bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substantial urbanization‐driven declines of larval and adult moths in a subtropical environment
Authors: Belitz Michael W. , Sawyer Asia , Hendrick Lillian K. , Kawahara Akito Y. , Guralnick Robert P.
Published: March 2024

Recent work has shown the decline of insect abundance, diversity and biomass, with potential implications for ecosystem services. These declines are especially pronounced in regions with high human activity, and urbanization is emerging as a significant contributing factor. However, the scale of these declines and the traits that determine variation in species‐specific responses remain less well understood, especially in subtropical and tropical regions, where insect diversity is high and urban footprints are rapidly expanding. Here, we surveyed moths across an entire year in protected forested sites across an urbanization gradient to test how caterpillar and adult life stages of subtropical moths (Lepidoptera) are impacted by urbanization. Specifically, we assess how urban development affects the total biomass of caterpillars, abundance of adult moths and quantify how richness and phylogenetic diversity of macro‐moths are impacted by urban development. Additionally, we explore how life‐history traits condition species' responses to urban development. At the community level, we find that urban development decreases caterpillar biomass and adult moth abundance. We also find sharp declines of adult macro‐moths in response to urban development across the phylogeny, leading to a decrease in species richness and phylogenetic diversity in more urban sites. Finally, our study found that smaller macro‐moths are less impacted by urban development than larger macro‐moths in subtropical environments, perhaps highlighting the tradeoffs of metabolic costs of urban heat favoring smaller moths over the relative benefits of dispersal for larger moths. In summary, our research underscores the far‐reaching consequences of urbanization on moths and provides compelling evidence that urban forests alone may not be sufficient to safeguard biodiversity in cities.
How much prophylaxis is enough in haemophilia?
Authors: Carcao Manuel , Selvaratnam Veena , Blatny Jan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Prophylaxis has become standard of care for all persons with haemophilia (PWH) with a severe phenotype. However, ‘standard prophylaxis’ with either factor or non‐factor therapies (currently only emicizumab available) is prohibitively expensive for much of the world. We sought to address the question of ‘How much prophylaxis is enough?’ and ‘Can it be individualized?’ and specifically ‘Can emicizumab be individualized?’.

Methods

We reviewed the literature on prophylaxis in haemophilia since its inception in the 1950s to the present, the development of more and less intense factor prophylaxis regimens and their outcomes and additionally the published outcomes of prophylaxis with low dose emicizumab.

Results

What these experiences collectively show is that low dose emicizumab does result in significant benefits to patients whilst being much less expensive than a “one size fits all” emicizumab prophylaxis approach. We also took note that some non‐factor therapies still in development are individualized given that high doses of these can potentially put patients at risk.

Conclusions

Prophylaxis is now clearly accepted as standard of care for PWH with a severe phenotype but now in a very short time a large assortment of different treatment options for prophylaxis have become/are becoming available and the haemophilia community will need to determine how to best use these recognizing that no ‘one treatment fits all’.
Impact of headache frequency and preventive treatment failure on quality of life, disability, and direct and indirect costs among individuals with episodic migraine in the United States
Authors: Dodick David W. , Reed Michael L. , Lee Lulu , Balkaran Bridget L. , Umashankar Kandavadivu , Parikh Mousam , Gandhi Pranav , Buse Dawn C.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate unmet needs among individuals with episodic migraine (EM) in the United States (US).

Background

Data are limited on the impact of headache frequency (HF) and preventive treatment failure (TF) on the burden of migraine in the US.

Methods

A retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of 2019 National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) data was conducted from an opt‐in online survey that identified respondents (aged ≥18 years) in the US with self‐reported physician‐diagnosed migraine. Participants were stratified by HF (low: 0–3 days/month; moderate‐to‐high: 4–14 days/month) and prior preventive TF (preventive naive; 0–1 TF; ≥2 TFs). Comparisons were conducted between preventive TF groups using multivariable regression models controlling for patient demographic and health characteristics.

Results

Among individuals with moderate‐to‐high frequency EM, the NHWS identified 397 with ≥2 TFs, 334 with 0–1 TF, and 356 as preventive naive. The 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (version 2) Physical Component Summary scores were significantly lower among those with ≥2 TFs, at a mean (standard error [SE]) of 41.4 [0.8] versus the preventive‐naive 46.8 [0.9] and 0–1 TF 44.5 [0.9] groups; p < 0.001 for both). Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs, at a mean (SE) of 37.7 (3.9) versus preventive‐naive 26.8 (2.9) (p < 0.001) and 0–1 TF 30.1 (3.3) (p = 0.011) groups. The percentages of time that respondents experienced absenteeism (mean [SE] 21.6% [5.5%] vs. 13.4% [3.6%]; p = 0.022), presenteeism (mean [SE] 55.0% [8.3%] vs. 40.8% [6.5%]; p = 0.015), overall work impairment (mean [SE] 59.4% [5.6%] vs. 45.0% [4.4%]; p < 0.001), and activity impairment (mean [SE] 56.8% [1.0%] vs. 44.4% [0.9%]; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs versus preventive‐naive group. Emergency department visits (preventive‐naive, p = 0.006; 0–1 TF, p = 0.008) and hospitalizations (p < 0.001 both) in the past 6 months were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs group. Direct and indirect costs were significantly higher in the ≥2 TFs (mean [SE] $24,026 [3460]; $22,074 [20]) versus 0–1 TF ($10,897 [1636]; $17,965 [17]) and preventive‐naive ($11,497 [1715]; $17,167 [17]) groups (p < 0.001 for all). Results were similar in the low‐frequency EM group.

Conclusions

In this NHWS analysis, individuals with more prior preventive TFs experienced significantly higher humanistic and economic burden regardless of HF.
Advocacy Connection Team‐Now educational program for headache fellows and patients/caregivers: Assessment of educational objectives
Authors: Seebadri‐White Courtney , Yuan Hsiangkuo , Young William B. , Arca Karissa N.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess for improvement in comfort in participating in advocacy for migraine and headache disorders and knowledge needed for successful advocacy.

Background

The Advocacy Connection Team (ACT)‐Now program is an educational program offered through Miles for Migraine, a non‐profit advocacy organization. It is designed to teach headache fellows and patients advocacy skills.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional pre‐test–post‐test design, the 2021 ACT‐Now cohort of 98 participants were administered a set of 11 pre‐course survey questions identifying their role (healthcare provider/headache fellow or patient/caregiver), baseline knowledge of migraine‐related disability and stigma, and baseline engagement and comfort with advocating. The post‐course survey questions were the same as the pre‐course questions, with the addition of one question assessing knowledge of migraine‐related disability, additional questions addressing comfort levels advocating with insurance and policymakers, as well as creating an advocacy plan.

Results

For the pre‐course survey, 69 participants responded and for the post‐course survey, 40 participants responded. Compared to the pre‐course survey, participants were able to correctly identify epidemiological data about migraine following the ACT‐Now course (pre‐course 46% correct, post‐course 58% correct, p = 0.263). There was also an increase in the comfort level of participants in advocacy activities, including the creation of an advocacy action plan (pre‐course 23% were “very comfortable” advocating, post‐course 63%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that ACT‐Now is effective at improving advocacy skills in a mixed cohort of patients and headache fellows, giving them the skills to create advocacy plans and engage with other patients and physicians, payers, and policymakers to create a more understanding, equitable and compassionate world for persons with migraine and other headache diseases.
The campylogomphosis: A new kind of joint in echinoderms
Authors: Benson Helen M. , Turner Richard L.
Published: March 2024

Echinoderm skeletons are composed of calcium carbonate ossicles that join in a variety of ways to form flexible or, more rarely, fixed joints. Ossicle “fusion” in echinoderms has been widely reported in the literature to form various types of fixed joint, but fusion in the sense of chemical union (ankylosis) of the calcitic ossicles has rarely been demonstrated. The arm skeleton of ophiuroids is primarily composed of a series of vertebral ossicles; each vertebra is a compound ossicle that consists of paired ambulacral ossicles united by a fixed joint, often reported to be fused. Development of vertebral ossicles in the amphiurid brittlestar Ophiophragmus filograneus from the arm tip to the oral frame was examined using scanning electron microscopy to follow ontogeny of the vertebra. As an ambulacral ossicle grew, its stereomal trabeculae interdigitated and interlocked by hooking around those of its paired ambulacral, forming the characteristic sinuous suture line central to ophiuroid vertebrae. This three‐dimensional interlocking of stereom formed the joint between paired ambulacrals. With further growth of the vertebra, limited fusion of trabeculae of the paired ambulacrals added to the structure of the joint, primarily at the articular surfaces between successive vertebrae. The joint found here with interlocked trabeculae between ambulacral ossicles of O. filograneus appears to be the same type described in the literature in some echinoids and other ophiuroids. This unique type of fixed joint is described here and named the “campylogomphosis” (Greek: campylos, bent; gomphos, bolt). This newly recognized joint might have implications in echinoderm phylogeny, comparative biology, medicine, and materials science.
Genomic analyses of nitrogen utilization efficiency, its indicator trait blood urea nitrogen and the relationship to classical growth performance and feed efficiency traits in a Landrace × Piétrain crossbred population
Authors: Schmid Markus , Weishaar Ramona , Seifert Jana , Camarinha‐Silva Amélia , Rodehutscord Markus , Bennewitz Jörn
Published: March 2024

Improving the nutrient efficiency in pork production is required to reduce the resource competition between human food and animal feed regarding diet components edible for humans and to minimize emissions relevant to climate or the environment. Thereby, protein utilization efficiency and its equivalent nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) play a major role. Breeding for more nitrogen (N) efficient pigs bears a promising strategy to improve such traits, however, directly phenotyping NUE based on N balance data is neither cost‐efficient nor straightforward and not applicable for routine evaluations. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the pig are suitable to predict the NUE and, therefore, might be an indicator trait for NUE because BUN is a relatively easy‐to‐measure trait. This study investigated the suitability of NUE as a selection trait in future breeding programs. The relationships to classical growth performance and feed efficiency traits were analysed as well as the relationship to BUN to infer the role of BUN as an indicator trait to improve NUE via breeding. The analyzes were based on a Landrace F1 cross population consisting of 502 individuals who descended from 20 Piétrain sires. All animals were genotyped for 48,525 SNPs. They were phenotyped in two different fattening phases, i.e., FP1 and FP2, during the experiment. Uni‐ and bivariate analyses were run to estimate variance components and to determine the genetic correlation between different traits or between the same trait measured at different time points. Moderate heritabilities were estimated for all traits, whereby the heritability for NUE was h2 = 0.293 in FP1 and h2 = 0.163 in FP2 and BUN had the by far highest heritability (h2 = 0.415 in FP1 and h2 = 0.460 in FP2). The significant genetic correlation between NUE and BUN showed the potential of BUN to be considered an indicator trait for NUE. This was particularly pronounced when NUE was measured in FP1 (genetic correlations and between NUE and BUN measured in FP1 and FP2, respectively). The genetic correlations of NUE and BUN with important production traits suggest selecting pigs with high growth rates and low BUN levels to breed more efficient pigs in future breeding programs.
The KIR2DL family serves as prognostic biomarkers and correlates with immune infiltrates in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Liu Wenling , Zhu Mingming , Li Ganggang , Xi Yaming
Published: March 2024

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a prevalent haematological malignancy in which various immune and stromal cells in the bone marrow microenvironment have instrumental roles and substantially influence its progression. KIR2DL is a member of the immunoglobulin‐like receptor family and a natural killer (NK) cell surface‐specific receptor. However, its impact on immune infiltration regarding AML has not been addressed. We aimed to explore molecular markers associated with the immune microenvironment and prognosis of AML with a particular focus on KIR2DL family members. Analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype‐Tissue Expression databases revealed that KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3 and KIR2DL4 expression were significantly upregulated in AML and associated with decreased overall survival (OS). Moreover, univariate Cox analysis implicated KIR2DL genes as independent prognostic markers of OS. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that KIR2DL genes were associated with immune cells, the immune microenvironment and NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. Additionally, immune infiltration analyses revealed that KIR2DL upregulation was associated with stronger immune infiltration. Finally, we performed drug sensitivity profiling of KIR2DL genes using the Cellminer database. Collectively, our findings suggest that KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3 and KIR2DL4 have critical roles in AML and may represent novel biomarker genes for disease prognosis and immune infiltration.
Does the seasonal phenotype of Drosophila suzukii influence cellular immunity and parasitisation?
Authors: Häussling Benedikt J. M. , Rausch Nathalie , Klüsener Emely K. , Stökl Johannes
Published: March 2024

Controlling the worldwide invasive pest Drosophila suzukii remains a challenge. One promising biological method for managing this pest is the use of larval and pupal parasitoids. Unfortunately, most of the larval parasitoids fail to successfully parasitise D. suzukii larvae in laboratory experiments due to the high immunity of the pest. So far, only the summer phenotype (summer morph) of D. suzukii has been tested for parasitisation. However, the winter phenotype (winter morph) is the dominant form of D. suzukii throughout the year in the northern hemisphere. Therefore, this study investigates the immunity during parasitisation for both phenotypes using the larval parasitoid Asobara japonica and the pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae. It is the first to compare across all life stages the immunity of the winter phenotype to the summer phenotype of not only D. suzukii but also D. melanogaster. Our results indicate differences in the immunity between the two phenotypes for larvae, pupae, and adults. However, the degree and direction of these differences were inconsistent across the different life stages of D. suzukii. The findings have important implications for the integrated pest management (IPM) of D. suzukii.
Effect of toothbrushing on surface roughness, gloss, and topography of polished and glazed ultra‐translucent zirconia
Authors: Sahadi Beatriz Ometto , Domingues Bianca Camargo , Soto‐Montero Jorge , de Araújo Neto Vitaliano Gomes , Riquieri Hilton , Giannini Marcelo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated the effect of toothbrushing cycles on surface roughness (Ra), gloss (GU), and morphology of two zirconia finishing and polishing protocols.

Materials and Methods

An ultra‐translucent zirconia disc was sectioned into rectangular plates (12 mm × 7 mm × 3 mm) and divided into two groups according to the polishing and finishing system used (diamond rubber abrasive/DRA or glazing/GLA). Bovine enamel (BEN) plates with the same dimensions were used as a Control. Specimens of zirconia and enamel were analyzed for Ra and GU (n = 11) and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (n = 3) before toothbrushing (baseline) and after 15,000 and 30,000 toothbrushing cycles. Ra and GU data were analyzed by ANOVA two‐way and post‐hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05), while the surface morphology was analyzed qualitatively.

Results

The Ra decreased significantly after 30,000 toothbrushing cycles for DRA and GLA zirconia ceramics. DRA showed a higher GU at the baseline, after 15,000 and 30,000 toothbrushing cycles than GLA and BEN. Toothbrushing polished the zirconia, creating a smooth surface, while no changes were observed for BEN.

Conclusions

The increase in toothbrushing cycles (30,000) changed the surface roughness of DRA and GLA zirconia ceramics. DRA zirconia presented the highest GU, which did not change with toothbrushing.
Mammal coloration as a social signal
Authors: Howell N. , Caro T.
Published: March 2024

Otherwise, apparently cryptic mammals often have conspicuous patches of colour on distal regions of their body, possibly for signalling. To investigate ideas about communication within sociosexual contexts, we used a comparative dataset for 2726 terrestrial mammals to match the coloration and patterning of distal body areas (head, chest, rump and tail) to activity cycle, group size, sexual size dimorphism, mating system and congener overlap at both Class and Order levels. Using phylogenetic controls, we uncovered repeated associations between white colour patches and nocturnality, conspicuous rump patches and sexual selection and multicoloured, complex patterning on distal regions of the body being associated with small group size. Overall, however, we found rather few associations between conspicuous coloration and behavioural, social and morphological variables, suggesting that visual signalling is not a key driver of communication in mammals, perhaps because the majority are nocturnal and solitary, and rely on olfactory signalling.
Same scenario, different scripts: Landscape genetics in two codistributed subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys
Authors: Austrich A. , Mapelli F. J. , Kittlein M. J. , Fameli A. , Mora M. S.
Published: March 2024

Subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys typically occupy fragmented habitats, many currently altered by anthropogenic development. These changes affect functional connectivity among individuals, reducing gene flow levels. This study assessed the functional connectivity of two sympatric species of subterranean rodents, Ctenomys australis and Ctenomys talarum, examining the impact of landscape changes on their population genetic structure at a fine spatial scale. We conducted a spatially continuous sampling over 12 km of coastline in Southeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, genotyping 91 and 106 individuals of C. australis and C. talarum, respectively, using 10–12 microsatellite loci. We applied various spatial layers characterizing both species' habitats to evaluate the landscape configuration's effect on individual gene flow. We employed Bayesian genetic clustering methods to infer population structure levels. Ctenomys talarum showed greater structure than C. australis. NDVI temporal variation was the main factor influencing C. australis' genetic structure, whereas suitable habitat, linked to the current landscape configuration, was the most significant factor in shaping C. talarum's genetic structure. Differences in dispersal capacity and habitat specificity appear to have influenced the population genetic structures of these species. The results indicated varying sensitivities to landscape changes; temporal landscape variations primarily impacted C. australis' genetic connectivity, whereas for C. talarum, the current landscape configuration was more influential.
‘Walking together’: How relationships shape physicians' clinical reasoning
Authors: Krimmel‐Morrison Jeffrey D. , Watsjold Bjorn K. , Berger Gabrielle N. , Bowen Judith L. , Ilgen Jonathan S.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The clinical reasoning literature has increasingly considered context as an important influence on physicians' thinking. Physicians' relationships with patients, and their ongoing efforts to maintain these relationships, are important influences on how clinical reasoning is contextualised. The authors sought to understand how physicians' relationships with patients shaped their clinical reasoning.

Methods

Drawing from constructivist grounded theory, the authors conducted semi‐structured interviews with primary care physicians. Participants were asked to reflect on recent challenging clinical experiences, and probing questions were used to explore how participants attended to or leveraged relationships in conjunction with their clinical reasoning. Using constant comparison, three investigators coded transcripts, organising the data into codes and conceptual categories. The research team drew from these codes and categories to develop theory about the phenomenon of interest.

Results

The authors interviewed 15 primary care physicians with a range of experience in practice and identified patient agency as a central influence on participants' clinical reasoning. Participants drew from and managed relationships with patients while attending to patients' agency in three ways. First, participants described how contextualised illness constructions enabled them to individualise their approaches to diagnosis and management. Second, participants managed tensions between enacting their typical approaches to clinical problems and adapting their approaches to foster ongoing relationships with patients. Finally, participants attended to relationships with patients' caregivers, seeing these individuals' contributions as important influences on how their clinical reasoning could be enacted within patients' unique social contexts.

Conclusion

Clinical reasoning is influenced in important ways by physicians' efforts to both draw from, and maintain, their relationships with patients and patients' caregivers. Such efforts create tensions between their professional standards of care and their orientations toward patient‐centredness. These influences of relationships on physicians' clinical reasoning have important implications for training and clinical practice.
Effect of esophageal body recoil on clinical outcomes in non‐spastic achalasia
Authors: Farina Domenico A. , Olson Dylan A. , Carlson Dustin A. , Kahrilas Peter J. , Vespa Edoardo , Koop Andree H. , Arroyo Yadis , Goudie Eric , Pandolfino John E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite the established efficacy of achalasia treatments on symptomatic outcomes, there are limited data evaluating the treatment effect on esophageal dilatation. This study aimed to assess the effect achalasia treatment on esophageal dilatation and the effect of esophageal width reduction (“recoil”) on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with type I or type II achalasia that completed high‐resolution manometry (HRM), functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP), and timed barium esophagram (TBE) pre and post treatment were included. Esophageal width was measured using TBE. Focused subgroup analysis was performed on patients with normal posttreatment EGJ opening on FLIP. Good clinical outcomes were defined as barium column height of <5 cm at 5 min and Eckardt Score ≤3.

Key Results

Sixty‐nine patients (41% type I and 59% type II) were included. Esophageal width decreased from pre to post treatment mean (SD) 4.2 (1.3) cm–2.8 (1.2) cm; p < 0.01. In the normal post treatment EGJ opening subgroup, esophageal width was less in patients with good TBE outcome compared to poor outcome mean (SD) 2.2 (0.7) cm versus 3.2 (1.4) cm (p < 0.01), but did not differ in good versus poor symptomatic outcome groups. Esophageal width recoil >25% posttreatment was associated with a greater rate of good TBE outcome (71% vs. 50%, p = 0.04) and good symptomatic outcome (88% vs. 50%; p = 0.04).

Conclusions and Inferences

Esophageal recoil was associated with good achalasia treatment outcome in patients without posttreatment EGJ obstruction. This suggests that mechanical properties of the esophageal wall, likely associated with tissue remodeling, play a role in clinical outcomes following achalasia treatment.
Dof1.7 and NIGT1 transcription factors mediate multilayered transcriptional regulation for different expression patterns of NITRATE TRANSPORTER2 genes under nitrogen deficiency stress
Authors: Zhuo Mengna , Sakuraba Yasuhito , Yanagisawa Shuichi
Published: March 2024

Elucidating the mechanisms regulating nitrogen (N) deficiency responses in plants is of great agricultural importance. Previous studies revealed that decreased expression of NITRATE‐INDUCIBLE GARP‐TYPE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REPRESSOR1 (NIGT1) transcriptional repressor genes upon N deficiency is involved in N deficiency‐inducible gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, our knowledge of the mechanisms controlling N deficiency‐induced changes in gene expression is still limited.

Through the identification of Dof1.7 as a direct target of NIGT1 repressors and a novel N deficiency response‐related transcriptional activator gene, we here show that NIGT1 and Dof1.7 transcription factors (TFs) differentially regulate N deficiency‐inducible expression of three high‐affinity nitrate transporter genes, NRT2.1, NRT2.4, and NRT2.5, which are responsible for most of the soil nitrate uptake activity of Arabidopsis plants under N‐deficient conditions.

Unlike NIGT1 repressors, which directly suppress NRT2.1, NRT2.4, and NRT2.5 under N‐sufficient conditions, Dof1.7 directly activated only NRT2.5 but indirectly and moderately activated NRT2.1 and NRT2.4 under N‐deficient conditions, probably by indirectly decreasing NIGT1 expression. Thus, Dof1.7 converted passive transcriptional activation into active and potent transcriptional activation, further differentially enhancing the expression of NRT2 genes.

These findings clarify the mechanism underlying different expression patterns of NRT2 genes upon N deficiency, suggesting that time‐dependent multilayered transcriptional regulation generates complicated expression patterns of N deficiency‐inducible genes.
Verb echo answers and ellipsis operations: A reply to Sato and Hayashi (2018)
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: March 2024

Recent research suggests that verb echo answers (VEAs) to a polar question in Japanese are derived by sluicing: the V head moves to C, and the complement of C, TP, undergoes deletion, stranding the verbal complex in C. Two pieces of evidence are provided for the view: adjunct inclusive interpretation and voice mismatch, neither of which is conclusive, as shown here. One consequence of the sluicing analysis is that VEAs reverse scope. We show that the semantic shift has nothing to do with the scope reversal. Our conclusion is that VEAs are unambiguously derived by multiple applications of argument ellipsis. We also advance an alternative explanation of the obligatory wide scope for focus phrases.
The novel HLA‐DPB1*05:01:21 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang Yuan‐yuan , Cong Xie‐zhi , Ma Li , Xue Han‐chun , Zhang Hai‐yan
Published: March 2024

HLA‐DPB1*05:01:21 differs from HLA‐DPB1*05:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 3.
On the Origin of “Rotating Instabilities”—Stability and Frequency Studies of Channel Flows
Authors: Sauer Helmut , Lange Martin
Published: March 2024

A group of unsteady flow phenomena in turbomachinery is often referred to as “rotating instabilities.” They occur at flow conditions with very asymmetric velocity profiles, as found downstream of blade rows in axial compressors with large rotor tip clearance in stable operating points close to compressor stall or off-design operating points in steam turbines. In the present work, it is shown that such instabilities do not depend on the blading but also occur in blading-free flow channels. The theoretical proof is carried out with the tools and computational programs of spatial stability theory and Reynolds number dependent jumps in the transverse wavelengths at characteristic perturbation frequencies of the present asymmetric turbulent channel flow are discovered. Experimental investigations in a straight flow channel confirm the calculated frequency field and other characteristics of the perturbations. In agreement to theoretical results, a very asymmetric velocity profile across the channel height was found to trigger disturbances within a limited range of frequencies and not bound to the existence of blading. The notion of rotating instability is misleading in the characterization of this disturbance.
Acoustic arrival predictions using oceanographic measurements and models in the Beaufort Sea
Authors: Desrochers Jessica B. , Van Uffelen Lora J. , Webster Sarah E.
Published: March 2024

Acoustic propagation in the Beaufort Sea is particularly sensitive to upper-ocean sound-speed structure due to the presence of a subsurface duct known as the Beaufort duct. Comparisons of acoustic predictions based on existing Arctic models with predictions based on in situ data collected by Seaglider vehicles in the summer of 2017 show differences in the strength, depth, and number of ducts, highlighting the importance of in situ data. These differences have a significant effect on the later, more intense portion of the acoustic time front referred to as reverse geometric dispersion, where lower-order modes arrive prior to the final cutoff.
Perceptual organization and task demands jointly shape auditory working memory capacity
Authors: Noyce Abigail L. , Varghese Leonard , Mathias Samuel R. , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara G.
Published: March 2024

Listeners performed two different tasks in which they remembered short sequences comprising either complex tones (generally heard as one melody) or everyday sounds (generally heard as separate objects). In one, listeners judged whether a probe item had been present in the preceding sequence. In the other, they judged whether a second sequence of the same items was identical in order to the preceding sequence. Performance on the first task was higher for everyday sounds; performance on the second was higher for complex tones. Perceptual organization strongly shapes listeners' memory for sounds, with implications for real-world communication.
Daily Pain Severity but Not Vertebral Fractures Is Associated With Lower Physical Activity in Postmenopausal Women With Back Pain
Authors: Montgomery Gallin , Tobias Jon H. , Paskins Zoe , Khera Tarnjit K. , Huggins Cameron J. , Allison Sarah J. , Abasolo Daniel , Clark Emma M. , Ireland Alex
Published: March 2024

Back pain lifetime incidence is 60%–70%, while 12%–20% of older women have vertebral fractures (VFs), often with back pain. We aimed to provide objective evidence, currently lacking, regarding whether back pain and VFs affect physical activity (PA). We recruited 69 women with recent back pain (age 74.5 ± 5.4 years). Low- (0.5 < g < 1.0), medium- (1.0 ≤ g < 1.5), and high-impact (g ≥ 1.5) PA and walking time were measured (100 Hz for 7 days, hip-worn accelerometer). Linear mixed-effects models assessed associations between self-reported pain and PA, and group differences (VFs from spine radiographs/no-VF) in PA. Higher daily pain was associated with reduced low (β = −0.12, 95% confidence interval, [−0.22, −0.03], p = .013) and medium-impact PA (β = −0.11, 95% confidence interval, [−0.21, −0.01], p = .041), but not high-impact PA or walking time (p > .11). VFs were not associated with PA (all p > .2). Higher daily pain levels but not VFs were associated with reduced low- and medium-impact PA, which could increase sarcopenia and falls risk in older women with back pain.
“It’s Necessary Work”: Stories of Competitive Youth Sport Coaches’ Developing Critical Praxes
Authors: Kramers Sara , Camiré Martin
Published: March 2024

In this study, nine Canadian competitive youth sport coaches’ challenges and successes in creating safer and more inclusive sport spaces were explored through individual pre- and postseason interviews and an in-season reflective portfolio of their coaching experiences. From a story analyst approach, the central narrative theme of “it’s my responsibility to enact change” was identified. A storyteller approach was then used to communicate the meanings of the central theme as accessible creative nonfiction composite stories: When is it okay to intervene?; burning out … it’s consuming me; and breaking through … it’s necessary work. Building on previous research, the findings demonstrate how coaches’ critical praxes shift on a continuum of awareness and advocacy. The creative nonfictions may be used by coach educators and mental performance consultants to help coaches and leaders in sport assess their critical praxes toward challenging social issues in sport and acting in ways that support advocacy and empowerment.
Priorities, opportunities, and challenges for integrating microorganisms into Earth system models for climate change prediction
Authors: Lennon J. T. , Abramoff R. Z. , Allison S. D. , Burckhardt R. M. , DeAngelis K. M. , Dunne J. P. , Frey S. D. , Friedlingstein P. , Hawkes C. V. , Hungate B. A. , Khurana S. , Kivlin S. N. , Levine N. M. , Manzoni S. , Martiny A. C. , Martiny J. B. H. , Nguyen N. K. , Rawat M. , Talmy D. , Todd-Brown K. , Vogt M. , Wieder W. R. , Zakem E. J.
Published: March 2024

Climate change jeopardizes human health, global biodiversity, and sustainability of the biosphere. To make reliable predictions about climate change, scientists use Earth system models (ESMs) that integrate physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring on land, the oceans, and the atmosphere. Although critical for catalyzing coupled biogeochemical processes, microorganisms have traditionally been left out of ESMs. Here, we generate a “top 10” list of priorities, opportunities, and challenges for the explicit integration of microorganisms into ESMs. We discuss the need for coarse-graining microbial information into functionally relevant categories, as well as the capacity for microorganisms to rapidly evolve in response to climate-change drivers. Microbiologists are uniquely positioned to collect novel and valuable information necessary for next-generation ESMs, but this requires data harmonization and transdisciplinary collaboration to effectively guide adaptation strategies and mitigation policy.
Draft genomes of three aerobic methanotrophs from a temperate eutrophic fishpond
Authors: Wutkowska Magdalena , Daebeler Anne
Published: March 2024

Here we introduce draft genomes of three methanotrophs belonging to the
Methylococcaceae,
a family of typically fast-growing methane oxidizers.
Methylobacter
sp. Wu1,
Methylomicrobium
sp. Wu6, and
Methylobacter
sp. Wu8 were cultured from the top sediment collected from a shore of a eutrophic fishpond in the southern Czech Republic.
Genome sequence of Soos: a siphovirus of the CP cluster infecting
Gordonia rubripertincta
Authors: Adams Reese M. , Britton Holly A. , Bruce Emily D. , De La Paz Yucita , Kratz Emily N. , Pfeifer Emma J. , Priddy Daisy E. , Schotter Brooklyn I. , Stuffle Wyatt A. , Wagner Jordyn , Weiss Meredith R. , Watt Danielle K. , Connerly Pamela L. , Rueschhoff Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2024

Novel actinobacteriophage Soos was isolated and purified from Southern Indiana soil using host
Gordonia rubripertincta
NRRL B-16540. Sequencing revealed a 57,509 bp circularly permuted genome encoding 87 predicted protein-coding genes. Soos is only the third phage in cluster CP, along with phages Clawz and Sting.
Effects of calcium channel blockers on perioperative ischemic events in hypertensive patients with intracranial aneurysms undergoing neurointervention
Authors: Peng Qichen , Zhou Yangyang , Wang Chao , Xie Xuanping , Dong Linggen , Zhang Yisen , Zhang Hongqi , Wang Jun , Li Liang , Zhang Pinyuan , Zhao Yuanli , Wang Yang , Xiao Fushun , Luo Bin , Li Wenqiang , Mu Shiqing
Published: March 2024

Background

Although calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are useful in stroke prevention, their specific role in preventing stroke in hypertensive patients with intracranial aneurysms undergoing endovascular stent placement remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 458 hypertensive patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent stent treatment, drawn from a larger multicenter cohort comprising 1326 patients across eight centers. Patients were dichotomized into two groups according to use of a CCB. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance group differences in patient and aneurysm characteristics. We conducted a comparison of patient and aneurysm characteristics, ischemic complications, and clinical outcomes between the two groups.

Results

The CCB and non-CCB groups comprised 279 and 179 patients, respectively. PSM resulted in 165 matched pairs. After PSM, the incidence of ischemic events within 1 month of the procedure (4.2% vs 10.9%; P=0.022) and proportion of patients with modified Rankin Scale score >2 at last follow-up (1.5% vs 7.8%; P=0.013) were significantly lower in the CCB group. Among patients treated with combination therapy, inclusion of a CCB was associated with a lower incidence of ischemic events (1.5% vs 13.3%; P=0.345), but the difference was not statistically significant after correction.

Conclusions

CCB use in hypertensive patients undergoing endovascular stenting for treatment of intracranial aneurysms is associated with a lower incidence of ischemic events and a lower incidence of unfavorable neurological outcomes, especially when used in combination therapy.
On the art of audio description: Naomi Kawase’sRadiance
Authors: Glos Aleksandra , Toro Franco Felipe
Published: March 2024

Audio description improves access to visual culture for people who are unable to fully participate in it due to visual impairments. Because of this direct benefit to disabled people, it is usually defined as an accommodation or inclusion service. Rather than adopting this view, we see disability as a creative force, arguing that it can engender a new dimension of art: audio description as a form of cinematic ekphrasis. This claim is made by drawing on the 2017 movieRadiance, by Japanese director Naomi Kawase. This movie puts audio description in the spotlight and stimulates discussion on this underdeveloped and under-recognised art.Radianceis structured around the process of making the audio description, thus offering good insight into the artistry and main challenges of this process. Between the words of this meditation on the art of audio description, Kawase also challenges the dominant ocular normative narrative on blindness as a deficiency and provokes a discussion on the contribution that blindness—with its different, still culturally unexplored modes of perception—could make to the interpretation of visual arts.Radiancecan thus be treated as an artful argument for the greater recognition of disabled people’s right to participate in cultural life.
Associations between tobacco 21 and state flavour restrictions with young adult tobacco use
Authors: Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Carey Naoka , Levine Coley Rebekah , Baum Christopher F
Published: March 2024

Background

States have recently enacted tobacco-related age and flavour restrictions in addition to federal T21 laws. Little is known about the independent effects of these policies on young adult tobacco use.

Methods

Linking 2011–2022 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System data on 2 696 870, 18–59 years from 50 states and DC with policy data, we conducted probit regression models to evaluate the associations between state and federal T21 laws and state flavour restrictions with cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) and smokeless tobacco use. Models were adjusted for sociodemographics, additional tobacco policies, COVID-19-related factors, year and state. We tested two-way and three-way interactions between age, state T21 and federal T21 laws.

Results

Although we did not find evidence that state T21 laws were associated with cigarette, smokeless tobacco or ENDS use overall, the federal T21 law was associated with lower use of all three tobacco products by 0.39–0.92 percentage points. State flavour restrictions were associated with lower use of cigarettes by 0.68 (−1.27 to –0.09) and ENDS by 0.56 (−1.11 to –0.00) percentage points, but not with smokeless tobacco. A three-way interaction revealed that state and federal T21 laws together were associated with a lower prevalence of ENDS use among 18–20 years, but there were no differences in cigarette use from both policies combined versus either alone.

Conclusion

State and federal T21 laws are broadly effective at reducing adult tobacco use, while state flavour restrictions specifically lower use of cigarettes and ENDS.
Current-Driven Terahertz Oscillations in Diamond TeraFET
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Mahmudul , Pala Nezih , Shur Michael
Published: March 2024

We report on sub-terahertz plasmonic wave generation in the 2DEG channel of diamond TeraFET when biased by a DC current at the drain. Our numerical results demonstrated that p-diamond can support resonant oscillation of 300 GHz at room temperature, allowing it to function as a sub-THz emitter. We investigated the impact of different channel lengths, gate biases, drift velocities, and temperatures on the fundamental mode oscillation. The model incorporated the decay factors owing to electron scattering and electron fluid viscosity.
Prediction of large spin-valley polarization in the Janus 2H–WSSe monolayer on VN magnetic substrate
Authors: Zhang Ruoxue , Li Zefang , An Yukai
Published: March 2024

Two-dimensional heterostructures based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit broad application prospects in valleytronics due to the space-reversal symmetry breaking and strong spin–orbit coupling. In this work, the electronic structure, magnetic anisotropy and valley polarization of 2H–WSSe/VN van der Waals heterostructure under various interlayer spacings, magnetic angle and in-plane strain are investigated in detail by first-principles calculations. The stacked configuration of Se-C2-1 with most stable structure shows the largest valley polarization of 386.5[Formula: see text]meV. By adjusting the interlayer spacing of heterostructure, the largest valley polarization of 702.7[Formula: see text]meV appears in Se-C2-1 stacked configuration with interlayer spacing of 2.24 Å. The magnetic angle [Formula: see text] exhibits significant effects on valley polarization and magnetic anisotropy of 2H–WSSe/VN heterostructures. The stability and valley polarization of 2H–WSSe/VN heterostructure decrease after the in-plane biaxial strain is applied. The large and tunable valley polarization as well as magnetic anisotropy in the 2H–WSSe/VN heterostructures make it potential applications in valleytronic devices.
Exploring plasma phenomena with the Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov formula: Analyzing ion-acoustic waves, solitons, and shocks
Authors: Altuijri Reem , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: March 2024

This paper delves into the intricacies of the ([Formula: see text])-dimensional asymmetric Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov ([Formula: see text]) model, a nonlinear partial differential equation governing ion-acoustic wave propagation in plasma. By employing advanced analytical and numerical approaches, the study explores innovative solitary wave solutions, particularly focusing on the dynamics of isochoric flow. Isochoric flow analysis is crucial for unraveling the complex behaviors exhibited by incompressible fluids like elastomers and bio-elastomers, which maintain a constant density.

The derivation of the ([Formula: see text])-dimensional [Formula: see text] equation stems from fluid equations governing plasma dynamics. This model serves as a valuable tool for simulating experimental observations of plasma waves. The computational methodology applied in this research demonstrates a commendable level of precision and consistency, yielding novel solitary wave solutions previously unreported in the [Formula: see text] model. These results underscore the study’s importance and novelty.

The outcomes not only contribute to our understanding of incompressible fluid dynamics, but also lay the groundwork for future investigations in this domain. The revealed solitary wave solutions have the potential to inform the development of more accurate models for predicting fluid dynamics, thereby advancing the field.
INVESTIGATION OF MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SURFACE GRAPHITIZED AL-1100 ALLOY
Authors: SAHOO BAIDEHISH , DAS TANMOY , PAUL JINU
Published: March 2024

This paper explains about the mechanical insertion of graphite particles into aluminum (Al-1100) surface for forming composites on the surface through an electrical resistance heat-supported pressing procedure. The surface of the aluminum is first graphite coated by solution casting. To achieve impregnation, the graphite–aluminum interface is locally heated with the assistance of electrical resistance heating followed by mechanical pushing. The degree to which aluminum surface softens can be regulated by process factors like current and heating time. Microstructural characterization of aluminum–graphite composite was carried out with SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy and XRD. It was revealed from the microstructural characterization that graphite particles were impregnated into the aluminum surface without agglomeration. Raman spectroscopy of graphite-impregnated surface shows a shift in major graphite peaks and an increased ratio of intensity ([Formula: see text]). The presence of carbide compound (Al4C3) was not detected from the XRD and TEM studies. The mechanical property examination of the surface was carried out by nanoindentation and the subsurface was characterized by microhardness tests. It was observed that surface mechanical property and reduced Young’s modulus were improved by more than 200% and 150%, respectively. The projected method can be utilized as a surface modification technique in solid-state by fabricating surface composites fabricated through mechanical insertion of particulate reinforcement at sub-melting temperatures of substrate and under an open producing environment.
Fast Parameterized Preprocessing for Polynomial-Time Solvable Graph Problems
Authors: Himmel Anne-Sophie , Mertzios George B. , Nichterlein André , Niedermeier Rolf
Published: March 2024

The challenge of transforming polynomial-time algorithms to really efficient ones.