bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical spin periods of sub-km-sized cohesive rubble-pile asteroids: dependences on material parameters
Authors: Hu Shoucun , Richardson Derek C , Zhang Yun , Ji Jianghui 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
In this work, we employ a soft-sphere discrete element method with a cohesion implementation to model the dynamical process of sub-km-sized cohesive rubble piles under continuous spin-up. The dependences of the critical spin periods Tc on several material parameters for oblate rubble piles with different diameters were explored. Our simulations show that the interparticle cohesive force can strengthen the bodies as expected, especially for the smaller ones. The simulated results of Tc were fitted with the continuum theory developed by Holsapple, through which we find the interparticle cohesion is proportional to the best-fitting bulk cohesion and the ratio shows no dependence on the density. In addition, we find Tc decreases as the density increases in the compressive regime, while the trend reverses when transitioning to the tensile regime. Besides, though a higher friction angle can strengthen the bodies, its influence on Tc is minimized near the separation between the two regimes. Our numerical findings are generally consistent with the continuum theory, except that the latter predicts that Tc should increase as the friction angle increases in the tensile regime, which is contrary to the numerical results. This remarkable difference reminds us to take caution when applying the continuum theory to critically spinning cohesive rubble piles in the tensile regime, especially when dealing with the effect of the friction angle. Finally, we emphasize that the separation between the regimes can be specified by a characteristic period, which is only a function of density for a given shape.
Newtonian fractional-dimension gravity and rotationally supported galaxies
Authors: Varieschi Gabriele U 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
We continue our analysis of Newtonian fractional-dimension gravity, an extension of the standard laws of Newtonian gravity to lower dimensional spaces, including those with fractional (i.e. non-integer) dimension. We apply our model to three rotationally supported galaxies: NGC 7814 (bulge-dominated spiral), NGC 6503 (disc-dominated spiral), and NGC 3741 (gas-dominated dwarf). As was done in the general cases of spherically symmetric and axially symmetric structures, which were studied in previous work on the subject, we examine a possible connection between our model and modified Newtonian dynamics, a leading alternative gravity model that explains the observed properties of these galaxies without requiring the dark matter hypothesis. In our model, the modified Newtonian dynamics acceleration constant $a_{0} \simeq 1.2 \times 10^{ -10}\,\mbox{m}\, \mbox{s}^{ -2}$ can be related to a natural scale length l0, namely $a_{0} \approx GM/l_{0}^{2}$ for a galaxy of mass M. Also, the empirical radial acceleration relation, connecting the observed radial acceleration gobs with the baryonic one gbar, can be explained in terms of a variable local dimension D. As an example of this methodology, we provide detailed rotation curve fits for the three galaxies mentioned above.
Luciferase-based reporter system for in vitro evaluation of elongation rate and processivity of ribosomes
Authors: Kisly Ivan , Kattel Carolin , Remme Jaanus , Tamm Tiina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The elongation step of translation is a key contributor to the abundance, folding and quality of proteins and to the stability of mRNA. However, control over translation elongation has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, a Renilla–firefly luciferase fusion reporter system was further developed to investigate the in vitro elongation rate and processivity of ribosomes independent of the initiation and termination steps. The reporter mRNA was constructed to contain a single ORF encoding in-frame Renilla luciferase, a specific domain moiety and firefly luciferase. Such a reporter structure enables the quantitative and individual evaluation of the synthesis of a specific domain. As a proof of principle, the synthesis of three protein domains of different lengths and structures was analyzed. Using a cell-free translation assay, both the elongation rate and processivity of ribosomes were shown to vary depending on the domain synthesized. Additionally, a stalling sequence consisting of ten rare arginine codons notably reduced the elongation rate and the processivity of the ribosomes. All these results are consistent with the previously known dynamics of elongation in vivo. Overall, the methodology presented in this report provides a framework for studying aspects that contribute to the elongation step of translation.
Modeling multi-species RNA modification through multi-task curriculum learning
Authors: Xiong Yuanpeng , He Xuan , Zhao Dan , Tian Tingzhong , Hong Lixiang , Jiang Tao , Zeng Jianyang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractN6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most pervasive modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. Numerous biological processes are regulated by this critical post-transcriptional mark, such as gene expression, RNA stability, RNA structure and translation. Recently, various experimental techniques and computational methods have been developed to characterize the transcriptome-wide landscapes of m6A modification for understanding its underlying mechanisms and functions in mRNA regulation. However, the experimental techniques are generally costly and time-consuming, while the existing computational models are usually designed only for m6A site prediction in a single-species and have significant limitations in accuracy, interpretability and generalizability. Here, we propose a highly interpretable computational framework, called MASS, based on a multi-task curriculum learning strategy to capture m6A features across multiple species simultaneously. Extensive computational experiments demonstrate the superior performances of MASS when compared to the state-of-the-art prediction methods. Furthermore, the contextual sequence features of m6A captured by MASS can be explained by the known critical binding motifs of the related RNA-binding proteins, which also help elucidate the similarity and difference among m6A features across species. In addition, based on the predicted m6A profiles, we further delineate the relationships between m6A and various properties of gene regulation, including gene expression, RNA stability, translation, RNA structure and histone modification. In summary, MASS may serve as a useful tool for characterizing m6A modification and studying its regulatory code. The source code of MASS can be downloaded from https://github.com/mlcb-thu/MASS.
Personalizing heart failure management in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Banerjee Debasish , Wang Angela Yee-Moon 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in heart failure (HF) patients is common, present in 49%, and is associated with a higher mortality hazard ratio [2.34 (95% confidence interval 2.20–2.50); P &lt; 0.001] and multiple hospital admissions. The management of HF in CKD can be challenging due to drug-induced electrolyte and creatinine changes, resistance to diuretics and infections related to device therapy. Evidence for improvement in mortality and HF hospitalizations exists in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in Stage 3 CKD patients from randomized controlled trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy but not in dialysis patients, where higher doses can cause hyperkalaemia. Evidence of improvement in cardiovascular death and HF hospitalizations has emerged with the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor ivabradine and more recently with sodium–glucose cotransporter inhibitors in HFrEF patients with CKD Stages 1–3. However, these studies have excluded CKD Stages 4 and 5 patients. Evidence for β-blocker therapy exists in CKD Stages 1–3 and separately in haemodialysis patients. Cardiac resynchronization therapy reduces HF hospitalizations and mortality in patients with CKD Stages 1–3 but has not been shown to do so in CKD Stages 4 and 5 or dialysis patients. Internal cardioverter and defibrillator therapy in HFrEF patients has been shown to be beneficial in CKD 3 patients but not in dialysis patients, where it is associated with high rates of infection. For HFpEF patients with CKD, therapy is symptomatic, as there is no proven therapy for improvement in survival or hospitalizations. HF patients with end-stage kidney disease with fluid overload may benefit from peritoneal dialysis. A multidisciplinary, personalized approach has been associated with better care and improved patient satisfaction.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines for pediatric malignancies: advances, challenges, and emerging technologies
Authors: Olsen Hannah E , Lynn Geoffrey M , Valdes Pablo A , Cerecedo Lopez Christian D , Ishizuka Andrew S , Arnaout Omar , Bi W Linda , Peruzzi Pier Paolo , Chiocca E Antonio , Friedman Gregory K , Bernstock Joshua D 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Though outcomes for pediatric cancer patients have significantly improved over the past several decades, too many children still experience poor outcomes and survivors suffer lifelong, debilitating late effects after conventional chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatment. Consequently, there has been a renewed focus on developing novel targeted therapies to improve survival outcomes. Cancer vaccines are a promising type of immunotherapy that leverage the immune system to mediate targeted, tumor-specific killing through recognition of tumor antigens, thereby minimizing off-target toxicity. As such, cancer vaccines are orthogonal to conventional cancer treatments and can therefore be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities to maximize efficacy. To date, cancer vaccination has remained largely understudied in the pediatric population. In this review, we discuss the different types of tumor antigens and vaccine technologies (dendritic cells, peptides, nucleic acids, and viral vectors) evaluated in clinical trials, with a focus on those used in children. We conclude with perspectives on how advances in combination therapies, tumor antigen (eg, neoantigen) selection, and vaccine platform optimization can be translated into clinical practice to improve outcomes for children with cancer.
Lessons learned from contemporary glioblastoma randomized clinical trials through systematic review and network meta-analysis: part 1 newly diagnosed disease
Authors: Taslimi Shervin , Ye Vincent C , Zadeh Gelareh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlioblastoma (GB) is the most common malignant brain tumor with a dismal prognosis despite standard of care (SOC). Here we used a network meta-analysis on treatments from randomized control trials (RCTs) to assess the effect on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) beyond the SOC.MethodsWe included RCTs that investigated the addition of a new treatment to the SOC in patients with newly diagnosed GB. Our primary outcome was OS, with secondary outcomes including PFS and adverse reactions. Hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) regarding OS and PFS were extracted from each paper. We utilized a frequentist network meta-analysis. We planned a subgroup analysis based on O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl-transferase (MGMT) status. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included representing a total of 7403 patients with GB. There was significant heterogeneity among studies impacting important factors such as timing of randomization and sample size. A confidence analysis on the network meta-analysis results revealed a score of low or very low for all treatment comparisons, across subgroups. Allowing for the heterogeneity within the study population, alkylating nitrosoureas (Lomustine and ACNU) and tumor-treating field improved both OS (HR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.84 and HR = 0.63 95% CI 0.42–0.94, respectively) and PFS (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.77–1.00 and HR = 0.63 95% CI 0.52–0.76, respectively).ConclusionsOur analysis highlights the numerous studies performed on newly diagnosed GB, with no proven consensus treatment that is superior to the current SOC. Intertrial heterogeneity raises the need for better standardization in neuro-oncology studies.
Lessons learned from contemporary glioblastoma randomized clinical trials through systematic review and network meta-analysis: part 2 recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Taslimi Shervin , Ye Vincent C , Wen Patrick Y , Zadeh Gelareh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere exists no consensus standard of treatment for patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GB). Here we used a network meta-analysis on treatments from randomized control trials (RCTs) to assess the effect on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) to determine if any consensus treatment can be determined for recurrent GB.MethodsWe included all recurrent GB RCTs with at least 20 patients in each arm, and for whom patients underwent standard of care at the time of their GB initial diagnosis. Our primary outcome was OS, with secondary outcomes including PFS and adverse reactions. Hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) of the comparison of study arms regarding OS and PFS were extracted from each paper. For comparative efficacy analysis, we utilized a frequentist network meta-analysis, an extension of the classic pair-wise meta-analysis. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.ResultsFifteen studies were included representing 29 separate treatment arms and 2194 patients. In our network meta-analysis, combination treatment with tumor-treating field and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor ranked first in improving OS (P = .80). Concomitant anti-VEGF and Lomustine treatment was superior to Lomustine alone for extending PFS (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.79) and ranked first in improving PFS compared to other included treatments (P = .86).ConclusionsOur analysis highlights the numerous studies performed on recurrent GB, with no proven consensus treatment that is superior to the current SOC. Intertrial heterogeneity precludes drawing strong conclusions, and confidence analysis was low to very low. Further confirmation by future trials is recommended for our exploratory results.
A Pilot Study of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sampling and Selection to Increase Medication Adherence in Low-Income Smokers
Authors: Cropsey Karen L , Wolford-Clevenger Caitlin , Sisson Michelle L , Chichester Keith R , Hugley Mickeah , Azuero Andres , Businelle Michael S , Hendricks Peter S , Shelton Richard C , Carpenter Matthew J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Adherence to smoking cessation medications remains suboptimal, particularly among low-income smokers. Guided, experiential sampling of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) may increase NRT adherence and smoking cessation over gold standard counseling plus NRT. The present pilot study aimed to examine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a novel experiential intervention.

Aims and Methods
This pilot randomized controlled trial (N = 83) compared gold standard smoking cessation treatment (four weekly sessions of behavioral counseling followed by self-selected combination NRT in week 5) to a novel experiential approach (ie, In Vivo; four weekly sessions of sampling each short form of NRT-gum, lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray-in-session while wearing the nicotine patch followed by NRT selection in week 5). Both groups received 8 weeks of nicotine patch plus their selected additional short form NRT for smoking cessation followed by a 1-month assessment.

Results
Screening and enrollment rates supported feasibility. In Vivo was comparable in acceptability with the gold standard of care intervention; however, there was greater attrition in the In Vivo group compared with the gold standard of care group. Results suggested higher medication adherence and improvements in smoking behavior in the In Vivo intervention; with generally small-to-medium effect sizes.

Conclusions
This experiential approach to sampling NRT is feasible and acceptable to low-income people who smoke. This intervention may increase adherence and reduce harmful smoking behavior but needs to be tested on a larger scale.

Implications
Medication adherence remains a significant impediment to the successful smoking cessation. The results of this study suggest that guided sampling of NRT products improves adherence among low-income smokers. Additionally, this approach yielded greater improvements in smoking behavior compared with gold standard smoking cessation treatment. This intervention shows promise as a feasible smoking cessation treatment for low-income smokers.
Histochemical Techniques in Plant Science: More Than Meets the Eye
Authors: Yadav Vaishali , Arif Namira , Singh Vijay Pratap , Guerriero Gea , Berni Roberto , Shinde Suhas , Raturi Gaurav , Deshmukh Rupesh , Sandalio Luisa M , Chauhan Devendra Kumar , Tripathi Durgesh Kumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Histochemistry is an essential analytical tool interfacing extensively with plant science. The literature is indeed constellated with examples showing its use to decipher specific physiological and developmental processes, as well as to study plant cell structures. Plant cell structures are translucent unless they are stained. Histochemistry allows the identification and localization, at the cellular level, of biomolecules and organelles in different types of cells and tissues, based on the use of specific staining reactions and imaging. Histochemical techniques are also widely used for the in vivo localization of promoters in specific tissues, as well as to identify specific cell wall components such as lignin and polysaccharides. Histochemistry also enables the study of plant reactions to environmental constraints, e.g. the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be traced by applying histochemical staining techniques. The possibility of detecting ROS and localizing them at the cellular level is vital in establishing the mechanisms involved in the sensitivity and tolerance to different stress conditions in plants. This review comprehensively highlights the additional value of histochemistry as a complementary technique to high-throughput approaches for the study of the plant response to environmental constraints. Moreover, here we have provided an extensive survey of the available plant histochemical staining methods used for the localization of metals, minerals, secondary metabolites, cell wall components, and the detection of ROS production in plant cells. The use of recent technological advances like CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing for histological application is also addressed. This review also surveys the available literature data on histochemical techniques used to study the response of plants to abiotic stresses and to identify the effects at the tissue and cell levels.
Providing Epidemiological Data in Lumbar Spine Imaging Reports Did Not Affect Subsequent Utilization of Spine Procedures: Secondary Outcomes from a Stepped-Wedge Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Suri Pradeep , Meier Eric N , Gold Laura S , Marcum Zachary A , Johnston Sandra K , James Kathryn T , Bresnahan Brian W , O’Reilly Michael , Turner Judith A , Kallmes David F , Sherman Karen J , Deyo Richard A , Luetmer Patrick H , Avins Andrew L , Griffith Brent , Heagerty Patrick J , Rundell Sean D , Jarvik Jeffrey G , Friedly Janna L 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the effect of inserting epidemiological information into lumbar spine imaging reports on subsequent nonsurgical and surgical procedures involving the thoracolumbosacral spine and sacroiliac joints.

Design
Analysis of secondary outcomes from the Lumbar Imaging with Reporting of Epidemiology (LIRE) pragmatic stepped-wedge randomized trial.

Setting
Primary care clinics within four integrated health care systems in the United States.

Subjects
238,886 patients ≥18 years of age who received lumbar diagnostic imaging between 2013 and 2016.

Methods
Clinics were randomized to receive text containing age- and modality-specific epidemiological benchmarks indicating the prevalence of common spine imaging findings in people without low back pain, inserted into lumbar spine imaging reports (the “LIRE intervention”). The study outcomes were receiving 1) any nonsurgical lumbosacral or sacroiliac spine procedure (lumbosacral epidural steroid injection, facet joint injection, or facet joint radiofrequency ablation; or sacroiliac joint injection) or 2) any surgical procedure involving the lumbar, sacral, or thoracic spine (decompression surgery or spinal fusion or other spine surgery).

Results
The LIRE intervention was not significantly associated with subsequent utilization of nonsurgical lumbosacral or sacroiliac spine procedures (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.09; P = 0.79) or any surgical procedure (OR = 0.99, 95 CI 0.91–1.07; P = 0.74) involving the lumbar, sacral, or thoracic spine. The intervention was also not significantly associated with any individual spine procedure.

Conclusions
Inserting epidemiological text into spine imaging reports had no effect on nonsurgical or surgical procedure utilization among patients receiving lumbar diagnostic imaging.
Innervation of the Human Intervertebral Disc: A Scoping Review
Authors: Groh Adam M R , Fournier Dale E , Battié Michele C , Séguin Cheryle A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
Back pain is an elusive symptom complicated by a variety of possible causes, precipitating and maintaining factors, and consequences. Notably, the underlying pathology remains unknown in a significant number of cases. Changes to the intervertebral disc (IVD) have been associated with back pain, leading many to postulate that the IVD may be a direct source of pain, typically referred to as discogenic back pain. Yet despite decades of research into the neuroanatomy of the IVD, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to the distribution and function of neural elements within the tissue. The current scoping review provides a comprehensive systematic overview of studies that document the topography, morphology, and immunoreactivity of neural elements within the IVD in humans.

Method
Articles were retrieved from six separate databases in a three-step systematic search and were independently evaluated by two reviewers.

Results
Three categories of neural elements were described within the IVD: perivascular nerves, sensory nerves independent of blood vessels, and mechanoreceptors. Nerves were consistently localized within the outer layers of the annulus fibrosus. Neural ingrowth into the inner annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus was found to occur only in degenerative and disease states.

Conclusion
While the pattern of innervation within the IVD is clear, the specific topographic arrangement and function of neural elements in the context of back pain remains unclear.