bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a plastic scintillating optical fibers array dosimeter for radiobiology
Authors: Guerreiro D.R. , Saraiva J.G. , Borges M.J. , Sampaio J.M. , Peralta L.
Published: May 2024

In this work a detector prototype built as an array of
Scintillating Plastic Optical fibers (SPOFs) is presented. The
primary aim of this detector is to improve spatial resolution,
provide real-time dose mapping and a tissue equivalent detector in
radiobiology experiments. Details on the design and construction are
provided along with the initial tests carried out using low-energy
X-ray and electrons from a 90Sr source. Regarding the design
and construction of the detector, the mechanical design of the
irradiation box is presented and the Quality Assurance (QA) the
optical fiber arrays were subjected to is discussed. The QA
measurements show that the alignment of the optical fibers is within
acceptable tolerances for dose readout. After the detector assembly,
correction factors for each fiber were extracted from tests using a
collimated X-ray beam. Special care was taken to ensure that each
fiber is submitted to the same dose. Broad field tests show that the
measurements are reproducible to within 3 %. Potential innovative
features of this system for radiobiological experiments are
discussed as well as the future follow-up of the prototype.
Multi-Blade detector with VMM3a-ASIC-based readout: installation and commissioning at the reflectometer Amor at PSI
Authors: Piscitelli F. , Ghazi Moradi F. , Alves F.S. , Christensen M.J. , Hrivnak J. , Johansson A. , Fissum K. , Lai C.C. , Monera Martinez A. , Pfeiffer D. , Shahu E. , Stahn J. , Svensson P.O.
Published: May 2024

The Multi-Blade (MB) Boron-10-based neutron detector is the chosen technology for three instruments at the European Spallation Source (ESS): the two ESS reflectometers, ESTIA and FREIA, and the Test Beam Line. A fourth MB detector has been built, installed and commissioned for the user operation of the reflectometer Amor at PSI (Switzerland).
Amor can be considered a downscaled version of the ESS reflectometer ESTIA. They are based on the same Selene guide concept, optimized for performing focusing reflectometry on small samples. The experience gained at Amor is invaluable for the future deployment of the MB detector at the ESS. This manuscript describes the MB detector construction and installation at Amor along with the readout electronics chain based on the VMM3a ASIC. The readout chain deployed at Amor is equivalent of that of the ESS, including the readout master module (RMM), event-formation-units (EFUs), Kafka, FileWriter and live visualisation tools.
A new track finding algorithm based on a multi-dimensional extension of the Hough Transform
Authors: Ristori Luciano
Published: May 2024

We introduce a new pattern recognition algorithm for track finding in High Energy Physics
Experiments based on an extension of the Hough Transform to multiple dimensions. A remarkable
property of this algorithm is that the execution time is simply proportional to the total number
of the hits to be processed, making it particularly attractive for high occupancy situations. The
algorithm needs to be trained using a sufficiently large set of simulated tracks. The same
track finding algorithm can be used for very different detector geometries and only the set of
simulated tracks used for training needs to be changed. The particular structure of the algorithm
also lends itself naturally to parallel hardware implementations which, combined with its
intrinsic flexibility, should provide a most powerful tool for triggering at future colliders.
Nested structure role in the mechanical response of spicule inspired fibers
Authors: Xiao Y , Fani N , Tavangarian F , Peco C
Published: May 2024

Euplectella aspergillum marine sponge spicules are renowned for their remarkable strength and toughness. These spicules exhibit a unique concentric layering structure, which contributes to their exceptional mechanical resistance. In this study, finite element method simulations were used to comprehensively investigate the effect of nested cylindrical structures on the mechanical properties of spicules. This investigation leveraged scanning electron microscopy images to guide the computational modeling of the microstructure and the results were validated by three-point bending tests of 3D-printed spicule-inspired structures. The numerical analyses showed that the nested structure of spicules induces stress and strain jumps on the layer interfaces, reducing the load on critical zones of the fiber and increasing its toughness. It was found that this effect shows a tapering enhancement as the number of layers increases, which combines with a threshold related to the 3D-printing manufacturability to suggest a compromise for optimal performance. A comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties of these fibers can assist in developing a new generation of bioinspired structures with practical real-world applications.
Stall characteristics of wavy leading-edge airfoil in subsonic and transonic airflows
Authors: Zhao Yongsheng , Zhang Jiang , Dong Jingang , Wu Junfei , Zhou Jian
Published: May 2024

Based on the bioinspired wavy leading-edge, the stall characteristics of the NACA0012 airfoil are optimized. In this paper, the semicircle plus line segment is used to obtain the wavy leading edge. The aerodynamic forces of the airfoil are measured by a high-precision balance, and the detailed flow features of the airfoil are obtained by the oil flow tests. Then, combined with numerical simulation, the optimization mechanism is obtained. The operating conditions are as follows: Mach number ranging from 0.4 to 0.8, and angle of attack ranging from −4° to 25°. The results show that in high speed airflows, compared with the basic airfoil, the lift coefficient of the wavy leading-edge airfoil does not decrease sharply with the increase of the angle of attack, and the drag coefficient of the wavy leading-edge airfoil is similar to the basic airfoil; among the three types of airfoils studied, the larger wavy leading-edge feature size has better aerodynamic characteristics; combined with the numerical simulation results, it can be seen that the stall mechanism of airfoils varies at different Mach numbers. The wavy leading-edge generate streamwise vortex. The streamwise vortices increase energy transport in the boundary layer. Therefore, the separation zone moves toward the trailing edge of the airfoil, and the stall characteristics of the airfoil are optimized.
Surface dose measurement and comparison between TLD and OSLD during modified re constructive mastectomy irradiation
Authors: K E Ratheesh , Krishnan Mayakannan
Published: May 2024

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the major treatment modalities among surgery and chemotherapy for carcinoma breast. The surface dose study of modified reconstructive constructive Mastectomy (MRM) breast is important due to the heterogeneity in the body contour and the conventional treatment angle to save the lungs and heart from the radiation. These angular entries of radiation beam cause an unpredictable dose deposition on the body surface, which has to be monitored. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) or optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (nano OSLD) are commonly preferable dosimeters for this purpose. The surface dose response of TLD and nano OSLD during MRM irradiation has been compared with the predicted dose from the treatment planning system (TPS). The study monitored 100 MRM patients by employing a total 500 dosimeters consisting of TLD (n = 250) and nano OSLD (n = 250), during irradiation from an Elekta Versa HD 6 MV Linear accelerator. The study observed a variance of 3.9% in the dose measurements for TLD and 3.2% for nano OSLD from the planned surface dose, with a median percentage dose of 44.02 for nano OSLD and 40.30 for TLD (p value 0.01). There was no discernible evidence of variation in dose measurements attributable to differences in field size or from patient to patient. Additionally, no variation was observed in dose measurements when comparing the placement of the dosimeter from central to off-centre positions. In comparison, a minor difference in dose measurements were noted between TLD and nano OSLD, The study’s outcomes support the applicability of both TLD and nano OSLD as effective dosimeters during MRM breast irradiation for surface dose evaluation.
Effect of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring on Adherence and Blood Pressure: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Halvorsen Lene V , Søraas Camilla L , Larstorp Anne Cecilie K , Hjørnholm Ulla , Kjær Vibeke N , Liestøl Knut , Aune Arleen , Olsen Eirik , Brobak Karl Marius , Bergland Ola U , Rognstad Stine , Aarskog Nikolai R , Heimark Sondre , Fadl Elmula Fadl Elmula M , Gerdts Eva , Mo Rune , Solbu Marit D , Opdal Mimi S , Kjeldsen Sverre E , Rostrup Morten , Høieggen Aud
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Drug concentration in blood or urine is an acknowledged method to detect nonadherence. Observational studies suggest that informing patients about low or absent serum drug levels improves blood pressure (BP). We performed a multicenter randomized clinical trial to test the hypothesis that therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could improve drug adherence and BP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HT).

METHODS

Patients were ≥18 years on stable treatment with at least 2 antihypertensive agents. We planned to randomize 80 nonadherent patients with a systolic daytime ambulatory BP ≥135 mm Hg to TDM intervention or not. The control group and the study personnel who measured BP remained uninformed about serum drug measurements throughout. All patients and physicians were blinded for BPs. Lifestyle advice and detailed information on the disease process and the importance of BP treatment were given to both groups.

RESULTS

From 2017 to 2022, we randomized 46 diagnosed nonadherent from a total of 606 patients with uncontrolled HT. The TDM group had a 6.7 (±14.5) mm Hg reduction from 147.9 (±10.3) to 141.1 (±14.1) mm Hg, and the control group experienced a 7.3 (±13.2) mm Hg reduction from 147.1 (±9.2) to 139.1 (±17.4) mm Hg, P = 0.9 between groups. Adherence improved in both groups, 73% in the TDM group and 59% in the control group became adherent at 3 months, P = 0.51.

CONCLUSIONS

In our prospective multicenter clinical trial of uncontrolled and nonadherent hypertensive patients, we found no additional effect of TDM on BP and drug adherence compared with standard care.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

Trial Number NCT03209154, www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Interpretation of 10 years of Alzheimer’s disease genetic findings in the perspective of statistical heterogeneity
Authors: Gao Shan , Wang Tao , Han Zhifa , Hu Yang , Zhu Ping , Xue Yanli , Huang Chen , Chen Yan , Liu Guiyou
Published: May 2024

Common genetic variants and susceptibility loci associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been discovered through large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), GWAS by proxy (GWAX) and meta-analysis of GWAS and GWAX (GWAS+GWAX). However, due to the very low repeatability of AD susceptibility loci and the low heritability of AD, these AD genetic findings have been questioned. We summarize AD genetic findings from the past 10 years and provide a new interpretation of these findings in the context of statistical heterogeneity. We discovered that only 17% of AD risk loci demonstrated reproducibility with a genome-wide significance of P < 5.00E-08 across all AD GWAS and GWAS+GWAX datasets. We highlighted that the AD GWAS+GWAX with the largest sample size failed to identify the most significant signals, the maximum number of genome-wide significant genetic variants or maximum heritability. Additionally, we identified widespread statistical heterogeneity in AD GWAS+GWAX datasets, but not in AD GWAS datasets. We consider that statistical heterogeneity may have attenuated the statistical power in AD GWAS+GWAX and may contribute to explaining the low repeatability (17%) of genome-wide significant AD susceptibility loci and the decreased AD heritability (40–2%) as the sample size increased. Importantly, evidence supports the idea that a decrease in statistical heterogeneity facilitates the identification of genome-wide significant genetic loci and contributes to an increase in AD heritability. Collectively, current AD GWAX and GWAS+GWAX findings should be meticulously assessed and warrant additional investigation, and AD GWAS+GWAX should employ multiple meta-analysis methods, such as random-effects inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis, which is designed specifically for statistical heterogeneity.
Imaging the dynamics of murine uterine contractions in early pregnancy
Authors: Dawson Madeline , Flores Diana , Zou Lisa , Anandasenthil Shivani , Mahesh Rohit , Zavala-Romero Olmo , Arora Ripla
Published: May 2024

Uterine muscle contractility is essential for reproductive processes including sperm and embryo transport, and during the uterine cycle to remove menstrual effluent. Even still, uterine contractions have primarily been studied in the context of preterm labor. This is partly due to a lack of methods for studying the uterine muscle contractility in the intact organ. Here, we describe an imaging-based method to evaluate mouse uterine contractility of both the longitudinal and circular muscles in the cycling stages and in early pregnancy. By transforming the image-based data into three-dimensional spatiotemporal contractility maps, we calculate waveform characteristics of muscle contractions, including amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and velocity. We report that the native organ is highly contractile during the progesterone-dominant diestrus stage of the cycle when compared to the estrogen-dominant proestrus and estrus stages. We also observed that during the first phase of uterine embryo movement when clustered embryos move toward the middle of the uterine horn, contractions are dynamic and non-uniform between different segments of the uterine horn. In the second phase of embryo movement, contractions are more uniform and rhythmic throughout the uterine horn. Finally, in Lpar3−/− uteri, which display faster embryo movement, we observe global and regional increases in contractility. Our method provides a means to understand the wave characteristics of uterine smooth muscle in response to modulators and in genetic mutants. Better understanding uterine contractility in the early pregnancy stages is critical for the advancement of artificial reproductive technologies and a possibility of modulating embryo movement during clinical embryo transfers.
Living liminally: how Korean women cope with the rise of anti-Asian violence in the United States as racialized, gendered, and liminal beings
Authors: Kim Kristin April , Lee Jeehyun Jenny
Published: May 2024

This study delves into the unique identity navigation of Korean women in the US who do not align themselves with the broader Asian American label as they make sense of and respond to targeted violence against Asian women. In-depth interviews reveal the interplay of racialization and gendering that these women contend with, as well as the nuanced strategies they adopt to align or disalign themselves from ascribed identities in the wake of such violence. Findings highlight the inadequacies of U.S.-centric racial paradigms in capturing the intricacies of these liminal identities; by illuminating alternative ways of being within liminal spaces, this study offers insights into their transformative journeys and broader implications for race and gender discourse in America.
DIRMC: a database of immunotherapy-related molecular characteristics
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhou Yuhuan , Hu Xiumei , Le-Ge Wuri , Wang Haoyan , Jiang Tao , Li Junyi , Hu Yang , Wang Yadong
Published: May 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has brought about a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape for a variety of solid and hematologic malignancies. To assist researchers in efficiently uncovering valuable information related to cancer immunotherapy, we have presented a manually curated comprehensive database called DIRMC, which focuses on molecular features involved in cancer immunotherapy. All the content was collected manually from published literature, authoritative clinical trial data submitted by clinicians, some databases for drug target prediction such as DrugBank, and some experimentally confirmed high-throughput data sets for the characterization of immune-related molecular interactions in cancer, such as a curated database of T-cell receptor sequences with known antigen specificity (VDJdb), a pathology-associated TCR database (McPAS-TCR) et al. By constructing a fully connected functional network, ranging from cancer-related gene mutations to target genes to translated target proteins to protein regions or sites that may specifically affect protein function, we aim to comprehensively characterize molecular features related to cancer immunotherapy. We have developed the scoring criteria to assess the reliability of each MHC–peptide–T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction item to provide a reference for users. The database provides a user-friendly interface to browse and retrieve data by genes, target proteins, diseases and more. DIRMC also provides a download and submission page for researchers to access data of interest for further investigation or submit new interactions related to cancer immunotherapy targets. Furthermore, DIRMC provides a graphical interface to help users predict the binding affinity between their own peptide of interest and MHC or TCR. This database will provide researchers with a one-stop resource to understand cancer immunotherapy-related targets as well as data on MHC–peptide–TCR interactions. It aims to offer reliable molecular characteristics support for both the analysis of the current status of cancer immunotherapy and the development of new immunotherapy. DIRMC is available at http://www.dirmc.tech/.

Database URL: http://www.dirmc.tech/
Global, regional, and national burden of atrial fibrillation/flutter related to metabolic risks over three decades: estimates from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Jiang Xi , Ling Jianen , Xiong Qingsong , Chen Weijie , Zou Lili , Ling Zhiyu
Published: May 2024

Aims

Atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) remains a significant public health concern on a global scale, with metabolic risks playing an increasingly prominent role. This study aimed to investigate comprehensive epidemiological data and trends concerning the metabolic risks related-AF/AFL burden based on the data from the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019.

Methods and Results

The analysis of disease burden focused on numbers, age-standardized rates of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and estimated annual percentage change, while considering factors of age, sex, sociodemographic index (SDI), and locations. In 2019, there was a culmination of 137 179 deaths and 4 099 146 DALYs caused by metabolic risks related-AF/AFL worldwide, with an increase of 162.95% and 120.30%, respectively from 1990. High and high-middle SDI regions predominantly carried the burden of AF/AFL associated with metabolic risks, while a shift towards lower SDI regions had been occurring. Montenegro had the highest recorded death rate (7.6 per 100 000) and DALYs rate (146.3 per 100 000). An asymmetrically inverted V-shaped correlation was found between SDI and deaths/DALYs rates. Moreover, females and the elderly exhibited higher AF/AFL burdens, and young adults (over 40 years old) also experienced an annual increase.

Conclusion

The global AF/AFL burden related to metabolic risks has significantly increased over the past three decades, with considerable spatiotemporal, gender-based, and age-related heterogeneity. These findings shed valuable light on the trends in the burden of metabolic risks related-AF/AFL and offered insights into corresponding strategies.
Middle-Aged and Older Adult Employment and the Perceived Risk of Running Out of Money During COVID-19: A Dynamic Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Sharma Andy
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) adversely affected the health of middle-aged and older adults and altered their economic outlook. Several national polls revealed older adults felt stress about money and many reported difficulties in paying expenses during 2021. Although such descriptive reports have raised awareness, peer-reviewed studies utilizing panel data can offer additional insight. As such, the purpose of this study was to contribute to this growing literature by examining the demographic, economic, and health factors associated with employment and the perceived risk of running out of money for middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic.

Research Design and Methods

This study utilized the April–May 2020, April–May 2021, and March 2022 waves of the Understanding America Study. Next, a dynamic panel data model was formulated to account for reverse causality and unobserved heterogeneity with a sample of 2,302 adults between the ages of 50 and 74.

Results

Employment (−2.77, p < .05) was negatively associated with the perceived risk of running out of money. Male, higher education levels, currently married, and health insurance status also exhibited a negative association. Meanwhile, a positive association was found for non-White (6.79, p < .01).

Discussion and Implications

Financial well-being is an important consideration in later life and what role employment played during the COVID-19 pandemic is a worthwhile examination. A better understanding of which factors may be associated with the perceived risk of running out of money during the pandemic can be useful when devising policies which address financial security for middle-aged and older adults.
Characterization of the CsCENH3 protein and centromeric DNA profiles reveal the structures of centromeres in cucumber
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhou Fang , Li Yangang , Yu Xiaqing , Wang Yuhui , Zhao Qinzheng , Feng Xianbo , Chen Jinfeng , Lou Qunfeng
Published: May 2024

Centromeres in eukaryotes mediate the accurate segregation of chromosomes during cell division. They serve as essential functional units of chromosomes and play a core role in the process of genome evolution. Centromeres are composed of satellite repeats and highly repetitive centromeric retrotransposons (CRs), which vary greatly even among closely related species. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a globally cultivated and economically important vegetable and the only species in the Cucumis genus with seven pairs of chromosomes. Therefore, studying the centromeres of the Cucumis subgenus may yield valuable insights into its genome structure and evolution. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) techniques, we isolated centromeric DNA from cucumber reference line 9930. Our investigation into cucumber centromeres uncovered the centromeric satellite sequence, designated as CentCs, and the prevalence of Ty1/Copia long terminal repeat retrotransposons. In addition, active genes were identified in the CsCENH3 nucleosome regions with low transcription levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that characterization of centromeres has been achieved in cucumber. Meanwhile, our results on the distribution of CentCs and CsCRs in the subgenus Cucumis indicate that the content of centromeric repeats in the wild variants was significantly reduced compared with the cultivated cucumber. The results provide evidence for centromeric DNA amplification that occurred during the domestication process from wild to cultivated cucumber. Furthermore, these findings may offer new information for enhancing our understanding of phylogenetic relationships in the Cucumis genus.
Who Manages Menstrual Health? The Untapped Potential of the Right to Health to Support a Comprehensive Right to Menstrual Health beyond Menstrual Hygiene Management
Authors: Brassart Olsen Céline
Published: May 2024

For the 1.8 billion people who menstruate every month globally, menstruation is not always just synonymous with blood loss. As such, many also experience premenstrual conditions such as dysmenorrhea (period pain), limited access to health care and/or menstrual stigma. Yet, so far, laws have mostly focused on menstrual hygiene management (MHM), particularly menstrual products provision. Despite MHM’s success, scholars have criticized its narrow focus on products at the expense of a more comprehensive definition of menstrual health, which recognises the menstrual cycle, and includes menarche and menopause. Meanwhile, global institutions have been shifting their focus from menstrual hygiene to menstrual health, and have framed the latter as a health and human rights issue. However, so far, the Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights and the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health have mostly remained silent on the topic of menstrual health. The article argues that these mechanisms should conceptualize a right to menstrual health, which promotes menstruators’ rights to health literacy, agency, participation, culture and increased scrutiny of the menstrual products industry.
Physiology Evolves Convergently but Lags Behind Warming in Cities
Authors: Diamond Sarah E , Kolaske Logan R , Martin Ryan A
Published: May 2024

Synopsis

Cities, through the generation of urban heat islands, provide a venue for exploring contemporary convergent evolution to climatic warming. We quantified how repeatable the evolution of heat tolerance, cold tolerance, and body size was among diverse lineages in response to urban heat islands. Our study revealed significant shifts toward higher heat tolerance and diminished cold tolerance among urban populations. We further found that the magnitude of trait divergence was significantly and positively associated with the magnitude of the urban heat island, suggesting that temperature played a major role in the observed divergence in thermal tolerance. Despite these trends, the magnitude of trait responses lagged behind environmental warming. Heat tolerance responses exhibited a deficit of 0.84°C for every 1°C increase in warming, suggesting limits on adaptive evolution and consequent adaptational lags. Other moderators were predictive of greater divergence in heat tolerance, including lower baseline tolerance and greater divergence in body size. Although terrestrial species did not exhibit systematic shifts toward larger or smaller body size, aquatic species exhibited significant shifts toward smaller body size in urban habitats. Our study demonstrates how cities can be used to address long-standing questions in evolutionary biology regarding the repeatability of evolution. Importantly, this work also shows how cities can be used as forecasting tools by quantifying adaptational lags and by developing trait-based associations with responses to contemporary warming.
Follicular fluid meiosis-activating sterol prevents porcine ovarian granulosa cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis via inhibiting STAT4 expression
Authors: Liu Zhaojun , Li Chengyu , Chen Qianqian , Bai Chenyu , Wu Gang , Fu Chen , He Tong , Shen Ming , Feng Chungang , Liu Honglin
Published: May 2024

Follicular fluid meiosis-activating sterol (FF-MAS) is a small molecule compound found in FF, named for its ability to induce oocyte resumption of meiosis. Granulosa cells (GCs) within the follicle are typically located in a hypoxic environment under physiologic conditions due to limited vascular distribution. Previous research suggests that hypoxia-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in GCs may be crucial triggering factors in porcine follicular atresia. However, the impact of FF-MAS on GCs within follicles has not been explored so far. In this study, we uncovered a novel role of FF-MAS in facilitating GC survival under hypoxic conditions by inhibiting STAT4 expression. We found that STAT4 expression was upregulated in porcine GCs exposed to 1% O2. Both gain and loss of function assays confirmed that STAT4 was required for cell apoptosis under hypoxia conditions, and that the GC apoptosis caused by hypoxia was markedly attenuated following FF-MAS treatment through inhibition of STAT4 expression. Correlation analysis in vivo revealed that GC apoptosis was associated with increased STAT4 expression, while the FF-MAS content in follicular fluid was negatively correlated with STAT4 mRNA levels and cell apoptosis. These findings elucidate a novel role of FF-MAS-mediated protection of GCs by inhibiting STAT4 expression under hypoxia, which might contribute to the mechanistic understanding of follicular development.
Hemolymph metabolism of black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), response to different supplemental fungi
Authors: Kannan Mani , Vitenberg Tzach , Schweitzer Ron , Opatovsky Itai
Published: May 2024

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is commonly used for organic waste recycling and animal feed production. However, the often inadequate nutrients in organic waste necessitate nutritional enhancement of black soldier fly larvae, e.g., by fungal supplementation of its diet. We investigated the amino acid composition of two fungi, Candida tropicalis (Castell.) Berkhout (Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae) and Pichia kudriavzevii Boidin, Pignal & Besson (Saccharomycetales: Pichiaceae), from the black soldier fly gut, and commercial baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyen ex E.C. Hansen (Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae), and their effects on larval growth and hemolymph metabolites in fifth-instar black soldier fly larvae. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to study the effect of fungal metabolites on black soldier fly larval metabolism. Amino acid analysis revealed significant variation among the fungi. Fungal supplementation led to increased larval body mass and differential metabolite accumulation. The three fungal species caused distinct metabolic changes, with each over-accumulating and down-accumulating various metabolites. We identified significant alteration of histidine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in BSF larvae treated with C. tropicalis. Treatment with P. kudriavzevii affected histidine metabolism and citrate cycle metabolites, while both P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae treatments impacted tyrosine metabolism. Treatment with S. cerevisiae resulted in down-accumulation of metabolites related to glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. This study suggests that adding fungi to the larval diet significantly affects black soldier fly larval metabolomics. Further research is needed to understand how individual amino acids and their metabolites contributed by fungi affect black soldier fly larval physiology, growth, and development, to elucidate the interaction between fungal nutrients and black soldier fly physiology.
The first record of an established population of Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) in New Jersey, USA
Authors: Musnoff Brandon L , Cuadera Mervin Keith Q , Birney Matthew R , Zipper Lara , Nicholson William , Ayres Bryan , Cervantes Kim , Woell Dana , Occi James L
Published: May 2024

Amblyomma maculatum Koch, the Gulf Coast tick, is expanding northward from its original range in the southeastern United States. In 2013, its most northern collection was in Delaware. Amblyomma maculatum has since been found in Connecticut, Illinois, and New York. It is the vector of the human pathogen Rickettsia parkeri, the causative agent of R. parkeri rickettsiosis. We report the first finding of an established population of A. maculatum in Salem County, NJ, with a R. parkeri infection prevalence rate of 23.8%. Our finding of A. maculatum is consistent with other recent findings in the northeastern United States in that specimens were found in open areas devoid of tree canopy. This discovery demonstrates the importance of tick surveillance in order to identify expanding tick populations and the pathogens they may transmit.
Bridging perceived organizational support with learning motivation and work engagement: the mediating role of focus on opportunity
Authors: Mori Koji , Adi Nuri Purwito , Odagami Kiminori , Nagata Tomohisa
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Perceived organizational support (POS) represents the extent to which employees believe their organization values their contributions and well-being. Although higher POS is associated with increased work engagement and learning motivation, the intricacies of this relationship, especially the mediation by occupational future time perspective (OFTP), are not well understood.

Methods

We conducted an online survey of 2046 working individuals aged 20-69 to assess the relationships between POS and 2 outcome variables, learning goal orientation (LGO) and work engagement, with multiple regression analyses for all ages and in the younger age group (under 45). Then, the mediating effects of focus on opportunity (FOO)—a primary component of OFTP—on these relationships were examined.

Results

Of 2046 participants, 887 were younger than 45 years. Younger participants, predominantly more educated and inclined toward professional jobs, exhibited higher LGO but lower work engagement compared with their older counterparts. POS showed positive correlations with LGO, and FOO significantly mediated the relationship, especially in the young group. Furthermore, a positive relationship between POS and work engagement was noted, with FOO as a partial mediator.

Conclusions

POS correlates positively with both LGO and work engagement across various age demographics, with FOO critically mediating this relationship. To enhance employee engagement and learning motivation, organizations should emphasize bolstering both POS and FOO.
Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Military Health Personnel During High-Intensity Conflict: The Crucial Issue of Triage
Authors: Gignoux-Froment Frédérique , Martinez Thibault , Derely Jean , Turc Jean , Corcostegui Simon-Pierre , Derkenne Clément , Peigne Vincent , Trousselard Marion , Bazin Angèle , Lamblin Antoine
Published: May 2024

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered the biggest conflict in Europe since the Second World War. It has forced countries to prepare for engagement on a massive scale, namely, a high-intensity war between nation states. A potential massive influx of wounded personnel risks saturating logistical supply chains and requires changes to not only medical care but also a paradigm shift. In this context, the principle of distributive justice is key. The aim is to save as many lives as possible through triage, which consists in “doing the greatest good for the greatest number.” This idea is fundamental, as an emergency that has passed is no longer an emergency. However, international texts and treaties not only underline that the sole criterion for triage is clinical severity, but they also fail to take into account the patient’s status (civilian, friend, and foe). In a high-intensity warfare situation, these texts, and the medical-surgical triage criteria they provide are insufficient, as caregivers may be required to make decisions based on the status of the patient. The need to make such choices could cause psychological suffering among military caregivers, as individuals are recurrently faced with difficult ethical dilemmas. One way to prevent this happening is to provide predeployment training in wartime medical ethics. The latter would include both instruction in international humanitarian law and practical simulations of clinical situations where the person is faced with an ethical dilemma.
Dark Energy Survey Year 6 results: Intra-cluster light from redshift 0.2 to 0.5
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Golden-Marx Jesse B , Ogando Ricardo L C , Yanny Brian , Rykoff Eli S , Allam Sahar , Aguena M , Bacon D , Bocquet S , Brooks D , Carnero Rosell A , Carretero J , Cheng T -Y , Conselice C , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , Pereira M E S , Davis T M , Desai S , Diehl H T , Doel P , Ferrero I , Flaugher B , Frieman J , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , James D J , Jeltema T , Kuehn K , Kuropatkin N , Lahav O , Lee S , Lima M , Mena-Fernández J , Miquel R , Palmese A , Pieres A , Plazas Malagón A A , Romer A K , Sanchez E , Smith M , Suchyta E , Tarle G , To C , Tucker D L , Weaverdyck N ,   DES Collaboration
Published: May 2024

Using the full 6 years of imaging data from the Dark Energy Survey, we study the surface brightness profiles of galaxy cluster central galaxies and intra-cluster light. We apply a ‘stacking’ method to over 4000 galaxy clusters identified by the redMaPPer cluster finder in the redshift range of 0.2−0.5. This yields high-signal-to-noise circularly averaged profile measurements of the central galaxy and intra-cluster light out to 1 Mpc from the cluster centre. Using redMaPPer richness as a cluster mass indicator, we find that the brightness of the intra-cluster light has a strong mass dependence throughout the 0.2−0.5 redshift range, and this dependence grows stronger at a larger radius. In terms of redshift evolution, we find some evidence that the central galaxy, as well as the diffuse light within the transition region between the cluster central galaxy and intra-cluster light within 80 kpc from the centre, may be growing over time. At larger radii, more than 80 kpc away from the cluster centre, we do not detect evidence of additional redshift evolution beyond the cluster mass dependence, consistent with the findings from the IllustrisTNG hydrodynamic simulation. We speculate that the major driver of intra-cluster light growth, especially at large radii, is associated with cluster mass growth. Finally, we find that the colour of the cluster central galaxy and intra-cluster light displays a radial gradient that becomes bluer at a larger radius, which is consistent with a stellar stripping and disruption origin of intra-cluster light as suggested by simulation studies.
Emission line predictions for mock galaxy catalogues: a new differentiable and empirical mapping from DESI
Authors: Khederlarian Ashod , Newman Jeffrey A , Andrews Brett H , Dey Biprateep , Moustakas John , Hearin Andrew , Juneau Stéphanie , Tortorelli Luca , Gruen Daniel , Hahn ChangHoon , Canning Rebecca E A , Aguilar Jessica Nicole , Ahlen Steven , Brooks David , Claybaugh Todd , de la Macorra Axel , Doel Peter , Fanning Kevin , Ferraro Simone , Forero-Romero Jaime , Gaztañaga Enrique , Gontcho Satya Gontcho A , Kehoe Robert , Kisner Theodore , Kremin Anthony , Lambert Andrew , Landriau Martin , Manera Marc , Meisner Aaron , Miquel Ramon , Mueller Eva-Maria , Muñoz-Gutiérrez Andrea , Myers Adam , Nie Jundan , Poppett Claire , Prada Francisco , Rezaie Mehdi , Rossi Graziano , Sanchez Eusebio , Schubnell Michael , Silber Joseph Harry , Sprayberry David , Tarlé Gregory , Weaver Benjamin Alan , Zhou Zhimin , Zou Hu
Published: May 2024

We present a simple, differentiable method for predicting emission line strengths from rest-frame optical continua using an empirically determined mapping. Extensive work has been done to develop mock galaxy catalogues that include robust predictions for galaxy photometry, but reliably predicting the strengths of emission lines has remained challenging. Our new mapping is a simple neural network implemented using the JAX Python automatic differentiation library. It is trained on Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Early Release data to predict the equivalent widths (EWs) of the eight brightest optical emission lines (including H α, H β, [O ii], and [O iii]) from a galaxy’s rest-frame optical continuum. The predicted EW distributions are consistent with the observed ones when noise is accounted for, and we find Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ρs > 0.87 between predictions and observations for most lines. Using a non-linear dimensionality reduction technique, we show that this is true for galaxies across the full range of observed spectral energy distributions. In addition, we find that adding measurement uncertainties to the predicted line strengths is essential for reproducing the distribution of observed line-ratios in the BPT diagram. Our trained network can easily be incorporated into a differentiable stellar population synthesis pipeline without hindering differentiability or scalability with GPUs. A synthetic catalogue generated with such a pipeline can be used to characterize and account for biases in the spectroscopic training sets used for training and calibration of photo-z’s, improving the modelling of systematic incompleteness for the Rubin Observatory LSST and other surveys.
The impact of ozone on Earth-like exoplanet climate dynamics: the case of Proxima Centauri b
Authors: De Luca P , Braam M , Komacek T D , Hochman A
Published: May 2024

The emergence of the JWST and the development of other advanced observatories (e.g. ELTs, LIFE, and HWO) marks a pivotal moment in the quest to characterize the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets. Motivated by these advancements, we conduct theoretical explorations of exoplanetary atmospheres, focusing on refining our understanding of planetary climate and habitability. Our study investigates the impact of ozone on the atmosphere of Proxima Centauri b in a synchronous orbit, utilizing coupled climate chemistry model simulations and dynamical systems theory. The latter quantifies compound dynamical metrics in phase space through the inverse of co-persistence (θ) and co-dimension (d), of which low values correspond to stable atmospheric states. Initially, we scrutinized the influence of ozone on temperature and wind speed. Including interactive ozone [i.e. coupled atmospheric (photo)chemistry] reduces the hemispheric difference in temperature from 68 °K to 64 °K, increases (∼+7 °K) atmospheric temperature at an altitude range of ∼20–50 km, and increases variability in the compound dynamics of temperature and wind speed. Moreover, with interactive ozone, wind speed during highly temporally stable states is weaker than for unstable ones, and ozone transport to the nightside gyres during unstable states is enhanced compared to stable ones (∼+800 DU). We conclude that including interactive ozone significantly influences Earth-like exoplanets' chemistry and climate dynamics. This study establishes a novel pathway for comprehending the influence of photochemical species on the climate dynamics of potentially habitable Earth-like exoplanets. We envisage an extension of this framework to other exoplanets.
Potential surface ice distribution on close-in terrestrial exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: Ouyang Yueyun , Ding Feng
Published: May 2024

Previous studies suggested that surface ice could be distributed on close-in terrestrial exoplanets around M-dwarfs if heat redistribution on the planets is very inefficient. In general, orbital and atmospheric parameters play an important role in the climate on terrestrial planets, including the cold-trap region where the permanent surface water reservoir can potentially be distributed. Here, we develop a simple coupled land-atmosphere model to explore the potential surface ice distribution on close-in terrestrial planets with various orbital and atmospheric parameters, assuming that the planets are airless or have a thin N2 atmosphere. We find that the most significant factors in deciding the surface cold trap region are the spin-orbit ratio and obliquity. The incident stellar flux and the surface pressure play a limited role in the thin N2 simulations for incident flux smaller than Mercury’s and surface pressure lower than 104 Pa. Our result illustrates the possible distribution of surface ice on arid terrestrial planets and can help to understand the climate of these exoplanets.
CN stretches around 4.4 microns dominate the IR absorption spectra of cyano-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Esposito Vincent J , Fortenberry Ryan C , Boersma Christiaan , Maragkoudakis Alexandros , Allamandola Louis J
Published: May 2024

Anharmonic quantum chemical computations reveal a strong, narrow (width = 0.075 $\mu$m) band in the 4.3–4.5 $\mu$m region of the absorption spectra of the cyano-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (CN-PAHs) cyanonaphthalene, cyanoanthracene, cyanophenanthrene, and cyanopyrene. This narrow window with intense IR lines implies that CN-PAHs of various shapes and sizes offer little variation in both wavelength and intensity in this region. Subsequently, this band can be used as a tracer for CN-PAHs. The distinct features making up the band are assigned to mixed vibrational states consisting of the CN stretch fundamental and various combination bands, including in-plane CH bends, CC skeletal bends, and CC skeletal breathing motions. The extraordinarily large intrinsic intensity of the fundamental CN stretch is redistributed to nearby states via anharmonic coupling, which is readily captured when using second order vibrational perturbation theory with resonance polyad matrices. This redistribution of intensity leads to a complex spectrum. The intense bands in this wavelength region may contribute to the baseline continuum and undulating macroscopic structure seen in recent JWST NIRSpec observations.
The role of social effects in shaping beliefs about the economy
Authors: Knell Markus , Stix Helmut
Published: May 2024

We use survey data to demonstrate that individuals extrapolate from their social environment when forming estimates about aggregate economic outcomes (e.g. the aggregate homeownership rate). In a first approach, we follow the previous literature and construct hypothetical peer groups using information on the location, age, and education of respondents. We confirm that the average homeownership rates in these ‘constructed peer groups’ affect respondents’ subjective estimates of national homeownership rates. In a second approach, we extend the previous literature and utilize direct information provided by survey participants about the characteristics of their peer groups. We show that these ‘self-assessed peer groups’ are even better predictors for how survey respondents assess the aggregate measure. We show that the same mechanisms are at work for estimates of the national unemployment rate. We also demonstrate that individuals who are less knowledgeable about economic matters rely more on peer group information.
From ownership to custodianship of tumor biopsy tissue in genomic testing: a mixed methods study of patient views
Authors: Best Megan C , Butow Phyllis , Savard Jacqueline , Newson Ainsley J , Campbell Rachel , Vatter Sabina , Napier Christine E , Bartley Nicci , Tucker Katherine , Ballinger Mandy L , Thomas David M ,   the PiGeOn Project, Best Megan C , Butow Phyllis , Savard Jacqueline , Newson Ainsley J , Campbell Rachel , Vatter Sabina , Napier Christine E , Bartley Nicci , Tucker Katherine , Ballinger Mandy L , Thomas David M , Juraskova Ilona , Newson Ainsley , Schlub Timothy , Davies Grace , Meiser Bettina , Goldstein David
Published: May 2024

Tumor mutation profiling (MP) is often conducted on tissue from biopsies conducted for clinical purposes (diagnostic tissue). We aimed to explore the views of patients with cancer on who should own tumor biopsy tissue, pay for its storage, and decide on its future use; and determine their attitudes to and predictors of undergoing additional biopsies if required for research purposes. In this mixed methods, cross-sectional study, patients with advanced solid cancers enrolled in the Molecular Screening and Therapeutics Program (n = 397) completed a questionnaire prior to undergoing MP (n = 356/397). A subset (n = 23) also completed a qualitative interview. Fifty percent of participants believed they and/or relatives should own and control access to diagnostic tissue. Most (65.5%) believed the government should pay for tissue preparation. Qualitative themes included (1) custodianship of diagnostic tissue, (2) changing value of tissue across time and between cultures, (3) equity regarding payment, and (4) cost-benefit considerations in deciding on additional biopsies. Policy and regulation should consider patient perspectives. Extension of publicly funded health care to include tissue retrieval for clinical trials should be considered.