bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Scammers’ Data to Estimate the Impact and Importance of Preventing Repeat Mail Fraud Victimization
Authors: Langton Lynn , DeLiema Marguerite , Brannock Daniel , Preble Edward
Published: June 2024

This study examines the frequency and cost of repeat mail fraud victimization in the United States using longitudinal data from a unique source: records from four scam enterprises that operated over a nearly 20-year period. Findings show that most mail fraud victims experience repeat victimization and a small percentage account for most of the losses. Sixty-two per cent of victims responded to more than one mail solicitation. Chronic victims, who responded more than 20 times, comprised 8.8 per cent of the sample and lost $1,771, on average. Findings suggest the need for early intervention to prevent repeat and chronic victimization, thereby reducing the harm for victims. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Deadly Language Games: Theological Reflections on Emerging Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Colgrove Nicholas
Published: June 2024

This issue of Christian Bioethics explores theological, metaphysical, and ethical questions surrounding emerging reproductive technologies. Narratives concerning such technologies are often manipulated via “language games.” Language games involve toying with language to ensure that one’s vision of the good gains or retains political prominence. Such games are common in academic discussions of “artificial womb” technologies. Abortion proponents, for example, are already using language to dehumanize subjects within “artificial wombs.” This is unsurprising. Were relevant subjects considered persons, then abortion access (and other forms of “reproductive autonomy”) might be curtailed. Here, I show that abortion proponents’ language games often depend on dubious metaphysical claims. Second, I argue that Christians should oppose dehumanizing language games, since those games undermine “neighbor-love,” which Christians are commanded to show others. I also highlight how discussions of other technologies—such as medication abortion—are affected by confused (or manipulative) language. Ultimately, the language games I critique aim to preserve and expand the “rights” of the powerful to dehumanize, control, and kill vulnerable human beings. Since neighbor-love commands Christians to provide for “the least of these,” however, Christians must expose these manipulative language games, refute them, and resist the corrupt ideologies from which they flow.
What’s (in) a CBO? Analyzing community representation in the Kenyan aid chain
Authors: Matelski Maaike , Woensdregt Lise
Published: June 2024

Within the field of development research and practice, there is a growing realization that interventions aimed at supporting emancipation struggles in the Global South should prioritize local actors and agendas. Consequently, community-based organizations (CBOs) are increasingly considered vehicles of change. The label ‘community-based’ has become central to the work of non-governmental organizations and donors seeking to connect with ‘grassroots’ populations and is frequently used by groups engaged in self-representation on different levels. In this article, we seek to study various forms of CBOs involved in the aid chain in their own right, rather than as mere recipients of aid. Drawing on comparative empirical case studies involving a queer male sex worker-led organization in Nairobi and a group of CBOs in rural Kenya, we illustrate how, despite uniform approaches in development discourse, these organizations take on completely different forms, functions and practices, which influences their relationships with development actors. We seek to problematize over-simplified depictions of CBOs by showing that these in reality comprise a wide range of groups, from local ad hoc initiatives, to highly professionalized actors operating on the (trans)national level. We therefore argue that CBOs should be understood as comprising a continuum in forms, functions and practices, which influences their power positions within transnational aid chains. We recommend that development actors explore the organizational structures of the local groups they work with, including questions of voice and representation, and take into account individual CBOs’ desired roles within the aid chain.
Food Insecurity at Tuberculosis Treatment Initiation Is Associated With Clinical Outcomes in Rural Haiti: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Richterman Aaron , Saintilien Elie , St-Cyr Medgine , Claudia Gracia Louise , Sauer Sara , Pierre Inobert , Compere Moise , Elnaiem Ahmed , Dumerjuste Dyemy , Ivers Louise C
Published: June 2024

Background

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide, and food insecurity is known to negatively influence health outcomes through multiple pathways. Few studies have interrogated the relationship between food insecurity and tuberculosis outcomes, particularly independent of nutrition.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of adults initiating first-line treatment for clinically suspected or microbiologically confirmed drug-sensitive tuberculosis at a rural referral center in Haiti. We administered a baseline questionnaire, collected clinical data, and analyzed laboratory samples. We used logistic regression models to estimate the relationship between household food insecurity (Household Hunger Scale) and treatment failure or death. We accounted for exclusion of patients lost to follow-up using inverse probability of censoring weighting and adjusted for measured confounders and nutritional status using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Results

We enrolled 257 participants (37% female) between May 2020 and March 2023 with a median age (interquartile range) of 35 (25–45) years. Of these, 105 (41%) had no hunger in the household, 104 (40%) had moderate hunger in the household, and 48 (19%) had severe hunger in the household. Eleven participants (4%) died, and 6 (3%) had treatment failure. After adjustment, food insecurity was significantly associated with subsequent treatment failure or death (odds ratio 5.78 [95% confidence interval, 1.20–27.8]; P = .03).

Conclusions

Household food insecurity at tuberculosis treatment initiation was significantly associated with death or treatment failure after accounting for loss to follow-up, measured confounders, and nutritional status. In addition to the known importance of undernutrition, our findings indicate that food insecurity independently affects tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Haiti.
Mapping the emergence of the circular economy within the governance paths of shrinking cities and regions: a comparative study of Parkstad Limburg (NL) and Satakunta (FI)
Authors: Marjanović Marjan , Williams Joanna
Published: June 2024

This paper studies the interplay between governance priorities concerning urban shrinkage and the circular economy (CE) agenda in the cases of Parkstad Limburg (NL) and Satakunta (FI), aiming to assess the potential of European circular imaginaries for creating novel development pathways in shrinking cities and regions. The findings reveal that the CE agenda emerges within specific sectors due to various influences, including European institutional frameworks, national policies and local initiatives. Notably, the advocacy of commercial actors plays an instrumental role in advancing the CE concept into policy. However, both regions also demonstrate differences arising from distinct regional characteristics. Satakunta harnesses its manufacturing legacy to pursue economic and demographic growth through an industrial CE. Meanwhile, Parkstad Limburg prioritises circular construction to facilitate spatial restructuring and secure public funding. Therefore, in shrinking contexts, CE operates as a unifying agenda for existing interests, upholding prevailing political priorities rather than opening novel governance avenues.
Highly Sensitive Immunoassay for Long Forms of Cardiac Troponin T Using Upconversion Luminescence
Authors: Salonen Selma M , Tuominen Tuulia J K , Raiko Kirsti I S , Vasankari Tuija , Aalto Rami , Hellman Tapio A , Lahtinen Satu E , Soukka Tero , Airaksinen K E Juhani , Wittfooth Saara T
Published: June 2024

Background

Long cardiac troponin T (cTnT) has been proposed to be a promising and more specific biomarker of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). As it represents a subfraction of circulating cTnT, detection of very low concentrations is a requirement. The aim of this study was to develop a novel, highly sensitive immunoassay for long cTnT.

Methods

A two-step sandwich-type immunoassay for long cTnT was developed, utilizing upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) as reporters. The limits of detection and quantitation were determined for the assay. Linearity and matrix effects were evaluated. Performance with clinical samples was assessed with samples from patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI, n = 30) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD, n = 37) and compared to a previously developed time-resolved fluorescence (TRF)-based long cTnT assay and a commercial high-sensitivity cTnT assay.

Results

The novel assay reached a 28-fold lower limit of detection (0.40 ng/L) and 14-fold lower limit of quantitation (1.79 ng/L) than the previously developed TRF long cTnT assay. Li-heparin and EDTA plasma, but not serum, were found to be suitable sample matrixes for the assay. In a receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the troponin ratio (long/total cTnT) determined with the novel assay showed excellent discrimination between NSTEMI and ESRD with an area under the curve of 0.986 (95% CI, 0.967–1.000).

Conclusions

By utilizing upconversion luminescence technology, we developed a highly sensitive long cTnT assay. This novel assay can be a valuable tool for investigating the full potential of long cTnT as a biomarker for AMI.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT04465591
Demographic and physiological signals of reproductive events in humpback whales on a southwest pacific breeding ground
Authors: Pallin Logan J , Garrigue Claire , Kellar Nicholas M , Baker C Scott , Bonneville Claire D , Derville Solène , Garland Ellen C , Steel Debbie , Friedlaender Ari S
Published: June 2024

The field of marine mammal conservation has dramatically benefited from the rapid advancement of methods to assess the reproductive physiology of individuals and populations from steroid hormones isolated from minimally invasive skin–blubber biopsy samples. Historically, this vital information was only available from complete anatomical and physiological investigations of samples collected during commercial or indigenous whaling. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a migratory, cosmopolitan species that reproduce in warm, low-latitude breeding grounds. New Caledonia is seasonally visited by a small breeding sub-stock of humpback whales, forming part of the endangered Oceania subpopulation. To better understand the demographic and seasonal patterns of reproductive physiology in humpback whales, we quantified baseline measurements of reproductive hormones (progesterone—P4, testosterone—T and 17β-estradiol—E2) using an extensive archive of skin–blubber biopsy samples collected from female humpback whales in New Caledonia waters between 2016 and 2019 (n = 194). We observed significant differences in the P4, T and E2 concentrations across different demographic groups of female humpback whales, and we described some of the first evidence of the endocrine patterns of estrous in live free-ranging baleen whales. This study is fundamental in its methodological approach to a wild species that has a global distribution, with seasonally distinct life histories. This information will assist in monitoring, managing and conserving this population as global ecological changes continue to occur unhindered.
The shift to authenticity: a framework for analysis of political truth claims
Authors: Sorensen Lone , Krämer Benjamin
Published: June 2024

It is often claimed that political disinformation is more abundant than ever, that populists are particularly prone to lying, and that we live in an era of post-truth or epistemic relativism. Contrary to these views, we interpret this historical trend as a shift from objective to authentic forms of political truth claims. We develop a diagnostic framework that captures different types of political truth claims and their distinct elements. This framework enables interrogation and understanding of the current state of epistemic contestation and change. The rise of both populist and deliberative approaches to democracy, which we use as key examples, are indicators of a gradual shift towards a greater importance of authenticity in the public sphere. We nuance this proposition by distinguishing between different forms of authenticity employed by populist and deliberative politics: communicative authenticity in deliberative politics and original and personal authenticity in populist politics.
Analysing online forums to identify information needs and knowledge gaps in patients with left ventricular assist devices: a qualitative study
Authors: Abdelhadi Nasra , Klein Stav , Shahar Moni , Melnikov Semyon
Published: June 2024

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and unmet informational needs of candidates for left ventricular assist device (LVAD), as well as of patients, caregivers, and family members, by analysing social media data from the MyLVAD.com website.

Methods and results

A qualitative content analysis method was employed, systematically examining and categorizing forum posts and comments published on the MyLVAD.com website from March 2015 to February 2023. The data were collected using an automated script to retrieve threads from MyLVAD.com, focusing on genuine questions reflecting information and knowledge gaps. The study received approval from an ethics committee. The research team developed and continuously updated categorization matrices to organize information into categories and subcategories systematically. From 856 posts and comments analysed, 435 contained questions representing informational needs, of which six main categories were identified: clothing, complications/adverse effects, LVAD pros and cons, self-care, therapy, and recent LVAD implantation. The self-care category, which includes managing the driveline site and understanding equipment functionality, was the most prominent, reflecting nearly half of the questions. Other significant areas of inquiry included complications/adverse effects and the pros and cons of LVAD.

Conclusion

The analysis of social media data from MyLVAD.com reveals significant unmet informational needs among LVAD candidates, patients, and their support networks. Unlike traditional data, this social media-based research provides an unbiased view of patient conversations, offering valuable insights into their real-world concerns and knowledge gaps. The findings underscore the importance of tailored educational resources to address these unmet needs, potentially enhancing LVAD patient care.
Digest: Resource limitation as a mechanism for constraining the evolution of virulence in malaria parasites
Authors: Lockwood Sophie
Published: June 2024

The virulence of parasites is expected to reflect an evolutionary tradeoff between increasing proliferation rates that enhance transmission and host mortality which curtails transmission. However, host resource availability may also limit parasites’ proliferation rate. To understand the role of resource limitation as a driver of virulence evolution, Pak et al. (2024) use a within-host model of red blood cell (RBC) invasion by Plasmodium chabaudi. They find that within-host resource consumption limits the evolution of the parasite’s proliferation rate, as the depletion of RBCs during infection results in intermediate optimal virulence. These results suggest that resource limitation, rather than host mortality, may drive the evolution of virulence.
Strategy Is Only Partly an Illusion: “Relative Foresight” as an Objective Standard for Evaluating Foreign Policy Competence
Authors: Friedman Jeffrey A , Zeckhauser Richard
Published: June 2024

Foreign policymakers must grapple with complexity, uncertainty, and subjectivity. These challenges raise the possibility that “strategy is an illusion”: that there is no reliable method for assessing skill at managing international politics. By contrast, we show that researchers can objectively evaluate a critical component of foreign policy competence using a standard we call “relative foresight,” defined as decision-makers’ ability to anticipate consequences of their choices as compared to alternative views based on similar information. Relative foresight can be measured without relying on value judgments or subjective probabilities. By contrast, other common frameworks for gauging foreign policy competence, such as comparing leaders’ behavior to the rational actor model or assessing procedural rationality, almost always leave room for reasonable disagreement. We demonstrate that relative foresight provides a useful tool for evaluating major foreign policy choices through case studies of Barack Obama’s decisions regarding the Afghan Surge and the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound. Our framework has broad implications for research on normative, prescriptive, and descriptive dimensions of foreign policy analysis.
Does Medical Insurance Integration Reduce Frailty Risk? Evidence From Rural Older Adults in China
Authors: Yang Fan , Guo Yujia
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the impacts of China’s health insurance integration reform on frailty among rural older adults.

Methods

Nationally representative longitudinal data with 2,751 adults aged ≥60 years were analyzed from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2015. The integration of the rural New Cooperative Medical Scheme and urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance into the unified Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI). Frailty Index (FI) summarizes 32 health deficits, quantifying frailty severity with a range of 0–1. Frailty is defined as FI ≥ 0.25, prefrailty as FI: 0.10–0.25, and robustness as FI < 0.10. Frailty worsening, stability, and improvement from 2011 to 2015 were assessed. Difference-in-differences and propensity score matched difference-in-differences models assessed URRBMI integration effects on frailty severity and risk (FI ≥ 0.25) among rural older adults.

Results

URRBMI integration significantly reduced frailty severity by 15.16% and risk by 9.60% points among rural older adults. Reductions were greatest among initially prefrail individuals, with 27.49% lower frailty severity and a 17.62% point reduction in subsequent frailty onset risk after URRBMI integration. In contrast, no significant benefits were observed for initially robust or frail subgroups following integration. Analyses of frailty transitions corroborated selective benefits, with URRBMI integration lowering the risks of worsening frailty among prefrail but no significant reversal of frailty status among those initially frail or prefrail.

Discussion

China’s URRBMI integration selectively ameliorated frailty progression among rural older adults with prefrail status. Targeting integrated medical insurance policies toward high-risk populations may optimize frailty prevention effects.
Diversity of Intraspecific Patterns of Brain Region Size Covariation in Fish
Authors: Axelrod Caleb J , Urquhart Ellen M , Mahabir Pria N , Carlson Bruce A , Gordon Swanne P
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

Traits often do not evolve in isolation or vary independently of other traits. Instead, they can be affected by covariation, both within and across species. However, the importance of within-species trait covariation and, critically, the degree to which it varies between species has yet to be thoroughly studied. Brain morphology is a trait of great ecological and behavioral importance, with regions that are hypothesized to vary in size based on behavioral and cognitive demands. Sizes of brain regions have also been shown to covary with each other across various taxa. Here, we test the degree to which covariation in brain region sizes within species has been conserved across 10 teleost fish species. These 10 species span five orders, allowing us to examine how phylogenetic proximity influences similarities in intraspecific trait covariation. Our results showed a trend that similar patterns of brain region size covariation occur in more closely related species. Interestingly, there were certain brain region pairs that showed similar levels of covariation across all species regardless of phylogenetic distance, such as the telencephalon and optic tectum, while others, such as the olfactory bulb and the hypothalamus, varied more independently. Ultimately, the patterns of brain region covariation shown here suggest that evolutionary mechanisms or constraints can act on specific brain regions independently, and that these constraints can change over evolutionary time.
Limb Loss and Specialized Leg Dynamics in Tiny Water-Walking Insects
Authors: O’Neil Johnathan N , Yung Kai Lauren , Difini Gaetano , Rohilla Pankaj , Bhamla Saad
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

The air–water interface of the planet’s water bodies, such as ponds, lakes, and streams, presents an uncertain ecological niche with predatory threats from above and below. As Microvelia americana move across the water surface in small ponds, they face potential injury from attacks by birds, fish, and underwater invertebrates. Thus, our study investigates the effects of losing individual or pairs of tarsi on M. americana’s ability to walk on water. Removal of both hind tarsi causes M. americana to rock their bodies (yaw) while running across the water surface at $\pm 19^{\circ }$, compared to $\pm 7^{\circ }$ in nonablated specimens. This increase in yaw, resulting from the removal of hind tarsi, indicates that M. americana use their hind legs as “rudders” to regulate yaw, originating from the contralateral middle legs’ strokes on the water’s surface through an alternating tripod gait. Ablation of the ipsilateral middle and hind tarsi disrupts directionality, making M. americana turn in the direction of their intact limbs. This loss of directionality does not occur with the removal of contralateral middle and hind tarsi. However, M. americana lose their ability to use the alternating tripod gait to walk on water on the day of contralateral ablation. Remarkably, by the next day, M. americana adapt and regain the ability to walk on water using the alternating tripod gait. Our findings elucidate the specialized leg dynamics within the alternating tripod gait of M. americana, and their adaptability to tarsal loss. This research could guide the development and design strategies of small, adaptive, and resilient micro-robots that can adapt to controller malfunction or actuator damage for walking on water and terrestrial surfaces.
Humoral Immunogenicity of mRNA-1345 RSV Vaccine in Older Adults
Authors: Goswami Jaya , Baqui Abdullah H , Doreski Pablo A , Perez Marc Gonzalo , Jimenez Gilberto , Ahmed Salahuddin , Zaman Khalequz , Duncan Christopher J A , Ujiie Mugen , Rämet Mika , Pérez–Breva Lina , Lan Lan , Du Jiejun , Kapoor Archana , Mehta Shraddah , Tomassini Joanne E , Huang Wenmei , Zhou Honghong , Stoszek Sonia K , Priddy Frances , Lin Nina , Le Cam Nancy , Shaw Christine A , Slobod Karen , Wilson Eleanor , Miller Jacqueline M , Das Rituparna
Published: June 2024

Background

The mRNA-1345 vaccine demonstrated efficacy against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease with acceptable safety in adults aged ≥60 years in the ConquerRSV trial. Here, humoral immunogenicity results from the trial are presented.

Methods

This phase 2/3 trial randomly assigned adults (≥60 years) to mRNA-1345 50-µg encoding prefusion F (preF) glycoprotein (n = 17 793) vaccine or placebo (n = 17 748). RSV-A and RSV-B neutralizing antibody (nAb) and preF binding antibody (bAb) levels at baseline and day 29 postvaccination were assessed in a per-protocol immunogenicity subset (PPIS; mRNA-1345, n = 1515; placebo, n = 333).

Results

Day 29 nAb geometric mean titers (GMTs) increased 8.4-fold against RSV-A and 5.1-fold against RSV-B from baseline. Seroresponses (4-fold rise from baseline) in the mRNA-1345 groups were 74.2% and 56.5% for RSV-A and RSV-B, respectively. Baseline GMTs were lower among participants who met the seroresponse criteria than those who did not. mRNA-1345 induced preF bAbs at day 29, with a pattern similar to nAbs. Day 29 antibody responses across demographic and risk subgroups were generally consistent with the overall PPIS.

Conclusions

mRNA-1345 enhanced RSV-A and RSV-B nAbs and preF bAbs in adults (≥60 years) across various subgroups, including those at risk for severe disease, consistent with its demonstrated efficacy in the prevention of RSV disease.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT05127434.
The skin barrier and microbiome in infantile atopic dermatitis development: can skincare prevent onset?
Authors: Ito Tomoka , Nakamura Yuumi
Published: June 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a prevalent Th2-dominant skin disease, involves complex genetic and environmental factors, including mutations in the Filaggrin gene and dysbiosis of skin microbiota characterized by an increased abundance of Staphylococcus aureus. Our recent findings emphasize the pivotal role of the skin barrier’s integrity and microbial composition in infantile AD and allergic diseases. Early skin dysbiosis predisposes infants to AD, suggesting targeted skincare practices as a preventive strategy. The effects of skincare interventions, particularly the application of moisturizers with the appropriate molar concentration of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, play a crucial role in restoring the skin barrier. Notably, our study revealed that appropriate skincare can reduce Streptococcus abundance while supporting Cutibacterium acnes presence, thus directly linking skincare practices to microbial modulation in neonatal skin. Despite the mixed outcomes of previous Randomized Controlled Trials on the efficacy of moisturizers in AD prevention, our research points to the potential of skincare intervention as a primary preventive method against AD by minimizing the impact of genetic and environmental factors. Furthermore, our research supports the notion that early aggressive management of eczema may reduce the incidence of food allergies, highlighting the necessity for multifaceted prevention strategies that address both the skin barrier and immune sensitization. By focusing on repairing the skin barrier and adjusting the skin’s microbiome from birth, we propose a novel perspective on preventing infantile AD and allergic diseases, opening new avenues for future studies, and practices in allergy prevention.
Neutral selection and clonal expansion during the development of colon cancer metastasis
Authors: Lei Xuelian , Yamamoto Daisuke , Kitamura Hirotaka , Kita Kenji , Inaki Noriyuki , Murakami Kazuhiro , Nakayama Mizuho , Oshima Hiroko , Oshima Masanobu
Published: June 2024

Intratumour heterogeneity has been shown to play a role in the malignant progression of cancer. The clonal evolution in primary cancer has been well studied, however, that in metastatic tumorigenesis is not fully understood. In this study, we established human colon cancer-derived organoids and investigated clonal dynamics during liver metastasis development by tracking barcode-labelled subclones. Long-term subclone co-cultures showed clonal drift, with a single subclone becoming dominant in the cell population. Interestingly, the selected subclones were not always the same, suggesting that clonal selection was not based on cell intrinsic properties. Furthermore, liver tumours developed by co-transplantation of organoid subclones into the immunodeficient mouse spleen showed a progressive drastic reduction in clonal diversity, and only one or two subclones predominated in the majority of large metastatic tumours. Importantly, selections were not limited to particular subclones but appeared to be random. A trend towards a reduction in clonal diversity was also found in liver metastases of multiple colour-labelled organoids of mouse intestinal tumours. Based on these results, we propose a novel mechanism of metastasis development, i.e. a subclone population of the disseminated tumour cells in the liver is selected by neutral selection during colonization and constitutes large metastatic tumours.
Patterns and effects of gene flow on adaptation across spatial scales: implications for management
Authors: Sexton Jason P , Clemens Molly , Bell Nicholas , Hall Joseph , Fyfe Verity , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: June 2024

Gene flow can have rapid effects on adaptation and is an important evolutionary tool available when undertaking biological conservation and restoration. This tool is underused partly because of the perceived risk of outbreeding depression and loss of mean fitness when different populations are crossed. In this article, we briefly review some theory and empirical findings on how genetic variation is distributed across species ranges, describe known patterns of gene flow in nature with respect to environmental gradients, and highlight the effects of gene flow on adaptation in small or stressed populations in challenging environments (e.g., at species range limits). We then present a case study involving crosses at varying spatial scales among mountain populations of a trigger plant (Stylidium armeria: Stylidiaceae) in the Australian Alps to highlight how some issues around gene flow effects can be evaluated. We found evidence of outbreeding depression in seed production at greater geographic distances. Nevertheless, we found no evidence of maladaptive gene flow effects in likelihood of germination, plant performance (size), and performance variance, suggesting that gene flow at all spatial scales produces offspring with high adaptive potential. This case study demonstrates a path to evaluating how increasing sources of gene flow in managed wild and restored populations could identify some offspring with high fitness that could bolster the ability of populations to adapt to future environmental changes. We suggest further ways in which managers and researchers can act to understand and consider adaptive gene flow in natural and conservation contexts under rapidly changing conditions.
Eccentricity evolution of PTA sources from cosmological initial conditions
Authors: Fastidio F , Gualandris A , Sesana A , Bortolas E , Dehnen W
Published: June 2024

Recent results from pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) show evidence for a gravitational wave background (GWB) consistent with a population of unresolved supermassive black hole (SMBH) binaries (BHBs). While the data do not yet constrain the slope of the spectrum, this appears to flatten at the lowest frequencies, deviating from the power-law shape expected for circular binaries evolving solely due to gravitational wave (GW) emission. Interestingly, such flattening can be explained with a population of eccentric rather than circular binaries. The eccentricity of BHBs is notoriously difficult to predict based simply on the parameters of the host galaxies and the initial galactic orbit, as it is subject to stochastic effects. We study the evolution of the eccentricity of BHBs formed in galactic mergers with cosmological initial conditions from pairing to coalescence, with a focus on potential PTA sources. We select galactic mergers from the IllustrisTNG100-1 simulation and re-simulate them at high resolution with the N-body code griffin down to binary separations of the order of a parsec. We then estimate coalescence time-scales with a semi-analytical model of the evolution under the effects of GW emission and stellar hardening. We find that most mergers in IllustrisTNG100-1 occur on highly eccentric orbits, and that the eccentricity of BHBs at binary formation correlates with the initial eccentricity of the merger, if this is no larger than approximately 0.9. For extremely eccentric mergers, the binaries tend to form with modest eccentricities. We discuss the implications of these results on the interpretation of the observed GWB.
A laboratory infrared model of astrophysical pyrimidines
Authors: Rosa Caroline Antunes , Bergantini Alexandre , da Silveira Enio Frota , Emilio Marcelo , Andrade Laerte , Pacheco Eduardo Janot , Mason Nigel J , Lage Claudia
Published: June 2024

Nucleobases are essential molecules for life, forming integral parts of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in all terrestrial life forms. Despite evidence of their abiotic synthesis in meteorites and laboratory simulations of interstellar medium (ISM) conditions, nucleobases have not been detected in the ISM. This study investigates the infrared spectra of uracil, cytosine, and thymine – pyrimidine nucleobases – embedded in an ice mixture simulating common volatiles found in protostellar discs. Our objective was to explore the feasibility of identifying unique infrared bands of pyrimidines in the ISM, despite significant overlapping absorption features from simpler, more abundant interstellar species such as H2O, CO, CH3OH, and NH3. Laboratory results revealed that although two common bands (1240 and 760 cm−1 in uracil; 1236 and 763 cm−1 in cytosine; and 1249 and 760 cm−1 in thymine) were identified, the detection of these bands in space is challenged by overlapping absorption features. Recent observations with the JWST have shown that interstellar organic species exhibit infrared signals within similar ranges, making it impossible to distinguish pyrimidine bands from these organics. Thus, detecting pyrimidines with current telescopes is infeasible, not due to sensitivity limitations or the need for more powerful instrumentation, but because of the intrinsic overlap in spectral features. This study complements previous research on purines by examining pyrimidines and including the impact of common ISM volatiles in the ice composition. The results highlight the significant challenges in detecting complex molecules in the ISM, underscoring the importance of understanding the spectral complexities and interactions to interpret astronomical observations accurately.
All-sky three-dimensional dust density and extinction Maps of the Milky Way out to 2.8 kpc
Authors: Dharmawardena T E , Bailer-Jones C A L , Fouesneau M , Foreman-Mackey D , Coronica P , Colnaghi T , Müller T , Wilson A G
Published: June 2024

Three-dimensional dust density maps are crucial for understanding the structure of the interstellar medium of the Milky Way and the processes that shape it. However, constructing these maps requires large data sets and the methods used to analyse them are computationally expensive and difficult to scale up. As a result, it has only recently become possible to map kiloparsec-scale regions of our Galaxy at parsec-scale grid sampling. We present all-sky three-dimensional dust density and extinction maps of the Milky Way out to 2.8 kpc in distance from the Sun using the fast and scalable Gaussian Process algorithm Dustribution. The sampling of the three-dimensional map is l, b, d = 1° × 1° × 1.7 pc. The input extinction and distance catalogue contains 120 million stars with photometry and astrometry from Gaia DR2, 2MASS and AllWISE. This combines the strengths of optical and infrared data to probe deeper into the dusty regions of the Milky Way. We compare our maps with other published 3D dust maps. All maps quantitatively agree at the 0.001 mag pc−1 scale with many qualitatively similar features, although each map also has its own features. We recover Galactic features previously identified in the literature. Moreover, we also see a large under-density that may correspond to an inter-arm or -spur gap towards the Galactic Centre.
Towards including super-sample covariance in the unbinned likelihood for cluster abundance cosmology
Authors: Payerne C , Murray C , Combet C , Penna-Lima M
Published: June 2024

The measurement of the abundance of galaxy clusters in the Universe is a sensitive probe of cosmology, which depends on both the expansion history of the Universe and the growth of structure. Density fluctuations across the finite survey volume add noise to this measurement, this is often referred to as super-sample covariance (SSC). For an unbinned cluster analysis, such noise has not been included in the cluster likelihood, since the effect of SSC was small compared to the Poisson shot-noise for samples of a few hundred clusters. For upcoming large cluster surveys such as the Rubin LSST, which will deliver catalogues of tens of thousands of clusters, this effect will no longer be negligible. In this paper, we propose a new hybrid likelihood based on the Gauss-Poisson Compound model (GPC), by using infinitesimal mass bins and standard redshift bins. This likelihood has the advantages of an unbinned Poisson likelihood while successfully incorporating the effects of SSC. Using a simulated dark matter halo catalogue, we find that the hybrid likelihood, accounting for both Poisson noise and SSC, increases the dispersion of the parameter posteriors by 20 per cent when using 100 000 clusters compared to the standard unbinned likelihood, based on Poisson statistics only.
Absence of a correlation between white dwarf planetary accretion and primordial stellar metallicity
Authors: Jenkins Sydney , Vanderburg Andrew , Bieryla Allyson , Latham David W , Badenas-Agusti Mariona , Berlind Perry , Blouin Simon , Buchhave Lars A , Calkins Michael L , Esquerdo Gilbert A , Viaña Javier
Published: June 2024

Over a quarter of white dwarfs have photospheric metal pollution, which is evidence for recent accretion of exoplanetary material. While a wide range of mechanisms have been proposed to account for this pollution, there are currently few observational constraints to differentiate between them. To investigate the driving mechanism, we observe a sample of polluted and non-polluted white dwarfs in wide binary systems with main-sequence stars. Using the companion stars’ metallicities as a proxy for the white dwarfs’ primordial metallicities, we compare the metallicities of polluted and non-polluted systems. Because there is a well-known correlation between giant planet occurrence and higher metallicity (with a stronger correlation for close-in and eccentric planets), these metallicity distributions can be used to probe the role of gas giants in white dwarf accretion. We find that the metallicity distributions of polluted and non-polluted systems are consistent with the hypothesis that both samples have the same underlying metallicity distribution. However, we note that this result is likely biased by several selection effects. Additionally, we find no significant trend between white dwarf accretion rates and metallicity. These findings suggest that giant planets are not the dominant cause of white dwarf accretion events in binary systems.
The PAU survey: photometric calibration of narrow band images
Authors: Castander F J , Serrano S , Eriksen M , Gaztañaga E , Casas R , Alarcon A , Bauer A H , Fernández E , Navarro-Gironés D , Tonello N , Cabayol L , Carretero J , De Vicente J , Garcia-Bellido J , Hildebrandt H , Hoekstra H , Joachimi B , Miquel R , Padilla C , Renard P , Sanchez E , Sevilla-Noarre I , Tallada-Crespí P
Published: June 2024

The physics of the accelerating Universe (PAU) camera is an optical narrow band and broad band imaging instrument mounted at the prime focus of the William Herschel Telescope. We describe the image calibration procedure of the PAU survey data. We rely on an external photometric catalogue to calibrate our narrow band data using stars that have been observed by both data sets. We fit stellar templates to the stellar broad-band photometry of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and synthesize narrow band photometry that we compare to the PAUS narrow band data to determine their calibration. Consequently, the PAUS data are in the AB system as inherited from its reference calibrator. We do several tests to check the performance of the calibration. We find it self-consistent when comparing repeated observations of the same objects, with a good overall accuracy to the AB system which we estimate to be at the 2 per cent precision level and no significant trends as a function of narrow band filter or wavelength. Repeated observations allow us to build a spatial map of the illumination pattern of the system. We also check the wavelength dependence of the calibration comparing to stellar spectra. We find that using only blue stars reduces the effects of variations in the stellar template fitting to broad-band colours, improving the overall precision of the calibration to around 1 per cent and its wavelength uniformity. The photometric redshift performance obtained with the PAUS data attests to the validity of our calibration to reach the PAUS science goals.
In the Shade of Power: The Sacred Art of Leveling up the Powerless
Authors: Wingo Ajume H
Published: June 2024

This paper examines a general political problem of how to balance the need for concentrated power in the hands of the state—which is needed for effective governance—against the egalitarian desire to equalize power. It distinguishes between ‘positive’ political power appropriately wielded by the state, and ‘negative’ power that individuals may use to protect their own activities and interests from excessive or illegitimate state action and argue for institutions and practices designed to equalize power by ‘leveling up’ the powerless to match the strong.
EPID-03. CURE FRACTION AND LONG TERM SURVIVAL ESTIMATES FOR PEDIATRIC CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMORS IN EUROPE – RESULTS OF THE POPULATION-BASED EUROCARE PROJECT
Authors: Hoogendijk Raoull , Capocaccia Riccardo , van der Lugt Jasper , Kranendonk Mariëtte , Hoving Eelco , Wesseling Pieter , Visser Otto , van Vuurden Dannis , Gatta Gemma , Karim-Kos Henrike ,   EUROCARE Working Group
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Time trends in cure fractions and up-to-date long-term survival have not been reported for clinically relevant groups of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors although it provides important information for planning long-term clinical follow-up.

METHODS

We analyzed data on 15,242 children (<15 years) diagnosed with a CNS tumor between 1998-2013 from 31 European countries with follow-up until 31/12/2014. Cure fraction, the proportion of patients not anymore at risk of dying from progression or relapse was estimated using a mixture cure model with a parametric cancer survival curve function and assuming constant long-term mortality from other causes, including other cancers. Additionally, model-based up-to-date 15-year observed survival (OS) was estimated for the period 2010-2013.

RESULTS

The cure fraction for ependymomas increased from 65% in 1998-2001 to 79% in 2010-2013. However, as a result of the high long-term mortality rate of 16 per 1000 surviving patients per year, ependymomas had an estimated 15-year OS of 62%. For diffuse astrocytomas the cure fraction increased 6 percent-points to 84%, and 15-year OS was 74%. Cure fraction for glioblastomas increased from 15% to 20%. Long-term mortality for surviving glioblastoma patients was null resulting in a comparable projected 15-year OS of 20%. For medulloblastomas the cure fraction increased with 4 percent-points to 56% in 2010-2013, and a comparable 15-year OS of 56%. AT/RTs including PNETs together with high-grade gliomas (HGGs) were the only groups for which the cure fraction did not change over time: 34% and 24%, respectively. Estimated 15-year OS was 28% for AT/RTs including PNETs and 19% for HGGs.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of high long-term mortality, the difference between cure fraction and 15-year OS was the highest for ependymomas and diffuse astrocytomas. Further investigation into underlying reasons (e.g., late effects of treatment) are needed to reduce the extra risk of deaths.
MDB-95. MEDULLOBLASTOMA IN INDONESIA: CLINICAL PROFILES AND OUTCOMES
Authors: Rahmartani Ludi Dhyani , Budiarso Michael Nathaniel , Susanto Eka , Amal Mohamad Yanuar ,   Handoko., Nuryadi Endang , Gunawan Kevin
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children and adolescents, accounting for 20–25% of all brain tumors. Epidemiological data is fundamental to optimising pediatric brain tumor (PBT) health services and reducing overall morbidity and mortality. To bridge this gap, we aimed to present comprehensive pediatric medulloblastoma data, focusing on clinical profiles and outcomes within one of the national general hospitals in the country.

METHODS

A retrospective observational longitudinal study was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, focusing on children registered under the PBT service from January 2021 to December 2023. The study analyzed patients’ profiles, medulloblastoma characteristics, factors related to diagnosis delay, and vital status follow-up.

RESULTS

All 16 patients underwent tumor removal surgery with a mean age of 7.13 ± 5.39 years, with an equal distribution of both sexes (50%). Histological confirmation of medulloblastoma was observed in all patients, with 2/16 (12.5%) classified as WNT, 9/16 (56.3%) as Non-WNT, and 5/16 (31.3%) lacking additional information. Regarding risk stratification, 13/16 (81.3%) of patients were classified as high-risk by age <3, residual tumor >1.5 cm2, and presence of metastasis. Vomiting 6/16 (37.5%), disequilibrium 5/16 (31.3%), and headache 3/16 (18.8%) were the predominant symptoms, with mean duration delay from symptom onset to first medical consultation of 2.5, 1.8, and 6.7 weeks, respectively. In the last follow-up, 5/16 (31.3%) of patients were deceased (4/11 in high-risk and 1/2 in low-risk groups), and 3/16 (18.8%) were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for pediatric medulloblastoma, particularly in high-risk cases, which need heightened awareness among the community and healthcare providers. Additionally, addressing the issue of patients lost to follow-up is crucial for optimizing outcomes. Further research is warranted to enhance diagnostic methods and healthcare services for pediatric brain tumor patients nationwide.