bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted left ventricular lead positioning to the site of latest activation in cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fyenbo Daniel Benjamin , Bjerre Henrik Laurits , Frausing Maria Hee Jung Park , Stephansen Charlotte , Sommer Anders , Borgquist Rasmus , Bakos Zoltan , Glikson Michael , Milman Anat , Beinart Roy , Kockova Radka , Sedlacek Kamil , Wichterle Dan , Saba Samir , Jain Sandeep , Shalaby Alaa , Kronborg Mads Brix , Nielsen Jens Cosedis
Published: September 2023

Aims

Several studies have evaluated the use of electrically- or imaging-guided left ventricular (LV) lead placement in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients. We aimed to assess evidence for a guided strategy that targets LV lead position to the site of latest LV activation.

Methods and results

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until March 2023 that evaluated electrically- or imaging-guided LV lead positioning on clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization, and secondary endpoints were quality of life, 6-min walk test (6MWT), QRS duration, LV end-systolic volume, and LV ejection fraction. We included eight RCTs that comprised 1323 patients. Six RCTs compared guided strategy (n = 638) to routine (n = 468), and two RCTs compared different guiding strategies head-to-head: electrically- (n = 111) vs. imaging-guided (n = 106). Compared to routine, a guided strategy did not significantly reduce the risk of the primary endpoint after 12–24 (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.52–1.33) months. A guided strategy was associated with slight improvement in 6MWT distance after 6 months of follow-up of absolute 18 (95% CI 6–30) m between groups, but not in remaining secondary endpoints. None of the secondary endpoints differed between the guided strategies.

Conclusion

In this study, a CRT implantation strategy that targets the latest LV activation did not improve survival or reduce heart failure hospitalizations.
Real-world evidence on the association between cardiac implantable electronic device infection and all-cause mortality
Authors: Shawon Md Shajedur Rahman , Sotade Oluwadamisola Temilade , Hill Michelle , Strachan Liesl , Challis Gabrielle , Ooi Sze-Yuan , Jorm Louisa R
Published: September 2023

Aims

An infection following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedure is a serious complication, but its association with all-cause mortality is inconsistent across observational studies. To quantify the association between CIED infection and all-cause mortality in a large, contemporary cohort from New South Wales, Australia.

Methods and results

This retrospective cohort study used linked hospital and mortality data and included all patients aged >18 years who underwent a CIED procedure between July 2017 and September 2022. Cardiac implantable electronic device infection was defined by the presence of relevant diagnosis codes. Cox regression to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of CIED infection with mortality, at 1-year, and at the end of follow-up, with CIED infection included as a time-dependent variable, and other potential risk factors for mortality included as fixed covariates. We followed 37,750 patients with CIED procedures {36% female, mean age [standard deviation (SD)] 75.8 [12.7] years}, and 487 (1.3%) CIED infections were identified. We observed 5771 (15.3%) deaths during an average follow-up of 25.2 (SD 16.8) months. Compared with no infection group, patients with CIED infection had a higher Kaplan-Meier mortality rate (19.4 vs. 6.8%) and adjusted hazard of mortality (aHR 2.73, 95% CI 2.10−3.54) at 12 months post-procedure. These differences were attenuated but still remained significant at the end of follow-up (aHR 1.83, 95% CI 1.52−2.19).

Conclusion

In a complete, state–wide cohort of CIED patients, infection was associated with higher risks of both short–term and long–term mortality.
Catheter ablation of atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients with atrioventricular septal defect
Authors: Waldmann Victor , Bessière Francis , Gardey Kevin , Hascoët Sébastien , Henaine Roland , Iserin Laurence , Ladouceur Magalie , Bonnet Damien , Marijon Eloi , Maltret Alice , Combes Nicolas , de Groot Natasja
Published: September 2023

Aims

The incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias is high in patients with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). No specific data on catheter ablation have been reported so far in this population. We aimed to describe the main mechanisms of atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients with AVSD and to analyse outcomes after catheter ablation.

Methods and results

This observational multi-centric cohort study enrolled all patients with AVSD referred for catheter ablation of an atrial tachyarrhythmia at six tertiary centres from 2004 to 2022. The mechanisms of the different tachyarrhythmias targeted were described and outcomes were analysed. Overall, 56 patients (38.1 ± 17.4 years, 55.4% females) were included. A total of 87 atrial tachyarrhythmias were targeted (mean number of 1.6 per patient). Regarding main circuits involved, a cavo-annular isthmus-dependent intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia (IART) was observed in 41 (73.2%) patients and an IART involving the right lateral atriotomy in 10 (17.9%) patients. Other tachyarrhythmias with heterogeneous circuits were observed in 13 (23.2%) patients including 11 left-sided and 4 right-sided tachyarrhythmias. Overall, an acute success was achieved in 54 (96.4%) patients, and no complication was reported. During a mean follow-up of 2.8 ± 3.8 years, 22 (39.3%) patients had at least one recurrence. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences was 77.5% at 1 year. Among 15 (26.8%) patients who underwent repeated ablation procedures, heterogeneous circuits including bi-atrial and left-sided tachyarrhythmias were more frequent.

Conclusion

In patients with AVSD, most circuits involve the cavo-annular isthmus, but complex mechanisms are frequently encountered in patients with repeated procedures. The acute success rate is excellent, although recurrences remain common during follow-up.
Predation risk drives aposematic signal conformity
Authors: Walker Hannah , Caro Tim , Bell Donovan , Ferguson Adam , Stankowich Theodore
Published: September 2023

Contrary to expectations regarding efficient predator education mediated by lack of ambiguity and enhanced prey recognition, aposematic signals often show considerable intraspecific variability. For example, some striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are almost entirely white, others have black-and-white stripes of equivalent thicknesses, yet others are mostly black. We tested the ecological correlates of this variation in patterning using 749 museum skins collected across North America. Skunks had longer white–black borders and more bilaterally symmetrical stripes in areas with a greater number of potential predator species, and this effect was more marked for mammalian than avian predators, the latter of which may be less deterred by noxious defenses. Skunks from locations with greater predator diversity were less variable in the extent of whiteness on their dorsa and less variable in the length of their white–black borders, suggesting strong selection from predators leads to greater conformity in stripe patterns, even at the same location, but weak selection from predators leads to relaxed selection on pattern conformity. Skunks exhibited greater areas of black pelage in areas of greater humidity conforming to Gloger’s rule. Our results indicate that relaxed predation pressure is key to warning signal variation in this iconic species, whereas stronger pressure leads to signal conformity and stronger signals.
Methanotrophic potential of Dutch canal wall biofilms is driven by Methylomonadaceae
Authors: Pelsma Koen A J , Verhagen Daniël A M , Dean Joshua F , Jetten Mike S M , Welte Cornelia U
Published: September 2023

Global urbanization of waterways over the past millennium has influenced microbial communities in these aquatic ecosystems. Increased nutrient inputs have turned most urban waters into net sources of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Here, canal walls of five Dutch cities were studied for their biofilm CH4 oxidation potential, alongside field observations of water chemistry, and CO2 and CH4 emissions. Three cities showed canal wall biofilms with relatively high biological CH4 oxidation potential up to 0.48 mmol gDW−1 d−1, whereas the other two cities showed no oxidation potential. Salinity was identified as the main driver of biofilm bacterial community composition. Crenothrix and Methyloglobulus methanotrophs were observed in CH4-oxidizing biofilms. We show that microbial oxidation in canal biofilms is widespread and is likely driven by the same taxa found across cities with distinctly different canal water chemistry. The oxidation potential of the biofilms was not correlated with the amount of CH4 emitted but was related to the presence or absence of methanotrophs in the biofilms. This was controlled by whether there was enough CH4 present to sustain a methanotrophic community. These results demonstrate that canal wall biofilms can directly contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases from urban canals.
Sociosexual Exposure Has Opposing Effects on Male and Female Actuarial Senescence in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Rostant Wayne G , Mason Janet S , West Nicholas , Maklakov Alexei A , Chapman Tracey
Published: September 2023

Males and females rarely express the same length of life. Here, we studied how sociosexual exposure shapes male and female age-specific mortality rates in Drosophila melanogaster. We maintained focal females and males within large, replicated cohorts throughout life with individuals of the same or opposite sex. Consistent with previous works, we found that females kept throughout their lives with males had only half the lifespan of those maintained throughout life at the same density in same-sex cohorts. In contrast, only a small lifespan decrease was observed in the corresponding male treatments and the reduction in male lifespan following exposure throughout life to other males or females was similar. Deconvolution of underlying aging parameters revealed that changes in lifespan were underpinned by opposing effects on actuarial aging in males versus females. Exposure to the opposite or same sex increased initial mortality rate in both sexes. However, in females, increasing exposure to males increased the rate of aging, while increasing exposure to females actually decreased it. The effects were in the opposite direction in males and were much smaller in magnitude. Overall, the findings were consistent with reports suggesting that exposure to the same versus opposite sex can affect survival differently in males and females. However, they also reveal a new insight—that overall lifespan can be underpinned by key differences in actuarial senescence in each sex. The findings suggest that responses to same or opposite sex exposure may have fundamentally and qualitatively different physiological consequences for health in males and females.
Global empirical models for infrasonic celerity and backazimuth
Authors: Nippress Alexandra , Green David N
Published: September 2023

Global empirical models for infrasound signal celerity (where celerity is defined as the epicentral distance divided by the total traveltime) and backazimuth deviation (the difference between the measured and predicted backazimuth assuming great circle propagation), can be used for the association of infrasound automatic detections, for event location and for the validation of acoustic propagation simulations. Using software developed to consistently analyse a global ground truth database, we observe 296 detections in the 0.32–1.28 Hz passband; predominantly stratospheric arrivals, with a smaller number of tropospheric and thermospheric arrivals, in agreement with previous studies. We develop an updated global celerity-range model and introduce a global backazimuth deviation model. These new models suggest that the variation in backazimuth deviation is not range-dependent; 93 per cent of the 296 detections studied have a deviation magnitude ≤5°. The maximum deviation observed is 8.9°. The variation in celerity, however, is range-dependent. An exponential range-dependent celerity model with bounds calculated using a quantile regression fit to the traveltime residuals is determined. This traveltime residual model, with uncertainties that increase with range, produces bounds on the celerity consistent with both the observations and current understanding of infrasound propagation. The traveltime residual model derived celerity bounds are not symmetric around the celerity model, which further reflects the physical processes. At long ranges (>3000 km), maximum peak-to-trough amplitude arrivals are not observed with celerities <280 ms−1, but even at long ranges, we occasionally observe celerities (>320 −1) more usually consistent with tropospheric arrivals.
Development of a novel target-based cell assay, reporter of the activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein-O-mannosyltransferase
Authors: Géraud Nicolas , Falcou Camille , Parra Julien , Froment Carine , Rengel David , Burlet-Schiltz Odile , Marcoux Julien , Nigou Jérôme , Rivière Michel , Fabre Emeline
Published: September 2023

The Protein-O-mannosyltransferase is crucial for the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis. This enzyme, called MtPMT (Rv1002c), is responsible for the post-translational O-mannosylation of mycobacterial proteins. It catalyzes the transfer of a single mannose residue from a polyprenol phospho-mannosyl lipidic donor to the hydroxyl groups of selected Ser/Thr residues in acceptor proteins during their translocation across the membrane. Previously, we provided evidence that the loss of MtPMT activity causes the absence of mannoproteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, severely impacting its intracellular growth, as well as a strong attenuation of its pathogenicity in immunocompromised mice. Therefore, it is of interest to develop specific inhibitors of this enzyme to better understand mycobacterial infectious diseases. Here we report the development of a “target-based” phenotypic assay for this enzyme, assessing its O-mannosyltransferase activity in bacteria, in the non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis strain. Robustness of the quantitative contribution of this assay was evaluated by intact protein mass spectrometry, using a panel of control strains, overexpressing the MtPMT gene, carrying different key point-mutations. Then, screening of a limited library of 30 compounds rationally chosen allowed us to identify 2 compounds containing pyrrole analogous rings, as significant inhibitors of MtPMT activity, affecting neither the growth of the mycobacterium nor its secretion of mannoproteins. These molecular cores could therefore serve as scaffold for the design of new pharmaceutical agents that could improve treatment of mycobacterial diseases. We report here the implementation of a miniaturized phenotypic activity assay for a glycosyltransferase of the C superfamily.
Horizontally integrated health systems and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care for very preterm infants
Authors: Rogowski Jeannette , Greenberg Lucy , Edwards Erika , Ehret Danielle , Horbar Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Hospital care has consolidated rapidly into health systems in the United States. Infants born very preterm are among the most vulnerable pediatric populations, accounting for the majority of infant deaths each year. The pediatric health care delivery system for infants is unique as the birth hospitalization includes 2 patients, the mother and the infant. Further, regionalization goals for infants who are born preterm require care to be provided at neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with the capacity to treat them. National patient-level data from the Vermont Oxford Network demonstrates that most very preterm infants were born in a horizontally integrated, multi-hospital system (84%), and they tended to remain in the system for their entire hospitalization, including for risk-appropriate NICU care. Half of the infants were cared for in large systems with more than 10 hospitals that were disproportionately cross-market systems. With high transfer rates between hospitals (21%) it will be important to determine the implications of consolidation for the quality of care and patient-centeredness for families. The care for very preterm infants is important from a policy perspective as hospitalized newborn infants account for 21% of hospitalizations in Medicaid each year and 10% of aggregate hospital costs.
The Symbolic Management of Protest: Conceptualization, Typology, and Patterns in Mexican Protest
Authors: Sullivan Heather
Published: September 2023

Many protests are met with symbolic responses instead of, or in addition to, concrete actions, yet concessions and repression receive more scholarly attention than any other protest outcome. This article develops a typology of symbolic protest management, the performative or rhetorical responses that are not only directed at a protesting group, but also are intended to influence the public’s understanding of protest events. The typology is structured around two questions: Does the state response treat protests or protesters as legitimate? And does the state respond in a way that signals a resolution of the conflict? Then, using original data on protest in Mexico, the article explores patterns of symbolic response to protest in Mexico.
Across mountains and ocean: species delimitation and historical connectivity in Holarctic and Arctic-Alpine wolf spiders (Lycosidae, Pardosa)
Authors: Ivanov Vladislav , Blagoev Gergin , Danflous Samuel , Gajdoš Peter , Høye Toke Thomas , Lee Kyung Min , Marusik Yuri , Mielec Cecilie Lohse , Muster Christoph , Pétillon Julien , Spelda Jörg , Mutanen Marko
Published: September 2023

Holarctic species offer great opportunities to study biogeography, phylogenetics, taxonomy, and local adaptation. Species that are considered conspecific between the Palearctic and the Nearctic realms are often split into 2 or more species when denser sampling and molecular markers are applied. Similar in complexity but at a finer geographical scale are species groups having Arctic-Alpine distributions where lineages have complicated demographic histories due to glacial dynamics. In both cases, allopatric speciation might not result in fast differentiation of morphological characters if environmental conditions in isolated areas are similar and the main driver of variability is genetic drift. Here, we study the Holarctic Pardosa hyperborea (Thorell, 1872) and its closest European relatives to assess their taxonomic status and patterns of genetic variability. Based on DNA barcodes and genomic data from double-digest restriction site associated sequencing, we propose that the North American populations should be regarded as a distinct species (P. luteola Emerton,1894, stat. resurr.), possibly consisting of several independent lineages. With the help of D-statistics, population genetic simulations and phylogenetic networks analysis, we demonstrate historical introgression among European species of the group and a likely explanation for shared DNA barcodes among allopatric and fully differentiated species. Our study exposes a promising model for studying speciation processes and demographic history in parallel on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and demonstrates the usefulness of genomic tools in elucidating the taxonomy and biogeography of taxa across broad geographic scales.
Neurological burden and outcomes of excessive β-lactam serum concentrations of critically ill septic patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zerbib Yoann , Gaulin Clement , Bodeau Sandra , Batteux Benjamin , Lemaire-Hurtel Anne-Sophie , Maizel Julien , Kontar Loay , Bennis Youssef
Published: September 2023

Background

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) contributes to optimizing exposure to β-lactam antibiotics. However, how excessive exposure to β-lactams can increase the burden of care of critically ill patients is unclear.

Patients and methods

In a prospective cohort study, we examined whether excessive β-lactam serum concentrations contribute to neurological deterioration and the associated complications of adult septic patients without recent history of neurological disease treated with β-lactams in a medical ICU. Excessive β-lactam concentrations were defined as serum concentrations that exceeded the upper limit of the therapeutic range recommended by the French Societies of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (SFPT) and Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR). Neurological deterioration was defined as an increase in the neurological Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (nSOFA) of ≥1 between the day of starting treatment at admission and the day of TDM performed 2 days after treatment initiation.

Results

We included 119 patients [median age: 65 years; males: 78 (65.5%)] admitted for acute respiratory distress [59 (49.6%)] or septic shock [25 (21%)]. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, an excessive β-lactam serum concentration was associated with neurological deterioration [OR (95% CI): 10.38 (3.23–33.35), P < 0.0001]. Furthermore, in adjusted linear regression analysis, an excessive β-lactam serum concentration was associated with longer time to discharge alive (β=0.346, P = 0.0007) and, among mechanically ventilated patients discharged alive, with longer time to extubation following the withdrawal of sedation (β=0.248, P = 0.0030).

Conclusions

These results suggest that excessive exposure to β-lactams could complicate the management of septic patients in the ICU and confirm the clinical relevance of the upper concentration limits recommended for dose reduction.
The implications of large home range size in a solitary felid, the Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Authors: Parker Daniel M , Nams Vilis O , Balme Guy A , Begg Colleen , Begg Keith , Bidner Laura , Bockmuehl Dirk , Cozzi Gabriele , du Preez Byron , Fattebert Julien , Golabek Krystyna , Grant Tanith , Hayward Matt W , Houser Ann-Marie , Hunter Luke T B , Isbell Lynne A , Jenny David , Loveridge Andrew J , Macdonald David W , Mann Gareth K H , Maputla Nakedi , Marker Laurie , Martins Quinton E , Maruping-Mzileni Nkabeng , Melzheimer Joerg , Menges Vera , Nyoni Phumuzile , O’Brien John , Owen Cailey , Parker Tim , Pitman Ross , Power R John , Slotow Rob , Stein Andrew , Steyn Villiers , Stratford Ken , Swanepoel Lourens H , Vanak Abi , Van Vuuren Rudi , Wachter Bettine , Weise Florian , Wilmers Chris C
Published: September 2023

The size of the home range of a mammal is affected by numerous factors. However, in the normally solitary, but polygynous, Leopard (Panthera pardus), home range size and maintenance is complicated by their transitory social grouping behavior, which is dependent on life history stage and/or reproductive status. In addition, the necessity to avoid competition with conspecifics and other large predators (including humans) also impacts upon home range size. We used movement data from 31 sites across Africa, comprising 147 individuals (67 males and 80 females) to estimate the home range sizes of leopards. We found that leopards with larger home ranges, and in areas with more vegetation, spent longer being active and generally traveled faster, and in straighter lines, than leopards with smaller home ranges. We suggest that a combination of bottom-up (i.e., preferred prey availability), top-down (i.e., competition with conspecifics), and reproductive (i.e., access to mates) factors likely drive the variability in Leopard home range sizes across Africa. However, the maintenance of a large home range is energetically expensive for leopards, likely resulting in a complex evolutionary trade-off between the satisfaction of basic requirements and preventing potentially dangerous encounters with conspecifics, other predators, and people.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of early-onset vs average-onset esophagogastric cancer
Authors: Lumish Melissa A , Walch Henry , Maron Steven B , Chatila Walid , Kemel Yelena , Maio Anna , Ku Geoffrey Y , Ilson David H , Won Elizabeth , Li Jia , Joshi Smita S , Gu Ping , Schattner Mark A , Laszkowska Monika , Gerdes Hans , Jones David R , Sihag Smita , Coit Daniel G , Tang Laura H , Strong Vivian E , Molena Daniela , Stadler Zsofia K , Schultz Nikolaus , Janjigian Yelena Y , Cercek Andrea
Published: September 2023

Background

The rate of esophagogastric cancer is rising among individuals under 50 years of age. It remains unknown whether early-onset esophagogastric cancer represents a unique entity. This study investigated the clinical and molecular characteristics of early-onset and average-onset esophagogastric cancer .

Methods

We reviewed the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center gastric, esophageal, and gastroesophageal junction cancer database. Associations between baseline characteristics and tumor and germline molecular alterations were compared between those with early-onset and average-onset esophagogastric cancer using Fisher exact tests and the Benjamini-Hochberg method for multiple-hypothesis correction.

Results

We included 1123 patients with early-onset esophagogastric cancer (n = 219; median age = 43 years [range = 18-49 years]) and average-onset esophagogastric cancer (n = 904; median age = 67 years [range = 50-94 years]) treated between 2005 and 2018. The early-onset group had more women (39% vs 28%, P = .002). Patients with early-onset esophagogastric cancer were more likely to have a gastric primary site (64% vs 44%, P < .0001). The signet ring cell and/or diffuse type was 3 times more common in the early-onset esophagogastric cancer group (31% vs 9%, P < .0001). Early-onsite tumors were more frequently genomically stable (31% vs 18%, P = .0002) and unlikely to be microsatellite instability high (2% vs 7%, P = .003). After restricting to adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell and/or diffuse type carcinomas, we observed no difference in stage (P = .40) or overall survival from stage IV diagnosis (median = 22.7 vs 22.1 months, P = .78).

Conclusions

Our study supported a preponderance of gastric primary disease sites, signet ring histology, and genomically stable molecular subtypes in early-onset esophagogastric cancer. Our findings highlight the need for further research to define the underlying pathogenesis and strategies for early detection and prevention.
The role of the philosopher of education in the task of decoloniality
Authors: Azada-Palacios Rowena
Published: September 2023

This paper explores the meaning of ‘decolonization’ in relation to the school curriculum and the role of the philosopher of education in this task. Taking the Philippines as an example, this paper illustrates how coloniality has underpinned not only school curricula, but also entire systems of formal education in the post-colony. Following from this, it argues that decolonization in education must transcend the diversification of curricula and aim at a broader vision of justice. Drawing from the author’s own attempts to reimagine the teaching of national identity, the paper proposes that philosophers of education who wish to participate in the work of decoloniality view their contribution as the three-fold task of historical critique, conceptual retrieval, and creative reimagination.
Looking back to look forward—the history of VAD laws in Australia and future law reform in the Australian territories
Authors: Braun Kerstin
Published: September 2023

Taking one’s own life or attempting to do so has long been decriminalised in Australia. Aiding, counselling, or inciting another person to kill him or herself, however, remains a criminal offence. Yet, all six Australian States have now introduced laws allowing assistance in dying under certain circumstances. This article traces the recent history of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws in Australia. It examines the introduction of the world’s first assisted dying legislation in the Northern Territory in 1995 followed by the Federal Government’s 1997 deprivation of the Territories’ power to legislate on assisted dying invalidating said law. It further considers the fifty-seven failed Bills attempting to achieve law reform in this context in Australian jurisdictions between 1993 and 2017 with a view to identifying what factors may have contributed to the continuing lack of success. This article then outlines the rapid introduction of VAD laws in all six Australian States decriminalising VAD over the span of only 5 years. It ponders what may have changed to bring about this law reform. This article closes by contemplating potential future law reform in the Australian Territories, which have been reinstated with jurisdiction to legislate on VAD in December 2022.
Four new compact triply eclipsing triples found with Gaia and TESS
Authors: Czavalinga Donát R , Borkovits Tamás , Mitnyan Tibor , Rappaport Saul A , Pál András
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of four triply eclipsing triple star systems, namely TIC 88206187, TIC 14839347, TIC 298714297, and TIC 66893949. The four systems with third-body eclipses were found in the TESS light curves from among a sample of ∼400 matches between known eclipsing binaries and the Gaia DR3 Non-Single Star solution data base. We combined photometric light curves, eclipse timing variations, archival spectral energy distributions, and theoretical evolution tracks in a robust photodynamical analysis to determine the orbital and system parameters. The triples have outer periods of 52.9 d, 85.5 d, 117 d, and 471 d, respectively. All dozen stars have masses ≲ 2.6 M⊙. The systems are quite flat with mutual inclination angles between the inner and outer orbital planes that are all ≲ 4°. The outer mass ratios (q ≡ M3/Mbin) range from 0.39 to 0.76, consistent with our earlier collection of compact triply eclipsing triples. TIC 88206187 exhibits a fractional radius of the outer tertiary component (rB ≡ RB/aout) exceeding 0.1 (only the third such system known), and we consider its future evolution. Finally, we compare our photodynamical analysis results and the orbital parameters given in the Gaia DR3 NSS solutions, indicating decent agreement, but with the photodynamical results being more accurate.
Probing spectral and timing properties of the X-ray pulsar RX J0440.9 + 4431 in the giant outburst of 2022–2023
Authors: Mandal Manoj , Sharma Rahul , Pal Sabyasachi , Jaisawal G K , Gendreau Keith C , Ng Mason , Sanna Andrea , Malacaria Christian , Tombesi Francesco , Ferrara E C , Markwardt Craig B , Wolff Michael T , Coley Joel B
Published: September 2023

The X-ray pulsar RX J0440.9 + 4431 went through a giant outburst in 2022 and reached a record-high flux of 2.3 Crab, as observed by Swift/BAT. We study the evolution of different spectral and timing properties of the source using NICER observations. The pulse period is found to decrease from 208 s to 205 s, and the pulse profile evolves significantly with energy and luminosity. The hardness ratio and hardness intensity diagram (HID) show remarkable evolution during the outburst. The HID turns towards the diagonal branch from the horizontal branch above a transition (critical) luminosity, suggesting the presence of two accretion modes. Each NICER spectrum can be described using a cutoff power law with a blackbody component and a Gaussian at 6.4 keV. At higher luminosities, an additional Gaussian at 6.67 keV is used. The observed photon index shows negative and positive correlations with X-ray flux below and above the critical luminosity, respectively. The evolution of spectral and timing parameters suggests a possible change in the emission mechanism and beaming pattern of the pulsar depending on the spectral transition to sub- and supercritical accretion regimes. Based on the critical luminosity, the magnetic field of the neutron star can be estimated in the order of 1012 or 1013 G, assuming different theoretical models. Moreover, the observed iron emission line evolves from a narrow to a broad feature with luminosity. Two emission lines originating from neutral and highly ionized Fe atoms are evident in the spectra around 6.4 and 6.67 keV (later is seen only in higher luminosities).
The FAST Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot survey – IV. Discovery of five fast radio bursts
Authors: Zhou D J , Han J L , Jing W C , Wang P F , Wang C , Wang T , Wang W-Y , Luo R , Xu J , Xu R X , Wang H G
Published: September 2023

We report five new fast radio bursts (FRBs) discovered from the Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot (GPPS) survey by the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST): FRB 20210126, FRB 20210208, FRB 20210705, FRB 20211005, and FRB 20220306. To date, no repeating bursts from these FRB sources have been detected in the follow-up monitoring observations, leading to their classification as potential one-off events. We obtain the basic parameters for these bursts, including position, dispersion measure, pulse width, spectral index, scattering time-scale, etc. The fluences and flux densities are generally lower in comparison to the values observed in one-off bursts discovered by other telescopes. Among the observed bursts, polarization data for four bursts were recorded during observations. Consequently, we obtain polarization profiles and Faraday rotation measures for these bursts.
Fast and efficient identification of anomalous galaxy spectra with neural density estimation
Authors: Böhm Vanessa , Kim Alex G , Juneau Stéphanie
Published: September 2023

Current large-scale astrophysical experiments produce unprecedented amounts of rich and diverse data. This creates a growing need for fast and flexible automated data inspection methods. Deep learning algorithms can capture and pick up subtle variations in rich data sets and are fast to apply once trained. Here, we study the applicability of an unsupervised and probabilistic deep learning framework, the probabilistic auto-encoder, to the detection of peculiar objects in galaxy spectra from the SDSS survey. Different to supervised algorithms, this algorithm is not trained to detect a specific feature or type of anomaly, instead it learns the complex and diverse distribution of galaxy spectra from training data and identifies outliers with respect to the learned distribution. We find that the algorithm assigns consistently lower probabilities (higher anomaly score) to spectra that exhibit unusual features. For example, the majority of outliers among quiescent galaxies are E+A galaxies, whose spectra combine features from old and young stellar population. Other identified outliers include LINERs, supernovae, and overlapping objects. Conditional modelling further allows us to incorporate additional information. Namely, we evaluate the probability of an object being anomalous given a certain spectral class, but other information such as metrics of data quality or estimated redshift could be incorporated as well. We make our code publicly available.
Statistics of tidal and deformation eigenvalue fields in the primordial Gaussian matter distribution: the two-dimensional case
Authors: Feldbrugge Job , Yan Yihan , van de Weygaert Rien
Published: September 2023

We study the statistical properties of the eigenvalues of the primordial tidal and deformation tensor for two-dimensional random Gaussian cosmic density fields. With the tidal and deformation tensors, Hessians of the gravitational and velocity potential, being Gaussian, the eigenvalue fields are distinctly non-Gaussian. We extend the Doroshkevich formula for the joined distribution of eigenvalues to two-dimensional fields and evaluate the two- and three-point correlation functions. In addition, we assess the number densities of singular points of the eigenvalue fields and find their corresponding two- and three-point correlation functions. The incentive for the present study is based on our interest in developing a fully analytical theory for the structure and dynamics of the cosmic web. The tidal forces and the resulting mass element deformation shape the prominent anisotropic wall-like and filamentary components of the cosmic web. Less well-known is that the web-like spatial pattern is already recognizable in the primordial tidal and deformation eigenvalue field. Against the full phase-space assessment of structure formation in the Universe, the caustic skeleton theory entails an analytical framework for the non-linear evolution of the cosmic web. It accomplishes this by describing the folding of the dark matter sheet and quantifying the emerging caustic singularities, which are fully specified by the spatial properties of the deformation eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Finally, the eigenvalues of the primordial tidal tensor are crucial in the generation of the angular momentum of galaxies. Understanding their spatial distribution is a critical element in predicting the resulting rotation amplitude and orientation.
Can diffusion model conditionally generate astrophysical images?
Authors: Zhao Xiaosheng , Ting Yuan-Sen , Diao Kangning , Mao Yi
Published: September 2023

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are frequently utilized in astronomy to construct an emulator of numerical simulations. Nevertheless, training GANs can prove to be a precarious task, as they are prone to instability and often lead to mode collapse problems. Conversely, the diffusion model also has the ability to generate high-quality data without adversarial training. It has shown superiority over GANs with regard to several natural image data sets. In this study, we undertake a quantitative comparison between the denoising diffusion probabilistic model (DDPM) and StyleGAN2 (one of the most robust types of GANs) via a set of robust summary statistics from scattering transform. In particular, we utilize both models to generate the images of 21 cm brightness temperature mapping, as a case study, conditionally based on astrophysical parameters that govern the process of cosmic reionization. Using our new Fréchet Scattering Distance (FSD) as the evaluation metric to quantitatively compare the sample distribution between generative models and simulations, we demonstrate that DDPM outperforms StyleGAN2 on varied sizes of training sets. Through Fisher forecasts, we demonstrate that on our data sets, StyleGAN2 exhibits mode collapses in varied ways, while DDPM yields a more robust generation. We also explore the role of classifier-free guidance in DDPM and show the preference for a non-zero guidance scale only when the training data is limited. Our findings indicate that the diffusion model presents a promising alternative to GANs in the generation of accurate images. These images can subsequently provide reliable parameter constraints, particularly in the realm of astrophysics.
Potential signature of a quadrupolar hubble expansion in Pantheon+supernovae
Authors: Cowell Jessica A , Dhawan Suhail , Macpherson Hayley J
Published: September 2023

The assumption of isotropy – that the Universe looks the same in all directions on large scales – is fundamental to the standard cosmological model. It is therefore critical to empirically test in which regimes this assumption holds. Anisotropies in the cosmic expansion are expected due to non-linear structures in the late Universe. However, the extent to which these anisotropies might impact our low-redshift observations remains to be fully tested. We use general relativistic simulations to determine that the expected anisotropies in the Hubble and deceleration parameters are quadrupolar and dipolar, respectively. We constrain these multipoles simultaneously in the new Pantheon+supernova compilation. In the rest frame of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), including peculiar velocity (PV) corrections, we find an ∼2σ deviation from isotropy. We constrain the eigenvalues of the quadrupole in the Hubble parameter to be λ1 = 0.021 ± 0.011 and λ2 = 0.00 ± 0.012 and place a 1σ upper limit on its amplitude of 2.88 per cent. We find no significant dipole in the deceleration parameter, with amplitude $q_{\rm dip} = 4.5^{+1.9}_{-5.4}$. However, in the rest frame of the CMB without PV corrections, we find a >2σ positive amplitude with $q_{ \rm dip} = 9.6^{+4.0}_{-6.9}$. Incorporating these anisotropies, the monopole of the Hubble parameter shifts by only 0.30 km s−1 Mpc−1 with respect to the isotropic constraints.
The evolution of enclosed nesting in passerines is shaped by competition, energetic costs, and predation threat
Authors: Vanadzina Karina , Street Sally E , Sheard Catherine
Published: September 2023

Many avian species breed in enclosed nests that may provide better protection against predation and climatic conditions compared to open nests and are generally associated with larger clutch sizes and slower offspring growth. Here we show that different enclosed nesting strategies are each linked to behaviors with very different costs and benefits on a macroevolutionary scale. Using a detailed dataset of nest structure and location from the order Passeriformes, we employed phylogenetic comparative methods to evaluate (1) how predation, competition, design complexity, and energetic costs have shaped evolutionary transitions between different nesting strategies, and (2) whether these strategies also have distinct relationships with life-history traits. We find that flexible strategies (i.e., nesting in both open and enclosed sites) as well as energetically demanding strategies are evolutionarily unstable, indicating the presence of underlying ecological tradeoffs between antipredator protections, construction costs, and competition. We confirm that species with enclosed nests have larger clutch sizes and longer development and nestling periods compared to open nesters, but only species that construct enclosed nests rather than compete for preexisting cavities spend more time incubating and are concentrated in the tropics. Flexible strategies prevail in seasonal environments and are linked to larger clutches—but not longer development—compared to nesting in the open. Overall, our results suggest that predation, competition, and energetic costs affect the evolution of nesting strategies, but via distinct pathways, and that caution is warranted when generalizing about the functions of enclosed nest designs in birds.
The phased short-interfering RNA siRD29(-) regulates GIBBERELLIN 3-OXIDASE 3 during stolon-to-tuber transitions in potato
Authors: Malankar Nilam N , Kondhare Kirtikumar R , Saha Kishan , Mantri Mohit , Banerjee Anjan K
Published: September 2023

Phased short-interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) fine tune various stages of growth, development, and stress responses in plants. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuberization is a complex process, wherein a belowground modified stem (stolon) passes through developmental stages like swollen stolon and minituber before it matures to a potato. Previously, we identified several phasiRNA-producing loci (PHAS) from stolon-to-tuber transition stages. However, whether phasiRNAs mediate tuber development remains unknown. Here, we show that a gene encoding NB-ARC DOMAIN-CONTAINING DISEASE RESISTANCE PROTEIN (StRGA4; a PHAS locus) is targeted by Stu-microRNA482c to generate phasiRNAs. Interestingly, we observed that one of the phasiRNAs, referred as short-interfering RNA D29(-), i.e. siRD29(-), targets the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis gene GIBBERELLIN 3-OXIDASE 3 (StGA3ox3). Since regulation of bioactive GA levels in stolons controls tuber development, we hypothesized that a gene regulatory module, Stu-miR482c-StRGA4-siRD29(-)-StGA3ox3, could govern tuber development. Through transient expression assays and small RNA sequencing, generation of siRD29(-) and its phase was confirmed in planta. Notably, the expression of StGA3ox3 was higher in swollen stolon compared to stolon, whereas siRD29(-) showed a negative association with StGA3ox3 expression. Antisense (AS) lines of StGA3ox3 produced more tubers compared to wild type. As expected, StRGA4 overexpression (OE) lines had high levels of siRD29(-) and mimicked the phenotypes of StGA3ox3-AS lines, indicating the functionality of this module in potato. In vitro tuberization assays (with or without a GA inhibitor) using StGA3ox3 antisense lines and overexpression lines of StGA3ox3 or StRGA4 revealed that StGA3ox3 controls the tuber stalk development. Taken together, our findings suggest that a phasiRNA, siRD29(-), mediates the regulation of StGA3ox3 during stolon-to-tuber transitions in potato.
Association Between Hospital Participation in Value-Based Programs and Timely Initiation of Post-Acute Home Health Care, Functional Recovery, and Hospital Readmission After Joint Replacement
Authors: Roy Indrakshi , Karmarkar Amol M , Lininger Monica R , Jain Tarang , Martin Brook I , Kumar Amit
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study examined the association between hospital participation in Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) or Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) and the timely initiation of home health rehabilitation services for lower extremity joint replacements. Furthermore, this study examined the association between the timely initiation of home health rehabilitation services with improvement in self-care, mobility, and 90-day hospital readmission.

Method

This retrospective cohort study used Medicare inpatient claims and home health assessment data from 2016 to 2017 for older adults discharged to home with home health following hospitalization after joint replacement. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between hospital participation in BPCI or CJR programs and timely initiation of home health rehabilitation service. A 2-staged generalized boosted model was used to examine the association between delay in home health initiation and improvement in self-care, mobility, and 90-day risk-adjusted hospital readmission.

Results

Compared with patients discharged from hospitals that did not have BPCI or CJR, patients discharged from hospitals with these programs had a lower likelihood of delayed initiation of home health rehabilitation services for both knees and hip replacement. Using propensity scores as the inverse probability of treatment weights, delay in the initiation of home health rehabilitation services was associated with lower improvement in self-care (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.20–1.26), mobility (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.13–1.18), and higher rate of 90-day hospital readmission (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.15–1.24) for knee replacement. Likewise, delayed initiation of home health rehabilitation services was associated with lower improvement in self-care (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.13–1.20) and mobility (OR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.22–1.30) for hip replacement.

Conclusion

Hospital participation in BPCI or comprehensive CJR was associated with early home health rehabilitation care initiation, which was further associated with significant increases in functional recovery and lower risks of hospital readmission.

Impact

Policy makers may consider incentivizing health care providers to initiate early home health services and care coordination in value-based payment models.