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Leveraging advancements in micro-scale technology, we propose a fleet of autonomous, low-cost, small solar sails for interplanetary exploration. The Berkeley Low-cost Interplanetary Solar Sail (BLISS) project aims to utilize small-scale technologies to create a fleet of tiny interplanetary spacecraft for rapid, low-cost exploration of the inner solar system. This paper describes the hardware required to build a ∼10 g spacecraft using a 1 m2 solar sail steered by micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) inchworm actuators. The trajectory control to a NEO, here 101955 Bennu, is detailed along with the low-level actuation control of the solar sail and the specifications of proposed onboard communication and computation. Two other applications are also shortly considered: sample return from dozens of Jupiter-family comets and cometary nuclei imaging. The paper concludes by discussing the fundamental scaling limits and future directions for steerable autonomous miniature solar sails with onboard custom computers and sensors. • An autonomous 10−2 kg spacecraft to navigate the solar system is proposed. • Low-cost spacecraft composed of mostly off-the-shelf parts to return images of NEOs. • Propelled by a 1 m2 solar sail controlled by micro-electromechanical systems motors. • Autonomous trajectory control to a NEO, communication, and computation is detailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a section of the Alpha-Text Esther story (1:10–15) is brought to the foreground to reveal the hitherto unrecognized hints that point to the Hebrew Vorlage , the literary Tendenz , and the scribal negligence unparalleled in either the Septuagint or the Masoretic text. All these literary phenomena suggest that the Alpha-Text and the Masoretic text versions reflect two variant archetypes of a Hebrew text, but this does not mean that both archetypes cannot overlap at places. When the archetypes do overlap, some of the unique readings in the Alpha-Text actually reflect later exegeses or misunderstandings that are dependent on the readings preserved in both the Masoretic text and the Septuagint. The later exegeses in particular help locate the Sitz im Leben of Alpha-Text Esth 1:10–15 in the Hasmonean period and thereafter when the Jewish-gentile relationship is strained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community health workers (CHWs) have been effectively utilised in resource‐limited settings to combat a growing demand for health access that cannot be met by the current workforce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a CHW training programme in Malawi that integrated technology into rehabilitation care delivery. This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of a training programme conducted in December 2018. The participants were a convenience sample of all active home‐based palliative care CHWs at St. Gabriel's Hospital (n = 60). The data collected included the following: a written pre‐ and post‐knowledge test, skills competency checklist and a post‐training programme survey. Descriptive frequencies described skill competency and quantitative responses from the post‐training programme survey. Paired t test (α = 0.05) analysis determined the significance of knowledge acquisition. Themes in the narrative responses in the post‐training survey were identified. Both training programme groups showed significantly greater knowledge on the post‐test (M = 9.50, SD = 0.861; M = 9.43, SD = 0.971) compared to the pre‐test (M = 7.97, SD = 1.351; M = 7.90, SD = 1.900); t(29) = 6.565, p <.001; t(29) = 4.104, p <.001 for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. All participants demonstrated skill competency in 100% of the skills. All participants responded that the training programme helped them review skills and understand how to use technology 'A lot' on a Likert scale (no, a little, some, a lot). Facilitators of their work included training programmes, phones, communication with the hospital and collaboration amongst CHWs. Barriers included transportation needs, lack of patient care supplies and lack of caregiver compliance. Overall, utilisation of their knowledge and skills from the training programmes helped their patients make improvements in mobility and function that are meaningful to their quality of life in the village. This study highlights the importance of assessing programmes in low‐resource settings with a focus on feasibility and developing local capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article seeks to describe, analyze, and evaluate the modern scholarly attempts to grapple with the moral issues about good and evil in the Hebrew Esther story. The first part of the article examines the anti-Semitic sentiments looming behind the pre-World War II European, especially the Protestant, commentators' ethics assessments of the book of Esther and its Jewish characters, before pointing out a blind spot in these assessments. The second part of the article offers a systematic analysis of the gradual change of attitude induced mainly by the Jewish scholars in the aftermath of the Second World War. Lastly, the paper turns the spotlight on the Esther studies conducted by recent feminist and other marginalized biblical scholars. Attempts are made to demonstrate how their works, coming from different social contexts, enrich the academic discussions about good and evil in the book of Esther. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a promising therapeutic target for multiple myeloma (MM), but expression is variable, and early reports of BCMA targeting chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) suggest antigen downregulation at relapse. Dual-antigen targeting increases targetable tumor antigens and reduces the risk of antigen-negative disease escape. "A proliferation-inducing ligand" (APRIL) is a natural high-affinity ligand for BCMA and transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand (TACI). We quantified surface tumor expression of BCMA and TACI on primary MM cells (n = 50). All cases tested expressed BCMA, and 39 (78%) of them also expressed TACI. We engineered a thirdgeneration APRIL-based CAR (ACAR), which killed targets expressing either BCMA or TACI (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively, cf. control, effector-to-target [E:T] ratio 16:1). We confirmed cytolysis at antigen levels similar to those on primary MM, at low E:T ratios (56.2% ± 3.9% killing of MM.1 s at 48 h, E:T ratio 1:32; P< .01) and of primary MM cells (72.9% ± 12.2% killing at 3 days, E:T ratio 1:1; P< .05, n = 5). Demonstrating tumor control in the absence of BCMA, we maintained cytolysis of primary tumor expressing both BCMA and TACI in the presence of a BCMA-targeting antibody. Furthermore, using an intramedullary myeloma model, ACAR T cells caused regression of an established tumor within 2 days. Finally, in an in vivo model of tumor escape, there was complete ACAR-mediated tumor clearance of BCMA+TACI" and BCMA~TACI+ cells, and a single-chain variable fragment CAR targeting BCMA alone resulted in outgrowth of a BCMA-negative tumor. These results support the clinical potential of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most extensive descriptions of Gog and Magog in the Hebrew Bible appear in Ezekiel 38–39. At various stages of their political career, both Reagan and Bush have linked Gog and Magog to the bêtes noires of the USA, identifying them either as the ‘communistic and atheistic’ Russia or the ‘evil’ Iraq. Biblical scholars, however, seek to contextualise Gog of Magog in the historical literary setting of the ancient Israelites. Galambush identifies Gog in Ezekiel as a cipher for Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, who acted as Judah’s oppressor in the 6th century BCE. More recently, Klein concludes that Gog, along with his companions, is ‘eine Personifikation aller Feinde, die Israel im Buch Ezechiel gegenüberstehen’. Despite their differences in detail, these scholars, such as Reagan and Bush, work with a dualism that considers only the features of Judah’s enemies incorporated into Gog’s characteristics. Via an analysis of the semantic allusions, literary position and early receptions of Ezekiel 38–39, this article argues that Gog and his entourage primarily display literary attributes previously assigned to Judah’s political allies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B-cell maturation antigen ( BCMA, also termed TNFRSF17) is an attractive therapeutic target due to its restricted expression on normal and malignant plasma cells ( PC). GSK2857916 (or J6M0- MMAF) is a BCMA-specific antibody conjugated to the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin F ( MMAF) via a protease-resistant linker. To evaluate the clinical potential of this agent, tumour cells from seventy multiple myeloma ( MM) patients were assessed for BCMA expression by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. All patients tested expressed BCMA, at varying levels, and both surface and intracellular expression were observed. BCMA expression is maintained through relapse, extramedullary spread and in residual disease post therapy. BCMA levels may also be prognostically useful as higher levels of BCMA were associated with poorer outcomes, even taking into account genetic risk. We observed rapid internalization of surface BCMA and newly expressed protein by 1 h, suggesting a mechanism for J6M0- MMAF activity even with low surface antigen. J6M0- MMAF mediated cytotoxicity of MM cells varied with dose and antigen levels, with clonogenic progenitors killed at lower doses than mature cells. In comparison, J6M0- MMAF killing of primary CD138+ myeloma cells occurred with slower kinetics. Our observations support BCMA to be a promising therapeutic target in MM for novel therapies such as J6M0- MMAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Masoretic vocalizations, Ezek. 28.14 directly identifies the king of Tyre as ‘the anointed covering cherub’. Hector Patmore has recently suggested that the Masoretic vocalizations and accentuation produce an awkward reading of the verse, and that the Hebrew consonantal text does not perceive the Tyrian king as a cherub but a god. This article undertakes a two-fold examination of this controversial verse. First, it contends on syntactical grounds that the Masoretic identification of the Tyrian king with the cherub renders an intelligible reading of the consonantal text. Second, it suggests that the Masoretic presentation of the Tyrian king as a cherub is conceptually compatible with Patmore's argument for the divinity of the Tyrian king in Ezek. 28.14. By comparing the Tyrian king to a cherub, the verse extols the Tyrian king to a nearly, if not fully, divine status, which potentially challenges the sole divinity of Yhwh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advance care planning initiatives are being implemented across healthcare systems around the world, but how best to evaluate their implementation is unknown. Aim: To identify gaps and/or redundancies in current evaluative strategies to help healthcare systems develop future evaluative frameworks for ACP. Design: Systematic review. Methods: Peer-reviewed and gray literature searches were conducted till February 2015 to answer: “What methods have healthcare systems used to evaluate implementation of advance care planning initiatives?” A PICOS framework was developed to identify articles describing the implementation and evaluation of a health system–level advance care planning initiative. Outcome measures were mapped onto a conceptual quality indicator framework based on the Institute of Medicine and Donabedian models of healthcare quality. Results: A total of 46 studies met inclusion criteria for analysis. Most articles reported on single parts of a healthcare system (e.g. continuing care). The most common outcome measures pertained to document completion, followed by healthcare resource use. Patient-, family-, or healthcare provider-reported outcomes were less commonly measured. Concordance measures (e.g. dying in place of choice) were reported by only 26% of studies. The conceptual quality indicator framework identified gaps and redundancies in measurement and is presented as a potential foundation from which to develop a comprehensive advance care planning evaluation framework. Conclusion: Document completion is frequently used to evaluate advance care planning program implementation; capturing the quality of care appears to be more difficult. This systematic review provides health system administrators with a comprehensive summary of measures used to evaluate advance care planning and may identify gaps in evaluation within their local context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopy and field adaptable rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are not sensitive and specific in certain conditions such as poor training of microscopists, lack of electricity, or lower sensitivity in the detection of non- falciparum malaria. More sensitive point-of-care testing (POCT) would reduce delays in diagnosis and initiation of therapy. In the current study, we have evaluated the efficacy of noninstrumented nucleic acid amplification (NINA) coupled with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of traveler's malaria (n = 140) in comparison with microscopy, nested PCR, and the only Food and Drug Administration–approved rapid diagnostic test. NINA-LAMP was 100% sensitive and 98.6% specific when compared to nested PCR. For non- falciparum detection, NINA-LAMP sensitivity was 100% sensitive compared to nested PCR, whereas RDT sensitivity was 71%. LAMP is highly sensitive and specific for symptomatic malaria diagnosis regardless of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Given the importance of the fetal adrenal gland in producing hormones critical to labor, we sought to evaluate whether sonographic three-dimensional measurements of the adrenal gland are a useful screening tool for spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). Method: We prospectively screened 128 non-anomalous singletons from 24 to 36 weeks' gestation with volumetric measurements of the fetal adrenal gland at their indicated antenatal sonogram. Labor and delivery outcomes were assessed and compared with respect to adrenal volume. Results: When corrected for estimated fetal weight, the 11 women (9%) who delivered following SPTB had smaller adrenals than those who did not, 0.33 cm(3)/kg compared with 0.57 cm(3)/kg, respectively (p = 0.006). There was no difference in volumes between those who delivered by SPTB within 7 days or greater than 14 days from measurement (0.34 cm(3)/kg versus 0.33 cm(3)/kg, p = 0.79). Among women at increased risk of SPTB, those with SPTB had smaller adrenals than those who did not: 0.32 cm(3)/kg versus 0.53 cm(3)/kg, p = 0.06. Conclusion: We found fetal adrenal glands significantly smaller for those delivering preterm. Given the prior literature and our asymptomatic population, our data support multiple pathways leading to SPTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ez 25,12-17 depicts one conflict zone peppered with violence and bloodshed, where Edom and Philistia took bitter vengeance against the house of Judah, and in turn incurred the divine retaliations. This essay argues that the oracles against Edom and Philistia in Ez 25,12-17 contain highly significant semantic parallels with other biblical texts narrating the divine judgment executed against Jerusalem. Utilizing those semantic parallels in the literary context of Ez 25,12-17, the oracles against Edom and Philistia create a radical rhetorical impact, such that the house of Judah, though victimized, is not compensated materially. Instead, the oracles peculiarly form an oblique rhetoric, affirming not only the dispossession of belligerent Edom and Philistia, but also that of Judah. Zusammenfassung: Ez 25,12-17 schildert einen Konflikt, in welchem es nicht an Gewalt und Blutvergießen mangelt. Edom und Philistäa nehmen bittere Rache am Haus Juda und erleiden deshalb ihre göttliche Strafe. In diesem Aufsatz wird argumentiert, dass die Sprüche gegen Edom und Philistäa in Ez 25,12-17 signifikante semantische Parallelen mit anderen biblischen Texten aufweisen, welche das göttliche Strafgericht gegen Juda behandeln. Dieser Beitrag schließt mit Beobachtungen zu den rhetorischen Funktionen dieser semantischen Parallelen im literarischen Kontext von Ez 25,12-17. Es wird dargelegt, dass das Haus Juda, obgleich es gepeinigt wurde, dennoch nicht materiell entschädigt wird. Auf eigenartige Weise wenden die Sprüche in Ez 25,12-17 eine indirekte Rhetorik an, um sowohl die Enteignung der Edomiter und Philister als auch die Enteignung der Judäer zu bekräftigen. Résumé: Ez 25,12-17 met en scène un conflit qui ne manque ni de violence, ni d'effusion de sang. Edom et la Philistie ont tiré vengeance de la maison de Juda et subissent pour cette raison leur punition divine. Cet article montre que les sentences contre Edom et la Philistie en Ez 25,12-17 ont des parallèles sémantiques signifiants avec d'autres textes bibliques, qui traitent du jugement contre Jérusalem. L'article se termine avec des observations sur les fonctions rhétoriques de ces parallèles sémantiques dans le contexte littéraire d'Ez 25,12-17. En utilisant ces parallèles en Ez 25,12-17, les oracles contre Edom et la Philistie créent un impact rhétorique fort, de telle manière que la maison de Juda, même si elle est posée en tant que victime, n'est pas dédommagée matériellement pour autant. En lieu et place, les oracles en Ez 25,12-17 utilisent une rhétorique »oblique« pour affirmer non seulement la dépossession des Edomites et des Philistins, mais aussi celle des Judéens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The placenta provides the interface for gas and nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus. Despite its critical function in sustaining pregnancy, the stem/progenitor cell hierarchy and molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of the placental exchange interface are poorly understood. We identified an Epcamhi labyrinth trophoblast progenitor (LaTP) in mouse placenta that at a clonal level generates all labyrinth trophoblast subtypes, syncytiotrophoblasts I and II, and sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells. Moreover, we discovered that hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met signaling is required for sustaining proliferation of LaTP during midgestation. Loss of trophoblast c-Met also disrupted terminal differentiation and polarization of syncytiotrophoblasts, leading to intrauterine fetal growth restriction, fetal liver hypocellularity, and demise. Identification of this c-Met-dependent multipotent LaTP provides a landmark in the poorly defined placental stem/progenitor cell hierarchy and may help us understand pregnancy complications caused by a defective placental exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment regimes are amongst the longest, most intensive and complex used in hemato-oncology. Despite this, while treatment of pediatric ALL is a success story, we are far from being able to ensure a durable response in adult ALL. This is not due to failure of induction therapy as a complete remission (CR) is achieved in over 90% of patients. However the challenge remains in ensuring a sustained remission. Furthermore in the face of relapsed disease, salvage therapies currently offer a poor chance of a good outcome. This article reviews the novel agents which show the most promise in the treatment of adult ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemokine receptor CXCR4, which normally regulates stromal stem cell interactions in the bone marrow, is highly expressed on a variety of malignant hematologic cells, including lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemias. A new treatment concept has arisen wherein CXCR4 may be an effective therapeutic target as an adjunct to treatment of hematologic fleaplasms with chemoand immunotherapy. In the present study, we developed pepducins, cell-penetrating lipopeptide antagonists of CXCR4, to interdict CXCL12CXCR4 transmembrane signaling to intracellular G-proteins. We demonstrate that pepducins targeting the first (ii) or third (i3) intracellular loops of CXCR4 completely abrogate CXCL1 2-mediated cell migration of lymphocytic leukemias and lymphomas. Stromal-cell coculture protects lymphoma cells from apoptosis in response to treatment with the CD2Otargeted Ab rituximab. However, combination treatment with CXCR4 pepducins and rituximab significantly increases the apoptotic effect of rituximab. Furthermore, treatment of mice bearing disseminated lymphoma xenografts with pepducins alone or in combination with rituximab significantly increased their survival. These data demonstrate that CXCL12CXCR4 signaling can be effectively inhibited by cell-penetrating pepducins, which represents a potential new treatment strategy for lymphoid malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment regimes are amongst the longest, most intensive and complex used in hematooncology. Despite this, while treatment of pediatric ALL is a success story, we are far from being able to ensure a durable response in adult ALL. This is not due to failure of induction therapy as a complete remission (CR) is achieved in over 90% of patients. However the challenge remains in ensuring a sustained remission. Furthermore in the face of relapsed disease, salvage therapies currently offer a poor chance of a good outcome. This article reviews the novel agents which show the most promise in the treatment of adult ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently developed a nutritional model of steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome in Ossabaw pigs. Here we describe changes in the serum proteome of pigs fed standard chow (control group; n 7), atherogenic diet (n = 5), or modified atherogenic diet (M-ath diet group; n = 6). Pigs fed atherogenic diet developed metabolic syndrome and mildly abnormal liver histology, whereas pigs fed M-ath diet exhibited severe metabolic syndrome and liver injury closely resembling human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Using a label-free mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach, we identified 1,096 serum proteins, 162 of which changed significantly between any two diet groups (false discovery rate <5%). Biological classification of proteins with significant changes revealed functions previously implicated in development of NASH in humans, including immune system regulation and inflammation (orosomucoid t, serum amyloid P component, paraoxonase 1, protein similar to α-2-macroglobulin precursor, β-2-microglobulin, p101 protein, and complement components 2 and C8G), lipid metabolism (apolipoproteins C-Ill, E, E precursor, B, and N), structural and extracellular matrix proteins (transthyretin and endopeptidase 24.16 type M2), and coagulation [carboxypeptidase B2 (plasma)I. Several proteins with significant differential expression in pigs were also identified in our recent human proteomics study as changing significantly in serum from patients across the spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including apolipoproteins C-Ill and B, orosomucoid 1, serum amyloid P component, transthyretin, paraoxonase I, and a protein similar to α-2-macroglobulin precursor. This serum proteomic analysis provides additional information about the pathogenesis of NASH and further characterizes our large animal model of diet-induced steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome in Ossabaw pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mouse calvarial cells grown under simulated microgravity conditions (neutral buoyancy) show preferential differentiation towards the osteoclast lineage, as defined by surrogate mRNAs, bone nodule growth and cells, when compared with cells cultured under normal gravity conditions. This effect was suppressed in cultures which contained the immunoregulatory molecule CD200, and conversely enhanced by anti-CD200 mAb. Concomitant increases occur in expression of inflammatory cytokines, and their mRNAs, under simulated microgravity conditions. Again cultures containing exogenous CD200 showed suppressed cytokine and cytokine mRNA expression. Further alterations in osteoclastogenesis were seen using cells isolated from cytokine-receptor knockout mice. We conclude that, as assessed by altered expression of mRNAs associated with osteoblast differentiation, CD200:CD200R interactions play an important regulatory role in the enhanced osteoclastogenesis seen under simulated microgravity conditions, with changes in cytokine expression further modulating this effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The biblical prophecy in Ezekiel 28:11–19 records a dirge against the king from Tyre. While the Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT) identifies the monarch as a cherub, the Greek Septuagint (LXX) distinguishes the royal from the cherub. Scholarly debates arise as to which edition represents the more original version of the prophecy. This article aims to contribute to the debates by adopting a text-critical approach to the two variant literary editions of the dirge, comparing and analyzing their differences, while incorporating insights gleaned from the extra-biblical literature originating from the ancient Near East, Second Temple Period, and Late Antiquity. The study reaches the conclusion that the current MT, with its presentation of a fluid boundary between the mortal and divine, likely builds on a more ancient interpretation of the Tyrian king. On the other hand, while the Hebrew Vorlage of LXX Ezekiel 28:12b–15 resembles the Hebrew text of the MT, the Greek translator modifies the text via literary allusions and syntactical rearrangement, so that the final result represents a later reception that suppresses any hints at the divinity of the Tyrian ruler. The result will contribute to our understanding of the historical development of the ancient Israelite religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Continuous lenalidomide maintenance treatment after autologous stem cell transplantation delivers improvement in progression free and overall survival among newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients and has been the standard of care in the UK since March 2021. However, there is scant information about its impact on patients’ day-to-day lives. This service evaluation aimed to qualitatively assess patients receiving lenalidomide treatment at a cancer centre in London, in order that the service might better align with needs and expectations of patients. Methods: We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews among myeloma patients who were on continuous lenalidomide maintenance treatment at a specialist cancer centre in London. Members of the clinical team identified potentially eligible participants to take part, and convenience sampling was used to select 10 male and 10 female patients, median age of 58 (range, 45–71). The median treatment duration was 11 months (range, 1–60 months). Participants were qualitatively interviewed following the same semi-structured interview guide, which was designed to explore patient experience and insights of lenalidomide. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were as follows: (i) lenalidomide: understanding its role and rationale; (ii) reframing the loss of a treatment-free period to a return to normal life; (iii) the reality of being on lenalidomide: balancing hopes with hurdles; (iv) gratitude and grievances: exploring mixed perceptions of care and communication. Results will be used to enhance clinical services by tailoring communication to better meet patients’ preferences when making treatment decisions. Conclusion: This study highlights that most patients feel gratitude for being offered continuous lenalidomide and perceive it as alleviating some fears concerning relapse. It reveals variations in side effects in different age groups; younger patients reported no/negligible side effects, whilst several older patients with comorbidities described significant symptom burden, occasionally leading to treatment discontinuation which caused distress at the perceived loss of prolonged remission. Future research should prioritise understanding the unique needs of younger patients living with multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]