bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A self-calibration method for temperature errors of non-orthogonal angles between gimbals in rotational inertial navigation system
Authors: Liu Di , Wang Wei , Li Yuze
Published: February 2024

The rotational inertial navigation system (RINS) employs a rotating modulation technique by introducing rotation gimbals, thereby enhancing accuracy of the RINS in position and velocity estimation. Furthermore, the rotation gimbals provide the self-calibration ability in the RINS. However, it introduces new sources of error, such as non-orthogonal angles between gimbals, which result in inaccuracies in attitude outputs and thus require precise calibration and compensation. Previous research has largely overlooked the influence of temperature on non-orthogonal angles and the calibration accuracy are susceptible to various factors. In this paper, we discuss the causes of temperature-induced errors in non-orthogonal angles and their impact on attitude estimation, and a self-calibration method based on outputs from fiber optic gyroscopes and optical angle encoders is proposed, showing good repeatability by using periodic averaging. The rapid rotation scheme adopted is suitable for calibrating temperature errors during system operation and a temperature-stabilized chamber is not required. The results of navigation experiments validate the effectiveness of the calibration and compensation method. After compensating the temperature errors of non-orthogonal angles, we can see a decrease in the amplitude of attitude output oscillation from 80″ to less than 10″.
Correction of Kerr-Sen Black Hole Temperature and Entropy by Lorentz Invariance Violation*
Authors: Wang Cong , Tan Xia , Zhang Jie , Li Ran , Yang Shu-Zheng
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we modify the action of spin field in Kerr-Sen curved space-time through Lorentz invariance violation (LIV). The tunneling radiation rate of Fermion in the Kerr-Sen black hole and the correction of the black hole entropy are studied. In the curved space-time of the Kerr-Sen black hole, by considering the inclusion of LIV correction terms in the action of a spinor field, the modified form of the fermion dynamics equation, the tunneling radiation rate and Bekenstein-Hawking entropy of the black hole are obtained. In this paper, we further consider the modification of the results obtained under quantum perturbation theory and discuss the significance of the results obtained. We have used quantum perturbation theory to perform a more accurate correction of the above results.
Classical trajectories from the zeros of the quantum potential: the 2D isotropic harmonic oscillator
Authors: Silva-Ortigoza Gilberto , Ortiz-Flores Jessica , Teresa Sosa-Sánchez Citlalli , Silva-Ortigoza Ramón
Published: February 2024

In the first part of this work, using the quantum potential approach, we show that a solution to the time-independent Schrödinger equation determines a subset of classical solutions, only if the region corresponding to the zeroes of the quantum potential is tangent to the caustic region determined by the classical trajectories. Thus, the solutions of the time-independent Schrödinger equation, according to their caustic and the zeros of the quantum potential, can be classified in three different cases given by the following conditions: the two regions coincide, they are tangent at certain subset of points, and the two regions are not tangent at any point. In the second part, as examples of the first type of wave functions, we present the solutions of the Schrödinger equation for the 2D isotropic harmonic oscillator, which are eigenfunctions of both the Hamiltonian and the angular momentum operators. That is, we show that for this family of solutions, the zeroes of the quantum potential coincide with the caustic region. Furthermore, we find that the classical trajectories, determined from the quantum ones and the zeroes of the quantum potential, conform to a family of elliptical curves for a particle with energy, (2n + l + 1)ℏ
ω, and orbital angular momentum l
ℏ.
Modeling cancer progression: an integrated workflow extending data-driven kinetic models to bio-mechanical PDE models
Authors: Mohammad Mirzaei Navid , Shahriyari Leili
Published: February 2024

Computational modeling of cancer can help unveil dynamics and interactions that are hard to replicate experimentally. Thanks to the advancement in cancer databases and data analysis technologies, these models have become more robust than ever. There are many mathematical models which investigate cancer through different approaches, from sub-cellular to tissue scale, and from treatment to diagnostic points of view. In this study, we lay out a step-by-step methodology for a data-driven mechanistic model of the tumor microenvironment. We discuss data acquisition strategies, data preparation, parameter estimation, and sensitivity analysis techniques. Furthermore, we propose a possible approach to extend mechanistic ordinary differential equation models to PDE models coupled with mechanical growth. The workflow discussed in this article can help understand the complex temporal and spatial interactions between cells and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and their effect on tumor growth.
Efficient flexible dye-sensitized solar cells from rear illumination based on different morphologies of titanium dioxide photoanode
Authors: He Zhe , Yue Gentian , Gao Yueyue , Dong Chen , Tan Furui
Published: February 2024

The TiO2 with nanoparticles (NPs), nanowires (NWs), nanorods (NRs) and nanotubes (NTs) structures were prepared by using a in-situ hydrothermal technique, and then proposed as a photoanode for flexible dye-sensitized solar cell (FDSSC). The influences of the morphology of TiO2 on the photovoltaic performances of FDSSCs were investigated. Under rear illumination of 100 mW·cm−2, the power conversion efficiencies of FDSSCs achieved 6.96%, 7.36%, 7.65%, and 7.83% with the TiO2 photoanodes of NPs, NWs, NRs, and NTs and PEDOT counter electrode. The FDSSCs based on TiO2 NRs and NTs photoanodes have higher short circuit current densities and power conversion efficiencies than that of the others. The enhanced power conversion efficiency is responsible for their nanotubes and rod-shaped ordered structures, which are more beneficial to transmission of electron and hole in semiconductor compared to the TiO2 nanoparticles and nanowires disordered structure.
Improving the ablation resistance of epoxy modified organosilicon resin synergistic modified with B2O3 and ZrSi2
Authors: Wang Bin , Lü Kai , Yu Shaohuo
Published: February 2024

The boron oxide and zirconium silicide synergistic modified epoxy modified organosilicon resin composites were prepared and the ablation resistance properties of the composites were analyzed. With the synergistic effect of boron oxide and zirconium silicide, the properties, such as: the residue yield, hardness, tensile strength and ablation resistance (oxyacetylene ablation and static muffle furnace ablation) of the samples are markedly enhanced. The oxyacetylene linear ablation rate of the modified composite was observed to the minimum (0.04 mm s−1), when the contents of resin, boron oxide and zirconium silicide are 100 g, 50 g, and 150 g, respectively. The skeleton-like compact structure formed in the surface of composites after oxyacetylene ablation, which results in the best ablation resistance.
Stretchability dependency on stiffness of soft elastomer encapsulation for polyimide-supported copper serpentine interconnects
Authors: Koshi Tomoya , Takei Atushi , Nobeshima Taiki , Kanazawa Shusuke , Nomura Ken-ichi , Uemura Sei
Published: February 2024

For conventional flexible printed circuit board widely used in industry, jointing islands of electric components with polyimide-supported copper serpentine interconnects is an effective approach to ensure circuit stretchability. The stretchability of the interconnects varies significantly due to the soft elastomer encapsulating the interconnect, as the encapsulation essentially constrains the lateral buckling of the serpentine structure during stretching. Previous studies have indicated that thin encapsulation with a low Young’s modulus is required to maximize stretchability. However, extremely low modulus and thinness lead to the elimination of the encapsulation function, and the design criteria for maximizing stretchability while maintaining adequate modulus and thickness are still unclear. This study investigates the dependence of stretchability on encapsulation stiffness, an index that simultaneously considers modulus and thickness. The interconnects with core–shell and single-elastomer encapsulations, each with a different stiffness, were prepared. The relationships between the elongation to failure of the interconnect and the tensile and bending stiffness of the encapsulation were investigated through experiments and finite element method calculations. The results indicate that the tensile stiffness is a more useful index in encapsulation design than the bending stiffness because the elongation to failure monotonically decreases as the tensile stiffness increases. The results also indicate that the required tensile stiffness to maximize interconnect stretchability, essentially making the interconnect almost freely deformable, ranges from 5 to 34 N m−1 when the interconnects use an 18 μm thick copper and 50 μm thick polyimide.
Unconditional computation of the class groups of real quadratic fields
Authors: Bian Ce , Booker Andrew , Docherty Austin , Jacobson Michael , Seymour-Howell Andrei
Published: February 2024

We describe an algorithm, based on the Selberg trace formula and explicit numerical computations of Maaß cusp forms, for computing the class groups and regulators of all real quadratic fields of discriminant

Δ
≤
X

\Delta \le X

in time

O
(

X

5

/

4
+
o
(
1
)

)

O(X^{5/4+o(1)})

, without assuming any unproven conjectures. We applied the algorithm to compute up to

X
=

10

11

X=10^{11}

and used the output to test various implications of the Cohen–Lenstra heuristics.
Families of genus-2 curves with 5-torsion
Authors: Elkies Noam
Published: February 2024

We give birational parametrizations of pairs

(
C
,
T
)

(C,T)

where

T
T

is a

5
5

-torsion point on the Jacobian of a genus-

2
2

curve

C
C

, possibly satisfying one or more of the following additional conditions:

T
=
(
P
)
−
(

P
0

)

T = (P) - (P_0)

for some points

P
0

,
P
∈
C

P_0,P \in C

with

P
0

P_0

Weierstrass;

C
C

has one or more additional rational Weierstrass points;

J
a
c
(
C
)

Jac(C)

has real multiplication by

(
1
+

5

)

/

2

(1+\sqrt {5})/2

, and

T
T

is a

5

\sqrt {5}

-torsion point.
Computing isogeny classes of typical principally polarized abelian surfaces over the rationals
Authors: van Bommel Raymond , Chidambaram Shiva , Costa Edgar , Kieffer Jean
Published: February 2024

We describe an efficient algorithm which, given a principally polarized (p.p.) abelian surface

A
A

over 

Q

\mathbb {Q}

with geometric endomorphism ring equal to 

Z

\mathbb {Z}

, computes all the other p.p. abelian surfaces over 

Q

\mathbb {Q}

that are isogenous to

A
A

. This algorithm relies on explicit open image techniques for Galois representations, and we employ a combination of analytic and algebraic methods to efficiently prove or disprove the existence of isogenies. We illustrate the practicality of our algorithm by applying it to \numprint{1440894} isogeny classes of Jacobians of genus 2 curves.
Deuring for the people: Supersingular elliptic curves with prescribed endomorphism ring in general characteristic
Authors: Eriksen Jonathan , Panny Lorenz , Sotáková Jana , Veroni Mattia
Published: February 2024

Constructing a supersingular elliptic curve whose endomorphism ring is isomorphic to a given quaternion maximal order (one direction of the Deuring correspondence) is known to be polynomial-time assuming the generalized Riemann hypothesis \cite{KLPT,wesolowski:grhklpt}, but notoriously daunting in practice when not working over carefully selected base fields.

In this work, we speed up the computation of the Deuring correspondence in general characteristic, i.e., without assuming any special form of the characteristic. Our algorithm follows the same overall strategy as earlier works, but we add simple (yet effective) optimizations to multiple subroutines to significantly improve the practical performance of the method.

To demonstrate the impact of our improvements, we show that our implementation achieves highly practical running times even for examples of cryptographic size. One implication of these findings is that cryptographic security reductions based on KLPT-derived algorithms (such as \cite{endrings:redsol,wesolowski:endo}) have become tighter, and therefore more meaningful in practice.

Another is the pure bliss of fast(er) computer algebra: We provide a Sage implementation which works for general primes and includes many necessary tools for computational number theorists’ and cryptographers’ needs when working with endomorphism rings of supersingular elliptic curves. This includes the KLPT algorithm, translation of ideals to isogenies, and finding supersingular elliptic curves with known endomorphism ring for general primes.

Finally, the Deuring correspondence has recently received increased interest because of its role in the SQISign signature scheme \cite{de2020sqisign}. We provide a short and self-contained summary of the state-of-the-art algorithms without going into any of the cryptographic intricacies of SQISign.
The role of multidisciplinary team meeting histopathology review and its impact on revised reports: Analysis of a national quality improvement program
Authors: O’Connor Eoghan , Treacy Ann , Mitchell Aine , Swan Niall
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We conducted the first Irish national study assessing the value of multidisciplinary team meeting review in pathology practice and its impact on error detection before treatment.

Methods

Public and private pathology laboratories across Ireland capture their quality activities using standardized codes and submit their data to a centralized database (National Quality Assurance Intelligence System) overseen by the National Histopathology Quality Improvement (NHQI) program. A total of 1,437,746 histopathology and cytopathology cases submitted to the NHQI program over a 60-month period (January 2017 to December 2021) were included in this study. Cases were analyzed with respect to multidisciplinary team meeting peer review and the presence of a revised report (amended or corrected report), a surrogate marker for error detection before treatment.

Results

Across all cases assessed, 13.74% (197,587) underwent multidisciplinary team meeting discussion. Cases discussed at review had a statistically significantly higher rate of revised reports (1.25% [2470]) than cases not discussed at review (0.16% [1959]) (Pearson χ2, 6619.26; P < .0001; odds ratio, 8.00 [95% CI, 7.54-8.49]). Overall, multidisciplinary team meeting review made it 8 times more likely to detect an error before treatment. Cancer resections had the highest rate of review at 55.29% (46,806), reflecting the prioritization of oncology case discussion at review meetings.

Conclusions

The multidisciplinary team meeting review process plays a valuable role in pathology error detection. A pathologist’s participation in the review process comes with a clinically significant workload that needs to be recognized for future workforce planning. This study highlighted the positive role pathologists play in enhancing patient safety.
Variation in RNA interference sensitivity in the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Kyre Bethany R , Dupuis Julian R , Zúñiga Gerardo , Rieske Lynne K
Published: February 2024

Intraspecific genetic variation underpins many evolutionary processes and phenomena. For species considered pests, the dynamics of how genetic variation is distributed geographically take on a greater importance, because they can impact pest-management strategies directly. This is particularly true when management strategies are genetic in nature, such as population manipulation via RNA interference (RNAi; a naturally occurring antiviral response that disrupts translation of messenger RNAs into proteins to silence genes). Using RNAi for gene silencing is highly species specific; however, the efficacy of this approach in geographically distinct populations of widespread pest species has not been evaluated comprehensively. Here, we present a preliminary study evaluating differential susceptibility of geographically disparate populations of southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis, to RNAi. Although the efficacy of RNAi has been demonstrated in localized populations, D. frontalis has a broad distribution across North and Central America and is expanding its range owing to climate change. We observe differences in response between and within geographically distinct populations from its core range and recently expanded range. Our findings have broad implications for the use of RNAi as a management tool in widely distributed species and highlight the need for a deeper understanding of intraspecific genetic variation in this species and others.
The Mad King: violence and vulnerability in professional wrestling
Authors: Richards Matthew S
Published: February 2024

This article explores the articulation of masculinity in professional wrestling, focusing on how violence can be used to forward alternative performances to hegemonic masculinity. Many modern professional wrestlers are more frequently and openly breaking with traditional masculinity in not just their in-ring/on-screen performances, but also in mediums that blur the lines of the fiction. I detail how one performer, Eddie Kingston, articulates masculinity alongside his own real-life struggles with and the importance of mental health, vulnerability, and violence. In doing so, I contend Kingston performs what I call a nascent masculinity, an emergent reconfiguration or articulation of masculinity that positions key characteristics of traditional hegemonic masculinity in such a way that at least potentially produces something non-hegemonic, and non-toxic. Crucially, such examples reflect the complex relationship between violence and meaning.
General dermatology and dermatology in primary healthcare
Authors: Kaur Amreeta , Nixon Rosemary
Published: February 2024

A 40-year-old female hairdresser was referred for patch testing with erythema and papules involving the fingers of both her hands of 2–3 years’ duration, starting during the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as rheumatoid arthritis, she had ulcerative colitis treated with methotrexate and adalimumab (Humira®), commenced some 3 years previously.
Loin pain haematuria syndrome 1967–2020: a review
Authors: Annear Nicholas M P , Vanmassenhove Jill , Lameire Norbert , Phillips Malcolm E , Eastwood John B
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this retrospective review is to question the validity of the condition ‘loin pain haematuria syndrome’ (LPHS). We highlight the possibility that most patients regarded as having LPHS have a psychiatric/psychological basis for their symptoms, particularly loin pain. Because of this, and because it recurs despite treatment, the review also questions the use of treatments that are invasive, expensive, and carry considerable morbidity.
Cryogenian Origins of Multicellularity in Archaeplastida
Authors: Bowles Alexander M C , Williamson Christopher J , Williams Tom A , Donoghue Philip C J
Published: February 2024

Earth was impacted by global glaciations during the Cryogenian (720 to 635 million years ago; Ma), events invoked to explain both the origins of multicellularity in Archaeplastida and radiation of the first land plants. However, the temporal relationship between these environmental and biological events is poorly established, due to a paucity of molecular and fossil data, precluding resolution of the phylogeny and timescale of archaeplastid evolution. We infer a time-calibrated phylogeny of early archaeplastid evolution based on a revised molecular dataset and reappraisal of the fossil record. Phylogenetic topology testing resolves deep archaeplastid relationships, identifying two clades of Viridiplantae and placing Bryopsidales as sister to the Chlorophyceae. Our molecular clock analysis infers an origin of Archaeplastida in the late-Paleoproterozoic to early-Mesoproterozoic (1712 to 1387 Ma). Ancestral state reconstruction of cytomorphological traits on this time-calibrated tree reveals many of the independent origins of multicellularity span the Cryogenian, consistent with the Cryogenian multicellularity hypothesis. Multicellular rhodophytes emerged 902 to 655 Ma while crown-Anydrophyta (Zygnematophyceae and Embryophyta) originated 796 to 671 Ma, broadly compatible with the Cryogenian plant terrestrialization hypothesis. Our analyses resolve the timetree of Archaeplastida with age estimates for ancestral multicellular archaeplastids coinciding with the Cryogenian, compatible with hypotheses that propose a role of Snowball Earth in plant evolution.
Social Disconnectedness, Perceived Loneliness, and Cognitive Functioning: The Role of Neighborhood Environment
Authors: Tang Fengyan , Li Ke , Wang Yi , Zhu Yuyang , Jiang Yanping
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Social disconnectedness and loneliness pose significant challenges for older Chinese immigrants. Yet, it remains unclear whether they are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline in this population. This study aimed to investigate the association of social disconnectedness and loneliness with cognitive functioning and examine the moderation role of neighborhood contexts.

Research Design and Methods

This longitudinal analysis examined a sample of individuals aged 60 years and older from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (N = 2,044). Global cognition was assessed using the averaged z-scores of cognitive performance tests. Social disconnectedness was constructed using 5 indicators about structural aspects of social relationships. Loneliness was assessed with the R-UCLA loneliness scale. Neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) and neighborhood segregation index were constructed using 2010–2014 American Community Survey data at the census tract level. Individual perceptions about neighborhood environments were used to construct neighborhood cohesion index and neighborhood disorder index (NDI). Latent growth curve models with adjusted cluster robust standard errors were estimated.

Results

More loneliness was associated with a higher level of initial cognitive functioning (B = 0.030, p < .01), but also with a faster decline rate over time (B = −0.007, p < .01) after adjusting for covariates. High NSES and less neighborhood segregation buffered the negative effects of loneliness on cognitive decline, respectively. High NDI amplified the positive relationship between loneliness and initial functioning, but accelerated the rate of cognitive decline associated with loneliness.

Discussion and Implications

The study revealed that perceived loneliness, but not social disconnectedness, is a risk factor for cognitive decline among older Chinese immigrants. Living in a neighborhood with low socioeconomic status, more segregation, and high disorder elevated the detrimental effect of loneliness on long-term cognitive decline. Further research needs to investigate the complex interplay between social relationships, neighborhood environment, and cognition.
Predicting important fishing grounds for the small-scale fishery, based on Automatic Identification System records, catches, and environmental data
Authors: Galparsoro Ibon , Pouso Sarai , García-Barón Isabel , Mugerza Estanis , Mateo María , Paradinas Iosu , Louzao Maite , Borja Ángel , Mandiola Gotzon , Murillas Arantza
Published: February 2024

Effective and sustainable management of small-scale fisheries (SSF) is challenging. We describe a novel approach to identify important fishing grounds for SSF, by implementing a habitat modelling approach, using environmental predictors and Automatic Identification System (AIS)-B data coupled with logbook and First Sales Notes data, within the SE Bay of Biscay. Fishing activity patterns and catches of longliners and netters are used to determine the main environmental characteristics of the fishing grounds, and a habitat modelling approach is implemented to predict the zones that fulfil similar environmental characteristics across a larger geographical extent. Generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) were built for 24 fish species, and to identify other zones that fulfil similar characteristics and, thus, could be considered relevant for the species targeted by each gear type. Most of the models showed a good prediction capacity. The models included between one and four predictor variables. ‘Depth of mixing layer’ and ‘benthic rocky habitat’ were the variables included more frequently for fish species captured by netter’s fleet. For longliners, the ‘seafloor slope’ and ‘benthic rocky habitat’ were the two most important variables. The predictive maps provide relevant information to assist in management and marine spatial planning.
Sparse additive support vector machines in bounded variation space
Authors: Wang Yue , Lian Heng
Published: February 2024

We propose the total variation penalized sparse additive support vector machine (TVSAM) for performing classification in the high-dimensional settings, using a mixed $l_{1}$-type functional regularization scheme to induce sparsity and smoothness simultaneously. We establish a representer theorem for TVSAM, which turns the infinite-dimensional problem into a finite-dimensional one, thereby providing computational feasibility. Even for the least squares loss, our result fills a gap in the literature when compared with the existing representer theorem. Theoretically, we derive some risk bounds for TVSAM under both exact sparsity and near sparsity, and with arbitrarily specified internal knots. In this process, we develop an important interpolation inequality for the space of functions of bounded variation, relying on analytic techniques such as mollification and partition of unity. An efficient implementation based on the alternating direction method of multipliers is employed.
Changes in the Seroprevalence of Tick-Borne Rickettsia and Ehrlichia Among Soldiers—Fort Liberty, North Carolina, 1991–2019
Authors: Rockwell Emmanuel M , Abernathy Haley A , Evans Lanya M , Bhowmik Ryan , Giandomenico Dana A , Salzer Johanna S , Maldonado Carlos J , Choi Y Sammy , Boyce Ross M
Published: February 2024

We obtained samples from the Department of Defense Serum Repository from soldiers who were stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, between 1991 and 2019 to assess temporal trends in tick-borne rickettsiosis and ehrlichiosis. Serological evidence of infection was common, with nearly 1 in 5 (18.9%) demonstrating antibodies. We observed significant decreases in Rickettsia seroprevalence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.42 [95% CI, .27–.65], P = .0001) while over the same period Ehrlichia seroprevalence, albeit less common, nearly doubled (aOR, 3.61 [95% CI, 1.10–13.99], P = .048). The increase in Ehrlichia seroprevalence likely reflects increased transmission resulting from the expanding geographic range of the lone star tick.
Correlates of Rotavirus Vaccine Shedding and Seroconversion in a US Cohort of Healthy Infants
Authors: Burke Rachel M , Payne Daniel C , McNeal Monica , Conrey Shannon C , Burrell Allison R , Mattison Claire P , Casey-Moore Mary C , Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Gautam Rashi , Esona Mathew D , Thorman Alexander W , Bowen Michael D , Parashar Umesh D , Tate Jacqueline E , Morrow Ardythe L , Staat Mary A
Published: February 2024

Background

Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe pediatric gastroenteritis; 2 highly effective vaccines are used in the United States (US). We aimed to identify correlates of immune response to rotavirus vaccination in a US cohort.

Methods

Pediatric Respiratory and Enteric Virus Acquisition and Immunogenesis Longitudinal (PREVAIL) is a birth cohort of 245 mother-child pairs enrolled in 2017–2018 and followed for 2 years. Infant stool samples and symptom information were collected weekly. Shedding was defined as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction detection of rotavirus vaccine virus in stools collected 4–28 days after dose 1. Seroconversion was defined as a 3-fold rise in immunoglobulin A between the 6-week and 6-month blood draws. Correlates were analyzed using generalized estimating equations and logistic regression.

Results

Prevaccination immunoglobulin G (IgG) (odds ratio [OR], 0.84 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .75–.94] per 100-unit increase) was negatively associated with shedding. Shedding was also less likely among infants with a single-nucleotide polymorphism inactivating FUT2 antigen secretion (“nonsecretors”) with nonsecretor mothers, versus all other combinations (OR, 0.37 [95% CI, .16–.83]). Of 141 infants with data, 105 (74%) seroconverted; 78 (77%) had shed vaccine virus following dose 1. Prevaccination IgG and secretor status were significantly associated with seroconversion. Neither shedding nor seroconversion significantly differed by vaccine product.

Conclusions

In this US cohort, prevaccination IgG and maternal and infant secretor status were associated with rotavirus vaccine response.
Quantifying Replication Slippage Error in Cryptosporidium Metabarcoding Studies
Authors: Knox Matthew A , Biggs Patrick J , Garcia-R Juan Carlos , Hayman David T S
Published: February 2024

Genetic variation in Cryptosporidium, a common protozoan gut parasite in humans, is often based on marker genes containing trinucleotide repeats, which differentiate subtypes and track outbreaks. However, repeat regions have high replication slippage rates, making it difficult to discern biological diversity from error. Here, we synthesized Cryptosporidium DNA in clonal plasmid vectors, amplified them in different mock community ratios, and sequenced them using next-generation sequencing to determine the rate of replication slippage with dada2. Our results indicate that slippage rates increase with the length of the repeat region and can contribute to error rates of up to 20%.
Time-varying discrete cosine transform based on shaping regularization and its application in seismic data analysis
Authors: Zhu Zhaolin , Wu Guoning , Gu Yaxin , Huang Jinliang , Chen Zhihao , Lu Haotian
Published: February 2024

The discrete cosine transform is a commonly used technique in the field of signal processing that employs cosine basis functions for signal analysis. Traditionally, the regression coefficients of the cosine basis functions are solely based on frequency information. This paper extends the regression coefficients associated with the cosine basis functions to take into account both frequency and time information, not just frequency information alone. This modification results in an ill-posed linear system, which requires regularization to prevent overfitting. To address this, this paper uses shaping regularization, a technique used to stabilize ill-posed problems. By doing so, the absolute values of these extended coefficients, now exhibiting variations in both frequency and time domains, are defined as the time–frequency distribution of that input signal. The numerical experiments conducted to validate this approach demonstrate that the proposed method yields a commendable time–frequency resolution. Consequently, it proves valuable for interpreting seismic data, showcasing its potential for applications in this field.
Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing for Pathogen Detection and Quantification in Children With Musculoskeletal Infections
Authors: Wood James B , Russell Kelsey , Davis Tom E , Park Sarah Y , Smollin Matthew J , Schneider Jack G
Published: February 2024

Background

Nearly half of all pediatric musculoskeletal infections (MSKIs) are culture negative. Plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing is noninvasive and not prone to the barriers of culture. We evaluated the performance of plasma mcfDNA sequencing in identifying a pathogen, and examined the duration of pathogen detection in children with MSKIs.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of children, aged 6 months to 18 years, hospitalized from July 2019 to May 2022 with MSKIs, in whom we obtained serial plasma mcfDNA sequencing samples and compared the results with cultures.

Results

A pathogen was recovered by culture in 23 of 34 (68%) participants, and by initial mcfDNA sequencing in 25 of 31 (81%) participants. Multiple pathogens were detected in the majority (56%) of positive initial samples. Complete concordance with culture (all organisms accounted for by both methods) was 32%, partial concordance (at least one of the same organism(s) identified by both methods) was 36%, and discordance was 32%. mcfDNA sequencing was more likely to show concordance (complete or partial) if obtained prior to a surgical procedure (82%), compared with after (20%), (RR 4.12 [95% CI 1.25, 22.93], p = .02). There was no difference in concordance based on timing of antibiotics (presample antibiotics 60% vs no antibiotics 75%, RR 0.8 [95% CI 0.40, 1.46], p = .65]). mcfDNA sequencing was positive in 67% of culture-negative infections and detected a pathogen for a longer interval than blood culture (median 2 days [IQR 1, 6 days] vs 1 day [1, 1 day], p < .01).

Conclusions

Plasma mcfDNA sequencing may be useful in culture-negative pediatric MSKIs if the sample is obtained prior to surgery. However, results must be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context as multiple pathogens are frequently detected supporting the need for diagnostic stewardship.
Impact of BCG Vaccination Disruptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Incidence in Infants: A Nationwide Study in Brazil
Authors: Procianoy Guilherme S , Cotrim Mozart W , Cia Lucas O , Behar Paulo R P
Published: February 2024

Pandemic-related disruptions led to lower Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine coverage in Brazil. This study highlights a link between reduced vaccinations and increased tuberculosis pulmonary and extrapulmonary cases in infants. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring healthcare stability is vital for mitigating impacts.
A 17-year-old student with ankle sprain to leg amputation
Authors: Yang Xi , Ding Yinhuan , Liu Yong , Shi Yixue , Sun Xiaolei
Published: February 2024

Cutaneous mucormycosis with ischemic complications is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The incidence of mucormycosis has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced immunity. We present the case of a 17-year-old high school student who experienced a sprained left lower extremity, followed by worsening pain and swelling due to the topical application of unknown local herbs. Eighteen days after the injury, she was admitted to our department in a comatose state with left lower limb ischemia. The patient had a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and displayed a necrotic lesion on her left ankle, suggestive of invasive infectious fungi disease. Diagnostic procedures, including tissue staining and molecular analysis, identified Rhizopus oryzae as the causative organism. Administering amphotericin B yielded marked improvement, but the patient necessitated a mid-thigh amputation to curtail the infection’s advance, culminating in her successful discharge post-treatment.
Genomic analysis of a cAmpC (CMY-41)-producing Citrobacter freundii ST64 isolated from patient
Authors: Monte Daniel F M , Gonzalez-Escalona Narjol , Cao Guojie , Pedrosa Geany Targino de Souza , Saraiva Mauro M S , Balkey Maria , Jin Qing , Brown Eric , Allard Marc , Macarisin Dumitru , Magnani Marciane
Published: February 2024

Antibiotic resistance in Citrobacter freundii is a public health concern. This study evaluated the closed genome of a C. freundii isolated from the stool of a hospitalized patient initially related to a Salmonella outbreak. Confirmation of the isolate was determined by whole-genome sequencing. Nanopore sequencing was performed using a MinION with a Flongle flow cell. Assembly using SPAdes and Unicycler yielded a closed genome annotated by National Center for Biotechnology Information Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline. Genomic analyses employed MLST 2.0, ResFinder4.1, PlasmidFinder2.1, and VFanalyzer. Phylogenetic comparison utilized the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)-single nucleotide polymorphism pipeline and Genetic Algorithm for Rapid Likelihood Inference. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by broth microdilution following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria. Multi-locus sequence type in silico analysis assigned the C. freundii as sequence type 64 and the blaCMY-41 gene was detected in resistome investigation. The susceptibility to antibiotics, determined using Sensititre® plates, revealed resistance to aztreonam, colistin, cefoxitin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, sulfisoxazole, ampicillin, and streptomycin. The genetic relatedness of the C. freundii CFSAN077772 with publicly available C. freundii genomes revealed a close relationship to a C. freundii SRR1186659, isolated in 2009 from human stool in Tanzania. In addition, C. freundii CFSAN077772 is nested in the same cluster with C. freundii clinical strains isolated in Denmark, Mexico, Myanmar, and Canada, suggesting a successful intercontinental spread.
When a Critically Ill Child is Oceans Away From a PICU: A Military Pediatric CCAT Mission
Authors: Brinkman Kevin M , Zabrocki Luke , Cadotte Noelle , Matos Renée I
Published: February 2024

A 4-year-old former 26-week premature male presented to the U.S. Naval Hospital Guam emergency department in respiratory failure secondary to human metapneumovirus requiring urgent intubation. His condition was complicated by a bradycardic arrest requiring 15 minutes of resuscitation before the return of circulation. He was admitted to the adult intensive care unit and was managed via pediatric telecritical care from San Diego. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, hypotension requiring multiple pressors, and fluid overload necessitating bilateral chest tubes and two peritoneal drains. A pediatric critical care air transport team departed San Antonio within 36 hours of activation and transported the patient via C-17 to Hawaii, performing a tail swap to a KC-135. Before takeoff, mechanical delays caused prolonged ground time and lack of temperature control resulted in patient’s hyperthermia to reach 104.2°F despite the ice packing. The ambient temperature caused equipment malfunction (suction, handheld blood analyzer, and ventilator), necessitating manual bagging. Despite initial temperature challenges, the team removed 700 mL of peritoneal fluid and substantially reduced the patient’s ventilator settings. After 22 hours of care, the team arrived with the patient to a civilian pediatric intensive care unit in CA, USA. Over several weeks, the patient made a full recovery. This pediatric critical care air transport mission highlights the complications intrinsic to air transport. Missions of this severity and length benefit from utilization of pediatric specialists to minimize morbidity and mortality. Highlighting the challenges related to preparation, air frame, and equipment malfunction should help others prepare for future pediatric air transports.
Impact of Overseas Deployment on Fatty Liver and Metabolic Diseases Among Korean Soldiers
Authors: Han Chang In , Lee Jaejun
Published: February 2024

Background

The prevalence of metabolic diseases is increasing worldwide and is influenced by multiple environmental, psychological, and dietary factors. As overseas deployment (OD) of Korean soldiers brings about changes in these factors, this study aimed to explore the impact of OD on metabolic diseases.

Materials and Methods

We collected paired health checkup data of Korean soldiers between January 2020 and December 2022, before and after their deployment. We analyzed changes in lipid profile, fasting glucose, and liver function biomarkers during OD and compared the prevalence of metabolic diseases before and after the OD.

Results

A total of 2,953 soldiers were enrolled. During OD, body weight, body mass index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting glucose levels decreased significantly. Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity, impaired fasting glucose, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease decreased significantly from 45.78% to 33.49%, P < .001; 38.60% to 34.41%, P < .001; and 24.89% to 18.88%, P < .001, respectively. In a subgroup analysis of participants with long-term deployment (duration >365 days), only the prevalence of obesity decreased significantly during deployment, whereas the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia increased.

Conclusions

Metabolic biomarkers improved, and the prevalence of metabolic diseases decreased significantly during OD. However, personnel with long-term deployment did not experience significant improvements in these parameters. Further analysis is needed to identify the factors influencing these discrepancies.
From the American Jewish Conference to the Establishment of Israel: The First Jewish Zionist Grassroots Movement and President Truman
Authors: Barda Kobby
Published: February 2024

During the period from 1943 to 1948, the American Jewish grassroots movement organized to pressure Congress and President Truman in support of the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This effort was led by Jewish leaders such as Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, who worked to promote the Zionist vision of a Jewish state as proclaimed in the Balfour Declaration and endorsed by the San Remo Conference. The activities of the Jewish lobby during this period were numerous and varied. They worked to establish the American Jewish Conference, which operated in the U.S. and abroad to promote the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Additionally, members used their influence in Congress and the media to push for support of the Zionist cause. Through these efforts, the Jewish lobby was able to exert significant pressure on Truman and other decision makers, ultimately leading to the creation of the State of Israel. President Truman found himself caught between the hammer and the anvil of the competing interests of Arabs and Jews, as well as conflicting views within his own administration. Despite these challenges, Truman ultimately played a crucial role in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
Rapid detection of Mucorales in human blood and urine samples by functionalized Heusler magnetic nanoparticle assisted customized loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Roy Rahul , Singh Gagandeep , Dahiya Ujjwal Ranjan , Pandey Mragnayani , Xess Immaculata , Kalyanasundaram Dinesh
Published: February 2024

Mucormycosis is a rare disease with scarce diagnostic methods for early intervention. Available strategies employing direct microscopy using calcofluor white-KOH, culture, radiologic, and histopathologic testing often are time-intensive and demand intricate protocols. Nucleic Acid Amplification Test holds promise due to its high sensitivity combined with rapid detection. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) based detection offers an ultrasensitive technique that does not require complicated thermocyclers like in polymerase chain reaction, offering a straightforward means for improving diagnoses as a near-point-of-care test. The study introduces a novel magnetic nanoparticle-based LAMP assay for carryover contaminant capture to reduce false positives. Solving the main drawback of LAMP-based diagnosis techniques. The assay targets the cotH gene, which is invariably specific to Mucorales. The assay was tested with various species of Mucorales, and the limit of detections for Rhizopus microsporus, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhizopus homothallicus, and Cunninghamella bertholletiae were 1 fg, 1 fg, 0.1 pg, 0.1 pg, and 0.01 ng, respectively. This was followed by a clinical blindfolded study using whole blood and urine samples from 30 patients diagnosed with Mucormycosis. The assay has a high degree of repeatability and had an overall sensitivity of > 83%. Early Mucormycosis detection is crucial, as current lab tests from blood and urine lack sensitivity and take days for confirmation despite rapid progression and severe complications. Our developed technique enables the confirmation of Mucormycosis infection in < 45 min, focusing specifically on the RT-LAMP process. Consequently, this research offers a viable technique for quickly identifying Mucormycosis from isolated DNA of blood and urine samples instead of invasive tissue samples.
Boosting galactic outflows with enhanced resolution
Authors: Rey Martin P , Katz Harley B , Cameron Alex J , Devriendt Julien , Slyz Adrianne
Published: February 2024

We study how better resolving the cooling length of galactic outflows affect their energetics. We perform radiative-hydrodynamical galaxy formation simulations of an isolated dwarf galaxy ($M_{\star }=10^{8}\, \mbox{M}_\mathrm{\odot }$) with the ramses-rtz code, accounting for non-equilibrium cooling and chemistry coupled to radiative transfer. Our simulations reach a spatial resolution of $18 \, \mathrm{pc}$ in the interstellar medium (ISM) using a traditional quasi-Lagrangian scheme. We further implement a new adaptive mesh refinement strategy to resolve the local gas cooling length, allowing us to gradually increase the resolution in the stellar-feedback-powered outflows, from $\ge 200 \, \mathrm{pc}$ to $18 \, \mathrm{pc}$. The propagation of outflows into the inner circumgalactic medium is significantly modified by this additional resolution, but the ISM, star formation, and feedback remain by and large the same. With increasing resolution in the diffuse gas, the hot outflowing phase ($T \gt {8} \times 10^{4} \, \mathrm{K}$) systematically reaches overall higher temperatures and stays hotter for longer as it propagates outwards. This leads to two-fold increases in the time-averaged mass and metal outflow loading factors away from the galaxy ($r=5\, \mathrm{kpc}$), a five-fold increase in the average energy loading factor, and a ≈50 per cent increase in the number of sightlines with $N_{\rm{O {\small VI}}} \ge 10^{13}\, \mathrm{cm}^{-2}$. Such a significant boost to the energetics of outflows without new feedback mechanisms or channels strongly motivates future studies quantifying the efficiency with which better-resolved multiphase outflows regulate galactic star formation in a cosmological context.
HD 12098: a highly distorted dipole mode in an obliquely pulsating roAp star
Authors: Kurtz D W , Saio H , Holdsworth D L , Joshi Santosh , Seetha S
Published: February 2024

HD 12098 is a rapidly oscillating Ap star pulsating in the most distorted dipole mode yet observed in this class of star. Using Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Sector 58 observations, we show that there are photometric spots at both the magnetic poles of this star. It pulsates obliquely primarily in a strongly distorted dipole mode with a period of Ppuls = 7.85 min (νpuls = 183.34905 d−1; 2.12210 mHz) that gives rise to an unusual quadruplet in the amplitude spectrum. Our magnetic pulsation model cannot account for the strong distortion of the pulsation in one hemisphere, although it is successful in the other hemisphere. There are high-overtone p modes with frequencies separated by more than the large separation, a challenging problem in mode selection. The mode frequencies observed in the TESS data are in the same frequency range as those previously observed in ground-based Johnson B data, but are not for the same modes. Hence the star has either changed modes, or observations at different atmospheric depth detect different modes. There is also a low-overtone p mode and possibly g modes that are not expected theoretically with the >1 kG magnetic field observed in this star.