bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lupeol induces autophagy and apoptosis with reduced cancer stem-like properties in retinoblastoma via phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition
Authors: Che Songtian , Wu Shuai , Yu Peng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the anticancer effects of lupeol in retinoblastoma cells.

Methods
WERI-Rb-1 and Y-79 cell lines were used to evaluate the anticancer effect of lupeol. After lupeol treatment, the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem-like properties, autophagy and in vivo tumour xenograft formation were detected.

Key findings
In this study, lupeol decreased cell viability in both WERI-Rb-1 and Y-79 cell lines. Lupeol could also inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of RB cells, with increased Bax level and decreased Ki67, survivin and Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, lupeol could suppress the spheroid formation and stem-like properties of RB cells. Moreover, LC3 II/LC3 I ratio and the levels of Beclin1 and ATG7 were increased after lupeol treatment, indicating that lupeol could induce autophagy in RB cells. Next, the inhibitory effect of lupeol on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway was observed. In tumour-bearing mice, lupeol suppressed tumour growth, and this might relate to its role in cell apoptosis, autophagy and stem-like properties.

Conclusions
Lupeol suppressed proliferation and cancer stem-like properties, and promoted autophagy and apoptosis of RB cells by restraining the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for kidney cancer: a 10-year experience from a single institute
Authors: Yamamoto Takaya , Kawasaki Yoshihide , Umezawa Rei , Kadoya Noriyuki , Matsushita Haruo , Takeda Kazuya , Ishikawa Yojiro , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Suzuki Yu , Takeda Ken , Kawabata Kousei , Ito Akihiro , Jingu Keiichi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate survival outcomes and irradiated tumor control (local control [LC]) and locoregional control (LRC) after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for T1 or recurrent T1 (rT1) kidney cancer. Twenty-nine nonconsecutive patients with 30 tumors were included. SBRT doses of 70 Gy, 60 Gy or 50 Gy in 10 fractions were prescribed with a linear accelerator using daily image guidance. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate time-to-event outcomes, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival curves between groups divided by each possible factor. The median follow-up periods for all patients and survivors were 57 months and 69.6 months, respectively. The five-year LC rate, LRC rate, progression-free survival (PFS) rate, disease-specific survival (DSS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate were 94%, 88%, 50%, 96% and 68%, respectively. No significant factor was related to OS and PFS. Three of 24 non-hemodialysis (HD) patients had new-onset-HD because of the progression of underlying kidney disease. Grade 3 or higher toxicities from SBRT did not occur. In conclusion, SBRT for kidney cancer provided a high rate of LC, LRC and DSS with minimal toxicities, but patient selection and indication for SBRT should be done carefully considering the relatively low OS rate.
NGTS 15b, 16b, 17b, and 18b: four hot Jupiters from the Next-Generation Transit Survey
Authors: Tilbrook Rosanna H , Burleigh Matthew R , Costes Jean C , Gill Samuel , Nielsen Louise D , Vines José I , Queloz Didier , Hodgkin Simon T , Worters Hannah L , Goad Michael R , Acton Jack S , Henderson Beth A , Armstrong David J , Anderson David R , Bayliss Daniel , Bouchy François , Briegal Joshua T , Bryant Edward M , Casewell Sarah L , Chaushev Alexander , Cooke Benjamin F , Eigmüller Philipp , Gillen Edward , Günther Maximilian N , Hogan Aleisha , Jenkins James S , Lendl Monika , McCormac James , Moyano Maximiliano , Raynard Liam , Smith Alexis M S , Udry Stéphane , Watson Christopher A , West Richard G , Wheatley Peter J , Breytenbach Hannes , Sefako Ramotholo R , Thomas Jessymol K , Alves Douglas R 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We report the discovery of four new hot Jupiters with the Next-Generation Transit Survey (NGTS). NGTS-15b, NGTS-16b, NGTS-17b, and NGTS-18b are short-period (P &lt; 5 d) planets orbiting G-type main-sequence stars, with radii and masses between 1.10 and 1.30RJ and 0.41 and 0.76MJ, respectively. By considering the host star luminosities and the planets’ small orbital separations (0.039–0.052 au), we find that all four hot Jupiters are highly irradiated and therefore occupy a region of parameter space in which planetary inflation mechanisms become effective. Comparison with statistical studies and a consideration of the planets’ high incident fluxes reveal that NGTS-16b, NGTS-17b, and NGTS-18b are indeed likely inflated, although some disparities arise upon analysis with current Bayesian inflationary models. However, the underlying relationships that govern radius inflation remain poorly understood. We postulate that the inclusion of additional hyperparameters to describe latent factors such as heavy element fraction, as well as the addition of an updated catalogue of hot Jupiters, would refine inflationary models, thus furthering our understanding of the physical processes that give rise to inflated planets.
A cool and inflated progenitor candidate for the Type Ib supernova 2019yvr at 2.6 yr before explosion
Authors: Kilpatrick Charles D , Drout Maria R , Auchettl Katie , Dimitriadis Georgios , Foley Ryan J , Jones David O , DeMarchi Lindsay , French K Decker , Gall Christa , Hjorth Jens , Jacobson-Galán Wynn V , Margutti Raffaella , Piro Anthony L , Ramirez-Ruiz Enrico , Rest Armin , Rojas-Bravo César 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We present Hubble Space Telescope imaging of a pre-explosion counterpart to SN 2019yvr obtained 2.6 yr before its explosion as a type Ib supernova (SN Ib). Aligning to a post-explosion Gemini-S/GSAOI image, we demonstrate that there is a single source consistent with being the SN 2019yvr progenitor system, the second SN Ib progenitor candidate after iPTF13bvn. We also analysed pre-explosion Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) imaging, but we do not detect any counterparts at the SN location. SN 2019yvr was highly reddened, and comparing its spectra and photometry to those of other, less extinguished SNe Ib we derive $E(B-V)=0.51\substack{+0.27\\ -0.16}$ mag for SN 2019yvr. Correcting photometry of the pre-explosion source for dust reddening, we determine that this source is consistent with a log (L/L⊙) = 5.3 ± 0.2 and $T_{\mathrm{eff}} = 6800\substack{+400\\ -200}$ K star. This relatively cool photospheric temperature implies a radius of 320$\substack{+30\\ -50}~\mathrm{ R}_{\odot}$, much larger than expectations for SN Ib progenitor stars with trace amounts of hydrogen but in agreement with previously identified SN IIb progenitor systems. The photometry of the system is also consistent with binary star models that undergo common envelope evolution, leading to a primary star hydrogen envelope mass that is mostly depleted but still seemingly in conflict with the SN Ib classification of SN 2019yvr. SN 2019yvr had signatures of strong circumstellar interaction in late-time (&gt;150 d) spectra and imaging, and so we consider eruptive mass-loss and common envelope evolution scenarios that explain the SN Ib spectroscopic class, pre-explosion counterpart, and dense circumstellar material. We also hypothesize that the apparent inflation could be caused by a quasi-photosphere formed in an extended, low-density envelope, or circumstellar matter around the primary star.
BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey XXVII: scattered X-Ray radiation in obscured active galactic nuclei
Authors: Gupta K K , Ricci C , Tortosa A , Ueda Y , Kawamuro T , Koss M , Trakhtenbrot B , Oh K , Bauer F E , Ricci F , Privon G C , Zappacosta L , Stern D , Kakkad D , Piconcelli E , Veilleux S , Mushotzky R , Caglar T , Ichikawa K , Elagali A , Powell M C , Urry C M , Harrison F 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Accreting supermassive black holes (SMBHs), also known as active galactic nuclei (AGN), are generally surrounded by large amounts of gas and dust. This surrounding material reprocesses the primary X-ray emission produced close to the SMBH and gives rise to several components in the broadband X-ray spectra of AGN, including a power-law possibly associated with Thomson-scattered radiation. In this work, we study the properties of this scattered component for a sample of 386 hard-X-ray-selected, nearby ($z\sim0.03$) obscured AGN from the 70-month Swift/BAT catalogue. We investigate how the fraction of Thomson-scattered radiation correlates with different physical properties of AGN, such as line-of-sight column density, X-ray luminosity, black hole mass, and Eddington ratio. We find a significant negative correlation between the scattering fraction and the column density. Based on a large number of spectral simulations, we exclude the possibility that this anticorrelation is due to degeneracies between the parameters. The negative correlation also persists when considering different ranges of luminosity, black hole mass, and Eddington ratio. We discuss how this correlation might be either due to the angle dependence of the Thomson cross-section or to more obscured sources having a higher covering factor of the torus. We also find a positive correlation between the scattering fraction and the ratio of [O iii] λ5007 to X-ray luminosity. This result is consistent with previous studies and suggests that the Thomson-scattered component is associated with the narrow-line region.
The structural evolution of isolated galaxies at low redshift in the IllustrisTNG simulation
Authors: Walters Dan , Woo Joanna , Ellison Sara L , Hani Maan H 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We study the structural evolution of isolated star-forming (SF) galaxies in the IllustrisTNG100-1 hydrodynamical simulation, with a focus on investigating the growth of the central core density within 2 kpc (Σ*,2 kpc) in relation to total stellar mass (M*) at z &lt; 0.5. First, we show that several observational trends in the Σ*,2 kpc–M* plane are qualitatively reproduced in IllustrisTNG, including the distributions of active galactic nuclei (AGN), SF galaxies, quiescent galaxies, and radial profiles of stellar age, specific star formation rate (sSFR), and metallicity. We find that galaxies with dense cores evolve parallel to the Σ*,2 kpc–M* relation, while galaxies with diffuse cores evolve along shallower trajectories. We investigate possible drivers of rapid growth in Σ*,2 kpc compared to M*. Both the current sSFR gradient and the black hole (BH) accretion rate are indicators of past core growth, but are not predictors of future core growth. Major mergers (although rare in our sample; ∼10 per cent) cause steeper core growth, except for high-mass ($M_{\rm *}\gtrsim 10^{10} \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) mergers, which are mostly dry. Disc instabilities, as measured by the fraction of mass with Toomre Q &lt; 2, are not predictive of rapid core growth. Instead, rapid core growth results in more stable discs. The cumulative BH feedback history sets the maximum rate of core growth, preventing rapid growth in high-mass galaxies ($\gtrsim 10^{9.5} \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$). For massive galaxies, the total specific angular momentum of accreting gas is the most important predictor of future core growth. Our results suggest that the angular momentum of accreting gas controls the slope, width, and zero-point evolution of the Σ*,2 kpc–M* relation.
A model of active transcription hubs that unifies the roles of active promoters and enhancers
Authors: Zhu Iris , Song Wei , Ovcharenko Ivan , Landsman David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
An essential questions of gene regulation is how large number of enhancers and promoters organize into gene regulatory loops. Using transcription-factor binding enrichment as an indicator of enhancer strength, we identified a portion of H3K27ac peaks as potentially strong enhancers and found a universal pattern of promoter and enhancer distribution: At actively transcribed regions of length of ∼200–300 kb, the numbers of active promoters and enhancers are inversely related. Enhancer clusters are associated with isolated active promoters, regardless of the gene's cell-type specificity. As the number of nearby active promoters increases, the number of enhancers decreases. At regions where multiple active genes are closely located, there are few distant enhancers. With Hi-C analysis, we demonstrate that the interactions among the regulatory elements (active promoters and enhancers) occur predominantly in clusters and multiway among linearly close elements and the distance between adjacent elements shows a preference of ∼30 kb. We propose a simple rule of spatial organization of active promoters and enhancers: Gene transcriptions and regulations mainly occur at local active transcription hubs contributed dynamically by multiple elements from linearly close enhancers and/or active promoters. The hub model can be represented with a flower-shaped structure and implies an enhancer-like role of active promoters.
Pan-cancer analysis of non-coding recurrent mutations and their possible involvement in cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Kikutake Chie , Yoshihara Minako , Suyama Mikita 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCancer-related mutations have been mainly identified in protein-coding regions. Recent studies have demonstrated that mutations in non-coding regions of the genome could also be a risk factor for cancer. However, the non-coding regions comprise 98% of the total length of the human genome and contain a huge number of mutations, making it difficult to interpret their impacts on pathogenesis of cancer. To comprehensively identify cancer-related non-coding mutations, we focused on recurrent mutations in non-coding regions using somatic mutation data from COSMIC and whole-genome sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified 21 574 recurrent mutations in non-coding regions that were shared by at least two different samples from both COSMIC and TCGA databases. Among them, 580 candidate cancer-related non-coding recurrent mutations were identified based on epigenomic and chromatin structure datasets. One of such mutation was located in RREB1 binding site that is thought to interact with TEAD1 promoter. Our results suggest that mutations may disrupt the binding of RREB1 to the candidate enhancer region and increase TEAD1 expression levels. Our findings demonstrate that non-coding recurrent mutations and coding mutations may contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer.
Validating E-Cigarette Dependence Scales Based on Dynamic Patterns of Vaping Behaviors
Authors: Buu Anne , Cai Zhanrui , Li Runze , Wong Su-Wei , Lin Hsien-Chang , Su Wei-Chung , Jorenby Douglas E , Piper Megan E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Existing e-cigarette dependence scales are mainly validated based on retrospective overall consumption or perception. Further, given that the majority of adult e-cigarette users also use combustible cigarettes, it is important to determine whether e-cigarette dependence scales capture the product-specific dependence. This study fills in the current knowledge gaps by validating e-cigarette dependence scales using novel indices of dynamic patterns of e-cigarette use behaviors and examining the association between dynamic patterns of smoking and e-cigarette dependence among dual users.

Methods
Secondary analysis was conducted on the 2-week ecological momentary assessment data from 116 dual users. The Smoothly Clipped Absolute Deviation penalty (SCAD) was adopted to select important indices for dynamic patterns of consumption or craving and estimate their associations with e-cigarette dependence scales.

Results
The fitted linear regression models support the hypothesis that higher e-cigarette dependence is associated with higher levels of e-cigarette consumption and craving as well as lower instability of e-cigarette consumption. Controlling for dynamic patterns of vaping, dual users with lower e-cigarette dependence tend to report higher day-to-day dramatic changes in combustible cigarette consumption but not higher average levels of smoking.

Conclusions
We found that more stable use patterns are related to higher levels of dependence, which has been demonstrated in combustible cigarettes and we have now illustrated in e-cigarettes. Furthermore, the e-cigarette dependence scales may capture the product-specific average consumption but not product-specific instability of consumption.

Implications
This study provides empirical support for three e-cigarette dependence measures: PS-ECDI, e-FTCD, and e-WISDM, based on dynamic patterns of e-cigarette consumption and craving revealed by EMA data that have great ecological validity. This is the first study that introduces novel indices of dynamic patterns and demonstrates their potential applications in vaping research.
Prejudice
Authors: Begby Endre 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Prejudiced beliefs may certainly seem like defective beliefs. But in what sense defective? No doubt, many of them will be false. Some will also be harmful. But many philosophers further argue that prejudiced belief is defective also in the sense that it could only arise from distinctive kinds of epistemic irrationality: we could acquire or retain our prejudiced beliefs only by culpably violating our epistemic responsibilities. Moreover, it is assumed that we are morally responsible for the harms that our prejudiced beliefs cause only because, in forming these beliefs in the first place, we are violating our epistemic responsibilities. This book argues that these common convictions are false and misguided. It shows in detail that there can be plenty of epistemically justified pathways to prejudiced belief. Moreover, it argues that it is a mistake to lean on the concept of epistemic responsibility to give content to ethical responsibilities. In particular, this would unreasonably burden victims of prejudice with having to show that their victimizers were in a position to know better. Accordingly, this book develops an account of moral responsibility for harm which does not depend on finding grounds for epistemic blame. In support of this view, the book offers a number of examples and case studies at individual, collective, and institutional levels of decision making. Additionally, it develops a systematic platform for “non-ideal epistemology” which would apply also to a wide range of other socio-epistemic phenomena of current concern, such as fake news, conspiracy theories, science scepticism, and more.
Officer Receptivity to Body-Worn Cameras
Authors: Bartholomew Brad , Bennett Richard R , Baxter Sandra K , Champagne Holly 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The growing public outrage in the USA and elsewhere over police-related deaths of people of colour has intensified the debate over body-worn cameras (BWCs). Unlike most research on officers’ experience-based acceptance of BWCs, this study examines receptivity: initial attitudes before learning whether or not they would be assigned a camera. Knowledge of receptivity is important for informing an agency’s roll-out of BWCs. It increases the likelihood of obtaining buy-in from its officers and helping to achieve positive outcomes from the technology. The analysis, based on the Technology Acceptance Model, focused on officer attitudes predicting receptivity while controlling for their demographic characteristics. Beliefs in the evidentiary value of BWCs, their role in increasing officer safety, and likely civilizing effects on community members increased receptivity significantly; fear of supervisory sanctions played no role. This article concludes with a discussion of policy implications.
Severe infections in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis treated with rituximab
Authors: Segelmark Leo , Flores-Suárez Luis , Mohammad Aladdin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Rituximab (RTX) is an anti-CD20 antibody that selectively depletes B cells and has emerged as a therapy for ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) during the past decade. This study sought to quantify and determine potential risk factors for severe infections in AAV patients treated with RTX at rheumatology clinics in Mexico City, Mexico and Lund, Sweden.

Methods
The study consisted of a retrospective case-record review (2005–15) with standardized data collection related to the occurrence of severe infection in 46 patients with AAV in Mexico City (n = 20) and Lund (n = 26) treated with RTX during their disease course. Median duration of follow-up from first RTX dose to death or end of study was 26 months.

Results
Eleven (24%) patients suffered a total of 18 severe infections (infection rate of 11.5/100 patient-years). Thirteen of the 18 infections (72%) occurred within the first year of treatment. Risk factors for severe infection were older age at RTX initiation and absence of ENT involvement at diagnosis. In multivariate analyses, age at RTX infusion was the only independent factor predicting severe infection. Four patients (9%) died during follow-up, all as a result of infection.

Conclusion
Severe infections are common following RTX treatment, and mortality due to infection is a major concern. Most severe infections occur within the first year of RTX treatment. The negative correlation of ENT involvement with severe infection might reflect granulomatosis with polyangiitis phenotype heterogeneity. Older age at time of RTX treatment independently predicts severe infections.
PERSONAL DOSIMETRY USING MONTE-CARLO SIMULATIONS FOR OCCUPATIONAL DOSE MONITORING IN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY: THE RESULTS OF A PROOF OF CONCEPT IN A CLINICAL SETTING
Authors: Almén A , Andersson M , O’Connor U , Abdelrahman M , Camp A , García V , Duch M A , Ginjaume M , Vanhavere F 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Exposure levels to staff in interventional radiology (IR) may be significant and appropriate assessment of radiation doses is needed. Issues regarding measurements using physical dosemeters in the clinical environment still exist. The objective of this work was to explore the prerequisites for assessing staff radiation dose, based on simulations only.
Personal dose equivalent, Hp(10), was assessed using simulations based on Monte Carlo methods. The position of the operator was defined using a 3D motion tracking system. X-ray system exposure parameters were extracted from the x-ray equipment. The methodology was investigated and the simulations compared to measurements during IR procedures.
The results indicate that the differences between simulated and measured staff radiation doses, in terms of the personal dose equivalent quantity Hp(10), are in the order of 30–70 %. The results are promising but some issues remain to be solved, e.g. an automated tracking of movable parts such as the ceiling-mounted protection shield.
The Impact of I-Corps on Accelerating Venture Discontinuation in a Southeastern US University
Authors: Youtie Jan , Kwon , Seokbeom , Woo Seokkyun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study contributes to the literature on accelerators which focuses on private sector accelerators by providing an analysis of an accelerator in the public sphere that works with early-stage, science-driven applications, the National Science Foundation’s Innovation-Corps (I-Corps) program. The methodology is based on a comparison of the ability of the services delivered through the I-Corps program to teams at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) to speed their venture project discontinuation decisions over and above those of researchers receiving baseline commercialization services only. We find modest evidence that the I-Corps program helped Georgia Tech I-Corps teams make faster decisions to discontinue venture projects. The total savings of quicker I-Corps project discontinuation are estimated at more than $3.6 million over the 8-year observation period.