bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating a decade (2011–2020) of integrated forest pest management in the United States
Authors: Coleman Tom W , Graves Andrew D , Oblinger Brent W , Flowers Robbie W , Jacobs James J , Moltzan Bruce D , Sky Stephens Stephanie , Rabaglia Robert J
Published: October 2023

To sustain healthy forests in the United States, the USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection and cooperators utilize integrated pest management (IPM) programs to prevent, suppress, and eradicate insect and disease outbreaks affecting trees across all land ownerships. Forest pest management projects supported by federal funding from 2011 to 2020 were assessed to determine the most frequently used project types, IPM strategies and tactics, identify the dominant forest pests and associated hosts managed, and identify the most comprehensive forest IPM programs in practice. Forest pest management projects were obtained primarily from two centralized databases and included 2,416 projects that treated a total of 2,284,624 ha. Two project types accounted for most of the forest pest projects (suppression: 63% and prevention: 30%). Native forest pests were targeted more (79%) than non-native pests (21%) in these projects; however, non-native pests accounted for more treatment areas. Forest pest projects were directed mostly at phloem-feeding insects (70%) and subsequently followed by foliage feeders (10%), sap feeders (6%), and all other pest groups (each < 5%), including diseases. Four IPM control strategies (silvicultural: 32%, semiochemical: 22%, chemical: 21%, and physical/mechanical: 18%) accounted for most of the forest pest projects. Foliage feeders possessed the most comprehensive IPM programs that adopted two or more types of control tactics. Few pest programs incorporated microbial/biopesticide control strategies and this represents an area where research is needed. In addition, better-centralized records are needed for genetic control projects, treatment efficacy, and survey and technical assistance activities.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on mosquito control in urban informal settlements of Lagos, southwest Nigeria
Authors: Oforka Chinonyelum Linda , Omotayo Ahmed Idowu , Akarawak Eno Emmanuella , Adeleke Monsuru Adebayo
Published: October 2023

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on the control of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases were investigated in urban informal settlements of Lagos State, Nigeria, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period. The survey was conducted between December 2021 and March 2022 using a cross-sectional approach in the informal settlements of Bariga, Makoko, and Ajegunle, and in the formal settlement of Ikeja, all in Lagos State. A total of 400 semistructured questionnaires, 100 per community, were administered to consenting adult participants, and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that of the total respondents, 262 (65.5%) claimed to have previously seen mosquito larvae, while 54.2% of the total were aware that larvae usually develop into adult mosquitoes. Only 167 (41.8%) of the respondents owned insecticide-treated bed nets, out of which 126 (75.4%) slept under such bed nets. The rate of bed net ownership and reasons for not using them were significant in relation to the study communities. The majority of respondents (81.2%) reported using aerosol insecticides almost daily, potentially contributing to the challenge of insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors. Of the mosquito-borne diseases endemic in Nigeria, malaria was the most well-known by respondents (62.7%), followed by yellow fever (13.6%), and lymphatic filariasis (1.5%). These findings highlight the need for both public education on mosquito control and government interventions in urban informal settlements.
Dysfunctional states of unconventional T-cell subsets in cancer
Authors: Katsnelson Elizabeth N , Spengler Andrea , Domenico Joanne , Couts Kasey L , Loh Liyen , Gapin Laurent , McCarter Martin D , Tobin Richard P
Published: October 2023

Unconventional T cells represent a promising therapeutic agent to overcome the current limitations of immunotherapies due to their universal T-cell receptors, ability to respond directly to cytokine stimulation, and capacity to recruit and modulate conventional immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Like conventional T cells, unconventional T cells can enter a dysfunctional state, and the functional differences associated with this state may provide insight into the discrepancies observed in their role in antitumor immunity in various cancers. The exhaustive signature of unconventional T cells differs from conventional αβ T cells, and understanding the differences in the mechanisms underlying exhaustive differentiation in these cell types may aid in the discovery of new treatments to improve sustained antitumor responses. Ongoing clinical trials investigating therapies that leverage unconventional T-cell populations have shown success in treating hematologic malignancies and reducing the immunosuppressive tumor environment. However, several hurdles remain to extend these promising results into solid tumors. Here we discuss the current knowledge on unconventional T-cell function/dysfunction and consider how the incorporation of therapies that modulate unconventional T-cell exhaustion may aid in overcoming the current limitations of immunotherapy. Additionally, we discuss how components of the tumor microenvironment alter the functions of unconventional T cells and how these changes can affect tumor infiltration by lymphocytes and alter conventional T-cell responses.
Flow and heat transfer characteristics in fallopian tube with metachronal wave of cilia
Authors: Tanveer Anum , Abidin Zain Ul , Duraihem Faisal Z , Saleem S
Published: October 2023

Cilia is an important mechanism for epithelial cells in the respiratory tract, cerebrospinal flow in the brain, hair bundles in the ear, and photoreceptor in the retina, etc. Cilia can also be found in human fallopian tube for the transport of the ova, embryos, and sperm. In this research, we investigate the combined effects of mixed convection and magnetic field. In the present analysis, we describe the flow and heat transfer characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic Carreau fluid in fallopian tube with metachronal wave of cilia. The mathematical equation of the problem is performed under creeping phenomena and long wavelength approximation. The numerical solution for extra stress tensor, temperature profile, and streamline pattern are obtained using the NDSolve method of Mathematica software. The physical and graphical behavior of different value of involved parameter are discussed in the last section. The parametric values are kept small (<10) in view of cilia walls having very small diameter.
Polyarteritis nodosa presenting as cholecystitis—a case report
Authors: Elhardello Osama A A , Athamnah Mohammad N , Paramaguru Rajaguru
Published: October 2023

Medium and small arteries are mainly affected by polyarteritis nodosa. Lungs are spared but any other organ can be involved. Gallbladder can be part of this systemic disease. Isolated gallbladder disease is not common. The presentation of the systemic polyarteritis nodosa as acute cholecystitis is described in this case report. Management of the disease depends on the involved organs and usually consists of systemic steroids. The diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa should be considered in patients with previous systemic symptoms who develop picture of acute cholecystitis.
A quantitative window on the history of statistics: topic-modelling 120 years ofBiometrika
Authors: Bertoldi Nicola , Lareau Francis , Pence Charles H , Malaterre Christophe
Published: October 2023

As one of the oldest continuously publishing journals in statistics (published since 1901), Biometrika provides a unique window onto the history of statistics and its epistemic development throughout the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries. While the early history of the discipline, with the works of key figures, such as Karl Pearson, Francis Galton, or Ronald Fisher, is relatively well known, the later (and longer) episodes of its intellectual development remain understudied. By applying digital tools to the full-text corpus of the journal articles (N = 5,596), the objective of this study is to provide a novel quantitative exploration of the history of the statistical sciences via an all-encompassing view of 120 years of Biometrika. To this aim, topic-modelling analyses are used and provide insights into the epistemic content of the journal and its evolution. Striking changes in the thematic content of the journal are documented and quantified for the first time, from the decline of Pearsonian and Weldonian biometrical research and the journal’s tight connection to biology in the 1930s to the rise of modern statistical methods beginning in the 1960s and 1970s. Newly developed approaches are used to infer author networks from publication topics. The resulting network of authors shows the existence of several communities, well-aligned with topic clusters and their evolution through time. It also highlights the role of specific figures over more than a century of publishing history and provides a first window onto the foundation, development, and diverse applications of the statistical sciences.
A Systematic Review of the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health-Care Access Interventions for Veterans With PTSD
Authors: Resnik Jack , Miller Christopher J , Roth Clara E , Burns Katharine , Bovin Michelle J
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Access to mental health care has been a priority area for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) for decades. Access for veterans with PTSD is essential because untreated PTSD is associated with numerous adverse outcomes. Although interventions have been developed to improve access to DVA mental health care, the impact of these interventions on access for veterans with untreated PTSD has not been examined comprehensively, limiting guidance on appropriate implementation.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed and PTSDpubs between May 2019 and January 2022 to identify DVA access interventions for veterans with PTSD not engaged in DVA mental health care. We identified 17 interventions and 29 manuscripts reporting quantitative access outcomes. We categorized interventions into four major categories: Primary care mental health integration, other national initiatives, telemental health, and direct outreach. We evaluated five outcome domains: Binary attendance, number of sessions attended, wait time, number of patients seen, and care initiation. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria.

Results

Across articles, binary attendance generally improved, whereas the impact on the number of sessions attended was equivocal. Overall, the number of patients seen increased compared to control participants and retrospective data. The few articles that examined care initiation had mixed results. Only one article examined the impact on wait time.

Conclusions

Access interventions for veterans with PTSD demonstrated varied success across interventions and outcomes. The national initiatives—particularly primary care mental health integration —were successful across several outcomes; telemental health demonstrated promise in improving access; and the success of direct outreach varied across interventions. Confidence in these findings is tempered by potential bias among studies. Limited literature on how these interventions impact relevant preattendance barriers, along with incomplete data on how many perform nationally, suggests that additional work is needed to ensure that these interventions increase access for veterans with PTSD nationwide.
Systematic Review of Injuries and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among High-speed Boat Operators
Authors: Ullman Cpt Johan , Hengst David , Rolfson Ola , Myers Stephen , Robinson Yohan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

High-speed boat operators constitute a population at risk of work-related injuries and disabilities. This review aimed to summarize the available knowledge on workplace-related injuries and chronic musculoskeletal pain among high-speed boat operators.

Materials and Methods

In this systematic review, we searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library Database for studies, published from 1980 to 2022, on occupational health and hazards onboard high-speed boats. Studies and reports were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated, compared, used, or described harms associated with impact exposure onboard high-speed boats. Studies focusing on recreational injuries and operators of non-planing boats were excluded. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of acute injuries. The secondary outcome measures comprised the presence of chronic musculoskeletal disorders, pain medication use, and days off work.

Results

Of the 163 search results, 5 (2 prospective longitudinal and 3 cross-sectional cohort studies) were included in this systematic review. A total of 804 cases with 3,312 injuries sustained during 3,467 person-years onboard high-speed boats were included in the synthesis of the results. The pooled incidence rate was 1.0 per person-year. The most common injuries were related to the lower back (26%), followed by neck (16%) and head (12%) injuries. The pooled prevalence of chronic pain was 74% (95% CI: 73–75%) and 60% (95% CI: 59–62%) of the cohort consumed analgesics.

Conclusions

Despite very limited data, this review found evidence that high-speed boat operators have a higher rate of injuries and a higher prevalence of chronic pain than other naval service operators and the general workforce. Given the low certainty of these findings, further prospective research is required to verify the injury incidence and chronic pain prevalence among high-speed boat operators.
Post-concussion Return to Shooting Progression for Military Service Members: A Scoping Review and Conceptual Framework
Authors: Smith Erin , Houtchens Kristina , Pearson Maria , Dolbeer Jeffery A , Kneller Scott , Fitzgerald Scott M , Lambert Karen H , Hoppes Carrie W
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There are established protocols for staged return to physical activity in sport and military settings following concussion. Currently, there is no evidence-based staged return to shooting protocol in use by the U.S. military despite the unique challenges and stresses shooting places on the vestibular–ocular and cognitive systems often disrupted by a concussion. The primary purpose of this scoping review was to summarize available evidence and current practices on return to shooting post-concussion, with the goal of optimizing an evidence-based return to shooting protocol for military service members. Our secondary aim was to identify individuals who may benefit from a return to shooting progression.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar was performed from the earliest dates to April 2023. A gray literature (Google) search was also performed. Articles were included if they studied a population with concussion, addressed return to shooting, and were written in English. Articles were excluded if they discussed health conditions other than concussion, focused on non-shooting interventions, did not use human subjects, or were written in a language other than English.

Results

Our search strategy yielded 134 articles: 1 article met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, whereas the other 133 articles were rejected. The gray literature search yielded one item.

Conclusions

Based on our results, there is insufficient evidence to inform current practices on return to shooting post-concussion. In the absence of a published return to shooting protocol, we offer recommendations for identifying individuals who may benefit from a return to shooting progression and a revised version of a U.S. Army Special Operations Command Return to Range Progression. This protocol follows a conceptual framework for progression for variables such as environment, weapon type/caliber, and shooter position/movement. Further research is needed on identifying individuals who may benefit from a return to shooting protocol and safely and effectively progressing these individuals through a return to shooting protocol post-concussion.
Observational constraints and cosmological implications of scalar–tensor f(R, T) gravity
Authors: Bouali Amine , Chaudhary Himanshu , Harko Tiberiu , Lobo Francisco S N , Ouali Taoufik , Pinto Miguel A S
Published: October 2023

Recently, the scalar–tensor representation of f(R, T) gravity was used to explore gravitationally induced particle production/annihilation. Using the framework of irreversible thermodynamics of open systems in the presence of matter creation/annihilation, the physical and cosmological consequences of this setup were investigated in detail. In this paper, we test observationally the scalar–tensor representation of f(R, T) gravity in the context of the aforementioned framework, using the Hubble and Pantheon + measurements. The best fit parameters are obtained by solving numerically the modified Friedmann equations of two distinct cosmological models in scalar–tensor f(R, T) gravity, corresponding to two different choices of the potential, and by performing a Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis. The best parameters are used to compute the cosmographic parameters, that is, the deceleration, the jerk, and the snap parameters. Using the output resulting from the Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis, the cosmological evolution of the creation pressure and of the matter creation rates are presented for both models. To figure out the statistical significance of the studied scalar–tensor f(R, T) gravity, the Bayesian and the corrected Akaike information criteria are used. The latter indicates that the first considered model in scalar–tensor f(R, T) gravity is statistically better than ΛCDM, that is, it is more favoured by observations. Besides, a continuous particle creation process is present in Model 1. Alternatively, for large redshifts, in Model 2 the particle creation rate may become negative, thus indicating the presence of particle annihilation processes. However, both models lead to an accelerating expansion of the universe at late times, with a deceleration parameter equivalent to that of the ΛCDM model.
Kilometer-precise (UII) Umbriel physical properties from the multichord stellar occultation on 2020 September 21
Authors: Assafin M , Santos-Filho S , Morgado B E , Gomes-Júnior A R , Sicardy B , Margoti G , Benedetti-Rossi G , Braga-Ribas F , Laidler T , Camargo J I B , Vieira-Martins R , Swift T , Dunham D , George T , Bardecker J , Anderson C , Nolthenius R , Bender K , Viscome G , Oesper D , Dunford R , Getrost K , Kitting C , Green K , Bria R , Olsen A , Scheck A , Billard B , Wasiuta M E , Tatum R , Maley P , Cicco D di , Gamble D , Ceravolo P , Ceravolo D , Hanna W , Smith N , Carlson N , Messner S , Bean J , Moore J , Venable R
Published: October 2023

We report the results of the stellar occultation by (UII) Umbriel on 2020 September 21. The shadow crossed the USA and Canada, and 19 positive chords were obtained. A limb parameter accounted for putative topographic features in the limb fittings. Ellipse fittings were not robust – only upper limits were derived for the true size/shape of a putative Umbriel ellipsoid. The adopted spherical solution gives radius = 582.4 ± 0.8 km, smaller/close to 584.7 ± 2.8 km from Voyager II. The apparent ellipse fit results in a true semi-major axis of 584.9 ± 3.8 km, semi-minor axis of 582.3 ± 0.6 km, and true oblateness of 0.004 ± 0.008 for a putative ellipsoid. The geometric albedo was pV = 0.26 ± 0.01. The density was ρ = 1.54 ± 0.04 g cm−3. The surface gravity was 0.251 ± 0.006 m s−2 and the escape velocity was 0.541 ± 0.006 km s−1. Upper limits of 13 and 72 nbar (at 1σ and 3σ levels, respectively) were obtained for the surface pressure of a putative isothermal CO2 atmosphere at T = 70 K. A milliarcsecond precision position was derived: α = 02h30m28${_{.}^{\rm s}}$84556 ± 0.1 mas, δ = 14o19′36″.5836 ± 0.2 mas. A large limb parameter of 4.2 km was obtained, in striking agreement with opposite Southern hemisphere measurements by Voyager II in 1986. Occultation and Voyager results indicate that the same strong topography variation in the surface of Umbriel is present on both hemispheres.
WD 0141−675: a case study on how to follow-up astrometric planet candidates around white dwarfs
Authors: Rogers Laura K , Debes John , Anslow Richard J , Bonsor Amy , Casewell S L , Dos Santos Leonardo A , Dufour Patrick , T. Gänsicke Boris , Gentile Fusillo Nicola , Koester Detlev , Nielsen Louise Dyregaard , Penoyre Zephyr , Rickman Emily L , Sahlmann Johannes , Tremblay Pier-Emmanuel , Vanderburg Andrew , Xu Siyi , Dennihy Erik , Farihi Jay , Hermes J J , Hodgkin Simon , Kilic Mukremin , Kowalski Piotr M , Sanderson Hannah , Toonen Silvia
Published: October 2023

This work combines spectroscopic and photometric data of the polluted white dwarf WD 0141−675, which has a now retracted astrometric super-Jupiter candidate, and investigates the most promising ways to confirm Gaia astrometric planetary candidates and obtain follow-up data. Obtaining precise radial velocity measurements for white dwarfs is challenging due to their intrinsic faint magnitudes, lack of spectral absorption lines, and broad spectral features. However, dedicated radial velocity campaigns are capable of confirming close-in giant exoplanets (a few MJup) around polluted white dwarfs, where additional metal lines aid radial velocity measurements. Infrared emission from these giant exoplanets is shown to be detectable with JWST Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) and will provide constraints on the formation of the planet. Using the initial Gaia astrometric solution for WD 0141−675 as a case study, if there were a planet with a 33.65 d period or less with a nearly edge-on orbit, (1) ground-based radial velocity monitoring limits the mass to <15.4 MJup, and (2) space-based infrared photometry shows a lack of infrared excess and in a cloud-free planetary cooling scenario, a substellar companion would have to be <16 MJup and be older than 3.7 Gyr. These results demonstrate how radial velocities and infrared photometry can probe the mass of the objects producing some of the astrometric signals, and rule out parts of the brown dwarf and planet mass parameter space. Therefore, combining astrometric data with spectroscopic and photometric data is crucial to both confirm and characterize astrometric planet candidates around white dwarfs.
The Quasar Feedback Survey: characterizing CO excitation in quasar host galaxies
Authors: Molyneux S J , Calistro Rivera G , De Breuck C , Harrison C M , Mainieri V , Lundgren A , Kakkad D , Circosta C , Girdhar A , Costa T , Mullaney J R , Kharb P , Arrigoni Battaia F , Farina E P , Alexander D M , Ward S R , Silpa S , Smit R
Published: October 2023

We present a comprehensive study of the molecular gas properties of 17 Type 2 quasars at z < 0.2 from the Quasar Feedback Survey (L$_{\rm [O~{\small III}]}$ > 1042.1 $\rm ergs^{-1}$), selected by their high [O iii] luminosities and displaying a large diversity of radio jet properties, but dominated by LIRG-like galaxies. With these data, we are able to investigate the impact of AGN and AGN feedback mechanisms on the global molecular interstellar medium. Using Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment and ALMA ACA observations, we measure the total molecular gas content using the CO(1-0) emission and homogeneously sample the carbon monoxide (CO) spectral line energy distributions, observing CO transitions (Jup  = 1, 2, 3, 6, 7). We observe high r21 ratios (r21  = L’CO(2-1)/L’CO(1-0)) with a median r21  = 1.06, similar to local (U)LIRGs (with r21 ∼ 1) and higher than normal star-forming galaxies (with r21 ∼ 0.65). Despite the high r21 values, for the seven targets with the required data, we find low excitation in CO(6-5) & CO(7-6) (r61 and r62 < 0.6 in all but one target), unlike high-redshift quasars in the literature, which are far more luminous and show higher line ratios. The ionized gas traced by [O iii] exhibits systematically higher velocities than the molecular gas traced by CO. We conclude that any effects of quasar feedback (e.g. via outflows and radio jets) do not have a significant instantaneous impact on the global molecular gas content and excitation and we suggest that it only occurs on more localized scales.
Isochrone fitting of Galactic globular clusters – V. NGC 6397 and NGC 6809 (M55)
Authors: Gontcharov George A , Bonatto Charles J , Ryutina Olga S , Savchenko Sergey S , Mosenkov Aleksandr V , Il’in Vladimir B , Khovritchev Maxim Yu , Marchuk Alexander A , Poliakov Denis M , Smirnov Anton A , Seguine Jonah
Published: October 2023

We fit various colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of the Galactic globular clusters NGC 6397 and NGC 6809 (M55) by isochrones from the Dartmouth Stellar Evolution Database (DSED) and Bag of Stellar Tracks and Isochrones (BaSTI) for α–enhanced [α/Fe] = +0.4. For the CMDs, we use data sets from Hubble Space Telescope, Gaia, Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy, and other sources utilizing 32 and 23 photometric filters for NGC 6397 and NGC 6809, respectively, from the ultraviolet to mid-infrared. We obtain the following characteristics for NGC 6397 and NGC 6809, respectively: metallicities [Fe/H] = −1.84 ± 0.02 ± 0.1 and −1.78 ± 0.02 ± 0.1 (statistic and systematic uncertainties); distances 2.45 ± 0.02 ± 0.06 and 5.24 ± 0.02 ± 0.18 kpc; ages 12.9 ± 0.1 ± 0.8 and 13.0 ± 0.1 ± 0.8 Gyr; reddenings E(B − V) = 0.178 ± 0.006 ± 0.01 and 0.118 ± 0.004 ± 0.01 mag; extinctions AV = 0.59 ± 0.01 ± 0.02 and 0.37 ± 0.01 ± 0.04 mag; and extinction-to-reddening ratio $R_\mathrm{V}=3.32^{+0.32}_{-0.28}$ and $3.16^{+0.66}_{-0.56}$. Our estimates agree with most estimates from the literature. BaSTI gives systematically higher [Fe/H] and lower reddenings than DSED. Despite nearly the same metallicity, age, and helium enrichment, these clusters show a considerable horizontal branch (HB) morphology difference, which must therefore be described by another parameter. This parameter must predominantly explain why the least massive HB stars (0.58–0.63 solar masses) are only found within NGC 6809. Probably they have been lost by the core-collapse cluster NGC 6397 during its dynamical evolution and mass segregation. In contrast, NGC 6809 has a very low central concentration and, hence, did not undergo this process.
The role of magma oceans in maintaining surface water on rocky planets orbiting M-dwarfs
Authors: Moore Keavin , Cowan Nicolas B , Boukaré Charles-Édouard
Published: October 2023

Earth-like planets orbiting M-dwarf stars, M-Earths, are currently the best targets to search for signatures of life. Life as we know it requires water. The habitability of M-Earths is jeopardized by water loss to space: high flux from young M-dwarf stars can drive the loss of 3–20 Earth oceans from otherwise habitable planets. We develop a 0-D box model for Earth-mass terrestrial exoplanets, orbiting within the habitable zone, which tracks water loss to space and exchange between reservoirs during an early surface magma ocean phase and the longer deep-water cycling phase. A key feature is the duration of the surface magma ocean, assumed concurrent with the runaway greenhouse. This time-scale can discriminate between desiccated planets, planets with desiccated mantles but substantial surface water, and planets with significant water sequestered in the mantle. A longer-lived surface magma ocean helps M-Earths retain water: dissolution of water in the magma provides a barrier against significant loss to space during the earliest, most active stage of the host M-dwarf, depending on the water saturation limit of the magma. Although a short-lived basal magma ocean can be beneficial to surface habitability, a long-lived basal magma ocean may sequester significant water in the mantle at the detriment of surface habitability. We find that magma oceans and deep-water cycling can maintain or recover habitable surface conditions on Earth-like planets at the inner edge of the habitable zone around late M-dwarf stars – these planets would otherwise be desiccated if they form with less than ∼10 terrestrial oceans of water.
A multiwavelength study of Swift J0503.7-2819: a chimeric magnetic CV
Authors: Pradeep Kala G , Singh Kulinder Pal , Dewangan G C , Aydi Elias , Barrett P E , Buckley D A H , Girish V , Page K L , Potter S B , Schlegel E M
Published: October 2023

We present multiwavelength temporal and spectral characteristics of a magnetic cataclysmic variable (MCV) Swift J0503.7-2819, using far ultraviolet and X-ray data from AstroSat, supplemented with optical data from the Southern African Large Telescope and X-ray data from the XMM-Newton and Swift observatories. The X-ray modulations at 4897.6657 s and 3932.0355 s are interpreted as the orbital (PΩ) and spin (Pω) period, respectively, and are consistent with prior reports. With a spin-orbit period ratio of 0.8 and PΩ falling below the period gap (2–3 h) of CVs, Swift J0503.7-2819 would be the newest addition to the growing population of nearly synchronous MCVs, which we call EX Hya-like systems. Hard X-ray luminosity of <2.5 × 1032 erg s−1, as measured with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope, identifies it to be a low-luminosity intermediate polar, similar to other EX Hya-like systems. The phenomenology of the light curves and the spectral characteristics rule out a purely disc-fed/stream-fed model and instead reveal the presence of complex accretion structures around the white dwarf. We propose a ring-like accretion flow, akin to EX Hya, using period ratio, stability arguments, and observational features. An attempt is made to differentiate between the asynchronous polar/nearly synchronous intermediate polar nature of Swift J0503.7-2819. Further, we note that with the advent of sensitive surveys, a growing population of MCVs that exhibit characteristics of both polars and intermediate polars is beginning to be identified, likely forming a genealogical link between the two conventional classes of MCVs.
Collisional excitation of PO+ by para-H2: potential energy surface, scattering calculations, and astrophysical applications
Authors: Tonolo F , Bizzocchi L , Rivilla V M , Lique F , Melosso M , Puzzarini C
Published: October 2023

We report the derivation of rate coefficients for the rotational (de-)excitation of PO+ induced by collisions with H2. The calculations were performed on a 4D potential energy surface, obtained on top of highly accurate ab initio energy points. Preliminary tests pointed out the low influence of the coupling between j = 0 and the higher rotational levels of H2 on the cross-sections values, thus allowing to neglect the rotational structure of H2. On this basis, state-to-state collisional rate coefficients were derived for temperatures ranging from 5 to 200 K. Radiative transfer calculations have been used to model the recent observation of PO+ in the G+0.693–0.027 molecular cloud, in order to evaluate the possible impact of non-LTE models on the determination of its physical conditions. The derived column density was found to be approximately ∼ 3.7 × 1011 cm−2, which is 60% (a factor of ∼ 1.7) smaller than the previously LTE-derived value. Extensive simulations show that PO+ low-j rotational lines exhibit maser behaviour at densities between 104 and 106 cm−3, thus highlighting the importance of a proper treatment of the molecular collisions to accurately model PO+ emissions in the interstellar medium.
An improved dynamical Poisson equation solver for self-gravity
Authors: Maeda Ryunosuke , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro
Published: October 2023

Since self-gravity is crucial in the structure formation of the Universe, many hydrodynamics simulations with the effect of self-gravity have been conducted. The multigrid method is widely used as a solver for the Poisson equation of the self-gravity; however, the parallelization efficiency of the multigrid method becomes worse when we use a massively parallel computer, and it becomes inefficient with more than 104 cores, even for highly tuned codes. To perform large-scale parallel simulations (>104 cores), developing a new gravity solver with good parallelization efficiency is beneficial. In this article, we develop a new self-gravity solver using the telegraph equation with a damping coefficient, κ. Parallelization is much easier than the case of the elliptic Poisson equation since the telegraph equation is a hyperbolic partial differential equation. We analyse convergence tests of our telegraph equations solver and determine that the best non-dimensional damping coefficient of the telegraph equations is $\tilde{\kappa } \simeq 2.5$. We also show that our method can maintain high parallelization efficiency even for massively parallel computations due to the hyperbolic nature of the telegraphic equation by weak-scaling tests. If the time-step of the calculation is determined by heating/cooling or chemical reactions, rather than the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition, our method may provide the method for calculating self-gravity faster than other previously known methods such as the fast Fourier transform and multigrid iteration solvers because gravitational phase velocity determined by the CFL condition using these time-scales is much larger than the fluid velocity plus sound speed.
Posterior sampling of the initial conditions of the universe from non-linear large scale structures using score-based generative models
Authors: Legin Ronan , Ho Matthew , Lemos Pablo , Perreault-Levasseur Laurence , Ho Shirley , Hezaveh Yashar , Wandelt Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Reconstructing the initial conditions of the universe is a key problem in cosmology. Methods based on simulating the forward evolution of the universe have provided a way to infer initial conditions consistent with present-day observations. However, due to the high complexity of the inference problem, these methods either fail to sample a distribution of possible initial density fields or require significant approximations in the simulation model to be tractable, potentially leading to biased results. In this work, we propose the use of score-based generative models to sample realizations of the early universe given present-day observations. We infer the initial density field of full high-resolution dark matter N-body simulations from the present-day density field and verify the quality of produced samples compared to the ground truth based on summary statistics. The proposed method is capable of providing plausible realizations of the early universe density field from the initial conditions posterior distribution marginalized over cosmological parameters and can sample orders of magnitude faster than current state-of-the-art methods.
Use, access, and initial outcomes of off-label ivosidenib in patients with IDH1 mutant glioma
Authors: Peters Katherine B , Alford Candice , Heltemes Amy , Savelli Alicia , Landi Daniel B , Broadwater Gloria , Desjardins Annick , Johnson Margaret O , Low Justin T , Khasraw Mustafa , Ashley David M , Friedman Henry S , Patel Mallika P
Published: October 2023

Background

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is commonly mutated (mIDH) in gliomas, and this mutant enzyme produces the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). 2HG promotes gliomagenesis and is implicated in epileptogenesis. Ivosidenib (IVO), a small molecule oral mIDH1 inhibitor, is FDA-approved for mIDH1 newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Moreover, IVO has efficacy in clinical trials for recurrent mIDH1 gliomas. Given the lack of targeted treatments for gliomas, we initiated off-label IVO for mIDH glioma patients in October 2020.

Methods

Retrospectively, we sought to assess early outcomes in our patients and describe their experience on IVO from October 2020 through February 2022. Our objective was to report on the following variables of off-label use of IVO: radiographic response, seizure control, tolerability, and access to the medication. All patients initially received single-agent IVO dosed at 500 mg orally once daily.

Results

The cohort age range was 21–74 years. Tumor types included astrocytoma (n = 14) and oligodendroglioma (n = 16), with most being grade 2 (n = 21). The best radiographic response in nonenhancing disease (n = 22) was 12 stable diseases, 5 minor responses, 3 partial responses, and 2 progressive diseases. Seizure frequency was stable to improved for most patients (70%, n = 21). IVO was well-tolerated, with the most common toxicities being diarrhea, elevated creatine kinase, and QTc interval prolongation. Most patients (66.7%, n = 20) received drugs via the patient assistance program, with insurance initially covering a third of patients and with ongoing use, later covering 60%.

Conclusions

Targeted therapies like IVO are options for mIDH glioma patients and can provide positive oncologic and neurological outcomes.
A narrative review of clinic–community food provision interventions aimed at improving diabetes outcomes among food-insecure adults: examining the role of nutrition education
Authors: Schier Heather E , Chetty Krithika S , Garrity Katharine , Westrick Miranda , Copeland Kristen A , Miller Abigail , Gunther Carolyn
Published: October 2023

Background

Food provision interventions (eg, produce/food prescriptions, food pharmacies, food voucher programs) that bridge clinic and community settings for improved nutritional health outcomes of at-risk patients have gained momentum. Little is known about the role of nutrition education and potential augmented impact on patient outcomes.

Objective

To describe intervention designs and outcomes of direct food provision clinic–community programs aimed at improving diabetes-related outcomes (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] levels) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or prediabetes and food insecurity, and to compare nutrition education components across interventions.

Methods

The PubMed and Academic Search Complete databases were systematically searched for original peer-reviewed articles (published during 2011–2022) that described the impact of clinic–community food provision programs (ie, produce/food prescriptions, food pharmacies, and food voucher programs) onHbA1c values among adults diagnosed with T2DM or prediabetes and who screened positive for food insecurity or low income. Study designs, intervention approaches, program implementation, and intervention outcomes were described.

Results

Ten studies representing 8 distinct programs were identified. There was a high degree of variation in the studies’ design, implementation, and evaluation. Across the 8 programs, 6 included nutrition education; of these, 1 used a theoretical framework, and 3 incorporated goal setting. Nutrition education covered multiple topical contents, including general nutrition knowledge, fruit and vegetable consumption, and accessing resources (eg, enrolling in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Furthermore, the education was delivered through various formats (from 1-on-1 to group-based sessions), educators (community health workers, registered dietitians, physicians), and durations (from a single session to biweekly). All programs with a nutrition education component reported reduced participant HbA1c, and 4 demonstrated an increase in fruit and vegetable purchases or improved dietary quality. The remaining 2 programs that did not include nutrition education yielded mixed results.

Conclusion

The majority of programs included a nutrition education component; however, there was a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of content, educator, and duration. Patients who participated in programs that included nutrition education had consistent reductions in HbA1c. These observational trends warrant further exploration to conclusively determine the impact of nutrition education on patient outcomes participating in clinic–community food provision programs.
RNA/DNA ratios as estimate of metabolic and functional traits in diatom species from the northwestern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Casabianca Silvia , Capellacci Samuela , Ricci Fabio , Ravera Giorgia , Signa Geraldina , Scardi Michele , Penna Antonella
Published: October 2023

Different phytoplankton biomass estimations can provide information about abundance variation, but they are not able to describe the metabolic activity of species or groups within assemblages. Conversely, molecular traits are key for the metabolic dynamics in pelagic ecosystems. To investigate if the RNA/DNA and taxon-specific 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)/ribosomal DNA (rDNA) ratios could be used to assess and be indicators of metabolic activity in marine phytoplankton species, two Adriatic diatom species, Chaetoceros socialis and Skeletonema marinoi, were studied. Significant correlations between abundance, chlorophyll a, carbon content and proteins were found in individual and co-cultured growth experiments (from rs = 0.570 to rs = 0.986, P < 0.001). The biomass trend followed a logistic curve without providing additional information regarding diatom metabolic activity. In both experiments, the RNA/DNA and taxon-specific 18S rRNA/rDNA ratios of C. socialis and S. marinoi showed maximum values at the beginning of the growth phase, i.e as 23.2 ± 1.5 and 15.3 ± 0.8, and 16.2 ± 1.6 and 30.1 ± 5.4 after 2 and 6 days, respectively, in individual cultures, with a subsequent significant decrease in these values for both species in individual and co-culture experiments. Our results showed that these molecular rRNA/rDNA ratios expressed an activation of metabolism before the abundance increases, even in the presence of interspecific interaction between C. socialis and S. marinoi.
Abundance and biomass of copepods and cladocerans in Atlantic and Arctic domains of the Barents Sea ecosystem
Authors: Skjoldal Hein Rune , Aarflot Johanna Myrseth
Published: October 2023

Zooplankton in the Barents Sea have been monitored annually with a standard procedure with determination of size-fractioned biomass since the mid-1980s. Biomass of copepods and cladocerans was estimated based on measured abundance and individual weights taken from literature. Calanus species were dominant, making up ~85% of the estimated biomass of copepods. The second most important taxon was Oithona spp. (~0.5 g dry weight (dw) m−2, ~10%), followed by Metridia spp. (~0.15 g dw m−2, 2–3%) and Pseudocalanus spp. (0.10–0.15 g dw m−2, 1–5%). Estimated biomass of cladoceran taxa (Evadne and Podon) was low (0.01 g dw m−2). Calanus spp. contributed most of the biomass of the medium size fraction (1–2 mm), whereas small copepod species (Oithona, Pseudocalanus and others) contributed to the small size fraction (<1 mm). Estimated biomass of Calanus spp. and of the sum of small copepod species were both positively correlated with measured total zooplankton biomass (R2 = 0.72 and 0.34, respectively). The biomass ratio of small copepod species to Calanus was similar in Atlantic and Arctic water masses (~0.15–0.2) but tended to increase with decreasing total biomass. This suggests a shift to relatively larger roles of small copepods as Calanus and total biomass decrease.
Potential therapeutic benefit of spinal cord stimulation in restless legs syndrome: scoping review and mechanistic considerations
Authors: Pagani-Estévez Gabriel L , Holland Marshall T , Tippmann-Peikert Maja , Benarroch Eduardo E , Silber Michael H , Carvalho Diego Z
Published: October 2023

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor disorder that can dramatically impair sleep quality, daytime function, and quality of life. Although many patients benefit from standard pharmacological therapy, some patients suffer from insufficient treatment response or medication intolerance. Novel treatment approaches are therefore necessary.

Objective

Given the overlap between RLS and pain syndromes in both pathophysiological mechanisms and certain treatment options, we aimed to perform a scoping review of the available evidence on spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for RLS and discuss potential mechanistic implications.

Methods

We identified a total of 16 cases of patients with RLS who underwent SCS, all from case reports or case series.

Discussion

The published evidence is insufficient to assess SCS efficacy in patients with RLS, but SCS remains a promising investigational therapy in RLS on the basis of its potential mitigatory effects in the central hyperexcitability of the sensorimotor cortex through neuromodulation of spinal, subcortical, and cortical areas. A call for further research in this field is presented, with suggestions for future directions and trial designs.
High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (10 kHz) alters sensory function and nerve fiber density in painful diabetic neuropathy: a pilot prospective open-label study
Authors: Chen Jeffrey , Frizzi Katie , Zardouz Shawn , Province-Azalde Rose , Furnish Tim , Wallace Mark , Castellanos Joel , Tayarani Alireza , Halter Kenneth , Lam Katie , Banducci Sarah , Chieu Alex , Calcutt Nigel
Published: October 2023

Objective

Spinal cord stimulation at 10 kHz has provided effective pain relief and improved function in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This study aims to confirm the clinical outcomes for 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and explore its impact on objective quantitative measures of nerve pathology and function.

Methods

This single–academic center, prospective, open-label, observational study examined the pain relief success of 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation in patients >18 years of age with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Patients underwent skin biopsies to measure intra-epidermal nerve fiber densities and corneal confocal microscopy measurements before implantation and at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. Numerical rating scale for pain, visual analog scale, neuropathy pain scale, Short Form-36, and Neuropen (pin prick and monofilament) assessments were also conducted.

Results

Eight patients met the criteria and were enrolled in the study. A successful trial was achieved in 7 subjects, and 6 completed the study. Significant pain relief (P < .001) was achieved at all follow-up visits. Neurological assessments showed reduced numbers of “absent” responses and increased “normal” responses from baseline to 12 months. Both proximal and distal intra-epidermal nerve fiber densities were higher at 12 months than at baseline (P < .01). Confocal microscopy measurements showed a steady increase in nerve density from baseline (188.8% increase at 12 months; P = .029).

Conclusions

We observed pain relief and improvements in sensory function after stimulation that were accompanied by increases in lower-limb intra-epidermal nerve fiber density and corneal nerve density. Further evaluation with a blinded and controlled study is needed to confirm the preliminary findings in this study.
The multiple faces of police identity in Wales: A case study in public order policing
Authors: Harrison Michael
Published: October 2023

This article explores how policing identities shape and inform understanding and practice within public order (PO) policing. Of particular focus is how police use and apply their national identity as a means of explaining their PO policing approach. The study was based in South Wales, UK and findings are drawn from a qualitative multi-methodological approach with the regional police force. I identified that officers drew upon a stereotypical version of Welsh identity to explain their approach to PO policing that was largely characterised as friendly and interactive. Officers claimed that it was their reflexive instinct to engage in this way because this was simply a manifestation of their Welsh identity and character. While this was an important characteristic and source of pride for officers, I argue that this identity appeared to mask, or in some cases enable, PO policing that had a more traditional focus of law and order.