bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Competitiveness and Financial Regulators’ Mandates: Coming Around Again in the UK
Authors: Ferran Eilís
Published: March 2023

Using post-Brexit regulatory freedom to strengthen the financial sector has been seen as a priority for the UK government under the Conservative Party following the 2017 general election. The laying before Parliament of the Financial Services and Markets Bill (July 2022) marked the start of a multi-year process aiming to transform the regulatory framework. Adding a competitiveness and growth secondary objective to regulatory mandates was an important part of the reform agenda set out in the Bill.

This article draws on theory (regulatory competition, regulatory procyclicality, and regulatory design) and recent history (post 2008-crisis regulatory reform) to question the wisdom of reinstating international competitiveness in regulatory mandates in this way. The key concern is that this change risks opening the door to an excessively deregulatory agenda and the undermining of regulatory independence. That the new competitiveness and growth objective will be used to advance deregulatory agenda was already becoming evident during 2022 as the UK debated the adaptation and evolution of EU-derived prudential and capital market laws to suit its new situation.

Since the competitiveness and growth objective bandwagon may have become unstoppable, the article directs attention to the role of accountability in protecting regulatory independence. Regulators need to be able to resist pressure to lower standards unduly, and an effective system of accountability can support them in doing so.
Determining anterior hip coverage in patients with hip dysplasia using the anterior center-edge angle on Lequesne’s false-profile radiograph and on computed tomography
Authors: Cheng Hui , Zhang Liqiang , Luo Dianzhong , Ren Ningtao , Zhang Zhendong , Gu Wang , Hu Yongcheng , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2023

Anterior hip coverage is important for hip stability. As a parameter of anterior hip coverage, the anterior center-edge angle on false-profile radiograph (ACEA FP) is associated with clinical outcomes. With the widespread application of computed tomography (CT), the anterior center-edge angle on CT (ACEA CT) has also been used to measure anterior hip coverage. Little is known about the reproducibility of the ACEA FP and ACEA CT in patients with hip dysplasia or the correlation between the ACEA CT and ACEA FP. In total, 49 hips of 49 patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy in our center were included. The lateral center-edge angle, Tönnis angle, ACEA FP and ACEA CT were determined. We assessed the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the ACEA FP and ACEA CT, the effect of the Tönnis angle on the reliability of the ACEA FP and ACEA CT and the correlation between the ACEA CT and ACEA FP. The intraobserver and interobserver interclass correlation coefficients of the ACEA FP were good, and those of the ACEA CT were very good. The Tönnis angle was weakly correlated with inconsistent ACEA FP measurements (P = 0.008) but not with inconsistent ACEA CT measurements (P = 0.600). No correlation between ACEA FP and ACEA CT measurements was observed (P = 0.213–0.665). The reproducibility of the ACEA CT is more consistent than that of the ACEA FP. The oblique acetabular roof had an effect on determining the ACEA FP but not on determining the ACEA CT. No correlation was observed between the measured ACEA FP and ACEA CT values, so the clinical evidence obtained from the ACEA FP cannot be directly applied to the ACEA CT.
Cephalic electroacupuncture restores learning and memory in rats with induced ischemic stroke via inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation
Authors: Lin Ruhui , Peng Hongwei , Xia Jinyan , Li Zuanfang
Published: March 2023

Inflammatory responses in the brain contribute to cognitive deficits. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a critical transcription factor in inflammatory responses, is activated in post-stroke cognitive deficit. Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (DU24) acupoints, the main acupoints of Du Meridian, are widely used to improve cognitive deficits in Chinese patients with stroke. It has been reported that post-stroke cognitive deficits can be treated by electroacupuncture (EA) but the underlying mechanisms of these effects are unclear. Using the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model, we found that EA at these 2 acupoints improved neurological function, decreased cerebral infarct lesion volumes, and ameliorated the inflammatory response in the hippocampal CA1 region. The treatment also ameliorated memory and learning deficits by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in the ischemic hippocampal CA 1 region. This coincided with downregulation of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, CD45, and tumor necrosis factor-α. We conclude that EA at these 2 acupoints ameliorates memory and learning deficits following experimental cerebral infarction by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory injury in the hippocampal CA1 region.
Incidental giant thymoma—a reminder of the importance of a global look of the imaging scans
Authors: Policarpo Filipa , Antunes Mariana , Alvoeiro Magda , Alvoeiro Francisco
Published: March 2023

A 49-year-old female patient, without previous medical history, underwent a thoracic CT due to SARS-CoV2 infection. This exam revealed a heterogeneous mass in the anterior mediastinum with 11 × 8.8 cm in close contact with main thoracic vessels and pericardium. Surgical biopsy documented a B2 thymoma. This clinical case reminds the importance of a systematic and global look of the imaging scans. Years before the thymoma diagnosis, the patient underwent a shoulder X-ray due to musculoskeletal pain, where an irregular shape of the aortic arch was visible, probably related to the growing mediastinal mass. An earlier diagnosis would allow a complete mass resection without such extensive surgery and less morbidity.
Quincke’s disease: an unusual pathology
Authors: Sanchez Gabriel Atan , Boot Madison , Lathif Abdul
Published: March 2023

A 50-year-old male presents to the emergency department in rural Australia with a sore throat, globous sensation of his oropharynx and a swollen uvula. Within the previous 12 months, this was his third and most severe presentation of Quincke’s disease. In all instances, it was aggravated by cold weather. His airway was not compromised. He was admitted under the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist and managed with 200 mg of intravenous hydrocortisone, followed by regular intravenous dexamethasone as well as paracetamol for analgesia. He improved over 12 h and was discharged with 1 week of steroids. He followed up with the ENT specialist in the community. A cause could not be found. He was subsequently consented and booked for a partial uvulectomy.
Surgical masks and filtering facepiece class 2 respirators (FFP2) have no major physiological effects at rest and during moderate exercise at 3000-m altitude: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vinetti Giovanni , Micarelli Alessandro , Falla Marika , Randi Anna , Dal Cappello Tomas , Gatterer Hannes , Brugger Hermann , Strapazzon Giacomo , Rauch Simon
Published: March 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has been recommended or enforced in several situations; however, their effects on physiological parameters and cognitive performance at high altitude are unknown.

Methods

Eight healthy participants (four females) rested and exercised (cycling, 1 W/kg) while wearing no mask, a surgical mask or a filtering facepiece class 2 respirator (FFP2), both in normoxia and hypobaric hypoxia corresponding to an altitude of 3000 m. Arterialised oxygen saturation (SaO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), heart and respiratory rate, pulse oximetry (SpO2), cerebral oxygenation, visual analogue scales for dyspnoea and mask’s discomfort were systematically investigated. Resting cognitive performance and exercising tympanic temperature were also assessed.

Results

Mask use had a significant effect on PaCO2 (overall +1.2 ± 1.7 mmHg). There was no effect of mask use on all other investigated parameters except for dyspnoea and discomfort, which were highest with FFP2. Both masks were associated with a similar non-significant decrease in SaO2 during exercise in normoxia (−0.5 ± 0.4%) and, especially, in hypobaric hypoxia (−1.8 ± 1.5%), with similar trends for PaO2 and SpO2.

Conclusions

Although mask use was associated with higher rates of dyspnoea, it had no clinically relevant impact on gas exchange at 3000 m at rest and during moderate exercise, and no detectable effect on resting cognitive performance. Wearing a surgical mask or an FFP2 can be considered safe for healthy people living, working or spending their leisure time in mountains, high-altitude cities or other hypobaric environments (e.g. aircrafts) up to an altitude of 3000 m.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for leaf rust resistance in the wheat population ‘Xinmai 26/Zhoumai 22’
Authors: Hou Weixiu , Lu Qisen , Ma Lin , Sun Xiaonan , Wang Liyan , Nie Jingyun , Guo Peng , Liu Ti , Li Zaifeng , Sun Congwei , Ren Yan , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Jian , Chen Feng
Published: March 2023

Leaf rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia triticina (Pt), is one of the major and dangerous diseases of wheat, and has caused serious yield loss of wheat worldwide. Here, we investigated adult-plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from ‘Xinmai 26’ and ‘Zhoumai 22’ over 3 years. Linkage mapping for APR to leaf rust revealed four quantitative trait loci (QTL) in this RIL population. Two QTL, QLr.hnau-2BS and QLr.hnau-3BS were contributed by ‘Zhoumai22’, whereas QLr.hnau-2DS and QLr.hnau-5AL were contributed by ‘Xinmai 26’. The QLr.hnau-2BS covering a race-specific resistance gene Lr13 showed the most stable APR to leaf rust. Overexpression of Lr13 significantly increased APR to leaf rust. Interestingly, we found that a CNL(coiled coil–nucleotide-binding site–leucine-rich repeat)-like gene, TaCN, in QLr.hnau-2BS completely co-segregated with leaf rust resistance. The resistant haplotype TaCN-R possessed half the sequence of the coiled-coil domain of TaCN protein. Lr13 strongly interacted with TaCN-R, but did not interact with the full-length TaCN (TaCN-S). In addition, TaCN-R was significantly induced after Pt inoculation and changed the sub-cellular localization of Lr13 after interaction. Therefore, we hypothesized that TaCN-R mediated leaf rust resistance possibly by interacting with Lr13. This study provides important QTL for APR to leaf rust, and new insights into understanding how a CNL gene modulates disease resistance in common wheat.
Assuring TRICARE Coverage of Preventive Health Services for Women Beneficiaries of the Military Health System
Authors: Kostas-Polston Elizabeth A , Witkop Catherine T , Degutis Linda C , Rosenbaum Sara , Wood Susan F
Published: March 2023

Why Defense Health Horizons Performed This Study

The primary role of the Military Health System is to assure readiness by protecting the health of the force by providing expert care to wounded, ill, and injured service members. In addition to this mission, the Military Health System (both directly through its own personnel and indirectly, through TRICARE) provides health services to millions of military family members, retirees, and their dependents. Women’s preventive health services are an important part of comprehensive health care to reduce rates of disease and premature death and were included in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) expanded coverage of women’s preventive health services, based on the best available evidence and guidelines. These guidelines were updated by the Health Resources and Services Administrations and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2016. However, TRICARE is not subject to the ACA, and therefore, TRICARE’s provisions or the access of TRICARE’s female beneficiaries to women’s preventive health services was not directly changed by the ACA. This report compares women’s reproductive health care coverage under TRICARE with coverage available to women enrolled in civilian health insurance plans subject to the 2010 ACA.

What Defense Health Horizons Recommends

Three recommendations are proposed to ensure that women who are TRICARE beneficiaries have access to and receive preventive reproductive health services that are consistent with Health Resources and Services Administration recommendations as implemented in the ACA. Each recommendation has strengths and weaknesses that are described in detail in the body of this paper.

What Defense Health Horizons Found

In covering contraceptive drugs and devices, TRICARE appears to reflect the scope of coverage found in ACA-compliant plans but, by not incorporating the term “all FDA-approved methods” of contraception, TRICARE leaves open the possibility that a narrower definition could be adopted at a future date. There are important differences in how TRICARE and ACA-compliant plans address reproductive counseling and health screening, including TRICARE’s more restrictive counseling benefit and some limits to preventive screening. By not aligning with policies related to the provision of clinical preventive services established under the ACA, TRICARE allows health care providers in purchased care to diverge from evidence-based guidelines. Although the ACA respects medical judgment when providing women’s preventive services, standards restrict the extent to which health care systems and providers can depart from evidence-based screening and prevention guidelines essential to optimizing quality, cost, and patient outcomes.
Improving the Health and Readiness of Military Women
Authors: Witkop Catherine T , Kostas-Polston Elizabeth A , Degutis Linda C
Published: March 2023

Why the Defense Health Horizons Did This Study

Women comprise approximately one-fifth of the total force in the U.S. Military. Gynecologic and reproductive health issues not only affect the health and wellness of individual servicewomen but may also impact the mission of the DoD. Unintended pregnancies can result in adverse maternal and infant outcomes and can negatively impact the careers of military women and mission readiness. Gynecologic conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, and endometriosis can also limit women’s optimal health and performance, and a significant proportion of military women have indicated their desire to manage and/or suppress menstrual cycles, especially when deployed. Access to the full range of contraceptive methods is an important strategy to allow women to achieve their reproductive goals and address other health concerns. This report reviews rates of unintended pregnancy and contraceptive utilization among servicewomen and examines factors that influence these measures of health.

What Defense Health Horizons Found

Overall rates of unintended pregnancy are higher among servicewomen than the general population and rates of contraceptive use among servicewomen are lower than the general population. Congress mandates that servicewomen have access to contraceptive options, but the DoD has not established target measures for contraceptive access and use, unlike that present for the civilian population.

What Defense Health Horizons Recommends

Four potential courses of action are proposed to improve the health and readiness of military women.

Recommendation 1: The Military Health System (MHS) should develop and maintain reliable sources of data to assess the gynecologic health of servicewomen, including rates of unintended pregnancy.

Recommendation 2: When menstrual suppression, treatment for a medical condition, or contraception is desired, servicewomen should have ready access to the information they need to select the option that is best suited for their personal preferences and situation.

Recommendation 3: In order to ensure that servicewomen have optimal access to the full range of contraceptive methods, the MHS should determine true access at all their facilities and identify actions to address any barriers.

Recommendation 4: The MHS should establish service delivery targets for use of women’s preventive health services, particularly contraception, to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Human Performance Optimization: A Framework for the Military Health System
Authors: Travis Thomas W , Brown David L
Published: March 2023

The Department of Defense (DoD) is increasingly dependent on highly technological weapon systems, but the human is still at the heart of our war-fighting efforts. In order to maintain an effective fighting force, we must optimize and sustain human performance, which is defined as the successful completion of a specified task within an available performance capacity that meets or exceeds the mission demands. When health and performance are optimized and sustained, the costs of warfighter care and disability compensation are reduced and the quality of life is enhanced. Therefore, we propose that the Military Health System (MHS) reshape its focus on disease and injury treatment and prevention to embrace health enhancement for optimal human performance in a technology-rich battle space. This commentary develops a high-level strategy and policy framework to enable the MHS to optimize health and human performance for all DoD warfighters. We conducted a review of human performance literature, assessed existing health programs across the services, and conducted interviews with MHS and Line representatives. We found that the MHS has thus far met warfighter needs in a haphazard fashion. We propose an orchestrated approach to warfighter health and performance across the DoD and a more substantial partnership between Total Force Fitness and the MHS. We provide a notional concept for how the parts of this system could interact and a strategic framework for the delivery of health and performance to the warfighter.
Trespassing Testimony in Scientific Collaboration
Authors: Gerken Mikkel
Published: March 2023

The term ‘epistemic trespassing’ has recently been coined to denote a person’s judgments regarding a domain where they are not epistemic experts. In this paper, I focus on expert trespassing testimony – that is, testimony by an expert in a domain of expertise other than his own. More specifically, I focus on intra-scientific trespassing testimony between scientific collaborators. By developing a number of distinctions, I argue that while intra-scientific trespassing testimony may seriously hamper scientific collaboration, it does not invariably do so and may even be beneficial to it.
Neonatal invasive candidiasis in low- and middle-income countries: Data from the NeoOBS study
Authors: Cook Aislinn , Ferreras-Antolin Laura , Adhisivam Bethou , Ballot Daynia , Berkley James A , Bernaschi Paola , Carvalheiro Cristina G , Chaikittisuk Napaporn , Chen Yunsheng , Chibabhai Vindana , Chitkara Shweta , Chiurchiu Sara , Chorafa Elisavet , Dien Tran Minh , Dramowski Angela , de Matos Samantha Faria , Feng Jinxing , Jarovsky Daniel , Kaur Ravinder , Khamjakkaew Warunee , Laoyookhong Premsak , Machanja Edwin , Mussi-Pinhata Marisa M , Namiiro Flavia , Natraj Gita , Naziat Hakka , Ngoc Hoang Thi Bich , Ondongo-Ezhet Claude , Preedisripipat Kanchana , Rahman Hafizur , Riddell Amy , Roilides Emmanuel , Russell Neal , Sastry Apurba S , Tasimwa Hannington Baluku , Tongzhen Ji , Wadula Jeannette , Wang Yajuan , Whitelaw Andrew , Wu Dan , Yadav Varsha , Yang Gao , Stohr Wolfgang , Bielicki Julia Anna , Ellis Sally , Warris Adilia , Heath Paul T , Sharland Michael
Published: March 2023

Neonatal invasive candidiasis (NIC) has significant morbidity and mortality. Reports have shown a different profile of those neonates affected with NIC and of fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. isolates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). We describe the epidemiology, Candida spp. distribution, treatment, and outcomes of neonates with NIC from LMICs enrolled in a global, prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study (NeoOBS) of hospitalized infants <60 days postnatal age with sepsis (August 2018–February 2021). A total of 127 neonates from 14 hospitals in 8 countries with Candida spp. isolated from blood culture were included. Median gestational age of affected neonates was 30 weeks (IQR: 28–34), and median birth weight was 1270 gr (interquartile range [IQR]: 990–1692). Only a minority had high-risk criteria, such as being born <28 weeks, 19% (24/127), or birth weight <1000 gr, 27% (34/127). The most common Candida species were C. albicans (n = 45, 35%), C. parapsilosis (n = 38, 30%), and Candida auris (n = 18, 14%). The majority of C. albicans isolates were fluconazole susceptible, whereas 59% of C. parapsilosis isolates were fluconazole-resistant. Amphotericin B was the most common antifungal used [74% (78/105)], followed by fluconazole [22% (23/105)]. Death by day 28 post-enrollment was 22% (28/127). To our knowledge, this is the largest multi-country cohort of NIC in LMICs. Most of the neonates would not have been considered at high risk for NIC in HICs. A substantial proportion of isolates was resistant to first choice fluconazole. Understanding the burden of NIC in LMIC is essential to guide future research and treatment guidelines.
Examining the decline in the C iv content of the Universe over 4.3 ≲ z  ≲ 6.3 using the E-XQR-30 sample
Authors: Davies Rebecca L , Ryan-Weber E , D’Odorico V , Bosman S E I , Meyer R A , Becker G D , Cupani G , Keating L C , Bischetti M , Davies F B , Eilers A-C , Farina E P , Haehnelt M G , Pallottini A , Zhu Y
Published: March 2023

Intervening C iv absorbers are key tracers of metal-enriched gas in galaxy haloes over cosmic time. Previous studies suggest that the C iv cosmic mass density ($\Omega _{\rm C \, \small {IV}}$) decreases slowly over 1.5 $\lesssim \, z\lesssim$ 5 before declining rapidly at z ≳ 5, but the cause of this downturn is poorly understood. We characterize the $\Omega _{\rm C \, \small {IV}}$ evolution over 4.3 ≲ z ≲ 6.3 using 260 absorbers found in 42 XSHOOTER spectra of z ∼ 6 quasars, of which 30 come from the ESO Large Program XQR-30. The large sample enables us to robustly constrain the rate and timing of the downturn. We find that $\Omega _{\rm C \, \small {IV}}$ decreases by a factor of 4.8 ± 2.0 over the ∼300 Myr interval between z ∼ 4.7 and ∼5.8. The slope of the column density (log N) distribution function does not change, suggesting that C iv absorption is suppressed approximately uniformly across 13.2 ≤ log N/cm−2 < 15.0. Assuming that the carbon content of galaxy haloes evolves as the integral of the cosmic star formation rate density (with some delay due to stellar lifetimes and outflow travel times), we show that chemical evolution alone could plausibly explain the fast decline in $\Omega _{\rm C \, \small {IV}}$ over 4.3 ≲ z ≲ 6.3. However, the C iv/C ii ratio decreases at the highest redshifts, so the accelerated decline in $\Omega _{\rm C \, \small {IV}}$ at z ≳ 5 may be more naturally explained by rapid changes in the gas ionization state driven by evolution of the UV background towards the end of hydrogen reionization.
The large magellanic cloud revealed in gravitational waves with LISA
Authors: Keim Michael A , Korol Valeriya , Rossi Elena M
Published: March 2023

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will unveil the non-transient gravitational wave sky full of inspiralling stellar-mass compact binaries within the local universe. The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is expected to be prominent on the LISA sky due to its proximity and its large population of double white dwarfs (DWD). Here, we present the first dedicated study of the LMC with gravitational wave sources. We assemble three LMC models based on: (1) the density distribution and star formation history from optical wavelength observations, (2) a detailed hydrodynamic simulation, and (3) combining the two. Our models yield a hundred to several hundred detectable DWDs: indeed, the LMC will be a resolved galaxy in the LISA sky. Importantly, amongst these we forecast a few tens to a hundred double degenerate supernovae type Ia progenitors, a class of binaries which have never been unambiguously observed. The range in the number of detections is primarily due to differences in the LMC total stellar mass and recent star formation in our models. Our results suggest that the total number, periods, and chirp masses of LISA sources may provide independent constraints on both LMC stellar mass and recent star formation by comparing LISA observations with the models, although such constraints will be highly model-dependent. Our publicly available model populations may be used in future studies of the LMC, including its structure and contribution to LISA confusion noise.
New dwarf galaxy candidates in the sphere of influence of the Local Volume spiral galaxy NGC2683
Authors: Crosby Ethan , Jerjen Helmut , Müller Oliver , Pawlowski Marcel , Mateo Mario , Dirnberger Markus
Published: March 2023

We present initial results of a survey of host L* galaxies environments in the Local Volume ($D\lt 10\,$ Mpc) searching for satellite dwarf galaxy candidates using the wide-field Hyper Suprime-Cam imager on the 8 m Subaru Telescope. This paper presents complete results on NGC2683 ($M_{B_T,0}=-19.62$, $D=9.36\, \mathrm{ Mpc}$, $v_{\odot }=411\, \mathrm{ km\, s}^{-1}$), an isolated Sc spiral galaxy in the Leo Spur. At the distance of NGC2683, we image the complete volume out to projected radii of $380\, \mathrm{ kpc}$ using a hexagonal arrangement of 7 pointings. Direct inspection of the images is complete down to Mg ∼ −11 and has revealed four new satellite galaxy candidates, two of which have been independently discovered by other researchers. Assuming the distance of NGC2683, these candidates span luminosities −12 < Mg < −9 and effective radii 150 pc <re < 1100 pc and are found to be morphologically reminiscent of satellite galaxies in the Local Group. These four new candidates add to the eight already known. A principle component analysis of the 2D projected distribution of the 12 satellite galaxies of NGC2683 reveals a flattened projected disc of satellites, with axis ratio b/a = 0.23. This flattening in the 2D projected system of satellites is a 1 per cent outlier of simulated isotropic satellite systems but is mostly consistent with satellite distributions of comparable galaxy environments in the IllustrisTNG simulation. This indicates the possible presence of a satellite plane, which will need to be investigated with follow-up observations.
New mechanisms for forming multiple hotspots in radio jets
Authors: Horton Maya A , Krause Martin G H , Hardcastle Martin J
Published: March 2023

Hotspots of radio galaxies are regions of shock-driven particle acceleration. Multiple hotspots have long been identified as potential indicators of jet movement or precession. Two frequent explanations describe a secondary hotspot as either the location of a prior jet termination point or a deflected backflow-driven shock: the so-called dentist’s drill and splatter-spot models. We created high-resolution simulations of precessing jets with a range of parameters. In addition to the existing mechanisms, our results show three additional mechanisms for multiple hotspot formation: (1) the splitting of a large terminal hotspot into passive and active components; (2) jet stream splitting resulting in two active hotspots; and (3) dynamic multiple hotspot complexes that form as a result of jet termination in a turbulent cocoon, linked here to rapid precession. We show that these distinct types of multiple hotspots are difficult to differentiate in synthetic radio maps, particularly hotspot complexes that can easily be mistaken for the jet itself. We discuss the implication for hypothesized binary supermassive black hole systems where jet precession is a key component of the morphology, and show a selection of potential precession candidates found using the Low-Frequency Array Two-metre Sky Survey Data Release 2.
Probing the rapid formation of black holes and their Galaxy hosts in QSOs
Authors: Cutiva-Alvarez Karla Alejandra , Coziol Roger , Torres-Papaqui Juan Pablo
Published: March 2023

Using the modelling code x-cigale, we reproduced the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of 1359 SDSS quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) within the redshift range 0 < z < 4, for which we have NIR/MIR fluxes with the highest quality and spectral data characterizing their supermassive black hole (SMBHs). Consistent with a rapid formation of the host galaxies, the star formation histories (SFHs) have small e-folding, at most 750 Myr using an SFH function for spiral or 1000 Myr using one for elliptical. Above z ∼ 1.6, the two solutions are degenerate, the SEDs being dominated by the active galactic nucleus (AGN) continuum and high star formation rates (SFRs), typical of starburst galaxies, while at lower redshifts the starburst nature of the host, independent from its morphology, is better reproduced by a spiral SFH. In general, the SFR increases with the redshift, the mass of the bulge, the AGN luminosity, and Eddington ratio, suggesting there is no evidence of AGN quenching of star formation. Comparing the specific BH accretion rate (BHAR) with specific SFR, all the QSOs at any redshift trace a linear sequence below the Eddington luminosity, in parallel and above the one-to-one relation, implying that QSOs are in a special phase of evolution during which the growth in mass of their SMBH is more rapid than the growth in mass of their galaxy hosts. This particular phase is consistent with a scenario where the galaxy hosts of QSOs in the past grew in mass more rapidly than their SMBHs, suggesting that a high star formation efficiency during their formation was responsible in limiting their masses.
Spiral arms are metal freeways: azimuthal gas-phase metallicity variations in flocculent discs in the FIRE-2 cosmological zoom-in simulations
Authors: Orr Matthew E , Burkhart Blakesley , Wetzel Andrew , Hopkins Philip F , Escala Ivanna A , Strom Allison L , Goldsmith Paul F , Pineda Jorge L , Hayward Christopher C , Loebman Sarah R
Published: March 2023

We examine the azimuthal variations in gas-phase metallicity profiles in simulated Milky Way-mass disc galaxies from the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE-2) cosmological zoom-in simulation suite, which includes a sub-grid turbulent metal mixing model. We produce spatially resolved maps of the discs at z ≈ 0 with pixel sizes ranging from 250 to 750 pc, analogous to modern integral field unit galaxy surveys, mapping the gas-phase metallicities in both the cold and dense gas and the ionized gas correlated with H ii regions. We report that the spiral arms alternate in a pattern of metal rich and metal poor relative to the median metallicity of the order of ≲0.1 dex, appearing generally in this sample of flocculent spirals. The pattern persists even in a simulation with different strengths of metal mixing, indicating that the pattern emerges from physics above the sub-grid scale. Local enrichment does not appear to be the dominant source of the azimuthal metallicity variations at z ≈ 0: there is no correlation with local star formation on these spatial scales. Rather, the arms are moving radially inwards and outwards relative to each other, carrying their local metallicity gradients with them radially before mixing into the larger-scale interstellar medium. We propose that the arms act as freeways channeling relatively metal poor gas radially inwards, and relatively enriched gas radially outwards.
An observationally derived kick distribution for neutron stars in binary systems
Authors: O’Doherty Tyrone N , Bahramian Arash , Miller-Jones James C A , Goodwin Adelle J , Mandel Ilya , Willcox Reinhold , Atri Pikky , Strader Jay
Published: March 2023

Understanding the natal kicks received by neutron stars (NSs) during formation is a critical component of modelling the evolution of massive binaries. Natal kicks are an integral input parameter for population synthesis codes, and have implications for the formation of double NS systems and their subsequent merger rates. However, many of the standard observational kick distributions that are used are obtained from samples created only from isolated NSs. Kick distributions derived in this way overestimate the intrinsic NS kick distribution. For NSs in binaries, we can only directly estimate the effect of the natal kick on the binary system, instead of the natal kick received by the NS itself. Here, for the first time, we present a binary kick distribution for NSs with low-mass companions. We compile a catalogue of 145 NSs in low-mass binaries with the best available constraints on proper motion, distance, and systemic radial velocity. For each binary, we use a three-dimensional approach to estimate its binary kick. We discuss the implications of these kicks on system formation, and provide a parametric model for the overall binary kick distribution, for use in future theoretical modelling work. We compare our results with other work on isolated NSs and NSs in binaries, finding that the NS kick distributions fit using only isolated pulsars underestimate the fraction of NSs that receive low kicks. We discuss the implications of our results on modelling double NS systems, and provide suggestions on how to use our results in future theoretical works.
Direct-collapse black hole formation induced by internal radiation of host haloes
Authors: Chiaki Gen , Chon Sunmyon , Omukai Kazuyuki , Trinca Alessandro , Schneider Raffaella , Valiante Rosa
Published: March 2023

We estimate the fraction of haloes that host supermassive black holes (SMBHs) forming through the direct-collapse (DC) scenario by using cosmological N-body simulations combined with a semi-analytic model for galaxy evolution. While in most of earlier studies, the occurrence of DC is limited only in chemically pristine haloes, we here suppose that DC can occur also in haloes with metallicity below a threshold value Zth = 0–10−3 Z⊙, considering the supercompetitive accretion pathway for DC black hole (DCBH) formation. In addition, we consider for the first time, the effect of Lyman–Werner (LW) radiation from stars within host haloes, i.e. internal radiation. We find that with low threshold metallicities of Zth ≤ 10−4 Z⊙, the inclusion of internal radiation rather reduces the number density of DCBHs from 0.2–0.3 to 0.03–0.06 Mpc−3. This is because star formation is suppressed due to self-regulation, and the LW flux emitted by neighbouring haloes is reduced. Only when Zth is as high as 10−3 Z⊙, internal radiation enhances the number density of DCBHs from 0.4 to 1 Mpc−3, thereby decreasing the threshold halo mass above which at least one DCBH forms from 2 × 109 to 9 × 108 M⊙. We also find that haloes with Mhalo ≳ 1011–1012 M⊙ can host more than one DCBH at z = 0. This indicates that the DC scenario alone can explain the observed number of SMBH-hosting galaxies.
Statistical analysis of the total magnetic flux decay rate in solar active regions
Authors: Plotnikov Andrei A , Abramenko Valentina I , Kutsenko Alexander S
Published: March 2023

We used line-of-sight magnetograms acquired by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory to derive the decay rate of total unsigned magnetic flux for 910 ephemeral and active regions (ARs) observed between 2010 and 2017. We found that (i) most of the ARs obey the power law dependence between the peak magnetic flux and the magnetic flux decay rate, DR, so that DR ∼ Φ0.70; (ii) larger ARs lose smaller fraction of their magnetic flux per unit of time than the smaller ARs; (iii) there exists a cluster of ARs exhibiting significantly lower decay rate than it would follow from the power law and all of them are unipolar sunspots with total fluxes in the narrow range of (2–8) × 1021 Mx; and (iv) a comparison with our previous results shows that the emergence rate is always higher than the decay rate. The emergence rate follows a power law with a shallower slope than the slope of the decay-rate power law. The results allowed us to suggest that not only the maximum total magnetic flux determines the character of the decaying regime of the AR, some of the ARs end up as a slowly decaying unipolar sunspot; there should be certain physical mechanisms to stabilize such a sunspot.
Diving into the magnetosphere of the Of?p star HD 108
Authors: Rauw Gregor , Nazé Yaël , ud-Doula Asif , Neiner Coralie
Published: March 2023

We analyse optical and X-ray spectroscopy of the Of?p star HD 108, known for its strong dipolar magnetic field and its optical line profile variability with a time-scale of 54 ± 3 yrs, interpreted as the stellar rotation period. Optical emission lines have now recovered from their minimum emission state reached in 2007–2008. The variations of the equivalent width of the Hα emission provide constraints on the inclination of the rotation axis (i) and the obliquity of the magnetic axis (β). The best agreement between model and observations is found for (i, β) pairs with i + β ≃ 85° and i ∈ [30°, 55°]. The Balmer emission lines display stochastic variability at the ∼5 per cent level on time-scales of a few days. TESS photometry unveils transient modulations on similar time-scales in addition to prominent red noise variations. A Chandra X-ray observation of December 2021, when the star was at a higher emission level, indicates a slight increase of the flux and a spectral hardening compared to the August 2002 XMM-Newton observation, taken near minimum emission state. Magnetohydrodynamic simulations are used to compute synthetic X-ray spectra. With our current best estimate of the $\dot{M}_{B=0}$ mass-loss rate, the simulated X-ray luminosity and spectral energy distribution agree very well with the observations. Finally, the radial velocities vary on a period of 8.5 yr with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 10–11 km s−1, suggesting orbital motion with an unseen companion of at least 4 M⊙.
Confirmation and Keplerian motion of the gap-carving protoplanet HD 169142 b
Authors: Hammond Iain , Christiaens Valentin , Price Daniel J , Toci Claudia , Pinte Christophe , Juillard Sandrine , Garg Himanshi
Published: March 2023

We present the re-detection of a compact source in the face-on protoplanetary disc surrounding HD 169142, using VLT/SPHERE data in YJH bands. The source is found at a separation of 0${_{.}^{\prime\prime}}$319 (∼37 au) from the star. Three lines of evidence argue in favour of the signal tracing a protoplanet: (i) it is found in the annular gap separating the two bright rings of the disc, as predicted by theory; (ii) it is moving at the expected Keplerian velocity for an object at ∼37 au in the 2015, 2017, and 2019 data sets; and (iii) we also detect a spiral-shaped signal whose morphology is consistent with the expected outer spiral wake triggered by a planet in the gap, based on dedicated hydrodynamical simulations of the system. The YJH colours we extracted for the object are consistent with tracing scattered starlight, suggesting that the protoplanet is enshrouded in a significant amount of dust, as expected for a circumplanetary disc or envelope surrounding a gap-clearing Jovian-mass protoplanet.
Massive Somatic and Germline Chromosomal Integrations of Polydnaviruses in Lepidopterans
Authors: Heisserer Camille , Muller Héloïse , Jouan Véronique , Musset Karine , Periquet Georges , Drezen Jean-Michel , Volkoff Anne-Nathalie , Gilbert Clément
Published: March 2023

Increasing numbers of horizontal transfer (HT) of genes and transposable elements are reported in insects. Yet the mechanisms underlying these transfers remain unknown. Here we first quantify and characterize the patterns of chromosomal integration of the polydnavirus (PDV) encoded by the Campopleginae Hyposoter didymator parasitoid wasp (HdIV) in somatic cells of parasitized fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). PDVs are domesticated viruses injected by wasps together with their eggs into their hosts in order to facilitate the development of wasp larvae. We found that six HdIV DNA circles integrate into the genome of host somatic cells. Each host haploid genome suffers between 23 and 40 integration events (IEs) on average 72 h post-parasitism. Almost all IEs are mediated by DNA double-strand breaks occurring in the host integration motif (HIM) of HdIV circles. We show that despite their independent evolutionary origins, PDV from both Campopleginae and Braconidae wasps use remarkably similar mechanisms for chromosomal integration. Next, our similarity search performed on 775 genomes reveals that PDVs of both Campopleginae and Braconidae wasps have recurrently colonized the germline of dozens of lepidopteran species through the same mechanisms they use to integrate into somatic host chromosomes during parasitism. We found evidence of HIM-mediated HT of PDV DNA circles in no less than 124 species belonging to 15 lepidopteran families. Thus, this mechanism underlies a major route of HT of genetic material from wasps to lepidopterans with likely important consequences on lepidopterans.
Coupling metal stable isotope compositions and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study metal pathways in soil–plant systems: a mini review
Authors: Aucour Anne Marie , Sarret Géraldine , Blommaert Hester , Wiggenhauser Matthias
Published: March 2023

Excess and limited trace metal contents in soils and plants can limit crop yields and pose a risk for the environment and human health. This mini-review reports on the emerging approach of combining X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) with isotope analyses to improve the understanding of metal speciation and dynamics in soil–plant systems. In soils and their components, shifts in isotope compositions could be in some cases linked to changing metal speciation and thereby provide information on processes that control the phytoavailability of metals. In plants, the XAS-isotope approach has potential to improve the understanding of how complex interactions of metal speciation, redox processes, and membrane transport control metal uptake and translocation to edible plant parts. Yet, the XAS-isotope approach proves to be in a rather exploratory phase, and many research gaps remain. Such limitations can be overcome by methodological improvements and combining the approach with molecular biology and modelling approaches.
Human and bacterial TatD enzymes exhibit apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease activity
Authors: Dorival Jonathan , Eichman Brandt F
Published: March 2023

TatD enzymes are evolutionarily conserved deoxyribonucleases associated with DNA repair, apoptosis, development, and parasite virulence. Three TatD paralogs exist in humans, but their nuclease functions are unknown. Here, we describe the nuclease activities of two of the three human TatD paralogs, TATDN1 and TATDN3, which represent two phylogenetically distinct clades based on unique active site motifs. We found that in addition to 3′-5′ exonuclease activity associated with other TatD proteins, both TATDN1 and TATDN3 exhibited apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease activity. The AP endonuclease activity was observed only in double-stranded DNA, whereas exonuclease activity was operative primarily in single-stranded DNA. Both nuclease activities were observed in the presence of Mg2+ or Mn2+, and we identified several divalent metal cofactors that inhibited exonuclease and supported AP endonuclease activity. Biochemical analysis and a crystal structure of TATDN1 bound to 2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-monophosphate in the active site are consistent with two-metal ion catalysis, and we identify several residues that differentiate nuclease activities in the two proteins. In addition, we show that the three Escherichia coli TatD paralogs are also AP endonucleases, indicating that this activity is conserved across evolution. Together, these results indicate that TatD enzymes constitute a family of ancient AP endonucleases.
Diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy and MRI for leptomeningeal metastases in solid cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nakasu Yoko , Deguchi Shoichi , Nakasu Satoshi , Yamazaki Mutsumi , Notsu Akifumi , Mitsuya Koichi , Hayashi Nakamasa
Published: March 2023

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology remains the gold standard approach for diagnosing of leptomeningeal metastases (LM), but has clinical problems due to its low sensitivity. This systemic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the novel CSF biomarkers of liquid biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting LM in patients with solid cancers.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify all published diagnostic accuracy studies on CSF liquid biopsies and MRI since January 2000 with registration for PROSPERO (#CRD42022301988). Articles were selected based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria following the PRISMA 2020 statement.

Results

The search yielded 3790 citations, and 10 studies with 668 patients were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of LM was 50.9% (340/668). The respective sensitivity and specificity for index tests were as follows: circulating tumor cells (CTC), 87.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77.9–92.6%) and 93.8% (86.9–97.2%); cell-free tumor DNA, 97.9% (19.3–100%) and 89.0% (25.3–99.5%); MRI 59.4% (60.7–76.9%) and 97.6% (77.3–99.8%); cytology, 71.9% (54.7–82.9%) and 100%. The diagnostic odds ratio was 100.6 (29.38–344.09) for CTC and 93.3 (88.42–1034.05) for MRI.

Conclusion

Novel CSF liquid biopsies and MRI may offer improved diagnostic accuracy for LM from solid cancers; however, further research is required to specify the threshold values and to construct standards for individual primary cancers.
Sonocatalytic hydrogen/hole-combined therapy for anti-biofilm and infected diabetic wound healing
Authors: Xu Qingqing , Chen Shengqiang , Jiang Lingdong , Xia Chao , Zeng Lingting , Cai Xiaoqing , Jin Zhaokui , Qin Shucun , Ding Wenjiang , He Qianjun
Published: March 2023

It is a great challenge to effectively eradicate biofilm and cure biofilm-infected diseases because dense extracellular polymeric substance matrix prevents routine antibacterial agents from penetrating into biofilm. H2 is an emerging energy-regulating molecule possessing both high biosafety and high tissue permeability. In this work, we propose a concept of sonocatalytic hydrogen/hole-combined ‘inside/outside-cooperation’ anti-biofilm for promoting bacteria-infected diabetic wound healing based on two-dimensional piezoelectric nanomaterials. Proof-of-concept experiments using C3N4 nanosheets as a representative piezoelectric catalyst with wide band gap and high biosafety have verified that sonocatalytically generated H2 and holes rapidly penetrate into biofilm to inhibit bacterial energy metabolism and oxidatively deprive polysaccharides/NADH in biofilm to destroy the bacterial membrane/electron transport chain, respectively, inside/outside-cooperatively eradicating biofilm. A bacteria-infected diabetic wound model is used to confirm the excellent in vivo antibacterial performance of sonocatalytic hydrogen/hole-combined therapy, remarkably improving bacteria-infected diabetic wound healing. The proposed strategy of sonocatalytic hole/hydrogen-combined ‘inside/outside-cooperation’ will make a highway for treatment of deep-seated biofilm infection.