bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton and Λ flow and the equation of state at high density
Authors: Steinheimer Jan , Omana Kuttan Manjunath , Motornenko Anton , Sorensen Agnieszka , Nara Yasushi , Koch Volker , Bleicher Marcus , Stoecker Horst
Published: March 2023

Results on proton and Λ flow, calculated with the UrQMD model that incorporates different realistic density dependent equations of state, are presented. It is shown that the proton and hyperon flow shows sensitivity to the equation of state and especially to the appearance of a phase transition at densities below 4n0. Even though qualitatively hyperons and protons exhibit the same beam energy dependence of the flow, the quantitative results are different. In this context it is suggested that the hyperon measurements can be used to study the density dependence of the hyperon interaction in high density QCD matter.
Exploration of the phase diagram within a transport approach
Authors: Soloveva Olga , Moreau Pierre , Oliva Lucia , Song Taesoo , Grishtnanovskii Ilia , Voronuyk Vadym , Kireyeu Viktar , Aichelin Jorg , Bratkovskaya Elena
Published: March 2023

We study equilibrium as well as out-of-equilibrium properties of the strongly interacting QGP medium under extreme conditions of high temperature T and high baryon densities or baryon chemical potentials μB within a kinetic approach. We present the thermodynamic and transport properties of the QGP close to equilibrium in the framework of effective models with Nf=3 active quark flavours such as the Polyakov extended Nambu-Jona Lasinio (PNJL) and dynamical quasiparticle model with the CEP (DQPM-CP). Considering the transport coefficients and the EoS of the QGP phase, we compare our results with various results from the literature. Furthermore, out-of equilibrium properties of the QGP medium and in particular, the effect of a μB- dependence of thermodynamic and transport properties of the QGP are studied within the Parton-Hadron-String-Dynamics (PHSD) transport approach, which covers the full evolution of the system during HICs. We find that bulk observables and flow coefficients for strange hadrons as well as for antiprotons are more sensitive to the properties of the QGP, in particular to the μB - dependence of the QGP interactions.
Insights into the initial conditions and evolution of hadronic collisions with flow observables
Authors: Vislavicius Vytautas
Published: March 2023

Studies of anisotropic flow in heavy-ion collisions are one of the critical elements in understanding the production and evolution of the Quark Gluon Plasma. These proceedings review the most recent results on anisotropic flow measurements at the LHC energies. In particular, recent measurements of pT-differential v2{4} in Pb–Pb collisions for a plethora of light-flavour particles are discussed and compared to models with and without partonic coalescence. The measurements of v2{2} and v2{4} allow for the calculation of relative flow fluctuations, which for the first time are also reported for (multi)strange baryons. The study is further extended to higher moments of the underlying charged-particle v2 PDF, where a transition from non-Gaussian to Gaussian fluctuations is observed. Finally, the correlation between v2 and mean transverse momentum [pT] is studied in terms of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. This opens new venues to study nuclear deformation in ultra-central heavy-ion collisions and could provide a tool to identify processes in the pre-QGP phase.
Charm production: Constraint to transport models and charm diffusion coefficient with ALICE
Authors: Völkl Martin
Published: March 2023

New measurements of D mesons with the ALICE detector, interpreted with theoretical models, can give additional information about the spatial diffusion coefficient, a characteristic of the QGP medium. The relevant ingredients to the models can be assessed by comparing the predictions with diverse measurements of charmed hadrons. This contribution discusses the comparison of measurements with a large set of predictions and the role of the different ingredients implemented in the theoretical models, as well as the conclusions about the spatial diffusion coefficient.
Quarkonium production and elliptic flow in small systems measured with ALICE
Authors: Sadek Finot Rita
Published: March 2023

Abstract. Quarkonium production in hadronic collisions provides a unique testing ground for understanding quantum chromodynamics (QCD) since it involves both perturbative and non-perturbative regimes of this theory. A variety of experimental observables, such as the production cross-section, polarization, particle correlations, serve as insights into the phenomenology of the quarkonium production and help constrain the theoretical models. Measurements of quarkonia as a function of multiplicity probe multiple parton interactions (MPI), i.e., several parton-parton interactions occurring in a single hadron-hadron collision. Finally, measurements of the azimuthal correlation structure of emitted particles in high multiplicity pp collisions can probe the existence of collective behaviour in small systems. The ALICE detector can reconstruct inclusive quarkonia over a broad kinematical range, spanning from mid-rapidity up to forward rapidity, and down to zero transverse momentum. In addition, at midrapidity, the non-prompt charmonium contribution can be separated from the prompt contribution. In these proceedings, we present new results on the inclusive, prompt and non-prompt J/ψ production cross sections measured by ALICE in pp collisions at different collision energies. The self-normalized ψ(2S)-to-J/ψ yield ratio measurement is investigated as a function of the charged particle multiplicity in pp collisions at √S = 13. TeV. Finally, the first measurement of the J/ψ elliptic flow (v2) in high multiplicity pp collisions at √S = 13. TeV is presented. Results will be compared to theoretical models.
Understanding mass hierarchy in different energy loss mechanisms through heavy flavor data
Authors: Ilic Bojana , Djordjevic Magdalena
Published: March 2023

The theoretical analysis of experimental observations, such as the mass hierarchy effect, often neglects some ingredients, which may have a significant impact. The forthcoming measurements at RHIC and LHC will generate heavy flavor data with unprecedented precision, providing an opportunity to utilize high-p⊥ heavy flavor data to analyze the interaction mechanisms in QGP. To this end, we use our recently developed DREENA framework based on the dynamical energy loss formalism. We present: i) How to disentangle the signature of different interaction mechanisms (radiative and collisional energy losses) at the same dataset. ii) Novel observables susceptible to these different mechanisms to be tested by future high-precision measurements. iii) Analytical and numerical extraction of the mass hierarchy effect in energy losses through this observable.
Reconstruction of charged Kaons and ɸ(1020) in Ag+Ag collisions at √SNN = 2.55 GeV with HADES
Authors: Kohls Marvin
Published: March 2023

In March 2019, the HADES collaboration recorded 13:7 · 09 Ag(1.58A GeV)+Ag events as part of the FAIR Phase-0 program. The analysis steps necessary to extract the phase space information for K+, K− and ϕ(1020) are presented in this proceeding.
Exploring the hadronic phase of relativistic heavy-ion collisions with resonances in ALICE
Authors: Mallick Dukhishyam
Published: March 2023

Hadronic resonances, having short lifetimes, are useful for studying the hadrongas phase that characterizes the late-stage evolution of high-energy nuclear collisions. Indeed, regeneration and rescattering processes occurring in the hadron gas modify the measured yields of hadronic resonances and can be studied by measuring resonance yields as a function of system size and comparing them to model predictions with and without hadronic interactions. Measurements of the differential yields of resonances with different lifetime, mass, quark content, and quantum numbers help in understanding particle production mechanisms, the lifetime of the hadronic phase, strangeness production, parton energy loss, rapidity yield asymmetry, and collective effects. With its excellent tracking and particle identification capabilities, the ALICE experiment measured a comprehensive set of mesonic and baryonic resonances. We present recent results on resonance production in pp, p–Pb, Xe–Xe and Pb–Pb collisions at various center-of-mass energies, highlighting new results of K*±, Λ(1520), and Σ*±(1385). The results are also compared to lower energy measurements and model calculations.
Development of Future Electromagnetic Calorimeter Technologies and Applications for the Electron-Ion Collider with GEANT4 Simulations
Authors: Shi Zhaozhong , Woody Craig , Delk Ian , Lajoie John
Published: March 2023

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) is a future collider planned to be built at BNL in about a decade. It will provide physicists with high luminosity and highly polarized beams with a wide range of nuclei species at different energies, covering an extensive kinematic range. The EIC physics goals include measuring the Generalized Parton Distribution (GPD) from Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) and Deeply Virtual Meson Production (DVMP) experiments, performing precision 3D imaging of the nuclei structure, studying color confinement and hadronization mechanisms, and understanding the spin structure of the proton. In order to meet the physics goals of EIC, a highresolution electromagnetic calorimeter (EMCAL) is required to measure electrons and photons and to achieve good particle identification. We propose to develop a tungsten/shashlik (W/shashlik) EMCAL with better readout configuration to achieve better energy and position resolution. In this work, we will present the GEANT4 detector simulation results ofWand Pb shashlik EMCAL to study π0 merging probability as a function of π0 energy and the performance of position and energy resolutions of the EMCAL for ECCE design.
The LHCspin project
Authors: Santimaria Marco , Carassiti Vittore , Ciullo Giuseppe , Di Nezza Pasquale , Lenisa Paolo , Mariani Saverio , Pappalardo Luciano Libero , Steffens Erhard
Published: March 2023

The goal of LHCspin is to develop, in the next few years, innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies to access spin physics in polarised fixed-target collisions at high energy, exploring the unique kinematic regime offered by LHC and exploiting new final states by means of the LHCb detector.
Observation of the γ γ → τ+τ− production in ultraperipheral PbPb collisions with the CMS experiment
Authors: Krintiras Georgios K.
Published: March 2023

We report the observation of the photon-induced γγ → τ+τ− production based on a data sample of 404 μb−1 collected by the CMS experiment at a per nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. The cross section is measured in a fiducial phase space region via the decay process involving one muon and three charged hadrons, and is found to be σ(γγ → τ+τ−) = 4.8 ± 0.6 (stat) ± 0.5 (syst) μb, in agreement with leading-order quantum electrodynamics predictions. The σ(γγ → τ+τ−) measurement is used to determine the anomalous magnetic moment of the τ lepton aτ , which is currently poorly constrained.
Scaling properties of background- and chiral-magnetically-driven charge separation: Implications for the chiral magnetic effect in heavy ion collisions
Authors: Lacey Roy
Published: March 2023

The scaling properties of the RΨ2(∆S) correlator and the Δγ correlator are used to investigate a possible chiral-magnetically-driven (CME) charge separation in p+Au, d+Au, Ru+Ru, Zr+Zr, and Au+Au collisions at √SNN = 200 GeV, and in p+Pb (√SNN = 5.02 TeV) and Pb+Pb collisions at √SNN = 5.02 and 2:76 TeV. The results for p+Au, d+Au, p+Pb, and Pb+Pb collisions, show the 1/Nch scaling for background-driven charge separation. However, the results for Au+Au, Ru+Ru, and Zr+Zr collisions show scaling violations which indicate a CME contribution in the presence of a large background. In mid-central collisions, the CME accounts for approximately 27% of the signal + background in Au+Au and roughly a factor of two smaller for Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr, which show similar magnitudes.
Spin polarization and alignment in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Singha Subhash
Published: March 2023

We report the measurements of global spin polarization of hyperons (PΛ) from FAIR, RHIC and LHC energies. The PΛ continues to follow an increasing trend at √SNN < 7.7 GeV indicating that enormous vorticity prevails even in hadronic dominant region. New measurements of local spin polarization (Pz,2) from isobar collisions follow the same pattern observed in previous RHIC and LHC energies. An observable motivated by predicted baryonic Spin Hall Effect, the net local polarization (Pz,2net), show a negative value in Au+Au collisions at √SNN = 19.6 and 27 GeV. The first Pz measurement with respect to third order harmonic in 200 GeV RHIC isobar collisions shows a non-zero sine modulation, indicating the presence of complex vortical structure in the medium. Surprising new patterns of spin alignment (ρ00) for various vector mesons (K*0, K*±, ϕ and J/ψ emerged at both RHIC and LHC energies. The large deviation in ρ00 of several species poses challenge to the theory.
Transverse single-spin asymmetry of very forward neutral pion
Authors: Kim Hee-Jin , Clymton Samson , Kim Hyun-Chul
Published: March 2023

We present in this talk a recent work on the transverse single-spin asymmetry of the very forward neutral pion in polarized p+p collisions at √S = 510 GeV. The triple-Regge formalism remarkably well desribes the RHICf data at pT < 1 GeV. We found that the neutral pion production at low pT is interpreted as a diffractive one.
Recent Results from PHENIX
Authors: Belmont Ron
Published: March 2023

We present results from the heavy-ion physics program of the PHENIX experiment at RHIC. These results include jet substructure, open heavy flavor, charmonium, strangeness, electromagnetic probes, femtoscopy, and flow.
The value of radioembolisation therapy on metastatic liver tumours – a single centre experience
Authors: Ekmekcioglu Ozgul , Erdem Umut , Arican Pelin , Ozvar Hikmet , Bostanci Ozgur
Published: March 2023

Objective Local treatments used in metastatic liver tumours efficiently control the disease and survival. Transarterial radioembolisation (TARE) is a safely used locoregional treatment method. We aim to investigate the impact of TARE on different kinds of metastatic liver tumours and the effect of pre-treatment clinical findings.

Material and Methods The patients with metastatic liver tumours referred to our department for radioembolisation were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were given a Y-90 glass microsphere after being selected by the appropriate clinical and imaging criteria, lung shunt fraction levels, vascular investigation, and macro aggregated albumin (MAA) scintigraphy performed in the angiography unit.

Results Thirty-four (17 women, 17 men) patients were suitable for the treatment. Patients were treated with 115.88±47.84 Gy Y-90 glass Microspheres. The mean survival rate was 14.59±12.59 months after treatment. Higher survival rates were detected in patients who had higher pre-treatment serum albumin levels. The optimum cut-off value of albumin to predict response to treatment was 4 g/dl with 88.89% sensitivity, 62.50% specificity, 72.73% PPV and 83.33% NPV. Furthermore, one unit increase in age increased mortality 1.152 times in our patient group.

Conclusion Radioembolisation is a safe and efficient method for controlling metastatic liver disease. Albumin levels significantly affect predicting response; higher albumin levels are related to higher survival rates. Furthermore, older age positively correlated with mortality rates in our patient group.
Genetic Testing in Clinical Movement Disorders: A Case-Based Review
Authors: Kalia Lorraine V. , Nimmo Graeme A. M. , Mestre Tiago A.
Published: March 2023

Genetics are fundamental to understanding the pathophysiology of neurological disease, including movement disorders. Genetic testing in clinical practice has changed dramatically over the last few decades. While the likelihood of establishing an etiological diagnosis is greater now with increased access to testing and more advanced technologies, clinicians face challenges when deciding whether to test, then selecting the appropriate test, and ultimately interpreting and sharing the results with patients and families. In this review, we use a case-based approach to cover core aspects of genetic testing for the neurologist, namely, genetic testing in Parkinson's disease, interpretation of inconclusive genetic test reports, and genetic testing for repeat expansion disorders using Huntington disease as a prototype.
Greater flowering and response to flooding inLythrum virgatumthanL. salicaria(purple loosestrife)
Authors: Mattingly Kali Z , Braasch Brenna N , Hovick Stephen M
Published: March 2023

Newly introduced trait diversity can spur rapid evolution and facilitate local adaptation in the introduced plant Lythrum salicaria. The horticultural plant L. virgatum might further introduce meaningful trait variation by escaping into established L. salicaria populations or by hybridizing with L. salicaria. Although many experiments have focused on L. salicaria genotypes, relatively little is known about L. virgatum ecology. We used a greenhouse common garden to compare traits and flood response of L. salicaria and L. virgatum collected from two sources each in their native range. We tested the hypotheses that these two wetland taxa have comparable responses to flooding (inundation), and that flood tolerance correlated to higher fitness. Flooding produced stronger stress responses in L. virgatum. Compared to L. salicaria, L. virgatum shifted more aboveground allocation away from reproduction, decreased inflorescence biomass by 40% more, and produced 7% more stem aerenchymatous phellum, a specialized tissue that maintains aeration. Despite these more pronounced responses to flooding stress, L. virgatum had higher fitness (inflorescence biomass and reproductive allocation) than L. salicaria. Overall, L. virgatum differed from L. salicaria in functionally important ways. Lythrum virgatum persisted under flooding and produced more reproductive biomass than L. salicaria under both flooded and non-flooded conditions. However, inundation stressed L. virgatum more than L. salicaria. Lythrum virgatum is likely able to establish into the wetland habitats in which L. salicaria prevails but may possess broader habitat tolerances.
In Their Own Words: Osvaldo Sala
Authors: Verdier James M
Published: March 2023

In Their Own Words chronicles the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields. These short histories provide our readers a way to learn from and share their experiences. We publish the results of these conversations in the pages of BioScience and on our podcast, BioScience Talks (https://bioscience-talks.aibs.org). This history is with Dr. Osvaldo Sala, who is the Julie A. Wrigley and Regents’ and Foundation Professor and the founding director of the Global Drylands Center, at Arizona State University.

Note: Both the text and audio versions have been edited for clarity and length.
The evolutionary history of the Central Asian steppe-desert taxon Nitraria (Nitrariaceae) as revealed by integration of fossil pollen morphology and molecular data
Authors: Woutersen Amber , Jardine Phillip E , Silvestro Daniele , Bogotá-Angel Raul Giovanni , Zhang Hong-Xiang , Meijer Niels , Bouchal Johannes , Barbolini Natasha , Dupont-Nivet Guillaume , Koutsodendris Andreas , Antonelli Alexandre , Hoorn Carina
Published: March 2023

The transition from a greenhouse to an icehouse world at the Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT) coincided with a large decrease of pollen from the steppe-adapted genus Nitraria. This genus, now common along the Mediterranean coast, Asia and Australia, has a proposed coastal origin and a geographically widespread fossil record. Here we investigated the evolution, taxonomic diversity and morphological disparity of Nitraria throughout the Cenozoic by integrating extant taxa and fossil palynological morphotypes into a unified phylogenetic framework based on both DNA sequences and pollen morphological data. We present the oldest fossil pollen grain of Nitraria, at least 53 Myr old. This fossil was found in Central Asian deposits, providing new evidence for its origin in this area. We found that the EOT is an evolutionary bottleneck for Nitraria, coinciding with retreat of the proto-Paratethys Sea, a major global cooling event and a turnover in Central Asian steppe vegetation. We infer the crown age of modern Nitraria spp. to be significantly younger (Miocene) than previously estimated (Palaeocene). The diversity trajectory of Nitraria inferred from extant-only taxa differs markedly from one that also considers extinct taxa. Our study demonstrates it is therefore critical to apply an integrative approach to fully understand the plant evolutionary history of Nitrariaceae.
A Fresh Look at the 2005 Commission v. United Kingdom Judgment in Light of the Euratom Treaty’s Drafting History
Authors: Lattanzi Sarah
Published: March 2023

This article provides a new example of a ‘fresh look at an old case’. It examines the 2005 Commission v. United Kingdom case in light of a study conducted using the Historical Archives of the European Union. The historical holdings contain many travaux ­préparatoires of the Treaty Establishing the European Atomic Community. These documents can be very useful for reconstructing the drafting history of the founding treaties and developing a historical interpretation of their provisions. In Commission v. United Kingdom, the same parties that participated in the negotiation process relied on these travaux préparatoires, and the Court of Justice of the European Union itself engaged in a historical interpretation of the provisions at stake. Taking this case as an example, this article delves into questions pertaining to the use of travaux préparatoires as a means of interpretation and the respective role of judge and historians in performing the task of shedding light on the original will of the contracting parties and on the historical context in which this will was shaped.
A framework for improving treatment of uncertainty in offshore wind assessments for protected marine birds
Authors: Searle K R , O'Brien S H , Jones E L , Cook A S C P , Trinder M N , McGregor R M , Donovan C , McCluskie A , Daunt F , Butler A
Published: March 2023

Governments worldwide are setting ambitious targets for offshore renewable energy development (ORD). However, deployment is constrained by a lack of understanding of the environmental consequences of ORD, with impacts on protected birds forming a key environmental consenting challenge. Assessing the impacts of ORD on marine birds is challenging, utilizing interlinked approaches to understand complex behavioural, energetic, and demographic processes. Consequently, there is considerable uncertainty associated with ORD assessments for marine birds, with current methods failing to quantify uncertainty in a scientifically robust, evidence-based manner. This leads to a high degree of precaution and a lack of confidence in the evidence used to inform ORD consenting decisions. We review the methods used to estimate ornithological ORD impacts in the UK, a country at the forefront of ORD. We identify areas in which uncertainty quantification could be improved through statistical modelling, data collection, or adaptation of the assessment process. We develop a framework for end-to-end quantification of uncertainty, integrating uncertainty estimates from individual stages of the assessment process. Finally, we provide research recommendations to better quantify and reduce uncertainty, to lower future ORD consenting risk. These recommendations extend beyond the UK and could improve impact assessments in other countries with different legislative frameworks.
Error estimates for a linear folding model
Authors: Bartels Sören , Bonito Andrea , Tscherner Philipp
Published: March 2023

An interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method is devised to approximate minimizers of a linear folding model by discontinuous isoparametric finite element functions that account for an approximation of a folding arc. The numerical analysis of the discrete model includes an a priori error estimate in case of an accurate representation of the folding curve by the isoparametric mesh. Additional estimates show that geometric consistency errors may be controlled separately if the folding arc is approximated by piecewise polynomial curves. Various numerical experiments are carried out to validate the a priori error estimate for the folding model.
Non-distributive positive logic as a fragment of first-order logic over semilattices
Authors: de Groot Jim
Published: March 2023

We characterize non-distributive positive logic as the fragment of a single-sorted first-order language that is preserved by a new notion of simulation called a meet-simulation. Meet-simulations distinguish themselves from simulations because they relate pairs of states from one model to single states from another. En route to this result, we use a more traditional notion of simulations and prove a Hennessy–Milner-style theorem for it, using an analogue of modal saturation called meet-compactness.
Using visual scores and categorical data for genomic prediction of complex traits in breeding programs
Authors: Ferreira Azevedo Camila , Ferrão Luis Felipe Ventorim , Benevenuto Juliana , de Resende Marcos Deon Vilela , Nascimento Moyses , Campana Nascimento Ana Carolina , Munoz Patricio
Published: March 2023

Most genomic prediction methods are based on assumptions of normality due to their simplicity, robustness, and ease of implementation. However, in plant and animal breeding, target traits are often collected as categorical data, thus violating the normality assumption, which could affect the prediction of breeding values and the estimation of crucial genetic parameters. In this study, we examined the main challenges of categorical phenotypes in genomic prediction and genetic parameter estimation using mixed models, Bayesian approaches, and machine learning techniques. We evaluated these approaches using simulated and real breeding data sets. Our contribution in this study is a five-fold demonstration: (i) collecting data using an intermediate number of categories (1 to 3 and 1 to 5 scores) is the best strategy, even considering errors and subjectivity associated with visual scores; (ii) in the context of genomic prediction, Linear Mixed Models and Bayesian Linear Regression Models are robust to the normality violation, but marginal gains can be achieved when using Bayesian Ordinal Regression Models (BORM) and Random Forest Classification technique; (iii) genetic parameters are better estimated using BORM; (iv) our conclusions using simulated data are also applicable to real data in autotetraploid blueberry, which can guide breeders’ decisions; and (v) a comparison of continuous and categorical phenotype testing for complex traits with low heritability, found that investing in the evaluation of 600-1000 categorical data points with low error, when it is not feasible to collect continuous phenotypes, is a strategy for improving predictive abilities. Our findings suggest the best approaches for effectively using categorical traits to explore genetic information in breeding programs, and highlight the importance of investing in the training of evaluator teams and in high-quality phenotyping.

Key message

An approach for handling categorical data with potential errors and subjectivity in scores was evaluated in simulated and blueberry recurrent selection breeding schemes to assist breeders in their decision-making.
The two-component regulator WalKR provides an essential link between cell wall homeostasis with DNA replication inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sharkey Liam K. R. , Guerillot Romain , Walsh Calum , Turner Adrianna M. , Lee Jean Y. H. , Neville Stephanie L. , Klatt Stephan , Baines Sarah L. , Pidot Sacha , Rossello Fernando J. , Seemann Torsten , McWilliam Hamish , Cho Ellie , Carter Glen P. , Howden Benjamin P. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Hachani Abderrahman , Stinear Timothy P. , Monk Ian R.
Published: March 2023

Among the 16 two-component systems (TCSs) in the opportunistic human pathogenStaphylococcus aureus, only WalKR is essential. Like orthologous systems in other Bacillota,S. aureusWalKR controls autolysins involved in peptidoglycan remodelling and is therefore intimately involved in cell division. However, despite the importance of WalKR inS. aureus, the basis for its essentiality is not understood and the regulon poorly defined. Here, we defined a consensus WalR DNA-binding motif and the direct WalKR regulon by using functional genomics, including ChIP-seq, with a panel of isogenicwalKRmutants that had a spectrum of altered activities. Consistent with prior findings, the direct regulon includes multiple autolysin genes. However, this work also revealed that WalR directly regulates at least five essential genes involved in lipoteichoic acid synthesis (ltaS); translation(rplK); DNA compaction (hup); initiation of DNA replication (dnaA, hup); and purine nucleotide metabolism (prs). Thus, WalKR inS. aureusserves as a polyfunctional regulator that contributes to fundamental control over critical cell processes by co-ordinately linking cell wall homeostasis with purine biosynthesis, protein biosynthesis, and DNA replication. Collectively, our findings address the essentiality of this locus and highlight the importance of WalKR as abona fidetarget for novel anti-staphylococcal therapeutics.
First in family Rhabdiasidae: the reference-guided genome assembly of an invasive parasite, the cane toad lungworm (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala)
Authors: Eyck Harrison JF. , Edwards Richard J. , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard , Rollins Lee A.
Published: March 2023

Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephalais a well-studied invasive nematode parasite of amphibians. However, there are several outstanding questions aboutR. pseudosphaerocephalathat are best answered using genomic data. This species differs phenotypically across its invasive range. These differences are challenging to interpret because this species is part of a complex that is diverse and cryptic in its home-range, and we do not know how many species from this complex originally colonised Australia. For this reason, it is unknown whether the phenotypic differences across the introduced range are due to intraspecific differentiation between populations or due to the presence of multiple species. In addition, there is little consensus in the placement of Rhabdiasidae family within the phylum Nematoda, making it difficult to perform comparative analyses with other nematodes. Within this paper, we assemble a reference genome forR. pseudosphaerocephala, the first assembly of any Rhabdiasidae species. We then use resequencing data to address outstanding questions about this species. Specifically, we combine population genetic and phylogenetic analyses to determine that there is likely only a singleR. pseudosphaerocephalalineage within Australia, and identify that the invasive range population is closely related to home rage isolates that infect similar host species. We present compelling evidence for a genetic bottleneck following introduction to Australia and genetic differentiation occurring between invasive range populations. We then use genome-scale phylogenomic analysis to place the Rhabdiasidae family in the suborder Rhabditina. Ultimately, this paper brings the study of Rhabdiasidae into the genomic era, and sheds light on its ancient and modern evolutionary history.
SARS-CoV-2 surveillance between 2020 and 2021 of all mammalian species in two Flemish zoos (Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael Zoo)
Authors: Joffrin Léa , Cooreman Tine , Verheyen Erik , Vercammen Francis , Mariën Joachim , Leirs Herwig , Gryseels Sophie
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of human infections and deaths worldwide. Several other mammal species are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and multiple instances of transmission from humans to pets, farmed mink, wildlife and zoo animals have been recorded. We conducted a systematic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in all mammal species in two zoos in Belgium between September and December 2020 and July 2021 in four sessions, and a targeted surveillance of selected mammal enclosures following SARS-CoV-2 infection in hippos in December 2021. A total of 1523 faecal samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 via real-time PCR. None of the samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additional surrogate virus neutralization tests conducted on 50 routinely collected serum samples during the same period were all negative. This study is a first to our knowledge to conduct active SARS-CoV-2 surveillance for several months in all mammal species of a zoo. We conclude that at the time of our investigation, none of the screened animals were excreting SARS-CoV-2.
Mechanical Properties of DNA Double-Crossover Motif
Authors: Matoušková Eva , Růžička Michal , Réblová Kamila , Lankaš Filip
Published: March 2023

The double-crossover (DX) motif is a key building block of DNA nanostructures. It connects two double helices by two closely spaced Holliday junctions. Despite its prominent importance, the structure and elasticity of the DX motif is not fully understood. Here we employ extensive all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of an antiparallel DNA DX motif with two full turns between crossovers to infer its global structure and deformability. We quantitatively reproduce the experimentally known two-fold increase of bending stiffness upon incorporation of a DNA duplex into the DX motif, and find out that its stretching and twisting stiffness are only slightly influenced. To further describe the motif, we define four effective rigid bodies, each involving several base pairs flanking the Holliday junctions from the outside, and consider internal coordinates capturing relative displacement and orientation of the bodies. Time series of the coordinates from MD then yield the global structure of the DX motif and its stiffness in the harmonic approximation.
“Then someone takes my picture…” and other disrupted (drinking) stories: constructing narratives about alcohol and intoxication among young Muslim women in Denmark
Authors: Bærndt Marie Fjellerup
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the existence of drinking stories among young Muslim women in Denmark. More specifically, the author investigates the significance of having a double audience (one Muslim, one Danish) for the construction of narratives about alcohol and intoxication.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on qualitative data from semi-structured in-depth interviews with 32 young Muslim women (average age 23 years) and uses the analytical concept of storytelling.

Findings

Firstly, the narratives are qualitatively different from majority narratives, revealing distinct Muslim minority experiences. Secondly, the stories are disrupted in more serious ways than majority drinking stories. Lastly, for some young women, there is no wriggle room, and rather than being part of stories of intoxication, they subvert the drinking story into sober narratives to uphold respectable norms around alcohol while being both Muslim and Danish.

Originality/value

This research is unique in its focus on alcohol and parties among Muslim minority youth in a white-majority country. The narratives would usually be overlooked in a drinking story context because of the association between Muslims and abstinence and because the drinking story literature originates from a narrower focus on young white men’s experiences. Including more ethnic, religious and gender-diverse minorities in future research on drinking stories will challenge our knowledge in the field and add much-needed nuances.
From affective polarization to fruitful politics: a new public leadership inspired by the UN's 2030 Agenda
Authors: Romero-Martín Gonzalo , Caraballo-Pou María Ángeles , Merchán-Hernández Carmen
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Who leads and the purpose of public leadership matter. The aim of this viewpoint essay is to examine the fundamentals of public policy design and implementation as well as contemporary public leadership from a new approach inspired by the 2030 Agenda. This work provides a more humanistic and fruitful approach to public leadership, which is crucial in the current context of social division, turbulent politics and weak and infertile leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint essay is based on academic literature as well as on institutional reports to explore the 2030 Agenda's potential when it comes to outlining a new style of public leadership.

Findings

The 2030 potential has always been analyzed from the different synergies that can be established from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nevertheless, this essay proposes to separate from the mainstream discourse by outlining six core properties of the 2030 Agenda as key elements that implicate a new roadmap in the design and evaluation of public policies and contribute in a disruptive way to conceive public leadership.

Originality/value

This essay offers an innovative leadership framework that integrates key elements from the 2030 Agenda perspective with theoretical and practical notions of policy-making and public leadership to overcome the main challenges of the present and future days.
Transcriptome profiles and chromatin states in mouse androgenetic haploid embryonic stem cells
Authors: Zheng Weisheng , Wang Liping , He Wenteng , Hu Xinjie , Zhu Qianshu , Gu Liang , Jiang Cizhong
Published: March 2023

Haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) are derived from the inner cell mass of the haploid blastocyst, containing only one set of chromosomes. Extensive and accurate chromatin remodelling occurs during haESC derivation, but the intrinsic transcriptome profiles and chromatin structure of haESCs have not been fully explored. We profiled the transcriptomes, nucleosome positioning, and key histone modifications of four mouse haESC lines, and compared these profiles with those of other closely‐related stem cell lines, MII oocytes, round spermatids, sperm, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. haESCs had transcriptome profiles closer to those of naïve pluripotent stem cells. Consistent with the one X chromosome in haESCs, Xist was repressed, indicating no X chromosome inactivation. haESCs and ESCs shared a similar global chromatin structure. However, a nucleosome depletion region was identified in 2056 promoters in ESCs, which was absent in haESCs. Furthermore, three characteristic spatial relationships were formed between transcription factor motifs and nucleosomes in both haESCs and ESCs, specifically in the linker region, on the nucleosome central surface, and nucleosome borders. Furthermore, the chromatin state of 4259 enhancers was off in haESCs but active in ESCs. Functional annotation of these enhancers revealed enrichment in regulation of the cell cycle, a predominantly reported mechanism of haESC self‐diploidization. Notably, the transcriptome profiles and chromatin structure of haESCs were highly preserved during passaging but different from those of differentiated cell types.
Progress of metabolomics in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Lishan , Zeng Yueping , Sun Jinlyu
Published: March 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent eczema and intense pruritus, is a major skin‐related burden worldwide. The diagnosis and treatment of AD is often challenging due to the high heterogeneity of AD, and its exact etiology is unknown. Metabolomics offers the opportunity to follow continuous physiological and pathological changes in individuals, which allows accurate diagnosis and management as well as providing deep insights into the etiopathogenesis of AD. Several metabolomic studies of AD have been published over the past few years. The aim of this review is to summarize these findings and help researchers to understand the rapid development of metabolomics for AD.

A comprehensive and systematic search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Twenty‐six papers were finally included in the review after quality assessment. Significant differences in metabolite profiles were found between patients with AD and healthy individuals.

This study provides a comprehensive overview of metabolomic research in AD. A better understanding of the metabolomics of AD may offer novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches.
First record in Europe of the Asian gobiid, shimofuri (marbled) goby Tridentiger bifasciatus Steindachner, 1881
Authors: Verhelst Pieterjan , Verreycken Hugo
Published: March 2023

In November 2022, two shimofuri (marbled) gobies Tridentiger bifasciatus Steindachner, 1881 were caught in the Gent–Terneuzen shipping canal, Belgium. It is the first record of the species in Europe. Outside its native distribution area in Japan, China and South Korea, thus far the shimofuri goby has been observed only on the West Coast of the USA, where established populations exist. The introduction vector potentially was ballast water exchange.
Pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa: Describing care patterns in the emergency department
Authors: Lambert Raphaella A. , Stein Sarah L.
Published: March 2023

Background/Objectives

The emergency department (ED) is a common point of care for many pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients; however, ED care may not align with recommended treatment standards. The objective of this study is to describe the care pediatric HS patients receive in the ED compared to both HS management guidelines and the management of pediatric skin and soft tissue abscess (SSTA) patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric HS and SSTA patients who presented to a single pediatric ED. Demographic and ED encounter data including medications, procedures, recommendations, consults, and referrals were collected.

Results

58 HS and 175 SSTA charts were reviewed. 69.5% of patients were female and 93.6% were African American/Black. 29.3% of HS and 61.7% of SSTA encounters involved incision and drainage (I&D); 62.1% of HS and 70.1% of SSTA encounters involved the prescription or administration of oral clindamycin; 3.4% of HS and 0.6% of SSTA encounters involved dermatology consultation in the ED; and 22.4% of HS and 5.1% of SSTA encounters involved outpatient referrals to dermatology.

Conclusions

Our data reveal a pediatric HS and SSTA population that is predominantly female and African American/Black. Significant differences were found in the average ages and number of lesions between HS and SSTA patients. I&D and oral clindamycin were the most common treatments across groups; however, I&D was performed significantly more frequently among SSTA encounters than HS encounters. Our results suggest that subtle knowledge gaps may exist in ED provider management of pediatric HS.
Evaluation of finger weeder safety and efficacy for intra‐row weed removal in irrigated field crops
Authors: Asaf Evyatar , Rozenberg Gal , Shulner Itai , Eizenberg Hanan , Lati Ran Nisim
Published: March 2023

Increased demand for pesticide‐free food and the development of herbicide‐resistant weed populations have created a need for non‐chemical weed‐control tools. A candidate mechanical tool for controlling weeds in the seeding line (intra‐row zone) is the finger weeder. This study thus aimed to evaluate the safety and weed‐control efficacy of the finger weeder in various irrigated field crops. Eight field trials were conducted in processing tomato, sweet corn, sunflower, cotton, and beetroot over 2 years. The finger weeder treatments were applied as the sole weed‐control method (single or double treatments) and in combination with herbicides. A mini meta‐analysis was used to evaluate the overall effect of the finger weeder treatments on crop stand and yield and on weed control efficacy. Weed density in the control not treated with herbicides nor a finger weeder ranged between 2 and 62 weeds m−2. The finger weeder treatments resulted in a significant reduction in weed density, which ranged between 40% and 90%. The weed density following the double finger weeder treatment was not significantly different from that for the conventional herbicide‐based treatment (p = 0.32) and could therefore be considered as an effective environmentally friendly alternative. Furthermore, a single FW treatment integrated with herbicide application gave better weed control than the conventional herbicide treatment (p = 0.04). This treatment was safe for the crops with no significant stand (p = 0.19) or yield (p = 0.29) reductions compared to commercial treatment. The results of this study demonstrate the promise of the finger weeder as an effective tool within integrated weed management systems for conventional agro‐systems. The tool offers a rational weed‐control solution for sustainable systems under irrigation.
High Frequency hearing in echolocating dolphins
Authors: Nachtigall Paul E.
Published: March 2023

The Reflections series takes a look back on historical articles from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America that have had a significant impact on the science and practice of acoustics.
Equality as a work in progress
The Patriarchs
Angela Saini
Beacon Press, 2023. 256 pp.
Authors: Richardson Sarah S.
Published: March 2023

History shows that neither patriarchy nor parity is inevitable
In Science Journals
Authors: Smith H. Jesse , Stern Peter , Williams Ifor , Malo Courtney S. , Vignieri Sacha , Yeston Jake , Lopez Bianca , Lavine Marc S. , Ash Caroline , Hurtley Stella M. , Wong Wei
Published: March 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Supplemental Material: Reconstructing the erosional and tectonic record of Laramide contraction to Rio Grande rift extension, southern Indio Mountains, western Texas, USA
Authors: Conley A. , Ricketts J.W. , al. et
Published: March 2023

Text File S1: Description of all map units that are shown on Plates 1 and 2 and are described in the text and figures; 40Ar/39Ar methods and fault measurements and locations. Dataset S1 and Table S1: 40Ar/39Ar data tables and thermochronology modeling parameters. 
τ Lepton Decays with Production of Strange Scalar Mesons $$K_{0}^{*}(700)$$ and $$K_{0}^{*}(1430)$$ in the Extended Nambu–Jona-Lasinio Model
Authors: Volkov M. K. , Nurlan K.
Published: March 2023

The branching fractions of τ lepton decays with the production of strange scalar mesons both in the ground and first radially excited states $${{\tau }^{ - }} \to {{\nu }_{\tau }}[K_{0}^{*}{{(700)}^{ - }},K_{0}^{*}{{(1430)}^{ - }}]$$ and $${{\tau }^{ - }} \to {{\nu }_{\tau }}[K_{0}^{*}{{(700)}^{ - }}{{\pi }^{0}},K_{0}^{*}{{(1430)}^{ - }}{{\pi }^{0}},$$$$K_{0}^{*}{{(700)}^{ - }}{{K}^{0}},K_{0}^{*}{{(700)}^{ - }}\eta ]$$ are calculated in the extended $$U(3) \times U(3)$$ chiral quark Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. All mesons are considered as $$q\bar {q}$$ systems. The obtained results should be considered as predictions for future experiments.
Saxl graphs of primitive affine groups with sporadic point stabilizers
Authors: Lee Melissa , Popiel Tomasz
Published: March 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a permutation group on a set [Formula: see text]. A base for [Formula: see text] is a subset of [Formula: see text] whose pointwise stabilizer is trivial, and the base size of [Formula: see text] is the minimal cardinality of a base for [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] has base size [Formula: see text], then the corresponding Saxl graph [Formula: see text] has vertex set [Formula: see text] and two vertices are adjacent if and only if they form a base for [Formula: see text]. A recent conjecture of Burness and Giudici states that if [Formula: see text] is a finite primitive permutation group with base size [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] has the property that every two vertices have a common neighbour. We investigate this conjecture in the case where [Formula: see text] is an affine group and a point stabilizer is an almost quasisimple group whose central quotient is either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for some sporadic simple group [Formula: see text]. We verify the conjecture for all but [Formula: see text] of the groups [Formula: see text].