Homan Philipp , Riecher-Rössler Anita , Borgwardt Stefan , Seifritz Erich , Dagher Alain , Kaiser Stefan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNegative symptoms such as anhedonia and apathy are among the most debilitating manifestations of schizophrenia (SZ). Imaging studies have linked these symptoms to morphometric abnormalities in 2 brain regions implicated in reward and motivation: the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and striatum. Higher negative symptoms are generally associated with reduced OFC thickness, while higher apathy specifically maps to reduced striatal volume. However, it remains unclear whether these tissue losses are a consequence of chronic illness and its treatment or an underlying phenotypic trait. Here, we use multicentre magnetic resonance imaging data to investigate orbitofrontal-striatal abnormalities across the SZ spectrum from healthy populations with high schizotypy to unmedicated and medicated first-episode psychosis (FEP), and patients with chronic SZ. Putamen, caudate, accumbens volume, and OFC thickness were estimated from T1-weighted images acquired in all 3 diagnostic groups and controls from 4 sites (n = 337). Results were first established in 1 discovery dataset and replicated in 3 independent samples. There was a negative correlation between apathy and putamen/accumbens volume only in healthy individuals with schizotypy; however, medicated patients exhibited larger putamen volume, which appears to be a consequence of antipsychotic medications. The negative association between reduced OFC thickness and total negative symptoms also appeared to vary along the SZ spectrum, being significant only in FEP patients. In schizotypy, there was increased OFC thickness relative to controls. Our findings suggest that negative symptoms are associated with a temporal continuum of orbitofrontal-striatal abnormalities that may predate the occurrence of SZ. Thicker OFC in schizotypy may represent either compensatory or pathological mechanisms prior to the disease onset.
Cloning, high-level gene expression and bioinformatics analysis of SP15 and LeIF fromLeishmania majorand IranianPhlebotomus papatasisaliva as single and novel fusion proteins: a potential vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis
Authors: Bordbar Ali , Amanlou Massoud , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran , Ready Paul Donald , Ebrahimi Sahar , Shahbaz Mohammadi Hamid , Ghafari Seyedeh Maryam , Parvizi Parviz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly exacerbation of cutaneous leishmaniasis is mainly affected by both the salivary and Leishmania parasite components. Little is known of the vaccine combination made by immunogenic proteins of sandfly saliva (SP15) with Leishmania parasites (LeIF) as a single prophylactic vaccine, namely SaLeish. Also, there are no data available to determine the species-specific sequence of SP15 isolated from the Iranian Phlebotomus papatasi.MethodsIntegrated bioinformatics and genetic engineering methods were employed to design, optimize and obtain a vector–parasite-based vaccine formulation in a whole-length fusion form of LeIF-SP15 against leishmaniasis. Holistic gene optimization was initially performed to obtain a high yield of pure ‘whole-SaLeish’ expression using bioinformatics analyses. Genomic and salivary gland RNAs of wild-caught P. papatasi were extracted and their complementary DNA was amplified and cloned into pJET vector.ResultsThe new chimeric protein of whole-SaLeish and randomly selected transcripts of native PpIRSP15 (GenBank accession nos. MT025054 and MN938854, MN938855 and MN938856) were successfully expressed, purified and validated by immunoblotting assay. Furthermore, despite the single amino acid polymorphisms of PpIRSP15 found at positions Y23 and E73 within the population of wild Iranian sandflies, antigenicity and conservancy of PpIRSP15 epitopes remained constant to activate T cells.ConclusionsThe SaLeish vaccine strategy takes advantage of a plethora of vector–parasite immunogenic proteins with potential protective efficacy to stimulate both the innate and specific cellular immune responses against Leishmania parasites.
Usefulness of Trabecular CT Attenuation Measurement of Lumbar Spine in Predicting Osteoporotic Compression Fracture
Authors: Lee Byung-Jou , Koo Hae-Won , Yoon Sang Won , Sohn Moon-Jun 
Published: October 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective study

Objective.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) attenuation in defining trabecular region-of-interest (t-ROI) at lumbar vertebral body in the assessment of osteoporotic compression fracture (OCF) compared to spinal dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Summary of Background Data.
Even though osteoporosis was not diagnosed in the bone mineral density measurement using DXA, we often experienced cases where the screw was weakly inserted due to low bone quality during screw insertion.

Methods.
A total of 188 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. We determined best cutoff value of the simple t-ROI attenuation at the most relevant level for predicting OCF. We assessed correlations between the simple t-ROI attenuation at the most relevant level and OCF rate, and investigate the association between the number of compression fracture and simple t-ROI attenuation at the most relevant level.

Results.
L4 ROI attenuation is the most accurate measurement for predicting osteoporotic compression fracture with an area under the curve of 0.798. The optimal cutoff point of L4 ROI attenuation was measured at 90.5 HU with 88.8% and 60.6% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. L4 ROI attenuation was significantly correlated with the osteoporotic compression fracture rate (r = −0.545, P < 0.001). The number of compression fracture (coefficient of determination R2 = 0.286; P < 0.001) was independently correlated with L4 ROI attenuation.

Conclusion.
Simple t-ROI computed tomography attenuation is an accurate measurement tool in predicting OCF compared to DXA T-score. The value of L4 t-ROI attenuation is the most relevant measurement for predicting osteoporotic compression fracture, is an alternative to DXA, and can predict the number and rate of compression fractures. Spine surgeons should be aware of L4 t-ROI attenuation to make successful fusion in spine surgery for elderly patients group.

Level of Evidence: 3
Safety and Efficacy of Early Ambulation on an Alternative Oxygen Delivery Device for Patients Receiving Bedside Heated Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy
Authors: Bassett Shane M. , Jordan Jennifer L. , Weeks Douglas L. 
Published: October 2020

Purpose:
Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) receiving heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC) therapy for acute respiratory failure have limited ambulation distance due to restrictions in supplying HHFNC away from bedside. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of transitioning patients requiring HHFNC to a portable high-flow oxygen (HFO2) device for ambulation.

Methods:
Twenty-three patients with acute respiratory failure participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Three diagnostic groups were formed (cardiac n = 8; pulmonary n = 11; and other n = 4). Initial aerobic tolerance was established through bedside marching on HHFNC, then participants transitioned to HFO2 for ambulation. During each phase, vital signs were monitored.

Results:
No differences were found among diagnostic groups or sexes during ambulation for blood pressure, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), or the Borg dyspnea scale (BDS) (all P > .05). Outcomes during marching and ambulation differed from outcomes at rest and during recovery for HR, RR, SpO2, and BDS (all P < .001). Transitory adverse events during ambulation included anxiety (n = 2), hypotension (n = 1), and arrhythmia (n = 2).

Conclusions:
Results indicate it is safe and efficacious for patients in the ICU with acute respiratory failure requiring HHFNC to ambulate on HFO2 under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Case Series of Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Bhullar Paramjit K. , Venkateswaran Nandini , Kim Terry 
Published: October 2020

Purpose:
To present a case series of Urrets-Zavalia syndrome (UZS) that developed after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent DMEK by a single surgeon at the Duke Eye Center from 2017 to 2019 and subsequently developed UZS. Demographic data, preoperative history, operative notes, and postoperative course were reviewed.

Results:
We describe 5 cases of UZS after DMEK (ages 19–74 years; 3 men and 2 women). Onset of UZS was noted at postoperative week 1 (n = 1), 2 (n =3), or 4 (n = 1). Four patients had an underlying diagnosis of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and 1 had posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. Sixty percent (n = 3) of patients had an elevated intraocular pressure on postoperative day 0 or 1, and 40% (n = 2) of patients also had a pupillary block. One patient developed UZS after a rebubbling procedure for partial graft detachment and another developed UZS after repeat DMEK transplantation. Of the 3 patients who underwent bilateral combined DMEK and cataract surgery, 1 developed UZS in the second eye, whereas 2 developed UZS in the first eye. Most patients experienced monocular diplopia or had cosmetic concerns because of their mydriatic pupils. Two patients had spontaneous improvement in mydriasis.

Conclusions:
UZS after DMEK is rare, with only 2 cases in the literature: Holtmann et al and Isac et al. We present the largest case series of UZS after DMEK to date. Postoperative elevation in intraocular pressure is a common contributing factor. Evaluation of more patients may elucidate additional risk factors for this condition.
The Association of Intraocular Pressure With Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk in a Young Farmworker Population
Authors: Reddy Aditya , Halenda Kevin , Cromer Pamela , Chen Li , Butler Julian , Raed Anas , Bhagatwala Jigar , Sponseller Tracie , Bollinger Kathryn , Zhu Haidong , Young Lufei , Layman Debbie , Dong Yanbin 
Published: October 2020

Précis:
Intraocular pressure (IOP) was found to be significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in a farmworker population located in the southeast Georgia, USA. BMI was correlated with IOP, independent of systemic blood pressures.

Purpose:
Elevated IOP is a known risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy and is believed to be associated with obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. The high prevalence of these conditions in the United States necessitates an evaluation of the relationship among obesity, cardiometabolic risks, and IOP among understudied younger populations.

Materials and Methods:
Farmworker data were collected from the annual Costa-Layman Health Fair between 2013 and 2017. Correlations of IOP with demographic factors, obesity, and cardiometabolic risks were analyzed using analysis of covariance, partial Pearson correlations, and linear regressions.

Results:
In the farmworker population (n=346), the mean IOP was 15.5 mm Hg and the prevalence of ocular hypertension (IOP>21 mm Hg) was 5.5%. BMI, waist circumference, and DBP were significantly correlated (r=0.192, P=0.001; r=0.128, P=0.017; r=0.142, P=0.007, respectively) with IOP when adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity. Each 10 mm Hg increase in DBP corresponded with a 0.51 mm Hg increase in IOP. With adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, systolic blood pressure, and DBP, BMI remained significantly correlated with IOP (r=0.166, P=0.002).

Conclusions:
Higher IOP is associated with obesity measures including BMI and waist circumference and is correlated with DBP. These findings suggest that BMI is an independent risk factor for elevated IOP.
Asthma and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2019: current evidence and knowledge gaps
Authors: Assaf Sara M. , Tarasevych Svitlana P. , Diamant Zuzana , Hanania Nicola A. 
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review
Although respiratory viruses are common triggers of asthma exacerbation, it is unknown whether this also applies to infection with SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, patients with asthma and allergy appear underrepresented in large reports of COVID-19 cases worldwide. In this review, we evaluate existing literature on this topic and potential underlying mechanisms for any interrelationship between asthma and COVID-19.

Recent findings
Data from several preclinical and clinical reports suggest a lower susceptibility for COVID-19 in patients with underlying type 2 airway inflammation including asthma that may be related to a reduced expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors for SARS-CoV-2. Corticosteroids further decrease expression of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors, hence may also have a protective effect against infection with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, some studies suggest that the reported improvement in asthma control and a reduction in asthma exacerbations during the COVID-19 pandemic may be related to improvement in adherence to controller therapy and reduced exposure to triggers, such as other respiratory viruses and air pollutants. Recent data point towards differential susceptibility for COVID-19 among asthma patients based on their phenotype and/or endotype. On the basis of existing evidence, continuation with controller therapies is recommended for all patients with asthma. For patients with severe uncontrolled asthma infected by SARS-CoV-2, adjustment of controllers and biologics should be based on a multidisciplinary decision.

Summary
Underrepresentation of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with asthma and related allergic diseases may be based on potentially protective underlying mechanisms, such as type 2 airway inflammation, downregulation of ACE2/TMPRSS2 receptors, reduced exposures to triggers and improved adherence to controller medications. Although it is imperative that control should be maintained and asthma medications be continued in all patients, management of patients with severe uncontrolled asthma infected by SARS-CoV-2 including adjustment of controllers and biologics should be discussed on an individual basis.