bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the microstructure and wear resistance of AlCrCuFeNiTix high entropy alloys for surfacing welding
Authors: Zhang Wen , Su Yunhai , Zhang Guiqing , Liang Xuewei
Published: February 2024

In order to investigate the effect of Ti element content on the microstructure and wear resistance of AlCrCuFeNiTix (x = 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9) high entropy surfacing alloy, a melting electrode gas shielded welding technology was used to prepare AlCrCuFeNiTix high entropy surfacing alloy on the surface of carbon steel plates. The microstructure, phase composition, and wear resistance of the alloy were analyzed. The results show that the phase composition of the surfacing alloy becomes a BCC+FCC solid solution phase, with a much higher content of BCC phase than FCC phase. The microstructure consists of disordered BCC phase rich in Fe and Cr, ordered BCC phase rich in Al and Ni, and FCC phase rich in Cu. The microstructure exhibits typical dendritic (DR) and interdendritic (ID) structures. With the increase of Ti element, hard Fe2Ti phase precipitates in the interdendritic zone, and the micro hardness of the alloy shows an increasing trend. The maximum hardness can reach 636 HV, which is 2.4 times that of the base material. With the increase of Ti element, the friction coefficient of the alloy shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing, and the wear amount first decreases and then increases. When Ti is 0.6, the wear resistance of the high entropy surfacing alloy reaches its best.
The Autonomy-Based Account of Chinese Trust Laws
Authors: Jing Hui
Published: February 2024

There has been considerable discussion concerning the key values or goals underpinning the express trust device in English law. However, there is as yet no existing scholarship that explores the normative values of Chinese trust law since its enactment in 2001. This Article examines Chinese trust law from the perspective of personal autonomy. It identifies three dimensions of the conception of personal autonomy and explores how the trust law rules engage with each dimension. It finds that, in China, individuals have the autonomy to use the express trust device to arrange their property plans. However, such autonomy is limited in that it can only be exercised in alignment with the state’s regulatory goals. This is in stark contrast to its English counterpart, which allows individual autonomy to the largest possible extent. This Article considers the implications this analysis has for the reformation of Chinese trust law. It discusses some reform proposals that have been intensely debated in recent literature and highlights the insights the autonomy-based analysis can offer.
Omics feature selection with the extended SIS R package: identification of a body mass index epigenetic multimarker in the Strong Heart Study
Authors: Domingo-Relloso Arce , Feng Yang , Rodriguez-Hernandez Zulema , Haack Karin , Cole Shelley A , Navas-Acien Ana , Tellez-Plaza Maria , Bermudez Jose D
Published: February 2024

The statistical analysis of omics data poses a great computational challenge given their ultra–high-dimensional nature and frequent between-features correlation. In this work, we extended the iterative sure independence screening (ISIS) algorithm by pairing ISIS with elastic-net (Enet) and 2 versions of adaptive elastic-net (adaptive elastic-net (AEnet) and multistep adaptive elastic-net (MSAEnet)) to efficiently improve feature selection and effect estimation in omics research. We subsequently used genome-wide human blood DNA methylation data from American Indian participants in the Strong Heart Study (n = 2235 participants; measured in 1989-1991) to compare the performance (predictive accuracy, coefficient estimation, and computational efficiency) of ISIS-paired regularization methods with that of a bayesian shrinkage and traditional linear regression to identify an epigenomic multimarker of body mass index (BMI). ISIS-AEnet outperformed the other methods in prediction. In biological pathway enrichment analysis of genes annotated to BMI-related differentially methylated positions, ISIS-AEnet captured most of the enriched pathways in common for at least 2 of all the evaluated methods. ISIS-AEnet can favor biological discovery because it identifies the most robust biological pathways while achieving an optimal balance between bias and efficient feature selection. In the extended SIS R package, we also implemented ISIS paired with Cox and logistic regression for time-to-event and binary endpoints, respectively, and a bootstrap approach for the estimation of regression coefficients.
Predicting the role of the human gut microbiome in type 1 diabetes using machine-learning methods
Authors: Liu Xiao-Wei , Li Han-Lin , Ma Cai-Yi , Shi Tian-Yu , Wang Tian-Yu , Yan Dan , Tang Hua , Lin Hao , Deng Ke-Jun
Published: February 2024

Gut microbes is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, it is still unclear which gut microbiota are the key factors affecting T1D and their influence on the development and progression of the disease. To fill these knowledge gaps, we constructed a model to find biomarker from gut microbiota in patients with T1D. We first identified microbial markers using Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) and random forest (RF) methods. Furthermore, by constructing co-occurrence networks for gut microbes in T1D, we aimed to reveal all gut microbial interactions as well as major beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in healthy populations and type 1 diabetic patients. Finally, PICRUST2 was used to predict Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional pathways and KO gene levels of microbial markers to investigate the biological role. Our study revealed that 21 identified microbial genera are important biomarker for T1D. Their AUC values are 0.962 and 0.745 on discovery set and validation set. Functional analysis showed that 10 microbial genera were significantly positively associated with D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, spliceosome in transcription, steroid hormone biosynthesis and glycosaminoglycan degradation. These genera were significantly negatively correlated with steroid biosynthesis, cyanoamino acid metabolism and drug metabolism. The other 11 genera displayed an inverse correlation. In summary, our research identified a comprehensive set of T1D gut biomarkers with universal applicability and have revealed the biological consequences of alterations in gut microbiota and their interplay. These findings offer significant prospects for individualized management and treatment of T1D.
Promises of parallel outcomes
Authors: Zhou Ying , Tang Dingke , Kong Dehan , Wang Linbo
Published: February 2024

A key challenge in causal inference from observational studies is the identification and estimation of causal effects in the presence of unmeasured confounding. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for causal inference that leverages information in multiple outcomes to deal with unmeasured confounding. An important assumption in our approach is conditional independence among multiple outcomes. In contrast to existing proposals in the literature, the roles of multiple outcomes in the conditional independence assumption are symmetric; hence, the name parallel outcomes. We show nonparametric identifiability with at least three parallel outcomes and provide parametric estimation tools under a set of linear structural equation models. Our proposal is evaluated through a set of synthetic and real data analyses.
Prediction, screening and characterization of novel bioactive tetrapeptide matrikines for skin rejuvenation
Authors: Jariwala Nathan , Ozols Matiss , Eckersley Alexander , Mambwe Bezaleel , Watson Rachel E B , Zeef Leo , Gilmore Andrew , Debelle Laurent , Bell Mike , Bradley Eleanor J , Doush Yegor , Keenan Amy , Courage Carole , Leroux Richard , Peschard Olivier , Mondon Philippe , Ringenbach Caroline , Bernard Laure , Pitois Aurelien , Sherratt Michael J
Published: February 2024

Background

Extracellular matrices play a critical role in tissue structure and function and aberrant remodelling of these matrices is a hallmark of many age-related diseases. In skin, loss of dermal collagens and disorganization of elastic fibre components are key features of photoageing. Although the application of some small matrix-derived peptides to aged skin has been shown to beneficially affect in vitro cell behaviour and, in vivo, molecular architecture and clinical appearance, the discovery of new peptides has lacked a guiding hypothesis.

Objectives

To identify, using protease cleavage site prediction, novel putative matrikines with beneficial activities for skin composition and structure.

Methods

Here, we present an in silico (peptide cleavage prediction) to in vitro (proteomic and transcriptomic activity testing in cultured human dermal fibroblasts) to in vivo (short-term patch test and longer-term split-face clinical study) discovery pipeline, which enables the identification and characterization of peptides with differential activities.

Results

Using this pipeline we showed that cultured fibroblasts were responsive to all applied peptides, but their associated bioactivity was sequence-dependent. Based on bioactivity, toxicity and protein source, we further characterized a combination of two novel peptides, GPKG (glycine–proline–lysine–glycine) and LSVD (leucine–serine–valine–aspartate), that acted in vitro to enhance the transcription of matrix ­organization and cell proliferation genes and in vivo (in a short-term patch test) to promote processes associated with epithelial and dermal maintenance and remodelling. Prolonged use of a formulation containing these peptides in a split-face clinical study led to significantly improved measures of crow’s feet and firmness in a mixed population.

Conclusions

This approach to peptide discovery and testing can identify new synthetic matrikines, providing insights into biological mechanisms of tissue homeostasis and repair and new pathways to clinical intervention.
Minimizing Low-Value, Uncompensated Work in Academic Infectious Diseases: A 6-Step Program
Authors: Bearman Gonzalo , Nori Priya
Published: February 2024

Uncompensated work in academic infectious diseases (ID) may be high value (eg, important for academic promotion or necessary for advancement to leadership roles) or low value (eg, not aligning with or contributing to professional goals and aspirations). “Curbside” consultations, participation in hospital committees outside of professional interests, and other “citizenship” tasks are common examples of threats to our valuable time as ID providers. Herein, we define the scope of the problem of low-value uncompensated work in academic ID and outline a 6-step program to minimize these threats. Collaboration with professional sponsors, such as division chiefs, to align individual and team goals and use of a “value-versus-compensation” matrix to prioritize activities may help us establish our own agendas and reclaim our professional autonomy.
LNK/SH2B3 loss of function increases susceptibility to murine and human atrial fibrillation
Authors: Murphy Matthew B , Yang Zhenjiang , Subati Tuerdi , Farber-Eger Eric , Kim Kyungsoo , Blackwell Daniel J , Fleming Matthew R , Stark Joshua M , Van Amburg Joseph C , Woodall Kaylen K , Van Beusecum Justin P , Agrawal Vineet , Smart Charles D , Pitzer Ashley , Atkinson James B , Fogo Agnes B , Bastarache Julie A , Kirabo Annet , Wells Quinn S , Madhur Meena S , Barnett Joey V , Murray Katherine T
Published: February 2024

Aims

The lymphocyte adaptor protein (LNK) is a negative regulator of cytokine and growth factor signalling. The rs3184504 variant in SH2B3 reduces LNK function and is linked to cardiovascular, inflammatory, and haematologic disorders, including stroke. In mice, deletion of Lnk causes inflammation and oxidative stress. We hypothesized that Lnk−/− mice are susceptible to atrial fibrillation (AF) and that rs3184504 is associated with AF and AF-related stroke in humans. During inflammation, reactive lipid dicarbonyls are the major components of oxidative injury, and we further hypothesized that these mediators are critical drivers of the AF substrate in Lnk−/− mice.

Methods and results

Lnk−/− or wild-type (WT) mice were treated with vehicle or 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA), a dicarbonyl scavenger, for 3 months. Compared with WT, Lnk−/− mice displayed increased AF duration that was prevented by 2-HOBA. In the Lnk−/− atria, action potentials were prolonged with reduced transient outward K+ current, increased late Na+ current, and reduced peak Na+ current, pro-arrhythmic effects that were inhibited by 2-HOBA. Mitochondrial dysfunction, especially for Complex I, was evident in Lnk−/− atria, while scavenging lipid dicarbonyls prevented this abnormality. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were elevated in Lnk−/− plasma and atrial tissue, respectively, both of which caused electrical and bioenergetic remodelling in vitro. Inhibition of soluble TNF-α prevented electrical remodelling and AF susceptibility, while IL-1β inhibition improved mitochondrial respiration but had no effect on AF susceptibility. In a large database of genotyped patients, rs3184504 was associated with AF, as well as AF-related stroke.

Conclusion

These findings identify a novel role for LNK in the pathophysiology of AF in both experimental mice and humans. Moreover, reactive lipid dicarbonyls are critical to the inflammatory AF substrate in Lnk−/− mice and mediate the pro-arrhythmic effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, primarily through electrical remodelling.
Artificial intelligence-based automated preprocessing and classification of impacted maxillary canines in panoramic radiographs
Authors: Abdulkreem Ali , Bhattacharjee Tanmoy , Alzaabi Hessa , Alali Kawther , Gonzalez Angela , Chaudhry Jahanzeb , Prasad Sabarinath
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Automating the digital workflow for diagnosing impacted canines using panoramic radiographs (PRs) is challenging. This study explored feature extraction, automated cropping, and classification of impacted and nonimpacted canines as a first step.

Methods

A convolutional neural network with SqueezeNet architecture was first trained to classify two groups of PRs (91with and 91without impacted canines) on the MATLAB programming platform. Based on results, the need to crop the PRs was realized. Next, artificial intelligence (AI) detectors were trained to identify specific landmarks (maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, bicuspids, nasal area, and the mandibular ramus) on the PRs. Landmarks were then explored to guide cropping of the PRs. Finally, improvements in classification of automatically cropped PRs were studied.

Results

Without cropping, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for classifying impacted and nonimpacted canine was 84%. Landmark training showed that detectors could correctly identify upper central incisors and the ramus in ∼98% of PRs. The combined use of the mandibular ramus and maxillary central incisors as guides for cropping yielded the best results (∼10% incorrect cropping). When automatically cropped PRs were used, the AUC-ROC improved to 96%.

Conclusions

AI algorithms can be automated to preprocess PRs and improve the identification of impacted canines.
English Patriotism and the Implicit Nation: Homelands and Soldiers’ National Identity during the Great War
Authors: Mayhew Alex
Published: February 2024

This article explores the patriotism and national identity of English soldiers during the First World War. Using this conflict as a case-study, it draws together work on Great War mentalities and scholarship on Englishness. It argues that individuals’ national identity focused on and formed around the ‘implicit nation’, which was primarily concerned with communities and parochial local (or regional) spaces. There was no ‘essential’ England: the homeland could be rural or urban, natural or human. English national identity embraced this plurality. Using published material, soldiers’ newspapers and private letters, diaries and postcards, this article highlights the ways in which allegiance to an ‘implicit nation’ was nurtured by a military that championed local and regional identities. As subjects, not citizens, soldiers naturally centred their attention on the communities and landscapes of their homeland. The war did not diminish men’s emotional connections to these homelands; in fact, it made them all the stronger. In concentrating on the subjective and emotional features of patriotism, this paper suggests that Englishness was inherently heterogeneous and drew its strength from this. Rather than a commitment to abstract structures such as the state, or theoretical political principles, it argues that English national identity embraced a composite, or patchwork, of mutually supporting patriotisms attached to particular homelands. It was a sense of these homelands that underlay men’s identification with Britishness, the Empire and the monarchy. Importantly, soldiers’ experience of the First World War gave this a new (or at least more vocal) articulation.
Income inequality and charitable giving to different causes in China: a distribution perspective
Authors: Yang Yongzheng , Wiepking Pamala , Badertscher Katherine
Published: February 2024

In contexts with high-income inequality, are people more or less inclined to support those in need through philanthropy? Using data from the 2016 wave of the China Labor-Force Dynamics Study, this study examines (i) how income inequality is associated with charitable giving to high-redistributive (e.g., poverty alleviation) and low-redistributive (e.g., arts and culture) causes and (ii) the household and contextual level variation for this relationship. We conduct this study in the unique context of China, where the Communist Party and Chinese government actively encourage charitable giving to play a role in diminishing income inequality. Empirical results show that in China, income inequality has no significant relationship with charitable giving to high-redistributive causes. We do find some support for a small moderating effect of education. Those with a higher level of education living in provinces with higher income inequality give more to high-distributive causes. We also find support for a small negative association with charitable giving to low-redistributive causes, which indicates that people in a context with higher income inequality are less inclined, although not substantially, to give to low-redistributive causes.
PomBase: a Global Core Biodata Resource—growth, collaboration, and sustainability
Authors: Rutherford Kim M , Lera-Ramírez Manuel , Wood Valerie
Published: February 2024

PomBase (https://www.pombase.org), the model organism database (MOD) for fission yeast, was recently awarded Global Core Biodata Resource (GCBR) status by the Global Biodata Coalition (GBC; https://globalbiodata.org/) after a rigorous selection process. In this MOD review, we present PomBase’s continuing growth and improvement over the last 2 years. We describe these improvements in the context of the qualitative GCBR indicators related to scientific quality, comprehensivity, accelerating science, user stories, and collaborations with other biodata resources. This review also showcases the depth of existing connections both within the biocuration ecosystem and between PomBase and its user community.
Proactive Care-Seeking Strategies Among Adults Aging Solo With Early Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lowers Jane , Datcher Ivree , Kavalieratos Dio , Hepburn Ken , Perkins Molly M
Published: February 2024

Objectives

People living with dementia need increasing care over time, but 1 in 3 adults with cognitive impairment lives alone. The goal of this study was to explore the self-identified strengths and resources for future care needs of adults aging solo with early dementia.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with 15 adults not living with a partner and with no children in the same state, who self-identified as having early dementia or mild cognitive impairment; hybrid inductive/deductive reflexive thematic analysis using a successful aging framework.

Results

Participants placed a high value on maintaining independence and expressed concerns about preserving selfhood and becoming a burden to others. These values influenced how participants appraised financial and social resources available to address future care needs and strategies to preempt or respond to needs such as transportation, help with finances, or activities of daily living.

Discussion

Adults without close family are heterogeneous and have variable resources available to address care needs associated with dementia progression. Common values of retaining independence and minimizing burden to others may be helpful in motivating adults aging solo to undertake planning and help-seeking early.
Crystal structure of mango α1,3/α1,4-fucosyltransferase elucidates unique elements that regulate Lewis A-dominant oligosaccharide assembly
Authors: Okada Takahiro , Teramoto Takamasa , Ihara Hideyuki , Ikeda Yoshitaka , Kakuta Yoshimitsu
Published: February 2024

In various organisms, α1,3/α1,4-fucosyltransferases (CAZy GT10 family enzymes) mediate the assembly of type I (Galβ1,3GlcNAc) and/or type II (Galβ1,4GlcNAc)-based Lewis structures that are widely distributed in glycoconjugates. Unlike enzymes of other species, plant orthologues show little fucosyltransferase activity for type II-based glycans and predominantly catalyze the assembly of the Lewis A structure [Galβ1,3(Fucα1,4)GlcNAc] on the type I disaccharide unit of their substrates. However, the structural basis underlying this unique substrate selectivity remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the structure–function relationship of MiFUT13A, a mango α1,3/α1,4-fucosyltransferase. The prepared MiFUT13A displayed distinct α1,4-fucosyltransferase activity. Consistent with the enzymatic properties of this molecule, X-ray crystallography revealed that this enzyme has a typical GT-B fold-type structure containing a set of residues that are responsible for its SN2-like catalysis. Site-directed mutagenesis and molecular docking analyses proposed a rational binding mechanism for type I oligosaccharides. Within the catalytic cleft, the pocket surrounding Trp121 serves as a binding site, anchoring the non-reducing terminal β1,3-galactose that belongs to the type I disaccharide unit. Furthermore, Glu177 was postulated to function as a general base catalyst through its interaction with the 4-hydroxy group of the acceptor N-acetylglucosamine residue. Adjacent residues, specifically Thr120, Thr157 and Asp175 were speculated to assist in binding of the reducing terminal residues. Intriguingly, these structural elements were not fully conserved in mammalian orthologue which also shows predominant α1,4-fucosyltransferase activity. In conclusion, we have proposed that MiFUT13A generates the Lewis A structure on type I glycans through a distinct mechanism, divergent from that of mammalian enzymes.
Causal agents of Stemphylium-induced foliar diseases of tomatoes and other Solanaceae hosts in Brazil
Authors: Torres Tiago Bezerra , Boiteux Leonardo Silva , Perdomo David Nataren , Veloso Josiene Silva , Fonseca Maria Esther de Noronha , Fontenelle Mariana Rodrigues , Reis Ailton
Published: February 2024

Aim

An extensive survey was done to clarify the prevalent Stemphylium species on Solanaceae plants across Brazil, and their host ranges.

Methods and Results

Eighty nine (89) Stemphylium isolates were obtained from naturally infected tomatoes as well as S. paniculatum, potato, eggplant, scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum var. gilo), Physalis angulata, and Capsicum species. Phylogenetic analyses encompassing the ITS-5.8S rDNA and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genomic regions placed the isolates into two distinct groupings with either Stemphylium lycopersici or S. solani. Isolates of S. lycopersici (n = 81) were obtained infecting tomato, potato, eggplant, S. paniculatum, and P. angulata. Isolates of S. solani (n = 8) were detected in natural association with scarlet eggplant and tomato. Two isolates of S. lycopersici displayed a wide experimental host range in greenhouse bioassays, infecting accessions of 12 out of 18 species. Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) was the only experimental host outside the Solanaceae family.
Enhancement of microbicidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants when combined with ultrasound technology
Authors: Biasi Antonio , Gionta Mirella , Pisa Federica , Pizzuti Maura , Sortino Andrea , Immesi Alessio , Alt Jodi R , Zampaglione Imma
Published: February 2024

Aims

This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of ultrasound technology (US) in combination with two different disinfectants (Disinfectant A and Disinfectant B), containing peracetic acid (PAA) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), respectively, against two sporigenic pathogens, Aspergillus brasiliensis and Bacillus subtilis.

Methods and results

The microbicidal activity of the coupled treatment was compared with the use of the disinfectants alone, and the efficacy of the disinfection strategies was evaluated by the log reduction of the population of the microorganism inoculated onto stainless-steel surface. The combination treatment resulted in a log reduction of 5.40 and 3.88 (Disinfectant A + US) against A. brasiliensis and B. subtilis, at 850 and 500 ppm PAA, compared to 265 and 122 (Disinfectant A only). For Disinfectant B, in combination with US, showed a logarithmic reduction of 5.04 and 4.79 against A. brasiliensis and B. subtilis at 078% v v−1 and 392% v v−1 QACs, respectively, vs. 1.58 and 1.64 (Disinfectant B only). Moreover, no colonies or not statistically significant growth was observed within the US bath containing the disinfectant.

Conclusions

The antimicrobial efficacy of the two disinfectants was greatly enhanced when used in combination with US, and this also makes it possible to avoid the overuse of chemicals for disinfection.
A novel bioinformatic method for the identification of antimicrobial peptides in metagenomes
Authors: Megaw Julianne , Skvortsov Timofey , Gori Giulia , Dabai Aliyu I , Gilmore Brendan F , Allen Christopher C R
Published: February 2024

Aims

This study aimed to develop a new bioinformatic approach for the identification of novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which did not depend on sequence similarity to known AMPs held within databases, but on structural mimicry of another antimicrobial compound, in this case an ultrashort, synthetic, cationic lipopeptide (C12-OOWW-NH2).

Methods and results

When applied to a collection of metagenomic datasets, our outlined bioinformatic method successfully identified several short (8–10aa) functional AMPs, the activity of which was verified via disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays against a panel of 12 bacterial strains. Some peptides had activity comparable to, or in some cases, greater than, those from published studies that identified AMPs using more conventional methods. We also explored the effects of modifications, including extension of the peptides, observing an activity peak at 9–12aa. Additionally, the inclusion of a C-terminal amide enhanced activity in most cases. Our most promising candidate (named PB2-10aa-NH2) was thermally stable, lipid-soluble, and possessed synergistic activity with ethanol but not with a conventional antibiotic (streptomycin).

Conclusions

While several bioinformatic methods exist to predict AMPs, the approach outlined here is much simpler and can be used to quickly scan huge datasets. Searching for peptide sequences bearing structural similarity to other antimicrobial compounds may present a further opportunity to identify novel AMPs with clinical relevance, and provide a meaningful contribution to the pressing global issue of AMR.
A Scoping Review of Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction in Burn Therapists
Authors: Yelvington Miranda L , Corson Tyler , Tarver Talicia , Teague Tiffany , Oguntola-Blount Augustina , Reynolds Stacey
Published: February 2024

Occupational and physical therapists who routinely provide potentially painful and distressing rehabilitation to burn survivors are at risk for developing compassion fatigue. Burn therapists may also experience compassion satisfaction based on the successes their patients accomplish. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the literature related to compassion fatigue and satisfaction in therapists who work with burn survivors, explore previously reported predictors and mediators of (and responses to) these constructs, and identify gaps in the literature. Original, peer-reviewed papers published from journal inception to May 2023 were obtained from 5 electronic bibliographic databases: CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Studies were eligible if they (1) reported compassion fatigue or its related concepts and (2) focused on occupational or physical therapists who work with burn survivors directly or as a member of a multidisciplinary burn treatment team. The initial search revealed 284 articles, 2 of which met inclusion criteria and are summarized in this scoping review. Neither article focused solely on burn therapists but examined the experiences of multidisciplinary burn team members working in single burn centers in North America. Both studies used a cross-sectional survey-based design to assess concepts related to compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. This scoping review uncovered important gaps in the literature related to compassion fatigue or satisfaction in burn therapists. More research is needed to better understand the interplay between concepts as well as their relationship to burn therapists’ outcomes.
Numerical simulation of resistivity and saturation estimation of pore-type gas hydrate reservoirs in the permafrost region of the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Hu Xudong , Zou Changchun , Qin Zhen , Yuan Hai , Song Guo , Xiao Kun
Published: February 2024

The pore-type hydrate reservoirs in the permafrost region of the Qilian Mountains (PRQM) have complex characteristics, including low porosity, low permeability, high shale content, and conductive minerals. Currently, the research on the electrical properties of these reservoirs still needs to be sufficiently in depth, and there are limitations in well-logging evaluation methods. To fill in this gap, a conductivity model of pore-type gas hydrate reservoirs (GHRs) is established based on the pore-combination modeling theory to investigate the influencing factors of the resistivity characteristics of GHRs through numerical simulations. The comparison between the laboratory-measured resistivity of different hydrate saturations and the results of the calculated model shows good agreement, indicating the accuracy of the conductivity model in describing the electrical characteristics of GHRs in the PRQM. Compared to conductive minerals, the numerical simulation results indicate that the high shale content is the main reason for the decrease in resistivity of pore-type GHRs in the study area. The hydrate saturation evaluation of well DK-3 from 386.3 to 393.6 m depth shows that the hydrate saturation ranges from 5.1 to 66.4%, with an average value of 44.0%. The identified hydrate interval using this model is consistent with the actual hydrate interval encountered during the drilling. This study, as an innovation, can help clarify the conductive mechanism of pore-type GHRs in the PRQM and provide more accurate parameters for evaluating gas hydrate resources in the study area.
Child support and income inequalities: a cross-continental comparison from welfare design to judicial implementation
Authors: Biland Emilie
Published: February 2024

This article analyses why and how child support policy contributes to income inequalities as well as to cross-national variation. It uses an in-depth comparison between France and Quebec (Canada) and drives on a multi-method empirical design to assess how this policy has been designed within each welfare state regime from the 1970s to the 2020s and how family lawyers and lower court judges implement it. It shows that national conceptions of solidarity and justice differ, along with the differences between those two legal systems, leading to cross-national variations regarding child support policy. In Quebec, the neo-liberal wave and the powerful feminist movement have converged to ensure that fathers are made to face up to their financial responsibilities towards their children, which has positive effects on the wealthiest and middle-class families. In contrast, in France, the feminist movement has been less influential while the long-standing family policy has favoured state protection towards lone mothers. As a result, the financial risks involved in separation are (partially) compensated by a state system of redistribution, rather than by private remedies, which lead the French system to be more effective for lower-class families. As a result, national context still matters a lot in the part institutional arrangements and professional practices play in income inequalities after parental separations.
Convergence properties of fine structure constant measurements using quasar absorption systems
Authors: Webb John K , Lee Chung-Chi
Published: February 2024

Searches for space–time variations of fundamental constants have entered an era of unprecedented precision. New, high-quality quasar spectra require increasingly refined analytical methods. In this paper, a continuation in a series to establish robust and unbiased methodologies, we explore how convergence criteria in non-linear least-squares optimization impact on quasar absorption system measurements of the fine structure constant α. Given previous claims for high-precision constraints, we critically examine the veracity of a so-called blinding approach, in which α is fixed at the terrestrial value during the model building process, releasing it as a free parameter only after the ‘final’ absorption system kinematic structure has been obtained. We show that this approach results in such small consecutive parameter steps during minimization that convergence is unlikely to be reached, even after as many as 1000 iterations. The fix is straightforward: α must be treated as a free parameter from the earliest possible stages of absorption system model building. The implication of the results presented here is that all previous measurements that have used initially fixed α should be reworked.
Redshift-dependent RSD bias from intrinsic alignment with DESI Year 1 spectra
Authors: Lamman Claire , Eisenstein Daniel , Aguilar Jessica Nicole , Ahlen Steven , Brooks David , Claybaugh Todd , de la Macorra Axel , Dey Arjun , Dey Biprateep , Doel Peter , Ferraro Simone , Font-Ribera Andreu , Forero-Romero Jaime E , Gontcho Satya Gontcho A , Guy Julien , Kehoe Robert , Kremin Anthony , Le Guillou Laurent , Levi Michael , Manera Marc , Miquel Ramon , Newman Jeffrey A , Nie Jundan , Palanque-Delabrouille Nathalie , Prada Francisco , Rezaie Mehdi , Rossi Graziano , Sanchez Eusebio , Schubnell Michael , Hee-Jong Seo , Tarlé Gregory , Weaver Benjamin Alan , Zhou Zhimin
Published: February 2024

We estimate the redshift-dependent, anisotropic clustering signal in the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Year 1 Survey created by tidal alignments of Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs) and a selection-induced galaxy orientation bias. To this end, we measured the correlation between LRG shapes and the tidal field with DESI’s Year 1 redshifts, as traced by LRGs and Emission-Line Galaxies. We also estimate the galaxy orientation bias of LRGs caused by DESI’s aperture-based selection, and find it to increase by a factor of seven between redshifts 0.4−1.1 due to redder, fainter galaxies falling closer to DESI’s imaging selection cuts. These effects combine to dampen measurements of the quadrupole of the correlation function (ξ2) caused by structure growth on scales of 10–80 h−1 Mpc by about 0.15 per cent for low redshifts (0.4 < z < 0.6) and 0.8 per cent for high (0.8 < z < 1.1), a significant fraction of DESI’s error budget. We provide estimates of the ξ2 signal created by intrinsic alignments that can be used to correct this effect, which is necessary to meet DESI’s forecasted precision on measuring the growth rate of structure. While imaging quality varies across DESI’s footprint, we find no significant difference in this effect between imaging regions in the Legacy Imaging Survey.
The optical intra-day variability of BL laceratae object 2200 + 420
Authors: Li Huai-Zhen , Guo Di-Fu , Qin Long-Hua , Yi Ting-Feng , Liu Fen , Gao Quan-Gui , Chang Xin
Published: February 2024

We observed the blazar 2200 + 420 in the I, R, and V bands using the 1.0 m telescope at Weihai Observatory of Shandong University on eight nights in October 2022 and obtained over 3800 data points. Using the F-test and ANOVA test, we analysed the light curves and found intra-day (IDV) variability every night. We found that all variability amplitudes (Amp) are over 10 per cent, except for 2022 October 22, with four nights having amplitudes above 20 per cent and the maximum amplitude reaching over 42 per cent. Additionally, we discovered a minimal variability time-scale of 24.6 min and a bluer-when-brighter (BWB) trend on intra-day for this object. No significant time lag between different bands was detected during the eight nights of observation. Based on the shortest variability time-scale and a model assuming the variations arise close to the central black hole that are adverted into the jet, we estimated the upper limits of the black hole mass to be MBH = 8.6 × 107 M⊙. The BWB trend on intra-day supports the shock-in-jet model, which can also explain the IDV of blazars.
Cold quasar investigation: comparing star formation rates to black hole growth
Authors: Mintz Sasha , Coleman Brandon , Kirkpatrick Allison
Published: February 2024

Cold quasars are a rare population of luminous, unobscured quasars associated with host galaxies that have a high star formation rate. We aimed to study the host galaxies of 64 of these cold quasars in order to probe how the supermassive black holes and host galaxies were co-evolving. We compiled data from the XMM-XXL survey and cross-matched with the VHS, WISE, and HerMES surveys to obtain multiwavelength photometry spanning the X-ray to the infrared and including optical spectroscopy. From the data, we calculated the supermassive black hole’s mass using broad emission from the Mg ii and Hbeta lines. We compared this with the stellar mass of the entire galaxy and found that the black holes are significantly more massive than would be predicted by local relations, indicating that the majority of black hole growth precedes the bulk of the the stellar mass formation. In addition to this, we created a spectral energy distribution for each galaxy to calculate the star formation rate. We compared the star formation rate with the black hole accretion rate and find that the stellar mass is rapidly increasing at a relative rate faster than the black hole growth, supporting the picture where the black hole grows first.
The Thousand-Pulsar-Array programme on MeerKAT – XII. Discovery of long-term pulse profile evolution in seven young pulsars
Authors: Basu A , Weltevrede P , Keith M J , Johnston S , Karastergiou A , Oswald L S , Posselt B , Song X , Cameron A D
Published: February 2024

A number of pulsars are known to have profile evolution on time-scales of months, often correlated with spin-down rate changes. Here, we present the first result from 3 yr of monitoring observations from MeerKAT as part of the Thousand Pulsar Array programme. This programme obtains high-fidelity pulse profiles for ∼ 500 pulsars, which enabled the detection of subtle changes in seven sources not previously known to exhibit long-term profile evolution. A 2D Gaussian convolution is used to highlight correlated emission variability in both the pulse phase and observing epoch direction. Simulations show that for one additional source the observed profile variability is likely to originate from stochastic single-pulse shape variability (jitter). We find that it is common for long-term profile variability to be associated with changes in polarization fractions, but not with polarization position angle (PA) changes. PA changes are expected if emission height changes or precession is responsible for the profile variability. PSR J1741−3927 is the only pulsar in our sample that shows correlated PA variability, and this is associated with orthogonal polarization mode activity. For the six other pulsars limits on possible emission height changes and impact angle changes are derived. These limits are consistent with the small changes in the total intensity profile shape. None of the sources show detectable spin-down variability correlated with the emission changes, which are thought to be driven by magnetospheric current fluctuations. Therefore, the absence of correlated spin-down rate variability allows upper limits to be placed on changes in the magnetospheric charge density.
Hydrodynamical evolution of black-hole binaries embedded in AGN discs – III. The effects of viscosity
Authors: Li Rixin , Lai Dong
Published: February 2024

Stellar-mass binary black holes (BBHs) embedded in active galactic nucleus (AGN) discs offer a distinct dynamical channel to produce black hole mergers detected in gravitational waves by LIGO/Virgo. To understand their orbital evolution through interactions with the disc gas, we perform a suite of two-dimensional high-resolution, local shearing box, viscous hydrodynamical simulations of equal-mass binaries. We find that viscosity not only smooths the flow structure around prograde circular binaries,but also greatly raises their accretion rates. The torque associated with accretion may be overwhelmingly positive and dominate over the gravitational torque at a high accretion rate. However, the accreted angular momentum per unit mass decreases with increasing viscosity, making it easier to shrink the binary orbit. In addition, retrograde binaries still experience rapid orbital decay, and prograde eccentric binaries still experience eccentricity damping. Our numerical experiments further show that prograde binaries are more likely to be hardened if the physical sizes of the accretors are sufficiently small such that the accretion rate is reduced. The dependence of the binary accretion rate on the accretor size can be weaken through boosted accretion either due to a high viscosity or a more isothermal-like equation of state. Our results widen the explored parameter space for the hydrodynamics of embedded BBHs and demonstrate that their orbital evolution in AGN discs is a complex, multifaceted problem.
A hidden population of massive white dwarfs: two spotted K + WD binaries
Authors: Rowan Dominick M , Jayasinghe Tharindu , Tucker Michael A , Lam Casey Y , Thompson Todd A , Kochanek Christopher S , Abrams Natasha S , Fulton Benjamin J , Ilyin Ilya , Isaacson Howard , Lu Jessica R , Martin David V , Nicholson Belinda
Published: February 2024

The identification and characterization of massive (≳ 0.8 M⊙) white dwarfs is challenging in part due to their low luminosity. Here, we present two candidate single-lined spectroscopic binaries, Gaia DR3 4014708864481651840 and 5811237403155163520, with K-dwarf primaries and optically dark companions. Both have orbital periods of P ∼ 0.45 d and show rotational variability, ellipsoidal modulations, and high-amplitude radial velocity variations. Using light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), radial velocities from ground-based spectrographs, and spectral energy distributions, we characterize these binaries to describe the nature of the unseen companion. We find that both systems are consistent with a massive white dwarf companion. Unlike simple ellipsoidal variables, star-spots cause the light-curve morphology to change between TESS sectors. We attempt to constrain the orbital inclination using phoebe binary light-curve models, but degeneracies in the light curves of spotted stars prevent a precise determination. Finally, we search for similar objects using Gaia DR3 and TESS, and comment on these systems in the context of recently claimed compact object binaries.
Identification and characterization of six spectroscopically confirmed massive protostructures at 2.5 < z < 4.5
Authors: Shah Ekta A , Lemaux Brian , Forrest Benjamin , Cucciati Olga , Hung Denise , Staab Priti , Hathi Nimish , Lubin Lori , Gal Roy R , Shen Lu , Zamorani Giovanni , Giddings Finn , Bardelli Sandro , Cassara Letizia Pasqua , Cassata Paolo , Contini Thierry , Golden-Marx Emmet , Guaita Lucia , Gururajan Gayathri , Koekemoer Anton M , McLeod Derek , Tasca Lidia A M , Tresse Laurence , Vergani Daniela , Zucca Elena
Published: February 2024

We present six spectroscopically confirmed massive protostructures, spanning a redshift range of 2.5 < z < 4.5 in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (ECDFS) field discovered as part of the Charting Cluster Construction in VUDS and ORELSE (C3VO) survey. We identify and characterize these remarkable systems by applying an overdensity measurement technique on an extensive data compilation of public and proprietary spectroscopic and photometric observations in this highly studied extragalactic field. Each of these six protostructures, i.e. a large scale overdensity (volume >9000 cMpc3) of more than 2.5σδ above the field density levels at these redshifts, have a total mass Mtot ≥ 1014.8 M⊙ and one or more highly overdense (overdensity$\, \gt 5\sigma _{\delta }$) peaks. One of the most complex protostructures discovered is a massive (Mtot = 1015.1M⊙) system at z ∼ 3.47 that contains six peaks and 55 spectroscopic members. We also discover protostructures at z ∼ 3.30 and z ∼ 3.70 that appear to at least partially overlap on sky with the protostructure at z ∼ 3.47, suggesting a possible connection. We additionally report on the discovery of three massive protostructures at z = 2.67, 2.80, and 4.14 and discuss their properties. Finally, we discuss the relationship between star formation rate and environment in the richest of these protostructures, finding an enhancement of star formation activity in the densest regions. The diversity of the protostructures reported here provide an opportunity to study the complex effects of dense environments on galaxy evolution over a large redshift range in the early Universe.
The interaction of a large-scale nuclear wind with the high-velocity H ii region G0.17+0.15
Authors: Yusef-Zadeh F , Zhao Jun-Hui , Arendt R , Wardle M , Royster M , Rudnick L , Michail J
Published: February 2024

We investigate the nature of a Galactic Centre source, G0.17+0.15, lying along the northern extension of the radio arc near l ∼ 0.2°. G0.17+0.15 is an H ii region located towards the eastern edge of the radio bubble, embedded within the highly polarized Galactic Centre eastern lobe where a number of radio filaments appear to cross through the H ii region. We report the detection of hydrogen and helium recombination lines with a radial velocity exceeding 140 km s−1 based on Green Bank Telescope and Very Large Array observations. The morphology of G0.17+0.15, aided by kinematics, and spectral index characteristics, suggests the presence of an external pressure dragging and shredding the ionized gas. We argue that this ionized cloud is interacting with a bundle of radio filaments and is entrained by the ram pressure of the radio bubble, which itself is thought to be produced by cosmic ray driven outflows at the Galactic Centre. In this interpretation, the gas streamers on the western side of G0.17+0.15 are stripped, accelerated from 0 to $\delta v\sim \, 35$ km s−1 over a time-scale roughly 8 × 104 yr, implying that ablating ram pressure is $\sim 700\, \mathrm{eV\, cm^{-3}}$, comparable to the $\sim 10^3\, \mathrm{eV \, cm^{-3}}$ cosmic ray driven wind pressure in the Galactic Centre region.