bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnitude and predictors of poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia
Authors: Dubale Mariam , Gizaw Kaleab , Dessalegn Dula
Published: September 2023

Despite the development of new medications over the past decade to aid in the control of blood glucose, most diabetic patients often do not reach recommended glycemic targets of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) < 7% in daily clinical practice because of many contributing factors. This study was designed to assess the magnitude and predictors of poor glycemic control among adult diabetic patients on ambulatory chronic care follow-up at Jimma Medical Center. A cross sectional study was conducted on 307 adult diabetic patients between January 2 and April 30, 2022. Representative samples were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Predictors of poor glycemic control were assessed using a binary and multi variable logistic regression. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 and R in the R studio environment. A total of 307 adult diabetic patients were included in the study making a response rate of 93%. Out of 307 adult diabetic patients, majority (62.5%) were males. Mean age of the patients was 48.91 ± 15.68 years. The majority, 221 (72%), of patients had poor glycemic control. Non-adherence of patients to medications (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI 1.16–9.72, p = 0.04), no formal education (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI (1.06–13.93, p = 0.04), therapeutic inertia (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI 1.61–6.20, p = 0.001) and poor diabetic knowledge (AOR = 4.79, 95% CI 1.56–14.68, p = 0.006) were found to be independent predictors of poor glycemic control. Nearly three fourth of diabetic patients in the present study had poor glycemic control and were at higher risk of developing diabetic complications or already developed it. These results highlight the need for appropriate management of patients focusing on adherence to medications, education, therapeutic inertia and diabetic knowledge to maintain good glycemic control and improve adverse outcomes of the disease in this study setting.
Response of forest Turtur doves to conspecific and congeneric songs in sympatry and allopatry
Authors: Niśkiewicz Małgorzata , Szymański Paweł , Budka Michał , Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: September 2023

Birds have a diverse acoustic communication system, and the ability to recognise their own species’ song from a distance facilitates complex behaviours related to mate attraction and rival deterrence. However, certain species, including doves, do not learn songs and their vocal repertoires are much simpler than those of better-studied songbirds. In these so-called non-learning birds, relatively little is known about the role that bird song plays in intra- and interspecific interactions, and how such behaviours might be acquired (inherited or learned from experience). To investigate this question, we focused on two species of African wood doves whose long-range songs are used in a territorial context. Specifically, we examined the responses of sympatric and allopatric populations of male blue-headed wood-doves (Turtur brehmeri) and tambourine doves (Turtur tympanistria) to different types of simulated territorial intrusions, i.e. playback of conspecific, congeneric, and control songs. We aimed to assess (i) whether these species, which have similar songs, respond only to their own species' song or exhibit interspecific territoriality, and (ii) if the response pattern is affected by the presence or absence of congeners in the general area. We found that both species responded strongly to playback of their own species in both sympatric and allopatric populations. In allopatry, though, male tambourine doves misdirected their response and also approached the playback of congeneric songs. Our results indicate that, in areas where the studied Turtur doves live in sympatry, they do not exhibit consistent interspecific territoriality. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that the smaller tambourine dove avoids its larger congener during the process of territory establishment. The difference in tambourine doves’ response toward the song of present (sympatric) or absent (allopatric) congeners suggests that the ability to discriminate between songs of similarly singing potential competitors is acquired through earlier interactions and learning. This plasticity in response supports the misdirected aggression hypothesis, which argues that interspecific territorialism emerges as a maladaptive by-product of signal similarity. However, on an evolutionary timescale, such an ability could be considered an adaptive cognitive tool useful for resolving competing interests with congeners.
Serum APOC1 levels are decreased in young autoantibody positive children who rapidly progress to type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hirvonen M. Karoliina , Lietzén Niina , Moulder Robert , Bhosale Santosh D. , Koskenniemi Jaakko , Vähä-Mäkilä Mari , Nurmio Mirja , Orešič Matej , Ilonen Jorma , Toppari Jorma , Veijola Riitta , Hyöty Heikki , Lähdesmäki Harri , Knip Mikael , Cheng Lu , Lahesmaa Riitta
Published: September 2023

Better understanding of the early events in the development of type 1 diabetes is needed to improve prediction and monitoring of the disease progression during the substantially heterogeneous presymptomatic period of the beta cell damaging process. To address this concern, we used mass spectrometry-based proteomics to analyse longitudinal pre-onset plasma sample series from children positive for multiple islet autoantibodies who had rapidly progressed to type 1 diabetes before 4 years of age (n = 10) and compared these with similar measurements from matched children who were either positive for a single autoantibody (n = 10) or autoantibody negative (n = 10). Following statistical analysis of the longitudinal data, targeted serum proteomics was used to verify 11 proteins putatively associated with the disease development in a similar yet independent and larger cohort of children who progressed to the disease within 5 years of age (n = 31) and matched autoantibody negative children (n = 31). These data reiterated extensive age-related trends for protein levels in young children. Further, these analyses demonstrated that the serum levels of two peptides unique for apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) were decreased after the appearance of the first islet autoantibody and remained relatively less abundant in children who progressed to type 1 diabetes, in comparison to autoantibody negative children.
Chronotype delay and sleep disturbances shaped by the Antarctic polar night
Authors: Tortello C. , Folgueira A. , Lopez J. M. , Didier Garnham F. , Sala Lozano E. , Rivero M. S. , Simonelli G. , Vigo D. E. , Plano S. A.
Published: September 2023

Chronotype is a reliable biomarker for studying the influence of external zeitgebers on circadian entrainment. Assessment of chronotype variation in participants exposed to extreme photoperiods may be useful to investigate how changes in light–dark cycle modulate the circadian system. This study aimed to examine chronotype and sleep changes during a winter campaign at the Argentine Antarctic station Belgrano II. A sample of 82 men who overwintered in Antarctica completed the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire during March (daylight length: 18.6 h), May (daylight length: 2.8 h), July (daylight length: 0 h), September (daylight length: 14.5 h), November (daylight length: 24 h). The main results showed a decrease in sleep duration and a delay in chronotype and social jetlag during the polar night, highlighting the influence of social cues and the impact of the lack of natural light on circadian rhythms.
Commonly collected thermal performance data can inform species distributions in a data-limited invader
Authors: Claunch Natalie M. , Goodman Colin M. , Kluever Bryan M. , Barve Narayani , Guralnick Robert P. , Romagosa Christina M.
Published: September 2023

Predicting potential distributions of species in new areas is challenging. Physiological data can improve interpretation of predicted distributions and can be used in directed distribution models. Nonnative species provide useful case studies. Panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) are native to Madagascar and have established populations in Florida, USA, but standard correlative distribution modeling predicts no suitable habitat for F. pardalis there. We evaluated commonly collected thermal traits– thermal performance, tolerance, and preference—of F. pardalis and the acclimatization potential of these traits during exposure to naturally-occurring environmental conditions in North Central Florida. Though we observed temperature-dependent thermal performance, chameleons maintained similar thermal limits, performance, and preferences across seasons, despite long-term exposure to cool temperatures. Using the physiological data collected, we developed distribution models that varied in restriction: time-dependent exposure near and below critical thermal minima, predicted activity windows, and predicted performance thresholds. Our application of commonly collected physiological data improved interpretations on potential distributions of F. pardalis, compared with correlative distribution modeling approaches that predicted no suitable area in Florida. These straightforward approaches can be applied to other species with existing physiological data or after brief experiments on a limited number of individuals, as demonstrated here.
Cognitive load associates prolonged P300 latency during target stimulus processing in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Demirayak Pinar , Kıyı İlayda , İşbitiren Yağmur Özbek , Yener Görsev
Published: September 2023

Alterations in P300 amplitude and latency, as well as neuropsychological tests, are informative to detect early signs of the affected high cognitive processing in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). In the present study, we examined P300 latency and amplitude elicited by visual oddball paradigm in 20 participants with MCI and age, education, and sex-matched healthy controls from frontal, central, and parietal midline electrodes. We performed a mixed-design ANOVA to compare P300 amplitude and latency between groups during target and non-target stimulus presentation. We also assessed the correlation between our electrophysiology findings and neuropsychological tests. Our results indicated that in healthy individuals P300 is elicited earlier in target stimulus processing compared to non-target stimulus processing. On the contrary, in the MCI group, P300 latency was increased during target processing compared to non-target stimulus processing. Moreover, P300 latency in target processing is prolonged in the MCI group compared to controls. Also, our correlation results showed a significant correlation between P300 peak latency and amplitude, and attention required cognitive tasks. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that high-order cognitive processes that are involved in stimulus processing slows down in individuals with MCI due to the high working memory demand for neural processing.
Attached compared with unattached surface probes for monitoring flap perfusion in microvascular head and neck reconstruction: a feasibility study
Authors: Ooms Mark , Winnand Philipp , Heitzer Marius , Peters Florian , Bock Anna , Katz Marie Sophie , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: September 2023

Unattached surface probes are commonly used with the O2C analysis system (LEA Medizintechnik, Germany) to monitor microvascular free flap perfusion. This study compared attached and unattached surface probes for extraoral free flaps. The study included 34 patients who underwent extraoral microvascular head and neck reconstruction between 2020 and 2022. Flap perfusion was monitored postoperatively using the O2C analysis system at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h, with an attached surface probe at 3 mm tissue depth and an unattached surface probe at 2 mm and 8 mm tissue depths. Clinical complications, technical errors, and perfusion measurement values were compared. No clinical complications (attachment suture infections) or technical errors (probe detachment) occurred. Flap blood flow values of the probes were partially different (3 mm vs. 2 and 8 mm: p < 0.001; p = 0.308) and moderately correlated (3 mm with 2 and 8 mm: r = 0.670, p < 0.001; r = 0.638, p < 0.001). Hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation values were generally different (3 mm vs. 2 and 8 mm: all p < 0.001) and variably correlated (3 mm with 2 and 8 mm: r = 0.756, r = 0.645; r = 0.633, r = 0.307; all p < 0.001). Both probes are comparable in terms of technical feasibility and patient safety, with flap perfusion values dependent on tissue measurement depth.
Slower respiration rate is associated with higher self-reported well-being after wellness training
Authors: Kral Tammi R. A. , Weng Helen Y. , Mitra Vikramjit , Imhoff-Smith Theodore P. , Azemi Erdrin , Goldman Robin I. , Rosenkranz Melissa A. , Wu Sarah , Chen Andrew , Davidson Richard J.
Published: September 2023

Mind–body interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may improve well-being by increasing awareness and regulation of physiological and cognitive states. However, it is unclear how practice may alter long-term, baseline physiological processes, and whether these changes reflect improved well-being. Using respiration rate (RR), which can be sensitive to effects of meditation, and 3 aspects of self-reported well-being (psychological well-being [PWB], distress, and medical symptoms), we tested pre-registered hypotheses that: (1) Lower baseline RR (in a resting, non-meditative state) would be a physiological marker associated with well-being, (2) MBSR would decrease RR, and (3) Training-related decreases in RR would be associated with improved well-being. We recruited 245 adults (age range = 18–65, M = 42.4): experienced meditators (n = 42), and meditation-naïve participants randomized to MBSR (n = 72), active control (n = 41), or waitlist control (n = 66). Data were collected at pre-randomization, post-intervention (or waiting), and long-term follow-up. Lower baseline RR was associated with lower psychological distress among long-term meditators (p* = 0.03, b = 0.02, 95% CI [0.01, 0.03]), though not in non-meditators prior to training. MBSR decreased RR compared to waitlist (p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = − 0.41, 95% CI [− 0.78, − 0.06]), but not the active control. Decreased RR related to decreased medical symptoms, across all participants (p* = 0.02, b = 0.57, 95% CI [0.15, 0.98]). Post-training, lower RR was associated with higher PWB across training groups compared to waitlist (p* = 0.01, b = 0.06, 95% CI [0.02, 0.10]), though there were no significant differences in change in PWB between groups. This physiological marker may indicate higher physical and/or psychological well-being in those who engage in wellness practices.
H-shaped modifiers loaded mirror symmetric resonator based double negative metamaterial for multi-band wireless communications
Authors: Rahman Abdullah Al Mahfazur , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Moniruzzaman Md. , Rahim Sharul Kamal Abdul , Singh Mandeep , Misran Norbahiah , Islam Md. Shabiul , Soliman Mohamed S.
Published: September 2023

In this article, a unique metamaterial (MTM) structure is presented that exhibits four resonances of transmission coefficient (S21) that fall into S, X, and Ku bands. The MTM design is initiated on a Rogers (RT5880) substrate with an electrical dimension of 0.088 λ × 0.088 λ (λ is calculated at 3.424 GHz). The resonating patch contains four quartiles connected by a central metallic strip. The placement of each quartile is such that the whole resonator is mirror symmetric about the vertical axis. Two H-shaped modifiers connect two quartiles of each vertical half of the resonator. These H-shaped modifiers form the resonance cavity in its vicinity, and thus help significantly to orient the overall resonances of the proposed MTM at 3.424 GHz, 10 GHz, 14.816 GHz, and 16.848 GHz. The resonance phenomena are examined through equivalent circuit modeling and verified in Advanced Design Software (ADS). Metamaterial properties of the proposed MTM are extracted and it exhibits negative permittivity, permeability, and refractive index. The prototype of the MTM is fabricated and measurement is taken. The measured S21shows a close similarity with the simulated result. Moreover, effective medium ratio (EMR) is calculated for the proposed MTM and a high EMR of 10.95 is obtained that expresses its compactness. This compact MTM with negative permittivity, permittivity, and refractive index can be important component for improving the performance of the miniaturized devices for multi-band wireless communication systems.
Magnitude of tuberculosis lymphadenitis, risk factors, and rifampicin resistance at Adama city, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kumbi Hawi , Reda Dawit Yihdego , Solomon Manyahlehal , Teklehaimanot Alemwosen , Ormago Moges Desta , Ali Musa Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has an impact on public health and is responsible for over one million deaths per year. Substantial numbers of people infected with M. tuberculosis can develop tuberculosis lymphadenitis; however, there is a limited study in Adama, Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of Tuberculosis lymphadenitis, its predictors, and rifampicin-resistance gene-positive M. tuberculosis. A total of 291 patients with enlarged lymph nodes were recruited from May 2022 to August 30 at Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College (ACSHMC). GeneXpert, Ziehl–Neelsen staining, and cytology were used for the diagnosis of TB lymphadenitis from the Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) specimen. Rifampicin-resistant gene was detected using GeneXpert. For data entry and analysis, Epi Data version 3.0 and SPSS version 25 were used respectively. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of TB lymphadenitis. A p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was taken as a cut point to determine the significant association between dependent and independent variables. The prevalence of TB lymphadenitis using GeneXpert, Ziehl–Neelsen staining, and cytology were 138 (47.4%) (95% CI 41.70–53.10), 100 (34.4%) (95% CI 28.94–39.85), and 123 (42.3%) (95% CI 36.63–47.00) respectively. Nine (3.1%) participants were infected with rifampicin-resistant gene-positive M. tuberculosis. Out of the total M. tuberculosis detected by GeneXpert (n = 138), 9 (6.5%) were positive for rifampicin resistance-gene. Participants with a chronic cough had 2 times odds of developing TB lymphadenitis (AOR: 2.001, 95% CI 1.142–3.508). Close to half of patients with enlarged lymph nodes were positive for M. tuberculosis by the GeneXpert method in the study area. Chronic cough was significantly associated with TB lymphadenitis. Rifampicin-resistant gene-positive M. tuberculosis was relatively prevalent among patients with enlarged lymph node in the study area.
X-ray dynamical diffraction by quasi-monolayer graphene
Authors: Skakunova Olena S. , Olikhovskii Stepan I. , Radchenko Taras M. , Lizunova Svitlana V. , Vladimirova Tetyana P. , Lizunov Vyacheslav V.
Published: September 2023

We study the processes of dynamical diffraction of the plane X-ray waves on the graphene film/SiC substrate system in the case of the Bragg diffraction geometry. The statistical dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction in imperfect crystals is applied to the case of real quasi-two-dimensional systems. The necessity of the taking into account of the variability of the lattice parameter of multilayer graphene, as well as the influence of thickness on the thermal Debye–Waller factor at the calculation of the complex structural factors and Fourier components of polarizability, is demonstrated. It is shown that the change of the structural characteristics of the 3-layer graphene/substrate system, as well as its strained state, leads to a significant change in the diffraction profiles, which makes it possible to determine the characteristics by the X-ray diffraction method.
Transcriptome analysis revealed enrichment pathways and regulation of gene expression associated with somatic embryogenesis in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Li Hao-Zhen , Wu Hui , Song Kang-Kang , Zhao Hui-Hui , Tang Xiao-Yan , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Wang Di , Dong Shao-Lin , Liu Feng , Wang Jun , Li Zhong-Cong , Yang Long , Xiang Qin-Zeng
Published: September 2023

The high frequency, stable somatic embryo system of tea has still not been established due to the limitations of its own characteristics and therefore severely restricts the genetic research and breeding process of tea plants. In this study, the transcriptome was used to illustrate the mechanisms of gene expression regulation in the somatic embryogenesis of tea plants. The number of DEGs for the (IS intermediate stage)_PS (preliminary stage), ES (embryoid stage)_IS and ES_PS stages were 109, 2848 and 1697, respectively. The enrichment analysis showed that carbohydrate metabolic processes were considerably enriched at the ES_IS stage and performed a key role in somatic embryogenesis, while enhanced light capture in photosystem I could provide the material basis for carbohydrates. The pathway analysis showed that the enriched pathways in IS_PS process were far less than those in ES_IS or ES_PS, and the photosynthesis and photosynthetic antenna protein pathway of DEGs in ES_IS or ES_PS stage were notably enriched and up-regulated. The key photosynthesis and photosynthesis antenna protein pathways and the Lhcb1 gene were discovered in tea plants somatic embryogenesis. These results were of great significance to clarify the mechanism of somatic embryogenesis and the breeding research of tea plants.
The offline cash puzzle solved by a local blockchain
Authors: Videira Henrique de Carvalho
Published: September 2023

A major drawback in deploying central bank digital currencies (CBDC) is the offline puzzle, which requires that a CBDC must keep the liquidity provision given by cash, and, simultaneously, avoid double‐spending, cloning, and other issues. The puzzle is solved by minting the coins in serial numbers, which are stored on a local blockchain inside a smartphone or EMV card. The local blockchain is strengthened by a two‐stage approval architecture that mitigates attacks and enables non‐repudiation handling. The coins are protected by hardware keys embedded in the microchip and can be continuously mined by the wallet to enhance security. The coins can be either minted as hot coins, which can be retrieved in case of loss, or minted as cold coins, like physical cash.
Reliable assessment of uncertainty for appliance recognition in NILM using conformal prediction
Authors: Werthen‐Brabants Lorin , Dhaene Tom , Deschrijver Dirk
Published: September 2023

A primary task of Non‐intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) is the identification of appliances that are switched on or off. However, state‐of‐the‐art machine learning methods such as deep learning do not express uncertainty of their predictions. Especially in cases where appliances are confused, it is desirable that an NILM system can suggest multiple possible predictions to the end‐user, including its confidence and credibility of any given prediction. This can be achieved using conformal prediction, being an effective way to quantify uncertainty of a given machine learning model. In this work, conformal prediction is introduced for NILM and applied to a neural network. The approach is explained and supported by several examples.
An efficient blockchain‐based approach to improve the accuracy of intrusion detection systems
Authors: Abubakar Aliyu Ahmed , Liu Jinshuo , Gilliard Ezekia
Published: September 2023

Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a critical cybersecurity task that involves monitoring network traffic for malicious activity and taking appropriate action to stop it. However, insufficient training data or improperly chosen thresholds often limit the accuracy of such systems, resulting in high false‐positive rates. To improve the accuracy of an IDS, blockchain technology can be used as it provides a secure, decentralized, immutable ledger that can track suspicious activity over time and also identify intrusions globally. In this paper, the authors propose a novel methodology to improve the accuracy of blockchain‐based IDS. The approach combines different intrusion detection algorithms using a blockchain‐integrated architecture. It is based on the fusion principle and weighted votes, which the authors used to determine their results. The authors tested the system on DARPA 99 and MIT‐Lincoln Labs datasets using accuracy and false‐positive rate as their two metrics. The system achieved 92.6% accuracy and 7.4% false‐positive rates, indicating that the proposed system significantly increases the accuracy while reducing the false‐positive rate, opening up new opportunities for the development of highly accurate networks.
Surface passivation of random alloy AlGaAsSb avalanche photodiode
Authors: Cao Peng , Peng Hongling , Wang Tiancai , Srivastava Vibha , Kesaria Manoj , You Minghui , Zhuang Qiandong , Zheng Wanhua
Published: September 2023

AlGaAsSb attracts significant interest for near‐infrared avalanche photodiodes (APD). The authors report a two‐order reduction in the dark current and a six‐time enhancement of gain in random alloy (RA) AlGaAsSb APD that is surface passivated by conformal coating of Al2O3 via atomic layer deposition (ALD). The dark currents of the APDs with 400‐µm diameter (dry etched) at 90% breakdown voltage (0.9 Vbr) are (5.5 ± 0.5) × 10−5 A, (2.1 ± 0.4) × 10−5 A, and (6.2 ± 0.8) × 10−7 A for non‐passivated, Si3N4 passivated, and Al2O3 passivated devices, respectively. The dark current at a gain of 10 for the Al2O3 passivated device is 1 × 10−8 A which is comparable to the reported value for 100‐µm diameter mesa diodes passivated by SU‐8. Maximum gain values of 6, 12, and 35 were obtained for non‐passivated, Si3N4 passivated, and Al2O3 passivated devices, respectively. Moreover, punch‐through capacitance of 8 pF in a spectral response of 450 to 850 nm was obtained. Thus, Al2O3 passivation can be the best solution for antimonide optoelectronic devices.
In vitro analysis of antibacterial activity against wound pathogens, potential for wound healing, and anti‐melanoma properties of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Jindaruk Ananya , Jaithon Titiradsadakorn , T‐Thienprasert Jiraroj , T‐Thienprasert Nattanan Panjaworayan
Published: September 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of wound infections. Infected wounds increase wound severity and have a slower rate of healing. Moreover, emergence of multiple‐drug resistant bacteria such as methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) limited treatment options. This study was therefore aimed to evaluate antibacterial activity against wound pathogen and wound‐healing properties of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles derived from mangosteen peel crude extract (ZnO‐Gm). Moreover, their anti‐skin cancer activity was also investigated in vitro. As a result, the ZnO‐Gm particles significantly inhibited growth of S. aureus and MRSA with the IC50 values at 0.44 and 0.51 mg/mL, respectively. By performing quantitative reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, the intracellular ROS in both treated S. aureus and MRSA with ZnO‐Gm was found to be significantly elevated. Furthermore, ZnO‐Gm exhibited cytotoxic effects via induction of apoptosis on the A375 melanoma cancer cell line, with an IC50 value of 8.91 µg/mL, while not affecting the normal cell line (Vero). In addition, 30 µg/mL of ZnO‐Gm could strongly promote wound healing of an epidermal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Consequently, the findings of this study demonstrated that the green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have potential as antibacterial agents, wound‐healing materials, and anti‐melanoma agents.
Solar photospheric spectrum microvariability
Authors: Dravins Dainis , Ludwig Hans-Günter
Published: September 2023

Context. Extreme precision radial-velocity spectrometers enable extreme precision in stellar spectroscopy. Searches for low-mass exoplanets around solar-type stars are limited by various types of physical variability in stellar spectra, such as the short-term jittering of apparent radial velocities on levels of ∼2 m s−1.

Aims. To understand the physical origins of radial-velocity jittering, the solar spectrum is assembled, as far as possible, from basic principles. Solar surface convection is modeled with time-dependent 3D hydrodynamics, followed by the computation of high-resolution spectra during numerous instances of the simulation sequence. The behavior of different classes of photospheric spectral lines is monitored throughout the simulations to identify commonalities or differences between different classes of lines: weak or strong, neutral or ionized, high or low excitation, atomic or molecular.

Methods. Synthetic spectra were examined. With a wavelength sampling λ/Δλ ∼ 1 000 000, the changing shapes and wavelength shifts of unblended and representative Fe I and Fe II lines were followed during the simulation sequences. The radial-velocity jittering over the small simulation area typically amounts to ±150 m s−1, scaling to ∼2 m s−1 for the full solar disk. Flickering within the G-band region and in photometric indices of the Strömgren uvby system were also measured, and synthetic G-band spectra from magnetic regions are discussed.

Results. Most photospheric lines vary in phase, but with different amplitudes among different classes of lines. Amplitudes of radial-velocity excursions are greater for stronger and for ionized lines, decreasing at longer wavelengths. Matching precisely measured radial velocities to such characteristic patterns should enable us to remove a significant component of the stellar noise originating in granulation.

Conclusions. The granulation-induced amplitudes in full-disk sunlight amount to ∼2 m s−1; the differences between various line groups are an order of magnitude less. To mitigate this jittering, a matched filter must recognize dissimilar lineshifts among classes of diverse spectral lines with a precision of ∼10 cm s−1 for each line group. To verify the modeling toward the filter, predictions of center-to-limb dependences of jittering amplitudes for different classes of lines are presented, testable with spatially resolving solar telescopes connected to existing radial-velocity instruments.
Water condensation zones around main sequence stars
Authors: Turbet Martin , Fauchez Thomas J. , Leconte Jeremy , Bolmont Emeline , Chaverot Guillaume , Forget Francois , Millour Ehouarn , Selsis Franck , Charnay Benjamin , Ducrot Elsa , Gillon Michaël , Maurel Alice , Villanueva Geronimo L.
Published: September 2023

Understanding the set of conditions that allow rocky planets to have liquid water on their surface, in the form of lakes, seas, or oceans, is a major scientific step in determining the fraction of planets potentially suitable for the emergence and development of life as we know it on Earth. This effort is also necessary to define and refine what is known as the habitable zone (HZ) in order to guide the search for exoplanets likely to harbor remotely detectable life forms. To date, most numerical climate studies on this topic have focused on the conditions necessary to maintain oceans, but not to form them in the first place. Here we use the three-dimensional Generic Planetary Climate Model, historically known as the LMD generic global climate model, to simulate water-dominated planetary atmospheres around different types of main sequence stars. The simulations are designed to reproduce the conditions of early ocean formation on rocky planets due to the condensation of the primordial water reservoir at the end of the magma ocean phase. We show that the incoming stellar radiation (ISR) required to form oceans by condensation is always drastically lower than that required to vaporize oceans. We introduce a water condensation limit, which lies at significantly lower ISR than the inner edge of the HZ calculated with three-dimensional numerical climate simulations. This difference is due to a behavior change of water clouds, from low-altitude dayside convective clouds to high-altitude nightside stratospheric clouds. Finally, we calculated the transit spectra, emission spectra, and thermal phase curves of TRAPPIST-1b, c, and d with H2O-rich atmospheres, and compared them to CO2 atmospheres and bare rock simulations. We show using these observables that JWST has the capability to probe steam atmospheres on low-mass planets, and could possibly test the existence of nightside water clouds.
Phenotyping neuroblastoma cells through intelligent scrutiny of stain-free biomarkers in holographic flow cytometry
Authors: Pirone Daniele , Montella Annalaura , Sirico Daniele , Mugnano Martina , Del Giudice Danila , Kurelac Ivana , Tirelli Matilde , Iolascon Achille , Bianco Vittorio , Memmolo Pasquale , Capasso Mario , Miccio Lisa , Ferraro Pietro
Published: September 2023

To efficiently tackle certain tumor types, finding new biomarkers for rapid and complete phenotyping of cancer cells is highly demanded. This is especially the case for the most common pediatric solid tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, namely, neuroblastoma (NB). Liquid biopsy is in principle a very promising tool for this purpose, but usually enrichment and isolation of circulating tumor cells in such patients remain difficult due to the unavailability of universal NB cell-specific surface markers. Here, we show that rapid screening and phenotyping of NB cells through stain-free biomarkers supported by artificial intelligence is a viable route for liquid biopsy. We demonstrate the concept through a flow cytometry based on label-free holographic quantitative phase-contrast microscopy empowered by machine learning. In detail, we exploit a hierarchical decision scheme where at first level NB cells are classified from monocytes with 97.9% accuracy. Then we demonstrate that different phenotypes are discriminated within NB class. Indeed, for each cell classified as NB its belonging to one of four NB sub-populations (i.e., CHP212, SKNBE2, SHSY5Y, and SKNSH) is evaluated thus achieving accuracy in the range 73.6%–89.1%. The achieved results solve the realistic problem related to the identification circulating tumor cell, i.e., the possibility to recognize and detect tumor cells morphologically similar to blood cells, which is the core issue in liquid biopsy based on stain-free microscopy. The presented approach operates at lab-on-chip scale and emulates real-world scenarios, thus representing a future route for liquid biopsy by exploiting intelligent biomedical imaging.
Effect of salt, alkali and combined stresses on root system architecture and ion profiling in a diverse panel of oat (Avena spp.)
Authors: Ahmed Shahid , Patel Richa , Rana Maneet , Kumar Neeraj , I Indu , Choudhary Mukesh , Chand Subhash , Singh Amit Kumar , Ghosh Avijit , Singhal Rajesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

The co-occurrence of salinisation and alkalisation is quite frequent in problematic soils and poses an immediate threat to food, feed and nutritional security. In the present study, root system architectural traits (RSAs) and ion profiling were evaluated in 21 genotypes of Avena species to understand the effect of salinity–alkalinity stress. The oat genotypes were grown on germination paper and 5-day-old seedlings were transferred to a hydroponic system for up to 30 days. These seedlings were subjected to seven treatments: T0, treatment control (Hoagland solution); T1, moderate salinity (50 mM); T2, high salinity (100 mM); T3, moderate alkalinity (15 mM); T4, high alkalinity (30 mM); T5, combined moderate salinity–alkalinity (50 mM + 15 mM);  and T6, combined high salinity–alkalinity (100 mM and 30 mM) by using NaCl + Na2SO4 (saline) and NaHCO3 + Na2CO3 (alkaline) salts equivalently. The root traits, such as total root area (TRA), total root length (TRL), total root diameter (TRD), total root volume (TRV), root tips (RT), root segments (RS), root fork (RF) and root biomass (RB) were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01) among the different genotypes, treatments and their interactions. Na+ and K+ content analysis in root and shoot tissues revealed the ion homeostasis capacity of different Avena accessions under stress treatments. Principal component analysis (PCA) covered almost 83.0% of genetic variation and revealed that the sharing of TRA, RT, RS and RF traits was significantly high. Biplot analysis showed a highly significant correlation matrix (P < 0.01) between the pairs of RT and RS, TRL and RS, and RT and RF. Based on PCA ranking and relative value for stress tolerance, IG-20-1183, IG-20-894, IG-20-718 and IG-20-425 expressed tolerance to salinity (T2), IG-20-425 (alkalinity; T4) and IG-20-1183, IG-20-894 and IG-20-1004 were tolerant to salt–alkali treatment (T6). Multi-trait stability index (MTSI) analysis identified three stable oat genotypes (IG-20-714, IG-20-894 and IG-20-425) under multiple environments and these lines can be used in salinity–alkalinity affected areas after yield trials or as donor lines for combined stresses in future breeding programs.
Conservation of black bear (Ursus americanus) in Mexico through GPS tracking: crossing and roadkill sites
Authors: Zarco-González Zuleyma , Carrera-Treviño Rogelio , Monroy-Vilchis Octavio
Published: September 2023

Context Road networks are related to two global problems: habitat loss and degradation, and the decline of biodiversity. Wildlife roadkill is one of the most obvious and immediate impacts of linear infrastructure that affects all vertebrate groups, and some species, such as large carnivores, are more susceptible to fragmentation by roads due to their wide-ranging movements and home ranges. Aims Recently, black bear (Ursus americanus) sightings have increased in urban and suburban areas. The objectives of this study were: to identify and characterise road crossing sites used by black bears; to understand whether bears select specific landscape or road features for crossing; to compare crossing and roadkill sites; and to identify the most important variables in both groups to propose short-term mitigation strategies. Methods For the analysis of crossing sites, black bear individuals were captured from 2014 to 2018 and released with a GPS collar. We also calculated the dynamic model of Brownian motion to identify the road crossing sites. We obtained collision records from field work and government agencies. We performed Firth’s penalised-likelihood logistic regression models to identify the most important variables of highway or landscape in the probability of crossing or roadkill. Key results We captured 15 black bear individuals (11 males and four females), seven of which crossed a road at least once. Most of the crossings occurred during the night, which explains the results of the regression model between crossing and roadkill sites because crossings are a function of the percentage of buses and urban use. We also found that the speed at roadkill sites is significantly higher than at crossing sites. Conclusions This study contributed aspects necessary to understand the management of highways and reduce their impact on the black bear population in Mexico, such as the identification of priority mitigation sites. Systematic monitoring of roadkill in Mexico is required to propose specific mitigation sites that will benefit more vertebrate groups. Implications The information generated in this research forms the basis of identification of optimal sites for strategies to mitigate the bear–road conflict and help the conservation of the species.
What Does the MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status Measure? Separating Economic Circumstances and Social Status to Predict Health
Authors: Galvan Manuel J , Payne B Keith , Hannay Jason , Georgeson Alexis R , Muscatell Keely A
Published: September 2023

Background

Subjective socioeconomic status is robustly associated with many measures of health and well-being. The MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status (i.e., the MacArthur ladder) is the most widely used measure of this construct, but it remains unclear what exactly the MacArthur ladder measures.

Purpose

The present research sought to explore the social and economic factors that underlie responses to the MacArthur ladder and its relationship to health.

Methods

We investigated this issue by examining the relationship between scores on the MacArthur ladder and measures of economic circumstances and noneconomic social status, as well as health and well-being measures, in healthy adults in the USA.

Results

In three studies (total N = 1,310) we found evidence that economic circumstances and social status are distinct constructs that have distinct associations with scores on the MacArthur ladder. We found that both factors exhibit distinct associations with measures of health and well-being and accounted for the association between the MacArthur ladder and each measure of health and well-being.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the MacArthur ladder’s robust predictive validity may result from the fact that it measures two factors—economic circumstances and social status—that are each independently associated with health outcomes. These findings provide a novel perspective on the large body of literature that uses the MacArthur ladder and suggests health researchers should do more to disentangle the social and economic aspects of subjective socioeconomic status.
The Paper-Engineered Pumpkin King: Exposing the Movable Impulse of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Authors: Coates Jodie
Published: September 2023

The Nightmare Before Christmas’ director, Henry Selick, tells us that watching the film should be like opening a pop-up book. Clean-cut silhouettes, fingerprints and grooves, hidden surprises, and playful subversiveness are as integral to Nightmare’s production design as they are typical of the pop-up book form. In this article, I will examine this symmetry and discuss how Selick’s vision of a living illustration connects to the range of paper-engineered transmedia toys, books, and seasonal tokens that the film inspired. An early example is A Super Pop-Up (1993)—a charming gift book which positions the reader as a pseudo-stop-motion-animator, bending over doublespread dioramas to slide paper-cut characters into position. More recently, Reinhart’s elaborate Petrifying Pop-Up for the Holidays (2018) showcases several contemporary devices that re-create specific filmic shots. Other notable Disney-endorsed merchandise includes a Pop-Up Advent Calendar (2019), featuring an impressively tall Gothmas-esque tree, and elegant pop-up Halloween and Valentine’s cards produced by Hallmark and Lovepop. Each item treads the line between spirited plaything and fragile ornament, theatrical spectacle, and interactive artwork—a blurring of binaries that echoes the experimental artistry of Nightmare and continues to delight both young fans and adult collectors. Perhaps unsurprisingly, creative fans also appreciate Nightmare’s suitability for paper-craft, sharing printable DIY templates and paper-cut fan-art. I will demonstrate how the Victorian flavour of Nightmare, the affordances of stop-motion, and the film’s stylistic and branding choices combine to emulate and elevate the nostalgic practice of ‘making Christmas’ from the humblest of materials—paper.
Diversity, biology, and management of the pear psyllids: a global look
Authors: Civolani Stefano , Soroker Victoria , Cooper W Rodney , Horton David R
Published: September 2023

The pear psyllids (Cacopsylla Ossiannilsson; Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Psyllidae) are a taxonomically difficult group of at least 24 species native to the Palaearctic region. One or more species occur in most pear-growing regions, in some cases as invasive introductions. Existing reviews of this group are primarily of taxonomic focus with limited overviews of biology. The earliest biological studies of the pear psyllids centered on a core group of a few western European species. In part, this focus arose because diversity of the pear psyllids was poorly understood. As taxonomic understanding has advanced over the last 3 decades, research has expanded taxonomically. Increasing difficulties in controlling the pear psyllids additionally has contributed to growth in research. Here, we review a now-extensive literature on diversity, biology, and management of the pear psyllids. Three broad observations emerged from this synthesis. First, large gaps in biological understanding of the pear psyllids persist for several geographic faunas, most notably for psyllids of the Eastern Palaearctic region. Second, taxonomic diversity is accompanied by biological diversity. Despite the commonality in host use among the pear psyllids, with each species being limited to development on Pyrus, striking differences exist among species in life cycles, wintering, and other biological traits. Third, many of the tools being used to manage pear psyllids today are in existence because of the long history of basic research which has targeted these pests. These tools include new insecticides of higher selectivity, various cultural and horticultural tactics, and practices that conserve natural enemies in orchards.
Are older adults considered in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mobile health research? A scoping review
Authors: Kouri Andrew , Wong Eric K C , Sale Joanna E M , Straus Sharon E , Gupta Samir
Published: September 2023

Background

The use of mobile health (mHealth) for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rapidly growing and may help address the complex respiratory care needs of our ageing population. However, little is currently known about how airways mHealth is developed and used among older adults (≥65 years).

Objective

To identify if and how older adults with asthma and COPD have been incorporated across the mHealth research cycle.

Methods

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials for studies pertaining to the development or evaluation of asthma and COPD mHealth for adults published after 2010. Study, participant and mHealth details, including any considerations of older age, were extracted, synthesised and charted.

Results

A total of 334 studies of 191 mHealth tools were identified. Adults ≥65 years old were included in 33.3% of asthma mHealth studies and 85.3% of COPD studies. Discussions of older age focused on barriers to technology use. Methodologic and/or analytic considerations of older age were mostly absent throughout the research cycle. Among the 28 instances quantitative age-related analyses were detailed, 12 described positive mHealth use and satisfaction outcomes in older adults versus negative or equivocal outcomes.

Conclusion

We identified an overall lack of consideration for older age throughout the airways mHealth research cycle, even among COPD mHealth studies that predominantly included older adults. We also found a contrast between the perceptions of how older age might negatively influence mHealth use and available quantitative evaluations. Future airways mHealth research must better integrate the needs and concerns of older adults.