bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conserving a threatened North American walnut: a chromosome-scale reference genome for butternut (Juglans cinerea)
Authors: Guzman-Torres Cristopher R , Trybulec Emily , LeVasseur Hannah , Akella Harshita , Amee Maurice , Strickland Emily , Pauloski Nicole , Williams Martin , Romero-Severson Jeanne , Hoban Sean , Woeste Keith , Pike Carolyn C , Fetter Karl C , Webster Cynthia N , Neitzey Michelle L , O’Neill Rachel J , Wegrzyn Jill L
Published: September 2023

With the advent of affordable and more accurate third-generation sequencing technologies, and the associated bioinformatic tools, it is now possible to sequence, assemble, and annotate more species of conservation concern than ever before. Juglans cinerea, commonly known as butternut or white walnut, is a member of the walnut family, native to the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. The species is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to decline from an invasive fungus known as Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum (Oc-j) that causes butternut canker. Oc-j creates visible sores on the trunks of the tree which essentially starves and slowly kills the tree. Natural resistance to this pathogen is rare. Conserving butternut is of utmost priority due to its critical ecosystem role and cultural significance. As part of an integrated undergraduate and graduate student training program in biodiversity and conservation genomics, the first reference genome for Juglans cinerea is described here. This chromosome-scale 539 Mb assembly was generated from over 100 × coverage of Oxford Nanopore long reads and scaffolded with the Juglans mandshurica genome. Scaffolding with a closely related species oriented and ordered the sequences in a manner more representative of the structure of the genome without altering the sequence. Comparisons with sequenced Juglandaceae revealed high levels of synteny and further supported J. cinerea's recent phylogenetic placement. Comparative assessment of gene family evolution revealed a significant number of contracting families, including several associated with biotic stress response.
‘Avoid it without the appearance of running away’: Northern Ireland, Israel-Palestine and the use of other conflicts, 1970–86
Authors: Aveyard Stuart C
Published: September 2023

This article considers connections between the Northern Ireland and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, particularly claims that the Irish Republican Army and the Palestine Liberation Organization shared arms and expertise. It shows that British official investigations dismissed these allegations. The article argues that the two conflicts were linked by self-interested parties to support a politicized discourse of international terrorism, to assert perceived hierarchies of legitimacy and to advocate particular courses of action. It finds that the connection between Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles’ and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was more imagined than real, but no less meaningful for that being the case.
Hepatitis C Elimination in Moldova Is Feasible and Cost-Saving: A Modeling Study
Authors: Aaron Alec , Zhong Huaiyang , Hiebert Lindsey , Zhuo Yueran , Adee Madeline , Paraschiv Angela , Stratulat Silvia , Ward John W , Chhatwal Jagpreet
Published: September 2023

Background

Moldova, an upper-middle-income country in Eastern Europe, is facing a high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our objective was to assist the National Agency of Public Health of Moldova in planning to achieve the World Health Organization’s HCV elimination goals by 2030.

Methods

This study adapted a previously developed microsimulation model to simulate the HCV epidemic in Moldova from 2004 to 2050. Model outcomes included temporal trends in HCV infection, prevalence, mortality, and total cost of care, including screening and treatment. We evaluated scenarios that could eliminate HCV by 2030.

Results

Multiple strategies could lead to HCV elimination in Moldova by 2030. A realistic scenario of a 20% annual screening and 80% treatment rate would require 2.75 million individuals to be screened and 65 000 treated by 2030. Compared to 2015, this program will reduce HCV incidence by 98% and HCV-related deaths by 72% in 2030. Between 2022 and 2030, this strategy would cost $17.5 million for HCV screening and treatment. However, by 2050, the health system would save >$85 million compared to no investment in elimination efforts.

Conclusions

HCV elimination in Moldova is feasible and can be cost saving, but requires resources to scale HCV screening and treatment.
An Assessment of National Strategic Action Plans for Viral Hepatitis Elimination, 2016–2021
Authors: Njuguna Henry N , Hiebert Lindsey , Harris Angelique , Morgan Rebecca L , Gupta Neil , Ward John W
Published: September 2023

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) setting goals for global hepatitis elimination. To inform new or revised viral hepatitis national strategic action plans (NSAPs) for 2022–2030, NSAPs developed during 2016–2021 were assessed for alignment with the WHO GHSS. Country NSAPs were assessed to determine if they included components in the 2016 GHSS. Of 55 country NSAPs, 19 (35%) did not include hepatitis B and C virus elimination goals, only 18 (33%) included targets for needles and syringes for persons who inject drugs, and 21 (38%) had a national budget or financing plan for hepatitis activities. Gaps identified indicate need for technical support in NSAP development.
Efficacy and safety of ceftazidime/avibactam in patients with infections caused by β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative pathogens: a pooled analysis from the Phase 3 clinical trial programme
Authors: Torres Antoni , Wible Michele , Tawadrous Margaret , Irani Paurus , Stone Gregory G , Quintana Alvaro , Debabov Dmitri , Burroughs Margaret , Bradford Patricia A , Kollef Marin
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This post hoc pooled analysis evaluated clinical and microbiological outcomes and safety in patients with infections caused by β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative pathogens across five Phase 3, randomized, controlled, multicentre trials of ceftazidime/avibactam in adults with complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI), complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI)/pyelonephritis and nosocomial pneumonia (NP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Methods

In each trial, RECLAIM/RECLAIM 3 (cIAI), REPRISE (cIAI/cUTI), RECAPTURE (cUTI) and REPROVE (NP, including VAP) patients were randomized 1:1 to IV ceftazidime/avibactam (plus metronidazole for patients with cIAI) or comparators (carbapenems in >97% patients) for 5–21 days. Clinical and microbiological responses at the test-of-cure visit were assessed for patients with ESBLs, and/or plasmidic and/or overexpression of chromosomal AmpC, and/or serine carbapenemases without MBLs identified in baseline Gram-negative isolates by phenotypic screening and molecular characterization in the pooled microbiological modified ITT (mMITT) population.

Results

In total, 813 patients (ceftazidime/avibactam, n = 389; comparator, n = 424) had ≥1 β-lactamase-producing baseline pathogen identified, amongst whom 792 patients (ceftazidime/avibactam, n = 379; comparator, n = 413) had no MBLs. The most frequent β-lactamase-producing pathogens across treatment groups were Escherichia coli (n = 381), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 261) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 53). Clinical cure rates in the pooled non-MBL β-lactamase-producing mMITT population were 88.1% (334/379) for ceftazidime/avibactam and 88.1% (364/413) for comparators; favourable microbiological response rates were 76.5% (290/379) and 68.8% (284/413), respectively. The safety profile of ceftazidime/avibactam was consistent with previous observations.

Conclusions

This analysis provides supportive evidence of the efficacy and safety of ceftazidime/avibactam in patients with infections caused by ESBLs, AmpC and serine carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative pathogens.

Trial registration

NCT01499290; NCT01726023; NCT01644643; NCT01595438/NCT01599806; NCT01808092.
Stability Study and Handling Recommendations for Multiresidue Pesticide Mixes under Diverse Storage Conditions for LC–MS/MS and GC–MS/MS
Authors: Wiest Landon A , Hepner Jana R , Fisher Jason E , Risha Karen M , Lidgett John H , Ballarotto Valerie N , Konschnik Joseph D
Published: September 2023

Background

In response to the growing global need for pesticide residue testing, laboratories must develop versatile analytical methods and workflows to produce scientifically sound results. One of the many challenges faced by food chemists is acquiring suitable pesticide certified reference materials (CRMs) to calibrate analytical equipment, monitor method performance, and confirm the identity and concentration of hundreds of pesticide residues in food samples. CRM producers invest considerable resources to ensure the stability of their products.

Objective

To present proper CRM handling and storage practices as guidance to ensure stability based on the results of several multiresidue pesticide stability studies.

Methods

The open ampoule and combined multiresidue mix studies were conducted under controlled conditions. New ampoules containing multiresidue pesticide CRM mixtures were opened and compared to previously opened ampoules at multiple intervals while stored under freezing and refrigerated temperatures. Both LC- and GC-amenable pesticides (>200 residues) were combined and stored under typical laboratory conditions. Studies were performed with and without celery matrix.

Results

The open ampoule study showed high levels of stability for all mixtures. All GC residues remained stable over the duration of the experiment. A week after opening LC multiresidue pesticide mixtures showed minor degradation. After combination of the multiresidue pesticide mixtures, degradation occurred rapidly for both the GC and LC mixtures.

Conclusion

Multiresidue pesticide mixtures are stable as ampullated until they are opened. Once the contents of a kit were opened and combined, decreasing stability was observed over time. This was true for both the LC and GC kits. Working mixtures of CRMs for instrument calibration should be made daily.

Highlights

This article shows a novel approach for measuring stability of CRM mixes. In-depth analysis of multiresidue pesticide mixtures and the stability that can be expected before and after mixing under typical storage conditions is described.
The selected genes NR6A1, RSAD2-CMPK2, and COL3A1 contribute to body size variation in Meishan pigs through different patterns
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Hou Liming , Zhao Qingbo , Zhou Wuduo , Liu Kaiyue , Liu Qian , Zhou Tengbin , Xu Binbin , Li Pinghua , Huang Ruihua
Published: September 2023

The high-fertility Meishan pig is currently categorized into medium sized (MMS) and small sized (SMS) based on body size. To identify causal genes responsible for the variation in body size within the two categories, we sequenced individuals representing the entire consanguinity of the existing Meishan pig. This enabled us to conduct genome selective signal analysis. Our findings revealed the genomes of MMS and SMS are stratified, with selective sweep regions formed by differential genomic intervals between the two categories enriched in multiple pig body size related quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Furthermore, the missense mutation c.575T > C of candidate causal gene NR6A1, accounting for the variation in lumbar vertebrae number in pigs, was positively selected in MMS only, leading to an increase in body length of MMS at 6 months of age. To precisely identify causal genes accounting for body size variation through multi-omics, we collected femoral cartilage and liver transcription data from MMS and SMS respectively, and re-sequencing data from pig breeds exhibiting varying body sizes. We found that two selected regions where the RSAD2-CMPK2 and COL3A1 genes are located, respectively, showed different haplotypes in pig breeds of varying body size, and was associated with body or carcass length in hybridized Suhuai pig. Additionally, the above three hub genes, were significantly greater expressed in SMS femoral cartilage and liver tissues compared to MMS. These three genes could strengthen the pathways related to bone resorption and metabolism in SMS, potentially hindering bone and skeletal development and resulting in a smaller body size in SMS. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanism of body size variation in Meishan pig population.
High-throughput quantification of emerging “nitazene” benzimidazole opioid analogs by microextraction and UHPLC–MS-MS
Authors: Schüller Maria , Lucic Ivana , Øiestad Åse Marit Leere , Pedersen-Bjergaard Stig , Øiestad Elisabeth Leere
Published: September 2023

Benzimidazole opioids, often referred to as nitazenes, represent a subgroup of new psychoactive substances with a recent increase in fatal overdoses in the USA and Europe. With a variety of analogs emerging on the illicit drug market, forensic laboratories are challenged to identify these potent drugs. We here present a simple quantitative approach for the determination of nine nitazene analogs, namely, clonitazene, etodesnitazene, etonitazene, etonitazepyne, flunitazene, isotonitazene, metodesnitazene, metonitazene and protonitazene in whole blood using liquid-phase microextraction and electromembrane extraction in a 96-well format and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Green and efficient sample preparation was accomplished by liquid-phase microextraction in a 96-well format and resulted in high extraction yields for all analytes (>81%). Here, blood diluted with buffer (1:1, %v) was extracted from a donor compartment across a thin organic liquid membrane and into an aqueous acceptor solution. The acceptor solution was collected and directly injected into the analysis platform. Chromatographic separation was accomplished with a biphenyl column, allowing for a baseline separation of the structural isomers isotonitazene and protonitazene before detection by multiple reaction monitoring. Validation was performed according to Scientific Working Group of Forensic Toxicology guidelines. The calibration range was from 0.5 to 50 nM (except for protonitazene and clonitazene from 0.1 nM) with good linearity and limits of detection down to 0.01 nM. An AGREEprep assessment was performed to evaluate sample preparation greenness, with a final score of 0.71. Nitazenes represent a current threat to public health, and analytical methods that cover a wide range of these analogs are limited. Here, the described method may assist in the detection of nitazenes in whole blood and prevent these substances from being missed in postmortem investigations.
A Larger ‘We’; Identity, Spirituality and Social Change in Pluralistic Societies
Authors: Sharp Dustin N
Published: September 2023

Over the last decade, in the United States in particular, there has been an increasingly acute awareness of historic and ongoing social, racial, gender, and other disparities, and the frequent deployment of categories (for example BIPOC, LGBTQQIA2SP+, Latinx) and concepts (for example ‘cultural appropriation’, ‘white privilege’, ‘intersectionality’) that centre thinking and conversations around various axes of difference. For some critics, the hyper-focus on questions of difference is dismissed as ‘wokeness’, and its seeming ascendency across elite spaces—academic, cultural, and corporate—is viewed with alarm, particularly insofar as its advocates are seen to champion a type of illiberalism. Others have raised concerns that hyper-identitarianism may diminish possibilities for worker and class solidarity, or that it represents only an attenuated form of social justice. This article adds to this conversation by asking whether the energetic foregrounding of difference typical of ‘wokeness’ does not also pose a spiritual conundrum. To explore this question, it outlines what is here called the ‘connective worldview’, which draws from deep ecology, spiritual practices, and mystical insights common to many religious traditions to understand humans and their identities as interdependent, ephemeral and, ultimately, subject to transcendence. The article contrasts this with the ‘particularistic worldview’, which tends to set both individual and group identities in sharp relief, emphasizing the need to honour and manage difference. It argues that an ‘integrated’ perspective—one that strikes a balance between both worldviews—will be key for activists looking to foment social change while forging a larger ‘we’ in diverse, pluralistic societies.
Eigenvalue Tests for the Number of Latent Factors in Short Panels
Authors: Fortin Alain-Philippe , Gagliardini Patrick , Scaillet Olivier
Published: September 2023

This article studies new tests for the number of latent factors in a large cross-sectional factor model with small time dimension. These tests are based on the eigenvalues of variance–covariance matrices of (possibly weighted) asset returns and rely on either an assumption of spherical errors, or instrumental variables for factor betas. We establish the asymptotic distributional results using expansion theorems based on perturbation theory for symmetric matrices. Our framework accommodates semi-strong factors in the systematic components. We propose a novel statistical test for weak factors against strong or semi-strong factors. We provide an empirical application to U.S. equity data. Evidence for a different number of latent factors according to market downturns and market upturns is statistically ambiguous in the considered subperiods. In particular, our results contradict the common wisdom of a single-factor model in bear markets.
Testing the efficiency of capture methods for questing Hyalomma lusitanicum (Acari: Ixodidae), a vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
Authors: Cuadrado-Matías Raúl , Casades-Martí Laia , Peralbo-Moreno Alfonso , Baz-Flores Sara , García-Manzanilla Edgar , Ruiz-Fons Francisco
Published: September 2023

Available methods to census exophilic tick populations have limitations in estimating true population size due to their inability to capture a high proportion of the actual tick population. We currently ignore the efficacy of these methods to capture questing Hyalomma spp. ticks, vectors of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. To address the need of accurately estimating questing densities of Hyalomma spp., we designed a field experiment to test the efficacy of blanket dragging, blanket flagging, CO2-baited traps, and an ad hoc designed method, absolute surface counts, in capturing adult Hyalomma lusitanicum ticks from known numbers of preset fluorescent-marked ticks. The experiment was designed in 2 stages to estimate the point (1-day sampling) and cumulative (3-day serial sampling) efficacy of the methods under varying sampling effort and habitat. Tick survival, host interference, and weather effects on efficacy were controlled for in multiple regression models. There was high variability in method efficacy for capturing ticks, which was also modulated by effort, habitat, tick density, hosts, and soil temperature. The most effective method was absolute surface counts for both point estimates (39%) and cumulative efficacy (83%). CO2-baited traps reached a maximum efficacy of 37%, while blanket dragging and blanket flagging captured a maximum of the 8% of the marked ticks. Our results reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the different tick capture methods applied to adult H. lusitanicum and lay the groundwork for more accurate inferences about the true size of exophilic tick populations.
Evaluation of ultra-low volume treatments on Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) abundance and relative age by parity dissection
Authors: DeLisi Nicholas , Arreola Marisol Mosqueda , O’Meara Shannon , Dimise Mollie , Caillouet Kevin
Published: September 2023

St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District relies on ultra-low volume (ULV) insecticides to manage adult Culex quinquefasciatus (Say 1823), the primary vector of West Nile virus in Louisiana, but abundance rarely declines post-treatment. Three field ULV applications each of adulticides containing deltamethrin, naled, or resmethrin were conducted from May through October 2022 to measure efficacy against free-flying Cx. quinquefasciatus. Female mosquitoes trapped before and after treatment were identified, counted, and age-graded by parity dissection. No insecticide applications reduced Cx. quinquefasciatus abundance, but trials with deltamethrin and naled significantly lowered average mosquito age in the area post-treatment. No trials with resmethrin reduced mosquito age, which corroborates laboratory susceptibility data indicating local resistance toward the pyrethroid. These trials establish parity dissections and relative age gradation as a means of measuring treatment success against Cx. quinquefasciatus.
Joint modelling of landslide counts and sizes using spatial marked point processes with sub-asymptotic mark distributions
Authors: Yadav Rishikesh , Huser Raphaël , Opitz Thomas , Lombardo Luigi
Published: September 2023

To accurately quantify landslide hazard in a region of Turkey, we develop new marked point-process models within a Bayesian hierarchical framework for the joint prediction of landslide counts and sizes. We leverage mark distributions justified by extreme-value theory, and specifically propose ‘sub-asymptotic’ distributions to flexibly model landslide sizes from low to high quantiles. The use of intrinsic conditional autoregressive priors, and a customised adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, allow for fast fully Bayesian inference. We show that sub-asymptotic mark distributions provide improved predictions of large landslide sizes, and use our model for risk assessment and hazard mapping.
Multivariate longitudinal analysis for the association between brain atrophy and cognitive impairment in prodromal Huntington’s disease subjects
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Tong Lili , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2023

Cognitive impairment has been widely accepted as a disease progression measure prior to the onset of Huntington’s disease. We propose a sophisticated measurement error correction method that can handle potentially correlated measurement errors in longitudinally collected exposures and multiple outcomes. The asymptotic theory for the proposed method is developed. A simulation study is conducted to demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the proposed two-stage fitting method and shows that the independent working correlation structure outperforms other alternatives. We conduct a comprehensive longitudinal analysis to assess how brain striatal atrophy affects impairment in various cognitive domains for Huntington’s disease.
The link between hydrotropism and phototropism in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Yadav Arpita
Published: September 2023

This article comments on:

Pang L, Kobayashi A, Atsumi Y, Miyazawa Y, Fujii N, Dietrich D, Bennett MJ, Takahashi H. 2023. MIZU-KUSSEI1 (MIZ1) and GNOM/MIZ2 control not only positive hydrotropism but also phototropism in Arabidopsis roots. Journal of Experimental Botany 74, 5026–5038.
Little Dorrit and the Structure of Belief
Authors: Werner Winter Jade
Published: September 2023

This article probes the famous metaphor from Little Dorrit when Amy Dorrit is called the ‘vanishing point’ in Arthur’s ‘poor story’. Considering in conjunction with theories of perspectival drawing, belief, and ‘representative thinking’, it suggests the metaphor of the vanishing point for Charles Dickens yields a broader ethical argument regarding how one might engage with the beliefs of others. Rather than simply endorsing or rejecting others’ beliefs based on their grounding in empirical reality, Dickens suggests there is distinct moral value in maintaining and cultivating other’s beliefs—even the most ungrounded beliefs—rather than reflexively exploding them.
Choosing the Best Camera System for Your Biological Light Microscopy Needs: Part II
Authors: Jerome W Gray (Jay)
Published: September 2023

Digital imaging has made scientific microscopy much faster and facilitated a range of imaging techniques not previously available. Advances in microscope digital image detection systems over the last decade have played an integral part in establishing digital imaging as the method of choice for most types of microscopy. Current systems represent advancements in hardware and software components adapted for both established techniques and for a variety of novel methods using light to extract microscopic detail from biological samples. These advanced systems provide an unprecedented ability to capture the most detail possible from a variety of sample types and image applications. With this complexity, however, comes the need to have a basic understanding of how individual camera systems operate so the best solution for an imaging need can be adopted. In this article, I will describe some key differences between camera options and how to evaluate whether a particular type of system is best suited to a specific research requirement. Although I have focused on the key attributes of systems for biological microscopy, the information is broadly applicable to other types of microscopic samples.
Incidence of Postpartum Depression Decreases After Initial Expansion of Military Maternity Leave
Authors: Herrick Minette S R , Chai Weiwen
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Postpartum depression impacts 1 in 8 women in the United States. Research has indicated maternity leave duration, and compensation can have an impact on postpartum depression symptoms. The U.S. military increased their maternity leave provision from 6  to 12 weeks in 2016. The aim of this study was to expand upon current literature on the role of maternity leave on postpartum depression by analyzing objective data from 2011 to 2019 utilizing military health records.

Methods

All deliveries to active duty women in the Military Health System from 2011 to 2019 were considered for analysis. A total of 60,746 women met inclusion criteria. Active duty women were stratified by year of delivery to identify if they had 6 weeks (2011–2015) or 12 weeks (2016–2019) of maternity leave. International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes were used for the identification of postpartum depression diagnosis. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between maternity leave provision and postpartum depression diagnosis adjusting for covariates.

Results

Overall, 4.8% of the women were diagnosed with postpartum depression. Active duty women who were allotted 12 weeks (2016–2019) of maternity leave had higher odds of postpartum depression diagnosis than those allotted 6 weeks (2011–2015) (12 weeks vs. 6 weeks of leave: odds ratio [OR] = 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–1.39, P < 0.0001). However, there was a 50% reduction in odds of postpartum depression during 2016–2017 (the 2 years following the 12-week leave implementation) in comparison to 2011–2015 (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.43–0.57, P < 0.0001). The trends were similar across military branches. Additionally, between 2011 and 2019, the lowest rates of postpartum depression were observed during 2016–2017, but the rates significantly increased starting 2018. Overall, women with lower military ranks had higher postpartum depression rates than those with higher ranks.

Conclusions

Our results indicate increasing paid maternity leave in the military from 6  to 12 weeks did initially lower the odds of postpartum depression diagnosis among active duty women from immediately after policy implementation (2016) and prior to the release of the Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guidelines on Pregnancy Management (2018). Later, increased odds of depression (2018–2019) are likely due to increased depression screening protocols at the Military Treatment Facilities in the perinatal period.
Telemedicine-Guided Two-Incision Lower Leg Fasciotomy Performed by Combat Medics During Tactical Combat Casualty Care: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Stark P W , Borger van der Burg B L S , van Waes O J F , van Dongen T T C F , Wouter 1 , Casper Marnalg , Hoencamp R
Published: September 2023

Introduction

During tactical combat casualty care, life- and limb-saving procedures might also be performed by combat medics. This study assesses whether it is feasible to use a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide telemedicine (TM) support from a consulted senior surgeon for combat medics when performing a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy.

Materials and Methods

Nine combat medics were randomized into groups to perform a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy. One group used the Vuzix M400 and the second group used the RealWear HMT-1Z1. A third, control, group received no guidance. In the Vuzix M400 group and RealWear HMT-1Z1 group, a senior surgeon examined the results after the two-incision lower leg fasciotomy was finished to assess the release of compartments, possible collateral damage, and performance of the combat medics. In the control group, these results were examined by a surgical resident with expertise in two-incision lower leg fasciotomies. The resident’s operative performance questionnaire was used to score the performance of the combat medics. The telehealth usability questionnaire was used to evaluate the usability of the HMDs as perceived by the combat medics.

Results

Combat medics using an HMD were considered competent in performing a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy (Vuzix: median 3 [range 0], RealWear: median 3 [range 1]). These combat medics had a significantly better score in their ability to adapt to anatomical variances compared to the control group (Vuzix: median 3 [range 0], RealWear: median 3 [range 0], control: median 1 [range 0]; P = .018). Combat medics using an HMD were faster than combat medics in the control group (Vuzix: mean 14:14 [SD 3:41], RealWear: mean 15:42 [SD 1:58], control: mean 17:45 [SD 2:02]; P = .340). The overall satisfaction with both HMDs was 5 out of 7 (Vuzix: median 5 [range 0], RealWear: median 5 [range 1]; P = .317).

Conclusions

This study shows that it is feasible to use an HMD to provide TM support performance from a consulted senior surgeon for combat medics when performing a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy. The results of this study suggest that TM support might be useful for combat medics during tactical combat casualty care when performing life- and limb-saving procedures.
The information on halo properties contained in spectroscopic observations of late-type galaxies
Authors: Yasin Tariq , Desmond Harry , Devriendt Julien , Slyz Adrianne
Published: September 2023

Rotation curves are the key observational manifestation of the dark matter distribution around late-type galaxies. In a halo model context, the precision of constraints on halo parameters is a complex function of properties of the measurements as well as properties of the galaxy itself. Forthcoming surveys will resolve rotation curves to varying degrees of precision, or measure their integrated effect in the $\mathrm{H}\, \small {\rm I}$ linewidth. To ascertain the relative significance of the relevant quantities for constraining halo properties, we study the information on halo mass and concentration as quantified by the Kullback–Leibler divergence of the kinematics-informed posterior from the uninformative prior. We calculate this divergence as a function of the different types of spectroscopic observation, properties of the measurement, galaxy properties, and auxiliary observational data on the baryonic components. Using the SPARC (Spitzer Photometry & Accurate Rotation Curves) sample, we find that fits to the full rotation curve exhibit a large variation in information gain between galaxies, ranging from ~1 to ~11 bits. The variation is predominantly caused by the vast differences in the number of data points and the size of velocity uncertainties between the SPARC galaxies. We also study the relative importance of the minimum $\mathrm{H}\, \small {\rm I}$ surface density probed and the size of velocity uncertainties on the constraining power on the inner halo density slope, finding the latter to be significantly more important. We spell out the implications of these results for the optimization of galaxy surveys aiming to constrain galaxies’ dark matter distributions, highlighting the need for precise velocity measurements.
Aspherical ULDM collapse: variation in the core–halo mass relation
Authors: Kendall Emily , Gosenca Mateja , Easther Richard
Published: September 2023

Ultralight dark matter (ULDM) is an interesting alternative to the cold dark matter (CDM) paradigm. Due to the extremely low mass of the constituent particle (∼10−22 eV), ULDM can exhibit quantum effects up to kiloparsec scales. In particular, runaway collapse in the centres of ULDM haloes is prevented by quantum pressure, providing a possible resolution to the ‘core-cusp problem’ of CDM. However, the the detailed relationship between the ULDM core mass and that of the overall halo is poorly understood. We simulate the collapse of both spherical and aspherical isolated ULDM overdensities using AxioNyx, finding that the central cores of collapsed haloes undergo sustained oscillatory behaviour, which affects both their peak density and overall morphology. The asphericity of the post-collapse core fluctuates both quantitatively and qualitatively, with oblate initial overdensities generating cores, which fluctuate between prolate and oblate configurations, and more complicated dynamics arising in triaxial scenarios. Furthermore, the peak central densities are higher in spherical configurations. Consequently, astrophysically realistic haloes may exhibit substantial departures from theoretical core–halo profiles and we would expect a significant variance of the properties of haloes with the same mass.
Dynamical formation of Gaia BH1 in a young star cluster
Authors: Rastello Sara , Iorio Giuliano , Mapelli Michela , Arca-Sedda Manuel , Di Carlo Ugo N , Escobar Gastón J , Shenar Tomer , Torniamenti Stefano
Published: September 2023

Gaia BH1, the first quiescent black hole (BH) detected from Gaia data, poses a challenge to most binary evolution models: its current mass ratio is ≈0.1, and its orbital period seems to be too long for a post-common envelope system and too short for a non-interacting binary system. Here, we explore the hypothesis that Gaia BH1 formed through dynamical interactions in a young star cluster (YSC). We study the properties of BH-main sequence (MS) binaries formed in YSCs with initial mass 3 × 102–3 × 104 M⊙ at solar metallicity, by means of 3.5 × 104 direct N-body simulations coupled with binary population synthesis. For comparison, we also run a sample of isolated binary stars with the same binary population synthesis code and initial conditions used in the dynamical models. We find that BH-MS systems that form via dynamical exchanges populate the region corresponding to the main orbital properties of Gaia BH1 (period, eccentricity, and masses). In contrast, none of our isolated binary systems match the orbital period and MS mass of Gaia BH1. Our best-matching Gaia BH1-like system forms via repeated dynamical exchanges and collisions involving the BH progenitor star, before it undergoes core collapse. YSCs are at least two orders of magnitude more efficient in forming Gaia BH1-like systems than isolated binary evolution.
The impact of baryonic potentials on the gravothermal evolution of self-interacting dark matter haloes
Authors: Zhong Yi-Ming , Yang Daneng , Yu Hai-Bo
Published: September 2023

The presence of a central baryonic potential can have a significant impact on the gravothermal evolution of self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) haloes. We extend a semi-analytical fluid model to incorporate the influence of a static baryonic potential and calibrate it using controlled N-body simulations. We construct benchmark scenarios with varying baryon concentrations and different SIDM models, including constant and velocity-dependent self-interacting cross-sections. The presence of the baryonic potential induces changes in SIDM halo properties, including central density, core size, and velocity dispersion, and it accelerates the halo’s evolution in both expansion and collapse phases. Furthermore, we observe a quasi-universality in the gravothermal evolution of SIDM haloes with the baryonic potential, resembling a previously known feature in the absence of the baryons. By appropriately rescaling the physical quantities that characterize the SIDM haloes, the evolution of all our benchmark cases exhibits remarkable similarity. Our findings offer a framework for testing SIDM predictions using observations of galactic systems where baryons play a significant dynamical role.
Tracing the energetic outflows from galactic nuclei: observational evidence for a large-scale bipolar radio and X-ray-emitting bubble-like structure in M106
Authors: Zeng Yuxuan , Wang Q Daniel , Fraternali Filippo
Published: September 2023

The role of energetic outflows from galactic nuclei in shaping galaxy formation and evolution is still shrouded in uncertainty. In this study, we shed light on this complex phenomenon by presenting evidence for a large-scale bipolar radio/X-ray-emitting bubble-like structure emanating from the central region of the nearby disc galaxy M106 (NGC 4258). Our findings, based on Low-Frequency Array survey data and Chandra observations, provide a glimpse into the underlying physical processes driving this enigmatic structure. Similar to the eROSITA/Fermi bubbles in our own Galaxy, the M106 bubbles enclose diffuse hot plasma and are partially bounded by prominent radio/X-ray-emitting edges. We constrain the magnetic field and cosmic-ray properties of the structure. The analysis of the X-ray data gives an estimate of the thermal energy of the bubbles as ∼8 × 1056 erg. This energy can be supplied by the jets and perhaps by the wind from the accretion flow of the galaxy’s low-luminosity AGN, which most likely has been much more powerful in the recent past, with an average mechanical energy release rate of ∼4 × 1042 erg s−1 over the last ∼8 × 106 yr – the estimated age of the structure. We also show evidence for diffuse X-ray emission on larger scales, indicating the presence of a hot galactic corona. Our results provide a clear manifestation of galactic nuclear feedback regulating the gas content and energetics of the circumgalactic medium of disc galaxies similar to our own.
An in-depth view of the metallicity distribution of the small magellanic cloud
Authors: Piatti Andrés E
Published: September 2023

The spatial metallicity distribution of star clusters in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) has recently been found to correlate as a V-shaped function with the semimajor axis of an elliptical framework proposed to assume a projected galaxy flattening. We report results on the impact that the use of such a framework can produce on our understanding of the SMC formation and its chemical enrichment. We show that clusters with similar semimajor axes are placed at very different distances from the SMC centre. The recently claimed bimodal metallicity distribution of clusters projected on the innermost SMC regions and the V-shaped metallicity gradient fade away when actual distances are used. Although a large dispersion prevails, clusters older than ∼1 Gyr exhibit a shallow metallicity gradient, caused by slightly different spatial distributions of clusters younger and older than ∼4 Gyr; the former being more centrally concentrated and having a mean metallicity ([Fe/H]) ∼ 0.15 dex more metal rich than that of older clusters. This metallicity gradient does not show any dependence with the position angle, except for clusters placed beyond 11 kpc, which are located in the eastern side of the galaxy.
Cu(I) binds to Zn7-MT2 via two parallel pathways
Authors: Melenbacher Adyn , Stillman Martin J
Published: September 2023

Metallothionein proteins are essential for Cu(I) and Zn(II) homeostasis as well as heavy metal detoxification. The metallation properties of MT2 are of great interest due to their wide patterns of expression and correlation with multiple diseases including cancers, neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases. Use of isotopically pure 63Cu(I) and 68Zn(II) eliminates the complexity of the Cu, Zn-MT2 mass spectral peaks due to significant overlap of naturally abundant isotopes. This allows for the resolution of the precise Cu(I) and Zn(II) stoichiometries when both Cu(I) and Zn(II) are bound to MT2 at physiological pH as expected in vivo. Exact Cu: Zn ratios were determined from mass spectral simulations carried out for every point in the titration. We report that Cu(I) metallation of Zn7-MT2 can only be understood in terms of two pathways occurring in parallel with pathway ① resulting in Cu5Zn5-MT2 and Cu9Zn3-MT2. Pathway ② results in Cu6Zn4-MT2 and Cu10Zn2-MT2, which are the major products of the reaction. From the electrospray ionization (ESI)–mass spectral data we report a series of formation constants (KF) for species starting from Zn7-MT2 up to Cu11Zn2-MT2. Room temperature phosphorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectra were measured in parallel with the ESI–mass spectrometry data allowing for the assignment of specific species to specific spectral bands. Through analysis of the CD spectral bands, we propose that Cu(I) binds to the β domain first to form a Cu5Zn1 cluster or Cu6 cluster with emission at 670 and 750 nm, respectively, leaving the Zn4 cluster in the α domain.
Temporal analyses reveal a pivotal role for sense and antisense enhancer RNAs in coordinate immunoglobulin lambda locus activation
Authors: Gao Zeqian , Smith Alastair L , Scott James N F , Bevington Sarah L , Boyes Joan
Published: September 2023

Transcription enhancers are essential activators of V(D)J recombination that orchestrate non-coding transcription through complementary, unrearranged gene segments. How transcription is coordinately increased at spatially distinct promoters, however, remains poorly understood. Using the murine immunoglobulin lambda (Igλ) locus as model, we find that three enhancer-like elements in the 3′ Igλ domain, Eλ3–1, HSCλ1 and HSE-1, show strikingly similar transcription factor binding dynamics and close spatial proximity, suggesting that they form an active enhancer hub. Temporal analyses show coordinate recruitment of complementary V and J gene segments to this hub, with comparable transcription factor binding dynamics to that at enhancers. We find further that E2A, p300, Mediator and Integrator bind to enhancers as early events, whereas YY1 recruitment and eRNA synthesis occur later, corresponding to transcription activation. Remarkably, the interplay between sense and antisense enhancer RNA is central to both active enhancer hub formation and coordinate Igλ transcription: Antisense Eλ3–1 eRNA represses Igλ activation whereas temporal analyses demonstrate that accumulating levels of sense eRNA boost YY1 recruitment to stabilise enhancer hub/promoter interactions and lead to coordinate transcription activation. These studies therefore demonstrate for the first time a critical role for threshold levels of sense versus antisense eRNA in locus activation.
Characterization of a promiscuous DNA sulfur binding domain and application in site-directed RNA base editing
Authors: Hu Wenyue , Yang Bingxu , Xiao Qingjie , Wang Yuli , Shuai Yuting , Zhao Gong , Zhang Lixin , Deng Zixin , He Xinyi , Liu Guang
Published: September 2023

Phosphorothioate (PT)-modification was discovered in prokaryotes and is involved in many biological functions such as restriction-modification systems. PT-modification can be recognized by the sulfur binding domains (SBDs) of PT-dependent restriction endonucleases, through coordination with the sulfur atom, accompanied by interactions with the DNA backbone and bases. The unique characteristics of PT recognition endow SBDs with the potential to be developed into gene-targeting tools, but previously reported SBDs display sequence-specificity for PT-DNA, which limits their applications. In this work, we identified a novel sequence-promiscuous SBDHga from Hahella ganghwensis. We solved the crystal structure of SBDHga complexed with PT-DNA substrate to 1.8 Å resolution and revealed the recognition mechanism. A shorter L4 loop of SBDHga interacts with the DNA backbone, in contrast with previously reported SBDs, which interact with DNA bases. Furthermore, we explored the feasibility of using SBDHga and a PT-oligonucleotide as targeting tools for site-directed adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing. A GFP non-sense mutant RNA was repaired at about 60% by harnessing a chimeric SBD-hADAR2DD (deaminase domain of human adenosine deaminase acting on RNA), comparable with currently available RNA editing techniques. This work provides insights into understanding the mechanism of sequence-specificity for SBDs and for developing new tools for gene therapy.
Lifeworlds in pain: a principled method for investigation and intervention
Authors: Tabor Abby , Constant Axel
Published: September 2023

The experience of pain spans biological, psychological and sociocultural realms, both basic and complex, it is by turns necessary and devastating. Despite an extensive knowledge of the constituents of pain, the ability to translate this into effective intervention remains limited. It is suggested that current, multiscale, medical approaches, largely informed by the biopsychosocial (BPS) model, attempt to integrate knowledge but are undermined by an epistemological obligation, one that necessitates a prior isolation of the constituent parts. To overcome this impasse, we propose that an anthropological stance needs to be taken, underpinned by a Bayesian apparatus situated in computational psychiatry. Here, pain is presented within the context of lifeworlds, where attention is shifted away from the constituents of experience (e.g. nociception, reward processing and fear-avoidance), towards the dynamic affiliation that occurs between these processes over time. We argue that one can derive a principled method of investigation and intervention for pain from modelling approaches in computational psychiatry. We suggest that these modelling methods provide the necessary apparatus to navigate multiscale ontology and epistemology of pain. Finally, a unified approach to the experience of pain is presented, where the relational, inter-subjective phenomenology of pain is brought into contact with a principled method of translation; in so doing, revealing the conditions and possibilities of lifeworlds in pain.