julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Timing analysis of Swift J0243.6+6124 with NICER and Fermi/GBM during the decay phase of the 2017–2018 outburst
2023-05-11

ABSTRACT We present a timing and noise analysis of the Be/X-ray binary system Swift J0243.6+6124 during its 2017–2018 super-Eddington outburst using NICER/XTI observations. We apply a synthetic pulse timing analysis to enrich the Fermi/GBM spin frequency history of the source with the new measurements from NICER/XTI. We show that the pulse profiles switch from double-peaked to single-peaked when the X-ray luminosity drops below ∼7 × 1036 erg s−1. We suggest that this transitional luminosity is associated with the transition from a pencil beam pattern to a hybrid beam pattern when the Coulomb interactions become ineffective to decelerate the accretion flow, which implies a dipolar magnetic field strength of ∼5 × 1012 G. We also obtained the power density spectra (PDS) of the spin frequency derivative fluctuations. The red noise component of the PDS is found to be steeper (ω−3.36) than the other transient accreting sources. We find significantly high noise strength estimates above the super-Eddington luminosity levels, which may arise from the torque fluctuations due to interactions with the quadrupole fields at such levels.
Shear Wave Elastography for the Assessment of Carotid Plaque Vulnerability: A Systematic Review
2023-05-11

Evidence for the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis and possibly symptomatic nonstenosing carotid artery disease is limited. In contrary to calcified plaques, soft plaques are considered vulnerable and prone to rupture. Shear wave elastography (SWE), a novel ultrasound technique which uses acoustic wave force to propagate shear wave in tissues, can quantify tissue stiffness through the estimation of Young’s modulus (YM) in kPa or shear wave velocity in meter/second. This systematic review is aimed at evaluating the feasibility of SWE in carotid plaque risk stratification in relation to ischemic stroke (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022309709). 18 studies, obtained via search on PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase from inception until November 1, 2022, assessed SWE’s feasibility in carotid plaque risk stratification in humans (13 studies) and phantom models (5 studies). Human studies showed heterogeneity with respect to SWE devices, acquisition settings, and methodology, which consequently reflected in the between-study variability of YM values used for distinguishing vulnerable/symptomatic (27–52 kPa) and stable/asymptomatic (28–115 kPa) carotid plaques. However, within-study assessment of all human studies indicated SWE’s feasibility in carotid plaque risk stratification. Furthermore, four out of five carotid plaque phantom studies showed the potential of SWE to discriminate tissues of different stiffness comparable to the carotid vessel wall, soft and hard plaques, and with good reproducibility. SWE may potentially offer a bedside risk stratification tool for identifying patients with vulnerable carotid plaques, who may benefit from carotid surgery, stenting, or prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients with stable carotid plaques could be spared the risks of potentially harmful treatments and complications. However, available data are not enough to facilitate the immediate clinical application of SWE, and therefore, larger prospective clinical are warranted.
The influence of a close secondary star on the planetary formation: the case of γ cephei b
2023-05-11

ABSTRACT The formation of planets around a single star is a complex process that depends on many parameters. Planetary systems with a secondary star too close to the primary star can significantly complicate the process. In this work, we explored the formation of γ Cephei b, a giant planet located in a close binary system, using a hydrodynamic approach. We tested different parameters for the discs and protoplanet in an attempt to reproduce the observed features. We found that in situ formation can reach the observational mass of the planet. Both isothermal and radiative disc conditions exhibited similar planetary evolution. However, our results demonstrated a high planetary eccentricity. To understand this behaviour, we applied secular theory to the γ Cephei system. We found that the system can reproduce the observational and simulated values of eccentricities.
Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2, its relation to the metal-rich Y2Cl3, and the photoluminescence of Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2:Ce
2023-05-11

Abstract Y 4 O 2 (CN 2 ) 3 Cl 2 and some isotypic rare earth ( RE ) carbodiimides RE 4 O 2 (CN 2 ) 3 Cl 2 ( RE = Sm, Gd, Tb) were prepared by solid-state metathesis reaction between RE Cl 3 , RE OCl and Li 2 CN 2 . The crystal structure of Y 4 O 2 (CN 2 ) 3 Cl 2 was solved and refined from single-crystal XRD data with the monocline space group C2/m . Homologous compounds with RE = Sm, Gd were assigned isotopically by means of XRD powder diffraction. The structure of Y 4 O 2 (CN 2 ) 3 Cl 2 is characterized by one-dimensional cluster chains which are showing a striking resemblance to the trans-edge bridging RE 6 -octahedra in the structures of Y 2 Cl 3 , β -Y 2 Cl 3 N, and RE 2 N(CN 2 )Cl, despite different numbers of cluster electrons. Crystals of RE 4 O 2 (CN 2 ) 3 Cl 2 appear as transparent rods. The presence of (NCN) 2− ions is confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Y 4 O 2 (CN 2 ) 3 Cl 2 , doped with Ce 3+ , is a photoluminescent material showing an emission band in the orange region (λ em = 550 nm) of the visible spectrum.
Organic carbon accumulation and microbial activities in arable soils after abandonment: A chronosequence study
2023-05-12

Increased plant carbon (C) input into the soils after cropland abandonment results in not only C accumulation, but also higher microbial activities and consequently faster organic matter decomposition. We investigated the link between soil C accumulation and microbial properties in a chronosequence (0–65 years) of post-agricultural self-restoration of Luvisols - the dominating soil type worldwide. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and enzyme activities increased in the top soil (0–20 cm) during the 37-year period of self-restoration. Accumulation of microbial biomass was faster than of soil organic C at earlier stages of self-restoration (0–22 years) because of the fast microbial growth induced by labile litter components. The response of microbial activity was more sensitive to land use changes compared to that of soil organic C. Activities of enzymes responsible for C cycle increased more than that of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles at least up to 37 years after abandonment, indicating microbial adaptations to high input of litter with wide C/N and C/P ratios. Similarly, β-xylosidase was the solely enzyme which reached the activity similar to secondary forest soils after 65 years, due to the accumulation of recalcitrant C in litter with cropland abandonment age. The increased C demand was caused by the higher bacterial portion in soil microbial community (based on PLFA composition), which in turn, resulted in a lower microbial biomass C/N ratio. Enzyme stoichiometry revealed that microorganisms were limited by C and N in the topsoil during the self-restoration up to 37 years. Overall, the quantity and quality of plant C inputs, which changed with post-agricultural land restoration, regulated the microbial activity and enzyme production, offering a profound comprehension of ecosystem succession.
Delivery Systems in Ocular Retinopathies: The Promising Future of Intravitreal Hydrogels as Sustained-Release Scaffolds
2023-05-12

Slow-release delivery systems are needed to ensure long-term sustained treatments for retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which are currently treated with anti-angiogenic agents that require frequent intraocular injections. These can cause serious co-morbidities for the patients and are far from providing the adequate drug/protein release rates and required pharmacokinetics to sustain prolonged efficacy. This review focuses on the use of hydrogels, particularly on temperature-responsive hydrogels as delivery vehicles for the intravitreal injection of retinal therapies, their advantages and disadvantages for intraocular administration, and the current advances in their use to treat retinal diseases.
Content development and validation for a mobile application designed to train family caregivers in the use of music to support care of people living with dementia
2023-05-12

Background Music therapy is increasingly recognized as an effective support for people living with dementia. However, with incidences of dementia increasing, and limited availability of music therapists, there is a need for affordable and accessible ways that caregivers can learn to use music-therapy based strategies to support the people they care for. The MATCH project aims to address this by creating a mobile application that can train family caregivers in the use of music to support people living with dementia. Methods This study details the development and validation of training material for the MATCH mobile application. Training modules developed based on existing research were assessed by 10 experienced music therapist clinician-researchers, and seven family caregivers who had previously completed personalized training in music therapy strategies via the HOMESIDE project. Participants reviewed the content and scored each training module based on content (music therapists) and face (caregivers) validity scales. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate scores on the scales, while thematic analysis was used to analyze short-answer feedback. Results Participants scored the content as valid and relevant, however, they provided additional suggestions for improvement via short-answer feedback. Conclusion The content developed for the MATCH application is valid and will be trailed by family caregivers and people living with dementia in a future study.
The Efficacy of Enzalutamide plus Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Oligometastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer: A Post Hoc Analysis of ARCHES
2023-05-12

This study considered two treatment options for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in patients with one to five metastases or six or more metastases. Treatment with enzalutamide plus ADT improved survival and other outcomes over ADT alone, whether patients had few or many metastases.
Chemical and visual characterisation of EGRIP glacial ice and cloudy bands within
2023-05-12

Abstract. Impurities in polar ice play a critical role in ice flow, deformation, and the integrity of the ice core record. Especially cloudy bands, visible layers with high impurity concentrations, are prominent features in ice from glacial periods. Their physical and chemical properties are poorly understood, highlighting the need to analyse them in more detail. We bridge the gap between decimetre and micrometre scales by combining the visual stratigraphy line scanner, fabric analyser, microstructure mapping, Raman spectroscopy, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry 2D impurity imaging. We classified approximately 1300 cloudy bands from glacial ice from the East Greenland Ice-core Project (EGRIP) ice core into seven different types. We determine the localisation and mineralogy of more than 1000 micro-inclusions at 13 depths. The majority of the minerals found are related to terrestrial dust, such as quartz, feldspar, mica, and hematite. We further found carbonaceous particles, dolomite, and gypsum in high abundance. Rutile, anatase, epidote, titanite, and grossular are infrequently observed. The 2D impurity imaging at 20 μm resolution revealed that cloudy bands are clearly distinguishable in the chemical data. Na, Mg, and Sr are mainly present at grain boundaries, whereas dust-related analytes, such as Al, Fe, and Ti, are located in the grain interior, forming clusters of insoluble impurities. We present novel vast micrometre-resolution insights into cloudy bands and describe the differences within and outside these bands. Combining the visual and chemical data results in new insights into the formation of different cloudy band types and could be the starting point for future in-depth studies on impurity signal integrity and internal deformation in deep polar ice cores.
Nanometer Sized Direct Laser‐Induced Gold Printing for Precise 2D‐Electronic Device Fabrication
2023-05-12

Abstract Flexible electronics manufacturing technologies are essential and highly favored for future integrated photonic and electronic devices. Direct laser induced writing (DIW) of metals has shown potential as a fast and highly variable method in adaptable electronics. However, most of the DIW procedures use silver structures, which tend to oxidize and are limited to the micrometer regime. Here, a DIW technique is introduced that not only enables electrical gold wiring of 2D van‐der‐Waals materials with sub‐μm structures and 100 nm interspacing resolution but is also capable of fabricating photo switches and field effect transistors on various rigid and elastic materials. Light sensitive metalloid Au 32 ‐nanoclusters serve as the ink that allows for low‐power cw‐laser exposure without further post‐treatment. With a simple lift‐off procedure, the unexposed ink can be removed. The technique realizes ultrafast, high resolution, and high precision production of integrated electronics and may pave the way for personalized circuits even printed on curved surfaces.
Analysis of volume and topography of adipose tissue in the trunk: Results of MRI of 11,141 participants in the German National Cohort
2023-05-12

This research addresses the assessment of adipose tissue (AT) and spatial distribution of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous fat (SAT) in the trunk from standardized magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of deep learning (DL)–based image segmentation in a large population-based cohort in Germany (five sites). Volume and distribution of AT play an essential role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, a risk factor of developing metabolic/cardiovascular diseases. Cross-validated training of the DL-segmentation model led to a mean Dice similarity coefficient of &gt;0.94, corresponding to a mean absolute volume deviation of about 22 ml. SAT is significantly increased in women compared to men, whereas VAT is increased in males. Spatial distribution shows age- and body mass index–related displacements. DL-based image segmentation provides robust and fast quantification of AT (≈15 s per dataset versus 3 to 4 hours for manual processing) and assessment of its spatial distribution from magnetic resonance images in large cohort studies.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Novel Cytotoxic Epoxyketones Using the Eponemycin Biosynthetic Enzyme EpnF
2023-05-12

Eponemycin is an α,β-epoxyketone natural product that inhibits the proteasome <i>via</i> covalent interaction of the epoxyketone warhead with catalytic N-terminal threonine residues. The epoxyketone warhead is biosynthesized from a β-ketoacid substrate by EpnF, a recently identified flavin-dependent acyl-CoA dehydrogenase-like enyzme. Herein, we report biochemical characterization of EpnF kinetics and substrate scope using a series of synthetic β-ketoacid substrates. These studies indicate that epoxide formation likely occurs prior to other tailoring reactions in the biosynthetic pathway, and have led to the identification of novel epoxyketone analogues with potent anticancer activity.
Double‐row 16‐element folded‐end dipole transceiver array for 3D RF shimming of the whole human brain at 9.4 T
2023-05-12

Homogeneity and longitudinal coverage of transmit (Tx) human head RF coils at ultrahigh field (UHF, ≥7 T) can be improved by 3D RF shimming, which requires using multi‐row Tx arrays. Examples of 3D RF shimming using double‐row UHF loop transceiver (TxRx) and Tx arrays have been described previously. Dipole antennas provide unique simplicity and robustness while offering comparable Tx efficiency and signal‐to‐noise ratio to conventional loop designs. Single‐row Tx and TxRx human head UHF dipole arrays have been previously described by multiple groups. Recently, we developed a novel type of dipole antenna, a folded‐end dipole, and presented single‐row eight‐element array prototypes for human head imaging at 7 and 9.4 T. These studies have shown that the novel antenna design can improve the longitudinal coverage and minimize peak local specific absorption rate (SAR) as compared with common unfolded dipoles. In this work, we developed, constructed, and evaluated a 16‐element double‐row TxRx folded‐end dipole array for human head imaging at 9.4 T. To minimize cross‐talk between neighboring dipoles located in different rows, we used transformer decoupling, which decreased coupling to a level below −20 dB. The developed array design was demonstrated to be capable of 3D static RF shimming and can be potentially used for dynamic shimming using parallel transmission. For optimal phase shifts between the rows, the array provides 11% higher SAR efficiency and 18% higher homogeneity than a folded‐end dipole single‐row array of the same length. The design also offers a substantially simpler and more robust alternative to the common double‐row loop array with about 10% higher SAR efficiency and better longitudinal coverage.
PREDICT validity for prognosis of breast cancer patients with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants
2023-05-12

Abstract We assessed the PREDICT v 2.2 for prognosis of breast cancer patients with pathogenic germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants, using follow-up data from 5453 BRCA1/2 carriers from the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2 (CIMBA) and the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC). PREDICT for estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer had modest discrimination for BRCA1 carrier patients overall (Gönen &amp; Heller unbiased concordance 0.65 in CIMBA, 0.64 in BCAC), but it distinguished clearly the high-mortality group from lower risk categories. In an analysis of low to high risk categories by PREDICT score percentiles, the observed mortality was consistently lower than the expected mortality, but the confidence intervals always included the calibration slope. Altogether, our results encourage the use of the PREDICT ER-negative model in management of breast cancer patients with germline BRCA1 variants. For the PREDICT ER-positive model, the discrimination was slightly lower in BRCA2 variant carriers (concordance 0.60 in CIMBA, 0.65 in BCAC). Especially, inclusion of the tumor grade distorted the prognostic estimates. The breast cancer mortality of BRCA2 carriers was underestimated at the low end of the PREDICT score distribution, whereas at the high end, the mortality was overestimated. These data suggest that BRCA2 status should also be taken into consideration with tumor characteristics, when estimating the prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer patients.
Research in interventional oncology: How sound is the evidence base?
2023-05-12

Abstract Introduction Interventional oncology (IO) is an essential component of cancer care, which has gained substantial recognition in recent years. The aim of this review is to evaluate the level of evidence supporting IO and its inclusion in cancer treatment guidelines. Methods A literature search of the PubMed database was performed to identify publication numbers and types for IO treatments published between 2012 and 2022. Selected cancer treatment guidelines and recommendations were reviewed for their inclusion of IO treatments. Results With 68%, the majority of studies on IO treatments are case reports while randomised controlled trials (RCTs) amount only to 7% of studies. Despite this, IO studies have generated sufficient data to support the inclusion of IO treatments in cancer treatment guidelines and recommendations. This was frequently based on large prospective patient cohorts that corresponded to 24% (20% non‐randomised studies and 4% observational studies) of all analysed studies rather than RCTs. Conclusion The level of evidence underpinning IO, as well as inclusion of IO in treatment guidelines and recommendations have increased substantially in recent years, indicating the growing importance and acceptance of IO in cancer care. The difficulty in conducting RCTs in IO is mitigated by the observation that they are not necessary to achieve guideline‐inclusion. Nevertheless, it is crucial to conduct well‐designed research projects to further consolidate the position of IO in the field of oncology. This will ensure that IO continues to evolve and meet the needs of cancer patients worldwide.
Two Methods for the Isolation and Cultivation of Porcine Primary Corneal Cells
2023-05-12

In ophthalmic research, there is a strong need for in vitro corneal cell models. Here, we describe different protocols for the cultivation of primary corneal cells that were isolated from porcine eyes. This primary cell culture can be used to test new therapeutic options for corneal diseases, such as dry eye disease, traumatic injuries, or corneal infections, and to study limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) expansion. Two different isolation methods were performed: the outgrowth and the collagenase method. To perform the outgrowth protocol, small explants of the corneal limbus were generated and incubated in culture flasks in an incubator for 4–5 weeks. Regarding the collagenase method, to extract corneal cells, porcine corneas were removed, cut into small pieces, and incubated with collagenase. After incubation and centrifugation, the cells were seeded in 6- or 12-well plates and incubated in an incubator for 2–3 weeks. The differences between corneal cell cultivation with fetal bovine serum (FBS) and without it are also discussed. Therefore, the main advantages of the outgrowth method are that it requires fewer porcine eyes, and it takes less time to be performed compared to the collagenase method. On the other hand, with the collagenase method, mature cells are obtained earlier, at about 2 to 3 weeks.
‘Lessons from Blur’
2023-05-12

Abstract This paper is a contribution to the philosophical debate on visual blur from a relationalist perspective. At the same time, it offers a methodological reflection on the adequacy of explanations of phenomenal similarities and differences among perceptual experiences. The debate on seeing blurrily has been shaped by two implicit assumptions concerning our explanations of differences and similarities between experiences of seeing blurrily and other experiences. I call those assumptions into question, and argue that we do not need to provide a unified explanation of the character of blurry experiences for our account to be adequate. The diversity of blurry experiences supports a different, pluralist approach to explanations of how things appear to subjects.